Steve Niles | Horror Writer

Fuck Yeah Sobriety

I usually don’t address rumors but this one bothers me on a variety of levels. Mostly, that I found out a fellow writer who I confided in has been the one spreading the rumors. We hung out and talked, and now I hear he’s been telegraphing everything I said.

Anybody who’s close to me knows I’m sober now. I don’t drink or do drugs. I used to. I used to, a lot, from about the age 15 to when I finally stopped in my 40’s.

I can’t do anything about my loudmouth friend. He has his own issues. I figured out it was him when I spoke to another pal, a writer, also sober, who is friends with this yappy fellow. I said something about enjoying being sober and there was a long silence. Didn’t take long to connect the dots.

Funny though, the last couple times I heard from him he wanted me to get him pot. People are funny.

Here’s the thing, I LOVE being sober. I love, love, love it. I feel better, I have more energy and fun and I very rarely have to apologize for my behavior anymore. I have had more fun in the last few years then I ever had. Probably because I’m really feeling everything for the first time.

Even writing is more fun for me now. I had that stupid idea that once I sobered up I wouldn’t be able to create art. It’s so not true. I can’t speak for the quality, that’s up to you, but I am much happier with my work the last few years.

And this brings me to the next thing…

Sobriety Shaming.

I don’t think people mean anything, but when I go to a bar (usually at cons where all cons wind up) and I’m fine standing there and talking, inevitably somebody wants to buy me a drink. When I politely say I don’t drink, I get one of two reactions… “Aw, come on, have one with me!” or they look at me sadly like I just told them I have terminal cancer.

If I had my way AA would be called Fuck Yeah Sobriety. To me sobriety is something to be celebrated not scorned or sad about. Sober people have fought long and hard to stand there and say they don’t drink. Instead of sadness or badgering try saying congratulation.

I have no problem with people drinking or whatever around me.  Most of my close friends drink. I respect what they do and they respect what I don’t do.  Very simple.

For a long time I would actually order a fake drink ala Bruce Wayne to ward off the shot buyers but I realized I was playing into the shaming. I was afraid people would judge me. Now I know better.

Just so we’re clear. I’m far from perfect. I slip and I’ve fallen. I have small relapses and big relapses, but each time it gets easier to get back to where I want to be.

Anyway, just wanted to get that off my chest.

My name is Steve Niles and I’m an addict and I love being sober more then anything in the world.

Fuck Yeah Sobriety.

-Steve

Women Buying Comics

I heard yet another story of a young woman being harassed while trying to buy comics yesterday. A girl told me she went in a shop to get Breath of Bones and the idiot behind the counter said "Are you sure you don't want My Little Pony?" Then idiot 2 chimed in with "Wonder Woman's in the back."

I hear these stories too often. Stories of girls getting quizzed on comic knowledge, inappropriate comments etc.. These sexist power trips. If anything like this happens to you at a store PLEASE tell someone. Tell me and I'll make sure the owner of the store knows how their customers are being treated. 

So tired of these sexist idiots in comics.

Please grow up. If you can't do that, fuck off.

Golems and a Breath of Bones

Breath of Bones #1 Out Today!

Hello! Today the legend of the Golem comes alive in Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1. I’m very proud of this one. Dave Wachter’s art is stunning.

Getting to work with my buddy Matt Santoro is always great. This is just one of those projects where everything fell into place. I hope you can check it out and I hope like it!

Reviews have been coming in great too. Here's a selction of some of them:

"Breath of Bones looks to be one of the best comics I will read this year. Based on this first issue, it's a complicated, heartwarming and heart-wrenching story with a depth of feeling I don't see in a lot of comics. It's beautiful." - Comics Bulletin

http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/5822/review-breath-of-bones-a-tale-of-the-golem-1-will-change-how-you-think-of-steve-niles-comics/

"Breath of Bones #1 is off to a strong start. If you want a title that seems intent on exploring the line between hero and monster, then go pick this up." - Unleash the Fanboy

http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/comics/breath-of-bones-1-review/58164

"Everything Steve Niles touches is magic. Breath of Bones is a wonderful and emotional story that puts a little twist on events we already know. Niles and company have this scheduled for three issues, and I'm definitely coming along for the ride. 5/5" - Comic Book Therapy 

http://www.comicbooktherapy.com/review-breath-of-bones-a-tale-of-the-golem-1-151827

"Steve Niles is known for his work in writing horror, and this story promises to include the monstrous golem of Jewish lore; yet, it is clear there is a much deeper thread these storytellers look to weave into this comic. The only disappointing thing about this comic is the month readers will have to wait for the second issue to arrive." - Newsarama 

http://www.newsarama.com/18095-best-shots-rapid-reviews-superman-unchained-thor-god-of-thunder-more.html

"In closing, Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 is a very gorgeous comic book, both in the art and in the story telling. The content is such that is often mishandled, but with Niles putting such focus on the characters, the awesomeness of the ensuing Golem uprising will be secondary. But with Niles at the helm we can also expect some great action and suspenseful moments to come. Great dialogue, great content, great art, all makes more a simply wonderful comic." - Read Comic Books 

http://readcomicbooks.net/home/breath-of-bones-a-tale-of-the-golem-1/

"Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem is going to be overlooked and shame on you for it. This is a horror story with tonnes of heart, topped with gorgeous black and white artwork. A sleeper hit in every sense of the word." - Comics the Gathering 

http://www.comicsthegathering.com/review/sean-tonelli/2268/breath-bones-tale-golem-part-one-three

