So, yeah. Been a minute. I took the summer off from the newsletter while I dealt with work, personal, and writing stuff, as well as a bit of travel. Hope that you all had a great one — got in some rest and relaxation, or were as productive as you wanted to (or needed to be). 

But now the summer is over and it’s back to it, right? Let’s go. This is gonna be a quick one, but it’s got some fun, interesting news for you…specifically related to my upcoming original horror book, which is…

…OUT IN ONE MONTH FROM NOW!

First and foremost…we are a month away from the release of my original horror novella, Return To The Motherfreaking Fun Factory from Blackstone Publishing. I’ve got hardcover copies here at the house, and they are gorgeous. The book is available on October 6th, and I am very excited for you all to finally read it. 

…and another thing I am excited about? Well, Deadline has the stunning news:

That’s right, friends. North of Moorpark and Russell Hollander are working with me and Blackstone to develop a feature film based on Fun Factory. I’ve had graphic novels shopped and optioned in the past, and as many comics creators and writers know these things tend to be nothing until they’re something, but Russell has a fantastic track record and definitely gets the book and what it’s all about. I’m pretty thrilled to be working with him, and am hoping to have more news as the year progresses, but of course it’s a long road. For now, if you haven’t had a chance, please preorder the book and give it a read so that you’ll be ready when and if it arrives on the silver screen.

Before that though, we’re getting a fantastic audiobook. I got to hear samples for the audiobook and I honestly got chills listening to them. Creepy as hell. But, damn is it fun to hear three different people shout the word "fuccccckkkk" as written by you for one of your original characters. We’re included by Audible in their list of this Fall’s most anticipated horror audiobooks. If you’re a big fan of audiobooks, and want to listen to something creepy as hell while driving to or from work, check out the list in the previous link and then preorder ours!

Also, here are what some great novelists have been saying about Fun Factory:

“Graphic novelist Neil Kleid makes the jump back into prose with both fists and a stick of dynamite in his back pocket. Return to the Motherfreaking Fun Factory is literary punk rock of the first order. Fast, loud, hilarious, bloody, and scary as hell. Beneath the delicious jump scares and hard left turns simmers a serious tale that touches on trauma, guilt, atonement, and the agonizing process of facing our own personal demons. Whatever you do, find this nasty puppy and read it!”

Jay Bonansinga, New York Times bestselling author of The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor and Stan Lee’s The Devil’s Quintet

“A demented and highly original journey into a world of pure evisceration—and imagination. Kleid expertly weaves inventively horrific scares into an examination of how our childhoods inform the people we become, and how they contrast with the people we want to be. The result is a freakishly strange and moving novella that’s unlike anything else you’ll read this year.”

Brian Asman, author of Man, F*ck This House and #VanDeath

“A twisted, haunting tale of horror about lost youth and the dark side of your imagination. Kleid’s best work—evoking classics like It and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through his own, unique voice.”

Alex Segura, bestselling author of Secret Identity and Daredevil: Enemy of My Enemy

ONE MONTH UNTIL NEW YORK COMIC CON!

It’s that time of year again, and I got waitlisted for an artist alley table for the third year in a row, so I won’t have a table of my own…but I’m hoping to be set up with Blackstone at this year’s edition of the New York Comic Con, taking place from October 8th-13th at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. The book comes out earlier in the week, and we should have copies available to be sold and signed throughout the show. Once I have some times locked down (soon, I hope) I’ll post a schedule on social media. For now, though, I can say that I’ll be on a panel Sunday the 11th from 12:15-1pm in North Room 406.1, discussing Jewish identity in comics with a fantastic group of panelists, organized by Roy Schwartz.

If you’re at the show and want to say hello or get something signed, drop by the panel or keep an eye out for Fun Factory signing times on my social media channels at Instagram and Bluesky. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

MOVING AND SHAKING!

Apart from that, I’ve mostly been hunkered down and writing, trying to make some things happen for the next year or two…while also traveling a little.

One big piece of news is that we’ll soon be getting a new print of The Big Kahn, my 2009 graphic novel with Nicolas Cinquegrani. Many of you may have missed out on this one — it’s pretty dear and personal to me, a story I wrote when going through a crisis of faith after moving to New York from Michigan, and I have it on good authority from judges back then that it narrowly missed being nominated for a Eisner Award from the short list of candidates (By the way, as an aside, if for some reason I ever DO get nominated for an Eisner award I am one hundred percent buying a kickass sports jacket & fancy button down shirt. No tie. I haven’t worn a tie in five years, since my son’s bar mitzvah. But ima go all fancy Kleid for Will Eisner, yes.) Anyway, I really love this story and I hope the new print will find a new round of readers who never got a chance to catch it the first time around. More on that when I have release details from the publisher.

