Hey gang,
Last year about this time I posted my thoughts on the fact that I thought 2011 would be the year that digital comics exploded on to the scene. Turns out that prediction was fairly accurate, since now all the major publishers are releasing their new material digitally as well as through the traditional printed versions...with some even doing so simultaneously (which was unthinkable just a year or two ago).
At Head Press Publishing, we also fell in line with the changing reading habits of young people (who I think are dominating this new trend, if my son is any indication), as my Eye Witness series is now available for virtually any type of digital platform or device you could mention (outside of Amazon's....due to their behind the times spec. requirements).
But for those of you who might have joined the digital reading movement by getting a reader or tablet for Christmas, here's some places to check out that provide digital versions of the award winning Eye Witness series:
Graphicly ....which I list first for a couple reasons. 1. The offer versions of all four books that come with exclusive production art and commentary by me about the making of the series...and 2. because they offer the material in multiple formats for the widest variety of hardware.
Publit ....which is the site to get books-comics for your Barnes & Nobel, Nook readers.
DriveThruComics ....which is a very popular site for a wide variety of titles and THE EXCLUSIVE distributor of the HARD COPY EDITION of Eye Witness: Book One (Revised Edition).
Comixology ....another very popular site for a huge variety of titles.
Enjoy....and in 2012 watch for an announcement...coming soon.... about my latest launch (or relaunch) into the world of digital publishing!
Happy New Year!!!
RJ Luedke
www.bobtheartist.com
www.headpress.info
Showing posts with label christian comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian comics. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
2011: Year in Review
Hey gang,
Now that I've finally processed the pounds of turkey and pumpkin pie in my system from our Thanksgiving feast, I thought I'd take a pause to reflect on 2011 from my perspective.
This time last year I was considering whether I wanted to take my talents and experience toward doing public speaking to church and christian youth oriented groups about Eye Witness and my decade long journey with it, or focus more on creating new artwork and working primarily on the comic/pop culture convention circuit...which would still allow me to promote and sell EW to those it was designed for (mainly the unchurched and skeptical comic fan out there). After much deliberation on this, I went with the latter!
So...what this the right decision for me? Hmmmmm....
I speak with a lot of young aspiring writers, artists and self-publisher's at my appearances and through my various pages on the web and get a lot of questions in regards to the financial viability of creating your own comics and graphic novels. Truth be told, like any indy creative endeavor (film making, music recording, fine art, novel writing etc....) creating and publishing comics/gn's is a risky endeavor where there is no guarantee of financial bounty...or for that matter, breaking even. If one decides to go down this creative path, it must be with a clear understanding that this is something you feel compelled to do, a project you feel passionate about and that you have funding in place you can afford to do without (kind of like how my Dad always told me to approach going to Las Vegas..."don't gamble what you can't afford to lose"). In other words, it should something you'd do 24/7, even if no one ever paid you for doing it!
In most cases if you're approaching the comic/gn publishing industry from an indy perspective with the belief that your creative properties going to make you rich, (or just maybe financially independent) then you're setting yourself up for a rude awakening. Is there precedent to the contrary? Sure... Jeff Smith (Bone), Todd MacFarlane (Spawn), Dave Sim (Cerebus) to name a few...but when you look at the shear number of indy comics that have come and gone each and every year for the last couple decades, these are truly close to "one-in-a-million" scenarios! Am I sharing this because I'm trying to keep young talent from even trying? Absolutely not! I'm merely sharing what is (from a financial perspective) the reality of what you're taking on when you go down the self-publishing route.
If you have a burning desire to tell a story in comic/gn form, then sometimes self publishing is your only, and best, option (especially with the rise of digital publishing...but that's another topic all together). But just go into it with a firm grasp on what your goals are. For me with Eye Witness, it wasn't about the financial return I might make (though everyone who heard about the concept I was undertaking or saw the advance artwork assured me I was going to sell millions of copies....I kid you not). It was about my fulfilling what I saw as a divine directive for my creative talents. I was extremely passionate about this project and set down the path to create the book (then the series) no matter how much it costs me, or how much I received in return. My main payoff was determined by how many people I would touch with the story!
