Small Press Finds From San Diego Comic Con 2016: Hex11 #7

This year at SDCC, I spent a lot of time at the Hex11 booth. I’m kind of a fan. I even hired their colorist, Samantha Carrasco, to work on my own book, Ion Grip. So, of course I picked up the newly released 7th issue of the series.

Issue #7 is the start of a new story arc that promises to explore the cryptically hinted at realm of the Hex-verse known as the Verge. As it is the very tip of a narrative iceberg, I don’t have much to say about it just yet, save a couple stray thoughts. But I’m intrigued, which is exactly what one wants from the first issue of an story arc.

Stray Thought Number One. While Hex11’s first story arc starts with protagonist Elanor struggling with her own disappointing orinariness, here Elanor can’t quite get comfortable with the fact that she might actually be quite extraordinary––a situation reversal that leaves her every bit as relatable as she’s always been. It’s a nice touch. She’s still a bit too self-conscious and self-righteous, but writer Kelly Sue Milano gives the reader’s own thoughts voice via the criticisms of heartthrob-demon-made-flesh Osrick who never misses an opportunity to call out Elanor’s faults.

Stray Thought Number Two. Speaking of said hot demon: this issue also pushes forward the dynamic between Elanor and Osrick, while keeping the tension in place. There’s a real Pride and Prejudice feel to Elanor and Osrick’s developing relationship––which, incidentally, is one of my favorite of the romantic narrative archetypes. (It’s far better than the star-crossed lover tragedies or the misunderstanding-that-keeps-them-apart comedies. Hell, if Nora Ephron had written a comic about a witch and a demon, I suspect it would look a lot like Hex11.) Now I’m not saying the two of them are definitely going to get together in the end, but there’s definitely more than a shipper’s dream going on there...not that I’m shipping those two...I’m just saying...nevermind.

You can pick up a floppy of Hex11 #7 at hexcomix.com or get the digital version a Comixology. And if you haven’t read 1-6 yet, the trade paperback is now available, so go ahead and pick that up too.

Season 2, Episode 9: Cephalopod Sign, Part 4

We’ve been taking you through Cephalopod Sign, the first part of my YA Fantasy novel, "The Adventures of Woodrow the Wicked." (Which, incidentally, is now available for download on Amazon and will be free from April 1st through April 5th.) At this point in the story, Woodrow has set the giant cephalopod against those rotten old salvagers, but has unwittingly endangered the life of his new friend, the mysterious pirate girl. Meanwhile, Tambroline has managed to steer clear of Iplio's wrath. But now what's god up to? And can Woodrow save his new friend before she’s drowned by the giant tentacled monster? Will he be eaten by the monster himself? There's only on way to find out: listen to the fourth and final episode of Cephalopod Sign!

The music for this episode was provided by the McKenzie Stubbert. 

Josiah Martens wrote the Lies and Half Truths theme song.

Meg Weber produces the show, along with me, your host A.P. Weber.

Cover by Lance MacCarty and Ivan Vidovic

The Adventures of Woodrow the Wicked

My new YA Fantasy novel, THE ADVENTURES OF WOODROW THE WICKED, is now available for digital download on Amazon. You can listen to an audio performance of the first few chapters on the Lies and Half Truths Podcast. (See players are below.)

Now, let me entice you with the book description:

In Woodrow’s world, the moon is shattered against the vaulted sky. It serves as a constant reminder of his own broken life. At fifteen, he’s seen his father murdered and his hometown burned to the ground. He escaped the destruction on his genius father’s greatest invention, a mysterious airship.  But everywhere he goes, a bad reputation precedes him. Woodrow the Wicked, they call him. They say he killed his father and burned his town.

Woodrow is not without allies, such as they are: a self-interested feline pet, a “guardian” angel who does little to protect the boy (but has tried to kill him on one occasion), and a robotic golem––caring, but cowardly and mute. And then there’s Cassandra, a young pirate-in-training; she’s charming, but can she be trusted?

Now Woodrow and his crew find themselves pursued across a fantastic world by a family of aristocratic sociopaths bent on obtaining the ship for their own sinister gain. Will Woodrow become the wicked boy the world thinks he is? Or will he find  a way to rise above his reputation? 

Oh, and by the way: from April 1st through April 5th, 2016, it will be FREE! 

Cover by Lance MacCarty and Ivan Vidovic

Season 2, Episode 8: Cephalopod Sign, Part 3

On the podcast, we’ve been taking you through Cephalopod Sign, the first part of my forthcoming YA fantasy novel, "The Adventures of Woodrow the Wicked." If you haven’t heard parts 1 and 2, go back and listen to them now. Otherwise you wont know what’s going on in this episode. On the last episode Woodrow agreed to help rid the salvage area of the Giant Hermit Cephalopod living there, but now that he’s made the plunge into the beast’s watery habitat, he’s having second thoughts. Meanwhile, his pet greatcat, Tambroline, is still lost in the jungle, and what’s more, she’s found herself testing her wits against an enigmatic supernatural being. Will the two live to see each other again?

By the way, here's Woodrow the Wicked's cover designed by Lance MacCarty:

This episode’s sponsor is author Cidney Swanson.

The music for this episode was provided by the McKenzie Stubbert. 

Josiah Martens wrote the Lies and Half Truths theme song.

