It's the holidays again. Which means it's time to buy people stuff in an attempt to prove you aren't a jerk. Here's our present to you – a Christmas themed comic. We're sorry that it didn't cost anything to make. Next year we promise you a mink stole!
Posted Monday, 12.24.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Out this week, in the latest issue of Chicago Reader is an illustration we did as part of their annual fiction issue. For all of you not willing to drive to Chicago just to see it, may we present it as our gift to you this holiday season. Merry Christmas! Now what did you get us? Jewelry? Cash? A magic pony stuffed with naked women? Wait, don't tell! We want it to be a surpirse.
Posted Wednesday, 12.19.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Our latest venture, Lunchballz: America's Premier Ball-Shaped Lunch Product, has spawned not only an animated commercial (see below), but dedicated fans can now purchase Lunchballz t-shirts! Get your mom one for Christmas. Or get one for yourself, because nobody else is going to be buying you a present this lonely Holiday Season!
Posted Tuesday, 12.11.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
For the astute reader, you may remember an earlier post about The Legacy, our upcoming project with Al Columbia. Well here's another character study. This one appears to be a woman in a flower shop. Or is it? No, it is. Of course it is. I mean, look at it.
Posted Wednesday, 12.05.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Zach Howard is a Genius, and You Could Be, Too
We've never pretended to be your mother (in public), so we would never tell you what to do. But that won't stop us from judging you. If you haven't picked up Dark Horse's Outer Orbit by the tag-teaming artist duo of Zach Howard and Sean Murphy, then we must say we're quite disappointed in you.
A pretty clear indictaion of the value of this book is Zach Howard's bio. If a man has taste this good, surely you can't question the quality of his work.
Posted Saturday, 12.01.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Rotundra, our Accounts Manager, is also an aspiring entrepreneur and the inventor of Lunchballz, a ball-shaped lunch product. Recently she received some venture capital which has allowed her to make Lunchballz a reality! A tasty reality. Now you can experience the delicious and convenient meal that several people have mentioned on their blogs.
Posted Saturday, 11.17.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Truth Serum author Jon Adams has never been one to shun the spotlight. You'll see him at red carpet events, on gossip blogs and even giving self-portraits to the homeless. And that's why he's the subject of our newest game, Operate on Jon! A take-off on the famous Milton Bradley game, Operation, this gives you an inside glimpse at the life-threatening illnesses and conditions that threaten this great artist's life. Save him, if you can!
Posted Monday, 11.12.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Long-time admirer of men in tights and Olsen Twin movies, Herschel (one of Manchester's most fascinating residents), used to author Tickle Fight, his personal online diary. It had been accessible online, but was removed years ago. Since then countless fans have written to us asking "When will you archive the blog and make it available as a PDF? Please, I must have it! Also, you are handsome." And so, never able to deny our fans such amazing pleasures, we present for your consumption, Tickle Fight.
Posted Friday, 11.09.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
We are delighted to announce to you the news of an upcoming project we're working on with the esteemed Al Columbia. At this point there isn't much to tell. The book is called The Legacy, and features a small man named Finias Mint (pictured below). We can also tell you the story may not include any of the following: bees, little children who like to dance, the word "cabbage," Nick Fury or a ventriloquist with an incurable rash.
Posted Sunday, 10.21.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
After months of anticipation, the Awesome Indie Spinner Rack Anthology is in stores! It's a huge, 208-page anthology featuring the work of artists like Al Columbia, Nick Bertozzi, Liz Prince, Roger Langridge, Bernie Mireault, Robert Goodin, Renee French, Joseph Lambert and tons more.
We designed the book, drew the cover and even contributed a short Truth Serum story. If your local store doesn't have a copy, you can order one through Indie Spinner Rack. Look! Even Jeff Smith bought a copy! If somebody else bought one, it must be good.
If you're in New York City, check out the book release party at Rocketship in Brooklyn this Friday, October 19th at 8 pm.
Posted Thursday, 10.18.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Hey, look! It's the new album Patience on Friday from Ryan Montbleau Band. And guess who illustrated and designed all the packaging. We'll give you a hint: not you. This project had a ridiculously tight deadline and countless obstacles, many of which were human. But the end result is one of not abject failure. Get your copy today!
Oh, and we designed these snazzy t-shirts, too. Now you'll never have to go to work shirtless again!
