• Axiom-man: City of Ruin, Front and Back Cover Art

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    Last night I uploaded Axiom-man: City of Ruin to the printer. EBook editions will be hitting the web within the next 24 hours or so. The art below, as always, is amazing. Good job once again to penciler/inker Justin Shauf and colorist Kyle Zajac for pulling off what is now their fifth Axiom-man cover collaboration. I want them with me for the entire series if possible, so as long as they’re willing, you’ll be seeing their art on each and every book cover. The covers they’ve produced for the Axiom-man Saga have helped make Axiom-man the special character he is and I’m happy to have known Justin for over 10 years, Kyle going back some 20 years or so.

    Hopefully the below images show up okay on your monitor without overlapping the frames. They look fine on mine.

  • Axiom-man No. 3 is Done (Almost)

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    The third issue of my independent superhero comic book series, Axiom-man, is all drawn and ready for scanning. Well, technically I have to go through each page and proofread and tweak some of the art and do the column page at the back, but it’s done otherwise, which means suscribers will have their copies mailed out to them shortly.

    I’m really pleased with this issue as I took the art up a notch since the last one, which is the name of the game drawing-wise anyway. Likewise, the story takes a new turn and sets the tone for next few issues.

    What’s it about?

    After a mysterious warrior woman breaks up the battle between Axiom-man and Redaw, she leads the blue crusader away to a secluded place and the forging of a new path for the hero begins. Away from the battle, Redsaw must come to a decision as to how to end Axiom-man once and for all. Paths are taken, choices are made, and all is about to change for Axiom-man and Redsaw both. 20 pgs, black and white, color cover.

  • Axiom-man No. 1 Comic Book – Art Snapshot

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    The line art is complete and is in the process of being scanned.

    Here’s a fan of the pages, enough to show some of it, but enough to conceal so as not to spoil anything.

  • Interview with FUZZ SOCIETY Creator Roxanne Fuchs

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    My wife Roxanne has been publicly doing comics for a little over six months now, her first published project being a webcomic (with print alternatives) called Fuzz Society. I thought it would be fun to interview her here at Canister X and help her spread the word about what she is doing, so show her some love, read on, and visit the links when they appear.

    Thanks.

    1) For those who don’t know you, why don’t you introduce yourself and tell people a little bit about Fuzz Society?

    My name is Roxanne Fuchs, and I grew up wanting to create, whether that meant doodling my own characters, making crafts, learning to knit/crochet, sew (I used to love embroidery as a young adult), web design, listening to and playing music (though I did not get formal training, I’ve always tried to teach myself).

    Fuzz Society is really a comic geared towards girls and women, though guys may find it cute too, but I’m really using it as a means of communicating the stuff many females experience in life, and reaching out to those around me. It circles around a group of friends, who’ve met mostly because of Lyra Ladybug, the tie-in character and cutie pie who is very much like myself (minus the wings and antennae. of course)! Its starts out with her grabbing onto a gum wrapper one day and finding herself lost as she explores a place she’s never been to. She’s led a very sheltered life until now, and so almost everything is new to her. But as she meets new animal friends, she also learns about love and friendship, and the differences in the ways males and females think. It’s a manga/anime inspired adventure, with romance and all the wit you can handle! For more info, I also have a FAQ page on my website at http://www.fuzzsociety.com

    2) Anyone particular that has heavily influenced you as an artist?

    In terms of Japanese art, I’ve always loved the girly stuff, so I enjoyed the Sailor Moon series a lot, and video games like Street Fighter, Final Fantasy, etc. In general, though, I would say I’ve always just tried to keep drawing and doodling since I was very young, including drawing superheroes and my favourite cartoon characters. I’ve always wanted to be good at what I do so I’d always practice. And after reading the Bone series, Jeff Smith inspired me a lot as I admire his line work and characters. In particular, though, the anime style has stuck with me the longest.

    3) Most comic creators have their own way of putting their story to paper. How do you go about creating a page?

    I would say, it’s a bit different than most people do it. I start out with my general idea for where I want my comic to go, then I do a mini sketch on note paper, and afterwards, I’ll jump right into sketching the real thing on Bristol board. This process can take a while as since I don’t have a full script written out, I never know for sure what’s going to happen on that page; it’s always an adventure! Then I get my husband, A.P. Fuchs (editor’s note: that’s me), to edit it, I ink it, erase the pencil lines and scan/clean it up before posting online. It’s quite the process if you think about it, and I’m hoping all the TLC is obvious in the final product.

