Gonzogoose

Visionary Comics Studios

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:27:00 +0000

I've recently hooked up with Visionary in hopes to widen my lettering clients, and so I thought I'd do a little promoting of the studio as they have a promotion going on. So check out the banner and the following press release for all the details. If you like wrestling, then you'll really dig this as it's about the book Headlocked, which is all about wrestling.

Please Help Us Get the Word Out: Visionary's Money Back Guarantee to Retailers!

Visionary Comics Studio wants retailers to try our debut series Headlocked, so much so, that we are offering a money-back guarantee on the first issue of our new mini-series, Headlocked: The Tryout. We understand the economics for retailers of trying something new and being left holding the bag, so we’re making it completely risk free for any retailer to try Headlocked!

Visionary Comics Studio will offer a full refund on up to five pre-ordered copies of Headlocked: The Tryout #1 if they haven’t sold within 60 days. Simply pack up the unsold copies and return them to us with a copy of your invoice from Diamond and we’ll send you a full refund.

The book, published by AAM/Markosia and listed in the August Edition of Previews, also features a fully painted cover by WWE Hall of Famer, Jerry “The King” Lawler. It is the follow-up to the critically-acclaimed series debut, Headlocked: Work of Art.

Make no mistake. The money isn’t coming from Diamond. The money isn’t coming from AAM/Markosia. This is coming from our own pockets. That’s how strongly we believe in this series.

Diamond Order Code: AUG083662 (Headlocked: The Tryout #1)
Check out previous Headlocked Comics on Wowio…
http://www.wowio.com/users/searchresults.asp?nGroupId=[408]

Also, if you are a retailer that takes us up on the challenge, let us know by emailing us at cedwardsellner@aol.com with your store's name and web-site, we will add you to our links list for retailers! We will be posting the details for returns on our site's Contacts Page closer to the 60 day deadline and will email every retailer that let's us know they are taking the challenge with the information once the deadline hits.

Corrective Measures Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:22:00 +0000

Users on Amazon.com have given Corrective Measures some pretty cool reviews and I thought you guys might want to check them out. Just click the title of this post.

You may recall that I lettered the last chapter of the book, which contains 6 chapters, and it is now available through Arcana Comics, and obviously through Amazon. So check it out!

B-Out

Homeland

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:19:00 +0000

Well, I finished Forgotten Realms: Homeland, the first book of the Dark Elf Trilogy this morning. I couldn't sleep, so I read the last 80 pages in succession.

I have to say I just couldn't put this book down for long. It's odd that it took me so long to get into The Crystal Shard, yet this book, from the same author about the same characters, came so easily for me. Of course, The Crystal Shard was R.A. Salvatore's first novel in the series, so maybe there was some stumbling there that detracted me at first. As I've said, though, once I finally did get into that book I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Homeland is a prequel detailing the birth and growth of the star of all the books in R.A. Salvatore's corner of the expansive universe, Drizzt Do'Urden, the dark elf (or drow). After reading The Crystal Shard, which only hinted at Drizzt's past throughout, this book was an incredible revelation into the past of the popular character. All the trials he went through being the sole moral light in a world full of evil and vile creatures, including his own kind, made for a very compelling read.

It was intriguing to see this powerful warrior from The Crystal Shard growing up as a wide-eyed and naive boy in a world full of evil cultists with bloodlust and greed for power. You got the sense through the book's duration that Drizzt was very special and possibly even blessed and created for a far greater purpose than to dwell in the Underdark and become one of the many murderers as the rest of his people are.

Salvatore crafted a brilliant tale of a complex and compelling character in Drizzt, showing the tragedy that was his life in Menzoberranzan, the city he called home, and led us expertly to a new beginning that could bring more trials to the skilled warrior.

Exile is the next book in the trilogy, and I'll be starting that one soon. If it's nearly as good as Homeland was, in a week or so there will be a similar post of praise about it.

B-Out

M-Theory

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:39:00 +0000

Click the title to read an interview with Dwight MacPherson about his new book, M-Theory, from Shadowline/Image, which I am lettering issues 2 and 3 of!

B-Out

Don't Know What to Call It

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:21:00 +0000

I couldn't think of a clever title, so that's what you get.

Thanks for all the concern about my tooth. It was so swollen they could only give me meds, so I go back on the 19th to have it worked on. The meds have kept it at bay, thankfully.

In a couple of weeks the family might go away for a day or two to some lake. I guess that would be around Labor Day. Makes sense.

