MORRISON, Grant 1960-

PERSONAL:

Male. Born January 31, 1960, in Glasgow, Scotland. Hobbies and other interests: Chaos magic, traveling.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Glasgow, Scotland. Agent—Jon Levin, Creative Artists Agency, 9830 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

CAREER:

Comic book creator, writer, playwright, musician, and DJ.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Named one of the top 100 creative people in America, Entertainment Weekly, 1997; Fringe First Award, London Evening Standard Award, and Independent Theatre Award, all 1989, all for stage plays.

WRITINGS:

Lovely Biscuits (includes prose stories and plays Depravity and Red King Rising), Oneiros Books (London, England), 1999.

GRAPHIC NOVELS; "ZENITH" SERIES

Zenith Phase 1: Tygers, illustrated by Steve Yeowell, Titan Books (London, England), 1988.

Zenith Phase 2: The Hollow Land 1, 2 volumes, illustrated by Steve Yeowell, Titan Books (London, England), 1989.

Zenith Phase 3: War in Heaven 1, 2 volumes, illustrated by Steve Yeowell, Titan Books (London, England), 1990.

Zenith Phase 5, illustrated by Steve Yeowell, Titan Books (London, England), 1996.

2000 A.D. Presents Zenith Phase 1, illustrated by Steve Yeowell, Titan Books (London, England), 2003.

GRAPHIC NOVELS; "ANIMAL MAN" SERIES

Animal Man (originally published in comic-book form as "Animal Man," numbers 1-9), illustrated by Chaz Truog, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1991.

Origin of Species (originally published in comic-book form as "Animal Man," numbers 10-17), illustrated by Chaz Truog, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2002.

Deus ex Machina (originally published in comic-book form as "Animal Man," numbers 18-26), illustrated by Chaz Truog, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2003.

GRAPHIC NOVELS; "INVISIBLES" SERIES

Say You Want a Revolution (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 1, numbers 1-8), illustrated by Steve Yeowell, Jill Thomson, and Dennis Cramer, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1996.

Bloody Hell in America (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 2, numbers 1-4), illustrated by Phil Jimenez and John Stokes, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1998.

Counting to None (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 2, numbers 5-13 and Vertigo Winter's Edge 1), illustrated by Phil Jimenez, John Stokes, and others, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1999.

Kissing Mister Quimper (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 2, numbers 14-22), illustrated by Chris Weston, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2000.

Apocalipstic (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 1, numbers 9-16, 1995-96), DC Comics (New York, NY), 2001.

Entropy in the U.K. (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 1, numbers 17-25), DC Comics (New York, NY), 2001.

The Invisible Kingdom (originally published in comic-book form as "Invisibles," Volume 3, issue 12-1), illustrated by Philip Bond, Sean Philips, Frank Quitely, and others, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2002.

GRAPHIC NOVELS; "JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA" SERIES

JLA Wildc.a.t.s, Covert Action Teams, illustrated by Val Semeiks and Kevin Conrad, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1997.

New World Order (originally published in comic-book form as "JLA," numbers 1-4), illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1997.

American Dreams (originally published in comic-book form as "JLA," numbers 5-9), illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1997.

Rock of Ages (originally published in comic-book form as "JLA," numbers 10-15), illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1998.

(With Mark Waid and Christopher Priest) Strength in Numbers (originally published in comic-book form as "JLA," numbers 16-23, "JLA Secret Files," number 2, and "Prometheus (Villians)," number 1), illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1998.

(With Mark Millar) Justice for All (originally published in comic-book form as "JLA," numbers 24-33), illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1999.

(With Dan Jurgens) Secret Origins: Featuring the JLA, illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1999.

World War III (originally published in comic-book form as "JLA," numbers 36-41), illustrated by Howard Porter and John Dell, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2000.

Earth 2, illustrated by Frank Quitely, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1999.

GRAPHIC NOVELS; "NEW X-MEN" SERIES

Volume 1 (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 114-126 and 2001 annual), illustrated by Frank Quitely, Igor Kordey, Ethan Van Sciver, and Leinil Francis Yu, Marvel (New York, NY), 2002.

E Is for Extinction (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 114-116), illustrated by Frank Quitely, Ethan Van Sciver and Leinil Francis Yu, Marvel (New York, NY), 2002.