    4) Fuzz Society has been running since October. I know you’ve done a few other non-published comics before, but were you always a comic creator or an artist? When did you start making comics in general?

    Yes, I would say I’ve always been an artist. I remember I would grab hold of whatever paper I could find and doodle on it. It didn’t matter if it was my school binder or a scrap of paper from a flyer. I started drawing comics in junior high, just for myself. It was partially an escape for me, me always having enjoyed reading fantasy and watching sci-fi stuff. So yeah, at a young age I was trying out comic art. And before that, I was always collecting superhero comic cards (back when they still made them, anyways). I’ve always been a creative type of person, never knew what I wanted to do for a living as a kid, wasn’t even sure as a teenager. I tried to pursue “regular” jobs and schooling, but it didn’t pan out, and after having the opportunity to work from home on comics, I thought I would give it a shot. At first it was quite daunting, and intimidating the thought of putting out an issue, but now I’m really getting into it, and it just flows much better.

    5) Why did you suddenly move from just drawing and making comics for fun, to actually releasing the material both online and in print?

    My husband (editor’s note: that’s me again ;) ) really encouraged me to do this, as he saw the potential in me, and I’m glad he’s been so supportive of me. Plus, after going to a lot of conventions, I’ve been inspired to finally do something with my art, and just see where it goes. It’s quite exciting really.

    6) Are you a full-time artist?

    Yes and no. I would say, yes in the sense that I’m always thinking about what my next page will be about, so my head gets full sometimes, but that’s how it is. And no, in the sense that I’m a full-time mom so most of my day is spent either with my boys, or running the household. There’s not much time for art, so it is usually tricky to find the time to work on it, at least right now.

    7) What are you favourite comic books or graphic novels?

    I’m a Dazzler fan (old school), the Bone series, Black Cat and Rourouni Kenshin, the old Avengers comics (because it’s been a while since I’ve read them), and Watchmen to name a few. I just found a new webcomic I’m enjoying called Super Siblings as well.

    8) Where can people learn more about you and Fuzz Society?

    www.fuzzsociety.com or on Facebook, there’s a fan page as well.

    9) If you could spend a day with any comic book character, who would it be and why?

    I would love to hang out with Dazzler, sing along with her at some different gigs, and really experience the thrill of being a rock star. I’ve always enjoyed singing, so I’m kind of partial to her. ;)

    10) Any last comments?

    Yes, thanks for doing the interview! You’re super, man! :)

  • Old Paper, New Paper

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    One of the things that’s common for all artists–and especially us Winnipeggers–is our desire to do things as cheaply as possible without compromising final product integrity. That said, currently Axiom-man No. 1 is being drawn on good old-fashioned 20lb, 11×17 white paper, with a 10×15 “live area” blocked out on the page for the actual artwork. Why 20lb paper instead of the standard bristol board comic artists use? Simple: it’s waaaaaay cheaper, something to the tune of 500 sheets for about $14 CAN.

    And though this stuff works, my handicap is three: 1) I need to create my own 10×15 template for every page I do (which is no biggie as it only takes a couple minutes), and b) the big one, it can cause trouble if I decide to switch to using dip-and-brush ink instead of the Sharpies I’m using now, and c) whether for commissions, the sale of original art or simply having them on gallery display, 20lb doesn’t look as professional as its bristol board counterpart.

    So why not get bristol board and go to town with it? BECAUSE IT’S STUPID EXPENSIVE. In Canada, a pre-lined pack of 24 pages is $27.99. Without the comic guideline’s, bristol board is $24.99 for 24 pages. For the time it saves on drawing the lines, the extra $3 spent is worth it. But I’m not paying that much for paper.

    Except for today. I had a 50% off coupon and used it wisely and got 24 pages for $13.99, pre-lined, all set to go for when Axiom-man No. 2 gets underway.

    I’m excited as I’ve never drawn on real comic paper before. Bristol also holds ink way better and is of better quality than 20lb so provides the customer with a better product if I end up doing commissions or selling original art from the series.

    Here’s a pic of the pages side-by-side, individually, and close up where I put the page’s details.

    I’m stoked to start using these, but even more excited to start sharing the comic with you. I have 10 pages done, so I’m getting there.

