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Hi all! I've submitted a Lord of the Rings inspired design to Threadless Tees and voting has opened. I have 7 days to get as many votes as I can before voting closes, and some $2500 in cash and prizes to win. Please help me vote for the design to be printed on their T-shirts! Thanks!
Link:
If you want to check out a "pro-as-it-gets" website that features robots, monsters, online comics, sketchbooks and all kinds of EXTREMELY cool design work go here:
Dave Guertin and Greg Baldwin are the owners/artists. they both do all the graphics you see, switching off duties. they are professionals in the gaming industry, and CreatureBox is their personal 'property'.
an artist can learn a lot about how to present and produce their own product by tooling around their site, and seeing how they do it.
The artwork is drawn and inked in Sketchbook Pro, using 21" Cintiqs, then colored in Photoshop, as I understand it.
be sure to check out their timelapse videos that show the art production process under the Gallery link.
I have their second sketchbook set which is extremely cool.
in my opinion, this is how it's done.
Here's a link to check out. the blog of a very talented character designer, illustrator etc - Ovi Nedelcu
http://ovinedelcu.blogspot.com/
you can get to his main web site through the blog, but be sure to check out his Bible Storybook link and his Lunchbox comic strip link at the right.
not comic books per se, but he's a christian and super pro. very cool.
he also has a iPhone sketchbook you can buy.
My latest read is a book titled Shawn Hawk by author Roger Elwood. While I can’t say it’s the best book in the world, I enjoyed it more than Warren’sWilderness…but not as much as Faulkner’s Unvanquished. The thing I will say is that it is a very fast read. I had the thing finished (about a hundred and twenty-five pages) in about two and a half hours. Generally, I don’t read books quite that fast, but I did this one.
If you look too long at the cover, it’s difficult to tell what the title is. The book is titled after the name of the main character and it is inscribed on the cover in exactly the same font as the author’s name. A little confusing and poor design by the publisher.
Maybe the reason I finished it so quickly was the simplicity of the work. After the opening 20 pages or so, Shawn is the only character on an alien planet. **I think I’m supposed to put “Spoiler Warning” here** I don’t worry too much about spoiling it as it’s not a new book. In fact, the publisher’s date on it is 1995.Anyway, in this story of the future, the earth is in such a bad shape that people are leaving it in droves. Technology has advanced to the point that individual families can now take a spaceship and head out to one of the multitude of colonies and/or worlds ripe for colonization. In the early pages, Shawn has left earth with only his mother and father on the ship with him.
Wouldn’t you know it, the ship crashes and Shawn becomes the only human on an alien world. Monkey Planet (Planet of the Apes) worked because the monkeys also talked and you could get their perspective and all that. The problem on this planet is that none of them can actually do much talking to him. They do find ways to communicate, especially a small tribe of monkey-like things, the entire tribe of which Shawn kills off by disease. Much like Americans did to the Indians when colonizing North America.
Elwood finds a nice way to work in belief in God, the one true God of Jesus Christ and not some “made-up” God that sounds an awful lot like ours. That was a nice touch and very refreshing to see in a science-fiction book.
There’s no indication that this book was intended for a younger audience, but I’d highly recommend it for a 12-15-ish age group. It moves along at a nice clip, is science fiction, and has Christianity firmly presented.
I found this book like I find a lot of the books I buy-on sale at the local Christian book store. I’m not certain I would have paid a “new” price for it, but if you can find it for $4 or less, buy it, read it, give it to an young teen.
Ifanything, it's a learning experience. I've been pushing myself to draweven when I don't feel like it, or even when I don't feel adequate forthe task at hand. Yeah, it hasn't always been pretty, but it'snecessary. On top of that, I've picked up more Copic markers (my in-lawsgot me a nice addition to my old basic set) and I'm thoroughly enjoyingthe results I've been getting. It's not perfect, but it's fun, and Isuppose that's what matters. And hey, I've done a lot of reading thisyear and nearly finished my home library, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Newyear's resolutions aren't really my thing, mostly because I makeresolutions year round. Every day is a day to examine oneself and striveto be and do what is good and right. However, I have a few that I'mitching to tackle once I get back home (I am currently visiting family).
So, to start off the New year right:
1)I will resume my physical training and monitor my exercise and dietmore thoroughly so I can better identify my body's strengths andweaknesses. Building muscle and losing fat is a science and it variesslightly for each individual. "Winging it" is not an option. I madegreat gains up through October, and then work got in the way again. Iwill not let that happen again, Lord willing.
I signed up for a cool website recommended to me by my students: BodyBuilding.com.Now, I have no intention to be a body builder and the site is notlimited to that. If anything, I'd like more of a gymnast's physique. Butthe website has a great set of tools and resources for training andeating in the most efficient way possible and I recommend it to anyonewith a fitness resolution this year. Also, they're having a "Before andAfter" contest with cash prizes. 4 winners get $25,000 each. Even if Ididn't win, I'd be in great shape, so it's really win/win.
Heck, being in good shape will go over well when I do the Warrior Dash in April.
