Fernando Ruiz - Cosmo - Animal Jam

2018.07.08 Garden State Comic Fest, Morristown, NJ

Animal Jam is an online virtual world launched in 2010 by WildWorks and the National Geographic Society. Players discover various facts about zoology. The popularity of the on-line game has launched other media products including shirts, notebooks, playlets, plush figures.

In 2017 Dynamite comics released a 4 book mini-series of comic books written and drawn by Fernando Ruiz and Eric Esquivel (this includes #0 a Free Comic Book Day publication).

When I came across the FCBD copy at my local store, I had to grab it because first there was a koala on the cover and second because it was by Fernando.

My wife does not know Fernando, but she loves koalas. Given the choice of me or a koala, it would be the koala. I knew Fernando would be at a local show, so I went on eBay to look for a first day cover that featured a koala stamp and kept an eye open for Fernando's appearance. I am posting the cover this week, as Nancy birthday is in a few days, so this is for her. (cheap gift)

There are several main Alphas that oversee the Animal Jam community which includes:

Liza the Panda (leader); Greely the Wolf (animal magic); Graham the Monkey (Inventor); Sir Gilbert the Tiger (warrior), Peck the Rabbit (non-conformist); Cosmo the Koala (expert herbalist), Tavi the Dolphin

Fernando Ruiz - Predator

2015.06.06 NY Special Event, NYC

Archie has meet several interesting people -KISS, Punisher, Glee, TMNT, the undead and now Predator...

Written by Alex de Campi and drawn by Fernando Ruiz, this 4-part series has the fiercest hunter in the galaxy using Riverdale for his hunting grounds... (Dark Horse Archie vs Predator signed by Ruiz and de Campi)... I used the Talking Pictures FDC to tie in with Predator's film history

Predator first came to public attention in the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger leading a special military team on a mission to rescue hostages in Central America. What they find is they are being hunted by a technologically advanced extraterrestrial warrior (played by Kevin Peter Hall). Predator was written by Jim and John Thomas...

Predator would go on to feature in two sequels as well as two cross-over films with the Alien franchise... and a fan film Batman Dead End...

Alex de Campi has authored several comic books, including Smoke (IDW Publishing), Grindhouse Comics (Dark Horse), Wonder Woman (DC), Kat & Mouse (Tokyopop) and No Mercy (Image)

No Mercy promotional button

Fernando Ruiz - Iron Ghost

2012.05.05 Free Comic Book Day, Dewey's Comic City, Madison, NJ

Fernando Ruiz provided a sketch of the Iron Giant from his new anthology EPiCS.  An excellent artist working at Archie, an instructor at the Kubert School and a genuinely good guy, Ruiz mentioned this was his first sketch of the Iron Giant outside of the work provided for the book.  I had the opportunity to see several of the original pages from the Iron Ghost this day and they were excellent.

I also have received my copy of the book in digital format and found the Iron Giant to posses all of the elements of the classic comic story I enjoy. Ruiz was assisted on this story by Jack Morelli, letters and Fabio Redivo, colors...

Best of luck...

EPiCS Anthology

On April 5 - I originally posted this : The book is ready, and I have received my digital copy. An excellent effort.  On September 15 Dewey's Comic City, Madison, NJ is going to host an official release party and signing with all four artists from the book in attendance. Come out and meet the artists and get your copy of EPiCs anthology signed.

On free comic book day, Dewey's also hosted Ruiz, Marques and Redivo for sketches for the customers. I was very lucky to get them to provide me with sketches of their characters from the book. Tomorrow starts with Fernando Ruiz and the Iron Ghost!

Original post: Just learned about a project being put together by Fernando Ruiz, Anthony Marques, Fabio Redivo and Bob Hardin. It's called EPiCS, a book that will consist of 4 short stories featuring high flying adventure, intense horror and intrigue, adrenaline inspired thrills and mystery.

These talent writers and artists are raising funds to complete the project through Kickstarter. I have read articles about bands that have asked their fans to support their efforts to produce a CD, avoiding the trials and tribulations of big business. I had thought it would have been cool to have been part of this, helping a someone with their dream. Now I have. Since my limited artistic ability and writing skills will never get me published, I can still be a part of this project by providing support and so can you!

Bob C hardin - Rat Rod Daddy's Daughter - Hot Rod Racing 50's style
Fernando Ruiz - The Iron Ghost - Science fiction and intrigue
Anthony Marques - Katyusha - Rocket packed super hero in high flying adventure
Fabio Redivo -Drake - private investigator, deceit, murder and a beautiful woman

The fund drive at Kickstarter ends May 13!
Epic Anthology

I have had the pleasure of meeting both Fernando Ruiz and Bob Hardin, both great guys. The Epics website features previews of the stories, and it looks great. I am happy to be part of their adventure and glad I can help.

Thanks to Dewey's Comic City for the initial information. The cover is from Anthony Marques deviant art website.."This is the cover I did for an anthology book that should be done by spring time...Hope ya like it."

Archie Andrews - Batman FDC

Archie Andrews as the Shield..

Fernando Ruiz was making an appearance at Dewey's Comic City, Madison, NJ on July 10, 2010 to promote the new Archie comic, the Man from Riverdale.

I did not have any first day covers (FDC) that were directly related to Archie, so I brought several with me that could be used. I discussed my ideas with Mr. Ruiz as follows, Archie as the Spy from the new comic on a McGruff the Crime Dog FDC (1984), Archie or Jughead as a werewolf on a Universal Monsters FDC (1997) or Archie as the Shield as seen on the Archie and Friends comic from Oct 2002 on a Batman FDC (2006).

Mr Ruiz stated he enjoyed drawing Archie as the Shield and liked the idea of using the Batman FDC, so the decision was an easy one...

Archie The Man From Riverdale signed comic