On the 1st day of Christmas…
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME ZOMBIES IN A STORY…
And a perfect novel with plenty of zombie madness is FLESH AND LEFTOVERS. Shown is artwork that my brother Dan Pipito did for the graphic novel spinoff ZOMBIE INCIDENTS a few years back.
I’m just nostalgic I guess and love the old Christmas classic tunes. So, in going with that theme I’ve come up with my own 12 Days of Christmas. Of course this can be applied to any holiday of the season, but works with the song of the same name.
There’s still time to order a copy of one of my books for yourself or a friend for the holidays. If you want personalized copies then shoot me an email (Rickpipito@hotmail.com), otherwise they can be purchased in print or digital at Lulu.com or on Amazon.
Day 21 – Eden’s Order Trilogy
Day 21 of #scrypthalloween shows the cover of my EDEN’S ORDER TRILOGY sans text. @dpipito did the art which depicts a tree that represents the tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden, but has hints of skin, blood, and bones to signify each novel within. This collection consists of the novels: FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, BLOOD THE SECOND HELPING, and BONES AT BREAKFAST. It also contains the spinoff short stories: ZOMBIE INCIDENTS, LEGENDS OF VAMPIRE, and IN CASE OF WEREWOLF, as well as a timeline of events.
It is available in print at lulu.com and Barnes and Noble sites, as well as in digital at Amazon…
Official description: In FLESH AND LEFTOVERS Gordon Lightcap and Moira Donatelli recruit survivors of #zombie incidents in preparation for something much more sinister.
BLOOD, THE SECOND HELPING takes the two on separate paths. Gordon seeks answers, assisted by an old flame. As they scour the globe in search of #vampire legends, Moira has aligned herself with Cain, but her goals are in question. BONES AT BREAKFAST places Gordon and Moira reluctantly working for the Russian military. Cases of #werewolf activity become obstacles in stopping Cain from finding the Garden of Eden.
Day 1 – FLESH AND LEFTOVERS
Join them as they search for the answers through various zombie outbreaks of flesh devouring madness. Learn about the very first incident and others to discover an even more dangerous foe who is ready to surface.
Day 3 – Zombie influences
Back in 2009 while I was working on my first novel, I had some great zombie influences. I always try to take in multiple media for entertainment. George A Romero’s “Of The Dead” movie series have always been a guilty pleasure. The “Resident Evil” video game series and “Zombie Zin” wine still make it into my house to this day. And Joe McKinney’s “Dead City” was the first zombie novel I read that really made me like the genre.
Runners up were “Marvel Zombies” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.
What are some of your favorite Zombie stories or influenced things? Make sure to tag #scrypthalloween.
Day 2 – Zombie Incidents
Part 2 of the Zombie theme in a month of #scrypthalloween is my spinoff short ZOMBIE INCIDENTS. After the success of FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, I wrote ten short stories for the graphic novel spinoff. Now for the first time the stories are available in a text quick read release version only at http://www.lulu.com/shop/rick-pipito/zombie-incidents-a-flesh-and-leftovers-accessory/paperback/product-22861751.html
Make sure to post your #scrypthalloween favorite picks for a chance to win any number of giveaways this month.
Day 1 – Flesh and Leftovers
Day 1 of #scrypthalloween is zombies, so my first post will be my first novel. FLESH AND LEFTOVERS brought together multiple types of undead lore into what became the beginning of a long journey for Gordon Lightcap.
In the novel, Lightcap and Moira Donatelli recruit survivors of various zombie incidents in order to assemble a team to take on a bigger threat than just the walking dead.
FLESH AND LEFTOVERS is available at Amazon in digital form, in print at Lulu.com, and on Audible in audiobook form.
Make sure to take part in my 31 days of #scrypthalloween. The best posts from each day will win giveaways. Check the previous post for full details, and the chart below for what to post on each day. It can be anything from topic related books, movies, beer, food, the sky is the limit. Tag me in your posts on social media @rickpipito.
- art for cover depicted is by Dan Pipito
Think, Sip, Write – Ep 10: Zombies
Zombies were the topic of my first novel, so it’s only fitting that I talk about them in culture, their origins, and some fun facts. I even give a few tips of my own just in case you find yourself amidst a breakout.
“Flesh And Leftovers” the novel is available for kindle on Amazon, and in print on lulu. I’ve come a long way since writing it, but it is a fan favorite. Check it out if you get a chance. In the meantime, here’s episode 10 of #thinksipwrite.
Eden’s Order Trilogy trailer
Zombies, Vampires, & Werewolves are the three threats in the Eden’s Order Trilogy. Here’s a trailer I did for the collection, which is available on Lulu and Amazon.
The Trilogy contains the novels: FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, BLOOD THE SECOND HELPING, BONES AT BREAKFAST… plus the graphic novel stories from: ZOMBIE INCIDENTS, LEGENDS OF VAMPIRE, and IN CASE OF WEREWOLF.
