The Song I Can Never Write

No Horizon

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:30:11 GMT

I just realized that the movie is really going to happen, that it will be in theaters on Friday, this Friday, that there's no way it's not going to happen, and that this is all real and true and not some figment of my hyper-active and overly-stressed imagination.

Whiteout.

As a movie.

Whiteoutasamovie.

White.Out.As.A.Movie.

I'm, uh...I was on the damn SET for three weeks, and I'm still having trouble believing this.

I think Steve is dealing with this much better than I. He, at least, seems to have a plan to capitalize on it (if you're in the LA area, go see him when he's signing at Earth-2!).

The website is being updated with all current information as it comes out.

Me, I'm just...

...I'm gonna get back to work, here...still have Chace bleeding out and all, need to attend to that or she could be in real trouble, soon....

Not Dead, Merely Busy

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:35:55 GMT

This is just an FYI for those who follow me here. Yes, I have been remarkably silent post SDCC.

It will continue for another two or three weeks. Between the Whiteout premiere, novel deadline, and multiple comic book obligations, I'm a little...swamped.

But I shall return! This I swear!!!

Updates and News

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:30:54 GMT

The Whiteout trailer -- the official one! -- is now online. Those with interest, please examine below the cut.

And then there's this preview of Detective Comice #855, on sale a week from today. Spoiler warnings if you don't want the ending of #854 ruined!

SDCC starts in earnest for me tomorrow, with The Day from Hell. I am guaranteed to make only one of my scheduled events on time, that being the first one, the Superman panel with myself, James Robinson, Sterling Gates, Geoff Johns, Matt Idelson, and others, at 11:45 am, in room 6DE.

As others pointed out in my previous schedule post, I neglected to include A Darker Shade of Ink, discussing noir and crime comics, at 2pm tomorrow, in room 5AB. Thank you to those who pointed out the omission.

Let the wild rumpus begin!

OCC Signing Tomorrow!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:03:17 GMT

Just a reminder that I'll be signing at Olympic Cards and Comics in Lacey, WA, tomorrow, from noon until roughly five pm. Ostensibly, this is a Detective Comics signing, but a visit to OCC is always more than that -- and I understand Gabi's come up with some goodies for the event!

Hope to see (some) of you there!

The Schedule

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:46:53 GMT

For San Diego Comic Con International, 2009

Thursday, July 23rd

11:45 to 12:45 - Superman Panel (Room 6DE)

1:00 to 2:00 - Signing, DC Comics Booth

3:00 to 4:00 - Oni Press Panel (Room 10)

4:00 to 5:00 - Prism Comics Panel (Room 32 AB)

Friday, July 24th

12:30 to 1:30 - Bat(wo)man Panel (Room 6DE)

2:00 to 3:00 - Signing, DC Comics Booth

3:00 t0 4:00 - DC Nation Panel (Room 6DE)

4:00 to 5:20 - Signing, Oni Press Booth

Saturday, July 25th

11:00 to 12:00 - Signing, DC Comics Booth

12:45 to 1:45 - DC Editorial Presentation (Room 6B)

2:30 to 3:50 - Signing, Oni Press Booth

6:00 to 7:30 - Gays in Comics Panel (Room 6DE)

Sunday, July 26th

10:30 to 11:30 - Signing, DC Comics Booth

All times and locations are subject to the vagaries of con-ness. If I am not where I am supposed to be when I'm supposed to be, I beg patience; negotiating the floor and the hall can be a bitch-and-a-half, and getting from Point A to Point B through an ocean of humanity often takes more time than I'd like.

I will attempt to keep this blog, and my website, updated as to any changes.

Now, then...I promised some Cully goodness a couple days back.

Enjoy!

But wait, there's MORE!

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:25:28 GMT

The last of the Detective 854 signings is this Saturday at Olympic Cards and Comics, in Lacey, WA, from noon to five. My favorite store in the WHOLE wide world, even if it happens to be the terrain marked by my partner in many crimes, Eric Trautmann.

Take a look at this:

Yes, that's right! A Stumptown t-shirt! Matthew Southworth and I will be giving away 50 of them as a promotion at the Oni Press panel on Thursday at the con. Perfect for the cynic, romantic, or dogged PI in your life!

City of Sin, City of Comics

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:33:52 GMT

Las Vegas signings this Saturday.

JH3. Me. Detective Comics #854. Comic Oasis and Alternate Reality comics.

And just for added emphasis, JH3.

Really, the only thing that could make this better would be if Cully could make it, too. Which he can't. And that makes me sad.

So I will share Cully art with you. Not now, because, y'know, I don't have any with me, but soon. I promise.

It'll be worth it.

Fresh Ink (Twice!)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:56:44 GMT

Last week, Blair Butler had some very nice things to say about Detective Comics 854.

Today, G4 posted a Fresh Ink segment I recorded a couple months back. It's me talking about three of my favorite comics, three books that I feel are often overlooked in the list of "great." The video is embedded below the cut.

