Back in Black

Man, it feels good to be back in the key business.
The last three months I’ve been behind the scenes sculpting and working on cool projects I can’t talk about yet. To answer one question I’ve heard a few times this week – Why’d you pull the Animal and Undertree Keys off the site? – let’s just say I’m squirreling them away for later this winter. (Pun intended.) Undertree and Animal will go back up when they’re ready to ship.Meanwhile:

– The Whispering Iron and Legacy Edition Omega Key, the key to Black Door, go live today. I’m excited about both but have to admit to a soft spot for the Omega. I’d been planning to release it timed to the last arc, but couldn’t resist. Hope people dig it as much as I do.

– Stay tuned for cool signing news on the next two keys.

– You know what? Don’t stay tuned at all: Best-selling writer Joe Hill is autographing one key, obscenely-talented Gabriel Rodriguez is autographing the other. Really psyched the guys are willing to take the time out of their crazy, award-winning schedules. But what keys are they signing? Well, I guess you will have to wait for that.

– I have plans for December. Big plans. Deluxe plans. More later.

Hope everyone’s well and hope you had a great Halloween. If you notice some of the e-mail now is being answered by Kathryn, that’s my wife. Skelton Crew Jr. is almost ready to start answering phones and if the studio keeps growing like this, he’ll have to.

Israel

Heads will be lopped! #HeadLopperHaiku winners!

Excuse my saying this, but you guys SLAYED our #HeadLopperHaiku contest last week! Congrats to Tanooki Phil‏ @prettyboypecho, Blaise Hopkins‏ @blaisehopkins and JG‏ @JGDrawsStuff, who each snagged a set of sweet Limited Edition Head Lopper enamel pins! For your reading terror, er, enjoyment: Andy Karlson‏ @RevAndyKarlson

Hugin and Munin

Have journeyed too far this time

Odin waits, napping

*** rielly‏ @riellygrey

Severing Witch Heads

Norgal doesn't give a sh*t

Love this Viking Dude

*** Brian L.‏ @goatmansgoblet Bane of Wolves, of Bog Born Bastard, of Severed Crone Norgal, Head Lopper *** What the Huck?‏ @huxplosion

Big beard - bigger sword,

Lightning strikes the battlefield,

Monster heads cleaved off.

*** Jesper Duffy‏ @JesperDuffy

From within the beast,

A blade appears with a slice,

A head has been lopped

*** jon orrenmaa‏ @orrenmaa_boss

The witch won’t shut up

Crimson Tower takes tributes

Norgal takes their head

*** Nicholas Rocco‏ @walter1three

The widow’s vengeance.

Birthright of the orphan’s rage.

Odin be our wrath.

*** Bypass (Beany)‏ @Bypassuk

twinkle lights miles high.

we gaze aloft some more.

stars in aww we are.

*** David Pemberton‏ @DaveYourFave

Norgal cuts the dark

And the dark slices forward

Crimson is its color

*** jmemiller‏ @jmemiller

Severing their heads

Is what Norgal does the best

But he just wants peace

*** Tanooki Phil‏ @prettyboypecho

Agatha won't die.

One less worry for Norgal.

Won't help him sleep though.

*** Aditya Narendranath‏ @AdiNaren

Norgal in danger

Agatha’s itchy nose

a purposeful sneeze

*** Xander Kent‏ @RedGrimRune

Executioner,

The Son Of the Minotaur,

Head-Lopper, Norgal

*** Geoff Martin‏ @Geoffmart

Far-ranging journeys

Through deadly mountains and moors

Lopping villains’ heads

*** Blaise Hopkins‏ @blaisehopkins

When the mead flows right,

The heads of many take flight,

PRAISE ODIN, WE FIGHT!

*** Lloyd Green‏ @Eleven_13

So many heads and

My blade is still so thirsty

Agatha SHUT UP !

*** Lloyd Green‏ @Eleven_13

Woking in Barra,

Norgal knows just what to do-

Heads don't lop themselves !

*** clayton‏ @obiclayshinobi

Winter oceans spray

As rivers of blood from my

Black smiling axe blade

*** Jay Nystrom, Rebel Scum‏ @DocHavok

Witch’s cackle rings

Taker of heads cometh near

The wicked tremble

*** David Baisley‏ @DavidBaisley

They never do stop,

so many heads did they chop,

loppity lopers

*** JG‏ @JGDrawsStuff

Headlopper carves the earth

The blue witch stalks the hallows

Well, least she used to

*** George‏ @TheAmazinGeorge Slaying my villains, Yelling at Agatha, STOP All in a days work *** scattered/smothered/covered‏ @ThatDaveJordan

look, i just really

want those rad enamel pins.

i love headlopper.

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#HereLies contest winners!

You guys were funny, cheeky and thoroughly rocked our first epitaph contest! Many thanks to all who entered and congrats to @LibrarySpider, @blytherue and @DavidBaisley for scoring our of our hot new Limited Edition Epitaph pins! *** Connor Mackinnon‏ @AdemicStudy

"Fuck it" Connors last words before diving into an orphanage fire, saving 9 orphans who were subsequently eaten by sharks. May his beard rest in piece.

*** javier pastor‏ @javi3rpastor

Afraid of living? Not anymore #HereLies

*** rielly‏ @riellygrey

... #HereLies rielly, after years of literally dying she finally actually died.

