As with the end of our first arc, Skullkickers #11 (in stores starting today) includes a short letter from Jim Zub. Here\’s the text for all of you to check out:

Well, here we are, the second Skullkickers story arc is done. It’s been just under a year since Skullkickers #1 arrived in comic book stores and we’ve released eleven fun-filled issues. It’s been an incredible time crammed with creative fulfillment and excitement for everyone on the team.

Our third story arc will arrive next year starting with issue #13 and I’m hopeful it will provide the momentum to push Skullkickers to a whole new level. The ridiculous action and fantasy hi-jinks our readers love won’t be going anywhere, but building from the material we’ve created in this second storyline we’ll be revealing a much bigger story than just about anyone might expect. Weaved inbetween the bombastic violence and banter has been a series of subtle pieces moving into place bit by bit. With that third story arc you’ll start to see what they are and why.

Working on this series has been instrumental in pushing me to become a better storyteller. It’s also given me the confidence to pursue other ideas I’ve always wanted develop. In 2012 I’m looking at announcing a few other comic projects. They’re different from the material being explored here in SK, but none of them would have moved forward at all without Skullkickers paving the way. Working with such a fantastic creative team has bolstered my love of comics and energized me to try all kinds of new things. The fears I have about whether or not I can create something enjoyable and worthwhile still creeps up from time to time, but all I have to do is hold our latest issue in my hands and the evidence of it reminds me that I’m on the right path.

Thank you to Edwin, Misty, Marshall, Mike, Kevin, Saejin, Tom, and Espen. You’re some of the most professional and responsible people I’ve ever met. Thank you to the gang at Image Comics who have supported us all year long. Thank you also to the retailers who have promoted our book and continue to do so.

As always, I have to give my deepest gratitude to our readers, old and new, for their support. Creator-owned books need your encouragement and financial commitment in order to weather the turbulent economic times this weird and wonderful business finds itself in. If you love comics, Skullkickers or any others, please vote with your wallet and make sure you show your friends the titles you enjoy.

Okay, I better wrap it up before this little letter turns into a drunken weeping “I love you, man” kind of thing.

Sincerely,
ZUB

Skullkickers will be making the jump to same day/date digital release on both comiXology and graphic.ly very soon as Image Comics expands its digital comic offerings.

Look for issue #11 this Wednesday digitally or head to your local comic shop and pick up the printed amazement as we wrap up our bombastic 2nd story arc.