What Do Creators Do During Shut-Down?: Write, Draw and Read

EDITOR'S NOTE: Once again we check in with indie creator Gary Scott Beatty to learn how he's keeping himself from going stir-crazy. Don't forget to check the links to his own work included here, as well as some of the cool stuff he's passing on. Thanks, Gary! . . . . . .

Soon! Soon, the coloring will be done for Welcome to Dunwich, 108 pages. 100 years past, a horrible, destructive force nearly decimated the small town of Dunwich, Massachusetts, then faded into legend. When it happens again, can Anna's Scooby gang join together to defeat this spawn of elder gods -- and the humans pledged to aid them? An interesting combination of feelings these days, terrified and bored at the same time. I'm not just around for the Likes, I'm a human person, and so are you. If you want to talk, I'm here, just hit "reply." +++ I'm in the middle of several books right now, which is not the way I generally consume them. For some reason I'm skipping around.   I decided to jump in to the new Sandman Universe with graphic novel collections and I have to say, The Dreaming and House of Whispers do not suck. I found them both intriguing and well plotted, creative, and willing to take some chances. (I haven't worked up the nerve to dig into Lucifer yet. Mike Carey's 75 issue run on the spinoff in 2000 is one of the most interesting stories in comics, sure to go with me into the old folk's home when my collection is stripped down to the barest essentials.) The Sandman Universe is wide open for comparison with the groundbreaking 1989 Sandman series, so I will. On reflection I realized what is missing from The Dreaminggraphic novel: a single, theme-driven story. Neil Gaiman's holistic sense to his story arcs garnered notice and respect from readers beyond comics. Each Sandman collection is a novel in itself that asks questions beyond the presented plot and answers those questions in that volume -- like a "real" novel. The Dreaming? Pick up the next collection, bucko, to see what happens. #+!%& DC sucked me in AGAIN! For a more Vertigo-like experience, check out the new Hill House Comics. You can read a free sampler here. +++   On a lighter note, I am very much enjoying Tarzan: The Complete Joe Kurbert Years, a huge collection by Dark Horse of the popular '70s comic book series, which Kubert wrote, drew and edited. I'm loving the single stories. I'm enjoying Kubert's loose drawing style, unlike anyone else I can think of at the time, and unlike anyone today. It's not high literature but it is high adventure, and that's enough for me. Many have tried their hand at Tarzan, but Kubert understands the material better than most. His respect for the 1912 Edgar Rice Burroughs magazine and book series shines through. +++ Stay safe and be happy. Yes, it can be done. Spring is coming. Take five minutes to look at it, breath it in and appreciate just being here for it. We have today and, today, that is enough. In glorious service to our Aazurn overlords, Gary Scott Beatty For in depth stuff, join me on Patreon