KOLCHAK, THE NIGHT STALKER. 50TH ANNIVERSARY.

Moonstone, 2002

Various Authors

Publisher: James Aquilone

The potential viewing public that makes hits out of the dozens of ‘TV’ series that swirl around the well-known platforms surely have no idea who Carl Kolchak is, and indeed shouldn’t. But we must thank the Moonstone label and the publisher James Aquilone for celebrating this character and his creators and authors, and reminding us where so many myths come from that today entertain and sustain so many viewers and storytellers.

The charm of cynical, talkative, and obsessive reporter Carl Kolchak—played by Darren McGavin, whose profile has been remarkably respected for his comic book incarnation—has marked generations since he was first seen on television half a century ago. American —and from there to dozens of countries—, with a couple of brilliant films for TV — The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler— and later with a popular series in which he continued his investigation and coverage of the strangest stories and cases that confronted him with a fabulous and bizarre catalog of supernatural entities: werewolves, zombies, demons and, among many others, vampires, of course, and not forgetting a headless biker. Events that confronted him, equally, with the disbelief of a world that was falling apart, but that has continued to not accept the external agents that conspire against him – the radical differences between Mulder and Scully are a continuation of this already seminal battle.

Constructed by the journalist Jeff Rice, and defined and enriched by the great novelist Richard Matheson for the two films that launched him and his subsequent television series, Kolchak was a character and a saga that marked and captivated an audience that has not stopped growing. , for its approach to the urban world perfectly reflected through its streets, its inhabitants and with the same fears and phobias of the spectators of one —and more— decades where the horrors of real life found a figurative nuance in the threats faced by Kolchak, and that since then have been a central part of the literature that has shaped us both in fiction and in the daily news.

Since 2002, Moonstone has been in charge of publishing a good number of miniseries and graphic novels by various authors, where the mythology of this character has continued to be built. And it is now on the 50th anniversary of the character that Kolchak, the Night Stalker has been published . 50th Anniversary, a compilation of 12 new stories spread across seven decades of the character’s journalistic work, with eloquent results in some cases.

Kolchak’s chronicle of life with the supernatural starts from his early student years and continues until the beginning of this new century and millennium, with a denouement that seems to be everything: lyrical, explosive, expected, unexpected and obvious… in a certain way.

Through the stories we see certain paradigm shifts over the years, and the white tapestry that takes over the protagonist’s hair, but the professional intention of the character and, above all, the unmistakable white hat on his head as an accentuation. from their dissonant state in the face of social disbelief, they remain intact.

Listing the catwalk of monstrosities that Karl Kolchak faces during the more than 170 comic pages of this compendium, would be to spoil a good part of the surprise that it holds; but let’s say, there are interesting variations or reworkings of classics, as well as Kolchak’s confrontation with the extraordinary in historical contexts that we know, and without forgetting the revelation of how his classic hat was made and, as already mentioned, of the shocking end of Kolchak himself.

In this type of anthology we are accustomed to finding ourselves only with entertainment, so to speak; but in this case, interesting data about his life and its outcome are revealed to us; that is to say, this series of stories value entertainment and the weight of the facts for the character in the same way.

The book includes two interesting and significant introductions, one signed by James Rice and the other by Richard Christian Matheson, both authors descendants of the initiators —along with the director and producer Dan Curtis— of this mythology half a century ago on TV; and in the case of the son of the author of “I am Legend”, he also collaborates in this book with a story, which becomes his first work for a comic. Among the outstanding list of writers assembled are Peter David ( The Incredible Hulk ), Nancy A. Collins ( Sunglasses After Dark, Swamp Thing ), Kim Newman ( Anno Dracula ), Steve Niles ( 30 Days of Night ), Rodney Barnes ( Killadelphia, Blacula Return of the King) and, among others, Aquilone himself.

And in the field of drawing, artists such as JKWoodward, Szymon Kudranski, Colton Worley, Warwick Cadwell-Johnson, Paul McCaffrey and, among others, Gabriel Hardman, who writes and illustrates, offer notable translations into drawings.

In Kolchak, the Night Stalker. 50th Anniversary we find a remarkable choir of different voices that unite talents for a single objective: to celebrate and highlight the work of Carl Kolchak, a journalist who always sought the truth… however extraordinary it may seem.

Kolchak, the Night Stalker. 50th Anniversary was produced thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, but for anyone who couldn’t purchase it at the time, you can do so directly here: Monstrousbooks.com .

BLACULA, RETURN OF THE KING

Zombie Love Studios

By Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

1972. While Carl Kolchak confronts a vampire of European blood in Las Vegas through the television screen, in a good number of movie theaters a new anti-hero emerges in the framework of blaxploitation: Blacula… indeed, a vampire for consumption of a very specific sector of moviegoers, although radicalizing the aristocratic character of the figure of the vampire towards that of African slavery.

Thus, the African prince Mamuwalde —interpreted by William Marshall— who in 1780 went to Transylvania accompanied by his wife, Luva, to ask Count Dracula on an official visit to end his slave trade, in response he was subdued and turned into a vampire by the Count himself, who condemns him to eternal life locked in a sarcophagus while he listens to his wife die and, between Dracula’s laughs, hears him baptize him with the nickname Blacula.

