Focused Ramblings from Xeric Awarded Author/Illustrator and Publisher of Indie Comics GARY SCOTT BEATTY. For more free story and behind the scenes, join the Fan List at http://strangehorror.com/
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Recalcitrant Jones and his zombie rock all-stars return, we solve a murder with The Skinvestigator, a career killer looks "Through the Crosshairs!" and we run from zombies, zombies, and more zombies in the new issue of Indie Comics Magazine, available only in comic shops from Aazurn Publishing!
To cut the tension, Adventures of Aaron returns to print when nationally syndicated strip cartoonist Aaron Warner's slacker decides to (gasp!) move out of his parents' house!
Plus, we visit the zombie apocalypse in "The Scarfers," prowl city streets with The Albino, battle a demon with The Super Sleuths -- and discover "What Are Pat and Billy Drinking?" -- in Indie Comics Magazine #8!
Nine complete stories and a full color preview of the comic shop tale "Number One" are presented in 68 pages, with an incredible geek girl cover by Alicia Hollinger! ICM alums Terry Cronin and Paul Bradford join Warner, Pat Martin, Pete LaDuke, Tom Arvis, Derek Adnams and more with zombies, mystery, comedy and adventure stories, all complete in this issue.
"Indie Comics Magazine is a cooperative of 50 very talented writers and artists," said Aazurn Publishing Publisher/Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "To have survived to issue eight is an accomplishment based on the quality of the stories chosen for print here. We are a pool of extremely creative people!"
This issue's "geek girl" cover illustration is by Alicia Hollinger, a Los Angeles based artist and writer, specializing in sexy pop culture, sci-fi, and fantasy art. She has been featured in Heavy Metal Magazine, and has a new pin-up art book, Alicia's Pin-Ups.
"Alicia is a young artist with a jaw-dropping style that enthusiastically supports what we're doing for indie creators in Indie Comics Magazine," said Beatty. "We exist to present talent to a wider audience."
Terry Cronin contributes two very different stories to Indie Comics Magazine #8. Cronin is a creator of Students of the Unusual and the author of The Skinvestigator novels featuring dermatologist detective Harry Poe -- a Poe mystery appears here. His fan favorite rock band, Recalcitrant Jones and the Deadbeats, composed of zombie musicians from classic rock, return to Indie Comics Magazine in this issue.
ICM favorite Paul Bradford returns with a sniper's bloody tale. Then, he switches gears (and artists) for a story of family survival (and zombies). An Australian, Paul writes Gothic poetry under the pseudonym Hierophantom and has produced small press "zines" through his company Inertia Publications.
Aaron Warner's critically acclaimed Adventures of Aaron ran for over 10 years, was read by over six million newspaper subscribers, and garnered a Rueben Award nomination from the National Cartoonist Society. From 2002 to 2007, Warner syndicated A College Girl Named Joe, a college-themed daily strip. His "You Are Here" strip is currently running in a variety of newspapers.
Tom Arvis, a 20-plus-year veteran in the fields of independent self-publishing, wrote and illustrated Mercenary Pig: Meatcutter #1, an Aazurn Publishing book hitting comic shop shelves in April. Through his Sureshot Comics label, he publishes Wayout West, Adolescent Power Fantasies and more, including this ICM#8's "The Albino."
Pat Martin is a writer/filmmaker/musician who works with the Students of the Unusual team to produce the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival, and he is a co-founder of the Students of the Unusual comic book series. He hosts the What Are Pat and Billy Drinking? YouTube web series.
Pete LaDuke honed his cinematic storytelling skills as an actor and assistant director, known for Deadheads, Dead/Undead, Stardust, and Mutant Swinger from Mars. His comic series Vermillion is a werewolf epic set amid the gutted ruins of Detroit. "The Scarfers" in Indie Comics Magazine #8 is illustrated by former punk rocker Matthew Dana Kimble.
