Monday, February 27, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Well, I never....
Yesterday, thank you to Barbara, I got a block of almost 8 hours (!) of inking in. It was pretty awesome and I got a page and a half inked. Here is one of my favorite Cherokee Geisha poses from the last page: "Well, I never..."
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
I, Monster...Valentines Day Special
Page#10, Panel#1 from Robotika #4...The Lord of a Thousand Whispers!
Everybody loves a good monster!
Everybody loves a good monster!
Post WonderCon
Yesterday I got a call from Ryan. He called to wish my son a happy birthday (2!) and also to let me know that the baby blanket, that I forgot at the convention, got passed along to Mick so I should be able to pick that up anytime. And then we just talked about comics and drawing and all sorts of stuff. Talking to Ryan always lifts my spirit and helps me see things from a different perspective. He has an unbound enthusiasm for life and I am very fortunate to have him and Michelle as friends. It was great time. He has some very exciting things happening with his career and I can't wait to see his next assignment!
Today I got an e-mail from Tony Salmons telling me that he did indeed finish the pin-up for Robotika. If only, I came back to the convention on Sunday, I could of had it in my hot little hands now. Instead he is going to send it to me. I very much look forward to that.
I have been very fortunate in being able to have some of my all-time art heroes make a contributin to the Robotika project. I tried to include a special guest artist treat in every issue:
#1 has the (of course) beautiful cover by Ryan Sook,
#2 has a 6-page story illustrated (brilliantly) by Leif Jones (who also contributes a wonderful back cover),
#3 has (heroic) Frank Cirocco, (Zen-like) Benoit Springer, (hilarious) Norman Felchle, and (royal) JH Williams III pin-ups, and
#4...will also have a few nice surprises :)
Currently, I working with Jeremy Mohler and Jason Felix to see if they will be able to contribute some of their innovative art to the series.
Today I got an e-mail from Tony Salmons telling me that he did indeed finish the pin-up for Robotika. If only, I came back to the convention on Sunday, I could of had it in my hot little hands now. Instead he is going to send it to me. I very much look forward to that.
I have been very fortunate in being able to have some of my all-time art heroes make a contributin to the Robotika project. I tried to include a special guest artist treat in every issue:
#1 has the (of course) beautiful cover by Ryan Sook,
#2 has a 6-page story illustrated (brilliantly) by Leif Jones (who also contributes a wonderful back cover),
#3 has (heroic) Frank Cirocco, (Zen-like) Benoit Springer, (hilarious) Norman Felchle, and (royal) JH Williams III pin-ups, and
#4...will also have a few nice surprises :)
Currently, I working with Jeremy Mohler and Jason Felix to see if they will be able to contribute some of their innovative art to the series.
Monday, February 13, 2006
WonderCon 2006
I attended WonderCon last Friday.
The two biggest highlights of my attendance were meeting Tony Salmons and talking to Rafael Navarro and Mike Wellman at the Comic Bug booth.
Tony Salmons was someone whose art I have admired for years. I have followed his comic book work across the spectrum of comic book companies (Marvel, Dark Horse, DC...). My favorite work of his has been the Conan and Doctor Strange pages at Marvel and "The Mark" over at Dark Horse. Also his recently completed Batman "Legends of the Dark Knight" and "Black & White" were some of the freshest takes on Batman in recent years. I got to ask him some questions about his career and I also got to show him a copy of Robotika. He thought Ryan's cover was outstanding and he was also very kind about the interior pages. I even got up the nerve to ask him to do a Robotika pin-up. He agreed and I hope we will be able to work it out.
Later on in the day I walked by the Comic Bug and re-introduced myself to Rafael Navarro. I met Rafael a few years ago at an earlier WonderCon when he was just starting out his comic book series Sonambulo based on crime noir and Mexican wrestlers. He in turn introduced me to Mike Wellman the manager at Comic Bug, who has actually heard of "Robotika" and wanted to get a few copies for his store. While we were talking, James Sime of the The Isotope walked up and he also remembered who I was (after some reminding) and told me to keep up the good work. It really made me feel pretty good that "Robotika" is getting some attention.
I also walked by some original art dealer tables and was blown away by seeing the Michael Golden original comic book pages and covers. What ever happened to his art book that was palnned by Image last year?
I have also made a few new "discoveries". Enrique Fernandez is an artist creating comics in Spain and France. Just recently he completed an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz". Beautiful work, very strong character designs, and innovative page construction.
The convention can be a very hectic environment so I did not really get a chance to conect with any of my friends, but I am fortunate in that I can catch-up with them "off-convention" at any time. So that was fine and it was great to see fans line up to see Ryan and Mick at their tables. I did get to talk to Michelle for a bit (about bats!) and Ryan was kind enough to take some time out to sign some art work that I got from him a while back (one piece is a penciled page of Liz as a little girl that never made it into the BPRD and another was an ad that Ryan penciled and I got to ink for Wizards of the Coast). I also ran into Jim and Wendy at the convention center lobby and for a few minutes we said "hi".
