Friday, November 09, 2007
Better Late Than Never
Finally made it to Portugal! Arrived in Lisbon at midnight yesterday, 10 hours after I was originally scheduled to touch down. I should have flown direct! Oh, well...
I was met at the airport by Forum organizer Rogerio, as well as my Shiki collaborator Joao Lemos and No Quarter partner-in-crime Ricardo Venancio. It was wonderful to finally put faces to names and meet these guys in person!
Checked into the hotel, too a much-needed shower and joined them for a couple beers down in the hotel bar, where we stayed talking comics and culture till 3AM. Found out I missed the first round of ChesterQuest reviews yesterday due to the flight delays, so I have leave behinds to review now, and have a number of interviews rescheduled for this morning as I missed a press junket as well. Looks like my fat mug will be in more foreign newspapers starting tomorrow.
To anyone interested, this leg of ChesterQuest is being sponsored by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which is one of the most important art foundations in the world. You can learn more about them here or here.
No real pics to post yet, but here's a shot from my hotel window. I guess the big Benfica soccer stadium is right around the corner. More soon...
I was met at the airport by Forum organizer Rogerio, as well as my Shiki collaborator Joao Lemos and No Quarter partner-in-crime Ricardo Venancio. It was wonderful to finally put faces to names and meet these guys in person!
Checked into the hotel, too a much-needed shower and joined them for a couple beers down in the hotel bar, where we stayed talking comics and culture till 3AM. Found out I missed the first round of ChesterQuest reviews yesterday due to the flight delays, so I have leave behinds to review now, and have a number of interviews rescheduled for this morning as I missed a press junket as well. Looks like my fat mug will be in more foreign newspapers starting tomorrow.
To anyone interested, this leg of ChesterQuest is being sponsored by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which is one of the most important art foundations in the world. You can learn more about them here or here.
No real pics to post yet, but here's a shot from my hotel window. I guess the big Benfica soccer stadium is right around the corner. More soon...
Thursday, November 08, 2007
On The Road Again
ChesterQuest rolls on...
I'm on my way to Lisbon, Portugal for the Forum Fantastico convention this weekend, flying in via Amsterdam. However, the trip did not get off to a good start. We got delayed out of JFK for three hours as they were transporting race horses on the same flight. The horses were so heavy and agitated that they kept shifting the weight balance of the plane so they had to keep adjusting cargo to compensate. And they can't drug them due to doping concerns or some shit. Grrrr... Then we're finally ready to leave the gate and the pilot comes on with this gem of an announcement:
"Well, the horses are settled and the cargo doors are closed, but it seems we're having trouble with our electrical system now, which doesn't look good. But we're not going to worry about that too much. We'll just start the engines and try to get the plane in the air."
Way to instill confidence in your already tired and annoyed passengers! But we made it...
I got my preferred emergency exit window seat and slept most of the way. The few times I did wake up, the plane seemed more like a party than an international flight, with people all standing up, hanging out in the aisles, drinking beer, mingling... I guess they were just getting ready for good times in Amsterdam. One thing I do have to say though, this being the first time I flew KLM, they had a couple of the hottest stewardesses I have ever seen, but also some of the most homely ones as well. And I'm not talking homely as in those old lady flight attendants you see on some flights, I'm talking young women who were just butt ugly! I know that sounds crass, but it's just something I notice as I travel so much. I thought airlines had restrictions about this kind of thing in their hiring policies?! :)
But anyway, six hours later we had made it over the pond and started our descent into the Dutch capital...
I was actually the first person off the plane which also meant I was the first to get the bad news... most of us had missed our connecting flights. KLM was great about the situation though, more professional and prepared than any other airline I have ever flown on, and they had all our new connections and boarding passes ready as soon as we got there. However, I'm now stuck here in Amsterdam Airport for 7 hours!! They gave us nice layover packages with vouchers, phone cards, comps towards our next flight, and 2000 free miles, which ain't bad, but I still had to shell out for wireless internet. Oh, well, I'm here and I'm set up and I'm working...
And compared to what I see out my window back in NYC everyday, the view here is pretty cool...
I'll be updating the blog daily from here on out, so keep checking back!
I'm on my way to Lisbon, Portugal for the Forum Fantastico convention this weekend, flying in via Amsterdam. However, the trip did not get off to a good start. We got delayed out of JFK for three hours as they were transporting race horses on the same flight. The horses were so heavy and agitated that they kept shifting the weight balance of the plane so they had to keep adjusting cargo to compensate. And they can't drug them due to doping concerns or some shit. Grrrr... Then we're finally ready to leave the gate and the pilot comes on with this gem of an announcement:
"Well, the horses are settled and the cargo doors are closed, but it seems we're having trouble with our electrical system now, which doesn't look good. But we're not going to worry about that too much. We'll just start the engines and try to get the plane in the air."
Way to instill confidence in your already tired and annoyed passengers! But we made it...
I got my preferred emergency exit window seat and slept most of the way. The few times I did wake up, the plane seemed more like a party than an international flight, with people all standing up, hanging out in the aisles, drinking beer, mingling... I guess they were just getting ready for good times in Amsterdam. One thing I do have to say though, this being the first time I flew KLM, they had a couple of the hottest stewardesses I have ever seen, but also some of the most homely ones as well. And I'm not talking homely as in those old lady flight attendants you see on some flights, I'm talking young women who were just butt ugly! I know that sounds crass, but it's just something I notice as I travel so much. I thought airlines had restrictions about this kind of thing in their hiring policies?! :)
But anyway, six hours later we had made it over the pond and started our descent into the Dutch capital...
I was actually the first person off the plane which also meant I was the first to get the bad news... most of us had missed our connecting flights. KLM was great about the situation though, more professional and prepared than any other airline I have ever flown on, and they had all our new connections and boarding passes ready as soon as we got there. However, I'm now stuck here in Amsterdam Airport for 7 hours!! They gave us nice layover packages with vouchers, phone cards, comps towards our next flight, and 2000 free miles, which ain't bad, but I still had to shell out for wireless internet. Oh, well, I'm here and I'm set up and I'm working...
And compared to what I see out my window back in NYC everyday, the view here is pretty cool...
I'll be updating the blog daily from here on out, so keep checking back!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Another Question About Hell
This has been going around the net for a bit now, but I just got it again and it made me laugh, so I thought I'd share...
"The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so 'profound', that the professor shared it with his colleagues via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.
One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.
Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.
This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct......leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'"
"The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so 'profound', that the professor shared it with his colleagues via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.
One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.
Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.
This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct......leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'"
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Power in Simplicity
The last four pages of the new issue of Entertainment Weekly really stuck me as being some of the most innovative use of advertising space I've seen in recent memory.
You turn to just two blank black pages that make you go "What the fuck?", then you turn the page again and it's another all black spread with just the DVD Boxset for the final episodes of The Sopranos on it. I thought that final episode was brilliant and this ad promoting it was equally ingenious!
You turn to just two blank black pages that make you go "What the fuck?", then you turn the page again and it's another all black spread with just the DVD Boxset for the final episodes of The Sopranos on it. I thought that final episode was brilliant and this ad promoting it was equally ingenious!
Hell is for Children?
I'll just come right out and say it, I've been on a Pat Benatar kick recently. Go ahead and laugh, just like you laughed when I admitted I was grooving to Air Supply, but I'm loving it!! I cherry-picked off her BEST OF... album and the playlist is as follows...
Hell Is for Children
Love Is a Battlefield
Invincible
Sex As a Weapon
We Belong
Heartbreaker
Shadows of the Night
Little Too Late
All Fired Up
"Hit Me With You Best Shot" may be her most well-known hit but it drives me batty though, so I skipped that little ditty. Almost skipped "Heartbreaker" too, but the chorus is just too catchy.
But I still don't know why hell is for children...?
