The Table is Up!

Well, I finally got the table put together with a lot of help from my little brother (he did most of it - hey, he wanted to!). Not sure where I'm going to put it yet though. Right now it's by my window in my bedroom. I also got this little neat cart for $3 that has a roll away drawer. The shelf on it is the perfect size for art boards. So I'm gettin' it all set. I have all my supplies in now as well.

And don't worry, fellas, I did get some work done too. With SBC's site down today I finished off Godsend and made some headway on the Raven One-Shot. The contract is just waiting on printer ink so I can print it out. And I made some corrections on Gaol County, which wasn't on the list. So from the list the only thing I've got left is to finish Raven and finish Redshift and I'll be in a good place.

Well, it's late and I'm about to turn in. Just wanted to share real quick. I love the table with the huge tray on it and lamp, and the chair, it just feels nice to have finally! Now let's just hope I can make good use of it!

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I'm Leonardo!

Got bored. Sorry.

Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle are You? (pics)
Leonardo You're mature and get the job done. You are a natural born leader, and normally want to be the better of the group. You take your job seriously. You must! It may NOT be a game. When you select a sport, or something you want to do, you train continueously, constantly trying to perfect it. You're always prepared for a challenge, and are normally found one step ahead of your enemies. Loving family more than life itself, you are a good friend, and can be depended on at all times.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

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Final Weekend Update

Well, I got most of it done, the rest I'll finish up over the next 2-3 days.

Fracture lettering corrections (Done)
Godsend lettering (Prepped/Laid Out - Only 5 Pages)
Raven One-shot lettering (Somewhat Prepped - 10 Pages that I have script for)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services (Not Yet)
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one) (Half Done)

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Another Update

Blood and Devotion logo revision (Done)
Fracture lettering corrections (Started)
Aroquin script revisions/completion (Done)
Final Shadows lettering (Done)
Godsend lettering (Prepped/Laid Out)
Raven One-shot lettering (Somewhat Prepped)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services (Not Yet)
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one) (Half Done)

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Small Late Night Update

Just thought I'd give a status report:

Blood and Devotion logo revision (Started)
Fracture lettering corrections
Aroquin script revisions/completion (Started)
Final Shadows lettering (Prepped/Laid Out)
Godsend lettering (Prepped/Laid Out)
Raven One-shot lettering (Somewhat Prepped)
Review a script for a friend (Done)
Post and mail SBC Newsletter (Done)
Friday's SBC Reel (late obviously) (Done)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services (Not Yet)
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one) (Half Done)

So I made some headway today. Tomorrow will be another busy day!

Also, my art supplies came in the mail today! Yay! Art table is still in pieces though. lol

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This Weekend...

... is catch-up weekend! Somehow in the course of a busy week I've gotten behind again, and so I have to once again use the weekend to catch up.

I should have known with it being solicitations week (always a busy week for posting on SBC) I would have fallen a little behind. But man, I hadn't realized how far behind until I realized I hadn't yet completed things I tried to complete last weekend.

So, here's the list for things I'm going to try to accomplish this weekend in random order. Some of them I have to get done this weekend, others I may push a day or two.

Blood and Devotion logo revision (should have already done this)
Fracture lettering corrections
Aroquin script revisions/completion
Final Shadows lettering
Godsend lettering
Raven One-shot lettering
Review a script for a friend
Post and mail SBC Newsletter
Friday's SBC Reel (late obviously)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one)

I think that's it, as if that all wasn't enough! Note that not all those lettering gigs are full issues. Most are only 5-10 pages or so. I just hope I can get it all done and soon! I need to catch up on the lower priority stuff at some point. I'll get a handle on all this eventually (eventually meaning as soon as I get caught up to where I can pace myself properly).

I almost hesitated posting this as I didn't want anyone to think bad of me for not being as on top of things as I would like. It's just been crazy, and as you all know, once you fall behind it's hard to get back on top of it. The problem comes when you start getting a bunch of stuff you committed to a while back all come in at once, which often happens to me. Then it becomes a bit overwhelming. But I'm planning on this being a successful weekend where I can post Monday or Tuesday that I got caught up and came up with a plan on how to manage all this (and time) a lot more efficiently!

We'll see...

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The Table Has Arrived!

My art table, chair, lamp and tray came today! It's still in pieces, but at least I now have it! I also received an email stating that my art supplies shipped out today, so soon I will be back in the drawing business as time permits! It's a good day. A hot day (we have a drought in the state, and right now it's 93 degrees), but a good day.

Oh, by the way, here is a picture of the exact table I got:



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Why, Why, Why

I saw these on MySpace and even though we've all read them or some similar before, I just found them especially humorous today and thought I'd share:

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE......

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

...to a friend of mine:



Happy 29th!

Myth Conceptions

Click the title to find the latest!

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Weekend Wrap-Up

Just thought I'd post a quick one today, being Sunday and all.

I just posted the inks for the Wannabez #0 cover on the WBZ Blog (in the sidebar) so check that out.

I watched 300 last night finally. It was a good movie. Very graphic. I never read the graphic novel, so I don't know how accurate it is, but from the cinematics and the poses I can guess it was as accurate as people say it was. I also like that fact that while it was a victorious tale it was also a tragic one. The acting, dialog and direction were all very good as well. I'd give it a 7.5 out of 10 I think.

Today I am finishing up the lettering on Gaol County and a logo for the company publishing it. And if I get to them, the four pages of Final Shadows and a revision on the Blood and Devotion logo. We'll see.

If I get around to it I may sketch a bit today, I don't know. It's gonna rain today, so it might be a good day for it.

I have found that I have an occasional liking for Boca burgers (vegetarian). Never thought in a million years I would, but they're decent. I tried some a few years back grilled out and they were good. But cooked in the microwave or on the Foreman grill not so much. Fried, though, they ain't bad. I ate two last night, with Pepperjack cheese! That was pretty tasty.

Well, I guess that's about it. If I think of anything else, and if I have the time, I'll be back. Otherwise...

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Art Supplies

Well, I've ordered the table and supplies now, so hopefully I will be able to get back into the swing of things soon.

I found some good (cheap) prices for everything, thankfully, or else I wouldn't be getting them.

I got:

Art Table (With chair, lamp and accessory tray)
Art Boards (24 pack)
3 Mechanical Pencils (Two .7mm, One .5mm)
Lead (2 Packs of 2B I think)
Non-Photo Blue Pencils (12 Pack)
Ebony Pencils (2 Pack)
Kneaded Erasers (A small one and large one)

I think that's it. I wanted to get a T-Square, some Pigma Micron pens, some curves and templates, and a Portfolio, but I can wait on those. I have an 18" aluminum ruler, so the T-Square can wait. And the pens are to experiment, so they can wait. Office Depot has a kit that has curves, a T-Square and a drafting brush in it for $30-40, so I'll probably just save up for that. And I don't think I'll be showing off my work for a while, so the portfolio can wait.

I already have some other pencils, but I needed some new mechanical ones, and I wanted to try out the ebony ones and found them for a dollar. My kneaded eraser was pretty much in bad shape too, and I came across those for a good price. The rest I ordered online, but I shopped around.

The table hurt, but it was a good price for it compared to what it cost everywhere else. It's the biggest purchase I've made for myself in so long I don't even remember the last time. I'd say the last big item I bought for myself was my entertainment center, which was $100, and that was about 3 years ago. Besides, I've wanted an art table since I was 16, so I deserved it. :)

So in a couple of weeks when everything gets here I'll be ready to roll. I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

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Papaw and Weather

Well, Papaw is stable now, thank God. His oxygen is up and he ate a whole tuna salad sandwich today, so it looks like at least for the time being he's out of the water.

Speaking of water, I wish I was in some, about 6-10 feet of it filled with chlorine right about now! It's 100 degrees here right now, and our air is not acting properly in the house. I've got a mini fan right in front of me, but mostly it's just circulating the warm air. Ugh.

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Myth Conceptions - Update

I am returning Myth Conceptions to a weekly status starting next week, but only temporarily.

I will be posting ten more installments (3 of which are already written) and then I'll be ending the column with the 75th installment. I'm doing this for a number of reasons.

First, I just don't have the time, or willpower, to keep it on schedule right now, and I think it's unfair to what readers I do have to keep changing it from weekly to bi-weekly, and then being constantly late on top of that.

Second, I just don't have anything else to say relating to the concept or title. It's just not in me anymore.

