#Craig Hurd-McKenney

[smashpages]

Out this week: Boris Karloff’s Gold Key Mysteries #1 (Gold Key, $5.99):

I spoke with several of the creators behind this resurrected Gold Key title earlier this year when it was on Kickstarter, and this week it’s making its way to comic shops. Michael Conrad, Steve Orlando, Craig Hurd-McKenny, Sergey Nazarov, Jok, Kelly Williams and more contribute to this new anthology spotlighting the horror icon.

See what other comics and graphic novels will arrive in stores this week.

#boris karloff #gold key comics #comics #comic books #new comic book day #can't wait for comics #ncbd #new comics day #new comics #new comics wednesday #michael conrad #steve orlando #craig hurd-mckenney #jok #kelly williams #sergey nazarov

[re-readingcomics]

Comics Read 07/01-15/2023

A little over a year ago I did a post about reading two comic book biographies of Artemisia Gentileschi back-to-back. I wrote some lines about how the inclusion of them in my collection helps makes the act of collecting semi-autobiographical. Consider this a sequel to that post.

Over the two weeks I am writing about I read Glass Town written and drawn by Isabel Greenberg and The Brontës Infernal Angria written by Craig Hurd-McKenney and art by Rick Geary. Different takes on the same subject, how the Brontë children had a shared alternate universe which they all wrote stories about. I have owned a copy ofThe Juvenilia of Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë from when I was a child, but I never read it. I probably should. The names of Angria and Gondal were familiar from reading about the Brontës. But because of not actually reading the Juvenilia, I first encountered Glass Town by name in Die, where it was treated as a proto-multi-player role playing game. Which, seems fair enough. Die wasn’t much interested in the subject of their writings, so this is all new to me.

Greenberg’s art in Glass Town is crude in the same way ND Stevenson’s and Gus Allen art work is. If anything it’s more childlike and inconsistent. I don’t love it, but I like how the lines work the limited pallet with a lot of dark, cool reds. It hints at the early industrial feel of their time period as well as the harsh climate of their surroundings. 

The narrative starts in the aftermath of the the eldest Brontë sisters, Elizabeth and Maria, deaths. The creation of Glass Town is an escape from the trauma of their final illnesses at a poorly kept boarding school.

Charlotte narrates her tale of Glass Town, to a minor character from her stories who appears as her imaginary friend. They talk through the plot she worked on, which as presented here seems more related to Wuthering Heights than Charlotte’s actual novels. The story includes how while the children started sharing Glass Town, they split with Charlotte and Bramwell writing about Angria while Emily and Anne created Gondor. (Less of Emily and Anne’s writing on Gondal survives to the modern day than Charlotte’s work on Angria, hence why less of it is included in either of these accounts.) Probably because of this shared fantasy world with her brother, Charlotte is shocked by his decent into alcoholism while Emily catches early warning signs. It’s a rumination on the building of escapist fantasy in the face of tragedy and the creation of art. I don’t think it entirely works, but it makes me want to get back to reading the Brontë’s and writing about them. 

Infernal Angria takes the shared fantasy world and creates an actual portal fantasy. The Brontës literally go between worlds and get used in political machinations in an alternate world’s monarchy. I hated it. The text is something of an apologia for Bramwell for being such a failure. He didn’t really fail, he was manipulated by much more mature people from a world he loved. Also it takes the “artists don’t die, they live through their art” to the extreme of the Brontës didn’t all die at shockingly young ages, they relocated to the other side of a portal. It’s silly and also unclear. It shouldn’t be both. The end had the author talking about his long love of the Brontës as well as a suggested reading list. Everyone in a while you find someone who has some shared enthusiasms but seem to 

At first glance, I would think that Geary’s art style is more my type than Greenbergs. But eventually I hated it because the shading was made with a crosshatching that got too easily confused with patents used for fabrics or wood grains. It’s the shorter of these two books and the one that felt more like a chore to read. 

