Holding Lines: The oneGemini Studios Blog

I'm back on Doctor Who...sorta

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:11:00 +0000

This is a lil' project I was keeping pretty hush about.

It's my return to IDW's Doctor Who! Kinda. No interiors, just this cover, and it'll be a rareish one at that.

I did this "Retailer Exclusive" cover for next week's DOCTOR WHO (Volume 3) #9.

There's a whole story behind the making of this cover, but I don't think I can share it. Long and the short is what we have here is the Doctor in his Victorian gear and Clara in hers (or the Victorian Clara?) arriving on a steampunkish junk planet.

As for what exactly is happening in said issue (written by Andy Diggle and Eddie Robson, with art by the fantastic Andy Kuhn and colors by Charlie Kirchoff), well, click here for a preview [CLICK]

So, what does "Retailer Exclusive" mean? It means you can get this cover at only one place. In this case, GameStop. "But GameStop doesn't sell comics," you say. No, not usually. But they do sell them (after a fashion) via their PowerUp Rewards program. Go here [CLICK] for more info.

Basically, you pay a yearly fee to join GameStop's PowerUp Rewards program, and for that year you get special discounts, more return on game trade-ins, and every purchase gives you PowerUp Rewards "points." The points can be traded-in via the website above for more discounts, or items such as games, various game-related merch, and sometimes special comics. They've offered exclusive-cover Star Wars comics in the past, as well as comics from other game-related properties. This time, it's Doctor Who, and GameStop will be the only place to get it (until they make their way on eBay - for collector-level prices).

I may have copies with me at cons in the future, but I won't be selling them online. So... either join up with GameStop, or haunt eBay until they show up. ;)

Anyway, always happy to draw the Doctor, and I hope this won't be my last time out.

Cheers.

THE RAPTOR #1 on COMIXOLOGY!

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:16:00 +0000

While I have been keeping news and such about THE RAPTOR mostly to the official blog, I figured this warranted a bit more word-spreading;

It was already available in PDF, then it was available in print as well, but now, THE RAPTOR #1...

...is available on Comixology!

This is of course very exciting. When all is said and done, THE RAPTOR is just a lil' indie book, and it can be very difficult to get such books noticed. Hopefully, being part of Comixology Submit and available not only through the Comixology online store but the Comixology App as well, this little book can make its way in front of a few more readers.

"Enough chit chat, bucko," you say, "I wanna buy thing thing for my tablet/smartphone/computer. How do I do it?"

Well... bucko (rassinfrassin...), you simply click on THIS LINK RIGHT HERE. Like those words. That's a link. It's embedded into the text (apparently I have to spell this out for some people - no joke).

"But dribblebutt," you whimper, "while I have a tablet/smartphone/computer, I don't have the Comixology app."

Well, then click here for iOS, click here for Android, click here for Kindle Fire, and click here for Windows 8. While the comics aren't all free, the app absolutely is.

Then you can click on the link above to go right to THE RAPTOR #1, or just use their search feature.

Hand over $1.99, and you'll instantly download the book. Then read that puppy in high resolution using Comixology's Guided View technology.

(And, of course, if you'd rather not be bogged down by an app, there's still the PDF version and the PRINT version at this link HERE.)

One last note - PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. From Kickstarter to now, most of this has been me shouting about this book the loudest I could from my rooftop, and then many of you shouting from your rooftops. I still need that. I don't have a huge advertising budget, and my personal appearances promoting the book only go so far. The reviews have been great, but past that the readership seems reluctant. Let everyone know how EASY it is to pick up this book, and how GREAT it is when they finally read it.

Thanks everyone for helping me down this road. Onward we go!

Cheers,

~Blair

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:55:00 +0000


Photo by Estello's Best

Okay, so here's the event report on Double Midnight Comics' Free Comic Book Day event I promised. I'll try to keep this as brief as possible, cos, as you know, I can get long-winded in blog posts.

Long and short - it was great. Great weather, apparently great food (I didn't have any - I don't tend to eat while "working"), a line around the block (I didn't look, cos I'scared), great cosplayers, and everyone excited about comics. Images and video available at Double Midnight Comics' Facebook Page.

While I had some issue with (at least) two sets of parents/guardians letting two different sets of children lose on the event - who then got BEHIND MY TABLE and INTO MY GEAR, and wouldn't back away even when I took the gear from them and told them they weren't allowed back there (with one parent seemingly annoyed that I asked that someone "parent" these kids, and the other parents absolutely nonexistent), the good outweighed the bad.

Photo by Allen Pinney

In the past when I had done FCBD at Double Midnight, I had drawn at least 40 free head and shoulders sketches. That pushed me to near burn-out that time, so this time, I made it clear I'd take up to a half hour to draw each head and shoulders sketch, no full bodies, no multiple characters. Even made a sign (that NO ONE read). I also hoped with so many talented artists around doing sketches, that'd even out the load on all of us. Maybe it did, but it didn't feel like it.

Even so, I still did about 20ish sketches. Here are most of them (a few escaped my camera, cos I just forgot, as it got quite busy at times);

Opens big so you don't have to get all squinty.

The majority of the people who stopped by my table were very gracious, kind, and super excited about their sketches, the prints they purchased, the comics, and just being at the event. It was great.

Me with old friend Cheryl of WyldRyce Cosplay. Photo by WyldRyce Cosplay.

(Though there was that total dink that again let me know he hated the Eleventh Doctor - I've since let DMC know that this guy is annoying to the point I just don't want him near me at shows/event anymore. He doesn't buy - he just tries to instigate. Opinions on Doctor Who are fine, but once you let me know, you don't have to ram it down my throat every time, as if I have any control over the show or comics.)