Third, I'd rather focus on other things at the moment rather than keeping up with the column. And I hope to bring on some new columnists to SBC soon.

Down the road I may come back with an entirely new concept, or maybe even the return of Indy-Pendant, I don't know. I'll of course continue to write occasional reviews and interviews on the site, as well as the SBC Reel twice weekly. But it's just time to move on. 75 installments is a good amount of columns, and a good stopping point. That will make 175 columns I've written including MC and IP.

I plan to write the other 7 pieces this week and next so they are out of the way and ready to go. That means the last one will post on October 23rd, which means I'm freed up for the holidays, which is a good thing.

So I guess that's it. Myth Conceptions has been a lot of fun, and it's been a challenge going beyond the original vision of the column (Jason's vision) and making it my own while still relating to the theme in some way. Just lately it feels less relevant and more like a rant or op/ed type deal, and I've got enough avenues for that already!

It's been real, though. Thanks for reading, and I hope you continue to read other stuff I write!

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Papaw

I just got a phone call that my Papaw has just gone back into the hospital. I don't know what the problem is this time as my Mom couldn't stay on the phone long, but I do know that he's been dropping weight and won't eat. Please keep him and my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Lettering Updates

Not much to report at the moment actually. I'll be turning in some pages of Gaol County today and finishing it up this week. And I have a couple of logos to finish up. Then I've got four pages of Final Shadows for Hard Way Studios to do this week.

I also have some stuff in the wings (Lightning Squirrel, AOH #2, Redshift, and Raven one-shot) but on most of those I'm either waiting on script, pages, or I'm trying to get priority stuff done first.

Aside from that I'm caught up. I know that still sounds like a lot, but really it's not that bad.

More updates when I have 'em.

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Yesterday

August 14th. That is a date I will always remember whether I want to or not. I know two people whose birthdays occupy that date, and both were, once upon a time, very close and important people in my life.

The first is my first girlfriend, Jamie. We were together for 10 months when I was 16-17, she was 15-16. Yesterday she turned 30. I think it's been about 8 years since I saw her last give or take a year. We had known each other in our youth briefly (she went to my church for a bit) and then I didn't see her for a few years. When she came back it wasn't but about a month or two later we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Even though life has taken us in completely different routes I still can't forget her birthday. I'm good with dates like that I guess. Anyway, if you're out there and happen to come across this, I hope life is treating you well.

The second is a relative of hers, David Lovin, who was like my little brother for a number of years, far after Jamie and I had broken up (which was on Easter, believe it or not). I miss David a lot, and I think it's been about 5 or 6 years since I saw him last. Man, time flies. I used to stay with his family a lot. We were as different as night and day in some respects, but we had this kindred something that connected us. Then some stuff happened, his family moved away, though not that far away, and we just lost touch. I tried to reconnect a couple of times, but there was just too much... stuff in the way.If you come across this, bro, I hope you are doing well also.

I actually know quite a few people who have birthdays this month. My cousin just turned 15 Saturday, and two of my former pastor's kids have birthdays this week and next. And another friend's b-day is also next week. So happy b-days all around, guy and gals. I hope life is treating you all well, and I hope you have wonderful birthdays this year.

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An Old Friend... In Tights?!

When I was 13 a school friend of mine introduced me to my very first comic shop. I never knew such places existed. But with that introduction, that, as they say, was history. That's where my love for actually working in the medium was eventually born.

Fast forward several years, we've graduated high school and we're still close, but not for long. Our lives took us on different paths and we parted ways. That was roughly, say, seven or eight years ago. I saw him once I think about four or five years ago, maybe longer, but only briefly.

Fast forward once again to this past weekend. As I was reading through the coverage from Wizard World Chicago both for posting for my job and for pleasure I found myself getting a kick out of all the photos and of course the costumes. WWC had a costume contest in fact, and what do I find? A picture of a guy dressed as DC's Captain Boomerang who is a dead ringer for my old friend!

Could it be him? I can't really be sure as it's been many years since I've seen him. So I showed the picture to my cousin, who hung out with him for a few years after he and I parted ways. He agrees if it's not him he's got a twin out there.

So, Jonathan Baxter, if this is you and you somehow find this blog, man, let me know. I'm really very curious now.

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(Click the title to see the picture - the guy on the right)

Myth Conceptions

This time I express my thoughts on the passing of comic artist Mike Wieringo.

Click the title to read the column.

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Why No Love for the Artists?

I have been looking art supplies to replenish my stash and I've discovered that the majority of comic retail stores I've come across don't typically carry art supplies. Now this is no huge discovery as I've known it in the back of my mind. But I guess it just strikes me odd that neither brick and mortar stores or online stores carry comic art supplies.

In my reasoning, there are tons of wannabe comic artists and writers out there, and many of them shop in both the physical and online stores. So why not carry supplies for them? I can understand it probably wouldn't be a huge sales boost, but is it too unreasonable to ask retailers to carry a small amount of art supplies and how to books, reference books, etc. for the budding artists and writers?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not really complaining, and I'm certainly not upset by it. Luckily there are places like Blue Line Pro, Bill Cole Enterprises and the Cartoonist Depot that do provide these items. I'm just curious why most retailers don't stock these as well. Maybe it's a cost issue, I don't know. It just strikes me as odd is all. I do, however, think it would be lovely to be able to walk in your LCS and pick up your much needed art supplies without having to pay shipping.

Granted, you can find a lot of stuff in local art stores (though there's only one near me in a 50 mile radius that I'm aware of) or your local Office Depot or Staples for some items. But stuff like art boards aren't as easy to come buy.

It's just a thought for all you retailers out there. You might want to make it a little easier for those starving artists local to your area.

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The Hunger Returns

I don't understand it, and I can't really explain it, but here lately my hunger for drawing has started to slowly return. I don't know what's behind the motivation as nothing has really changed, it just feels like it's time to get back into it. And not just as a passing thing, but to seriously learn the craft and really improve my skills.

Maybe the Comic Book Idol contest brought something back to me. Back when the first two happened I hadn't been drawing for a while either, but they both sparked something in me that made me want to get back into it. Maybe the fact that it's coming back has brought that back to the surface. Not that I plan on entering, because unless I get a lot better within the next month I think I'd be setting myself up for another fall simply because, unlike then, I'm now well aware of my skill level, and painfully so.

I can't say it's because I have more time to concentrate on it either, because in actuality I have less time than ever between all my responsibilities. And of course those responsibilities will come first, but there's just something in me that is craving to get back into it.

I'm really serious about it to. I've been looking into buying a drafting table, something I have never had, so that I can feel like I have a proper place to draw that's separate from everything else. I'm trying to find some Burne Hogarth books (used) to study up and improve as well. I just bought Dynamic Anatomy for instance. And I'm going to restock on art supplies (pencils, boards, etc.) as soon as I can.

I'm not fooling myself either. I don't think I'm going to pick up a pencil and read through these books and suddenly be loads better than I was previously. I realize it will take time to get to the level I want. I do, however, feel that through editing all these years, both scripts and art, and through reviewing comics that I have developed a much better "eye" for various aspects of comic art, and hopefully I can employ that eye on my own work and have a better idea of what to fix. Before I would sometimes know something was off, and I could see it in my mind's eye, but I just couldn't figure out how to actually fix it on paper. I'm hoping through my experiences, through studying, and of course through practice I'll overcome all of that.

Do I still have aspirations of drawing comics for a living? Not so much. I think at this point I'd rather be able to write and draw my own stuff, while my writing goals still do include working for the big two at some point in addition to doing my own stuff. And of course it wouldn't hurt to pick up a few drawing gigs along the way to help fund those projects, but that's a ways off. I just think it would be a long while before I could get to the level where I could meet concrete monthly deadlines with quality work, and that's time I really don't have to pour into it right now. But getting good enough to do my own stuff or stuff for others that isn't quite so strict I think is a more realistic goal

But still, all that is a ways off. I still haven't even cracked open the art boards or sharpened the pencils in a good while, and I'm very well aware of the problems in my art. I also want to work on developing my own style, a signature style of sorts. My art is what it is, but to me it doesn't stand out at all. Until it does I won't be satisfied.

So whatever brought back the desire I haven't a clue. Whether it will be a lingering desire or a fleeting nostalgia I don't know, though I'm hoping for the former. Drawing was my very first artistic love from the age of 5 or 6, and it has always pained me since I gave it up at 19 and since I've struggled with trying to tap back into it since I was 24 and have been unsuccessful. So I'm hoping that it really is just time and that I can add it back to the list of things I want to succeed at.

