Hey everyone!
Wanted to apologize for not having a mid-May post, things were a little crazy around the Douek household - had a few deadlines piling up, and we were also dealing with a bout of COVID - but everyone’s recovered, I’m happy to say.
Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there has been a lot in the news these past few weeks that is hard to deal with, and makes anything I’m doing creatively feel downright trivial. But, in dark times, we have to take whatever light we can, and if talking about and reading comics helps us remember that the world can be more than a series of eternally escalating trash fires, then it is a worthy thing to do, even just for a few minutes.
So, what have I been up to?
To kick things off, let’s talk about THE OCEAN WILL TAKE US #3, which is out on June 15th - this issue is crucial, as we learn a lot more about the conspiracy engulfing Almanzar Bay, and what exactly is at stake beyond the lives of our main characters.
I recently finished up the script for #5, which is the last issue of the current arc, and I have to say I’m really happy with how the series turned out. I’ve said before, this one felt like a bit of a stretch for me - I’d never written high school kids, and the overall tone of the series is pretty different from what I’ve written before - but I think that, as a writer, artist, or any other type of creative person, if you’re not doing projects that make you feel a little scared, you’re probably limiting your growth in your field. Taking chances, changing things up, are a big part of how you expand your skills, and I feel like I learned a lot with this series… hopefully you all are enjoying it too!
Sneak Peeks
That being said, there’s also something great about working on what you know, and I’m happy to say that Alex Cormack and I are hard at work on a new book! We’re not ready to announce it yet, but the art he’s been doing for it is amazing! I don’t want to share too much just yet, but here’s a little snippet to whet your appetite!
We’ll have a lot more news on this to come soon, but for now, rest assured its some of the creepiest stuff we’ve ever put together - even Alex is getting a little grossed out by the scripts I’m sending him!
Newsletters, Newsletters, Newsletters!
I know you love this one (RIGHT?), but if you’re interested in following some other great creators and people in the comics business, here are a few recommendations:
Man With A Hat - you’d be hard pressed to find someone with a greater love, knowledge, and history of doing great work in comics than Marvel Editor Tom Brevoort. He’s worked with pretty much all the greats, and this newsletter not only keeps you up to date on his current projects, but gives a unique window into his wild, decades-spanning career at the forefront of the House of Ideas.
Best Jackett Press - I do my best to guide new writers and creators into making their own comics, but Scott Snyder is SERIOUS about it. He created his substack not only as a launching pad for new comics, but to deliver a Masterclass-level course in writing and comic creation. I’ve found the lessons to be full of really great, helpful insights, and the one-on-one attention he gives subscribers in his Q&A sessions is quite frankly amazing. If you’re looking to get into comics as a creator, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The Two Fisted Homeopape - Ryan K. Lindsay is one of the most talented writers I know, and I’m always really excited to hear about what he’s been working on. Alongside updates on his projects, he often has really insightful thoughts about writing, work/life balance, and a host of other topics.
It’s Yer Pal John Lees - I’m very lucky in that John Lees is actually my pal - he’s not only a great fellow writer, he’s one of the people I absolutely rely on to workshop my scripts and projects with - along with Kenny Porter and Fraser Campbell, our group discussions always leave me energized and excited to make comics. But lucky you can get just a taste of what it’s like to have a buddy like John, with his newsletter, that offers deep dives into comics, horror, and everything else that catches John’s fancy.
Books with Friends
As usual, this week has some great books coming up from creators I adore. Here’s a few that I’m definitely picking up:
Strange #3 from Jed Mackay and Marcelo Ferriera
You want to see some REAL madness? Forget the movie and check out what Jed, Marcelo and team have been cooking up in the pages of Strange - in the wake of Dr. Strange’s death, things just keep getting worse for his successor, Clea.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23 by Ethan Sacks and Paolo Villanelli
Forget the Jedi… my favorite part of the Star Wars Universe has always been its seedy underside of smugglers, criminals, bounty hunters, and scruffy nerf herders. With shows like the Mandalorian out there, it’s been a great time to be fan of that - and Ethan and Paolo’s consistently great work on Bounty Hunters makes it even more so. It’s no easy feat to tell an interesting and engaging story built around a guy who had all of 5 seconds of screen time in ESB, but if anyone can make me pick up a Dengar tale, it’s this team!
Batman 2022 Annual by Ed Brisson and John Timms
I could just say, Ed Brisson. Batman. ‘Nuff said - but a big part of why this book is so exciting to me is that not only am I getting to read Ed’s take on Batman, alongside new characters like Ghostmaker and Clownkiller, I’m also getting a peek at what I hope are the much bigger plans Ed has for Gotham and beyond, as it was just announced on CBR he’ll be writing the new Batman Inc. series this fall!
What’s The Furthest Place From Here #6 by Matt Rosenberg, Tyler Boss and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
I’m not going to type out the whole title again, but WTFPH has been one of the most surprisingly great new series that I’ve picked up this year. Considering its from Matt, Tyler and Hassan, though, maybe it’s not all that surprising. What I love about it, aside from the sharp writing and wonderful art, is the fact that it always keeps me guessing, and never holds my hand. I love exploring this strange new world, and discovering it alongside characters that are just as bewildered as I am. And as a student of the game, there are narrative techniques at play here that are just insanely clever and masterful. This issue finishes up the first arc, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
That’s where I’ll leave things this time - hope you all are doing well, despite all that’s going on in the world. Be well, and stay safe.