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Underground > Comic Books >

Rich Johnston's FLYING FRIAR

14:02 / 22.10.05

Hi chaps,

Rich Johnston here, totally abusing the emails you sent in voting on Lying In The Gutters.

Just wanting to point out that in this month's Previews, I've got a comic listed. "The Flying Friar", by me and Thomas Nachlik. A 48 page black and white novella, on page 317 from Speakeasy comics.

Order code OCT05-3178. You know the score.

Difference is, that if you preorder "The Flying Friar" and email me at lyinginthegutters@gmail.com next week to let me know which shop you preordered it from, I'll give you a money back guarantee. If it's not up to your exacting standards, post it to me and I give you your money back.

It's basically Smallville by way of Name Of The Rose with a smattering of The DaVinci Code. Based on the true story of St Joseph of Copertino, it creates a world where this man who could fly above the heads of his congregation, had a childhood friend and descendant of Martin Luther, Lux.

Religion vs Science. Friend vs Friend. And a life's story in 48 pages.

Cover
http://static.flickr.com/28/50610948_f56e91a41b_o.jpg
Page 1
http://static.flickr.com/26/50610949_e628a7b333_o.jpg
Page 2
http://static.flickr.com/30/50610950_4a173f8b26_o.png
Page 3
http://static.flickr.com/29/50610951_c1c13a4eb9_o.png
Page 4
http://static.flickr.com/27/50610952_d2494de650_o.png
Page 5
http://static.flickr.com/31/50611763_1999a3d266_o.png
Page 6
http://static.flickr.com/27/50610953_b046b41b8e_o.png

Feel free to pass this offer on far and wide...

15:14 / 22.10.05

Hector, why are you spamming for someone else?

I got this e-mail too, and I'd like to say 'fuck off, Rich J., and I don't read your column anymore. Love, Duncan.'

18:31 / 22.10.05

Did anybody read That series Rich wrote for Avatar?

What's the verdict on his first writing forray? (This one sounds interesting: Ellis was pimping it as well on his Bad Signal webletter-thingy).

And is there an ethical contradiction when a comic book gossip columnist also writes comic books?

03:40 / 23.10.05

Falconer: not spamming. I'm a regular poster and believe Barbelith may have a genuine interest in the comic. but I'm guilty on lazy charges, could have written a proper post.

furioso: don't know if it matters that much... journalists write novels etc. gossip journos may be material for other columns. it's all multidisciplinary these days.

10:40 / 23.10.05

I'm a regular poster and believe Barbelith may have a genuine interest in the comic.

After last time? Note how much discussion of actual comic occurs therein.

I know yr a regular though, Hec. I like you.

12:37 / 23.10.05

And is there an ethical contradiction when a comic book gossip columnist also writes comic books?

I don't think that there is an ethical contradiction, merely a possible conflict of interests. Johnston is the closest thing that comics has to an investigative journalist. The fear is that Johnston might be tempted to attack companies that do not publish his work while lavishing praise upon those that do. This has not happened as near as I can tell.

14:37 / 23.10.05

After last time? Note how much discussion of actual comic occurs therein.

well, er... we like Superman, don't we? =)

18:06 / 23.10.05

Duncan, look for Grant Morrison stuff in tomorrow's column... also the previous posts were before the comic in question shipped.

Sleaze, indeed, I think I've taken the piss out of Avatar's behaviour on a number of occasions. And I'm currently involved in an investigation over certain creators' concerns about Speakeasy. If it becomes a story I'll print it.

17:10 / 25.10.05

it's got a nice cover.

21:46 / 25.10.05

This has not happened as near as I can tell.

Guess we'll have to trust him then. Lock up your daughters, etc.

Our Lady Has Left the Building

19:08 / 21.02.06

I liked it. I enjoyed the 'almost Superman Elseworld' vibe. Almost as good as 'X-Flies'. There were a few ideas that never went anywhere, such as our heros visions that contradicted his faith, I think it needed a higher page count, it did seem rushed in places. Still, a fun little read.

19:14 / 21.02.06

Living under a very large rock, I had no idea who Rich Johnston was but ran across a mention of the book and decided to order one. I thought it made for an interesting and enjoyable read. I'd recommend it.

PS I'm out from under the rock now for any concerned...

03:51 / 28.02.06

while SPEAKEASY CLOSES ITS DOORS, the digital version is still available from Rich's website, which has proved useful.

he may still write about what happened to the publisher, but maybe not this week.

07:46 / 28.02.06

He mentioned it in this week's column, or at the very least alluded to it... more details as they emerge ove this next week i would imagine...