2)I will begin pencilling pages for "Seraph" throughout January and willendeavor to do at least 2 a week. I will endeavor to not care how crappyI think it looks at first because I will get better with time. I haveto remind myself not to wait for the "perfect condition" to dosomething, because it never comes. If I look back at Elsewhere, I cansee a natural improvement in all areas, so Seraph will have to be thesame. Forge ahead with hard work.
3) I will restrict my playingand purchasing of video games because I really get no work done when Ican have instant vicarious gratification through games. Maybe I'll use agame as a reward for myself for finishing an issue of Seraph.
4) With the lack of games, I will use my time to finally re-enroll in a martial arts school.
I also have something big going on behind the scenes, but I'm not ready to announce it yet. Next month maybe.
Hey, everyone!
I'm excited and privileged to share historical news with CCAS.....
"The Lion of Judah", is the First 3D Faith-Based Animation to come to theaters worldwide! Check out the website and join us and be apart of this historical event to: "Help The ROAR Be Heard Around The World". (www.JudahMovie.com)
Salvation Comics is honored to have accepted the invitation from Animated Family Films to create and release, "The Lion of Judah" Comic Book. This comic book is created to be used as an entertaining ministry outreach resource, so it is our hope that you take advantage of this ministry opportunity first and foremost to spread the Gospel and the message of "The King".
Upon learning that Judah has been trapped in the clutches of the townspeople and faces the possibility of being the sacrifice at an Annual Festival, The Stable-Mates leave their cozy barn and embark on a hilariously funny series of adventures to find and free their friend. During their numerous attempts to find Judah, a wonderful story emerges as they intercept, interact and entwine with history finally seeking out "The King", who was born in their stable more than 30 years earlier.
"Once Upon A Stable" is the Award-Winning Christmas Prequel to "The Lion of Judah", as seen on TBN every holiday season. We, SoZo Music, are also excited to be releasing this iTunes Digital Exclusive Christmas Music Special this year...(Featuring: 2 Time Dove-Award Winner, Kari Jobe, with Klaus. Also Introducing new artist: Colby Osborn & Adam Carpenter). Salvation Comics will be releasing this comic book for Christmas 2011.
So, check out (www.JudahMovie.com), get involved and let your ROAR be heard for "The King". Learn how you and your church can become a Lion of Judah Ambassador! "Help The ROAR Be Heard Around The World" --ROAR!
--Joshua K. Carpenter
Salvation Heroes & Animated Kidz
ok, here it goes. I am looking for an artist to partner up with for a story that was inspired by the testimony of Paul. I wanted to tell a story of what if a Villain with a violent history was transformed through the Holy Spirit and becomes the hero that his city needs. But not just any hero, his most hated nemesis from his Villain days and the one who sent him to prison in the first place. The reason is because his old nemesis was his pastor and friend who led him to the Lord while he was in prison. And after watching his friend murdered in front of him and finding out why {his super hero identity}, he decides to pick up his fallen friend’s mantle and face the evil that is running rabid in the city streets.
The first issue of Indie Comics Magazine can now be preordered in Diamond Comic Distributors' January 2011 Previews catalog. A warning to everyone interested: the book is available ONLY through Previews! We aren't printing a stack for resale online. January's Previews is the ONLY way comic readers and comic shops will be able to get their hands on issue one. The book is listed under Aazurn Publishing in the comic section.
We're way different than other books. We feature done-in-one stories so readers can get a feel for what these creators can do. Short biographies and contact information are included so readers can easily seek out more of the creators' work. These details make Indie Comics Magazine a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of independent comics.
Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators, and the first issue proves that assertion with a talented lineup that reads like a who's who of the indy comic movement. Appearing in issue one is Tom Kelly (DC's Zuda), Tim Vigil (Faust), David Branstetter (Straw Man), K.J. Kolka (The Cardinal), Gary Scott Beatty (Jazz: Cool Birth), Anthony Cacioppo (Kaso Comics), Terry Cronin (Students of the Unusual) and Douglas Paszkiewicz (Arsenic Lullaby). The cover to #1 features a full color painting by Marcus Boas (Heavy Metal).
The number of comic books, graphic novels and online entertainment available today can be overwhelming to a casual reader. We help readers cut through the reviews and hype to experience these creators' raw talent.
I'm really psyched with the variety of art styles and mix of genres in Indie Comics Magazine. We were lucky to land different creators with a diverse range of storytelling styles. This is a real cross section of indy comic book genius!
Indie Comics Magazine is available ONLY through the January Previews order magazine NOW at your local comic shop. Order Code is JAN110879. We're listed under Aazurn Publishing. http://indiecomicsmagazine.com.
Just a quick post to say "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
May the grace of God be with you and yours this Christmas and throughout the coming new year.
I recently read Who Needs A Superhero? written by H. Michael Brewer. While I suspect that there may be one or two reading this post who’ve read the book, I suspect that most haven’t. Let me just say that I think every fan of comics and Christ-follower should read this book. In a nutshell, Brewer takes some of the all-time favorites and “finds virtue, vice and holiness” in them.
