Take 5 with Colonel Chaos

Matt: I'd like to welcome another guest to the blog today. We're still Crimsonstreaking...and today Colonel Chaos joins us. Thank you for your time.

Colonel Chaos: Enemies of the Common Wealth must die!

Matt: Um...good day to you, too, sir.

Colonel Chaos: That was a joke, Matt. I'm not that one.

Matt: That's kind of a spoiler.

Colonel Chaos: I think you're losing some people here. We'd better get on with it.

Matt: Right. So, you established the New World Common Wealth. Where did you get that idea?

Colonel Chaos: Nice opening salvo. I thought this was going to be about promoting the book.

Matt: It is. Just...tell us a little bit about the New World Common Wealth.

Colonel Chaos: A few years ago, my wife, Miss Lightspeed passed away. Murdered, actually, by Zeus Caesar. There was so much death and violence in the world, so many different squabbles among countries. I wanted to find a way to make everyone play "nice." I sketched out an idea for a new world...one where the people of Earth would join together as one. It was a John Lennon thing, I suppose. "Imagine all the people living life in peace." A noble idea.

Matt: That's not how it played out, unfortunately.

Colonel Chaos: We're not really going to talk about this, are we?

Matt: I suppose it's best for the Heroic Legion tribunal to hash this out. We'll move on, then. Tell me about your relationship with your son.

Colonel Chaos: I can divide this into two distinct periods, Matt. When Chris was growing up, before he went to college, we were close. He was a bit of a mama's boy at first, but as he entered junior high, we became closer. Chris understood what life was like for a superhero family, and we bonded. We were best friends, watching sports together and playing a lot of catch. After Karen [Chaos' wife and Chris' mom, Miss Lightspeed] died, we grew apart. My son will tell you that it was all my fault, and I can't argue. I worked tirelessly to find a way to bring Karen back, and I neglected him. It's something I'm not proud of. We had a falling out, both going our separate ways.

Matt: Did you try to reconcile?

Colonel Chaos: (shakes his head) I wish we had. Sadly, though, I was completely engrossed in finding ways to bring back Chris' mother. I tried everything--lookalikes, shape shifters, clones. Nothing could replace her. Chris, well, he went his own way. Being the son of two great heroes--two famous heroes--is a burden no child should bear, yet he went out to make a name for himself.

Matt: Anyone who's read the Dawn Magazine article knows that you coined your son's superhero name, but not everyone has heard the story. How did "Crimsonstreak" come to mind?

Colonel Chaos: The son of some two-bit villain of the week invaded our home seeking revenge. He got the drop on us, and nearly escaped. Chris went chasing after him...moving in this red blur. He was wearing an Indiana University sweatshirt...and I said something to the effect of "he was like a cream and crimson streak." It was just an off-the-cuff remark, but Chris loved it. I was surprised when he adopted it as his superhero name. I thought he'd go for something flashier.

Matt: All right, you've survived so far. Last question here, Colonel.

Colonel Chaos: You know that's not a real rank, right?

Matt: I had my suspicions, but "Mr. Chaos" sounds stupid. Agreed?

Colonel Chaos: Agreed.

Matt: Last question, and this one backtracks a bit, and for that I apologize. Do you get tired of the villains from "the old days?" The ones who think you're "still in the game?"

Colonel Chaos: (scratches his head) Oh, man. Those guys. Wow. Some of them haven't accepted that I turned my back on that life. They keep coming up with grandiose plans that just happen to need a device or gadget that only I can make. One guy--Fourth-Reich Rich--is absolutely obsessed with the idea of turning everyone into Nazi zombies. I don't even know what that means. For the most part, it's amusing...and most of my former colleagues are locked inside the Clermont Institution for the Criminally Insane. Out of sight, out of mind, I hope.

Matt: Thanks for joining us, Colonel.

Colonel Chaos: Can I do the plug?

Matt: Excuse me?

Colonel Chaos: Willoughby got to do the plug at the end. You know, for the book.

