Pages in Sequence

Secret Prison #3 Release Party

2010-12-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Come out to Locust Moon this SUNDAY 8 PM, Philadelphiends! 4040 Locust St. in University City. Get a FREE copy of the new issue of Secret Prison, hang with the artists, have a beer!

Jim Flora Album Covers

2010-11-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Jim Flora is an amazing illustrator who did the majority of his work in the 40's and 50's who's work is seeing a resurgence. Fantagraphics, famous comics publisher, has published a number of collections of his work. His work is often featured on the BoingBoing blog as well.

In my work with Record Lady, I stumble upon awesome record covers pretty often, but this one caught my eye. And, sure enough it was a Jim Flora:

So, we got it for sale now at Record Lady (along with a lot of awesome other records) and I gotta say I'll be sad to see it go.

Comics on Record Covers

2010-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

So, one of the other things I do besides draw comics is setting up and maintaining Record Lady. My fiance's mother owns a record shop and has thousands of records. I'm bringing them to the "The Net". Anyway, in doing so, I stumble across cool stuff all the time!

Not sure if you recognize the art of that cover. But, it's David Gibbons of The Watchmen. It of course caught my eye. But, also when I opened it up I found something MORE awesome:

Click them to make them bigger. Pretty neat find too!

The other one I found was interesting too. Did you know that Cat Stevens (Yuseff Islam) was an amateur cartoonist?

It's kind of like my Heart of Stonework characters.

Anyway, check out Record Lady. I just uploaded a bunch of awesome OZZY records.

REJECTED! Asian Girl Face-off!

2010-11-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

This was a comic I did for Secret Prison #3. It was rejected because it was too inside joke-y. Which, as a credit to the editor, it IS! It's based on a little songlet my uncle Matt wrote and kind of doesn't make sense. Ultimately, though the closer the editor stays to his or her vision for a comics anthology, the better it will be.

Chris Warewolf

2010-10-29T12:18:00.001-07:00

Here is my costume:

Chris Warewolf

Happy Hallowe'en

HARDCORE Original Art Sale

2010-10-27T09:24:00.001-07:00

Many of you know I used to draw a comic called Bellen! I drew over 800 strips and I have the original art for about 90% of them. It's stacking up all over my studio! There is hardly any room for all kinds of other types of original art and other crap like stacks of comics.

Anyway, it's important to me that I GET RID OF THEM. So for the next week original Bellen! art is on sale. The price has dropped from $50 to $20!! Each piece comes signed and suitable for framing. Get your art on! Makes a great holiday gift.

What are you waiting for?? Get over to the store!

Tea Partier Allen West

2010-10-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make sure I got this preview page from an upcoming story out before Election Day. The comic story is about the ubiquitous "Coexist" bumper sticker. The page itself was pretty difficult to craft as it was extremely text heavy.

Seen here:

This page depicts Allen West's incoherent anti-tolerance rant. Republican Allen West is the Tea Party candidate for House in Florida’s 22nd district. I'm not totally sure what this guy is talking about but coexisting is the laziest form of tolerance. If this guy gets angry at the idea of living on the same planet as people of other religions do we want him in a position of power?

Here the video of the speech:

PIX! Pittsburghers!

2010-10-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hey! Midwesterners! I'm gonna be at PIX tomorrow and Sunday. You can get all the items at my store. I think I might even bring this silk-screened print from the Law and Order art show. If you are in the area make sure you come down!

Chris Ware Original Art Exhibit

2010-09-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Sarah (she of Mousetrap Vintage, and my fiance) went to see the Chris Ware "Lint" art show at the Adam Baumgold gallery in Manhattan. The show was filled with original artwork from Ware's upcoming new "issue" of ACME Novelty Library, #20. I was able to procure a copy from the Drawn and Quarterly table at SPX and have read it twice since then. I'd probably be reading it right now if I hadn't misguidedly lent it to a friend.

The new book, subtitled "Lint" after the main character Jordan Lint, tells the story of one man's life from birth to death. Each page depicts one day from each year of his life. Though the story is told sequentially, by nature of just depicting one day or one moment there are lots of things that come about in the story that the reader doesn't find out about until much later in the book. Being as big a Ware fan as one can be, I've found that each volume of ACME is more and more in depth and genius. I was blown away by #19. I really can't get enough of the Rusty Brown story. But, #20 dwarfs THAT in terms of innovative story-telling, and mindfucking art. There is a page in #20 that, at first glance, you'd swear is a screen shot from a computer, but if you closely it's clearly hand-drawn. Ware is undoubtedly a genius.

So, seeing all these originals was awesome, but there was also a little nugget of extra art work from a proposed ACME Novelty Library animated HBO series (that never came to fruition). The blueline underdrawings you'll see in the photos add so much to the art work and understanding of his process. According to the sales list at the gallery it seems like Ware makes more from his original artwork than the book itself and that's completely warranted.

Here's the photos:

New Everything Dies Story

2010-09-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

There is a new story up at the Everything Dies site. It's about the Millerites.

I went to SPX and got some books

2010-09-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

I didn't have a chance to read all of these yet. It's so great seeing all this new work. I can personally vouch for all pictured and the few missing from the photo [I think they were in the bathroom).

Nathan Bulmer's Acidopolous was a great find. It's about this dude that goes to a "punk rock" show and takes LSD. Then a strange world grows around him. It says it's Acidopolous #1 let's hope that #2 is coming soon. Bulmer's website is mysterious.

