HELL, MICHIGAN #1

**MattBrady** · 04-11-2005, 06:22 AM

FC9 has provided Newsarama with a six–page preview of the June-debuting HELL, Michigan #1 (APR05 2905), the publisher’s first ongoing monthly series.

The series is written by Dan Jolley, with art by Clint Hilinski, tells of horror in small town America – where the horror is the town.

From the publisher’s original press release for the series:

Vampires, werewolves, flesh-eating zombies... You won't find any of them in the sleepy mid-western town of Hell, Michigan. But everyday citizens of Hell face something far worse. Something they can't see, but that is all around them. Something they can't touch, but that reaches through their very souls.

Few realize what is really happening, and fewer still can resist the infernal temptations the town offers. It is up to those few strong-willed souls to save who they can, and to seek out other strong-willed individuals, luring them to HELL in hopes that the resistance can grow.

But to the evil town of Hell, these resistance fighters are nothing more than an "infestation of good"—a cancer to be cut out—and the rest of its citizens are nothing but a fuel for its fires.

And as the population dwindles, Hell's power grows.

"This is a comic book where our main character is the town itself. Think Christine, except instead of the car giving everyone trouble, it's the city," explains FC9 founder Tilman Goins. "Just take a look around your house and think of the ways that it could kill you if it wanted to."

"One or two people out there may be wondering why I'm jumping in with all four feet, as my dad would say, to a completely new, unproven, small-press publishing venture. And to begin with, I wasn't going to, because I've been burned and burned badly by small-press fiascos in the past; but Tilman Goins has exhibited the kind of respect, generosity, and professionalism that I've seen far too rarely in this industry, from big companies as well as small." says Jolley. "He's treated me and the rest of the people working for him like celebrities, and in return he's got my loyalty and hard work. HELL, Michigan is going to be a blast"

For more on FC9, click here.

Click on the thumbnails for larger versions.

Book of GOB · 04-11-2005, 10:55 AM

Yeah, I'm sure the residents of the actual Hell, MI are just going to love this...

mrfstr · 04-11-2005, 11:13 AM

I know the cover artist and he is just STOKED for this book. Positive it's gonna do great.

I'm gonna get the book... gotta support your friends, right. This loks pretty damn good, though....

chbryan · 04-11-2005, 11:20 AM

Actually, they have a pretty good sense of humor about it, and make a few bucks off the town merch. From the looks of these pages, I don't think there's anything to offend anyone -- however, I don't think there's anything to compel anyone to buy it either. There wasn't anything there to really hook me, unfortunately.

However, the possible background of the name can be found at http://www.hell2u.com/about.php. However, it's good to know that there are only 266 who reside in Hell.

The beautiful state of Michigan also features the communities of Paradise (appropriately almost at the other end of the state from Hell) and Climax, which is somewhere in-between.

Say Yes! to Michigan.

Tilman · 04-11-2005, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Book of GOB
Yeah, I'm sure the residents of the actual Hell, MI are just going to love this...

Though I haven't spoken to all 77 actual residents of HELL, not even all 16 who get mail there, I HAVE spoken to people who currently live in HELL, Michigan and they LOVE it.

edited for the post above: Yeah, I know the website says 266 residents.

Aaron Weisbrod · 04-11-2005, 03:18 PM

Based of what I've seen of this book (and heard from several "in the know" sources), I think HELL, MICHIGAN is going to be one of the "sleeper" hits of the summer...

Not too far from Hell (MI),
Aaron Weisbrod

Solamon · 04-11-2005, 04:56 PM

I ordered this and Genie. I wish good luck to your guys at FC9.

jasonm · 04-11-2005, 06:39 PM

"But everyday citizens of Hell face something far worse. Something they can't see, but that is all around them. Something they can't touch, but that reaches through their very souls. "

Yeah, boredom! lol Not the book but the town its self. Eh, I can understand using the name, since how many towns are actually named "Hell", but damn, it's hell there for the boredom and just how tiny a place it is. Plus in the parts I drove through, you'd see more trees and cars on blocks then actual green grass

Blackbeard · 04-11-2005, 07:47 PM

Tilman, Dan and crew... I wish you guys the best of luck!!
I am a Michigan native (Traverse City), and have been through Hell and back again (pun intended), so I can't wait to see this book!!

Golbez57 · 04-17-2005, 03:57 PM

I've been to Hell, too; it reminded me a little too much of the scenery on the long drive on U.S.-2 from the Bridge to my hometown of Escanaba.

Still, this looks interesting! Good luck, fellows.

BarGoddess · 04-21-2005, 01:20 AM

First let me introduce myself...I am the weekend bartender at the Dam Site Inn in Hell, Michigan...yep, the real Hell, MI...I have worked there for the past 10 1/2 years. This is the coolest idea that our little town has been involved in. We have seen many people from all over the world come visit Hell and the Dam Site Inn through the years. I am so geeked and cant wait to get my hands on this comic book and I am elated about the projected movie as well...if Dan or anyone else involved in this project wants anymore info about Hell, Michigan..please feel free to contact me. Ooh, the story lines I could give...would just have to change the names to protect the guilty!
After working in Hell, Michigan for almost 11 years and working at the Dam Site longer than any other employee there or in any of the 3 establishments in Hell, Michigan as well as the owners of all 3 establishments...I am sure that I have a tale or 2 to add to the storylines.
Hell....I would even be interested in starring in the movie version

Cant wait to get all the copies of the comic books

Michelle aka The Bar Goddess in Hell-there is a story about how I got that title too!

Blackbeard · 04-21-2005, 07:16 AM

Woo hoo!
Look at the Michiganders coming out to show support!!
And an actual "Hellion," too! This is fantastic!
I can't wait for this book!!

damsiteinn · 04-23-2005, 07:55 PM

Hell is a booming town!

We at the Dam Site Inn are proud to be located in Hell, Michigan.

The Dam Site Inn has great food, a friendly atmosphere & amazing live entertainment.

For more information about the Dam Site Inn & Hell Michigan visit our website at http://www.hellmichigan.net

We are proud that Hell Michigan is being represented in the upcoming comic book series-Hell, Michigan

Smitty, Owner of Dam Site Inn, Hell, Michigan

Anita_Blake · 05-27-2005, 02:06 PM

I'm from Hell, Michigan...and I just about died when I saw this.

Can't wait for it to come out.

Aaron Weisbrod · 05-28-2005, 02:00 PM

Awesome!!! I love all of the support the "Hellions" are showing!

Tilman let me read the first issue of HELL, MICHIGAN (membership has it's advatages... lol), and I gotta tell ya', you're all in for quite a treat!

Finally, in the shameless plug alert section, if you're a fan of horror comics you should check out FC9's other horror-release that's coming out in July with HELL #2: NIGHTMARE WORLD: "Knee Deep in the Dead" and other Tales of Terror. Almost 100 pages of full-color horror comic goodness for only %9.95!!!

A little south of Hell (but not by much),
Aaron Weisbrod