Thursday, October 29, 2009
4 New Reviews Posted!
I just posted reviews for 4 comics! Spooksville: The Bone Jangles Cases #1, Gunbreed: Ghost Town Ressurected #1, Vegetable Wars #2 and The Killing Jar #2. Check em out!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Deep Discussions with Decapitated Dan: Robert Heske
So do you think the world will end when the Mayans predicted it will? I sat down with Robert Heske to discuss his new trade 2012: Final Prayer which is coming out in November.
Decapitated Dan: Hey Robert. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about 2012: Final Prayer and what else you're working on. First of all lets talk about you. Who are you and what do you do?
Robert Heske: By day, I am a senior marketing communications specialist who writes all the sales, marketing and promotional content for a company called NewRiver, Inc. headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts. The company is a compliance data and documents solutions provider specializing in e-delivery and is doing exceptionally well in this rocky financial climate.
During lunch hours and at night, I am a screenwriter and comic book creator. I also write a bi-weekly column called IndieCreator for a great little website called investcomics.com. Jay Katz is the founderof InvestComics, and writes regular columns himself for Project FanBoy, The Outhouse and ComicNews.info.
2009 has been good to me - my comedy LOVE STUPID has received funding and will be shot in New Mexico this winter so I will have a feature film screenwriter credit under my belt very soon. I also won a Bronze Medal for my indie horror anthology BONE CHILLER at the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Awards. I'm crossing my fingers to win a Xeric Foundation Grant for my current project, an "end times" anthology called 2012: FINAL PRAYER. That would be a trifecta!
DD: How did you find yourself getting into making comics?
RH: I got into comics late (in my 40s) after I pitched a movie idea and was told to make it into a comic. The story was THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST and it is being published as an OGN by Studio 407. I was fortunate to have Myriad Pictures option the film, so eventually it will turn up as a movie too. After finishing this project, I realized I really liked the medium. One of my short film scripts called THE WAITING ROOM had been produced into a short film called WAITING (starring Richard Schiff and Izabella Miko); the final product was very good but pretty different from my original vision. I decided to do the story myself as a graphic tale (with the exceptional artwork of Preston Asevedo). THE WAITING ROOM was the marquee story in what became the 1st of 3 indie horror comics titled: COLD BLOODED CHILLERS: Tales of Suburban Murder and Malice. I later compiled the best tales from this collection into an anthology (BONE CHILLER).
DD: So what can you tell me about 2012: Final Prayer?
RH: It's the best thing I've done so far, and the thing is - most of the work is by other artists. The book is 154 pages with submissions from comic creators from around the world - US, UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland and south Africa. Most of the contributors have pretty solid indie comic resumes; however, there are 1-2 newcomers who are already hired to work on other publications after submitting to 2012: FINAL PRAYER. The US cover is by Preston Asevedo and features a praying Grim Reaper. The UK variant cover (about half of the stories are from UK creators) is by Paul Cartwright and depicts Four Alien Apocalyptic Horsemen galloping towards a terrified child holding a stuffed animal. It's great stuff! Even though the book releases on November 15, 2009, you can check out a preview of the book on MyEbook.com or on my website - www.coldbloodedchillers.com. (As an aside, MyEbook.com is a great way to market your book and it's totally free. I recommend that any comic creators sign up for the "Partner" account and take advantage of this snazzy service.)
DD: What's it all about?
RH: The theme, obviously, is "2012" - a date many believe could mark Armageddon. REALLY. If you want a quick visual about what 2012 could portend, simply go to whowillsurvive2012.com to watch the trailer for Sony's new epic disaster film. As for my book, it's an anthology featuring multiple 4-8 page graphic interpretations about "what happens on 12/21/12." It includes three stories by myself; "Start Over" with art by Polish artist Adam Swiecki, "Demented" by Irish artist Stephen Downey, and "Synchronicity" by US artist Dirk Shearer with lettering by my good buddy David Paul. As for the other stories, my personal favorites are "Manchester" written by Jim Alexander and drawn by Andy Dodd, "It's the End of the World as We Know It" written by Oliver Masters and drawn by Andy Fish, and "End of the World Party" written by Craig Gilmore and drawn by Heske Horror alumnus Monty Borror.
The "extras" section focuses on "what happens the day AFTER 12/21/12." It features a kick-ass graphic tale called "Harkinton" by Duncan Eagleson who was introduced to me by a co-worker. It also includes 3 narrative shorts by some very talented writers you may not have heard of yet - but you will. And, I'm not blowing smoke here, but I honestly believe that this book could become a collectible based on the variant cover and the quality of talent and content. Don't be surprised if you come across some of these tales adapted as books or movies down the road (note: all creators retain rights to their work; I retain unlimited printing rights.)
I should also note the Paranormal angle - the Foreward is written by Jim Harold, the host of the popular iTunes "Paranormal Podcast" and "Jim Harold's Campfire". Marshall Masters, author and publisher of such books as "Planet X Forecast and 2012 Survival Guide" and "The Kolbrin Bible", provides a grim brief essay called "2012 Foreboding. And best-selling author Marie D. Jones offers a more upbeat and ironic perspective in her thought-provoking Afterword titled "End Games".
DD: Where did this idea come from?
RH: The inspiration came when I went to my local Borders looking for something edgy to read. I stumbled across the book Apocalypse 2012: An Investigation Into Civilization's End by Lawrence E. Joseph. The book was a compelling read and I thought, "Hey, this is a great premise for my next anthology." I soon realized that, as dark a person as I am, that I couldn't concoct nearly enough "End Times" scenarios. So I created a contest on my website and invited writer/artist tandems to submit 4-8 page graphic tales depicting "What happens on 12/21/12 at 11:11 GST - the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar and which could be either a transformative or terminating event for mankind. The book is due out on 11.15.09. It was just dumb luck when I discovered that Sony was releasing its blockbuster "2012" around this time too.
DD: Can you tell us about how you got the creative teams for this issue?
RH: I posted a contest on my website and publicized it via bulletins on comicspace, Facebook, LinkedIn comic groups, etc. I also contacted a few indie comic creators whose work I respected and asked them to submit. Despite the short money (accepted submissions received $212 for unlimited publishing in print and electronic media), nearly every one agreed to complete a story. Crawford Coutts and Nichola Wilkinson at Insomnia Publications were particularly helpful in sending talent my way. So the story-telling and artwork is exceptional. Again, you can check out the epreview on MyEbook.com (look for the 2012: Final Prayer book cover on the home page carousel or at the top of the page on the comics section) or view it on my website at www.coldbloodedchillers.com (on both the home page and 2012 anthology tabs).
DD: What are you hoping readers can take away from
this story?
RH: Despite the ridiculously dark subject matter, my goal is not to be a fear monger. I even include two graphic tales with a light (even mocking) take on the 2012 phenomena. Like most people, I am fascinated with the "Armageddon" premise which has been a recurring mystery for most of humanity. We keep hitting predicted "end time" dates ... and surviving. Will 2012 be different? Who knows, but it sure is entertaining - and more than a bit alarming - to explore the myriad possibilities.
DD: Are there any other titles you are working on?
RH: Yes. I've finished writing THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST last winter and it will be released everywhere as a trade paperback in Q1 2010. The publisher is Studio
407 (www.studio-407.com). The artwork is by Diego Yapura with colors by Jorge Blanco. The editor was Chad Jones. This is another book of which I am very proud. But the star of the OGN may not be the protagonist (a vampire named Dragos who is the night projectionist at a theater and holds his audience captive on Halloween) ... but rather, the mind-blowing art of the aforementioned Diego Yarpura. This could be the most "beautiful" vampire book created. Simply stunning.
Next, I am working on the screenplay for THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST. So, with any luck, I will have TWO films in production in 2010. Let's hope my 2010 is even better than my 2009. After all, 2012 is just around the corner ...
DD: Can we expect more from you horror comic wise in the future?
RH: If my wife lets me. I've got two little girls at home and we just got the oldest (she's 3 1/2) over her fear of monsters by renting Monsters Inc. on Netflix. I plan to do an OGN with the eerily talented Monty Borror based on adaption of a contest-winning short script I wrote. This should come out late 2010.
DD: Can you talk a bit about your experiences so far in comics?
RH: Frustrating and fun. In a little over one year, I've cranked out quite a bit of work. Much of it high quality thanks to the talented artist and letterists I've been fortunate enough to find on the Internet. I'm still losing money, but building my brand and having fun. And I greatly appreciate guys like you, Decapitated Dan Royer, giving me a platform to promote my work. Your From the Tomb Magazine is a God-send for horror fanatics, and so is and we hope you continue to pump out your great work.
DD: What was it that got you interested in horror comics?
RH: I've always been a fan of Eerie and Creepy comics. And I love horror movies and ghost hunter reality series on television. But if I ever met a ghost, vampire or zombie in person I'd probably be a real chickenshit.
DD: What comics are you currently reading?
RH: Arggh. Here's the part of the interview where I fall on my face. Truth is, I've been too busy and poor to buy a lot of comics. Although I did recently read THE SURROGATE on a kiddie vacation and enjoyed it very much.
DD: So in summary give me a quick recap on 2012: Final Prayer and why fans should give it a try.
RH: If you are going to spend $15 reading or watching anything on 2012, spend it on this book. It offers the most entertaining, engaging and unsettling perspectives on the topic anywhere. It's one-of-a-kind in that it combines graphic tales with short stories and brief essays. And, like the 2012 buzz, the book is truly a "global event" representing the far corners of our planet. 2012: FINAL PRAYER will introduce you to some unbelievable talent you might not normally come across unless you are a true indie comic connoisseur. And, odds are, this little diddy just might become a collector's item. To keep tabs on the release and related news, go to www.coldbloodedchillers.com.
DD: Thank you so much Robert.
If you want to check out any of the works mentioned above please head over to www.coldbloodedchillers.com .
Decapitated Dan: Hey Robert. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about 2012: Final Prayer and what else you're working on. First of all lets talk about you. Who are you and what do you do?
Robert Heske: By day, I am a senior marketing communications specialist who writes all the sales, marketing and promotional content for a company called NewRiver, Inc. headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts. The company is a compliance data and documents solutions provider specializing in e-delivery and is doing exceptionally well in this rocky financial climate.
During lunch hours and at night, I am a screenwriter and comic book creator. I also write a bi-weekly column called IndieCreator for a great little website called investcomics.com. Jay Katz is the founderof InvestComics, and writes regular columns himself for Project FanBoy, The Outhouse and ComicNews.info.
2009 has been good to me - my comedy LOVE STUPID has received funding and will be shot in New Mexico this winter so I will have a feature film screenwriter credit under my belt very soon. I also won a Bronze Medal for my indie horror anthology BONE CHILLER at the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Awards. I'm crossing my fingers to win a Xeric Foundation Grant for my current project, an "end times" anthology called 2012: FINAL PRAYER. That would be a trifecta!
DD: How did you find yourself getting into making comics?
RH: I got into comics late (in my 40s) after I pitched a movie idea and was told to make it into a comic. The story was THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST and it is being published as an OGN by Studio 407. I was fortunate to have Myriad Pictures option the film, so eventually it will turn up as a movie too. After finishing this project, I realized I really liked the medium. One of my short film scripts called THE WAITING ROOM had been produced into a short film called WAITING (starring Richard Schiff and Izabella Miko); the final product was very good but pretty different from my original vision. I decided to do the story myself as a graphic tale (with the exceptional artwork of Preston Asevedo). THE WAITING ROOM was the marquee story in what became the 1st of 3 indie horror comics titled: COLD BLOODED CHILLERS: Tales of Suburban Murder and Malice. I later compiled the best tales from this collection into an anthology (BONE CHILLER).
