BEAR BUTT BLOG

Charlotte Comicon, and stuff

2011-12-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

Went to the Charlotte Comicon (as the title would suggest) and had a fun time. Sold some homeless superhero sketches, which seem to be getting pretty popular. Got a couple of commissions to do some so I had to come up with an idea for Booster Gold and Dr Fate on the spot. I think they turned out to be fun.

So with Charlotte, I have finished my conventions for the year. I will start again soon I am sure. I feel that I have been doing consistently better at them for a while now.

I am toying with some ideas for next year. One of the big ones I would like to do is DYSLEXIC COSMIC II, but the big issue with that is finding artists that will follow through and get it done.

Doing what I can to try and get INTERMEZZO to a wider audience, which is tough these days. People don't have much disposable income, and there are a lot of comics out there that I would like to buy but can't afford them all. So I know its not easy to try something from a guy you've never heard of, doing a book you never heard of, about characters you never heard of.

So I greatly appreciate those who give it a try, and feel overjoyed when someone comes back to buy more after trying the first one or two. So much of this compulsion of mine is trying to entertain with these stories that run around in my head. So when I let them out and someone is genuinely entertained by them, it makes me feel good.

Jaxcon

2011-11-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

Did a show in Jacksonville, NC that went pretty well. Not great for me but just ok. It wasn't as much as a comic show as it was a gaming event with venders set up. It was fun being set up around some friends and we had a good day, but that was a long drive.

My next show is in Charlotte on Dec 18th. Haven't been to this show in a while, hoping it will go well again.

On a completely unrelated note, i am really bummed out about Batman, The Brave and the Bold being cancelled. I thought it was such a fun show and will really miss it. But it had a great ending, so creative.

NCComicon

2011-11-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

NCComicon was a great show. I enjoyed it and met a lot of people. Had some great conversations with Budd Root and Waki (John Wycough) and some new people around my table, as well as people who stopped by my table to check out my work.

The big thing i am struggling with right now is some carpul tunnel like symptoms which is hampering my ability to draw. Thats a bummer, but my dr. has me on some medicine and i am wearing a brace that helps. I hope to get to get to a point that I can get into a regular routine for drawing again soon.

2011-11-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here's my trading cards. Very excited about this.

NC Comicon is coming up this weekend. Check them out there. Looking forward to that show. Say the phrase "The Funk of forty thousand years" and get a prize.

New Stuff! Yay!

2011-10-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

No, it is not the much daunted issue 7, but I do have my new trading card series honoring comic creator greats. There are six designs for now as tributes to Jack Kirby (of course), C.C. Beck, Bob Kane, Gene Colan, Curt Swan, and John Buscema. I think they turned out great and will post pics soon.

Good day after a bad week

2011-10-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Had a great day at the comic convention in Roanoke VA yesterday. Got to meet a lot of nice, friendly people and get some copies of comics into new readers hands as well as return readers. I left just feeling great about the trip and hoping they will enjoy the books and check out the others.

It makes me even more anxious to get #7 to the printer, but there are still scanner issues that will make the book look worse than I would like for it. I am proud of that issue and I want it to look its best. I scanned the entire thing, but then found that i wasted my time. It was part of a very bad week for me.
The biggest part of that bad week is due to a contest that I entered. Stan Lee and MTV had a contest to find an artist and a writer for a new comic book they are going to launch. I found it on Stan Lee's facebook, so I entered as a writer which I think is my strength. I saw other posts on his facebook about it and was waiting to see if I made the semi finals. After I got impatient about it I searched MTV's site to look for the timeline on it. I found a post announcing the semifinalists that wasn't on Stan's facebook. I looked at the post and FOUND MY NAME! I was picked as a semifinalist with a chance to win a job writing a comic by Stan Lee! And on that same page was an announcement that voting was closed.
It came and went, and I missed it. The chance of a lifetime. An opportunity that I never even dreamed of, because I never thought it could be an option... and I missed it. I couldn't vote for it, I couldn't pester everyone I know to vote for it. That was very disheartening for me. The joy that i was picked was eclipsed by the opportunity that was lost. Everyone else keeps trying to focus on the bright side, but I am not there yet.

So after that, i needed a good day with a comic show, and I got that at Roanoke. And for everyone who is willing to try my comics, I can only give my greatest thanks. I know that in these hard times there are several things I want to read but don't, so the fact that people are willing to put money down and try Intermezzo or Dyslexic Cosmic is very satisfying. Thank you ll who have tried it.

Greenville con

2011-10-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

Comic convention in Greenville tomorrow! happy to be doing one, it's been a while.

Anyone who comes up to my table who says the phrase "the Eagle lands at midnight" gets a prize. You get 2 prizes if you do an impression of a spy handing off secret plans while you do it.

Getting ready for cons in Oct

2011-09-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

Working on a new idea (big surprise), some new trading card images that i think are turning out very cool. They are tributes to comic legends, and it is a big task that I hope I can pull off. Hoping to get them done and printed soon.

I have a convention in Greenville NC on Oct 8th, I went to college in Greenville and I am very excited about a show there.

After that I may be going to Roanke VA again if my work schedule pans out.

I was unable to attend Dragoncon this year so I am jonesing for a show.

Saturday Aug 27th

2011-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

I will be appearing at Ultimate comics in Chapel Hill on Saturday the 27th. It is an instore event that will feature several local artists. I found out about it late but they have worked me in. Looking forward to it, haven't been to anything in Chapel Hill and wanting to do some things besides conventions.

Other than that I am on vacation this week. How great is it to have a wife that will not give you grief over going to a comic event while on vacation?

In other news, i have submitted an entry into Stan Lee's contest for the Seekers. I have entered as a writer, which is I think my greater strength. I will just have to see how that pans out.

