YOU ARE THE HERO - Part 2

Just imagine for a minute, if you will, that there was to be a supplement to YOU ARE THE HERO published next year, to mark the 35th anniversary of the publication of the first Fighting Fantasy gamebook, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.

If there was such a title, what would you like to see contained within its pages?

The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is on Kickstarter!

Exciting news, Fighting Fantasy fans... It's here at last!

That's right, Tin Man Games' Kickstarter to complete work on The Warlock of Firetop Mountain* is now live, and in under 24 hours has already raised almost half its funding target of $15,000AUD.

I'm sure you'll agree that that's an amazing achievement and if you are a fan of Fighting Fantasy, RPGs, or Tin Man Games' previous gamebook apps, then you will want to be a part of this! 

Rewards on offer include having your name appear in the credits, unique digital miniatures to use in the game (which also unlock additional content and story), and even having your name appear on the wall in Zagor's crypt!

So click this link and be a part of this project! And may your STAMINA never fail!

* I might have had my own small part to play in this project.

YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks - is here!

So yesterday, this happened...

If you're wondering, that's what half a tonne of books looks like. (I'm not kidding - it's actually slightly more than half a tonne!)

YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks - in print at last!

It's big.

In case you were wondering how big, here's YOU ARE THE HERO next to the 25th anniversary edition of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.

In other news, Tin Man Games' app version of Steve Jackson's Appointment with F.E.A.R. was released on the 32nd anniversary of the publication of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.

The official book launch of YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks is taking place at FIGHTING FANTASY FEST 2014, the world's first convention dedicated to Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks. You can find out more details, and buy your ticket, here.

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring Legend Photography

There are now just 6 days left in which you can buy tickets for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014...

One of a guest traders at the event will be Legend Photography, who specialise in fantastical photographic portraits. The company will be bringing various props with them on the day, so if you've always wondered what you'd look like as a contestant about to enter Deathtrap Dungeon, or an Analander heading into Kakhabad, wonder no longer. Just come along on the day and let your imagination run wild.

You may, of course, want to come in costume for the day. This is absolutely fine and, indeed, welcomed. There has been so much interest in dressing up as a Fighting Fantasy adventurer, or one of your favourite villains from the books, that we've introduced a brand new event to the schedule for the day.

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 is going to feature a costume competition, voted for by those attending, and with the prize of a framed, signed Blood of the Zombies poster on offer.

So what are you waiting for? Purchase your ticket for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 and start preparing your Zagor costume today!

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring Russ Nicholson

There are just 8 days left to buy your ticket for Fighting Fantasy Fest. One of the headline guests at the event is the man who first established the look of the Fighting Fantasy world, Russ Nicholson.

His interweaving pen and ink illustrations have adorned FF gamebooks since 1982 and Russ even has a brand new piece of artwork in YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks which is launching at Fighting Fantasy Fest (and where the softback edition will be on sale for the first time).

His work for FF includes the gamebooks The Citadel of Chaos, Masks of Mayhem, Magehunter and Deathmoor. He also illustrated Steve Jackson's novel The Trolltooth Wars, Ian Livingstone's Adventures of Goldhawk, and both the AFF books Blacksand! and Allansia.

So head over to the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Ealing, West London, on Sunday 7 September, and get your copy of YOU ARE THE HERO signed by Russ himself!

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring the Warlock of Firetop Mountain

There is now just 1 day left in which you can buy tickets for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014...

A number of people who are already attending have asked if they can come in costume. The answer is, of course you can, and there has been so much interest in dressing up as a Fighting Fantasy adventurer, or one of your favourite villains from the books, that we've introduced a brand new event to the schedule for the day.

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 is going to feature a costume competition, voted for by those attending, and with the prize of a framed, signed Blood of the Zombies poster on offer.

So what are you waiting for? Purchase your ticket for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 and start preparing your Zagor costume today!

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring Guests of Honour, Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone

There are now just 2 days left in which to buy your tickets for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014...

 Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014, and the launch of YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks, wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for two individuals who, since their humble beginnings at Altrincham Grammar School, have grown to become veritable gaming legends in their own lifetime - Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone!

Earlier this year, Steve and Ian were inducted into the UK Games Expo Hall of Fame, adding yet enough award to the prestigious collection the two of them have between them (including a Professorship and a CBE).

