The origins of Warblegrub & the Forbidden Planet date back more than twenty years, when the prototype of the opening scene occurred to Andrew. Eventually, other elements from his subconscious began to come together around this opening scene. The mythological elements of the story reflect his deep fascination with man's most ancient religions and his belief that mythology is of fundamental relevance to our relationship with the environment. The post-industrial landscape of his native Wales provides the background for the first part of the saga.

 

The soldiers' journey to the city has its roots in a real landscape and the Dead City is composed of features of many cities. There are, however, definite references to the actual planet, its landscapes and the human impact throughout the story.