The Human Fly!

Recent Convention scribble sketch of  the former Marvel hero 'The Human Fly'

All the footage that exists so far for 'The Human Fly'. As the tagline for the 1970's Marvel Comic series read "The Wildest Super-hero ever--Because he's Real!". The 'Kick-Ass' way before Kick-Ass', and just as bizarre and accident prone in real life. Though pulling off some pretty amazing stunts (such as the 300mph mohave desert planeride, strapped upright to the roof!), his rocket-powered motorcycle jump didn't exactly go to plan (see 'Human Fly 101' video below by Steve Goldmann, director of the upcoming movie! http://www.chud.com/98820/marvels-the-human-fly-to-hit-the-big-screen-but-its-no-comic-book-movie/)



This 5 min doco piece by Goldmann is 'The Fly' in a nutshell:

Here's something interesting too, and something I'm stoked about: 

" Big News! The Fly will return in 2013:

NEW “HUMAN FLY” GRAPHIC NOVEL, INSPIRED BY THE UPCOMING MOVIE, TO DEBUT AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2013

Masked daredevil The Human Fly has just pulled off the ultimate stunt – he’s come back from the dead. 

Popularized by a 1970s Marvel Comic, the stuntman superhero will return to comic books in July 2013, with a worldwide debut at San Diego Comic-Con.

The comic book is part of a multi-media revival of the real-life costumed daredevil which will include animated cartoons, apparel, and a motion picture to be directed by by Steven Goldmann (Trailer Park of Terror) and produced by Alan Brewer (Playing For Keeps) and Blaine McManus (Sailboat) with co-Executive Producer Joel Eisenberg (April Showers) from a screenplay by Tony Babinski. The film is currently in pre-production.

Inspired by a true story, The Human Fly tells the tale of Joe, a young sausage maker who bets it all on an alleged Hollywood stuntman who claims that 60% of his body has been remade of steel after a near fatal car crash. With their first stunt - riding the back of DC-8 jet while in flight - the Human Fly quickly becomes one of the fastest-rising celebrities of the late 70‘s, taking Joe, his buddies, and all his money along for the ride of their lives!

The new graphic novel-format comic book will feature the talents of a who’s who of L.A.’s comic book scene as well as a gallery of pin-ups by veteran artists who worked on the original 1977-78 Marvel series.

Cartoonist Michael Aushenker (“El Gato, Crime Mangler,” “Bart Simpson”) will edit the trade paperback anthology, which will include collaborations by Aushenker and his “Gumby’s Gang Starring Pokey” artist, Rafael Navarro (“Sonambulo”); “The Human Fly” screenwriter Babinski and Javier Hernandez (“El Muerto, Aztec Zombie”); and writer/producer Steve Kriozere (creator of Cinemax's TV series “Femme Fatale”) with artist Jason Baroody ("Combat Jacks"); and "Trailer Park of Terror" creators Christopher March and James Dracoules.

Original “Human Fly” cover artists and inkers contributing pinups will include Bob Layton, Al Milgrom, Don Perlin and Steve Leialoha, as will longtime “Unknown Soldier” and “Incredible Hulk” artist Gerry Talaoc, Steve Butler (“Web of Spider-Man”), John Heebink (“Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), current Marvel alum Nelson Faro DeCastro ("Iron Man," "X-Men," "The Thing"), and alternative comics star Jim Rugg (“Afrodisiac”). Layton will provide the cover art.

While the original Marvel series only ran for 19 issues, the Human Fly has grown a cult following over the decades.Babinski, Goldmann, and Brewer plan to sequel-ize the new graphic novel, as well as post original web comics on their official website,http://www.thehumanflymovie.com/THE_MOVIE.html "

(From: https://www.facebook.com/TheHumanFlyMovie?filter=3)

More soon, Soldiers!

Another recent convention scribble for Cartoonist/Australian comics elder statesman, and Supanova co-founder Tim McEwen's sketchbook.

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!

Brisbane Supanova 2012 Recap :D

(Ok, So I'm managed to absolutely butcher the formatting of this post, thanks to this not-so-user-friendly system. Enjoy! :P)

The Albert and Logan News had a little mention in their 'What's On' section of the Friday 9th November edition.

Man, an awesome weekend :D

(From left to right): Stewart McKenny, Michelle Delecki, Paul Mason, Howard Chaykin, Shane Davis, David Yardin, Royd Burgoyne, Cordie Phemister, Wendy Keulemans, Tim McEwen and Sarah Ellen.

