News
No Way Helm
All the latest buzz about the Helm!

A New Fantasy Novel from Jim

Hey folks! Thanks to the tireless efforts of Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group, Jim Hardison, writer of The Helm, just got a publishing deal with Fiery Seas Publishing to release his new epic comedic fantasy Fish Wielder! What is Fish Wielder, you ask? I'm glad I pretended you asked that, so that now I can tell you! Fish Wielder is like Lord of the Rings set in Narnia if it were written by the Monty Python & the Holy Grail guys with help from the band They Might Be Giants. Chances are, if you enjoyed The Helm, you will probably (or at least possibly) like Fish Wielder. Looks like it's likely to be released in 2016. If you want to keep up with what's going on, possibly win some cool giveaway stuff and maybe even read some exerpts, you can follow Fish Wielder's progress on Facebook by clicking this link: FaceWielder

New Comics from Jim?

Hey Helm fans! If you like Jim Hardison's writing, you may want to check out a couple of new on-line comics he's got up at THE GUTTERS. They're written by Jim and illustrated by the very talented Salgood Sam. And if you don't like Jim's writing, then you might want to check them out anyway so that you can write nasty comments about them!

The Helm on Digital Darkhorse!

Hey Helm fans! I just got word from Dark Horse that they will be releasing a digital edition of The Helm on their digital.darkhorse.com site on 6/29/2011! They plan to offer the first issue free and charge $1.99 each for issues 2-4. There will also be a bundle of all four issues for $4.99. I'll put up a link to the digital version of the Helm as soon as it becomes available.

Tribune Article About The Helm Speaks!

The Portland Tribune just ran an article about The Helm Speaks which you can read by clicking this link. It's by reporter Peter Korn and it even features a picture of me, Jim Hardison! Whoot.

The Helm Is Back In Print!

I know you've all been breathlessly awaiting the second print run of the Helm, so it is with trembling lips that I tell you that the 2nd American edition of the Helm is in stores NOW! That's right! Only, since I typed the news, I suppose it was my fingers that were trembling rather than my lips. Anyway, you can now, once again, buy the Helm for it's regular cover price instead of $999.00 on Amazon.

The Helm, Still Under A Thousand Dollars!

Don't know if this qualifies as news, but I just noticed that there's a copy of the Helm listed on Amazon for $999.00! Now, I know the graphic novel is out of print, but there's another press run coming soon. It's probably an error, but it's a flattering one. Here's the listing:

AmazonLisiting

New Edition of the Helm in February!

My editor tells me that a second print run of the Helm should hit stores at the end of February! No specific date yet, but now there's a ballpark! And just in time, too. I've noticed copies of the first edition selling on Amazon for $80.00!

The Helm Sells Out!

Not in the bad way. I just mean that the first print run of the Helm has sold out and a second print run is in the works at Dark Horse! Stay tuned for the on-sale date!

Digital Helm Rules!

The Digital version of the Helm is currently #2 in the Top Ten Action/Adventure titles on the Panelfly app and is rated five out of five stars on the Comixology app!

Something French is Coming!

I'll be adding a new page to the Helm Website shortly! A French page in honor of the coming publication of the Helm in French. Keep your eyes peeled!

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The Release in France looks like it won't be happening for about a year, so you can put the peels back on your eyes. The French Helm page won't be coming for a little while yet.)

Helm Merchandise!

That's right! Check out the Helm Store for new Helm themed t-shirts!

The Helm for iPhone!

As of today, June 18th, 2010, The Helm graphic novel is available as an iPhone app through Comixology and Panelfly. Free previews are available on both sites, so check it out!

La Barre être publiée en français!

That's right, the Helm is going to be published in French! I just got the go-ahead from the fine folks at Dark Horse to announce that the Helm is going to be published in French-language print and digital editions for France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada by French publisher Bragelonne. I don't know the exact release date yet, but it should only be a couple of months before French speaking peoples are enjoying the Helm in French.