I was fortunate that the Lord was at the helm of this particular endeavor and more times than I'd like to admit, He helped keep food on my table and money in our bank account. But for the better part of a decade I slaved feverishly to complete what became something of an epic (400+ fully illustrated pages) while basically earning enough for the publishing to pay for itself.
Getting back to my original point (in a real round about fashion)...I decided I needed to create a model where I could continue to share Eye Witness with people (since most people still are unaware of it, despite my efforts) while earning extra income from other creative work I was producing. And since, my target audience for Eye Witness was mainly the unchurched it just made more sense that I should continue to have a presence at comic/pop culture events, rather than "preach to choir", so to speak, by limiting my self to only Christian events and churches.
So yes, this was the right decision for me! In 2011, it has allowed me to create a decent income from sales of my prints/posters and landing of commissions and contract assignments, while still being able to not only sell Eye Witness, but also continue to inspire and counsel other writers and artists I meet that likewise feel compelled to use their talents in the service of the Lord, but just don't know how to do it.
Will I one day travel down the other path and begin to speak with young believers about my mission with Eye Witness? That's always possible and like I've operated pretty much for the last decade...I'm leaving that in God's hands. He'll let me know when it's time to change gears!
Hope to see many of you all again in 2012. I've have a bunch new comic and pulp culture inspired prints and posters to share (like this one):
RJ Luedke
http://www.bobtheartist.com/
Now that I've finally processed the pounds of turkey and pumpkin pie in my system from our Thanksgiving feast, I thought I'd take a pause to reflect on 2011 from my perspective.
This time last year I was considering whether I wanted to take my talents and experience toward doing public speaking to church and christian youth oriented groups about Eye Witness and my decade long journey with it, or focus more on creating new artwork and working primarily on the comic/pop culture convention circuit...which would still allow me to promote and sell EW to those it was designed for (mainly the unchurched and skeptical comic fan out there). After much deliberation on this, I went with the latter!
So...what this the right decision for me? Hmmmmm....
I speak with a lot of young aspiring writers, artists and self-publisher's at my appearances and through my various pages on the web and get a lot of questions in regards to the financial viability of creating your own comics and graphic novels. Truth be told, like any indy creative endeavor (film making, music recording, fine art, novel writing etc....) creating and publishing comics/gn's is a risky endeavor where there is no guarantee of financial bounty...or for that matter, breaking even. If one decides to go down this creative path, it must be with a clear understanding that this is something you feel compelled to do, a project you feel passionate about and that you have funding in place you can afford to do without (kind of like how my Dad always told me to approach going to Las Vegas..."don't gamble what you can't afford to lose"). In other words, it should something you'd do 24/7, even if no one ever paid you for doing it!
In most cases if you're approaching the comic/gn publishing industry from an indy perspective with the belief that your creative properties going to make you rich, (or just maybe financially independent) then you're setting yourself up for a rude awakening. Is there precedent to the contrary? Sure... Jeff Smith (Bone), Todd MacFarlane (Spawn), Dave Sim (Cerebus) to name a few...but when you look at the shear number of indy comics that have come and gone each and every year for the last couple decades, these are truly close to "one-in-a-million" scenarios! Am I sharing this because I'm trying to keep young talent from even trying? Absolutely not! I'm merely sharing what is (from a financial perspective) the reality of what you're taking on when you go down the self-publishing route.
If you have a burning desire to tell a story in comic/gn form, then sometimes self publishing is your only, and best, option (especially with the rise of digital publishing...but that's another topic all together). But just go into it with a firm grasp on what your goals are. For me with Eye Witness, it wasn't about the financial return I might make (though everyone who heard about the concept I was undertaking or saw the advance artwork assured me I was going to sell millions of copies....I kid you not). It was about my fulfilling what I saw as a divine directive for my creative talents. I was extremely passionate about this project and set down the path to create the book (then the series) no matter how much it costs me, or how much I received in return. My main payoff was determined by how many people I would touch with the story!
