Saturday, December 08, 2012

12/15 - Mike Mignola Hellboy in Hell Signing & Gallery Public Event @ TFAW


Take time come meet Hellboy Creator Mike Mignola at TFAW.    This is the first time he has drawn Hellboy since 2001.

Location: Portland TFAW
Date: Dec 15, 7 - 10 PM
 
Press Release: TFAW

"Things From Another World cordially invites you to go to Hell. Meet Hellboy creator Mike Mignola at the Portland TFAW store December 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. for a Hellboy in Hell signing and gallery show celebrating Hellboy's return to comics--and Mignola's return to full interior art. The Eisner Award-winning artist and writer will also be displaying his original art in the store! This is an all-ages event; free food and beer (for those 21+) will be provided.

Mignola rocked comics fans worldwide when his signature
character, Hellboy, died in the summer of 2011. However, death can't keep the world's greatest paranormal investigator down: Hellboy in Hell follows his adventures in the afterlife and reveals shocking secrets fans have been dying to know. This is the first time Mignola has drawn Hellboy's ongoing story since Conqueror Worm in 2001!

Hellboy has been cast into Hell--why not join him? Follow his adventures in Hellboy in Hell and chat with the creator himself December 15 at the Portland TFAW. Copies of Dark Horse Comics' Hellboy in Hell #1, as well as a large selection of Mignola's comics and graphic novels, will be available for purchase."
 
Facebook Event:   https://www.facebook.com/events/468108646561513/  

12/21 - Release Party with David Walker and Jeremy Barlow @ Bridge City Comics

 WHAT:Number 13 #1 and RIPD #1 Release Party with David Walker and Jeremy Barlow!
WHEN: Friday, December 21 at 6pm
WHERE: 3725 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR
 

Press Release from :   BRIDGE CITY COMICS 
 
"BRIDGE CITY COMICS is proud to present
Number 13 #1 and RIPD #1 Release Party with David Walker and Jeremy Barlow!
WHAT:Number 13 #1 and RIPD #1 Release Party with David Walker and Jeremy Barlow!
WHEN: Friday, December 21 at 6pm
WHERE: 3725 N. Mississippi Ave.

Bridge City Comics is proud to announce our Number 13 #1 and RIPD #1 Release Party on Friday, December 21, 2012 from 6pm - 9pm! This event is free to the public. In attendance to sign autographs will be writers David Walker (Number 13) and Jeremy Barlow (RIPD). Copies of their books will be available for sale during the event.

NUMBER 13 #1
The young bionic amnesiac known as Number 13 searches for answers and his creator, in a future world that's been brought to its knees by the vicious Monstrum Morbus plague. Weakened by his last explosive encounter, Number 13 is discovered by a group of curious, scavenging mutants who have banded together for survival. They dub him "Thirteen" and invite him to join their group -- and one of them knows exactly what horrible purpose he was built for!

R.I.P.D.: CITY OF THE DAMNED #1
Roy Pulsipher and Nick Walker are dead, but that doesn't mean their time in law enforcement is over. Both Roy and Nick are officers in the Rest in Peace Department, sworn to serve the Almighty and protect the living from evil's foul corruption. Their current case has them chasing a ghostly fanatic determined to undo all of creation -- a threat with very personal connections to Roy's past, stretching back a hundred years into a weird, Wild West and Roy's first day on the job. It's a twisted history that Nick is only starting to uncover, and one that could have him reconsidering ever joining the R.I.P.D.! Prequel to the upcoming feature film starring Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges! "

12/06 - AmaZine Day - Zine Fest

Coming up:   Dec 12:   2:00pm until 6:00pm
1001 SE Division 
Portland, OR
 
"This December, give the gift of zines!

Help your loved ones discover their next favorite writer or artist, shop for yourself, and have a great time at AmaZine Day...

AmaZine Day is a new small press and zine fest taking place three times a year in the IPRC's expanded space! The Portland Zine symposium organizers teamed up with IPRC to create this unique, mini zine fest to balance out the rest of the year with chances for Portlanders to exhibit and share their zines! Celebrate zines and community with the
PZS organizers and the IPRC. Our goal is to take the edge off of waiting all year for PZS, especially since we keep filling up each year!

In addition to zines, we'll also have live music, food, beer provided by Ninkasi, sodas and pizza from Hot Lips, and yetis.

This will be a second-ever AmaZine Day and the Portland Zine Symposium organizers and the IPRC is really excited to present this mini zine fest again, after the success of the first one!

The event is FREE to attend, but you can also register for a little slice of table to sell and trade your zines for only $5! There are only 40 available spots and you'll need to fit your zines in a tabloid-size area (11 by 17 inches).

Sign up to table is in-person only at the IPRC. All proceeds will go to the IPRC and PZS. Space is very limited, register ASAP!"
 
Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/events/307381592700935/
 

Monday, November 05, 2012

Star Pilots Revenge

I went to the listening party for Kielen King (Pwn Tony)  Star Pilots Revenge at Bridge City Comics.      Pick up your copy now of his R/B Sci-fi Epic.

"The star pilot saga continues with 2012's "Star Pilot's Revenge!" Pick right up where the story left off and follow the Star Pilot as he continues on his mission to earn cash & kick ass!
Weapons fried. Shields busted. Hull breached. The silent flames were all that remained of the Star Pilot’s ship. His enemies long gone and laughing with his frelling booty in their cargo holds. Did they really think that was all it would take to leave the Star Pilot dead in space? Money and fame are gonna’ have to wait. There are some no good punks that need killing and the Star Pilot is gonna’ pull the trigger till the blaster goes click. It doesn’t matter where his enemies hide. He’s coming for them and he’s coming in hard. Nothing is going to stop the Star Pilot from putting a hole in his target’s sad little warship. Well, except maybe those ladies at the bar. Hey, what’s a little overnight on the best damn pleasure planet in all the known universe? But you better believe, Star Pilot has revenge on his mind and a firing solution locked. His enemies are gonna’ learn just how cold and black space can be…"

From the kickstarter.