The contrasting treatments of the the worlds of Angria/Glass Town is pretty interesting. The character in both have essentially the same back story, but as presented in Infernal Angria I didn’t feel like the narrative came off as a rough draft of Wuthering Heights. Glass Town treats the alternate world as a reflection on contemporary colonialism, while Infernal Angria approaches it as a pastiche of Medieval fantasy. It makes me wish I had read the source material even more. 

Despite finding these books lacking, there will be more comic book takes on the Brontës in my reading future. 

#comics #comic books #what i'm reading #Glass Town #The Brontës Infernal Angria #The Brontës #charlotte bronte #Bramwell Brontë #emily bronte #Anne Bronte #Isabel Greenberg #Craig Hurd-McKenney #Rick Geary

[snapbookreviews]

Some Strange Disturbances: Nob's Tale written by Craig Hurd-McKenney

It's time for more Some Strange Disturbances! This time, a short comic on Nobuyoshi "Nob" Yakamoto.

“Nob’s Tale” is a short comic where we get a little backstory for Prescott’s sumo wrestler boyfriend, Nobuyoshi “Nob” Yakamoto, from the main Some Strange Disturbances story. We learn about Nob’s family and see his encounter with a kappa as he attempts to get it to leave his village and let his family rest in peace. The story takes place in December 1845 during the events of the other collection…

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#craig hurd-mckenney #folklore #headless shakespeare press #horror #japanese mythology #nob&039;s tale #some strange disturbances #supernatural

[graphicpolicy]

Gold Key returns with its first new title Boris Karloff's Gold Key Mysteries

Gold Key returns with its first new title Boris Karloff's Gold Key Mysteries #comics #comicbooks #goldkey #kickstarter

Boris Karloff’s Gold Key Mysteries is coming! The new series blends the feel of the classic horror anthology with a modern, ongoing narrative in a way that is sure to excite fans new and old.  To reward early supporters, Gold Key has created a unique, early special edition of issue one available through Kickstarter. This crowdfunding campaign’s pre-launch page is live so individuals can get…

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#artyom trakanov #boris karloff&039;s gold key mysteries #comic books #Comics #craig hurd-mckenney #gold key #johnny dombrowski #Jok #kelly williams #kickstarter #kyle arends #michael w. conrad #sergey nazarov #steve orlando

[oosteven-universe]

Some Strange Disturbances

Some Strange Disturbances Headless Shakespeare Press 2019 Written by Craig Hurd-McKenney Illustrated by Gervasio & Carlos Aón Cover by Tyler Smith-Owins Layout and Additional Design by Kelli McCarthy     A spiritualist with a secret to hide. A choral performer who can't fit in. A Comtesse trapped against her will and in her own body. Victorian London & the evils within will bring these three together to fight against the darkness, both personal and phantasmagorical, that threatens to consume them all.     This book I found because I am a reviewer and I do company news so when I was a release regarding this I took one look at it and it instantly intrigued me. So I inquired about it and here we are. I am so glad that I did because I had no idea what to expect and I had never read anything from Headless Shakespeare Press before, I didn't research them until I had finished reading the book. This is surprisingly entertaining, educational and full of relatable characters and actually very poignant and in the now. I think this should make everyone's reading list and let the story open you up to a new view on both the past and the present.     I am a huge fan of the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see here through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is really quite nicely done. How we see Prescott become the centre of the story and as his friendships grow while the weaves through and around them all is hypnotic and mesmerising in it's own unique way. The character development is utterly amazing to see play out before our eyes. The three people whom we are privileged to see, learn of and watch evolve throughout this book is gorgeously rendered. This is what makes us want to see more, to continue reading the tales that they will inevitably have. The pacing is absolutely delightful and as I takes us through the pages revealing it's secrets as we go we also see how all of this works together to create the books ebb & flow.     There is this really nice and different point of view going on here and a lot of folks should see this for a number of reasons. Not only is this an in-depth look into a portion of society that is often neglected and left out of the depictions we see in film and television. Though lately thanks to progressive writers we are starting to see them appear. This showcases a people lost in the annuls of history and the emotional story here is one that any person can find ways to relate to and/or empathise with.     The interiors here are very interesting to me. First when you work in black & white you have to be extremely confident in what you present. This medium of storytelling does allow us to see more than just varying line weights but also various techniques that are utilised to really bring this to life. I like how we see the faces and facial expressions and the body language we see here as they really do add that little extra something to the characterisation that words alone cannot convey. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a really good, strong eye for storytelling. I wish we didn't see blank backgrounds in this. There are times it's useful but when the entire issue is black & white leaving that stark nothingness, it leaves something to be desired, mainly because we see them in use and they are sensational to bring the era to life. ​     This may be my first read from Headless Shakespeare Press but it most assuredly will not be the last. Historical fiction with a supernatural slant to it is something a lot folks can enjoy and they should enjoy it. I am extremely impressed with quality and level of storytelling that we see within these pages. I feel like were transported to a time and place much like in The Alienist where when you leave it is a sad thing and want to return as soon as possible.  