Whatever the case may be, I will keep you posted right here.

B-Out

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I just finished the book this morning, finally, and I have to say it was quite an enjoyable read. There was some sadness and some joy, and I was saddened at the end for a number of reasons. Was it the best in the series? Probably not, but it did nicely wrap up every plot thread throughout the entire series and answer some long pondered questions expertly.

A lot of people are against the books because the promote witchcraft, and a lot of people I know would consider me WRONG to even THINK about reading it, but those people are close-minded neophytes living in an era that no longer exists. To do away with Harry Potter would mean doing away with... well, almost EVERY fairy tale in existence! Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast... the list goes on. They ALL have some form of magic in them don't they?

The thing that makes the series of Harry Potter books special is the same thing that supersedes the happenstance of it taking place in a magical world: morals and self-discovery! That's what these books are all about, and why they have won numerous awards throughout their 10 year history. Each and every single thing that happens in these books ever so subtly teaches a lesson, and shows us also how human even the greatest of us can be, meaning we are all flawed, but inside all of us exists the ability to become great in many different ways.

When my brother first started reading the books 9 or so years ago I was very hesitant about him reading them. We are Christians, and so the thought of witchcraft slightly alarmed me. I didn't want him getting the wrong message. So I read the book, and that, as they say, is history. I was hooked, and rightfully so. I'm a big fantasy fan anyway, but these books took that to the next level by bringing it into a nearly plausible world set in modern times. So the kids (and adults) get these wondrous adventures, but at the same time they are wrapped so delicately with insights and wisdoms that show the mark of a truly great writer. The Christian world could also take a lesson from these books in the art of subtlety, believe me!

Back to this particular book... as promised, some main characters did lose their lives, but valiantly so. During the last few chapters I was figuratively on the edge of my seat with anticipation as to the outcome of the ending battle. There were some surprises indeed, and there was a glorious and beaming conclusion to the story that every Potter fan should be proud of. And the epilogue was a nice touch, giving us a glimpse into the future.

So while I'm very sad to see the series go, I have to admit this book and the way it wrapped things up has greatly eased the blow of the absence of the series from here on out. Luckily I still have three movies to see before it's all done (I've yet to see Order of the Phoenix). And then I will probably at some point re-read them all once more.

Goodbye, Harry Potter, it's been a blast!

B-Out

Comic Book Idol 3

Well, CBR's Comic Book Idol contest has finally returned! It's been three years since the last one, in which I entered and didn't make it past the first cut. I also entered the first one to a similar result. My art wasn't up to snuff (it's an art competition) and it still isn't, at least as far as I know. It's been a while since I tried drawing a full page, so who knows?

Anyway, regardless of my own abrupt end in the competition, it was always a fun event to watch. You had celebrity judges and some pretty cool prizes. Last time the winner got to do a strip for Oni Press among other things. This time the main sponsor is the New York City Comic-Con, who is awarding the winner with an all expenses paid trip to the con to meet with publishers and editors and show off their work.

Past winners and contestants have landed gigs with Marvel, Top Cow, Image and more. CBR has a lot of pros active in the community, so a lot of eyes see the art meaning it's a great opportunity for artists to get their stuff scene by people that could make a difference.

One very fond memory I have of CBI has nothing to do with the competition itself oddly enough. I've mentioned it before in various places, but on the CBR message boards is where Scott (Wannabez) and I met. A bunch of us who entered the contest decided to do a DC jam poster. We were randomly paired up (me with the unbelievable Sergio Quijada, who I'm surprised isn't working for Marvel or DC yet). It was a great time, and even though we never finished the poster, connections made at that time have led to some cool things, including the excellent collaboration on Wannabez!

So whether I enter this year or not I will certainly be watching with anticipation. Reading the judges comments on others' art helps me also to know what is lacking in my own. While I do consider myself more of a writer these days than an artist I'm still not ready to let go of my first artistic love. One of these days...

B-Out

Not Enough Hours

I had four hours of sleep last night, and by last night I mean mid day today as I couldn't sleep a wink last night. I don't know why, just every time I tried to lay down I was wide awake even though I was quite exhausted.

I did find out one of my former Sunday School students, who just turned 18, is going into the military very soon, so that weighs on my mind some. The kid is like a little brother to me, so obviously I'm concerned for his safety and hope he's making the right decision. I admire and respect all those who enlist to protect this country, but I also worry about the innocence of our youth being lost to war.

I haven't yet been able to come up with a workable schedule with all my various responsibilities, so I'm always feeling like I've missed something, or that I just don't have enough time. I seem to be keeping up with everything, though, just not on any regular set timetable. My sleep schedule is constantly in flux, thus making me always feel tired. I'll figure it out eventually.

Right now I have two lettering gigs ahead of me along with the others that aren't priority. I just finished a few logos this weekend and have one more to do. I'll post the logos on my site soon enough. I may even post them on the blog.

Wizard World Chicago is coming up this weekend, and The Young Explorers crew will be out there promoting away! Scott (Wannabez) might get to go out on Saturday and Sunday and he will most likely have flyers for the issue of Mysterious Visions that Wannabez is featured in, which is slated to come out in September. And Cary and Chuck will also be out there doing their thing. I wish I could join all of them, but alas, it was not meant to be.

Speaking of wizards (nice segue, huh?) I've got less than 100 pages left in the final Potter book. I've been taking my time with it trying to savor it so to speak since it's the last one. And thus far it's been a really great read as usual. But what I just learned (and I know I'm behind the rest of the world) is quite the turn. Love or hate the "witch" aspect of the series, Rowling is a very good writer, and she manages to infuse tons of universal themes and even moral lessons within the pages of this fantasy series.

I watched Deja Vu this past weekend, and it was an ok film. I'm a big Denzel Washington fan, but this wasn't one of his best. I mean he was great in it, I just think they could have pushed the story even further than they did, so it fell short of what it could have been.

Who Wants to be a Superhero? is off to a... strange start. Two episodes deep, and the cheese factor familiar from last season has increased times 3! It's still an enjoyable show, but it definitely plays on the cheesy aspect that most people outside of comics associate with comics.

Tonight is the season finale of Making the Band 4, where supposedly the group will be chosen. Of course Making the Band 3 went into a season finale and it was revealed they brought in more girls in the next season, so anything could happen. There are some really good singers in the remaining group of guys though, so I expect a conclusion. My cousin tells me I should have entered and I would have made it. I don't know about that as they are really good, I'm out of practice, and I actually did try the video contest route and didn't make it. In person who knows? Oh well.

In a few weeks we may have some exciting news to share about Wannabez, so keep watching the Wannabez blog for that announcement.

Does anyone watch Top Chef? (Yeah, I know, I watch way too much TV these days). I used to want to be a chef when I was little, and I do cook a little, though I'd love to learn more if I had the time and resources. So the show really appeals to me. This is the third season I've watched (it may be the third season of the show in fact, I'm not sure) and so far it's my favorite. I think it's really cool how they can come up with all these dishes under the time constraints they have.

Well, now I'm fishing for stuff to talk about, so it's probably time to call it for the day. Thanks for reading, I've noticed the numbers picking back up (and then I go and leave you for 5 days without a post!). It's good to have you all back!

B-Out

Wizard World Chicago & Fat Momma!

Well, I had a slight thrill today. I had to do a conference call for a part-time position I picked up recently, and surprise! Fat Momma from the first season of Who Wants to be a Superhero? was in on the call! So while I didn't get to say much to her beyond hi, nice to meet you, and so forth, I still got to be on the phone with her while she told us all about what she does at appearances, encouraging kids to be happy with themselves and so forth. It was just an awesome call, and she is the nicest person.

On top of that, she will be at our booth at Wizard World Chicago! Now, I personally won't be there unfortunately, but the rest of the Young Explorers crew will be. So if you're there go check it out. We might have some flyers from Kids Love Comics, and if Scott and I can work it out, from Wannabez as well!

Maybe I'll make the next one. We shall see.

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Myth Conceptions

As promised, click the title link!

This time I talk about where the comic industry is, was and will be.

Enjoy!

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Been a Busy Weekend!

Well, with Comic-Con being this past weekend I had a LOT to post on the SBC site. Not as much as I had expected, but a lot regardless. Plus I had to do some lettering stuff, which proved to be pretty time intensive.

