King Tractor on Films & Comic Books

We've moved!

2007-09-27T17:36:00.001-07:00

After deciding that we needed to clean up our act, all of King Tractor Press blogs have joined into one.
Please visit OYE!
Reviews
Comics
Books
Movies
Celebrity Gossip
Video Games
And much more.
Thanks for all your support.

http://www.oye.kingtractorpress.com

Mr. Granger

Mr. Phelps Page 6 - Inked.

2007-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's a new page. I hope to have some finished pages soon...I think our colorist is traveling the world right now.

Inked page 5 from Mr. Phelps Space Detective

2007-05-16T12:57:00.001-07:00

Another inked page from Mr. Phelps Space Detective.

2007-05-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Time for another page so here's one more inked.

First Look: Tony DeZuniga pencils for INNOCENT graphic novel.

2007-05-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Coming out late summer 2007, INNOCENT graphic novel (King Tractor Press) will have a Diamond Exclusive cover by artist Tony DeZuniga (Hex, Conan, Green Lantern, X-Men, what hasn't he done??). Here's a look at the pencils so far...

King Tractor Press 50% Off EVERYTHING sale! This weekend only!

2007-05-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

This weekend only the King Tractor Press Store is having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale. It's our way to celebrate the free comic book day online. Some items are low stock so don't wait to get your order in. Once they are gone then it's gone.

Friday to Monday...an extra day for stragglers.

Check it out at the http://kingtractorpress.com/store/

Family Bones 5, May Previews MAY073592

2007-04-24T15:31:00.001-07:00

Family Bones #5 is in Previews next month, MAY073592

Don't forget to get your shop to order it. Have them order two since the price dropped to $2.75.

Mr Phelps Issue 1 page 3 - Inked

2007-04-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

Mr. Phelps The Space Detective INKED page 2/Issue 1

2007-04-18T08:03:00.001-07:00

An inked page, number 2.

King Tractor Press Pin-Up girls.

2007-04-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

This summer we're going to have a special promotion with a line of three different King Tractor Press pin-up girls. We'll have a limited number of t-shirts, posters, stickers, and whatever else we can dream up to put these girls on. If you've got an idea email me.

Here's the first King Tractor Press girl.

Family Bones 5 Review Up On Broken Frontier

2007-04-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

The real life horror story of the Copelands finds a worthy counterpart on the comic pages. This underground-styled comic shows promise in the handling of its setting and dialogue and delivers something fresh in a superhero stuck field.

Read the rest here.

Wizard World LA Interviews

2007-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Philip Clark did a few interviews at Wizard World LA. I'm in one. Don't laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Dreamchilde

http://www.stickam.com/profile/dreamchildnyc

Gene Gardens RED #1

2007-03-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the cover for issue #1 of Gene Gardens RED.

And I've started a blog JUST for those who want all the Gene Garden updates.
http://genegardens.blogspot.com/

More Gene Gardens sketch art.

2007-03-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the first sketch for the first issue's cover. I've already gotten rid of the back guy in the current version. I didn't like the lack of real action in this so we've kept the background but changed the people.

Character sketches from upcoming Gene Gardens book.

2007-03-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

The title character from upcoming "Mr. Phelps" comic book.

2007-03-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Family Bones #4 Available in March Previews MAR073574

2007-03-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Available in the March MAR073574 Diamond Previews.

http://www.kingtractorfilms.com/images/Family%20Bones/FB4/fb400a.jpg

Things are heating up for Sean and Wendy. Some clothes come off under the summer heat. As more blood is spilt, can Sean manage to make the moves on this country girl? It's more likely that Wendy ropes Sean and leaves him at the bottom of the pond. Join us in Chapter 4 to see who ends up feeding the fishes.

Dave Baxter, Broken Frontier says "FB finds its feet, dishes out its best issue yet, and shines a spotlight on its most enticing strength: its patience."

FAMILY BONES is based on the TRUE STORY of the oldest married couple on Missouri's death row, as experienced one summer by their unwitting nephew.

Don't forget to get your comic shop to pull the books. With every book you pull there's a chance that they'll order one more for the shelves. That is our only chance to really get the books out to everyone.

Thanks for the support!

We'll be signing books at Wizard World Los Angeles.

2007-03-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

WIZARD WORLD LOS ANGELES March 16th-18th, 2007
Booth 2208 A&B - 2212 A&B

The whole weekend we'll have me (Shawn Granger) signing copies of Family Bones and Innocent.

Also on Saturday we'll have Steven Barr, the writer of Devil Water. He will also be telling stories about his new project with Disney, Plant Life, which he co-wrote with Tina Anderson. Maybe we can convince Tina to come out too? No promises on that, she's a VERY busy woman.

Don't forget to stop by.

NY Comic Con Bound....don't forget to stop at Booth 959.

2007-02-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Check out the Press Release.

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/2/emw503277.htm

New Pages Up At INNOCENT & THE DEVILFISH PROJECT

2007-02-10T10:16:00.001-08:00

If you haven't been following the King Tractor Press series, great time to start.

Innocent http://www.drunkduck.com/Innocent/

The Devilfish Project http://www.drunkduck.com/The_Devilfish_Project/

Plus catch us at Booth 959 at the New York Comic Con or at Wizard World LA in March.

King Tractor Press

Family Bones #3 shipping to Diamond asap.

2007-02-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

Got a final copy of Family Bones #3, looks great. The cover looks especially nice. So I expect that they're all shipping to Diamond next week and in stores asap. I would reserve your copy today since #1 and #2 sold out at many retailers. Mostly gone except for the few available at the King Tractor Press con tables. If you aren't going to the con you can order here, I just checked and most retailers have already sold out of the books they pre-ordered. I'd appreciate if you could ask your retailer to order #4 in March. MAR073574

Speaking of cons, we're going to be at the New York Comic Con Feb. 23rd-25th at Booth 959.

The line-up so far.

T.J. May, Jason May, David Berman, Shawn Granger, Byron Jackson, Buddy Scalera and Joe Caramanga will be at the booth throughout the weekend. Wow...it's going to be one packed table. There is a good chance though that we'll have to rotate who is actually at the table signing/sketching.

Great chance to meet up with us face-to-face. A couple press releases should be out soon with more info on special exclusives and such.

Steven Barr, writer of Devil Water, interviewed on Sequential Tart

2007-02-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Sequential Tart recently did an interview with the rising star, Steven Barr, writer of King Tractor Press' comic book "Devil Water".

http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=403

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Get your copy of Family Bones #3 preordered or else!

2007-01-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

January is almost over, and so is the pre-orders for Family Bones #3. It's very likely to sell out at stores, so don't miss your chance. Family Bones #3

Available in the January JAN073738/ pg. 294. Diamond Previews.

Killing isn't easy, especially your first kill. Sean must make some hard decisions and he can't depend on Wendy saving his butt this time. The city boy has step up and learn to be a man or he'll soon find himself feeding the worms. Life on the farm has become like the end of Alice In Wonderland. Off with his head!

Family Bones
Chapter 3 : Tastes Like Chicken

Art by Mannie Abeleda
Cover by Kyle Strahm
Back Cover by Dimitar Bochukov
Written by Shawn Granger
Sample pages.