Monday, August 27, 2012

Comic Book on Consciousness Kickstarter Campaign

This is a press release from Wisconson Public Radio.    This includes a new comic illustrated by Portland artists Natalie Nourigat.   
COMIC BOOK ON CONsCIOUSNESS Kickstarter Campaign
Exploring the Science of Consciousness – In Radio Series and Comic Book

(Madison, WI)  The mystery of consciousness -- what it is, where it comes from, how it works -- is like a big ball of string.  Pull one end and as it unravels, one question leads to another. This fall To the Best of Our Knowledge, Wisconsin Public Radio’s (WPR) nationally-syndicated program of ideas, plans to publish a comic book on consciousness.

Written by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by Natalie Nourigat, the book will be a companion to a special six-part radio series exploring the frontiers of science and philosophy.  Both the comic book and the radio series are titled “Meet Your Mind: A User’s Guide to the Science of Consciousness.” 

The questions of consciousness are so big – and often so mind-boggling – that the To the Best of Our Knowledge decided a comic book would be a great way to make the subject more accessible. Wisconsin Public radio is in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to cover the costs of the book.

According to Steve Paulson, Executive Producer for To the Best of Our Knowledge, the production team wanted to try something entirely new.  “A comic book about consciousness?  The idea seemed so crazy... so intriguing... so perfect,” said Steve Paulson “Not just a comic book as a clever gimmick, but as an imaginative story using illustrations to explore some of the deepest questions in science.” A web version of the comic book will be featured on the show’s website and a limited number of copies will be printed.

Paulson and his team are interviewing some of the most respected names in neuroscience, including Oliver Sacks and UW-Madison’s Dr. Richard Davidson, for the radio series.  Although the Peabody Award-winning producers were used to creating compelling radio, they had no experience with comic books.  “We’re very exacting when we produce our radio program,” noted Paulson, “but for the comic book, we needed outside help.” 

Jim Ottaviani has developed a reputation for creative and educational works like “Two-Fisted Science:  Stories About Scientists,” agreed to pen the story with artist Natalie Nourigat (A Boy and a Girl) providing illustrations.  “We are really thrilled to be working with such gifted artists,” added Paulson.  “They bring their own perspective to our shared goal of making the science of consciousness both fun and compelling.”

As the group thought about ways to fund the project, crowd-funding website Kickstarter.com seemed like a natural fit.  The site helps start-ups and creative projects raise funds through online videos and promotion.  The catch is that the funds must be raised in 30 days or less. WPR, which has nearly a third of its $15,000 project budget, has until 7:00 AM on Saturday September 1 to meet its goal.

“This is an exciting experiment for us,” noted WPR Development Director Mary Kay Dadisman.  “We’ve had a great response so far and we’re learning a lot about both the benefits and challenges of using a service like Kickstarter.” Like most groups on the site, WPR produced a short pitch video about their project and is offering incentives for project investors. 

According to Paulson, the decision to support the comic book through Kickstarter just made sense.  “As public radio producers, we feel a real sense of connection and responsibility toward our listeners, members and donors,” he said.  “Turning to the internet to fund this comic book felt like a natural extension of that relationship – a chance to make the public a partner in this one-of-a-kind creative endeavor.”  

About Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio is a service of the University of Wisconsin Extension, the Educational Communications Board and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  For more than 90 years, WPR has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, classical music, and talk radio programming.  Listen, learn more and donate online at:  www.wpr.org.

09/08 - World within World Show

---Press Release from Floating Worlds Comics


This September we are proud to host an art exhibit and book release party with one of our favorite local artists, Julia Gfrörer. The month long art exhibit will include Julia’s original comic pages and illustrations.
Julia will also debut her latest comic, the first chapter of Black Is The Color. This new book is about cruelty, sarcasm, loneliness, gay sailors, lactating mermaids, and salty fluids of all kinds. You could read it for free at www.studygroupcomics.com, but probably not in the bathtub (which is the best place to read it).
This book will be published by Thuban Press in September 2012, and it is 32 pages long and measures 5.5″x8.5″. It contains intense imagery and is intended for mature readers only.
WHO: Julia Gfrörer
WHAT: Black Is The Color book release and art exhibit
WHEN: Thursday, September 6th, 6-10pm; artwork on display until Sept. 30
WHERE: Floating World Comics, 400 NW Couch St.


Bio info:
Julia Gfrörer is a letterpress printer and Ignatz-nominated artist who was born at 1:10 am on Sunday, September 12, 1982 in Concord, NH. She has a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA, and currently lives in a haunted apartment in Portland, Oregon. She is a splendid young woman equipped with sharp teeth, roughly 463 freckles on her left hand and an imposing tangle of shining bright orange hair. When not obsessively drawing she also enjoys listening to hip hop, reading aloud, and researching things to be sad about. Her latest comic, Black is the Color, is updated every Wednesday on the Study Group Comics site.







Sunday, May 27, 2012

06/06 Jeff Parker signing Dark Avengers launch @ I Like Comics

Join Jeff Parker (Currently of THUNDERBOLTS and INCREDIBLE HULK) at I like Comics in Vancouver for the exclusive launch of DARK AVENGERS!   Jeff Will be available for a meet-n-greet and for his always popular sketches & signature!

I Like Comics
2101 E 4th Plain,  
Vancouver, WA 98661
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
4:00pm until 7:00pm


Facebook Event

06/02 Portland TFAW Grand Opening and Patric Reynold's Show

June second will be the grand opening of the new TFAW Portland store on 2916 Broadway.   The Hollywood store will be closing and moving to this new great location.    Come check out this new store location.     Join the team at the grand opening and see Patric Reynolds new show at the TFAW Gallery.  

<<TFAW Press Release>>


What: Patric Reynolds: Black & White Gallery Exhibition at Portland TFAW's Grand Opening Party
Where: Portland TFAW, 2916 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232
When: Saturday, June 2 from 7 to 10 p.m.

May 18, 2012, Portland OR--Things From Another World (TFAW) is proud to announce a month-long Patric Reynolds: Black & White Gallery Exhibition, debuting during the new Portland TFAW's Grand Opening Party June 2 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Guests will be treated to an up-close look at 15 of Reynold's favorite pieces, which will be displayed throughout the month of June. Complimentary food and beer (for those 21+ with ID) will be provided.