Meanwhile, I’m (hopefully) waiting on some green lights for Projects ‘Situation’ (we went to full outline for this! I signed a contract! It’s with the licensor for approval to print! It’s out some time in the Spring!) and ‘Hot Mess’ (outline and writing sample for this one! It’s with the licensor for approval!) that are taking awhile because, well, it’s the summer and that usually delays these sorts of things…and also word on one other thing set to kick off in a month or so. Still no word on printed collections for Medieval or Nice Jewish Boys. We’re trying, friends — tell your publisher pals that you want them for your shelves. Let Comixology Originals know, too. But if If anyone is wondering why it’s taking us a bit of time trying to bring a print edition of Nice Jewish Boys to life…this may be one of the reasons why…!

So while all that happens, I’m doing my best to wrap up Project ‘Red’ (the first volume of a spec novel series) and also try to set up Project ‘Coney Dog’, which I’m hoping will be the next horror novel. Fingers crossed, y’all. Let’s end 2026 with a bang.

Meanwhile, here are some fun places I’ve been and things I have done over the summer. “Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” We miss you, Dolly.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

No time this month for a deep, reflective topic, unfortunately. I promise to talk about writing or do a deep dive on a comic book or comics series in the October installment. In the meantime, here’s what’s been going on:

• RIP Peter Cullen goddamnit we talk about heroes and icons and I think Optimus Prime stands up there as a well known visible role model for humans of all ages and Cullen’s vocal performance is really at the heart of that. RIP yet another genius. Roll out.

• Look at this awesome gift I got from the family: my very own spinner rack! I’ve been wanting one of these in the house for so long. The books in the rack are by me and my various publishers and co-authors. Hopefully, I’ll do enough work that I’ll need to keep rotating selections every year…

• Saw some amazing movies over the summer, and watching some fun television:

  • Goddamn the first 20 minutes of The Long Walk are harrowing as fuck. This is one of my favorite Stephen King stories (as penned under his Bachman name), but seeing it brought to life? Chills. A tough watch, but a good one. And now David Jonsson is the new Black Panther? Perfect. I thought David was brilliant as Pete McVries in The Long Walk. A great performance —equal parts pathos, compassion, fear, and humor. I can’t wait to see what he does as the new king of Wakanda.

  • I did not see The Odyssey dressed in my kickass Charybdis cosplay, but holy hell it may have been one of the best —and best written — movies I've seen in a long, long time. Seriously you guys, how the hell am i gonna write anything ever again after seeing that?

  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day was the second best movie I saw Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal in this summer. No spoilers, but also no real surprises if you’re a comics fan in the know. Great emotional stuff, Sadie Sink was wonderful, and Bernthal was fun for a character I genuinely do not like. I still think I like No Way Home better. Still, though. Lots of fun.

    

  • So yes, I’m a Ted Lasso fan and I figured it out. Here’s what’s missing in the fourth season:

    • A proper antagonist. There’s no one to rally against other than “people don’t like women’s’ football”. We need a Rupert, a Rebecca, a Nathan — the show needs a villain.

    • Proper development for the new characters. I got more from Tracy Ullman’s Zelda character in a single episode than I got for any of the new football players or even for Coach Chilton. Hey, Lasso team — spend time expanding on the new players in a real focused, deep-dive manner like you did with folks like Jamie, Sam, Isaac, and Colin.

    • Clever, zany, rat-a-tat dialogue, references and witty “Lasso-isms.” Ted and Beard feel like they’re bumbling through being male coaches in a world of women footballers…and they’re not charming or funny or even inspiring. We got a little of that in some of the episides, but it’s sorely missing overall.

    • Where the hell is Michelle, Ted’s wife? She moves to London for her ex, and we get a little Henry in episode 3…but his family feels a little sidelined. We spent a lot of Season 3 on them & this move is huge for them, too…so maybe spend more time with them than giving us what felt like desperate cameos in E4. Man! Okay, all done.

  • I love films that are unapologetically Jewish so for that I was interested in seeing Floaters, a Jewish summer camp movie…and while it was charming, one month later I still cannot tell if it’s a good or bad movie. Some of it is very good. Some? Not. If you went to a Jewish summer camp, you’ll like it I suppose.

