Aliens Meets Neuromancer
March 13, 2021

Happy Saturday!
I'm so darn glad it's the weekend. Not that I have anything planned specifically, other than finishing my taxes. I just needed a break. I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
Last weekend I went down and visited my buddy Nate, who is one of my college roommates 20 years ago. He loaned me a graphic novel that he had that was literally Aliens meets Neuromancer.
It was a Dark Horse graphic novel based on the unused movie script for Alien 3 that was written by William Gibson.
Gibson is best known as the author of Neuromancer, which is basically the definitive cyberpunk novel, written in the 80s. He has since written a lot of near-future science fiction and espionage novels. I've read the Sprawl Trilogy, which begins with Neuromancer and also includes Mona Lisa OverDrive and Count Zero. They’re all cool in their own ways, but all three novels are totally separate from each other, other than sharing the same universe.
And now that I think about it, that's kinda how I write some of my books. So far, that's how I write most of my books.
But I have plans to change that in the near future . Once I finish book four of the Identity Crisis Universe, I'm going to go on hiatus from that series and start something with broader sci-fi/fantasy appeal. But it'll probably be 2022 by the time I come out with those because I want to write three of them before I publish any so they can all go out in quick succession.
Anyway, that was a tangent I didn't intend to go down...
So William Gibson was asked by the producers of the Alien franchise to script the movie Alien 3. He says he believes they were looking for his cyberpunk flavor to come into their world, but he was a big fan and wanted to keep it closer to the original two movies.
By the way, spoiler alert: the movie that you have seen is not his movie!
Which might not be totally terrible, because I have mixed feelings about the one I just finished reading. Which I'm going to share with you.
The actual movie Alien 3 that came out is perhaps my least favorite of the four. It's a close race between 3 and Resurrection, both of which were nowhere near as good as Alien and Aliens, which are sci-fi classics in every sense.
One of the disappointing things about the 3 is that the other surviving characters from movie two were all killed and made no appearance whatsoever, except the prime heroine, Ripley.
Turns out, strangely enough, Gibson went the opposite way.
Ripley spends the entire time in a coma while Hicks, Bishop, and Newt play small parts in his script. I guess you could kind of argue that they are some of the main characters, but no one character really plays a major role in the entire story.
There are several new characters, none of which are extremely important, sprawled across two different settings. One is the corporate-allied space station that recovers them, and the other is a communist space station of a different government, who intercepted their derelict ship, stole Bishop and an alien egg, and then later returned to Bishop completely unharmed and without memory of the incident.
I honestly don't know what the whole point of any of that was.
It was probably meant to include a Cold War aspect in there. I suppose there was something of the biological secret warfare going on with the using the alien. But it was very subtle and barely purposeful.
The other weird thing is the choice I already mentioned, which was choosing not to use Ripley in the story at all.
When the shit starts to hit the fan, Hicks shoves her comatose body into an escape pod and jettisons her out of the space station. I guess we just hope somebody picks her up later. Newt gets sent to earth to be with her grandparents. Hicks and Bishop stay behind and help the other characters we don't care about fight the aliens (and figure out the Cold War stuff, I guess).
There are some cool aspects to it but, for the most part, it was lukewarm at best.
Although I can't say that the movie that ended up being produced was much better. Well, at least it did have Ripley as the main character. And I did kind of like the idea of a prison colony and them getting stuck there.
Actually, not long ago, my 10 year old son became very interested in Aliens (mostly from Youtube, I think) and we purchased and watched the movies. And I decided that Alien 3 wasn't all that bad after all. Not as crappy as I remembered it. Okay, it was pretty good. Just pales in comparison to the previous two.
Overall, Gibson’s A3 is an interesting story and, hey, it's got aliens and action and gory stuff, so it ain't all bad. And honestly, as I said earlier, it's kind of in keeping with Gibson’s style: diverging stories in the same universe that emphasize new characters, or at least different characters, with some strange political background to it.
If you're a fan of either him or the Aliens flicks it might be worth seeking out.
What would YOU have liked to have seen in an Alien 3??? Let me know!
Personally, I’d have liked all those surviving heroes to have played a big part. Be a dream team! Except for maybe Newt... But hey, they could have spun off a new series of movies decades into the future with her all grown up. That might have been cool. Instead, they let her and the others die in their cryopods for no reason at all, save the casting budget, maybe?
P.S.
Stroll down memory Lane... I remember going to see Alien 3 in the theater. My friend Joe and I went to see it and his older sister dropped us off at the theater—because we were not yet old enough to drive. We were therefore also not yet old enough to go watch an R-rated movie without our parents. One of the ushers, who was barely older than we were, actually called us out on it and asked how old we were. I sarcastically told him something ridiculous like 25, which was probably the ballsiest thing I had ever done in my life up to that point. (Which is probably why I remember it to this day!) He did not kick us out. In fact, I think this was after we were seated and the previews had started.
When I got home that night, if memory serves, I watched Johnny Carson's last night on The Tonight Show with my dad. That was the same night that Jay Leno took over. (Well, I guess the following Monday was the night that Jay Leno took over. You get the idea.)
Ah, memories!
Enjoy your weekend, all.

