Fred Van Lente

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About Fred Van Lente
Fred Van Lente is the New York Times-bestselling author of comics as varied as Archer & Armstrong (Harvey Award nominee, Best Series), Taskmaster, MODOK's 11, Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Avenger, Weird Detective, and Cowboys & Aliens (upon which the 2011 movie was based), as well as the novels Ten Dead Comedians and The Con Artist.
Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers! (American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Teens), The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).
He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats, and loves hearing from readers at fred.vanlente@gmail.com.
Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers! (American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Teens), The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).
He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats, and loves hearing from readers at fred.vanlente@gmail.com.
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Author Updates
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Blog postWith the impending premiere of WANDAVISION on Disney+, I thought I'd try something a little different with my 13th Dimension column and run down my favorite issues of the two VISION & THE SCARLET WITCH miniseries from the '80s that were clearly a big inspiration for the show. Enjoy!
posted by Fred Van Lente on January, 141 month ago Read more -
Blog postMy latest for 13th Dimension: Take a cruise with me through the best stories of that Swingin' Sultan of the Seas, NICK CARDY! On his 100th birthday we look at the artist's top AQUAMAN tales and why they would make Jacques Cousteau poop his wet suit:
posted by Fred Van Lente on October, 214 months ago Read more -
Blog postThe wait is over! You can get this fast-break history of hoops by Joe Cooper and me everywhere books are sold—and you can get a signed copy by me at my web store on http://www.eviltwincomics.com while (very) limited supplies last.
To celebrate, over on 13th Dimension I did a deep dive on the greatest basketball comic of all time until mine: The one-page 1979 Spalding ad by the incomparable Jack Davis starring Dr. J and Rick Barry!
posted by Fred Van Lente on Septe5 months ago Read more -
Blog postHappy 103rd Birthday to Jack Kirby, my favorite comics creator, and, statistically speaking, yours; not to mention the subject of a very well-received play by my wife and myself. In my latest for the fine folks at 13th Dimension I rank his greatest issues for his return to Marvel Comics in the 1970s, where he created such titles as 2001, The Eternals, Devil Dinosaur and, of course, Machine Man:
posted by Fred Van Lente on August, 286 months ago Read more -
Blog postHappy Birthday to John Byrne, who turns 70 today! In celebration I penned a love letter to my favorite comic in my drug-store spinner-rack years—a comic I used to write!— his ALPHA FLIGHT:
posted by Fred Van Lente on July, 068 months ago Read more -
Blog postBig news guys! My next non-fiction graphic novel is coming out Sept 1 from Ten Speed Press: THE COMIC BOOK STORY OF BASKETBALL with Joe Cooper! It's a fast-break history of hoops covering the NBA, WNBA, NCAA and all points in between! We've been working on this for a long time, and I am thrilled to share selections from it with you over the next couple weeks. Preorder by clicking here!
posted by Fred Van Lente on July, 018 months ago Read more -
Blog postReal history! Fake jokes! FULL COLOR! The four irreverent-but-accurate volumes of Ryan Dunlavey's and my ACTION PRESIDENTS are out today! Preview the OGNs—George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy—at actionpresidents.com and order there!
Obligatory review quotes!
“A delightful, educational spin on history—and plenty of jokes.” -School Library Journal.
“Sheer joy!" -Booklist (starred review).
“[8 months ago Read more -
Blog postHappy birthday to the co-creator of Batman & the Outsiders, Mike W. Barr! My Bat-gift to him is to Bat-listicle his Bat-books, because it is Bat-2020:
posted by Fred Van Lente on May, 309 months ago Read more -
Blog postI had such a good time with my Denny O'Neil QUESTION tribute (see previous post), Dan at 13th Dimension and I decided to make this a semi-regular thing! Today is the birthday of Gardner Fox, co-creator of ADAM STRANGE, so here's his Top 13 Strange Tales (sic), ranked.
posted by Fred Van Lente on May, 209 months ago Read more -
Blog postVery proud of this guest column I wrote for 13TH DIMENSION delving into the awesomeness of one of my all-time favorite comics series, O'Neil and Cowan's THE QUESTION:
posted by Fred Van Lente on May, 0310 months ago Read more
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Books By Fred Van Lente
by
Robert Kirkman ,
Fred Van Lente ,
David Wellington ,
Jonathan Maberry ,
Seth Grahame-Smith ,
Sean Phillips ,
Kev Walker ,
Nick Dragotta ,
Andrea Mutti ,
Jason Shawn Alexander ,
Richard Elson ,
Wellington Alves ,
Arthur Suydam ,
Wellinton Alves
$19.99
Collects Marvel Zombies 2 #1-5, Marvel Zombies 3 #1-4, Marvel Zombies 4 #1-4, Marvel Zombies Return #1-5 and material from Marvel Spotlight: Marvel Zombies Return.
