This week in Myth Conceptions in honor of Black History Month I sat down with some professional and independent creators to discuss the history of black comic characters. Among them were:
Kevin Grevioux (New Warriors, Underworld)
Mike Sales (Type Illy Press)
Andrew West (Midnight Studio Comics)
Adrian Wilkins (Metro, Supreme Knight Studios)
PLUS: Kevin Grevioux gives an exclusive, never-before-seen preview of Vindicators #1 and a ton of character sketches from his Darkstorm Studios.
Click the title link to read the column!
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Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Myth Conceptions
The latest column is up! This week I give the complete history on how Wannabez came to be and all it's been through over the past four years. Check it out by clicking the title link.
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A Little This, A Little That
A couple of quick updates/notes.
First, Amour #1 got another positive review. For those not in the know, this is a book from Approbation Comics that I lettered, which I mentioned a few posts back. You can read the new review by clicking the title link.
In other news, I've been having some problems with my domain emails. For some reason they had disappeared from my webmail and I wasn't getting all of my emails through them. Well, it turns out that my hosting provider went and got a new website and changed their name, and in the process changed some things on the server, which kind of hung up my email. I thankfully got some great tech support and got that taken care of. So I should be getting all my email through those just fine now.
Another bonus on that situation is that I discovered they had upgraded the bandwidth and disk space for all the plans 2 months ago, so I got a free upgrade today. And that couldn't have been more timely as I was nearly out of disk space. So it all worked out just fine.
On the computer situation, still no word from the computer guy. I've been emailing him, but I think I'm going to have to dig out his number and give him a call. I've got a TON of lettering this has put me behind on, and more is coming in fast. I've got to get this taken care of. Not to mention how much this temporary computer impedes my work flow for my job.
Several of the SBC crew is heading to NYCC this weekend and should come out with some great coverage and interviews for the site. I wish I could be there, but it's a no go. We even have one staffer flying in from Israel. He's coming for the fun of it, but he may do some press while he's there as well.
We are trying to line up some exciting interviews for the site as well, so keep checking in.
Small Press Idol is still slow going right now with entries continuing to trickle in. So far (last count) 16 projects have made it to round 2. There's still a month or so left to enter, so I'm sure we'll see a huge influx at some point. It's very exciting this year because there's a lot of people entered or entering soon that I've come in contact with over the years. It'll be a lot of fun competing against so many friends and acquaintances.
I guess that's about it for now. I need to get back to work and make some bill money!
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First, Amour #1 got another positive review. For those not in the know, this is a book from Approbation Comics that I lettered, which I mentioned a few posts back. You can read the new review by clicking the title link.
In other news, I've been having some problems with my domain emails. For some reason they had disappeared from my webmail and I wasn't getting all of my emails through them. Well, it turns out that my hosting provider went and got a new website and changed their name, and in the process changed some things on the server, which kind of hung up my email. I thankfully got some great tech support and got that taken care of. So I should be getting all my email through those just fine now.
Another bonus on that situation is that I discovered they had upgraded the bandwidth and disk space for all the plans 2 months ago, so I got a free upgrade today. And that couldn't have been more timely as I was nearly out of disk space. So it all worked out just fine.
On the computer situation, still no word from the computer guy. I've been emailing him, but I think I'm going to have to dig out his number and give him a call. I've got a TON of lettering this has put me behind on, and more is coming in fast. I've got to get this taken care of. Not to mention how much this temporary computer impedes my work flow for my job.
Several of the SBC crew is heading to NYCC this weekend and should come out with some great coverage and interviews for the site. I wish I could be there, but it's a no go. We even have one staffer flying in from Israel. He's coming for the fun of it, but he may do some press while he's there as well.
We are trying to line up some exciting interviews for the site as well, so keep checking in.
Small Press Idol is still slow going right now with entries continuing to trickle in. So far (last count) 16 projects have made it to round 2. There's still a month or so left to enter, so I'm sure we'll see a huge influx at some point. It's very exciting this year because there's a lot of people entered or entering soon that I've come in contact with over the years. It'll be a lot of fun competing against so many friends and acquaintances.
I guess that's about it for now. I need to get back to work and make some bill money!
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All Things Become New
Well, I made the switch. Not by choice, mind you, but because I was forced to.
What am I talking about? I'm on the new blogger now. When I tried to log in this morning to make a post it wouldn't let me until I upgraded to the new version. I tried everything to avoid it after hearing a horror story or two, but it ended up being a quick and painless event. No problems so far. I haven't really looked into the new features yet, and I don't really like signing in with an email address instead of a username, but I'll get used to it.