I think I hear something but when I glance up at the door… Nothing is there. The noise of the tavern rises and falls beyond. It must have just been— No, wait. I was right. A shadowy figure lingers at the threshold. A silhouette of a man, medium height, perhaps on the thin side. Hard to tell beneath the heavy black cloak and rather beaten-up top hat. He glides into the room, apparently satisfied there’s no threat within. He removes his top hat and bashes it against the wall, collapsing it into an uneven disc. The folded hat slips beneath his cloak to be stashed away. The same gesture reveals a dagger on his belt. I have the distinct impression he’s showing me the weapon for a reason—to ensure there’s no funny business, I guess. “Good evening,” he says, sliding into the seat at my table. He’s a handsome man with dark, piercing eyes, olive skin, and curly sable hair. “I hear you may be in need of… certain services.” “Not true,” I tell him. His suave demeanor becomes suddenly serious. “No?” His hand slips beneath the cloak, perhaps to the dagger’s hilt. “No services,” I say. “Just a few questions.” His dark eyes flick about, surveying the room. I expected this level of suspicion with him. My hand reaches halfway across the table then withdraws, leaving a 50 scept gold coin for him. His reflexes are remarkable; the coin is snatched in the blink of an eye. “I’m listening,” he says. * Me: Solomon Dustwalker? Solomon: Yes. You no doubt recognize me by my iconic top hat. Wearing it is similar to lighting a lantern outside the shop door, if I had a shop. It means I’m open for business and I am indeed the person you’re looking for. Not too many people around here sporting a stovepipe hat. So, tell me the nature of work you need completed. Me: Uh, again, sir, I don’t need any work completed. Outside of answering a few questions. And I have paid you quite handsomely for your honesty. Solomon: Honesty? Honesty is a fluid thing, sir. As well as rare, precious, and expensive… Me: Well, for now, I’ll take the amount of honesty that a gold coin buys and we can go from there. Now, my first question: What brings you to the city of Overlook? Solomon: Business, of course. I’ve brought my exotic talents all the way from the ancient and infamously brutal city of Five Kings. I first came to the Consortium by way of Westgate. That city is a nice blending of west and east. But after a lifetime in the arid lands of the Thirsted Plains, I thought a rise in elevation—and sophistication—was due. Therefore, here I am. Me: And these services you keep offering for sale? I assume the “exotic talents” you mentioned have to do with that? What are your greatest skills, Master Dustwalker? Solomon: How much time do you have? I’m teasing… mostly. Do you need an item acquired from some supposedly safe location? I am a master of stealth, sleight of hand, pick-pocketry, lock defeat. Perhaps there is special information you need and only certain people are privy to these secrets? I ooze charm and my tongue is plated with silver. I am as comfortable in the Goblin King’s court as I am a high-society ball or a tavern’s backroom. Should danger arise, I am an accomplished swordsman and am never short a dagger or two upon my person. And magic—did I mention magic? I even know a little bit of dark sorceries, should the extreme need arise. However… Me: However? Solomon: Well, those are forbidden arts, of a sort. The kind I know, at least. As I said, should extreme needs arise… Me: Impressive, sir. I see now why you enjoy such a reputation for sinister services. Solomon: Sinister? You wound me, sir. My business is as honest as a Silver Scepter. A common saying. The Silver Scepters are the guild of bankers and money lenders… Me: Um, yes. Well, I certainly appreciate your cooperation so far. My last question you may be less keen to answer, though. Do you mind sharing, what would you say is a weakness of yours? Solomon: A weakness? Hmm… You know, I can’t think of a single one. A woman appears at the door from the noisy tavern’s common room beyond. She is lovely with long blonde hair and dressed head to toe in black, similar to Solomon’s own style. Woman in Black: Sol! There you are. I’ve missed you, dear. Come buy me a drink. Solomon arches his eyebrows at me. Overly eager, he pulls his flatten disc from its hiding spot, pops the top open again, quickly slips free from his chair and is back on his feet. Solomon: It’s been lovely speaking with you, sir, but it seems it’s time to go. You can find me again should you need more honest questions answered. Or any of the other services we’ve discussed. Coming, love! I take his expedient exit at her call as answer to my final question…