And if our amazing art isn't enough to entice you, the music is okay too. Check out Maybe, one of the songs from the album:
Posted Monday, 10.15.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Years ago we began working on a project with artist extraordinaire Zach Howard. The book entitled Greg Smith, was to be a series of short strips, written by Jon and Zach, drawn by Zach and inked by Jon. After Zach graciously completed a series of illustrations and handed them over to Jon, they were promptly put aside to make way for projects with more immediate deadlines. Greg Smith continued to languish as more important things came along. Until now!
Posted Sunday, 10.14.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
If you met a boy, and if his head were made from an orange, probably he would look something like this.
Except possibly he'd have a better haircut.
Posted Wednesday, 10.03.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
A Super-Secret-Special-Bonus-Story that You're Sure to Love Even if You're Really Lame
The Italian edition of Truth Serum which was published a few years ago featured not only pages and pages of what appeared to be gibberish, but a bonus-story detailing the origin of Ecrofni Aptac, Captain Force's evil twin. And now, after countless fans have begged for it to be published in English, it is here. Rejoice, loyal minions, your prayers have been answered!
IMPULSIVEWhen I awoke this morning, it was with a new vigor; a new zest for life that I couldn't recall ever feeling. The depression that had been weighing me down for the past few yeards was gone, and I realized that everything wasn’t so hopeless. For once my purpose in life seemed clear. I finally had a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I realized that I’m Captain Force’s evil twin.
Posted Tuesday, 9.25.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Everybody Has Time for a Haiku
Before he became Manchester's most infamous supervillain, or superhero (or whatever he is), Don Sequitur was a wild-eyed poet taking classes at Manchester Community College. There he learned about haikus and fell in love with them instantly. Not only did they not have to rhyme, but they were so short!
So here we have four of them, written in more recent times. Thanks to Flying Man author Lawrence Fahey for contributing them.
Coin-op dryer spins
Strangers' clothes tumble like waves
These briefs should fit me
Posted Wednesday, 9.12.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
This weekend was 826 Day, a community festival celebrating 826 Valencia's five-year anniversary! Jon Adams was on hand drawing caricatures for attendees both young and old. The adults received what would be described less as "caricatures" and more as "drawings of fat, bald, bucktoothed men." Children received more standard fare, so as to prevent the likelihood of tears. While most adults seemed to enjoy their drawings, a few appeared slightly uncomfortable, offering a lengthy, silent stare, followed by a forced "thank you," before walking away.
Posted Tuesday, 8.27.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Because it's over and you didn't win. We received a lot of great entries, but there were those where it was clear somebody didn't try too hard. Almost as though they were trying to lose. You know who you are, Stacy Wilkins of Bluff Falls, Colorado.
Although it took far longer than one should reasonably expect, we finally finished the prize for the winner of the Create Your Own Manchester Resident Contest. Wally Czyzniak of Windsor Locks, CT won this piece of artwork featuring his own character, Mr. Delivery.
Posted Tuesday, 8.14.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
The Secret Life of Darth Vader
A few years ago we wrote and drew a story for Star Wars Tales #16, in which two stormtroopers discover Darth Vader's diary. Well recently, we ran across the original plot synopsis which had been rejected on the grounds that it involved a lot of things Lucasfilm would rather Darth Vader not do. And now here it is, just for you!
Posted Monday, 8.13.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
We've just returned from the San Diego Comicon; an enormous gathering of comic, sci-fi and misanthropy enthusiasts. Though it lasts for several days, we were able to see it all in about 4 hours!
After spending Friday afternoon walking the floor, we attended the Eisner Awards, for which Truth Serum had been nominated in two categories – Best Humor Publication and Best Graphic Album Reprint. And we lost not just once, but twice!
Here's the first announcement of Truth Serum's nomination. In the foreground is Dark Horse's Diana Schutz giving it a hearty cheer. The rest of the crowd seems almost to not be applauding at all.
Posted Sunday, 7.29.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Make sure not to move, because a massive book is headed your way. Though it's not so massive that it will crush you. It's just the right size, in fact. Weighing in at 208 pages, it's an anthology produced by Indie Spinner Rack and Evil Twin Comics, with proceeds going to the Center for Cartoon Studies.
Contributors include the likes of Al Columbia, Renee French, Nick Bertozzie, Bernie Mireault, Liz Prince, Roger Langridge and more. Plus, we illustrated and designed the cover (as well as contributing a short story).
Awesome, as it's called, will be available for pre-order through Previews at the end of August. Find out more at the official Awesome website.