Eagle Awards for Comic Books are open.

2007-01-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/

And that means that we all can vote on our favorite books, instead of being told what is supposed to be good. If you've not followed the Eagle Awards, a few of the recent winners raised eyebrows. So now is the time to get your voice heard.

And if you've forgotten what we've done at King Tractor Press, here is a little reminder.

In Print:

Devil Water
Written by Steven Barr
Based on a story by Danny Grossman/Steven Barr
Lettering for #1 by Miguel Angel Ruiz Garrido / #2 by Harry Roland
-#1 art by Tielman Cheaney / Cover by Harry Roland
-#2 art & cover by Harry Roland

Family Bones
Written/Created by Shawn Granger
Lettering by Richard Nelson.
- #1 art by Orlando Baez / inker Kenneth Landgraf / cover Dan Howard
- #2 art by Benito Olea Bellido / cover by Benito Olea Bellido

WEBCOMICS in 2006

http://www.drunkduck.com/Innocent/
Innocent
Written by Shawn Granger
Lettering by Miguel Angel Ruiz Garrido
Artists: Jennifer Aponte, Elizabeth Luntao, Sarah Ruffino, Mannie Abeleda, Daniel Zeta

http://www.drunkduck.com/Alecto_Songbook/
Alecto: Songbook
Written by Gordon Reece.
Illustrated by Nando
Greyed by Lara Baron

http://www.drunkduck.com/The_Devilfish_Project/
The Devilfish Project
Written by Byron Jackson
Art by Ronny H.
Lettering by Dave Rothe

http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/

New page of NIPPON available for preview.

2007-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

Another page from Nippon.

A new page is up. I'm hoping to have a sample book ready for the NY Con. Come by the SUMM & King Tractor Press table to see if copies are available.

Fernando Vicente Iglesias (Nando) wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.

2006-12-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

Today I got a card from Nando (artist on Alecto: Songbook & a couple Innocent stories.) I'm sure he'll have a wonderful time, it's lovely this time of year where Nando lives. It's lovely here too. Thanks Nando!

In case I don't get another chance, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all! And let's all take a shot for a Happy New Year!

Page 3 of Nippon.

2006-12-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here's another page from Nippon.

Sneak Peek at NIPPON.

2006-11-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

New King Tractor Sneak Peek.

King Tractor Press' "NIPPON" starts in 2007...but I've got a sneak peek now.
Writer/Creator - David Berman, Art by Michael Li

Are you still playing D&D?

2006-11-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5825493270005637835

Funny short film.

If you missed the 2006 San Diego Comic Con...

2006-11-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

SUMM has done a complete tour for you. Hold on to your hats.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1397065572

Devil Water #2 Review on Silver Bullet Comics

2006-11-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.silverbulletcomics.com/news/story.php?a=3104

Lisa Fary at Silver Bullet Comics said "Devil Water #2 has the kind of sequential storytelling I like: every panel is meaningful and nothing is wasted...I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in this series."

Dark Tower Comics Reviews Devil Water #1.

2006-11-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.darktowercomics.net/

"Devil Water#1 is the first issue in an ongoing story-line that mixes the Western and Horror genres. I might add that it manages this mix with considerable skill.
The story-line itself does not manage the transition from the prospecting "badlands" setting to the frontier town as smoothly as I would have hoped and the jump back again to the emergence of the devil creatures in the final frame is also a bit of a lurch. Putting that aside though the way the story moves from the western opening to the creepy atmosphere of the horror genre once the "villains" enter the cave is a treat. The entry of the young boy into the water and the events that follow have a real X- files / Lost feel about them. The tension in this particular sequence is so real that you can almost taste it. We quickly realise then that this comic is going to challenge stereotypes rather than adhere to them."

Family Bones #2 is "Certified Cool" by Diamond Previews Magazine.

2006-10-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

Diamond has Family Bones #2 listed in their November Previews as "Certified Cool". What they mean really is that it's HOT! (insert grin here)

http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=6&s=40&ai=12306

Second Issue of Devil Water & Family Bones in November Previews

2006-10-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

Thank you!!! We owe
the fans a big thanks for coming out and ordering. Family
Bones #1 and Devil Water #1 did fantastic sales. They beat
expectations and will soon be sold out. That's right!
SOLD OUT! We've still got some copies left
at the store,
but I don't expect to have anymore as we near the X-Mas season.
Get yours now.

Don't forget to put in your
orders for #2 of each. Both second issues get even better,
and we've still got to make sure Diamond gets enough orders to
keep carrying our books. To sweeten the pot, we're
offering retailers a special FREE signed variant of #1 for every
10 copies of #2 they order. Ask your retailer to get you a
copy. I hope to have a special each and every month for
those who help us continue to do what we love. Thanks
again!

Devil Water #2 and Family Bones #2

Available in the November Diamond Previews.

NOV063716 DEVIL WATER # 2

NOV063718 FAMILY BONES # 2

Plus FREE
incentives - with every 10 copies of #2 ordered,
retailers can get 1 signed variant copy of #1.

NOV063717 DEVIL WATER # 1 Signed variant

NOV063719 FAMILY BONES # 1 Signed variant

Ms. Dewey answers your questions.

2006-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Very cool site.

http://www.msdewey.com/

How are we doing?

2006-10-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

The webcomics are starting to come along. We've had a great number of orders for Devil Water and Family Bones from the comic book retailers. But what do you think?

What could we do better? Do you like the format of the webcomics?
Both Innocent and Alecto are JUST starting to gear up. I think some people are going to be shocked by the direction Innocent takes. Hopefully in a good way, but small children might need to hide their eyes.

Right Stuff has a new sale on Animeigo DVD titles. I think I'll keep posting these sales as I know I'm not the only one who is a big fan.

33% all Animeigo DVDs, great deal. Just do a search for all Animeigo discs.
Coupon Code: oldschool
Expires: 10/11/06 at 11:59 P.M. CST - Expires very soon, so don't wait too long.

Cool costumes for Halloween.

2006-10-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Plus they've got a code for FREE shipping on purchases over $50 using Code: freeship50
Only good at Ty’s Toy Box, LLC. It is valid until November 1st, 2006.

Family Bones in the Kansas City Star newspaper.

2006-10-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

And today, thanks to Iain, we found out that the Kansas City Star did a small blurb on Family Bones as well.

http://www.topix.net/content/kri/0891350933201567639716428559093056147390

"News Across the Metro

Kansas City Star

September 24, 2006

Murder tale to be told in comic book

One of Missouri's most infamous murder cases will be told in a comic book by a man who said he was related to Ray and Faye Copeland.

The north Missouri residents were convicted in the slayings of five transients in Livingston County as part of a cattle swindle in the late 1980s.

The comic book, Family Bones, will go on sale at specialty comics' shops in November from King Tractor Press, a small independent publisher. The writer is Shawn Granger, 36, who said he visited the Copelands when he was growing up. Ray Copeland, who died in 1993 while awaiting execution, was his great-grandmother's brother, Granger said.

