Monkey Farm - A Horror Novel with Bite

My latest horror book out through Necro Publications is released and gaining traction with the help of  the awesome folks over at The Bold Mom.  Check out the nice presentation they put together for the book by clicking the link below.



If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of your own.  It’s a great horror story that will keep you entertained until the final page.

https://www.theboldmom.com/monkey-farm-by-s-a-check/

Take a Trip...of Terror....to the MONKEY FARM

Looking for a great horror read to end summer with a bang?!

Out today from Necro Publications / Bedlam Press....

How do you convince your best friend you’re responsible for their murder, when they won’t even admit they’re dead?

Ask any kid in Rumors Mill and they’ll tell you the same thing, playing anywhere around the old Monkey Farm was completely off limits. The dark branches of the woods surrounding the abandoned lab held whispers of secret government experiments and creatures that lurked the property at night on both two legs and four.  So, it was no real surprise when Effin and his friends decided to spend one fateful summer day in those same woods, one of them didn’t make it out alive. That day cost Effin his family, his friends, and more than a bit of his sanity. When he left town to go live with his aunt, he never looked back.  

Ten years and a sketchbook full of nightmares later, Effin’s past finally caught up with him.  A little girl’s gone missing in those same cursed woods. He knows returning home means facing his own tortured past, but someone, or something, is calling him back. With the help of the only two people who still believe in him, the ghost of his long-lost best friend, and the girl he left behind, Effin begins a search for a missing child, but ends up unlocking the secrets of the Farm’s checkered past and his own lost childhood.  

Pick up your copy directly from the publisher's website - Necro Publications, or find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other fine literary outlets!

A Legend Gary Summer Book Release

Some family secrets are shocking.  Gary’s are downright legendary!  At least that’s what comic book scribe S.A. Check poses with the release of his new middle grade novel, Legend Gary.  The story explores some of the lessor known legends and local folklore from our own back yards and towns, as well as the bonds that hold a family together, even when they’re kept worlds apart. 

Gary always thought having a monster hunting family was kind of cool, that was before his dad vanished without a trace, and grandpa went just a little bit cray cray. Five years and lots of questions later and all Gary wants is to survive eighth-grade. But when his missing father sends a living tornado to visit him at school, Gary knew his birthday was in for a weird turn.  The one present he never expected was the Legend Diary, an ancient book passed down by generations to keep the tales of a nation in check. Unfortunately for him, Dastard Black has his own plans to use the book and unleash an army of nightmares into Gary’s world.

This is the author’s third published novel, and his first in the field of middle grade entertainment.  Check has been active writing for all-ages comic book titles like The Three Stooges, Underdog, Pink Panther, Oggy & the Cockroaches, and Laurel & Hardy.  His work in comics has been recognized by multiple entertainment and media-related outlets, and his run with The Three Stooges comics series was on display at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum. 

“Gary is your everyday kid.  It’s everything around him that’s just a little bit larger than life,” explained Check.  “This story is one-part adventure, one-part mystery, a dash of family, a dab of humor, and, of course, a Bigfoot.  You know, the basics.  When Gary’s world is turned upside-down, the last person he expects to help put things right is the legend of one of the wild west’s most notorious gunslingers. To get his father back, Gary has to fight his way through a legend with an inferiority complex, a demon, a satyr, a skinwalker, and a couple more surprises along the way.  Does he have what it takes to become a guardian of legends? Guess you’ll have to pick up a copy to find out!” 

The novel was released in both print and eBook versions on June 3, 2019, and is available through major online literary retailers and direct via the publisher’s website at www.worldcastlepublishing.com. 

Scoop Interview with S.A. Check

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Scoop's Amanda Sheriff and talk about some of my work in comics and some of the projects I have lined up for 2019.

It's going to be an exciting year for me with a number of comics projects coming.  I'm also excited to be releasing not just one, but two new novels this year - a middle grade adventure novel - Legend Gary, and a new sci-fi horror novel out through Necro Publications / Bedlam Press.  Here's a link to the article!  Thanks for reading and all your continued support!

Scoop / Previews Article.