Aside from that, it was a decent weekend. Nothing special or anything though.

The ten finalists were announced for Platinum's Comic Book Challenge, and unfortunately the project I was lettering didn't make it. But I hear some publishers are interested in it, so we'll see what happens.

On the contrary, the project I'm lettering in the Small Press Idol contest (I was brought on a couple of weeks ago when they're letterer disappeared) actually won the contest, so that was cool.

Some good things are on the horizon for me and for Wannabez, so stay tuned!

Getting back to SBC, click the title link for news on the future of the company. In short, the physical store closed down and the store is now completely an online operation, and all the focus and resources will be put towards growing both the site and the online store. Orders should no longer be a problem once this all takes effect.

And I guess that's about it for now. Thanks for continuing to read.

Oh, and there WILL be a new Myth Conceptions tomorrow, so check here then for a link!

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Mini Fridges Rule!

So, I spend most of my time at home in the loft upstairs, which is where the computer is. Well, we just got a mini fridge for upstairs and that is awesome! It was on sale and a great buy. So now no more going all the way downstairs into the kitchen to get a snack or something to drink. Yay! Gotta love convenience and laziness, eh?

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MMMBop

So I was trying to think of something clever to title this post and was coming up blank. I was looking through the thesaurus, looking up quotes and nothing came to me. Then I go to yahoo.com and there's a feature story about the musical group Hanson all grown up. Seems they have a new single (hit the title link if you dare). So I figured the title to their one hit song was out there enough to pretend to be profound... or nonsensical, take your pick.

Anyway, the song's not bad. It's not great, but it's decent. And oddly enough, it appears the youngest brother (the drummer) is now the lead singer, or at least he is on this single. The middle brother always did the lead vocals when they were big.

Moving on...

So I made some corrections on Abiding Perditions: Dawn of the Spider #1 tonight, so that should be just about squared away. I'm actually getting pretty caught up, which is cool. It's been a long time!

I also accepted a part-time job as a publishing assistant yesterday for a book called The Young Explorers. The book will be presented at Wizard World Chicago, so look for the booth! I won't be there, sadly, but the rest of the crew will.

This weekend is Comic-Con, as I mentioned, and I'll be right here receiving articles from our writers that do get to go to post up on SBC. Them's the breaks.

Ghost Rider was... well, you all know. The best part about that movie, no question, was Eva Mendes. But aside from that, the effects were ok, and it was cool seeing Ghost Rider come to life. I thought the way he came buy the jacket and chain were done well, but the acting, oh the acting! And the dialogue! And the pacing, the plot... yeah. Visually, much better than Daredevil, but I actually liked Daredevil better.

Not much else to talk about right now. I've not eaten all day, and I've just finished working for now at 11:40pm! So I'm gonna take a shower, grab some food, and sit down and watch some TV before doing this all over again!

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Decisions

Well, I've heard from the other opportunity and they want me too! Now add to that two more opportunities that have arisen, and I have some decisions to make. So I'll be doing some heavy thinking (and some praying, 'cause that's how I do it) to make the right decision(s). I'm just waiting on some more info from one so I can go into the decision making process fully informed.

As for Abiding Perdition, everything's going smoothly. I said I'd have the first issue lettered by this weekend, so today will be finishing up that.

I received the final Harry Potter book in the mail today and managed to find time to read the first chapter (12 pages I think). What's that you say? I'm claiming to pray, but I'm reading Harry Potter? Look, I'm an adult and I know the difference between fiction and reality. And, like it or not, HP has some great universal themes that relate to people of all ages at the very core. It also has a ton of subtle moral lessons throughout the entire series. Plus it's just fun. My brother got into them I think when the second book had come out. He was younger then, so I would read it to him. And I got hooked. Now I've read all the first six and he's only read 4. lol.

The San Diego Comic-Con is this coming weekend, and I so wish I could go. There are all kinds of cool panels there this year, about breaking into various related industries (film, animation, comics, etc.) not to mention the big panels from Marvel and DC, and the many movie and TV panels that will be there. It would just be really exciting experience I think. Plus I've never been to Cali, yet that's where I plan to live one day. Ah well.

Ok, I've been up for a really long time, and I need to get a few hours before finishing AP up. So until next post...

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Abiding Perdition

Well, one of the aforementioned items is official. I got offered to letter a new Abiding Perdition mini-series, which I accepted of course. I just wanted to wait until I got the go ahead before I claimed it. So I'm stoked about that. The book is a lot of fun in the art style, so I'll have fun lettering it. I always seem to have a funner and easier time lettering if the style is something I dig or if it's a style that has a lot of energy and life to it. This is one of those.

I finished a couple of logos today, both were company logos. One was comic related (Dub Comics) and the other non-comic (Carlyle Investigations). I'll have them both up on my website probably this weekend. I also messed around with the Mojo Smith logo, but I'm still not satisfied with it. Next up is the Nine Unknown Men logo, which I'm shooting for this weekend.

My cousin and mother came across a used copy of Superman Returns at a pawn shop (my cousin goes there all the time looking for DVDs, video games and whatnot - they have a lot). I've seen it, but it was only $4, so I said pick it up. It's gotta tell you something, though, that it was only $4. I mean it hasn't been out THAT long. Even used, that's pretty cheap. But I liked it for what it was. Could have been much better, but ya know.

I still haven't seen Transformers, though my cousin tells me the special effects were awesome. I was a fan of the original cartoon, but I'm not one of these that has to have it mirror that completely. I realize that would be impossible and it still look realistic. So I don't think I'll be jaded when I do see it.

I still haven't even seen Fantastic Four 2. Or Ghost Rider! (though the latter is on its way - gotta love Netflix!).

I did manage to catch Elektra on cable last week, and it wasn't nearly as bad as the reviews I read. I actually kind of liked it to be honest. It certainly wasn't near Spider-Man or X-Men, or even Fantastic Four, but I thought it was a pretty decent flick. Of course I've only read about one, maybe two story arcs involving Elektra in my life, so I wasn't jaded there either.

I also saw Rocky Balboa finally. I think it did capture the spirit of the originals, but it had a lot of flaws to be sure. The main flaw for me was that the opponent was not built up nearly enough. Rocky V wasn't great either (1, 2 and 4 were the best, 4 being my favorite) but at least they spent some time developing Tommy Gunn and his story plot. In this one there are a few mentions of the guy, but not enough to either feel sorry for him, relate to him, or even hate him. I just didn't care about him, which made the fight a complete joke. Oh well.

Anyway, I'm about to crash so I can get up tomorrow and hit it all over again! Til then...

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Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'...

For those of you keeping tabs, here are the latest lettering updates:

Last week (I think) I did a 10 pager for Noble from Dial R Studios (was supposed to do 8 more pages, but I never heard back from him on those).

I just finished up The Applicants #1 Sunday (though I have a few corrections to make tonight).

I did a variation of a logo for Blood & Devotion for FE Comics yesterday as well.

I also finished up Fracture #1 for FE Comics today (pending approval).

I have to design a logo for an indy company today or tomorrow.

I made some progress on the Mojo Smith logo, but sadly not much. That one is slightly stumping me for some reason.

Finishing up Redshift #3 will be the next project, and a logo for a submission.

After that I've still got to do a Nine Unknown Men logo redux (the writer (Troy Bowen) didn't like the first incarnation).

Then Project Menagerie for Matthew McClean (it's an 8 pager I believe).

On the back burner when I get the time or the pages depending I've got Lightning Squirrel #3 and AOH #2, as well as a story for Hard Way Studios, and upcoming I have Channels from FE Comics.

As I find the time I am working on a Journeymen logo for Scott.

Then of course there's Wannabez #0 when all the pages are done, and the Totem GN is coming up.

There are a couple of other things that would jump ahead of some of the latter items in that list, but they're not confirmed yet. As soon as they are I'll let you all know.

I think that's it right now. If I've missed you, please let me know. Chances are I just missed it while listing these.

So that's what's going on in the world of lettering.


Writing is practically non-existent as I catch up on lettering and do my regular job. Thankfully, though the above list does sound like a lot, I made a huge dent this past weekend, so things are going good now.

As for work, I'm about to start my posting for the day. I'm getting a late start today, which is usually the case on Mondays. But it'll all get done in time for wrestling tonight!


I'm still waiting to hear back on that opportunity I mentioned a few posts ago, so I'll keep you posted on developments there.

I guess that's it for now. Just wanted to give some progress reports!