Summer

2011-08-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

Been a nice summer. I've only done a couple shows for quite a while, which is disappointing, but have been spending a lot more time with Wendy (which is never disappointing).
Issue 7 is ready to be scanned and prepped. I hope to have it to the printer very soon.

Other shows are coming, hopefully a couple really soon.

I've also been doing a lot of writing lately. So Dyslexic Cosmic #2 may definitely happen, which makes me happy. Have my 40th birthday coming, which is interesting.

More news to come soon, I hope.

Happiness is...

2011-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Drawing bears.
For me, it is just so much fun. Began pencilling issue 8 of Intermezzo and remembered how much fun it is to draw bears.

ROBCON

2011-07-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful trip to Bristol, VA this weekend. Had my best show so far this year. A really good show, very busy crowd all day long. Met some interesting people, sold some stuff, got to talk about Intermezzo with some new people, and got to have a relaxing roadtrip with Wendy. It was worth the trip and I hope to go again in the future.

I am currently working on finding some other shows to attend. If you know of any near NC let me know. If you know of a comics shop that may be interested in having an artist/writer there for a while, that would be great too.

New computer... yea!

2011-07-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

We had our computer die, finally got a new one.

Issue 7 is completed. Now I can work on getting it to the printer. Issue 7 is one I am looking forward to getting out there, the story is really going now. It is a big point for the story, at one point it was the start of the series. This is a big plot point to me.

And also, I am going to Rob Con this weekend in Bristol. First show since Heroescon. Hoping to improve on my last show.

Hi there

2011-06-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Been moving right along. Discouraged since Heroescon, but getting myself motivated to keep working (all that reallt means is saying "shut up and do it" I'm not that complex about it.

Issue 7 is nearly complete. I have the weekend off as well as Tuesday so the goal is to be done inking and start on a new cover idea.

Had a great conversation with Louis Small where he gave me some great advice about Intermezzo, the covers, the artwork, my presentation with it, and pretty much everything. It was very useful to me, and I really appreciated it.

Also working on some designs for displays for the cons. A couple of options are dominating right now, and it really comes down to a decision of direction.

Looking at cons for the summer and beyond, I'll be at NC Comicon in Nov. Others to be confirmed when I get them finalized.

Heroescon, the aftermath

2011-06-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Had a rough show, there I said it. Ok, the words i've used has been "collosal failure." Most people would say to try to "look on the bright side" and a lot of the time I do. But I also feel I need to be honest on this blog (even if I'm not sure anyone is reading it). Let's just say I am shaken by this. I have had bad shows before, everyone has. But this one has me thinking I need to re-evaluate a lot of things.

To look on the bright side, if you bought a copy of Intermezzo or Dyslexic Cosmic (on its debut show) I will be sure to remember you if you drop me an email. See, I can be optimistic. Because i know i can't quit. It may be a stupid dream, but its the one I got.

I will get to work on finishing issue 7 of Intermezzo tomorrow. No rest for the stupid.

Heroescon...

2011-05-31T04:45:00.000-07:00

If I ever make it there it should be a fun show. Unfortunately the universe is harshing my groove. In addition to all of the other things happening, it looks like my convention partner Stacy (O lady of the leather masks) cannot go at all. We are trying to figure out our plans, my wife Wendy is going, and going above and beyond to cover. Jason will be there with his artwork and Steampunk gear, and i hope we can bring some of Stacy's masks as well.

I think we are cursed. Maybe I shouldn't have made fun of that old gypsy woman.

HEROESCON IS COMING

2011-05-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Heroescon is next weekend and while i am eager for it to come there are a few things that have me worried.

1) I have to work on Friday so I will miss that day all together. That sucks, but it is what it is. My wife Wendy will be covering for me that day, so that is good.
2) I have a new comic at the printer's DYSLEXIC COSMIC that I wanted to have for the show, but it hasn't arrived yet. It's a new book that is not connected to Intermezzo and i was eager to see how it would do. That would really suck not to have it in time.
3) I have a promotional stand up that I ordered for this con that also has not been finished. The sign company so far is over a week late, so if I don't get it in time for Heroescon I will be very angry (and you wouldn't like me when I'm angry)
4) They don't have the table assignments yet. That is a lot more minor than the others, I just like to know where I will be and plan out the convention.

So that is the sum of it all. I hope to see a lot of people there (at least on Saturday and Sunday), and hopefully you will see the Bear Butt Comics backdrop so you can find me.

Finally...

2011-05-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

My good friend Richard has fixed my computer issues. So once again I can post to this blog. It has been a long time, but lets see what has happened...

Issue #6 is printed and available. It took a long time for that one, but I am very happy with it.

I have also finished another comic of some random stories I have concocted over the years. Its a fun grouping of bizarre stuff called DYSLEXIC COSMIC.

I've been doing a few shows, Roanoke again its always a good time. Got to see friends and show Intermezzo around.
Fanaticon in Asheville was once again a great show. Really has me ready to go to Heroescon next weekend.

Helloooo?

2011-05-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

New updates coming soon.

Hello?

2011-05-25T15:55:00.001-07:00

Is there anyone there? Just checking.

Progress

2011-02-02T04:48:00.000-08:00

I just had the day off yesterday and had the most productive day ever. Issue 7 is well underway (pencils done for the first 15 pages- i finished one page and did 2 complete pages in one day). Loving having a 40 hour work week.

STILL haven't got computer problems solved yet. Issue 6 is waiting to go. It is extremely frustrating to be sitting on it waiting for help to fix the computer. Soon... soon (it better be, or I'm gonna freak)

Progress, as it is

2011-01-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

So... things that have been happening. The new job so far is going well, we will see how it goes. Still having issues that are keeping number six from being ordered, that's pretty aggravating.

I have begun issue seven, it is written and sketched out, and I have pencilled the first three and a half pages. I have the schedule set for this one, and as of right now I am ahead of that.

