Tag Archives: Independent Comics

May 8, 2013 · 7:29 pm

KICKSTARTER: A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES FUNDED!

Kickstarter Funding on 6 May, 2013, 11 PM, PDT.

Good news like this takes a little time to sink in. Having done the happy dance and fully processed the fact, I am thrilled to share with you the news that my comics collection, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES has been funded at Kickstarter. I’m not sure I was ready to make this announcement yesterday but now I am. I’m just so happy.

I want to thank everyone. You can get so giddy that you feel an urge to thank random people you see on the street. Well, there’s definitely a lot of specific people attached to this project for me to focus on!

First, I want to thank all my backers!! As I said earlier to all of them via Kickstarter, they are the backbone, they ultimately turned my project into a reality.

Also, I want to thank so many other people who made a difference in so many ways. The power of LIKE. Always remember that. Just LIKING the project has power. Social media, in all its forms, you gotta love it. Here’s the thing, social media has the power to connect people in very special ways. There is the initial virtual thrust that can lead to a very warm and human result.

Well, I know this graphic novel of mine is something awesome. I look forward to sharing that with you in a variety of ways. Who knows, you may be owning your own copy in the near future. The stage is set. This book, the Kickstarter funding, your grace and support, all add up to a beautiful game changer.

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Filed under Alice in New York, Comics, Henry Chamberlain, Kickstarter

Tagged as alternative comics, Art, comics, Entertainment, graphic novel, happy dance, henry chamberlain, Horror, Humor, Illustration, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, Pop Culture

May 4, 2013 · 11:10 pm

What It Feels Like To Ride The Kickstarter Beast

I love Kickstarter. The ride has been exhilarating. You learn so much when you do a Kickstarter campaign. It really does come down to basics. You learn about yourself, what you’re trying to communicate, how you communicate. This video is interesting to me. I like it. And I know it could be improved upon, believe me. But, overall, I like it. I even love it. And I love my campaign that you can view HERE.

I like myself. Wait, check that, I lOVE myself. That’s important because you have to have a thick skin and accept whatever happens during a campaign. You need to keep perspective. You need to be able to step back and ask yourself if you’ve reached as many people as you’re going to reach during a campaign. I’m still gauging that. Maybe there are some people that I reached but wasn’t able to get them to that last step, the actual pledge. Maybe I missed a whole lot of people somehow. Well, so it goes. That’s the healthy approach. But, yes, there’s plenty of people still to reach. Big hint here to WordPress to make this a Freshly Pressed post! I will state here, without a doubt, I also love WordPress!

And I love all my readers: Hey, go for it! Support this campaign as best you can! Repost this. Give it an official LIKE. Spread the word in any which way you can. Maybe I just had to ask.

You learn, in a pretty significant way, what really matters in goal setting. You set out to achieve a compelling goal that is within your grasp and is in need of funds. Sounds pretty simple. And it can be. For me, my project came naturally to me. And, with only hours left in this campaign, I am so glad I did it, even if I don’t reach my goal. However, who wouldn’t like to reach their goal, especially one that has been carefully thought out and nurtured as mine has? Well, you’re right, I do dearly want to see my comics project make it.

This is a work years in the making and something that will attract readers from many directions: horror, sci-fi, humor, even romance. It will attract readers who love good quirky and offbeat stories. You know who you are! It will attract readers of good solid alternative comics with attention to slice-of-life details. If you love the more artful and literary comics, then this is for you. Each of the short works is an unusual story of self-discovery. One involves a man who must come to grips with killing a bear. Another, the title work, is about a luxury hotel with charming ghosts who are disturbed my a couple of guests with way too much emotional baggage. This story, set in the Sorrento Hotel, refers back to a lot of Seattle history and has a steampunk quality to it. There are a total of four short works that originated from 24-Hour Comics Day experiments. The long story is a coming-of-age piece about a young man’s first adventure in New York City. You can interpret that story in more than one way. So, I’ll keep fighting the good fight. I will. Because it’s so worth it.