Hell Is for Children
Love Is a Battlefield
Invincible
Sex As a Weapon
We Belong
Heartbreaker
Shadows of the Night
Little Too Late
All Fired Up
"Hit Me With You Best Shot" may be her most well-known hit but it drives me batty though, so I skipped that little ditty. Almost skipped "Heartbreaker" too, but the chorus is just too catchy.
But I still don't know why hell is for children...?
My First Hardcover!
If Halloween's got you in the mood to read something spooky, especially if it's illustrated by the always amazing David Finch, Marvel's LEGION OF MONSTERS Hardcover has just gone on sale, with a new Dracula story written by yours truly and drawn by David.
It's only a short 11 pager we cooked up, but the rest of the monster stories in the collection are all pretty cool as well. And unlike the monthly comics I write which are only available in comic shops, you should be able to find this book in all your local bookstores, like Borders, Barnes And Noble, Waldenbooks, and even at Target and Walmart, I think. Otherwise, you can score a copy from Amazon right here.
Thanks for your support! Happy Halloween!!
It's only a short 11 pager we cooked up, but the rest of the monster stories in the collection are all pretty cool as well. And unlike the monthly comics I write which are only available in comic shops, you should be able to find this book in all your local bookstores, like Borders, Barnes And Noble, Waldenbooks, and even at Target and Walmart, I think. Otherwise, you can score a copy from Amazon right here.
Thanks for your support! Happy Halloween!!
Friday, October 19, 2007
What Matters Most Playlist
I write all my Wonderlost scripts while listening to music. It's usually always to music from around the time periods the specific stories are set in; music that helps bring the memories back or are key to the stories I'm writing. I choose to do something a little different with the playlist I made for writing "What Matters Most..." for CBI though. I went ahead and included some newer music that captured the mood or feelings of some of the scenes in the panels, so it turned into a pretty eclectic mix if I do say so myself. Here you go...
Jack and Diane - John Cougar Mellencamp
The Gift - Angels & Airwaves
Melt With You - Modern English
Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard
The Flame - Cheap Trick
Screaming Infidelities - Dashboard Confessional
Hold Onto The Nights - Richard Marx
Never Say Goodbye - Bon Jovi
Short story, short list...
Jack and Diane - John Cougar Mellencamp
The Gift - Angels & Airwaves
Melt With You - Modern English
Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard
The Flame - Cheap Trick
Screaming Infidelities - Dashboard Confessional
Hold Onto The Nights - Richard Marx
Never Say Goodbye - Bon Jovi
Short story, short list...
CBI Reference Update
The image uploading function here is busted at the moment, so I posted the reference up on the CBR message boards in the Comic Book Idol forums...
Thursday, October 18, 2007
CBI Round 2
Hey, all-
The reference for my WHAT MATTERS MOST... story for Comic Book Idol will be posted shortly. Hopefully layouts will keep you busy for the time being. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with! I'll also be including a list of snngs that make up the "soundtrack" I listened to when writing the story. Hopedully it will provide you with a little inspiration as well.
Take care,
C.B.
The reference for my WHAT MATTERS MOST... story for Comic Book Idol will be posted shortly. Hopefully layouts will keep you busy for the time being. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with! I'll also be including a list of snngs that make up the "soundtrack" I listened to when writing the story. Hopedully it will provide you with a little inspiration as well.
Take care,
C.B.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Supermarket Stereo
So today I'm at the same supermarket I was in when I heard "Bang Your Head" come over the speakers a few weeks back. Now if having Quiet Riot blaring wasn't already odd enough for an Upper West Side establishment, today's selection was completely inappropriate... Two Live Crew's "Me So Horny"! The uncensored version no less! I wanna know who is picking the tunes at this joint!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ryusuke's Blog
Compass artist Ryusuke Hamamoto has started a new blog where he's posting everyday and practicing his English. You can check it out here: http://ryusukeworks.blogspot.com/
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Recommended Reading
Caught up on a few magazines this weekend...
The new WIRED, the one with the plant on the cover, has a great interview with Ridley Scott about BLADE RUNNER and the impending release of The Final Cut. It also has a cool Before Blade Runner/After Blade Runner chart that illustrates what influenced Scott in making the movie and how the film in turn influenced different aspects of popular culture.
There's also an incredibly insightful article into the life and times of mega-producer Rick Rubin in the NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE from a few weeks back, the one with him on the cover. Rick has always been an inspiration to me in many ways and to get a more personal look into his mind and his thoughts on music and art in general here was pretty fascinating. His position in the music industry and deal he negotiated for himself show just how big an impact this man has had on the creative and business ends of the biz.
Check 'em out!
The new WIRED, the one with the plant on the cover, has a great interview with Ridley Scott about BLADE RUNNER and the impending release of The Final Cut. It also has a cool Before Blade Runner/After Blade Runner chart that illustrates what influenced Scott in making the movie and how the film in turn influenced different aspects of popular culture.
There's also an incredibly insightful article into the life and times of mega-producer Rick Rubin in the NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE from a few weeks back, the one with him on the cover. Rick has always been an inspiration to me in many ways and to get a more personal look into his mind and his thoughts on music and art in general here was pretty fascinating. His position in the music industry and deal he negotiated for himself show just how big an impact this man has had on the creative and business ends of the biz.
Check 'em out!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Banging My Head Hurts Till It Hurts
So I'm in the supermarket of all places today when a little Quiet Riot comes blaring over the loudspeakers. As riffs from "Bang Your Head" flood through the aisles, much to the shock of some customers, I realized it'd been years since I rocked out to a little QR. I was even tempted to throw up a quick devil sign right there while buying cat food! So I came home and downloaded a few of the classic tracks this young metal head used to indeed bang his head to. However, while definitely fulfilling my nostalgic need for speed, these songs also served to make me realize just how truly awful some metal was. Want proof? Check out these lyrics:
Well I'm an axe grinder... piledriver
Mother says that I never never mind her
Got no brains. I'm insane
Teacher says that I'm one big pain
I'm like a laser 6-streamin' razor
I got a mouth like an alligator
I want it louder
More power
I'm gonna rock ya till it strikes the hour
Bang your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad
Band your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad
Well I'm remonstrated... outdated
I really want to be over-rated
I'm a finder and I'm a keeper
I'm not a loser and I ain't no weeper
I got the boys to make the noise
Won't ever let up
Hope it annoys you
Join the pack
Fill the crack
Well now you're here
There's no way back
"Got no brains. I'm insane"? "Fill the crack"? What the fuck?
Who wrote this shit?! If I had paid any attention in 1982, I could have written better lyrics than that and made a mint!
Ah, well... you gotta love it!
Repeat track.
Well I'm an axe grinder... piledriver
Mother says that I never never mind her
Got no brains. I'm insane
Teacher says that I'm one big pain
I'm like a laser 6-streamin' razor
I got a mouth like an alligator
I want it louder
More power
I'm gonna rock ya till it strikes the hour
Bang your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad
Band your head! Metal Health'll drive you mad
Well I'm remonstrated... outdated
I really want to be over-rated
I'm a finder and I'm a keeper
I'm not a loser and I ain't no weeper
I got the boys to make the noise
Won't ever let up
Hope it annoys you
Join the pack
Fill the crack
Well now you're here
There's no way back
"Got no brains. I'm insane"? "Fill the crack"? What the fuck?
Who wrote this shit?! If I had paid any attention in 1982, I could have written better lyrics than that and made a mint!
Ah, well... you gotta love it!
Repeat track.
December Solicits Are Up
This is a great Avengers special packed full of fun stories by some truly talented up-and-coming comic creators. With a Bryan Hitch cover to boot!!
