Man, what a weekend :D
Melbourne Supanova 2012 as a "Supa-Star Guest" was just something else, and whether this be the peak of my Australian comic career or not, I am certainly grateful, and have a lot of cool stories and memories.
So this is just a huge thank you and recap of the people I met, caught up with, or have helped me this weekend with furthering my journey in this crazy career path. This recap/"thank you-fest" might seem silly or pointless to some, particularly when I thank people merely for talking to me, but being thankful for kindness or advice, and never forgetting where you came from (good or bad), is an important part of my process, and being a grateful human. I believe I'm not a "hand out" sort of person- I'll "bust my gut" (for lack of a better, less disgusting term) to work hard to get where I want my work to go, and where I myself want to be. I don't have any misconceptions of where I may sit on the food chain in different aspects of my life, or where I may be heading, but I like to think I'm not one to B.S why I'm there at a certain point without believing I have credible reason, and a body of evidence for being there. Luck, and a bit of belief from others is a massive help. Anyways, without any more waffle, nonsense and padding, here's the recap (which, is kind of more waffle, nonsense and padding too ;P)
(*I have a lot of names to cover here, I wrote a quick list, so I hope I get you all. If not, it's not because I appreciate you any less, it's because I'm STILL firing on very little sleep, and a massive pile of work still to fight through.)
Before I get into it, the massive highlights were definitely hanging out with Jim Kelly from "Enter The Dragon" (one of my childhood to adulthood top flicks)- Chris and I happened to be seated next to his table a breakfast where we talking on a range of things like Bruce Lee, his favorite directors, The West Coast, pre-fight prep...man, heaps of great stories and anecdotes. It was nice of Chris to "fact drop" the world title history- it ended up giving us some common ground and "talk a little shop"....I know, right? Jim Kelly!). Then later, I caught up with him where we talked more on Ali, and a heap on his career. What an awesome, down-to-Earth, cool guy. I got this awesome print signed too(above), there's some history there in that pic, that's for sure. He even took some copies of 'The Soldier Legacy' comic books :D Next week, I endeavor to get the photo with him. Looking forward to catching up.
Following this awesome breakfast, was a Bus ride where Chris and I chatted for a while with one of my favourite writers, Brian Michael Bendis. We'd met briefly the day before, but it was nice to be able to sit and talk. Man, there were some great little insights into his work, plus some current stuff with film and animation (and a few other hidden gems from this)- again, a cool guy, very nice to hear him say kind things about the Soldier Books I gave as a gift, and getting the photo too. Marvel artists Carlos Pacheco and Billy Tan were great to talk to as well, got a "Utimate Thor" book signed- very pleased. Even more pleased when he ask me to sign 'my' book. What a nice guy.(Billy remembers the Soldier from 'Tides of Hope', which was very cool, and it was great getting a photo too.)
Looking forward to Bendis's seminar- Quinny (the seminar man at Supanova) said the script insights were great. Should be awesome fodder for the thesis work.
Regarding the new releases of 'Soldier Legacy #4' and the first Trade Paperback; I want to publicly thank Baden Kirgan of Black House comics and Jeffries Printing services. The support regarding the deadlines, printing and shipment of stock was just phenomenal, everyone who picked up the Soldier trade on the weekend agreed on the top quality of the printing, and also, to turn around top quality and big quantities of two different books (Soldier Legacy #4 and Dark Detective #8) in a short space of time, is just epic.
I also want to thank very, very much, my collaborator, partner in crime, mentor and close friend Christopher Sequeira on another adventure-filled weekend. From hatching plans, to plotting stories & ideas, to personal advice, and for being eternally optimistic when I would be more than happy to beat myself up about things, Thank you mate. It's always a pleasure catching up and spending time on the tables with you. I'm glad people are so positive about the Dr Nikola/1880's Soldier team-up- I can't wait to begin the concluding installment, and our future projects, starting with our Parahuman #1 story.
To Supanova "Grand Master" Daniel Zachariou, and his wonderful team including his partner Libby, Missy and Felicity, and James, Norelle, Roger and the rest of the crew who ran around for us all weekend- a great show, thank you so much for your help, looking after us, belief in me and the Australian series, and I look forward to the first Gold Coast show this weekend. It's shaping up to be huge! (and Daniel, your kind words about the Soldier Legacy 'Tides of Hope' page are a highlight, thanks again.)
http://www.supanova.com.au/
Tim McEwen,
http://greenerpasturescomic.blogspot.com.au/ Stewart McKenny
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_McKenny(and your better half, Wendy ;D): thank you again for your company, and encouragement, I hope you dig the latest issue of Soldier. (Tim, did you spot the old Australian comic nod? ;D) Tim, your daughter Annabelle ran the 'Tides of Hope' section so professionally, I was very impressed, and the comic page wallets were very popular too.
