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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Myth Conceptions

The new one's up! Last week I talked about my favorite comics of 2006. This week I talk about my least favorite. Check it out by clicking the title link!

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More Computer Problems

Well, my tower went down again yesterday. Luckily I had another tower on hand. After having some problems getting everything to work last night, this morning I was able to put my hard drive in it as a secondary drive and managed to get the internet working and am able to access my files.

This tower is much slower than mine because there are four users and a bunch of start up programs that make it go sluggish at first. But it seems to be functional now and should serve my purposes until I can get my tower looked at.

Needless to say, this slowed down progress on lettering significantly over the weekend. I'm hoping to get back at a steady pace though providing I can get my programs to work.

We had some ice form overnight, but nothing near what we've been through in the past. The roads are completely iced over, but we still have electricity and so forth.

Anyway, I'll keep everyone updated as I can.

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Minor Updates

Man, my posts seem to be gaining more and more distance between them. Sigh.

Anyway, I got quite a bit of lettering done this past week, but I still have tons to do. I did get Amalyn (Atomic Pop Art) done and am awaiting the word on any corrections needed. I also put to bed AOH #1, Lightning Squirrel #1 (Ronin/Rabid Frog) and Epsilon Realm #1 (Ronin), as well as a couple of small one or two page gigs. Whew.

On the docket for this weekend are the second half of Nocturnal Essence #3, a few pages of Devolution, and 11 pages of 3rd System.

Once those are out of the way, I have some more work for Approbation and Mortal World Entertainment, as well as Pozers #2 and it seems like I'm forgetting one.

Upcoming, I'll have more spot work for Arcana, Shelter and another project for Hard Way Studios, more Kansas Hit and other stuff for Cary I'm sure, and some other stuff that's slipping my mind.

Man, when I write it all down it sounds like a ton of work!

As for the new job, since I haven't officially said what it is yet, I have been named Executive Editor of www.silverbulletcomics.com! It's a full-time job, and so far I'm loving it. I'm still getting my feet wet, and a lot of things haven't been ironed out yet, but once things get going I think it's going to be very exciting.

With the job I had to become exclusive to the site as far as writing goes, so that's one reason Indy-Pendant had to cease at Comic Avalanche. It also means I can't write for any other comic-related website. It's a compromise I can live with, though, because I really do love that site. The people there are the best I've ever worked with honestly. The site itself is going through a redesign, but it'll be a while before it's ready.

On a totally unrelated note, Platinum Studios put out April solicitations, the first solicitations I recall ever seeing from the company. You can see them at SBC on the front page currently. Man, I've got to get my next draft of Lab Rats in to them!

As for writing, I still haven't gotten around to completing the Aroquin script, and I'm sure by now the artist has moved on. All the other artists on my other current projects are still mega busy, so I have no progress to report unfortunately.

Small Press Idol is upon us again, and I'm considering entering again, though I don't know if I'll have the time to devote to it, or if I'll be able to find an artist. I'll keep you all posted.

And that's what's up with me this fine weekend. Well, not really so fine as we might get an ice storm tomorrow (man, I hope not. The last two we had knocked people's electricity out for days, even weeks, including ours!). But that's what's going on creatively anyway. :)

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Lettering Updates

I got caught up on a lot of lettering over the weekend, thankfully.

For those still waiting, I am working diligently to get you your pages!

I am nearly done with Amalyn now, and those pages should be coming to you shortly.

Nocturnal Essence is next, and I look to be caught up by Wednesday if all goes well.

Kord & Harley and Approbation work is next up. I'll have an update on those soon.

Aside from those, I have several others in the wings amidst corrections and various other things. Whew I'm busy!

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Myth Conceptions

The latest edition of Myth Conceptions is now up! This week I talk about my favorite titles of 2006. Check it out by clicking the title.

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Myth Conceptions

It's finally up! After some complications with the file and everything, the latest Myth Conceptions column has made its way onto the site. Check it out by clicking the title of this post.

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The Ninth

I finally turned in this week's Myth Conceptions. I'm not sure when it will go up now as it's two days late, but I'll keep you posted.

This week I talk about the changes I'd like to make in my comic endeavors, and the changes I'd like to see publishers and creators make this year and beyond.

I just finished up lettering one issue, though there will be another pass on it for corrections and all that. I also made some minor corrections to another issue for someone else. I'm slowly but surely getting through the current load.

Next week is when it all changes time wise. That's when the new job starts. I'm working hard to prepare for it as I can.

Not much else to report right now.

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Column Updates

I just realized that I forgot to add the Noble Causes pages I lettered to my column yesterday, so they are up now. I apologize for forgetting them.

You can also now find them on the lettering page of this site.

If you've read the column you know now that I am exclusive to SBC and that Indy-Pendant will no longer be featured at Comic Avalanche. As far as I know, the archives will remain there though.

As for Myth Conceptions, I got so busy with lettering yesterday that I totally forgot to write it! I will send it in today and it should be up sometime this week. I'll keep you all posted here.

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Indy-Pendant #75

I'm back! At least for today anyway.

My 75th Indy-Pendant column is now posted. What a milestone that is. I would have loved to have reached 100 for this occasion, but this is just the way things worked out.

You'll have to read the column to find out why, but today's is my last IP column at Comic Avalanche. It's been a great ride sharing my thoughts with all of you, and it saddens me to see it come to such an abrupt (temporary) end, but this is the way things must be.

Don't worry though, IP will resurface at some point somewhere, and (hopefully) it will be better than ever.

Until then, you still have one more column to read, and you can check out the archives any time you like. So go do that now! ;)

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The Weekend Comes

As the first week of January comes to a close I am still reeling trying to catch up so that I can concentrate on my new position, which I'll have more news on shortly. Today will predominately be a lettering day, as will tomorrow most likely.

As I stated in a previous post, tomorrow is the return of Indy-Pendant, and it's an installment you don't want to miss.

Monday will be the return of Myth Conceptions as well, and you may not want to miss that one either. There may be an announcement there too, I haven't decided yet.

And that's all that's going on as far as professional matters.

With the new site design I will be having essentially two blogs, I've decided. The main page will serve as a blog to talk about all my professional/artistic endeavors and progress, meaning mainly my comic work. The other blog will be this one most likely, which will be personal. I don't know if it'll be directly linked or not at this point.

I don't know, I'm torn about the whole thing actually. Someone gave me some advice about not going into personal matters on a website I'm trying to get work at, and to a point I understand that. It makes sense as potential employers don't want to read about my personal life, or may be turned off by something. But then my website is supposed to be, first a foremost, a site for people to get to know me that just happens to showcase my artistic works.

What do you all think?

I guess that's it for now. I'll post here when the column goes up late tonight/early tomorrow.

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Sketch Blog

Well, the deed is done. I have deleted the sketch blog. It was of no use as it's been quite a while since I've picked up a drawing pencil, and will probably be a while before I do again. It was a neat idea while it lasted though. Thanks to all those that checked it out.

