02/02 Main Entrance, a Carolyn Main exhibition @ Sequential Art Gallery

--Press Release--- 

Location: Main Entrance, a Carolyn Main exhibition
Opens: First Thursday, February 2, 2012, 6-10pm
Closes: Saturday, February 25, 2011
Open Thursdays 3-7pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm, or by appointment

Sequential Art Gallery is excited to host Portland native Carolyn Main’s first solo exhibition of her art, entitled “Main Entrance”. We gave Carolyn carte blanche over the gallery space, and this is what she came back to us with...

The works presented will include varied renderings of couplings, both romantic and lewd, and a collection of prints. This will also be the premier of Carolyn’s brand new pixel animation sequence, titled "Burn it Down (extended 3 minute cut)”.

Reception will be 6-10pm on First Thursday, February 2nd, with wine, beer, and snacks. You can also pick up a pair of the artist’s Zombie blood splatter panties, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Some content in this show may be considered “mature”.

Carolyn Main is an award winning animator and Internet authority on dick jokes (her words). The prolific artist is known for her cutting humor and flourish. You may recognize her art from Portland’s weekly alt newspaper, The Mercury, or from the cult hit comic strip Sex Wizards. Visit her website to check out more of her art: www.carolynmain.com.

Main Entrance, a Carolyn Main exhibition
Opens: First Thursday, February 2, 2012, 6-10pm
Closes: Saturday, February 25, 2011
Open Thursdays 3-7pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm, or by appointment

Facebook Event

02/08-02/22 Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention

---PRESS RELEASE----

Book Launch Event:

The Land, Sea, and Air Tour

Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention

BY PAUL GUINAN AND ANINA BENNETT

Before Jules Verne’s flying machines and H. G. Wells’s spaceships, there was Frank Reade, globe-trotting inventor and original steampunk hero. Starting in the nineteenth century, Frank Reade magazines were the world’s first science fiction periodicals. Now Frank Reade and his progeny are back in a new book: Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention! To celebrate the launch of this stunningly designed book, authors Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett—of Boilerplate fame—are hosting a series of events that any Reade family member would be proud to attend.

The events will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays in February, at three Portland comic book stores. Each will have a different theme—Land, Sea, and Air—the three realms Frank Reade explores in his electric vehicles. The authors will also display each of the three model vehicles Guinan himself built for the Frank Reade book, which are rarely shown in public. Attendees will have the chance to talk with the authors and get books signed, as well as meet local steampunks (Land), pirates (Sea), and superheroes (Air).

The Frank Reade Land, Sea, and Air Tour

When: Feb. 8, 6-9 pm: LAND

Location: Floating World Comics  

400 NW Couch St., Portland, OR 97209

Guests: Rose City Steampunks, Local 23

Vehicle: Frank Reade Jr.’s Valiant, an electric battle-wagon

When: Feb. 15, 6-9 pm: SEA

Location: Bridge City Comics 

3725 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97227

Guests: PDXYAR 

Vehicle: Frank Reade Sr. & Jr.’s Centennial, an electric ironclad gunboat

Bonus: A mock battle between pirates and author Paul Guinan as Frank Reade Jr.!

Feb. 22, 7-10 pm: AIR

When: Feb. 22, 7-10 pm: AIR

Location: Things From Another World 

4133 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97214

Guests: Alter Egos Society

Vehicle: “Wild” Kate Reade’s Aegis, a helicopter airship

BONUS: There’s a prize at the grand finale event! The first ten attendees who make it to all three events and get their “Land, Sea, and Air” passports stamped will receive a print of an original Frank Reade engraving signed by both authors, plus custom-stamped Frank Reade chocolate “gold coins” (which will also be available for purchase).

Publishers Weekly predicts Frank Reade will “satisfy even the hardest to please of readers” and praises it as “a stunning multimedia confection of the highest order that creates a detailed and delightful world.”

About the Authors:

Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett have been collaborating as storytellers since 1989, on works such as their Eisner Award–nominated science fiction comic book series Heartbreakers and their critically acclaimed book Boilerplate: History's Mechanical Marvel. They live in Portland, Oregon.

For more information about Frank Reade, visit www.FrankReade.com or join the Facebook group: 

By Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett

Abrams Image / February 2012

U.S. $24.95 / Can. $27.95

Hardcover, 176 pages / 8½" x 11"

100 full-color and 200 black-and-white illustrations

02/09 Frank Santoro’s Comic Book Layout Workshop @ FWC

 -- Press Release ---

Why do some comics read easier than others? Is it the story, the cartooning or the page design? Frank Santoro will demonstrate how some cartoonists such as Hal Foster and Herge used visual harmonies and structures in their page designs much like classical oil painters. Discover the similarities between visual and musical harmonies and how some of the great cartoonists used dynamic symmetry like a map to organize their stories.

