Who's your Comic Book Crush? with all round good guy and occasionalcomic book creator Matt Timson

WHO’S YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH?


Matt Timson was born in 1970 and is almost as old as he looks. He has been a full time illustrator since 1998 and, since 2008, has drawn a literal handful of comics for Image, Top Cow, and Self Made Hero. He is currently working on LogicEngine, a creator owned labour of love. It's going very slowly.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST COMIC AND DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?

It was an Avengers comic and I was about 3 or 4 years old. I was visiting my Gran in Mablethorpe and I remember being confused about the fact that Giant Man's hand was so big as it pushed through a door (although I didn't realise that it was Giant Man at the time. In fact, I probably couldn't even read). I don't have it anymore.
DO YOU BUY COMICS REGULARLY?

Not really. There was a time when I'd buy everything my local newsagent had to offer- and then I worked in a comic shop, so I read everything that came through the door. Comics are just too expensive now, though and I don't believe in pirating them, so I limit myself to trades of stuff that comes recommended. That said, I've started buying more digital- but usually only when it's on sale.
WHEN YOU BUY A TITLE IS IT FOR THE STORY, CHARACTERS OR THE CREATIVE TEAM?

Usually the creative team- or if the story comes recommended.
WHAT WAS THE LAST COMIC YOU BOUGHT?

That would be Lex Luthor, Man of Steel- through Comixology. It was on sale and I just liked the look of it.
HOW DO YOU PREFER TO READ, DIGITAL OR PRINT?

Print- but that will probably change if I ever get myself an iPad.
YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST(S)?

Ooh! Lots! Top of a long list would have to be Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave McKean, Alan Davis, Frazer Irving and Jock. And classic Bizley. All for different reasons.
YOUR FAVOURITE WRITER(S)?

Grant Morrison and Alan Moore. There are more, but it's difficult to choose- so I'm going with the two that have had the most profound effect on me as a reader. It's a shame they don't get on- I'm never going to be able to invite them both round for tea and buns at the same time.
WHAT COMIC(S) HAVE PROVEN MOST INFLUENTIAL?

Another difficult one, but probably Moore and Davis' Captain Britain run. It was the benchmark for a long, LONG time, as far as I was concerned. Anything by Jock- he's got a great eye for interesting layouts that make the experience enjoyable, even if I don't like the story that much.
EARTH IS DYING! BUT YOU’VE WON A SPOT ON THE SPACE ARK LEAVING EARTH! 
YOU’RE ONLY ALLOWED TO TAKE 5 COMICS. WHICH ONES DO YOU TAKE?

Meh- I'll give up my spot to somebody a bit more useful. Honestly, I've got thousands of comics- no way I'm picking 5! 5 trades, *maybe*. I don't know what off the top of my head, though. Thing is, those 5 comics (or even 5  trades) would eventually become your own personal idea of hell. You'd probably be willing to trade your left nut for a different 5 after a while.
YOUR FAVOURITE OR MOST MEMORABLE COVER?

Annoyingly, I keep thinking of Jock's Joker cover- the one with the Joker's head made of bats. It's not really my favourite, but every time I come back to this question, it's the one that pops into my head- so it wins by default!
WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

Probably Johnny Bates. Or Zenith. Hmmm… Zenith.
ARE YOU READING ANYTHING ELSE AT THE MOMENT?

I've usually got several books on the go, so I'm probably not reading any of them properly. Amazingly, I've been reading 'Fear and Loathing, on the campaign trail,' by Hunter S Thompson, on and off, since I bought it around 1990. I haven't finished it yet. I've also just read the rather catchily titled, 'Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100,' by Michio Kaku. Interesting stuff, but it does makes modern life seem a bit rubbish.
WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO CREATE COMICS?

I've recently realised that for me, it's less about creating comics and more about telling stories. I really just want to write and draw my own stuff- and I'm probably going to do that in comic form. Or really bad prose. With lots of illustrations.
DO YOU WORK WITH A REGULAR WRITING PARTNER?

No- although I have a hit list of writers that I'd like to work with. Only managed a couple of them so far, though.
WHAT ARE YOUR WORKING METHODS: DO YOU SET YOURSELF DEADLINES? OR DO YOU WORK WHEN THE MOOD TAKES YOU?

