Issue 160: A Lamentation of Ghosts
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Two major new horror projects were unveiled this week. I posted about them as they were announced, but I’ll point you to them again here.
First up, GHOSTLORE is coming from Boom Studios. One part horror anthology comic book, one part epic horror adventure, this book poses the question, “What ghost stories do ghosts tell?” The book features art from Leomacs and a cavalcade of amazing artists. You can read the official announcement here.
The other new series is LAMENTATION, a horror/gothic/giallo tale illustrated by Arjuna Susini coming from Oni Press. LAMENTATION reveals the story of the cast and crew of a theatrical production of “Razide’s Lament.” This strange play seems to be bleeding into our reality… and no one can leave the theater until it has been performed for a group of mysterious critics. Madness and murder ensue. You can find out more about this gothic thriller here.
I have big, big horror plans for this year (and next) and these two projects are part of the advanced guard!
Cindy reminded me that this week marks the 12th anniversary of the day I tendered my resignation at my job in order to pursue writing as a full-time career.
I remember it well. At the time, I was the Vice President of Marketing (and, it seemed, interim IT director) at a company where I had been, in order, a Resume Writer, Receptionist, Career Consultant, Research/Support Services Manager, IT Director, Consulting Services Director, Operations Director, Director of Marketing, and (as mentioned) Vice President of Marketing. I had been at the company for over 15 years. I knew it well.
I had an argument with my boss one day (I was right, by the way) and I put in my notice on the next. I gave them a month’s notice so they could build a little bench strength to replace me. I recall my boss coming into my office a few times a week, looking at me with pity, and saying something like, “Writing? Really? Are you sure you want to do this?” It only strengthened my resolve to make it work.
Here are a couple of photos of the graphic novels and trades I’ve released over my career as a writer. Not all of them came out after I went full-time, but most of them did.
Most of the twelve years since I left have been good ones. There was one really bad years in the mix, money-wise, and the the last year to sixteen months has been a bit of a beast, but overall, I haven’t looked back yet.
I’m selling a big bunch of hardcover and trade paperback graphic novels. These are not books I’ve written. They are books from my personal collection. I’m selling them as part of what I’m calling the “Cullen Needs to Buy His Kid a Violin” project. My son is an accomplished violinist, but he’s outgrown his current instrument. The next step up costs a pretty penny, but I’m gonna make it happen for him in support of his passions and dreams.
Check out the list of books I’m selling if you are so inclined, drop me a direct message or respond to this newsletter. I’m selling these on a first come, first serve basis. $5 per book shipping to the US (I will combine shipping). If you’re outside of the US and really want some of these books, I’m sure we can work it out.
Kenny asks, “Have we seen the last of Centralia? Or will there be a return visit?”
I would certainly love to do more CENTRALIA stories. That was always the plan. Introduce a group of occult investigators/heroes, put them on different paths, and eventually bring them together in a big, climatic horror tale. I don’t know, though, if it will be happening anytime soon.
Kamose asks, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania!! Thoughts?”
I’m interested in it. I like the cast quite a bit. But I don’t know that I’m rushing out to see it. I’ll see it in the theater, yes, but I usually wait a week or so on the Marvel movies these days. Maybe I just like avoiding the minefield of spoilers online.
A mysterious user (no… seriously… the question popped up in the chat, but it has no user associated with it….) asks, “You probably get asked this a bunch, but any Sixth Gun updates?”
I can’t tell you much! There’s a script in development, and it is a wild, crazy experience. I believe I’ll be seeing a revision to that script in the next week!
If you have questions you’d like to have answered in future editions of this newsletter, please send them my way! There’s no telling what eldritch secrets I’ll divulge!
I’ve posted some cool new content on my Patreon. If you haven’t checked it out, please do! The support I get on Patreon helps me bring new creator-owned material to life. Sometimes, it helps keep the lights on when checks aren’t coming in as quickly as they should.
Recent posts include:
Ten More Titles - A list of possible titles for upcoming projects.
E.L.D.E.R. - Exploring my take on a horror-themed G. I. Joe toy line.
Sneak Peek: the Unwanted Whisper - A hint of things to come.
Work Update: Feb 7 - 13 - A detailed look at my day-to-day schedule.
The Infamous Bulletin Board - Mapping out an essential writing tool.
One That Got Away: Pale Horse - Content from a horror comic that didn’t happen.