There’s also bonus content including 3 extra short stories in the same universe & a timeline.
FLESH AND LEFTOVERS audiobook available!
After months of work it has all paid off. My zombie novel, FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, is available in audiobook format. The audio conversion features some bonus content and is perfect for those of you whose schedules would prefer the listening format.
Produced by sCrypt, it features the following voice talents: Rick Pipito (narrator), Sarah Ashley, Rebecca Burns, Robin Austin, Jillian Gallagher, David McGuire, Kelly O’Donoghue, Bryan Moriarty, Antonio Pipito, Charlene Pipito, Richard Pipito Sr, Dan Pipito, Roberta Pipito, Lana Pipito, & Tara Scott
It features 13 tracks and just under 7 hours of flesh devouring madness.
While the print is still available on Lulu.com and the kindle on Amazon, the audiobook is available in multiple markets. Check ITUNES, AUDIBLE and AMAZON for your copy now. This is where the journey all began, and it continues to become a fan favorite saga.
Day 29: Top 5 for Halloween
For today’s installment of my 31 days of Halloween I made a top 5 list of my personal choices for film, book, etc. These are stories that not only have entertained me, but inspired me to continuously try exceeding what I did and topping each previous book I write. I tried to keep them as Halloween related as possible, and even though some aren’t horror, they fall into the thriller category and have spooky elements. What are your personal choices? Feel free to comment below.
TOP 5 NOVELS: The “Area 51” series by Bob Mayer (writing as Robert Doherty), Dan Brown’s “Robert Langdon” series, Thomas Harris’ “Hannibal Lecter” series, The “Atlantis” series by Bob Mayer (writing as Greg Donegan), Dean Koontz’ “Frankenstein” series (please don’t watch the movie because it’s terrible the books are great though. *Bonus All novels in the FLESH AND LEFTOVERS SAGA by Rick Pipito (had to add them, sorry.) 😛
TOP 5 TV SHOWS: Once Upon a Time, Arrow & The Flash (I put these as one because they crossover and exist in the same universe), 24, Law And Order SVU, Hannibal
TOP 5 GAMES: The “Tomb Raider” series, The “Resident Evil” Series, “Silent Hill”, “HeroQuest” (This is a board game I had growing up, and I just remember how awesome it was. I recently found it in my parents’ attic), The “Doom” series.
TOP 5 SONGS: Dragula by Rob Zombie, Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett, Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr, Don’t Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult (because everyone needs more cowbell), Mz. Hyde by Halestorm
TOP 5 MOVIES: Ghostbusters 1 & 2, The Goonies, Monster Squad, Van Helsing (Kate Beckinsale, Huge Jack Man, and monsters? I don’t care if its cheesy. It’s awesome), The Brendan Frasier Mummy Movies.
BONUS—-TOP 10 COMIC BOOK Movie List (in numbered order):
1) Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2) X-Men Days Of Future Past
3) Avengers
4) Ironman
5) Captain America: The First Avenger
6) Guardians Of The Galaxy
7) Man Of Steel
8) Spiderman 2
9) Thor The Dark World
10) Batman 1989
*This list is current as of 10/29/14 of course. It will most likely change, but it is the order I believe works. I wanted to put both Punisher movies in there as well just for pure fun, but they didn’t make the cut.
Day 4: Eden’s Order
Cover Art for “F&L: Eden’s Order Trilogy” the novel. Concept and art by Dan Pipito
31 Days of Halloween: Day 4 is here and we bring the best of all three previous days together.
THE EDEN’S ORDER TRILOGY contains FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, BLOOD THE SECOND HELPING, & the BONES AT BREAKFAST novels. Like a boxed set, I wanted to include some extras, so also within are the novelized versions (without pictures) of the comic book spinoffs: ZOMBIE INCIDENTS, LEGENDS OF VAMPIRE, & IN CASE OF WEREWOLF.
So why is it called that name? Well without giving too much away, the Garden of Eden becomes the central focus of what this trilogy is building to. The antagonist, Cain, believes that finding this lost place will bring his type of order to the planet, while the protagonists feel that the unknown is too risky.
The Garden of Eden was supposed to have been a place of pure nirvana. We didn’t have to work for our food, and life was eternal. Our mistake banned us from there, but what happened to Eden? It had to be somewhere on earth right? And if we found it again, then would the peace and order become ours again?
A problem that is often found with the “truth” is that often the facts lead to more questions, so regardless of what happens as a result of such an action, there would be more that comes with it. Zombies, vampires and werewolves are the focus of the first three novels, but the underlying plot as a whole all boils down to this place. It puts in question everything we know and think we know. Getting people to think of the “what ifs” regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof, was my goal.
