Comic Makers

What Should Be On Your Shelf #50

2010-03-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have decided to create a new segment here on Comic Makers called "What Should Be On Your Shelf!" Yeah I’m not happy with the title either but just go with me here. I know you, my fellow geeks and nothing gets you more rock hard than showing off your bookshelf to your jealous fan boy friends. Well that and William Shatner singing "Rocket Man!"

But hey who wouldn't?

Today I'm featuring the "Local" a hardcover from Oni Press first published in 2008.

Here's the skinny, written by Brian Wood and illustrated by Ryan Kelly, the series follows Megan a modern day hipster nomad from her teens to her late 20's as she travels around the country trying to find herself. What she is running from and what she is trying to find is slowly revealed as you read her adventures. When we think about indie comics there are no better examples than Local. What I find amazing about this book, is that not only is it beautifully drawn but you find yourself really connecting with a fictional character. Wood is an impressive writer because he finds a way to make us fall in love with a character, who when it comes down to it, is a very flawed human being. She tricks people, abandons her lovers, runs away from her family and even when the stories don’t revolved around her, her presence is felt. I'm sure I am not the first to bow to Woods abilities as a writer but I have to say "Local" is a feather in his cap and now on your shelf.

But wait lets take a minute to worship Ryan Kelly’s artistic abilities here for a minute. Because not only will you notice the staggering detail this man puts into every panel but, you may find yourself recognizing the settings Megan encounters. This is because Kelly and Wood partnered with artists from those cities to get sketches and/or photos of their neighborhood to be drawn in the book. Kelly is definitely an artist to keep an eye on, and hopefully we may see him work on more mainstream work, although you will see allot of his work being featured in DC’s Vertigo line.

Now your probably asking yourself, "Dave why should I put such a gigantic hardcover on my shelf, can’t I use this space for my Essential New Warriors trade?" My answer is first you are a sad, sad man and second think of how smart and hip you will look to have such a beautiful piece of art on your shelf. Not to mention chicks dig giant graphic novels, its like Spanish fly or so I hear, I myself have not seen a woman since 1989.

Local can appeal to a large market of comic fandom. If your strictly in the capes and tights section of comic store “Local” is definitely a nice way to explore the independent comic market. If your already into the Indie scene then Local will appeal to those sensibilities. And best of all if you or someone you know has never read comics then this is a great comic to get your feet wet. With a impressive page count of 376 and a retail price of 29.99 Local is a steal.

Is This Still On?

2010-03-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

So I have been thinking of bringing back Comic Makers. I still haven't made a decision to be honest with you. I honestly don't know if there would be more interest, not to mention I don't know if I could keep up a regular schedule. The reason for this is because I have started to pursue a freelance writing career. I recently interviewed Devin Grayson and if all goes well It will be featured on a famous comic website.

But I still would like to post comic related interviews and stories on this site. Not all of the interviews I do, I would be able to sell on to other websites, so it would be nice to post them for an audience. Still its been 4 years since I have been out of the field and things have changed quite a bit. Allot of podcasts have grown quite a bit and others have faded.

I don't think many people in the community still hold a grudge from my fuck ups, although we are dealing with comic fans here.

As for Charlie, hes hard at work on his comic Society's Myth and doing amazing working coloring and lettering work for other indie books. I wouldn't be surprised guys if we see Charlie start working for some big companies soon.

As for myself I am working on a few things other than freelancing. I'm hoping to roll out some new comics this year. Not to mention attending some NYC cons (Not Mocca). I promise I will be posting more on this blog soon, that's a fact.

Watchmen Cartoon

2009-03-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Once again Hollywood gets it wrong, I just got word that Warner Brothers is making a Watchmen Cartoon. They want to clean it up for kids so they put up this little promo as a test. luckily I have a contact at Warner who got me a copy and boy am I pissed. I have uploaded it for all to see.

I just hate the voices they use. Ill get working on the webpage dedicated to ban this cartoon.

Why Comic Makers is no more...

2009-01-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

So I felt I should update the blog with the reasons why I no longer podcast the Comic Maker show. There are lots of reasons. When I first did Comic Makers with Charlie, I honestly did not have much of a life. Like allot of comic fans I had allot of time on my hands and being a creative person I chose to make something about comics. On x-mas (yes i write it that way, you got a problem with that?) I received my first ipod and soon began exploring its cool gadgets. I stumbled upon podcasts by accident. Comic Book Geek Speak was the first show I listened to but it wasn't until I heard the I Read Comics Podcast that I was inspired to create my own podcast. I remember being in the car with my mom and listening to Lene squealing "look! shes talking about comics I like! and she doesnt sound like a freak about it!"

So I did my research and created the podcast. I wrangled Charlie into it because I just wanted an excuse to shoot the shit with him. But unfortunately Charlie got a life and he just couldn't commit to recording the show on a regular basis if at all. Then I met Becky and I reformatted the show which granted yes wound up being another review show but turned out to be allot more fun. But then Becky wound up getting work playing music on cruise ships, traveling the world.

So I decided to try it solo or do a revolving guest host thing. But I encountered a new problem. I guess I should have seen it coming, after all I was making comics and worked conventions. I did post on message boards.

It was the comic book podcasters community.

Heres the problem, allot of comic fans, especially online comic fans tend not like differences of opinions. I think allot of them tend to view the internet and conventions as some kind of excuse to act like complete asses. I swear I'm surprised that there isn't physical violence at conventions. Its like they seriously believe that once they enter that convention floor or once they turn on their computer they can be racist, sexist, smug little assholes and they wont get their faces slapped.

I can understand allot of these online fans, they live in their own little worlds, but in "the real world" they cant say what they want, maybe they cant be themselves, maybe they just don't understand social customs or maybe they just feel a lack of control. Comics will always be the same, Spider-Man is a looser, Superman is a nice boy who can be cool, Batman can beat people up, Wonder Woman has a great rack. Its the same thing week after week. In their head these are their characters.

So when someone doesn't agree with the status quo then they start to throw tantrums. This is why Lene Taylor gets so much hate, because she has bigger balls than some of these morons. She says "No thats wrong, thats sexist, thats racist, thats stupid" and in the real world she would be commended for taking a stand. But allot of online fans dont live in the real world. They dont want to change, they don't want to admit that their wrong. So they snipe at Lene on the message boards under brilliant names like Lobo or Cocksmocker57. And the comic podcasters? Oh well they would never have the balls to disagree with Lene in person or even on their shows. See that would actually take real courage and maturity of an adult. But these are comic fans folks.

I always defended Lene and championed her show. I even dedicated an entire show on just interviewing her. And guess who suddenly was attacked? Yep me. I got so many complaints from other podcasters. "Oh shes crazy, you shouldn't associate with her, I dont get her show I hear she said (insert random lie) on her show". I was pretty much snubbed in the comics podcast community. I wouldn't be invited to their events, certain podcasters wouldn't want to do cross promotion with me, and I was blocked out of a deal to get a table at NY Comic Con.

I still had a few handful of friends like Charlito and Mr.Phil from indie spinner rack or Peter Rios from Geek Speak and a few others. But allot became nervous of associating themselves with me because I was a radical and controversial. I was the Howard Stern of podcasts (pretty cool dont ya think?)

Anyway i soon got involved with school and work but when I finally figured out a way to redo the show and start up again I was once again blocked from getting a table at NY Comic Con by the community. I sent out an e-mail to a friend pretty much venting to a friend but it accidentally got sent to a list server for all the podcasters.

oops

Man you would think I knocked up their sister with a latino kid the way these guys acted. Comic fans tend to be very melodramatic by nature but these guys were acting like the texans when Ozzie peed on the alamo. I apologize but typical fanboys they just ignored it and gave me the silent treatment.

