Big House Comics

Free Comic Book Day!

2011-05-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

It's here! And at select comic book stores we've sent FREE copies of our first issue! Check em out, tell us what you think! Tweet us a photo or post o facebook of you with OLD SOLDIERS #1 and we'll be giving away 20 FREE copies of ISSUE#2

Don't hate the Player, Hate the game

2011-04-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

And the game is rigged.

I'm not the first and I won't be the last to say this, but its rough out there unless you're a big player.

The big guys get all the attention, the big guys get all the ads, the big guys get the reviews. Where does that leave the independent publishers, the people who take a chance, who take risks? Cut. Out.

Cut out of the review machine. Don't get me wrong, I love the reviewers who have looked at my book, and uniformly, they've all liked the book and recommended it. But, I answer all emails, and I extend courtesy to everyone who stops by my website. Yeah, we're out there, we're scrapping and fighting for our space. We're doing OK, but where's the HARM in reviewing independent comic books? Not everyone wants to see people in tights? I know from the great feedback from the people out there that there IS a need, a space for different stories. Like I said, THANKS to the ones who have reviewed our book, we appreciate it, but please remember, even marvel comics started small, even Dark Horse was a B/W publisher first.

Lets' give it back. Help out each other. face it, we all need heroes. We need evangelists. We all need people to sing our praises. If you like to the book, by all means tell people. We're not looking to make money (who does publishing comics) what we are looking for is to tell our story, and we want YOU to be a part of it.

Se here's an appeal to those of you out there, help us help you. The more diversity in comics there is, the better, the more stories get told. So if you like what you see, pass it on, tell people. Post on boards, spread the word. Get some buzz going. Help out because its the right thing to do.

I heed a hero, will it be you?

Aussie Aussie Aussie...

2011-02-23T14:13:00.000-08:00

Oy, vey!

I keep track of my stats, and like any good puppetmaster, its VERY useful to see who's playing your game and what they are saying. It can GREATLY help run a game, and help people when they are stuck, or help you if you've messed up. I am getting a TON of people from the land down under, one problem, their board is behind a firewall at a University, So I can't monitor, or see how they're doing. Frustrating. Its strange to do it blind.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to solve this issue?

Its been a while...

2011-02-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

But Now we go back to regular blogging.

comics printing. Distributor in place. game is running, and oh boy, is it OFF and running, sometimes I feel like I'm trying to catch up to it! I hope people stay interested in it, The best is yet to come, it only gets bigger and better.

Comic ships to me, then to haven. Freight shipping sucks, but what am I going to do?

Still Waiting

2010-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

yup. Talked to haven, they said they are backed up with submissions.

Found a New Printer in China, MUCH cheaper. but it will take a MONTH for the comics to come in, so, I'm conflicted over what to do.

Still waiting though

Waiting...again

2010-09-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Submitted to Haven. They say they will get back to me sooner that Diamond. So, I wait again. I'm anxious to hear from them. This isn't the last stop, but it is what I would LIKE to be my path to the market. I hope to hear from them this week.

Diamond sent a letter

2010-08-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

and it was a rejection.

Can't say I'm surprised at this point. I knew I was on the bubble. It still smarts. I will publish, but it won't be through diamond, unfortunately. So, I am forced to got to one of their competators and sink some $ into more marketing.

As they say, not happy.

In their letter they said the project shows potential, but does not have a strong enough marketing plan. Which is interesting, because in their materials they said NOT to worry about supplying a marketing plan (which I supplied ANYWAY) So, after almost THREE months, I'm not at square one, but at least I know WHAT I have to do, what's next.

Not too happy, but I will show em'

Shine on You crazy...

2010-08-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Still Waiting.

Diamond has yet to contact me since I last talked to them. Do I want to know what they have to say. Yah, I do. But. Well...I want them to say YES! At this point I just want to know yes or no. Its frustrating to have your fate in someone elses hands, but its the game we have to play. I just wish it was more clearly defined. If the process is 2-month plus to decide, fine. I'd be more "dissapointed" if they decided and they just haven't had to send me my rejection letter. The waitin' is the hardest part. But while there's hope, there's life. Come one diamond, come through. Shine on you crazy Diamond.

Meanwhile, I'll be scanning in issue#7 to be colored next week. I'm so far ahead of my schedule, its crazy, but it gives me time to refine, so as they say, its a good thing.

Still have some extra-bonus material to work out and draw, plus the websites, but those are largely done, just need the gmaes, etc...

One more thing...

