From Jason Butkowski, Managing Editor
Episodes from the Zero Hour! creators Anthony Schiavino and Jay Butkowski are going to be at Paranormal Books and Curiosities on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ, this Sunday from 2 – 4 to kick off their New Jersey/tri-state area book signing tour. We should have more dates to announce soon in Hoboken and Manasquan, and we’re in the works to break into the Manhattan and Philadelphia indie book stores.
Written by Teel James Glenn
Edited by Rob Peerce
Author’s website at theurbanswaashbuckler.com
The Book is Fantasy/ pulp adventure/mystery
Published by BooksForABuck
Publisher’s email: booksforbuck.com
Isbn#(ebook) 978-1-60215-123-9
(paper) 978-1-60215-126-0
Published June 2010
198 Pages
Priced at 14.99 pod and $3.99 for e book version
Submitted by the author
Synopsis:
Chasing a headline is just a job for ace reporter Moxie Donnovan, but sometimes those headlines turn on him and bite. Moxie, along with his sexy better half, Maxi (a theater and film actor) face a tiger-sized panther, mechanical gunmen who support the master race, Irish Fae with the urge to pay Moxie back for the loot his grandfather took from them, murder and a hypnotist intent on re-filming Ben Hur.
Author Teel James Glenn writes a compelling fantasy adventure inspired by the pulp fiction of the 1930s (with evil Nazis, sinister magic, and a wise-cracking and sympathetic protagonist in Moxie). Although Glenn’s work pays homage to the classics of the 1930s, he gives Maxi, Moxie’s love interest a far more active role than typical in the stories actually written in that era, helping to make his story resonate with the modern reader.
Glenn has done his research. Language, period details, stage and movie references, and social settings all ring true, but his emphasis is on the story rather than on the history. Magic plays an integral role in the Maxi/Moxie adventures, but somehow Moxie remains a skeptic, always looking for the human explanation for what’s going on around him.
Written by Teel James Glenn
Edited by Rob Peerce
Author’s website at theurbanswaashbuckler.com
The Book is Fantasy/ pulp adventure/mystery
Published by BooksForABuck
Publisher’s email: booksforbuck.com
Isbn#(ebook) 978-1-60215-108-6
(paper) 978-1-60215-109-3
Published October 14, 2009
141 Pages
Priced at 14.99 pod and $3.99 for e book version
Submitted by the author
Synopsis:
Since mankind crept out of the caves, violence and injustice has been a common thread. And since those early times, the most harmed have called out for justice. For those most harmed, most in need, a strange object offers hope. Made from the skin of its first owner, the Skullmask provides its wearer with the knowledge, skill, speed, and intelligence of the countless others who have called on its power. But the Skullmask demands its price, and the Skullmask only appears when all else fails, and in those horrible cases where Revenge and Justice are one.
WEIRD TALES OF THE SKULLMASK follows the Skullmask from a western town where rich ranchers terrorize farmers and their Mexican-born workers, on to a Caribbean island where Voodoo Loa and zombies hold sway, then to the city-room of a major newspaper where a reporter faces off against the German-American Bund, and finally to a post-WWII drug smuggling operation. In each case, ordinary justice has failed…but the Skullmask offers hope.
Author Teel James Glenn just happens to be a professional fight choreographer, jouster and veteran of fifty renaissance faires, scores of films and hundreds of T.V. appearances.
He also the author of several dozen books, including , Death at Dragonthroat Sister Warrior, The Daemonhold Curse, Of Swords and Sorcery and Tales of a Warrior Priest. The Escape Artist
AP: Wayne, thanks a ton for taking a break from your busy schedule, much of which we’ll discuss in a bit, to sit down with ALL PULP. Before we get into you and Pulp, can you give us a bit of background on yourself?
AP: You have your hands in several things pulpwise, so let’s tackle it in pieces. First, your writing. Can you give us an overview of your published works, both fiction and nonfiction, in the field of pulp?
AP: Now, you have a handful of original characters, but one stands out. Tell us about Prof. Stone.
AP: You are also a publisher. Can you tell us about how you started Age of Adventure, what your company produces, and the mission and purpose of Age of Adventure?
AP: Age of Adventure covers several sub genres within pulp, but two in particular have been prominent from you in the last year or so. What appeals to you about the western story and about war stories?
AP: You also are the organizer/creator of your very own convention? Can you tell us about that, what it’s called, its history, that sort of thing?
AP: Doc Savage is definitely a well known character and has influenced many fans, writers, and artists? What goes into building a convention around a single character? Is there enough about Doc to warrant that much attention over a two or three day period?
AP: What about this year’s Con? What’s the agenda for those who attend?
AP: What are your long term plans for Savage Con?
WS: I’m hoping to start attracting comic fans as well as pulp fans, and possibly expand some content that is still high adventure, but not nec. Doc-specific. Just to add to the fun.AP: All right, now on to for what is probably for some the most interesting aspect currently of your relationship to pulp. You are a chef by trade. And now you own a restaurant. Can you describe the Raygun Café’ for us? 
