Warpton Comics: Nature's Guard and BeyondBy Paul Dale Roberts “On the distant world of Forestya, a civil war is being waged between the evil force of the Spidersect Empire and the heroic forces of the Nature’s Militia.”
This is the basis for the story of Nature’s Guard, the premiere series from UK based publisher, Warpton Comics. Creator Jonathan Bryans has crafted an epic tale of anthropomorphic war and friendship focusing on a specialized group of soldiers known as Nature’s Guard, the defenders of this pastoral future from the evil SpiderSect Empire.
In this interview with Paul Dale Roberts, Bryans discusses the creation of the series, as well as it’s animated counterpart, and fills us in on the extensive backgrounds of NG’s many characters. Bryans also throws out some teasers on Nature’s Guards publishing plans and future appearances.
While definitely the most high profile project from Warpton, Nature’s Guard is, by no means, the only series being developed by the fledgling company. Steve Causer, publisher for Warpton Comics, refuses to be outdone and spills the beans on Warpton’s origins and upcoming publications like Messiah and To Heaven and Hell.
PAUL DALE ROBERTS: Steve, tell us about the newest publications coming out of Warpton Comics?
 STEVE CAUSER: Nature's Guard is fantastic tale, giving you excitement, suspense, comic book mayhem and, of course, animals. It is the brainchild of Jonathan Bryans, who will be able to tell you much more about it.
Warpton Comics has been developing a range of imprint titles that will be published under Warpton Extreme. Aimed at slightly older readers, we want to cater [to] all readers and age groups here at Warpton, whilst getting to grips with true to life stories and fantasy stories based on real themes.
Messiah is about a young boy’s childhood in a small God fearing community who - as he watches the way the local priest is held in awe by the town folk - realises that with faith can come power. His interest soon grows and perhaps he is to be feared himself - although not in a good way. [It is] a 15-issue mini-series that is being scripted into a TV series at the moment [and] is fully painted in a unique, but fitting, style by artist Christos.
Reincarnation is all about reincarnation, funnily enough. A therapy group, one therapist and a whole bunch of people who are haunted by their past lives. The twist is [that] they all have a connection that has brought them together. Illustrated by Simon Mobbs, the artwork plays on photomontage imagery with comic style art. Fantastic in look, this 4-issue mini-series is certainly making us here at Warpton buzz.
Other titles are VampAge, and To Heaven or Hell. Although preview copies have been created, these are being redeveloped at the moment and will see the light of day in the future.
Messiah and Reincarnation, as of yet, have no release dates but we are looking at sometime in early 2003. Of course, for all of those who want to grab a sneak peak at any of the titles, pages are up on the Warpton site.
PDR: Just got done reading Nature's Guard. Can you tell the readers about this superb comic book that is the prequel to the fully CGI animated series for TV by LegendWorks Entertainment Group?
SC: Over to you Jon.
 JONATHAN BRYANS: Well, as stated, this comic is a prequel, but it's also more than that. The comic book of Nature's Guard will be the animated series. What you read in the comic book, you will see in the animation. As a matter of fact, the pilot of the animated series is called "Dawn of the Guard" and is a re-telling of the first three issue mini-series. Now don't get me wrong, both mediums will be different in regards to their perspective. If you read only the comic and don't watch the cartoon, you will miss some things, and vice-versa. I want this to be a cross media sensation.
PDR: Tell us about the timeline for the SpiderSect Empire and Nature's Militia.
JB: The story of Nature's Guard doesn't just exist in the here and now. We are looking at millions of years of war between the Forestyans and the SpiderSect. All will be told through the comic book as we go along. I have a story set for the sixth mini-series (if we get that far) that will reveal much of the past between Boon and Slythe, and in doing that, will tell the story of the Fangs and Claws, a ninja clan that has been through many wars. It will introduce our main characters in a light that will not be expected, but I am sure will be welcomed.
In the third mini-series, which is just called "Bush Fire", we will learn of our main heroes’ family, those he never knew about, and those who are, but never really were. We will meet Boon's twin sister Willow. She is a story all by herself. With Willow's introduction, I am hoping people will come to realize that Nature's Guard isn't just about war, but there will be real life drama in it also.
PDR: Tell us about some of the main characters.
JB: Nature's Guard
 Boon - Born the oldest son of one of the greatest military figures in recent Forestyan history would take it's toll on most people, but Boon wears it like a badge of honour. From the moment he took his first step, Boon did everything to be just like his father, Racky, the current President of the Nature's Senate. Deep down inside, Boon wanted to be a soldier like his father, and once he was of age, Boon joined the Nature's Militia and went off to the Chestnut Academy of Military Training for his schooling. Boon quickly rose in rank, soon becoming squad leader of his class. Boon was well liked by all his classmates, one more than others.
