Arhian, Head Huntress Review at Comics for Sinners

Arhian01Over at the news site Comics for Sinners, you’ll find my review of Arhian, Head Huntress #1, now on sale from ARH Comix. Written by Arahom Radjah, Abraham Kawa, and Ben Bishop and illustrated by Yannis Roumboulias, it’s the start of a five-issue miniseries that stars a Red Sonja–esque warrior woman who, as the old saying goes, is as deadly as she is beautiful, and who’s hired by a nobleman to rescue his daughter from kidnappers. Considering the story’s pulp-fantasy roots, there’s probably more to Arhian’s quest than even she knows—and all of it dangerous. Head over to C4S to learn more.

Speaking of action heroines, are you aware that StarWarp Concepts has a few of its own? No? Then allow me to fill you in…

Lorelei: Sects and the CityLorelei: SWC’s first leading lady of horror, Lori is a succubus who revels in devouring the souls of bad guys, and currently stars in two critically acclaimed projects: the graphic novel Lorelei: Sects and the City, in which she battles a cult of Elder God worshippers to prevent them from unleashing hell on Earth; and the one-shot special Lorelei Presents: House Macabre, in which she tries her hand at hosting an old-style horror anthology comic.

Pandora Zwieback and Sebastienne “Annie” Mazarin: Pan is a teenaged Goth with the power to see through the human disguises of the monsters that actually exist in the world; Annie is Pan’s immortal, monster-hunting mentor. Together they star in The Saga of Pandora Zwieback, a series of dark-urban-fantasy novels that involve vampire civil wars, fallen angels, and a legion of other monsters. Currently, you’ll find Pan and Annie clashing with monsterdom in the novels Blood Feud and Blood Reign, as well as the comic book The Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annual #1.

heartstopper_lg_cover_2013But long before she started teaching Pan how to deal with the creatures of the night, Annie was also the star of a short-lived “bad girl” comic book miniseries in the 1990s: Heartstopper: The Legend of La Bella Tenebrosa. Here you’ll find Annie doing a bit of research for an article about gentlemen’s clubs in Times Square—research that includes actually performing as an exotic dancer (I did say it was a ’90s comic, didn’t I?). It’s that part-time gig that brings her into contact with Corum de Sade, a heavy metal singer with a deadly secret: he’s a soul-devouring incubus! All three issues are available for free from this very website, so download them today!

Dejah Thoris: Created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, Dejah Thoris is the sword-wielding princess of the Martian city of Helium and the costar of the classic science-fantasy novel A Princess of Mars, first in Burroughs’s “John Carter of Mars” series about a post–Civil War era American who suddenly finds himself on the Red Planet, battling to stay alive against all sorts of alien threats. It served as the basis for Disney’s 2012 film adaptation, John Carter, and inspired a century’s worth of SF works, including Flash Gordon, Star Wars, and James Cameron’s Avatar. Dejah Thoris is no pulp-fiction damsel in distress, ready to fight alongside Carter in his quest to end the ongoing war that threatens to tear apart the red planet.

CarmillaCarmilla: The blood-drenched temptress of a 19th-century novella by author J. Sheridan Le Fanu, Carmilla is a vampiress who desires not just blood but love from her victims, and when she enters the life of a young woman named Laura, Carmilla decides that her new friend will become her next great love—and won’t take no for an answer. Regarded as the one of the earliest lesbian vampires—if not the first—Carmilla was an influence on author Bram Stoker in the creation of the vampire brides in his seminal novel, Dracula, and remains a popular character in fiction to this day.

All titles except Heartstopper—which is a digital exclusive—are available in print and digital formats. Visit their respective product pages for ordering information, as well as sample pages.

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Happy Will Eisner Week 2016!

EisnerWeek-2016Graphic novels: Who doesn’t love to read them, especially if they can be used to get adults, teens, and kids interested in reading? And if there’s one thing the staff at StarWarp Concepts believes in, it’s promoting literacy. And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a yearly literacy event that’s been set up to help get the ball rolling!