I was fortunate that the Lord was at the helm of this particular endeavor and more times than I'd like to admit, He helped keep food on my table and money in our bank account. But for the better part of a decade I slaved feverishly to complete what became something of an epic (400+ fully illustrated pages) while basically earning enough for the publishing to pay for itself.
Getting back to my original point (in a real round about fashion)...I decided I needed to create a model where I could continue to share Eye Witness with people (since most people still are unaware of it, despite my efforts) while earning extra income from other creative work I was producing. And since, my target audience for Eye Witness was mainly the unchurched it just made more sense that I should continue to have a presence at comic/pop culture events, rather than "preach to choir", so to speak, by limiting my self to only Christian events and churches.
So yes, this was the right decision for me! In 2011, it has allowed me to create a decent income from sales of my prints/posters and landing of commissions and contract assignments, while still being able to not only sell Eye Witness, but also continue to inspire and counsel other writers and artists I meet that likewise feel compelled to use their talents in the service of the Lord, but just don't know how to do it.
Will I one day travel down the other path and begin to speak with young believers about my mission with Eye Witness? That's always possible and like I've operated pretty much for the last decade...I'm leaving that in God's hands. He'll let me know when it's time to change gears!
Hope to see many of you all again in 2012. I've have a bunch new comic and pulp culture inspired prints and posters to share (like this one):
RJ Luedke
http://www.bobtheartist.com/
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Eye Witness Now Available to Even More Digital Readers!
Hey Gang,
I just heard, that my Eye Witness series is now available to users of the New AMAZON KINDLE FIRE, through the Graphicly app on the Head Press website, as well as the BARNES & NOBLE NOOK TABLET...also through Graphicly!
The versions of the books on Graphicly, contain previously unreleased behind the scenes commentary and artwork, from your's truly...exclusive to that app. For more info, visit:
http://graphicly.com/head-press-publishing/eye-witness
RJ Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
http://www.bobtheartist.com/
I just heard, that my Eye Witness series is now available to users of the New AMAZON KINDLE FIRE, through the Graphicly app on the Head Press website, as well as the BARNES & NOBLE NOOK TABLET...also through Graphicly!
The versions of the books on Graphicly, contain previously unreleased behind the scenes commentary and artwork, from your's truly...exclusive to that app. For more info, visit:
http://graphicly.com/head-press-publishing/eye-witness
RJ Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
http://www.bobtheartist.com/
Monday, July 18, 2011
Christian Creators Represent at Comic Con Int'l
Hey gang,
There going to be a pretty impressive lineup of creators/publishers with spiritual based books/comics/short films at this year's Comic Con International later this week.
My friend Scott Shuford, at Front Gate Media, has put together this very all-inclusive press release of the people and events:
San Diego, CA – Arguably the largest pop-culture, entertainment event in the world, THE COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO 2011 kicks off this week with sellout attendance of more than 125,000. The CHRISTIAN COMIC ARTS SOCIETY (CCAS) in partnership with CHALICE PRESS will deliver top talent and projects to create impact at the event. Comic-Con International: San Diego (Comic-Con) is the largest comic book convention of its kind in the world.
Christian Comic Arts Society, presented this year in partnership with Chalice Press, is hosting three events as part of the official Comic-Con programming, and will exhibit throughout the convention in a CORNER BOOTH SPACE #P-08.
CCAS will be giving away copies of “MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH,” an outstanding review of the Marvel universe published by Chalice Press. While supplies last, all CCAS event attendees will receive a copy of the book, and booth visitors can sign up to win copies during hourly drawings on the exhibit floor. Events include:
Christian Comic Arts Society Open Meeting. Thursday, 7/21/11, 7:30p.m. – 9:30p.m., Room: 24ABC
Hosted by CCAS members Kevin Yong (Ragged Capes) and Ralph Miley (New Visions Anthology) of NewCreationNow.com, fans and creators alike are invited to join an informal after-hours time of Christian fellowship, networking, laughter and prayer as we “talk shop” about the Christian comics movement.