Also I read the new "issue" of Acme Novelty Library. Let me premise this by saying that I'm a huge fan of Ware and I especially have enjoyed the Rusty Brown story so far. Further, I thought the last issue was an incredible use of the comics medium to tell an incredible story. It had a fully fleshed out pulp Sci-fi story in the middle for fuck's sake. But, #20 was on a whole new level. It tells the story of Jordan Lint (hence the title). It's his entire life, birth to death. Each page was one day in one year he was alive. No, description I could give would do it justice, but it seems to be a perfect use of the medium of comics.

SPX ruled. Thanks so much to everyone who came by. If I missed you sorry, books are still available :D

2010-09-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

This email came to me and it felt like a "godsend" I was stumped on the direction that I should take for the next Everything Dies story and then *woop* there it was.

I drew this back in March and it was the first story that wasn't specifically drawn from actual scripture (except Heart of Stonework, natch) but I thought it was a pretty good indicator of at least some peoples' actual belief system. I feel like forwarding emails is how a lot of people express their beliefs to the people they know. They receive something and think this is exactly what I think about this particular issue. Then they forward the email as a way of expressing themselves. So, in many ways I think this email forward expresses more real beliefs than depicting something from scripture.

I really found this story frightening! Also sad for the young men and women in these families.

Special thanks to E. C. Segar for the fight scene.

Everything Dies Issue 4 is still available in the store.

Also: if you ever want to submit these comics to Reddit or Digg or Stumbleupon, I'd be totally down with that.

2010-09-09T13:44:00.001-07:00

Hey now! SPX is this weekend! I will be there at table E12 with it'll be awesome. I will have pretty much everything at the store. But DEBUTING Everything Dies #4 and Bringing it All Back Home.

Here is my official SPX 2010 schedule:

Saturday Sept. 11:

11:00 AM: Standing behind table, selling wares, talking to people.

2:00 PM: Will start to get hungry and possibly buy a completely overpriced sandwich (unless someone brings me something better WILL trade comics for a sandwich [limit: one sandwich transaction per day])

5:00 PM: "What time does this end today?"

7:00 PM: Eat some sort of food and get a some beers at the hotel bar (accepting bottled beer donations)

9:00 PM: The Ignatz Awards. Even though this is my 4th (3rd?) SPX, I've never actually attended the Ignatz!

11:00 PM to ???: Partying with the nerds

Sunday Sept. 12:

12:00 PM: Standing behind table, trying not to be tired or hungover. CHUGGING COFFEE.

6:00 PM : very very sad that SPX is over.

Secret Prison Art Show

2010-09-02T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm in an art show that's opening this Friday. It features all work by artists in the FREE Secret Prison tabloids. It's a Brave New Worlds in Old City Philadelphia and features some sort of comics performance by Bob Pistilli Come by!

Small Press Expo 9/11-9/12 Bethesda, MD

2010-08-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hey I'll be at SPX with two new comics. Come see!

I made us Save the Date cards

2010-08-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Super fun. I'm available for custom card design, email me.

Everything Dies website is coming...

2010-08-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

Matthew Reidsma is helping me build it. We're looking at an early September launch to coincide with the release of Everything Dies #4.

PACC Report!

2010-08-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I went to the Philly Alt. Comic Con. It was so super-duper fun and it's only 4 blocks from my house! If you're not at it next year, you're in serious trouble.

This is my table, before the chaos.

Liz Baillie and Sally Bloodbath are the Kate Beaton of the PACC.

Liz gave out Hobo Names! This one is mine.

Oh man, this dude's T-shirt was fantastic.

Mike Sgier and the rest of the crew gettin' ready for the crowds.

I love that dude's hat.

L. Nichols and Liz getting PUMPED!

Kelly Phillips and Claire Folkman and the glowing orb.

Steve Teare and Jason Clarke GET CRAZY (seriously they got more crazy right after this photo was taken.)

Also, I saw Charles Burns walking around in the crowd, but I didn't take a photo of him cause I was playing it cool.

Philly Alt. Comic Con

2010-08-03T05:24:00.000-07:00

Did you know about the Philly Alt. Comic Con? It's THIS SUNDAY IN PHILADELPHIA! The guest list is even bigger than last year and it's gonna be even more incredibly awesome. I did the covers for the PACC Anthology. Check 'em out:

Covers for reals this time.

2010-07-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Debuting at SPX. The next issue features a 32 page Heart of Stonework story called "Argument". It's going to the printer soon. I'm modeling the printing of this comic on Papercutter. If you're familiar with that (you should be) you'll know that it's a little bigger than the previous issues at 6 in x 9 in. I'm pretty proud of this work and I hope people like it.

The debut of this book is dovetailing with the debut of everythingdiescomic.com where you'll be able to find full web-exclusive Everything Dies stories as well as news and information about the print books.

Also, I made a facebook jawn that you should join if you're on Facebook, which you are.

Here is back cover:

One story ends another...

2010-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is a little preview of the most recent page of Everything Dies. I'm between stories right now. Usually what I do in this case is take a few days to collect my thoughts listen to some Atheist Experience and Rapture Ready Radio, look up some stuff on wikipedia and an awesome story comes to me.

But, just as for fun what kind of religious/death story would you like to read? All suggestions will be considered!

On God...

2010-07-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Devotees will remember that in Everything Dies #1 and #2 God was depicted as a naked bearded man with a rather large member. And, in later issues God is always depicted as a faceless robed thing. Many may ask why the change?

Well, in ED 1 and 2 the main story is a depiction of a Christian bible story. In the Christian mythos God is said to have made humanity in his own image. Thus, God must look human. But, why the large penis? God is also perfect.