Been on vacation this week. It's been less vacation than I'd have liked, honestly. A barrage of small annoyances that culminated in the death of my laptop last night. I'm hoping a resurrection is possible, but it won't be until this Sunday/Monday before I know the prognosis. And, of course, since I was on vacation, the last back-up was made before I left home. So, yes, work has been lost.

Not the first time, won't be the last, but everytime it happens, it still sucks all the same.

JH3 Speaks!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:26:17 GMT

Great little interview with JH3 at CBR.

And yes, he really is that nice. Considering also that he is that good, it's potentially appalling!

100,000 Strong Is Not Enough

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:32:26 GMT

So 1LT Dan Choi went before the Federal Recognition Board on Tuesday and, as expected, they delivered their recommendation that he be discharged for "moral and professional dereliction" because he's violated DADT. It's not an unexpected result. DADT is a law passed by Congress, one that the military is consequently compelled to follow.

The recommendation now makes its way up the chain of command. Could be a few days, a few weeks, a few months, before LT Choi knows if he's out or not. But, as Dan has written over at CourageCampaign, he is refusing to give up the fight, no matter the odds, not while the battle remains worth fighting, and not while there is a chance for victory. He's doing exactly what we would expect from an Army officer, in fact.

On July 4th, Dan will meet with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and again present his case, and the case for repealing DADT. He will be presenting signatures to Speaker Pelosi at that time.

Once again, I ask you to please consider adding your name to mine and countless others in support of 1LT Daniel Choi. Follow this link to add your signature to the letter he will present her, asking that Congress make the repealing of DADT a priority.

100,000 Strong

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:41:51 GMT

Tuesday morning, 1LT Daniel Choi will face charges of "moral and professional dereliction" because he admitted that he's gay. In all likelihood, he'll be fired from the Army because he had the audacity to do what he was taught at West Point, ie, maintain his honor and refuse to lie.

The Courage Campaign is looking for 100,000 signatures in support of LT Choi prior to his trial. You can sign the petition here.

I've talked to Dan on several occasions. In fact, Dan was the primary resource for an upcoming Detective Comics issue. He is absolutely the kind of person we all should want wearing the uniform, representing and defending us. Losing him would be a crime.

Please consider adding your name and supporting him.

Tomorrow, June 27th, at Zeus Comics in Dallas!

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:51:56 GMT

Starting at roughly 10 am and running until 5 or so, I'll be at Zeus Comics.

Been looking forward to this for a while, I have to admit. Visited the store yesterday, and it's a terrific space, one of the nicest I've been to, honestly -- up there with OCC, in my opinion. Never mind the fact that it's also the first "official" signing event surrounding the publication of Detective Comics #854.

Reviews of the book have been good, or so I'm told, and the feedback JH, Cully, and I have received is frankly overwhelming. I've said so before, but I'll say it again for good measure -- thank you to everyone who went out and snagged a copy and told their friends to snag a copy and so on and so forth.

That kind of push can make all the difference, and it is truly, and sincerely, appreciate by all of us.

Not to be Outdone

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:37:01 GMT

In Dallas, and, uhm...it's insanely hot, and it's 11:30 at night, here. I can feel my pale and moldy PNW flesh already beginning to shrivel.

Be that as it may...some very, very nice words being said about today's issue of Detective Comics. Really wonderful that people are liking the work.

Talked to Cully this morning, and mentioned wanting to put up a Q wallpaper. Get to the hotel tonight, and lo and behold, he's emailed .

Because Cully rocks.

Enjoy!

We are Go for Launch

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:30:26 GMT

Detective Comics #854, today.

Douglas Wolk likes the issue. This makes me happy.

John Siuntres and I had a long chat a couple weeks ago. We talked about many things comics. You can get the pocast from John's blog site or from Newsarama.

And, because I like you all so very much,

Yes, it's a desktop wallpaper. 1600x1200. Download, distribute, resize, enjoy!

Oh, I Do Carry On, Don't I?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:50:33 GMT

Just completed -- and they've already posted! - an interview with Death Ray Weekly. Podcast is available at the site, if you're so inclined.

T-Minus 2 Days

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:24:58 GMT

Detective Comics #854, featuring some red-haired chick and some other dame who's missing a face, this Wednesday.

Here's a little hype, courtesy of The Advocate.

A Reason to Join Twitter

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:50:31 GMT

I have been avoiding it. Like the fucking plague. Because, frankly, there's nothing so important in my life it has to be shared 24/7.

But I just picked this up from a friend I had back at Vassar, Mike Solomon, and I reprint here in entirety:

If you're on Twitter, set your location to Tehran & your time zone to GMT +3.30. Iranian security forces are hunting for bloggers using location/timezone searches. The more people at this location, the more of a logjam it creates for forces trying to shut down Iranians' access to the internet. Cut & paste & pass it on.

I am going to join Twitter now. So should you.

Edited to add: @ruckawriter, if you want to follow me there.

The Good Stuff

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:38:36 GMT

Long dry spell between updates, here. Been scrambling to get things in order for The Last Run, as well as the start of my Detective Comics run next week. Talked to JH3 on Tuesday during the long drive back down from the Third Place Books signing, and we're both, I think, in similar places with regard to the impending launch; we've been working on this thing for so damn long, its' hard for me to have any perspective, frankly. It will be interesting to hear what people have to say, to say the least.