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This Sunday...

...be sure to check out the next installment of Indy-Pendant! Yes, it's returning after a long hiatus over the holidays, and I've got an announcement you have to read if you are a reader of the column. It concerns the future of the column.

I had also hoped to have a big announcement about some published work, but things didn't pan out. I'll explain all that Sunday as well.

Myth Conceptions will also return on Monday, and soon I'll have an announcement about my involvement with SBC as a whole.

As for the website, I'll get around to it eventually. Right now I just don't have the time. I will be starting a new job over the next couple of weeks and am really trying to catch up on all the lettering I got behind on over the holidays.

That said, with this new job my time will become even more limited, so except the occasional small jobs I won't be taking on any more non-paying lettering gigs for a while. I know I've said that before, but I like helping people out. I just don't have the time to do that right now. 5 page submission packages, sure. And the occasional work for good friends or major publishers of course. But I just can't commit to any lengthy projects without pay at this time. My apologies.

That's all I have right now. More updates to come in the days and weeks beyond.

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Happy Belated New Year

Well, I wasn't able to give a year ender or any of that good stuff as I intended, so this will have to do.

For those of you wondering where I've been, I was once again plagued by major computer problems among other things this holiday season. It's been a very frustrating holiday, but the worst of it seems to be behind for now.

So here I am, back at it again, trying in earnest to catch up on all the stuff the roughly 10 days without a PC put me behind on. It's a long, uphill climb, but I'm hoping once I get into the flow of it things will fall into place.

If you've tried to contact me and I haven't gotten back to you yet, rest assured I am working on it. I haven't forgotten you and I will be in touch this week sometime.

Thanks for all your patience and support. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and wish everyone the best in this new year!

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Myth Conceptions

After a week's absence (my fault) I am back this week with a new column!

This week I take a brief look at black & white comics vs. color comics.

You know the drill: click the post title to read the column!

You'll notice that I no longer have the archives listed in full on the sidebar. Instead, I have a columns archive page linked that takes you to a page with all the specific links. In addition, I have a link to the archives on the SBC site, so either way you're sure to find them easier!

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Reviews

Here are some more reviews I've done recently over at SBC:

Agents of Atlas #5

Incredible Hulk #101

New Excalibur #14

Newuniversal #1

Uncanny X-Men #481

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Papaw

They determined my Papaw didn't have stomach cancer and he was supposed to go home yesterday. But the doctors had trouble waking him up, so they kept him another night to make sure he wasn't having seizures or mini strokes that we weren't aware of. We don't know at this point what's going to happen from here or when he's going to get to go home.

Thank you all for your continued support, thoughts and prayers, they are most appreciated.


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A Couple of Updates

I have joined Comic Space, the MySpace for comic creators. You can find the link in the sidebar or by clicking the title of this post.

My Papaw does NOT have stomach cancer, thank God, but he did have a peptic ulcer, which they treated. Nothing was broken either, he just has a massive bruise on his hip. He'll be going home tonight, but he can't be left alone at all pretty much for the rest of his life, so it's still going to cause a strain on my family. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

That's all for now.

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My Current Status

Many of you may realize that I have not been online much this week. I have had some situations occur that have required my attention. I apologize for my lack of response the past few days.

I missed my column this week due to a minor emergency and some work that needed catching up on. I will be back next week though with a new Myth Conceptions.

I have been working on my lettering up until Tuesday evening when my cable company started doing sporadic maintenance, which left me without internet access for several hours at a time.

Then I was infected with spyware, and while I think I got most of it, my computer is still lagging a bit, so I may not be completely out of the woods yet.

For those that follow the SBC Reel report I do on www.silverbulletcomics.com three times a week, I missed yesterday due to these computer issues. I doubt I'll be able to put one up today, but I will certainly make up for it on Friday.

This morning my Papaw was taken to the hospital for internal bleeding. He fell the other day and has been unable to walk on one leg since. EMTs that came to the house a few days ago stated as far as they could tell nothing was broken. But the past few days rotating family members have had to help him and last night it took a turn for the worse. He passed out in my cousin's arms, and this morning he was throwing up blood. Currently he is in intensive care awaiting a blood transfusion. They think he has an ulcer. Right now it's touch and go, so today my online presence will also be very sporadic.

Aside from all that, I am hoping to get back to lettering today, and plan on being caught up by Monday. I still have a few logos I have to finish after that, but once the current workload is done I won't be taking on anymore non-paying or deferred payment jobs until further notice. Definitely not until after the new year. Paying jobs I will still be open to.

If anything else comes up I will post here. I will also keep everyone updated about my status. Thank you.

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Site Update

I have updated the front page of my website. I got some good advice from someone recently about the content on my site and blog, and I plan to implement some of that when I redesign the site.

In the meantime, please understand that while this is a personal blog, and while the front page of my site currently says it's a personal site, it is for my professional work. I would hope that nothing I say here would affect anyone's decision on hiring me.

Thank you.

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MIA

Wow, nearly 5 days since a post! Man, time flies.

I've been trying my best to catch up on things to allow for new things I suppose. With the holidays now in full swing and all that last minute preparation going on (we don't even have a tree up yet!) it's just been crazy around here.

I've got five more items marked off my list of things to do, but I still have more to go. I'm getting there though.

Anyway, just wanted to drop in and post a quick little message to anyone out there who may read this.

But before I go, I did read something interesting today. A yahoo blogger made a post about how gift-giving ruins the spirit of Christmas. In a sense I could see where he was coming from, with meaningless gifts from mere acquaintances and distant relatives, and because of the whole commercialism of the holiday. But to me Christmas is a time of GIVING, and that's what I get out of it. When you're a kid you can't wait to wake up on Christmas morning and open presents. It's a magical day. But as you grow up where you really get the joy is from both spending time with loved ones and from seeing the joy on people's faces when they open a gift you put thought into.

So that was just a point I wanted to make. I love this time of year. I hate getting into the hustle and bustle of it, fighting the traffic and crowds and all that. And because of the demand for certain items attitudes surface, just like we saw over the Play Station 3 craze just a little bit ago. Man, I was looking around on eBay just to see what those were going for and came across one that was up to nearly $3,000.00! The Nintendo Wiis weren't much better, some going for around $800.00. It's total insanity!

But what I do enjoy is the warmth and love that surrounds the holiday. Maybe it's because I come from a very close family, or because it's just in me, I don't know. All I know is come late October I really start feeling it and never want it to end. This is my favorite time of the year, and it's a time that I can put aside all the problems for just a little bit and concentrate on the good things in my life. I'll mourn its passing like I do every year, and I'll miss it dearly. But that's the cycle of life. But while it's here I'm going to enjoy it!

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Myth Conceptions

The latest installment of my column is up for all to see.

This week I talk about what goes on behind the scenes in the development of a comic in my own special way.

Check it out by clicking the title link of course!

