The BRUTAL KUNNIN Interview with author MIKE BROOKS!

After reading and chatting about Brutal Kunnin, we spoke to the author! Mike Brooks kindly joined us to talk about orks, punk, Tolkien and Orkish As A Second Language!
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Copyright: Unless noted in the video, all images © Games Workshop 1987-2022. Title music is 'Black Rainbows' by Karl Casey @White Bat Audio
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[@3grotsinatrenchcoat]

When I did the German translation for 40K back k in the early in 1993/94, the writers in the Studio told me, Orks are Essex Boys and gave me some quite hilarious impersonations. I looked for something close in my mother language and went for a working class Ruhrgebiet slang and it stayed that way till today. Fun fact: the translation was done in Derby - so you went full circle.

[@briochepanda]

I am compelled to know what a German Essex boy sounds like now.

[@3grotsinatrenchcoat]

​@@briochepanda I can't show how it sounds, but I can show you how it's written. When you know Orks, you can figure out the English original one liner of the following translation. Hint: rot=red. Wat rot’is is schnella. Got it?

​@@3grotsinatrenchcoatbeste Entscheidung!

[@3grotsinatrenchcoat]

@ Freut mich, dass es gefällt.

[@dekai7992]

Given that the Ruhrgebiet is also the site of one of the most intense local football rivalries in Germany (between Schalke 04 und BVB), it makes sense that German-translated Orks sound like football hooligans, too. It fits like ass on bucket, as they say.

[@roderickhamilton9891]

Incredible you managed to get an interview with a genuine original Necromunda Goliath ganger

[@DrSpoon1991]

Now thats a proper hair squigg mike has.

[@briochepanda]

I'm just imagining Mike in a business suit rocking that do.

[@Robert_Douglass]

Oi, dats a "PROPPA" 'air squig, wotz dis "proper" guff?

[@wellsb973]

Finally, a GW author who works to embody his subjects.

[@muriomoira]

Its really fun how it feels like Mike Brooks personify the cool part of the punk movement, love to see it!

[@MasterShake9000]

I really need an Alpha Legion vs Orks novel just to see Brooks at their absolute peak storytelling

[@RiverNorthExile]

Well *obviously* the writer of that book is punk AF...

[@Rabarbarzynca]

Propa git!

[@RiverNorthExile]

As someone who's mildly punk, high-functioning autistic and lifelong WAAAGH, Mike is my kinda guy.

[@euansmith3699]

Orkz, "Millwall! Millwall! Millwall!" Regarding Ork dialect being translated in to other languages, this reminds me of when Arnold Schwarzenegger volunteered to do the German dub for the "The Terminator", but he got shot down because the producers said his Austrian accent would make the Terminator sound like a yokel. 😄 What a great chat.

[@erikrungemadsen2081]

Mike Brooks looks like he has a timeshare on Necromunda.

[@poirierpascalxavier7601]

I'm french canadian and I have little to no knowledge of regional/economic distinction within the UK but I find it very enjoyable to hear you guys discuss the origins of the type of language the orcs use and its parallels in our real world. I guess I'm learning about the UK through a weird fictional setting.

[@miramanga]

Me: Have you ever played Eldar? Ian's favourites? Ian: ____ off!

[@Dustbinlid1]

Mike saying hes a Sir Terry fan makes a lot of sense, you can really feel it in his writing. The fact no Ork want to be promoted beyond lieutenant, (obviously! this one has "loot" in the name) felt about as Pratchett as it gets. I'm just hoping in the next novel we get to see these Orks playing some "foot-the-ball", I hear they are dead good at it.

[@mrogface]

I picked this book up and read it because of you guys. Like Ian mentioned, i really enjoyed the comparisons between the two cultures where they didnt quite understand that one was better than the other or they were both the same. I also liked the tiny bit we got about a chaos demons perspective on orks.

[@greensticklife4046]

Would be very interested in a video on warhammer records, bolt thrower ads in white dwarf, connections between gw and the alternative music scene that Mike alluded to, why every GW employee from 85-95 looked like a refugee from the Young Ones, etc etc

[@SlyLilFoxo]

This cockney/London talk is very funny since as an Australian it really comes naturally. I always thought the voice for the Orks in LotR was because it was filmed in New Zealand, so the slang and accent is very similar to Aussie. We both kind of use it, and it's possible it was exaggerated to tease Australians since we and New Zealanders have a playful rivalry. Haha, so hearing it was meant to be a 'London' accent is quite interesting.

[@earnestwanderer2471]

When I first encountered the Orcs dialect as a kid, I immediately assumed it was an offhand dig at Australians. Only later was it clarified that it’s an offhand dig at working class Londoners. 🤨

[@EngHag]

This is so cool! I love Mike Brooks, probably my favorite BL author together with Chris Wraight.

