Category: Books

EERIE ARCHIVES VOLUME 3 is Coming!

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Eerie Archives Volume 3 is available for pre-order now.  It’ll be 256 pages and feature one of my favorite Frank Frazetta covers.  It drops on October 10, 2023.  Here’s the lowdown…

Cousin Eerie is back with a casket full of blood-chilling tales of terror and the macabre!

Eerie magazine was one of the finest horror comics magazines ever published, and the original issues are expensive and hard to find. Eerie Archives Volume 3 presents another collection of fearful fables in a value-priced softcover format by a host of comics greats, including Archie Goodwin, Joe Orlando, Angelo Torres. Jeffrey Jones, and more. Includes adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Telltale Heart” and “Masque of the Red Death.” Foreword by Gail Simone.

Collects Eerie magazine issues #11–#15.

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

CREEPY ARCHIVES VOLUME THREE is Coming!

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Creepy Archives Volume Three will drop on September 6, 2023.  It’ll be 288 pages of comic greatness topped by an awesome Frank Frazetta cover.

Cast your bloodshot eyes and feed your fetid imagination on the deliciously deranged tales of terror unearthed from the spine-chilling pages Creepy magazine!

Featuring virtuoso turns by comics legends Archie Goodwin, Frank Frazetta, Steve Ditko, Neal Adams, Gray Morrow and other masters of the macabre, Creepy proves that fear can be fun!

Collects Creepy issues #11–#15 in a value-priced paperback edition and includes original letters pages, text features, and ads.

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

CAIN by Walter Hill, Mike Benson, Beni R. Lobel, Jordi Escuin Llorach & Frank Cvetkovic is Coming!

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CAIN coming from Dark Horse this November sounds very interesting.

Legendary filmmaker Walter Hill and award-winning television and comic writer Mike Benson bring their neo-noir thriller to Dark Horse

Dark Horse is proud to team up with film legend Walter Hill and award-winning television and comic writer Mike Benson to present Cain, a thrilling neo-noir tale of a blind hitman operating in the gritty world filled with crime and violence. Hill and Benson are joined by interior artist Beni R. Lobel, colorist Jordi Escuin Llorach and letterer Frank Cvetkovic, with Lobel also providing the cover art for this original graphic novel.

Meet Cain, born blind, but with a unique ability to sense the world around him. Raised from birth by a rogue CIA agent, he’s grown into a borderline alcoholic and sex addict who travels the globe, living off the grid and taking out gangsters, deviants, and corrupt politicians—all while engaging in his own hedonistic pursuits as a hitman.

Cain is a thrilling and mysterious neo-noir tale of a blind professional hitman, operating within a relentless underworld environment of criminal violence, sex, betrayal, and death.

CAIN: Once you’re in the dark – I’m the boss.

“The Raven” (2012) starring John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans and Brendan Gleeson / Z-View

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The Raven (2012)

Director:  James McTeigue

Writer: Ben Livingston, Hannah Shakespeare

Stars: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McNally, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Jimmy Yuill, Sam Hazeldine, Pam Ferris, Dave Legeno  and Michael Shannon

Tagline:  The only one who can stop a serial killer is the man who inspired him.

The Plot…

When a serial killer uses methods from Edgar Allan Poe stories to dispatch his victims, Detective Fields (Evans) reluctantly turns to Poe (Cusak) for help.  This only inspires the demented killer to up the ante by kidnapping Poe’s  fiancée and setting a timeline for her murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Edgar Allan Poe may have been an insufferable alcoholic, but to make an insufferable alcoholic the sympathetic hero of a movie is a tall order.  I did like how the ending aligns with real-life events in Poe’s life.

Luke Evans and Brendan Gleeson are welcome additions in any movie and they shine in The Raven.

My favorite scene is the night of the party when a masked rider (the killer?) enters the ballroom on horseback.

Had the movie centered on Detective Fields a sequel would have been very cool since the final scenes seem to set it up.

The Raven (2012) earns 3 of 5 stars.

“The Last Thing He Told Me” starring Jennifer Garner – The Trailer is Here!

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The trailer to The Last Thing He Told Me starring Jennifer Garner has me interested.

How far would you go for the people you love? Starring Jennifer Garner, The Last Thing He Told Me premieres April 14 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_TheLastThingHeToldMe

This gripping limited series follows Hannah, a woman who must forge a relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter Bailey in order to find the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared.

Based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, the series is created and adapted by author Laura Dave, alongside series co-creator, Academy Award winner Josh Singer. Garner also serves as executive producer alongside Hello Sunshine’s Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter.

“Silo” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I’m not familiar with the Silo series by Hugh Howey (and why didn’t Howey get credit in the trailer when it said, “based on the best selling book series”).  The poster doesn’t sell the series to me, but that trailer has me wanting to see it!

