Joshua Hale Fialkov

Purveyor of sheer awesomeness.

Joshua Hale Fialkov is the Harvey, Eisner, and Emmy Award nominated writer of graphic novels, animation, video games, film, and television, including:

THE LIFE AFTER, THE BUNKER, PUNKS, ELK'S RUN, TUMOR, ECHOES, KING, PACIFIC RIM, THE ULTIMATES, I, VAMPIRE, and JEFF STEINBERG CHAMPION OF EARTH. He's also written television including MAX’s YOUNG JUSTICE, NBC's CHICAGO MED and NETFLIX’s AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER.

Filtering by Category: Comics Business

At the Hollywood Public Library...

I got asked to host a panel at the Durant Branch of the Public Library about making comics.  It's literally two blocks from Meltdown, so, I hope some of y'all can join us.  It's convenient, on a Saturday, and should be lots of fun.

Jun 07 - Comic Book Writing 4:30 PM Comic Book Writing Joshua Hale Fialkov, award winning author of "Elk's Run" and "Princess Resurrection" shows how comic books are written and produced.

 Will & Ariel Durant Branch Library 7140 W. Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, 90046

Last Chance to Vote for the Harvey Awards...

Hey gang,Harvey Award ballots are due tomorrow by midnight. So, once again, if you're a comics professional of any kind (writer, retailer, artist, editor) you may submit a ballot.

And, just to coordinate our efforts, I've gone ahead and prepared one for you.

http://hoarseandbuggy.com/Downloads/Harvey_2008_nom_ballot.txt Right click and save as, then edit in your name, and send it to the address on the ballot.

Thanks again for taking the time. The nominations can mean a bump in sales, which means we get to publish another day.

Viva la resistance (or some such thing.)

j.

Buried

I've got three or four projects crushing down on me this week, and a few of my beloved Creator Owneds look like they may have homes later this year... so I'm in total and utter lock down mode.  Forgive me for disappearing for chunks of time. Viva la resistance.

Pilot Season Voting is over and....

TOP COW AND MYSPACE COMIC BOOKS ANNOUNCE
PILOT SEASON WINNERS Velocity and Cyblade are the People’s Choice! LOS ANGELES, Calif., February 19, 2008 - Top Cow Productions Inc. and MySpace, the world’s most popular social network, today announced the winners of Pilot Season, an exclusive contest that encouraged established comic book writers to create a pilot for a potential series using characters that are already well known by comic book fans. Five pilots were submitted and the MySpace Comic Book community was asked to “Take Control” and vote online at http://myspace.com/pilotseason to determine which two characters would receive their own series in 2008.

The two winning titles for 2007 were announced as Velocity and Cyblade, two of the dynamic female characters from Marc Silvestri’s original creator-owned property Cyberforce. Both series are slated to debut in the fall of 2008 in time for the Cyberforce 17th anniversary.

Velocity will be written by original Pilot Season writer Joe Casey (The Last Defenders,Youngblood) and an artist to be named later. “I couldn’t believe the voting topped four million votes,” marveled Casey. “Better than a New Hampshire primary! If only that many folks would buy the comics...! In any case, the Pilot issue was only the beginning of what we’re going to make sure is a wild ride when the new series hits in the fall.”

Cyblade will see the return of the Pilot Season team of Joshua Hale Fialkov (Marvel Comics Presents, Punks The Comic Book) and Rick Mays (Kabuki, Gen 13). “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for the book, and I’m positive they won’t be disappointed with where the series goes,” said Fialkov. “It’s going to be balls-to-the-wall explodo, and I’m psyched to be along for the ride.”

“Congratulations to Joe, Joshua, and Rick, as well as Kevin Maguire, who all helped shoot Cyblade and Velocity to the top,” said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. “The fans got out there and made damn sure their voices were heard loud and clear. The guys have a ton of great ideas they’re waiting to unleash on the comics community and if you sign up as a friend on the Pilot Season page you’ll be privy to exclusive sneak peeks.”

The Pilot Season profile received more than 4 million total votes in one month and fans who purchased all five pilot issues were rewarded with a secret voting code printed in each booklet, which doubled the value of their votes. The voting portion of the event was held in conjunction between Top Cow Productions, Inc. and MySpace Comic Books, http://myspace.com/comicbooks. For more information visit the official Pilot Season MySpace profile at http://myspace.com/pilotseason.

