By Steven Denton.
Lots more not by Steven Denton available here.
Sunday 12 December 2010
Saturday 30 October 2010
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Monsterology
Picture by John Freeman, taken at BICS.
Monsterolology is a forthcoming graphic novel with Script by Gordon Rennie, Art by PJ Holden (right), Colouring by Steven Denton (left) and Letters by Jim Campbell (middle).
Sunday 10 October 2010
Escape To Victory
I recently had to cut this panel from a script whilst revising it:
A shame as the religious allusion was deliberate, but I had to cut it to make way for something cooler. As a writer who does tend to love his first drafts, going back and tweaking is a skill I probably need to get better at.
Steven, on the other hand, seems to do pretty well on the first attempt.
Very close on Soldier 1. We can see his terrified expression through the mask.
SOLDIER 1: JESUS CHRIST!
A shame as the religious allusion was deliberate, but I had to cut it to make way for something cooler. As a writer who does tend to love his first drafts, going back and tweaking is a skill I probably need to get better at.
Steven, on the other hand, seems to do pretty well on the first attempt.
Sunday 3 October 2010
The Secret Project
Following the news that the legendary Carlos Ezquerra has been recovering from lung cancer, a band of 2000AD fans got together to organise a unique "Get Well Soon" comic with a print run of exactly one.
To avoid spoiling the surprise whilst getting the comic together it went under the codename of The Secret Project.
Steve and I contributed a page:
Unfortunately, this page was not included in the published version due to a cock-up somewhere along the line. However, I have it on very good authority that it has been printed out on glossy paper and now resides with the rest of the comic.
You can download a PDF version of the whole thing from here.
To avoid spoiling the surprise whilst getting the comic together it went under the codename of The Secret Project.
Steve and I contributed a page:
Unfortunately, this page was not included in the published version due to a cock-up somewhere along the line. However, I have it on very good authority that it has been printed out on glossy paper and now resides with the rest of the comic.
You can download a PDF version of the whole thing from here.
Saturday 25 September 2010
Sunday 12 September 2010
Paragon of Virtue
Steve has been colouring the covers of Paragon for a while, here's the latest one (with the very talented Don Franco):
There's plenty of good stuff under the covers too, so check out Paragon right this minute!
Before you go and do that just time to say that Steve has been engaged to colour a professionally published graphic novel which will mean that Massacre For Boys: Back In Action won't be coming out until May. It also means that his rise to superstardom is proceeding as planned.
There's plenty of good stuff under the covers too, so check out Paragon right this minute!
Before you go and do that just time to say that Steve has been engaged to colour a professionally published graphic novel which will mean that Massacre For Boys: Back In Action won't be coming out until May. It also means that his rise to superstardom is proceeding as planned.
Monday 30 August 2010
In Perspective
Steve's currently working on a Futurequake strip called SAM, from a script by Mark Woodland.
Here are some preparatory sketches:
I trust the artists amongst you will understand.
Here are some preparatory sketches:
I trust the artists amongst you will understand.
Sunday 22 August 2010
In Living Colour
The Crusader: Spoonful of Honey has now been coloured by the esteemable Richmond Clements*.
We're delighted with the results!
Look for the strip within the pages of Massacre For Boys: Back In Action, which is, in common with at least two new Alan Moore works, a 2011 release.
*And, lest you forget, the script is by me and the art by Bolt-01.
We're delighted with the results!
Look for the strip within the pages of Massacre For Boys: Back In Action, which is, in common with at least two new Alan Moore works, a 2011 release.
*And, lest you forget, the script is by me and the art by Bolt-01.
Saturday 7 August 2010
I Hate It When A Plan Doesn't Come Together
The Squeam plan
Page 1
Panel 1
League of Planets HQ.
Caption: We cannot imagine it now, but there was a time before our own Great Galactic Peace.
Statue of Tudor J Gates, saluting, chest puffed out, in full dress uniform and with lots of medals.
Panel 2
Caption: The League’s Peacekeepers brought this wondrous contentment to all the known peoples, and the greatest peacekeeper of them all was Tudor J Gates.
Close on the statue’s proud face.
Panel 3
An establishing shot of a battle-scarred planet.
Caption: Posted with the “Bluehats” to the hellworld of Karnsmite, unwilling conscript Private Gates’ greatness was far from apparent.
Panel 4
Tudor is no patrol in a thorny forest with Corporal Elder.
Caption: “In a time when all medical treatments were non-invasive and Health and Safety perfection had been achieved, the sight of blood or gore was rare indeed.”
Elder: “Try not to get in the way, Gates!”
Panel 5
Elder scratches himself on a thorn, Gates’ is appalled.
Caption: “Some conscripts were unable to cope with even the faintest hint of bodily life-fluid. This made them worthless in battle and there were strict rules ensuring that no platoon had more than one such soldier.”
Panel 6
Tudor is sick into his helmet.
Caption: “They were supposed to be known as the Peacekeeping Community Support Operative (PCSO) but were most usually called…
The Squeam
Page 2
Panel 1
The Emperor of the Pyrotines vidcalls to say the peacekeepers must leave or die.
Panel 2
Major Fine-Style, the leader of the bluehats, offers to go back to the negotiating table.
The Emperor replies we will negotiate with your next of kin. They will offer us more favourable terms once they receive your ground up entrails in a shoebox.
