While preparing this newsletter, I tried using “Superbly Fantistical” in the subject line, but apparently “Fantastic” is a super “spammy” word, so my email service recommended I not use it. After several attempts, I came up with “Superly Funtastic”, which brings me to the topic of this week…
The last movie I saw in the theaters was Thunderbolts—er, New Avengers. I had fun and enjoyed the story, and it had a lot more heart than I expected. In the past (probably before kids), my wife and I routinely saw one to three (or even four) movies a month…it’s been awhile since we’ve done that, but I can’t even remember the last time I saw two movies in the same month, let alone two movies within a week of each other!
That turned out to be just the beginning, as I found myself back at the theater for the recent releases of Superman and Fantastic Four. I won’t go into any details at this point since they just came out, but I encourage you, if you are even remotely interested in seeing these movies, to get out to the theater and see them this weekend or next.
I enjoyed both movies, but what really struck me was seeing two films that unashamedly embraced their comic book roots and really went for it. From the bold visual storytelling to the earnest character moments that could have felt cheesy but felt genuinely heartfelt—these movies reminded me why I fell in love with superhero stories.
I’ll have more detailed commentary after a month or two to give everyone a chance to see them. But please go see them in theaters to help encourage Hollywood to make more movies like these! There’s something about the big screen experience that really amplifies what these films are trying to achieve, and supporting them now sends a clear message about what audiences want to see more of.
Mechhaven Missives
Book 5 is progressing!
I’ve started my final review and polish pass, which has been quite the journey. I’m actually having a computer voice read the book to me while I read the text, which engages a different part of my brain and lets me hear how the words sound rather than just how they read. It’s helping me find errors that I otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. Nothing major, but worth polishing.
The challenging part is that this process is going slower than I had hoped… but I think it’s totally worth it, and I’m still on track for releasing By Archangel’s Light by late August.
I’m pleased to say that I’m really enjoying the story and how it’s all coming together!
Featured Promotions
Still no group promotions this week…none of the dates aligned with my newsletter. I have four already scheduled for August 9th.
Featured Authors
This week’s featured authors are A.K. Duboff and Jonathan Fesmire.
Lost Planet (Starship of the Ancients Book 2)
by
A.K. DuBoff
Powerful players scheming from the shadows. An ancient alien starship. Who can be trusted with the most coveted technology in the Commonwealth?
Evan and Anya flee Aethos with a target on their backs. Unfortunately, the ship’s sentient AI is missing thousands of years of history and is just as surprised to be on the run.
As they search for the ship’s makers, Evan and Anya soon discover that the interstellar plot to transform the Commonwealth with alien tech runs much deeper than they’d ever imagined.
With two factions squaring off on Aethos, they must pick a side. In the face of powerful adversaries, Evan and Anya will need to use all their skills and contacts to decide who they can trust with the ancient ship’s powerful technology.
Can they keep the ship from falling into the wrong hands?
Lost Planet is the riveting second installment in the Starship of the Ancients series. If you like suspenseful space adventures filled with sci-fi action, vivid alien worlds, and interstellar intrigue, then you’ll love this thrilling space opera by author A.K. DuBoff, creator of the Cadicle Universe.
Grab your copy now to continue the adventure!
by
Jonathan Fesmire
A Madam, a Tinker, and a Resurrected Cat
Prequel Tale to “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed”
This prequel short story to “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed” reveals how Anna Lynn Boyd, young brothel madam and secret inventor, resurrected her pet cat, met her partner Jonny, and how Jonny became mute. There’s science, adventure, heartbreak, and love in this tale that won an honorable mention in the Writers of the Future Contest.
Indie Artist/Author Spotlight
Today’s featured Indie Artist is Alejandro Lee. You can read more about him and see examples of his artwork at: https://www.deviantart.com/47ness.
I first discovered Alejandro at Comic Con Revolution two years ago. One thing I enjoy looking for when I wander through Artists Alley at the various shows I attend is creators who incorporate robots or mechs into their books, comics, or art. What caught my eye at Alejandro’s booth was his distinctive blend of mechanical designs with organic, expressive characters.
Alejandro definitely fits the bill with his lively style that brings steampunk machinery to life through bold linework and dynamic action scenes. I instantly bought his graphic novel Sally Sprocket & Piston Pete, a fun adventure following the mechanical mishaps and friendship of two unlikely heroes set in a post-apocalyptic, steampunk-inspired Wild West world. I also picked up the novella Lucky Loo at a subsequent show.
Both works showcase Alejandro’s talent for creating engaging stories around his mechanical aesthetic, and I’d recommend starting with Sally Sprocket & Piston Pete for those new to his work. You can read it here or buy it here.
Until next time, have fun and read a lot of books!
Greg Sorber