The latest very kind media stuff, with 'Soldier' ties.

Just a quick one; The ANZAC DAY edition of 'The Late Nite Show' used a little bit of art and my tribute in 'The Soldier legacy comics' for their program. Check out part 1 of the episode, and click here to check out the rest of the episodes: http://www.youtube.com/user/Mrlateniteshow?feature=watch

Just to finish up:
The guys at Geek Speak talked up 'The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1', and Todd seemed to dig 'The Maleficus Seven' back up story. Cheers, guys.
http://geekspeak.podbean.com/2013/05/20/geek-speak-live-56-batman-legozombiesjulie-mcnivenbatman-ghostbusters-cgi-filmsironman3/

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Articles, Updates, Podcasts and Gold Coast interview with Geek Speak

Hi Soldiers!

Very sorry, quick updates here, I'm super busy, just got back from a Takewon-do Squad training weekend, and have much to do, In the meantime, a number of things dropped online while I was away, so let's get down to business.

- Geek Speak released their first interview from the recent Gold Coast Supanova (20-21st April 2013), with me, and I spill some beans of some current work I'm doing, thanks to the good folks overseas; including Mr Goldmann, Mr Brewer, Mr Aushenker, Mr Babinski, and good mate Mr Sequeira. Look out of more stuff from the expos here soon, I have a few people to thank and photos to drop on the blog.

- Pikitia Press did a quick question to good mate and fellow comic creator Jason Franks, asking us about 'Productivity and motivation'. Since this is a huge thing in my day to day, week to week routine, I hope some of you get something out of this, not just from a comic-making sense, but in whatever activity you're trying to do well, and goals you're trying to reach in life:

http://pikitiapress.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/productivity-and-motivation-jason.htm

And thanks for the recent mention in 'Paper Trail' for April 21: http://pikitiapress.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/paper-trail_1531.html

- Whatcha podcast just released their latest episode entitled "Whatcha Anzac-in"- in which they pay tribute to our Anzacs, talk all sorts of pop culture, and announce the winner of their 'Soldier Legacy Comic Book' competition: http://whatchapodcast.podomatic.com/entry/2013-04-28T01_36_28-07_00 They were also kind enough to review Chris Sequeira and I's 'Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1' and gave it '2 thumbs up!' Thanks Dean! (Jump to 33:20ish)

Big, big thanks to Nath, Dean and Michael for their enthusiastic support!

- More great news regarding Andrez Bergen's 'Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa', featuring a little mention of me and the image I did for the novel; Cheers again, Andrez :D
http://www.shelfabuse.com/news/comic-news/andrez-bergen-who-is-killing-the-great-capes-of-heropa/

There is also a 'Southern Cross" drawing competition here:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/who-is-killing-the-great-capes-of-heropa/southern-cross-the-character-design-competition/561622017193341

UPDATE: Brisbane's local channel '31 Digital' just uploaded their Supanova special episodes, where I was interviewed briefly by 'Doctor Who'. Many thanks to Kris and the Crew, who I saw and caught up with on the Gold Coast last weekend as well, and very much appreciate their support:


That's it for now, Diggers.
Chat soon, and thanks again!

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.

Turns out you don't have to be online to get pimped sometimes ;P

Hey Soldiers!
Sometimes it's fantastic to know that I'm not just on a desert island, lobbing bottle after bottle into the ocean, wondering if anyone really gives a *** about the comic books I cram into that little glass "vessel". Thankfully, apart from you more vocal readers who touch base with me, or the lovely folk who appear at the conventions around the country, there are some great folks in the national pop culture scene who give you faith that perhaps I'm not marooned after all.

Over the weekend, the awesome crew from 'Gifts for the Geek' in Geelong, posted the banner for the upcoming appearance with good buddy Paul Abstruse for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Should be loads of fun, and I'm very much looking forward to visiting Geelong again. Last time I was there, was for the 2007 World TKD Championship Australian team selections (I can't remember the year, but poor Peter Brock had passed away that day, and that sticks in my mind).  It was also freezing. I'm sure that time of year, it will be a little warmer ;D

I'm a 'Cover Girl' :P
Thanks to the nice guys of 'Geek Speak' who surprised me with this pic on their Facebook cover page, taken at a recently recorded interview. That should drop in a few weeks I believe. Thank you again, gents. It's a hard slog, and I appreciate the support and kindness.

Then again, I haven't listened to this yet, that I was recently tagged in...I'm sure it's good, because they know I'll find them ;P

Speaking of Geek Speak, the brains behind Kaboom Comics in Toowoomba also posted this promo pic of all their Aussie titles. Have a read here :D

Anyways, Troops; it's time I get back to it. Please support your local comic stores- Ace Comics and Games recently stocked some Soldier Legacy titles, so you have no excuse either, Brisbane ;P

As always, Thank you again :)

We soldier on.