2010-08-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

I DID submit my book to SEVERAL comic book companies (publishers, let me be clear, not diamond, I have at least a dialogue with them) and got NO RESPONSE. I have to say, not cool. How much time does it take to send an email, or in the case of my submissions, send a letter in the self-addressed stamped envelopes I INCLUDED in my submissions package. Come one man, form letter whatever. It was like two years ago, be cool, we all started off in the same place, at the bottom. We should all try to remember what it was like to be rejected, to put ourselves out there. It takes a lot to create something, it takes more to submit it to people to judge it. Thanks to the MINORITY who replied back, I do appreciate it. I'll go it on my own, but It would have been nice to work with some of you. Maybe next time.

Still Waiting

2010-08-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

For Diamond. I'm trying REAL hard to be patient. I go between pessimism and optimism. Right now, I'd just like to know thumbs up, or thumbs down. It will be the two month count by the end of this week since my submission was accepted, so just patiently waiting to hear from the good folks at Diamond. I hope I get in, but at this point, I need to know SOON, because I need to get all my ad buys, games and contests in place for the pub date.

Diamond

2010-07-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Just talked to them because I had not heard anything. The guy I talked to was real nice. He looked up my submission. And I'm on the fence.

Ahhhh

oh, well, right. On the fence, not a yes, not a no yet. But HOPEFULLY they will say yes. Hopefully. He said he liked the art and the colors. SO at least there's that. I know diamonds huge, they get TONS of submissions. He DID remember mine, so at least I can say I was in the running. That there is ONE GUY left yet to decide. So, I'm waiting on one guy. Here's a message to "one guy" , One Guy, if you are reading this. Hey, I'm a hard worker, and I will promote the HELL out of this book. Take a risk, take a chance.

So, now what. Still in limbo. Until next week. he said it would probably be next week when I would hear. So crossing my fingers, hoping and putting out positive energy to the universe for a YES! He explained that the market is weak and it probably would have made it through in any other year.

He did say that if I resubmitted as a trade, id be more likely to get a yes. Nice guy, so far my experience with Diamond has been pretty good.

So now I wait, wait for my fate.

Still waiting

2010-07-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Not sure how long the process is for Diamond approval/rejection. They state on their website that its 2-4 weeks and now we're in week 6. Is this typical? I have no idea really. From what I see online people's experiences with Diamond vary greatly. Which is to be expected in a company as large as diamond. What I fear is that my submission has gotten lost in the shuffle at their offices. What I hope is that they are taking their time because they are overloaded. I'm over the pins and needles stage of anticipation and right now I just want the up or down sign. I just want to know what my fate is. OF course I would LOVE to be distributed by them, but if they are not interested. I have alternatives to go to. And this process hasn't soured me on the print publishing experience, I still love the form, the paper, the texture, the feeling in my hands. But is this an antiquated idea. Is print publishing dying, or becoming more isolated like vinyl collectors. It seems to be headed towards a more digital future. I wiLL be publishing digitally this book, but I just wanted a real item that I could hold onto. So, just waiting. Waiting and seeing.

Issue #6 is almost finished being colored. Letters to start this week, aim to have it done by next week. So good there, only one more to go. Covers to come after that, then supplemental material for each issues. Then tweak the websites. then come hell or high water, LAUNCH

New posting time

2010-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Going to start it up again, even though largely I am In waiting mode here. Sent in the submission to Diamond and I am still waiting for word back...on an unrelated note, did I ever tell you that the folks at diamond are the best, smartest, most good-looking people in the world ;)... I have faith, plus the fortune cookie at Disneyworld told me that it is meant to be. And frankly, who am I to doubt the cookie.

7 is done, inks and pencils, and the supplemental web pages are done through issue #3. COlors will bed one on #6 by next week, so its largely done and I haven't even printed the first issue yet. So I feel in great shape for publishing.

Its Out!

2010-06-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Submissions package to Diamond. Now, its up to...someone else. I would cross my fingers, but does that imply desperation? Cause, I'm NOT desperate...Hopeful. Yes, Hopeful. That's what I want to convey.

ALSO...

One page from finishing issue#7...So that's GREAT!

UPDATE!!!

2010-06-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

Got one of the subsites up and running!

Now I just need to collect the data (only one minor tweak needed!)

Sending out package to diamond next week! Crosses fingers.

May need to push back release date, grrrr

But, my fault really.

Longer I wait the better it will be, right, RIGHT?????