But in later issues we're not looking necessarily at the Christian God, so I wanted to make a God that could fit in with any religion. So, I mostly ripped off the Chick Tract God:

You'll note his anonymity. So in all later issues of Everything Dies you'll see this blank expressionless face:

New Page from New Story with New Influence

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

This is from a new story I am working on called "Demonstrable Proof". It's more about atheism than any of the other stories. But, a lot of this story and some of my other recent stuff has been under the influence of a Spanish cartoonist named Marti Riera.

Here is an example of his work.

I first came across his work in an old issue of RAW I picked up a while back. He's kinda like if Chester Gould and Charles Burns gave birth to a baby cartoonist and named him Marti. It's been quite difficult finding his stuff around. I was able to find one book he did in English called "The Cabbie" and I know very very little about it! It's on its way to my house right now.

Here's to good finds!

Goofin' off cover for Everything Dies #5

2010-07-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

I was goofing off last night and made a cover for Everything Dies #5. Not sure if I'm even going to go in this direction. But, I think this works for the story too. This issue is actually just one 32 page Heart of Stonework story and it wont be out until Winter 2011 so I have a long time to ponder it. Don't get too antsy.

oh also, if you are behind on your Everything Dies, get on that, man.

EDIT: I know I missed the N (I WAS GOOFIN' OFF)

2010-06-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

A recent panel (in color).

Working steadily on Everything Dies. Above is a colored panel from "Christ of the Ozarks" a story mostly about Gerald L. K. Smith.

I was recently interviewed about Everything Dies, PACC and a few other projects. Check it out on the awesome site Avoid the Future.

PACC: Limited Edition Anthology

2010-06-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

This is the cover for a very limited edition anthology that will be available at the Philly Alt. Comic Con. I also did the back cover and I'll be doing the interior covers. Wanna get a copy? You better be there!

Everything Dies #3 Release Party!

2010-06-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Oh man! You guys totally have to come to Locust Moon Comics this Friday!

Secret Prison #2!

2010-06-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a little preview from my page in Secret Prison #2. It's an awesome comics anthology featuring comic artists from Philadelphia AND a bunch from all over the world. The cover was done by the awesome Benjamin Marra.

Also: it's being funded by a kickstarter, but here is the thing, the Kickstarter allows people to buy advertising in the newspaper! It's pretty sweet. If you've got a buck or two you should throw it to Secret Prison, every buck counts.

2010-06-17T06:29:00.001-07:00

EVERYTHING DIES #3 IS NOW FOR SALE AT THE STORE! GET A PDF PREVIEW HERE AND ORDER IT HERE! Use the discount code "SECRETSRCOOL" to get 20% your order!

Also: MISPRINTS OF BAD HIGH SCHOOL POETRY 2 ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2 BUCKS!

Guess what is going out today!

2010-06-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Guess what I received in the mail today...(hint: it's Everything Dies #3). So, when people order something from the store I like to make a little drawing on the envelope. But, doing that for all the subscribers was a kind of a pain in the ass. But, I let no pain in the ass stop me from doing something awesome.

Here is some of the little drawings people got. All of them are characters from the stories. Sometimes I screwed up writing but I figured out fancy ways to fix it.

But my poor uncle Matt got the booby prize:

On Speed lines

2010-06-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

I did this panel yesterday attempting to show movement in the panel. I may or may not have succeeded. But, they look like statues compared to the E.C. Segar:

There are, of course, modern masters of the speed line. Kevin Huizenga comes to mind. Look at these two people riding bikes!

Nothin' Doin'

2010-06-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

Recently drawn page of Issue 5

Kirby Dots

2010-06-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a depiction of "energy" as reference. Who better to look at for inspiration (theft) than Jack Kirby?? Here is mine:

For a quarter more you can "Go Large"

2010-05-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Due to my newest tool (toy) a Mustek large format scanner, I've started drawing everything dies larger. The old page size was 7.25 x 11 in and the new is 9 in x 14 in. It's a slight difference, but ultimately it's common knowledge that drawing larger=better looking finished pages. I've come to agree.

I'm still getting used to drawing the top two panels. It's a bit awkward because my posture is a bit different than I'm used to. I draw with my face pretty close to the page, which must look weird. But, I can't reach the panels with my face cause they're at the top. It's starting to feel a bit more natural but I still feel a bit uncomfortable.

That's all. Here's a preview of the new page:

Chris Farley

2010-05-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

I think I accidentally started drawing a sequel to Beverly Hills Ninja. What do you think? It was an accident I swear!

Oh Boy...

2010-05-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

This dude is in for some shit. In Everything Dies #1 and #2 I did a revision of the biblical story of Job. Job was completely tested by God and Satan. Job went through serious physical ailments: boils, death of his children, etc. This new story "Heart of Stonework Presents: Argument" is kind of my own version of the Job story. This poor fellow is in for some mental anguish (though no boils).

I'm 5 pages in and there hasn't been any dialogue yet. I'm excited to get started on the meat of the story. I'll keep y'all updated.

Cartoonists Make T-Shirts

2010-05-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

One of the products that you'll find at every webcomic store is the t-shirt. I have never been good at designing t shirts and have always failed business-wise when making them. BUT! people like t-shirts and they like to buy them in order to support webcomics.

In an effort to get better at making them AND to tickle the reader's impulse buy part of their brain I've made a new venture: T-Shirts for Torsos! How it works is: every week I will create a new T-shirt design that will only be available for ONE WEEK!

I pretty much stole the idea from Paul Hornschemeier.

Everything Dies #5 First Page

2010-05-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

This is the first bunch of ink laid down on Everything Dies #5. I know what you're thinking #5?? What happened to #3 and #4? Well, sorry kid but those are already in the can! They'll be out later this year. This is #5, it'll be out early 2011 (most likely). Here is the lettering for the title of the first story "Heart of Stonework Presents: Argument"

I used a G-Pen on these letters to make them look more old school and shaky.

