My Blog
COMIC BOOK CREATING WORKSHOP IN VA LIBRARIES!!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -Comic book author joins with Portsmouth Public Library to espouse the virtues of comics!
Writer Danny Donovan (Shooting Star Comics, 9-11 Emergency Relief, Threads) has joined with the Public Library system of Portsmouth, Virginia for a summer program entitled “Journey Into Comics: From 4 Color Beginnings to Pop Culture Icons”.
Teaming with local artist, Logan Bennett, Donovan will be explaining how comics are made, discussing their humble beginnings and how people go about to getting into the industry.
All info on the times and dates for this summer long series across the 4 city branches can be found on Donovan’s Red Room author page:
www.redroom.com/author/danny-donovan
“Comics have been an enduring medium for well over 60 years.” Says Donovan. “Without these stories fueling minds over the decades, we wouldn’t have things like NBC’s hit show Heroes or the Matrix Trilogy.”
Donovan intends to help build a bridge from the popularity of the current crop of comic properties with this summer jam packed with notable names from comic shops like Batman, The Incredible Hulk, Hellboy, Iron Man, The Spirit, Wanted, etc, with their source material.
“We have a whole generation of people getting interested in our concepts through the movies and cartoons, but due to the insular nature of the industry, with the limited access to the direct market stores, you have people who really don’t know just how much material is out there just waiting to be discovered.” Donovan adds.
“I’m hoping this is the start of a wide range of programs. I’ve worked in the past with the T.A.G group (Teen Advocacy Group) in MI in the past, and done various libraries and schools when I lived in North Carolina. This is even more personal because this is my neighborhood, my hometown. I am going to try very hard to work with the local comic shops and make sure everyone who takes part in the workshop knows where they can find books, and hopefully reach out to publishers who would like to donate some graphic novels to the Portsmouth Library system to help spark new readers.”
The workshop begins on Monday. June 23rd at the Craddock branch. Keep an eye on Donovan’s redroom author page for additional material.
GREEN LAMA GETS REBORN AT AC COMICS THIS MARCH!
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***Writer/Artist James Ritchey III teams with premiere independent publisher AC Comics (Femforce) to bring a modern take on an old standard. The Green Lama debuted in December of 1940 as the brainchild of author Ken Crossen, with his emerald visage being drawn by the likes of legendary Mac Raboy, then gone on to star in his own radio serial, and eventually was resurrected by Bill Black’s AC Comics.
The Lama’s 'second coming' is well at hand, as James Ritchey, III (working in concert the Crossen Estate and AC Comics) is set to bring this classic character into a brave new world. Rising from the ashes of a Third World War--called 'The Neutronic Exchange" by Spin-Doctors for a corrupt, never-ending Presidency--a young Jethro Dumont finds himself discovering a long buried piece of his soul--and dons a fresh variation of the jade cowl, cloak and mantle.
Fans of the Vertigo-esque fare, and those who have a library filled with the likes of Grant Morrison, Alan Moore, & Frank Miller--or even Philip K. Dick and Roger Zelazny, will find this initial two-issue graphic novella--the start of a dynamic new series--a treat. Mixing Ritchey’s iconic, classic art style with an 'out there', post-modern story, it’s the perfect blend of something old and something new.
Bill Black says of the series:
“The GREEN LAMA lives once more in a darkly contemporary twist on the
AC Comics universe. This is a new, more 'character-driven' and
refreshingly inventive 're-imagining' of one of the most enduring
super-heroes of the Golden Age--as writer/artist James Ritchey
revitalizes Pulp, Comics and Science Fiction great Kendall Foster
Crossen's legendary MAN OF STRENGTH for the 21st Century.
World War III has come and gone--demons run amok in the streets, half
of humanity, lost. Can an unsuspecting college student, Jethro "Jet"
Dumont II, who has only now come to realize that he is THE GREEN LAMA
REBORN, bring back order, justice, and sanity--and heal the soul of a
wounded world? Worst of all--can he do it in time to prevent the
enslavement and destruction of rhe rest of humanity, by The GREEN
LAMA'S oldest and most deadly nemesis?