Another Fine Mess I (Happily) Find Myself In

When I started writing comics for American Mythology's new The Three Stooges series over three years ago, I figured I had landed into some kind of comedy writing heaven.  And it has proven to be nothing short of amazing over the course of those years.   Really, how was I ever going to match writing new stories for The Boys? 

And then the unexpected happened, and I found myself on another short list, hoping to contribute to yet another legendary comedy team, one who set the marks for generations of comedians to follow!

And, so, without further ado...here we are again.  I'm humbled and excited to help celebrate the cherished works of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy as American Mythology prepares to launch their new Laurel & Hardy series this April.  I'll be contributing stories  to the upcoming books along with a group of amazing writers like Jordan Gershowitz, as we look to shine a spotlight on the duo's stage and screen antics.

Here's some links to some of the press coverage already building excitement for the new books: 

Hollywood Reporter
Newsrama
Bleeding Cool
First Comic News

Three Times a Stooge

Sometimes, time just has a way of slipping by.  What you could swear was only a few weeks ago was actually months, and months have a way of turning into years.  It happens to us all at times, but every once in a while, we’re still caught by surprise.  Need an example?  Glad you asked!

It was just another day at the American Mythology HQ.  I parked in the “supplemental” parking lot, as usual, and had to take two buses, a subway, rickshaw, and zip line to make it over to the offices.  The closer parking lot is reserved for what editor-in-chief, Mike Wolfer, likes to call employees who actually “do” things.  Whatever that means.  

Anyway, I showed up extra early, say around ten thirty, and made my way into the lobby, passed the bronze statue of comic scribe, the notorious J.C. Vaughn.  (It looks so life-like! The statue – not the person.)  I jumped on the special ser-vice elevator, which I was told was French for really important people, and I headed on up.

Stepping out of the elevator, I made a beeline for my corner office (known by some as stall #3).  It was there I heard the almost angelic voice of the unfairly expelled American Idol hopeful, James I-never-agreed-to-be-in-this-bit Kuhoric, who gave me a friendly reminder.  “Hey, Check, you better get those Stooges stories in for the Halloween issue.  Blah!”  Halloween issue?  Didn’t we already do a couple of those?  And that’s when it hit me like a 3 a.m. burrito!  Three years!  We’ve been churning out Three Stooges comics for a whole three years! 

Impossible you say?  I say thee nay, yon knuckleheads.  Our first Three Stooges comic, “The Boys are Back” came out waayyyy back in early twenty-odd sixteen.  I don’t even think there was internet back then.  The even better part is that I’ve had a hand in just about every one of those issues.  Getting to contribute to just one book was a writer’s dream for me, but to keep coming back and creating new adventures for The Boys is something I’ll always be proud of. 

This third Halloween issue, Monsters & Mayhem, takes up back for one last romp around Castle Frankenstooge to finish out our little trilogy of terror.  If you haven’t already – make sure to pick up the first two Frankenstooge comics, Curse of Frankenstooge, and Return to Castle Frankenstooge,  over at the American Mythology shop online.  And If you liked our homage to Edgar Allan Poe in this issue, you need to check out The Island of Dr. Moron back in the 2017 Halloween comic.  It’s a howl.  Yeah, pun totally intended.

Along the way, we’ve also elected Curly president, sent the boys back in time to the local Renaissance Fair, watched them work as window washers, fast food workers, and even save Christmas – sort of.  To say there’s a lot of talented contributors involved in each book is a major understatement.  I also really want to thank each and every reader who continues to support the books!  You folks are the best, and it’s always appreciated! 

American Mythology still has big plans for the Three Stooges in the coming months leading into 2019, so stick around and enjoy the show.  Maybe they’ll even let me scribble out a few more stories before they come to their senses. Remember.  Be a Stooge!  Read Comics!  Three Nyuks Always Make a Right!

 S.A. Check

Make sure you stop over at the AM SHOP and check out all The Three Stooges comics available there!  We always try to give extra nyuk for your buck!

