Warren Ellis
{{Short description|English comic book writer, novelist, and screenwriter (born 1968)}}
{{For|the musician|Warren Ellis (musician)}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox comics creator
| image = Warren Ellis by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| imagesize =
| caption = Ellis at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con
| birth_name = Warren Girard Ellis
| birth_place = Rochford, Essex, England
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|2|16|df=yes}}
| death_date =
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| notable works = Transmetropolitan
The Authority
Planetary
Hellblazer
Global Frequency
Red
Fell
Iron Man: Extremis
Nextwave
Thunderbolts
FreakAngels
Supergod
Moon Knight
Trees
Injection
James Bond
| awards = Eagle Award
| website = {{URL|https://warrenellis.com/}}
| nonUS = y
}}
Warren Girard Ellis (born 16 February 1968) is an English comic book writer, novelist, and screenwriter. He is best known as the co-creator of several original comics series, including Transmetropolitan (1997–2002), Global Frequency (2002–2004) and Red (2003–2004), which was adapted into the feature films Red (2010) and Red 2 (2013). Ellis is the author of the novels Crooked Little Vein (2007) and Gun Machine (2013) and the novella Normal (2016).
A prolific comic book writer, Ellis has written several Marvel series, including Astonishing X-Men, Thunderbolts, Moon Knight and the "Extremis" story arc of Iron Man, which was the basis for the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Iron Man 3 (2013). Ellis created The Authority and Planetary for WildStorm, and wrote a run of Hellblazer for Vertigo and James Bond for Dynamite Entertainment. Ellis wrote the video games Hostile Waters (2001), Cold Winter (2005), and Dead Space (2008). He also wrote the animated TV movie G.I. Joe: Resolute (2009), wrote the English version of Marvel Anime (2010–2011), and served as the head writer on Netflix series Castlevania (2017–2021).
Ellis is well known for sociocultural commentary, both through his online presence and through his writing, which covers transhumanist (most notably nanotechnology, cryonics, mind transfer and human enhancement) and folkloric themes, often in combination with each other. He is a humanist and former patron of Humanists UK, a charity focused on promoting humanism and advancing secularism.{{cite web|url=https://humanism.org.uk/about/our-people/patrons/warren-ellis/|title=Our patrons: Warren Ellis|work=Humanists UK|access-date=10 September 2018}} He is a resident of Southend-on-Sea, England.
Early life
Ellis was born in Essex in February 1968. He has stated that the televised broadcast of the Moon landing is his earliest coherent memory.{{Cite book|last1=Ursini|first1=Francesco-Alessio|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7q40DwAAQBAJ|title=Visions of the Future in Comics: International Perspectives|last2=Mahmutovic|first2=Adnan|last3=Bramlett|first3=Frank|date=11 September 2017|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-4766-2936-0|pages=57|language=en}} He was a student at the South East Essex Sixth Form College, commonly known as SEEVIC. He contributed comic work to the college magazine Spike along with Richard Easter, who also later followed a career in writing.{{citation needed|date=October 2012}}
Before starting his career as a writer, he worked in a book and stationery store, a pub, in bankruptcy, in a record shop, and lifted compost bags.[http://www.reallyscary.com/interviewwarren.asp www.reallyscary.com – 10 Questions w/Warren Ellis] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306151835/http://www.reallyscary.com/interviewwarren.asp |date=6 March 2007 }}
Career
=Early career=
Ellis's writing career started in the British roleplaying magazine 'Adventurer' for which he wrote the 1920s Cthulhu mythos strip 'Whiplash' throughout 1986. This was followed by a six-page short story published in 1990 in independent magazine Deadline. Other early works include a Judge Dredd short and a Doctor Who one-pager. His first ongoing work, Lazarus Churchyard with D'Israeli, appeared in Blast!, a short-lived British magazine.
By 1994, Ellis had begun working for Marvel Comics, where he took over the series Hellstorm: Prince of Lies with issue number 12, which he wrote until its cancellation after issue number 21. He also wrote for the Marvel 2099 imprint, most notably in a storyline in which a futuristic Doctor Doom took over the United States. Other notable early Marvel work is a run on Excalibur, a superhero series set in Britain. He also wrote a four-issue arc of Thor called "Worldengine", in which he dramatically revamped both the character and book (though the changes lasted only as long as Ellis's run), and wrote Wolverine with artist Leinil Francis Yu.
= ''The Authority'', ''Transmetropolitan'' and critical acclaim =
Ellis then started working for DC Comics, Caliber Comics and Image Comics' Wildstorm studio, where he wrote the Gen13 spin-off DV8 and took over Stormwatch, a previously action-oriented team book, to which he gave a more idea- and character-driven flavor{{Citation needed|date=December 2016}}. He wrote issues 37–50 with artist Tom Raney, and the 11 issues of volume two with artists Oscar Jimenez and Bryan Hitch. Hitch and he followed that with the Stormwatch spin-off The Authority, a cinematic super-action series for which Ellis coined the term "widescreen comics".
In 1997, Ellis started Transmetropolitan, a creator-owned series about an acerbic "gonzo" journalist in a dystopian future America, co-created with artist Darick Robertson and published by DC's Helix imprint. When Helix was discontinued the following year, Transmetropolitan was shifted to the Vertigo imprint, and remained one of the most successful nonsuperhero comics DC was then publishing.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/top-300-comics-for-september/ |title=Top 300 Comics For September|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=30 August 2002 |access-date=26 June 2020}} Transmetropolitan ran for 60 issues (plus a few specials), ending in 2002, and the entire run was later collected in a series of trade paperbacks. It remains Ellis's largest work to date.
Planetary, another Wildstorm series by Ellis and John Cassaday, launched in 1999, as did Ellis's short run on the DC/Vertigo series Hellblazer.{{Cite book | last = Irvine | first = Alex | author-link = Alexander C. Irvine | contribution = John Constantine Hellblazer | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The Vertigo Encyclopedia | pages = 102–111 | publisher = Dorling Kindersley | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4122-1 | oclc = 213309015}} He left that series when DC announced, following the Columbine High School massacre, that it would not publish "Shoot", a Hellblazer story about school shootings, although the story had been written and illustrated prior to the Columbine massacre.Holmes, Thomas Alan (2005) "Warren Ellis' 'Shoot' and Media Passivity." International Journal of Comic Art. 7 (2). 370–374{{cite web |url=http://compsoc.man.ac.uk/~jp/comics/shoot/ |title="Shoot" online |publisher=Compsoc.man.ac.uk |access-date=31 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101175706/http://compsoc.man.ac.uk/~jp/comics/shoot/ |archive-date=1 January 2011}} Planetary concluded in October 2009 with issue 27.
