So last Wednesday, Jan. 21, I became one of the statistics you read about in the news everyday. At least in our current national situation. I was layed-off from my day job. After almost 6 years at that particular company, the economic situation became such that several of us had to be let go.
By that evening, I began to realize what I wished to do with my life. Basically, do what I have been doing for the last 10-plus years of my life: Continue with all my creative endeavors and now work even harder.
I've been working in art departments for screen printing companies for years, both as production artist and some years ago, a stint as an Art Director. Since 1998, I began self-publishing my own comics, starting my imprint LOS COMEX and focusing on EL MUERTO in comics, mini-comics and zines. Using my evenings and weekends to work on the books, using weekends and vacation time to attend comic book festivals and signings. Basically I looked at it as working 2 jobs: My day job for the weekly salary and insurance, and my 'real' job as an artist, a creative entrepreneur. This 'real' job lead to many other creative endeavors.
Last weekend, with this new'unemployed' status, I made the decision to pursue avenues that will let me become a freelance instructor of cartooning/comic art classes. I certainly realize the very difficult situation the economy is in, but I can't sit here paralyzed by fear or insecurity. So with that goal in mind, I started revising my resume to focus on more teaching jobs.
I looked through my emails to help me track down the names of contacts and places I've spoken or taught at. As I looked back at the last 11 years (the time I started Los Comex), I came to a realization: Outside an 8 month stint in mid 2002-early 2003, I have been working a full-time job at two consecutive screen printing shops. 40 hours a week, Monday thru Friday. Well, in that time, this is what I have managed to do in my time away from the day job:
Started my self-publishing imprint with my own comic character which has included printing comic books, mini-comics, zines or other publications, exhibited at innumerous comic book conventions, book fairs, store signings, been a guest speaker at libraries and schools, have had my comic artwork displayed at various galleries and exhibits, created and taught a series of comic book workshops, have cultivated a small but wide-reaching fan base and readership across the U.S and even into Canada, Mexico, Greece, Russia, England and, as far as visitors to my website, tens of thousands around the world.
I've had a film made from my comic book, for which I was heavily involved as one of the filmmakers, even securing a cameo in the film, I've collaborated on an EL MUERTO appearance in a nationally syndicated newspaper strip, I've done a modest share of interviews in a variety of media and I've been fortunate to have met so many talented people along the way. Some have actually become very good friends.
I've stared podcasting two shows, have collaborated with other artists and friends on their own books, been involved with creating two art groups, often get asked for advice by others interested in DIY publishing, and many other creatively satisfying projects.
Many of these things aren't unique to me of course. And spread out over the span of a decade, many of these weren't sufficient enough to become my sole source of income (some not even being actual money-making enterprises). But these are my experiences, that I loved doing for the pure act of doing. And I've done all these while working a 40 hour-a-week job. So now I think about what I may be able to accomplish if I'm able to keep a steady yet flexible schedule as a freelance art instructor. It's extremely exciting thinking about the endless possibilities.
Like I said, I'm all to aware of the severely critical condition of our economy, and mind you, I live in California, where businesses are hurting and the state and local governments aren't in any better condition. But all I can do is take that same drive I've exhibited over the last 11 years and work to make my own future.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
COMICS 101- A new workshop I'll be teaching!
I've put together a brand new one-day course in making comics!
I taught a series of workshops a few years ago, at the Pico Rivera Centre for the Arts, a local community center in my area. Those classes were fun to teach, and I always felt that my students got a lot out of it. Well, I want to jump back into teaching these workshops, but this time I wanted to create one that focused on the publishing end. The kids I used to teach were about Middle School age, so for them I wanted to delve into the nuts and bolts of creating a story and drawing a 4 page comic. And most workshops that I know of take that approach. But I want to see what type of interest we can generate with a class that actually motivates and educates young creators to at least explore the idea of printing their own work and finding ways to sell it.
This class is aimed at older teens and young adults, as they would be more likely to at least want to see their stories in print. The 3 hour length was arrived at for various factors, but I know I can give a concise presentation with that schedule. Distilling the amounts of experience I've accumulated over the years in self-publishing should provide the students with a good idea of what's involved with DIY publishing.
Of course, like any class I've started, this is a living experience. I would think that over time I will tinker with the structure and content of the class, finding the right approach that maximizes the student's experience. I really am concerned with providing valuable content, I want to make sure I'm not misusing the student's time, or mine.