Expanding issue#7 by 4 pages. I think It serves the story better

Long time

2010-05-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

inbetween updates, right? Well, Its been busy, getting the websites done and operational, coming up with puzzles and web content. AND finishing the comic. Now onto try to get diamond to distribute. I think we have a really great product, soI think they will be interested.

Issue#7 is ALMOST done (pencils, inks) can't really believe it. Got a really kickass cover to Issue#2 done! very excited

TRAILER Is Up

2010-04-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Check out the website!!

www.bighousecomics.com

For a trailer for Old Solders. I'm happy with how its turning out, I'm going to start a campaign with giveaways to market the hell of this. Going to hit it as hard as I can, this is my chance!

Long overdue update

2010-04-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, I have been away for a WHILE. Lost of stuff happened, and I don't really have time to elaborate, yet. But BIgh news happening this week

Started coloring

2010-02-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Issue#5. Sigh, It seems like Its taking forever, but I have to remind myself howe far I've already come. I'm going to push it off a little until I feel comfortable, until I'm done with the subsites. Also, about halfway through issue#6, so that's also good forward progress.

FINISHED!!!

2010-02-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

With the re-re-re-re-tweaking of the issues, and as usual I like what I'm seeing. I think its looking good! Now onto issue#5 (sigh, so close, but so far to go)

More tweaking

2010-02-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

When will it end. Its fascinating to me to see where it started and where it finished. I keep on pushing forward and (i think) getting better as I go. But that is natural with any real endevour, the more you do, the better you get. SO, Now I look on my earlier work with a more critical eye. I think the latest additions and revisions will finally do it...screw it..YES, this WILL be the last revisions to Issue#1!!!! Then publish. Gulp. I am crossing my fingers with Diamond that I will make their cut. I don't know what to do if they don;t, but I am going to try my hardest to MAKE that cut.

ISSUE#4 DONE!

2010-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

aw yeah! Finished colors, inks, letters Issue#4!! Added some nice effects that I am going to go back to the other issues and add to them also. Coming along, coming along... I want to have issue#5 done, then its onto the website re-do, game sites, and then RELEASE the mother jammer.

New Year. New Post

2010-01-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

First post of the year. Last night finished issue#5, so, onto issue#6. When I'm done coloring issue#4, I'm focusing on the web side, and then the publishing of the book. Very exciting. Will look into hiring an ad exec on commission to sollicit ad sales for the comic. Will also look into distrubuting first issue on free comic book day, see what's involved.

Issue #4 Update

2009-12-03T13:10:00.001-08:00

3 pages in. Good start for the colors. Got to kick it up. Happy so far with how it looks. Got another page done on Issue#5. Time keeps on ticking down, down, down. Months away on my self-imposed deadline

Issue#4 Line art

2009-11-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Cleaned up for the most part, tomorrow onto the colors! Pretty cool I think that its progressing the way it is. Judging by the the timeframes I've had to adhere to before, this should be done by the end of January, AND by then I should be done with the pencils for the whole series.

DONE! DONE!

2009-11-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

Issue#3 Letters DONE!, so Issue#3 DONE!. Just need the cover, son onto ISSUE#4!

Progress

2009-11-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Got 3 pages done last night. Will be done with lettering issue#3 next week. which means ISsue#4 starts then! Exciting, no? Well, for you, the reader(if there is one ) yes, because it means I'm inching closer to setting the pub date. I need to think about talking to my distributprs. Going to do new cover concept this weekend. Go cleaner, bolder.

DONE!

2009-11-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

with the colors for Issue#3! Lettering commences and with any luck, should be done Friday at the earliest, Monday at the latest. Pencils and inks for Issue#5 continue, 8 pages in. Working on the REDACTED and trying to insert REDACTED into the comic book. Its all coming together, and that as they say, is a good thing.

New post, same old story

2009-11-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

Working and it keeps on coming along for the 'ol comic book. I'm almost done coloring Issue#3. I'm finishing inks on the online supplemental art. Thinking about tweaking one last couple of panels for issue#1 (i know, I know, ENOUGH already, right???) So I'm excited, but As I work on this I become aware of how MUCH work this is and how much of a lead time I need if I am to have a normal life. SO, heres to having at LEAST four issues done by the time I start solicitations, which means AFTER four, I need to kickstart the REDACTED to get interest in the old book. Lots to think about. I should start pencils on Issue#5 this week. Got a few freelance gigs, which will slow down the night drawing, but that seems to go faster anyway than any other aspect of the process (save lettering)

Another one Bites the Dust

2009-10-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Issue#4 is DONE! (pencils and inks) Hot damn! Feels good. Also, I started a supplemental story arc to go along with the REDACTED. I think it will come out pretty well and be a nice lead-in into the comic book series. Picked up Crush It by GAry Vanderchuck (sp?) slim book, but its a good motivator. He has some good ideas. All I know is I have to give this comic book all I have an promote the hell out of it. After 4-pg arc, onto issue#5. I'm over the hump! 4 down (pencils/inks, 3 to go!) then the extras.