Four years in the making, this "Elseworlds"-meets-"Vertigo" style riff
on the classic Golden Age hero takes place in a reality apart from the
usual AC dimension. Guest-starring a very different type of
FEMFORCE--including Ms. Victory, Synn, Nightveil and She-Cat as you've
NEVER seen them before--as well as GOLDEN LAD, and a 'puzzle' of
cameos by classic Prize and Spark Publications' heroes and heroines on
par with Finnegan's Wake! Thirty-three pages of never-before-published
story and art--and the birth of a great new series!!”
The book is set for a street date of March 5th, 2008 (in Diamond’s PREVIEWS for March) but those that cannot wait until then can get a special limited run collector's edition right now:
accomics.anonwebhost.com/Merch...nt.mvc
THE GREEN LAMA’S rebirth is not limited to the comic pages. The internet has been invaded by disciples of the Lama:
www.myspace.com/greenlamalives
Where you can listen to a selection of the old 1940s radio show, and see the latest news counting down to the arrival of The Green Lama:
groups.myspace.com/index.cfm
Facebook has similarly been claimed:
groups.myspace.com/index.cfm
And there is even an early internet teaser trailer:
www.youtube.com/watch
Similar videos are appearing on Daily Motion, Google Videos, iFilm, etc…
Join writer/artist James Ritchey, III and inker Loki Dolza, in the birth (or is it rebirth?) of a strange new world filled with familiar--and not so familiar--faces. Available now at AC Comics for a limited time, and then in stores everywhere March 5th 2008! Be the first to witness a revolution!
Those interested in interviews or articles please don’t hesitate to contact for more information.
OM MANI PADME HUM ----
*** END TRANSMISSION ***
UNSCREWED! September Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --New Wave of auctions to benefit exploited creators
UNSCREWED!, the organization created by comics creators, fans, and retailers to combat illegal, unethical and exploitive practices in the comics publishing industry, announced a new wave of benefit auctions to provide relief to the artists and writers exploited by a dishonest would-be publisher. Since its inception in January, UNSCREWED! has grown quickly, amassing support from top name talents in the comic book industry, as well as many who are just beginning their careers. Full reports of all Unscrewed! activities can be found at the website: www.unscrewedcomic.com
This latest round of auctions features 13 items available for view here:
search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21
The current slate of auctions includes --
Nine UNSCREWED! shot glasses -
“Raise a toast to bringing accountability to comics!” says media rep Danny Donovan. “We announced the a run of these items earlier in the year and the response was overwhelming to say the least. These beautiful handcrafted (made in the USA) shot glasses are dishwasher safe and will be the perfect convention after party item in ‘08. For those who missed out when they were originally offered, here are nine such masterpieces, printed with the UNSCREWED! logo and the website on the front.”
Starting bid $22.50
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Handmade Doll by Mercedes Lackey -
“From the hand of famed fantasy author and loved Dragon*Con guest Mercedes Lackey, author of such novels as ‘Children of the Night’ and ‘Elvenborn’.. As well as writing the SERENITY trade paperback as a companion piece to the Joss Whedon film spun out of the cult favorite sci-fi show FIREFLY. As well as ‘Mapping The World of Harry Potter’ which was released in early 2006. --
This doll looks shockingly lifelike, it’s delicate features painstakingly crafted exclusively for the auction for UNSCREWED! Standing about two feet tall it is an exceptional must have for any doll lover, or fan of the author. Make someone’s Christmas extra special and do a good deed all in one fell swoop!”
Starting bid: $60.00
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Signed Steve Rude Sketchbook -
“Steve ‘the dude’ Rude, creator of NEXUS, and Dark Horse Comics’ THE MOTH and artist on countless titles over the years such as X-MEN: CHILDREN OF THE ATOM, is by far one of the most influential artists over the past few decades. His paintings and drawings capture the essence of the characters he’s working on like few others. This exclusive limited run (565 of 1450) sketchbook allows you to get a glimpse into the creative process of one of the true legends of the industry. Anyone interested in becoming an artist or anyone who just appreciates the art of the medium would do well to possess one of these rare gems in their personal library. Signed by the artist in question makes it all the more precious.”
Starting bid: $30.00
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Drawing Heads And Hands - Andrew Loomis -
“Andrew Loomis is best remembered now for a series of art instruction books that continues to influence realist artists, though they are in 2004 all out of print, except for some excerpts available from the art publisher Walter Foster. The Loomis family, who still holds the copyrights to all the books published by Andrew Loomis, has not expressed any intention of re-printing any of his work in recent days despite popular demand.