Steve and Ian are the Guests of Honour at this September's Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - the first dedicated FF convention in the world - where they will be speaking about the history of Fighting Fantasy, as well as running an auction, and another very special surprise event! And best of all, attendees at the con will be able to hang out with them at Port Blacksand's Black Lobster Tavern!

Also appearing on the day is Russ Nicholson, the artist who illustrated Steve and Ian's first ever gamebook - The Warlock of Firetop Mountain - as well as Steve's first solo outing, The Citadel of Chaos. So buy your ticket today (before it's too late) and come and meet the guys on Sunday 7 September. You might even be persuaded to buy them a pint. ;-)

There's never been an event like it, so book your place at Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 today! And tell all your friends!

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring Leo Hartas and a Warlock's hoard of goodies

There are now just 5 days left in which to buy your tickets for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014...

One of the artists joining us on the day is the man responsible for a host of beautiful maps - everything from painted charts of Gallantaria to black and white plans of Allansian towns - Leo Hartas!

There are several pages given over to Leo's exqusite cartography in YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks, which will be launching at the event. So why not come along and get Leo to sign your copy on the day?

Attendees who snap up a full price ticket now will also receive a goodie bag, stuff full of goodies, including the following:

• A Fighting Fantasy gamebook (with the first 100 to buy their tickets receiving the highly sought after 25th anniversary edition of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, signed by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone).
• A Pax Britannia novel by Yours Truly.
• A download code for a Tin Man Games app.
• A limited edition poster.
• The highly collectible 'Adventurer's Backpack' itself.
• A commemorative convention programme.
• And a 32mm miniature of Zagor the Warlock, especially sculpted for this event by Paul Muller and cast by Otherworld Miniatures.

In addition to all of the above, every attendee buying a full price ticket will be entered into a raffle to win the chance to have their name appear in a forthcoming Tin Man Games Fighting Fantasy app!

So what are you waiting for?

Iain McCaig, who illustrated Ian Livingstone's City of Thieves, has a number of pieces of work in YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks, including two especially commissioned for the book and his first FF-related illustration work in years!

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring the Fighting Fantasy Auction

There are now just 6 days left in which to buy your tickets for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014...

Amongst the events taking place on the day is an auction of rare items from the vaults of the Warlocks of Firetop Mountain, Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone - the first of its kind.

Included among the auction lots are the following:

• Two swords created to promote Ian Livingstone's Deathtrap Dungeon video game
• A rare copy of White Dwarf issue #1 in excellent condition
• Issues #1-9 of the Japanese version of Warlock magazine
• A rare promotional poster for The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, signed by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone
• A first edition of the original Dungeoneer Advanced Fighting Fantasy title, complete with letter of authentication
• A copy of the Nintendo DS The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, which was never released in Europe
• A limited edition copy of the Deathtrap Dungeon video game, complete with a copy of the gamebook and card game of the same name.

To be in with a chance of adding some truly unique and rare items to your Fighting Fantasy collection, you know what you need to do. Buy your ticket today!

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring Zagor the Warlock

There are now only 8 days left in which to buy your tickets for Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014.

One of the highlights of attending Fighting Fantasy Fest, for gamers, modellers, paints and collectors alike, is the fact that attendees will receive a brand new miniature of Zagor, the Warlock of Firetop Mountain himself, sculpted by Paul Muller and produced especially for the event by Otherworld Miniatures.

Paul began work as a miniature painter with Games Workshop in the mid-1990s, before trying his hand at sculpting. In recent years, he has produced work for several miniatures companies, including Wyrd Miniatures, Heresy, and Reaper. He sculpted Otherworld's first model, the 'Demon Idol' in 2006, and has produced many of the miniatures in Otherworld's Giants, Dungeon Monsters and Undead ranges since then.

Otherworld had this to say about their unusual commission: "Paul is pleasantly surprised to be working on a Fighting Fantasy miniature, so many years after spending birthday present book tokens and paper-round wages on the original FF books (with The Forest of Doom and Seas of Blood being particular favourites)."

Paul Muller hard at work turning Russ Nicholson's original illustration into a three dimensional miniature. 

Otherworld Miniatures will be at Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 on the day as well a number of other traders, so make sure you don't miss out and purchase your ticket today.

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 will also see the launch of YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks, which features original artwork from Duncan Smith, illustrator of Scorpion Swamp.