*** DJ Hazbro‏ @DJHazbro45LP

Epitaph I actually want: “It turns out there IS something worse than wet jeans!” #HereLies

*** blytherue‏ @blytherue

#HereLies Eileen She causes chaos wherever she goes Heaven or hell, nobody knows But if angels start falling or demons appear You can be sure they’ll send her back here

*** kerry anne fuller‏ @kerryannefuller

#herelies call work tell them I’m late.

***  Blair Frodelius‏ @GoodSpiritsNews

"Oh, well" #HereLies

*** Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka Here lies Xerxes, Devoured by mice. Hoarding cheese Was his only vice. #HereLies ***

Stacey Wyman‏ @DeanWin85

His deepest regret in life was never fini— #herelies

*** Mac Beauvais‏ @StrangeLikeThat Here lies Mac/She stepped on a crack/Her momma was dead/So she broke her own back #herelies *** BamBamJack‏ @BamRising

#HereLies @BamRising: He rocked out (and wrote about it) every day of his life. Until he didn’t...

*** Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus

He owned all the keys! #HereLies

*** FVaillancourt‏ @FVaillancourt1

The upper story balconies are really solid, they said. #HereLies

*** Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka This poor young woman, aged twenty-eight. Went with a dolphin on a date. Drowned while ‘swimming’ was her fate. #HereLies *** Don Juan De La Nooch‏ @AnungUnRamAnt

How to eat healthy, he did not know. Death by pizza. Not a bad way to go. #HereLies

*** Library Spider‏ @LibrarySpider

Sticks and stones

May break my bones

But words will never hurt me

Or so I thought

And now I rot

Not hearing that mobile library #HereLies

*** Javier Lacroix‏ @javierlacroix

“All he ever wanted, was to win this contest...” #HereLies

*** Amanda Moak‏ @Mandie_Marie

Now an even greater advocate of procrastination. #herelies

*** Kaitlen Burns‏ @isaidboourns I'm dead and I'm still not sure what I'm supposed to do. #HereLies *** David Baisley‏ @DavidBaisley The bell tolled for Harold and he answered, albeit not before he tolled a few more bells. #HereLies Harold Smithers a means SOB *** Erik C. Jones‏ @ECFNJ

#HereLies Erik C. Jones He won two @SkeltonCrew contests and thought he'd try for three.

*** Drew Campbell‏ @Stickmind Apr 5

#Herelies "You don't need clothes to live." (Said by my daughter while playing @oregontrail. She died a couple turns later because she had no clothes)

*** Mat Brady‏ @mop_master

Learn from his mistake. Under penalty of the law, mattress tags are not to be removed, except by the consumer. #HereLies

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Locke & Key #KeyHouseHaiku winners!

DAMN. I feel like you're helping us bring the haiku back. We had 16 entries in last week's #KeyHouseHaiku contest, collected below for your reading pleasure. Congratulations to Erik C. Jones‏ @ECFNJ, who scored a sweet set of "Locke & Key" Series II enamel pins with the first entry below! And congrats to runners-up Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka and Isadora‏ @LandlockdSelkie! Keep them coming and keep 5/7/5'in — we're loving it. ***  

Bode's acting weird

Son of a bitch that's Dodge

Bode's back, Dodge died

 Erik C. Jones‏ @ECFNJ ***

Open up my head

Take out all my memories

Ev'rything is white

Erik C. Jones‏ @ECFNJ ***

Open up the moon

See the world behind the scenes

Tears all the way down

Erik C. Jones‏ @ECFNJ ***

Turn and twist the brass.

Uncomprehensible fate.

I am now a mime.

Blair Frodelius‏ @GoodSpiritsNews ***

Whispering Iron on the ground

Made a key that improves Sound

Now I hear Ghosts all around

Russell Etkin‏ @EtkinRu ***

Keys forged from madness

Open the doors of your mind

Who knows what awaits

William McGhee‏ @Davros1342 ***

Mysterious keys

Such stuff as dreams are made on

Keyhouse awaits

Jason Mastaitis‏ @JasonMastaitis ***

Bode's a hero

Whether he is a ghost or

Trapped in a small bird

Rob Rosenblatt‏ @borateen0 ***

Welcome to Lovecraft

Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode Locke -

Keyhouse is so cool!

Reed Beebe‏ @ReedBeebe   ***

To the well he finds,

Omega key in the caves,

To free thy spirits

Soils‏ @Stdubesoils ***

Want to make a change?

Gender, species, size? Try this:

Whispering iron!

Ryan Miller‏ @jesteram ***

Keys Keys Keys Keys Keys

Keys Keys Keys Keys Keys Keys Keys

Keys Keys Keys Keys Splash

Bruce Russell‏ @HooBruce ***

Anywhere the key

Can take you, be sure it's

Where you want to go.

Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka

***

Collection of magic keys

Welcome to Lovecraft

Joe and Gabe's magnum opus

Dr. Sports Guy‏ @newhousebailey

***

Keys to unlock doors,

Moons, and owls, and even time,

But mostly people.

Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka ***   the iron whispers take the darkness to the forge bend it to the light Isadora‏ @LandlockdSelkie
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You brought the creep, the gore and the corgis: #MacabreMonday winners!