Weird. For the First Time

2009-10-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have actually gotten an idea from a dream I had. I was dreaming the other day about Presenting my work to Brian Wood (of DMZ, ALSO of my high-school graduating class) Anyway, I have this dream, and in one of my descrpitions of Old Soldiers, there was a VERY cool element, (which I will tell later, closer to the issue when it comes out) I think it make a MUCH better impact that what I originally had. So I have to say, Thank you for my subconscious. I immediately got up, found my iphone and scribbled a note to myself. Funny how things, just come to you. ALSO, once again, the shower provides more ideas. I got a great idea for some more marketing to reach more people. Its probably not going to reach MANY people, but if it reaches, one then its done its job. More of a viral idea, which of course relys on people to actually help it along

I am very pleased

2009-10-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

with the progress on the book. Issue#1 is basically ready to. Issue#2 is done minus cover and front matter. Issue#3 is about halfway colored. Issue#4 is 5 pages from being penciled and inked. Nice. On schedule. But I realize how time consuming it is to color these books, now that I'm paying closer attention, at my current rate (of two hours coloring a day, 5 days a week) It takes about a month and half to color one issue. This is due to the details in the background and the nature of the art. So maybe I should have 4 + issues done before I go to press. On the other hand I'll be catching up to the colors in about two months, so I'll have the evening hours that I'd usually pencil/ink to color too. Hmmmmm

More work

2009-10-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

to be done, working on coloring issue #3 and it is looking saweeeeeeeeettt!!!! I think so, at least.

I think I'm getting faster and (my opinion) better as this goes on. I am excited, I'm on the schedule I wanted to hold to. Three pages this week is GREAT! I should be in fantastic shape by the new year. Which is my target drop date. I'm nervous about that but, I will try my best to get the word out. I still think my (REDACTED) is a great way to get interest in the project. NAd I truly hope that the distributors will look at the fact I will most likely have more than half the series ready to go (4 months by my calculation) that they can take a risk on me. It just feels good to do it, and I'm excited by the little hints and clues I'm putting into the story.

By the way, does ANYBODY ready these posts, or is it just me posting blindly. I'd like to hope that al least SOMEONE is reading. Although why, I wonder? its pretty dry production stuff right now, so on second thought, I'd be surprised if I had regular readers, but who knows right? Anyway, if you're reading, why not post something, or just say hi. (I will give myself this out so I don't seem pathetic) OR don't, it;s as they say :up to you..."

Update

2009-09-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Coloring issue#3! one page done, onto page 2. I'm paying attention to how long this issue takes me so I can judge my lead time on publishing. It feels nice. I'm not entirely sold on my cover concept, so I'll be working that. No more progress tonight on pages, I have a freelance gig to finish first. Can't believe I'm so far into it. I want to get it out there for people to see!

Hot damn!!!

2009-09-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Finished Issue #2!!!!!! (well minus cover, but that can come later. Very VERY excited. I need to create text for the "what has come before" for the inside front, will model after the AKIRA books from the 1980s. I actually started cleaning up art for Issue#3! I need to try to keep track of how long this takes me, because this will give me an idea of how long my lead time should be for publishing! I'm very excited to get it out. After Issue#3 I need to finish up the website for my (REDACTED). Which should not be THAT hard, other than coming up with logic puzzles and such.

working

2009-09-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

working, working, Halfway through lettering issue#2. Almost halfway through pencils/drawing Issue#4. So, its coming along, I'm happy with how its progressing, but Issues #3 and #4 have a lot of "unique" backgrounds to color. Hopefully, the more I do, the better and faster/efficient I will get. With any luck, I'll be through lettering Issue#2 this week! Then onto colors for Issue#3. When I am done with issue#3, I will switch to the web side and will then finish that aspect of the project, then...gulp publish.

Update!