Illustrator Derwin Roberson has drawn illustrations for doujinshi, video games, children’s books as well as movie production art. Brandon Bullock’s work has appeared in numerous books from companies such as Angry Drunk Graphics, FnA Comix and Pross Comics. Bullock and Derek Adnams appeared in Indie Comics Magazine #7 and this team produced this issue's "The Fuhrer's Dagger."
Information about independent comic book creators and a video preview of Indie Comics Magazine #8 are now online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/.
With no huge overprint, no digital version and no back issue sales, Indie Comics Magazine #8 is available ONLY at your local and online comic book shops. It is best to order from April's Previews, under Aazurn Publishing, said Beatty, as some Indie Comics Magazine issues are now difficult to find.
Tom Arvis' legendary hero and indie favorite Mercenary Pig can now be ordered from February's Previews, under Aazurn Publishing, FEB140868!
A video preview of Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter, online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/, offers a look at the bizarre circumstances leading to Mercenary Pig's battle with the sinister Meatcutter. Watch as Percy the Pig begins his guerrilla fight for animal rights -- with his fists!
Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter is a fun, full-color read, full of pork humor and over the top action, all in Tom's in your face drawing style! Once again, Aazurn Publishing proves INDIES RULE!
Gary Scott Beatty
Grand Poobah
Indie Comics Magazine
http://indiecomicsmagazine.com
Order Tom Arvis' Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter! in February 2014's Previews comic book catalog, under Aazurn Publishing!
Order Indie Comics Magazine #8 in April 2014's Previews comic book catalog, under Aazurn Publishing!
Order the comic book retailer story Number One in July 2014's Previews comic book catalog, under Aazurn Publishing!
Tom Arvis' legendary hero and indie favorite Mercenary Pig is now presented in one complete, full color volume! Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter is listed for order in February's Previews under Aazurn Publishing.
Creator, writer and illustrator Tom Arvis is a 20-plus-year veteran in the field of independent self-publishing. Beginning with Cowboys and Aliens, a 16-page black and white ashcan comic (currently published under the title Wayout West and available on Amazon), Tom established Sureshot Comics, his independent label, in 1995.
Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter prints the hero's origin story, presented for the first time in its entirety and in full color. A walking, talking, thinking, humanoid pig takes on animal cruelty, genetically modified pigs, and, ultimately, an evil food conglomerate.
"It's a pork-humor filled, action packed origin story!" laughed Arvis. New material wraps up the entire Meatcutter story arc in these 48 pages, as Percy the pig begins his guerrilla fight for animal rights -- with his fists!
"Mercenary Pig popped into my head full-blown, and fully realized, and his adventures immediately began writing themselves, as the best ideas often do," Arvis explained.
"Other than showing xeroxed copies at comic shows, Percy did not see publication until I redrew, re-inked and re-lettered the first eight pages for the lead featurette in my 2001 black and white, ashcan, anthology comic book, Adolescent Power Fantasies #1, followed by eight more pages in APF #2 in 2005, and then 16 pages in APF #3 in 2009, all published through my Sureshot Comics label."
The Aazurn Publishing book for order in February's Previews "is the only place you can view the 16-page conclusion to this spectacular character's astonishing origin," said Arvis.
"Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter has humor and action, and a kind of chaotic, in your face style that makes it fun to read," said Aazurn Publisher Gary Scott Beatty. "Readers tired of the same old thing from comic book conglomerates should add Aazurn Publishing to their pull list. We print just a handful of gems a year, and Mercenary Pig #1 should not be missed."
A video preview of Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter, online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/, offers a look at the bizarre circumstances leading to Mercenary Pig's battle with the sinister Meatcutter. Mercenary Pig #1: Meatcutter is listed for order in February's Previews under Aazurn Publishing.
Kim Mey-Loehng is fired on his 40th birthday, Gary Scott Beatty's jazz musicians meet on "The Bridge," and Devastating Roulette Studios unveil the cosmic "He!" in the new issue of Indie Comics Magazine!
