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BEYOND THE STARS # 5

On 17 Apr | '2026

Part of the fun of the show was a game the Air Chief whipped up in which our co-host, while going through sketches of the characters from the series had to guess who actually created them, either Andrea or the Air Chief. It was a fun hour and we hope you’ll check it out. Podcast Game for BTS # 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y_DojBZupM) As for the funding campaign, our goal is $750 and we’ve till May 5th. Here’s the link. (https://www.fundmycomic.com/campaign/985/bts5)

Finally a reminder, if you’re at all interested in picking up issue # 5, but weren’t aware of the series before now and don’t have the first four, no worries. At the Funding site, you can still pick issues 1, 2, 3 & 4. So we’ve got you covered, Loyal Airmen.

NEW SINBAD VOL 9 IN DEVELOPMENT

It was beginning to look like our entire Flight Log this week would be focused on BEYOND THE STARS # 5, not that that is a bad thing. But you Loyal Airmen know, we do like to spice things up by giving you peeks into multiple projects not only happening with the Air Chief, but good old Airship 27 Production as well. So yesterday Art Director Rob Davis informed me that artist Gary Kato had turned in all 12 black and white illustrations for the latest SINBAD – The New Voyages # 9. This volume features two full length novellas. One by Richard C. White and the other by Fred Adams Jr. As we pen this entry, Rob is now busily assembling the PDF version to send to our proof reader. When ready, the cover will be done by Michael Youngblood who blew us all away with his cover for Vol 8. Fingers crossed these latest adventures of the Nubian Sailor Prince and his international crew of the Blue Nymph will be released sometime in early May.

And there you have it, Loyal Airmen, this week’s Flight Log. Before signing off, we have to let you know the funding campaign for BTS # 5 passed the half-way mark to its goal in just twenty-four hours. We’re amazed. Here’s hoping by next week’s Log, we can report goal reached. Thanks so very, very much for your continued support and God bless. Ron – Over & Out!

MORE CRIMSON NUN

On 10 Apr | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, and Happy Easter. In the Catholic Church, we celebrate Easter for 50 days, so there’s lots of wonderful blessings and graces still ahead of us, Loyal Airmen. And this week we’re thrilled to show of some artist Jesse Thomas’ new pages for “The Crimson Nun” # 3. Above his one of his pencil pages features our heroine and one Sister Clara, named for an old nun Valerie and the Air Chief knew when attending parochial grade school many, many years ago.

And here’s one in vibrant color where the action is heating up fast. Jesse is such a gifted artist and he has brought so much to this story, we are forever grateful. Stay tuned Loyal Airmen, we’ll keep you posted as progress continued. Meanwhile, the Air Chief himself has started writing issue # 4. Wish us luck.

HERE COMES BTS # 5!!!

Finally, after lots of hard and fine work, artist Andrea Bormida has completed issue # 5 of our 6 part sci-fi series BEYOND THE STARS and it has been fully colored. Then Mike Belcher lettered all of it and handed it all off to Silverline Comics publisher Roland Mann, who did a bang-up putting it altogether. Next Tues, April 14th, Roland will launch the funding campaign and you know we’ll have it all plastered across the internet that same night. Never mind having a launch party that night our Silverline Tues Night Podcast. So, to get all you Loyal Airmen wound up about this all, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at one of the three covers that will be offered for your support. The one above will be Cover A as it Andrea’s own dramatic cover featuring one of our science warriors in combat with an animated stone statue. Shades of Ray Harryhausen! Trust me, Loyal Airmen, you won’t want to miss this all action issue.

CHERISHED FAVORITES

During our recent vacation in Florida, Valerie and the Air Chief had the genuine fun of meeting folks with little babies. All of them were adorable. As grandparents of now full grown adults in their 30s and 20s, we miss the joy of being with such little ones. Enough so that on our return home, Val suggested we send each a copy of the Air Chief’s one and only children’s book, “Jamie & the Fished Eyed Goggles,” which we did ages ago with our Mr. Jigsaw artist, Gary Kato. (Cover above.) Okay, so we ordered a handful from Amazon and in the past two days packaged them up and mailed them off to these young parents in hopes that one day they will read them to their children. At one point in all this, the Air Chief took a few minutes to simply sit down and re-read one. It had been a long time since we done so. Often, when we writers look back on old works, we tend to find our mistakes and cringes a great deal. Happily that was not the case here, in that we feel the story still hold up remarkably well and how can you go wrong with Gary Kato art? So, we thought we’d repost it here for you Loyal Airmen, should any of you be young parents or happy old grandparents. The book is very much still available and we think you’d enjoy it. Thanks for listening to my pitch.