2009-09-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Closing in finishing the colors for issue#2. I'm up to pg 7 on issue #4, I feel good about the big backlog before I publish, this will allow me to (reasonably) have time to produce the last 3 issues If I have the first 4 ready to go. Bing-bam-bong! I like how the colors are going, for the first issue, I am going to do a little experiment with borderless word balloons, it might ad a nice art look, or it might look cut and paste, I'll see how it turns out next week. I estimate by then I'll be done with issue #2

Issue#4

2009-08-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

I'm up to 3 pages penciled and inked. I really feel the more I work on this, the better and faster I get. I am really pleased with how this is coming together, I also am surprised how much can change as it goes along. (for the better) it reminds me of what you see on a movie where re-writes and scene additions com in and out. Its very time consuming, but soon I'll actually be halfway through the pencils and inks! On Issue #2, I'm closing in on finishing, cot two pages colored this week. That part is the most time consuming.

Cover

2009-08-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Working new cover concept, real graphic. Simple.

Tonight! Start Issue #4!

Issue#3 Line art done!!!!

2009-08-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Finished this weekend! Happy to be done with Issue#3, once I am halfway through Issue#4, I will be officially be halfway through the whole series. Its exciting, because it means I'm only that much closer to releasing the first issue. Also came up with (what I think) is a better cover concept.

Update

2009-08-18T12:52:00.001-07:00

Haven't updated in a while. Nice progress on Issue#2. 2 more pages on Issue #3. Almost done pencils and inks on Issue#3! Should be done about the time I'm done with the colors on issue#2. I hope to be exactly halfway through the series by the time I publish Issue#1.I WILL post a picture from Issue#1 or two on Wed!

Progress

2009-08-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Did a 2nd cover, not sure which I like, maybe as a varient, no? I drew/inked one more page on issue#2, drew some supplemental backgrounds for Issue#1. I have one more panel for issue#1. Sigh...I know, this is IT

Update

2009-07-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

This week I'm about halfway through coloring Issue#2, I want to re-draw a couple of pages, to get it Juuuust right. Next week start locking down subsites and look into buying remaining URLs. Get add kit and rates together. What are competative rates? How do I find this out?

more stuff

2009-07-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

Colored a couple of pages for Issue#2. Still planning out marketing plan for comic books. I have a few ideas. Its coming now, so I have to really buckle down and get even MORE organized. Wish I could have made it to comic con, but I'm thinking maybe next year if I'm lucky.

Behind the scenes

2009-07-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Stuff this week. Redirected some of the subsites and linked them to my server, will place placeholders on the home pages, to hopefully get some hits from google, get indexed. Finishing inside cover, issue #1

NEW Website!

2009-07-20T05:17:00.001-07:00

up and running now, minor tweaks, and content to come, but it is live!

New direction

2009-07-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

I like my website, but as with anything, I wanted to do another take, now that its essentially a business site, SO, redesign! Started it, found some nice flash components. TO DO: Find how to sell ad space in the comic!

COVER!

2009-07-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Is DONE! Nice. Am going to post a picture on Twitter! For all of my two "real" followers. I'm going to do a re-design of the homepage now that I'm self publishing.

Comic Book Update

2009-07-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

So Issue#1 is just about as done as its going to get I think. I went through and tweaked a few panels, I am now reducing the word balloons a little to get a nicer feel in the panels. When this is done attention will swing to finishing the gamesites and finding a way to advertise for sales.

Comic Book Update

2009-07-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Finished touch-up on colors on issue#1, will finish group photo. NEXT up tweak word balloons.

Update

2009-06-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Finished group photo. Came up with a very cool addition to issue#3-7, should add another layer of fun, intreague to the mix. Will post some photos of issue#1 this week for people to see! Colored 3 more pages of issue#1. Have to clean up group photo art and then color and put into issue#1.

Comic Book Update

2009-06-24T06:35:00.001-07:00

Finished inks on page for Issue#3, Colored one more page. Started group photo.

twitter

2009-06-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I linked twitter to the blog, here's to more traffic!

Comic Book Update

2009-06-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

Tweaking of issue#1 continues, nice playing with space and depth of field going on. I think its an improvement, and I swear this will be the last time I "improve " this issue. I will finish a page from issue#3 tonight AND start group photo. I need to redraw last page issue #1, well only a couple of panels to conform with a rewrite and continuity.

update

2009-06-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

Colored another page, GOAL to be completed this week, FINISH new group photo, note IMPORTANT to finish issue#1. Recolor some page.

Update

2009-06-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

still coloring pages on #1, #2, Will finish page on#3 then redraw group phono *now with flamethrowers!