Open your mind with THE EDEN’S ORDER TRILOGY, available through links on the right of this page. *Note: on Amazon, the kindle version ONLY contains the extras that you wouldn’t get from buying the novels separately. I did this for those fans who had already purchased the books but wanted the whole saga without rebuying them.
Day 1: 12 Facts about FLESH AND LEFTOVERS
Cover art for “Flesh And Leftovers” The novel – Art by Dan Pipito
To start off my 31 days of Halloween, I figured I should begin with 12 facts about my first novel, FLESH AND LEFTOVERS.
1) FLESH AND LEFTOVERS is my one and only zombie novel. It is the only book I’ve written where I didn’t have an editor, but the fan feedback was amazing! People demanded more, and since I didn’t want to write any more full length books about zombies, it made me work with Dan Pipito to create sCrypt Comics for spinoff graphic novel stories.
2) The idea to write a zombie book came when the topic of “What would you do if there was an outbreak” scenarios would come up in many a work place conversation. The problem with these scenarios is that everyone had ideas of what a zombie was “supposed” to be like, based on the varying differences in books, movies, etc. So, I wanted to create a book where they could all be in the same story, but have legitimate reasons for them tying together.
3) Causes for zombies: Mutated strain of rabies virus that affects human and animal life, Viral outbreak, Demonic summoning and control, Radioactive meteor, Cannibals worshiping their “god”, Childhood vaccinations, alien parasite, sixth generation offspring of vampires, drug induced hallucinations, and voodoo (macumba).
4) The first chapter in F&L takes place in Jim Thorpe, PA. It is an annual tradition to visit my Uncle and Aunt’s bed and breakfast during Christmas time there. It was during the winter of 2008 that I knew I wanted to base part of my first published novel in that town. The peacefulness and solitude there brings a wide range of emotions that make a perfect setting.
5) Religion and history have always fascinated me, so when I decided to make Cain (from the Cain and Abel story) an antagonist for future books, his origin of what he becomes had to be researched. I found that despite the different beliefs, the Cain and Abel story remains almost completely the same throughout all religions.
6) It wasn’t until halfway through the book that I decided this could work as a series. My goal was to make it flow but to make each book stand on its own as well, and focus on something unique for each plot. (zombies being F&L).
7) My fascination with zombie lore can be blamed on the George A Romero “of the Dead” movies, and the Resident Evil Series of video games.
8) The characters I’ve created are not based on individual people, but rather personalities of people I’ve met. The only exceptions to this rule are Gordon Lightcap and Moira Donatelli. Gordon was based on my own experiences and the overall person I am, and Moira was created as an amalgamation of what I saw as my “perfect woman.”
Cover for the graphic novel (comic) spinoff, ZOMBIE INCIDENTS
9) Although cannibals are not zombies, I felt the need to place them into the story. How would a “normal” unifected human devour another person? Why would they do it? And What would they do with the parts of the corpse left over? All these questions are addressed in the book.
10) It took me over a year to write F&L because I began to flesh out (pun intended) the sequels that would follow it. I had to make sure my origin story for the characters was in place, and where I wanted to go with it. By the time I was finished writing FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, I had six books planned out in the series (each a stand alone installment).
11) Each “chapter” is called an “Incident.” This was done because I wanted people to be able to pick up the book and either read it straight through or just choose one story at a time. The overall plot can’t be followed by just one incident, but I wanted that option for the reader as they stand can work on their own.
12) When I approached Dan to to do the cover art, he instantly came up with the idea of teeth tearing into raw meat. It is still one of my favorite book covers for my novels to date.
There is my post for today. I welcome any questions or comments you may have. Stay tuned tommorrow for another installment in my 31 days of Halloween. FLESH AND LEFTOVERS as well as its graphic comic spinoff ZOMBIE INCIDENTS are available through links on the right side of this page. It will also be available in audiobook format soon.
Writing and Learning from your mistakes
Cover art for “Flesh And Leftovers” The novel – Art by Dan Pipito
I’ll be the first to admit, that while I’m extremely proud of the things I’ve done, I always look back and say, “Wow, I’m a better writer than I used to be.” That’s because I try to learn from my mistakes. I started off on this journey with writing, as a fan. I was a fan of other people’s works. I knew how good it felt to read stories, and I loved when people would enjoy my music. It made me want to transition from music and expand to fiction. If others enjoyed my songs, then why not let them enjoy the multitude of ideas I have in my head?
So my journey began. I looked into independent publishing for my first project FLESH AND LEFTOVERS and have stayed with it ever since. Would I like a major publishing deal? Of course. What passionate author wouldn’t, but I believe that things happen for a reason. The aforementioned novel began as a joke of sorts. I love zombies. I love the many takes on zombie lore. What I wanted to do was to combine them all, and that is why I went with multiple stories tying into one overall plot.