Matt: Go for it.

Colonel Chaos: I, Crimsonstreak is available in a variety of formats from these fine retailers:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Mortimer P. Willoughby

Matt: He is perhaps the breakout character of the superhero novel I, Crimsonstreak, and today, I'm honored to be joined by the irrepressible Mortimer P. Willoughby. Welcome, sir.

Mortimer: (bows deferentially) I would like to thank you for having me on this program today.

Matt: It's really more of a blog.

Mortimer: Pardon?

Matt: Never mind. May I call you Morty?

Mortimer: That's a rather detestable nickname favored by those of an inferior station.

Matt: Mortimer, then?

Mortimer: If you would be so inclined.

Matt: No problem, Mortimer. Let's start off easy here. What's it like being the "go-to guy" for the Crusading Comet?

Mortimer: I would prefer a term such as "aide-de-camp," if you please. It is quite a thrilling vocation, and I have many stories to tell. I will not bore you with those stories, however. As befits your format here on this...blog...I shall endeavor to keep my responses short. Life as an assistant to a billionaire superhero never becomes dull. I am often relegated to sidekick duty, sometimes thrust into combat, and, on at least one occasion, it has been my duty to rescue the Crusading Comet. This I do gladly.

Matt: It's so nice to have a civilized conversation. I interviewed Crimsonstreak earlier, and that was brutal.

Mortimer: (Harrumphs) Yes, Crimsonstreak. A hero of...dubious distinction.

Matt: I sense a rivalry of sorts between you two. Can you tell me what's behind that?

Mortimer: It is difficult to say what attracts one person to another, and that which draws two people apart. I'm sorry to say that Crimsonstreak and I simply do not, what the devil's the word I'm searching for..."click?" Yes. We do not, as you Americans say, "click." Oil and water, the two of us. I am older, more refined, reserved, and content in my role. He is younger, crude, brash, and constantly complaining. They say opposites attract, yet sometimes it seems more fitting to say that opposites wish to murder one another.

Matt: Whoa. Murder? Really?

Mortimer: I mean that in the most respectful, figurative way imaginable.

Matt: I'll try to keep that in mind. You've worked with the Crusading Comet for decades now, having served four men named Warren Kensington. Which one is your favorite?

Mortimer: A correction, if you'll allow me. I have served three men named Warren Kensington. The fourth is still yet a boy. Asking a question such as this...it is dreadful. Could you, for instance, pick your favorite brother?

Matt: Actually, I can. I only have one. So, by default, he's my favorite.

Mortimer: You're missing my point, perhaps knowingly. Were I to ask you to pick your "favorite" friend, it would be a difficult task. The Kensington family has been so kind as to make me part of their family. They have entrusted me with their secrets and their lives. Thus, I'm afraid it is impossible for me to answer that question.

Matt: Fair enough. I'll move on, then. I think our readers would like some more insight on Mortimer Willoughby, the man. What drew you into this life? How did you come to America?

Mortimer: (smiles warmly) I grew up in a fine family in a fine community across the pond. I attended schools of good standing, and a university of good standing. As any young man so endeavors, I wished to branch out, and visited New York City. It was a much different place in those times. I happened across an advertisement in the local paper looking for a servant to help care for a local family. While I wished to return to England, I wished more to remain in America. I found a second family and camaraderie with Warren Kensington, Senior, and his lovely wife. And so it came to pass that I accepted their employment. I did not know at that time that I would soon be thrust into a world full of mystery, espionage, and intrigue. I expected to serve--to cook, to clean, to educate. Jet-fueled cars, night vision goggles, bulletproof armor, and Comet spikes were nowhere in sight.

Matt: This interview is much more enlightening and less painless than the last one.

Mortimer: (puts a hand on my shoulder) I lament that your experience with Crimsonstreak is quite common among those...fortunate...enough to encounter him.

Matt: Thank you. This helps. I'm sad to say this...but we've reached the final question of the interview.