Update

2009-06-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

colored some more pages on issue#1 tuneup (will it EVER be done?) Looks good, coming along, will rework group photo this week.

100th post, and Post xeric hopes

2009-06-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

Funny that this should be my 100th post..I am going forward, I will find the money somewhere, (I already have plans, but as they say, try not to use your own money) I drew part of a page last night before taken down by a raging headache. Re-coloring some panels for consistancy in issue#1, I still think I've got a good thing going.

Oh well

2009-06-13T13:20:00.001-07:00

Got the form letter from Xeric that I did not get the grant. I'm not going to lie and say I don't care, because, well, I do. Its a setback to be sure, but All I can do is just keep on going.

update

2009-06-11T06:17:00.001-07:00

Went to see hangover last night (very funny) so no inks done, BUT I did get another 2 pages colored on issue#2. So today, my goal is to finish coloring one, page, start on another. I think its looking very nice indeed. I'm going to backup some of my work to clear space on my hard drive. Tonight, ink at least one page. I need to catch up on my inking before moving onto penciling again.

Comic book update

2009-06-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

Inked a couple of panels last night, colored a page of issue#2, Issue#2 is coming along very nicely, I think its getting better the more I do. Working late today, hope to get a page or so done.

Comic Book Update

2009-06-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Colored 6 pages already in issue#2, so that is coming along very well. Ink arrived last night and inked one page. As with everything, the more you do, the better you get, I think (sigh) I might need to go back and do a little touch up work, I know for a fact, I should redo the last page, but I've worked so long on that particular issue, it does not excited me to have to revisit it.

Excellent progress

2009-06-08T06:26:00.001-07:00

Got a LOT of pages penciled this weekend (still waiting for my ink to arrive!) I am over halfway through Issue#3 (woo-hoo!!!) So, excellent progress on that part! I have colored 3 pages of Issue#2 and hope to get at least two more done this week. Its all falling into an assembly line right now, which is nice.

Update"

2009-06-05T13:28:00.001-07:00

Got two more pages penciled, for Issue#3, AND got 2 pages colored For issue#2!!!!, try to get a few more penciled this weekend, plus inks(if they ever arrive!)

Comic Book Update

2009-06-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

OK, I have 3 more pages penciled, but not inked. Still waiting on my ink and pen order to be filled and mailed out to me. Hopefully, it will be back soon, I have my own system, and it seems to work OK, so I'd rather not disrupt that. Issue#3 is coming along very well.

Comic book Update

2009-05-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Got THREE more pages penciled an inked on Issue#3!!! Coming along nicely. I have a bit of sad news. We get attached to our instruments they are just extensions of us, and sadly, my good old yellow en (well more specifically the nib) died today. Sad to see him go, a lot of good times and good lines.

Domain Names

2009-05-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

bought a few critical ones for the game. It amazes me what is NOT available, but, oh well. Not too bad, considering I can host multiple sites on my site.

And STARTED COLORING ISSUE#2!!! Progress. Nice. So it continues, but by bit, little by little each day moving forawrd. I'd be done if I were full time on this.

On Issue#3 got another page done, hopefully I'll have another one done tonight.

Progress Report

2009-05-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Tired and feeling sick yesterday, so I felt completely unmotivated to do ANYTHING. Worked more on the intro site yesterday. Nicely working out. Will work more this afternoon. TONIGHT, more pages!

update

2009-05-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

More work on the (REDACTED) website! Intro DONE! with sounds, I think it looks cool, now to work on the inside and the puzzle that accompanies it.

website update

2009-05-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Started the flash build, YEAH! For the (REDACTED) website, Its coming along, found some pretty cool puzzles and riddles to kickstart the game! I hope to have this started soon, and I will hear back from Xeric in just about a month. I'm hoping. crossing fingers. If not, then other roads will have to be taken. Work on animation today.

Update

2009-05-20T05:49:00.001-07:00

Nice work on the intro website. I'll finish the interface today and maybe start the flash build. Tonight, I should be able to do a couple of pages for issue#3

3 pages!

2009-05-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

done for Issue#3! Will draw some background fill-in figures today. Design for (REDACTED) website to work on this afternoon.

Issue#2 Line art done!

2009-05-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Or at least cleaned up. First round. I'll be starting coloring this week. Started looking for interface fir first website. Find photos and source, write script today. Still no word from publishers, I'd think it rude, but I am the eager one, so who am I to say.