I did not make an appearance at the last Charlotte Comicon like i was scheduled to. Some bad weather the night before (and a nervous wife) kept me home. I know it was a wise choice, but I still hated having to make it. But I will be back there in the future.

So, that's where things are right now. i hope to get a schedule from the new day job that will allow me to set my schedule for this years cons.

hopefully a BIG change

2010-12-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new job today. One that is a 40 hour a week, not as much physical activity and no nights and only a little on the weekends. This is a HUGE change from where I have been working. I am excited and calm at the same time.

This will mean more time for Intermezzo, more time for my wife, more time for my life in general. What i hope this will mean will be more frequent issues of Intermezzo, which is difficult to do when you do it all yourself.

Issue 6 is still ready to scan and send to Ka-Blam, I hope to do so soon. I am working on the script for issue 7, and hope to begin that soon as well.

Denied!

2010-11-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have finished issue 6 and the Fanaticon card, but I am having problems with my scanner. Well crap.

#6 is almost finished!

2010-11-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished inking the last page of issue #6 last night. I still have to color/paint the cover and the interior cover work, but it is very close. I am very excited about this issue, and I am anxious to finish it.

The NCComicon last weekend was lots of fun, i hope they do another soon.

Hopefully i will be posting soon that #6 is off to the printer. Right now the next project is finishing a trading card for Fanaticon.

Busy Busy

2010-11-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Been working away on Issue #6, as of tonight I have 3 1/2 pages left to ink and the cover to color. Been working away at work, as of tonight i have been busy for months with nowhere near as much time to work on Intermezzo as I would like.

NCComicon in Morrisville is next weekend; I am definitely looking forward to it. I haven't been to a show in a few months and I miss it. I hope to have issue 6 done before then, not that I could have it printed by then I just want to have it done. I also hope to have time to work on some artwork for the show; don't know if that will happen.

So here's the deal, if you read this and come up to me at the show and say the phrase "the funk of forty thousand years" you will get a free prize. If you name who said it and where I will give you 2 free prizes.

Stuff... just stuff

2010-09-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Not much is happening. dragoncon at the beginning of the month, that was cool. Makes me think about setting up there one year, maybe... one year.

NCComicon is coming up in Nov. looking forward to that one.

Been working on issue 6 as much as i can. Work has been brutal lately, my body is trying to shut down on me. Unfortunately my schedule doesn't have time to slow down and take it easy until I feel better. I've finished inking through page 9, not bad but no where near where i want to be. Same old story.

dragoncon

2010-09-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

I made it back from Dragoncon. Flying really made the trip a lot easier. Instead of spending 8 hours on the road, I spent 1 hour in the air. It cost more but was worth it.

While in Atlanta I met Stan Lee, got a couple of autographs (Avengers #4 and Avengers #63 (the second comic book story I ever read, this copy was signed by Roy Thomas- the writer, and Gene Colan- the artist). My best friend Jeff and i also got a picture made with Stan.

I took almost 400 pictures. I plan to post some of them on my Flickr page soon. I also plan on posting a lot of pictures on Facebook, so look for me there. This is my first weekend home in a month, so it will be nice to get some things done (but more importantly to spend some time with Wendy).

Back, tired, busy, and happy.

Baltimore Post game and Dragoncon is a comin.

2010-08-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

So Baltimore is over... whew. It was quite a weekend. I am exhausted, yet back at work.

Saturday was... disappointing. Not because I wasn't making money (I'm used to that) but because I didn't get many takers to try Intermezzo. I would tell people about it, they would laugh, maybe say something about how funny it sounded and walk away. To me, the biggest obstacle has always felt like "how do I get people to look at Intermezzo" with the feeling being that people will give it a try if they hear about it and see how funny it is. But the question staring me in the face at the end of the day "What if intermezzo just isn't good enough?"

Bless Stacy for being the poor soul to talk me off the artistic ledge. She let me vent enough so that Sunday I wasn't the bitter, scary dude behind the table. So Sunday went well, one of the better days I've had. I almost made my table cost back (which would have meant i only would have lost my hotel room $, dare to dream). But anyone who goes into this for the money is either insane or just stepped out of a time machine from 1995.

I don't think my funk on Saturday night was an overreaction though. I really needed to rethink how I approach this. I had some ideas to try and minimize how much i am spending, where i need to focus my finances, and how i can accomplish some modest goals without spending all of our savings (mine and Wendy's together, because if it were just me I would have been bankrupt at least once by now. With Wendy in the picture, I have more to lose and too much at stake to throw it into this without considering the consequences.)

While i sat behind the table and the evil voices took over and ran my mind for the better part of a day I decided to sketch. It is considerably different than anything i have drawn in many years. It is a different part of me entirely, and not anyone you will see in Intermezzo. I am not able to post it (for reasons that are beyond me).

Anyway, Dragoncon is this weekend. I am not set up at a table because i have seen many bigger names than I (and who isn't?) sitting with no one coming up to them, looking bored, and set up in a basement somewhere. It is not a good choice for me to spend the money to do that.

But at Dragoncon this year will be STAN LEE. So I am going, I am going to get a picture, and an autograph and probably say something stupid to the man. But this is my one chance to do that, and any comic geek worth his geek would jump at the chance to do the same. Anyone who tells you different is lying through their teeth. This man is crucial is creating some of the biggest characters in comic book history. those characters are still around today because they speak to people on a deep level.

BALTIMORE

2010-08-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

WOw, It is time. It seems this summer has flown by.

So Baltimore, here I come (ready or not). If you read this and find me at Baltimore Comic Con if you say the phrase "The Eagle Flies at Midnight" you'll get a free gift.

Hope to see lots of people there and get some new readers for Intermezzo. One new reader found me on Facebook, that was cool. Look for Brian Wingrove if you wanna.

