What A Show!

WOW! The Phoenix Comicon turned out way better than I had expected. From the energy in the air to the good vibes on the vendor floor. I had a great time this year and rathe than going on and on about things I'm gonna let the pictures do most of my talking.(after all a picture is worth a 1000 words).

Love seeing convention booty pictures. 

I love them even more when they have things I created in them.

Bily Foster, Myself and Eric Mengel. 

Bily has been a huge supporter of Eric and myself for years. 

He has gotten our faces in front of many people,

 who might never even know who we are.

My beautiful wife helping at the table while I had some panels.

Tony Stephens and I on the Heroes with Disablilties panel. 

I met Tony a couple of years ago, he is a great man that has 

dreams of making comics that include character with 

disabilities. I cannot wait to read what he comes up with.

I think this is the 5th time Eric Mengel and I have given our 

DIY Comic talk. The room was packed again this year and we talk 

one on one with many of the attendees at our booths throughout 

the weekend. I cannot wait to read the comics that many of these 

people are planning on creating.

Eric Mengel and myself ready to take on the world, or at least the comic world.

That time that Bleeding Cool interviewed me. 

- --I would love to shout out all of the people at the show that I interacted with, but I'm sure I would forget someone and feel very bad about it. So know that every conversation from the smallest "Hey nice seeing you" to the longest "story of my life" conversation meant a lot to me. I learned more at this convention as a person than I had at any convention I have ever attended.

- -- Oh yeah and I still have some Space Monstas - Space Mummy figures left. Hit up my online store if you want one. Each figure comes with a limited edition Space Monstas mini-comic.

- -- Comic of the Week - hmm -- Moon Knight #3. This series is really trying something different, at least that is how I feel. I cannot wait to read the whole storyline again once it is finished.

- -- As for now I'm working hard to complete Cousin Harold 10 in time for the San Diego Comic Con. I will be tabling in the small press area this year. Plus we are prepping a special edition of the Comics Never Stop newspaper for SDCC. More on these things next week. I gotta get to the drawing board (or computer in my case) and start drawing. These comics are not going to draw themselves.

Take Care, 

-denny

Crunch Time

It's CRUNCH TIME out here in the west valley. Usually I have everything ready for the Phoenix Comicon at the beginning of May. Well this year life has gotten in the way, so I have a lot to do between now and June 2nd.

- -- The most important thing is to finish the Space Monstas story. I have 6 pages done, but still need to complete 6 pages. I think I got this, I mean I have done 8 and 16 page stories in less than 24 hours multiple times. I'm just trying for a little higher level than I have done in the past. So while I work on those pages, you can check out the first 3 pages here.

Not sure if I will have a version of this book for sale or if it will only be available with the purchase of a Space Mummy toy of the Space Monstas T-shirt. I want to do a silk screen cover for the sale version, but who knows if I will have time.

- -- I have to finish 2 Cousin Harold pages this week. This is so that I can take next week off for the convention. I think I got this easily, but with the 6 pages of Space Monstas it might be a little more challenging.

- -- I have 20 toys to paint. The plan is to complete one painting process each day. I should be able to get this done, however those 6 Space Monstas pages might get in the way.

- -- I have already copies the DIY COMIC panel handouts. Hopefully Eric Mengel will get them assembled so I can trim them next week. (The DIY COMIC presentation is Friday June 3rd from 3-4pm in North 121C at the Phoenix Comicon.)

- -- Really I'm in pretty good shape. Except for those 6 Space Monstas pages. I can do this.

- -- Comic of the Week, Fantastic Four #98 by Lee & Kirby. I love those old book. My family lets me pick out one for my birthday and father's day each year. Hopefully my kids will get good jobs and left me purchase more expensive ones when they grow up. I hope to one day own the whole Lee & Kirby run in comic form.

- -- I will be at Artist Ally #1424 for this years Phoenix Comicon.

Okay that is about it, I got to get those Space Monstas pages done. (Can you tell there really is only one thing that I'm worried about?)

Take Care,

-denny!

Busy Busy Busy

Out here on the west side it has been a busy week and it's fixin' to get even busier as my day job wraps up and the Phoenix Comicon is on the horizon.

- --Mold 2 for the Space Mummy toy turned out better than mold 1. I fixed some of the errors I made with the first mold. Toys are in full production in the dennmann's garage at this point and I should have plenty of of them at the Phoenix Comicon on July 2nd(I will also be putting 5 up online that nornign at 9am PST). Each Space Mummy toy sells for $30 and will be part of an unlimited run. I do not want someone to get into the Space Monstas comic a couple years from not and not be able to purchase a S[ac eMummy toy because they are selling for $250+ on eBay. I do plan to make some more limited runs of the figure in different colors, the first up will be the Ashcan Edition, which will be Black & White limited to 10 (probably for SDCC). I also have plans on doing a Glow-in-the-Dark edition limited to 10 (maybe DesignerCon).