Here is the finished product. The dude in the first panel is only in that one panel. It kinda sucks cause after I drew him I was like, that dude is cool lookin'.

Are you out of the loop with this Everything Dies crap? Get yourself some copies!

Extra Stuff at TCAF!

2010-05-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

I make these little Daily Drawings every day (or at least I try to). I'll be bringing them to TCAF and I'm trying to make a whole bunch of them today (requests in the comments). They're 12 bucks, if you're at TCAF come and get 'em! If you're NOT at TCAF you can order one online.

Here are some more:

TCAF 2010

2010-05-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

TCAF is this weekend at the Toronto Reference Library! I will be there with all of my wares and everything at my store. Also I will have all of the available Daily Drawings too. I'm really excited about it. SO MANY of my favorite cartoonists are going to be there: Seth, Daniel Clowes, Chester Brown, Michael Deforge, Will Dinski, KC Green, Lucy Knisley, One Percent Press, etc. etc. it goes on and on! Literally, everyone there is incredible. Check out this list!

Also: you can read a Q and A session with a lot of the guests (including yours truly) right here.

If you are anywhere in the area you have to get there! Another thing that makes it awesome. Friday is my 30th birthday! I will be accepting gifts of all kinds all weekend.

Seriously. TCAF is gonna be INCREDIBLE!

A Cover from another Mother

2010-04-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Here is another cover I have been working on. It's based on an old Spiderman cover which I can't find right now. I'm not totally happy with it, but I really want to use these characters cause I already did the back cover. The BACK cover is actually a six panel comic in color! But, I don't know, we'll see. We still have a long way to go before #4 gets printed.

TCAF IS IN JUST OVER ONE WEEK!

First Shot at Everything Dies #4 cover

2010-04-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Devotees will remember that I always like to get a few crappy covers out of the way before settling on one to go with. But, I like the colors in this one and might stick with them. But, we've got quite a long way to go before this hits the "street" or "drops" as a feller says.

Number 3 will be out in June and this one is set to debut at SPX, although I don't have a table at SPX and I'm #20 on the waiting list. While I'm on the subject, anyone have a table they'd like to split with Box Brown??

EDIT: HERE IS ANOTHER ONE:

My Crappy Thumbnails

2010-04-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Here are my crappy thumbnails for Pre-Need. Now this is accompanied by a script. I've given up trying to write in dialog into thumbnails. Really for me (and I think most people) they are just for a visual look at how the pages are going to be laid out. Also, I don't think you can even remotely deduce the story from these badlarrys. But, feel free to go ahead and try. It may be hilarious, like a little game of telephone.

Estimated Arrival Date of Everything Dies #3: 6/15/10??

Drawing Dead Bodies

2010-04-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Had to draw my own dead body which I am fine with. Drawing a fabric is much much more difficult for me. I don't know if I accomplished what I was trying to do. I also think that I captured my a good likeness of my bulbous head.

In other news Everything Dies #3 has found a printer and will be out on schedule for late June/Early July release! Any comic shops out there who would like to have a release party for me?

I'm dead

2010-04-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

This is the page that made Sarah cry cause I included her in the page. I tried to make myself super old looking so in case this story becomes predictive I'll be super old. Also: I did a lot of research on this and apparently science predicts that in a few years people will develop X's on their eyes after death.

New Everything Dies Story

2010-04-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

I started working on a new story about my own death. With this lettering I think I was trying to mimic the ups and downs of life.

This story is mostly inspired by watching the entire series of Six Feet Under again recently. That is seriously the best show ever. Sarah started crying reading this story the other day cause she was sad thinking about my death. But, I'm really not trying to be depressing, the story is very matter-of-fact with a little humor thrown in.

MoCCA Stuffs!

2010-04-06T04:42:00.000-07:00

Secret Prison is a large format newspaper tabloid filled with comics by the best artists in Philadelphia. Much in the same vein as Smoke Signal, Secret Prison will be the eminent awesome alt. comics anthology newspaper in the country! Pick it up at MoCCA this weekend!

Also at MoCCA:

Click the image to see where me and Pranas (of Inkdick) are going to be at MoCCA come by! You can pick up all the stuff at my store!

Bodies of Water: Y'know, for kids

2010-03-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a kids book with my friend Daniel. It's about a little boy who never saw snow before but then one day he does see snow!

I'll post some images but I think generally we'll be keeping it tight lipped. Production of Everything Dies #4 will continue when this is through (a few more weeks).

Addendum: New Page 1

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

I added this little addendum/preamble to this story just to put it into context for the reader. I still can barely believe that this awesome email fell directly in my lap, but it's the truth. I assume the woman who accidentally forwarded the email to me was this this lady.

I am taking a break from this story for about a month to work on a childrens' book called Bodies of Water. It was written by my friend Dan. I'm pretty psyched about it! So, expect some little kid drawings on this blog for a lil while.

Two jobs/Mr. Mom

2010-03-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

This lady's life is mad crappy. She's working TWO jobs!? One as a coffee jockey at a diner or something and one as a telemarketer? And, her husband just reads the newspaper and grows a beard? That is total bullcrap. God will take care of her right?

The husband's bathrobe is based on my own and his beard is based on Michael Keaton's beard in Mr. Mom.

Cheap shot

2010-03-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

I've been adapting a Jehovah's Witness cautionary poem for Everything Dies #4. This is a scene where the lead character is starting to withdraw from her culture because her husband doesn't believe in Jehovah God. But the author of the "poem" (unknown), takes a cheap shot at reading! What's wrong with reading?

