Mark Millar has an interesting essay up on News-A-Rama

It's all about comic booms and busts, and our current trend based on the historical patterns of the industry. It's a great read with some fantastic insight and a bit of speculation. Worth a read if you have any interest in making a living in the comic industry.

Here's the article!

Artist of the day - Nick Stakal

You may know Nick's work from IDW's Hyde, Containment or Silent Hill. He's currently working on Strange Girl at Image Comics with writer Rick Remender. I've been seeing preview art from the series and it's Nick's best work so far! Amazing use of texture and line. Here's a Rick Remender interview about Strange Girl with a few sneak peeks at Nick's work on the series.

Be sure to add Strange Girl to your pull list, it's an amazing looking book.

Pick up some of Nick's previous work on Amazon.com:



Nick Stakal's official website

Technology update - could digital comics actually become pleasant to read?

One of my big gripes with digital comics is that I simply don't like reading on screen. I'll often print long emails and web text to read on paper because it's a more pleasant reading experience. Since getting my Powerbook a few years ago, which has an amazing LCD display, it's been a little better, but still not on the same level as reading comics (or text) on paper.

I've read articles before on flexible paper-like e-book displays and I'm absolutely excited about the technology. So now LG Philips is showing their prototypes of the flexible e-book displays and the negative seems to be that it's mostly useless for video and other highly dynamic content, but that also means it should be perfect for presenting comic content. The future of digital comic and quality presentation looks promising.

Thoughts?

Here's the source article:

LG Philips LCD presented prototype of 14.1-inch WXGA flexible E-book at IMID 2006 under cooperation with E-ink. Unlike conventional LCD TVs, it needs power when it turns pages.

A researcher at LG Philips LCD said that it is possible to produce any slim E-book with this flexible display depending on the thickness of stainless steel. However, due to relatively slow response time (300ms), it can be good for making E-book whereas it would not be appropriate for playing video files.

Source

Interview: Ross Richie talks about BOOM! Studios.

WordBalloon.com has an interview with Ross Richie, the man behind BOOM! Studios. I just listened to it, and they cover a lot of ground. The range of books, the last year in review, conventions, and where BOOM! is headed. Some great stuff worth throwing on your iPod to check out on your way to the flea market.

Hear that interview HERE!

ACTOR Comics Presents:

I had the honor to participate in this amazing anthology coming out next month called ACTOR Comics Presents. It's a 152 page anthology featuring names like: Stan Lee, Joseph Lisner, Mark Waid, Paul Dini, Dave Sim, Dan Jurgens, Ron Marz, Michael Avon Oeming, Dick Gordiano and many more.

I have a three page story in it called The Manical Mr. Oblivion that was drawn by Desiree Rincon and inked by Rob Hunter. It's a fun little story about a villain and his desire to kill his arch-enemy.

The book will premiere at the Baltimore Con on Sept 9th and then be in stores on Sept 13th.

All proceeds from this book will go to ACTOR: A Commitment to Our Roots, a charity organization that helps comic creators in need. So please buy a copy and help out the cause.

Don't forget to be in New Orleans on Saturday.

Be in New Orleans Saturday for the Alternative Media Expo!

I'll be in New Orleans on August 19th at the Alternative Media Expo with signed editions of the TAG comic, 30 Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales, sketches, prints, shirts, etc. I'll also be showing sneak peeks of a few new upcoming projects including Punks, and some other top sectet stuff.

I've done the last couple of Expos in New Orleans and they're fantastic. Lots of comics represented, T-Shirt designers, jewelry makers, indy films, zines, street artists, etc. It's well worth the trip if you're in the area.

Click below for additional info:


Here's some photos from last year's event:

  

 



Press Release about the event:


Alternative Media Expo!


Yes, we are officially out of space at the Alternative Media Expo! Our official press release:



For immediate release-7/21/06



ANTIGRAVITY: Your New Orleans Music & Culture Alternative is proud to announce its ALTERNATIVE MEDIA EXPO is set for Saturday, August 19th at the Howlin' Wolf!



The AME is in its fifth edition (four twice-a-year events from 6/03-4/05 make up its previous rounds) and features over 50 exhibitors with 'zines, comics, films, handmade and original clothing, independent CDs and records, indie and grassroots organizations and much more!



The AME is sponsored by the Charitable Film Network, Dirty Coast, The New Orleans Craft Mafia and NOLAFugees.com.  The first 250 attendees will receive a swag bag created by the Craft Mafia.




