ARCHIE'S WEIRD MYSTERIES!!!

So what's your favorite scary-silly comic book series?

Back in December I did a post about a book collection of some of the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" comic book stories I wrote. If you want to re-read that post, you can do so by clicking here.

But... you don’t really need to because I’m going to repeat most of the same information here.

Here’s the deal: last time I wrote about how you can pre-order the book from Amazon and that it’s due to hit in mid August. Well...

It seems that the book will actually be released earlier to comic shops, which is great news. It’s due to hit those comic shops in mid-July. So NOW is the time to go visit your LCS (that’s comic industry jargon for “local comic shop”) and tell them you want a copy of ARCHIE & FRIENDS ALL-STARS: ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES.

Now... there still may be some of you out there wondering what I’m talking about so I’ll repeat the following from the earlier post to fill you in: "Archie's Weird Mysteries" was an animated series based on the long-running comic book series about small-town high school teens... except with the added overlay of weird phenomena like ghosts, monsters and aliens being thrown into the mix!



Of course, flip-about is fair play, so it wasn't long before the TV cartoon show based on the comic book series spun off a comic book series based on the TV cartoon show based on the comic book series! While I wasn't the only writer (artist Fernando Ruiz contributed a few scripts of his own), I'm proud to say I wrote stories that appeared in all 24 issues (plus the additional 10 that followed when the series dropped the "Weird" to become simply "Archie's Mysteries"). You can learn more about the comic series by reading a 2009 interview intrepid reporter Billie Rae Bates did with me by clicking here.

Writing the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" comics was one of the highlights of my career, not just because I got to combine horror and comedy in ways that paid tribute to everything from "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" to "Kolchak the Night Stalker" to "Night of the Creeps;" (which I still say is the closest anyone's ever come to capturing Archie in live-action) but also because the amazing array of artistic talent contributing to the series included such top-notch folks as the aforementioned Fernando Ruiz plus Bill Golliher, Rich Koslowski, Stephanie Vozzo, Rick Taylor and Vicki Williams (hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone).

So again, I wanted to give all "Scared Silly" fans a head's up on this book's pending release. To reiterate, it will be in comic shops in July and available from online retailers in August. Please consider ordering it in advance from your local comic shop (to find the comic shop nearest you use the Comic Shop Locator Service). Or you can preorder it from Amazon. Here’s what the cover looks like so you can easily spot it:



Now here’s the coolest part: good sales for this book could possibly make this just the first in a series of paperback reprints of my “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” stories. Of course, I would love that. The editor has told me he would love it, too. And I know Fernando the artist would also love it. And it could very well possibly lead to some new stories from us, too! The best way you can do your part to help us is to support the project – so if you have any interest in "Archie's Weird Mysteries" at all I'd truly appreciate you placing an order with your local comic shop or Amazon or wherever you can find someone selling the book. Much thanks!

CHRISTMAS PRESENT... IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST?

Sorry to paraphrase your line Silas (that would be Barnaby from March of the Wooden Soldiers, naturallY), but there's a method to my madness.

Turns out the good folks at Archie Comics are planning to release a paperback collection of some of the stories I wrote for the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" comic book series a few years back.

For the uninitiated, "Archie's Weird Mysteries" was an animated series based on the long-running comic book series about small-town high school teens... except with the added overlay of weird phenomena like ghosts, monsters and aliens being thrown into the mix!

Of course, flip-about is fair play, so it wasn't long before the TV cartoon show based on the comic book series spun off a comic book series based on the TV cartoon show based on the comic book series! While I wasn't the only writer (artist Fernando Ruiz contributed a few scripts of his own), I'm proud to say I wrote stories that appeared in all 24 issues (plus the additional 10 that followed when the series dropped the "Weird" to become simply "Archie's Mysteries"). You can learn more about the comic series by reading a 2009 interview intrepid reporter Billie Rae Bates did with me by clicking here.

Writing the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" comics was one of the highlights of my career, not just because I got to combine horror and comedy in ways that paid tribute to everything from "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" to "Kolchak the Night Stalker" to "Night of the Creeps;" (which I still say is the closest anyone's ever come to capturing Archie in live-action) but also because the amazing array of artistic talent contributing to the series included such top-notch folks as the aforementioned Fernando Ruiz plus Bill Golliher, Rich Koslowski, Stephanie Vozzo, Rick Taylor and Vicki Williams (hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone).



The series was unfairly compared to "Scooby Doo" but as I've always pointed out to anyone who'd listen, in "Archie's Weird Mysteries" the ghosts and ghoulies are all real... not crooked landlords looking to scare folks out of their inheritances with cheap Halloween masks! Although I did take the opportunity to spoof the 'ol pooch in one issue (see the image above -- I just couldn't resist)...

Anyhoo... I wanted to give all "Scared Silly" fans a head's up on this book's release. It's not scheduled to come out until August, 2011 but Amazon is taking pre-orders now and you can also order it in advance from your local comic shop (to find the comic shop nearest you use the Comic Shop Locator Service). So to tie this all back in to the Barnaby quote, the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" paperback makes a great gift for the holidays or any occasion!

