Last Interview and Last Comic Con

Variant Edition are my boys and you should be following their channel on youTube! They were one of the first to use this medium/forum for comic reviews and no one else has the production value. Trust me on that.

As always, I thank them for sticking with me on my journey from a promising comic artist to my leaving this industry. I implore you to try new creators and projects, you never know who's going to be the next important creative visionary. You may be pleasantly surprised at the remarkable stories that are being told out there, by people who aren't able to generate the appropriate audience necessary to continue on future endeavors.

(15:10):

R!

Radio Silence

So I know it's been a long time that I've post anything, let alone artwork. I've pretty much fallen off the social network grid, even with close friends. So where the heck have I been for nearly a year!?

3 major factors have delayed any update with regards to this blog:

1. New job: I've been working at this awesome design firm for nearly a year. Creatively it has been a dream but I'm pretty tapped out by end of day, so I haven't been working on much at home.

2. Bought a house. Most weekends have been dedicated to major yard work, while the weather has been good, and future weekends will be painting, painting and more painting. In all honesty, I'll take a day of hard work around this house than living in the apartments! LOL

3. Wedding plans. Anytime I do have for design work has been primarily directed to the Save the Dates (see below) and upcoming invitation concepts.

Please note that I will be doing NYCC this year, (was able to piggy-back onto another person's table) and as part of my "Get these damn comics out of my house" program will be selling remaining copies of AKA for only $5!! That's right, 128 page graphic novel for merely $5!. Once I have the table info, I'll relay it here. This will be my only show (except for the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market in Novemeber). In fact, I will be phasing out conventions entirely after this year. So grab a copy of AKA while you can!

As of now, I don't have any comic projects in the works. Though I'd like to put out a web series in upcoming years. Just reading and researching some concepts.

So here are a few images from work (with permission) I can share. Wish I could show so much more. In adddition, below those are the Save the Dates (in 3D; get your glasses out!) and a recent Rider University illustration.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kickstarter Success and more

Hey Gang,

It's been a while since I've updated this site. So what's the good news? We successfully raise the necessary funds for the prequel, A.K.A: One in the Chamber. Many thanks to our backers for that!

So now what?

I've been asking myself that question and to be honest, I'm on the fence as to my future in this industry. Unfortunately all the fun and excitement of creating comics gets blunged to death by the business aspects of such an endeavor. Making comics (in the business sense) is like discovering Santa isn't real. Once you've gone through the ringer of producing a printed book, all the magic is gone and you realize anyone can do this. I can see why top professional artists and writers still love this medium, they don't have to deal with any of the birthing process. LOL

I have a book I wanted to do. I wrote a first draft (150 pages) and have character designs but not the drive to move the project forward. It's been sitting on my art desk for over 6 months and will very well be my last book.

A lot of this decision is born out of frustration; dealing with printers, customs, and costs. In addition, I started a new day job last October that I absolutely love and fulfills my creative needs.

So my dilemma is quite simple:

comics = lose of time and $ with little praise

new day job = draw cartoons, lots of praise and make $

At the moment, I just don't love comics and after 15+ years of trying, I hope to find that love again.

Thank you, my small band of loyal fans, for all your love and support. Hopefully I'll return to the stage.

AKA: One in the Chamber & NYCC 2012

Our Kickstarter campaign for the AKA Prequel has gone live as of today.

Here's a quick video that explains everything we're trying to accomplish with this new goal:

If you missed out on the first campaign, for the graphic novel or pledged previously Steven and I are proud to announce the variety of AKA merch that has been made available as well as exclusive variant covers by Mike Hawthorne, Taki Soma and Mike Oeming. These will ONLY be available for our backer! So be sure to visit our Kickstarter campaign and get in on the action before the 30 days are up.

In addition, Steve and I plan on donating 40% of any additional funds raised after reaching our goal to
The Ringo Scholarship. Unfortunately, due to Kickstarter's strict policies we aren't able to make mention on our campaign page but have found a loop hole where there was no mention of restriction on social media sites. Arrangements have been made with the proper people in Ringo's camp. So please help out this wonderful educational opportunity that will no only honor a brilliant cartoonist, Mike Wieringo but help assure the future and betterment of the comic industry.

As a separate reminder, Steve and I will be at NYCC this upcoming week selling, signing and sketching. Stop by for a chat!! Thanks!

Aurora Rise & Baltimore Comic Con

Hey Gang,

In case you missed it on Twitter and Facebook. I was asked to participate in the Aurora Rise Benefit. It was great to be able to help raise money for those unfortunate families. I was asked to do a Superman piece, since he's my number #1 requested character. I didn't think about it for for longer and really wanted to do a "Drunk" Superman from Superman III!! lol

Here's little of the process and the final piece that went to auction:

Sorry if you missed out on the bidding war, this is why you should be following me on Twitter at all times!! lol


Ok, so Baltimore Comic Con is nearly upon us (September 8-9) be sure to stop by and pick up for copy of AKA and all the wonderful AKA related merch we'll have. Steve and I will both be there to entertain and enthrall you!

Here's where we'll be on the floor:

In other news, AKA: One in the Chamber is still alive and well. Steve and I recently shot our Kickstarter video for the project and I am editing here and there. Keep a sharp eye out for that announcement!!

Hope to you in Baltimore!

R!

Coming Soon...

In order to increase readership for AKA, we are currently working on a short prequel that will be available for all for free!! Keep posted for updates!! Enjoy!

AKA Prequel

Hey Gang,

So firstly here are a few sketches from Wizard World Philly:

Secondly, if you haven't been following me on Twitter you're missing constant updates on what I'm working on! lol Steve and I are working on a short prequel to AKA which we will be giving out for free online with hopes to raise awareness and readership for the trade paperback.  Here's a few shots for the WIP:

 In addition, Steve and I are in the process of developing a website dedicated to AKA. Once it's up and running I will let you guys know!

Finally, for the 4th of July I'm offering a kick-ass deal at my Storenvy shop. Get everything AKA for only $40! This is a LIMITED OFFER!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

R!