Flight Log ‹ Airship27

LETTERERS ROCK!

On 4 Sep | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, the Air Chief was pleasantly surprised this past Tuesday Sept 1st to see the above posting on Facebook. We knew we had to share it. When we taught classes on writing comics and graphic novels, one of our key points was the importance of good lettering. You take pages of art and a type script and combine them; only then do you have a comic book. So folks who can write in the word balloons, captions, credits etc. of the true unsung heroes of the media. Their words have to be clear, precise and legible at the same time not being obtrusive or stand out. Good lettering should be read without a second thought, as if it wasn’t even there. Good comic book letterers are the stars of our business and we salute all of them.

JIN & TONIK # 2

PLAYING WITH A-I

A few weeks ago, while surfing the web, we tripped over a site using A-I to manipulate pictures and offer folks stylized versions of their favorite photos. On a whim, the Air Chief grabbed the pix above (to left), one of favorites, and ran it through this program. We were mildly surprised to see the cleaned up, almost cartoon-like results. What amuses me the most is the darn machine gave the Air Chief a great looking pair of dentures. Oh the stuff of dreams, ha.

BROTHER BONES Book # 2

Meanwhile artist Joe Arnold continues his work on the cover to the Brother Bones Origin Graphic Novel. We’ve shown you his early roughs and then soft pencils. Now with the inks, he’s getting closer and closer to delivering what will be a truly dynamic image. Can’t wait to see it done and fully colored!

THE ORIGINAL VIGILANTE

One of the early golden age heroes of DC comics was the Vigilante, a modern day cowboy who by day was singing troubadour, Greg Saunders, at a metropolitan radio station. But by night, he’d don his bandana mask, hop on his motorbike (band then it was more a scooter) and go hunt up big city owlhoots. We loved the character and in the 60s, when DC brought him back in a round of back stories in other titles, they had the incredible artist Gray Morrow illustrate his new adventures. In 1947 Columbia Pictures released a cliff-hanger serial based on the character and starring Ralph Byrd. The same Ralph Byrd who starred in the highly popular Dick Tracy serials for Republic. Anyway someone used A-I to whip up the cool picture above and we just had to share it with all you Loyal Airmen.

And that’s a wrap for this week. As ever, thanks stopping by and we wish all of you a wonderful Labor Day weekend. God bless, Ron – Over & Out!

MORE JIN & TONIK!

On 28 Aug | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, here we go free-falling into another week’s Flight Log. And what better to start then a brand new finished drawn and colored page from JIN & TONIK # 2 as penciled and inked by Cesar Feliciano and wondrously colored by Matt Webb. Every time we see a new page come in, we get wicked excited, Loyal Airmen. We know this book is going to blow your socks off. Oh, yeah.

Meanwhile, Cesar is busy at work drawing out the cover for issue # 2. Above is the what it will look like before being inked and colored. In that, Cesar has recruited Jay Leisten to ink the piece. He is a 20 yr veteran inker having worked for both DC and Marvel.

INDIES TAKE TIME

All too often, we get inquiries from fans asking where certain books are in development. It is one of the sad realities of independent publishing that all too often they take time. Lots of time. Example, thus far it’s taken us a year to do an issue of The Crimson Nun, likewise Jin & Tonik. So the latest to fall behind has been or western, “Hamlet’s End.” Kickstarter a long…long time ago, the actual making of issue number one has seen artist Zane DeGain beset by one problem after another. Initially he suffered serious back issues which almost crippled him for nearly half a year. Now that he’s up and drawing again, there are other personal, normal obligations he has that demand his time. i.e. working, earning a living etc. etc. Still he managed to eke out a few hours to wrap up the inks on this book and now has someone doing flats for the colors. We truly admire Zane’s persistence and dedication and assure all you Loyal Airmen, hang in there. “Hamlet’s End” is coming and we hope you’ll agree, when done, it was well worth the wait.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER!

Over the years many of you Loyal Airmen have asked how we named our pulp publishing company, Airship 27 Production. Specifically why the number 27? And the answer is simple enough, my beautiful daughter Heather was born on Aug 27 (yesterday to all you reading this today). Obviously a super lucky number for ye old Air Chief. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER!!!