Like anything else, it all comes down to the bottom line - if enough folks order this first collection of "Archie's Weird Mysteries" tales, then a second volume becomes more of a possibility... so if you have any interest in "Archie's Weird Mysteries" at all I'd truly appreciate you placing an order. Feel free to use the handy link below... and thanks!

MORE COMIC-AL DETOURS

In my previous post, I took the opportunity to plug some recent comic projects I've been involved with (and help explain the lack of classic horror-comedy movie reviews as of late).

Chief among my current projects is of course the paperback collection of ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES stories I wrote. I had thought that it would be available at comic shops a week ago but it appears I was mistaken - apparently it merely shipped to comic shops last week and should actually show up on those store shelves today... we'll see I guess.

Anyway, I've talked about this one ad infinitum - the short story is that my "Archie's Weird Mysteries" stories should appeal to most "Scared Silly" fans... to repeat what I wrote in my last post, it's "a wild and crazy head-on collision of typical Archie Comics character-driven humor with the bizarre and absurd world of the supernatural, paranormal and extraterrestrial! I got to put the Archie characters through their paces in a world that was one quarter “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein,” one quarter “Kolchak: the Night Stalker,” one quarter “Night of the Creeps” and one quarter “X-Files.”

Read more about "Archie's Weird Mysteries" when you click here.



There was also another project that came out earlier this year that I forgot to mention last time for which I provided some fun (though uncredited) copy. The book "Archie & Friends All-Stars: The Archies & Josie & the Pussycats" reprinted a multi-part story written and drawn by the great talents Dan Parent and Bill Galvan. The storyline detailed the Archies and Pussycats bands co-headlining a concert tour and the budding romance that ends up brewing between Archie and Valerie. My contribution: I was asked to do write-ups on each "band" that appeared at the end of the book... in VH-1 "Behind the Music" style! That was great fun because I got to combine fact with fiction and rib a famous pop culture phenomenon (namely the often-cheesy and sensationalist half hour documentary a la "Behind the Music" as well as "E's True Hollywood Story") in the process. For example, did you know Jughead's bandmates in the Archies had to hold an intervention to curtail his hamburger-eating habit? Or how about Pussycats' drummer Melody, who opened the country's first... and last combination sushi bar and ice cream parlor!

The Josie & the Pussycats characters have an amazing following, due in no small part to the popular animated series from Hanna-Barbera in the 1970s. I'll leave you with one of the songs from the show... but first I will kindly encourage you all to support my various projects if you can, particularly the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" paperback as good sales could potentially lead to more. You can purchase these books at most comic shops (to find the comic shop nearest you just click here to use the Comic Shop.

Okay, I've plugged enough! Hoping to have a review of Buster Keaton's "The Haunted House" up soon. In the meantime, let's go out with a song!

COMIC ASIDES

Greetings Scared Silly fans! Since today is the official opening of the annual San Diego Comic Con, the gigantic pop culture festival celebrating comic books, comic characters and every single ancillary entertainment and product derived thereof, I thought I’d take this opportunity to plug some recently released projects to which I contributed. And to once again remind everyone that I’m not slacking when it comes to “Scared Silly” movie reviews – it’s just that the paying gigs have to come first. So here’s the rundown of what’s been keeping me so busy lately:



Let’s start with ARCHIE ALL-STARS: A NIGHT AT THE COMIC SHOP. This multi-part story originally appeared in the pages of the “Archie & Friends” comic book. It was written by the great Fernando Ruiz with art by Fernando and the equally great Bill Galvan. What’s fantastic about this story is that it brings back many of the obscure comic book characters from Archie’s past, going all the way back to its 1940s beginnings when the company was known as MLJ Comics up through the swinging 1960s. This included such disparate characters as Super Duck, Sam Hill, Pat the Brat, Suzie, Young Dr. Masters, Squoimy the Woim and many others. My contribution? I had the super-fun task of researching the history of most of the characters contained within and doing write-ups on each that appear at the back of the book.



Next up is ARCHIE: A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE TEENAGERS. This amazing coffee table book was put together by Craig Yoe and his amazing crew at Yoe Books, with several contributions by various Archie alumni. My contributions? Steven Thompson interviewed me about various factoids, Craig Yoe asked me to identify cover artists from a variety of classic Archie covers, and legendary Archie editor Victor Gorelick commissioned me to write the character descriptions that appeared in the book for Mr. Weatherbee, Archie as Pureheart the Powerful, Betty as Super Teen and Jughead as Captain Hero. I cannot recommend this book highly enough – it is without question the most thorough, essential history of the Archie Comics company ever published.