The classes will be taught at the Digital Business & Design College, the same place from which I podcast my radio show, PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO. Thanks to founder Enrique Diaz for the opportunity to present this! We're planning other classes as well, so I'm hoping for a good reception from students. For more info, and to sign up, click on this link!
I taught a series of workshops a few years ago, at the Pico Rivera Centre for the Arts, a local community center in my area. Those classes were fun to teach, and I always felt that my students got a lot out of it. Well, I want to jump back into teaching these workshops, but this time I wanted to create one that focused on the publishing end. The kids I used to teach were about Middle School age, so for them I wanted to delve into the nuts and bolts of creating a story and drawing a 4 page comic. And most workshops that I know of take that approach. But I want to see what type of interest we can generate with a class that actually motivates and educates young creators to at least explore the idea of printing their own work and finding ways to sell it.
This class is aimed at older teens and young adults, as they would be more likely to at least want to see their stories in print. The 3 hour length was arrived at for various factors, but I know I can give a concise presentation with that schedule. Distilling the amounts of experience I've accumulated over the years in self-publishing should provide the students with a good idea of what's involved with DIY publishing.
Of course, like any class I've started, this is a living experience. I would think that over time I will tinker with the structure and content of the class, finding the right approach that maximizes the student's experience. I really am concerned with providing valuable content, I want to make sure I'm not misusing the student's time, or mine.
The classes will be taught at the Digital Business & Design College, the same place from which I podcast my radio show, PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO. Thanks to founder Enrique Diaz for the opportunity to present this! We're planning other classes as well, so I'm hoping for a good reception from students. For more info, and to sign up, click on this link!
CARTOONISTAS Live Art..back to GEEKS!
We're back! THE CARTOONISTA'S first Live Art event of 2009 takes us back to GEEKS Comics in Whittier, CA! Our last appearance there was the toast of the town, and our pal Sal has asked us back.
For a good time, come on down to lovely Whittier and check out the swanky store that is GEEKS! And kick back and watch us CARTOONISTAS do what we do best: Make Art, Not War! Oh, and don't forget to bring a couple of bucks to buy some of our art. That's some stimulating bail-out we all wanna see!
For a good time, come on down to lovely Whittier and check out the swanky store that is GEEKS! And kick back and watch us CARTOONISTAS do what we do best: Make Art, Not War! Oh, and don't forget to bring a couple of bucks to buy some of our art. That's some stimulating bail-out we all wanna see!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
EL MUERTO by cartoonist Krishna Sadasivam
A friend of mine just sent me this....
After picking myself off the floor, I knew I had to share this. A really lovely interpretation of my signature character, El Muerto.
Krishna Sadasivam, the artist responsible for the piece, is a web cartoonist who I 'met' last year via a couple of podcasts I listen to frequently, THE SEQUENTIAL ARTIST'S PUB and ART & STORY ALIVE! Krishna currently works on two weekly strips, PC WEENIES and UNCUBED THE COMIC (a heartfelt autiobiographical comic told through the eyes of 'an Indian guy called Krishna').
In the time I've got to know Krishna, I've been inspired by his high level of craftmanship, his creative output, and the professional and decent way he conducts himself as a creator and a person.
We had a long and thoughtful phone call earlier in the afternoon, trading stories on our plans and thoughts for our respective futures. He made the pin-up as an act of friendship, not to seek anything for it. But I not only wanted to share this pic with readers of this blog, but also wanted to let everyone know to check out his strips.
Thanks Krishha, I really enjoyed your El Muerto!
After picking myself off the floor, I knew I had to share this. A really lovely interpretation of my signature character, El Muerto.
Krishna Sadasivam, the artist responsible for the piece, is a web cartoonist who I 'met' last year via a couple of podcasts I listen to frequently, THE SEQUENTIAL ARTIST'S PUB and ART & STORY ALIVE! Krishna currently works on two weekly strips, PC WEENIES and UNCUBED THE COMIC (a heartfelt autiobiographical comic told through the eyes of 'an Indian guy called Krishna').
In the time I've got to know Krishna, I've been inspired by his high level of craftmanship, his creative output, and the professional and decent way he conducts himself as a creator and a person.
We had a long and thoughtful phone call earlier in the afternoon, trading stories on our plans and thoughts for our respective futures. He made the pin-up as an act of friendship, not to seek anything for it. But I not only wanted to share this pic with readers of this blog, but also wanted to let everyone know to check out his strips.
