Flight Log ‹ Airship27

ANOTHER TITLE REACHES FANS

On 27 Feb | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, well we are starting off this week’s entry on a fun, positive note. Last week we cheered the release of our “The Crimson Nun # 2” from Antarctic Press. Well, this past weeks. lots of friends who helped support our “Brother Bones the Origin Graphic Novel # 1” we’re pleased to receive their copies in the mail. One including our dear friend Michael Housel who wrote up a really nice review for it (https://bizarrechats.blogspot.com/2026/02/ron-fortiers-brother-bones-origin-1.html) and another Bob Deis (above). Bob publishes the highly popular Men’s Adventure Magazine Quarterly spotlighting stories and articles from the old MAMs. Here’s what he had to say about Bones # 1. “Wow! This is one of your bloodiest, grittiest Brother Bones stories, Ron. I loved it — and the artwork by Joseph Arnold. Cheers!” Thanks for the kind words, Bob. So should any of you other Loyal Airmen supporters get yours, go ahead a take pix with it and send it along. We’d love to see it.

TUES NIGHT SILVERLINE PODCAST

A reminder, the Air Chief, for the past year now has been a regular co-host on the Silverline Comics Tues night Podcast featuring fellow comic creators, Jose Fuentes (upper left) Tim Thiesen (upper right) Brent Larson (bottom left) and of course the Air Chief (bottom right). The show is an hour long and streams live on You Tube, Facebook and X every week. We cover topics relating to comics. This past Tues we discussed Kickstarters and how to make them successful in what is really an over crowded field out there.

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

Years ago Mr. Jigsaw was optioned by a TV producer for a possible Saturday morning cartoon series. Sadly, he couldn’t convince any of the then studios to pick it up. The Air Chief often wonders what might have been. Oh well, maybe someday. Hope springs eternal.

AMERICAN MAMMOTHS – BOOK # 1 – TENDERFOOT

Michael Panush is easily one of the most original writers we have in our Airship 27 roster of regular contributors. From series regarding Cavemen Detective, to Bigfoot Private Eyes and now he launches a brand new alternate world series titles “American Mammoth,” wherein large prehistoric creatures still roam America in the 1860s and “Tenderfoot,” the first in the series, features a Confederate Civil War veteran trying to make his way in the aftermath of the that conflict with his pet mammoth. Honestly Loyal Airmen, this is really nothing you’ve ever read before. Artist Ron Hill handles the interior illustrations and our own Chief Engineer, Rob David provided that great cover above. The book is now available at Amazon in paper back and soon on Kindle. As ever, thanks for your continued support.

FLORIDA HERE WE COME!

Don’t look now, Loyal Airmen, but the Air Chief and Valerie are packing up for a nice long, two and a half week vacation in sunny Florida. The first half of which will be spent with relatives and the last half on a Caribbean cruise not unlike the beauty above. Five days sailing to various tropical islands. Nothing but rest and relaxation, good food and entertainment. All of us need to unplug every so often. Anyway, we wish you all well, stay safe and those of you on your Lenten journey, know our prayers are always with you. Take care, God bless – Ron – Over & Out!

Greetings Loyal Airmen, above is the picture of a big kid holding up his latest comic book, The Crimson Nun # 2 as published by Antarctic Press. Having been writing comics for well over fifty years, you might think that the release of a new one would be ho-hum stuff by now. But it’s not. Not one little bit. Taking these copies out of the mailing box last Saturday afternoon was a total rush for the 13 yr old spirit that still resides in me. To hold what I’d envisioned in my imagination, what Jesse Thomas brilliantly penciled, inked and colored and what Mike Belcher beautiful lettered, it was like the very first time again. And let’s not forget Jonathon Mcdaniels stunning cover or Ben Dunn, the guy who created this character in the first place. All of them contributed to what for me remains a labor of love. Anyone remember the Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi movie, The Blues Brother? In it, they are these two hip dudes traveling the country to help bringing back the spirit of the blues and rock and roll. At one point, Ackroyd proclaims, “We’re on a mission for God.” Well Loyal Airmen, when our Heavenly Father created the Air Chief, he chose to give him this gift of storytelling; a gift we’ve cherished and pray we use to His glory. Yes, the truth is…we’re on a mission for God.