So I thought about it and decided that you know I want a little more out of life than to be making Comic Makers. After 25 years the fever broke and I wasn't obsessed with comics anymore. I wanted to have a life. You know meet a girl, move out of the basement. I still read comics but its not a week to week thing. Im not interested in current comics. I think the Bendis Secret Invasion event was pretty fucking stupid and I could never follow the cluster fuck that is the (insert Crisis here) currently going. Even most indie comics have lost their appeal. Dear lord if I have to read another mini comic about some abstract metaphorical idea like "My head is a fish and Pirates are my legs" I will blow my fucking brains out.

I read old comics that dont involve a 20 comic crossover and actually have a beginning, middle and end IN THE SAME COMIC! Yeah I just dont care guys. I just dont fucking care. The only comic podcast I listen to is Lene and to be honest guys its the only one I can recommend. Why do you guys want to listen to a bunch of nerds sitting around a microphone saying shit like "You know in infite crisis #1 supermans cape was violet colored instead of burgundy, man what a dumbass and then in the next panel..." or listen to an interview about a creator who says shit like "Well yes even though 95% of all superheroes in our books are white, we have this one character who is a spic...er I mean mexican and so see were not racist".

Im tired. Im tired of listening to that shit. Seriously its like watching a beauty pageant, yeah they have a pretty smile but their anorexic and are legally retarded. I think I just might keep myself active blogging. Maybe if Lene is up for it, I will guest on her podcast. But as for podcasting it just too much work for little satisfaction.

Smallville Review I Had To Comment On

2009-01-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

So I read this "review" on Side Reel about the Legion episode of Smallville, If you haven't seen it then please don't read because their are spoilers

Smallville 8.11: "Legion"
2 votesI Like It!

I know a lot of "Smallville" fans who were absolutely yearning for this episode since it was announced, especially when they discovered that the legendary Geoff Johns was writing the script. I wasn't quite so enthusiastic. After all, "Smallville" has a spotty history when it comes to incorporating characters from the comic books. The writers often lose sight of one basic requirement: the characterization should not depend on the audience's knowledge of the comic books.

I know next to nothing about the Legion, so I was waiting for the episode to give me enough information to understand who the three heroes were, what their relationships were to each other, and how they fit into the "Smallville" mythos. I'm not sure that was entirely accomplished. By the end, I didn't really know who the heroes were at all.

If anything, I questioned how these three annoying kids in the goofy outfits were supposed to be legendary heroes in their own right. The telepath's costume was a T-shirt with a Saturn symbol on it and a red jacket and leggings. I found it very hard to take them seriously. Apparently Lightning Lad (perhaps the worst name ever) is supposed to be whiny and annoying, and the leader has apparently been listening to too much emo music.

It was easy enough to understand why they were brought into the current plot arc; the characters have the right mix of abilities to save Chloe and take down Brainiac. All things being equal, the problem was how the Legion was characterized. Despite the fact that this was the Legion's first appearance on the series, it felt like I had missed an episode somewhere that explained all the things that weren't worth mentioning in this installment.

The Legion also seemed to be designed to toss in some foreshadowing for both Clark and Lana. It's certainly ominous that they had never heard of Chloe, but I suppose that makes sense in light of the fact that she never appeared in the comics. I'm still not entirely thrilled by Lana's return, but if it serves to establish some kind of importance for the character beyond her connection and relationship with Clark, I'm willing to be patient.

I was a bit worried that they would kill off Chloe, but those fears were thankfully unfounded. I think it would have been interesting for her to be under Brainiac's control a bit longer, though. Allison Mack was having a lot of fun playing up her bad side! I suppose it was all a means to an end, since it took Davis much further down the road to Doomsday, but it still felt a little too quick and easy.

Similarly, the slaughter at the barn is simply glossed over, Chloe's memory of Clark's true nature is restored without much fanfare, and Jimmy's fate is covered off-screen. I expect Clark's decision to alter Chloe's memory will come back to haunt him at some point in the near future, but the rest just feels sloppy. About as sloppy, unfortunately, as the introduction of the Legion. The end result is the first true disappointment of the eighth season.

My Response

~sigh~ Typical snarky internet reviewer as usual missing the entire point. I think allot of fans of the show seem to forget one important fact about Smallville. ITS THE STORY OF SUPERMAN. Yeah same guy who wears tights and can leap tall buildings in a single bound. The guy who winds up marrying LOIS LANE, not Lana or some made for tv character named Chloe (heres another fact, Jimmy winds up with Lucy Lane not Chloe).

So it always boggles my mind when I read reviews slamming episodes that are trying to be close to the comics. For example the reason why the Legion were introduced wasnt because their powers were the best to stop Braniac but because in the comics The Legion (which stands for Legion of Super Heroes) was introduced as meeting Clark before he became Superman (yeah back when he was called Superboy). And who of the Legion were the first to meet young Clark Kent? You got it Lightning Lad, Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl (those are their code names).

What I find insane is when I hear something like "I couldnt take them seriously with those costumes"...Okay so in your head you can believe a guy is from another planet called Krypton, can run at super speed, can hear things that even dogs have to strain to hear and can shoot fire from his eyes! Yeah thats realistic to you? But someone in a costume isnt?! WHAT...THE...F$%#K?!

This episode was meant for the real fans of the comics and the character. You know we have to put up with 20 odd some episodes of episodes resembling Dawsons Creek with some lame kryptonite forgettable villain (seriously what can Kryptonite not be used for? it can be eaten as diet suppliment, used as fertilizer, used as jewelry, made into gas?!) Have the common decency to at least give us comic fans who actually watch the show for SUPERMAN to have one episode with out your freaking harping just one!

My thoughts on Mike Wieringo

2007-08-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

I got a call today from Charlie and he broke the news to me that one of my favorite comic artists has passed away. Mike Wieringo died of a massive heart attack this past sunday. Its only starting to sink in right now that I will never see his art again on the shelves and I wont ever have the chance to meet him.

I didnt know Mr.Wieringo but my heart is very heavy. I remember whenever i spoke to Tom about what artist he should recomend to work with for his freelance marvel projects, Mike was always the first name out of my mouth. When Charlie and I would talk about what artist we always looked forward to seing more work it was always Mike Wieringo we would land on.

He was only 44 years old but he felt like the face of comics for us. He was our rookie of the year, like Mike Parobeck, Wieringo was one of the first comic artists both Charlie and I grew up on. I remember his run on the Flash was something both Charlie and I would drone on and on forever.

My heart goes out to his family, his friends like Scott Kurtz who are still trying to cope with their loss. You were the best Mike and I can take some solace with the fact that you will never be forgoten...

Check Out David's New Podcast!

2007-07-25T16:45:00.001-07:00

I decided to start a second podcast called "Off The Subway".Its a music podcast and dont worry more episodes of Comic Makers are in the works!

The Lost Episode! Episode 25!!!

2007-06-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Episode 25!

Charlie is back! And in this long lost episode we talk about our plans for the M.O.C.C.A Art Festival!

Plus music from the worst band in the world Green Jelly!

Comic Makers Episode 34! We are back!

2007-05-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Episode 34

Comic Makers is back on the air! And in this extra long episode...

Becky & David review the Minx lines first tittle...

Banna Sunday from Oni Press

They debate Jessica Abels latest work La Perdida

Plus David & Becky give their thoughts on New York Comic Con, Latinos and women in comics and much more!

