Sydney OZ Comic-Con Video, GFS Animation, ACMI SUperhero Symposium: News Dump-Nov 2016

I'm hopeless at this blog thing. Flat out with September Oz Comic-Con events in Sydney and Brisbane, picked up a new, ongoing series which I can't say much about at this point, but it's a dream gig, and it's keeping me up around the clock to get the first deadline. More soon.

In the meantime, three posts from the last week, adding to the busy-ness, and some news regarding a graphic novel I've almost completed (with Christian Read and Gestalt Comics) to be announced and released, coming soon. WIll be nice to see the last two years of drawing actually see the light of day.
One is a video from recent Sydney Oz Comic-con.

Looking forward to speaking at ACMI in Melbourne next month (bottom story), and perhaps a day of rest :P

Incoming! New edition of SOLDIER LEGACY Vol 1, and a brand New Vol 2

Thanks to the awesome and top quality outfit, Jeffries Printing Services in Sydney, I am pleased to announce that a new edition of the out-of-print volume 1 trade paperback of 'The Soldier Legacy' will be available at the upcoming Brisbane and Sydney OZ Comic-Con in September, where I have been invited as a guest to attend.

Further to this, A volume 2 will be available for the first time, which will collect #4, #5, the Strange Tales one-shot with good mate and top writer Christopher Sequeira (who just finished working with Mark Waid on Dynamite's 'Justice Inc. The Avenger'- congratulations again mate!), and a stack of extras, including pages from the wartime edition of issue 6 (which was released earlier this year in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne). A massive thanks to Nicola Scott, Andrew Constant, Christian Read, John Higgins, Christopher Sequeira, and John Retallick for their extremely kind words that appear on the covers, to Baden Kirgan of Jeffries Printing for helping to make this possible, and to my partner Amanda for her support in the project. A volume 3 will wrap up the storyline, is aiming for a 2016 release, which will at this point include a colour version of #6 (not previously released), and the over-sized final issue 7, plus extras of course.

Priority at this point is also still to forge ahead with the current work on the drawing table, but more news on that when I can. Again, I'm so stoked to be doing something for this publisher and with kick-ass scripts from a great writer. The hard part is doing the words justice.

Anyways,
Thanks again.


Oh and just briefly, an update on the absence: Again, held up by a few things since the last post. Lecturing at QCA a large chunk of the weeks, with a fantastic and talented group of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students. Awarded the Doctorate (yeah, Dr. Paul Mason…insert your jokes here), and the Monthly Comic Book Meet ups that I host (along with instigator and fellow Geek, the lovely Amanda Bacchi) at Brisbane Square Library are still going strong, with our 1 year anniversary coming up. Obviously all hasn't been sunshine and rainbows, but we all have our own wars to fight; all we can do is march on, right? Always be thankful for loved ones and close friends to help you out.

Speaking (somewhat) of which, A small full colour 5 page Soldier Legacy related story has been completed for the ComicOz Book 'Australia!', raising money for Beyond Blue, the charity battling Depression and mental illness. More on that one soon, and it was a nice opportunity to add another piece to the Soldier mythos, featuring a "Soldier" of sorts in the cane fields of North Queensland in the 1930s, and a pet bird in honour of our lost little mate "Chuck", who died on the operating table a few months back.
 Anyways, apologies for bringing down the mood, hope you are all well, and speak soon.

Oz Comic-Con Perth Panel pics!

More pics have surfaced, this time on the OZ Comic-Con facebook page, of the monster Perth panel, featuring a mass of Australian comic book artists and writers. I've jibbered on about all this before, so let me just say a big and heartfelt thanks again to all the good folks and mates onstage, and Carissa, Rand and the fantastic volunteers and staff of the Oz Comic-Con tour (big shout outs to Cordi and the comic volunteers who took care of us in both cities.). Best time!

Cheers to Cal Wood Photography for capturing this, including a heap of cosplay and Artist alley folks too. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.532939123425622.1073741826.242730105779860&type=3

L to R: Justin Randall, Emily Smith, Stewart McKenny, David Yardin, Nicola Scott, Me, Douglas Holgate, Jon Sommariva, Tristan Jones, Andrew Constant. A fantastic, fun and awesome crew of people. Wolfgang and Gary not pictured, but a great bloke too.