Also, after the talk, Frank will lead an informal FREE workshop focusing on formats available for the comic book maker in 2012. Everyone is welcome. Come see what Frank Santoro’s Correspondence Course is all about – or come on down just to argue with Frank – maybe even buy a book and get it signed.

LISTING INFORMATION:
WHO: Frank Santoro
WHAT: Frank Santoro’s Comic Book Layout Workshop
WHEN: Thursday Feb. 9th, 6-8pm

WHERE: Floating World Comics, 400 NW Couch St.

Frank Santoro is the artist behind the acclaimed comic books Storeyville and Cold Heat. His work has also appeared in Kramers Ergot. He has exhibited his drawings and paintings internationally. Based in Pittsburgh, Santoro is well known for his visionary colors and evocative sense of place.

http://franksantoro.tumblr.com/

http://www.tcj.com/layout-workbook/

02/02 Emi Lenox, Natalie Nourigat @ FWC

--press release

This February, Floating World is proud to exhibit original artwork by local artists, Emi Lenox and Natalie Nourigat. Each artist will display pages from their two new books, EmiTown Vol. 2 and Between Gears, which will be released later in the month by Image Comics.

Emi and Natalie have each created a brand new archival print which will also be available at the show.

LISTING INFORMATION:

WHO: Emi Lenox, Natalie Nourigat
WHAT: Art exhibit and print release
WHEN: Thursday Feb. 2nd, 6-10pm
WHERE: Floating World Comics, 400 NW Couch St.

Art on display until Feb. 29

BIO INFORMATION:

Based out of Portland, Oregon, Emi Lenox is a comic creator widely known for EmiTown which was released into a printed collection by Image in Dec. ’10. She has also had work in Mike Allred’s Madman and Jeff Lemire’s Sweet Tooth. She has just finished working on the second collection of EmiTown. Basically, she’s just a nutty girl with a case of the munchies and a deep fond love for comics, cats, bassets, and iPods.

http://emitown.blogspot.com/

Natalie ‘Tally’ Nourigat, is a sequential artist living in Portland, Oregon. Natalie graduated from the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College in 2010. Her first book, Between Gears, is about to be published by Image Comics. She is currently working on a new graphic novel and a children’s book series. She appeared in Image Comics’ anthology ‘This Is A Souvenir’ in 2009 and is a member of Periscope Studios.

http://natalienourigat.com/

Portland Questions 48: Conley Smith

I met Conley Smith at the Portland Comic Book show.    She is an aspiring illustrator here in Portland and she was displaying her and Dan Tabayoyon's new comic, Lady Red.   She is a member of the weekly sketch group over at Sketchery.  She also made an appearance as a guest artist at this year's Women of Wonder Day. 

This is her portfolio and you can checkout her blog ConleysDoodles

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?

Conley Smith:    I'm currently getting ready to begin working on a short comic project with Terry Blas, which should be a lot of fun! Besides that, just working on a couple little projects for myself, to keep busy.

DD:  What is your artistic Process?

I tend to draw inspiration from my own life experiences, as well as things that I enjoy! I prefer to draw and ink things on paper, then scan them and color in Photoshop. However I am in a tiny apartment, and recently had to get rid of both my art desk and my scanner, so I've been doing a lot more things completely in Photoshop lately. I've been trying to do some watercolors lately too. It's a lot of fun, but I miss ctrl+z a little bit, haha.

DD:  Illustrating, it is said is essentially storytelling. Have you thought of writing a story?

Several years ago I used to write stories all the time. These days though I've been much more focused on drawing... I'm pretty out of practice at writing! Hence working with other writers (Terry, Dan Tabayoyon.) I'm definitely trying to get back into it, though.

DD:  What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

As far as comics that are currently coming out, I've really been loving Batwoman. On a completely different note, I think one of my favorite things I read this last year was Asterios Polyp. Upon finishing reading it, I immediately turned to the beginning and read it again, and have re-read it a few times since.

What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

It really depends what they are into! When I started getting back into comics though, one of the first things I started reading was Fables.

What skill would you like to learn?

I would love to learn to animate. Many of my biggest influences are animated films, and I would love to work in that industry. Besides that, I'm really trying to get better at inking. I have basically the world's shakiest hands... it's getting better though.

What's the most important thing you've learned?

To draw constantly, and continue to strive for improvement! I know I still have a lot to learn, and am doing my best to get there.

Do you have a collection? If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?