#comic books #comics reviews #headless shakespeare press #craig hurd-mckenney #carlos aon

[damedarcy]

Hey! I just finished this commissioned #illustration for Craig Hurd-McKenney who is sending it out as a #kickstarterprize 📚💥❤️Check out his project! www.hspcomix.com https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headshake/some-strange-disturbances-the-lunchroom-under-the-arch He launched last week and just got selected on Kickstarter as a "Project We Love!" I love it too! Best wishes to you Craig! ❤️ @headshake #sketchtember #graphicnovels #damedarcy #penandink #supportartists #artfunding #fun #creativity #merman #mermaidlife @damedarcy https://www.instagram.com/p/B2M9YiuliWy/?igshid=2o82n7gj0ow8

#illustration #kickstarterprize #sketchtember #graphicnovels #damedarcy #penandink #supportartists #artfunding #fun #creativity #merman #mermaidlife

[bowlofprecious]

I am so very geeked to have received these graphic novels from my very talented friend and graphic novelist Craig Hurd-McKenney. I cannot wait to start reading them. When my mom saw them and flipped through them, she told me to hurry up so that she can read each one I finish. @headshake #graphicnovel #writing https://www.instagram.com/p/BvnenxgjicU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mid5p8qnlbot

#graphicnovel #writing

[comicmix]

The Brontes: Infernal Angria by Craig Hurd-McKenney and Rick Geary

The Brontes: Infernal Angria by Craig Hurd-McKenney and Rick Geary

In our timeline, the Bronte siblings created several fictional worlds — they started with Glass Town, which grew (mostly from Charlotte and Branwell) into the somewhat separate Angria, while younger siblings Emily and Anne invented the entirely separate land of Gondal. All of those were explicitly set in odd, “exotic” corners of the real world they were familiar with, and peopled with various…

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#Alternate History #comics #Reviews

[genghisconcleveland]

Coming all the way from Seattle, Washington! Craig Hurd-McKenney is bringing his Headless Shakespeare Press (@headshake) to Cleveland for #GenghisCon2019!!! . Writer Craig Hurd-McKenney is a Xeric Grant recipient & Ignatz Award nominee. His work includes graphic novels The Brontës: Infernal Angria and Some Strange Disturbances as well as the comic The Magic If. . Headless Shakespeare Press began in 2000 as an outlet for his zines, mini-comics, anthologies and comics/ graphic novels. Now, it is a hub for queer comics, with an eye towards representation/ inclusion in content &/ or in creator credits so that new voices can be raised up. The goal is to pay it forward, to diversify the “seen” comic industry professionals. . Come! To! Genghis! Con! Sunday!December 1st! The Tenk Building! Free! . #genghiscon #Cleveland #headlessshakespearepress #craighurdmckenney #comics #comix #lgbtq🌈 #queercomics #comiccon #smallpress — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/37wOMLc

#Instagram #IFTTT

[smashpages]

Smash Pages Q&A | ‘Boris Karloff’s Gold Key Mysteries’

Zane Barrow, Michael Conrad, Craig Hurd-McKenney and Jok discuss their work on the first title from the revived Gold Key Comics.

