You guys!-Brisbane Supanova November 2013 Photo Dump

Cheers Soldiers! For a great weekend in November ;D

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.

Guest at Upcoming Events: OZ Comic-Con, Supanova, FCBD

Just an update on the events I've been invited to as comic guest. Looking forward to catching up with fellow Black House Comic friends, and Soldier readers, new and current.

OZ COMIC-CON: 

Perth 9th - 10th March 2013

Perth Exhibition Centre
Western Australia

Adelaide 16th - 17th March 2013

Adelaide Showgrounds

South Australia

Melbourne 6th - 7th July 2013

Royal Exhibition Building
Victoria

http://www.ozcomiccon.com/guestbio.aspx?GID=117370566038544

(Just Announced)

SUPANOVA POP CULTURE EXPO:

Melbourne 12th - 14th April 2013

Melbourne Showgrounds
Victoria

Gold Coast 19th - 21st April

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Queensland

Supanova Article announcing Guest spots at Melbourne and Gold Coast 2013:

http://www.supanova.com.au/news/cassandra-james-feeling-fly-g6/

Supanova guest profile:

http://www.supanova.com.au/guest/paul-mason/

May 4th : FCBD at Gifts for the Geek, Geelong Victoria (More details to come).

A big thanks to all the staff and crew of the following shows. Very pleased that they make huge efforts to promote national creators, and I'm very touched to be a part of it. Last year was my first year as being a guest of these shows; and all the good folks that came by, as followers of the work, or new to it, were very encouraging and enthusiastic about the series. Comic book, trade paperback, prints, sketches or commission people, you all play a role in supporting local creators and helping me on my journey. Many lonely hours, days, weeks, months and years has gone into working on the illustration, and it's touching to have people that count acknowledge the work, and readers on board. Anyways, this is becoming too reflective, and I'm letting the scoffers and trolls get to me. I had a backhanded compliment paid to me this morning via email and it's soured my mood a little. At the end of the day, you can only focus on the work, make it the best you can, learn, improve, move on. Tomorrow, I've been invited to chat to the guys of Geek Speak TV, so let's get the groove back and round out the weekend on a happier note. See you guys in your respective states soon, with new stuff I hope you dig :D
At ease, Soldiers.

From the Trenches: My self-centred 2012 in review

Excuse me while I indulge myself in my own 2012 work recap. I don't want to bore you, so here's a cool song from one of my favourite bands- to me it kind of sums up my year. Always running out of time, always feeling behind, and feeling like I'm so deep in the trench with bullets flying overhead, that I'm not gaining any ground, and perhaps missing life go by. So I guess that's why I'm doing this recap. There are countless people to thank for the help, love and support this year- I'm not going to list you, that will take some time (Really, you could just read the fine print on the inside of the comic covers) Rather, know this: If you're reading this at all, then a thank you is for you.

Probably one of my funeral songs if anyone's making notes ;)

 The day job puts the stress and squeeze in over the holidays, and there are a few illustrating jobs (and that damn thesis :S) demanding attention. I really hope to knock these aside soon, as last night I finished plotting the pages for Soldier Legacy #6, and I'm eager to get cracking on a few pages before 2013 begins...

 In a nutshell, I guess this has been the year.

Though the wheels have been wobbly post-Brisbane convention/marathon hours on Soldier #5 (I think my body finally demanded regular-ish sleeping time back) I'm pressing on, and hoping some of these good possibilities I'm waiting news on become a reality. If they don't, oh well. No knock outs here, only knock downs. You can get back up from those.

In the recap department, I've mostly got this covered previosuly anyway. Matt Emery's Pikitia Press interviews with Australian and NZ cartoonist and comic creators covered much ground: http://pikitiapress.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/2012-in-review-paul-mason.html

and much of the news highlights this year are covered in the headlines of 'The Soldier Legacy.com' website http://thesoldierlegacy.com/?page_id=15

My recent editorial in the pages of November's 'Soldier Legacy #5' has Soldier-related 2012 covered, which I'll share a slab of the hyperbole here:

"Platoon!

At ease, patient reader. Firstly, as always, I want to thank YOU, the fan and friend, for picking up a copy of this, and perhaps previous ‘Soldier Legacy’ comics. Without you having a little faith in the book, it would not go anywhere. True story 

Secondly, I’d just like to touch very briefly on some of the ‘Soldier Legacy’ news from the past year, with many adventures had, thanks to this little book.

