DF Interview: What ghost stories do ghosts tell? Cullen Bunn reveals the answers in ‘Ghostlore’

By Byron Brewer

We've all heard of ghost stories... but what stories do the ghosts themselves tell us?

An estranged daughter and her pastor father wander a haunted land; they only have the restless spirits, each with its own story to tell, as company along the way.
After a deadly accident of which they were the only survivors, Lucas and Harmony Agate can see the dead – an overwhelming amount of the deceased, all with their own warnings, cries for help, and malevolence alike.
But Lucas and Harmony aren't the only ones with this ability; there are other nearly-deads, some of which have malicious motivations!
Writer Cullen Bunn of Basilisk and Empty Man acclaim is joined by artist Leomacs (Basketful of Heads) and guest artist Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun) – the first in a haunting lineup of artists featured in each issue – to bring readers the most eye-opening spectral story since The Sixth Sense.
All I need to do is see three words: “Cullen Bunn” and “horror” and I’m on board. As such, I sat down with my old pal and Cullen told me about this new 12-issue limited series. Here’s what he said.


Byron Brewer: Well, Cullen, you’re back at it, weaving story threads of horror beyond imagination in this brand new book, Ghostlore. Tell us, O master of the macabre, how long have you been keeping this tale of terror on the Bunn back burner and what was its inspiration?



Cullen Bunn: While many of the concepts I pursue stick with me for years and years before they see print, Ghostlore is a relatively new creation. It rose from my love of ghost stories, anthology comics, and epic supernatural adventures. It also sprang to life from me asking myself the question, “What ghost stories do ghosts tell?”



Byron: I know that in each issue of this 12-issue series, artist Leomacs will be laying down the shadows for your stories. But there is also apparently a star-studded cast of guest artists who will be assisting on the stories. How does that work exactly?



Cullen Bunn: Leomacs is the maestro of our primary story, but with every issue, our lead characters will encounter ghosts who tell strange and horrific stories. These short stories will each be drawn by a different artist. So, with every issue you’ll be reading our main tale, drawn by Leomacs, and a short creepy tale of horror drawn by one of our guest artists!



Byron: Describe the creep-filled canvas, the haunting world you and the artists are preparing to drop readers into for Ghostlore.



Cullen Bunn: Ghostlore takes place in our world.

Sort of.
On the surface, at least, it looks like our world. But there are dark corners that most of us never see. A hidden world. There are ghosts in this hidden world. That’s a given. But there are many, many other surprises and horrors that we should count ourselves lucky that we never see.
Of course, we will see these horrors—as the ghost stories are revealed.


Byron: Introduce us to father and daughter protagonists Lucas and Harmony Agate. Who are they, what are their abilities, and how do they get to the circumstances that we find them as this book begins?



Cullen Bunn: Lucas and Harmony are an ordinary pair of people. Lucas is a reverend who is having trouble connecting with his daughter. Harmony is an angst-ridden teen who just wants to get away from her dad. A near-death experience, though, opens their eyes to a world of ghostly entities who are lurking around us all the time. They discover that the restless spirits around them want to tell them their stories. The telling of those stories seems to cement the ghosts into our world. And at that point they can be laid to rest. For Harmony, it is a peaceful transition. For Lucas, helping lay the ghosts to rest seems to be a little more violent. This difference in approaches drives an even wider wedge between father and daughter at a time when they are finding themselves in great danger.



Byron: What other characters are important to this tale’s beginning? And who are these “other nearly-deads” who seem to share the Agates’ abilities?



Cullen Bunn: Well, it’s a big world out there, and Lucas and Harmony are not the only people who can see and communicate with ghosts. We’ll be meeting quite a few of these folks. Perhaps most important among them is Shane Demos, a mysterious fellow who doesn’t want to help ghosts pass on like Harmony, doesn’t want to destroy them like Lucas. Instead, his agenda is something completely different and altogether much more sinister.



Byron: Can you give us an overall view of the series, a sort of summary of what readers can expect when issue #1 hits the stands?



