Susan Hillwig
Staff 
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Nov 2, 2005 0:36:21 GMT -5
 I was hoping to start this lettercol myself, but it looks like my editor's got an itchy posting finger. Heck, that's fine, I'm still in shock that I've got this job.
When I first heard about DC2, I was in the middle of finishing my first fanfic, in addition to editing a novel that, someday, will be ready to send to the publisher -- starting another project was the last thing on my mind. But this was too unique to pass up, so I contacted David and said, "Tell me what you need."
Unfortunately, what he needed I didn't feel qualified to write: I had zero ideas for the characters he offered. What I did have ideas for...well, no way in heck would he approve it, but let's run it past anyhow. "I've been kicking around ideas for some Jonah Hex stuff," I told him, "maybe I could do it for you guys instead of posting on my own. Matter of fact, I could cover the rest of DC's Western stable as well. Jonah's getting a new book in November, and I already know from the writers that the cameos will be few and far between...we could give the people what DC won't: Nighthawk and Cinnamon, Johhny Thunder, all those guys." Only problem was, I couldn't deliver this on a monthly basis and keep my sanity (or marriage) intact. I figured that was a project-killer right there, but I presented the idea anyways, conditions and all, and waited for the rejecton slip.
"That's a great idea!" David said. "How about we call it WEIRD WESTERN QUARTERLY?"
Huh? Excuse me? I've got my own book? Holy Hannah, I've got my own book!!! The thought was exhilarating and frightening at the same time -- David and the rest of the DC2 gang have put a lot of trust in me to represent DC's Old West history for their little site, and I only hope I can deliver. I decided the best place to start was with the one guy I know like the back of my hand: Jonah Hex. This 0 issue is just the beginning of a tale that'll show you who he is behind that ugly mug of his -- for the long-time fans, you'll see echoes of the old Fleisher era, along a few notes of Lansdale and the new series when applicable, and for those unfamiliar with the man, it'll be a real eye-opener -- you'll soon see if what those guys at the poker table were talking about is true.
The regular series will begin next year, but I thought we should put out a little teaser to coincide with the release of the new JONAH HEX #1 (as well as a special birthday gift to the man -- what, did you think I made that part up?). To make up for the 3-month lag between installments, the regular issues will be much larger than this one, and I promise that, once we've finished our first arc, we'll let ol' Hex rest up a bit and give the other DC cowpokes a chance to shine. Some you'll know, others my surprise you, and along the way, you'll get a glimpse of what the DCU was like before it got cluttered up with capes and tights. So saddle up, pardners, we're in this for the long haul.
Welcome to WWQ. Enjoy the ride.
- Susan Hillwig |
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Post by dragonbat on Nov 2, 2005 0:38:12 GMT -5
Oh, I am, Susie! And considering that my exposure to Westerns is basically limited to Magnificent 7 and Unforgiven, that's saying something. In other words, regarding issue #0...
Ya got me, Pardner! This rocks!
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2005 7:46:32 GMT -5
I gotta tell ya, I am extremely excited by this corner of the DC2!
Emphatically not a Hex fan to begin with, I discovered Susan's work while browsing some fan fiction sites, looking to recruit some writers, and was instantly taken with the quality of writing (which, as everyone else now knows, is masterful); but it was only after I established a dialogue with her that I realized I had to have this writer for the DC2, in whatever capacity! Her passionate, scholarly approach to her subject is infectious and accesible. To her, the characters of the DCU Western Canon are as important and significant as Catherine or Heathcliffe, D'Artagnan or Sam Spade; they have histories and lives that can be traced and followed (and enjoyed).
I wasn't sold on WWQ--- I was sold on Susan Hilwig.
And--- boy!--- did I get a bargain!
This little corner of the DC2 is in very capable (loving, respectful, talented) hands. This is fan fiction of the best kind: it takes a reader with only marginal interest in the subject, and makes them a convert.
So, from this brand new Hex fan, I strongly encourage all members and guests of the DC2 to read this issue, and see for yourself what I'm talking about.
You won't be disappointed.
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2005 7:47:05 GMT -5
Oh, and it's gonna be a long wait until January and WWQ1!
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Post by HoM on Nov 2, 2005 13:28:03 GMT -5
I actually read Jonah Hex #1 today, and it doesn't hold a candle to yours... Well done Mrs Hilwig!
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Post by starlord on Nov 2, 2005 19:20:43 GMT -5
Well I honestly wasn't going to read this because I usually run the other way when it comes to any kind of westerns. I'm so glad I didn't listen to myself. What you've written is amazing and I am stunned at how much I truly loved this and cannot wait for the next one to come out.
