Today marks the beginning of Fan Expo. The largest convention in these here parts, it’s kind of a big deal. Sadly financial and family commitments once again prevent me from attending this year, but fear not loyal McHozers, there is still a chance to check out (and even purchase) a couple of goodies that bare my name.
First, make sure you head over to visit Phil McClorey from Furious comics. Not only does he make some of the coolest indie horror comics around, he also happens to be selling an anthology that I wrote a story for. Horror in the West “captures the mystic of the Old West and the perils that await those who brave the untamed western frontier with the fear of unknown horrors stalking the dusty trails at night.” Plus, it’s pretty dang cool… Pick up your copy from Phil at Table A167 (and look for my story called “The Hunters”)
Next you can visit the boys of Big Sexy Comics. AKA the home of Fearless Fred, Adam Gorham and Andre Fernandes. Fred will be selling the second volume of the amazing book Teuton (artwork by Adam) a new title, Son of Gothra (artwork by the always incredible Vince Sunico) and Helos, a book I was lucky enough to get a chance to do the lettering for (more awesome artwork, this time by Andre.) It was a lot of fun working with this team, and I’m looking forward to even more in the future.
That’s it for projects that I’m directly involved with, but there is still a lot to see if you’re heading out to the show…. like Spent Pencils. Vince, Arnold, Daniel and Paul kick all kinds of ass. I’ve worked with most of these guys in one way or another. Paul did the awesome cover for Dead Souls, Vince did the equally awesome cover for Fox Hunt and I think Daniel did something for me at one time (but for the life of me I can’t remember what) and Arnold… actually I don’t think Arnold and I have ever done anything together now that I think of it. We’re going to have to change that one of these days.
I’m pretty sure there will also be plenty of celebrities, as well as an assortment of products to purchase should you wish to do so… but really the best part of the show for me is always Artist Alley… not that I’m biased or anything…
As a former student of Ty Templeton’s, I can attest that this is the best comic-related program that you are going to find. Anywhere. Ever. I’m not joking. I’ve read all the “how-to” books, visited the websites and nothing comes close to the immersive nature of Boot Camp.
Ty’s body of work speaks for itself (obviously the man knows what he’s talking about.) However, beyond being a celebrated writer and artist, he is also an exceptional teacher, combining the perfect amount of wit, information and encouragement into each session.
One thing that I noticed right away was how comfortable I felt in the class. I am a horrible artist (it’s a scientific fact) but that didn’t matter. Ty quickly identified each student’s strengths and weaknesses and was able to make us all feel right at home. By providing the right amount of support in our weaker areas and challenging us where we felt stronger, he made sure that each student got the most out of the experience.
Before I took the class, I was feeling down on myself and my comic creating career. I had self-published a few things, done the conventions… but things just weren’t happening and I was feeling a lot of stress and frustration. Ty’s class helped re-charge my enthusiasm for comics again. Making comics is supposed to be fun. Boot Camp helped remind me of that.
If you are serious about making comics, or think you might be one day, you need to sign up for this class. That’s all there is to it… There really is no excuse.
Dirty Deeds: The Spiritual Journey of Celtic Shaman is now available across the GTA in the following (awesome) comic book shops. Pick up your copy today!
Altered States
1701 Lakeshore Rd. West
Mississauga, Ontario Canada L5J 1J4
(905) 855-1288 alteredstatescomics.com
The Beguiling
601 Markham Street
Toronto, ON M6G 2L7
(416) 533-9168 www.beguiling.com
Gotham Central Comics
5170 Dixie Rd
Mississauga, ON L4W 1E3
(905) 212-9992
Image Collections
181A Queen St. South
Mississauga, Ont. L5M 1L1
(905) 542-8307 www.imagecollections.ca
When I first got the crazy idea that I wanted to write comic books I didn’t start with Shaman. In fact I had a bunch of different ideas (whatever happened to all those?) but the very first script I ever developed was for a story called “Dead Souls.” For a long time that story was my baby… however for one reason or another I just wasn’t able to get it made. Well that was then and this is now:
Dead Souls: Pains of Contrition is about a man who is abducted, tortured and seduced into a murderous cult. Only to discover there’s no way out… even in death.