Slythe - Slythe and Boon became much like brothers. They studied the Arts of Slythor together. They competed in everything, but it was all in fun. They were the best of friends, however, that all changed when Boon, Slythe and their classmates were conscripted into active duty when the PineCrest Incursion began. Boon was instrumental in bringing about an end to the Incursion, when he discovered the secret command centre of Baron Ironweasel (where they also discovered information linking the now almost unheard from SpiderSect Empire) and he and his classmates attacked under his command. The Baron was arrested, and Cobrax, Slythes' father, who was working for Baron IronWeasel, was believed cut down by Boon (however, it was a Komealyon Assassin who really attacked Cobrax - Komealyon Assassins can change their image at will to make them look and talk like anyone of their choice). Slythe, turned on Boon, injuring him and fleeing into the woods. Once Boon had recovered, he was charged with the duty of forming a specialized team to confront the now renewed threat of the SpiderSect Empire. Boon was more than happy to tak on the job and the promotion to Commander of Special Forces.
Kat Nipp - She is the daughter of Regent Whiskors, ruler of Calico City. Regent Whiskors believes he and his people should leave the Nature's Guard to fight the threat of the SpiderSect Empire. He believes that, if they leave the SpiderSect alone, the SpiderSect will leave them alone. Kat Nipp, being more like her mother, believes in the hands on approach. Serving with Boon in the PineCrest Incursion was her ticket into the Nature's Guard, now she is one of the top ranking officers within the group. Proud to serve on the team, Kat Nipp believes this to be her duty.
Longtail - He is a veteran of many wars. He has served in most of them with Racky, his best friend and Boons' father. Longtail was Boons' instructor at the Chestnut Academy of Military Training. Seeing the courage and drive in the boy, he took him under his wing. Serving with Boon and his classmates in the PineCrest Incursion, Longtail was wounded badly by Baron Ironweasel. After he had time to heal, Boon asked Longtail to join the ranks of the Nature's Guard, to serve at his side, as his friend and advisor. Longtail was proud to join the team. Now, he now serves more as Fortress Commander of Fortress Ironwood, but he is always ready to go into battle for the people of Forestya, wherever and whenever he is called upon.
Klondike - He never went to the Chestnut Academy of Military Training like the others in the ranks of the Nature's Guard, but he has had all the same lessons. His lessons, however, were learned in the real, harsh world. Witnessing the horrors committed on the people of PineCrest first hand, Klondike was more than happy to assist the Nature's Militia with their actions against Baron Ironweasle and his IronWeasels. Once the incursion was ended, Boon asked Klondike to join him in the ranks of the Nature's Guard. Klondike joined, but with one stipulation - the Grizzly Guard had to become a specialized group within the ranks of the Nature's Guard. Boon was more than happy to comply. Now, Klondike answers to only three people. Firstly to Boon, secondly to Longtail and thirdly to himself.
SpiderSect Empire
 Empress Webula - Sinister, maniacal, sadistic, and darkness incarnate are all ways to describe Empress Webula, but even these do no justice in explaining how evil she really is. War is but a way of life for Empress Webula. Watching the pain of others is nothing more than a game for her. She is cruel - nothing more, nothing less. Empress Webula rose to power when she and Grandsilk Weaver, her life-mate, executed Emperor Thorax. It seems, with the lack of action against the Nature's Senate, Empress Webula, Grandsilk Weaver and the whole of the SpiderSect Empire became angered. Once Emperor Thorax was out of the picture (at least he is believed to be), the empire bowed to Empress Webula. Empress Webula controls the empire with the aide of Prymite Spydera and the Cobweb, a council of twelve SpiderSect Prymites who rule different regions of the empire. The Cobweb Council answers only to Empress Webula, and they, like Empress Webulas' BlackWidow Royal Guard, are all willing to put their lives on the line for their Empress. Empress Webula and Grandsilk Weaver have one annoying thorn in their side, Araknor. He is the sub-leader of the Arachnid Council, they are know allies of the Nature's Guard and are determined to bring about a peaceful co-existence between the SpiderSect Empire and the Forestyan, like it was 500 years before.
Grandsilk Weaver - As the master of all the SpiderSect Military Forces, Grandsilk Weaver holds enough power in his grasp to bring the whole planet of Forestya to it's knees - quickly. Grandsilk Weaver is rotten to the core. Rotten to his prisoners, rotten to his troops and rotten to the people around him. He believes he is the backbone of the military and he lets everyone know how he feels. Over the years, Grandsilk Weaver has made many enemies within the ranks of the SpiderSect Military, but none more powerful than General Scorpious. General Scorpious is always plotting against Grandsilk Weaver, and she never tries to hide it. Grandsilk Weaver has no feelings of respect or love for his son, Araknor. He feels he is weak, and at every opportunity, Grandsilk Weaver tries to kill Araknor, to no avail.
And we have many, many more characters.
PDR: Who are some of the staff involved in the comic book and the animated series?
SC: Warpton the publisher has a small crew of workers who all aid in the running, but main workers on Nature's Guard is myself and our Webmaster, John. As publisher, I guess we need to give the floor to the creators, so again, over to you, Jon.
JB: Staff on the comic is as follows:
Jonathan Bryans - Writer
Leonard Kirk - Artist
Terry Pallot - Inks / Letters
Staff on the Animated Series;
Jonathan Bryans - Producer
Art Director - Cody Collins
The rest are To Be Determined still.
PDR: How did Nature's Guard come about?
SC: I sent the comic to our printers and they sent it back. I guess over to Jon again.