In just a few minutes of prologue, the film directed by William Craine, and written by Joan Torres, Raymond Koening and Richard Glounor, perfectly summarizes the historical rancor of a culture and race whose grief and courage could be symbolized by the mockery of ” King of Vampires.”

We go back to 1972, and Mamuwalde is randomly revived and causing a vampire epidemic in the streets of Los Angeles, which confronts him with his own race and without being able to put aside a curse that he has carried for centuries.

Although Blacula , the film, was largely a middling success of its time, it has been a source of reference and inspiration ever since. The writer Rodney Barnes is one of the spectators who was marked by this film experience, and today, half a century after the premiere of this work, he is making a spectacular comic book sequel, backed by the explosive illustrations of Jason Shawn Alexander.

Blacula, Return of the King thus becomes Blacula’s third resurrection (taking into account the film sequel Scream Blacula Scream , from 1975), and a new confrontation with modernity and its oldest enemy.

The streets of some neighborhoods in Los Angeles begin to bathe in blood as dozens of their inhabitants disappear. In principle it is considered that it is about settling accounts between rival gangs; However, when you paint with the name Blacula, a rumor begins to spread that an old myth that caused a bloodbath in the 70s has returned from the grave… however, Prince Mamuwalde seems to be the victim of a ploy once again. of the centennial King of Vampires.

Blacula, Return of the King , does not confront the African vampire with a world that is 200 years ahead of him, as in the first film; however, the differences between the 1970s and the second decade of the 21st century also speak of completely different ways of thinking and behavior. Blacula now, faced with a common enemy, finds allies in the descendants of his victims, and understanding a world that can be run from a cell phone can be complex.

Barnes, of course, traces very well the encounter of an ancient supernatural being with the present, and all the elements allow for the pertinent discussion of races and creeds. But, above all, the writer considers building a logical sequence in the Blacula myth, which then yields an entertaining and fun vampire story that finds a spectacular execution in the expressive strokes of Shawn Alexander, owner of a canvas of darkness and crimson where the encounter between the expressionist and the naturalist yields a perfect product for the subject, as this duo of authors have already demonstrated in their celebrated Killadelphia saga ( Image Cómics, 2021 to the present).

Normally, when a product of this nature leaves its end open, the reader mostly laments after having experienced a clear example of exploitation without rhyme or reason; In the case of Blacula, Return of the King , the open ending is appreciated and is the promise that a narrative that is due to exploitation will continue, but from the perspective offered by the passage of time, an aging that allows see aspects that were previously denied and that now, with his Zombie Love Studios label, Barnes himself promises to deliver quality exploitation works. There could not be better news.

 

LAUNCHED BY VETERAN AWARD-WINNING SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER RODNEY BARNES   Zombie Love Studios is the brainchild of veteran award-winning writer and producer Rodney Barnes who has established himself as a Hollywood mainstay, with his vibrant, emphatic voice and producing expertise securing him an overall deal with HBO in September 2020. From Adult Swim’s The Boondocks to Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Barnes has displayed versatility across a variety of genres in the industry’s largest and most influential programs. He is currently writer and executive producer for HBO’s series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. He is also the author of the acclaimed comic book series Killadelphia. Zombie Love Studios’ goal is to create the best and boldest genre-based graphic novels the industry has ever seen. Layered stories of the macabre that combine politics, social resonance, and history with the nuance and specificity of the unique cultural forces that influence the mindsets of our characters and the tales they tell.     The first release is a continuation of the story of Blacula: Return of the King, based on the legendary movie.   “Blacula is a manifestation of all my childhood dreams come true. The opportunity to reinvent a childhood favorite for a new audience is truly an honor. And to partner once again with the great Jason Shawn Alexander enhances said honor three fold!”      A LOOK BEYOND…   FLORENCE AND NORMANDIE A science fiction alien attack story that takes place on the corner that’s infamous for being the flashpoint for the Rodney King riots. CROWNSVILLE A ghost story based on a real place – the first African American insane asylum – located in Barnes’ hometown. This is connected to an ongoing detective series focused on several paranormal incidents in Annapolis, Maryland. THE BUTCHER OF BLACK BOTTOM A story about Detroit’s historic majority-Black neighborhood. The butcher in this story isn’t cutting up steaks and pork chops, however — he’s terrorizing the neighborhood in a series of gruesome murders.

 

 

Now that Nita Hawes has bested the demon Corson, she strengthens her resolve to root out the supernatural evils plaguing Baltimore. A murder in Annapolis in the 1700s brings consequences to today’s world, and the only thing standing between mayhem and revenge is Nita Hawes! But without the ghost of her dead brother Jason to guide her and the Spider-God Anansi to rely on for backup, will she be able to succeed…or will she become another victim of the night?

Get your copy here. 

A new comic book series imagines a Detroit where racial unrest is inflamed by a violent serial murderer.

Rodney Barnes’ Killadelphia is easily one of the more inventive horror comics to come along in many years, given how the series combines vampire horror with a very grounded look at crime, corruption and murder in a major American metropolis. Fans of that series will definitely want to keep an eye out for Barnes’ next horror epic, a period piece dubbed The Butcher of Black Bottom.

