Tagged: Monsters

Dynamite Entertainment’s Pulp Offerings for February 2012

Dynamite Entertainment has released their solicitations for February 2012. These titles are available for preorder now from your favorite comic book retailer.


THE LONE RANGER #1

Rating: TEEN+
Covers:
http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross (50%), Francesco Francavilla (50%)
Writer: Ande Parks
Artist: Esteve Polls
Colorist: Marcello Pinto
Genre: Western
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130186065 00111
UPC: 725130186065 00121
UPC: 725130186065 00131
UPC: 725130186065 00141
It’s been two months since Lone Ranger and Tonto hit the trails of the old west, looking for injustice. They’ve found plenty. Now, they come across settlers who have been victimized in a way that stirs memories in John Reid. Loss, vengeance, and redemption as pioneer idealism meets the reality of hard life on the prairie. A stand-alone tale that ties into an epic six part story that will test the mettle of the west’s most legendary heroes.

Rating: Teen +
Covers:
http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross (75%), Paul Renaud (25%), Francesco Francavilla (1-in-10)
Writer: Eric Trautmann
Artist: Daniel Indro
Genre: Sci-Fi
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130183958 00311
UPC: 725130183958 00321
UPC: 725130183958 00331
UPC: 725130183958 00341
Flash Gordon — on the run from Ming’s pursuit ships — finds himself cut off and alone, facing down the deadly hazards of Mongo’s untamed wilderness, and the primal rage of Prince Thun of the Lion Men. Alien threats abound, which will test Gordon’s skills to their outer limits. Meanwhile, on an Earth still menaced by the threat of invasion from Mongo, three alien rebels wage a secret battle against Ming the Merciless. Their target: a shipment of powerful extraterrestrial weapons, delivered into the hands of the Third Reich!
Dynamite Entertainment‘s epic space opera continues in Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist’s thrilling third chapter, “Monsters of Mongo.

Rating: Mature
Covers: Lucio Parillo (50%), Paul Renaud (50%), Francesco Francavilla (1-in-10)
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Artist: Roberto Castro
Genre: Action/Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130183934 00211
UPC: 725130183934 00221
UPC: 725130183934 00231
UPC: 725130183934 00241
UPC: 725130183934 00251
The year is 1909. Bloodthirsty mutineers have seized the beautiful Jane Porter and her father. The cutthroats are lying low on the coast of the Belgian Congo as they squabble over a mysterious chest Jane and her father risked their lives for. Cecil Clayton, heir apparent to the title of Lord Greystoke, is with them, searching for a long-lost uncle who disappeared on the very shores he and the Porters find themselves on. Fortunately for the hostages, they’ve stumbled onto the hunting grounds of pulp fiction’s greatest hero! Could there be a connection to their mysterious protector and Clayton’s missing relative? Find out in Lord of the Jungle Issue 2: The Forest God!

VAMPIRELLA VS. DRACULA #1
Rating: Teen +
Covers: Joe Linsner
Writer: Joe Harris
Artist: Jean Diaz
Genre: Horror, Super-Hero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 48 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130186058 00111
UPC: 725130186058 00121
UPC: 725130186058 00131
48 pages at only $3.99! Spinning out of Alan Moore’s retelling of the ageless horror classic,
Dracula has come to America to play out his timeless narrative in this brave, New World. Only he didn’t realize ANOTHER vampire already beat him to it. Drawn to one another across continents and centuries by a mysterious force, both Vampirella and Bram Stoker’s immortal monster find themselves sucked into a time-tossed epic of love, hate, death and damnation. But can an epic built for one vampire possibly hold them both?
Also includes the reprinted Alan Moore/Gary Frank story!

Rating: Teen +
Covers: Francesco Francavilla (50%), Aaron Campbell (50%)
Writer: Stuart Manning
Artist: Aaron Campbell
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130183989 00411
A killer is stalking the streets of Collinsport as vampire Barnabas Collins finds himself in a race against time to save the Collins family from a dangerous force. As his eternal nemesis, the witch Angelique, makes her new bid for eternal life, Barnabas and Julia must work out what links Barnabas’ dreams to the mysterious statue in time to prevent a tragic death.

Rating: Teen +
Covers:
http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross (main), Jonathan Lau (1-in-10)
Writer: Kevin Smith with Phil Hester
Artist: Jonathan Lau
Colorist: Ivan Nunes
Genre: Media Tie-In, Action Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184009 00611
UPC: 725130184009 00621
UPC: 725130184009 00631
Steve Austin and the evil cyborg Hull engage in a bionic battle that shakes the very foundation of Washington DC. From the posh ballrooms of high society to the bowels of the subway, the half-machine combatants leave a path of destruction through our nation’s Capitol. But when Hull’s tactics put the lives of innocents in danger, Steve Austin must push his new bionic
Powers to the limit… and beyond!

Rating: Mature
Covers:
Joe Jusko (50%), Stephen Sadowski (50%), Lucio Parrillo (1-in-15)
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Artist: Edgar Salazar
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184047 01611
UPC: 725130184047 01621
UPC: 725130184047 01631
John Carter is finally united with the son he never knew. The two of them face bloody death in the great arena of Issus, Goddess of Life Eternal. No one has ever escaped from the arena of Issus before, but Carter and his son might have a thing or two to teach this false goddess about religion — the old fashioned way, at the end of a sword point! Hair-raising escapes, devious villainy, and an embarrassing revelation or two await you in Warlord of Mars Issue 16: Flight and Pursuit!