Thanks Krishha, I really enjoyed your El Muerto!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bionic sketching
Here's a sketch I did last week. Drawn with a plain old Bic pen.
I drew this after listening to a live podcast, The Mini Comics Dumptruck. The subject matter are from the 1970s SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN tv series. Drawing on the left is from a screen capture of the Bionic Bigfoot, played by wrestling legend Andre the Giant. The sketch on the right is the Robot (or Maskatron, as the action figure was called). The Robot was drawn with no reference.
Both characters were recently drawn by a fellow artist, Mark Rudolph, so I was inspired to take my own crack at drawing them. It's interesting for me to see the difference in a drawing I've done from looking at a reference image vs. one that I created only by my memory of the character. (Helps being such a geek for this stuff!)
Drawing with a ballpoint point offers a different experience, and final result, versus drawing with a marker, pencil or ink & brush. The way the pen point literally rolls over the surface of the paper is unique to the construction of the pen. I really like the idea that a simple pen and sheet of paper allows you to create some art. Total price about, I don't know, .65¢ ??
I drew this after listening to a live podcast, The Mini Comics Dumptruck. The subject matter are from the 1970s SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN tv series. Drawing on the left is from a screen capture of the Bionic Bigfoot, played by wrestling legend Andre the Giant. The sketch on the right is the Robot (or Maskatron, as the action figure was called). The Robot was drawn with no reference.
Both characters were recently drawn by a fellow artist, Mark Rudolph, so I was inspired to take my own crack at drawing them. It's interesting for me to see the difference in a drawing I've done from looking at a reference image vs. one that I created only by my memory of the character. (Helps being such a geek for this stuff!)
Drawing with a ballpoint point offers a different experience, and final result, versus drawing with a marker, pencil or ink & brush. The way the pen point literally rolls over the surface of the paper is unique to the construction of the pen. I really like the idea that a simple pen and sheet of paper allows you to create some art. Total price about, I don't know, .65¢ ??
PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO is back!
My first new show of the year! RAUL AGUIRRE JR., artist and animator-at-large! Tune in to PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO today at 5pm (PT) and listen to the hijinks!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
MAN-SWAMP mini comic preview!
A page from my upcoming comic. All 16 pages of the book will be printed with the full pencils. I'm not inking or coloring this one. Just pure graphite!
Friday, January 02, 2009
2009, here I come!
I guess we can call this a New Year's Resolution...
This year, expect several comic books from me. Yeah, he said 'several'! Right off the bat, I have a brand new mini-comic I'm finishing this weekend called.... THE MAN-SWAMP! This was done as part of my participation in the Mini-Comics Dumptruck
Soon as that's done, I'm jumping right back to DEMOLITION DOVE. That's being published in the new imprint I've started with Ted Seko, XOMIX COMIX. And of course, there is the Part 2 for EL MUERTO: DEAD & CONFUSED that needs to get in people's hands ASAP!
That's a pretty full plate in addition to my other ongoing projects (The Cartoonistas, PLANET COMIC RADIO, JAVILAND podcast, etc!), but I promised myself that I was going to push any comic book to the forefront this year. I love doing all the other comic-related things, but the comics have to come first!
Hope all of you have a prosperous good year!
This year, expect several comic books from me. Yeah, he said 'several'! Right off the bat, I have a brand new mini-comic I'm finishing this weekend called.... THE MAN-SWAMP! This was done as part of my participation in the Mini-Comics Dumptruck
Soon as that's done, I'm jumping right back to DEMOLITION DOVE. That's being published in the new imprint I've started with Ted Seko, XOMIX COMIX. And of course, there is the Part 2 for EL MUERTO: DEAD & CONFUSED that needs to get in people's hands ASAP!
That's a pretty full plate in addition to my other ongoing projects (The Cartoonistas, PLANET COMIC RADIO, JAVILAND podcast, etc!), but I promised myself that I was going to push any comic book to the forefront this year. I love doing all the other comic-related things, but the comics have to come first!
Hope all of you have a prosperous good year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Feliz Navidad
Here's an EL MUERTO Christmas poem I wrote back in 2006 for this blog. For any newcomers, here's the link!
Thanks to everyone for reading my ramblings here over the past year. I always appreciate it when people tune in to what I have to say!
Everyone have a Happy Holiday Season and Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 05, 2008
1 Year Anniversary podcast of PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO
On Nov. 25, I had my 1 Year Anniversary podcast of my internet radio show, PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO. There's been a little delay in getting the podcat edited and uploaded, but I was informed the other day by producer Renato Aguirre that he finally got it done!