Comic collection? Or just general nerd-ery? I have both. Too many collections, really! We have two large bookshelves in our tiny apartment that are completely full with comics, art books, collectibles and the like, and a giant list of prints still in need of framing. Comics-wise, I covet my Hellboy library editions. General stuff-wise, at Comic Con this year we got one of the Rusty Venture lunchboxes, and had it signed by the show's creators... it's awesome. And for art, a sketch of Bigby and Snow that I got from James Jean in 2007.

What is your favorite genre of Comics?

I enjoy some of pretty much anything, but lately I've been really back into superhero comics. The first comics I read were old Spiderman and X-men comics when I was in elementary school. However, watching Batman the Animated Series when I was younger has probably had the biggest influence on my current comic reading tendencies. Besides superhero comics, I enjoy autobiographical comics, some horror comics... really I'll try reading just about anything.

Do you have an Ipad? If so what do use it for the most.

Ha! I wish! Someday.

What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

My favorite TV show is definitely The Venture Bros. Its still at least a year though until the next season! Bummer! I also recently watched all of Mad Men on Netflix, which was great. As far as movies, my favorite movie of all time is Jurassic Park.

How does the Portland comics culture shape your work?

It seems like comic creators are everywhere in Portland! Having so many awesome creative people around, and going to events such as Stumptown, etc. is always hugely motivational in inspiring me to try and do new and better work.

What was your first comic convention?

The first I attended was San Diego Comic Con in 2007. So overwhelming! I went again this year, and fun as it was, that really tires you out. As far as actually having a table, my first was Stumptown of this last year. I also just shared a table at the Portland Comic Book Show with Emi Lenox! Lots of fun.

What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

Probably meeting different artists who I really admire. It's always great to talk to them, and I've met some ridiculously nice people at conventions!

If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

I would really love to work in animation some day, perhaps doing story boards or concept art. Making video games would be fun too! Basically... something art related.

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

When I feel like getting a little fancy, I love Nostrana, which is an easy walking distance from my apartment. The butterscotch budino is AMAZING.

How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

I've been here for a little over five years now. I originally moved here to go to college, ended up not being able to pay for it at the time, but stayed anyway due to loving the city, and meeting so many great people.

What is your favorite part of Portland?

I grew up in several much smaller towns, so I love the variety of things to do. Most of all, I love the variety of FOOD. There are so many great restaurants! I could probably never go back to a small town for that reason alone.

Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

I'm not sure of any Portland places I'd really like to go to but haven't yet. In Oregon, I've never been to the Newport Aquarium, and hope to change that soon.

Would you like to write/Illustrate for another media? Is there another character from popular culture you would like illustrate, for example, Sookie Stackhouse, Dr. Who, James Bond? What would you explore?

I enjoy drawing fanart! I think it would be really fun to do a Star Wars comic aimed a little more at younger girls. I also enjoyed the older "Gotham Girls" shorts and comics that were spun off of Batman the Animated Series, and would love to do something like that.

02/12 Walking Dead is back at the Hollywood Theater

Starting again on Sunday, February 12th at 9:00pm.  Doors at 8:30pm

Sunday nights, Things From Another World is sponsoring free screenings of AMC’s The Walking Dead Season 2 at the Hollywood Theatre, hosted by local luminaries Cort & Fatboy.



Door prizes at the premiere provided by Skybound, the Image Comics imprint behind The Walking Dead!

1/6 Screening of WARREN ELLIS: CAPTURED GHOSTS with Q/A @ FWC

--Press Release --- From Jason @ Floating World Comics

LISTING INFORMATION:
WHO: Matt Fraction & Kelly Sue DeConnick Q&A after the film
WHAT: Free screening of WARREN ELLIS: CAPTURED GHOSTS
WHEN: Friday Jan. 6th, 7-9pm
WHERE: Floating World Comics, 400 NW Couch St.

Join us(Floating World)  and special guests, Matt Fraction and Kelly Sue DeConnick (close friends of Warren who are featured in the film) for an exclusive screening of the new documentary by Patrick Meaney, WARREN ELLIS: CAPTURED GHOSTS. We will have DVD copies of Meaney’s previous film for sale, GRANT MORRISON: TALKING WITH GODS.

The film features the most extensive interview Ellis has ever given, and spans his life, from his first memory watching the moon landing as a child, to his recent cross-media success with the film adaptation of Red. Along the way, Ellis’s acerbic wit and core belief in humanity comes across like never before.

Complimenting Ellis’s own words are interviews with his artistic collaborators, friends and admirers from across all media, including actress Helen Mirren, Director Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), comedian Patton Oswalt, Adult Film Star Stoya, Musician Claudio Sanchez (of Coheed and Cambria), comics writers Matt Fraction, Kelly Sue DeConnick, and Antony Johnston, and futurist Jamais Cascio. Ellis’s comics collaborators like Marvel Comics CCO Joe Quesada, artists Darick Robertson, Ben Templesmith and Phil Jimenez also provide insight into Ellis’s mind and creative workings. The film features numerous ambient interludes that spotlight Ellis’s prose and writing from both his online columns and his comics.

