The Man Behind Too Much Coffee Man

Shannon Wheeler is the creator of the comic Too Much Coffee Man, a character who has been featured in his own Converse ad, Bob Dorough song, and opera.

Steve Johnson: Ok, I've got to start by asking where you came up with the idea for Too Much Coffee Man. You've probably been asked before, but humor a hopeless fanboy one more time.

Shannon Wheeler: The 3rd issue of the comic (the origin issue) really does spell it out. But basically, I was trying to come up with something stupid. I had been trying to make intelligent comics for a while and I just thought, "what's the stupidest thing I can think of".

SJ: A lot of issues of TMCM aren't exactly what you'd call "uplifting." Is Our Hero voicing your own problems/worries/regrets/existential crises/whatever, or does he just drink too damn much coffee?

SW: In order for TMCM to stay interesting for me he's had to bear the weight of all my neurosis. A lot of his rants are simply the articulation of my internal dialogs. He also drinks too much coffee.

SJ: Ok, the next thing we all want to know about is the Converse Commercial. How'd that happen? I'd just read issue 2 or 3 of this little indy comic I was pretty sure only I gave a damn about when I saw TMCM himself stuffing a shoe in his coffee pot. Did they just sort of find you, or did you seek out the opportunity?

SW: They came to me. I wouldn't even know how to go about getting a gig like that. I'm still amazed that it went on TV. Some kids really did think that I got the idea for my comic book from the commercial.

SJ: On a similar note, how about the Bob Dorough (of Schoolhouse Rock fame) song?

SW: The Bob Dorough song came about through an animation company that I licenced TMCM to. I was talking to one of their directors about mood and I expressed how much I like the music in the Peanuts cartoons. I thought it would be great if we could get an old school jazz musician like Bob Dorough involved with our project. He said that Bob was in their studio yesterday and it would be no problem to get him to do a theme song. Amazing, but true.

The cartoon has been a slow train to leave the station but Bob asked me recently if I'd be interested in doing the cover to his cd. I'm still overwhelmed by that.

SJ: What's up with the cartoon? A few newsletters back, it seemed like things were looking good, but I haven't heard anything recently. Can we hope to see it anytime soon?

SW: Soon? Who knows. But Comedy Central has expressed some interest. I'm still counting on my comic book and my illustration work to be my living. If the cartoon does start to roll I'm going to throw myself into it with a passion. I really want to do a cartoon.

SJ: DarkHorse has published a few of your one-shots and collections, but most of your work has been self-published. Do you prefer self- publishing to working for one of the larger companies?

SW: There are pluses and minuses to each. I liked being involved with the "Dark Horse Presents." I'd like to do some more short stories for them.

SJ: While we're on the subject of comics, what do you read?

SW: Recently I've read Sock Monkey, Dr Robot, and a graphic novel about bees.

SJ: In a recent newsletter, you mentioned that you were going to be teaching over the summer. Is this a new experience for you?

SW: It's a brand new experience. I just taught my second class yesterday. I loved it. My favorite part is putting up a slide of a comic page and having everyone analyze it. I can't believe that I'm giving homework assignments and people are doing them.

SJ: What other projects are you working on these days?

SW: I'm doing some small animations for www.AngryCoffee.com. I'm also working to change the format of my comic book. I'm going to make it bigger and I'll include interviews and articles. I'm planning on going bimonthly. I have a small crew of people who I've involved. I even have someone in prison who's reviewing prison coffee (it's bad).

SJ: I get the impression you're a bit of a "They Might Be Giants Fan." What other musicians/bands do you enjoy? Any obscure musicians you'd like to recommend to our readers?

SW: Cibo Matto, Cake, Hole, and Southern Culture on the Skids.

SJ: What's the single weirdest thing that's ever happened to you (not counting being asked this question)?

SW: I was talking badly about a girl and she walked up. She was the last person I expected to see. I was in a small town in Italy at the time.

SJ: TMCM has shown up in some pretty cool places. Besides the Dorough song, Robin Williams was seen wearing a TMCM T-shirt and Patch Adams is apparently an avid fan. I'm guessing they all give you a warm feeling down in the sub-cockle area, but does one stand out in your mind?

SW: When I talked to Henry Rollins I was pretty overwhelmed. I used to go see Black Flag when I was in High School

It doesn't really seem real. I still can't believe I did a cd cover for Bob Dorough.

SJ: Unfortunately, not all comic stores are as cool and informed as those who carry your comic. If someone can't find your comics and merchandise locally, where can they go?

SW: Ask your shop to carry it. A little good word of mouth goes a long way. I also have a list of shops posted on my website. Check out the site. Lot's of downloads of icons, desktops, and even a screensaver.

SJ: Do you have time for one more question?

SW: No.