September-December 2024: Celebrating the Holidays with the Salty Roos
And have a Happy Roo Year!
I hope everyone enjoyed some very happy holidays! It’s been a year full of highs and lows for everyone, so let’s focus on some geektastic moments that I had the pleasure of being a part of over the past season.
What I’m Writing
Promoting Salty Roos: From Rats To Vampires And Beyond!
The titular Salty Roos faced supernatural shenanigans and out-of-this-world adventures in the recently completed Kickstarter featuring four stories. While I edited “A Rat’s Tale!” and “The Beast of Truro!”, I made my Salty Roos writing debut with “Vampire Panic!” and “Beyond Space!” This Kickstarter was one of creator Erick Anderson’s most successful crowdfunding efforts, raising over $3,000. While it may be over, you can still order the issues on Indy Planet. However, a new holiday special Kickstarter for Salty Roos is still live, which you can take part in!
Keep Celebrating the Holidays with Another Rootastic Kickstarter
The current Salty Roos Kickstarter features two more stories I wrote, “Moonbat from Hell!” and “The Twelve Nights of Krampus!”. These showcase my interpretations of two legendary icons, which means plenty of chaos and snark! Plus, there are some gorgeous, unique variant covers. The art team of illustrator Diego Toro, colorist Kóte Carvajal, and letterer Cristian Docolomansky all make this feel like a Saturday Morning Cartoon you won’t want to miss. But if you still need someone else to sell the concept of the series to you, check out this lovely review of the first issue from Paul at The Pullbox.
Kate Bryant’s Journey Continues (Think John Wick Takes Japan)
Another project that’s been in the works for a while is the four-issue mini-series Kunoichi Kate Bryant. I’m writing this official comic book adaptation of Kevin Given’s novel. Think of it as John Wick storms Japan. Except in this case, our protagonist is Kate Bryant, who witnessed the murder of her father at the hands of the Yakuza when she was just a young girl. She grew up training to be a Kunoichi with nothing but revenge on her mind. The third issue was recently released on IndyPlanet with art by Rodolfo Ezequiel.
Excite Your Tastebuds with Pots & Panels
In a delicious turn of events, I contributed a short comic to the 440-page food-themed graphic novel anthology featuring stories and recipes from over 80 amazing comic creators! The Kickstarter for this ambitious anthology successfully raised over $29,000. An early (non-lettered) page from my short story, “Peppermint Patty Pandemonium,” appeared on the Kickstarter page. I hope it leaves your taste buds watering!
What I’m Editing
J-Novel
I’ve continued editing the English translation of the Butareba: The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig light novel and manga series. It’s an isekai where a man is transported to a fantasy world called Mesteria after eating raw pig liver. The unique twist on this concept? He wakes up as a literal pig! While there are some funny, fluffy moments in the series, this is also a dark fantasy story.
The most recent light novel release is Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig- Fifth Bite. Here’s a description of the latest volume (though be weary of spoilers!):
Finally realizing his true feelings, Mister Pig promises to go on a journey with Jess that will last forever and ever. But for that to happen, they must reclaim the capital from the Clandestine Arcanist’s evil clutches. It’s an uphill battle, but fortunately, they aren’t alone—they’re joined by the Liberators, Prince Shravis, two beautiful maidens, and two other porcine visitors from Mister Pig’s world. The party advances to Terminus Island, seeking a trump card that could turn the tables on their desperate situation.
According to the records Vatis left behind, there are two important things hidden on the island: a supreme treasure and an entrance to a second Mesteria, the Abyssus. The key to eliminating the Clandestine Arcanist’s terrible power lies within this other world. Mister Pig and Jess embark on a perilous quest into this realm of unknowns—they can’t afford to fail.
The most recent manga release is Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig- (Manga) Volume 4, which continues to recount the events of the first volume of the novel. Here’s a description (though again, beware spoilers!):
The royal capital is finally within reach—but to get to their destination, Mister Pig and Jess must cross their final hurdle, the Needle Woods. They enter the forest with the huntsman Naut, his trusty dog Rossi, and the once-captive Yethma Blaise. This final hurdle, however, turns out to be the most perilous, because the forest is a haven for Yethma hunters. Our party is forced to pay a steeper price than they ever imagined—will they arrive at the royal capital or die trying? And even if they do succeed, is it salvation or despair that awaits them in the elusive capital?
I hope you’ll pick up or continue reading this dark fantasy isekai series! If you’ve been reading along, I hope you’ll remember the most important lesson of all: Don’t eat your pig liver raw!