Spirituality in Comics: Is Mass Media Our New Church? Saturday, 7/23/11, 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m., Room: 4
In comics, movies, and even Broadway musicals like “The Book Of Mormon”, spiritual themed work seems to be unexpectedly coming from the least religious of sources. Join panelists including SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), RUSSELL DALTON (Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith), BUZZ DIXON (Serenity/Hits & Misses), and MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) as they discuss how a new generation of comics and pop culture are exploring timeless truths.
Christian Comics: The Calling of the Artist, Sunday, 7/24/11, 2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m., Room: 23ABC
What unique challenges do artists face in developing work for both mainstream and religious audiences? How can “Christian media” avoid becoming just a pale imitation of its secular counterparts? Join panelists SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), ERIC JANSEN (Missions Press), STEVE BLOUNT (Kingstone Media), ROBERT LUEDKE (Eye Witness), JOHN SHORE (I’m OK–You’re Not), MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) and moderator BUZZ DIXON (Hits & Misses) as they discuss the challenges and rewards of following the call of personal faith and the creative arts.
“MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH” shows us that Marvel superheroes are more like us than we may think. What really makes someone a hero? In the early 1960’s, the image of a superhero was someone with a square jaw, a muscular build, and a quick smile whose biggest personal problem was trying to keep their girlfriends from guessing their secret identities. Then, writer Stan Lee and artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko created a group of superheroes who revolutionized comics. These heroes, including The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, The X-men, Iron Man, Captain America and others, were not perfect heroes who lived in a perfect world, but fallible people with physical ailments and personal problems like our own.
Each chapter of Marvelous Myths reflects on the heroes’ most famous adventures and discusses the ways in which we are called to overcome many of the same types of obstacles they face as we strive to carry out the ministries to which God calls us. While the authors and artists who created them did not intend to write explicitly religious stories, their tales of imperfect heroes who try to do the right thing despite the many challenges they face provide us with the opportunity to reflect on our own faith journeys as we strive to live heroic lives in the real world.
CCAS members are creating additional impact through Comic-Con related activities:
Created by The JESUS Film Project in association with Brethren Entertainment, Barry Cook (Director of Disney’s “Mulan”), and Tokyo’s renowned Studio 4°C, “My Last Day” is a short film of regret, repentance and redemption. This 9-minute animé unfolds through the eyes of a criminal who receives the same brutal crucifixion sentence as Christ. The criminal’s own guilt causes him to realize Christ’s innocence. See it at www.tinyurl.com/jfmylastday.
Kingstone Media, a central Florida publisher with three primary imprints, will be exhibiting at the event in Booth #5531. Kingstone Comics publishes faith based comics and Biblical worldview graphic novels. Galaxy Comics produces sci-fi and action-adventure graphic novels. Bay Forest Books is the cinematic fiction imprimatur with stories that will move you and characters you will never forget. Get more at www.KingstoneMedia.com. See Kingstone’s Steve Blount at the Sunday panel event.
Blue Blazes, a 168 Project 2011 Finalist, will screen their short film at the CCI-IFF July 22nd, and 1140a in the San Diego Marriott Marina. Mike Shields, (Producer, Director), Amber Greenlee (Storyboard Artist) and Blue Blazes himself, Robert Adan will be available to answer questions about this unique speed filmmaking competition, as well as the movie itself. Also see Shields at the Saturday and Sunday panel events.