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Some Reviews

Yep, I'm at it again. Here are three more. I'll have two more probably tomorrow, which I'll just add to this post. Then I'll probably have some later in the week. It just worked out that way. I thought the last batch would be the last ones I'd do for a while, but ya know...

UPDATED

New Excalibur #13

Noble Causes #25

Pencilneck #1

Wolverine #48

X-Factor #13

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It's December!

And Christmas is just over three short weeks away. That said, as I posted on MySpace, I am taking small jobs for extra Christmas money right now. So if you have anything give me a shout!

It's almost as if the weather around here was waiting for it to be December. While it's not as bad here as in a lot of states, the temperature dropped a good 20 degrees and it got really windy. I'd say snow will be coming soon, but I still don't expect it to get too bad. Then again, I could be wrong.

My Mom's Workman's Comp case took a turn for the worse. She won't be receiving anymore checks, and she's been out of work for about three or four weeks with no pay! She's still employed, but because of her restrictions they are doing nothing for her. After getting the run around for a week or two they finally told her that they needed to start discussing a settlement, and Mom should tender her resignation to Galls. To me that sounds a bit fishy, but what do I know?

Anyway, she has a doctor's appointment on the 13th, then she has to meet with her attorney the same day I believe. Then they'll start talking settlement, but of course that doesn't help her any right now.

On a good note, her cold or flu, or whatever is finally starting to lift. It's not gone yet, but she's up and doing stuff, so that's a positive.

Not much else going on right now. Just still catching up on all my lettering and logo design. I made some headway yesterday and today, so it looks like I'm back on schedule.

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Playing Around

Just wanted everyone to know that you may see things pop up, disappear, get rearranged or whatever as I play around with some things as time permits. For instance, the blog juice image on the sidebar, in case you were wondering.

Like I said before, my time is really limited right now, but I hope to add some things as time goes by.

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Scarce

I know I haven't been able to post much lately. Chalk it up to the holiday season and a bunch of work. Both good things in the grand scheme, but I miss the back and forth chatter here.

Things are so-so right now, but this is my favorite time of the year, so that helps. Oddly enough I have yet to crack open the Christmas music. Usually I'm playing it in September/October in preparation, but I have yet to listen to one Christmas song. That is very strange for me.

This year is going to be strange all together for me. Usually every year I would go over to my Pastor's for a couple of hours, bring them gifts and baked goodies. I didn't last year for obvious reasons, and this year and every year to come I won't be either, and that is very strange for me. This whole year has been very strange. 20 years of something then it's just gone, and it still hasn't quite sunk in yet after over a year now.

Anyway, all the shows I watch are ending for the holidays, which is good and bad for me. In the Fall the past two years I have watched a TON of TV after several years of watching hardly any. I watch so much right now I feel like I'm always watching, and that's not something I like to be associated with I guess. I mean I love watching good TV and movies (love movies) but I want to have time for other stuff too, you know?

So, the break for the holidays is a good one for me. Now I'll probably start pulling out the Christmas movies. lol. I've got to watch It's a Wonderful Life of course, that's a given. Then there's Family Man, Home Alone, The Santa Clause movies of course (haven't seen the third one yet), I saw A Christmas Story already, gotta watch A Christmas Carol, Elf, and Surviving Christmas (yeah, I know it tanked and got bad reviews, but I love it for some reason). I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting, but those are the ones I have to watch every year. I love them! It really helps get me in the mood.

Christmas has always been such a special time of year for me. Not because of the gifts, but I honestly thoroughly enjoy giving and making other people happy. That makes me happy. And spending time with family is something I love as well, and something that rarely happens these days. Now I love surprises too, and last year when I opened up a new TV I was totally shocked and thrilled, but it's really the giving that gets me. It tears me to pieces when I'm not able to give as much as I'd like in fact.

But I'm hoping things will still work out. I know we'll be okay, and the important thing is being together. So I'm cool with that. I do hope it snows on Christmas though. It hasn't really snowed much here in a few years.

So, even though I'm taking a much needed break from lettering to post I need to get back before I get too tired to do anymore. So until next time, whenever that may be...

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Quoted... Again!

This time by Marvel!

Technically it's by Dabel Brothers, but since they're under Marvel now I'm taking it as such. :)

I was quoted in a press release about Red Prophet, which can be read by clicking the title post.

It's a small mention, but it's nice to know my reviews are being read and enjoyed!

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Myth Conceptions

New column's up.

This week it's about returning the humor to comics.

Click the title to read it as usual.

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To Anonymous

Should you happen to read this...

First of all, I'd like to thank whoever you are for your kind and supportive words.

Secondly, I'm really curious to find out who you are. Obviously you are someone I know, but I don't know how well or how long ago.

If you'd rather not tell me here please click the title of this post to email me. Or if you'd rather, you can email me to tell me why you'd rather stay anonymous at least. I'd just really like to know.

Anyway, regardless of what happens from here, thank you.

I'd also like to point out to anyone else who has read the comments or posts I've made about church, which have been pretty vague, I wanted to clarify something. My reason for leaving my church of 20 years was not just because of hurt feelings. Had that been the case I would have left many, many years ago. No, it was a very complex situation involving a physical ailment and what followed from there. It wasn't really my choice to leave, you see, it was kind of forced upon me by a few things, which led to a lot more hurt on top of all the pain, both physical and emotional, that I was already going through.

To say anymore would not be appropriate, so I'll withhold any further comments. I just wanted to make it clear that hurt feelings aren't what pushed me away. I resolved long ago that my relationship was with God, not with people, in the sense that pleasing people with my walk is not my intention or my responsibility. I am to please God and God alone, which I feel I have. Yes, I've failed and I have flaws, but by and large I dedicated my entire life to His work.

Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest and make sure there was no confusion. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that returning to the daily grind hasn't come as too much of a let down this holiday season.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all those who celebrate it a very Happy Thanksgiving today. Eat plenty of turkey and pumpkin pie for me!

Yesterday I did a little cooking. I made rolls, sweet potato souffle, corn pudding, pecan cheddar snacks, pumpkin pie and cranberry relish. My mother cooked the turkey, dressing and green beans & potatoes. See, we had a mini dinner at our house last night, just me, my mom and my brother, first time we've ever done that. It was really nice. My mom is very, very sick, bless her heart, and it was all she could do to stay out of bed. She's still really sick today unfortunately.

Mom's also making a Hornet's Nest cake to take to Papaws, and one to stay here. :)

I am thankful for this time I got to spend with my mom and brother. It's a rare occasion the three of us eat together.

I am also thankful for the support my mother has given me with my creative pursuits, and for the support I've gained throughout the comic community. I'm thankful for the friends I've gained, and for the revelations over the past year or so in many things.

Though things could always be better, and this has been a pretty rough year, I realize there are people a lot worse off than me, so I am thankful for the blessings I do have and have received.

Here's to all of you out there reading this. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, and remember the good things if only for today.

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Scryptic Studios

I don't know if you guys have checked it out recently, but Scryptic Studios has relaunched with a new site! I happened to check it out the other day and noticed all the changes. You have to sign up again, but the login counts for both the site and the new forums.

