Tag Archives: Comics Market

Shadow Sentry: Origins Free Preview

As we prepare to launch our new campaign next week for Shadow Sentry: Origins #1 – we wanted to wet your palette and get you excited for this amazing book! We have employed the talents of Clayton Barton and Mark Poulton (Hawkman, Avengelyne), to add their touch to this new installment, and what they have done will blow you away! Clayton Barton of How to Draw Comics.net has done a fantastic job lending his style to the breakdowns and layouts for this book, that’s why we’ve decided to make a few select pages available to download, for free, for your viewing pleasure! Mark has finished the first draft of the script, and Clayton has finished all the breakdowns and layouts for the 24 page story for the Hopscotch origin and we’re eager for you to get a glimpse! Just Clayton’s line work on the breakdowns are delicious to behold, so take a look!


Here is a 9 page preview courtesy of Gumroad to get you pumped! – Just follow the link and enter $0 for the amount…

Gumroad Digital Download


Finished page 1 from the Hopscotch origin story.

Launching next week on 2 . 2 3 . 2 3 — SHADOW SENTRY: Origins will be comprised of two 24 page stories, totaling 48 pages of awesome! Hopscotch will start us off with a bang (or a slice!) and launch us into modern Japan where Yakuza gangsters are fighting for their life! Can they take on a teenage girl with newly found teleportation powers!? You’ll find out as Hopscotch, or Katarina Katayama, embarks on a errand of revenge from the king of hell himself — that old dastardly Dragon — Satan! You’ll get a good look at him in this book as we set up what it means to be a Hell Born, and how they are chosen. You’ll also be introduced to a new villain, a cyborg ninja known as Akira, the Iron Demon (aka: Tatsu Akuma)!


COMMANDER NOBLE

Part two will be the origin story of Robert Noble, the current leader of the Shadow Sentry. Learn how he received his powers in Afghanistan following 9/11, and the details surrounding his run in with the Hell Born and Vengent!

Here’s a little sneak peek at page 1 (below), from the Commander Noble origin story! Art by Eric Ninaltowski. Assisting on Script will be new comer: Clay Pauley! New to our team but not new to comics, Clay has been writing his own stories for some time, and will soon be launching his own crowdfunded book – Myth No More!

If you’re new to the scene and want to catch up you’re free to wait until the campaign launches next week where there will be a tier where you can purchase Books 1 & 2, or you can get your hands on them now as we’ve updated the STORE! Cause why wait!

Head to the Store!

We look forward to seeing you next week when the campaign launches! 2/23 around 6: 30 pst on Indiegogo!

PRO-LIFIC! Chatting with creator Phillip Russertt

Welcome to PRO-LIFIC where I interview professional artists, writers, and creators to delve down deep and find out what makes them tick and find out tips-n-tricks for being successful as a creator! Everyone has a different story to tell, and every artist has their own unique style, but what are the common threads that we can find to help us on our own journey? Join me as we glean new insights into becoming the next PROLIFIC writer, artist, or creator!

Today I have the privilege of talking with a gentleman who has an incredible story of going from comic collector, to art collector, to convention runner, to art rep, to beating COVID (barely), to CREATOR and WRITER! At 48 no less! That is Phillip Russertt! Not only does he have an amazing inspiring story but he has a huge heart for people, a love for art and artists, and it really shows in everything he does. Once you hear the line-up of artists he has on his covers, you’ll quickly understand why! He’s a fantastic lovable guy, so without further ado, let’s get to the interview with him!

Tyler Kirkham cover

ERIC: Hey Philip! I was really shocked to hear your story, I had no idea that it took a crazy run-in with COVID to get you to pursue your lifelong longing to create and write! It’s inspiring in so many ways, but tell us about it and what happened.