Photo by Estello's Best

Then there was Amy Okuda. As I posted elsewhere;

As I mentioned previously, I did a Tinkerballa (of The Guild) print for Double Midnight Comics' Free Comic Book Day event. Tinkerballa is played by actress Amy Okuda, who was going to appear at said event.

Reading the night before that she was having a lousy time flying United (delays and goofs abound), I decided to do a FCBD sketch for her, to give her at the show the next day. I had already drawn Tink, and I'm sure she's received tons of Tink artwork at conventions, so I went another route.

I drew Lola, her dog.

As you can see from her Tumblr post, it went over quite well. She actually said to me it was the best thing she had ever been given. How dang flattering is that? Heck, in high school I'd give girls pictures and hear back "you... you didn't show this to anyone, did you?" and "oh. Uh. Thanks."

We ended up trading stuff - I gave her a copy of Raptor and a print, she gave me the signed photo you see, and signed one of my The Guild TPBs.

She was just the nicest person. During lulls, she'd come over and peruse my portfolios, or ask questions about the comic book process, or we'd just discuss stuff.

And, we got that picture together (where, due to her smaller stature, and my opposite of that, it looks like my gravity is pulling her in. Also, ignore the fact I look like I'm having a stroke - d'oh).

(Thanks Brett, of DMC, for snapping that pic.)

Cos, when you draw something for a celebrity, they will like you, and they will follow you on Twitter.*

*Note: This does not happen 99.99% of the time. YMMV

Finally, I did sell a few copies of THE RAPTOR #1. I heard back from a couple of buyers, and they liked it and were anticipating the next issue. Still looking for a way to get the book better into the eyes of the comic reading public, but that's a rant for another time.

While many went bowling with the DMC crew after the event, I had a two hour drive ahead of me, and was already feeling beat. So I headed home.

Many thanks to those who picked up sketches, bough merch, and chatted, thanks to all the other great artists and guests, and many thanks to the Double Midnight Comics crew for an awesome event. I look forward to GraniteCon and next year's Free Comic Book Day!

Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:52:00 +0000

I'll post about Free Comic Book Day and how it went (it went well) soon, but I'm going to just post this for now.

While I've been working on various projects and commissions, I've been watching all of the DC Animated Universe series up on Netflix. I first watched Justice League, then Justice League Unlimited, then Batman Beyond (and if someone would like to buy me the Batman The Animated Series Complete Box Set - now out of print - I'd really appreciate it).

I've seen all these before, but it was good to go through them again.

But, it gave me an itch. I've only once drawn Terry McGinnis as Batman, and that was more than 10 years ago.

So I thought it might be time.

Everyone's based on their animated counterpart, but with my typical line-rendering.

I did, however, use the DC Direct Deluxe Batman Beyond 13" figure head as an inspiration for the design of this Batman head, but other than that, tried to stay true to the animated designs for both Bruce and Terry.

Itch scratched. Back to everything else.

(Though, if anyone at DC would like to put me on a digital first Batman Beyond story - let me know. ;)

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Double Midnight Comics!

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:17:00 +0000

So. Yeah. Boston Comic Con didn't happen, as you probably know by now. If you don't know the reasons why, you're either in a foreign country that doesn't care about, or doesn't get, Stateside news, or you've been living under a rock. I'll let you Google all that.

I will be going to the rescheduled BCC in August. More on that later.

But, today, we'll talk about this coming weekend. Specifically, Saturday. It's May The Fourth (aka, "Star Wars Day" - if you don't get this... well... sigh), and it's also FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! Click that link there for what's up with that (or hit the search bar up top to read about past FCBD events I've attended).

This year I'll be back at Double Midnight Comics in Manchester, NH (the same guys who put on the awesome GraniteCon - which I'll also be at later this year).

For specifics on what Double Midnight will be doing on FCBD, and the guests and events they'll have, click here [CLICK] to go to the Facebook event page.

But, me, specifically, will be;

- Doing FREE sketches. They'll be quick, pencil, head and shoulders sketches, so hopefully everyone that wants one can get one (first year I did free sketches at FCBD at Double Midnight, I did 50+ sketches - and this event is going to be WAY bigger than that was).

- Selling comics. Yeah, sorry. I can't afford to give my comics away, so if you want free, you'll have to stick with the FCBD comics. However, everything I sell, from single issues to TPBs will be discounted 10% to 50%!

- Selling prints. Large prints and mini-prints. No spoilers on what's available. ;) Everything discounted here as well.

AND THEN THERE'S THIS EXCITING STUFF:

- THE RAPTOR #1!

BCC was supposed to be the East Coast convention debut of THE RAPTOR (and it might still be in August), but this will be the first place I'll have #1 for sale in person on the East Coast. This will also be discounted from the regular cover price. And, if you're a Kickstarter backer, you can pick up your copy in person.

- TINKERBALLA PRINT!

One of the other guests of FCBD at Double Midnight Comics is actress Amy Okuda, best known as Tinkerballa from the hugely-popular webseries THE GUILD. I happened to have done some artwork for Dark Horse Comics' THE GUILD comic book series, so the guys at Double Midnight asked me to do a print featuring Amy as her character Tink. They'll be on sale at the event (you can even get them signed by Amy), with 50% of the proceeds going to the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Amy has seen the image, and has already given it the thumbs up, so, whoo-ha!