Deadlines for regular work, but when the mood takes me for my own stuff.
HOW IS YOUR ARTWORK PRODUCED? DO YOU USE TRADITIONAL TOOLS OR DIGITAL OR A MIX OF BOTH?

All digital. I use Photoshop, Painter and Manga Studio. Photoshop is still my main drawing tool, but I'm trying to fully migrate to Manga Studio.
FAVOURITE THING TO DRAW?

Heads. All heads, all the time.
WHAT’S THE WORST BIT ABOUT DRAWING COMICS?

I'm never happy with what I've done once it's finished. I get that with pretty much everything I draw, to be honest- but it feels even more pronounced with comics. Maybe it's because they take me so long? Also- the pay is abysmal. ABYSMAL!
DO YOU GO TO CONVENTIONS? DO YOU ENJOY THEM? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

I do go to conventions, just not as often as I'd like. Traditionally, my favourite has always been Bristol, even though it's a bit of a pig to get to. Everybody I know rates Thought Bubble as the best, and I've managed to buy tickets and book a room three years in a row, without ever actually getting there (a mixture of illness and deadlines). This year, I just decided that I wasn't going to go and that was that. Maybe next year. I say that every year, mind.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO SMALL PRESS/INDEPENDENT CREATORS?

Well, it's different for everyone. For me, it'd be getting paid- but for somebody else, it might be something as simple as a lack of exposure. I do know a few people that are desperate to get on in the industry and I really feel for them when they can't get people to buy their stuff- even when they're practically giving it away.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS AND AMBITIONS?

To live until at least 2050. Ray Kurzweil has assured me that if I can make it that far, I can live forever. I mean I might not want to live forever- but it's nice to have the choice, isn't it? Slightly shorter term, I'd like to get on and finish LogicEngine, my own creator owned wotsit. It's mostly written and just needs drawing.
WHO WOULD WIN IN A FIGHT, JUDGE DREDD OR CYCLOPS (SCOTT SUMMERS)?

Hmmm… I want to say Dredd, because he's a double-hard bastard and no mistake. Sadly, I think that the guy that can reduce your head to a mushy pulp just by looking at it will win the day.
WHICH COMIC CHARACTER DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?

Probably Spider-man- but I definitely went through phases of wanting to be Iron Man and Billy The Cat as well. I made my own Iron Man suit out of cardboard- it was ace!
AND WHICH WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE NOW?

Probably Marvelman. Or Miracleman. Or whatever they've decided to call him now. Ken? Ken's a good solid name.
AND FINALLY...
WHO IS YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH?

That would probably be Selene, the X-Men bad guy. I remember her outfit and the whole sucking the life-force out of her victims making me feel extremely funny in my tummy at the tender age of 13. I've always fancied bossy, domineering women. Even the ones written by Chris Clairmont. 

Thank you Matt for taking the time and effort to get involved. 

You can pop along and thank Matt for taking the time to fill out our questionnaire and follow his comic book adventures at any of the links at the bottom of the page, you can also get a look into his real life adventures on the likes of Instagram too, he makes a mean Walter White! Keep an eye out for Matt's up and coming creator owned LogicEngine, it already looks killer. 

It's worth having a gander at Matt's Instagram for the awesome Starbucks Sketches, which will soon be for sale on Matts store, fancy one? Hit him up, side the head and tell him to get a move on!!!

www.matttimson.com

www.twitter.com/matt_timson

Get cool stuff here!!!!

http://nosmit.bigcartel.com/

Lush, the Wind Street Wonder

A sneak peek of one of the new heroes introduced in Copperopolis issue 2: Lush, the Wind Street Wonder.

Unlettered version, pencils and roughs available on ThisManThisPete.com

It's Plain & Simple - Buy a Tee, Support a Cause...

Stuck for a present this holiday season? Head on over to It's Plain & Simple and treat someone to a quality Tee and you get to feel good about supporting a good cause.

It's Plain & Simple produce well designed, hand printed tees, ethically. They use organic cotton, eco inks and recycled biodegradable packaging. With every purchase, £5 will go directly to the chosen monthly cause. This month it is The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children 

Freefall character reference.

By SonofKen. 

The Echo

The Echo figure study by SonofKen. 

Freefall

Character redesign for Freefall. 

Deep Pockets rough by SonofKen.

Townhill Posse Rider rough by SonofKen.

