Jeff Shultz - Archie

Jeff Shultz, Superheroes for Hospice, Eatontown, NJ 2010.09.11

Shultz is an artist at Archie comics drawing Betty & Veronica. Shultz has also added his talents to the March of Dimes sketch cards.

Archie was created by John Goldwater (publisher/editor), Vic Bloom (writer) and Bob Montana (artist). An Archie drawing by Montana can be seen on the reference page...

Archie first appeared in MLJ Magazines' Pep Comics in 1941, becoming the dominant feature in 1944. As Archie's popularity grew the company changed its name to Archie Comic Publications. Archie is a perpetual 17 year old high school student, who has experienced the everyday life of a teenager, along with being a pop-music star, superhero and spy...

1946 Archie made his debut in the newspapers, today the strip is in the fine hands of Craig Boldman and Fernando Ruiz.. other artists on the comic strip included Dan DeCarlo and Henry Scarpelli. Of the 5 stamps issued as the Sunday Funnies, Archie is the only one probably better known for his comics and music, rather than his comic strip...

1943 Archie debuted with his own radio show which ran until 1953..

Archie comic strip credit to Fernando Ruiz and Craig Boldman

Comics on Vacation

2011.07.21 National Aquarium, Washington, DC - Sherman's Lagoon by Jim Toomey...

I spent 4 days in Washington, DC on a family vacation, showing my boys the museums and monuments...little did I expect to find comics along the route. The National Aquarium had a children's area that was supported by Jim Toomey's comic strip Sherman's lagoon. There were two sketches on display within the area, as well as decorations at the entrance...Smithsonian National Museum of American History...I couldn't believe how much time we spent walking through the museums. All were excellent, always enjoy Air and Space...Bringing my boys to see the monuments that document our history helps bring meaning to what they learn in school, or areas of history that do not get covered...

Happy to see at the American History Museum, in their entertainment, sports and music section, Julie Newmar's original Catwoman suit....

Action Comics featuring Superman, New York World's Fair comic featuring Superman, and Batman and Robin, along with Joe Louis' boxing gloves and a Lou Gehrig photo and signed baseball...

Original Kermit the Frog and friends from the early TV show "Sam and Friends"...

Charles Schultz's pen pencil and paintbrush....

Jan M. Velazquz - Metaluna

2011.07.16 Superheroes for Hospice, Livingston, NJ

The Hospice Comic show is a benefit to help raise funds for the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (NJ). The shows featured several guests: Jan M. Velazquez (Inkbot.com), Alitha Martinez (Yume and Ever), David Ryan (War of the Independents), Will Olmo, Jeff Drylewicz, Paul Castiglione (Archie Comics), Erica Schultz (M3), Marcello Carnivales (Brimstone comics) and thousands of comics cheap! It was great to meet these artists and writers, thank for being there!

I first met Jan at the Philly Comic Con, where he drew a fantastic Mummy for me, to be posted later. As I left the Inkbot booth, he said if you come across anything with a Metaluna let me know. This statement did not leave my mind. The classic 1950s science fiction movie This Island Earth had always been one of my favorite movies.

When i found out Jan would be in Livingston, my mind was set to get a sketch of a Metaluna on a Space Fantasy FDC. Jan jumped at the opportunity.

The publicity photo to the left shows Faith Domergue in the clutches of a mutant Metaluna. Released in 1955, This Island Earth was based on a novel of the same name by Raymond F. Jones, and starred Jeff Morrow, Rex Reason and Domergue...

At the time the movie was praised for its special effects...

Two Earth scientists are taken to the planet Metaluna, where the local inhabitants, aided by Mutant Metalunans are trying to defend their home from the Zagons... while the Metalunans have plans of their own for the Earth!

Inkbot's Zomboy written by Christian Rubiano, Illustrated by Jan M. Velazquez

Inkbot.net

Rich Woodall - Johnny Raygun

2011.06.18 Wizard Comic Con, Philadelphia, Pa

Johnny Raygun is a scifi action adventure published by JetPack Press, created by Rich Woodall...John Kurtrzberg (dedicated to Jack Kirby) is a Raygun Agent and his story lines remind the reader of Flash Gordon and Johnny Quest...

Johnny Raygun first appeared in 1994 in Cygnus X2 published by Twisted Pearl Press. With the assistance of Matt Talbot (inks, lettering, scripts) they continued publishing Johnny Raygun through JetPack Press..

Johnny Raygun did a one-shot crossover with Savage Dragon...

Woodall started drawing Johnny Raygun, because he loves comics, going from a reader to discovering the influences and artists behind the books. He has also painted covers for Episodes from the Zero Hour, Lance Start Pulp Novel...

