Ideas to Life

Things are moving along steady here on the south side of Peoria. Outside it is still HOT, even though the local QT tells me the summer is over (they stopped their summer refill special price). I just need it to drop 10 more degrees so I can start production on figures again. It's just too hot during the times when I have time to work.

 - -- With that said I was able to stay up a little later last weekend and woke up early a couple of mornings to start production on something I have had in mind for a while. My day job is as a mild-mannered high school mathematics teacher. I decided that this year I was going to bring more of my outside of school life into my classroom. One of the things I thought that I would do was make a figure to hand out as an award for the student of the month in my classroom. Our school mascot is the worlverine, so I made a Wolverine Graduate trophy to hand out to those students. Handed out my first two this week to Phillip and Jazmyn. They both seemed to be very happy to receive them. Several other students shared a photo of the statues on their social media and told me how cool everyone thought it was. My social media accounts were blowing up with likes and messages about the idea, including a couple of teachers who want to borrow the idea for their classrooms and change the head to match their mascots.

- -- Not sure how much I have shared here, but I have been invited to contribute a page to the Ravage 2099 Redux project that Brad Dwyer, Damon Begay and Wil Hines are putting together. The page is almost done and coming up super nice. The page will eventually be on display in a gallery show about the project and printed in a comic edition of the project, later this year. More info to follow.

- -- Sticker Mule keeps sending me discount offers and I keep printing stickers with them. The latest Spac eMummy sticker. First time I tried the Kiss Cut style, really like this will probably be doing some of this with a couple other images.

- -- Comic production. I finished drawing the interiors of Cousin Harold 14 and I'm already 2 pages into issue 14. Hoping to get back into the Space Monstas universe next week end (now that the Ravage 2099 page is out of the way).

Hope everyone is having a good time and is in good health.

Take care,

- denny!

SDCC - Thanx for an Awesome Time

Well I'm back on the south side of Peoria where is is HOT, but just a week ago I was in San Diego for the annual San Diego Comic Con. I had a great time and spent way too much money.

- -- People say SDCC is not about comics any more, but the above box was empty when I started the weekend. Sure the whole convention is not about comics any more, but if you are looking for comics there are tons of them to be found. I bought a nice stack of Kirby's FF and Thor books, a new Charles Burns book, a couple of mini-comics and a bunch of miscellaneous comics. I also picked up a couple of Ashley Wood books which were to big for the box.

- -- One of the best parts of this years SDCC was doing the Space Mummy Figure Drops. This was tough to do in the convention center with so many people and security, so most of the drops happened off site. I also did a couple drops in Arizona before leaving.

I basically provided a couple pictures to hint at the location of the figure via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The best place to drop the figures turned out to be the garage where I was parking my vehicle. During one of my trips back to drop off some of the comic I had purchased, I ran into a guy on the elevator. He noticed my shirt and then told me that he knew who I was and was on the hunt for the Space Mummy figure.

His name was Daniel and he was one cool dude. It was so Awesome to meet someone on the hunt for one of my figures. This 10-15 minute meeting was my highlight for the convention.

I hooked Daniel up with a couple of Space Monstas comics to go with his new figure. 

- -- Maybe the second highlight of the show was handing out Cousin Harold comics Friday morning at the start of the show. My wife and I handed out 200 books in 10 minutes to a bunch of happy con goers. Great Times!

- -- I'm not a big fan of cosplay, but these guys are my favorites (and also close friends). Always great to see them at shows.

I'm sure I could go on and on about SDCC, it is my favorite show each year. But it is over and I have to wait another year for a new adventure. That also means I have to get back to work.

- -- Which means it's back to making figures and comics. wrapping up Zack Zombie and the Invisible Astronauts this week. I'm sure I will have a few more pictures to share next week. On the comic front. I'm back to working on Cousin Harold and the circus storyline. I'm also doing a page in a special project for a friend (will share more once the page is complete).

That is all for this week.

Take care,

- denny 

SDCC is this Week!

Out here on the south side of Peoria it is still HOT! Good thing I'm heading out to San Diego on Wednesday.

I will not be tabling at SDCC this year. I'm a comic fan at heart and SDCC is the only show I attend as a fan. Last year I tried to table, but it just wasn't for me. With that said I will still be promoting my comic and resin figure work at the show this year with 2 special giveaways.

         

- -- First up is the Cousin Harold SDCC Special. This book is a collection of 3 of my favorite stories. I will be handing out copies of this book outside the convention center on Friday (Probably in the morning hours. Check my Instagram for more info on Saturday morning.

- -- Second up is the Space Mummy Figure Drop figure.

I will be hiding these figures around San Diego as I travel. Both inside and outside the convention. I will be sharing hints on Instagram about where to find them. Also I will be hiding 2 in Arizona before I leave.

- -- Wrapped up production of the Space Mumm (Black Matter Variant). This figure came out of my greatest discovery from earlier this year, photocopying on black paper. This figures will be in my online shop by the end of the day Sunday - $40 each.