You guys know how to bring the macabre, in the best way. Congratulations to  everaerts Ben‏ @BenCRSK and runners-up kerry anne fuller‏ @kerryannefuller and Reed Beebe‏ @ReedBeebe for taking part in our #MacabreMonday contest, writing a tale of terror on Twitter in 280 characters or less and scoring some GORE-geous "The Beauty of Horror" enamel pins. All of the entries are below and what better way to kick off this fine Monday than giving them a peep . . . if you dare. ***

For months I had a dream of a figure @ the ft of my bed. I'd wake up drenched in sweat, my GF would comfort me. 1 night I woke to my GF screaming that some1 was @ the ft of the bed. I opened my eye to see a figure there & I lunged @ it 2 find nothing

  Doublechronox‏ @Doublechronox ***

She walked downstairs to a room full of people huddling in a circle. "Who Are U People? What R U Doing in my house??" She pushed through the silence and the crowd to see a body laying on the floor. Bloodied & battered. It was her.

 @riellygrey

***

And then he turned to her, with terror on his face and whispered "We're all out of dinosaur chick en nuggets." #TalesFromTheFridge #Parenting

@riellygrey

***

He just stood there, getting his breath back, trying not to look behind and wondering what the f*ck it is coming after him. But there it was again: a slushing sound like no other he heard before. He knew he had to start running again... Again.

everaerts Ben‏ @BenCRSK ***

10 hr shift at factory and them telling me that today I work for free.

kerry anne fuller‏ @kerryannefuller

***

He came running down the hill,

a corgi as large as a house!

but she didn't shrill untill,

he bit off her head,

and he ripped her apart!

Spilling blood, brain and guts

all over her newest blouse.

everaerts Ben‏ @BenCRSK ***

"Houston, can you hear me?" They didn't answer a week ago, I'm so tired being screaming for days, I'll die alone. Just I'm trying again: "Houston, can you hear me?" "Toc, toc, toc" I think I'm not alone anymore.

A Magdalena Sumeragi‏ @embrujodeluna

***

Paul woke up shackled to a wall. After an hour of sweaty, panicked struggle, the door flew open and two cops charged in. “Good work!” the tall one said to the other. “We’ll take it from here,” he grinned, as a third walked in and started a chainsaw.

DJ Hazbro‏ @DJHazbro45LP ***

The Man looked down on the throng of people below his balcony. As he thrust his hands into the air a cacophony of cheers arose. Long had he waited for this. He slowly peeled the skin back from his face revealing long sharp teeth. He began to feast.

William McGhee‏ @Davros1342

***

No alarm? No time. Coffee by door! Black? "Thanks. No milk?" "Cut BS-late. No alarm." Alarm deleted. Phone update? Public thanks will smooth over. #lattelove Position cup, open camera. Dark face image-memory screen fades. Sharpie: Lucifer-Extra Hot. Amanda Moak‏ @Mandie_Marie

***

Hey, at least they left his head!

tweetsomethingsmart‏ @DericPeace

***

I pretend to sleep as the footsteps approach. Then I feel hands around my throat, choking... Silence. "It was only a dream" I tell myself. I open my eyes and look down at my lifeless body.

Stuart Baldwin‏ @stuartgbaldwin

***

It was a typical Saturday morning as I woke to the sound of three screaming kids jumping on my bed. Except I don't have any kids and I live alone. Time to move house.

Stuart Baldwin‏ @stuartgbaldwin *** He "Aargh" Tried "Hmmph" To "Awrgh" Scream "Hmmprhf" But "Grmmph" Couldn't " Arwgh" ... everaerts Ben‏ @BenCRSK ***

The old man goes from door to door. He knocks but no one answers. He does not want to die alone so he searches for someone to take with him. We are Trump’s Gorilla Channel‏ @awptimus

***

A gurgling roar fills the gas station bathroom. I slowly look down between my legs to see two glowing red eyes staring back at me from within the bowl.

Avi Pesis‏ @AviPesis ***

It was keeping me up tonight,drip,drip,drip Furry little bodies above the basin Wings stretched,nailed at the tips One of them took her I’d find out which soon enough,dawn was nearing They would screech the truth,or their last.

Jay Nystrom, Rebel Scum‏ @DocHavok ***

A six-letter word for a group of crows: MURDER. A six-letter word for killing someone: MURDER. That morning, Amy found the crossword puzzle macabre, but sadly didn’t notice her angry ex-boyfriend standing behind her, or his kitchen knife.

Reed Beebe‏ @ReedBeebe

*** She waited until he turned to corner then flew down from her rooftop perch behind him. Carefully tucking her leathery wings away, "Good Evening," she greeted. He smiled, thrilled to see her again, offered his arm and continued his midnight stroll, with his love. @riellygrey *** And then, there were never any Oreos, like, ever again. @KathrynSkelton
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You ROCKED our #HellboyHaiku contest!

  A few Crew members are fans of a good haiku, and when social media director Rielly Grey suggested a #HellboyHaiku contest on Twitter, we said sure, love it! Then you guys *$^!$#@ amazed us. In less than 24 hours, we received nearly 50 entries. They're funny, sweet, silly and poignant and we needed to share that awesome, so they're all collected below. Congrats to contest winner Asatiir‏ @asatiir and runners up Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka, Connor McCumber‏ @15000newts, Leanne‏ @eall__ana, Hellboy Fights Nazis‏ @HBFightsNazis and Jay Nystrom, Rebel Scum‏ @DocHavok! Seriously, though, in this case, we're ALL winners for these. Thanks so much for haikuing with us! ***

Hellboy likes pancakes

he calls BPRD home

and hates all nazis

Jabba‏ @jabbajuju ***

If his horns grow in,

Hellboy fights his destiny:

It's really a snap.

