Dave's ASH Archive ASH Universe Author's Notes Last Updated: 4/26/12 Back to the ASH resources page.

    The author's notes at the end of each issue of most stories in the ASH universe are mostly explanations for references, notes on where someone last appeared, and so forth. But occasionally they're mini-sourcebooks worth referring back to (and which authors may want to look back at too). This page will give a brief accounting of what's in the notes for each issue, as well as a link to those issues. It's a simple list, but searching it is a LOT faster than searching the end of every issue between ASH #60 and ASH #65 because you're pretty sure the info you need was in one of those issues. Written mainly as an author resource, but may be useful to readers as well.

   Note: there are no Author's Notes in this series, but there are info files in each issue, so those are listed here.

• 0: Roster of the Grads.
• 1: The pre-2022 history of Khadam.
• 2: Godmarket, pre-2022 histories of the rest of the world.
• 3: None.
• 4: Telepathy and MetaPsych.
• 5: Alien races.
• 6: Bio sketches of Devastator, Lenard Duvallier (EU founder), President Quayle, Tymythy Twystyd, Solar Max I.
• 7: None.
• 8: None.

• 1: None.
• 2: None.
• 3: None.
• 4: Origins of Lightfoot, Ravenfire and other original ASH members in a college Champions campaign.
• 5: None.
• 6: None.
• 7: None.
• 8: None.
• 9: Announcement of hiatus.
• 10: None.
• 11: Origins of the Veterans in the college Champions campaign, and their original name "Capital Patrol". (Note: this group is also called the Elite Regiment in WarStar, presumably they changed their name later on.) Author's thought processes in the creation of the O'Ryan brothers (gonzo journalist Thom S. O'Ryan, scientist Albert O'Ryan).
• 12: Disclaimer that Lightfoot is based on a real person, but not meant to be what I think he'd have grown up to be.
• 13: Rationale for the story, and the choice to keep ASH out of the main part of Deep Armageddon.
• 14: Some story rationale, repeated Lightfoot disclaimer, placing the story in January 2024, creator credits for LNH 2024 characters.
• 15: Writing credit to Tony Pi for some dialogue, explanation of the conflicts between gods, disclaimer that the author does not advocate Baal worship.
• 16: Clarification of Deep Armageddon tie-in scenes, and background events tied to CSV #1/2. Establishing that the Nakoma mental health facility is real, but Arin's hometown of New Faith VA is not. Some background "here's where the plot could have gone but didn't" notes.
• 17: Disclaimer about Josh Cole not representing the author's view of fundamentalists. Background on Redeemer from the college Champions campaign. Literal translation of "Irrlicht". This issue marks the first use of date/location stamps on scenes in ASH.
• 18: Disentangling a possible LNH 2024 continuity issue, note on Essay's cursing in Spanish.
• 19: Creator credits for Irrlicht and Labyrinthe (Tony Pi).
• 20: Plotline assist credit to Tony Pi, more notes on Spanish translation, promise of a forthcoming politics resource file.
• 21: Storytelling process notes, background on the Sterility Bomb, character creation credits.
• 22: Explanation of Thetan Bodies, character credits.
• 23: Science note on why a hydrogen fuel cell was able to explode nastily.
• 24: None.
• 25: The destruction of Wichita in 1991.
• 26: Reference back to ASH #15, creator credit.
• 27: Crossover note with CSV #11-13, link to the Combine government info file, explanation of how the murder in ASH #26 was carried out.
• 28: Astronomical notes on a Near-Earth Object, crossover note to CSV #13, explanation of Collapsium.
• 29: Crossover note to CSV #14, Little Blue Lake note.
• 30: Crossover note to CSV #16, origins of Blastrex as an old V&V character.
• 31: Justification for 14th Century sequence's timing.
• 32: Thematic note, Escaflowne reference explained.
• 33: Annotations for the scenes in the issue. Crossover and Capstone references, previous appearances of Peter the Satyr, Lightfoot and Doublecross explained, the Aaron Zander/Paul Mahler/Gene Clark triangle, Juliana Silvestri explanation, summary of Channel's experiences leading up to his trip to the future.
• 34: Spear Carriers references, TerraStar crossover note with CSV #20.
• 35: Listing of backissues relevant to the Spear Carriers storyline, and of some never-realized plans for Spear Carriers.
• 36: Reference to The Family, musings on the "George in the Future" plot, technical note on the AstroSpear and GeoMace.
• 37: Musings on the origin of the City of Light arc, notice regarding the first ASH Heroclix customizations (link in the notes is dead, this link is more current.
• 38: Real-world event parallels, reference to Paraball notes in STRAFE #17, reference back to ASH #16-17, note that the band Breaker Breaker would be using the drawing of Breaker (Tina Li) for an album cover.
• 39: Note about David Warner (Sark in Tron, voice of Ra's al Ghul in Batman: the Animated Series), historical note about the Big Ear radiotelescope.
• 40: More background on writing the arc, real life optical Klein bottle glass sculpture.
• 41: Story pacing note, hiatus notice and some thoughts for the future of the series, Urns and RACCies alert.
• 42: Notes on Professor Van Domelen, the doomed nature of the mentor character in the Heroic Myth, and a repeat of the Lightfoot disclaimer. First appearance of the Yahoo Group plug.
• 43: Road naming conventions in the North American Combine, explanation for dropped plot threads, origins of the Minotaur and Mr. Maze as Modern Knights "one line wonder" villain seeds.
• 44: The original story outline for the issue, showing how I set things up, and what changed between outline and final story.
• 45: Notes on the writing process, musing about a potential "ASH Sex Special", promise to open up more about the Moslem Confederation.
• 46: Arc-numbering explanation, science notes regarding gravity in the Andes, why a naiad had a pinched expression in one scene.
• 47: Paraball 2025 notes (later expended into a Time Capsules issue), mini-sourcebook for the Righteous Flame and their home countries.
• 48: The war of symbols over the Labris, explanation of the cover image.
