Comikaze Prep

It's that time again to head Downtown for LA's best convention: Comikaze Expo.

That means I have a million and one things to do to get ready for the show. Surprisingly last year, I sold little super hero ducks. I will do the same this year.

I also bought a tablet so I can show off my new webseries work: whatispandora.com
It's my first directing/writing/producing effort. It came from an old high school idea about what the lives of people who hunt the hunters would be like. What would it take to kill a vampire slayer or a demon hunter? I wanted to find out with an amazing crew of people. It was hectic but well worth it. Making a film, even a short one is an amazing experience.

Ira will be there of course, being grouchy and asking for scotch.

I will also have these guys there:

Neglect

Poor Ira has been neglected here for quite some time!
I was able to take him to SDCC 2013 with me but I guess I should update you on what else is rockin'!

I have my second book out on Amazon: Dead Stinky Animals

Please do corrupt your children with it.... and teach them their ABCs, of course.

I am also working on the next Book.

I am starting a gallery with my business partner: Illumination Gallery  Which has been a frightening process. It will be ultimately rewarding but as with most grand plans, things have not exactly been smooth.

I am also writing for Biff Bam Pop  I did some great coverage and got to talk to a bunch of people at this year's San Diego. I was almost crushed to death twice but it was well worth it!

Ira is still my baby and I carry him like a talisman wherever I go. I will see him made into something and the next book is rattling in my head.  Unfortunately, all the scenarios I see Ira in start veering into Oldboy territory and I have been a bit more upbeat as of late.  It's a massive amount of energy to go to dark places like that and try and protect your psyche. Not to sound too granola, but it's true.

So Things move forward and I am always taking the next step in this grand journey!

Beyond the Looking Glass

Happy Holidays, all!

Ira will always have a first and foremost place in my heart but I have been hard at work on other projects as well. This includes a pretty hilarious ABC book, Illumination Gallery and my next graphic novel, 4 Hire.

Ira's drawing style is still the most natural for me. Who wouldn't want to get away with not drawing noses?! I think I found a great balance between cartoony and realistic figures. I still like to sketch and doodle this way to get my ideas down.

Many people have asked about a sequel to Ties. I would like to do something more with the friends I've met in Ira's world but so far Ira hasn't had anything to say about it. Honestly, after working on the idea for over 8 years I think Ira's pretty satisfied .... for now. You never know when that imp will start demanding more stories to be told.

I hope all of you are having a blessed Holiday season. I know Ira didn't get you anything!

The Aftermath of Raising Money

As you can see on my side bar there I have successfully funded my book! Now I have to get the most for my money. I have already pre-sold 50 copies and so I have to make sure I cover that and can get them out at the most effective price. I know my model is a bit backward. I'm supposed to build myself up online before I ever attempt a physical book, but I can't help wanting it in my hands!

I want to feel my accomplishment and be able to physically hand it to someone when they ask about it. Trust me if I wasn't unemployed I would be revving up my marketing engine to go full blast with this thing. The sad truth is that my star has not reached the epic level needed to live off my art. Shocking I know. So I must husband my resources carefully so I can reach the people that really matter.


I'm working on a new cover, and I have a sticker design in place, if I can get the scanner working I will have a sneak peek for you. I am also working on all of the commissions for the Kickstarter campaign! They gave me a bunch of fun requests for their art.

More later!

An Introduction From Our Protagonist

In putting together the teaser book I wanted to have something different. I think it's fun to interact with your books and be able to take things apart. To that end I have discovered a letter from Ira and will include it in the preview book for all to read. I wanted to share below, so you could get a first look at it. You will be able to pull it out of an envelope if you get the preview book. It's like the old days before an iPad let you flip pages!