Stand back, mathematicians! Are you guys ready for this? How's this for some math? Only 72 hours since the Dragon Slayers' Guild Kickstarter campaign went active. 73% of the goal accomplished already. Almost 3/4 in just 3 days! 54 ebooks pledged to go out. 6 paperback copies, 2 of them signed by the author (that's me). 48 audio stories pledged to go out. And all of that is going to just 13 backers so far! So many goodies to only a handful of people! I am so proud to be pledging 108 forms of fantastical fiction to you guys in just 72 hours, with all that accounting for just 13 readers/listeners signed up so far! The mathematical entertainment quotient is mind-blowing! I encourage you to share these numbers far and wide, my nerdly brothers and sisters. Let's see how many people's stockings we can stuff with entertainment goodies post-Santa season! Thank you for making this possible!

First off, I have to apologize a bit. I know I've been bombarding folks about this project. But it's a big deal for me. I've spent the last year writing this book. And the last month putting this Kickstarter campaign together to help pay for the expenses of publishing a book and making it the best it can be. To tell the truth, it's been stressful and today is a huge relief. Because it's finally LIVE! No more waiting and wondering if anyone will care. Because someone already does! So let's get this campaign started! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jdbrink/dragon-slayers-guild-a-heroic-fantasy-adventure I'm happy to say that in the first 24 hours, we’re already 22% of the way to our final goal! That's a way better response than I was expecting. I can finally stop holding my breath and just breathe it all in! I will be sending along some more fun bits over the next 3 weeks, in my newsletter and as Kickstarter updates, such as character interviews and world-building background on this new realm I've created. In the meantime, if you think you might end up contributing to the campaign, remember that the sooner you sign up, the more bonus goodies you get! You can now see the (crappy) video I made, browse all the reward levels, and sign up for up to 3 extra audio-stories, all yours just for joining the cause! THANK YOU for your consideration. THANK YOU for telling other potentially-interested fantasy fans about this, so they can get all these rewards for cheap too. And THANK YOU for reading!

Just days from now, the Dragon Slayers' Guild Kickstarter will kick off! And if you sign up as a backer by January 15, you can get the ebook novel and 4 audio-short stories, all for just $10! Read about the details in today's newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.com/g1n0g2f5s0 And get notified of the launch here, on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jdbrink/dragon-slayers-guild-a-heroic-fantasy-adventure

Al long last! It took me almost a year to write this book (which I started about 53 weeks ago!). And I've spent months prepping the Kickstarter to fund it's editing and cover art. And now that time has... almost come. But you can check out the Kickstarter preview page. Go here and have KS email you when the project goes live! There will be lots of goodies to be had! And since the video isn't live there yet, you can see it on Youtube by clicking here. (It's no high-dollar production, but it gets the point across.) There's not much point in me typing any more than this. The video and Kickstarter page will tell you more than I can here. Thanks for checking them out. Stay tuned, more details to come!