Warren Ellis sees the future. He is a comic book writer and cyberpunk philosopher living on the edge of tomorrow. He speaks to a cult audience of artists, journalists, scientists and fans who hail him as INTERNET JESUS.
The film was shot over the course of 2010 and 2011 in England, San Diego and New York. It was completed in Fall 2011 and will premiere at the Napa Valley Film Festival in November 2011, before a worldwide theatrical and special engagement run. DVD release will follow in February 2011.
The film was directed by Patrick Meaney, shot by Jordan Rennert, and produced by Respect Films and Sequart, as a followup to the critically acclaimed Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods.

Contact: Jason Leivian,

     Email:  jason@floatingworldcomics.com

Skyrim in real life

12/18 Publication Fair

The 2011 Publication Fair returns to the The Cleaners at Ace Hotel (SW Stark & 10th) on Sunday, December 18, 2011.
Presented by Publication Studio and the Ace Hotel, from 11am until 7pm local publishers, printers, and producers will be on hand with all of their printed matter for sale.
Participants include:
Pinball Publishing
Reading Frenzy
Nudity in Groups
Cumbersome Multiples
Veneer Magazine
Octopus Books
Peaches and Bats/Airfoil/c_L/Abandoned Bike
IPRC
Poor Claudia
Dill Pickle Club
Monograph Bookwerks
Cooley Gallery
Ampersand
Plazm
Gobshite Quarterly
Orlo and the Bear Deluxe
Eberhardt Press
Division Leap
Publication Studio
And more!
Entrance if free. For more information visit the Publication Studio.

My Precious

12/10 Steve Duin and Shannon Wheeler @ I like Comics

Pulitzer Prize winning writer Steve Duin and acclaimed artist/illustrator Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man, Daddy Won't Wake Up)

 A book signing for their collaborative effort "Oil & Water"
a graphic novel from Fantagraphics Press

Saturday December 10th
1PM through 4PM

Location:
I Like Comics
2101 E. 4th Plain Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661

 

12/03 - Read Local, Buy Local @ Hollywood Library

You can get you copy of Babymouse or (Squish) from Matthew Holm

Read Local, Buy Local

Join us for an afternoon of book selling, signing and socializing with your favorite local authors. Get a jump on your holiday shopping while supporting your community. Refreshments will be served and free gift wrapping will be provided by SCRAP.

Saturday, December 3, 1-4 p.m.

• Hollywood Library

• Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
• Mark Bitterman
• Gabriel Boehmer
• Lucy Brennan
• Bill Cameron

• Laura O. Foster
• Matt Holm
• Jean Johnson
• Bart King
• Paulann Petersen

• David Michael Slater
• William Sullivan
• Willy Vlautin
• David Ward
• Emily Whitman

Portland Questions 47: Nico Hitori De

Nicolas Hitori de has been a  freelance illustrator since 2002, trained in fine arts workshops in the city of Paris, following parallel courses in animation studios, he published his first drawings and cartoons in several fanzines and participated in numerous exhibitions and festivals since 1989.   

His recent work has illustrated websites, apparel, advertisements, flyers and newspapers for children. Participating in various animated shorts, he worked for several years with the magazine release from Disney-Hachette Witch.  He is done several illustrations for CD covers and posters for a band called Virgin Princesse.  He is currently working with Jamie S. Rich and Joelle Jones on Spell Checkers.

Currently he is over in Portland on an extend stay work on Spell Checkers.   He is teaching comics  in and was asked to be an artist-in-residence for years 2012-13.

Catch up with him on his blog  or on twitter

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?
Right now, I'm working on the third volume of Spell Checkers, and sometimes I still draw commissioned artwork for Disney. I’m also involved in a musical stage project for a friend from France’s. They are called Virgin Princesse. We plan to project animation during the play, and I’m really excited about it.

DD:   What is your artistic Process?
Kind of unusual. My work is both traditional and digital. I do thumbnails from Jamie’s script and then pencils on paperm but I’m inking and toning on computer. I’m really interested in digital drawing and I’ll probably switch to it sooner or later.

DD:   Illustrating, it is said to be essentially storytelling. Have you thought of writing a story?
I started writing a semi-autobio comic before working with Jamie and Joëlle. It's a very personal project about when I came back from Paris to my hometown after a break-up. I hope to finish writing it and start drawing pages soon. Maybe after volume 3. 