Mortimer: That is news I regret to hear as well.

Matt: You're too gracious.

Mortimer: Likewise.

Matt: Of your many duties, which do you find the most challenging?

Mortimer: (laughs) Mr. Kensington...the third Mr. Kensington...has a certain admiration for the ladies. Attempting to juggle the many different facets of his life...business meetings, social events, stakeouts, luncheons, formal dinners, criminal takedowns...is difficult enough as it is. His insistence on juggling different female admirers and keeping his operations as the Crusading Comet secret is perhaps the single most difficult of them all.

Matt: Very interesting. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention your book, Mortimer P. Willoughby's Guide to Superhero Etiquette. What can you tell me about it?

Mortimer: A bonus question! How delightful! The Guide is in its Twelfth Edition. It serves as a guidebook for all superheroes, instructing them how to behave in public and deal with all aspects of superheroism.

Matt: Thank you so much, Mortimer. That's all we have time for today, folks. You can...

Mortimer: (holds up a hand) Might I be so bold as to do the "plug?" I have always fancied doing such a thing.

Matt: I would be honored, Mortimer.

Mortimer: (clears throat, rubs hands together) I, Crimsonstreak is available at these fine retailers in a variety of formats:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Crimsonstreak

Matt: Thanks for joining me on the blog today.

Crimsonstreak: Sure. A question, though. Haven't you written enough about me by now?

Matt: I'm asking the questions here, pal.

Crimsonstreak: (smirks) We'll see about that.

Matt: What's your favorite movie?

Crimsonstreak: You're really going in-depth, Katie Couric-rabid-reporter for this one, aren't you?

Matt: We're trying to help people get a character snapshot of you.

Crimsonstreak: Sounds more like you're trying to sell some books to me. Anyway, what do I know?

Matt: I said I'm asking the questions here.

Crimsonstreak: Whatever you say, buddy.

Matt: This is supposed to be a five-question interview.

Crimsonstreak: Can I help it if you're a crappy interviewer?

Matt: You're right. I can't help it if you're a crappy interviewee.

Crimsonstreak: All right, now you're playing ball. Favorite movie of all time...gotta say Return of the Jedi.

Matt: Interesting choice. Most people consider that the most inferior of the Original Trilogy.

Crimsonstreak: I'm not most people.

Matt: I'm getting that impression. Second question here: how fast can you run?

Crimsonstreak: (looks around the room) Who let this guy in? Man, I've gotta get a publicist. I'm fast. Faster than fast. Fastest man on earth. (now seated with food) I just ran to New York for shwarama. You didn't even know I was gone. So, dude, fast.

Matt: You can't pull out a shwarama reference. You haven't even seen The Avengers. Your book's set in like 2010. The sequel isn't even finished yet. I haven't decided if the Marvel Studios movies happened in your timeline.

Crimsonstreak: Sounds like somebody enjoys playing God.

Matt: This is intolerable.

Crimsonstreak: Yes, yes you are.

Matt: (sighs) Let's just try to get through this. Third question: what's with you and Jaci Graves?

Crimsonstreak: That topic is off limits.

Matt: That's right. You only answer "softball" questions.

Crimsonstreak: You're awful, you know that? We used to be a thing, then we weren't. Now...maybe we are again.

Matt: Does she know that?

Crimsonstreak: I don't know. Ask her.

Matt: We do have her scheduled for an upcoming Take 5.

Crimsonstreak: (waves hands) Don't ask her.

Matt: Of course. I'll respect your wishes.

Crimsonstreak: You could at least pretend to sound like you meant that.

Matt: We're rounding third here on this interview.

Crimsonstreak: If this were a four-question interview, that might make sense.

Matt: I'm going to ignore that. Fourth question: from a political standpoint, how will the Heroic Legion help the country recover from the New World Common Wealth? Keep it as spoiler-free as possible.

Crimsonstreak: You are the world's worst interviewer.

Matt: Thank you.