Mey-Loehng, Devastating Roulette Studios, and Beatty join five other creators for nine complete stories. Order in August's Previews, Diamond's comic book order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
You may be able to tell -- I'm easily bored! You couldn't find nine comic book stories more different in style! Today's comics seem defined by a bland sameness, but our you crave variety -- and we deliver!
Kim Mey-Loehng was fired on his 40th birthday and we hear all about it in Indie Comics Magazine #7. This slice of life story is punctuated by conversation about "anticipatory it," a blown presentation, and the movie Taxi Driver,
I was strangely drawn to this story, with its manic artwork, its berserk typefaces and its raving characters. Kim shows there is more than one way to tell a story.
Devastating Roulette Studios brings a cosmic traveller and cool dinosaurs to Indie Comics Magazine #7. The studio is Brandon Bullock, Derek Adnams and Justin Wood.
It's exciting to see a young team really kicking butt. These guys have it all: super art, far-reaching concepts and a stated goal to expand the art of the comic book.
Some time has passed since my own Xeric Grant winning Jazz: Cool Birth characters visited Indie Comics Magazine. The wait is over, with another story from the era of cool jazz. Flora is a golden voice in a new combo, but Gerry's fears force him to retreat into his horn. Dig?
My illustration style is inspired by '50s album cover design. And my inspiration is a music that dominated for over 50 years, at its peak, soon to decline. This is the pre-Mad Men era, and it isn't pretty!
I hope you have all enjoyed the hours of free entertainment at Indie Comics Magazine.com. It's a strange portal to worlds uncanny and unknown, a vast gateway to astonishing and uncommon words and pictures. Just don't be sucked in to the detriment of your livelihood! There's a lot to see!
Remember to order in August's Previews! We don't sell back issues, we don't overprint, and we don't reprint!
-- Gary Scott Beatty, master schmoozer here at Indie Comics Magazine
Chris Berg's zombie / gangster / murderer shuffles in, Marta Tanrikulu unearths family secrets, and Paul Bradford's assassin is righteously pissed off in the new issue of Indie Comics Magazine!
Berg, Tanrikulu and Bradford join five other creators for nine complete stories. Man, this is one for the history books! Order in August's Previews, Diamond's comic book order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
You all know it -- we're unique! An indie anthology exclusive to Diamond makes us an anomaly among anomalies! Our complete stories, variety and quality make us even more different in an industry obsessed by multi-issue tales.
Chris Berg's graphic novel Slices seamlessly combines science fiction, slasher, zombie, gangster and adventure genres. The Dillinger Experiment in Indie Comics Magazine #7 is a done-in-one look at that larger work.
Chris' drawing style is slick and practiced. He's an active member of the International Society of Caricature Artists and that caricature skill defines his drawings -- cartoony and dynamic. "Slices" will be one new book to look for.
Marta Tanrikulu brings a mystery story to Indie Comics Magazine #7, a classic who-done-it with old money, an inheritance and a twist.
Marta works in various genres, and I'm so happy she brought a good mystery to Indie Comics Magazine. Seven issues, and this is our first mystery!
ICM favorite Paul Bradford returns with a bloody tale of an assassin betrayed. An Australian, Paul writes Gothic poetry under the pseudonym Hierophantom and has produced small press "zines" through his company Inertia Publications.
Paul has a super understanding of what makes a short adventure story compelling. This story is one fans will be talking about for a long time!
Our new video preview of Indie Comics Magazine #7 is now up for you to see at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/. If you like it, we'd all appreciate some Facebook shares!
More news to come this month! Keep it done-in-one, keep it interesting -- keep it indie!
Gary Scott Beatty, chief whip cracker here at Indie Comics Magazine
Order in August's Previews, Diamond's comic book order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
As you long-time fans know, we're in our third year for this anthology. Few thought we'd make it this far, an indie book exclusive to Diamond, but our complete stories, variety and quality have won us readers that normally wouldn't buy an independent comic book! Thank you all for telling your friends!
Tom Kelly's Masher, a new blood and guts web comic about life in the cage, is launching soon, and this Indie Comics Magazine story is a first look. Tom is nationally known for his work on DC's comic book website ZUDA.