Adelaide Oz Comic-Con Panel Schedule for 16th-17th March 2013

Less than a week out from Perth Oz Comic-Con, and the Adelaide Oz Comic-Con schedule is up, showing the awesome panels I'm humbled to be a part of. Excerpts below for Adelaide, or if you're looking for Perth's schedule for 9-10th March, try here ;D

Full schedule at: 

http://www.ozcomiccon.com/schedules.aspx

Adelaide Showgrounds

Goyder Pavillion
Goodwood Road
Wayville, Adelaide SA 5034 

Opening Hours - Adelaide 16th and 17th of March 2013
Saturday 9am to 6pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm

PANELS:

Saturday

Tertiary Stage Schedule

12 noon – Aussie Comics panel w/Paul Abstruse, Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason & Jon Sommariva

Sunday

Secondary Stage Schedule

2pm – Aussies in Comics panel w/Paul Abstruse, Andrew Constant, Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Stewart McKenny, Nicola Scott, Jon Sommariva & David Yardin

The "Monster sized" Aussie in Comics panel from Melbourne OCC 2012.
(L to R) Nicola Scott, Jon Sommariva, David Yardin, Tristan Jones, Wayne Nichols, W. Chew Chan, Dean Rankine, Doug Holgate and I.

Saturday

Comic & Literature Guests (Signing & Sketches)
Paul Abstruse, Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason & Jon Sommariva – 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 6pm
Wolfgang Bylsma – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm
Matthew Clark, Nicola Scott & David Yardin – 9am to 11am, 1pm to 6pm
Andrew Constant – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm, 5pm to 6pm
Stewart McKenny & Jason Palmer – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm
K J Taylor & Sean Williams – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 3pm, 4pm to 6pm

Sunday

Comic & Literature Guests (Signing & Sketches)
Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason & Jon Sommariva – 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 6pm
Wolfgang Bylsma – 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 6pm
Matthew Clark – 9am to 11am, 1pm to 6pm
Paul Abstruse, Andrew Constant, Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Stewart McKenny, Nicola Scott, Jon Sommariva & David Yardin – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm
Jason Palmer – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 6pm
K J Taylor & Sean Williams – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm

Less than 2 weeks, Perth!: Paul Mason/Australian Comics panels

"Way to go, Paul. You look like an angry jerk."

PERTH OZ Comic-Con Schedule:

For the full schedule, head here: http://www.ozcomiccon.com/schedules.aspx

Really looking forward to being on the panels with some good friends, fantastic creators and an awesome bunch of people.

"Opening Hours - Perth 9th and 10th of March 2013
Saturday 9am to 6pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm

Secondary Stage Schedule
Sunday

2pm – Aussies in Comics panel w/Andrew Constant, Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Shane McCarthy, Stewart McKenny, Justin Randall, Nicola Scott, Emily Smith, Jon Sommariva & David Yardin

Tertiary Stage Schedule
Saturday

12 noon – Aussie Comics panel w/Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Shane McCarthy & Jon Sommariva



Comic Guests (Signing & Sketches) Saturday
Wolfgang Bylsma – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm
Andrew Constant, Justin Randall & Emily Smith – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm, 5pm to 6pm 
Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Shane McCarthy & Jon Sommariva – 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 6pm
Bruce Mutard – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 6pm
Stewart McKenny & Jason Palmer – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm
Matthew Clarke, Nicola Scott & David Yardin – 9am to 11am, 1pm to 6pm

Comic Guests (Signing & Sketches) Sunday
Wolfgang Bylsma – 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 6pm
Matthew Clarke – 9am to 11am, 1pm to 6pm
Andrew Constant, Doug Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Shane McCarthy, Stewart McKenny, Justin Randall, Nicola Scott, Emily Smith, Jon Sommariva & David Yardin – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm
Bruce Mutard – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm
Jason Palmer – 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 6pm"

Oz Comic-Con Melbourne: The Recap!

Australian Comics Panel (L to R): Nicola Scott, Jon Sommariva, David Yardin, Tristan Jones, Wayne Nicols, W.Chew Chan, Dean Rankine, Doug Holgate, and Me. I know, Right?

(Photo taken by Liam Merrick)

As I sit here frantically repacking my suit case for a trip to San Diego to research more for my thesis, meet some of my comic book heroes, touch base with some Editors, and get some feedback on my more recent comic book scribblings, I reflect briefly on the inaugural Melbourne Oz Comic-Con, for which I was an official Guest on the bill with some of the most talented writers and artists in this country, some fantastic international comic book guests, TV and movie stars, and two gentlemen by the names of Patrick Stewart, and one Mr Stan Lee. Yes, I am dumbstruck that I was on the same bill as one of my comic book inspirations, and the chance to meet him was one of the major moments I couldn't wait for.

