Trivia

Mickey Spillane was godfather to his son, Nathan.

His novel "Stolen Away" is the longest first-person private eye novel ever written.

Wrote the Dick Tracy comic strip begining in 1977 and ending in the early 1990s. he has contributed to a number of other comics as well, including Batman.

Lists his five favorite private eye television shows as: 'Veronica Mars (2004-2007)', 'City of Angels (1976)', 'Mike Hammer (1956-1959)'(starring Darren McGavin), 'A Nero Wolfe Mystery (2000- )', and 'The Rockford Files (1974-1980)'. The runner-up is 'Peter Gunn (1958-1961)'.

Is known primarily as a novelist and critic. His most famous series is the "Nathan Heller" series of historical detective novels. He has also written a critical work praising Mickey Spillane.

Has been contracted by DC Comics (the original publisher) to write three tie-ins to his critically aclaimed graphic novel "The Road to Perdition", which was adapted into the feature film. Collins is also writing two prose sequels for William Morrow publishers.

Creator of several series characters who have appeared in his novels: Nolan (a professional thief), Quarry (a hit man), and Mallory (a novelist who solves crimes). Perhaps his most famous character, however, is Nathan Heller, a Chicago private detective who has taken part in a number of true-crime adventures (playing the role of real life participants). Collins has won multiple awards for the Heller series, which continues to be published to this day.

Child: son Nathan.

Acquired the rights to hard-boiled 1950s comic book detective 'Johnny Dynamite' (created by writer Ken Fitch and and artist Pete Morisi) in 1987, and incorporated the character into his 'Ms. Tree' comic book. As of 2007, both 'Ms. Tree' and 'Johnny Dynamite (2008)' are being developed as television shows.

The lead character in his "Nolan" series--a professional thief--was inspired by actor Steve McQueen.

Signed with Otto Penzler's Harcourt line to complete three Mike Hammer novels begun by Mickey Spillane. Collins is working from substantial partial manuscripts, as Spillane had already completed half of each book before his death. (July 2007)

His one man play, "Eliot Ness: An Untouchable Life" ran at the Des Moines Playhouse from August 18-27. The show starred Michael Cornelison, who appears in the filmed version. (August 2005)

Was in the band Seduction of the Innocent with his friends Miguel Ferrer and Bill Mumy. Seduction often performed in and around San Diego Comicon, and Ferrer's good friend Brandon Lee would sometimes roadie for the group.

Made his first independent feature film, Mommy (1995), following a nightmarish experience as screenwriter on the cable movie The Expert (1995).

Filmmaker William Lustig (director of Maniac Cop (1988)) once owned an option on Collins' novel "Spree". The story centered on a former thief named Nolan who is blackmailed into carrying out a heist in a Midwestern mall where he now owns a restaurant. Collins has written seven novels featuring this character.

Biography/bibliography in: "Contemporary Authors". New Revision Series, vol. 138, pages 96-101. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2005.

Son of Max Allan Collins Sr.

Provides the commentary track for the DVD release of Columbia's The Phantom (1943).