Time Flies

2010-08-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that Baltimore Comicon is one week away. And Dragoncon is only 2 weeks away. Where has this summer gone?

update- whats coming up, what Im doing

2010-08-14T20:43:00.001-07:00

Less than three weeks to Dragoncon! Woohoo!
Less than two weeks to Baltimore Comicon. Also Woohoo! Haven't been there before, Stacey went last year and had a good show. My schedule allowed it this year, so i am looking forward to it.

I am working away on issue 6. Pencils are done. I am inking the cover right now, i think it is my favorite. I still have the painting to do, but I think it is really fun.

I am almost finished reading Deaththreats, a book about Drew Hayes. If you don't know his work, you should. He was a self publisher who signed with Sirius in the 90s who wrote and drew a book called Poison Elves. One of the things that really made him stand out was his opening comments and letters page (called Deaththreats) where he opened himself to his very core for his readers. Historical Perspective: this was before every yahoo with a blog was doing the same thing. He exposed his depression, relationships, fear of intimacy, everything uncensored. I often think of what he did, relating to readers in the same way, but these days its commonplace. Its a shame.

more pictures

2010-08-13T15:37:00.001-07:00

more pictures from the Improbables project. More on what it is when it gets close enough that I can tell it is going to happen.

Thanks to the help of 10 friends last weekend i am closer to that being a reality. Thank you all, and i am glad you had so much fun.

Indyplanet

2010-08-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

I got a email from a reader this morning who tried to follow the link on the website to buy more issues of Intermezzo (always a good thing) but couldn't because of a problem. If you are having the same problem (and I'm sure millions of you are) go to

www.indyplanet.com then use their quick search option type in Intermezzo and all five issues pop up. Hopefully the link will be fixed soon and the mad rush can continue unabatted.

Also look me up on Facebook, where i am one of the last seven people on the planet to get a facebook page (just in time for everyone to decide its not cool anymore and stop using it). Just look for Brian Wingrove (duh)

A little discouraged

2010-08-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the Charlotte Comicon today. I've been to that show three or four times now. Nice people run it, and it's a good show. Toaday went about like they all have, good crowds for a lot of the show and a little sparce here and there. But for reasons i don't know, this show was... in the terms of... ok, fine, here it is.

I don't usually discuss the specifics or money (I find it in bad taste), but I sold almost nothing at this show. There, i said it. It's a very discouraging feeling to sit at a table for that long and to get so few takers. And its not about the money, its about finding new readers. And after a day like today, I wonder if I will ever find them.

I also usually try to stay positive on this blog, but in the interest of being honest i decided to write what i was feeling today. I'm not planning on dwelling on it, but there it is.

I hope to move on to things that will raise my spirits. Baltimore Comicon is coming up at the end of August. At least this way, I don't have my hopes up too high. Does that count as a positive?

ISSUE #6

2010-07-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have tried to stay on schedule for number 6. As always other things come up, but overall I have not been doing badly with it. i now have the pencils complete and am working on the cover.

I've been doing some drawings for another Intermezzo related project, here are a couple of examples. I thought they turned out pretty cool.

Charlotte Comicon

2010-07-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to take off for another Charlotte Comicon. I have done a few of these shows in the past year, it's a nice time. I've been meeting some interesting people and hopefully getting some readers for Intermezzo.

If you read this and see me at the show, walk up to my table and say
"The eagle lands at sunrise" and get a prize.

Heroescon Pics!

2010-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

I just got a new photo gallery added with pictures of heroescon. Go to my flickr page and check them out. Here are a few of the people I met.

That show marked one year of me doing conventions. It really seems like a lot longer sometimes and just like yesterday other times.

You know, even though its not easy to self publish and put my work out there like that, I am very glad I did. Intermezzo is finally free from my imagination and through issue #5. Being in Charlotte again really made me appreciate being able to fulfil a lifelong dream. The biggest part of that is meeting people who have read Intermezzo and came back to pick up the newer issues.

Updates

2010-07-09T20:51:00.001-07:00

The ever gracious Sarlyn at Redvyproductions has made some updates to the site. I cannot express my gratitude for the work she does.

I have also begun joining webrings to get bear Butt Comics a little more exposure. If that is how you found me, please drop me a line and let me know its working.

As always i am trying to come up with ways to get Bear Butt Comics and Intermezzo in front of people and give them a chace to see if they like it or not. That is really the biggest challenge of this self publishing thing is just getting it out there. Cause that whole "build it and they will come" shtick is a load of %#@$!

Heroescon is out of the way. I will be in Charlotte on Aug 1st and The Baltimore comicon on Aug 28th and 29th.

Plugging away...

2010-06-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on
a)issue #6,
b)stories for my next project "Dyslexic Cosmic" as well as finding artists,
and c) yet another so far unnamed project (I don't want to get ahead of myself and i will wait to make an actual announcement later- suffice it to say that it makes my little geek heart flutter).

I have a few conventions planned; I'll be back in Charlotte for the next Charlotte Comicon on Aug 1st, then I will be going to Baltimore Comicon on Aug 28th and 29th.

I really need to take the time and come up with ways to advertise. I've met a lot of people doing cons, but I need to broaden my horizons. I will try to find ways to draw attention to myself and my comics that does not involve getting arrested (or me wearing spandex, no one needs to see that)

New Pictures!

2010-06-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've just added some pictures to my Flickr page on Fanaticon. Asheville was a great trip and Fanaticon was a great convention.

One of the best things about our trip to Asheville was the fact that my wife Wendy went with me. It was the first con we went to together and it was wonderful. While I was at the table all day, she went around taking pictures. But, you may be able to see her artistic difference if you look closely.