PHILLIP: Hi Eric.  As far as the comic book industry goes, I’ve been an art collector for well over a decade and a comic collector for forty years. Throughout the years I had built relationships with major, well known artists and writers in the industry. In 2017 I started my own comic book convention focused on comic books and their creators. I had three successful shows before the Covid pandemic lock down changed everything. I always try to utilize my time wisely and never waste it, so while stuck at home I started my own livestream interview show with indie and main stream creators. It was getting a lot of attention and without realizing I was connecting with a lot of people on social media. I then decided to become an artist agent. Shortly after I got Covid in January 2021 and to be honest it was almost fatal.  I was hospitalized with Covid, Pneumonia and multiple blood clots in both my lungs. I was on Oxygen continuously and lost over 35lbs. I was bed ridden for 6 weeks. During that time I reflected on my life being that I was reminded how precious it is. Upon reflection I thought of the growing, nagging feeling that always haunted me. It was a frustration built out of feeling I wasn’t reaching my potential. That potential was to create. I was a musician in my youth but it wasn’t satiating my passion. I lay there in bed and realized I need to write a comic book.  Time is the one commodity we never get back. You can always make more money but you cannot make more time. We don’t now how long we have so I wanted to make the best of it and finally do what I always wanted to do. I had a vision of my protagonist in my head and decided to write and not look back.

Interiors by Ricardo Silva, and colors by Chris Sotomayor

ERIC: Please tell us, what motivates you to create/ write, and what fuels your passion? What keeps you going with everything constantly going around you?

PHILLIP: The idea of world building and creating characters was always appealing but yet intimidating.  Once I overcame that fear and lack of confidence I wrote a story that is motivated by the human condition and our behaviors. My protagonist is a female and I don’t know about you, but I’ve never met a female who realized how strong, beautiful or smart they were and certainly not how capable they were. Being a father of two beautiful little girls and wanting them to grow up loving themselves and never doubting their worth, I wanted to write something that addresses that. Tragedy is based loosely on my wife, but yet also myself. As humans we tend to feel we are different but at the core we all want the same thing. We want to feel relevant; to feel like we matter. I wrote a story that touches on those things. I was always fascinated with human psychology. I observed and studied how and why people react and behave the way they do and my character is grounded in that reality.

ERIC: What where some of the most influential factors or circumstances that brought you to where you are today as a creator/ writer? Then also please tell us some of the most influential people who have inspired you along the way. What creators and writers spoke to you on your journey.

PHILLIP: First and foremost I have always been a driven and motivated man. I always want to be better tomorrow than I am today, whether it be as a person or for what legacy I leave behind. Some of my major influences are Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Dave Cocrum, Peter David, J.R.R Tolkien and of course my wife. Chris Claremont and Peter David, to me were amazing. The way Chris wrote for the long game with his amazing 17 year run on Uncanny X-Men and how Peter David could write characters so real. I remember in X-Factor Peter wrote Quicksilver and explained why he’s such a jerk and it was brilliant! He basically said, paraphrasing of course, imagine living in a world where everyone is slower than you and just getting in your way. His analogy was standing on line as an old woman counted her change at the register for ten minutes. There writing inspired me to meld the fiction of superheroes with the real human element that is people.  Reading Tolkien was an education on world building, after all he created an entire Elven language. My wife has been an influence as far as that real human element of self-doubt but yet at times a quiet confidence. It’s the battle we all face at some point.

IDAN cover

ERIC: Of all the different mediums out there, what was it about comics that lead you to create your work in that medium?

PHILLIP: I hated reading as a child and I realize now it was because, the thought of a 300 plus page book intimidated me. I also didn’t have the patience to enjoy the journey of reading. At nine years old I picked up Uncanny X-Men #115 & #126 and fell in love with the aesthetics of the characters. I would constantly flip through the books enjoying the art but still wouldn’t read them. I finally said to myself “I don’t even know who these characters are”. I wanted to know so I started reading and never looked back. Comic books are a great gateway for kids to love reading and the art was always beautiful to look at.

ERIC:  Why did you choose to write this story? If you’re like me, you have many that you could have told, but why this one. What is it about this one that excites you?

PHILLIP: This story is very close to home as far as the protagonist. I think writers just starting out always write from themselves or those closest to them. It’s the easiest way to understand and portray your character. Once I realized who Grace O’Connor was, I realized she was me and she was my wife. I want to tell our story through her.