Patric Reynolds is one of the most exciting up-and-coming artist in comics. His raw, dramatic style will be featured in Dark Horse Comics' upcoming Falling Skies Season 2 prequel, written by Paul Tobin and based on the popular TNT television show. Reynolds is also well-known for his work on Let Me InSerenity: Float Out, and Abe Sapien.

"The most exciting thing about our new Portland store is that it offers us a lot of opportunities to expand into new areas, like gallery shows," said TFAW Senior Director of Retail Operations Andrew McIntire. "Patric's art will be the perfect addition to our epic Grand Opening party, and we're proud to display it all month long."

Reynolds' gallery pieces will include pages from Let Me InSerenity: Float OutFalling Skies, and Aliens: Colonial Marines, among others, as well as several character sketches. These pieces will be available for sale throughout the month of June. Don't miss TFAW's Grand Opening celebration--mark June 2 down now!

About Things From Another World:
Founded in 1979, Things From Another World is the premier retailer of comic books, toys, collectibles, and pop-culture geek goodness, both in Portland, Oregon and online at http://www.TFAW.com.

06/13 Angel & Faith and AVX writer Christos Gage @ PDX TFAW

Press Release from TFAW

What: Christos Gage Angel & Faith Signing
Where: Portland TFAW, 2916 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232
When: Wednesday, June 13 from 7 to 10 p.m.

May 22, 2012, Portland OR--Angel & Faith writer Christos Gage is coming to Oregon--and he'll be signing at the new Portland Things From Another World (TFAW) store June 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. Not only will guests get to meet one of comics' coolest writers, but they'll enjoy free food and beer (21+ with valid ID). Plus, thanks to publisher Dark Horse Comics, attendees will be able to purchase their copies of Angel & Faith: Live Through This TPB Vol. 1 a full week before it hits the stands!

"We wanted the first signing at the new Portland TFAW to be something really special, and we're incredibly excited to have Christos Gage in the store," said TFAW's Senior Director of Retail Operations Andrew McIntire. "Angel & Faith is one of our favorite Whedon books, and we've loved his work on Avengers Academy and X-Men Legacy, too!"

Two of Joss Whedon's most controversial characters, Angel and Faith, have joined forces in a phenomenal new series by Christos Gage and Rebekah Isaacs! Angel has made bad choices in his life. However, he believes he's found a way to make amends, by bringing Giles back from the grave! Cue Faith--rebel Slayer, and Angel's only ally--who only supports this harebrained scheme to keep her friend from catatonia. New threats emerge as this unlikely duo struggles against real and personal demons, while hitting the dark streets of London!

In addition to Angel & Faith, Gage has been knee-deep in Marvel's epic crossover event, Avengers vs. X-Men, writing both Avengers Academy and X-Men Legacy. Pick up the most recent issues at TFAW and get them signed June 13--see you there!

About Things From Another World:
Founded in 1979, Things From Another World is the premier retailer of comic books, toys, collectibles, and pop-culture geek goodness, both in Portland, Oregon and online at http://www.TFAW.com.

06/07 - Chili Com Carne: FUTURO PRIMITIVO @ Floating World


FUTURO PRIMITIVO is an art exhibiton of Portuguese comix and illustration artists, curated by Texan artist Nevada Hill. In this show you can see the original work of 30 different artists that made Futuro Primitivo comix book, in a seminal project of mixing different strips from different artists making all together a brand new comix story.

Chili Com Carne founder, Marcos Farrajota, stated that “PRIMITIVE FUTURE” was to be the last manifesto of the Art of Publishing and hence, he invited ALL members of the Chili Com Carne to participate in this volume!

The given theme was dystopian and post-apocalyptic Science Fiction. As an inspiration, each author was asked to choose an item from a list of some of the biggest technological creations that caused Humanity to move forward into abyss: weapons, agriculture, fire, shelter, wheel, metal, currency, printing, steam engine, electricity, nuclear power, transistor, the pill and Dolly... The comics were combined exquisite corpse style. Strips / panels/ comics were reorganized and mixed together, so that it would create a "meta-story" with the sum of all these “graphic-narrative units” of various comics.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

05/19 The PGC3 Geek Olympathon

Who: Portland Geeks
What: The PGC3 Geek Olympathon
Where: Taking place in Portland
When: Saturday, May 19th starting at 9am
Why: Because last year's event was just the beginning?

Where to register?

The Facebook event?

 "After delighting Portland with the debut of its Geek Olympathon last June, the Portland Geek Council of Commerce and Culture (PGC3) is proud to announce that the city-wide nerd-fest will return May 19! After forming a team of up to five members, participants will compete in geeky contests and events all over Portland in order to win fantastic prizes, including tickets and hotel accommodations for five to the world’s premier gaming festival, PAX Prime in Seattle from August 31-September 2. Both weekend and single-day passes to this convention have completely sold out, so you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

The Geek Olympathon will commence Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m. at Backspace (115 NW 5th Ave) with opening ceremonies and a Racing the Tubes bike race sponsored by Old Town Computers. Backspace will also provide free house coffee and facilities for last-minute team registration. Individual events will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and be hosted in a number of locations in Portland. Entry is $25 for teams of up to five people or $5 per individual, and teams can register online at PGC3.org/Olympathon."
  
After the day’s events are over, participants will face the final competitions and be awarded prizes at the Awardathon, an epic celebration at the Eagles Lodge at 4904 SE Hawthorne from 8 p.m. to close. Here, teams will compete in a special edition of Things From Another World’s Geek Trivia with Cort Webber and Bobby Roberts of “cortandfatboy” before they are awarded prizes for their performance in the Olympathon, as well as bonus awards for overall participation.

A full schedule of events and the online form for team registration are available at PGC3.org/Olympathon.

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Cartoon Survivor - League of Extraordinary Bloggers

This week's assignment from the League of Extraordinary Bloggers is Ultimate Crossover.  I have been think of this for a while.  This is the perfect excuse to share it.      I would most like to see a Cartoon Survivor; in the “Who killed roger rabbit” genre.       This would be celebrity survivor with our favorite cartoon characters, new and old.     These characters have so much personality that we know and recognize.         What alliances would be formed?    Who would win competitions?    Who will backstab who?    Who goes crazy?  Who is first to get kicked off?