Life is an endless delay...

2007-04-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Just wanted to give everyone an update on the status of the show. Don't worry we will be back, actually we recorded two shows! Unfortunately our jobs have been hell, school continues to be a pain in my ass and my apartment just became a pond thanks to the largest rainfall NY has ever seen. If you can say a prayer to all the comics that became wood pulp thanks to natures wrath on us dirty New Yorkers (can i call myself that yet?.)

Coming up will be the long overdue NY Comic Con show and a whole crap load of reviews...I swear!

Comic Makers Episode 33! Reviews & More Reviews!

2007-03-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Episode 33

Becky and Dave bring in the reviews with...

Double Cross: More of Less by Tony Consiglio
Get a Life by Dupuy and Berberian
My Brain Hurts by Liz Baillie
Phaze Seven & Scars by Alec Longstreth
Dumb Jersey White Boy by Mark McMurray
Heavy Things/ Mary Wollstonecraft by Maggie Suisman & Paul Hoppe
I Like Girls, Writting Love Letters to your Pants & Paper Stars by Erika Moen

Comic Makers Episode 32!! Its time for some theater!

2007-02-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Episode 32

More and More Reviews! This time Becky and David give their thoughts on...

American Virgin by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Coonan

Boneyard by Richard Moore

Unlucky by Matthew E. Hawkins (no relation)

Husky by Tony Consiglio and Alex Robinson

Matching Jackets by Robyn Chapman

Hollow Girl by Dean Francis Alfar and Jeremy Arambulo

Animal Stew by Matt Dembicki

And Becky and David get some theater by seeing Kryptonite Hearts written by Charles Battersby and also starring Stephanie Bush, Philip Emeott, Jason Griffith, Dan Hernandez, Walter Hoffman Lizzie Pepper, Lauren Strachan, Marissa Tiamfook, and Jere Williams.

Comic Makers Episode 31! Its all about heart!

2007-02-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Episode 31

In this episode Becky and David interview the creators of Heart Break! Jonathan Rivera & Nick Destefano!!

The guys discuss their history in comics and love!

Check out the Heartbreak Website! Or friend them on Myspace!

Download a FREE preview of this great indie book today!

Update on Heroes Rebored #2!

2007-02-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

Heroes Rebored #2 is now in production. If you folks remember Charlie Mangual and i make a nice little comic called Heroes Rebored. Well #1 did so well that we decided to continue the series. I handed in the script to Heroes Rebored #2 to charlie a few weeks ago and he has been hard at work.

Ill be reposting a few of the old character sketches of the main crew who will be staring in issue 2 in future posts. But lets talk about something new. These are two heroes who you will be meeting in Heroes Rebored #2

Both of these characters are based on Lene Taylor and Jungle Kitty the two stars of the Look at his butt podcast!

Can you guess which is which?

Robin Enrico is all MAN!!!

2007-02-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

So we fucked up, we assumed Robin Enrico was a girl when we reviewed his wonderful bookcontroller. As you can see he is all man baby!! Much heart felt groveling toward Robin making such a huge fuck up..

David guest stars on Indie Spinner Rack!!!

2007-02-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

David was invited to guest star on one of the coolest indie comic podcasts Indie Spinner Rack! Click Here to listen to David talk about making comics, dealing with cons and his encounter with Neal Adams!

Episode 30

2007-02-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

Episode 30

In this episode of Comic Makers...

Becky and David review..

Dork #11 by Evan Dorkin
True Travel Tales By Justin Hall
In Search of MegaWoman by Jeremy Arambulo
Controller by Robin Enrico
Paul in the Country by Michel Rabagliati
and Hot Mexican Love Comics by various artists

Also...

Becky and David visit the Jewish Museum for their Masters of Comics Exhibit.

Click Here to see Becky's Original Strip!

Episode 29 and low there shall come a fangirl!!

2007-01-22T20:14:00.000-08:00

Episode 29

Comic Makers is proud to introduce our new cohost...Becky!

In this episode...

Becky and David talk about the biggest book of the year. Fun House by Alison Bechdel!

Also the wonderful "Same Difference and other stories" by Derek Kirk Kim...

And last but not least they talk about their adventures in the Newark Museum!

Episode 28!!!!

2007-01-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

Episode 28

Comic Makers is back online!!! With a new format! and reviews on some great mini comics!

Links to...

Cynical Man
Jeremy Arambulo (i really did butcher his name, sorry Jeremy!)
Tony Consiglio
Jeffrey Lewis
The Mighty Skull Boy Army
Brandon Hanvey
Jonathan Rivera
Nick Destefano

Episode 27

2006-10-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

Episode 27

Its a SPX Spectacular as I return with some goodies for all of you patient listeners. Interviews with Alec Longstech, Andy Ruton, Scot Mcloud, Kolowosky and many more!!!

Episode 26?

2006-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Episode 26

Not a hoax! Not an imaginary tale! All is explained withing as Lene Taylor drops by the Comic Makers studio for an in depth interview with the best female podcaster in the world!

White & Nerdy!

2006-09-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

David guest stars on I Read Comics!

2006-09-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

The amazing Lene Taylor gave me the honor of inviting me on her show. We had a blast talking about cartoons and comics. So to hear it just click here and while your there check out her other shows you wont be let down!

The guys contribute to the Comics Podcast Crossover Show!

2006-09-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

Charlie and I did a little stick for the Comic Podcast Crossover show, the show itself was about comic book relationships and both us decided to give our advice on relationships. We are on right after the Comic Geek Speak guys, so dont worry youll get to us. Just click here to listen.

Episode 24

2006-09-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

Episode 24

Once again we are late! But we hope this nice little episode will make up for it. In this episode....

Charlie talks about his experiences at Orlando Con...

And Rob Reilly (the where's waldo of comics!)drops by to talk about his hilarious comic Convention Confessional.

David on Comic Podcast Crossover!

2006-09-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

I was kidnly invited by Bruce of the Comic Podcast Crossover show (as well as the very fine KomicsKast show)to guest host an episode of one of my favorite shows. We talked about small press books as well as my gripes with mainstream comics. The sound quality wasnt always great but i had a good time.

So click here if you want to check it out!

UPDATE! Link fixed!

Episode 23

2006-08-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Episode 23

Its all about the art of printing!

As Charlie and David discuss the bare minimum tricks of the trade to get your book out and not break your pockets.

Plus Efrain Morales visits David to discuss the pro's and con's of using a professional printer. (Sorry for the choppy sound!)

The reviews keep comming!

2006-08-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Well its official we are a hit! Both women who run the "When Fan Girls Attack" website have reviewed Heroes Rebored!

Kalinara and Ragnell were gracious enough to take time out of their busy shedules to review our book! So just click on their names to read the thoughts they had on the heroes of Kirby City!

Episode 22

2006-07-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Episode 22

We are back! And in the first New York based podcast of the year!

Its all about color! As Charlie and David discuss the pros and cons of doing your book in color...

Plus Juan Lapaix (colorist of Heroes Rebored) sits down with David to give some coloring tips for other comic makers!

And for good deals on full color mini comics be sure to send an e-mail or make a call and ask for Efrain Morales at Taino Press. It’s a great alternative for the struggling self publisher.

Oh crap! I forgot my towel!

2006-07-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

So here the deal, I am in the process of moving to New York and setting up my own apartment, not to mention enrolling in school and finding a job. So the show may be late or out of whack schedule wise. Now don’t worry this is perfectly normal since it takes time to adjust your life to a new environment.

As for our P.R fans I just want to say thank you for the support, you guys will always be on the top of the list of people I thank in the future.