Ryan Kincaid cover

ERIC: As a first time creator, just starting out, how hard was It to find the team you are working with? Also, what was It that drew you to them specifically for your project?

PHILLIP: I was already an artist agent with my company Legendary Illustrations and the artists I represent are not just artists but people I invest in. Having said that, I was representing Ricardo Silva first as I loved his art style immediately. I love the art style of the 90’s tight pencils. That’s why I love your art Eric! Ricardo had the tight pencils and the style I felt would best suit my book. I also hired the colorist I represent, Sigmund Torre for the first book. This new book has famous Marvel, DC and Image colorist, Chris Sotomayor on interiors. Jason Meadows is the letterer and I also represent him. The thing about them is there is no ego. We all understand what our roles are and we have the singular focus on making the best book possible.

ERIC: What have been some of the biggest challenges in getting your book(s) done?

PHILLIP: Finances are always a challenge. Other than that I honestly don’t feel any challenges and really enjoy making my book with the team. Marketing and distribution are a huge challenge but not in making the book.

ERIC: What are some words of advice you would give to someone who is looking to get into writing, creating?

PHILLIP: Believe in yourself and don’t be intimidated. Just go find your passion and do it. We can always find reasons not to do something but there is really one most important reason to do something…love for it.

ERIC: One question I love to ask creators is, if you could do it all over again what would you do differently? Or if you could speak with 15 year old you, what would you say to yourself when it comes to pursuing your dreams?

Ale Garza and Alex Sinclair Cover

PHILLIP: I’d say start earlier in life but honestly I feel things happen when and how they are meant to happen. I didn’t have my direction until 48 years old but everything I did until now led up to it so I could. I didn’t realize it as it was happening, but here we are!

ERIC: Great stuff man! I’m inspired by your story, and it is a great lesson that it’s really never too late to pursue that dream or do what’s been laid on your heart to do.

Anything else you’d like to add before we call it a wrap!?

PHILLIP: My life has been tough. I had a bad childhood and comic books saved me from that misery and pain that was a daily torment. They also taught me right and wrong, how to be a hero and what real sacrifice meant. Comic books gave so much to me and I want to be a part of that. If my characters can reach and relate with someone who is struggling then I am happy to make that small difference in someone else’s life. I also want to show my amazing little girls that with true sacrifice, hard work, and determination they too can live their dream.

For more from Phillip and Eric check out the live interview with him on YOUTUBE here… 

Today is the last day of the campaign for TRAGEDY book 2 (26 pages) on Kickstarter!! If you are interested in any of the amazing covers Phillip has to offer… don’t wait!

HEAD THERE NOW!

Also book 1 is still currently In-Demand on Indiegogo (30 pages) with some awesome covers still available to get your hands on! They won’t be around forever!

BOOK 1 on INDIEGOGO

If you want to follow Phillip Russertt and his team, check them out

www.belegendaryillustrations.com

FB: Phillip Russertt

IG: @philrussertt

IG: @Tragedy_comic

Pencils/Inks: Ricardo Silva  IG: @ricardosilvaart

Colors: Chris Sotomayor  IG: @Sotocolor

Letters: Jason Meadows  IG: @ksscomics

 

 

FREE 14 PAGE PREVIEW!

Sometimes trying something new isn’t always easy.

Hopping on board a train that has already started moving can be equally challenging! In an effort to help you out and lend you a hand to give my new series, SHADOW SENTRY a try; I put together a preview to give you a little taste. The first 14 pages of Book 1: Into the Eternal.

Keep in mind this has been an independent creation, no big names, no flashy company, just us little guys, with support from folks like you! I’m really proud of what we’ve created and think you’ll quickly see the passion that went into creating this first installment of SHADOW SENTRY.  I think it’s something new and old readers alike will enjoy! And I’ve already gotten great feedback and am very happy to report Book 1 has been well received!

But sometimes seeing is believing! So in an effort to make a believer out of you… check it out, see for yourself! Hit the link below to check out and download your free 14 page preview!