I think we would have to have:

Daffy Duck
Yosemite Sam
Pepe Le Pew
Droopy Dog
Thelma
Betty Boop
Woody Woodpecker
Jessica Rabbit
Goofy
Phil Ken Sebben  (Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law)
Butt-Head  (From Beavis & Butt-Head)
Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Phineas and Ferb)
Squidward
Daria Morgendorffer
Boo Boo Bear
Bobby Hill
Bullwinkle
Caillou
Lucy  (From Charlie Brown)
Lisa Simpson
Rabbit (From Winnie the Pooh)

You get the idea.  Which cartoons should be sent to the island.

Other members from the League:

Sideshow Cinema
Branded in the 80s
aeiou and sometimes why (Includes the DR)
Micheal May Adventure Blog


Friday, May 04, 2012

05/24 An Evening with Joe Sacco at Mercy Corps


Check out  this amazing lecture between Joe Sacco and Mercy Corps' Chief Communication Officer, Jeremy Barnicle.

<<Press Release>>

What: Joe Sacco, award-winning graphic journalist, in conversation with Mercy Corps' Chief Communications Officer, Jeremy Barnicle.
When: 7:00 pm May 24th to 8:30 pm
     28 SW First Avenue
      Portland 97204
      503-896-5002, option 4

Tickets: $10, available at Brown Paper Tickets, by phone (503-896-5747) or in person at the Mercy Corps Action Center.
Joe Sacco is widely believed to be the creator of war-reportage comics, and is author of American Book Award winner Palestine (1996), and Safe Area Goražde,The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-95, which won the Eisner Award and was a New York Times Notable Book, and Time magazine’s best comic book of 2000.

Born in Malta and raised in Australia, Los Angeles and Portland, Sacco’s books are available in 14 languages and his work has appeared in Details, The New York Times Magazine, Time, and Harper’s. His book, Footnotes in Gaza (2009) has been nominated for an Oregon Book Award.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Portland Questions 52: Leia Weathington


Brinson Thieme 
Leia Weathington is a writer and  illustrator recently moved from San Francisco now living in Portland, Oregon. She is part of the San Francisco based Couscous Collective. She is working with Erika Moen in the new kickstarter  project Smut Peddler.

She has a long running web comic called Legend of Bold Riley. The strip was collected and colored by Vanessa Lynn.   It features several artists, Jason Thompson, Kelly McKlellan, and Konstantin Pogorelov.   It will be published by Northwest Press in the summer.

You can catch up with her on the podcast Chronicle of the Nerds and was recently on Nerd Fight II.

Her blog is A Happy Go Lucky Scamp

And her team just won the Art Battle at Stumptown 2012.

What projects are you working on currently?
I'm wrapping up book one of The Legend of Bold Riley, a full color book out this summer from Northwest Press. My big projects for this year is the art for a detective comic called K.I.M Investigations with local writer Ben Coleman and the the script for a Sci-fi story for Madison, WI artist Joanna Estep. I've also started scripting Bold Riley, book 2.

What is your artistic Process?
When I'm writing I tend to sit staring off into space for an inordinate amount of time just thinking of how I want to go about a particular story then have bursts of actually writing. When it comes to the drawing side of things I try to make my self do something everyday. Writing is much more natural for me than drawing so in order for things to get done art wise I have to make myself draw even when I really don't want to. Even if a drawing doesn't turn out the way I like there is at least something on the page for me to work off of when I do get in a really good groove later.

When are story writer, what is your process working with the illustrator?  Do you do more writing or Illustrating?
I worked with 5 other artists for Bold Riley and made the mistake at first of trying to really tightly control the visuals of the comic. That was something I learned to back off from pretty fast. If you are working with artists you probably decided to get into a collaboration with them for a reason. SO TRUST YOUR ARTIST! What I've started doing is making model sheets characters, objects and places that must look a certain way to maintain continuity in the story, after that I send photo references, script and descriptions of mood and setting and turn the artist loose to have fun with it.

Jason Thompson
I've prefer to write but I've been trying to refine my skills as an artist and work harder at pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I guess when I unironically came up with a concept of a race of characters whose features ended at the knee and floated around an entirely forested environment was when I realized I should cut the shit and draw things I don't like in order to not be a laughingstock.

What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?
Oh my god! Everyone, go buy Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, Locke & Key! Trade 5 should be out pretty soon and it's one of the most creative, addicting series I've ever read and the art is tasty as hell.

But, uh...I've also heard the Bold Riley book coming out from Northwest Press this summer is supposed to be pretty good too...

What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?
That one really depends on what sort of stories a person likes! For younger readers Jeff Smiths 'Bone' and Gene Yangs 'American Born Chinese' and the always fun Cartoon History of the World by Larry Gonick. For older readers try Brian K Vaughan Ex Machina, David Bs Epileptic and Fumi Yoshinagas Antique Bakery. Actually everyone read everything by Fumi Yoshinaga. She's a rockstar.

How involved are you with the illustration, the look and feel, of the books you write?
I always want to be involved in setting the tone of a comic but I don't ever want to step in and try to dictate the style or nitty gritty layouts of a comic because that's the artist job and I don't want to throw salt in their game. I'm working pretty much freelance so I'm the one picking my colaborators on comics. If I didn't like the way they drew I wouldn't work with them. Every artist works differently too, Some want very, very detailed scripts that go over panel sizes and "camera" directions, Some work better with a loose script that opens up the possiblities in layout. It's just knowing your collaborators and playing to each others strengths.

What skill would you like to learn?
All of the photoshops and the computer bits and why my scanner makes that noise like I spilled coffee on it but I haven't spilled ANYTHING on it I promise.

What's the most important thing you've learned?
For the love of god be organized, don't take on too much at once, If you leave an illustration on the floor the cat will vomit on it.

Do you have a collection? If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?
All of my hard covers editions and and everything I've bought directly from an artist at a convention. I can't pick just one thing I love...That's like picking which burrito filling I want, it changes daily.

What is your favorite genre of Comics?
Horror! or anything gory, gross, sticky and serious. The weirder the better.

What is your favorite TV show/ movie?
Avatar the Last Airbender and Black Books for TV shows and Strange Days and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs for movies.

