Photo by Alex Sheldon Savva
Greg Griffith is a writer from South London. Mr Grimez is the name of his comic book character, a graphic novel about a group of entities called the Hyperons who steal people’s energy. In this interview Greg talks about his book, his love for graphic novels, vblogging, and his plans for the future.
Voicu Mihnea Simandan: Mr Grimez – The Anti-Hero is a comic book set in London which blends pulp novel tradition with a bit of sci-fi. What attracted you to this particular “genre”?
Greg Griffith: I’ve always been attracted to science fiction from since I was kid. I believe Sci-Fi is a great genre for sending out your message to the public. I’ve always liked shows like Quantum Leap, Dr Who and The Outer Limits. Sci-Fi is there to expand your mind and stimulate alternative thinking. This genre has given us a view into what the present and future could be holding for us. I just feel that there is no restriction into creating a story in this genre. There can be a balance of reality and fantasy in a story. I’m not a fan of trying to make a story super realistic. I like to explore ideas and create portals with them.
VMS: How difficult is it for new writers to become successful in this genre?
GG: Well to be honest I think it’s a challenge for new writers in general, whether they are writing a Crime Thriller or a Sci-Fi Romance novel. Unless they are working for a mainstream newspaper or magazine, new writers may have a struggle to get heard or to be taken seriously. With myself, I have seen the obstacles and have been jumping over them each time. I’m not stopping or comprising my vision to become accepted. I accept my art for what I’m doing and I keep it real by my standards. Many new writers may experience restriction from companies because they want them to target a certain audience. If you feel this won’t benefit you, don’t force yourself. There is no point in faking it, to make it. Some promoters may misguide you in your vision and you may think that they have your back. Just have hope that you will meet the right person who will respect your work and take it to the next level for exposure.
VMS: Where did the ideas for this book come from?
GG: I was originally inspired by a conspiracy theory I heard about last year about a bomb going off at the London Olympics. I thought this would be a great place to start my story. As for the Hyperons, I always felt like in our every day life we are surround by parasites. These parasites could be our friends, family members or our boss. They bring negativity into our lives which drains us. It also makes us become more like them and we practically swim in our negativity. Many of us are constantly fighting the negative to find that peace. My story definitely represents a warrior trying to bring peace to a distorted society.
VMS: It seems that you’re carving a niche with a slight sci-fi twist. What do you know about your readers and how has the book been received so far?
GG: The book has received a lot of positive feedback and of course there have been a few critics and nitpickers here and there. But overall it has been received well and the readers have connected well with it. Concepts bring some alternative thoughts to the readers and of course there are many people looking for something fresh. Usually, a comic book is set somewhere in the USA. Since this is set in London, it’s exploring new ground. It’s not to say that there haven’t been any comics based in London. But how often do we see it, along with the themes that are being explored. I also believe that along with the Sci-Fi there is a philosophy behind my story. This is coming back to what I said early about Science Fiction being a great genre to get your message heard. The readers can take what they want from it and let it inspire them. As for this comic being niche, who knows it might become universal. That is what I hope for but within good terms of the public’s interests.
VMS: Who created the illustrations for Mr Grimez Comic?
GG: For this version of the comic book, Caroline Harrington was the illustrator. I wanted to go for a rough, retro feeling. Caroline did a great job in putting the comic together. It was definitely a good starting point. Man I miss retro comics… I do feel nowadays that some mainstream comics are trying to be too perfect. I guess this can make a reader very fussy about the artwork which is understandable. But I feel that retro comics should be given more of a chance and not be forgotten.
Art work by Nekochank
VMS: What book are you working on right now?
GG: At the moment I’m doing my best to revamp the first issue of the comic. I wanna keep it consistent and flow well. Even if it is a bi-monthly comic, I’m cool with that. Due to financial issues, it just comes down to getting it created and promoted. I wanna work with the right people who actually care and respect my art-form. As I said, Mr Grimez is more than a comic book and there are many other ideas that can manifest from it.
VMS: You are also an active vblogger on YouTube. What do you expect to achieve with your videos?
GG: With my videos I aim to inspire and stimulate alternative thinking for people to create their own answers about problems in their life. It’s easy to say I can give you the solution to your problems. But those solutions may not work for them. So they can modify or create solutions for themselves for a better life. My videos are for anyone who has an open mind to the world around us. They maybe going through a difficult time and may want help in creating their own answers. Inspiring change is a great thing, especially when other people’s B.S. is constantly bombarding individuals and making them feel restricted. I hope that many people find my videos a useful companion in their everyday challenges.
