Free squiz at a comic? Better than a Victorian Era kick to the face: Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1

Just some stuff I was doing on Tumblr recently. You can suss out preview pages of story 1 from 'The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1', published 2013 by Black House Comics. Or not. Whatevs ;)

By Sequiera and Mason. Published by Black House Comics.

 PART 1 of 3: http://paulmasoncomics.tumblr.com/post/75148474549/you-know-what-what-says-no-one-heres-part

The WW2 'Soldier' and Dr Nikola throw down.

 PART 2 of 3: http://paulmasoncomics.tumblr.com/post/75957160476/http-www-blackboox-net-strange-tales-1-part-2

 PART 3 of 3: http://paulmasoncomics.tumblr.com/post/76805064573/part-3-of-3-from-the-soldier-legacys-strange

Get the book here from Black House Comics: http://www.blackboox.net/strange-tales-1/

Geek Speak ManCave series- Interviews with Paul Mason included :D

Back in February, I was invited down to 'The Man Cave', on location at Ace Comics in Annerley, Brisbane, by the boys from 'Geek Speak', to record an interview for their 'ManCave' series, about my comic series etc. etc. Also interviewed were Brad Scott of the super popular 'Naked Zombie Radio', and the 'Space Pyrates' comic series creators Matthew Hoddy and Caitlin Major.

To summaries, Todd and I chat a little about the Soldier Legacy comic series's origins of sorts, Jack Kirby and other comic artist I dig, why I'm anti-bully, a little martial arts and childhood, the comics that got me into this whole mess of a career-ish choice, San Diego comic con trips, DC Comics Burbank, Soldier Legacy/Dr Nikola one-shot with Chris Sequeira and Black House Comics (the newly released 'Soldier Legacy's Strange tales') OZ Comic-Con, and upcoming guest appearances at Melbourne and Gold Coast Supanova...and some other stuff. I dunno, I can't remember. Have fun, you'll figure it all out ;P We covered a lot of ground, and I'm very thankful for the invite and opportunity to chat and have a laugh. Thanks again for the support, Geek Speak :D (and apologies for the one or two F-Bomb, kids. Stay in School ;D)

Below, are part 1 and two of the series: Brad Scott, and Matt and Caitlin for your convenience.




Here's something that sparked a few thoughts that maybe are self-indulgent, maybe has bothered me far more than it should of, but overall, I've managed to program into my head as a positive. Since this is a "blog" of sorts, here's a chunk of my brain, folks; bear with me, and apologies :)

I saw pretty early on, the interview video I did, had gotten a 'dislike'. Sure it was one, but man, hard NOT to take that personally considering it's just ME talking... but it's a re-affirmation that no matter how hard I try, or just focus on promoting the comic books and work, learn and do my best with my endeavours etc., someone's always going to have an issue, and "you just can't please everybody". *shrug. When I was in primary school, and came home upset one day from some particularly nasty "let's pick on the freckled, buck tooth, fat kid" session, my Mum and Dad said to me "Don't let mugs upset you". I still live by this, and aim to keep on keeping on. I encourage kids to do the same. Let's just touch on a couple of things in the next few weeks, (let alone the things I'm happy to have landed, and am working towards) to illustrate my point: Next week, I head interstate to test for my 3rd Degree Black belt, something I'm 6 years overdue for, but am looking forward to attempting. The week after, I'm a comic book guest at Melbourne Supanova convention, followed by the Gold Coast with some good friends of mine in the biz. The weekend after that, I'm squad training for the lead up to my events as part of the Australian Taekwon-do team for the 2013 World Championships....Kids, if you buckle to every jealous quip, every put down, negative comment, lukewarm attitude, or even the silence when you do chalk a win up on the board, you will not grow, learn or achieve much. Forget haters, and forget the "entitled" attitude that many people have when they assume they should have what you have, when you're working hard to get it. I'm not being cocky about this, or attempting to boast. Really, I'm merely pointing out my itinerary. If you have a problem with it, then you're probably who I'm walking past to live the life I want to live ;)

That's all I can pass on as a "life lesson" from this, for anyone who cares to read and listen. ;D Keep punching on, kids.

