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Birthday Guest Art 2

Yesterday was my Birthday and this is a present I was given by George Ward aka DungeonWarden of Dungon Legacy. His comic, like mine, is based on D&D but has been running for a lot longer. In this picture Karlaia and Arlina are handing Amuletts a gift. I wonder what’s inside? Hmm, that box is too big for a Deck of Many Things, perhaps it’s a Bag of Holding. Amuletts is very fond of her extra-dimensional spaces. Then again it could be full of gems!! Well, whatever it is, lets hope Amuletts does not floccinaucinihilipilificate* it.

TGT Webcomics also wished me a Happy Birthday on their podcast, so you should check that out too.

*This is one of the longest words in the English language and since discovering it I’ve wanted an excuse to use it. It means “The act or habit of describing or regarding something as worthless.”

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Blog Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass is an irreverent pulp-style movie you’ll either get extremely offended by or like… a lot. It’s in-your-face, non-pc, and ultra-violent. So basically, if that’s not your bag, stay well clear. The film was independently produced by Matthew Vaughn alongside Mark Millar’s creator-owned comic book, so there is bags of creator input and cross-over with zero interference or censorship.

Unfortunately in some countries Kick-Ass was rated PG-13 and promoted in trailers as a light-hearted teen flick. This is outrageously misleading and I don’t know who in their right minds would classify it as anything less than an 18. We’re talking graphic violence and something like 250 hardcore profanities. It’s adult content; kids should not see it. Period.

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Webcomic Spotlight: Hard Graft

Alan Corbett is a mysterious, calculating, lone-wolf who enjoys killing people in interesting ways. When he rescues kidnapped journalist Kathy Easter she is dragged into his world – and so are we! Gritty violence mixed with real-world politics and international intrigue, Hard Graft is an exciting adventure for mature readers (18+).

The Author, Peter Vine, is a fellow Brit and member of the Webcomic Planet Collective. We recently attended the same convention. Anyone meeting him might be forgiven for becoming slightly uneasy as he reels off detailed explanations on weaponry and homicide. ‘Write what you know’ they say. Peter Vine knows his subject matter. Don’t mess with him.

The artwork, by Germἁn Erramouspe and Jules Rivera respectively, is realistic and detailed. As a fan of the silent page, where actions (as opposed to dialogue) speak, I really appreciate pages like this one. Black-and-white, with deep shadows, it suits the mood and translates beautifully into print. Check it out!

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Comix Thing 2010 Report

I went to the UK Web & Mini Comix Thing this Saturday (March 27th). I visited it last year and it was a lot of fun but this is the first time I have exhibited a comic anywhere. It was quieter this year (I suspect because of the constant rain) but traffic picked up around lunch-time and there was a steady flow of people thereafter. Quite a lot of my online friends turned up and said hi, amongst them prestwick creator of Hard Graft and fellow member of the Webcomic Planet Collective. It was great to meeting people in the real world.

There were also a lot of people who read Epic Fail online, which suprised me, because my UK readership is comparatively small. Still I guess a lot of my readers are comics lovers and just the sort of person who would go to a comics convention! So many thanks to all the readers who came and visited my table, it was extremely gratifying. At only one year old Epic Fail is doing extremely well and that’s down to you guys.

Everyone was extremely complimentary about Epic Fail and my artwork in general (I was selling prints and hand-made jewelry as well as the comics). The comic book is very beautifully printed and has a gloss effect which made it the shiniest comic at the Thing! Several people asked me where I got it printed and it was from Pulse Print.

Now I hate travelling in London, but thankfully JJ (aka Martin in real-life) was there to guide me through the Underground and helped me at my table throughout the day. I shared my table with Rob Cureton of Orful Comics who is an awesome guy and had cake which he used to spell out the name of his comic. Later these started to get eaten which lead them turning into ‘U ROLO SCUM!’ I couldn’t get away from my table much to meet the other exhibitors, so I made my flyers into paper aeroplanes and delivered them to everyone within range.

Overall a really fun day and I hope to be back next year.

Waiting for the Coach on my way home a lady asked my why I was wearing the pointed ears and face paint. I said I had been to my first ever Comics Convention and wanted to stand out. She told me I was very brave and she didn’t know how anyone could stand in front of a whole bunch of people and tell jokes like that.

webcomic planet teaser

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Blog

ALL YOUR COMIC ARE BELONG TO US!

