Cullen Bunn's Blog, page 18

Goals for 2014

I’ve boiled my resolutions for the year down to “be a better dad, husband, friend, and all around person” so I’ve got that covered. But I’m taking a note from Victor Gischler and posting some goals/wishes for this year. And… yeah… this is an exercise in selfishness. My many, many, many philanthropic endeavors are best kept to myself.

Stick with me. If you like me, cheer me on as I try to accomplish these items. If you’re a hater… well I know you’re actually even more interested in seeing me be successful, so I know you’ll be keeping your fingers crossed that I’ll triumph… and I love you, too.

1. More creator-owned books. This one should be a gimme. I have several new books in the works. Unless something horrible happens, we’ll be seeing more. But this little reminder doesn’t hurt.

2. Diversify! the vast majority of my comic book work has been with Oni Press and Marvel. I’m grateful to those publishers… but they can’t publish everything I’m doing! It’s time to add some additional partners to the list!

3. Screenplays. I‘ve got a couple of projects in the works. It’s just a matter of me focusing and finishing them up!

4. Visit the Outer Banks to research a project I’ve had in mind for years.

5. Write more prose. I’ve gotten away from prose in recent years, and I miss it. I’ve got two middle reader novels in the works, one a sequel to CROOKED HILLS, and I need to make the time to finish them up.

6. Build up a fund to pay an artist on a project. For the vast majority of my creator-owned projects, the publisher has made sure the artist has gotten a page rate. For some publishers, though, that isn’t an option, and royalties only won’t keep food on the table for an artist. I’d like to build up funds to pay (even a small) advance to an artist to work on small projects.

7. Do more promotion. All comic books… especially creator-owned books… need as much promotion as possible if they’re going o be a success.

8. Blog more. And not just links to interviews and announcements. I’ve got PURE GOLD to share! I just need to do it!

9. Publish a script book. Been meaning to do this for a while. It’s time to get around to it!

10. Get back in shape. I know what you’re thinking. This is a resolution. But aside from health benefits, I just want to do this to make people jealous of my awesome physique.

11. Follow up on those three top secret meetings/projects from last year.

12. Get Cullen-Con up and running. This is just a weekend get-away with a few friends to play role-playing games, drink beer, and watch movies.

13. Keep regular meetings with the Disheveled Dilettantes. The Dilettantes are a group of like-minded friends I want to make sure I’m meeting with at least once a month.

14. Read more! I used to read a LOT, but i started slacking off. I really want to get back on the horse.

15. RPGS, card games, and board games. See some of my work adapted into some awesome games. How awesome would a role-playing game based on THE SIXTH GUN be? How about a HELHEIM card game? Some things are in the works, but I want them to happen this year!

16. Take a couple of vacations, one with the entire family, one with just Cindy if we can work out a sitter. But I seriously doubt we could be away from the kid for that long… so two vacations with the family.

17. Redesign my office. New walls, new ceiling, new flooring, new furniture, new computer–the works.

18. Go see a movie in the theater every now and then.

19. Hire an assistant, even part-time, to help with some of the stuff that’s slowing me down… and so I can go see that movie every now and then.

20. Get my online store up and running so you guys can buy a bunch of my stuff!

21. Have the world’s best margarita. I’ve pretty much decided I’m done drinking them… unless I’m assured that it will be phenomenal. Had some fantastic margaritas at Frida in LA this year. The bar has been set.

22. Get some BBQ from Parkers in Wilson, NC, and some Deviled Crab from somewhere on the NC Coast.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

So… that year went by a little too quickly for my tastes.

As 2013 draws to a close, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the things I’ve accomplished, writing-wise, and some of the projects that are on the horizon.

This year, THE SIXTH GUN continued on its inexorable rampage towards its conclusion. Issues 28 through 36 hit the stands, as did THE SIXTH GUN: SONS OF THE GUN mini-series. A pilot for the television was shot, and Brian and I enjoyed being part of the process. Visiting the set… and then viewing the finished episodes… will forever be one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I shook hands with Drake Sinclair, got hugs from Becky and Missy, talked about old cowboy toys with Billjohn O’Henry, and held the Sixth Gun in my hand. I’m disappointed the show didn’t get picked up for a series, but I’ve still got one helluva book that I couldn’t be more proud of.