Two Bits of Helm News in the Works!

Of course, they're top secret at the moment, but expect an announcement in the next week or so.

New Page! The Flaming Sword!

That's right folks, there's a new page on the Helm site! It's called The Flaming Sword and it's where Mathew and the Helm review books, movies, TV shows, music, games and whatever else they see fit to praise or complain about. Ratings are based on a flaming-sword-system, with five flaming swords from each reviewer being the most awesome and no flaming swords being the crappiest. So check it out right here!

Thanks, PLA!

The Public Library Association signing event was a smash hit! Thanks to all of the enthusiastic Librarians as well as to Thea and all the fine folks at Dark Horse.

Upcoming Signing at Public Library Association convention March 25th!

Holy Crap! Another opportunity to get your copy of The Helm autographed by writer Jim Hardison. The PLA show is in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center and Jim will be signing at the Dark Horse booth from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, Thursday, March 25th, 2010!

YALSA names The Helm One of the Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens of 2010!

The American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) announced their 2010 Great Graphic Novels for Teens list today. The list, consisting of 73 titles chosen from 127 official nominations is presented annually and is made up of titles recommended for 12-18 year-olds and have been deemed both good literature and entertaining reading for teens. In addition to the full list, the committe also chose their Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, and guess what title made the top of the list? That's right, The Helm! Sure, the titles were listed alphabetically, but The Helm was still first! Whoo Hoo!

Eva Volin, Chairperson of the committee said, "I and the committee agree that The Helm is both great and great for teens. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful book to read." Now, that's what I like to hear!

The Helm Speaks Is Drawing to a Close!

Yes, it's sad but true. One month from today, on February 15, 2010, the Helm Speaks feature will have been running for exactly one year, and a year's worth of advice from the Helm is about all the world can stand. Of course, we'll leave the timeless advice of the Helm on the site like a daily calendar of useful ideas-so feel free to check it out anytime. But, we're now counting down the last 30 pearls of wisdom. Starting on February 15, we'll be putting up a new feature. More on that in the days to come. And, there's some other news brewing which I cannot reveal at this time, so stay tuned!

Holiday HelmI'll be Helm for the Holidays!

That's right, Christmas (and/or Hanukkah if that's your thing) is coming and it's time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. And guess what? The Helm graphic novel makes an excellent gift! It's true! So click on the image of the Helm in the Santa hat or visit the Store and get all of your holiday shopping taken care of early. Then you can relax, safe in the knowledge that you're shopping is done and everyone on your list will have a holly jolly, hilarious holiday season filled with the toasty warmth that only the murderous wrath of The Helm can bring.

 

New Helm TPB Review!

Okay, so technically, it's not a new review, but I just found it, so it feels new to me. ShelfAbuse.com says, "...The Helm made me laugh more than any book has in a long while...The titular Helm’s steady insults are utterly hilarious throughout."

The Helm on the Radio July 1st! Tune In!! 06-30-2009

Jim will be talking with the folks at Where Monsters Dwell on CHSR 97.9FM wednesday July 1st at 6:00 PM PDT (or 10:00 PM ATL for those in Canada where the show is actually being broadcast)! Check out the show website by clicking Where Monsters Dwell and tune in to hear Jim's girlishly high pitched voice.

The Helm Graphic Novel is a Diamond 300 Top Seller for April! 06-29-2009

That's right! Number 225 on the list! Whoo Hoooo! Thanks to all of you who bought a copy!

The Helm NOT on the Radio May 20th! Whoops! 05-19-2009

Jim will actually be talking with the folks at Where Monsters Dwell on a different, as yet undetermined day! Apparently the station is having some difficulties. We'll keep you posted about the actual date as soon as it is scheduled. Sorry to all of you who eagerly cleared up your own schedules so that you could devote your undivided attention to THE HELM!!