So there's the scoop. If you're in the area (or can be), or already plan to be at the event, stop by, say hi, get a free sketch, and [Zoidberg]Buy some merch, maybe?[/Zoidberg]. I will hopefully be somewhere near Amy Okuda's table.

Take care, and see you there!

Boston Comic Con - The Skinny

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:33:00 +0000

****UPDATE: Convention was cancelled due to the marathon bomber manhunt. I will go to the rescheduled show.****

THE RAPTOR #1 - BOSTON COMIC CON SPECIAL EDITION!

Cross-posting with www.TheRaptorComic.com.

Okay, as mentioned in the previous post, I'll be appearing at Boston Comic Con, April 20th & 21st in Boston, MA (duh) at the Hynes Convention center.


From the Featured Guest Artist section of the BCC website. Click to visit.

So here's more about what you need to know;

I'll have print copies of THE RAPTOR #1! Previously only on sale in person at Gallifrey One, this will be the East Coast convention debut of the book. I'll have it in regular edition for $4 (regularly $4.50), and the Boston Comic Con Special Edition version, limited to 25, for $13 (for 2013, natch). The BCC version has has the black, white, gray, and red cover above, contains extra artwork, and a five-page preview of THE RAPTOR #2! Buyers also get a free THE RAPTOR print, while they last. Buy 'em up quick!

I'll have other comics! That means single copies of DOCTOR WHO, DOROTHY OF OZ: PREQUEL, and trade paperbacks of both.

I'll have prints! 11"x17" and 8.5"x11" prints! I ain't saying of what, though, so you'll just have to stop by and find out.

I'll be drawing up some sketches! I rarely have time nowadays to do commissions, and I never sell sketches on eBay anymore. So if you want a lil' something, this is the place to get it. Specifics will be available at the table.

I MIGHT take pre-comissions! Honestly depends on how much time I have before the show. I'll update with info here if I do. (If you're not familiar, that's where you, someone who is planning to go to BCC, commission and pay me for a piece of art to be picked up at the show). Eyes on this space.

I'll even have... CDs? Yeah, weird, huh? Helping me out at the table will be an old high school buddy who happens to be part of the band Blabpipe. So he'll be selling CDs at the table as well.

I don't know where I'll be yet, so I'll update this entry with that info when I have it. My table, however, will look something like this;


I hopefully won't look as bored.

If you want to know anything else, leave me a comment, or hit me up at Twitter or Facebook (links in the right column).

I hope to see you there!

Boston Comic Con 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:46:00 +0000

So, I woke up really early on Saturday morning and thought, "I should go to Boston Comic Con." By the end of the day, I was all set. That was a strange day.

So, yes, on April 20th and 21st, 2013, I'll be a featured guest at Boston Comic Con

From the Featured Guest/Artist Alley page of the BCC website.

I'll be doing sketches at the show, I'll have prints for sale, I'll have Doctor Who comics and trade paperbacks, Dorothy of Oz: Prequel floppies and TPBs, and, most importantly, in their first East Coast convention appearance, print copies of THE RAPTOR #1 ON HAND (semi-limited numbers, so jump on them)!

(This trailer was previously posted on www.TheRaptorComic.com, but if you don't get over there as much as you get over here...)

Also, this: If you're a Kickstarter backer, and your incentive package is "The Big Bunch" or contains it, and you'll be at the show, you can pick it up from me there (while supplies last).

I may even open up a few limited commission pre-sales to be picked up at the show. Keep eyes on this blog as time draws near.

So, heads up - if you're in the Boston area, or were planning on attending the show anyway, stop by, say 'hi', and pick up The Raptor #1! Readers and reviews say you'll be glad you did.

Hope to see you there!

~B

Hold on, stay inside...

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:55:00 +0000

"This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality. Embrace this moment. Remember. We are eternal. All this pain is an illusion."

Tool (and most of the work of Maynard James Keenan) is a huge influence on my creative endeavors. The only reason I haven't done a Tool-based sketch before now, is that unlike my other recent band-based sketches, the band itself rarely (and not for long) ever appears in their videos.

(Note: VARIGRASNA, while not based on any Tool track in particular, is directly inspired by their music).

So I picked one of my favorite Tool tracks (well, two tracks) Parabol/Parabola, and picked a random scene from it, with the protagonist (played by triphop star, Tricky).

Similak Child, Drivin' Me Wild

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:27:00 +0000

"When I first saw you, I thought that I knew you. Now I know I don't Just wish that I did."

Continuing on with my warmups based on the music I'm listening to... this is actually yesterday's sketch. I'll get today's up ASAP.

Anyhoo, this'd be Mista Lawnge (left) and Dres (right) of rap duo Black Sheep. Perhaps better known for their hit "The Choice Is Yours," I actually prefer many other tracks off of that album, "A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing."

The quoted lyric is from track "Similak Child," a very smooth track, but the visual is from the video for "The Choice Is Yours" - not much in the way of photo refs of this duo, save for the often-seen album promotionals.

Anyhoo - search them out - one of my favorite rap acts from 90s.

Drinking Mercury

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 21:45:00 +0000

"Lovely girl, you're the murder in my world, dressing coffins for the souls I've left behind in time."

Continuing on with the posting of my daily warmup sketches (and apparently based on the videos of songs of which I was listening), here's Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins in the video for "Ava Adore."

The Spiderman Is Always Hungry

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 11:53:00 +0000

"Be still be calm be quiet now my precious boy
Don't struggle like that or I will only love you more
For it's much too late to get away or turn on the light
The Spiderman is having me for dinner tonight"

Oh, you thought, the other -- n'no. This is today's cheery warm-up, inspired by the video for The Cure's "Lullaby."