• 49: Inspirations for the path of the World Serpent.
• 50: Scene writer credits, notes on Universal Time and time zones, geographical notes on Tierra del Fuego and Pukapuka Island, a summary of the Midgard Serpent's role in Ragnarok, timing note on being the 10th anniversary issue. Separate notes from Tony Pi (to the Circus of Crime) and Mike Escutia (on the naming of one of his characters). Link to a key for the cover image.
• 51: Notes on cursing in Spanish, parallel between Coulter and real life Jayson Blair, Asian nomenclature disclaimer.
• 52: Inspiration from Journey to the West's "White Bone Demon" story for the cover image, IRC still existing in 2025, explanation of "Angolmois" and the spelling of Ulan Bator used in this story.
• 53: Recap on the fate of Paul Mahler, the existence of a restaurant named Hudson's Folly in the village near MetaPsych, President Quayle, link to new battlesuit design for Grind.
• 54: Sources for the astrology and astronomy mentioned in the opening scene, explanation of what a Merlion is, "Dan Deere" as a stage name, Egyptian refugees as possible future plot hook, reminding who Dan Cook is (STRAFE supporting character).
• 55: Explanation for title change, creation of the Assembly of Heroes, establishing the lack of an "unstable molecules" cloth in ASH, source of mosque design terms, what a Hodag is, origin of Gravitrak in the college Champions campaign.
• 56: In memoriam to Hunter S. Thompson, explanation that some events alluded to happened "off camera" and probably would never be told in detail, time zone note.
• 57: Link to picture of Breaker's costume, notes on Mantissa being a foreshadowing device, explanation of T!rir phoenomes.
• 58: Explanation for cutting the mega-arc from 12 to 10 issues, reminder of who Netwalker was and what his powers were, Eos's rainbow bridge note, attempt to disentangle some linguistic comments made in a previous issue.
• 59: Explanation of title, parallels with the Smallville TV show, explanation of 8-legged exams, layout note if this issue had been an actual comicbook.
• 60: Arc wrapup, General Hsieh name note (he was mentioned back in ASH #5-6, but never named), answer to a trivia question posted to the Yahoo group about cities nuked in the ASH setting.
• 61: Apology for hiatus, arc setup, the origins of Max and Dex, returning to the Montrealan viewpoint characters from ASH #57 (Jacques Dumont and Tamica Higgins), disclaimer about Islamic worship and the author's lack of knowledge about it, issue references for Photosynth's flashback.
• 62: Reference to the painted Venusian map, geographical notes on Maxwell Montes, note on how Geode can see, promise (or threat) of an Ape Month story to come.
• 63: Pacing note, Veturna Severa picture link, mini-sourcebook on the Sans Rouge (leaving out Claudette Viau).
• 64: Milestone note (story now only 20 years ahead of reality), definition of SigInt, recap of Lightfoot's origins, pre-stirrup lancers, pacing note.
• 65: Arc naming note, issue title explanation, note that Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" took place in 2026, Dr. Seuss reference explanation, link to eviloverlord.com, link of historical Thera to the followers of Q'Nos and his mother.
• 66: Means of travel between Earth and Venus. Previous appearances of supporting cast members Darran the intel guy, Carlito Piazza and Gimble. Picture of Gimble, historical note on Bloody Kansas, definition of daikaiju.
• 67: Structural notes, Vancouver as the new Hollywood, definition of eleytron, notes on Geode's family, creator credit for the Ares unit.
• 68: Beetle Wrangling Tips, the previous appearances of the Scroll of Lysistrata, definition of Collapsauron, Kaliban's presence as Khadamite ambassador to Q'Nos, note on the possibility of modifying the Venusian map key.
• 69: Erroneous datestamps in ASH #68, explanation of "Decay NY".
• 70: Background on Geode subplot, explanation of Universal Time, admission of "inspiration", notes about the upcoming Metropolis arc, post date note (July 18, 2006).
• 71: Brief explanations of Road-Raging, the status of the World Trade Center in the ASH Universe, various charcter credits and references for Warden supporting cast showing up in this issue. Link to an online orrery.
• 72: Reference pic for "Nighthawks", explanation of negative index materials, the classical Muses.
• 73: Full Metal Alchemist parallel, explanation of CyberNostra "Code Brothers".
• 74: Credit to Marc Singer for help in writing, explanation of the new Roll Call section. Notes about the real Cyber Nostra, brief explanation of "Mons Veneris", link to picture of Maria Incarnata, note about Morgan Adams's previous appearance in Capstone #3.
• 75: Wrap-up explanation of plot elements in Metropolis, background on Supernaut, announcement of ASH Attacktix kitbashes, announcement of Tony Pi's return for CSV #26.
• 76: Various "what issue that happened in" notes, response to Saxon Brenton's review of #75, explanation of Formula Junior, a Tuckerization, and a bit of background on the Four to Never arc.
• 77: Co-plotting note, map of Monaco's racing circuit, explanation of the blackcel.
• 78: Structural notes, Wikipedia links for locations used in the issue, character credits, explanation of a bit of STRAFE battle code.
• 79: NewsBot9000 credits, Scipionyx facts, Atavaranger notes, origins of the ISF Fornax.
• 80: Continuity gaffe explanation, Gobi desert spaceport notes, Santari backstory, notes on German tanks of WWII, Simon Smith/Bennett Rush backstory.
• 81: Another continuity gaffe explanation, Pranir naming conventions, Doctor Developer reference, explanation for JPL's location in the ASH setting, background on "The Rush", Mongolian naming notes.
• 82: Structural notes, explanation of Universal Donors, more on Pranir naming conventions, references for blood sacrifices of clones, Khadam's city-level mystic defense programs.
• 83: International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day celebration, "bodysuit 15" and "nargling", notes on the effectiveness of disaster response in the ASH world, explanation for hiatus, announcement of what became Coherent Super Stories.