Crimsonstreak: (shrugs) I guess they'll redraw state borders and establish a provisional government or something. Find some lawmakers to help everything get back in balance. Work on the different levels of local government to bring everything back to the way it was. Then there will be elections...and something about the Constitution.

Matt: Don't ever run for office. Please. Okay, last question: who's your least favorite superhero?

Crimsonstreak: In comic books or real people?

Matt: By "real people," you mean people you know, right?

Crimsonstreak: You're a genius.

Matt: Just answer the question.

Crimsonstreak: Did you even read the book you wrote? Don't answer that. My least favorite superhero is Scarlet DashBoy. That little...

Matt: This is a family blog.

Crimsonstreak: (grumbles)...pipsqueak...is very off-putting. Wears red, runs fast...does that sound familiar?

Matt: Actually, it does sound familiar.

Crimsonstreak: (points emphatically) Thank you.

Matt: I mean...it kind of sounds like the Flash.

Crimsonstreak: (leans forward in chair) You know where you can stick your book?

Matt: At one of the fine retailers listed below?

Crimsonstreak: Well played, Adams. Well played.

I, Crimsonstreak is available at these fine retailers in a variety of formats:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

New TOUR STOP Announcement

I have a new tour date to announce for I, Crimsonstreak! I'll return to Richmond, Indiana, to a store I spent a lot of time (and money) at as a kid. Very happy to let everyone know I'll be at the Richmond Hastings on National Road East on Saturday, June 30.

The store will also stock copies of the book, although I imagine you won't find 80 copies there!

And don't forget about my other signing in June...I'll be at That Book Place on June 9 from 11am-2pm. So if you're in southern Indiana...be there!

Green Light Delivery Pre-Orders Open!

Fellow Candlemark & Gleam author Anne E. Johnson is ready to unleash her quirky sci-fi book into the universe! Green Light Delivery is due out very soon...and you can grab a print copy and the requisite C&G goodies by pre-ordering on Kickstarter. Here's the summary:

Webrid is a carter, like his mother and grandfather before him. It’s not glamorous work, but it mostly pays the bills, and it gives him time to ogle the sexy women on the streets of Bexilla’s capital. Mostly, he buys and sells small goods and does the occasional transport run for a client.

Then he gets mugged by a robot.

Now, with a strange green laser implanted in his skull and a small fortune deposited in his bank account, Webrid has to make the most difficult delivery of his life. He doesn’t know who his client is, or what he’s carrying, but he knows that a whole lot of very dangerous people are extremely interested in what’s in his head. Literally. And they’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

With the help of some truly alien friends, a simple carter will journey across worlds to deliver his cargo. And hopefully keep his head in the process.

Green Light Delivery is a fascinating, fresh take on sci-fi that pairs the nonstop action and intrigue of Raymond Chandler’s noir novels with a completely alien setting, spanning worlds and introducing us to creatures with a hundred ears, poisonous bones, or radial symmetry instead of bilateral. It’s full of adventure and humour, and will satisfy anyone looking for a space opera that’s a little out there.

You can make your pledge here.

Superhero Etiquette

Here's the final cover for Mortimer P. Willoughby's Guide to Superhero Etiquette.

I believe Morty would be proud...although he would likely protest the cover's crimson highlights.

Mortimer P. Willoughby Blog Post

Intrepid man of taste and style Mortimer P. Willoughby drops by Bibliognome today to describe the various roles he plays as butler to the Crusading Comet.

Chauffeur/Pilot. “Oh, a chauffeur,” some of you are probably thinking. “Isn’t that something all butlers do?” Many butlers indeed perform this function. Yet, I ask, how many of those butlers must learn how to pilot the Comet Intrusion Glider for Aerial Reconnaissance (CIGAR)? How many have experience filling up the jet-fueled Comet Cruiser and traveling at speeds that would make Formula 1 drivers blush? Not many, I would wager.

To learn more--including Morty's least favorite role as aide-de-camp to the Crusading Comet--check out the rest of the post here.