I tip my hat to you M'am. This was stunning.
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Post by goldk on Nov 3, 2005 11:09:05 GMT -5
Great job. I found myself after reading it, quietly sitting and pondering the whole story. For me that is the true mark of a great story, when it stays with me. I liked it so much I am going to print it out and take it to a hex friend of mine who doesn't have Internet access so he can enjoy it too. I loved it. Encore Encore!
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Post by Admin on Nov 3, 2005 19:11:03 GMT -5
I would also like to say that KSM, as ever, delivered a perfect cover! Viewing Hex through the hole he just blasted in the fourth wall... Brillinat!
And I agree with Charlie--- upon Susan's advice, I picked up Palmiotti and Grey's Jonah Hex #1 yesterday, but found myself enjoying it far less than the pathos and atmosphere that Susan imbued her story with.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Nov 3, 2005 22:35:07 GMT -5
Funny, I picked up the new JH #1 and damn near cried at the end (I won't spoil it for those that haven't read it). Maybe I'm just so blinded by my Hex-nuttiness that I don't see any flaws. Gray and Palmiotti (who graciously let me put up links for my Hex-fic on their site) have the same idea as I do when it comes to Jonah: he's a man who does awful things, but he is a man, he's got a heart under that Confederate gray. I found things in that issue that echoed things I'd written about in my previous Hex-fic, and was glad to see we thought the same way.
That said, I have no intention of competing with them for the Hex-love -- we're working with the same characters, but in two different areas, so I'll do my best to compliment them, not overshadow -- their stuff is official, mine is free, pick and choose as you will.
As for lassoing new Hex-nuts...heck, that's half the reason I do this. I just got two people here to buy a book they wouldn't have otherwise, and I know I've sold a few others for DC via my last fic, so that's payment enough for me. All I can tell you is, if the new series isn't appealing to you, try the Jonah Hex Showcase reprint book that came out the same day -- that's the stuff that attracted me to the character, and that's the basis for "Death and Gunsmoke."
- SH
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Post by brigante133 on Nov 3, 2005 23:44:54 GMT -5
ooh i loved it! cant wait to see more westerns! cant find that showcase presents for him though, not here :-^ anyways great job on that.
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Alexi Sivana
New Member
dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight
Posts: 9
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Post by Alexi Sivana on Nov 16, 2005 19:39:11 GMT -5
I felt I probably ought make an official note of having read and enjoyed both this and your earlier Hex/GL x-over immensely. And I also dug the new issue of the "official" chronicles of Jonah and stayed up waaaayyy too late ingesting the Hex Showcase phone-book.
I'm not gonna ask for any hints as to what's in store as I'm just along for the ride and am enjoying the scenery. I do have a question for you, though....
Are you a fan of westerns (or western comics) in general or just Jonah in particular? And if it IS just Jonah, how did you, as a (then assumed) non-western fan, get into Jonah?
Alexi Sivana
caffienated ret-con supervillain-at-large
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Nov 17, 2005 13:40:24 GMT -5
Like Jonah's past, I can't sum up how I got entangled with the guy in one sentence. I promise to spill my guts about it in the next "Trail Talk", and will do my best not to bore you fine folks.
- SH
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Post by bigboi on Dec 6, 2005 21:36:02 GMT -5
wow for a short story this was really good
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Post by brigante133 on Dec 9, 2005 18:55:01 GMT -5
im a bit confused when DOES the next issue come out exactly?
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Dec 11, 2005 19:51:14 GMT -5
Crap in a hat, Hex fever is spreading -- now people are changing their screen names in his honor! BTW lovely avatar -- you need to get more beauty sleep, Jonah boy.
The next issue should be out in January, barring any disasters (having a computer with a mind of its own, I must always add that stipulation). Expect it to be about 3-4 times longer than this issue, so be prepared for eye strain.
- SH
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Post by brigante133 on Dec 11, 2005 19:53:47 GMT -5
and by people you mean the guy who changes his name and avatar every few days?