Will Eisner Week is an annual celebration—held this week from March 1 to March 7—and is run by the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. It promotes literacy, graphic novels, free speech, and the legacy of the late Will Eisner, who would have turned 98 on March 6. Eisner, for those of you who might be unfamiliar with his work, was the creator of the 1940s masked crimefighter The Spirit, and one of the founding fathers of American graphic novels. A Contract with God, A Life Force, Dropsie Avenue, and The Dreamer are just some of the fascinating tales Eisner wrote and drew, featuring ordinary people in extraordinary (and sometimes not-so-extraordinary) situations. And even though he passed away in 2005, Eisner continues to inspire generations of writers and artists. Events are being held this week around the world; visit the Will Eisner Week site for more information.

StarWarp Concepts, of course, has its share of graphic novels, and we’d have no problem at all if you happened them to order them as your reading material for this special week. Check out the following titles—there may be one (or more) that pique your interest:

Lorelei: Sects and the CityLorelei: Sects and the City: This is the critically acclaimed, Mature Readers tale of a succubus battling a cult that’s trying to revive the elder gods they worship. Basically a love letter to 1970s horror comics like Vampirella, Tomb of Dracula, and “Satanna, the Devil’s Daughter,” it’s written by yours truly, Steven A. Roman (Stan Lee’s Alexa, X-Men: The Chaos Engine Trilogy), and illustrated by Eliseu Gouveia (Vengeance of the Mummy, Lady Death), Steve Geiger (Web of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk), and Neil Vokes (Flesh and Blood, Fright Night). It also features a cover by legendary artist Esteban Maroto (Vampirella, Zatanna, Lady Rawhide) and a frontispiece by original Vampirella artist Tom Sutton (Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night).

troubleshooters_lrg_coverTroubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings: Perfect for superhero fans, this graphic novel is about a supernatural team of superfolk-for-hire, consisting of a wizard, a sorceress, a female ninja, a high-tech-armor-wearing rock concert lighting designer, and a werewolf. Not every superhero team has Tony Stark’s billions to play with, you understand, and the Troubleshooters are just looking to earn a living while fighting the monsters that have always lurked in the shadows. Makes sense, right? Of course it does! Written by the husband-and-wife team of Richard C. White (The Chronicles of the Sea Dragon Special) and Joni M. White, and illustrated by Reggie Golden and Randy Zimmerman, Night Stalkings presents the TSI members on their first mission: protecting a multimillionaire from a trio of Middle Eastern demons out to raise a little hell!

pan_annual_lgThe Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annual #1: Although it may not be a graphic novel, at 56 pages it’s still a pretty thick comic book, with three stories of Pan and the monsters that live in her New York City hometown. The Saga of Pandora Zwieback chronicles the adventures of sixteen-year-old Pandora Zwieback, a Gothy horror fangirl who possesses amazing powers that she just learned about, including the ability to see past the human disguises worn by monsters to blend in with society. And The Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annual #1 is a 56-page, full-color special that contains stories by Steven A. Roman (yep, me again) and Sholly Fisch (Scooby-Doo Team-Up, The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold), and art by Eliseu Gouveia (Lorelei: Sects and the City, The Saga of Pandora Zwieback #0) and comic-art legend Ernie Colon (Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld).

All titles are available in print and digital formats, so visit their respective product pages for ordering information, as well as sample pages.

Happy reading!

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The Revenge of Reviewapalooza

Guardians-cvrAs regular visitors to this site might be aware, since 2014 I’ve been a comic and graphic novel reviewer for the news site Comics for Sinners, giving my opinion on some of the latest releases for bad-girl fans and general readers alike. Here are the titles I reviewed in February 2016:

ARH Comix
Queen of Vampires #1: Written by Abraham Kawa, art by Manos Lagouvardos

Darby Pop Publishing
Fake Empire #1: Written by Eric Palicki, art by Vinnie Rico

Dynamite Entertainment
Lady Demon: Hell to Pay: Written by Aaron Gillespie, art by Mirka Andolfo and Juanan Ramirez

Space Goat Publishing
Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead by Dawn, Vol. 1: Written by Frank Hannah, art by Barnaby Bagenda, Oscar Bazaldua, Edgar Salazar, and Carlos Eduardo

Zenescope Entertainment
Guardians: Written by Ralph Tedesco, art by Carlos Granda

Interested in seeing what else I’ve reviewed? Check out last month’s list, I, Reviewapalooza, and then head over to C4S to read the entries. And be sure to bookmark Comics For Sinners to keep up-to-date on my opinionated ramblings about bad-girl (and other) comics.

