Corrective Measures

Corrective Measures, from Arcana Comics and written/created by Grant Chastain is now up on Wowio.com! It's 147 pages, full color, and you can reach it by clicking the title of this post.

Now, why am I telling you about this book? Two reasons. One, it's really good. Two, I lettered the last chapter of the trade. :)

The book is about a maximum security prison for former super-villains, and the trials of keeping those inmates in check. But it's not anywhere near what you think it would be. This isn't The Vault, The Raft, or Arkham Asylum. This is like a real world prison. In six issues super powers came into play I think once.

See, it's not about the powers, and it's certainly not about tights and capes in the least bit, so far. This is a prison drama that takes a very real world, innovative look at super criminals. It's very well written with beautiful artwork that really tells a unique story. And it doesn't end with this trade either. I know there are probably two more trades worth of material in the works, which yours truly will be lettering.

All that said, this is a very mature book for violence, sexual innuendos, and intense language. I don't normally find myself pulled to that sort of material, but this book is very well written, as I've already said. I can't recommend it enough for the story and the characterization alone.

And if you buy the trade, it looks gorgeous as well. I was sent a copy a couple of days ago, the first time I'd seen the whole story, and the production value of the trade is nearly flawless. I'm sure it can be found at Arcana's site somewhere, or on Ronin's.

And if that's not enough to convince you, check out the trailer below:



So download it or buy it, just make sure you read it!

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Popular Music

Notice I say "popular" and not "pop" because that's what it originally stood for. Well, that and "bubblegum", but that's a different story.

Anyway, I've found myself enjoying a wide plethora of music from various genres of late, but most do tend to lean towards top 40 style songs. It's just what I like. Artists like Ne-Yo, Elliot Yamin, Alicia Keyes, Maroon 5, Colbie Callat, and Mandy Moore. I admit I'm a little behind on what's hot right now and all that, and I rarely get a chance to blast music to be honest, but this is the kind of stuff I enjoy when I do.

I've always been more keen on R&B, soulful sounds more than anything, but I've been known to like a little rock, a little alternative, and of course, Pop. As for heavy metal, not at all. As for gang banging rap, not really (though I do like some rap). As for country, very little (like Carrie Underwood, Leanne Rhymes, and some Garth Brooks maybe, but not much else).

Anyway, I just thought I'd share. I was listening to some videos as I lettered today and was enjoying actually hearing music for a change that wasn't on American Idol or whatever. lol

Speaking of, while I liked several songs David Cook did, I was really pulling for "Archie" to win it. I just love that kid's voice.

Check out this clip of my original song. :) I tried to upload it to YouTube, but it doesn't like me right now. So this will have to do:

Original Song Clip #1

Don't make fun...

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Movie Blogging

Check out my latest movie blog posts by clicking the title of this post.

It's just a small, three times a week gig I picked up before my first trip, so there are some gaps. It's just my takes on news stories that come out the day of each post more or less.

Enjoy!

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When the Cookie Crumbles

Fruited cake or cookie? Yep, I love me some Fig Newtons! And I've found that I can eat them in moderation even though they have seeds, which are apparently not good for the gall stones. But since I've cut out a lot of other sweets, it's good to know I can still have my Figs.

I've also started eating Activia yogurt daily thanks to a suggestion by my aunt to help with a little problem I've been having. I think that can be clearly deduced. And I have to say it works pretty well.

Today (Wednesday) I got some work done, thankfully, as it's been hard to get back into the swing of things with all the happenings of late. But I made some nice progress, and even picked up another logo job. And tomorrow, or today now, promises to be just as much, if not more progressive save any unforeseen disasters or distractions. I have re-instituted my daily schedule, and I'm once again marking things off as I go, and it does motivate me to truck on.

Aside from the norm, the job search has hit more dead ends. I'm still waiting to hear the new proposal I've talked about from the one company, but all the feelers I've put out elsewhere so far have come up empty unfortunately. But so far the rejections have been pleasant and very respectful, which is always nice.

On another note, interestingly enough, Platinum's Comic Book Challenge has changed their rules this year and extended their deadline. This year instead of having the top 50 entrants travel to SDCC to pitch live, they will make a 3 minute video pitch and the contest will last for months instead of weeks, with the entire contest taking place online. The new deadline to enter is June 14th, which gives two extra weeks to hopeful entrants.