The special guest of the Expo is Treme-based writer Mat Schwarzman, author of The Beginner's Guide To Community-Based Arts.  Some exhibitors include:



-Beginner's Guide To Community-Based Arts writer Mat Schwarzman

-BOOM! Studios and IDW Publishing comic book artist Kody Chamberlain

-Mathilda artist Tedd Walley

-Punish The Dead creator Toby Craig

-You Chose Right The First Time writer Chris Nicholas

-ANTIGRAVITY Film Writer James Jones' ReelFellas.com

-New Orleans-based art and design journal Constance

-New Orleans Filmmakers

-Kill Time Productions



The AME is modeled after national comic conventions, like San Diego's Comic-Con but more like San Francisco's Alternative Press Expo, but with other types of media included.  The point of the Expo is to provide media makers an opportunity to network while exposing attendees to product and another things that mainstream media either ignores or doesn't properly cover.



When: Saturday, August 19th, 4pm-10pm

Where: The Howlin' Wolf (907 South Peters)

Cover: $5



Contact: Leo McGovern

E-Mail: leo@antigravitymagazine.com

Phone: 504.881.7508



All our exhibitors:



504 Whatstyle, Adornments by Draillia, ANTIGRAVITY, Ashe' Cultural Arts Center, Backporch Revolution, Blank The Plague, Bluecamp Arts, Caesar Meadows, Calamity's Ball, Cecelia Hopes, Chris Nicholas, Clothes Rock, Constance, Corey Sanders, Crossroads Project, daFa Fungus, Defend New Orleans, Dismantled Designs, Dirty Coast, Goldfish Jewelry Designs, Humid Beings, Impulss, Iron Rail Bookstore/Library, Itchy Stitches, Jazzy Knits, KK-NOLA, Kelly Baugh, Kick It Fashions, Kill Time Productions, Kina's Kreations, Kody Chamberlain, Live New Orleans, Les Moutons Roses, Mana Media, Media Underground Comics, Midnight Girl, Ms. Placed, New Orleans Filmmakers, New Orleans Network, New Orleans Voices For Peace, NOLA Fugees, NOLA Tonight, Penguin Productions, Reel Fellas, Rising Tide Blogger Conference, Rox, Shutter Magazine, Sigh Co., Spirit Of Humanity Festival, Tedd Walley, Thaddeus Conti, Timecode: NOLA, Toby Craig, Unique Products, Watermark  

Rob Osborne Lives!

Hey Comic Lovers. Rob Osborne here. Alive. Coming to you from Texas.

To those of you who are asking, "Rob who?", may I introduce myself. I'm the award-winning, monkey-lovin', machiavellian mastermind behind 1000 STEPS TO WORLD DOMINATION. You'll also find my geezer-powered graphic novella SUNSET CITY: FOR ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING on Amazon and at other fine comics retailers.

Currently, I am holed up in a dark apartment just outside of Austin. I recently left Arizona, my home for 20-some years, and I'm without the comforts of my computer, drawing table, and eye patch until my new house is finished. Don't cry for me. Just know that I won't be at full strength here at Creator Direct, or really anywhere else, until this move is complete.

Under dreadful conditions, I am hard at work on my latest comics projects. Till next time, go forth and get yourself a copy of 1000 STEPS. And learn how to conquer the world through comics. Or come by the website: www.absolutetyrant.com

Go Forth & Conquer,

Rob

Impaler @ IGN

IGN Comics has just posted an interview with me where I talk about Impaler. Lots of cool tidbits about the book.

Digital Webbing Presents #32

Getting ready to solicit Digital Webbing Presents #32 with Diamond on Monday. Man, it's hard to believe it'll be 5 years ago since issue #1 was published. An anthology by a small press outfit lasting that long? Who would have thunk it?

Digital Webbing Presents started out as a showcase for new talent to show off their skills. The comic was published in B/W until issue #19 which featured a full-color Steve Niles and Kody Chamberlain story. Some of the talent right here on Creator Direct have appeared in the anthology; Kody Chamberlain, Chris Kirby, Dan Wickline, Troy Wall and even Tony Lee.

Pros who have contributed to the series include; Scott Morse, Michael Moorcock, Eric Powell, Christopher Golden, Steve Niles, Nick Bradshaw, Bill Presing, Bernie Wrightson, Peter Laird, Jay Faerber, Ron Fortier, Franchesco, Chris Eliopoulos and many others!

The series originally had a pay-to-play model where creators helped pitch in for printing expenses and received their share of copies to sell at conventions and restock local shops. I basically killed that model around issue 19 when we switched to full color. Since issue #29, the main feature has been the Fist of Justice, a character I co-created with writer Mike Imboden. Reaction towards the character have been pretty positive so far, so the plan is to continue until we run out of stories.