CLICK HERE

Shadow Sentry book 2 has been fully funded! I will deliver! So if you’d like to pre-order Book 2 (and get Book 1 while you’re at it, while supplies last!) and see where this story goes, please consider backing today! More backers unlocks more stretch goals, which means more cool freebies for everyone! Digital copies are an option too, but just a heads up, only physical backers of the book get the stretch-goals come fulfillment time.

WANT TO BACK THE BOOK OR JUST FIND OUT MORE? CLICK THE LINK BELOW!

CHECK OUT BOOK 2!

Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy what you see and please feel free to reach out with any questions via the campaign page on Indiegogo! (The link above)

 

PRO-LIFIC! Chatting with writer Chael Roberts

Welcome to PRO-LIFIC where I interview professional artists, writers, and creators to delve down deep and find out what makes them tick and find out tips-n-tricks for being successful as a creator! Everyone has a different story to tell, and every artist has their own unique style, but what are the common threads that we can find to help us on our own journey? Join me as we glean new insights into becoming the next PROLIFIC writer, artist, or creator!

Today we’re talking with Chael Roberts, who has been a comic creator for a little over three years and is currently on Volume Three of Guardians of Erloth: The Last Leopard King. He started the first volume with artist Ryan Best in the Spring of 2018, the world, however, has been in the making for almost 20 years and Chael is ready to release a series of novels based in the vast world of Erloth in the coming years. The novels will coincide and tie into the Guardians of Erloth comics.

Volume 2 Cover by Caanan White

 

ERIC: First off,  tell us what motivates you to create/ write, and what fuels your passion?

CHAEL : What motivated me to start writing comics and novels was my interest in storytelling. Growing up I read stories by great storytellers such as Louis L’Amour, Jack London, Timothy Zahn, and Brian Jacques. I admired how in-depth their worlds were and how they could take you on such an exciting journey that would cause many late nights and sleepless hours because you couldn’t help but keep turning the pages.

ERIC: What where some of the most influential factors or circumstances that brought you to where you are today as a creator/ writer? Then also please tell us some of the most influential people who helped as well.

CHAEL: The most influential factors for me as a creator was being dissatisfied when reading stories and how the characters and plot ended in places I wasn’t happy with. It made me want to explore similar themes and make those endings more substantial or more emotional. I also was influenced by a creative imagination I’ve had since I was very young. In high school, I took a science fiction writing class. It was the first time I saw Blade Runner. The final project was a short story consisting of 7,000 words. It was writing that short story that I found my passion for putting my love of storytelling on paper.

Volume 1 Cover by Caanan White

ERIC: Of all the different mediums out there, what was it about comics that lead you to create your work in that medium?

CHAEL: I was an avid reader of the Star Wars Expanded Universe in the ’90s starting with Timothy Zahn’s, Heir to The Empire Trilogy. Also being a comic fan I was able to visually see these worlds and creatures on the pages of Dark Horse Star Wars pages. Having written short stories, but having difficulty figuring out how to publish, I found that comics as a visual medium would help bridge that gap and introduce my world to readers.

ERIC: Why did you choose to write this story? If you’re like me, you have many that you could have told, but why this one? What is it about this one that excites you?

CHAEL: This particular story was born out of a much larger story. I created characters that were from a far off exotic land. I wanted to create a background through a short story for these characters and I found that a visual medium such as comics was a perfect way to do that.

Vol 3 page art by Ryan Best

ERIIC: What’s the future hold for this series? Is it on-going? A one-shot? In other words, what are your long term plans for it?

CHAEL: The future for Guardians of Erloth will be expansive. On Erloth there are many Guardians and they each have their own tale. The Last Leopard King just happens to be the first in a long line.

ERIC: Let’s talk about your team. How hard was It to find, and/or how did you find the team you are working with? Also, what was It that drew you to them specifically for your project?

CHAEL: I found my artist online. I was able to see his portfolio and published work before I approached him. I found his style fit the type of storytelling I wanted to achieve.

ERIC:  What have been some of the biggest challenges in getting your book(s) done?

CHAEL: Time management and patience. I am not an artist so understanding that my artist has other projects takes a lot of understanding and patience. Also, setting deadlines and meeting those deadlines can be tricky. Giving yourself more time than you anticipate can always help alleviate pressure and stress.

