Dave's newsletter: Apr 21st 2023

New BPM #2 and Killtopia #5 art, a run 'n' gun reveal + more

Hi everyone, and happy Friday. Welcome to my new, improved (and shorter!) free newsletter.

Following on from the last newsletter’s poll, this now goes out every two weeks in a far shorter format. I hope you like it - as always, any and all feedback is welcome!

First up:

• I’ve changed the way paid subscriptions work - which means paid subs will get a month’s early access to all of my comic tutorials, how-to guides and bonus posts

• After a month, all free subscribers can read them for no extra charge

• This means that my first comic tutorial about writing effective panel descriptions is now FREE FOR ALL TO READ (woo!)

• If you’d like to upgrade your subscription to get early access and support my writing projects for just £3.50 a month, you can hit this button (thanks!)

Subscribed

Now on to the newsletter…

• BPM: Beatdowns Per Minute #2 art production has resumed: We hit a few delays on the production of this issue of our beat ‘em up tribute comic series, but new pages are being worked on now. I’ve posted a new panel teaser, updates on shipping timeframes and more. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• Killtopia #5 production and shipping update + all-new artwork: I’ve posted a wee update on how Killtopia #5 production is going, where we’re at and a (potential!) small shipping delay. We’ve also got a series of all-new artwork to share with you. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• My third comic writing tutorial is now live: the new guide breaks down my approach to creating a cast of distinct, identifiable characters, and how to build their personality through panel notes, script and artwork direction. Paid subscribers get a month’s early access to the guide, and free subs can get a preview before the full piece unlocks in a month’s time. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• Killtopia #5 Alex Moore print unboxing: I got the last backer reward for the fifth and final issue of Killtopia from the printers this week, and it’s looking stunning. Artist Alex Moore has worked with me a few times on guest Kickstarter prints, and this one is as gorgeous as ever. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• Run ‘n’ gun history book - publisher reveal + first writing sample: Last week, I got the green light to announce who would be publishing my run ‘n’ gun history book - which is a 450+ page, 300+ game journey through the genre. I was also allowed to share a sample feature from the book, which you can read now. It’s about one of the most savage shooters of the ‘90s. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• I’m speaking at this year’s Cymera writing festival: This is an awesome event that takes place June 2-4 in my home city of Edinburgh, Scotland. I’m really grateful to have been invited to take part in a speaker panel about cyberpunk writers, alongside two incredible authors from Scotland. Tickets for the whole weekend are available now. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• I did my first game review in years: As many of my subscribers know, I used to be a full-time games journalist between 2007-2014, and I like to dip my toes back into it for fun every now and then. Last week, I did a review of Capcom’s incredible remake of Resident Evil 4. The original game is in my top 5 ever, so I was unsure if this would live up to the hype. Did it? FIND OUT HERE.

And that’s a wrap! Short, sweet and to the point.

Was this too short? Do you like or dislike the new format? As always, you can let me know in the comments.

Thanks, and have an awesome weekend, everyone :)

-Dave