Next time you guys will hear from me shall be from the big apple!

Episode 21

2006-07-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Episode 21

It's an all about the big blue!

As the guys give their thoughts on Superman Returns!

And they go in on their gripes and praises for the boy from Kansas!

Episode 20

2006-07-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Episode 20

David flies solo this week as he sits down with the creator of his favorite book Richard Moore. Richard discusses his hit book Boneyard, his previous work like Far West, his adult work and his relationship with Hollywood!

***Special Note: This podcast will be featured on Comic Book Resources***

We got reviewed!

2006-07-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

Good news we got a review by the lovely ever so wonderful podcasting geek goddess Lene Taylor! Just click here to listen to a special episode of I Read Comics where she talks about Heroes Rebored!

Episode 19

2006-06-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Episode 19

Shes baaaaaack!

Yes, Lene Taylor is back and in this episode of Comic Makers, Lene Taylor of the I Read Comics Podcast drops by to share her thoughts on comics and to review some more local books!

To read the awesome PVP strip i was talking about please click here.

I just wanted to share this with everyone...

2006-06-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I just wanted to share my favorite George Lucas interview. Im not a big Star Wars fan, im more of a Treekie to be honest, but Charlie is a huge Lucas fan. So this is for my best friend...

The Saga Continues....

2006-06-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

So I am hard at work with the script of Heroes Rebored #2. But i thought i would take a break to show you all some of what we have come up with so far. The second issue of Heroes Rebored will focus on the ladies of Kirby City. In it we meet Shriek the sonic scream powered superhero.

Shriek is based on my sister so her look was pretty easy to come up with. I threw in a domino mask and I wanted a hooded look. I was thinking about Rogue in the first X-Men movie but i wasn’t really sure where i wanted to go with her. All I knew was that she was in the vain of the old Luke Cage comics from the 1970's.

Charlie took my desing (excuse my 9 year old drawing ability) and made her more urban and conteporary. I really love her look it reminded me of graphitti art I see sometimes.

Now comes Brainy Girl, my favorite character of the bunch. Brainy is just one of those characters that comes to you in the middle of the night that is so vivid that you have to put it to paper. I did this sketch in the middle of the night.

I fell in love with Charlie when he gave this back to me. Just for the x-ray specks i wanted to dry hump him. Hes lucky he lives so far away. I love what he's done with her, its very Mike Allred. I could see Brainy Girl making an appearance in a Madman comic.

Nike is actually a old superhero character I came up with a few years ago when i was brainstorming what eventually became Dead Gods with Juan Lapaix. She was very influenced by the anime series Slayers. She is the Greek goddess of sports, so she has super speed mostly. In mythology she looks like an angel so she has wings but I went against that and as a nod I wanted her goggles to have wings on them.

Charlie gave her the white hair which I thought was a great touch. My only directions in the body types of the women was that I didn't want bad anatomy or cheese cake. At least not for the main characters. I also left up the colors to him which was great because the colors he choose were awesome.

Now here’s the plot so far...

Heroes Rebored #2 focuses on the female heroes of Kirby City, specifically Shriek and her friends Nike and Brainy Girl. Shriek is about to go out on her first date in almost 2 years you see her problem is that her power sonic voice wreaks her love life. Can she get a handle on her powers? Will Nike be sued by the Nike Corporation for copyright infringement? Will any of Brainy's inventions work? Find out in the latest issue of Heroes Rebored!.

Episode 18B

2006-06-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Episode 18B

Its time for more Mocca coverage! As David sits down with....

Alex Robinson creator of Box Office Poison & Tricked!

Keith Knight creator of the K Chronicles!

And Devin T Quin star of "Comic Book The Movie!" (Deleted scene that is) and creator of "Robots R Cool & Zombies R Jerks"

Episode 18A

2006-06-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Episode 18A

Charlie and David report on their trip to New York and their experiences during the Mocca Art Festival!

David on Indie Spinner Rack...

2006-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

I was recently on the Indie Spinner Rack podcast during their Mocca Art Festival coverage. Just click here to listen to me.

Big Apple Update!

2006-06-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well guys I am in the lovely city of New York and I have got to tell you New York is a very intimidating city but it’s also absolutely amazing! I have already hit both Midtown Comics locations and Forbidden Planet both great locations. Midtown is particularly amazing with so many trades, comics, animation and statues that would make any fanboy squeal (believe me I was squealing).

I made sure to pass by the Mocca Museum but sadly I was told that there have been very little cancellations, so I am about 90% sure we won’t get a table. We also will not be issued press badges, can you believe that? Still Charlie and I both plan on doing some interviews and spending all day the con meeting other podcasters not to mention any of our fans who will be attending.

To figure out whom we are just look for a big fat guy with a crummy Comic Makers T-Shirt (those shirt transfers are pretty hard to figure out).

I also wanted to take time out to thank everyone who has taken the time to send us e-mail it’s been great. And also those of you, who are interested in buying our book, please know that I will do everything in my power to get you a copy.

Take Care,
Dave

We are done!!!

2006-06-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

What you see infront of you is a years worth of hard work. No not my leg! The comic is done people! I can not tell you how good it feels to hold my finished book in my hands. I would say its like having a baby but i will save you the horrible mental image.

I will just say that I hope everyone gets such a feeling once in their lives because its glorious. If you are not lucky enough to attend the YMCA or Mocca Conventions you can e-mail me at comicmakers@gmail.com and we can work something out so that you can hold the book in your hands as well.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2006-05-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Do you like the photoshop I did with the picture? Charlie eat your heart out. Apologies to Jacob for stealing your birthday cake but I needed it more than you did. Don’t worry when you grow up you will understand.

Well if you haven’t figured it out, its my birthday. Yeah, on June 1 1978 at exactly 7am, David Anthony Arroyo was born to the world. I don’t know how much I weighed because even at that young an age I was telling people to fuck off when the subject of weight came up. But I have always suspected that I was Hugh Heffeners illegitimate son, maybe it was my choice of clothing. What do you think?

(Coincidence I think not!)

Seriously though folks, I have to say that this past year has been one of my best. I have been blessed with so many things. I have made some really great friends like Lene Taylor & Charlito my fellow podcasters. I have been very lucky to work with someone who not only believes In my work but, is a blast to work with. I got to interview the man who got me reading comics Mr. Mark Waid. I am about to embark on a new journey in my life.

And most of all I have gotten so much support form all of you which is the best birthday gift I could ever ask for. So from the bottom of my heart thank you and I hope we will still be here next year to say it again!

Episode 17

2006-05-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Episode 17

The guys discuss their plans for the annual Mocca Festival (June 10-11).

And David sits down with his idol comics legend Mark Waid!

Episode 16

2006-05-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Episode 16

In this nice little episode...

We talk about Free Comic Book Day...

David interviews Rosa Colon creator of Tick Tock!

And the guys shed some tears on comics that never made it...

We have words!

2006-05-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Boy are you in for a treat, here are some of the lettered paged of the first issue of Heroes Rebored!

Be aware that we have already made some changes, you know fixed some mistakes, so dont think this is the finished draft. Its just something for all you guys who have supported us through the hard times. Thanks guys!

Episode 15

2006-05-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Episode 15

In this very large episode...

Its ROUND 2! As Tom Beland takes over the Comic Makers podcast and lays down the law on Brian Bendis! Plus he talks about his career in Marvel and his recent move to Image!

Also in this episode Charlie and Dave talk about convention etiquette, Erik Larsen pissing off Fangirls and Paul Pelletier!