Now, in several hours, I need to be on my way to the airport, and so I will be making my best attempts to keep this recap brief. However, the people that know me most are clearly aware that often my optimism outweighs reality in regards to time, and keeping within the intended word limits. Yes, my world is a John Woo gun fight: plenty of Action, but somehow a lot of slow motion. But I digress...

Let's try and cover things chronological-like, and if I miss anyone, I will blame the 5 other things I'm currently concentrating on at the moment to make sure I forget nothing for this flight, and that I'm yet to have a good night sleep post- Melbourne. 

So there's two things I like to do when I get a chance to do what I like in Melbourne: Visit All Star Comics on Lonsdale Street, and South Pacific Health Club on Bourke Street. Troy and Mitch, it was great to catch up with them, their shop is a huge supporter of local Australian comics, and I look forward to having the latest Soldier releases don the shelves there. I also followed my tradition and picked up a Kirby book: 'Essential Rawhide Kid', which I look forward to reading on my friggin' long flight to LAX.

As much as I desperately needed a workout after several days of being tied to the computer to knock over the latest freelance design gig, I was ultimately embarrassed when I accidently let out a little too much frustration on the gym's heavy bag set up. It seems I was a little too overzealous when I finally got a chance to put on some gloves and blow off some steam...and snap the thick bolts holding up the Bracket arm. *sigh. At least the bag missed me when it hit the floor, and after returning the gloves to reception, and a handful of washers and broken parts, I sheepishly made my way downstairs to play around on some fantastic equipment. A slick, stylish setup, and easy to get on what you need at that time of the evening.

Oops...

Anyways, while checking in to the Hotel, I bumped into nice guys David Yardin and Jon Sommariva, down from Sydney. Getting to hang out with these guys in parts over the weekend was really cool- a lovely couple of guys, and David's "Vin Diesel" story is bound to go viral soon. Or at least earn him a fortune on the lucrative Dating book market ;P Jon, well, I made an idiot of myself while waiting for the elevator, stupidly demonstrating to Tristan Jones how to take off the wrist band from the Platinum attendee VIP party. This resulted in an unexpected back fist into Jon Sommariva's stomach. If there was any doubt that I may or may not be invited back as a future guest of the con, all doubts were erased then and there :P I was the butt of many jokes for the rest of the evening. 

At the party and throughout the con, I would just like to give a shout out to the talented people who I had a chance to hang out with or catch up with, for which I am very grateful: Andrew Constant, the nice guy author of 'Torn', Christian Read, for which the irony of the last name is not lost on me, as he is the writer for a heap of fantastic reads, including 'The Eldritch Kid', Unmasked and the upcoming 'Rombies' project with Doug Holgate. Speaking of Doug Holgate,...Doug Holgate. What a top guy. I which I still had hair like that. Or in general. Anyways, we had a laugh or two onstage where we shared several seats between us during the panel, and the idea to mimic the 'Invincible Iron Man Gene Colan homage' Soldier Legacy cover in a picture, that for all intents and purposes, looks like we're attempting to spectacularly soil ourselves on the con floor. Never mind.  

Nicola Scott, Stewart McKenny, Dean Rankine, Wayne Nichols, all wonderful to see again. Wayne, I will get to a D & D in Brisbane, I swear! Dean, I took a bullet for you on Friday night, you owe me ;P But again, thank you for the fantastic Simpson-esque Captain America sketch. I will hook you up next time for sure. At the party and post- party quiet drinks, meeting Agnes Garbowska, Francis Manapul and Scott Allie was awesome. 

They are such lovely and down to Earth people. I say that a lot about the various people I encounter at the conventions. Must speak volumes about the professional comic book community in general. Anyway,  Mr Allie's folio review on the Sunday morning of the con was very kind and very enlightening, and although in many respects made me feel like an amateur, it really pleased me to hear not only the positives and constructive criticism of my more recent pages, but also hear what was NOT mentioned- meaning I can take stock knowing that I've improved on elements that needed attention last time I had my sequential art looked at, and as Mr Allie indicated, there are a couple of thing to look at to "take it to the next level". 

Sarah and the Gentleman, Colin Wilson.

As my concentration begins to fade here, I realize I have barely scratched the surface of the fun and games that occurred at the con. I'm sorry folks, I need to be up in 3 hours and I still have much to pack. Let me just say a huge thank you to the Following people who made my weekend fantastic: Sarah- my self appointed "financial adviser"- Adviser in a sense that she often made commonsense points like "you should cut off your sketch list now", and then having agreed moments before, promptly take on another one because it was a Kirby character :P. Thank you so much for your help and company on the weekend. I hope you had an awesome, albeit exhausting time. Jason Franks, great to see you, brother, great to catch up as always. Tristan Jones, there are some nice guys in comics, and then there's some really nice guys. Tristan is neither. 