Also recently released is ARCHIE AMERICANA SERIES: BEST OF NINETIES, BOOK 2. This book is near and dear to my heart and a true milestone. It is the final entry in the ARCHIE AMERICANA SERIES of trade paperbacks collecting classic Archie stories from decades past. Besides Victor Gorelick, I am the only other person who had a hand in each and every edition of this series, starting with the first, ARCHIE AMERICANA: BEST OF THE FORTIES twenty years ago. There were twelve volumes in all, two each covering the 1940s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. My credits on the series ranged from Assistant Editor to Compilation Editor to Americana Series Editor, etc. In every case I did extensive research on each decade, suggesting stories I felt should be reprinted using criteria including relevance to each decade, notable first appearances of characters and quality of stories. I also wrote some introductions for some of the volumes as well as the table of contents and back cover blurbs for each volume. You can read an in-depth interview I did with Mark Haney about working on the series when you click here.



Last but not least, the paperback collection of ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES stories I wrote lands in comic shops today. This is the series that is likely to be of most interest to “Scared Silly” fans, a wild and crazy head-on collision of typical Archie Comics character-driven humor with the bizarre and absurd world of the supernatural, paranormal and extraterrestrial! I got to put the Archie characters through their paces in a world that was one quarter “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein,” one quarter “Kolchak: the Night Stalker,” one quarter “Night of the Creeps” and one quarter “X-Files.” I’ve spoken about this series a few times here on the “Scared Silly” site, and you can read my most recent entry on it when you click here.

I encourage everyone out there to support these projects, most especially the ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES book because good sales on that title could lead to more of my stories being reprinted… and perhaps the commission of new Archie’s Weird Mysteries tales! You can purchase these books at most comic shops (to find the comic shop nearest you just click here to use the Comic Shop Locator Service) or use the Amazon.com links at the bottom of the post.

Oh, and if you're wondering about the caricature of me atop this post, it is by mega-talented cartoonist and long-time pal Chris Allan. Chris has illustrated several of my stories including those starring Little Archie and Sonic the Hedgehog. He is perhaps best-known as a contributing artist to Darkwing Duck and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book tales.

Speaking of caricatures, I leave you now with a video that is a bit of a “horror-comedy” in itself: an “Animutation” featuring a caricature of yours truly! If you’re curious as to what an “Animuation” is just click here. As for my appearance in this video (which I learned about after the fact), an explanation is in order. Back in the 1990s when I worked on staff at Archie Comics, I was the original editor involved in translating the video game character Sonic the Hedgehog into comic book form. Other editors came on-board but it was something of a fraternity – once you were involved in Sonic you were always involved in Sonic in some way or form (for my part, I wrote a couple Sonic stories, corresponded with fans via email and also wrote all the press releases about Sonic comic issues). The letters page for the Sonic comic became something of a party for the editorial staff.

Scott Fulop (my mentor at Archie - I started at the company as Scott's assistant editor) had a blast concocting “The Adventures of Scott and Paul” where I often appeared in caricatured form as the fall guy for various schemes conceived by Scott, Sonic and pals (and sometimes turning the tables on them). Freddy Mendez, aka Justin Gabrie also got into the act when he edited the series. Many of the short strips were drawn by Dave Manak and a few may have been done by Bill Golliher (my memory fails me)… but the bottom line is that one of those caricatures of me from the Sonic letters page has made it into this “Animutation” and now you can view the result in (shocked-I’m-sure) awe. I come in at the 30 second mark wearing a red shirt with a white stripe. My big moment comes around 2:50 with a huge pileup of me’s stacking up to the sky!

Oh, I have no idea who put this video together and why they'd want to include a caricature of me in it, but needless to say… enjoy!

ON THE (DARK & SPOOKY) ROAD AGAIN!

...but no, I won't be wearing the disguise that Scarlett the Vampire/Vampire Hunter wears in the above illustration.

I will, however be autographing copies of the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" paperback collection - featuring horror-comedy comic book tales based on the animated series of the same name - this Saturday, August 20th at The Little Shop of Comics (great name, eh?) in Scotch Plains, NJ.



I wrote the stories and I'll be joined by artist-supreme Fernando Ruiz (you can read more about the series by clicking here). Fernando will be giving away sketches and we'll both be signing anything and everything we've worked on - not just "Archie's Weird Mysteries." So if you're in the area, stop on by and say hello - we'll be there from 2PM to 5PM that day.

For further details, click right here.

If you need further persuasion, Poe the kitten (and reigning Scared Silly mas-cat) has prepared this special video encouraging you to come out and support your favorite horror-comedy-meister! MUCH THANKS in advance!

NEW YORK COMIC CON 2013 IS HERE!

Hello fans... well, New York Comic Con is finally here and I'm hoping I can meet some of you. Here's a rundown on where I'll be and when.

Thursday, October 10th, 2:30-3:30 – I’ll be on the CREATIVELY ENERGIZING YOUR STUDENTS WITH COMIC BOOKS AND THE ARTS panel, held in Room 1A17.

Friday, October 11th, 2:00-3:00 – I’ll be doing an autograph signing at the ARCHIE COMICS booth. I'll most likely be signing either BEST OF ARCHIE COMICS BOOK 3 (which reprints my popular Scooby Doo spoof story from the ARCHIE'S WEIRD MYSTERIES series) or the ARCHIE'S WEIRD MYSTERIES paperback collection. Or perhaps something else... it all depends upon what the Archie Co. brings.