- --Speaking of the Space Monstas comic, I'm making but slow. Hoping to have some type of preview edition available at the Phoenix Comicon for those who buy a shirt or toy. Fingers are crossed!

- --Cousin Harold 10 plows on. Here is a sneak peek page that I shared earlier this week online. I have had this snow idea in my head for a long time, finally found a place to use it. The plan is to release Cousin Harold 10 at the San Diego Comic Con this year.

- --Comic of the Week - Cankor (Arcane Comics Edition) This book is just AMAZING, do yourself a favor and get yourself one (or at the very least search down a preview online). This edition collects the out of print Cankor #1 & 2.

Okay so you know I have a busy week ahead. I hope all goes smoothly.

Take care,

-denny

Phoenix Comicon This Weekend!

DIY COMICS Panel on Friday

It's that time again Phoenix Comicon starts this Thursday. Eric Mengel and myself will be talking about how we make our comics - from writing and drawing to stapling and folding at our DIY Comics panel. All of our secrets will be revealed - Friday from 6-7pm in room North 123

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ARIZONA COMIC CHARACTERS

It’s that time again Phoenix Comicon is less than a week away. Al Sparrow, Michael Martin, Jeff Pina, Kevin Coulston and myself will be talking about the local creators and their creations at the Official Guide to Arizona Comic Characters panel - Saturday from 6-7pm in room North 123

-denny

A little PRESS is always GOOD!

I'm just getting started! - Nerdvana Story

Coming Soon

Sorry for the lack of updates. 

I've been busy making and prepping comics for publication. 

The Cousin Harold Giant-Size Mini-Comic 

will be available at the Phoenix Comicon 2013! 

Hope to see you all there.

Phoenix Comicon 2012 - Ryan Cody

I'm a big fan of Ryan Cody's work. Originally I

stumbled upon a book by him on the shelves of

Atomic Comics a couple of years ago. 

I was very glad to find that he had a new 

book to offer at the con this year.

Cara Fantasma! collects 3 stories featuring 

the title character. A great starting point for new 

readers. I hope to see more creator owned 

by Ryan in the near future.

Phoenix Comicon 2012 - Jeff Pina

Jeff Pina and his wife Tricia at their Phoenix Comicon booth.

Jeff is a man of many creations (much like myself). 

He has Monkey in Space, Drunken Robot, the Imaginatives

and Dr. Oblivion's Guide to Teenage Dating all in his stable.

I'm a big fan of Monkey in Space (which is also a webcomic)

and picked up issue 2 at this years Phoenix Comicon. 

Another good read with crisp clean art. I really like the 

way Jeff colors his work and was a little sad to hear that 

only the first prints of the book will be in color from here 

on out. (However that does sound like a good ideas to

 entice his customers to buy the books when they are first 

released.) So I guess I will be picking a copy up early 

each time. 

Phoenix Comicon 2012 - Eric Mengel

Eric at his booth with OCHO!

 The blue guy was a huge hit with the fans.

OCHO #21 - This might be Eric's best issue yet.

A couple of years ago I made fun of Eric's writing at

dinner one night, with this issue there is nothing left to

make fun of. Eric is weaving together some masterful 

plot that only he knows, but the pieces are all falling

into place. I would never have expected this to be

the outcome back at issue #13. Great Stuff! 

Phoenix Comicon 2012 - RECAP

At my booth talking to some fans (Really just 

Joshua Green and his girlfriend, who's name I forgot.) 

Those that know me, know that I'm not a big fan of 

cosplay. However there are always outfits I enjoy. 

The box guy is one of them.

Posing for pictures on Saturday. 

Does this make me a 'Poser'?

My Lego Harold finally made it to me. 

Created by David J. Oakes. I'm thinking about 

making a few of these for sale, any interest? 

(they would be about $10 each and come carded?)

Also my new digital copies of Cousin Harold 1 arrived,

thanx to my pal Ovi over at Indie Aisle.

More posing by the "Poser"!

I had a great time at the PHOENIX COMICON!!!!

Thanx to all that stopped by to chat and extra thanx to those

that bought books. Looking forward to making more books 

for you all to enjoy in the near future.

Phoenix Comicon 2012

I will be at Table 928 stop by and say "Hi!"

I will also be hosting 2 panels with my pal Eric Mengel.

First up is Nuts & Bolts of Comics 

on Saturday 4:30-5:30pm in 126B.

We will let you in on the secrets of how we 

writing, draw, letter and color our work. 

Second up is DIY Comics - Making Comics at Home

on Sunday 3:00-4:00pm in 126C.

Here we will give you our trade secrets on how we 

produce our comics, from drawing to printing. Learn 

how we make comics that look like they were 

professionally printed. 

This year Phoenix Comicon is set to Rock!

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2012

The Free Comic Book Day Edition of 

Cousin Harold will be available at

 - Drawn to Comics - Hero Comics - 

- Jesse James Comics - 

- Samurai Comics (all 3 locations) -

I will be appearing at Samurai Comics 

(the Phoenix Location) during the morning

and early afternoon, then check in at the

other stores for the rest for the day.