More tweaking

2009-05-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

As ideas come to you, you have to listen, right? Of course. I had a great motif idea for the website, and now I have a great idea to pull some elements into the story. I think they fit in nicely. I drew some background figures for the comic book, I'll be scanning them in and placing them in the appropriate frames of the book. Even though issue#1 is "done" I want to add juuuuuust a few little things to tie the book together. Nothing too radical, even though I am contemplating redoing the last page of the book.

Scanning...Scanning

2009-05-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Scanning the rest of issue#2. I'm having a setback involving the real world for issue#3. Its hard to make time for it with work obligations and such. I will try to fit some time in for this week, but its going to be hard, (REDACTED) grandmother died, so its going to be very hard to find ANY time to work. At work though, I am cleaning up the line art for issue#2, and THAT should be done this week. I really have to kick it into high gear with the first website, its the only one I haven't designed, and its bugging me that it is outstanding. I really want it to be ready to go by the time I get word on weather I got the grant or not. I'm not that optimistic, but am I just bracing myself for disappointment? Probably.

Cleaning up

2009-05-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

line art. Getting ready to start coloring. But before that I need to finish my research on the theme for the first website, got a couple of books, some nice tie ins. My goal for next week is to finsh line art, start first website.

Update

2009-05-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Worked on issue#3, will clean up art today, need to really get cracking on pages of issue#3 soon, can't fall behind. Got some research materials for starting website

Comic Book Update

2009-05-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

Cleaning up art, and revising some dialogue in the later issues of the comic book. I think I have a pretty cool set of revised pages that really focus the story now and add some needed drama and interest. Ah, so vague, like anybody but me is reading this. Its good to have a outlet to put my thoughts. Once again, the shower proves a fertile ground for ideas, as a good one came to me while at the gym. Todays goal, to wrap up another page on issue#3.

More work

2009-05-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Cleaning up artwork, tonight, get one page done on Issue#3. I found a cool theme for the first game site, It ties in nicely. Its funny how even when you have the story and details all done, you can add and make it richer as you go along.

rolling...

2009-04-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

And keeping it moving, started pencils on Issue#3, with any luck, I'll be done with issue#2 completely and done pencils and inks with issue#3 by the time I hear from xeric if I got the grant or not. Once again, I find it a little confusing that of the 15+ companies I sent proposals to, only 2 replied back. It seems a little off. Most places will at least give you a form letter. But Its only been 3 months, so I have to be patient. Its pretty much what I expected anyway.

Update

2009-04-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Tweaked some later issues of the story like I planned. I'm getting my marketing plan in place for the release, have to figure out the timing and such. I'll finish story edits this afternoon and start on issue #3 tonight. later this week, finalize first webgame website for (REDACTED)

Alright!!

2009-04-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

Done pencils and inks Issue#2!!!

I need to clean up the art, and start coloring. Did minor tweaks to script this morning. I will start Issue #3 as soon as I can. I need a cover concept for issue #2. I imagine inspiration will probably strike me where it usually does, in the shower at the gym. Its amazing how your mind wanders to unexpected places while you shower. I can't tell you how many ideas I have got from musings while getting ready in the morning. Excited to be done with issue #2.

Missed my Goal

2009-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Of finishing the 2nd Issue this weekend, to much work, too many events and obligations. I also drew one page three times, but was not satisfied with how it came out, its a pretty important page in terms of the whole series, so I think that's weighing on my mind at the moment. I think I cracked it though. I'm wrapping up my ideas for marketing the comic book, I have some good leads , but unfortunately, they all involve spending money, but I've GOT to try, right? Right? I'll try my best so far I have the (REDACTED), a direct mail piece to retailers including giveaway, explanation of intent with cross platform marketing, POP display, maybe posters if not too expensive. A "dossier" with some brief bios of the characters, and a call to action involving the retailers.

comic book update

2009-04-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Drew another panel last night, was rather busy so not much forward momentum, these next two pages are pretty important in the whole story, so I hope it turns out OK. I have some kind of charity event the wife signed me up for tonight, so I don't think I'll be able to du much on the book, but lets' set a goal. Finish issue #2 this weekend.

There.

Now its been said.

Keep on...

2009-04-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

Keepin' on. 1/4 penciled a page last night, inked another. I have to figure out what I need to do to contact the vendors that will be purchasing my comic book. Also, I might revise the log to be more graphic, less literal.

Blah..