GIANT-SIZE AVENGERS SPECIAL #1
Written by C.B. CEBULSKI, MATT YOCUM, DANIEL MERLIN GOODBREY, DOUGLAS NOBLE, T. CAMPBELL & SCOTT GRAY
Penciled by PAUL NEARY, BRIAN DENHAM, NELSON, DENIS MEDRI & ROGER LANGRIDGE
Cover by BRYAN HITCH
As the Avengers battle to take down the Serpent Society, the team recalls never-before-told tales of their past! Watch as:
Spider-Man tries to integrate into a team and learns a thing or two about history, Luke Cage and Wolverine go toe-to-toe against a terrifying cosmic foe, Henry Peter Gyrich becomes an unlikely hero on an unlikely world, and Jarvis the butler cleans house…after some robot Vikings drop by unexpectedly. On top of all that—it’s the return of the critically-acclaimed Fin Fang Four by Scott Grey and Roger Langridge! That’s 55 pages of all-new comics, PLUS classic reprints from Avengers history!
96 PGS./Rated A …$4.99
GIANT-SIZE AVENGERS SPECIAL #1
Written by C.B. CEBULSKI, MATT YOCUM, DANIEL MERLIN GOODBREY, DOUGLAS NOBLE, T. CAMPBELL & SCOTT GRAY
Penciled by PAUL NEARY, BRIAN DENHAM, NELSON, DENIS MEDRI & ROGER LANGRIDGE
Cover by BRYAN HITCH
As the Avengers battle to take down the Serpent Society, the team recalls never-before-told tales of their past! Watch as:
Spider-Man tries to integrate into a team and learns a thing or two about history, Luke Cage and Wolverine go toe-to-toe against a terrifying cosmic foe, Henry Peter Gyrich becomes an unlikely hero on an unlikely world, and Jarvis the butler cleans house…after some robot Vikings drop by unexpectedly. On top of all that—it’s the return of the critically-acclaimed Fin Fang Four by Scott Grey and Roger Langridge! That’s 55 pages of all-new comics, PLUS classic reprints from Avengers history!
96 PGS./Rated A …$4.99
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Travis Charest Does Ultimates!
A quick panel from November's ULTIMATES SAGA, featuring a new story by Travis Charest and yours truly! It's available for pre-order now so don't forget to hit up your local retailer to reserve a copy today.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Loners in AZ!!
I just got forwarded this amazing pic from Atomic Comics in Phoenix, Arizona. Manager Thomas Healy and staff employee Michelle Poulson are big Loners fans and felt the book deserved a little extra love and attention. So to help hype the title with the release of issue five this week, they created the following Loners display, comparing Jason Pearson's amazing John Hughes' homage covers to the actual movie posters!
And I hear their promotional efforts paid off as Loners sales picked up! Fans of the films gave Loners a second look, noticed the teen drama aspects the book owes to the movies, and decided to give Loners a shot. I owe Thomas and Michelle a huge debt of gratitude for their hard work and support in pushing this comic that is so dear to me! Thanks, guys!!
And I hear their promotional efforts paid off as Loners sales picked up! Fans of the films gave Loners a second look, noticed the teen drama aspects the book owes to the movies, and decided to give Loners a shot. I owe Thomas and Michelle a huge debt of gratitude for their hard work and support in pushing this comic that is so dear to me! Thanks, guys!!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Tales of Fear Agent Back-Up
About a year ago, when Rick Remender's amazing Fear Agent comic series was coming out through Image, he was running a series of eight page back-up stories called Tales of Fear Agent. Rick was kind enough to let me write one which was illustrated by Japanese artist Tommy Ohtsuka of Slayers fame. However, before our story saw print, the series moved from Image to Dark Horse where it was rebooted sans back-ups. However, Rick really liked the story and promised us that it would one day see the light of day, possibly in a Tales of Fear Agent trade. Being a man of his word, Rick is now making good on that promise and I'm pleased to announce that mine and Tommy's story will be featured in this October's Tales of Fear Agent #1!! This premiere issue will feature a main story by the incredible Eric Nguyen with with tale that Tommy and I did being run right behind it! (And coincidentally, Eric and I are also both featured in Marvel's Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm one-shot that same month!)
Orders are still open so please run down to your local retailer and reserve a copy today!
Here's a look at Eric's stunning cover to the issue, as well as a sneak peek at a couple of our interior pages, colored by the extraordinary James Rochelle. Enjoy!
Orders are still open so please run down to your local retailer and reserve a copy today!
Here's a look at Eric's stunning cover to the issue, as well as a sneak peek at a couple of our interior pages, colored by the extraordinary James Rochelle. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Three From Me
Three new comics from yours truly will be hitting the shelves of comic stores across the country today. Keep your eyes peeled for:
LONERS 5 with Karl Moline and Beth Sotelo...
SPIDER-MAN FAIRY TALES 4 with Mindy Owens, Nick Dragotta, Mike Allred and Laura Allred...
COMPASS 1 with Akihide Yanagi and Ryusuke Hamamoto...
I hope you'll check them out. Thanks for your support!
LONERS 5 with Karl Moline and Beth Sotelo...
SPIDER-MAN FAIRY TALES 4 with Mindy Owens, Nick Dragotta, Mike Allred and Laura Allred...
COMPASS 1 with Akihide Yanagi and Ryusuke Hamamoto...
I hope you'll check them out. Thanks for your support!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Old Bay Wings!
I was down in Maryland for the amazing Baltimore Comic Con this past weekend and hit the Wharf Rat for dinner on Saturday night. As most everyone knows, Buffalo wings are my favorite food and I try and eat them at every new restaurant I go to. So I was going to sample the Wharf Rat's BW offering but then I noticed they also had Old Bay Wings, dry rubbed in the amazing spice of the same name. Being in Maryland, it would have been a crime not to order them and I was not disappointed! Crispy and tasty as hell, these wings were a meal in themselves. And the home-brewed Oliver's Pale Ale was the perfect beverage to wash them down! If you're ever in Baltimore, try and plate for yourself...
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Baltimore Bound!
I'll be heading down to the Baltimore Comic Con this coming weekend, September 8th and 9th. I'll have a table in the Image Comics booth where I'll be selling and signing most of my Marvel and Image books both days. Compass #1 will debut at the show as well! Please stop by and say hi.
Also, while I'm not sure of the times yet, I'll be on the Image and Marvel panels on Saturday, and also helping Tom Brevoort dish out the Marvel trivia at his Prize or No Prize panel on Sunday! Come check us out for some cool news and announcements, ask all the comic book questions you like, and maybe even take home a prize or two!
Info on the show can be found here!
Hope to see you there!
Also, while I'm not sure of the times yet, I'll be on the Image and Marvel panels on Saturday, and also helping Tom Brevoort dish out the Marvel trivia at his Prize or No Prize panel on Sunday! Come check us out for some cool news and announcements, ask all the comic book questions you like, and maybe even take home a prize or two!
Info on the show can be found here!
Hope to see you there!
Weekend Movie Report Card
SUPERBAD - A+
Everything I expected and more! Brought me back to my high school days, which granted, isn't hard to do, but this captured that magic perfectly. Michael Cera and Jonah hill were outstanding, and that actress who played Becca did an amazing job! The kind of movie I want to watch, the kind of movie I want to make!
BOURNE ULTIMATUM - A-
I thought it was really well done and deserving of the praise it's getting. The camera work didn't get me as sick as I hear it's been doing to others, except in that last chase scene. Good build up, great tension, fantastic action... a fun edge-of-your-seat thriller.
PAN'S LABYRINTH - A+
Why I skipped this movie in the theaters is beyond me?! Just a wonderful piece of film making! I can't say anything more that hasn't already been said about this movie. Guillermo Del Toro is truly gifted and his commentary and featurettes on the DVD are insightful, educational and truly inspiring.
DISTURBIA - B
Better than I expected. More teen drama than fright flick, which appeals to me to begin with, combined with a good mix of comedic moments. A couple of the twists had me going. Shia continues to impress! Worth checking out if you have two hours to kill.
Everything I expected and more! Brought me back to my high school days, which granted, isn't hard to do, but this captured that magic perfectly. Michael Cera and Jonah hill were outstanding, and that actress who played Becca did an amazing job! The kind of movie I want to watch, the kind of movie I want to make!