DD: So what can you tell me about 2012: Final Prayer?
RH: It's the best thing I've done so far, and the thing is - most of the work is by other artists. The book is 154 pages with submissions from comic creators from around the world - US, UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland and south Africa. Most of the contributors have pretty solid indie comic resumes; however, there are 1-2 newcomers who are already hired to work on other publications after submitting to 2012: FINAL PRAYER. The US cover is by Preston Asevedo and features a praying Grim Reaper. The UK variant cover (about half of the stories are from UK creators) is by Paul Cartwright and depicts Four Alien Apocalyptic Horsemen galloping towards a terrified child holding a stuffed animal. It's great stuff! Even though the book releases on November 15, 2009, you can check out a preview of the book on MyEbook.com or on my website - www.coldbloodedchillers.com. (As an aside, MyEbook.com is a great way to market your book and it's totally free. I recommend that any comic creators sign up for the "Partner" account and take advantage of this snazzy service.)
DD: What's it all about?
RH: The theme, obviously, is "2012" - a date many believe could mark Armageddon. REALLY. If you want a quick visual about what 2012 could portend, simply go to whowillsurvive2012.com to watch the trailer for Sony's new epic disaster film. As for my book, it's an anthology featuring multiple 4-8 page graphic interpretations about "what happens on 12/21/12." It includes three stories by myself; "Start Over" with art by Polish artist Adam Swiecki, "Demented" by Irish artist Stephen Downey, and "Synchronicity" by US artist Dirk Shearer with lettering by my good buddy David Paul. As for the other stories, my personal favorites are "Manchester" written by Jim Alexander and drawn by Andy Dodd, "It's the End of the World as We Know It" written by Oliver Masters and drawn by Andy Fish, and "End of the World Party" written by Craig Gilmore and drawn by Heske Horror alumnus Monty Borror.
The "extras" section focuses on "what happens the day AFTER 12/21/12." It features a kick-ass graphic tale called "Harkinton" by Duncan Eagleson who was introduced to me by a co-worker. It also includes 3 narrative shorts by some very talented writers you may not have heard of yet - but you will. And, I'm not blowing smoke here, but I honestly believe that this book could become a collectible based on the variant cover and the quality of talent and content. Don't be surprised if you come across some of these tales adapted as books or movies down the road (note: all creators retain rights to their work; I retain unlimited printing rights.)I should also note the Paranormal angle - the Foreward is written by Jim Harold, the host of the popular iTunes "Paranormal Podcast" and "Jim Harold's Campfire". Marshall Masters, author and publisher of such books as "Planet X Forecast and 2012 Survival Guide" and "The Kolbrin Bible", provides a grim brief essay called "2012 Foreboding. And best-selling author Marie D. Jones offers a more upbeat and ironic perspective in her thought-provoking Afterword titled "End Games".
DD: Where did this idea come from?
RH: The inspiration came when I went to my local Borders looking for something edgy to read. I stumbled across the book Apocalypse 2012: An Investigation Into Civilization's End by Lawrence E. Joseph. The book was a compelling read and I thought, "Hey, this is a great premise for my next anthology." I soon realized that, as dark a person as I am, that I couldn't concoct nearly enough "End Times" scenarios. So I created a contest on my website and invited writer/artist tandems to submit 4-8 page graphic tales depicting "What happens on 12/21/12 at 11:11 GST - the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar and which could be either a transformative or terminating event for mankind. The book is due out on 11.15.09. It was just dumb luck when I discovered that Sony was releasing its blockbuster "2012" around this time too.
DD: Can you tell us about how you got the creative teams for this issue?
RH: I posted a contest on my website and publicized it via bulletins on comicspace, Facebook, LinkedIn comic groups, etc. I also contacted a few indie comic creators whose work I respected and asked them to submit. Despite the short money (accepted submissions received $212 for unlimited publishing in print and electronic media), nearly every one agreed to complete a story. Crawford Coutts and Nichola Wilkinson at Insomnia Publications were particularly helpful in sending talent my way. So the story-telling and artwork is exceptional. Again, you can check out the epreview on MyEbook.com (look for the 2012: Final Prayer book cover on the home page carousel or at the top of the page on the comics section) or view it on my website at www.coldbloodedchillers.com (on both the home page and 2012 anthology tabs).
DD: What are you hoping readers can take away from
this story?RH: Despite the ridiculously dark subject matter, my goal is not to be a fear monger. I even include two graphic tales with a light (even mocking) take on the 2012 phenomena. Like most people, I am fascinated with the "Armageddon" premise which has been a recurring mystery for most of humanity. We keep hitting predicted "end time" dates ... and surviving. Will 2012 be different? Who knows, but it sure is entertaining - and more than a bit alarming - to explore the myriad possibilities.
DD: Are there any other titles you are working on?
RH: Yes. I've finished writing THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST last winter and it will be released everywhere as a trade paperback in Q1 2010. The publisher is Studio
407 (www.studio-407.com). The artwork is by Diego Yapura with colors by Jorge Blanco. The editor was Chad Jones. This is another book of which I am very proud. But the star of the OGN may not be the protagonist (a vampire named Dragos who is the night projectionist at a theater and holds his audience captive on Halloween) ... but rather, the mind-blowing art of the aforementioned Diego Yarpura. This could be the most "beautiful" vampire book created. Simply stunning.
Next, I am working on the screenplay for THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST. So, with any luck, I will have TWO films in production in 2010. Let's hope my 2010 is even better than my 2009. After all, 2012 is just around the corner ...
DD: Can we expect more from you horror comic wise in the future?
RH: If my wife lets me. I've got two little girls at home and we just got the oldest (she's 3 1/2) over her fear of monsters by renting Monsters Inc. on Netflix. I plan to do an OGN with the eerily talented Monty Borror based on adaption of a contest-winning short script I wrote. This should come out late 2010.
DD: Can you talk a bit about your experiences so far in comics?
RH: Frustrating and fun. In a little over one year, I've cranked out quite a bit of work. Much of it high quality thanks to the talented artist and letterists I've been fortunate enough to find on the Internet. I'm still losing money, but building my brand and having fun. And I greatly appreciate guys like you, Decapitated Dan Royer, giving me a platform to promote my work. Your From the Tomb Magazine is a God-send for horror fanatics, and so is and we hope you continue to pump out your great work.
DD: What was it that got you interested in horror comics?
RH: I've always been a fan of Eerie and Creepy comics. And I love horror movies and ghost hunter reality series on television. But if I ever met a ghost, vampire or zombie in person I'd probably be a real chickenshit.
DD: What comics are you currently reading?
RH: Arggh. Here's the part of the interview where I fall on my face. Truth is, I've been too busy and poor to buy a lot of comics. Although I did recently read THE SURROGATE on a kiddie vacation and enjoyed it very much.
DD: So in summary give me a quick recap on 2012: Final Prayer and why fans should give it a try.
RH: If you are going to spend $15 reading or watching anything on 2012, spend it on this book. It offers the most entertaining, engaging and unsettling perspectives on the topic anywhere. It's one-of-a-kind in that it combines graphic tales with short stories and brief essays. And, like the 2012 buzz, the book is truly a "global event" representing the far corners of our planet. 2012: FINAL PRAYER will introduce you to some unbelievable talent you might not normally come across unless you are a true indie comic connoisseur. And, odds are, this little diddy just might become a collector's item. To keep tabs on the release and related news, go to www.coldbloodedchillers.com.
DD: Thank you so much Robert.
If you want to check out any of the works mentioned above please head over to www.coldbloodedchillers.com .
Monday, October 19, 2009
Deep Discussions with Decapitated Dan: Jeff Balke
Welcome back kiddies. I have lured Jeff Balke into the depths to pick his brain about Sketch Coloring, Badrock action figures driving cars and even Britney Spears. So check it out.
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual out of the way.
Name: Jeff Balke
Age: 30
Married/Single/Dating/Other: In a relationship/engaged
Pets: Martini (Poodle mix)
Highest Education Level: Went to IADT in Orlando for a year then moved back to Illinois (didn’t finish)
High School Mascot: Blue Devil (what I call the pissed off Smurf)
First Job: I was a vendor at a carnival with the game called “FISHING” (hey..it was a quick job..lol)
Favorite place to bust a move: I'd say the comic store. Why not, don't we all :)
Staying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) you created Before 2003:
Hmm… nadda. I actually broke in about 2005(ish). I did however create a few comics in HS with a few of my friends... of course not professionally..just something to do in Math and Science class
☺
2004 - Yesterday:
In 2006(ish) I colored my first comic professionally (Foxwood Falcons – After Hours Press). I was contacted on Myspace of all places to color the book. And let me tell you , looking at that work then to now... WOW! And after that book, I colored Eve: Vampire Diva and Club Vampire (both in the horror anthology called Velvet Rope (Arcana), Sire #3 (2 page spread) (After Shock Press), cover to Jesus Hates Zombies (vol. 2) (Alterna), the Secret Cross and the cover to a Columbian book called Secta/Penance (Dream Tales). Currently I’m working on a mini-series for Image, Talon and a few other projects coming out in the Spring.
Today - 2065:
I’m hoping that within that time, I’m working fulltime in comics doing something...or something in the graphic design field. Hell, I hope I’m still alive! I’m sure its not easy coloring while you’re a zombie. ☺
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
I collect comics still. What the heck, why not? I’m still a big kid. But I also like to people watch, drink Starbucks and all the normal things.
Favorite Britney Spears song?
I actually have a couple of them..LOL! Yeah I know! LOL, but I have to say I like “Stronger”
Your join the Navy and while out at sea you steal a submarine all to yourself. Joyriding around under the sea you break down and are trapped for 1 week. What do you do while you wait to be saved?
Try to find the bathroom first of all, but then try and figure out if I get Wi-Fi down there.
When you were 10 and 20 what were you for Halloween?
When I was 10 I was Dracula. But when I was 20, my friends dressed me up as a Geisha… I WISH I HAD PICS OF THAT! They are still in FL! But I would be happy to share with you.
☺
Favorite comic character when you were 11 and now and 91?
Hmmm, its changed here and there. First it was the BLOB (Marvel Comics). Don’t ask me why, maybe just because he didn’t look like the rest of the “characters”. He was HUGE! Then it became Dark Phoenix (still kind of is). She’s just a bad ass! But at the same time I was all about Venom. Just his look, the symbiote and kind of like me at the time I was introduced to him. I was kind of quiet and shy, but then out of nowhere, I’ll turn into this nasty b… well, not a nice person..lol! Currently, I have to say its Green Lantern! What is there to say, I would love his powers.
☺
If I gave you a remote controlled car and your choice of superhero action figure to drive it, who would you choose and where would you take it to play with it?
I would use the Badrock action figure. That’s just an awesome looking figure (plus he’s staring me right in the face too). I would go all over with it actually. Just maybe not Michigan Ave. Too busy there.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Well, I’ll say that Iceman is an okay character, but not on my list. He does have a cool (no pun intended) power, but..ehh. The Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). That’s a CHARACTER!! Damn he’s been all over the place and doesn’t take it from anyone!