[@Lazrael32]

Brutal Kunnin was one of the first books i read for 40k. I've since read some of mike's other books and realized that he is one of my favorite authors. him and Robert Rath have this ability to take any faction and wrap a fun story around them. It's also strange that he didn't bring up Warboss is releasing soon which appears to be a "sequel" to his ork work.

[@TVs_Brent]

Brutal Kunnin is one of the real standouts of 40k books the last few years. Awesome to hear the authors thoughts

[@johnojoseph]

I'm sure there is an Ork weapon called a Lifta Droppa - which is like a tank that just picks things up with an energy beam, then drops them.

[@stryke-jn3kv]

Good ol Epic Ork vehicles. Up there with the Bubble Chukka. It chucked bubbles.

[@JackWsChannel]

It was a gargant arm too!

[@josiegreene6140]

Mike brooks is an absolute sweetie and is giving us the ork content we've always wanted.

[@tonydotnottingham]

Awesome interview - thanks for sharing!

[@JakeStaines]

"Orks in flat caps" gives me a really strong image of a piece of Paul Bonner art that I'm honestly not sure even exists and isn't some weird Mandela Effect.

[@satinthrone]

TYVM for the video! I bought this book on a whim last week ^^

[@georgesutherlandhoward4417]

Eyyyyyyy Mike Brooks!!!! What a fantastic surprise to see this pop up on my feed! I got so many comments and fan-boy things I want to spew about his work! - When I see a Mike Brooks book, I know that it will 100% actually deal with the awfulness of the Imperium with the proper nuance and understanding of fascism and dictatorships, and how the Imperium lines up with these real-world evils. - Harrowmaster resonated deeply with my fan-take that the Alpha Legion are the closest thing to "Reasonable Marines" and how the question of "are they Loyalist or Chaos" might not be the right question to ask about them. Also, literally repeating the definition of fascism to descibe the Imperium *chef's kiss.* 40K isn't a subtle universe, and I like my commentary equally unsubtle. - I still can't believe that I haven't read Brutal Kunnin'. - I would love to see Mike's take on Necrons, and I'm so glad that Black Library is doing more Xenos stuff. Between Severed, I+D, and Twice-Dead King, they've got what are maybe the best works in Black Library right now, and if his previous works are any perspective, I think Mike might have some great ideas and insight to add to my Spooky Metal Lads and Lasses. Also, on the subject of Ork accents: Americans, stop bloody pronouncing "dakka" as "dah-ka". That's not it. That's a snobby upper-class accent. Say it like an orc - "Dakka", as in "cat." The Painting Phase's swearing-censor audio clip is a prime example. Frankly, when you say it like that with an American accent (regardless of regional), it actually sounds really on-point for the vibes. But "dah-ka" just is. Not. It.

[@odeegrotsniffer4166]

As an American I don't care how your failed imperial ass pronounces anything. I'm too busy arming my children and stripping away lgbtq rights. It's exhausting. #jesusisamerican

[@simon_sussex_biker]

Brilliant as always Ian and Mira! Mike Brooks is great: I could listen to him for hours. I love that he's such a fan boy for Orks.

[@jacob_9853]

Holy shit nice hair squig

[@briochepanda]

Orks run on big Who Killed Captain Alex? energy; Expect the Unexpectable.

[@HobbyBeforeIDie]

This is brilliant!! Do again!!! 🙏

[@withsobersenses9199]

Tolkein's orcs certainly talk like a one dimensional image of the English working classes seen from the perspective of a member of the upper-class.

[@simonsaysmakepaintplay7248]

Speed Freaks are Psychobillies - Snakebitez are Portland washboard Punk - Goths are Pub-Rock - Deff skullz are Industrial (Foetus) - Bad Moons are '76 punks - Blood Axes are Anthemic Punk -

[@stryke-jn3kv]

Deff Skulls are basically the Wombles theme song. Making good use of things that they find to dakka da enemy gitz. Blood Axes meanwhile are totally a cover band.

[@simonsaysmakepaintplay7248]

@@stryke-jn3kv Now I have to find a Wombles punk cover

[@leefisher6766]

Absolutely brilliant, very entertaining and made me smile and laugh throughout.

[@carlstanford7607]

Mike brooks Mohawk deserves its own warhammer model. He’s fast becoming the new Dan abnett with some great recent books

[@Mutant1988]

I think he might have one, right here: www.belloflostsouls.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/necromunda-outcasts.jpg Lower left.

[@Jason-35D]

That was a great video. Thank you.