BOURNE ULTIMATUM - A-
I thought it was really well done and deserving of the praise it's getting. The camera work didn't get me as sick as I hear it's been doing to others, except in that last chase scene. Good build up, great tension, fantastic action... a fun edge-of-your-seat thriller.
PAN'S LABYRINTH - A+
Why I skipped this movie in the theaters is beyond me?! Just a wonderful piece of film making! I can't say anything more that hasn't already been said about this movie. Guillermo Del Toro is truly gifted and his commentary and featurettes on the DVD are insightful, educational and truly inspiring.
DISTURBIA - B
Better than I expected. More teen drama than fright flick, which appeals to me to begin with, combined with a good mix of comedic moments. A couple of the twists had me going. Shia continues to impress! Worth checking out if you have two hours to kill.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Too Funny Not To Share
I was scanning a new batch of reference for the third round of Wonderlost stories and I came across this gem. I left for Japan a year before this was taken, clean-shaven and with short hair. I flew back into NYC looking like this. I walked up to my mom at the airport and looked right at her, expecting a shocked, but warm welcome. Her reply was "Excuse me, sir, but could you step aside. I'm looking for my son."
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
This made me laugh for hours...
From Tony Fleecs, writer/artist of the amazing comic In My Lifetime, and Wonderlost 2 contributor...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Compass at Summer Comiket
So pre-order sales of Compass 0 have been kicking ass in dojin shops across Japan, and Ryusuke debuted our preview issue at Comiket in Tokyo this past weekend. We were hoping for a warm reception and brisk sales as it's a new title by a rather unknown creative team, but I just got the report back now from Aki that the book sold out on Friday in two hours!! The show opened at 10AM and by noon he had sold clean through the 500 copies he brought!! Wow!! This bodes very well for the future of the book...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Bat For Lashes
Doreen Mulryan was kind enough to pass on the link for the cool new Bat For Lashes video. You can check out their creepy new "Donnie Darko-esque" clip here!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Slacking TV Execs?
I just tried to watch the new ABC animated series Slacker Cats. I like cats, I like animation and I'm a slacker, so I'm their target audience, right? Holy shit, was it horrendous! Pitiful! So bad I couldn't even watch past the first 5 minutes!
How the hell did a piece of garbage like this get greenlit? What are studio executives thinking? How could anyone have watched this and approved it? If it was for kids, I would understand, but it was on at 10PM and had adult overtones, so I don't think it was for the Disney or Nick kid crowds.
Watching Clyde and Lotto sleep was more interesting than suffering through that piece of crap.
How the hell did a piece of garbage like this get greenlit? What are studio executives thinking? How could anyone have watched this and approved it? If it was for kids, I would understand, but it was on at 10PM and had adult overtones, so I don't think it was for the Disney or Nick kid crowds.
Watching Clyde and Lotto sleep was more interesting than suffering through that piece of crap.
Custom Ricochet
I was out in Chicago at Wizard World this past weekend and had the please of meeting LONERS fan John Coffey at the show. Besides being a huge comic fan with good taste, John customizes action figures and informed me he'd made his very own Ricochet figure recently. After exchanging e-mail addresses, he was kind enough to send over the following pics of the high-flying Loner...
Pretty cool, huh?! You can check out more of John's cool custom figures at his site here!
Pretty cool, huh?! You can check out more of John's cool custom figures at his site here!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Books Without Pictures
A Loners fan I met at SDCC recently dropped me a line and asked me if I could provide him with the names of some novels that influenced me and the way I write. Two came to mind right away and I thought I would share...
Murakami and Yoshimoto both craft characters that are so genuine and relatable that you can't help but fall in love with them. They make their emotions so tactile that feel what they feel as you turn every page. And there's an eccentricity to both their work that makes each story a pure pleasure to read. I would recommend reading anything they write!
Murakami and Yoshimoto both craft characters that are so genuine and relatable that you can't help but fall in love with them. They make their emotions so tactile that feel what they feel as you turn every page. And there's an eccentricity to both their work that makes each story a pure pleasure to read. I would recommend reading anything they write!
Open Wide
I usually don't make it a habit of taking pictures in the mens room, but in this case I just had to make an exception...
Monday, August 06, 2007
There were two cool things...
...I saw at San Diego Comic Con from artists who came for portfolio reviews.
First was an artist who printed an actual blank blueline comic page on the back of his business card. Before he gave it to you, he asked you who your favorite comic character was and then did a quick little sketch of that character on the back of his card. Yes, it was a little time-consuming, but it sure as hell made an impression on me.
The second was the portfolio of a kid whose samples were about an artist coming to San Diego to show editors his portfolio. It was cute and well done and got editors talking.
Both pretty original ideas and left their mark on all who saw them. Nice job, guys!
First was an artist who printed an actual blank blueline comic page on the back of his business card. Before he gave it to you, he asked you who your favorite comic character was and then did a quick little sketch of that character on the back of his card. Yes, it was a little time-consuming, but it sure as hell made an impression on me.
The second was the portfolio of a kid whose samples were about an artist coming to San Diego to show editors his portfolio. It was cute and well done and got editors talking.
Both pretty original ideas and left their mark on all who saw them. Nice job, guys!
In case you missed it...
Nuno Plati and I had a short story in Ivan Brandon's incredible 24seven Anthology, on sale in comic chops everywhere now!
Back to regular posting...
I'm back from SDCC. Summer is half over. Where did the time go? I feel like I've accomplished nothing these past few months. I had all kinds of grand plans for stuff I wanted to do, but a lot of it simply fell to the wayside. Life gets in the way of life sometimes, you know...
I went out to my parents this past weekend for a small pool party/BBQ and got to relax a little and clear my head. I've fallen into kind of a rut with work recently and decided I need to start getting some of my thoughts and feelings out a bit more, open up and write less about comics and more about myself. So not that any of you want to read my psycho-babble, but I'm gonna try and use this blog for more self-expression going forward. It's time to make it a bit more personal again. But no worries, I'll be posting the usual work updates and drunken pics from time to time as well...
So let me start by sharing a bit of advice I got from Robert Downey Jr. himself at Comic Con that got me thinking. It's nothing you haven't heard before, but considering who said it and the manner in which he told it to me, it got me thinking:
"It's better to beg for forgiveness than regret never having taken the chance in the first place."
I went out to my parents this past weekend for a small pool party/BBQ and got to relax a little and clear my head. I've fallen into kind of a rut with work recently and decided I need to start getting some of my thoughts and feelings out a bit more, open up and write less about comics and more about myself. So not that any of you want to read my psycho-babble, but I'm gonna try and use this blog for more self-expression going forward. It's time to make it a bit more personal again. But no worries, I'll be posting the usual work updates and drunken pics from time to time as well...
So let me start by sharing a bit of advice I got from Robert Downey Jr. himself at Comic Con that got me thinking. It's nothing you haven't heard before, but considering who said it and the manner in which he told it to me, it got me thinking:
"It's better to beg for forgiveness than regret never having taken the chance in the first place."
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
More on ChesterQuest
1 man.
6 months.
3 continents. (Possibly four.)
13 countries. (Possibly more.)
20 cities. (So far.)
12 artists who will be awarded the opportunity to work at Marvel Comics.
Guaranteed.
Possibly the largest worldwide comic book talent search ever undertaken.
Please come to the Mondo Marvel panel this Thursday, July 26th, at 4:45PM at the San Diego Comic Con, Room 6A, for all the details.
6 months.
3 continents. (Possibly four.)
13 countries. (Possibly more.)
20 cities. (So far.)
12 artists who will be awarded the opportunity to work at Marvel Comics.
Guaranteed.
Possibly the largest worldwide comic book talent search ever undertaken.
Please come to the Mondo Marvel panel this Thursday, July 26th, at 4:45PM at the San Diego Comic Con, Room 6A, for all the details.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Compass Zero - San Diego Exclusive!