Alright your making a comic about a superhero who is scared of punching because it hurts his hand so he can never save anyone. Whats the name of the book and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
Limp Wrist #1. He can talk his way out of anything..and I mean ANYTHING!
We all know how good you are with the colors but what did you really want to be when you grew up?
An artist of some kind actually. So I’m not that far off really. Then for a time I wanted to be a producer of music (mostly dance type of stuff). I did work on a couple of groups here in Illinois and was going to help out a group in FL until they broke up.
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
That’s a good question. I would have to say you would have to be Stan Lee. Common, he just got $4 BILLION! He’s doing ok. But I would have to say it depends on what you want to do. Everyone makes a different amount depending on what your job is (duh..I know). But I’m happy with being a colorist as long as the projects are coming in regularly.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
I’m always listening to Sirius Online Radio (BPM – Beats Per Minute). So dance. Keeps me pumped and energized.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Hopefully working in the industry fulltime and comfortable.
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Sketch Coloring?
Black and white (sketch covers) comic book covers where they are colored with special markers right on the spot to make them ONE OF A KIND!
Werewolves?
Awesome creatures and had someone living across the street from me thinking he was one and howled every night.
Horror Comics?
Are very interesting to color!
Futurama?
Need to catch up on it!
Nancy Drew?
I just don’t think she’s in enough books
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Loved them as a kid and still like them even today (just not as much).
Cheetos?
Call me Chester Cheetah!
The number 3?
Everything always comes in 3s.
Decapitated Dan (me)?
I think he has his head on straight and seems to be a good guy ☺
Jeff Balke?
One of the best up and coming colorists and wont take NO for an answer!
Thanks Jeff, awesome interview.
If you want to check out more on Jeff and his work go to http://www.jbalkesart.com/
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual out of the way.
Name: Jeff Balke
Age: 30
Married/Single/Dating/Other: In a relationship/engaged
Pets: Martini (Poodle mix)
Highest Education Level: Went to IADT in Orlando for a year then moved back to Illinois (didn’t finish)
High School Mascot: Blue Devil (what I call the pissed off Smurf)
First Job: I was a vendor at a carnival with the game called “FISHING” (hey..it was a quick job..lol)
Favorite place to bust a move: I'd say the comic store. Why not, don't we all :)
Staying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) you created Before 2003:
Hmm… nadda. I actually broke in about 2005(ish). I did however create a few comics in HS with a few of my friends... of course not professionally..just something to do in Math and Science class
☺
2004 - Yesterday:
In 2006(ish) I colored my first comic professionally (Foxwood Falcons – After Hours Press). I was contacted on Myspace of all places to color the book. And let me tell you , looking at that work then to now... WOW! And after that book, I colored Eve: Vampire Diva and Club Vampire (both in the horror anthology called Velvet Rope (Arcana), Sire #3 (2 page spread) (After Shock Press), cover to Jesus Hates Zombies (vol. 2) (Alterna), the Secret Cross and the cover to a Columbian book called Secta/Penance (Dream Tales). Currently I’m working on a mini-series for Image, Talon and a few other projects coming out in the Spring.
Today - 2065:
I’m hoping that within that time, I’m working fulltime in comics doing something...or something in the graphic design field. Hell, I hope I’m still alive! I’m sure its not easy coloring while you’re a zombie. ☺
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?I collect comics still. What the heck, why not? I’m still a big kid. But I also like to people watch, drink Starbucks and all the normal things.
Favorite Britney Spears song?
I actually have a couple of them..LOL! Yeah I know! LOL, but I have to say I like “Stronger”
Your join the Navy and while out at sea you steal a submarine all to yourself. Joyriding around under the sea you break down and are trapped for 1 week. What do you do while you wait to be saved?
Try to find the bathroom first of all, but then try and figure out if I get Wi-Fi down there.
When you were 10 and 20 what were you for Halloween?
When I was 10 I was Dracula. But when I was 20, my friends dressed me up as a Geisha… I WISH I HAD PICS OF THAT! They are still in FL! But I would be happy to share with you.
☺
Favorite comic character when you were 11 and now and 91?
Hmmm, its changed here and there. First it was the BLOB (Marvel Comics). Don’t ask me why, maybe just because he didn’t look like the rest of the “characters”. He was HUGE! Then it became Dark Phoenix (still kind of is). She’s just a bad ass! But at the same time I was all about Venom. Just his look, the symbiote and kind of like me at the time I was introduced to him. I was kind of quiet and shy, but then out of nowhere, I’ll turn into this nasty b… well, not a nice person..lol! Currently, I have to say its Green Lantern! What is there to say, I would love his powers.
☺
If I gave you a remote controlled car and your choice of superhero action figure to drive it, who would you choose and where would you take it to play with it?
I would use the Badrock action figure. That’s just an awesome looking figure (plus he’s staring me right in the face too). I would go all over with it actually. Just maybe not Michigan Ave. Too busy there.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Well, I’ll say that Iceman is an okay character, but not on my list. He does have a cool (no pun intended) power, but..ehh. The Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). That’s a CHARACTER!! Damn he’s been all over the place and doesn’t take it from anyone!
Alright your making a comic about a superhero who is scared of punching because it hurts his hand so he can never save anyone. Whats the name of the book and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
Limp Wrist #1. He can talk his way out of anything..and I mean ANYTHING!
We all know how good you are with the colors but what did you really want to be when you grew up? An artist of some kind actually. So I’m not that far off really. Then for a time I wanted to be a producer of music (mostly dance type of stuff). I did work on a couple of groups here in Illinois and was going to help out a group in FL until they broke up.
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
That’s a good question. I would have to say you would have to be Stan Lee. Common, he just got $4 BILLION! He’s doing ok. But I would have to say it depends on what you want to do. Everyone makes a different amount depending on what your job is (duh..I know). But I’m happy with being a colorist as long as the projects are coming in regularly.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
I’m always listening to Sirius Online Radio (BPM – Beats Per Minute). So dance. Keeps me pumped and energized.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Hopefully working in the industry fulltime and comfortable.
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Sketch Coloring?
Black and white (sketch covers) comic book covers where they are colored with special markers right on the spot to make them ONE OF A KIND!
Werewolves?
Awesome creatures and had someone living across the street from me thinking he was one and howled every night.
Horror Comics?
Are very interesting to color!
Futurama?
Need to catch up on it!
Nancy Drew?
I just don’t think she’s in enough books
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Loved them as a kid and still like them even today (just not as much).
Cheetos?
Call me Chester Cheetah!
The number 3?
Everything always comes in 3s.
Decapitated Dan (me)?
I think he has his head on straight and seems to be a good guy ☺
Jeff Balke?
One of the best up and coming colorists and wont take NO for an answer!
Thanks Jeff, awesome interview.
If you want to check out more on Jeff and his work go to http://www.jbalkesart.com/
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Deep Discussions with Decapitated Dan: Scott Wegener
Welcome back kiddies! This time we welcome ScottWegener, one of the strangest artists around, into the dungeon. Why is he strange? Because he wanted to come down here! So sit there and pretend to enjoy it as he tells us all about his comics, and so much more.
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual out of the way.
Name: Scott Wegener
Age: 34
Married/Single/Dating/Other: Married
Pets: Macio the 3 legged cat -deceased but his ashes are still with us. Cupcake -the cat I wish was dead.
Highest Education Level: Some Masters credits. Got my undergrad at Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire.
High School Mascot: Beats the shit outta me.
First Job: paper route.
Favorite type of fish: Is squid a fish?
Staying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) you created Before July 4, 1985: I was in pre-school then.
July 5, 1985 - September 1, 2009: Hank The Bounty Hunter(horrible comic in a zine called Negative Ink), Killer of Demons(Image), Hexbreakers Inc., Atomic Robo (Red5 Comics).
September 2, 2009 - Tomorrow: Uh . . more. . .Atomic Robo? Why, what have you heard!?!
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
(Don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate,) . . .um . . .
Your Ipod breaks and it gets stuck on one band. What band are you hoping it is?
Fucking Apple bullshit. I knew this would happen! You're no better than Microsoft!!
But at least it's stuck on Ratatat.
Your join the Navy and while out at sea you steal a submarine all to yourself. Joyriding around under the sea you break down and are trapped for 1 week. What do you do while you wait to be saved?
(Don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate,) . . .um . . .
When you were 15 what were you for Halloween?
Probably an asshole with a hoodie and a carton of eggs. Just contact the West Brighton P.D. on Staten Island. I think they keep mug-shots.
Favorite comic character when you were 12 and 13 and 16?
I didn't really have any to be honest. I read a lot of min-series, or Manga TPB's (back when we just called them "comics" like everything else in the shop), so I never really glommed on to one particular character. TMNT was one of the first comics I collected though and it was semi-regular. Mike was my favorite. Ralph was and is an ass hat. I also loved Grendel: Warchild. I have no idea how old I was when any of these came out though.
When it comes to TV what are you watching?
Nothing. My TV only gets used for video games. I catch the odd show on the internet, but I don't watch anything on a regular basis.
Sports wise, who ya rooting for?
Haven't got a clue. Team sports bore me to tears.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Because he's one of the lamest heroes of all time, right after Stilt Man and Kidney Dialysis Girl.
Alright your making a comic about a boy and his toy robot who get lost in the mall. Whats the name of the book and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
Seeing his chance at emancipation Gronk-5 kills his obnoxious little "master" and goes on a gore encrusted rampage through a major metropolitan shopping center Before taking on the New York State National Guard sent to take him down. I call it "Miracle on 34th Street."
We all know how good you are with the pencil but what can you do with a hula hoop, some gum and a pair of pliers?
Oddly enough I performed my mom's emergency hysterectomy with just those very tools.
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
Apparently wherever I'm not looking, 'cause I can't find two wooden nickels to rub together.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
Podcasts mostly. The endless droning of nerds seems to help me focus on my work.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Hopefully put down by the ASPCA for humane reasons.
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Atomic Robo?
Best comic book in the history of fucking comic books. (Except the writing really sucks.)
Demons?
Hot heavy metal girls.
Horror Comics?
Hot heavy metal girls.
Pot Holes?
I thought you said pot whores -man that would have been so much better.
General Tso's Chicken?
Diarrhea
Voltron?
Equal parts awesome and retarded. Like just about everything I loved as a kid.
Megan Fox?
Skank
Teddy Ruxpin?
EEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!! GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!!!
Decapitated Dan?
Action figure I would buy
Scott Wegener?
Asshole. But sort of okay anyhow.
Awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us get to know the real you. You can check out what else Scott is up to on http://scottwegener.com/
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual out of the way.
Name: Scott Wegener
Age: 34
Married/Single/Dating/Other: Married
Pets: Macio the 3 legged cat -deceased but his ashes are still with us. Cupcake -the cat I wish was dead.
Highest Education Level: Some Masters credits. Got my undergrad at Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire.
High School Mascot: Beats the shit outta me.
First Job: paper route.
Favorite type of fish: Is squid a fish?
Staying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) you created Before July 4, 1985: I was in pre-school then.
July 5, 1985 - September 1, 2009: Hank The Bounty Hunter(horrible comic in a zine called Negative Ink), Killer of Demons(Image), Hexbreakers Inc., Atomic Robo (Red5 Comics).
September 2, 2009 - Tomorrow: Uh . . more. . .Atomic Robo? Why, what have you heard!?!