Ryan Miller‏ @jesteram ***

Anung un Rama

Hell-spawned from demon and witch

Pancakes are his fave

Stuart Baldwin‏ @stuartgbaldwin ***

Is that a monkey

with his gross banana breath

he has got a gun

Scott McKay‏ @theScottMcKay ***

One great big red hand

Stumps of horns sawn off himself

Really hates Nazis

Mitch Benn‏@MitchBenn ***

Big red goliath

Beating down the nightly bumps

Loves to pet the cats

William McGhee‏ @Davros1342

***

With his red right hand,

he will happily pet cats

and then eat pancakes.

Mistress Missy‏ @MissySchmalz ***

Red monkey Hellboy

Punching Nazis, oh what fun

Good Samaritan

Man-Flu Season‏ @CraigWCostelloe *** Time to eat Pancakes!! The B.P.R.D. just called... :( WHY CAN'T A GUY EAT? Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus ***

The boy has eaten

All of the pancakes. Truly,

He is lost to us.

Laura H Skarka‏ @lhskarka *** I'm a simple guy Just trying to do my job Crap, here comes a troll Matthew Ellis‏ @iron_claugh *** Anung Un Rama

Awaken Ogdru Jahad.

The Right Hand of Doom

Matthew Ellis‏ @iron_claugh *** Forest full of flames, Right Hand of Doom falls into ash, Shadows creep from the dark Liubomyr‏ @CUBErt91 ***

NOODLES NOODLES NOO

DLES NOODLES NOODLES NOODLES

NOODLES NOO---PANCAKES

  (((megatron))) ✡️🏳️‍🌈‏ @fomobaggins ***

Born again on Earth

He’s drinking with skeletons

With a mean right hook

Josh Allen‏ @Jallen0823

*** Summoned to our world Wandering to find himself He just wants to rest Roomba‏ @TheRoomba ***

Rasputin-summoned,

Found by the BPRD,

Now punching Nazis.

Asatiir‏ @asatiir ***

Two broken horns fall

From the darkness they whisper:

"Anung Un Rama..."

Leanne‏ @eall__ana *** Of Hell and demons born, nightmare of monsters, yet human to the core   Matthew Whaley‏ @Avatar1639 ***

Anung un Rama

A demon of destruction

Pure of heart; pamcakes

Eamon Winkle‏ @CanIGetanEamon *** "I want hot noodles!" Just try them. One bite. Open. Nothing beats pam-cakes. Aislinn 🎄‏ @twnty7  

***

Skin like Hellfire

A Pancake-Loving Demon

Right hand of Justice

Grifter Wolf [Aerox]‏ @GrifTWolf  Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus ***

from hell he has come

the infamous red right hand

devil's a savior

xfiles.txt‏ @newtsgeiszler *** Hellboy loves pancakes, Even when itty bitty, Oh crap he is out. Sean Leslie‏ @dingleberry96 *** Art Baltazar rocks, His itty bitty Hellboy is too cool for school. Sean Leslie‏ @dingleberry96 *** Hellboy is his name. Apocalypse is coming. But first eat pancakes. Sean Leslie‏ @dingleberry96   ***

Won't enter this one

many Hellboy fans much more

deserving than me

Library Spider‏ @LibrarySpider ***

Anung Un Rama Fist,

key to the apoca...

Wait, are those pancakes?!?

Ben Schafer‏ @schaferba *** Hellboy with hand of stone how do you get your coat on the sleeve is too small. Connor McCumber‏ @15000newts ***

Hellboy eats pancakes

Yay! @DavidKHarbour

Boom, Right Hand of Doom

Ryan Carraway‏ @Ryan_Carraway_ *** Now that he's eaten the most heavenly pancake he'll never come back. Mod0n‏ @Mod0n *** Living between worlds Destined to wear either crown Hellboy says, "Screw that!" Hellboy Fights Nazis‏ @HBFightsNazis *** The Right Hand of Doom Cannot hold back the darkness That stirs from within. Case Hill‏ @thatcasehill *** Little devil boy Itty Bitty Hellboy horns Too small to file down Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus *** The right hand of doom Opening a gate to Hell Causing destruction Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus *** Call me cat magnet They come to me on the fly Give me all the cats Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus *** In line for the throne Descendant of Pendragon I'm royal... kind of Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus ***   Red red red red red Everything in Hell is red Full of fire and fury Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus *** What scared you when young? Not Ron Perlman as Hellboy, Ron Perlman... The Beast. Joseph Munisteri‏ @dopplepopplelus ***  

He has sweet goggles

I wonder where he got them

Oh wait those are horns

Erik C. Jones‏ @ECFNJ

***

He of horn and hoof

Crown of fire, right hand of doom

Bringer of the end

Jay Nystrom, Rebel Scum‏ @DocHavok ***   Promised safe night's rest, Autumn breeze on bloodless necks. Batter up, heads! Boom!   Andy Karlson‏ @RevAndyKarlson *** The St Leonard worm, Fifty years gone. Look Roger, A dead alien. Andy Karlson‏ @RevAndyKarlson ***   Noodles requested But at first bite of pamcakes turned his back on hell David Dingman‏ @dako243

***

When your hand is stone

It can be quite difficult

To give a high five

Bert Budigo‏ @GuitarBobsle

*** The best utensil... To destroy stacks of pamcakes... The Right Hand of Doom. rxsheepxr‏ @rxsheepxr *** From the pits of hell He loves to kick monster butt Also likes cigars Dan rogers‏ @theinfamousboag *** Has the hand of doom Has horns that he files down Professor Broom's son Dan rogers‏ @theinfamousboag
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Hell yeah: Art Baltazar, Skelton Crew team up for itty bitty bust!