Printing in Japan as I write this, we'll have copies of Compass Zero, our San Diego Comic Con Exclusive, on hand at booth 2729 all weekend. It features an eight page original story and all kinds of other goodies and info about the upcoming series. Me, Aki and Ryusuke will all be there to meet and greet, to sell and sign your comics. Ryusuke will have his other Japanese manga and dojinshi on sale as well. Please stop by to see us and say "hello"!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
San Diego, Here I Come!
Yes, I will be in San Diego for Comic Con next week and I'm pleased to announce that I have a table in the Image Island section this year, booth 2729! I'll be sharing with David Finch, Sana Takeda of Drain, and Ryusuke Hamamoto, artist of Evangelion and the soon to be released Compass. We'll actually be selling an SDCC exclusive Compass Zero dojinshi at the show! So that's where I'll be hanging my hat for most of the show and I'll have plenty of copies of all my Image and Marvel books on hand for sale and signing. Please stop by and see us!!
As for panels, I'll be attending and speaking at the following ones...
Thursday - Mondo Marvel at 4:45PM - Details of ChesterQuest to be announced!
Friday - Cup O' Joe at 11:45AM and the Image Panel at 1:30PM
Saturday - the Aspen Panel at 1:30PM for a special announcement!
Sunday - the X-Men Panel at 11:45AM
And I have one signing at the Marvel booth at 3PM on Thursday with David Finch as well as Tommy Ohtsuka (Slayers, Marvel Mangaverse) and Gurihiru (Power Pack) who are both flying in from Japan!
And you'll always be able to find me at the bar at Hyatt in the evenings, I'm sure.
Hope to see you all there!
As for panels, I'll be attending and speaking at the following ones...
Thursday - Mondo Marvel at 4:45PM - Details of ChesterQuest to be announced!
Friday - Cup O' Joe at 11:45AM and the Image Panel at 1:30PM
Saturday - the Aspen Panel at 1:30PM for a special announcement!
Sunday - the X-Men Panel at 11:45AM
And I have one signing at the Marvel booth at 3PM on Thursday with David Finch as well as Tommy Ohtsuka (Slayers, Marvel Mangaverse) and Gurihiru (Power Pack) who are both flying in from Japan!
And you'll always be able to find me at the bar at Hyatt in the evenings, I'm sure.
Hope to see you all there!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
I'm up for auction on eBay... with tequila!
Although I'm more of a beer and whiskey man...
All you aspiring artists are free to bid on me here.
All for the benefit of the Hero Initiative.
All you aspiring artists are free to bid on me here.
All for the benefit of the Hero Initiative.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Legion of Mosters: Morbius
David Finch and I continue our new tradition of collaborating on a short story at least once a year with our 2007 offering, a Dracula and Lilith story in Legion of Monsters: Morbius. It goes on sale in two weeks on July 18th and if you missed it, your local comic shop can still order it using code MAR072091. Brendan Cahill and Michael Gaydos also offer up a very cool Morbius story in this issue as well.
Here's a sneak peak at the cover, by Greg Land, and a couple pages of the Finch goodness that you can expect inside...
Enjoy,
C.B.
Here's a sneak peak at the cover, by Greg Land, and a couple pages of the Finch goodness that you can expect inside...
Enjoy,
C.B.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Spider-Man Fairy Tales 2 - On Sale Now!
Sorry this post is coming your way a few days late, but I was out of the country and couldn't get around to properly posting till today.
The second issue of the Spider-Man Fairy Tales went on sale this past Wednesday and should be waiting for you on the shelves of your favorite comic book stores right now. This issue looks at the legend of Anansi the Spider-God with "Marvelous" twist. It was beautifully illustrated by the amazing Niko Henrichon of Pride of Baghdad fame.
Here's a peek at the cover...
And a preview of the interior art can be found here...
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/
Thanks for reading!
The second issue of the Spider-Man Fairy Tales went on sale this past Wednesday and should be waiting for you on the shelves of your favorite comic book stores right now. This issue looks at the legend of Anansi the Spider-God with "Marvelous" twist. It was beautifully illustrated by the amazing Niko Henrichon of Pride of Baghdad fame.
Here's a peek at the cover...
And a preview of the interior art can be found here...
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
My September Marvel Covers
Loners 6, after Sixteen Candles, by Jason Pearson...
And Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm, starring Runaways's own Nico Minoru, by Marko Djurdjevic...
And Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm, starring Runaways's own Nico Minoru, by Marko Djurdjevic...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My Fat Ass on YouTube
An interview I did with Ben Morse at Philly this past weekend, courtesy of wizarduniverse.com...
Do I talk too fast?
Do I talk too fast?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
Wizard's "On The Rise" Pick - Me?!?!
I did an interview with Kiel at Wizard Magazine a while back and someone just pointed out that it's now up on their website, but with me as one of their "On The Rise" picks. Cool!!
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/004681082.cfm
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/004681082.cfm
Friday, June 01, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Thank you, George Lucas!
Yesterday was the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars. Thirty years?! I was six years old on May 25th, 1977 when the movie was released. And to this day, I still remember going to see it in the theater. And as cliche as it sounds, Star Wars did deeply affect my life.
So like so many other Star Wars fans around the world, I celebrated the anniversary on my own. I woke up and actually put on a Star Wars T-shirt, I hit the post office to buy the newly released stamps, I popped in the Star Wars DVD and watched the original theatrical version, then I watched the live coverage of the Star Wars Celebration in L.A. on G4, caught up on all latest issues of all three Dark Horse comic series, then I watched the original theatrical version of Empire Strikes Back. Yes, I'm a big dork... and proud of it!
There was thing I didn't do though...
As you can see from the pic, I still own a full box of unopened packs of the original Star Wars cards, third series for anyone who cares, and I pondered opening a pack just for nostalgic value, to make me feel like I was a kid again. I actually did it about 15 years ago and even went so far as to eat the gum, which made me sick. But nausea aside, I remember it took me forever to find a pack to replace the one I opened back then, and while it might be a little easier to find now with eBay and cons, still I decided against it. But I took out and opened the box to have a look, and I have to say, the sight of the box sitting there, filled to the brim with unopened packs, with the smell of the wax and paper and gum still lingering... it made me feel like I was six years old again!
Happy Anniversary, Star Wars! Thanks, George!!
So like so many other Star Wars fans around the world, I celebrated the anniversary on my own. I woke up and actually put on a Star Wars T-shirt, I hit the post office to buy the newly released stamps, I popped in the Star Wars DVD and watched the original theatrical version, then I watched the live coverage of the Star Wars Celebration in L.A. on G4, caught up on all latest issues of all three Dark Horse comic series, then I watched the original theatrical version of Empire Strikes Back. Yes, I'm a big dork... and proud of it!
There was thing I didn't do though...
As you can see from the pic, I still own a full box of unopened packs of the original Star Wars cards, third series for anyone who cares, and I pondered opening a pack just for nostalgic value, to make me feel like I was a kid again. I actually did it about 15 years ago and even went so far as to eat the gum, which made me sick. But nausea aside, I remember it took me forever to find a pack to replace the one I opened back then, and while it might be a little easier to find now with eBay and cons, still I decided against it. But I took out and opened the box to have a look, and I have to say, the sight of the box sitting there, filled to the brim with unopened packs, with the smell of the wax and paper and gum still lingering... it made me feel like I was six years old again!
Happy Anniversary, Star Wars! Thanks, George!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Darkhawk Playlist
I was talking to a friend of mine recently and he said he was struggling with finding the voices for a couple of characters in a comic he was writing. I suggested he trying using music find their motivations and he told me he can't listen to music when he writes. I'm the same way actually, I need dead silence when I write, and explained that I listen to music before I write, to help get me inside a character's head.
What I do is look at what's coming up on my schedule and what I'll be writing on any given day. Then I'll create a playlist for a specific script or character I'll be working on. I put myself in that characters shoes or situation and figure out what music and bands they like and would be listening, not only in that setting, but in their lives in general. A lot of it's personality based too. Then I'll pop on my iPod and go for a walk around NYC or go and sit in a bar and listen to the mix while thinking about the story and the character(s). I find this gives me a better understanding of their personality and internal motivations, helps me better grasp their emotional state, and helps me work through their feelings and decisions. It also makes the dialogue flow more easily. Sounds crazy, I know, but it works.