DD:   How did you become involved with Witch magazine?
A friend saw my work at a comic convention and it happened that he sometimes wrote articles for Disney magazines in France. He recommended me to them, and when I g0t my first commission, I couldn't believed I was working for Disney. It’s been more than 10 years now that I’ve I worked for them, and it’s still great.

DD:   I understand you had an internship at Disney Accademia in Milan, how did you change after the experience?
I learned a lot of drawing techniques there and working every day with such talented comics artists was really inspiring. They asked me to stay after, but that would have meant changing my art style to the Disney house style. It was a real tough decision to make but I turned it down. I prefer being independent.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?
I'm a big fan of Vanyda's The Building Opposite. She’s a friend and a great inspiration for me. In terms of Portland artists, I can’t wait for Emi Lenox’s Emitown 2 and Natalie Nourigat’s first graphic novel Between Gears. Image is publishing both of them in February, 2012.

DD:   What skill would you like to learn?
Painting, especially digitally. I'm so bad at it. I also wish I could draw faster. Drawing all of the clothes and background details takes me many, many hours…

DD:   What's the most important thing you've learned?
I think skill is not the most important in comics. I’m more impressed by storytelling and personal art styles that technical demonstration. I’m also amazed by the indie comics scene in the US. Publishers like Oni are way more curious and open minded than French ones.

DD:   Do you have a collection? If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?
I'm not really into collecting, but my favorite items are probably Gorillaz's Rise of the Ogre, Atsushi Okubo’s Soul Eater Soul Art, and the Furi-Kuri concept design book. I’m also a proud owner of some Joëlle Jones original artwork.

DD:   What is your favorite TV show/ movie?
There are too many of them! I love all kind of movies, especially old musicals, ‘70s Italian horror, arthouse, animation... I'm also a huge fan of John Hughes but maybe my all time favorite is Wong Kar-Wai's Chungking Express. I’m not really into TV show but I can watch Twin Peaks, Spaced, and Freaks & Geeks anytime.

DD:   Has the Portland comics culture shaped your work?

Totally. First in the way I work : being here makes everything easier, especially in terms of working with Jamie S. Rich and Joëlle Jones.  As I set the book in Portland, it really helps to feel the mood of the city. Meeting local artists is also a great inspiration.

DD:   What was your first comic convention?
I was at Stumptown in 2010. I met a lot of my favorite comics artists all on the same day and I have great memories about it. I also was in San Diego and New-York the same year and it was totally crazy. It was awesome to sign books and talk with readers.

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?
I'm really into photography. I actually took some classes about it when I was younger but I chose comics instead. I sometimes still hang out with my camera, but comics take up too much time. Same with music, my guitar is kinda dusty now…

DD:   Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

It's been only two months since I arrived here so I usually follow my friends. Maybe you can recommend me some?

DD:   What is your favorite part of Portland?
I actually love the city. I enjoyed being in NE and hanging out downtown and Old Town. It’s probably because it’s the first part of the city I saw, but I have a special affection for NW sights.

DD:   Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?
I already visited Mount Hood this last Sunday, and it was gorgeous. I may sound a little geeky but I went to Astoria this week because I wanted see the Goonies sets. I’d love to see the coast now.

DD:   Would you like to write/Illustrate for another media that you haven't yet done? Is there a character from popular culture you would like illustrate, for example,
Dr. Who, James Bond? What would you explore?
I already did two drawings for Jim Henson's Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. I'd love to work on something with Jamie Hewlett. Right now, I'm trying to explore more sketchy inking like Jim Mahfood and experiencing things like speed painting. I'm also interested in the Superflat artistic movement.

12/03 Cumbersome Multiples Studio Sale

reminder from: Daniel Duford

"A reminder to stop by the CUMBERSOME MULTIPLES STUDIO SALE  this Saturday.

Tracy's been working non-stop printing, trimming and packing. I'll have prints and books. Kevin Tienhaara will have pickled and preserved deliciousness.

 

Hope to see you there!

Daniel

 

When: Saturday December 3,  10AM -4PM
Where: 3144 NE Seventh Avenue, Portland
Just two blocks south of Fremont next to Irving Park tennis court.

Here's a tiny preview:

Earlier in the year, Tracy and I found these old blocks in while in London. Tracy's been working those and some newly acquired old wooden type."

 

 

12/03 Andy Owens @ I LIKE COMICS

I LIKE COMICS
Invites you to meet:

ANDY OWENS
Artist for Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 8), Nightwing, Batman Confidential, Superman, Trinity and more!!