LITCHFIELD, Maine — Skelton Crew Studio and Art Baltazar are excited to announce a little bit of awesome: a new limited edition itty bitty Hellboy mini-bust. “We’ve been a fan of Art’s work since getting our mitts on ‘Patrick the Wolfboy’ in the ‘90s,” said Skelton Crew Studio head Israel Skelton. “We’ve also had the honor of working with ‘Hellboy’ creator Mike Mignola on our prop replica line for several years now. We’re so psyched to be able to work with Art and Hellboy and see everything coming together.” Itty bitty Hellboy will stand about six inches tall on a base of his beloved pancakes, a fork at the ready, capturing Art’s super cute style. Look for the very limited resin mini-bust to debut in late winter 2016. “This is awesome. I’ve been a fan of Hellboy since his first appearance! It’s an honor to make comics of him and his itty bitty friends! AW YEAH! I’m looking forward to putting Itty Bitty Hellboy on display next to his Eisner Award! AW YEAH HELLBOY”! -Art Baltazar, famous cartoonist. Itty bitty Hellboy will join the studio’s rapidly growing line of mini-busts, which includes the previously announced Em Cypress from Tim Seeley and Mike Norton’s “Revival,” Huck from Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque’s “Huck” and Mason Savoy from John Layman and Rob Guillory’s “CHEW,” which is being released next month. Check out www.skeltoncrewstudio.com for work-in-progress shots and release details as they become available. About Art Baltazar Famous Cartoonist, ART BALTAZAR is the creative force behind The New York Times Best Selling, Eisner Award Winning DC Comics' TINY TITANS, SUPER PETS, SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES, SUPER POWERS and Itty Bitty HELLBOY! Art is one of the founders of AW YEAH COMICS comic shop and the ongoing comic series! Aw Yeah living the dream! He stays home and draws comics and never has to leave the house! He lives with his lovely wife, Rose, sons Sonny and Gordon, and daughter Audrey! AW YEAH MAN! www.artbaltazar.com -#8 on the New York Times best Seller March 2009 for Tiny Titans vol. 1 Trade Paperback! -Eisner Award 2009 Best Publication for Kids! -Eisner Award 2011 Best Publication for Kids -Eisner Award 2014 Best Publication for Kids -Harvey Award 2011 Best Original Graphic Publication for Younger Readers -Columbia College Chicago 2012 Alumnus of the year Award -AW YEAH COMICS 2013 Skokie Merchant of the Year About Skelton Crew Studio Based in the wilds of Maine, Skelton Crew has the exclusive license to create 1:1 prop replicas, plush, statues and vinyl from some of the hottest reads in indie comics like “Locke & Key,” “CHEW,” “Hellboy,” “Mouse Guard,” “The Stuff of Legend” and “Killogy.” The studio, founded in 2008 by artist Israel Skelton, has created a name for itself by working closely with creators to produce high-quality, limited edition collectibles. Israel makes his home in rural Maine with his wife Kathryn, two sons and one loafing corgi. When he’s not sculpting, he enjoys amassing hardcover graphic novels, collecting original comic art and bare knuckle brawling. For more: www.skeltoncrewstudio.com    
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Four Star Studios and Skelton Crew Studio partner for ‘Revival’ bust

LITCHFIELD, Maine — Tim Seeley and Mike Norton from Four Star Studios and Skelton Crew Studio are excited to announce a new mini-bust starring “Revival”’s badass heroine Em Cypress. “It’s been one of our favorite reads for a while and hooked us right from the beginning,” said Skelton Crew Studio head Israel Skelton. “The art is simply stunning and the story is a wild ride. We’re psyched to be working with Tim and Mike.” Em will stand just over six inches tall, wearing her signature hoodie. She’ll be holding a blood-spattered scythe with a creep clung to her back on a base of pure Wausau snow. Look for the limited edition resin mini-bust to debut in the fall of 2016. Personally, this is a dream come true,” said Norton. “Having a statue made of a character near and dear to me is so exciting. To have it made by these guys is icing on the cake Check out www.skeltoncrewstudio.com for work-in-progress shots and release details as they become available. About Four Star Studios Four Star Studios is a Chicago collective of artists with a passion for comics.  Deeds. Not words.  is our motto, and it shows in the prolific creativity of each studio member. For more: www.fourstarstudios.com About Skelton Crew Studio Based in the wilds of Maine, Skelton Crew has the exclusive license to create 1:1 prop replicas, plush, statues and vinyl from some of the hottest reads in indie comics like “Locke & Key,” “CHEW,” “Hellboy,” “Mouse Guard,” “The Stuff of Legend” and “Killogy.” The studio, founded in 2008, has created a name for itself by working closely with creators to produce high-quality, limited edition collectibles. For more: www.skeltoncrewstudio.com
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Colby vs. Savoy: YOU DECIDE!