For me, that means I may still enter. With everything that happened this month I was unable to complete the script and get it in the hands of the artist to pitch by the original deadline, which is in two days. So, while I still have reservations about Platinum's contract, I may still try my hand at it.

That brings up another point. Platinum requires you to sign over all rights to them for a flat fee plus a percentage of royalties. This is not something I take lightly as I would love, in a perfect world, to maintain all rights to my creations, even in other media. I realize that isn't necessarily how things work in Hollywood, but it would be nice. But even so, turning over all rights to my creation even in the publishing arena doesn't particularly set well with me.

Just yesterday I read an article about Tokyopop's contracts that someone pointed out on Digital Webbing in the Creator Community forum in a thread titled "Important!". Apparently, Tokyopop uses sophomoric vernacular in contracts that prey on desperate creators that require them to sign away ALL rights and create a complete comic that they may never be paid for, and even if it is accepted they may never be credited for, and Tokyopop can translate it into other media without giving them a dime. Basically, they pay a flat fee that wouldn't buy a decent computer and get the rights and credit to your original property for eternity.

So, I'm very skeptical about most publishers these days. If I ever am stupid enough to get into the comic publishing business, my model would definitely be more like Image's I think, in that all creators keep all rights to their properties. It just seems the fairer deal for independent comics. And even with companies like Marvel and DC, I think if someone came up with a character or concept they should at the very least receive royalties on those creations forever.

I don't know, I just think creators should retain rights on their creations, and if those creations are profitable they should certainly be compensated for them. There are far too many thieves in the world today. And with the comic industry being so small, there needs to be less of that mentality and more of a camaraderie. I understand and accept that publishers want to and need to make money, and I have no problem with that. But what I do have a problem with is them taking advantage of creators either lacking knowledge or desperate to be published that will sign anything or take the deal just to get work. It's just a shame that publishers like this exist and are greedy enough to prey on those less fortunate. A real shame.

And that's all I have to say about that... for now.

I was going through some old notebooks and found some ideas I had jotted down years ago for comics, movies and novels. For two movie ideas I had plots, character summaries, and possible casting matches already lined out. And for one novel I had actually already written like 40 pages or so of, which I had completely forgotten about. So as soon as I have some free time, I'm going to pore through those and see what I can salvage, what needs updated and revised, and get back on track with those.

It's funny, as a writer you have SO many ideas, thoughts, fragments and so forth of stories, poems, etc. lying around. I have a few lines of various poems I started, lyrics for songs, paragraphs or sentences of plots and many other little notes I made to my self in countless notebooks, scrap pieces of paper, and word documents on the computer. It's insane how many ideas we come up with, and how many sit there for who knows how long, and in some cases probably forever. And even funnier is that I'm always trying to come up with something new, or a lot of times not even trying, but just getting new thoughts. You'd think we'd run out sometime, right? Well, if I do I hope it's not for a very long time. And I hope some of these ideas are actually good enough to do something with someday. I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

Creators like Christian Beranek formerly of Silent Devil Productions gives me hope too. He started a fledgling comic company that had some moderate success, and now he's working in various media, and with his new Kingdom Comics has just signed a deal with Disney!

Then there's Robert Kirkman, a guy who grew up not too far from me who made it big at Marvel. In fact, I just found out this past weekend that he grew up and was good friends with my cousin's husband's older brother! Yeah, I know, it sounds like one of those "a friend of a friend" deals, but it came up very innocently. On my Memorial Day weekend retreat with the family I went out to eat with my cousin, her sister and her husband at TGI Fridays (I had Dragonfire Chicken, which I highly recommend by the way), and we got to talking about jobs. My cousin, Susan, who is five or six years younger than me, is a teacher, and she was telling me about some interviews she had recently. Her sister, Kristy, who is five years younger than her, is studying to be a nurse, and Susan's husband, Vince, who's a year younger than her, is a personal trainer (he's a big dude!). And they were asking me about this job I traveled about recently, and then Susan mentioned the local guy who hit it big, which Vince confirmed was Robert Kirkman. And of course I was like yeah, I know who he is, nonchalantly. lol. And Vince proceeded to tell me how kids would be playing Tee-Ball and stuff and would ridicule Kirkman for being immersed in his comics, but how now he had the last laugh with all his success. And how he and Vince's brother, Gabe, were good friends growing up. I thought that was pretty cool. Oddly enough, I've never even seen Kirkman around town, even though we apparently didn't live far apart. Not that it would've mattered, but it's just such an inspiration to me that someone from here gained success like he has, and it gives me hope that these many years of toiling and struggling will someday be worth it all.