As I understand it, they are still uploading scripts, columns and stuff, but the important thing is that the site is back, and it looks great!

Click the title post to check it out.

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Myth Conceptions

The latest Myth Conceptions column is up!

This week I talk about why I'm thankful for comics of course.

Check it out by clicking the title post.

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Even More Marvel Reviews

Three more reviews for your reading pleasure, should you dare!


Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #2

Cable/Deadpool #34

Squadron Supreme #7


Union Jack #3


Enjoy!


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Indy-Pendant #74

The last IP column of 2006 is now live!

This week I have an interview with Dark Elf Designs Owner, Brian Germain. I also have two reviews, one of The Killer from Archaia Studio Press, and an advanced review of Cary Kelley's upcoming title, Fallen Justice!

You know the drill, click the title post to read the column.

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Paypal

Well, I've added a paypal link to my website... sort of. In an effort to qualify for the 1% cash back plan using my paypal card I added code they provided to state I'm now accepting paypal. But it doesn't send you to me, it just pops up an informative window about paypal. Oh well.

The important thing is now everyone should know that I do accept paypal, and now that I have a paypal card (just got it in the mail today) it's my preferred method of payment.

And if you didn't know, now ya know!

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Website Update

I added three new logos and temporarily fixed some of the problems. The art and lettering pages are still a little out of whack, but not nearly as much as they were.

I'll be updating the lettering samples soon.

I also updated the front page with some important info.

As I mentioned in the last post, I will be upgrading the format of the site as soon as I can, which will most likely be after the holidays. I intend on eventually making this blog the home page as anything else seems redundant to me.

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Website Problems

I just realized that for some reason my website now doesn't appear right in Internet Explorer. ARGH. I will be redesigning the site in the new year most likely. This just frustrates me because it's a quick and dirty html site. The scrolling tables were really nice (thanks, Cary), but the other problems just frustrate me to no end. I'm going to try to maintain the same look basically, just change from the computer box look to a more open site like most you see these days. Maybe when I'm famous I'll have someone design me some nice, artsy site, but for now functionality is key, and while this one is functional, if it doesn't appear properly in the browsers, and I can't seem to fix the problem then I feel it reflects poorly on me. Ugh.

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Email Problems

For some strange, unknown reason my Gonzogoose email is having problems and it's not letting me read any emails from that address. So if you have sent me something to that address and I have not responded then that's why. If you absolutely must get a hold of me please try one of my other emails as listed on the contact page linked above.

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Myth Conceptions

The column is up! Check it out by clicking the title.

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More Reviews

Forgot about these two:

Beyond #5

Red Prophet #3

The latest Myth Conceptions will be up later tonight.

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Indy-Pendant #73

This is the next to last IP column of the year, so check it out!

This week I review Mouse Guard #5 and Pierce #1. I had an interview lined up with a small press creator, but unfortunately he hasn't had time to get the answers back to me yet. Maybe next week.

And man, I went a few more days without posting and didn't even realize it. I've just been so busy and sick, though I am feeling much better now. Still under the weather, but not too bad. I've lost a little weight due to not eating much, and that's a good thing. And because I'm not eating much my stomach pains have calmed down. And what I do eat is pretty light and not the usual stuff I eat. So I still don't know what the problem is, but at least it's gotten bearable for the past few days.

Anyway, click the title post to read the column!

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Happy B-Day, Jay

Today is my cousin's birthday. Last year you all may remember me posting birthday wishes and some old photos of him. He said he was going to get me back for that. But actually I haven't even talked to him since Christmas last year.

Anyway, I doubt he'll read this, but I wanted to extend it anyway. He's the big 3-0 today! And that reminds me all to painfully that my own 20s will end in less than five months. Sigh.

Oh well, time marches on. I just wish I had taken the time to enjoy my youth a little more, but I guess we all wish that. Looking back I wish I had been a little less tight around the collar. Jay lived it up, probably more than I would have wanted to, but still he had fun, and that's cool.

Anyway, Happy Birthday, man, wherever you are and whatever you're up to these days. I'm still wondering which one of us will get married first. At this rate we may both be 50 year old bachelors. Lol.

On a more solemn note, today was also my brother's father's birthday had he lived. My brother hasn't mentioned it, but I'm sure it was hard on him. He's been talking about and thinking about his dad a lot lately.

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What's Going Downnnn

Man, I just can't break these stupid illnesses. I don't know if I caught my brother's stomach virus or something else because I've got the whole pounding head, stuffed up head, nose and chest, and fatigue crap going on. Right now my eyes feel like they're about to pop out of my skull and my nose won't stop running. Ugh! I stayed in bed pretty much all day today, and only got up because I had to. Wish I was still there!

Just found out yesterday my barber of 10-15 years is quitting the business. He's the best around here and many, many customers ask for him by name, but he's not making enough money. I believe he's going to be an electrician now.

It sucks because now I have no one to cut my hair. I've tried others, but they all mess it up. It's funny because I wondered what I'd do if I ever moved out of Kentucky (silly, I know) and now I'm faced with it while I'm still here. And the cruel thing is I was going to get it cut this week! Oh well.

Still haven't found anything new out about the house. Right now as it stands the best case scenario is that our rent will go up another $50-100, which is going to hurt. But that's better than having to move with nowhere to go and no money to get there. So that's what I'm hoping for right now.

Thanksgiving's just over two weeks away now and we're not sure what we're going to do. For as long as I can remember our entire local family (5-7 families depending, roughly 20-25 people) have gotten together for the holidays, but this year has been hard on everyone and they're thinking of breaking the tradition and having our own individual Thanksgiving dinners. Last year I missed Thanksgiving due to some personal issues, and now this year it looks like there won't be one. I wonder if Christmas will be the same?

Ah, the advil are finally kicking in on my headache a bit. Man, that's a major relief!

Nothing much on TV tonight. Friday Night Lights comes on (you'd think it would come on Fridays wouldn't you?) and that's a decent show. Aside from that it's a slow night. I have no life. :)

I hate Kentucky weather. It's been really cold the past few days, but then today it got hot. Now tomorrow I'm sure it'll be cold again. And it's not just the winter season either. It's like that all year! The weather here is so unpredictable. It could be rainy and 40 degrees in the middle of summer and 70 degrees in the dead of winter, and then both change the very next day. I hate it!

Well, I've read all the new comics I had on hand and probably won't get anymore for a few weeks. Guess I'm going to have to crack open a novel. Man, I wish SBC hadn't been sold out of the next Dragonlance one.

So that's about all that's going on in my world right now. Not much, I realize, but it is what it is, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself. ;)

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Myth Conceptions

The latest column is up. This week it's a journey into fantasy, so check it out (by clicking the title of course)!

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More Marvel Reviews

These are the last of a batch of Marvel reviews I did recently. Check them out when you get a chance!