Panel 3
Major Fine-Style is looking forward to some proper action at last. He demands sharper spikes and deeper ramparts because The Pyrotine GeneGiants are twelve-feet tall with hides like tarmac.
Panels 4 and 5
Tudor is taking around a tray of tea when the GeneGiants strike.
Panels 6 and 7
They storm the walls and one grabs hold of Elder and bares his giant teeth.
Page 3
Panel 1
Tudor jumps on the giant’s back and stabs him with al Laz-knife.
Panel 2
Crying out in pain, the Giant slashes at Tudor’s face.
Panel 3
Elder takes the opportunity to give the giant both barrels of a Laz-shotgun.
Panel 4
Elder thanks Tudor. “You’re alright, kid.”
Panel 5
Tudor smiles happily. Then looks at his hands, which are covered in his own blood.
Panel 6
Tudor collapses.
Page 4
Panel 1
Tudor wakes from his coma. He is alone.
Panel 2
Tudor sits up.
Tudor: “Hello? Hello? Anyone there?”
Panel 3
He wanders down a dark deserted corridor.
Panel 4
In the main hall he sees that the platoon have been ripped apart and left to rot, some weeks ago.
Panel 5
Close on Tudor’s horrified face.
Page 5
Panel 1
Tudor vidcalls league of Planet’s HQ. As the only survivor they make him ambassador.
The Emperor of the Pyrotines is now prepared to negotiate.
Panels 2 & 3
The Snearing Emperor arrives with body guards. Tudor kills them all.
Panel 4
When the new Emperor arrives, Tudor is bathing in the blood of his predecessor a tap has been fitted to his corpse, which hangs suspended over the bath.
New Emperor: “uh, yes, we would be happy to accepyt your terms, oh great one.”
Panel 5
Back to the League of Planets HQ.
Caption “And having established that peace can only be one by acts of horrific blood-thirsty violence, Tudor went on to bring “peace” to galaxy.””
Panel 6
We can see the statue of Tudor again, but this time we can also read the plaque beneath it. It says
“
Marshall Tudor J Gates.
“Must Kill More Babies”
Page 1
Panel 1
League of Planets HQ.
Caption: We cannot imagine it now, but there was a time before our own Great Galactic Peace.
Statue of Tudor J Gates, saluting, chest puffed out, in full dress uniform and with lots of medals.
Panel 2
Caption: The League’s Peacekeepers brought this wondrous contentment to all the known peoples, and the greatest peacekeeper of them all was Tudor J Gates.
Close on the statue’s proud face.
Panel 3
An establishing shot of a battle-scarred planet.
Caption: Posted with the “Bluehats” to the hellworld of Karnsmite, unwilling conscript Private Gates’ greatness was far from apparent.
Panel 4
Tudor is no patrol in a thorny forest with Corporal Elder.
Caption: “In a time when all medical treatments were non-invasive and Health and Safety perfection had been achieved, the sight of blood or gore was rare indeed.”
Elder: “Try not to get in the way, Gates!”
Panel 5
Elder scratches himself on a thorn, Gates’ is appalled.
Caption: “Some conscripts were unable to cope with even the faintest hint of bodily life-fluid. This made them worthless in battle and there were strict rules ensuring that no platoon had more than one such soldier.”
Panel 6
Tudor is sick into his helmet.
Caption: “They were supposed to be known as the Peacekeeping Community Support Operative (PCSO) but were most usually called…
The Squeam
Page 2
Panel 1
The Emperor of the Pyrotines vidcalls to say the peacekeepers must leave or die.
Panel 2
Major Fine-Style, the leader of the bluehats, offers to go back to the negotiating table.
The Emperor replies we will negotiate with your next of kin. They will offer us more favourable terms once they receive your ground up entrails in a shoebox.
Panel 3
Major Fine-Style is looking forward to some proper action at last. He demands sharper spikes and deeper ramparts because The Pyrotine GeneGiants are twelve-feet tall with hides like tarmac.
Panels 4 and 5
Tudor is taking around a tray of tea when the GeneGiants strike.
Panels 6 and 7
They storm the walls and one grabs hold of Elder and bares his giant teeth.
Page 3
Panel 1
Tudor jumps on the giant’s back and stabs him with al Laz-knife.
Panel 2
Crying out in pain, the Giant slashes at Tudor’s face.
Panel 3
Elder takes the opportunity to give the giant both barrels of a Laz-shotgun.
Panel 4
Elder thanks Tudor. “You’re alright, kid.”
Panel 5
Tudor smiles happily. Then looks at his hands, which are covered in his own blood.
Panel 6
Tudor collapses.
Page 4
Panel 1
Tudor wakes from his coma. He is alone.
Panel 2
Tudor sits up.
Tudor: “Hello? Hello? Anyone there?”
Panel 3
He wanders down a dark deserted corridor.
Panel 4
In the main hall he sees that the platoon have been ripped apart and left to rot, some weeks ago.
Panel 5
Close on Tudor’s horrified face.
Page 5
Panel 1
Tudor vidcalls league of Planet’s HQ. As the only survivor they make him ambassador.
The Emperor of the Pyrotines is now prepared to negotiate.
Panels 2 & 3
The Snearing Emperor arrives with body guards. Tudor kills them all.