Drink and Draw

Last night Adam, Pete, Sok, Ricky, Lawrence, "I ain't doin' your stinkin' beermats" Tranter and eventually Lee "I thought it was tomorrow" Phillips took over the raised level of the Potters Wheel in Swansea for our first Drink and Draw. From the moment that the event started until way past our advertised finish time our artists didn't stop drawing, or drinking, so here are the results of this booze fuelled sketchathon.

So first up is "Prolific" Pete who was on fire,drawing like there was no tomorrow:

Cute Cap

Wonder Woman

Cyber Goth

Cute Hawkeye

Cute Bilbo

Another Wonder Woman

And the Last sketch of the night Cloak and Dagger

Next up is Mark "SoK" Hughes:

Sean on of the customers 

Green Lantern

Lawrence:

The Punisher

Swamp Thing

and the last of the artists to use the beermats is "Late" Lee:

Spider Jerusalem 

Gambit

Wolverine

Beast, Pencils by Lee and inks by SoK

Then there's Tranter who refused to draw on the beermats but did do these sketchcards:

Another Swamp Thing

The Joker

Thank you to the Potters Wheel and the Staff for allowing us to use the space, and thank you to all the people who attended and made this Drink and Draw a massive success (so much so Pete and Tranter have homework)  with your purchases of Sketches and Comics. For those who missed it don't despair we will be back at the Potters Wheel on the 11th of December for Drink and Draw 2: Drink Harder!

   

Who is your Comic Book Crush with Jay Fosgitt

Hey all you kids out there, do we have a treat for you or do we have a treat for you? You can probably tell already that we have a treat for you, right? We recently contacted the super talented and ultra friendly Jay Fosgitt, creator of such wonders as Bodie Troll and Dead Duck among other amazing creations and asked him to participate in our 'Who is your Comic Book Crush?' questionnaire. Jay being the cool customer he is, took the time out if his more than busy schedule to give us a little insight into the working and non working mind of a solid comic book pro, join us in discovering what makes Jay tick, what gets him out of bed in the morning and the Comic Book maven that makes his cheeks ablush! Please check out Jays links in this article and drop by to show him the much deserved adulation this stand up guy deserves, you could even take Bodie a stinking root, watch your fingers though!!!

'WHO IS YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH?'

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST COMIC AND DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?
I had some hand-me-down, dog-eared copies of "Archie", "Casper" and other kids' comics growing up. But the first comic book I can remember buying was issue #8 of DC's "Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew" (1982) when I was eight years old. I'd become a full-blown comic collector only a year or so later. And yes, I still have that issue in my collection. 

DO YOU BUY COMICS REGULARLY?
Not like I did from 1984 through 2000 (ages 10-26). Those were my peak years for collecting. But I still buy stuff that looks interesting every couple months or so.

WHEN YOU BUY A TITLE IS IT FOR THE STORY, CHARACTERS OR THE CREATIVE TEAM?
All three, though not always for all three reasons at once. I started collecting the "Zatanna" comic a couple years back based exclusively on the artwork. But when they put a different artist on the book, I was done with it. And I resent the bait-and-switch of a great artist for the cover of a comic, and a lackluster artist doing the interiors. It's false advertising.  

WHAT WAS THE LAST COMIC YOU BOUGHT?
It was an old back issue of Marvel's "New Mutants" #22 (1984) that I picked up in a month ago. I'm more likely to buy twenty five-year old back issues than new stuff anymore, because it takes me back to my childhood. 

HOW DO YOU PREFER TO READ, DIGITAL OR PRINT?
Always print. Not only because you lose some of the visual clarity with digital, but because I'm old fashioned, and like having that book in my hands and in my collection. Again, it takes me back to my childhood.

YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST(S)?
Jim Henson, Mike Mignola, Humberto Ramos, Tim Sale, Sergio Aragones, Brian Froud, Skottie Young, John Romita Jr., John Buscema, Albert Uderzo, Walt Kelly, EC Segar, Charles Schulz, Geroge Herriman, and Al Williamson. The list goes on...

YOUR FAVOURITE WRITER(S)?
Just to name a few, Jeph Loeb, Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, J.M. Barrie, L. Frank Baum, Jim Henson, Jerry Juhl, and Joss Whedon.  

