Well Blow Me Down!

Today is birthday of cartoonist E. C. Segar, the creator of my all-time favorite character --POPEYE THE SAILOR!! 

 

The Return of the Master

I purchased this book shortly before Ray Bradbury passed away.  

Those of you who know even a bit about me and my own writing career probably realize how wondrous a friend the esteemed author was to me, both as mentor and muse. His demise left a void in my heart I'll never get over.

During the days that followed, I couldn't bring myself to even open this book, as the obituaries and accolades streamed across all media. However, now, I feel it calling to me. I know this one was a highly personal story for Ray, based in part upon his own hopes and heartbreaks in Hollywood, and his life-long friendship with Ray Harryhausen.

I have a distinct feeling that the Master has something important in these pages that he wanted me to know. Even from beyond infinity, he's ever the patient teacher.

Very well, sir. Let's begin...

Another Halloween

As midnight approached last night, I toured the neighborhood, soaking in the Halloween moment.

Every year, since I was a kid, it's been very important for me to go in search of that feeling, that certain tinge of mystery in the crisp autumn atmosphere that marks this night like no other. Whatever is going on in my life, for worse or better, the magic always manages to find me. It's weird and wondrous.

A gigantic, glaring harvest moon followed me from street to street as the streets grew colder and more lifeless, slyly crawling leaves keeping me company in the brisk autumn breeze.  Earlier there had been Trick 'R Treaters swarming under the streetlamps and creeping up to my doorstep.  Many more than last year. Lots of tall, peaked hats and broomsticks. Just about perfect.

I've got to keep extra busy now and try not to let the post-Halloween depression set in, as it usually does. Maybe I'll manage to dodge it this year, but I know the odds are against me.

Even so, it sure was magic while it lasted.

Boo!!

 Happy Halloween and may your Best Witches Come True, Everyone!

PULP ARK 2013 Guest of Honor

 Big news announcement. I'm very surprised, and extremely flattered, to have been invited as a GUEST OF HONOR for PULP ARK 2013, along with fellow author Paul Bishop, and author/artist Joe DeVito. The Conference/Convention is in its third year and will be held in Springdale, AR. APRIL 26-28TH. More info soon!

 http://allpulp.blogspot.com/2012/10/pulp-ark-2013-guests-of-honor-announced.html

MARS ATTACKS POPEYE

The cover is revealed for MARS ATTACKS POPEYE, interiors illustrated by my pal, Terry Beatty, and written by me.

The Martians have bitten off more than they can chew.

Coming this January.

Fall in Saint Paul

Some autumn photos from my neighborhood taken while I was happily walking foster dog, Jane.  She loved it too.

POPEYE. Terry Beatty. And me.

Remember that "Big Mystery Project" I announced a while back? Finally I've been given approval to spill the beans. Or, rather spill the spinach.

I've written this special POPEYE comic book issue for IDW, in which MARS ATTACKS POPEYE, illustrated by my long-time pal, Terry Beatty.

POPEYE is my all-time favorite character, so this is a tremendous thrill for me.

In fact, I confess that my hands are shaking as I am clumsily attempting to type this. In all my long career as a professional writer nothing has excited me as much as this.

As for the story itself, as Terry himself has already stated, I promise all of you that absolutely no one loves and respects Segar's POPEYE more than Terry and I.

We're doing this right.

Pre-Order FRANKENSTEIN for Halloween!

The Guilt. The Passion. The Horror. The Legend of FRANKENSTEIN Retold by Martin Powell and Patrick Olliffe. Based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley.

Originally published in 1988 by Eternity Comics and has remained in print. It is the very definition of "classic", and Pulp 2.0 Press is proud to bring this new edition to you with never-before-seen bonus features:

The complete story collected from remastered pages by the artist.

An introduction by noted Frankenstein scholar Pierre Fournier of the Frankensteinia blog.

A comprehensive interview with writer Martin Powell by Michael Leal on the origins of this graphic novel.

A gallery of the many ways that the Frankenstein Monster has been envisioned in movies comics and books.

109 Black & White interior pages.

New Color cover art by artist Patrick Olliffe, designed by Bill Cunningham.

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY FOR ONLY $9.99 (POSTPAID TO US RESIDENTS ONLY! NO INTERNATIONAL SALES WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME)

http://pulp2ohpress.com/pulp/frankenstein-the-graphic-novel/

 

 

Order THE HOUND Today!

Here is Dark Horse's solicitation page from the Oct. issue of PREVIEWS catalog advertising THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, as illustrated Jamie Chase, written by me, based on the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Please ask your local comics shops and bookstores to order your copy next month. The book will also available through Amazon, B&N, THINGS FROM ANOTHER WORLD and many other fine online locations. Jamie and I would love to present more adventures of the Great Detective in this lavish, full-colour, affordably-priced hardcover editions. Our success is literally in your hands.

64 pages, for $14.95. From Sequential Pulp/Dark Horse Comics.