And with that, I think I've talked your ears off enough for one post.

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The Return

Well, we got back from our mini vacation yesterday evening, and I was thankful to finally be home. We had a good time overall, but as I'm sure there is with every family, there was the much unneeded drama at times.

You know the routine. "Who's going here?" "When are we doing this?" Why can't we just do that?" and so on and so forth. And some had money, others didn't have a lot. Some wanted to do their own thing while others wanted everything to be on an itinerary and do it all together. Some were perfectly content staying at the chalet, playing games, swimming and so forth, while others just had to do the go-carts, eat out and walk around stores.

Bottom line is I spent far too much money out of necessity, and would have rather just chilled at the chalet all weekend and would've been fine never leaving. But the fact is we were hardly at the chalet and I had a little brother I had to let have fun, so I went along too. And we had a blast, don't get me wrong. I love my family, and I love hanging out with them. And I do enjoy mini golf, arcades and go-carts as much as the next guy, but it was just a little much considering finances. And I still can't figure out where $100 of it went as it just doesn't seem to add up properly.

But the important thing is we were together and enjoyed each others' company... for the most part. :)


On another note, I did get to check my email a couple of times while I was away, though the connection was very sporadic. But I received an email from the potential employer I spoke about previously. It seems they have a proposal for a new position that they feel is better suited for me, so I'll wait and see what that entails and go from there.


I have a dentist appointment this morning at 8 am (ugh), but after that, provided I'm not still sleepy from the trip, I intend on returning to lettering and logo work for the remainder of the week. Last night I watched about an hour of TV then crashed, so I got nothing done. And I didn't have time over the weekend. So I've got a bit of catching up to do, but nothing overwhelming at this point.


So that's what's up on those fronts. I'll keep you all posted as things progress. Thanks for reading!

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Memorial Day - The Great Escape

Tomorrow afternoon, my family is heading down to Pigeon Forge to stay in a nice chalet for the extended holiday weekend called The Great Escape. How appropo, no?

After the loss of my Papaw, my family just wanted to be able to get away and enjoy each others' company as it's been a while. And while I had suggested going out to dinner, or having a cookout, my uncle came up with this idea and found this place (click the post title), and so everyone eventually got on board with it.

It's been YEARS since we all went away together, so this is a much needed trip. We're just going to hang out, have fun, and just be ourselves. We'll probably walk the strip, ride some go carts and stuff, and probably eat out once or twice. But mostly we'll probably just hang out at the chalet, cook, play games, and just relax, you know?

This is especially good for me should this job pan out as I may be moving away. And I have missed the past several family get togethers living in the same state, so I know how hard it would be for me to get back if I lived elsewhere. So I'm really looking forward to this.

Sadly, I have not really gotten much work done this week though. It's been one thing after another, with people in and out, and I just haven't accomplished much, nor have a I felt up to it. I ate wrong on my trip last week, and my stomach still hasn't fully recovered, so I've been sleeping more than usual and just feeling drained.

But today I am pushing it out, and tomorrow I'll probably have my brother's laptop with me to try to get some stuff done. I'll also have it over the weekend, but I don't know how much I'll be able to get done with the whole family staying together, and it being a vacation (last week was business).

So, that's what's up this weekend, and I just wanted to let everyone know.

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I'll Be At Mid-Ohio-Con!

Well, it's official, sort of. I am listed on the guest list of www.midohiocon.com, so come visit me the first weekend of October!

Scott and I had signed up for the new Ohio Comic Con, then when MOC reemerged under new ownership rumors began running rampant that the two were merging. And while I've yet to personally receive any official confirmation, as I stated, according to MOC's website, I am listed, so they must have merged.

What sucks about that is my cousin's wedding, which was originally scheduled for October 12th, was moved to the 4th, and it's in Illinois, so now I'll miss her wedding (Ohio Comic Con was to be the last weekend of October, while MOC is the 4th through the 5th).