WHAT COMIC(S) HAVE PROVEN MOST INFLUENTIAL?
"Groo the Wanderer" (Epic/Marvel), "Flaming Carrot"(Dark Horse), "'Mazing Man" (DC) and "Spider-Ham" (Marvel) also ''Howard the Duck'' (Marvel), These were the comics that got me hooked as a kid, and showed me that there was room for "cartoony" artists in comic books.

EARTH IS DYING! BUT YOU’VE WON A SPOT ON THE SPACE ARK LEAVING EARTH! YOU’RE ONLY ALLOWED TO TAKE 5 COMICS. WHICH ONES DO YOU TAKE?
They'll be trades or graphic novels--Watchmen, A Tale of Sand, Hellboy: The Chained Coffin, issue #17 of Flaming Carrot Comics, and The Gumby Summer Fun Special.

YOUR FAVOURITE OR MOST MEMORABLE COVER?
Joe Quesada's cover to Origin #1 stands out for me. It's so iconic, and tells this incredible story without any dialogue.

WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?
Popeye. I've loved him and his world since I was a kid, in all the different formats.

ARE YOU READING ANYTHING ELSE AT THE MOMENT?
Most recently, I went back and caught up with Eric Shanower and Skottie Young's Oz books. Eric does an incredible job at staying true to Baum's writing, and no one knows the history to this world better than him. And Skottie's artwork is fun, electric and incredibly inspiring.

WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO CREATE COMICS?
I'm as much a performer and storyteller as I am an artist. Comics allows me to satisfy all three creative urges, and to bring them together into something that is special and signature to me.

DO YOU WRITE YOURSELF OR DO YOU WORK WITH A REGULAR WRITING PARTNER?
I've always written everything I've drawn by myself. Even when I was drawing comics that were owned by other parties, I had a free hand to write as I wanted. 

WHAT ARE YOUR WORKING METHODS: DO YOU SET YOURSELF DEADLINES? OR DO YOU WORK WHEN THE MOOD TAKES YOU?
Because I work with publishers, I know my deadlines in advance, and I just go full bore towards getting everything done in time. I'm always working--first thing when I get up 'til I go to bed. 

HOW IS YOUR ARTWORK PRODUCED? DO YOU USE TRADITIONAL TOOLS OR DIGITAL OR A MIX OF BOTH?
I draw everything in pen and ink on Bristol board. I even letter my own comics in pen. I then scan my pages into Photoshop and color them digitally.

FAVOURITE THING TO DRAW?
I love drawing monsters. My own are a mix of cute and creepy. It's the perfect summation of my drawing style.

WHAT’S THE WORST BIT ABOUT DRAWING COMICS?
The quick turnover rate required by publishers and readers. You shouldn't rush art, but comics are also commerce, and commerce waits for no man. If you're not producing something new on a regular basis, your regular readers may just lose interest and move on to the next best thing.

DO YOU GO TO CONVENTIONS? DO YOU ENJOY THEM? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
I love conventions, though they can be a challenge to attend. A lot of money, time and effort go into them that you won't necessarily recoup. So I pick shows that I feel will have the best audience for my work. I also gauge if enough of my friends will be in artist alley, because that sort of camaraderie is just wonderful. My favorite show ever is Fan Expo Toronto. It's been my most successful con to date on so many levels. I have a huge fan base in Canada, particularly Toronto, and I'll make any excuse to do a show out there.  

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO SMALL PRESS/INDEPENDENT CREATORS?
Distribution. Diamond won't touch a talented no-name, with very few exceptions. That's where cons comes in handy--there, they're reaching their audience firsthand, and it's the creators' best chance to get their work in the hands of the people.  

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS AND AMBITIONS?
I'm currently working on the trade paperback that will collect issues 1-4 of "Bodie Troll", which is slated for a February release. I'm also thinking a lot about the next "Bodie Troll" mini series, and hoping to break ground on that soon. And I have an idea for a "Bodie Troll" book with a CD or MP3 file you could listen to as you read. I want to grow "Bodie Troll" into a level of popularity that will put him up there with the likes of "Bone" and "Harry Potter". 

WHO WOULD WIN IN A FIGHT, JUDGE DREDD OR CYCLOPS (SCOTT SUMMERS)?
Judge Dredd, just because he's got more personality in one little grimace that Summers had in his almost 50 years career in comics.