How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?
It makes me work harder! When 18 of your friends are coming out with hardcover trades every other week it really lights a fire under your ass.

Konstantin Pogorelov


What was your first comic convention?
Alternative Press Expo, San Francisco in 2007 I think.

What is your favorite part of comic conventions?
Meeting new people and going to the after parties.

If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?
There are things other than comics? I don't... I don't think I understand. I guess I'd be a toothless boxcar hobo, eatin' beans from a can and drinking Thunderbird.

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?
Fonzi’s Bakabana Cabana on SE 32nd and Hawthorne is one of my favorite food carts. I always get the jungle bowl with sweet African chicken. I could eat that every day.

How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?
I moved up here in August 2011 from San Francisco mainly to focus on my comics career and because I fell in love.

Kelly McKlellan
What is your favorite part of Portland?
The bars! Nowhere does happy hour like Portland.

Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?
I'd like to go to Astoria at some point and I haven't been to the Rose
Garden yet.

Would you like to Illustrate for another media? or conversely, how would you feel about Illustrate a comic of a character from a different media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond? What would you explore?
I really like doing art for bands. I listen to a lot of music when I'm working. I've done some illustration for local band Asteroid M and I should be doing the album art for Hail the Sun, a band in California.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Naked Boy by Daniel Duford Debuts at Stumptown

Daniel Duford announced the publication of The Naked Boy Part 3 on this lucky Friday the 13th. This is the final chapter of the story.  The book is available through Lulu Publishers.
 
 Here are some blurbs from the book cover:
 
 "Think of The Naked Boy, by Daniel Duford, as a Marvel Comic written by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Woody Guthrie, penciled by Jose Orozco, inked by Steve Ditko, lettered by Walt Whitman, and published by the members of the Ashcan School. It is a phantasmagoria of myth and history that contains legions, speaking in the grand, rowdy, mournful voice of America herself.  Jon Raymond author of The Half Life and Sustainability."

"Daniel Duford’s The Naked Boy succeeds where Horatio Greenough’s statue of George Washington failed by creating a true representation of the mythological spirit of the United States.  Although each are cartoon exaggerations in their own right, Duford’s work displays the dark undercurrent of U.S. history that is such a necessary element for telling the whole story.  The Naked Boy lives in a murky world of fear and competition, one that is vivid and lived in.  It’s a world that you may not want to live in yourself, but the truth is that you already do.   Ryan Alexander-Tanner, To Teach:  the Journey, in Comics."

"The Naked Boy is a great American epic in the raw, revolutionary spirit of Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.  Daniel Duford’s graphic road trip presents compellingly strange characters as well as familiar faces: Woody Guthrie, Angela Davis, Frederick Douglass, Walt himself. “As you see,” declares Sitting Bull to the Naked Boy in Part 3, “we are very much alive.”  I felt invigorated, too, by the energy, intensity, and meaningfulness of this journey—at once so dark, and so enlightening."
Karen Karbiener, NYU Professor and Walt Whitman scholar

05/05 - FCBD events @ TFAW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Elisabeth Forsythe
Things From Another World

TFAW THROWS BIGGEST FREE COMIC BOOK DAY EVER MAY 5 IN STORES AND ONLINE

What: Free Comic Book Day
Where: Portland TFAW, 4133 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
Beaverton TFAW, 4390 SW Lloyd Ave. Beaverton, OR 97005
Milwaukie TFAW, 10977 SE Main St. Milwaukie, OR 97222
When: Saturday, May 5 from 9 am-7 pm
More Information: TFAW.com/FCBD

April 16, 2012, Portland OR--Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), the annual event in which participating comic shops give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores, returns Saturday, May 5, and Things From Another World is where you'll find all of the action! Doors open at 9 am at TFAW's Portland, Milwaukie, and Beaverton stores. Make sure to stop by for special free comics--while supplies last--as well as amazing signings, big savings, and more. The comics retailer will also offer free comics online at TFAW.com.

"Free Comic Book Day is an opportunity for us to reach out to the community and offer entertainment the entire family can enjoy--and afford," said TFAW Senior Director of Retail Operations Andrew McIntire. "This is a great event that we look forward to every year."

TFAW has an incredible slate of comic book creators signing at their Portland and Beaverton locations, including several artists from this year's official FCBD comics, like Ben Bates (Sonic the Hedgehog), Jonathan Case (The Guild), and Steve Lieber (Alabaster). Plus, meet Terry and Rachel Dodson (Uncanny X-Men), Emi Lenox (EmiTown), Amy Mebberson (Strawberry Shortcake), Jeff Parker (Hulk), Chris Samnee (Captain America & Bucky), and the Witch Doctor team, Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner!

May 5 also kicks off TFAW's astonishing Mega Sale, both in stores and online. Customers will save 50-70% on comics, graphic novels, toys, statues, and more. In stores, customers will also enjoy incredible savings on all back issues, including hundreds of issues new to each location.

As a special bonus, Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters from Cloud City Garrison and Kashyyyk Base Rebel Legion will "patrol" at the Beaverton TFAW, while the pirates from PDX YAR will invade the Portland and Milwaukie locations--and demonstrate their sword-fighting skills. Get the complete schedule below, and see you May 5!

About Things From Another World:
Founded in 1979, Things From Another World is the premier retailer of comics, toys, collectibles, and pop-culture geek goodness, both in Portland, Oregon and online at http://www.TFAW.com.

TFAW'S FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SCHEDULE

ONLINE AT TFAW.COM:

Starting at 12:01 am PST: Customers will have at least two FCBD comics placed in their in-stock purchases, while supplies last.

PORTLAND TFAW, 4133 NE SANDY BLVD. PORTLAND, OR 97214:

9:00 am: Doors open!
12:00-2:00 pm: Signings with the following creators:
* Jonathan Case - Artist for Dark Horse Comics' The Guild FCBD book
* Terry and Rachel Dodson - Artists for Uncanny X-Men and Defenders
* Emi Lenox - Creator of EmiTown
* Steve Lieber - Artist for Alabaster, featured in Dark Horse's FCBD books
* Jeff Parker - Writer for Hulk and Thunderbolts
Plus: The pirates of PDX YAR.