Happy mornings!

It's Not As Much Fun To Pick Up The Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:55:00 +0000

Been busy with THE RAPTOR and a few other projects and commissions, so I thought I'd share my morning warmup sketch, Trent Reznor, only/front man for Nine Inch Nails.

I was watching the video for The Perfect Drug at the time, which seems to be a Poe homage, so I did a screengrab for reference, and just kept it loose (cos, warmup sketch).

THE RAPTOR #1 Digital Edition Now FOR SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:08:00 +0000

While I've been keeping this blog and the blog over on TheRaptorComic.com pretty separate, this is important enough to be mentioned here as well as there.

THE RAPTOR #1 (of 4) Digital Edition is now FOR SALE!

More info on the The Raptor Blog. Check it out!

Thanks!

Creator Owned Comic Day

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:54:00 +0000

The internet tells us that today is Creator Owned [Comics] Day - so please, help me get the word out about THE RAPTOR!

If you haven't already, head on over to www.TheRaptorComic.com and check out the story, the art, and the free 14-page preview book!

If you've already been there, share the link on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, wherever - and talk it up, get your friends to check it out. Maybe your friends would like a free comic today?

At any rate, your help is very appreciated. I'm just about a one-man show here, so without people like you spreading the word, this book is dead in the water. So, if you like it, get the word out!

Thanks!

Gallifrey One 2013: Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:02:00 +0000

A post some have been waiting for - my convention report on Gallifrey One, 2013 (and some extra bits of stuff that happened before and after the convention).

This is a longer post, so get out yer beverage of choice.

At this point, I'm not going to explain what Gallifrey One is. If you follow my blog, you know. If you don't, but you can still read these words, you can Google it.

One little terminology note up front: when I say "guests" I mean "fans who paid to go to the convention." When I say "program participants," I mean "celebrities and creatives invited to appear at the convention (and, for the bigger names, financially compensated for their time via various means). Okay? Okay.

Wednesday the 13th, I, my wife, and our 14 m.o. Xander, flew in to Los Angeles, arriving in the evening.

So, not much happened that night, though there were already inklings of the famous (infamous?) Lobbycon (where guests, and sometimes program participants, hang out in the hotel Lobby and shoot whatever shit may be shot).

We crashed for the night in our room.

The next day, we walked to the LAX Avis car rental lot, and picked up our convertible Camaro.

(I honestly couldn't tell what year it was, but it had to be a 2010 to 2012 - I'm more familiar with Mustangs, but have been itching to try a Camaro.)

Yes, the top goes down, but my son didn't like the sun or wind, so... :\

Being Valentine's Day, and my wife and I not a couple who celebrates it, we realized we'd never be able to just go out and have dinner. Nevertheless, later that day we started to drive out to Malibu, to a restaurant we'd visited in the past, a touristy place [now] called The Paradise Cove Café in, you guessed it, Paradise Cove, Malibu.


This pic is from 2011 - but it was dark when we went last week, so, no good pics.

So, not too hopeful we could actually get into this place to eat (much less anywhere else), we could still have easy access to the beach, and p'raps watch the sun go down. Well, first, traffic slowed us up (I think we managed to hit rush hour), and then the ocean fog rolled in...

And that was pretty much it for sunset.

Unless you like upper-atmospheric-atomic-bomb-explosions.

This is as good as it got. Not bad, though.

Anyhoo, it was dark by the time we reached Paradise Cove, and the place looked packed. We headed inside, and asked how long the wait was. "Twenty-five minutes to a half hour," said the host, though, he added, "unless you want to sit outside, then we can seat you right now."

Uh... yeah.

So they took us outside and sat us AT THE SAME TABLE WHERE WE SAT THE FIRST TIME WE VISITED. Good job, Paradise Cove.

So, just to gloat, we didn't plan for Valentine's Day AT ALL, had NO RESERVATIONS (Bourdain) on probably one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year, in one of the prettiest places in the greater Los Angeles area to have dinner, and yet we drove to MALIBU in a CONVERTIBLE CAMARO, and ended up with sand at our feet, food in front of us, a fiery-heating-pylon next to us, a few stars above us, sea air, and the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

For a couple who don't celebrate Valentine's Day, we most likely BEAT MOST OF YOU AT YOUR ACTUAL "PLANS."

Ahem.

Anyhoo, on the way back, we decided to drop in some friends in Burbank, and took Malibu Canyon Road to them (Google it). It's a relatively twisty road, the area made famous by the mountains lining it appearing in the opening credits of M.A.S.H. In fact, Malibu Creek State Park nearby was the outdoor shooting location of the 4077th.

Anyway, ripping through there (at the posted 50 mph speed limit) is harrowing for someone who doesn't know the road, but absolutely joyful for me in the Camaro. Wheeeee!

Oh. So I suppose you want to hear about the convention itself.

Fine.

Friday was the first actual day of Gallifrey One.

I'm going to get the unpleasantness out of the way first, and I'll try to keep it short, cos no one is really to blame, but it didn't make me feel better at the time.

This was my first Gallifrey One selling comics, artwork, etc. When I got my badge that morning, I found that the table I thought I'd have all three days was given to someone else for two of those days. I asked them what was up, and after a few hours, it was given to me again. But then when I went to set up, I found three other people at that same table. I asked them about it, was given an answer that amounted to "we'll move if they tell us to, we're not taking your word" and then I had to do the whole thing again. They got moved, but not before "jokingly" remarking on the situation, making me feel like an asshole for asking for what I was told I was getting, being where I was told I was supposed to be.