Rating: Mature
Covers: Paul Renaud (33%), Ale Garza (33%), Fabiano Neves (33%)
Writer: Robert Napton
Artist: Carlos Rafael
Colorist: Carlos Lopez
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184054 01111
UPC: 725130184054 01121
UPC: 725130184054 01131
The Great Toonolian Marshes–one of the most feared places in Barsoom with 1800 miles of marsh land infested with exotic and dangerous creatures. It also possesses natural resources that Helium needs for its reconstruction. Dejah, along with her new pilot Kantos Kan, ventures into this foreboding region on an expeditionary mission. While there, Dejah is possessed by “the Boora Witch,” one of the marshes’ most dangerous residents. Unknown to anyone, The Witch takes control of Dejah and starts spinning a web that could destroy Helium once and for all! Dejah has overcome many enemies, but can she overcome the enemy within?

Rating: Mature
Covers: Lucio Parrillo
Writer: Mark Rahner
Artist:
Stephen Sadowski
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 40 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130186072 00111
The mighty green warrior Tars Tarkas was ready for blood the day he first met John Carter on Barsoom. Make that MORE blood. The epic, “Shell Shock,” chronicles the violence and horror that led to that day. Tars Tarkas is jolted out of an existential crisis by the massacre of a Thark egg incubator, and things just get worse from there as he faces mutiny and … and genocide! Written by Mark Rahner (“Rotten,” “Green Hornet” Annual #2).

Rating: Teen +
Covers: Brian Denham (33%), Phil Hester (33%), and Jonathan Lau (33%)
Writer: Ande Parks
Artist: Igor Vitorino
Colorist: Ivan Nunes
Genre: Super-Hero, Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184115 02411
Green Hornet’s perception as a villain in Century City has been kicked up a notch, as someone disguised as the Hornet has assassinated the city’s Mayor. A pair of new villains finalize their plans to seize power, and a fearful public demands blood, with Green Hornet and Kato as the prime targets. Britt Reid has to find a way to clear his alter ego’s name while maintaining both his secret identity and his fearful reputation amongst the gangs of Century City. Green Hornet is now Public Enemy #1… with a bullet.

Rating: Teen +
Covers: Matt Wagner
Writer: Matt Wagner
Artist: John K. Snyder III
Genre: Action/Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184139 00711
The one and only Matt (MAGE, GRENDEL) Wagner is in the home-stretch of his epic story of Zorro! After catastrophic changes in Zorro’s world-events, Zorro begins to question everything he does and everything for which he stands. There’re thrilling times ahead as ZORRO RIDES AGAIN with issue #7 from
Dynamite Entertainment!

Rating: Teen +
Covers: Walter Geovani (50%), John Watson (50%)
Writer: Eric Trautmann
Artist: Walter Geovani
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure, Superhero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184153 06611
The final, bloody showdown over the cursed Horn of Nergal is at hand! To stand fast against an army of Stygian assassins, and the sinister machinations of the Priestess Azanathi, will require all of
Red Sonja‘s considerable skill. But is the She-Devil’s martial prowess enough to win the day, and perhaps, a measure of redemption, or will the Horn’s curse cost Sonja everything?

Rating: Teen +
Covers: Frank Martin Jr.
Writer: Marc Mason
Artist: Lui Antonio
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure, Superhero
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 40
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130186089 00111
The goddess Scathach places her blessings upon a new warrior, Raven, who dedicates herself to the advancement of women all across the land. But when
Red Sonja finds herself investigating a series of massacres, she begins to suspect that Raven isn’t quite as noble as she seems in the pursuit of her cause. Surrounded by an army of women ready to draw blood in her name, Raven may be the one foe that Sonja cannot defeat… and she may not want to!

Rating: Teen +
Cover: Igor Vitorino (50%), Lucio Parrillo (50%)
Writer: Luke Lieberman
Artist: Milton Estevam
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: Comic Book
PAGE COUNT: 32 pages
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
UPC: 725130184160 02711
When you move to strike Empress Sonja you had better not miss, because you only get one shot. Then it is her turn. Meanwhile Xander and Melea penetrate Koliostri’s growing cult, and learn its secrets.

Rating: Mature
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Genre: WAR
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: 6 x 9 prose novel
PAGE COUNT: 160
Rights: WW
Age range: 16+
New York Times Best-Selling Author and comic book writer, Chuck Dixon’s first ever novel from
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT! In the tradition of G.I. Joe, Punisher, Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, Clive Cussler, Vince Flynn, W.E. Griffin, and Dale Brown: SEAL Team Six: The Novel!
They are highly trained. Their missions are classified. They are our best and last hope. Yet they do not exist. Follow SEAL Team Six as they train, hunt and fight an enemy who reaches out from the most remote corners of the world to murder and maim. These highly-trained, military men are the unknown heroes who endure unimaginable hardship and murderous combat to protect our homeland.
SBN-10: 1-60690-251-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-251-6

Rating: TEEN+
Cover:
http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross
Writer: Ande Parks
Artists: Esteve Polls
Genre: Action/Adventure,
Western
Awards: N/A
Publication Date: Jan 2012
Format: soft cover trade paperback
PAGE COUNT: 128
The legendary masked crime-fighter, Zorro, now in his sixties, has hung up his cape and sword. Living on a peaceful ranch in the new state of California, Don Diego tends to his cattle, breaks horses, and enjoys the company of his wife. When a renegade band of Confederate bushwhackers attack a nearby Indian settlement, though, Don Diego cannot Just stand by and let innocents be slaughtered. Zorro heads back into action again… for the last time! Guest starring another legendary masked lawman –
The Lone Ranger!
Collecting the entire five-issue series, along with a complete cover gallery.
ISBN-10: 1606901575
ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-157-1

To learn more about Dynamite Entertainment, please visit www.dynamite.net.THE LONE RANGER: DEATH OF ZORRO TPB SEAL TEAM SIX: THE NOVEL QUEEN SONJA #27 RED SONJA: RAVEN RED SONJA #66 ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #7 (OF 12) GREEN HORNET #24 WARLORD OF MARS ANNUAL #1 WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS #11 WARLORD OF MARS #16 KEVIN SMITH – THE BIONIC MAN #6 DARK SHADOWS #4 LORD OF THE JUNGLE #2 FLASH GORDON – ZEITGEIST #3

In Stores Today – Moonstone Books Return of the Monsters!