Panel 4
When the new Emperor arrives, Tudor is bathing in the blood of his predecessor a tap has been fitted to his corpse, which hangs suspended over the bath.
New Emperor: “uh, yes, we would be happy to accepyt your terms, oh great one.”
Panel 5
Back to the League of Planets HQ.
Caption “And having established that peace can only be one by acts of horrific blood-thirsty violence, Tudor went on to bring “peace” to galaxy.””
Panel 6
We can see the statue of Tudor again, but this time we can also read the plaque beneath it. It says
“
Marshall Tudor J Gates.
“Must Kill More Babies”
Sunday 1 August 2010
Abandoned Futureshock
THE SQUEAM
By Chris Denton
PAGE ONE
1) We open with a medium shot showing the upper part of a large marble statue depicting TUDOR J GATES, quite a short and thin looking man, somewhere in his mid to late twenties. He is wearing a full military dress uniform (think Prince Charles on Remembrance Day) and saluting, his chest puffed out, covered in medals. The expression on the statue’s face is one of pride mixed with confidence.
Behind the statue is the night sky, full of stars and perhaps even a comet or two.
CAPTION: LEAGUE OF PLANETS HQ.
CAPTION: WE CANNOT IMAGINE IT NOW, BUT THERE WAS A TIME BEFORE OUR OWN GREAT GALACTIC CALM.
2) Close on the face of the statue, exactly as proud and confident as before, as you would expect.
CAPTION: THE LEAGUE’S PEACEKEEPERS BROUGHT ABOUT THIS WONDROUS CONTENTMENT, AND THE GREATEST PEACEKEEPER OF ALL WAS TUDOR J GATES.
CAPTION: THIS IS HIS STORY.
3) This is a very, very wide shot. In fact, it depicts about half of a planet.
We can see the surface of Karnsmite, from space so it is curved. The planet is primarily an unhealthy grey, with many patches of poisonous smog and two or three mushroom clouds poking through.
CAPTION: INITIALLY POSTED TO THE HELLWORLD OF KARNSMITE, THE ABILITIES OF UNWILLING CONSCRIPT P.C.S.O. GATES WERE FAR FROM APPARENT.
4) Now we’re in a petrified forest. The actual flesh and blood Tudor is advancing stealthily in the company of another peacekeeper, CORPORAL ELDER. They are both wearing conventional day-to-day military uniforms and holding vaguely futuristic laser-blasters. Their heads are protected by bright-blue helmets, as is usually the case with peacekeepers. Each man has his surname displayed on his chest.
Elder is a much bigger and broader man than Gates, and older too. He’s clearly a grizzled and experienced campaigner.
The densely-packed forest itself is lifeless and threatening. There are no leaves on the trees, just bare branches and long, sharp thorns.
CAPTION: THIS WAS BECAUSE IN A TIME WHEN HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFECTION HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, THE SIGHT OF BLOOD OR GORE WAS RARE INDEED.
ELDER: TRY NOT TO GET IN THE WAY, GATES!
5) Medium shot of Elder, determinedly pushing through some thorny branches. His left hand is cut open by a particularly nasty looking thorn. Tudor is just behind him, completely pale, looking appalled.
CAPTION: CONSCRIPTS LIKE TUDOR WERE UNABLE TO COPE WITH EVEN A HINT OF BODILY LIFE-FLUID. THERE WERE STRICT RULES ENSURING THAT NO PLATOON HAD MORE THAN ONE SUCH SOLDIER
GATES: ELDER, YOUR HAND!!
6) Close on Tudor, kneeling on the ground, throwing up into his helmet.
CAPTION: THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE KNOWN AS THE PEACEKEEPING COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPERATIVE (PCSO) BUT WERE MOST USUALLY CALLED
CAPTION: THE SQUEAM
FX: BLEURRRGH!!
PAGE TWO
1) This panel depicts a large vidcall screen displaying the upper body of the EMPEROR OF THE PYROTINES. Pyrotines are a vaguely humanoid race, but with a broader frame, bigger eyes and no apparent noses. They are also purplish in their complexion. The Emperor himself looks very angry and aggressive. I suspect a clenched fist is being waved. He is wearing a very impressive Imperial costume, with lots of gold chains, a crown and a flowing cape.
CAPTION: AN UNPROMISING START, CERTAINLY, BUT EVENTS WERE ABOUT TO THRUST GREATNESS UPON TUDOR…
EMPEROR: THIS INVASION BY THE LEAGUE OF PLANETS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. YOU MUST LEAVE OR DIE.
2) This is a wider shot revealing that the Emperor is talking to MAJOR FINE-STYLE, the leader of the Peacekeeepers. Fine-Style sits in front of the vid-screen, wearing the officers’ version of the uniform (eg a blue peaked cap in place of the helmet) and trying to look placatory.
This is a small vid-conferencing room, part of the Peacekeepers base on Karnsmite.
FINE-STYLE: WE ARE ONLY HERE TO POLICE THE CEASEFIRE, AS YOUR WORSHIP KNOWS. SURELY WE CAN NEGOTIATE TERMS?
EMPEROR: PYROTINES DO NOT NEGOTIATE. PREPARE TO BE SLAUGHTERED!!
3) Outside the base, Major Fine Style stands in front of Corporal Elder, surveying the defences with a critical eye. Behind them are a row of large spikes and part of a tall metal building beyond.