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National Ice Cream Day

Yep, today, July 15th, is National Ice Cream Day. Just thought you'd like to know. And July is National Ice Cream Month! So go enjoy yourself some Baskin-Robbins, Graeters, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen, Ben & Jerry's, Edys, or whatever your pleasure may be!

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Happy Birthday, Carissa!

I know she doesn't read this blog, and I haven't even seen her for over two years. But I thought I'd just throw it out into the ether as I will always count her as one of my dearest friends in life.

In the off chance you do come across this post, Carissa, I hope you have an absolutely wonderful birthday and many, many more wonderful ones to come.

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I Survived!

Well, despite the perceived "unlucky"-ness of Friday the 13th, not much went wrong for us. On the contrary, a couple of good things actually happened. My mom received her late birthday present I ordered in the mail, and I got a phone call that could lead to a cool opportunity.

The only negative thing to happen on the day was not really unlucky as much as happenstance. The day before my mom had come across this drafting table for sale for $65! After checking with me to see if that's good, she went back to reserve it for me. Unfortunately there were a couple of problems with it. First, the slide rule thing was missing. I could have lived with that though. The second thing, though, caused us not to be able to purchase it. It turned out it was an electronic one, meaning that the table top lifted and tilted electronically. I priced this particular model and it normally runs for around $200! So if it had worked it would have been a steal, and I would have finally gotten the art table I have wanted for over a decade. Sadly, that part didn't work, and there was no way to manually adjust the table. And it was set too low for me, so there would have been no point.

Oh well, easy come, easy go. One of these days...

So bah on the superstition. I'll walk under a ladder and cross a black cat (I've done both many times, and I've broken my share of mirrors).

Now watch it come back to bite me when the day comes back around!

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Happy 13th

Friday the 13th! Good thing I'm not superstitious or I might be worried.

You know what I can't stand, though? Construction workers! Specifically, construction workers beside my house building another house at 6am! For the past couple of weeks I've been woke up by banging hammers, drills and whatever else they use. But I understand they're doing their jobs, and I don't have as much a problem with that. But when they have a radio out there and turn it up as loud as it could possibly go and face it towards my house then it really ticks me off! Not to mention there's a newborn baby in the house on the other side of us. Sigh.

Anyway, thanks to A. David Lewis for pointing out that his blog address has changed. It's now updated in my sidebar.

I've been working on a lettering project this week that has had a lot of stumblingblocks, but I'm hoping to put it to bed today finally, much to the pleasure of my client! Then this weekend I'll be working on other lettering that I have yet to complete.

My brother had a decent birthday. He got a couple of pairs of jeans, about three band t-shirts, a necklace with skulls on it (he's into rock) and we snagged him a new 30gb ipod off ebay for less than we'd pay in the store, and I even got a three year warranty. So that was a blessed find! That was our big gift to him since we weren't able to get the dog yet. We still will get him a dog because I believe every boy should have a dog. I never had a pet, ever in my life, and always wanted a dog. My brother had goldfish when he was little, and he had a cat and a HUGE dog, but they stay over at his grandmother's so he never gets to see them. He needs a small dog here (even though my uncle, who owns the house, doesn't really want pets here). It's just a matter of finding one and saving the money for it (or finding one to adopt as I'm told some local places don't "support or encourage the sales of animals").

San Diego Comic-Con is nearly upon us, and I won't be able to go. Then after that we have Wizard World Chicago. A couple of my friends are going, but alas, I will not be able to be there either. So have fun, guys!

Nothing else to really update you with right now. I'm just working hard to get things done, and I get a new request for lettering and logo work almost every day! I'll be glad when I can take those on, which should be soon.

I'm expecting an important phone call tonight, so if things go well with that I'll let you all know when I can. I'm excited about the opportunity, so we'll see what happens.

Until then...

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Really Tired!

And yet I have no reason to be! I went to bed around 11:30 last night and didn't get up until 9 this morning. Yet here it is just after 10pm and I am exhausted! I don't know what the deal is.

I hope everyone stateside had a wonderful 4th of July. I didn't actually, but the day after I made up for it. See, I ended up spending the day alone (long story) and decided to order a movie. The movie I ordered was Pan's Labyrinth, which, stupid me, I didn't know was a foreign film with English subtitles! So that alone made me regret the purchase. Then the movie turned out to be a lot more violent and depressing than I thought, and so I absolutely hated the movie and really regretted paying for it!

On top of that, I heated up some leftovers (chicken, potatoes and carrots cooked in a roast bag marinated in A1 steak sauce) and I guess I was sick of it because I hated that too. So I just went to bed. lol.

The next day I mostly took the day off and just relaxed and had a pleasant day, so that made up for it.

In the world of lettering, I finally uploaded the Pozers #2 pages, and I did a rough logo design or two, and got a good start on another full issue. So things are steadily flowing there.

Just a heads up to anyone out there who will be at the Mid-Ohio con this November, I am going to try to go. I know Scott (artist on Wannabez) is going and we may go together. And some other people from Dimestore are gonna be there. So we'll see. I wish I could go to WW Chicago and meet up with Chuck and Cary, but that's not gonna happen.

Speaking of Dimestore, I did a two and a half hour chat interview with the guys from the Small Press Idol finalist project Ruthless Friday night, so look for that to be posted on the site soon. And Itai conducted an interview with the third judge, so that'll post soon as well.

For the rest of the weekend I'll be working on Applicants and Fracture, and getting the SBC newsletter out, as well as doing some relaxing. :) Then Monday it's back to the grind.

I am waiting to hear back from some people about an opportunity that I hope I get, but wires keep getting crossed.

Tuesday is my Mom's and brother's birthday, so we've been doing a bit of shopping via ebay this weekend. :) I bought mom some Bare Minerals stuff (powder, foundation...) and we snagged Zach something he really wanted tonight. They'll come in a little late, but at least they'll love them.

Speaking of Zach, he's been wanting a Schnauzer lately and so that's something we're looking into. Those can be expensive though!

I guess that's it for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, everyone.

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Myth Conceptions

That's right! Finally, a new Myth Conceptions! Check it out by clicking the title of this post!

Also, the new SBC Reel is up.

And one more new review, this time of Nexus: Space Opera #1!

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Took a Break

Well, sort of anyway. I spent this past weekend mostly away from the computer, and boy did that feel good for a change. Usually on the weekends I'm lettering and working just like any other day. While I did do some lettering and just a little bit of work I largely stayed away from the machine.

Instead I relaxed, watched a few movies, read, enjoyed the time away, and ultimately geared up for another full week.

But, this week is a holiday week, and it's the week Transformers comes out! I'm hoping I get to go see it this week, which is up in the air. I usually don't have big 4th of July plans, so who knows what will happen. Regardless, I do intend on taking at least that day off to rest and enjoy myself even more!

As you can see, I am trying to return to regular blogging. It's been difficult with as busy as I've been lately, but I'm putting my best foot forward. Hopefully some of you readers I seem to have lost according to my hits will come back. :)

More soon.

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Bunch of Reviews

Okay, here are several reviews I've done over the past few weeks:

Black Coat: ...Or Give Me Death #1 (of 4) - Ape Entertainment

G.I. Joe: America's Elite #25 - Devil's Due Publishing

Helios: Under the Gun #4 (of 4) - Dakuwaka Productions

Hero By Night #1-4 (of 4) - Platinum Studios

Okko: The Cycle of Water #2 (of 4) - Archaia Studios Press

Purity #3 (of 4) - Dakuwaka Productions

The Killer #3 (of 10) - Archaia Studios Press

The Secret History Book One: Genesis - Archaia Studios Press

The Sire #1-3 (of 3) - MikeBooks & After Shock Comics

Unique #1-3 (of 3) - Platinum Studios

Most of them were pretty good. I was impressed with Platinum's offerings more than I thought I'd be. Nice stuff.

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The Fun Continues

Well, today was a mess. We spent most of the day washing clothes, disinfecting furniture, and shampooing all our hair to get rid of the nasty little buggers mentioned in the previous post. Even after a very thorough shampooing and combing my brother still had some adults and eggs in his long, curly hair. We'll have to keep checking him daily now and give him another shampoo treatment in a week. What a way to spend the summer...

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Oh Fun...

Lice. My brother has adult head lice. Yuck! I had them when I was about 8, and this is the first time he's ever had them (he'll be 15 next month). He has long curly hair, which has been itching, but somehow we'd missed them before. My mom has been combing his hair out for the past week, so I don't know how. He has been itching a lot though.

