Episodes of Storymaze feature: writing tips or a work-in-progress; something creative I’m digging; + a quote that’s got me thinking.
Coming in as I am right before the holidays, let’s (re)start this with an earnest 🎄Happy Christmas to all!🎅
2024 saw the release of the final 2 issues of Black Armor: a Daredevil miniseries I was asked to write by Marvel Comics. Unexpectedly! Unbelievably! This return for a new run with an old favorite featured not just *any* Daredevil — but specifically the so-called “Black Armor” version of the character that featured prominently in Fall From Grace and other stories that Scott McDaniel and I worked on together.
Often derided in its debut, this outfit has found a more accepting and excited fanbase — and it was a great joy to put it through its paces in a new way, thanks to the extraordinary visual storytelling of Netho Diaz.
To put it mildly: this was a rush. And the capper was the trade paperback that collected all 4 issues into one. We had an incredible fun putting it together — which seems to have come through on the pages, according to the many positive reviews.
I wrote up an afterword at the time of issue #4’s publication, which was supposed to run in that trade. Those words never made those pages — but I thought it’d be cool to share them out as an audio read. (I just love the sound of my own voice!) You’re invited to click play on the video above for a listen.
Ever read a Richie rich or Caspar and imagine demonic cults and rampant dismemberment? You’re in luck: Dwellings takes the Harvey Comics aesthetic, and turns it on its head (after first chopping off said head) in a series of well-executed (ouch) tales of murder and madness that’d have the ol’ Cryptkeeper quaking.
The incongruity of “Aww, cute — wait, what is she doing to his…CORPSE?!?” is the surface level shocker, but it’s excellent pacing, dialogue and yikes that really set this apart as worthwhile horror that you should invite to get under your skin. (Storymaze management is not responsible for what happens to your skin after that…)
Over 20 years ago, artist Karl Waller tossed out a question that I at first laughed off: “What about something with interdimensional truckers and hot truck stop women?” But later, I found something there that kept nagging at me…until a portal opened up, a hot blaze that set my keyboard burning. Fueled in part by a 4 foot stack of books on hell, I found myself typing without break, creating (channeling?) what would be the bible for the supernatural adventures of Percy Cross.
Forced to deliver damnation for the Underworld Transportation Authority, Percy must answer to demonic dispatcher Necros Terminal and partner with a thuggish veteran trucker named Virgil Shift. We originally called it “Route 666” and began to pitch it to publishers of the day. And…not much happened. 😭
Flash forward to this quarter-way into the century: when Karl and I reconnected, we asked each other the same question in the same breath: “Remember that girl driving the road to hell?” I’m convinced certain stories come to you, demanding to be told. And if you’re not smart enough to accept their invitation, they’ll go on to someone else.
So we got smart and got to giving this girl life. Issue #1 of what is now called Axles Infernal launched last fall on Kickstarter — and through some dark magic we had a real, live comic book that earned some worthy attention:
“Super dynamic art! Complex protagonist, with a tragic backstory implied! Thematically sound story — a protagonist struggling with her inner demons is thrust into a situation with real demons. Raises lots of interesting questions about her journey forward — which is exactly what a good story should present. I need to know more about Percy and what's to come! D.G Chichester's experience with horror comics is showing in full force!”
— Terry Kavanagh, X-Man, Moon Knight
Now we’re on to issue #2 — in prelaunch soon. It’s taken a bit longer than we thought, but we’re eager to share more of Axles Infernal with readers, truckers and devils across all dimensions. Watch this space and my hang-outs on social for more deets and progress!
“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” — Joseph Campbell
I’m lining up convention appearances for 2025, and will be putting place/time up as soon as it’s confirmed. First person to show up any any with a copy of any Daredevil: Black Armor issue or trade — the autograph is free. Show up in a Black Armor cosplay: get a full set of the original Fall From Grace comics!
Amazing Times
If D.G. Chichester looks pretentious, feel free to just call me “Dan.” Have a go at the last name as Chai (like the tea) Chester (like it looks).
I earned my word-cred writing comic book titles like Daredevil, Terror Inc., Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, along with all manner of digital widgets in the world wide web of marketing. I like weird tales, so if things here bend that way — now you know why!
Folks seem to like the comic book adventures I’ve written, so if you haven’t checked one out — please do. Many are now available in fab collected editions.
For the moments between newsletters…
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