ComicMix

‘FORTUNE’S PAWN’ MAKES FIRST MOVE FOR NEW AUTHOR AND ROUNDS OUT PRO SE’S PUBLISHING YEAR!

News
September 20, 2011

DEBUT NOVEL FROM FANTASY SCRIBE IS 12TH IN PRO SE’S PUBLISHING YEAR!

Pro Se Productions, a company specializing in New Pulp magazines and books, is proud to announce that the debut novel from Pro Se Author Nancy Hansen is the closing salvo to Pro Se’s first full year of active publishing. And this first book, entitled ‘Fortune’s Pawn’, in a trilogy is also currently Pro Se’s best selling title to date!

“We started out,” Tommy Hancock, Pro Se’s Editor in Chief said, “specializing solely in magazines and at that time our mantra was ‘Putting the Monthly Back Into Pulp!’ When we moved away from magazines for a bit and went into anthologies and novels, the slogan didn’t change and neither did the commitment behind it. The magazines are back now and still Pro Se is all about making sure that there’s a new Pro Se title on an average of once a month! And we are extremely pleased that the work that closed our first year of Publishing was Nancy Hansen’s first novel.”

“The basic premise is classic and familiar,” states Barry Reese of ALL PULP in a review of the book. “A prophecy warns that a red-haired child will rise up to overthrow the bad guys so the villains are out killing everyone with red hair. One infant survives such an attack and grows up to become our protagonist. Callie is an enjoyable character and her motivations and emotions are well depicted.”

‘Fortune’s Pawn’ is the first of a trilogy, but it comes from the mind of Nancy Hansen, a writer who made her debut in the Pro Se magazine line. Almost instantly, Nancy gained the title of being one of the most prolific writers in New Pulp, turning out more than twenty stories and juggling no less than three or four universes, most largely fantasy of some sort, almost instantly. “Nancy’s a godsend,” Hancock stated. “There such a richness and vitality to her take on fantasy, plus she writes as frequently as most people eat it seems, so it’s a win-win for her fans and for Pro Se.”

The inaugural publishing year of Pro Se not only ended on a high note with ‘Fortune’s Pawn’, but was filled with several notable works. 8 issues of the initial magazine lines kicked off the company and now, although down to one magazine, ‘Pro Se Presents’ has recently brought Pro Se back to the magazine business. That combined with the debut novel from New Pulp author Tommy Hancock (YesterYear) and the continuation of the New Pulp Classic series created and penned by Barry Reese, “The Rook: Volume Six.” Pro Se also created and coordinated PULP ARK, the first New Pulp Convention, this past May.

“We are beyond amazed,” Hancock said, “at how quickly and how successful this year has been for Pro Se. And there’s no sign it’s slowing down with all the things in the works that I can’t even talk about right now. I will say this, though. The mantra, the slogan, it’s not changed one bit.”

Pro Se is definitely Putting the Monthly Back into Pulp!

Pro Se Productions- www.pulpmachine.blogspot.com

Fuller Bumpers-Chief Executive Officer

Tommy Hancock- Editor in Chief

proseproductions@earthlink.net

ComicMix’s Bob Greenberger Chronicles Career of Howard Chaykin

Uncategorized
September 20, 2011

Legendary for what he has done on the page and infamous for what he has said off it, Howard Chaykin ranks among the superstars of modern comics. In [[[The Art of Howard Chaykin]]], written by Robert Greenberger, go behind the scenes with the creator whose pioneering works include American Flagg!, The Shadow, Batman, New Avengers, Dominic Fortune, Black Kiss and more. Experience the stories of Howard Chaykin’s life as only he can tell them. Filled with no-holds-barred perspective from his longtime friends and colleagues, and featuring an extensive selection of artwork from throughout his career, including many never-before-published pieces from Chaykin’s own archives, The Art of Howard Chaykin takes readers on an in-depth journey from the 1970s to today with one of the medium’s great storytellers.

“Big thanks to everybody at Dynamite for the incredibly flattering job they’ve done, making me look good in this volume,” stated Howard Chaykin. “Since I’m always willing to mistake attention for affection, I’m basking in the love.”