Crimsonstreak interview

I, Crimsonstreak has been out for a week now! I've done a signing, appeared on local TV, and had my first review.

Chris Fairborne AKA Crimsonstreak also took a few moments to talk about himself (one of his favorite pastimes, actually) over at Inkproductions.org.

"If I could change one thing it would be the harsh reality of chafing. It is not fun, especially when you move at super-sonic speeds."

Find more gems from our intrepid, pop culture-lovin' superhero here.

I, Crimsonstreak Review

Bibliognome has given I, Crimsonstreak its first review...and the news is good.

"This is a fun superheroic ride of a story. The characters will stay with you and you'll be wishing for more stories from this fascinating world. Definitely a must read for any fan of the superhero genre."

You can read the whole review here.

A Few Quick Updates

Well, I, Crimsonstreak launched! I did a few guest blogs, and you can expect a few more of those in the coming weeks as we try to keep the momentum going for the book. I'm expecting some reviews soon, so let's hope they're good. Big thanks to everyone who has purchased the book so far. I would love to hear your feedback.

Crimsonstreak 2 is out with my primary beta reader. When he's finished giving it a look, I'll work tirelessly on revisions and see what Candlemark & Gleam thinks about doing a sequel. I may end up doing a Crimsonstreak trilogy, but I'm not 100% sure yet. The second book ends with a cliffhanger, but I don't know if I'll end up keeping that or not. I'll just have to see what works best from a narrative perspective. The first draft clocked in at 90,000 words--and that's without any extra stuff. I've written about 6,000 words worth of extra content for the appendices in Crimsonstreak 2, and am targeting something in the 15,000 word range. It's unlikely that there will be as many appendices for the second book, but I have been known to get carried away.

I've been working on a completely separate project with the working title 17th Parallel. A quick summary:

A burnout. That’s what they called Marshall Drew. Once a promising young quarterback, he let the temptations of the good life destroy his hall of fame prospects. When a talent scout comes to his hometown offering one last shot at gridiron glory, Marshall agrees, triggering events that offer football immortality at an unimaginable price.

It's a sports book with a spec fic bent, and I'm about 80% done with the first draft. I would call this more of a sports book than a science fiction/fantasy book; it's more in the vein of Heaven Can Wait or Mr. Destiny.

Over the last few days, I've decided to work on polishing another draft that's been neglected. I'm reading through Sheridan's Hammer, a sci-fi adventure featuring a roguish hero named Sheridan.

Stranded on a planet decimated by a war between two bitter religious factions, former intergalactic gladiator Sheridan hasn't seen his home or family for ten years. As he searches for a way out, he brushes aside his vow of neutrality and chooses a side--a decision guaranteed to end his exile one way or another.

I'm just about finished reading through the draft. I'm going to compile some notes, eradicate the weak spots, and see what happens.

I finished a fairly extensive polish of another superhero novel called The Franchise. I think this book has a ton of potential, and while I'm working on other projects, this is the one I plan to concentrate most on. I have an extensive set of notes and corrections, and will make those changes before sending this one out to some readers.

I, Crimsonstreak on Indy Style

I dropped by Indy Style Friday morning to talk about superheroes and I, Crimsonstreak with host Tracy Forner.

I, Crimsonstreak: wishtv.com

My favorite still from the interview involves a little Crimsonstreaking:

Bookmamas Tour Stop tomorrow!

We're Crimsonstreaking over to Bookmamas in Irvington tomorrow.

This will be the de facto launch party for I, Crimsonstreak, and I hope to see you there!

Supporting characters

We're Crimsonstreaking over to Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile. today to talk about the importance of supporting characters!

Here's an appetizer:

In every story, the protagonist needs other characters to help shoulder the burden. Crimsonstreak doesn’t necessarily like this—he has a certain disdain for sidekicks—but when you’re up against your super-powerful father and his fascist, domineering regime (the New World Common Wealth)…you’re only going to get by with little help from your friends.