Also: Watchtower is a real magazine. So, if that's what the woman WAS reading, then I guess, yeah, it does sound boring!

I made a new informative page about Everything Dies, which includes a 5 page preview of every issue including the forthcoming #3.

Marry Only in the Lord

2010-03-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

These are the opening panels from Everything Dies #4 (we're getting ahead of ourselves aren't we?). This story is intended to show a strong current belief of the Jehova's Witness sect and also as a cautionary tale about E-mail forwards. See my name is Brian Brown and I receive emails for the wrong Brian Brown constantly. I received one recently that blew me away. It was a "poem" that would serve as a reminder for women of the Jehova's Witness faith to only marry within the faith, lest some bad things happen to you.

This was pure Everything Dies GOLD. The weird and unmetered forced rhyming couplets combined with the preposterous outcome for the woman made it impossible NOT to adapt. I tried contacting the woman that sent it to me to ask some follow up questions, but she hasn't yet written me back.

Another Possible (probable) Cover

2010-03-09T05:24:00.001-08:00

I think I will end up using this one. It's "new Jerusalem".

Sumi-e?

2010-03-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

Trying to emulate those awesome sumi-e paintings in Heart of Stonework. This was my first ever attempt at it. So, I just went straight to the publishable work without any practice, seems rational right? Anyway, part of me thinks I accomplished what I was going for. Here are some examples of, you know, good ones:

Also: Everything Dies #1 and #2 is now for sale at the store!

Possible Cover for Everything Dies #3

2010-03-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

I have found that whenever I am working on covers I have to run through a couple of bad ones before I come up with a finished one. But, I kinda like this one. It might be something I can build upon.

Everything Dies #3 wont be printed until later in the year (SPX-ish? Maybe early summer, we'll see how the cons go). But, I'm ready to put it in the can and move on to #4, which I started yesterday! #4 is shaping up to be the Hades/Scientology issue.

Tom Hart's Cameo

2010-02-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

I don't think I quite captured his likeness, but this part of the comic is based totally a comment Tom left on a post last week. I got to know Tom a few years back when I took his class at SVA in New York. I loved it so much I took it twice! If you live in the area and you are into making comics I wholly suggest taking Tom's class. It's called "How Comics Rule" that's the best name ever.

By the way, he's talking about Tipler's Omega Point Theory.

Everything Dies #1 and #2 are for sale starting tomorrow...

Heart of Stonework boyz are back

2010-02-23T05:29:00.000-08:00

The HOS boys

In the final story of Everything Dies #3, The Heart of Stonework boys are actually interacting with other peoples! Imagine that? They'll probably talk about some existential junk and blow your mind.

Everything Dies #1 and #2 have been mailed out to kickstarter backers and subscribers. Individual issues will be available from the store starting Friday and soon in better comic shops across the states.

WTF!? What's science doin' in a religious book??

2010-02-18T04:51:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not a professor of mathematics and physics at Tulane University, a Dr. Frank J. Tipler, has a scientific theory that "proves" that heaven exists. I wanted to include this in the "Paradise" comic to depict science's response to heaven. Some people DO believe it you know? But, I want to be a responsible skeptic too.

Upon reading the theory, my skeptic alarms were going off all over the place. I knew there was something wrong, there's bad science going on here. So, I turned to the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe forums and they cleared it all right up. They are getting a sweet "thank you" in Everything Dies #3 for sure.

Further: Everything Dies 1 and 2 is supposed to be delivered today! Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Hindu Heaven

2010-02-16T05:06:00.000-08:00

The Hindu afterlife is incredibly complicated and awesome. It could probably have done with having it's own comic (and will eventually). These are a few of the relationships a Hindu person can have with God. It's all extremely interesting to me.

Everything Dies #3 Progress Report: 25/32 (or possibly 36)

I'm also taking suggestions on your favorite Non-Christian religious stories. Though, bible stories are awesome (especially because some people believe them to be literally true) I need religious stories from other religions to draw. So, if you've got a favorite fill me in!

Islamic Paradise

2010-02-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

I am moving into the description of Islamic heaven. Drawing cartoons about the Muslim faith can make you a little wary. There has been some trouble in the past. But, I am doing my best to remain true to the descriptions in the wikipedia article. But, visually I based this on many many google image searches of "heaven." But, I also kinda wanted to make a little homage to Marjane Satrapi too. She uses a lot of hard blacks and whites so I tried to emulate that a little.

Everything Dies #3 Progress Notes: This is page 22 of 32 (or possibly 36)

Title Lettering

2010-02-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

This is the title of the Heaven comic. First up clearly is Kabbalah. I tried to make some sort of visual metaphor where the light (heaven) is above the dark (hell). Not sure if that metaphor will come through since I did the same thing with the titling for the Mormon Folklore story. Maybe, I'll fill in all the black.

Great Mormon Earlobes

2010-02-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

President Spencer W. Kimball was head of the Mormon church in 1978. He was the one who "received the testimony" about the curse on African American people. Amazingly, the testimony came after the church had received a lot of political pressure about their racism. So, the curse which had lasted since the beginning of time, was lifted by God.

But, one of the things that amazed me about Mr. Kimball is his AMAZING earlobes! They kick total ass! As someone with large earlobes himself I know when there are some serious lobes. This dude's earlobes could be cooked up and used to feed a small army. Check it out:

Taking on Lucifer

2010-02-02T04:53:00.000-08:00

Oh man that battle was crazy.

The comic I am currently working on is about the Mormon's sad and tumultuous relationship with African Americans. The first part has been mostly a war in heaven though. Lots of heads chopping off and stabbings. Lucifer v. God, etc. But, now I have to move on to the hard hitting social commentary. Now THAT is scary, amirite??

