Some folks just...get it. I received this letter the other day, and, well, you read it:

"Mr. Hickman,

Hello! My name is The Crimson Fist, and I am a superhero based in Atlanta, Georgia. Much like your main character in the book Twilight Guardian, myself and others world-wide (our numbers range in the low 200's) have developed superheroic identities and set out into our communities to help try and make the world a safer and all-around nicer place to live. I picked up a copy of Twilight Guardian on a whim while on a trip to the comic shop and I was thrilled to see a character that I could relate to on such a personal level. I love the book, and have encouraged all my fellow heroes to read it as well.

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful first issue, and to tell you that I am encouraging all of my fellow heroes to vote for the series to continue once the polls open next month. I hope to see more in the future!

My best to you and yours, -- The Crimson Fist
http://myspace.com/HeroATL
Justice Never Sleeps."

Frankly, the Fist's note filled me with hope, both for Twilight Guardian and the folks who understand the comic, but even more for us all. As I've said, maybe the world IS going to hell, gang, but it doesn't have to be a one-way trip. Thanks, CF.

Just Talkin' 'Bout Twilight Guardian!

Here is a new interview with me about Twilight Guardian and other stuff by the always sharp and insightful Gwen at Comics and...Other Imaginary Tales.

Here's a Little Poll They're Running to Gage Interest In the Pilot Season Books...

Vote for Twilight Guardian here!

My Geeky Brethren!

Here's a nice review from Jack Bauerstein at GeeksofDoom.com:

"What do you get when you have a superhero that patrols the night on foot, helping people change flat tires, and eating beef jerky to sustain their energy? Well, you get The Twilight Guardian.

Written by Troy Hickman of Common Ground fame, Twilight Guardian tells the tale of a young woman who goes to work in the morning like everyone else excepts at night, she protects her neighborhood in a hoodie and a mask as The Twilight Guardian. She combs the area, searching for villains to thwart but usually she just heads home and reads her comics, hoping to hone her craft.

To call this comic wickedly bizarre is an understatement. It is definitely unlike anything that is out on the comic racks today or perhaps even ever. I know I have never read a book where I laughing at just how ridiculous the story was but at the same time, greatly amused by the whole idea. Is the Twilight Guardian really a superhero or is she just a crazy person? Perhaps she is in on the joke and knows something the reader and those around do not know. This comic has so much potential and can go in so many directions, it would be crazy for Top Cow to not consider continuing this series.

Hickman does his best toeing the line between serious drama and tongue in cheek scenarios. He definitely knows how to stage a scene. There were many times where I thought something superhero-esque would happen only to realize it was a false alarm. It is very mundane and just overall not too exciting, yet oddly innovative. This is truly a comic book that keeps its feet on the ground yet soars to new heights by just being something off beat and unique. I also like how readers get a chance to read some of the comics that the Twilight Guardian uses as her learner manuals. They are hilarious and poke some serious fun at comic books.

My only complaint about the book is the art. The artist Reza is good enough, but I think a more dynamic, bombastic artist should have been assigned to the book. It would have given the book a bit more of that superhero feel to it, adding to the suspense of whether or not the Twilight Guardian has powers or if she will gain some over the course of the book.

If you want to read something strange, bizarre, and unlike anything you have ever read, you need to pick up Twilight Guardian. It is strangely satisfying even if it is not what you expect."

Thanks so much, Jack!

New Artwork!

Below are a couple of depictions of Twilight Guardian by the massively talented Christopher Tupa. I think you'll agree that they cook with gas! This guy needs to be doing comics on a regular basis, and soon. You can see more of Christopher's stuff here.

And if you'd like to see your sketches of Twilight Guardian and crew in this space, send 'em along!

Twilight Guardian Video Review

Our pal Amber has posted a review of TG on YouTube. Check it out!






I need to mention, btw, that Amber is currently in the top two for a major costume contest, and she could really use your support! Go here to check out the costumes and place your vote. Thanks, Amber, you're super!

San Antonio Spurs...Readers to Check Out Twilight Guardian

Here's a nice piece from Jeremy Martin at the San Antonio Current:

The Twilight Guardian, an anonymous loser pretending at superherodom, patrols well-trod territory, but Hickman’s (Common Grounds) skill at character development sets this series apart. So far, anyway. The story, told through terse, personal journal entries, is largely uneventful, but the protagonist, a lonely girl patrolling her suburban neighborhood for evildoers, is compelling and sympathetic. The issue occasionally falters when Hickman attempts a Tick-like mockery of the Guardian’s misguided sense of “justice,” but the endearing attempts of the main character to escape her failed relationship and mundane existence as a dry cleaner by mimicking her favorite comic-book characters makes Twilight Guardian worth reading. Her late-night prowling leads only to the discovery of misdemeanors — teenagers making out in a parked car, a man urinating in his neighbor’s flower bed — but also to other lonely people acquainted with the night: a woman continously watching the same monster movie, a man shooting baskets until his love returns. And it’s this secret knowledge of the friendless people without purpose that gives Twilight Guardian a meaningful voice. Though misguided and ineffective superheroes are standard fare in comic books, Twilight Guardian’s underlying concept — becoming a superhero as a distraction from the isolation of modern-day young adulthood — is novel and at times even heart-defrosting.