Sigh. So today we have to go get that lice removal stuff, strip the beds, spray the carpets, etc. Fun, fun, fun. You know how after you have something crawl on you or see bugs around you start feeling like you have stuff crawling all over you? That's the way I feel right now. Yuck!

It's gonna be one of those days...

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Retraction

When the news first broke about the deaths of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel my heart was torn and I felt very sad for them. I had thought, as I'm sure most did, that someone had murdered the Benoit family. So I made a post remembering who I considered one of the best wrestlers of all time. I have since deleted that post.

Over the past 24+ hours the truth has come out, that Chris Benoit murdered his wife and seven year old child, then killed himself over the period of three days. He bound and strangled his wife Friday, smothered his son Saturday, then killed himself early Sunday morning. The bizarre thing is around 4am Sunday morning Benoit sent text messages to co-workers informing them of his physical address and letting them know where the dogs were and what door was open. At this point his wife and son had been dead for many hours and left right where he killed them. His wife was in a family room/office, his son in his bed, both with a closed Bible laying beside their bodies. Sometime after sending the text messages Chris went downstairs into the weight room and hung himself using a pully from one of the machines. No suicide note was left.

It just baffles me the mindset someone would have to be to commit murder such as Chris did. He obviously wanted people to find them all there like that with no explanation. It has been a very strange unfolding, and my heart continues to go out for the two innocent lives lost in this tragedy and to all the friends and family members left behind.

I respected Chris Benoit's abilities, but now I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to watch a Benoit match again. This horrific incident has marred the life of a man many loved and respected. I can't imagine what those people are going through.

May God keep the souls of those innocent lives taken.

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The Weekend

Alright, I am going to seriously try and start blogging more again. I've sucked at keeping up with it the past several months, I just got so busy. Still am, but I feel I owe it to all of you who used to read the blog all the time.

This weekend I haven't gotten much done. Haven't been feeling well and just kind of took most of the weekend to recuperate and rejuvenate. I did get a bit of lettering and other work done nevertheless though.

In the world of comics, I have not bought anything for a while, so I am so behind on what's going on. I've gotten some review copies of indy books (most of which I've already reviewed and forgot to post about them. I'll add them later this week). Some of them were pretty cool. I really liked this book from Platinum Studios called Unique.

Lettering is still steady and I still have a backlog. I'm trying hard to catch up to everything, so if you're waiting on something please know I am working on them every spare moment I get.

Writing has really slowed down again. I got Aroquin off to a great start, but this past week or two I haven't been able to do anything with it. Same for Wannabez, though right now it's all in Scott's hands, who is working on the pages every spare moment he gets. Keep checking the WBZ blog for updates on that.

In the personal life, I haven't heard from Dad for a few days, don't know that I will again for a while.

My family seems to be pulling more and more towards California these days. Recently my brother and his friends decided that after they graduate in a couple of years they are moving to California to pursue music. Seeing that I'm headed there myself as soon as it's feasible this was great news for me. I wanted my mom and my brother to move out there with me when I did. I haven't been away from my brother practically since he was born, and I couldn't imagine living so far away from him.

Nothing much else is going on. Thanks to the internet, I've gotten to reconnect with a couple of people, so that was cool.

Work is work, and it keeps me busy, probably too busy. I'm finding that I am very much a workaholic. I feel like I live at this computer (at times I even eat in front of it).

Speaking of work, for readers of my SBC Reel, it is very late as it was supposed to be posted Friday. It may make it up tonight, but then it's moving temporarily to two days a week, Tuesdays and Fridays. It's just too much for me to keep up with three times right now.

I guess that's it then. I lead a pretty boring life at the moment sadly, so no cool stories to share. And I won't bore you any longer with my mundane daily tasks, at least not today!

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Lettering Updates

This past weekend was a full load with doing pre-press and lettering correction on three books totaling around 160 pages for Rogue Wolf Entertainment. Now I'm onto another issue for them I started already, Redshift #3.

Tomorrow I'll have the 9 page Mojo Smith and Grandma Crow for Matthew McLean done.

Here's some interesting news. One of the five entries I lettered for Platinum's Comic Book Challenge made the top 50! Troy Bowen's Nine Unknown Men. So I'm excited about that.

On the docket over the next couple of weeks I've still got:

Blood and Devotion logo for FE Comics
Corrections on Fracture #1 for FE Comics
Lightning Squirrel 3-4
Academy of Heroes #2
A short for Approbation Comics
and a few more smaller projects, a few I'm finishing up, and a couple I may be taking on.

And that's it for now I think. I've probably left out a few things that escape me at the moment.

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Dad

So yesterday was Father's Day, and of all days my Dad emailed me then. First time I had talked to him in two and a half years. I wish him a happy Father's Day and ask how he's doing and all that. Then he emails back asking about my life and everything, to which I'm a bit taken aback. This is the longest conversation we've had in years. So I tell him and again ask about his. That's when I find out.

Before I continue I need to set this up just a bit. my Dad has worked civil service (as an electrician) for the Air Force since before I was born. He primarily worked on F-15 Eagles (which I got to sit in the cockpit of a couple of times). In recent years he's had a desk job. So when he tells me what he tells me I'm shocked.

Turns out he's been in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia to be exact) since August for a year PCS and I didn't even know about it! Well, as you can imagine, I don't know whether to be upset or concerned for his safety. I don't know what the current conditions are over there (I'm terrible about keeping up with current events) but I know they're not great.

So anyway, it was good to hear from him, just a little jarring considering the information I received.

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Sigh

Well, I'm not going down without a fight, but it doesn't look good for Wannabez. A few projects skyrocketed last night and shot from 80+ to over 120 and 130! My peeps just ain't votin' this time around (save the few that did, and to you I extend the utmost gratitude!).

It's not over yet, with a little less than EIGHT HOURS to go. But it's Sunday and people usually have better things to do on their weekends than sit around the computer voting for little ol' me. So we'll see how it plays out.

I feel good about the project regardless, and there has been some interest in it. So we'll see what happens from here. The important thing is this 12 page #0 issue will be published regardless, even if it is in an anthology. I'd still like to win though!

As for Totem, it's in a similar boat. I haven't checked the most recent votes, but it was in jeopardy just as much as Wannabez if not more at one point.

Both of these projects will eventually get out there, I can guarantee that. We've both come way too far with these particular projects (and both have been through way too many setbacks) to give up on them now.

Thanks for all your support, and if you haven't voted yet, THE CLOCK IS TICKING.

(click the title post to go to the thread to vote for Wannabez - for Totem check previous posts!)

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Less Than 30 Hours!

There are only about 36 and a half hours to VOTE FOR WANNABEZ in the Small Press Idol Contest. So what are you waiting for?

Check these out:

Page 5 Revised
Page 8 Revised
Page 10 Revised
Sample Grayscale Image from #1

Voting ends 11:59pm Est June 10th. PLEASE VOTE!

Now head to wannabez.brantfowler.com and post a YES!

And while you're there, VOTE FOR TOTEM TOO!

Thanks! :)

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Storming Bad!

If I don't answer emails right away tonight it's because we're getting a nasty storm complete with large hail right now, which means power may go out. Just so you know...

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Wannabez Round 3 - We Need Votes!

Check out the latest post on the Wannabez Blog for details!

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Wow, Been a While!

I keep saying I'm gonna do better about posting, and the more I say it the more time elapses between posts. I'm really sorry about that, folks. Things have been so busy I just keep forgetting.

Small Press Idol round 3 deadline is tomorrow and we're (The Wannabez team) not ready! Scott and Ross are working hard getting them there, but time is against us. We'll make it, but the pages may not be grayscaled like I'd like.

Adversely, the Totem pages are done, though we're awaiting final approval on the lettering from Cary, who I understand is having computer problems.

I also lettered five projects (a page each) that entered Platinum Studios' Comic Book Challenge 2007. So hopefully one or more of them will place. They all five had solid art and decent stories, so we'll see.

I have reconnected with the artist on Aroquin, my failed entry in last year's Small Press Idol contest, and things are starting back up there. I'll update more when there's more to update.

I completely missed my column this week, even with two weeks to get it done. I just completely spaced and forgot about it until the end of the week. I'll try to have one this coming week, we'll see.

Things have been going well with SBC. We have brought on a whole bunch of new reviewers and such that are doing an excellent job. We also are getting more feedback, though not as much as I'd like. I can see us growing tremendously over the next year though, so watch out!