Moonstone Books’ Return of the Monsters titles are available in better comic shops everywhere today. If for some reason your local comic shop doesn’t have them on hand, they can still order them through Diamond or you can order direct through http://www.moonstonebooks.com/ or wherever you buy your favorite comic books on-line.

Titles include Domino Lady vs. The Mummy, Black Bat vs. Dracula, and The Spider vs. Werewolf.

Domino Lady vs. The Mummy

The Egyptian sorceress Nephthys has promised to build her mummified mistress the perfect mate. Together, they cut a bloody swath across 1930’s Hollywood in search of the last few perfect bodies to harvest to complete the process. The last thing Nepthys or the mummy expected to run across was The Domino Lady, a perfect body that fights back.

Story: Nancy Holder, Bobby Nash
Art: Rock Baker, Jeff Austin
Cover: Dan Brereton
40 pages, grayscale, $3.99
Direct Link: http://moonstonebooks.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=917

Black Bat vs. Dracula

For the first time in history three eras collide in one place as Pulp Fiction’s newest heroine, Death Angel joins forces with Pulp’s enduring vigilante The Black Bat to battle the eternal face of horror, Dracula. Mike (The Phantom) Bullock and rising star Eric Johns bring this spine-tingling tale of darkness, lust and fear to you, wrapped in a visceral cover crafted by horror comic legend Dan Brereton.

Story: Mike Bullock
Art: Eric Johns
Cover: Dan Brereton
40 pages, grayscale, $3.99
Direct Link: http://moonstonebooks.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=918

The Spider vs. Werewolf

A seething, ferocious nightmare from the Spider’s dark past invades New York City, preying upon the innocent and the helpless. Mutilated victims are strewn in the blood-slick streets, and once normal men have become murderous monsters. The Master of Men must face the deadly demons alone. Not even his beloved Nita Van Sloan can be trusted when everyone—including the Spider himself—may not be what they seem.

Story: Martin Powell
Art: Jay Piscopo
Cover: Dan Brereton
40 pages, grayscale, $3.99
Direct Link: http://moonstonebooks.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=916

For more information on Moonstoen Books, please visit them at http://www.moonstonebooks.com/.

NEW KUTTNER COLLECTION FROM HAFNER PRESS!

THUNDER IN THE VOID by Henry Kuttner is a massive collection of 16 vintage Space Opera stories selected from classic pulp magazines such as Weird Tales, Marvel Science Stories, Astonishing Stories, Super Science Stories, Super-Detective, and of course, Planet Stories. Most of the these are appearing in book form for the first time. An added bonus, Haffner Press is pleased to include an unpublished story by Kuttner, “The Interplanetary Limited.”

Prior to his marriage to fellow science-fantasy writer Catherine L. Moore in 1940, Henry Kuttner wrote stories of Lovecraftian horror, weird-menace “shudder” tales, and thrilling adventure stories. But he also wrote blood-n-thunder Space Opera stories in the vein of Edmond Hamilton (one of young Kuttner’s favorite authors) told with a rough-edge style similar to Kuttner’s protege Leigh Brackett.

Award-winning author (and the only writer to stage a live performance of a Kuttner Space Opera story) Mike Resnick contributes an introduction reflecting on his admiration for stories by Kuttner (and Moore).

THUNDER IN THE VOID is scheduled for a mid-November 2011 release.

Table of Contents
Introduction by Mike Resnick
*Raider of the Spaceways  (Weird Tales, Jul ’37)
Avengers of Space  (Marvel Science Stories, Aug ’38)
The Time-Trap  (Marvel Science Stories, Nov ’38)
*The Lifestone  (Astonishing Stories, Feb ’40)
*Monsters of the Atom  (Super-Detective, Apr ’41)
*Red Gem of Mercury  (Super Science Stories, Nov ’41)
*The Crystal Circe  (Astonishing Stories, Jun ’42)
*War-Gods of the Void  (Planet Stories, Fll ’42)
*Thunder in the Void  (Astonishing Stories, Oct ’42)
We Guard the Black Planet  (Super Science Stories, Nov ’42)
*Soldiers of Space  (Astonishing Stories, Feb ’43)
*Crypt-City of the Deathless One  (Planet Stories, Win ’43)
The Eyes of Thar  (Planet Stories, Fll ”43)
What Hath Me  (Planet Stories, Spr ’46)
*Carry Me Home  (Planet Stories,  ’50)
The Interplanetary Limited (first time in print)

*First reprint appearance

1) Single-copy preorders for THUNDER IN THE VOID may be placed on this page:
http://haffnerpress.com/Thunder.html

2) or a copy may be preordered as part of a limited-time combo offer:
Visit www.haffnerpress.com to order THUNDER IN THE VOID by Kuttner with AT THE HUMAN LIMIT, THE COLLECTED STORIES OF JACK WILLIAMSON, VOLUME EIGHT and TALES FROM SUPER-SCIENCE FICTION and receive an exclusive bonus chapbook featuring rare texts and associated ephemera from several contributors to the these three titles.  Shipping is FREE to the Continental USA and we will ship the books as they are published with the chapbook accompanying the release of TALES OF SUPER-SCIENCE FICTION.

AT THE HUMAN LIMIT is already available and selling fast.  We will withdraw this offer when either AT THE HUMAN LIMIT is out of print or we take possession from the bindery of THUNDER IN THE VOID (which is due in November). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get this exclusive chapbook.