Not that I get a chance to visit too many anymore (mainly Digital Webbing), but forums are getting on my nerves these days. Every discussion somehow turns into an argument at some point, or people just insult other people all the time. It just gets old. There's no true conversation, just a bunch of jockeying and posturing, and it frustrates me.

Lettering work has been very progressive the past couple of weeks. I finished M-Theory #2 (though I'm waiting for four pages to be colored to apply the letters to really wrap it up) and Shadowline is pleased. I've also completed several other projects and made headway on others. So all the work has been fruitful.

I have some gigs and some potential gigs coming up next month, so I'm looking forward to those.

I won't be going to Baltimore. I thought I might, but I won't. The next one for me will be Mid-Ohio, and I'm kind of sad about it. My cousin's wedding is the same weekend in Illinois, and my mother got mixed up and told her and her parents I was going to be there and they got all excited. Now I feel doubly bad for having to miss it as I really wanted to be there. But what are you gonna do?

WW Texas is still an option and one I'm hoping to make mainly to meet and hang with Cary, and to meet some more of the Ronin Studio folks that will be there. We'll see how that all plays out.

I've been writing letters back and forth with a former Sunday School student of mine who is in Basic Training in Oklahoma. I think of him as a little brother, and he of me as a big brother. I hadn't seen or spoke to him in a couple of years before hearing he was in BT. We're planning on hooking up and hanging out when he gets home, so that should be cool.

My brother got all his curls cut off! His hair's so short in comparison it's wild. As soon as I can, I'll get a picture of him and post it up. He just got tired of fooling with it, and having to comb all the tangles out every day. He also wanted a change, and man, did he get one! He looks great, though, everyone thinks so. The salon he went to were going gaga over cutting his hair, and loved the result afterwards. Plus my brother, who was a little scared, loved it.

I finished the The Crystal Shard finally. Pretty good book. So good, in fact, that I'm now reading Homeland and Streams of Silver. Homeland is the first book in the prequel trilogy that precedes The Crystal Shard, and Streams of Silver is the next book after The Crystal Shard. Both are good so far.

I am so bored today. I have plenty more work to do today, but where I've been working so hard the past couple of weeks, and it being Saturday, I just don't feel like doing it. I probably will because I have no life and nothing else to do (save watching TV, which I only do when there's actually something on, which is not often in the summer).

Speaking of TV, if there was one reality/game show I'd want to be on it would be The Mole. I was so thrilled when they brought it back (it just ended this past Monday) as it was one of my favorites. I'd love to be on that show. It just looks so fun, and I love mystery and games like that. So much better than the Amazing Race for my tastes.

WWE Summerslam is tomorrow, but I won't be getting it. Only one or two of the matches sound appealing, and then not that much.

I've seriously been considering writing a book, a novel, lately. I've started a couple before, but never finished them. It would most likely be a fantasy novel because that's what I most enjoy reading. I've also been thinking again about doing a children's book, but the ideas aren't really flowing. I just so want to take my writing seriously again, and let it be the focus. It's just hard because it's lettering and logo design that pays the bills. The only writing I've ever been paid to do is like article writing and press releases, which is not the kind of writing I really want to do in the long run.

If (when) I ever become wealthy I'm hiring a maid! I hate cleaning. I cleaned my bathroom a few days ago and hated every second. I used to clean my church every week and didn't care for that either, though surprisingly, it was more tolerable than cleaning at home.

I have not caught any of the Olympics. I missed the only events I was interested in, so the rest is just a waste. But I was talking to my mom the other day remembering how when I was a kid the Olympics were so much more of a big deal. They were on the whole summer and took over all of the local stations. This year, I didn't see any commercials for them until right before, and then they only take up one local channel and a couple of cable channels late at night. It's just not the spectacle I remember it being.

I've not been eating healthy lately, and I've been paying for it with my gallbladder. It's mainly been -just buy something quick and cheap- which, whether fast food or grocery, isn't usually very good for me. I've been getting braver, eating peppers and stuff, and it hasn't sat well with me. I'm just so sick of bland food. Plus I'm pretty picky, and of what I'm supposed to eat there isn't much that I could even tolerate. I so hate this.

I hate routines and ruts, and I seem to be in them now. I need to get out more. haha

Well, now I'm running out of things to rant about, so I guess I'll go find something else to occupy (read "waste") my time today. :)

B-Out

Out of Touch Today

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:29:00 +0000

I've got an abscessed tooth and am going into the dentist this afternoon to hopefully take care of it (they may not be able to do anything but put me on antibiotics at first if it's too swollen). So needless to say, you probably won't be able to reach me all day long or tonight as I'm in a lot of pain at the moment. I've toughed it out the past couple of days, but it's gotten to be quite painful.