CAPTION: WITH WAR DECLARED, EVERYONE READIED THEMSELVES FOR BATTLE.
FINE-STYLE: THEY HAVE GENE-GIANTS, ELDER. TWELVE FEET TALL WITH HIDES LIKE TARMAC.
ELDER: WE’LL SHARPEN THE SPIKES, SIR!
4) The same location, a little later. Tudor is carrying a large, round a large tray, upon which there are many mugs of tea. He is offering the tray to Elder.
CAPTION: WELL, NEARLY EVERYONE.
TUDOR: TEA, ELDER?
ELDER: THANKS, SQUEAM.
By Chris Denton
PAGE ONE
1) We open with a medium shot showing the upper part of a large marble statue depicting TUDOR J GATES, quite a short and thin looking man, somewhere in his mid to late twenties. He is wearing a full military dress uniform (think Prince Charles on Remembrance Day) and saluting, his chest puffed out, covered in medals. The expression on the statue’s face is one of pride mixed with confidence.
Behind the statue is the night sky, full of stars and perhaps even a comet or two.
CAPTION: LEAGUE OF PLANETS HQ.
CAPTION: WE CANNOT IMAGINE IT NOW, BUT THERE WAS A TIME BEFORE OUR OWN GREAT GALACTIC CALM.
2) Close on the face of the statue, exactly as proud and confident as before, as you would expect.
CAPTION: THE LEAGUE’S PEACEKEEPERS BROUGHT ABOUT THIS WONDROUS CONTENTMENT, AND THE GREATEST PEACEKEEPER OF ALL WAS TUDOR J GATES.
CAPTION: THIS IS HIS STORY.
3) This is a very, very wide shot. In fact, it depicts about half of a planet.
We can see the surface of Karnsmite, from space so it is curved. The planet is primarily an unhealthy grey, with many patches of poisonous smog and two or three mushroom clouds poking through.
CAPTION: INITIALLY POSTED TO THE HELLWORLD OF KARNSMITE, THE ABILITIES OF UNWILLING CONSCRIPT P.C.S.O. GATES WERE FAR FROM APPARENT.
4) Now we’re in a petrified forest. The actual flesh and blood Tudor is advancing stealthily in the company of another peacekeeper, CORPORAL ELDER. They are both wearing conventional day-to-day military uniforms and holding vaguely futuristic laser-blasters. Their heads are protected by bright-blue helmets, as is usually the case with peacekeepers. Each man has his surname displayed on his chest.
Elder is a much bigger and broader man than Gates, and older too. He’s clearly a grizzled and experienced campaigner.
The densely-packed forest itself is lifeless and threatening. There are no leaves on the trees, just bare branches and long, sharp thorns.
CAPTION: THIS WAS BECAUSE IN A TIME WHEN HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFECTION HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, THE SIGHT OF BLOOD OR GORE WAS RARE INDEED.
ELDER: TRY NOT TO GET IN THE WAY, GATES!
5) Medium shot of Elder, determinedly pushing through some thorny branches. His left hand is cut open by a particularly nasty looking thorn. Tudor is just behind him, completely pale, looking appalled.
CAPTION: CONSCRIPTS LIKE TUDOR WERE UNABLE TO COPE WITH EVEN A HINT OF BODILY LIFE-FLUID. THERE WERE STRICT RULES ENSURING THAT NO PLATOON HAD MORE THAN ONE SUCH SOLDIER
GATES: ELDER, YOUR HAND!!
6) Close on Tudor, kneeling on the ground, throwing up into his helmet.
CAPTION: THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE KNOWN AS THE PEACEKEEPING COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPERATIVE (PCSO) BUT WERE MOST USUALLY CALLED
CAPTION: THE SQUEAM
FX: BLEURRRGH!!
PAGE TWO
1) This panel depicts a large vidcall screen displaying the upper body of the EMPEROR OF THE PYROTINES. Pyrotines are a vaguely humanoid race, but with a broader frame, bigger eyes and no apparent noses. They are also purplish in their complexion. The Emperor himself looks very angry and aggressive. I suspect a clenched fist is being waved. He is wearing a very impressive Imperial costume, with lots of gold chains, a crown and a flowing cape.
CAPTION: AN UNPROMISING START, CERTAINLY, BUT EVENTS WERE ABOUT TO THRUST GREATNESS UPON TUDOR…
EMPEROR: THIS INVASION BY THE LEAGUE OF PLANETS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. YOU MUST LEAVE OR DIE.
2) This is a wider shot revealing that the Emperor is talking to MAJOR FINE-STYLE, the leader of the Peacekeeepers. Fine-Style sits in front of the vid-screen, wearing the officers’ version of the uniform (eg a blue peaked cap in place of the helmet) and trying to look placatory.
This is a small vid-conferencing room, part of the Peacekeepers base on Karnsmite.
FINE-STYLE: WE ARE ONLY HERE TO POLICE THE CEASEFIRE, AS YOUR WORSHIP KNOWS. SURELY WE CAN NEGOTIATE TERMS?
EMPEROR: PYROTINES DO NOT NEGOTIATE. PREPARE TO BE SLAUGHTERED!!
3) Outside the base, Major Fine Style stands in front of Corporal Elder, surveying the defences with a critical eye. Behind them are a row of large spikes and part of a tall metal building beyond.