Firstly, April saw the release of simultaneous Soldier works being available to the public (the first part of the year was super busy to say the very least). Soldier Legacy #4, The Soldier Legacy trade paperback edition Vol 1, and part 2 of the 1880’s Soldier Legacy/Dr Nikola back up feature in Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes #8 became available, as good friend and Black House Comic stable mate Christopher Sequeira and I was official guests of the Melbourne and Gold Coast Supanova conventions. This was my first time as a guest of any convention, and quite an honour to be on the list, primarily on the back of an Australian work. I shared the guest spots with some of my favourite artists and writers in the field, notably Tom Taylor, Tristan Jones, Stewart McKenny, Colin Wilson, Billy Tan, Brian Michael Bendis and Carlos Pacheco. It was a fantastic couple of weeks, and I was over the moon to be part of it.

Later in the year, Black House comics had a huge artist alley presence at Sydney Supanova, and I had so much fun seeing old and new faces, getting pics in front of the 9ft Soldier cut-out, and drawing my hand off.  It was great to share the tables with other Aussie comic creators, such as Jason Paulos, Jason Franks, Jan Scherpenhuizen, Bruce Mutard and Matt Emery. While I was there, I took the opportunity presented a few weeks before, to arrange to speak with Al, Sonya and Ray (with Ben calling the shots ;D) of the ‘Kapow’ Comic book review show. Thank you for the opportunity to talk a little about the book. For this convention too, I had just completed a 2012 comic book issue-sized Folio book, which I use primarily has my way to gain valuable feedback and advice when travelling through events like San Diego Comic-Con, but more on that shortly :D

Soon after, it was off to the inaugural Melbourne OZ Comic- Con, where I got the chance to be a guest again in the lovely city. Oz Comic-Con pulled out all the stops regarding Australian creators as guests on the card; for example, our Sunday panel was absolutely huge, as I humbly shared the stage with Nicola Scott, David Yardin, Jon Sommariva, Douglas Holgate, Dean Rankine, Wayne Nichols, W.Chew Chan, and Tristan Jones. You’ll have to excuse me for sounding a little like a fan boy recounting this- it’s something I cherish having the invitation to be there too. A great weekend, particularly capped off by Stan Lee’s enthusiasm over the ‘Soldier Legacy’ concept and books: sure, he’s probably heard “yours and Kirby’s work inspired this comic creation” etc. for many, many years. But, he was a gentleman, and seemed very genuine in his conversation. So, thanks again, OZ Comic-Con, I had a fantastic time- Again, my hand nearly fell off from the sketching, but you meet so many cool people while doing it. Totally worth it :D

I basically had two days at home before jumping back on a plane, this time to LA/San Diego for meetings, reviews and San Diego Comic-Con. Let me just say thank you again to my good friend Christopher Sequeira for our adventures and opportunities across LA, Burbank, San Diego etc. A nice little side note too, meeting Dave Elsey face to face (Oscar-winning makeup artist and cover artist of ‘Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes’) was fantastic and enriching.

Getting back into the comic book making was a high priority when I returned from the states, and with only limited time, and my new casual lecturing position at the Queensland College of Art adding to the full timetable, it has made for quite a lot of juggling.

But, during this time, I managed to complete this issue you’re reading right now, and as a de-stress, I somewhat re-established myself in my old pastime of ITF Taekwon-do, and after some tournament success, I’m possibly off to Seoul, Korea next year, with a confirmed place on the Australian Taekwon-do team for the Open World Taekwon-do championships. This will mark my fourth time in a world championships, with Birmingham, UK in 2007 being my last venture. The best part about it is catching up with old friends from interstate, who were part of previous teams, and/or years of training together on the floor at various Master/Grandmaster seminars. You know when you see an old friend you haven’t seen in years, but it feels like yesterday? That.

I guess in a sense, it’s trying to find that work /life balance that alludes me (as they say, “this ain't the rehearsal”). It’s been a busy year, some notable payoffs, but the goals never waiver. Onward!

Lastly, to end of the great year, I’m a guest of Brisbane Supanova 2012, which is awesome- my current hometown, with a crowd that first gave the Soldier comics a shot back in 2010 when the first run of issue 1 was made available. I write this a week out, so I’m hoping it will be a blast (I’m sure it will be ;D)..."