B-Out

Indy-Pendant Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:23:00 +0000

Well, without any notice or warning my former column (and apparently all columns) have been completely wiped from ComicAvalanche, and so for who knows how long the links to my columns that are accessible in the very sidebar of this blog have been dead links.

So, soon (as soon as I find the time that is) I will put them up somewhere just so you guys can have access to them should you wish to read them. But since I just found out about this literally minutes ago I wanted to let any of you who might have tried to read one of them for whatever reason what had happened.

More soon...

B-Out

Read Final Shadows #1 For FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Final Shadows #1 from Alterna Comics and Hard Way Studios (lettered by yours truly) is now available on Wowio for free! So go read it by clicking the title of this post!

If you're not aware of the recent changes/relaunch of Wowio.com, it now costs $.99 to download an issue, but you can read it online for free.

From the Wowio page, here's the description of the book:

When evil is done to someone we care about, the dark desire for revenge consumes us. We are driven to balance the scales with their wicked blood. The Shadows are an elite band of mercenaries that go from routine to ruin. As blood is spilled on a botched mission, the three surviving members - the Final Shadows, seek to right the unforgivable wrong. The path to payback will be fought by having to deal with survivors guilt, rage, and heartbreak. But will the shocking secret behind the death of a dozen brothers-in-arms break them, or will blind rage send them to their dead brothers? Will they seek justice or vengeance, and will it be worth it?

So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

B-Out

Down Time

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:16:00 +0000

I've been informed by my hosting company that my domains are being migrated to a new server today, so it could cause some down time for my sites. It could also interfere with my emails, so if you have my yahoo accounts, email those instead today.

B-Out

Convention Virgin

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:02:00 +0000

Click the title of this post to check out my account of my first ever comic convention in Chicago just a few short weeks ago. :)

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Zombie Cop

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:02:00 +0000

Click the title of this post to see a speed paint tutorial of a Zombie Cop character by artist Szymon Kudranski, the artist on the book, Zombie Cop, written by Jeff Mariotte, and lettered by yours truly! The book will debut in February of 2009 from Shadowline/Image!

More info as it becomes available.

B-Out

Back from Chi-Town

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:23:00 +0000

I am finally back from Wizard World Chicago and I had a blast!!! It was so much fun, and very productive if I say so myself. Stay tuned for some possible announcements. :)

I'll also be doing a full write-up of my first convention experience for www.comicrelated.com here soon.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) it's back to business as usual. I'm glad to be home, but I had so much fun away, even though there were some missteps in getting there.

Plus it was Scott's birthday this past Saturday, so I got to hang with him on his birthday then watch him open presents from his wife when we got back to his house, which was cool.

It was very cool meeting all these people I had only talked to online or on the phone previously. I'll probably leave someone out, but it was cool finally meeting...

Scott Simmons
Chuck Kennedy and his brother Lou
Chuck Moore
Lance Stahlberg
Sean Taylor
Scott and Benita Story
Trin Gutierrez
Eric Rampson
Mike Dolce
Brent Erwin
Tom Stillwell
Derek Ruiz
Kris Simon
Joe Gentile

And I know there were others, but I'm drawing a blank at the moment (in my defense, I'm beat and it's 4:30am as I type this!).

I also got to meet some cool creators and celebrities. I got to meet Mick Foley (WWE) and got his autograph, Gail Kim (TNA), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Shannon Denton (EIC of Wildstorm), Josh Blaylock (DDP) and various others.

Not to mention sitting in on interviews with (and actually asking a couple myself) the creative team behind Batman: Gotham Knights, including: Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Greg Rucka, Brian Azarello and others! I was stoked for that, and it was really cool. More about that in the con report.

The best costumes of the con had to be Mojo and C3P0. The latter was very authentic, and the former was amazing! Check out ComicRelated.com for a few photo galleries.

Like I said, it was a blast and I am going back next year, hopefully with a table and a bunch of copies of Wannabez #1-3!

B-Out

Wizard World Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:47:00 +0000

Well, it's official. I will be at Wizard World Chicago. I'll be there Friday night as well as Saturday and Sunday. Right now I'm in Cincinnati with Scott (Wannabez artist) and we'll be driving up tomorrow.