CBR writes up my yammering on Friday the 13th

friday_012_rgbad.jpg Comic Book Resources - CBR News: Fialkov Slashes His Way Through "Friday The 13th"

The main message of the book is simple -- "Stay the fuck out of Camp Crystal Lake," Fialkov told CBR News. "I think there's a bit of the revenge story in all of the 'Friday the 13th,' as Jason is constantly exacting his revenge for his own abuse, but I think there's certainly a parallel to be drawn between the main character of Maggie and Jason's mission, which finds the two so completely off base in their methods, even though what they're doing is justified. These characters and, hopefully, this book, are really about having a fucking blast being scared, excited, titillated, and enthralled. We've had horror has a literary form for centuries, it speaks to the very roots of our species, and all of the morality inherent within the execution, owes a big debt to that cultural touchstone."

A Word About Formatting

Having been educated in traditional screenplay format, and then at some point drifting incredibly far away from it for my comic writing, I have what's become a constant back and forth on script formatting.  I'm one of those guys who finds that form can help dictate content, and so tend to morph what format I use to the project I'm working on. A few of the companies I do work for hire for have standard format (i.e. the Manga Adaptations I do) that I have to use, which is fine, and ultimately, that's become the 'voice' for that work.  Similarly, I began using a new, different format last month, which I sent over to Ms Marvel writer Brian Reed, and he found it totally unusuable, and today, after I asked him about how he formats he sent over a few samples of his formatting style.

What spurred it on is that I'm working on  a big action book for a publisher, and as I started working in my new 'standard' format, it just felt 'wrong.'  So, I applied Brian's more screenplay like style, and found myself humming along, more or less.  While working with Wheaton on our book together, I decided to use that comic book format because it's so radically different from screenplays, that I think it'll actually open him up to the uniqueness of the medium just by sheer nature of it being a different set of instinctual movements than using Final Draft.

I've been in that strange place as a comics writer where I'm working on books I wrote a few months ago, as well as stuff that's going out for the first time now, so I've really been going through these old scripts, and seeing the changes in what I do for either speed, clarity, or tone has been a bit of an eye opener.

There's also the issue of word processors.  I use four different word processors throughout my writing process.  I've been using Scrivener for projects with lots of research, or with a longer story arc, Pages for more 'straight forward' writing, Neooffice for formatting before sending, Final Draft for Screenplays or anything short in the screenplay format, and Office 2008 for drafting with integrated notes.  Now, ultimately, I'd prefer to be down to just one or two of those programs, but each offer some features that are unique.

The only one that technically could replace the bulk of them is Office 2008, but, thus far, I've found it to be a complete misstep in the old work horse of a program.  It's clunky, awkward, confusing, and managed to screw up my Mac when I installed it.  Hooray for Microsoft!  Lukcily, the track changes feature continues to be unmatched anywhere else, except maybe Final Draft, which is unfortunately not owned by most editors I work with.  Scrivener has an integrated screenplay format you can use, but, thus far, I've found it less intuitive than Final Draft, but, the research options make it a much more formidable program, and considering the tricks Brian showed me, it seems to really be getting the job done.  Pages is great for formatting... it does things in a way that's extremely intuitive, and frankly, I don't have to worry about it being wrong.  Neooffice seems to work well enough, but the tab system and general formatting usage ends up just confusing the crap out of me most of the time.  Both of them seem to not quite handle the track changes properly from someone working in Office.

It's still a bit strange to me that comics have yet to really settle into a style, but, I suppose as each writer's style and voice really do come through in their scripts (I mean, what other medium is it considered okay for a writer to draw in his script to describe something?), that's it's only neccessary.

The other thing that I've been noticing, at least for me, is that by using these different formats, it allows me to really distinguish, in my mind, between the projects.  As though, by switching up the how, it allows my brain to switch the what, and focus on the work I'm doing.

Mind you, I'm on deadline and writing about formatting, which might mean it's not quite working as planned.

Comic Geek Speak Likes Me

Comic Geek Speak nominated Elk's Run for best collection and the Punks Summer Special for Best One Shot of 2007.  You can go vote your agreement at the link. While you're at it, don't forget your last chance to vote for Cyblade over on Myspace.  In a strange twist of fate, I'm in second place, which, if it holds till Friday, means you'll be getting more Cyblade from me.