Anyway, if you're in Columbus, Ohio the first weekend of October please come by and check out Wannabez!

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Moving Away, Then Not, Then Maybe...

Well, folks, as most of you know, last week I went out of town. What most of you didn't know was why I went out of town, so let me break it down for you.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by an online comic retailer about a possible job opportunity. Basically they offered me the job based on my online work that they had followed, and wanted to fly me down and put me up for a week. So I went and spent the week down there checking the place out and learning what the job entailed.

The salary they offered was decent, and parts of the job were fun and exciting. Other parts were not quite as glamorous, but still a pretty cool experience.

So, after a week of wrestling with the decision to move away and take this job I accepted the position last Friday morning. They were thrilled, and thus a new chapter of my life was to begin.

24 hours later that changed a bit. I had emailed them to discuss a few details, and one arbitrary sentence at the end of the email I typed at 3am caused them to reevaluate things and they took the offer off the plate.

So, after emails and phone conversations trying to straighten all this out, now instead of moving down immediately (like tomorrow) as was planned, I'm waiting to hear, probably for a couple of weeks, whether this is still the direction they want to go or not.

All that said, it is still possible that in a few weeks I'll be moving away to take a nice job with some perks moving away from my home of the last 26 years. Then again, it's possible I won't. So I'll keep you posted. Not that it affects any of you, but in the transition there would definitely be some lag time for lettering projects and so forth.

The job itself is twofold. One side of it, the side I like, involves marketing, interviewing creators, managing content and so forth as I am familiar with and have done for the past two plus years. The other side is working convention booths, specifically the register and managing people, at twelve cons throughout the year. Not to mention driving the con truck to all these places. This is the part I'm not as crazy about, but is still pretty cool.

So anyway, I guess I'll have to wait and see what the final decision is, even though I had already accepted and they had already offered. I guess that's the way things go sometimes though.

In the meantime, I'm back home catching up on all my emails and starting back to lettering work today and tomorrow. I'm also looking out for other opportunities both locally and abroad just in case this falls through as last week's trip showed me that regardless of what happens I am ready for the next chapter in my life, and I'm ready to spread my wings and start more actively pursuing my ultimate goals.

If this particular job doesn't happen I am still doing my best to make preparations to make it to Wizard World Chicago at the end of next month. I'm not sure if it will work out or not, but I know a lot of people who will be there and I'd like to hook up with them if I can. And if I do get this job I'll be there as well, but I'll be stuck at the booth through the duration of the event.

So, that's what's up, people.

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Morbid Myths Needs Sales!

Morbid Myths Volume 1 from Hard Way Studios and Alterna Comics is needing more sales or Volume 2 might not be published. I wasn't directly involved with Volume 1, but I am lettering all or most of Volume 2, which won't be published if Volume 1's sales don't improve.

So, if you haven't checked out the book, please do so. It's a really cool anthology that has gotten great reviews across the board.

Read more about Morbid Myths by clicking the title of this post.

And check out some reviews here:

http://geeksofdoom.com/2008/03/30/comic-review-morbid-myths-collection-1/
http://www.comicrelated.com/review/morbidmyths1.html
http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=354

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Missing the Funeral

Well, I had thought we'd have the funeral over the weekend, but it turns out it won't be until Tuesday, and I'll be out of town by then. This isn't a vacation trip, so I can't cancel or reschedule it. So this sucks, but the family understands.

As I said, the funeral will be on Tuesday at Kerr Brothers in Lexington, KY for Emory Woodrow Marshall if anyone would like to pay their respects. I don't expect flowers or anything as most of you who read this certainly didn't know him and only know me online. I just thought I'd mention it.

Thanks to all who have sent your condolences.

Brant

R. I. P., Papaw

Last night, May 8th, around 10:35pm my Papaw, Woodrow Emerson Marshall, passed away. It had been touch and go for years, but things finally caught up with him, and now he's gone off to a better place.

Papaw survived brain cancer, several brain surgeries, castration and many other ailments living far beyond anyone's expectations. he was a fighter to the very end, but eventually a combination of old age, pneumonia and dementia took it's toll on the World War II veteran.