BEAVERTON TFAW, 4390 SW LLOYD AVE. BEAVERTON, OR 97005:

9:00 am: Doors open!
2:00-4:00 pm: Signings with the following creators:
* Ben Bates - Artist for Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog FCBD book
* Amy Mebberson - Artist for Strawberry Shortcake and Muppets
* Chris Samnee - Artist for Ultimate Comics Spider-Man and Serenity
* Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner - Writer and artist for Witch Doctor
All day (while supplies last):
Free Starbucks coffee for customers starting at 9:30 am!
Demos and  giveaways from Game Trader.
Free cookies from Subway.
Plus: Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters from Cloud City Garrison and Kashyyyk Base Rebel Legion.

MILWAUKIE TFAW, 10977 SE MAIN ST. MILWAUKIE, OR 97222:

9:00 am: Doors open--enjoy free coffee from Spring Creek Coffee House, while supplies last!
10:00 am: Trackers Earth will demonstrate how to shoot a bow and arrow like Hawkeye! (Note: foam arrows only.)
12:00-4:00 pm: Live-action Heroclix.
All day: Kids' art table.
Plus: The pirates of PDX YAR.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Portland Questions 51: Aaron Duran


Aaron Duran  is a writer and media producer in Portland, Oregon.   He is the host of Geek in the City Radio (alongside co-host Scott Dally), webmaster of GeekInTheCity.com, and a regular guest on the Cort and Fatboy Show  and Funemployment Radio show.  He is also a writer for newarama.  Duran organized a failed effort in 2008 to rename Portland's 42nd Avenue to Douglas Adams Boulevard after science fiction author Douglas Adams.

Upset with the current state of comics, Aaron, began working on his own comic in 2007.   He started the writing La Brujeria, and when he was joined by artist James Sinclair the story solidified.      La Brujeria's plot involves a Mexican American woman named Althalia who has a temp job at a Pawn Shop.    But, with Werewolves, Elementals, & Chupacabra as co-workers;  she was recruited by the Golden Bought Pawn Shop’s real goal of fighting the monsters of the under the streets of Portland.        At present the comic is available at most comic stores in Portland  and you can or it online at Geek in the City.    If you are going to be at Stumptown you can pick up the latest  issue 3 of La Brujeria

He has started his radio show up again called Crimson Mist, co-created by Jayesunn Krump. 


Doug Dorr:    What projects are you working on currently?
I am in the middle of a couple of projects at this time. Currently, James Sinclair and Jenn Alvin are working on issue 3 of La Brujeria, which will debut at the 2012 Stumptown Comics Fest in Portland. I am also wrapping up a new script for an all-new Adventures of the Crimson Mist audio play for Comic Book Month in April with the Incubator Lounge. And, as always, I work on the weekly podcast, Geek in the City Radio.

DD:  What is your artistic Process?
Coffee. Lots of coffee. Okay, seriously. My process is a lot like a sprinter. I try and write about 6 – 7 hours a day, but very little of it is usable. Most of what I write is just dreck, something to keep me going through the motions. However, when I dive into a project, I become incredibly focused and very hard to distract. So while I say it takes me a week or so to complete a draft on a script, in all honesty, I tend to burn through the first draft in a constant 8 – 10 hour writing marathon. Then, it's all about the re-writes.

DD:  When are writing, what is your process working with the artist?
It all depends on the artist. When I'm writing descriptive scenes in a comic, my style is very flexible according to the needs of the artist. As I have a background in film / video production, my writing has a very cinematic style to it. As such, a lot of my scenes are broken down like camera angles and shots. With James, the artist on La Brujeria, we've got a pretty strong short-hand now. So, I can simply write “horrible beast dude” and he knows exactly what I mean. But, were I to work with someone new, I'd be far more descriptive.

DD:  What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?
Right now? The Sixth Gun is still my favorite series on the shelves. There might be single issues from other comics that hit me harder once in a while. However, month in, month out, it's Sixth Gun that turns in the win for me.

DD:  What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?
It all depends on the person. If they only know superhero books from films, and want to read more capes and cowls, I'd recommend Joss Whedon's run on Astonishing X-Men, The Sinestro Corp War from Johns, or Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man. But, if they want something else, I've got a short list. Stumptown from Oni Press, Chew from Image, Northlanders and Scalped from Vertigo, and of course, The Sixth Gun.

DD:  What skill would you like to learn?
In comics? Pencilling. My art skills are some of the worst you will ever see. I've taken courses, I've practiced for years, I've even had highly talented friends and professionals give me tips. Nothing. These fingers just can't make the pretty pictures. It's very frustrating, as I have one or two highly personal stories I'd like to tell, stories that I want to be 100% from me. But I get so frustrated with my own lack of penciling skills, I keep pushing them back.
 
DD:  What's the most important thing you've learned?
Be nice. No, really. You never know if the person you're complaining to or about will someday be someone you have to work with. Or, even worse, someone who could review your work one day. Years ago, I was all about making as much noise as possible in order to be noticed. Making noise meant yapping off about things I knew little or nothing about. It was all about what I thought, and as the consumer, I just had to be right! Well, it's one thing to have an opinion, it's another to be a total a-hole about it. I was that a-hole, but I got really lucky. Lucky in that the people I rambled on about saw that I was being just that, a young and hungry a-hole and let it slide when I grew older and more mature. Not everyone is going to be that lucky. So, be nice. Also, hit your deadline. If you can be nice and hit your deadlines, you'll go far.

DD:  Do you have a collection?   If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?
Oh, I have quite a few collections. What good geek doesn't? I've got a fair amount of Batman action figures, I've recently started collecting original comic book art, and I have all the Hallmark Star Trek Ships ornament collection. However, when I think about the items I always unpack first, the ones I always show people, regardless of their interest, it would have to be my RPG book collection. Don't know why, but I'm obsessed with collecting first editions of various Role Playing Games. Haven't even played most of them, but I love to collect and read them.

DD:  What is your favorite genre of Comics?
Cliché as it sounds, I'm a child of superheroes and I still love the genre to this day. Weird / supernatural mash-ups are a very close second.

DD:  What is your favorite TV show/ movie?
Currently, it's A Game of Thrones. All time? Star Trek: The Next Generation. I know it isn't the best, it isn't even the best Trek (that's Deep Space Nine). But, it has a pretty hard hold upon my nostalgia string and it just ain't gonna' let go.