2009-04-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

More of the same. Not sure why I chose "blah" as my entry, but I did, so it is. Anyway, closing in on the end of issue#2, Which means cover after, and then I have to think about the supplemental pages that I have planned for issue #1 and #2. I'm not motivated today to create the site for the game, so I'm passing it off until tomorrow. Clean up line art today. Three moths after sending out samples, only ONE publisher has got back to me, and that was the one I knew would not really bite, more indie style. I sent sase's out, I wonder If I'll EVER hear back from them. Ah, well, I'll plug along.

Progress

2009-04-21T08:46:00.001-07:00

Got another page penciled, goal tonight is to ink and start another, just 3 pages to go until #2 goes into production digitally! Sent back scanner, got a refund, so that was nice. Will clean up art today, cleaned up line art yesterday. Tomorrow, design extra website in game

More line art

2009-04-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Cleaning up. and more to do today. I will start the design of the secret site for the game, the 1 month added. I started a page last night, but was not able to finish. Hopefully, this weekend I will get an opportunity to close out Issue#2

Line Art

2009-04-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Cleaned up line art, Its good to see progress on issue #2. I'll try to get it all in the can before issue#1 comes out. The plan is to have it all done by the time I got to print.

finished

2009-04-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

another page last night. Inching closer to the finish line. I should be able to get another page penciled tonight. I added the extra month on the game design and contacted on old friend to see if he could input some help with the game design. I truly hope he signs on. Today, work on a design for the contact site

Got a

2009-04-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

"thanks, but no thanks" email from another literary agent I sent the comic to. Interesting, that I've heard back from the agents before most of the comic book companies I sent my materials to. Does this mean anything? probably not. But who knows, right? I need to keep it moving forward, 3 pages to go in the comic book, no real progress yesterday, wen to the ball game. Rays won.

I'll knuckle down and extend the game before the release now. Why is it like pulling teeth for me right now to think of ideas? Is it because I already started the design wireframe? I don't know. I'm sure once I'm back in the middle of it, it will start going faster.

two more pages

2009-04-13T05:22:00.000-07:00

penciled and inked this weekend, swiftly closing in on finishing issue #2 (minus cover). This week I need to wrap up plans for the gam and finish (update) the flow chart for the game. Its going well, and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to start the game at least a month BEFORE the comic hits the stands to get people interested in the first issue.

scanning...

2009-04-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

scanning...scanning...scanning...

;)

Progress

2009-04-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

sort of...Started scanning issue#2, but in PIECES...YAY!!...not. Oh well, I'm sending back the scanner that was not working, the seller says he'll refund my money for the purchase. But its going to cost me to ship it, so, once again, YAY!

Started cleaning up line art yesterday and it feels pretty good, I still need to finish up some of the game sites, especially if I intend to extend the game, which is looking like a good idea at this point. So this week, some easy scanning, cleaning up, next week, back to making sites. Once the sites are done, I'll finalize the games and puzzles.

Back!

2009-04-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

from vacation. What I want to know is why I even TRY to get a large format scanner. I won an auction on ebay for a scanner that seems to work in every function EXCEPT the bulb doesn't work. Sigh. I'll try to return. So for now, I scan in pieces. Maybe the large format scanner is a rich mans dream anyway.

Another page

2009-03-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

Finished another page this weekend, getting ready for some time off, so It will slow down in the short term. Very close to finishing the pencils and inks (minus cover) of issue #2

In the Groove

2009-03-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

With just a little time last night, I penciled another page. At this rate, I'll be done with the pencils and inks for issue #2 and move onto the coloring and lettering! Very pleased, but then of course its move onto issue #3....

Ok, you suck

2009-03-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am of course referring to the spammers who picked this address off of blogger to send me viagra and penis enlarging pills. So here's to you, anonymous spammer a$$hole. And in that vein, who actually responds to spam? Stop it! You're ruinign the internet for all of us, if you don't respond, they are going to go away.

Nice!

2009-03-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Got THREE pages done last night. I can see an improvement in my art the more I work, which is natural. So, I'm in the final stretch of issue #2. I have some of the most challenging scenes coming up, but that's OK. I'm happy with the progress. Did not check the scanner, but will do so tonight. Will work on one of the subsites today, those are wrapping up. I am also considering extending the A RG before the pub of the book to get the word out on the comic to create buzz. I don't know how much lead time I need to get orders placed.

Comic book Update

2009-03-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Is anybody even reading this? Probably not. But to update, I finished another page, SO, its coming along, coming along. Tonight I expect to get at LEAST one page done. It looks like I am going to have to scan in pieces, which I hate. Worked on another part of the website, password protected in flash, which will make it much harder to crack.