On the heels of the sold out Tony Chu and Poyo mini-busts from "CHEW," we're wrestling with which fabulous character to capture in resin next. So we'd like you to decide. We're putting it up to a fan vote! Artist Rob Guillory's concept art for both is below. Savoy would stand a whopping 7 3/4 inches tall, balanced on a McBeefy box, and John would stand 7 1/2 inches tall, popping out of a Mother's Clucker's bucket of chicken. (Can we tell you how much we love this book? And Rob? And Layman? So much.) Due to his height and girth, Savoy would retail for around $98, and due to John's sexiness, he'd retail for around $92. You know? We'll throw in the sexiness for free. But he'll still retail for around $92. Both prices are BALLPARK. Just trying to give you a sense of cost and trying to get a sense of who you're clamoring to see first. Follow this link HERE to vote for the next week and we'll post results soon! The Crew    
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Happy Everything!

From our Crew to yours, hope whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate, that it's an awesome one. The Crew
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Death Creams. You. Bacon underwear. We’re grateful for a lot this Thanksgiving.

Just a quick bit of Black Friday business first: We'll be going live with the Thadreian Frog from our B.P.R.D. Artifact Archive Collection at midnight on Friday with pre-orders signed by the amazing Guy Davis. Like our other two new releases this week — Fly By Night onesies and toddler tees in our Skelton Crew Collection with C.P. Wilson III and the "C is for Cthulhu" plush/board book/signed exclusive combo — there's free shipping 'til Cyber Monday! But before then, we relax, eat and reflect. We took a quick survey among Crew members today about what they're thankful for this year. First and foremost, YOU. We couldn't create any of this if it weren't for your awesomeness, so thank you, sincerely. After that, the list gets a little, well, eclectic. But in a great way. From our Marketing Director Jarrett Melendez: "I'm thankful for my boyfriend, Stuart. He sticks by me through my crazy work schedule, is always ready to help pick up my slack when I'm too tired to do house stuff, and seeing him happy is all I ever want. I'm also thankful for the coffee shop down the street and their signature Death Creams. I don't know what actually goes in them besides cold brew coffee and cream, but boy do they taste good. Like, really good." Our graphic design goddess Bethany Jourdan Lacroix is grateful for a 2-year-old who's pooing in the toilet. Studio head Israel Skelton is grateful that George Lucas isn't directing the new "Star Wars" — and even more grateful to live in a country where something that trivial matters. I'm grateful for our two little guys: They are wild and they are wonderful, often in the same split second. I'm also grateful that today I found out that J&D's bacon-scented underwear exists, because, DAMN. It only confirms we live in amazing times. From us to you, Happy Thanksgiving and hope however you celebrate, it's an awesome day. Kathryn  
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September photo contest: Dodge lives!

"Locke & Key" fan Joseph Munisteri absolutely nailed Dodge's look and vibe. (And is that a Shadow Key tat we spy on his arm?) How much do we love this? Let us count the ways. Cosplaying? Love. Attention to detail? Love. Nightmare-inducing? Love. Sleep tight and keep those pics coming for a chance to win a $50 studio gift certificate! C'mon, show us how you #SkeltonCrew! The Crew            
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July and August photo contest: ‘Pew, pew, pew’

Among the signs that it's been a crazy busy summer: We're finally announcing the winners of our July and August #SkeltonCrew photo contest! Congrats to TheSamWicked for July and Toshi Satake for August! LOVE how Sam set up a playful scene and that Toshi took his Patriotic Chog a travelin' (AND included a little onomatopoeia that I can completely picture a Chog chirping out.) Honorary shout-out to Donald Wygal for his super cool shadow box that also features "Locke & Key" hardcovers peeking out the sides. Keep the pictures coming for a chance to win a $50 Skelton Crew Studio gift certificate and show us how you #SkeltonCrew! We've already had a sneak-peek at a cosplay entry for next month, and, DAMN. The Crew   [caption id="attachment_544" align="aligncenter" width="571"] "Poyo & friends are grateful it's bigger on the inside." (via TheSamWicked)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_543" align="aligncenter" width="335"] "Pew, pew, pew" (via Toshi Satake)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="655"] One lovely shadow box (via Donald Wygal with props to wife Catherine Wygal for making it for him)[/caption]
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Boston Comic Con!!!

We had such an amazing time last weekend! A HUGE thanks for all the kind words. We absolutely loved that so many people stopped by to introduce themselves. Slogging away in the studio up here in the wilds of Maine can feel a little isolating sometimes; it's awesome to be able to bust out and see why we do what we do, and how people dig it. Some of our favorite pics of the show are below!* * Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera out to grab shots of the people cosplaying at Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. You'll just have to trust me. Epic. The Crew
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EXCLUSIVE LINE OF ‘KILLOGY’ COLLECTIBLES LAUNCHES AT BOSTON COMIC CON