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Fake Empire Review at Comics for Sinners

Fake-Empire01Over at the news site Comics for Sinners, you’ll find my review of Fake Empire #1, which offers the first sample chapter of the upcoming graphic novel of the same name from Darby Pop Publishing. Written by Eric Palicki and illustrated by Vinnie Rico, it’s a dark-urban-fantasy adventure that involves the murder of the Tooth Fairy and the investigation of it by her sisters: one an NYPD detective, the other a street-smart ex-fairy. If you’re a fan of, say, the Vertigo comics series Fables, head over to C4S to learn more.

Speaking of dark-urban-fantasy characters, are you aware that StarWarp Concepts has a few of its own? No? Then allow me to fill you in…

Pandora Zwieback and Sebastienne “Annie” Mazarin: Pan is a teenaged Goth with the power to see through the human disguises of the monsters that actually exist in the world; Annie is Pan’s immortal, monster-hunting mentor. Together they star in The Saga of Pandora Zwieback, a series of dark-urban-fantasy novels that involve vampire civil wars, fallen angels, and a legion of other monsters. Currently, you’ll find Pan and Annie clashing with monsterdom in the following titles:

Blood FeudBlood Feud: The Saga of Pandora Zwieback, Book 1: This critically acclaimed novel is the beginning of Pan’s story, explaining how she, her parents and friends, and Annie are drawn into a conflict among warring vampire clans searching for the key to an ultimate weapon (or so the legend goes)—a key that just so happens to have been delivered to the horror-themed museum owned by Pan’s father. It’s a character-driven action-fest that leads immediately into the second novel:

Blood Reign: The Saga of Pandora Zwieback, Book 2: Pan and Annie face even greater challenges as the vampire clans draw up plans to go to war with humanity. Leading the charge is a fallen angel named Zaqiel, whose previous attempt at subjugating the world was stopped by Annie—who, back in the day, was Zaqiel’s lover!

The Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annual #1: A spinoff from the novel series, this 56-page, full-color comic special finds the teenaged Goth adventuress battling vampires and a jealous, man-stealing siren. It features stories by me and Sholly Fisch (Scooby-Doo Team-Up), art by Eliseu Gouveia (The Saga of Pandora Zwieback #0), comic-art legend Ernie Colon (Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld), and Elizabeth Watasin (Charm School), and cover art by award-winning artist Henar Torinos (Mala Estrella).

Heartstopper_CoverBut long before she started teaching Pan how to deal with the creatures of the night, Annie was also the star of a short-lived “bad girl” comic book miniseries in the 1990s: Heartstopper: The Legend of La Bella Tenebrosa. Here you’ll find Annie doing a bit of research for an article about gentlemen’s clubs in Times Square—research that includes actually performing as an exotic dancer (I did say it was a ’90s comic, didn’t I?). It’s that part-time gig that brings her into contact with Corum de Sade, a heavy metal singer with a deadly secret: he’s a soul-devouring incubus! And all three issues are available for free from this very website!

Lorelei: SWC’s first leading lady of horror, Lori is a succubus who revels in devouring the souls of bad guys, and currently stars in two critically acclaimed projects:

Lorelei: Sects and the CityLorelei: Sects and the City is a Mature Readers graphic novel in which Lori battles a cult of Elder God worshipers attempting to unleash hell on Earth. Basically a love letter to 1970s horror comics like Vampirella, Tomb of Dracula, and Ghost Rider, it’s written by yours truly, Steven A. Roman (Stan Lee’s Alexa, X-Men: The Chaos Engine Trilogy), and illustrated by Eliseu Gouveia (Vengeance of the Mummy, Lady Death), Steve Geiger (Web of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk), and Neil Vokes (Flesh and Blood, Fright Night). It also features a cover by legendary artist Esteban Maroto (Vampirella, Zatanna, Lady Rawhide), a frontispiece by original Vampirella artist Tom Sutton (Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night), and a one-page history of succubi illustrated by Ernie Colon (Vampirella, The Grim Ghost).