HereoesCon

2010-06-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Went to Heroescon this weekend. Had a great time, sold some stuff, met some nice people, the usual. Had several people who remembered me from last year, which was really cool.

I am working on a side project to add to the Bear Butt Line. I am looking for some artists to help out with that. I hope that someone who is looking for a chance to get in print and expand their portfolio will like to get involved with this project. If you fit the bill, drop me an e-mail and we'll go into the details. Talked to a couple people about it in Charlotte, some possibilities.

Issue #5

2010-05-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

Issue #5 is now available on IndyPlanet and Comics Monkey! I hope they will be here (they should be)for Heroescon in a couple of weeks.

http://www.indyplanet.com/index.php?id=

http://www.comicsmonkey.com/index.php?id=

Check them out. The stories are really starting to move, and starting to get somewhere.

Post Fanaticon

2010-05-19T05:07:00.001-07:00

Fanaticon was an amazing show. When I said it looks like they ran a tight ship I had no idea how right that was. This was Asheville's first comic book convention and they had over 3000 people in the door. walking around downtown every single business had a poster in the window or postcards about the convention. There were articles and cover stories in several local newspapers. A lot of work went into that show and it really paid off. If they have another show in Asheville, I am going to be there, without a doubt.

issue #5

2010-05-14T05:28:00.001-07:00

Issue five is at Ka-blam. I am awaiting the digital proof to come and give the final go ahead. As always i had a problem with some computer things (big surprise), but they should be here for Heroescon in June.

I managed to stick to a pretty good schedule this time. I need to get ready for the next couple of conventions, but after that I will put myself back on it. Repeat after me...
SHUT UP AND DO IT.

Fanaticon

2010-05-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

I am packing for Fanaticon at this very minute. It's my first time doing a show in Asheville and I am looking forward to it. From the website and communications with Chance it looks like these guys run a well planned show.

I will be set up with my friend Stacy of Leather Mischief who will be selling her leather masks (superhero and artistic designs), so i should be easy to spot.

And for anyone who is checking out my website because you will be at Fanaticon, I appreciate you checking out my website and admire your thourough attitude. To show that appreciation...

If you read this and come up to my table and say "the rooster crows at sundown" you will win a free prize.

Moving Right Along

2010-04-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

Issue 5 is almost complete. I am only slightly behind schedule. Once I finish the inks on the last page (hopefully tonight) then I have the cover to do, the inside covers (one of which will spell out my next project), all the computer work (that I always manage to mess up), and then send it off to Ka-Blam for printing.

If I get that done quickly enough then i will have issue 5 for Heroescon in June.

Why Cartoonists Don't Go Out In Public Much

2010-04-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

Roanoke Valley Comicon

2010-04-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 3rd I will be attending my second show in Roanoke. Last time it was a good show, so I am looking forward to this one.

Anybody who walks up to me and says "The Eagle Lands at Midnight" will get a prize. (I really want to see if anyone reads these things)

shut up and do it

2010-03-23T05:37:00.000-07:00

This is a phrase I have used a lot since i decided to stop "going to do a comic book one day" and actually make a comic book now.

I had been preparing to make Intermezzo for years (a lot of them) but eventually the preparation has to stop and the doing has to begin. It seems the excuses I had were either "I don't have the money" or "I don't have the time" to do it.

Well now, I don't have an abundance of either. This wasn't the best time to self publish. Money is tighter than ever, and the job I have takes more of my time than any other i've ever had. What I realized was, if I wait for the ideal time, it will never happen. There is always a reason not to do it, but the answer I have come up with to counter those reasons is...

JUST SHUT UP AND DO IT.
That's it. No explaining it all away, no more planning, not the perfect time but now. When I get home exhausted and I just don't wanna draw any tonight I will repeat it as a mantra in my head. Then I will stop making excuses and just get up and draw.

And if the perfect time comes along then I will already be in progress and further along.

I met a few aspiring artists at the Charlotte Comicon on Sunday. I passed this along to them. Maybe it will keep them from waiting a lot of years that they regret later.

Charlotte Comicon

2010-03-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

I did the Charlotte Comicon on Sunday. It was, as always, a good show. For this show it has the distinction that I sold more comics than at any show since Heroescon last year. That makes me feel good and a little energized.

Maybe if someone is actually reading this then they are one of those new readers. If so, I hope Intermezzo captivates you into sticking around for more issues (available on Indyplanet).

Issue 5 is still moving according to schedule. I have eleven pages inked as of last night.

One of the best things about the Charlotte Comicons are the people. The artists are always friendly and we spend the day talking away about all sorts of stuff. It was nice talking to Al, Alan, Budd, Louis, and Allegra, and from what I heard they had a good show too.

I will definitely be back for their next one on August 1st. But I will be back in Charlotte for Heroescon before then (June 4th-6th).

Convention Time again

2010-03-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to leave for the Charlotte Comiccon. I have been to three of their shows before, its always a nice show. I have issue 4 with me and that is a good feeling to have something new to show people who may have 1-3.

I am planning out the shows i will be attending this year, trying to branch out more. I hope it will help get Intermezzo out there.

I will post future shows when I have time. I am also strongly considering a facebook page as a more effective promotion route...
Oh well.

100 geek points to the first person to mention reading this.

the latest

2010-02-25T04:01:00.000-08:00

I am in the midst of one of the busiest times at work and my wife is leaving for a mission trip to Honduras in just a couple of days. Despite everything else going on I have manages to finish pencilling issue 5 and last night I finished lettering. I have kept myself on schedule for the past several weeks. If I continue the pace then I will finish issue 5 in time to get it for heroescon.

With wendy gone for over a week one of two things will happen... I will either do nothing but draw, or I will be so bummed out i get nothing done.

yea!