Just One Day Away from the Birthday Boy!

2006-05-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that you can go see Charlie and wish him a happy 73rd year old birthday tomorow from 1pm to 4pm at Wonder Water Comics in Tampa Florida!

Be sure to bring prunes since he likes those and dont get him started on the war or else you will be there all day....

The finished cover!

2006-05-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out for this cover at Mocca and maybe if your lucky your local retailer!

Meet the Birthday Boy!

2006-05-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

Yes if you live in the Florida area and have the time, drop by and wish my butt buddy a Happy Birthday! He just turned 58, can you belive that? Yeah i know he looks much older than that!

Oh and by the way guys my birthday is June 1st. I expect to be showered with gifts and naked pictures.

Episode 14

2006-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Episode 14

Its all about the ladies this week.

When, L.T the host of I Read Comics drops by to give her thoughts on. Women in comics, self publishing, the Taki Soma Case, female creators plus she gives her thoughts on PR Comics!

Free Comic Book Day Report!

2006-05-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

So today was "Free Comic Book Day". If you don’t know what that means, it’s a relatively new promotion that the industry has been doing for the last 3 years, I think. Pretty much allot of the mayor companies make specific comics that they give away for "free" as a promotion in order to score new readers.

Most of the comics are original stories. Image, Bongo and Archie come to mind that produce actual original work that you can only find in the comic book on that day. Other companies usually give a preview of upcoming storylines. This year most of the local creators joined the band wagon and also gave away free comics to the public in hopes of expanding their readership. But the question is does this really help?

Allot of folks that were there were the regulars hoping to score collectible books for the future or trying to get a heads up for upcoming comics. To that extent I suppose it would help that a free comic might spark their interest in expanding their reading material. But unfortunately the rule of one comic of all of the selection per customer kind of hampered that. I can imagine allot of them chose the X-men free book or if we're lucky the Image one, but those are the books that they always buy. Isn’t the point of free comic book day to put a comic in the hands of someone who normally doesn’t follow that book?

I can understand why most stores did this because they want to ration out the books to last all through the day. After all those books are not exactly free to the retailer, since they still have to pay some fee’s. But personally I think that if you do run out of the x-men books at least you can push some of the local books on them. The point is to push for the markets to cross over in order to expand your sales.

The store did attract people who normally don’t step foot in it. But will they return the next day when the books aren’t free? Now that is the question. Frankly I don’t think so, those folks once again chose Archie or Donald Duck, their common perception of comics. And hell that would be fine but I don’t really see Archie as a book they have to get every Wednesday. If the comic store is near a place they have their lunch hour, or close the movies then yeah I could see an occasional sale but its not going to have a strong of a hook.

Another thing that I thought was a mistake is that certain books had stories that weren’t exactly a good way for new readers to jump on too. Some were just stories for the faithful fans that had been following the books for years. The Invincible story comes to mind when I think of this dilemma. I don’t exactly get too angry at these companies for dropping the ball, its incredibly hard for one to write a story that will satisfy your core audience and yet be reader friendly for someone who is not familiar with ones work.

But still it was nice to see Metro Comics packed full of people. It reminded me of the infamous day of the Death of Superman. Also it was good to see local comics get some nice exposure and appreciation for their hard work. Not to mention it was a great opportunity for me to hand out flyers promoting the podcast.

Also seeing actual children in the comic store always puts a smile to my face, with the core audience of comic fans being 15-30 seeing kids buying comics reminds me of those yesterdays when my then 10 year old self would freak out over the latest issue of The Hulk or Superman. Then again comics back then were only $1.00 and the thought of spending more than $20 dollars was just too much for my ten year old mind to comprehend. Talk about ironic...

Episode 13

2006-05-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Episode 13

The time has come for the writer to get the spotlight! In this episode...

Jay Faerber visits the Comic Makers studio to talk about his career both at Marvel and DC plus we discuss one of the best comics in the Image line Noble Causes!

Behind the scenes at Comic Makers....

2006-05-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Okay so this week’s episode will feature an interview if the great Jay Faerber creator and writer of Noble Causes. Jay was a great guy and I loved talking to him. But I have to tell you this episode was cursed! Maybe it was the fact that it was number 13 and im sure conducting the interview on a Friday didn’t help but it was like the universe was conspiring against me.

First the telephone company crossed my phone line with another house, effectively shutting down my DSL connection. So I flew to Juan Lapaix house who is the only other person I know who has anything other than dial up. Only to half way during the interview have a power outage. Then it came back only to once again go out! Turns out two power transformers exploded knocking out electricity for the entire neighborhood!

But thanks to Jays patience and my persistence I know have the full interview on my laptop. It will probably be uploaded May 3rd guys. In the meantime listen to these bloopers that the power failure produced. Special note, I am cursing God not Mr.Faerber.

Blooper #1

Blooper #2

Everything looks better in color!

2006-04-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Juan Lapaix contribution to Heroes Rebored!

Everything seems to be following well shedule wise. I will be honest, I was a little worried when Juan jumped on board the project. Mostly because previously when i worked with Juan it was not the ideal project. But he has really taken to it like a fish to water. Every page just seems better and better. Not to mention his little touches, for example making the Imagineer blond in order to contrast the other characters. Juan will be on the show in the near future were we will be talking about the art of coloring.

Episode 12

2006-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Episode 12

Its another huge Image centric episode...

When David sits down with with Image Comics head honcho and Savage Dragon creator Erik Larsen!

Episode 11

2006-04-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Episode 11

Its another big one this week...

David sits down with comic book legend Jim Valentino.

And the guys look back to the days of the Image Comics boom!

Episode 10

2006-04-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Episode 10

Its a long one this week guys. In this episode we...

Discuss lettering in comics.

David sits down to interview Kevin McShane

And the guys geek out over video games from yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Special Thanks to Gizmo Project for giving us a better sound quality!

Screw Christian Bale this is Batman!

2006-04-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Just got this e-mail from none other than Batman himself. Click now Batman fans!

Special thanks to Ender79!

Episode 9

2006-04-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Episode 9

In this Episode...

We listen to our mail!

David reports on the yearly YMCA Con

Charlie sells out!

Bendis slams Puerto Rico!

And David sits down for a simple interview with president and founder of Dreamgrafix Juan Lapaix (who is also colorist of Heroes Rebored)

Heres the link to Super Real as promised!

YMCA Con Report!

2006-04-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

So this year I arrived early to the YMCA Convention. It was about 10am and I was expecting the usual cluster of folks. What met me when I pulled into the parking shocked me. It was packed! I could not find a decent parking I actually had to park on the street outside the YMCA.

If you have never been to the local YMCA convention, its basically a glorified flea market. Sellers, which vary from local retailers to underground bootleg stores, gather twice a year to sell us things that would make us the envy of all our geek friends. Its all here, local comics, anime bootlegs, old cartoon series burned on DVD, modified video games, replica swords, local comic retailers trying to unload merchandise at rock bottom prices, I could go on and on!

This year I went with a goal to buy old statues that I could sell on Ebay for a profit. Sadly this year the statues were lacking. There where a few people selling some mini busts, I picked up an Iron Hide mini bust for $40 bucks. And at one table a former Voodoo Ink artist was selling his artwork for $75 a page and some old action figures and statues that had obviously been in his closet for years.