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Featuring Russ Nicholson

There are just 11 days left to buy your ticket for Fighting Fantasy Fest. One of our guests at the event is the man who first established the look of the Fighting Fantasy world, Russ Nicholson.

His interweaving pen and ink illustrations have adorned FF gamebooks since 1982 and Russ even has a brand new piece of artwork in YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks which is launching at Fighting Fantasy Fest (and where the softback edition will be on sale for the first time).

His work for FF includes the gamebooks The Citadel of Chaos, Masks of Mayhem, Magehunter and Deathmoor. He also illustrated Steve Jackson's novel The Trolltooth Wars, Ian Livingstone's Adventures of Goldhawk, and both the AFF books Blacksand! and Allansia.

So head over to the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Ealing, West London, on Sunday 7 September, and get your copy of YOU ARE THE HERO signed by Russ himself!

Of course, whilst Russ produced the internal black and white illustrations for The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, Peter Andrew Jones painted the cover, and he also painted the cover of FF #11 Talisman of Death.

Five reasons why you need to be at Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014

If you've not already purchased your ticket for FIGHTING FANTASY FEST 2014 - the world's first convention dedicated to Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks - here's why you should.

1) You will not only get to listen to the Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, the co-creators of Fighting Fantasy, give a talk about the history of their gaming and publishing phenomenon, you'll also be able to get your FF treasures signed by them, and even hang out in the Black Lobster Tavern with them!

2) The Adventurer's Backpack goodie bag that is included in the price of every ticket is chock full of awesome merchandise, with many of the items being exclusive to the event, such as the limited edition Zagor miniature and the collectible convention programme - not to mention the bag itself!

3) There are a host of special guests coming to FIGHTING FANTASY FEST, including legendary fantasy artists Chris Achilleos, Russ Nicholson, Malcolm Barter and Tony Hough. Tin Man Games and Inkle Studios will also be there to talk about their latest FF and Sorcery! app releases, and Tin Man are even generously giving away a download code to all attendees. And on top of that Arion Games will be running demo games of Advanced Fighting Fantasy!

4) One of the highlights of the day will be an auction of rare - and highly collectible - items of FF memorabilia from the Warlocks' own hoard, including a pair of swords made to promote the Deathtrap Dungeon video game and now hard-to-find classic Fighting Fantasy computer games.

5) Quite simply, Fighting Fantasy Fest is going to be a unique experience. There has never been an FF event like it before, and YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks is going to launch on the day. Just think, when FF is celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 2032, you'll be able to look back and say, "I was there!"

So click this convenient link and buy your ticket today. And don't delay! The first 100 ticket buyers will receive a copy of the extremely hard to get hold of 25th hardback edition of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.

And if you have bought your ticket, tell all your friends about FFF 2014, via email, your blog, Twitter (#FFF2014), Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Instagram, or whatever your social media networking tool of choice is.

And hopefully we'll see you on Sunday 7 September...

Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014 - Goodies galore!

Tickets for FIGHTING FANTASY FEST 2014 - the world's first ever convention dedicated to Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks - are on sale now. Guests of Honour Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone will be giving a talk about how FF first came to be, artists Chris Achilleos, Russ Nicholson, Malcolm Barter and Tony Hough are guests, and the event will also feature the official book launch of YOU ARE THE HERO - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks. But that's not all...

Every full price paying guest will also receive a complimentary Adventurer's Backpack. (We want everyone who attends FIGHTING FANTASY FEST to feel like a VIP.)

So what's in this Adventurer's Backpack? What, you mean apart from a collectible convention programme, Tin Man Games app download code, a poster and the bag itself (which is sure to become a collector's item in its own right)?

How about a limited edition metal miniature of Zagor, the Warlock of Firetop Mountain himself? How about a Pax Britannia novel by Yours Truly? And how about a Fighting Fantasy gamebook? Not only that, but if you're one of the first 100 people to buy a ticket for FIGHTING FANTASY FEST that gamebook will be none other than the much sought after, limited edition hardback of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, including a solution and map, and a host of other fascinating snippets of information.

And as if that wasn't enough to tempt you, everyone who buys a ticket for FIGHTING FANTASY FEST will be entered into a draw to win the chance to have their name appear in a forthcoming Fighting Fantasy app from Tin Man Games.