Casper and Halloween ComicFest

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So, it's that time of year again.  Halloween is soon upon us, and with that comes another year of Halloween ComicFest!!  I ran across the interview I did last year, where I had the opportunity to talk to the fine folks who run HCF about American Mythology's current run on Casper The Friendly Ghost, which was also last years HCF contribution from AM.  I had a lot of fun talking about everyone's favorite spookster, and I figured I'd repost the article here, since I don't think I did last year.  We talk about why Casper appeals to so many fans, the direction AM took with the character, and my affinity for potting soil.  Kind of. Just check out the article I've linked here if you want to read the whole thing.  

Halloween ComicFest - Casper The Friendly Ghost / S.A. Check

AND...…..definitely check out what American Mythology has in store for fans for this year's HCF!  You won't be disappointed, especially if your a fan of ERB, or dinosaurs, or lost worlds, or space, or adventure, or cool heroes and villains, or good stories, or....you get the idea.

HCF 2018 Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe Genesis

Bad Comic Review - Volcanosaurus 2

Here's a video review of Volcanosaurus #2 from the folks over at Bad Comic Review!  I think they enjoyed it...

Volcanosaurus #2 Review

Three Stooges - Slaptastic Special!

It's a busy month for The Boys!  Hot off the

heels of the release of 

the second volume of collected comics from

American Mythology, 

comes the newest regular issue release, with

two new stories 

written by me.  Check it out!


The original funnymen of Vaudeville are

back and this time they

are trapped in virtual reality! Enjoy a

wonderful mix of classic and

modern Three Stooges storytelling in the Slaptastic Special! The

Three Stooges Slaptastic Special comes with three covers - Main

by Brendon & Brian Fraim, Color Photo, and a special Limited

Edition B&W Photo cover!

Check out the site at American Mythology Comics and get your own copy!  American Mythology Comics

Three Stooges Volume 2 - TV Time

Get more nyuks for your bucks with The Three Stooges Vol 2 Graphic Novel collection! America's favorite funnymen are back with the first comic book series that captures the likeness of Moe, Larry, and Curly! These all new adventures present The Three Stooges unique brand of wit and slapstick to a new generation of fans. Celebrate April Fool's Day the Stooges way with this 144 page graphic novel collecting The Three Stooges Merry Stoogemas, The Three Stooges April Fools Day Special, The Three Stooges TV Time, The Three Stooges Halloween Stoogetacular, and packed with extra fun parody ads, interviews, classic comics, and even more Stooge goodness. 

Volcanosaurus #2

Written by: S.A. Check Art by: Richard Bonk

How do you top last year’s over-the-top fun fest that was Volcanosaurus? You go BIG! Richard Bonk delivers stunning vicious interior art in this incredible installment – from the fiery depths of the volcano comes the mighty unstoppable V-Rex! An ancient Jurassic beast dripping magma, spewing lava, and hungry for random dumbass victims! Come with us into American Mythology’s Drive In line for Volcanosaurus #2 – V-Rex!

Casper and Wendy #1

CASPER AND WENDY #1
AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY PRODUCTIONS
(W) Jenni Gregory (A) S.A. Check (CA) Bill Galvan
Everyone’s favorite friendly ghost revisits one of the original Harvey team ups in “Casper And”! Each comic will feature a new Harvey pal as they find all kinds of hysterical mischief they can get into at Casper’s side. This issue features fantastic tales of teamwork between Casper and Wendy the Good Little Witch. What hijinks can these two best of friends get up to? Find out here in a comic book series that is true to the original Harvey look and feel. Go back to your childhood and share modern tales with new generations of Casper fans! Casper And Wendy comes with four covers, Main by Jenni Gregory, Antis by Jeff Scherer, Best Friends by Adrian Ropp, and a special Retailer Retro Animation Incentive Edition.

Pink Panther Vs. The Inspector

Written by: S.A. Check, Todd Livingston Pencils by: Jazz Dela Cuesta, Diego Tapie Inks by: Jazz Dela Cuesta, Diego Tapie

The Inspector has been on the trail of the Pink Panther since the original movie in 1963. At last, this long-standing game of cat and mouse gets the full spotlight in a Pink Panther special issue! Join us for classic cartoon capers that will take you back to your childhood with slapstick humor and hilarious hijinks

All Good Things....