WHICH COMIC CHARACTER DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
I'd always pretend to be the Hulk or the Thing. I was a stocky kid and occasionally hot-headed, so I could really related to these two monsters smashing stuff.  

AND WHICH WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE NOW?
I think DC's Captain Marvel (or Shazam, which I think is a great name for him) fits me quite well. I'm a kid trapped in an adults body, and still find myself marveling at stuff a kid would, and am just as easily hurt by stuff in our society that grown ups expect, but kids have trouble coming to grips with. 

AND FINALLY...

WHO IS YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH?
I've always had a big crush on Marvel's Medusa. It's gotta be the hair...

Jay P. Fosgitt is the creator of the all-ages comic book BODIE TROLL, which is published by Red 5 Comics.

Jay is also the creator of the graphic novel DEAD DUCK, which was originally published by Ape Entertainment in 2009 and became an ongoing web comic.

Jay’s other creator-owned projects are NECRONOMICOMICS, a single panel comic that lampoons horror films, which is published monthly in Rue Morgue Magazine.

Jay has also produced licensed comic book work, contributing illustrations to Boom's ADVENTURE TIME comic book, and Ape Entertainment's DREAMWORKS ANIMATION MAGAZINE. He's done design work for IDW Comics, and has been a contributing writer and artist for the SESAME STREET comic book, published by Ape Entertainment.

Also for Ape Entertainment, Jay was the writer/artist on the all-ages comics LITTLE GREEN MEN, DINO DUCK, and OLD MCMONSTER'S HAUNTED FARM. He was also the character designer on the comic book SCOUTS.

Jay has contributed artwork for such sketch card series as STAR WARS GALAXY 5 for Topps Entertainment ARCHIE, SABRINA, and HACK/SLASH for 5finity Productions, and he's worked on every MARVEL COMICS-licensed set produced by Rittenhouse Archives since 2011.

Jay's artwork has been featured in the Eisner Award-nominated book TEAM CUL DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, alongside other professional cartoonists who drew characters from Richard Thompson's comic strip "Cul De Sac", with proceeds going towards a cure for Parkinson's Disease.

Jay will also be the letterer on comic creator Guy Davis' upcoming comic, THE MARQUIS AND THE MIDWIFE.

Jay is a member of The National Cartoonists Society. He lives in Plymouth, MI with his cat, Goonie. Visit his website at: www.jayfosgitt.com.

Visit my website at JAYFOSGITT.COM
Read my web comic, DEAD DUCK, every Monday and Thursday!
Read my monthly horror cartoon,NECRONOMICOMICS, in RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE!
Follow me on TWITTER!
Follow me on FACEBOOK!
Follow me on GOOGLE+!
Follow me on DEVIANTART!
Follow me on TUMBLR!

Please join us in thanking Jay by clicking any of these links, you could even take the time to draw your appreciation like TheSonofKen and ThismanthisPete did with this Bodie Homage. 

Drink and Draw!!!!

You like beer and drawing and superheroes and portraits and buying original art a knockdown price on a snazzy beermat? Keep your eyes peeled for the Swansea Comics Collectives upcoming Drink and Draw sessions. 

5 Upcoming Superhero Films

With the modern craze over superhero films, a lot of the focus seems to be on how the films tie into past comics, and whether or not fans of the existing hero franchises are pleased. For example, after the release of "The Avengers," some fans fell in love instantly while the more staunch comic fanatics bemoaned the fact that it was often Tony Stark, and not Captain America, who seemed to be the de facto leader of the group. Details like these cause a lot of entertaining back-and-forth whenever a new Marvel or DC film is released.

But in this article, instead of looking back at recent films, we're going to take a glance at what we know about some upcoming hero films. Streaming services such as Netflix, or Picture Box Films already offer some of the classics, but in the coming days there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the larger-than-life silver screen experience. There are several new and much anticipated projects on the horizon. Here are 5 we know a few details about.

1. Thor: The Dark World
Not only was the film "Thor" a surprising success, mixing a compelling portrayal by Chris Hemsworth with just the right amount of humour - but it also set the tone of the greater Avengers franchise. "Dark World" will premiere in November, and look to build on the success of its predecessor with Thor off to battle a greater supernatural enemy as he defends Earth.

2. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
The first film in the latest Spidey franchise wasn't exactly well-received, but there's no arguing that after the disastrous "Spiderman 3," the series needed a reboot. This 2014 sequel directed by Marc Webb could determine whether or not the Andrew Garfield version of the web-slinger has staying power - really, the first was pretty enjoyable.