In those times surrounding my ARCHIE signing, I'll be helping out at the KIDS COMIC CON booth in the FAMILY ROOM which is in Conference Rooms 1B01-1B03. I won't officially be signing in the FAMILY ROOM on Friday but if you run in there with a book in hand for me to sign, I will (just try to bring a pen in case I forget mine).

Saturday, October 13th, all day – DON’T LOOK FOR ME – I’ll be elsewhere, recharging my batteries like Tony Stark. ;)

Sunday, October 14th, 12:30-1:30 – I’ll be signing at the KIDS COMIC CON table in the FAMILY ROOM area of the convention. For Sunday, I'll definitely have copies of the ARCHIE'S WEIRD MYSTERIES paperback collection, some SONIC THE HEDGEHOG collections, and the books WITH GREAT POWER and HEY KIDS, COMICS (click here for info on those last two books).

Again, the Family Room is Conference Rooms 1B01-1B03. And again, I'll be helping out in that room for pretty much the entire day Sunday, so if you miss my official signing you may still be able pop in randomly and grab me to autograph something.

Looking forward to a comically-cool-and-crazy weekend!

Now here's me talking about... what else?... comic books! ENJOY!

THE ALIENS THAT GOT AWAY...

In previous posts (which you can read here and here) I mentioned recently-released comic book projects in which I played a part. I highlighted the “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” paperback collection in particular for its relevance to my “Scared Silly” project – after all, just like a typical Hollywood horror-comedy the comic misadventures I wrote based on the animated series of the same name often had Archie and his friends mixed up with monsters, mad scientists and yes, aliens!

The “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” paperback reprinted one of my favorite stories, about Archie and his friends getting mixed up in an intergalactic baseball game between two rival alien teams. The Brawnux were the champion jocks of the universe, while the Smelltoids were more adept at using their brains than their brawn.

Now comes “The Best of Archie Comics.” This is another project I had a hand in. It was released when I wasn't paying attention (I had no idea when this one was supposed to come out). It’s a whopping 400 pages (and an additional 20 if you get the hardcover) that collects stories of Archie and Archie-owned properties from every decade since the 1940s, by all the top writers and artists of each decade. PLUS it includes insights from many Archie creators and fans, and some historical text on each decade. It includes some quotes from me and I wrote much of the historical text within, but for Scared Silly fans the biggest draw may be the inclusion of a short tale I wrote as a follow-up to that intergalactic baseball game story.



Ultimately, my contributions to “The Best of Archie Comics” are just a small part of what is a massive team effort – credit is due to the great team of staff editors and designers at Archie for putting it together. Plus so many great folks and dear friends quoted within as well as stories they were involved in either as artists, writers, editors, etc. - such a huge list but including Dan Parent, Fernando Ruiz, Michael Uslan, Stephen Oswald, Suzannah Rowntree. Joe Morciglio, Mike Pellerito... heck, so, so many I don't think Blogger offers enough "character" space to mention them all but you get the idea... well done, everyone.

You can pre-order a copy of the deluxe hardcover version (releasing in October) at the bottom of this post, or find the softcover copy at your local comic shop (click here to use the Comic Shop Locator Service to find the store nearest you).

…and for more outer space silliness, here’s John Landis’ commentary of the trailer for the Three Stooges’ feature, “Have Rocket, Will Travel,” courtesy of our friends at Trailers From Hell. ENJOY!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN - COME CELEBRATE IT THE DAY AFTER IN BEAUTIFUL MONTCLAIR, NJ!

Happy Halloween, Scared Silly fans! Hope you all have a howling good time today!

After you sock away your candy-ful bounty, why not come out and meet me on Saturday, November 1st at 2PM. It’s a day-after-Halloween treat as Montclair, New Jersey's East Side Mags hosts a personal appearance from yours truly. I’ll be signing copies of the Archie's Weird Mysteries collection, compiling some of the best stories from the series of comics I wrote.

East Side Mags is a newer comic shop on the scene, and a great one at that. Owner Jeff Beck not only is passionate about the comics hobby, but dedicated to nurturing a love of comics in younger readers, at a time when many comics fans are adults.



At this signing, I'll be autographing alongside my Archie's Weird Mysteries colleague, Fernando Ruiz, the brilliant artist of the series. I will also be autographing copies of the Midnight Marquee Actor Series: Vincent Price edition to which I contributed a chapter. And I'll have plenty of free Scared Silly bookmarks to hand out, too. Hope to see you there! :)

EAST SIDE MAGS is located at 7 South Fullerton Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042. (862) 333-4961

Now enjoy this review of the Archie’s Weird Mysteries comic series!

"SPRING"ING INTO ACTION!

Okay fans, last week I mentioned my upcoming appearance at the Asbury Park Comic Con this weekend. Turns out it’s just one stop on what I’ve decided to call the “Paul Castiglia’s SPRINGING INTO ACTION Tri-State Tour!” You’ll have several chances to meet and greet me, and if you’re so inclined, get an autographed book or comic in the process.