    

  • Lanterns, okay? I mean, this show is the real goods. I’m watching it with my son, and we are loving it so far. I'm digging the vibe. Just enough deep cuts for the DC fans. Chandler and Pierre really making it fun. Great supporting cast, too. Looking forward to every installment... but come on—gimme more weird lookin' aliens! I’ve been a Green Lantern fan since forever, and I’m also a big fan of buddy cop movies and Friday Night Lights, so this entire show is literally aimed at me. Loving it. The ways they mess with how the oath is delivered? “Have you ever heard of Manhunters?” Dudes I got chills. I actually passed Aaron Pierre (John Stewart) in the lobby of my office building on my way in — he was on the way out from doing an interview on the Today Show or something. We locked eyes, and then pushed past each other. Totally missed my chance to shout out “no man escapes the Manhunters!” 

    

  • Oh, also: does Lanterns hate Hal Jordan? I mean, he has always been brash, confident and cocky in the comics — and there was that whole villain period — but I don’t believe he was ever an outright asshole, was he? Maybe a few times, like the panels above. Chandler’s portrayal quickly turning him into, well, what I’d expect from an older, slightly more charming Guy Gardner? That all said, I am really torn on John’s parents, as well. Does abusing your child justify giving that child - and perhaps the world - a better future? As a parent, I say no. Anyway, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Laura Linney were great. More, please.

  • Lightning round INSIDE a lightning round! HereWeGo:

    • The new Avengers: Doomsday trailer is fun. Though I have a sinking feeling that the X-Men are barely in it, and that the opening bit has Doom destroying their universe before moving on to the MCUniverse we know, eliminating many of the “old” X-Men actors (Cyclops, Prof X, Magneto) to make room for the “new” versions…

    

    • That Zeb Orellios - Ezra Bridger hug in the Star Wars: Ahsoka season 2 trailer is fun.

    • That Visionquest trailer? Fun fun fun. I’ll watch it all, thanks

    • Adam Driver as Mr Sinister in the X-Men movie? That works !

• Had a blast chatting with Matt Anderson on the Does this Come in Chromium podcast about Ragman and all things Ragman and how I would like to write Ragman and what I loved about the 1991 Ragman miniseries! Check it out, DC Comics fans.
  
  I love Ragman, by the way. I would love to write him for DC Comics. I love the original Kanigher-Kubert series, and this 1991 version of Rory Regan from Giffen-Fleming-Broderick. I love the Suits of Souls one shot written by Christos Gage and the Brave and the Bold Chanukah issue from Sholly Fisch. I even love him in Shadowpact and all his other crazy DC appearances. What’s crazy is that DC has no interest in a Ragman series, because that character notoriously doesn’t equal sales… but if you do a digital DC Go version or a really supernatural / horror version, or even position the character as something new,  in a YA graphic novel? There’s definitely something there.
  
  You laugh about the YA thing, but I know exactly how I’d do a YA Ragman book and came sorta close to pitching one a few years back. It definitely works, and could be tragic and heartfelt and intimate and fun, and also play around with concepts of Judaic magic, history and the supernatural. I also know how I’d do a DC Go Ragman, and lean toward younger readers and focus on mythology and suburbia and grappling with the uncool parts of a stuffy religion that’s been around since Day One. This character is ready for a refresh. I’m the guy to write it. Jews and non-Jews alike are ready to read it.

• Have we discussed the big “Marvel Comics leaves NYC” news, along with the switch in EICs from CB Cebulski to Steve Wacker? Holy heck, this is indeed news we should discuss. First, I like Steve Wacker a lot — he has always been pretty stand up, as far as I know. This is a good move, in my opinion, and some of the books and characters he ushered in as a former editor give testament to the kind of editor in chief he’s going to be, so yay. As far as the move goes, this moving Marvel to L.A. thing, like it was with DC Comics when they did it a decade or so ago, I think it’s a terrible thing to ask staffers who have roots + family here. I feel for the folks and my friends / colleagues who have had to make tough decisions. My heart goes out to everyone affected here, and hope they all land on their feet.
  
  I first stepped into Marvel Comics offices at 387 Park Avenue South as a teen from Detroit with a fistful of pin-ups, escorted by my dad and without an appointment. The waiting room was super sparse — a pin up of Spidey, a Cloak & Dagger poster — not much else. Pat Garrahy was kind enough to came out of the bullpen to look at my art, say nice things, hand me a script to work from, and offer me tips and point me towards ways to improve and hone my artwork.
  
