Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
Submitted by Anonymous on August 4, 2004 - 18:50
Randy Milholland of SOMETHING POSITIVE may not be strictly New Blood, but he's hardly Old Guard, either. In the incredible span of just two and a half years, the humorously black S*P has become one of the most popular comics on the web, and his fans have gone as far as supporting him to the tune of a year's worth of wages, allowing him to quit his job and devote himself full-time to cartooning.
Now you can ask him all those questions that have been burning in your craw through our latest community interview. Simply ask your questions by posting a comment to this very article; we'll pick the ten best brain-grillers, and fire them off to Randy's dark and disturbed head for immediate prostitu- processing.
But make fast with the questions -- we'll only accept them until August 17th.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 04:04
You managed to get readers to donate to you enough money to survive for 1 year but what about next year? Do you think S*P will go farther being self employed then working a day job and if you do will you try to stay self employed in a year?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 05:14
How closely are the characters in the comic based on your real life friends? Are any of them ever offended by the way they are portrayed in the comic?
Gemma Finnigan
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 05:25
What size pants do you wear?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 05:44
Do you have to explain often to americans that there IS a world outside America (in which most of the population live), and that you happen to live OUTSIDE of America? How do you respond to such emails/letters/converations emotionally? :)
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 06:49
If you could change one physical aspect of Homo sapiens, what change would you make?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:08
Did the real PeeJee/Aubrey/Jason/etc. ever have objections about being featured in your comic?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:13
Can you tell us about your inspiration for starting S*P? How did you decide how to develope the characters?
Will you collect all the S*Ps into a book, like Megatokyo? Pleeease?
Most importantly, though... I love your comic with passion unmatched by any man. Long Live S*P!
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:15
Davan. It's spelled Davan, fool.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:16
If God personally told you to impregnate a slave, assuring you that your wife/girlfriend would not mind, then when your child gets old enough that he stops pooping his pants and can do basic math you must kill him, would you do it?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:17
Davan seems emotionally unattached in relationships. He's cynical and expects the worst, so when it happens, he's hardly surprised. He does anger well, but not passion. Don't get me wrong, the character of Davan seems extremely mature and (mostly) stable.
But it doesn't seem like a deep love for him in relationships, he seems to be waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Do you feel this is a fair statement about Davan? And if so is this simply how he is, or perhaps will Davan no longer be as pessimistic (in his relationship at least)?
-Marian
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:33
Given the opportunity and funding, would you stand to make a film/series or animated cartoon based on your comic? Or would you choose to divert the funds to other SP related plans instead? And in the case of film/series/cartoon, would you ask the real life persons who the characters are based on, to play their roles/do the voice overs?
- Terri, Scotland
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:35
The issue that dealt with Monette's lost baby, marriage proposal and adoption by the MacIntires was easily the most moving piece you've ever done. Switch the storyline's focus back to the "Texas cast" or else this Tweety Bird stuffed animal I'm holding hostage gets stabbed in the crotch.
Oh yeah, the question. Well, err, is Peejee or Aubrey bisexual?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 07:43
Randy,
Despite the scathing sarcasm and dark humour which first draws people to your comic, it's become evident over the years that the true charm of S*P comes from the human aspect, the growth of the characters, and the well-written suspense-filled storylines - just take a look at all these other replies to see how many people are on the edges of their seats over Kyle's infidelity.
Not only are you a highly adept sitcom writer (that being the only genre I can picture S*P falling into) with a massive audience hanging on your every curse, now you're also pioneering a new way of life, being the first entirely self-employed webcomic artist; trusted by thousands of complete strangers to continue to provide them with their hit of Davan's world, and relying upon their tender mercies for your livelihood. It's a first; there's no precedents, and suddenly you're entirely dependant on yourself for guidance, with "Those hundreds of little soulless eyes watching you like tiny sharks observing their prey". Even if you tried to leave the country, there's probably some readers who could hack your paypal account and get all your money... some others who work at the airport that could trace you... and a couple of others from Texas with lots of guns. It must take a lot of courage to live like this, and not have the pressure dry up your creative spirit forever.
However, despite my lengthy introduction, my question is no great philosophical conundrum...
now that you have achieved your dream, being self-employed and drawing comics for a living, do you find yourself living from day-to-day, without long-range goals, or have you formed new dreams and goals as to where to take this comic, and your own life? with all this political power at your fingertips, do you have plans as to where to take it? life often reaches plateaus where we've achieved something great but have no idea where to go next. have you conquered this one?
and finally, if a creation of yours - S*P or some as yet unwritten tale - were to take to the big screen, would you prefer Sam Raimi or Peter Jackson to direct it? (Peter Jackson uses more guts, by the way).
many thanks,
chikkstrel
Scotland
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 08:13
What are the red circles on the shirts of Davan, his father, and Monette's girlfriend? People wearing red-circle shirts seem to be centered around Davan's home, but that's about all I've been able to figure out.