Yes, it all starts at the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park, birthplace of Bud Abbott, the celebrated straight man who met more Universal Monsters than even makeup maestro Jack Pierce. I’ll be at the Asbury Park Comic Con this Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. This will be a full-service show as I’ll be bringing all I can carry – not just my ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES and VINCENT PRICE books but also a variety of books I’ve edited including volumes from the ARCHIE AMERICANA SERIES, a variety of comics for which I’ve written stories, some SONIC THE HEDGEHOG collections featuring my tales and a new text book to which I contributed a chapter, WITH GREAT POWER.

The Asbury Park Comic Con takes place at the Asbury Park Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Boulevard in Asbury Park, New Jersey. For more information, go to http://www.asburycomiccon.com. For directions, go to http://asburyparkcomicon.com/travel#sthash.9I6nD6dE.dpuf



On April 18th I hop on back to Bridgeport, Connecticut for another BEDLAM AT THE BIJOU double-feature screening. Yes, Brian Solomon has graciously invited me back as his special guest for an inspired double-feature of the classic Rankin-Bass monster bash MAD MONSTER PARTY and a film it helped inspire, TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. We’ll talk about the films, give out cool goodies, do trivia and whatnot. I’ll also have ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES and VINCENT PRICE books available for sale there.

The fun takes place on Thursday, April 18th starting at 7PM. The theater is located at 275 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut and you can contact them at (203) 332-3228 or info@thebijoutheatre.com for more information.



A couple days later I’m back in my home state, good ‘ol New Jersey for another SUPERHEROES FOR HOSPICE Charity Comic Book Sale. This will be another full-service show where I’ll have the works with me. As always, there will also be (long) boxes and boxes of comics for sale from all decades as well as other great comics creators on hand to autograph comics, do sketches and sell original art. Proceeds benefit Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 20th at the Barnabas Health Corporate Office, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange (directly across the street from Saint Barnabas Medical Center). Admission is free. For more information or to make a comic book donation to Superheroes for Hospice, please contact Spiro Ballas at sballas@barnabashealth.org or 973-322-4866.



Last but certainly not least, it’s off to the Bronx, New York where once again I’m involved with KIDS COMIC CON. This year I’m mostly volunteering at the great event that caters to kids who love comics. I’ll be helping out in a variety of capacities including conducting podcast interviews on the show floor.

I’ll also be dropping by the Archie booth to sign copies of ARCHIE & FRIEND DOUBLE DIGEST #27. This issue is coming out shortly before May 11th, and while my story inside is not new, it is being given the lead-off slot. The background on this one is interesting – originally intended to kick off a 35th issue of ARCHIE’S MYSTERIES, the tale of larcenous illusions called “The Magic Is Back” ended up headlining ARCHIE & FRIENDS #85 instead, as ARCHIE’S MYSTERIES was canceled after its 34th issue. Now, a decade later the story is getting another workout (hey, my work is forever immortalized – long after I’m gone readers will be getting chuckles from my quirky trifles, and I couldn’t be happier. :)



The 2013 KIDS COMIC CON is set for May 11 at Bronx Community College, 181st Street and University Avenue, Bronx, NY from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Admission is FREE. There will be a TON of great talent at this show including Muppeteers from Sesame Street, animators, comics and children's book artists and even an archery demonstration! The theme for this year's convention is all about making the connections between real science and your favorite comic book heroes. Cool all the way around! For additional information and up-to-the-minute programming updates, please visit www.facebook.com/KidsComiCon. You can also check out the con's official site at www.kidscomiccon.com

Hoping to see some of you during my tour! In the meantime, please enjoy this encore presentation of my television appearance from a couple summers past, talking comics on the appropriately titled show, “Comic Book Conversations” hosted by Scott Golodner and co-starring David Levin. See you in the funny pages!

SPRINGING INTO ACTION... ON MY 2015 SPRING TOUR!!!

It’s that time again… time for me to head out on the road for my annual spring personal appearance tour!

I’ll let the press release below do the heavy lifting of explaining it all, but I do want to start by mentioning that tomorrow, Saturday, March 28th kicks it all off with my appearance at Expo 9, which mixes comic books with live martial arts exhibitions AND zombies!

I’ll be signing my books but I’ll also be taking part in a unique presentation: help write scenarios for live actors dressed as zombies to reenact on the spot… while comic book artists sketch the action!

Oh, and speaking of zombies, that panel at the top is drawn by the great artist, Chris Allan from my story, Zoe's Zombies which you can read in Rise: Comics Against Bullying (more details below).

Without further ado, here’s the PR with all the details – hope to see you sometime during my tour!

NEW YORK CITY (March, 2015) – On March 28, comics writer-editor and historian Paul Castiglia begins what has become an annual “Spring NY/NJ” personal appearance tour.

The appearances accompany several new projects for Castiglia ranging from writing new comic book stories to writing non-fiction text pieces to co-producing documentaries. Of particular note, Castiglia will be selling and autographing copies of Rise: Comics Against Bullying at these events.

