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 15, 2008 17:38:46 GMT -5
Hello again, everyone, and Happy Holidays! It's great to be back here for more Western fun, though I wasn't expecting my return so soon. Hopefully, the other special-guest stories I promised earlier in the year will surface eventually, but I am glad we got to see that mysterious pistoleer known as Don Walsh strut his stuff last issue. Matter of fact, he did such a good job that he's officially become writer numero dos for WWQ, and will pitch in with more Johnny Tuhnder stories in future issues.
As for myself...you folks remember waaaaay back when I mentioned I was writing a book? Well, it's finally done now, and over the next year, I'm going to be shilling it to every dang agent I can get a hold of, so even though I will do my best to make sure I hit my deadlines, there is the possibility of slippage. In order to head off that horrible notion, instead of the usual 25+ pages from me every issue, you'll occasionally see shorter stories (like you did here) with Don taking up the rest of the page count...or even writing the whole shebang for an issue if I really screw up. That's right: either one long story or two short ones from now on in WWQ. I promised you at the beginning to deliver as much bang for your imaginary buck as I can, and this seems like the best way to keep that promise now that I'm trying to become Lil' Miss Hot-Shot Novelist.
Before that happens, however, I will kick off the New Year with one of my usual far-too-long stories, which is the first part of a much longer tale that shall unfold in due time. Does it have anything to do with that tiny blip of a scene at the end of this issue? Sorry, but not yet, that comes later. Suffice it to say that the unofficial blanket title of the whole arc is "Love and War", and that a certain scar-faced bounty hunter is gonna experience his fair share of both by the time this is done.
See ya in 2009! - Susan Hillwig
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Post by ryokowerx on Dec 17, 2008 15:14:44 GMT -5
Hi Susan -
I just wanted to say that the latest issue was amazing. Its nice to see someone else who shares my love of the old western comics and that first story was just a doozy! I love holiday stories and you pulled this one off with aplomb without it turning into a sappy retread of A Christmas Carol. Excellent work and good luck with your novel!
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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 18, 2008 18:25:04 GMT -5
Hey, new people! How y'all doin'?
Glad you liked it. I was having a hard time judging as to how much of a "sappy factor" I'd put into this, so good to know it wasn't too heavy. And if you like your Christmas tales with a Western flair, be sure to look up the Vigilante story I did in the DC2 Holiday Special for 2007, and I'm already planning on contributing to the one in 2009. Why not do it now, you ask? You'll see.
And since you're fairly newish around here, let me invite you to peruse WWQ's back catalog. If you want more Windrunner, check out WWQ#8-9 (then take a peek at FLASH #27 or thereabouts afterward!). If you want to find out why that old man in the last-page teaser wants Jonah Hex dead, or maybe just get caught up in general for the upcoming arc, then set a spell and take in WWQ#0-4. The rest are done-in-one stories and/or tie-ins for other DC2 works, but they're all good, son, I wouldn't steer ya wrong on that.
Okay, enough plugging. On to the next review!
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Post by HoM on Dec 18, 2008 18:29:12 GMT -5
Really enjoyed this issue, Susie! As always, the characterisation was spot on, the character moments just fantastic, and generally, I cannot wait till you get your book published, hahaha. Brilliant work, ma'am!
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Post by ryokowerx on Dec 19, 2008 9:16:12 GMT -5
Hey, new people! How y'all doin'? Howdy, m'am! Ah'm havin' a good ol' hog killin' time! If you want to find out why that old man in the last-page teaser wants Jonah Hex dead, or maybe just get caught up in general for the upcoming arc, then set a spell and take in WWQ#0-4. The rest are done-in-one stories and/or tie-ins for other DC2 works, but they're all good, son, I wouldn't steer ya wrong on that. [/b][/quote] I aim to do jus that, miss. Assuming you follow even a little bit close to the original Hex comics, I already know why he wants him dead but I don't mind reading it as well done as you write or if you put a spin on it. ...and thanks for the pointers, Susan. I've got quite a bit of reading to do catch-up on
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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 21, 2008 15:00:39 GMT -5
You're having a hog-killin' time? Well, I guess I know what's on the menu for Christmas dinner now!
On the Hex stuff: little bit of spin, but mostly sticking with the traditional take. WWQ#0-4 was basically my attempt to put all those little scenes and references to Jonah's past over the years into one long, coherent story, so I had some good-sized gaps in his history to fill (like why the heck a poor ol' country boy like Jonah is associating with high-falutin' plantation folk like the Turnbulls). My only regret is that I wrote it before Palmiotti & Gray did that 3-part origin recap in JH (vol.2) #13-15, as we came to different conclusions on Hex's home state (I leaned towards Lansdale's assumption). Even if you're familiar with the old stuff, you still might find it enlightening. Be sure to leave feedback, I'd love to hear what you think!
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Post by starlord on Dec 27, 2008 0:25:48 GMT -5
I apologize for being really late with this. Holidays and all... Excellent story, Susan. This wasn't sappy at all, and was a beautfiul variation on a traditional Christmas story. Max is one heck of a character that you've got down just as well as that Hex guy! And speaking of Hex! ZOINKS!!!! I can't wait to see where that goes!
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Post by arcalian on Dec 29, 2008 0:28:23 GMT -5
I too am late, and I too am sorry.
The Christmas tale of the first was brilliant, and explains why a man would be so hard. As for the second, all I can say is that since I don't know Hex's backstory that well, it reads fresh and new to me, and works very well.
Good luck getting published!
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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 29, 2008 14:10:18 GMT -5
Better late than never, guys. I tend to get behind on my reading around here myself (which reminds me, I'm 2 issues behind on Titans: Resistance! Sorry!)
Back on Hex again: you don't need to know anything about his backstory to enjoy what's coming next...and yes, it's gonna be a doozy. Like I said before, though, we won't be seeing the repercussions of that little scene for a bit, but what comes before that should hold your interest in the meantime.
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Post by lissilambe on Jan 29, 2009 19:58:09 GMT -5
And me, I'm even later. For everyone. Busy day playing catch up today (and still have New Outsiders to get to).
The first story was fantastic! A perfect Christmas tale, with pathos and joy and introspection and just so beautifully laid out. Good characters, nice interaction, and some true emotion in those words. A great job as always!
And the prelude? ooo...times are gonna be bad for Mr. Hex, that's for sure! Turnbull in the house, and it's going to be a hell of a time. Can't wait.
Take care Don
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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 30, 2009 14:49:59 GMT -5
Hey, you don't want to know how far behind I am on my reading now! The pile just keeps getting higher and higher.
And for those that are wondering, WWQ#13 should be hitting in February -- we're still a tad off-schedule 'round here, sorry. Marky-Mark's going over it with his lil' blue pencil as we speak, writing all his odd notes and adding those semicolons that he likes so much. Keep an eye out, it'll be here before you know it!
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