Doube page spread from Vol 3 part 1 art by Ryan Best

ERIC: What are some words of advice you would give to someone who is looking to get into writing/ creating/ or illustrating?

CHAEL: Find the method you write or illustrate the best and find time to do it often. There is no one right way to write, but if you can do it consistently you will achieve goals more often than not.

ERIC: If you could do it all over again what would you do differently? Or if you could speak with 15 year old you, what would you say to yourself when it comes to pursuing your dreams of writing/ creating/ illustrating?

CHAEL: Don’t wait so long to jump in with both feet. I have been writing the same series for a long time. If I had been more serious and had more confidence I may be in a better situation today, as far as my published work is concerned.

For more from Chael and Eric check out the live interview with him on YOUTUBE here…

If you want to take a look at his book Guardians of Erloth Volume 3 you can check out the INDIEGOGO campaign which will be live only for a short while longer! Don’t miss it!

CHECK IT OUT!

To follow Chael on social media and keep up to date on the latest, here are some links!

Twitter: @chaelroberts

Instagram: scribeoferloth

Facebook: Chael Roberts

For more on the other books… you can find images, info, and reviews…

VOLUME ONE: HERE

VOLUME TWO: HERE

SHADOW SENTRY BOOK 2 – is now available to pre-order!

Book 1: Into the Eternal was a hit!

Book 2: Belly of the Beast promises to be even better! Following right on the heels of book 1— The Shadow Sentry are about to throw down and clash with BLOOD BANE and the HELL BORN in an all out BATTLE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!

You won’t want to miss it! PLUS we have some fun surprises along the way! BLOOD BANE has a new look that we have yet to see, and there are some fun and new characters we get to meet as well!

It all happens in BOOK 2: BELLY OF THE BEAST!

CHECK IT OUT NOW!

WHAT DID FOLKS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT BOOK 1??

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?

RESERVE YOUR COPY TODAY!

Books are In!

The Shadow Sentry campaign for book 1 is drawing to a close! All books have been mailed out! The 31st of May will mark the end of the first campaign! I want to say a big thank you to all who backed and made the first book a huge success! But this is only the beginning!

WHAT NOW!?

Here’s what’s in store for the future!!

For a limited time (till the end of May) I’ll be offering a BLACK&WHITE Hard Cover Astist Edition of Book 1.

This will be a special edition that will not only include the inks of book 1 but also 20 pages of extras! Extra’s like sketches, concept designs, unused art, breakdowns and pretty much all that went into making the book! It’s going to be something special for the art lover who enjoyed the line work without the distraction of the colors! Backers of this special edition will also be able to add on a quick sketch on the inside cover, or a detailed sketch, at a pretty reasonable amount!

Head There Now!

Here’s a peek at some black and white pages that you’ll see in the Artist Edition (the pages will be lettered of course! Not seen here)

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!

So what about Book 2 you ask!?

Book 2: Belly of the Beast will be available in June when the campaign launches on Indiegogo! Specific date TBA! But if you’d like to be notified when the campaign goes live and be the first to grab your copy – sign up now for the pre-campaign – AND – get a FREE LIMITED EDITION TRADING CARD WHEN YOU BACK!

SIGN UP NOW!

Here’s a peek at my cover for book 2! It may look familiar to you, it’s a homage to an oldie but goodie! Check that out below as well!

I can’t tell you how excited I am to keep the train rolling in this new Shadow Sentry saga – there’s some really fun things coming in Book 2, but till then… that’s all the news for now! I will send out another update as I get ready to launch, but remember to sign-up and stay in the loop and get that trading card!

Till Next Time!

-E

 

 

Shadow Sentry- Book 1 Almost complete!

Just around 10 more pages to go and then the book will be complete! I’ve been hard at work these past months penciling and inking some of my best work EVER and I’m so excited to get it out to you! Thank you to everyone who has backed my first CREATOR-OWNED Comic, launched this past February on INDIEGOGO! The campaign itself is still In-Demand, which means if you haven’t hopped on board yet, there is still time! The campaign will probably only remain open a few more months while I wrap up the book so don’t wait!