UPDATE: Oh yeah, there was of course, this...

 Worse. Cameo. Ever!

(Thanks Mr Black and co. ;P)
Filmed during the more recent appearance on the Late Nite Show.

It was 'Ace' filming with Geek Speak... ;P

(... I'm ashamed of that title ;P)

Last Sunday, I was lucky enough to be invited out to Ace Comics at Annerley to have a one-on-one interview with the great people of Geek Speak TV :D 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geekspeaktv?fref=ts

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/geekspeakaustralia

It was loads of fun, and great to see the crew, meet fellow interviewee Brad Scott of Naked Zombie Radio http://www.naked-zombie-radio.com/, and say a warm hello to Australian comic creators Matthew Hoddy and Caitlin Major, who do the web/self-published series 'Space Pyrates': http://spacepyrates.com/ 

Speaking of Space Pyrates, do you want your own collected edition of this Aussie comic series? The creative team need your assistance, and you get cool stuff in return! What's not to dig?!

Space Pyrates Collected edition Pozibles campaign: Check it out!

http://www.pozible.com/archive/index/11956

Oh, and thanks again to Glen at Ace Comics at Annerley- You troops should be able to find, or get a hold of, the Soldier Legacy TPB, #4 and #5 from either Annerley, Queen Street Mall store, or Comics Plus, on the Gold Coast :D https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ace-Comics-Games/113878159670?fref=ts

Here's a bunch of pics from the day, thanks to Brad, and Todd and Wade for the photos.

  

Brad snaps us on the couch. Photo courtesy of Naked Zombie Radio

It's like an 80's action/comedy :P.
Photo courtesy of Geek Speak

The tour poster for our upcoming 'Wiggles' tribute concert.
Photo courtesy of Geek Speak

Photo courtesy of  Geek Speak.

Brad Scott of Naked Zombie Radio- a Top Bloke!

L to R: Bozo the Clown, Naked Zombie Radio's Brad Scott, Geek Speak's Todd Ballie, and Space Pyrates's Caitlin Major and Matthew K. Hoddy. Thanks for a great mid morning talking all sorts of comic nonsense ;D

More details soon when the interviews are released. Thanks again, Geek Speak! Always a privilege to talk to folks like Geek Speak, The Late Nite Show, Kapow!, Whatcha podcast etc. who appreciate my toiling in comics. More troops in the Soldier army is always welcome :)

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.

Geek Speak TV Sneak Peek Brisbane Supanova Episode

As you can see from the still from the Video Clip above, my booth and ugly mug pop up in the trailer from the upcoming BRISBANE SUPANOVA POP CULTURE EXPO 2012 special (about 1: 16). I was lucky enough to be a guest at the convention, and Amanda and the boys from 'Geek Speak' dropped by for an Interview, where I probably spoke a fair bit of jibberish. So, sorry about that ;P

Thanks again for the support, lady and gents ;)

Look out for an interview with my mate, and Zenescope illustrator Paul Abstruse (0:36). He and I were announced on facebook (rather early, mind you ;P) as guests of 'Gifts for the Geek's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY celebrations, to be held at their store in Geelong, Victoria on Saturday, 4th of May, 2013. A little more info and links via the Soldier Legacy website http://thesoldierlegacy.com/?p=571

Name Check on TV? Thanks, Folks!

While watching the locally produced 'The Late Nite Show with Scott Black' last Thursday, I was surprised not once, but twice! by the reference to me and 'The Soldier Legacy'

...That check must have cleared ;P



4: 05 seconds in, referenced in the monologue joke. I'm touched, thanks mate :D

But then, my friend Amanda Bacchi from Geek Speak TV was a guest, talking Geek stuff...


...12:20ish, Mr Black does it again! Champion :)
Thanks for the kind words, Amanda. And great to hear Stewart McKenny, 'Zombie Cities', and 'Winter City' get a plug too.

I very much appreciate anyone acknowledging the existence of 'The Soldier Legacy', let alone the praise :D Nice work as usual, Mr Black and Flash, and thanks again.

Girly Geek Speak Article- Spider-Man's Origins etc. By Paul Mason

http://girlygeekspeak.com.au/blog/spider-mans-origins/

Hey! So I wrote another article for the great guys at Geek Speak TV/Girly Geek Speak this week, all touching on Spider-man's origins, both inside and outside the comic book, and bits on the upcoming 'Amazing Spider-man' flick next week.

