[FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH follows Ashur Tyyn and his motley crew of alien space fighters, as they rebel against their own race to help save mankind.]

Allen: What can you tell me about FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH?

Ryan: Well, the concept is pretty straightforward, Allen. This is "Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers" from the aliens' perspective. Every war has two sides to the story, right? I think it's only fair that the aliens tell theirs. We get to see the type of struggles and obstacles these aliens go through to achieve their end goal. The story follows our main character, Ashur Tyyn, and his motley crew as they actually try and save Earth from the oncoming invasion. It's unlike anything that's on the shelves right now, and it mixes alien mythos with human emotion...while things are getting blown up. And hey, we get to see what the center of the sun looks like, and you can never go wrong with that, can you?

Allen: Who are the Sons of Aberann and how do they relate to FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH?

Ryan: They're the armed forces of Aberann. Think of them as the army, but in this case they're a bit desperate since their home world is a wasteland riddling with nasty things that want to eat them. At one time in their rich history, they were something noble¦now they're a bunch of radicals that follow the ideals of a warlord. They'll be the little green men flying saucers.

Allen: How do you feel about working with Alan Brooks to bring Ray Harryhausen's vision of the 1950s cult classic "FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH" to comic book format?

Ryan: Alan's a great guy--his art is epic. They're definitely some pages that'll blow fuses and disrupt synapses. That's what we're aiming for. I'll come up with stuff that, to my knowledge, hasn't been show in comics, sometimes draw a s****y little sketch to go along with it, and Alan will come back with this monster of a thing. Every issue will have people's eyes bleeding.

Allen: Why do you think readers will want to read FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH?

Ryan: I think the real question is "why wouldn't they?" Everyone loves a good space yarn, a like able hero, unfathomable monsters, and incredible odds. Well, this has 'em all...and then some. I think readers will instantly relate to the main character and his struggles. They'll love it when they see what type of scenery we've come up with, and the giant battles we have planned. It's the perfect book to escape into.

Allen: Have you worked on other comic book projects before you wrote FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH?

Ryan: You mean besides the Ninja Turtle story boards I'd draw on my dad's Post-It notes in his office when I was little? No, actually. Darren's been kind enough to let me cut my teeth on this series.

Allen: How many issues are planned for series? When are they slated for publication?

Ryan: There are four, and the first issue comes out in April, so make sure to reserve your copy. Tell your friends, friends' friends, and mother's friends.

Allen: How often have you watched the movie to help with story ideas?

Ryan: God, loads of times. You know that really annoying guy who quotes everything in the movie, 'cause they've seen it so many times? Yeah, I've become that guy. The tricky thing is to weave in my story with the movie's plot. Things can get a little funky. I'll see one part of the movie after I've finished writing a particular scene, and think "well, that part's **** and doesn't make a whole hell of a lot sense", so I'll have to go back to the script and play doctor.

Allen: Do you read many science fiction novels? Who are your favorite authors?

Ryan: I do when I get the chance. And fantasy. Anything I can get my hands on, really. Orwell is a must, as is Herbert. Palahniuk, of course. I also enjoy the works of Warren Ellis and Grant Morrison.

Allen: Do have other science fiction stories you read in past would like to adapt.

Ryan: Mmm...not really. Although, I'd love to do video game adaptations. So many good stories come from video games. It's pretty incredible. Like "Shadow of Colossus", or my wife's personal favorite, "God of War". Neither are sci-fi--but I'd adapt 'em in a heartbeat.

Allen: What kind of comics did you read as kid? Do you still read comic books at present time?

Ryan: I still read comics, most definitely. Probably will never stop. I'm looking forward to the day when my kids want to play outside, and I tell them something along the lines of Not right now, I need to know how Batman saves the day. When I was younger, I was into Wild Cats--heck anything by Jim Lim or Joe Madureira--any team book...this list goes on and on.

Allen: How did you get your start in comic book business?

Ryan: I've wanted to get into the business for a while. I've drug my poor wife to several conventions now...but it all boiled down to my emailing Darren and asking if he was looking for any writers. He was gracious enough to ask for some samples, I sent them in--and it was probably love at first sight...or read. Whichever.

Allen: Who helped you with idea to become writer?