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
(Don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate,) . . .um . . .
Your Ipod breaks and it gets stuck on one band. What band are you hoping it is?
Fucking Apple bullshit. I knew this would happen! You're no better than Microsoft!!
But at least it's stuck on Ratatat.
Your join the Navy and while out at sea you steal a submarine all to yourself. Joyriding around under the sea you break down and are trapped for 1 week. What do you do while you wait to be saved?
(Don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate, don't say masturbate,) . . .um . . .
When you were 15 what were you for Halloween?
Probably an asshole with a hoodie and a carton of eggs. Just contact the West Brighton P.D. on Staten Island. I think they keep mug-shots.
Favorite comic character when you were 12 and 13 and 16?I didn't really have any to be honest. I read a lot of min-series, or Manga TPB's (back when we just called them "comics" like everything else in the shop), so I never really glommed on to one particular character. TMNT was one of the first comics I collected though and it was semi-regular. Mike was my favorite. Ralph was and is an ass hat. I also loved Grendel: Warchild. I have no idea how old I was when any of these came out though.
When it comes to TV what are you watching?
Nothing. My TV only gets used for video games. I catch the odd show on the internet, but I don't watch anything on a regular basis.
Sports wise, who ya rooting for?
Haven't got a clue. Team sports bore me to tears.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Because he's one of the lamest heroes of all time, right after Stilt Man and Kidney Dialysis Girl.
Alright your making a comic about a boy and his toy robot who get lost in the mall. Whats the name of the book and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
Seeing his chance at emancipation Gronk-5 kills his obnoxious little "master" and goes on a gore encrusted rampage through a major metropolitan shopping center Before taking on the New York State National Guard sent to take him down. I call it "Miracle on 34th Street."
We all know how good you are with the pencil but what can you do with a hula hoop, some gum and a pair of pliers?
Oddly enough I performed my mom's emergency hysterectomy with just those very tools.
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
Apparently wherever I'm not looking, 'cause I can't find two wooden nickels to rub together.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
Podcasts mostly. The endless droning of nerds seems to help me focus on my work.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Hopefully put down by the ASPCA for humane reasons.
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Atomic Robo?
Best comic book in the history of fucking comic books. (Except the writing really sucks.)
Demons?
Hot heavy metal girls.
Horror Comics?
Hot heavy metal girls.
Pot Holes?
I thought you said pot whores -man that would have been so much better.
General Tso's Chicken?
Diarrhea
Voltron?
Equal parts awesome and retarded. Like just about everything I loved as a kid.
Megan Fox?
Skank
Teddy Ruxpin?
EEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!! GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!!!
Decapitated Dan?
Action figure I would buy
Scott Wegener?
Asshole. But sort of okay anyhow.
Awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us get to know the real you. You can check out what else Scott is up to on http://scottwegener.com/
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
3 New Reviews Posted!!
Just posted reviews for Twisted Tales of Terror #1, Blokes Tomb of Horror #1 and Rod Espinosa's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Check them out.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Deep Discussions with Decapitated Dan: Tim Bradstreet
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual out of the way.
Name:
Tim Bradstreet
Age:
Fourty *cough* two
Married/Single/Dating/Other:
Married to the wonderful and amazing Leigh Anne Gobble
Pets:
Dogs - Max (Golden Retriever), Tasha (Springer/Boxer mix), Marek (Lab/Rot mix).
Highest Education Level:
College Sophomore dropout - Illinois State University
High School Mascot:
The Purple Raiders of BHS - Native American Warrior
First Job:
Paper Boy
Favorite Vegetable and Fruit:
Zucchini (grilled), Orange.
S
taying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) you created Before 1985: Only my own unpublished sequential pages.
1986 -1995: Hard Looks, The Retaliator, X, Aliens: Music Of the Spears, Unknown Soldier, I'll get a coronary trying to think of everything ;)
1996 - Yesterday: Hellblazer, Punisher, Criminal Macabre, 28 Days Later, Bad Planet, Batman/Deathblow, Scalped, various Star Wars books, Alien Pig Farm 3000, GI Joe, Human Target, Flinch, Gangland, Hearthrobs, Grendel: Black, White, and Red, Punisher Noir, Luke Cage Noir, Punisher: Naked Kill, Punisher: Tyger, Punisher: The Cell, Get Castle, and tons more.
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
I do illustrations for books, work as a designer in various capacities in film and film related projects, collect film scores, play with my daughter, manage my web pages, do conventions all over the place, hang out with my wife, follow the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates depending on which season we're in, read fiction, stress out over bills, and see films as much as I can.
Favorite TV show, Movie and Book?
TV show: Sons Of Anarchy, Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Book: Dune.
You take a trip to California and get trapped in the closet of Arnold Schwarzenegger's office for 1 full week. What do you do to pass the time?
Catch up on sleep.
When you were little, lets say 8 or 9, what was your favorite thing to do for fun?
Watch cartoons on Saturday morning with my brother Bob. I doubt there are any old pics of us zoning out to Thundaar The Barbarian ;)
Favorite comic when you were 12, 22 and now?
Cripes . . . OK, 12: Legion Of Superheroes, 22: X-Men, Now, B.P.R.D. - all the stuff by Guy Davis and John Arcudi.
If you had to listen to one CD for a full week and nothing else, what would it be?
Toss up between the score for Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World, the score for Children Of Men, or The Beatles - Abbey Road. Maybe Sabotage by Black Sabbath.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
I'm fully prepared to believe that if the United States was located at either of the two global poles, he'd usurp Superman as the most well known hero in pop culture.
Alright your making a comic about a little boy who dresses up as a whale and runs around Paris punching cheese. Whats the title and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
Title: Oliver Spivey: Whale-boy Fromage Pugilist, Pitch: It's Blood Meridian meets The Red Balloon. While we're fantasizing, I'd write it and Geoff Darrow would draw it.
We all know how good you are at making comics but what can you do with a Margarita and a tambourine?
I can drink the Margarita and frisbee the tambourine into the nearest trash bin.
Where is the real money at in comics?
It's not with small publishers. I can attest.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
I listen to music and film scores during the day and watch, re-watch comfort films and various TV series in the after dark hours.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
On set, behind the camera, or producing. Still drawing covers and illustrating books ;)
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Punisher? Brutal
Werewolves? Frank Frazetta
Horror Comics? Bill Gains, EC, Creepy, Eerie, Berni Wrightson.
Homer Simpson? Donuts
Subway Sandwiches? Tuna, provalone, onions, pickles, lettuce, bacon, avocado, Italian bread.
2? Duece
Decapitated Dan? Insane
Tim Bradstreet? Head Screw
Name:
Tim Bradstreet
Age:
Fourty *cough* two
Married/Single/Dating/Other:
Married to the wonderful and amazing Leigh Anne Gobble
Pets:
Dogs - Max (Golden Retriever), Tasha (Springer/Boxer mix), Marek (Lab/Rot mix).
Highest Education Level:
College Sophomore dropout - Illinois State University
High School Mascot:
The Purple Raiders of BHS - Native American Warrior
First Job:
Paper Boy
Favorite Vegetable and Fruit:
Zucchini (grilled), Orange.
S
taying with short answers lets talk about what you do:Comic(s) you created Before 1985: Only my own unpublished sequential pages.
1986 -1995: Hard Looks, The Retaliator, X, Aliens: Music Of the Spears, Unknown Soldier, I'll get a coronary trying to think of everything ;)
1996 - Yesterday: Hellblazer, Punisher, Criminal Macabre, 28 Days Later, Bad Planet, Batman/Deathblow, Scalped, various Star Wars books, Alien Pig Farm 3000, GI Joe, Human Target, Flinch, Gangland, Hearthrobs, Grendel: Black, White, and Red, Punisher Noir, Luke Cage Noir, Punisher: Naked Kill, Punisher: Tyger, Punisher: The Cell, Get Castle, and tons more.
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
I do illustrations for books, work as a designer in various capacities in film and film related projects, collect film scores, play with my daughter, manage my web pages, do conventions all over the place, hang out with my wife, follow the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates depending on which season we're in, read fiction, stress out over bills, and see films as much as I can.
Favorite TV show, Movie and Book?
TV show: Sons Of Anarchy, Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Book: Dune.
You take a trip to California and get trapped in the closet of Arnold Schwarzenegger's office for 1 full week. What do you do to pass the time?
Catch up on sleep.
When you were little, lets say 8 or 9, what was your favorite thing to do for fun?
Watch cartoons on Saturday morning with my brother Bob. I doubt there are any old pics of us zoning out to Thundaar The Barbarian ;)
Favorite comic when you were 12, 22 and now?
Cripes . . . OK, 12: Legion Of Superheroes, 22: X-Men, Now, B.P.R.D. - all the stuff by Guy Davis and John Arcudi.
If you had to listen to one CD for a full week and nothing else, what would it be?
Toss up between the score for Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World, the score for Children Of Men, or The Beatles - Abbey Road. Maybe Sabotage by Black Sabbath.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
I'm fully prepared to believe that if the United States was located at either of the two global poles, he'd usurp Superman as the most well known hero in pop culture.
Alright your making a comic about a little boy who dresses up as a whale and runs around Paris punching cheese. Whats the title and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!Title: Oliver Spivey: Whale-boy Fromage Pugilist, Pitch: It's Blood Meridian meets The Red Balloon. While we're fantasizing, I'd write it and Geoff Darrow would draw it.
We all know how good you are at making comics but what can you do with a Margarita and a tambourine?
I can drink the Margarita and frisbee the tambourine into the nearest trash bin.
Where is the real money at in comics?
It's not with small publishers. I can attest.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
I listen to music and film scores during the day and watch, re-watch comfort films and various TV series in the after dark hours.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
On set, behind the camera, or producing. Still drawing covers and illustrating books ;)
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Punisher? Brutal
Werewolves? Frank Frazetta
Horror Comics? Bill Gains, EC, Creepy, Eerie, Berni Wrightson.
Homer Simpson? Donuts
Subway Sandwiches? Tuna, provalone, onions, pickles, lettuce, bacon, avocado, Italian bread.
2? Duece
Decapitated Dan? Insane
Tim Bradstreet? Head Screw
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Interview with Jason Crawley of Virus Comix
Welcome back kiddies! This time I trapped writer and creator Jason Crawley in a box and carried it down into the dungeon. So go on and take a look at what he had to say when he woke up and found out he was trapped in the interview chair.
Hey Jason. Thanks for taking the time to sit down
and chat with me about yourself and what's going on at Virus Comix.
First off. thanks for the opportunity to let those who don't know of our work, to get the chance to learn about it through this interview.
So lets start off with who are you and what do you do ?
My name is Jason Crawley and im company partner with Virus Comix creator and artist Ju Gomez.I also do the writing and lettering for the books.We first met about two years ago on Myspace and Ju gave me the chance to do some lettering for his upcoming online project that he was working on and things went on from there. Most people I know here in the States call me Bloke which is a general word used back in my home country of England when talking about a man, Blokes meaning men.That nickname lead to the creation of the titles of some of our books. I hope that helps clear things up for those who look at the titles of some of our work and think 'What the hell" lol.
What inspired you to do Tomb of Bloke? Was it your first attempt at creating comics?