AP: Pulp is definitely a genre that is on the upswing, experiencing a renaissance. Is there a market for a pulp themed restaurant and if so, what market are you targeting?
AP: Now, this is much more than a restaurant for you. You’ve been quoted as describing it as an educational experience as well. Would you mind elaborating on that?
AP: Can you tell us what patrons can expect to be on the menu at the Raygun Café? Also, what artifacts/displays they might expect to see from the world and history of pulp?
AP: What are the future plans for the Raygun? In ten years, will there be one in every major city in America, if you have your way?
AP: Let’s back up and talk about your writing a bit more? What particular process do you go through to create a character and write a story? Do you just sit and let the words flow from your fingers or do you follow a particular pattern?
AP: What sort of stories and writers is Age of Adventure interested in?
AP: What’s in the future for Age of Adventure?
AP: What about Wayne Skiver, the writer? Anything coming down the pike you want the public to know about?
AP: Wayne, it’s been awesome to spend some time with you. Anytime you want to push Age of Adventure, the restaurant, the convention, or what you’re writing, let us know!
Day eight, which coincides with the first day of the New York Comic Con. The obvious question for the day: can conventions get your graphic novel written?
HELL NO.
You know what gets your graphic novel done? Butt in chair in front of writing implement of choice, fingers to writing implement of choice, one word after the other, until you have it written.
Time spent wandering the aisles is not spent writing.
Time going to parties is not spent writing.
Time sitting in panels listening to writers does not get a single word of yours down.
And time spent obsessing over your hall costume embroidery is definitely time spent not writing.
Get your tailfeathers down and write. You know how to do it. So do it.
Tomorrow: how conventions can help get your graphic novel written.
Remember: you can follow all the NaGraNoWriMo posts here!
DC Comics announced today that they will be cutting almost 10% of their editorial content from their ongoing books while at the same time standardizing the cover price at $2.99.
Their innovative 40 page format, where the reader received a second feature in addition to the lead, is being abandoned.
This is your classic “good news / bad news” situation. DC decided $3.99 was too expensive for a pamphlet containing 22 pages of story. Seeing as how their line had been split between $2.99 titles and $3.99, they’re moving to $2.99 across the board but, in the process, dropping two pages of story. This might come as a relief to artists who have a difficult time producing 22 pages each month and it certainly will be a boon to readers and retailers – with one dramatic exception.
For quite a while, comic book stories were 20 pages. They simply weren’t as interesting as the 22, 24 and 27/28 pagers that followed. Since comic book stories are far less dense today then they were back then, even less will be going on in each individual issue. Historians will note that the 20 page story was only a stopping point on the way down to 17 page stories.
Writers are particularly screwed. Plotting a 20 page story takes just as much time and energy as plotting a 22 pager, and writing two fewer pages of dialog saves every little time indeed. Since they can’t sell two page stories, their monthly income will go down noticeably.
In a press release, co-publisher Dan DiDeo said “We needed a progressive pricing strategy that supports our existing business model and, more importantly, allows this creative industry to thrive for years to come. With the exceptions of oversized comic books, like annuals and specials, we are committed to a $2.99 price point.”
About that “allows this creative industry to thrive for years to come” part? We sure hope he’s right about that, and sincerely wish DC the best with this new strategy.
As long as the page count doesn’t become the proverbial slippery slope.
Normally we wouldn’t dream of sending you over to someone else’s web site, because we need every bit of traffic we can get, but we would be remiss in not pointing you to The Beat, who have done their usual great job of listing most of the events taking place around NYCC/NYAF, but are also throwing a great party of their own tonight to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund:
Come support Free Expression, the 2010 LIBERTY ANNUAL, and mingle with the greatest talents in comics, at the
CBLDF’s NYCC Welcome Party, presented by Image Comics & The Beat
this Thursday at The Village Pourhouse Restaurant Row! We’ll have
special gifts, copies of the Liberty Annual and special open bar
bracelets! Come out and support the CBLDF!Starting at 8 p.m., this event is free and open to everyone! With
a suggested donation of $10 or more, you will receive a special gift
bag, full of goodies from Image Comics & CBLDF! In addition to great
gifts, an open bar will be available for donations of $30 and $50.
Preordering bracelets is strongly encouraged, as we’ll have a very small
quantity of them at the door. For information on Open Bar bracelets,
please visit: http://tinyurl.com/38rgblr. The Village Pourhouse
(http://ph46.villagepourhouse.com/ ) is conveniently located near the
Jacob Javits Convention Center and always provides an excellent time
with a fun atmosphere.Start your New York Comic Con off right by celebrating with the
CBLDF, Image Comics, and The Beat. The CBLDF’s NYCC Welcome Party will
feature surprise guest artists from the pages of CBLDF’s LIBERTY ANNUAL
2010, as well as a chance to meet comics’ best creators, insiders, and
fellow fans, in a star-spangled festival of good comics and free speech!What: CBLDF’s NYCC Welcome Party, presented by Image Comics
(http://www.imagecomics.com ), The Beat https://www.comicsbeat.com/ ),
and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund http://cbldf.org/ ) !When: Thursday, October 7, from 8 to 10 p.m.