Tom's style is a breathtaking combination of excellent drawing and design expertise. You can tell he's illustrated for magazines and bands. Every page has a skill level that's wonderful to behold!
Terry Cronin is a creator of Students of the Unusual and the author of The Skinvestigator novels featuring dermatologist detective Harry Poe. His Nikook and the Tupilak story in Indie Comics Magazine #7 builds on Inuit mythology. He then switches gears to another tale -- a couple caught in a strange, mystical ritual.
Terry is a filmmaker, and it shows in his writing. His tales are tight, cohesive, and full of strange adventure. I just love it when a new Cronin story pops up in my email!
Indie Comics Magazine #7 sports a cover from indie legend Donna (The Desert Peach) Barr, one of the lasting authors from the 1980's black-and-white comics boom.
Our video previews are becoming popular, and we've launched a new one for Indie Comics Magazine #7 at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/. I actually composed and recorded the music for this one myself -- but I promise your ears won't bleed! (Warning, your dog may howl.)
We have no huge overprint, no digital version and no back issue sales here, so Indie Comics Magazine #7 is available ONLY at your local and online comic book shops! We feature a few major online retailers on our website, if you don't have a neighborhood comic shop. It is best to order from August's Previews, because some Indie Comics Magazine issues are now hard to find!
Enjoy the preview, more news to come this month! Keep it done-in-one, keep it interesting -- keep it indie!
-- Gary Scott Beatty, head honcho here at Indie Comics Magazine
Offbeat tales round out the lurid lineup for Indie Comics Horror #2, in April's Previews, Diamond's comic book pre-order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
Dan Rivera offers a story about a clown who can really gets under your skin. Plus, Doctor Frite and his sexy assistant try to pacify a frightful monster, in a tale from Kaso Comics.
"We've increased page count," announced Aazurn Publishing Publisher/Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "This issue presents nine complete tales of dread, all done in this issue, nothing else to buy. And with the monstrous Andy Bennett cover, we're huge!"
Dan Rivera's stories have appeared in Armed and Fabulous, and Don’t Be Afraid, from Elevator Pitch Press. His story The Gray and The Pale will be in the Great Zombies in History anthology from McFarland Books, and he's developing a comics podcast called There Will Be Comics.
Kaso Comics made it’s debut in 1997 with The Indestructible man mini-series, and has since released The Risen and The Dead, Twisted, Matt Burton~Agent Zero, posters, CD’s, prints and much more. Art books include Heroic Fantasy: Paintings by Marcus Boas and Pulp Sf Pinups.
Information about many independent comic book creators, and a video preview of Indie Comics Horror #2, with music by the appropriately indie Star Destroyer, are online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/.
With no huge overprint, no digital version and no back issue sales, Indie Comics Horror #2 is available ONLY at your local and online comic book shops, for those who pre-order from April's Previews, said Beatty.
A grim sinkhole swallows children, a crazed killer stalks subways, and sharp swords spill blood in the new issue of Indie Comics Horror!
Indie creators Terry Cronin, Joe Sergi and Paul Bradford invite us to darkness in the issue shuffling into April's Previews, Diamond's comic book pre-order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
This issue, bigger than Indie Comics Magazine #1, presents nine complete tales of dread under a monstrous Lovecraftian cover from indie legend (Caliber, Moonstone, BOOM!, IDW) Andy Bennett.
"Terry Cronin, Paul Bradford, and Joe Sergi are some of our top talents, and fans will cringe when they read their tales!" said Aazurn Publishing Publisher/Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "They are three reasons why we're called the best fear from independent comic book creators."
Terry Cronin is a creator of Students of the Unusual and the author of The Skinvestigator novels featuring dermatologist detective Harry Poe. Terry joined forces with Pat Martin, Jeff Hall and Bob Lizek to create 3 Boys Productions, responsible for the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. The Students of the Unusual comic series features horror tales based on the myths, legends and history of Terry’s home state of Florida.
