Gates The Comic by Hal Hefner, Presented by Heavy Metal

12/1/11

I DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE – A SHORT SCI-FI TALE BY HAL HEFNER

Today the  Sci-Fi Freedom E-zine has launched its newest issue. In this issue, #6 to be exact, is featured the work of science fiction artist and writer, Hal Hefner. Hefner, is most known for his comic book Gates, which is currently being presented online in a free capacity by the cult classic magazine, Heavy Metal Magazine.

Hefner’s story is called I DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE.

SYNOPSIS FOR I DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE
- BY HAL HEFNER:

I Demand A Better Future is a futuristic science fiction story that centers on an advertising mogul named Thad Leary, who finds himself wrapped up in a world of lies, deceit and murder as he tries to unravel a plot to destroy his client, an organic technology company. What he finds is a well funded and politically backed religious cult known as the ConGenement, that will stop at nothing to achieve their ultimate goal–world domination. Thad must follow a trail of mystery to the far corners of the Earth to thwart their plans if he is to survive and protect the woman he loves.

I DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE – DISCUSSION:

BY HAL HEFNER: 

I  Demand A Better Future is the beginning of something, very big. To me it is the epitome of what I have been dropping hints of throughout the Gates comic book over the last year. In the universe I have created for Gates, there are many, many levels which will be unfolding over the next year. Consider this as a preview of what is to come next for the Gates universe.

IDABF, is the back story to Gates, plain and simple. It is a tale that foreshadows the rise of Soloman and discusses the roots and foundation of principles of the ConGenement. It breaks down a lot of back history that relates to the comic book and introduces the world to a bigger concept–the Gates family.

The Gates family are the first, royal family of organic technology and you will see here, how they affect the world currently being discussed in my comic book, including the title character himself, Gates.

For everyone that loves the Easter Eggs in Blu Rays and other hidden gems discussing details of their favorite franchise, consider this the beginning of that for Gates.

And there is much, much more to come!

This short story is inspired by many things from the avant-garde band, Throbbing Gristle, to the advertising Agency (MAL) Media Arts Lab, as well as my childhood friends and even my won children. It has the essence of my history and my soul spread through it.

SCI-FI FREEDOM E-ZINE:

In the past, I have discussed my love for this e-zine as it is a throwback to the great Sci-Fi mags I grew up on as a kid, like Analog. This issue has allowed me to embrace my inner Phillip K. Dick and expand the universe of Gates to the levels it deserves.

After I first submitted the first draft of the story to the editor, he loved it so much he made it the featured story. I also submitted some illustrations to accompany it and Gates artwork also adorns the cover. Needless to say this issue is something I am very proud of and is infused with lots of Hal Hefner and Gates, which I am humbly grateful for.

It’s an honor to be the lead story and the cover art for this issue who also features the illustrations of Wayne Hang whose artwork has been featured in such movies as the Lord of The Rings and the Fifth Element.

12/1/2011, is here, so please check out the ezine Sci-Fi Freedom and you will be able to get some very deeply disturbing insight into the history of the Gates universe. I promise that this will explain tons of questions you may have had reading this comic. If you like the rawness of Kerouac, the mind crunching of Phillip K. Dick and the cyberpunk feel of the 80′s, then you are going to like this story.

And it has a  fun twist at the end.