3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The first film did well in establishing the character, but then flopped by taking itself too seriously when supernatural nazis got involved. The sequel will be vastly different, as Captain America takes on a present day enemy, so there's potential for a comeback.

4. X-Men: Days Of Future Past
The sequel to "First Class" looks promising, melding the old and new versions of the main X-Men characters, and bringing Wolverine back into the fray (after he branched off in his own franchise a bit). It's a lot to handle, but if it's as good as "First Class," fans will embrace it.

5. The Avengers: Age Of Ultron
We know little about the next Avengers film, other than that Ultron - the comic book villain who's essentially an angry robot out to destroy the human race - will be involved, and will be played by James Spader. The film is slated for a 2015 release.

Stay tuned friends, there is plenty of world to save and evil to be thwarted in the coming days. Soon enough your favorite heroes will be coming to your town and will hopefully leave you well entertained as they continue the sagas that we have come to know and love. What movies will you be sure not to miss this season? Drop us a line in the comments below.

Copperopolis #1 now available in West Wales

West Wales we have arrived!

Until now we have concentrated our area of operation to the Swansea area, however we have realised that this is depriving the rest of Wales the opportunity to enjoy Copperopolis! With this in mind we have decided to expand our fan base, and are pleased to announce that Copperopolis issue one is now available at...

So if you are a comic book fan in the West Wales area why not visit this great comic book shop at Albion Inn Albion Arcade, Mill St, Carmarthen.

For the comic book fans in the Swansea area the comic is still available at the Comix Shoppe, Shoppers Walk Arcade (opposite the grand theatre), and for any other retailers interested in stocking our comic just drop us an email at sccassemble@gmail.com 

WHO'S YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH? Zeros N' Heroes Podcast

Trent by Son of Ken

So this ones a little different from previous comic book crush posts as the guys from the "Zeroes N Heroes" podcast completed our questionnaire on episode 58 of their podcast. So rather write a whole transcript of the show I'm going to direct you to their site where it is available here http://zerosnheroes.com/2013/08/10/episode-58-tell-ya-bout-the-gimp.aspx

Zeros N Heroes is hosted by Trent Hunsaker, who owns Death Ray Comics in Logan Utah where he runs the A Part Of Him Podcast Network. Trent can also be heard on the Smodcast Network as the co-host of Netheads.

Trent is joined by Jonathan Ribera and Jordan Brown who are two of the co-founders of the comedy troupe Logan Out Loud who perform inside Death Ray Comics. Jonathan is also an artist who's art is available here http://jonathanribera.org/

Thor by Jonathan Ribera

So check out their sites to get a better idea of what these guys are about.

http://www.zerosnheroes.com/
http://jonathanribera.org/
http://loganoutloud.com/
http://www.apartofhim.com/





 

WHO'S YOUR COMIC CRUSH? Dino Caruso

The SCC brings you more Comic Crush Q&A Goodness, this time it's Dino Caruso's time to shine...

WHO’S YOUR COMIC BOOK CRUSH?

Dino Caruso is a writer from Canada who keeps chipping away at telling stories that interest him. Here’s hoping that someone else finds them interesting too!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST COMIC AND DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?

I have no idea what my first comic was, but I do know that when I was a kid I used to take out Peanuts collections from my school library and read them voraciously. There was even a comment on one of my report cards suggesting I’d be better off if I read more “real” books!

WHAT WAS THE LAST COMIC YOU BOUGHT?

This being Wednesday, I just got back from the comic book store. I picked up X-Files 2 (IDW) and Scarlet 7 (ICON).

WHAT COMIC(S) HAVE PROVEN MOST INFLUENTIAL?

Tough question. I think I’d have to pick PREACHER. I’ve never grown tired of it, and I think that the storytelling from Ennis/Dillon is top notch. I re-read it at least once a year, and I feel like I’ve been tremendously influenced by the techniques and style of that epic.

FAVOURITE or MOST MEMORABLE COVER?

I’m going to go with New Teen Titans 1, by George Perez. That comic and that cover made a huge impression on me when I was a kid. I’ve had a soft spot for the Titans and Mr. Perez ever since.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?

