“Simplicity and originality. Sadly, this is what almost always seems lacking in North American storytelling – regardless of the vessel, be it book, film or television. Stepping into Anthony Schiavino’s stories is an exciting, moving and refreshing experience. It’s as if a familiar golden wind of nostalgia immerses you. Whispers for you to follow into places that feel timeless. Places you innately know. The ones that you whispered about with childhood friends. The ones you dared each other to peer into the darkened corners of… Afraid to find what you already knew was there.”
— Carolyn Macpherson, Illustrative Photographer
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If that headline doesn’t get you nothing will. Free. Yes, free. But why? Does it matter? No. And soon enough you’ll understand why.
For right now I want you to read the promotional issue that was put together to get Sergeant Zero off the ground. I also want you to read the promotional issue of Trenches In Hell that contains a five page short (originally airing online for free) along with all of the concept art. I want you to read it and then I want you to pass it on, link and PDF.
I want you to light a fire under the internet’s ass and get people to read comics and I want you to do it with Sergeant Zero. If you’ve never heard of it before that’s alright. Just read this page for the basics.
Sergeant Zero One
Now that we’ve got that settled….
Those that have read what you’re about to read have loved it. Their words not mine. Most of them never touched a comic in their lives. It’s proof that people want to read comic books but their not being targeted at all. From the teenager to the old war veteran to the middle age housewife…they’ve all read this comic and want more. I want you, and them, to read this and take a trip back to your youth. Many of you may not like war or guns or even noir but I guarantee you there will be something in these pages that you will like and end up not knowing you liked all the rest.
If you read comics that’s fantastic. Give Sergeant Zero a go and enjoy it. But I’m not doing this for you. Maybe it’s because I just got back from the movie theater seeing Super 8. But I remember a time of wonder in my life where I could read a comic book and just enjoy it. To just have a hell of a lot of fun and be entertained. I want that for the people that love movies, books, you name it and I want them to see why comic books are a medium untapped by millions. Forget the super heroes. There’s so much more. Maybe it’s because I’m about to be a father and I can’t wait to share all of that with my child for the first time. Maybe I’m feeling lucky.
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“I downloaded Sergeant Zero. I’ve never read a comic in my life. Thanks for the freebie. Wow. That was a wild ride. I’d drive to the comic store now if they were open. (I actually looked up the nearest shops). The digital copy is simply, super smart. For me though, I would NEED the printed copy going forward.”
—Bryan Davis, after downloading
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Sergeant Zero: Trenches In Hell
But what am I asking in return right? I’m sure some of you are asking that. There’s always a catch, but in this case you can take it or leave it. I’m asking you to enjoy it and then if you like it, yeah, pass it on. I’m telling you (not asking) that there is a comic series waiting to be made and it’s not just about war action like you’re reading. There’s far more to it and you know I don’t want to spoil it for you. If you love the 1940s or 50s and all kinds of classic tie-ins you can think of…well this is for you.
There is a series waiting to happen and all I need is an artist to take it and just flat out run with it. First issue included to make it their own.
That’s it.
And if you feel you’d like to pay something into it, well there are print and digital versions available (follow the links on the page to each issue). Just go buy those. Simone is also selling the original art to the issue if you want to throw some money his way.
Don’t feel obligated. Just get people reading. Get people talking. Follow me on Twitter or stop by Facebook and tell me what you liked or didn’t like or if you have questions. Because if you’re thinking the obvious…it’s not that.
You can download the issues at the following links. Click and Save.
Sergeant Zero One FREE (5MB PDF)
Sergeant Zero Trenches In Hell FREE (5MB PDF)
Links are also available in the sidebar.
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“I don’t read comics. Nothing against them, just never got into them. But, I would read your stuff.”
—Michael Bekemeyer, Writer, filmmaker, wanderer, dad,
conversationalist, existentialist, a Mac.
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Like I said, there’s something bigger to come but for now just enjoy the comics and be entertained. That’s the whole point.
KiNgDeeM
June 12, 2011
Good stuff who the heck doesn’t like free stuff I know I hell of a sure do. I will check it out some time 2morrow after I pass it on to my friends
Anthony Schiavino
June 12, 2011
Thank you KiNgDeeM! I appreciate it. Enjoy it. There’s a whole lot more waiting to be produced. I just need an artist going forward. Simone is working on another project at the moment. Tell everyone and anyone especially if they don’t read them.
Sabrina Ogden
June 12, 2011
I’m talking about Sergeant Zero over at my blog, My Friends Call Me Kate! http://www.myfriendscallmekate.com/2011/06/click-x-6-and-little-extra.html