• 84: Historical and naming notes on Later Han Dynasty China, discussion of the original plans for the arc, mention of Septimus Artorius, musings on the dramatic potential of time travel stories.
• 85: Note on Cthulhu's copyright status, background on the romantic tension subplot, update on Consort Song (to say there's no update), mention of Baal Samin.
• 86: Personal philosophy on the use of time travel and backstory-fill stories with reference to the multiply-repeated scene from Coherent Super Stories #4, nomenclature "inconsistency" note, another no-update update on Consort Song, explanation of Delta Rose's idiosyncratic idiomatic usage. (Eventually it was dug up that Consort Song died in June, 82 C.E.)
• 87: Blitzkreig!'s background, a brief digression into black holes, and what podcasts are called in the ASH Universe.
• 88: Movie reference (Clue), sexuality in El Dorado, previous appearances of various guest characters.
• 89: Reference to Warden #13-14, drawing of Hellhound, history of the Jolly Molecules' appearances, announcement of ash.wikidot.com.
• 90: Extensive notes on the types of paragangs (posergangs, thrillgangs, vogue ghouls, and the deadly serious type).
• 91: Explanation of issue title, some behind the scenes shuffling, lunar phase notes, promise that readers didn't miss anything on the Aaron/Gene front.
• 92: Front note warning of "triggery" content. End notes on Kheper, the arc's intentions, the child welfare system in the early 21st Century, the Aaron/Gene ongoing subplot, explanation of where some visions came from, Hunin and Munin background, Camp Hero, the feather of Ma'at, apology for datadump.
• 93: Rush album notes, explanations of the terms "glasses ugly" and "butterbar", Light Brigade notes, explanation of some of the injokes surrounding Brightsword III.
• 94: Reference for Meteor's worst July 6th, background on the members of the new Freedom Alliance.
• 95: Cover design credit, background on plot development, Atavaranger reminders, Power Rangers and Pink Floyd references, errata on Mothflame/Daggermoth.
• 96: Arc design note, astronomical definitions, appearance notes on Polykaon and the Xenochromes, credit for the photonic sphere plot device.
• 97: LNH202X reference, lunar eclipse notes, explanation of Operation Stormfront, explanation for belated use of the term "soletta", disclaimer about the historicity or lack thereof of the WWII simulation. Also, exhortation to vote for Tony Pi in the John W. Campbell Best New Writer Award ballotting.
• 98: Short notes on Collapsauron and "The Wise One," reminder of the city-wide sigils in Khadam, admission that "The General" is MacArthur.
• 99: Issue title explanation, reference to the Battle off Samar, "real" history of the Bakajin in ASH, nomenclature of the Bakajin appearing in this issue, "Thirty Six Hours" reference, mention of the "end a series at #100" tradition on RACC and Superguy.
• 100: Almost the entire file linked here is endnotes. For the rest of the story, click these links: Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3.
• 101: Rationale for the Rival Schools arc, discussion of the perils of having a historical divergence point in the past (i.e. would the term "iPod" even exist?), explanation of overlap with scenes in #100, explanation of a Cadmus reference, confirmation that Ghostclaw had a history with Coulter prior to her first appearance, origins of the new Understudies, data on the island of Sottunga, link to Centurion (Sal Napier)'s costume drawing.
• 102: Reminder of who Felka Wojack is, disclaimer on Bluthundin's views, explanation of references to Antagonish and Sluggy Freelance, origins of Ectype's name, explanation of why phone/PDA convergence didn't happen in the ASH timeline the same way it has in real life (continuing on the whole "historical divergence point" matter).
• 103: Retcon of the spelling of Red Widow II's first name, first appearance listings (skycycles, the rotating mosque, the Palladium, Al Mirage), origins of the name ADA and "Thomas L. Morrow, Shadow Earl of Galloway."
• 104: Background on the White Troopers of Khadam, some notes on the Edison Project, explanation of the name Henry Harrison and some disclaimers on his methods.
• 105: Easter egg involving Antarctic Press, reference to Justice's origin story, links to City of Heroes versions of Justice and Solar Max.
• 106: The historical Ada Lovelace, caveat about Minuteman history as related in this issue.
• 107: Continuity reminders (Curse of Tezcatlipoca, Marx 2.0, Breaker's background), Lensman reference, nailing down a little better what Legion of Net.Heroes stories could have been written by Lightfoot.
• 108: Cover image inspiration, ASH dress uniform description, explication of the foreshadowing, giving credit for inspiration of the "Breadcrumb" microbots, justification for the scene involving Never, disclaimer on a transliterated accent.
• 109: Link to an information file, anachronism note, ponderings on what classical god might have bureaucracy as his or her sole domain, "deleted ending".
• Sonnet Null: HCC16. Text of Sonnet 130.
• 110: Apologies for lateness. Background on Lady Sable in the original RPG campaigns. "Suit of Sables" Shakespeare references. Citation for relative Earth/Venus positioning. Reference to the Catman miniseries.
• 111: Issue title explanation. Mindbombs, Magnum Motors, the Grottisongr, Slaversbane the axe, and a rejected plot thread.
• 112: Issue title explanation. Jane Preston, Captain Dogooder, rare earth mining in Lake Victoria, explanation why thwarted apotheosis plots don't get repeated, obscure Third Age ASH members Vectrox and Ghostflare, Radland, Akuryu's origins.
• 113: Urban wastelands, The Family, TerraStar's timelnie, Nyx's pedigree, ponderings on the "next issue" that eventually became CSV #29.
• 114: Explanation change from the promised story, Esmeralda's previous mention in-story, Don Quixote's final adventure in Coherent Super Stories #3, Port Austin MI.
• 115: Issue title explanation, 19th Century Spain, the Wanderer's background.
• 116: Gauntlet timeline, apologies for delays.
• 117: Plot notes, more on Esmeralda's background, the Paris reflector from City of Lights, detailing the chessboard trap.