This new slasher horror series pairs Barnes with Argentinian artist Germán Erramouspe. The Butcher of Black Bottom will debut digitally on Barnes’ Substack channel, Dark Apocrypha Presents, and will later be released in print form through his Zombie Love Studios imprint.

Check out the slideshow gallery below for an exclusive first look at The Butcher of Black Bottom:

The Butcher of Black Bottom: Exclusive Preview Art

There are no vampires to be found this time (that we know of), but plenty of blood will be spilled all the same. The Butcher of Black Bottom is set in 1920’s Detroit, a time when the city is seeing a large influx of African American migrants from the South and racial tensions are reaching a boiling point. Adding fuel to that fire is the titular serial killer. Has Detroit attracted its own Jack the Ripper?

“The Butcher of Black Bottom speaks to the struggle to find racial harmony in a post-Civil War America. Where the migration of blacks from the south meets an industrializing north wrestling with its own issues,” said Barnes in a press release. “As one might imagine finding peace was no easy chore.”

This series is one of several new horror projects Barnes is debuting in 2022, alongside previously announced books like Blacula (an adaptation of the 1970’s Blaxploitation film) and Crownsville, a ghost story set in a black insane asylum.

For the first time since 2019, Comic-Con is returning to the San Diego Convention Center on July 21 – 24, 2022!

And I will be there!

I will be at the event Friday the 22nd/Saturday the 23rd and I have some fun stuff in store.

Friday July 22nd:

2:30-3:30pm: How the Best Horror Comics Summon Readers’ Worst Nightmares

Join Michael Walsh (The Silver Coin), Joshua Williamson (Nailbiter), Trish Forstner (Stray Dogs), and myself as we discuss the horror genre’s revival over the past decade, what it takes to send chills down your readers’ spines, the nuance of dark storytelling, and why tales that thrill are now more popular than ever.

Click here to learn more about this event.

4pm-5pm: Comic signing at the image booth

I’ll be signing comics at the Image Booth from 4pm-5pm on Friday July 22nd. Bring copies of the Mandalorian issue #1 or any of my comics to get signed.

Saturday July 23rd:

5:30pm-6:30pm: Monsters Are for Everyone Panel

Whether in extreme horror, sci-fi explorations, or fantastical fun for kids, the love for monsters is real. Experts in the field Steve Niles and Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge Productions), Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia), Hans Rodionoff (Man-Thing), Brea Grant (Halloween II), Dirk Blackman (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans), Ken Lashley (Black Panther), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), and Thomas Healy (Spawn EiC) discuss inspirations and their upcoming film, comics, and toy projects that revolve around this ever-evolving appreciation of the monstrous things that scare and delight us.

I hope that you’re as excited as I am!

Get more excited by checking out an at home panel I did for the 2020 virtual Comic-Con below.

Henry Barajas (author of La Voz de M.A.Y.O.: Tata Rambo), Rodney Barnes (author of Killadelphia), Darcy Van Poelgeest (author of Little Bird: The Fight for Elder’s Hope), and David F. Walker (author of Bitter Root) discuss comic books that tackle real world issues, be it environmental activism, civic engagement, physical and mental health awareness, and more, (including how their work is being used by librarians and educators). Viewers will leave with programming and acquisition ideas designed to inspire their readers to see the world differently and then change it for the better.

To learn more about the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con visit comic-con.org/cci. Updates will be made as they come in and there are a lot of great things in store.

I hope to see you there!

Dynamite has announced that American Gods and Killadelphia writer Rodney Barnes is the writer of a new James Bond comic book series launching in October, James Bond: Himeros, drawn by Antonio Fuso and coloured by Adriano Augusto in which “Bond must enter the dangerous and sensitive world of sex trafficking. The new series, titled after the Greek god of sexual desire related to Eros (aka Cupid) and Aphrodite, dives into when that desire goes too far and is used for evil. It will take the legendary super-spy to bring justice to those most vulnerable among us.” “There’s an elegance to James Bond that’s timeless,” said Rodney Barnes. “He has a unique skillset and approaches the tasks at hand with wit and humor, yet underneath there’s a strong ethical sense that drives him.”

Billionaire British financier Richard Wilhelm finds himself behind bars, after being charged with trafficking minors to his secluded private island in the South Pacific. Now in custody, his political, personal, and criminal connections to others in high society across the world are in danger of being exposed. Elite arms developer Anton Banes is one of these parties, and he won’t stop at anything to cover his tracks. Including hiring a mysterious assassin with the codename Kino to take out Wilhelm and any evidence. Which leads to 007 being brought in to figure things out, and even to protect Wilhelm’s right-hand woman Sarah Richmond, with a head full of secrets that everyone on all sides is after. A “Bond girl” like no other, can Sarah be trusted by Bond, and does she have blood on her own hands..?

James Bond Himeros issues 1-5 are available now on Dynamite.com 

Coming soon:

Dynamite has also recently announced that they will dropping a hardcover James Bond Himeros which will go on sale August 17th, 2022. You can see more information about that here.