And a fitting cap to our Crimson Nun section, we’re sure you all remember the beautiful drawing of her Cesar Feliciano did a few weeks back. We posted it here in its black and white state and said publisher Ben Dun at Antarctic was going to have it colored. Well here it is and we couldn’t be happier. The colorist was one Nick Webb. It really is stunning work. Loyal Airmen, the Air Chief is having a blast writing this character. Thank you, Lord.

ANOTHER BEN DUNN CONNECTION

Meanwhile, Ben was gracious enough to slap this add in the back of The Crimson Nun # 2 highlighting the team-up story we wrote teaming his Tomorrow Girl with our Mr. Jigsaw. Our Redbud Studio version was published a while back and is available from (www.IndyPlanet.com). Meanwhile Antarctic Press is doing their version (i.e. using our same script but with their art) and as soon as it is published, we’ll let all of you know where to find it.

OUR LOGO FOR SWAG?

Recently one of our creators asked how they could get an Airship 27 sweatshirt like the one I wear at cons and can be seen in the top photo of this Flight Log. After talking with Rob, we decided to make the logo freely available to any of our fans or creators who’d like to do up their own Airship 27 tees, sweatshirt, coffee mugs or whatever. Rob put together a package of logos for swag creation and have placed the link on our website’s opening page. To get there go to airship27hangar.com and in the left column scroll down to the “merchandise” button. Click on that button and a zip file of the logo folder should automatically download. There is NO cost for this.

WOULD YOU BELIEVE POPEYE’S WORLD

Finally our granddaughter Cora, and her husband Calvin, recently took a trip down to Orlando, Florida and visited Universal’s Theme Park. There they discovered the park has a new exhibition totally devoted to the late cartoonist E.C. Segar’s famous sailor, Popeye. Yup, called POPEYE’S WORD, and they spend a few hours exploring and enjoying the site. Knowing that her grandfather has once written Popeye comics, Cora was a dear and snapped the above which we can now happily share with all you Loyal Airmen. Hmm, the Air Chief is thinking, maybe someday, we’ll just have to check this place out.

And that Loyal Airmen is it for this week. Thanks for stopping by and God bless. Ron – Over & Out!

JEKYLL & HYDE ARE BACK

On 13 Feb | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen. A few years ago, one of our favorite TV series ever produced was the British production of “Penny Dreadful.” The show featured classic Gothic horror characters re-imagined in a more colorful fashion and co-existing the same world. There was Dr. Frankenstein and his Creature, the Wolfman, Dorian Gray and Dracula all cavorting around London at the same time. The show lasted several seasons and we were really sad to see it depart. Now the Brits have offered up another melodrama featuring as yet another well know fictional monster, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Over the years, many, many actors of note have taken on the duel role, from John Barrymore to Frederick March and Spencer Tracy. In this new production, actor Tom Bateman takes on the role and he does a great job of it. He’s supported by Richard E Grant and Natalie Gumede. This Charlie Higson creation is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel `The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’. The fantasy-drama follows the story of a young and troubled Robert Jekyll, the grandson of Stevenson’s doctor in the early 1900s. Throughout the series Jekyll struggles with his abnormal ability to transform entirely when angered, stressed or threatened. The dual nature of his personality and these superhuman tendencies prompts the doctor to explore the truth behind his family history. To date we’ve watched a half-dozen episodes of season one and are really enjoying it to the max. You Loyal Airmen can find on Netflix.

BEYOND THE STARS # 5 ALMOST HERE!

