The Future For This Blog, or The End

I've moved all of my comic efforts to a different blog. It's a blog for my webcomic projects and other bits of artwork, titled "Komik Traume."

This blog will be left active so that my old material will be available to any and all curious parties. For new developments follow the link below.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support!

http://komiktraume.tumblr.com/

Things the Eye Has Seen - A Retrospective - Part 1

Hello, folks. I've decided to start posting selections from my very first comic/zine, titled Things the Eye Has Seen (TEHS), and offer some creator commentary on each part for your reading pleasure. I hope you enjoy the work and will share it with your fellow comic fans. 

This book was the product of many long and late nights hunched over a drawing board which I had propped up on my kitchen table. Work on the book began right after I arrived home from my real job. I'd sit up from around 10pm to 4 or 5am, listening to some of my favourite bands or the classic NBC Radio program X-Minus One or The Nerdist Podcast, and drawing away. Eventually I completed the project, just in time to debut it at the December 3, 2011 Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo in Grand Rapids, MI.

First, I've decided to post the cover to the book. I took the time to colour it for this blog posting so that I could spare you the black and white version the buyers of the printed copy were forced to behold. I received many comments from friends, family, and visitors to my expo table directing me to colour it. Well, here it is. Coloured and pretty.

It's a strange scene I wanted to change and explore on each cover following this one, for I had planned to regularly publish new issues of TEHS. My desire changed shortly after that holiday season so TEHS was left at one issue. The doctor delivering the comics from the shocked mother got quite a reaction from the disturbed-looking passers-by who were present at the expo. Some fellow talking to my neighbour at the show about Tijuana Bibles commented on my work before introducing himself to me by stating, "This guy could do dirty!" He was a connoisseur of porn comics, apparently. Strange.

A bit shocking, I suppose

The next couple of pages for this posting are the two from the book's first story titled "Transcriber." I had a recurring dream about a city that was both familiar and wildly different than any city I'd ever encountered. It had pyramids and fantastical buildings with dozens of doors and stoops which led to tiny, magical rooms. I felt that I had to express my fascination with it somehow. The idea of a being living inside a dream which felt like it took place in a shared dream world which might have existed for aeons, representing every type of domicile or structure in our species' history and then some, seemed like a sufficiently deep idea to lead in to what was supposed to be a light, humorous comic. I don't know how this went over with most people, but here is "Transcriber." Try and enjoy? 

I used a straight edge like a fool. Also, my hand-lettering was horrific so I decided to use computer lettering. My apologies.

The speech bubble in the last panel was screwed up by my use of a template and my inability to properly use GIMP (though, since this time I've improved tremendously). Again, my apologies.

This is the first part of the retrospective. Over the coming days or weeks (depending on when I can work on this) I plan to release stories from the book and discuss their inception and creation. Please come back for the next instalment. Thank you for reading this and for your support.

Comic Work - The Dead Alives Comic

Hello, friends and supporters. Here are the pages from my comic created to be an insert for the band The Dead Alives' record "Harper's Resurrection." There were one hundred copies printed for the record's release, but due to complications within the band the project never got a fair chance to actually see the light of day. So, from what I know and what I'm told, the comic can be found in the possession of a lucky few folks who received copies of the record and a zine library in Portland, Oregon.

I've tried to present everything here as you would have seen it in print. Let me know what you think. Also, let me offer a massive thanks to Tony Spielmaker for approaching me with the offer to work on this endlessly entertaining project, to Chad Blakely for being so awesome as to let me use one of his incredible illustrations as a pin-up, and to Stacy Roberts for her fantastic contribution. I hope you, dear reader, enjoy!

Here you can see the finished cover. As you can tell it was heavily inspired by the classic EC Horror Comics. The idea for a fake advert belonged to Tony. I came up with the fictional tonic and the text.

This is the inside of the cover. To the left you can see all the neat bits of text crediting this person and that. It gives you an idea of who was in the band at the time of this book's creation, who contributed pin-ups, and other miscellaneous wordy-bits. To the right you can see the zombie pin-up from Thorny Grove creator Stacy Roberts (http://thornygrove.blogspot.com/).

The cover art for the book. Instead of the EC characters the band members are in the left side circles. This was another of Tony Spielmaker's great ideas.

This is page one. The EC Comics influence leaked into the comic itself with the Crypt Keeper-like introduction. Now, read on and find out what happens to these two crazy, music-loving kids.

Love amidst the memory of death. Sigh.

Here's where the three-page story ends. Tough luck for the kids, no?

This magnificent pin-up, which I was incredibly fortunate to receive, was one of the interior pages of the book. It came from comic creator Chad Blakely (a brilliantly wonderful and supportive chap). He's the man responsible for the hit graphic novel Kidnapping Kevin Smith and his current series Astonishing Adventures. Chad's work can be found on his blog http://www.chadblakely.blogspot.com/

Wet, Hot, Comic-Making Summer!

Okay, so not so wet...probably hot, though.

This Summer I will be working on both a new brand for my comic work and three new titles. If you enjoy heroes that are different from the kind you'd see in any Marvel or DC book then you'll want to stay tuned. If you enjoy weird, sci-fi/comedy goodness then you'll want to stay tuned. If you're a geek/nerd like me and enjoy the wacky lifestyle of a geek/nerd then you'll want to stay tuned.