The comic, recently released by Northwest Press is an all-star anthology of mainstream and indie writers and artists who’ve contributed stories with an anti-bullying theme. Proceeds from the special edition will benefit organizations with anti-bullying initiatives. Castiglia reunited with popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles artist Chris Allan for his tale, which was edited by Erica Schultz, writer of the acclaimed M3 and Swords of Sorrow comic series.



The story in Rise is one of three new stories from Castiglia, best-known as the writer of the popular Archie’s Weird Mysteries comic series and a contributing writer to such titles as Sonic the Hedgehog, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, DC Showcase, Dark Horse’s Tex Avery’s Droopy and several others.

Castiglia’s experience with humorous heroes comes to the fore in his script for the upcoming War of the Independents #4 from Red Anvil Studios. Created by publisher Dave Ryan, the series is a satirical sendup of such mainstream comics’ crossover events as Marvel’s Secret Wars and DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths. Issue #4 is the “humor issue,” featuring such iconic indie characters as The Tick, Felix the Cat, Flaming Carrot, Gumby & Pokey, Megaton Man, Milk & Cheese and Too Much Coffee Man, among many others.

Also coming soon from Castiglia is a backup story for the comic book, KING! from award-winning publishers, Blacklist Studios. Scheduled to be released both digitally and in print, KING! tells the story of a former professional wrestler with an Elvis motif – who just so happens to also be a monster hunter! In Castiglia’s tale, King finds himself face-to-face with a real, live goatsucker in a tale that could only be called, El Chupacabra – Ay, Carumba!

In addition to writing comics, Castiglia continues to be involved in projects that utilize his experience as a comics editor and comics and film historian.

Slated for a 2015 holiday season release from TwoMorrows is The MLJ Companion, a compendium of articles and interviews about Archie’s Mighty Crusaders heroes through the decades. Castiglia is co-editing with Rik Offenberger. Both will also contribute articles about the fabled titans, who are enjoying a new lease on life in Archie’s Dark Circle imprint.

Castiglia continues to work on his non-fiction book, Scared Silly: Classic Hollywood Horror-Comedies. The book explores films where classic comedians like Abbott & Costello, the Three Stooges and the Bowery Boys got mixed up in spooky situations with ghosts, monsters and aliens.

The Scared Silly project led to Castiglia’s involvement in a documentary on the famed movie team, The Bowery Boys. Castiglia is acting as a Co-Executive Producer, Creative Consultant, Co-Writer, Casting Producer and Music Supervisor for the upcoming film. He also came up with the name of the project, Bowery Rhapsody: the Rise and Redemption of Hollywood’s Original ‘Brat Pack.’ (www.imdb.com/title/tt3744254/).

Following are the details of Castiglia’s “Spring NY/NJ” tour. Unless otherwise stated, at each appearance Castiglia will sell and autograph copies of comics and book projects to which he’s contributed, including Rise: Comics Against Bullying, Archie’s Weird Mysteries, Archie’s Favorites, Archie Americana, Best of Archie Comics, Hey Kids Comics, Sonic the Hedgehog, With Great Power, Midnight Marquee Actor Series: Vincent Price and more:



March 28
Expo 9 Martial Arts Comic Convention, Cherry Hill, NJ
Events Center Sports Venue & Stadium
9AM–4PM
www.ackungfu.com/ackungfuhome.html



April 11-12
East Coast Comic Con, Secaucus, NJ
Meadowlands Exposition Center (Kids Comic Con table in the Kids Love Comics Pavilion)
10AM–6PM
www.eccomicon.com



April 25
Kids Comic Con, Bronx, NY
Bronx Community College
Autograph signing schedule to be announced
www.kidscomiccon.com
www.facebook.com/KidscomicCon





May 2
East Side Mags, Montclair, NJ
Free Comic Book Day
Autographing alongside Sanctuary writer-artist, Stephen Coughlin
12PM–4PM
www.eastsidemags.com

May 30
Superheroes For Hospice, West Orange, NJ
Comic Book Sale and Convention benefitting Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center
10AM–5PM

HAVE MONSTROUS FUN WITH FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2011!

This Saturday (May 7th, 2011), the tenth annual Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) event will be held in comic shops across the country. In the past nine years, scores of free comic books were given away by participating retailers to not only thank comic book aficionados, but to introduce the wonderful world of comics to new readers and fans as well! You can learn more about the event at the official FCBD site by clicking here.

Among the comics being given out this year are few that should appeal to “Scared Silly” fans. “John Stanley Summer Fun” from Drawn & Quarterly is a compilation of all-ages comic stories from one of the all-time masters of the genre, John Stanley (not to be confused with the horror movie historian-author and TV host of the same name). Included in this free edition is a story featuring Melvin Monster.



This year Melvin is joined by a couple of newer characters that seem mighty intriguing. With apologies to Godzilla, Super Dinosaur may just be the most stupendous dino that ever lived… and he just so happens to have lived through the ice age and made it to modern times! With awesome powers and even more awesome tripped-out armor, Super Dinosaur more than lives up to his name!