  And then I became a writer. Thanks, Pat. But the experience standing in that waiting room (as my bored parents waited with me) was so galvanizing that I knew I'd go home, perfect my craft, and come back years later to be a Marvel artist.
  
  When I finally did move to NYC, I cold emailed newly installed EIC Joe Quesada + Axel Alonso, asking them to come be on a panel I was organizing with DC's Mike Carlin. They both came, and I got to know them a little. Axel invited me up to their new Midtown offices to pitch one day. Of course, I went, got the tour, met several editors, and sat with Axel for a bit talking comics and pitching ideas, just enjoying being there in that central hub, in the place Marvel comics were conceived and brought to life, walking around and seeing it all — feeling like I had made it, even if nothing got greenlit (something did, of course—but not that time.) Since then, I've been to a few Marvel offices for many different reasons—to pitch, to interview for jobs, to partner on digital trading cards—and each time always felt like the first, the excitement to be in the center. To me, since DC Comics left about a decade ago (more?), the Marvel offices (and, well, Brooklyn I suppose) have always felt to me like "NYC comics." Being in the offices, passing the art on the walls and statues in the conference rooms, seeing covers hanging in offices...it felt great. It felt like Marvel always be there. And now, next year I guess, Marvel will be moving West.
  
  With both Marvel and DC out in L.A...for the industry, here in NY...the comics world is going to feel smaller to me. More distributed out to the boroughs and to New Jersey, and not really centralized with that Baxter Building sized pin stuck in the heart of Midtown, literally a block away from where I work. I'm going to miss it.
  
  I will say that under the new, upcoming Wacker editorial purview that there are a lot of Jewish characters Marvel could be using to tell Jewish stories by Jewish creators. There is no reason there can’t be an annual Jewish VOICES book. I hope he (or someone at Marvel) sees this and gives some of us a call.

• Speaking of Marvel Comics… wow. The Marvel / Star Wars crossover is going to be a huge sales driver for local comics shops. Sure, it’s a wild idea, but yay for providing a much needed post-holiday injection for the retail community. Also, Patton Oswalt must be thrilled and I bet we get a Venomized Jawa. I will say this: putting Owen and Beru Lars on the same cover as the Human Torch is a cruel, cruel joke, Marvel and Lucasfilm. Also, I mean if we’re really gonna do a Star Wars / Marvel mashup someone lemme do Skeleton Crew / The Starjammers.

• That also being said: there are a lot more dudes mad that Han Solo is gonna be flying a Quinjet soon than there are about Image announcing new Warren Ellis comics. In case you don’t know the skinny on Ellis, whose work I used to enjoy and whose forum I used to frequent, please read this.

• Hey, if you’re looking for an example of antisemitism in publishing — especially comics publishing — well, this is it. I would hope for better from all of those involved.

• Nice little write-up for some notable Colossus comics due to his recent appearance in X-Men ‘97, and the list includes X-Men Unlimited #14, featuring stories by Cebulski + David Aja, me and Mike Oeming. To me, my Rasputin readers!

• Some days I look at older abandoned projects and wish folks could see some of the cool art and designs we made for them. Here's the cover to a pitch from one of two projects I dreamed up with notable character actor Dan Fogler (with whom I’ve also pitched a Prohibition-era TV series about Detroit mobsters, The Purple Gang.) I'd still love to write this book one day, but enjoy the piece for now.

• This summer I was lucky enough to go to Las Vegas for the first time in my life, and see AC/DC live in concert at age 51, for the first (and maybe last) time in my life. Damn I wish I’d seen them when I - and they - were both younger. This wasn’t like seeing Bon Jovi or Springsteen or Guns ’N Roses, who are often both nostalgia trips about singing lyrics I grew up with…this was about attaching my heart to a throbbing, burning engine of bass and percussions for ninety minutes of thunder, skill, and power. Holy hell, how are these guys still wrecking it in their seventies?!

• Me to kids: so I think I may have to start making TikToks to promote my books. Kids to me: do not under any circumstances do this thing

• Finally, this summer saw me five years in remission from lymphoma. Out of the danger zone, they tell me, thanks be to G-d, bli ayin hara. Let’s keep it that way. That said, as always and forever, fuck cancer.

That’s it from me. I need to get back to finishing this novel that doesn’t seem to want to finish. Back again in spooky season after we launch the book, cool? 

See you after Green Day wakes up.

—Neil