DD:  How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?
It doesn't really shape it. Well, that's not true. There are so many great and talented creators in this town, it forces me to keep up my game and skills. Not that I think I'd ever knowingly phone in a project, being around so many talented people keeps me honest.

DD:  What was your first comic convention?
This dingy little “convention” in Reno, NV. A couple of shops set-up this 10 – 12 table convention in the middle of Old Town Mall. It was really just a flea market with some collectors selling their stuff, but to my 10 year-old eyes, it was the most awesome event of all time.

DD:  If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?
I don't honestly know. Some form of writing. Some form of narrative writing. I love to tell stories, so I'd find some way to tell my stories. Or, I'd actually become a chef like my grandparents wanted.

DD:  Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?
Autentica in North Portland. They serve some of the finest Mexican food in the city.

DD:  How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?
I moved to Portland in September of 1998, so I've been here for over 13 years. (Long enough for locals to call me an official “Portland Native). I moved here to become a chef. I was enrolled in the Western Culinary Institute, event went through orientation. Then, panic set in and I canceled the whole dang thing.

DD:  What is your favorite part of Portland?
I love the weather here. Honestly. The clouds and the rain, I love it. It also helps me appreciate our summers, even if I am one of those people that starts to complain around August about the heat. And, I love how every neighborhood in Portland it like a small town unto itself.

DD:  Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?
I wander around the city a lot, so I don't miss much in Portland. I'd like to spend more time in the northern coast, I love that region. I'd also like to explore more of Eastern Oregon. I've only passed through it a couple of times, so I'd love to explore some of the region.

DD:  Would you like to write/Illustrate for another media?   Or write a character from another media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond?  What would you explore?
Well, I wouldn't want to stop writing comics. I don't see comics as a stepping stone to other media, but I am also open to writing within others. I love the idea of writing for video games. The potential for branching and interactive stories is something I really dig and I think games are the perfect format for that. As to other characters. Well, I wouldn't want to suggest I'd do any better than people currently writing known characters, because I highly doubt that. Still, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to add my stories to Batman, as well as Star Wars and Star Trek. I know, it's stunningly predictable, but these universes had such an influence on me, it'd be a blast to add my own.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Prepare to Die By Paul Tobin

 Paul Tobin. Night Shade, $26.99 (350p) ISBN 978-1-59780-420-2
"The deconstruction of superheroes has been accomplished before, but rarely has it been done with the vigor and affection of comics veteran Tobin in his nearly pitch-perfect superhero tale for grownups. Steve Clarke’s teen years of playing baseball, smoking pot, and falling in love were interrupted by a catastrophic accident that transformed him into Reaver, an indestructible muscleman whose every punch takes a year of life from his victim. As an adult, Steve undertakes a journey of redemption and retribution to his small Oregon hometown, grimly aware that supervillain Octagon has given him only two weeks to live. With minimal angst, maximum humanity, and equal parts hilarity and pathos, Tobin (Marvel Adventures; Gingerbread Girl) crafts an entirely new collection of heroes and villains and their corresponding secret identities against a backdrop of fierce action, sexy romance, warm nostalgia, and wry observations on being a superhero in the age of YouTube. This is a contemporary and satisfying paean to superheroes and their fans. (June) "



Monday, April 02, 2012

04/03 Avengers VS X-Men LAUNCH PARTY with Fraction & Cebulski! @ Excalibur

"April 3, 2012  8:00pm until 10:00pm

Location:   2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd Ste 1
Portland, OR.

The Battle begins at Excalibur! Join us for the Official Portland Launch Party for AvX!! This Tuesday evening, get AvX #1 at Portland's #1 destination for comic book adventure!

Our special guests are some of the talent responsible for this blowout battle royale between our favorite heroes:

-->AvX co-writer MATT FRACTION (Casanova, Invincible Iron Man, Defenders, Fear Itself)

-->Marvel talent scout/writer/editor CB CEBULSKI

These two gentlemen are among the top talents responsible for all the action and excitement that comes out of The House of Ideas, you won't want to miss out on hearing them discuss their work and what goes into creating such a giant comics event such as AvX!

We polled our customers, and your voice was loud and clear, Excalibur is officially an X-MEN ally in this melee! Stop by for exclusive goodies!

It's ON!"

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Portland Comics: Questions 50: Matt Grigsby


Mathew Grigsby is an illustrator, focusing on Conceptual Design, Sequential Art and Graphic Design. He graduated from the Pacific Northwest College of art in 2009 with a BFA in Illustration.    His first published work was in Legends of the Dark Crystal for Tokyopop.   You can check out his weekly web comic Grigsgaggleby he started in Jan 2012.   His art can also be see on the sketch groups blog Sketchery.   

Art Blog/Portfolio
Tumblr

DD:   What projects are you working on currently?
Matt Grigsby:   I have all kinds of things on the slate in 2012 that I’m really excited for! Back in January I started my weekly auto-bio web comic series titled “Grigsgaggleby” where people can follow along with the events,  life struggles and nerdy shenanigans that go on in my life. So far it’s been a blast to create and I’ve already learned so much about the do’s and dont’s of web comic creation. It’s daunting putting yourself out there for people to read, but I like the idea that people can relate to it… one big ya know, ya know? Haha. My second project is a new comic series written and created by local podcast host and writer Mikey Nielson. The series is titled “Extra/Ordinary” and it stars two young high school graduates that travel across the country learning about their newly acquired superpowers and the relationships around them. It’s a wonderful coming of age story laced with action, humor and heart. It’s brilliant. My third big project I’m working on is a section in volume 3 of local artist/writer Leia Weathington’s series “Bold Riley”. I’m in the development stages on that one, but man will it be cool. Leia’s created a beautiful fairytale about a princess and her adventures in a world stitched together with aspects of cultures from all around the globe. It’s a powerful story and I’m honored to be a part of it.