Scout Comics
Milk Run (Writer Bryan Reheil & Artist Jarret Katz): I’m excited to share that one of the series I’ve been co-editing, Milk Run, has released its first issue via Scout Comics. Perfect for fans of Back to the Future and Minority Report, this three-issue mini-series follows the simple life of Zack Morgan—a man with the ability to travel through time up to ten years into the past. And what does he do with this fantastical ability? Why, he gets cheaper groceries, of course! However, things take a more dramatic turn when Zack considers using his powers to solve a murder case. It’s an intriguing story with a lot of heart! The second issue is also available for presale.
Tapas
Comedown Machine (Writer Amapora & Artist Saza): The third season of Comedown Machine, which ended the year with episode 125, continues to provide the drama with a new episode every Friday. Tommy’s relationship status continues to be complicated.
North & East (Writer Matcha Monster & Artist Hara): The third and final season of North & East has finished. Now, you can see North and East’s entire dramatic journey, from their “fake” relationship to their blossoming real one.
Thirst (Creator: Asami): ’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring… except for Thirst! This romance between a vampire hunter and a dhampir returned on Christmas Eve—its own sort of supernatural present. Up to episode 88 (“For Eternity”), new episodes drop every two weeks on Tuesdays.
Independent Projects
Howie Hits the Gumroad
Howie the Hellhound (Writer Jared Prestwidge & Artist Carlos Trigo): Now being independently published, the five-issue supernatural dramedy Howie the Hellhound is available for purchase on Gumroad. Satan’s favorite pet, Howie, escapes from Hell and has a meet-cute with Louise, his new owner. And the life of this struggling New York actress is about to get waaay more complicated thanks to the dangerous demons (and others) coming after Howie. The series was also shortlisted for the Comic Arts Awards of Australia!
Villains Seeking Loutopia
Recently, Louis Southard started a new Substack, Loutopia. Kicking it off frankly by sharing his high highs and low lows of 2024, he’s currently releasing full issues of his comic book Villains Seeking Hero for free. The series follows a veteran super-villain known as Master Molecule, who’s forced to become the leader of a new team of heinous criminals. I did some light proofreading on the series years ago since it came to me pretty much 100% complete! The first issue showcases art by Ben Matsuya (Jupiter Jet, Midnight Massacre), while the second issue features art by Kyle Petchock (Fantasy Flight Games, Atomic Mass Games). It’s almost criminal how this series has a free price tag!
Kickstarter Success Stories
White Ash #1-8 (Writer Charlie Stickney and Artists Conor Hughes, Julian Shaw, & Tango): This ongoing fantasy series about Elves and Dwarves in Pennsylvania returns with an all-new 44-page issue! Rather than rehash the plot, you can check out the first 52 pages of chapter one for free. It’s perfect for fans of Supernatural, Twin Peaks, and Lord of the Rings. If you missed out on backing the Kickstarter (which raised over $37,000, by the way!), you can preorder issues from various White Ash Comics series here.
Territory #1-5 (Writer Blake McCarthy and Artists Donny Hadiwidjaja & Chris Sassman): Featuring the 32-page finale for the first time, readers can now get the full Territory experience! An epic post-apocalyptic tale, Territory explores a world where people have broken up into tribes who worship kaiju as gods. It’s perfect for fans of giant monster stories like Godzilla and Pacific Rim, post-apocalyptic stories like The Last of Us, and coming-of-age stories like Paper Girls. The Kickstarter raised over $5,000 thanks to dedicated fans. The creator is in talks with a couple more artists about expanding the Territory world, so there may be more news about this series in the future.
Upcoming Kickstarters
Ruination #1-11 (Writer Ryan Bis & Various Artists): The next Ruination Kickstarter, which includes issues #10-11 for the first time, is coming soon. This fantasy series follows a group of soldiers from different sides coming together to stop the destruction of their world… and possibly much worse! Make sure you click the “Notify on Launch” button here so you don’t miss out on more fantastical adventures. If you absolutely can’t wait, you can buy the previously released issues on the Curious Perspective Comics online store.
Battle Panda #1-4 (Writer Farhan Qureshi & Various Artists): Filled with big laughs and heartfelt moments, Battle Panda follows a fun team of anthropomorphic animals on a mission to stop an enemy known simply as the “Monster.” And the new fourth issue may just be the most emotional yet! Creator Farhan Qureshi took inspiration from “fun feel-good road trip adventure like The Goonies” and “dysfunctional heroes rising above what they think is possible like The Karate Kid.”
Three Cheers for 2025!
I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read these updates and nerd out with me. Feel free to share your thoughts and your own geektastic projects in the comments below! I hope you have something exciting planned for 2025. Here’s to a happy, healthy, productive, and fun new year. No matter what happens, we’ll still have comic books!
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