Incidentally, I drew probably my favorite panel I ever drew. I mentioned it in yesterday's Hourly Comics. Drawing it put me in a weird, mind-melted state. Check it out:

MEGA-MIND MELT!

Temple G's

2010-01-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Mormons: They're great.

This story about the Mormon Temple Garments required some research. Actually, pretty much all these stories do. But, in doing the research it's funny and awesome what I find. This amazing Ex-Mormon message board. It's a goldmine.

Also, this comic page was particularly fun to do. I really like doing these monologue pages. Peter Bagge and Crumb are the best at it. It's really difficult to make them interesting visually. I'm not sure I accomplished it, but I enjoyed trying.

And his father...

2010-01-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

Trying to maintain some sort of family resemblance. This panel (or group of panels) is from a comic about Mormon underwear from Everything Dies #3.

I have to say Mormon's are so awesome and fun to learn about that I might have to make this whole issue the Mormon issue. For instance, did you know that Brigham Young, the guy they named the university after, had 55 f***ing wives?? But, only 54 children. You know what that means? A whole bunch of those wives (the majority) were JUST FOR F***CKING!! Or, I guess cleaning up the place.

It's a preview party, it's a preview partee!

2010-01-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

Big Foot? What does that have to do with religious myth? Well, I'd like to leave it as a bit of a mystery. Don't want to give away ALL of Everything Dies #3. I did, however try and recreate this amazing Big Foot photo:

Ahh! It's real, it's real!

The Final Covers with Lettering

2010-01-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

Ray Frenden finished up the lettering for the covers, looks great Ray!

Further: files went to the printer yesterday.

Everything Dies Book Release Party!

2010-01-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

Brave New Worlds in Philadelphia is hosting my book release party. Anyone in the general area should come hang out! If you donated through kickstarter you can pick up your books, if you want to get some extras you can. If you forgot to donate you can get your copies early! Stay hang out, we can talk comics and have some beers.

Friday March 12, 2010

6 to 9 pm.

Brave New Worlds

45 N. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA

Facebook Event thing

Kickstarter Ends, Everything Dies #3 production Begins!

2010-01-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

-Kickstarter ended on Friday, we made a total of $3,279.00! WOOP WOOP!! I am working on the printing of Everything Dies 1 and 2 currently. More news on release dates as they come.

-Philly people (and hardcore fans) pay attention: There WILL be a book release party/signing in Philadelphia. Keep your eyes here for more information as it comes.

-Work began on Everything Dies #3 which will take a look at Mormon Folklore. Here is a preview:

On creating space...

2010-01-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, first you must invent the universe." - Carl Sagan

For some reason, a recurring theme in my comics is a guy floating around in space. I've drawn it MANY times in many different comics for many different reasons. But, I've never been totally happy with the way I drew empty space. Dots for stars? Draw planets? I don't know?

I think I figured it out now.

I found a brush that is many many dots. So, first I use to make BLACK dots on white space.

I do it in reverse, because if I make white dots on black space, it's TOO many. So, I make it black on white and invert it.

When I invert it, the white seems more sparse. If it's still too dense I can select the black and expand the selection, then fill it with more black until I get to where I like it.

The finished product.

From the back inside cover...

2010-01-05T15:44:00.001-08:00

Everything Dies #1 rewrite?

2010-01-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Part of the new story

In reviewing and preparing Everything Dies #1 for printing I realized that I miscounted the pages in the creation process. I had only made 28 pages instead of the 32 pages I wanted to do originally. What to do? I decided to eliminate a two page "Heart of Stonework" story and replace it with a brand new SIX PAGE "Heart of Stonework" story. I've thumbnailed the whole thing out and I think this was a blessing in disguise. The new story is much better than the one it's replacing.

Just 11 more days at Kickstarter. We're overfunded, which means more and better looking copies of the books. You still have time left to get some sweet rewards.

Well, almost anyway...

2009-12-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

Not quite yet, my shirtless hero.

We are nearing the end of the main production of Everything Dies #2, though. Then I just have to redesign the cover and do A LOT of production work (intern, plz!). The week of Jan. 15 both issues go to the printer!

If you want to get the first copies off the press OR get your name in the thank you page or more likely both, you can still get some of the Kickstarter rewards if you act before Jan. 15.

Ray Frenden to Design Title Lettering for Everything Dies!

2009-12-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

The artist

Ray Frenden, insanely talented illustrator and staunch anti-specwork advocate has agreed to design the title lettering for Everything Dies. The original lettering from the front covers was a blambot font and while I liked the look of it, it wasn't very original. I've tried my hand at handlettering titles (even own a number of books on the subject) and I probably could've done a suitable job. But, come on, this is Ray Frenden! Look at his hand-lettering:

Very excited to have Ray on board!

Kickstarter is poised to be fully funded very very soon! I have decided that any additional funds that are accumulated above the original $2500 will go towards the printing and shipping of Everything Dies #3!

Possible Cover for Everything Dies #2

2009-12-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

I really like the composition for this one. Here is the problem. This smoking character never appears in Everything Dies at all (it's a totally smoke-free book!). I think I am going to recreate the composition with The Master from "Heart of Stonework" as the character, but use the same composition.

Here is an updated cover with the Master from Heart of Stonework. Though, it sort of loses something without that cigarette.

Kickstarter news: Only 5 more backers until we reach our sexy mini-goal of 69 backers!!