We greatly appreciate your support. Thank you!

The Halloween Legion -- Reviewed!

A very exciting review of my THE HALLOWEEN LEGION Book One by David Brzeski of the British Fantasy Society.

http://www.britishfantasysociety.co.uk/reviews/the-halloween-legion-by-martin-powell-book-review/

Frankenstein Graphic Novel

Now available for pre-order!

 

This brand-new edition of my and Patrick Olliffe's FRANKENSTEIN is the graphic novel's fifth printing, based on the classic horror novel by Mary Shelley.

Featuring: an introduction by Frankenstein scholar Pierre Fournier, an in-depth interview conducted by Michael Leal on my and Pat's creation of the book, and a gallery of images showcasing how the classic Frankenstein Monster has been reinterpreted for various generations and cultures.

From Pulp 2.0 Press. Get yours before Halloween!

http://pulp2ohpress.com/pulp/frankenstein-the-graphic-novel/

Cinefantastique Rises Again

 

Okay, I suppose now I can spill the info on one of my surprise projects. I am now a contributing writer for the esteemed Cinefantastique, "the magazine with a sense of wonder."

 

This was the first publication to take the horror/sci-fi/fantasy genres of the cinema seriously, and I've been quite a fan of the magazine for years. This special Zombie issue contains an article I wrote on the appearances of the walking dead in comic books from the 1950s to the 70s.

 

I'm thrilled to be a part of it. Look for the mag around Halloween! 

 

 http://cinefantastiqueonline.com/

Happy Birthday Ray Bradury

Ray Bradbury, the visionary author who was my own personal and professional Muse, would have been 92 today. So, Happy Birthday, Ray.

Yours is the one departure from my life that will never heal. If Mars is indeed Heaven, then you are there smiling back at us showing us the way. Just as you always did.

I miss you profoundly, sir.

HALLOWEEN LEGION Sketch Cards

 

 

THE HALLOWEEN LEGION Sketch Cards to be auctioned for charity. Done! 

 

(Remember, I'm not an artist.  But, I couldn't resist and I'm very happy that I was asked to contribute.)

Mars

What an amazingly thrilling, emotional night.


Look at what we can do when we apply our brains and passion, and our growing technology, toward something nondestructive and inspirational. We can touch other worlds. Peacefully and tenderly. A warm, hopeful cosmic handshake. We can do miraculous things and nothing is impossible. Let's always remember that.

The world is different today. It's new and adventurous, without any mistakes in it yet. What was once an impossible dream is now real. Now all we need is to do this again. And again. And again.

 Today, WE are the Martians.

The Martian Invasion Continues

 

Could things possibly get worse for our hero, burnt-out sci-fi author Luke Deveraux?? Illustrated by Lowell Isaac for our upcoming graphic novel MARTIANS, GO HOME. Written by me, based on the scary, sexy, dark comedy by Fredric Brown. From Sequential Pulp/Dark Horse Comics.

Artwork © Lowell Isaac.

The Return of Startling Stories Magazine

STARTLING STORIES, one of the finest pulp anthologies, returns with its Summer 2012 issue -- featuring my horror novella, “The Evil of Dracula”.

Also included are: “Null-ABC” by H. Beam Piper and John McGuire, “The Happy Man” by Gerald W. Page, “An Incident at Plenivici” by Chris Carney, as well as the final installment of Ron Wilber's “Saucy Blaine” comic strip.

Edited and Designed by William Carney. Published by Wild Cat Books.

ON SALE NOW AT AMAZON!

http://www.amazon.com/Startling-Stories-H-Beam-Piper/dp/0983953228/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341873839&sr=8-1&keywords=startling+stories+-+summer+2012

The Halloween Legion Graphic Novel

 Is it the calm after the storm for the World's Weirdest Heroes, or does yet another terrifying tempest await them?

My THE HALLOWEEN LEGION goes from prose to their graphic novel debut in "The Great Goblin Invasion", written by me and illustrated by Thomas Boatwright. Published by Sequential Pulp/Dark Horse Comics later this year.

The Halloween Legion ™ Martin Powell. Artwork © Thomas Boatwright.

The SPIDER Returns!

Moonstone Books is currently preparing a graphic novel collection of THE SPIDER, with all the featured tales, both comics and prose, written exclusively by me. This volume will include both past and brand new never before published stories, with such amazing artists as Dan Brereton, Thomas Floyd, Hannibal King, and Pablo Marcos. The Master of Men Returns in all his former gory glory...with a Vengeance!

The Spider ™ Argosy Communications. Artwork © Dan Brereton, Tom Floyd, Hannibal King, and Pablo Marcos.

PHANTOM Original Art by Terry Beatty

Special Alert to all fans of Lee Falk's THE PHANTOM!

My friend, Terry Beatty, who draws, letters, and colors THE PHANTOM Sunday strip, is offering some great deals on his original art in order to raise the funds to replace the computer he uses for his job.