Noted comic book artists Alex Ross and Steve Rude cite Loomis as an influence.
This copy is a twelfth printing from 1978. The book was originally released in 1956. The outside cover is not in great shape but the interior pages are in good condition. Drawing The Head Hands is no longer in print.”
Starting bid: $40.00
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Signed MOEBIUS sketchbook - Folles Perspectives -
“French artist Moebius is best known for some of his breath-taking Marvel paintings which were reprinted in ‘THE ART OF MARVEL COMICS’ hardcover coffee table book. One of the first ‘European styled’ artists to make a splash in American comics, Jean Henri Gaston Giraud better known under his nom de guerre Moebius produced some of the most awe inspiring versions of some of comics most iconic characters. His work has long been lauded in other mediums, and is someone who has been called by some as ‘an artist’s artist.’ This signed piece is a treasure for anyone who prides themselves as an appreciator of art in all its forms.”
Starting bid: $25.00
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Signed Original Moon Man Art -
“Some fans may wonder ‘who is MOON MAN?’ and they wouldn’t be alone, the character made his first and only appearance in Mystic Comics #5 cover date May 1941. In an era where masked Mystery Men could come and go in almost the same breath, Moon Man was sadly one of those who’s 15 minutes of fame were fleeting, however the same could not be said of his creator, Fred Gaurdineer. Gaurdineer was an comic book writer -artist best known for his work in the 1930s and 1940s during what historians and fans call the Golden Age of Comic Books, and for his 1950s art on the Western comic-book series The Durango Kid. A pioneer of the medium itself, Gaurdineer contributed a feature to the seminal Action Comics #1, the comic book that introduced Superman. Guardineer wrote, drew and lettered the 12-page magician-hero feature "Zatara" which ran in Action Comics through 1951.
This is an original signed inked sketch of Moon-Man by Don Newton from around 1969. Newton signed it as Guardineer for a tribute book. Lovers of the Golden Age of comics are sure to appreciate its one of a kind history.”
Starting bid: $25.00
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“Unscrewed! is proud to also present a series of original pieces by someone near and dear to the Unscrewed! mission. Cartoonist Jim MacQuarrie, best known for his work on the website: www.monkeyspit.net/ is also one of the driving forces behind Unscrewed! and a talented artist to boot. His most recent work can be seen in About Comics' Licensable Bear #4. The cartoons being auctioned here are original art from his online comic, The Fourth Wall, which ran at Monkey Spit from 2002 to 2006.
Rocketeer Parody Art (drawn for 25th anniversary of Rocketeer; unpublished) - Starting bid $10.00
Hulk: Pop-Ups Bad! - Starting bid $10.00
Inferiority Complex #2 (parody of Infinite Crisis #2 cover) - Starting bid $10.00
Inferiority Complex #3 (parody of Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 cover) - Starting bid $10.00
World War Hulk Parody: Hulk Dump!!! (drawn at Wizard World Chicago 2007) - Starting bid: $10.00
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Galactus INDIGESTION! -
“Artist Joe Zierman artist for BIG BANG COMICS, among other things over the years such as Marvel Comics’ FANTASTIC FOUR, etc did this original piece featuring the devourer of worlds GALACTUS after ingesting a something so disgusting even the mighty Galactus could not keep it down. While it is based upon an ‘inside joke’ it is a fantastic cartoon by an incredible artist, pretend like you’re with the ‘in crowd’ and own this wonderful piece.”
Starting bid: $10.00
Ten pages from SAM AND TWITCH signed by artist Chris Scott -
“Sam and Twitch the detectives constantly hounding Todd McFarlene’s ‘Spawny, Spawny little guy.’ later spun out into their own title from Todd McFarlene Productions, have carved a place in comic book history, and you can own a piece of it with these beautiful pages. Chris Scott, artist of SAM AND TWITCH, as well as a number of other titles from IMAGE COMICS, BOOM STUDIOS, etc. hand-signed each page Taken from various issues of the monthly title you receive a slew of beautiful story pages, a must have for SPAWN fans, and original art collectors.