CAPTION: WITH WAR DECLARED, EVERYONE READIED THEMSELVES FOR BATTLE.
FINE-STYLE: THEY HAVE GENE-GIANTS, ELDER. TWELVE FEET TALL WITH HIDES LIKE TARMAC.
ELDER: WE’LL SHARPEN THE SPIKES, SIR!
4) The same location, a little later. Tudor is carrying a large, round a large tray, upon which there are many mugs of tea. He is offering the tray to Elder.
CAPTION: WELL, NEARLY EVERYONE.
TUDOR: TEA, ELDER?
ELDER: THANKS, SQUEAM.
Monday 31 May 2010
The Second Crusade
With the convention season over for the moment, it's time to get our heads down and work on the next comic. In our case this will be Massacre For Boys: Back In Action.
In fact we're already at quite an advanced stage. Here's the pencilled, inked and lettered first page of the new Crusader story that will appear in BIA, all three tasks performed with admirable skill by the multi-talented Indy-press Overlord, Bolt-01:
Steve's just polished off a Badland Rules sequel script which has gone to a brand new artist. More details on this one to follow.
My other contributions to the issue are already written (principally new Walking Wounded and Bosher strips) so I am currently working on something else before I switch back to the Massacre universe and Walking Wounded: Reach For The Sky.
In fact we're already at quite an advanced stage. Here's the pencilled, inked and lettered first page of the new Crusader story that will appear in BIA, all three tasks performed with admirable skill by the multi-talented Indy-press Overlord, Bolt-01:
Steve's just polished off a Badland Rules sequel script which has gone to a brand new artist. More details on this one to follow.
My other contributions to the issue are already written (principally new Walking Wounded and Bosher strips) so I am currently working on something else before I switch back to the Massacre universe and Walking Wounded: Reach For The Sky.
Sunday 23 May 2010
Bristol 2010 Uncovered
Yesterday morning I embarked on a pleasant rail journey from Redhill to Bristol Temple Meads in order to attend the Comic Expo. I decided to go to this one as a punter rather than a puntee. Steve and his girlfriend Nikki met me there and together we three tackled the delights on offer across the two convention sites.
The Small Press part of the show was, as last year, hosted at the Mercure. I was pleased to see the visitor count seemed well up on last year. We made a beeline for the Futurequake & Zarjaz! stall where Steve was delighted to see lots of his work on display, including this by now pretty famous Rogue Trooper pinup:
Bolt-01 had brought along the inked version of his second Crusader story which Steve and I were extremely pleased with. The strip will be out next year in Massacre For Boys: Back In Action and promises to be something special. We also chatted with Richmond Clements about his upcoming work and also regarding the possibility of MFB making a debut at next year's Hi-Ex.
There was also time to swing by the Bearded Skull stand to see how our old table neighbours from last year have been getting on. Pretty well it seems judging by the two new issues of Dexter's Half Dozen, one of which I picked up to enjoy later.
Back at the Ramada for the mainstream stuff, my personal highlight was the Pat Mills panel session on Requiem: Vampire Knight:
Pat is a great speaker and I found his passionate enthusiasm for British comics in the European tradition to be highly persuasive. My own interest in working for Marvel or DC is zero, so I am totally on board for steering clear of the American market. It was especially great to see him as I'd missed his Unicon appearances, much to my own disappointment. I didn't know very much about Requiem before this event but I was sufficiently intrigued to buy the first two Panini volumes immediately afterwards, which Pat was kind enough to sign.
Curiously, despite all the SFX / Comic Heroes posters everywhere we didn't see hide nor hair of the magazines themselves... very odd and a shame as I am quite interested in the Alan Moore interview the are trailing for the new Comic Heroes. The poster for issue one did contain a thumbnail of the infamous Fridge Magnets, ensuring Steve was represented in both hotels:
Even more curiously, indy-kids Markosia proudly proclaimed themselves as "Britain's leading graphic novel publishers" which may have come as a surprise to Rebellion, three tables down.
On that bombshell it was time to give up and go home. Tremendous fun, will definitely be back next year, although as a punter or puntee I am not yet sure.
The Small Press part of the show was, as last year, hosted at the Mercure. I was pleased to see the visitor count seemed well up on last year. We made a beeline for the Futurequake & Zarjaz! stall where Steve was delighted to see lots of his work on display, including this by now pretty famous Rogue Trooper pinup:
Bolt-01 had brought along the inked version of his second Crusader story which Steve and I were extremely pleased with. The strip will be out next year in Massacre For Boys: Back In Action and promises to be something special. We also chatted with Richmond Clements about his upcoming work and also regarding the possibility of MFB making a debut at next year's Hi-Ex.
There was also time to swing by the Bearded Skull stand to see how our old table neighbours from last year have been getting on. Pretty well it seems judging by the two new issues of Dexter's Half Dozen, one of which I picked up to enjoy later.
Back at the Ramada for the mainstream stuff, my personal highlight was the Pat Mills panel session on Requiem: Vampire Knight:
Pat is a great speaker and I found his passionate enthusiasm for British comics in the European tradition to be highly persuasive. My own interest in working for Marvel or DC is zero, so I am totally on board for steering clear of the American market. It was especially great to see him as I'd missed his Unicon appearances, much to my own disappointment. I didn't know very much about Requiem before this event but I was sufficiently intrigued to buy the first two Panini volumes immediately afterwards, which Pat was kind enough to sign.
