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We've woken up, but we still need a cure to InsomniaWe've woken up, but we still need a cure to Insomnia The news broke several days ago now that Insomnia Publications had released all of its creators from their contracts. Everyone received a short, polite email from publisher Crawford Coutts, and thus ended many weeks of speculation, worry, and countless threats of violence. The rumour mill continues to...

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Wake up Insomnia Publications - It's the Sleepless Phoenix.Wake up Insomnia Publications - It's the Sleepless... This is blog post asking for your support for a project that I'm involved in. I have written lots of blog posts like this. I'm normally shilling something, a new grahic novel, a new web site, or something else that I've created and now I'm hoping that you'll adore. I normally want your money too, as...

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Chris vs. Five Reasons iPhone vs. Android isn't Mac vs WindowsChris vs. Five Reasons iPhone vs. Android isn't Mac... Tim O'Reilly tweeted out what he called a "compelling" article today, the titular "Five Reasons iPhone vs. Android isn't Mac vs Windows" by Mark Sigal. Having read the article I countered by tweeting that I thought the article was "biased" and "unbalanced". Tim, in turn, was gracious enough to tweet...

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Bristol Comic Expo Panel: Signs and PortentsBristol Comic Expo Panel: Signs and Portents The audio recording of my Bristol Comic Expo panel, "Signs and Portents", is now available from the Sidekick Cast website, iTunes, and anywhere where good podcasts can be found. Before I write anything about this panel, I want to send out a huge thanks to both the boys from Sidekick Cast and to...

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Two wise monkeys and me: It's the Comic Book Outsiders... Last year the Bristol Comic Expo played host to a round table discussion between the twin publishing mights of Monkeys with Machineguns and Orang Utan comics, the crew from Geek Syndicate, and some hardcore comic fans, all masterfully hosted and chaired by the erudite genius Scott Grandison. The result...

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Birds of Geek vs. Dan and Chris and why “The Dark is like Watchmen”

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Posted on : 02-06-2010 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Podcasts
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to_the_shelfBirds of Geek have released their Bristol Comic Expo Special episode, featuring back to back interviews with Dan Boultwood (yes, Dan Boultwood on his own without Tony Lee) and then, later on, me.

Dan is on absolutely top form, whimsical and somewhat manic but very informative and open.

I’m … me. Same old, same old. Apparently everyone knows the story of me, Amy and the shelf. Yes, I am “The Shelfpest“.

But, if you haven’t heard quite enough from me and you can cope with me digressing into a lot of technology and science stuff in what is supposed to be a comics podcast, click here to listen to Birds of Geek Episode 51.

If you don’t want to listen to the whole thing, skip to about half way through to here the highly quotable “it’s like Watchmen” from Amy Liff. This quote will be on all of our new promotional literature, at least until Alan Moore gets wind of it.

Two wise monkeys and me: It’s the Comic Book Outsiders Bristol Roundtable!

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Posted on : 27-05-2010 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Podcasts
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Last year the Bristol Comic Expo played host to a round table discussion between the twin publishing mights of Monkeys with Machineguns and Orang Utan comics, the crew from Geek Syndicate, and some hardcore comic fans, all masterfully hosted and chaired by the erudite genius Scott Grandison. The result became Comic Book Outsiders Episode 46.

This year, the round table took a more formal … form, and found itself on the official schedule for the Small Press Expo in the Mercure Hotel.

Click here to listen to the Comic Book Outsiders Panel

With another year behind all of us, Peter Rogers, Ian Sharman, and myself all took to the floor to talk about our experiences as both publishers and creators, how we got started in the industry, and where we think we are going next. The differing approaches taken by our respective publishing houses/studios hopefully made for an interesting and thought provoking panel.

If not, you will get to hear me

  1. Stretch a one beat joke about a table cloth way beyond its sell by date
  2. Somehow pull off a callback to a previous joke at the end of the panel
  3. Accuse Ian Sharman of “Saying no, but meaning yes”
  4. Accuse Peter Rogers of looking like Lynne Faulds Wood
  5. Accuse Peter Rogers of being Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote

The topic of digital comics also features heavily, and I do my best to deliver an impassioned plea on behalf of those who like to share comics. I’ll have to listen back to see if I got my point across or not.

Monkeys Behaving Badly … MWM do Comic Racks!

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Posted on : 29-03-2010 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Headlines, Repost to MWM
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comicracksIt had to happen eventually. After months, even years, of snubbing us in favour of unknowns like Paul Cornell and Tony Lee, Comic Racks have finally bitten the bullet and called down the thunder that is … the Monkeys with Machineguns Interview.

Thrill … as we talk about ourselves. Gasp … as we find out about Iz’s toilet habits. Be amazed … at our choice of favourite biscuits. Shrug and say “I thought as much” … when I call Stuart a “French Duke”.

Sadly, despite our best efforts, Iz and Stace have salvaged an almost sensible sounding interview out of our tomfoolery. Listen for the outtakes though (after that Cornell guy again), where you get a true taste of the pain that Iz and Stace went through to bring you this interview.

Happy 50th guys … you don’t look a day over 45!