As most of you Loyal Airmen know, our issue # 5 of our sci-fi comic series BEYOND THE STARS has been wrapped up for a while now. Well, at long last we can report the funding campaign for the issue is only days away as you are reading this. To get you ready, the Air Chief thought it would be okay to give you a sneak peek at the primary cover turned in by series artist Andrea Bormida. Above is its evolution from pencils, to inks and finally dynamic colors. All that remains to complete it is the title logo. Oh, and we’ve got on good authority there will be two alternate covers offered during the campaign. Lastly, you do not want to miss this issue as the events roll right into the big finale of issue # 6 which, with fingers crossed could be coming your way before year’s end. Wahooo!

BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR THUS FAR!

As this has been a really slow week regarding any comic or pulp news, the Air Chief thought we filled a few spaces with a movie recommendation for all you Loyal Airmen. Earlier in the week, Val and the Air Chief went to see then Kevin James movie, SOLO MIO. Both of us loved it. Enough to want to see it again. It’s that good. A funny, warm-hearted romantic comedy the whole family will enjoy. There are surprises, with a few twists and turns we didn’t see coming which only made it even better than expected. But no worries, Loyal Airmen, no spoilers here. We very much want you to go see it and enjoy it as much as we did. And that’s our short and sweet Flight Log for this week. Until next Friday, be well and God Bless. Ron – Over & Out!

BOOMERS & PIRATES

On 6 Feb | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen and welcome to this week’s Flight Log. We don’t know about you, but this whole name the generation thing has always seemed silly to us. And confusing. Recently someone posted the cartoon above pretty much clarifying each generation by these labels. We thought it would be fun to share it with all of you. If you’re curious, the Air Chief is with the old duffer at the far left. Yup, born in 1946, we are proud to claim the title, United States Boomer.

JEZEBEL JOHNSTON Vol 10 No QUARTER

THE PULP FACTORY AWARD FOR 2025

Once again, Loyal Airmen, the Pulp Factory Awards for this year have been announced. The nominees are the best of the best in five categories from those stories and artwork published in 2025. As you’ll note above, Airship 27 Production works have nominations in three categories, and we are so proud of each of them. Note, voting is open to the public and we’ve included the link to the ballot site. We are hoping all you Loyal Airmen will take a few minutes to cut and past the link below, go to the site and vote for our Airship 27 creators, all of them worthy of your support. The ballots are then tallied and will be announced at a presentation event at this year’s annual Windy City Pulp & Paper Con that takes place in Lombard, Illinois in March. Thanks so much for your support. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB1dYnSV7omPLQhV3vSeuSiLfn2ujEVezfEuhfICGBmW_sNw/viewform)

CRIMSON NUN 2 IS BACK FROM PRINTERS

Earlier in the week, Antarctic Press Publisher Ben Dunn posted the above picture reporting that the printed copies of The Crimson Nun # 2 had arrived at his offices. He also said they would start shipping them out that very day to all you Loyal Airmen who help support the Kickstarter Campaign. You can well imagine, the Air Chief is most anxious to get his copies and hold one of these in our hands. Note, once we do have them, we’ll all you who didn’t order one how you can still purchase one directly from us, autographed and all. So stay tuned.

And that’s it for this week’s Log Entry, Loyal Airmen, as always thanks so much for stopping by. We hope you have a terrific weekend. Stay well and safe, God bless. Ron – Over & Out!

THE BOSTON BOMBERS Vol 2 # 3

On 30 Jan | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we are really thrilled to being showing the last page of THE BOSTON BOMBERS Vol 2 Issue # 3 as delivered by the amazing Rob Davis. It is 28 pgs long and some of his best graphic story telling ever. At present he’s finishing the cover and getting ready to send it off to Ka-Blam, the printer. The second the issue is available at their retail on-line store (www.IndyPlanet.com) we will certainly let you all know and post the link so you can pick up a copy. The Air Chief finished writing issue # 4 months ago and will be excited to hear Rob’s reaction upon reading. Meanwhile start giving serious thought to starting issue # 5. This has been a wild ride so far. We hope you Loyal Airmen enjoy it.