Al Copeland, Ray and Faye's son, said he had never heard of Granger but said he might be a distant relative. The comic book is scheduled to run 10 issues.

The story is based on actual events, a news release said, but in a phone interview, Granger said he changed some details.

'It's not a blow-by-blow account of what happened,' Granger said."

Not too bad considering that this interview didn't start off too well. I'm not sure what the whole "might be a distant relative." thing is. It's easy enough to find out whether or not I'm fibbing about Ray being my great-grandmother's brother, or that I grew up in Missouri. Oh well...it's not the worst thing that has been said about me. Funny how an hour long interview gets whittled down into just a sliver.

Nice to see that word is traveling about the comic books.

FRONT PAGE news!! Family Bones lands on St. Joseph paper.

2006-10-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today in the St. Joseph Press Newspaper it has a cover story on Family Bones, "Grisly case finds new audience
Shawn Granger doesn't remember going to the Ray and Faye Copeland farm as a kid. But the Kansas City native said he is sure that he did.Monday, October 02, 2006"

http://www.stjoenews-press.com

I haven't a clue to how accurate or flattering the piece is, but I'd love to get a copy if anyone is nearby. It's not every day that we make the front page.

A Great Anime DVD sale expire soon.

2006-10-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

40% all Bandai DVDs, great deal. Just do a search for all Bandai discs.
Coupon Code: skysurf Expires: 10/08/06 at 11:59 P.M. CST - Expires very soon, so don't wait too long.

Join the Beta, free sign-ups.

2006-09-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

There are lots of glue and staples still, but every day the site gets better and better. I think it's ready for a limited release, beta testers if you will. So please join us at http://www.kingtractorpress.com for the new King Tractor Press webcomic site. Subscribe and you'll get email reminders of the updates.

Right now we've got five comics (in various stages up). And two are live.

Alecto : Songbook = Tuesday - Thursday weekly updates.
Innocent = Tuesday - Friday weekly updates.

I got bumped.

2006-09-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you already know by now, but I got bumped from Mancow. As my friend and co-writer David would say, at least I got bumped by someone interesting. The producer called to say that they will reschedule soon and if they do I'll make sure that I tell all of you.

On the flipside, Jason May has helped me get a new webcomic site up. It's still under construction but it's worth checking out already. I've got an entire Innocent story up and art from the upcoming series. We've got a few other series we'll be adding in the next month.

Check it out at
http://www.kingtractorpress.com

Each webcomic is on a 2-3 page update schedule a week...so it'll be like 3-4 FREE comics a month. How can you beat that?

Elmo T.M.X. scoop! Here are the details!!

2006-09-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

The X in TMX Elmo stands for 10. It's Tickle Me Elmo 10, not some Elmo rapper as some have suggested.

Now I've got the scoop. This guys moves like crazy and says "I got tickled." when he stands up. (Why do I know this? Thank my daughter.)

There are three ways to make him giggle.

#1 - Press his foot or belly and hear him say, "You tickled Elmo." Watch him go from standing to sitting. Then, he falls back, sits and stands straight up again - the whole time giggling away and flapping his right arm.

#2 - Touch his belly again, and he sits and rolls from one side to the other. He ends up on his back, kicking his legs, flapping his arms and giggling with the words, "You did it again."

#3 - If you press his belly again, he does everything! Elmo sits, rolls from side to side, onto his back then ends up on his belly. Elmo T.M.X. pounds the floor with his hand as he continues to laugh.

Elmo phrases are: "Again, again," "Give Elmo a break, please," and "I can't stop laughing!"

Requires 6 "AA" batteries, included. And is 15" tall.

This Thursday 6:30 AM PST we're on Mancow radio.

2006-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

At 6:30 AM PST this upcoming Thursday I'll be on the Man Cow show radio program.

http://www.mancow.com/

Check the site for your local station.

Not exactly sure what to expect, but I'll be on promoting the King Tractor Press comics, Family Bones and Devil Water. I have a feeling that the mancow crew is not exactly big comic book readers, but I could be wrong.

September Previews is out!! Don't forget to order Devil Water #1 and Family Bones #1.

2006-08-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the shelf now is the September 06 Diamond Previews catalog where you can order Devil Water #1 and Family Bones #1.

Don't miss out on these two titles, both have gotten rave reviews.

SEP063428 DEVIL WATER # 1

SEP063429 FAMILY BONES # 1

Thank you for your support.

----------------------------------

In other news, we've been hard at work on a new webcomic. It's coming along very nicely, but I don't want to spoil things by giving out the link too soon. But look for the new King Tractor Press webcomic site in a few weeks.

--------------------------------------------------

Can you identify this actress?

2006-08-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

I'm doing some research for a story (or two) about gun molls and the films. Bad or good, I'm hoping to glean some of the rules of the genre from watching some of these films. I saw this picture on a film site but cannot place it. Anyone?

Don't Miss Out - Two Books in September Previews!

2006-08-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out and put in your order early for Family Bones #1 and Devil Water #1, both will be in the September issue of Previews. The first King Tractor Press books to be released through Diamond, but not the last. We've got to try and meet Diamond's minimums so we can continue to be available in the Previews catalog. Order early so you don't accidentally forget. We're not big enough yet for comic shops to order a lot of extras, so make sure you order before you have to pay $100+ on ebay for a copy.

Reviews of Devil Water #1

Comic Avalanche has added Devil Water #1 to their list of comics not to be missed. "For me personally this was a very fun and enjoyable story with some twisted suspense thrown in for good measure. The pacing, for the most part, is well done, the dialogue is fitting, and the art is superb."

"As you would expect in any effective first edition of a new title the basis has been laid and the readers interest aroused. Devil Water #1 looks good and has all the vital narrative elements necessary to allow it to develop into a captivating and intriguing title." Steve Saville, Silver Bullet Comic Books

"All and all this was an incredibly cool first issue with a lot to look forward to. If you would like to get your hands on Devil Water #1 simply hit up your local comic shop and demand they order it for you." Hero Spy review

Reviews for FAMILY BONES #1

Broken Frontier says "Family Bones is an intriguing project by ambitious new publisher King Tractor Press. From the offset the story seems to be a unique one – not just another sketchy profile of an obsessed, introverted sociopath (ala Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer), nor is it an overly cheeky attempt to glorify the reclusive intellect of fictional masterminds like Hannibal Lector. The tale is instead evocative of a very quiet, very subdued Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with the gritty realism of the first movie edged with faint touches of the zaniness found in its sequels."

Bryron Jackson, Cover Fire "Honestly I think this book could lay the foundation for a major motion picture...Writer Shawn Granger gives us a view into one of the most bizarre serial killing tales of this century and he does it in true Indy book fashion. Granger spins this tale in a realistic fashion starting on the 1st page and he doesn't stop until the last page…Bravo Shawn…Bravo…Pencils by Orlando Baez and inks by Ken Landgraf both accentuate and compliment the storyline with a very cunning blend of traditional comic art and a splash of Indy roughness."

Ummah Films video blog is a blast.