The truth will surface. Silo premieres May 5 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_Silo

In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.

Marco Finnegan Gets Carter

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That’s Marco Finnegan’s take on Sly as Jack Carter! When the opportunity came to get a sketch from Marco I jumped on it. Marco knows what to put in and more importantly what to leave out.  His art style reminds me of Alex Toth and Darwyn Cooke.

I first became aware of Marco’s art when he teamed with Ace Atkins on two Nick Travers graphic novels: Last Fair Deal Gone Down and Crossroad Blues.

I was already reading Ace Atkins novels, so I decided to seek out more of Marco’s art.  If you’re so inclined you can as well on his website or his Twitter.  Marco is currently the artist on 007, Dynamite Comics new James Bond comics.

THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL by Laird Barron – The Deal Just Got Even Better!

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The other day I wrote about the deal that Bad Hand Books is running on Laird Barron’s next Isaiah Coleridge tale, THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL.  For the first 30 days (which started February 15th) 100% of profits from pre-orders will go directly to support Laird Barron’s recovery from a serious illness.  How cool is that?  Get an awesome book from an Independent Publisher and help support the author’s recovery – all at the same time.

And like those late night commercials, I get to say, “But wait!  There’s more!”  Laird Barron has agreed to sign all pre-orders!  Wow!  The deal just got even better.  So if you were on the fence, climb on down and get your order in!  

If you’ve never read an Isaiah Coleridge novel, here’s the downlow…

Coleridge is an ex-mob enforcer-turned-private investigator.  So far there have been three Isaiah Coleridge novels: BLOOD STANDARD; BLACK MOUNTAIN and WORSE ANGELS. (Barron writes them so that new readers can jump in at any point)

Coming in late Spring, a new Isaiah Coleridge yarn will become available.  THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL novella is set after the events of WORSE ANGELS.  Isaiah Coleridge takes on what seems like a simple case, but soon finds himself dragged into a dark world of mayhem, mysticism, music, and movie magic.

I’m in.  I hope you’ll consider joining me.

 

PAST TENSE by Jason McNamara and Alberto Massaggia is Coming!

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Past Tense by Jason McNamara (writer) and Alberto Massaggia (artist) looks interesting.  See what you think…

Ashley is a tour guide at PAST TENSE, a company that sends camera drones into the past to view history’s most depraved events.

When Ashley discovers Silas Green, an unknown serial killer working in the past, she begins hosting “exclusive” tours of his murders. The only problem? Silas is still alive in the present. And when he learns of his newfound infamy, he is inspired to come out of retirement to make Ashley his final victim: Now and forever.

There is no time to hide in this neo-noir thriller from indie comic veterans Jason McNamara (The Rattler), Alberto Massaggia (Hotline Miami), and Paul Little (Bomb Queen).

Pre-Orders are available now for a June 20, 2023 release.

THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL (An Isaiah Coleridge Tale) by Laird Barron is Coming!

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If you’ve never read one of Laird Barron’s Isaiah Coleridge tales, you’re missing out.  Coleridge is an ex-mob enforcer-turned-private investigator.  So far there have been three Isaiah Coleridge novels: BLOOD STANDARD; BLACK MOUNTAIN and WORSE ANGELS.  That’s about to change.

Coming in late Spring, a new Isaiah Coleridge yarn will become available.  THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL novella is set after the events of WORSE ANGELS.  Isaiah Coleridge takes on what seems like a simple case, but soon finds himself dragged into a dark world of mayhem, mysticism, music, and movie magic.

THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL will be published by Bad Hand Books.  For the first 30 days (which started February 15th) 100% of profits from pre-orders will go directly to support Laird Barron’s recovery from a serious illness.  How cool is that?  Get an awesome book from an Independent Publisher and help support the author’s recovery – all at the same time.

I’m in.  I hope you’ll consider joining me.

NOIR BURLESQUE by Enrico Marini is Coming!

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Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime will publish Noir Burlesque written and drawn by Enrico Marini. Originally published in 2021 by Europe Comics, the US Edition will feature a translation by Dan Christensen.  Here’s the lowdown…

“Everybody has everything to lose…”

An atmospheric, violent crime caper set in 1950s New York, with everything from femme fatales to double-crosses.

A heist gone wrong forces Slick to do a job for his employer, Rex, to repay the debt he owes. But Slick is in love with Caprice, Rex’s ex-call girl wife-turned-burlesque legend and Rex also has the only way for Slick to avenge his murdered father.

In this hardboiled noir thriller, everybody has everything to lose…

I had hoped Noir Burlesque would get a English edition.  Pre-orders are available now for a September 5, 2023 release.  Deal me in!