The DBZ-Heart of Stonework Connection part 2

2009-12-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

These characters in Heart of Stonework are absolutely based on Krillin from Dragonball Z. I totally forgot about that! Krillin is my favorite DBZ character, definitely. He's a very humble little monk and he's very nice. But he has no nose. Here is a little note about forehead dots from the wiki article:

"In Buddhist culture, dots or markings are made on a monks forehead or brow chakra to indicate the mystical third eye, and symbolizes spiritual wisdom. This marking helps serve as a reminder to the monk to focus their energies toward achieving higher understanding of the world around them."

Kickstarter is stuck around the $1700 mark, help out, if you can!

The Afterlife

2009-12-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

From a Heart of Stonework story. Clearly, I have no knowledge of Buddhist understanding of the afterlife. So, instead of looking it up I based it on something that I did have knowledge of.

DRAGONBALL Z!

The Dragonball Z afterlife involves something called "snakeway." In the afterlife, you can travel along snakeway to meet King Kai. King Kai lives on a little planet with a monkey and grasshopper. He has dominion over our area of the galaxy and can send you back to Earth if need be.

Only $808 dollars left on the kickstarter! Come get some!

The Final 9 pages of Everything Dies #2

2009-12-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't enlarge those if you don't want mild spoilers. I don't think you'll be able to read much of it, but you might get an idea of the story.

In kickstarter news, we are definitely on pace for full funding, but we're not there yet, if you haven't donated, might I suggest checking out the sweet rewards you get for donating.

On Violence...

2009-12-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

I had to depict war on a page I worked on yesterday. It's probably the most violent imagery I've ever drawn. I was talking to a friend the other day about The Sopranos and how violent it is. And, while I am titillated by it the violence can be a little upsetting. My friend said that the violence never bothers him. I guess that makes sense, it's fictional. I can't help it though a lot of times I can't stop thinking that while it's fictional things like that AND worse really happen! I don't know.

I must say though, drawing these images of war was really fun. I think just cause it was a departure for me.

Kickstarter facts:

Backers: 49

Fundages: $1442 of $2500

Days left: 36

Donations from you? Needed.

My best depiction of heresy

2009-12-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

I just thought it was funny.

Omega Status: 5 of 8 pages completed.

Kickstarter status: $1387.00 of $2500.00 and counting...

Franz Ferdinand: Research

2009-12-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

In doing research for "Omega" I found that one religion believe that the End Times began in 1914 with the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. And, I was able to find out that Franz Ferninand was awesome looking! Look at that mustache! Look at that hair! So, I had fun drawing this panel:

In Kickstarter news, we're rapidly approaching the 50% mark! YOU could be the one who puts us over!

Movin on...

2009-12-07T04:46:00.000-08:00

Since the last post, I've started work on some new stories:

'Nother Hear of Stonework story. It's 3 pages and it's totally done. I've given the two guys names. The old one's name is "Master" and the young guy's name is "Pupil."

"Omega" is a companion piece to "Alpha" from Everything Dies #1. It's about common myths about the end of the world. I started off with the Mormon apocalypse.

The Kickstarter project is approaching the $1000 mark. You can help! Donate!

Book of Job Story Finished!

2009-12-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

SPOILER!!

Finished "Conclusion of the Book of Job" moving on to a Heart of Stonework story.

Evolution of a Panel

2009-12-03T05:12:00.000-08:00

Rough panel

Clearly those are a bunch of flaming q-tips. No, no it's actually a bunch of pigeons on stakes on fire!

Penciled and inked

As you can see the flaming pigeons are totally on stakes and on fire. You thought I was lying, but clearly I wasn't. But, something was missing. There were supposed to be words in this panel! D'oh!

Extra-words

I added in the extra words on the side. And, put them in through the magic of Photoshop!

Finished Panel!

Oh and some totally good news on the Kickstarter front! We've absolutely SMASHED through the $600 mark. One of the prizes you can get is a subscription to all of the future Box Brown comics, it would make a great Christmas gift.

Conclusion of the Book of Job pg. 8 of 12

2009-12-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

Book of Job is moving along nicely. Although I must say I am getting tired of drawing God. I drew him with a big penis cause let's face it: God has the biggest penis. I really got a lot done last night. Plus, I made a Christmas present.

Here is a pile of pages:

Click for bigger

Everything Dies #2: Page 6/32

2009-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Panels from page 6 of "The Conclusion of the Book of Job"

We are plugging along here at Box Brown studio working hard on Everything Dies #2. About half way through the "Conclusion of the the Book of Job." God has finally decided to talk to Job!

Also: I've started doing research on the Book of Mormon. I think I'll be adapting a story for Everything Dies #3 (heads up Subscribers and certain Kickstarter funders!). I ordered this book to help out.

Also: if you haven't funded the Kickstarter project you should get on it. If it doesn't get funded, the books will still be published but I'll suffer minor embarrassment.

Everything Dies #2 Production has Officially Began

2009-11-25T04:33:00.000-08:00

I have officially started working on Everything Dies #2. The second part of the "Book of Job" is fully thumbnailed and the first page is done. Unfortunately, we've totally stalled at Kickstarter! If you haven't donated anything, you really should cause you will feel better about yourself. You know with Kickstarter you are not charged until the project is fully funded.

One note about the project: current subscribers have no fear! If the project ends up not being fully funded (ye gods forbid) the books will still get printed. There will just be less of them and they wont be as nice lookin' and there will be a longer break in between the printing of each.

The back cover maybe?

2009-11-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

The back cover features things that die! It's actually kinda based on an awesome Flaming Lips song called "Rainin' Babies" (natch). I was thinking about putting a baby on the cover a while back, but I like the new cover without the baby. But, I figure for the back cover I can keep around that idea.

The Cover, maybe?

2009-11-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

A cover design that hasn't made me vomit yet. It's based on this awesome Seth print that I have hanging up above my desk.

