About this project
Greetings. Alex Simmons here. I’m a freelance writer who has penned a number of things from published song lyrics, to plays, to Disney novels – and enjoyed every minute of it!
But my most favorite project was a comic book series I created called, Blackjack, the Adventures of Arron Day.
It’s the tales of an African American soldier of fortune in the turbulent era of the 1930s. Blackjack is a globetrotting adventurer not only facing countless dangers, but also the ghosts of his past, and the racism and ignorance of his times.
The series made its debut in 1996 as an independent comic, and the reaction from the critics and patrons was fantastic...
"...Blackjack is on par with the Blackhawks, full of daring adventure in exotic places in the world..." -- Morgan Freeman -- actor, film star.
"...a multi-layered character...and rich in history..." -- John Amos -- actor, film star.
"...Simmons' stories are taut and well-told... it's his story-telling style that makes Blackjack really sizzle..." -- Comic Shop News --
My team and I published several issues as well as a graphic novel, and for the past few years Hollywood and the video game arena have wondered how to take Blackjack to a wider audience.
Meanwhile, many have asked me when’s the next Blackjack comic coming out?
Well, I’m hoping that time is now.
See, I’m almost ready to publish a NEW collection of stories starting with, Blackjack: Buried Secrets, an 80-page anthology containing two comic book stories. It will deliver a pulp magazine feel with interior art by comic book pros Eric Battle, Steve Ellis, and Shawn Atkinson, plus cover art by the amazing, Joe Bennett. And like earlier Blackjack books, Buried Secrets will contain bonus features such as sketches, and historical bios about people that have benefited our world society.
Writing the Blackjack series gave me the opportunity to more honestly reflect the life and times of people of color in the past. I would like to continue to do that
Of course along with the aforementioned goodies, you'll receive even more when you pledge to help bring this venture to life. And obviously the more we receive, the more stories we can produce, the more "secrets" we can uncover ... dramatic, historic, and otherwise.
So what say ye?
Help me make the return of Blackjack a reality.
To learn more about Blackjack visit:
www.BlackjackAdventures.com
Blackjack Adventures on Facebook
For more information on the author, visit: www.SimmonsHereAndNow.com
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on August 11, 2011.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
Your name listed on the Special Thanks Wall of Fame on the BLACKJACK web site.
Pledge $3 or more Pledge $3 or more
Your name eloquently enscribed on the Special Thanks list in the "BLACKJACK: PINUPS AND PROSE" (PDF version).
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
A digital download of the special Kickstarter edition of "Blackjack: Pinups & Prose," a special promotional booklet featuring a new Blackjack short story along with additional illustrations and amazing art by 10 industry pros. Think of this as an invitation to adventure.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
All of the above, plus a printed copy of the new anthology, "BLACKJACK: BURIED SECRETS." And think of this as your passport.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
All of the above, plus a PDF of the first ever Blackjack mini series, "Second Bite of the Cobra." It's the tale that started it all. Plus a PDF of Buried Secrets. Gee, I wonder which one you'll give away.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
All ... that's right ALL of the above, plus a PDF of the 96-page graphic novel, BLACKJACK: BLOOD & HONOR," the second story in the series. Also a subscription to a Blackjack online comics story with over 60 pages of full color art!
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
All the cool $100 stuff, plus a one time, Online Q&A with Alex Simmons (and team) on Perceiving, Producing, Publishing, & Promoting your own comic or graphic novel project. We have over 25 years of experience. Why not pick our brain?
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
All of the above, plus a Blackjack: Blood & Honor poster by Tim & Greg Hildebrandt, and a piece of original Blackjack artwork. Yea, I know I'm crazy, but that makes it fun!
Pledge $750 or more Pledge $750 or more
Say it with me, "All of the above!" Good. Plus ... you as a key character in a Blackjack story! No, I'm not talking about a "walk on." And a download of BLACKJACK: RETRIBUTION, an audio drama recorded at the Museum of TV & Radio in NYC. Heck, I'll even throw in the story poster.
Project By
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Over the past 25 years Alex Simmons has written (and in some cases also created) a number of juvenile mysteries under a variety of pseudonyms for many well-known publishers. He has also penned two educational documentaries and several stage plays. One of his plays, "Sherlock Holmes & the Hands of Othello," received critical praise and was published in "Black Thunder: An Anthology of Contemporary African American Drama," published by Signet/Mentor Books.
Simmons has written three movie novelizations for Disney and three biographies for Steck-Vaughn, including one on Denzel Washington.
Simmons travels the country as a guest speaker and teaching artist, demonstrating how to use comics, theater, and journalism to stimulates kids' interests in their academic studies. He has developed and conducted creative writing workshops (prose, comics, journalism, and playwriting), as well as consulted on a number of creative arts programs and curricula for children and teens.
As a voiceover talent, Simmons has orated on a wide range of projects from O'Henry Bars, to podcasting information for financial institutions.
Currently, Simmons is the founder of the annual Kids Comic Con, and the founder/curator of the Color of Comics Exhibition. He serves as an advisor for the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, the Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art, and is an arts-in-education consultant.
