FORTIER/KATO'S RETURN TO NEVER NEVER LAND

I knew that Ron Fortier and Gary Kato had taken a stab at J.M. Barrie's exalted Peter Pan, but I had only experienced bits and pieces of the 1991 endeavor (catching a picture here and there). I'm proud to report that I finally purchased a copy of their comic-book triumph, Peter Pan in Return to Never Never Land (both issues in one, 52-page, Redbud Studio volume) and must declare, it's even better than I anticipated. In fact, I consider it one of the best Pan exploits ever rendered, holding more than its own with Barrie's classic novella. 

For this particular sequel, Fortier's script places understandable emphasis on its titular hero, but also grants special focus on Roxbury, Massachusetts brothers, Jerry and Mike (the former, a lover of cowboy lore and the latter, his conscientious, older sibling). 

The story starts with the youngsters being accosted by bullies just before Christmas break, but by a twist of fate, Peter Pan arrives to halt (and humiliate) the aggressors. Then, along with the glitzy Tinkerbell, the eternal boy inspires the lads to embark on a journey to his fabled world.

Once there, Jerry and Mike meet the petulant, Captain Hook; the legendary Lost Boys; the verbose Carousel Broncos; and neighboring, American Indians, including the beautiful yet crafty Tiger Lily, as they engage in roughhouse shenanigans that support the old adage, Boys Will Be Boys. 

Kato's artwork, combined with Aiden Belcher's vibrant coloring, gives Return to Never Never Land a fresh, modern look, though at the same time, Fortier's story never overlooks Pan's roots (as some retellings and follow-ups have done). Return to Never Never Land respects Barrie's mythology, with Jerry and Mike fitting right in, always embracing the proper, derring-do spirit.  

Return to Never Never Land is so darn invigorating, it's guaranteed to manifest the kid in anyone and everyone. (I only wish I had experienced the jubilation sooner!)

Order now at 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953589618?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

AN ALTERNATE REALITY: FORTIER & DAVIS' THE BOSTON BOMBERS (CONTINUES)

The alternate-reality genre just got one better, with writer Ron Fortier's The Boston Bombers #1, Vol 2, with magnificent artwork by Rob Davis. 

This Redbud Studio release is, in fact, a revival of a storyline Fortier fashioned years ago, featuring female adventurers who work for the League of Nations (a world power in Fortier's parallel scheme). For the record, Harlan Ellison enjoyed the premise so much that he even phoned Fortier to express his admiration, and in turn, Fortier has dedicated his long-awaited extension to the late, eminent author.

The Boston Bombers' foundation is, indeed, unique on several levels, with Christ having surfaced as a woman, in addition to being accepted by the Jews as their Messiah. Also, the Roman Empire never fell, having continued to prosper as a formidable force on the global stage.   

These prime components have been enriched by the saga's titular band: Indra Divine, daughter of the Bishop of Boston and a crackerjack aviatrix; Rocky Felicity, who holds an equal flair for piloting; Copper Feladh, a brawny, ace mechanic; and Gena Wilhem, a consummate scientist.  

For this particular chapter, Fortier directs readers to South Africa Rome, first per a vivid prologue and later in the wake of Emperor Tiberius Kamana's murder (under the ruse of suicide). The emperor, we learn, embraced a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that have risen with the League of Nations, though not without evident opposition.

The belligerent Senator Rufus Iturius is the culprit behind Kamana's death and now seeks the emperor's daughter, Princess Augusta, who has fled with her faithful butler, Graham, and the resilient Captain Julia Maia, a Catholic spy. The fervid chase creates an energetic opening that rivals the likes of 007, Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. 

 

Davis' artwork complements Fortier's spirited espionage to a detailed tee, with each panel rendered to the satisfying extreme, leaving readers with an intricate, storyboard equivalent.   

Give The Boston Bombers a try. It's impossible not to get lost in the saga's awe-inspiring ramifications.

https://www.indyplanet.com/the-boston-bombers-v2-1

SATIN'S WAYS: FORTIER'S LONG-PLANNED DREAM COME TRUE

Sometimes it takes a spell, even decades, for a creative dream to reach fruition. A significant case in point is Ron Fortier's superb, 58-page, Satin's Ways, published by Redbud Studio.  

The saga's titular lead, Satin Wei, was an orphan trained by Hong Kong's most successful, jewel thief, and now in America, she continues her "Artful Dodger" ways, though behind the cover of an unassuming boutique. 

For the issue's commencing adventure, Ms. Wei is coerced into a tricky mission from Fort Morgan's "real power," Armand Dupont, owner of White Cobra Imports, who wants her to retrieve and destroy an incriminating disk. As one might expect, things don't go quite as planned, forcing our stealthy lady into a head-spinning spree of high danger and political intrigue, as only Fortier could compose. 

In addition to the prime adventure, Fortier gives readers a nifty bonus, "The Perfect Murder," which rolls like a fine-tuned, Alexander Mundy jaunt with Selina Kyle trimmings. It's short, sweet and delivers a swell, surprise ending. 