Hitting up Comic-Con for the first time, Lamp Post can be found at Small Press Table Q-08. Creators Jerrell Conner (Revelations: The Prophets), Brett Burner (Hand of the Morning Star), and Dan Conner (Heaven Forbid) will be on hand to sign books, give portfolio reviews, and do sketches throughout the show. New books from the following series will be available at the show: Toned: Comics in Black and White, Revelations: The Prophets (featuring a backup of The Cardinal), Heaven Forbid, Finding Elim, God’s Love is Like a Conjoined Twin, Pakkins’ Land, and Parable. For more, visit Lamp Post, Inc. at http://www.lamppostpubs.com/.
The Red R (also known as Revelations) is a movement of artists who aim to revolutionize how biblically related stories are told to cast a bigger net and reach a wider audience. The Red R Movement brings the highest level of art (and beyond) to present the world with the Hope and True meaning that only the greatest stories every told can deliver. Their post-apocalyptic graphic novel series “REVELATIONS: The Prophets” has released six books and will debut the NEW 7th INSTALLMENT at San Diego Comic-Con along with a new animated short. Visit them in the Small Press area at table Q-08. For more info, visit http://www.theredr.com/
He outraged parents, ticked off networks, and delighted young fans with thought-provoking classic episodes of G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Batman. Now Buzz Dixon is launching a line of Young Adult novels based on his bestselling SERENITY Christian manga series as well as brand new tales of faith and courage in a challenging world. “The surest way to get into trouble is to speak the truth, and everyone I’ve ever worked with has found me to be a troublemaker!” said Dixon. Meet Dixon at the Saturday and Sunday panel events. See more at http://www.snokiestories.com/
New from Kingdom Comics, The Kingdom Zone is a 64 page graphic novel anthology that consists of 7 different short stories with a “Twilight Zone” flair coming from a Biblical perspective. Several Christian artists within the industry have contributed their talents to this graphic novel, which will be an ongoing series with new stories every issue. Brian Bradley is the publisher of Kingdom Comics which began in 1999. His first publication, entitled THE ANOINTED 7 has been an ongoing series. Additional titles include “The Lucifer Chronicles”, “Pledge Of Allegiance”, “Code:Evolution”, and various anthologies including “God Works” dealing with prison issues and which is a popular resource within the prison system.
Writer/illustrator, Robert James Luedke, will return to Comic Con International after a two year absence to share his award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series and be a featured member of the CCAS panel on Christian comics and graphic novels. Luedke will feature his new, limited edition, signed/numbered Eye Witness Slipcase Collection at Comic-Con 2011. Eye Witness, which premiered at Comic Con in 2004, has won five indy book awards and been named a finalist in 5 others, making it one of the most recognized and decorated series in the brief history of Christian themed graphic novels. His book “Unknown God” was named as a finalist in the category of Novella in the 2011 Indie Book Awards. Luedke and the series has been featured in media from coast to coast (both Christian and secular), including: LA Times, Washington Post, AP, Fox News, Publishers Weekly, Christianity Today, World Magazine, Comic Buyers Guide, Wizard Magazine and USA Radio Network. See more at http://www.headpress.info/
From Wonder Woman to Green Lantern to Jesus Hates Zombies, HOLLYWOODJESUS.COM covers it all. The action at Comic-Con is naturally a huge shaping force in what the comic-reading world talks about. “We continue to be excited about the spiritual conversation the comics world has with our culture,” said Greg Wright, Editor-In-Chief. “Arnaldo Reyes, our Comics Editor, is always looking for new talent and new product to showcase the spiritual nature of comics.” HJ’s latest comic reviews can be found at http://live.hollywoodjesus.com/?page_id=378
ABOUT CCAS:
The Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) was formed in 1984 to locate and link Christians who are interested or active in the comic book/strip medium. It sponsors Alpha Omega, the APA of Christian comics and Christian comic displays at various comic conventions across the country. The Goal and Purpose of CCAS is to support Christian professionals, hopefuls and enthusiasts within the Comic Book and related industries, accomplishing that by providing opportunities for the following: 1. The sharing of the Christian message and our Christian faith, primarily within and through the comic book industry and art form. 2. Mentoring, training, friendship and networking. 3. The collaboration on and creation of visual storytelling. The CCAS is governed by a volunteer board which includes Eric Jansen (Missions Press,) Scott A. Shuford (FrontGate Media,) Geoff Strout (Artist,) and Kevin Yong (New Creation Now) along with numerous volunteer committee members from the comic industry and the Church.