House_Macabre_large_finalLorelei Presents: House Macabre: It’s Lori’s first outing as the hostess of a horror comic anthology, in this one-shot special that contains four tales of horror, behind eye-catching cover art by fan-favorite artist Louis Small Jr. (Vampirella, Supergirl, Batman 80-Page Giant).

  • “The Old, Dark Manse” is written by me and illustrated by Uriel Caton (JSA Annual, The Ex-Mutants, Heartstopper: The Legend of La Bella Tenebrosa) and “Chainsaw” Chuck Majewski (Harvey Kurtzman’s New Two-Fisted Tales), and has Lori welcoming readers to this special.
  • “All in Color for a Crime” is another tale from me, with art by Lou Manna (T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, Young All-Stars). Two comic book collectors clash over a rare back issue—and only one of them will be adding it to their long boxes!
  • “The Basilisk,” from me and artist John Pierard (Graphic Classics: Horror Classics, My Teacher Fried My Brains), is a “Lori’s Feary Tale” that examines the history of a supernatural creature that’s a cross between a deadly snake and a…chicken?!
  • Wrapping up the special is “Requiem for Bravo 6,” by New York Times bestselling author and comic writer Dwight Jon Zimmerman (She-Hulk, Steve McQueen: Full-Throttle Cool) and artist Juan Carlos Abraldes Rendo. A special-ops team goes on a life-or-death mission…but will they be prepared for what awaits them at mission’s end?

troubleshooters_lrg_coverTroubleshooters, Incorporated: The graphic novel Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings involves a supernatural team of superfolk-for-hire, consisting of a wizard, a sorceress, a female ninja, a high-tech-armor-wearing rock concert lighting designer, and a werewolf. Not every superhero team has Tony Stark’s billions to play with, you understand, and the Troubleshooters are just looking to earn a living while fighting the monsters that have always lurked in the shadows. Makes sense, right? Of course it does! Written by the husband-and-wife team of Richard C. and Joni M. White, and illustrated by Reggie Golden and Randy Zimmerman, Night Stalkings presents the TSI members on their first mission: protecting a multimillionaire from a trio of Middle Eastern demons out to raise a little hell!

Lorelei: Sects and the City, Lorelei Presents: House Macabre, Blood Feud, Blood Reign, the Pandora Zwieback Annual, and Troubleshooters, Incorporated are available in print and digital formats. Heartstopper is a digital exclusive. Visit their respective product pages for ordering information, as well as sample pages and chapters.

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Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead by Dawn Review at Comics for Sinners

EvilDead2-Vol1It’s celebration time! Over at Comics for Sinners you’ll find my 75th review: Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead by Dawn, Vol. 1, currently available from Space Goat Publishing. Written by Frank Hannah and illustrated by Barnaby Bagenda, Oscar Bazaldua, Edgar Salazar, and Carlos Eduardo, it collects the 2015 miniseries that picks up directly from the end of the 1987 cult-classic horror movie that helped actor Bruce Campbell take the crown of King of All Things Cool—a title he still retains, all these years later. While you’re waiting for Campbell and his iconic-but-bumbling Evil Dead and Army of Darkness hero, Ashley “Ash” Williams, to make their triumphant return in Season 2 of the Starz TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead, head over to C4S to find out what level of groovy chain-saw justice Ash is currently handing out in comic book land.

Speaking of groovy monster fighters, have you met Pandora Zwieback, the teenaged Goth adventuress who stars in my young adult novel series, The Saga of Pandora Zwieback? Pan is a 16-year-old Goth girl who’s spent the last decade being treated for mental health problems because she can see monsters. It’s only after she meets an immortal monster hunter named Annie that Pan discovers she’s never been ill—her so-called “monstervision” is actually a supernatural gift that allows her to see into Gothopolis, the not-so-mythical shadow world that exists right alongside the human world. You’ll find Pan battling her own brand of evil dead in the following titles:

Blood FeudBlood Feud: The Saga of Pandora Zwieback, Book 1: This critically acclaimed novel is the beginning of Pan’s story, explaining how she, her parents and friends, and Annie are drawn into a conflict among warring vampire clans searching for the key to an ultimate weapon (or so the legend goes)—a key that just so happens to have been delivered to the horror-themed museum owned by Pan’s father. It’s a character-driven action-fest that leads immediately into the second novel:

Blood Reign: The Saga of Pandora Zwieback, Book 2: Pan and Annie face even greater challenges as the vampire clans draw up plans to go to war with humanity. Leading the charge is a fallen angel named Zaqiel, whose previous attempt at subjugating the world was stopped by Annie—who, back in the day, was Zaqiel’s lover!

pan_annual_lgThe Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annual #1: A spinoff from the novel series, this 56-page, full-color comic special finds the teenaged Goth adventuress battling vampires and a jealous, man-stealing siren. It features stories by me and Sholly Fisch (Scooby-Doo Team-Up), art by Eliseu Gouveia (The Saga of Pandora Zwieback #0), comic-art legend Ernie Colon (Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld), and Elizabeth Watasin (Charm School), and cover art by award-winning artist Henar Torinos (Mala Estrella).

 Blood Feud, Blood Reign, and the Pandora Zwieback Annual are available in print and digital formats. Visit their respective product pages for ordering information, as well as sample pages and chapters.

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Queen of Vampires Review at Comics for Sinners

Queen-of-Vampires01Over at the news site Comics for Sinners, you’ll find my review of Queen of Vampires #1, currently available from ARH Comix. Written by Abraham Kawa and illustrated by Manos Lagouvardos, it involves a hard-hearted queen named Arkhalla, who rules over a land populated by vampires and the humans who serve them—as slaves and as a food source. Arkhalla has all the qualities of a 1990s “bad girl,” but the writing and art reminded me more of Marvel’s classic Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja comics under the direction of writer/editor Roy Thomas. For a comic based on a bad-girl statue that’s been released by the same publisher, that’s saying a lot! Head over to C4S to learn more.

Speaking of bad girls, have you met Lorelei, StarWarp Concepts’ resident soul-stealing succubus? Making her comics debut in 1993, Lori has remained SWC’s first leading lady of horror, and currently stars in two critically acclaimed projects:

Lorelei: Sects and the CityLorelei: Sects and the City is a Mature Readers graphic novel in which Lori battles a cult of Elder God worshipers attempting to unleash hell on Earth. Basically a love letter to 1970s horror comics like Vampirella, Tomb of Dracula, and Ghost Rider, it’s written by yours truly, Steven A. Roman (Stan Lee’s Alexa, X-Men: The Chaos Engine Trilogy), and illustrated by Eliseu Gouveia (Vengeance of the Mummy, Lady Death), Steve Geiger (Web of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk), and Neil Vokes (Flesh and Blood, Fright Night). It also features a cover by legendary artist Esteban Maroto (Vampirella, Zatanna, Lady Rawhide), a frontispiece by original Vampirella artist Tom Sutton (Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night), and a one-page history of succubi illustrated by Ernie Colon (Vampirella, The Grim Ghost).

“I can honestly say that I enjoyed the hell out of this book…. The art is solid, the story is full of lots of things that make the horror genre so great, and the overall quality of the book is top notch.”Die-Screaming

“Kudos to Roman for capturing the essence of 1970s fare like Vampirella. Filled with ghouls, chicks, and some strong artwork, this is a title that might’ve piqued Hammer Studios’ interest back in the day.”Dread Central

House_Macabre_large_finalLorelei Presents: House Macabre: It’s Lori’s first outing as the hostess of a horror comic anthology, in this one-shot special that contains four tales of horror, behind eye-catching cover art by fan-favorite artist Louis Small Jr. (Vampirella, Supergirl, Batman 80-Page Giant).