I'm actually glad it happened because I knew eventually I'd have to switch. And I was having problems posting comments on upgraded blogs. So it all worked out fine I guess.
I'm actually glad for this little bit of excitement because I feel as though my blog is becoming terribly boring. I'm still torn on whether or not to have two blogs, but in the meantime I'm just going to have to use this one for both. Eventually the home page of my website will become my update blog centered around my work. This one will then be my regular blog for random posting because that's how I like it.
So that's what's up with me right now. More later.
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What am I talking about? I'm on the new blogger now. When I tried to log in this morning to make a post it wouldn't let me until I upgraded to the new version. I tried everything to avoid it after hearing a horror story or two, but it ended up being a quick and painless event. No problems so far. I haven't really looked into the new features yet, and I don't really like signing in with an email address instead of a username, but I'll get used to it.
I'm actually glad it happened because I knew eventually I'd have to switch. And I was having problems posting comments on upgraded blogs. So it all worked out fine I guess.
I'm actually glad for this little bit of excitement because I feel as though my blog is becoming terribly boring. I'm still torn on whether or not to have two blogs, but in the meantime I'm just going to have to use this one for both. Eventually the home page of my website will become my update blog centered around my work. This one will then be my regular blog for random posting because that's how I like it.
So that's what's up with me right now. More later.
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Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sunday Blues
There's snow on the ground and it's cold. I didn't sleep well either. But I don't really have anything to be blue about (aside from stuff I won't mention), I just couldn't think of another title. Not feeling too witty today. :)
I just discovered that someone nominated me for the Eagle Awards for favorite letterer! That was pretty cool. The Eagle Awards are based in the UK and have been around slightly longer than I've been alive. They present the awards annually, this year it's in May. So while it's just a nomination it's still pretty cool that someone liked my lettering enough to nominate me! If you feel so inclined, you can vote until Feb. 28th. ;) I don't have the url handy, but a simple search should bring it up.
I'm hoping that this week will finally be the week the computer problems are fixed. I haven't heard from the computer guy since Tuesday, though, so I don't know. Cross your fingers.
Scott and I have really been talking about round 2 of the Idol contest. Things are coming together quite nicely. We also now have a WBZ page on the Dimestore site, I'm just not sure what the url for it is. It's a new feature and a little confusing. But in the meantime you can check out our Idol page (click the title).
And just as a side note, Bryan Sandala, SBC's Features Editor, has been at MegaCon all weekend and secured some sweet podcast interviews. I've only had a chance to listen to two, JG Jones and Margot Kidder, and let me tell you they are pretty awesome. The Margot Kidder one was excellent! You'll find them on the site in the Features bar (left side) about the fourth story down. And right above that is a running blog Bryan has been doing from the show, so check that out as well!
And that's it for now. More soon!
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I just discovered that someone nominated me for the Eagle Awards for favorite letterer! That was pretty cool. The Eagle Awards are based in the UK and have been around slightly longer than I've been alive. They present the awards annually, this year it's in May. So while it's just a nomination it's still pretty cool that someone liked my lettering enough to nominate me! If you feel so inclined, you can vote until Feb. 28th. ;) I don't have the url handy, but a simple search should bring it up.
I'm hoping that this week will finally be the week the computer problems are fixed. I haven't heard from the computer guy since Tuesday, though, so I don't know. Cross your fingers.
Scott and I have really been talking about round 2 of the Idol contest. Things are coming together quite nicely. We also now have a WBZ page on the Dimestore site, I'm just not sure what the url for it is. It's a new feature and a little confusing. But in the meantime you can check out our Idol page (click the title).
And just as a side note, Bryan Sandala, SBC's Features Editor, has been at MegaCon all weekend and secured some sweet podcast interviews. I've only had a chance to listen to two, JG Jones and Margot Kidder, and let me tell you they are pretty awesome. The Margot Kidder one was excellent! You'll find them on the site in the Features bar (left side) about the fourth story down. And right above that is a running blog Bryan has been doing from the show, so check that out as well!
And that's it for now. More soon!
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Friday, February 16, 2007
Good Review of a Book I Lettered
I just came across a review on Newsarama of a book I lettered for Approbation Comics. The lettering's not mentioned of course, but they show sample pages and I thought it was cool. So I'm sharing. :) Click the title post.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Made It to Round 2!
