Art in progress at artist Nik Poliwko’s digital rendering.
A closer look at Poliwko’s art.
Airship 27 Productions has shared a sneak peek behind the curtains of illustrator Nik Poliwko’s first illustration for the upcoming The Ruby Files Vol. 2.
The award-winning The Ruby Files returns for a second volume of pulpy detective yarns in 2013 from Airship 27 Productions. The Ruby Files Vol. 2 features stories by Ruby Files creators Sean Taylor and Bobby Nash and authors Alan J. Porter and Ron Fortier. Interior illustrations provided by Nik Poliwko under a cover by Mark Wheatley. Rob Davis returns as book designer.
Bobby Nash and Sean Taylor with their 2013 Pulp Ark Awards.
For the first time since the Pulp Ark Award winners were announced, Ruby Files co-creators Bobby Nash and Sean Taylor got to hold their Pulp Ark Award for Best New Pulp Character: Rick Ruby at the Free Comic Book day event at galactic Quest Comics in Buford, GA.
Every now and then an anniversary comes along and it makes you pause and realize just how much time has passed and how much the world has changed. Twenty-five years ago, the idea of mixing animation and live-action was nothing new, but using computer-enhanced animation was a fresh approach. Then there was the mind-blowing idea of mashing up every animated icon from the golden age of animation. Yes, Disney and Looney Tunes side by side. The Fleischer Studios creations hobnobbing with the others. It had never been attempted before and was cause for celebration.
In the two and a half decades that have passed, Disney’s attempt to turn Gary K. Wolf’s protagonist into a cartoon perennial has petered out. Roger Rabbit was first born in Wolf’s 1981 novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit? and was turned into a major player thanks to Robert Zemeckis’ ambitious adaptation followed by a series of shorts featuring the bunny. Sadly, he hasn’t been seen since 1993’s “Trail Mix-up”.
As a result, the anniversary release of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? is cause for celebration and reflection. First, the film has been released for the first time on Blu-ray and looks wonderful. The combo pack comes with both a Blu-ray and DVD but no digital copy. The murder mystery featured Bob Hoskins as the proverbial private eye hired to investigate the alleged murder, bringing him to Toontown and its wacky inhabitants. There, you could see Donald and Daffy, Bugs and Mickey; imagine the pairing and there it was. Thanks to the production prowess of Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, everyone happily signed off on their creations being a part of the fun.
The film nicely mixed the film noir aspects of the real world with the slapstick shenanigans of the denizens of Toontown. It’s 1947 and Eddie Valiant is spying on Roger’s wife, the curvaceous Jessica (voiced by Kathleen Turner). Given the challenge of crafting a unique, distinctive cartoon voice, Charles Fleischer succeeded admirably. Roger’s disbelief at the revelation that Jessica has been playing pat-a-cake with Acme Corporation owner Marvin Acme (the late, great Stubby Kaye) is filled with pathos. When Acme turns up dead, Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd) accuses Roger of the crime and the chase is on.
Nearly stealing the show is cigar-chomping Baby Herman (voiced by Lou Hirsch), sick of being an infant after five decades. But he’s a sidekick in service to the bewildered Rabbit. And when the chips are done, Herman stands by roger’s side. The humans do a fine job treading the line between playing things straight and interacting with just enough exaggeration to work well with the toons.
The novel had the unique aspect of the characters speaking with tangible word balloons that become slid objects and fill the air (he also used comic strip characters rather than cartoon players). Instead, Zemeckis filled the screen with larger-than-life antics and cameos galore (my favorite may be Snow White helping the disguised wicked stepmother down the street).
The transfer to high definition is handled with the usual Disney excellence and makes for a very pleasurable viewing experience. The sound nicely compliments the video so sit back and enjoy.
There should be fresh bonus material but we’re left longing. Instead, the DVD material from the last DVD release is here, some of it upgraded to high def. As a result, you still get Audio Commentary from Zemeckis, Marshall, associate producer Steve Starkey, screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman, and visual effects supervisor Ken Ralston; the three Roger Rabbit Shorts (“Tummy Trouble”, “Roller Coaster Rabbit”, and “Trail Mix-Up”); Who Made Roger Rabbit (10:55) featuring Fleischer; Deleted Scene: The Pig Head Sequence (5:30); Before and After (3:07), live-action shots followed by their blended counterparts; Toon Stand-Ins (3:14), the on-set rubber puppets designed to guide the animators; Behind the Ears (36:37), the standard Making Of; On Set! (4:50), behind-the-scenes footage; and, Toontown Confidential, a separate pop-up track featuring text-based facts and trivia.