The Helm on the Radio May 20th! Tune In!! 05-12-2009

Jim will be talking with the folks at Where Monsters Dwell on 95.7 FM CKTP wednesday May 20th at 3:40 PM PDT (or 7:40 PM ATL for those in Canada where the show is actually being broadcast)! Tune in and hear his squeaky voice! Check out the show website by clicking Where Monsters Dwell.

The Onion's AV Club Reviews the Helm! 04-30-2009

"For anyone with a less-than-heroic physique who’s dreamed of being a hero anyway, this is a simultaneous long, hard look in the mirror and a playful bit of wish-fulfillment..." That's right! They seem to like it! Check out the whole review by clicking AV Club.

Helm Signing at Stumptown Comics Fest! 04-17-2009

Jim will be doing a signing at the Stumptown Comics Fest on Saturday, April 18th from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the Dark Horse Comics booth. Drop by and say hello!

The Helm Nominated for the ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Booklist! 04-10-2009

The American Library Association has nominated The Helm for addition to its Great Graphic Novels for Teens Booklist. But then, you probably already knew that because you read the headline. You can check out the rest of the Nominees right here.

Aaarghh! The Helm TPB on April Fools Day! 03-20-2009

Darn! I just got an email from my editor, who just got an email from Diamond--the distributor. Apparently, March 25th is the ship date, not the on sale date! The on sale date will be April 1st. That's right, April fools day. Hmmmmmmm.

March 25th!! New Release Date for the Helm TPB! 03-17-2009

Yes, that's right! I was just on the Dark Horse website and noticed that they've changed the date for the Helm TPB release from April 8th to March 25th!!

The Helm Wins Best Cover Artist/Best Cover Art! 02-25-2009

AICN selected the cover of the Helm #1 in their annual @ssie Awards!

"...the one cover that hooked me and reeled me was THE HELM. The premise of the series in one perfectly paired marriage of image and text..." Visit AICN to see all of the @ssie Award recipients!

The Correct Cover of the Trade Paper Back Is Up! 01-29-2009

The new cover of the Helm TPB is now displayed on Amazon! Check it out! Buy many copies!

Another Interview about the Helm! 01-23-2009

Dante Maddox interviews Jim about the Helm at Crave Online

New Interview about the Helm! 01-08-2009

Jennifer M. Contino at ComicCon.com interviews Jim about the Helm series. Read all about it at comicon.com

Dark Horse Comics Calls the Helm one of its Best of 2008! 01-08-2009

Dark Horse Comics just issued a press release naming the Helm as one 16 comics, "critics have given multiple nods to," and which, "keep coming up, list after list." Check out the full press release and see the other great titles the Helm is honored to be among: The Best of 2008

The Helm makes Re:Generator Magazines Best of 2008! 01-05-2009

The headline pretty much says it all, but you can check out the list yourself at the Re:Generator site.

Helm #4 is a Diamond Top 300 Seller! 12-18-08

It's number 268 to be exact, but who's counting? I'm counting, that's who!!

Helm #1-3 SERIES ROUNDUP on Crave Online! 11-18-08

Just on time for the issue #4 release, Dante Maddox of Crave Online has reviewed the Helm series--and he seems to like it...a lot!!

Helm Signing at Wordstock on 11-08-08! 10-31-08

Jim will be doing a signing at the Dark Horse Comics booth at the Wordstock book festival on Saturday, November 8th in Portland, Oregon from 1:00-2:00PM! Be sure to drop by for an autograph!

Harlan Ellison Mentions the Helm! Again!! 10-27-08

Harlan Ellison mentioned the Helm series in an interview with comics Website CBR.

"Q: What comics do you read these days, if any?

A: Well, I’ve just read a long run of Mike Carey’s CROSSING MIDNIGHT, eighteen issues in one sitting. Peter David’s FALLEN ANGEL is an ongoing pleasure. A new Dark Horse mini-series, THE HELM, is fun. CONAN. SIMON DARK. Anything written by Warren Ellis or Kyle Baker."