If you've been following the Small Press Idol (or the WBZ blog) then you now know that mine and Scott's entry, Wannabez, has made it into Round 2! We got a clean sweep - 3 YES votes to send us forward!
I'm very excited, can you tell? :)
Keep watching the WBZ blog for full updates!
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I'm very excited, can you tell? :)
Keep watching the WBZ blog for full updates!
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Myth Conceptions
The latest edition of Myth Conceptions is now up! It's my one year anniversary, meaning this is the second column I've lasted at least a year on, and I've only written two. So that's pretty cool!
Check it out at the title link.
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Check it out at the title link.
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Tuesday, February 13, 2007
More Updates
Well, I did get my computer looked at today, and as we feared it's the motherboard. To fix it's going to cost me $250. Or the guy has some systems for sale that are around the same specs as mine for about $160. The problem is I just paid bills and don't have that kind of cash right now. And to my knowledge he'll be out of the office for the rest of the week, so it looks like it'll be at least another week before I can do anything lettering wise providing my paychecks arrive and I'm able to take care of it then. Sigh.
On another note, our Small Press Idol entry's cover is done, but my premise still needs a bit of tweaking. I'm hoping to take care of that fast and get everything submitted tonight. We shall see.
And that's all from the crazy town of the Gonzogoose for now.
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On another note, our Small Press Idol entry's cover is done, but my premise still needs a bit of tweaking. I'm hoping to take care of that fast and get everything submitted tonight. We shall see.
And that's all from the crazy town of the Gonzogoose for now.
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Friday, February 09, 2007
Computer Update
If all goes according to plan, I'll be having the computer looked at on Tuesday. Depending on how expensive it is to fix I may fix it, or the guy has some systems for sale. Either way I'll update here as soon as I know anything else.
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Archaia Reviews
I have two new reviews up, both of books from Archaia Studio Press, the publishers of the critically acclaimed Mouse Guard.
Okko, The Cycle of Water #1 (of 4)
Robotika HardCover
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Okko, The Cycle of Water #1 (of 4)
Robotika HardCover
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Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Small Press Idol Update
Well, both of the projects I'm lettering for other teams, Totem (by the Kansas Hit team) and Advent (by the Warbreed team) have made it into the second round. So yay teams! Scott and I haven't sent in our Round 1 contribution yet, so I'll keep you posted on how that one goes as well both here (in brief) and on the WBZ blog.
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Myth Conceptions
It was a little over a day late, and it wasn't the topic I intended, but it's up regardless. Click the title to read this week's column on Writer's Block.
Next week is my 52nd Myth Conceptions column marking a full year's worth. Please come check that one out as well.
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Next week is my 52nd Myth Conceptions column marking a full year's worth. Please come check that one out as well.
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Computer Update
I haven't been able to get my computer checked out yet due to some bills that hit. So I have to wait until my next paycheck. So for now I'm still unable to letter. Hopefully I'll have a more concrete timeline by Monday of when I'll be able to get back at it. Since some of you have asked I figured I'd give a public update here. Thanks.
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Sunday, February 04, 2007
WaNNaBeZ
I've updated the WBZ blog (click the post title) with some previously released pages. These aren't the pages that will be used in Small Press Idol, but they will be used in the eventual mini-series. These pages have been shown online before, so they don't violate any rules of the competition.
I'll be updating the WBZ blog periodically as we (hopefully!) advance through the competition, so please bookmark that blog!
Scott's working on cover ideas this weekend last I heard, but we're in no big rush. We have until March 25th to enter our Round 1 materials, and I need to revise my premise a little anyway.
That's all for now, but please stay tuned, we'll eventually need your votes!
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I'll be updating the WBZ blog periodically as we (hopefully!) advance through the competition, so please bookmark that blog!
Scott's working on cover ideas this weekend last I heard, but we're in no big rush. We have until March 25th to enter our Round 1 materials, and I need to revise my premise a little anyway.
That's all for now, but please stay tuned, we'll eventually need your votes!
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Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Myth Conceptions
New column is up! This week I run down a comical list of 50 reasons why I love comics. Some truth, some sarcasm, all fun. Check it out by clicking the post title!
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Monday, January 29, 2007
Small Press Idol
Well, Scott and I have officially decided to submit WaNNaBeZ into the Small Press Idol contest. Check out the project's blog by clicking the title of this post. There's not much there right now, but we'll obviously be adding to it from here on out. You can also see the cover of issue one and a sample page on my website. Those won't be used in the contest, but they still represent the project.