It was a chore and a half getting this to work out. I had originally wanted to rent a car, but ran into some problems. When they finally got worked out the car ended up being more expensive than I had thought (and than they had told me), and it was so late by the time they had a car available that it was just better (and cheaper!) to ride up with Scott and miss a day and a half of the con.

I'll still have a lot of fun and get to meet a bunch of people I want to meet and hang out with. So I'm really looking forward to it.

So, I'll probably be away from the internet for the remainder of the weekend. If you need me just email me and don't expect to get a reply until Monday or, most likely, Tuesday. And if you're in Chicago maybe I'll run into you!

B-Out

Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:04:00 +0000

Man, it's been a bit, hasn't it? Sorry, I've just been really, really busy with some small jobs I picked up the past couple of weeks. And when I'm done I just don't have the energy to keep up with blogs or anything and just want to get off the computer.

Well, before I get into the topic of this post, let me say that I will be at Wizard World Chicago this weekend, most likely all four days. I won't have a table or anything like that, I'm just going for the fun of it, to hang out with some people I've been wanting to meet in person, and maybe to network a little. This will be my first convention, so I'm looking forward to it.

I will be doing a write up of it for www.comicrelated.com though, so keep an eye out for that.

Now, there has to be a reason I used the word "reflections" as the title of this post right? You know me, I typically don't use meaningful titles like that unless I intend them to mean something at the moment. So yes, I have been reflecting on things lately, namely this morning. lol. So here's the deal.

The jobs I've picked up lately have been writing jobs primarily. Not fiction writing or anything like that, but SEO articles, blog postings and the like. I'm actually pretty decent at it to, or so I'm told. I haven't really had any complaints yet, so I must be doing something right. So that's been a lot of fun. A lot of work (writing can be very time consuming, especially when research is involved if you happen to be writing about topics you know nothing about, like, say, horse racing), but a lot of fun. In fact, it has made me realize, once again, why I fell in love with writing in college, and it's made me wonder why I don't write that often anymore. I realize I'm usually busy with lettering, logo design or life, but writing is such a part of me that I don't understand where that fire to write went. With the Platinum contest and these small jobs, it's becoming clear to me one of the things I need to do.

Another reflection is upon music. Ironically, one of the gigs I have right now is writing short descriptions of music artists, predominately hip-hop and R&B acts, with some pop and country artists thrown in here and there. And that has got me listening to more music than I have been for a while, and I found myself wondering why in the world I never turned on the radio or CD player anymore. I love music, and singing. They are my first love in the creative arts. So what's the deal, right?

Then there's art, which is still hard for me to get into. I've got some kind of mental block or something that just won't let me get into it. I used to love to draw, day and night, nonstop, but I still find myself forcing myself to draw every so often, but most times I just... don't.

And finally there's acting. I had an opportunity to go audition for a couple of roles this past Saturday in a local film with national distribution. I did honestly have some transportation issues, but I had one option that would have had me stranded there all day, but I still would have made it. And yet I chose not to go. Not because I was scared or anything though. Honestly, I don't know what my problem was. It just felt like too much of a hassle trying to work it out and I felt a bit stressed out over the whole ordeal because of the hassle. So I skipped it and immediately regretted it.

I realize that every so often I get on here and make a post about finding the passion for this or that again and getting back into it, so you're probably all tired of hearing it. The truth is, though, when I make those posts I do actually believe them, but then reality sets in and I get busy again, and everything gets put on hold again. And I continually wrestle with it all.

So as I was listening to songs on YouTube while I wrote music artist descriptions this morning I began to just stare out the window and start asking myself what I really want. And if what I know I want is really what I want then why am I not working harder towards it all? And that's where the "reflections" title of this post comes from.

I've not completely been sitting on my laurels, mind you, but I haven't exactly been grabbing the bull by the horns either. Sure, I've had legitimate reasons for some of my hesitancy and lack of action, which I won't discuss here, but trust me, there were things I could not overcome at certain times. But now that things are starting to smooth out I should be paying more attention to my dreams.

I think part of it is that there is so much I want to do and so many interests I have that I'm not entirely clear on what I should focus on, or what exact steps I should take to achieve these goals. Do I focus on writing or music? Art or acting? All, one, or what? If music, do I learn an instrument so I can write my own melodies? If art, do I take some art classes? I mean, there are just so many questions, and only I can answer them, I know. I'm just an indecisive sort when it comes to big decisions as I tend to over analyze things at times. And then I begin to feel overwhelmed and torn.

