It’s been a strange year, 2017. Indeed, I daresay it’s been humbling. Much has happened and been accomplished this year, but it’s also been a year for much reflection, growth, and change. Most of that change has happened behind the scenes, as it were, but it has shown itself in little ways throughout. Perhaps it’s fitting, as 2017, and to the month specifically (December, that is), marks ten years of professional work for me. Indeed, that seems to be the theme of this entire year for me, though I didn’t plan it that way: to take a step back, reflect on things, and make changes where necessary. Read more… ›
I just wanted to make a brief but heartfelt shout out to Eric Hutchison and the rest of the crew at Inbeon Studios not only for running another successful Inbeon Con this past weekend, but also for being a great and inspiring group to work alongside. I’ve known Eric for as long as I’ve been attending the Baltimore Comic-Con (six years, including this coming year’s show in September), and he’s always been supportive and encouraging of my work. Not only that, but his Inbeon Studios is my printer for all of my prints, and he does an amazing job with them. So, thank you Eric and everyone at Inbeon. Read more… ›
Yet another New York Comic Con has come and gone (my eighth appearance at the show, in fact!). I got some major feedback and compliments from some of my Chadhiyana fans (who are apparently more passionate about the series than I had previously known). Also, my latest publication, Gentleman Cthulhu: Year One (a collection of the first 52 comics from gentlemancthulhu.com) completely sold out by mid-day Saturday. The only downside was that on Sunday I began experiencing considerable stomach pains (likely my diverticulitis acting up, with which I was diagnosed about this time last year), but I did my best to smile through the pain, and I’m doing okay now after a day’s rest. Read more… ›
I had a wonderful time at this past Saturday’s Inbeon Con. It was held in a great location (and I hope this continues for some time) and was well organised. Never mind that since my friend, Eric Hutchison, holds the con every year, it was great to see him and his family (including their new addition) as well as some other friends of mine who attended and exhibited at the show. Plus, these cons are helping me through the grief of my office buddy’s passing. They’re getting me out of the office while still allowing me to connect with my writing and art. It’s been an unexpected but welcome form of therapy in this difficult time (and thank you everyone who offered their condolences). Though perhaps what struck me most about this show (and the week leading up to it) is how many people have (sympathetically) approached me about my blog post about the previous week’s Newark Comic Con. Read more… ›
It’s been a summer of conventions (compared to what I’m used to): three in a row, in three different states. With Inbeon Con: Summer Edition this past weekend, my public appearances have ended until the New York Comic Con in October (though I am debating adding another show or two onto my schedule, before the end of the year). That said, Inbeon Con was a spectacular event, and I’m very glad my friend Eric Hutchison (owner of Inbeon Studios and host of the event) convinced me to do it.
Like a lot of shows I’ve been doing this year, Inbeon Con was much smaller than shows like New York Comic Con (well, really, what show isn’t smaller than NYCC?) or even Boston Comic Con. Though, I’m finding sometimes the smaller shows turn out to be a bigger success than the larger ones, especially one day shows as they tend to be the most intimate between the attendees and the exhibitors and there’s less competition at the show. Read more… ›
Though it was something of a mixed experience, I enjoyed this past weekend’s East Coast ComiCon. As usual, I was able to introduce new people to my work–especially Chadhiyana–and see a few repeat customers, as well. Though more than that, it was nice to finally attend a convention so close to home, and (somewhat surprisingly) see so many of my peers and friends, many of whom are based out of New York and Long Island. Conventions are often the only chance I get to catch up properly with other creators, and as it is, I haven’t exhibited for about six months. Read more… ›
There are two things I want to cover this week. First, a huge thank you to everyone who came by my booth this past weekend during the New York Comic Con, and for helping me make this a successful show. Second, I want to remind everyone that this weekend is the Crazy 8 Cartoon Festival in New York City. So, without wasting too much space writing about writing about it, let’s get down to the details. (Scroll toward the bottom of this post for information on the Crazy 8 event.) Read more… ›
I know most everything has been Chadhiyana, Chadhiyana, Chadhiyana lately (and with good reason, as I’m loving working on a graphic novel for the character). So, perhaps we all need a break for this week. (Maybe not? But let’s take for granted we do.) I was recently given permission by a few clients to share with you the work I’ve been doing for them, including that oft written about, yet-unrevealed book cover illustration I completed a few months back. So this week’s blog post is about the other work I’ve been doing behind the scenes between working on Chadhiyana and to show you that Chadhiyana is not all I’m doing (though, let’s face it, it’s a lot of what I’m doing, and I’m hoping to work on her more and more for many years to come). Read more… ›
In Memoriam
William “Bill” M. Baker
November 12, 1958 – February 20, 2014
I didn’t know Bill Baker a long time. We were first introduced at the 2010 New York Comic Con by a mutual friend and colleague, Mr. Mark Mazz (who holds the distinction of “discovering” me at the 2007 Big Apple Con). It was my first year exhibiting at that show, and I only spoke with Bill briefly then. Mark introduced him as a writer and journalist–but this was not just any run-of-the-mill wordsmith. Mark acted as though Bill was something of a legend and with good reason.
In that brief meeting, Bill spoke to me about his (then) upcoming book, ICONS: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee, and an acclaimed interview with Alan Moore. However, what struck me most about Bill was not his accomplishments but rather how humble and personable he was even in the presence of an unknown creator. I find very often those who have “made it” have little time for those who haven’t, but that wasn’t Bill’s way. I’m not the comic historian Bill was, so at the time I had no idea who Mark had introduced me to. However, over time, I learned just how legendary Bill was and not just as a writer, but as a person as well. Read more… ›