I didn't always get along with my Papaw. When I was a child he was a mean drunk, and he took liberties he shouldn't have (not sexual, but abusive). He was crude, hateful and bitter, and he was from a time that no longer exists. He never was able to leave the past behind and could never bring himself to moving into the world as it is today.

However, I did love him and I will miss him. When his wife, my Nana, died in 1993, Papaw changed somewhat. Even though he took her for granted for many years he was obviously completely lost without her. He began relying more heavily on his children and grandchildren and began to remorse things he had done. In recent years he had apologized and repented for his mistakes and had made peace with most of his family.

I will never forget one night several years ago I drove past his house on my way home and felt the urgency to pray for him. I prayed all the way home and once I got home. The next day my mom went to visit him and he told her that he couldn't sleep all night because I was beside his bed talking to him until morning. I had a feeling he would have died that night, before he had made his peace with God and everyone, and if nothing else does, this certainly confirms for me both God's existence and his hand on my family's lives.

I have not seen my Papaw for a couple of years, and now I never will get to. I was planning on visiting him today as yesterday I had dental work done and was in no shape to go anywhere. I deeply regret not being able to say goodbye, but more than that I've regretted not being able to feel sad about it. As a matter of fact, the first time I shed a tear about his passing was as I was typing this post just seconds ago, recounting the story of the heavenly visitation in my Papaw's home.

No matter what's in the past, I love you, Papaw, and I will miss you. I remember fondly your magical, beautiful voice that rivaled Bing Crosby's as you would sing Christmas carols while playing the organ. I will remember your artistic skills in the bird you drew me when I was a kid and an aspiring artist myself. I'll never forget that sneaky smile that spread across your face when you played a joke or were giving someone a hard time.

I hope you are finally able to find peace and comfort, and I hope someway, somehow you are reunited with the love of your life, Janie Irene Marshall, my Nana. I pray that God has watch over your soul, and that he keeps you for all eternity. And I pray for my family, that they will be able to move on and have peace knowing that you are no longer suffering as you have been for so long.

I love you, Papaw, God Bless.

Brant W. Fowler

New Link Banners

I've added some link banners to the site, which you can find by clicking the title of this post. So now you can support Gonzogoose Design by adding a banner to your site! :)

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HONK!

Wannabez Podcast!

Our interview with Catch Da Craze is finally up and live! Click the link atop (click the post title) to read the WBZ blog post about the show!

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Gonzogoose Design Has Launched!!!

Today, my new website, www.gonzogoose.com, the new home of Gonzogoose Design, has officially launched!

Gonzogoose Design is the new home for all my lettering and logo design work. I will no longer be using my main site for lettering and logo work as it will serve as a hub for all things Brant W. Fowler.

I have a lot of new stuff up at the new site I didn't have on my main site, so please check it out! I'm really pleased with how this site turned out. I think it really shows another side of me, and it embodies the fabled Gonzogoose!

And the latter is in no small part attributed to Wannabez artist Scott D.M. Simmons who took my rough sketches and created the wonderfully zany and totally accurate GONZOGOOSE!

Eventually I plan on doing a web strip with the titular character, but for now he serves as a mascot for all things lettering and logos by Brant W. Fowler... me!

I felt taking this step was important in both separating my lettering from other things I do, as well as helping to further brand myself in the world of lettering.

That all said, there are still a few things left to be finished, and there are some minor kinks (mostly colors being off here and there), but as I said before, I'm pretty happy with the site and I hope you are too!

In closing, if it's not implied by this whole spiel, Gonzogoose Design is open for business, and I'm available!

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Flying Away

This is just to let everyone know that May 12th I will be flying down to Atlanta for the week, so I won't be back until that weekend (the 16th/17th). I may not have internet access while I'm gone, so if you can't get a hold of me, that's why.

I will post a reminder next weekend in case anyone forgets, and I'll put vacation responses on my email accounts. I just wanted to give you all fair warning.

I will also be out of touch for the most part next Thursday, May 8th as I have a dentist appointment and will probably be in some pain afterwards. I actually don't anticipate being around much after that either as I'll be preparing for the trip.

And in case anyone was wondering, funds came through for the dentist yesterday, and it was a pleasant experience. I'm a little sore today, but thankful regardless.

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