Thanks to Steig Larson, there’s a perceived appetite for all things Swedish so some of the more stylish or interesting books and films are coming over here in drips and drabs. The most recent import is Easy Money, a film that benefits from a moral gravity underlying the crime tale. Adapted by director Daniel Espinosa from Jens Lapidus’ 2006 novel Snabba Cash, it tells the story of a student, JW (Joel Kinnaman), who falls for Sophie (Lisa Henni ), an heiress so turns to crime in order to keep up with her lavish lifestyle. You just know things are going to spiral out of control this point on so the key for the production is keeping us in plausible suspense and entertained. Sure enough, he crosses the Serbian mafia and gets embroiled with Jorge (Matias Padin Varela), a fugitive from the mob. It’s dark and violent and messy.
While released in Europe back in 2010, it came here last year courtesy of The Weinstein Company and was met with more yawns than praise. (After winning the bidding war for the remake rights, Warner Bros. turned it over to Zac Efron to produce and start, but we;’ll see what happens should this ever get made.) Still, the film was a box office smash in its home country and did well throughout Europe.
It has enough testosterone fuelling the opening sequences to hook jaded American audiences complete with violence, a prison break out and fast cars. Kinnaman, best known to audiences for his work in The Killing, is an appealing underdog we’re rooting for in the first third. You can see why he falls for the sexy blonde beauty Henni and why he might risk everything for her. Espinosa, though, careens from shot to shot and the narrative loses cohesion by the midway point and the audience stops caring by the time we get to the climax. There might be too many threads crying for attention for the director to properly service and more condensation might have been required.
The core remains the conflicts and consequences of choices made by the main characters, all of whom are trying to get out from under crushing burdens, which makes this more than your typical crime noir.
This is a pretty bare bones DVD release from Starz/Anchor Bay with nary an interesting extra so the decision is up to you if the story is enough to spring for the disc.
New Pulp Publisher Airship 27 Productions has announced that Pulp Ark and Pulp Factory award nominated cover artist, Mark Wheatley will return as cover artist for the forthcoming The Ruby Files vol. 2.
Press Release:
Mark Wheatley, who crafted the beautiful cover for The Ruby Files vol. 1 has signed on to contribute a cover for the upcoming The Ruby Files vol. 2.
After announcing the news, Airship 27 publisher, Ron Fortier told All Pulp that, “Mark’s gorgeous cover on volume one has deservedly been nominated for the Pulp Factory Award for Best Pulp Cover of 2012. So you can image how thrilled and honored we are at having him on board for this new book. He’s one of the most admired artist in the field today.”
Ruby Files co-creator, Sean Taylor also commented, “When I heard Mark Wheatley was back on board for another cover, I couldn’t believe it,” Taylor said. “I mean, let’s be honest, the stories may have really driven the book home for the first collection but what really, really attracted readers to the book in the first place was Mark’s cover. We couldn’t ask for better. Period.”
And Ruby Files co-creator, Bobby Nash added, “I’m thrilled to have Mark return to The Ruby Files. The cover to vol. 1 is great and really helped push the sales of the book. It’s a beautiful piece of art.”
On returning to The Ruby Files, Wheatley told All Pulp, “I’m looking forward to being inspired by more lurid, irresponsible, titillating, pulp-pounding action!”
The Ruby Files vol. 2 is coming soon from Airship 27 Productions with stories by Sean Taylor, Alan J. Porter, Ron Fortier, and Bobby Nash. Interior illustrations provided by Nick Poliwko under a cover by Mark Wheatley. Rob Davis returns as book designer.
One of the new methods authors are using to reach readers is bundling their works so readers get a set of novels to read at a discounted price. The latest such digital initiative comes from Bundle of Holding, which is offering six novels of fantasy and science fiction. The brains behind the bundle include Matt Forbeck (Brave New World), Chuck Wendig (Hunter: The Vigil), Jenna Moran (Nobilis, Exalted), Stephen D. Sullivan (D&D/AD&D, Chill), Rafael Chandler (Scorn, Spite), Sarah Newton (Mindjammer, Legends of Anglerre), Derek Pearcy (In Nomine), and Aaron Rosenberg (Asylum, Spookshow).
What makes them a unique set of authors? They are all noted game designers who have since added exciting fiction to their credits. “As game designers, we’ve all spent years building worlds and adventures and characters for other people to play in and with,” said Forbeck, who writes the Magic: The Gathering comic for IDW as well. “That’s just one chunk of spinning a fantastic tale, of course, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any group better at it. With the Bundle of Holding, you get to pay what you want to read what happens when writers with that rare skill set cut loose in worlds they’ve built for themselves.” Forbeck’s contribution to the bundle — Hard Times in Dragon City — is one of the bonus books that patrons receive if they pitch in more than the up-to-date average. It’s a fantasy noir murder mystery novel set in a mountain city surrounded by zombies and ruled over by a dragon emperor who offers the citizens his protection for their fealty.