• 1/2: None.
• 1: None.
• 2: None.
• 3: None.
• 4: Author credits, crossover notes for Deep Armageddon.
• 5: Crossover wrapup, Conflicto demands a RACCie.
• 6: Character creation credits.
• 7: Character and plot device creation credits.
• 8: Character creation credits, reader votes solicited for membership in the Understudies.
• 9: Character creation credits, voting results.
• 10: Arc pacing notes, character creation credits.
• 11: Guest author Matt Rossi III comments on the series, brief historical notes on villain-centric comics of the past.
• 12: Inter-title continuity note to ASH #26.
• 13: Guest author Matt Rossi III essay on the value of having a really good bastard as a villain.
• 14: Authorship notes, explanation of the Darwin Awards.
• 15: RPG origins of several characters, explanation of what "henshin" means and transforming mecha in general.
• 16: Tony Pi meets Dave Van Domelen in real life.
• 17: Pause to reflect on the Pyramid Scheme mega-crossover.
• 18: Guest author Marc Singer comments, editor points out that there's a certain amount of bastardy inherent in writing a character in formal metrical feet. At least from the viewpoint of the editor who has to make sure all lines scan properly.
• 19: Guest author Marc Singer thanks everyone for the opportunity, explains the cover reference.
• 20: Logo design change notes, character creation credits, continuity note to ASH #34-35.
• 21: Notes on what might have been, new art submissions.
• 22: Reasoning behind Robert Coulter being added to the cast.
• 23: Hiatus note, author credits.
• 24: Plug for the Yahoo group.
• Annual 1: Writing background notes, explanation of the Olympics restarting in 2010.
• 25: More serious hiatus note, some ideas for the future, Sultry naming note. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
• 26: Welcome back message from Tony. Extensive editorial notes giving issue references to all of the events mentioned in this issue.
• 27: Structural notes, link to Tony's LiveJournal.
• 28: Pop culture reference explanation, creator credits, Timeslip note, ruminations on the possible future directions for ASH and CSV to go their separate ways after the crossover.
• Annual 2: Multiple authors. Andy: Thanks for being asked to participate. Tony: Rationale for tying a scene into CSV #24. Dave: Explanation of Eurolac, inspiration for El Dorado, props to Tony for being nominated for the Prix Aurora. Derek Radner: Thanks for voting him Favorite Villain in the 2007 RACCies.
• 29: Originally planned to be an ASH issue, but refocused for a High Concept Challenge. Timing placement of flashbacks relative to CSV #23, CSV Annual #1, CSV #25 and ASH #35. City of Heroes TerraStar.