Cover art for “Blood The Second Helping” The novel
It wasn’t until halfway through the book that I decided to go on with vampires for the following novel. I decided right away that I didn’t want to be stereotyped into writing one thing. I didn’t want to be the “zombie guy”. It’s been done too many times. I knew that I could write sequels and make each one focus on something different, while continuing with the characters I love and keeping it something fresh and new.
Upon finishing the first novel, I began immediately writing BLOOD, THE SECOND HELPING, and mapping out more in the series. My mind was set. Then the reviews started coming in… There were an unbelieveable amount of outstanding reviews and feedback. It became overwhelming to the point of people wanting more zombie stories. I was adamant (still am) about doing more of the same in book form. This is where sCrypt comics came in with my brother. I could do spinoffs and appease that audience, while not
Cover art for “Bones At Breakfast” The novel
placing myself in a repetetive place.
Of course this is where my learning came in as well. I wrote book one hastily, and while it is certainly one of the best zombie novels out there (yes I’m biased haha), it has its flaws. Storywise it is fine, but I had no editor, so there are mistakes I made in writing. Plus, there is only so much that can be done creatively with a zombie story. I had a few messages telling me they found typos or that they didn’t like what I did in certain parts. The cool thing about the latter is that as you write a series, you can correct or attone for certain things. (I do want the audience to be happy too). The down side is that I now have six novels completed in the series, and while each one works as a stand alone device, my weakest book is the one that 
starts it all.
So what is a writer to do? Well, I realized this by the time I was finished writing BONES AT BREAKFAST (my werewolf novel). Then I decided, that if I write the series in trilogy format, I could have people really start with book 4 and then maybe want to go back and read the earlier novels.
Is this a good strategy? Part of me believes so. It makes marketing both easier and more complicated. As a series it becomes easier to sell the installments, but as a whole, the impression of amateur writing in my earlier installments compared to that of what I’d consider professional writing now can be difficult.
While writing novels has taken up much of my free time I have become limited to the amount of time I have to actually read. Now I’m hooked on books on tape of unabridged works. I tend to lean towards my influences on how to properly execute delivery of a concept. Anyone who has read my books can see the historical and mythical influences. I’m fascinated with legends and the unexplained. Writing allows me to curb this need to know by explaining it fictitiously. Point in case… the author, Bob Mayer, takes an amazing approach to explaining where things such as the Pyramids of Egypt came from and so much more. He’s been one of my influences who I feel has taught me (just through reading) what it truly takes to be a successful author.
Everyone mentions Dean Koontz or Stephen King, and while they are also major influences of mine, I tend to think they are oft referenced by too many authors. It is almost Cliche’. While I learn from these great people, I also learn from writers who I find are downright appaling. I could say names, but I won’t because I don’t condone trash talking, but there are 
writers who have had their books made into films, and honestly it seems as if a ninth grader has written their stories. I don’t care if a novel is geared towards a younger audience, literature shouldn’t be “dumbed down.”
In the end I strive for a few things. 1) I want to constantly evolve, and for my audience to see that. It’s not a pride thing. I do it for me sure, but I want to have people come back for more. If I don’t write on a level that I’m proud with, then how could the audience be entertained? 2) Helping others achieve their goals is important as well. Look, I may not be a NY Times bestseller (here’s to hoping one day), but I can guide others who are starting out or looking to learn. Artists, musicians, writers… I’ve been all three, and want to share my mistakes as to help others get past them. 3) I have a desire to entertain. While music will always do it for me, I don’t think it works on the same level. I have what I like to call “voices” in my head. These are my ideas. I literally have a dozen more books mapped out in my head. I just need the time to write, while juggling a full time job. 4) and finally, what this article is all about…. Learning. As much as my “pride” may be hurt by negative comments or reviews, I realize that there is no such thing as negative feedback. I’m a person who likes to take the negativity and turn it into something positive. So criticism is a wonderful thing, and having positive feedback with it is equal. They are the yin and yang of writing.
What are your thoughts? Are you a writer? If so, how do you approach your ideas? Please comment below. I’d love to hear how you work and learn. As always, I’d also like to throw a thank you out to my brother, Dan Pipito, for the artwork on the covers, as well as my wife, Roberta, who not only feeds my mind with amazing food, but also tells me when my ideas are good or bad.
Flesh And Leftovers featured on podcast
My podcast, www.thinkaboutthis.podbean.com , has just released a special episode for Halloween. I read one of the incidents from “Flesh And Leftovers” the novel, and it’s free for your listening pleasure. Please check it out, and leave your feedback. We are also on iTunes and Stitcher if you prefer a listen there.
novel – Devil’s Dessert
Written by Rick Pipito; Cover art by Dan Pipito
Print version $7.99 on www.lulu.com
$3.99 for Kindle at www.amazon.com
Pandora’s Box has been opened. Now humanity must face its darkest battle yet. The archangels of virtue and the demons of sin have come choose earthly hosts. It is a race against time for the legions of Heaven as they try to find the Sword of Eden. At the same time, the denizens of Hell attempt to locate the Spear of Destiny. These two artifacts could decide the war’s true victor.