Okay, Loyal Airmen, that’s pretty much it for this week’s Flight Log. As ever thanks for dropping by, and please do mark your calendar for next Tues 14th May, and our Silverline Podcast where we are going to show off a whole lot of BEYOND THE STARS artwork. You won’t want to miss it. Till then, take care and God bless. Ron – Over & Out!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

On 2 Apr | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, obviously today is not Friday. So why is the Air Chief posting our weekly Flight Log a day early? Because tomorrow, is of course Good Friday and the start of Easter weekend. As a person of faith, we choose to spend tomorrow in contemplation and prayer; reflecting on the death of our savior Jesus Christ on a cross. for the salvation of our souls.

CONGRATS PULP FACTORY AWARDS WINNERS!

Meanwhile last weekend was the annual Windy City Pulp & Paper Show in Chicago and many of our New Pulp colleagues gathered for a rollicking fun time. Sadly, due to a conflicting schedule, Airship 27 was unable to attend and we sorely missed being there. Thanks to PF members Jonathan Sweet & Brian K. Morris, the Pulp Factory Awards ceremony went on without a hitch that Friday night and above is the list of all the winners. We want to congratulate all of them, including all the nominees this year. Over 500 members of the Facebook Pulp Factory voted, proving New Pulp is very much alive. well and growing. As for Windy City, count on seeing us next year for sure!

PROJECT HAIL MARY

Towards the end of last year, our grandson Alex gave me a sci-fi book he’d just finished reading. Said it was one of the best books he’d ever read. That’s saying a lot. For the longest time, Alex just wasn’t a reader. So naturally we were curious as to what kind of story had captivated him so much. As it turned that book was “Project – Hail Mary” by writer Andy Weir; the same fellow who wrote the highly popular “The Martian” later turned into a successful movie with Matt Damon. “Project – Hail Mary” is a really fast paced adventure wherein scientist from around the world discover our sun is dying out; some unknown cause is devouring it. Not only our sun, but also all the other suns in the galaxy; except one. Tau Ceti is not dimming at all and seems to be impervious to whatever is ravishing its sister stars. Solution, sent a team of astronauts to Tau Ceti to learn what is its secret. That’s the basic premise and along the way, we meet Ryland Grace, a high-school science teacher who eventually discovers the “thing” destroying our sun and the fact that it can be used as a super-propellant to get our astronauts to a sun light years away from Earth. Grace is played perfectly by Ryan Gosling in the movie; one he personally optioned four years ago when it was still in manuscript form before publication. There’s so much more to this story, including Grace’s encounter with an alien on a similar mission as his own to relate here. Let me just say we loved the book and earlier this week, with most of our family in tow, we saw the film adaptation together. All of us came out of the theater with huge smiles on our faces. “Project – Hail Mary” is one of those old style sci-fi books we discovered while in high school, when sci-fi was all about the hope and challenge of the future for all mankind. Instead of the stupid, dark & gloom dystopian bullshit that it serves up these days. That’s why this book and movie is such a breath of fresh air and audiences around the world are making it one of the biggest movie hits in decades. But don’t take our word for it, go out and see it for yourself. You can thank us later.

THE SILVERLINE TUES NIGHT PODCAST

Finally, we just wanted to take a minute to tell you Loyal Airmen about the podcast show the Air Chief has been co-host the past year hosted by the Silverline Comics outfit. It’s pretty much five comic creators getting together every Tues night to discuss a topic geared to help new would-be comic creators, writers and artists, by giving them things we’ve learned in our own careers. Left to right above is Tim TK, a young writer and the show’s moderator, Jose Fuentes, a Kubert school graduate artist/inker, Brent Larsen a published writer of both comics and screenplays, then in bottom row, yours truly, the old man of the group and lastly, professional comic colorist David Rios. The shows are live Tues night, but then post to You Tube the following Wed morning at this link. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdUHCi7YKLk) If you are at all interested in the how comics are made, please join us, either live on Tues night or check out the shows on You Tube. We’re hoping to build our audience and if you’ve any ideas for a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know.

And there you have it for this early Flight Log entry, Loyal Airmen. All of us at the Airship 27 Hangar want to wish all of you a truly joyous and wonderful Happy Easter. May the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ bring peace and love leading you to His eternal heavenly home. God bless, Ron – Over & Out!