You'll find the main course over at Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile.

Crimsonstreak on Indy Style

If you live in the Indianapolis area, I'll be promoting I, Crimsonstreak on local TV. Look for me tomorrow (Friday) on Indy Style on WISH-TV. The show airs from 9am-10am; my interview should hit around 9:20-ish.

We'll be talking about superheroes, the book launch, and reveal my recipe for shrimp stir fry.*

*shrimp stir fry recipe not guaranteed

Power of the Colts Gnome

The life of an author seldom fails to amuse.

Case in point, this picture I snapped of the paperbacks of I, Crimsonstreak arriving at home:

I didn't MEAN to put him in the picture necessarily, yet Eric the Colts Gnome ended up, as one Twitter follower put it, "photobombing" the arrival of my book.

That someone noticed the Colts Gnome is amusing enough on its own. Then @TheRealTonyBird bought a copy of my book...all because of the Colts Gnome.

I think I'm going to have to talk to Eric the Colts Gnome about becoming my agent.

The Complete Crimsonstreak ABC's

We did it! I cheated mightily in at least two cases, but my Crimsonstreak ABC's are complete!

A is for Amazing Merrick
B is for Background Material
C is for Crimsonstreak
D is for (Scarlet) Dashboy
E is for Enforcers
F is for Fourth-Reich Rich
G is for Greenwood
H is for Heroic Legion
I is for Itchy Straitjacket
J is for Jaci Graves
K is for Kiltech Incursion
L is for Lock 'n Load
M is for Miss Lightspeed
N is for New World Common Wealth
O is for Observers
P is for Particle Buster
Q is for Quotes
R is for Report Unregistered Supers
S is for Sanctum Cometus
T is for Teleportation
U is for Uniform
V is for Villain
W is for Warren Kensington (all of them)
X is for Exponential
Y is for YellowStar
Z is for Zeus Caesar

Also worth checking out:

Matt's ABC's of Writing
Matt's ABC's of Star Wars
Matt's Superhero ABC's

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

That Time Chuck Wendig Tweeted Stuff

The Bearded One, Chuck Wendig, tweeted a few writing tips today. He admitted they were "stupidly obvious" pieces of advice that are "probably worthless." Thing is...Mr. Wendig is kind of a big deal these days. And then he was, somehow, a big deal again.

So without further commentary, five writing tips he tweeted today:

1. Write a lot. Can’t edit until you’ve written something. Can’t submit or publish something until you’ve edited it. So: write a lot.

2. When writing, try not to suck balls. Some of what you think sucks will be great. Some of what seems great will really suck. Write anyway.

3. If you wanna do this thing full-time, stop giving priority to stuff that isn’t writing. Can’t make it your priority? Do something else.

4. Even 500 words a day or one script page is two or three novels/scripts a year. How awesome is that?

5. Take multiple shots at the goal. A writing career is a lot about luck but luck is a thing you can maximize w/ productivity & diversity.

He then proceeded to go into the woods and frolic after imparting this writing wisdom.

You can follow Chuck on Twitter.

His latest release, Blackbirds, is available from Angry Robot wherever exceptional books are sold.

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter Z

Z is for Zeus Caesar.

Zeus Caesar looks like the most fearsome gladiator you can imagine. Big, bronzed, and muscle-bound, Caesar would've eaten Maximus alive (I mean that figuratively, but you never know...). Armed with the power of flight and the ability to generate and manipulate bolts of lightning, the villain isn't very happy with the current state of the world and believes we'd all be better off if the Roman Empire had never fallen.

To prove his point, Caesar engineered a reign of terror across the Midwest with his Legionnaires. Miss Lightspeed arrived and fought Caesar to a standstill before the villain caught her with a bolt of lightning that killed her. Colonel Chaos managed to contain Caesar, but his wife's loss would send him into a tailspin...and forever alter the global landscape.

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Paperback version!