As you probably know, and are sick of hearing about, I was an official guest of last weekend's Brisbane Supanova Pop Culture expo, held at the RNA showgrounds. Above and below are a bunch of pics from the weekend, but I recommend if you want to see a good chunk of 'the Soldier'
 fans and some cool cosplay, suss out the photo album from "Brisnova" on The Soldier Legacy facebook page.

Firstly, I want to thank the fans and my friends who came by the table, came to the panel, and/or bought a copy of the books or prints. I appreciate you continually supporting my work (or for the new fans, becoming a recruit ;D), and I'm so pleased to be able to have to opportunity to chat to you. You guys, plus the publishers and close mates/mentors, the Supanova team, and the family and friends that pay attention, encourage and spread the word of what I'm trying to pump out, are the ones that help fuel this venture and help me continue. There's a bunch of you who got your photo snapped in front of 'The Soldier' on the weekend, so I hope you dig being on the FB page, and up on the website here: http://thesoldierlegacy.com/?page_id=231

"Quinny", or "Q-Dog" lookin' cool. I just look like a fool. I'm a poet.

Secondly, there's a number of people I want to thank for making the weekend enjoyable. The Supanova team of Daniel Zachariou, Tim McEwen, Royd Burgoyne, plus Bruce, 'Quinny', Chris, Felicity, Missy, Dion, Alf and all the crew and volunteers who helped get my to locations over the weekend, looked after the comic guests, and made the show run smooth for us. Had a great time catching up with you all, and thank you again for having me onboard.

A man I admire greatly: Australian Comics Godfather, Supanova co-founder, and friend, Tim McEwen.

Thumbs up fail. Oh well. Hanging out with good mates Bruce and Royd.

Hard working Supanova crew- Alf, Royd, Felicity and "The Boss", Daniel.

Ok, it looks like someone has just insulted us. Alf is like "You didn't just say what I think you said...?", Dion is like "****! You're a dead man, cuz", and I just look pleased that my knuckles get to dance ;P

Comic Artist/Writer Tristan Jones chills with  Artist David Yardin. Cheers, Gents. Thank you for putting up with my nonsense.

Sarah Ellen, thank you for all your help this weekend- the person who bears the brunt of my nonsense. Would not have been able to juggle all the weekend's commitments, cash and ticking off stock without your assistance, and I thank you greatly. xo
Although, I am sorry to say, the Schwarzenegger voice will continue. Suck it up :P

James Brouwer, the fantastic illustrator of Tom Taylor's 'The Deep' graphic novel series. It was great to spend a bit of time with you, absolutely love the Spider-man print, and thank you for not hitting me across the back of the head with a chair during our crazy panel ;P

James was a graduate of QCA's Bachelor of Animation program too; what a small world :D

Yes, we gave 'Quinny' a bit of drama during our panel :P We endeavoured it to be the best  panel most people would miss. Sucks to be them! I'm sure it will podcast in a number of months. Be warned- I was sleep deprived, and therefore a bit manic :P

This was a big highlight of the weekend: going to Howard Chaykin's Masterclass on the Friday, followed by a great, entertaining dinner, than after asking permission from Howard on Saturday night, he gave me a 'no B.S' folio review, where I learned a great deal. I was absolutely torn to shreds, but that's how you learn. False praise and smoke blowing is not going to teach you anything, and I'm pleased he trusted the fact I could take it. I still laugh when I think to myself the expression on his face that he gave me when he turned to the next page: "Seriously?" hahaha. I'm learning, I'm learning! I stated at dinner on Sunday night, you don't expect to get into the ring against Ali and not get hit. He told me that was "Bull s***". Thankfully, we agreed to disagree, and settled on Archie Moore, before moving onto boxing talk :P A knowledgeable guy, great to have that privilege to spend some time with him.

Amanda Bacchi, host of Geek Speak TV, along with Todd, Wade and the massive film crew dropped in on Saturday. Thank you guys so much for stopping by to chat, and for doing the interview. Loads of fun, and I very much appreciate the support you continue to give me. There's only a handful of comic-based media in our sporadic scene that seem to acknowledge my existence, and I am grateful for the coverage, that's for sure.

You've got to love a family that not only dig old school 'Luke Cage", but also roll with Jack Kirby
'Captain America'. Pleasure meeting you all.

Ronny Ron! 