  • “The Old, Dark Manse” is written by me and illustrated by Uriel Caton (JSA Annual, The Ex-Mutants, Heartstopper: The Legend of La Bella Tenebrosa) and “Chainsaw” Chuck Majewski (Harvey Kurtzman’s New Two-Fisted Tales), and has Lori welcoming readers to this special.
  • “All in Color for a Crime” is another tale from me, with art by Lou Manna (T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, Young All-Stars). Two comic book collectors clash over a rare back issue—and only one of them will be adding it to their long boxes!
  • “The Basilisk,” from me and artist John Pierard (Graphic Classics: Horror Classics, My Teacher Fried My Brains), is a “Lori’s Feary Tale” that examines the history of a supernatural creature that’s a cross between a deadly snake and a…chicken?!
  • Wrapping up the special is “Requiem for Bravo 6,” by New York Times bestselling author and comic writer Dwight Jon Zimmerman (She-Hulk, Steve McQueen: Full-Throttle Cool) and artist Juan Carlos Abraldes Rendo. A special-ops team goes on a life-or-death mission…but will they be prepared for what awaits them at mission’s end?

“This is like a cross between Elvira and House of Mystery, where you’ve got a very sexy hostess who loves the Macabre and tells you stories that are supposed to chill and thrill you…. This whole book is such a pleasant surprise, [and] something that should be sought out by everyone.”Reading With a Flight Ring

“Any fans of the old-fashioned horror anthology comics (Eerie, Creepy, Tales From the Crypt, etc.) is gonna want to take a look at this one-shot from StarWarp Concepts…. If campy horror fun is your thing, this should be a hit for you.”The Pullbox

Both titles are available in print and digital formats, so visit their respective product pages for ordering information, as well as sample pages.

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For a Few Gold Pieces More Kickstarter Launches

FaFGPM_cover_preview-288x300It’s a special day for fans of fantasy adventures, as bestselling author Richard C. White (Gauntlet: Dark Legacy: Paths of Evil, Star Trek: SCE: Echoes of Coventry) launches a Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund the publication of his upcoming short story collection, For a Few Gold Pieces More: Tales of the Rogue With No Name!

For a Few Gold Pieces More: Tales of the Rogue With No Name stars a mysterious, unnamed wanderer with a penchant for getting into trouble…if the price is right. If you’re thinking Sergio Leone “spaghetti Westerns” mashed up with epic-fantasy adventures, then you’re definitely on the right track. And if you read my “State of the StarWarp Concepts Union” address at the start of this year, you know that Rich has already selected SWC as the publishing house he wants to handle the book’s release; the Kickstarter is being used to pay for production costs, such as the print-and-digital designer’s fees and the ten illustrations and cover art provided by digital painter Shane Braithwaite. If all goes well, we’re looking at a summer release this year—probably in June or July. Go check it out, and if you like what you see, then feel free to contribute to the fund before the window closes on March 14—Rich has some nice rewards to offer for the various donation levels.

Speaking of Rich, the release of For a Few Gold Pieces More will make this his fourth ’Warp-published title—and of course the other three are still available for purchase!

terra_ingoc_lg_coverIn Terra Incognito: A Guide to Building the Worlds of Your Imagination, Rich takes fantasy writers and gamers through the step-by-step process of constructing a world for their characters, from societies and governments to currency and religion. Included is an interview with New York Times bestselling author Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance) that discusses his methods of world building, as well as his creative experiences during his time as a designer for gaming company TSR, the original home of Dungeons & Dragons. Terra Incognito was not just the hottest #1 title when it made its debut last October at e-book distributor DriveThru Fiction, but it then held the #1 position for weeks as DTF’s hottest title for nonfiction books and writers’ reference guides!

“I think Terra Incognito is a solid introduction to the subject of world building. The book succeeds in helping the aspiring writer in creating a skeletal framework for which to hang the moving parts required of a believable fictional setting.”The Gaming Gang

troubleshooters_lrg_coverThe graphic novel Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings is perfect for superhero fans, and involves a supernatural team of superfolk-for-hire, consisting of a wizard, a sorceress, a female ninja, a high-tech-armor-wearing rock concert lighting designer, and a werewolf. Not every superhero team has Tony Stark’s billions to play with, you understand, and the Troubleshooters are just looking to earn a living while fighting the monsters that have always lurked in the shadows. Makes sense, right? Of course it does! Written by Rich and his wife, Joni M. White, and illustrated by Reggie Golden and Randy Zimmerman, Night Stalkings presents the TSI members on their first mission: protecting a multimillionaire from a trio of Middle Eastern demons out to raise a little hell!

