Richard: Was it a daunting task writing a 132 page graphic novel?

Brian: It was HELL on EARTH. But it was the best learning experience I have ever had. I learned to not become too attached to projects in case they do not turn out the way I want them to. The hardest part was making all those mistakes one would make if they had never produced a graphic novel. I made ALMOST ALL OF THEM ahahah. I had to fire about a dozen people over the course of 3 years because they all had "issues". I swear comic book artists must menstruate daily. Anyways, it took me 2 years JUST to find 4 people to draw this. I worked with people from all over the world, as far as Spain. I still have never met my inker and my colorist.

I spent about $5000 on this novel, if I had to do it over, I could have gotten it done for half that. Good advice is to never hire people unless they LOVE your project and NEVER hire people for long term projects if you cannot afford to pay them regularly. My novel suffered from inconsistency in quality because 6-8 months passed sometimes between pages. And I made the mistake of "listening" to people's advice. Advice is like.... well, I can't think of anything clever to say, advice is bull, because when people give you advice, they never plan on being there with you till the end, so their advice is useless and harmful crap.

Richard: Where did your inspiration come from for creating "Effing Brutal"?

Brian: Effing Brutal is actually a screenplay for a movie I wrote which is the continuation of the characters from a short film I shot called "Far Too Gone". After shopping the script for a year or so, I decided to turn it into a graphic novel in case it never became a film, but also because shopping a graphic novel to become a movie is exponentially easier than if you just have a script. Also I am a fan of Phantasm and I heard that the director was going to turn the script of the latest un-produced sequel into a graphic novel, so that gave me the idea too.

Richard: What are Josh and Larry like personality wise?

Brian: Josh is a self-loathing transvestite in denial who thinks he is Tori Amos. Larry is a Ketamine and Kung-Fu addict. They are nice guys.

Richard: Who is Tori Amos and why does Josh believe he is Tori?

Brian: Who is Tori Amos? Come on!! She is a very popular lesbian singer ahhaahah. And Josh is obsessed with her to the point that he believes he IS her.

Richard: How did Jordi Perez join this comic?

Brian: I found Jordi thru some comic website forum. He was very enthusiastic about the project. There was a slight language barrier so it was tough, he really doesn't speak English well, but he drew pages without getting paid up-front, which was convenient. I met the Colorist Philip Fuller the same way, he is IMMENSELY talented and I was very lucky to have him on board. Kate Fahr is a friend of mine from Seattle and Effing Brutal was her FIRST lettering job if you can believe that! That's how talented SHE is! And of course Harrison Wood, whom I met thru craigslist, is an inker who storyboarded the entire novel for me. Some of his ink is featured in the bonus section as well.

Richard: Who makes up Team Brutal?

Brian: Team Brutal is: Josh-the visually stunning sociopathic transvestite-in-denial. Josh's general disregard for reality, his ability to form disturbing thoughts, and inability to make more than the prevailing minimum wage, give him the ability to become a pillar of justice! Josh's super power: he thinks he's Tori Amos!

Malaise: The so-called "Princess of the Black Death" Josh's admirer from afar, this clove smoking alt-goddess was voted Seattle's most unbelievably cheap date! Malaise's super power: she's an incredibly stupid gothic slut!

Salem: A brute force of wasted air. Salem commands Seattle's army of druggies, homeless teens and the clinically insane. Salem's super power: he's addicted to pornography.

Black Cherry: Everyone's favorite violent, sassy, manic-depressive fem-dyke, she enjoys long walks on the beach, and has a "problem" with alcohol. Black Cherry's super power: she's a raving lesbian.

Larry: A product of Methylphenidate and too many paint chips. Larry's brain is filled with Kung Fu movies and Ketamine. Larry's super power: he can bleed from any orifice on command!

Fan Girl: So-named because she is Josh's biggest fan. Ultra-goofy juvenile delinquent. Addicted to metal music and caffeine. Fan Girl's super power: she's a violent tween skateboarder.

Alone they are simply losers, but together, they combine their individual character flaws to form a force for justice, together they form-TEAM BRUTAL!

Richard: What is the storyline of "Effing Brutal"?

Brian: Cover your crotch as we dive into the strange and oft disturbing sub-culture of cross-dressing urban cults and un-heroes. Set in Seattle, Effing Brutal tells the story of Josh, a transvestite-in-denial, who believes he’s Tori Amos. Josh and his chronically bleeding Kung-Fu sidekick Larry inadvertently join a transvestite cult known as the “Strict Nine”. At war with the Strict Nine are a violent skateboarder cult known only as the V.O.T.S. (Victims Of The System) who are obsessed with heavy-metal guitarist Chris Impellitteri.

In the midst of this alt-cult war, Josh is kidnapped by the V.O.T.S., and in order to rescue him, Larry must call upon the unlikeliest team of superheroes on Earth: TEAM BRUTAL!

Richard: Would you like to write another comic?

Brian: NO! Way too much work. I am a filmmaker at heart and producing a comic book or graphic novel is a collaborative effort, and I do not like sharing with anyone. I am very selfish, I do not want to spread my avant garde talent to anyone. People need to stop riding my avant garde coat-tails.

Richard: What Indie films have you worked on?

Brian: I wrote and directed the 2004 Indie hit "Far Too Gone", in 2006 I wrote and directed "Meeting Hillary" which is a metaphysical story about battling witches, in 2008 I wrote and directed "Fear of Lemonade" which is a psychotronic thriller-short. I also released 2 cartoons, "April Fools" and "Fist Full of Pizza"

Richard: Would you like to see "Effing Brutal" as a full length movie?

Brian: YES! Sign me up! I want Alexander Payne to direct! I know I can shoot this on the cheap, we're actually all ready to shoot, just need a million dollars! Actually Effing Brutal is NOW a DVD. Effing Brutal-the complete motion comic. It features frame by frame narration, its really insane. You can order it, as well as the original book by visiting www.effingbrutal.com .

Richard: Do you see any of yourself in Josh's character?

Brian: Yes, but only in the fact that both Josh and I get angry at things that regular people do not. Josh and I are both frustrated that the world does not recognize our genius.

Richard: Tell us something about you that few people know?

Brian: I used to be a vegan and card carrying member of N.O.W. and P.E.T.A., once I renew my memberships, I guess I'll be a vegan again.

Richard: How can someone contact you?

Brian: go to: www.depressingprospects.com and scroll to the bottom of the page, my contact info is there.

Richard: Any last words for readers of your comic?

Brian: Yes, BUY IT! It will be the best money you have ever spent. 99% of all graphic novels out there are nothing but glorified "art books" full of tight spandex, homo-erotic visuals, mega-muscle and ultra-violence with ZERO creativity and story. It sickens me to see some of the crap that is getting attention and distribution.

Effing Brutal is absolutely the best written graphic novel in at least the past few years. It's available on amazon.com, but is also available on www.effingbrutal.com for a substantial discount.