=Return to superhero titles=
Ellis returned to Marvel Comics as part of the company's "Revolution" event, to head the "Counter-X" line of titles. This project was intended to revitalise the X-Men spin-off books Generation X, X-Man, and X-Force, but it was not successful and Ellis stayed away from mainstream superhero comics for a time.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}
In 2002, Ellis started Global Frequency, a 12-issue limited series for Wildstorm, and continued to produce work for various publishers, including DC, Avatar Press, AiT/Planet Lar, Cliffhanger and Homage Comics.
In 2004, Ellis came back to mainstream superhero comics. He took over Ultimate Fantastic Four and Iron Man for Marvel under a temporary exclusive work for hire contract.
Toward the end of 2004, Ellis released the "Apparat Singles Group", which he described as "An imaginary line of comics singles. Four imaginary first issues of imaginary series from an imaginary line of comics, even". The Apparat titles were published by Avatar, but carried only the Apparat logo on their covers.
In 2006, Ellis worked for DC on Jack Cross, which was not well received and was subsequently cancelled. For Marvel, he worked on Nextwave, a 12-issue limited series. He also worked on the Ultimate Galactus trilogy. Ellis also took over the Thunderbolts monthly title, which deals with the aftermath of the Marvel Civil War crossover.[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=86724 CONFIRMED: ELLIS & DEODATO ON THUNDERBOLTS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030154603/http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=86724 |date=30 October 2006 }}, Newsarama
In honour of the 20th anniversary of Marvel's New Universe in 2006, Ellis and illustrator Salvador Larroca created a new series that reimagines the New Universe under the title newuniversal. The first issue was released on 6 December 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/cci-day-4-ellis-talks-newuniversal/ |title= CCI, Day 4: Ellis talks "newuniversal"|publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=23 July 2006 |access-date=26 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126090222/http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=7950 |archive-date=26 November 2009}}
Ellis continued to work on several projects for different publishers, including Desolation Jones (for DC/Wildstorm) and Blackgas and Black Summer (for Avatar Press).Avatar #01 Ellis also wrote an episode of Justice League Unlimited entitled "Dark Heart".
=2007–2012=
Ellis's first prose novel, Crooked Little Vein, was published in mid-2007 by William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins).
Ellis has described himself as "a notorious pain in the arse for getting involved in book design".Introduction to 'Strange Kiss Cover Notes', Strange Kiss Scriptbook (Avatar Press, May 2000) According to a comment made in the first issue of Fell, he has more trade paperbacks in print than anyone else in the American comic industry.
On 29 July 2007, Ellis announced two new projects for Avatar Press: FreakAngels, a free long-form webcomic illustrated by Paul Duffield, and Ignition City, a five-issue miniseries.[http://www.comicsalliance.com/2007/07/29/warren-ellis-addresses-his-children-at-comic-con/ Warren Ellis Addresses His "Children" at Comic-Con] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212065210/http://www.comicsalliance.com/2007/07/29/warren-ellis-addresses-his-children-at-comic-con/ |date=12 February 2008 }}, 29 July 2007 He also has five other current series with Avatar: Anna Mercury,[https://www.cbr.com/who-is-anna-mercury-warren-ellis-gives-hints/ Who is "Anna Mercury?" Warren Ellis Gives Hints], Comic Book Resources, 14 February 2008[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=147131 Warren Ellis on Anna Mercury]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Newsarama, he also wrote thematic trilogy about the dark side of superheros Black Summer 18 February 2008 No Hero,Supergod [https://www.cbr.com/leveling-the-playing-field-ellis-talks-no-hero/ Leveling the Playing Field: Ellis talks "No Hero"], Comic Book Resources, 23 May 2008 along with two long series Doktor Sleepless and Gravel.
The first quarter of 2009 had the release of G.I. Joe: Resolute, a series of webisodes written by Warren Ellis and later released on DVD in December.
He worked with D'Israeli again in 2010–2011 for a one-off comic, SVK, to be published by BERG, a London consultancy firm. It uses a UV torch to reveal the thoughts of the characters in the story.{{cite magazine |first=Charlie |last=Burton |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2011/04/play/comics-by-torchlight |title=How Warren Ellis is using torchlight for his latest comic, SVK |magazine=Wired UK |publisher=Wired |date=3 March 2011 }}{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Prigg |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-23936207-the-comeback-of-the-comic-book.do |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505073509/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-23936207-the-comeback-of-the-comic-book.do |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=The comeback of the comic book |work=London Evening Standard |date=28 March 2011 |access-date=28 March 2011 }}
In 2010, a documentary film on Ellis, Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts, was announced for 2011 completion. Its co-producer Sequart Organization also plans on publishing, in 2011, three books studying Ellis's work: on Planetary, Transmetropolitan and Ellis's overall career. Sequart has dubbed this push "The Year of Ellis."{{cite web|url=http://www.sequart.org/magazine/168/2011-the-year-of-ellis/ |title=2011: The Year of Ellis |publisher=Sequart Research & Literacy Organization |date=30 December 2010 |access-date=27 January 2011}}
= 2013–2015: ''Gun Machine'', subsequent Marvel work and return to Image =
Ellis's second novel, hardboiled detective thriller Gun Machine, was released on 3 January 2013 by Mulholland Books.{{cite web|url=http://upcoming4.me/media-news/book-news/item/9505-warren-ellis-s-gun-machine-cover-art-and-summary-reveal|title=Warren Ellis's Gun Machine cover art and summary reveal|publisher=Upcoming4.me|author=((Upcoming4.me))|access-date=14 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716084549/http://upcoming4.me/media-news/book-news/item/9505-warren-ellis-s-gun-machine-cover-art-and-summary-reveal|archive-date=16 July 2012}} The novel follows a Manhattan detective investigating a murder, which expands into the hunt of a serial killer. Gun Machine hit The New York Times Best Sellers list and received mostly positive reviews.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jan/31/gun-machine-warren-ellis-review|title=Gun Machine by Warren Ellis – review|last=Smythe|first=James|date=31 January 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/review/warren-ellis-emgun-machineem-90268|title=Warren Ellis: Gun Machine|date=31 December 2012|access-date=19 February 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/ios-book-review-gun-machine-by-warren-ellis-8439620.html|title=IoS book review: Gun Machine, by Warren Ellis|date=6 January 2013|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=19 February 2017}} In June 2013, Ellis announced on his website that he would be ending his relationship with Mulholland Books due to "continuing issues" and cancelling the release of his short story "Dead Pig Collector".{{cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=15014|title=Cancellation of DEAD PIG COLLECTOR, Publishing Future|date=6 June 2013|publisher=warrenellis.com|access-date=30 September 2013}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.mulhollandbooks.com/2013/06/06/canceling-dead-pig-collector-by-warren-ellis/|title=Canceling "Dead Pig Collector" by Warren Ellis|date=6 June 2013|website=Mulholland Books|access-date=18 February 2017}} In July 2013, "Dead Pig Collector" was picked up by Farrar, Straus and Giroux and published as a digital original.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fsg-launch-digital-originals-line-590185|title=FSG to Launch 'Digital Originals Line with Warren Ellis' 'Dead Pig Collector'|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fsgoriginals.com/features/detail/warren-elliss-dead-pig-collector-an-american-experiment|title=Warren Ellis's Dead Pig Collector: An American Experiment|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824062526/http://www.fsgoriginals.com/features/detail/warren-elliss-dead-pig-collector-an-american-experiment|archive-date=24 August 2013|url-status=dead}}