Thanks for reading!

Who's coming to Wizard World Texas?

November 10th - 12th. I'll be there all week previewing new stuff and selling old stuff. Should be a cool hang, so make sure you're there!



LOCATION

Arlington Convention Center http://www.arlingtoncc.com/

TICKETS
Click here to purchase tickets.

HOTELS
http://www.wizardworldtravel.com/

HOURS
To Be Announced

Any questions please email us at
conventions@wizarduniverse.com

---

Guest list subject to change. Signatures are not guaranteed. Additional fees may apply. Some guests charge a fee for signatures.

Hello all you happy people.

Since Kody was so nice and to invite me over, I figure its about time I hopped on and said hello. I am very honored to be asked to join this group.... there are some incredibly talented individuals here.

I'll be back later with more... but for now, here's a link to an interview I just did for 30 Days of Night: Spreading the Disease.

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=005470

David Slade comments on 30 Days of Night film progress

Check out the Ghost House Pictures site to check out a brief video clip from David Slade, and other information on the film. I'd imagine they're going to update the site as new information comes in.

All Dan Wickline's base are belong to us.

Just added Dan Wickline to the blog!

Look for Dan Wickline on the upcoming 30 Days of Night: Spreading the Disease and The Unusual Suspects for ACTOR!

I met Dan years ago through the Niles message board, and then later in person at the Wizard L.A. Comic-Con. Dan is a brilliant writer and had a real eye for character in his stories. He's also a lot of fun to hang out with. Check out his site for more detailed project information, Dan has his hand in a million different projects.

Guess Who

Erik Larsen's column at CBR is always a good read. I laughed my ass off this morning when I read this particular excerpt:
_________________________

"I had a friend years back that was a habitual liar. He lied about everything - even things nobody cared about, even things that didn't affect anybody. He was an artist that later got in a position where he could give people work. He lied about his birthday because he wanted to still be one of the young guys in comics - he lied about jobs that were never mailed and checks that were never mailed and he left a path of destruction in his wake. He'd tell fans that he'd hire them in order to get them to leave him alone during a convention and then he'd conveniently lose their phone numbers and never take their calls. He'd promise huge page rates and not come through with the money. He'd hire folks to output film and stiff them. He'd go from one printer to the next leaving unpaid bills behind him.

His sunny smile and boyish charm got him more second chances than any thirty men deserve. And what could these guys do? Living in Canada, it was a hassle to sue, so they'd take pennies on the dollar when it was eventually offered.

This buddy swears, to this day, that he left our company of his own free will even though the rest of us know otherwise. He left, like Richard Nixon left, when the writing was on the wall and there were no other options. He claims otherwise, but some folks at this outfit are notorious pack rats and it might surprise him to find a phone bill from a party call and a faxed resignation with a date attached in our possession that clearly indicate that he is being less than truthful.
What's the point? What was gained?

This fellow used to solicit books and he'd decide whether he should draw them based on the orders they received. The 90-day return policy comics had at the time was used and abused by this individual."
_________________________

Isn't it amazing how different things were back in the early-mid 90's? How easy it was to abuse the system, and, more importantly, how often it WAS actually abused? I'll say this--I'm not a hater...but it does make me throw up in my mouth a little to know that this individual made ridiculous amounts of money abusing the medium that all of us creators work so hard to maintain as a wonderful source of entertainment and valued literature.

I'll end this post with a little food for thought...realize that the person discussed in this post was paid millions, plural, MILLIONS, to reimagine several mainstream Marvel characters in the 90's.

Thank God our industry has changed so much since then and would no longer allow such a cluster fuck to take place.

New comics.

Lots of stuff got announced these last few months, and even more at the San Diego con, and continuing this weekend in Chicago. What upcoming books are you most looking forward to?

A few that come to mind:

Criminal (Brubaker and Phillips)
Iron Fist (Looks interesting)
The Secret (Jason Alexander)
Kickback (David Lloyd)

Tony Lee?

Anyone know where I can find Tony Lee? I can never find him when I need him. IF anyone knows where I can find him, please let me know.

Thanks.

So people can find me...

Several people have asked where I am these says, so here it is -

Web | Email | News | Blog / LJ | Forum | Myspace

Web - My Website. Here you'll find any updates, new pages, what's out this month, info about me, etc.

Email - My Email. I don't think I have to explain that one.

News - Actually, this is the main page of my website again, but some people prefer a direct link.