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Post by therealsuperjosh on Dec 30, 2005 23:43:18 GMT -5
Ive always been a fan of western books and movies,but have never actually read western comics. The closest thing to reading Jonah Hex that I have ever read was the small part he had in Crisis on Infinite Earths. But after reading your story I've been pursuaded to by the Jonah Hex Showcase.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Dec 31, 2005 12:41:55 GMT -5
*DING!* We got another one! Once again, half the reason I do this is to boost Jonah's profile, 'cause every new Hex-nut out there buying real books ensures the new series' longevity. By the by, Josh, when you pick up that Showcase, remember to buy JONAH HEX #3, which will be out in a week or so, and then stop by here not long after for WWQ #1! It'll be a learning experience, I assure you!
- SH
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Post by l1701e on Dec 31, 2005 14:35:29 GMT -5
Also, check out her Jonah Hex bar in the DC Comics Message Boards. Get yourself loaded and talk the man himself. Oh yeah, and leave your sanity at the door. You'll be able to handle the stuff that goes on in the bar better without it.  ;D |
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Post by HoM on Dec 31, 2005 14:44:10 GMT -5
Hey, yeah Mrs Hilwig, you really should introduce us, your crazy friends, to your crazier friends in the bar!
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Post by deadshot042 on Jan 4, 2006 18:40:09 GMT -5
I really enjoyed reading this the first time a few days after it came out and after reading it again, I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it. This is really good work and I can't wait for Issue # 1. This story captured everything I love about my spaghetti westerns in words, not the easiest task. Keep up the excellent work!
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Apprentice
Staff
I really need a new avatar...
Posts: 479
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Post by Apprentice on Jan 5, 2006 12:52:56 GMT -5
Ive always been a fan of western books and movies,but have never actually read western comics. The closest thing to reading Jonah Hex that I have ever read was the small part he had in Crisis on Infinite Earths. But after reading your story I've been pursuaded to by the Jonah Hex Showcase. Same thing here; I am also gonna check out some Jonah Hex stuff 'cause of this. I'll start with #1 of the new series, then, if I like it...who knows? |
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Post by HoM on Jan 5, 2006 13:18:09 GMT -5
Pick up the Showcase TPB, reprints Jonah's earlier appearances at a cheap cheap price...
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Post by markymark261 on Jan 16, 2006 13:03:39 GMT -5
Great story. Liked it a lot more than the first issue of his new series. Especially liked the urban legends that had grown around Jonah and the line about how he eats.
Just to be picky, it might have been better if you'd established at the beginning that Enrique was an old man. I'd already conjured up a mental image of him (albeit ridiculously vague) that was forced to self-destruct when I came across the fact he was an old and shrivelled man.
Also, "When the finished" should have been "When he finished" and conversely "the door behind he bar" should have been "the door behind the bar".
Curious as to whether you'll also be posting this series at ff.net (I've got nothing against DC2 but prefer ff.net's black on white. Also, since I sometimes print out some stories for reading, it would save me considerable ink and paper). Anyway, regardless of where you're posting I suspect I'll be reading it.
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Post by HoM on Jan 16, 2006 13:48:14 GMT -5
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Jan 20, 2006 12:04:25 GMT -5
Ah, my spellchecker's here! Mark, is that your day job or just a public service? Seriously, I can always count on you to wtch my back (and fingers!). As far as Enrique goes, I thought I said right off that he and his wife were old. If not, sorry.
Fanfiction.net will be getting the WWQ storyarcs as they are completed (my own TPBs, how about that?) so "Death and Gunsmoke will be there late 2006. In the meantime, keep coming back for more right here on DC2!
- SH
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Post by Romans Empire on Apr 8, 2006 1:49:57 GMT -5
OK I admit it, I am probably the last person to get in on this wonderful book. I won't make excuses but better late then never right? I know very little about the character of Jonah Hex so I was coming into this with no expectations from the character. Now I did have certain expectations concerning the wonderful writing skills from Hex-nut Susan Hilwig. I wasn't disappointed to say the least!
I was never a fan of western period fiction (But I love Deadwood) so maybe thats why I waited to read this. Either way I am in for a treat with having two more issues to read this week!
I was wrong to pigeon hole this as a 'western' title because this is a wonder piece of character fiction. Here I am complaining that my story is pigeon holed unfairly in a category it doesn't belong and I was doing it myself!
I instantly wanted to know everything about Jonah the second he walked in the door. The legend of fear that was demonstrated by the poker players made me want to know how he got that reputation!
Such a 'simple' one scene story so rich with such vivid detail and rich characterization made me feel like I was sitting in the corner watching the whole thing unfold right before my eyes. I am officially hooked. Thank you Susan for showing your love of a character through such a wonderful tale. If this was just a short little intro I can't wait to see the 'real' story. The advantage I have now, is I don't have to wait!
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;D