Meg Weber produces the show, along with me, your host A.P. Weber.

Next: Cephalopod Sign, Part Four 04.01.2016

Photo by Brenton Salo

Season 2, Episode 7: Cephalopod Sign, Part 2

On the last episode I introduced you to the world of Woodrow the Wicked with the first part in my forthcoming young adult fantasy adventure novel. Woodrow is a young teen who lost his cat... on an island... in a fantastical world filled with mystery and danger. He’s just been taken prisoner by the island’s sole inhabitants, a couple of degenerate salvagers, but has proposed a deal in exchange for his freedom. Will Woodrow be eaten by a giant octopus monster? Will he find his cat, Tambroline? What the heck has Tambroline gotten herself into anyway? On this episode of Lies and Half Truths: part two of Cephalopod Sign!

This episode’s sponsor is author Cidney Swanson.

The music for this episode was provided by the McKenzie Stubbert. 

Josiah Martens wrote the Lies and Half Truths theme song.

Meg Weber produces the show, along with me, your host A.P. Weber.

Next: Cephalopod Sign, Part Three 03.18.2016

Photo by Brenton Salo

Season 2, Episode 6: Cephalopod Sign, Part 1

I wrote a book. It’s a fantasy adventure novel for young adults (or adults who still feel young) and it’s called The Adventures of Woodrow the Wicked. Now it’s not available yet, but it will be soon. I’ll keep you updated.

To celebrate the upcoming release of The Adventures of Woodrow the Wicked, I’m featuring the first section of the novel here on the podcast. It makes a great short story--which I’m calling “Cephalopod Sign.” I'll be releasing a new episode of the four-parter every two weeks. So keep listening!

This episode’s sponsor is author Cidney Swanson.

The music for this episode was provided by the McKenzie Stubbert. 

Josiah Martens wrote the Lies and Half Truths theme song.

Meg Weber produces the show, along with me, your host A.P. Weber.

Next: Cephalopod Sign, Part Two 03.04.2016

Photo by Brenton Salo

Season 2, Episode 5: The Propagandist, Part 3

Part 3 of 3. In which crime fiction takes a bite out of Jacques Ellul and spits out some Science Fiction.

Last time We left Rett Ellis as a prisoner of the Littleton Motor Cycle club soliciting the dubious help of an undercover Vice agent... when Chester Reeves walks into the room; the very man he’s been looking for. Will Ellis live long enough to complete his mission?

You can contact us at truthsandhalftruths@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook and follow @apweber on twitter.

This episode of Lies and Half Truths is brought to you by Arts Digital.

Next: Cephalopod Sign, Part One 03.19.2016

Photo by Brenton Salo

Season 2, Episode 4: The Propagandist, Part 2

Part 2 of 3, In which crime fiction takes a bite out of Jacques Ellul and spits out some Science Fiction.

In part one of the Propagandist, a psychically unsettled freelance Propaganda agent named Rett Ellis is sent to find the mysterious folk singer and man-of-the-people, Chester Reeves before the latter causes destabilizing damage to the placid, uniform landscape of social messaging. But on his way to the lawless mountain town of Littleton, Ellis is waylaid by highwaymen. Will Rett Ellis live long enough to find who he’s looking for in Littleton?

You can contact us at truthsandhalftruths@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook and follow @apweber on twitter.

This episode of Lies and Half Truths is brought to you by Arts Digital.

Next: The Propagandist, Part Three 01.22.2016

Photo by Brenton Salo

Season 2, Episode 3: The Propagandist, Part 1

This is the first of a three part story in which crime fiction takes a bite out of French political and social philosopher Jacques Ellul and spits out some science fiction.

This story was written and performed by me, A.P. Weber. The music was provided by Das Verlin and Josiah Martens wrote the theme song. Meg Weber produced the show, along with me, your host A.P. Weber.

As always, you can email your us at truthsandhalftruths@gmail.com. In particular, we’d be interested in hearing from other writers who want their work to be featured on a future episode. You can like our facebook page and follow me on twitter, as well. Also, please consider reviewing this show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever.

This episode is brought to you by Arts Digital. Arts Digital is a graphic design and digital development studio. Go to Artsdigital.co. 

Next: The Propagandist, Part Two 01.15.2018

Photo by Brenton Salo

Season 2, Episode 2: A Steady Hand, Part 2

At the end of last episode we left our young protagonist, Jared, in a bad way after being sucker punched by a tattooed thug just as he was beginning to think there might be more to Kelly Burbank than he originally thought. Who killed Kevin? What will Jared do in response? Find out on Part two of A Steady Hand.

Credits: This story was written and performed by A.P. Weber. Science Heroes provided the music and Josiah Martens wrote the theme song. Meg Weber produced the show along with me, your host, A.P. Weber. Courtney Stubbert designed our logo. Photos were provided by Brenton Salo.

I’d like to invite you to get in touch with us. You can email your feedback to truthsandhalftruths@gmail.com. My twitter handle is @apweber.

This episode of Lies and Half truths is brought to you by Flash Pulp! A fiction Podcast with a Modern pulp twist. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Flash Pulp delivers 3-10 minutes of original sci fi, fantasy, noir, horror--you name it. Go to flashpulp.com.

Next: The Propagandist, Part One 01.08.2016