Especially about the last page.

Whole new battery of signings coming up.

June 26th, 7:30 at Legacy Books in Plano, TX.

Big damn event at Zeus Comics in Dallas on the 27th, from 10 to 6, which is, yes, the whole day.

Two events in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 11th, both with JH3 -- the first at Alternate Reality Comics, from 11 to 2, the second at Comic Oasis, from 4 to 7.

Signing the following weekend, July 18th, at Olympic Cards and Comics in Lacey, on Saturday the 18th, from noon until around 5-ish. It is almost guaranteed that Eric Trautmann will be there, as well, so we can provide photographic evidence that we are not, in fact, the same person

San Diego Comic-Con (schedule to be posted as it becomes available, and it's already filling up fast).

(And, as far as that "I'm not Eric/Eric is not I" thing goes, for the record, I'm not Keith Giffen, either. Not sure how that one started, but apparently there are people out there who suspect we're one and the same. It's easy to tell us apart. I'm the sane one.)

Was very pleased to see more information about Mass Effect 2 come out of this year's E3. For some reason I can't find a link to the video interview that Adam Sessler and Olivia Munn did with the BioWare heads, but G4 has posted more coverage here (though spoiler warnings should apply), and there's a video of gameplay available, as well. I'm optimistic about this game, especially after the brutal disappointment I suffered with Fallout 3, and yes, I know that for many, that's sacrilege. Sue me. Bethesda made a beautiful box and filled it with beautiful things. What they neglected to include was a story, and that's what I paid my money for. I am heartened that Oblivion is handlingFallout: New Vegas, as my faith in them in storytellers is pretty much neck-and-neck with BioWare--and given the pedigree between them, that's hardly surprising. My friend Morgan Wolfe sent me a link to a long interview GamaSutra conducted with Feargus Urquhart, who's work I've admired now for years. Interesting reading, for those of us who find this kind of reading, uh...well, interesting.

Tangent - Radiolab ran a fantastic story this past weekend about the (in)famous Welles adaptation of The War of the Worlds...and how people still fall for it to this day. The show is available as a download from the site, and definitely worth a listen, especially if you're a writer, I think. Mighty potent stuff, these words we use.

It's these words we use that've been giving me a headache recently, frankly, but that's another post....

Whiteout Trailer...NOT!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:43:47 GMT

There's a Whiteout trailer that's apparently making the rounds at the moment. It is not the official movie trailer, but rather the teaser that WB put together for San Diego the year before last. It's not bad, but it's not the trailer.

I have been told that, if you want to see the Official Whiteout Trailer, it will be shown before Orphan when the film is released.

More information as it comes to me.

WD - Signing at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, June 16th!

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:51:10 GMT

That's tomorrow for you calendar-impaired hep-cats out there. I'll be at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, outside of Seattle, lurking the stacks as of around 6pm, and doing my one-man show from 7pm to 8pm. If you're in the Seattle area, I'd urge you to stop by -- Third Place is a fabulous bookstore, and it's becomes something of a traditional stop for me during my PNW walkabouts.

Will be posting more in the next few days -- lots of things to share, and a smattering of new appearances/signings leading up to the Madness That Is San Diego. If you're impatient, check out the Appearances page on my website.

Cheers!

J.H. talks K.K.

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:06:49 GMT

Or Batwoman, for the rest of you.

Over at Newsarama. It is, in my opinion, a good interview.

To Will, Re: M is For Mystery, San Mateo

Mon, 18 May 2009 18:22:29 GMT

Will! I lost your address! If you read this, please drop me a note so we can connect!

...And P is for Poisoned Pen, in Scottsdale, AZ

Tue, 12 May 2009 04:31:07 GMT

Last leg tomorrow, May 12th, signing at the always-fabulous The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, 7pm!

I have to say that, so far, this has been the most gratifying - and well-attended - series of events I've had for a novel yet, and I'm very much hoping we'll close out the walkabout with a bang tomorrow.

To all of you who've made a point of attending, thanks again for coming out, buying the books, asking the questions, and giving support. There's nothing more energizing and rewarding than actually meeting you all, and I really do appreciate it.

M is for Mystery, San Mateo, CA

Mon, 11 May 2009 04:06:20 GMT

Yes, that's right, the Walking Dead walkabout heads to California tomorrow, for a 7pm signing at M is for Mystery, in San Mateo! I'm looking forward to this one, as it's relatively close to my old hometown stomping grounds, and I know I'll be seeing some friendly faces (amongst them my parents *ahem*).

If you're in the Bay Area, please stop by! And - as always - I'm happy to sign comics as well as books, so if you're still cranked at me for missing WonderCon, here's the chance for me to make up for it!

Signing at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Seattle!

Sat, 09 May 2009 14:42:18 GMT

Today, Saturday, 9 May, I'll be at the lovely little Seattle Mystery Bookshop at noon, for a Walking Dead signing. It's a great little store, and the events here - at least my events here - tend to be very casual affairs. If you're in the area on this blessedly not-raining day, please stop by!