Cullen Bunn: This is a story that starts with a small, tragic incident and then blows out into a huge, sweeping horror epic. Our first issue is focused on introducing you to the Agates, setting them up for the creepiness to come, establishing that there is a strange and supernatural undercurrent to our “normal” world. From there, we rocket into a sprawling story that will take the Agates far from their home… and far from safety.



Byron: Talk about the art of Leomacs and what it brings to this new book. If possible, mention some of the other artists involved.



Cullen Bunn: Leomacs does such a great job of bringing Lucas and Harmony to life, of showcasing the emotion between these characters. And that says nothing about his horror and action elements, which are just amazing. As I mentioned, each issue will feature a “ghost story” that will be drawn by a different artist. And talk about a star-studded cavalcade! A few I can name right away include Brian Hurtt, Vanessa Del Rey, Danny Luckert, Jonas Scharf, Naomi Franquiz, and Jakub Rebelka! It’s a celebration of one of the things I like most about working in comics—all the incredibly talented artists I get to work with!



Byron: Cullen, what other haunts do you have coming from your keyboard that you can tell readers about?



Cullen Bunn: I’m working on a broad range of horror and dark fantasy stories right now. Glancing over at my project bulletin board, I see five other projects that haven’t been announced yet, including horror/comedy, action/horror, and some very dark body horror projects.



Dynamic Forces would like to thank Cullen Bunn for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Ghostlore #1 from BOOM! Studios is slated to be on sale May 10th!



For more news and up-to-date announcements, join us here at Dynamic Forces, www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/, “LIKE” us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dynamicforcesinc, and follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/dynamicforces.

The smash-hit horror comic is back and creepier than ever! Today Skybound announced a second volume of the hugely popular comic book anthology based on Greg Nicotero’s hit Shudder TV series produced and licensed by Cartel Entertainment.

Creepshow Volume 2 #1, featuring stories by comic legends Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys), Becky Cloonan (Wonder Woman) and Phil Hester (Gotham City: Year One), will arrive in comic book shops on September 12, 2023.

In the spirit of all iterations of Creepshow in pop culture, every issue of the Creepshow comic series comes packed with two spine-chilling stories. Each issue of the five-part anthology will feature different creative teams from the worlds of comics, books, film, television, and beyond. Every uniquely horrifying standalone story is guaranteed to SCARE YOU TO DEATH.

In the debut issue of the second volume, master of the macabre Garth Ennis and superstar creator Becky Cloonan team up for the very first time to deliver a disturbing tale of the unborn. Then, freaky Phil Hester tells the story of a grieving son who bends the laws of nature to see his mother one last time...this can’t end well!

In addition to the main cover by Guillem March, Creepshow Vol. 2 #1 comes with an impressive lineup of variant covers, including a cover by Becky Cloonan and the launch of a set of 1:10 incentive connecting covers by iconic horror artist Skinner.

Creepshow Volume 2’s superstar creative roster also includes Michael Walsh (The Silver Coin), Dan Watters (Homesick Pilots), Abigail Larson (Sandman Universe: The Dreaming), Zoe Thorogood (It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth), Joel Farrelly (Tell Me a Story), Nick Dragotta (East of West), Alisa Kwitney (Mystik U), Saladin Ahmed (Dragon, Miles Morales: Spider-Man), Joe Quinones (Batman ‘89), Tim Daniel & DB Andry (End After End), Matthew Roberts (Manifest Destiny), Goran Sudžuka (Ghosted), and many others to be announced.

Brian Witten is overseeing on behalf of Nicotero’s Monster Agency Productions.

The Creepshow comic miniseries deal was brokered by Striker Entertainment.

The 2023 Eisner Award-nominated Creepshow Volume 1, which collects the first five issues of the anthology, is now available everywhere books are sold (Diamond Code JAN230084, ISBN: 978-1-5343-2480-0 SRP: $14.99). The first-class creative roster includes Chris Burnham (Die! Die! Die!), Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series), John McCrea (Hitman), David & Maria Lapham (Stray Bullets), Erica Henderson (Assassin Nation, Dracula, Motherf**ker), and Francesco Francavilla (Night of the Ghoul, Detective Comics) and L Marlow Francavilla, and more!