BEYOND THE STARS # 6

Meanwhile over in Italy, artist supreme, Andrea Bormida continues to bring to life the final pages of issue six BEYOND THE STARS, the big finale. We are so loving this pages. Remember, Loyal Airmen, come the first of February, Silverline will launch the Funding Campaign for the completed issue # 5. It’s a fantastic, beautiful issues you won’t want to miss.

R.I.P. SAL BUSCEMA

Sadly the comic book world lost another great veteran artist this past week in Sal Busema. He was one of the legendary artist who helped being about the Silver Age with his many title assignments at Marvel Comics. He was only a few days shy of his 90th birthday. Rest in peace, Sal, and thanks so much for those great comic stories.

SURPRISE CRIMSON NUN SKETCH

At the end of last week, our artist partner on the series, JIN & TONIK, Cesare Feliciano messaged on Facebook asking if we might be able to send them art references for the Crimson Nun, the star of the series we are writing for Antarctic Press. Artist Jesse Thomas had just finished the art on the second issue of that one and of course we’d had this wonderfully successful Kickstarter Campaign. All of this was plastered all over social media and thus Cesar took note. Of course reflecting on his request, all we naturally assumed he’d gotten the bug to draw this character. We wasted no time sending him a half a dozen reference piece by various artists, including Jesse’s early preliminary sketches. We also gave Cesar a short biography on the character and the era in which she operates. Then we sat back and waiting. Three days later Cesar sent along the above illustration sketch and the Air Chief felt like Christmas had come around a second time. Really, it is always so much fun to see one artist draw another artist’s character as they all have their own unique styles and approach. In this case we couldn’t have been happier. Cesar did a fantastic job of drawing our Gabrielle Joan Cauxvette (Crimson Nun) along with her boss. His Holiness Pope Pius XI figures a great deal in the origin story. So thrilled were we that we sent it off to Ben Dunn over at Antarctic Press. Keep in mind, it was Ben who created the concept of the Crimson Nun way back in the 1980s. As expected Ben loved Cesar’s piece and is even now, as we write this, having it colored up so we call all plaster it all over the internet. You have my word, Loyal Airmen, as soon as the colored version arrives, the Air Chief will share it right here, and hundreds of other places.

And that’s it for this week, Loyal Airmen. Jan 2026 slips away and here comes February. Please, stay warm out there and let’s all pray for an early Spring. Ron – Over & Out!

Inspiring Film

On 23 Jan | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we don’t regularly review or recommend movies here on the Flight Log, but this past week Valerie and the Air Chief watched a flick that was so we good, there was no way we were not going to let you know about. Soul on Fire is a 2025 American biographical drama film about John O’Leary, a real-life St. Louis native who survived fire burns which covered his entire body. Actor Joel Coutney plays the adult John O’Leary with John Corbett playing his father Dennis. William H. Macy has a wonderful supporting role as the last Saint Louis Cardinal’s on-air announcer Jack Buck. In all this is a story about true courage and the strength will; all supported by unyielding love. Just thinking about it makes us want to watch it again.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES

So we’ve all been warned for weeks now that this is a particularly bad flu season. We now that personally as several members of our own family have come down with it and were bedridden. Then this past week, we had to cancel our Silverline Tuesday night podcast because two of our co-host, Tim and Jose, came down with it. Please, loyal airmen, to take your health seriously. Wash your hands often, get lots of rest and when in large groups of people, avoid those who are already ill. We don’t want any of you getting hit with this bug.

BEYOND THE STARS NEARING FINALE

Don’t look now, Loyal Airmen but our six-issue space saga, BEYOND THE STARS is nearing its completion. As of the first of Feb, only a few weeks away now, Silverline Comics will begin its funding campaign for issue # 5. Meanwhile, artist Andrea Bormida is knocking out the last few pages of issue # 6 like the one above which pretty much blew us away when we saw it. This multi-year project has always been a labor of love for me, Andrea and letterer Mike Belcher. Here’s hoping we can wrap it all up by the end of 2026!!!