I made specific mixes for all of the Loners characters as each issue is told from one of their perspectives. As an example, I thought I would share Darkhawk's playlist here, featuring a selection of sonds that got me into Mr. Chris Powell's charcater. Enjoy!
Break Stuff - Limp Bizkit
My Hero - Foo Fighters
When I Grow Up - Garbage
Name - Goo Goo Dolls
2000 Light Years Away - Green Day
Faint - Linkin Park
Shamrocks And Shenanegins (Butch Vig Remix) - House of Pain
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Rudderless - The Lemonheads
Shadow On The Sun - Audioslave
Juke Box Hero - Foreigner
Symphony Of Destruction - Megadeth
Adam's Song - Blink-182
Who Can It Be Now? - Men At Work
Big Dumb Sex - Soundgarden
Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe
Epiphany - Staind
All Apologies - Nirvana
Head On - The Jesus & Mary Chain
Don't Follow - In Chains
I'm working on my Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm special now so have Nico's Goth playlist in heavy rotation!
What I do is look at what's coming up on my schedule and what I'll be writing on any given day. Then I'll create a playlist for a specific script or character I'll be working on. I put myself in that characters shoes or situation and figure out what music and bands they like and would be listening, not only in that setting, but in their lives in general. A lot of it's personality based too. Then I'll pop on my iPod and go for a walk around NYC or go and sit in a bar and listen to the mix while thinking about the story and the character(s). I find this gives me a better understanding of their personality and internal motivations, helps me better grasp their emotional state, and helps me work through their feelings and decisions. It also makes the dialogue flow more easily. Sounds crazy, I know, but it works.
I made specific mixes for all of the Loners characters as each issue is told from one of their perspectives. As an example, I thought I would share Darkhawk's playlist here, featuring a selection of sonds that got me into Mr. Chris Powell's charcater. Enjoy!
Break Stuff - Limp Bizkit
My Hero - Foo Fighters
When I Grow Up - Garbage
Name - Goo Goo Dolls
2000 Light Years Away - Green Day
Faint - Linkin Park
Shamrocks And Shenanegins (Butch Vig Remix) - House of Pain
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Rudderless - The Lemonheads
Shadow On The Sun - Audioslave
Juke Box Hero - Foreigner
Symphony Of Destruction - Megadeth
Adam's Song - Blink-182
Who Can It Be Now? - Men At Work
Big Dumb Sex - Soundgarden
Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe
Epiphany - Staind
All Apologies - Nirvana
Head On - The Jesus & Mary Chain
Don't Follow - In Chains
I'm working on my Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm special now so have Nico's Goth playlist in heavy rotation!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
My 2007 Convention Schedule
Hey, all-
Here's my tentative 2007 convention schedule. Most of this is locked, but the European cons at the end of the year still have a few more details that need to be worked out..
June 15-17, 2007 Wizard World Philly, Philadelphia, PA
July 26-29, 2007 Comic-Con International, San Diego, CA
August 9-12, 2007 Wizard World Chicago, Chicago, IL
August 24-26, 2007 Toronto Comic Con, Toronto, Canada
September 8-9, Baltimore Comic Con, Baltimore, MD
November 3-4, Lille Comic Festival, Lille, France
November 8-11, 2007 Fórum Fantástico, Lisbon, Portugal
November 17-18, 2007 Dublin City Comic Con, Dublin, Ireland
And it looks like I'll most likely be heading back to Angouleme again in January 2008!
I'll post booth locations and schedules and all that for the individual shows as they get closer.
Hope you see you this summer!
Take care,
C.B.
Here's my tentative 2007 convention schedule. Most of this is locked, but the European cons at the end of the year still have a few more details that need to be worked out..
June 15-17, 2007 Wizard World Philly, Philadelphia, PA
July 26-29, 2007 Comic-Con International, San Diego, CA
August 9-12, 2007 Wizard World Chicago, Chicago, IL
August 24-26, 2007 Toronto Comic Con, Toronto, Canada
September 8-9, Baltimore Comic Con, Baltimore, MD
November 3-4, Lille Comic Festival, Lille, France
November 8-11, 2007 Fórum Fantástico, Lisbon, Portugal
November 17-18, 2007 Dublin City Comic Con, Dublin, Ireland
And it looks like I'll most likely be heading back to Angouleme again in January 2008!
I'll post booth locations and schedules and all that for the individual shows as they get closer.
Hope you see you this summer!
Take care,
C.B.
CBC in 24/7 Volume 2
The cover of the second volume of Ivan Brandon's wonderful Image anthology [B]24/7[/B] has been leaked, and on the back cover I'm pleased to announce you'll find my name. For those unfamiliar with it, [B]24/7[/B] is all about robots living in NYC, and I contributed a story about an undercover female detective in Chinatown that was illustrated by the incredible Nuno Plati! Hopefully Ivan will show some interior pages soon, but for now, here's the cover...
And be sure to check out Nuno's amazing work over at his blog... http://www.nunoplati.blogspot.com/
And be sure to check out Nuno's amazing work over at his blog... http://www.nunoplati.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
It Was Carney's!
We now have our tenth winner to the Loners #1 Food Find contest!! Now that's it's all said and done, I can give you the answer I was looking for. The other L.A. restaurant tribute in the first issue was... Carney's on Sunset! You can see it on page four, where Phil and Mickey are talking about Julie. They're sitting outside at Carney's.
I wrote Carney's into the script as it's one of my favorite restaurants. Originally that was a much longer scene, but we reduced it to one page to move the story along and get more time of the kids talking in their meeting. Tom Brevoort even reminded me yesterday that he was there eating chili dogs with me when I originally said "I'm so writing Carney's into the book!" right after Loners got approved.
I LOVE Carney's!! They make amazing chili and it's so good on their dogs, burgers and especially the fries! Please go and check them out if you have a chance. The restaurant is an actual big yellow train car, so you can't miss it. You can check them out at http://www.carneytrain.com/
Funny Carney's story that involves comics... I was there a number of years back after San Diego and we were having an early chili-infused lunch before jetting off to LAX. The place was practically empty and suddenly from behind me I hear, "I'll have a chili burger and a beer, please." It was a voice I was all too familiar with, so I turn around and sure enough, there he was... Stan Lee!! The Man himself having beef and a beer at 11AM!! This was before I was at Marvel so I had never met Stan before. I was starstruck! So we waited around and introduced ourselves. Stan was so cool and gracious and spoke with us a bit then took pictures. We almost missed our flight but it was worth it! So there's another reason to go there... Stan Lee eats there!!
Many thanks again to everyone here who bought and read Loners #1!
I wrote Carney's into the script as it's one of my favorite restaurants. Originally that was a much longer scene, but we reduced it to one page to move the story along and get more time of the kids talking in their meeting. Tom Brevoort even reminded me yesterday that he was there eating chili dogs with me when I originally said "I'm so writing Carney's into the book!" right after Loners got approved.
I LOVE Carney's!! They make amazing chili and it's so good on their dogs, burgers and especially the fries! Please go and check them out if you have a chance. The restaurant is an actual big yellow train car, so you can't miss it. You can check them out at http://www.carneytrain.com/
Funny Carney's story that involves comics... I was there a number of years back after San Diego and we were having an early chili-infused lunch before jetting off to LAX. The place was practically empty and suddenly from behind me I hear, "I'll have a chili burger and a beer, please." It was a voice I was all too familiar with, so I turn around and sure enough, there he was... Stan Lee!! The Man himself having beef and a beer at 11AM!! This was before I was at Marvel so I had never met Stan before. I was starstruck! So we waited around and introduced ourselves. Stan was so cool and gracious and spoke with us a bit then took pictures. We almost missed our flight but it was worth it! So there's another reason to go there... Stan Lee eats there!!