That's my two cents.

Cheers, Diggers. See you all soon.

Gone to the publishers! Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales

Available next week at Perth and Adelaide OZ Comic-Con, and April at Melbourne and Gold Coast Supanova, thanks to Black House Comics.

Scripts/Plots by Christopher Sequeira, Illustration/plots by Paul Mason.

Packed with story!
You must not miss this! ;P

The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1 cover progress. a.k.a: Confessions of an Obsessive, Compulsive and Paranoid Comic Illustrator

Basically, this is it. The final cover for next month's new release at OZ Comic-Con Perth, Adelaide and beyond: 'The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales'. Back cover will feature characters from the back up feature: Lazarus Burne's Maleficent Seven'.

As mentioned previous, this book reprints the first two parts of the Dr Nikola /Soldier Legacy story from 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes' (with touch ups), and will newly publish the conclusion of this story being penciled and coloured now, and due to be released in 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes #9' out soon. This 3 part story and the 'Larry Burne' tale were plotted by my writer buddy Chris Sequeira (DD: Sherlock Holmes, X-Men vs Vampires, upcoming 'The Avenger' story for Moonstone etc.) and I, and then scripted by Chris once I flooded his inbox with the pages. I'm currently lettering LB on the other screen, and waiting on Chris to give me the proverbial slap upside the head with the corrections and tweaks before I can finally leave that story alone. 

The guys on the Whatcha podcast recently touched on the Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes series, mentioning the Dr Nikola back up feature kindly, and I'm stoked to finally be able to complete it and assemble it into this one-shot book. And, to see LB finally completed as intended a while back, I'm pleased to include this in the Black House Comics Soldier Legacy family.

http://whatchapodcast.podomatic.com/entry/2013-01-26T15_50_15-08_00

(about 1hr 08 mins in)

Anyways, enough of the official nonsense. Let's crack open my head a little and spill some OCD-related imagery and madness, with a spattering of indecisiveness ;P

Progress on the covers: it was basically a question of trying to make the colours of the back ground vs images vs the logo work within the concept of "weird"/"strange", while at the same time not confusing the eye with a muddled mess- I wanted the primary image to stand out as well at the title header. 

The main thing here was as as much as I dug the Red/orange and yellow versions, they looked too "warm" in respect to the whole "strange" vibe I wanted. And though I really liked the original green colour for the 'Strange Tales' title, it was too close to the value of the background (as well as green on green). Loooking back at some of the 'Strange Tales' covers from the early 60's I really liked the yellow and red combination on the headers (white would have been good, had it not been for the white "page tear" in the bg.) Thankfully, red and green compliment each other, so once that combination was hit, the colour balance of the page seemed to fall into place, and I could start to finalise the other elemnts with the paranoia that all the different bits clashed with each other/didn't suit the overall "theme".

It was just a question of getting another round of feedback from the publisher Baden Kiragn, and writer collaborator on these tales, Chris Sequeira, before making my final decision. Will probably re-align one or two things but essentially, the top image of the post is the final version. Phew! Perdantic, much? 

Below are examples of the original 'Captain America's Weird Tales' (the original kernel that started this concept,) from 1949/1950, and the 1960's 'Strange Tales' title.

       

          

 

Thanks, folks! More to come soon. 

Sneak peek: The one-shot title

If you're a regular reader of my Soldier Legacy related blog, I sincerely apologise ;P

If you're still here, you may have read recent posts related to the Chris Sequeira/Paul Mason collaboration one-shot issue, which will feature the full 'Dr. Nikola vs The Victorian era Soldier Legacy' story featuring in the back of that last 2 and upcoming Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes comic books from Black House. The one-shot will also feature the debut teaser story of 'Lazarus "Larry" Burne' and his Maleficent Seven (think "Dirty Harry" of Exorcists and you're halfway there ;P). These stories are both slightly "left of field" for me and the continuity being laid out in the regular 'Soldier Legacy' series, but they were fun to do, and I wondered if there was future potential to be able to play with the character/characters outside of the stories set in WW2. Here's a look at the title:

From the thesis point of view, it was fun to experiment in the true "Marvel Method" collaboration. We drilled these plots out over a number of sessions before we had something fun, I would sweat over the image chores, and in the process of finishing up the last chapter for Mr Sequeira to script in the dialogue to my pics. I can read about it in books, or I can have a crack myself with a writer. It was very cool. This was also a nod to Lee and Kirby's Strange tales, with the "first" appearance of Captain America in the "modern" 1960's Marvel (ok, so the Human Torch battles a robot; but it was the litmus test for the Official appearance in 'Avengers #4 - Comic nerd Paul), and the 1949 'Captain America's Weird Tales. I did originally plan on perhaps "Weird Tales", or 'Strange Stories", but 'Strange Tales' had a nice ring to it, (and cheers for the input, John Retallick ;D)
Anyways, I'm fading fast from a full day's work and no meal, so I hope you'll dig what we're throwing at interested readers in March.
And, as always, if you're here reading this, and you give a damn, I thank you.
We soldier on.

Dear Diary: SLQ, Late Nite Show 2013, Other stuff...you asleep yet?

Random bits and pieces this week, bear with me :)

WIP pencil panel from the upcoming Part 3 of the Doctor Nikola back up feature in 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes #9, and the upcoming 'Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales'

• Wrapped up my Comics workshops at the State Library of Queensland last week. It was part of their Annual Cartoons, Animation and Manga workshop series, and I was very proud to have been aboard. The 2 groups (12-16 year olds and 9-12 year olds) gave great feedback over the experience, and I see there were quite a few faces blown away by some of the comic page examples I talked about. Plenty of Jack Kirby appreciation from the new generation of budding storytellers ;D

Tim McEwen's Brisbane Supanova reading pile. Photo copyright 2013 Tim McEwen.

• Australian comics creator and co-founder of 'Supanova Pop Culture Expo' Tim McEwen posted a photo blog of the November Supanova convention in Brisbane (2012), which features some cool comics-related highlights of his show, including my boof head, apparently giving the "Oh-No- You -Did-nt" finger to the audience during the "Domestic Drawing Dynamos" panel James "The Deep" Brouwer and I spoke at (with my main man 'Q-Dog' conducting). Great memories and loads of fun. Check out the many faces of Howard Chaykin during a fantastic MasterClass given on the Friday night, and the local comics haul Tim managed to score, including the latest Soldier in the top right. http://greenerpasturescomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/supanova-brisbane-2012.html

• A Title and Cover mock up seems to have been given the seal of approval for the new issue release from me, and Writer collaborator Christopher Sequeira, entitled "The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales"- featuring The Diabolical Doctor Nikola. This will be a 20 page story, plus a extra story in the back discussed earlier- the "Dirty Harry of Exorcists : Lazarus "Larry" Burne. I'm very much looking forward to bringing this out at Oz Comic-Con Perth and Adelaide in March. I'm told the webmaster will be back soon to retinker with an updated bio, but in the meantime: http://www.ozcomiccon.com/guestbio.aspx?GID=117370566038544 . More news soon for reader who give a damn, I might be catching you Melbourians earlier than first thought ;)

Late Nite Host Scott Black, new "sick kick" Amanda Bacchi, and Bozo the Clown.
Photo copyright 2013, 31 Digital.

• Last week the new season started of 'The Late Nite Show with Scott Black' on Briz 31 Digital, and I was lucky enough to have been invited back for more nonsense and Schwarzenegger jokes ;D If you missed it, it's now online at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIqUONCuVDGUluy-Rmxu7T6eABwGzPDpJ 

"The Action film you didn't want...". Photo copyright 2013, 31 Digital

Or, you can jump straight to the terrible bits with me in it below ;P

In among the nonsense, I got a chance to name check good mate and frequent collaborator Christopher Sequeira, good mate and Australia comic illustrator Paul Abstruse, the good guys at 'Gifts for the Geek' in Geelong, Vic, and the wonderful Oz Comic-Con.

  

Thank you again to Scott Black for asking me back- I have heaps of fun being on the show, and getting to hang out a little with the Kris and the crew, Little James etc. It was lovely to meet Alana and sad to see she won't be a regular on the show this year, but alternatively, my friend Amanda Bacchi will be filling in as the new Late Nite Show companion. Congratulations all, and all the best for the new season!