Starting bid: $100.00
Media representative Danny Donovan says “we wish to again thank all the creators who have offered their support via donations and all around well wishes for the organization, it is through the kindness you’ve shown that we are able to help people and make a stand against those who would try to abuse talent that drives the industry by not treating them as professionals that deserve an honest pay for services rendered.”
Unscrewed! June Release
UNSCREWED JUNE UPDATE - Auctions, Glasses, and more!FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Unscrewed! (www.unscrewedcomic.com), the collection of creators, publishers, retailers, and fans which banded together at the beginning of the year to take on immoral and unethical publishers and provide financial assistance to those victimized by their actions, is pleased to announce that the paperwork has been filed for Non-Profit status.
Our letter to comic book professionals located here:
www.unscrewedcomic.com/article.php
Has been translated into various languages in special thanks to dutiful volunteers over recent months. The current slate of languages include: Dutch, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and Tagalog/Filipino. Any creator who wishes to sign the letter please send an e-mail to: letter@unscrewedcomic.com and if you do not see your language up there and would like to, please send an e-mail to James MacQuarrie at: jim@jimmacq.com
We have recently launched yet another wave of auctions to benefit those who have suffered financial hardship through dealing with unscrupulous and immoral publishers. The current wave of auctions is located at: search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21
The slate of auctions consists of:
The Phantom #16 signed by author Mike Bullock. - “Published by Moonstone, The Ghost Who Walks is one of the most enduring pulp characters, stemming from his humble beginnings from the Sunday Funnies, all the way up to a rather forgettable film with Billy Zane. --- Moonstone and Bullock bring The Phantom back to his roots, fans of super-heroes, pulp comics, or just darn good reads should check out this issue --- bidding begins at $10.00
Lions, Tigers, and Bears Graphic Novel - Signed by author Mike Bullock. - “The award winning all ages series published by Image Comics is collected here, signed by the author bidding begins at $20.00”
A piece of original art by Brian Crowley - Angelina Jolie as Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, painted on Bristol board and signed by the artist. Bidding begins at $10.00
Hack/Slash, is a hot new comic book series from Devil’s Due publishing, and slated to be adapted to the big screen in 2008. Creator Tim Seeley has generously donated this series of auctions which consists of:
Hack/Slash: First Cut TPB- signed by Tim Seeley - Bidding begins at $25.00
Hack/Slash: Slice Hard (Cover A) Signed by Tim Seeley - Bidding begins at $10.00
Hack/Slash vs. Chucky (from the Childs Play series of films) signed by Tim Seeley - Bidding begins at $10.00
Hack/Slash: Slice Hard (Cover B) signed by Tim Seeley - Bidding begins at $10.00
Hack/Slash #1 signed by Tim Seeley - Bidding begins at $10.00
And rounding out the Hack/Slash auctions is, Hack/Slash: Trailers - signed by Mike Norton - Bidding begins at $10.00
Unscrewed! with the assistance of renowned author James A. Owen (Starchild; Here, There Be Dragons), have produced a collectible glass to benefit the fight for accountability.
Official UNSCREWED! shot glasses, retailing for $2.50. Acclaimed author-illustrator James A. Owen's Coppervale Studios has created these unique collectibles for us, and we are pleased to offer them to our supporters. Those interested in having a toast to accountability, send check or money order to:
Coppervale International
P.O. Box 1459
Taylor, AZ 85939
Checks payable to Coppervale, please, with "Unscrewed shot glasses" in the subject line.
Or paypal: coppervale@frontiernet.net
Profits will go to the Unscrewed! creator fund.. You can see the glass and find out more about it here: www.unscrewedcomic.com/article.php
We would also like to turn your attention to a matter close to us. Larime Taylor and Danielle Sylvie Taylor are the owner/creators of HOLLOW, an original comic book series coming in October from Archaia Studios Press. They recently suffered a financial setback that is impacting their ability to pay their penciler in a timely manner. They have undertaken a fundraising effort to raise the money they need. You can read about it at the HOLLOW website:
www.hollowcomic.com/Fundraiser.htm
UNSCREWED! is dedicated to assisting artists who have been cheated by their publishers, but we also believe in supporting those publishers who want to meet their obligations but are having trouble. Larime and Danielle want very much to do right by their artist. If you can help them, please do so at their site.