Tom Taylor and Colin Wilson: two gentlemen of the Australian/International Comics scene. It was awesome to be neighbors, and to touch base again. Congratulations again too, Tom, on the new digital Batman gig, and thank you for the kindness you showed on your upcoming thing (more on release).
http://www.tomtaylormade.com/ It was also great to touch base with Wolfgang Bylsma of Gestalt Comics; another nice guy- and I'm going to have to chase up that book I was after- it was one thing on the list I didn't get to achieve ;S
http://www.gestaltcomics.com/
Tristan Jones, a pleasure to finally put a name to the face, a top guy and great to have a chat with. I'm currently in the midst of reading 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles: Infestation'. Great story so far, it's my first read of TMNT ever, so I'm coming in fresh. Looking forward to catching up again on the Gold Coast (and at King's Comics! Great stuff mate).
http://tyrannosaurusjones.tumblr.com/
Caught up with Bobby N
http://www.bobbyn.com/: another top guy (I luckily know a few ;P), got his great new book from MilkShadow books called "No Map but not Lost" (James Andre, nice guy, thanks mate, great seeing you, and meeting your partner Matilde-Rose) Have read a few chapters so far; this book is basically a chronological journey through Bobbby's artistic/comic strip development, from his earliest embarrasing strips to his current stylings. It's a wonderfuly format- basically each strip ends with a little commentary on his possible influences, and not beling afraid to say "what the f%^& was I thinking?". It's inspired me to one day locate all the riducilus comic book pages I drew as a kid growing up under a heavy diet of Kungfu/action films and comics. One strip was a comic with all the top martial arts moive actors playing different roles. It was basically a Hong Kong version of 'The Expendibles', except it was detectives (Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan ;P) investigating a string of hitman-related killings (by a Chow Yun Fat....type cast much? ;P) -predating Sly by nearly 15 years... (and an Oscar-worthy idea it was too) o_O
Anyways, where was I? Oh yeah,Bobby, great book, Milk Shadow did a wonderful job too, and a highlight to catch up. Would love to get in with one of your conversations with Paul one day. I'm still laughing.
(And Brendan! Saw you briefly, will catch up more next time hopefully :D)
https://www.milkshadowbooks.com/blog/
Speaking of Milk Shadow, I got to see Ben Hutchings briefly; I've been chasing 'Walking to Japan' for 6 months, since I last sat next to them at Armageddon 2011. I finally got a copy, and I can tell you- as someone who does non-stop action comics, the pace, the overall quiet, serene feeling you get when you read this beautifully done comic, I just got totally drawn it. It's beautiful. Honestly, if you haven't seen it, or have a copy. Get it. It's also unique in that being at a newspaper format, on real newsprint, it gives the comic a documentative quality to it- a use of the physical media to give the work an extra added dimension, that compliments the whimsical narrative of this journey to Japan. (do I sound like a wanker or what? ;P)
https://www.milkshadowbooks.com/blog/?products=walking-to-japan
Paul Bedford: Congratulations on the impending nuptials :D and great to catch up, my brother from another mother. Can't wait to receive my ordered copy of 'The List', it looked awesome at the show, and great to finally see it in its intended form.
http://www.facebook.com/thelistgraphicnovel
Darren, great to touch base mate, congrats on getting (hopefully) all the sketch variants in for "Killeroo: Gangwar", and thank you for getting the latest books. I hope you dug them :)
http://killeroo.bigcartel.com/
Paul Abstruse: You too brother, thanks for getting the trade :D I know Superhero-y stuff isn't your bag, but I appreciate the support. Look forward to catch up on the GC, man :D
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-Abstruse/162939740430794
Paul from Aussie Fake Tatoos, Up the Bunnies! Too bad we lost, but awesome tat, thanks again (it's starting to be a show tradition ;P)
Bruce and Quinny from (Cool) Shite & Joffre Street productions: Top blokes- didn't get to catch up much, I know you guys are always super busy, and run off your feet, but thank you again, and will hopefully touch base again on the GC. As I said you on Saturday Bruce, your podcast acknowledges my Australia comic work even exists, so I'm very appreciative of that.
http://www.coolshite.net/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beginnings-Anthology/249559031765013 Emma J, Gavin, Rob of 'Beginnings Anthology': Lovely to see you again/meet (in Rob's case), great to talk to you guys a little more in person- I hope you had a good con, keep up the original content, it trumps simply pumping out prints in the long run. My brain is seriously failing here without adequate sleep and blood sugar, but keep up what you're doing :D And from the sounds of things, you have a good body guard in Alisha J ;D (great talking to you more too, Alisha, I will get to a D 'n' D soon, I swear! :) ) And great to touch base with Ben Grimshaw (ahh, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place ;P), Michelle (Good luck in South Africa!), and Sarah in her awesome Captain America Jacket (which I'm guessing is too small for me, right? ;( )
http://flavors.me/essieteric 
Frank Candiloro, dude! Another great, thoughtful piece of work. Still reading it, but it's so unique, I always love the design elements you employ, and the subject matters you attempt to interweave throughout your stories fantastic and interesting.
http://www.frankcandiloro.com/
Emmett, great to see you again, albeit brief, I appreciated you coming over to tell me the 'Iron Sky" director was around- I was just strapped to my table at that point. Anyways, all the best, mate.
For the friends and fans from Melbourne or interstate, who took the time to talk to me, and/or buy the comic books, I thank you. I'm nothing without you and your support.
(Australian Comic guests with Supanova staff Norelle :) L to R: Me, Chris, Norelle (hope I'm spelling that right...or even getting that right :P), Wolfgang, Tom, Colin, Stewart and Tristan. An honour to be in this picture).
Well, I'm wiped. I'm struggling to put together the most basic of sentences, so I'm signed out. I look forward to the possibilities of an even bigger and better Gold Coast show this weekend :D
UPDATE: In my half-asleep-ness, I totally forgot to mention we touched base with Darren Koziol of Dark OZ, home to the Australian Horror Comic Magazine 'Decay'. Nice to touch base again, and Chris mentioned to me we might be doing a couple of pages for them sometime this year. Totally left of field for me, but look forward to the challenge ;D A lovely guy, and works hard to continuly promote his publication.
http://www.darkoz.com.au/