Ray Burton: When I was in college I had no idea what I wanted to do. Big surprise, right? My then-girlfriend/now-wife was over at my place (she can't get enough of me), and we were chilling out in my room. Several comics were scattered on the floor and Liz stepped on one, ripping the cover half way off. I was mortified. But she didn't see what the big deal was. Typical, right? Well, I picked it up to try and piece it together--it was a New X-Men issue--and the first page was starring at me in the face. It said "Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Frank Quitely". And through all the haziness, I thought "Holy hell--somebody is actually doing this for a living". Since that moment, I started going to cons and giving a lot of unfortunate bastards 50 page scripts (I must've likened myself to Alan Moore). But it was really all my wife's fault. That, and I've always loved writing, and coming up with stuff out of the blue.

Allen: How did you get lucky enough to get picked to write FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH?

Ryan: It's really all Darren's fault. He put me on the book and kinda gave me a clean slate to work with. Its all been pretty unreal, actually. I definitely have the coolest editor out there, no doubt about it.

Allen: What has been some of biggest challenges of writing FLYING SAUCERS VS. THE EARTH? Did you ever know from memory Ashur Tyyn?

Ryan: Ashur is original character, he's no where in the movie. But the biggest challenge is trying to remain faithful. You've got this wonderful cult classic, and you're thinking how to keep it tied to its roots, while modernizing it, but not cheapening it in the process. Something a little more relevant, engaging. But again, you gotta remain faithful.

Allen: Have you worked for other comic book companies before doing Bluewater project?

Ryan: No, no. All my work has been with magazines and Non-Profit Publications. But I was one of three finalists in the 2006 Comic Book Challenge. Pretty fun stuff, actually.

Allen: Do you like to listen to music while writing?

Ryan: Absolutely. If' I'm writing a fighting scene, I'll have some Rob Zombie or something equally scary on--something visceral. If I need motivation to write, it'll be The Strokes, Fratellis, Killers. When I wrote this one particular psychedelic alien fortune telling scene in Issue 1, I had Sigur Ros' song "Staralfur" playing either in my head or iPod, I can't remember. Oh, and lets not forget the Flaming Lips. Although sometimes, I have to have complete silence, grab a cup of coffee or a coke and burn through pages. It all depends.

Allen: Do you have any pets like dogs or cats?

Ryan: No, but we do have a fish. A red beta named Conan. Way better than any filthy cat.

Allen: What are some of your hobbies?

Ryan: Besides comics? Lately, it's been not working out, playing video games, watching movies, sending my dad and brother dirty text messages throughout the day, and whoring myself out for this book. I'm pretty busy guy, if you think about it.

Allen: What kind of movies do you like to watch?

Ryan: All of 'em. I can always watch anything by Tarantino, Scorcese...I think Park Chan-Wook is seven shades of awesome. If I really like a movie, I quote it all the time. Or, if I'm really looking forward to a movie, I'll quote it all the time. Heck, I think I've watched "The Dark Knight" and "Hellboy 2" trailer twenty times each. Big nerd over here

Allen: Ā What future projects do you have planned for publication?

Ryan: I've got two coming out with Bluewater. Both are completely different than "Flying Saucers VS The Earth". Completely different. Extremely gritty, in your face, and aimed at an older audience. I'm pleased with both of them, actually. I'm sure you'll be hearing about them in the months to come.

Allen: Do you have personal website for updates for your works?

Ryan: As of this moment, no. It's up in the air, but I'm thinking about www.burtoncomics.com or www.ryanlovesunicorns.com . I'm not exactly sure yet. But I have a funky, funky MySpace page: www.myspace.com/ryanb03 . Once I do have a website, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be sending a sweet bulletin out.

Allen: What is best way for some one to contact you?

Ryan: MySpace or email. You can get my email by sending me a message through MySpace.

Allen: Do you go to comic book conventions?

Ryan: Whenever my bank account allows me to, yes. And of course, we try to take several sticks of deodorant with us for safe measure.

Allen: Are you full time writer or do you also have other jobs? What did you do before becoming professional writer?

Ryan: Writing is, at this moment, part time. But it will be full time, oh yes, it will be full time. I look forward to the day where my head can be in the clouds all day long.

Allen: Thank you so very much Ryan Burton for participating in Jazma interview with me. Would you like to lead us out with words of inspiration?

Ryan: I appreciate it, Allen. The only words I have that help me is, honestly, not to take things so seriously. In the end, everything will work out. And to never stop loving those you care about not necessarily comic book-related, I know, but they've always helped me.