TRAVELING BUG STRIKES AGAIN

On 27 Mar | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen. Seems like it never fails. Every time the Air Chief takes a vacation, we end up coming home and getting sick. Such was the case after we got home from our Florida trip last week. With a day we had body aches, sore throat and headache. In other words a bad chest cold. Began treating with over the counter meds until we could get in and see our family doctor.

Which is what happened this morning. We do NOT have anything serious, ala Covid etc. our lungs are clear, they took x-rays, and it is simply a bad chest cold. He recommended to stay on the meds we’re taking and exercise ourlungs with lots of deep breath, prescribed an inhaler for the persistent coughing…and to hang in there. All will pass. So thanks to all of you who learned of my cold on Facebook and began praying for me. Your prayers did the trick. We’re still not totally there yet, but this was a very encouraging visit. God bless.

CHIVALRY INC. PROGRESS

On the Good News Front, progress has once again begun on the production of my 3 issue mini-series. CHIVALRY INC. with the first issue being completely penciled and ink. Now the coloring is underway as you can see and the pages look beautiful. Stay tuned, Loyal Airmen.

BLACK TERROR 2.0

Sometimes life slows things down. Case in this project that was started many, many moons ago. Art by Dell Barras, colors by David Rios and colors by Oluwadamilola Michael Akinayo. Serious health issues etc. derailed it but the team pushes forward.

CALIFORNIA WOLVES – A Bigfoot P.I. Novel

Once again writer Michael Panush comes to Airship 27 with a brand new pulp series that stretches the imagination. “California Wolves” is an outdoor mystery featuring a Bigfoot Private Eye called Arlo Patches and we guarantee is like nothing you’ve ever read before, Loyal Airmen. It’s a wild, action packed and often hilarious story we love from start to finish. And all the art for this title, from black and white interior illustrations and that great above were provided by award winning artist James Lyle. The book is now up at Amazon and soon will be on Kindle. As ever, Loyal Airmen, thanks so much for your support.

UNDER A CROOKED STAR

Finally, after a strange twist of fate, we’ve got a second title release this week. After the Air Chief has done his promotion for “California Wolves,” Art Director Rob asked why we hadn’t done so for “Under a Crooked Star”? Apparently, while on vacation Rob finished and posted the book to Amazon. Either he mentioned it to yours truly and we simply forgot in the hustle of getting home and then sick, or he forgot as he was juggling everything at the time. Anyways, situation solved and here’s one of the most enjoyable science fiction tales you’ll ever want to read. Daniel Whiston writes old school, ala those old DAW & ACE paperbacks of the 60s, whereas artist Dave Thomson does an amazing job with both the interior illustration and that snazzy cover above. The Air Chief loved it and is happy to say there is a sequel in the works, till then check it out at Amazon, now reading in both paperback and on Kindle.

Phew, and that’s it for this busy week, Loyal Airmen. As ever thanks for stopping by. Be well, and stay free of those nasty cold and flu bugs. Ron – Over & Out!

WE’RE BACK

On 20 Mar | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, did you miss us? Val and the Air Chief are back from our wonderful two weeks vacation in Florida and our four day Bahamas cruise on The Radiance of Seas. The pix above was taken on our second day as we docked in Nassau. We had such a great time, but like such, it ended all to quickly and now we’re home and the Air Chief is hard at work once again. As indicated by the next item.

THE ADVENTURES OF RADIO RITA Vol 2

While the Air Chief was sailing on the high seas, Art Director Rob Davis was busy putting the final touches on our latest Airship 27 release. The Adventures of Radio Rita Vol 2, the anthology series where each writer does his or her version of the high flying Rita. Joined in this volume are pulp pros, Curtis Ferlund, Glen Held, Gene Moyers and Samantha Lienhart. Like volume one, Rob provided the interior illustrations and a few bonus pieces while artist Michael Youngblood gave us the stunning cover above. It is now available at Amazon in both paperback and on Kindle. As ever, Loyal Airmen, thanks so much for your support.

JIN & TONIK # 2

And there you have it for our return to Hangar 27 and being gone these past two weeks. We hope all of you are doing well, looking forward to Spring and Easter and all kinds of good things. For us, it is back to tackling all our many projects one by one. Wish us luck. Till next week, God bless, Ron – OVER & OUT!

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!

RUSH NEVER FADES

On 20 Feb | '2026

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!