“At a time when many fresh new art styles while gracing the pages of comics, there was a boldness to Howard Chaykin’s figures that set him apart,” states The Art of Howard Chaykin writer Robert Greenberger. “He carved his own path, first as an artist, then as a writer exploring the limits of what can be done in graphic arts, informed by the great illustrators that came before him. Like his work, the man is larger-than-life filled with provocative observations that are always informed and defensible. Getting to know him has never been less than fascinating and getting to write his story was an opportunity to learn more about what him tick.”

“Howard Chaykin is a good friend and is an unparalleled creator in the comics medium,” says Dynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci! “We made sure to pull out all the stops to make this the definitive guide for Chaykin fanatics everywhere. Also, having a Brian Michael Bendis forward and afterward by Walter Simonson is just icing on the cake!”

YO HO HO-MORE PIRATEY INTERVIEWS FROM PULP EMPIRE!

Uncategorized
September 20, 2011

PulpEmpire.com is proud to offer our newest anthology Pirates & Swashbucklers, a seventeen story collection of great pirate pulp fiction! Pirates & Swashbucklers author Kameron W. Franklin interviewed his fellow writers of the new Pulp Empire anthology out now!

Today he sits down with Pam Bitner, author of “The Mark of the Brotherhood”.

When did you first realize you were a writer?
In middle school, though my writing back then would better serve as toilet paper. By high school, I only allowed my close friends to read anything and they encouraged me to go beyond that.

What authors influence or inspire you?
First and foremost, David Morrell. He was the first author I really, really started looking forward to the next book to come out. Lately, Brent Weeks has caught my attention. Not only is he a great guy, he tells a great story. Both make reading a joy.

What book(s) have you read more than once? What drew you back?
Brotherhood of the Rose by David Morrell. The characters drew me back. It’s the only book I’ve ever read twice.

Do you consider yourself a “pulp” writer? Why? Is there another genre you like to write?
I’ve written pulp, but it’s not the only genre I write, so I don’t consider myself exclusively ‘pulp’. I have a couple of alter egos out there writing anything from young adult and beyond. For me, it’s not about writing in one genre. It’s about taking it and writing a story well. I haven’t found a genre I didn’t like yet.

In 25 words or less, how would you define “pulp” as a genre?
Gritty. It’s got that character you sometimes love to hate, and perhaps to some level, it’s got a bit of cliche cheese, but in a good way. A femme fatale doesn’t hurt either.

What made you decide to submit a story for the Pirates & Swashbucklers anthology?
I belong to a private writer’s site called Scribophile. A couple of the ladies and I have a group there and when a good anthology waggles its bum in our direction, we announce it. I’ve always liked the arrogance of a swashbuckler and how, no matter what, they get out of trouble and snag the girl in one swoop.

Read more of Kameron’s interviews at PensAndSwords.com.

Pulp Empire Presents: Pirates & Swashbucklers is now available at Pulp Empire.com. Until October 10^th, use the code “62QUSQGC” at our CreateSpace bookstore to receive 15% off on the book!

Tom Wilson: 1931-2011

News
September 20, 2011

Tom Wilson, the creator of the comic strip Ziggy and artist from 1971 to 1987, passed away in his sleep last Friday at the age of 80.

Born August 1st, 1931 ,Wilson served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1955. He was a former faculty member of the Cooper Union Art School from 1961 to 1962.

Wilson’s career began in 1950 doing advertisement layout for Uniontown Newspapers, Inc. In 1955, he joined American Greetings as a designer, becoming Creative Director in 1957 and vice-president of creative development in 1978. While at AG, he developed the Soft Touch greeting card line. He also served as president of Those Characters From Cleveland, AG’s character licensing subsidiary.

Ziggy first appeared in the 1969 collection When You’re Not Around, published by American Greetings. The newspaper strip began in June, 1971. He retired from the strip in 1987 and the strip was continued by his son, Tom Wilson, Jr.

