Tag: Planet Comicon

I Spy A Monster

On By BrandonLeave a comment

You often have a lot of time to think about things when on watch at the front lines. You try not to think of what hideaous monstrosity may lie just inside the edge of darkness and divert your attention elsewhere. What if the world fell away at that darkness? Was that a bat or a bird? Do my socks match today? What if a Frankenstein monster fought for the good guys or ghouls? He would probably become an agent for a secret government agency with a cool acronym and get to fight alongside other monsters and save the world. That’s what writer Jeff Lemire and artist Alberto Ponticelli envisioned for the comic book Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.

Go get 'em Frank.
Go get ’em Frank.

This particular comic book was launched during the new 52 reboot of DC and you’re probably wondering what S.H.A.D.E. stands for; Super Human Advanced Defense Executive, a military operation that investigates, assesses and contains paranormal and superhuman activity. The agency is run by a little girl called Father Time and Frank has such brothers in arms as the fish creature Dr. Nina Mazursky, the mummy Khalis, winged vampire Velcoro, Frankenstein’s bride and a werewolf. I wouldn’t mind having that sort of team on my side down here for sure.

Is it weird? Yeah. Is it awesome?Yeah. is it canceled? Yeah.

The series lasted 16 issues and was promptly dumped. Never any love for the good monsters. I would be remiss in mentioning that writer Matt Kindt took the reigns of the series for the last half. He did a wonderful job but it didn’t have the same zing that Jeff gave it. The fabulous art was always by Alberto for the whole series and his line work was expressively frantic and yet elegant. If a hardcover collection is made of the series, hold one for me at the castle and grab one for yourself as well. If you attend the upcoming Planet Comicon in Kansas City, you can even get Matt to sign it for you.

I like to think Frankenstein is still out there, roaming the hillside and saving the world. What is a canceled series to a being that death itself cannot seem to claim.

Newsflash!

On By BrandonLeave a comment

I am still alive. Now that we have that out of the way…a few things have happened since my last post. I did indeed attempt to start a web comic strip but it did not go as planned. I found that my artistic skills are such that I can make a mean sketch of an idea but cannot for the life of me stick the landing with a polished and finished drawing that I am proud of. I am that I am and that’s all that I am; a writer. That’s not a bad thing.

I have pretty much finished my screenplay Deadington and plan on submitting it to a screenplay contest within weeks. Wish me luck. In the meantime I am hard at work outlining a new screenplay from an idea that I have had for a long time. Its a great concept and, since I have heard that concept is king in Hollywood, it should do well.

Planet Comicon is about to hit Kansas City this weekend and so I have prepared a few script samples and proposals in hopes of finding an artist to help give my creations life. It can only help me that an editor from Marvel will be there this year to review portfolios. I can stand near his table and grab the cast-offs. No artist refuses someone a look at their portfolio.

That’s all for now. Will try to keep in touch more but you can see how that has gone in the past.

Planet Comicon

On By Brandon1 Comment

Another Planet Comicon has come and gone. While artist alley had expanded (which is nice) the dealer section seemed to have shrunk. I did get a few good deals though; Guardians of the Galaxy hardcover, Captain America hardcover and the Frankencastle hardcover signed by Mr. Moore of course. It is always nice to chat with Chris Grine of Chickenhare fame. He’s a real nice guy with a genuinely great web comic.

I wasn’t able to get any sketches this time but really wanted one from Fransisco Franciavelli (probably mangled his name). The Comic Book Geek Speak guys were there but I couldn’t work up the courage to talk to them. This after trying to get Chris to go talk with them I know, I am so ashamed.

Over all it was a good time. I brought my 3 year old daughter to the con on Sunday and she had a blast. Her very first convention! I will have to be sure to bring her on Saturday next time because there were more costumed characters and she wanted to get her picture taken with all the super-heroes.

Hopefully next year I will be behind a table promoting my children’s picture book or web comic. If not, I am thinking of buying a table just to search for an artist to work with. Hey, it couldn’t hurt right?

 

Post Planet Comicon

On By Brandon1 Comment

Another Planet Comicon has come and gone. I had a pretty good time overall. Sometimes I just wish the con would get a huge influx of new blood for guests and Artist Alley. It seems the same local people always show up with little difference. I’m not knocking the locals. I like some of the locals. It’s always nice to chat with Chris Grine of Chickenhare fame. Jason Aaron is a cool guy. I guess I was spoiled by Wizard World in Chicago when it was . There’s always next year.

You may have noticed I mentioned nothing about my pitches and finding an artist. I didn’t find one. There was nary a portfolio to be found. I remember the days when everyone and their mother hauled their portfolio around the con for reviews. Ah well.

I didn’t have a lot of money to spend this year but did get a Spider-man GN that included Joe Kelly and Chris Bachalo’s Hammerhead story. Both of those men astound me with their talent. I also picked up a Jonah Hex GN because I always liked the look of the character but know next to nothing about him. Phil Noto pencilled some of the stories and Jordi Bernet did the rest. I preferred the stylings of the Bernet guy for this type of book but Noto isn’t bad.

Posted a want ad at Digital Webbing for an artist for Deadington. Let’s see if there are any bites.