Thanks.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 09:51
Sometimes your strips refer to events which happen "off-screen", or significant events are given only casual mention. I'm thinking specifically of Monette's story arc - her sudden success at lesbianism, her lost baby. Do you do this to keep your readers on their toes, as an artistic device where action happening "offscreen" is an interesting literary technique, or is it simply expedient to skip over details which aren't interesting enough for you to draw?
Another question (screw you I can post multiples): how much do we have to pay you to do more New Gold Dream strips!?!? Ummah the talking chameleon had me laughing for nearly a week straight - "I am not the frog" still makes me chuckle.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 10:45
Um...reread carefully that strip. Maybe you're a little innocent, but the pictures that Davan showed her were not pictures of her face.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 10:50
When asked questions in fora like this, is there a question that you really hope someone asks? What is the question and what is your answer?
-Adrienne Seel
Ottawa, ON
Canada
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 11:06
After nearly three decades of stress, you've decided to wipe out humanity. How do you go about it?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 11:34
Do you have a plan in life, or are you taking things as they go and just winging it?
(In other words, are you anal retentive about what is going to happen in the future, or do you do you take it one day at a time?)
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 11:37
The art is well above average for a Web comic. The writing is also well above average. But--well, this is more of a comment than a question, I guess.
I observe that your stories are very character-driven, and they're about getting to know the various characters. But, the thing is, character-driven stories don't work especially well for the reader unless the reader likes the characters and cares about them. And I have to say, your comic doesn't have one single sympathetic character in it. Every single character in it is either shockingly callous and sadistic (Davan, Peejee, Aubrey, Branwen, Jason, Davan's parents, Kim, even Choo Choo Bear) or shockingly stupid (Mike, Monette).
Was this your intent from the beginning, or did it just sort of happen that way?
Oh, and given that these characters are supposedly based on people you know, could you tell Kim that there's a big, dopey-lookin' white guy in Michigan who wants to be her sex slave? KTHX.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 12:33
is Aerie cute? do you like her?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 13:33
now for the most important question of all...
boxers of briefs?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 13:49
Yes, that is him. That's why both the girl he's with calls him Kyle, and Mike is surprised when he see's the picture of Peejee and Kyle together.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 14:02
Ok, another question, seeing as my first question is considered redundant.
How do you go about deciding who to do crossovers with? Is it based on who you think has the best comics relating to yours, or are there other categories that you use to decide who you'd like to do crossovers with?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 14:42
You've talked about readers spontaneously tracking you down and showing up at your door in a stalkerly fashion; has anyone ever tracked down any of the people other characters are based on?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 14:53
Working with lots of other poor bastards at a company is one thing. Working by yourself, with no one to commiserate with when customers(readers) are unreasonable, and no one to help you fix things when they break... well, that's a very different thing. How do you like the new job? Is it what you thought it would be? If not, do you feel you should struggle out the year? Or are you considering a different path?
I'm just saying... a good resume piece might be "fans raised enough in a few short weeks for me to quit the rat race for a year!”
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 15:05
The VG Cats Choo-Choo Bear. It doesn't really exist, does it? I mean if it DID, you would have shared it with all of your fans, right? Right? RIGHT?????
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 15:48
Is there anyone webcomic creator or team you would ABSOLUTELY NEVER work with, and why?
Dusty668
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 15:57
Your comic explores alot of taboo topics. One of these is homosexual rights and beliefs. How do you feel about being seen as a leader in getting people to talk about this subject and how it relates to the world today?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 17:37
If you where fooling around with a pregnant woman, and somehow a broomstick got involved, could you poke the baby?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 18:40
What was your inspiration for Choo-choo bear? Perhaps a chemo-cat in your past?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 18:41
What are your plans after S*P? Have you considered compiling all the commments into a book? Prehaps and animated or live action (obviously low budget)series or film? For the love of The Lady Giea (I'm pagan) don't put it on the WB! If none of these ideas seem keen to you wen the 10 years is up, have you considered Sepuku?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 18:42
Hey Mr. Milholland. I've been reading your comic for the last couple of years. I really love it! I've gotten all of my friends hooked on it too. You have a wonderful sense of humor and a knack for a good story. My question is: What got you into comics? Why did you choose to start Something Positive?
I look forward to reading your answers to all of the questions posted. Thank you for your time and Something Positive. Keep up the excellent work.
Sincerely,
Rachael
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 18:52
What would the D&D 3.5 edition stats for a boneless chemo cat be? Would he be a Kitty of Holding or Devouring or some combo of the two? Do you mind if I make one for my gaming group? Do the panties get any form of gastric acid damage from extended periods in the kitty gullet? Inquiring mimes want to know!!