“It’s a natural evolution,” Rosenberg explained. “Game designers are worldbuilders and storytellers, except in our games we set everything up so the gamemasters and the players can create the stories. Most of us have our own stories to tell too, though, and we do that in our individual game campaigns but sometimes we branch out into fiction, where we can tell stories to a much wider audience than a single game group.” His offering for the bundle, The Birth of the Dread Remora, is a dashing space-opera reminiscent of the old Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, and Lensman books. “It’s a genre I’ve always loved,” he said, “and one I was really excited to write.”
Bundle of Holding also offers an added twist. Readers have the option of paying the talent the money or it could be donated to either Reading is Fundamental or Child’s Play, both excellent charities dedicated to improving childrens’ lives through games and reading. Readers could also split their payment between the consortium and the charities so everyone benefits.
Another unique touch is that the reader sets the price. They could offer up as much or as little as they want but if the offer exceeds the average, currently $16.08, the reader’s bundle would include two additional bonus books. With nearly seven dozen sold, the writers behind this initiative are jazzed.
The books being offered include Fable of the Swan, Hexcommunicated, Hero Worship, Birth of the Dread Remora,Irregular Creatures, Tournament of Death, with the bonus books being Hard Times in Dragon City and Mindjammer. All told, purchasing these one by one for the Kindle would cost almost $23, but by setting your own price there’s sure to be substantial savings. Additionally, the books will come free of DRM, providing increased flexibility in where these can be read.
There are just over two weeks left on this unique promotion.
The Pulp Factory’s annual award nominations were announced today and some of New Pulp’s finest received nominations.
The 2012 Pulp Factory Award categories include Best Pulp Novel, Best Pulp Short Story, Best Pulp Cover, and Best Pulp Interior Illustrations. Nominations and voting is conducted by members on The Pulp Factory, but you do not have to be a member to be nominated or to win. Award winners are announced and presented at the Windy City Paper & Pulp convention in Lombard, IL April 12 – 14, 2013.
Congratulations to all nominated and best of luck, pulpsters.
Here are the nominees:
BEST PULP NOVEL
( ) Dynasty of Mars by Ian Watson – White Rocket Books. ( ) Blood of the Centipede by Chuck Miller – Pro Se Productions ( ) The Lone Ranger : Vendetta by Howard Hopkins – Moonstone Books
BEST PULP SHORT STORY
( ) The Ghoul by Ron Fortier (Monster Aces – Pro Se Productions) ( ) Wounds by Andrew Salmon (The Ruby Files – Airship 27 Productions) ( ) Die Giftig Lilie by Sean Taylor (The Ruby Files – Airship 27 Productions) ( ) Case of the Wayward Brother by Bobby Nash (The Ruby Files – Airship 27) ( ) Sinbad and the Sapphire of the Djinn by Ian Watson (Sinbad The New Adventures – Airship 27 Productions)
BEST PULP COVER
( ) Blackthorn – Dynasty of Mars by Adam Diller (White Rocket Books) ( ) The Infernal Buddha by Joe Devito (Altus Press) ( ) The Ruby Files by Mark Wheatley (Airship 27 Productions)
BEST INTERIOR ILLUSTRATIONS
( ) Rob Davis – Secret Agent X Vol IV (Airship 27 Productions) ( ) George Sellas – Tales of the Rook (Pro Se Productions) ( ) Rob Moran – The Ruby Files (Airship 27 Productions) ( ) Ralf van der Hoeven – Sinbad The New Voyages (Airship 27 Productions)
These 12 companies were represented in the nominations: Airship 27 Productions Pro Se Productions White Rocket Books Moonstone Books MV Media LLC Altus Press Uchronic Press Pulp Obscura Putnam Hard Case Crime Black Library Q & W Publishers
Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce a new creator-owned series from Francesco Francavilla, the 2012 Eisner Award winner for Best Cover Artist!
Francavilla’s critically acclaimed The Black Beetle returns in December with The Black Beetle #0, which will collect the three-part story entitled Night Shift that originally appeared in the pages of the Eisner Award–winning Dark Horse Presents. The issue will feature a brand-new cover, twenty-four story pages, and bonus sketch material and art!
January brings The Black Beetle: No Way Out, a four-issue story that marks the first full series for Francavilla’s Black Beetle, continuing from the self-published, limited-edition ashcan comic of the same name—the first appearance of this exciting new pulp hero!