“A very good spin on the tried and true ‘good-guys-for-hire’ formula. All in all, an enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone.”Word of the Nerd

seadragon_lrg_cov_revThe Chronicles of the Sea Dragon Special is a one-shot digital comic created and written by Rich. Drawn by Bill Bryan (artist of Caliber Press’ Dark Oz and DC Comics’ House of Mystery), and featuring cover art and color by Eliseu Gouveia (SWC’s The Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annuals), it’s 48 pages of high-seas adventure for just 99¢!

Terra Incognito and Troubleshooters, Incorporated are available in print and digital formats; The Chronicles of the Sea Dragon Special is a digital exclusive. Visit their respective product pages for ordering information. And don’t forget to visit For a Few Gold Pieces More’s Kickstarter page!

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Happy Birthday, Gahan Wilson!

gahanwilsonIf you’ve never heard the name Gahan Wilson, then you don’t know macabre cartoons—and you’ve been missing a lot of great ones. For sixty years, Wilson has been drawing creepy one-panel gags for magazines like The Twilight Zone, Playboy, National Lampoon, and The New Yorker. He’s the cartooning soul mate of Charles Addams, whose equally low-key cartoon horrors brought us The Addams Family. And today’s the day he turns 86!

I got to work with Wilson a couple of times, back in my editing days for publishing house ibooks, inc. Ibooks’ publisher, Byron Preiss, was a longtime friend of his, and one day Byron got the idea to put together a small trade paperback collection of Wilson’s cartoons (not the first publisher to do this—there’ve been many Wilson collections). This one would be called Gahan Wilson’s Gravediggers’ Party, and not only would Wilson come to the office to discuss it, but I was going to be the editor working with him to select the cartoons.

gravediggers_partyExcept that’s not how we met. That happened when I stepped out of my office to do something (I forget what) and practically walked into him. And then he uttered his memorable first words to me:

“Excuse me, can you tell me where the men’s room is?”

It took a second to process what he’d said—my mind was too busy thinking, Oh my God, it’s Gahan Wilson! But then I pointed him in the right direction and he hurried off.

From then on—after Byron had formally introduced us—Wilson always remembered me as that guy who showed him where the bathroom was. 😀

monster_partyWorking with him on Gravediggers’ Party, and its follow-up volume, Gahan Wilson’s Monster Party, was a joy, because I got to drool over five decades’ worth of incredible images (don’t worry, my lobster bib kept me from damaging anything). And Wilson agreed with about 85 percent of my choices, which made me even happier.

The last time I crossed paths with him was at the 2011 Boston Comic Con, where he was taking a break from signing copies of another (and massive) collection: Gahan Wilson: Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons. He stopped by my table in artists’ alley and I reminded him of our collaboration on the two ibooks volumes. He smiled and said:

“I remember you! You’re the one who showed me where the men’s room was.”

For more information on Wilson and his work, check out the 2014 documentary Gahan Wilson: Born Dead, Still Weird. It features appearances from such notables as comedians Stephen Colbert and Lewis Black, director Guillermo del Toro, Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner, writer Neil Gaiman, and even comics legend Stan Lee.

Happy birthday, Mr. Wilson!

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It’s Take Your Child to the Library Day 2016!

library-something-wicked-5

Today is the fifth annual celebration of Take Your Child to the Library Day. Founded in 2011 by children’s librarian Nadine Lipman, the event is held the first Saturday in February and encourages librarians to reach out to their communities and show folks just how wonderful reading can be.

Before the Internet, libraries were the source for information and reading, and these days they can use our support. So head out tomorrow, introduce your children to that big brick building with all the free books to borrow, update the library card that’s been stuck in the back of your wallet for all these years, and renew your acquaintance with a vital partner in the ongoing literacy campaign.

For more information, including the list of participating libraries, visit the TYCLD Facebook page.

