The first issue of my End of Nations mini-series from DC Comics when on sale last week. You can get it on your iOS device or online from both Comixology and the DC Comics site.

Issue #0, which was given away as a free premium at San Diego Comic Con 2010 is also available as a free download, so you can get a taste of the world of End of Nations before committing to a purchase.

Issue #0 features the artwork of my friend Cully Hamner on the cover and the super talented Yvel Guichet on panels. The regular series switches to Chris Sprouse on covers.

Go grab your copy now. Who doesn’t like free comics?

Lots of very cool toys for the kiddies this year. My faves are these baby vampire “vamplets”, some really amazing Punch and Judy like puppets, and some plushies that have emotional challenges like frustration and indecision. Accompanying books show how they work through their issues. Brilliant.

And of course been promoting Alganon, which is why I came in the first place. Me and Derek Smart, guy who runs Alganon, at the bottom.

DC did an outstanding job with the transfer and the guided panel view is really fun.

If you haven’t downloaded the apps, do it now and check out Alganon. Good read and it is free, yo!

Until today. Got a box in the mail filled with RE trades! It was fun going back through and re-reading it after such a long hiatus. The art work by Kevin Sharpe and Jheremy Raapack really is awesome.

“Death and Life of the Hero” got a special nod, see below:

Finally, Ricardo Sanchez contributes my favorite tale in the book, “The Death and Life of a Hero.” I’m a sucker for such an uplifting story in which the hero receives his due from the people he has saved. I loved that same theme in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer as well as in Early Edition, and I love it here, too. Sanchez also should be commended for creating a unique Superman-like figure that never once actually imitates the Man of Steel. The archetypal Hero really does seem like a different man here.

I am embarrassingly flattered. I definitely had Superman in mind when I was writing my story, specifically the Christopher Reeves version. There is just something about the way he portrayed the Man of Steel that has always resonated with me. Made me feel hopeful. I wanted to re-create that feeling. Seems like, for Ray at least, I did. As a writer, it just doesn’t get better than that.

So go check out the full review then go buy the book. If you believe Ray, you won’t be sorry!

The final story in this collection, written by DC’s Ricardo Sanchez (famous for his Resident Evil comics) is hands down the most rewarding and thought-provoking.  Really more of a social introspection piece, Ricardo tells us of a deceased hero known as The Hero and the reporter that is trying to retell his story twenty years later.  I really don’t want to ruin too much for you so all I’ll say is this story needs to be published elsewhere and consumed en mass as it is a powerful look into and reminder of who we all are and who we all can be.

I was pretty floored by the writer’s enthusiasm for my story. Can’t say I’ve ever received a review quite like this.

Super hero western “The Dodge” really stood out for me as a great story, but there are some other gems too. The stories do a great job of taking the genre in directions you don’t often see in comic books.

The book comes out in July, but it is available today on Smashwords if you like your books digital. If you like men in tights with super powers, totally worth checking out.

The Mass Grave of John Johnsons by Micah Urban
The unearthing of several bodies prompts a doctor to summon a “super” forensics team. But he questions his decision when he realizes they may be stranger than the mystery they’re investigating.

Daughter of Nyx by Kelly Wisdom
In a dystopian future, Veronica must hide her unique ability from a regime that hates those who are different. Then she is attacked and must make a choice–remain in hiding or rise up and fight.

Going My Own Way by Dayton Ward
Though endowed with a unique power, young Daniel chooses not to follow in the footsteps of his famous superhero father. That is a decision that may ultimately cost him his life.

Identity Crisis by Lisa Gail Green
After the superhero, SolarFlare, is injured, her twin sister, Leslie, takes her place. Leslie soon discovers that it will take more than just a flashy costume to save the city from a mad man.

Blunt Force Trauma by Kevin Hosey
When his ex-partner’s daughter is murdered, retired superhero, PsyKore, goes after her slayer with a vengeance. What he ultimately discovers is even more devastating than the murder itself.

Neutral Ground by Jordan Taylor
During World War I, a British corporal hears rumors of a mysterious man saving wounded soldiers on the battlefield. He vows to uncover who or what is out there, even at the risk of his own life.

Breaking The Circle by Derek Tyler Attico
When the hero, Vitruvian, vanishes in a massive explosion, his wife, Kendra, resolves to discover his fate. Yet her search leads her through nightmarish deceit to the very edge of her own sanity.

The Dodge by K. Stoddard Hayes
Sheriff Wilder owes his fearless reputation to a secret ability to phase through bullets. But when his rash younger brother follows him into a deadly standoff, Wilder’s secret may get them both killed.

The Justice Blues by Carla Lee Suson
As the wife of a beloved superhero, Angelica seems to have the perfect life. Then she learns of an evil secret that threatens her marriage–and her life.

Death and Life of The Hero by Ricardo Sanchez
Decades ago, The Hero gave his life while protecting The City. Now reporter Laura Halsey thinks she’s discovered what really happened. But revealing the truth may cause more harm than good.

I’ll be signing copies of the book at San Diego ComicCon. Schedule to be revealed in a puff of smoke sometime soon!