1PM – 3PM
December 3rd, 2011

I Like Comics
2101 E. 4th Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA
360-852-8890

2101 E 4th Plain Blvd, 98661    

12/14 Brandon Seifert signing @ tfaw

--- Press Release---
THE WITCH DOCTOR IS IN! TFAW HOSTS SIGNING WITH BRANDON SEIFERT & LUKAS KETNER

What: Witch Doctor TPB Volume 1 Signing With Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner
Where: Hollywood TFAW - 4133 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
When: Wednesday, December 14 from 7-10 pm.

November 16, 2011, Portland OR--It's time for a house call from Witch Doctor! Things From Another World (TFAW) is pleased to announce a signing for the Witch Doctor TPB Volume 1, the first collection from Robert Kirkman's (The Walking Dead) Skybound imprint, with local creators Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner. Fans can stop by, meet the creators, and purchase copies of the book from 7 to 10 p.m. December 14 at TFAW's "Hollywood" Portland location, while enjoying complimentary food and beer (21+, with valid ID).

Meet Vincent Morrow, a doctor looking for a vaccine . . . for the apocalypse! In this debut series from Robert Kirkman's Skybound imprint at Image Comics, Dr. Morrow encounters medical horrors that include demonic possession, an infestation of Cuckoo Faeries, an epidemic that's turning people into fish-people, and . . . a magical malpractice hearing?!?

"There are a lot of great horror comics out there today, but Witch Doctor's mixture of horrific gore and smart humor makes it something special," said TFAW Marketing Manager Elisabeth Forsythe. "We're excited to have Brandon and Lukas in the store for this event."

Make sure to stop by the Hollywood TFAW December 14 to pick up your copy of Witch Doctor TPB Volume 1, described by Fangoria magazine as "Loaded with fresh wit and originality" and named "my favorite miniseries of the year" by Ain't It Cool News.

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.

Portland Questions 46: Joshua Williamson

Joshua Williamson writes comics, kids books in Portland OR.     His career as a comics writer kicked off the ground in 2007,  
Since then he has been published by DC Comics, Marvel, Oni Press, Image, Desperado, Kick Start and some others soon to be announced.   
 
Some of his all age books are Dear Dracula and Sketch Monsters Book 1.   He has written for Superman/Batman, Justice League, Yo Gabba Gabba and Hulk.    Recently he has written a story for Dark Horse's  Savage Sword  of Conan and new series video-game adventure Uncharted and  sci-fi mystery XenoHolics.  Some of his other OGN are John Monster, Mirror, Mirror, Overlook and Endangered

His previous series Necessary Evil was picked up by Cartoon Network as a live-action series and another comic series, Dear Dracula was also recently optioned. 

Joshua Williamson is my favorite up and coming writer. He's the future of comics-- you dummies just haven't realized it yet!"- John Layman (Chew)

IGN's 2011 "8 Comic Scribes to put on your radar."

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?

Joshua Williamson:   A lot. XenoHolics, which is a new ongoing series with Image Comics. Sketch Monsters is a new all ages line of graphic novels with ONI Press, and I’m working on Uncharted, based on the Playstation 3 game, a 6 issue mini series for DC Comics, There are a few other things with ONI, and two other Image mini series I can’t talk about yet. I recently had a short story in Dark Horse’s Savage Sword #3 and am working to do another one.

Lots of pitches and outlines as well.

Doug Dorr:   What is your artistic Process?

Mostly I work out of extensive notebooks and my laptop. For the most part I come up with ideas and try to get them down on paper first. Eventually I start to type it all up.

Often, because of time and deadlines, I have to skip the notebooks and hit the laptop first. If I had my way I’d hand write out all my dialogue, that always seems to produce the smoothest sounding words. 

Doug Dorr:   When you are writing, what is your process working with the artist?

Ale Garza

With a lot of the larger publishers I just turn the script in, I don’t talk with the artists as much. With my creator owned work, I try to get them involved as early as possible to brainstorm, go back and forth on story, and gather notes. There’s two things I always ask first: “What do you like to draw?” and “What do you hate to draw?” I want to have an artist be interested and invested in the work, and have a say in its outcome.

Then once I hand over the script I really try to get roughs. I like to do the most nitpicking on the roughs. Really nail down the layouts and the overall packing.

 After the artist and I agree on the roughs, I let them ride on the pencils and inks.

I really try to get the artist as involved as possible. If they have any ideas or notes, I don’t want to hear “Oh, I thought of that…” a year or so later. I want them to share now.

Doug Dorr:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

That’s a tough question as I read and like a lot… Scalped, American Vampire, Sixth Gun, Criminal, Northlanders, DMZ, Daredevil, Punisher, Thunderbolts, Unwritten, Chew.

I just started reading Locke and Key and love it.