Bookmark the WBZ blog to keep updated on the project. And I'll keep you updated here on the other entries I'm lettering.
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Bookmark the WBZ blog to keep updated on the project. And I'll keep you updated here on the other entries I'm lettering.
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Sunday, January 28, 2007
Making the Band 4... Again
Never satisfied (and rightfully so after watching the first video back a few times) I entered another video. Hopefully it's a bit better. Click the title link. :)
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Saturday, January 27, 2007
Making the Band 4
Well, another season of Making the Band is coming up, this time with all guys. Since you all know I love to sing I figured why not try out and see what happens? Regardless of whether I would have gone through with it or not, I always regretted never trying out for American Idol or anything. So since this one didn't put a cap on the age limit I thought I'd give it a shot.
I agonized over entering the video I did. The deadline is today and I didn't acquire a webcam until last night, so I was up against time. And I don't want to make excuses, but I am sick right now. So after staying up pretty much all night doing about 20 or more takes of the video my voice finally got shot enough I just said to heck with it and submitted the best of the ones I had. It's not the best representation of my ability, but hopefully my passion and a little bit of my talent came through.
This is the first year they are accepting video submissions. They're also doing live auditions, but there's no way I could make it to one. The way the video submissions work is YOU all vote by ranking the videos and leaving comments I guess, then 25 advance. Those 25 then have to submit dance videos. Now I can't dance worth a crap, so even if I do make it past this round I'll go bye bye there. But at least I entered so I'm fine with that. Only 3 make it past the dance round to audition live in front of P. Diddy.
So, my video is below (it takes a minute to show up), let me know what you think! And if you do like it (or it doesn't load!) be sure to click this post's title link and vote for me there!
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I agonized over entering the video I did. The deadline is today and I didn't acquire a webcam until last night, so I was up against time. And I don't want to make excuses, but I am sick right now. So after staying up pretty much all night doing about 20 or more takes of the video my voice finally got shot enough I just said to heck with it and submitted the best of the ones I had. It's not the best representation of my ability, but hopefully my passion and a little bit of my talent came through.
This is the first year they are accepting video submissions. They're also doing live auditions, but there's no way I could make it to one. The way the video submissions work is YOU all vote by ranking the videos and leaving comments I guess, then 25 advance. Those 25 then have to submit dance videos. Now I can't dance worth a crap, so even if I do make it past this round I'll go bye bye there. But at least I entered so I'm fine with that. Only 3 make it past the dance round to audition live in front of P. Diddy.
So, my video is below (it takes a minute to show up), let me know what you think! And if you do like it (or it doesn't load!) be sure to click this post's title link and vote for me there!
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Tuesday, January 23, 2007
More Updates
Well, the computer is still an issue. The tower I'm having to use is an older model with a much smaller hard drive (for some reason it wouldn't boot up with my hd in primary, so I had to put it in secondary in hopes of accessing my files - unfortunately, the disk space and memory is so low on this tower that Illustrator won't run).
So, lettering, that was progressing nicely, came to a screeching halt. I am very frustrated with this and I hope to have the problem completely solved over the next couple of days. If the guy's available, I'm going to have someone do diagnostic testing on it today. We think it might be the motherboard. If so, I have some options, which I'll explore at that point. Man, this is a nightmare right now.
Also, Internet Explorer, which is not my choice browser, but it's the one I have to do my SBC work through, runs very, very slow. So posting has become a problem as well. For regular readers of my SBC Reel feature, I apologize for not getting that up yesterday. IE kept freezing on me sadly.
So, right now things are kind of rough and I may end up having to drop a couple of jobs just because I don't want to flake on the deadlines due to these issues. We'll see how today goes and go from there. More when I know it.
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So, lettering, that was progressing nicely, came to a screeching halt. I am very frustrated with this and I hope to have the problem completely solved over the next couple of days. If the guy's available, I'm going to have someone do diagnostic testing on it today. We think it might be the motherboard. If so, I have some options, which I'll explore at that point. Man, this is a nightmare right now.
Also, Internet Explorer, which is not my choice browser, but it's the one I have to do my SBC work through, runs very, very slow. So posting has become a problem as well. For regular readers of my SBC Reel feature, I apologize for not getting that up yesterday. IE kept freezing on me sadly.
So, right now things are kind of rough and I may end up having to drop a couple of jobs just because I don't want to flake on the deadlines due to these issues. We'll see how today goes and go from there. More when I know it.
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