Actually, Tomb Of Bloke came about after Ju had the idea to do an online comic on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/tombofblokeonlinecomic with me as the central zombie character. Tomb Of Bloke is also the name of my own myspace page which came to be after I had created a page about my love for the horror genre and was stuck on what to call it, a few names came up and my wife helped me pick this one out from the rest.
The actual concept of the online version came from mine and Ju's love for the zombie films of the late 70's and early 80's, especially the work of George A Romero. Due to its success online we decided to do a comic book version and Ju suggested that as it was about me I should give a go to rescripting the entire story and so began my writing career with Virus Comix. Previous to this I was doing the lettering side of things from scripts that Ju had written - first of all with our first online comic on Myspace called The Horror and then on our first actual comic book Son Of 6 issue 1, which was the first published work by Virus Comix with my name associated with it.
How long did you plan all of this out before diving into it?
The general premise of the book was already there with what we had done with the online version, so we discussed ways in which we could take the story which included replacing the last few pages of the online story with a continuing storyline that we felt would be better received.
What influences you and your work?
My lifelong love for all things horror influences me and what I do along with a belief that as comic book publishers we can bring to the public the sort of books that they will hopefully like, whether its a one shot book or a continuing series.
Do you see yourself growing as time goes on, do you feel yourself progressing?
As a company I feel we are growing all the time with each book that we release and as time goes by more and more people are becoming aware of us and what we are doing. So, because of this I really feel that we are progressing, especially as the original plan for 2009 was to release 4 books, but come November our fifth book of the year will be coming out.
So what is new and exciting over at Virus Comix ?
This month we are releasing two new titles - first off is our new
anthology series called Blokes Tomb Of Horror, introduced by the Bloke zombie from our Tomb Of Bloke book, hence the name of the book. This will be four short stories by four different artists including a continuation of the Tomb Of Bloke story. With everything going on within the company right now we knew it would be a while before we could get an issue 2 going so we went ahead and did a short continuation called Tomb Of Bloke 1.5 which carries on right from the end of issue 1. This book also introduces the art of a great friend of ours named Fernando Ignatius who we also met via Myspace and hails from Malaysia.He had done some pin up work for us previously but now you get to see his awesome art style over a 10 page story that I wrote and he brought to life!
Also coming out this month is the comic book debut of our first online comic mentioned earlier called The Horror http://www.myspace.com/thehorroronlinecomic which has had a slight script re-write by myself. The book also includes a short story by our friend and artist Steph Dumais called Nuclear Winter. Further plans involving Stephs work include us publishing his Zombie Commandos From Hell - Ultragore book in 2010.
November sees the release of Son Of 6 issue 2 and early 2010 will bring Blokes Tomb Of Horror issues 2 and 3 which include collaborations with Italian writer Enrico Teodorani. Readers can keep up to date on our current and future work by visiting us at
http://viruscomix.ning.com/
Do you feel that horror fans are receptive to your books?
With what we have done so far I would say yes. There always seems to be a lot of interest in what we are doing, especially the anthology book with artists and writers asking to be involved in the project.
What do you think helps your work stand out in the horror market?
I'd like to think that the varied output of our work helps us stand out. Whether its a continuing storyline or a collection of stories by various artists and writers displaying a variety of styles and techniques. We don't look to swamp the market with our books, instead we do short print runs which hopefully will sell well and leave the reader wanting more while at the same time helping us with the finances to produce more books. Self-publishing can be an expensive way of getting your work out there, but if there are people out there that want to read our books we will do our best to give them what they want, while at the same time enjoying what we do and delighting in the knowledge that we have an audience for our work.
So aside from your own books what are you reading these days?
My favorite books to read at the moment are The Walking Dead, which I just can't put down once I have opened an issue, something I would like to achieve with my own writing sometime. Also the Dark Horse Conan series which is a character I have loved since I was a kid.
So what can we expect from you and Virus Comix 5 years down the road?
I'd like to think that in five years time we can still be retaining the level of work that we do today as far as our love for what we do and the level of commitment that we put into it. That way we can strive to put out work that is still received well by our readers and give them what they deserve in comic books which are produced by horror fans for horror fans!
Sum up for me in why we should notice and follow what's going on at Virus Comix.
As comic book publishers I would hope we are bringing forward ideas and creations that others want to see. As well as our own work we also like to bring in others to help get their work noticed too which is something I feel works well for all involved. Not only can we produce more titles but it helps to promote those who other wise would remain unpublished. With the Indy scene not getting the attention it deserves as of late I feel that's the way to go to try and get it back in the spotlight and get some recognition for those who put their all into their work.
Thanks Jason it's much appreciated.
My pleasure Dan, Thank you!
If you want to check out what Jason is up to or the crew over at Virus Comix you can head on over to Virus Comix
Hey Jason. Thanks for taking the time to sit down
and chat with me about yourself and what's going on at Virus Comix.First off. thanks for the opportunity to let those who don't know of our work, to get the chance to learn about it through this interview.
So lets start off with who are you and what do you do ?
My name is Jason Crawley and im company partner with Virus Comix creator and artist Ju Gomez.I also do the writing and lettering for the books.We first met about two years ago on Myspace and Ju gave me the chance to do some lettering for his upcoming online project that he was working on and things went on from there. Most people I know here in the States call me Bloke which is a general word used back in my home country of England when talking about a man, Blokes meaning men.That nickname lead to the creation of the titles of some of our books. I hope that helps clear things up for those who look at the titles of some of our work and think 'What the hell" lol.
What inspired you to do Tomb of Bloke? Was it your first attempt at creating comics?
Actually, Tomb Of Bloke came about after Ju had the idea to do an online comic on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/tombofblokeonlinecomic with me as the central zombie character. Tomb Of Bloke is also the name of my own myspace page which came to be after I had created a page about my love for the horror genre and was stuck on what to call it, a few names came up and my wife helped me pick this one out from the rest.The actual concept of the online version came from mine and Ju's love for the zombie films of the late 70's and early 80's, especially the work of George A Romero. Due to its success online we decided to do a comic book version and Ju suggested that as it was about me I should give a go to rescripting the entire story and so began my writing career with Virus Comix. Previous to this I was doing the lettering side of things from scripts that Ju had written - first of all with our first online comic on Myspace called The Horror and then on our first actual comic book Son Of 6 issue 1, which was the first published work by Virus Comix with my name associated with it.
How long did you plan all of this out before diving into it?
The general premise of the book was already there with what we had done with the online version, so we discussed ways in which we could take the story which included replacing the last few pages of the online story with a continuing storyline that we felt would be better received.
What influences you and your work?
My lifelong love for all things horror influences me and what I do along with a belief that as comic book publishers we can bring to the public the sort of books that they will hopefully like, whether its a one shot book or a continuing series.
Do you see yourself growing as time goes on, do you feel yourself progressing?
As a company I feel we are growing all the time with each book that we release and as time goes by more and more people are becoming aware of us and what we are doing. So, because of this I really feel that we are progressing, especially as the original plan for 2009 was to release 4 books, but come November our fifth book of the year will be coming out.
So what is new and exciting over at Virus Comix ?
This month we are releasing two new titles - first off is our new
anthology series called Blokes Tomb Of Horror, introduced by the Bloke zombie from our Tomb Of Bloke book, hence the name of the book. This will be four short stories by four different artists including a continuation of the Tomb Of Bloke story. With everything going on within the company right now we knew it would be a while before we could get an issue 2 going so we went ahead and did a short continuation called Tomb Of Bloke 1.5 which carries on right from the end of issue 1. This book also introduces the art of a great friend of ours named Fernando Ignatius who we also met via Myspace and hails from Malaysia.He had done some pin up work for us previously but now you get to see his awesome art style over a 10 page story that I wrote and he brought to life!Also coming out this month is the comic book debut of our first online comic mentioned earlier called The Horror http://www.myspace.com/thehorroronlinecomic which has had a slight script re-write by myself. The book also includes a short story by our friend and artist Steph Dumais called Nuclear Winter. Further plans involving Stephs work include us publishing his Zombie Commandos From Hell - Ultragore book in 2010.
November sees the release of Son Of 6 issue 2 and early 2010 will bring Blokes Tomb Of Horror issues 2 and 3 which include collaborations with Italian writer Enrico Teodorani. Readers can keep up to date on our current and future work by visiting us at
http://viruscomix.ning.com/
Do you feel that horror fans are receptive to your books?
With what we have done so far I would say yes. There always seems to be a lot of interest in what we are doing, especially the anthology book with artists and writers asking to be involved in the project.
What do you think helps your work stand out in the horror market?
I'd like to think that the varied output of our work helps us stand out. Whether its a continuing storyline or a collection of stories by various artists and writers displaying a variety of styles and techniques. We don't look to swamp the market with our books, instead we do short print runs which hopefully will sell well and leave the reader wanting more while at the same time helping us with the finances to produce more books. Self-publishing can be an expensive way of getting your work out there, but if there are people out there that want to read our books we will do our best to give them what they want, while at the same time enjoying what we do and delighting in the knowledge that we have an audience for our work.
So aside from your own books what are you reading these days?
My favorite books to read at the moment are The Walking Dead, which I just can't put down once I have opened an issue, something I would like to achieve with my own writing sometime. Also the Dark Horse Conan series which is a character I have loved since I was a kid.
So what can we expect from you and Virus Comix 5 years down the road?I'd like to think that in five years time we can still be retaining the level of work that we do today as far as our love for what we do and the level of commitment that we put into it. That way we can strive to put out work that is still received well by our readers and give them what they deserve in comic books which are produced by horror fans for horror fans!
Sum up for me in why we should notice and follow what's going on at Virus Comix.
As comic book publishers I would hope we are bringing forward ideas and creations that others want to see. As well as our own work we also like to bring in others to help get their work noticed too which is something I feel works well for all involved. Not only can we produce more titles but it helps to promote those who other wise would remain unpublished. With the Indy scene not getting the attention it deserves as of late I feel that's the way to go to try and get it back in the spotlight and get some recognition for those who put their all into their work.
Thanks Jason it's much appreciated.
My pleasure Dan, Thank you!
If you want to check out what Jason is up to or the crew over at Virus Comix you can head on over to Virus Comix
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
5 New Reviews Posted! FIVE OF THEM!!!!
Just posted Reviews for Warlash Dark Noir #3, In Flesh and Spirit #1, The Franchise Vol.1, Rotten #1 & 2 and Last Resort #1!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
2 New Reviews Posted
Just posted reviews for Deadmen and Poodleskirts #1 and Starscape Presents: Dead. Both excellent books. Check them out.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
2 New Reviews Posted
Just posted reviews for 28 Days Later #2 and Planet Lovecraft #1. Read them or else!!!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Deep Discussions with Decapitated Dan: Bryan Baugh
Welcome back kiddies! This time I tricked Artist/Creator/Writer Bryan Baugh to come down into the dungeon. If you don't know who Bryan is you should be ashamed of yourselves! JK. That's why we do these interviews. Bryan's art is just sick and then his writing style will floor you, it is just that damn good. So go on and take a look at what he had to say when he woke up and found out he was trapped in the interview chair.
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual stuff out of the way.
Name:
Bryan Baugh
Age:
For the past 10 years I have been celebrating anniversaries of my 27th birthday.
Married/Single/Dating/Other:
Happily married.
