How weird... A new story, new interview and new covers!

Hello there!

I'm still in the middle of the month of perpectual plate spinning so this week's newsletter is a round-up of stuff, kicking off with the hot-of-the-press announcement of a new short story.

Weird Tales

As I said on Instagram at the weekend, Weird Tales was the stuff of legend for me when I was a kid, where all the pulpy, monstrous goodness I craved seemed to have their origins. Conan. Cosmic horror. Every article about my favourite genres seemed to head back there, evocate covers reproduced in countless coffee table books. Never did I think my own stories would appear in an issue of the near mythological anthology. How could they? Weird Tales belonged to the past...

But now Weird Tales has been resurrected, edited by the wonderful Jonathan Maberry, who invited me to contribute to the upcoming Occult Detectives special dedicated to the memory of Brian Lumley.

My story – Sins Will Find You Out – introduces two new characters who I hope you'll see a lot more of in the future: disgraced exorcist Father David Brogan and his – shall we say – intriguing associate, Ash. As for what else you might find in the story, well, more on that nearer the time...

The Weird Tales Occult Detectives special is available for pre-order now, featuring this incredible cover by Jeff Wong.

Talking High Republic with chums

Okay, what else? Well, how about a new interview with me and George Mann conducted by Youtini's ever-enthusiastic host Eric where we talk all things High Republic, including the return of a certain green-scaled Jedi master?

Oh, go on then. Don't say I never do anything for you!

Comics, comics, comics

Whaaat? Even that's not enough for you. Blimey!

Then here's the news that Dark Horse is releasing a special omnibus edition of my Tales from Vader's Castle series. Vader's Castle: The Deluxe Library Edition is 484 pages of Sith-tastic spooktacular horror stories from a ghoulaxy far, far away.

Here's the official blurb...

Revisit the scariest place in the galaxy with this comprehensive collection!

Exhumed from the lava mines of Mustafar comes the complete legends of Darth Vader’s castle: a shadowy tower haunted by the dark side. Join Rebel Commander Lina Graff, Lieutenant Hudd, and their friends as they sneak through the citadel’s dank corridors in search of escape. Along the way they trade terrifying tales of Obi-Wan, Han, Chewie, the Ewoks, and other galactic heroes facing off against interstellar creeps: menacing Sith, soulless stormtroopers, possessed droids, alien witches, mutant monsters, and more! When Hudd falls into the clutches of Vanee, the castle’s creepy caretaker, he is treated to further spine-chilling stories of the galaxy’s most vile villains, including Darth Maul, Assajj Ventress, Jabba the Hutt, and Vader himself! Even after the band of rebels flee the fortress, they are pursued by nightmares of rampaging were-Wookiees, Dagobah swamp monsters, and other ghouls!

And for the first time, the Shadow of Vader’s Castle one-shot is collected here, in which the Mustafarian locals share their own hair-raising legends about the villainous stronghold.

Are you brave enough to set foot in the Sith Lord’s fortress of fear?

Written by Cavan Scott, author of Star Wars: Tales from the Death Star and Star Wars: Tales from the Rancor Pit, and rendered in ghastly detail by acclaimed illustrators, including legendary horror artist Francesco Francavilla!

Collects Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader’s Castle, Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle, Star Wars Adventures: Shadow of Vader’s Castle, Star Wars Adventures: Ghosts of Vader’s Castle, and the Star Wars Adventures: Free Comic Book Day 2019 short story “Droid Hunters”.

It's out 25th September, just in time for spooky season!

Visit the Dark Horse site to find out where to pre-order!

Staying with comics, new covers for June have been revealed in the months solicits including Rod Reis' eye-popping cover for Union Jack The Ripper #2...

Meanwhile, the villainous Baron Boolan is front and centre in Phil Noto's cover for Star Wars: The High Republic #8...

... while Lourna Dee gets a shock in this variant cover, again by Rod.

Finally, there's a special Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary variant by Chris Sprouse. You can almost hear the bleep-bloop-bleeps!

Finally, ex-Jedi monster-hunter Ty Yorrick also has trouble with the Nameless in Rachael Stott's moody cover for Saber for Hire #3...

Is that enough to keep you busy? Good!

But, just in case, here's one last thing to look out for from my pal Paul Cornell: a special early bird edition of his brand new cryptozoological mystery graphic novel featuring the awesome art of Rachael Smith - Who Killed Nessie?

But don't wait long. You've only got 48 hours to snag the special offer!

That really is everything for now! Phew! I'll be back next week with more, including the return of the question and answers section. Get your questions in via my handy web form!

Until next time, look after yourself and each other!