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!