He ain’t all bad

That picture right there is of my favorite Warren Ellis book.

“Come in Alone” is what it’s called.

It’s not a comic book, though it’s comics-related. I don’t even think there are any pictures. It’s just a collection of a year’s worth of weekly columns he wrote for comicbookresources.com back in 1999-2000.

I feel like posting this partially because all of the Legion just beat up on his newuniversal #1 attempt, and because I feel a little bad (not that he needs our support). But it’s also just a really fun read, and more valuable than non-Ellis fans might predict given their feelings on his creative output.

Some of the columns are about how to save the comics industry. Some of those are a little dated, referencing things like internet potential, but they’re still thought-provoking pieces. Some are plugs for little-known indie comics. Some are tales of hanging out with the frightening UK comics author scene. But they’re all fun to read to the point where, upon completing the book, I thought “I am now the world’s biggest Warren Ellis fan!”

Problem was I hadn’t read any of his comics yet, and as hard as I tried, I just never really could get into them (for reasons I elaborated in the previous newuniversal post). He’s a cheerleader for his own work, and you can’t fault a guy like that. But when referencing some of his projects, he’d really talk up the artist he was working with far beyond what was appropriate. I know he’s not going to say “This guy they saddled me with is HORRIBLE! Buy all the issues!”, but still, I felt in some ways like he was the Tony Schiavone of comics.

He’s a talented writer who knows he has legions of fans. You can’t fault a guy for being realistic about his popularity. But if you have interest in the comics industry, and not just comics themselves, I absolutely recommend this book regardless of how you feel about Warren Ellis the comic writer.