And there you have it for this week, Loyal Airmen. As ever, thanks for stopping by. We appreciated you all. Ron – Over & Out!

THE BIG FINALE!

On 21 Aug | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen and at last, here’s the fifth and final page of the Great Airship Race as penned by yours truly with art by Jesus Marquez and colors and letters by Warren Montgomery. The Air Chief has always had a warm spot in his heart for this little cartoon adventure. It reminds us of our days as members of the Zone 4 Podcast and Brant Fowlyer, John Wilson and Gordon Dymowski. True comic geeks one and all!

THE CRIMSON NUN # 3

In this page, the Pope takes Gabrielle to the Vatican gardens where his head of security, Henri Metien is putting his elite Swiss Guards recruits through their self-defense training. As ever, artist Jesse Thomas delivers a truly wonderful page.

BEYOND THE STARS # 6

Not to be undone, here’s another amazing page from the final issue of BEYOND THE STARS in its final stages of production. Andrea Bormida’s art shines through every panel.

**MIDSOMER MURDERS**

Earlier in the year, Valerie and the Air Chief, while looking for something to watch on TV, found “Midsomer Murders” a long running British mystery series on one of the streaming services and we began watching it regularly. We are well into season 13 now and really get a kick out of the series, Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and played wonderfully by actor John Nettles. Still, over all these episodes we’ve realized their are consistencies not to be ignored. Below is a list of things to expect from watching any Brit mystery series.

Funny stuff, and pretty much spot on. Honestly, if any of you Loyal Airmen ever have the opportunity to check out “Midsomer Murders,” give it a go. We think you’ll enjoy it. Hopefully as much as we do.

BROTHER BONES THE ORIGIN GRAPHIC NOVEL # 2

We’re happy to let you Loyal Airmen know work on the second chapter of the “Brother Bones Origin Graphic Novel” book # 2 progressing well. Whereas artist Joe Arnold has finished all his pages for the main part of the book, i.e. the continuation of the origin story itself, our artist on the back-up bonus short, “Party Girl” Mr. Gabriel Rearte is doing a fantastic job with his layouts and roughs as seen in the two pages above. We can’t wait to see them completed. This is truly going to be another stellar chapter in the three part presentation.

And that’s it for this week, Loyal Airmen. As you can see, there’s no slowing down at the old Hangar 27 and all our projects are moving ahead smoothly. Thanks always for stopping by and more importantly for your continued support. We couldn’t do any of this without you. God bless, Ron – Over & Out!

YES, WE GOOFED!

On 14 Aug | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen. Sometimes life seems to get away from us all. Having lots of fun things to show off in last week’s Flight Log, we didn’t realized until it had been posted that we had forgotten to put up page 4 of The Great Airship Race. Ouch, do forgive us and here it is, Loyal Airmen.

THE GREAT AIRSHIP RACE Pg 4

The action is heating up, Loyal Airmen. Be back here next week for the 5th and final page.

THE CRIMSON NUN Issue # 3

Artist Jesse Thomas has been hard at work on issue # 3 of our series for Antarctic Press. In this page, Gabrielle, who will become the Crimson Nun in our story, meets the head of Vatican Security, one Henri Metien. He will be responsible for her training as the first ever Swiss Guard. Stay tuned.

THE RETURN OF DOC ATLAS

Even since the creation of the classic pulp hero, Doc Savage by writer Lester Dent, tons of would be pulp scribes have attempted to do their own version of a globe trotting adventure who leads a team of specialist in battle. Heck, if the Air Chief has done five such novels reviving the one-shot wonder, Captain Hazzard. Still, one of the more successful clones by Doc Atlas by Michael Black and Ray Lovato. Thus far Airship 27 has published two volumes of his adventures and at present the Air Chief is editing a Volume Three. So if any of you Loyal Airmen are at all intrigued, we’re happy to remind you Volumes 1 & 2, as seen above, are still available at Amazon in both paperback on Kindle. Till then, keep an eye out for Volume Three.

