Lisa Diane Kastner’s protagonist finds a new family in the sequel to “Cure”’

Let’s face it, family can be a challenge. But when that family is a group of supernatural shapeshifters? Well, that’s a horse—or a wolf—of a different color.

In our newest Citywide Bytes interview, I talk with author Lisa Diane Kastner for her recently-released book, “Family Pack,” the sequel to her 2022 release, “Cure.” The book continues the story of Luna Auber, whom after her brother dies suddenly learns that she is both a shapeshifting lycanthrope and the descendent of a legendary female Viking warrior.

In “Family Pack,” Luna’s epic journey continues amidst a conflict between The Lycanthrope Society, which believe that humans and lycanthropes should exist in harmony, and The Righteous Group, which believe that lycanthropes are intended to rule over all other species.

Lisa talks about the series got its start on a dare from fellow author and New York Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry, and full disclosure, I nerd out quite a bit here. When one of the greats of the writing world dares you to do something, you just gotta!

We also go into how Luna’s progressed on her journey in this new life and the conflict that she’s about to be a part of. Lisa talks about Luna’s powers and how she adapts to this new world as well as how the character and author parallel one another.

And if anyone out there wants to make my dream of Citywide Blackout cookies happen, I’m here for it!

Citywide Bytes-Mark Maia takes into his new dark comedy comic series

Our next guest in the Citywide Bytes series is set to release an 8-issue dark comedy series, “So-Called Living” set in a world much like our own…Well, except for all the vampires, werewolves and zombies, that is.

Mark Maia’s story focuses on a guy named Jack, whose life is turned upside down when he finds himself unwillingly transformed into a vampire. With the help of his friends, he tries his best to adapt to this new way of "living." Unfortunately for Jack, he's gotten himself mixed up with the wrong kind of "people," and "living" is about to get difficult.

Mark talks about what inspired the series and introduces us to Jack and how he manages life when he’s technically no longer among the living. He talks about the great art team he worked with and the choice to utilize AI in one of his covers.

There’s a Kickstarter going on until April 25, and Mark talks about meeting (and exceeding) his goal and how it feels to know the project is fully funded. He also provides a few glimpses into what else we can expect in this series.

Jade Lowder takes us to a real horror show with debut comic

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with comic creator Jade Lowder for his soon-to-be-released “It’s a Horror Show: The Date,” his first book (hopefully of many) with Lesser Known Comics. Have a read at what's in store:

“It’s a Horror Show: The Date,” is the tale of a Werewolf Punk Rocker roaming the empty desert highways of the American southwest in a vintage hot rod searching for the next gig, mayhem and a healthy dose of carnage. But what happens when this lycanthropic motor-head encounters a group of local reprobates harassing a seemingly defenseless damsel in distress and furthermore what happens when this apparent damsel is not as she first appears and is keeping some secrets of her own?

As you can see from the cover, Jade has some amazing artistic skills, and we talk about how he developed them following his classes at the Kubert School. Jade has a Kickstarter for the title which has already surpassed the goal and shares that experience.

Jade and I dive into his work with Lesser Known Comics and the chance posting that led to this partnership. We look at the changing landscape of the comics industry and how he got his start, both as a creator and a fan.