CHIEF ENGINEER ROB BEGINS PACKING UP

Most comic creators will tell you that there is one annual convention that is their particular best. For the Air Chief, comic-wise, that is Rocky Mountain Con held in Denver in Nov. For our super talented Art Director and good buddy, it’s Planet ComicCon held in Kansas City. Rob considers it his home show and has already whipped up a nice promo-ad announcing his appearance at the show. So, Loyal Airmen, if any of you are in the Kansas City area come late March, do yourselves a big favor and plan on checking out this really amazing con. At the same time and stop by Rob’s table. Get him to do a sketch for you. Something you can take home, frame and put on your office wall. Oh, yeah.

WELCOME NEW ARTIST

Finally, we’re ending this week with a peek at artwork done for an upcoming Airship 27 pulp science-fiction novel called, “The Crooked Star.” As you Loyal Airmen know, we at Aris

CUSTOM ACTION FIGURES

On 16 Jan | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we’re kicking off this week’s Flight Log with a really fun topic; action figures. Last year, writers Paul Landri and Jason Clark introduced pulp readers to their fictional world where super heroes actual exist in a novel titled, “Return of the Crimson Howl.” From the book’s descriptions and interior illustrations by artist Sam Salas, artist Ted Hammond did up a truly beautiful cover. (see above backdrop) All of us loved it, including Paul and Jason. So much so that the Air Chief put them in contact with our Fort Collins comic book pal, model maker Jesse Bonafazi. After some e-mail exchanges etc. Jess took on the commission of doing three custom made action figures based on that cover image. And after many months completed The Swami, Crimson Howl and the Automatic Man. Last week the figures arrived at Paul’s home and he wasted no time in taking the picture above. To say he and Jason are now euphoric would be accurate. Ha. Once again Jesse knocked it out of the park. And letting you Loyal Airmen know, the book’s sequel will be published later this year. Stay tuned.

JIN & TONIK 2

And now for some really great news. Earlier this week, artist/creator Cesar Feliciano finished drawing JIN & TONIK Issue # 2. So now all 52 pages have been penciled and inked, and trust me Loyal Airmen they all are fantastic. Next up is coloring from Matt Webb and then letters from Mike Belcher. When wrapped the sage of our two assassins, Chinese Sammy Jin and Russian Darya Tanakova will be coming your way. We can’t wait for all of you to see it. Oh, yeah.

And while the Air Chief was busy writing the above log entry, Cesar when and did up this ad for Facebook and posted it on Wednesday. Note, the image above …IS THE LAST PAGE OF ISSUE TWO!!! How about that for cliffhanger ending! And let me remind you, Loyal Airmen, issues of number one are still available at Amazon. Go check it out and get ready for this next chapter. You’ve been warned.

THE SILVERLINE PODCAST ON TUES

Moving on to other topics. We thought it might be time to let all you Loyal Airmen know of a weekly Podcast the Air Chief has been co-host for the past few months. Sponsored by Silverline Comics, for which we are doing BEYOND THE STARS with artist Andrea Bormida, the show tapes and is streamed live every Tuesday night at 9 P.M. Mountain and can be seen on You Tube, Facebook and X. It is moderator by writer Tim TK, and features yours truly, artist Jose Fuentes, writer Brent Larson and comic colorist David Rios. Sadly, Dave is recovering from surgery which he underwent over the holidays and has fully recovered yet. The rest of us are really anxious for his return. Each show is approximately one hour long and we discussed various topics relating to the creating of comic books. We have a good time and hopefully some of our comments will prove helpful to young writers and artists wanting to work in the industry. Check it out, Loyal Airmen. We’d love to expand our weekly audience.

THE CRIMSON NUN # 2

From publisher Ben Dunn. “CRIMSON NUN: REBELLION no.2 has gone to the printers! Expected ship date is February 15th. Thank you for all your support!” Features cover by Jonathon McDaniel, pencils and colors by Jesse Thomas and letters by Mike Belcher.