For more information on the Christian Comic Arts Society, go to: http://www.christiancomicarts.com/ , Facebook.com/ChristianComicArts , or Twitter.com/ChristianComics.
For more information on the Comic-Con International: San Diego, go to: http://www.comic-con.org/
For more information, please contact:
Lori Lenz – FrontGate Media
714-553-5181
Lori@FrontGateMedia.com
There going to be a pretty impressive lineup of creators/publishers with spiritual based books/comics/short films at this year's Comic Con International later this week.
My friend Scott Shuford, at Front Gate Media, has put together this very all-inclusive press release of the people and events:
San Diego, CA – Arguably the largest pop-culture, entertainment event in the world, THE COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO 2011 kicks off this week with sellout attendance of more than 125,000. The CHRISTIAN COMIC ARTS SOCIETY (CCAS) in partnership with CHALICE PRESS will deliver top talent and projects to create impact at the event. Comic-Con International: San Diego (Comic-Con) is the largest comic book convention of its kind in the world.
Christian Comic Arts Society, presented this year in partnership with Chalice Press, is hosting three events as part of the official Comic-Con programming, and will exhibit throughout the convention in a CORNER BOOTH SPACE #P-08.
CCAS will be giving away copies of “MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH,” an outstanding review of the Marvel universe published by Chalice Press. While supplies last, all CCAS event attendees will receive a copy of the book, and booth visitors can sign up to win copies during hourly drawings on the exhibit floor. Events include:
Christian Comic Arts Society Open Meeting. Thursday, 7/21/11, 7:30p.m. – 9:30p.m., Room: 24ABC
Hosted by CCAS members Kevin Yong (Ragged Capes) and Ralph Miley (New Visions Anthology) of NewCreationNow.com, fans and creators alike are invited to join an informal after-hours time of Christian fellowship, networking, laughter and prayer as we “talk shop” about the Christian comics movement.
Spirituality in Comics: Is Mass Media Our New Church? Saturday, 7/23/11, 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m., Room: 4
In comics, movies, and even Broadway musicals like “The Book Of Mormon”, spiritual themed work seems to be unexpectedly coming from the least religious of sources. Join panelists including SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), RUSSELL DALTON (Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith), BUZZ DIXON (Serenity/Hits & Misses), and MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) as they discuss how a new generation of comics and pop culture are exploring timeless truths.
Christian Comics: The Calling of the Artist, Sunday, 7/24/11, 2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m., Room: 23ABC
What unique challenges do artists face in developing work for both mainstream and religious audiences? How can “Christian media” avoid becoming just a pale imitation of its secular counterparts? Join panelists SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), ERIC JANSEN (Missions Press), STEVE BLOUNT (Kingstone Media), ROBERT LUEDKE (Eye Witness), JOHN SHORE (I’m OK–You’re Not), MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) and moderator BUZZ DIXON (Hits & Misses) as they discuss the challenges and rewards of following the call of personal faith and the creative arts.
“MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH” shows us that Marvel superheroes are more like us than we may think. What really makes someone a hero? In the early 1960’s, the image of a superhero was someone with a square jaw, a muscular build, and a quick smile whose biggest personal problem was trying to keep their girlfriends from guessing their secret identities. Then, writer Stan Lee and artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko created a group of superheroes who revolutionized comics. These heroes, including The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, The X-men, Iron Man, Captain America and others, were not perfect heroes who lived in a perfect world, but fallible people with physical ailments and personal problems like our own.