I remember a quote from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit where Whoopi Goldberg's character was quoting some book about being a writer. She was using it as an analogy for inspiring a girl to sing. In the quote she said it said something to the effect of when you wake up in the morning if all you want to do is write then you're a writer. Then she told the girl that if all she thinks about in the morning is singing then she's a singer.

The problem is, there are some mornings I think about singing, others I think about writing, and so on and so forth. I say music and singing is my first love, but I truly do love writing. And drawing used to be my passion, and acting is something I've always been interested in and greatly respected. Watching movies at the movie theater is one of my favorite pastimes, and being part of something like that has always been a dream. Not for the fame, glory or riches (though the latter I wouldn't mind), but for the creativity and the imagination.

So honestly, I love all four equally I think, and my passion lies with all four. I just haven't figured out how to pursue all four without becoming overwhelmed and frustrated, you know?

I don't know, I don't think I'm explaining it right. I know what I want to say, but I can't seem to find the words to properly express it (some writer, huh?).

Basically, I'm just reflecting on my life as a whole; where I'm at and where I want to be, and trying to figure out what I need to do to get there and still have time to do everything else I have to and need to do (like work, which is enjoyable in the creative fields of course).

And that's about as deep as I have the energy to get at the moment as I've been up all night and my eyes are starting to cross. Time to take a short break before getting back to it for a while more.

B-Out

Doors and Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:48:00 +0000

Well, I finally heard back from that potential employer I've been hinting at for a while now. They are putting the new proposal I mentioned on hold right now. Apparently, con season is slamming them, understandably, and they are restructuring a bit. So they'll contact me who knows when about the new job, but I gathered it wouldn't be anytime soon.

The company is Tales of Wonder, and they are an online graphic novel and statue retailer. They're one of Marvel's top 10 online sellers, and they offered me a pretty good starting salary with some perks to be their marketing and con guy. There were some issues with the con stuff, an aspect I wasn't particularly crazy about, but more than willing to do, but they decided ultimately that I was a better fit for another position they had in mind.

Unfortunately, I have no idea when I'll actually hear about that new position, and thus I have to move on for now. I will certainly entertain it when it does come across my virtual desk, but for now I have to entertain and seek out other offers and opportunities.

Lately I have been picking up some small freelance writing gigs though. Mostly SEO keyword articles and blog posts and the like. I'm decent at it, and it's fun, and the pay's a nice side income. So that's working well so far.

I also did sell all those comics I listed over a couple of posts recently. Every last one of them and a few more are gone, gone, gone, in the mail today. So that was a welcome surprise!

Wizard World Chicago is looking better as a possibility. There are still just a couple of things I need to work out before I can commit to it, but I'm hoping I'll be able to make a decision by early next week if things pan out. I'd love to go as I know (in the online sense) a LOT of people who will be there, and it will be really cool to meet them all.

I had to go to the dentist twice this week due to some complications, but it's all good now. On a bad note, though, it did set me behind schedule on some things, so tonight and tomorrow, and throughout the weekend is going to be pret-ty busy indeed.

Incredible Hulk comes out tomorrow! TOMORROW! Yeah, I know, the first one was a borefest, but what I hear from people who saw an advanced screening is that this one is SO much better. And Tony Stark from Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) makes an appearance, and it's rumored that Captain America does as well. We saw Cap's shield in Iron Man, so it'll be fun to see where the pop in the Cap appearance. And if I can make it to the theater in any way this weekend I am definitely going to go see this. Have my soda and junior mints waiting for me, usher!

B-Out

Updated List of Books for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 05:05:00 +0000

Here is the list I posted two posts ago updated with a bunch more books. And don't forget the 116 in the store as well! Best offer will snag these, and I'll give you a bulk discount if 10 or more books are purchased. I do have to charge shipping and handling, but only like $3.00 per order of 10 or more. (New entries are indicated by blue text color)