Curiously, despite all the SFX / Comic Heroes posters everywhere we didn't see hide nor hair of the magazines themselves... very odd and a shame as I am quite interested in the Alan Moore interview the are trailing for the new Comic Heroes. The poster for issue one did contain a thumbnail of the infamous Fridge Magnets, ensuring Steve was represented in both hotels:
Even more curiously, indy-kids Markosia proudly proclaimed themselves as "Britain's leading graphic novel publishers" which may have come as a surprise to Rebellion, three tables down.
On that bombshell it was time to give up and go home. Tremendous fun, will definitely be back next year, although as a punter or puntee I am not yet sure.
Saturday 8 May 2010
NoThing is Forever
Sad news has just appeared on the UK Web & Mini Comix Thing homepage:
We've attended four and they've always been good to us. If the situation does change we'll almost certainly be there again next year, otherwise at least we'll still have our memories, such as this one - Steve at our very first show appearance, Thing 2007:
Actually, I don't really remember that.
There will be no more Things as the hall is no longer available for hire and my brain is fried. There are some options for using other venues but I think its probably best to call it a day. If I change my mind i'll let you know.
We've attended four and they've always been good to us. If the situation does change we'll almost certainly be there again next year, otherwise at least we'll still have our memories, such as this one - Steve at our very first show appearance, Thing 2007:
Actually, I don't really remember that.
Sunday 2 May 2010
Monday 26 April 2010
Unicon 2010 Uncovered
Saturday 24th April saw the Massacre bandwagon roll into Hatfield for Unicon:
The venue was, as you can see, pretty amazing. Not actually Nuremberg circa 1934 but in fact the de Havilland campus of the University of Hertfordshire.
Steve and I set our alarms for stupid o'clock, travelled by train then taxi and were all setup by the start of play at 10am:
We weren't based in the Atrium itself, but in a huge foyer next door. Still we were two tables up from Gary Erskine so in good company.
Excellent company, in fact. To our right there was Derek, owner of St Alban's comic shop Chaos City Comics and to our left we had George of Jambo fame. Derek stocked an array of marvellous graphic novels, and we were grateful he purchased Walking Wounded and then read it straight away:
He seemed to like it and that was the main thing! In fact, fingers crossed that Walking Wounded issues may be on the shelves at Chaos City soon...
My old university housemate Danny Graydon was one of the show organisers and it was great to see him there:
I was gutted to miss Danny's evening interview with Dave Gibbons, Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neil but transport timing basically made it impossible to attend :(
Along with the Massacre For Boys publications we usually hawk, Steve and I were also offering Futurequake, Zarjaz! and Dogbreath from our stall. This was no trouble at all as as the FQP team have been great to us and it was nice to be able to do something in return. Also, it gave our table an extra hook, causing visitors to pause a bit longer than maybe they usually would. Indeed, Zarjaz! in particular attracted the attention of one distinguished attendee:
So, in conclusion, it was a great show and I am very much hoping it does become an annual event and that we stay very much part of it!
The venue was, as you can see, pretty amazing. Not actually Nuremberg circa 1934 but in fact the de Havilland campus of the University of Hertfordshire.
Steve and I set our alarms for stupid o'clock, travelled by train then taxi and were all setup by the start of play at 10am:
We weren't based in the Atrium itself, but in a huge foyer next door. Still we were two tables up from Gary Erskine so in good company.
Excellent company, in fact. To our right there was Derek, owner of St Alban's comic shop Chaos City Comics and to our left we had George of Jambo fame. Derek stocked an array of marvellous graphic novels, and we were grateful he purchased Walking Wounded and then read it straight away:
He seemed to like it and that was the main thing! In fact, fingers crossed that Walking Wounded issues may be on the shelves at Chaos City soon...
My old university housemate Danny Graydon was one of the show organisers and it was great to see him there:
I was gutted to miss Danny's evening interview with Dave Gibbons, Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neil but transport timing basically made it impossible to attend :(
Along with the Massacre For Boys publications we usually hawk, Steve and I were also offering Futurequake, Zarjaz! and Dogbreath from our stall. This was no trouble at all as as the FQP team have been great to us and it was nice to be able to do something in return. Also, it gave our table an extra hook, causing visitors to pause a bit longer than maybe they usually would. Indeed, Zarjaz! in particular attracted the attention of one distinguished attendee:
So, in conclusion, it was a great show and I am very much hoping it does become an annual event and that we stay very much part of it!
Sunday 18 April 2010
Election 2010
The Eagle Awards seem to be back.
Nominations are now being sought, but as this only covers comics published in 2009 we are a bit screwed. Our 2009 publication was Massacre For Boys In Colour, and the "In Colour" suffix puts us up against the big British boys, such as 2000AD.
In my wildest dreams I don't anticipate us beating 2000AD.
Therefore this year I am not actively seeking nominations for Massacre For Boys, but instead backing Futurequake. It really is high time Futurequake won the British black and white category so please make full use of your democratic rights and Vote Futurequake.
Meanwhile, Unicon is just 6 days away.
On the Massacre table, as well as Eagle award nominated Walking Wounded and not Eagle award nominated Massacre For Boys in Colour we'll be carrying Zarjaz! and Dogbreath too. There's a pretty good case for Eagle awarding nominating these two as well, think of them as the Lib Dems of British black & white comics.