And speaking of pride, THE SIXTH GUN Vol. 1 deluxe hardcover and Gunslinger editions came out this year… and they are simply gorgeous. If you haven’t checked them out, you definitely need to do so!

In addition, my series HELHEIM hit the stands this year. This tale of Viking Frankenstein has been something I’ve wanted to write for ages, and I’m thrilled Oni Press took a shot on the book! The response from readers has been amazing. The most frequent question I get is “When will we see more?” For the answer, see below.

For Marvel, I worked on a few books. I brought VENOM to a close. I started (and finished) FEARLESS DEFENDERS. Both books were a lot of fun for me, and I would have loved to continue telling those stories. Alas, sometimes, sales just don’t support the best laid plans. FEARLESS DEFENDERS in particular was a thrill for me, as I think it was unlike any other superhero book on the shelf. The response from those who read this book was absolutely overwhelming and humbling (even when readers were really mad at me). In these two books, I introduced several new characters to the Marvel Universe, namely Mania, Caroline LeFay, and my beloved Annabelle Riggs. You can still read these stories in trade, of course.

On the Deadpool front, two series hit the stands: DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED and DEADPOOL KILLS DEADPOOL, both of which are now available in trade paperback!

I also wrote a four-issue ULTIMATE COMICS WOLVERINE run and co-wrote a couple of issues of CABLE AND X-FORCE with my pal Dennis Hopeless.

For Lion Forge Comics, I wrote an 8-issue horror series titled NIGHT TRAP. The first two issues are available for Kindle!

And… because I wanted to be a hero to my son, I wrote an issue of TMNT: THE ANIMATED ADVENTURES, which just came out.

I also worked on several projects that, for various reasons, fell through. Some will resurface when timing allows. Others will most likely languish in limbo for the rest of my days. This kind of thing happens… more frequently than you might think… and I’m still not used to it. But them’s the breaks.

Let’s not focus on the things that aren’t happening anyhow. Let’s talk about some new stuff that’s coming out in 2014!

THE SIXTH GUN will, of course, continue. We just recently started an arc titled “Not the Bullet But the Fall” which will really shake things up. Lots of epic happenings over the next few months as we move toward the series finale in 2015. We’re also at work on another mini-series (in the vein of SONS OF THE GUN) which will likely be published in 2015.

The next arc of HELHEIM is underway. BRIDES OF HELHEIM will hit the stands later in 2014. If you want to catch up, the first trade paperback will be out in March! Pre-order it online or at your favorite comic shop!

I’ll also be announcing and releasing… lemme count them… at least five new creator-owned series in the next few months. Keep your eyes peeled, because they are gonna be awesome!

With Marvel, I’ve got a few books on the horizon.NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL, DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE, CASTLE: UNHOLY STORM, and MAGNETO are all hitting the shelves in the next few months. Make sure to pre-order these books, folks! It’s important!

I’ll also be doing a new series for Lion Forge Comics. I’m sure it will be announced soon.

And there are two more exciting work-for-hire projects, both REALLY BIG in some sense of the word, that haven’t been announced yet. I’d anticipate word on at least one of them in the next month or so.

Chances are, there will be some additions to this list of upcoming projects as the year progresses. Either way, though, 2014 is going to be a busy one! I better get back to work!

Thanks for sticking with me so far, and I hope 2014 kicks much tuchus for you and yours! If you want to chat, hit me up on Twitter and Tumblr!

Place Your Bets! Deadpool Vs. Carnage!

What happens when two of Marvel’s craziest characters lock horns in a no-holds barred battle? You’ll find out in April! As revealed in a new interview with IGN, I’ll be writing DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE, a four-issue blood and guts fest. This will be the Russian Chain Match of comic books!