Artist Gary Kato, Fortier's long-time, Mr. Jigsaw collaborator, takes his illustrative skills to yet another impressive level for the main feature, with page after page of pulse-pounding, Bondian imagery.  

Artists Gonzalo Martinez, Terry Staats and Jaymes Reed do wonders with "The Perfect Murder," establishing a sleek, Hitchcockian ambiance; and the sensational, cover artwork comes courtesy of the legendary Rob Davis.  

I hope that Fortier launches a sequel issue (if not an ongoing series). Satin's Ways has far too much potential to stand as a one-shot, but even it if doesn't progress beyond this terrific teaser, I'm grateful for the explosive treat. 

Order Satin's Ways at 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/195358960X?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image

MR. JIGSAW #18: JIGGY IN A BIG-TIME BOUT

Though "In This Corner..," was included in The Adventures of Mr. Jigsaw #6 (released Feb '23), Mr. Jigsaw #18 is now available as a separate release through Redbud Studio and Indy Planet!

Issue #18 tosses Ron Fortier's Man of a Thousand Parts (aka Charlie Grant) into battle with a bully in need of a hard-knocks lesson. Accompanying this swell, morality tale is the madcap "One Saturday Morning", which is certain to generate grins galore.

Mr. Jigsaw is a fantastic character and represents Fortier's nice-guy perspective in every way, with conscientiousness and fun all rolled into one; and Gary Kato's cheery artwork matches Fortier's ebullience to the ideal tee. Mr. Jigsaw #18 is just another stand-out, collaborative case in point. 

Order Mr. Jigsaw #18 at

https://www.indyplanet.com/mr-jigsaw-18?fbclid=IwAR2kAFLh-sa6DQNHqa-7axJbtJ8Ib3VmVO62ix1kelTaEOPaB48HzpVL4xI

RON FORTIER/KEVIN JOHNSON'S BLACK LION: A FOUR-CHAPTER EDITION

All four chapters of writer Ron Fortier and artist Kevin Johnson's Black Lion are now available in one convenient volume, thanks to Redbud Studio. 

Black Lion tells the tale of Jamal Lyon, a former Navy Seals operative, who's recruited by Commander Peter Trent to snuff out rogue mastermind, Conrad Tobias Valane, who's up to no good in the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, Lyon discovers a fellow vet, Nathan Brewster, who merely wishes to hid away from society's hustle and bustle, but alas, circumstances are stacked against that hope, leaving the noble Black Lion to intercede. 

Fortier and Johnson's adventure is not only packed with covert intrigue but identifiable characterizations, placing it on a sophisticated and empathetic level not found in most such hard-hitting yarns. 

Without question, this Black Lion edition is one to embrace and more so, savor. It also features an eye-catching, movie-poster styled cover by Shannon Hall, elegant lettering by Warren Montgomery and vibrant coloring by Arrick Church, thus mounting its collectible status all the further. 

Order this stylish and absorbing compilation today at 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953589316?psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

MR. JIGSAW: THE EARLY ADVENTURES #2

Right on the heels of The Adventures of Mr. Jigsaw, Vol 1 (see Jan '20 post) comes a second edition of the Man of Many Parts' early years, courtesy of Rob Davis' Redbud Studio. 

The content is written by Jiggy's creator, Ron Fortier, accompanied by Gary Kato's awesome artwork and includes "American Sidekicks"; "The Bully and the Knight"; "Charlie's Best Friend"; and "The Phantom of Studio-B" (a tale sure to please all famous-monster fans). Each entry bounces with glee and also a staunch sense of doing good, which the world so often needs. 

As nifty bonuses, Vol 2  features pin-ups, a photo album and a fantastic foreword by Tony Isabella, acclaimed author of "1,000 Comics You Must Read", who offers insightful reflections on Jiggy's manifestation. 

The Adventures of Mr. Jigsaw, Vol 2 can be purchased at
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0849T1LN7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

MR. JIGSAW: THE EARLY ADVENTURES

Thanks to creator/writer Ron Fortier and Rob Davis' Redbud Studio, The Adventures of Mister Jigsaw #1 has hit print and presents the superhero's earliest adventures.

The volume contains Fortier's classic, 1982 origin of  "the Man of a Thousand Parts" (aka Charlie Grant), along with "The Job", "The Apartment", "Lt. Boltz", "A Day in the Park", "Up on the Rooftops", "Secret Identity" and "The Icemen Cometh", each brought to detailed life by faithful Jiggy artist Gary Kato. The stories are breezy, dynamic and above all, brimming of cheer.  (Issue #1 also includes a "Just for Laughs" overview by Fortier on how Mr. Jigsaw came to be.) 

One can purchase The Adventures of Mister Jigsaw #1 at
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083XTH61G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

Beyond a doubt, The Adventures of Mister Jigsaw #1 is an essential, historic addition to any quality, comic-book collection!!!

ALL-STAR PULP COMICS: THREE TALES TOLD THE PROPER PULP WAY!!!

