THE LIONHEART STORIES

Since Critters was an anthology, not every Lionheart story was accompanied by a cover. I have shown here only my covers, respecting the rights of the artists whose work graced the often beautiful covers of Critters. Follow links to excerpts, or just visit the gallery that follows these story synopsis pages.

READ a COMPLETE LIONHEART STORY! Click HERE!

 

USAGI YOJIMBO #23
A Little Mobster Story
Lionheart recounts the story of Joey Finagle, his remarkable life and mysterious disappearance. A small time hood and big time loudmouth, Joey seeks the friendship of movie stars and the votes of the dumbstruck public.

Stan Sakai illustrated (and contributed jokes to) this, the only Lionheart ever drawn by another. And oh does it look good. I envy the clarity, balance and richness of his pages; he's a master at spotting blacks, and pacing dialogue. He can do so much more with a few well placed lines than I can do with a hundred...but, I gush!
It's hard to imagine anyone knowing of Lionheart but not Stan Sakai. For the record, Stan is the kindest and most generous soul I have ever had the pleasure to work with in comics. When i did the convention circuit, I was astonished and somewhat shamed by Stan's cheerful, earnest dedication to his craft and respect for his readers.
Storywise, this has very little Lionheart in it, and a whole lot of SCTV influence.

 

USAGI YOJIMBO #25
Interview With The Monster
Lionheart discovers the Frankenstein monster, working as a Cable TV installer. They meet when Frankenstein hurls a mime into a tree. Over a few beers, Frank recounts the true story of his creation and subsequent adventures. Amused by his story, Lionheart decides to not blow his cover.

A collaboration with J. P. Morgan, who is a wonder - one of the funniest comic creators ever. If you have not read his work, your life is meaningless. I was thrilled to work with him on this story, and he was a very flexible and cooperative partner. Whoops - that sounds a little suggestive; don't get any weird ideas!
The story was spurred by a drawing John once sent me of Lionheart interviewing the Frankenstein monster, a drawing that made me wet my pants repeatedly. A full collaboration, where we both contributed to the story and drawings.
One of my favorites, and I have sketchbooks filled with this rabbit Frankenstein, who was more fun to draw than naked superheroinnes.

 

all images ©1999 by Tom Stazer

No reproduction allowed without consent of Tom Stazer

Like this'll stop you thieving cyber-weasels.