Pets:
Three cats. First there is Tiger, who looks like a gray-and-black striped tiger. That one adopted me. He literally showed up as a kitten on my doorstep one night and I invited him in, and he just never left. At that time he was so small he could sit in the palm of my hand. Now he is almost as big as an actual tiger. Then there is Lucy, the black cat who looks like a silhouette with eyes. Lucy is the alpha-cat of the household. She is convinced that it is her house and the rest of us should be happy that she tolerates us. And finally, there is Kayla, the little orange-and-black Halloween kitten. Her job is to follow the other two around and imitate everything they do. She has a true little-sister personality.
Highest Education Level:
I went to the Columbus College of Art and Design for 4 years.
First Job:
When I was 16 I got a job as a lab tech in a veterinary clinic, where I learned how to care for sick animals and how to clean large amounts of blood and other bodily fluids off of various surfaces.
Staying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) Before 1998:
I have been drawing short comics stories since I was a kid. In Art College I drew several short horror comics stories, and found ways to justify doing them as assignments for various classes. Right after I got out of college, between 1994-1996, I created a comic book series called Tales From Blue Soggoth, which was about a group of explorers from Earth who crash their spaceship on an alien planet populated with dinosaurs, zombies, Fish Monsters, Lizard Men, and whatever else I felt like drawing. Basically it was Lost In Space, with more monsters, violence, and scantily-clad women. I did 4 issues, and sold them at the Chicago Comic-Con in 1994 and 1995. I tried to get Blue Soggoth picked up by a real publisher but nobody was interested. That was the Image Comics era, you recall. Back then the only kind of subject that comic book publishers were interested in were superheroes with big guns and disco clothes. Old-fashioned sci-fi horror was dead in the early 90’s. I was working against the grain with that subject matter and shoulda known better.
From 1999 - August 2003:
In late 1999, I created Wulf and Batsy: a comics series about the adventures of a ferocious werewolf and a cute female vampire, as they wander the earth in search of friends, and a place to call home. The only problem is, wherever they go, they eat people, and get run outta town.
September 2003 - Present:
I have continued to work on Wulf and Batsy comics. For my day job, I work as a storyboard artist in the animation industry. That’s the job that pays the bills so I have to give it top priority. But I still write and draw Wulf and Batsy, as a fun side project. I have worked as an artist for publishers like Viper Comics, AC Comics, and NEC Comics. In 2009 Tim Seeley invited me to draw 4 issues of his series, Hack/Slash. Most recently, I have been focused on self-publishing trade paperback books collecting my complete Wulf and Batsy material thus far.
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the center of Bryan.
What do you do when not making comics?
When I am not making comics I watch a lot of movies – mostly horror movies and crime movies. I read all kinds of books but mostly crime fiction. I am really into seafood. I am willing to try eating anything that comes out of the ocean. I seem to enjoy the overwhelming majority of it. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my wife, or my three extremely needy, co-dependant cats. I also hang out as often as I can with my best friend David Hartman, who is also a horror artist, and also very needy and co-dependant. Just kidding on that last point. Haha.
Favorite TV Shows past and present?
When I was a kid, I mostly watched re-runs of old TV shows. The Munsters. The Twilight Zone. Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The Outer Limits. As a kid of the 80’s I actually preferred re-runs of old black and white shows that had horror and science fictions stories over the family sit-coms that were so popular then. But I also had an affection for The Brady Bunch and Leave It To Beaver. I don’t watch much TV as an adult. I mostly just use my TV as a receptacle for my DVD player and watch movies. I have collected some TV series on DVD though – basically all the ones named above. Those are still my favorites. To be perfectly honest, Leave It to Beaver is probably my single favorite TV show of all time
Before the age of 16 what was your favorite Halloween Costume? After 16?
When I was about ten I got this cheap Wolf Man mask, the old kind with a string that goes around the kid’s head to hold it on. It was just an okay mask but my Mom went out and bought some brown furry fabric and sewed it into gloves, so I could have furry Wolf Man hands. I thought that was the coolest thing she ever did, and that alone made it my favorite Halloween costume up to that age. Many years later, at the age of 29 I created probably the best Halloween costume I’ve ever come up with. I found a high-quality werewolf mask with a moveable jaw that opens and closes when you move your mouth. I ripped holes in my clothes and put patches of brown fur inside the holes, so I could have fur bursting through my clothes. I got some really nice rubber monster-hand gloves with big claws. The final touch that really sold it, was a set of padded shoulders and arms from a muscle-man costume that I put under my shirt, to bulk me up. That was my best werewolf ever. But I try to create something really unusual every year, mixing the best store-bought items I can find with homemade touches. There was another year where I took a flesh-colored human head mask, and fit it over top of a regular old skull mask. Then I ripped the human head mask apart so the skull would show through, and covered the whole thing with drips of red paint, for blood. That was probably my goriest costume ever, it was very scary looking.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Well first of all, allow me to correct a fundamental flaw in that question – which is that Iceman is not the greatest hero of all time – Firestorm the Nuclear Man is the greatest hero of all time. Firestorm was awesome in the early to mid 1980’s when I was first getting into collecting superhero comics. I collected every single issue of The Fury of Firestorm as well as all the Justice League of America issues in which Firestorm appeared. I thought he was the coolest. I really dug that bright red and yellow suit and the flames coming out of his head. And for the record he could melt Iceman. The reason Firestorm is underused is because in recent years, DC Comics tried to fix something that wasn’t broken, by killing Firestorm off, then resurrecting the same character concept with a different person wearing the costume. I can say as an old-school Firestorm fan that I personally had no affection for this new version of the character, because when I read a Firestorm comic I want to read about Ronnie Raymond, the original Nuclear Man, not some new guy.
If you were to make a superhero comic, would it be a team or solo book and what would the main character(s) be called?
Hmm. I have often thought that one of these days I would love to do a really sleazy rip-off of The Shadow. Just take the exact same style of storytelling that you find in the old 1940’s Shadow radio plays, but make them “Rater R”, pushing the violence and sexual innuendo to scary extremes. I haven’t actually developed a name or a character for it, but that’s something I’ve often thought would be fun to do, if I wanted to try writing and drawing a really “heroic” adventure type of comic.
I guess we can agree that your art style is alright (JK its really f'cking awesome) what influenced you to do it? What made you want to draw and create and write and rule?
I can’t explain why but from the earliest age, scary stuff always had the most power over me. As a kid of the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of the “TV Horror Host” era – when there were still TV shows, hosted by weird characters, dedicated to showing old black and white horror movies. There were a couple of different shows like this that I watched every week as a kid. So from early childhood I saw all the Universal classic horror films on TV and picked up on this whole history of monster movies. I feel very lucky that I was able to experience The Wolf Man, King Kong, Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jeckyll and Mister Hyde, all those classic old horror movies, by the time I was in kindergarten, and they became like sacred texts in my mind. So I was just fascinated by anything scary, and wanted to explore every bit of it. Around the age of 9 or 10 I became aware that there was this new writer named Stephen King. I would go to the bookstore and see these scary covers on his early novels, and felt intensely curious about them. But I was too intimidated by their length to try reading them. I saw them as “grown-up” books - too big for a kid to finish. I saw the movie Creepshow when it first came out in 1982, and it instantly became one of my favorite movies. Creepshow left as big an impression on me as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark did. I learned that Stephen King had written this movie and that’s when I decided, “Okay, I gotta start reading this guy’s books, I don’t care how long they are.” I bought Night Shift, which seemed like an easy one to start with, because it was a collection of short stories. Reading that whole book gave me the bravery at a young age to tackle novels, and I started reading all of King’s books. It was also around the age of 10 that I found the Creepshow comic book, which was drawn by Bernie Wrightson. And that was it. If I had to pinpoint a single moment when I decided I wanted to draw horror art for the rest of my life, that was it.
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
I suppose the answer to that question probably depends on your definition of “real money”. So far I haven’t figured out a way to make money doing comics that is even remotely comparable to what I make at my day job. If I ever start to believe that such a thing is possible, I will be happy to pursue a comics career more seriously, and crank out a ton of new comics and graphic novels. Till then, I prefer to retain my financial security, and do comics as a hobby on the side, as spare time allows. Based on my experience it would seem financially irresponsible to do otherwise.
When your making comics what’s going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
I have to listen to something while I work. Usually I listen to music. I prefer weird electronic stuff. Everything from Industrial music, to Goth, to bizarre experimental synthesizer stuff. I also have a massive collection of obscure horror movie soundtracks and those are helpful for intensifying the horror-mood. I also listen to a lot of audiobooks while I draw. Basically, I need some sort of audio backdrop that keeps my brain occupied. My artwork always turns out best when I am just drawing by instinct and not analyzing it too much. I would compare it to riding a bicycle. It’s only when you try to concentrate on keeping your balance that you soon lose your balance and crash your bike. As long as you are just doing it – without thinking about it - it’s all smooth sailing.
10 years from now. Where do you see me at. in my career as a headless journalist?
Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that you will have dominated all horror entertainment news media. Absolutely.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Hopefully living in a decent house that is either located someplace close to the ocean, or someplace close to a forest where it rains and snows often. Hopefully with my pretty wife and a healthy, well-behaved 9 or 10 year old kid. Hopefully still financially secure. Hopefully I will have made a lot more comics by then, and hopefully they will be better known and selling well. That would be good enough for me.
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Wulf & Batsy?
The deformed, drooling, mentally handicapped child I send out into the world, who is shunned by the masses, but dearly loved and supported by those precious few who have taken the time to get to know it.
Hack/Slash?
A fun comic to draw.
Horror Comics?
My favorite art form to work on.
$5.27?
I don’t know what the significance of this amount is, and I don’t believe in numerology, but it is spooky that you throw this at me because the number 27 seems to reoccur frequently in my life.
Indy Planet?
Good people and a wonderful resource, but in my opinion they would have a better image if they were willing to reject obvious amateur-night material.
Big Bird?
Entertaining guy but I find “Animal” on the Muppets easier to relate to personally.
Anime?
Like a swarm of butterflies flapping in my face, and I know each one must be beautiful and unique, but they all blur together and I can’t discern one from the next.
Fondue Parties?
Never been to one.
Decapitated Dan?
Seems like a good guy to me!
Bryan Baugh?
The Edward D. Wood Jr. of the comic book industry.
Awesome stuff Bryan. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me.
No problem! Thanks for asking me some new and unusual questions! That was fun!
If you want to check out or buy any of Bryan's work head on over to http://www.cryptlogic.net/
Alright lets start out with a short answer section and get the usual stuff out of the way.
Name:
Bryan Baugh
Age:
For the past 10 years I have been celebrating anniversaries of my 27th birthday.
Married/Single/Dating/Other:
Happily married.
Pets:
Three cats. First there is Tiger, who looks like a gray-and-black striped tiger. That one adopted me. He literally showed up as a kitten on my doorstep one night and I invited him in, and he just never left. At that time he was so small he could sit in the palm of my hand. Now he is almost as big as an actual tiger. Then there is Lucy, the black cat who looks like a silhouette with eyes. Lucy is the alpha-cat of the household. She is convinced that it is her house and the rest of us should be happy that she tolerates us. And finally, there is Kayla, the little orange-and-black Halloween kitten. Her job is to follow the other two around and imitate everything they do. She has a true little-sister personality.
Highest Education Level:
I went to the Columbus College of Art and Design for 4 years.
First Job:
When I was 16 I got a job as a lab tech in a veterinary clinic, where I learned how to care for sick animals and how to clean large amounts of blood and other bodily fluids off of various surfaces.
