iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Classic. Dolly will be sorely missed by everyone with a soul.

Reposted by Justin Peniston

Ben Crane @bencranewrites.com · 12/08/2026

"Inelligible Receiver" ✏️ @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social 🎨 Axel Ortiz 💬 Jacob Bascle Part heist, part sports drama, part romance, all incredible. What would you give up for fame and comfort? What would make you give that up in turn?

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Arthur N. Ebuen @artebuen.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Ineligible Receiver: written by @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social (Massive Chaos, Hunter Black, POPSKL Podcast), art by @axel13.bsky.social (Massive Chaos). Click the link to back Systemic Vol. 2 on @kickstarter.com today! www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

It's important for me to note that I did not REQUEST the team colors in my story -- although I definitely APPROVE of them. www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...

kickstarter.com

SYSTEMIC VOL. 2: A 92-page SF/F anthology

The hit anthology returns with nine all-new stories where infinitely critical human lives and systemic forces grind together.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

That feeling when you spend so much time thinking about nothing but solving the problem of your story — and then finally break through. It’s something like what I imagine one feels when one gets hold of that life preserver. 1/2

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Ben Crane @bencranewrites.com · 28/07/2026

SYSTEMIC: Vol 2 is LIVE from me and @artebuen.bsky.social! 9 short comics about the massive forces that control our world and the lives spent beneath them. I am so proud of this book and all of our wildly talented teams! Check it out and get Early Bird discounts! www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...

kickstarter.com

SYSTEMIC VOL. 2: A 92-page SF/F anthology

The hit anthology returns with nine all-new stories where infinitely critical human lives and systemic forces grind together.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The Systemic Kickstarter is LIVE! @axel13.bsky.social and I have a story we're quite proud of gracing this project -- and there are a ton of other talented creators contributing to the book. (Don't take my word for it, click through and watch the video!) www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...

kickstarter.com

SYSTEMIC VOL. 2: A 92-page SF/F anthology

The hit anthology returns with nine all-new stories where infinitely critical human lives and systemic forces grind together.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

My dad would have been 78 years old today. I wish he had lived long enough to be old enough for me to worry about him and his health. Love. Express. Forgive. Because you don't want to regret.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

"Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead." -Ernest Hemingway, author and journalist, Nobel laureate (21 Jul 1899-1961) Courtesy of Anu Garg and A Word A Day.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

So. Much. D&D. I ran two sessions in the last 48 hours and spent days in prep before that. I have another game to run on Thursday. I mean, I'm getting paid to do one of the things I love most in the world, so I'm hardly complaining, but...this has been a lot of D&D.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I don’t know what’s with me tonight but I am radiating heat like the junior member of the Fantastic Four. I think I’m going to have to take a cold shower before bed.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Wanna get some big SF comic book goodness? Head over to Kickstarter and set up an alert, because SYSTEMIC is coming -- and @axel13.bsky.social and I are in it!

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

I just woke up thinking it was Monday and did my Monday work...and then panicked because I'd forgotten to do my Sunday night work, so I scrambled to get that done. Honestly, the only thing that snapped me out of it was NOT getting my Monday meeting reminders and looking at my calendar in confusion.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

I have always hated loglines. I will always hate writing loglines.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

I started this Substack to talk about writing and genre fiction -- to speak to whatever my audience is. But it turns out that I have things to say. 1/2

I'm using the popular "Donald Trump is a RA_IST" balloon meme as a cover for my Substack on my fears about the susceptibility of Americans to charm and to video.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

My partner, @axel13.bsky.social and I are represented in this upcoming anthology -- give @bencranewrites.com a follow so you can get all the updates about the kickstarter!

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

What does A Tribe Called Quest have to do with my writing career? Read it, it all makes sense. (Then go listen to Midnight Marauders...just in case you forgot what a great album that was.) open.substack.com/pub/hunterbl...

open.substack.com

Basement Floor #3 - Midnight Marauders' First Single

Comics, cartoons, SF/fantasy novels, and D&D...if it would have kept you from dating me in high school, you’ll find it here.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Hunter Black Book One: Betrayer's Blood is out -- it's free and easy to get on Global Comics -- and Book Two: Whetstone is on deck. Read the comic the way it was always meant to be read! #comics #webcomic #fantasy #noir

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Starting next week, we'll be re-presenting Hunter Black to you, one chapter each month, for absolutely nothing. These digital comic versions of the best hardboiled fantasy webcomic on the 'Net will be 100% free, available on Global Comix. globalcomix.com/c/hunter-black

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Reposted by Justin Peniston

POPSKL POD @popsklpod.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

In our recent podcast, we discuss the myriad of connections we see between Starfleet Academy and other Star Trek series. @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social leads the way! Did you pick up on any vibes to previous show? Full podcast episode here! tinyurl.com/Starfleet-Ac...

tinyurl.com

Spotify – Web Player

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Contact your representatives. Tell them to stop funding DHS. Tell them to stop funding EVERYTHING that isn't funded through the year. open.substack.com/pub/americas...

open.substack.com

A Simple, Very Hard Thing to Do

8 days of calls. It's not likely. But it's possible. Here's who to call.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

For just a few short weeks, the #webcomic known as #HunterBlack will be played by a #SUPERHERO #COMIC. We will get back to your favorite #hardboiled #fantasy goodness soon enough. www.HunterBlackComics.com

The silhouette of a cloaked figure, suspended in midair and surrounded by a nimbus of energy. This is a cut out from the hardboiled fantasy webcomic known as Hunter Black.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Sundays are when the #HunterBlack Big Spenders (Patrons donating a mere five bucks a month) are treated to the upcoming week's pages and our thoughts on them. www.patreon.com/HunterBlack 1/2

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

It's time to start talking about the #StrangerThings finale! There was lots of good...and a wee-bit that wasn't as good...but most of all, there was just the reminder that since the very first frames of this show, this has felt like a show FOR ME. 1/3

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

What's she so happy about? The world is going to sh--OH...this is a flashback. Hopefully this is a reminder of last year and not what this one has in store for us...or your favorite #hardboiled #fantasy #webcomic! www.HunterBlackComics.com

A masked thief frolics in a pile of treasure as a grim thug looks on -- a snapshot from today's page of the hardboiled fantasy webcomic, Hunter Black.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Jacob, Will, and me -- not to mention our friends and partners in Massive Chaos. Let's hope 2026 is nicer to us than 2025 was...but let's expect to have to continue to fight, because the bad guys haven't gone anywhere. See you next year!