In March 2014, Ellis relaunched Moon Knight for Marvel, with art by Declan Shalvey and colors by Jordie Bellaire.{{Cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/warren-ellis-moon-knight-declan-shalvey-jordie-bellaire-all-new-marvel-now/ |title=Marvel To Relaunch 'Moon Knight' With Warren Ellis |website=ComicsAlliance |language=en-US |access-date=19 February 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234647/http://comicsalliance.com/warren-ellis-moon-knight-declan-shalvey-jordie-bellaire-all-new-marvel-now/ |archive-date=3 March 2016}} The series received critical acclaim and helped establish Moon Knight as a major character in the Marvel Universe.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbr.com/moon-knight-1-2/|title=Moon Knight #1|date=5 March 2014|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.comicosity.com/review-moon-knight-1/|title=Review: MOON KNIGHT #1|date=3 March 2014|newspaper=Comicosity|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine|first=Jakob|last=Free|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/11/phases-of-the-moon-knight-how-marvels-mentally-ill.html|title=Phases of the Moon Knight: How Marvel's Mentally Ill Vigilante Became its Best Character|magazine=Paste|date=30 November 2016|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} Ellis ended his run after six issues, after which the series was taken on by writer Brian Wood.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbr.com/brian-wood-travels-by-night-with-moon-knight/|title=Brian Wood Travels by Night with "Moon Knight"|date=13 June 2014|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=19 February 2017}} Trees, a new creator-owned comics collaboration between Ellis and artist Jason Howard, debuted in May 2014 through Image Comics.{{Cite web|first=Albert|last=Ching|url=http://www.cbr.com/warren-ellis-confirms-new-image-series-trees/|title=Warren Ellis Confirms New Image Series, "Trees"|date=25 February 2014|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=19 February 2017}} The science fiction series explores a world in which aliens have invaded Earth, but completely ignored humans.{{Cite web|first=Hugh|last=Armitage|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/comics/news/a553996/warren-ellis-announces-trees-with-jason-howard/|title=Warren Ellis, Jason Howard for Trees|date=26 February 2014|website=Digital Spy|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} The first story arc concluded in January 2015,{{Cite web|url=https://imagecomics.com/content/view/ellis-and-howards-trees-vol.-1-takes-root-this-february|title=Ellis and Howard's TREES, VOL. 1 takes root this February {{!}} News {{!}} Image Comics|website=imagecomics.com|access-date=19 February 2017|archive-date=19 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219172246/https://imagecomics.com/content/view/ellis-and-howards-trees-vol.-1-takes-root-this-february|url-status=dead}} and was followed by a second volume, Trees: Two Forests, which ended its run in August 2016.{{Cite web|first=Rich|last=Johnston|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/09/09/well-be-getting-a-second-volume-of-trees-from-warren-ellis-and-jason-howard/|title=We'll Be Getting A Second Volume of Trees From Warren Ellis And Jason Howard|date=9 September 2014|website=Bleeding Cool|access-date=19 February 2017}} A third volume is planned.
Ellis joined main writer Kelly Sue DeConnick to co-write two issues of her Captain Marvel series in early 2015.{{Cite news|date=5 January 2015 | first=Rich|last=Johnston|url=http://www.newsarama.com/23134-warren-ellis-to-co-write-captain-marvel.html|title=WARREN ELLIS To Co-Write CAPTAIN MARVEL For a Pair of Spring Issues|website=Newsarama|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} In May 2015, Ellis reteamed with his Moon Knight collaborators Shalvey and Bellaire to publish Injection with Image Comics.{{Cite news|first=Brian|last=Truitt|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/02/16/injection-comic-book-exclusive-first-look/23481207/|title=Ellis, Shalvey poison the world with sci-fi 'Injection'|newspaper=USA Today|date=16 February 2015|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}} The creator-owned science-fiction series follows the members of a think tank given the task of improving the future, who deal with mistakes made after trying to prevent human innovation from dying off.{{Cite web|first=Kieran|last=Schiach|url=http://comicsalliance.com/injection-ellis-shalvey-bellaire-review/|title=Take Control of Your World: Revisiting 'Injection' [Review]|website=ComicsAlliance|language=en-US|date=29 September 2016|access-date=18 February 2017}}{{Cite web|first=John K.|last=Kirk|url=http://www.popmythology.com/warren-ellis-interview/|title=INTERVIEW: Warren Ellis talks about 'Injection' without crying|website=Pop Mythology|date=4 January 2016|access-date=18 February 2017}} Three volumes of Injection have been released.
Ellis launched a new ongoing comics series featuring James Bond in November 2015, published by Dynamite Entertainment in partnership with Ian Fleming Publications and illustrated by Jason Masters.{{Cite web|first=Albert|last=Ching|url=http://www.cbr.com/exclusive-warren-ellis-brings-genius-storytelling-to-dynamites-james-bond-007/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Warren Ellis Brings "Genius Storytelling" to Dynamite's "James Bond 007"|date=6 July 2015|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=18 February 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/07/james-bond-comics-warren-ellis-brutal-dynamite-jason-masters|title=James Bond due back as 'brutal, damaged' spy in comic by Warren Ellis|last=Flood|first=Alison|date=7 July 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} James Bond depicts the original character from the Ian Fleming novels, as opposed to the one in the films, but is set in present day. The first story arc, "Vargr", was followed in June 2016 with a second arc titled "Eidolon".{{Cite web|first=Jeffrey|last=Renaud|url=http://www.cbr.com/interview-warren-ellis-renews-his-license-to-kill-in-james-bond-eidolon/|title=INTERVIEW: Warren Ellis Renews His License to Kill in "James Bond: Eidolon"|date=28 March 2016|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=18 February 2017}} Ellis stepped down from the series after 12 issues in December 2016 and was succeeded as writer by Benjamin Percy. As part of Marvel's All-New All-Different relaunch, Ellis wrote the series Karnak, following the eponymous Inhuman character.{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/08/24/warren-ellis-karnak-exclusive-preview/|title=Warren Ellis previews new Inhuman-based comic, 'Karnak'|date=24 August 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} The series debuted in October 2015 with art by Gerardo Zaffino to positive reviews.