So, if you’re checking in, you may have noticed it’s been a few weeks sans Down Side.
I’ve been busy. (Day job + good freelancing experience + BAD, time-sucking freelancing experience + Wizard World + a crosstown move in the middle of the works!)
Down Side will return as soon as I build up a backlog of strips. In the meantime, I’ll tell you what’s going on, uh, in the meantime.
I’m working on the art for two stories for other writers; one will go into the Unscrewed Anthology, the other into Spinner Rack Comics’ Honor Brigade trade. That’s the plan, anyways.
I’m writing two top-secret projects that I can’t actually talk about because, well, they told me not to. And the checks clear, so my lips are zipped.
Two more cons on the horizon - this Labor Day will see me in Atlanta for Dragon*Con. I’m nervous about that one… much less so about attending the 20th annual MNCBA FallCon (greatest. show. ever.) That’ll be October 4 & 5 — if you got suckered into going to Mid-Ohio’s new dates, I’m sorry. (Heh - hey, I root for the home team, baby.)
I’m shooting to have a collection of Down Side strips (old stuff, unpublished stuff, and some new stuff) in hand for Dragon*Con, if I can put it together in time to be published. I also aim to have something Nick Landime related done before the end of the year - if I can make FallCon, so much the better.
So yes - I’m not dead, just busy. And I will have TDS on a regular schedule again. (Who knew all this stuff was going to happen? Well, when it rains…)
Thanks for stoppin’ by…
-Erik
Every year I head on down to the MNCBA FallCon - the happiest place on earth. This year is the 20th anniversary for the show, and they decided to ask EVERY artist who has ever appeared to do five sketch cards as giveaways (with one complete set going to their yearly charity auction.)
A lot of names on that list. Some of the folks who have already sent theirs back? Bob Lipski - of Uptown Girl fame, Norm Breyfogle, Joe Staton, John Romita Sr, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez… and many many more.
I, of course, have JUST finished mine, and thought - hey… why not share?
So here is the first of my five sketch cards:
Hey, check out this neat ball I dropped!
My time got some unexpected strains (and I underestimated my free time.) When I ran out of strips-in-the-can AND had to face a (paying) deadline, TDS suffered.
I’m kinda frustrated about it. But Cass and the boys will be back soon. Please accept my apologies!
Yes, I know Queen was singing about Flash Gordon, but it popped into my head. So there. Anyways, the Spidey “Sinister Six” was popular enough that I did another heroes + rogues pic. This one was actually started before the Doom one, which was a late inspiration. I think Barry turned out better than ol’ Vic, though.
Found this while rearranging some papers — an old sketchbook! And here’s page one. Done in a red colored pencil, so forgive my scan, here.
I had so much fun with the Spider-Man/Sinister Six drawing that I decided to do a couple more of these “haunted” pieces.
I’ve got Barry Allen on deck, but first? Something a little different. I’m not entirely happy with the FF’s look here - too much Diet Pepsi, too little sleep - but the Torch turned out, I think.
Recently, I did an Hourman commission — one too big for my scanner to get the full body of, but I thought it’d be fun to share because, hey, I’ve NEVER drawn the golden age Hourman before! Which is an oddity, as I have an affection for the GA superheroes.
It was a load of fun to do!
Y’know, I dig the Doom Patrol, but haven’t ever taken a serious stab at them. When I note how badly I butchered Rita here, that may be a good thing. This drawing is only seeing the light of blog because I really, really like how Cliff turned out. So there.
I always liked the Defenders… could they be any more ready to fight each other? This was just a warm up that I ran out of gas on before Valkyrie… but hey. Fun stuff, eh?
I’ve been thinking a lot about Steve Gerber’s passing the last couple of days. Never met him. Only knew him through his work.
But I am bummed I’ll never get to see more Howard the Duck as written by his creator.
Howard touched me as a character. Cynical. Borderline manic depressive. Definitely mad as hell and not about to take it anymore. I liked that and enjoy reading the Essential Howard.
It was - and is - an oasis of oddity in the world of comics. And you can tell when you read just how personal an interest Steve was taking in this little yellow duck.
Again, I regret that his voice has been stilled.
RIP, sir.
(For those of you missing the reference to the headline - Howard ran for president in 1976. I may vote for him this year, if these are the best candidates that can be managed…)