The Letters Page
As we've mentioned before, there's way too much mail for us to answer in the shows, so we'll be answering some of it right here on the blog. As always, thanks for sending in your questions, and please keep shooting them over to tips@pulpsecret.com, call them in to 888-841-7549, or post a video response on YouTube!
Chris writes:
I've recently "as of the 9th issue" started reading as many of the comics from the series "Fall of Cthulhu" from Boom comics. I'd love to hear a review of this comic from you guys maybe back it a special so you can mention the Lovecraften lore between the many short stories that this comic draws from when retelling the mythos of Cthulhu and adding on it's own "continuation" to the story's and lore that Lovecraft created. I, for one, have found myself consumed with the witty and smart writing and "Okay" art found within the comic. It has inspired me to pick up a compilation of Lovecraft's shorts pertaning to the Cthulhu myths just to get more back story on the events and characters seen in the story arc other then those created for the comic. This comic reminds me what it felt like to first read through the "Sandman" comic arcs, and their own recreation and retelling of many of the mythos and gods and heros and villains from the past.I can definitely speak to the quality of Lovecraft's stories... They're awesome, and trippy, and gave me a huge headache when I was younger. As for the Boom comics renditions, I'll definitely take your recommendation. Has anyone else been reading these?
Oliver asks:
Which current Marvel and DC writer and artist do you think is underrated? Who do you think will shine this new year?For Marvel, I'd unequivocally say Matt Fraction; he'll be taking over Marvel in a big way, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's writing the next big cross-over. For DC, it's a little tougher, but Matthew Sturges comes to mind. He's kind of Bill Willingham's protege, and is writing more and more titles over the course of the next year.
Seeianrun asks:
Are there any story arcs out as trade paperbacks that you feel like everyone should pick up and read if they didn't read them when they originally came out (Civil War or 52 for example)?I assume you're talking about more recent story arcs, as there's a LOT of stuff you should pick up in trades. Justa couple off the top of my head: Sinestro Corps War, the best story-line from DC in years; Super-Villain Team-Up from Marvel, which is so much better than you think it is; and when it comes out, definitely grab the Umbrella Academy collection.
Ayon queries:
I was wondering if any of you liked Ex-Machina. Also if you guys have any intention on bringing the squirrel suit back.Love it! Ex Machina is a fabulous series, and my only regret is that I started to read it in trades, so I'm a little behind. Justin and Pete read it issue by issue, so whenever they talk about the current issue, I close up my ears and whisper "Y The Last Man, Y The Last Man, Y The Last Man" until they're done talking. And we'll see about bringing the squirrel suit back...
Dan wonders:
I realize this is probably old news by now, but I just finished reading One More Day and Brand New Day, and am really disappointed. I enjoyed the events that changed Spider-Man over recent years, particularly The Other, and I saw his unmasking and fugitive status as an interesting new problem in his life. I wanted to know what direction you guys would take the story if you could retcon the retcon?OMD is the gift that just keeps on giving, huh? I will say this... If you can get past OMD, BND is turning out to be a lot of fun, and for the first time in a while, I'm really liking Spider-Man comics. THAT being said, if I could retcon the retcon? This is going to sound like a non-answer, but I would have them do the same thing. Meaning, have Peter choose his own sacrifice over Aunt Mays, which turns out to be the selfless sacrifice that redeems him and heals her. Then, have the same Brand New Day storylines, just without the un-unmasking angle. I dunknow, I just write about these things, I don't write 'em.letters, page
Hello all, my name is Michael Alan Nelson and I'm the writer for Fall of Cthulhu. I figured since I was in the neighborhood, I would try to answer a few of Chris's questions regarding the comic and how it relates to the Cthulhu Mythos.
First, let me say that I can't speak to the comic's "goodness" or "badness" since I'm obviously biased (it ROCKS like CANDY!). I'll let other readers weigh in on its quality (please be gentle).
As for how the comic relates to the mythos that Lovecraft created, perhaps the best way to look at it is as if Lovecraft created this incredible sandbox and I'm inside making my own little bucket-shaped castles. I'm not retelling any of his original stories (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), but instead I'm telling a modern tale within the universe he created. I do use a few of his characters (especially in the first arc), but mostly I have been creating many of my own.
One of the things I wanted to do with this comic was make it appealing to both fans of Lovecraft as well as people who have never read Lovecraft before. There are many little things that fans of Lovecraft will recognize or might pick up on that casual readers won't, but it isn't necessary to enjoy Fall of Cthulhu. Although I heartily second Alex's recommendation for you to read Lovecraft's stories, they aren't necessary for you to understand Fall of Cthulhu.
Chris, thank you for picking up issue #9 (one of my personal favorites). If you like the issue and want to read more, I recommend starting with the trade paperback that just came out a few weeks ago. It's called Fall of Cthulhu: The Fugue and it collects the first arc of the series--issues 0 through 5. Issue #10 (which closes out the second arc) will be available, I believe, next week. However, if you happen to be in San Francisco this weekend and heading to Wondercon, we'll have issue #10 at the BOOM! booth (you can pick it up before all of your friends and make them insanely jealous). Then, of course, the third arc, The Gray Man, begins in March and THAT story is AMAZ-- Okay, I'll go ahead and stop with the sales pitch (sorry about that, folks).
Again, thank you so much for giving Fall of Cthulhu a try and I hope you stick around and keep with the series.
la! la! Cthulhu Fthagn!