All-Star Pulp Comics (Vol 4) is now available from Airship 27 Productions and Redbud Studio, serving three stories structured to satisfy one's adventurous cravings!!! 

The first entry, "Mark of the Gargoyle: Rocket's Red Glare" is from applauded, New Pulp author, Ron Fortier (based on an idea from Dario Carrasco, Jr) and features Boston protector, Lord Greyford, aka, the Gargoyle, investigating a Nazi-linked murder. The stylish melodrama brims of mystery, intrigue and thanks to Montos' alluring artwork, ample atmosphere. 

I actually reviewed the first part of this story earlier this month for Will Lill's Fun Adventure Comics! #10.  However, All-Star Pulp Comics (Vol 4) features the entire saga. Therefore, for those who desire a jump start on the rest, All-Star Pulp is the way to go. (BTW: The second half of "Rocket's Red Glare" presents some amazing, aviation action, placing our dark crusader in far different turf than we find in the first.)

Following the Gargoyle's daring jaunt, author/illustrator Kevin Broden gives us his version of Golden Age veteran, the Veiled Avenger, in an eponymous tale with impressive, period-style artwork. (BTW: the super-talented Broden is fashioning the interior illustrations for my upcoming Airship 27 novel, "The Persona, Vol 2". Cool!!!)

At any rate, for those unaware, the Veiled Avenger is, in actuality, Ginny Spears: an unassuming secretary by day and a sexy, strong, whip-snapping lass by night. Broden's yarn captures not only the fiery fury of her original exploits, but that classic chapter play, "Zorro's Black Whip". (Now that I think of it, "Black Whip'"s lead, Linda Stirling {and her trusty stunt double, Babe DeFreest} would have made an excellent Veiled Avenger.) Readers will be engrossed as our heroine tackles mobsters who wish to harm her dedicated, district-attorney boss, "Max" Maxwell. 

To complement "The Veiled Avenger", Vol 4 is concluded by another swell Fortier tale, this one penciled with precision by Kevin Wiggins, in what's called "Operation: American Maid". The story introduces us to yet another energetic beauty, who springs forth to snuff a treacherous Arizona assault.

The physically enhanced Major Liberty, aka Karen Malone, should appeal to Captain America and Wonder Woman fans, in that she epitomizes both patriotic brawn and mythic charm...

And how 'bout that remarkable Rob Davis cover: a round-up of Vol 4's champions against a ninja onslaught!!! (Now, that would make one helluva story, particularly if Fortier, Broden and/or Davis furnished it.)

Don't miss out on the fantastic fun. Order your copy of All-Star Pulp Comics today at ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946183482.

RON FORTIER'S MR. JIGSAW: HOW TO MAKE A COMIC BOOK!!!

Author Ron Fortier's Mr. Jigsaw has adorned many comic-book adventures over the years, always accompanied by the awesome artwork of Gary Kato. The Man of a Thousand Parts now hosts a noteworthy, how-to special edition. 

Fortier's "Mr. Jigsaw: How to Make a Comic Book (How a Mr. Jigsaw Comic is Made)", published by Rob Davis' Redbud Studio, takes the reader through all the necessary steps to construct a comic book. The process is cheerfully detailed through Fortier's script-page samples and Kato's sketched outlines, which culminate in an actual, paneled story, featuring Mr. Jigsaw's dear pal, Amy Buck Boucher. For the record Fortier performs as one of the instructional characters, along with the magical Great Waldo. You'll be surprised by how much you learn, as these endearing folks bring the connecting formats to succinct life. 

As fans are aware, Fortier teaches a comic-book course at Colorado's Front Range Community College. Alas, not all of Fortier's admirers can attend, but at least this special edition grants them his valuable know-how in a fun, condensed way. It's also a nifty Mr. Jigsaw collectible in its own delightful right.

"Mr. Jigsaw: How to Make a Comic Book" is available for purchase at ... https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Jigsaw-Special-Comic-Made/dp/1946183431/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533667035&sr=1-1&keywords=mr.+jigsaw+how+a&dpID=51zvVImvhxL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch. 

AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST (NOV '17): READY FOR TAKEOFF!!!

Strap in and prepare for takeoff, folks...Airship #27's latest podcast (Nov '17) is set to soar; and in the tradition of those wonderful installments that have come before, this one is sure a great listen!!!

The episode contains terrific tidbits on such Airship 27 publications as Greg Hatcher's weird tale of western sorcery, "Silver Riders", plus the upcoming "Mystery Men (and Women) Vol 5". 

In addition, Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis chat about their soon-to-be-released "Secret Agent X" comic, "Race with the Devil", which will be published by Davis' Redbud Studio. Also, exciting, new Radio Archives titles are referenced, discussed and praised. (Ron and Rob even plunge into a neat, little tangent on "Sea Hunt", which gives the episode further, nostalgic glee.)

Tune in now at ... http://zone4podcast.com/airship-27-podcast-33-the-silver-riders/. 

You're in for an entertaining and edifying trip!!!