Quite happy with how the first issue worked out for this, if you want more information and to see some preview pages visit www.deadsouls.ca
The book will be off to the printer shortly with a few extra bonus material thrown in, just because I love ya.
Hey guys, hope you’re having a great spring (So far so good for me… even though Hockey fest was “postponed” sigh… no Weezer and no TV make Homer something something…)
Anyways keep your eyes on this space. Starting in June the Celtic Shaman online adventures begin starting with volume 1, chapter 1 “Mannix Built My Hotrod.”
I’m pretty excited to get started and I think you’ll enjoy reading it.
Couple of quick links for you. First check out bigsexycomics.com for all the info on Fearless Fred and Adam Gorham’s “Teuton” or any of Fred’s other projects (including “Helos” lettered by yours truly.)
Secondly if you enjoy old school stories like Nancy Drew or Lois Lane then check out the adventures of intrepid reporter Paula Peril: http://www.atlantisstudios.net/paulaperil/ be sure to check out the preview for Betrayal at Midnight (another fine comic I had the privilege to letter.)
Later guys, I hope you’re looking forward to summer 2012 as much as I am.
Been a while eh? It seemed like it would take forever for things to pick up again, but hey, if they can actually make an amazing Avengers movie then anything is possible. Right? I’ve got exciting news to share with you, but first I thought I’d pimp for some of my creator friends who all seem to have amazing projects going on… Seriously.
Horror in the West
First and foremost (and not just because I contributed to it or anything) you need to check out “Horror in the West.” Phil McClorey from Furious Comics has assembled a group of up and coming comic creators to put together a book that collects 11 different stand alone horror stories that all take place in the old west. It’s pretty awesome, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be part of it… The book is finished and Alterna Press has agreed to distribute it, but we still need your help. I’ll let Phil explain…
“We’re looking to rise $2500 dollars towards the print run of the book. Once accomplished, Alterna will get Horror in the West in comic and book stores across North America. To help us meet that goal we’re offering you a number of pledge options including prints based on artwork from the book and original artwork. A number of the guys who contributed to Horror in the West have produced graphic novel which are also being offered so not only is it possibly for you to support them in this book but also with their previous projects.”
And hey speaking of projects that I have been involved with be sure to visit the all new website for the fine folks at Twilight Star Studios. Over the last few months they have been kind enough to shoot me some lettering work on a variety of different projects (Ron Fortier’s Tales of the Macabre being one of them.) Stop by and check them out. They have been fantastic to work with.
And finally be sure to check out this new web comic series by my bud Adam Dechanel. It’s from Clockwork comics and it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.
As for me? Well I’m happy to announce that starting this summer I’ll be putting out a brand new season of Celtic Shaman stories for your enjoyment. Starting here online at first, then printed up all nice and pretty for you. Peka is back on the art and I can’t wait to get started. It’s a whole new direction for the character as we are finally going to be able to tell you Mannix’s story in full.
I’ll post more details when I can, stay tuned (in the meantime go watch Avengers… if you already have, go see it again. You’ve earned it!)
Hey guys, only a quick post today because it’s my birfday and I’m heading out to Canada’s Wonderland with the family. Just wanted to let you know that the low-tech version of Dirty Deeds is now available for order over at Indyplanet. Yup, you now have the option of ordering a fancy pants digital copy for your super-sexy tablet or a good old paper and ink version that you can hold with your very own hands. Never let it be said that I don’t give you guys what you want. You can order the convenient paperback version of the book by visiting the Indyplanet website by clicking here.
Today marks the beginning of Fan Expo. The largest convention in these here parts, it’s kind of a big deal. Sadly financial and family commitments once again prevent me from attending this year, but fear not loyal McHozers, there is still a chance to check out (and even purchase) a couple of goodies that bare my name.