Creepshow Volume 2 #1 (of 5) (SRP $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Tuesday, September 12.

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is readying to turbocharge the box office, targeting $50 million to $60 million in its opening weekend.

There’s a chance that inaugural ticket sales could climb higher as the Paramount Pictures film touches down on Friday in 3,700 North American theaters. But the latest Autobot adventure is expected to face headwinds from last weekend’s champion, Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” The animated comic book sequel launched to $120 million and looks to add $45 million to $55 million in its second weekend of release. That’s close to double what the original, 2019’s “Into the Spider-Verse,” earned in its debut. Yep, Spidey’s still got it.

Steven Caple Jr. (“Creed II”) directed the PG-13 rated “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” which cost $200 million. It’ll need to keep playing in domestic theaters and resonate at the international box office to justify that hefty price tag.

On a promising note, the film, which is the seventh installment in the “Transformers” franchise, is expected to improve upon the starts of the two entries, 2018’s “Bumblebee” ($21.6 million) and 2017’s “The Last Knight” ($44.68 million). Those films, which tapped out with $127 million and $130 million in North America respectively, each earned nearly 70% of their overall ticket sales from overseas markets. (via Variety)

The first trailer for The Expendables 4 sees franchise stalwarts Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham teaming up with a cast of series newcomers like 50 Cent and Megan Fox.

The trailer for the action film shows the old timers and newbies charged was averting World War III by taking out terrorists that have taken possession of nuclear missiles on a cargo ship off the coast. In between quick cuts of an armada of heavy machinery and firearms, the trailer includes Statham and Fox battling it out in their apartment and Stallone flipping an assailant over a bar.

Returning to the franchise along with Stallone and Statham are Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture, joined by a new generation of Expendables including Fox, 50 Cent, Andy Garcia, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio and Levy Tran. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Lionsgate will release The Expendables 4 on September 22.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/DhlaBO-SwVE

Those Disney+ subscribers going through Star Wars withdrawal won’t have to wait much longer as the streamer has set August 23 for the premiere of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Ahsoka series. Watch a new TV spot below.

Set after the fall of the Empire, Star Wars: Ahsoka follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. The character was co-created by George Lucas and Dave Filoni and made her debut as the Jedi apprentice and foil of Anakin Skywalker in the animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and also starred in Star Wars: Rebels. Both of those animated series were co-created by Filoni. She is from the alien species Togruta, who are known for their large montrals and head tails, and colorful pigments.

Rosario Dawson made the live-action debut of Ahsoka Tano during the second season of Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist is co-executive producer. (via Deadline)

TV spot: https://youtu.be/J7-zia4oHuk

Prime Video is preparing us for a devilishly good time, because the first trailer for Season 2 of Good Omens has arrived.

The trailer showcases the latest adventure for Crowley (David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen). Good Omens is based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's beloved novel of the same name, and it is poised to take a similar tonal approach to its new story in Season 2.

Gaiman served as showrunner for the first season of Good Omens, fulfilling his and Pratchett's dream of bringing their apocalyptic comedy to television. Gaiman returns as executive producer and co-showrunner on season two, sharing showrunner duties with Douglas Mackinnon, who directed the first season. (via ComicBook.com)

Season 2 of Good Omens will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, July 28th.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/9GljnUA6Ll0

“Perry Mason” has been canceled at HBO, Variety has confirmed. The series debuted its second and final season at the premium cabler in March.

“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of ‘Perry Mason’ for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”

Based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, Matthew Rhys starred in the series in the title role. Unlike the 1950’s TV series in which Mason worked as a lawyer, the HBO series portrays the character earlier in his life when he is a private investigator in Los Angeles in the 1930s.

The series was developed for television by Ron Fitzgerald and Rolin Jones. Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey executive produced via Team Downey along with Amanda Burrell.

The CW has released a preview for "Injustice", the twelfth episode of Superman & Lois' third season — and Lex Luther (guest star Michael Cudlitz) is finally here.