[@andyshaw5378]

Great interview

[@jmwisey01]

I don’t suppose you are planning to look at the anphelion project like you did with Badab and Taros? I mean, Nids are rather popular atm 😅

[@ArbitorIan]

Oh yeaaaahhhhh

[@earnestwanderer2471]

I am sure that I’ve seen/read books that feature female Orcs. My son’s Astra Militarum army has a female Orc in it. She took a bad head wound and woke up with total amnesia. The lads and lassies convinced her that she’s human. They like the little extra close combat punch she provides.

[@Hellfirematrix]

Loved this book!

[@sickboi11111]

such a great book! Thanks Mike

[@imkycarsten]

A great chat and I‘ll be delighted, if you talk to Mike for a future Book Club ❤

[@123darth]

For a German the english Audiobook was awesome and easy to understand

[@trentonbaird8956]

The whole David Comes To Life album is amazing.

[@kolossarthas]

NICE!

[@WanderlustZero]

'Have you ever played Eldar?' 'Fack orf' Got a big lol from me, as a survivor of battles against 2nd edition eldar and their '3+ t kill your whole squad' special characters ;')

[@Aaron-io8vw]

At one point the iorks could accidental hit a army on another table with rockets.

[@happyharibo1330]

As an aside. Im writing from my mates house in Scotland so it's ALL south to me. When I get back to Southampton, you will ALL be north again....

[@gregorstamejcic2355]

Chumbawamba started as an anarcho-punk band, so... not too far off? But for me, Someone's gonna die by Blitz was always the quintessential ork song.

[@christopherschlegel6412]

Mike has written my favorite 40k books so far (brutal kunnin, Alpharius, harrowmaster). Really looking forward to reading more from him

[@j0my77]

His new book on the Lion is very good as well

[@Rob-nq6br]

On the subject of comedy in Black Library, the Infinite and the Divine is packed full of it. Mainly as you have a pair of supremely powerful Necron Overlords acting like a married couple who can't stand the sight of each other. Almost a 40 version of The Twits or The Odd Couple.

[@Somicron]

Hey mate where you normally have scrolling list of your Patrons at the end of the video it just says "column 1" doubt its worth the fix but I'd hate for it to run on to your next projects

[@MrLigonater]

Maybe he can release a Pound album.

[@answersingenius]

Great book

[@dakkawaaagh13]

huge Mike Brook fan! the Necromunda novel road to redemption is fantastic

[@dlvnmedia]

Bolt Thrower is awesome at least that first album

[@davydatwood3158]

Ooh, my local public library (in Alberta) has the Dark Run trilogy in actual paper! (All the 40K books are ebooks, bleh.) Hold placed! :)

[@hihohe4067]

My personal fan lore is that orks also have different dialects other than the cockney football hooligans.they can all be atributed to low versions of the worlds languages and accents For example the american style ork would be very heavily southern hillbilly accented

[@honoratagold]

There are a few good ones in the US. Hillbillies would be your Snakebites or maybe Speed freaks, but I think Yinzers, yoopers, southies, and a bunch of working class NYC accents could work too. Also, thinking it through I was like "What's the American equivalent of football hooligans?" and it's "Philadelphia sports fans throwing batteries at Santa," so anyway now it's canon that there are definitely some orks out there who say "jawn."

[@jackp492]

Minnesota orks

[@PlasticusForkus]

What a lovely man.

[@collecter343]

Me hearing that he played Drukhari: “That explains his next Ork novel”

[@glandhound]

Hey if all the violence is tough for Mira, I gotta recommend Alec Worley's Wraithbone Phoenix... which is closer to Ocean's Eleven. Although, War Boss was pretty good also.

[@ted_splitter]

Subhumans 'From the Cradle to the Grave' is a concept album it's great but I also second the recommendation for Fucked Up album 'David Comes to Life'

[@sterlingnorthum3911]

Bolt thrower, d-roc, and you should try listening to a load of the old hawkwind, the latter I think is where some of the original people got ideas for Warhammer 40K. Especially that aquala

[@mattofiron1884]

Can't believe I'm the first person to post this.. WAAAAAAAAAAAAGH

[@LovelyCenturibear]

WAAAAAAAAAGHH

[@mo_dakka]

What a zoggin legend

[@larsickenroth7169]

Tolkien’s green meanies is what we know best in our culture. (thinking of those cockney work-orcs in Warcraft III) But the concept of an ‘orc’ as an essentially fallen figure - rebellious, anti-intellectual and pure Chaos, is extensively explored in William Blake’s writing.

[@jackdaw1328]

I thought the word Orc comes from the dark age Britannic languages, and meant foreigner. Which would make sense given Tolkien area of study

[@Manwendlil]

the world "orc" comes from the old-english "orcneas" which did mean some kind of daemon or evil spirit, which in turn comes from the latin word "orcus" i believe, the underworld. In the epic poem Béowulf is the only reference to "orcnéas"

[@happyharibo1330]

i recall the band D-Rok was kind of a Warhammer's tame hard rock/hair metal band back in the day. Brian May of Queen was losely contributing....

[@grahamfroggatt4530]

YES! A video about DRok PLEASE!!😂

[@stewartthorpe2533]

Orks orks orks orks orks orks orks orks!!!! 🍾

[@mikejansen6845]

Hi Ian, I wanted to start by saying that I'm a big fan of your lore videos, and I truly appreciate the great dynamic you have with Mira. However, I have to share some feedback about this video. Unfortunately, I won't be watching it because the audio quality of Mike is quite poor. I thought it was important for you to be aware of this issue since there might be others who feel the same way. I hope this feedback helps, and I look forward to enjoying more of your content in the future. Keep up the good work!

[@mo_dakka]

Even more respect for the Fucked Up reference

[@alejandrorp5160]

MBrooks looks straight like a Goliath juve. Also, the HAIRESY!

[@happyharibo1330]

Re: punk concept album. Sham 69 did an album following the same stroppy kid from work to yelling with his parents, going out, trying to get off with girls etc...

[@randomacademypilot]

Thank you. I've read the book in French, and, if I'm not mistaken, I felt the translation went a bit lighter than usual as for the accent and the slang? Compared to more episodic orks or grots appearances in other books. When I read those, I have a very distinct ork voice in my head, but I'm not sure what French accent I would associate with it. Maybe something from very rural Picardy? But very hooligan at the same time for sure.

[@3grotsinatrenchcoat]

So French Orks are green Ch'tis?

[@randomacademypilot]

@@3grotsinatrenchcoat Maybe?

[@the_arcanum]

@@3grotsinatrenchcoat I tried to picture them with a "Titi Parisien" voice, (a lower class parisian suburbs accent that has mostly disappeared since the 1930's, that would be matching their original accent) but I guess a Chti accent suits them better, if only because of the lower pitch. @randomacademypilot got it right :) (BTW if you're the one with the same IG handle, love your Orks Chris !)

[@MickTheMage]

That's the thing with orks in different languages, isn't it? Personally I couldn't imagine how the orks should sound in my language. I had few ideas but nothing convincing enough. So when I need some sentences for my fan fiction part of 40k universe from orks, I am sticking with english (with the help of internetz :-)).

[@SamsButterscotch]

aaaammaaazzziiinnngg

[@RaptorShadow]

There's tons of un-sanctioned 40k music these days.... I may or may not have a song in my band's discography about Angron...

[@jackp492]

Oh man, does that mean there’s scouser orks, that’s a hilarious concept

[@hapijoel7569]

Orks love a bit of Ministry!

[@Nomadith]

Holy shit Mike Brooks has the best looks of all the Black Library authors. I'm sorry ADB but you're gonna need a better hair squig to compete

[@ElGoro]

I would love a Bolt Thrower video.

[@ElGoro]

And as for a Brutal Kunnin soundtrack, I'm thinking lots of Oi Punk - Cockney Rejects, Exploited, 4 Skins, and the like.

[@lowbrowminis]

I always think of orks listening to psychobilly and oi punk

[@gothmorg3657]

Mira now has to listen to the Bolt Thrower, please

[@ghannos9869]

Mike, send the Orks after the Lion!

[@duncanself5111]

Nice bloke

[@Senf71]

It is Warhammer Fantasy not 40K. But if you want a band that does Warhammer songs, Wind Rose. They are a dwarf metal band.

[@MiniPaintAdventurer]

Mike Brooks is the best 40K author since Dan Abnett

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

I’d have given ADB that honour ;)

[@ZiGGi03]

I agree Also , it’s subjective I guess .

[@odeegrotsniffer4166]

Absolutely

[@odeegrotsniffer4166]

Have you read Harrowmaster?

[@TheMisiewicz]

Also, Chris Wraight

[@simon_sussex_biker]

BTW: Orks and regional accents - in my head they really work well as Mancs - you can't tell me that the Gallagher brothers haven't got Ork DNA, and wouldn't want to take on some Cockney Orks...just cos they're Southern softies!

[@jonrollason5709]

People are sleeping on Mississippi orks.

[@windwind3170]

Who would've thought that a writer for a book about Orks would turn out to be an Ork?

[@TomTasker]

reel snaz har 'es got dere, reel snazz....

[@alexandrebelinge8996]

Boltthrower music review please !!

[@Yandarval]

Come On!. The Goff Rocker needs some music written.

[@clawsewitz4316]

Haha, he's hilarious...

[@JazzGuitarScrapbook]

WOOOOOORRRLLLLDDD EEEEEAAATARRRRGHHHHH

[@jackdigan6024]

Great interview