Kiddie cryptozoologists are going to have a field day with "The Intrepid Escape Goat!" Just check out this description from the Free Comic Book Day site: "It is the dawn of the 20th Century, and one brave soul dares to walk the line between the worlds of science and the arcane; he is Thomas Fleet... The Intrepid EscapeGoat! Touring with his ward and assistant Isis (a 2,000-year-old mummy girl), EscapeGoat performs to sold-out crowds around the globe... but it's what happens offstage, when locals call upon him to solve the paranormal mysteries plaguing their cities, that provides the most peril!"



Thomas Fleet sounds like he’d be right at home hanging out with Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and their pals as they encounter “Archie’s Weird Mysteries.” That’s the comic series I wrote, and while it’s not a part of Free Comic Book Day, if you’re going to the comic shop anyway, I politely request that you consider asking them to pre-order a copy of the upcoming book collecting my stories, “ARCHIE ALL-STARS”: ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES.” I’ve written about it a few times recently – just click here to get all the details.



In addition to Melvin Monster, Super Dinosaur and The Intrepid Scapegoat there will be several other great FCBD offerings featuring the likes of Thor, Green Lantern, Captain America, Spider-Man, The Tick, The Simpsons, Inspector Gadget, Kung Fu Panda, Betty & Veronica, Batman, Mickey Mouse, Sonic the Hedgehog and many more. And this post wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to my pal Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics of Concorde, CA – Joe was the guy who came up with FCBD in the first place! He’s one of the sharpest comics retailers out there, a champion for great comics and literacy and a heck of a nice guy.

I’ll leave you with this promotional clip that Merlyn’s Comic Shop of Washington put together – it’s their spoof of a famous modern-era horror-comedy, called “The Spokane Ghostbusters” – enjoy!

NEXT STOPS: WEST ORANGE, NJ AND ALBANY, NY (2014 EDITION)!

Hello fans! Well, my fall, 2014 NJ/NY tour rolls on!

This Saturday, November 8th it's time for another Superheroes For Hospice charity comic book sale, from 10 to 6. I’ve been involved with this event since its inception in 2009. A few times a year, the organization holds charity comic sales to raise money for the Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center by selling comics, books, toys and related items. Proceeds have helped assist individuals and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses. The event has attracted top industry talent who often appear to sign autographs and give entertaining lectures about the art form. I’ll be signing an array of my work per usual. The event takes place at 95 Old Short Hills Rd., West Orange, NJ 07052, across the street from Saint Barnabas Medical Center.



The following day, Sunday, November 9th I'm making my second appearance at the Albany Comic Con. The Albany Con offers a plethora of comics creators, comic and toy dealers, auctions and more. It also offers an intimacy and immediacy not always found at the larger shows. It was a wonderful time last year and I'm looking forward to meeting new and old fans alike again this year. For more information visit the Albany Comic Con website.

As usual, at both events I'll have copies of the Archie's Weird Mysteries and Vincent Price books, and new for this year I'll also have the recently released Archie's Favorite Christmas Comics, which I researched and compiled, as well as contributed introductory text. It also reprints one of my all-time favorite Archie's Weird Mysteries stories I wrote, featuring those denizens of Weatherworld, Jack Frost and his sister, Wind Jill! I hope you stop by and see me!

And speaking of Archie and Christmas... it's not too early to rock the halls!

GET SCARED SILLY FOR CHARITY THIS WEEKEND!

Greetings Scared Silly fans! Just a quick note to let you know about my upcoming appearance at the next Superheroes for Hospice charity comic convention taking place this Saturday, September 17th at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown, New Jersey on Route 35. I will be there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m autographing copies of my ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES and VINCENT PRICE books along with various comic book projects.



Also on hand will be my pal Thomas Hall who will be signing copies of his award-winning R-13 (aka ROBOT 13) as well as his horror-comedy project KING! (which I recently highlighted – click here to read all about it)...



...Tom and I will also be signing a comic we did together, MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES which puts a new spin on the Old Testament – by re-setting the legendary stories in a futuristic world of robots, aliens and advance technology!



There will also be plenty of comics for sale from all decades to purchase as well as other great comics creators on hand to autograph comics, do sketches and sell original art. Proceeds will support the patients and families of the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center. Established in 1981, the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange, provides comprehensive care for patients with advanced illness, and their families, throughout ten counties in the State of New Jersey.



The Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center supports inpatient units at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ, as well as Van Dyke Hospice at Community Medical Center in Toms River. It also provides home care and services for individuals in long-term care and assisted living facilities.

Now enjoy a spooky yet kooky clip from the “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” TV cartoon that takes place… where else?... in a mall!

MEET ME THIS SATURDAY AND HELP OUT A GREAT CAUSE!

