Side by Side 5

The original Bolt _page 5

This original page really highlights how you can cram too many of your influences into one page!  Among the 90's greats that are all being emulated (not very successfully), This page is very much a tip of the hat to Larry Stroman who incorporated a lot of abstract geometric shapes and lines into his comic art.

The Electrifying Bolt - Page 8

The Electrifying Bolt - Page 9

I'm still not sure changing the wings for a "chopper" was the best choice but Mike's "Squeaker, Squeaker, Squeaker" Sound FX definitely was.

I'm not sure the new panel 1 on page 8 is actually better than the original. Panel 3 on the same page is a recreation of panel 4 on the original. Ironically I think the original has better perspective than the redone panel in which I actually did use perspective.

Panel 4 on page 9 is actually a favourite of mine. It's not dramatic or particularly cool but it is a time when I just let the drawing flow without overthinking it. In my opinion it has a bit more of a "Style" than the other panels.

Side by Side 4

The original Bolt page 4.

The Electrifying Bolt - Page 6

The Electrifying Bolt- Page 7

What a hectic year 2016 was! Hence a big gap between these instalments of side by side or "Why am I showing you this?' 

Once again the new version is a little extended with poor Bolt getting another whack for his "witty" remarks. In the original 4B2 (as he was then known) mysteriously spins the Bolt's energy "thingos" into energy balls. I went with a bit more hi-tech approach for the remake. Not sure that it was the right choice.

New improved dialogue provided by Michael Stoneburner. His version of Bolt has a lot more confidence than the original ... or is that overconfidence? Tune in next time to find out!

Side By Side 3

Original Bolt page 3

Bolt page 4

Bolt page 5

The villains original name was 4B2, inspired by the way a certain family member would say 4 by 2. unfortunately in the UK and America it's 2 by 4. So we went with Timberr instead. I still love the ridiculousness of a wooden suit wearing villain.

Layouts are very similar, yet spread out over 2 pages instead of the one. The original page has a myriad of styles vying for attention even a "smashed glass effect". Very cutting edge! The original panel 2 pose is used in the next few pages of the new Bolt story. These new pages also are some of my first ever use of motion blurring.

Changes to 4B2's/Timberr's costume include more barrel styled pants over the paling skirt and a more tree trunk inspired helmet. I sort of miss the bent nail, but figured a good woodworker wouldn't have that.

New improved script provided by Michael Stoneburner.

New Bolt Comic Launch at ComicGong 2016!

Newsflash: Subscribe to the Bolt Comics newsletter to get all the latest inside goss. Sign up here in time to receive the very first edition!

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!

It's here! The Adventurers Issue 2!

The adventure continues! Ellie is learns more about the mysterious Rocbadger. They travel together and meet a mute Robot and his unlikeable maker. Also a Rob and Hood back up story illustrated and co-written by my very talented sister Cara who also added the amazing colours to the cover above.

The Adventurers issue 2 Page 7

The Adventurers issue 2 Page 14

Issue 2 has been a learning curve and hopefully a refining of the process of getting The Adventurers comic  printed. I had to take a crash course on the basics of Manga Studio 5 but I was determined to use only one program if possible. I have also used a different printer for issue 2. It took a few proofs (I didn't get any for issue 1. Lesson learned.) to get the book to look how I wanted (basically getting the trim exact and paper stock to match isuue 1) but I couldn't be happier with the final result! In the end it took a lot longer to get Issue 2 out than I anticpated but since there were no impending conventions I took my time to work on the production process. 

Guest Art - Dave Clarke

I was very happy to receive this picture of Ellie in the e-mail a few weeks ago from all round nice guy Dave Clarke. I'm honoured that he would take the time to do this. I love the picture and I think it captures Ellie's personality well. Thanks for the picture and the encouragement Dave! 

DCM80R

Here is a design for the DCM80R. He is the adversary for The Adventurers in Issue three.

Had some trouble choosing the right look of the energy blast. Not what I originally imagined but I think it turned out better in the end.

The Mask-ed Wonder

     

Brigand: Triumphant.

This picture is to celebrate the launch of  a new Aussie comic this weekend in which this character appears. He is called Brigand, a gladiatorial fighter who is known by the adoring masses as The Masked 

(pronounced Mask-ed) Wonder. He is one of two stories that appear in the comic called, coincidentally enough, Stories.  It is an anthropomorphic action, adventure and humour story written and drawn by my brother Dan Tribe. 

Brigand: Bring it.

This is the first time I have ever done some successful pictures of Brigand. I'm so excited for this to see print that I woke up last weekend with some inspiration and these two pictures are the result. For the second one I envisioned the Platypii Posse reflected in his gauntlet but that's not how it turned out. Dan said he had a similar idea so I look forward to seeing that pic!

Here is Dan's version of Brigand.

These guys also make a fun appearance in issue #1. Two members of the Platypii Posse! 

Dan and I grew up making comics together. To see this in print is the realisation of a dream for the both of us. Back then I used to write the stories for Dan to draw. The best thing I ever did was stop writing for him as his stories are much more entertaining! 

Batgirl - Gotham Adventures by night.

Batman the animated series inspired Batgirl and Gotham skyline. Originally drawn with pen then grey washed with paint. The spunky attitude of the Batman:TAS series Batgirl really helped make her my favourite female super hero. That and Batgirl Adventures special #1 featuring Batgirl in her new black suit. It was written by Paul Dini and Drawn by Rick Burchett in his clean crisp animated style. Coupled with a nifty Bruce Timm cover. It's one of my favourite comics.

Emerging from the shadows.

The very first 'group shot' of  The Adventurers, (L-R) Booster, Ellie and Rocbadger

The original black and white drawing.