Melbourne-based Australian Cartoonist and comic-making robot, Frank Candiloro. Great to see you and your happy, smiling face ;P Seriously, so I appreciate your support, bro (and great catching up with your table mate and comic creator, Alicia Jade too, who didn't get a picture! :O), and your latest gear in on the table, ready to be consumed.

 More pics below, featuring some cool Fans, hidden Geek Speak crew, and friends. More on the website/FB page.

Shout out to the awesome 105th Division, whose services I may use in the future...Thanks gents! Awesome stuff. 

Hey! Uni students, whose minds I corrupt...I mean, nurture :P

...and more!

The crew from 31 Digital, filming on the weekend, where I was interviewed by the good doctor here ;P
Great catching up post-LNS *Fist bump* Ka-Boom!

Yes, Shogo channels one of my biggest heroes: Bruce Lee, from 'Game of Death'. 

Darren for the awesome "Gifts of the Geek" store; great to see you boys up here (and Cordy of course ;D) , am so looking forward to coming down next year, and thanks for the assist with the shirts. May have to order more, as I really love the baseball style tops now ;)

There were some really cool moments not captured on camera here: Chatting to Malcolm-Jamal Warner and talking Uni stuff, John DiMaggio, having a laugh or two with author Joe Abercrombie, being introduced to "Triple Brie" and some other nutty/fig thing you stick on a cracker (yes, I'm not that sophisticated), meeting Shane Davis, my next door "neighbour" and guest Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz (his friends/helpers and the most epic moustache on the planet ;D), catching up briefly with Gemma Duffill, Cameron Davis (funnywebcomics) James Gilarte, Sorab Del Rio, my good mate Paul Abstruse, Stewart McKenny and the lovely Wendy, Jame's partner Adrienne, Mandy from Whatcha podcast/Geekxpectations https://www.facebook.com/Geeekxpectations?fref=ts ( good to meet you, thank you for the interview and the attention, guys. Very touched), Libby and Kate, and Dave, Fez, Julie and Amy, Brent, and all the long supporting fans; Dave Hornsby, Wayne, Shogo, Ben Small, Saxon, The true life soldiers who buy the book (lest we forget).Oh, and my brother in Red and Green Arms, Paul Bartlett from Aussie Fake Tattoos. Ummm, I' m terrible with names and I'm just getting a swirl of faces here...look, I'm starting to run out of steam here. Too may late nights working. I just want to stress how much I enjoyed the weekend, and you were all a part of it. Thank you :D (There were a couple of people who stressed that the Soldier book was one of the things they came to the con for, and I want to thank them: names escape me, but I know all your faces. That's very touching.)

Anyways, I'm out. Thank you, Brisbane! A full year recap to come soon. In reflection, it's been a big year. Thank you for sharing the journey with me, Soldiers.

Some thought streaming (bear with me, guys) ;)

"Sink or Swim"- Full page panel from 'Soldier Legacy' issue 4.

http://greenerpasturescomic.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/what-i-read-last-month.html

This week I had a out of the blue, no-holds barred quickie review by Australian comic artist Tim McEwen (Greener Pastures) on the earlier issues of 'The Soldier Legacy' (2 and 3) which got me thinking. Not in a bad way, just in a reflective way.

Don't get me wrong, it was a great little review, and I'm always very appreciative of Tim's feedback, support and encouragement. In fact, it makes me strive to be better. It was nice, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me feel amateurish when I read it. Though, in saying this, I'm fine with this. It's reviews like this that remind me why I don't chase other reviews unless I'm lucky enough for them to come my way (Like this, thank you Tim!), or I seek out specific art-related reviews from local or  international professionals/writers or editors I have great respect or an affinity for. Why? I guess I see many reviews that fly around that just touch on what they "like", or they tend to gush, and ignore the problems of the piece, which really doesn't help the writer and artist/s at all in my humble opinion. I know my work is far from perfect, and has a specific audience in mind; being built up on reviews is not what I'm aiming to do with my development- I love constructive criticism and encouragement with a solid base. My aim is to learn, promote an Australian character-centric story, and improve as a storyteller. And hell, over the couple of years, I've spoken to some favourites of mine (McFarlane, Capullo, Romita Jr, Simonson, Perez, Higgins, Waid, Royer, Jenkins, Scott, McKenny etc.) and if they suggest things, it's like one of the commandments past down from the mountain. If I can pull it off, I'll certainly adopt it!