While these gods fight for their own agendas, Gordon Lightcap must send his team of elite specialists to find what he believes will be the only thing that can save the human race.
The decisions made by humans will be crucial to the forces of Light and Darkness. Will the residents of Earth be virtuous, or will they give in to the seven deadly sins?
Each entity within will literally take the reader to heaven and hell, and back, as well as a close look at the true horror of it all.
***Although this book was meant to be read on its own, it is book 2 of a trilogy and book 5 of a series. Previous entries in the series include: “EDEN’S ORDER TRILOGY” & “SOULS 4 SUPPER” ***
Flesh And Leftovers book review by Parlor of Horror
Parlor of Horror just posted up a review of my first novel. Check it out here: http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/flesh-and-leftovers-rick-pipito-book-review/
Flesh And Leftovers: Zombie Incidents Recap
As we gear up for our third sCrypt Comics graphic novel, as well as the fourth novel in the Flesh and Leftovers series, I decided to go back and look at the past. sCrypt Comics was formed 2 years ago just prior to releasing our first spinoff in graphic novel form. “Flesh And Leftovers: Zombie Incidents” was a learning process, and after a few tweaks, became a fantastic piece of art. So much different talent went into this, and it only gets better from here.
Of course, I highly suggest checking out the novels, but if you are looking for some interesting and stunning artwork, and something that fits well in with the series, then this is something you don’t want to miss. Check out the gallery below and click on each picture to see a larger version. To grab a copy, check out the link on the name above, and of course you can always get the novels where these comics began at www.lulu.com.
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- Excerpt From sCrypt Comics #1: “Flesh And Leftovers: Zombie Incidents”
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- Excerpt from “Flesh and Leftovers: Zombie Incidents” graphic novel by sCrypt Comics
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- Excerpt from “Flesh and Leftovers: Zombie Incidents” Graphic novel by sCrypt Comics
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- Excerpt From sCrypt Comics #1: “F&L: Zombie Incidents”
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- Excerpt From “Flesh And Leftovers: Zombie Incidents” Graphic Novel by sCrypt Comics
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- Excerpt from sCrypt Comics #1: “F&L: Zombie Incidents”
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- Excerpt from “Flesh And Leftovers: Zombie Incidents” Graphic novel by sCrypt Comics
Flesh Eating Poll Winner!
The zombies have spoken, and Marvel has fallen way short. In our recent poll, fans thought that Marvel Zombies didn’t stand a chance of survival (or should we call it unsurvival). Someone added a vote for the zombies of the Resident Evil universe, which I overlooked. I had forgotten that Resident Evil has been in a fair share of comics from various companies.
What makes us here at sCrypt comics even more proud is that the zombies of our “Flesh And Leftovers” universe beat out Resident Evil and Marvel Zombies. Overall however, the winner was DC Comics’ the Black Lantern Corps. Their black rings managed to absorb the undead around them into their group. Now all who opposed the Black Lanterns are now members of their zombified legion.
Thank you for your participation. The poll will remain open in the previous posting if you’d like to continue adding or voting. Stay tuned for our next poll!
Flesh Eating Poll
Our next poll brings in multiple characters that all have something in common… They are dead… or undead if you will. DC Comics has the Black Lanterns (pictured top center), Marvel brings their own zombies (pictured top left) to the table, and sCrypt Comics has their Flesh and Leftovers zombies (pictured top right *art by Dan Pipito). Below are brief summaries of the three, followed by a poll. Please vote for your favorite, or add another in the comments section if you think they are worthy of the battle, and spread the word. The more votes the better.
Zombies in the Marvel Universe spread like wildfire. It seems as if there is no stopping the virus and very few have managed to stay uninfected. While this virus is not in Marvel’s mainstream universe, the alternate one that it infects has managed to cross over into other dimensions as well. While infected, the zombified superhero or villain retains most of their powers and personalities, but with a maddening hunger for flesh that prevents them from thinking straight. It does appear that they are weaker however than their normal uninfected selves would be to head trauma. First appearance was in Marvel Zombies #1 December 2005.
DC Universes are unsafe from the Black Lantern Corps. All of the deceased heroes and villains have become black lanterns with one purpose… to bring about more death. They feed like zombies and are constantly regenerated by their black power rings. The undead members retain most of the powers that they had in life, and gain more power by eating the hearts of the living. They are vulnerable to certain forms of lantern light. First appearance was in Green Lantern vol 4 #43 September 2009
sCrypt Comics began with the world of Flesh and Leftovers. These zombie stories all take place in the same universe, and though they were all human at one time, it would be interesting to see how other heroes and villains with powers would be able to stand in battle against them. Whether they be rabid running zombies, undead animals, radioactive zombies, a parasite from Mars that turns you into a zombie, voodoo zombies, cannibals, or even the deformed spawns of vampires, these undead will haunt you with every page turn. First appearance was in Flesh and Leftovers the novel.