And of course, Brisbane was fantastic, with Dinner with Sarah, Royd, Tim and Howard (later joined by Felicity and her brother), Saturday night, Howard Chaykin tearing me a new one (with respect) while looking over my work, Sunday night Chinese, and the crazy panel with James Brouwer jumping out in my mind at present. Thank you Tristan, David and Shane too.
Thank you to Sarah for your help and support at OCC Melbourne and S'nova Brisbane cons too xo.

Next year is looking busy, as I mentioned in the Pikitia Press blog post.
Making the  team for my 4th world championship next year was a surprise, and we'll see if and how that will play havok with the schedule next year. Already I'm luckily tapped for Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne OZ Comic-Con guest duties (Thank you OCC), Comic book workshop teaching in January for the State Library of Queensland, another local TV appearance on 'The Late Nite Show' in Jan as well (thanks Mr Black :D) and a Free Comic Book day stint with mate Paul Abstruse, thanks to the top guys at 'Gifts for the Geek' in Victoria. There are talks about another US trip- San Diego again? But we'll see.  Last year, and this year were fantastic, but the work continues in breaking that invisible barrier, and staying on radar. Times have changed, and the economic climate has made for different circumstances in how things operate. The main thing is soldiering on.

It's a busy time, and I always assume that posts like this are a bit wanky and superficial. But, it's honestly what's happening, and I'd be doing a disservice to myself and to the genuinely interested without letting them know "Hey, I'm coming to your state with Soldier stuff! Get your army boots- Let's roll!".

So in saying this, I must thank from the bottom of my muddied boots to the tip of my slouch hat, all the readers, supporters, and people who take the time to read any posts, news, pics etc. online and "like" them or share them- you're the lifeblood of keeping this show on the road, the reason why people pay attention, and you're also the hardest people to convince to stick around and support. So I'm glad you do ;D Thank you.

(I hope you've had a chance to see yourselves in a convention pic- try here: http://thesoldierlegacy.com/?page_id=231 or via the facebook page albums: https://www.facebook.com/soldierlegacy/photos_albums. Or, check out the crazy long blog archive:  there's an indication of 2012- double the posting than last year. Busy!)

To my family who I've barely seen this year...and my friends....actually, let's just say the outside world in general. I can count my social outings on 1 hand ....I'm sorry, but thank you so much for your understanding. I hate having several day jobs and juggling drawing, writing AND trying to maintain a level of fitness to save myself from getting my head knocked off. My body has tested me on this on several occasions  and I've had to modify how I fight a few times purely because sitting at a drawing boards/computer for hours at a time verses kicking, sprinting etc. just simply doesn't work. I think I'm slightly OCD some days, where I skip a session (or getting up in general) to finish off an image. Probably not good for the old mindset, but work is work, right? It's been a little tough, more so in just finding the time than anything else, and I'm not quite where my mind wishes I was. In every aspect.
But, I have nothing more but to stick to the plan. I might break before something else does, but I have to keep the machine moving now. I've never seen or met anyone who has cracked anything solid in less than 5-10 years. I've been doing soldier for since 2010. I still have some time to go. I hope I can drop a commitment or two in 2013 because something bigger and stable has arisen. That's a goal. Hopefully, more lecturing. I really enjoyed that, and must thank QCA, Andi, and my class for actually listening too ;)

To the long list of comic creators and professionals that have given me their ear or encouragement or advice this year, both here and abroad, thank you so much. Particularly one of my closest mates Chris Sequeira, who helped create some awesome moments and great opportunities. Without my publisher Baden Kirgan of Black House Comics, this would all have not have been possible. This is all an experiment, a gamble, a roll of the dice to a game I'm not even sure I should be playing. But, I try.
Also:
Daniel, Royd, Tim, Missy, Felicity, Bruce, Quinny, Dion, Mark, and all the crew from Supanova Pop Culture Expo,
Carissa, Rand, Cordiela, and the crew from Oz Comic-Con, The Late Nite Show with Scott Black, Briz 31 Digital, Kaboom Comics Toowoomba, Geek Speak, Girly Geek Speak, Kapow! Comic book review show, Whatcha Podcast, Gifts for the Geek Geelong, Comics Etc. Brisbane, All Star Comics Melbourne, Pikitia Press, and everyone else who has gone out of their way to promote, sell, post, mention in passing etc. etc...it means so much to me. Thank you.