- -- I'm wrapping up production on Zack Zombie and the Invisible Astronaut. Trying something new here, the Invisible Astronaut will be available for FREE with the purchase of 3 Space Monsta Figures or for purchase. Hoping to having these finished by the end of July.

Okay that is all for this week.

Take Care,

- denny

Always Something Going On

It has been HOT out here on the south side of Peoria, record breaking HOT! And this heat has been messing with my productivity. Hoping to get on my grind a little harder this last few weeks of summer. Thinking about pulling some late nights.

- -- I'm so thankful that my family puts up with me. I do not have actual space for my creative energies, so I have to take space where I can find it. This is 1/3 of our kitchen table.

There are at least 4 different figures at some point in the creation process in these piles. Seriously though I'm working on way too many projects at one time.

- -- The San Diego Comic Con is coming up and while I'm not tabling this year I'm still putting together some stuff for the show. First up is the Cousin Harold SDCC Special. This is a collection of 3 of my favorite stories.

 

Sent this off to the print this past week and if all works out, I should have them to hand out at SDCC. Probably somewhere out front during the show Thursday or Friday. I will let you know via Instagram when the book is being handed out.

- -- Also I have made up these Space Mummy resin figures to do some Figure Drops (Art Drops) during SDCC.

Again I will be letting you know during SDCC via Instagram when and where I'm hiding the figures for you to find.

- -- In addition to this stuff I'm working on the Cousin Harold webcomic each and everyday/ Plus putting in some work on the next Space Monstas comic. 

Hope you are out there creating also!

take care,

- denny

Things are Not Always as They Appear to Be

It's getting HOT out here on the southside of Peoria in Arizona. Expecting 120 degrees on Tuesday. Looks like I will be spending a lot of time inside making comics and figures.

So this week I had an experience at the gym that reminded me that "Things are Not Always as They Appear to Be!" The nice elderly woman on the elliptical never to me told me that she does not like to workout next to me because of how fast I go and the amount of calories that I burn. Those that know me, know that I'm a big man with a weight problem. I'm over 100 lbs over weight. I would like to lose about 75 lbs and I would be happy. I go to the gym 5-6 days a week and workout really hard (I'm a beast, really), but I love sweets. So every pound that I work off I put back on eating donuts, cookies and ice cream. This summer I'm doing a little better and actually losing weight because I'm eating less sweets. However I'm not happy with myself at the gym and I always feel like I could have worked out harder. So where this lady sees someone who is successful, I feel like I'm not even close to being there.

The same could be true for comics and figure making. I make a ton of things each year and people make comments that they wish they could produce like I do. However I'm always thinking I can do more. This has been my main thought this summer so far, becaus eI have been a little lazy in the creation department. But things are still getting made at a fairly steady pace. I have 2 figures in production, with a third/fourth starting soon. I'm about halfway through Cousin Harold 13. I also have a few pages of the next Space Monstas book drawn. So while many people see what I do and think that I'm successful, I feel like I'm not even close to being there.

- -- Production is in full swing on the Invisible Astronaut and Zack Zombie.

Hoping to drop these figures at the end of July. Both will be $40 or there is a special deal for the Invisible Astronaut figure.

The Invisible Astronaut will be FREE with the purchase of 3 other figures (while supplies last).

- -- Cousin Harold comic production is in full swing. I making 5-6 strips a week. About halfway through issue 13. If you have not check out the strip lately there is a ton to read here.

- -- Some big plans are in the works for Space Monstas. Working on a FCBD edition fpr next year, which will guest star someone else's character. Very Excited about this, but probably will not be able to share anything until early 2018.

Also working on the next Space Monstas story, where the Space Mummy fights a bunch of asteroid zombies. This story is going to be a little long (the goal is a 100 page mini-comic), so I'm planning on dropping some preview mini-comics along the way. More info to come.

Okay that is about it. I still feel like I should be doing more, maybe that is what makes me look a bit more successful than the next guy (even though I do not think this). I do however think that I'm a BEAST when it comes to creating things and at working out.

Hope you all have a great week,

- denny

Back on the Grind

Out here on the southside of Peoria, AZ the weather is still hot, but that is not stopping me from producing. Comics, Toys - Toy, Comics - I don't ever stop (even when I claim I'm not working).

- -- This past weekend I tabled at the 1st Annual PHX Zine Fest and had a great time. I was shocked at the amount of books that I moved and how the majority of people that came to my table had books in their hands. Super Cool Vibes from all venders and attendees. I'm looking forward to doing this show again next year.

A Cousin Harold mini-comic that I put together for the PHX Zine Fest and gave out FREE with all purchases. I ran out about half way throught the day (it was a Good Day!)

My tables is to the right in this picture. I seriously hand a good time. My wife even pointed out that I came home with a much better attitude than the last couple of shows that I have done.

My friend Lorenzo films his adventures around Phoenix and today he stopped by the PHX Zine Fest and did some filming. He even caught a bit of my interview for a ASU Student's project. 

- -- Okay, I told you I was working on comics. Space Monstas is coming, slowly but surely. This book is quite different from what I have created in the past. It's coming along nicely and I'm really proud of this work. I cannot wait for it to be available for you to read and enjoy.