2006-07-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ali is an American Muslim and has decided to start blogging his experiences as an indy filmmaker with a Muslim slant. I think it's pretty funny.
http://ummahfilms.blogspot.com/

San Diego Comic Con Photos 2

2006-07-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

#1 - Chris Kirby (Lost Squad) , Tony Lee (Midnight Kiss, Doctor Who, Starship Troopers), Sean Dulaney (Dreah) , Kody Chamberlain's better half, Mike Colbert (Crazy Mary), and Steven Barr (Devil Water) are at the 100th restaurant we went to. It seemed that everyone else had reservations except us.

#2 - Kody Chamberlain (TAG, Punks), Kody Chamberlain's better half, and Steven Barr (Devil Water) wait for a train.

#3 - Mike Colbert (Crazy Mary) gets a little from Chris Kirby (Lost Squad).

#4 - Sean Dulaney (Dreah) sits with Alex Araiza (Battle For Earth). And it appears that Kody is caught in the throes of passion. Go Kody!
#5 - Steven Barr (Devil Water) stands showing off his book. It's one of the best series out in 2006, and I'm not just saying that because I publish it. Really...great book. Next to him is T.J. May (Catching Lucifer's Lunch, Ill Conceived)
#6 - Alex Araiza (Battle For Earth) and Mark Chernesky (Battle For Earth) show that they care. Sean has to look away. "Man love, humpf!"

#7 - Kody Chamberlain (TAG, Punks) & the Southern Belle sit and try to look innocent.

San Diego Comic Con International 2006 Report 1

2006-07-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

2006 in San Diego has been wild so far. It's almost time for the big day, a rush of crowds & sore feet...but it's been great. I'm not editing these pictures until I get back. So I'm just going to dump them until I've got more time. I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of amazing indy creators & artists this year. So much talent it's frightening.
Enjoy!

1. Left (in the middle) is Philip Clark who is the writer of Quantum : Rock Of Ages.
I'm not sure who the guy next to him that's intensely studying the menu is, nor did I get the names of those behind him.

2. This is Jason May, artist from SUMM & CATCHING LUCIFER'S LUNCH, he seems scared. I'm not sure what is happening to him. You can see Philip again.
3. (from left) Joanne Ellen Mutch (Rummblestrips), ???who is that bearded man?, Golden Goat Studios - Renae De Liz, Ray Dillon, and the other three are unidentified.

4. (from left) - Sean Dulaney(writer of Dreah), ????(great artist), Mike Colbert (writer of Crazy Mary), , Sarah Ruffino (colorist on Innocent webcomic)

This guy trades a paperclip for a house...it's real!

2006-07-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the account of this guy who traded a paperclip for a house. It's pretty crazy.

http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/

Broken Frontier Reviews Family Bones #4

2006-07-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Well, all right: this is more like it! FB finds its feet, dishes out its best issue yet, and shines a spotlight on its most enticing strength: its patience."

Read the entire review here.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Party In Los Angeles

2006-07-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Besides being very active with King Tractor Press, I'm a long-time member of wordplayer. If you think you can write then I suggest that you make haste and visit the site. Not everyone gets a chance to meet the creators of a film right before they see it, but that's what we wordplayers do. In fact, many of the films we see are created/written by someone in the group.

This Saturday we had a Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest party, for the creators of Wordplay, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Two of the nicest guys you'll meet. We got to listen to Terry read the awful reviews of Pirates 2 before watching the amazing film. I particularly like the reviews that bash Pirates 1 and 2, fully displaying the reviewers spots.

Here is Terry checking out Steven Barr (co-writer of Plant Life, writer of Violet's Home, and Devil Water) and Tina Joey Anderson (co-writer of Plant Life). They are staring at the Jack monkey who is about to get sucked into the black hole created by that much talent standing in a triangle. Poor monkey. That's John Hays in the back right, one of Hollywood's mainstay hardworkers. He's worked on more films than most people have seen.

Here's Ted speaking to some adoring fans. The woman in the bottom right is Lisa, a Georgia peach who flew out just to steal some of Ted's food.

Here we have a rare photo of Ian Gibson (Event Horizon, as yet unnamed KTP project) with a monkey on his head. Miriama Myers is on his back.

I got lucky and got this poster from Terry.

It's going to hang right over my bed.

And here's William C. Martell, the writer of a slew of great films including Crash Dive, Black Thunder, Night Hunter, and many more. Plus they just remade Black Thunder with Steven Seagal called Enemy of the Unseen. Plus don't miss Bill's website SCRIPT SECRETS. Wonderful site with tons of helpful hints on writing.

King Tractor Press San Diego Comic Con Booth

2006-07-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

During the 2006 San Diego Comic Con, we'll be at a booth with DIGITAL WEBBING & Summ Publications. Don't forget to stop by to say hello.

#1430

Devil Water is reviewed on Newsarama!

2006-07-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Check out the review up on Newsarama for Steven Barr's DEVIL WATER.
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2168893&posted=1#post2168893

"...Devil Water will bring the horror to the western to become a must-read book."

Family Bones Chapter 4 Preview Is Up.

2006-06-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the next chapter of this deadly tale.

http://www.kingtractorfilms.com/FamilyBonesIss4.html

In FAMILY BONES Chapter 4, things are heating up for Sean and Wendy. Some clothes come off under the summer heat. As more blood is spilt, can Sean manage to make the moves on this country girl? Or will another drifter get in the way? More than likely, Wendy will tie Sean up and let him slowly sink to the bottom of the pond. Join up in Family Bones Chapter 4 to see who ends up feeding the fishes in this fourth chapter of Midwestern murder based on a true story.

Family Bones #4 will be available in August for a $3.50 cover price. You may preorder the book at our website at http://www.kingtractorfilms.com . We encourage people to ask their local retailers for a copy.

Family Bones Chapter 4
Writer: Shawn Granger
Artist: Pablo Agustin Lordi
Cover: Kerem Beyit

Mature Readers
32 pages
6.625" x 10.25"
Retails for $3.50
Shipping in August

Two-for-one review of Family Bones on HeroSpy.

2006-06-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

3.5 out of 5 stars!!

"Family Bones was a good book and if the art work can stay consistent I’d really like to see where this story goes."

Not too bad.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!

2006-06-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

.........................

Alecto : Songbook reviewed on Broken Frontier

2006-06-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Dave Baxter from Broken Frontier posted his review of Alecto: Songbook http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=822

"So far, Alecto is hands-down the most promising product released by King Tractor Press, and this is from the guy who’s absolutely digging (pun intended) Family Bones. It’s a high compliment to publisher Shawn Granger for selecting out such a strong and solid work to be a part of his company’s first volley of releases. Alecto is very good comics, of the quality you’d expect from leading indy publishers such as Oni or Dark Horse, and packaged into one hefty 68-page, single-shot monster, it’s worth every penny. And from the masterful handling of the vast field of subplots still yet to be dealt with by the final page, it appears the following books will be of equal caliber, if not better (practice does makes perfect). Anyone riding high on the recent action-fantasy resurgence should fall quickly for this diamond in the rough. Alecto is definitely one of – if not the – best of the bunch."

Alecto : Songbook shows off it's process.

2006-06-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Nando sent me some great pages with the processes in creating Alecto: Songbook. I think it's pretty cool to see the steps the book takes. It goes from pencils to inks to greys.