BOOK OF SHADOWS #4
As Exarch Fane's horde of beasts and vampires work to complete their Ritual of Sacrifice, the supernatural heroes of the Valiant Universe-Shadowman, Punk Mambo, Dr. Mirage, the Eternal Warrior, and Persephone-make their last stand. But to save the rest of the universe, must our world die?
Here is a quick and dirty list of upcoming projects. In most cases, I’m only listing projects that are definitely on the schedule with a published. Oftentimes, I will not be able to share much information, but I can at least tease the future! Everything here is, of course, subject to change.
GHOSTLORE - A horror maxi-series exploring a side of horror you might not expect
LAMENTATION - A horror limited series where reality and surreality clash in a murderous way
RED ZONE - An action/comedy thrill-ride. unlike anything else I’ve ever written
BLOODBLADE - An action/horror story of destiny and demonic blood
BEYOND MORTAL - Finishing up the horror/superhero epic
THE CULT OF THAT WILKIN BOY - An Archie horror one-shot
SWORDS IN THE SHADOWS - A swords and sorcery and horror fiction anthology I’m editing
I’LL KILL YOU LAST - An 80s action/horror fiction anthology I’m editing
RAZE - A dark fantasy/horror novella
PROJECT: BOT - A sequel to a story of robotic mischief
PROJECT: WATER HEATER - An apocalyptic horror/fantasy maxi-series
PROJECT: DUNGEON - A new licensed horror comic series
PROJECT: CONVOY - A horror/thriller I’m co-writing
PROJECT: MATINEE - A horror limited series I’m working on with one of my best friends and long-standing collaborator
PROJECT: V - A return to a fan-favorite character I haven't written in quite a while
PROJECT: PREHISTORY - More kaiju craziness
PROJECT: MEGA-BATTLE - Even More kaiju craziness
PROJECT: RUSH - A horror prose anthology I’m editing
PROJECT: GALLERY - An RPG project I’ve been quietly developing
PROJECT: CARD - A magical one-shot
PROJECT: ARCANA - a dark fantasy series
PROJECT: BUSINESS - a new horror/action/comedy series
PROJECT: HOAX - a horror limited series
343 pages of comic book scripts (1710 in 2022)
0 feature length screenplay (0 in 2022)
0 half-hour comedy pilot (1 in 2022)
0 short film script (1 in 2022)
0 short stories (9 in 2022)
0 novellas (0 in 2022)
4 two-sentence horror stories (10 in 2022)
0 new comic book series proposals (29 in 2022)
0 podcast proposals (0 in 2022)
0 essay (0 in 2022)
1 foreword for upcoming graphic novels (0 in 2022)
0 television series proposal (0 in 2022)
A few new conventions added to the list!
Keep in mind, these days, "finalized" doesn't mean as much as it once did. All events are subject to change. I hope to be adding more conventions in the near future! Stay tuned!
MARCH 17 - 19, 2023 - Planet Comicon, Kansas City MO
JUNE 16 - 18, 2023 - Heroes Convention, Charlotte NC
JUNE 24, 2023 - Route 66 Toy and Comic Convention, Lebanon MO
JULY 7 - 9, 2023 - Tremendicon, Springfield MO
AUGUST 5 - 6, 2023 - Fountain City Con, New Century KS
SEPTEMBER 16 - 17, 2023 - Extremicon, St. Roberts MO
SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 1 - Cowtown Comic Convention, Fort Worth TX
I’m slowing down a bit on THE BLACKLIST. After watching 5 seasons in rapid order, it’s time to take it a little more slowly.
I watched the first episode of the new season of PICARD, and I really liked it. Hard to judge yet, of course, but it looks like this season will be much more my jam than the last two seasons.
I’ve been listening to the music anthology series DARK COUNTRY a lot lately, because I’m in the mood for gothy southern music, and that’s opened the door to several other playlists full of sinister southern tunes.
THE SHOCK SHOP - My online store, where you can find exclusive covers you can only get directly from me!
TWITTER - This is the best place to interact with me online. My handle is @cullenbunn
TIKTOK - A fun spot for quick videos about writing, comics, and collecting
PATREON - Here, I post a serialized novel, a serialized comic book, short stories, and other cool materials.
THE CULLEN BUNN DISCORD SERVER - A place for fans to hang out and talk about comics, books, movies, games, collecting, and whatever else strikes their fancy.
THE BUNNGALOW - Cindy and I talk about life, hot button topics, pop culture, being married to a comic book writer and EVERYTHING in between.