Ziggy was licensed in a wide variety of forms, including greeting cards and calendars, and an Emmy-award winning Christmas special called Ziggy’s Gift:

Our condolences to his family and friends.

Warner Home Video to unveil Catwoman animated short, first ‘Justice League: Doom’ footage at NYCC

Press Releases
September 20, 2011

Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation proudly present an action-packed hour of first looks at DC Universe Animated Original Movies properties on Friday, October 14 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at New York Comic Con.

Central to the panel will be the premiere of the animated short Catwoman, starring Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse) as the voice of title character. The 15-minute short will be included on the release of Batman: Year One, which streets October 18 on Blu-ray, DVD, for Download and On Demand.

The panel will also include the very first footage to be seen from Justice League: Doom, the highly-anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies.

The panelists, which include the ultimate voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, DCU executive producer Bruce Timm and casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano, will offer a glimpse into the 2012 DC Universe Animated Original Movies slate, give away some exclusive prizes to inquisitive audience members, and quite possibly welcome a few surprise guests to the stage.

An autograph session with the panelists will immediately follow the panel.

EXTRA! EXTRA! BITS O’ NEWS FROM ALL PULP!

Uncategorized
September 20, 2011

BALLADS FOR THE BALLADEER

Joe Nazare, author and professor, has begun a celebration of original pulpster Manly Wade Wellman’s JOHN THE BALLADEER stories by posting a series of mini-ballads on his blog Macabre Republic under the title “On the Road with Silver John”!

“On the Road with Silver John”: http://www.macabre-republic.com/search/label/On%20the%20Road%20with%20Silver%20John

Macabre Republic: http://www.macabre-republic.com/

BLOGGING FLASH GORDON

William Patrick Maynard (The Terror of Fu Manchu) is at it again, with his in-depth look at Alex Raymond’s Flash Gordon strip over at the BLACK GATE MAGAZINE blog!

To read the latest installment: http://www.blackgate.com/2011/09/16/blogging-alex-raymond%E2%80%99s-flash-gordon-part-twelve-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cthe-tyrant-of-mongo%E2%80%9D/

Maynard’s blog: http://setisays.blogspot.com/

BLOGGING BURROUGHS’ VENUS

Over at the BLACK GATE MAGAZINE blog, Ryan Harvey is celebrating the upcoming anniversary of ER Burroughs’ Martian stories with a look at the author’s second sword & planet series-Carson of Venus!

To read the first installment: http://www.blackgate.com/2011/08/23/edgar-rice-burroughs%E2%80%99s-venus-part-1-pirates-of-venus/

THE LATEST ‘FLYING GLORY AND THE HOUNDS OF GLORY!”

FLYING GLORY AND THE HOUNDS OF GLORY

“I think I’ve got it retuned to Ms Clay…” The strange scanner allows

the vicious Dr. Molly Payne witness those early moment when Debra first began to fly and even more about Flying Glory

in the latest two pages of “Reverberations” our 10th Anniversary Issue.

http://www.flying-glory.com

MICHAEL DAVIS: Mr. Fantastic

Uncategorized
September 20, 2011

When asked as a kid what superhero I wanted to be my answer was Batman. I loved Batman. I mean, I really loved Batman.

One Halloween my mother brought me a Batman costume and I also wore it the day after Halloween when I went outside to play.

I was laughed out of the park when I got there.

Those little bastard kids made me run home so fast my sister (my mortal enemy) felt sorry for me… until her friends came over and she joined them in making me feel like bat shit.

The next day was Monday and I begged my mother to let me stay home from school. I knew I would be ridiculed something terrible. She told me I had nothing to worry about because no one knew it was me.

“Everybody saw me!” I cried.

“You were wearing a mask.” She said.

I don’t think that I’ve ever gone from “my life is over” to “oh happy day” so damn fast.

Last night at an Emmy party I was asked what superhero I would be by a laughing asshole who thought working in comics was a joke.

My mind instantly went back to my bat run from the park.

“Mr. Fantastic.” I said.

“That’s the guy who can stretch really far, right? Why him?” said the asshole.

“Because your wife would enjoy that.” I answered, in my fuck you and your opinion of what I do voice.

No reply from the asshole. He just looked at his wife. “What superhero would you want to be?” I asked.

Still no answer from the guy who was now regretting all those shots he had at the party.

“Wait, I know. Little Bitch Man!” I said.

Yeah, I take comics and superheroes seriously.

WEDNESDAY: Mike Gold

PULP EMPIRE BRINGS ALL PULP PIRATE PULP FICTION AND INTERVIEWS!

Uncategorized
September 19, 2011

To celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day”, PulpEmpire.com is proud to offer our newest anthology Pirates & Swashbucklers, a seventeen story collection of great pirate pulp fiction! Pirates & Swashbucklers author Kameron W. Franklin interviewed his fellow writers of the new Pulp Empire anthology out now!

Today he sits down with Jason Kahn, author of “Voyage of the Hangman”.

When did you first realize you were a writer?
It changes depending on my mood. Sometimes I think it was when I sold my first short story. Sometimes I think it was my first (and thus far only) professional short story sale. Sometimes I don’t really consider myself a writer at all because I don’t write fiction for a living. Sometimes I think that’s ridiculous because I do make a living writing and editing, just not fiction. Then there are other times when I think that if and when I have an actual novel published, like I hopefully will with the one I just finished writing, I can then honestly look in the mirror and say, Chum, you’re a writer, you are.

What authors influence or inspire you?
Early on, I would say authors like Raymond Feist and David Eddings influenced me the most as I tried to write fantasy-adventures, but lately, much more James Ellroy, Elmore Leonard, Joseph Wambaugh, and Donald Westlake as I’ve been writing more noir crime fiction. I read several detective fiction authors as I worked on some of my recent pieces. Raymond Chandler, Peter Lovesey, and then I read Ellroy. The Black Dahlia, L.A. Confidential, and many more. I wasn’t prepared, my mind exploded. I could not put them down.

Do you consider yourself a “pulp” writer? Why? Is there another genre you like to write?
Some of the writing projects I’m involved with currently are very pulp-ish, noir detective type stuff, so at the moment I definitely feel that way. But I also write fantasy and hard scifi, so it varies. Basically I just like to write a good story. Whatever style fits is okay with me.

What book(s) have you read more than once? What drew you back?
The first book I remember reading more than once was A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. I read it when I was a boy, and it was my first real introduction to fantasy literature. Quite a primer, right? I re-read it constantly, the language, the world-building, the characters. It was all there.

In 25 words or less, how would you define “pulp” as a genre?
Pulp as a genre takes me back to the old serials: over the top heroes and villains, nonstop thrill-ride action. That’s only 20!

What made you decide to submit a story for the Pirates & Swashbucklers anthology?
I always wanted to write a sword-and-sorcery adventure on the high seas with people who go “argh!” This was the perfect opportunity.

Read more of Kameron’s interviews at PensAndSwords.com.

Pulp Empire Presents: Pirates & Swashbucklers is now available at Pulp Empire.com. Until October 10^th, use the code “62QUSQGC” at our CreateSpace bookstore to receive 15% off on the book!

All Pulp Interviews: Moonstone’s Return of the Monsters – Nancy Holder

News
September 19, 2011

Cover: Dan Brereton

This Halloween, Moonstone heads back to their monstrous roots with the Return of the Monsters Event. Return of the Monsters features four stand-alone tales of pulp’s mightiest heroes facing off against some classic monsters. One of those titles is Domino Lady vs. the Mummy by co-writers Nancy Holder and Bobby Nash with art by Rock Baker and Jeff Austin. All Pulp sat down with Nancy Holder about this upcoming book.

All Pulp: Tell us a little about yourself and your pulp interests.

Nancy Holder: I absolutely love pulp fiction. I grew up reading a lot of comic books—I had subscriptions to so many! I loved Tarzan, Justice League, and lots of DC. I also read the scary ones even though they completely freaked me out. I loved Kolchak (and still do, to this day.) I love the resurgency of pulp fiction. You have to give it your all as a writer or it’s just a watery pastiche. I love feeling that engaged with what I’m doing.

