Reading some articles on Bleeding Cool's website I read an interesting statement over the persona of one of the best Dredd writers: Ken Niemand and Gordon Rennie both have strips in current 2000AD, despite being the same person, which is a good trick if you can manage it
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2000ad-starts-new-stories-in-rebellions-april-2024-solicits/#:~:text=New%20stories%20start%20this%20month,dark%20in%20%22Iron%20Teeth%22! (https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2000ad-starts-new-stories-in-rebellions-april-2024-solicits/#:~:text=New%20stories%20start%20this%20month,dark%20in%20%22Iron%20Teeth%22!)
I seem to remember Gordon denying that rumour here on the board. Their writing styles seem different to me but that may be some kind of cognitive bias on my part of course.
I wonder if he was being sarcastic and taking the piss out the rumour mill in some parts.
Really don't know as hard to tell but possible.
I was thinking it was Gordon writing as Neimand.Couldn't really think who else it could be.
I've never bought the Rennie is Niemand theory. Gordon is prolific but this kind of double-barrelled output is Stakhanovite. Besides, the styles are too different, as has been stated before.
If GR is Niemand, could he really lose the Scottish burr and adopt a gentle Yorkshire accent for a full 20 minutes, as witnessed here?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVDcn8LNas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVDcn8LNas)
When I heard Neimand say he had 'briefly interviewed Noam Chomsky' years ago I thought for a moment he might be journo Ian Dunt moonlighting as a fiction writer. But he was on the MCBC podcast (https://megacitybookclub.blogspot.com/2022/03/179-brink-book-2.html) and sounds nothing like the guy on Thrill-Cast.
I believe there's strong suspicion that Niemand's 'real' name is also Gordon, but that's just a coincidence.
(Unless sharing a name with an arrogant Express Locomotive makes you good at writing Judge Dredd comics)
Quote from: GoGilesGo on 27 January, 2024, 11:44:50 AMIf GR is Niemand, could he really lose the Scottish burr and adopt a gentle Yorkshire accent for a full 20 minutes, as witnessed here?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVDcn8LNas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVDcn8LNas)
When I heard Neimand say he had 'briefly interviewed Noam Chomsky' years ago I thought for a moment he might be journo Ian Dunt moonlighting as a fiction writer. But he was on the MCBC podcast (https://megacitybookclub.blogspot.com/2022/03/179-brink-book-2.html) and sounds nothing like the guy on Thrill-Cast.
When I first heard that 'cast I had a strong sense that it was an actor reading out responses from the real N-AI-mand.
Let's list the top ten theories so far:
1. GRumpie and N-AI-mand are the same entity (adopting different writing styles.)
2. They are clones.
3. They are twins.
4. The latter is a golem built by the former as research for Crabappleistics Inc.
5. They're both Scottish (for, verily, there is more than one Scot capable of writing), but sworn enemies.
6. The N-AI-mand entity was trained on all previous Dredd writers, so has Gordon-bits in him.
7. Group hallucination.
8. It's actually Frank but playing the long game.
9. It's Ian Dunt!
10. Gordon Freeman?
Funt Solo you are the best of us!
Maybe it's a collective, that includes Gordon...
Quote from: GoGilesGo on 27 January, 2024, 11:44:50 AMWhen I heard Neimand say he had 'briefly interviewed Noam Chomsky' years ago I thought for a moment he might be journo Ian Dunt moonlighting as a fiction writer
If he interviewed Noam
Chimpsky Chomsky then chances are he's on this list. (https://chomsky.info/interviews/) Let's get to it!
Quote from: norton canes on 28 January, 2024, 12:20:41 PMQuote from: GoGilesGo on 27 January, 2024, 11:44:50 AMWhen I heard Neimand say he had 'briefly interviewed Noam Chomsky' years ago I thought for a moment he might be journo Ian Dunt moonlighting as a fiction writer
If he interviewed Noam Chimpsky Chomsky then chances are he's on this list. (https://chomsky.info/interviews/) Let's get to it!
My money's on the following:
Quote from: that-listTurkey and The US War On Iraq. Anonymous interviewer. April 3, 2003.
I used to think Dan Abnett was a pseudonym for John Wagner, and that Kek W was Mark Millar. So I'd best sit this one out.
lol, I've told people in the past conclusive evidence as to who it is and since then even more proof came to pass but hey let people believe what they want.
Quote from: BPP on 29 January, 2024, 03:50:02 PMlol, I've told people in the past conclusive evidence as to who it is and since then even more proof came to pass but hey let people believe what they want.
But now you don't want to tell us?