New York, NY – Skelton Crew Studio, the sculpting house responsible for creating an array of high-end, limited edition replicas based on award-winning comics properties such as Locke &Key, Hellboy and CHEW, is excited to announce a new partnership with acclaimed comics creator Alan Robert to produce an exclusive line of collectables based on his hit comic Killogy (IDW Publishing). The first products from the collection will make their debut at Boston Comic Con, July 31 - August 2, 2015. Two 16 oz. etched Killogy Pint Glasses will be available for purchase at Skelton Crew Studio's booth (D517), retailing at $10.99 each. One design features the voodoo artwork found in the comic, circled by an ominous warning of the impending apocalypse, and the other displays a bold Killogy skull logo. Each glass comes complete with a full-color, double-sided "Voodoo Brew" Drink Recipe Card, designed by Robert, using his signature artwork. So have a drink before the dead begin to rise from their graves — it just may be your last! More products are already in the pipeline and are expected for an early 2016 release, including a plush severed head based on the sarcastic, wisecracking Killogy character One-Eye Tessio. Fans of the comic will not be surprised to discover that One-Eye comes packaged inside his trusty Italian Ices container, just like in the books. “Killogy is such an original concept and an amazing read,” said Skelton Crew Studio head Israel Skelton. “Alan is a huge talent and clearly an idea machine. We couldn’t be more stoked to be working with him.” Robert adds, "With a roster filled with comics greats like Mignola, Templesmith, Hill & Rodriguez, and Layman & Guillory, I am extremely humbled and flattered to be welcomed into the Skelton Crew family! They produce some of the best replicas I've seen around and they are completely dedicated to bringing each creator's vision to life." Killogy received critical acclaim and was named one of Bloody Disgusting's Top 5 Best Mini-Series of 2013. It received two Ghastly Awards nominations and picked up a Horror Comic Award from The Horror News Network. The apocalyptic dark comedy is now in development to become an animated series starring Frank Vincent (Goodfellas, The Sopranos), Marky Ramone (the Ramones), Brea Grant (Heroes) and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (of the Misfits fame). The celebrities all appeared inside the pages of the comic as well. In May, Rolling Stone posted a six-minute animated teaser. The animation was produced by Robert's Wasted Talent Entertainment, in association with Squeeze Studio Animation and Rodney Barnes, the producer of The Boondocks. Check it out at http://www.killogyanimated.com   About Alan Robert Alan Robert is best known for being the primary-songwriter and bassist for the respected hard rock group Life of Agony for over two decades. LOA recorded several studio albums for Epic/Sony and Roadrunner Records, developing a cult following in the process. The band has shared the stage with the biggest names in rock, including Kiss, Metallica, Black Sabbath, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The group has headlined concerts as large as 500,000 people in attendance. In recent years, Robert has made a name for himself by creating several hit horror comic properties published by IDW Publishing. Titles include Killogy, Crawl to Me, Wire Hangers, and the upcoming death angel epic The Shunned One. For more information about Alan Robert, visit: http://www.alanrobert.com Follow Alan Robert on Twitter: @arobert For all press inquiries, please contact: Kahlil Schweitzer, Public Relations for IDW Publishing kahlil@idwpublishing.com About Skelton Crew Studio Founded in 2008 in the wilds of Maine, Skelton Crew Studio and its limited edition, high-end replicas and collectibles have been featured on G4's “Attack of the Show,” the Onion’s A.V. Club, MTV Geek, Comics Alliance, Bleeding Cool and many more outlets. The studio has built a reputation for fine quality, hand-craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail. Earlier this month it released Gwendolyn’s Pike-Axe and Devlin’s Shield from David Petersen’s acclaimed “Mouse Guard.” Up next: one badass plush cybernetic rooster from “CHEW.” Check Skelton Crew’s website, www.skeltoncrewstudio.com, for more pictures, news and “Killogy”-related updates in the coming months.  
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Along came a spider

The spider's name is Blanche. (Drops mike.) Because how can a spider named Blanche, about to use an Animal Key, NOT be our monthly photo contest winner? We'd be remiss though if we didn't also give honorary mention props to the glorious patriotic Chog shot below, too. Given the upcoming holiday, given our new "CHEW" release it would have been a victory if not for that wily spider. Keep the entries coming and show us how you #skeltoncrew for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate! The Crew     [caption id="attachment_482" align="aligncenter" width="300"] "Using the Animal Key the first time is simple, the second time however . . . " (via LibrarySpider)[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_485" align="aligncenter" width="300"] "This 4th of July we celebrate patriotism, freedom, & chogs" (via Iamjhil)[/caption]
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First look: Dr. Who and his Chog

The first reaction when John Layman showed us this pic: Holy *!@#$. Our reaction hasn't changed much since. In case you missed it, just wanted to post the amazing news here that "Dr. Who"'s David Tennant is doing the voice of Mason Savoy in the upcoming "CHEW" cartoon. Amazing. Epic. We can't fricken wait! The Crew  
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Must Reads: B.P.R.D. 1946-1949

Hey, Mignola fans! In case you didn't already rush out and buy it, don't forget that the "B.P.R.D. 1946-1949" hardcover graphic novel dropped this week. This series, as its title implies, takes place post-WWII and follows the story of Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, Hellboy's guardian and mentor. He and the bureau are investigating one of Hitler's many evil plots, Project Vampir Sturm, and the secret history of vampires. That's right, nazi vampires, young Hellboy and the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. Who could ask for more? Mignola's work, as usual, is absolutely stunning, vibrantly colored and grotesque as hell. He did this series with the help of some very talented writers and artists. John Arcudi (writer, Rumble, BPRD), Joshua Dysart (writer, Harbinger, Imperium), Paul Azaceta (artist, Outcast, Daredevil, Amazing Spider-Man), Gabriel Bá (artist, Umbrella Academy, Casanova), Fábio Moon (Casanova, Daytripper), Max Fiumara (artist, Abe Sapien, Amazing Spider-Man) and Dave Stewart (Eisner-winning colorist, Umbrella Academy, Hellboy, Abe Sapien). Check it out! Maybe you'll see one of the artifacts we've replicated in this book. Or, better yet, maybe you'll spot something we're working on! Give it a read and let us (and Mike!) know what you think! The Crew
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'A boy and his Chog'