Lettering is keeping me really busy. I am behind on a few things still, but I have gotten quite a bit done also.

I'd love to shoot the breeze and just talk about season finales, books, movies, etc., but right now I really don't have the time sadly. I will continue to try to remember posting more. Please stick with me, I miss the interaction this blog used to provide.

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Advent Drops Out!

Well, I guess I got too excited about the trailer! Due to some personal reasons and some other stuff Ben decided to withdraw Advent from the Small Press Idol competition. The good news is he's got other stuff lined up as an artist, the bad news is obviously that Advent won't be in the competition any longer.

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Advent Trailer

I don't know how in the world I missed this, but if you click the title of this post you'll be taken to the trailer for Advent, one of the projects I'm lettering in the Small Press Idol contest. It's pretty cool!

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Figure It's Time...

...for another post! I don't really have any updates right now save what you can read over on the Wannabez Blog (see sidebar), but felt I should post anyway.

I had a scare with a lettering project the other day as it seems I lost the entire first two issues and logo, which I moved to disk to make room on the PC. I still haven't located it after frantically going through 40 cds looking for it. It's the ONLY project I've lettered that I'm missing, and I don't have a clue what happened to it. We're trying to see if the printer still has the pages, but in the meantime I had to recreate the logo from scratch. I think I got it pretty close, so we'll leave it at that.

I'm still catching up on some lettering while still waiting on more pages to come in. I've got several small things I have to complete this week or I'm going to fall even further behind. So if I disappear for a while you know where I'm at. Between lettering and work I pretty much have no life as it is. lol.

On an unrelated note, I bought a used copy of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 the other day because I haven't seen it yet. I loved the first one, though I didn't get to see it until it came out on DVD either. I figured with the third one coming out next week I should probably watch the second. And for the price I nabbed this at I couldn't pass it up even used. So I hope to get a chance to watch that this weekend. We'll see.

I can't remember if I mentioned it, but I did finally change my rates on my website. I was going to wait until I got some new samples up there, but for a few reasons I went ahead and posted them. Hopefully they don't scare anyone away!

I guess that's it, really. Nothing much new around here. I'll certainly let you know if anything does come up though. Thanks for reading!

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Mother's Day

This year I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to do anything for Mom. I got paid late and wasn't feeling well this weekend, but with some last minute planning my brother and I set something small, yet meaningful into motion.

My mother's favorite restaurant around here is a Mexican place called El Camino. Her favorite dish is the chicken fajitas. Long story short, I wanted it to be a surprise, and I had no way of getting there. So I enlisted my brother (who can get a ride just about anywhere) to devise a story about leaving something somewhere (he had spent the night with a friend the night before) and have to leave to get it. My mom didn't suspect a thing.

I had also previously rented a movie that I thought Mom would like, which she is now watching.

But before that, we snuck Zach back into the house, set up the food from El Camino at the table and had mom come downstairs, thus there was her Mother's Day surprise!

You have to understand, we're on a 'fixed' budget and eating out like that (it's about $10 a plate) just isn't feasible for us. She has talked about wanting it for a couple of months now and we just couldn't afford it. Today, though, I said skip it and doled out the cash. She's worth it and more, and I wish I could have done more.

But what matters is the three of us sat down together for a meal (which doesn't happen very often, maybe three times a year! We usually each eat in our own domains) and enjoyed my mom's favorite restaurant. Then she got to relax and watch a fun movie. So all in all, this was a pretty good day, and I'm glad we got to make her smile today.

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Wannabez Trailer!

Head over to the Wannabez Blog to check out a new flash trailer!

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Spider-Man 3

I FINALLY saw the movie today, and I really enjoyed myself. I'm not going to go into a full review for a couple of reasons. One, I'd really have to see it again to be able to really review it. Two, there were some immature young people talking and cutting jokes during all the sappy parts, so it was hard to grasp the emotional moments as much as I could have. So again, I'd have to see it again, which I'm sure at some point I will, several times! Then I'm a huge Spidey fan.

To hit the highlights though, I thought all the stuff between Peter and Harry was good interaction. I loved the visuals of Venom and Sandman. Gwen was cool and all, but I expected her to play a more prominent part. I was a bit disappointed by that.

I was also a little disappointed by the origins of Sandman and Venom, just not a whole lot of thought put in there. And Venom was shown way too little. He shouldn't have been in this film (and that pains me deeply to say as he's the one villain I most looked forward to seeing), but rather the seeds planted and he be the main villain in the fourth.

It just felt like they were throwing so much in there just to tie things up. And they spent far too much time on Spidey and MJ and not enough on developing the villains, which they did very well in the first two films. At nearly two and a half hours, though, I expected more care to be given to the villains and various other things.

Oh well, it was still a great movie, and seeing Venom onscreen was a fanboy's dream. I definitely want to see him come back should the fourth take off as Sony promises. Until then I'll be buying the DVD and sitting down to watch all three back to back one day. :)

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Catching Up!

Wow, I had no idea it had been over a week since I posted. Sheesh! As much as I try to keep up...

The deadline for round 2 of Small Press Idol has passed and all but 10 of those who advanced made it in. There's still about 6 days of voting left, so if you haven't please come vote for Wannabez (and Totem and Advent while you're there). :) If you have, thank you very much!

On the lettering side of things, I got a couple of Approbation projects done. Today I'm tackling the two pages of Epsilon Realm I have (thought I had more than that) and another Approbation story if I have time. One story, Construct, was canceled, so I won't be doing that one. And Red Shift I've got laid out (the first ten pages anyway, which is all that's done, pencils only so far). The FE Comics projects start in a day or two I'm told, and I've got another one coming in soon that I committed to many months ago. And I did finish Pozers, just waiting for notes on anything that needs changing/correcting before sending in the high res.

So that's where things are with all that. I may have left something out.

Back to Small Press Idol, I finally got 7 pages of the script for next round done! I'm hoping to finish it today, though Scott has already given me notes on the pages I've finished.

I also have a surprise for WBZ fans coming up hopefully tomorrow, and hopefully it'll help us gain a few more votes this round and next! I've got plans for a couple of other cool things to tie in with WBZ soon as well, so stay posted here and to the WBZ blog for more!

On reviews, I have a few things that were sent to me that I have yet to review, but am working my way there. Frankly I haven't had time to read everything yet. I have read the Archaia stuff and the mini comics that were sent, but I still have one or two others I haven't read yet. Soon, soon.

On SBC, we are working towards a newsletter and I'm trying to get some help with the myspace and comicspace pages so we can get regular weekly updates out there. Hopefully that'll all work out soon as we've got some cool stuff coming up.

And I think that's it for now...

OH! One more thing. I am FINALLY going to see Spider-Man 3 today in less than 8 hours!!! Can't wait!

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More Books I Lettered For Sale!

I just received an email stating that two more books I lettered some stories in (they're anthologies, but all by the same writer) are now available for purchase through Comixpress. You can find them by clicking the following links:

Marcus Midnight: Monster Hunter #1 (I also designed the logo on this one)

Sinister Company Presents: Tales from the Rabverse

The writer behind these books is Ryan Brandt, a good writer and decent guy all around. You can find out more about these titles at www.ronin-studios.com.

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Wannabez Round 2 is Up!

If you haven't read the WBZ blog, checked out my emails, bulletins or posts, then let me inform you that the WBZ round 2 thread is open for PUBLIC VOTE!

Just click the title of this post to get to the thread where you will post a YES to show your support for WBZ. It also contains our Round 2 materials in the first post.

If you're not registered you will have to do that (free of course).

We appreciate all your votes!!!

I am also lettering Advent and Totem, so while you're there check them out here and here and slap down your YES vote for them also!

Thanks!

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Lettering Updates

Since it's been a few days I figured I'd give an update on my status as of right now.

I finished up a short for Approbation a couple of days ago and look to finish the rest of those by the end of the weekend if all goes well.

I'll be finishing up The Mantis today, at least the lettering. The logo may be tomorrow.

I thankfully got an extension on Pozers until tomorrow, and I fully intend to meet that deadline as the writer has been more than patient with me.

Construct got put on hold as I'm waiting for the colors now.

Redshift for Rogue Wolf I'm looking to have done by Sunday.

I'm starting Epsilon Realm #2 next week.

Basically, I've got about 100+ pages if I counted undone, about 80 of which are priority. I look to have all of that completely caught up by the end of next week.