It's amazing-looking stuff; the Ghost Who Walks as he should truly be depicted -- and will look phenomenal framed upon your wall.

http://terrybeatty.blogspot.com/2012/06/original-phantom-art-up-for-grabs.html

"All Things Pass, but The Phantom Lives On."  -- Old Jungle Saying.

Spartans High School Reunion

 

I have a high school reunion coming up this weekend. (And, as you can see, this is also Molly's school in my HALLOWEEN LEGION books.) Although that was not exactly the happiest period in my life, I do regret not being able to attend and missing old friends Lynnie Vessels, Diana Taylor, Ray Bernhagen, and other fellow Spartans.

I'll be there in spirit, though, in case you folks feel suddenly haunted and an icy chill creeps down your spines. Don't be alarmed.

It's just Martin.

The Halloween Legion ™ Martin Powell. Artwork © Thomas Boatwright.

The Creation of FRANKENSTEIN

Happy Birthday to FRANKENSTEIN, the novel!

According to history, and Mary Shelley's own words (and recently pin-pointed by astronomers!) eighteen year old Mary experienced a horrific nightmare on the stormy night of June 16, 1816, at 2 a.m., which ultimately inspired her first and most famous novel.

I'd be nothing, professionally speaking, without this brilliant woman, her bad dream, and her great book.

"We are unfashioned creatures, but half made up." -- Mary Shelley, from Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus.

http://frankensteinia.blogspot.ca/2011/09/marys-dream-tell-tale-moon-and-creation.html

More Fairy Tale Anthologies for Kids

 My children's anthologies appear to be on a roll. I just received news that two of my most successful Fairy Tale Books, RED RIDING HOOD and RUMPELSTILTSKIN, will be included in this volume from Stone Arch Books.

My take on these timeless legends gives them a peculiar new twist where the handsome, heroic princes aren't particularly necessary, and the brave girls solve their perilous problems with their own courage and ingenuity. I originally tried this as an experiment a few years back and it caught fire, and almost thirty more of my "Girl Power" books have successfully followed.

Other stories appearing in this volume include wonderful adaptations of Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel, by other authors.

Available soon.

TALL Great American Folk Tales -- On Sale Now

I learned a while back that Stone Arch Books was collecting a new anthology of Great American Folk Tales which would include two of my books -- THE LEGEND OF JOHNNY APPLESEED and my favorite, THE TALL TALE OF PAUL BUNYAN, which won the 2010 Moonbeam Golden Award for Best Children's Graphic Novel. Tall Tales of Peco Bill and John Henry are also included, written by other authors.

The published book itself is now in my hands and it is utterly beautiful. I wrote these books in an attempt to bring back the magic and whimsical charm of our own American folklore to a new youthfully enthusiastic audience, and they have been very successful. I'll bet your kids and students will love them, too.

Many thanks to artist Aaron Blecha, editor Donald Lemke, designer Bob Lentz, and editorial director Michael Dahl.

http://www.amazon.com/Tall-Great-American-Folktales-Graphic/dp/1434240681/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1339181834&sr=1-2

R.I.P. Ray Bradbury

I can't even begin to say how much Ray Bradbury, the writer and the man, has meant to my life and career without sounding like a gushing idiot.

Ray was there when I was first discovering serious science fiction and fantasy, as I luckily stumbled across a paperback copy of his masterpiece, Something Wicked This Way Comes, in the clutter of my brother's closet. As I turned the pungent pulpy pages, at the ripe old age of ten, I fell in love forever.

Years later, when I became determined to be a professional writer myself, I frequently wrote to Ray, who was extraordinarily accessible, and he always responded with a typed letter here, a handwritten card there. His advice and encouragement were absolutely invaluable as I feverishly pounded at my portable manual typewriter, sending out a new short story each week, collecting more than enough rejection slips to fill an anthology. And, I continued with this insanity, with Ray's enthusiastic encouragement, for five years before I made my first sale and was finally published.

Think about that for a moment.

Five full years.

Week upon week, month after month, mopping store floors at night while attending a few Science, English, and Art classes, and typing my fingers raw with never so much as a nibble of interest from some invisible editor I'd never hear from again. My family and friends had begun to think that there was something very wrong with me.

But , that never mattered because Ray Bradbury believed in me. He never doubted that I would make it someday, so somehow I didn't doubt it either.

As a friend, mentor, and spiritual father, I owe him more than I can ever say or repay.

Now, with the terrible news of his passing this morning at age 91, it's next to impossible for me to imagine my world without Ray Bradbury. He still lives, and will always live, in his books and in my heart. I would not be who I am without the direct influence, kindly patience, and inspiration of this wonderful man, whom I've always considered the greatest American author of this age.

So, rest easy, sir. And thank you from the bottom of my breaking heart. You made this world, and so many others, wondrous places to read about.

Adieu, Ray Bradbury -- August 22, 1920 — June 5, 2012