My first show was actually podcast live on Nov. 20, 2007. My inaugural guest for that show was good friend and publisher/creator JASON MARTIN. Jason called in again for the Anniversary show to with me well and update us on his latest projects.
Here's what it looks like as I'm talking to Jason on the show. Yep, PCBR is proud to use Apple products for our podcasting!Joining me in the studio were my fellow producer RENATO AGUIRRE and friend and Cartoonista Co-founder JIM LUJAN! Jimmy actually drew me a brand new PCBR poster during my interviews with Renato and Jason!
Here's me multi-tasking: Interviewing Jason Martin via phone, and taking a pic of myself, with ol' Jimmy Lujan working his marker magic in the background!
Hey Jimmy, I like it! I really like it!To cap off this special podcast, we cracked open the cider! Yeah, I know, I was hoping for champagne, but since we do actually podcast from a school (The Digital Business and Design College), we had to kinda lay low on the booze!
No doubt about it, this was a great way to celebrate a year of great interviews. I can honestly say that doing this show has been tremendously enriching for me this past year. My idea was always to put the spotlight on the many great, hard-working and talented artists I know of, either personally or through their work. As a self-published cartoonist myself, I know the sometimes lonely task of going about our work and wondering if we're reaching anyone. With this show, I feel grateful to be able to help these cartoonists get their name out there. Sure, it's not like we've got Howard Stern numbers, but a popular interview on my show can reach many listeners across the land (and beyond).
I often have guests in the studio, and what's fun about that is we can talk face to face and afterwards grab some dinner after the podcast! Our preferred restaurant at PCBR is ALBERTO'S MEXICAN FOOD, located right down the street from our studio. But the majority of my guests have been phone interviews. Besides cartoonists and indie publishers, my guest have included folks within the greater comic book culture. I've had Tommy, who runs the famous Bat-Blog, talk about how and why he runs a Batman website. Blake Bell has been on the show to talk about his book on Steve Ditko. And probably the one interview which for me was a personal dream come true, I was able to interview Peter Fernandez, the voice of Speed Racer! Peter not only voiced the original cartoons, but was responsible for writing and directing the English translation of this classic Japanese cartoon. Speed Racer of course is my favorite cartoon series of all time, and to have been able to talk to Peter was without a doubt one of the great benefits of having started this radio show in the first place.
Another show that stands to me is the Bill Mantlo tribute episode. Bill was a tremendously prolific comic book writer in the 70s and 80s. His were some of the first books I read off the comics spinner rack, and he's always been one of my favorite writers. About 15 years ago, he was injured in a serious accident, which has left him in the care of his brother Mike. So I contacted Mike and asked if he could come on the show and share with us some memories of his brother Bill. I also invited David Yurkovich, who wrote a tribute magazine for Bill Mantlo. This was another one of those special shows that makes me grateful that I have a show like this.
So as the show enters it's second year, I hope to continue with bringing more independent artists in the spotlight. And I also want to expand a little bit with even more guests that fit into the 'wider comic book culture'. Folks who may not necessarily create independent comics, but who work on books, magazines,websites devoted to comics, or have even worked on film and television projects with comic book ties. But my main focuse will be the people who create comics, and do so under their own hard work and independent spirit!
Listen to the episode here!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone!
For my supportive family and friends, my inspirational peers, and the wonderful fans over the years...Thanks!
Monday, November 24, 2008
PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO 1 Year Anniversary Party Podcast
My first episode of PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO was podcast live back on November 20, 2007. And now 1 year later, we're gearing up for a whole new year of interviews and great guests. But first we'll take a little time to talk about the good old days!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Cartoonistas kicked it at GEEKS Live Art event last night!
The Cartoonistas' Live Art event, RECESSION EXPRESSIONS, was a big hit last night at GEEKS comic shop in Whittier!
GEEKS is a great store, and they've hosted us before for the Cartoonistas Gallery Show, as well as hosting my Q&A for the EL MUERTO film screening held at the Whittier Independent Film Festival earlier in the year.
The Cartoonistas inducted a new member to the group: Roxanna:
Here's Roxy drawing two of her friends in their underwear holding large loafs of bread! (WTF?!) Welcome aboard, Roxy!