REST IN PEACE SCOTT ADAMS – CARTOONIST

And finally, we end this entry with a sad farewell to DILBERT creator/cartoonist, Scott Adams, who died this week at the age of 68 from cancer. In the last days of his life, he converted to Christianity and gave his life and soul over to Jesus. May we all be so blessed to be able to have that grace at the end of our days in this world. God bless, Loyal Airmen. Ron – Over & Out!

FIRST CREW HOOK-UP 2026

On 9 Jan | '2026

We were really happy to hook up with our comic-books amigos this past Sat; the first official Fort Collins Comics Coffee Clutch Crew meeting of 2026. With yours truly snapping the above pix, we were ten. In the back row (left to right) Joe (in green tee) Kyle, Sam, Jesse and Alexis. The four in front, again (left to right) James, Aaron, Lorelei and Olivia. Hard to believe this informal group has been getting together for over ten years and lots and lots of our colleagues have come and gone in that time. Still always fun when we get together talk comics, movies and stuff.

BROTHER BONES TEAM & STICKERS

We were particularly delighted that artist Joe Arnold was on hand to show off the two stickers he had made up for our BROTHER BONES ORIGIN GRAPHIC NOVEL campaign. Joe being the artist on that project. Above left, the Air Chief with Joe. The two stickers, seen on right, are one of our standard comic book logo and the other is a close up of the Undead Avenger with cross-pistols. The Files, and stickers have all gone off to Ka-Blam printers where this first issue will be printed and shipped out to all you Loyal Airmen who supported this project. Note, Joe has already wrapped up primary art on issue # 2 and is hard at work on the final issue # 3. Alright!!

JIN & TONIK # 2

Sometimes a mistake can be a blessing. Above is the 48th pg of issue two of JIN & TONIK, the modern day spy thriller by yours truly and artist/creator Cesar Feliciano. When writing comic scripts, the Air Chief never puts more than six panel on a page. Why? Because six panels, the artist has to start shrinking his/her artwork to the point that it begins to lose its impact on the viewer. When Cesar first turned in this page 48, the Air Chief was surprised to find 7 panels…all of them smaller than what we are use to from Cesar. Upon questioning him, he explained we’d mistakenly written 2 panel threes in the actual script. Sure enough, it was our goof. But how to correct, as neither of us was that thrilled with the resulting seven panel page. It was Cesar who suggested we break it up into two pages. The first three panels, the transition panels would make up page 48 and the last 4 panels, would now become page 49. Yes, it would mean making our 50 page comic 51 pages. But both of us agreed it was the best way to proceed. Then when Cesar turned in the above revamped pg 48, this writer was SO HAPPY FOR THAT GOOF! This is a much better…and truly more emotional dramatic page than we had ever hoped for. See, mistakes aren’t always bad.

BEYOND THE STARS # 6

Much to our delight, artist Andrea Bormida turned in the inks for Pg # 18 of his final issue of BEYOND THE STARS, our six-part mini-series for Silverline Books. Andrea has only four more pages and his work on this sci-fi saga complete. We can see the finish line now. As it stands, Silverline hopes to launch the funding campaign for issue # 5 at the first of February. Stay tuned Loyal Airmen.

AT THE PRINTERS NOW

So as we wrap up this week’s Flight Log, we just wanted to remind all you Loyal Airmen both The Crimson Nun issue # 2 and The Brother Bones Origin Graphic Novel issue # 1 are now at their respective printers and all of you who helped fund either campaign will hopefully being seeing your copies by the end of this month, or at the latest, the start of Feb. Hope you’re as anxious as we are. Thanks ever for dropping by this week, stay warm. Ron – Over & Out!

FAREWELL 2025!

On 2 Jan | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, by the time you read these words, it will be the 2nd of Jan, 2026. Wow, time just keeps screaming by, doesn’t it. Meanwhile we begin this first post of the New Year with a quick look back over our shoulder at what was released only a few days ago.