There you go. A somewhat cryptic peek into what I'm developing. I hope you dear folks will continue to have an interest in my work. Please share my work with your friends. Word of mouth is more important than anything.

Thank you for your interest and support. I look forward to producing entertainment for you for many years to come!

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.

Eraserhead - Henry's Complete

I have put the finishing touches on old Henry. This was a ton of fun and I hope to get this piece to the right person (and hopefully they enjoy it).

Official Feels Purty...and the new logo

Well, friends, I have received confirmation from the Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo. It's official. I've even been posted on their website!

So if you're looking for a good time Saturday, December 3rd please join me at the only event in Grand Rapids that matters in this the end of 2011.

http://grtoycomicexpo.com/guests-2/

I've also finished a new logo for Arrow-Eye Studios and I'm happy to unveil it here. Enjoy!

If you're on Facebook you can find me there. I've returned to using the network I swore I'd always hate. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arrow-Eye-Studios/241331629254090

Eraserhead Distractions

While working my time-clock dominated white collar job tonight I decided to say to heck with it all and just started working on another design for stickers and such for my upcoming appearances. My focus was barely on the verbally abusive calls I took as I became engrossed in the process. For some reason I was really in the mood to draw Henry Spencer so I did. Posted below you'll see photographs (my scanner is too small) of my rather large illustration of Henry's most iconic shot. Please bare in mind that it is not yet finished.

Anyway, enjoy!

The full image in its so-so glory.

Here's the title and some inking detail on his jacket.

Here's some more of the inking detail.

Here's some detail of Henry's face.

Music and Influences for One Who Draws

While drawing I find that pleasing music seems to enhance my work and heightens my senses when I get into "The zone." I'd like to create a "What I Listened to..." list to place in the upcoming comic, but I feel that space for thank yous is a bit more important. I plan on listing the inspiring music that influenced me through the creation along with some other bits of media that affected my creation-driven mind. This is a first of what I'm sure will be several blogs.

This week while working on the book I listened to:

-The Jesus and Mary Chain - "Darklands" and "Happy When It Rains"

-Tom Waits - Frank's Wild Years (album)

-Depeche Mode - "Enjoy the Silence"

-Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Sound of Music"

-The Smiths - "How Soon Is Now"

-Meat Puppets - "Aurora Borealis"

I read:

-Thrilling Visions - Bob Burden's sketchbook and musings

-Flaming Carrot Volume 1

-Ben Jonson's Volpone

-John Donne's sonnets

Ate (a rare list):

-Butter Chicken, Naan, Curried Chicken, and Korma from wonderful Palace of India here in Grand Rapids on Fulton St. (super delicious and inspiring)

That concludes the first listing. Keep checking back for more on the process and what influenced it. I'll post them occasionally.

Thorny Grove meets Cthulhu - Meeting Stacy Roberts

Today I had the pleasure of stopping in to my local comic book store and meeting Kalamazoo comic artist Stacy Roberts. She's responsible for the book "Thorny Grove and a Dash of Mythos" which tells the story of anthropomorphic, slightly edgy forest critters as they meet the dread elder god Cthulhu. It's a funny book that made its debut at this year's APE (Alternative Press Expo - http://www.comic-con.org/ape/index.php).

The one thing I've learned about comic book creators, especially the independent folks, is that they are all about supporting one another. Sharing links and calling attention to each other's work seems like something everyone does in the industry. I'm happy to share the work of anyone I come across, especially another Michigan comic book artist since we seem to be so few. If you're looking for a fresh entertaining read look no further than Stacy's work with Thorny Grove. You can find out more about her and her work at this address: http://thornygrove.blogspot.com/

Here's Stacy's illustration of the great Cthulhu!

My First Convention Artist Table and Signing at Apparitions

There's a lot of official, exciting news here for once on the Arrow-Eye Studios blog. First off, I will have a table at the upcoming Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo on Saturday, December 3rd (http://grtoycomicexpo.com/). As of now I don't know the exact location of my table, but I will have a banner to clearly mark where Arrow-Eye is stabled. If you plan on attending please keep an eye out. I will have exclusive shirts for sale, stickers, and.....this is the part where I'd go "Da-da-da-DAH!....my first official and complete comic book. (I'll be posting images of my continuing work on the book here occasionally, so stay tuned.)

The next bit of good news is that on the Saturday following the Expo I will have a meet, greet, and sign event at Apparitions Comics here in Grand Rapids (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Apparitions-Comics/113504738681974). Apparitions is a store I've frequented for almost a decade. When I think of a great place to talk comics and buy great books new and old I think of Apparitions. It's truly an honor they're extending me to allow Arrow-Eye Studios to have its first comic shop event in their store. Dave, the owner, and Thom are two of the coolest comic folk I know and I encourage anyone wandering through Grand Rapids to stop in and support their store.

The signing will run Saturday, December 10 from 1pm to 5pm, following the store's weekly HeroClix event. I'll have most of what I had at the Expo on hand in case you miss the chance to stop in and visit me there. Feel free to check out the store, browse my stuff, support local comic shops and artists (me), and chat about a medium we all know and love. I've included the official flyer for the in-store event. I hope you can make it!