Keep Watching the Skies!

Stephen Haffner
Big Poobah
HAFFNER PRESS

Dark Horse Comics October Pulpy Offerings

Coming in October from Dark Horse Comics.

FLASH GORDON COMIC BOOK ARCHIVES VOLUME 5 HC
John Warner (W), Bruce Jones (W), George Kashdan (W), Gene Fawcette (P/I), Al Williamson (P/I), Carlos Garzón (P), Al McWilliams (P/I), Frank Bolle (P), and Rick Veitch (C)
On sale Dec 28
FC, 280 pages
$49.99
HC, 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″
Flash Gordon—hero of Mongo, gentleman scientist, two-fisted fighter, and now savior of the universe! Join Flash, the lovely Dale Arden, and Dr. Zarkov as they make a last desperate stand against alien monsters, corrupt kings, ravenous sharks, and the ultimate supervillain, Ming the Merciless! This volume collects Flash Gordon #28–#37, plus the three-issue adaptation of the cult favorite Flash Gordon movie!
• Introduction by Michael T. Gilbert.

TARZAN: THE JESSE MARSH YEARS VOLUME 10 HC
Gaylord DuBois (W) and Jesse Marsh (A)
On sale Jan 4
FC, 224 pages
$49.99
HC, 7″ x 10″
Tarzan faces his most harrowing adventure yet when his treehouse is targeted and destroyed by slavers, who kidnap Jane and Boy! This volume sees Tarzan battle lion-sized wasps, outwit ivory poachers, brave giant spiders to find desperately needed medicine, become stranded in the Valley of Monsters, and even track a murder cult for the British government. Reprinting Dell’s Tarzan #47–#51, from 1953, for the first time.
• Introduction by PictureBox’s Dan Nadel.

ABE SAPIEN: THE DEVIL DOES NOT JEST #2 (of 2)
From the pages of Hellboy!
Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), James Harren (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Dave Johnson (Cover)
On sale Oct 26
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Abe Sapien’s investigation of a demonologist gets gory when, at the mercy of a malformed beast, he stumbles upon the secret of a rotten family tree—the roots of which, he may never escape.
• Abe loses his mind in this early adventure!

B.P.R.D.: BEING HUMAN TP
Liz’s origin revealed!
Mike Mignola (W/Cover), John Arcudi (W), Scott Allie (W), Richard Corben (A), Ben Stenbeck (A), Karl Moline (P), Guy Davis (A), Andy Owens (I), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Dec 14
FC, 152 pages
$17.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
In these terrifying tales of witchcraft and the undead, Abe, Roger, Liz, and Johann learn the ropes as agents of the Bureau For Paranormal Research and Defense! Abe copes with survivor’s guilt, Roger goes on his first adventure with Hellboy, Liz tells the story of how she killed her family, and Johann Kraus dies!
• A standalone collection that’s perfect introduction to these bizarre heroes.

B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH: RUSSIA #2 (of 5)
The vault of horrors!
Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), Tyler Crook (A), Dave Stewart (C), Dave Johnson (Cover)
On sale Oct 19
32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
In the vault of the Russian Occult Bureau’s headquarters is a man chained down and heavily monitored. When Kate and Johann are brought in for assistance, the zombie director of the Russian bureau pits them against the possessed prisoner!

BALTIMORE: THE CURSE BELLS #3 (of 5)
Vampire nuns, giant snake gods, and the occult!
Mike Mignola (W/Cover), Christopher Golden (W), Ben Stenbeck (A), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Oct 12
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
A bloody ritual climaxes in a terrifying rebirth, as Lord Baltimore battles against the twisted “blessing” of vampiric nuns and an insane occultist.
• A horrifying new take on vampires!
• By Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and Christopher Golden (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

BALTIMORE VOLUME 1: THE PLAGUE SHIPS TP
Mike Mignola (W/Cover), Christopher Golden (W), Ben Stenbeck (A), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Dec 21
FC, 144 pages
$18.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
After a devastating plague ends, Europe is suddenly flooded with vampires. Lord Henry Baltimore, a soldier determined to wipe out the monsters, fights his way through bloody battlefields, ruined plague ships, exploding zeppelins, and submarine graveyards, on the hunt for the creature who’s become his obsession.
• First time in paperback!
• By Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and Christopher Golden (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

BRAIN BOY ARCHIVES HC
Herb Castle (W), Gil Kane (A), and Frank Springer (A)
On sale Dec 14
FC, 216 pages
$49.99
HC, 7″ x 10″
A freak accident with an electrical tower affected Matt Price’s brain while he was still in the womb. Ever since, he’s had mysterious powers—telepathy, levitation, and mind control. Naturally, the government recruited him straight out of high school, and now he battles mad dictators and thawed-out dinosaurs as Brain Boy!
• Introduction by Batton Lash.

CONAN: ROAD OF KINGS #9
Roy Thomas (W), Dan Panosian (A), Dan Jackson (C), and Aleksi Briclot (Cover)
On sale Oct 19
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
Beneath the city of Tarantia, Conan, his allies, and the child in his care are at the mercy of a horde of zombie Hyborians, while above their heads an even greater menace reveals itself! If they survive the catacombs, can Conan and his charges withstand a siege of the city?

FEAR AGENT #32: OUT OF STEP part 5 (of 5)
Rick Remender (W), Mike Hawthorne (P), Tony Moore (P/Cover), and John Lucas (I)
On sale Nov 2
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
THE END!
The creative team that came together on Fear Agent reunite for the stunning conclusion!
• From Uncanny X-Force and Venom scribe Rick Remender!

