Interview with Liam Sharp

9.) Is there a frustrated writer inside you saying 'I can do better than that guy, let me out'?

LS: LOL! Oh certainly! I'm trying to prove that in Event Horizon too!

10.) With only two suggested editions per year, how do you intend to maintain interest in Event Horizon?

LS: Hard to say. I hope that people will come to love the product, and that in time you will see the whole run on bookshelves - volume 1, book 1 through 12 - and let's hope we get to do a vol.2! I think, as it isn't a magazine and can therefore remain on the bookshelf, that the frequency of publication isn't an issue. If it's good enough people will wait!

11.) The reception for Event Horizon has been fantastic, do you have a wish list of people you'd like to work on it?

LS: Most people I've wished for WILL be working on it! But I don't want to give anything away there, just in case!

12.) Does the industry need more free choice and options like Event Horizon offers, to expand and not suffer the terrible slumps it experienced in the early 90's?

LS: I think that's true enough, but I think it's true of everything. We want to be the pulp publications version of HBO! Take those chances and trust that people HAVE got taste!

13.) Where do you see Mam Tor's place in the comics industry?

LS: If there's any justice, it'll be afforded the status I think it deserves in time. So far the UK and US comic media hasn't taken much notice - though we had great reviews from SFX, Maxim US, and other non-comics sources - and I think that's criminal. I don't think there's been anything from a UK publisher this important for a decade at least, and somewhat typically the industry is slow to get behind anything new, even when it's home-grown, ESPECIALLY if it's home-grown! If Alan Moore wrote us a story we would have gone stratospheric! LOL! So often it seems that you need public validation from somebody influential before people will make their minds up, and that's dumb. But I think just by staying around, producing great books, in time the people will come! It's unlike anything else, its creator driven, produced for love by exceptional talent, new and old, and it's a beautiful item full stop. It's Metal Hurlant for our generation. It's all the subgenres as they should be: together.

14.) Finally, will you continue to take on other projects like your upcoming work for Vertigo on 'Testament', or do you forsee Event Horizon taking up more of your time?

LS: Event Horizon pays me not a penny, it's purely a labour of love. I have to do the other work to feed my family! LOL! But no, If I COULD just do Event Horizon I would be sorely tempted, but I have to say I adore what Douglas Rushkoff is giving me to draw for Vertigo in Testament, and curiously enough it seems to fit in line perfectly with my aspirations artistically and with everything I'm trying to do with Event Horizon. But indeed! Event Horizon DOES take up one hell of a lot of time!

Sffworld would like to thank Liam Sharp for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us and we wish him all the best with Event Horizon and his other works.

Mam Tor Publishing's website and all things Event Horizon can be found here if you want to take a look at some of the amazing work going on and even some free downloads. If you're interested in Liam's career and works, his website can be found here.