Feel free to DM me
Quote from: BPP on 29 January, 2024, 06:41:05 PMFeel free to DM me
If I DM you, and then you tell me your theory, then I'll immediately repeat it here in the open, absolutely regardless of any other context you provide. So, you could just cut out the middle man and tell us all your theory. :)
Quote from: broodblik on 27 January, 2024, 05:34:15 AMReading some articles on Bleeding Cool's website I read an interesting statement over the persona of one of the best Dredd writers: Ken Niemand and Gordon Rennie both have strips in current 2000AD, despite being the same person, which is a good trick if you can manage it
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2000ad-starts-new-stories-in-rebellions-april-2024-solicits/#:~:text=New%20stories%20start%20this%20month,dark%20in%20%22Iron%20Teeth%22! (https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2000ad-starts-new-stories-in-rebellions-april-2024-solicits/#:~:text=New%20stories%20start%20this%20month,dark%20in%20%22Iron%20Teeth%22!)
I wouldn't give that gutter press site a click, and would take anything from that shit-stirring tosser with a pinch of extra hot chili powder.
That said, the distinguished BPP is of honourable repute.
Quote from: BPP on 29 January, 2024, 03:50:02 PMlol, I've told people in the past conclusive evidence as to who it is and since then even more proof came to pass but hey let people believe what they want.
I personally believe that prog 2300 is a bit of a smoking gun with regard to Neimand's identity.
Well they have Simon and Schuster in on the gag as well
https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Kenneth-Niemand/183831018
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 29 January, 2024, 02:20:12 PMI used to think Dan Abnett was a pseudonym for John Wagner, and that Kek W was Mark Millar. So I'd best sit this one out.
I do indeed ... Kek-W was Mark Millar .... whatever did Kek-W do to deserve such a scathing insult!!!!!!
Is there a good reason this thread is so cryptic? I don't understand what's going on at all. :crazy:
Those are the best types of threads in these parts.
All the more fun when we stray into arcane misunderstanding territory and dairy-product approaches to iPod maintenance!
Thank you.
Niemand is 'nobody' in Dutch/Afrikaans. Ken Niemand might translate as "know no-one".
Sorry to disturb. I was looking for the bathroom.
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 12:04:37 AMQuote from: BPP on 29 January, 2024, 03:50:02 PMlol, I've told people in the past conclusive evidence as to who it is and since then even more proof came to pass but hey let people believe what they want.
I personally believe that prog 2300 is a bit of a smoking gun with regard to Neimand's identity.
Oh man, this is killing me. I've scoured that prog and, unless Niemand is a zombie, found no clues. Ya breakin' my balls, Cow.
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 12:04:37 AMQuote from: BPP on 29 January, 2024, 03:50:02 PMlol, I've told people in the past conclusive evidence as to who it is and since then even more proof came to pass but hey let people believe what they want.
I personally believe that prog 2300 is a bit of a smoking gun with regard to Neimand's identity.
Oh man, this is killing me. I've scoured that prog and, unless Niemand is a zombie, found no clues. Ya breakin' my balls, Cow.
QuoteI do indeed ... Kek-W was Mark Millar .... whatever did Kek-W do to deserve such a scathing insult!!!!!!
I know, I know. Sorry, Kek. No one deserves that. At least the Space Spinner boys would like his stuff though ;)
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 03 February, 2024, 11:39:39 AMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 12:04:37 AMI personally believe that prog 2300 is a bit of a smoking gun with regard to Neimand's identity.
Oh man, this is killing me. I've scoured that prog and, unless Niemand is a zombie, found no clues. Ya breakin' my balls, Cow.
It's what
isn't in the prog that's most interesting. No mention at all of a particular script droid. Just sayin'...
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 04:09:17 PMQuote from: JayzusB.Christ on 03 February, 2024, 11:39:39 AMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 12:04:37 AMI personally believe that prog 2300 is a bit of a smoking gun with regard to Neimand's identity.
Oh man, this is killing me. I've scoured that prog and, unless Niemand is a zombie, found no clues. Ya breakin' my balls, Cow.
It's what isn't in the prog that's most interesting. No mention at all of a particular script droid. Just sayin'...
So, you're firmly in the "It's Rennie" camp, then? (Although, he is credited in the crossover Meg 448 Missionary Man tale.)
Script droids in prog 2300:
- Ken N-AI-mand
- Mike Carroll
- Emma Beeby
- Karl Stock
- Dan Abnett
- Ian Edginton
- Arthur Wyatt
- Rob Williams
And Meg 448:
- Ken N-AI-mand
- Karl Stock
- Honor Vincent
- Gordon
Niemand Rennie
- James Peaty
- Liam Johnson
- Mike Carroll
I'm more interested in the why than the who(m).
