In a FUNK

Out here on the west side of town, also known as the south side of Peoria, I sit creating comics almost daily. However lately I have been in a funk. I don't want this to be a downer post, but it just might be (sorry ahead of time).

- -- Convention season is drawing to a close. I have one more show that I'm going to as a fan, but I'm done tabling for the year. I have a great time going to all these shows and talking comics with people. But as I look back at this year, I'm a little disappointed. I make comics, that is what I want to make, nothing more and nothing less. This year though it seemed people did not want comics. I had moved the smallest amount of comics since I started making book again 8 years ago. Not sure what has changed, but something has. I do not make comics to make money with my comics (just break even at shows), I make comics because I love them and have to, to help me stay sane. So now it's time to come up with some new ideas of how to get the stories I create into people's hands, for them to enjoy. I have a few ideas. (That's wasn't as bad as I was expecting.)

A big plus at the last show I did was that a few seasoned professionals had some nice things to say about my work and even bought a couple books. This gives me some hope for the future and makes me want to push forward. Also I won a little award at the Constant Con awards during the Tucson Comic Con, no matter how silly it might seem, this award meant a lot to me.

- -- Right now I'm wrapping up the first Space Monstas comic book. I have about 2 pages to draw and some letting, then all the design work then the book will be done. I'm planning on printing it Golden Age comic size. Planning a Kickstarter for early 2017. Super excited about the future of these characters. (Above is an unlettered page from the back-up story for this issue.

- -- I will also be putting the finishing touches on Cousin Harold 11. Also hard at work on Cousin Harold 12 (big changes planned for Harold and friends starting with this issues and the 2017 webcomic).

- -- Oh and I plan on starting Jenny Spookawski Loves History the first weekend of December. This is a story that I did layouts for over a year ago and just have not been able to schedule the time to work on it.

- -- Finding the energy to work on these project has been rough due to the lack of interest at conventions. Some how though I keep moving and creating. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I have to for my own sanity.

- -- Comic of the week, Mother Panic #1 - WOW! DC's Young Animal imprint is GOOD! All of these books have been excellent. I suggest you check them out. You do not have to read them all, but you might want to. I know I do.

Take care of yourself,

-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!