All good things must come to an end. Sadly, that plays true for SFFSat. This site has been a great outlet creatively for me over the years, and Laurel, we all owe a big tip of the hat to you for running it all this time. When I saw the post that this week would be the last, I knew I had to contribute something as a thank you for all the hard work that you've put into it, just for the sake of other writers and authors. When people say that the writing community is truly a unique place where instead of competition we strive to help and boost each other, they're talking about people like Laurel. So to end my personal journey on SFFSat, I figured that I'd go back to the beginning and re-post my very first snippet on the site, way back from May 19th, 2012. This is from my then manuscript, now published novel, Welcome To GreenGrass. I even resisted the temptation to edit it! Enjoy....and, oh yeah, for the last time, check out all the other tremendous contributors' work this week over at the main site - Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday 

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          “Thunderin’ newbies.”  Traveller whispered as he racked a round into his shotgun.  The sound of the weapon chambering echoed down the alley as the figures below him froze in place.  Leveling his head into the weapon’s sights, Traveller spoke, “Load.  Stun.”

          A blast of energy exploded from the barrel, hurtling across the alley and hammering into Gatto’s chest.  The creature hissed as it tumbled away from its intended prey, dropping to the ground as swirls of red light danced across its chest.

          Finding cover behind a couple trash cans, Slythe peered into the corridor’s dark recesses. Watching his partner writhe in pain, his eyes widened with realization.  “Aw no, not you.”

          Slythe sprinted in the direction opposite the blast.  Jumping over his fallen partner, he bounded over a fence at the alley's end, his lupine silhouette outlined by the twin red moons overhead.

____________________________________________________

Thanks again to everyone who followed me along on this site, and thanks to the many friends that I made here. I'll even refrain from my usual plugs, though if you happen to like the Three Stooges, make sure to check out the just released Three Stooges comic book by American Mythology with original stories by me in comic shops nation-wide and my upcoming stories in the new Pink Panther series starting in May, also from American Mythology. Sorry, that slipped out. Thanks Laurel - you're one of a kind! Enjoy the weekend everyone and see you in......... 

Maxx Fragg - Domestic Miss

Welcome to 2016! What? It's February already. Where does the time go? Thanks for joining me for another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. I hope the year has been good to everyone so far. This week, I'm sharing from my latest novel, Maxx Fragg, VPI and I've decided to share something different from the book. I hope you enjoy it. Make sure you stop over at the main site by clicking SciFiFanSat and check out the contributions from the rest of this week's authors.
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“Don’t make me rip that thing off you!” The voice was female, angry, and Maxx guessed about six inches from his face.

He felt the pillow under his neck and gripped the leather arms of his chair. Transferring back from Other Syde was always a little disorienting and it took a minute to get his bearings. Having someone screaming in your ear didn’t help.

“You’re missing supper, again.”

Her curly brown hair wrapped softly around her face, barely touching the wire rims of her glasses. The worry lines surrounding her eyes spread to her temples. Maxx grew to recognize the look well over the last six months. A lecture loomed in his immediate future.

“We’ve talked about you spending all your time in that computer world. It’s not healthy. You’re going to be nothing but a bag of bones. Not to mention you’re responsible for the garbage, which is three bags deep in the kitchen.”

“I know, Mom, computers bad, garbage good.”
________________________________________________________________

A little domestic turmoil for poor Maxx. If you haven't already, check out the blurb for the book, or pick up a copy of your own at my website S.A. Check . I won't mind. Really. If you get a chance, take a second to check out the Kickstarter running for the new The Three Stooges comic that I'm a contributing writer on from American Mythology Productions. Here's the link - https://goo.gl/9YytRv

 Make sure you check out American Mythology's Free Comic Book Day issue out this coming May - The Pink Panther. I'm a writer for the upcoming series and they have a preview of one of my brand new adventures for Pink featured in the issue - 99 Pink Balloons.

Maxx Fragg, VPI - The ghost of crisis past

Hey all! Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday! It’s been a few weeks since I’ve participated but I wanted to make sure I snuck one more in before the end of the year. I’ve been busy working with a new comic book company, American Mythology, and we’re getting ready to launch some fantastic new titles coming this April starting out with Stargate: Atlantis  Season Six and brand new The Three Stooges adventures, some of which to be written by yours truly. Hopefully you’ll check them out. Enjoy this week’s contribution from my latest novel, Maxx Fragg, VPI, and before you’re done – stop over at the main site and enjoy all of this week’s offerings by clicking SCIFIFANSAT

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Two steps from the kitchen and a blue blur shot over Maxx, knocking him back into the living room. The creature floated above the frightened couple, holding a long silver butcher knife and wearing one of Debbie’s cooking aprons.

