WAITING FOR TOMMY: PETER BAGGE
BY RICHARD JOHNSTON

RICHARD: Is this the point where the creator starts ruminating about putting work on the internet?
PETER: Perhaps, but not to the point where THIS creator has any plans for doing such a thing just yet.

RICHARD: You are Buddy Bradley. Here I was this month, expecting Hate Annual 4 and an Incorrigible Hulk. Yay for the former, but boo to Marvel for the latter. Considering the bizarre twists and turns you gave to Spider-Man in the first book, embodying both his creators lives in some twisted non-superhero tale, just what was it you did to the Hulk that proved so unpalatable?
PETER: Well, the original story touched on a few things that some folks felt should no longer be touched on, but I thought I successfully addressed all that through some careful re-writes. Perhaps I didn't? I really don't know what's going on at all, and I try NOT to think about it, since it's all so beyond my control.

RICHARD: Seize those means of production, Peter! Seize them! Or at least get some more stationery on your way out. I do find Peter Bagge fans in the strangest of places. Co-writer and director of JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA, comedian Stewart Lee gave, Hate trade paperbacks out to every single one of his friends one Christmas. He was one of the many (including myself) getting work signed by you in your Gosh! Comics store appearance a few years ago, and he seemed to get a real thrill. Have you ever touched the lives of creative types whose work has touched you? And does it feel at all sexual?
PETER: As for getting feedback from folks whose work meant a lot to me: that's happened a few times, to varying degrees. It was a more common occurrence ten years ago when HATE was "hot" and lots of folks publicly proclaimed themselves to be fans. If anyone still feels that way about my work now they sure do a good job of keeping it to themselves!

RICHARD: Ak, um, hey everyone! I really love Hate! And Peter Bagge, well, he's just a swell guy.
PETER: And yes, it is all SO sexual and sensual. Oo la la!

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