Irredeemable Ant-Man #2

She-Hulk #13

Spider-Man & Power Pack #1

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Indy-Pendant #72

This week's column is up!

I had planned to have an interview, but things didn't work out that way. So instead I reviewed Dr. Blink, Superhero Shrink #3!

This was a hilarious read.

Click the post title as usual.

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Weekend Briefing

I'm not entering the NaNoWriMo this year.

After considering it for the better part of two more days and seeing everything on my plate and everything coming up I decided it would be way too much for me to handle this year. I know me, I would start and then feel pressured to stay on top of it, get overwhelmed, and be really hard on myself for not finishing it.

So, maybe I'll participate next year or better yet just write one at my own pace. I do think it's a really cool project, much like the global jam and 24 hour comics day events are for comics. It's just not feasible right now.

I'd love to hear if any of you are doing it though.


I'm most likely going to kill the sketch blog here real soon. I thought I would have more time to devote to it when I started it, but it's just not something I can do right now. It just sits there week after week and it bothers me. As soon as I have the time to shift those entries to here or the website or something I'll do so. Until then there will most likely be no more updates over there.


I have neglected to get the interview for Sunday's column I promised due to time constraints, so now I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Maybe I can do it on the fly, I don't know. I guess we'll see.


I am slightly behind on my lettering jobs (this week has taken its toll on me in more ways than one). Luckily I'm caught up on all upfront paying jobs except one, which doesn't have a hard deadline. The others I'm working on when I can. I just had a busy and stressful week, not to mention being sick. But I assure you all I am working on all of themand will be done soon. And I have tried to stay in constant contact with everyone except for today while I was offline for a good portion of the day.


Speaking of being sick, my brother came down with a viral stomach infection, which kept him out of school for half the week. I'm thinking maybe I had that on top of whatever else I have. I'm trying some Zantac to see if that helps me. I hope it does because it's gotten to the point that any time I eat anything I immediately have some sort of pain. At times it's a severe burning sensation, other times it's a pretty bad ache, and other times it just feels like, pardon the bluntness, a really bad case of gas. Used to it was mainly tomatoes and milk that affected it, and of course anything with those in it, which is almost everything I eat. But now it's bread, chicken, pop, anything really.


My Mom is thinking about getting into real estate. I mentioned here just recently how her doctor took her off even the minimal stuff she was doing at work. They have nothing for her and she's been sitting home for a week and a half. Well, my Mom has been to college twice and started courses before, but she never got to take them anywhere. Either before I was born or in my very early years she got an Associates Degree in nursing, but because of me she had to put it on hold. That and my Dad was a chauvinist that didn't think work was necessarily a woman's place. Then right before she found out she was pregnant with Zach she had returned to community college, but had to drop out for obvious reasons. Then Zach's dad died and she's been working hard labor ever since sadly.

When I was a teenager she worked several places, like as an administrative person at a hospital and she was a dance instructor, which is something she absolutely loved. I forget why she had to quit.

Well, come to find out, Mom had started to get into real estate many years ago, but again because of me or Dad she had to put it on hold. A few years ago she also tried to get into a prop designing business with her sister, but her sister kept dragging her feet on it. Mom couldn't do it alone. And man, she was good at it. She can still take items bought at a dollar store, put them together and they look like something out of a magazine. She just has an awesome talent and design since.

So anyway, now that physical labor is out of the question she has become interested in real estate for a number of reasons. Aside from the obvious lack of physical lifting and such, one reason is the lucrative possible income potential. Also, my Mom could sell fire to Satan, without lying. She's been in retail before, and she is just good. She's got an awesome way with people and she's very, very likable, which is surprising because she can be very blunt. I guess the honesty with a sincere, non-demeaning smile and tone works wonders for her.

So I'm looking into what she could do to get started. She's not one to sit around doing nothing, and she's much happier doing something fulfilling, as we all are I suppose. She's worked hard (believe it or not, the 5ft 3, then petite woman was a bricklayer in her 20s) all her life and isn't one to sit on her laurels. These injuries and our circumstantial lifestyle have really taken the liveliness out of her. Hopefully this will be something positive for her.

Zach and I have been getting along really well the past few days. Of course he's always nicer when he's sick, but it's something different. I think we're finding our way back to that connection we had that for various reasons, the fault of both of us, got broken for a while.

Well, my nap earlier to revitalize me to be able to catch up on work through the silence of the night hasn't really helped. Now I've got a heaping headache and am still very tired. Luckily so far the Zantac has helped. I ate some cream cheese and crackers before my nap and my stomach isn't hurting yet. That was around 7 hours ago, so hopefully this is working.

Anyway, as I said I have a ton of work to do and daybreak (and the breaking of the silence as people awaken) is fastly approaching. So I'm off.

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Possibly Absent

I just wanted to let you all know it's possible I won't have internet access today. If that's the case I should be around tomorrow. So if anyone needs to contact me just email me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks.

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NaNoWriMo

So, everyone's talking about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), even Yahoo! For those unaware, it's a fun excercise started 7 years ago where writers take one month, the month of November naturally, to crank out a complete 50,000 word novel.

Sounds like a lot, huh? Well it is. To keep on schedule you would roughly have to produce 1,600 words a day, or about six pages. Yet thousands upon thousands of people participate each year. The object is quantity, not quality. It can be any genre and is known for its sense of being a community project. You can set up a blog through the site (linked in the post title) and share your chapters and get feedback, and you can give feedback to others.

The project began yesterday, I just didn't have a chance to post about it. I have not signed up, though I seriously thought about it (am thinking about it?). But for all you other writers out there, you're only one day behind. There's still time to get started. And from my understanding it doesn't really have to be from scratch. It could be something you've already started. I could be wrong though, so check it out for yourselves.

As for me, I really wanted to do this just to get my creative juices flowing and see if I had what it takes to complete a novel. But with taking time off one of the columns and all the lettering work and holidays coming up I just don't know if right now is the best time for me to jump into it.

I'll make a definite decision today at some point as I wouldn't want to get too far behind. Maybe I should do it even if I don't finish. It would give me an excuse to finally start that novel I've somewhat plotted out. I guess you'll all find out whether I do or not soon. The question is will you give it a shot?

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Undertaker's Daughter

The title of the post is the title of a web comic I lettered recently. This web comic by Eric Palicki has just gone live on his new website (linked in the title post), so if you get a chance check it out!

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A Couple Of New Reviews

I had a couple more reviews posted up on www.silverbulletcomics.com. I've got some more upcoming as well, but these two are...

X-Men: Phoenix Warsong #3

Uncanny X-Men #480

Both of these come out today.

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Approbation Comics

The Pulse did a piece on Bart A. Thompson of Approbation Comics that went up today. In it are several pages I lettered for Approbation months ago. I thought that was pretty cool. Every page on there is mine. It's pretty simple lettering, but still.

Alex (what the A. stands for) gave me a lot of work when I was starting out and still would be except I had to cut back on the back-end stuff. But he really helped me out when I wasn't getting a lot of opportunities. So it's cool to see him getting his props.