Nominations are now being sought, but as this only covers comics published in 2009 we are a bit screwed. Our 2009 publication was Massacre For Boys In Colour, and the "In Colour" suffix puts us up against the big British boys, such as 2000AD.
In my wildest dreams I don't anticipate us beating 2000AD.
Therefore this year I am not actively seeking nominations for Massacre For Boys, but instead backing Futurequake. It really is high time Futurequake won the British black and white category so please make full use of your democratic rights and Vote Futurequake.
Meanwhile, Unicon is just 6 days away.
On the Massacre table, as well as Eagle award nominated Walking Wounded and not Eagle award nominated Massacre For Boys in Colour we'll be carrying Zarjaz! and Dogbreath too. There's a pretty good case for Eagle awarding nominating these two as well, think of them as the Lib Dems of British black & white comics.
Friday 2 April 2010
Massacre In Stereo
If Steve and I have one thing in common it's that we do like talking about our comics to anyone who will listen. This tends to happen primarily (but not exclusively) at comic shows.
This is the first time we've talked about our comics with a microphone pointed at us.
The Massacre For Boys section is 4:28 - 6:35, but listen to the whole podcast, it's ace.
One small issue: actually I speak first, not Steve. Still, I'm not sure we should really worry about that too much. Just so long as no one tries to get me to do any drawing...
This is the first time we've talked about our comics with a microphone pointed at us.
The Massacre For Boys section is 4:28 - 6:35, but listen to the whole podcast, it's ace.
One small issue: actually I speak first, not Steve. Still, I'm not sure we should really worry about that too much. Just so long as no one tries to get me to do any drawing...
Wednesday 31 March 2010
The Road Goes Ever On
The comics convention season is now well under way. Last weekend it was kicked off in fine style, not just at the Thing but also up in Inverness at Hi-Ex.
Massacre's third musketeer, Bolt-01, was there in his capacity as the Zarjaz!/Dogbreath and Futurequake co-supremo (via FPI Blog):
That Rogue Trooper image gets everywhere!
We'll be making our next appearance of the year at Unicon in April. It's an exciting programme of events and we're happy to be a part of it.
Moving on to May and there's The Big One. Steve and I are intending to go to Bristol as visitors this year, three shows as exhibitors in three months is a little beyond us.
Of course, you don't have to come to a convention in order to buy our comics. Indeed, I've just added Walking Wounded: Death on the Rock to the Massacre site so, if you prefer, brand new Nazi-thrashing action can come to you.
Massacre's third musketeer, Bolt-01, was there in his capacity as the Zarjaz!/Dogbreath and Futurequake co-supremo (via FPI Blog):
That Rogue Trooper image gets everywhere!
We'll be making our next appearance of the year at Unicon in April. It's an exciting programme of events and we're happy to be a part of it.
Moving on to May and there's The Big One. Steve and I are intending to go to Bristol as visitors this year, three shows as exhibitors in three months is a little beyond us.
Of course, you don't have to come to a convention in order to buy our comics. Indeed, I've just added Walking Wounded: Death on the Rock to the Massacre site so, if you prefer, brand new Nazi-thrashing action can come to you.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Thing 2010 Uncovered
On Saturday 27th March 2010 Steve and I attended the UK Web & Mini Comix Thing in London's murder-heavy east end.
We had table 45 and set it up to look like this:
Our neighbour for the day was the hugely talented Rob Jackson:
We even sold one of his comics for him, that's how neighbourly we were!
Astonishingly the benovolence didn't end there as I was allocated an hour's "volunteer" duty manning the show entrance counter. It was an hour spent in the company of none other than Woodrow Phoenix. During this time I learnt about Woodrow's acclaimed graphic novel, Rumble Strip and also that you take a lot more money selling entrance tickets than you do selling comics.
Steve is a big fan of Woodrow's and so he was rather jealous:
See. Jealous. In fact Steve later purchased his own copy of Rumble Strip and must have simultaneously done a good job pimping our stuff to Woodrow because he later came over and bought the lot!
Another highlight was the taped interview we gave Mike Leader. Hopefully the stuff we said made some sort of sense.
As always with the Thing there was an abundance of great material on show. It's hard to beat work like The Bedsit Journal, Tozo and Hope For The Future, to name but three.
Sales wise we did okay, if not amazingly. Probably a little down on last year, but nothing too concerning. We'll certainly be back next year with Massacre For Boys: Back In Action....
We had table 45 and set it up to look like this:
Our neighbour for the day was the hugely talented Rob Jackson:
We even sold one of his comics for him, that's how neighbourly we were!
Astonishingly the benovolence didn't end there as I was allocated an hour's "volunteer" duty manning the show entrance counter. It was an hour spent in the company of none other than Woodrow Phoenix. During this time I learnt about Woodrow's acclaimed graphic novel, Rumble Strip and also that you take a lot more money selling entrance tickets than you do selling comics.
Steve is a big fan of Woodrow's and so he was rather jealous:
See. Jealous. In fact Steve later purchased his own copy of Rumble Strip and must have simultaneously done a good job pimping our stuff to Woodrow because he later came over and bought the lot!
Another highlight was the taped interview we gave Mike Leader. Hopefully the stuff we said made some sort of sense.