The elusive paperback version of I, Crimsonstreak has arrived!

Photographic evidence below.

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter Y

Y is for YellowStar.

A very minor character in the book, YellowStar appears only in the supplemental material. The son of a villain named SiniStar, YellowStar attacks the Fairborne family in their home in hopes of getting even with Colonel Chaos and Miss Lightspeed, who were responsible for throwing his father in prison.

He's not a particularly effective baddie.

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Crimsonstreak Central

As I, Crimsonstreak launches today, I'd like to remind everyone about Crimsonstreak Central, an area on the blog dedicated to just about everything you need to know about the book. You'll find it on the second tab from the left near the top of the blog. You can also find it directly here.

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter X

I'm cheating on this one.

X is for Exponential, the Amazing Multiplier man.

Listen, it's better than Xerox, xylophone, or xenophobia.

Exponential isn't really himself. He's...a lot of himselves. Yes, I know "himselves" isn't a word. Exponential is an individual made up of individuals; a man with a multitude of personalities, some kind, some cruel, some alcoholic, some smart, and some stupid. His main identity is usually able to keep things in tow, but every once in a while one of his personalities gets "loose" and runs wild.

He sounds like the perfect candidate for the Clermont Institution for the Criminally Insane...and, perhaps, a candidate for the Heroic Legion.

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

The Kindle Edition

The paperbacks are ready to go. The hardcovers are ready to go.

So are the digital versions of I, Crimsonstreak! Photographic evidence below!

I, Crimsonstreak Arrival!

There is a terrific moment at the end of Back to the Future in which George McFly--the loser who finally grew a spine thanks to the intrepidity of his time-traveling son--tears into a box full of books, a presumed science fictional romance called A Match Made in Space. The book is the culmination of years of work by George and, consequently, owes its existence to a budding incestuous relationship involving his wife and his son from 1955.

I, Crimsonstreak worked exactly like that, except for the time traveling and the whole creepy romance. The hardcover edition of the book has arrived at my house, and as is tradition on this blog, I'm taking pictures. Here ya go.

The hardcover edition of I, Crimsonstreak and book plates await the author's signature.

A look at the front cover.

A look inside the front jacket flap.

The thrilling title page.

And...the back jacket flap. That's my stunt double.

The back cover of the book. The picture there, coincidentally, was originally the concept for the front cover, but we changed directions.

Some who pre-ordered the book will get shirts. We plan to open a store in case anyone wants to buy one of their own.

The mighty superheroic rubber ducky and the complete set of Crimsonstreak-inspired buttons.

An alternate cover concept sees new life as a button.

Our hero, everyone. On a button.

The Crusading Comet logo in a brandy snifter. Any SNL fans out there?

A button featuring the logo of the evil New World Common Wealth.

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter W

W is for Warren Kensington. All of them.

Warren Kensington is a New Yorker who created a cleaning solvent called Comet-Sparkle. After making a fortune from his invention, he decided the next logical step was to don a fedora and trench coat so he could patrol the streets at night as the Crusading Comet.

Then, he figured he should train his son to fight crime. Thus, a family tradition was born.

Three Warren Kensingtons have taken up the mantle of the Crusading Comet: Warren Senior, Warren Junior, and Warren III. Two of them have died in the line of duty. A fourth, Warren Kensington IV, waits in the wings.

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter V

V is for villain.

Would heroes exist without villains? Would villains exist without heroes?

It's the driving existential question of superhero stories.

What creates a villain? In the case of Colonel Chaos, we don't know what initially turned him to crime. We do know, however, that he redeemed himself. Then, his beloved wife died and Chaos went down a dark path once more in an effort to bring her back. He's a hero in conflict with himself, a fascinating case study in the dual nature of man.

Maybe that's too deep.

People who can fly or run really fast need someone to fight against, and the best way to do it is to have them fight other people who can fly or run really fast. Hmm.

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter U

U is for Uniform.