  • Comic: My World

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  • The Black Cat and the Ghoul Art

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    Here’s a bit of art I did inspired by Keith Gouveia’s and Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat and the Ghoul.

  • Axiom-man No. 1 Teaser Art

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    As a reward for putting up with no Zomtropolis this week, I’m pleased to present you with the pencil-and-inked cover image to Axiom-man No. 1, drawn by me.
    Just wait until you see this baby in color!

    While waiting for the comic, why not get to know Axiom-man and start reading his life story? Right now there’s a .99 cent book sale happening on Amazon for the Kindle edition of the book. Here’s the link. If you don’t have a Kindle, don’t worry, as Amazon has free apps you can use for your PC, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry and more. Just go here.
    If you’re old school and would like the paperback versions of Axiom-man’s adventures, those can be accessed here.
    Thanks.

  • Coscom Entertainment at the Central Canada Comic Con

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    When: Friday, October 29 at 4:00pm – October 31 at 6:00pm
    Where: The Winnipeg Convention Center, 375 York Ave., Winnipeg, MB

    Hi folks,

    Coscom Entertainment is back at this year’s Central Canada Comic Con. We’re talking a crazy huge venue with all kinds of comics, games, toys, celebrity guests, artists, costumes and more. Three days of super fanboy and fangirl fun!

    Myself and Coscom Entertainment will be back again this year. It’s our fourth year and we’ve had a blast at each and every one of them. It’s honestly the thing I look forward to most every year.

    We’d love for you to attend not only for a good time of all things fandom, but also to celebrate the release of my zombie novel, Possession of the Dead, and my wife, Roxanne’s, loveable comic book, Fuzz Society.

    What’s Possession of the Dead about? Glad you asked. (Okay, I asked for you, but whatever.)

    Angels.

    Demons.

    Giant Zombies.

    Things have changed.

    Ever since returning through the Storm of Skulls to the present day, Joe, Billie and August have discovered the world they now inhabit, is not the world they left behind. The zombie threat has evolved to gargantuan proportions. Now aided by giant undead—massive monsters with phenomenal strength and power, with deadly appetites just as vast—the zombie population moves to devour any and all life.

    Separated from his friends, Joe learns that not all hope is lost for humanity when he meets, Tracy, a woman who exudes a strength to rival his own. Tracy brings him to the Hub, an underground sanctuary where life continues in a dead world, but his thoughts linger on his missing friends.

    August and Billie have problems of their own, and soon learn the same plight that affected a past friend of theirs now affects many: zombies with shapeshifting capability. Now, anyone is suspect. Yet even with this newfound knowledge, more is heaped upon them when the agenda of the undead is revealed and humanity is the one caught in the crossfire.

    A war is raging, one between angels and demons, monsters and man.

    And it’s only escalating.

    Please note this is the sequel to Blood of the Dead, which is always a hot item at the cons.

    ***

    As for Fuzz Society, it’s the polar opposite of zombies, but cool nonetheless. The story is:

    Come along for a big-scale adventure with Lyra Ladybug–the cutest bug you’ll ever meet–who’s full of curiousity, and who’s not afraid to stand up for herself even though she’s tiny. Watch as she gets carried along through Gossling Park on a gum wrapper, and finds herself lost in a land so familiar yet so far from her own, only to meet up with new friends along the way. Perhaps even one who’s more than friends.

    It’s fun, adventure and budding romance in this first issue of Fuzz Society!

    ***

    We’ll also have a table LOADED with zombie and superhero books, plus a few other cool fandom-related items. Just look for the table with the black and white Coscom Entertainment banner, or me, the big hairy guy standing next to a cute ladybug.

    Come by, say hi, and let’s talk comics and art, books and writing, and anything else you want!

    See you there.

    Thanks.

  • POSSESSION OF THE DEAD Cover Art

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    Been keeping a low profile the past couple days as I try and finish up edits to Possession of the Dead so I can send them off ASAP to my editor. I need to get this book off to press soon so I can debut it at Central Canada Comic Con, which is fast approaching (Halloween weekend–sounds like a ways off, but in the publishing world, a month and a half is a very short amount of time).

    So that said, I might not be online much this week. To compensate, I proudly present to you the cover art to Possession of the Dead as created by Gary McCluskey.

    (Click the image twice to make it big.)