How the mighty have fallen! Voodoo Ink was the Heavy Metal of Puerto Rico, it was an anthology book containing many small little stories ranging from sci-fi to Supehero and even including some horror stories. It lasted about 6 or 7 issues and started the career of some young artists . Now all that was left of the Voodoo Ink team was one guy who never really went anywhere and was forced to sell his artwork at inflated prices. I offered to buy the Batgirl statue he had but he wanted $150 for it, no way!(turns out the statue is worth 80 bucks on Ebay tops!) I later heard Efrain went to his table and offered to buy an old Voodoo Ink comic that had the price of $1.95 on it and the guy wanted to charge 3 bucks for it! Dude it’s a self published comic! You are not Dave Sim! Get over yourself.

There were allot of folks dressed up at the convention some where bad and others were pretty good. Of course lately I start to wonder if this is legal. Seriously that girl was making every guy at the con drool. I felt I would go to hell If these kinds of things continued.

I mostly stayed the Dreamgrafixs table, I think I really helped boost sales for these guys. Flaming Comics was there (you know their name is ironic now since they got kicked out of the forum for flaming!) But I really didn’t have a chance to approach them, they didn’t have any new books and I was getting dragged back to the table to make more sales. Ink Stain studios the only company producing local manga, gave me a copy of their new book. Holy Mother of God! It literally looks like a Tokyo Pop book! The art is gorgeous!

We had a blast at the Dreamgrafixs table, selling books and greeting guests and celebrities. At one point I went and picked up an old Cobra Commander doll, we spent the entire con yelling cobra and making jokes. At the next con we might rent a Commander costume and sell books as Cobra Commander.

I managed to pick up some goodies. I picked up some Ultimate Spider-Man issues to complete my collection for the ebay auction. This one guy sold me Uncanny X-Men #134-137 the death of the Phoenix for $60 bucks! I picked up some old VHS tapes, one was an old episode of MASK! The other was one I picked up for L.T of the I read comics podcast which was the Spider-Man 1970 TV movie! Boy was that thing corny. Oh and last but not least I got a Don Ramon T-Shirt which looks very cool! Special thanks to Juan because if he hadn’t dragged me away I would have spent my last 20 bucks on and old Castle Greyskull...yep, good old Juan...fuck you Juan!

Charlie’s comic sold out and not because of Angels salesmanship but because the book was that good, that people demanded it! Angel was a sale machine, at one point some folks were getting angry at him for literally stealing customers away from other tables. You got to admire the man, he’s a ruthless business man.

The girls at the table really chipped in as well. Chiz’s girlfriend Jovana really was aggressive in her sales and Juan’s...Karla was giving us motivational speeches keeping us focused on our sales goal. And at this convention you really have to be aggressive in order to make a sale.

Unlike say the SPX where people go just to look at books, here people come for the goth merchandise or anime and local comics is a bonus. The trick is getting them before they hit the $80 dollar Mazinger action figures.

And speaking of action figures this entire con was full of action figures, it seemed to be the theme. Thank God the Star Wars craze is dying down! I only wish Star Trek would rise again, I tried to find Jungle Kitty something but all they had of Star Trek was Voyager or Enterprise both shows that share J.K’s wrath.

Funny moments that occurred at this con where...

1) Juan touching a De Lorean Back to the Future model and watching the owner almost have a coronary.

2) Telling the obnoxious Super Freak Fan (he’s a guy who wears the same shirt and makes bizarre statements and creeps everyone out) that they are making a Gargoyle comic book based on the TV show the moron is obsessed with (he carries around a portfolio with a comic he penciled years ago that bridges the gap between season 2 and 3) and watching him twitch and silently freak out.

3)Having Juan give his presentation to a group of people about Cobra Commanders real face.

4)Torturing Juan by telling him his X was wandering the convention floor.

Sure there were some negative aspects...

1) Having a guy who basically said that all art comes from Rob Liefield (maybe I should have shot him to save the world from stupidity?)

2) And of course having to see Rigo have a complete breakdown.

But honestly in the end I think we all had fun. And I really missed doing this, which is kind of bitter sweet since the convention scene that I am leaving to is completely different from here. Out there it maybe a business, but down here its just a bunch of geeks just having fun...

APRIL FOOLS!

2006-04-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Okay gotcha guys! Yeah we were teasing. We are NOT going to Image, at least not yet. There where some clues for those of you who didnt get it right away.

1)Tom Beland would NEVER recomend my book. - I dont think Tom will give me a solid opinion on the book until he holds the finished product, plus Tom prefers for me to make it on my own than getting help from him. So yeah Tom actually handing Erik Larsen a SCRIPT (the man has ADD) that he himself only read half of it, not very plausible.

2)It was April 1st. - Well Duh....

But thank you all for the phone calls, comments, and forum postings. Its very nice we have your support and we are sorry we got your hopes up. But the good news is Charlie just finished the last penciled pages and Efrain is flying through the inking. We may actually be ahead of shedule. Stay tuned more Comic Makers on the way, spread the word! Send those e-mails! Stop sending me naked pictures of your grandmothers! Oh and by the way this was all Charlies idea..........

Got this e-mail today.....

2006-04-01T04:09:00.000-08:00

David,

Tom Beland gave me your script to read. He told me this new kid has something. I read it and then saw your blog which has sample pages. This is the funniest shit I have read in a long time. We should talk, I would like to have you and Charlie on my team.

Look forward to hearing from you,
Erik Larsen

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!!! More details to follow as story develops!

Episode 8

2006-03-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Episode 8

In this episode Charlie and David talk about the healthy work relationships we all must build.

Geek out over old toys.

And finally squash a controversy from the last show....

Sorry for the crummy sound quality, Skype problems and as promised here are the links to Digital Webbing, The Bendis Boards, Deviant Art and The Comic Book Resources Board.

Episode 7

2006-03-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

Episode 7

In this lovely episode....

David sits down with Efrain Morales to talk about inking and printing comics.

Plus Charlie and David discuss the essential books every self publisher must own.

Why do i work with this man?

2006-03-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

So this morning i check my messages when low and behold i get this e-mail from Charlie that says "Job Idea". This is what greeted me inside...

Hardy Har Har....

Bumps.....

2006-03-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

So today the shoe finally dropped. Hyatt has decided to close the Dorado Beach Hotel after 35 years of service. As of May 31st over 800 employees will be without a job. Sadly I am one of them.

If you don’t know my day job is as a driver for Dorado Tours the official transportation for the hotel. Yeah I drive tourists and give tours. Since Dorado is closing hence its eliminating the companies source of income basically giving a crushing blow to our income.

So by the end of May I will have little if not any work.

Now im actually cool with this. I was planning on moving to New York anyway. All this does is make things tighter. Making me pinch my pennies and what not.

So in order to relive some of the pressure and guarantee that the book stays on schedule I have decided to sell some of my things to raise money for the Heroes Rebored fund.

Here are the links to the auctions

Jean Grey

Tom Beland Orginal Art

Angel DVD's

Spread the word to anyone who is interested or if you want bid on them yourself. Dont worry if life was easy then it would also be pretty boring.

The Inking has begun!

2006-03-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

Well Efrain got started inking the pages and like a good little employee he met his first deadline. Take a look at what greeted me this morning when i checked my e-mail...

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

I am very happy with the results. This comic is shapping up to be one of the bests. I cant wait to hold the finihed results in my hands. As well as hand it to you guys to hear your reactions. I am so glad to have this guy on our team...

Episode 6

2006-03-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

Episode 6

This week we give our thoughts on the process of writing. David sits down and has dinner with Tom Beland and back at our studio we say farewell to our friend plus news on Heroes Rebored...

Goodbye Tom! May Odin watch over you!

We got E-mail!