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 04:09:17 PMQuote from: JayzusB.Christ on 03 February, 2024, 11:39:39 AMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 12:04:37 AMI personally believe that prog 2300 is a bit of a smoking gun with regard to Neimand's identity.
Oh man, this is killing me. I've scoured that prog and, unless Niemand is a zombie, found no clues. Ya breakin' my balls, Cow.
It's what isn't in the prog that's most interesting. No mention at all of a particular script droid. Just sayin'...
Fair point... I also noticed that Absalom featured in the Dredd story along with all the old time classic characters. Curiouser and curiouser, said Alice.
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 03 February, 2024, 05:14:45 PMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 04:09:17 PMIt's what isn't in the prog that's most interesting. No mention at all of a particular script droid. Just sayin'...
So, you're firmly in the "It's Rennie" camp, then? (Although, he is credited in the crossover Meg 448 Missionary Man tale.)
Nope, I definitely do
not think it's Rennie.
The clues:
- Tharg trusted this writer immediately with Dredd -- that's no small matter. (And no, I don't think it's Mark Millar :lol:)
- Prog 2300. Prog 2300. Prog 2300. How many times can I say it?
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 03 February, 2024, 06:51:05 PMI also noticed that Absalom featured in the Dredd story along with all the old time classic characters
I noticed that, as well - but then there was also (for modern characters) Nikolai Dante, Sin Dex, Gene the Hackman & Langosta Random. So - maybe Niemand is really Simon Spurrier, Dan Abnett, Dan Abnett or Dan Abnett.
---
I've developed my own theory now about who it could be - but the closer I get to thinking I'm correct, the more I don't want to say it out loud. I mean - they've gone to all the trouble of coming up with a secret identity, so it'd be a bit bummy to blurt it out. (I realize this goes against exactly what I said up-thread, but I may be experiencing the first glimmer of a conscience.)
I should come up with a second theory, then posit that to throw people off the track. My creative writing teacher, Anna Blares, used to advocate that method for when you're trying to cover up plot twists.
I vaguely recall some comment about one of those M-authors with a thing for the number 23. Is that the cryptic clue?
This is worse than that notpr0n game.
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 07:33:13 PMQuote from: Funt Solo [R] on 03 February, 2024, 05:14:45 PMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 04:09:17 PMIt's what isn't in the prog that's most interesting. No mention at all of a particular script droid. Just sayin'...
So, you're firmly in the "It's Rennie" camp, then? (Although, he is credited in the crossover Meg 448 Missionary Man tale.)
Nope, I definitely do not think it's Rennie.
The clues:
- Tharg trusted this writer immediately with Dredd -- that's no small matter. (And no, I don't think it's Mark Millar :lol:)
- Prog 2300. Prog 2300. Prog 2300. How many times can I say it?
Oh, right! It's a sequel. I get it.
Oh.
Is it Delia Smith?
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 03 February, 2024, 07:47:52 PMI've developed my own theory now about who it could be - but the closer I get to thinking I'm correct, the more I don't want to say it out loud. I mean - they've gone to all the trouble of coming up with a secret identity, so it'd be a bit bummy to blurt it out.
A very wise point.
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 03 February, 2024, 07:54:08 PMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 07:33:13 PMQuote from: Funt Solo [R] on 03 February, 2024, 05:14:45 PMQuote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 04:09:17 PMIt's what isn't in the prog that's most interesting. No mention at all of a particular script droid. Just sayin'...
So, you're firmly in the "It's Rennie" camp, then? (Although, he is credited in the crossover Meg 448 Missionary Man tale.)
Nope, I definitely do not think it's Rennie.
The clues:
- Tharg trusted this writer immediately with Dredd -- that's no small matter. (And no, I don't think it's Mark Millar :lol:)
- Prog 2300. Prog 2300. Prog 2300. How many times can I say it?
Oh, right! It's a sequel. I get it.
As in the Stront story is a sequel of the Dredd one? I'm feeling very thick here.
Garth Ennis. :o
Okay, so I've collated the ten most promising theories so far (deffo for real this time):
1. The Kenny Who? Theory: it's Ken N-AI-mand.
2. The Frank 'n' Furtive Theory: it's Gordon Rennie.
3. The Freeman Theory: it's Gordon someone.
4. The Chompsky Theory: it's journo Ian Dunt.
5. Collective Irresponsibility: it's more than one writer.
6. The Judgement Day Theory: it's that Preacher guy.
7. The Captain Nemo Theory: it's Alan Moore.
8. The Truth is Out There: [BPP will tell you, but only in private].
9. The Betelgusian Smokescreen: it's Alan Barnes.
10. The AvP Theory: it's James Worrall.
Well, if I was Garth, I wouldn't advertise the fact that I was back on Dredd, after the likes of that mutant teddy bear story in the 90s. Though I'm willing to bet he'd do a cracking job on Dredd these days.