KIDDING!!!

A blurry Tristan and Sarah. With a special cameo appearance by my Elbow.

A top guy; we had a few laughs, and it's always great to talk to him. And steal all his rubber bands. Speaking of really nice guys; Bobby N., Tom Taylor, Wolfgang Bylsma, it's never long enough to catch up and chat, but at least we touched base all the same. Tom, your Eric Roberts stories were epic. And Gents, congratulations on the sellout at Gestalt. My close friend Chewie Chan, great to see you again mate, Hayden Fryer, Paul Abstruse's Sunday cameo, Brendan Halyday, I think the thing about these cons is, the more successful and busy we all get, the less we see of each other. Never mind. Who else...errr..... look, I know I'm going to forget one or two people here, I'm sorry. Please don't take it personal, no doubt I'll remember your name in a half-comatose daze at 30,000 feet about the ocean, and unable to do nothing about it. Take stock knowing that I'm concerned about this, rather than not caring at all, yeah?

Chewie and I. Man, my camera sucks!

(ok, losing patience with the whole "link' thing. Just do what I've been doing and google the rest of these fine folks, m'kay?)

Finally putting faces to names, such as Steve Sparke of Fec, the very cool Ryan Lindsay, Greg Curcio with the James Chimp game/comic (something to keep an eye out for) to name a few.

Ok, I look a little manic. In my defense, that's Stan Lee. You get one shot NOT to blink. Mr Lee's reply: "Good Job". Thanks sir, but not really. I take terrible pictures under pressure :P

The con organizers, and volunteers, a huge thank you to you. Particularly Carissa, Rand, and Cordy for all of your help, support and running around, including the other volunteers at the show who I'd met before or on the day, getting water, directing traffic etc. It was a first time show in Melbourne, and with two massive guests alone, and an unsympathetic media/fan contingent, I humbly believe you still managed a fantastic event. Anyone who complained about the waiting, I sympathize with you too. But please understand- San Diego Comic Con lines are often longer, more unwieldy and part and parcel of the con experience. Don't let negative press or your first culture shock to the world of fandom ruin any future con trips.Unfortunately, Mr Lee is in his 90's and can only sign so fast (which mind you was very fast! He is the hardest working guest I've ever seen at a con. Straight of a plane from LA to do so many signatures and photos (plus a panel or two) on day 1, plus a fan dinner, then 9-6 the next day again. In his 90's. Inspirational in itself. To have Mr Lee also thank me for giving him a copy of my book as a gift to him, show genuine enthusiasm over the images, and say how appreciative of my work and comments about his and Jack Kirby's influence in my work as he reached out to shake my hand, really blew me away. It's nice to think that perhaps Mr Lee may read my book, coming from a source of inspiration that he helped produce, way back when I was 12 years old, reading his book "How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way". A green room highlight was Sir Patrick Stewart, who when I asked how he was going, he simply replied "F***ing freezing...", with which we, along with Chewie, and Wolfgang, chatted about the weather, air con, and airlines. Straight to the top of my 'Awesome Actors' list. 

All in all, the fans on the floor were fantastic, and I enjoyed talking to all of you. Thank you for the virtual sellout of my prints, I ran out of 3 of my 5 types on the first day, and was down to only 1 lot of a half batch by lunchtime day two. The prints were a first for me, and I'm happy with the response to them. I must remember to redo more for the next convention appearance, and update with some new images. And, Soldier Legacy books, I barely have any left for possible store distribution, meaning All Star Comics and Gifts of the Geek might get the last of what I have in stock. Keep you all posted. Thank you to my publisher, Baden Kirgan of Black House comics, for providing me with all the stock and arranging freight. Thanks jason for bringing it down too.

The Ghost Riders Dave and Fez. I want that Shirt, Dave!

Special mentions to buddies Bruce Moyle, Dee Pirko, Daniel Zachariou, Stephan Ford, Wendy Keulemans, Bron Mitchell of WAHM bags (thank you!), Skye, who said hello at the show, the fantastic Illustrator Colin Wilson, Samuel David (writer of the graphic novel 'College Hill' with Wayne Nichols), James Andre of Milk Shadow books, Shaun Paulet of Comics2Movies,  James Gilarte who had a chat, and the wonderful fans and friends who always humble me with their support of my work, such as Roger, Liam, Wayne, Stephan, Paul, Scott, and especially Dave, Fez, Julie and Amy, who were there before the beginning, and who make the most noise. Thank you guys.