Without giving anything away, he tackles various heros and heroines and then shows us how they communicate Biblical truths. Characters included and discussed are: Superman, Batman, Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron man, Wonder Woman, Thor, Daredevil, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Punisher, Green Arrow, Captain America, and The Spirit. Quite the spandex lineup!
For those of us who’ve read and loved comics for years, Brewer doesn’t really tell us anything about the characters we don’t already know–however, he does put them in a Biblical light, something we probably haven’t done. I know that I hadn’t, not for the overwhelming majority of them anyway.
The other cool thing is that Brewer really knows his stuff: comics AND Bible. We didn’t get overlong explanations of the characters. I enjoyed the way he summarized what we know about the hero without being long and drawn out…and then brought in Biblical truths revealed by the character and their story. He’s handled it so that the devoted comic afficianado is interested and the casual comic reader is equipped with enough information to understand.Brewer ties both a love for Christ and a love for comics together very nicely.
Decided to do a little bit of Snokie/Serenity sketch stuff. Probably going to do a bunch of "Fan" sketches of other peeps stuff. Hope you like, with broken physiology and all.
I really learned to appreciate what the original artist did on this series maintaining character. Though there are some drawing issues in the first book, the artist did a fantastic job of being consistent with character features. The character Kimberly is a tough nut to crack in order to make her look right. Extremely subtle nuances make or break that character - and I still haven't figured her out. Will try again.
One other thing I quickly learned to appreciate: THE ARTIST GIVES THE CHARACTERS NEW CLOTHES ALL THE TIME! Never wear the same thing from day to day. WOW. I don't think I've ever seen that in a comic series. Or at least not obviously. And they're real fashions that exist.
If you aren't aware - you can grab your Serenity here: http://snokiestories.com/
The story telling in it is top notch, and though I'm not a teenage girl, I think it is rather compelling reading.
Just wanted to share with you all what joining CCAS has meant to me. It led to my first paying job as a writer for a comic book story.
Through my association with Ken Reaney whom I met at this site and working with him on his Clash Creative initiative (which expanded into ClashEntertainment.com - check it out) he hooked up with Kingstone Comics (Kingstonecomics.com) to produce a four story book about early Christian martyrs called - Martyrs, of which I wrote the script for one of the stories. The publisher liked my writing and offered, again through Ken Reaney's recommendation, me a commission to write a full 32 page historical biography entitled, Vladimir - Prince of Russia, which should be out in the spring and which ended up turning into a 64 page book! I just completed the script and am now working with the artist (who lives in Serbia and is perfect for this project) and colorerer to complete it. I am finding that I really enjoyed the whole process and love creating stories in the sequential art format.
So for all of you writers and artist, take heart and use CCAS as a networking tool. ‘Do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord delights to see the work begin.’ (Zech 4:10 NLT)
So thank you Ken for believing in an unknown wana-be creative like me and thank you CCAS for being there and providing a place for Christian artist to connect.
"Kurt has a strong regional following and has been known in Michigan for over 30 years," said Beatty. "We're happy to show the rest of the world this popular indy strip." Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators.
The Cardinal is the story of a group of people living in a fictitious university town whose lives are touched by an ordinary young man who believes he has been called to be a super hero. Kolka began dealing with real life social issues, the difficulties facing people and crime in this college strip in 1978. It ran as a regional print publication from 1990 to 2006 and debuted online at comicssherpa.com in 2007. Two live action film adaptions of the strip were released in 2004 and 2007.
Looking at Kolka's straight forward, retro art style, it's no surprise he lists comic influences from famous adventure strips like Mandrake the Magician, The Phantom, Annie and Dick Tracy.
"At its core, The Cardinal strip is about a man who sees people needing help and, unlike many of us, does not turn away," Beatty explained. "Kurt uses Golden Age super hero conventions and spiritual themes to pull this off in the strip, and it works with an emotional intensity not often found in comic books today."
Each issue of the new Indie Comics Magazine will feature eight full stories from eight different independent comic book creators, said Beatty. Short biographies and contact information are included with the stories so readers can easily seek out more of the creators' work. Full color strips of The Cardinal are online to view at TheCardinal.org.
Indie Comics Magazine is available only through the Previews order magazine at your local comic shop. The first issue premieres January, 2011. Find your local comic shop at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://www.comicshoplocator.com. Information about Indie Comics Magazine is online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com.
Hey Gang:
After this last weekend, The Unknown God tour is ...GONG...officially over! (deep sigh of relief) 7 months and over 22,000 miles driven.
I wanted to personally thank all of those at CCAS who showed up at events I did from coast to coast to purchase Eye Witness, lend your support or just stopped by to say hi so I could put a face with your icon.
It's been a wonderful and wild 2010 and I couldn't achieved everything I set out to do without the support of many of you. Thank for all from the bottom of my heart.
And for those of you I've yet to meet in person...who knows what the future has in store for me and my future travels. Hopefully the doors of opportunity will soon open for me to share Eye Witness with my friends in other countries in 2011 and beyond, as well?!
All the best to you and yours this Holiest of Seaons!
R.J. Luedke
www.headpress.info