{{Cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/if-you-want-to-read-an-inhumans-comic-this-week-for-th-1737952961|title=If You Want To Read An Inhumans Comic This Week, For The Love of God, Read Karnak|last=Whitbrook|first=James|website=io9|date=22 October 2015|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.comicosity.com/review-karnak-1/|title=Review: KARNAK #1|date=21 October 2015|newspaper=Comicosity|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} Karnak suffered several delays{{Cite news|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/it-was-worth-waiting-four-months-to-get-this-issue-of-k-1761074742|title=It Was Worth Waiting Four Months to Get This Issue of Karnak|last=Whitbrook|first=James|newspaper=io9|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|first=Albert|last=Ching|url=http://www.cbr.com/warren-ellis-gerardo-zaffinos-delayed-karnak-2-coming-in-february/|title=Warren Ellis & Gerardo Zaffino's Delayed "Karnak" #2 Coming in February|date=8 January 2016|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} which resulted in Zaffino being replaced by Roland Boschi.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/01/21/roland-boschi-to-join-warren-ellis-on-karnak-for-marvel-comics/|title=Roland Boschi To Join Warren Ellis on Karnak For Marvel Comics|date=21 January 2016|website=Bleeding Cool|access-date=19 February 2017}} The series ended its six-issue run in February 2017.{{Cite web|first=Heidi|last=MacDonald|url=http://www.comicsbeat.com/warren-ellis-the-horrible-little-book-karnak-is-now-finished/|title=Warren Ellis: the "horrible little book" Karnak is now finished|date=9 January 2017|website=The Beat|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}
= 2016–present: ''Normal'' and WildStorm revival =
Normal, Ellis's new novella, was serialized as four digital installments beginning in July 2016.{{Cite web|first=Cory|last=Doctorow|url=http://boingboing.net/2016/07/13/warren-elliss-normal-se.html|title=Warren Ellis's "Normal": serialized technothriller about futurists driven mad by tech-overload and bleakness|date=13 July 2016|website=Boing Boing|access-date=18 February 2017}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/07/warren-ellis-normal/|title=Warren Ellis' Normal Brings Readers a Serialized Digital Dystopia|last=Locke|first=Charley|magazine=Wired|date=13 July 2016|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en-US}} It was published as a single volume by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in November 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fsgoriginals.com/books/detail/normal-digital-serial-edition|title=Normal (Exclusive Serial Edition) : Our Books|last=humans.txt|website=fsgoriginals.com|language=en|access-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822195512/http://www.fsgoriginals.com/books/detail/normal-digital-serial-edition|archive-date=22 August 2017|url-status=dead}} The near-future thriller follows the residents of an asylum for futurists as they investigate a disappearance.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-374-53497-4|title=Fiction Book Review: Normal by Warren Ellis|newspaper=Publishers Weekly|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}} The novella received a mostly positive reception, with reviewers praising its plot, humor and commentary on the future.{{Cite web|first=Mark|last=Athitakis|url=https://www.latimes.com/books/la-ca-jc-normal-ellis-20161128-story.html|title=Warren Ellis' 'Normal' is a fast-paced dystopia about a burned-out futurist|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=2 December 2016|access-date=18 February 2017}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/warren-ellis/normal2/|title=NORMAL by Warren Ellis|magazine=Kirkus Reviews|date=29 November 2016|language=en-us}}{{Cite web|url=http://boingboing.net/2016/11/29/normal-warren-elliss-story.html|title=Normal: Warren Ellis's story of futurists driven mad by staring into the abyss of tomorrow|last=Doctorow|first=Cory|date=29 November 2016|website=Boing Boing|access-date=18 February 2017}}
In October 2016, Ellis launched Shipwreck, a new six-issue comics miniseries with artist Phil Hester, published by AfterShock Comics.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/07/07/warren-ellis-will-bring-the-six-issue-shipwreck-to-aftershock-comics/|title=Warren Ellis will bring the six-issue 'Shipwreck' to AfterShock Comics|last=Betancourt|first=David|date=7 July 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}} The series follows the survivor of a shipwreck trying to find out what happened after he washes up on another world.{{Cite magazine|first=Christian|last=Golub|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/10/04/warren-ellis-phil-hester-shipwreck/|title=Warren Ellis and Phil Hester Preview Their Surreal New Comic, 'Shipwreck'|date=4 October 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en-US}} Though Ellis has left open the possibility of expanding the book past six issues, he said he is focused finishing the story as planned first.
Despite rarely returning to his early work, in October 2016, DC Comics announced a relaunch of the WildStorm publishing line as a new imprint curated by Ellis.{{Cite web|first=Russ|last=Burlingame|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2016/10/04/exclusive-dc-to-revive-wildstorm-imprint-curated-by-warren-ellis/|title=EXCLUSIVE: DC To Revive WildStorm Imprint, Curated By Warren Ellis|website=ComicBook.com|date=4 October 2016|access-date=18 February 2017}} Taking a similar approach to Gerard Way's Young Animal imprint, DC asked Ellis to write a main series, titled The Wild Storm, and curating others set in the same universe.{{Cite magazine|first=Graeme|last=McMillan|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dc-publisher-talks-warren-ellis-latest-superhero-project-clip-975676|title=DC's Jim Lee Shares Details of Warren Ellis' Latest Superhero Project (Exclusive Clip)|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=14 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}} The series begins a complete reboot of the WildStorm Universe, with Ellis saying his goal is for the imprint to be new reader-friendly.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/02/dc-comics-writer-warren-ellis-revisits-wildstorm-superheroes.html|title=Warren Ellis Brings Us Inside the Process and Pages of The Wild Storm|last=Riesman|first=Abraham|website=Vulture|date=13 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}} The Wild Storm debuted in February 2017 with art by John Davis-Hunt. In his newsletter Orbital Operations, Ellis stated that he has a two-year plan for the series.{{Cite web|first=Tim|last=Adams|url=https://www.cbr.com/ellis-provides-new-details-on-wildstorm-expansion/|title=Ellis Provides New Details on WildStorm Expansion|website=Comic Book Resources|date=14 February 2017|access-date=1 February 2021|language=en}} Three more WildStorm series are expected to follow.{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsarama.com/33166-the-wild-storm-relaunch-expands-to-four-titles.html|title=THE WILD STORM Relaunch Expands to Four Titles|website=Newsarama|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}}
In 2017, Netflix launched a Castlevania animated television series adaptation, written and produced by Ellis.{{Cite web|last=Dornbush|first=Jonathon|date=8 February 2017|title=Netflix Announces Castlevania Animated Series|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/08/netflix-announces-castlevania-animated-series?abthid=589b9394c2467f8c7c000014http://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/02/08/netflix-announces-castlevania-animated-series?abthid=589b9394c2467f8c7c000014|access-date=18 February 2017|website=IGN|language=en-US}} Ellis had been previously hired to write a screenplay for Castlevania: Dracula's Curse, an animated film based on Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse.{{Cite web|title=Frederator Postcard Series 6.7|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/84568447@N00/2708726294/|access-date=19 February 2017|website=Flickr|date=27 July 2008}}{{cite web|date=14 October 2006|title=Castlevania|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=3133|access-date=31 December 2010|website=Warrenellis.com}} The first season of the Castlevania TV series was released in 2017,{{Cite web|first=Jonathon|last=Dornbush|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/24/netflix-castlevania-animated-series-release-date-announced-first-trailer-revealed|title=Netflix Castlevania Animated Series Release Date Announced, First Trailer Revealed|website=IGN|date=24 May 2017}} and seasons 2 through 4 were released during the period of 2018 to 2021.