Lady Robotika Plot Twist!

So, I can finally reveal I helped out new 2009 buddy Tony Fleecs for an Image book that another old buddy Bill Morrison did that stars Go-Go's singer/songwriter/guitarist/ordained minister/super-cutie Jane Wiedlin as new comic book hero LADY ROBOTIKA!

They were all at the Kansas City Planet Comicon this weekend. As Tony tells its, while they were on the panel, Tony broke the news that I had pinch-hit for him on the lettering. In the 90s, I'd worked with Bill at Bongo Comics, lettering some of the first Simpsons books. It was great to see the new stuff Bill is up to, and about one of my favorite crushes when I was a teen. Hopefully, it wasn't too great a shock to all concerned. I'm just stoked Jane Wiedlin's actually heard my name. Maybe I'll get to meet her. One can dream!

Fraggle Rock!

Over at Comicvine, the incredibly talented folks who made issue 1 of Fraggle Rock (from Archaia Publishing) are introduced. Go meet 'em! Super-talented creators all.

Then, go out May 1st and get your Free Fraggle Rock comic (a Free Comic Book Day giveaway), and buy issue 1 which will be out by the end of April. YAY!

Hey Kids! Comics!

Marvel previews my work on the upcoming MIGHTY AVENGERS 35!
I love that Ultron.

Hey Kids! Comics!

Preview of my upcoming work on SECRET WARRIORS 14.

Return to IRON MAN LEGACY

Marvel writer Fred Van Lente has begun a new title IRON MAN:LEGACY, which I have the good fortune to be working on thanks to editor Alejandro Arbona. Coincidentally, Fred specifially asked the style to be like the Kurt Busiek/Sean Chen HEROES RETURN IRON MAN vol 3 style... which I helped develop while I was at Comicraft. So, it's great to "return" myself from whatever hyperspace bubble I've been living in and rejoin telling Iron Man's adventures.

More at the link at Marvel.com

The first issue cover by Francis Tsai
Great covers by Brandon Peterson coming! Enjoy, y'all, and give some feedback.

Updated my drawing blog...

Over at Draw, Artmonkey, Draw, I've posted links to two new galleries I'm showing current work in my animation portfolio. They're Animation Character Design and Animation Storyboards. I'd appreciate feedback. I'm seriously interested in growing as an animation artist, and I have a new appreciation for the story artists and character designers from these efforts.

Launching sketchbook publication design for 2010

I'm encouraging convention-going artists this year to use our design group's expertise to assemble and print for your ashcans, sketchbooks and specialty publications. If you've never designed and produced a book for press, it can be an uphill effort when you've already got a lot on your plate for attending shows. For more, check my blog post at tumblr.

We offer every level of service, from consultation of a press-ready book to preparation from scratch at your art direction. See samples of previous publication design at http://www.coroflot.com/artmonkeys/publication_design , and if you need me live, contact me at http://www.twitter.com/artmonkeys. I'm also available directly at artmonkeys.studios@gmail.com

What have been your favorite sketchbooks you've bought? Chris Sanders, Ben Caldwell, Andy Suriano, William Stout, James Jean, Bill Presing, Brandon Peterson, and Ronnie del Carmen have been some of mine. They were all spectrum of paper quality, binding and color, and all a treasured insight into each artists' well-spent time and thoughts outside of comic publishing.