The Marvel Zombies have left Earth, turning their ravenous attentions to outer space! But when the zombies finally return home and find a tiny pocket of mankind still alive, will they feast on flesh once more — or can they learn how to overcome their all-consuming hunger? Then, dimension-traveling zombies have found their way into the Marvel Universe, and no one is safe! Machine Man, Jocasta, Morbius, Werewolf by Night and the Son of Satan must repel the undead epidemic — but will they uncover the traitor lurking within their own headquarters? And when the Marvel Zombies are unleashed on yet another unsuspecting dimension, can the guilt-ridden undead Spider-Man stop a gruesome history from repeating itself?
The Marvel Zombies have left Earth, turning their ravenous attentions to outer space! But when the zombies finally return home and find a tiny pocket of mankind still alive, will they feast on flesh once more — or can they learn how to overcome their all-consuming hunger? Then, dimension-traveling zombies have found their way into the Marvel Universe, and no one is safe! Machine Man, Jocasta, Morbius, Werewolf by Night and the Son of Satan must repel the undead epidemic — but will they uncover the traitor lurking within their own headquarters? And when the Marvel Zombies are unleashed on yet another unsuspecting dimension, can the guilt-ridden undead Spider-Man stop a gruesome history from repeating itself?
Other Formats:
Paperback
by
Karl Kesel ,
Fred Van Lente ,
Frank Marraffino ,
Peter David ,
Todd Nauck ,
Adam Dekraker ,
Roberto Di Salvo ,
Kano ,
Francesco Francavilla ,
Rob Di Salvo ,
Fernando Blanco ,
Mirco Pierfederici ,
Al Barrionuevo ,
Alessandro Vitti
$13.30
Collects Marvel Apes: Prime Eight #1, Marvel Zombies: Evil Evolution #1, Marvel Zombies 5 #1-5, Marvel Zombies Supreme #1-5, Marvel Zombies Destroy #1-5 And Marvel Zombies Halloween #1.
Zombies on infinite earths! First, it’s monkey on the menu as the original Marvel Zombies invade the dimension of the Marvel Apes! Then, to uncover an antidote to the zombie plague, Machine Man and Howard the Duck set out across the multiverse — battling zombies in the Wild West, Camelot, a future megacity, during a Martian invasion, and on a world suspiciously similar to our own! But back home, undead clones of the Squadron Supreme have overrun Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., and only a long-dead former Avenger can stop them! And when the Marvel Universe is targeted by a dimension of Nazi zombies, Howard the Duck must assemble a brigade of misfits to beat them back!
Zombies on infinite earths! First, it’s monkey on the menu as the original Marvel Zombies invade the dimension of the Marvel Apes! Then, to uncover an antidote to the zombie plague, Machine Man and Howard the Duck set out across the multiverse — battling zombies in the Wild West, Camelot, a future megacity, during a Martian invasion, and on a world suspiciously similar to our own! But back home, undead clones of the Squadron Supreme have overrun Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., and only a long-dead former Avenger can stop them! And when the Marvel Universe is targeted by a dimension of Nazi zombies, Howard the Duck must assemble a brigade of misfits to beat them back!
Other Formats:
Paperback
by
Various
$12.99
The thrilling short story collection featuring Jeff VanderMeer, Karen Traviss, and Eric Nylund—part of the expanded universe based on the New York Times bestselling video game series Halo!
When humanity expanded beyond the safety of Earth to new stars and horizons, it never dreamed what dangers would be encounter there. When the theocratic alien juggernaut known as the Covenant declared war upon the fragile human empire, millions of lives were lost—but millions of heroes also rose to the challenge. In such a far-reaching conflict, not many tales of the brave have a chance to become legend. This collection of eleven stories dives into the depths of the vast Halo universe, not only from the perspective of those who fought and died to save humanity, but also from those who vowed to wipe it out of existence.
When humanity expanded beyond the safety of Earth to new stars and horizons, it never dreamed what dangers would be encounter there. When the theocratic alien juggernaut known as the Covenant declared war upon the fragile human empire, millions of lives were lost—but millions of heroes also rose to the challenge. In such a far-reaching conflict, not many tales of the brave have a chance to become legend. This collection of eleven stories dives into the depths of the vast Halo universe, not only from the perspective of those who fought and died to save humanity, but also from those who vowed to wipe it out of existence.