Staying with short answers lets talk about what you do:
Comic(s) Before 1998:
I have been drawing short comics stories since I was a kid. In Art College I drew several short horror comics stories, and found ways to justify doing them as assignments for various classes. Right after I got out of college, between 1994-1996, I created a comic book series called Tales From Blue Soggoth, which was about a group of explorers from Earth who crash their spaceship on an alien planet populated with dinosaurs, zombies, Fish Monsters, Lizard Men, and whatever else I felt like drawing. Basically it was Lost In Space, with more monsters, violence, and scantily-clad women. I did 4 issues, and sold them at the Chicago Comic-Con in 1994 and 1995. I tried to get Blue Soggoth picked up by a real publisher but nobody was interested. That was the Image Comics era, you recall. Back then the only kind of subject that comic book publishers were interested in were superheroes with big guns and disco clothes. Old-fashioned sci-fi horror was dead in the early 90’s. I was working against the grain with that subject matter and shoulda known better.
From 1999 - August 2003: In late 1999, I created Wulf and Batsy: a comics series about the adventures of a ferocious werewolf and a cute female vampire, as they wander the earth in search of friends, and a place to call home. The only problem is, wherever they go, they eat people, and get run outta town.
September 2003 - Present:
I have continued to work on Wulf and Batsy comics. For my day job, I work as a storyboard artist in the animation industry. That’s the job that pays the bills so I have to give it top priority. But I still write and draw Wulf and Batsy, as a fun side project. I have worked as an artist for publishers like Viper Comics, AC Comics, and NEC Comics. In 2009 Tim Seeley invited me to draw 4 issues of his series, Hack/Slash. Most recently, I have been focused on self-publishing trade paperback books collecting my complete Wulf and Batsy material thus far.
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the center of Bryan.
What do you do when not making comics?
When I am not making comics I watch a lot of movies – mostly horror movies and crime movies. I read all kinds of books but mostly crime fiction. I am really into seafood. I am willing to try eating anything that comes out of the ocean. I seem to enjoy the overwhelming majority of it. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my wife, or my three extremely needy, co-dependant cats. I also hang out as often as I can with my best friend David Hartman, who is also a horror artist, and also very needy and co-dependant. Just kidding on that last point. Haha.
Favorite TV Shows past and present?
When I was a kid, I mostly watched re-runs of old TV shows. The Munsters. The Twilight Zone. Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The Outer Limits. As a kid of the 80’s I actually preferred re-runs of old black and white shows that had horror and science fictions stories over the family sit-coms that were so popular then. But I also had an affection for The Brady Bunch and Leave It To Beaver. I don’t watch much TV as an adult. I mostly just use my TV as a receptacle for my DVD player and watch movies. I have collected some TV series on DVD though – basically all the ones named above. Those are still my favorites. To be perfectly honest, Leave It to Beaver is probably my single favorite TV show of all time
Before the age of 16 what was your favorite Halloween Costume? After 16?
When I was about ten I got this cheap Wolf Man mask, the old kind with a string that goes around the kid’s head to hold it on. It was just an okay mask but my Mom went out and bought some brown furry fabric and sewed it into gloves, so I could have furry Wolf Man hands. I thought that was the coolest thing she ever did, and that alone made it my favorite Halloween costume up to that age. Many years later, at the age of 29 I created probably the best Halloween costume I’ve ever come up with. I found a high-quality werewolf mask with a moveable jaw that opens and closes when you move your mouth. I ripped holes in my clothes and put patches of brown fur inside the holes, so I could have fur bursting through my clothes. I got some really nice rubber monster-hand gloves with big claws. The final touch that really sold it, was a set of padded shoulders and arms from a muscle-man costume that I put under my shirt, to bulk me up. That was my best werewolf ever. But I try to create something really unusual every year, mixing the best store-bought items I can find with homemade touches. There was another year where I took a flesh-colored human head mask, and fit it over top of a regular old skull mask. Then I ripped the human head mask apart so the skull would show through, and covered the whole thing with drips of red paint, for blood. That was probably my goriest costume ever, it was very scary looking.
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Well first of all, allow me to correct a fundamental flaw in that question – which is that Iceman is not the greatest hero of all time – Firestorm the Nuclear Man is the greatest hero of all time. Firestorm was awesome in the early to mid 1980’s when I was first getting into collecting superhero comics. I collected every single issue of The Fury of Firestorm as well as all the Justice League of America issues in which Firestorm appeared. I thought he was the coolest. I really dug that bright red and yellow suit and the flames coming out of his head. And for the record he could melt Iceman. The reason Firestorm is underused is because in recent years, DC Comics tried to fix something that wasn’t broken, by killing Firestorm off, then resurrecting the same character concept with a different person wearing the costume. I can say as an old-school Firestorm fan that I personally had no affection for this new version of the character, because when I read a Firestorm comic I want to read about Ronnie Raymond, the original Nuclear Man, not some new guy.
If you were to make a superhero comic, would it be a team or solo book and what would the main character(s) be called?
Hmm. I have often thought that one of these days I would love to do a really sleazy rip-off of The Shadow. Just take the exact same style of storytelling that you find in the old 1940’s Shadow radio plays, but make them “Rater R”, pushing the violence and sexual innuendo to scary extremes. I haven’t actually developed a name or a character for it, but that’s something I’ve often thought would be fun to do, if I wanted to try writing and drawing a really “heroic” adventure type of comic.
I guess we can agree that your art style is alright (JK its really f'cking awesome) what influenced you to do it? What made you want to draw and create and write and rule?
I can’t explain why but from the earliest age, scary stuff always had the most power over me. As a kid of the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of the “TV Horror Host” era – when there were still TV shows, hosted by weird characters, dedicated to showing old black and white horror movies. There were a couple of different shows like this that I watched every week as a kid. So from early childhood I saw all the Universal classic horror films on TV and picked up on this whole history of monster movies. I feel very lucky that I was able to experience The Wolf Man, King Kong, Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jeckyll and Mister Hyde, all those classic old horror movies, by the time I was in kindergarten, and they became like sacred texts in my mind. So I was just fascinated by anything scary, and wanted to explore every bit of it. Around the age of 9 or 10 I became aware that there was this new writer named Stephen King. I would go to the bookstore and see these scary covers on his early novels, and felt intensely curious about them. But I was too intimidated by their length to try reading them. I saw them as “grown-up” books - too big for a kid to finish. I saw the movie Creepshow when it first came out in 1982, and it instantly became one of my favorite movies. Creepshow left as big an impression on me as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark did. I learned that Stephen King had written this movie and that’s when I decided, “Okay, I gotta start reading this guy’s books, I don’t care how long they are.” I bought Night Shift, which seemed like an easy one to start with, because it was a collection of short stories. Reading that whole book gave me the bravery at a young age to tackle novels, and I started reading all of King’s books. It was also around the age of 10 that I found the Creepshow comic book, which was drawn by Bernie Wrightson. And that was it. If I had to pinpoint a single moment when I decided I wanted to draw horror art for the rest of my life, that was it.
Where is the real money at in comic creating?I suppose the answer to that question probably depends on your definition of “real money”. So far I haven’t figured out a way to make money doing comics that is even remotely comparable to what I make at my day job. If I ever start to believe that such a thing is possible, I will be happy to pursue a comics career more seriously, and crank out a ton of new comics and graphic novels. Till then, I prefer to retain my financial security, and do comics as a hobby on the side, as spare time allows. Based on my experience it would seem financially irresponsible to do otherwise.
When your making comics what’s going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
I have to listen to something while I work. Usually I listen to music. I prefer weird electronic stuff. Everything from Industrial music, to Goth, to bizarre experimental synthesizer stuff. I also have a massive collection of obscure horror movie soundtracks and those are helpful for intensifying the horror-mood. I also listen to a lot of audiobooks while I draw. Basically, I need some sort of audio backdrop that keeps my brain occupied. My artwork always turns out best when I am just drawing by instinct and not analyzing it too much. I would compare it to riding a bicycle. It’s only when you try to concentrate on keeping your balance that you soon lose your balance and crash your bike. As long as you are just doing it – without thinking about it - it’s all smooth sailing.
10 years from now. Where do you see me at. in my career as a headless journalist?
Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that you will have dominated all horror entertainment news media. Absolutely.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Hopefully living in a decent house that is either located someplace close to the ocean, or someplace close to a forest where it rains and snows often. Hopefully with my pretty wife and a healthy, well-behaved 9 or 10 year old kid. Hopefully still financially secure. Hopefully I will have made a lot more comics by then, and hopefully they will be better known and selling well. That would be good enough for me.
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one sentence response.
Wulf & Batsy?
The deformed, drooling, mentally handicapped child I send out into the world, who is shunned by the masses, but dearly loved and supported by those precious few who have taken the time to get to know it.
Hack/Slash?
A fun comic to draw.
Horror Comics?
My favorite art form to work on.
$5.27?
I don’t know what the significance of this amount is, and I don’t believe in numerology, but it is spooky that you throw this at me because the number 27 seems to reoccur frequently in my life.
Indy Planet?
Good people and a wonderful resource, but in my opinion they would have a better image if they were willing to reject obvious amateur-night material.
Big Bird?
Entertaining guy but I find “Animal” on the Muppets easier to relate to personally.
Anime?
Like a swarm of butterflies flapping in my face, and I know each one must be beautiful and unique, but they all blur together and I can’t discern one from the next.
Fondue Parties?
Never been to one.
Decapitated Dan?
Seems like a good guy to me!
Bryan Baugh?
The Edward D. Wood Jr. of the comic book industry.
Awesome stuff Bryan. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me.
No problem! Thanks for asking me some new and unusual questions! That was fun!
If you want to check out or buy any of Bryan's work head on over to http://www.cryptlogic.net/
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Deep Discussions with Decapitated Dan - Buz Hasson
Alright kiddies it's time to bring some Ghoulish Guests into the Dark Dungeon. I have lured Buz Hasson, Co-Creator of The Living Corpse, into the depths to pick his brain about TV, music and New York Pimp's from the 80's.
Alright lets start out with a short answer section so we can get the usual out crap of the way.
Name: Buz Hasson
Age: 33
Married/Single/Dating/Other: Married
Pets: Spooky the Pug and Bojangles the Boston Terrier
Highest Education Level: Joe Blasco School of Professional Make-up Center in Orlando, Fl.
High School Mascot: Panther
First Job: Cashier
Favorite thing to eat at the movies: Popcorn, Sugar Daddies, Starburst
Comic(s) you created Before 1995: Basically just comic strips featuring cartoon characters I made up and emulating Jim lee in art class
From 1995 - September 12, 2009: Zombies, Zombies and more Zombies. Just drawing wacky crap in a Mcfarlane-esque style and the Living Corpse!
Sept. 13 - The end of time: The Living Corpse and who nows what else!
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
Tattoo people with drawings that I do based on what they want...usually something I come up with leaning usually to the evil and creepy side of life. Play with my son Gage Dangerous and spend time with my beautiful wife Faith.
Favorite TV Shows past and present?
V, Twin Peaks, X-files, Heroes, True Blood, Monsters, A-Team, Most Evil, G.I. Joe, He-Man, Ren and Stimpy, Chapelle Show, Family Guy, Spawn Animated, Liquid Television, South Park, Cops, Batman Animated Series, Teen Titans, Clone Wars, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek TNG, Deep Space Nine, I could keep going....