DD:   What is your artistic Process?
When I work on comics, I typically pull out some cheap printer paper and start sketching rough layouts and character designs to get a feel for what I’m creating. It’s really important to me to find the tone of the story so I can pack it full of emotion. I typically look through art books and search the internet for visual inspiration while I listen to various movie scores and soundtracks to get in the mood to create. When that’s all underway, I begin sketching out my page on larger format Bristol paper and draw away. I ink directly over my line art and scan it into Photoshop so I can do digital touch ups and coloring so I can get it ready for final print.

DD:   How involved are you in the guiding the story?
Luckily I’ve only worked with writers who are incredibly flexible and open-minded so far. Often times a script will call for a lot of action in one scene, or might need a slight restructuring in pacing so it reads well on the page from a visual standpoint. I think communication is key in creating a solid story with a writer so it’s good to discuss if something needs a slight edit. The story is already created so if I have anything to say it would be only for the visual direction of it to help make things read better.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?
Oh man, that’s a tough one. I think one of the best trades I’ve ever read was “Batgirl: Year One” by Marcos Martin, Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon. The writing is top notch and Marcos Martin certainly knows how to lead your eye through a page. Plus, Barbara Gordon is adorable!

DD:   What skill would you like to learn?
Screen Printing and using a letterpress. That would help me so much!

DD:    What's the most important thing you've learned?
Patience and diligence. Not something I would imagine people would say right away, but it’s true. I have been out of college for almost three years now and the transition from student to professional is a long, frustrating road. It’s hard to see friends and colleagues move forward with their careers and feel left in the dust when you want that big break so badly as well. Just remember, if you put in the work it will reward you in time, it might be a week away, or years away, but it WILL reward you. As long as you put your head down to the drawing board and create you will make it. Don’t ever expect to have things fall into your lap like the rare, lucky 5% of humanity, instead, just work your butt off and you will get there.

DD:   Do you have a collection?   If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?
Yes! I love being surrounded by little shrines and altars of vinyl toys and plushes from various media. Beyond my massive collection of Ewok stuff, I recently found a figurine of Goldar from the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers at an antique mall for $4. It was destiny.

DD:   What is your favorite genre of Comics?
Depends on my mood, but I pick up superhero books on a weekly basis, so that should probably say a lot about me. Haha!

DD:   Do you have an Ipad?   If so what do use it for the most.
Not yet! I look forward to having one though. It’s great for showing a digital portfolio, reading, and sketching ideas on the go. Plus I’ve seen folks using it for credit card scans at conventions and I think that is so cool!

DD:   What is your favorite TV show/ movie?
Sadly, television and I have a close relationship. There is no way I can choose one so I will rattle off some things that I love currently: Mad Men, Faceoff, Community, Parks & Recreation, Misfits, Breaking Bad, Pawn Stars, Hoarders and a few others.

As for movies, I have the same problem with deciding. I was born in ’86 so I had the golden opportunity to grow up on Spielberg, Lucas and the magic of movies in the late 80’s/ early 90’s. I love Hook, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Indiana Jones Mrs. Doubtfire, Pleasantville, That Thing You Do, The Wizard, Ninja Turtles and so many more. It’s insane.

DD:   How does the Portland comics culture shape your work?
The comic scene in town is nuts! In today’s world with social media, you will most likely receive 5+ event invites every day to go to a book release party, gallery opening, costume/music event, birthday party or more! It’s great. Every time I get a chance to go mingle with my fellow artists in town and see the work they’ve just completed, I get filled up with inspiration and  want to run home and get back to work. Art is a drug in this city and we are all taking it. Haha! I had the wonderful opportunity to work as an intern at Periscope Studio years ago, and then as an assistant at Tranquility Base. In the time I spent with folks at each studio I learned so much about the art of making comics and the industry around it. It was a serious honor to have rooms full of artists taking time away from their work to come and mentor me. I’ve made some wonderful friends in this city over the years and they’ve played a valuable part in my growth as a person, and a professional.

DD:   What was your first comic convention?
I believe it was either the Portland Comic Book Show or Sakura Con in Washington back in middle school! Oh man, anime cons are something else…

DD:   What is your favorite part of comic conventions?
Fan interaction. Hands down. Cons are always crazy and somewhat stressful, but it’s so awesome being able to interact with fans and people who have just as much passion for the medium and geek culture as you do. It’s also great being able to get hundreds of people in the industry together under one roof to interact and hang out with. We all run on such crazy schedules so it’s hard to ever see people. Thankfully cons bring everyone together to enjoy each other’s company!

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?
Ya know? I’ve always thought about this question and my answer would definitely have to be a Marine Biologist. I love sea dwelling creatures so much! It would be a blast to educate other folks about what kinds of life are found in the ocean. My only issue with that is my fear of outrageously deep water. I would like to study tide pools and mini ecosystems found closer to shore. I geek out over this stuff!

DD:   Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?
Now THAT, is a tough question… We are pretty spoiled in this city and there is so much to choose from. I do have a top three when I’m feeling fancy and have some cash to spend. I would recommend Bamboo Sushi in SE Portland for the most fresh, delicious sushi you’ll ever eat. The Screen Door on Burnside is always a treat for NW fusion southern comfort food and tasty cocktails and Podna’s Pit BBQ in NE Portland has the best ribs I’ve had in town. As for quick eats that are more affordable and delicious, I would check out Pho Hung on Powell, The Waffle Window on Hawthorne, Foster Burger and Killer Burger and our massive amount of Food Carts all over town!

DD:   How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?
I’m a Portland native so I haven’t lived anywhere else yet, but some day I would like to get away for a few years and try something new.

DD:   What is your favorite part of Portland?
I would probably say the comradery and vibrancy we have here. People are for the most part, very kind and accepting of one another, we have a rich art scene and our food and brew is top notch. I just love this city.

DD:   Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?
I really wanna go see that crazy vortex thing we have out in central Oregon. It sounds insane!

DD:   Would you like to write/Illustrate for another media? or conversely, how would you feel about illustrating a character from a different media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond?  What would you explore?
My dream since I was a little kid was to draw a Peter Pan story very true to J.M. Barrie’s original production. Petey and I go waaaay back and he’s always been my favorite fairytale. I don’t think I’ve ever tried to draw him yet because I’m so afraid nothing I do will ever do Barrie’s work justice. Hopefully, at some point I can conquer that fear and immerse myself in crafting my own Neverland!