But... If it was him, his anagrammatic namesake Tharg would have his name plastered all over the prog by way of gaining publicity, one would imagine.
I still have absolutely no idea how prog 2300 hints at who Ken Niemand is, and it feels like I'm walking with a pebble in my shoe.
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 04 February, 2024, 09:56:10 AMI still have absolutely no idea how prog 2300 hints at who Ken Niemand is
The theory goes like this: the entire structure of the 2300/448 crossover story is draped over an alternity version of Judgement Day, which was scripted by a (big name) droid who doesn't even get mentioned. The Nerve Centre provides the preamble, y'see.
Where the theory falls down:
- They
are explicitly mentioned in the Meg's blurb.
- There are no thinly-disguised Beano characters.
- It's not set in WWII.
- He was happy to put his name to
Judge Dredd vs. Robo-Hunter in prog 2351.
Conspiratorial lean-ins:
- When was the last time we had a cross-dimensional Dredd tale with art by Henry Flint?
- N-AI-mand really does know their Dredd-lore very well, and how to write comics.
Suppose he's going for a John Wagner vibe as he first wrote under a pseudonym T.B Grover
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 04 February, 2024, 05:00:25 PMQuote from: JayzusB.Christ on 04 February, 2024, 09:56:10 AMI still have absolutely no idea how prog 2300 hints at who Ken Niemand is
The theory goes like this: the entire structure of the 2300/448 crossover story is draped over an alternity version of Judgement Day, which was scripted by a (big name) droid who doesn't even get mentioned. The Nerve Centre provides the preamble, y'see.
Where the theory falls down:
- They are explicitly mentioned in the Meg's blurb.
- There are no thinly-disguised Beano characters.
- It's not set in WWII.
- He was happy to put his name to Judge Dredd vs. Robo-Hunter in prog 2351.
Conspiratorial lean-ins:
- When was the last time we had a cross-dimensional Dredd tale with art by Henry Flint?
- N-AI-mand really does know their Dredd-lore very well, and how to write comics.
Thanks, Funt, I genuinely appreciate you filling me in on that. It was wrecking my head much more than it should have.
If on the off chance it's true, it's good to see that the droid in question has given up on the 70s Dreddisms like 'swell' and 'lousy'.
Why he can't it just be someone called Kenneth Niemand?
Because Kenneth Niemand said he wasn't.
Thanks for explaining the Prog 2300 theory Funt Solo. I was also oblivious to all this. Where is this stuff still being rolled over? Are the Facebook Groups still puesdo-sluething?
I reckon its Matt Smith covering this writing in the comic he edits. After all he was moving towards writing a lot a few years ago and we haven't seen a credit from him for quite some time and this is cos he actually decided to use the puesdonym we're discussing.*
*I actually don't think this but just wanted to add to the mix cos everyone seems to be having such fun.
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 04 February, 2024, 05:00:25 PM:
- When was the last time we had a cross-dimensional Dredd tale with art by Henry Flint?
This went over my head. Now I'm 5 beers up it makes loads of sense
Quote from: M.I.K. on 04 February, 2024, 07:46:32 PMBecause Kenneth Niemand said he wasn't.
When did he say that?
Quote from: Richard on 04 February, 2024, 10:25:26 PMQuote from: M.I.K. on 04 February, 2024, 07:46:32 PMBecause Kenneth Niemand said he wasn't.
When did he say that?
Podcast interview with Molch-R, linked to up-thread.
Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVDcn8LNas)
(https://i.imgur.com/BqzueIP.png)
But, if you want to don the full tin foil hat, you can adopt Fargo* levels of source distrust, and just not believe what's being said in that interview.
*A movie that claims to be based on a true story, but isn't.---
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 04 February, 2024, 10:11:22 PMThis went over my head. Now I'm 5 beers up it makes loads of sense
Yeah - Helter Skelter.
---
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 04 February, 2024, 08:49:16 PMI reckon its Matt Smith
That's a good one! Figure it's as likely as any of the others.
Quote from: 2000BC on 04 February, 2024, 04:21:41 AMGarth Ennis. :o
"Aaugh! Garth Ennis! What are you doing to me?" (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?msg=1108925)
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 07:33:13 PMProg 2300. Prog 2300. Prog 2300. How many times can I say it?