{{Cite web|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|title=Castlevania gets Netflix show from 'Planetary' scribe Warren Ellis|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/02/08/castlevania-gets-netflix-show-from-planetary-scribe-warren-ellis/|date=8 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017|website=VentureBeat}}{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=16 April 2021|title='Castlevania' To End With Season 4 As Netflix Eyes New Series In Same Universe|url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/castlevania-canceled-end-season-4-premiere-date-netflix-new-series-universe-1234735439/|access-date=6 June 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en-US}} Executive producer Adi Shankar confirmed that Ellis would be writing every episode.{{Cite web|first=Dave|last=Trumbore|date=9 February 2017|title=Exclusive: 'Castlevania' Producer Adi Shankar Teases Animated Series' R-Rated 'Game of Thrones' Vibe|language=en-US|website=Collider|url=https://collider.com/castlevania-animated-series-netflix-adi-shankar/|access-date=18 February 2017}}
= Planned projects =
In 2012, Ellis announced he would publish a nonfiction book, tentatively titled Spirit Tracks, with Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=14333|title=A Non-Fiction Book – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}} The book is "about the future of the city, the ghosts that haunt it and the science-fiction condition we live in." It is based on a talk Ellis gave in Berlin at a conference titled "Cognitive Cities", which was based on a series of posts on his website.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2013/08/01/warren-ellis-talks-about-his-new-novella-and-living-in-a-science-fiction-present/#15d53d7561e1|title=Warren Ellis Talks About His New Novella And Living in a Science Fiction Present|last=Knapp|first=Alex|newspaper=Forbes|access-date=19 February 2017}} At Image Expo 2015, Heartless, a new creator-owned comic book with Ellis's Supreme: Blue Rose collaborator Tula Lotay, was announced.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailydot.com/parsec/tula-lotay-heartless-supreme-blue-rose-interview/|title=Rising star artist Tula Lotay talks independent comics and collabing with Warren Ellis|date=16 July 2015|newspaper=The Daily Dot|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} {{As of|2024|May}}, Heartless has yet to be released, though Ellis has commented in 2016 that Lotay and he are working on it at their "own pace".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/05/13/the-image-comics-expo-announcements-that-went-missing-in-action/|title=The Image Comics Expo Announcements That Went Missing in Action, Lost And Found...|date=13 May 2016|website=Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News|access-date=19 February 2017}}
Finality, a new webcomic written by Ellis and illustrated by Colleen Doran, was announced in September 2016.{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsarama.com/30958-warren-ellis-colleen-doran-reunite-for-finality.html|title=WARREN ELLIS & COLLEEN DORAN Reunite for FINALITY|newspaper=Newsarama|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en}} Set to be published by Webtoon in 2017, the 26-issue weekly series follows a middle-aged female detective working a murder mystery.{{Cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/09/08/warren-elllis-colleen-doran-finality/|title=Warren Elllis and Colleen Doran Reteaming For New Webcomic, 'Finality'|date=8 September 2016|newspaper=EW.com|access-date=18 February 2017|language=en-US}}
In 2020, anime streaming platform Crunchyroll announced that it was adapting the webcomic FreakAngels as one of the first Crunchyroll Originals anime TV series.{{cite web |last1=Frye |first1=Patrick |title=Crunchyroll Originals anime in 2020 include Warren Ellis' FreakAngels, In/Spectre, Tower of God, Onyx Equinox, The God of High School, Noblesse, Meiji Gekken: Sword & Gun, and High Guardian Spice|url=https://www.animegeek.com/crunchyroll-originals-anime-2020-warren-ellis-freakangels-in-spectre-tower-of-god-onyx-equinox-the-god-of-high-school-noblesse-meiji-gekken-sword-gun-high-guardian-spice/ |website=Monsters and Critics |access-date=25 February 2020 |date=25 February 2020}}
Unrealised projects
In 2006, Ellis was hired to develop a science-fiction television series for AMC titled Dead Channel,{{Cite news|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/24043|title=Learn The Title and Premise of the AMC Sci-Fi Comedy TV Pilot GLOBAL FREQUENCY Creator Warren...|newspaper=Aint It Cool News|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/180/amc-makes-new-horror/|title=AMC Makes New Horror - Dread Central|date=2 August 2006|newspaper=Dread Central|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} but the project was put on hiatus.{{cite web |url=http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/books/feature/10-minutes-with-warren-ellis |title=10 Minutes with Warren Ellis |date=7 August 2009 |publisher=TimeOut Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716220626/http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/books/feature/10-minutes-with-warren-ellis |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=31 December 2010 }} The series followed a television network executive who discovers the existence of aliens and decides to turn the discovery into a reality show.{{Cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/warren-ellis-addresses-his-children-at-comic-con/|title=Warren Ellis Addresses His "Children" at Comic-Con|website=ComicsAlliance|date=30 July 2007 |language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}} Listener, a near-future science fiction novel, was planned as Ellis's next book after Crooked Little Vein.{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=3421|title=Second Novel: LISTENER – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|access-date=19 February 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=5745|title=Subterreanean Press Does LISTENER – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}} The novel has since been lost and cancelled.{{cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=13374|title=Who I Am And Where I Am (Oct 2011)|date=2 October 2011|publisher=Warrenellis.com|access-date=3 October 2011}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=13594|title=FAQ – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|access-date=19 February 2017}}
Wastelanders, a web-based "end-of-the-world" collaboration with director Joss Whedon, was postponed due to Whedon's work on The Avengers.{{cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/09/23/joss-whedon-plots-his-return-web/ |title=Joss Whedon Plots His Return to the Web |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=23 September 2011 |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=28 September 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092138/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20532292%2C00.html |url-status=live}} Ellis and British producer Vivek Tiwary developed an adventure thriller television miniseries title Ascension, with Idris Elba in talks to star,{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/idris-elba-to-star-in-british-astronomy-mini-241796/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322224904/http://deadline.com/2012/03/idris-elba-to-star-in-british-astronomy-mini-241796/|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2015|title=British Adventure Mini Eyes Idris Elba|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=14 March 2012|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} though nothing has come of the project.