www.hollowcomic.com/Fundraiser.htm
“We are offering a very limited run of signed, numbered prints of the issue #1 cover art (sans logo and credits) by Danielle in three sizes: 8-1/2x11, 11x17 and 16x24. We are not selling these, but giving them to those that donate. Any donation, no matter how small, will receive an 8-1/2x11 print numbered and signed by Danielle. Donations of $30 or more will receive an 11x17 sized print, instead. Donations of $100 or more will receive a very limited-edition 16x24 sized poster print (there will be no more than 20 of these made). In addition, those donating $50 or more will receive random prints of other paintings Danielle has done at 8-1/2x11 size - the more you donate, the more we'll send you.”
Please take a moment to check out Danielle’s work and see if you can help a talented couple see to their responsibilities and get a one of a kind piece of artwork for your generosity.
UNSCREWED! BRINGS IN $3,000 TO DATE AND CONTINUES TO CLIMB!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUnscrewed Auctions Raise $3000!
Unscrewed! (www.unscrewedcomic.com), the collection of creators, publishers, retailers, and fans which banded together at the beginning of the year to take on an immoral and unethical publisher/convention promoter and provide financial assistance to those victimized by his company, ended its third week of auctions, bringing the total raised from all auction to a little over $3000.
The most notable of the last auction’s items was rarely-available custom art by James Owen. The piece, a one of a kind item in which the winning bidder will have James Owen illustrate whatever they desire, sold for $700.
James Owen had this to say about the issue this publisher not paying freelance help.
“In the comics industry, the barrier of entry is relatively low. Even so, it's easy for a publisher to get derailed by external circumstances, or market conditions, or even just dumb mistakes (and often a combination of all three!) And when that happens, usually the best thing that can be done is to apologize and then try to resolve whatever obligations remain as honestly and forthrightly as possible.
What happened with this 'publishing company' is irrelevant, because it never published anything. What happened after, though, is significant - because the 'publisher' not only refused to try to
honor his obligations, but then began to insult, threaten, and belittle the very people he owed. And that's just not right.”
Unscrewed! has begun to disperse auction funds to freelance creators in need of financial assistance.
The fourth week of Unscrewed auctions has begun and there is bevy of cool items listed to dazzle comic fans and benefit freelance creators.
Legendary comic writer Tony Isabella has generously donated original page art from DC and Marvel comics. Fans of Black Lightning and Hawkman will want to check out there gorgeous illustrations.
Art Diva Lea Hernandez graces the auction with a full color Rumble Girls sketch.
Chuck Dixon gives us the tales of a dying Joker and his creator-owned Iron Ghost.
Greg Rucka displays both his generosity and versatility with trade paperbacks and novels. Wonder Woman aficionados should pay close attention to the Wonder Woman: Mission’s End trade signed by Mr. Rucka.
The auction can be found at the following link:
search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21
Donations to Unscrewed! can also be made directly via www.paypal.com using the donate@unscrewedcomic.com e-mail address or e-mail the same for alternate arrangements.
Why is Unscrewed! taking on the enormous task of helping freelancers get a fair shake in the comic industry? Freelance artist Jim Taylor sums it up best.
"When you put your effort into a project, especially on a new project, not come aboard to something existing, you feel a sense of ownership in the work. This is new, this is going to attract someone, this might be the thing that makes me stand out to others, so that they hire me. Lots of thoughts go through your mind. So perhaps you try to put an even stronger effort into the work than you might normally do.
Then when you find out you're not going to get paid for the work, after all the effort, time involved, the ‘outside life’ that you put on hold to create this work, it just crushes you. You seriously start to reconsider the industry as a whole, your involvement with it, and whether or not you should ever do it again. Lots of thoughts go through your head; anger, confusion, a sense of loss of power and control as far as what you can do about the situation. Death supposedly has five stages to go through, but being shanked by someone for hard work you've done, can involve even more.
Then you finally meet similar-minded folks like at Unscrewed!. You start to network with serious people, who really do want to make a project work, and you realize it sometimes takes a bad event or even a series of them, to bring you around to what you originally were aiming at in the first place."
We’d like to thank everyone who has donated and supported Unscrewed! in our efforts. Hopefully someday we won’t be needed anymore.