BEYOND 175

Earlier in the year, Airship 27 had the thrill of reprinting BEYOND 30, a long forgotten sci-fi novel by the late, great pulp writer Edgar Rice Burroughs. The book had long since gone in public domain and one of our writers, Harding McFadden, had come to us with an actual sequel to that novel. So, he, yours truly, and Rob Davis decided to do an Airship 27 edition before releasing Harding’s exciting sequel, BEYOND 175. Now we’re happy to announce that BEYOND 175 has been published and is now our latest Airship 27 release of 2026. The book is now available of Amazon in paperback and soon on Kindle. We think you Loyal Airmen are going to find it a truly remarkable, fitting sequel to the Burrough’s lost classic.

BEYOND THE STARS # 6

An don’t look now, Loyal Airmen, the but long awaited final issue (# 6) of BEYOND THE STARS is now in the final stages of production from Silverline Comics. As you can see from the gorgeous colored page above, artist Andrea Bormedia is putting forth his most beautiful art with this climatic last issue. All that remains now is the lettering by Mike Belcher and we’ll be ready for publication. Ending an almost three year journey. Stay tuned, Loyal Airmen, we’ll let you know when the funding campaign launches.

And there you have it for this busy as ever week, Loyal Airmen. We always appreciated your joining us here every Friday morning. And remember, unless we have another memory hiccup, we’ll be presenting the last page of the Great Airship Race. You won’t want to miss it! Ron – Over & Out!

OUR COMIC BOOK CREW

On 7 Aug | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we thought we’d kick off this week’s Flight Log with a shot of the Fort Collins Comics Coffee Clutch Crew. This informal meeting of comic fans is something the Air Chief started up over ten years ago when we first moved to Fort Collins. Over those years lots of folks have come and gone. The group meets the first Sat of every month at the local comic shop from 10 a.m. to Noon. This past week’s attendees were (first three) Zane, Lorelei, James, (second four) Olivia, Kyle, Jesse, Alexis, (back four) Aaron, Todd, Sam and Abe. Love these gatherings. As always everyone had a fun time talking comics, movies and TV shows. If you don’t have such a club in your home town, Loyal Airmen, start one. You’ll be glad you did.

JIN & TONIK # 2

Super colorist Matt Webb graces us with another completed page, as illustrated by the amazing Cesar Feliciano. Once all are colored, the book will be off to letterer Mike Belcher. Really happy to see this one moving along so nicely.

MORE HEROES OUT THERE

Aside from the Sat morning hook up with our comic book pals, the Air Chief also got his fill of fun new super hero offerings. Friday afternoon the Air Chief and Val saw the new SPIDER-MAN Brand New Day movie and both of us gave it thumbs up. Val gave it an 8, whereas we gave it a 9. The major critique being it was a wee longer and could have lost 20 to 30 minutes without hurting the story. Tom Holland clearly become our favorite Peter Parker. Meanwhile, Sunday the Air Chief learned that BATMAN Cape Crusader animated series, season two was now available to stream. Whereas our streaming services are spotty at best, we thought it wise to binge the entire 10 episode. Again, like the Spidey flick, there were things we loved and a few things we thought done badly. Overall it was worth the five hour marathon and honestly we do love Warner’s animation. Kudos to Bruce Timm for bringing us as yet a new interpretation of a beloved character. And note, the Joker in this series is the creepiest we’ve ever seen. So there you have it. Go check them both out. You’ll be glad you did.

BROTHER BONES The Origin Graphic Novel Issue # 2

We are thrilled to report work on the second issue of the Brother Bones Origin Graphic Novel is progressing a hyper-speed, Loyal Airmen. As with book one, main artist Joe Arnold is hard at work on the origin saga, picking up where we left off in issue number one. Whereas this issue will also feature a special short bonus Brother Bones stand along tale. This one called “Party Girl” suggested by Joe and scripted by the Air Chief is being drawn by Gabriel Rearte. Above is one of his pencil pages and honestly, Loyal Airmen upon seeing it, we were blown away. Oh yeah, Gabriel is a wonderful talented artist. Going to be a joy to see him wrap up this bonus tale. In all, issue two is shaping up to be as exciting and thrilling as was the first issue. Oh, yeah.

