BASTIAN and the joy of non-convenience
The first part of BASTIAN, our story for 3 Worlds / 3 Moons, is out today!
I’m so happy to be able to share this: The first part of BASTIAN was released over at 3 Worlds / 3 Moons today! The story is in two parts, written by me with art by the brilliant Dave Acosta, with colors by Nick Filardi and letters by AndWorld Design. It takes place in the concept universe being created in real time over at 3W/3M, by Jonathan Hickman, Mike del Mundo, and Mike Huddleston, who have invited some of your favorite comic creators to join them on this ride. The stories coming out of this project are among the most exciting in comics, and it is a sincere joy to contribute to the ever-expanding world in some small way. The fact that I got to work with editor-extraordinaire (and excellent human) Molly Mahan and Dave was just the icing on the cake.
If you’re subscribed to 3 Worlds / 3 Moons, you can read the first part now:
Out today: Catwoman Vol. 1: Who Is Selina Kyle?
Catwoman is back in action with a fresh start perfect for new readers, as she’s taken away from Gotham City and back to her roots as an international thief!
Selina Kyle does not know why the attempt on her life was made, nor does she know who ordered it. As she desperately searches for clues as to who has suddenly orchestrated this lethal manhunt against her, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the answers don’t lie in her life as the Catwoman of Gotham City.
To save her own life, Selina Kyle must re-enter the world of a sinister international syndicate that years ago helped to transform her into the world’s foremost thief.
Cabin retreat
I'm alone at the cabin, close to the earth and far away from the world--which is a fucking mercy right now. It's impossible to meet the forest with any kind of indifference. It is an un-ignorable presence, demanding attention and sacrifice. I'm in some sort of turf war with a gang of European hornets, I think there's a bird's nest in the wall, and something keeps running over the roof. I spend a lot of time wondering what that noise is.
I write on the balcony, where I see everything and no one can see me-- it eases the lizard brain. The view changes with the ever-shifting Scandinavian summer, and as I'm writing this, something big is moving through the greenery beside me. Going by the sound of yielding branches, I'm guessing it's the yearling moose I've seen hanging around, though I saw what was either a massive baby bear or a normal-sized wolverine running over the road yesterday, and I'm living in the hope that it might show itself again.
I have running water, though not enough to shower, so I'm heading down to the lake for a much-needed bath in a bit. I have Wi-Fi, though not enough to stream, so I turn to the library of DVDs and the projector —I just need to wait until midnight, when there's about an hour of dusk-ish darkness at this time of year. I cook on the fire because it's lovely. I stack firewood, fill water tanks, oil lamps and fountain pens and revel in the joy and privilege of chosen non-convenience.
When I'm here, I can't see myself ever returning to civilization. But then comes a moment. There's always a moment. Like the one time I was fishing for arctic char in my favorite tiny lake, hidden away far in the forest, and I realized an ant was making its way into my literal asshole. One impromptu bath later, I was on my way home home. Or another year, when the well was dry and I'd washed my clothing in the lake, hung it up to dry in the warm summer weather, only to find that something had laid rows and rows of eggs inside the skirt of my dress the following day. So, off I fucked back to the land of washing machines and take-out. Point being, much as I enjoy life out here in the forest, I would much prefer the world to be there when I decide to return, so if the idiots could stop bombing it, that would be neat.
Other things
• SPIDER-GIRL #1 is out! I’ll write a bit more about this delight of a book in the next edition of this newsletter. In the meantime, you can check out the preview pages for #1 here!
• I’m picking the winners for the Battle Action giveaway tomorrow. Check your DMs!
• THE VOICE SAID KILL, the psychedelic swamp noir from Vanesa Del Rey and Si Spurrier, is out on July 23rd. I've read it and it is fucking spectactular. You can read a preview here.
How is summer treating you? What are you reading and watching? I rewatched Edge of Darkness (the 1985 miniseries) this past week, and it remains a masterpiece. Joe Don Baker's portrayal of Darius Jedburgh is one of my all-time favorite performances. (I wish it were less relevant.)
That's the problem with plutonium, Craven; it's limited in its application. It's not user-friendly. But as a vehicle for regaining one's self-respect, oh, it's got a lot going for it!
Looks so serene. Enjoy!
Also, Marianna Ignazzi is the most underrated artist around. Hope you guys do more together soon!
i'm coming over, I promise I'll be quiet and I am good in the outdoors 🫡