You can click the title post to read the interview. Also, towards the end of the interview is a link to Indy Planet, which has Amour for sale, a book I lettered several short stories in. So buy that! :)

At the Comixpress they have Vampires Unlimited: SOTTC. I lettered either issue 2 or 4, both are there. I can't remember which one, but as soon as I find out I'll let you all know.

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Myth Conceptions

The Halloween edition of Myth Conceptions is now up.

This week I went all out giving a bit of information about the holiday, then giving history on the horror genre, which then led into a discussion of various horror titles old and new.

I did a LOT of research for this one, spent nearly an entire day on it! So I hope you all enjoy. :)

Click the post title to read the column of course.

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Indy-Pendant #71

The Halloween edition of Indy-Pendant is now live!

This week I take a look at several monster themed titles ranging from funny to grotesque.

Click the post title to read the column.

I also make an announcement about the future of the column for the remainder of the year in the Gonzogoose Roost section, so be sure to check that out.

Thanks and enjoy!

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It's Friday!

Not that it matters since I pretty much do some kind of work all through the weekend, but I'll throw it out for all you out there that love Fridays. :)

I sadly have to start with a slight bit of bad news so I don't end with it mainly. It's nothing big, I've just been feeling really crappy. I've mentioned my stomach problems, and they seem to be getting worse. I'm in pain every day and it's got me a little concerned now.

I'm also still having problems with my teeth and toe, but those are par for the course. I'm far from happy about them, but right now there's not much I can do about them.

Oh, and it's raining like crazy here. Cold rain on a cold day is not cool. Well, technically it is, but you get the point...

Anyway, now that all that's out of the way, tonight I finally get to catch the latest episode of Heroes. I miss it on Mondays because of wrestling, but thankfully the Sci-Fi channel replays it. I'm really excited to see what happens and have avoided all conversation about it since Monday. Whew.

Well, the McDonalds monopoly game is winding down (ends at the end of the month) and I came oh so close! I have multiples of three of the four railroads that wins 5 million dollars, and I have about 15 Park Places and no Boardwalks that would win 1 million dollars. I also have 2 of every property always missing that elusive third piece to complete them. We didn't go out of our way or anything, but ended up with like 60 or more game pieces. I don't eat there at all except for an occasional order of fries, which I got twice this month. My mom eats there every day for lunch because it's across the street, and my brother eats there twice every weekend when he hangs out with his friends. So it was nothing above and beyond, just normal buying habits. Sure would have been nice to win though. Any large amount of money would take care of a lot of things right now. But hey, there's still four days!

Speaking of my mother, she's been back to work for I'd say about 5-6 weeks now up until today. She went to see her doctor yesterday and when he found out she was having to bend over in her chair to reach files for filing he put a stop to it. He told her if she continued doing so she could end up paralyzed. They don't know what all exactly is wrong with her beyond her knee injury, but she's got something wrong with her back and has arthritis. So long story short, they sent her home and they have nothing else for her. So now she's in limbo again without a paycheck. Workman's Comp didn't pay her for the last two weeks she was off work before going back and we're afraid they won't again. Her attorney says they have to, so we'll see.

I finished up Ezra #2 yesterday and after 4 attempts I finally got the files sent off. That book was a lot of fun to do, I hope I get to do more.

I got some feedback from the Zeroes 2 Heroes crew that ran that contest I entered a while back. They've gone through two of my entries and given me some valuable feedback, so I'm thankful for that. Overall both critiques were fairly positive. There was nothing bad with either Eliminator or Wannabez according to them.

They graded several factors on a scale of Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor. Eliminator's concept and characters got a Fair, but all the other factors scored a Good. They told me the characters were kind of flat and predictable more or less, which I can see. Thank goodness I don't have any art on that one yet (that I'm using anyway) so I can rethink a bit of it. They liked my pacing and dialogue mostly, and they were really kind about it adding humor and such. It was a great critique.

WBZ's critique was generally positive with a little negative ending. The concept got an Excellent and everything else got a Good, so I can live with that. They really liked the characters, the story and the flow of the script, but they noted some problems as well. Their concerns were that the gag of the book would run dry fast, and I can see that to a point. Of course I have a way to counter that, which I probably didn't state clear enough in the premise unfortunately. While they liked it and thought it was a great idea on the surface they didn't feel it would work because of that concern. I disagree for the reason I just mentioned, but still, for professionals to praise my work that much means I must be doing something right. So I'll just keep plugging away.

I'm really interested in seeing what they think of Snow, which is my final, last minute entry that they told me they'd get to. We shall see.

And on that note, I think I'll close the post with the positive in mind. 'Til next time.

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More Lettering News

I figured I'd drop a note on here since unfortunately it's been another few days since my last post. Ugh!

Anyway, this isn't the lettering gig I spoke of in my last post that I wasn't ready to divulge yet as I'm still saving that one. This one I've been holding off on because of a confidentiality agreement, but since I've seen it posted on forums and since it's going to be in the Comic Shop News I figure it's okay.

It's pretty common knowledge now, I think, in the comics community that Alias is focusing on Christian titles now. Well, Mike S. Miller, one of the co-owners of Alias started up another company called Abacus where he'll be publishing his titles Lullaby, The Imaginaries and Sixgun Samurai as reported here.

Abacus will also be publishing Mortal World Entertainment titles Kord and Harley and Soulless. I will be lettering these two titles! I was approached by Matthew Adams of MWE, who I have spoken with on several occasions to letter the titles and of course I jumped. It's a great opportunity and the art is beautiful. I haven't read the whole scripts yet, but I'm sure they are fantastic as well.

You can click the post title to go to Abacus' site and read about the titles where you will now see my name plastered on Kord and Harley. It's currently spelled completely wrong, but that will be fixed soon... I hope!

More news coming soon!

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What A Way To Start Off The Day

This has been a rough past couple of weeks to say the least. I've been really busy, which I guess is a good thing, but it's taking a toll on me.

My lettering is really starting to get out there, so hopefully that will keep happening. Most recently I got two great gigs. One is lettering issue 2 of Ezra: Evoked Emotions for Arcana. The other I'm not quite ready to talk about, but it's even cooler for me.

I've also had a lot of small jobs, and I'm always looking for more paid ones, so give me a shout if you've got something.

Today I've got a whole lot to do as usual, but I look to be caught up by the end of the week if all goes well.

Last week could have resulted in some news about whether our home is getting sold out from under us. I haven't heard the verdict yet, but last we talked it didn't look good. So just keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We really don't have anywhere else to go or the money to take us there right now.

Things have been really stressful around here lately. I won't go into details, but tempers have flared and things have been said. It's just... really... strained right now I guess is the word. I don't want to be a downer anymore, so I'll just leave it at that. We really need some things to happen in a number of areas, so if you could just send some good vibes our way. :)

Enough about all that crap though.