Each chapter of Marvelous Myths reflects on the heroes’ most famous adventures and discusses the ways in which we are called to overcome many of the same types of obstacles they face as we strive to carry out the ministries to which God calls us. While the authors and artists who created them did not intend to write explicitly religious stories, their tales of imperfect heroes who try to do the right thing despite the many challenges they face provide us with the opportunity to reflect on our own faith journeys as we strive to live heroic lives in the real world.
CCAS members are creating additional impact through Comic-Con related activities:
Created by The JESUS Film Project in association with Brethren Entertainment, Barry Cook (Director of Disney’s “Mulan”), and Tokyo’s renowned Studio 4°C, “My Last Day” is a short film of regret, repentance and redemption. This 9-minute animé unfolds through the eyes of a criminal who receives the same brutal crucifixion sentence as Christ. The criminal’s own guilt causes him to realize Christ’s innocence. See it at www.tinyurl.com/jfmylastday.
Kingstone Media, a central Florida publisher with three primary imprints, will be exhibiting at the event in Booth #5531. Kingstone Comics publishes faith based comics and Biblical worldview graphic novels. Galaxy Comics produces sci-fi and action-adventure graphic novels. Bay Forest Books is the cinematic fiction imprimatur with stories that will move you and characters you will never forget. Get more at www.KingstoneMedia.com. See Kingstone’s Steve Blount at the Sunday panel event.
Blue Blazes, a 168 Project 2011 Finalist, will screen their short film at the CCI-IFF July 22nd, and 1140a in the San Diego Marriott Marina. Mike Shields, (Producer, Director), Amber Greenlee (Storyboard Artist) and Blue Blazes himself, Robert Adan will be available to answer questions about this unique speed filmmaking competition, as well as the movie itself. Also see Shields at the Saturday and Sunday panel events.
Hitting up Comic-Con for the first time, Lamp Post can be found at Small Press Table Q-08. Creators Jerrell Conner (Revelations: The Prophets), Brett Burner (Hand of the Morning Star), and Dan Conner (Heaven Forbid) will be on hand to sign books, give portfolio reviews, and do sketches throughout the show. New books from the following series will be available at the show: Toned: Comics in Black and White, Revelations: The Prophets (featuring a backup of The Cardinal), Heaven Forbid, Finding Elim, God’s Love is Like a Conjoined Twin, Pakkins’ Land, and Parable. For more, visit Lamp Post, Inc. at http://www.lamppostpubs.com/.
The Red R (also known as Revelations) is a movement of artists who aim to revolutionize how biblically related stories are told to cast a bigger net and reach a wider audience. The Red R Movement brings the highest level of art (and beyond) to present the world with the Hope and True meaning that only the greatest stories every told can deliver. Their post-apocalyptic graphic novel series “REVELATIONS: The Prophets” has released six books and will debut the NEW 7th INSTALLMENT at San Diego Comic-Con along with a new animated short. Visit them in the Small Press area at table Q-08. For more info, visit http://www.theredr.com/
He outraged parents, ticked off networks, and delighted young fans with thought-provoking classic episodes of G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Batman. Now Buzz Dixon is launching a line of Young Adult novels based on his bestselling SERENITY Christian manga series as well as brand new tales of faith and courage in a challenging world. “The surest way to get into trouble is to speak the truth, and everyone I’ve ever worked with has found me to be a troublemaker!” said Dixon. Meet Dixon at the Saturday and Sunday panel events. See more at http://www.snokiestories.com/
New from Kingdom Comics, The Kingdom Zone is a 64 page graphic novel anthology that consists of 7 different short stories with a “Twilight Zone” flair coming from a Biblical perspective. Several Christian artists within the industry have contributed their talents to this graphic novel, which will be an ongoing series with new stories every issue. Brian Bradley is the publisher of Kingdom Comics which began in 1999. His first publication, entitled THE ANOINTED 7 has been an ongoing series. Additional titles include “The Lucifer Chronicles”, “Pledge Of Allegiance”, “Code:Evolution”, and various anthologies including “God Works” dealing with prison issues and which is a popular resource within the prison system.