Kickstarter is going well today! Thanks to Kevin Church for blogging about it!

2009-11-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

Everything Dies (#1 and 2) have now become a kickstarter project. Check out the link to see a video explanation of what that is. Basically, it allows patrons of the arts to help fund the printing of this project (and get some awesome art in exchange!)

From the Thumbs to Final Art

2009-11-20T05:31:00.000-08:00

Two samurai

Just thought it would be interesting to see where thumbnails take you. Obviously, it's nearly exactly the same. Those lines on the thumbnails are obviously trees and bushes and stuff.

ACTION!

Here is probably the most action packed panel you'll find in a Box Brown comic.

One other thing, people often look for best methods for printing and creating mini-comics. For beginners and advanced creators alike there is absolutely nothing better than "Reproguide." It's a free .pdf download of a guide created by comic MASTERS: Jordan Crane, Ron Rege, Jr., Brian Ralph and David Chloe. Check out Jordan Crane's site and scroll down for a description.

Thumbs

2009-11-19T04:56:00.000-08:00

Immaculate thumbnails from page one of a "Heart of Stonework" story.

I'm almost done with first issue already! Imagine that? I'm really bad about thumbnailing and a lot times I don't even do it! But, last night I decided to draw up the last few pages of Everything Dies #1. Without revealing too much of the story here are a few of my favorite thumbnails from this Heart of Stonework story.

Two Samurai's walk through the woods.

An action shot!

Crappy First Cover Designs

2009-11-18T04:42:00.000-08:00

Rejected cover design for Everything Dies

Last night I got an idea for a cover for Everything Dies. I think coming up with a cover that you'll reject is an important part of developing a cover. It's incredibly important to have an interesting cover because in many many ways people DO judge a book by its cover. Also, you gotta make sure the cover is indicative of the art and story inside. There is nothing worse than an awesome cover with some other different crap on the inside. Here are some other rejected covers for your amusement.

This had WAY too many elements in it. I eventually kept the color scheme though.

Two things: 1) this looks like two blobs. 2) The characters who are wrestling are totally minor characters in the story.

Catcher in the Rye is probably the best story about a high school kid ever made, so I wanted to emulate that. It doesn't show you much of the art inside though.

The G-Pen

2009-11-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

The G-Pen!

I mostly use brush and ink nowadays, but I used to use a G-Pen exclusively. The G-Pen is a Japanese pen-nib which was created for manga (I believe). It's extremely flexible and allows for imperfect form. An excellent tool for sure. This is what I use it for nowadays.

Before the G-pen

After the G-pen

See, I don't use it that often anymore, just mostly to make little hatch-marks. But, the G-pen is an incredibly versatile tool.

Everything Dies: Alpha

2009-11-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

The other large story in Everything Dies is called "Alpha" as in the Alpha and the Omega. It's all these little creation myths from all over the world. They're all really interesting and crazy. I did the lettering on the first page by hand which I'm not very good at but I'm practicing hardcore.

Oh the other thing. There is a lot more black in the final pages. It all depends on how busy I am. If I am not busy I'll fill in the blacks by hand but if I'm swamped (or lazy) I'll fill 'em in, in photoshop (BLASPHEMER!!) If I ever sell these originals I'll go back and fill in all the blacks.

Everything Dies Cover Inspiration

2009-11-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

"The inside is good, but it needs a new cover"

-James Kochalka on Bad High School Poetry #1

I looked at the cover and I thought, he's totally right. I love designing covers to my books but I'm not very good at it. At best I can create one that isn't repulsive to look at. I think BHP #2 came out good but I worked really hard on coming up with something that was appealing and indicative of what's to come inside. So, for Everything Dies, I've started doing research early. I found a few covers that I can use as inspiration.

I think this leaves a lot of room for images from the book. Since there are multiple stories in it, it might be best to have a little image from each.

This stood out to me because of the minimal coloring. The inside of the book is black and white so having a black and white illustration on the cover might be the way to go. But, the cover wont be devoid of color, you know?

I like the colors in this and I like the idea of using red lines on the illustration.

Not sure what I'll end up using but I've still got a little more than half of the book to do so, you know, we'll see.

Book of Job Panels

2009-11-12T05:06:00.000-08:00

The pencilings of a panel. It always goes pencil-borders-lettering. Then I can move on to inking.

I usually ink left to right and top to bottom. Why? Cause I'm a righty and otherwise that's an ink smear you don't want to know about. Incidentally, I use deleter white out if that DOES happen.

Final inked panel. Now, click on the next episode of Law & Order SVU on Netflix Instant Watch

Bad High School Poetry #2 and Subscriptions!!

2009-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Bad High School Poetry #2

Bad High School Poetry #2 is now FOR SALE at the store.

You can now also subscribe to all of the Box Brown print comics. Subscriber copies will be signed and mailed BEFORE issues go up for sale (for future issues, natch). Subscribers will also receive reduced shipping.

Color Test

2009-11-11T04:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to be coloring these pages for the print version of Everything Dies, it's a matter of cost. But, if I were to color them I think I would do this minimal coloring thing. Here is the other thing, I may put all or some of the "Book of Job" story on the web, though and if that was the case it would be in color. Although, there is a part of me who wants someone else to color these pages, just to see how someone who knows what they're doing color my work.

Monster Day!

2009-11-10T04:53:00.000-08:00

Pages 6-10 of the "Book of Job"

I had a monster work day yesterday. In addition to some other illustration work. I got three pages of "The Book of Job" done. Bringing the total page count of Everything Dies to 16 of 32 pages. Moving right along.

Bad High School Poetry #2 should arrive here this week and be up for sale this week also.