I want to show you some pages that are about 99.9% finished with the exception of final edits, that have been re-lettered by Eric Weathers, comic letterer extraordinaire! These have colors by the talents of Kid Ikaris as well as Carbon Graphics, and as you can see they are coming out stunningly great!

If you haven’t yet, head on over and check out the campaign on …

INDIEGOGO <—- CLICK ME!

There are some great perks to get on the campaign, but if you want JUST the comic, it’s only $20! Other perks include a signed copy of the comic, prints, metal prints, as well as some original art! But every physical backer of the book will be getting some sweet freebies, including stickers, trading cards, a poster, and a metal bookmark!

Thanks so much, now, please enjoy the first 8 pages!

  

 

The MEG Comic!

So hopefully you’ve seen the trailer for the upcoming movie, THE MEG, the action packed blockbuster about an enormous Megalodon Shark that hits theaters this weekend! What you may not know is that it’s based on the book by Steve Alten, which also was adapted into a super amazing Graphic Novel. I had the privileged of working on the GN with a super talented team: Pencils and character inks by the mighty Mike S. Miller, Colors by the gifted Nanjan, and along with myself who provided the dynamic background inks! That’s right folks – an all-star cast to rival that of the live-action movie!

Don’t believe me… check out some of these amazing pages from the book!

So what does a background inker do exactly you may ask? Well, pretty much anything that is not a human being (and a shark!) I inked, with the exception of a few things that Mike inked for me (nice guy that he is!) But all that background stuff you see, I inked, and did my best that you couldn’t notice that there are actually two guys inking the same page!

So yes, the movie is coming out this weekend, but as you know Hollywood will always make their mark and find a way to change things up from the original source material. Our adaptation however closely follows the book, and will provide a faithful retelling of the epic story from Steve Alten. This was seen to by Mike Miller himself and J.S. Earls, two talented writers. That’s right, Mike Miller writes as well as illustrates! I just keep surprising you don’t I! Haha

If you want to be even more surprised head to the nearest book store and pick up a copy of the Graphic Novel, Meg, and see all the amazing art and story we worked so hard on over the past months! If you’re interested in the comic version, single issues, you’ll have to talk to your local comic shop and order them directly from the publisher the Dabel Brothers.

Click the image to read more and see more pics!

Just in case you have no idea about THE MEG movie… here’s what you’re missing! The coolest Shark movie since JAWS!

 

 

Samson! Nuff Said!

It’s not very often I get to do sequential work (not every month anyway) but I’m happy to announce I just finished working on 17 pages of Samson Volume 2, from Rooted Chronicles. Following the top-notch Volume one, with art from the talents of Nadir Balan, and colors by the stunning Liz Buenaventura, written by Luis Serrano, I was happy to lend my hand at furthering the tale of one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. The strongest man to ever live… SAMSON. To sweeten the pot, I was privileged to illustrate the coolest part of the tale (in my opinion) the slaying of the 1,000 Philistines! It’s a bit of an understatement to say it’s quite the ride!

Here’s a few pages to wet your palette with some sweet colors added by Sivakami Mohan ….

So where can I get my hands on this you ask? I got you covered! Head to the www.samsonthenazirite.com website to get your hands on a NUMBERED LIMITED EDITION PRINT RUN of the first printing at a humble price that includes shipping! This is a 30+ page book that has my art as well as another chapter with art by the talented Mike Abuan. You can also check out Volume 1 as well and purchase that so you have the full story! As always I thank you for your support and I am glad to have fans who support my art and art ventures!

Lastly, check out the awesome cover art by my friend Mike S. Miller! Click the image to head right to the website as well! All the best!