Many thanks again to everyone here who bought and read Loners #1!
Drain #3 Preview
Wizard Universe has a first look...
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazi.../004248189.cfm
On sale this Wednesday, April 18th!
Enjoy,
C.B.
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazi.../004248189.cfm
On sale this Wednesday, April 18th!
Enjoy,
C.B.
Friday, April 13, 2007
New Message Boards
Brian Bendis has been kind enough to set me up with my own new message boards over at his site! Come join the fun at:
http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/forumdisplay.php?f=28
I also have message boards over at Image Comics as well:
http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewforum.php?f=32
I'll be posting regularly at both. Hope to see you there!
http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/forumdisplay.php?f=28
I also have message boards over at Image Comics as well:
http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewforum.php?f=32
I'll be posting regularly at both. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Loners #2 Preview
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0704/10/marvelfirsts.htm
I've already seen some rumblings about it online. Sorry, Hornet fans...
But there's more the story than you see here!
Take care,
C.B.
I've already seen some rumblings about it online. Sorry, Hornet fans...
But there's more the story than you see here!
Take care,
C.B.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
New Loners Interview and Review (and Art!)
Definitively answering the ex-Gen Xer question once and for all, a la Weird Science...
http://www.yourmomsbasement.com/archives/2007/04/last_minute_edi_1.html#more
One more day...
http://www.yourmomsbasement.com/archives/2007/04/last_minute_edi_1.html#more
One more day...
Monday, April 09, 2007
Loners #1 - Food Find
I like to eat.
Yeah, I know, for those of you who know me or have seen pictures of me, that comes as no surprise, right? But it's true, I love a good meal! You know, if I didn't get into comics, I'd probably be in the food industry and weigh in at twice the jumbo size I already am now. However, being in comics means I get to travel a lot and I'm afforded the opportunity to try out all kinds of new restaurants wherever I go for cons. Fish tacos in San Diego. Cheesesteaks in Philly. Pizza, dogs and breaded steaks sandwiches in Chicago. BBQ in North Carolina, Memphis and Texas. I try it all. One thing I guess I should point out though is that I'm not a fancy guy. Sure, I like a nice five star meal every now and then, but me, I'm more of a greasy spoon, hole-in-the-wall, local flavor kind of guy. I wanna try the off the beaten path dives that usually only the locals know, the kind of places you won't find in Gourmet magazine. Hot dogs, burgers, wings, fries, chili... I'm all over it!
So what does this have to do with Loners, you ask? Well, they say that writers should write what they know, and I like to think I know food... so when I write comics I toss in little references to certain meals and restaurants I enjoy. I try and squeeze a few quick nods into my books whenever I can. And Loners #1 is no exception! Contrary to popular belief, Los Angeles has some excellent eateries and as that's where Loners takes place, you'll see some of my favorite LA restaurants popping up in the book every now and again.
When you read issue one, on sale April 11th, you'll notice I clearly name drop my beloved In-N-Out Burger in there. That's a constant in the entire series actually. However, there's also a subtle tribute somewhere in the first issue to another one of my favorite L.A. hangouts.
So what I'm doing is running a LONERS FOOD FIND contest. I'm offering a free pile of swag to the first five people who can correctly identify the other restaurant referenced in our debut issue. Come Wednesday, the first five people who BUY THE ISSUE, which you will be asked to prove, and e-mail me the name of the joint in question, will get an envelope stuffed with all kinds of signed comics and goodies, with a few extra surprises thrown in to boot! Sound good? I'm at cbcebulski@gmail.com.
Comics and food, what more is there to life...?
Enjoy Loners #1!!
Yeah, I know, for those of you who know me or have seen pictures of me, that comes as no surprise, right? But it's true, I love a good meal! You know, if I didn't get into comics, I'd probably be in the food industry and weigh in at twice the jumbo size I already am now. However, being in comics means I get to travel a lot and I'm afforded the opportunity to try out all kinds of new restaurants wherever I go for cons. Fish tacos in San Diego. Cheesesteaks in Philly. Pizza, dogs and breaded steaks sandwiches in Chicago. BBQ in North Carolina, Memphis and Texas. I try it all. One thing I guess I should point out though is that I'm not a fancy guy. Sure, I like a nice five star meal every now and then, but me, I'm more of a greasy spoon, hole-in-the-wall, local flavor kind of guy. I wanna try the off the beaten path dives that usually only the locals know, the kind of places you won't find in Gourmet magazine. Hot dogs, burgers, wings, fries, chili... I'm all over it!
So what does this have to do with Loners, you ask? Well, they say that writers should write what they know, and I like to think I know food... so when I write comics I toss in little references to certain meals and restaurants I enjoy. I try and squeeze a few quick nods into my books whenever I can. And Loners #1 is no exception! Contrary to popular belief, Los Angeles has some excellent eateries and as that's where Loners takes place, you'll see some of my favorite LA restaurants popping up in the book every now and again.
When you read issue one, on sale April 11th, you'll notice I clearly name drop my beloved In-N-Out Burger in there. That's a constant in the entire series actually. However, there's also a subtle tribute somewhere in the first issue to another one of my favorite L.A. hangouts.
So what I'm doing is running a LONERS FOOD FIND contest. I'm offering a free pile of swag to the first five people who can correctly identify the other restaurant referenced in our debut issue. Come Wednesday, the first five people who BUY THE ISSUE, which you will be asked to prove, and e-mail me the name of the joint in question, will get an envelope stuffed with all kinds of signed comics and goodies, with a few extra surprises thrown in to boot! Sound good? I'm at cbcebulski@gmail.com.
Comics and food, what more is there to life...?
Enjoy Loners #1!!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
WONDERLOST 2 Info!
Since I'm in a sharing mood today, here's the amazing cover to WONDERLOST 2 by Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines and Morry Hollowell!
The issue will hit this July from Image. Here's the solicit...
WONDERLOST Volume 2
"Firsts and Goals"
Written by C.B. Cebulski
Art by Mike Oeming, Jason Meek, Alina Urusov, Ethan Young, Rafael Albuquerque, Felipe Smith and more!
Cover by Steve McNiven
64 pages
Black and White
On sale July 11th
$5.99
One of the most critically-acclaimed and best reviewed books of the year returns! C.B. Cebulski revisits his past yet again for the second volume of his autobiographical anthology, where he takes us back to his youth for another round of adventures that have to be seen to be believed. This second issue retells some of the "famous firsts" from his high school years, walking us through a series of teenage trials and tribulations as Cebulski tries to "round the bases" and reach certain "goals" he set for himself growing up. Told in the same open and honest style as the highly-praised first issue, these slice-of-life tales are sure take readers back to the more carefree times of their own youths.
"Writer C.B. Cebulski has a homerun on his hands. Wonderlost is a deeply, brutally honest autobiographical work that easily drags the reader into the swarm of emotions surrounding the teenage angst it portrays." - Diamond Comics' Scoop
"It is nothing short of excellence that all of these different artistic interpretations work well together . I recommend it because Wonderlost's power is in its honesty." - Broken Frontier
"You could give this book to 10 people and each could come away with a different emotion after a trip down memory lane." -Silver Bullet Comic Books
"As is the case with any good autobiographical comic, this book's greatest strength is the writer's honesty."- Eye on Comics
"Sure, we all have those stories from our awkward years. And some of them might even be as entertaining as the ones Cebulski tells us here, but I can't imagine pulling them off as well as he does." - Comic Book Resources
And if you haven't read the first issue, it's your loss! :lol: But seriously, you should still be able to find it in shops as Image tells me there are still copies left in stock. Ask your local retailer today. If not, let me know and we'll see what we can do about getting you a copy!
Thanks for your support!!
Take care,
C.B.
The issue will hit this July from Image. Here's the solicit...
WONDERLOST Volume 2
"Firsts and Goals"
Written by C.B. Cebulski
Art by Mike Oeming, Jason Meek, Alina Urusov, Ethan Young, Rafael Albuquerque, Felipe Smith and more!