Cartoonistas Co-founder and all around Super Patriot Jim Lujan crafting another page of yummy goodness:
GEEKS went all-out with the wild and far-out promotion! Here's our plan to inspire comic shops across the nation, 'A Cartoonista in Every Front Window Display'!:
Before any human rights activists get alarmed, we did indeed rotate the artists. So every 'Toonista got their turn to be put on display!
When comics geeks read that President-to-Be Barrack Obama is a collector (probably past-tense) of Spider-Man and Conan, well..I hadda address that!:
This got a lot of amused responses. Good thing Whittier is a 'Blue' city!!!
Speaking of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, here's a guy who debuted in issue #129: Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher!!:
In addition to our window easel, and our board leaning on the wall, we even had a sit-down Cartoonista Corner. We had that place covered!:
Me and Grasiela basking in our Cartoonista Awesomeness!:
In our continued effort to promote Green Cartooning, Ted and Steve save a tree by sharing a sheet of paper! Who says this isn't the Eco-friendly Age of Cartooning?!:
"I rock!" applies to Jimmy, that's for sure.
After we finished a piece, we'd hang it on a wall and folks would pick the pieces they wanted and pay at the register:
Sal from GEEKS asked me to draw him El Muerto as the GEEKS logo (if you see my hand-lettered Geeks logo, you'll see why I computer letter my comics!):
This was a great event, for everyone. GEEKS had pretty good business that evening, the patrons enjoyed seeing the artwork and bought up a lot of the pieces, and us Cartoonistas had a fantastic time drawing and yakking it up. Thanks to my friends the Cartoonistas, everyone who stopped by and showed support, and of course to Sal and GEEKS for hosting us yet again!
Check out The Cartoonistas blog for more pics!
GEEKS is a great store, and they've hosted us before for the Cartoonistas Gallery Show, as well as hosting my Q&A for the EL MUERTO film screening held at the Whittier Independent Film Festival earlier in the year.
The Cartoonistas inducted a new member to the group: Roxanna:
Here's Roxy drawing two of her friends in their underwear holding large loafs of bread! (WTF?!) Welcome aboard, Roxy!Cartoonistas Co-founder and all around Super Patriot Jim Lujan crafting another page of yummy goodness:
GEEKS went all-out with the wild and far-out promotion! Here's our plan to inspire comic shops across the nation, 'A Cartoonista in Every Front Window Display'!:
Before any human rights activists get alarmed, we did indeed rotate the artists. So every 'Toonista got their turn to be put on display!When comics geeks read that President-to-Be Barrack Obama is a collector (probably past-tense) of Spider-Man and Conan, well..I hadda address that!:
This got a lot of amused responses. Good thing Whittier is a 'Blue' city!!!Speaking of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, here's a guy who debuted in issue #129: Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher!!:
In addition to our window easel, and our board leaning on the wall, we even had a sit-down Cartoonista Corner. We had that place covered!:
Me and Grasiela basking in our Cartoonista Awesomeness!:
In our continued effort to promote Green Cartooning, Ted and Steve save a tree by sharing a sheet of paper! Who says this isn't the Eco-friendly Age of Cartooning?!:
"I rock!" applies to Jimmy, that's for sure.
After we finished a piece, we'd hang it on a wall and folks would pick the pieces they wanted and pay at the register:
Sal from GEEKS asked me to draw him El Muerto as the GEEKS logo (if you see my hand-lettered Geeks logo, you'll see why I computer letter my comics!):
This was a great event, for everyone. GEEKS had pretty good business that evening, the patrons enjoyed seeing the artwork and bought up a lot of the pieces, and us Cartoonistas had a fantastic time drawing and yakking it up. Thanks to my friends the Cartoonistas, everyone who stopped by and showed support, and of course to Sal and GEEKS for hosting us yet again!
Check out The Cartoonistas blog for more pics!
Friday, November 21, 2008
New television interview!
This was filmed last week, at the studio where I host my radio show, PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
JAMES BOND Comics on PCBR/LIVE ART this Friday
We interrupt this APE Report to bring you some words from our sponsors:
Thursday, November 13, 2008
APE 2008 report...PT 2!!
Day 2 of APE turned out a little better in terms of actual sales. The heavy rains from Saturday seemed to have let up a bit, so there were more people attending the show (that's my estimate, anyways). To be honest though, I don't know if they were spending that much more money than Saturday's crowd. Kinda light on sales for many of us this year.....
Course, it could have been raining bloody eyeballs, and I still would have had a great day! After another breakfast feast at Ahn's, I swung by the local 7-11 and bought several copies of the local paper. It was Sunday, and that meant the color funnies were out, and that meant that El Muerto's appearance in the BALDO newspaper strip climaxed that day.