Joe Sergi's first novel, Sky Girl and the Superheroic Legacy, was released from iEnovel in 2010. That same year, Joe received the Haller Award for Best Writer from the Comicbook Artist Guild at New York ComicCon. He was selected as a semi-finalist in the Who Wants to Create a Superheroine contest sponsored by the Shadowline Imprint of Image Comics.
Originally from Scotland, Paul Bradford was brought up on the British comics that helped twist him into the writer he is today. Now living in Western Australia, he writes comics, writes Gothic poetry under the pseudonym Hierophantom, and has produced small press “zines” through his company Inertia Publications.
Information about other independent comic book creators and a video preview of Indie Comics Horror #2, with music by the appropriately indie Star Destroyer, are online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/
With no huge overprint, no digital version and no back issue sales, Indie Comics Horror #2 is available ONLY at your local and online comic book shops. It is best to pre-order from April's Previews, said Beatty. Some Indie Comics Magazine issues, like 2011's Christmas issue, are now hard to find.
Bullies better watch out, cowboys best stay in their graves, and kids should keep a close eye on their deranged parents in the new issue of Indie Comics Horror!
Indie creators Fabian Rangel, Jr., Scott R. Schmidt, and Glenn Moane all lend their grim twist to stories in the issue haunting April's Previews, Diamond's comic book pre-order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
Nine complete tales of dread, three more than Indie Comics Horror #1, shamble through Indie Comics Horror #2, the best fear from independent comic book creators. This #2 issue is bigger than #1. "Like some cancerous growth, this publication keeps expanding!" said Aazurn Publishing Publisher/Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "Fans crave horror and in this issue a dozen creators love swinging it at them!"
Fabian Rangel, Jr. self published the first two issues of his werewolves versus teens comic “Extinct” before signing on with Philadelphia based publisher 215 Ink in 2011. 2012 saw the release of "Extinct," "Fall" and "Engines of Doom." This year, Fabian continues to self publish "Revenge Rooster" and "Los Muertos," though “Believe In Comics,” and in numerous anthologies.
Scott R. Schmidt is the writer and creator of "Steele Vs," the Yukon adventures of Sam Steele, Northwest Mounted, with artist Slobodan Jovanovic. His work has been published by Future Quake Press, Ink and Drink Comics, and 215Ink. He publishes the anthology "Savage Pulp" with Jonathan Sawyer, and "Cold Ground," a crime miniseries, with Nick O’Gorman through Pistol-Whip Press.
Norwegian Glenn Møane has released the one-shots “American Sinner” with Edson Alves and “Homecoming” with Marco Santiago. His graphic novel “Partners” (illustrated by Elias Martins) was published digitally by MoonShot Digital Comics. Glenn is currently working on a webcomic project called “Lazarus Standing” with industry veteran artist Dario Carrasco, and another one-shot.
Indie Comics Horror #2 presents a monstrous Lovecraftian cover from indie legend (Caliber, Moonstone, BOOM!, IDW) Andy Bennett.
Information about other independent comic book creators and a video preview of Indie Comics Horror #2, with music by the appropriately indie Star Destroyer, are online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/.
With no huge overprint, no digital version and no back issue sales, Indie Comics Horror #2 is available ONLY at your local and online comic book shops. It is best to pre-order from April's Previews, said Beatty. Some Indie Comics Magazine issues, like 2011's Christmas issue, are now hard to find.
Viewers of the chilling Indie Comics Horror #2 Video Preview at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/ receive more than scenes of terror from the new horror comic. Follow the link at the end of the video preview and Star Destroyer will give you their entire digital album "Millennials," free.
"Star Destroyer is one of many bands chewing off the shackles of corporate domination," said Aazurn Publishing's Gary Scott Beatty. "That's exactly what the many writers and artists in our Indie Comics line are doing: creating with quality storytelling the only goal."
Nine complete tales of dread, three more than Indie Comics Magazine #1, shamble through Indie Comics Horror #2, the best fear from independent comic book creators. "Like some cancerous growth, this publication keeps growing!" laughed Beatty.