• 0: None.
• 1: None.
• 2: None.
• 3: None.
• 4: Inspirations credit.
• 5: Crossover note.
• 6: Character creation credit.
• 7: Character creation credits, continuity note, inspirations credit.
• 8: Character creation credits.
• 9: Character creation credits.
• 10: Character creation credits.
• 11: Character creation credits.
• 12: Thanks to other ASH authors, character creation credits.
• 13: The value of feedback from readers, character creation credits, geography note for Porto Genetico.
• 14: None.
• 15: Links to the Dunsany poems that inspired part of the Pyramid Scheme.
• 16: Extended background on the real life evolution of the story, background on Strafe the character.
• 17: Explanation of Paraball (later expanded into Time Capsules #7).

• 1: Matt Rossi talks about his influences and why he wanted to write Warden.
• 2: Rossi writes about his general motivations for writing on RACC.
• 3: None.
• 4: Explanation for the long hiatus between #3 and #4, declaration that the series is no longer to be limited.
• 5: Musings on the role of killing in a superheroic story.
• 6: Some thoughts about where the series will go now that the first arc is complete.
• 7: Process notes, including how this story was originally going to be Annual #1.
• 8: Guest writer Dave Van Domelen, talks about some of the practical matters of the DEEP ARMAGEDDON crossover, and dealing with getting Tony Pi to also help out to complete this issue when Rossi dropped off the face of the net for a while.
• 9: Welcome back from Rossi, some thoughts about future stories.
• 10: Commemorating the tenth issue. Editor's note on the fact that this is a corrected issue, as some continuity issues were pointed out after the original posting.
• 11: Character creation credits.
• 12: Character creation credits.
• 13: Tony Pi talks about his inspirations for the guest arc he wrote. Character creation credits.
• 14: Character creation credits.
• 15: Closing thoughts from Tony Pi.
• Annual 1 Part A,Part B: Translations of the many Japanese terms (and some Chinese) used in the story.