AMONGST THE CROOKED STARS

And there you have it for this week, Loyal Airmen. As you can see, things are always busy at the old Hangar 27. Thanks ever for stopping by and we’ll plan on seeing you next week. Ron – Over & Out!

CESAR’S NEWEST COMIC

On 31 Jul | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we’re going to start this week’s Flight Log with pointing all of you in the direction of a great new comic book graphic novel now being promoted at Kickstarter. Our good friend, artist Cesar Feliciano, with who we are currently doing “Jin & Tonik”, has a second series in the works. This one is done with writer Mark Stanlislawski and called “Gods & Soldiers.” It’s a action packed fantasy adventure about two marines who battle supernatural evil forces. Check out at spiffy image above. The first volume is now at Kickstarter. (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elguapocomics/gods-and-soldiers-1?ref=ksr_email_creator_launch&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1dennhbbiy2ux) Do yourselves a favor and check it out. This is the good stuff, people.

THE GREAT AIRSHIP RACE Pg 3

We hope all of you are enjoying this wild and wacky cartoon adventure. The race is on!!!

THE BOSTON BOMBERS Vol 2 Issue # 4

Rob Davis keeps the Air Chief drooling with each new page he turns on this wild alternate world adventure. Keep in mind the original Vol One is available at (www.IndyPlanet.com) as a graphic novel along with issues 1, 2 & 3 of this sequel series.

BLACK TERROR 2.0

Don’t look now, Loyal Airmen, but we are quickly approaching the final steps in the production of this comic…at long last. As of today, our letterer has the last four pages. Once he is done with those, the entire package, to include all 25 pgs and the amazing cover above goes off to Ben Dunn at Antarctic Press. In all honesty, Loyal Airmen, the Air Chief has no idea of Ben will take it on and in doing so give us the green light to continue to story begun in this book. Or will decided it isn’t something he wishes to publish. If the latter, we no plans other then pack up our toys and go home. So keep those fingers crossed.

SAINT JOAN OF ARC

One of the reasons the Air Chief was eager to write a new Crimson Nun series for Antarctic Press was the thought that we could incorporate the story of one of our favorite saints, Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, who leading a huge French army, liberated the town of Orleans and then help defeat the British occupiers of France. Joan was an average young peasant girl when she heard the voices of saints and Saint Michael the Archangel telling her God had a plan for her. Against all odds, she followed it unwavering even to her martyrdom. In my Crimson Nun story, it is Saint Joan who speaks to young Gabrielle Joan Cauxvette and eventually leads her to become the Pope’s Special Agent. Want to know more? Hang in there, artist Jesse Thomas is hot at work doing the art for issue # 3 of The Crimson Nun : Rebellion issue # 3.

FINALLY….THANKS SCOTT – There was no way we were going to wrap up this week’s entry with a huge thanks to son Scott who stepped in when, while assembling this entry, the Air Chief goofed and then couldn’t fix the problem we’d created. A hurried call to Scott, who by the way is the family’s computer guru, and two hours later snafu fixed and the page was good to go. So again, thanks Scott. And thanks to all you Loyal Airmen for stopping by again, It’s always a privilege to have you stop by every week. God bless you and yours. Ron – Over & Out!

THE MIGHT-HAVE-BEEN KATO

On 24 Jul | '2026

THE GREAT AIRSHIP RACE Pg TWO

And with Pg 2, here’s the Air Chief and his co-pilots, Gordon Dymowski (with bowtie) and Brant Fowler. Things are heating up. Next week Pg 3!

THE BLACK TERROR 2.0

We are happy to announce our work on BLACK TERROR 2.0 issue number one is nearly complete. All the art by Dell Barras is done and the coloring by David Rios. We’ve a few pages to color then it will be off to Ben Dunn at Antarctic Press for his verdict. All fingers crossed he likes what he sees.