Blog/LJ - This is my Livejournal page. I post more on here because you can filter posts and, more importantly you can cut them down in size with cut tags so large picture posts don't kill your bandwidth.

Forum - My Forum. It's been a bit dead of late though. I'm hoping that'll change soon.

Myspace - My new Myspace account. Well, I've had it over a year, but I'm only playing with it now.

So now you know where I am, you have no excuses. Friend me where relevant.

Just a quick update about Criminal

I posted some info a few days ago about the new crime comic from Brubaker and Phillips called Criminal, I found out today that Sean Phillips is blogging with progress on the comic. Fantastic stuff and very inspirational work. I'm truly looking forward to this one, you should be too! Also note, I've added the blog link in the Unrelated Links section.

Kirby in Chicago

(again, not Jack. Sorry.)

That was a quick two weeks. Here we are on the eve of Wizard World Chicago and I'm scrambling to finish up things I'd promised people for San Diego.

Here's my Chicago info: I'll be in Artist's Alley table # 3160 all four days pimping LOST SQUAD as well as copies of both FREAKSHOW books.

I'll also be signing at the Devil's Due booth # 832 on Friday August 4th from 1pm - 2pm and on Saturday August 5th from 10AM - 11Am.

Come by and say hello.

I tossed up a bit of prose writing over at my personal website cgkirby.com. The site is in (semi-permanent, it seems) redesign. The story is a quick scene that I wrote for a thriller pitch. Click over and check it out.

That Time of Year

Maybe it's just me, but, this time of year is always a bit of a nightmare. San Diego ends up spurring on a slew of "Wow, I thought that would never happen" projects and it becomes a mad dash to get everything done and turned in while the 'iron is hot' except that there's Chicago and Gencon and all of that non-sense that allows editors to remove their shackles and actually see sunshine, albeit only while being transported in cages from unmarked 18 wheelers to the inner sanctum of their corporate booths.*

For me, this is the first year where I actually have more paid more work than I can deal with**, so finding time to deal with all the speculative stuff becomes harder and harder, although every bit as important, because speculative work today equals money in my pocket later. In theory. The other rub for me is that I'm obsessed with being 'on time' for stuff. When I tell someone "You'll have it by Friday" they have it by Friday.***

So, my question to the compatriots here is how do you deal with it?

I've been working 20 hours a day, staying off of messenger, and answering e-mail in bulk chunks at the end of the day, rather than piece meal throughout. That being said, I'm finding that just keeping up correspondence and keeping all the balls in the air is still a challenge (that pesky day job thing hurts too.)

Anyhoot, just thought we could get some dialogue going about prioritizing and meeting deadlines. And, no, Tony, methamphetamines are not the answer.****

* Josh is not implying that all editors are dirty smelly animals. Only Jason Rodriguez.
* *Oh boo-fucking-hoo, poor Joshie-boy's got more work than he can handle. Cry me a river, fatboy.
*** Unless it's Kody and it's that script I still haven't read. Sorry, dude.'
**** Josh by no means advocates Tony Lee Brand Methamphetamines. I've always been more of a Squeemex Brand kinda guy.

More Newsarama...

So Chris Arrant at Newsarama has finally released the third and final part of the interview I did with him, now all the San Diego crazyness has gone past.

In it we discuss Midnight Kiss, where it's been and where it's going and also G.P. Taylor's Tizzle Sisters, which I'm doing with my extremely talented showbiz chum Daniel Boultwood.

You can find the interview HERE.

In other news, I'm sorry if I've been slow to reply to emails, MSN alerts or suchlike - since I got back from New York it's been hectic - before the end of September I have to finish Robin Hood, edit the trade of Midnight Kiss, finish Tizzle Sisters, script five issues of another series which should be announced soon, and start my King Arthur trilogy. Oh, and sort out some edits on Raven's Gate.

I had to do that before I came back with five or six seriously large pitches to do this week. You can see why I've not been out much / answered my email much, yes?

Of course, if I get any one of the main pitches I've been asked to put in this week, expect another interview or two - one will be massive.

Right - back to work, then.

Christopher E. Long is in your longbox.

Christopher E. Long is on the blog! His resume includes X-Men Unlimited, Blackfoot Braves Society, Easy Way (with Andy Kuhn who was added to the blog this week), along with an impressive list of upcoming projects. I got to meet Christopher a few years ago in San Diego while we were both working with IDW Publishing. He's a super talented guy with some fantastic ideas. If you haven't picked up Easy Way, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. It's one of my favorite books in the last few years.