KULL: THE CAT AND THE SKULL #1 (of 4)
David Lapham (W), Gabriel Guzman (P), Dan Jackson (C), Jo Chen (Cover), and Stephanie Hans (Variant cover)
On sale Oct 12
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Few women in all the Seven Kingdoms can equal the beauty of Delcardes, but Kull is more interested in her traveling companion—the cat, Saremes. It is rumored that Saremes is of the old race and Kull is anxious to hear her counsel. The Hate Witch is dead but the serpent cult are rallying under a powerful wizard. In order to protect the people of Valusia, Kull must unravel the mysteries of this wise and ancient creature.
• Kull vs. his greatest foe: THULSA DOOM!

KULT #4 (of 4)
Jeremy Barlow (W), Iwan Nazif (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Jake Murray (Cover)
On sale Oct 5
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
The illusion is pierced! The hellish real world is revealed! The final battle for humanity has begun! But with the power to reshape the world and his allies helpless to stop him, has Tomas Zenk been the true danger all along?
• Inspired by the legendary RPG!
• For fans of The Matrix and Hellraiser!

MIGHTY SAMSON ARCHIVES VOLUME 4 HC
Arnold Drake (W), Paul S. Newman (W), John Warner (W), Jose Delbo (A), and Jack Abel (A)
On sale Dec 21
FC, 224 pages
$49.99
HC, 7″ x 10″
In a world of monsters and scavengers, Samson continues fighting his way across a wasted future America, searching for hope and dishing out justice. With his beautiful companion, her brilliant father, and a rogue’s gallery of foes, Samson and his team are constantly bombarded with danger! This volume collects Mighty Samson issues #25-#31 and Gold Key Champion #2 and features an introduction by Samson artist Jose Delbo.
• Collects material unavailable anywhere else!

ROBERT E. HOWARD’S SAVAGE SWORD #3
David Lapham (W), Paul Tobin (W), Jeremy Barlow (W), Wellinton Alves (A), Joshua Williamson (W), Patric Reynolds (A), Cobiaco (A), Tony Parker (A), Gerald Parel (Cover), and others
On sale Oct 26
FC, 80 pages
$7.99
Ongoing
Paul Tobin and Wellinton Alves conclude their Conan adventure, David Lapham and Fabio Cobiaco tell a high-seas adventure featuring King Kull’s right-hand man Brule, Jeremy Barlow and Tony Parker adapt a cowboy adventure by Howard, Joshua Williamson and Patric Reynolds them up to revive Howard’s gritty detective Steve Harrison, and we bring you part one of the classic graphic novel Kull: The Vale of Shadow!

TUROK, SON OF STONE: AZTLÁN VOLUME 1 TP
Jim Shooter (W), Eduardo Francisco (A), James Harren (C), and Raymond Swanland (Cover)
On sale Jan 4
FC, 96 pages
$15.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
The American Southwest, 1428. Turok, a wandering warrior, rescues young Andar from death at the hands of the ruthless Maxtla and his Aztec horde. Turok and Andar seek refuge in a vast cavern, where an otherworldly force sweeps them and their pursuers to a savage, timeless land of rampaging dinosaurs and unimagined wonders. Hunted in a world of danger and death, Turok and Andar fight to survive—and to find a way home.
• Collects issues #1-#4 of the new Turok series.

For a full listing of Dark Horse’s October Release, visit them at http://www.darkhorse.com/.

All Pulp Interviews: Moonstone’s Return of the Monsters – Jay Piscopo

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 called The Spider vs. The Werewolf by writer Martin Powell with art by Jay Piscopo. All Pulp sat down with Jay Piscopo about this upcoming book.

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

Jay Piscopo: Well, I’ve been working as a commercial artist for over 20 years and I’m very engaged with my own company Nemo Publishing and The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli graphic novel series. As to pulp interests, I remember seeing Doc Savage paperback covers when I was little and when Marvel and DC created the comic adaptations of Doc, The Shadow and The Avenger I was hooked- and it prompted me to seek out the prose. I love the primal aspects of pulp heroes and created an homage character in Capt’n Eli named Commander X.

Art: Jay Piscopo

AP: You’re providing the art and tones for the Return of the Monsters Halloween event book, The Spider vs. The Werewolf. What can we expect from this titanic throw down

JP: As I mentioned before– the 70s pulp comic adaptations really hooked me- and finally to work on a pulp/comic was really a thrill. The Spider is primal, savage energy and The Werewolf is as well- Let’s just say when they clash, the fur is flying!

AP: The Spider Vs. The Werewolf 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?

Art: Jay Piscopo

JP: What is interesting to me is how The Spider is very much like a classic monster as well as a hero. The Werewolf and The Spider seem to be opposite sides of the same coin. Both are primal and savage, but the legend of the werewolf is rooted in tragedy, where The Spider always triumphs. And The Spider seems to be in control of his bloodlust and savage nature enough to focus it.

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

JP: I think the writer, Martin Powell has added a new human element we haven’t seen before to the werewolf human host. I don’t want to spoil anything, but this werewolf is very much in the vein of other incarnations but has his own tragic twists.

Art: Jay Piscopo

AP: What appeals to you about pulp heroes battling classic monsters? What was it that excited you about visually pitting the Spider against a werewolf?

JP: To overuse a word, I’d have to say the characters are both primal.. Constantly in movement and unpredictable — pitting two characters like this against each other and drawing them in action is a dream.

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

JP: I think like most pulp fans and creators- Doc Savage and The Shadow would be first choices-

Return of the Monsters Covers By Dan Brereton
Art: Jay Piscopo

AP: What does Jay Piscopo do when he’s not drawing?

JP: ah— i try to take a breath once in awhile.

AP: Where can readers find learn more about you and your work?