Okay, so now we know 2300 is a big clue, I think I know who it is.
'3' looks like an M on its side.
'0' looks like an O.
Therefore '300' actually means 'moo'. And who says moo? A cow, of course!
The two tells us to put something in second place, rather than leave a gap, thus the real identity is proven by...
Quote from: A.Cow on 03 February, 2024, 07:33:13 PMMoo! Moo! Moo! How many times can I say it?
And I am absolutely certain I'm right. Unless it's some udder fellow.
Quote from: Dash Decent on 05 February, 2024, 07:45:27 AMQuote from: 2000BC on 04 February, 2024, 04:21:41 AMGarth Ennis. :o
"Aaugh! Garth Ennis! What are you doing to me?" (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?msg=1108925)
I'm going to allow myself an egotistical HA! there... HA!
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 05 February, 2024, 01:30:20 AMQuoteI reckon its Matt Smith
I personally do not think its Matt. Niemand was present on X but one of the last twitters he had a go at Leonardo Manco. The way Matt operates or I have seen him doing things it is not him.
I am also convince it can not be Garth. If I were Rebellion I would have plastered this on verything Garth is back on the prog
Does Matt Smith do much video games writing?
Quote from: broodblik on 05 February, 2024, 07:57:38 AMI am also convince it can not be Garth. If I were Rebellion I would have plastered this on verything Garth is back on the prog
Just perhaps not if he asked you very nicely not to.
---
I do rather like the idea that what he said in the interview is true - and that he's new to 2000 AD, but had an intro from existing droids.
Ennis has always been open about his original Dredd run being kind of rubbish so it could make sense him wanting to have a fresh go at it without the baggage of his previous efforts hanging over it.
But can't see why he'd create original work like megatroplis under a pseudonym though.
To me none of Niemand's writing feels like Ennis.
Only one way to be sure. Need to go back through his strips scanning for pogues references.
So did any of youse actually send BPP a pm, or is this 4 pages of insanity just too much fun?
Quote from: Link Prime on 06 February, 2024, 09:33:43 AMSo did any of youse actually send BPP a pm, or is this 4 pages of insanity just too much fun?
I need to catch-up with the number of posts you did, so lets continue this insanity
Quote from: Link Prime on 06 February, 2024, 09:33:43 AMSo did any of youse actually send BPP a pm, or is this 4 pages of insanity just too much fun?
I did but didn't see a reply. No hassle though, it's been more fun as you say to go down this rabbit hole.
Erm, well my guess would be it's Major Molcher, in the dining room, with the candle stick.
Love the idea that Molch-R would interview himself. :lol:
---
I'm such a forum-hound that it went against the grain to PM someone just to hear their theory - which (in all likelihood) is about as accurate as anyone else's complete shots in the dark.
It's fun to think you have a smoking gun, but in most cases they've been spud guns.
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 06 February, 2024, 03:45:16 PMLove the idea that Molch-R would interview himself. :lol:
I now have visions of Molch-R asking a question, running to a different mike while pasting on a fake beard and answering in his best made up voice.
I so want this to be true!
David Bishop interviewed himself, if I recall correctly.
Quote from: Richard on 06 February, 2024, 05:25:22 PMDavid Bishop interviewed himself, if I recall correctly.
I'm sure he posed himself some challenging questions. :)
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 06 February, 2024, 05:44:58 PMQuote from: Richard on 06 February, 2024, 05:25:22 PMDavid Bishop interviewed himself, if I recall correctly.
I'm sure he posed himself some challenging questions. :)
To be far to ol' Dark Days he can be very hard on himself. Still say he doesn't get the credit he deserves.
He pretty much saved the prog from ending!
From the very few and limited interactions I've had with the man, he strikes me as a perfect gent.
Ya think he's N-AI-mand?
Who knows? Maybe N-AI-mand's you...
...and you're just funting with us.
I initially bought the official story, though if pushed to point any fingers, I'd go with the Grennie based more on Ken's Twitter feed than the increasing verbiage of the N-AI-Mand strips
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 06 February, 2024, 07:30:14 PMWho knows? Maybe N-AI-mand's you...
...and you're just funting with us.
I can only dream impossible dreams of being an accomplished scripter of comics - like grasping at the moon to try and capture it.
Quote from: broodblik on 06 February, 2024, 10:16:51 AMQuote from: Link Prime on 06 February, 2024, 09:33:43 AMSo did any of youse actually send BPP a pm, or is this 4 pages of insanity just too much fun?
I need to catch-up with the number of posts you did, so lets continue this insanity
You already overtook on post quality a long time ago pal.