Stay tuned for more information on the series!

Superior Carnage Interview (CBR)

 

Comic Book Resources has posted a new interview about the upcoming SUPERIOR CARNAGE ANNUAL. Give it a read… pre-order the book from your local comic shop… and keep your eyes peeled for more symbiote news this week!

Superior Carnage Annual

I told you I wasn’t done with symbiotes just yet. In February, Kim Jacinto and I bring you a giant-sized Carnage shocker.

(Guess what… I’m still not done with symbiotes! More soon!)

What’s in a name?

I always have trouble with titles. They vex me. So, when it came time to name my e-newsletter (the first edition of which goes out next week), I went to Twitter for suggestions. I got some good ones, but my favorites included:

Cullenoscopy (via @Craftbrewhaha)

Bunndle of Joy (via @bearsurprise)

You Got Bunn, Hon (via @brianwinkeler)

It’s a Bunn-derful Life (via @6gunsamurai)

Bunnleashed (via @pcleftovers)

The Bunn and the Restless (via @KevinDelie)

There Can Be Only Bunn (via @ChristianLipski)

Beyond Bunnderdome (via @SchorkWeek)

The Bunnslingers (via @FinesMassey)

Bunn-hemian Rhapsody (via @MrTylerCrook)

The Smoking Bunn (via @Blackmasks)

Hot Fresh Bunn (via @theisb)

Obviously, these folks are much better at titles than I am… or they spend a lot more time thinking about me than I do (which is impossible).

I had such a hard time choosing, that I’m gonna use them ALL… maybe. Each newsletter will be re-titled depending on content, time of year, my mood, etc. When I use someone’s suggestion, I’ll send them something awesome.

Please keep the suggestions coming! And if you haven’t signed up for the e-newsletter, please do so!

Subscribe to our mailing list

 

Castle: Unholy Storm

New York, NY (December 9th, 2013) – Marvel Entertainment and ABC Studios are proud to announce CASTLE: UNHOLY STORM, an all-new graphic novel inspired by the popular “Castle” television series. This 112-page hardcover hits comic shops and bookstores everywhere on May 6th, 2014.

Derrick Storm is back and he has a new, deadly case to solve. When the daughters of four high-powered international businessmen are discovered dead in New York, the NYPD scrambles to bring the murderer to justice. But when a fifth girl is found mutilated in a pool of her own blood, her prestigious French family hires Derrick Storm to run his own investigation and find the real killer. Storm has only one lead – a strange symbol drawn in blood. Storm enlists the help of the beautiful and daring Clara Strike, his CIA handler. Together they uncover a deep web of deception under the guise of mysticism and devotion.

CASTLE: UNHOLY STORM brings together a star-studded cast of the best creators in the industry, including writer Cullen Bunn (Fearless Defenders, Venom), interior artists Robert Atkins (Amazing Spider-Man) and Will Sliney (Fearless Defenders) along with cover artist Carlo Pagulayan (Iron Man, Hulk).

“We are incredibly excited to, once again, be partnering with marvel to bring Richard Castle’s early literary works to life,” said Andrew W. Marlowe, “Castle” Creator/Executive Producer.  “It’s a great way to expand the Castle universe for all our fans.”

The release of CASTLE: UNHOLY STORM marks the fourth adaptation of the Derrick Storm novels by New York Times best-selling author Richard Castle.

“We are, once again, excited to bring the Derrick Storm’s novels to life” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Entertainment Editor in Chief. “Whether you’re new to the world of Castle or a longtime fan, there’s something for everyone in CASTLE: UNHOLY STORM—and it’s the kind of book that reaffirms Marvel’s commitment to creating new fans of comic books.”

“Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan, Penny Johnson Jerald as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle with Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers.

“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, David Grae, and Armyan Bernstein.

More on Magneto!

 

Last week, Marvel unveiled my new ongoing series–Magneto! The series starts in March, but I’ve done a few interviews on the title that may be of interest to you!