R.I.P. MITCH BYRD

We were truly saddened to hear of the passing of comic artist Mitch Byrd. Many years ago we crossed paths with Mitch when involved with the small independent comic out of Maine, Alpha Production. Mitch was just breaking into the business and we wrote a little 5 pg horror script called “Repeat Performance” and Mitch drew it perfectly. In appeared in one of Alpha’s anthologies and then years later in our own, “Ron Fortier’s Tales of the Macabre.” That’s pg # 1 above along with picture of Mitch. There was no doubt Mitch would make it to the big time and at DC Comics he became popular on the book, “Guy Gardner – Warrior.” He was a truly talented artist and good soul. Rest in peace old friend, you will be missed.

And there you have it for this week, Loyal Airmen. As always thanks for stopping by and checking out the doings at Hangar 27. With fingers crossed, we should have a new pulp title to announce next week. So until stay out of the heat, be well and God Bless. Ron- Over & Out!

NEBRASKA HERE WE COME!

On 17 Jul | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, as you’ll recall, the Air Chief posted the above add only a few weeks ago. Well, now there’s only 24 hrs left to shout it out. Tomorrow, artist Zane DeGaine will be guests at the High-Plains mini-con held at the Broken Spoke restaurant in Minatare, NE. Yup, we’re going to open up shop in an eatery and yes, it’s a first time for both us. The Air Chief will take photos. Count on it. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and in the middle of that, at 2 p.m. we’ll be giving a panel on how to make comics. Should be a fun day. Here’s hoping any of you Loyal Airmen living in that neck of Nebraska will stop by and say hi.

THE BOSTON BOMBERS Vol 2 Issue # 4

Wahoo, artist Rob Davis just turned in the latest page on issue # 4 of THE BOSTON BOMBERS Vol 2 and at long last, we get to see the Bomber Queen flying back into action with our team of lovely heroes. This series really has the Air Chief wound for sound.

THE GREAT AIRSHIP RACE

Long ago the Air Chief was the member of a fun monthly podcast called Zone 4. We’ve mentioned that before in the past. During that time, the entire Zone 4 website crew had fun coming up with our own cartoon adventures until the Air Chief thought it might be fun to do a little 5 page adventure strip. Above is Page # 1 of THE GREAT AIRSHIP RACE and it showcases pals Erik Radcliffe and Bill Gladman, now morphed into Erik Von Ratfink and Gil Badman. We thought you Loyal Airmen would get a kick out of seeing it, so we will post a page a week here. Hope you enjoy it. Do let us know if you’d like to see more such strips.

COMING SOON FROM AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION

And there you have it for this week, Loyal Airmen. As ever thanks for stopping by and look for us here again next Friday morning. God bless. Ron – Over & Out!

BROTHER BONES 2 IN THE WORKS

On 10 Jul | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, we’ve some exciting news for you this week. Artist Joe Arnold informed us recently that production has begun on issue # 2 of the “Brother Bones Origin Graphic Novel.” As with the first book, Joe will be doing the primary art on the main story and there will be a short bonus back up Bones tales. This one is called “Party Girl” and Joe recruited artist Gabriel Rearte to do the art for it. He will also be providing the alternate cover for this issue. Above are three of early roughs for what that cover might look. If you think we’re excited about this, you’re on the money. Joe hopes to launch the Kickstarter shortly. Once again, thanks so much to all you Brother Bones fans who made chapter one such a huge success.

THE CRIMSON NUN # 3

And here’s another inked page from issue # 3 by artist Jesse Thomas. This quiet scene depicts Gabrielle having breaking with Pope Pius XI after the dramatic events of the previous night. They are soon to become dear friends and he has some very amazing plans for her future. Oh, yeah.

And believe it or not, Loyal Airmen, that’s pretty much it for this week. Nothing unusual in regards to being a comic writer in the independent market. Oftentimes it takes weeks, even months before we’ll see progress on a comic. Roughs take time. Pencils take time. Inks take time. Colors take time. And even then after you’ve finished your issue, there’s the whole funding issue which tags on even more waiting time. So yes, the Air Chief is working on 8 different comic series, and the two pieces above show that. As for the other six, they are in various stages of development.

On a positive note, our small reading postcast from Rod Davis, First Flights, where we read from the first chapter of Brother Bones has gotten 70 hits. Wow. Just wow. And we’re happy to report lots more Airship 27 writers have signed on to do more of the fun shorts, so stay tuned. And finally, after years of nurturing an single idea in our mind, this past week the Air Chief began writing a new novel. We don’t want to give away much more, save to say it’s not fiction but based on the exploits of several truly amazing people after World War I. Intrigued? Good. Ha. Until next time, stay well. Ron – Over & Out!

BEYOND THE STARS # 5

On 3 Jul | '2026

Greetings Loyal Airmen, as is the routine, we creators get our copies of our comics long after all our supporters have gotten theirs. Which is only right, as without them, we simply couldn’t publish these titles. So as happy as the Air Chief is here, deliriously so in fact, we are extremely grateful to each and everyone one of you purchased a copy and help make our funding campaign a success. Alright, so now stay tuned as the final chapter of this sage, issue # 6 is almost finished according to artist Andrea Bormida and believe me, it will blow your socks off. It’s the big battle climax the entire tale has been building up to. Trust me, Loyal Airmen, you won’t want to miss it.

AIRSHIP 27 TEST FLIGHTS LAUNCHES

Some big news here, Loyal Airmen. At the end of our last Airship 27 Podcast, Chief Engineer Rob suggested the possibility of our producing short, dedicated podcast wherein one of our many talented Airship 27 writers would read from their published works. After the show, Rob and the Air Chief continued the discussion until we volunteered to be the first reader. We chose to read the first chapter from our first ever Brother Bones story, “The Bone Brothers” which kicked off the very first book, “Brother Bones – The Undead Avenger.” The reading took 12 minutes and after that file was set, Rob then proceeded to dress it up with lots and lots of illustrations from our Brother Bones files to enhance the reading with visuals. It is now completed and can be found at you tube here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fViMwXS-x_w) Naturally we hope you’ll check it out whereby will gauge your reactions and then decide which writer will tag to do the next one. Wish us luck, Loyal Airmen. These are fun.

THE CRIMSON NUN # 3

Was looking through our Crimson Nun files for issue # 3 now in production and the more we studied Jesse Thomas’ pencils, the more we appreciated his amazing storytelling talent. We know we’ve posted the above page before Loyal Airmen, both inked and colored. But we really just wanted to give you some honest to goodness eye-candy with the dynamics of Jesse’s gorgeous pencils. Enjoy.

HIGH PLAINS MINI-CON

Finally, here’s a quick ad for my forthcoming appearance at the one-day comic con in Minatare, Nebraska, put on by our pal Matthew Rhys. As most of you Loyal Airmen know, the Air Chief stop doing big scale shows long ago. They were too crowded, devoted to movie and TV personalities rather than comics and really became no fun at all. In the past few years we were left the Wicked West Con held in the Spring. The Free Comic Book Day at the local comic shop and the Rocky Mountain Con in Nov. Well there was no Wicked West this year. Free Comic Book Day was its usual blast, but as of today, there has been absolutely no word on whether Rocky Mountain will happen this year or not. As you can see our public appearances have begun to shrink. Never mind we didn’t do the Windy City Pulp this year due conflicting schedules for partner Rob. Thus when Matthew hit us up early about his little one day show, we signed on immediately. And we won’t be attending alone, as one of the other guests is our Fort Collins creator neighbor artist Zane DeGaine. We’ll be riding up with him. He’s got a whopping big old truck that can easily haul both our comic boxes and banners etc. So there you have it, Loyal Airmen, if any of you are anywhere near Minatare, Ne. on the 18th of July, why not come on over and say hi. We’d love to meet you for sure.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

Finally, Saturday is our country’s 250th birthday. Happy Birthday USA, land of the free because of the brave. May God continue to bless you. Amen. Ron – Over and Out!