To see El Muerto in the color Sunday newspaper strip was such a great feeling. To see him sharing the page with GARFIELD was downright surreal! I actually got to write the Sunday appearance,as well as drawing the Muerto figures. And artist Carlos Castellanos did a great job coloring the entry, as he always does. Read about the El Muerto/Baldo crossover here.
I had a copy of the Sunday strip with me at the show, and during the day a lady walked by, saw my El Muerto banner, and told me "Hey, I saw that character in the Baldo strip this morning!". I was proud as a papa to explain to her the whole crossover. I was really stoked to hear someone actually saw the strip that day.
Among the visitors that day was my lovely cousin, Monica. Hadn't seen here in, like, sheesh...15 years or so! And I didn't even know she was living in San Francisco for the last 9!
My traveling partners, and good friends, Michael Aushenker and Ted Seko catch a break in the action. I've probably partnered with Mike more times at conventions than with any other friends of mine. Not hard to figure out why: Mike's hysterical at times and always fun to travel with. A real mensch, as the ancient Aztecs used to say! And Ted is someone I met at a zine fest back in 2001 or so. He hasn't done too many shows, but the guy's made lots of of mini-comics and zines and even graphic novels over the years. He and are I launching a new joint imprint XOMIX COMIX, in 2009!
The witty and talented Chris Wisnia was down the hallway from me. Chris does some hilarious comics, my favorite being his DORIS DANGER monster books. I interviewed Chris some weeks back on my radio show, PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO. He's a hard-working talent and real personable guy!
This guy, I'm going to have on my radio show! Rob Osborne, the electric artist and writer of "1000 Steps To World Domination!" and 'The Nearly Infamous Zango". I met Rob very briefly last year at WizardWorld Texas, but this time we had a chance to talk comic book boot camp. Once he referred to indie publishing as 'the Wild West', I knew this man was dead serious about making it in comics! Look for Rob to show up in December on the show.
A friend I run into periodically at these shows is Jaime Crespo. I must must have first met Jaime years ago, and I don't think I've seen him for a couple of years. But we ran into each other and caught up on old times.
Jaime's what I can consider an old school/alt/indie cartoonist. His comics work dates back to the late 80s/early 90s. When he's not chatting it up with his 'old school' pals Jaime and Mario Hernandez, Dan Clowes or Keith Knight, he's talking to neo-old school/johhny-come-lately guys like me!! (?). Jaime also hosts a radio show in the Bay Area, so we're gonna plan some kinda crossover between his show and mine. I like the tiny sombrero!
APE, as you can see, is a mix of many things: You're their to sell your work and meet old and new fans, and you also get to catch up with old friends and make new ones. In my case, I also get to find new guests for my radio show! But APE has always been for me, a very fun show to do. I'll wrap this report up with PT 3 over the weekend, so come back to hear about the Indian Pizza we had for dinner, the Day of the Dead celebrations in San Francisco, and the First Meeting of the Sons of the Cat!!!
Course, it could have been raining bloody eyeballs, and I still would have had a great day! After another breakfast feast at Ahn's, I swung by the local 7-11 and bought several copies of the local paper. It was Sunday, and that meant the color funnies were out, and that meant that El Muerto's appearance in the BALDO newspaper strip climaxed that day.
To see El Muerto in the color Sunday newspaper strip was such a great feeling. To see him sharing the page with GARFIELD was downright surreal! I actually got to write the Sunday appearance,as well as drawing the Muerto figures. And artist Carlos Castellanos did a great job coloring the entry, as he always does. Read about the El Muerto/Baldo crossover here.
I had a copy of the Sunday strip with me at the show, and during the day a lady walked by, saw my El Muerto banner, and told me "Hey, I saw that character in the Baldo strip this morning!". I was proud as a papa to explain to her the whole crossover. I was really stoked to hear someone actually saw the strip that day.
Among the visitors that day was my lovely cousin, Monica. Hadn't seen here in, like, sheesh...15 years or so! And I didn't even know she was living in San Francisco for the last 9!
My traveling partners, and good friends, Michael Aushenker and Ted Seko catch a break in the action. I've probably partnered with Mike more times at conventions than with any other friends of mine. Not hard to figure out why: Mike's hysterical at times and always fun to travel with. A real mensch, as the ancient Aztecs used to say! And Ted is someone I met at a zine fest back in 2001 or so. He hasn't done too many shows, but the guy's made lots of of mini-comics and zines and even graphic novels over the years. He and are I launching a new joint imprint XOMIX COMIX, in 2009!