Something minor for an upcoming issue of something

Coloured image of a sketch gift for Black House Comics publisher Baden Kirgan earlier in 2012. Features the two characters I have had the pleasure drawing for Black House- My 1940's 'Soldier' character from 'The Soldier Legacy, and the occultist anti-hero Dr. Nikola, from Chris Sequeira's 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes' series.

The character first appeared in 'DD:SH' issue 4, in a story written by Chirs Sequeira, and drawn by series illustrator Phil Cornell. My first published work for Black House was a Nikola pin-up in issue 6 back in 2010, and when 'Soldier Legacy' was picked up by the publisher in mid 2011, Chris pitched an idea for a back up story in 'DD:SH', featuring Dr. Nikola, in a "Marvel team-up" style story with an 1880's version of my Soldier character. Loads of fun, with the last part of that story due out soon, and talks of a one-shot in the very near future. Details soon. Could be something new for Oz Comic-Con Perth and Adelaide...

Dr. Nikola is a Victorian-era character created in the late 1890's by Australian pulp novelist Guy Boothby.

Work in progress, Pre-Xmas Day nonsense etc.

Here's an image work-in-progress thing for the untitled "Lazarus Burne" strip.

 Thumbnailed the last chapter of the Dr. Nikola vs The 1880's Soldier Legacy for the next issue of Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes (#9). All previous 8 issues and TPB are avilable via blackboox: http://www.blackboox.net

I just spotted this! http://www.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/11289/updates/0/0#info

My image is included in the Sebastian Hawks Gallery :D

 That's awesome :D Thank you! 

You guys should really check this out, not long to go, and they need your help!
http://www.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/11289/description/0/0

Sebastion Hawks Pozible Campaign from Cameron Oliver on Vimeo.

As soon as my snail-paced funds clear, I'm all over it :D

Soldier Legacy #6 questions are coming in already, no due date as yet, due to juggling these two comics plus the thesis that needs drastic work. I don't want to rush #6 and kill the look of it, plus there's quite a few challenging visuals needed. So at this stage, it might be out in time for Free Comic Book Day (I'll be at Gifts for the Geek in Melbourne), or the aim is Supanova Sydney 21-23rd June. Keep you posted if earlier. Time is going to be a huge factor come 2013- one that I'm not looking forward to. But, we can only do what we can, right?

Oh, if you're after the others, signed and with a original sketch, I'm having a 2 weeks only, limited stock sale:
http://paulmason.bigcartel.com/product/the-soldier-legacy-limited-complete-signed-pack

Had a lovely name drop, and recent image feature on BLEEDING COOL NEWS today, a nice surprise by Andrez Bergen for his upcoming novel "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?". Thanks Andrez. Merry Christmas. http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/12/23/icing-on-the-cape-who-is-killing-the-great-capes-of-heropa/

Lastly, the great guys at Geek Speak did a Christmas shout out, and nicely, I was included. Thanks again, and all the best for 2013 :D

And again, to each and every one of you, who take time out to read my ramblings here, Merry Christmas, and happy, safe holidays. I hope you continue to march with me and the Soldier in 2013.

QUEENSLAND! Get These at GOLD COAST SUPANOVA APRIL 21st-22nd

My last weekend as a "Supa-Star Guest" is coming up. Bittersweet, but very thankful.

Chris Sequeira (Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes, X-men Vs Vampires, Justice League Adventures) and I will be talking all things Black House Comics on the Saturday at 11:20am in the Supanova Seminar room.

And I hope to be con sketching like a mad man. Looking forward to the turnout. All single issues $5, the Trade Paperback is only $20!

See you there :D

Part 2 of 'Dr Nikola vs. Soldier Legacy' available in DD: Sherlock Holmes #8- for Supanovas in April

Dr Nikola vs The Soldier Legacy- Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes #8

Amongst the frantic madness of getting the TPB done, and the latest issue by next week, I also have to draw, colour, and most likely letter part 2 of the 3 part back up feature in the next "Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes" issue 8. Sweating bullets at present, I hope the work stands up, my major focus is just getting in in on time. So here's a snippet of the first page unlettered (leaked...shh....don't tell), which recaps where we left off, and straight into the action of the upcoming story.


