He’s also a former professor of American Studies who writes in-depth profiles about film and music legends who changed our culture.Few film actors had the lasting popularity of John Wayne, especially in westerns. During his lifetime, Wayne was a top-ten box office star for twenty-four years. Three decades after his death, a 2012 Harris poll continued to place him among the top 5 most-liked film actors. In this comprehensive essay, award-winner David Morrell analyzes Wayne’s career in westerns and explores his fascinating personality, including his Latin studies in high school and his skills as a chess player. Even Wayne’s most knowledgeable fans will be surprised by this insightful study.Morrell’s fascination with Wayne motivated him to use this iconic actor as the inspiration for the main character of a historical novel LAST REVEILLE, which dramatizes America’s 1916 invasion of Mexico, supposedly to pursue the Mexican bandit, Pancho Villa, but actually to practice military exercises for America’s entry into World War I.Critical reaction:“John Wayne: the name still conjures political reaction and cinematic fascination. In this excellent e-essay, author David Morrell (First Blood) presents a thorough and evenhanded consideration of Wayne and his Westerns, from THE BIG TRAIL (1930) to THE SHOOTIST (1976). He’s precise about the narrative problems in THE SEARCHERS, insightful regarding the remarkable emotional range Wayne demonstrates in THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, and mystified at the meaning critics find in RIO BRAVO. While also examining Wayne’s drinking (16 martinis before a Thanksgiving dinner), smoking (five packs a day on THE ALAMO) and expertise as a chess player, Morrell allows us to appreciate and understand how Wayne, ‘an undeniable phenomenon,’ helped create that unique film category: John Wayne Westerns.”—Tom Clagett, ROUNDUP MAGAZINE (WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA)David Morrell is the award-winning author of First Blood, the novel in which Rambo was created. A former professor of American literature at the University of Iowa, he has written numerous New York Times bestsellers, including the classic Brotherhood of the Rose spy trilogy. The main character in Morrell’s western novel, Last Reveille, was inspired by Wayne’s career. “David Morrell is, to me, the finest thriller writer living today, bar none.”—Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Columbus Affair“Morrell, an absolute master of the thriller, plays by his on rules and leaves you dazzled.”—Dean Koontz, New York Times bestselling author of 77 Shadow Street

    Can Archie balance his two-pronged love life and keep his grades up, all under the watchful eye of Principal Weatherbee? Will Reggie be able to continue his chaotic pranks without spending every day in detention? Can Jughead indulge his bottomless appetite when Ms. Beazley's cafeteria food is so...unique? It's high school fun in a great pocket-size edition!

    but it couldn't prepare them for what happened when he returned. Skybound's newest original series turns fantasy into reality in this EXTRA-SIZED FIRST ISSUE for just $2.99, by creator/writer JOSH WILLIAMSON (GHOSTED, NAILBITER) and artist ANDREI BRESSAN.

    It's a celebration of the world's greatest super hero as some of Marvel's most talented creators spin tales of the original Spider-Man: Peter Parker! With a blizzard crippling New York City, Spider-Man must protect the city - but Aunt May's life is in danger! What is the Black Lodge? And how has Spider-Man been trapped there, surrounded by his deadliest foes? Spider-Man teams up with his old flame the Black Cat to bust an international art thievery ring! A young boy learns that he can't rely on super heroes like Spider-Man to stand up against bullies! Spidey and the Human Torch must stop an apocalyptic future by fighting - the Fantastic Four?! Finally, it's a touching tale as a young child risks his life to save Spider-Man's! COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man 700.1-700.5

    Life goes on for Matt, until he receives a very special package. A young girl has brought a child to Murdock, claiming it to be the Messiah, and leaves the child in his care...

    Mom left years ago to join the Nova force and never came back. So it's just Anwen, her dad, her sister and her grandpa against the huge insects. That is, until she finds a mysterious stone that may or may not hold incredible cosmic power. Don't miss this incredible new series by Deadpool writer Gerry Duggan and Edge of Spider-Verse writer/artist Dustin Weaver. The series that will set the cosmic table for the Marvel Universe for years to come!