In the comic book world, I’m going to go with Garth Ennis and Brian K. Vaughn. In prose and songwriting, I like Elmore Leonard, Greg Rucka (also a great comic book writer), Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Gord Downey. Berkeley Breathed, creator of Bloom County, is another favourite of mine.

FAVOURITE ARTISTS?

The artists that made a huge impact on me were the artists that I remember from my youth. I used to love Jim Aparo, Neal Adams, Dick Giordano, George Perez, Don Newton, Curt Swan, Rich Buckler, Brian Bolland, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Charles Schultz and the Firestorm artists of my youth (I loved Firestorm!)…Pat Broderick and Al Milgrom.

FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

So many hard questions!! I’m going to go with Firestorm and the Dick Grayson Robin.

WHICH COMIC CHARACTER DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?

Firestorm and the Dick Grayson Robin.

AND WHICH WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE NOW, AND WHY?

Hmmm…maybe the Flash, so I could use my time more productively.

MOST INFLUENTIAL COMIC?

Preacher. It’s beautifully written and the characters are developed with so much depth and love.

EARTH IS DYING! BUT YOU’VE WON A SPOT ON THE SPACE ARK LEAVING EARTH! YOU’RE ONLY ALLOWED TO TAKE 5 COMICS. WHICH ONES DO YOU TAKE?

Kingdom Come

Preacher

Y-The Last Man

Sweet Tooth

From Hell

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?

The sports section and any books and articles I can find about the Toronto Blue Jays.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A WRITER?

Yeah, I think I did. I have very early memories of how the comics, books and movies I was exposed to as a kid inspired me to want to tell stories of my own.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL ABOUT WRITING COMICS?

The collaboration is my favourite part of writing comics. It’s awesome to bounce ideas back and forth with the artists, editors or co-writers. It seems to me that the result of collaboration is always better than what I could do or think of on my own.

And you know what else is awesome? Finding new pages or character sketches in the inbox. That’s an awesome rush!

ANY HELPFUL ADVICE FOR OTHER WRITERS?

Just write whatever you want to write. Keep practising and try to find people that you can get honest feedback from.

Website: www.carusocomics.com

Blog: www.carusocomics.blogspot.com

Night Shift Sketches

so i recently did a short stint stacking shelves on a nightshift, safe to say it was booooooring. so i needed a way to help get through the night, and seeing as im (slightly) behind on my pages for the new issue of Copperopolis, needed to get the feel for sketching back. 

the idea was to get a little sketch pad, do a sketch on my break and stick it on instagram asking what the next sketch should be for the following shift.

when i put up the first sketch, i only had one suggestion, from Ricky Webber one of our writers (say that 3 times fast). he said to work through the characters of Copperopolis.

it shall be done... not because you said, or lack of suggestion, because i want to ;)

1. so here is the first one, a selfie depicting my general mood, 

in all my beardy hobo-ish goodness.  

2. starting of the Copperopolis characters, one half of the Button Men, 

Montgomery Weeber.

3. unfortunately you cant have one without the other, here is the other half of the Button Men.

The Bumbling Bobble headed buffoon, Baldrick J. Wilmont.

4. first of the bad guys (in the sketches and the comic). 

Vortigen The Tyrant and later "The Man in White"

5. "The Mayor of Copperopolis - protector of the city for centuries. has anger issue"

no doubt brought on by the stress of having to deal with the Button Men.

6. The Not-altogether-there, soaring soldier of the sky's, "The Red Kite" 

7. the surprisingly popular Sgt. Davis Haig. Director of C.W.T.C.H (Central Welsh Terrorism Control House), Copperopolis' answer to SHIELD.

i must point out, yes the centre of that logo is a MASSIVE rip off of the SHIELD logo, i know that. as yet CWTCH does not have a logo, i drew that simply to get the point across (it was 4am give me a break)

if a CWTCH logo is featured in future issues of Copperopolis, it will not look like that (which is a shame, i do think that dragon is kick ass)

8. and finally one of my favorites, the Poetically named mister Avary Peck, Leader of the "Bird men of Gower" 

and there it is. im no longer on the night shift, so there wont be any more 4am sketches, but i may however continue rattling through Copperopolis characters when i have a spare moment, i mean, come on, i got the rest of the sketch book to use.

Live long and prosper True Believers, and may the force be with you

EXCELSIOR

... your a wizard harry!