Stranded on a deserted island you get one
comic to read for 5 years. What is it (trades are allowed)?
youngblood #1............................................just kidding. Swamp Thing...any of the Alan Moore, Bissette, Totleben stuff.
When you were 10 what were you for Halloween?
Zombie...I think.
Favorite Music when you were 6, 16 and 26?
Micheal Jackson's Thriller, Red Hot Chili Peppers, White Zombie/Rob Zombie
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Um, maybe because it's easier to identify with the rage and anger of Wolverine over the ability to make it cold or freeze things like Iceman.
If you were to make a comic about the life of a Pimp, circa 1980 in New York Times Square, what would his name be and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
PIMPOPHILIA: all of new york is dead from a zombie plague.....what little of mankind is left is haunted, hungry and horney. It's up to one man "Bad Brotherman Matches" to make sure that his fellow man has the pussy he needs to keep their spirit for survival strong. Even if its dead pussy. It's a dismal world but somebodies gotta fuck it. End of pitch. lol
We all know you kick ass drawing monsters? But was it your first choice comic wise? In other words as a kid did you draw something, hate it, put red all over it and realize that Zombies were the way to go?
Hmmm....I drew a lot of my own mutants. I was a huge fan of X-men so I made up vigilantes and such but it wasn't till Spawn came out that I was like this is the shit! Creepy heroes are for me!
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
Selling independent properties to corporations etc. and being Joe Quesada.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
Everything and anything, usually metal....death metal....or cartoons.
10 years from now. Where do you see me at in my career of a headless journalist?
Ever seen Futurama? I see a glass jar full of green bubbly liquid in your future.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Rich from the the Living Corpse!
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one word answer or one sentence response.
Zombies? The Living Corpse
Living Corpse? Batman
Horror Comics? The Living Corpse......HAHAHA and Steve Niles.
Taco Bell? Diarrhea
Dead Alive? Awesome
Marvel Comics? Disney
Swinger Parties? Playboy Mansion
Decapitated Dan? Cool Mother Fucker (Yes I am)
Buz it has been a pleasure.
To check out Buz's work all you have to do is follow these awesome links.
www.corpsecomic.com
www.buzworld.net
Alright lets start out with a short answer section so we can get the usual out crap of the way.
Name: Buz Hasson
Age: 33
Married/Single/Dating/Other: Married
Pets: Spooky the Pug and Bojangles the Boston Terrier
Highest Education Level: Joe Blasco School of Professional Make-up Center in Orlando, Fl.
High School Mascot: Panther
First Job: Cashier
Favorite thing to eat at the movies: Popcorn, Sugar Daddies, Starburst
Comic(s) you created Before 1995: Basically just comic strips featuring cartoon characters I made up and emulating Jim lee in art class
From 1995 - September 12, 2009: Zombies, Zombies and more Zombies. Just drawing wacky crap in a Mcfarlane-esque style and the Living Corpse!
Sept. 13 - The end of time: The Living Corpse and who nows what else!
Alright all that stuff aside lets get to the meat of the interview:
What do you do when not making comics?
Tattoo people with drawings that I do based on what they want...usually something I come up with leaning usually to the evil and creepy side of life. Play with my son Gage Dangerous and spend time with my beautiful wife Faith.
Favorite TV Shows past and present?
V, Twin Peaks, X-files, Heroes, True Blood, Monsters, A-Team, Most Evil, G.I. Joe, He-Man, Ren and Stimpy, Chapelle Show, Family Guy, Spawn Animated, Liquid Television, South Park, Cops, Batman Animated Series, Teen Titans, Clone Wars, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek TNG, Deep Space Nine, I could keep going....
Stranded on a deserted island you get one
comic to read for 5 years. What is it (trades are allowed)?youngblood #1............................................just kidding. Swamp Thing...any of the Alan Moore, Bissette, Totleben stuff.
When you were 10 what were you for Halloween?
Zombie...I think.
Favorite Music when you were 6, 16 and 26?
Micheal Jackson's Thriller, Red Hot Chili Peppers, White Zombie/Rob Zombie
Back to comic stuff for now. Knowing that Iceman is the greatest hero of all time, why do you think he is so underused?
Um, maybe because it's easier to identify with the rage and anger of Wolverine over the ability to make it cold or freeze things like Iceman.
If you were to make a comic about the life of a Pimp, circa 1980 in New York Times Square, what would his name be and sell me on a quick pitch? Go!
PIMPOPHILIA: all of new york is dead from a zombie plague.....what little of mankind is left is haunted, hungry and horney. It's up to one man "Bad Brotherman Matches" to make sure that his fellow man has the pussy he needs to keep their spirit for survival strong. Even if its dead pussy. It's a dismal world but somebodies gotta fuck it. End of pitch. lol
We all know you kick ass drawing monsters? But was it your first choice comic wise? In other words as a kid did you draw something, hate it, put red all over it and realize that Zombies were the way to go?
Hmmm....I drew a lot of my own mutants. I was a huge fan of X-men so I made up vigilantes and such but it wasn't till Spawn came out that I was like this is the shit! Creepy heroes are for me!
Where is the real money at in comic creating?
Selling independent properties to corporations etc. and being Joe Quesada.
When your making comics whats going on around you? Music, what kind? Silence? TV on?
Everything and anything, usually metal....death metal....or cartoons.
10 years from now. Where do you see me at in my career of a headless journalist?
Ever seen Futurama? I see a glass jar full of green bubbly liquid in your future.
10 years from now. Where do you see yourself?
Rich from the the Living Corpse!
Alright we can finish up with a quick word association game. I will say a word, you give me a quick one word answer or one sentence response.
Zombies? The Living Corpse
Living Corpse? Batman
Horror Comics? The Living Corpse......HAHAHA and Steve Niles.
Taco Bell? Diarrhea
Dead Alive? Awesome
Marvel Comics? Disney
Swinger Parties? Playboy Mansion
Decapitated Dan? Cool Mother Fucker (Yes I am)
Buz it has been a pleasure.
To check out Buz's work all you have to do is follow these awesome links.
www.corpsecomic.com
www.buzworld.net
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
2 New Reviews Added!!!!
Just added 2 new reviews for The Strange Tales of Emery Falls and Vegetable Wars #1. Go on you know you want to read them!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Interview with Master Legion of Legion Studios
I had an opportunity to sit down with Ryan "Master Legion" Mojica and talk about Legion Studios and see what he and his crew are up to.Decapitated Dan: Hey Ryan thanks for taking the time to talk to me about Legion Studios. Lets start off simple. What is Legion Studios all about?
Ryan Mojica: Legion Studios is a combination of my love for classic horror, dark literature and spiritual warfare. I was raised watching shows like Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, and Tales from the Darkside and had an insatiable love for horror movies as a young lad. Yet I was also born into a very “God” fearing environment…which only left me to brood over the “enemy” and delve into the mysteries of man’s wickedness even more. I always found it so intriguing that the supposed “Christian” that so proudly goes to church every Sunday may also be the “hypochristian” who cheats on his wife. It’s these kinds of elements that we apply into some of our stories and revel “man’s” natural, sinful, human nature.
DD: How long have you been working in comics?
RM: Technically I’ve been working on comics since the early ‘90’s doing short stories here and there for small Indy publishers. Most of them never took off, let alone got published. I got my first “real” break back in ’98 when Hart Fisher from Boneyard Press gave me a shot with his title, Bill the Bull. From there I went on to illustrate several other titles and pin ups, including Babylon Crush, Dark Angel and pin ups for Glenn Danzig’s Verotik. I stuck around there for awhile until branching off to do my own project and haven’t missed it since.
DD: Do you notice that you have a strong following as an independent company that has been around for a while now?
RM: I can’t say that we have a following that can fill a building or anything (at least not yet, heh), but what I do know is that our “legionnaires” are definitely loyal and supportive. It is definitely through their allegiance that we keep this blazing fire of immortality lit. They truly are the fuel that keeps this fire burning.
DD: After reading some of your books I notice that Horror wise you tend to lean towards a more Satanic approach. Why did you decide to take on this specific genre as opposed to the more traditional monsters and zombies?
RM: I love monsters and Zombies just as much as the next guy, but personally is there anything there? No. The “Satanic” element is prevalent only because of the true nature of it all. Again, I think we all struggle with spiritual elements in some form or another. Rather than just throw it all out on the table, I’d much rather graze the surface and allow the reader to decide for themselves.
DD: Do you feel that you have had to conform to this style to stay in the game? Would you want to branch out more?
RM: It’s interesting you ask that, ironically I think it’s the “satanic” elements that keep me OUT of the game. A lot of people are afraid of what they don’t understand and shy away from it. However at the same time those same people have no idea how close they actually are to being knee deep in it, thus my opinion. As the years go by I feel we do “branch out” time to time with other titles in the horror genre. I think as a growing comic company it’s pointless not to expand your horizon. Nonetheless, for me to “conform” to something would be going totally against what I started…I feel if I just keep doing what I’ve been doing for five years now it will eventually pay off…and if not than I at least can die comfortably knowing that I went out doing what I love.
DD: So what books are you and your team currently working on?RM: Right now were currently working on Queen of Sin 3, the long awaited Book of Legion 3, a “Movie-Adaptation” of Master’s Devils and Geoffrey Graves, Kitty Zombie. We also have another series currently being tossed around by myself and Jeremiah Buckel with a working title called Satan’s Circus.
DD: What got you into working in comics?
RM: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t raised on super heroes. I remember trying to copy the artwork from my older brother’s Batman, Spiderman and X-men comics and pissing him off for bending the pages. All I know is, as far back as I remember, I was fascinated with comic books and artwork. As the years went by, I developed my own style and sent in submission after submission to Marvel, DC, and other big names. I guess after no luck I turned my attention toward my other passion and found my true calling in horror comics…and it worked. Ironically now those “big names” have seen the demand for the horror genre and established it into their books (rolls eyes)…humph…don’t get me started.
DD: If you could work with anyone in the industry past or present who would it be and why?
RM: Simon Bisley, Frank Frazetta, Greg Capullo and Basil Gogos…because their artwork is horrifically beautiful, nuff said.
DD: What books are you currently reading?
RM: Honestly, I’m not reading any comics these days. I’m sure if I looked hard enough I would find some titles here and there that I would like. But I find it easier to ignore other books as to not get influenced or upset that someone is or has done something that I may have had conjuring in my head…you know?
DD: What can we expect from Legion Studios 5 years down the road?
RM: We recently launched our production company called Nine Day Fall Productions and are currently in production of our first live-action short film based after one of our best-selling comics called, Master’s Devils (www.MastersDevilsTheMovie.com). The film stars Deneen Melody, Sofiya Smirnova, Kaylee Williams, Kristin Montgomery , Alyxandra Brinkman, and Ari “First Jason” Lehman. I’ll be working with Terence Muncy from Warbranch Productions to bring this project to life by late 2009/early 2010. So aside from more comics, guess I can promise a “fire” in the independent film industry too. From Comics to SINema…we are forever.
DD: If you could sum up LS in one sentence what would it be?
RM: How about two? As long as SIN hungers for its hosts, we will be here making the most of it. Heroes come and Villains go, but SIN is forever!
DD: Thanks for your time Ryan. It is much appreciated.
RM: Much Obliged!
If you want to learn more about Legion Studios and see what else they are up to you can at http://www.legionsden.com/
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