2010-01-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

Issue Four is now on sale on both IndyPlanet and ComicsMonkey. Tell your friends (tell your enemies, I don't care).

issue #5

2010-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

It feels odd writing about issue #5 and not number #4. I have tried to put myself on a schedule to finish #5 so it doesn't take as long as #4 did. If all goes well then maybe i can have #4 and 5 for heroescon in Charlotte.

I have been a lot quicker and doing some good pencils so far. As of tonight I have the first 13 pages pencilled. Number 4 is ordered and despite my usual computer ineptness shouldn't be too much longer.

By the time I start doing shows again this year, I will have #4 for sale. I plan on going to shows in Charlotte, Salem, Asheville, and maybe hickory and Baltimore. It looks to be a busy year.

back to the swing of things

2010-01-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

New York was wonderful. Wendy and I had a blast. I don't know if I ever need to be in New York on New Year's Eve ever again, but it was one of those things we always wanted to try.

So now we are home, back to work, doing all the things that piled up while we were away on vacation. Just the way it goes.

Here's a picture of everyone taking pictures of the fireworks. The stuff i find funny.

New years

2009-12-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Leaving for New York City in the morning so i wanted to post this before I go. I just attended another of the Charlotte Comic Con shows on Sunday. Rick Fortenberry puts on a good show and is a very good guy.

While there I talked with other artists. I met a guy who told me that he has had the idea he is working on for sixteen years and is working on issue one. I said not to feel bad, I've had intermezzo in my head for 18 years and I just finished issue four. The reason I am sharing this is to tell anyone reading this (as if anyone reads this) to just stop thinking about, talking about, drawing pictures that you show to no one, and just start really doing comics. Stop getting ready to do... and just do. Don't be me (the guy who wishes he had started 15 years ago, and thinks how many issues he would have finished by now). Just wanted to pass that along.

On another note, Wendy (my loving and oh so patient wife) are leaving for New York City in the morning. Partially for New Years but mostly for our 15 year anniversary. Beena while and I'm really looking forward to it.

happy jingles

2009-12-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to put a word out that I have finished the fourth issue of Intermezzo! man am I tired.

Seeing my mom for Christmas, and then my wife Wendy and I are spending New Year's in New York City. I am on vacation until the new year. I really needed this.

I hope to begin pencilling issue 5 soon. Issue 4 will be for sale on indyplanet relatively soon next year.

Issue 4

2009-11-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

I have just finished the inks on the last page of issue 4. All that remains is to paint the cover, do all of the scanning, write the intro and ending pages, upload it, and order it from Ka-Blam (maybe its not so close to being done as I thought).

But still... woohooo I'm closer than i was.

While finishing page 24 I had the tv on Snoopy come Home. All I remember from that movie when I was a kid was the No Dogs Allowed song and that it made me cry. The song was still there, but it had more than just the one line I remembered. And yes... it still made me cry.

happy gobble day

2009-11-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Family here for thanksgiving. I gave my neice and nephew trade paperbacks of Bone and Akiko on the Planet Smoo to get them reading comics. I saw my neice reading Akiko as she went to sleep. I love that stuff.

More stuff

2009-11-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since i've written. I want to do this more often, but the time seems to fly by these days.

I've been really buckling down on issue 4, only 4 more pages to ink and then the cover. I've been drawing so much (not to mention putting in a lot of hours at work) that my drawing hand has started hurting.

I attended Roanoke Valley ComicCon last weekend. It's a good show, met a lot of good people, drew an Aquaman sketch that I was very happy with, sold some comics, got to stay with some friends, all in all a good weekend. It's the last con I have planned until December 27th when I go back for the next Charlotte Con. I'm really trying to have number 4 ready by then, but I don't know if I can get it printed in that amount of time.

I'm posting the pics of a couple of sketches from the last couple of shows. Here is Supergirl...

...and here is Aquaman from this past weekend in Virginia.

Check this out

2009-11-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

I just found this online comic and i find it hysterical. Check it out. Anyone who is interested in older obscure characters and comic history should have a ball. But even if that isn't your thing, this is very clever and well done.

www.oopcomics.com

I'm not dead

2009-11-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

I just realized how long it has been since I wrote anything. My computer at home died (no really, blue screen of death, won't even turn on anymore) so even when I had time to write I couldn't. My wife Wendy and I have an older computer set up for now until our regular one gets mailed back.

I went to Charlotte Comicon on Saturday. I actually saw someone who wanted to know when number four was coming out because he had the first three issues. It was cool to meet someone who read them, but I hated not having issue four ready. I have 10 pages left to ink and the cover to paint. I am eager to finish it before the next Charlotte Comicon on December 27th. I did a sketch of Supergirl while I was there Saturday that I was happy with. I took a picture and when I get my regular computer back I will post it.

This weekend I am attending a comic show in Salem, VA. If I see you at the show and you mention this blog I will give you a free gift (and 15 geek points).

I've been on a creative high lately, there are a bunch of ideas forming that have nothing to do with Intermezzo. Hopefully I can find someone to draw them so I don't take time away from issue 4.

New Pics

2009-10-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Go to the photos page and check out some new pics. Lots of fun stuff.

Time Flies

2009-10-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe it's mid October already. I haven't written anything lately, work has been hectic lately. For my real job I am the scene designer/ technical director/ lighting designer/ master painter/ head electrician/ master carpenter for the local children's theatre group called ACT for Youth. It keeps me very busy, and lately I have been immersed in the tech work for High School Musical. In addition to that I am planning a Halloween Film Festival. The fun part of that is getting to watch these classic horror movies and pick the ones to watch.

All of that of course means that I have not been able to do as much on Intermezzo as I would like. I do try to make sure that I spend some time every day in front of my art table. I have decided to treat it like a discipline to keep Intermezzo moving forward. But i have found when i do this, the time I spend working on my comic is very relaxing and helps me decompress after a long day at the theatre.