Cover by Steve McNiven
64 pages
Black and White
On sale July 11th
$5.99
One of the most critically-acclaimed and best reviewed books of the year returns! C.B. Cebulski revisits his past yet again for the second volume of his autobiographical anthology, where he takes us back to his youth for another round of adventures that have to be seen to be believed. This second issue retells some of the "famous firsts" from his high school years, walking us through a series of teenage trials and tribulations as Cebulski tries to "round the bases" and reach certain "goals" he set for himself growing up. Told in the same open and honest style as the highly-praised first issue, these slice-of-life tales are sure take readers back to the more carefree times of their own youths.
"Writer C.B. Cebulski has a homerun on his hands. Wonderlost is a deeply, brutally honest autobiographical work that easily drags the reader into the swarm of emotions surrounding the teenage angst it portrays." - Diamond Comics' Scoop
"It is nothing short of excellence that all of these different artistic interpretations work well together . I recommend it because Wonderlost's power is in its honesty." - Broken Frontier
"You could give this book to 10 people and each could come away with a different emotion after a trip down memory lane." -Silver Bullet Comic Books
"As is the case with any good autobiographical comic, this book's greatest strength is the writer's honesty."- Eye on Comics
"Sure, we all have those stories from our awkward years. And some of them might even be as entertaining as the ones Cebulski tells us here, but I can't imagine pulling them off as well as he does." - Comic Book Resources
And if you haven't read the first issue, it's your loss! :lol: But seriously, you should still be able to find it in shops as Image tells me there are still copies left in stock. Ask your local retailer today. If not, let me know and we'll see what we can do about getting you a copy!
Thanks for your support!!
Take care,
C.B.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Loners #1 Reviewed
So here's me shamelessly plugging the first review I have seen of the full first issue over at Newsarama...
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=107204
On sale April 11th!
Take care,
C.B.
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=107204
On sale April 11th!
Take care,
C.B.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Loners #1 Preview!
There's a nice chunk of pages up on Newsarama...
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=105242
Enjoy,
C.B.
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=105242
Enjoy,
C.B.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Compass - Coming soon!!
You've seen some of the Compass character designs, now here's a look at the first cover...
We'll be posting previews aplenty soon. To avoid any shipping delays, we've been waiting to solicit each issue until it's fully colored and finished. Issue one will hit stands in July in time for San Diego, where both my co-writer, Aki Yanagi, and artist Ryusuke Hamamoto will be attending.
Also, Hamamoto-san has been hard at work with Gainax on some new Neon Genesis Evangelion projects and you can check out the new Japanese edition of NewType magazine to see a preview of the fruits of his labors there. But here's a sneak peek at some of his "Puchi Eva" designs...
We'll be posting previews aplenty soon. To avoid any shipping delays, we've been waiting to solicit each issue until it's fully colored and finished. Issue one will hit stands in July in time for San Diego, where both my co-writer, Aki Yanagi, and artist Ryusuke Hamamoto will be attending.
Also, Hamamoto-san has been hard at work with Gainax on some new Neon Genesis Evangelion projects and you can check out the new Japanese edition of NewType magazine to see a preview of the fruits of his labors there. But here's a sneak peek at some of his "Puchi Eva" designs...
Monday, February 26, 2007
Mystic Arcana
My new Marvel project was announced this past weekend at the New York Comic Con; I'll be writing one of the Mystic Arcana one-shots featuring Nico Minoru, aka Sister Grimm, from Runaways. The event is going to turn the spotlight on Marvel's magic based characters and try to do for them what Annihilation did for cosmic characters! Roy Thomas is writing a Black Knight story, Jeff Parker will be on Scarlet Witch, and Louise Simonson is returning to pen Magik, which I can't wait for!!
Nico's story is set after the first arc, when our young Runaways were sent to foster homes by Captain America, before they eventually regrouped. Miss Minoru was at "Father Flanagan’s Home for Unwanted Goth Kids” and this story is about an arcanic awakening she had while there. It's all pretty cool and I'm extremely psyched about it!
Check out the cover my Marko Djurdjevic...
Nico's story is set after the first arc, when our young Runaways were sent to foster homes by Captain America, before they eventually regrouped. Miss Minoru was at "Father Flanagan’s Home for Unwanted Goth Kids” and this story is about an arcanic awakening she had while there. It's all pretty cool and I'm extremely psyched about it!
Check out the cover my Marko Djurdjevic...
Monday, February 12, 2007
Humberto Runaways Designs
While I can't show any actual art from the story Humberto Ramos is doing in the Runaways Saga, he has given me the OK to post a few of his designs up here. Enjoy!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
A Message From Runaways' Molly Hayes
Thought I'd do Molly a favor and would pass this on for you here...
"Molly Hayes here with some pretty exciting news! And no, dumb old Wolverine hasn't gotten his stupid hair fixed yet or anything like that...
Actually, my life story is going to be told in comic form! I know, I know, yeah... my life is kinda already being told by that balding BKV guy who's leaving us for some spooky island with some Others or something, I heard. Boooo! But these two really cool people, cool for adults anyway, are putting my life into one 48-page, one-shot comic so everyone can catch up before that guy who wrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer takes over our monthly comic. (And yes, I do think I'm old enough to watch the show, Nico!!) C.B. Cebulski and Mindy Owens are the two telling my story in Marvel's new Runaways Saga Special and they're big fans of what me and my friends do all day, like protecting L.A. and playing board games, so they get the "Molly's Super Amazing Stamp of Awesomeness ® "! Plus, artist Humberto Ramos is on board to draw a new short story with me and the gang! Wait till you see how he draws me... I look so cute and cool!!
Seriously, guys, I just read what they wrote and it's a good starting point for the people who have no idea who we are, or for the regular readers who need a Runaways refresher course, or for the fans who have to have everything and anything Runaways related. It doesn't really matter what kind of comic fan you are, but could you please buy the comic when it comes out in March so we can pay for gas for our ship, the Leapfrog, to help us keep us running? New York City is not cheap! You wouldn't believe all the crazy stuff we've been through and where we're going next!!
So what are you still reading this for?! Go pre-order your copy today!!
XOXO,
Molly "Princess Powerful" Hayes
PS: If any of you spot a box of "Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs", can you pick one up for me?"
"Molly Hayes here with some pretty exciting news! And no, dumb old Wolverine hasn't gotten his stupid hair fixed yet or anything like that...
Actually, my life story is going to be told in comic form! I know, I know, yeah... my life is kinda already being told by that balding BKV guy who's leaving us for some spooky island with some Others or something, I heard. Boooo! But these two really cool people, cool for adults anyway, are putting my life into one 48-page, one-shot comic so everyone can catch up before that guy who wrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer takes over our monthly comic. (And yes, I do think I'm old enough to watch the show, Nico!!) C.B. Cebulski and Mindy Owens are the two telling my story in Marvel's new Runaways Saga Special and they're big fans of what me and my friends do all day, like protecting L.A. and playing board games, so they get the "Molly's Super Amazing Stamp of Awesomeness ® "! Plus, artist Humberto Ramos is on board to draw a new short story with me and the gang! Wait till you see how he draws me... I look so cute and cool!!
Seriously, guys, I just read what they wrote and it's a good starting point for the people who have no idea who we are, or for the regular readers who need a Runaways refresher course, or for the fans who have to have everything and anything Runaways related. It doesn't really matter what kind of comic fan you are, but could you please buy the comic when it comes out in March so we can pay for gas for our ship, the Leapfrog, to help us keep us running? New York City is not cheap! You wouldn't believe all the crazy stuff we've been through and where we're going next!!
So what are you still reading this for?! Go pre-order your copy today!!
XOXO,
Molly "Princess Powerful" Hayes
PS: If any of you spot a box of "Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs", can you pick one up for me?"
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Mega Everything
Due to the runaway success of the Mega Mac, McDonald's in Japan will now be Mega-sizing their whole menu, offering double patties on all their sandwiches...
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