We interview Shannon Wheeler creator of Too much coffee man.

October 2000

What are you currently working on?

I'm working on the last Too Much Coffee Man comic book. After #10 I'll start publishing Too Much Coffee Man as a magazine on a bimonthly schedule. In addition to brand new comics in each issue I'll have articles and interviews. The magazine will be starting early next year.

Did you ever think too much coffee man would be so well received?

I had no idea. But I feel very lucky.

A lot of peolpe find it easy to relate to too much coffee man. Is it somewhat autobiographical?

It's very personal which is a little bit different than autobiographical.

What have been your influences?

I read a lot. And I love movies.

What are your other main interests?

My family. I've started doing yoga which I really enjoy.

You've got quite an exceptional website, do you feel the internet will play an integral part in the development of the comic industry?

Thank you. I work on my website because I enjoy it. Also every time I look at it, I think, I need to do this, or I need to do that. I always see something new to do on it. I'm not sure what role it will have in the industry. I like that it reaches people that comic book stores can't. And that people have a new, and better, way to slack at work.

What are your thoughts on the future of independent comics?

So long as paper prices don't go too high we'll have indy comics. I'm amazed at the level of quality that's being produced these days.

What do you think is the best way to get started and what advice can you give?

Jump right in. Make your mistakes. Then do another comic and try to fix your mistakes.

How do you feel about the comic industry as a whole?

As in most industries, money and greed screw things up and cause untold amounts of physical and emotional damage. It was greed that created the phony collectible market. Other than that I mostly really enjoy it. I've had the good fortune to meet some truly amazing people.

Do you have any plans to do signings or talks in the U.K. or Ireland?

I have plans, unfortunately I lack the opportunity. I would love to. I'd like to see the river that is my namesake.

I hope the questions were okay

The questions were fine. You avoided asking me how much coffee I drink. I appreciate that.

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