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

When the voices in your head start speaking in unison, you might hear something new...and that's what's happening to #HunterBlack RIGHT NOW. We're not your favorite #hardboiled #fantasy #webcomic for nothing! Come back and catch up! www.HunterBlackComics.com

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

The New Year is almost upon us and we're sure that you're thinking about what to do differently in 2026. Well, may we suggest supporting more independent creators? Can we suggest availing yourself of the opportunity to help small businesses and creator-driven works of art? 1/2

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Reposted by Justin Peniston

POPSKL POD @popsklpod.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

The Pluribus season finale on new Pod ep! From peer pressure, grief, picture perfect moments, Manousos' point of view, and Carol's picture perfect reality, there's SO MUCH TO DISCUSS! Full episode here tinyurl.com/POP-UP-48-Pl... #pluribus @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social @phillipcreates.bsky.social

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

It's kind of inevitable that I'm going to compare the two best SF shows of the year, isn't it? The truth is that #Andor and #Plur1bus are different in very fundamental ways having to do with craft and style -- before we even get to considerations of story. 1/3

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

Every once in a blue moon, we'll have a flashback where Will can't reuse old artwork -- and tonight the moon is blue. In today's page, Hunter gets to see what he missed before because he was busy running for his life -- and maybe that was just as well, because he didn't miss anything good! 1/2

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Wanna watch me #podcast by the seat of my pants? When the POPSKL crew starts discussing Will Byers and his feelings for Mike Wheeler, people start getting in their feelings and losing the ability to speak...and so I ramble on to the rescue! 1/3

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Flashing back to one of the more intense moments in the comic. #HunterBlack Volume 6 is building up to its titanic conclusion, so of course we call upon the classics to help get us there! It's never a bad time to catch up with your favorite hardboiled fantasy #webcomic! www.HunterBlackComics.com

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

I'll say this...after 8 episodes of #Plur1bus, I don't think that anything is an accident or a throwaway decision. I think that everything is intentional -- even the small things. Trust but verify, as we said during the Cold War.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

If I'm being honest, Will puts a ton more work into each page of Hunter Black than I do...so every once in a while I like to throw him an easy page if I can. I was able to do that this week, but only on one page. The other page forced him to reimagine one of the comic's craziest moments. 1/3

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

In the world of Hunter Black, if you drowned and came back as a zombie, this is probably what you look like. They're not really that similar, but they make me think of Alice the Goon from Popeye anyway. 1/3

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

A new episode of #Plur1bus drops tonight on AppleTV...and @phillipcreates.bsky.social and I will recording our reactions and analysis on Saturday. Expect a new @popsklpod.bsky.social Pop-Up Sunday or Monday (depending on Phil's editing schedule), wherever you get your podcasts!

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

The first wave of Marvel For Dummies books is now available for purchase -- and to celebrate, MY book (pictured here) is now ten bucks off on Amazon.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

You know why you should listen to @POPSKLPOD? We try to talk only about things we actually like. We're not interested in tearing anybody or anything down.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Don't ever think that just because our undead necromancer's magic manifests as cute little cartoon skulls -- that he isn't capable of HORRORS. He's still the worst. (Is he? He's not our only villain...) It's the villains' turn to shine in your favorite #hardboiled #fantasy #webcomic... #HunterBlack!

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

"The Power" by SNAP! is not a good song. But it is an AWESOME one. music.apple.com/us/album/the...

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

...does #Vecna know that his name is Vecna? If someone calls him that to his face, will he respond or be confused? #StrangerThings

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

You knew it was coming, the part where the villain's master plan is revealed. (Of course...we have more than one villain.) Five bucks a week gets you access to what Will and I are thinking as we create pages and craft stories. (A bargain at twice the price!) www.patreon.com/HunterBlack

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

You know, the point that @phillipcreates.bsky.social makes here about Pluribus' Carol Sturka is one that I TOTALLY relate to. Literally no one in my family is into the kinds of things that I write -- and while my stuff isn't written FOR them, it still hurts a little.

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

You know, the villain having a bad day doesn't necessarily mean the hero's having a good one. This is a great time to catch up on your favorite hardboiled fantasy webcomic! Link's in the bio! www.HunterBlackComics.com

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

This past year saw me getting a chance to do something that ended up being one of the most fun experiences of my writing career so far -- I was invited to write Fantastic Four For Dummies (thanks to kind recommendations by @troybrownfield.bsky.social and @geneselassie.bsky.social).

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

So... #HunterBlack sees his enemy's plan (or thinks he does)...wouldn't you like to? Time to get back to your favorite hardboiled fantasy webcomic! www.HunterBlackComics.com

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Justin Peniston @hunterblackcomx.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

If you were elected to public office (never mind whether you'd ever actually run), what book would you swear in on?

The cover to a collection of essays by philosopher Bertrand Russell titled, "Why I Am Not A Christian"

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