Just when you thought it was safe...

I've been going over my decisions regarding the future of Arrow-Eye Studios. A revelation came from this reflection which screamed that I haven't actually given myself a sufficient shot at creating through this studio. Some might say that that's common sense speaking. I say that common sense is a mute who is only seen just before the lights go out. Almost too late.

Anyway, the news I want to announce and the reason for this post are that this December, premièring first at one of the few Michigan conventions and then moving to a con near you (perhaps, maybe...I'd like to), Arrow-Eye Studios will publish two new comics and reprint all the material produced prior to this new stuff into a cheaper, better-looking book. That means you'll get Things the Eye Has Seen along with the Dead Alives' promo comic and some other neat treats all together in one inexpensive book!

The new material is in the process of being outlined now. I have a strong idea of what I want out of these books, and I hope that some how, some way folks will be able to get their hands on them and be able to enjoy what I do. All I'll say is that these will be books for fans of golden age comics and strange science-fiction. Check them out when they're out, won't you?

Until next time, folks!

Music Inspires Comics...A Horror Tribute

A friend of mine, in response to hubbub over my first comic, asked if I would do him the favor of drawing a short, horror-themed comic for his band's new album. The requested project is merely a three-page tribute to old EC Horror Comics and the band's genre is the ever-entertaining genre of Necrobilly. I've posted a couple photos of my work on the book below.

The book will also feature zombified pin-ups from artist friends Chad Blakely (http://www.chadblakely.blogspot.com/) and Stacy Roberts (www.thornygrove.com) who were incredible enough to take the time to create some terrific pieces. Please check out their work and support their creative efforts. Also, I'll have a pin-up in Mr. Blakely's new book in the near future so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Here are the photos!

After the Expo, After the Signing

So here I am after my first comic expo and my first comic shop signing. Sitting behind a table which bore the product of my work was wonderful. I felt so relieved, so happy, and so very proud. I learned several lessons during both events on what to do and what not to do. Now I'm looking forward to the next show.

I'm thankful that over all this time I found it in myself to persevere and finish my book. Overcoming my lack of confidence and my occasional lack of enthusiasm really helped in the end.

Here's my table at the Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo

A Little Thanksgiving Something

Wishing everyone who has been kind enough to take interest in and support my work a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Teenage Mutant Things to Draw at Work

While at work this evening I started browsing Google for reference photos. I didn't have anything specific in mind so I instead decided to go with whatever inspired me. It was then that I stumbled upon photographs of turtles and was reminded of an idea I'd been kicking around for some time. For years now I've been wanting to draw realistic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Here's my attempt. Enjoy.

Right arm purposely slightly extended for effect. I don't know if it works or not.

The battle scars and rags I think gave it a feel of grittiness. I hope.

The sea turtle face seemed the best for what I had in mind.

Grand Rapids Public Access Celebrity? - A Drawing for a Friend

So a friend recently reminded me of a small-time, public access legend from my current city of residence, Grand Rapids, MI. This person, known as The Great Daryl Nathan (http://www.viget.org/The_Great_Daryl_Nathan), starred in his own bizarre music show on good old GRTV, Channel 25, in the early to mid-90s. Here's an illustration I recently completed of Daryl Nathan for my friend.

The looks thrown my way while drawing this at work were worth it all by themselves. Enjoy, folks. Enjoy, Chris!

Beware the Street Creature from the Black Lagoon!

Last night while working my time-clock job I yet again whipped up a slightly less than decent illustration. The inspiration came to me on my way to work. I had the desire to draw some of my favorite monsters, just for the heck of it, and the Creature was the first one that came to mind. For some reason though I just knew he had to be different. The cartoonist wheels started turning and questions arose such as "What if he left the lagoon for the hard streets of a nearby urban area?"

Here is the result of inspiration, the asking of strange questions, and the sheer boredom that can only come from being a clock-punching American, slaving away at a meaningless job in the Customer Service industry. Now witness the horror of this mean, street-living thing. Marvel at his tear drop tattoo (he's a killer!), gaze at his hardcore piercings, and gasp at his knife-fight wound!

Enjoy!

Here's the full illustration, a photograph for now. A scan will be coming soon.

Here's the full beastie!

At Last...Things the Eye Has Seen, the cover

I'm proud to release the image of my comic's cover. It's taken a long time to get to this point, and I'm glad that I was able to step up and finish something important to me. Enjoy, for in less than a month all of you out there who are interested will be granted a glimpse at the pages within.

I give you, Things the Eye Has Seen:

Here's an attempt at coloring with GIMP. It's not a finish color job by any means, but it's an experiment and a possibility.

Lastly, for those of you who have been following my progress on my Eraserhead drawings, here are the finished pieces, scanned and formatted for your enjoyment!

Radiator Lady

Here' s my follow up to the Eraserhead drawing of Henry. It's Radiator Lady in all her odd, puffed-cheek glory. Enjoy!

Official Comic Title on 11/11/11

Well, first of all happy 11/11/11, if that actually means anything to anyone. Amazing how much of our lives are influenced by numbers. Anyway, today I'm officially releasing the title of my comic that will meet the world for the first time on December 3rd at the Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo. It will be titled "Things the Eye Has Seen."

The title was made official here first: http://grtoycomicexpo.com/guests-2/

Now I need to find a large scanner so that I can release the cover image. Oh, shucks fer time, lack of equipment, and large artwork.

I will soon be posting an Eraserhead-themed follow up to my Henry illustration. Stay tuned and thank you for your support.