So, by the time I got set up, I only had an hour of "business" time before I had to shut most of it down because the day was over.

So, while Friday also had a fun panel about illustration (which became more about comic books) featuring Charlie Kirchoff, Richard Starkings, Christopher Jones, Maureen Starkey, Paul Hanley, and myself, followed by a really enjoyable, well-attended kaffeeklatsch featuring Paul Hanley and myself, the day was overshadowed by frustration of dealing with all of that.

I may look like a human pile, but at least my hair seems thick. Photo © Sarah Shedd.

So, after all that mess, we basically retired to the room, as my son needed a nap, ordered dinner, and just hung out, trying to unwind. A few hours later we ventured downstairs, talked with a few people I had met in years past (including the lovely, talented, Robyn Schneider, the bearded, cuddly, Kyle Anderson, my past editor/writer Denton Tipton, and bunches of others - so sorry if I don't tag everyone), we wandered a bit, and finally decided to call it a nigh at midnight.

So we headed to the elevators. Twas quiet, the hallway empty, but for one person who looked vaguely familiar, but were turned away from us. The elevator chimed, and I asked the person "going up?" and they turned to reveal FREEMA AGYEMAN - program participant, actress, and [specifically] former Doctor Who companion Martha Jones. I'm pretty sure I said "oh," or something of that nature, and she seemed to have a moment of "damn, spotted," but she was kind and cordial as we all got in the elevator.

She swooned over my son Xander in his Eleventh Doctor costume (more on that in a bit), and I apologized to her, but said I had to show her something I did, and pulled out my iPad, bringing up this image (that you may have seen before);

Freema's eyes widened as she said, "oh, yeah - I saw that on Twitter!" She complimented me on it, and we got off on our floor, and were on our way.

If that had been our only contact with her, it would be brain melting enough - but - well, we'll get there.

Saturday of the convention was to be a new day.

Finally, properly at my table, I sold some artwork, sketches, and comics, most importantly, issues of THE RAPTOR #1. I'll post more about how Raptor did over at the proper website (see the link back there?), but it did good enough, especially considering this was NOT a comic book convention, but a DOCTOR WHO convention. Out of it's element, but people were still interested enough to seek it out.

I was hoping to give Freema a print of the Martha image above, but her signing line was ENORMOUS, and I just couldn't be off my table that long, with Sarah out and about with Xander, and unable to watch the table.

I ended shutting down the table slightly early, however, to be on the IDW Publishing Doctor Who panel, and the signing just after. Contrary to Denton's tease about "Doctor Who in [my] future," I'm pretty sure it was nothing by a cordial tease. As far as I know, there are no plans to have me back on Doctor Who.

If you DO want me back on Doctor Who from IDW, YOU MUST LET THEM KNOW. They have tons of big name artists who want to be on this book, so it's really easy for IDW to go after those people, right past me, who, let's face it, is a nobody in the comics world. The only way I'll ever get back on is if you tell them you like my artwork on the book, and tell them you will BUY THE HECK OUT OF IT (then DO so). Money speaks volumes. Telling me at a convention that I should be on the book makes me feel nice, but is nothing I can bring to an editor to impress them. Get the word out, or it just ain't gonna happen.

So, I went back to my table for a few minutes, to find my wife and son surrounded by people taking pictures. The people turned out to be Grant Imahara and his girlfriend. I had actually met him last year (though I'm not convinced he actually remembered me - but no surprise nor big deal), but I awkwardly gave him a print, then rushed off to get in line for our pre-paid photo with Freema.

While the line was long, it eventually got going really quick.

When we walked into the room, and finally up to Freema (this takes all of 15 seconds, seriously), she said "oh, I remember you guys from the lift!" and once again complimented me on the Martha pic, and Xander's costume. And - CLICK;

After the pic was signed. Please ignore the giant marshmallow on the left.

After that, we all pretty much conked out for the night.

But let's take a moment to talk about what my son is wearing there.

Last Gallifrey One, we brought our son, Xander (our third child, BTW), who was only about three months old at the time. We had planned to get him a onesie that read "I am Stormaggedon, Dark Lord of All," (Whovians will get this reference), but ran out of time. So this year, we upped our game.

My wife Sarah tracked out a shirt, bow tie, and suspenders, and already had a decent pair of pants. I bought him an LED flashlight sonic screwdriver because it was smaller, and more in-scale with him. As for the jacket, Sarah ordered an appropriately-sized one from the U.K. direct.

And that's how you get this;

Photo © Sarah Shedd


Photo © Sarah Shedd

There have got to be tons of others out there (even the program participants cooed over him, including former Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actress Chase Masterson begged my wife for a photo with Xander in the TARDIS), so please, share them with us over at my Twitter, or comment here with links.

As Sarah and I joked all weekend, more than a few ovaries were aching after seeing him. In fact, we heard from more than a few people "I want kids now - just so we can do this!"

(Granted, not the best reason to have kids, but if you have them anyway...)

There were another couple of "Tiny Doctors" there, but I'm required to say "ours was the cutest" (though, we got more than enough comments, and had more than enough photos taken to make that the near-truth).

And finally, Sunday.

I got set up earlyish, because I wanted to get in line for Freema's final signing of the convention.

I got in line, which was longish, and got longer. But, like the photo line, I was told it'd cruise right along. And it did.