• 0: Explanation of the purpose of the series.
• 1: Rosters of ASH and STRAFE at that point in history, call for submissions.
• 2: Tony explains the license plate puzzles. Dave Van Domelen explains a bit on the level of censorship in mail sent to and from convicts. Excerpt from Triton's autobiography.
• 3: Author credits (Van Domelen, Pi and Singer), the Perpetual Calendar, more on the purpose of the series.
• Annual 1: Disclaimers. (Note: incorrectly titled in the file as Time Capsules #4.)
• 4: Continuity explanation, Wilsego plug.
• 5: Plugs for "Paragangs of New York" (not yet written as of 2006), Tony's Icons.
• 6: Real life inspirations for the story.
• 7: Disclaimers.
• 8: Ape Month 2006 note. Definitions of "mocap," "vactors" and "uplift" in the context of the story.
• 9: New author Andy Burton introduces himself, editor Dave Van Domelen also talks about Burton.
• 10: Motivation for writing what's essentially an alternate ending to Coherent Super Stories #4, note on the Lansing State Journal, origins of issue title.
• 11: Origins of the story idea, some ASH Champions background stuff. The real life Paladin Press and how it evolved in the ASH universe. Explanation of typos.
• 12: Notes from author about how the story went from an out-of-continuity piece to something that may well be in continuity, origins as a "High Concept" challenge piece. A few background notes from the editor, including a note about Narbonic.

• 1: Reasons for writing the series, some historical (Vladivostok 1918) and scientific notes.
• 2: Historical note (Cave of the Mounds).
• 3: Disclaimer and apology about period-appropriate language.
• 4: Historical notes (Pentagon mysticism, Thule Society) and German vocabulary.

• 1: Origins of the AstroSpear and its wielder, creator credits, incorrect image link.
• 2: Explanation of the role of Set/Sutekh in the ASH Universe, creator credits.
• 3: In-story historical background on Magnum Industries, President Quayle, Septimus Artorius and Antiochus V. Later note added about the Elite Regiment.
• 4: Explanation of story title, enumeration of danglers.

• 1: RACCoWriMo explanation, issue themes of tarot suits and the pun involved. Edouard's RPG origins, Dr. Biggles-Moreau explanation, Ed's home reality background.
• 2: ASH RPG crossovers explanation, Set's psych lim, a bit on Devastator and the ASH team lineup presented in this issue. Explanation for Dirty Pair reference, note on ungooglability of one of Ravenfire's creator.
• 3: Cover blurb topical reference, writing process notes, the "historical" Astarte, Blade Runner reference.
• 4: Justification for miniseries, cover copy topical reference, writing process notes, Jerusalem's fate, generational plot device.