Family Bones Chapter 2 Review & Interview

2006-06-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Paperback Reader's Byron Jackson has not only reviewed Family Bones #2, but he's also interviewed Beni and myself.

Review of Devil Water #1 on Hero Spy

2006-06-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Steven Barr's Devil Water comic book was reviewed today at Hero Spy. We at King Tractor Press have come to expect that everyone loves the book, but it's sure nice to read.
A new review of Devil Water #1 is up on Hero Spy.

Daniel Zeta Biography On Hero Spy

2006-06-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

When it rains, it pours.
Hero Spy has a gallery and brief biography of Daniel "Zeta" Ortiz. Check out his work on Innocent: The Sword #1.

Jazma Online Interviews Orlando Baez

2006-06-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Read the interview with Family Bones Chapter 1 artist Orlando Baez.

More preview pages from Alecto.

2006-05-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to send this baby to the printers, I wanted to share a few new pages. Hope you enjoy!

Harry Roland featured on HeroSpy.com

2006-05-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Harry Roland

The amazing Harry Roland has a biography and art up on Herospy.com. We're fortunate to be working with Harry on Devil Water and Innocent. Nice bio.

Comic Avalanche Interviews Benito Olea Bellido

2006-05-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Beni is someone to watch.

Comic Avalanche posted an interview with Benito Olea Bellido. Benito is the artist on Family Bones #2 and is already working on more Family Bones issues.

Check it out.

Julian Aguilera on Hero Spy

2006-05-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.herospy.com/?p=948

Hero Spy has a cool biography up for Julian Aguilera, one of the artists on Innocent. Even I learned a thing or two.

Ten Things I Hate About Commandments

2006-05-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the trailer http://www.break.com/index/10command.html
Worth checking out.

Alecto Songbook Preview

2006-05-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

A new sneak peek....

Over at the King Tractor Press website we've got a PREVIEW of the new ALECTO : SONGBOOK 64 page graphic novel coming out in June. Check it out.

Orlando Baez Interviewed On Jaded Expressions

2006-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Orlando gets interviewed on the Jaded Expressions website about his wonderful work on Family Bones.
"Family Bones: An Interview with Orlando Baez
New independent publisher, King Tractor Press brings you one of its first debut titles, The Family Bones. A tale based on the true story surrounding the Copeland killings. With the release of its first issue this month, we spoke to the artist Orlando Baez about the book, his approach, and why he chose the project."

Jaded Expressions

King Tractor Press going to be in Pasadena, CA. on Sunday.

2006-05-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate Mother's Day with us!

If you're in Southern California please come visit, we'll be at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market this Sunday (May 14th) at an entrance table. There should be a group of small press publishers there like Nifty Comics and Dreamchilde Press. Never know who else might show up.

http://www.rgcshows.com/EventInfo/RoseBowlFleaMarket/tabid/52/Default.aspx

Moebius film is coming, looks amazing.

2006-05-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Right after the new Final Fantasy DVD, I think this is one of my MUST SEE films of the year.

Check out THE MOEBIUS STRIP.

Broken Frontier Reviews Family Bones 2

2006-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=777

Words: Shawn Granger
Pencils: Benito Olea Bellido
Inks: Benito Olea Bellido
Colors: N/A

Story Title: N/A
Publisher: King Tractor Press
Price: $3.50
Release Date: June 00, 2006

The family plot thickens as Sean meets his very first country girl and, in an abrupt about-face, is forced to face his very first kill….

In Family Bones #1, author Shawn Granger introduced readers to a fictional Shawn, a rebellious city boy left behind by too-busy parents (and even a preoccupied grandparent), to stay one summer in the country with his unstable Uncle Ray and sweetly distant Aunt Faye. It isn’t long before his relatives begin evincing near psychopathic behavior, bullying Shawn to work long, laborious hours in the field, and – when last we saw him – he had been driven to and consequently stranded within a field that needed to be plowed. Without any further instruction, he was told to get to work – they’d be back for him come evening. Thankfully, clueless, helpless Shawn is quickly introduced to a self-prepossessed country girl who is more than a match for his own, defiant-of-all-things attitude. Together, the duo oscillate between skittish flirtation and heavy duty toil, and come nightfall Uncle Earl returns as promised, to lead Shawn back to the homestead, there to undertake a far more gruesome task than shucking countryside dirt.

As in the first issue, Granger’s script remains sparse, allowing for the art to tell most of the tale. Thankfully, Benito Olea Bellido’s style is far more fitting to the subject matter and sensibilities than Baez was. The artistic concept for FB is to allow a different artist free reign with each individual issue of the ten-part series, implying that every chapter will sport a brand new look and feel. For his twenty-seven pages of fame, Bellido turns in a sumptuous set of pencils and inks, filled with both cartoonish, serio-comic dynamism and darker, thickly realized settings marked by a superabundance of shadows and grit. Such a blend of paradigmatic affections mixed with bleakly etched surroundings gives the script a far greater dramatic affectivity this issue than the last, and even brings to the table a playful kind of intelligence – a subtle wit that the first issue lacked (just take a look at the cover that spotlights Shawn gripping tight a blood-stained axe with a round-eyed, slack-tongued chicken’s head – one can just hear the poor bird clucking away for its life!).

As for the story itself, Granger continues to portray Ray and Faye as a beguilingly unsound couple, old and simple and yet sharp and alarmingly vital. They move slow, think slow, but only as a cat appears to do when stalking a bird; underneath – and always threatening to be unleashed at the worst possible moments – is an irrepressible violence, staggering in its severity. The story of Ray and Faye Copeland – the oddest pair of serial killers to be captured in the past century – is a true one, and Family Bones is meant to be a semi-fictional accounting of their final days. Granger’s execution of the plot would be intriguing enough on its own merits – it’s leisurely paced, taking time for all the mundane, seemingly pointless proceedings of daily life, which brilliantly enhances the undertones of efflorescent hostility buried between the panels. Still, the knowledge that this unquestionably terrifying couple were once living and enacting similar scenes in the real wide world as are witnessed in the comic – that is just plain chilling in all the right ways.

Family Bones #1 will be released in May, with #2 following in June. This reviewer felt that the first issue was a pleasant read, definitely packed with a potential that was nearly, though not quite, not yet, realized. This second issue, however, either was an evolution into said potential, or I, myself, had grown to enjoy the storytelling style. Either way, it’s a definite plus that the series proves to be an unconsciously diverting, steadily, naturally enthralling read. I can’t wait to see what the next issue will bring; I love the rotating artist shtick, and I am digging the plodding, snowballing effect of the script. I recommend Family Bones for any reader looking for a long-term payoff, for a story that will inexplicably call them back every month and demand to be placed on the top of their weekly reading pile. It really is that good, though there may be growing pains when first faced with such a caliginous narrative structuring.

For more Family Bones and King Tractor Press products, go to: www.kingtractorfilms.com/press.html

Indy-Pendant Reviews Family Bones #2

2006-05-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Based on a true story, Sean, a rebellious teenager sent to stay with his aunt and uncle on their farm, has found himself knee deep in a mess of trouble and chores.