JB: I don't like these kinds of question, only because it is really hard to answer. As a creator, I thought, therefore it came to be. But that won't be good enough for the answer, so I have to say Nature's Guard is a property I have been developing for 13 years now. I grew up being a big fan of military stories and products and I loved comics and cartoons. I am a product of the 80's you know. I got to watch all the really cool cartoons. 13 years ago, I honestly just thought to myself about doing a toy line with a Raccoon as the main hero. Cool idea, I know, but it didn't work. I found out that it was really hard to sell the toy companies on a toy based on a Raccoon hero. They said I needed more. So over the many years I have created a few different versions of the property until finally coming to this final product in the beginning of 2001. At that point, I sat down and started to write the comic mini-series, which will now be available in local comic stores the world over in September. I am very honoured to be putting this comic book out under the Warpton Banner of comics.
Warpton has treated me with nothing but respect. I look forward to working with them more in the future on more Nature's Guard comics and maybe some others, but who knows, right Steve (Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge, know what I mean)?
PDR: What is your website address?
SC: www.warpton.co.uk or www.naturesguard.com.
PDR: How can someone contact the publisher?
 SC: Warpton Comics is based in the UK. Our mailing address is Warpton PO Box 2110, Swindon, SN25 4RQ, England. But the website address above is the best way to contact us. If anyone wants to come through to me direct that's cool, my email is steve@warpton.co.uk.
Of course we can contact you - first plug, sorry - we have a newsletter that we send out roughly once a month. Subscribe and you get all the info first.
PDR: How can we order Nature's Guard or any other publications by Warpton Comics?
SC: From your local comic shop. Nature's Guard is in previews at the moment. [The first issue was] officially released in September, so get your copy now - that was another plug, sorry. The other titles will be available from the Warpton site shortly, but in short supply (okay they are limited edition copies we had specially made for the biggest UK Comic festival - I have been told I have to call it a convention, otherwise some people think we were sitting in a field all day). Then as I said stay tuned for release dates.
JB: I never said that.
PDR: How did Warpton Comics form?
SC: It all started with me and loads of enthusiasm. I had been writing comics for a good number of years, but never did anything with them. One sunny day (just to set the scene) I passed a script to a friend on his way to live in London. Forgetting about the entire thing, 6 months later he appeared with To Heaven or Hell drawn. Realising that it was quite straight forward a process to get a comic crafted, I spent a few years after learning more about publishing, planning and distribution.
It was when we set up the website in 2000 as a trial that things took off. Within two months we had received loads of submissions, and had taken on two new artists, Christos being one of them. More followed and, before we knew what had happened, we had what was looking like a range of books. February 2001 was the Nature's Guard turning point and we began talks with Jonathan Bryans and his project Nature's Guard (it would be great if we could talk with the characters, well once the animation takes off they will be alive).
Nature's Guard established us as Publishers but we do want to remind readers that, as a collective of artists and writers, if we can help we will. We do have a lot of e-mails asking for help about writing or producing art, and we are happy to reply and give advice. We help artists by supplying scripts, or help writers to develop their scripts. Like I said, if we can help, we will. We are only at the dawn of our quest, meaning we have a long way to go to reach the overall aim that I want for Warpton, and that aim is a creative community, encompassing films, music poetry etc.
Before I get too carried away, small steps are taken and we will realise our aims in due course.
JB: I need to chime in here also. My company, LegendWorks Entertainment Group is also available to help people with their properties. We mainly focus on TV and Feature Film development, but we will help in any way we can.
PDR: Tell us about the world of Forestya.
JB: That's hard, but in the same respect easy. Forestya is a modern world based on nature. Think of Earth in the middle ages, but with cars, big cities and a very, very big forest.
PDR: What comic cons are some of the staff going to?
JB: The Canadian crew was at the Toronto Comic/Sci-Fi/Anima Convention at the end of August, and we are planning on returning to Bristol in 2003. [We] plan on going to many more conventions across America and Canada and, maybe, around the world in 2003. We will have to see who invites us first.
 SC: All of us, the Canadians and the British, (it seems we have been segregated) having been at the largest UK Comic Festival (another plug) this year, next year is a definite, as is smaller conventions through the UK. In 2003 we will be reviewing possibilities of crossing the pond, but at the moment we will let our Canadian friends represent us.
JB: And we are proud to do just that. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to break us up into groups like that. All of us, we are one, one we are!
PDR: Thank you for your time, any parting words?
JB: Just wanted to thank you for taking the time and thinking about us. It is a pleasure to do interviews like this and I look forward to more. Oh yeah, BUY THE BOOK!!! There, that didn't sound like a plea for sales, did it?
One final, quick note. I would like to personally thank everyone who joined us in Bristol. You guys made it a blast. I would like to thank the Warpton crew, they are the best, and I would quickly like to thank every fan that has visited the Nature's Guard web site, you have carried us across the 1 million hit mark. Thank you sincerely.
SC: Did Jon say to buy the book??? Seriously thanks for letting us talk. On behalf of Warpton it is great to have these opportunities to talk about what we are doing and great books like Nature's Guard, not to mention our good friends, the creators.
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