Wolverine: First Class #1
Mar 26, 2008
$0.00
Professor X pairs up Kitty Pryde with Logan for a mision and neither of them are happy about it. But unless they learn to work together, neither of them will come back from their first mission together alive!
$9.99
A step-by-step guide to all aspects of comic book creation--from conceptualization to early drafts to marketing and promotion--written by two of the industry's most seasoned and successful pros.
Discover the Secrets of Your Favorite Comic Book Creators
Do you want to break into the comics industry? There are many creative roles available—writer, penciller, inker, colorist, letterer, editor, and more. Each creator serves a vital function in the production of sequential art at companies such as DC, Marvel, Image, and Valiant. In Make Comics Like the Pros, veteran comics creators Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente team up with a who’s who of the modern comic book scene to lead you step-by-step through the development of a comic. With these two fan-favorite writers as your guides, you’ll learn everything from script formatting to the importance of artistic collaboration to the best strategies for promoting and selling your own sequential art masterpiece. Pak and Van Lente even put their lessons into practice inside the pages of the book—pairing with Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Colleen Coover (Bandette) to produce the swashbuckling, adventure comic Swordmaids, and giving you front row seats to their creative process. Make Comics Like the Pros provides all the answers you’ve been seeking to take your comic book–making dreams all the way to professional-level reality.
Discover the Secrets of Your Favorite Comic Book Creators
Do you want to break into the comics industry? There are many creative roles available—writer, penciller, inker, colorist, letterer, editor, and more. Each creator serves a vital function in the production of sequential art at companies such as DC, Marvel, Image, and Valiant. In Make Comics Like the Pros, veteran comics creators Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente team up with a who’s who of the modern comic book scene to lead you step-by-step through the development of a comic. With these two fan-favorite writers as your guides, you’ll learn everything from script formatting to the importance of artistic collaboration to the best strategies for promoting and selling your own sequential art masterpiece. Pak and Van Lente even put their lessons into practice inside the pages of the book—pairing with Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Colleen Coover (Bandette) to produce the swashbuckling, adventure comic Swordmaids, and giving you front row seats to their creative process. Make Comics Like the Pros provides all the answers you’ve been seeking to take your comic book–making dreams all the way to professional-level reality.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Spider-Man: 24/7
Feb 10, 2010
by
Fred Van Lente ,
Zeb Wells ,
Dan Slott ,
Mark Waid ,
Phil Jimenez ,
Paulo Siqueira ,
Barry Kitson ,
Mike McKone ,
Paolo Rivera
$10.99
Collects Amazing Spider-Man #589-594.
You think your life is hard? Try being Spider-Man 24/7! First shift, your old baddie the Spot returns deadlier than ever! Second shift, you've got to head to the Microverse on an adventure with the Fantastic Four. Then, a third shift: a showdown with the new mayor's Spidey-killing strike-force.
You think your life is hard? Try being Spider-Man 24/7! First shift, your old baddie the Spot returns deadlier than ever! Second shift, you've got to head to the Microverse on an adventure with the Fantastic Four. Then, a third shift: a showdown with the new mayor's Spidey-killing strike-force.
Spider-Man: The Gauntlet Vol. 1: Electro and Sandman
Jul 14, 2010
by
Dan Slott ,
Mark Waid ,
Fred Van Lente ,
Adam Kubert ,
Barry Kitson ,
Paul Azaceta ,
Javier Pulido
$10.99
Amazing Spider-Man #612-616 & Dark Reign: The List - Amazing Spider-Man. The wife and daughter of the late Kraven the Hunter want Spider-Man dead and they're sending his oldest enemies to do the job...first up, Electro and Sandman! Plus: Norman Osborn seeks to check off the number one item on The List: Kill Spider-Man!
Captain America & Thor!: Avengers #1
Jul 6, 2011
$0.00
Thor and Captain America hit the big screen this summer, but their adventures don't end there! Enjoy two whole new stories starring Thor, Cap, and all your favorite characters from the films!
Spider-Man: Red-Headed Stranger
May 12, 2010
by
Fred Van Lente ,
Brian Reed ,
Barry Kitson ,
Robert Atkins ,
Yanick Paquette ,
Javier Pulido ,
Luke Ross
$6.99
Collects Amazing Spider-Man #602-605. The Chamelion returns with a terrifying new mission that has Mayor J. Jonah Jameson squarely in his sights! Meanwhile, the Anti-Spider Squad narrows its dragnet around the Wall-Crawler, and Peter Parker gets a brand-new job - will it bring him closer to the newly-returned Mary Jane, or push her further away?