Posted Tuesday, 7.17.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
You're Not Really Missing Anything
While searching through our archives for something else entirely, we came across a collection of editorial cartoons we'd done for the Wellesley Townsman. Fifty of them, to be exact.
Here are the cartoons in their entirety, though we've purposely reproduced them at an incredibly small scale so as to prevent you from seeing how unfunny they truly are.
Posted Thursday, 7.12.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Let's All Stare at the New Kid
Oh. Oh yes. You're looking at our brand new, much happier website. You will find new things where there used to be no new things. And in some instances where old things had been, you will notice there is now nothing at all. Though we can't vouch for all of it being interesting. And speaking of things with questionable interest, we thought it would be fun to show the last two versions of our site. So here they are.
Posted Thursday, 7.05.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Making People Do Things for Money
We recently sponsored a few episodes of the popular podcast Indie Spinner Rack. With an entire 30 seconds devoted to pretty much whatever we wanted, the good hosts of the show, Charlito and Mr. Phil, agreed to act like complete idiots and read the scripts we wrote as though they were their own words.
SPOT #1: TRUTH SERUM AWARDS
Charlito is throwing his own awards ceremony. Will anybody show up?
SPOT #2: FRIENDSHIP DAY
Charlito and Mister Phil have created an annual day to celebrate their friendship. Charlito remembered what day it is, but did Mister Phil?
Posted Tuesday, 6.26.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
The 826 Valencia-produced Exactly (a 256-page hardcover anthology of children's stories) features two of our illustrations, like the one below. And with a slew of super-talented artists like Evah Fan, Paul Madonna, Avery Monsen and Jen Wang also contributing, why wouldn't you want to BUY A COPY?
Posted Saturday, 5.19.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Our new book Truth Serum: The Lonely Parade is finally in stores! Well, not every store. Just comic book stores. Right next to the new Green Lantern. It's also on our website. This website! In our store!
Posted Saturday, 4.25.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
This weekend was not only the Alternative Press Expo, it was also the book release party for our new graphic novel Truth Serum: The Lonely Parade. We're not going to lie to you. If you missed it, you're kind of a lame-o.
BRING YOUR MOM!
Saturday evening we set up at 826 Valencia for the Truth Serum book release party and Big Stone Head Extravaganza called Bring Your Mom!
The highlight of the evening was a performance of a Truth Serum play entitled Bus Stop Folly. Dan Weiss starred as Invisiblor, Avery Monsen played the brand new character Power-Punch and Isaac Fitzgerald played a guy waiting for the bus.
Posted Saturday, 4.23.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
Truth Serum is nominated for TWO Eisner Awards – Best Humor Publication and Best Graphic Album-Reprint. And as far as you know, we probably didn't even blackmail any of the judges.Posted Thursday, 4.19.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
First, come see us at the Alternative Press Expo in April. We'll be at table #327, sandwiched between Fantagraphics and Oni Press. Then, when you're done doing that, come to Bring Your Mom!, our book release party for Truth Serum: The Lonely Parade.
April 21st at 8:00 pm.
826 Valencia, San Francisco
And bring your mom! She said she wants to come. Do you really want to leave her all alone on a Saturday night?
Posted Saturday, 3.31.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
We've recently completed a couple of illustrations for an upcoming 826 Valencia book. It's a collection of short children's stories written by high school students.
Here's a breakdown of how we created an illustration for a story about a young artist boy who's mother succumbs to cancer. Using these few easy steps you too can create your own artwork. Perhaps drawing your own children's stories. Or, if you prefer something for a more mature audience, maybe drawings of naked women. Or people smoking crack. Or naked women smoking crack.
STEP 1.
Using a pencil and a sheet of paper, images were drawn. Elements that reflected our rather lackluster artistic skills were erased, making room for revised elements that were less lackluster. When a point of relative satisfaction was met, the pencil stage was abandoned, less we manage to make any further mistakes.
Posted Saturday, 1.13.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
International law firm Baker & McKenzie has produced a beautiful hardcover book entitled Nothing But the Truth. Featured in the book is one of our Truth Serum comics, neatly cropped and taking up two pages.
Unfortunately the book is entirely in Dutch. Which means we have no idea what the heck it's about, though it appears to be some sort of art book. We think. If you'd like to pick up a copy for yourself, too bad. It's only available in the Netherlands and is also unavailable for purchase.
If you know somebody who works for or steals from Baker & McKenzie, maybe they can hook you up.
Posted Thursday, 1.04.07 | digg | stumbleupon | del.icio.us
