Hey, how’s it going? Exciting times in the world, yeah?

As usual, I’ve been wildly inconsistent about updating this thing, but I’ve been pretty busy. For those unaware, I was recently attached to two IP projects that took up a bit of my time. Firstly, there’s the Kickstarter for an adaptation of Glitch Studio’s animated series Murder Drones. My work on it (save for the occasional tweak here and there to dialogue) has come to an end, and I’m fairly certain fans will very much enjoy it. I was previously on record as stating that this wouldn’t be a direct translation of the show, and as these things evolve and morph when you’ve got a lot of wonderful people involved its looking a bit more like it, but that’s hardly a bad thing. I still think fans will enjoy it, and it certainly opens the door for Glitch and other creators to explore other facets of this world.

On the other side of things, it was also announced that I’m writing a five issue mini-series for Marvel with art by the crazy talented Andy Pereira, focused on the “son” of the Scarlett Witch, Billy Kaplan aka Wiccan. I’ll write a more in-depth post about my experience working with one of the big two, but right now I’m happy to report the experience has been incredibly collaborative and exciting, and I’m cautiously optimistic that people who are fans of the character, and even folks who aren’t will be surprised by what we’re doing with this story. It’s leaning very much into a horror dark fantasy aesthetic right now, and Andy’s artwork is just absolutely stellar.

With all of that being said about my IP work, let me make it clear that my creator owned projects are still my pride and joy and I’ve got some exciting updates about those as well.

NIGHTS - It looks like you can’t keep a good series down, because I’m delighted to say that the Patreon has been a wonderful success thus far! If you’re not a subscriber, consider giving it a shot! We’re trying to cram a lot of fun exclusives for the higher tiers in addition to physical copies delivered to fans directly. Production on the series officially continued last month, and I’m happy to say that Issue 16 will be completed NEXT WEEK! Drawn, colored & lettered!! And if you’re a patron, you can read it NEXT WEEK!! A full month before it hits the stands!! Isn’t that nuts?! For a weird little book, I’ve got to admit we’ve got some of the best fans in the business.

_bLACKSTAR - I’m breaking a rule here. Generally speaking, I HATE teasing material. I’m not typically a “big things coming” guy. Life is unpredictable. Books live, books die, and it’s almost always out of your control.

THAT BEING SAID.

Since 2021, I’ve been working on a project with my pal Marco Ferrari and hoo boy, the journey on this thing has been… a lot. I’d wager it has been to date the most difficult project I’ve worked on so far in my career, but because I deeply care about it. It’s a very personal story, a somewhat spiritual cousin to BOLERO and it’s my first genuine sci-fi book. So many elements have come and gone across the four years of work but it’s finally at the point where I can say our foundation is very firm and we’re excited to explore and craft such a unique galaxy. Tonally it’s similar to works like Princess Mononoke and Nausica, and aesthetically it’s inspired by my love of works like Tenchi Muyou, Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Sold 4: Guns of the Patriots and The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. I’ll have more to share hopefully in the coming months but for now here’s a first look at the pirate crew of the Blackstar. From left to right: Mei, Gene, February, Tilde aka The Phantom Limb, and Mearua.

[REDACTED] - I’ll be a bit more cagey with this one, but here’s a first look at the cast of my next ongoing series with acclaimed artist Luca Claretti! I really don’t want to say much about this series because it’s filled with so many fun surprises, I want people to experience it firsthand. The only details I’ll reveal now are that it’s a road book, and it’s one of the wildest stories I’ve ever crafted. More to come!

WHAT I’M READING - On The Beach, Nevil Shute

WHAT I’M WATCHING - NOISEMAN SOUNDINSECT, dir Koji Morimoto

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO - Come on Baby Scrape my Data, Machine Girl

Till next time!