MARVEL
1602 #1-8 (Neil Gaiman - Marvel)
Amazing Spider-Man #252 (no bar code - came with a toy I think - fair)
Amazing Spider-Man #326 (no bar code - fair)
Amazing Spider-Man #366 (no bar code - fair)
Amazing Spider-Man #367 (no bar code - a little worn)
Amazing Spider-Man #437 (no bar code - came with a toy I think)
Avengers #269 (worn)
Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #2 (first series)
Avengers Log #1
Avengers Strikefile #1
Beyond #3, 5
Deathlok #5 (fair)
Daredevil #236 (no bar code - fair)
Daredevil #290
Daredevil #293-294, 296-297, 299
Daredevil Annual #8 (1999 - The System Bytes Part 2)
Darkhawk #27
Dr. Strange #41 (featuring Wolverine - no bar code)
Docter Strange & Ghost Rider #1
Excalibur #42, 45
Fantastic Four #298 (worn)
Fantastic Four #374
Gambit #4
Generation X #5
Ghost Rider #16-17
Guardians of the Galaxy #20, 27
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1 (1991 - The Korvac Quest Part 4)
Iceman #1 (of 4)
Iron Fist #3 (2004)
Iron Man #288 (embossed cover - 48 page anniversary issue)
Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man #19
Power Pachyderms #1 (fair)
Samurai Cat #3 (Epic - fair)
$ell$ #1 (Marvel - Fred Hembeck)
Slapstick #2
What The?! #1, 6, 11 (fair)
Paradise X (Wizard sketchbook)
X-Men the Ultra Collection #4 (pinups)
The A-Team #1 (worn)
Bill & Ted's Excellent Comics #1
Conan the Barbarian #85 (worn)
Pirates of Dark Water #2-3
Double Dragon #1-4, 6
G. I. Joe #73, 94, 97, 106, 113-114, 118 (Marvel)
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #16 (Marvel)
Groo #23 (worn)
Madrox #1
Marvel Comics Presents #83-84, 91-93, 95-97, 109 (Wolverine mostly)
Marvel Tales #219, 235, 253, 256
Marvel Team-Up #24 (Kirkman)
Moon Knight #12
New X-Men #114, 118
Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #30
Nightwatch #2
Peter Parker: Spider-Man #80
Police Academy #6 (worn)
Pulse #6
Punisher #53, 58, 60-62
Ren & Stimpy #6 (w/Spider-Man)
Robocop #3-4
Rogue #2 (2001)
Spectacular Spider-Man #181, 228
Spider-Man #12, 15-16, 24, 35
Spider-Man: Black & Blue & Read All Over
Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Negative Exposure #1-2
Spider-Man: The Lost Years #3
Super-Pro #1 (2 copies, plus 1 copy of Special Edition)
Tales of G. I. Joe #9 (Marvel)
Tarzan #10 (worn)
The Mighty Thor #430, 439 (2)
The Toxic Avenger #1-3
Toxic Crusaders #1
Ultimate Six #6
Uncanny X-Men #219, 224, 265, 294, 296 (bagged w/card), 397-398, 427-433
Uncanny X-Men Annual 2000
War Machine #1-6, 8 (Max)
Weapon X #1 (Age of Apocalypse)
Web of Spider-Man #63
Wolverine #48-49, 54, 57, 60, 62-63, 69
Wonder Man #2 (1991)
X-Factor #84 (2), 85 (2), 86 (all bagged w/card)
X-Force #1 (3 - bagged w/card)
X-Force #4, 6, 16-17 (bagged w/card)
X-Men #1 (Cyclops/Wolverine/Iceman cover)
X-Men #14-16 (all bagged w/card)
X-Men #33
X-Men Alpha
X-Men Unlimited #1 (first series), 1, 3 (second series)
Zorro #1-8 (Marvel)

DC
Adventures of Superman #489, 501, 505, 520, 628
Armageddon: Alien Agenda (2)
Armageddon: Inferno
Batman #445, 469-472, 500, 620-623
Batman Annual #14
Brave and the Bold #1 (1991)
Detective Comics #636-639, 671, 682
Detective Comics Annual #5
Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn II #1-2
Hawk & Dove Annual #1
JLA Classified #26
Manbat #5 (of 5)
New Teen Titans #22 (1986), 79-81 (1991)
Robin II: The Joker's Wild #2 (3 covers, two with hologram cards), #3 (2 covers, both with hologram covers)
Robin III #1-2 (both bagged w/poster)
Shadow of the Bat #22
Superman: Birthright #3
Wonder Woman #7 (1987 - fair)

If someone made me an offer of, say, $300 or more for everything you see here plus everything currently in the store I would probably take it. That's about 346 comics, 2 books and 1 DVD for $300 or more, which is less than $1 per item! Just saying. =D

B-Out

Weekend Work

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:10:00 +0000

For anyone who cares to know, below is what I'll be (attempting to) work on this weekend:

Lettering -

Ellium
Modern Myth Press

Logos -

Mayden
Tainted
War's Chosen
Will Work for Film

Writing -

Comic Book Keyword Articles

I may (probably will) work on other stuff too, or in between, but these are the ones I'm focusing on.