I was thinking the past few days how much a year can change a person. It's truly amazing what can occur in as little time as a year. One year ago I was a completely different person than I am now. Those of you who speak to me online may not see the difference, but had you known me in person a year ago and now you would see the difference. Some of the change is for the better, some for the worse. It's just strange how much can truly change.

For instance, a year ago the way I thought about things was completely different from how I do now. While I am more cynical I think, and that probably just comes with age, it's more than that. A year ago I guess you could see I was ever so slightly more naive, yet oddly less open minded. Now I'm definitely not naive in the slightest, if anything the opposite, and I'm more open minded to certain things.

Again, no details, just an observation. A year ago there were people in my life I trusted for 20 years. Now those people are no longer in my life. Not complaining or being down about it, just noting one of the changes.

It's just odd how much can change in so little time. When I was a kid a year seemed like an eternity, but now it seems like a blink of an eye, and yet the things that happen in that momentary wink can change one's life significantly.

I lived my life for years for one goal, and I always put others above myself even to my detriment many times. That goal, while at the core hasn't changed, the methods by which to reach that goal have been altered. And while I'll still go out of my way to help people I won't hurt myself and my family to do it because that's just not wise. You'd have to know exactly what level of help I'm talking about to understand that.

But I'm not complaining, what is, is. What's in the past can stay there. I used to be concerned about the past, and sometimes it still haunts me and reminds me of things. But by and large I just want to move on. That's easier said than done many times, but that's what you've got to do.

I hope this post doesn't sound like the old whining I got into for a bit a while back. If it does someone please let me know and I'll not do it again. I'm trying to leave that momentarily weak aspect of myself far behind. It wasn't a part of me before, and I don't want it to be a part of me now. Sometimes when so much occurs at once you can't help but go into that phase for a short time, but it's definitely not a place I want to stay or even be reminded of.

Well, maybe it's because I just woke up after a stressful night and had all this on my mind, and maybe I'm still half asleep because I didn't intend on making some large post at this time. Whatever the case may be here it is. I find that this blog allows me to be open and honest with words I could never say, yet I still tend to hold back a lot. I'm not one to talk about my problems or even my dreams in idle conversation. It's just not who I am. I'm a very private person, but for some reason I find some solace in putting my words onto this program that could potentially broadcast them to millions of people. Go figure. lol.

Anyway, I think that's about all I have in me today. I need to go get some tea and wake my butt up. It's going to be a long day!

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Myth Conceptions

The latest column is up! This week I talk about Western comics with a twist.

Check it out by clicking the title post.

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Indy-Pendant #70

Man, I can't believe I keep letting so many days pass before I post lately. I've just been swamped.

Anyway, this week I review Dead@17 #1, the new ongoing series for the property.

Now this is the first issue of the title in all its versions that I've ever read, and I have to say I was impressed. I'll leave it at that so you can read the review. :)

Next week the focus goes on all things appropriate for the holiday as it were, so check that out too!

As always, click the post title to read the column. Thanks!

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More Lettering News

Anyone heard of RabidFrog? They're a comic publisher, and it just so turns out I'm doing some lettering work coming out through them.

On their news page right now (click the post title) in the fourth paragraph down they mention THREE titles that I am lettering all coming out next year! Those three titles are The Pozers (which I also designed the logo for), Academy of Heroes (which I am designing the logo for right now) and Lightning Squirrel. They also mention Bureau 13, which I lettered 10 pages of. So needless to say I'm pretty excited. And so far these books all look great too!

So I thought I'd share that little piece of news with you. I have some more exciting lettering news yet to come.

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Myth Conceptions

The latest column is up! This week I continue the journey with a look at Sci-Fi titles.

Click the title post to read the column.

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Indy-Pendant #69

I put the column up a little early this week. Click the post title to read it.

This week I talked about several web comics I read or am starting to read.

If there are others I neglected to mention please let me know and I'll take a look at them for future columns.

Thanks and enjoy!

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Slipping

Wow, I'm really slipping with my posts! I hadn't realized I hadn't posted since Monday. My bad.

This will be a short one, or at least I think it will.

Lost was another good episode this week. They spread out and showed Sayid, Sun and Jin and some more of Sun and Jin's past, which was cool. Next week we see what happened to Locke, Charlie, Eko and the English guy after the blast.

The third and final Tito Ortiz/Ken Shamrock fight was nearly as short as the last. It lasted around two-two and a half minutes I think and ended with Shamrock getting Ground and Pounded out. Shamrock then announced his retirement and the two shook hands and buried the hatchet, which was really cool to see.

I got into Ghost Hunters on Sci-Fi for the first time the past couple of days. I'm a spiritual person and believe in demons and angels, but not so much in ghosts, as in the spirits of people who once lived walking around. But this show is really cool and the stuff they experience and catch on film is intriguing. I don't know how real it is, or if it is real if the spirits are ghosts or demons or whatever, but it's still fun to watch.

Tonight is Smallville, Supernatural, Ultimate Fighter and TNA Wrestling for me. I may also flip over to ER occasionally. Yep, it's a big TV night!

Been doing a lot of lettering this week, hope to have some more jobs come through and hope to have some announcements soon.

All I bought this week was 52 #23 so far, though I would have bought:

Uncanny X-Men 479
Thunderbolts #107
G.I. Joe America's Elite #16

I'm so far behind on G.I. Joe it's not funny. Uncanny I'll probably still pick up in a few days.

Next week if the funds are there I'd like to get:

52 #24
Wildcats #1
Noble Causes #24
Runaways #21
X-Factor #12
G.I. Joe Declassified #3

Most likely it will be 1-3 of those, namely 52, Runaways and Noble Causes.

And that's about it. Not real short, but not nearly as long-winded as I can be.

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Myth Conceptions

The latest column is up.

This week I start a series of columns on mixed-genre titles. This week it's Noir with a twist.

Check it out by clicking the post title.

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In Need of PAID Lettering Work ASAP!

I've had an unexpected expense hit me and need to make a quick $50 or more to cover it. I have one job paying $50 that will cover the rest. I'm willing to take on anything from 5 page shorts to full issues for $5 a page. The catch is I need to get paid this week. I will deliver fast, quality work and can provide references from those I've dealt with that will back that up.

Click Lettering up top in the navigation to see my samples.

If you have or know someone who has any lettering work please contact me at gonzogoose@brantfowler.com. Thank you.

Brant W. Fowler

Sketch Blog

I made a post at the ol' sketch blog, by the way. I know they haven't been as frequent as I would have liked, and I'm considering killing the blog, but thought I'd throw one more up anyway. Click the post title to visit.

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Indy-Pendant #68

The latest column is up! This week I review three #1 issues from Virgin Comics. Click the post title to check it out.

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The Road Less Traveled

There are times in life when one considers what brought them to where they are. This could be brought on by great joy, great sadness, great anger or great fear. It could be brought on by circumstances or by actions or people in their lives.