Damn

It feels good to get work done again.  Cranked out outlines for a couple of projects today.  The fifth Vampi, and something else that's not been announced yet.  It's actually a pretty huge challenge for me not to work... I have so much rattling around my head that if I don't get some of it out and on paper daily it can feel like I'm going to burst. On the recommendation of Gary Dauberman and Brian Reed, I tried out Scrievner for the new project.   It's pretty good, although I'm not wild about th idea that you can't just use it for everything, as you still need to use a traditional word processor for formatting.  I need to play with it some more.  Far and away the best feature, though, is that I can stretch the program between my two screens, letting me do some slightly more complicated split screening then you can do with any other program I've found.   I love the idea of being organized, but rarely take the effort needed with my writing to do it... in theory Scrievner'll do a lot of the organizing for me.  We'll see I guess.

As I mentioned yesterday, I submitted a comic to Zuda Comics the other day, but I'd be flabbergasted if it was selected.  It's a strange little piece of expressionistic nightmare photo collage that's probably a bit text heavier than most people think of when they think comics, but, y'know, I'm a writer, so, there you go.  Once it gets rejected, I'll post it here, and you guys can let me know if it's worth continuing it.

My back... hmm.  It's better, in the sense that it's not as bad as it was, but, after taking what was my usual daily walk today, I was left shakey and nauseous.  But, considering that and the 6 or so hours I spent at my desk, I'm actually not in THAT much pain.  Of course, it could just be the painkillers blocking it out.

And finally, Gary, Tony, and I have launched a new website.  It's still in the process of being built, but, y'know, set your bookmarks to http://www.thesandwichkings.com

And these are the days in our lives...

I've been closing out my gmail account for the past few days now.  I've had it since their first open beta however many years ago.  I love the service, but, have had a few issues with it as of late, including mail not getting through, massive amounts of incoming spam, and general unreliability.  I'm also really not a fan of the new interface (even knowing you can switch to the 'classic view' I have a bad feeling about how long that'll stick around...).  Add to that I've had a .Mac account for a while now that aside from being paid for, is also about a thousand times more reliable... Anyways... what's been interesting is spending the time going through my life of the past four or so years, in e-mail.  Watching the evolution of my career, friendships, loves, and all the rest.   There's the obvious 'first e-mail with' Wheaton, Dauberman, Fleecs, James Patrick, J-Rod, and all of the guys who've become an essential part of my life, creatively, socially, and spiritually.  There's the first awkward e-mailing between Christina and I, where I try desperately to impress someone who was clearly the coolest chick I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

There's the first few attempts to get work for hire, followed by the slightly more successful attempts, followed by the "Hey, I'm actually hired," style attempts.  Getting to watch the whole Speakeasy debacle from the first "This is a good thing" through the "Oh right, these guys are obviously clueless and shouldn't be in the business..." winding up at the "Hooray for Random House!"

Through many leaps, stumbles, wins, losses, and all shades of gray in between, it's been a helluva a few years.  Thanks to all of you for being along for the ride.

News and Things

Ah... November slips away,  Just wrapped up the last work for hire for the year (it's for Marvel, and I'm really looking forward to everybody seeing it), and put the finishing touches on a few other projects includind the Manga for Seven Seas Entertainment, the Wildstorm comic, and the 4th Volume of Princess Resurrection.  My plan is to spend December doing 'personal development' on a couple of creator owned projects I'd like to get going for early next year.   I'm finally getting the hang of having a balance of work that pays the bills and makes me happy. Speaking of which... the Punks Christacular is on it's way to stores, with an estimated ship date of the 2nd week of December.  I just sent out preview PDF's to critics and friends and if you'd like one, just drop me an e-mail.

In other things I done did... I redid Christina's Ann Dvorak site (http://www.anndvorak.com) with Wordpress and some Gallery plugins.  I think it turned out pretty good, and is worth checking out.  I'd bet there'll be some wedding pictures added on there relatively soon... which I'll link to.

Married life is everything it's cracked up to be, especially when married to the coolest chick in town.