###
PR: Unscrewed! Continues to set records going into it's 3rd week of auctions!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUnscrewed Auctions Continue To Climb!
Unscrewed! (www.unscrewedcomic.com), the collection of creators, publishers,
retailers, and fans which banded together at the beginning of the year to
take on an immoral and unethical publisher/convention promoter and provide
financial assistance to those victimized by his company, ended its second
week of auctions, bringing the total raised in both auction rounds to about
$1800.
Unscrewed! is also pleased to announce that their first act has been to
provide financial aid to an individual that is moving forward with to
collect damages awarded in a successful lawsuit against the publisher for
nonpayment. Unscrewed! proudly opened its checkbook to help make sure
justice is served.
The third week of UNSCREWED's auctions has begun and there are a slew of new
items on tap to assist more victimized freelance creators.
"The first two weeks have been phenomenal!" Media representative Danny
Donovan says. "This week we have even more one-of-a-kind pieces, one of
which is the rarest of the rare: a blank piece of paper. That might not
sound like a big thing but you have to know who the blank piece of paper
belongs to."
Artist James A. Owen is donating his services to draw whatever the winner of
the auction desires. Those interested in learning how wide-ranging Owen's
talents are should visit:
www.coppervaleinternational.com/
coppervale.livejournal.com/
www.heretherebedragons.net
"It's almost unprecedented!" Donovan explains of Owen's donations. "To say
that James rarely does commissions would be the mother of all
understatements, and the fact that this will be up to the imagination of the
winning bidder makes it even more of a treat. Dying to see his
interpretation of the battle of Minas Tirith? Or maybe your favorite JSAer
or Marvel Super-Hero? Your call!"
This week's collection also features work by Rummblestrips creator Joanne
Ellen Munch, who is offering up an original "Death" drawing from the cast of
Neil Gaiman's Sandman along with signed editions of her Rummblestrips comic
book.
52 writer Mark Waid donates a signed edition of the Superman: Birthright
hardcover complete with autographed script to Birthright #1. Birds of Prey
artist Nicola Scott delves into the Whedonverse, to offer a host of Angel
(the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off) merchandise.
"You get two great pieces of art from the Angel: Spotlight - Illyria book."
Donovan says. "The package also includes the book they appeared in, signed
by Nicola!"
Also up for auction is critically acclaimed and award winning Drawn &
Quarterly graphic novel The Golem's Mighty Swing, signed by the author,
James Sturm.
"We thank everyone who has bid on the past two weeks of auctions." Donovan
concludes. "And we thank everyone who has donated and CONTINUES to donate.
Rest assured the auctions will continue for as long as there is stuff to
auction off. So if you do want to contribute there is always time... And if
you haven't been able to snag anything yet don't be discouraged, there is
ample opportunity to get something incredible from Unscrewed! Please be sure
to check the website www.unscrewedcomic.com for auction totals and
up-to-date information on the upcoming anthology."
###
PR: UNSCREWED! Update! Auctions to benefit exploited comic creators
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Auctions to benefit exploited creators
UNSCREWED!, the organization created by comics creators, fans, and retailers to combat illegal and unethical practices by a would-be publisher, today announced a benefit auction to provide relief to the artists and writers exploited by that company. Since its inception in January, UNSCREWED! has grown quickly, amassing support from top name talents in the comic book industry, as well as many who are just begining their careers. Full reports of all Unscrewed! activities can be found at the website: www.unscrewedcomic.com
The group was formed in early January of this year in response to the publisher's unethical business practices. After one writer's story was brought to light by an online journalist covering the comics business, several other creators came forward with shockingly similar stories of uncompensated work and threats of both physical violence and legal prosecution. UNSCREWED! grew out of a desire to assist the injured parties and to hold the publisher accountable.
While UNSCREWED! was forming, comics writer Mark Waid stepped forward to personally finance legal action against the publisher. Tom Stillwell, writer-publisher of Spinner Rack Comics' HONOR BRIGADE and comics fan Matt "Doc" Martin provided research and supporting evidence, with the result that two court judgments have recently been awarded to artists who filed suit.