I am not moving as fast as I would like, but there are so many stories I want to do that are swimming around in my head that I will never be able to put them down quickly enough. The impatience of obsession.

Comic Book Stuff (what.. me.. really? nah)

2009-09-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

So now I am still working on the fourth issue of Intermezzo. I have inking to finish and the cover to paint. There are fewer cons coming up so i plan on concentrating on intermezzo as much as my free time will allow.

I have been reading some good stuff lately. If you have the chance check out...in no particular order...
The Stuff of Legend by thirdworld studios
The Mighty Avengers
Wednesday Comics
The Squadren Supreme TPB
Captain America
Justice League Cry for Justice
Booster Gold
Green Arrow and Black Canary

I'm sure there is other stuff I am forgetting to mention.

The next show will be in Salem,VA on November 15th.

Va Comicon

2009-09-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

Stacy and i went to Richmond on Sunday. It was a nicely run show, Brett was very friendly and it was a good experience. We even got a piece of Brett's giant comic book themed birthday cake; you don't get friendlier than that. It was not good for sales for me or Stacy, but both of us handed out a lot of business cards and talked to a lot of people. Maybe some of those people will be reading this. If so, I hope you enjoy checking out the site and give Intermezzo a try.

Until next time...

Charlotte Comicon

2009-09-15T04:50:00.001-07:00

Charlotte went well for both Stacy and I. The was the first show that I made a profit(Woo hoo)! It was nice, the crowd was smaller than I saw when I went to the last show in July (they had no more room to set up, but i went to check it out and see if it was a show I would like to do), but very nice people.

If you are someone I met at Charlotte be sure to drop me a e-mail and let me know about what you thought about Intermezzo.

This Sunday is Richmond, VA. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello. Mention the blog and get a prize and 30 Geek Points. I have heard good things about this show from Louis Small Jr, so I am looking forward to it.

New favorite song

2009-09-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc8dfczWnAY

This is a clip from Third Rock from the Sun, a very funny show from the 90s. The song is from dream sequence with the character Harry. I saw it last night and needed to find it on youtube.

Pics and Cons

2009-09-12T05:36:00.000-07:00

Check out the Photos section for links to my Flickr page, there are pics from Heroescon 09.

Above are just a couple.

Tomorrow I (and Stacy with her leather masks) will be attending Charlotte Comicon. Anyone who mentions reading this to me gets a prize and 25 Geek Points.

I'll post more on how it goes later.

New stuff!

2009-09-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sarlyn and all of her work the site is looking better than ever! Check out the photos page for pictures of strange and funny things I find. The comics page has a new look and will soon have the third issue posted (the cover of the third issue has been added to the side of this page as well).

I cannot be happier with this site.

Also happening, Dragon Con was this weekend but I was not able to attend this year. I went the past two years with my friends Jeff, Stacy and Jason (you might see them in the photo albums), but this year I could not afford to since I have been concentrating on attending conventions as an artist. I miss it, and I hope to be back in Atlanta next year, but I am doing what I need to to get Intermezzo available to people.

Next Sunday (September 13th) I will be set up at the Charlotte Comic Con. I know Rick Fortenberry (the guy who runs it) from a long time ago when he was a regular dealer for Dream Con in Raleigh, NC and I was a volunteer helping to run it. I am excited about this show. Anyone who reads this and mentions it to me at the show gets a prize, and 50 Geek Points.

My new favorite store

2009-09-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

Wendy (my wife) showed me this website this morning. It is an actual store in Brooklyn. Wendy and I are planning a trip to New York soon, it looks like I'll be making a trip to Brooklyn while we are there.

http://www.superherosupplies.com/

PICTURES

2009-08-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

As the photo page has said for quite a while that photos are coming soon, I guess that it is now "soon." My first gallery is posted on flickr, titled "Superheroes on Cellphones." I have a couple of hundred more shots of DragonCon and also a good amount from HeroesCon, so I will post more as I can. I just always found it funny to take pictures on Heroes on their cellphones, so here is a set of them. Here is the link, check them out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearbuttcomics/

There will be more soon.

the Self-Promoting Machine

ComicsMonkey

2009-08-12T05:15:00.000-07:00

From my info on my Ka-Blam info it seems that Comics Monkey is on the way! Ka-Blam (my digital printer) is going to start their own distribution system called ComicsMonkey. Since Diamond has cut back on so much stuff (coincidentaly within a month of when I submitted Intermezzo to be carried by them. For some strange reason they did not want to carry a brand new title by an unpublished creator self publishing his comic- huh go figure). That was the height of bad timing.
So it appears that Ka-Blam is making a bar code for Intermezzo to include it in the ComicMonkey catalog. So that is pretty $%#@& cool.

I hope it is soon. I think it is a great chance for Intermezzo to reach a lot more people, but I also think it is the same opportunity for a lot of other talented creators to get their work in front of the reading audience. I hope that retailers will give it a chance. I know I have been disappointed in the Previews catalog as of late since it has been shrinking more and more.

Conventions

2009-08-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

I went to Virginia for the Capi-Con show last weekend. Jeff was the guy who ran the show was very nice and professional. He runs a good show and it had a good crowd show up for it. I talked to a lot of people (those who would stop), told them about Intermezzo, they would laugh, and then walk away.

This seemed to be a collecting only crowd. When I walked around the room, it was almost all silver and golden age books. I didn't see any newer stuff. I guess the crowd that came to that show knew what to expect and no one was interested in giving a small press comic book a try. Except for the one guy who actually bought from me, yeah... one. Talk about a depressing experience. Even Stacy (my freind who makes the leather masks) didn't sell anything. And after her extremely successful show in Charlotte, it is very surprising.

So, not a great experience for the bottom line, but not a bad show in itself. If you are looking for the older comics, its a good show for you. Not really a place to see artists or find new or underground stuff.