    Just what the hell has happened to his career-?! His marriage?! His life?! Hey, it's nothing that a drink can't fix. It's after one such night of debauchery with artist GREG HINKLE that the project really comes into its own. Quite literally. Because Airboy himself appears to set the two depraved comic book creators on the straight and narrow. But no one in this story has their life go according to plan. Read the entire series in one hardcover collected volume, which features a brand new story dealing with the reaction to the comic's initial publication that doesn't turn out the way anyone expects...least of all Robinson and Hinkle. A satirical look into the comic book industry paired with the debauchery of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

    The remains, found in a rusted car in the East Lothian woods, not far from Edinburgh, quickly turn into a cold case murder investigation. Rebus' old friend, Siobhan Clarke is assigned to the case, but neither of them could have predicted what buried secrets the investigation will uncover. Rebus remembers the original case--a shady land deal--all too well. After the investigation stalled, the family of the missing man complained that there was a police cover-up. As Clarke and her team investigate the cold case murder, she soon learns a different side of her mentor, a side he would prefer to keep in the past. A gripping story of corruption and consequences, this new novel demonstrates that Rankin and Rebus are still at the top of their game.

    Sikoryak.

    Fueled by rage and empowered by years of experience upholding the law, the new Black Hood is a visceral, conflicted and flawed urban vigilante--but he's also the city's last hope.A gritty, modern crime noir tale that introduces readers to the newest--and deadliest--hero in the Dark Circle Comics lineup.

    Can two friends, a white colonial New Yorker and an Onondowaga warrior, protect their families and each other? Everyone respects John Calvin Black—he believes in rational explanations, and he treats everyone with respect. Donehogawa is a brave man, a respected warrior, and a leader of the Onondowaga tribe living in proximity. The two men grew up together, sharing the teachings of both cultures between them. When the two friends examine the scene of a brutal murder, Donehogawa claims an evil spirit committed the crime. John trusts his friend, so belief comes easy. The other colonists… Some colonists can’t accept the “native superstitions,” and blame the murder on one of the Onondowaga or one of the other tribes in the area. Even John believes Donehogawa is holding something back. The evil stalking the forests emerges, casting stealth aside, and makes demands of both John and Donehogawa—demands that neither man can accept. Faced with an impossible choice, each man makes his own decision and must live with the results.Wendigo is the first novella set in the award-winning Blood of the Isir genre-blending dark, fantasy series. If you like supernatural mystery, heroes facing insurmountable evil with bravery and iron will, then you will love Erik Henry Vick’s tale of terror and savage mayhem. Buy Wendigo to step back in time and into the terrifying forest today!

    From the chronicles of the History Channel's truly epic series comes a new saga of glory and plunder! A brand new graphic novel featuring Ragnar, Lagertha and their legendary kin!

    Stalwarts such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman continued to fight for truth and justice, but as the world hurtled toward an uncertain future, it would take a new breed of hero to define the American Way. DC: The New Frontier takes readers on an epic journey from the end of the Golden Age of heroes to the beginnings of the legendary Justice League of America. Darwyn Cooke's most ambitious project yet features the stunning color art of Dave Stewart, an introduction by DC's President and Publisher Paul Levitz, and an afterword by Cooke.

    Howard's legendary barbarian's days are numbered in an allnew saga, and Conan's destiny is forever changed!Conan the Barbarian (2019) 1-12

    Smith. This collection brings together all six books in the two story arcs following the original wildly popular Vampire Diaries series that spawned the hit TV show.In the three books of The Vampire Diaries: The Return, darkness is infiltrating the peaceful town of Fell's Church. A demon has come to town, and his powers threaten the whole world. Worse still, it causes the very dangerous vampire Damon to turn on his brother, on the citizens of Fell's Church, and on Elena herself.The dark, romantic saga of Elena and the two vampire brothers who love her continues in the three books of The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters. Elena, Stefan, and Damon must face the dangerous creatures being drawn to Fell's Church.The six books included are:The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Midnight The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Phantom The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Moonsong The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Destiny Rising