I will also have copies of Cousin Harold #1

with me on Free Comic Book Day. The book 

arrived earlier so rather than waiting for 

Phoenix Comicon to debut - I'm just selling them.

(I'm the bass of the company after all.)

Press - This is What People are Saying About ME!

In the last month I have gotten quit a few different pieces of press.

DIY BOOK Ep. 23 interview with Hamish MacDonald. We talk about my thought behind the comics I make. Had a great time doing this interview. My vocals are kind of load, first time using Skype and did not know how loud to talk.

My Jenny Spookawski strip was including in a story run at Bleeding Cool.

And final the Denise Meredith included me in one of her Examiner pieces about the Phoenix Comicon where I was a guest this year.

Wow! What a month May was.

take care,

-denny!

Phoenix Comicon Offerings Part 2

The new edition of CHEESE (my sold out mini-comic) will be available at

the Phoenix Comicon. This edition has a couple extra/edited dialog balloons 

plus I rework some of the art and added tones so that it would match the sequels.

Sequels? Check back tomorrow for more information.

Phoenix Comicon Offerings Part 1

First up this year is a trade paperback collection of my Lollygaggin' Adventures strips. This 100 page book collects all of the Lollygaggin' Adventures strips from 2010, plus a handful of pin-up by some excellent independent creators and a sketchbook of the Lollygaggin' that might have been. Pick this book up for only $15 at the Phoenix Comicon!

MONEY COVER

Coming to the PHOENIX COMICON!

CHEESE COVER (NEW EDITION)

Coming to the PHOENIX COMICON!

Phoenix Comicon Recap Part 3 (of 5)

Today I think I will start with a new find from the Phoenix Comicon.

I have never heard the name Meredith McClaren before but one look at her 3 minis had me reaching for my wallet, ready to spend my hard earned money. She had 3 books available at the show: A sketchbook from 2009-2010, Chase and Anya and Spider. While they were fairly quick reads, her art asks to be viewed slowly and multiple times. She utilizes a super clean line, tones and soft colors. Awesome stuff!

(Meredith McClaren)

The second item today is not a new find. I originally purchase The Green Monk by Brandon Dayton back in December 2009. The book was excellent, Brandon's art is even better. The Phoenix Comicon gave me a chance to meet Brandon. However after reading the Twitter follow ups, post con, most of the other creators did not even realize he was at the con.

More tomorrow...

-denny!

Phoenix Comicon Recap Part 2 (of 5)

For the rest of the week I will take a look at some of the Comic Booty I picked up at the Phoenix Comicon.

First - I wold like to mention a book I picked up down in Tuscon at the Tucson Comic-Con by my pals Eric M. Esquivel of Modern Mythology Press, Horrible Little People. The book made a proper splash at the Phoenix Comicon. These boys are on the rise and they have mad talent, check them out.

Next - A big shout out to Madame M and her Super Vamp strip. She had a ton of cool goodies: candy blood, t-shirts and also debut a Super Vamp comic in the shape of a coffin. Cool stuff! If you haven't checked out Madame M's work, you are missing some fun stuff.

Finally - The last item for today is a book by two friends of mine, Thomas Healy and Albert Morales from Fiction House Mafia and their book El Monstrou. I have been waiting to read this book for several months and will still have to wait a bit more. But to wet my appetite, they had an Ashcan Edition of El Monstrou available at the Comicon. After seeing the ashcan, I realized that this book is going to be big and I do mean BIG. I think it might even be able to compete on the national scene. Albert's art is awesome and I cannot wait to see the finished book. I'm not just saying this because the two are friends of mine, I was totally shocked by how good this book looked. (Below is the cover and one of the interior pages.)

Well that's all for today. Check back tomorrow for more goodies from the Phoenix Comicon.

Take care,

-denny!

Phoenix Comicon Recap Part 1 (of 5)

Wow the Phoenix Comicon was bigger than ever this year.

I would like to take some time this week to recap some of the events and my finds of the weekend. Starting with two great things that happened to me.

The 1st was when I met a fan of my work, who has been reading Get That Chicken since my mini-comic days. This was a priceless moment for me and made the whole weekend worth it.

The 2nd was the Webcomics Academy panel with Daniel M. Davis (creator of Monster Commute). Daniel has been a mentor to me over the last 10 months and I was thrilled that he shared this panel with me. Below you will find the handout notes, we provided to the crowd in attendance. It was basically a chat back and forth where we elaborated on the topics listed in the notes. A great time was had by all.

(My notes)

(Daniel's notes)

Also this weekend I finally met Thomas Hall, the other half of the creative team behind Robot 13 and Blacklist Studios (I had met Daniel Bradford previously). Both of these guys are gentlemen and create some awesome comics. If you haven't had the chance to read an issue of Robot 13, I suggest that you pick it up (and their next project King looks to be even better).

I will be back daily with other new finds to share.

take care,

-denny!

PS, Don't forget the Get That Chicken trade is available for online order.