JG Jones - Plasticman

2011.06.18 Wizard Comic Con, Philadelphia, Pa.

JG Jones has worked on a verity of comics, including Y: The Last man for Vertigo Comics, Villains United, Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia graphic novel for DC, Shi for Crusade Comics, Wanted fro Top Cow...

Jones is also noted for his cover art, being named 2006 Cover artist of the Year by Wizard Magazine. He has done cover art for The Avengers, Codename: Knockout, Y: The Last Man, Catwoman, Doc Savage, 52 (all 52 covers)....

Jones was also nominated for Eisner Wards for 2006 Best Cover Artist (Codename: Knockout and Transmetropolitan) and Best Penciler/Inker (Wanted)

When I handed Jones the above cover I expected a Wonder Woman sketch, but then he said "Can I use both sides?"

I replied yes and his Plasticman stretched across the cover...from the look on his face, I could tell Jones enjoyed this little diversion from his usual convention commissions...

Plasticman debuted in Quality Comics in 1941, the creation of Jack Cole. DC would acquire the rights that would bring him into the DC Universe as a recurring character in Batman: The Brave and the Bold...

In 1960 DC brought in another character of similar abilities called Elongated Man, created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino

Christopher Uminga - Frankenstein

2011.06.18 Wizard Comic Con, Philadelphia, Pa.

I came across Christopher Uminga's work through a web search and was totally blown away by the style...

Comics Alliance, in an article by Brian Warmoth, he stated Uminga's style melded adorable looks with macabre implications...Yea they are cute, but you would still walk the other way if you saw them on the street...Whether he draws superheroes, kids that like to fight, old school, little monsters...they all draw you in...

While I was walking the floor at Wizard, Philadelphia, I could not believe the Uminga had a table set up. Unexpected as I did not see him on the guest list. When I presented by concept of sketches on FDCs, he quickly said he likes to draw Frankenstein. I was glad to accommodate him with the Frankenstein FDC. He added a light green touch to the ink sketch for some depth to the character.

Uminga's bio states When I close my eyes I see monsters or other friendly creatures. I put them on paper and let them play. Some are scary or even strange, but to me they are my friends..

Gene Colan - Daredevil

Gene Colan passed away on June 23, 2011...

Colan was well known for his work with Marvel comics, specifically for Daredevil, Howard the Duck and Dracula...

Colan is credited with co-creating the Falcon and Blade and was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2005, 1974 Shazam Award for Best penciller (Dramatic Division), 1977 and 1979 Eagle Award for Favorite Comic Book (Humor) for Howard the Duck, 2008 Sparky Award, 2009 Comic Art Professional Society's Sergio Award...

Colan started in the comic industry with Fiction House in 1944, drawing Wings Comics an aviation series. Moving onto Timely Comics, Colan's original work went uncredited as a staff penciller (including Captain America)...

DC Comics included Hopalong Cassidy Westerns, Our Army at War, Captain Storm, All-American Men at War, Batman, Wonder Woman, Fury of Firestorm, Night Force (created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan) and many others...

Marvel included Astonishing Tales, Captain Marvel, Tomb of Dracula, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Daredevil, Avengers, Howard the Duck, Tales to Astonish, and many others...

Dark Horse Comics on Buffy the Vampire Slayer

James Anderson - Ellie on Planet X

Transmission from the Strang Institute...2011.06.11...Ellie landed on Planet X June 10, 2010...A little robot on a scientific mission...unfortunately she's off-line...

Ellie is a web-comic drawn by James Anderson, guided by the good people at the Strang Institute's mission control. I found Ellie through Wired.com's article on the best new web comics of 2010. They stated that Ellie's personality jumps out of every panel and the story has a classic, all-ages approach without feeling like a retread of a newspaper comic. I felt as if I were back in grade school reading a early reader with the drawing in two-colors on the top of the page, the art has that warm feeling. The limited use of color, and simple backgrounds

I also like the blog that goes along with Ellie featuring updates and information, like old manuals, advertisements and news articles from the Strang Institute. Check out the Dance-O-Scope...I hope they have a visitor's center.

I had sent a Project Mercury cover to James Anderson requesting a sketch of Ellie, he gladly consented. Like a kid sending in box tops for the special prize I waited for the cover to find it's way back. I could not be happier. Since I have a collection of space flight related covers this easily fits in both categories.

James also sent a letter on Strang Institute letterhead (I am impressed). - Thanks for sending the first day issue stamp. I'm honored to be able to draw on a stamped envelope from 1962! From Cape Canaveral, no less. I was actually really nervous to draw on it. I didn't want to mess it up. I hope I didn't!

