New Bolt Comic Launch at ComicGong 2016!

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Fun fact: Bolt Comics derives it name from an old character created in the 90's. When I launched the Adventures in 2013 I realised I needed a comic brand logo to put in the top corner so  used the name Bolt never intending to use the character again and Bolt Comics was born!

Fast forward two years later. I had learnt a lot producing The Adventurers and was realising the potential of using more digital technology in my art beyond that of lettering. In fact by the time I was working on The Adventurers issue 4 I was getting frustrated with my traditional process and wanted to explore digital possibilities (including colour). I only held out in order to keep a consistent look to The Adventures first series.

I had the increasing urge to redo a Bolt Comic I had done way back in the 90's. I basically already had the layouts from the old comic and it would be a great way to experiment on an all digital comic making process. How hard could it be?

Micheal Stoneburner could testify that it wasn't that easy. He had read the original bolt story years ago and had even written a redux of the story for he and my brother Dan to collaborate on then. He was so excited about the Bolt I brought him on as a co-writer. We had a blast sitting writing the story and sharing future story ideas.

So after a year or more of showing little bit and pieces of The Bolt in progress on various social media platforms he is ready to fly again! For the past three years Bolt Comics has launched a new comic at ComicGong. This year the tradition continues with BOLT COMICS PRESENTS #1
Our first full colour comic featuring two stories: A Brigand's Tale: I wrote the story and  Dan drew the pictures (We haven't collaborated like that since the 90's either though I dare say this is the best collaboration we have ever done) and The Electrifying Bolt! We are very excited to release this book and hope you all enjoy it!

The Adventurers in The missing Adventure.

Today I thought I'd share something a bit different with you all. Here is the one and only panel from a short story I had in mind to introduce The Bolt to the Bolt Comics Universe. It was planned to be a "breaking the fourth wall" story, that is, the characters would be aware they were Bolt Comic characters. As I planned the pages, I realised it wasn't the short introduction I originally intended. I also felt that as it would be the first ever Bolt Comics crossover with all the lead characters including Brigand from A Brigand's Tale, that a fourth wall gag strip wouldn't do the event justice.

The Adventurers on the adventure that never happened.

The panel itself is inspired by Indiana Jones, with the flaming torch and stone passageway. Who knows? It could prompt an Adventurers story idea in the future. 

As for a Bolt Comics inter title crossover, it's bound to happen... one day. We've already got a lot of ideas for how it occurs and lots of jokes from the gag strip will be able to be used on that occasion.

The Adventurers at Supanova 2014

Last year was a good Supanova and it was my first con with the launch of The Adventurers. I had learnt a few things from my first con and my main goal this year was to have fun! It was a great time at Sydney Supanova 2014 and I had some "Achievement unlocked" moments. Here they are:

At the last moment before the convention I got a small "portfolio" together in order to show the editor's from IDW publishing. It consisted of my cover art and some sequential art from The Adventurers comic. I was lucky to get a portfolio review on Friday from Chris Ryall who was very encouraging. Why is this an "unlock" you ask? It was an "unlock" because I actually went to the review and didn't chicken out!

I went to one of Stan Lee's Q and A's . Yes, yes I have jumped on the anti-Stan bandwagon over the years. He co-created those characters. but he DID co-create so many characters I've spent a lot of time with over my life, particularly Daredevil and I love the early Spider-man stories. I confess, I did get a little emotional listening to him talk about writing his characters and I think he gave good advice. He was so endearing and humorous. He is like the grandfather of every comic book fan. Listening to Stan "the man" Lee in person is definitely an "unlock".

A surreal moment occurred on the Saturday afternoon. To understand this "unlock" you have to bear with me. Picture it: Oz Convention 1996. I finally get the courage to go and say hi to Tim McEwen, who was drawing one of my favourite aussie comics at the time, Greener Pastures. We talked briefly ( I had no idea what to say) and he gave me a quick sketch which I still have.

Flash forward to 2014 where the friendly Tim pops by the Bolt Comics table to see how we are doing. He then asks for a sketch for his sketch book. From me. This is surreal. I tried to make sure I spent some time processing the moment. I got my sister Cara to add colour to it the next day since Tim commented on the cover to Adventurers 3 and I said its largely due to her great colouring. Tim will probably hate the fact I'm sharing all this but it was a great moment for me. Besides he still printed one of my letters in Greener Pastures that said "not for print". I think this makes us even ;)

If that wasn't all enough the VERY best "unlock" moment was when people came to our table to buy The Adventures issue 2 and 3. Not 1. These people had bought issue 1 last year and came back for the other issues! I geeked out a bit. It was by far the very best thing about Supanova for me this year. That people liked the book and came back to buy the other issues. I like to think they are fans!

There were many other highlights: hanging with our very cool table neighbours (more about them next blog) and my family. Seeing friends and colleagues was great. More product available including my brothers comic A Brigand's Tale. Live sketching was fun and it was the first time we did it. We weren't sure we could turn out ok sketches "while you wait" but we made it through! Honestly it was exhausting but so much fun.

The Adventurers attend their second Supanova!

Well it's only a few days away! Supanova Sydney.

This year I will have another two issues of The Adventurers available. I will also be tabling with my Brother Dan at the Bolt Comics table A092. He, along with my sister, helped me table last year and it's great to see his comic, A Brigand's Tale ready and being enjoyed by so many people. We have both been doing this comic thing for most of our lives. We would talk and plan about the day we published our own comic.Years later we are doing just that! Better late than never right?

This year to add to the excitement we are trying our hand at artist sketches! The early bird customers who buy one of our books will receive a free character sketch! Looking forward to meeting lots of people, selling comics, drawing sketches and generally having fun at Supanova this year!

In all the excitement getting ready for Comic Gong and Supanova I haven't forgotten about issue 4! Here's a progress pic.

Page 9 pencils for The Adventurers issue 4

The Adventurers at Comic Gong - A Review

Comic Gong 2014 was my second ever convention as The Adventurers comic artist. The first convention was Sydney Supanova 2013 when The Adventurers Issue 1 was launched. This time we had three issues of The Adventurers for sale and it was also the launch of A Brigand's Tale number 1 (read more here). It was pleasing to see people show interest in our comics with many buying copies of both, some buying all the Bolt Comics books!

I had a good time meeting people and hanging out with my family and friends. The day flew by and Cara and I drove home from the convention tired but happy. My only regret is that I didn't take enough photos during the day to post. By all reports Comic Gong was much larger than it's first year and is set to be bigger next year. I really hope to get the opportunity to table in the Artist's Alley again next year!

Cara and I deep in conversation at the Bolt Comics table. A totally natural shot with no posing btw :P. Photo by Mike Stoneburner.

Three issues of The Adventurers Comic in print!

This Saturday May the 17th launches the release of The Adventurers issue 3! Missed out on issue 1? Don't worry it's been freshly printed for the event and there are copies of issue 2 as well. A great chance to read the first three issues right after each other!

3 issues of The Adventurers in print!

Also A Brigand's Tale Issue 1 is launching this weekend at Comic Gong! You can see a small preview of it here.