2006-03-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

Yes thats right boys and girls now you dont have to bust your head open trying to leave a comment on the blog. Send your hate mail, love letters and spam to

Comicmakers@gmail.com

Cant wait to hear from you!

On a side note am I the only one who loves the Volkswagen's Golf GTI comercials with Peter Stormare? Because they are hysterical!

Episode 5

2006-03-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

Episode 5

To make up for our tardiness, we decided to update early this week. In this groovy episode...

Charlie talks about his comic.

Spotlight on the retailer! David interviews Dominique owner and operator of Visual Arts which is located at..

68 Condado Ave. Street #3
San Juan, PR 00907

Which has a great selection of European Comics! And other goodies! You can always contact the store at (787)720-1240 or send Dominique an e-mail at dominique@prtc.net

We also have an insightfull interview with looney tune comic artist and Yenny creator David Alvarez. Dave sits down with Alvarez to talk about publishing, reaching an audience and his early days as a struggling artist.

And finally the guys geek out over the Ultimate Avengers cartoon and mourn wasted time on bad Hollywood comic book adaptations....

Episode 4

2006-03-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Episode 4

Its a long one this time. In this episode Charlie and David discuss what makes a convention float or sink. Plus for the main course David hosts a discussion with other local artists from the utuado convention itself about the local industry.

In case your curious here is some information on Reggaeton & Filiberto Ojeda Ríos

Special thanks to Paquinero for the picture...

Episode 3

2006-02-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Episode 3

I think we have hit our stride when it comes to sound quality. Special thanks to Radio Shack for having an awesome microphone. Anyway in this episode we talk to the living legend, local comic author Angel Fuentes!

This is a great and insightful interview into the world of local comics. Be sure to check out Angel's website Santa Cristal.

Episode 2

2006-02-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

Episode 2

Although not perfect, the sound quality is much better! In this amazing episode we talk about...

1)Podcast news
2)Reasons for starting with Mini Comics
3)The Renaissance of cartoons (specifically the 1980's to early 90's era)

As promised here is the link to

Dreamgrafixs

And some info of the convention via an ad thats been going around town...

Buy our crummy T-shirts.....

2006-02-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen we have officially sold out. We now have merchandise! So if you want to support David & Charlie then buy a t-shirt! buy a clock! hell, buy it all! Remember Moca is only 5 months away! Just click on the link in the sidebar!

Oh and I also added a link to Charlies myspace account.

Publicity, Publicity, Publicity

2006-02-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Well I submitted my podcast to Podcast Alley and its already at Podcast Pickle. Plus I'm hopping we will be included in the Comics Podcast Network. If anyone has any other ideas of where I could list my podcast please feel free to comment with the info.

And as you can see I also modified the blog, all by myself thanks to stea...er, borrowing some html from some other much better podcast blogs.

We should be recording a new show this week and the audio will be 10 times better since we got new microphones. Special thanks to L.T for the recommendation...

I just got this e-mail.....

2006-02-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

iTunes Music Store Welcome

Dear Podcast Owner

Your podcast, located at your feed, has been approved. You should expect to see it in iTunes within the next few hours. When it's available, you will be able to access it with the URL below.

Click Me

If you have questions or wish to make changes to your feed, please consult the technical spec here . The spec contains detailed information about key topics like adding "cover art", changing your feed URL, and adding other helpful iTunes-specific tags to your podcast.

There is also an Apple Discussions Forum exlcusively for podcast producers, located here. If you have a question or a problem that the technical spec cannot answer, the community of iTunes podcasters may be able to provide valuable guidance.

Sincerely,

The iTunes Music Store Team

Wow that was pretty quick...

Idiot Savant....

2006-02-08T00:18:00.000-08:00

I swear, I have no idea what I am doing. But some how I have managed to get a RSS 2.0 feed, register at Itunes (thanks to Feed Burner) and some how activate my feed via Blogger (I think). Impressive huh? So can someone please explain to me how the hell I can accomplish something so complex when I cant even get my God damn links to work this blog?

Because I seriously cant tell you...

Oh and by the way L.T and Charlito I apologize for wasting your time with my pointless e-mails about the subject.

Episode 1

2006-02-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Well here it is Episode 1 just click on it to hear our very first podcast.

Sorry for the sound quality, I'm still mastering audacity but im making leaps as time goes by. Not to mention once i find some decent microphones we wont sound so bad...I hope...

Topics we talked about:

1)Introductions
2)Our secret orgins
3)We are featured on the Gateway 73 blog
4)Superman Returns

UPDATE: I fixed the link. I actually forgot to put http:// which is why the link was not working. Dho! Muchas Gracias L.T!

Spotlight on the artist....

2006-02-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Name: Carlos "Charlie" Mangual
Day Job: Graphic Artist
Current Favorite Artist: Ivan Reis (Action Comics, Ran Thanagar War)
Top 3 Clasic Favorite: Robert Crumb, Terry Moore, Mike Parobeck
First Comic Ever Purchased: Batman Secret Origin Special (1989)
Last CD you enjoyed: Franz Ferdinand
Turn On's: Leather and whip
Turn Off's: Annoying Interview Questions
Favorite Curse Word: Read the shirt.
What annoys you in the current comic book scene: The constant rise of paper cost, causing the rise in comic prices.
Favorite movie while penciling: Any movie while the commentary is on.
Favorite Childhood Cartoon: Thundercats & G.I Joe
Goals for the future: To continue publishing and be successful as a graphic designer

First show in the can!

2006-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

Last night we wrapped up the first show. Took us a while since we had to struggle with Hot Recorder and our first attempt was a disaster. But we finally overcame and wrapped it up pretty nicely although I did tend to ramble at times, in the end I'm quite content with it.

I've signed up with Dream Hosting to host my podcast. It's the same one the babes of Look at his butt! podcast use. So up to now it seems pretty good.

I'm really starting to dominate Audacity, unfortunately it wasn't until 2 hours after I had finished editing the show and deleting the original files. Ugh! So the first show will probably sound like shit.

Giddy is the only word I can use to describe my general mood, I have a podcast, I'm getting e-mail from people I really like and admire, the comic is coming together nicely. Life is good! Now if I could only get these damn links to work on this blog....

Podcast Update....

2006-02-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

So we recorded our first podcast yesterday, it wasn’t half bad. We did ramble at times but we also had some great jokes and interesting moments. Its too bad my computer crashed at the end of it.

But don’t worry, I recently bought a book on podcasting that is pretty sweet. And I also had allot of help from my main man Charlito over at Indy Spinner Rack (Number #1 source for indy comics news, go there now and download the podcast!)

I am very confidant that our show is going to rock! Charlie was hilarious and I didn’t mumble or freak out at all. The problem happened that Hot Recorder (what I use to record Skype calls) put a strain on my laptop. I stupidly had Itunes and Trillian open as well.

Oh and I also recorded a funny little promo for the Look at his butt! podcast. I hope they like it.

Hopefully by next week we will be up and running...

The Cover....

2006-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ah the cover, probably one of the single most frustrating piece of art that you will ever face while making your comic. It has to call out to the casual buyer but also represent the contents of the book. Sure it can be fun but keep in mind that you are selling a product and being a small press publisher you need to stand out against Marvel, DC, and bigger independent publishers.

Charlie first sent me this cover he was toying with at home in his spare time. I liked it since it was very retro and reminded me of the old DC Legion of Superheroes Comics. But It gave the impression that the book would be standard superhero action. Which it wont. So we rejected it...

This will probably be the cover we use, Although it will have a couple of changes. For one, Scorps gloves and Johnny's expression. But I really enjoy this cover since it sums up what the comic is about. Not to mention Charlie really captured the atmosphere with his backgrounds (look its Kirby and Lee in a comic again!).