The series has been teasing the arrival of the iconic villain for some time, with it being suggested that Luthor is behind bars for crimes he did not commit and Lois playing a large part in that.

However, fans will have to wait a bit to see Luthor's arrival. The episode is not set to air until Tuesday, June 20th. (via ComicBook.com)

Check out the preview for yourself: https://youtu.be/7XYt2_4ucUA

BOOM! Studios revealed today a first look at GRIM #11, the first issue of a new story arc in the hit bestselling comic book series from acclaimed writer Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman), fan favorite artist Flaviano (New Mutants), colorist Rico Renzi (Spider-Gwen), and letterer Tom Napolitano (The Joker), as Jessica Harrow and her fellow Reapers face new gods, beasts, and dangers in the underworld and beyond.

While Jess, Lilah, and Eddie feel the touch of hellfire for the first time ever, Jess begins to build an army as fears of an all out war arise, and knows it will be up to her to take back the Afterlife! But sometimes Hell is all it’s cracked up to be, as Marcel finds himself torturously reunited with his lover.

GRIM #11 features main cover art by series artist Flaviano, and variant cover art by acclaimed illustrators Zu Orzu (Something is Killing the Children), Baldemar Rivas (Robins), DANI (Coffin Bound), and Tonči Zonjić (Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy).

GRIM is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Mosely by Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; and the upcoming Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

Print copies of GRIM #11 will be available for sale on July 5, 2023 exclusively at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one) or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.

Next month, join Marvel’s heroes and creators as they give a proper sendoff to one of comic books’ brightest young stars in FALLEN FRIEND: THE DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1.

Fans are still reeling from the tragic ending of last week’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #26 which saw Ms. Marvel follow in the footstep of heroes like Captain America, Captain Marvel, Wolverine, Doctor Strange, and more, by making a heroic sacrifice to save her friends and the very universe itself. The unexpected story and its aftermath will continue in this special one-shot.

FALLEN FRIEND: THE DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1 will see the return of the character’s co-creator, G. Willow Wilson; the writer of Ms. Marvel’s last solo series, Saladin Ahmed; and Mark Waid, who not only brought Ms. Marvel onto the Avengers, but also wrote her central role in the teen team book The Champions. Together, this all-star lineup of talent will explore the uplifting legacy of Kamala Khan and the impact her death will have on the Marvel Universe moving forward.

FALLEN FRIEND: DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1 will have four stunning covers that fans can choose from. In addition to the heartbreaking main cover by Kaare Andrews, Carmen Carnero pays homage to the death of the original Captain Marvel in a stirring tribute that will also be available as a virgin cover. Alternately, Pablo Villalobos looks back on happier times and spotlights Ms. Marvel’s enthusiastic fanbase who have passionately supported the character throughout the years. Last but not least, Ms. Marvel co-creator Adrian Alphona returns to the character with a poignant portrait.

In the grand comics tradition, say farewell to a Marvel icon alongside creators, characters, and fans in FALLEN FRIEND: THE DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1. Check out the covers now and stay tuned for more news about this crucial new chapter of the Marvel mythos.

BOOM! Studios revealed a first look at MOSELY #5, the final issue of the brand new five-issue limited series from Farmhand creator and co-creator of Chew, Rob Guillory, highly acclaimed artist Sam Lotfi (Harley Quinn), colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu (I Hate Fairyland), and letterer Andrew Thomas, chronicling one man’s attempt to take down the mighty idols of technology that have captivated the world in the near future. Available in stores June 2023.

After what seemed like the final battle, Mose and family discover the sinister, ancient force behind the Tech Gods themselves! While Mosely and Gloria have to fight the internal demons of their past, they face a very tangible demon, alien and arcane, with a dark link to human history. However, even if they succeed, what will their victory mean for the human race, when they’ve been reliant on AI for so long?

MOSELY #5 features main and variant cover art by series artist Lotfi with colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and variant covers by series creator Guillory, and highly acclaimed artists George Kambadais (Gargoyles) and InHyuk Lee (Daredevil).

MOSELY is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; and the upcoming Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

Print copies of MOSELY #5 will be available for sale on June 28, 2023 exclusively at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one) or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.