The results are in from the first month of our new #SkeltonCrew photo contest. The verdict? Adorable, cool and badass. After a close vote amongst The Crew, a young man and his Chog named Chewie took the contest in May. (And, his dad tells us, he was educating fellow Sox fans in the stands at Fenway about what a Chog was. Love that!) We've included pics of the honorary mentions below because how could we not? In the meantime, keep 'em coming! Have you got pictures of you with a Chog in an interesting location, like the top of the Eiffel tower, or at the Coliseum? How about pictures of you incorporating our B.P.R.D. artifacts into a kick-ass cosplay? Or maybe you've got a picture or two of you using a Locke & Key replica to open the doors or gates to a historical location? We're looking for any pictures that tell a fun story about you and any one (or more!) of our products. All you have to do is share the photos on Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr and use the hashtag #SkeltonCrew when you post to be in the running for a $50 Skelton Crew Studio gift certificate! Chog on, young sir, Chog on. The Crew   [caption id="attachment_424" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A boy and his Chog. In the Fenway outfield, a tiny green monster in front of the actual Green Monster. ‪#‎SkeltonCrew (via Brad Searles)‬[/caption] [caption id="attachment_428" align="alignleft" width="197"] Hey #SkeltonCrew, here is more Chogs than you can shake a stick at... Though, I wouldn't, they are protected by Poyo! (via Charles Joy)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_425" align="alignright" width="300"] Archive shelf!!! ‪#‎skeltoncrew‬ (via Jeremy Delfin)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_427" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Locke & Key shadow crown tattoo with @SkeltonCrew's shadow key replica! #SkeltonCrew (via Thomas@I_poop_at_work)[/caption]
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Blowing some *#@!$ up.

We're going into one of the busiest seasons of the year at the studio getting ready for Boston Comic Con and getting a bunch of releases out the door. We hope to bring exclusives to BCC from "CHEW," "Locke & Key" and from our new Templesmith line, along with a few prototype pieces, like, maybe, a soon-to-be-released plush of everyone's favorite badass rooster ... We're in Day Seven of our Kickstarter campaign for the Tony Chu mini-bust from "CHEW" and we can't say thank you enough for all the backing. We're just super grateful. The campaign is so close to making the bust a reality, and yesterday we also announced a stretch goal: miniature vinyl Chogs. Like one of our regular vinyls, but now with less Chog! In only the best way. More details to come on the exclusives. For now, pics of our next "Locke & Key" release, coming very, very soon and limited to 500. The Splody Key was featured in the back of the "Guide to Known Keys." It's the first time we've released a key before it's been a major player in a storyline but Joe tells us he has plans for it in an upcoming one-shot. Pre-orders for the key will be signed by the amazing L&K artist himself, Gabriel Rodriguez. In case you missed it, we launched a new monthly photo contest. Use #SkeltonCrew on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr to show us how you're using our products or where you're taking them. For instance, for a heavy dose of adorable check out this "CHEW" fan at the ballpark. Every month, we'll pick one winner for a $50 Skelton Crew Studio gift certificate! Hope to see you all soon. The Crew    
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Can’t beet this: Tony Chu update

Just wanted to share the latest shot of our upcoming Tony Chu mini-bust from "CHEW" with Tony in his beet juice, beet label glory. More details about his release very soon. We've also confirmed plans to be at Jetpack Comics in New Hampshire on Free Comic Book Day on May 2 and at Boston Comic Con on July 31-Aug. 2. Love to see you there! The Crew [caption id="attachment_391" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Sculpt and paint master by Derek Hallett[/caption]
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First look: Bode mini-bust

We're really psyched to share the first in our line of upcoming "Locke & Key" mini-busts, Bode Locke. The prototype seen here is sculpted by the very talented Troy McDevitt, designed by myself and "Locke & Key" artist Gabriel Rodriguez. Bode will have a very limited run. We're shooting for an April pre-order release. Israel [caption id="attachment_385" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Bode Locke mini-bust from "Locke & Key," coming soon.[/caption]
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First look: "The Stuff of Legend" Colonel

Last year we announced a new partnership with Th3rd World Studios and its amazing book, "The Stuff of Legend." Now we're psyched to give an early first look to a rough prototype of the first release in that line: The Colonel. It's sculpted by the talented Derek Hallett, the same sculptor behind our upcoming Tony Chu mini-bust from "CHEW." The Colonel will stand just over 2 inches tall, at full attention, in hand-polished pewter. We're shooting for a May/June release. A resin Jester mini-bust for that line is underway, more on it soon. Hands up if you'd also dig a Max plush? We'd love the feedback. Israel [caption id="attachment_380" align="alignleft" width="141"] A rough prototype of the upcoming pewter figure from "The Stuff of Legend."[/caption] [caption id="attachment_381" align="aligncenter" width="140"] Sculpted by Derek Hallett[/caption]
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