Well, they've made about eight of my books into TV movies now, utilizing two different actors. The feeling among fans is that the newer incarnation (actor Ken Stott) is physically closer to Rebus. I can't really say, as I have no idea what Rebus looks like - I know the inside of his head, but not what he sees in the mirror of a morning. I don't watch the TV films because I don't want actors' voices (and mannerisms, and faces, and sense of style) interfering with my own notions about the characters.
In your profile at Wikipedia it says, "Rankin has confirmed that after he writes his last Rebus novel in November 2006, he will start work on a five- or six- issue run on the comic book Hellblazer, although the story may be turned into a stand alone graphic novel instead." Is that correct? So this is the last Rebus book? Why?
The book I'm writing just now is provisionally the last Rebus novel... in that he lives in real time and has aged through the series from 40 to 60, and it so happens that in Scotland the cops are forced to retire when they hit sixty. This situation may change, so the door is slightly ajar, or I can write about him in retirement. Or he can be be brought back to do cold cases (as happens to some retired cops in real life), or I can go back in time or stop the clock... But I am working on this new book as if it is his last. And yes, after that I'm signed up to do a short run of Hellblazer comics, maybe as a standalone graphic novel. I started life wanting to write American comics, and at last I'm getting my wish! I also have a serial in the pipeline for the New York Times. It should start in May (in the Sunday magazine) and run for 15 weeks. It's set in Edinburgh but is not a Rebus story - though crime plays a big part in it!
What do you find appealing about writing for comic books?
Article comments
1 - Kevin Duffy
Could you review my book Anthills and Stars. Scott Pack from the friday prject has just given it rave reviews and as an Independent publisher we need all the hellp we can get. Cheers
kevin
2 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!
3 - Scott Butki
Kevin, email me.
There's a good review of Rankin's book in the New York Times today.
4 - Scott Butki
There's a review in the Washington Post today of this book. It's not as positive as the Times one, and seems too negative in my mind, but it's worth a read nonetheless. Have any of you read the book?