- -- The Tucson Comic Con is this coming weekend and I will be there. I will be in their Independent Press area IP-2. I will have my latest comics and figures included the brand new Vinny Vampire figure (limited to 13). I also believe I'm on the Toy Making Panel, Sunday 11:30am-12:20pm in the Cochise Room. Look forward to seeing you there.

- -- Comic of the Week, Cave Carson has a Cybernetic Eye #1. I'm really enjoying these Young Animal books. Cave Carson I think hints at many of the plans for the future of the Young Animal line of books. I really enjoyed the Metal Men cameo and hope that there is a Metal Men book planned in the near future.

Okay that is all for this week. I hope to have a couple of Space Monstas pages to share soon, but until then - Take Care of Yourself and be Good to Each Other.

-denny!

Where?

Where did the time go? It's been 2 weeks since I posted a newsletter update. I have been really busy making comics and wrapping up the summer day job. Much has happened in those 2 weeks.

- -- The Comics Never Stop SDCC Edition has been published. We have printed over 3000 of these papers to hand out. Most will be handed out in the Gaslamp District before and after the San Diego Comic Con each day. Some will make it to the normal stops in Arizona this coming weekend. If you cannot find one you can always stop by Small Press M11 and M12 if you are at the San Diego Comic Con and ask for a copy.

- -- Last newsletter I shared a few of the strips that are in the paper. Above are some of the others. The paper looks awesome. I hope you can get yourself a copy.

- -- Today I wrapped up strips for Cousin Harold 10 and sent the book off to the printers. If all goes well I should have copies at SDCC for sale and will be sending Kickstarter packs out the Monday before I leave for the convention. Cover pictured above. This issue features a 28 page story. While I had fun writing a longer piece. I think I enjoy writing the smaller pieces more. I have some plans to try something that mixes the two ideas for a storyline that will be running in issues 12-14. More information on this when I start working on that story.

- -- Making an Ashcan Variant Edition of the Space Mummy resin figure to sell at SDCC these will be limited to 13 and will be priced at $40 each. I will also have the regular edition of the Space Mummy figure available for $30 at the convention.

- -- Comic of the week - So many good ones.- I would have to say it was Tobudasai by Laurent Romero. Part Toriyama/Part Aragones all fun. I really enjoyed this book quite a bit.

Okay I should be back Sunday morning with a little more information about the San Diego Comic Con, until then Take Care!

-denny

The Space Mummy Resin Toy is Here

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!

I DID IT!

WOW! Things move quick out here on the west side in sunny Peoria.

- --I Did It!!! It's Finished - at this point I have some Space Mummy toys. I was possessed last weekend and had to turn my figures in to the complete project, carded an all. It feels so good to have these toys in my hands (after 4 months of failing it felt great to finally have been successful). Each toys is hand made and painted. I also make the cards by hand. I'm a very DIY creator.

- --I have shown everyone and anyone these toys and the feedback is excellent. I cannot wait to start selling them on June 2nd. The plan is to have about 5 available at my online store and the rest will be available at the Phoenix Comicon. Whatever doe snot sell at the show will be put up online after the show. If I should sell out give me a week or two and I should have more in stock (remember he is unlimited)

- --That success however, came with a small price. I did something wrong and my mold will no longer make toys, I broke it. So this morning I'm attempting to make a new mold. My goal with the Space Mummy figure has been to keep him in production for as long as I do the comic. He is the main character and I would hate to tell a new fan, "Good Luck finding one of those, I only made 20!" So going against what most people seem to be doing with toy making, Space Mummy will be an unlimited toy that I will keep in production. This will not be true for the other characters, they will be limited to around 20 or 1 mold, which ever is more. The plan is to sell the Space Mummy figures for $30 and the others for $40-50. Also planning some short run versions of the Space Mummy that will be in the $40-50 range.

With all this toy talk you might have forg0tten that I make comics.

- --Cousin Harold is coming along nicely, I'm about half way through issue 10, which should be done for the San Diego comic con.

- --Space Monstas is moving slower than I expected (probably due to the time I set a side to create it has been use to create the toy). I still expect to have an Ashcan/Preview edition ready for the Phoenix Comic Con.


Also this week.

 

- --Friday was First Friday and I delivered over 400 copies of the latest Comics Never Stop to the masses. Great reception as always. Big things are in the works for Comics Never Stop, very excited about the future of this project.

- --Saturday was Free Comic Book Day. I would like to thank Jesse James Comics and Samurai Comics for having Eric Mengel and myself out. I gave away over 100 copies of the Cousin Harold FCBD Edition to people and had some great conversations about life and comics. This was my 6th FCBD Edition of Cousin Harold and an awesome story. For those of you who did not get a copy I will be reprinting the story as part of Cousin Harold 11.

- --Comic of the Week - - - Renato Jones ONE% by Kaare Andrew. This book is BIG. I think when other creators see this book they are going to want to start creating their own independent work and that makes me happy. I like reading Marvel and DC books, but I love reading Image titles (and other creator owned works).

Take care,

-Denny!