Wherever the thought comes from it often makes an impact in their lives either enforcing action or inaction. Some may accept things as they are and never reach for anything greater. They may allow circumstances to dictate what becomes of them. If the place they are in is a good place then that may be fine and well. But if it's a bad place they may in fact be writing their lives off by refusing to experience anything greater.

Others consider where they are, and upon realizing it's not where they want to be, they make changes. Sometimes those changes aren't easy or even possible. So they strive and strive to find a way to make them possible not wanting to live life with regrets or by looking at their dreams from afar. Unfortunately for many it doesn't work out and they end up right back where they started.

The few that embrace a greater existence and take action beyond understanding, comprehension and average complacency are the ones that achieve their goals and live their dreams. These are few and far between because many times to achieve greatness you have to sacrifice much. Whether that be family and friends, or pride and security, or ways of life you thought were right for you, there are things that must be lost to gain what you seek. They may not be big losses, but they are losses nonetheless.

Risk is also a factor. You step out from what you know, or for a not so sure of a thing and hope to make the best of it. If you fail there are consequences that could land you in a worse place than you were before. The ones that achieve take those risks and don't look back. But in doing so they risk alienating themselves.

The key destination is to reach a place where the sacrifices made make way for new and greater experiences and relationships, whether with the same people or new. That destination also includes living dreams and seeing things change for the better.

But when you sit on the cusp of stepping out and taking the risks, and you fully want to take those risks, but something holds you back that you can't overcome then it becomes very disheartening. Sometimes there are... circumstances that prevent you from moving forward - things you don't have the power or ability, or finances, or opportunity to change. No matter what you do and how hard you try things just don't work out.

What does one do in a situation such as this? Do they simply accept that their life is not one meant for greatness? Do they give up hope that things can change, that dreams can be achieved?

The way those questions are answered within one's self will make all the difference. Insurmountable odds may be ahead of you, but if your determination and desire is strong enough you can overcome any obstacle. It may take years of heartache and bad experiences, but as long as there is a will, to quote a cliche, there is a way. It may seem bleak... very bleak... but there is hope. Hope that someday, somehow a way will present itself to make the changes necessary to enable one to follow their dreams and be able to push with everything within them. There has to be that hope or living as things are becomes that much harder, and at times unbearable.

Hope is all we have at times to pull us through, and it is something I cling to on a daily basis. No matter what the odds are against me, or what obstacles I may face I will not die. I will not concede. I will not fail. I will become. And all the nay-sayers will eat their words, but I will not offer them the cruelty they have shown me. I will be as I always am and treat them with kindness and love. For that is who I am and what I'm about, always putting others above myself. But over time I have hurt myself because of that. No more.

Taking an alternate route from the average path is what separates those that move and those that stand still. Stepping out on faith knowing that something greater is in store as opposed to the mundane existence that threatens us all is what separates the dreamers from the doers.

I am a dreamer. I will be a doer.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.



~Robert Frost - The Road Not Taken



(This is my 400th post, by the way)



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TV Tonight, Beyond and Before

The second episode of Heroes replays tonight on Sci-Fi at 7pm for anyone who missed it. I missed it due to wrestling, so I'll definitely be tuning in.

Also tonight is the two-hour third season premiere of Battlestar Galactica. Now I've never watched an entire episode as I could never get into it. I tried a couple of times, but it just didn't appeal to me. Out of boredom the other night I watched the Battlestar Galactica: So Far special recapping all the events up to this point. It looked interested enough actually so I will probably at least watch this season premiere and make my judgements then.

Today there's a mini marathon of episodes, but of course I won't be able to check those out. Maybe one of them, I don't know, we'll see.

And of course tonight is another wrestling night with Smackdown, the last one before the next pay-per-view.

Speaking of wrestling, the season premiere of Raw is three hours long Monday, so that'll be cool. Normally I'd be ticked about Prison Break's hiatus, but at least now I can watch the first hour of Raw without missing Prison Break.

And with that nice little segue, Prison Break this past Monday was again off the chain. Just when you thought all the twists and turns that could be have happened we get three more! This is absolutely one of my favorite shows ever.

Last night's Smallville featured the debut of Ollie Queen, AKA, Green Arrow. He wasn't in costume or anything, but it was cool to see. The last scene he was standing on a rooftop and said the name of a country then shot his arrow in the air. We follow the arrow as it lands in the country he named on the Daily Planet globe. Very cool.

Lost debuted this week also with a decent first episode of the season. I hate that there will only be six episodes before it goes on hiatus for 13 weeks, but at least we get to see some of the episodes. We got to see some more info on the Others, but everything is still pretty subtle and mysterious. It was a nice teaser episode.

I caught Friday Night Lights online and let me tell you that was a good show. I'm not big into football, and I didn't think this show would appeal to me at all, but it had a very real feel to it and was very emotional and intense at points. It was definitely enough to get me to check out the next episode.

The Nine also debuted this week after Lost, and it was decent. It's about a bank robbery and how it affected all the people held hostage. It showed the beginning when the robbers first came in, then it fast forwarded 52 hours to when it was all over. Evidently something very traumatic happened in those 52 hours that connected these total strangers forever. Throughout the episode there were little flashbacks and hints, but nothing was really revealed. It was intriguing enough to give the second episode a shot.

And that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure I watched something else that I can't remember at the moment. Oh well. I'll save that for another post.

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More Published Lettering!

I know it's been a couple of days, but I've just been busy. I apologize to all the faithful.

I just got word that two short stories I lettered are now published in issue #1 of Dimestore's Mysterious Visions: After Hours anthology. I lettered Guess Who and Hope Eternal, so if you have the extra cash click the post title and pick up a copy!

I've got some more lettering news I can't talk about just yet, but stay tuned.

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I Write for the Military?

Apparently I am now writing for Military Times Magazine according to the latest press release from IDW Publishing (click the post title)! Yeah, came as a shock to me as well.

So, let me clear the air once and for all in case someone who's heard of me comes across this. I don't now, nor have I ever written for any military magazine. Not that I view this as anything negative, but I just don't want to be misrepresented or to be perceived as a low level Micah Wright or anything.

The actual writer of the article was Bryant Jordan, and I understand that a correction is being sent out.

So there you have it. It was a misprint as I did talk with Waltz several months ago about doing a feature for www.silverbulletcomics.com. Evidently the writer of the press release just got facts confused.

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Monopoly

Well, the Monopoly game is back at McDonald's this year and this time they added a new element - online play. Now you can collect the property pieces all the same, but they also have a code on them you can enter online and play the actual monopoly game to win more cool prizes!

Now, I have never won anything from this game save food, but it's still fun to try. Monopoly was one of my favorite board games, and I even have a PC version of it. The only problem is I don't really eat there. Occasionally I'll get fries or a pie, but that's usually it.

I had this crazy thought though. What if we collaborated on the thing and split the money if we win?!? Is that even legal? If not, then "these are not the droids you're looking for" (e-mail me!). ;)

Anyway... if you want to check the game out click the title post.

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