Reggie Atkinson: Oh God. Oh God. I went to war with the Nazis... and for 25 years, all I’ve been scared of is Americans.

Christ, would you look at that shite? Supes an’ religion, the two worst things on the planet.

I get down on my knees every mornin’ an’ give eternal thanks for the existence of girls in a otherwise pointless universe.

It would have shown people that I was prepared to do that kind of work, although I find myself in a position now where I don’t really need to and I could pick and choose the kind of characters I’d like to do.

It’s nice to be in a situation where the two books that I write for a sort of regular monthly income are also works that I enjoy immensely, rather than them being some kind of bread and butter, do it because you have to do it.

So who turned up the volume of ignorance up to eleven?

I’m the one who steps from the shadows, all trenchcoat and cigarette and arrogance, ready to deal with the madness. Oh, I’ve got it all sewn up. I can save you. If it takes the last drop of your blood, I’ll drive your demons away. I’ll kick them in the bollocks and spit on them when they’re down and then I’ll be gone back into darkness, leaving only a nod and a wink and a wisecrack. I walk my path alone... who would walk with me?

Larger than life character; a couple of hundred years ago he would have been a pirate. “When in evil company, try to blend in” – that was one of his.

There’s immense fun to be had as long as you can sort of sneak it past DC. I have been told on occasion that I need to have more respect for these characters.

I’m sweetness an’ motherfuckin’ light. Filled from goddamn head to toe wit’ love.