Attention all comic book fans: this coming Saturday, April 20th it's time for another SUPERHEROES FOR HOSPICE Charity Comic Book Sale.  I'll be one of the guests in attendance and I'll have copies of much of my work through the years with me, including my ARCHIE'S WEIRD MYSTERIES and VINCENT PRICE books.  As always, there will also be (long) boxes and boxes of comics for sale from all decades as well as other great comics creators on hand to autograph comics, do sketches and sell original art.  Proceeds benefit Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  at the Barnabas Health Corporate Office, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange (directly across the street from Saint Barnabas Medical Center).  Admission is free. For more information or to make a comic book donation to Superheroes for Hospice, please contact Spiro Ballas at sballas@barnabashealth.org or 973-322-4866.  You can also read more specifics about this Saturday's event when you click here.

Now here’s a clip from the audio/video podcast, “Fever Keeps It Real” – the fine folks who run the show, Paul and Linda Wein dropped by one of our previous “Superheroes for Hospice<” events and interviewed me about Archie’s Weird Mysteries and the charity starting at 3:46 – enjoy!

SPRING INTO THE WORLD OF COMICS... FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Greetings Scared Silly fans! It's springtime and that means it's time once again for the next “Superheroes for Hospice” charity comic convention, taking place this Saturday, April 21st at the Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center (BHHPCC). The event takes place from 10AM to 5PM and benefits patients and families served by BHHPCC. I will be there autographing copies of my ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES and VINCENT PRICE books along with various comic book projects.



New this year is the "Get Into Comics" lecture series. Comics historian and writer-artist Arlen Schumer will take the audience through an overview of his life loving and ultimately working in comics. Cartoonist Rick Parker will give a hands-on lesson in creating and sketching a comic book character. Hannah Means-Shannon, PHD will explore how the tradition of spectacular heroes goes back to ancient history as well as the place comic book heroes play in our society today.

More details on the event and the lectures can be found when you click on this link.

There will also be plenty of comics for sale from all decades to purchase as well as other great comics creators on hand to autograph comics, do sketches and sell original art. Among some of the great comics pros on hand will be famed Marvel and Papercutz artist Rick Parker, who is bringing "Tales from the Crypt" to a new generation; writer Erica Schultz, whose fine "M3" is quickly gaining a following and features the art of legendary horror comics artist Vincente Alcazar; and Dave Ryan, the man behind the all-star comic mash-up "The War of the Independents." And that's just a small sampling of the talent appearing this Saturday.



Established in 1981, Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center provides comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care and support services to patients with advanced illness throughout ten counties in New Jersey. The program, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families while offering full access to the broad array of services provided by the Barnabas Health. For more information, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org.

Now here’s a clip from the audio/video podcast, “Fever Keeps It Real” – the fine folks who run the show, Paul and Linda Wein dropped by the September “Superheroes for Hospice<” convention and interviewed me about Archie’s Weird Mysteries and the charity starting at 3:46 – enjoy!

TRICK OR TREAT, TRICK OR TREAT, HERE'S A CHANCE FOR US TO MEET!

Two chances, actually!

I'm doing two Halloween-themed personal appearances at East Coast comic shops over the coming days.

My first appearance will be at the famous Jim Hanley's Universe in New York City. It's all part of Halloween ComicFest 2014, a now-annual event (and companion-event to May's annual Free Comic Book Day) in which comic shops offer free spooky-themed comics to their customers and host comic book writers and authors for autograph signings.

I'll be signing alongside talented Diana Leto, she the artist and co-creator of an excellent series called The Halloween Legion that I can't recommend highly enough.

The event takes place on Saturday, October 25th from noon to 2PM. You can see more details by clicking here.



The following Saturday, November 1st at 2PM, it's "Time to Get Spooky" as Montclair, New Jersey's East Side Mags is billing it (I also like to call it "HalloweenFest Part 2"). East Side Mags is a newer comic shop on the scene, and a great one at that. Owner Jeff Beck not only is passionate about the comics hobby, but dedicated to nurturing a love of comics in younger readers, at a time when many comics fans are adults.

At this signing, I'll be autographing alongside my Archie's Weird Mysteries colleague, Fernando Ruiz, the brilliant artist of the series. See more details on this event by clicking here.

At both appearances, I will be autographing copies of the Archie's Weird Mysteries paperback collection as well as the Midnight Marquee Actor Series: Vincent Price edition to which I contributed a chapter. And I'll have plenty of free Scared Silly bookmarks to hand out, too. Hope to see you there! :)

SCARED SILLY HITS THE ROAD!

Sort of...

I'll be at the New York Comic Con Saturday at the Archie Comics booth signing copies of what I have left of the horror-comedy comic book series I wrote, "Archie's Weird Mysteries." I may also have some "Conservation Corps" issues on hand... featuring such monster bad guys as Robo-oily Bird and Styranofoamus Rex!

(And let me pause for a moment to give a shout-out to comic artist extraordinaire Chris Allan for his wonderful caricature of yours truly)!



Stop by if you can - Saturday evening at the Archie booth between 6 and 7PM at the Javits Center. See you there! Meanwhile, here's the opening of the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" animated cartoon that the comic book series I wrote was based on: