#ghostlore

[its-halloween-night]

Here's the cover as long as a few snippets of a new Zine, GHOSTLORE I'm starting. Dedicated to old school & hand drawn imagery, this is quick, easy & fun to flip through.

Unavailable in my shop but $6 copies will be going out to anyone who wants one.

Follow or message me on my IG: HERE or DM me

[avernine]

The lone spectre on the stairs is our most active presence - visitors to the Tower have seen her standing by the base of the stairs, looking at something we cannot see.

Some of our visitors have reported her making direct eye contact with them, her knowing look filling them with wonder or fear. What is it she sees in your face? This benign spirit guards her secrets well.

Now available as a print on INPRNT - link in my pinned post

[coolcomicbookcovers]

[thefailurecult]

[do-you-ship-this-comic-ship]

[smashpages]

Nominees announced for the 2023 Bram Stoker Awards

Comics by Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Adam Cesare, David Stoll, Amy Chu, Soo Lee, Junji Ito and Gou Tanabe were nominated this year.

[ghostwor1d]

Again

[Ev looks only about two years younger here than they are now. He’s screaming, tears falling down his face.

(tw for pokemon death. this is not to be taken lightly.)

On the ground, in the grass in front of her, is a phantump. The wood head is shattered into pieces, and the black that acts ghostlike while alive is stained around it like blood, thick and dripping off the wood. There is a large metal hammer covered in the substance as well, along with a note. The writing is sloppy, as if the writer had used the liquid to write it.

‘THIS IS YOUR FAULT.’]

[graphicpolicy]

Get your first look at Cullen Bunn and Leomacs' Ghostlore #7

Get your first look at Cullen Bunn and Leomacs' Ghostlore #7 #comics #comicbooks

[wimbledon2008]

oh FUCK YEAH dude

[nfcomics]

GHOSTLORE, tells the tumultuous tale of Lucas and Harmony Agate, a father/daughter duo with a troubled past brought together in the wake of a deadly accident. Finding themselves imbued with the ability to see the ghosts of their town’s deceased and hear their warnings for the living, the two are set to tangle with other "nearly-deads" like them, who might not be so charitable in how they use their abilities. 12 Issue series published by BOOM • May 2023

(w) Cullen Bunn

(a) Leomacs

(colorist) Jason Wordie

[fantomcomics]

What’s Out This Week? 5/10

Thanks for making Free Comic Book Day 2023 one of our best ever!

Count Dante #1 (of 6) -  J C Barbour, Wes Watson & Cary Nord

Sydney Brown relives his years fighting alongside Count Dante, the cape-wearing, car-selling, controversial karate master from the 1970s. But while the reporter interviewing him is excited to hear the salacious details of a crazy life, it is clear the time was bittersweet for Brown.

Daughters Of Snow & Cinders GN -  Nuria Tamarit

Princess Mononoke meets Jack London in this gritty, ecofeminist adventure. Fleeing the fires of her war-torn homeland, a young woman travels to the New World in search of gold to rebuild her life. In this strange, lawless land, Joana encounters friends (the kind Native women Tala and Opa), foes (the cruel gold hunter Matwei and his men), and an unexpected traveling companion who may just be her good luck charm - and amidst the icy reaches of the wilderness, a fearsome fantastical beast lurks in the shadows.

The English debut of Spanish cartoonist and illustrator Núria Tamarit, Daughters of Snow and Cinders conjures the awesome natural beauty of the frozen north in vibrant color. A rugged adventure story with two strong young women at its heart, this graphic novel offers a poignant message about the urgent need for humanity to overcome our greed and base impulses to be good stewards of the world in which we live and depend on.

The Dog Knight GN -  Jeremy Whitley & Bre Indigo

A nonbinary middle schooler saves a dog from bullies and is offered the chance to become the Dog Knight, protector of a magical pact between humans and dogs, in the first book of this humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel series.

Frankie knows who they are. They're a drummer, they're nonbinary, and they're.. . the Dog Knight? One day Frankie is a relatively normal middle schooler, with relatively normal challenges, like finding the perfect outfit to wear during their upcoming drum solo. Then, they save a friendly golden retriever from bullies and wake up in a giant magical doghouse, with a funny looking helmet, talking to a group of dog superheroes called the Pawtheon. If Frankie can prove that they possess the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell, they will be named the Dog Knight and be given the power to fight the forces of chaos. Maybe there is more to Frankie than they thought?

The Final Girls TP -  Cara Ellison & Sally Cantirino

When the world's most powerful working hero asks her retired peers for help, they secretly agree to deal out punishment on another hero in the public eye. But when the weapon of publicity is wielded, it threatens to kick up all of the personal traumas of the heroes, past and present . . . Collects the original digital series for the first time in print!

What does justice look like when violence isn't enough?

Frankenstein: New World HC -  Mike Mignola & Peter Bergting

Safely tucked away inside the hollow earth where humanity survived after Ragna Rok, precocious young Lilja receives visions of a new darkness taking root on the surface. Defying her elders, Lilja awakens the timeless oracle--once known as Frankenstein--to investigate the warnings and, perhaps, even explore the new world above.

Ghostlore #1 (of 12) -  Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Brian Hurtt & Leomacs

We've all heard of ghost stories... but what stories do the ghosts themselves tell us? An estranged daughter and her pastor father wander a haunted land; they only have the restless spirits, each with its own story to tell, as company along the way. After a deadly accident of which they were the only survivors, Lucas and Harmony Agate can see the dead-an overwhelming amount of the deceased, all with their own warnings, cries for help, and malevolence alike. But Lucas and Harmony aren't the only ones with this ability; there are other nearly-deads, some of which have malicious motivations...

The Incal: The Dying Star HC -  Dan Watters & Jon Davis-Hunt

Things are not going well for Commander Kaimann. Luz, the love of his life, is dead, his home of Tortuga destroyed, his crew ghostly apparitions, and his crocodilian mutation taking over more and more of his body, Commander Kaimann is fighting for his life on multiple fronts. Just when it seems like despair may overtake him, a chance encounter with a strange violin connects him to Aurora, a woman living in a future where she is staring down almost certain destruction. With his passions renewed, Kaimann hatches a bold plan to find a cure for his mutation and a future with his newfound love. However, Kaimann's past is catching up with him, and Aurora's future faces imminent doom from an approaching hostile fleet. Two timelines tick towards tragedy, and only an act of pure love can save them!

Kong: The Great War #1 -  Alex Cox, Tommaso Bianchi & Bryan Hitch

The World at War! While men of all nations fight on foreign shores, an Imperial German U-Boat is lost at sea!  The crew now faces terror beyond imagination! Monsters from creation's dawn! Gruesome, blood-stained death from above and below! Impossible beasts, reigning by fear and violence in the South Pacific! And looming over all, the gargantuan ape-god that knows no master!  These brave men have faced death before, but now they must contend with...Kong!

Lost Falls Vol 1 TP -  Curt Pires, Antonio Fuso & Pierluigi Minotti 

When Detective Daniel Pynchon Wakes up in Lost Falls, on the shore with no recollection of how he got there, he struggles to piece together the events that lead him there. As he investigates the phenomenon surrounding his memory loss and the town itself, he discovers horrors both human and otherwise. Collects the original digital series for the first time in print!

Murder Inc: Jagger Rose #1 (of 6) -  Brian Michael Bendis & Michael Avon Oeming

From the creators of the Eisner Award-winning, bestselling POWERS comes this brand-new world of historical crime fiction like you've never seen before. Discover a world in which the five families of organized crime never lost their stranglehold on the United States. Now, half the country is a smorgasbord of sex and sin ruled by loyalty and "family values" and the rest of the world looks on in awe, rage, or jealousy. Join us as newly "made" Valentine Gallo and Jagger Rose rise through the ranks of the notorious Bonavese family. No spoilers, but Jagger has already proven herself one of the greatest assassins of all time.  And, uh, the Pope would like a word. Yeah, that Pope. Huh.

Pet Peeves GN -  Nicole Goux

In this horror graphic novel, the new dog that aspiring musician Bobbie has adopted is cute, but also stealing her life. Bobbie's life is going nowhere fast. She's working at a bar, wanting to play music but never having the time or energy. The only bright spot is her dog-always cheerful, always cuddly, and always there for her. As the relentless day-in, day-out of work piles up, music and roommates and social plans begin to seem less and less important as Bobbie struggles to make rent and have any time to be creative. The only thing she has time for outside her job is her dog... and her dog is going to do everything he can to keep it that way. This debut solo graphic novel from breakout author Nicole Goux explores the struggles of a young artist, haunted not only by debt and society, but by more sinister (though adorable) canine forces.

Soloist In A Cage GN Vol 1 -  Shiro Moriya

Chloe and her baby brother Locke were born in a prison the size of a city: a walled-off collection of ramshackle buildings full of dangerous criminals who live bleak and isolated lives. Their parents are gone, leaving Chloe to care for her brother. When a trio of soldiers manage to break out of the prison, Chloe goes with them but loses Locke during the escape. After years of training, Chloe returns to the prison city with one goal: to find her now 11-year-old brother and get him out of that hellhole, no matter what it takes.

Something Epic #1 -  Szymon Kudranski & Tony S. Daniel

IMAGINATION IS REAL. Outside our perception, creative thought takes physical form, with only a handful of individuals known as Epics able to interact with this wondrous hidden world. But for fourteen-year-old Danny Dillon, accepting these responsibilities himself won't be easy-or safe. Lose yourself in a world of endless fantasy and creativity, where superheroes, monsters, magical creatures, and cartoon characters live and breathe alongside us.

ThunderBoom GN -  Jack Briglio & Claudia Davila

Logan's going on the train to see the Santa Claus parade. Logan loves parades and trains. But Logan isn't like most 11-year-olds - he can't speak, and he mostly lives in his head. This adventure means facing his greatest fears: masks, dogs and the unknown. When he's separated from his parents at the parade, Logan goes where he's the bravest version of himself - his imagination. Transforming into superhero ThunderBoom, Logan is ready to stomp through any challenge! A fresh take on dealing with life's difficulties. Kids will be rooting for their new favorite superhero: ThunderBoom!

Twilight Out Of Focus GN Vol 1 -  Nisioisin & Oh Great

Second-years Mao Tsuchiya and Hisashi Otomo make three promises: 1) That Mao will never tell anyone that Hisashi is gay and has a boyfriend, 2) That Hisashi will never think of Mao "in that way," and 3) That they'll always knock before entering, in case someone is having some "private time." The two's ground rules should ensure a peaceful life together in their dorm, but life is never as simple as it should be, and some things are not so easily promised...

We Are The Smurfs: Bright New Days! GN -  Falzar Culliford, Peyo & Thierry Culliford

Welcome back to Smurf Village in the third installment of this early reader comic series! With the help of Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Hefty Smurf, and Brainy Smurf, young readers will learn how to process big feelings such as impatience, rejection, and grief, while learning how to take better care of themselves, their communities, and the Earth around them. With three all-new, full-color stories, and back matter dedicated to helping children explore and better understand their emotions, this book is the perfect option for newly independent and reluctant readers alike.

Wolf Girl & Black Prince GN Vol 1 -  Ayuko Hatta

High school girl Erika may be on Kyoya’s leash, but she’s determined to break free and unleash his heart! Fed up with being hopelessly single, high schooler Erika makes up a boyfriend to fit in. When her lies start to unravel, her schoolmate Kyoya offers to be her pretend boyfriend—for a price. With no other choice, Erika finds herself at the mercy of a blackhearted prince! But is Kyoya truly as blackhearted as he seems?

Whatcha scooping up this week, Fantom Fam? 

[neona]

really liking that gear now affects your character's appearance in Ghostlore

[coolcomicbookcovers]

[thefailurecult]

[superpoweredfancast]

Ghostlore #12 Review

Ghostlore #12 BOOM! Studios Written by Cullen Bunn Art by Leomacs Colors by Jason Wordie Letters by Ed Dukeshire The Rundown: Lucas and Harmony have a final confrontation with Shane amidst a dangerous storm. Father and Daughter take their small band of allies on a final assault against Shane and the growing army of ghosts working with him as the spirit storm continues to grow and cross the…

[aslamat]

The Phantom Hitchhiker: Unraveling the Legend of the Mysterious Traveler

You are driving alone one cold evening and the darkness of the night has suddenly been covered with fog. This is eerie; the wind rustles the trees while only the car’s beams are the only source of light. Around the next curve of the road, characters are found seated on the shoulder, hitchhiking standard in the other hand. Thus, you feel that you have a reason to get there regardless of how the whole place might seem, creepy. Little do you know, this simple act of kindness will plunge you into the heart of one of the most enduring urban legends: Focusing on the subject of the paranormal, one can mention the spectral motorist who can be referred to as the Phantom Hitchhiker.

The Tale Begins: He began to detail his fairytale tale, recounting the folklore about phantom hitchhikers that can be traced back centuries, tales that hail from every corner of the globe. The narrative often starts the same: a man who is alone on the road and suddenly he is attacked, a nice driver who stops to help him and then, what comes next is really terrifying. These (tales) link the material world and the spiritual one ��� a mix of affect and horror inherited from folktales.

A Ride with a Stranger: Seemingly considering the option of giving a lift to the hitchhiker. At least, it is difficult to tell at first, and on second glance, there is a subtle uncanniness to them all. Maybe it’s the clothes they wear, the touch of their skin, their hands, or the fact that a car transforms into a quiet box. It’s a feeling that intensifies with every mile you are on the road, starting with a subtle discomfort that slowly builds and becomes an anxiety. His replies are minimal and he is barely audible, however, his character is dominant and suffocates everyone around. You attempt to brush this off as just the result of the night and the weird feeling that is emanating from the air.

The Ghostly Truth: At some point, the hitchhiker may guide you to a certain location-an abandoned house, a deserted graveyard or a deserted road. well. Upon arrival, you look to your side only to discover the person sitting beside you has left. Suddenly feels a sudden shock and fear overcomes you and you will find that the passenger you once saw is no longer there. Often, there is a remnant of the hitchhiker, the type of object that contains a photo or a ring as an indicator of the past and of the gloomy fate of the character.

Legends from Around the World: Some of these tales resemble the I Was a Teenager Hitchhiking Episodes, but differ in details. One of the most popular legends in America is that of the White Lady who wanders the roads and craves company, especially in the state of Nebraska. It is reported that Mizzry Malone’s ghost has been seen wandering the vicinity of Resurrection Cemetery, Chicago, and one would be lucky to pick her up, only for her to vanish as she approaches the cemetery.

Among regional legends, the most famous and well-known are the following: In the BIBLIOGRAPHY section, the key source is cited as “Blue Bell Hill”. Men who decide to give a lift to a weeping woman in white dress near the scene tell of her disappearance before getting to her house.

Psychological and Cultural Significance: As to why these stories are so captivating, the answer lies in the simplicity of what they depict: anthropomorphism. Laypeople attribute such stories to innate psychological issues of city dwellers and to ancient beliefs and concerns about death and life after it. These narratives reveal and explain the system of relationships between the recognized and the non-recognized, between life and death. Also, they convey certain cultural norms for instance the repercussions of non-emergence from the house without notifying any member in the family or the devastating toll of burying an individual before coming to terms with the demise.

From a cultural standpoint, many of these fables and stories can be viewed as folklore that would effectively teach the traveler some significant lessons such as, ‘do not interact with strangers,’ and ‘do not ill-treat the dead. ’ They also focus on people’s interest about the deceased people; to know about their lives even their deaths; and most importantly to get some kind of closure out of it all.

Modern Encounters: Despite technological advancement rumors of the phantom hitchhiker have continued to surface even today. they are now meshed with modernity that they incorporate with everything from ride hailing apps to horror stories conveyed online. That is why these modern retellings hone in on the essence of the legend telling it in new ways that are as relevant as the original yet unafraid to retain the elements that make them so disturbingly captivating.

Conclusion: The Eternal Ride, The story of the Phantom Hitchhiker has remained alive to this generation because it is an expression of humanity’s call for respect, the dread for the unknown and compassion regardless of the evil the world may bring. Regardless of the way in which one takes the mysterious traveler story, it will be told as a fable to be whispered upon a camping party or as an open allegory with other meanings, the mysterious traveler on a lonely road will be one of the scariest stories one could ever hear.

And this brings me to my final question: next time you are on a lonely, pitch-black road, would you pull over to the pickup with the smiling stranger with an outstretched hand? Or will you recall the stories of the ones who tried it and what they experienced before you say yes?