Winter 2010- Projects Update!
So, apparently the monthly projects update post schedule was way too aggressive. (I’m too busy to write one of these every month…which is a good thing!) So let’s just get right to it, now shall we?
Stepping Up the Social Networking
Most of those of you reading this have probably already noticed, but I’ve been putting a lot of time into social media/Web 2.0/whatever it’ll be called tomorrow. I’m definitely a believer of the power of this stuff, but want to keep it in perspective. Content is King…I could spend all day long interacting with people online and building awareness for the stuff I’m doing, but at the end of the day, if I’m not putting out great product, it’s a waste of time. So my primary focus is and always will be making great comics.
That said, I’m really jazzed about the tools out there to expand my audience, and the real friendships I’m making online. Here’s what I’ve been focusing on lately:
- Facebook Fan Page- Having fun with this. Been posting some exclusive EPIC stuff here, and connecting with some of the hundreds of millions on FB. Fan me up if you’re a Facebook fan.
- Twitter- Twitter has quickly become my primary social networking platform. I recently upgraded my page to have a bit more character. Check it out and give me a follow.
- Podcasts- I’ve done a few Podcasts this year already and have a few scheduled. In fact, I’ve been on 3 of the last 4 episodes of the JAVILAND Podcast, most recently talking about Teaching Comics and Making Webcomics. Had some great feedback on these episodes, so if those topics strike your fancy, give it a listen right here:
EPIC is Coming!
Momentum is really building for EPIC- “Super Teen Hijinx” brought to you by myself and Matt Zolman. Matt recently completed this killer pin-up, which we’ll be using to promote the book, and as a test page to find a colorist to join our team. I recently posted an ad at Digital Webbing, a site that I’ve had a lot of success finding artists on in the past. We’re reviewing a number of promising colorists for the gig, and are confident we’ll find the right guy or gal for the job.
Matt is cranking on layouts, and barring any major hiccups, EPIC should be out this summer. We have a number of cool things things in the works promotion wise, and I’m really thrilled with how this project is taking shape.
Over
Believe it or not, I’ve cranked out more than 100 pages of Over already! While I’ve still a long way to go (estimating the final page count to be somewhere around 165 pages) I’m definitely on the downhill climb. The readership continues to steadily grow, and the feedback has been largely positive. I’ve asked a lot of the readers, as Felix’s journey has been quite dour at times. The good news is, I promise to stay true to the story, tie up all the plotlines, and deliver a satisfying (and happy) ending. (Okay, that’s a big promise.) But I’m looking forward to delivering.
In a few months, I’ll be starting to take pre-orders for the Over graphic novel. The goal will be to secure enough pre-orders to pay for the printing costs upfront, without going too deep into the red. I’ll be offering some great pre-order incentives, so hopefully I’ll be able to generate enough scratch to do a nice big print run.
Right now, I think I’m a bit behind schedule to have Over printed and on the table in time for New York Comic Con, my original goal. But I haven’t abandoned that target yet. Over completed in 2010 or bust!
Tears of the Dragon
Chapter 2 of Tears of the Dragon is well underway on the production side. Earlier this month, I sent a big check to my main man Koko Amboro who is killing it on the art side, and I already have my hands on some gorgeous new pages. I’m getting color notes to Miguel Marques for more colors by the end of the month, and while I haven’t announced the return date, sometime mid-March seems likely.
Also of note, Tears of the Dragon: Book 1- To Become King is now available for purchase! There are two versions of the book. The Standard Version is being sold through my friends at Indy-Planet.
Also soon available for purchase is an Artist’s Edition of Book 1, featuring a one-of-a-kind Dragon sketch cover by me. These are going to be limited to 100 and is sure to be a collector’s item. 
I’ll solicit the Artist’s Edition version when I have them in hand.
Conventions
This year, I’ll set a new record for the number of conventions I’ll be attending. I’ve been listing my con schedule at the bottom of this site. However, con season starts earlier than expected for me, as NEXT WEEKEND I’ll be tabling at at Larry’s Woburn, MA Comic Book Show on February 20, 2010.
Through the magic of social media (see above) I struck up a chat with Larry from Larry’s Comics on Twitter (@LarrysComics), and he invited me to attend his show and is hooking me up with a table. And guess what? That’s my birthday! So, I’m much looking forward to kicking off con season on my 31st. If you’re in the area, you’ve got to stop by!
As for the rest of my schedule, I’ve already sent in my table fees for Boston Comic Con and NESPA and I’m a guest at ComiCONN. So, I’m definitely getting pumped. Here’s my schedule:
April 10-11, 2010
Boston Comic Con
May 15, 2010
ComiCONN, New Haven, CT
July 18, 2010
New England Small Press Assembly
August 28-29, 2010
Baltimore Comic-Con
October 08-10, 2010
New York Comic-Con >
November 6-7, 2010
Webcomics Weekend – Easthampton, MA
And a reminder, I’m challenging myself to do 100 FREE SKETCH CARDS this year. If you’re attending any of the above shows, email me tylerjamescomics@gmail.com and get on the list.
Colosseum X
Colosseum X has taken a back seat as I’ve been pushing EPIC forward. However, artist Enrique “Z” Savory, Jr. and I are pushing toward getting the concept art phase finished in time to preview some stuff at the Boston Comic Con. I’d love to have a pin-up/print ready to go at that show to start getting people fired up. EPIC will be my lighthearted super hero book, and C-X will give me a chance to do the dark side. While the books will be aimed at slightly different audiences, I think they’ll compliment one another nicely.
I don’t have much in terms of concept art to show yet, but here is a sketch from Z that’ll help explain why I’m so excited about this project and looking forward to working with him to bring it to life.
Columns and Classes
I’m continuing my run of Creating Comics! The Art + Craft over at Comic Related. The column still comes out on Mondays, but is now on a bi-weekly schedule. I’ve done three columns so far in 2010. Here are links if you missed them:
29: Setting the Table for a New Year of Creating Comics
30: Ready to Script
I’ve also put out several columns for my new series The ComixStreet Recap. This is a forum for great resources and items of note that I think will interest the comic creating community. Give it a read if you haven’t yet.
And, I’m two weeks into an eight week session of the Creating Comics Club, a once a week after-school program for 4-5th graders in a Newburyport elementary school. I’m having a blast teaching it, and the kids seem to be enjoying themselves, too. I’ll be sharing some student work soon.
On the Back Burner
Because there is only so much time in the day, Super Seed, ICE: Interrogation Control Element, CounterTerror, and a yet to be titled sci-fi/horror series are on ice for the moment. I’m optimistic about the future promise of each of those brands, but the above projects are currently prioritized. When Over frees up, I’ll definitely be moving a few of these forward.
Whew! I’m exhausted. Now, back to work!
Filed Under: News + Updates