#boris karloff #gold key comics #boris karloff gold key mysteries #comics on kickstarter #craig hurd-mckenney #michael conrad #zane barrow #jok #comics #comic books

[snapbookreviews]

Some Strange Disturbances: The Demon Bride written by Craig Hurd-McKenney

It's the return of my favorite queer horror graphic novel series! "Some Strange Disturbances" volume 3, "The Demon Bride!" It's not only chock full of queer characters, but it's a fabulously written horror story as well.

I thought I had an inkling about what “The Demon Bride,” but let me just say I was surprised at every turn in the best possible way.  We pick up right where we left off. The Comtesse is recovering from her demon attack, but is still living her best life—she and Brandt get married!  Prescott is still struggling with opium and his psychic abilities, but he has Nob and Delilah in his corner.…

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#asexual #craig hurd-mckenney #gay #headless shakespeare press #horror #some strange disturbances #the demon bride #transgender

[snapbookreviews]

The gang has gathered for a Christmas Eve of storytelling in "Some Strange Disturbances: A Cold Winter's Eve" by Craig Hurd-McKenney and Headless Shakespeare Press.

Don’t forget that the Kickstarter for Volume 3 of “Some Strange Disturbances” and much, much more is ending on November 4!

#some strange disturbances #a cold winter's eve #craig hurd-mckenney #headless shakespeare press #horror #queer comics #queer history #19th century #wordpress is refusing to do it's post to connected social media on publication #so here i am logging into this blog for the first time since i switched to wordpress

[smashpages]

Fund Me Thursday | Headless Shakespeare Press kickstarts their 2022 projects

Craig Hurd-McKenney, Rick Geary and more contribute to the 2022 titles.

#craig hurd-mckenney #headless shakespeare press #rick geary #comics on kickstarter #kickstarter #comics #graphic novels

[smashpages]

Out this week: Some Strange Disturbances: Cold Winter’s Eve (Headless Shakespeare Press, $7.99)

Craig Hurd-McKenney has done two previous Kickstarters for two volumes of Some Strange Disturbances with artists Gervasio and Carlos Aon. Now he presents a collection of relates stories set around a fireplace characters from this volumes share “Christmas ghost stories” in the “Victorian tradition.” This includes contributions from Peter Gross, Vincent Locke, Michael Conrad, G Romero Johnson and more.

See what else is arriving in comic shops and on digital this week.

#craig hurd-mckenney #comics #comic books #ncbd #new comic book day #new comics wednesday #new comics #new comics day #new comic releases #can't wait for comics #some strange disturbances #headless shakespeare press #peter gross #vincent locke #michael conrad #g romero-johnson

[smashpages]

SOME STRANGE DISTURBANCES: The Lunchroom Under the Arch is now up on Kickstarter. This second volume is a 100-page, black-and-white graphic novel that “explores contemporary LGBTQ issues using Victorian England as a backdrop,” the Kickstarter page reads. “Featuring three characters who are crafty, testy and human, Some Strange Disturbances situates itself among Victorian horror legends like Mary Shelley, Edgar Allen Poe and others.” 

#craig hurd-mckenney #gervasvio #aon #some strange disturbances

[smashpages]

Some Strange Disturbances: A Cold Winter’s Eve is an anthology of Victorian Christmas ghost stories, featuring work by Craig Hurd-McKenney, Peter Gross, Vince Locke, Michael Conrad, Lauren Franklin and more. It’s up on Kickstarter now.

See other recent comic book Kickstarter campaigns.

#some strange disturbances #craig hurd-mckenney #peter gross #vincent locke #michael conrad #kickstarter