There's a few other projects (including the aforementioned Marvel, Seven Seas,  and Wildstorm books) that'll be announced soon, one of which is a collaboration with screenwriting superstar Mark Wheaton for one of my favorite publishers.  Next years going to be very kickass.

Oh, also on Punks... once the pesky WGA strike is over, there's going to be some super cool news... something that Kody and I have been chomping at the bit to get going on... but the strike came in before the contracts could close, and while the strike doesn't strictly get in the way of the project... we decided we'd rather be supportive of the strikers (at least two of which are my best friends) than start work.

So there ya go.  Keep on smilin'.

Ay-yay-yay

Did a quick site redo, cause it's about time.  I think it's pretty cool, nice and simple, and has one of my favorite panels from the Punks Christmas Special at the top.  It's been a strange couple of weeks.  Had a few projects that were going along swimmingly get all but halted due to the writer's strike, but, it's a good cause, so that's cool. Married life is tops, and we've been settling into it swimmingly.  Chrissy has been devouring Gilmore Girls in preperation for the final season's release today, so, it's been great getting to watch it all again (and really quickly).  It's just really one of the most heartfelt, beautifully written shows in a long, long time.  Combine that with making my way through the Complete Angel box set, and I've been knee deep in great TV.  Great TV that makes me want to make TV.

Punks Christacular will be in stores in a few weeks, and it's easily the best thing to ever have my name on/in/near it.  It's a really exceptional book, and it's mostly owed to Kody.  I believe my Marvel Comics Presents story is due out any week now, as well, and it's super awesometastic.

And that's pretty much that.

TheList for 10-17-07

Hey Gang, Just a quick word as the week of my nuptials bears down on me. We get married this weekend in Encino, and lots of friends and family are flying in, so I'm about to do a nice disappearing act for all of those not in the flesh for the next few days. Before I do, here's a quick look at what's going on.

First off, on the wedding kick, we made a comic book as a hand out for our guests, and got an amazing bunch of guys to contribute. Elk's Run's Noel Tuazon did an amazing job on the bulk of the pages, with a quick section of my Postcards collaborator Micah Farritor's work, and good friend Tony Fleecs put the thing together. Add to that it's wrapped in the above beautiful cover by Phil Hester. Keep checking the blog, as we're doing a giveaway of a few copies of this extremely limited comic. It's like if Elk's Run wasn't a miserable adventure in death and family.

Next up, over at Newsarama.com, John Siuntres's Word Balloon podcast has been posted, and it's the first of two parts of the Library Panel with myself, Mark Waid, Kazu Kibuishi, Christos Gage, Ross Richie, and Tony Fleecs. The panel was great, and relistening to it makes me feel pretty confident that it was a worthwhile endeavor for all involved. Special thanks to Dan Dupill from the LAPL for helping to set the whole thing up. Here's the full story.

Also, this week in stores, from IDW Gene Simmons House of Horrors #2 featuring a story by me drawn by the inimitable Andy Kuhn. I saw his original pages back at Comic Con, and they were absolutely amazing. Do yourself (and us) a favor and pick up a copy.

Finally, in somewhat bizarre news, a movie I wrote is actually on its way from Mark's and my pens (through some unknown Canadian rewrite guys) to the small screen. The movie's gone from being called They're Among Us to The Hatching (which I mistook for The Hutching, assuming it had something to do with vertical storage) and seems to possibly have at least something to do with what Mark and I originally wrote so many months ago. Best of all, it stars Isabella Rossellini and Judd Nelson. (I hope there's a walking away/fist pump/freeze frame at the end, but I doubt I'm that lucky.) God knows how the thing'll turn out, but, at the very least, I'm proud to cause each of you pain on a Saturday night in the near future. Here's the PR on the movie.

That'll do it for me. Thanks for reading, and see y'all in a week or two. Keep checking the blog and the Twitter if you'd like to watch my descent into insanity during my final week of pre-marital bliss.

Cheers,

j.

Where oh Where…

I'm getting married in a week and a half.  We just got back from San Jose, and haven't stopped doing wedding stuff throughout.  Meanwhile, we got some incredible news about PUNKS, that requires me to pause all of my other work and crank out some scripts.  Should be announcing that shortly.  I'm also hammering away on this creator owned manga I'm doing with Seven Seas. In other words, I'm really busy.

Sorry for the disappearing act.