-Eric

 

My Monomyth Journey

Monomyth_Logo_satin_outerglow_72copy

Monomyth- Issue 1 cover

About two years ago to the day, a new chapter in my life began. I remember the day because it was at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo in LA which is always on Halloween weekend. I was there sharing a booth with my friends Mike Miller and Oly Pitman, and up walked two gentlemen, Omar Spahi, and Siike Donnelly. They were checking out our work, and I’m not quite sure if Omar knew Mike at the time or not, but I remember Mike mentioning that Omar wanted Mike to work on a new project with him. The nice guy Mike is, he told Omar, “you should check out Eric’s work”… and well, he did. The funny thing is, Siike saw some art of Hawkgirl on the table and immediately started telling me about his story involving angels, and demons, and he thought my style would be perfect! Little did I know at the time he saw Mike’s work not mine!! But it was meant to be.

Original page 17-18 Book 2
Original page 17-18 Book 2

So I talked more with Omar, and Siike, and the just beginning OSSM Comics company, and things started moving quickly. I was really excited about the story Siike had about this young guy Enoch, and his journey to becoming a hero, where the story gets its title “Mnomyth,” which is the hero’s journey. While the concept isn’t new and builds the foundation for all the films we love, Star Wars, Braveheart, etc, its setting and backdrop are what set it apart; it has a well-known source, with a whole new twist; and as I told him, [I think] I had gotten many scripts from well-meaning people thrown at me, and well, Siike’s topped them all. It was actually written from

Original page 19 Book 2
Original page 19 Book 2

someone who not only knew how to write, but was VERY familiar with comics. Which is very important, because you have to have some understanding of the medium, as say, compared to a novel. It’s not the same. Comics are unique; having pictures to guide the reader – not just words – opens a whole different rare dynamic. Not only that, but Siike told me how he had suffered from a Brain Aneurism and lost the ability to draw, remember peoples faces, and short term memory! He was now helping out Omar with his new company, and writing this awesome story; which writing was the one thing he could still do without too much trouble. This guy immediately amazed me! You’d never know what he’d been through just meeting him, sure, you may have thought he forgot his jeans, cause he’s always in pajama pants, but still! haha! His passion, wit, and sincerity are what makes him one of the coolest guys you’ll met. And Omar and Siike together, you have two of the most hard charging up-starts in the comic biz.

Original page 20 Book 2
Original page 20 Book 2

And that’s why I embarked on this journey with them. I believed in them. I quit my part-time job of serving at a downtown San Diego restaurant and got to work. By the New Year we had our concepts done, and were starting on pages. Oh, and I forgot to mention I had never worked on a “comic” before this. I did work on a Graphic Novel, but this was my first “comic” which would be published via Diamond, and be on actual comic store shelves. So you can imagine my excitement at the possibility. By July issue one had come out, and we had copies of issue #1 in hand at the San Diego Comic Con! Siike and Omar were lucky enough to land a booth in Artist Alley, and I was there signing with them. It was a dream come true for sure! Since then the rest of the story has been published, all three issues, 90 pages in all, and it’s been a bit of a wait, but now with the announcement of a trade to be made, Siike had one more ace up his sleeve. “Let’s add more pages to the trade,” he says!

New page 22
New page 22

And so we did. Six more pages to be exact! And if you didn’t already know, Siike is a genius. Once you read the story with the new pages you’ll see why. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, IT DOES! It’s been a blast drawing the characters and revisiting the story after a short break, but it was amazing to add a little more closure to some scenes, and I know Siike wracked his brain to get things truly where he wanted them. You’ll be pleasantly amazed at what he’s done with only six pages. Here we’re showing you where some of those new pages will fit in with the originals, only pencils though, we don’t want to give away too much just yet, but you can see where the gaps where filled and things start to button up.

New page 23
New page 23

 

On the whole, It’s been an amazing experience working with Omar and Siike, they are beyond professional, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have met them and have had the opportunity to work with them. I am sad that this will (most likely) mark the end of my Monomyth journey, but I couldn’t be more happy with it, and I’ll be looking forward to one last time seeing Monomyth occupying space on my local comic shop shelf. I know you will be too! And if you’re new to Monomyth (I know I’ve created some new fans at conventions, who will most likely be picking up the story for the first time!) you’re in store for an Epic comic experience, one that make you an OSSM Comics fan for life!!

New page 24
New page 24

 

Stay tuned for dates, and be ready!! I know it will come fast!

Stay OSSM,

Eric “End” Ninaltowski