I make my evil plans know to the world:

I also received a pathetic video response from Ancire of Union of Heroes about being bombed in the Webcomic Planet War, which lead to some impromptu singing:

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Blog Sketches

Sunday Sketch #9

A page from my sketchbook.  I am practising drawing sword-fighting by copying freeze-frames from combat videos.  When we get some actual fighting in Epic Fail I want it to look right.  Don’t be suprised if you see some of these poses used in the comic.

Oh! And for those who want to pre-order Epic Fail #1 today is your last chance, after that they are closed.

swordfighting

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Blog

Cameo Catch-Up

Last year I missed a couple of Cameos so I thought I’d take this opportunity to play catch-up and show that I appreciate them.

Tinuvielle Cameo in LOVEFEASTFirst up Tinuvielle appeared in LOVEFEAST, hanging out in the Institute for Training in the Arts of Death and cheering on ‘delicious conflict.’  Well well, isn’t she a dark horse?

LOVEFEAST is a webcomic by Senshuu about former mortals training to become Shinigami: Gods of Death!  The characters are learning to cope with their extraordinary new powers and responsibilities whilst struggling to retain their humanity.  They are just starting their journey and it’s sure to be an interesting ride!  LOVEFEAST is an adult comic and has adult themes delivered with a smidgen of dry humour.  Interesting and worth checking out.

Amuletts Cameo in Dungeon Legacy

Next we have Amuletts turning up in Dungeon Legacy tucked behind Minos the Minotaur there.  She’s checking out a trial (probably hoping to see the law perverted) along with characters from several other webcomics credited here.

Dungeon Legacy by George Ward (aka Dungeon Warden) is, like Epic Fail, is based on Dungeons and Dragons and has been running for, oh, simply ages. It’s a comic I enjoy and have read almost all of it.  Dungeon Legacy actually gets on with the story instead of telling stupid jokes!  There’s a lesson in there somewhere…

Thanks to everyone in the wonderful webcomics community who have supported Epic Fail and done such great Fan Art and Cameos.  It really made my first year a good one.  That’s right – Epic Fail is one year old tomorrow! Granted I haven’t updated every week of that year… but I started on January 9th and it’s almost January 9th again.  Hurrah!

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Pre-Order Epic Fail #1 (please)?

On the 27th of March this year I will be taking Epic Fail to The UK web & mini Comix Thing.  It will be my first time as an exhibitor so I am both excited and nervous.  And, of course, if I’m going to show at a Comics Convention I will need some comics!  That’s where you can help out.  By pre-ordering your copy now, in advance, it will help pay for the printing costs.  In addition to the 32-page full-colour comic book everyone who pre-orders will also get a unique, signed sketch, free, as a thank you.  If I raise enough to make buttons, etc. I’ll be throwing them in as well!

I’m working on improving the pages for print – shading them all, fixing spelling mistakes, continuity errors and generally making them pretty.  Oh!  And I have to make a cover, a proper cover, not just a bit of interior artwork stuck on the front!  There will be 30 pages of story and 2 of bonus content.  I’m hoping they’ll be off to the printers sometime in February.

Come along loyal readers – Epic Fail needs you!  Pre-Order your copy today! (please?)

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Blog

More Fan Art from Children of the Tiger!

kishandren_amulettsPurenightshade drew me this wonderful cross-over piece of Amuletts and her character Kishandren showing off in their gorgeous red dresses, as worn by Amuletts here and Kishandren here.  Together I’m sure they’ll turn heads!

You should check out her comic, Children of the Tiger, because it’s totally cool and stuff.  Right now it’s heroes are preparing for an elaborate deception and a daring rescue!

CAPTION:

Amuletts: “You stole my clothes!  Now I have to wear this!

(If the joke is too obscure I refer you to Kishandren’s previous cos-play. Coincidence that Amuletts has not been seen it those clothes since it happened?  I think not)!

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Blog

Webcomic Spotlight: Johnny Saturn

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A short while ago Johnny Saturn spotlit Epic Fail, now it’s time for me to return the favour. I sincerely doubt I will do it justice but I’m gonna try!

Johnny Saturn, in my opinion, is THE superhero webcomic. If you’re a fan of the genre it’s something you really can’t afford to miss. You know Watchmen? This is the webcomic equivalent. It’s a professional standard, but without the gimmicky, money-spinning claptrap that turned me off DC.

This is a dark, gritty universe with adult stories. The writing improves the more you read, so it’s worth sticking to. Johnny Saturn’s very character driven and explores the many shades of morality.

Art wise Scott Story really knows a thing or two. The comic is visually stunning. He has all the elements down pat – detail, anatomy, perspective, panelling, lettering… you name it. For me it’s a real draw; I just love things that look pretty! This is art you can sit back and appreciate for a long time.