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Lady Demon Review at Comics for Sinners

LadyDemonTPOver at the news site Comics for Sinners, you’ll find my review of Lady Demon: Hell to Pay, currently available from Dynamite Entertainment. Written by Aaron Gillespie (Purgatori: Hell and Back, The Bionic Man), with art by Mirka Andolfo (Chaos: Highway to Hel, DC Comics Bombshells) and Juanan Ramirez (Altered States: Red Sonja, Chaos: Smiley the Psychotic Button), it collects the 2015 four-issue miniseries that follows the adventures of the archduchess of Hell as she flees the netherworld for the safety of…Arkansas? It’s an enjoyable nod to 1970s Southern Gothic horror movies that you might want to check out. Head over to C4S to learn more.

Speaking of hell-powered bad girls inspired by 1970s horror movies, have you met Lorelei, StarWarp Concepts’ resident soul-stealing succubus? Making her comics debut in 1993, Lori has remained SWC’s first leading lady of horror, and currently stars in two critically acclaimed projects:

Lorelei: Sects and the CityLorelei: Sects and the City is a Mature Readers graphic novel in which Lori battles a cult of Elder God worshipers attempting to unleash hell on Earth. Basically a love letter to 1970s horror comics like Vampirella, Tomb of Dracula, and Ghost Rider, it’s written by yours truly, Steven A. Roman (Stan Lee’s Alexa, X-Men: The Chaos Engine Trilogy), and illustrated by Eliseu Gouveia (Vengeance of the Mummy, Lady Death), Steve Geiger (Web of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk), and Neil Vokes (Flesh and Blood, Fright Night). It also features a cover by legendary artist Esteban Maroto (Vampirella, Zatanna, Lady Rawhide), a frontispiece by original Vampirella artist Tom Sutton (Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night), and a one-page history of succubi illustrated by Ernie Colon (Vampirella, The Grim Ghost).

“I can honestly say that I enjoyed the hell out of this book…. The art is solid, the story is full of lots of things that make the horror genre so great, and the overall quality of the book is top notch.”Die-Screaming

“Kudos to Roman for capturing the essence of 1970s fare like Vampirella. Filled with ghouls, chicks, and some strong artwork, this is a title that might’ve piqued Hammer Studios’ interest back in the day.”Dread Central

House_Macabre_large_finalLorelei Presents: House Macabre: It’s Lori’s first outing as the hostess of a horror comic anthology, in this one-shot special that contains four tales of horror, behind eye-catching cover art by fan-favorite artist Louis Small Jr. (Vampirella, Supergirl, Batman 80-Page Giant).

  • “The Old, Dark Manse” is written by me and illustrated by Uriel Caton (JSA Annual, The Ex-Mutants, Heartstopper: The Legend of La Bella Tenebrosa) and “Chainsaw” Chuck Majewski (Harvey Kurtzman’s New Two-Fisted Tales), and has Lori welcoming readers to this special.
  • “All in Color for a Crime” is another tale from me, with art by Lou Manna (T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, Young All-Stars). Two comic book collectors clash over a rare back issue—and only one of them will be adding it to their long boxes!
  • “The Basilisk,” from me and artist John Pierard (Graphic Classics: Horror Classics, My Teacher Fried My Brains), is a “Lori’s Feary Tale” that examines the history of a supernatural creature that’s a cross between a deadly snake and a…chicken?!
  • Wrapping up the special is “Requiem for Bravo 6,” by New York Times bestselling author and comic writer Dwight Jon Zimmerman (She-Hulk, Steve McQueen: Full-Throttle Cool) and artist Juan Carlos Abraldes Rendo. A special-ops team goes on a life-or-death mission…but will they be prepared for what awaits them at mission’s end?

“This is like a cross between Elvira and House of Mystery, where you’ve got a very sexy hostess who loves the Macabre and tells you stories that are supposed to chill and thrill you…. This whole book is such a pleasant surprise, [and] something that should be sought out by everyone.”Reading With a Flight Ring

“Any fans of the old-fashioned horror anthology comics (Eerie, Creepy, Tales From the Crypt, etc.) is gonna want to take a look at this one-shot from StarWarp Concepts…. If campy horror fun is your thing, this should be a hit for you.”The Pullbox

Both titles are available in print and digital formats, so visit their respective product pages for ordering information, as well as sample pages.

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