No, I'm not dead: Free Comic Book Day, and other stuff

Ok, super brief update for those who give a damn.

Paul Abstruse, GFTG's Darren Parker, and me, with the exclusive GFTG "Judge Dredd #1" variant covers.

Huuuuggggge thanks to the boys and girls of 'Gifts for the Geek' for flying us down for 'Free Comic Book Day' on the 4th of May in their cool store in Geelong, Victoria. Loved all the kind folks who came and got their Soldier books signed, or grabbed a copy- you are way too kind :D

One of the sketches that keep us busy, from open to close- Congratulations for a successful day, GFTG!

FORCES of GEEK's BIG ON JAPAN Article part 2 dropped at some point, with Soldier Legacy stuff:
http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2013/05/big-on-japan-fistful-of-international.html
and Part 1, just in case ;)
http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2013/04/big-on-japan-fistful-of-international.html

Umm, not much else; last squad training for full Aussie team last weekend in Canberra (before we head to the UK for the World TKD Championships), and I managed to pull another 2 x Golds at the latest tournament (NSW/ACT titles)- happy with progress so far, despite going into the weekend with hamstring strains. I hope to continue working through my program (and schedule to keep my brain in check while I find the time to train, courtesy of good friend Candice Land of Enitor Health and Performance), and continue the good fortune when fights roll around in London come the beginning of August. Big, big thanks to my "brother" Sabum Gary King, and Sabum Penny King for their help and hospitality, my "other" family "The Greigs, and Master instructor Jamie Moore in particular, plus the Central Coast contingent, Sabum Scott, Andy, Nigel, Dave and the rest of the Aussie team.

Photo courtesy of John Sutherland.

What was weird was my worlds mixed for a moment when a nice young dude from the Central Coast Authentic Takewon-do branch, caught me between events to get a copy of "Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1" signed :P When he asked for a photo, I said " did you smile?" "Uh-Huh"...tricked me :P

Anyways, gotta run. The grind of the day job, prepping for UK, US, drawing and colouring some prints for Oz Comic-Con in Melbourne July, and getting 'the Soldier Legacy' back into gear post- 'New Adventures of the Human Fly #1'.

Lots to do, and barely keeping the head above water. I have Arnold Schwarzenegger's quote in front of me at the computer: "What are you really made of?" When I feel like I've made lousy life choices every day when my alarm goes off in the morning, I try to think of where I started, and where I'm trying to go. I might feel like I'm the invisible guy trudging on to hit these personal milestones, but I do know I have a handful of close people, family and friends giving genuine praise and encouragement, and genuine readers who dig the comic stuff too. Thank you guys- I hope not to let you down.
12 plane flights this year so far, 6 Australian states (including ACT and my home state); it's been busy and my bank account has suffered. But I've had a lot of fun, met and caught up with a lot of people; I guess I'll dig all of this when I'm older and looking back at my stupid a** in these photos and convention schedules, right?

Cheers, Diggers.
Paul.

FORCES OF GEEK: Article with appearance from me, and the Soldier ;)

Many thanks to Andrez Bergan for interviewing me as part of the huge international group of Comic artists jamming about what we love about the Japanese culture on the FORCES OF GEEK website:

"BIG ON JAPAN:
A Fistful of International Artists Croon The Country's Cultural Praises 
— AND THEN SOME."

WIP of the final image in the article

The article features two of my pics too- an art only page from 'The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1' published by Black House Comics, and 'The Southern Cross' image from 'Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa'

The article touching a little on my Martial arts background in relation to Japan, is here: http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2013/04/big-on-japan-fistful-of-international.html
Part 2 is due out next month :)

Speaking of "..Heropa", another great review for author Andrez Bergan, this one courtesy of 'Pulp Den', with that pic of mine again ;D http://pulplair.blogspot.jp/2013/04/who-is-killing-great-capes-of-heropa.html

Thanks all :D more news soon, including (hopefully) a leak on my latest goings on.