Five Questions With...Howard Porter

Welcome back to the oft forgotten and sometimes ignored Five Questions With...column.  It's been a crazy couple of weeks with all this Convergence stuff going down and while I have (mostly) enjoyed the Event, I can't wait to get back to my regular books.  One of those books is Justice League 3000. What?  That was cancelled and replaced by Justice League 3001?  I'd like to call that more of a rebranding in the effort to get more people onboard and if it succeeds, then I'm all for it.  However you cut it, I think it's one of the best books out there and a big reason for that is the guy we tricked into doing this interview.  Howard Porter is one of the best artists and I really haven't found anything he's done that isn't stellar.  He also has a great sense of humor and seems like a really cool guy. Check him out on Twitter @MrHowardPorter and enjoy the interview...

Howard, Thanks for doing this and I hope you have fun.

Thanks for having me Jim, I've  been a fan of the show for a long while and it's a real hoot of finally be on!

1. What are you working on now and/or is coming out soon?

Can you play, "We Sat Beneath the Maple on the Hill"?

I am working on Justice League 3001 which is due out in June some time. But to be truthful, that is in addition to my true passion, which is crafting miniature didgeridoos by hollowing out toothpicks collected from the finest diners I cross in my travels.

I see it now

2. Your designs for the Justice League 3000 are awesome.  What were your inspirations for each?

Why thank you Jim! Green Lantern was a play on Hal Jordan as the Spectre, The Flash took his direction from the.. Flash, Wonder Woman was nod towards Lobo, Superman was sort of super hero version of Biff Tannen and finally Batman was a cross between the Beyond and normal version with a splash of Les Mis.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Reginald Ramhandle

3.  If they made a Howard Porter Mogwai, what would it's name be and what couldn't you do with it after midnight?

I would certainly go by the name of Reginald Ramhandle and after I wouldn't be able to not smoke a pipe, wear a monocle  and recite Jackson Five songs with a British accent.

4. Who is the best Bus Driver of all-time?

Funny you should ask this very question, because I have actually  worked out an equation that mathematically proves who it is. While technically not a "bus" driver, the answer is, Ernest Borgnine in escape from New York. Because, you can't meet the Duke! Are you crazy? Nobody gets to meet the Duke.. you meet him once and you're dead!  

Ramhandle indeed!

5.  You've worked with greats like Mark Waid, Geoff Johns and Grant Morrison...who else would you like to work with before retiring to your high priced mansion on the hill?

Why, the last great one of course, Reginald Ramhandle. I also ask that you not refer to it as a "mansion on the hill" but rather, I would thank you to use its proper title; the Royal House of Alderaan or simply House of Organa.

Ask a Ye shall receive

6. What did you have for dinner last night and why wasn't it chicken wings?

Hotpockets my good man! Until they make chicken wing hot pockets, I refuse to eat them, strictly for religious reasons of course.

7.  Best 80's band and why?

I was always partial to
"Why Does Papa Stay So Late?"

Hands down Gussie Lord Davis, his first hit "We Sat Beneath the Maple on the Hill" was ground breaking. It wasn't until 12 years later (1892) that Papa Jack Laine would introduce the Saxophone into jazz music and for the first time, knock Gussie from my top 5 greatest list.

Those Beatles, right?

8. Any Hints on the Upcoming Justice League 3001?

Well, there will be Beetles and bickering, perhaps a new/old Green Lantern introduced into the fold, as well as a legion of villains or not. Also, lots of tiny drawings with words pointed at them!

Thanks again for doing this, Howard

My pleasure Jim, I hope you ask me back on again!