Ask The Author: Ian Brown

In April, “Fuck You Superman” from Ian Brown.

1. Would you ever tell Superman to go fuck himself to his face?

Oh boy – what a question. No. Definitely no. I mean, assuming I was living within the realm where that guy actually existed, I wouldn’t… because he’d have too much good (and me too much no good) to justify that sort of pomp. BUT, if I saw him one day in our actual society, like just hanging out at a coffee shop or something, I might tell him to go fuck himself … you know? I’d tell him to go fuck himself for only doing good on the page and in movies (and television) and not on the actual mean streets.

2. Do you think Lois Lane deliberately placed herself in danger to get closer to Superman? Would you have married her if you were Superman?

A) Of course she did. B) No way, dude. Well, maybe. But only if she passed the Clark Kent test. If I could get some loving as Clark Kent, then I’d feel safe being with her as Superman. This is actually a subject that is kind of dear to me – the boundaries between a person and what they do and if it’s a flaw to love, or be loved by, someone for what they do. i.e. Michael Jordan wouldn’t be Michael Jordan if he wasn’t Michael Jordan. – ha.

3. What does a persona poem do for you?

Honestly? Who knows… Vantage point, I guess – I like the possibilities and access that they allow.

4. DC or Marvel: which universe is better and why?

Marvel. Always. I loved the X-Men growing up, so I can’t deny them their due, BUT Batman is DC and Batman is the single coolest character ever. Overall, Marvel always felt a little more dense and gritty to me than DC. And on their website you can create your own superhero, I mean, come on – that kicks ass. Mine is below.

5. If Warren Ellis handled Superman’s death, how would that affected this poem?

Oh. I don’t know. Let’s just say, profoundly – I’m sure.

6. Who would you bring back from the dead?

John Lennon, I think. Bambi’s mother, for sure. Aeris from FFVII. * The serious answer – My Grandmother. *