What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

That would depend on the person. If it was a kid, I would recommend a shorter graphic novel, honestly something like Dear Dracula. But if they were older, teenaged and up I’d say ONI’s Sixth Gun. It’s self contained, there are two trades out, and you don’t have to know years of history to get into it. If they really wanted to get into super hero books, I’d say Batman Year One.

What skill would you like to learn?

I wish I had a better understanding of coloring comics. I went to school for graphic design, but color was always my weakness. I can see something and tell you if I like it or not, but I could never do it myself.

 Alejandro Aragon

Non-Comics related I’d love to learn how to cook.

What's the most important thing you've learned?

To be patient and understanding.

To be compassionate and understanding of the creators and editors around me.

Do you have a collection?   If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?

I used to have a HUGE comic collection. Over 80 long boxes full of comics. And that’s not even counting the trades. When I moved from California to Portland I sold my whole collection and cut my trades down to about 1/8th what I had. In some ways it was heart breaking but also liberating. Selling everything helped me move to Portland and transition into a freelance career.

I still have a nice collection of trades and hard covers, I have some art pieces, a really nice green arrow toy and statue collection. It’s like a shrine to Oliver Queen in my office. I have a run of Detective  Comics and Batman dating back over 30 years. I still have my green lantern power battery… but the original ink cover to my book, Necessary Evil #1, by Dustin Nguyen is something that I’m very proud to have up in my office.

What is your favorite genre of Comics?

Is Vertigo a genre? How about just “Good comics?” Really, I like books that are with normal people thrown into extraordinary circumstances, with super natural elements. Honestly, I like it all: crime, super heroes, western, horror, romance, action, adventure, whatever. It’s funny I think genre’s can be hard to define in comics because there are some many mixes of things. Crime+horror is a great one.

Do you have an Ipad?   If so what do use it for the most.

Whenever I can get it away from my Wife playing words with friends…

For reading comics, emails, do art changes or notes and some thumb nails for cover and page layouts.  Play games. But really… probably reading comics.

What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

My favorite movie of all time is “ROCKY.” Favorite TV is a much harder question, but I’ll go with Dexter for now.

How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?

For the most part just being around so many people working in comics has changed my style, my workload, and the projects I’ve moved forward with. The three biggest advantages to living in Portland for my work has been: Making friends with a lot of very generous creators who give me great advice and help; the closeness to Publishers to talk with, and taking Bendis’ class at PSU last year.

Really having some much great comic energy in the same place has been very helpful in shaping my work.

DD:   What was your first comic convention?

I’ve been going to conventions since I was a kid, but my first was San Diego Comic Con when I was thirteen and I’ve been going every year since.

DD:   What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

Hanging out with friends that I only see on the road, and meeting with other fans of comics. Not just fans of my work, but people who love comics just as much as I do.

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

Digging graves… no really probably working in graphic design or as a psychologist. But really I’ve wanted to work in comics since I was very young, and can’t imagine doing anything else. Maybe a film and tv director.

Keith Giffen once said “You act like I had a choice.”

DD:    Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

I like to eat at the Bagdad Theater and Pub. Or 5 Guys Burgers.  Or Big Burger in Molalla.

Doug Dorr:   How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

I’ve been here for a bit over 3 and half years. We moved in March of 2008. After living in California my whole life I just started to get sick of it and wanted to try something else. My wife and I looked at a lot of cities, but really it was an article from Rick Remender on CBR about the Portland comics community that really made us look at Portland. After I took a quick road trip up here in 2007, we decided to make the move.

Doug Dorr:   What is your favorite part of Portland?

The comics community and the weather. There wasn’t much of both in San Diego, so the move here has been awesome. I can’t stand hot weather, so the colder, rainy weather works best for me. Rainy weather is perfect for staying indoors to write.

Doug Dorr:   Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

At this point I’ve seen most of what I’ve wanted to check out. But I love going to Mount Hood. It’s a great vacation place.

Doug Dorr:   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?

Not really. For the most part I just want to write comics. Occasionally, ideas with writing TV shows come up which might be something I’d like to do. I wouldn’t mind being a show runner and producer to hire other great tv writers to shape my plots into some entertaining boob tube. I have more pop culture sensibilities, so I’d probably look more at TV than anything. 

Robotech, Chuck, Castle, Dexter are a few shows/ characters I’d like to take a swing at. Writing Uncharted has been a lot of fun and I would write that book forever if I could.

Portland Questions 45 - Grace Allison

 Grace (Gracifer ) Allison like Captain Kirk, born and raised in Iowa.   She graduated from SCAD in 2011, majoring in sequential art.   Studied abroad in Japan and France.  She has worked on projects for IDW, Dark Horse, and Oni Press.  

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?

I'm currently penciling and inking a one-shot by Justin Zimmerman for Bricker-Down Productions, as well as coloring two projects: Memorial, an new IDW series by Chris Roberson and Rich Ellis, and Johnny Zombie, a webcomic created by Karl Kesel.