Imperial (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 118-126), illustrated by Frank Quitely, Igor Kordey and Ethan Van Sciver, Marvel (New York, NY), 2002.

New Worlds (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 127-133), illustrated by Igor Kordey, Phil Jimenez, and others, Marvel (New York, NY), 2002.

Volume 2 (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 127-141), illustrated by Igor Kordey, Phil Jimenez, Frank Quitely, and others, Marvel (New York, NY), 2003.

Riot at Xavier's (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 134-138), illustrated by Frank Quitely, Marvel (New York, NY), 2003.

Assault on Weapon Plus (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 139-145), illustrated by Phil Jimenez and Chris Bachalo, Marvel (New York, NY), 2003.

Planet X (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 146-150), illustrated by Phil Jimenez, Marvel (New York, NY), 2004.

Here Comes Tomorrow (originally published in comic-book form as "New X-Men," numbers 151-154), Marvel (New York, NY), 2004.

OTHER

Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, illustrated by Dave McKean, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1989.

Legends of the Dark Knight, illustrated by Klaus Janson, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1989.

Steed and Mrs. Peel, Titan Books (London, England), 1991.

(Creator of plot, with Neil Gaiman and Richard Curtis) The Totally Stonking, Surprisingly Educational and Utterly Mindboggling Comic Relief Comic, edited by Gaiman, Curtis, and Peter K. Hogan, Fleetway (London, England), 1991.

Dare, illustrated by Rian Hughes, Fleetway (London, England), 1991.

Batman Gothic (originally published in comic-book form as "Legend of the Dark Knight," numbers 6-10), illustrated by Klaus Janson, Titan Books (London, England), 1991, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1992.

The Doom Patrol: Crawling from the Wreckage (originally published in comic-book form as "The Doom Patrol," numbers 19-25), DC Comics (New York, NY), 1992.

The Mystery Play, illustrated by Jon J. Muth, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1994.

Kill Your Boyfriend, illustrated by Philip Bond and others, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1995.

(With Mark Millar) Judge Dredd: Book of the Dead, illustrated by Dermot Power, Hamlyn, 1995.

Spawn 4: Escalation (originally published in comic-book form as "Spawn," numbers 16-18), illustrated by Greg Capullo and others, Titan Books (London, England), 1997.

Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery (originally published in comic-book form as "Flex Mentallo," numbers 1-4), illustrated by Frank Quitely, DC Comics (New York, NY), 1998.

Marvel Boy (originally published in comic-book form as "Marvel Boy," numbers 1-6), illustrated by J. G. Jones, Marvel (New York, NY), 2001.

(With J. Michael Stracynski) Nuff Said, illustrated by Frank Quitely, John Romita, Jr., and others, Marvel (New York, NY), 2002.

Fantastic Four: 1 2 3 4 (originally published in comic-book form), illustrated by Jae Lee and Jose Villerubia, Marvel (New York, NY), 2004.

The Filth, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2004.

Sebastion O, DC/Vertigo (New York, NY), 2004.

DC Comics Presents: Mystery in Space, illustrated by Jerry Ordway, DC Comics (New York, NY), 2004.

The Doom Patrol: The Painting That Ate Paris, DC Comics (New York, NY), in press.

Contributor to compilations, including Food for Thought, 1985; Batman Annual and Superman Annual, DC Comics (New York, NY), both 1986; Phobias, Piranha Press/DC, 1992; The Starry Wisdom: A Tribute to H. P. Lovecraft, Creation Books, 1995; Rapid Eye 3, Creation Books, 1995; Wierd War Tales 3, DC Comics, 1997; Disco 2000, Sceptre Books, 1998; DC One Million, DC Comics, 1999; New X-Men 2001 Annual, Marvel (New York, NY), 2001; Anarchy for the Masses: The Disinformation Guide to "The Invisibles," Mad Yak Press, 2003; and Book of Lies: The Disinformation Guide to Magick and the Occult, Disinformation Books, 2003. Contributor to periodicals, including Glasgow Herald, London Evening Standard, Near Myths, Warrior, Dr. Who, Secret Origins, Crisis, Revolver, Born to Be Wild, Wizard, Verotika, and Captain Britain. Writer for other comic-book series, including "Starblazer, 2000 A.D.," "Spider-Man & Zoids," "A-1," "Hellblazer," "Vampirella" (with Mark Millar), "Swamp Thing" (with Millar), "Flash" (with Millar), and "Fantastic Four." Solo series include "Sunrise," "Kid Eternity," "Skull Kill Krewe" (with Millar), "Aztek: The Ultimate Man" (with Millar), and "Seaguy." Author of the short story "St. Swithin's Day." Creator of "Captain Clyde" comic strip, syndicated 1979-81.