It was a beautiful day in San Francisco with the sun warm and the sky clear. I very much enjoyed walking out to the Gardens and watching the crowd on the Green. The evening was also warm and the downtown bright with lights.
The two biggest highlights of my attendance were meeting Tony Salmons and talking to Rafael Navarro and Mike Wellman at the Comic Bug booth.
Tony Salmons was someone whose art I have admired for years. I have followed his comic book work across the spectrum of comic book companies (Marvel, Dark Horse, DC...). My favorite work of his has been the Conan and Doctor Strange pages at Marvel and "The Mark" over at Dark Horse. Also his recently completed Batman "Legends of the Dark Knight" and "Black & White" were some of the freshest takes on Batman in recent years. I got to ask him some questions about his career and I also got to show him a copy of Robotika. He thought Ryan's cover was outstanding and he was also very kind about the interior pages. I even got up the nerve to ask him to do a Robotika pin-up. He agreed and I hope we will be able to work it out.
Later on in the day I walked by the Comic Bug and re-introduced myself to Rafael Navarro. I met Rafael a few years ago at an earlier WonderCon when he was just starting out his comic book series Sonambulo based on crime noir and Mexican wrestlers. He in turn introduced me to Mike Wellman the manager at Comic Bug, who has actually heard of "Robotika" and wanted to get a few copies for his store. While we were talking, James Sime of the The Isotope walked up and he also remembered who I was (after some reminding) and told me to keep up the good work. It really made me feel pretty good that "Robotika" is getting some attention.
I also walked by some original art dealer tables and was blown away by seeing the Michael Golden original comic book pages and covers. What ever happened to his art book that was palnned by Image last year?
I have also made a few new "discoveries". Enrique Fernandez is an artist creating comics in Spain and France. Just recently he completed an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz". Beautiful work, very strong character designs, and innovative page construction.
The convention can be a very hectic environment so I did not really get a chance to conect with any of my friends, but I am fortunate in that I can catch-up with them "off-convention" at any time. So that was fine and it was great to see fans line up to see Ryan and Mick at their tables. I did get to talk to Michelle for a bit (about bats!) and Ryan was kind enough to take some time out to sign some art work that I got from him a while back (one piece is a penciled page of Liz as a little girl that never made it into the BPRD and another was an ad that Ryan penciled and I got to ink for Wizards of the Coast). I also ran into Jim and Wendy at the convention center lobby and for a few minutes we said "hi".
It was a beautiful day in San Francisco with the sun warm and the sky clear. I very much enjoyed walking out to the Gardens and watching the crowd on the Green. The evening was also warm and the downtown bright with lights.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Interview at Silver Bullet
My latest interview just got posted at:
Silver Bullet Comics
This was a very enjoyable experience and an opportunity to expand on some of my storytelling ideas used in "Robotika". David Moran and Jenny Goguen did a great job putting the whole things together. At the end of the article there is also a link to order issues #1-3.
This was a very enjoyable experience and an opportunity to expand on some of my storytelling ideas used in "Robotika". David Moran and Jenny Goguen did a great job putting the whole things together. At the end of the article there is also a link to order issues #1-3.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Review (VI)
The good, the bad and...the not so bad.
Six more reviews of Robotika #1:
BagsAndBoards
ColumbusAlive
ComicWorldNews
ShouldThisBeAMovie?
AintItCool
That'sEntertainment
Six more reviews of Robotika #1:
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Ad for ASP Comics in February's Diamond Previews
Mark put together this ad for Diamond Previews that will solicit Robotika #3 and Mouse Guard #2. I loved how he worked in the vertical title and the credits for me and Joel.
Review (V)
Got another very thorough review at:
ComicCritique
I am loving the fact that some folks really take their time to read the book and think about it. This is exactly why I did it in the first place!!
I am loving the fact that some folks really take their time to read the book and think about it. This is exactly why I did it in the first place!!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Too Awesome
Alex Ness was kind enough to include Robotika in his "wrap-up" for 2005. I think that is pretty awesome:
PopThought
Another awesome news is that Ryan's "X-Factor" #1 is sold out and is going in for a second printing! I read the issue a few weeks back and I thought that the story and the art were right on...the cover alone is "to die for"!
Another awesome news is that Ryan's "X-Factor" #1 is sold out and is going in for a second printing! I read the issue a few weeks back and I thought that the story and the art were right on...the cover alone is "to die for"!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Review (IV)
Today I got a link to another new review of the first issue:
Jazma
Yesterday I started inking a drawing and was reminded that if I don't ink for a few weeks I "loose" it. I am trying to create an econimic line with certain vigor to it...hard to do when my skills are reduced to a baby level.