Impossible to mess it up the drawing is better than expected. The letter also featured a drawing of Jeff!

Danielle Corsetto - McPedro

2011.04.03 Wild Pig Comic Con, Somerset, NJ...Ach! Who're these Impostehrs?!

Danielle Corsetto started drawing Girls with Slingshots in 2004, a web-comic, which has been published in book form. Girls follows the lives of Hazel (a red-head with a taste for alcohol) and Jamie, and a cactus, McPedro (that only talks when she's drunk) and their friends...

Beautifully drawn and rough-edged comedy...The first volume (with a drawing of Hazel) also features Corsetto's comic strip Hazelnuts, drawn for her high school newspaper...

The cactus FDC is also signed by cactus stamp designer Frank J. Waslick...

Matthew Petz - War of the Woods

2011.05.22 Wizard Comic Con, New York

Matthew Petz work ranges from biker zombies to computer games...as well as the Zuda web-comic War of the Woods, which MTV Geek named one of the best web comics of 2010.

War of the Woods is a classic alien invasion story to in a unique way, from the perspective of otters in the New Jersey Pine Barrens...Nathaniel Waterbrooks and his son Phinneas embark on adventures with their friend Issac Brownshell, a turtle, as they fight back against the greatest threat the planet has known...

The Liberty Bell envelope with the Lincoln stamps were chosen as Petz is a fan of Abraham Lincoln, and the Liberty Bell stand for American Freedom, from any invaders...

Joe Kubert

2011.06.04 - Joe Kubert was at Dewey's Comic City, Madison, NJ for a book signing. I did make a request for a sketch and Mr. Kubert declined as he was only signing books. I am good with that...

I had planned on picking up a couple of books, and the opportunity to meet Joe Kubert was in itself what the day was all about...

I picked up Kubert's latest Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965. Excellent. The art work is not typical comic or graphic novel. The art looks like pencil sketches on gray paper with highlights, as if he was there and making the sketches while the story takes place. No little boxes to separate the art, each page draws you into the story...As a fan of Sgt. Rock, you can see his spirit in these Vietnam vets...

The Vietnam draft ended in 1973, the year I would have been in the selection process. No one in my immediate family was involved in the war, although my wife lost a cousin in battle. However, the war still holds memories for me of news reports, protests in high school and at the local college. And probably not having a full understanding of the war. Of not providing our troops with the full support they really needed.

Kubert pointed out that the back of the book, which is a true description of the events the story is based on by the men who were there and survived.

I am not a book reviewer nor was this blog set up for that purpose, but I was so appreciative of the small time spent between my son Matt, Joe Kubert and myself, and the depth of the story I could not resist...

Daxiong - Chinese New Year

2011.05.22 Wizard Comic Con, New York

Daxiong Guo was born in Jilin Province, China...1999 founded QiCartoon Studios and is one of the most successful artists in Chinese and European comics, receiveing recognition for his work, including 1st place Shanghai Animation & Comic Competition and top honors at the 33rd Annual Angouleme International Comics Festival...

Moving to NYC in 2008, he founded Flag Studios, LLC, and has worked with DC/Wildstorm Productions, Dark Horse Star Wars Adventures, Treasure of the Dragonsnakes, Superman and Doctor Light in Samurai...

I had seen Daxiong's set-up at a previous show and he was booked, so I could not get a sketch. This morning I was there as he was setting up and was able to get in a request before anyone else. I choose the Chinese New Year FDC to told Daxiong to do what ever he pleased. His rendering of the beautiful woman offset by the magnificent dragon in the background is more than I could have imaged...

Photo of Daxiong taken from MTV Geek - Wizard World Comic Con: A Look Back in Photos...Under the photo they ran the caption...Everyone was talking about hot new artist Daxiong at the show...

Sara Richard - Dinosaur

2011.05.22 Wizard Comic Con, New York

The first cover I want to share that I obtained at Wizard is from Sara Richard. I do not think the scan does the art justice. It is gorgeous!

Sara is a grad of the Columbus College of Art & Design, and started working at Hasbro as a temp. When I read her bio I was taken by the fact that she loved dinosaurs...

"Dinosaurs are freaking cool."

My choice of cover for Sara had to be the Dinosaur FDC, and gave her free reign to draw what ever she wanted. I am not disappointed. It is truly a miniature masterpiece...

Sara says her style is heavily influenced by Japanese Ink Paintings (sumi-e), trying to emulate the simplicity of the style. The art below is the back of her business card...