Aside from the Adventurer's Backpack, and the money-can't-buy prize on offer, we also have all of the following planned for Sunday 7 September 2014:

• Arion Games will be running sessions of the Advanced Fighting Fantasy RPG
• Tin Man Games and Inkle Studios will be talking about their app adaptations of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks and Steve Jackson's Sorcery! epic
• Trade stands
• Book signings
• Panels and talks
• An exhibition of rare Fighting Fantasy memorabilia
• A Fighting Fantasy auction

Among the items being auctioned at FIGHTING FANTASY FEST will be two swords, currently owned by Ian Livingstone, made to promote the Deathtrap Dungeon video game, and seen here in the hands of the Warlocks of Firetop Mountain.

If you think this sounds like something you would like to be involved in, don't delay - click this link and purchase your ticket today!

YOU ARE THE HERO at World FantasyCon 2013

I'm currently beside the seaside in Brighton for World FantasyCon, and I'm not the only FF alumnus who's down here either. One-time consultant editor on the series Marc Gascoigne was spotted in the bar last night, as was original commissioning editor Geraldine Cooke.

Geraldine met up with Mike Bryan, the man who first sold The Warlock of Firetop Mountain to bookshops.

Mike Bryan and Geraldine Cooke

Original editor of TWOFM Philippa Dickinson was at the 'Terry Pratchett in Conversation' panel.

Philippa Dickinson and Yours Truly

And the art show features work by two FF artists - Les Edwards and Terry Oakes!

The Brain Slayer (from Out of the Pit) and Terry Oakes

(Don't worry though, I'll get back to polishing the manuscript after the weekend.)

The Warlock of Firetop Mountain - live action trailer

If you've not seen this before, it should raise a smile...

Numberphile tackles The Warlock of Firetop Mountain

Work continues apace on YOU ARE THE HERO...

Just to whet your appetite... The Warlock of Firetop Mountain rises...

The Next Big Thing: YOU ARE THE HERO

I know I've been tagged by the Next Big Thing meme before, but it's happened again - and it really couldn't have come at a better time. So, here we go.

What is the working title of your next book?

YOU ARE THE HERO – A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

My love of Fighting Fantasy gamebooks. The fact that 2012 marks 30 years since the publication of the first one, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, and 20 years since my first commission, which was also for a Fighting Fantasy gamebook – Spellbreaker. And because I wrote a piece on the subject for SFX Magazine in the year, which I soon discovered barely scratched the surface of the story waiting to be told.

What genre does your book fall under?

Non-fiction, but non-fiction about the gamebook genre, specifically fantasy adventures.

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

I guess Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone would have to play themselves, as any such movie would need to be a documentary.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

A 'coffee table' book celebrating 30 years of Fighting Fantasy, the publishing phenomenon created by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, written by gamebook guru Jonathan Green.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Snowbooks is actually going to publish the book.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

I’ve not written it yet, but I’m anticipating it will take a couple of weeks. It will be the interviews and preparing the book for publication that will take up much the time.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

None. This book is unique. So back the Kickstarter today and make the fantasy a reality!

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Steve Jackson, Ian Livingstone and Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, of course.

What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
YOU ARE THEHERO will tell the story of Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, from the early days of Games Workshopright up to the present day, and beyond. I have already interviewed the creators of the Fighting Fantasyseries – Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone – who are both keen to have their story told. In fact, Steve Jackson once said to me, "You are the perfect person to write this book."

I have also interviewed many other people who’ve been involved with Fighting Fantasy over the years. These include authors and editors – such as Dave Morris, Robin Waterfield and Marc Gascoigne – the artists – people like Russ Nicholson, Martin McKenna, John Sibbick and Leo Hartas – and fans of the series, such as New York Times bestselling author Graham McNeill, founder of Tin Man Games Neil Rennison, and author, actor and comedian Charlie Higson.

I want YOU ARE THEHERO to be something special, a book worthy of commemorating such an extraordinary achievement and the impact Fighting Fantasy gamebooks have had on the world. As a result, the first print run of YOU ARE THE HERO will be a limited edition. The book will feature brand new, specially-commissioned cover art by Martin McKenna, as well as original artwork from the series, and a foreword written by Steve and Ian themselves.

Not only will YOU ARETHE HERO tell the amazing story of how Fighting Fantasy gamebooks changed the world, it will also cover everything from spin-off novels and puzzle books, to foreign editions, board games and video games. It will even delve into such areas as the gamebooks that never were, the myths and legends surrounding the series, and how Ian Livingstone’s newest gamebook – Blood of the Zombies– almost never happened.