SOLITAIRE 2 The Agenda

Working his fingers to the numb, Chief Engineer Rob Davis did some fancy hustling to get out our last Airship 27 Production pulp novel released on Dec 29th. It is SOLITAIRE 2 The Agenda, by writer Lee Houston, Jr. and is the second adventure of his masked vigilante against the forces of evil. Chuck Bordell provided the black and white interior illustrations and Ted Hammond that gorgeous cover you see above. This, our final release of 2025, was in fact our 17th release of the year. Not a bad year after all, look back on the variety of titles we managed to get published. As ever the book is now available at Amazon in paperback and will soon be on Kindle. Thanks always, Loyal Airmen for your continued support.

JIN & TONIK 2

On the comic book front, artist Cesar Feliciano turned in Pg # 47 of the second issue of our spy thriller, JIN & TONIK. We so love Cesar’s clean lines, and when Matt Webb adds his brilliant colors, it’s pure comic book magic. Stay tuned Loyal Airmen, Cesar only has a few more pages and this one is a wrap.

CRIMSON NUN # 2 CAMPAIGN ENDS

And so of Dec 31st, the Kickstarter Campaign for issue two of THE CRIMSON NUN came to an end. From the $500 amount requested, all your amazing contributions brought us to a grand total of $1,723. Way beyond our expectations. And so the entire crew, from the Air Chief to artist Jesse Thomas, letterer Mike Belcher, and character creator and publisher, Ben Dunn, thank you so very, very much. To that end Jesse whipped up a couple of new sketches, including the piece above. Now, Loyal Airmen, it’s on to issue # 3!

THE HOLY ROSARY

A few weeks ago, a couple at our church surprised us with a new rosary bead as a gesture of thanks for our being a lector at our two weekly noon masses. Along with the beads, they also gave the Air Chief a copy of this wonderful book by Gabriel Castillo. It is rich with the history of the what many consider the most powerful prayer of the church, after the Our Father. If you’ve ever been curious about Mary and her special role in church history, we encourage you to read this book…and maybe get yourself a rosary. Note, the book can be purchased at Amazon. It might be a beautiful to start your new year.

FOR THOSE WHO CAME IN LATE

This made us chuckle. Over ten years ago we wrote the one and only Captain Hazzard novel, “Python Men of the Lost City.” Original magazine up at left. Our re-written version was published via Airship 27 (above at right) and subsequently over the next ten years we wrote four new Captain Hazzard novels. So today, we read a post on Facebook from a new pulp fan discussing Captain Hazzard and explaining his history as the one hit one wonder, as his first issue was the only one ever published. And this fellow obviously is completely unaware of our efforts. That’s rather humbling in itself. Ha. So we thought we’d remind all you Loyal Airmen. All our Captain Hazzard novels are still very much available at Amazon. If you haven’t done so already, check them out. We think you’ll enjoy them.

TIME TO WRAP IT UP.

Alright, as we put this first Log Entry of 2026 to bed, the Air Chief wants to thank each and everyone one of you Loyal Airmen. It’s been a crazy past year, what with our bout with breast cancer and then the decision to slow things down on the pulp publishing stuff. Now comes a new year and Rob and the Air Chief are determined to clean up our huge back log of novels and anthologies. Wish us luck. On the comic front, with the success of Crimson Nun #2, that series is rolling along just fine. Artist Jesse Thomas is doing amazing work on script # 3 meaning once the holiday dust settles out, the Air Chief has to sit down and get busy writing the fourth and final chapter of this particular mini-series. Note, Antarctic Press head honcho is still keen on doing a team up between The Shadow (now public domain) and the Crimson Nun and he already knows the Air Chief is more than up to tacking such a project. Meanwhile artist Cesar Feliciano only has two or three pages left and JIN & TONIK # 2 is finished. Watching his pages coming these past few months has been wonderful. If you liked issue # 1, hold on to your seats, # 2 is like a rocket blast way beyond that level. The Air Chief has already written book # 3. We always try to stay one script ahead of our artists. The same applies to buddy Rob Davis, again, only a few pages from putting THE END on BOSTON BOMBERS issue # 3. Oh, and we can’t forget that sometime in the next month, issue # 1 of THE BROTHER BONES ORIGIN GRAPHIC NOVEL should be mailed out to all of you who supported that winning campaign. Artist Joe Arnold did such an amazing job putting that first issue together. We personally can’t wait to have it in our hands.