Sm00ches,
Rev_Blacky@BabiesTasteGood.Com
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 19:45
Have you ever created a strip or story arc based on a dream you had?
kidmissile
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 20:39
dunno if anyone has asked this already of not, there was too damn much comments it would take forever to findout and i'm sleepy!
anyway, randy, u mentioned a while back that people started ringing ur door bell and calling u up cuz they loved ur comic that damn much. have u ever gotten an obsessive fan? one that really freaked u out by, say, sending u weird ass e-mails? wanted to convince u to fall in love with them or actually believed that u feel that way about them?! or, even wierder, got to the point of stalking?!!!
thanks for the time man. and greater thanks for something posotive! it's like being addicted to the thing, something-positivism!
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 20:44
Mr. Milholland,
There are quite a few webcomic artists making a living off their strips and fans these days, but all the other ones I can think of - even huge names like Megatokyo and Penny Arcade - only draw and post out three or four comics a week. You on the other hand have started putting out strips seven days a week, sometimes more than one a day. Do you think you will be able to maintain this workload indefinitely, or do you see S*P going to a less frequent schedule in the future? And if you're planning on keeping this schedule, what do you think is the reason you're able to do so, when other webcomics aren't?
- Alex Puffe
Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 20:57
I don't know if this has been asked... How did the idea for Choo-choo orginate? If you could describe in detail it would be far more entertaining.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 20:58
damn you stole my question!!
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 22:08
Do you ever back out of a comic or storyline you're working on for any reason?
Is there anything you simply won't touch?
Is nothing sacred?!
Sorry, I was channelling my mother there.
Were you aware that some of us use your comic as exorcism of our personal ghosts and demons? (Mine are scared of yours.)
http://manhattan.livejournal.com
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 22:16
have you ever explored going into mainstream cartooning? maybe a syndicated strip? have you ever been approached with an offer? what would it take for you to go that route?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 23:24
Do you plan on any financial disclosure for all the people who donated money?
And since that question makes me sound like an Asshole, here's another:
What happened to Kim? She was around but I haven't seen her as of late. Is there any possibility of a Davan-Kim relationship?
http://www.livejournal.com/users/capnnudity
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/13/2004 - 23:35
Will we get to see pictures of Randy after Aeire dresses him up like a dewy-eyed catgirl?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 00:04
Well noticed. Of course, the fact that one of the other women actually told Davan's girlfriend that Davan was "waiting for the other shoe to drop" when the girlfriend said the same sort of things about Davan does slightly detract from your Insight score there. You pass the roll, but don't bother playing a Glory card on that.
Gosh, what a lot of
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 00:23
... people wanting to know whether there's going to be a book, whether there'll be a film, what inspired Choo-Choo Bear and whether there's going to be a threesome with Kestrel.
To Marian: full marks for observation. You're right about Davan "waiting for the other shoe to drop". In fact, that's the exact phrase another woman who knows him better used when explaining to his new girlfriend why he seemed to be ... well, I think you quoted the girlfriend quite closely too. You pass your Psychology skill roll, but don't bother playing the Glory card on that one, okay?
To the anonymous one who asked: "is Aerie cute?", no marks for observation or effort. Really, you could find out by accident.
Now, finally, my question: OMG IS IT TROO U VOMM1TED ON JAMES GRANT?!? COZ THATS LIEK SO KEWL AN STUFF! AN HES A BIG FAMOUS ORTHUR NOW AN ALL!!!!!
Oh, alright, I'll offer a slightly more serious question: are any of your characters going to be reading Pedestrian Wolves, and will they like it?
Ooh, red link. Shiny!
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 00:42
As someone who has a comic as well read as yours, do you have any advice for people hoping to start their own comic in the near future? Aside from "stick to it" and "work hard". Perhaps a formula that you think works well or the do's-and-don'ts when it comes to subject matter/story?
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 02:43
Randy, I met you at Otakon, I was the one that brought my friend with the furvert badge over, quick question i was wondering if you think it would be a good idea to put Kestrel (from Queen of Wands) in the background of your comics every now and then since she is moving to Boston,for example her sitting outside ofa resturant as Davin walks by. You wouldn't haveto worryabout writing her character and I'm sure Aerie would be appreciative that her character wold live on.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 02:48
I love the comic, always have and the new more frequent updates are awesome. I think its great that you've gone into self-employment for the happiness and sanity of us all. Anyways, my question is, what about next year? will there be another "help me cover my money needs for more comics" drive, or perhaps will we see more merchandice and prints in the online store to come up with the income? How long can we anticipate the trend to continue (or will it be up to us, the loyal readers? :D ). Either way, good luck and keep doing what you enjoy - that way you never have to work a day in your life.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 02:49
Dear Randy,
Would you like it if I mailed you a hooker via UPS? You could take her out and play minature golf or something.
Love the comic,
Julie T.
Re: Call For Questions: R.K. Milholland of Something Positive
by Anonymous - 08/14/2004 - 03:36
What are the best and worst parts of drawing S*P, now that you're doing it full-time?