Yesterday I started inking a drawing and was reminded that if I don't ink for a few weeks I "loose" it. I am trying to create an econimic line with certain vigor to it...hard to do when my skills are reduced to a baby level.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Reviews (III)
Three more reviews:
Comics Should Be Good
and here is another:
Randomville
Steven Grant reviews:
PermanentDamage#222
This is an earlier review of Robotika photocopies that I sent it before the book was colored/published. It is pretty much the same as the full review in #222, but I wanted to put this one up to have a complete listing of all the articles:
PermanentDamage#215
and here is another:
Steven Grant reviews:
This is an earlier review of Robotika photocopies that I sent it before the book was colored/published. It is pretty much the same as the full review in #222, but I wanted to put this one up to have a complete listing of all the articles:
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Reviews (II) and a drawing
Monday, December 12, 2005
Reviews
Here are two reviews of the first issue:
Broken Frontier
Pop Thought
These are very kind reviews, I hope they will inspire some folks to give the book a look.
These are very kind reviews, I hope they will inspire some folks to give the book a look.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Vertical Text
After the release of the first issue I have recieved a letter from someone who purchased Robotika and after reading it decided to write in and share his impression of the issue. It was a very articulate letter that contained some very kind words about the art work, storytelling, and story ideas...but one thing stood out as a "sore thumb": Cherokee Geisha's vertical text. In his opinion, the text slowed down the reading experience and made him leave the story.
I was thrilled to get the letter. It was awesome to hear from someone who read the book and felt inspired to write about it. That was very much appreciated. The vertical text is an interesting point and I wanted to say a few words about it.
English is my second language and I still remember the experience of trying to communicate with someone and how frustrating it was when I could not. I also remember how rewarding it was when finally I started "getting it", a whole new world opened up for me. Since than I have developed a huge appreciation of English (and it's American "cousin") as a beautiful language.
With Cherokee Geisha I wanted to create a character that other characters either could or could not understand (but somehow the reader would always be
able to understand). I wanted the reader to realize that they are taking a very wonderful thing, English language and ability to communicate, for granted. "Yes", I did want the reader to work hard. "Yes", I did want the reader to have to "re-learn" how to read...because I wanted them to feel achievement at the end of that experience and an appreciation for something that they usually take for granted.
This was my first opportunity to verbalize my thoughts about the matter (other than talking to friends or to Mark about it), and I hope readers will understand what I am trying to do.
I was thrilled to get the letter. It was awesome to hear from someone who read the book and felt inspired to write about it. That was very much appreciated. The vertical text is an interesting point and I wanted to say a few words about it.
English is my second language and I still remember the experience of trying to communicate with someone and how frustrating it was when I could not. I also remember how rewarding it was when finally I started "getting it", a whole new world opened up for me. Since than I have developed a huge appreciation of English (and it's American "cousin") as a beautiful language.
With Cherokee Geisha I wanted to create a character that other characters either could or could not understand (but somehow the reader would always be
able to understand). I wanted the reader to realize that they are taking a very wonderful thing, English language and ability to communicate, for granted. "Yes", I did want the reader to work hard. "Yes", I did want the reader to have to "re-learn" how to read...because I wanted them to feel achievement at the end of that experience and an appreciation for something that they usually take for granted.
This was my first opportunity to verbalize my thoughts about the matter (other than talking to friends or to Mark about it), and I hope readers will understand what I am trying to do.
Interview(s) Part III
There is a new interview and a preview for Robotika #2 at Broken Frontier:
Broken Frontier
This was one the first time "in print" that I was able to thank Barbara, Leif, and Ryan for all the support and care that they have given me and Robotika.
This was one the first time "in print" that I was able to thank Barbara, Leif, and Ryan for all the support and care that they have given me and Robotika.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Robotika#1
Robotika #1 went on sale last week on the East coast and this week it will be on sale through out the rest of the country. I just got the promotional copies that I need to sign (and get Ryan, who contributed the cover to issue #1, to co-sign)...it is pretty cool to see the book printed...in fact it is pretty amazing.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Interview(s) Part II
There are two more interviews up about Robotika. One at ComicReaders.com:
ComicReaders.com
and another one at Jazma:
Jazma
There is also a write-up based on some questions that I answered at Comicon.com:
Comicon
Also the second issue of Robotika (!) is solicited through Diamond Previews this month. Robotika #2 got a "Certified Cool" sticker with a half-page color ad and a write-up on page 222.
The same Previews issue is also soliciting another new title by Archaia Studios Press, "Mouse Guard" #1 by David Peterson. "Mouse Guard" got a Featured Item description on page 205, a two page interview with David on pages 220-221, and a write-up on page 223. The book looks beautiful and I can't wait to read it.
and another one at Jazma:
There is also a write-up based on some questions that I answered at Comicon.com:
Also the second issue of Robotika (!) is solicited through Diamond Previews this month. Robotika #2 got a "Certified Cool" sticker with a half-page color ad and a write-up on page 222.
The same Previews issue is also soliciting another new title by Archaia Studios Press, "Mouse Guard" #1 by David Peterson. "Mouse Guard" got a Featured Item description on page 205, a two page interview with David on pages 220-221, and a write-up on page 223. The book looks beautiful and I can't wait to read it.
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