Off the Shelf
Local writer examines freedom in action-packed ‘Pistolfist’
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007 |
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| “Pistolfist,” written by J.S. Earls, will be a four-issue comic book series. |
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With the publication of the debut issue of “Pistolfist,” local resident J.S. Earls has created a revolutionary brand of comic book superhero.
For the four-issue mini-series produced and distributed through Alias Comics, writer/creator Earls adopts the American Revolution as a setting for his original tale. Earls developed the story with co-writer David A. Flanary Jr. The comic book is illustrated by Andres Guinaldo, with coloring by Jason Embury and lettering by Kel Nuttall.
The opening pages establish the time frame and introduce one of the story’s primary players, founding father Benjamin Franklin. Scenes play out in historical backdrops such as the Battle of Lexington, Franklin’s home in Philadelphia and Fort Ticonderoga.
“I always enjoyed superheroes in different time periods,” said Earls in a recent interview. As examples, he cited The Lone Ranger and Zorro. “I wondered why no one ever created one for the American Revolution.”
Earls’ fictional protagonist, Salem Attucks, is identified as the brother of real-life Crispus Attucks – commonly remembered as a martyr and the first casualty in the war for American independence.
“As I considered the setting and the theme of freedom, it seemed only natural to make him a runaway slave.” In the course of the story, the character’s campaign of vengeance gradually becomes a fight for liberty. Earls’ acknowledges his concern about touting an ultra-American patriot as a central figure in today’s political climate. “I thought it would hurt sales, but – considering the state of the independent comic industry – our sales have been slightly above average. It’s not meant to be an allegorical tale of modern America,” Earls said. “At its heart it’s about freedom. Who doesn’t want to be free?”
A clever fusion of fact and fiction endows “Pistolfist” with a certain charisma, captivating readers with astute observations about life in the late 18th century. To emphasize the history, each issue includes a “Fact and Fiction” page which summarizes the details.
“I really wanted to incorporate as many authentic people, places and events as possible,” Earls said. By integrating accurate details, “Pistolfist” transcends the pigeon hole of historical adventure and ventures into speculative literature. “Even the technology we use is inspired by the amazing scientific and medical discoveries of the time.”
Born in Dunedin, Earls lived in several other states before returning to Florida in 1984. He wrote locally for “RAD Magazine” and worked as a ghostwriter on the final year of the syndicated Steve Roper and Mike Nomad strip. The writer also created a benefit comic and paperback anthology called “The Sorrow” to raise money and awareness for the National Association to Protect Children.
When Earls’ friend Dwight L. MacPherson asked if the writer had any new ideas brewing, Earls pitched “Pistolfist.”
“He thought ‘Pistolfist’ was really cool,” Earls said. “The next thing I know, he’s e-mailing me saying I need to put a series synopsis together ASAP. So I rushed off to the library and the rest – if you pardon the pun – is history.”
While sales have exceeded Earls’ expectations, he concedes that success in the comic world is difficult to attain.
“The comic industry goes in cycles and, currently, Marvel and DC – once again – hold a virtual monopoly on the industry,” Earls said. On the up side, Hollywood has turned to the medium for inspiration. “Due to the sequential nature of this art form, the comic industry has become a major resource for motion pictures. A lot of people don’t even realize that movies like ‘Road to Perdition’ and ‘From Hell’ were originally comic books.”
While there may be fewer opportunities these days, Earls encourages potential writers.
“Writers need to be versatile,” he said. He suggests writers read and apply “Story” by Robert McKee. “For those brave fools wishing to become comic writers,” he said, “I highly recommend ‘Understanding Comics’ by Scott McCloud and ‘The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics’ by Dennis O’Neil. Also, be prepared to promote yourself.”
Copies of the first issue of “Pistolfist” may still be available at local comic book vendors such as Emerald City in Clearwater, Comic World in Largo and Sci-Fi City in Orlando. The second issue is due out in January, the third in March and the fourth in May. Readers can preorder future issues online through various comic dealers such as comichole.com.
After the four-issue series is complete, Earls will probably call up Pistolfist for another tour of duty.
“I definitely have some future plans for Salem,” Earls said. “Heck, we’ve got the whole American Revolution to cover!”
Visit www.freewebs.com/storylinestudios/ or e-mail storylinestudios@hotmail.com.
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Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007
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