Don't Throw in the Towel

I wrote a post and got everything off my chest, then deleted it.

I realize that I would rather share some things I have been working on instead of the thought process that got me here. Just know that life goes up and down and the ups are always worth the downs, so Don't Give Up!

- -- The cover of the new issue of Cousin Harold which should be in your hands with in the next month. Planning on doing a short and sweet Kickstarter to help distribute it.

- -- The Dark Time Master figure is close to final production. Hoping to release this figure in the middle of February.

- -- Doing some design work for a storyline called Cousin Harold Backwards C.

Hope you enjoyed this. Have a Great Week!

-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

Back on the Grind

It's not like I ever stop, but man I have been slacking a little (at least in posting info here). Out here on the south side of Peoria things are always hoping.

The goal is to start posting about once a week again. There are a few things that I wanted to post, but never got around to it. Hopefully I will get some of that stuff posted, but for today I'm going to stick to current events.

 - -- First off I released a NEW figure at Phoenix Comicon, the Time Master.

     

The Time Master is like an alter ego figure for me. People always ask if I have a time machine because of all the work I get done. I'm also a big fan of the Kang character, so this seemed like a perfect fit. If you interested in adding one to your collection get them now in my store, I only made 5 of each face color.

- -- The long awaited Space Monstas trading cards made there debut at the Phoenix Comicon. 

These packs sold like hot cakes. Super happy with the way they turned out and the response the cards got. I have already started working on the next set.

- -- My NEW convention banner! Shouts out to Custom Teez for doing an AWESOME job on this for me.

- -- The Cousin Harold Kickstarter was a huge success, this issues also debut at the Phoenix Comicon. If you did not snag on at the convention, they are now up in my store. 

This issue features the first part of the circus storyline (which will run through issue 14). Super excited about this storyline and how it's coming out. 

- -- This week I was on Killer Bootleg's Resincast Podcast.

We talk about toy making and comics for an hour. Super honored to be on the show. Killer Bootlegs is one of my favorite figure maker. 

Okay, that is it for this week. I'm working on a secret figure right now. Hopefully I will be able to talk about it more next week.

Take Care,

-denny 

It Would Have Been Cool

So some time ago I had the idea suggested to me to do a 24hour figure making day. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm down for this type of challenge. I figured out the first day that I would be available to do this type of challenge, which was today - December 27th, 2016. So I set a side the day to make figures and ever came up with a good idea. I would make the figure as a surprise for one of the other creators in the community.

So I started this morning.

First the clay I needed to make the 2 part mold was frozen solid. This was an easy fix, I used a hair dryer to heat it up and had the clay ready in about 30 minutes. However when I poured the mold I forgot to put marks in the clay so that the 2 side of my 2 part mold would match up. (Should have started over at this point, but I pressed on.) I used the xacto knife to make some marks that I could use to line up the 2 parts later. (This seemed to work most of the time.)

The 1st pull was lopsided due to the molds not matching up 100% (see I should have restarted). However my 2nd pull came out fine, so did my 3rd pull, but that was it. The 4th, 5th and 6th pulls all had some issue. Mostly with the hands. I was having problems getting the thumb on the left figure to fill. 

I tried shaking and tapping, all these tricks that people have shared with me, but I just could not get this stupid thumb to fill. (Pull 5 was also horribly misaligned.)

I planned the time, how long it should take to do everything in order to get it all done. At this point I'm a couple of hours behind and quite frustrated. I promised myself that if things were not working out. I could just walk away (which is something that is new to me). So that is what I'm doing, I'm throwing in the towel. I have too many other things to work on at this point to let this challenge continue to bring me down.

So who was the figure for? Gary Griggs! I love his Pink Chewbacca (which I will start calling Pookie). Gary is not a super close friend, but he is an all around nice dude and was there last year, when I was first learning to make figures from Eric Erspamer. 

It would have been cool!

I haven't given up on making a figure for Gary. I have just thrown in the towel today. Hopefully I will find some time to try and make some of these figures again sometime soon.

-denny

When a Plan Comes Together

Much is happening out here on the west side of town, Peoria to be exact. The hot Arizona summer is beginning to cool off. Still have high around 100, but the mornings and nights are nice.

- -- First Plan that is working it's way out, the Space Monstas line of comics, resin figures, trading cards and t-shirts.

It was Thanksgiving last year when I designed the card backs for all the the Space Monstas figures (well I had designed the Spac eMummy one a few months earlier). And today I'm pouring the second figure in that line, Vinny Vampire. Hopefully I can share a picture of a fresh figure by the end of this post.

About 3 months ago I started working out how to make Space Monstas trading cards. I now have wax packs and have designed over half the first series of cards. 9 cards will be in each series and each pack will contain a complete set of cards.

Also I'm about 10 pages away from wrapping up the Space Monstas comic. I hope to have this done in October and launch a Kickstarter to get these books, figures, cards and t-shirts to the world.

- -- The other day I stumble across the Brian Brain strips I did with Thomas Hall (Robert 13 & King!) These were originally done for a zine, but were rejected. I have always been meaning to get back with Thomas and do this strip, but time has not allowed it. I think it is about time I made some time to create this series. My schedule clears up in January (besides Cousin Harold). I'm thinking of working on designing these guys again digitally and getting with Thomas to lauch this strip into the world in a unique way.

- -- As for Cousin Harold, well he is alive and well. The first stages of my plan to get more harold comics into kid's hands seems to be working. I have funding for the project secured. Now to start getting books into the hands of kids. Oh and the Cousin Harold resin figure is back in the works. bought some boxes to use as packages.

- -- Comic of the Week ---- Doom Patrol #1 by Way & Derington. WOW! I have been waiting for this book for a while and it live up to my wait, now I'm waiting for issue 2. Seriously if you have liked some of the strange Doom Patrol stuff from the past, this series is for you.

Okay well that looks like about it for this week. Oh wait. I have a picture of the Vinny Vampire figure fresh out of the mold.

Have a great week, hope you get to do what you love to do. I know I do!

-denny

Making Stuff

Out here on the west side of town, things have picked up. Comics, toys and trading cards are being made. Each project is in it's own place and on track to be finished on time. I think doing multiple projects helps me keep excited for each one. If I was working on one thing, I think I would get bored and need to take a break way too often.

- -- The Space Monstas comic is coming along nicely. This is the splash/title page from the second story of the issue. I plan on having this done in mid october and hopefully available at the Tucson Comic Con. I will also be running a Space Monstas Kickstarter once the comic is done. The Kickstarter will include comics, resin figures, trading cards and t-shirts.  

- -- Speaking of resin figures, work on the Vinny Vampire figure has started. Here is the first attempt a his head sculpt. I sanded it down this morning and moved it to his actual body. I think it looks really good. Will be making a mold in the next couple of weeks. This figure will be limited to 13. Besides the original Space Mummy figure all the other Space Monstas figures will be limited to 13. (Oh and there is the Vinny Vampire trading card.

 - -- Speaking of trading cards, just received my wax pack wrappers from Sidekick Labs this week. Tom did an AWESOME job on these. Now I have to get creating the other 6 cards for this set. I have the layouts done. The trading cards should be done in time for the Tucson Comic Con.

- -- Also hard at work on new Cousin Harold material. I'm drawing about 4 strips a week at this point and have a buffer until the end of October at this point. Cousin Harold 11 is 3 pages from being completed and will be published on time this November/December.

- -- Comic of the Week Copra 27! Seriously if you have not tried this series yet, you are missing out. This was the best issue yet (maybe that is because of his rift on the Doom Patrol that is include). Below are the first 3 pages.

Until next time - 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

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!