With legal redress firmly underway, UNSCREWED! has turned its attention to the first of their relief efforts, the UNSCREWED! Auctions, with a starting line-up of 17 items available via eBay, including one-of-a-kind and rare items from the top names in comics. The first wave of auction items can be seen at search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZzapow21
UNSCREWED! media representative Danny Donovan had this to say about the auctions taking place: "It is just amazing to see our community standing strong in the face of something like this. For the longest time we've been thought of as a closed off, insular industry, but with UNSCREWED! we're proving that we're a community. When one person is wronged by the actions of an unscrupulous individual and [that individual] is left unchecked, they are able to do it again to someone else. By taking a stand we place the power back into the hands of those who create."
The first series of UNSCREWED! Auctions includes original art by acclaimed cartoonist Scott Shaw! of his characters from Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew; individual headshots of Captain Carrot, Fastback, Little Cheese, Pig Iron, Rubber Duck, Yankee Poodle, American Eagle, and Alley-Kat-Abra. At the New York Comic-Con last weekend, DC Comics announced a new three-issue miniseries, CAPTAIN CARROT: THE FINAL ARC, to be drawn by Shaw! from a script by Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison. Donovan explains, "before DC releases their brand new epic mini series, you can own a piece of history, drawn and signed by the artist, Scott Shaw! And if that’s not enough you can also own a piece of PRE-history," referring to a headshot of beloved animated icon Fred Flintstone, a character that has been a major part of Shaw's career over the last three decades. Starting bids for each portrait are set at $25.
Famed writer Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans; Crisis of the Infinite Earths; creator of Blade) has contributed autographed full comic scripts from his current series, NIGHTWING, issues #125-127, along with the published corresponding issues (with art by Dan Jurgens) also signed by Wolfman. Bidding on this one of a kind piece of comic book memorabilia begins at $20.
A page of original art from Tom Bedland’s popular and critically acclaimed, award winning comic, “TRUE STORY, SWEAR TO GOD” has been donated by the author. This piece is from the original self published version of the currently being published by IMAGE COMICS. Complete with autograph by prolific artist/writer Tom Beland, the bidding on this stunning piece of art begins at $200.
Kurt Busiek has donated an extremely rare deluxe hardcover edition of his award-winning series MARVELS, which launched artist Alex Ross to super-stardom. It is an artist’s proof and not available anywhere else but UNSCREWED! Signed by both Busiek and Ross, the book features a second autograph by Busiek with a special message for UNSCREWED! Bidding starts at $80.
Busiek has also donated what Donovan describes as "a must have for any fan of super-heroes," a very rare boxed two-volume hardcover edition of the JLA/AVENGERS crossover. Volume One contains the complete mini-series with introductions by Stan Lee and the late Julie Schwartz, along with character and creator biographies, while Volume Two is a compendium featuring George Pérez's 21 pages pf pencils from the aborted 1983 crossover; the initial plot for the current mini-series and every character, place, and incident used in the mini-series carefully annotated by Pérez and Busiek. As with the MARVELS auction, this item comes signed by writer Kurt Busiek along with a very special message to the supporters of UNSCREWED! Bidding begins at $85.
Artist Jamal Igle, of FIRESTORM and NEW WARRIORS fame, has donated a signed piece of original art from MARVEL ADVENTURES: SPIDER-MAN #14. Fully penciled and inked, Bidding starts at: $50. "This piece is a must have for webheads, and a great way to kick off the countdown to Spider-man 3!" remarks Donovan.
As new items are added to the auction list, notices will be sent to the media and posted on the UNSCREWED! website.
In addition to the auctions, UNSCREWED! has begun a second relief effort, the Unscrewed! Anthology, with stories and art from some of the best and brightest artists and writers in the field. Legendary X-MEN artist PAUL SMITH contributes a special two page story which joins a host of stories collected in one volume, with proceeds going to help creators in need.
For the full story and mission statement of UNSCREWED! please visit their website at www.unscrewedcomic.com. The website will be bringing webcomics online in the coming weeks. Parties interested in contributing work to the site please visit the UNSCREWED! website for submission guidelines.
Donovan closes out with these remarks: "As always I want to thank our gracious contributors and supporters in this important movement. The outpouring of submissions, one-of-a-kind items, and overall support is very much appreciated. Fan, Creator, Retailer alike, we thank you for that."