• 1: Origins of the series title and explanation of the series's "mission". Applied nostalgia explanation, infodump on historical factoids (DoE, AEC), promises of further explanation of some namedrops, real world origins (as in, the author's history with the ideas) of Dragonfly, Ladyhawke, Antiochus V and Bennett Rush.
• 2: Apologies for lack of plot and for intentionally awkward treatment of the race issue, process on the choice of setting a scene, etymology notes assuring the reader that certain terms did exist by the time of the story, announcement of revamped ASH art galleries, real world origins of Powerhouse, Don Quixote, Delta Rose, Fantom.
• 3: Addressing the "why isn't a world with superhumans completely unrecognizable after a generation?" question, credit to Wikipedia for some research, explanation of Dimension Z's sun and promise of upcoming Second Age Sourcebook.
• 4: Explanation of original plan (which was later told in Time Capsules #10), backstory footnotes to ASH #31, announcement of the sourcebook being available.
• 5: Explanation for choice of script format, history of author's experience writing in that format, structural notes, art references, Chinese transliteration notes.
• 6: Thought processes behind the writing of the story, decision to turn it from a one-shot into part of an arc.
• 7: Explanation for choice of setting and story style.
• 8: Background on the Barrier, early plans for ASH (or lack thereof), notes on the ASH Champions campaign, comment on Priapus, explanation of some of the fallout of the events in this story.
• Mega-Sized #1: A lot of notes on the creative process, and the "real life" origins of Johnny Angel, Gauntlet, Centurion and Minuteman.
• 9: Explanation of a cameo by Utilitarian, link to cover art.
• 10: Biological notes on the Red Widow, link to art of the main character, background on Tijuana Bibles.
• 11: Recap of the important appearances or mentions of Black Opal, pondering on where CSS might go next (pondering that turned out to be wrong).
• 12: Inspiration fo rthe story, discussion of some of the old cowboy matinee serials, some discussion on what happened to the White Hat in the "real" ASH storyline.
• 13: Fessing up to the influences (aka where things were shamelessly stolen from), explanation of some archaic terms and of evolutionary theory, extended notes on the Newton Girls and Laramie WY in the late 1800s.
• 14: Origins as being written on an implied dare, explanation of what the Idiot Plot is, notes on the Second Age versions of Brightsword and Darkshield.
• 15: Translation of "coded" message in the furst scene, how Brightsword escaped, discussion of Usenet newsgroups in ASH, links to drawings of Lady Lawful II and Brightsword II, possible running gag involving the two, long discussion of the dearth of patriotic heroes in ASH.
• 16: Inspiration for the story, clarification of inter-title continuity with LL&DD, admission that it was written during the Superbowl broadcast.
• 17: Explanation of the High Concept Challenge for which the story was written (subsequent entries of this sort will just say "HCC" with the number of the challenge), historical note on the Hanapepe Massacre, possible link to John Doe.
• 18: HCC4, continuity insertion of the fictional Jack Ripley and his relation to the real Robert L. "Believe it or Not" Ripley, possible link between General Eight Ox and Premier Niu, clarification that a character in the story was Harry "Beacon" Parker.
• 19: HCC6, pun in the title explained, historical references (Choco Lite, ARPAnet).
• 20: HCC8, explanation of tone (attempted to capture the style of 1990s casual brutality), analysis of the various legacy flagsuits (Rechtigkeit, Lady Lawful, Brightsword, unnamed Brazilian who was later named Vencedora), explanation of shifting Khadamite accents.
• 21: HCC9, retconned in "real issue" for the story in CSS #5, continuity note regarding Darkshield's knowledge of Brightsword's obsession with aliens.
• 22: HCC12, explanation of title pun, character origins (Balder, Bacteriomage), real science discoveries regarding HIV, Hero System explanation of the story's climax, explanation of how magnetic powers can toss humans around even though the iron in blood is not magnetic.
• 23: HCC12 alternate (but removed from voting consideration once another person submitted a story), possible later story hooks.
• 24: HCC14. Mapping the in-setting corporate reorganization of Coherent Comics to the author's real life changes in status. Discrepancies with real world MIT admitted, original ASH Champions campaign origins explained for Warendja and others mentioned in the story.
• 25: HCC17. Explanation of using Jess Nevins in the frame of the story, and origins of "Johnny T. Gerald." Explanation of deliberate historical inaccuracies, explanation of a somewhat rude reference, historical aside on the Kansas prairies.
• 26: HCC18. Disclaimers for any finding it via search for My Little Pony fanfic. Explanation of references other than ponies, in an attempt to fit it into a plausible bit of the timeline.
• 27: HCC19, admission to having not quite gotten the challenge topic right. Reference for Opens-New-Markets's previous appearance in CSS #2. Trademark disclaimers.
• 28: Admission that a full accounting of references would be longer than the story. Did cover Astro City references and tie-ins to Corps of Discovery.

• 0: Note on Spaz's personality. (This series will probably be split out of "misc" once it gets rolling.)
• 1: Apology for all the angst and promise to lighten up in subsequent issues.
• 2: Kentucky Fried Movie callback, color of Doctor Developer's car, Detroit's motto.

• 1: Timeline note, umlauts note.
• 2: Fannish origins of Doctor Developer, and of various character names in the story.
• 3: Explanation why the promised story for #3 was pushed back to #4.
• 4: Reference to The Reverse Engineers #0 spoilering.
• 5: Empowered note, Murray Head non-reference, note on alliteration.
• 6: Vague datestamping.
• 7: Origins of the vignettes collected here. Editorial notes on in-setting use of intellectual property, Usenet groups in ASH, and Jack Turnbull's previous mention.
• 8: List of contributors to the "name an object to be used in a deathtrap" theme for the issue.
• Christmas Special: Character credits, note on dolls, apology for lateness, link to cover art, explanation of MP3s in ASH.
• 9: Credit to story influences, assurance that the series isn't over yet, editorial note on the process by which the story finally emerged from the vaults.
• 10: Some notes on deep backstory (including at least one story that will not be posted, but which informs the stuff that is).
• "Pull" Special: HCC10.
• "Surprise" Special: HCC27. Explanation of .plan files, Museum of Science and Industry's "Science and Superheroes Headquarters!" event in real life.