DD:   What is your artistic Process?

I start at my computer desk, which has a dual monitor set-up. I track down any reference material I need and keep it on one screen while I digitally lay things out on the other. I keep things very loose at this point, and fuss around with it until I feel like I've found the best solution for the page or illustration. 

Then, I either finish the piece with digital inking and colors, or I print out my layout on bond paper. Printed layouts get taped under a sheet of Bristol board, and I use my lightbox (which is attached under a glass drafting table) to draw over it.

Illustrating, it is said is essentially storytelling.

DD:   Have you 
thought of writing a story?

I've actually been writing stories for longer than I've been drawing. I have pages from a few of my personal projects on my website, but I don't prefer to write for my own comics. I'm a perfectionist, and having to worry about every aspect of a comic is exhausting!



DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

I've recently been enjoying All Nighter by David Hahn. It's a five issue series about Kit, a 20 year old art student who is struggling with a dark past and starting to take on the responsibilities of adulthood. While the premise obviously applies directly to my life (except for the dark past part), I think anybody could appreciate the compelling story and slick art.



DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

I like to start people off with something that is 1.) based off their taste in movies and books, and 2.) relatively short and self-contained. Banana Sunday by Paul Tobin (under the nom de plume Root Nibot) and Colleen Coover tends to be a good choice. It's a funny and well-executed short series about a high school girl trying to fit in at a new school in spite of being charged with the care of three very unique talking monkeys.

DD:   What skill would you like to learn?

I'd like to learn to digitally paint. It'd open up a lot of job opportunities in concept design, which is definitely an interest of mine.



DD:   What's the most important thing you've learned?

A strong work ethic is the most important factor in being successful.



DD:   Do you have a collection? If so, what is one of the items you're 
most proud of?

I don't actively think of it as a collection, but I have a bookshelf stuffed with manga, trade paperbacks, a few pieces of original art, and two boxes of late 90s X-Men issues.

My most precious item is probably a 9x12 original drawing of a fire-breathing stegosaurus by Mark Schultz. Other than being wicked cool, it's special to me because I watched him create it as a demo while I was studying in Tokyo. 



DD:   What is your favorite genre of Comics?

My favorite comics mix genres, but I especially enjoy elements of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction.



DD:   Do you have an Ipad? If so what do use it for the most.

Sadly no, but I do have an iPod touch. I use it to check e-mail and play Plants vs. Zombies.



DD:   What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

My favorite show on the air right now is Downton Abbey. It's an exceptionally well-made period drama set in the late Edwardian era, and it has Maggie Smith. That's all I've ever wanted in a TV show.



DD:   How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?

I'm greatly influenced by the work of the members of Periscope Studio. I interned for them the summer before my senior year of college, and was fortunate enough to be given dozens of useful tutorials and tips, as well as some very honest critiques. They've also helped me find some of my first freelance work, which made it possible for me to start my art career right out of school!
.

DD:   What was your first comic convention?

My mom took me to Wizard World Chicago when I was about twelve. I met Chris Claremont and Leinil Yu, and very cheekily told them I was going to take their jobs some day.



DD:   What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

Getting a chance to meet people in person! My work can be isolating, so it's great to talk with other creators, fans, or just people with similar nerdy interests face to face.



 

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

I would've been extremely happy as a critic or editor. I became a freelancer to spare the world from my rampant criticism.





DD:   Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

I really like Paddy's, an Irish bar and grill in downtown Portland. You can watch soccer games while enjoying some delicious food. I recommend the mac n' cheese and, if you're into cocktails, their Lemon Drop.



DD:   How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

Just three months so far. I decided on Portland after interning with Periscope Studio. It was already in my top three potential places to move after graduation, and after experiencing the supportive network of comic artists, the nerdy and fun-loving culture, and the food carts on 5th Avenue, I knew it was the place for me.



DD:   What is your favorite part of Portland?

Guardian Games. Aside from being a great store, it's also run by people who care about the gaming community and like to organize events for people to get together and play. 

DD:   Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

I'd love to visit Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

DD:   Would you like to write/Illustrate for another media? Is there a character from popular culture you would like illustrate, for example,
 Sookie Stackhouse, Dr. Who, James Bond? What would you explore?

I always enjoying doing fan art of properties I like… I've been meaning to draw something for the Guild and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

If I could work with another media, though, I'd most like to adapt young adult novels into comics. Specifically, series by Tamora Pierce and Patricia Wrede that have fantasy settings, adventurous storylines, and strong female characters. I think books like this would have a wide appeal and be a step in the right direction regarding the portrayal of women in comics.