Adaptations and nonfiction
= Film and television adaptations =
Adaptations of Ellis's works have frequently been planned, to limited success. Ellis and Cully Hamner's miniseries, Red, has been loosely adapted as two films: Red (2010) and Red 2 (2013), written by Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber, produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/red-aims-green-light-113679|title='Red' aims for green light|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/5594216/bruce-willis-reveals-that-the-movie-of-warren-ellis-ultra-violent-red-is-a-romantic-comedy|title=Bruce Willis reveals that the movie of Warren Ellis' ultra-violent Red is "a romantic comedy"|last=Davis|first=Lauren|newspaper=io9|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2599463/red-2-release-date/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220020016/http://www.mtv.com/news/2599463/red-2-release-date/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2017|title='Red 2' Targets August 2013 Release, Plot Revealed|newspaper=MTV News|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} The sequel was simply inspired by the comics as no source material exists outside the original miniseries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/17029/warren-ellis-interview-red-red-2-jonah-hex-gravel-screenwriting-and-more|title=Warren Ellis interview: RED, RED 2, Jonah Hex, Gravel, screenwriting and more|last=Leader|first=Michael|date=15 February 2011|website=Den of Geek|access-date=19 February 2017}} The Hoebers were commissioned to write a third installment in 2013,{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/red-3-works-at-summit-524638|title='Red 3' in the Works at Summit (Exclusive)|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} though no further developments have occurred since. A television series based on the Red film franchise, produced by di Bonaventura and written the Hoeber brothers, was announced as in development in 2015.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2015/08/red-movies-tv-series-adaptiation-nbc-1201499540/|title='Red' Movies Get NBC Series Adaptation|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=14 August 2015|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} The Iron Man "Extremis" story arc written by Ellis was used as the primary influence on the plot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Iron Man 3, directed by Shane Black.{{Cite news|url=https://collider.com/iron-man-3-extremis-shane-black-poster/|title=Shane Black Explains How He Adapted Warren Ellis' "Extremis" Storyline into IRON MAN 3; New Poster Released|date=6 March 2013|newspaper=Collider|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}{{better source needed|reason=This source is dated. Before the film was released, its plot was kept very secret. This seems to have been a widely circulated prerelease rumour, and the fact that the director of the film promoted said rumour before the film was released does not change that. Either a source written by people who were aware of the actual plot of the film (who were willing to disclose it) is found, or this sentence should be rewritten to say that "Elements of the plot were incorporated in the films Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 3 (2013).".|date=July 2017}} Elements of "Extremis" were also used in the first Iron Man film.{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=5914|title=IRON MAN: This One Was Mine – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}}
Global Frequency has been at various stages of adaptation since its publication. A television pilot written by John Rogers was produced in 2005,{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbr.com/tune-in-john-rogers-gregory-noveck-talk-global-frequency-tv-show/|title=Tune In: John Rogers & Gregory Noveck Talk "Global Frequency" TV Show|date=8 June 2004|newspaper=Comic Book Resources|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} but development ended after it was leaked.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbr.com/global-frequency-astronauts-in-trouble-300-superman-returns-july-29th-comic-reel-wrap/|title=Global Frequency, Astronauts in Trouble, 300, Superman Returns: July 29th Comic Reel Wrap|date=29 July 2005|newspaper=Comic Book Resources|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} Several more attempts to bring the limited series to television include writers Scott Nimerfro in 2009,{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2595498/warren-ellis-global-frequency-to-be-adapted-again/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221449/http://www.mtv.com/news/2595498/warren-ellis-global-frequency-to-be-adapted-again/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|title=Warren Ellis' 'Global Frequency' To Be Adapted (Again)|newspaper=MTV News|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} and Rockne S. O'Bannon in 2014,{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/global-frequency-tv-show-jerry-bruckheimer-fox-1201290569/|title='Global Frequency' Drama Produced By Jerry Bruckheimer Set At Fox With Big Commitment|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=20 November 2014|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} though none have materialized. Gravel was at one point being developed with Tim Miller attached as director,{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/vfx-wiz-tim-miller-digs-in-to-helm-gravel-for-legendary-pictures-244775/|title=VFX Wiz Tim Miller Digs In To Helm 'Gravel' For Legendary Pictures|last= Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=15 March 2012|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} with Ellis commissioned to write the first draft of the screenplay and serving as executive producer.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/legendary-digs-gravel-1118009750/|title=Legendary digs 'Gravel'|last=Graser|first=Marc|date=9 October 2009|newspaper=Variety|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} Black Summer has also been optioned as a feature film.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/vigilante-launching-with-black-summer-1118010712/|title=Vigilante launching with 'Black Summer'|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=2 November 2009|newspaper=Variety|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} Ellis's comics collaboration with Chris Sprouse, Ocean, has been optioned,{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/hollywood-gang-jumps-in-ocean-1117969807/|title=Hollywood Gang jumps in 'Ocean'|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=7 August 2007|newspaper=Variety|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} and Ryan Condal hired to write a screenplay.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ryan-condal-adapt-ocean-113202|title=Ryan Condal to adapt 'Ocean'|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}} Ellis's novel Gun Machine has been set up as a television series first with writer Dario Scardapane at Fox in 2012,{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2012/08/fox-buys-thriller-from-chernins-company-based-on-upcoming-warren-ellis-novel-315535/|title=Fox Buys Thriller From Chernin's Company Based On Upcoming Warren Ellis Novel|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=8 August 2012|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} and later in 2014 at the now-defunct Xbox Entertainment, with a script by Brett Conrad.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/microsoft-ready-to-unveil-xbox-originals-slate-to-advertisers-1201164988/|title=Microsoft Ready to Unveil Xbox Originals Slate to Advertisers|last=Graser|first=Marc|date=28 April 2014|newspaper=Variety|access-date=19 February 2017}} In 2016, it was announced that NBCUniversal had optioned the rights to Ellis and Jason Howard's Trees and would be developing it as a television series with Tom Hardy's production company.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/tom-hardy-trees-warren-ellis-nbcuniversal-international-studios-option-graphic-novel-series-1201826145/|title=NBCU Intl Plants 'Trees' & Swings 'Pendulum'; Options Properties For Tom Hardy's Hardy Son & Baker|last=Tartaglione|first=Nancy|date=26 September 2016|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}}
= Talks and speaking engagements =
