This week, 2old2play sat down with web cartoonist Scott Johnson for an interview about his web comic Extra Life. Even with his busy schedule of Nerdtaculars, Podcasts, Cartooning, family life and his day job, Scott was still excited to share his thoughts with the 2o2p community.
Azuredreaming: The first and most obvious question I have to ask is why did you choose video games as the subject matter for your web comic?
Scott: Even though the comic has evolved over the years to cover things like movies, comic books, TV, tech, etc, the initial reason for being game-centric was simply because I had (and have) such passion for the gaming industry and games themselves. There is so much satire and ironic humor to be found in that world, that for me, it was a no brainer. Keep in mind, this was back where there really just a few web comics out there that dealt with gaming humor and story lines, as compared to now where the web comics world is heavily saturated with gaming comics...which I think is great! Definitely a culture worth drawing about.
Azuredreaming: In the early days of the strip, what kind of success did you think the strip would have?
Scott: Frankly, the comic started out as a way to simply keep me drawing during the week. Been doing it since I was just a little kid, and this seemed like the perfect excuse to constantly challenge my style, come up with new ways of doing things, and generally stay nice and sharp. I had no idea it would grow to the size it has today, and I am really grateful for one of the greatest online communities a guy could have. The fans are really awesome. This thing has become such a huge part of my life that it's almost crazy.
Azuredreaming: How do you come up with your material? I mean there are only so many Mario jokes one can make (although it doesn't seem like they will be running out anytime soon).
Scott: Some guys have a certain routine they follow to find inspiration, or get jokes. Not me. Most of the time its something I think about in the middle of the night and write it down, or I will be watching TV or playing a game, the idea will just come. Sometimes the best work comes from a last second idea and I just go for it.
Azuredreaming: With so many gaming web comics out there how do you think that Extra Life stands out from the rest?
Scott: I think one of the strengths of the strip has always been it's "political cartoonist" methods. What I mean by that, each comic sort of stands on its own, and rarely has the same characters in them one comic to the next. I really like that format. A good comparison might be one of my inspirations as a teen, Gary Larsen of Farside fame. I have some recurring characters, but for the most part, every day you get something unique and new, and I like the energy of that. Also, a big part of what makes EL unique is the community participation. I have VERY active blog comments. A forum that is always jumping, and of course those who get into the podcasts and events. People can even pay a small fee to appear in a comic. All along the way, the community gets to have a real hand in things and I think that really helps things grow.
Azuredreaming: How do you think web comics have changed since Extra Life began?
Scott: Well they have definitely gotten more numerous. And I think some of the tools such as community blogging, voip software, chat software, etc have all made it easier to emphasize "web" in web comics, even for those who may not have all the technical skills they might want.
Azuredreaming: In what ways if any do you feel web comics such as yours that have such a large fan base could actually sway a studio and or publisher in one way or another?
Scott: I think the more of us there are, the more influence we might have on what some call "old media", in a cartoonist's case, syndications, magazines, news papers, etc. Just as a comparison, the old way of doing things in syndication meant years of rejections, losing out to those who had better connections than you did, and ultimately even if you were chosen, you signed all ownership to someone else and lost editorial control in the process. With the web all that goes away. No more does is there a single gate to entry. Anyone anywhere can get a comic online with no real barrier to entry, and do well based on the merits of their creative work alone. This might mean a lot of junk to sift through to find the really good stuff, but it always has a way of rising to the top.
In terms of how the comic might influence game publishers, its hard to say. I think we already do, I just think the publishers would never admit it.
Azuredreaming: Do the studios ever send you promotional materials like advanced copies of games and if so how do they react when you make less than flattering comics about them?
Scott: Occasionally I will get something that a company wants me to evaluate, which is great. But I make it a rule to never let that determine how or what I joke about in the comic. And I make sure they know that right up front.
Azuredreaming: When you choose to lampoon a certain studio or title, do you ever hear negatively from them?
Scott: Sometimes, but it's never too serious. I think the web in general has been a great way to keep developers and publishers on their toes all the time, so generally they respond in positive ways.
Azuredreaming: So you never feel pressured by sponsors and or fans to paint games in a certain light?
Scott: Never. Again, I think they are starting to get it.
Azuredreaming: When did you start playing video games and what was your first system?
Scott: Been playing since I was a kid. First console I ever had in our house as a young kid was Pong. Later the Atari 2600, and then on to everything else. Pretty much owned every console or hand held ever made I am afraid, plus PC's here and there and what not. My dad owned 4 arcades in various malls when I was a teen, plus we had a arcade unit in every Pizza Hut in all of Utah, so I was always traveling around with him, collecting quarters, playing these games. It was a great way to grow up, and meant there was always a full arcade in my basement at any given time.
Azuredreaming: How do you think the perception of games and gamers themselves have changed since you first started gaming?
Scott: I think it can sometimes become a very insular and cynical group sometimes. The more mainstream and casual it goes, the more people get nervous that their hobby going "public". I think we really should enjoy this growth and enjoy the incredible gaming experiences that you can find today and quit getting so angsty about it.
Azuredreaming: Do you feel web comics such as Extra Life had something to do with the industry garnering more acceptances from the mainstream?
Scott: Hard to say. Probably not much. I think web comics that have a lot of gaming focus tend to create places for the hardcore and ultra enthusiast to extend his or her love of gaming and community. It really does nothing to get 65 year old grandma's interested.
Azuredreaming: As of now you have your hands in a lot of pies; the strip, podcast as well as web design to name a few. What's next for Scott Johnson and the ELR brand?
Scott: The next big step is to finally make this my full time gig! Or at least part of it. I really want to expand and go bigger with the shows, with events like The Nerdtacular, and be a presence at more conventions around the country. I want to basically live out my ultimate childhood dream and make this my life, not just my job. The wife and kids are behind me 100%, so why not?
Azuredreaming: As an older gamer yourself, how do you feel about the "Timmies" on Xbox live?
Scott: When I play on live, I rarely even wear a headset for that very reason. I guess if I am playing a little COD4 with some buddies or something, on it goes, but otherwise I feel the biggest problem with live as a service is the dingleberries that haunt the thing. Hard to pay for that sort of thing.
Azuredreaming: With your busy schedule do you have time to sit back and game? If so what title has your attention?
Scott: I am REALLY into Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 at the moment. That game is a simple yet complex work of genius. Playing loads of World of Warcraft still of course, and getting a kick out of the surprising breadth of quality games on the iPhone now. Looking forward to Little Big Planet on the PS3, about ten xbox games, and loads of other stuff I will never have time to play. Did I mention that Starcraft II will eat my soul?
Azuredreaming: Being a dad, how do you feel about younger players obtaining and playing mature rated games?
Scott: I don't let my kids play mature games at all, however, there are often exceptions, but even in those cases, I play a lot with them. Not only does it create quality game time with my children, but I can maybe teach them a thing or two about content while we are at it. I want to make a t-shirt that says, "Good parents game with their kids." (Don't steal that!)
Azuredreaming: Now that you know about our little site, will you be visiting it again?
Scott: For sure! I love what you guys are doing with this, and I am really honored that you took the time to interview me!
Thanks again to Scott Johnson from Extra Life for this very in depth interview. I hope you all check out his site Extra Life by clicking on the banner, the community there is just as amazing as ours here at 2o2p and always welcomes new faces.