In this issue, Sean is given the task to move rocks and plow the field, something he has never done before. In the process of making a mess of it he encounters an attractive, witty girl who comes to his rescue, much to his delight.

Later on things go from bad to worse though, as teased by the cover, when Sean has to slaughter a chicken for dinner. All this would be somewhat tame if not for Uncle Ray's violent and unforgiving temper, which Sean has learned all too well.

This issue was much better than the last. The writing, for the most part, was not disjointed at all, and the flow of the story was easy and fun to read. Only at one point was there a stutter in the dialogue, which was just a small repetitive exchange that played out one gag too many. Aside from that though this was a pretty solid issue.

The art was also much better this issue. No offense to the artist of last issue, but the new artist just had a much better grasp on anatomy and storytelling. And his women are beautiful!

Speaking of which, as this is tagged a 'mature readers' book, there was one scene where things got a tad graphic, but for the most part was tasteful and discreet.

Knowing this is based on a true story and seeing how the story has progressed thus far both intrigues and sends chills up my spine. You can only get a sense of what is in store for Sean at this point, and that alone makes this feel very real.

For more info on Family Bones Issue 2 and a free four page preview check out www.kingtractorfilms.com/FamilyBonesIss2.html

http://www.comicavalanche.com/columns/indypendant.htm

Family Bones #2
Written by - Shawn Granger
Art and Cover Art by- Benito Olea Bellido
Letters by - Richard Nelson
Back Cover Art by - Dimitar Bochukov
Published by - King Tractor Press

32 pages b&w
Full Color front and back covers
Mature Readers
$3.50

Publish your own comic book?

2006-05-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

If you've already got a comic book written and all the artwork created then you've jumped the first hurdle. But now what? It's most likely to die if you send it to a publisher, sorry to say but 99% of the submissions go no where. So how about self publishing? Printing can cost a lot.

Well I just got a sample from a new place called Ka-Blam and I have to say the book looks great. Very professional and the price is pretty good. They aren't the only option, but Ka-Blam is a good one IMHO.

Totally unrelated to anything.

2006-05-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

I just like to throw in a little humor once in a while.

Get the spirit http://www.break.com/index/spiritoftruth.html

Did PROJECT VALKYRIE 's inspiration come from hell?

2006-05-01T15:41:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite films in recent years was the highly campy, but very entertaining indie film called Stink Of Flesh

This definitely appears to be inspired by Hellboy, but instead they've split him into two characters here. Project Valkyrie looks to be a very strange film. I expect, to the horror of my wife and daughter, I won't be able to resist buying this. From the website "Jim inherits a 1940s giant robot from his grandfather. Unfortunately, he also inherits the robots arch enemy a Nazi virus that turns ordinary people into cybernetic killing machines! Now, only a weapon from the past can save the future as Jim and Valkyrie must race to stop the newly-infected and their plans to take over the city in this zany comic book-style action/adventure!FAST FACTS:2005 Color / B&W 83 mins. plus bonus features Action / Adventure Not Rated Region 0 NTSC DVD-5 FormatCat. No. FC-241 Distributed by Fat Cat DVD (a division of Tempe Video)Retail Price: $24.99 Street Date: June 13, 2006" If you see Project Valkyrie please send me your thoughts.

And to really get me sleeping on the couch I might add these two DVDs to my order. Lots of insane fun.

Mulva Zombie Ass Kicker/Filthy McNasty

Mulva 2

Innocent: The Sword #1 & Devil Water #1 Make IndyComicsReview

2006-04-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Devil Water #1
http://www.indycomicreview.com/Reviews/DevilWater1/tabid/199/Default.aspx

Innocent: The Sword #1
http://www.indycomicreview.com/Reviews/InnocentTheSword/tabid/198/Default.aspx

More reviews of the first installments...#2 for both is coming soon.

EROSION by Ann Lu

2006-04-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

A fellow indy filmmaker, Ann Lu, sent me some info on her recent film. It definitely looks like something I want to check out.
______________________________________________________________

She said "Want to tell you about my new film EROSION, which opens at Laemmle Fairfax 3 in LA on April 21st, followed by a North American DVD/Video release from LifeSize Entertainment on April 25th. Check out the reviews below."

"EROSION is my second feature film and was completely financed by independent investors and made true indie style. Dubbed "an erotic walk on the wild side" by Variety, EROSION (starring Emmanuel Xuereb, Charis Michelsen) is about a couple who break into stranger's homes to have sex as a way of escaping reality. Compared by many to LAST TANGO IN PARIS, EROSION includes some highly charged visceral sex scenes. "

"Its shady mood is further enhanced by the poetic cinematography of my late husband Neal L. Fredericks' (THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT). Neal was an active indie club member and his life was tragically cut short in a plane crash while shooting a film in 2004. Now having the film out is the final chapter to this life changing journey. The opening day shows also feature a companion documentary entitled TWO FACES OF EROSION. This evocative doc details many amazing events that happened during and after the shoot, pushing indie filmmaking to the next level."

Pre-Order at Amazon.

There is more info for EROSION at www.erosionmovie.com. For showtimes, visit www.laemmle.com. This is definitely something worthy to pass on.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Erosion is an emotionally scathing, undeniably erotic, painfully beautiful exploration of identity, love, and futures broken by fragmented pasts." - Film Fanaddict Magazine
"An erotic walk on the wild side...greatly profits from enigmatic perf by Emmanuel Xuereb in the sexy loner part" - Variety
"This gripping drama, from hot young Chinese director Ann Lu is...like a William Faulkner novel. The film in a broader sense is not just about dealing with death and abusing power, but about the human condition..." -Homemediaretailing.com
"A mix between Basic Instinct, Lost in Translation and Unfaithful, this film deserves its place in my collection. " - Horreur-web.com
"Director Ann Lu explores the relationship between pleasure and pain. Aptly titled, the film eats away at us." - NewYorkCool.com

Before you get #1, check out FAMILY BONES #2

2006-04-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

I know it's a bit early, but we're going to do our best to stay on deadline. So before #1 is back from the printers, I already have a preview of FAMILY BONES #2. I hope you like it.

Chapter 2 : Enters Wendy

Art by Benito Olea Bellido
Cover by Benito Olea Bellido
Back Cover by Dimitar Bochukov
Written by Shawn Granger
http://www.kingtractorfilms.com/FamilyBonesIss2.html

Family Bones #1 Sawed To Pieces By Broken Frontier

2006-04-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

"The tale is instead evocative of a very quiet, very subdued Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with the gritty realism of the first movie edged with faint touches of the zaniness found in its sequels. "

Dave Baxter, Broken Frontier
http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=732

Kidnapped Girl Found! Thanks to everyone!!!

2006-04-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

That's right. On a lead they go at the end of last week, the Barstow, California police were able to arrest the kidnapper this weekend and found Kristina Colon. She's alive. The kidnapper it appears was wanted on a slew of charges, so he'll be spending a long time in the Barstow jail while they figure it all out. Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word! The Colon family is very grateful!

Photo of Kidnapping Suspect.