Where: Village Pourhouse Restaurant Row – 366 W. 46th St.
Who: Anyone who is 21 and over – IDs will be checked!
Why: Support Free Speech, Mingle With Top Creators, and Enjoy Free Food and Great Gifts!
The CBLDF’s NYCC Welcome Party is also a terrific opportunity to become a
member of the Fund or to renew existing memberships. You can also visit
our website to become a member, or support the Fund by shopping at our
Web Store. (If you cannot attend the party, please visit your Local
Comic Shop to pick up a copy of the 2010 LIBERTY ANNUAL, available 10/6
and featuring some of the most talented creators working today!)
Note: this is the MIDTOWN Village Pourhouse, not the one down on 3rd and 11th from years past.
We’ve been remiss in announcing our prize winners and here’s a recap for those of you keeping score at home.
Tommy Williams is the winner of a free digital download of 300 with Extras, courtesy of Warner Digital.
Sean D. Martin is the winner of the free digital download of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, courtesy of Warner Digital. The craziest thing he has seen in a comic was turning the page to see Animal Man looking Right. At. Me. and saying
“I can see you!” It actually made me slam the book shut before sanity
returned a split second later and I sheepishly re-opened it.
The winner of the Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray trilogy, courtesy of Warner Home Entertainment, is Shanti Whitesides. She wrote:
Are you asking who is the protagonist, or who is the hero? The protagonist is certainly Frodo. The story opens with him being given the ring, he goes on to choose the burden willingly, and it’s his footsteps in which we follow the story. And it is his act of compassion toward Gollum that allows the quest to end in any sort of triumph.
On the other hand, if you’re asking who is the hero, I would have to say Sam. As I wrote in my essay, “A Fool’s Hope,” the ring-quest is one that can only be completed by a fool, not a traditional hero, and Sam is the epitome of the fool-hero – simple, humble, stout-hearted and loyal, driven by his devotion to Frodo to follow him through the hell of Mordor. It is a testament to Sam’s strength that he is able to heal from the ring quest and go on to live a happy life, where Frodo cannot.
Paul Go wins the LOTR gift set by writing, The lead character is Samwise. He manipulated the Baggins clan to reveal the ring, used Gandalf to research it and create the fellowship, and then made sure that Frodo disposed of it properly. This is his story: everyone else just serves it.
Warner Digital provided us with a copy of Atlantis: The Lost Continent, one of George Pal’s underrated fantasy films. We’re accepting entries until 11:59 p.m. Sunday. All you have to do is give us your best theory of what really happened to Atlantis. Best answers wins the DVD.
TIPPIN’ HANCOCK’S HAT-Reviews by Tommy Hancock
It’s finally here, just in time for New York Comic-Con… Lone Justice Volume 1!
Ask
for it if you don’t see it and order it if it is sold out in your
store! The Diamond order code: JUL100357 LONE JUSTICE TP VOL 01
Or if you don’t have a store near you, order Lone Justice Volume 1
from Amazon.
Day seven, and we’re already seeing script fragments come in. I just read one, and sent back the note: “Decent screenplay, lousy comic.”
Why? Because he took pages to get to the point, a slow tracking shot that revealed very little about the plot, situation, or characters. While that can work on screen, it’s death on a printed page. Get to the point.
Mark Waid has a much better rant on this on this that I do:
At BOOM!, I get a l-o-t of
eight-page scripts that, for no good reason, burn up the entire first
page with a slow zoom into a New York restaurant kitchen. This makes me
homicidal. If your story is about a chef and geography is incidental, just show me the damn kitchen. Tick, tock.
I love RESERVOIR DOGS, but if you handed me a comics script that began
with four pages of gangsters debating the merits of Madonna, I would not
only reject it, I would break your keyboard.In a 22-page comic,
figuring an average of four to five panels a page and a couple of
full-page shots, a writer has maybe a hundred panels at most to tell a
story, so every panel he wastes conveying (a) something I already know, (b) something that’s a cute gag but does nothing to reveal plot or character, or (c) something I don’t need to know is
a demonstration of lousy craft. Comics are expensive. Don’t make me
resent the money I spend buying yours. Every single moment in your
script must either move the story along or demonstrate something important about the characters—preferably both—and every panel that does neither is a sloppy waste of space.
You do this by entering the story as late as possible, telling enough to get people up to speed on the situation and go.
Want an extreme example of this? Here’s the trailer for this past summer’s Knight and Day:
Fine trailer, but it just wrecked the movie– because Cameron Diaz has just explained to Marc Blucas what happened to her in under two minutes what will now take the first half-hour of the film to show– I have to sit through at least thirty minutes to get to where I get new parts of the story.
Don’t waste your limited number of pages, and don’t waste your reader’s time.
Remember: you can follow all the NaGraNoWriMo posts here!
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