Flesh And Leftovers Viral Video
Click here to view video =====> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOTdyC233qM
We have finally broken into the viral video scene with this short film. “Virus” was written, directed, and edited by Rick Pipito. Co-Produced by Rick and Dan Pipito. It also stars Rick Pipito as the human, and Dan Pipito as the zombie.
This is a commercial video to promote the following:
The novel “Flesh And Leftovers” (available in hardback, softback and digital download at: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/rickpipito)
The sCrypt Comics Graphic Novel “Flesh and Leftovers: Zombie Incidents” (available in print and digital download at: www.indyplanet.com and www.comicsmonkey.com)
Please spread the word and grab yourself a copy of each right now!
Thanks for the support,
Rick Pipito and Dan Pipito
Interview with sCrypt Comics about F&L: Zombie Incidents
Here is an interview featuring sCrypt Comics creators, Rick Pipito and Dan Pipito. They answer fan questions about issue #1: Flesh And Leftovers: Zombie Incidents. We’ve included a picture of the back cover to show the synopsis. Enjoy!
Q1: There is so much talent involved with all of your artists. What kind of agreement do you have with them?
Dan: It’s an independent venture without funding behind it. We want to get artists involved who have talent and like us are struggling to get their names out there. Working for free is hard this day and age, but sometimes it is the only way to get where you need to be in the end.
Rick: I’ve written up a contract for the artists so that they understand about the “pay.” Basically it is agreed that they will take the storyboards and make it their style while keeping the story the same. Once it is completed our end of the bargain must be fulfilled. We give each artist a copy of the final product as well as any contact info that they want attached to their name in the book. The new blog also will feature artists of the month, which will give them more exposure when they are chosen.
Q2: Tell us about the cover art: front, back, and credits page.
Rick: I came up with the concept based on the title. The first thing a lot of people think, when they hear “Flesh and Leftovers” is Hannibal Lecter. So we took some leftover pasta, Tupperware, and Halloween props and took a photo in the fridge for the front and back at different angles. The credits page was a picture of fake skin stretched over a board and placed under the words.
Dan: We wanted it to be a photo. Photography is an art form as well, and we didn’t want any one particular cover artist doing it for fear that it would represent all of what is inside. This way, with the photo passed through a “saran wrap” style filter, it calls out to the viewer to take a peek.
Q3: What is the whole process from hiring to finished product like?
Rick: We took an ad out on Craigslist and immediately got a dozen hits. Most of the responses we got were enthusiastic. We chose the ones we liked based on pieces of art they had sent us. Then the stories, which are already written and copywritten, are turned into storyboards. I am a horrendous illustrator. So what the artists do with the storyboards I give them is amazing. To explain what I am trying to portray I also send them a document with the script and explanations of what is going on.
Dan: Once the artists submit their work in the allotted time, we filter and do basic editing of page sizes and making sure there is bleed along the edges. We are learning more each time ourselves, because the publishers have terminology and things that we have to sometimes work around. Our first publisher probably won’t be around much longer only because they just don’t know how to run a business, but we switched to IndyPlanet and have since been overjoyed with the process.
Rick: When the files are ready to be printed I pay out of pocket for each of the artists’ copies. The payoff is actually getting to meet some of them in person. Obviously not everyone is from around our area, but if I can’t physically meet them, we send it in the mail. Everyone is understanding and patient, which helps a lot. When one person submits art late, it screws every artist on the team, but looks bad on my part. We do our best to avoid any problems, but sometimes it is inevitable and you have to just roll with it.
Q4: Where did you guys come up with the sCrypt Comics name and logo?
Dan: We wanted something cool and catchy, and we had a horror theme. I grew up watching Tales from the Crypt the TV series, so when Rick handed me a script for one of the stories it reminded me of the old show I used to watch. I took the word script and made it sCrypt. The coffin logo had to be simple. I used to draw old logos and I wanted it to be something we could do on the spot if need be. It’s easy but catchy and that is what we wanted.
Q5: So are all these stories just graphic versions of your existing novels?
Rick: yes and no. I didn’t want to repeat anything from the novels or change the image that people may get in their heads when reading them. That is the beauty of a novel. It’s that you can picture the story in your head, and it becomes personal for each reader. I had a lot of reader requests for more zombie stories, but I had already done what I wanted for zombies. Dan was a fan of the book, so I went to him with the idea, and he liked it. There were a few ideas that I cut and some back stories with characters and settings that I thought a comic book version would be the perfect place for. These stories are more of an accessory to the Flesh and Leftovers novel. Both go hand in hand, but you don’t need one to enjoy the other (though I highly recommend the full experience).