2006-04-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo, it's not much but so far this is all the police seem to have to find this Mike Downing.

If you know him don't forget to call.
PLEASE notify the Police at 818.238.3000 report number 06-3699

Friend's Daughter Kidnapped! NEED HELP!

2006-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds like a weird dream but this definitely isn't. Lourdes is a friend of mine and her daughter was kidnapped by a guy she met on Myspace. Please spread the word so that someone who might know something can help find her.

"Hola Dear Friends & Colleagues,A fellow colleague of mine, actress Lourdes Colon ("Without a Trace," "The District") sent me updated info about her daughter that just went missing this weekend. Please, I call upon you dear Friends, Entertainment contacts, Media contacts on this, my private e-list that reaches almost 1,000 of you from California to N.Y....Please, if you have any leads, contact Lourdes and/or Burbank Police. Please see notices & phone numbers below....The notices are: two e-mails from Lourdes, including her daughter's picture. And a note from Lourdes' other daughter. All three notes offer a bit of info which the others don't.Gracias for any help you can offer...please feel free to forward notices to your own e-list.

Teresa-Michelle Ruiz

Actor / Writer / ProducerHermosa

Productions~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1) UPDATED INFO FROM LOURDES COLON TO TERESA-MICHELLE RUIZ:

I really need all the help I can get. she is believed to be now with three guys.... I know she is scared. I think they might be headed towards Bakersfield maybe going towards San Francisco on the 5 north. I did have a psychic who does this kind of thing and did pick up this area.. He was driving a copper orange like Chevy Cobolt and might have changed into a car that is a chevy maybe a capri some kind of muscle car older car maybe 60's or 70'sAny help would help.Thank you so muchL2)

E-MAIL FROM LOURDES COLON TO NOSOTROS ORGANIZATION:PLEASE notify the Police at 818.238.3000 report number 06-3699. She went missing in the middle of the night on Friday while I was sleeping. She is believed to have left with a 21 year old man that she just met on the internet on MYSPACE.com... He had her leave her cell phone and erase everything on it before she left. If you could help that would be very appreciated. The guy is 6'4 about 220 lbs blue eyes and light brown hair.Thanks, LourdesMISSINGKristina ("Tina")3)

NOTE FROM LOURDES COLON'S OTHER DAUGHTER, ANITA:Please help me find my sister!!!!! Her name is Kristina and her nickname is Tina she's a missing person and was kidnapped from my home on the night of April 7th 2006. She is 5'3" 110 lbs, has dark brown hair and eyes, she's 17 yrs old and may be with an older male named mike Downing. He has blue eyes and 6'4"Caucasian he's 21 yrs and very dangerous. He took my sister in the middle of the night and she does not even have her cell phone. Please if you see her notify the California Burbank police Department 818-238-3000 of this missing person from Burbank California. Thank you for your time. The case number is 06-3699.

Thank you for your time,

Anita (her sister)

Here's more info.

http://nvfc.us/content/view/2164/70/

Devil Water Makes Comic Avalanche Excellent Board!

2006-04-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Comic Avalanche has a list of "MUST READ" books and today I'm very proud to announce that DEVIL WATER has made that list!

"For me personally this was a very fun and enjoyable story with some twisted suspense thrown in for good measure. The pacing, for the most part, is well done, the dialogue is fitting, and the art is superb. "

And #2 is just around the corner!

Cinescape reviews Devil Water #1

2006-04-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

DEVIL WATER shows some promise for King Tractor Press, but it needs polish. But, I think I’m interested.

http://www.cinescape.com/0/editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Comics&action=page&obj_id=50979&type_id=270288&cat_id=270410&sub_id=270418

Preview of Family Bones #1 is up.

2006-04-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.kingtractorfilms.com/FamilyBonesIss1.html

In FAMILY BONES Chapter 1, rebellious teen Sean is shuttled from one family member to the next, finally landing at the farm owned by his elderly Aunt and Uncle. There, the city boy must quickly adapt to the rigors of farm life. Sean must also adjust to the emotional and physical abuse that Uncle Ray visits upon his wife and nephew. Family Bones is based on a true story about teenage angst, family secrets, and murder on a small Midwestern farm.

Art is by Orlando Baez and Kenneth Landgraf. Cover by Dan Howard. And written by me.

Devil Water wakes the sloth.

2006-04-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Optical Sloth has just reviewed Devil Water #1.
"I'd say this has some serious potential, and Steven Barr has apparently been involved in all kinds of movies, so he should have the money to keep this going until the story plays out. "

http://www.opticalsloth.com/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=7&pid=935

I'd like to point out that it's a misconception that film people make tons of money. This is not a comment on Steven's bank account, but a general point that I'd like to make. There are a lot of people with money in Hollywood, but they are the bankers.

From the U.S. Department of Labor website....

"Median hourly earnings of actors were $11.28 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $7.75 and $30.76. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $6.63, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56.48. Median annual earnings were $15.20 in performing arts companies and $9.27 in motion picture and video industries. Annual earnings data for actors were not available because of the wide variation in the number of hours worked by actors and the short-term nature of many jobs, which may last for 1 day or 1 week; it is extremely rare for actors to have guaranteed employment that exceeded 3 to 6 months."

"The average income that SAG members earn from acting—less than $5,000 a year—is low because employment is sporadic. Therefore, most actors must supplement their incomes by holding jobs in other occupations."

"Median annual earnings of salaried producers and directors were $52,840 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,550 and $87,980. Median annual earnings were $75,200 in motion picture and video industries and $43,890 in radio and television broadcasting."

Average income for an actor is LESS THAN $5,000 a year. Most IT Technicians make more than Producers or Directors. It's a big misconception that most of Hollywood is rich. Most people leave this place after 2-5 years. Personally I think the fantasy of Hollywood is part of what they use to sell it.

Still...I made less than $10k a year for a few years and loved every celluloid minute of it. I'm sick like that.

Vote for some good music.

2006-04-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Some musical friends of mine have a couple websites up and are looking for votes. Rachel Guerzo (vocals and piano) and Vincent Ong serve an evening of Jazz at The Living Room Bar. It's probably too far for most of you, but via the internet you don't have to miss out. And then there is GruvAvénue, another taste of jazz. They've got some cool samples at their website. I hope you check them out.

Indy distributor, DIMESTORE, moving to new host.

2006-04-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

If you prefer to order our books through Dimestore Distributions (as some do) then be aware they've had some difficulty with their host. BUT they are still in business. You can find the new store at http://www.dimestoredistro.com/catalog/index.php .

The regular site at http://www.dimestoreproductions.com should be up soon as well. The site traffic has spiked so much that the hosting company pulled the plug. The jerks couldn't figure out how to increase bandwidth so instead just dropped a client. You wonder how some people got jobs in IT in the first place.

And now Broken Frontier reviews Innocent: The Sword #1

2006-04-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

Tonya seemed a bit more wait and see about Innocent: The Sword #1...but you can read for yourself. Can't wait to see what she says of #2.

"Overall, Innocent: The Sword #1 has an interesting idea and an artist perfectly matched to tell the story. There were, however, too many unanswered questions and too much mystery to fully enjoy the story."

http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=699

Broken Frontier reviews Devil Water #1

2006-04-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

Devil Water #1 just got reviewed on Broken Frontier.