Cover: Uwe Jarling

AP: Your story, co-written with Bobby Nash, for the Return of the Monsters Halloween event is called Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy. What can we expect from this titanic throw down?

NH: Bobby is so amazing and wonderful. I love Bobby. Let’s put it this way—our mummy’s a female. And our “Ardath Bey” is a female. I guess it’s no surprise that a dame like the Domino Lady has many, er, admirers.

Domino Lady doesn’t usually delve into the supernatural. So this is a very cool departure for her.

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

AP: Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy has a pulp hero battling a classic monster, a combination that even though done in some regards hasn’t ever really been done the way Moonstone is doing it with the Return of the Monster event. What do these genres have in common and how do they differ in ways that complement each other?

NH: Moonstone gets how much people love the pulpy feel of some kinds of fiction—adventure, horror, romance. That’s why I love to write for them. Moonstone writers are writing love stories to the flat-out investment readers in the 30’s had in this kinds of stories. One of my favorite movies of all time is Karloff’s THE MUMMY. That is one classy, scary movie. I’ve watched it a gazillion times and it never fails to thrill me. The Domino Lady is an anomaly in pulp fiction—smart and sassy, an adventuress and a sex goddess, but not a superhero per se. All she’s got is some knockout drops (and powder, but she uses that sparingly), a shiny silver gun, and some great gams to use in her battle against evil. But when you’re Domino Lady that’s all you need.

AP: The Return of the Monsters Halloween event brings back several classic monster archetypes to Moonstone’s lineup. How does this version of the Mummy compare and contrast to previous versions of the character?

Art: Rock Baker and Jeff Austin

NH: This mummy is all female—a true “femme fatale.” As ambitious and ruthless as other Karnakian incarnations. She spends a fortune in moisturizers. That’s a joke.

AP: What appeals to you about pulp heroes battling classic monsters? What was it that excited you about pitting the Domino Lady against a mummy?

NH: I love writing Domino Lady and as I mentioned, I loved that Karloff version of the Mummy. Lucky for me, Bobby was as enthusiastic as I was.

AP: You’ve been spearheading the Domino Lady’s comic book adventures for Moonstone. What’s ahead for the book and character?

NH: Domino Lady is teaming up with Sherlock Holmes and going to Egypt again. And of course there’s a guy for her to love up… I can’t wait for people to see it. It’s a two-parter and it’s going to be a stunner.

Art: Rock Baker and Jeff Austin

AP: What, if any, existing pulp, monster, or comic book characters would you like to try your hand at writing?

NH: The Crypt Keeper! More Kolchak. I’d love to do Vampirella.

AP: What does Nancy Holder do when she’s not writing?

NH: Sleeps. Actually, I’m a devoted mom and I love all that that entails. I also teach in the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing Program offered through the University of Southern Maine. I love it.

AP: Where can readers find learn more about you and your work?
https://www.facebook.com/nancyholderfans
https://www.facebook.com/holder.nancy
http://www.nancyholder.com/.
I’m on facebook and I tweet. @nancyholder.
https://www.facebook.com/crusadeseries
https://www.facebook.com/wickedseries
https://www.facebook.com/wolfspringschronicles

AP: Any upcoming projects you would like to mention?

NH: I’m writing a lot of young adult dark fantasy these days. I work with another partner, Debbie Viguié. Our second book in our Crusade series, DAMNED, is out now. UNLEASHED, will come out on November 22—two days before Thanksgiving. I’m stuffing my turkey with the first draft.

AP: Thanks, Nancy.

NH: Thank you!!!

Domino Lady vs. the Mummy is solicited in August Previews for an October in store release.

DC Comics December Solicitations

News
September 19, 2011

We hold in our hands the covers for DC Comics this December. As a child of four can plainly see, these envelopes have been hermetically sealed. They’ve been kept in a #2 mayonnaise jar under Wikipedia’s porch since noon today.