The second issue of THE CHARLTON ARROW is out and shipping now, and dare I say we've even outdone our our debut ish? Perhaps!
A little background on the Arrow for those that don't know: a little over a year ago, frustrated with the total lack of Charlton pages on Facebook, I took it upon myself to create a group on FB where fans of Charlton could gather and discuss our love of the long defunct comics company. Little did I know that not just the readers but the pros, including many Charlton alumni, would be joining up as well, to talk of their own memories of Charlton, and to engage in friendly discourse.
It seemed inevitable, then, that some sort of zine or comic would spring forth as a way to further celebrate our beloved long-gone comics company. Not just a tribute, but a sort of revamp and revival, with some classic reprints, and all new stories.
The outpouring of seasoned vets and newcomers alike to be a part of this has been astounding, and all contributing pro bono, for the sheer love of Charlton. And the results have been spectacular. In Fact, in the months to come we are expanding to no less than FIVE titles (of which you can be assured I will keep you in loop about, friends!).
The first issue was a great success and is already on it's second printing. This second issue promises to be no less amazing.
To start, the first couple hundred orders (TCA is available by mail-order or at conventions only for now) get this amazing new exclusive poster by JOE STATON.
FRANK McLAUGHLIN graciously supplied a wraparound inside front and back cover of the Action heroes:
There are columns and editorials by yours truly, ol' FESTER, and our publisher MORT TODD, as well as a letters page.
And, of course, the comics stories. RON FORTIER and GARY KATO open the issue with an all new MR JIGSAW adventure.
From there we get a preview story of another Charlton based title, CLASSIC HOT RODS AND RACING CARS COMICS, by Jack Keller, shot from the original silver plates, with new colors by Todd.
We follow that up with the return of horror host Mr. Bones, who relates to us an all-new tale of lycanthropy from writer STEVE SKEATES, and artists HOWARD BENDER AND NEIL VOKES.
The big news with this issue is the presentation of the previously unpublished Peacmaker story (told in two parts, and concluded next ish) by the late PAT BOYETTE. Published here (and in color!) for the first time ever, and with the blessings of Mr. Boyette's daughter, Melissa.
Continuing, there's MORT TODD'S parody of The Sentinels, The Barely Sentients. A friendly jab at not only the original characters, but of a certain *other* comics company as well.
And finally,rounding out the issue, ROGER McKENZIE and SANDY CARRUTHERS continue our story of Boyette's Spookman.
A fine issue, indeed, we think you'll agree. For more information or to order your copy (as well as the first issue, and the trading cards!) please visit the website here: THE CHARLTON ARROW
And be sure to visit us on Facebook here: The Charlton Arrow on Facebook
DITKO'S SHORTS , edited by your trulys ol' Fester himself and Eisner Award winner Craig Yoe, is now being solicited for pre-orders on Amazon!
This hardcover collection from YOE BOOKS & IDW of Ditko's 1,2,and 3 pagers from a multitude of publishers (including many from Charlton) has been in the works for a while now, and we are very proud to finally be able to offer this most excellent volume to you!
The description from Amazon:
"
Ditko's Shorts is a fun and incredibly fascinating compilation of short
comics one, two and three pages in length. Only a brilliant master could
tell a dramatic, compelling tale in such compact form. You'll thrill as
Ditko walks this exciting high-wire act without a net! The many stories
contained in this hardcover are fast-paced and sport terrific,
compelling artwork as only Steve Ditko can draw it! The genres show the
artist's great range. There's horror, fantasy, science fiction, western,
and even humorous stories. Taken from rare comic books from a who's who
of publishers, all the comics are meticulously restored and printed in a
beautiful, large-format book. Insightful introductions by punk-rocker
and comics historian Fester Faceplant and Eisner Award-winner Craig Yoe.
Don't miss Ditko's Shorts - sure to be a much loved and talked about
Ditko treasure! "
I will be updating with more info as time goes on, but as you can see, it's a handsome tome!
To see more or to pre-order CLICK THIS LINK