JP: www.captneli.com would be the best place and here’s a facebook link https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Art-of-Jay-Piscopo/112769612079000

AP: Any upcoming projects you would like to mention?

JP: Our 4th annual Commander Xmas free online book will be available this December at the Capt’n Eli website- featuring comic and new pulp creators-

And Ive got some new characters that are going to finally see print soon- as well as a third Capt’n Eli book on the way.

AP: Thanks, Jay.

JP: Thank You!

The Spider vs. The Werewolf is solicited in August Previews for an October in store release.

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

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

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.

All Pulp Interviews: Moonstone’s Return of the Monsters – Eric Johns

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 The Black Bat vs. Dracula by Mike Bullock and Eric Johns. All Pulp sat down with the artist to talk about this upcoming book.

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

Eric Johns: I’m just a regular guy, who spent far too much time studying the way the world works and the best way to record it. After unlocking some esoteric doors, I found my path as a Comic book artist. There are no limits to this format, all stories are possible, no production restraints, no boundaries like other mediums have.

Art: Eric Johns

Having owned a comic book store, I’ve read all kinds of Pulp: John Carter, The Shadow, Tarzan, Conan, and Doc Savage to name a few off the top of my head. These guys trailblazed the way for the comic book heroes we know today. Pulps, directly or indirectly, influence nearly all creators in the comic field.

AP: You’re providing pencils and inks for the Return of the Monsters Halloween event book, The Black Bat vs. Dracula. What can we expect from this titanic throw down?

EJ: Expect a captivating thrill ride, with a harrowing glimpse into Death Angel’s soul, as penned by the masterful Mike Bullock.

AP: The Black Bat vs. Dracula 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?

Art: Eric Johns

EJ: Well both deal with the dark side. They both wield weird, often powerful abilities that make brawls and action sequences far above the realm of knuckles and the 40 inch vertical leap of mere humans.
The Heroes of Pulp fit nicely in opposition to the evil Monsters, completing the chess pieces necessary for battle. A battle between beings that can actually go toe to toe, or claw in some cases.

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

Return of the Monsters Cover Art: Dan Brereton

EJ: Well he compares in power and weaknesses, and is shadowed comfortably in the darkness, like previous incarnations. Mike Bullock’s version deviates only slightly from the classic, he hides in plain sight at the beginning. Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have said that. (laughs.) He has long hair, but otherwise it’s our beloved Drac.

Art: Eric Johns

AP: What appeals to you about pulp heroes battling classic monsters? What was it that excited you about visually pitting the Black Bat against the lord of the vampires?

EJ: Are you kidding me? Anytime you get to draw one of the classic monsters, it’s an opportunity not to be wasted.

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

EJ: The Shadow, any of the Monsters, and Daredevil or Batman. My art style is probably better suited to Superman or Captain America, however, and I love both of those characters as well.

Art: Eric Johns

AP: What does Eric Johns do when he’s not drawing?

EJ: I’m a strange mixture of nerd and athlete. Athnerd or dorklete. I play basketball and Magic the Gathering, and love my comics.

AP: Where can readers find learn more about you and your work?

EJ: For those willing to ask, I’m pretty accessible: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1058905780

AP: Any upcoming projects you would like to mention?

EJ: I’m illustrating “SGT. Janus: Spirit Breaker,” it’s prose style Pulp fiction. I could give accolades to this book and it’s writer, Gentleman Jim Beard, but it’s better to just relate what I told Jim. There is a fairy tale that he created, pure Jim Beard, but it resonated with me and my mind kept telling me, “I remember that story,” as I read it for the first time. That is profound writing!

AP: Thanks, Eric.

The Black Bat vs. Dracula is solicited in August Previews for an October in store release.

All Pulp Interviews: Moonstone’s Return of the Monsters – Martin Powell

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 called The Spider vs. The Werewolf by writer Martin Powell with art by Jay Piscopo. All Pulp sat down with Martin Powell about this upcoming book.

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

Martin Powell: I’ve been a professional writer for over twenty-five years, and although I’ve written everything from educational science books to children’s stories, my creative roots have always been firmly set in the pulps. A neighborhood friend introduced me to the Doc Savage paperbacks when I was about eleven years old, and James Bama’s fantastic ultra-realistic cover paintings really grabbed me. I just had to see what was going on inside those books.

Art: Jay Piscopo

Finally, I found the paperbacks at a nearby department store—there seemed to be a zillion of them. My pocket contained just enough spare change for one book—about sixty cents—and it was a tough decision. Ultimately, “Devil on the Moon” came home with me, mostly because I was keenly fascinated by the Apollo 11 moon landing, and that evening I read the novel cover to cover. I was hooked.

I knew nothing whatsoever about pulp magazines, had never even heard of them. Although I did notice on the inside of the book that it had originally appeared in “Doc Savage Magazine” in 1938. I was very intrigued. I visited the big library downtown in search of back issues. No luck. Happily, I returned to the department store with some birthday money and bought six more paperbacks, but I didn’t actually find and purchase my first authentic Doc Savage pulp magazine until about ten years later. Along the way I learned more about the pulps themselves, including other great characters like The Shadow, The Avenger, and especially The Spider, through the great books of Philip Jose Farmer.

Eventually I would collect the entire series of 182 Doc Savage paperback novels, and lots from the other characters, too, and today I have a nice collection of the original pulps which I’d never ever part with.

Art: Jay Piscopo

AP: Your story for the Return of the Monsters Halloween event is called The Spider Vs. The Werewolf. What can we expect from this titanic throw down?