Here's a chunk that I ended up axing, because overall, the first draft was very pseudo- academic (or "dry" :P). Thankfully, this was pointed out to me by Geek Speak co-Host Amanda Bacchi on first read before upload. Oops. Fixed. Comic-ers might appreciate the jabbering below:

"This simple story thrown in to the back of a defunct sci-fi comic, is a fantastic example of concise, compelling storytelling- All we learn about Peter, this basic, original blue print for Peter’s life exists in a mere 11 pages. Even Grant Morrison points out the comparison between the 11 pages of Peter’s origin story Lee and Ditko tell as opposed to the six 22 pages it take to tell an updated version in ‘Ultimate Spider-man’. Of course, Bendis’s version lays out more detail and introduces the villain connections to Spider-man’s origin (much like many Hollywood films where the hero and villain have that family-like connection, as this helps to create empathetic tension and inner conflict within the hero- but I’m getting off topic). The point is, in only 11 pages we are treated to Peter Parker’s full gamut of emotions, with the events unfolding leaving him forever changed. That’s scriptwriting/character development 101 in a neat package, folks."

Ditko tells this story visually with very little bravado, using a 3 tier, loose grid layout for the majority of the comic to tell the story. In this sense, the panels don’t necessarily come into play by emphasising a point in the story, unless called for, such as the bigger panel focusing on Uncle Ben’s Killer’s identity. Ditko’s panels subconsciously make the reader immerse themselves panel by panel into the narrative itself without distracting or confusing the eye with a splashy layout; just character posing, scale of figures, and clear, uncluttered artwork. Whether consciously or subconsciously deliberate, deadline driven or not, the comic is concise, straight to the point, effective storytelling. Why waste a page or two on introducing normality of the character’s home life, when we can get a sense of Peter’s loving home life and relationship with his Aunt and Uncle in 2 panels?

It took over 6 months for sales figures to come back before Martin Goodman realised that there was something more to this ‘Spider-man’ character, with ‘The Amazing Spider-man’ #1 published the following year. With Peter’s life kicking off were AF #15 left off, Lee and Ditko set the foundations for one of comic’s biggest successes. With a rogues gallery established upfront that rival Batman’s or Dick Tracey’s for weird, wonderful and downright diabolical, I look forward to seeing how this reboot will fair in adding to the wealth of Spider-man stories that have been told in one form or another since that 11 page little origin story in 1962."

Penciling sneak peek, and more Geek Speak shout outs

Ok, just briefly, Folio book to the printers, there's a heap of stuff in there that hasn't been seen before, a big sequential pencils section (a snippet above), and a load of colour pinups. Cover pic to come :)

AND, thank you for the shout out by the Geek Speak crew in their recent podcast :D

http://girlygeekspeak.com.au/geekspeak/geek-speak-live-podcast-11/

Paul Mason: Article writing for Girly Geek Speak: Retro Comic Review of 1963's 'The Avengers'

So last week I did something a little different from my usual deadline/thesis work, and thanks to the good people of 'Girly Geek Speak' (of Geek Speak TV), I wrote a review of sorts for 'Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers volume 1'. THe whole idea was to warm up for thesis writing, by discussing some of the earliest appearances of characters that are now raking in the dough in international cinemas.

You can find there article here at: http://girlygeekspeak.com.au/books-comics/retro-review-the-avengers/


Back to work!

SUPANOVA Gold Coast 2012 - Geek Speak

Geek Speak were kind enough to get a few words off me about 'The Soldier Legacy' at the recent Gold Coast Supanova :D

Other good friends, and top guys got their faces on here too, including fellow Comic Book guests Stewart McKenny, Tristan Jones and Tom Taylor. Carlos Pacheco and Brian Michael Bendis are also interviewed at what turned out to be an awesome weekend.

My doofus-looking, sleep-deprived head turns up around the 12 minute mark ;P Enjoy!

Geek Speak TV gives 'The Soldier Legacy' some love ;D

(Aussie comic great, and Supanova Art director Tim McEwen snaps Chris Sequeira, Paul Abstruse, and me (at a rare moment away from the table ;P) while I shop for back issues of 1960's 'Tales of Suspense': Captain America by Kirby and Sinnott= Awesome ;P)

Haven't done the post-Gold Coast Supanova recap yet, but just wanted to give a big thanks to Todd, Amanda and the Crew from KaBoom Comics at Toowoomba, Queensland, who are the folks behind Geek Speak and Girly Geek Speak- Podcasts, posts and TV show that reviews all sorts of comic book/pop culture stuff. I was pleased to discover that 'The Soldier Legacy" Comic books are selling very well in my sunny state, and was honoured to have been interviewed by the show, and mentioned on the blog and podcast, in the same breath as Stewart McKenny and Tom Taylor, and among gentlemen at the con such as Brian Michael Bendis, Carlos Pacheco and Aussie Tristan Jones. All the links below, thanks again guys. I look forward to seeing my nervous stammering through Amanda's questions ;P

The write up: http://girlygeekspeak.com.au/geekspeak/the-soldier-legacy-paul-mason/

The Supanova recap by Geek Speak: http://girlygeekspeak.com.au/blog/geek-speaks-supanova-experience/


The kind mention in the Post Supanova podcast: http://girlygeekspeak.com.au/podcasts/geek-speak-live-podcast-7/