Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery and Mayhem

I have been invited to show some of my latest works as part of the Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery and Mayhem gallery show, from March 31st-June 5th, 2009. The comics art show is becoming a yearly tradition on the Eastern Michigan University's campus. This year, co-curated by Professor Richard Rubenfeld and cartoonist, Dave Coverly. This show features Michigan-based artists and cartoonists displaying their original works of graphic storytelling. I will be showing a handful of pieces from my latest illustration project based on the works of Jules Verne. The show will be located in EMU's Student Center University Art Gallery. The opening reception is March 31st from 5-7 pm with a comics panel discussion to follow in the Grand Ballroom (B) until 10 pm. Directions and a map. Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery and Mayhem will continue after its run at EMU as a travelling show throughout Michigan until the Fall of 2009.

Graveslinger in Stores

I illustrated a color pin-up of the lead character, Frank Timmons, for the Graveslinger graphic novel a little while back (see my Nov '08 post for the art). The complete book is in stores now and can also be purchased through Amazon. For more info and preview art visit http://www.graveslinger.com/.

Get Cursed!

I have been a fan of Jeremy Bastian's fantastically intricate artwork ever since I set eyes my on it. I wanted to make sure everyone knew about his first issue of CURSED PIRATE GIRL #1, from Olympian Publishing, that is available for pre-order (Diamond Previews on page 286. Order code is FEB09 4407) from your local comic book shop this month. Check out Jeremy's website to see what I am talking about... and then go ask your local comic shop to order it! It is going to be a really fun and beautifully illustrated series that you won't want to miss out on.

A Woman of Two Centuries

This past January 11th, my Great Aunt Helen Wallace passed away at the age of 93. She was an amazing woman and I will miss her terribly. She and her husband, Russ (who she has been without for more than 30 years), were very creative and nature loving people. They have a unique home that reflected their love of art that I spent many years visiting, especially for the family's annual New Year's Day party. She was a nuturing force in my understanding of the comics medium by allowing me to borrow her hardcover book of Pogo strips when I was younger. I have one memory that sticks out in my head relating to my art and Helen. I was a young boy, maybe 8 or 9, and during a certain point in my artistic development I loved to draw people in my family. I remember making a pencil drawing portrait of my Great Aunt and showing it to her at an outdoor picnic at my Grandma Jeanne's home in Plymouth. "Oh, Nathan...!" Helen was mortified. I apparently, even in those early years, had an attention to detail by focusing on her youthful wrinkles that I loved. By making them very deeply etched I had crafted a caricature of her that was apparently less than flattering in her eyes. She asked me sweetly not to draw a picture of her again. I laugh inside sometimes thinking of this incident and I like to think she may have grown into my only drawing of her. Although I never drew another picture of her, I will always remember how art can have lasting effects on people.

Mouse Guard Pin-up In Stores Now

I was fortunate to be a part of a growing list of talented artists that have provided pin-ups for David Petersen's MOUSE GUARD series. Today, the fourth issue of Winter 1152, which contains my full color pin-up, was shipped to stores. I have really been looking forward to seeing the final printed piece. At left, is a cropped sample of the final art. I know fans have already gone out and purchased a copy today. But, if you have not had the chance to read the series, there is a fantastic hardcover (and softcover) that is currently available of the first part to the series Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 that you should pick up. The hardcover compilation won a 2008 Eisner for "Best Graphic Album Reprint" in San Diego this past Summer. More information about Mouse Guard and David's art is available at MouseGuard.net.

Graveslinger Pin-up

I just completed a color pin-up for Shannon Denton, writer of the upcoming IDW Publishing book "Graveslinger". It's a tale of an old west prison undertaker who accidentally releases 117 executed killers from Hell and what he must do to send them all back to where they belong. You can find more info about it on Amazon or at Graveslinger MySpace.


Orders can be placed through Diamond Previews:
GRAVESLINGER TPB (dec08 4121) on Page 283 of the December PREVIEWS!
ISBN: 978-1-60010-364-3
Ship date 2/25/09

Mid-Ohio Con Charity Auction

I have an inked sketch of Swamp Thing up on eBay as part of the Mid-Ohio Con Charity Auction. There are a number of other artists' works as well as comic or media related items up for bid. The auction runs until the 28th of October. Please take a visit and see what's available. The proceeds go to the Hero Initiative which helps comic creators in need and the Make-A-Wish foundation. Thank you.