• A Singular Fire: No notes.
• Undone (Santari origins): A LOT of background (almost more than there is story), further explication of the Santari.
• From Dust To Stars (Pranir origins): Historical inspiration for the Pranir, explanation of the use of common terminology rather than making up alien words.
• Corps of Discovery #1: Background on Z-Man.
• Precinct 13: HCC28. Information on the real life Precinct 13.
• ASH Holiday Special #1: Embedded note about Rapfic, end notes about Pengonn, original plot ideas, McMurdo Base, Tymmytes.
• In the Cards: Apology for pun.
• Click!: Explanation of inspiration for the story (based on conversations regarding the Ray Palmer backup in Adventure #517), note on the use of the ASH Wiki to mine for characters to use, pondering whether LU-63 is still around (see CSS #23 for a possible answer).
• Northern Vendetta: Link to lyrics that are relevant to the horrible pun this story is built around.
• Unbeatable: Credit for original idea. Editorial notes tying story to LL&DD #7, mention of how the DSHA would have dealt with Unbeatable, expanding on the authorial note, admission of similarities to Empowered and "Interviewing Leather".
• Wall Street Angels: Laying out the angelic characters for anyone who might have missed it, definition of a "Wall Street angel", later note copping to being cagey with pronouns.
• The Pyramid Trap: Origin as the result of discussing "What If?" stories online, story evolution, continuity reminder for Alliance of Super-Heroes, why this is different from a Marvel-style What If? story, a few other process notes.
• Solar Max 2000: Continuity notes, incorrect image link.
• Ash Wednesday 2003: Inspirations for the story, background on the main character, a note on weather (real life versus in-story), plugs for the Yahoo Group and Wilsego.com.
• Worse Than The Disease: Background motivation for dealing with some nagging loose ends of the Santari organ transplant plot device.
• Spark (Aaron Zander youth): Rationale for writing the story.
• Lifetrap: HCC11, clarification of the relationship between Weapons Master I and II, continuity reminder (Jack Ripley), disclaimer on credenzas, note that an online writing analyzer considered this story to be like Dan Brown's work.

• LNH 2023
  • 0: Roster entries for the new LNH.
  • 1: Apologies for not continuing the series.
• LNH 2024
  • 1: Tony Pi's reasons for wanting to pick up the series, brief summary of LNH2023 #0-1, creator credits.
  • 2: Notes on Derek Radner, creator credits.
  • 3: Description of how the story concept evolved from Time Capsule concept to alternate timeline to what it ended up being. Editor's note on prolificity of ASH writers about this time.

• 1: Musings in paradigm shifts in warfare, technical notes on interferometry, units of long distance, and language issues.
• 2: "What's up with all the Roman stuff?", background on creating the character of Jenkins.
• 3: Apologies for hiatus, promise to get things rolling again (ironically). Note: the cliffhanger from this issue is picked up in ASH #33-36.

• 1: Creator credits.
• 2: Creator credits.
• 3: Wrapup musings, creator credits.

• 1: Note on Rossi's absence, vocabulary issues, and clarifying the viewpoint character of several scenes.
• 2: Continuity note.
• 3: See individual titles for denounments.

• 1: Reasoning for making this a separate title, rather than just another Time Capsules issue. Setting up the conceit of what may end up being a continuing series.
• 2: Inspiration from RACC, reminder not to expect 18 year old Derek to have fully formed ideas. Process note on deliberate lack of proofreading (ironically containing a typo in the note), explanation of de-bowdlerization of a joke.
• 3: Notes on the tribulations involved in getting it physically written, explanation for why it's jumped ahead several years from #2, explaining some conveniently prescient thoughts on Derek's part.
• 4: Explanation of fitting into the "Coming Home" arc in ASH and CSV, note on the Dead Sea Scrolls, definitions of ontology and aetiology.
• 5: Pointing out a few things Derek wouldn't have known at the time of writing, provenance of a Wordsworth poem, note on how Derek kinda fails to take all the advice he's giving.
• 6: Inspired by but not written for HCC10.

• Lightfoot and Thunderbolt: Some of the motivations for writing the story.
• Justice: Creator credits.
• "Read It Before It Gets Banned": None. In fact, this is written entirely "in character" with no copyright notice (It was written July 26, 2000, by Dave Van Domelen).
• Hidden Under A Bushel: HCC24. Explanation of the Concept being Challenged.
• Affiliated: Christopher Anvil's Interplanetary Patrol reference, addendum for wiki purposes.
• : The Element of Surprise: HCC27. Guantanamo Bay status in ASH, narrowing down some dates for STRAFE #0.