Shrewsbury man publishes own comic books

Bob Heske of Shrewsbury is the author of the horror comic series "Cold Blooded Chillers." SUBMITTED Shrewsbury - Although Halloween inspires many people to indulge their interest in creepy, scary things, one Shrewsbury man spends much of his time throughout the year thinking and writing about the dark side of humanity, in the form of comics.

Robert Heske, screenwriter/graphic novelist and author of "Cold Blooded Chillers," described his work as a unique, dark horror series intended for mature audiences.

"You never know who your neighbors are or what dirty deeds are inside their heads," Heske said. "That's the premise of 'Cold Blooded Chillers,' where man is the bogeyman lurking in the closet and under the bed. Each issue includes three or four tales that reveal the dark, disturbing underbelly of humanity masked by the manicured lawns and picket-fenced McMansions of tranquil suburbia."

Heske, a financial services writer by day, has been writing features, short films and screenplays for 15 years. Many of these projects are what he transformed into the comic book series.

"I had two choices: I could produce a short film myself or spend a fraction of the cost to create one comic issue and tell many more of my stories," he said. "I also maintain creative control without the worry of a budget. The stories are self-published exactly as I want."

Heske uses lunch hours and pockets of time during nights and weekends to write.

"The comic books are a true labor of love," he said. "I have no dreams of getting rich off of comics."

Heske plans to promote his work through comic conventions, online interviews and grassroots marketing to generate an audience. He hopes that his comics will become short films, a cable TV series or webisode. "The Waiting Room," which is the lead story in issue one, was made into a short film starring Richard Schiff (Toby on "The West Wing"), Izabella Miko ("Coyote Ugly") and Earl Bown (Dan Dority on HBO's "Deadwood"). The film version was co-written by director Lisa Demaine.

The creation of his comic books gives Heske the opportunity to work with illustrators from across the world.

"These talented artists breathe new life into the story," he said. "Seeing my work come to life through their pens is a way for me to see how someone else interprets my work."

"Cold Blooded Chillers," which Heske describes as one of his "over-sized comics," with 36 to 40 pages as opposed to the customary 24 pages in most comic books, was self-published and is available on his website. He is currently working on a "Best Of," which is expected to be available this month and also is working with publisher Studio 407 on a four-part horror series, expected to be available in stores in February 2009.

Self-described as a loving husband and doting father to toddler daughters, Heske answered a question he said his wife has often asked him: why horror?

"When you write a short, you either have to leave the audience with a big laugh or a big gasp," he said. "My audience is the people who want to be shocked and scared. Once in a while, I throw in a laugh."

For more information, visit www.bobheske.com.