What Tim says is true, and something that I always admit on my journey in sequential art: It's my learning process. Particularly when I have to take on all facets of the comic production, there's much to learn, but I take on all the roles as a necessity. Try to find a writer, inker, colourist, letterer and someone to package the book together in the time frame I want, and for the front-end payment I earn just pencilling (zip) and I'd never see the work in print. I "crash-coursed" writing, colouring, lettering, and print prep to begin with (using what I'd learnt in uni), and am still experimenting and refining as I go, particularly in pencilling (which is my focus) and trying to find my feet with something I hope speaks to people in a certain way, but be entertaining to see and read. And I have to say, before the TV ad, Black House, overseas trips, pro feedback, meetings and emails etc. I didn't think my "retro/poor man's Kirby/cartoony" style was appealing to anyone, especially considering the "pseudo-photo realistic" style that is in vogue in comics at present. Regardless of the drawing ability I'm working on, the storytelling is the thing I'm constantly aiming to improve, and with each issue I try to experiment and adopt the advise or method used by other artists and writers/recommendations by editors to see if I can create a more engaging, clear story, streamline the modes of production, or improve on how the page comes together. Composition, Camera selections (according to conventions), the pose, and expression are my current interests, not how ripped my character looks, or how bang on to a photo reference it looks. I can't draw like that comfortably, or have the patience to do so anyway :P

In a sense, my attempts in our local scene stem from the theory that in order to learn and improve, you "do". And if that means a "warts and all" journey in development in the process, then that's ok- it's much like the "up and comers" in the late 30's/early 40's who we look up to now. These guys produced work with very little time to "noodle", sketch, or reflect between issues- it was draw, publish, learn on the fly and keep going. I'm trying the same thing- Really, if I just drew pinups and a page here and there, "studies" and such, waiting for the day were I felt I was "good enough" to release my work, I doubt very much I would ever do it. That's just me though, I'm sure others will get there, and there seems to be a Zeitgeist in recent years of self-published efforts hitting the scene, and joining the ranks of guys who are still slogging it out . It's very encouraging. Thankfully I have Black House spurring me on for a bit over a year now, a mentor and close friends to garner support and feedback, and a small, loyal and slowly growing support base of readers and fans who I feel from the comments and emails I get are counting on the next installment.

We are here in life to try; try in many aspects of our existence, be it our job, our hobby, our family life, our aspiring profession, whatever. This is one of a few things I'm committed to, to see where it takes me. 2 years down on this 'Solder' Journey, and I'm pleased at where I'm at, the people I have had/ still have contact with, and the opportunities, both past and present I had/have, and the ones on the horizon. :D

We Soldier on.

I'll see you at Brisbane and Melbourne Supanova April 2011!

Come by, get a sketch of your favourite character and pick up a copy of 'The Soldier Legacy #2' Brisbane RNA on the 1st -3rd April or Melbourne Showground 9th-10th April. While you're there, pick up a copy of the special Supanova convention comic 'Tides of Hope'- full of contributions from International and national wirters and comic books artists with the aim to raise funds for QLD Flood relief. I was lucky enough to be able to contribute- see the full colour piece along with such names as Chris Sequeira, Chris Claremont, Jan Sherpenhuizen, W.Chew Chan, Stewart McKenny, Tim McEwen, Lenil Francis Yu...you know, I'll wait until Tim McEwen posts all the names this weekend...over 50 contributers and I'm drawing a blank :P http://twitter.com/TimMcEwen67

Also, if you're in Gympie from 5th April to the 14th of May, Griffith University Queensland College of Art is running an exhibition at the Gympie Regional Gallery titled "Drawing and Animation", showing works related to drawing and the procress of creating images (Traditional vs. Digital) in the realms of animation and illustration. I am also lucky enough to have pages from 'The Soldier Legacy #2' (pencils and final colour prints) on display for the show, amongst Fine Artists and Animators Paul Cleveland, Andi Spark, Louise Harvey, Matt Ditton, Chris Denaro, Xin Li and Zhi-Ming Su.

It's funny, I haven't had any illusions of becoming a fine artist since getting my first Uni degree with a fine art major (where I had to be convincing to let them allow me to produce comic book/cartoon style work for exhibitons), and someone scored the ability to have my work up in that realm again. Very privilaged and excited. I'm only sad that I believe the opening night is the same day as the Melbourne Supanova...

Anyways, I really have to get back to work (too many meetings and email answering and not enough actual 'producing') before my day-off is over and I'm back to my day job.