The Helm #4 Set For Release on 11-19-08!?! 10-23-08

Just got word that the new release date for issue number four is projected for the 19th of November.

The Helm Trade Paperback Is On Amazon!! 10-22-08

That's right, you can now pre-order the collected issues of the Helm in nifty book form on the amazon.com website. Check it out at Amazon where it is listed with a release date of April 15, 2009. Tax day? What the heck?!

The Helm #3 Is Out! And Some People Like It!! 10-21-08

Yes, the Helm #3 actually did hit stores on October 8th and, so far, some people actually do like it!

D'oh!! The Helm #3 Is MORE Delayed! 8-30-08

Yes, sadly, it's true. I just got word that the Helm #3 will not hit stores tomorrow (as widely reported on various Websites) but will actually hit stores on Wednesday, October 8th, 2008.

The Helm #2 is a top ten bestseller for Dark Horse Comics!!

And a Diamond top 300 seller. Again with the number 9 at Dark Horse but this time number 251 at Diamond--That's a whole 23 places higher than #1!!! Check it out at the Dark Horse site! 8-23-2008

The Helm #3 Delayed. DANG!! 9-18-2008

The third issue of the Helm has been delayed and is expected to hit stores on October 1st rather than September 17th as originally planned. Sorry about that.

HARLAN ELLISON LIKES THE HELM! 9-5-2008

And that pleases me no end. You can read his thoughts about the Helm at Unca Harlan's Art Deco Dining Pavilion and you can read his essays, short stories, novels and novellas in pretty much any bookstore anywhere. I particularly recommend his short story, "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream," which I first read when I was thirteen and which moves me as much today as it did then.

THE HELM #2 IS IN STORES NOW!! 8-20-2008

Please rush out and buy a copy!! Or, twelve!!

The Helm #1 is a top ten bestseller for Dark Horse Comics!!

And a Diamond top 300 seller. Okay, fine, so it was number 9 at Dark Horse and number 274 at Diamond--but at least it cracked both charts! Check it out on the Dark Horse site. 8-19-2008

 

INTERVIEWS ABOUT THE HELM!!

Crave OnLine Logo

Dante Maddox at Crave Online interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

 

ComicConPulse

Jennifer M. Contino at ComicCon.com interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

Atomic Comics Logo

Atomic Comics interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

Quarter Bin Logo

The Quarter Bin interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

 

Tucson Citizen Logo

Arnie Bermudez of the Tucson Citizen interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

 

Jazma Online Banner

 

Jazma Online interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

Heavy Ink Logo

Heavy Ink interviews Jim about the Helm.

 

 

 

Scryptic Studios Image

 

Scryptic Studios' Caleb Monroe interviews Jim about the Helm and writing.

 

 

 

Portland Tribune Article

The Portland Tribune's Peter Korn interviews Jim about the Helm and how it figures into his role as Creative Director for Character LLC.

 

 

Comic Book Resources Logo

 

MY OWN WORST ENEMY: HARDISON TALKS "THE HELM"

Emmett Furey interviews Jim about the Helm in this article on the Comic Book Resources website.

 

 

Graham Crackers Logo

Graham Crackers has nice things to say about The Helm and a six page preview of issue #1.

 

 

Deconstructing Comics Logo

Timothy Young interviews Jim about The Helm and about Jim's company, Character, in this podcast on Global Comics.

 

 

 

Buy the Helm online at Heavy Ink

Issue #1 Release: July 16th, 2008

Issue #2 Release: August 20th, 2008

Issue #3 Release: October 1st, 2008

Issue #4 Release: October 15th, 2008

San Diego Comic-Con appearance: Jim will be at the Con and doing a signing at the Dark Horse booth:

4:00 PM Thursday July 24th, 2008

12:00 PM Friday July 25th, 2008