Chris Fairborne AKA Crimsonstreak is pretty particular about his...attire. I'd call it a costume, except Crimsonstreak would zip over to my house, slap me in the back of the head, and then be gone before I ever saw him.

Our hero doesn't do costumes. You see, costumes are for High Imperators and Enforcers, maybe the occasional supervillain. Superheroes aren't exactly your hardhat and lunch pail crowd, but Crimsonstreak views saving the world as a job. Any respectable hero sees the world this way, and someone with a job doesn't wear a costume. They wear a uniform.

Don't call it a costume. You've been warned.

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ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter T

T is for teleportation.

Super-powered people like Crossworld can transport simply with a thought, traveling long distances thanks to their superpowers. For others like the Crusading Comet, teleportation can only be achieved through technological means like the Comet Accelerator.

Let's face it, being able to go from one place to another is a concept that fascinates us. We've seen it in TV shows like Star Trek, comics like X-Men, and plenty of other fantastical stories. The world of I, Crimsonstreak wouldn't be complete without it.

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Green Lantern & Superman on the Avengers

Had a second viewing of The Avengers this afternoon, and my buddy lamented the Justice League movie that could've been.

I thought it best for Green Lantern and Superman to discuss it.

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter S

S is for Sanctum Cometus.

Batman has the Batcave; Superman his Fortress of Solitude. The Tick has Arthur's apartment.

For the Crusading Comet, it's the Sanctum Cometus.

A secret, high-speed elevator inside Warren Kensington's penthouse leads to the Crusading Comet's hidden lair, a cavernous compound with high-tech equipment, research lab, workout facilities, guest quarters, and much more. It's where the Comet makes his wonderful toys and observes the world around him. Few are allowed inside.

Of course, it's entirely possible there are more than one, but the Comet isn't telling.

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ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter R

R is for "Report Unregistered Supers!"

In order to strengthen his hold on the New World Common Wealth, Colonel Chaos ordered all superpowered heroes to reveal their public identities and join his Enforcer Corps. Not everyone in the superhero community was overjoyed by this particular order, and many resisted.

As a disorganized rebellion opposes Chaos and his New World Common Wealth, the High Imperator and his propaganda-spewing media sycophants engineer a wide-spanning campaign with a singular message for the public: "Report Unregistered Supers."

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Crimsonstreak Tour 2012 Dates Confirmed!

I've been in the process for the last few weeks trying to secure some book signings for I, Crimsonstreak, and I'm happy to announce today that three signings are confirmed!

The Quasi-Official Launch Party is set for the Downtown Comics Market Street location on May 16 from 10:30am-1pm.

On Saturday, May 19, I'll be at Book Mamas in Irvington from 1:30pm-3pm for another signing.

On Saturday, June 9, I'll be in Madison, Indiana, at That Book Place. Times are still being worked out for that one.

If you can't make it to any of those, I anticipate adding several more locations throughout the summer.

If you have any questions, let me know.

ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter Q

Q is for Quotes.

Crimsonstreak is a pop culture machine. A geek. Nerd. Whatever.

No matter what situation he encounters, something will inevitably remind him of a situation from a movie, TV show, song, or comic book. Our hero can't resist pointing out the reference.

Star Wars, Star Trek, Gladiator, Seinfeld, board games like Risk and Clue, George Strait, Metal Gear Solid...Crimsonstreak won't rest until he's pulled out every pop culture reference in his considerably diverse arsenal.

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ABC's of Crimsonstreak: Letter P

P is for particle buster.

Enforcers can't always use their superpowers against the average New World Common Wealth citizen. Thus, a gentler approach is needed. This gentle approach is the particle buster, a nasty-looking device mixing the "charming qualities of a billy club" with the "titillating touch of an amped-up cattle prod."

The standard buster has a variety of settings ranging from "slight tickle" to "full-body spasm" so that Enforcers can deal with regular people, inmates, or unregistered supers. Particle busters emit blue light, although there are reports of a more powerful red model.

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