FREE Reads for the Holiday Weekend from Gene Kendall

Ever wished you could escape your ho-hum life and enter worlds of genre-defying adventure, experimental mystery, or dark humor, all for free? Well, wish no more – this holiday weekend, most of the digital editions of my books are being offered as limited–time freebies. Yes, exclusively on Amazon – may the name of our corporate overload be praised to the highest of heavens – you’ll find the digital editions of titles like Blind Cerulean, an ’80s-tinged thriller starring a snarky teen vigilante and her cranky mentor, and Efficient and Divine, a brutal tale of small-town murder and mayhem, all for free. Follow this link to receive your bounty.

 

It’s 1980, and the world’s greatest pulp artist just might be a murderer.

What isn’t for free, but still available at a very reasonable price, is the latest edition of the crime fiction anthology Crimeucopia, entitled Hey! Don't Read That! Read This! I have a short story entitled “Previous Times” featured in this issue. You can purchase the issue at this link.

P.S. I would greatly appreciate your feedback, so please feel free to leave a review. I’m told it appeases the almighty Amazon algorithm. Also, if you have a reader in your life, I’d also appreciate you forwarding the link to all of these freebies. The deal expires in a few days, so act accordingly.

Evil-Doers - A New and Free Gene Kendall Short Story

 

This week at my Substack...A short story inspired by mainstream America’s 2000s infatuation with the once tawdry world of comic books—and the rumors surrounding the original comic book art market. Could’ve been more scandalous, given the stories about mobsters laundering their money via original Batman pages, but who am I to invite trouble? 

Did a Forgotten Comic Inspire TWO Batman: The Animated Series Episodes?

The animated Scarecrow's best and worst appearances were foreshadowed in one 1987 comic book. At CBR, I revisit two Batman: The Animated Series episodes and a story from Mike Barr and Alan Davis that share some surprising similarities. 

The Masters of the Universe Relaunch that Brought Us More Prince Adam than He-Man

 

It's a new year, but I'm still up to my old nonsense. As the '80s revival fad cooled, a new He-Man title attempted to excite readers. I revisit the launch of 2004's Masters of the Universe ongoing series this week at CBR.

Years Before Energon, G.I. Joe's The Baroness Received Another Surprising Makeover

 

G.I. Joe villain the Baroness was nearly introduced to the masses with a noticeably different look. This week at CBR, I revisit the history of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a plastic surgery storyline that didn't make any obvious sense, and Hasbro's early attempts to translate the Baroness from the page to the toy aisle.

The Marvel Hero Who Might've Sparked a 1980s MCU...Ant-Man?!

 

Stan Lee had faith one of his lesser-known heroes could become a box office star. But '80s Hollywood wasn't ready for Ant-Man. I review the screenplay at CBR this week.

Tim Burton Doodles, Censor Notes, and the Legacy of Batman: The Animated Series

 

Batman: The Animated Interviews provides an insanely thorough collection of material on the beloved show, revealing many secrets. If you're not a Hasbro fan now, wait until you learn why Batman Beyond was cancelled. I discuss this week at CBR.

Livewire Wasn't Quite the Harley Quinn Superman: The Animated Series Needed

 

A new, female villain for Superman had a celeb voice actor and a lot of Harley Quinn's spark, but didn't quite connect. I revisit this week at CBR.

Years Before Batman: The Animated Series, There Was... J. Michael Straczynski's Batman And The New Robin?!

 

Another comics-accurate Batman series could've predated Batman: The Animated Series, with J. Michael Straczynski at the helm. I look at the history of the project, and the nixed series bible this week at CBR.

This Classic '80s Spider-Man Story Redefined Kraven the Hunter, Establishing A New Era

Following Spider-Man and MJ's honeymoon, the couple experienced a shocking trauma, while Kraven enjoyed his ultimate victory. I look back at a true classic this week at CBR.

Years Before Dynamite, WildStorm's ThunderCats Revamp Embraced Nostalgia

 

After facing controversy, WildStorm's ThunderCats title returned to its animated roots, with some dicey results. I revisit this week at CBR.

G.I. Joe: A Real American...Romance?

 

Just in time for, well, Halloween I revisit a romance-heavy G.I. Joe arc from the Devil's Due era this week at CBR.

What Happened to Joss Whedon's Cancelled Wonder Woman Film?

The prospect of a Joss Whedon Wonder Woman film once excited fandom--but the leaked script stirred controversy. I revisit this week at CBR.

Years Before Pennyworth, Batman: The Animated Series Made Alfred a Star

 

In the DC Animated continuity, Alfred Pennyworth exhibited his toughness years before he was revamped as an action hero. I revisit this week at CBR.

Spider-Man and MJ's G-Rated Honeymoon Adventures

 

Peter Parker and Mary Jane enjoyed two wholesome honeymoons, as an era of Spider-Man drew to a close. My retrospective on the Marriage Years continues this week at CBR. 

Alan Moore, The Maxx, and the Uncomfortable Retcon

Alan Moore brought one bold idea to The Maxx, and the series' creator wasn't sure how to handle it. I examine Moore's lone issue of The Maxx this week at CBR. 

What Nearly Ruined Spider-Man and Mary Jane's Wedding Day?

 

Today at CBR I look back at the classic Spider-Man event Marvel really, really wants you to forget about. 

20 Years Ago, Transformers Fans Met Starscream's ...Brother?

 

Dreamwave's Transformers series was a passion project by fans for fans, canonizing some obscure lore from the classic cartoon. I revisit this week at CBR.