Dan: At first, I thought it would be great, but it was too big of a task for just the two of us. That is when Rick told me about getting other artists on board for the stories as a collaborative effort. It was a genius idea really.
Q6: Where can I get the comics?
Rick: The graphic novels are available at www.indyplanet.com and the novel that started it all is at www.lulu.com.
Q7: What kind of obstacles did you face with “Flesh and Leftovers: Zombie Incidents”?
Rick: It’s a trust thing really. Everyone agrees to a deadline and they commit themselves to it, but there are always bad seeds. Something comes up and then suddenly your artist is afraid to communicate with you or they back out. We had to get rid of a couple people, but we scrambled last minute to fix the problems.
Q8: Dan, what is your input in the writing process?
Dan: I had loved the stories Rick had written and he basically came to me for criticism and advice. So when we wanted the new stories to be in the comic, we really sat down together and took notes on how we would lay it out in the easiest way for the artists. I co-wrote the circus story using faces of some people I knew or at least some inspiration. I had never written before, and though Rick came up with the whole story, he basically gave me a beginning and an end and let me do the in between based on his narrative and dialogue. It’s a lot of fun, but takes time to get right.
Q9: I see that there is a concept and sketch art page in the back. Why did you include this as well?
Rick: I hadn’t read comic books in years, so when we started I had to do some research in the library. I must have taken out thirty or so graphic novels for their layout ideas and stories, but then I noticed that they all had one thing in common. There was at least one concept art page at the end, and that was something I thought would be cool. Dan had some art lying around, as well as a couple other people, and my storyboard stuff was filtered through to select a couple of those. It’s really to show our progress, but at the same time is funny to look at. Dan also put up the zombie stick figure art, which in my mind was perfect.
Dan: Yeah, everyone in the world seems to have those stick figure families on the backs of their cars. It drove me crazy as I thought it was a stupid trend, but then I got sucked in and made my own parody family with zombies. It had nothing to do with the comic, but they had to be presented. The sketch art page is basically the director’s cut of things that didn’t make it. As bad as some of the sketches are, they are all responsible partly for the final product.
Q10: What can you tell your fans about the artists?
Rick: Like I said, we took out an ad on Craigslist, and the first response I got was from Phillip Allie. He had a pretty cool portfolio with skulls and zombie heads. It was dark and a unique style of art, so I didn’t hesitate to bring him in. Asher Humm contacted me next and I was immediately blown away. He had a published comic book already and his style was exactly what you see in the professional industry. He also has some great ideas and criticism on how the whole process goes, so I’m glad to have his input as well.
Dan: Sequential art amazes me as well, and when I saw Asher’s work I was super excited to have that skill level involved. We both worked with Fred Loeffler. It took some convincing, but he was on board eventually and brought a more retro style to it. He is from a different generation and has more experience than the rest of us, so it worked well with his talent. We had two high school girls who were trying to build their portfolios. TJB and Tiff Pugliese had seen the ad and were in the process of college hunting. We had seen their portfolios and were happy to add their styles to the collection.
Rick: Our cousin, Vince Pipito, came in and hadn’t been a practicing artist in a few years, but he had loved the novels and wanted to work with us. He needed help scanning and laying out the panels, but the art looks sweet and really captured the feel I was going for. Joe Parisi was a guy we had ready to go for the second graphic novel, but we had to fire a couple of artist last minute and he was more than ready to jump in the slot. He had the zombie children story and contacted me and said, “Hey, man, it’s your story, but I was thinking since it involves children, I’m going to do it in crayon.” I called Dan and said, “This guy might be crazy, but his art is fantastic.” We laughed and wondered how he was going to pull off crayon in a very limited amount of time, but it is one of the fan favorites now.
Dan: Leanne Wiedmeyer also came in to save the day. We put up a status on facebook that we were looking for an artist last minute to help us out in two weeks’ time. We didn’t expect anyone to actually do it, but Lee was also on standby for comic 2 and she said she’d do it. Using pencil, she got back to us in a week and a half with a finished product that blew us away.
Rick: Dan also had to pick up a last minute add on for the third artist we fired. So he has 2 stories in this one, but each was done in a different style.
Dan: Sure, there were a few that might not have lived up to some of our expectations initially, but it was the passion of the group of artists that really gave us the final product that we were hoping for.