"The creative team on Devil Water truly has taken a bundle of odd components and created a mixture that is an enjoyment to read. Engaging and fun with more than a hint of mystery to keep the reader coming back for more; this title promises to turn the wild west into the weird west...and that is a very good thing." Review by Tonya Crawford, posted March 30, 2006

http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=697

Friend Arthur Azdair passes from this world to the next.

2006-03-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine died this weekend, he's the guy who hooked me up to Charlie Sheen and supplied the history for a screenplay I rewrote based on actual cases of doctors & the mafia rigging the Olympics in the 1970's. Qigong apprentice of Master Hong, well known defense attorney, and friend to the stars...Arthur Azdair used to sit out daily with my coffee shop compadres. He was always full of some wild stories, sage advice, or an ear. He was definitely one of a kind and be missed by many.

Meet us in San Diego 2006

2006-03-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

July 20-23rd, 2006 http://www.comic-con.org/cci/ It's one of the largest comic book / film / anime / manga / horror / toy / game / whatever else you can cram in convention in the world. For fans it's a great way to meet creators, actors, etc. For artists hoping to break into an industry it's a chance to show off your stuff.

This year King Tractor Press is teaming up with some amazing publishers brought together through Digital Webbing Presents. I hope I will see you all there and you can meet some of the King Tractor Press guys flying in from all around the globe.

Also at the table will be... SUMM Publications.

And if you can't wait that long, King Tractor Press is going to be at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market May 14th.

KTP reviewed on Silver Bullet Comic Books

2006-03-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Innocent: The Sword #1
"Overall then there is a nice balanced feel to the comic, we have action and character development as well as a range of emotions displayed by a number of characters. The ground- work has been laid for a multitude of varying relationships. The scene has been set…" Steve Saville, Silver Bullet Comic Books
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/smallpress/114231535741090.htm

Devil Water #1
"As you would expect in any effective first edition of a new title the basis has been laid and the readers interest aroused. Devil Water #1 looks good and has all the vital narrative elements necessary to allow it to develop into a captivating and intriguing title." Steve Saville, Silver Bullet Comic Books
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/smallpress/114231479994822.htm

Click here to purchase Innocent: The Sword #1 Click here to purchase Devil Water #1.

My last point didn't address getting people to buy.

2006-03-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

I know that, but it's big enough an issue to be another post. I'm working on that and I should have some results soon. I can say that if you work to make your product the absolute best that you can, it helps open doors. But there is much more to getting fans to buy a book than that.
I'll try to post something soon on that if anyone is interested. There is more to advertising than t-shirts, posters, and kitch. It ties a lot to PR.

How DOES a small comic book publisher get distribution?

2006-03-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

With the SPEAKEASY closure, I think a lot of people are asking themselves "What does it take to make it in comic publishing?"

How do you target distributors/retailers? I think some of you are a little confused. I have done this for manufacturing & film production/financing, and it's often more simple than you would imagine. How do you contact these people? Well...I use the phone, email, and sometimes I just show up. "WHAT?!?" you say, "It cannot be so easy!"It is.

The problem I had with answering questions around the small publishing areana is that I didn't understand the question. I didn't know that many haven't tried the most basic techniques. Cold calling works great. I have contacted 10 distributors for a recent publication offer and guess what? I bet you can't guess...but they have NEVER been contacted by any comic book publisher before. Not one of these ten. One is an international distributor. Of course, they could be new to their position and the previous guy had good relations with a publisher. But currently they don't carry comic books and no one had ever called that person. And they are very interested.

Who are these retailers/distributors? That isn't the question you should be asking. I know it sounds easy for me to tell you, but as the old saying goes, if you give someone a fish they will eat for a day, teach them to fish and they eat for a lifetime.The key is to decide WHO your audience is. You need to know that. Sit down in the dark and think about all the stores that you visit that you could imagine would carry your book. Try to be specific and target them.

On another board, I previously mentioned the "CAT & DOG FUNNY BOOK" would be a great idea for a pet chain store. Your book on the "High School Football Team" might work at a sports good chain. If you can't think of your target audience, then you need to rethink your book. Your audience shouldn't just be mom & dad.

Now you've got a list of stores. Of course, these stores don't usually buy directly from people. They buy from distributors, so you need to find out who they are. The best way to do this is to call those stores and ask who they buy from. You then kill a few birds with one stone. You'll learn if the store is in the minority and actually does buy from individual publishers, are they really interested, and if they don't buy from individuals, who do they buy from. Then Google their distributor and call them.It's that easy.

The market for every book is going to be slightly different. But the key is to know who your audience is and specifically go after them. That is what I'm doing, what Nifty Comics did, and many other Indy publishers. This can be in addition to or instead of doing the Diamond thing...your choice really, depending on your particular situation.I hope that helps someone understand. It's so much easier than you imagine.

From an idea, a few years ago I went cold calling to get a digital light made. It was the first ever of this size and output, helping push some revolutionary developments in the industry. We got our prototype and then found a long list of distributors/retailers willing to sell it from cold calling. It was amazing until we discovered that the startup cost was 1.5mil for actual production, the process was extremely expensive still and our investors got scared. Still...comic books don't cost thousands to make one and you aren't reinventing the wheel so the good old salesmanship should work. I hate talking on the phone, but if you grit your teeth and just do it then you'll find yourself where you want to be.

Talking Out My Arse.

2006-03-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

THE ENGINE, I'd like to point out to those few who stop by here now and again, is worth your time to browse a few hours. One of the few forums that would be worth your while to subscribe to. As much as my tongue deep in cheek post quoted Mr. Ellis, I thought it was clear but not everyone gets my "humor". In between all the "arse" and "bollocks", there is a lot of great info on the site. Even if Mr. Ellis' sense of humor is more off than mine.

Warren Ellis Dreams Of A Perfect World.

2006-03-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Over at THE ENGINE, Warren Ellis' message boards, there is a thread on the new website, Independent Propaganda.
Here's Warren's last point.
" From: Warren Ellis (WARRENELLIS)19:20
To: Shawn Granger (MRGRANGER) 19:24

[Wesley...thanks for the email back. As you can see, many of us are looking for new ways to get out there. The discourse can only make your idea stronger and IP better. ]

I am also going to point out that questioning something to death is a very good way to induce paralysis at best and insurance that it'll never fucking happen at worst. Trust me. I've been around a lot longer than you guys.

Warren Ellis "

I'm surprised that Warren said this in light of SPEAKEASY comics closure, and I know he is well aware of past mistakes in the comic industry. You can't throw a stick without hitting a bankrupt comic book publisher/distributor around here. I'm sure Warren is just trying to be uplifting and rallying the Indy troops. "Follow me!" That makes for a great scene in a film, but it's exactly the kind of poor business sense that infests the independent comic book industry.

Believe me, if you want to make it in ANY business venture then you cannot questions your decisions enough before the go live date. It's alot easier to change something BEFORE it is released. Unless of course you happen to be Microsoft, then you can expect great success with bugs galore.