USA Today – Bunn Takes a Walk on the Dark Side With Magneto Series

Marvel.com – All-New Marvel NOW! Q&A: Magneto

CBR – Bunn Hunts the Enemies of Mutantkind in “Magneto”

Oh! MAGNETO is Infamous!

Yesterday, Marvel released the “Infamous” teaser. Today, USA Today ran a story about the series–a Magneto solo book!

There will be more to come! In the meantime, check out the interview here!

The Final Fate of Fearless Defenders

Today marked the release of the final issue of The Fearless Defenders. I’m really sad to see this book go, but I’m really thrilled to have been a part of it. It was a strange, off-beat book. A lot of people didn’t get it (meaning, they didn’t understand what we were going for. A lot of people didn’t get it–as in they didn’t buy it–either). But that didn’t stop us telling stories that were unlike others on the shelf. It was an unapologetic super hero book with tongue firmly planted in cheek… and, yeah, the cast was all ladies.

We were (according to many) over-sexualized, pandering, a long shot, a sleeper hit, too silly, too cruel, too compressed, too decompressed, and a host of other contradictions… which works for the spirit of the book, I think.

But there were a lot of folks who REALLY loved this book… even when they were really mad at us. And that means a lot to me. Those folks made it all worthwhile… and I have a feeling I’ll be seeing them online and at conventions for years to come.

Since the book is finished, I wanted to share a few sneak peeks at where things might have gone.

The idea for this series came to mind while I was still working on Fear Itself: The Fearless. In late November 2011, I wrote the following e-mail to the team I was working with on Fear Itself: The Fearless:

I’m probably jumping the gun here, but I thought I’d go ahead and run this by you. Depending on sales and reception on Fearless, I’d like to make a pitch for a Valkyrie series. I know she’s a tough character on her own, but hopefully her profile will be a little higher, and the idea of her gathering a new group of Valkyries from existing female heroes might give the book a hook.

In early issues, Val could observe and make offers to potential new Valkyries while all the while facing some new threat or villain.

Not all the candidates will accept, of course, but many will. Imagine Lyra, the female Ghost Rider, Dani Moonstar, She Hulk, Tigra, or others as Valkyries, called upon when needed to face some grave challenge. Of course, some candidates might surprise Val or be everyday heroic figures like firefighters, police, or doctors.

It would be an all-female team handling a new charter for the Valkyries.

It could even be called something like Valkyrie and The Fearless.

This was the earliest hint of a proposal for the series. The pitch went through a number of different incarnations. These notes are lifted directly from those various proposals. Some serve only to illustrate how much things change from initial proposal. Others hint at what might have happened had the series progressed.

The original working title was Valkyrie and the Fearless. It wasn’t until the book was greenlit that I found out it would be titled Defenders (and later Fearless Defenders).
From the original pitch: “During her search for this team, Valkyrie will turn to many known characters. (Imagine  Arana, She-Hulk, Lyra, Loa, Kitty Pryde, Monica Rambeau, Dani Moonstar, Lionheart, Hellcat, Songbird, Ms. Marvel, the Invisible Woman, the Savage She-Hulk, Ghost Rider, X-23, Photon, or others being offered the position and powers of a Shield Maiden.) While some known (and lesser known) characters will accept Valkyrie’s offer, the team will also be joined by new characters who may have no previous powers. Police officers, doctors, firefighters, nurses, etc., will change the way Valkyrie defines heroism.”
One loose team line-up went something like this: “Seven women will be chosen as the Shield Maidens of Earth. They are no longer tasked with ferrying the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Instead, they are tasked with the protection of the living. Each member of the team is chosen to represent a different ASPECT. This can be as subtle or as overt as we like. While a couple of the team members should be new characters—chosen and empowered from the ranks of “normal” women—some possibilities for representatives of these aspects might include:

Leader – VALKYRIE
Warrior – LYRA, NEMESIS, PUCK (Zuzha Yu)
Counselor – SAGE, JENNIFER KALE
Protector – SUSAN STORM, KITTY PRYDE, RESCUE
Huntress – HAWKEYE (Kate Bishop), MOCKINGBIRD, ELEKTRA, TIGRA, ARANA, WHITE TIGER
Queen – NAMORA, MEDUSA, STORM
Healer – DAGGER
Muse – DAZZLER, MYSTIQUE, MEGGAN (Excalibur)


At one point, the team was to be much smaller. They would have been Valkyrie, Rescue, Meggan, Venus, and a new character Mei (a “normal” human who would be given the power to heal.)
Another team line-up included:

Valkyrie
Misty Knight
Lyra (the Savage She-Hulk. I think she has a unique power set and she brings some “youth” to the group)
Loa (again, bringing some “youth” to the group, and a terrific power set. I think in addition to her mutant gifts, she could exhibit some magical talent as well)
No-Name of Brood (this is really the WTF choice. I like the idea that she goes against what people think of in an all-female team)
Captain Marvel
Storm
New Character 1
New Character 2


You’ll note in these team line-ups that Annabelle was not originally planned as a recurring character. She popped up while I was writing the first issue.
Hippolyta was almost Moondragon or Phylla-Vell.
One early pitch had Valkyrie using Norn Stones or Shards of Odinforce to empower teammates with Valkyrie-like powers.
Everyone always asks if there were characters we weren’t allowed to use. I think the only one we were refused from the beginning was Jean Grey. At one point, Will and I lobbeyed hard for Spider-Girl to join the team, but that didn’t fly. Also, Galacta was the original choice for our cosmic team member, but that was changed at the last minute.
At one point, Venus was supposed to be the villain of the first arc. She had been driven mad somewhere along the way. In that same arc, the Defenders were going to square off against all of the Hulks.
The first issue was originally going to start with Valkyrie beating the snot out of Namor.
Mania was going to join the team. There was going to be a “Young Defenders” group popping up, which would also include Lyra and Loa.
All of the following were listed in my pitch at one time as possible future story complications:

The Recorder offers numerous opportunities for adventures with its strange prophecies.
A secret Brood invasion gives cause for No-Name of Brood to join the ranks of the Valkyrior. (This kinda happened.)
A rogue Celestial has gathered its own group of “Valkyrie.” The mission of these Celestial Riders is to usher dying worlds into Oblivion. And they’ve targeted Earth. During the final confrontation, the Defenders will coax Galactus into aiding them. (This served as the early inspiration for our first arc. Note, that I stripped some information out of this one. I’ve gotta keep some secrets!)
Agents of A.T.L.A.S. might show up, wanting to remove Venus from protective custody… by force if need be.
Dani Moonstar was once a Valkyrie. She may wish to become one once again. (This obviously happened, but what didn’t happen… even though I tilted that windmill from issue 1… was the repowering of Dani.)
A story could lead the group into the realm of the Deviants and into an encounter with Blackwulf and his Freedom Fighters. It would be a wild science-fantasy story.
While Valkyrie had hoped to keep her mission secret, word gets out and the team becomes the center of a storm of celebrity. Fan mail. Hate mail. Stalkers. Media appearances. Chaos ensues. The media wants to turn them into sex symbols. One or two members of the team might welcome the attention while others rage against it.
The Enchantress still has designs for Valkyrie, and she manipulates actions and events from behind the scenes to bring the Shield Maiden under her sway once more.
Owen Grant is furious! How dare a group of all-female superheroes form? Why can’t there be a male Valkyrie? Owen gathers a number of like-minded individuals together to protest Valkyrie’s mission and to try to get a man selected for the cause. They’re harmless (but annoying) at first, but they may become more and more dangerous as time goes on.
Sin and the newly formed D.O.A. are still at large. Their operations could bring them into conflict with the Valkyrior again and again. Sin may even form an alliance with the Enchantress or some other enemy of the Valkyrior.

There you have it! A look at some of the things that might have (or might not have) happened. I hope you enjoyed reading some of that. Going through those old proposals was bittersweet for me!

Stay fearless!