RIP: Raquel Welch

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Raquel Welch, the model, actress, singer, business woman and international sex symbol died today after a brief illness.  Ms. Welch was 82.

Raquel Welch’s birth name was Jo Raquel Tejada.  A year after she graduated high school Jo Raquel married her high school sweetheart, James Welch. Mrs. Welch attended San Diego State College on a theater arts scholarship.  She began getting roles in local plays.  Then Raquel Welch got a job presenting weather at a local San Diego television station. Due to work and family obligations she dropped out of college.  Ms. Welch had two children with James Welch before they separated.  She would keep his name throughout her career.

In 1964, Raquel Welch began acting in film and television. She would work in both throughout her career.  Her role in One Million Years B.C. (1966) and the publicity photo of her in a fur bikini launched her to international stardom.  Raquel Welch became THE sex symbol of a generation (or three).  She posed for Playboy in 1979, but refused a total nude photo spread. (She also never appeared nude in any of her films.)

Ms. Welch appeared on Broadway in Woman of the Year (1981) and in Victor/Victoria (1997).  She had a one woman musical show in Las Vegas for several years.  In 1984, Raquel Welch released The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program as a book and video.  Later she would develop a wig, skincare and jewelry line of products.

Some of the television shows featuring Raquel Welch include: The Virginian; McHale’s Navy; Bewitched; Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In; Mork & Mindy; The Legend of Walks Far Woman; Evening Shade; Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; Seinfeld; Spin City and CSI: Miami.

Some of the movies featuring Raquel Welch include: A House Is Not a Home; Fantastic Voyage; One Million Years B.C.; Fathom; Bedazzled; Bandolero; Lady in Cement; 100 Rifles; Myra Breckinridge; Hannie Caulder; 100 Rifles; Fuzz; Kansas City Bomber; The Three Musketeers; The Four Musketeers; Mother, Jugs & Speed; Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult and Legally Blonde.

Few people make an impact like that of Raquel Welch.  She was without a doubt the sex symbol of the 1960s, 70s and beyond.  It’s impressive that she acted on television, feature films, Broadway. and had her own Vegas nightclub act.  Then she branched out into skincare products.  Whew!

My favorite Raquel Welch film is 100 Rifles.  She more than held her own with Burt Reynold and Jim Brown!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Raquel Welch’s family, friends and fans.

Philip Marlowe – Who Played Him Best? Ranking the Actors Who Played Him!

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 Rory Doherty at Paste recently posted Every Philip Marlowe Performance, Ranked. Before you click over, here’s a comparison of our rankings and my thoughts on each.

Doherty

Zablo

9. Robert Montgomery,
Lady in the Lake (1947)
* George Montgomery, The Brasher Doubloon (1947)

8. George Montgomery,
The Brasher Doubloon (1947)
* James Caan, Poodle Springs (1998) – Haven’t seen yet.

7. James Caan,
Poodle Springs (1998)
* Liam Neeson, Marlowe (2023) – Haven’t seen yet.

6. Liam Neeson,
Marlowe (2023)

6. Elliot Gould, The Long Goodbye (1973) – This didn’t work for me. Gould wasn’t my idea of Marlowe and the film just didn’t resonate with me.

5. Robert Mitchum,
Farewell, My Lovely (1975)
The Big Sleep (1978)

5. Robert Montgomery, Lady in the Lake (1947) – An experiment that failed. Shot so that the audience sees everything from Marlowe’s perspective, it plays like a modern video game with little action.

4. Dick Powell,
Murder, My Sweet (1944)

4. James Garner, Marlowe (1969) – Garner isn’t a bad Marlowe plus we get Bruce Lee too! I’d have like to have seen Garner play Marlowe again.

3. James Garner,
Marlowe (1969)

3. Robert Mitchum, Farewell, My Lovely (1975) & The Big Sleep (1978) – Mitchum plays an “older” Marlowe. He’s not in his prime, but Mitchum at any age is a winner. Plus we get Sly Stallone in Farewell, My Lovely.

2. Humphrey Bogart,
The Big Sleep (1946)

2. Dick Powell, Murder, My Sweet (1944) – Powell was best known for lighthearted musicals prior to this. Surprisingly he makes a cool Marlowe!

1. Elliot Gould,
The Long Goodbye (1973)

1. Humphrey Bogart, The Big Sleep (1946) – Bogart is easily my favorite Marlowe. If only he had made more

Although Doherty limited his rankings to the movie Marlowes, I want to make mention of Philip Marlowe, Private Eye (1983 – 1986), a series that ran for 3 years on HBO. Powers Boothe played Marlowe. It’s been decades since I saw the series, but I remember it fondly. I need to revisit it.