So as you can see, we’ve really got our work cut out for us this new year. Still, all this stuff is fluff stuff compared to our faith and relationship with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. It remains our daily prayer to be closer to him each and every day of our life. That He continue to guide us, yours truly, Valerie and all our beautiful family…and all your Loyal Airmen. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

JESUS IS EVERYTHING

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

On 26 Dec | '2025

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we truly hope that all of you had a super wonderful Christmas Day and were able to share it with your loved ones. Hope Santa also brought you that special something you’d been wishing for. Now we look to next week’s New Year celebration and saying good-bye to 2025. The Air Chief is exciting about the projects were currently involved with and hopefully you’ll be seeing lots of new comic issues in the months ahead. For example…

JIN & TONIK PLAYING WITH AI

As most of you are well aware, artist/creator Cesare Feliciano has been hard at work wrapping up the pages to issue # of our spy thriller, JIN & TONIK. As the Air Chief writes this entry, Cesar only has one or two pages left before he hands things over to colorist Matt Webb and letterer Mike Belcher. In the meanwhile, Cesar surprised us recently when he began playing with some AI 3D programs. What he does is take one of his actual illustrations, ala the one above left and runs it through that program…which then turns it into a more “realistic” looking artwork. There has been a whole lot of discussion concerning AI this past year; most graphic artists and comic companies pledging to never use it. Which is understandable, it really isn’t creating anything, just changing what’s already been done. Still, it remains a tool and in this case, one that could be use to whip up some pretty dramatic covers. What do you think, Loyal Airmen?

THE CRIMSON NUN # 2

By the time this entry post, there will be 5 days left of the Kickstarter Campaign. As you’ll recall, Ben Dunn of Antarctic Press set the goal at $500 which was met withing the first 24 hours. All of us were stunned by that support. Today, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve, we’ve reached $1,462. Only $38 short of hitting $1,500!! Wowser. The Air Chief can’t wait for this issue to go to print and get it out to all you Loyal Airmen. We think you’re going to love it. Meanwhile, artist Jesse Thomas is move full speed on issue # 3.

BROTHER BONES ORIGIN GRAPHIC NOVEL ISSUE # 1

Moving on, another whopping Kickstarter success story was our Brother Bones Origin Graphic Novel’s first issue, with art by Joe Arnold and letters by Mike Belcher. Right now that issue is at the printer’s and copies are being stuffed into mailing envelopes about to be sent out. Couldn’t be more excited. We’ve also agreed to make it possible for the comic to be available, after this initial distribution, to all you Loyal Airmen who missed out as it will be on sale at retail site. We’ll let you know in a future Flight Log.

BEYOND THE STARS # 5

Finally, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at issue # 5 of our sci-fi saga, BEYOND THE STARS. The plan is for Silverline Comics to launch it in Feb 2026. Meanwhile artist Andrea Bormida is half-way through the sixth and final issue. The action ramps up in these two issues as our team of Science Warriors battle everything from giant bugs to giant statues all to save their galactic empire from annihilation by the Black Cloud of Death. Hang in there Loyal Airmen.

A POPEYE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE

Finally we couldn’t this entry without sharing a few Santa surprises the Air Chief found on Christmas Day. The first was a beautifully crafted Popeye Cookie Jar send along by our dear friends, Michael & Donna Housel. As our granddaughter Cora is the Cookie Baking Queen in the family, we got her pose with us for this pix. Little did we know that she, and her husband Calvin, had bought me a “gag” present and after snapping the first pix, they handed me an envelope with a phone golden $100 Popeye Dollar Bill. Now that was too funny a coincidence. Everyone got a good laugh out of it.

THE GREATEST GIFT

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOYAL AIRMEN FROM VAL & THE AIR CHIEF!!!