Issue 257: Goin’ Out West
Nightmare Fuel is the official newsletter for fans of my work. Thank you for subscribing. Please share it with others if you think they might be interested!
If my brain was a dusty, dark, haunted tiki bar (and who’s to say it’s not?) the TouchTunes would be playing this song non-stop. Every time I come out to LA, this is my theme music. I like to think, after all, that I have some drag-strip courage of my own. I forget. Oh, Lord, how I forget so aggressively, so frequently. Tom Waits serves up the reminder I need.
I came to town to attend the ComicsPro Industry Meeting, a gathering of comic book retailers who support one another in improving the comic book market. I haven’t attended one of these meetings in a while, but I’ve always loved it. This time, I was doubly thrilled to be here, as I was here alongside the Ignition Press team as they introduced themselves to the retailers in attendance.
I’ve hinted that there were some really cool things in the works for me over the last several months, and… I’m going to continue to make hints for a little while longer. But Ignition is a big part of the future that’s unfurling before me. I’ll tell you, my friends—these folks are the real deal. My mind spins at the thought of all the cool things they have in the works, at the number of amazing creators who will be working with them, at the amount of support I’ve been given as a creator myself.
During one of the presentations, I spoke very briefly about my experiences with Ignition Press thus far. I don’t remember what I said. I ramble. But I think I can sum it up. It’s pretty simple:
They’ve got my back.
Ignition is walking the walk when it comes to helping me build something exciting and new and different and true to who I am and what I want to do. They’re helping me bake some intentionality into the comics I’m creating. There’s a change in the air. I can feel it. I’m ready for it.
It’s a little too soon for me to spill too many details about my first Ignition project. You might be shocked to your core to discover it’s a horror comic. I’ll also share that I’ll be working with Marika Cresta on the project, and the pages she’s drawing are amazing. You’re gonna love ‘em.
As this newsletter goes out, I’m at the end of my trip. I’ve had a wonderful time in LA, but I’m also missing my family in a big way. I’m ready to get home… ready to get back to work… ready to tell some stories.
I’ve been keeping pretty busy over the last few days, but I carved out a little time to wander, both on my own and with Jeremy Haun. Here are a few pictures you might enjoy.
Some of them aren’t even of delicious cocktails I enjoyed.
Jeremy is embarking on some new endeavors of his own, as he described in his newsletter. He’s going to be launching a new video podcast called Curious Haunts. The first episode drops this week, and you’re gonna want to check it out.
For you Sixth Gun fans out there, Brian Hurtt posted this on his Instagram. The new book is underway.
JUMPSCARE #1
You know what time it is.
If you’re not getting this book, what are you even doing with your life?
From the co-creator of The Sixth Gun and Harrow County comes a new action horror superhero event that ties into the hit Beyond Mortal series!
In a world rife with crime, horror, and bloodshed, Jumpscare is the hero we deserve! Strong, fast, violent, and able to conjure any weapon from any horror movie she's seen (and she's seen a lot of horror movies), Jumpscare hacks her way through ne'er-do-wells and monsters alike. Not only is she the bloodiest hero of Empire City — she is the most popular! No wonder her enemies want her dead.
And… as a reminder… the creator exclusive variant of JUMPSCARE #1 is NOW AVAILABLE!
This cover is by Leila Leiz and Bill Crabtree. You can only get it from me (and, I suppose, any retailer who buys copies from me). When these are gone, they’re gone.
Patrons who are supporting me at the $5.00 level will be able to order this book (and everything else in my shop) at a deep discount.
Also - Retailers… and I know there are a bunch of you who read this newsletter… message me if you want to by multiple copies of the book. I’m sure we can work something out.
So, it’s been a busy week. I’ve gone from shoveling snow to wandering the streets of LA. But… y’all… there is one thing that has consumed my mind since I discovered it. When I was at The Barcade, I played DariusBurst. I was familiar with Darius, but not this version. And… wow… It was so freaking awesome. From the designs of the enemies to the gameplay to the immersive music—I haven’t loved a game this much in a long, long time.
So… if anyone wants to buy this rig for me… and convince Cindy to let me have it in our house, that would be very thoughtful of you.
I also want to point your attention to a Kickstarter I think is pretty cool. My pal Luis Castillo Silva has a campaign for a cool zine, A LITTLE TREASURY OF AMERICAN EVIL. It’s quirky and weird, the way I like,
Here’s a quick rundown of convention appearances, signings, and other events. Keep in mind, all appearances are subject to changes and cancellations.
March 6 - 9 - Emerald City Comic Con, Seattle WA
March 21 - 23 - Planet Comicon, Kansas City MO
May 3 - Free Comic Book Day, Krypton Comics, Omaha NE
May 30 - June 1 - Tremendicon, Springfield MO
June 21 - Route 66 Toy and Comic Convention, Lebanon MO
THE SHOCK SHOP - My online store, where you can find exclusive covers you can only get directly from me!
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.
MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE - Listen. You should always shop at your local comic and bookstore first, but if they don’t carry the books you want, you might be able to get them here. And, if nothing else, leave some reviews of the books you love!