In 2013, Ellis spoke at the HowTheLightGetsIn festival in Hay. In his first talk, titled Our Hopeless Future and Other Comedy, he discussed the power of Twitter and how it can 'break' other people's websites. In the second, Thinking Differently, he explored how the internet revolution is changing people's lives and asked whether it is changing how people think. A festival regular, he has returned in subsequent years to debate the risks and rewards of artificial intelligence with physicist Stephen Hawking and collaborator Roger Penrose.{{cite web|url=https://iai.tv/video/march-of-the-machines|title=March of the Machines. Is AI a threat to mankind?|access-date=2 November 2018}}
= Nonfiction and email newsletters =
Ellis is a contributor of nonfiction articles and columns to magazines and websites. He has been a columnist for SuicideGirls,{{cite web|url=http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/21774/|title=Warren Ellis To Join Suicide Girls As A Columnist|format=news article|access-date=8 July 2007|work=Suicide Girls|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629220034/http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/21774/|archive-date=29 June 2007}} Reuters,{{cite web|url=http://secondlife.reuters.com/stories/category/second-life/warren-ellis/|title=Second Life Sketches: Ellis Second Life Column For Reuters|publisher=Secondlife.reuters.com|access-date=31 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506040742/http://secondlife.reuters.com/stories/category/second-life/warren-ellis/|archive-date=6 May 2011}} Vice,{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/good-morning-sinners-warren-ellis-3d-printing/|title=Print Your Own Penis - VICE|website=Vice|date=10 September 2012 |language=en-us|access-date=19 February 2017}} Wired UK,{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/column---warren-ellis|title='We're living in the last days of the Roman Empire'|last=Ellis|first=Warren|newspaper=WIRED UK|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-GB|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220171147/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/column---warren-ellis|archive-date=20 February 2017}} and Esquire.{{Cite web|url=http://www.esquire.com/author/10068/warren-ellis/|title=Warren Ellis - Author Bio|website=Esquire|language=en|access-date=19 February 2017}} From 1995 to 1999, he wrote an email list titled From the Desk of, where he wrote about various subjects including the comic industry and his work. From the Desk of was collected in two print volumes by Avatar Press.{{Cite web|url=http://www.avatarpress.com/ftdo/|title=FROM THE DESK OF WARREN ELLIS|website=avatarpress.com|access-date=19 February 2017}} When technical issues forced that list to shut down in 2001, Ellis started a new email list, Bad Signal, which was described as "anarchy in your mailbox to brighten up your day".{{Cite web|url=http://www.bookslut.com/features/2004_01_001301.php|title=Bookslut {{!}} Four Questions for Warren Ellis|website=bookslut.com|access-date=19 February 2017|archive-date=18 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318182035/http://www.bookslut.com/features/2004_01_001301.php|url-status=dead}} Bad Signal was replaced in 2012, two years after its closing, by Machine Vision;{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=13945|title=MACHINE VISION: A New Email Newsletter – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}} Ellis ended Machine Vision alongside his relationship with his publisher Mulholland Books a year later.{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=15075|title=ORBITAL OPERATIONS: A New Newsletter – Warren Ellis|website=warrenellis.com|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}} Since 2013, Ellis has been writing the weekly email newsletter Orbital Operations,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/12/07/warren-ellis-wants-into-your-inbox-again/|title=Warren Ellis Wants into Your Inbox... Again (UPDATE)|date=7 December 2013|website=Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News|access-date=19 February 2017}} which features work updates and thoughts on books, comics and current events.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/beyond-the-beyond/2015/09/warren-ellis-thinking-comics/|title=Warren Ellis thinking about comics|last=Sterling|first=Bruce|newspaper=WIRED|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} As of late 2015, Orbital Operations had 13,000 subscribers.{{Cite news|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/pw-select/article/67866-embracing-his-indie-side.html|title=Why Bestselling Author Warren Ellis Chose to Self-Publish His New Book|newspaper=PublishersWeekly.com|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en}}
In 2007, Ellis launched the now-defunct message board Whitechapel as a companion to his webcomic FreakAngels,{{Cite web |date=29 November 2007 |title=Whitechapel: The Long Awaited New Warren Ellis Community is Here |url=http://www.avatarpress.com/2007/11/whitechapel-the-long-awaited-new-warren-ellis-community-is-here/ |access-date=19 February 2017 |website=avatarpress.com}} though it rapidly evolved into his internet home.{{Cite web |title=Whitechapel – Warren Ellis |url=http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=5339 |access-date=19 February 2017 |website=warrenellis.com |language=en-US}} He is frequently referred to as "The Boss", "Stalin", "The Love Swami" or "Internet Jesus" on these forums.{{cite news|title=Comic book writer's debut novel opens a new vein in U.S. culture.|last=Simmons|first=Tony|date=12 August 2007|work=The News Herald (Panama City)}} Ellis maintains a blog at his personal website, thought it is rarely updated. Beginning in 2014, he wrote regularly at Morning.Computer.{{Cite news |date=23 June 2014 |title=Morning, computer |url=http://morning.computer/2014/06/morning-computer/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220094638/http://morning.computer/2014/06/morning-computer/ |archive-date=20 February 2017 |access-date=19 February 2017 |newspaper=Morning, computer |language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://lifehacker.com/im-warren-ellis-and-this-is-how-i-work-1697494551|title=I'm Warren Ellis, and This Is How I Work|last=Orin|first=Andy|newspaper=Lifehacker|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US}} In 2015, Ellis published Cunning Plans, an ebook collection of talks he gave at technology and futurism conferences.
Sexual coercion allegations
In June 2020, several people (including musician Meredith Yayanos, artist Zoetica Ebb, and photographer Jhayne Holmes) publicly accused Ellis of sexual coercion and manipulation, in having engaged in simultaneous relationships with several of them without the others' knowledge.{{Cite web|author=Brett |date=16 June 2020|title=Cameron Stewart and Warren Ellis Accused of Sexual Misconduct|url=https://graphicpolicy.com/2020/06/16/cameron-stewart-and-warren-ellis-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/|access-date=18 June 2020|website=Graphic Policy|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=19 June 2020|first=Graeme|last=McMillan|title=Comics Writer Warren Ellis Responds to Sexual Coercion Allegations|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/comics-writer-warren-ellis-responds-sexual-coercion-allegations-1299377|access-date=20 June 2020|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Elbein|first=Asher|date=12 July 2020|title=Inside the Comic Book Industry's Sexual Misconduct Crisis—and the Ugly, Exploitative History That Got It Here|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/warren-ellis-cameron-stewart-and-the-storm-of-sexual-misconduct-allegations-roiling-the-comic-book-industry|access-date=12 July 2020}} The Daily Beast reported that "by 19 June, over 60 women had joined a group organized by Holmes, all of them accusing Ellis of a largely consistent pattern of behavior". The Guardian later reported that "roughly 100 women have come forward, while 33 of them have composed written statements, supported by emails and text messages, which have been seen by The Guardian".{{Cite news|last=Thielman|first=Sam|date=13 July 2020|title=Women speak out about Warren Ellis: 'Full and informed consent was impossible'|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jul/13/women-speak-out-about-warren-ellis-transmetropolitan|access-date=13 July 2020|issn=0261-3077}} These testimonials were posted together on a new website, SoManyofUs.com, in July 2020 and contain accounts of "manipulation, gaslighting, coercion, and other forms of emotional abuse".{{Cite web|last=Whitbrook|first=James|date=13 July 2020|title=Warren Ellis' Accusers Launch New Push to Seek Transformative Justice|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/warren-ellis-accusers-launch-new-push-to-seek-transfor-1844365934|access-date=14 July 2020|website=io9}}
Ellis responded, writing that he had not considered that others would see him as having "a position of power and privilege", and that "I have hurt many people that I had no intention of hurting. I am culpable. I take responsibility for my mistakes. I will do better and for that, I apologize."{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Rich |date=19 June 2020 |title=Warren Ellis Accused of Grooming Young Women For Decades |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/warren-ellis-accused-of-grooming-young-women-for-decades/ |access-date=20 June 2020 |website=Bleeding Cool |language=en-US}} DC Comics subsequently announced that, at Ellis's request, a two-page story written by him would not be included in an upcoming anthology.{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Rich |title=Warren Ellis Dinosaur Batman Story Removed From Death Metal |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dc-comics-pulls-warren-ellis-dinosaur-batman-story-from-death-metal/ |website=Bleeding Cool|date=19 June 2020 }}{{Cite web|last=Grunenwald|first=Joe|date=20 June 2020|title=Warren Ellis-written story removed from DEATH METAL tie-in one-shot|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/warren-ellis-death-metal-tie-in-story-removed/|access-date=20 June 2020|website=The Beat|language=en-US}} Ellis ended his long-running email newsletter, which he had published under various titles since 1995.{{Cite web|issue=June 2020|first=Chris|last=Arrant|title=DC pulls Warren Ellis's Death Metal story following series of allegations|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/dc-pulls-warren-elliss-death-metal-story-following-series-of-allegations/|access-date=21 June 2020|website=GamesRadar|date=20 June 2020|language=en}}
In mid-July 2020, The Guardian reported "Ellis responded to these accounts with self-pity and what seemed to be genuine contrition. [...] Ellis insists that the problem was relationship trouble, 'not predatory behaviour', but concedes that '[t]here is a differing of perception here, and I've been listening to it'. He said he was going to try therapy on the advice of friends". The Hollywood Reporter later reported Ellis would not be returning to Castlevania for subsequent seasons and that a planned Batman comic would no longer be moving forward.{{cite web|last1=McMillan|first1=Graeme|last2=Drury|first2=Sharareh|last3=Couch|first3=Aaron|date=31 July 2020|title=Comic Book Industry Reckons With Abuse Claims: "I Don't Want This to Happen to Anyone Else"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/comic-book-industry-reckons-abuse-claims-i-dont-want-happen-anyone-1305217|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}
In June 2021, a week after Ben Templesmith announced that he would be reteaming with Ellis for new issues of Fell, Image Comics announced that they would not be publishing the series following negative reaction from within the industry.{{cite web|last=McMillan|first=Graeme|date=25 June 2021|title=Image Backtracks on Publishing Warren Ellis Comic After Outcry|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/warren-ellis-image-comics-fell-canceled-1234974036/|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}
An update on SoManyofUs.com informed that Ellis reached out to the collective which created the site. He wrote that he was made aware of the offer of a mediated dialogue and that he would be available to begin a conversation.{{cite web | url=https://www.somanyofus.com/updates#june-24-2021 | title=Updates }} After having closed his newsletter in June 2020, he used it again to inform his subscribers about this development.
In an update in January 2022, SoManyofUs.com reported that their members have been in a mediated dialogue with Ellis since August 2021 and that they were making progress in a guided transformative justice process.{{cite web | url=https://www.somanyofus.com/updates#january-31-2022 | title=Updates }} In February 2022, Ellis relaunched his newsletter, in which he linked to the SoManyofUs.com update and website.{{cite web | url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/warren-ellis-newsletter-mediation-so-many-of-us/ | title=Warren Ellis Relaunches Newsletter, Talks Mediation and So Many of Us | date=7 February 2022 }} On January 19, 2023, SoManyOfUs.com once again updated the site, alleging that Ellis "took none of the steps we hoped he would", stating "we do not anticipate our involvement in any progress he might make in the future."{{cite web | url=https://www.somanyofus.com/updates#january-19-2023 | title=Updates }}
Awards
- 2001 Eagle Award – Favourite Comics Story (for The Authority: The Nativity)
- 2003 Wizard Magazine Best One-Shot (for Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth){{cite web|url=http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/wizard03.php |title=11th Annual Wizard Fan Awards |publisher=Hahnlibrary.net |access-date=12 January 2012}}
- 2004 Sidewise Award for Alternate History (for Ministry of Space)
- 2007 Eagle Award – Favourite Comics Writer
- 2007 Eagle Award – Favourite New Comicbook (for Nextwave)
- 2007 Eagle Award – Favourite Comics Story (for Nextwave #1–6)
- 2007 Eagle Award Roll of Honour{{Cite web|url=http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/results.asp?year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529043839/http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/results.asp?year=2006|title=The Eagle Awards – Results|archive-date=29 May 2007}}
- 2010 Eagle Award – Favourite Comics Writer
- 2010 Eagle Award – Favourite Web-Based Comic (for FreakAngels)
Bibliography
{{Main|Warren Ellis bibliography}}
Filmography
= Television =
= Video games =
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year !Title !Credit !Notes !Ref. |
| 2001
|Writer | |
| 2005
|Writer | |
| 2008
|Writer |With Rick Remender and Antony Johnston |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{wikiquote}}
{{commons}}
- {{official website}}
- {{IMDb name|1979137|Warren Ellis}}
- {{iblist name|id=1381|name=Warren Ellis}}
- {{ISFDB name|7210}}
- {{gcdb|type=credit|search=Warren+Ellis}}
- {{comicbookdb|type=creator|id=1}}
- {{LCAuth|no97008696|Warren Ellis|67|ue}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box | title=Excalibur writer| before=Scott Lobdell|after=Ben Raab| years=1994–1996}}
{{succession box | title=Thor writer| before=Roy Thomas| after=William Messner-Loebs| years=1995–1996}}
{{succession box | title=Stormwatch writer| before=H. K. Proger| after=Micah Ian Wright
(Team Achilles)| years=1996–1998}}
{{succession box | title=Wolverine writer| before=Larry Hama|after=Chris Claremont| years=1997–1998}}
{{succession box | title=Hellblazer writer| before=Garth Ennis| after=Brian Azzarello| years=1999}}
{{succession box | title=The Authority writer| before=n/a| after=Mark Millar| years=1999–2000}}
{{succession box | title=Ultimate Fantastic Four writer| before=Brian Michael Bendis
Mark Millar| after=Mark Millar| years=2004–2005}}
{{succession box | title=Iron Man writer| before=Mark Scott Ricketts | after=Daniel and Charles Knauf | years=2005–2006}}
{{succession box | title=Thunderbolts writer| before=Fabian Nicieza| after= Christos Gage| years=2007–2008}}
{{succession box | title=Astonishing X-Men writer| before=Joss Whedon| after=Daniel Way
Christos Gage| years=2008–2010}}
{{succession box | title=Secret Avengers writer| before=Nick Spencer| after=Rick Remender| years=2011–2012}}
{{succession box | title=Moon Knight writer| before=Brian Michael Bendis| after= Brian Wood| years=2014}}
{{end}}
{{Warren Ellis|state=expanded}}
{{The Authority (comics)}}
{{Stormwatch (comics)}}
{{Portal bar |Comics |Speculative fiction |Biography}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellis, Warren}}
Category:20th-century English male writers
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Category:English male novelists
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Category:British futurologists
Category:Marvel Comics writers
Category:Sidewise Award winners