WORK IN PROGRESS:

"We3" and "Vimanarama" comic-book series for DC/Vertigo; Seven Soldiers and JLA: Classified for DC Comics; Sleepless Knights, a screenplay for DreamWorks SKG; If, a novel.

SIDELIGHTS:

Considered a leader in his chosen genre, Grant Morrison has written for many popular comic-book series, including the collaborative "New X-Men," "Justice League of America," and his own "Invisibles." By combining philosophical questions and historical allusions with plots that are often unconventional, as Eleventh Hour online contributor David Rosiak commented, Morrison is "one of the most experimental guys in the business today." In 1997 Morrison became the first graphic novelist to be named to Entertainment Weekly's list of the 100 most creative people in the United States, and his graphic novel Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, set in the "Batman" world, has become a best-seller in the graphic-novel genre.

In Arkham Asylum, Batman is summoned to Arkham, a psychiatric hospital/prison for the criminally insane that appears frequently in "Batman" tales, after the inmates riot. Batman agrees to trade himself for the hostages. This puts him inside the asylum, where the inmates, including many whom Batman had a hand in putting there, try to hunt him down. "The central premise that Batman needs to visit the Asylum where his old enemies are holed up in order to exorcise his own inner demons, is an interesting one," remarked New Statesman and Society reviewer Roger Sabin. London Observer contributor Roz Kaveny appreciated a different aspect of the book, commenting that "Morrison writes good pulp dialogue, and the Joker's camp taunting of Batman makes for quiet terrifying moments."

Before Arkham Asylum appeared, Morrison had entered the world of American comics with "Animal Man," a series based on a minor character who originally appeared in the DC Comics universe in the 1960s. Animal Man, otherwise known as Buddy Baker, has the power to adopt the abilities of any animal that is nearby. He uses this power to fight for animal rights, among other things. However, "Morrison's skill as a character writer, coupled with the burgeoning surrealism of the series, prevent this aspect of the story from becoming overly preachy," Matthew Craig commented on RobotFist.com. The story arcs also deal with larger issues of philosophy, including pondering what would happen if somebody told comic-book heroes that they were not real but only existed in other people's drawings. "In these unprecedented stories," Booklist's Gordon Flagg wrote of the "Animal Man" sequence collected as Deus ex Machina, "Morrison brought metafiction to comics before the concept entered popular culture."

Morrison's "Invisibles" recounts the story of five time-traveling anarchists who, as the series title suggests, are invisible to normal folk. At the beginning of the series, the Invisibles recruit Dane McGowan, a fifteen-year-old boy from Liverpool who throws a Molotov cocktail into his school's library and is sent to a reform school. The reader sees much of the action through Dane's eyes. The "Invisibles" series contains a traditional us-versus-them storyline, as the five heroes do battle with a troupe of enemies known as Myrmidons. Like "Animal Man," however, the series also tackles philosophical issues. In "Arcadia," the third story arc, for example, nineteenth-century poets Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley argue about the location of utopia while the Invisibles try to recruit the poets' contemporary, the erotic writer the Marquis de Sade.

The popular ongoing "Justice League of America" ("JLA") comic-book series combines superheroes from several DC comics, including Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman, the Flash, and Green Lantern. Together, these heroes battle against groups of villains who are too strong for one hero alone. In Morrision's contributions to the "JLA" saga, collected as the New World Order story arc, these villains are aliens who pretend to be superheroes and convince the population of Earth that the Justice League's superheroes aren't up to snuff. Once these aliens take over the world, only the seven-hero-strong Justice League of America can take it back.