The series so far includes the novels available at www.lulu.com: “Flesh and Leftovers,” “Blood, The Second Helping,” & “Bones At Breakfast”
The graphic novels available at www.indyplanet.com and www.comicsmonkey.com: “Flesh and Leftovers: Zombie Incidents,” & “Blood The Second Helping: Legends Of Vampire”
DIGITAL FORMS OF THE ABOVE NOVELS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ABOVE SITES. YOU CAN ALSO GET THE PRINTED NOVEL OF ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS MORE IN THE “Flesh And Leftovers: Eden’s Order Trilogy”
Splitting Arrows
Here is our first match up with iconic characters. Marvel Comics gives us Hawkeye (pictured left), while DC comics presents Green Arrow (pictured right). sCrypt Comics also sent Agent Fox into this battle, but since he does not yet exist in comic book form (only in the novels), no picture exists for him. Here is the break down:
Clint Barton (Hawkeye) lost his parents at a young age. Raised by circus folk, he quickly became known by his hero name and was taught by the Swordsman to wield a bow. He entertained for years with his archery and throwing skills until one day when he saw his mentor stealing. Realizing that this was not what he wanted, Hawkeye went out on his own and eventually became one of the Avengers. With new resources, he began creating various types of arrows. His first appearance was Tales Of Suspense #57 in 1964. His weakness in this battle would be that his temper sometimes gets the better of him. This could cause him to make decisions without thinking them through. He also does not have the wealth that his opponent has, meaning he could run out of weapons quicker.
Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) was shipwrecked on an island and had to learn how to fire a bow to hunt for survival. During his time on this island, he excelled in his abilities as a marksman. Once he managed to escape the months of solitude, he returned to his family’s empire. As a Billionaire, he was able to build an arsenal of different type arrows and bows. Missing the adventure of his island time, he donned the name Green Arrow and began his one man war on crime. Eventually he became a member of the Justice League, and has proved his worth time and again. First appearance was in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941. His weakness in this battle would be that he is not as trained in hand to hand combat as his opponent. If they were to run out of ammunition, his combat skills would be lacking. Also, he has the tendency to party it up. A hangover would not be a good thing to have in a one on one duel with someone of equal stature.
sCrypt Comics will now throw another arrow into the works. Agent Fox is a man who has had many years of field experience in the Army Special Forces. He is an expert marksman with duel wielding weapons and knives. As a young boy, he learned from his military father about firearms and archery. His experience made him one of the elite, and once he retired from service in his forties, he was recruited into M.U.T.S. (Military Underground Tactical Specialists). With his new unit, he has continued to survive the impossible. First appearance was in Flesh And Leftovers (The Novel). Weakness in this battle would be that he does not have specialty arrows. Most of his weapons are duel wieldable and would have to be reloaded in a longer period of time. He also smokes, and in a battle such as this, it could limit his stamina.
Please vote below for who you believe would win, and feel free to comment as to why. When the results are revealed an explanation will be given as to who the victor is and why. Have fun!
Short story – Zombie Incidents
It’s dark. You can feel the presence of something reeking of death. Then there are more of them. You look around and find that you are surrounded by zombies that want to devour you. This is the world of Flesh and Leftovers, where tales of zombie incidents will make your skin crawl. Ten short stories are illustrated by nine amazing artists in this graphic spinoff of “Flesh And Leftovers” the novel. Author Rick Pipito has expanded his stories to an audience of artists to bring his zombie apocalypse to life (or unlife).
*** Update. This is now available as a text short story. The comic is currently limited, but the short can be found at Lulu.com in print or with the Eden’s Order Trilogy extras on Amazon in digital form
ARTIST AND STORY INFO:
Joe Parisi puts crayon to use in “Dangerous Youth.” When two parents argue over what to do about their zombified children, things get ugly.
Phillip Allie takes the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania into a digital medium. “Ready Or Not” is about a man who is prepared for the worst, but doesn’t realize what the worst is until it comes knocking on his door.
Asher Humm, a born comic book artist, tells the story “Medicine Man,” about a voodoo master that becomes one of his own creations.
Tiff Pugliese illustrates “The Dead Wars.” In medieval times humans must make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat the hordes of undead.
Vince Pipito brings a psychedelic form of art to “Dreaming The Stranger.” Is what the character seeing just a bad trip, or is it part of a much larger plot?
TJB uses an anime style art in “Demons Of The Abyss.” Long before humans were able to fend for themselves, four gods were placed in an apocalyptic tablet. Only time will tell what would happen when they escape.
Dan Pipito, sCrypt Comics co-founder, brings two stories to life. After some of the events in Flesh and Leftovers the novel, a detective investigates clues leading to a zombified circus in “Just Another Freak.” Then in “Old Habits Die Hard” a cannibal tries to blend in with society, but can’t fight the urges with which he is so familiar.
Leanne Wiedmeyer uses pencil to tell the story of a church where people have taken refuge. When the undead infiltrate the safehouse panic ensues in “Absolution.”
Fred Loeffler takes on “New Species.” NASA has brought something back from their latest mission, but when it unleashes a deadly parasite, those infected crave flesh.
Rick Pipito wrote all the above stories, based on characters and events in his novel “Flesh And Leftovers.” Get the original novel now at www.lulu.com as a companion to this talent filled graphic novel (available at the links above).
Flesh & Leftovers: Zombie Incidents TM and © 2010 Rick Pipito. All rights reserved.
sCrypt Publishing 