"It's me again," I said, when I finally got up to Freema, Sarah and Xander right behind me. She recognized us all (which, yes, I got a face, and a thing for a body, which makes me hard to forget - but she's seen THOUSANDS of fans this weekend - a few that actually do look like me - save for the cowboy hat). She definitely recognized Xander in his costume.

I had her sign the photo of Sarah, Xander, her, and I (seen above), and then I gave her a copy of IDW's Doctor Who: Tesseract trade, which collects my first Doctor Who arc, where Martha Jones was a guest star.

Freema Agyeman is either the best actress on Earth, or one of the nicest.

After I briefly explained what the book was, and what I did in it, I handed it to her, opened to my part, and she could've just said "thanks" and put it down at that point, but she actually took a minute to page through. She said I was "really talented" and thanked me. I then handed her the Martha Jones vs. Daleks print.

As mentioned previously, when we happened upon her in the elevator, she mentioned she had already seen it on Twitter. But, nevertheless, she thought it was impressive in person. So I took out another copy and asked her to sign it - she stared at it for a sec, then back down to the first print. Then she figured it out -- "this one's for me?" I emphatically stated yes. Then she stepped up to the largest bicycle pump she could find and inflated the hell out of my ego with compliments on my work, saying I was awesome, and talented, and that the copy I gave her would be "definitely going up on [her] wall."

I've had people compliment me on my work before, gushing about it. I've had people considered celebrities say nice things in person and on the web. I've never had someone considered a celebrity seem so excited in person to receive a piece of my artwork. I really can't describe how it makes me feel.

I've said before, I toil away in essentially a vacuum, with just my wife and three kids around. They're used to my artwork. Past that I get words on a screen, which, no matter how complimentary, are nothing compared to genuine reactions. So to get such a reaction from someone I've drawn, even BEFORE I ever met them (like I said, Martha was in that first Doctor Who arc I drew), it really floors me, and makes the silent work worthwhile.

I'd have to say that was the high point of the convention.

Oh, and then she followed me on Twitter. o.0

The rest of that day was ridden on that high, but I went back to my table, sold some comics, sold some artwork, and a good handful of sketches (may have to bring more supplies for such next year).

We didn't manage to get to closing ceremonies, due to exhaustion on everyone's part, and our plane leaving at AAAAGH IT CAN'T BE THAT EARLY in the morning, so that was essentially the end of Gallifrey One for us.

Many thanks to the guests who stopped by, those who bought and those who just stopped by to chat (except that one individual, this one, who then stopped by again, and talked their own face off about... something... while managing to get in EVERYONE'S way who was trying to get by them in the hallway, even though they were told to move - they just kept talking), and all the wonderful program participants who interacted with the fans on our level.

Many thanks to Freema Agyeman for totally making the convention for me.

We're now home again, not enjoying the cold New England weather, and I've got THE RAPTOR #2 to get back to.

Remember to check out www.TheRaptorComic.com for the scoop on how and what Raptor did at Gallifrey One. And please, if you have any pics of Xander as the Lil' Eleventh Doctor, let me know. We'd love to see them.

I leave you with a smattering of Gallifrey One pictures (probably more to follow).

Thanks Gallifrey One volunteers and organizers. Once again, great show!

Cheers,

~Blair

Brief note on a point of convention etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:43:00 +0000

(Yes, this happened to me today.)

If a guest is not busy at their booth/table, feel free to try to strike up a conversation (if they seem willing). If you veer into a subject they don't care for in particular (let's pretend baseball), and they say "I don't really follow baseball," then it's probably time to talk about something else or move on.

DO NOT THEN PROCEED TO TELL THEM ABOUT WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON WITH BASEBALL. When they the guest then says "I really don't care about baseball" in those explicit terms, they are NOT asking "please convince me why I should care about baseball." They're most likely saying "I really don't care about baseball." If they WANT you to sell them on the subject, they'll probably ask for such.

Continuing on with this at this point is rude (you're obviously not paying attention to the guest who can't just get up and end the conversation - they have a booth/table to run/sign at), and it makes you, the visitor, look a bit dim.

This has happened before at other conventions, and I'm sure it'll happen again. 95% of the time I totally enjoy talking with people who visit my table. But there's ALWAYS someone who thinks that their opinions must be the the majority one (and maybe they are) but that does NOT mean the person you're speaking with will agree with you - especially if they indicate they do not care about the subject at all.

What was hilarious is today this individual said "I get it, everyone has opinions," but then proceeded to go on talking about "baseball" after I had specifically stated I didn't care about the subject.

Don't be this person. It's awkward for me, it's awkward to those in earshot who can TOTALLY see what you can't (a nearby tablemate noticed the exchange and commiserated after), and it SHOULD be awkward for you.

We're just trying to make a living and a few connections with fans new and old. Sometimes we even make friends. But don't go in assume we ARE friends (especially if we've never met) and that you can just ram you opinions and favorite subjects down my throat, especially when I obviously have nothing to do with those subjects and when I tell you first gently that it doesn't interest me, then explicity say "I don't care" repeatedly.

Thanks.

In Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:17:00 +0000

ATTN: Due to a mixup, I won't be at a table until after my 3:30-4:30 Kaffeeklatsche on Friday. But I will be at a table. Many thanks to Shaun Lyon and the Gallifrey One folks helping me getting that cleared up.

From 2011

Even though Gallifrey One has yet to begin (other than the neverending Lobbycon - I swear they keep someone on post all year to make sure that it doesn't end), I am already in Los Angeles.

However, I'll be hardish to find until the festivities begin.

So, please, recheck my schedule, FOUND HERE, and seek me out Friday through Sunday!