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Books for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:25:00 +0000

I have been trying since before the holidays to set up an online store to get rid of some of my old, unwanted comics, but time just hasn't been on my side. You can see the store, which contains 116 comics, 2 books and 1 DVD, by clicking the title of this post.

If you are interested in any of those books you can try ordering through the store, but it has NOT been tested yet, so you may be better off contacting me directly.

You'll notice that store still has a holiday theme and holiday sale message, neither of which are very accurate anymore, save the "Everything Must Go" part because I simply need to get rid of them.

Another reason I'm selling all this stuff is to help with recent dental bills and with making it to Wizard World Chicago. So if you want to help me out in that regard then cool

I prefer Paypal as a payment method, and I am Paypal verified. My Paypal email is brant_fowler@yahoo.com.,

In addition to the items listed in the store I am listing a bunch of others below. I'll be adding more to that as soon as I can sort them out. I have a whole other long box set to go I think.

Also, Mysterious Visions #5 featuring Wannabez #0 is still on sale, and if you want a copy contact me at wannabez@brantfowler.com and I'll hook you up! We're selling those for $3.95 apiece.

Now, onto the additional list (all books in near mint unless otherwise noted):

1602 #1-8 (Neil Gaiman - Marvel)
Amazing Spider-Man #252 (no bar code - came with a toy I think - fair)
Amazing Spider-Man #326 (no bar code - fair)
Amazing Spider-Man #366 (no bar code - fair)
Amazing Spider-Man #367 (no bar code - a little worn)
Amazing Spider-Man #437 (no bar code - came with a toy I think)
Avengers #269 (worn)
Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #2 (first series)
Avengers Log #1
Avengers Strikefile #1
Beyond #3, 5
Deathlok #5 (fair)
Daredevil #236 (no bar code - fair)
Daredevil #290
Daredevil #293-294, 296-297, 299
Daredevil Annual #8 (1999 - The System Bytes Part 2)
Darkhawk #27
Dr. Strange #41 (featuring Wolverine - no bar code)
Docter Strange & Ghost Rider #1
Excalibur #42, 45
Fantastic Four #298 (worn)
Fantastic Four #374
Gambit #4
Generation X #5
Ghost Rider #16-17
Guardians of the Galaxy #20, 27
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1 (1991 - The Korvac Quest Part 4)
Iceman #1 (of 4)
Iron Fist #3 (2004)
Iron Man #288 (embossed cover - 48 page anniversary issue)
Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man #19
Power Pachyderms #1 (fair)
Samurai Cat #3 (Epic - fair)
$ell$ #1 (Marvel - Fred Hembeck)
Slapstick #2
What The?! #1, 6, 11 (fair)
Paradise X (Wizard sketchbook)
X-Men the Ultra Collection #4 (pinups)
The A-Team #1 (worn)
Bill & Ted's Excellent Comics #1
Conan the Barbarian #85 (worn)
Pirates of Dark Water #2-3
Double Dragon #1-4, 6
G. I. Joe #73, 94, 97, 106, 113-114, 118 (Marvel)
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #16 (Marvel)
Groo #23 (worn)
Police Academy #6 (worn)
Ren & Stimpy #6 (w/Spider-Man)
Robocop #3-4
Tales of G. I. Joe #9 (Marvel)
Tarzan #10 (worn)
The Toxic Avenger #1-3
Toxic Crusaders #1
Ultimate Six #6
Zorro #1-8 (Marvel)

Email me an offer for anything here or in the store at brant@brantfowler.com. I prefer a minimum of $10 per order to save on shipping costs.

I know there aren't any big exclusive goodies here, but maybe there will be a few you like or need to complete your collection or whatever.

Thanks!

B-Out

Today in the Life Of...

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:28:00 +0000

My cable was cut off early today thanks to some lack of communication and stuff. We obviously got it back on, or I wouldn't be typing this right now. But it put me behind in contacting everyone today, though I still managed to get some correspondence out.

Michael Kasinger, one of the artists I was going to work with for the CBC had to drop out due to his workload. But that's cool because the story I came up with for him is a really good one, I think, and without that push I might have never come up with it.

I haven't heard back from Jason Moser yet, so at this late stage (with just over a week to go) I doubt that one will happen either.

On the other hand, the one Scott and I are working on may just happen. And even if it doesn't we are still going to work on it as I mentioned before I believe.

Still waiting to hear about that potential job. I thought for certain I would have heard something by now, but nada. I've got a couple of other leads, so I hope they hurry up before I take something else!