 The last 'Justice League' print...

 The last 'Batman' print...

 The last "Marvel 1962" print...

 The FIRST Luke Cage print (where's the love, people? ;P "Sweet Christmas!")

 The very last 'Punisher' print, cleaned up off the wall.

To all the new fans too, I thank you, and I also apologies for all the thank yous and well wishing I tend to do. I guess at the end of the day, I'm thankful for this part of my life that allows me to do something that I love, for the people around me for their support, to have the honour and privilege to talk to peers and top of their game professionals, some who I can call "friends", and to have a growing number of supporters who seem to be genuinely entertained by what I'm attempting to do on paper. You bring me happiness with every nice word, every nice piece of feedback. No amount of negativity, jealousy or indifference from others can take that away.

I look at the clock. I'm going to be so tired on this plane. Oh well. This was something I wanted to do while Oz Comic-Con was fresh in people's minds, and again, I know it's very rambly, and if I missed a name, take heed in the words of the awesome Jim Kelly from 'Enter the Dragon': "Please understand, if I missed anyone, it's been a big day. I'm a little tired'.

I look forward to next years event for sure.

 Steve's Francis Manapul 'Etrigan' head sketch, and my 'Vandal Savage' head sketch, for the beginnings of a very cool 'Demon Knights' jam piece.

 Con Sketch: Thanos!

 Avenger's vs X-Men sketch cover- Frank Castle: Referee ;P

 Con sketch: Poison Ivy

 A somewhat 'What If' sketch request- What is 'The Soldier' was in the Navy...thanks for the pick, Paul :D

 A challenge- Jack Kirby's Kamandi sketch as quick as possible...

 Speaking of quick...

 Well, 3am, up at 5:30am, off to airport, then to LA. So the next time you'll "see" me, I'll have even more photos, and little stories to tell. And hopefully, the first pieces of art roughs for 'Soldier Legacy #5' due out later this year.

OZ Comic Con Panel schedule, and Momus Report mentions

More news today :D

(Fan photo from last weekend's Sydney Supanova convention. I'm not grumpy about the pic, mind you, it's just what they want :P Thanks, Roger!)

The Schedule for next week's Melbourne Oz Comic Con is out, and Hey! I made a panel with some awesome national and international Comic artists!

http://www.ozcomiccon.com/schedules.aspx

Sunday 1st July 
Stage 2


2pm-3pm – Aussies in Comics panel w/W. Chew Chan, Douglas Holgate, Tristan Jones, Paul Mason, Stewart McKenny, Wayne Nichols, Dean Rankine, Nicola Scott, Jon Sommariva & David Yardin


http://www.ozcomiccon.com/guests.aspx?Guests=Melb

That guest list just got even more awesome! Check out those comic guests! A lot of good friends on that list, and so much Australian creator talent. I'm so honoured to be a small part of the action.

After Supanova in April, and this show next week (with Stan Lee on the list!), I think I've peaked o.O

Plus, 'The Soldier Legacy blog' and comic gained a brief mention on this week's "Tontine Link-A-Lot". Thank you, Mr O'Cuana of 'The Momus Report':
http://themomusreport.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/tontine-link-lot-7.html

Thanks all, fighting a post-con flu, and massive thesis writer's block. But at least the Soldier Legacy #5 plot is about ready to rock n roll! The feedback for far on #4 seems to be really good, and you're all keen to see the chaos about to unfold in the final story arc chapters!

More soon, thanks again all.

At ease.

Black House Comics on 'Beauty and the Geek'

Quick post: The TV good fortunes continue with some great guests on Channel 7's 'Beauty and the Geek' this Thursday night. My publisher and friend Baden Kirgan will appear as a judge on the show, alongside the lovely Nicola Scott (artist of DC Comics, and whop has given me so much wonderful advice this year), and King's comic store owner Jim Papagrigoriou! (Sydney's leading comic shop and location for the recent 'Youi Insurance/Soldier Legacy TV commercials).

Should be loads of fun, and a good excuse for me to watch it :D

http://blackhousecomics.com/articles/black-house-comics---now-on-beauty--the-geek.html

and the press release http://blackhousecomics.com/comic-book-publisher-turns-judge-on-beauty-and-the-geek-tv-show.html