With no huge overprint, no digital version and no back issue sales, Indie Comics Horror #2 is available ONLY at your local and online comic book shops. It is best to pre-order from April 2013's Previews comic book catalog, said Beatty.
Enjoy the Indie Comics Horror #2 Video Preview and discover Star Destroyer at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/ While you're there, accompany Beatty into darkness -- join the Aazurn Publishing Email List.
"It's classic horror modernized for today's comic readers," Beatty explained. Tales of Fear #1, available ONLY through pre-order in February at your local or online comic shop, is "six tales of dread that push the boundaries of good taste."
"Tales from the Crypt was groundbreaking, but that was over 60 years ago," Beatty explained. "I set out to break away from the mindset that a comic book has to be a Creepy clone to be a horror anthology."
No one has ever accused Beatty of following the crowd. His Xeric winning Jazz: Cool Birth featured art inspired by '50s album cover design. Unlike that Jazz style, Beatty's illustrations for Tales of Fear #1 are computer brushed, nearly photo-realistic. "I returned to my painter training," said Beatty. "I use today's computer tools to come up with an in-your-face look well suited to the crime scene documentation demands of grim horror."
In the story "Zombie Porn," film producers agree the zombie apocalypse was a good thing for their industry. "Texting both intrigues and disgusts me, so I wrote 'TXT,' said Beatty. "The story 'Crack' is a prank on the tired haunted house genre." All six tales are complete in this issue "because readers like me don't have the patience for those long, meandering plot lines that go on forever!" Beatty laughed. "I like writers who cut the crap and get to the point, so that's how I wrote Tales of Fear #1."
Breaking with current, outdated trends doesn't mean Beatty ignores conventions that work. "I feature a host to introduce the stories, but he isn't some random creep -- he's integral to the book itself. I'm having a lot of fun with this comic, and readers who agree blowing a zombie's brains out is fun will enjoy it too."
A Tales of Fear #1 Video Preview, with a free music offer from the appropriately indie Star Destroyer, is at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/ While you're there, accompany Beatty into darkness -- join the Aazurn Publishing Email List.
"Readers can see if my illustrations are to their taste," said Beatty. "I'm sure I'll get snubbed by traditionalists, but I'd get pretty bored playing it safe, and I'm betting there are comic book readers out there who agree mine is a great style to creep you out."
Pre-order Tales of Fear #1 in February 2013's Previews comic book catalog, under Aazurn Publishing, at your local or online comic shop. Tales of Fear #1 is ONLY available through pre-order with Diamond Comic Distributors! http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/
Viewers of the free Tales of Fear #1 Video Preview at Indie Comics Magazine.com receive more than action shots from the new horror comic. Follow the link at the end of the video preview and Star Destroyer will give you their entire digital album "Millennials," free.
"This young band's credo is 'DIY or die!' That's exactly what we're doing with our indie comics at Aazurn Publishing," said Tales of Fear writer and illustrator Gary Scott Beatty. "Plus, their manic energy is the perfect soundtrack to Tales of Fear #1."
Tales of Fear #1 includes "Zombie Porn," "Giants Fishing" -- six horror tales that push the boundaries of good taste, said Beatty. "It's classic horror modernized for today's comic readers in a realistic, new style," said Beatty. "This isn't your grampa's horror comic."
Tales of Fear #1 is ONLY available through February pre-order at your local or online comic shop, said Beatty. All the stories are complete in this issue "because readers don't have the patience these days for continued comics. This is a good thing!" Beatty laughed. "I like writers who cut the filler and get to the point, so that's the way I write."
Enjoy the Tales of Fear #1 Video Preview and discover Star Destroyer at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/ While you're there, accompany Beatty into darkness -- join the Aazurn Publishing Email List.
Pre-order Tales of Fear #1 in February 2013's Previews comic book catalog, under Aazurn Publishing, at your local or online comic shop. Tales of Fear #1 is ONLY available through pre-order with Diamond Comic Distributors. http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/