The plots contributed to the "JLA" comic series may be among Morrison's most conventional, but some reviewers thought that this permits his talent to shine in different ways. "Morrison's storyline allows the characters to flow naturally in response to plot," Rosiak wrote about New World Order. This lets Morrison develop the personalities of his superheroes as human beings, not just as the embodiment of their super powers. "There's even a terrifically funny interplay between the Flash and Green Lantern," continued Rosiak. "It's fun to watch them bickering over petty jealousies while simultaneously discussing Simpsons reruns."

Morrison also continues the stories of characters created by others in the "New X-Men," for which he wrote thirty-six issues. Morrison revamped the characters' relationships and backstories, including breaking up the long-running romance of Cyclops and Jean Gray, and illustrator Frank Quitely re-outfitted the characters with more modern costumes. Morrison's most important revision to the series, however, was his inclusion of an underlying moral lesson to the tales. The original "X-Men" comics, as well as many of the subsequent series installments, are tales about civil rights that often mirrored the struggles against racism occurring in the United States at the time the original comic-books were published. However, in Morrison's version, the lessons to be learned from the mutant superheroes have more to do with the evolution of humanity than with the struggle for racial equality. "It's the same series, but subtly reoriented," explained an X-Axis reviewer.

One of Morrison's newer creations is Seaguy, a would-be romantic hero who is foiled in his attempts to achieve greatness and win the heart of his beloved, the furry She-Beard, by the fact that he lives in a consumerist utopia that is in no need of heroes. The "Seaguy" comic-book series is "a daft attempt to say something about current society, the whole Big Brother, American Idol culture of schizophrenic fat consumers, where every talentless fool has been conned into thinking he or she can be a pop star because we're all somehow 'equal,'" Morrison explained to ComiX-Fan interviewer Mitch Brown. "So with Seaguy, everyone thinks they can be a superhero."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Art Journal, fall, 1991, Rebecca Zurier, review of Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, pp. 98-102.

Booklist, December 1, 2003, review of Deus ex Machina, p. 657.

Entertainment Weekly, June 30, 2000, Jeff Jensen, review of Marvel Boy, p. 126.

Guardian (London, England), January 30, 1997, Nick Hasted, "Dead Man Writing" (interview), p. 6.

Library Journal, April 15, 1999, Stephen Weiner, review of Counting to None, p. 84; May 1, 2004, Steve Raiteri, review of Deus ex Machina, p. 92.

New Statesman and Society, January 12, 1990, Roger Sabin, review of Arkham Asylum, p. 35.

Observer (London, England), December 17, 1989, review of Arkham Asylum, p. 46.

Publishers Weekly, May 3, 2004, review of The Filth, p. 172.

Village Voice Literary Supplement, spring, 1997, review of The Invisibles, pp. 29, 31.

ONLINE

Comicon.com,http://www.comicon.com/ (June 18, 2004), Jennifer M. Contino, interview with Morrison.

ComiX-Fan.com,http://www.comixfan.com/ (June 18, 2004), Mitch Brown, interview with Morrison.

Crackcomics.com,http://www.crackcomics.com/ (October 8, 2004).

Eleventh Hour Web site,http://www.the11thhour.com/ (June 25, 2004), David Rosiak, review of New World Order.

Enjolrasworld.com,http://www.enjolrasworld.com/ (June 25, 2004), "Grant Morrison Bibliography."

Grant Morrison Web site,http://www.grant-morrison.com (June 18, 2004).

Grovel.org.uk,http://www.grovel.org.uk/ (June 25, 2004), reviews of New World Order and EIsfor Extinction.

MediasharX.com,http://www.mediasharx.com/ (May 21, 2004), Cornelius Fortune, review of Seaguy.

Ninth Art Web site,http://www.ninthart.com/ (January 4, 2002), John Fellows, review of E Is for Extinction; (November 15, 2002) Brent Keane, review of Say You Want a Revolution.

PopMatters.com,http://www.popmatters.com/ (April 28, 2004), Stephen Rauch, review of "New X-Men," numbers 114-154.

RobotFist.com,http://www.robotfist.com/ (October 12, 2003), Matthew Craig, review of Animal Man.

X-Axis Web site,http://www.thexaxis.com/ (June 25, 2004), review of "New X-Men."

X-WorldComics.com,http://www.x-worldcomics.com/ (June 25, 2004), Jake Ball, reviews of "New X-Men" numbers 137 and 150.