Saturday, March 09, 2013

Bob Larkin needs help

Most of the pulp fans are probably already aware of this. But, I thought I'd share this with some of the comic fans that may be unaware.

I first became aware of Larkin's name when he became the main replacement for James Bama on Bantam's Doc Savage series. He was a good choice in that he had much of the same sense of heroic realism of Bama and Boris. He also managed to get Doc in some other clothes for a few of the covers. It was only in retrospect that I realized I had seen his art for awhile as he did quite a few painted covers for Marvel's comics and paperbacks as well as the painted and pulpish covers for Warren's Rook magazine among others.

Bob's wife, Fran, has been fighting cancer for the past 12 years and the medical bills has put them under an incredible financial strain. She is currently recovering from her latest surgery and Bob has become her caregiver around the clock, leaving him unable to take on new work.

Thankfully, fantompress.net has been working with Bob the past few years, doing primarily Doc Savage based items with the profits going to Bob and family.

They've also been working with Bob about putting together a sketch book featuring Doc Savage as well as Batman, Stewie, the Shadow, and a bunch others. It has finally come to pass as the books are fresh from the printers. Each is square bound, 8 ½ x 11" 48 black and white pages and are individually signed and numbered by Bob. The paperback is b/w, signed and numbered of 500 copies and is $20 per. The special hard cover includes an extra 8 pages of color of new paintings of Doc and friends. Thirty signed and numbered copies for $60 apiece. The Deluxe has the extra 8 pages plus choice of original water color illustration (5x7 on 8 1/2x11 board) along with custom storage case. Only 20 copies and is $500.

100% of the sales are going directly to the Larkins as well as anything else that might interest you on the site.

www.fantompress.net

Friday, March 08, 2013

Whedon does Shakespeare



Have to say, this looks really cool. Shakespeare adapted by Joss Whedon using several of his regular actors: Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Amy Acker. Apparently, Anthony Head was supposed to be in it and when he couldn't, Clark Gregg of the Marvel movies was drummed up. One way to get superhero fans and sci-fi geeks into the seats for William Shakespeare. If it's half as smart, sexy, and energetic as the trailer shows, it's bound to be good.