One venture I was very excited about is now not going to happen. My partner had some doubts due to recent events, and her points were valid. I'm saddened by it, honestly, but I understand and all is good. It just wasn't meant to happen I suppose.

I finished up a small writing gig today and got another one, slightly larger, so that was cool.

I was adding up numbers for Wizard World Chicago, and it's going to take some doing for me to be able to make it this year. I have two options, one going for the whole four days, and one going just on the weekend. The latter is the cheaper of the two options, but it's a bit more of a hassle with all the logistics. So we'll just have to see how things go. I might not be able to do either.

I found - or rather they found me - a local music group that sounds pretty cool. It's hip-hop/r&b, but it's two white boys from Kentucky! Needless to say, I was surprised how good they sounded. I'll get a link and give them their own post here soon.

I reconnected with a friend last night via telephone and chatted for about 30 minutes, which was cool. We used to hang out all the time, but haven't for three or four years now.

The past two or three days I've not felt well, and I've just been sluggish and not very motivated. I've pushed through it and made quite the progress on things by and large, but I just haven't felt myself. I don't know what it is. Well, the not feeling good I know what it is, but not the other. I'm just frustrated with a lot of things this week, and the unknown in a lot of areas is probably the biggest culprit. So all of that has just got me out of sorts I guess. I'll bounce back, though. I always do, glory be to God.

And I suppose that's it. It's almost 2am, I'm tired but not sleepy, and though I have a ton to do, I'm bored and restless out of my mind! lol. So I think I'll try to lay down and watch a bit of TV and try to doze off if I can. More soon.

B-Out

Newsarama Got a Facelift!

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Oddly enough, it's almost identical to another very popular comic new site.

Anyway... I have to say... IT'S ABOUT TIME! Newsarama's old site has always gotten on my nerves. No offense to Matt Brady or anyone else involved, but that site always looked so tacky to me. I'm glad to see them updating themselves and achieving a look that matches the quality of their content.

That said, it will definitely take some getting used to. It seems they've changed their stories to a blog format, leaving the forum as a separate entity now. And that's the one thing I wish they hadn't changed. I rather enjoyed the uniqueness of Newsarama's articles being integrated into their forums. But change can be a good thing, and this is definitely change all the way around.

So, good for you, Newsarama.

Comic Book Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:14:00 +0000

As I mentioned before, I am still heavily considering entering the contest, but it depends on a number of factors. One very important one being my artists having time to work on the projects, and me being able to compensate them in some way, shape or form that works for them.

That said, there are three possibly concepts I may enter. Scott (Simmons) and I are working on a project that is fleshing out quite nicely as of today. But Scott has some other important work in front of that, so we'll see.

I'm also working on a fantasy project with Michael Kasinger (Tiki's Phayrie) that I've revived from three or four years ago. My brother actually came up with the concept for it, roughly, and I just fleshed it out and made it into a story. It was going to be a part of the universe of a comic company I edited for back then, but they've since gone out of business, and I've removed references to it in the script. (NIX THAT! As I was typing this, Michael emailed me and said the story was cool, but wasn't for him, even though he dug the plot initially. So... I think we're going to try to come up with something new).

And third, I have a horror project in the works with Jason Moser (Ellium), but most likely his schedule isn't going to allow time to work on it before the deadline.

With at least two of these we are definitely continuing on whether we enter the contest or not, and whether we place in the contest or not. The other I'm not sure as I haven't talked with the artist beyond the contest.

Now, added to the hesitancy about rights that I mentioned a few posts ago, something else came to my attention yesterday that makes me a little wary as well. DJ Coffman, the winner of the first CBC with his book, Hero By Night, blogged recently about Platinum canceling his book due to some financial issues. DJ still praised Platinum in the post, but one still has to wonder if the same couldn't happen to the winner of this year's contest. Granted, Platinum did put out the first mini series, and three issues (I think) of the ongoing before canceling, but still...

Providing the art is completed in time, I'll still enter, and I'll cross those bridges if one of them makes it into the top 50, which is when you have to start signing stuff.

I'll keep you posted.

B-Out

Corrective Measures

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Sat, 31 May 2008 20:54:00 +0000

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!

B-Out

Popular Music

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:19:00 +0000

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...

B-Out

Movie Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:12:00 +0000

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!

B-Out

When the Cookie Crumbles

noreply@blogger.com (Brant W. Fowler) — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:50:00 +0000

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.

B-Out