“Foooooddddd.”

Travis slipped Debbie’s hold and tumbled over the back of the sofa.  

Maxx focused on the knife. They never added props to their ghost because it only cheapened the effect and the cooking apron was way over the top.

Tane stumbled out of the kitchen and saw their wayward spirit.

“Why is our creature from beyond wearing a cooking-”

“Look out!”

Something hit Maxx from the side and he tumbled to the floor. He spun around, looking for Tane, but no one was there. Maxx noticed the knife handle sticking out of the wall, the blade embedded in the plaster.

“Jason?” Maxx asked.

Maxx knew that voice. It was Jason. But how? His brother died six months ago.

And there you have it. Thanks for reading and if you’d like to pick up your own copy of Maxx Fragg, VPI – you can find it on Amazon in eBook or print. We’re running a Kickstarter for the next couple days for the upcoming Stargate: Atlantis launch and there’s still time to contribute – here’s the link if you’re interested - Kickstarter - Stargate: Atlantis . I hope you enjoyed this week’s snippet and I’m hoping you and yours have a great holiday season! See you in 2016!

 

Stargate: Atlantis - American Mythology Kickstarter Campaign

So I've been working with American Mythology comics for some time now and the company is looking to launch the first of several major titles this spring with Stargate: Atlantis! Check out the Kickstarter campaign they just launched and come along for the ride!

 

And so starts the 12 Days of Stargate...just in time for the holidays. Check out this link for American Mythology and its Kickstarter campaign to bring new StarGate: Atlantis comics back to eager fans. They've already lined up an award winning list of artists and writers to make sure the books are top shelf. Don't believe me - just ask Greg LaRocque Mark Wheatley Jeffrey Vaughn Mark L. Haynes Ken Haeser Buz Hasson and more! Stop over and check it out, lock a chevron level if you'd like to participate! Everyone's participation is truly appreciated and will help to bring this awesome title back to comic book readers. Join the mission as American Mythology goes Back to Pegasus!

 

Click on the link below to check it out!

Stargate: Atlantis Kickstarter Campaign

 

Maxx Fragg Snippet #8 - Fear the Corn Flake

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday! I’m glad you’re here. You’re just in time to share in another new set of great writing snippets from an equally great group of authors over at SciFiFanSat. Stop over and make sure you check them all out. This week, I’m still sharing from the opening chapter of my new novel, Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. Things are heating up for our two ghost hunters and not just because they’re chasing a ghost in the kitchen who apparently likes or strongly dislikes microwave popcorn.  I hope you enjoy this week’s snippet.

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                       Maxx whispered in his friend’s ear, “We’ve been through this a hundred times. Remember, it’s just a computer program. Think of it like a level on Planet of Punishment and kick some ghost butt.”

           Maxx reached for the handle just as a flaming microwave smashed through the door, shooting out between the two ghost hunters. The burning appliance rolled across the living room floor, sputtering and sparking its last breaths inches away from Travis and Debbie.

           Maxx grabbed Tane as he waved back to Debbie. “We were just coming up with a battle plan,” he said, pushing Tane into the kitchen.  

           Yanking the door shut behind his friend, Maxx heard glass shattering and wood breaking in the kitchen. He bent down to peek through the hole in the door as a tidal wave of corn flakes spewed out, covering him in crumbs.

           “I think it’s getting tired,” Maxx said, ducking down to avoid a burst of water. “What are you trying to do in there? Drown it?”

           “This isn’t easy, you know,” Tane shouted. “I could use some help in here. No! Do not squirt that.”

Oh, the condiments!  Maybe an otherworldly cook-off is in order.  There’s only one way to find out.  Come back next week to see what happens OR if you really have to know right now – you can always check out your own copy of the book by clicking Maxx Fragg, V.P.I. It’s okay, I won’t mind. Hope you had fun. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you in seven!