In Night Shift, an ancient artifact known as the Hollow Lizard—a powerful totem of dark magic—shows up at the Colt City Natural History Museum. Hitler sends his fearsome Werwolf Korps to collect the piece in hopes it will help him unlock the secrets of ancient Egypt’s Black Priests. Unfortunately for the führer, Colt City’s protector, the Black Beetle, is on the case!
In No Way Out, Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters—taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what damage might that murderous bomber inflict upon Colt City and Black Beetle?
Francavilla’s The Black Beetle series will also showcase a letter page so fans have the chance to have their thoughts, comments, and compliments answered by the creator himself! E-mail blackbeetle@darkhorse.com for a chance to see your letter in The Black Beetle: No Way Out!
“Francavilla delivers the pulp noir that suits his style perfectly.”—Comic Book Resources
The Black Beetle #0 hit comic store shelves everywhere December 19, 2012!
The Black Beetle: “No Way Out” #1 in store January 2013!
Three of the finest New Pulp Writers will be appearing at this year’s Windy City Paper and Pulp Show to autograph their new Airship 27 Productions titles on Saturday, 13th April.
Each of the three is a professional writer of note and last year released their first novels for Airship 27 Productions which will be sponsoring their appearances at the con.
DAVID C. SMITH – CALL OF SHADOWS – has written over twenty novels primarily in the sword and sorcery, fantasy and horror genres. He has written and co-authored eight pastiches featuring Robert E. Howard’s characters, including six starring Red Sonja with Richard L. Tierney. Smith, his wife, Janine, and daughter, Lily, live in Palatine, Ilinois. CALL OF SHADOWS is the story of a modern day wizard living in Chicago today and his struggles against an evil warlock obsessed with destroying him.
JOE BONADONNA – THREE AGAINST THE STARS – has published many short stories and a novel. He’s written several screenplays, one entitled “Magicians” is now in the hands of a director. He is a former member of the Chicago Screenwriters Network and has lectured on the history of science fiction, horror and fantasy in films. He recently sold a novella, “The Order of the Serpent,” to Weird Tales Magazine. THREE AGAINST THE STARS is a fast paced military sci-fi actioner set against the landscape of an alien empire and mankind’s struggles to secure a foothold amongst the distant galaxies.
TERRENCE McCAULEY – PROHIBITION – a New York resident, he has sold dozens of short stories for various anthologies and is a devotee of noir films particularly those set in New York. His protagonist in PROHIBITION is former professional boxer Terry Quinn, now an enforcer for the Irish Mob in Hell’s Kitchen. Later this year, a prequel story detailing Quinn’s fighting days will be featured in the highly popular New Pulp series, FIGHT CARD from editor/publisher Paul Bishop.
All signings will take place on Saturday April 13that the Airship 27 Productions tables.
The schedule is as follows –
David C. Smith – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
Joe Bonadonna – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Terrence McCauley – 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Now in its 13th year, the Windy City Paper & Pulp Show is one of the premier gatherings of pulp, comics and paperback collectors in the country. The show runs from April 12-14. You can learn more about the con, its location and how to register at their on-line site. (http://windycitypulpandpaper.com/home/)
Airship 27 Productions was created six years ago by writer Ron Fortier and artist Rob Davis to support pulp fandom by producing new pulp fiction starring classic and new pulp heroes in both novels and anthologies. Since their beginning Airship 27 Productions has published over fifty titles featuring some of the finest professional writers and artists while at the same time providing a showcase for newer talent. Today their titles are available at Amazon, many on Kindle and they offer audio recordings several books. You can learn more about the company at their on-line site.
Decoder Ring Theater rings out 2012 with a new episode of The Red Panda Adventures called The Lost Sheep. You can listen to it here.
About The Lost Sheep: The tempest of war has carried many of the Red Panda’s allies far from the field of his private war for justice. But even after so many years of seeing the best, boldest and brightest torn away, some wounds are impossible to bear. How far will the Flying Squirrel go to save… The Lost Sheep?
About Decoder Ring Theater: Welcome to Decoder Ring Theatre – home of all-new audio adventures in the tradition of the classic programs of Radio’s Golden Age. Here you will find full-length, full-cast tales of mystery and adventure to fire your imagination, with new releases on the 1st and 15th of every month, year-round – including our latest episodes, posted below.
Decoder Ring Theatre’s shows are available for free download in mp3 format, either directly from our site, via the Podcast Feed or subscribe in iTunes. Or if you prefer, use the handy player beside each episode.. Please explore and enjoy the pulse-pounding thrills of The Red Panda Adventures, the noir stylings of Black Jack Justice and the grab-bag of suspense, science fiction and comedy found in our Showcase. Each episode is a stand-alone story and you can begin wherever you’d like!
