John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: Vault #1
Created & Written by James Ninness
Pencils & Inks by Andres Esparza
Colored by Sergio Martinez
Cover by Nick Percival
Lettered by Janice Chiang
Edited by Sandy King
Published by Storm King Productions
Release Date: July 26th, 2017
Price: $3.99 is available now.

“There are moments when all of humanity goes to the same three words… What the F*ck?”

John Carpenter is known by his legions of fans as “The Master of Horror.” But when you look back at the visionary director’s filmography you see the influence and impact science fiction has had on his over 50-year career. His first feature film was 1974’s Dark Star, a sci-fi comedy set in the reaches of deep space. After hitting it big with Halloween in 1978, a film that became the highest grossing independent film ever made at the time, he would return to sci-fi multiple times. Possibly his greatest achievement was 1982’s The Thing, a remake of the Howard Hawks 50s classic about an alien who grotesquely impersonates crew members in the Antarctic. He returned to the genre with Starman (1984), They Live (1987), Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992), and Ghosts of Mars (2001). Carpenter is now devoted to new mediums to translate his unique visions of horror and science fiction. Alongside his wife and collaborator Sandy King Carpenter, they have ventured into the world of graphic novels and comics, releasing titles like Asylum Vol 1 and 2 as well as Tales For A Halloween Night for Storm King Comics.

Just in time for SDCC, Carpenter will be releasing the first story in a monthly anthology series Tales of Science Fiction: Vault #1. Vault is written by James Ninness who also worked on Tales For A Halloween Night with the Carpenters. The story combines themes and elements of claustrophobia and fear of the unknown that recall Carpenter’s The Thing, while adding traditional space horror traits from Alien, and Event Horizon. A space crew from the ship Gaia finds a derelict alien craft with English writing and similar technology, and of course… they must explore. What kind of aliens have a ship with an English name that dabbles in poetry? “Polite aliens,” one crew member asks jokingly.

It doesn’t take long for the shit to hit the fan for the Gaia crew. Soon they’re finding “mucus” all around, suits are ruptured, and an accident leaves them stranded on the alien vessel with a malevolent force. There is some truly gnarly and disgustingly cool imagery here from artist Andres Esparza, and the story by James Ninness takes the familiar environment and adds touches of humor, innuendo, and dread. And when those three awful words appear… TO BE CONTINUED, you are frothing for more.

This issue is part one of three. Anyone who’s a fan of sci-fi/horror will appreciate Ninness’ story and recognize the homages paid. No one alive blends science fiction and horror better than John Carpenter, and Tales of Science Fiction hopes to stimulate readers and lovers of genre comics and graphic novels. It has the signature Carpenter flair and keeps the “Master” working to enthrall generations of fans across various mediums.

For those on the west coast going to San Diego Comic Con, Ninness will be there with Sandy, as well as letterer Janice Chiang on Friday, 7/21 at 8:00pm PST in Room 28DE.

John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction Vault #1 by James Ninness will be available in stores on July 26th, 2017. Vault #2 will be out August 29th, and Vault #3 will be released September 26th.

Video

John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction – Vault trailer

Trailer for the new comic series, John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction – Vault

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