The witty and talented Chris Wisnia was down the hallway from me. Chris does some hilarious comics, my favorite being his DORIS DANGER monster books. I interviewed Chris some weeks back on my radio show, PLANET COMIC BOOK RADIO. He's a hard-working talent and real personable guy!
This guy, I'm going to have on my radio show! Rob Osborne, the electric artist and writer of "1000 Steps To World Domination!" and 'The Nearly Infamous Zango". I met Rob very briefly last year at WizardWorld Texas, but this time we had a chance to talk comic book boot camp. Once he referred to indie publishing as 'the Wild West', I knew this man was dead serious about making it in comics! Look for Rob to show up in December on the show.A friend I run into periodically at these shows is Jaime Crespo. I must must have first met Jaime years ago, and I don't think I've seen him for a couple of years. But we ran into each other and caught up on old times.
Jaime's what I can consider an old school/alt/indie cartoonist. His comics work dates back to the late 80s/early 90s. When he's not chatting it up with his 'old school' pals Jaime and Mario Hernandez, Dan Clowes or Keith Knight, he's talking to neo-old school/johhny-come-lately guys like me!! (?). Jaime also hosts a radio show in the Bay Area, so we're gonna plan some kinda crossover between his show and mine. I like the tiny sombrero!APE, as you can see, is a mix of many things: You're their to sell your work and meet old and new fans, and you also get to catch up with old friends and make new ones. In my case, I also get to find new guests for my radio show! But APE has always been for me, a very fun show to do. I'll wrap this report up with PT 3 over the weekend, so come back to hear about the Indian Pizza we had for dinner, the Day of the Dead celebrations in San Francisco, and the First Meeting of the Sons of the Cat!!!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
APE 2008 report...PT. 1!!
Geez, it's been about a week since the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco, and I think I better get to blogging about it! As it is, here's PART 1!!
Okay, so, this was my 10th APE I've exhibited at consecutively. Pretty cool! 10 years since I first debuted EL MUERTO at APE, back in it's early days when it was held in San Jose, CA.
This year, like every other year, I drove up. This time with two friends, Michael Aushenker and Ted Seko. We drove into San Francisco late Friday evening, Halloween, and picked up our badges at the mixer held by Last Gasp Publishing. After 'mixing', we drove back across the Bay Bridge into Oakland and hunted down a motel. It was drizzling on and off throughout the evening, but no major drama.
Early Friday morning, Michael and I decided to take Ted to breakfast at Ahn's Burgers, a fantastic little mom & pop diner we fell in love with on previous trips. Burgers, shakes and the All-American breakfast, that's what makes a good ol' fashioned restaurant. Course, we got there about 45 minutes early, and we were hearbroken as Mike headed back to the car to give us the bad news. But then, the front door opens and the cook (probably co-owner) waves us in! We figured it's either a sign of the economy, or just good old fashioned hospitality (I would wage the later!).
So there we are, the three of us counting our good fortunes. We already figured the trip was a success (hint to exhibitors: always look outside of any sales you may make at your table for signs of good fortune!). As luck would have it, I was served first, literally receiving the first plate of food hot off the grill!
Michael (l) and I savoring our fresh, hot meals for the press!
After eating like Kings, we head on over to the Concourse in San Francisco, which is only about 20 minutes or so over the Bay Bridge. APE is usually held in Feb or April, so this year's Fall date gave us a little wetter weather, but other than that, all seemed the same as before (keep reading!).
This year's spread at my table was pretty rockin': new El Muerto comic book, new issue of my long dormant newsletter, THE BORDER, the EL MUERTO DVD and some XOMIX COMIX promo material!
There was sporadic rain that Saturday, at times it was coming down pretty hard. Combined with the Halloween weekend, and the move from it's usual date, it's fair to say that the audience was lighter that day. And with the economy the shape it's in, spending was down. But, I have to say, I still had a wonderful experience there. Of course there is always the old fans stopping by the table, and you always make new fans at any show. But I also get the chance to meet up with those once-a-year acquaintances you see at every show, as well as friends you haven't seen in years.
Here's JB and Anita. I first met them at the Santa Barbara Zine Fest back in 2000 or 2001! JB I run into at least once a year, but Anita I haven't seen since the Zine Fest! What's that old, tired cliche....? Seems like only yesterday....