The next show Stacy and I are set to do is the Charlotte ComicCon on September 13th. I went to their last show just to check it out and they had a lot of artists and small press people. So I think it will be a better fit. After that is Richmond on September 20th.

Appearing at Capicon in VA

2009-07-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Just dropping a quick note that i will be attending a comic show in Tysons Corner, VA this Sunday. Looking forward to it. This is my second show, so I don't have as many butterflies as i did for heroes Con in Charlotte. I haven't been to this show before so I am very curious to see what it is like.

I will post afterwards to tell how it went. If you read this and plan on attending stop by and say hi... there might be a prize.

see ya.

Moving Right Along

2009-07-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

As of last night I have finished the pencils and lettering for 21 pages of Intermezzzo's fourth issue. I have been spending a lot of time to work consistently. My wife, and reluctant editor, Wendy has been very forgiving with me and i am very grateful for that.

Something that sprung to mind; about the lettering...
yes my lettering style is an intentional choice. I break the speech bubbles, angle the words, do not follow precise lines and do it all by hand. All of it is a choice I made to try and give my characters "their voice" and make it a part of the page's art and not just placed over the top of it. I have had several people think I draw the speech bubbles and just run out of room. Actually I draw the letters and then draw the bubble around it. I know it does not have the professional look comic readers are used to, but I hope it is something that can be unique about Intermezzo and that their voices come through to you as clearly as they do to me.

Look for me to show up at comic conventions in the North Carolina area to introduce people to Intermezzo. If you know of one coming up drop me an e-mail.

Intermezzo the Third

2009-07-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

The third issue is available on Indyplanet! Go check it out!
http://www.indyplanet.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2433.
Check it out, buy it, read it, and let me know what you think.
Later

Heroescon, the postgame show

2009-06-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

So I went to Charlotte and set up at a small press table in Artists Alley. Despite butterflies in my stomach the size of Mothra I put Intermezzo, some artwork, t-shirts out for sale, and sat behind a table to try and get the word out about Intermezzo. My insecurity about my work is very strong (to say the least) and for me to spend a weekend promoting my art and myself is very uncomfortable for me. Nathan Massengil (professional inker and great guy) gets quite a laugh when I call myself a "Self-Promoting Machine" (insert sarcasm here).

If you've never been to Heroescon (I recommend it, the people are wonderful) it is a three day show, Friday through Sunday. Friday for me was horrible, I sold one t-shirt and a sketch. No comics at all. It was pretty much every fear come to life (scratch that- every fear but snakes). After that day what little wind in my sails was gone.

But I went in on Saturday and talked to a lot of people, showed my book to a lot of them, and sold some comics (and other stuff). I got better about telling people what my work was about and making them laugh. A lot of them laughed and then walked away, but I still felt a lot better about how things were going. That day really recharged my batteries (or blew wind in my sails if you are a stickler for constant metaphors).

I have always heard that Sundays were dead at Heroescon, but it really wasn't the case for me. The crowd was smaller but i sold about the same on Sunday as I did on Saturday.

So "the Self-Promoting Machine" will be seen again, what I enjoyed most was meeting the people and the excitement that they will read my work. It was fun for me and I hope it was fun for them to read Intermezzo (e-mail me and let me know).

In sharp contrast to my weekend is my friend Stacy (Leather Mischief, she makes fun, artistic, mardi Gras like masks). She made her table cost on Friday, made a sizable bit o' cash on Saturday and then doubled it on Sunday. She made lots of superhero design masks that sold very well (including two bought by George Perez as Stacy and I tried not to embarass ourselves, and I suspect failing miserably). We saw people wearing them around, she got all kinds of questions and requests. She was practically giddy by the end on Sunday.

So, to everyone who stopped and talked, I thank you. To everyone who bought the first three issues of Intermezzo (everyone who bought comics, bought all three issues) I would like to hear from you.

When I grow up...

2009-06-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, just to clarify I'm 37 so I've grown up just about as much as I ever will (sorry Wendy, this is as good as it gets). But when I look back to my childhood and I thought about that question the only answer I ever gave was a comic book artist. When I was five years old I was certain I would make a living drawing comic books for people in a parking lot (I did not know what printing was back then, I thought every comic book was hand drawn). Now I have taken the steps to get my comic book to the public (Intermezzo, get your copy now). For the first time I am the comic book artist that five year old imagined and i am about as scared as a five year old.

I am going to heroescon in Charlotte North Carolina 9 days from now (as I am writing, not as you are reading). I have sold comics at my local store and even appeared as a comic artist at Free Comic Book Day, but this is a much grander scale. So... I will let you know how it goes.

I would like to hear from you, whether that is someone who has read Intermezzo, someone i meet as Heroescon, or another obsessed comic creator.

My First Post!

2009-05-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

I suppose the big question right now is “why.” Why create a comic and self publish it? When the comics market seems so full of high quality books and creators, is there any room for
me and Intermezzo? Why would I commit the money, vast amounts of my time and my hopes and dreams to do this? The most honest answer I have come up with is… I can’t stop myself.

For years I have written stories for Intermezzo, ideas jumped into my head without warning.
I carried a small notebook in my back pocket to scribble a story idea, character, or just a line of dialogue whenever it came to me. I designed hundreds of characters (not an exaggeration) that live in my fantasy world, and eventually I put them into page after page of sequential art.

I alternated between determination that one day the time would come for me to take the plunge and depression as the real world blocked the way to the fantasy one. At times I conceded that it would never happen and stopped writing, stopped drawing, and did my best to stop dreaming.
But each time I thought I had just walked away from this dream I, almost unconsciously, started it again. I revisited my fantasy world and these characters who felt like old friends insisted that their stories be told. To make a long story short (too late)
I have submitted to my addiction.