J. Michael Straczynski – författare

A Hugo Award Nominee!Featuring an introduction by Neil Gaiman!“J. Michael Straczynski is, without question, one of the greatest science fiction minds of our time.”   -- Max Brooks (World War Z)For four decades, J. Michael Straczynski has been one of the most successful writers in Hollywood, one of the few to forge multiple careers in movies, television and comics.  Yet there’s one story he’s never told before: his own.In this dazzling memoir, the acclaimed writer behind Babylon 5, Sense8, Clint Eastwood’s Changeling and Marvel’s Thor reveals how the power of creativity and imagination enabled him to overcome the horrors of his youth and a dysfunctional family haunted by madness, murder and a terrible secret.Joe's early life nearly defies belief. Raised by damaged adults—a con-man grandfather and a manipulative grandmother, a violent, drunken father and a mother who was repeatedly institutionalized—Joe grew up in abject poverty, living in slums and projects when not on the road, crisscrossing the country in his father’s desperate attempts to escape the consequences of his past.  To survive his abusive environment Joe found refuge in his beloved comics and his dreams, immersing himself in imaginary worlds populated by superheroes whose amazing powers allowed them to overcome any adversity. The deeper he read, the more he came to realize that he, too, had a superpower: the ability to tell stories and make everything come out the way he wanted it. But even as he found success, he could not escape a dark and shocking secret that hung over his family’s past, a violent truth that he uncovered over the course of decades involving mass murder.Straczynski’s personal history has always been shrouded in mystery. Becoming Superman lays bare the facts of his life: a story of creation and darkness, hope and success, a larger-than-life villain and a little boy who became the hero of his own life.  It is also a compelling behind-the-scenes look at some of the most successful TV series and movies recognized around the world.

As one of the great writers of speculative fiction of the twentieth century, Harlan Ellison shaped the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. This inventive and provocative collection of his best-known and most-acclaimed stories is a perfect treasury for old Ellison fans as well as readers discovering this zany, polyphonic writer for the first time. Featuring these stories and many more: ·“‘Repent, Harlequin,’ Said the Ticktockman” — Hugo Award winner ·“I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” — Bram Stoker Award winner ·“Mefisto in Onyx” — Bram Stoker Award winner ·“Jeffty Is Five” — British Fantasy Award winner ·“Shatterday” — Twilight Zone episode ·“The Whimper of Whipped Dogs” — Edgar Allan Poe Award winner ·“Paladin of the Lost Hour” — Hugo Award winner, Twilight Zone episode A must-read for sci-fi book lovers and fans of Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Isaac Asimov, this career-spanning compilation of classic short stories is also perfect for readers who enjoyed Dangerous Visions, A Boy and His Dog, or other Harlan Ellison books.

TOP COW is proud to bring you issues 1-8 of the critically acclaimed series RISING STARS. This is the first story arc written by J. Michael Straczynski and tells the tale of the beginnings of the Specials. With new cover by MIDNIGHT NATION artist Gary Frank. This collection is the perfect way to revisit the earlier issues of RISING STARS in one sitting or to discover fro the first time the mose realistic superhero epic since Alan Moore's Watchmen.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski's classic tale of loss and redemption iscollected in its entirety with all 12 issues, Midnight Nation #1/2, and a covergallery. Also includes a touching and insightful afterword from Straczynski.

From the mind of J. Michael Straczynski, Hugo Award-winning creator ofBabylon 5 and writer for the blockbuster films Thor,Changeling, and World War Z! Trevor Richmond is a Wall Street investor who embezzled millions and isabout to tank the economy. Desperate to avoid the consequences for his actions,he goes to Expedited Services, which offers to help him disappear and enjoy alife of leisure in a new identity. But what exactly is this new life, how muchis freedom worth, and what happens to the old life when someone else shows up toclaim it? This captivating first volume will push the boundaries of TheTwilight Zone into new and uncharted territory — a journey that willtravel into the past and the future, into murder and revenge, and finally intothe sunrise of nuclear Armageddon!

Nothing special has ever happened to Diana Westby. She has a comfortablerelationship, a decent job, and vague dreams for the future. But now somethinghas happened to her, something beyond understanding. She is suddenly able tohear thoughts and see glimpses of the future... a future that includes thethreat of a mushroom cloud rising over downtown Manhattan! As someone who hasnever had to stick her neck out for someone else, Diana must choose between herown safety and the lives of millions of others. Her decision will take her fromthe abyss of her worst fears to the summit of her courage... a journey thatcould only happen in The Twilight Zone.Includes a complete script for the first chapter of the graphic novel by J.Michael Straczynski, Hugo Award-winning creator of Babylon 5.