Here's a nice couple I met on the internet. (Sounds a lot worse than it really is!). Scott and Audra, who were celebrating their 1 Year Wedding Anniversary, flew in from Hawaii for the show! Imagine leaving Hawaii for rainy California! They're really nice folks, and put out some attractive work. Check out their site NEMU NEMU for the goodness!
It's not officially an APE unless Rafael Navarro of SONAMBULO fame is there with his charm and wit and eye-popping art!
Another APE regular is dear, sweet Roxie! I met her at APE years ago and she's a great pal to see every year.
Roxie and I always try to have fun at these shows, and this little trip to the JACK CHICK table qualified, fer sure!
One of the gems I bought was this particularly "imaginative" anti-Catholic Chick Tract..THE DEATH COOKIE!! Stuff like this can either be very offensive, or provide me with some chuckles. The Death Cookie!!?? That is awesome...despite the nasty bit of propaganda it's pushing.
END OF PT. 1
Okay, so, this was my 10th APE I've exhibited at consecutively. Pretty cool! 10 years since I first debuted EL MUERTO at APE, back in it's early days when it was held in San Jose, CA.
This year, like every other year, I drove up. This time with two friends, Michael Aushenker and Ted Seko. We drove into San Francisco late Friday evening, Halloween, and picked up our badges at the mixer held by Last Gasp Publishing. After 'mixing', we drove back across the Bay Bridge into Oakland and hunted down a motel. It was drizzling on and off throughout the evening, but no major drama.
Early Friday morning, Michael and I decided to take Ted to breakfast at Ahn's Burgers, a fantastic little mom & pop diner we fell in love with on previous trips. Burgers, shakes and the All-American breakfast, that's what makes a good ol' fashioned restaurant. Course, we got there about 45 minutes early, and we were hearbroken as Mike headed back to the car to give us the bad news. But then, the front door opens and the cook (probably co-owner) waves us in! We figured it's either a sign of the economy, or just good old fashioned hospitality (I would wage the later!).
So there we are, the three of us counting our good fortunes. We already figured the trip was a success (hint to exhibitors: always look outside of any sales you may make at your table for signs of good fortune!). As luck would have it, I was served first, literally receiving the first plate of food hot off the grill!
Michael (l) and I savoring our fresh, hot meals for the press!After eating like Kings, we head on over to the Concourse in San Francisco, which is only about 20 minutes or so over the Bay Bridge. APE is usually held in Feb or April, so this year's Fall date gave us a little wetter weather, but other than that, all seemed the same as before (keep reading!).
This year's spread at my table was pretty rockin': new El Muerto comic book, new issue of my long dormant newsletter, THE BORDER, the EL MUERTO DVD and some XOMIX COMIX promo material!
There was sporadic rain that Saturday, at times it was coming down pretty hard. Combined with the Halloween weekend, and the move from it's usual date, it's fair to say that the audience was lighter that day. And with the economy the shape it's in, spending was down. But, I have to say, I still had a wonderful experience there. Of course there is always the old fans stopping by the table, and you always make new fans at any show. But I also get the chance to meet up with those once-a-year acquaintances you see at every show, as well as friends you haven't seen in years.
Here's JB and Anita. I first met them at the Santa Barbara Zine Fest back in 2000 or 2001! JB I run into at least once a year, but Anita I haven't seen since the Zine Fest! What's that old, tired cliche....? Seems like only yesterday....
Here's a nice couple I met on the internet. (Sounds a lot worse than it really is!). Scott and Audra, who were celebrating their 1 Year Wedding Anniversary, flew in from Hawaii for the show! Imagine leaving Hawaii for rainy California! They're really nice folks, and put out some attractive work. Check out their site NEMU NEMU for the goodness!
It's not officially an APE unless Rafael Navarro of SONAMBULO fame is there with his charm and wit and eye-popping art!
Another APE regular is dear, sweet Roxie! I met her at APE years ago and she's a great pal to see every year. 
Roxie and I always try to have fun at these shows, and this little trip to the JACK CHICK table qualified, fer sure!
One of the gems I bought was this particularly "imaginative" anti-Catholic Chick Tract..THE DEATH COOKIE!! Stuff like this can either be very offensive, or provide me with some chuckles. The Death Cookie!!?? That is awesome...despite the nasty bit of propaganda it's pushing.END OF PT. 1
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