The brain is failing, I need to go have breakfast. Thanks for tolerating this exercise in self-service, have a fantastic Christmas and safe New Year. I hope you'll stay tuned in 2013, and dig what will be available soon.

As you were.

Week 1 "Supa-Star Guest" Post-con jibberish- Melbourne Supanova 2012

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/

Supanova Magazine 2012

Hey! So the official Con magazine for Supanova Melbourne and Gold Coast came out today, with a mention of all the comic guests on page 24-26. 'The Soldier Legacy' features on page 25, along with Chris Sequeira and 'Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes' :D

Really looking forward to these events. Also great to see copies of the 'Tides of Hope' will be available at the show- remember, this book is 100% non-profit, with all proceeds going to the Flood appeal from 2011. Featuring work from a mass of international and national comic guests (Greg Capullo! Chris Claremont!, Lenil Francis Yu, Alex Maleev, Tom Taylor, Colin Wilson and more! Good buddies Chris Sequeira, Tim McEwen, Jan Sherpenhuizen, Jason Franks, Paul Bedford, also feature, Phil Cornell of 'Dark Detective:SH', Kurt Stone, Dan Lynch,...aghh, Brain fail. Go get it :D)Plus, the only way to own a copy of the Soldier Legacy Flood-themed pinup :D

Now back to work for me!

http://www.supanova.com.au/news/supanova-magazine-2/

I'm very excited still :D

Supanova hits Melbourne and the Gold Coast in April- What an awesome line up. One of my all time favourite comic writers, Brian Michael Bendis! Pachero! Jim Kelly from one of my all-time favourite films "Enter The Dragon" :D And awesome guys hitting it big in the states like Colin Wilson, Tom Taylor, Tristan Jones, Billy Tan, good mate Stewart McKenny, Jeffrey Cruz, and my personal friend and collaborator on Dr. Nikola vs Soldier: Chris Sequeira http://www.supanova.com.au/guests

This official blurb form the website. I'm very excited and very humbled by the calibre of guests at this:

"Paul Mason is a comic-book artist and writer, and creator of ‘The Soldier Legacy’, an Australian action-hero comic series now published by one of Australia’s largest independent comic book publishers, Black House Comics (and BHC will issue a trade paperback of the series this year).

In late 2011 Paul’s comic featured as part of a nationally televised commercial campaign for Youi Insurance (an event that captured the notice of comics fans internationally). The popularity of the Soldier legacy doesn’t appear to know any bounds, as Paul has also had comic-book pages feature in a Griffith University art exhibition in Gympie, and pages were also shortlisted and on display at the 5th Jilin International Animation and Comics exhibition in China 2011.

In addition, Paul illustrated the Soldier character for Supanova’s 2011 “Tides of Hope” anthology, and is currently illustrating and co-plotting a “The Soldier Legacy” cross-over story within the pages of “Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes”, scripted and co-plotted by Christopher Sequeira.

In the story, serialized in Dark Detective throughout the first half of 2012, Victorian super-villain Doctor Nikola will come face to face with the 1887 version of the Soldier Legacy, in newsagents across the country!

Paul is also looking forward to another collaboration with Sequeira and Black House on the upcoming ‘Black House Comics Presents’, but mum’s the word on the exact details right now – you’ll have to ask him at Supanova!

Paul looks forward to seeing all his fans at The Supanova Expos in Melbourne and the Gold Coast, where he will be appearing both days of each event Between 10 am and 5 pm"

Anyway, too tired to think, have another page to fiddle with before 4am :)

Still in the trenches, but battling on.

Just a quick update, battling on with multiple deadlines.
About a 1/3 of the way through colouring for #4, hoping to be halfway by mid next week. (The image below is about 2 days old, have another 2 pages to add to that :D). The interior pages for the Soldier Legacy TPB vol 1 were officially sent off to the Publishers this week also, with only the final touches and assembly needed for the cover.


Also, I was able to tick off a bucket list item by being an official 'Supa Star Guest' at the upcoming Supanova Pop Culture expos in Melbourne and Gold Coast in April. Being on the card with such cool guests, I feel almost silly and like I shouldn't be. I'm very honoured. Plus, I'll be sharing the table with fellow BHC stablemate/collaborator/Good friend Chris Sequeira, who's also a guest. http://www.supanova.com.au/guests/


Anyways, deadlines are calling, I have to go. More updates closer to the launch of the books ;)