MP: Actually, it’s called “The Werewolf War Massacres.” I couldn’t resist giving it a more Norvell Page-inspired title. Hopefully Moonstone will go for that on the inside front cover. No one could dream up pulp titles like Norvell, and I’ve always tried to mimic him as best I can. As for the story itself, it has more depth, is more action-packed, is more vicious, and has richer characterization that most of what I’ve gotten to write for the Spider in the past, thanks to its greater page length. I had a lot more space to work with, which was a luxury. It’s a horror story, to be sure, but it’s also about how the nightmare of war has changed two men.

AP: The Spider Vs. The Werewolf has a classic 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 Monsters event. What do these genres have in common and how do they differ in ways that complement each other?

Return of the Monsters Cover Art By Dan Brereton

MP: Well, I’ve always thought of the Spider as a sort of werewolf himself, and I’ve written him that way, in that he seems to transform into an alternate personality. The real question in my Spider adventures is which is the true identity, Wentworth or his lethal alter-ego? Which one is wearing the mask? The Spider is sort of a composite of Count Dracula and Mr. Hyde. He’s one of the original monster-heroes, and can be genuinely terrifying. The major difference is the Spider actually cares about us. Sure, he’s crazy as Renfield at times, but he also has a conscience, a lot of heart, and something of a messiah complex. It was a very easy, compatible fit combining the Master of Men with a gothic supernatural element. They seemed made for each other.

Art: Jay Piscopo

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

MP: This mystery-adventure is set in 1937, so the public at that time weren’t very educated on exactly what werewolves were supposed to be. The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney, Jr. was still a few years away, so I based my monster mostly on lycanthrope mythology and folklore. Both the aspect of transforming under the full moon and being vulnerable only to silver weapons are Hollywood-created devices, so I ignored them. My werewolves change unpredictably, at any time, just like the creatures of legend. That makes them much more frightening and dangerous, and they are very tough to kill. However, I did strive to make the werewolf in this story ultimately a sympathetic character, which I think is very important. He’s a creature without any personal physical control. He can’t help himself.

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



Art: Jay Piscopo

 MP: I’m always excited about a new Spider story, especially getting to write an adventure of this length. Also, although “The Werewolf War Massacres” is not exactly an origin tale, it does provide us with a gruesome glimpse into Richard Wentworth’s past while he was a soldier in World War One. We get to see the Spider’s personae beginning to take form. The added excitement, for me, was finally getting to work with prolific artist Jay Piscopo, who understands and loves the 1930’s period pulp atmosphere as much as I do.

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

MP: That’s largely up to Moonstone. We have discussed a couple ideas, both dealing with larger formats which I’d really like to do. I have an especially massive apocalyptic epic in mind, with my regular Spider artist Hannibal King, which would resurrect one of the Spider’s classic and most deadly enemies. Also, Jay Piscopo and I have had a grand sweeping adventure planned which would team-up the Spider, Operator 5, and G-8 and His Battle Aces for the very first time.

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

Cover: Dan Brereton

MP: People who know me well realize that my favorite fictional worlds are the original 1933 King Kong, the classic Universal monster movies, the Hammer Studios horror films, and the Dark Shadows television series. So, I felt quite at home among the Spider and werewolves. I’ve written several Dracula stories over the past twenty-five years, and I just wrote a prose filmbook of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man for Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, which should be on sale before Halloween. I also have a new graphic novel reviving Dick Briefer’s classic pre-code Monster of Frankenstein horror series coming up, illustrated by Nik Poliwko, and will be published by Michael Hudson’s Sequential Pulp Comics, an imprint of Dark Horse. I have something in the works specifically for The Creature from the Black Lagoon with another publisher, too, but that’s all I can say for now. As for other pulp heroes, I’d love a shot at Doc Savage someday. The Shadow, too. And Tarzan most of all.

AP: What does Martin Powell do when he’s not writing?

MP: I’m a full-time writer, but I do have a lot of other interests. I haven’t watched commercial or cable television since 2004, and I fill some of that time with model kit building, collecting vintage books, and hunting for fossils. Some of my best times are spent playing with our beagle and three cats in our newly purchased 1925 bungalow, which we’re decorating in its proper 20s and 30s period. I suspect gardening will become another passion come next spring, now that we have our own yard. Among other things, I’m really looking forward to growing my own pumpkin patch. As Vincent Price once said, “There’s a whole world up on the stage and screen, but there’s a bigger world off of them. The person who limits their interests, limits their life.”

AP: Where can readers find learn more about you and your work?

MP: You can find me on Facebook and at my Blog.

https://www.facebook.com/martin.powell1
http://martinpowell221bcom.blogspot.com/

AP: Any upcoming projects you would like to mention?

MP: Yes! I’m very excited to be writing a number of graphic novels for Sequential Pulp/Dark Horse Comics. Currently in the works are Martians, Go Home, The Hound of the Baskervilles, the Frankenstein book I already mentioned, plus a very cool upcoming werewolf project. Also, I’m writing several graphic novels based upon books by Edgar Rice Burroughs and licensed by his estate, including Caspak: The Land That Time Forgot, Number 13 (based on The Monster Men), and The Cave Girl, with more to come which I can’t talk about yet. All dream projects, to be sure. However, I’m most excited about the first graphic novel of my The Halloween Legion, from the same publisher. It’s a very exciting, very productive time for me. I’m very lucky.

AP: Thanks, Martin.

MP: It’s been fun. Thank you.

The Spider vs. The Werewolf is solicited in August Previews for an October in store release.

All Pulp Interviews: Moonstone’s Return of the Monsters – Rock Baker

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

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 artist Jeff Austin to talk about this upcoming book.

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



Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

 Rock Baker: Well, I’ve always been very heavy into classic monster movies, period adventure stories, and I’m a cheescake cartoonist by trade, so you can imagine how much of a dream something like Domino Lady vs. The Mummy sounded when the assignment was offered to me. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have, though, because I was forced to draw everything very small in order to accommodate my rather shrimpy scanner. That matter aside, though, it was a real treat to work with a pulp character in a monster story.