Spider-Man: The Gauntlet Vol. 4: Juggernaut
Jan 26, 2011
$10.99
When a pounding Spider-Sense headache leads Spider-Man to the comatose
body of his biggest, toughest foe, he realizes that something -- or
someone -- can indeed stop the Juggernaut! But who? How? And who are
they coming for next? Can Spider-Man find out before it's too late? And
will Peter Parker ever get to have dinner with Carlie Cooper? Roger
Stern and Lee Weeks return to unravel the mystery. Plus, relive the first, classic encounter between Spidey and Juggernaut from Amazing Spider-Man
#229 & #230!
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man #626-629, #229-230
body of his biggest, toughest foe, he realizes that something -- or
someone -- can indeed stop the Juggernaut! But who? How? And who are
they coming for next? Can Spider-Man find out before it's too late? And
will Peter Parker ever get to have dinner with Carlie Cooper? Roger
Stern and Lee Weeks return to unravel the mystery. Plus, relive the first, classic encounter between Spidey and Juggernaut from Amazing Spider-Man
#229 & #230!
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man #626-629, #229-230
Spider-Man: The Gauntlet Vol. 2: Rhino and Mysterio
Sep 15, 2010
by
Joe Kelly ,
Dan Slott ,
Fred Van Lente ,
Max Fiumara ,
Marcos Martin ,
Javier Pulido ,
Michael Lark
$8.79
Collects Amazing Spider-Man #617-621. The Gauntlet continues as the Rhino charges into Spider-Man's life, out to make a name for himself...by killing the Rhino? AND, Mysterio is back from the dead...and he's not alone!
King Kirby
Dec 19, 2017
$4.99
“Crystal Skillman and Fred Van Lente, the husband-and-wife playwrights behind 'King Kirby,' know the score. She wrote the smart Off Off Broadway shows “Cut” and the fangirl-friendly 'Geek'; he was a co-author of the graphic novel 'Cowboys & Aliens,' later adapted for a Hollywood sci-fi western. With this supple, informative and poignant portrait, they offer penetrating insight into the tirelessly prolific Kirby (1917-94), whose brawny and dynamic yet nuanced style dominated comics for more than 40 years. Their play (Kirby was known as the king) documents a creator who attained immortality even as his life ended amid a morass of corporate exploitation.”
— Andy Webster, The New York Times
KING KIRBY is a play by the husband-and-wife team of New York Times bestselling comics writer Fred Van Lente and NYIT award-winning playwright Crystal Skillman about the life and times of Jack Kirby, the great comic book artist who created or co-created some of your favorite heroes on the page and screen, Captain America, the Avengers, Thor, Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, Young Romance, the New Gods, Darkseid, The Demon… the list goes on and on.
From the Jewish ghetto of New York's Lower East Side to the battlefields of France to the Senate hearings of 1950s, this is a hysterical and heartbreaking story about a man who pours his quintessentially Twentieth Century life into his comics, only to make the fateful mistake that sends him into obscurity while his creations become known to every person on Earth.
A real-life "Adventures of Kavalier & Klay", King Kirby asks what happens when an artist doesn't own his own legacy? Can he ever get it back?
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike the physical edition, the Kindle edition does NOT have photos from the 2014 Comic Book Theater Festival production.
— Andy Webster, The New York Times
KING KIRBY is a play by the husband-and-wife team of New York Times bestselling comics writer Fred Van Lente and NYIT award-winning playwright Crystal Skillman about the life and times of Jack Kirby, the great comic book artist who created or co-created some of your favorite heroes on the page and screen, Captain America, the Avengers, Thor, Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, Young Romance, the New Gods, Darkseid, The Demon… the list goes on and on.
From the Jewish ghetto of New York's Lower East Side to the battlefields of France to the Senate hearings of 1950s, this is a hysterical and heartbreaking story about a man who pours his quintessentially Twentieth Century life into his comics, only to make the fateful mistake that sends him into obscurity while his creations become known to every person on Earth.
A real-life "Adventures of Kavalier & Klay", King Kirby asks what happens when an artist doesn't own his own legacy? Can he ever get it back?
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike the physical edition, the Kindle edition does NOT have photos from the 2014 Comic Book Theater Festival production.
Other Formats:
Paperback
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