Gary Scott Beatty's one-shot "Number One" was on Bleeding Cool News' list of the best indie comics of 2014. Now this innovative writer/artist's early work is being offered in a collected edition for the first time.
"
Worlds: Three Stories by Gary Scott Beatty" features done-in-one comic book stories, gallery pages, and an article from the author, in a full color package. "
Adam Among the Gods" has art and inks by acclaimed Saint Germaine illustrator James Lyle. Adam is the First, science's revered first immortal before the rise of the New Humans. Ugly and deformed, his sacrifice lead to the perfect race of godlike people that inhabit the world around him. He is worshiped, undying and hopelessly alone. This sci-fi tale explores evolving standards of beauty and perfection and how those choices could affect the physical and mental well being of a human race improved through genetic tampering. The second story, "
Seductions," uses pencil art by Oz artist Bill Bryan and unique computer-over-pencils coloring from Beatty to explore mating ritual psychology, seduction history, the barroom scene and, yes, vampires! The "hero" of Seductions is caught in a maddening cycle, waking 10 years after each feeding. The world changes around him and only two things remain, his desire for blood and a yearning for his long lost love! Far from a typical romance, the hero must decide: heart's desire or dinner? "
Jazz: Cool Birth" is a murder mystery in a 1957 jazz club, with illustrations inspired by '50s album cover design. Integrated typography gives this comic book story a unique look. A Xeric Grant recipient! From the martini crowd at the uptown piano bars to the whiskey cats at downtown's Skylarks, piano man Dean Fontessa had thought he'd seen it all. But when he agrees to beat chops with the local pounders about a nixed out gabriel, he finds the jazz crowd takes care of its own, dig.
Reviews of the stories contained in this collection:
ADAM AMONG THE GODS
"Both Beatty's writing and Lyle's art...reveal impressive hidden depths."- Adam Prosser, rackraids.com
"This is a wonderful morality tale done in the tradition of the Twilight Zone."- Odinson, Lone Star Comics Archivist, My Comic Shop.com
"(Beatty) provides an engaging story at a crisp, but not rushed pace, with a satisfying conclusion...all in one issue." - Mark Allen, Suspended Animation
"Adam gets 5 out of 5 stars!" - Allen Freeman, Small Press Newsroom
SEDUCTIONS
"Shot from artist Bill Bryan's compelling pencils and enhanced by Beatty's colors, Seductions draws the reader into the vampire's hunt for 'life' and love. One feels his pain even as one loathes his manipulative manner. Complete unto itself, this comic book is another satisfying done-in-one presentation. Seductions earns four Tonys." - Tony Isabella, Comic Buyers Guide #1644
"Totally unpredictable story. Great work! 5 out of 5 stars." - Quazipseudo, Syndicated Zine Reviews
"This is pretty much perfect as is. Full marks." - Jacques Treatment, Dimestore Productions
"The art is beautiful, and the character development is strong and sensible." - Rick Silva, Dandelion Studios
JAZZ: COOL BIRTH
"The imagery and the loose but controlled rhythm of the writing brilliantly evoke the sights, sounds and smoky atmosphere of a bygone era." - Matt C., Paradox Comics
"It's something different in storytelling. I thought it was great, so give it a shot. Something different, something new." - Joe and Jim, Comic News Insider
"...absolutely captures the flavor of jazz clubs in the late '50s. It's unlike any other comic out there. A fantastic blend of art and text." - Paul Bishop, Bish's Beat
Xeric Grant Recipient Gary Scott Beatty is also the publisher of Aazurn Publishing. His publication, Number One," was one of the best indie comics of 2014 (Bleeding Cool News). Through his Indie Comics Magazine, Gary publishes promising newcomers and veteran independent creators, introducing them to a wider audience through worldwide distribution. Providing guidance and assistance to newcomers, Gary provides an extensive array of production and artistic experience which he readily shares. James Lyle has worked with numerous publishers over his career. One of his earliest works was with Mike Leonard on "DoorMan" released from Cult Press and then Caliber Comics. Also with Caliber, he illustrated a Saint Germaine story, "The Tragedy of Falstaff" which was released in the award winning anthology, "Negative Burn". James' other work includes "Grimm Fairy Tales", "Tales from the Neverland", and Spike TV's "1000 Ways to Die", all from Zenescope Entertainment. In addition to other projects, James is the Vice Chairman of the SE Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society. Bill Bryan is a long time veteran of the comics industry and has contributed to a number of early publications. Bill spent time in New York doing specialty work and contributing to The House of Mystery, Crazy and Mad magazines. Bill has done designs, storyboards and occasional acting in films, The Carrier, Cleavland Smith, Them!, Zora and That Special Gift. Most notably, Bill did complete storyboards for the Disney Channel production of Tiger Town, starring Roy Scheider. Bill illustrated a "Hunchback of Notre Dame" adaptation for Gary Reeds' Saint Germaine. His most extensive work is illustrating over 30 issues of "OZ" which has appeared from Caliber and Arrow Comics.