Click here to listen to Comic Racks, Episode 50 … Part Deux!

Sidekick Cast Episode 33: Don’t be afraid of The Dark

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Posted on : 20-01-2010 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Headlines, Podcasts, The Dark
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sidekick33Racuous, crazy, and great fun … at least until I turned up  ;-) … it’s Sidekickcast Episode 33.

Gentlemen … let’s play darts!

I had a fantastic time recording this with Bones and Dan, and I really think that comes through. These guys are always great value. Dan’s done a cracking job of editing some sense into what was several hours of comic book related madness.

If you want to hear a very different take on The Dark to other’s I’ve recorded, and also hear my head almost explode trying to crack this episode’s Secrets and Lies, don’t miss this episode of this always outstanding podcast.

The Sidekicks are also running a competition to win a mug featuring fantastic artwork by Rob Jackson and a cack-handed signature by me

Comic Book Outsiders Interview now available

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Posted on : 14-01-2010 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Headlines, Podcasts, The Dark
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comicbookoutsidersI had the immense privilege of being interviewed by the fine fellows Comic Book Outsiders this week about The Dark as well as other matters comic and, after some fine editing of my more rambling and incoherent moments, the interview is now online and ready for your eager ears.

I have just listened to it and can indeed confirm the following …

  1. I say “Basically”, “You know”, “So”, and “Um” … quite a lot, basically, you know?
  2. My voice gets ludicrously high pitched when I get a bit excited.
  3. I have cursed myself to decorate or fall foul of a terrible fate in October
  4. There is no such thing as a dance acamdemy for bees
  5. I do not own a Nokia 3210, but have done and have a disturbingly impressive knowledge of the specification.
  6. My only good advice for other comic writers is to marry an English Teacher

So, if want to find out what kind of interview can possibly cover such strange and rambling ground, I recommend Comic Book Outsiders Episode 68!

Geek Syndicate talk “The Dark”

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Posted on : 08-01-2010 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Podcasts, Reviews, The Dark
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geek-syndicate-metal-medThe Geek Syndicate team of Barry Nugent and Dave Monteith talk about The Dark in the latest episode of the fantastic “Geek Syndicate” podcast.

Click hear to listen to Geek Syndicate Episode 144

It was great to hear such positivity about the story, the ideas in The Dark, and the twisting plotlines. Barry has only had the first three chapters to read so far, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what he has to say when he reads the final chapter in the trade.

Kryptographik Episode 30 | Kryptographik

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Posted on : 24-07-2009 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog
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Listened to Kryptographik Episode 30 today, featuring Barry “Nuge” Nugent of Geek Syndicate and Fallen Heroes fame. Barry talks candidly about his creative process, the joys and perils of self publishing, and his TV deal for Fallen Heroes.

A fascinating episode, well worth your listening time.

Listen up! Stu.Art on Sidekick Cast #21

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Posted on : 10-07-2009 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Headlines, Podcasts, Repost to MWM, Reviews
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Not satisfied with the hearty dose of monkey-love they received at the Bristol Comic Con, the punishment gluttons of Sidekick Cast have been at it again!

This time, they’ve “gone all intimate” with my fellow monkey Stu.Art as a guest Sidekick in their regular podcast. There are some wise words spoken, some shameless pimping committed, and my name is taken in vain at least three times.

So, if you want to hear what Stu is like without me there to restrain him … Click here to listen to Sidekick Cast Episode #21

Orang Utan Comics and Monkeys with Machineguns Round Table (Comic Book Outsiders Episode 46)

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Posted on : 14-05-2009 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Podcasts, Repost to MWM
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The last, I think, of our podcast appearances from the Bristol Con 2009 is featured in Comic Book Outsiders Episode 46.

Chaired by Scott, from Comic Book Outsiders, the Orang Utan panel metamorphosed in a round table discussion on indie comics that also features Stu and I, and the guys from Geek Syndicate.

It’s somewhere in the region of 45 minutes of unplanned, unscripted, but hopefully insightful and amusing banter between the two studios as we share war stories from the world of small press comics.

Particularly worth listening out for are the moment where I blantantly repeat myself and then shamlessly deny it, and the moment that Pete Rogers confesses that the biggest hurdle Orang Utan Comics face is Monkeys with Machineguns ;-) .

For the benefit of the tape, I think he just means that we’re both tall.

Many thanks to Scott for chairing the panel and special thanks to Peter Rogers and Ian Sharman for sharing their panel with us … absolute gentlemen as always.

MWM Live! reviewed by Geek Syndicate (Episode 119)

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Posted on : 14-05-2009 | By : Chris Lynch | In : Blog, Repost to MWM
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Barry and Dave, the Geek Syndicate, very kindly made mention of Monkeys with Machinegun’s MWM Live! mini-event at the Bristol Small Press Expo in Geek Syndicate – Episode 119.

I must admit, I was a bit concerned about words in these guy’s mouths when I wrote “Scott vs. Geek Syndicate” for Scott from Comic Book Outsiders, but it seems to have gone down well. Writing dialogue for fictional people is much easier, as they rarely come back to you and want to talk about it …