A new hope...
Chapter 2. Sophomore slump.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Another introduction!
Grifter this week!
Joker progress!
Suggested reading.
What do you want from me?!
Soundtrack for the week.
Stuff you should support.
Hello again! I know what you’re thinking because I’m thinking it too. “Another newsletter already? Isn’t that a bit much?” The answer is yes. Yes, it is.
I have been told by experts on the subject that I am supposed to cry and plead and beg you to share this newsletter with your loved ones, urge your friends on social media to subscribe to it, and just generally push it on every person you encounter. But I have way too much dignity to do that…
Anyway, I ran a poll on twitter to find out how often I should send this thing out. It’s not exactly scientific but it’s better than me just guessing, right? And it was extra fun because I don’t think I’ve ever run a poll on twitter where I actually cared about the results before. And what I found out was shocking…
I still don’t care about the poll results! Here’s the thing. Yes, the clear winner was ‘once a month’. And yes, I sent out my first newsletter 2 weeks ago. But I figured if I send it out every 2 weeks I can split the difference and make literally no one happy, so that is my plan. I know some of you are thinking that I sided with the 13.8% and have decided to send this one now because I have some big news… umm… I don’t. Sorry. This letter is mostly going to be more of what you got 2 weeks ago. Might want to skip to the end now to see if I give away more free books in this one.
I don’t even have any more stories of getting dry cookies but I did go to the park to pet my friend’s dog. My review: very soft/pretty dirty. Been reading lots of comics, writing some other comics, and… writing this newsletter, I guess. Let’s just get on with it.
Your boy Grifter a.k.a. Cole Cash is back this week in issue #3 of BATMAN URBAN LEGENDS. I don’t think there is an official preview I can show you but Ryan and Antonio are making Grifter look great and we’re working hard to give you the stuff the other superhero comics won’t.
But if you want the “official” rundown for the book I can bring that to you- “The mystery around Cole Cash and HALO deepens as Batman takes a more active role investigating the man known as Grifter. But other villains in Gotham have begun to notice what Grifter is up to, and they’re about to attempt an assassination! How long can the unlikely team-up between this Dynamic Duo last?” I will go ahead and spoil that for you. Not long.
Anyway the issue also has great Red Hood, Outsiders, and Lady Shiva stories. But also look at these covers by Simone Bianchi / John Romita Jr. & Klaus Janson & Alejandro Sanchez / David Marquez & Tomeu Morey!
I don’t have a real update on THE JOKER #5 other than Francesco Francavilla turned in his rough sketches for the issue and I told our editor Ben that I would happily read a book that looked like those roughs. He’s so good. He also tweeted out this very sweet tweet that should give you some hints of what our story is going to feel like while also showing off that he owns a Jerry Robinson Joker drawing.
In “books not written by me” news, the 3rd issue of my favorite comic of the year, DEAD DOG’S BITE is out now. Written and drawn by the amazingly talented and amazingly weird Tyler Boss, the book continues to be a masterclass in all the things I think are cool. It’s mysterious, weird, funny, and beautiful. Some of you may know Tyler as my collaborator on 4 KIDS WALK INTO A BANK and the sometimes colorist on and sometimes cover artist on WE CAN NEVER GO HOME or from our story in RAZORBLADES #2. Some of you may know him from your local Tim Horton’s where he gets coffee every morning. Either way, it turns out he can make very brilliant comics when I don’t get in his way. So go pick this issue up and if you missed the others get those too, obviously.
So “What do you want from me?!” is the section where I both ask you to send me questions and I answer some of those questions you send. First- send me more questions. Second- I asked for questions in the first newsletter and wow did you all send me a lot. It was kind of too many. But I’m a trooper so let’s answer some.
Bryan asks-
I already covered that in the previous section, Bryan. Please keep up.
Cameron asks-
You snuck in two questions but this newsletter is already too long, so we might as well just make a night of it.
My favorite Leonard Cohen album is ‘Songs of Leonard Cohen’. It may be the obvious choice, but my dad had it on vinyl and would listen to it late at night while he was writing so it has a special place to me. Also So Long, Marianne may be the most beautiful song ever written.
As for news on me and Tyler’s upcoming series WHAT’S THE FURTHEST PLACE FROM HERE? you will just have to wait. But maybe not that long.
Time for my soundtrack for the week! This is a section I just named a minute ago and it really doesn’t fit but it’s my newsletter and I answer to no one, even myself.
A record I always go back to when I’m writing is the first Silver Mt. Zion LP. I know a lot of writers like to write to either relaxing music or uplifting stuff, but I often like to have tension and anxiety when I work. I write like a clenched fist. This album has the perfect builds and contrasts that I love, but also throws in a lot of weird static-y noises and parking lot sounds for that extra bit of jitteriness. Sit In The Middle Of Three Dogs Galloping captures what I love about this record and band perfectly.
Finally, if you haven’t been paying attention to global news India is being ravaged by the Covid virus in recent weeks. There is a crucial need for medical supplies and equipment, as well as lots of organizations on the ground doing work to help individuals in need. GiveIndia is a good place to donate directly to people and orgs that need your help. If you have funds to spare, please consider.
That’s all from me. No free books this time, you greedy monsters. See you in 2 weeks. Or a month. I don’t know.
Stay safe.
-Matthew Rosenberg
NYC 5/10/21
wait, this isn't chapter 4? I'm all confused now.
Question, question, question.
What are the book(s?) You find yourself coming back to if you find yourself in a creative slump? Like inspirational works that stay with you and make you go "Shit. Gotta get back on it."