Cura Te Ipsum – The Continuing Adventures of Charlie Everett

Well, wow. It has been a weekend.

First, about ten days early, this little guy decided to pop into the world:

He is my son Milo Gregory, and he is quite assuredly the most awesome child that has ever been born. Many people say that when they have their child, and I understand it’s a normal psychological thing to do, to think your son is better than all other sons. The only problem I have with that theory is that all other sons are inferior to mine, empirically. I mean, sweet hell, look at that boy.

He is a May the Fourth STAR WARS baby, which, if you know me, is insanely cool. I am a Star Wars fan from way back, even the prequels, yes, bite me. I don’t even care. Milo won’t either. Mofo gave the lady preeclampsia just to come out that day, where his due date was the thirteenth. We Star Wars nerds don’t screw around.

Now, that said, I have been remiss. I have not, on this page, promoted the Lady Sabre Kickstarter, and that Kickstarter, which has already gotten going, is, as they say, a WORTHY CAUSE.

Why? Because it’s independent art by professional creators in a world where corporate characters have far too much influence. Because it’s a sign, if we fund it, that we don’t want spinebreakers or CONSEQUENCES THAT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME, or, more importantly, good work to pass from this world.

I was unsurprised to see that Greg and Rick’s work funded the first day, as it is amazing material. All the same, you should get over there and buy the book anyway, if you haven’t, and buy another for friends if you can, for multiple reasons.

1) It’s good.
2) It sends a clear message that independent art is sustainable and a worthy cause.
3) It supports an amazing set of artists.
4) Above and beyond goal helps the work continue in innumerable ways.
5) It gives me hope.
6) Just because.
7) See 1-6.

Now I am off to spend time with my boy, who makes the most awesome cry. It’s like a movie critic. Not too loud, not too whiney, more like my own reaction to an average movie. “EhhhhhhHHHHH?”

Seriously, you guys, he’s amazing.

Hey, folks!

Just a note that a book I mentioned and endorsed here a few back, Frost, is about to come out. April 10th. I’ve already pre-ordered number one, and read the zero issue (FOR FREE, folks), and I gotta say, I’m excited. I started reading early, and one of the first things I dove into was the Executioner, and a lot of the hard war and espionage paperbacks they had in the bin at Goodwill. The essay in the zero issue about the evolution of this hero archetype alone is worth five bucks, and get this… the first issue of this series is a BUCK. You got that in your couch, kid, so GO AND BUY IT. Pre-Order, because that helps a series out a lot. Don’t take my word for it. Read the zero issue story and see if you aren’t hooked.

On the Kickstarter front, I am preparing to execute, once I get a few more printing bids. It’s looking like (alas) the ever-elusive translocator will not be ready for this one, but we will have something rather awesome… an eight page backup by Dex featuring the debut of an all-new Cura team that will begin factoring into the story in the future. It’s a corker so far, Dex is really knocking it out. I’ll have previews soon.

There will be a digital “author’s cut” file available, featuring commentary and the original script, along with Dex’s rough in thumbnails. It’s a big ole file, and it’s quite neat to look at and reflect on what we’ve done so far. I think you folks will love it. I am also planning tentatively on having a tee shirt exclusive to the Kickstarter that you can all vote on. The only thing I have to narrow down are the little things that you’d want as perks. I have a number of ideas, but if you have any preferences or wish lists, please let me know in the comments.

At long last, I can tell you guys about a project I’m involved with for Image Comics!

Outlaw Territory Volume Three is a western anthology put together by Michael Woods. If you’ve read the last two, they feature wonderful stories from a bygone era, tales of woe, tales of humor, tales of historical import, but most of all, they’re short, they’re sweet, and they’re a great read.

I have two stories in the anthology, one called West of Eden, and the other Tolliver’s Folly. It was my honor and pleasure to work with James Reekie on art for West of Eden, and for Tolliver’s Folly, Dustin D’Arnault did the art, and Thomas Mauer did the letters. The book will be $24.99, and has 296 pages. It will be solicited in the next Previews, and comes out June 19th. Don’t worry, I’ll post more here about the where and why and how of the thing.

I can’t reveal any of the story without giving away spoilers, which is a no-no, but I think it’s okay to say that West of Eden is a serious story, and Tolliver is more of a comedy. Here are a few sample pages, for your perusal!

West of Eden:

Tolliver’s Folly: