So many of you have been asking me how to get your hands on the new @$$hole! collection, and I can't say that I blame you. Unfortunately, distribution was a bit of an after-thought when printing this first book. A learning experience, to be sure.



So there are a few options available at the moment, and more will be forthcoming down the road. Currently if you live in or near Ann Arbor, MI, I recommend checking out The Vault of Midnight. In the local section you will find several copies of my book prominently displayed. If you can't find it, ask someone who works there for it. They'll be able to bring you right to it.

I've also been taking the book on the road with me, first to Reactor and then to Mid-Ohio Comic Con. I usually have some extra copies around, so if you're in Chicaog just drop me a line and I'll meet you somewhere. I have not tapped into local Chicago distribution opportunities just yet - I just haven't had the time. Soon, though.

For those of you who are further out, the book will become available on the internet very soon. I don't have a store set up on the website, but I will make it publicly available for purchase somehow. More on that after I've had a chance to review the best options.

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@$$hole!: Laura's 21st Birthday is the story of a slacker who's so lazy, he forgot his girlfriend's 21st birthday. Desperately taking his demonic Japanese roommate in tow, he must over-come his mall-o-phobia and dive into the depths of retail hell to find her the perfect gift. This teen-rated tale has some hilarious humor, and even some of that mushy stuff.

The book is 50 pages and runs for $6. You get:

- an awesome 41 page story
- an afterword by the author (hey, that's me)
- several pages of original content appearing only in this book
- a forward by the fabled "Josh from TokyoPOP" himself, Josh Elder

Please also help spread the word by telling your friends. If they like it, have them buy it - and refer them back to my website.

Thanks, gang!

Labels: asshole comic, comic books, comics, mid-ohio comic con, photo comic, reactor con, web comics

So I posted on twitter the other day about having completed my outline and beat sheet for the latest Temple story, and had a few questions pop up about what a beat sheet was and how to use it. A perfectly rational question, since I hadn't used a beat sheet before last year, and really didn't even know what it was called until early this year. I figured that this could be a good opportunity to talk a little about my writing process. It'll be surface level at this point, and if people find it helpful / useful I may turn it into a series of posts.

Please note that this is just the process that I use and have found that it works well for me. It's not reflective of what the pros do (no two writers follow the same process), although I've found that many of my professional writing friends sometimes use similar tools. This isn't gospel - I just hope that it helps some people out.

STEP 1:
Come up with an idea or story. I'm sure I don't have to tell you writers how to do this. ;)

I'll come up with themes, characters and motivations. Basically, everything in the "pitch package." I can go on for days on just this step alone, so perhaps in a later post....

STEP 2:
Typically after I have an idea for a story in my head or some scenes that I want to use, I create a "beat sheet" of the events of the story. I use it to help edit the order of events in my story, to help create the 3-act structure, etc. This is usually a very short document that consists of notes of events, maybe locations or some brief dialogue that I think is relevant. I've read a few online resources that have more detailed beat sheets, but they all seem to agree that it is a very short snap-shot of the events in a story. It helps me maintain the beats in the story, since I tend to write very rhythmically.

However, the "beat" in "beat sheet" refers to the beats within your acts. I'm sure I don't have to go into three-act structure here (every story has three acts: beginning, middle, and end), so I won't go into it. But the purpose of the beat sheet is just to get a snap-shot of your story, see where and how it flows, where it's weak, and adjust accordingly. Unlike a script, this is a document for me, the writer. I can write it any way that I chose, and sometimes it'll vary from story to story. It's just a great quick reference for me to use - and it can be very fluid and evolve as I continue my writing process.

Here's an example of a working beat sheet from the upcoming Temple prequel, Assassin.



STEP 3:
After the story is prepped in a beat sheet, I write down my cast of characters and make a few notes about their motivations in this story. What do they want? What are their goals and objectives? What drives them to push the narrative forward? Sometimes this step precedes the beat sheet, if I don't know my characters very well or are introducing new characters into a story. But when it follows, I'll typically go back to the beat sheet and make some tweaks and changes based on those motivations. This can go back and forth a few times until I feel very confident about the story.

Here's an example of an outline for a short story that will be appearing soon in an anthology:


STEP 4:
At this point I take my beat sheet and make an outline, typically a page-by-page breakout of the events to overlay the story. The outline helps me further figure out pacing and how fast my story is going to evolve, and it can also help me figure out how many panels I'm going to be using per page, where some of the more dramatic moments are in the story, etc. This document tends to be a little longer and more detailed for me - an evolution from the beat sheet, if you will.

Sometimes I skip this step entirely, if I want a story to evolve more organically. But for a lot of the more complex plots that I've been using lately (like weaving together all of the events of Temple), I like to use this method.

STEP 5:
With the beat sheet and outline in hand, I'm able to start my script. Again, sometimes things change and evolve along the way and changes are made, but for the most part by the time I make it to the scripting stage I'm pretty comfortable with my characters, story, pacing, and plot elements.

I won't go into details about how to write a script here, but if you'd be interested to learn more feel free to drop me a line and let me know. Maybe I'll turn this into a series of blog entries.

Labels: comic books, comics, web comics, writing

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Here's where a slightly buzzing Trevor starts to give life advice, only because his life is somewhat less strange than this crazy cat loving lady.

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The first self-published book for @$$hole! is coming out at the end of September, premiering at Reactor (September 18-20) in Rosemont, Il. It collects the 41 page black and white story of Laura's 21st Birthday. The book is going to be 52 pages and has an original cover, some new artwork, guest strips, an afterword by the creator (that's me), and a forward by Josh Elder (Josh from TokyoPOP).

"Why premiere your book at Reactor, and not something larger like Windy-City?" you ask. Well, through my many con appearances I've met several of the people who put Reactor together, and they have offered me the opportunity to speak at their convention. In fact, they've given me several panels to speak during throughout the weekend. Here's my panel schedule, for all those interested:

FRIDAY:
8 pm - MAIL ORDER NINJA (A reading with Russell Lissau and Josh Elder)

SATURDAY:
1 pm - A special all-guest artist panel
4 pm - Writing for comics (Collaboration with Steve Horton)
5 pm - Sci-fi fantasy: the art of crafting your world

SUNDAY:
11:00 am - @$$hole! webcomic panel

On top of that and all the tasks associated with printing the book, I've also gotten a table at Mid-Ohio Comic Con (October 3-4 in Columbus, OH) with Rival Angels creator Alan Evans. We'll be hanging out with The Dreamer creator Lora Innes, and several other comic creators. Not sure on any speaking schedule while there, but I'm working on it. More to follow.

Labels: blind date, blind dating, dating, online dating, reactor, reactor con, web comics, writing

Comic Review: Rival Angels vol. 1
Writer / Artist: Alan Evans
Website: www.rivalangels.com
Plot: Sabrina "Ultragirl" Mancini is a professional female wrestler who gets bumped up from the developmental league to the professional division and is forced to live with three other female wrestlers, nick-named the "Upstarts." Her roommates are "The Definition of Technician" Krysten Moline, Aussie babe Brooke Lennox, and Sun "Lil Dragon" Wong. Sabrina finds that playing in the major league is a new game for her, and that her opponent in the ring isn't the only hurdle she has to overcome. Filled with nail-biting edge of your seat action, intense drama and some hilarious moments, this comic has everything you'd want from a story and more!

Even though it's a webcomic, the first graphic novel collection is available here. Whatever he's charging for it, it's worth the price of admission.

Ignore the fact that Alan and I are now friends and are both attending Mid-Ohio Comic Con in October - I was a big fan of this comic long before I even knew who Alan was, and I don't like wrestling. What I like is the kind of action and pacing that his stories provide, and the interesting and dynamic character relationships that he provides. It's interesting to see these girls interaction outside the ring one way, but when they're all thrown into a free-for-all ring match to see who will participate in a TV tournament, there's no holding back.

Each of the girls has a very distinct personality. Sabrina is overconfident and a little bit of a showboat to the fans. Krystin is a powerhouse with a fan following due to her technical moves. Sun is a firecracker that is quick and likes to get the drop on her opponents (or as she likes to call it, "ninja'd!"). And Brooke is a little talent bombshell that has seduced her way to the top, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants...no matter who stands in her way!

It's no secret to people who follow the comic on Drunk Duck that I'm a huge fan of Brooke's, and in fact I have stated many times over that her and I will date her! Alan, being the cheerful sport that he is, was kind enough to give me a cameo appearance in the comic poking fun at my fictional online relationship with another web comic artist, BetaJess (see the 2008 and 2009 Drunk Duck Awards presentation for Best Romance Comic). He tells me that another cameo may be in the works down the road....

If you love action, strong women kicking ass, and some fun plot twists and turns, be sure to check out Rival Angels on the web and purchase the graphic novel for your bookshelf! And I'm not just saying that as a fellow creator, but as a huge fan!

Labels: alan evans, comic review, comics, rival angels, web comics

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The DD Awards are coming out this week (started yesterday, in fact), and this comic was graciously nominated for Best Photo Comic, and Best Socio-Political Comic. Unfortunately, the comic did not bring home the bacon, but just being nominated is reward enough. Especially for 2 years in a row for Best Photo Comic!

Also, be on the lookout for my contribution to the awards presentations: an epic 3 pager (combined into a single page) that falls into the current storyline, and also teases about possible things to come! It's for the Best Romance Comic category, and should be a hoot!

Also, if you live in the Chicago area, I'll be attending Reactor Con the weekend of September 18. I have 5 panels at the convention, and I'll be talking about various topics including writing comics, the artistic approach, crafting a fantasy world, and even a panel about this very comic here: @$$hole! I'll be premiering the first book there, which collects the Laura's 21st Birthday storyline - with new original artwork, an afterword by the creator, a brand-spanking new cover, and a forward by Josh from TokyoPOP, Josh Elder! 50+ pages for just $6.

Alan Evans and I will also be attending Mid-Ohio Comic Con in October, and will be hanging out with the very talented Lora Innes (The Dreamer), as well as several other awesome people both from DD and abroad!

More cool announcements as the week progresses, and as always there are reviews and comics on the main website.

Labels: comic books, comics, photo comic, photography, web comics, writing

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And here's where the waiter's true colors start to shine. He's hinted twice now to find out if Trevor and the Cat Lady are married, and Trevor says that they're not even together (this is a first blind date, which is hardly a date even in the real world). Instantly, the waiter is back over to the cat lady - and with his arm around her, to boot!

I was going to try to have more of a seduction conversation in here, where the waiter was saying sweet nothings in Trevor's ear...but writing from the hip as I've been doing with this story, I just couldn't come up with anything in the limited space and time.

Anyway, I'm off for the weekend. Need to get stuff done that I've been neglecting (like laundry...and drinking). Have a good one!

Labels: blind date, blind dating, comic books, comics, dating, online dating, photo comic, web comics

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Oh yes...I went there. ;)

Writing this comic without the benefit of a script, outline, or beat sheet has been fun...but I fear that I may drag it on too long. Originally, I just wanted to get 12 pages out of this story. But I'm already on page 11, and they haven't even ordered food yet! This story may become my big summer blockbuster story arc, and then I'll save the nude beach and / or the next birthday story for later. I would like to get back into the illustrated stories, since I have some good ones to tell there.

Do you think a back and forth between illustrated and photo would be confusing / frustrating, or would you enjoy something like that? Or, if you had to chose between one format over the other, which would you chose?

Labels: blind date, blind dating, comic books, comics, photo comic, web comics

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Sorry it's a little behind schedule. Everything was done, but I was so caught up in other things last night that I forgot to post it. Alan Evans and I are attending Mid-Ohio con now in early October in Columbus, and last night was a scramble to organize everything and for me to figure out if I can order additional copies of the book before then.

So life's a bit of a scramble at the moment.

If you missed my blog posting for Wizard World Chicago, be sure to check it out on my homepage.

Well, back to writing scripts!

Also, don't forget to visit Erica's website, since she took these awesome photos!

Labels: blind date, blind dating, chicago comic con, comic books, comics, dating, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, online dating, photo comic, photography, web comics, writing

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"That's not my name." I love that line from Xen. It's hilarious to me, because it could be that he's dodging whomever's looking for him, or it could just be that no one's pronouncing his name correctly. Or both!

Xen's a fun character, and he'll no doubt be making a return appearance somewhere down the road.

This story is quickly wrapping up. Only about 10-12 more pages left to go, and then we move onto the next story. "What is that story," you ask? Well, I'm not entirely sure just yet. Trying to figure out if I want to tell another prequel, or move on to the final chapter: Holy War.

Temple has a finite ending, and I'm looking forward to telling that story. But I don't know if we're quite there yet. There're a lot of holes to fill between now and then. So I'll pose the question to you: would you prefer to see another prequel or two, or just jump into the ending?

Also, out of curiosity, who's everyone's favorite Temple character?

Labels: comic books, comics, samurai, sci-fi, temple, the temple of a thousand tears, web comics

First off, let me say that Wizard World Chicago (now called Chicago Comic Con, ever since Reed stepped in with C2E2 and all of the publisher's announced their support of the new convention. We won't go into the politics or backstory on any of that here) was the first large comic con that I ever attended, and will always hold a special place in my heart because of it. I've met some of my closest professional friends there (Josh, Russell, Dirk, Mike, Taki, David, and many more) and it was the first time that I ever physically met my online webcomic friends (Joe, Irv, Phil, Tom, Zach, Gordon, DJ, and too many more to list). It's where I met Mike Turner, and where I first received professional feedback from an idol. I have some of the most hilarious, embarrassing, and saddest stories to tell from this convention over the few years that I've been attending.

This year was no different.

That said, I want to apologize in advance for the fact that I never took out my camera, and therefore only have one stock photo that Russell took in the hotel. Bear with me.

DAY 1: THURSDAY
After counting down the seconds at work, I jumped on the El back to the apartment to make sure the cat had food for the weekend, water my dying plants, and grab my bag. An hour of public transportation later allowed me to arrive at Rosemont, where the convention center is located. I walked in and grabbed my badge (this year it was wrist bands, which didn't sit well with anyone), and a quick walk to the hotel lead to me meeting up with my roommates (Steve and Scott, Russell would join us the next day) to grab my keycard, and then we headed over to Ginos with the Digital Pimps (Joe, Irv, and Phil) to grab some Chicago-style pizza. The Pimps were exhausted from their 14+ hour drive from New York, as well as having attended Conneticon the previous weekend. Needless to say, bed came early.

This year we stayed at the Embassy Suites, which isn't connected to the convention center but does house convention center parking. And if you stay at the Embassy, they give you a discount on that parking. There are also numerous other perks with staying at the Embassy for this show, even if it does cost a little more than some of the other hotels in the area. The pull-out couch was well used, as the beds were not queen-sized as we were lead to believe, but were instead doubles. You have to be very comfortable with yourself - and your bunk-mate - when two grown men sleep that close to each other. Thankfully, it doesn't phase me. ;)

DAY 2: FRIDAY
Got up for breakfast at the Embassy, and I remembered all of the old jokes from college about liquid eggs playing all kinds of havoc with one's digestive system. However, I'll never complain about "free food," and it was certainly better than just having cereal like we typically do. Afterwards, we checked Russell into the hotel and everyone went out to the con floor.

The convention boasted the largest dealer floor in the country - and I'll agree with that. The gap from most of the publishers (and many of the toy manufacturers and video game developers) was replaced with actors from various television and movie series. While Twilight holds no interest for me, I did enjoy meeting Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica). The first place I went after entering the floor, though, was the Aspen booth. Frank, Vince, and J.T. were all there in good spirits, and it was great to catch up with them again. Frank and I caught up and talked about movies (the crew had gone out to see the GI Joe movie the previous night), Vince and I talked about his Soulfire: Shadow Magic series (which I very much enjoyed, loved the marriage between origin story and the personal tone that it took), and JT and I talked about writing and some of his new projects.

I made a stop next at the ACEN booth, since ACEN was holding after hours programming for the convention (called "ACEN Aftershocks"). Brianne was dressed as a character, and several of the other volunteers were also dressed up as characters from various series. Anime fans have always interested me because of their dedication to their favorite series. I admit to geeking out about my favorite series (I admit to having goosebumps when a Robotech ad appeared on my website), but I've never felt the desire to dress up as a character for a convention. However, I do enjoy seeing other people do it - and some do it very very well!

I made my way over to artist's alley and started to make the rounds, looking for friends and familiar faces, and anything that caught my eye. The DP crowd was there with Tom and Zach from Theater Hopper and Joe and Monkey, respectively. I ran into my old high school friend Katie Cook, as well as some of my friends from Drunk Duck like Alan Evans. Then I went and saw some of the superstars around the floor, including Talent Caldwell, Frances Manapul, Billy Tan (always good catching up with Billy), Tom Ngyuyen (Ghostbusters) and even my comics hero James O'Barr.

I even met a few new friends, including Justin Bleep (SuperHuman Resources), Christopher Mitten (Wasteland), John Bivens (ComicBook Tattoo), and Bryan Glass (Mice Templar). Great people all, and tons of fun to hang out with them. People I am glad to call new friends.

Lunch followed, where we broke into the sandwich stuff that I brought. Steve provided beverages, and Russell brought the snacks.

Going back to the con floor was another chance to see what was out there, buy some stuff and make another round of conversation with new friends. I admit that the lack of human traffic (after all of the rumors that had been circulating about this convention) had me a little worried for the turn out for Saturday, the biggest day at cons.

For dinner we split up, some people going to see GI Joe (Scott, Steve, and the DP guys), and some of us going to the Ram (Paul Storrie, John Bivens and his girlfriend, Russell Lissau, and myself). The Ram is this awesome burger bar not too far from the con. Walkable, yes, but thankfully we were able to drive there. An evening of great conversation and laughs.

After The Ram, I went to the Hyatt bar to mingle. I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets) and his wife, Jill Thompson (Magical Trixie), who I had met previously. Jon Jordan (Crime Spree Magazine) was another person that I met, having sponsored some of the panels that Brian was on at the convention. Great guy, and a great publication.

As the evening was winding down, I walked Jill back to her car and talked about our cats. Then I went to bed.



DAY 3: SATURDAY
Got up early for breakfast with Russell, and we were join by Paul, Tom, and several others. Eventually Scott got up to join us, and then Steve filtered in shortly after. Josh Elder (Mail Order Ninja, Starcraft) showed up eventually, and we all went over to the con. Some people attended programming, but I mostly walked around the floor and mingled. I sat with Alan and talked about some pointers for selling his brand new graphic novel Rival Angels (a kick ass book, be sure to read it), as well as some booth etiquette that I've picked up over the last few years. I'm in no way an expert, mind you, but I've made enough friends who were kind enough to give me pointers, and I was just passing the buck as it were. During my short time there, I personally sold a percentage of his books for the day - sometimes I think that fans can be more excited about the material than the creators.

The con floor was PACKED, and while a number of the people attending were there for the actors, a lot of that traffic filtered into the artist's alley area. Our fears about the con being a failure were alleviated. The people had still come out to have a good time.

I skipped lunch and around the time that dinner rolled around, we decided to go back to The Ram. This time it was Scott, Steve, John and his girlfriend, Russell, and myself. In the background I saw Peter Steigerwald chatting it up, but wanted to give him his space. I'd said hi to him briefly on the floor earlier in the day, and during the Aspen panel. Great guy, love his coloring work. But he was out with some friends.

After dinner, I had to crash and take a nap. I had been exhausted from the day on the floor, and my energy had been low all weekend. An hour long nap wasn't long enough, but it was 10pm and everyone had left for the bar without me.

I arrived at the bar and said hello to my web comic friends, and then made a few rounds to see who all was there, eventually settling down at a table with Russell, Bryan, Paul, and a few other comic creators. Bryan had come back form the bathroom saying that two guys sitting across the bar had been placing bets with each other over who could get the girl at their table in bed. One guy was wearing a Superman t-shirt, the other had piercings peppering his face. The girl had some pretty tattoos painting her arms. This was the source of much entertainment for the evening, as we soon discovered that several other tables around the bar were also watching the events unfold. "How can we mess this up," we asked ourselves collectively? We decided to buy the girl drinks and send them with anonymous notes on napkins.

Eventually I got up to walk around again, and ran into some people at the bar who were attending a wedding in the Hyatt hotel. One very drunk girl started hitting on me (and I believe her boyfriend was right behind her), asking me if I was famous or could point out anyone famous. In truth, I could've pointed out about 13 famous people right next to her, but I wanted to save them the hassle of being harassed by an intoxicated girl all night. They'd worked all day at the convention, and just wanted to relax and have a drink with their friends or fans. No one wants someone who doesn't know anything about comics coming up and trying to bug them all night - especially someone as drunk as this girl was. Eventually, she excused herself and I went back to the table with Russell.

The table with the two guys had grown even more fascinating, as another couple had shown up. One of the guys left (Superman), but would then return much later. This continued throughout our goofy storytelling and hilarious con horror tails, until finally the table we were watching emptied out. Piercings and the girl went to a booth, so the night was not yet done.

Much later than I had originally planned, we finally got up and left the bar. Standing near the escalators, our conversations continued until Piercings and the girl started to exit, his arm around her. We all clapped as loud as we could - but alas, they were clueless as to the nature of the clapping. Walking back to the hotel, it was pointed out that this may be our last time walking from the convention center to our cars (or hotel rooms) at a Wizard World convention.

DAY 4: SUNDAY
A later morning than others, I got up for breakfast again and sat with Russell. We reminisced about the previous nights jokes and stories, and then went to pack and headed out to the con floor.

I basically went down to say my goodbyes to everyone, new and old friends, and wish them well until we next got together. This progress, of course, takes hours. Not because I have a huge number of friends to say goodbye to, but because I secretly didn't want it to end. Some of these people I only get to see once or twice a year, and the time is just too short.

Eventually I made it back to the room and grabbed my bags, leaving for the train. Comic Con was certainly not dead, but it was different. And I hope that it happens again next year!

Labels: ACEN, ACEN aftershocks, anime central, chicago comic con, comics, cosplay, web comics, wizard, wizard world chicago

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The waiter is played by Erica's real-life boyfriend, Mike Ambs. Mike has worked in video editing for various websites, and recently moved to the Ann Arbor area...of course, after I left the state. :P

He's an awesome guy and was tons of fun to work with. Very open to my direction and ideas, and even had a slew of his own to contribute. Very creative individual, and I encourage you all to follow him on twitter. He also has a flikr account, but I can't think of the url off the top of my head.

Well, I'm at Wizard World Chicago already. So if you're there (or in the area), be sure to stop by. I'm not exhibiting this year, but I'll be shaking hands and kissing babies on the floor all day, doing a few panels at night, and will certainly be in the Hyatt bar after hours for a drink. Stop by, say hello to the bald man with bad posture (me).

Also, if you haven't done so yet, be sure to check out Erica Hampton's website, as she's the awesome person both taking the pictures and playing the Crazy Cat Loving Lady (who will have a name soon).

Labels: blind date, blind dating, dating, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, online dating, web comics, writing

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For those of your who voted for @$$hole! in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards, I thank you. It was a pleasant surprise to be nominated last year, so here's hoping that the 2009 nominations are announced soon. And once that happens, the dreadful waiting period to find out if you've won anything. Oh, the anticipation gets me every time!




Wizard World Chicago is this weekend, and I've been busting ass to get content finished up in time. Get that ol' buffer back. Thankfully, this story has just been flowing out of me, and there will be a lot of fun coming up in future pages.

It's also running a bit longer than I originally anticipated, and I have a fear whenever that happens that people will burn out on reading it. "Get in, say it, and get out," tends to be my storytelling method, but with a comic like this I tend to like to linger a bit. It's fun.

Friday is the waiter's appearance.

Also, if you haven't done so yet, be sure to check out Erica Hampton's website, as she's the awesome person both taking the pictures and playing the Crazy Cat Loving Lady (who will have a name soon).

Labels: blind date, blind dating, comics, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, online dating, photography, web comics, writing

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In case it wasn't obvious enough in the previous page, Selphi has passed on from her wound. Here we see Xen ("That's not my name"), the arm's dealer from earlier in the story. Looks like he somehow escaped Malukai's attack, but it doesn't sound like his business fared as well.

I think it's funny that he always "knows a guy." Who are these "guys" that he keeps referring to? Well, perhaps some day we'll find out. No matter what, he's a fun character to write.

Sophia sounds like she has a plan forming. I wonder what I could be....?

This week I'll be attending Wizard World Chicago. I don't have a booth this year, but I'll be wondering around and shaking hands. And no doubt will be in the Hyatt bar at night, so if you stop by for a drink look for a tall bald guy with poor posture who's laughing his ass off...or lecturing on some such nonsense. ;)

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The voting for the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards ended on July 31, so thank you to everyone who voted for Temple. Nominations should be announced soon, and then comes the stressful part...waiting to find out if Temple won anything. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Labels: comics, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, temple, the temple of a thousand tears, web comics, writing

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Wasn't able to post last week Friday (when the comic went live) because I was sick with food poisoning. It was not fun. I couldn't even stand up at noon. Didn't go into work. Didn't do much of anything. Unfortunately, that was also the last day to vote for nominations in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards, so here's hoping you voted for your favorites!

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Teased you with that little bit of back story there. Obviously, her kitty is no longer with her (since she misses him), but we'll get into that later.

For a story that I didn't plot or script out in advance, I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Which is important, I think, to break from tradition sometimes. It's good for preventing burnout, I think.

Plus, I have SO MANY PICTURES to go through for this story, the possibilities are endless. I hope you're enjoying it so far, and there're even more fun surprises down the road.

Also, if you haven't done so yet, be sure to check out Erica Hampton's website, as she's the awesome person both taking the pictures and playing the Crazy Cat Loving Lady (who will have a name soon).

Labels: blind date, comics, dating, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, online dating, web comics, writing

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"The Cat's Corn Hole" just sounded like such a fun name for a place. On the one hand, it sounds like a dive place, like a hole in the wall. On the other hand, it sounds like a kitty's bum....

I'm starting to gear up for Wizard World Chicago next week. Been working on some special things, and also making sure that I have enough content to post while I'm away (and not make myself rush at the last minute to get it done either before or after the con). My plan is also to get the book off to the printer's this weekend. While it won't be available at Wizard World Chicago (which wasn't a goal anyway, since I'm not exhibiting), it'll be a good feeling to have it done and out.

Then when I get the proofs, I get to figure out how it'll look. It'll be a great test for future collections, to make sure that they are absolutely perfect.

The book will be available at Reactor in September, where I'll probably be speaking about comics in some panels. Programming hasn't been announced just yet for that con, but I've been talking to some people and it's rather promising.

Also, if you haven't done so yet, be sure to check out Erica Hampton's website, as she's the awesome person both taking the pictures and playing the Crazy Cat Loving Lady (who will have a name soon).

Now go vote for @$$hole!, if you haven't already! :P

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The 2009 Drunk Duck Awards
The DD Awards are upon us once again, and the categories are up. Last year, without trying, you the reader graciously nominated @$$hole! for "Best Photo Comic" and "Best Experimental Comic" - an honor which I'm told that if popular demand had determined the winner, @$$hole! would hold both titles.

This year, I'm asking for some nominations - so please be sure to vote for @$$hole!:

Best Antagonist: Susie
Best Dialogue
Best Humor Comic
Most Deliciously Offensive
Best Overall Strip Comic
Best Photo Comic
Best Slice of Life/Autobiographical Comic

If you think that @$$hole! deserves any of these awards, then I implore you to vote for @$$hole! in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards. Voting goes until July 31 (Friday)!

Labels: comics, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, web comics, writing

My Site and Drunk Duck

The very emotional final scene in this sequence, and even when I was doing touch-ups on Olivia's artwork and lettering it I was crying.

Do yourself a favor, go back and re-read the sequence from the moment that Selphi gets stabbed and tell me if it flows well. Again, this is where I thought the series really found its voice.

And it's certainly when the story changed.

And Selphi's last words, "Why do they hate us?" is the question that I constantly ask whenever I hear about religious wars or tribal conflicts going on in the world. Sure, we all have different ideas and beliefs, but why do we have to kill for them? Why do we have to make it personal? Why do we have to hate each other?

I'm sure it's asking a lot to say, "Can't we all just get along?" but is it too much to ask, "Can't there be another way other than killing?" Forgiveness has to start somewhere.

But I digress. This story is hardly ever going to turn any heads or open any eyes to the error or futility of old ways and bad blood. But if it could generate a little tolerance in the world - if even one person read this and decided to use their words instead of their fists - then it would have exceeded my wildest expectations.

We can only hope.

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The 2009 Drunk Duck Awards
The DD Awards are upon us once again, and the categories are up. Last year, without trying, you the reader graciously nominated The Temple of a Thousand Tears as the Most Profound Comic - an honor which I'm told that if popular demand had determined the winner, Temple would hold that title.

This year, I'm asking for some nominations - so please be sure to vote for Temple:

Best Action Scenes
Best Adventure Comic
Best Dialogue
Best Fantasy Comic
Best Overall Story Comic
Best Philosophical / Spiritual Comic
Best Protagonist: Sophia
Best Sci-Fi Comic
Best Dramatic Comic
Best Overall Writing

If you think that Temple deserves any of these awards, then I implore you to vote for The Temple of a Thousand Tears in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards. Voting goes until July 31.

Labels: comics, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, samurai, temple, the temple of a thousand tears, web comics, writing

My Site and Drunk Duck

The 2009 Drunk Duck Awards
The DD Awards are upon us once again, and the categories are up. Last year, without trying, you the reader graciously nominated @$$hole! for "Best Photo Comic" and "Best Experimental Comic" - an honor which I'm told that if popular demand had determined the winner, @$$hole! would hold both titles.

This year, I'm asking for some nominations - so please be sure to vote for @$$hole!:

Best Antagonist: Susie
Best Dialogue
Best Humor Comic
Most Deliciously Offensive
Best Overall Strip Comic
Best Photo Comic
Best Slice of Life/Autobiographical Comic

If you think that @$$hole! deserves any of these awards, then I implore you to vote for @$$hole! in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards. Voting starts today (July 24)!

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Not only was the photo session a blast to do, but this comic is turning into a lot of fun to assemble. Part of the fun is trying to choose pictures that I think fit the scene or situation the best - and then adding dialogue to it. But when I said that I had a lot of pictures to go through, I wasn't even kidding. Do you know how large 800+ hi-res photos are? Or how long it takes to even preview them in your viewer? Let me give you a hint: they have to load! :P

Once again, the very talented Erica Hampton reprises her role as the Crazy Cat Loving Lady and this promises to be the worst blind date ever (but hopefully the most entertaining). And we haven't even made it to the place yet. That will be next week.

As for how the book's coming along, pre-pressing is all done and I've been making the final adjustments to the supplemental material. Sketches and some scripts, mostly, but also an afterword by myself and a forward by...someone more famous than me! Should be a fun book, but more about that as it gets shipped off to the printer within the next week or so.

Other than that, my announcements are about conventions. San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) is going on right now, and unfortunately I was not able to attend this year. Perhaps next year. However, I will be attending Wizard World Chicago in August (how is still up for debate, but I'm working on a few angles for a hopeful surprise - wish me luck), and will be a guest at Reactor in September. I submitted a few panel ideas, and they're finalizing the programming guide as we speak.

Well, enough out of me - go vote for nominees in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards (and don't forget my other comic, The Temple of a Thousand Tears, is also eligible for nominations). Other than that, have a great weekend!

Labels: blind date, comics, dating, online dating, web comics, writing

My Site and Drunk Duck

The 2009 Drunk Duck Awards
The DD Awards are upon us once again, and the categories are up. Last year, without trying, you the reader graciously nominated @$$hole! for "Best Photo Comic" and "Best Experimental Comic" - an honor which I'm told that if popular demand had determined the winner, @$$hole! would hold both titles.

This year, I'm asking for some nominations - so please be sure to vote for @$$hole!:

Best Antagonist: Susie
Best Dialogue
Best Humor Comic
Most Deliciously Offensive
Best Overall Strip Comic
Best Photo Comic
Best Slice of Life/Autobiographical Comic

If you think that @$$hole! deserves any of these awards, then I implore you to vote for @$$hole! in the 2009 Drunk Duck Awards (when voting starts, that is).

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Here's the first of the Blind Date story arc, and who's this: it's the Crazy Cat Loving Lady from the Vet Visit story arc! Played by none other than the lovely and talented Erica Hampton.

If you recall from the Vet Visit blogs, Erica is a professional photographer (recently specializing in weddings) who is incredibly talented and easy to work with, and gracious enough to allow me to borrow her time and equipment to make another crazy story involving her bizarre character. Unlike the Vet Visit story, however, this story isn't entirely scripted. Sure, there were some beats that I knew we had to hit, but I only really had a general idea of what would happen while we were shooting this. The benefit is that the photoshoot only took 3-4 hours this time (as opposed to the Vet Visit, which took over 6 hours). Also unfortunately (more so for me than you), is that I have over 800+ photos to shift through and organize to direct this piece. And I'm not entirely sure yet just how long it's going to be - but I have a goal in mind.

Suffice it to say, what you're about to read is going to be a fun train wreck - a roller coaster of gags and goofy stuff, and maybe even a little back story. I'm going to work for those nominations, let me tell you!

So enjoy, and I'll see you Friday with the next update!

Labels: blind dating, comics, dating, drunk duck, drunk duck awards, online dating, photography, web comics, writing

My Site and Drunk Duck

Perhaps this is the changing point for Sophia that turns her from the badass that we've seen in this story into the sweet wife and mother that we saw in flashbacks in the original story? Perhaps not. There's another Sophia story that I want to tell sometime after this about her meeting with the swordsman.

I'll be honest, I was crying when I wrote this sequence. It was a very emotional thing to write. Sophia is so helpless right now, doing the most that she can - but the car can only move so fast, and her sister is clearly coughing up blood. A lot of blood.

In the script I envisioned Sophia with her eyes closed and her mouth open wide screaming the last line, but unfortunately we weren't able to make those changes in time. Perhaps in a collected edition?

I'm in pre-production right now for the first two @$$hole! collections, which should be available later this year. My goal is to have them done before my speaking engagements in the late summer at a few conventions, and then get more of them printed next year for con season. However, let's take a poll: anyone here who might be interested in a Temple collected edition?

Labels: comics, samurai, sci-fi, temple, the temple of a thousand tears, web comics