Thanks to Kickstarter we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a book about the history of Fighting Fantasy. But now it’s up to YOU! The more YOU pledge, the more impressive this book will be –with more artwork, higher spec production values and more content. I would love this first limited edition to be a hardback, and with YOUR help it could be. But without your support YOUARE THE HERO can never happen.

If you have any interest whatsoever in the British games industry, adventure gamebooks or fantasy fiction, then this book is for you. Check out the rewards on the YOU ARE THEHERO Kickstarter page and pledge your support today!

Remember – only YOU can make this book happen, because, thanks to Kickstarter, YOU ARE THE HERO!

You can find out more (and pledge your support) by clicking this link.

Artist Profile: Russ Nicholson

Russ Nicholson - legendary FF artist, responsible for illustrating The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, Citadel of Chaos, Masks of Mayhem, Chasms of Malice, Stealer of Souls, Island of the Undead, Deathmoor, Magehunter, Blacksand!, Allansia, the Chadda Darkmane novels, and The Adventures of Goldhawk - has also lent his support to YOU ARE THE HERO.

Russ is going to produce an original illustration to be given away as a unique print to people pledging at the GHOUL reward level and above. I've also already interviewed him for the book.

Earlier this year, I also interviewed him for my blog www.JonathanGreenAuthor.com which I reproduce here, now, for your delight and your edification...

I cannot imagine a world in which adventure gamebooks were not illustrated by Russ Nicholson. Back in the 80s, when gamebooks were at their height, his intricate pen linework was the perfect match for the likes of Fighting Fantasy and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, not to mention a host of other gamebook series (including Robin of Sherwood and, later, Virtual Reality Adventures).

When I first picked up The Warlock of Firetop Mountain on that fateful day back in 1982, it was Russ's minutely-detailed illustrations that gripped me as much as the concept of a gamebook, and the adventure Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone had crafted.

1. Which is your favourite Fighting Fantasy gamebook?

Hard one. Probably The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.

2. How did you find the process of illustrating FF books? Was it an enjoyable experience? How did it compare to other illustration jobs?

I had trouble with the cover as the editors kept changing every time I submitted an idea, after three and the deadline for the black and whites coming up I gave up. The last editor used his favourite SF artist. Enjoyable? Yes. I still get a buzz from doing Fantasy-related work. Compare... My more formal Illustration work was strewn with disappointments.

3. What are you doing now?

Just finished a few pieces for a couple of American clients. Have a commission to 'complete' and waiting for another project to be fired up again.... My work for Calific and the world of ''Yezmyr''.
http://calific.com/yezmyr.html

4. How much did FF influence your career and what you are doing today?

No actual influence. My work just happened to 'marry' well with FF. If FF hadn't come along I would still be doing such work... I was already doing small press work for several clients prior to FF.

5. What is it that makes FF so special?

Unique and, according to teaching friends, helped a lot of lads who did not read… and according to those same friends it was my illustrations that was a key for many. I was pleased when I heard that. The reason why I did two titles then 'disappeared' for several years was Penguin's decision not mine. I was never offered book three, etc.

6. How do you explain the gamebook resurgence of the last couple of years?

You’re asking me? Ha-ha. I've always been on the periphery of gaming. Though I've an interest I'm not consulted. At a guess, nostalgia and the 'rise' of the Internet and video games.

7. There are notable exceptions (such as House of Hell and Appointment with F.E.A.R.) but in general why do you think the non-Titan adventures were less well-received than those set within FF’s own fantasy world?

Oh dangerous ground... I've never read any so my comments are not worth a lot, but to my mind the treatment was too similar... they should have been handled as a 'new' game series under the general umbrella of FF. I'd love to have been offered a SF variant but you get pigeon-holed in the world of Publishing as I suspect you've found.

8. What do you feel was the impact of video games on FF (both negative and positive)?

Totally new and more exciting visually when they came out and mirrored the death of comic reading in Great Britain, which also mirrored the boredom with the book. But Joe Dever's 'Lone Wolf' series is still alive and kicking on the continent as is a lot of Games Workshop product.

9. Where is there left for gamebooks/FF to go?

Ah! My crystal ball is clouding.

10. Do you think people will still be talking about FF in another 30 years?

Yes. It has a niche, has a following, and it will always inspire gamesmanship.

Thank you to Russ for agreeing to be interviewed. You can check out more of his artwork here.4