This is a pencil to colour comparison for top panel page 4. Still need work in my opinion- as does the overall page, anyway. Deadline driven colouring is a bit of a bitch for me, who naturally has difficulty trusting my own coloruing methodology! :P

Here's another from page 1:

Update! Sherlock Holmes, New Soldier etc.

Just quickly updating, Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes #7 hits Newsagents this week, with the first part of the Dr Nikola backup story, featuring "The Soldier Legacy" of 1887! for only $5, this book is very cool :D I also have commenced penciling for both part 2 of the story, which will feature in the next book due out the beginning of next year, and Soldier Legacy #4, which is aiming for an April release. Stay tuned for previews :D

I also wish to announce a Black House Comics initiative called 'MACQ' http://www.macqmagazine.com/ which is the only Australian made 'previews' style magazine for Retailers and customers to view some of the best comic books and graphic novels Australia has to offer. The first issue (avaialbe via PDF on the website), showcases both Black House comics, and Gestalt publications- the guys who have produced some awesome Aussie books such as The Deep, Torn, Changing Ways etc. For more info, click here http://www.blackhousecomics.com/articles/macq---whats-it-all-about.html . More publishers and independents to be added as issues progress for sure. And as you can see, both "The Soldier Legacy" and "Dark Detective" are available to order anywhere in Australia! See your local Comic book store for more details.

I also wish to announce that all current Soldier Legacy issues are available online or via order for only $5 each! For 32 pages full colour, why not?!

Gotta go, more updates soon :D
Paul

Soldier Legacy Comics now available online at Black Boox!

http://www.blackboox.net/

http://www.blackboox.net/products/The-Soldier-Legacy-Issue-1.html

http://www.blackboox.net/products/The-Soldier-Legacy-Issue-2.html

Hi all,

sorry for the extended delay since the last post. I just checked the date and realised that was 2 days before Sydney Supanova. I will recap that shortly for those interested, but in the meantime, Black House comics have now made issues #1 and #2 of 'The Soldier Legacy' now availabe to purchase online at Black Boox!

Had to literally hit the ground running when I got back from Sydney, with a couple of illustration jobs for friend Chris Sequeira, plus I had just finished the pencils for the part 1 back up feature for 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes' #7, so those had to be coloured before the end of the month too. I have just finished a 30 page folio print book to take to San Diego next week to hopefully be able to put in the hands of professionals to get some much needed feedback and suggestions (though I didn't give the printers enough time to put together, so this is still speculative :P)

Anyways, gotta run, still uploading files, check out the great Aussie comics available at Black Boox and I'll post more later :D

Paul

Soldier Legacy at Sydney Supanova 2011!

Just a quick note, I am lucky enough to be going to 2011 Sydney Supanova Pop culture convention from July 17-19! http://www.supanova.com.au

I will be part of Black House comics, where the Soldier Legacy will be published under their label. Very excited, as I have also gained to opportunity to work with my great friend and gentleman, Chris Sequeira (http://www.supanova.com.au/guest/chris-sequeira/) on a little back up story in the next issue of 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes', also

by Black House. Awesome stuff, but really busy at the moment, hence the lack of blogging. Will update soon.

The Back Up story will feature Pulp Villain 'Dr Nikola' who I was fortunate enough to be asked to illustrate for this pin up in 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes' #6 (Dec 2010). Nikola is a character created by Australian pulp writer Guy Boothby, with illustrations by Stanley L Wood in his series of books published over 100 years ago (roughly ;P). Chris expertly weaved him into the Holmes continuity (with illustrations by the great man Phil Cornell) and I am looking forward to seeing our story (which I was fortunate enough to co-plot) in print in #7. Pick up the book and look out for a cool 'Easter Egg'...

P.s.: Soldier Legacy# 3 is half a page away from being finished and ready to scan for colouring. At this stage I'm predicting #3 will launch in Melbourne Armageddon in October and Brisbane Supanova November!

Gotta run! Will have pencils up soon, I promise :D