"As if the Comic Books Gods have smiled down upon us, the gorgeous artwork of Dave Watcher (2012 Russ Manning Award Nominee) is paired with the script honed by Niles to make this a truly jaw-dropping launch. Even if historical horror isn’t your usual thing, it’s worth picking up Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem for the opportunity to study Watcher’s remarkable talent of capturing both action and emotion using bold imagery with no visual clutter." - Geeks of Doom

http://www.geeksofdoom.com/2013/06/12/comic-review-breath-of-bones-a-tale-of-the-golem-1

 

AND... we still have some Golem Totems left in the store. They are flying fast!

 

 

 

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 Review - IGN

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 Review - IGN.

Review: 'Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem' #1

A comic review article by: Zack Davisson

I wasn't quite sure what to make of Breath of Bones when I saw the ads. That cover didn't spark a lot of enthusiasm, and just looked like a typical monster-bash, but I figured I would give it a shot. Much to my surprise, Breath of Bones looks to be one of the best comics I will read this year. Based on this first issue, it's a complicated, heartwarming and heart-wrenching story with a depth of feeling I don't see in a lot of comics. It's beautiful. 

 

Of all the famous monsters of filmland, the Golem is the most wrapped up in religion -- and thus one of the most difficult to adapt for entertainment. Sure, every monster has its metaphors and allusions, creator/creation motifs, incorporation of religions tenants, etc… but only the Golem comes straight out of the Bible and Jewish Kabbalic mysticism. So when you use the Golem, you have a decision to make; are you going to ignore the Jewish elements and just go with a shambling drudge a la Dungeons & Dragons? Or, are you going to embrace what makes the Golem unique?

In Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem Steven Niles and Dave Wachter (with story by Matt Santoro) wrap their collective arms around this piece of clay and wholeheartedly embrace the Golem's uniqueness and religious elements. They are giving us what looks to be a full-fledged Jewish ghetto versus Nazis tale with the Golem rising to defend the ghetto -- as he was designed to do.

 

 

At least that is what I am supposing. The actual first issue of Breath of Bones just gives us a tantalizing glimpse of things to come, and most of that is the cover. The rest of this issue is just set-up -- pure, beautiful, engaging, heart-wrenching set-up. We don't even get a glimpse of the Golem until the last page, and the enemy is never sighted. The horrors are over the ridge and far away. But they are coming. Oh yes, they are coming. And their presences is felt in the absence of the lives they have already claimed.

Let me tell you one of the things I love about Steve Niles -- he is versatile. Sure, he is a horror writer, and usually known as "Horror writer Steve Niles," but he doesn't do one-note horror. He does punk rock, tongue-in-cheek splatter fests like Criminal Macabre, elegant, esoteric set pieces like Chin Music and Hollywood horror like 30 Days of Night. And then, out of nowhere, a touching, sentimental work like Breath of Bones. I truly never know what I am going to get when I pick up a Steve Niles comic other than that it is going to be good.

 

 

I don't know artist Dave Wachter's work other than this comic, but I am already a fan. He has this lovely style that I just can't place. His work here isn't LIKE anything or anyone, other than certain Japanese artists. I hate to use the word "manga influenced" because that will give you an idea in your mind that is 100% wrong. But the sense of pacing, the panel transitions, and flipping between wide scene and tight close-up seems very Japanese to me.

On the other hand, I could be completely wrong. Maybe he's never read a Japanese comic in his life. I also see Eisner in some of his layouts, so maybe that is the true influence. Either way, I know what I like and I like Dave Wachter's art. He does emotive black-and-white washes, and handles both the loud and quiet scenes with equal skill. And he has a humanism to his art that I love. Wachter captures the human element so well that I don't even need the Golem -- this could be a simple story about a young boy and his grandfather and the transformation of their lives as Jews during WWII, and I would be perfectly happy.

 

 

But then the Golem appears, and I realize that I do need the Golem after all. Because it is so damn cool. I love that they went with a design similar to the actual Golem of Prague, the kind you can find in statues and reproductions around the city. Little touches of authenticity like that enrich stories, and give me confidence that the writer and artist have done their research and know what they are talking about.  And I really, really want a little Golem figure.

Breath of Bones is only three issues, which I figure is exactly how long Niles and Wachter felt they needed to tell the story.  I don't know what they have in store for the next two issues, but I wish I had them in my hands right now. 

 

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 will go on sale Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

Zack Davisson is a freelance writer and life-long comics fan. He owned a comic shop in Seattle during the '90s, during which time he had the glorious (and unpaid) gig as pop-culture expert for NPR. He has lived in three countries, has degrees in Fine Art and Japanese Studies, and has been a contributing writer to magazines like Japanzine and Kansai Time-Out. He currently lives in Seattle, WA with his wife Miyuki. You can catch more of Zack's reviews on his blog Japan Reviewed or read his translations of Japanese ghost stories on Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai.

Link: http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/5822/review-breath-of-bones-a-tale-of-the-golem-1-will-change-how-you-think-of-steve-niles-comics/