First off, we would like to know a bit of the real you…some thing or things you could tell us that no one has asked yet or knows about, that you'd like to share.

I think I've covered quite a bit in my not-so-monthly updates that I provide my mailing list.  But nobody has really asked me this kind of question before.  I definitely enjoy a video game or two.  I've been hooked since Pong and that's one of the main reasons I went into programming.   I wanted to know how this magic box works.  So now, I know.  Still haven't landed that dream job programming games, but I've done my fair share on my own.

I don't put games on my computer, because that's strictly for work (like this interview).  Plus it pales in comparison to the game play of my PS2 on a 62" Pioneer (television).  I don't know how people can play on their computer when you can slouch in a perfectly tailored couch and play games.  I guess I go for Mario / DK64 / Rayman kind of games instead of the 1st person shooters.  Of course the Zelda games are awesome and I'll grab an occasional RPG every now and then.  Since I'm one of those psycho "completeists", it's not just about beating the boss at the end and watching the credits roll by.   It's about getting every last Lum in Rayman or finding all the Skulltulas in Ocarina of Time.

Before we get onto the comic book issue, do you have anything to say about what is happening in the world today?

I support the troops and the fight against terrorism.   I don't like war.  I don't think anybody does.  But it's a necessary means to oust a dictator and give the Iraqi's their freedom.  Yes, it will cost lives, but obtaining freedom always has… Always will.

Now I know that artists, writers, musicians, actors, and anyone in entertainment have their opinions on the things that the world is up to.  But do you feel that reflecting this opinion on their art is not that honest and it's just done to make a buck?

I guess this is what's great about America; you can make a buck doing just about anything.  I feel as long as you're not hurting anybody, and people are willing to pay you, then you've got yourself a market.

So if you where not drawing or creating comics, what would you be doing?

This definitely doesn't pay the bills, so I haven't quit my day job.  Sure, I was laid off for 11 months and I was able to put some quality time into CiCi and see that she was published, but I'm a programmer.  It's in my blood.  I design computer software and systems and have the knowledge and tools to implement those creations.  So most of the time I'm programming and not doing comics.  This project has taken seven years to complete.  Most of that time was waiting on other people and during that time I was coding up a storm.

This could be a trick question, but can you tell us about your present project(s) and why you think people will enjoy it?

Since I already know what the next question is going to be, then I'll say that I'm preparing to help in any way I can with the movie or TV developments.  That's the great thing about doing typed interviews; you already know what all the questions are going to be so you can pace yourself and budget accordingly.  I think people will like the next project, because the media will be TV or film and it will be a whole new way to experience CiCi.

Rumor has it that CiCi is going to the movies. Is this true?  Could you tell us how this came about and how you feel about it?

I guess this isn't a rumor anymore.  I signed with Energy Entertainment last month and they are actively looking for writers for the project.  This question is actually about a 2-3 page story that I sent to The Pulse.  I guess I could just paste it right in here, but the gist of it is that the guys at Energy saw the comic and absolutely loved it.

Obviously, dreams are coming true for you. Am I correct?  With all that is happening, what are some goals you hope to attain?

Well the dream was just to be published.  Now that that's done, I'm taking a little break and trying to gather the funds for another mini or ongoing series.  I'm hoping that the movie or TV deal will fund future projects.   I'd like to see a CiCi action figure.

Do you support independent artist or writers just for the hell of it with no intention of gain?

I like to support those artists that are just starting out.  I've got a spot just for them on my website.  I've told people that as long as I'm in business I'll keep their samples there with whatever contact information they'd like to have, even a link to their own website.   My site is definitely search engine friendly because many hit my site before any other site when searching for artists like Monte Moore and Dave Finch.  And they can test it out by searching for their names and seeing if Spilled Milk shows up first.  I suppose I do gain a little, because I get a cool pinup for my website and most of the time I don't even get to keep the original.   So I'm thinking that the artists are gaining way more than I am.

Honestly speaking, what do you like and don't like about comics nowadays?

To tell you the truth.  These days I don't read many comic books.  I just don't have the time.  The last time I read Batman I think Gordon's wife was shot.  That's a few years ago.  Plus I don't collect that many anymore.   Just had to tighten that budget.  So I still collect, but only stuff that I like.  I'm not sure what the appeal is with online comics.  I guess it's nice to be able to read this stuff for free, although now sites are charging for this.  But where's the bragging rights?   You can't taunt your friends that you have a certain issue of a web comic and they don't.  I hope comics will be around a long time.

What did you like and did not like about comics before you made them your job?

I think I collected waaaay too many.  If the artwork was pretty good then I'd probably buy the thing.  When I got around to reading it and it was crap, then I'd stop buying.  I know I'm way more picky these days about the stuff I get.  I collect so few anymore that I'm able to skim it and see what it's about.

By the way, you don't happen to doodle naked girls?  Cause they would sell like hot cakes…

I used to, but you have to remember that I'm the writer.   So my stuff just isn't that great.  I'm trying to get better and I typically use photo reference.  So if I ever do a pinup then it will probably look like a standard Victoria Secret pose.  Plus drawing women with a bikini on is more believable when you've got the outfit that CiCi has.  But aren't all comic women drawn that way whether they have the support or not?

In your opinion, what is the main reason comic book artists or writers should do what they do?

I'm not so sure that it's a matter of should.  They just do it because it's fun or it's what they enjoy doing.  I personally wish I could just write or draw and let somebody else baby-sit… er, I mean, manage the other artists.  I like finding out new things and working with the printers.  It was all a challenge and now I know more so I can do it again for a LOT less cash.

With that said, we would like to know what the reason was that you wanted to become a comic book artist and the reason you did not give up on it?

My main reason was because I had a story to tell, and I felt that it was a damn good one.  I felt that the story would make people think about this new technology and how it could effect one's beliefs.  One of the points I'd wanted to drive home (or at least place in the back of people's heads) is that this technology is pretty scary stuff.  The weapons it can create are damn near unbeatable.  And it's much like our own DNA.  Merely tiny machines obeying it's programming… creating life.

I know you've heard this one a million times, but what words of inspiration can you give the hopeful artist trying to make it out there, or that have almost given up on the dream of being a comic artist?

Don't.  Don't give up.  No matter how many people might hop on the bandwagon and tell you what you want to hear and then the next moment that this has all been done before.  Just don't do it.  Don't ever give up.  Follow every angle and every lead.  If this is your dream then you'll kill yourself later if you gave up on it.

Ok, ok this is getting long so one last question!

If you were given a chance to go back in time to rip off some yet-to-be published, created characters, or stories, which would they be?

Yeah, this IS getting long… I'd say Spawn.  I like the stories and the success that has come from that creation.  I enjoy reading it when I have time to and it has stuck around for quite a while and I hope it sticks around for many years to come.

If we can go waaaay, back then it would be Batman.  Just to be known as the creator or Batman would be really cool.  Bob Kane, did a great job and his legacy lives on.

Interview by John Christopher