As always with the Thing there was an abundance of great material on show. It's hard to beat work like The Bedsit Journal, Tozo and Hope For The Future, to name but three.
Sales wise we did okay, if not amazingly. Probably a little down on last year, but nothing too concerning. We'll certainly be back next year with Massacre For Boys: Back In Action....
Tuesday 23 March 2010
The Things We've Done
The hell of waiting for the new comic to get back from the printers is over.
It's time to make the final preparations for our fourth Thing:
Why not not come and say hello?
It's time to make the final preparations for our fourth Thing:
Why not not come and say hello?
Thursday 18 March 2010
Fridge Magnet
Its not often that a national magazine swipes your fan art and turns it into a widely distributed fridge magnet. However, it happened to PJ & Steve.
No, wonder cause this is a great piece:
I know Steve recognises that technically he should have been asked permission first but that he's not too upset to see his work used in this way. In fact if SFX or Comic Heroes like his stuff this much perhaps they might remember him when considering future commissions.
Lots more reaction here and then the happy ending.
No, wonder cause this is a great piece:
I know Steve recognises that technically he should have been asked permission first but that he's not too upset to see his work used in this way. In fact if SFX or Comic Heroes like his stuff this much perhaps they might remember him when considering future commissions.
Lots more reaction here and then the happy ending.
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Walking Wounded: Death On The Rock
What we've done here is taken the classic formula for British war comics and then added monkeys to the mix. As you would expect, this has resulted in a publication that could be described as the greatest comic in comic history.
Well, it probably won't be described as that, but it could be.
Sunday 7 March 2010
Legends of Thrill Power
My old friend and former housemate Danny Graydon is one of the organisers of this upcoming comics festival:
These are Danny's events, suitably mouthwatering I am sure you will agree:
Whilst we're talking about festivals, let's not forget Hi-Ex!, the Scottish comic show masterminded by Richmond Clements. Crusader colourist is but one other string on his many stringed bow. He can still shoot arrows though. I am not sure where I am going with this. Best stop now.
These are Danny's events, suitably mouthwatering I am sure you will agree:
ARCHITECTS OF THRILL-POWER! – THE LEGENDS OF 2000AD
Since its launch in 1977, 2000AD – “The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic” – has been at the forefront of British Comics and remains a shining light in an increasingly barren landscape. Arriving perfectly in time with the popular re-emergence of Science Fiction and bearing a punky, anti-authoritative tone, 2000AD thoroughly invigorated Boys comics, introducing a collection of classic characters. For a vast array of 2000AD’s artists and writers, the comic was vital springboard to international recognition and success. UniComics is proud to present a panel discussion with three of 2000AD’s most iconic and renowned creative stars from its formative years – founder, debut editor and writer PAT MILLS (Slaine, Charley’s War), artist DAVE GIBBONS (Rogue Trooper, Watchmen), and artist KEVIN O’NEILL (Nemesis The Warlock, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) – who discuss the early development of the title as well as their own specific and greatly-admired contributions. Saturday 24th April, 6pm. Hosted by Danny Graydon. Tickets are priced £10
WEEKLY BRITISH SPIRIT – SIXTY YEARS OF THE EAGLE & DAN DARE
On April 14th, 1950, a new Boys comic called The Eagle vigorously introduced some wonder in to the drudgery of post-war Britain, and, with its star strip Dan Dare: Pilot of The Future, showcased a profoundly alluring fantasy of a strong and vital Britain in then far-flung 1997 that boldly led the way in the exploration of outer space. One of the most successful comics in British history, at its height, The Eagle remarkably sold just under a million copies a week. In celebration of the 60thanniversary of both this landmark, much-beloved title and its highly-memorable flagship character, UniComics presents a panel discussion to explore what is considered to be one of the high watermarks of British Comics history. The panel includes PAT MILLS (Founder of 2000AD), NICK JONES (Founding editor of Titan Book’s Dan Dare library), DR.WILL BROOKER (Kingston University) and GARY ERSKINE (Artist, Virgin Comics’ Dan Dare). Sunday 25th April, 6pm. Hosted by Danny Graydon. Tickets are priced £10.
Whilst we're talking about festivals, let's not forget Hi-Ex!, the Scottish comic show masterminded by Richmond Clements. Crusader colourist is but one other string on his many stringed bow. He can still shoot arrows though. I am not sure where I am going with this. Best stop now.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Saturday 6 February 2010
Worries
Here's a panel from page 8:
You will note the rather fine lettering, courtesy of Mr Bolt-01. We are delighted that Bolt has agreed to letter our comic once again.
You will note the rather fine lettering, courtesy of Mr Bolt-01. We are delighted that Bolt has agreed to letter our comic once again.
Saturday 23 January 2010
Monkey Sandwich
Detail from Death on the Rock, page 4:
In other news, our bold push to get people reading Walking Wounded #2 by giving it away has been blogged about by Forbidden Planet and noted comics journalist Danny Graydon.
In other news, our bold push to get people reading Walking Wounded #2 by giving it away has been blogged about by Forbidden Planet and noted comics journalist Danny Graydon.
Saturday 16 January 2010
The Fuhrer Adventures
Here's the first page of Walking Wounded #3, and it's that man again:
Love him or loath him, you'd be mad to love him.
Love him or loath him, you'd be mad to love him.
Sunday 10 January 2010
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