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This coming Friday is the official release date of Gideon Cain: The Demon Hunter. This is a character-based anthology of short stories written in the style of Robert E. Howard's Solomon Kane stories.
I was privy to the brainstorming sessions that gave birth to this character and concept and was excited about reading the stories other authors would come up with. But quite unexpectedly, a story idea for it popped into my head and two days later I had a finished story.
I wrote that story in February of 2009 and I'm excited to see that it will finally get published this week.
In the process of writing my Gideon Cain story, I discovered and became a fan of Solomon Kane, the Puritan avenger featured in several stories by famed pulp writer Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan the Barbarian). Upon reading The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane, I discovered that Howard had composed several poems that told their own stories. Taking a cue from that, I also composed a poem that recapped Gideon Cain's backstory.
I have no idea if my poem was selected for inclusion by the editors, I will find out when I get my first copy. But I do hope it's there.
Anyway, here is the Official Press Release:
GIDEON CAIN - THE DEMON HUNTER
Airship 27 Productions & Cornerstone Book Publishers have teamed up with noted fantasy, science fiction author, Van Allen Plexico to bring to life a brand new sword wielding adventurer; Gideon Cain – The Demon Hunter. Originally conceived on an internet forum, this swashbuckling, globe trotting avenger is the result of half a dozen creative minds pooling their ideas and imaginations into bringing forth a tortured hero cast in a classic pulp mold.
During the famous Salem Witch Trials (1692-93) British born Puritan soldier, Gideon Cain aided the inquisitions, believing them to be just. Soon thereafter, God revealed to Cain that he and the righteous citizens of Salem had been duped by a cunning, ageless demon from Hell known as Azazel. The guilt of his actions weighs heavily on his conscience and rather than be driven mad by it, Gideon chooses to make atonement. Taking up his sword, the blade inscribed with holy runes, he bids farewell to his wife and children and departs on his sacred mission. Now he wonders the earth doing God’s work and destroying evil in whatever shape or guise it appears; his one consuming goal, to find and destroy Azazel.
Airship 27 Productions is thrilled to be bringing pulp fans this great new character written in the tradition of Robert E. Howard’s Solomon Kane. Here are seven exciting, action packed tales of the Demon Hunter by Scott Harris, Brian Zavitz, K.G.McAbee, Ian Watson, James Palmer, David Wright and Van Allen Plexico. Design and interior illustrations by Art Director Rob Davis with a painted cover by Davis and Shane Evans.
The book also features a special introduction by co-creator, Kurt Busiek. (Marvels – Astro City)
Airship 27 Productions, Pulp Fiction for a new generation.
ISBN: 1-934935-74-3
ISBN 13: 978- 1-934935-74-3
Produced by Airship 27
Published by Cornerstone Book Publishers
Release date: 08/13/2010
Airship 27 Productions & Cornerstone Book Publishers have teamed up with noted fantasy, science fiction author, Van Allen Plexico to bring to life a brand new sword wielding adventurer; Gideon Cain – The Demon Hunter. Originally conceived on an internet forum, this swashbuckling, globe trotting avenger is the result of half a dozen creative minds pooling their ideas and imaginations into bringing forth a tortured hero cast in a classic pulp mold.
During the famous Salem Witch Trials (1692-93) British born Puritan soldier, Gideon Cain aided the inquisitions, believing them to be just. Soon thereafter, God revealed to Cain that he and the righteous citizens of Salem had been duped by a cunning, ageless demon from Hell known as Azazel. The guilt of his actions weighs heavily on his conscience and rather than be driven mad by it, Gideon chooses to make atonement. Taking up his sword, the blade inscribed with holy runes, he bids farewell to his wife and children and departs on his sacred mission. Now he wonders the earth doing God’s work and destroying evil in whatever shape or guise it appears; his one consuming goal, to find and destroy Azazel.
Airship 27 Productions is thrilled to be bringing pulp fans this great new character written in the tradition of Robert E. Howard’s Solomon Kane. Here are seven exciting, action packed tales of the Demon Hunter by Scott Harris, Brian Zavitz, K.G.McAbee, Ian Watson, James Palmer, David Wright and Van Allen Plexico. Design and interior illustrations by Art Director Rob Davis with a painted cover by Davis and Shane Evans.
The book also features a special introduction by co-creator, Kurt Busiek. (Marvels – Astro City)
Airship 27 Productions, Pulp Fiction for a new generation.
ISBN: 1-934935-74-3
ISBN 13: 978- 1-934935-74-3
Produced by Airship 27
Published by Cornerstone Book Publishers
Release date: 08/13/2010
Very cool! Surprised you aren't also illustrating it, you have so much talent!
ReplyDeleteThe publisher had their own artist in mind, but I have done some rough sketches of the character. I'll try to post them if I can find them.
ReplyDelete