(Hmmm... I hope the resolution turns out okay on that image there... Looks kinda grainy as I'm typing this...) Another year down the time warp drain. I don't really need to say it, do I? Every year goes faster and faster, am I right? None of us can believe the date right now. Nobody understands the every accelerating flow of time. Let's just accept that we're all in a time warp and move on, okay? The good news, though, is we all thought the AI Apocalypse would have taken over by now. And since there are no terminators stalking our neighborhoods for survivors, we can celebrate! Yeah! And, of course, New Years is always a great periodic restart. An opportunity to look at how things are, what we've been doing, and give it a new tweak. Take a new running start at life. I'm definitely trying some new things for 2023 -- like a life-altering approach to making a living -- and we'll see how the Grand Experiment goes! Speaking of new things... At long last, I can show you my new book cover! I went big for this one, hiring Rebekah's expert services at Vivid Covers rather than patching my own stuff together. Most of the time, I hired the talented Mr. Erik (or Mr. Henry--he goes by both names and refuses to tell me which he prefers), who drew all the heroes for my superhero books and a few other cover images for me. But then I would take his work, or some stock images, and make do all the design work to make the final cover. And most of those, I think, turned out on the slightly better side of "okay" but... They certainly haven't been the best. I'm hoping this one ranks a bit higher with the "oohs and aahs" factor. So above is the official cover for Dragon Slayers' Guild , featuring Selene, the badass dark elf ninja! If you'd like to get (better formatted) emails on news like this straight to your inbox, go to this link and subscribe to my "Conspiracy Newsletter". (Don't worry, that's just a fun name. There are no crazy conspiracy theories there.) https://www.subscribepage.com/jdbrinkconspiracy To check out this story on the newsletter, which includes 379 books on special offer right now(!) go here: https://preview.mailerlite.com/d1m8t6p8e8 Thanks for reading!

More holiday goodies: 544 books! I'm promoting my fellow authors with these four big promo deals! And yes, there are literally 544 entries between them. Some are free, some are on sale, all are worth checking out! Since it's easier to provide one link than four, click here to go to today's newsletter, where there are four nice little buttons for your convenience. :) https://preview.mailerlite.com/q2x4h9w4q2

The biggest shopping day of the year is almost here. But you can score three big scifi/fantasy hits right now, no elbow pads or crowd combat required! I'll keep this short and sweet. (I'm supposed to be helping to prep the house for THXGVG after all!) RIGHT NOW you can get all three of these books at a reduced price of $2.99 USD on Amazon. That's a 40-67% savings on three of my biggest books! HERO CRISIS is the four-volume boxed set of mature superhero action-adventure. ( That's right, four books for just three bucks! ) Click here to check it out. WILDCARDS is dark urban fantasy and gritty noir horror. It includes the novel One-Eyed Jacks and 8 more shadowy short stories. GREEN-EYED MONSTER collects 18 novellas and short stories all across the galactic spectrum of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Perfect while you wait at doctor's offices or commute on the train, bus, or starliner. Is that short enough? Check them out and grab them fast before the post-turkey nap kicks in and robs you of your chance!

Just a quickie post here today. I have been too busy to toot my own horn about this but catching up now. Back on Black Friday, 2021--almost a year ago now--I made the decision that this was the book I was going to write. Switching off from two other sci-fi ideas I had been mulling over. I was inspired to make the choice by some fantasy miniatures I'd scored for cheap at a local game shop during Black Friday pricing. The figures I bought represented the characters I had in mind for this book/series. And so inspired, I said, "It's time to give them life!" I spent about a month thinking and planning and plotting. (And the next 10+ months continuing to do the same, sculpting and redirecting and reshaping the outline the story progressed.) I started writing on the last week of December, 2021. And have now finished the first draft on the 2nd day of November, about 10 full months later! Next comes my least favorite part: starting at the beginning and revising the whole damn thing! BLAAGGHH! I hope this process will only take a matter of weeks, though. ...And even typing that line out makes me scoff at myself. But I'm going to try! (And actually, I screwed up putting the details on that image -- if you count the prologue and epilogue, the book has 41 chapters.) Excelsior!