After that I just signed on to do three books for FE Comics starting the week after next with the first one, and I'll also have AOH #2 to do for Victor.

Lightning Squirrel #3 is a bit on hold, but the pages are still being penciled and inked anyway.

I may have a few other from a writer acquaintance as well, but I haven't heard back yet so I don't know for sure.

I'll also be contacting Arcana as soon as I can take on more.

On a related note, I will be raising my rates very soon for new collaborators. I'll most likely keep the same rates for those I've already agreed to work with unless I just can't do that anymore, at which time I'd speak with those creators on an individual basis.

I know I didn't properly mention a few of the projects, but for any creators I'm working with on lettering rest assured that I have planned everything I've got right now in the time line mentioned above.

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My Cousin's House

You know what they say about raining and pouring? Well, if you all remember my post about my cousin getting stabbed a while back, things just got a bit worse for him. His entire house burned to the ground consuming everything he owned. He has four kids and a grandkid and all of their belongings are completely gone. The only thing left standing was the door. No one knows how the fire got started, but a neighbor saw a red car driving away sometime during the day. It's under investigation.

If you are the praying type please pray for my cousin and his family.

Thank you.

Myth Conceptions

The newest one is up, this time talking about Lettering. Hope you like it.

As always, click the post title.

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More Published Lettering!

Hey all,

Not too long ago I found out that a story I lettered called Teddy and the Yeti was going to be included in Josh Howard's Sasquatch GN from Viper Comics. Well, there's a PDF preview of the book online now! The story I lettered isn't in the preview, but my ugly mug is plastered on page 98 of the 106 page preview! If you want to see the preview click the title of this post.

I'm not sure exactly when the book comes out, but I do know it's already printed, so it won't be long. You can read more about it at this blog: http://www.thisisnotahoax.com/

And you can order it from SBC! We have it listed as coming out next week, though some think it might be this week. Go here to pre-order it!

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Keeping Up...

I read a friend's blog the other day about not realizing how long goes between posts when you're busy and it made me feel bad. Here I claim I update this daily (then semi-daily) and then I go for days, almost a week between posts anymore. I get the emails from my sitemeter indicating that views have drastically dropped and it makes me feel even worse. Not because I care about view counts, but because it means people are losing interest or I'm just not providing content to read.

That said, I'm going to try to do better. It's hard when you get so busy and when you get downtime the last place you want to be is the place you work, which for me is the computer. But I started this blog to connect with people, to share things - such as my projects, my thoughts, etc. - and to give updates on my work. Lately all of those have been few and far between. And I know all of you out there understand, and I appreciate that, but I still want to try to post more. So here I am.


Another friend mentioned to me recently how surprised he was at how open I am in this blog, and it's funny because in person I'm not that open. I'm a pretty guarded person actually. I'm not shy and I love meeting new people and talking and hanging out as much of the next guy. But I'm also a loner of sorts, as contradictory as that may sound. I'll put it like this. When I go home or somewhere alone that's exactly what I want to be, alone. I stay up late at night because of the solitude.

I also don't let a lot of people in. I've been hurt by a lot of people in my life that were supposedly close to me, and I guess it built up a wall. I'm not too trusting and it takes a lot to earn my trust. And except for those I'm close to I really don't talk about myself a whole lot when you meet me. If someone asks a question I'm honest because that's all I know how to be. If it's something personal I'll try to tactfully avoid the question. But I'm still a fun-loving, easy to get along with type of guy. It's just hard to get inside and become one of my very, very few close friends. It takes a long time to build that kind of relationship with me.

Which is why it's weird to hear that I'm so open. I'll be the first to admit, though, that in the written word I'm far more verbose than in the spoken word. I'm also a lot more articulate when I write. When I talk I'm just myself, and I don't use a lot of big words as it's usually off-putting to most. Maybe it's because I'm a writer, I don't know.

In any case, I guess this blog allows me an outlet that I don't really have elsewhere. I don't really have a lot of close friends that I can talk to, and you can only talk to your parents about so much. My brother's half my age, so he doesn't get where I'm at understandably. So this is my outlet, my venting if you will. On top of that it gives people a rare opportunity to get to know me better than they would if they met me in person first.

And that's the beauty of the internet. I've developed bonds with guys in different states or continents without ever meeting them in person. I feel open enough with some of them to talk about things I don't post here or talk to most people about. Without the internet these kinds of connections wouldn't be possible, so I guess technology is good for something. I never have had a lot in common with people around me and have never felt like I fit in. Now that I'm older I view that as a good thing in a way, but when I was young it was hard. But thanks to this blog and forums and so forth I can converse with tons of people who share the same interests as me and it's quite a refreshing experience, let me tell ya.

So I'm glad I started this blog a year and a half a go or so.


I have to give a quick shout out to Matt Yocum who gave me some props on his blog. I was supposed to do some lettering for him, but scheduling and computer problems prohibited it. Luckily he got someone else who did a great job. So go check out Devolution, which is a cool story too, and Matt's Devolution column!


Elsewhere in the wide world of comics, I've posted a piece on Marvel's The Initiative at SBC, which lists all the related titles in the story line that have been revealed so far through July. I'm sure there will be more to add after Marvel's solicitations go online Tuesday.

We've also gotten a whole bunch of new writers for the site who have been turning in a lot of reviews thankfully. So come check those out. We've got some great writers on board.


As for my work, I did wrap all the finishing touches on Nocturnal Essence #1 thankfully, and began working on some other stuff for someone else, though I've neglected to update the writer, so hopefully he'll read this.


Small Press Idol round 2 is underway and Scott is nearing completion on our materials for the round. He showed me I think three of our five characters inked the other day, so hopefully this week he'll get a chance to color those bad boys. I did a second draft of the bios, but we're still kicking them back and forth.


I have sadly not done any other writing in a long time. It sucks because I'm so busy I don't have time to do the one thing I want to excel at more than the other aspects of comics. But hey, ya gotta pay the bills, right?


Ending on a personal note, man I had a restful weekend for a change... sort of. Friday I wasn't feeling well (my stomach, again) and took some medication, which typically knocks me out for a couple of hours. Well, I guess being ill mixed with the medication and my near state of exhaustion just kind of teamed up on me because I wound up sleeping for over 12 hours straight! And then I was still tired, but I forced myself to stay awake and work some. Then I crashed for another 8 Saturday! Today I also slept in late and then kind of chilled and watched TV for several hours, something I rarely do. Usually I'll tape most of my stuff and watch it in spurts. But hey, it was a nice change of pace. I may not have gotten out of the house, but at least it gave me some time away from the computer, which was very welcome, and I love the computer. I'm just in front of it way too much.

I guess that's about it. It's after 5am now and I've got a busy day ahead of me, so I'm gonna chill for a bit before tackling it.

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New Reviews!

Here's a whole slew of reviews I've done recently:

Civil War: The Confession

Civil War: The Initiative

Dynamo 5 #1

Family Bones #5

Gamekeeper #1

Mouse Guard #6

Noble Causes #27-28

Thunderbolts #112

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April Snow?

Just thought I'd share that I just looked outside and, yes, it's snowing! in April.

It's been getting colder the last few days since the storm, but I hadn't heard the forecast and wasn't really expecting snow. No wonder it's so cold in here!

Guess it's a good day to be indoors working...

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Myth Conceptions

The latest is up. Ironically with my column a day late I talk about delays.

Also, my column has moved to bi-weekly for the time being so I'm not consistently late anymore. At least let's hope I'm not!

Click the title to read the column.

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Power Outage & More Worms!

Man, we just seem to be plagued with some bad weather. We had a really vicious storm here that knocked all the power out in my neighborhood for about 6 hours or so tonight. I thought there was going to be a tornado. The thunder was rumbling and vinyl siding was flying off of houses.

On top of that, I guess to escape the rain we had a ton of night crawlers getting through the back door. Somehow they were getting underneath the seal and through the plate glass. Man, I've gotta look up what either deters or kills the things!

I shouldn't complain too much though with tsunamis occurring elsewhere, but it was quite an aggravation and a bit of a scare. I was here alone with no car and no phone in pitch black and I couldn't find a match or lighter for candles to save my life. Luckily I finally found a flashlight, but it was not fun.

But things seem to be working properly right now, and as far as I know it wasn't too serious. So that's a good thing.

Anyway, that's what happened to me tonight in case anyone tried to reach me.

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