AP: You’re providing pencils for the Return of the Monsters Halloween event book, Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy. What can we expect from this titanic throw down?

Art: Rock Baker

RB: A lot of creepy atmosphere. The pages are dripping with shadows. There’s a vibe of unearthly violence that creeps into high society and makes even the most well-lit locale look sinister. There’s also a pretty big event in the lives of these characters that fans will be excited to see!
I also want to take a second and note that the key to making all this work is that I have Jeff Austin doing the inks. He has to be the best inker in the business, and I’m blessed to have him as a partner on this book!

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?

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

RB: Well, both genres work within a world that looks a lot like ours, but plays by slightly different rules. Pulp heroes tend to take beatings that would kill them in real life, but they shrug it off pretty quick on paper. Likewise, monsters tend to be fancifully indestructible in their worlds. Touches of the supernatural often surface in hard-boiled detective literature. Tossing a monster into the mix is the same logic taken to its extreme. One has to be careful, though, to keep it from being TOO radical an addition. Crime fiction has a locked down set of rules concerning how people live, die, talk, whatever, while horror fare throws any such pretense out the window.

Art: Rock Baker

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?

RB: Most obviously, this one is female, where most classic mummies are male. More importantly, she’s smart. Most mummies in stories like this function as classic zombies, they shamble around and do the bidding of another. They’re usually the foot soldier of a high priest. This mummy, on the other hand, is the brains of the operation. That’s a fairly fresh take when one considers the more famous Lon Chaney-type mummies we’ve seen. (To be fair, Karloff’s Im-ho-tep was such a creature, but again he was male.)

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

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

RB: It mixes together so many things that fire the imagination, and its nice to see imaginative storytelling isn’t something we grow out of. What can be better than two-fisted adventure and a monster on the side?
Drawing a female mummy was a nice challenge. I wanted to make her a powerful monster, as she is in the script, yet I also wanted her to not be too monstrous. In her time, I’m sure this woman was a very beautiful girl. That became my hook. She’s got a nice figure, loaded down with jewelry, has plenty of poise and grace one might expect from Egyptian royalty. Mostly, she’s aged around the eyes, where her supernatural power is focused. Between her supernatural ways and the embalming procedures developed by the ancient Egyptians, she should retain an echo of her former beauty.

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

Return of the Monsters Covers By Dan Brereton

RB: Interesting question. Sheena or one of the many similar jungle girl characters would be ideal, as I could combine cheesecake art with lush natural backgrounds. I’ve always been a fan of werewolf movies, so I might enjoy drawing a werewolf tale, provided I could actually draw a Wolf Man-type creature and not one of those more modern werewolves that look like bears and don’t wear clothing.



Art: Rock Baker

AP: What does Rock Baker do when he’s not drawing?

RB: He watches a lot of movies. Motion pictures have always been my main area of interest. My library currently contains 1900+ titles that I’ve collected or taped from television. I encourage people to donate their VHS tapes to me rather than just throw them out, which would be a waste. I once wrote and edited a monster magazine, among other things involving genre films.

AP: Where can readers learn more about you and your work?

RB: My blog can be found here: http://rock-baker.blogspot.com/ (I should be posting a lot of artwork there in addition to movie reviews.) I can also be found on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bakercartoons


AP: Any upcoming projects you would like to mention?

RB: It’s hard to keep track sometimes. I try to get an assignment finished as quickly as possible and move onto the next thing on the list. I sometimes forget what I’ve drawn until it suddenly comes out a few months later! This Moonstone project is one of the big ones, for sure, and I’m looking forward to seeing it in print! I’m also pretty happy about the continuing adventures of my own character Dinosaur Girl, in the pages of AC Comics!

AP: Thanks, Rock.

RB: Thank you very much! It has been an honor!

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

All Pulp Interviews: Moonstone’s Return of the Monsters – Jeff Austin

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 artist Jeff Austin to talk about this upcoming book.

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

Jeff Austin: Well, I’m a freelance artist who spends a lot of time inking-embellishing others. My pulp connections come largely from my book collection, which contains many anthologies comprised of pulp stories.

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

AP: You’re providing inks and tones for the Return of the Monsters Halloween event book, Domino Lady vs. The Mummy. What can we expect from this titanic throw down?

JA: Guns, mummies, a strong female character and guys in trench coats.

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?

JA: I’m sure many pulp readers back in the day wished for a merging of story elements…an action character with a dash of supernatural overtones [think Doc Savage meets Weird Tales]. Moonstone is allowing readers to finally see it on paper.

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 & Jeff Austin

JA: Imagine an ancient Egyptian pinup queen…the Betty Page of her time…resurrected from the dead to win over the hearts of modern man… well, maybe not… it’s a female, anyway…

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

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

JA: Good looking woman battles undead ancient woman…. it’s a study in texture and tone. Smooth-sexy versus crusty-dusty.

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

JA: My dream assignment would be to work on an Addams Family comic. That’s close, isn’t it?

Art: Rock Baker & Jeff Austin

AP: What does Jeff Austin do when he’s not drawing?

JA: Watching movies, sleeping or thinking about different ways to draw.

AP: Where can readers find learn more about you and your work?

JA: http://pencilbrushblog.blogspot.com/

AP: Any upcoming projects you would like to mention?

JA: Well, there’s always FemForce…I’m slowly planning out some solo projects…. I do various things for Main Publishing…. Still need to finish up inking a Lance Star story over the talented Rock Baker [same penciler on this Moonstone book]… and about half a dozen other ink assignments crying for my attention…. crying….. begging……

AP: Thanks, Jeff.

JA: My pleasure. Now go away… I got pages to ink….

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