Sideways Bob
Encyclopedia
Sideways Bob is a comic book
character from Wildstorm Comics.
), attached to Ivana’s
operation to keep the penthouse secure from enemy attack - and, if necessary, to keep DV8
in.
Bob’s pushing fifty, a grizzled horrible ugly sod with no hair and a white marble eye. As an acknowledged expert in all fields of vice, crime, and disgusting things, he becomes something of an advisor to the young members of DV8 as they encounter things they cannot understand or cope with in the outside world. No matter how depraved or horrific the subject matter, Bob knows about these things. He is the closest thing to a father figure these kids have.
He is a psychopathic gun freak whose longest social relationship has been with the severed head of a mannequin
which has had ketchup
daubed all over its “stump” and which he calls “Lucille”.
Bob was once a very well respected member of I.O. However, when he was placed under the command of Ivana Baiul
for the first time, she sent him on missions that literally drove him mad (though he already was a psychopath before). Ms. Baiul is also responsible for his missing eye; the two had a long rivalry before Bob knew that she was working for I.O. as well.
writer Warren Ellis
, Bob's surname is a homage to famed gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson
. Sideways Bob's appearance was likely inspired by the look Billy Bob Thornton
sported in the film Sling Blade
.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
character from Wildstorm Comics.
History
Sideways Bob (for this is how he demands to be known, and nobody argues out of their fear and/or respect for him) is a formidable "security expert" (mercenaryMercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
), attached to Ivana’s
Ivana Baiul
Ivana Baiul is a comic book character from DC Comics/Wildstorm. She has starred in Gen¹³ and DV8.-History:Ivana Baiul was the head of Sci-Tech, the scientific division of I.O. There she worked on creating a group of genetically enhanced soldiers for the government, a task previously done 12 times...
operation to keep the penthouse secure from enemy attack - and, if necessary, to keep DV8
DV8
DV8 is a comic book published by Wildstorm. The series revolves around the lives of a group of Gen-Active people , initially living in New York under the supervision of Ivana Baiul, who sends them on life-threatening black ops assignments.-Publication history:The series lasted 32 issues, and was a...
in.
Bob’s pushing fifty, a grizzled horrible ugly sod with no hair and a white marble eye. As an acknowledged expert in all fields of vice, crime, and disgusting things, he becomes something of an advisor to the young members of DV8 as they encounter things they cannot understand or cope with in the outside world. No matter how depraved or horrific the subject matter, Bob knows about these things. He is the closest thing to a father figure these kids have.
He is a psychopathic gun freak whose longest social relationship has been with the severed head of a mannequin
Mannequin
A mannequin is an often articulated doll used by artists, tailors, dressmakers, and others especially to display or fit clothing...
which has had ketchup
Ketchup
Ketchup is a sweet-and-tangy condiment typically made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar or high-fructose corn syrup and an assortment of...
daubed all over its “stump” and which he calls “Lucille”.
Bob was once a very well respected member of I.O. However, when he was placed under the command of Ivana Baiul
Ivana Baiul
Ivana Baiul is a comic book character from DC Comics/Wildstorm. She has starred in Gen¹³ and DV8.-History:Ivana Baiul was the head of Sci-Tech, the scientific division of I.O. There she worked on creating a group of genetically enhanced soldiers for the government, a task previously done 12 times...
for the first time, she sent him on missions that literally drove him mad (though he already was a psychopath before). Ms. Baiul is also responsible for his missing eye; the two had a long rivalry before Bob knew that she was working for I.O. as well.
Influences
Bob's real name is Robert Thompson. According to interviews with DV8DV8
DV8 is a comic book published by Wildstorm. The series revolves around the lives of a group of Gen-Active people , initially living in New York under the supervision of Ivana Baiul, who sends them on life-threatening black ops assignments.-Publication history:The series lasted 32 issues, and was a...
writer Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis
Warren Girard Ellis is an English author of comics, novels, and television, who is well-known for sociocultural commentary, both through his online presence and through his writing, which covers transhumanist themes...
, Bob's surname is a homage to famed gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter Stockton Thompson was an American journalist and author who wrote The Rum Diary , Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 .He is credited as the creator of Gonzo journalism, a style of reporting where reporters involve themselves in the action to...
. Sideways Bob's appearance was likely inspired by the look Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton is an American actor, screenwriter, director and musician. Thornton gained early recognition as a cast member on the CBS sitcom Hearts Afire and in several early 1990s films including On Deadly Ground and Tombstone...
sported in the film Sling Blade
Sling Blade
Sling Blade is a 1996 American drama film set in rural Arkansas, written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton, who also stars in the lead role. It tells the story of a mentally impaired man named Karl Childers who is released from a psychiatric hospital, where he has lived since killing his mother...
.