As mentioned previously, I'll have comics, prints, and I'll be doing a few sketches, if that's what you're into.

Please consider coming to the panels I'll be on, and especially the kaffeeklatch with artist Paul Hanley!

See you there!

oneGemini, One Gallifrey

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:45:00 +0000

Martha Jones doesn't look at explosions.

Hey folks!

Up top here is a piece I completed JUST last night of Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones, former companion to the Doctor. I haven't drawn her since my run on IDW's Doctor Who comic, so I thought it time I try an update.

Why Freema? Cos she'll be a guest at Gallifrey One, February 15th through 17th in Los Angeles.

Hey. I'll be a guest there too!

HEY. THAT'S THIS WEEK!

While you can check out the entire schedule (and corresponding floorplan/map) at the link above, here's where I'll be roughly where, and roughly when;

ALL DAYS OF THE CONVENTION

From roughly 12/12:30 pm to 6/6:30 pm each day (except Friday - see top of entry), I can be found at my own table in the Exhibitor Hallway. I may duck out here and there to attend random panels, meals, chats, etc. I'll leave a sign as to when I'll be back and/or where I can be found. I'll have stuff for sale including artwork and comics, including issues of DOROTHY OF OZ: PREQUEL and, most excitingly to me, limited issues of THE RAPTOR #1. I won't have Doctor Who comics for sale, as IDW Publishing will be in the Dealers Room, and they'll have a better stock of such than I anyhow. And, oh yes, I WILL HAVE RIBBONS. About 100. I don't know exactly where in the hall I'll be, but just look for the guy that looks like me, and the setup that looks roughly like this;

I was going for "thoughtful," but instead ended up with "bored," or perhaps "gassy."

PANELS AND EVENTS, DAY BY DAY

- FRIDAY THE 15TH

At 2:30, I'll be away from my table to be on the "Design & Illustration" panel being held in room Program C. Also on this panel will be illustrators Paul Hanley, Chris Jones, Maureen Starkey, and Charlie Kirchoff.
Directly after at 3:30, Paul Hanley and I will run over to what I believe is normally called "the Conference room" or somesuch (near the elevators) for our Kaffeeklatsche, where we'll sit and discuss illustration with up to 12 people. (Psst - I may have freebies for attendees.)
I may karaoke. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

- SATURDAY THE 16TH

I'm not going to be on the panel, but I might very well attend the Superheroes as Pop Culture panel at 1:00.
While I'm not listed as such, at 3:00, I'll be on the IDW Publishing panel in room Program B. Why? I just hate being left out I guess.
While an exact time has not been listed yet, there most likely will be comic signing times at IDW Publishing's booth in the Dealer's Room. We'll be at table "U." While I'll be happy to sign comics any time during the weekend at my own table, an IDW signing session would be the best time to get signs from the the writers and colorists as well. Better banter too.
Just before 5:00, I'll duck out to go to a scheduled photo session with Freema Agyeman - don't you DARE stop me. ;)
If I failed to karaoke on Friday, I may make good on my threat at this time.

- SUNDAY THE 17TH

Save for any scheduled IDW signing, I'll be at my table most of the day.

And there you have it. Please stop by the table. This is my third Gallifrey One, but my first time selling anything. Check out what I'll have, especially THE RAPTOR #1, a book I'm really proud of (I did everything but edit it myself).

If you have time in your schedule, check out the panels I'll be on, and attend the limited-seating Kaffeeklatsche with Paul Hanley and myself. I promise to make those interesting.

Gallifrey One is one of my favorite conventions. Great organizers, great attendees, great guests. It's sold out this year, so if you aren't already coming, you're not going to be there.

But if you will be there, I hope to see you.

CHEERS!

A King of Infnite Time and Space

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:17:00 +0000

Note: This is NOT an official IDW Publishing/BBC/CBS/etc comic book coming out. This is just fan art, and a fan story.

I didn't get to play in IDW Publishing's Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who crossover. That gave me a sad. So here's what I'd do with a sequel, and the illustration that goes with it;

Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who 2: A King of Infinite Time and Space

A war in the Q Continuum has shattered the walls between universes, between realities. The rogue personality of the Doctor, the Dream Lord, escapes from the confines of the Doctor's mind to the universe of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet. Easily bending the Federation to his will, the Dream Lord aims to become one of the Q.

The Doctor and Captain Jean Luc Picard must join forces again to stop the Dream Lord at any cost, even if it means allying with the being that destroyed the dimensional walls; Q.

Yeah, there'd be plot holes aplenty, but I wasn't trying to come with a 100% legit story. I'm not pitching anything. Just wanted to play too, and put a little story to explain my decisions.

Hey, guess what? I'll be a guest at Gallifrey One, the biggest Doctor Who convention in the US in less than two weeks!

For the first time, I'll actually be selling some stuff at my own table. I'll have prints, possibly original art, DOROTHY OF OZ: PREQUEL comics, poster giveaways, and, most excitingly, VERY limited copies of THE RAPTOR #1! I won't, however, have Doctor Who comics to sell -- because IDW Publishing will be there selling those, and I'll be at their table signing at times.

I'll post a schedule for the where and whens of me at Gallifrey One VERY soon, so keep eyes open for that.

Cheers!

THE RAPTOR #1 Review - Geek Mountain State

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:11:00 +0000

I'm still here - just buried in work - some of it commissions, most of it working on illustrating THE RAPTOR #2 and prepping for an upcoming con (more on that later).

In the meantime, here's the first official review of THE RAPTOR #1, by Geek Mountain State!