What is....

2006-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

Simply put Heroes Rebored is the story of group of super people dealing with human issues. It’s Seinfeld meets Marvel Comics. Its my tribute to the classic comics I used to read back when I was a 10 year old trading them with the neighborhood kids. It will give back to the love of comics that I think is lost now a days.

Heroes Rebored wont focus on a core group of super people but will rotate between heroes, civilians and even bad guys. Some issues will be pure fiction and some will have nuggets of real life experiences carefully concealed. In fact the reason this all came about was to vent my frustration of trying to break into the comics industry and being confined to the universe of self publishers. It came from my frustration of seeing my favorite comic book characters getting their brains blown out in full gory details. It came from seeing women in comics being shoved into a refrigerators. It came from experiencing subtle racial segregation in the comic field. But instead of turning that frustration into something negative, I’ve decided to turn it into something positive.

In the coming months this blog will serve as a documentation of the birth of a comic book. From paper to small press to maybe even more. So if you give me the opportunity, I would very much like to take you on a trip to a time that I think we all shared of pure enjoyment.

Meet the crew...

2006-01-31T08:15:00.000-08:00

Well the blog is starting to generate more traffic and on the recommendation of my main man Charlito (host of the wonderful Indy Spinner Rack) I have decided to introduce the team behind Heroes Rebored.

Born in the mystical land of Bronx, New York City. David was rocketed at a young age to the enchanted island of Puerto Rico.

Growing up David discovered his mutant power of being a American Comic Geek. Always dreaming of using his powers for good. David eventually met Charlie Mangual who introduced him to the world of indy comic books. For 5 years now David Arroyo has been a mainstay in the local Puertorican comic comunity. Self Publishing his mini comics like “Reality on the Rocks” and...er, other works. His latest is the much anticipated “Heroes Rebored” a superhero comedy for the everyman.

Recently an intrepid photographer managed to snag a picture of this reclusive beast as he saw the latest comics at his local comic shop. Unfortunately the photographer was never seen again after he mistakenly grabbed the last issue of Optic Nerve. Carlos “Charlie” Mangual was born in the wilderness of Tampa Florida but was mystically transported to the enchanted island of Puerto Rico by the accidental opening of the forbidden text of the Darkhold. Where he was raised on a consistent diet of pop rocks and peanut butter (don’t ask). Self Educated, Charlie has become a legend in the past 10 years of the local Puertorican comic’s community. The first Puertorican to self publish a mini comic that was a romantic comedy. Recently Charlie has relocated the wilderness known as Tampa Florida where he meditates and practices on his art, increasing his power day by day until one day he takes over the world! Bwahahahaha!

Evolution of the characters....

2006-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

For Heroes Rebored I really wanted to design the characters before I even approached a artist for illustration. I had some problems in the past with a previous artist who wasn’t happy with me being vague...to be honest I was lazy. This time around I made sure I provided as many details as possible. Sometimes I went overboard in my script.

For example this is the illustration I did for Dynamic Dan. The one that looks like a 7 year old's drawing is mine. The other was drawn by Michelle Segui a very dear friend of mine.

This is what Charlie came back with, He will be wearing pants! I think he took the wrestling look a little too far but I still like the look, especially the colors. We had danced around the issue of colors, I had mentioned purple but Charlie added the gloves.

For the Imagineer, since I wanted to be creative but it just wasn't working. I even asked Michelle to help me out. The only concrete idea I had was that the colors were going to be blue and silver.

But then I remembered that Tom (who the character is based on) has already drawn himself as a superhero for a dream sequence. So I took the design and ran with it.

This was the final result, I told Charlie to ad a the cape in the future because I want to have that iconic look. But Charlie added the gold to the costume which really went well with it. Tom liked the result but he said he looks more like Peter North.

For Johnny Rocket I kept having this picture a specific helmet in my mind, but I couldnt quite get it across. Thankfully Michelle helped me out. But I was very specific with the belt, I really wanted that corny looking timer dial that you see on the old ovens.

Charlie really improved the chest symbol, it looks so 1950's. He also made the rocket pack more compact.

For Scorp it was a blatant rip off of the creature from the black lagoon. I added the Bermuda shorts since Scorp is based on a friend who always wears these corny shirts.
Of course he has to have a trident, come on it's a must!

This is the image that I sent Charlie in order to get my point across, I think its from the guy who drew Danger Girl. Not quite sure...

The final result was pretty neat, we will have to loose the gloves though. Charlie and I thought it would be something new, but it just didn't work. I guess it will be just flippers.

With Rubberbando, I really just wanted the annoying kid character. He is based on Tom's nephew who is probably the biggest Beland fan of all time, for Halloween he stapled photocopies of his work to and old t-shirt, and he said that he was the comic. Yeah I cant even come close to calling myself a fan after that...

See I know its very to close to what I drew but, Charlie really outdid himself with this one. I love the face, especially the hair. He just made him look like an annoying kid. Perfect!

And here are the bad guys! Gladiator was pretty bland. Mostly it was just armor, I mean he’s a gladiator. I didn’t want to do anything different, I wanted to keep him a classic, i miss those old Marvel villains that really looked like their name! I mean Frog Man looks like a frog, and The Human Fly looks like a fucking fly! Its not like now a days where its all abstract or they look nothing like their alias.

For Glue Gun Harry I wanted him to be the most pathetic looking villain of all time. I dont think hes won the prize (Mysterio still holds the tittle) but I think he might at least be rookie of the year.

Charlie really wanted the Gladiator to look like a reject from the Rob Liefeld days of Image. He really has a boner for ripping on Liefeld, since for a number of years in Puerto Rico you couldn't throw a rock without hitting a Liefeld fan (this was in the 90's). And any self respecting artist will rag on Liefeld. But Gladiator represents the corny Image comics bad guys with a Marvel twist.

Charlie and I were goofing around for the look of Glue Gun Harry, I was still pretty ticked off at George Lucas for wasting my time and money with the Star Wars prequels so he wound up as Harry. This was my form of revenge.

I liked the chest symbol Charlie came up with, it looks like a stain but it really is his chest symbol...

Well these are the characters that appear in the first issue. As you can see some of the final designs were the same as the beginning and some went a completely different way.

First look at Heroes Rebored....

2006-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Charlie just sent me the rough pencils for the first issue of Heroes Rebored. He has really come a long way. He still needs to ad some backgrounds, and there are some minor details that he will be altering. But im pretty happy with the result, now if only he could produce these pages on a shedule, so far he says it will be done by March.

Equipment...

2006-01-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

Okay I downloaded Audacity, the guys at the CBGS said it was the best for rookies, although i am considering just saying screwing it and picking up, Garage Band since my hero Lene Taylor uses it.

I also picked up a headset which records pretty well. Comp USA didnt have much in variety when it came to microphones, still i am content with it and the splitter that will allow me to use more microphones.

For phone interviews, i downloaded skype but i think that might have been a mistake, I forgot that Charlie doesnt have an internet connection at home and aparently you can only connect with other skype users, i honestly thought that you would be able to talk to anyone on any phone. If anyone can suggest a replacement i would be very gratefull.

To record the calls i downloaded total recorder. Apparently it will record any sound in my computer, when i get set up i will have more info on that.

Seems like everyone is into MAC's am I the only person who still uses a PC? Maybe i should save up and jump on the MAC waggon.

Welcome!

2006-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is my new blog, my old one is over at livejournal. Im hopping to use this as the future website for my podcast once i get up and running.