You need to carry yourself like you’ve already won, even if it seems like there’s a certain level of indifference. You do this because you trust in yourself the most.

And I’ll definitely keep you posted after this campaign comes to a close on May 6. I’d love to read your feedback and share more of what I’ve learned. But, for now, there’s a campaign still under way! How bad do I want this thing? Pretty bad! You’ve got all the rest of this weekend and all the way through Monday. After that, we’ll talk and see how it goes. Just go to Kickstarter, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES on Kickstarter thru May 6, and head over HERE.

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: EMI GENNIS

Emi Gennis has edited a wonderful anthology about mysteries, urban legends and unsolved crimes, UNKNOWN ORGINS & UNTIMELY ENDS, published by Hic & Hoc Publications, and you can read my review HERE. Now, I had planned on interviewing Emi ever since my review! And so I can kick myself for not working my video camera properly. I think Emi and I had just hit upon something miraculous while in conversation and now I can’t recall the exact details. I think we were on the verge of discovering an easy way to time travel but we didn’t bother to take notes! Ah, well. But, then again, isn’t reading comics the best way ever to time travel? Forget your flux capacitors and travel back in time with some good comics. Emi has a couple of mini-comics that follow the themes from her anthology: one is a true crime story while the other has a steampunk vibe to it.

“The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs” by Emi Gennis

“The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs” is a very neatly presented 5.5″ x 8.5″ 12-page mini. Artwork is strong. Story is told in a compelling way. It’s not your usual CSI type of crime story either! Only $2.

“Unfortunate Mishaps in Aviation History” by Emi Gennis

“Unfortuante Mishaps in Aviation History” is another beautifully rendered mini. I really like this format. And Emi has a way with capturing facial expressions and being mindful of details: clothing, perspective, architecture. It demonstrates a high skill level and a love for the comics medium.

Well, again, I feel bad that we missed the video portion to this post but there’s always next time. I look forward to seeing more of Emi’s work and she should definitely submit her work everywhere she can, including that most engaging publication, THE STRUMPET.

Visit Emi at her website HERE.

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Filed under Anthologies, Art, Comics, Illustration, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest

Tagged as alternative comics, Anthologies, Art, aviation, comics, comics anthology, Comix, Entertainment, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, transportation

May 2, 2013 · 4:41 am

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ELLEN LINDNER

Ellen Lindner is an accomplished illustrator and cartoonist. She is a cheerful, passionate, and whipsmart person with talent to spare. It was very nice to get to meet her and her friend, Robin Ha, an excellent artist in her own right. You’ll definitely want to check out the work of both of these ladies.

In the above interview, we focus on Ellen’s work on the anthology series she co-edits, THE STRUMPET, which showcases women cartoonists. To do justice to this project, I’ve written a separate review that you can scroll down and find or you can read it here.

Ellen’s work has a bold and joyful way about it and a keen sense of humor. Ellen has an intriguing webcomic you’ll want to check out, THE BLACK FEATHER FALLS, on ACT-I-VATE Comics. It is set in the aftermath of World War I. It revolves around, Tina Swift, a woman who is caught in a web of intrigue surrounding a murder in 1920s London. You’ll want to jump in on a read if you haven’t already. You’ll be hooked.

You can follow THE BLACK FEATHER FALLS HERE. The series will be collected by Soaring Penguin Press. And you can visit Ellen’s website HERE.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Independent Comics, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

Tagged as arts, comics, Comix, Entertainment, first world war 1914, graphic novels, Illustration, Independent Comics, Indie, London, Mystery, webcomics, World War I

May 2, 2013 · 3:48 am

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ROBIN HA

Robin Ha and Ellen Lindner are two very distinct cartoonists who happen to have a lot in common. For one thing, they are neighbors, as their art studios are next door to each other. They also share a certain cosmopolitan sensibility. This led Robin to contribute to the anthology that Ellen co-edits, THE STRUMPET.

We talk about THE STRUMPET and Robin’s work in general. You can view a sample of Robin’s work, as well as Ellen’s, from THE STRUMPET, in the previous post.

Robin Ha’s work has a delicate ethereal quality balanced by a wry and worldly vibe. Her latest project is a webcomic about a haunted vintage dress, THE RED DRESS. You can keep up with it HERE.

And you can keep up with Robin’s work HERE.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, Robin Ha, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

Tagged as Art, comic books, comics, Comix, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, webcomics, Women Studies

May 1, 2013 · 11:43 pm

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013 Review: THE STRUMPET #2

THE STRUMPET #2 Cover by Jeremy Day

What’s THE STRUMPET about, you ask? Well, it is a collection of comics showcasing female cartoonists. It follows in the footsteps of WHORES OF MENSA, an anthology that set the bar high on quality. Not only that, it brings together new talent from around the world. THE STRUMPET #3 is in the works and is currently seeking submissions with a deadline of September 1, 2013. Visit THE STRUMPET website HERE.

Let’s place our attention squarely upon the current issue, THE STRUMPET #2. It is edited by the multi-talented Ellen Lindner and Jeremy Day. All the cartoonist talent here bring together a cohesive and compelling collection with a travel theme in mind. What does travel mean to you? When was the last time you were on a trip? Just a few hours ago at your desk at work whilst you daydreamed? My word, did you think there was only one way to travel?? If you did, then catch yourself please because you’re due for an adventure and an education. Let the ladies from THE STRUMPET encourage, engage, and entertain you on all manner of thought and conjecture regarding the subject of travel.

This collection is 21 cartoonists strong: Patrice Aggs, Rachael Ball, Badaude, Juhyun Choi, Marguerite Dabaie, Jeremy Day, Shamisa Debroey, Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg, Karrie Fransman, Robin Ha, J Homersham, Kripa Joshi, Emily Ryan Lerner, Ellen Lindner, Tanya Meditzky, Kat Roberts, Alison Sampson, Maartje Schalkx, Julia Scheele, Nicola Streeten, and Myfanwy Tristram.

Did I miss anyone? Well, I certainly hope note. I feel like this is a very special endeavor and everyone contributed to make it so.

Let me share with you some of the work in this wonderful anthology.

“Mr. Murray” by Ellen Lindner

Ellen Lindner’s wry sense of humor is spot on in this tale about the search for the seemingly elusive Mr. Bill Murray.

“Trenitalia” by Robin Ha

Robin Ha is full of wanderlust on this adventure on an Italian train.

“The 171 Bus Route” by Julia Scheele

Julia Scheele immerses us in this richly detailed look at a bus commute through London.

“Deaf” by Patrice Aggs

Patrice Aggs has a hilarious story to tell in this comedy of errors.

“Homesick” by Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg’s “Homesick” is a deliriously wild ride that floats, flies, and dreams its way through to charming results.

“The Next Life of Ruzzell” by Kat Roberts

Kat Roberts gives us a most inventive take on the concept of travel. It is full of magic and whimsy.

“Miss Moti Can Go Places” by Kripa Joshi

We end with the back cover by Kripa Joshi. She’s an engaging artist and this next issue’s co-editor with Ellen. We look forward to what results.

And be sure to pick up your copy of THE STRUMPET #2 which you can find HERE.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come from the Stumptown Comics Fest held in Portland, Oregon, April 27-28. That includes video interviews with Ellen Lindner and Robin Ha.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Art, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Illustration, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, PDX, Portland, Publications, Publishing, Robin Ha, Self-Published, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet

Tagged as Art, arts, Comedy, Comix, Entertainment, graphic novels, Illustration, Independent Comics, Indie, Kickstarter, Micropublishing, Nonprofits, Pop Culture, Portland, Publishing, Women's Issues

April 27, 2013 · 11:34 am

Stumptown Comics Fest Review: UNKNOWN ORIGINS & UNTIMELY ENDS Anthology

“Unknown Origins & Untimely Ends: A Collection of Unsolved Mysteries,” is a comics anthology, edited by Emi Gennis. As comics anthologies go, this one knocks it out of the park. It is consistently good, full of satisfying surprises, and it’s as if all the contributors gathered together, held hands, and zoned into something awesome. This is not always the case but it sure is here. The theme is true to its title in every way.

“The Lead Masks” by J.T. Yost

Organized into two subcategories of the strange and spooky, one group of cartoonists take on the subject of “Unknown Origins” while the other takes on the subject of “Untimely Ends.” What sets this book up there with the best anthologies is how dedicated everyone is to all the details. So, how did this man come to die without any ID and an eerie connection to the book of poetry, “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám”? That’s the opener, “The Unknown Man of Somerton Beach,” by Nikki DeSautelle, that lets us know right away that we’re in good hands. Drawn in a strikingly spare style, it leads you into the next story, an environmental mystery, “Goo,” by Jason Bradshaw, and then an urban myth, “The Monster with 21 Faces,” by Aaron Whitaker. And so on, one style of cartooning blending into the next, all held together by a unified vision.

“Aokigahara Forest” by Jenn Woodall

This is first comics anthology for Hic & Hoc Publications and we certainly look forward to many more.

“The Dyatlov Pass Incident” by Emi Gennis

The anthology showcases 34 cartoonists, all working at their full potential.

“Dark Forces” by Lizz Lunney

Good work, Emi Gennis, on editing this remarkable anthology. Visit Emi’s website here.

“Unknown Origins & Untimely Ends: A Collection of Unsolved Mysteries” released on April 23 at Floating World Comics. The party continues at Stumptown Comics Fest this weekend, April 27-28. It’s a wonderful example of what you’ll find at this gem of a gathering of comics talent. If you’re in PDX, you will want to go. I’ll see you there. Visit the Stumptown Comics Fest website here.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Independent Comics, Indie, PDX, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest

Tagged as alternative comics, comics, comics anthology, Comix, Independent Comics, PDX, Portland, unsolved mysteries

January 27, 2013 · 8:00 pm

Review: LOSERS WEEPERS #3

“Losers Weepers #3” is a continuation of a ongoing narrative that is fueled by the detritus that floats in and out of our lives. Even with social media dominating communication and life in general, people still make notes, print flyers, and even write letters. J.T. Yost is there to snag them from a quick death and immortalize their contents in his comics.

“Learn Spanish! It’s to easy and funy.” The flyer’s announcement is followed by a name and phone number. Apparently, someone hopes to get paid for teaching Spanish but is off the mark. From an artist’s viewpoint, the message is tragic, hilarious, and fascinating. “It’s to easy and funy.” How did so much get lost in translation? Yost found that notice posted on the communal bulletin board at Utrecht Art Supply in the East Village, NYC. He conjured up art from it: a tongue-in-cheek, yet sympathetic, work of fiction. Our story begins with Álvaro, who after being harassed at the print shop, goes about posting his flyers.

Álvaro learns from the local grocer that his mother needs to be bailed out of jail. When he gets home, he receives a letter, the next found art in this story, that alerts him to his wife’s old flame in prison. It’s all downhill from there. Yost is in tune with his characters. He has a way of depicting the chilling mix of fright and despair from down-and-out city dwellers.

The comic ends with one last beauty of found art that neatly shoves the knife deeper into the wound. It would be interesting to add even more found items and have them interact even deeper with his comics narrative. That said, Yost has brought to life a very authentic world that he can keep building upon.

“Loser Weepers #3″ is a 36-page 7″ x 7.25” mini-comic, priced at $5, and available at Birdcage Bottom Books.