I think they like it.

More when I have the time!

Cheers,

~B

The Quantum Moment Before the Closure 2012

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:19:00 +0000

I usually do a New Years Eve wrap up where I talk about the past year, the high points, the interesting points, etc.

I look back and laugh at the misfortunes, and then stare happily into the potential of the oncoming year.

But this year I just can't look back and laugh. Maybe a little - but it's that kind of laughter when you get in a bad car wreck, and step bloodied from the torn husk of your vehicle, dragging a broken leg behind you, and you laugh nervously because you should be dead, but just barely managed to squeak out a victory against that inevitability. It's that kind of laughter that soon dissolves into tears.

I had surgery that popped out pretty much out of nowhere. I ignore the fact that people tell me if I had elected to go home that day instead of getting the surgery (which I apparently could have done), I might've risked actually dying a day or two later.

A beautiful, wonderful, talented friend of mine decided that she didn't want to be part of this world anymore. And she left it, and all of us, far too son.

More than a few lovely pets left this world this year, including our old and tired dog. I'm sure she feels better now, though.

One of my mentors also lived his last, but at the very least is fondly remembered by those who knew him, and revered throughout my industry and beyond.

My daughter had an accident, which makes me feel like a shitty parent.

The money problems were near-unbearable this year, partially caused by my medical situation, partially due to a change in job status with my wife.

That in turn makes comic books as a profession seem like a really bad idea for my family.

My creator-owned book was months late, due to the fact the other book I took on was late, and that was late due to my operation. I had wonderful Kickstarter backers that offered tremendous support and good will, but it makes me feel no less defeated.

I finally admitted to myself that I've been losing this battle with my depression for a couple of years now. I had been keeping at bay since high school - but high school me never had to deal with adult problems.

All the above ignores the national tragedies and world strife. I'm only human, and to contemplate it all might be a bit too much for me in this state.

****

I'm tired all the time.

I have so many things I want to do, and instead of feel like there's a brand new year in front of me, I'm feeling the air squeezed out of my lungs as this one crashes closed.

****

The only good points of this year were the continued love and support of my family, my wonderful Sarah, our incredible children Devon, Maddie, and brand new Xander. I met someone this year in the form of Hannah, who I hope will be a dear friend for years to come. And just at the very end of this year, my kind, wonderful, unbelievable grandfather did something so generous, that whether he knows it or not, he saved us.

****

I usually quote Marathon Infinity this time of year, a quote from the AI Durandal at the edge of the ending of the universe. It's actually a message of hope in hindsight. But I can't quote it this year. It's too hard to be that positive.

So I'll go with an old quote, something I heard for the first time on M*A*S*H years ago.

"Here's to the new year. May she be a damn sight better than the last one." ~ Colonel Potter

Be well, everyone.

Blair D. Shedd
oneGemini Studios
December 31st, 2012

Better red than -- ?

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Been working on more than a few traditionally drawn commissions. Each of these three are ink, marker, and colored pencil on heavy stock or BlueLine comic pages --

-- and are mostly red in color. And Marvel characters. And all are wearing masks (so to speak). Three different commissioners as well. Just the way it worked out.

Anyhoo, say hi to these three gents;

Deadpool

Spider-man


Carnage

All for now. More later!

~B

Apoc Doc

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:26:00 +0000

This is pretty much expected of me, yeah? Well, there ya go.

THE RAPTOR #1 (of 4)

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:51:00 +0000

I know it's been quiet here, but that's cos I was working on finishing something. From the above, you can guess what.

THE RAPTOR #1 is finished!

...but you can't have one. Not quite yet.

Digital versions of the book have gone out to Kickstarter backers - the people who made made it financially possible to do the book. I've had a few bounced emails, and I'll follow up with those, but for the most part, everyone has been sent links to the book.

In fact, I've gotten some feedback from them. Here's a few snippets;

"Excellent... I can't wait for what comes next. The overall quality was amazing -- your attention to detail in the panels, especially the scenes with a lot of background -- is crazy, and the dialogue was really compelling and well-paced." ~ Misa G.

"The first issue of The Raptor was great, I think my favorite character is Detective Barnes. The interrogation scene was probably my favorite part of the first issue. Issue one was great, I am greatly anticipating issue two." ~ Evan G.

"I really, really enjoyed it! Beautifully written with an interesting plot line. My only complaint is that I'm left wanting to know what happens next!" ~ Jed S.-A.

"The book is GOOD." ~ Larime T.

"Exactly what I was hoping it would be and more. Congratulations on delivering on your promise of 'a kick-ass book.' I'm already looking forward to the second edition." ~ Gbarr

As for everyone else, you'll have to wait a bit to get your read on. Kickstarter backers know this, but I'll share this here as well; I'm trying to get a publisher, so I can't offer this for sale in hardcopy or digital form quite yet. Hopefully by the end of January I'll know what's happening. If I get a publisher that I want, great. If I don't, well, I'll self-publish, and make it available in print and digital.

But for now, if you're not a Kickstarter backer, you can only enjoy this cover above, or the 18-page preview book, still available as a free download.

Thanks for bearing with, folks, and many thanks to all my awesome Kickstarter supporters.

Keep an eye on this page, or www.TheRaptorComic.com for more updates soon.

Cheers,

~B

Reddit AMA

noreply@blogger.com (onegemini) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:07:00 +0000

A quick post just on the outside chance that someone asks for identity verification, I am indeed doing an "AMA" on Reddit right now (Tuesday, December 4th, 2012, 8ish pm EST).

That is all. :)