Writer/illustrator, Robert James Luedke, will return to Comic Con International after a two year absence to share his award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series and be a featured member of the CCAS panel on Christian comics and graphic novels. Luedke will feature his new, limited edition, signed/numbered Eye Witness Slipcase Collection at Comic-Con 2011. Eye Witness, which premiered at Comic Con in 2004, has won five indy book awards and been named a finalist in 5 others, making it one of the most recognized and decorated series in the brief history of Christian themed graphic novels. His book “Unknown God” was named as a finalist in the category of Novella in the 2011 Indie Book Awards. Luedke and the series has been featured in media from coast to coast (both Christian and secular), including: LA Times, Washington Post, AP, Fox News, Publishers Weekly, Christianity Today, World Magazine, Comic Buyers Guide, Wizard Magazine and USA Radio Network. See more at http://www.headpress.info/
From Wonder Woman to Green Lantern to Jesus Hates Zombies, HOLLYWOODJESUS.COM covers it all. The action at Comic-Con is naturally a huge shaping force in what the comic-reading world talks about. “We continue to be excited about the spiritual conversation the comics world has with our culture,” said Greg Wright, Editor-In-Chief. “Arnaldo Reyes, our Comics Editor, is always looking for new talent and new product to showcase the spiritual nature of comics.” HJ’s latest comic reviews can be found at http://live.hollywoodjesus.com/?page_id=378
ABOUT CCAS:
The Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) was formed in 1984 to locate and link Christians who are interested or active in the comic book/strip medium. It sponsors Alpha Omega, the APA of Christian comics and Christian comic displays at various comic conventions across the country. The Goal and Purpose of CCAS is to support Christian professionals, hopefuls and enthusiasts within the Comic Book and related industries, accomplishing that by providing opportunities for the following: 1. The sharing of the Christian message and our Christian faith, primarily within and through the comic book industry and art form. 2. Mentoring, training, friendship and networking. 3. The collaboration on and creation of visual storytelling. The CCAS is governed by a volunteer board which includes Eric Jansen (Missions Press,) Scott A. Shuford (FrontGate Media,) Geoff Strout (Artist,) and Kevin Yong (New Creation Now) along with numerous volunteer committee members from the comic industry and the Church.
For more information on the Christian Comic Arts Society, go to: http://www.christiancomicarts.com/ , Facebook.com/ChristianComicArts , or Twitter.com/ChristianComics.
For more information on the Comic-Con International: San Diego, go to: http://www.comic-con.org/
For more information, please contact:
Lori Lenz – FrontGate Media
714-553-5181
Lori@FrontGateMedia.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Digital Age of Comics Marches On
Hey gang,
As I've promised for some time now, we are continuing in our quest to make Eye Witness available to more readers in more reading formats.
Our latest breakthrough along these lines are these:
1. All four books in the award-winning Eye Witness series are now available for viewing/reading/downloading for virtually any electronic device you can mention (from your PC to iPad to smart phone) through through the Graphicly.com website!
They have really gone the extra mile with the bells and whistles their site offers indy publishers. With Eye Witness, each book has 4 pages of previously unpublished content I've put together, that's sort of a "behind the scenes look at the making of the series." In addition, they offer a FREE preview copy of each book in the series!
To check out our offering on the graphicly site, go to: http://graphicly.com/head-press-publishing
2. At long last the revised edition of Eye Witness Book One is available for purchase as a hard copy! Drivethrucomics, (who have previously offered books 1 and 2 as digital downloads), have now made available a POD (print on demand) version of the revised edition of the first book in the series.
Prior to this, the only way you could read this version was in digital format, but I know there are comic and graphic novel collectors out there that still love the hard copies. For those of you who are wondering what is different between this edition and the original....well, I went back and remastered the colors on the entire work to better reflect the improved production the series had starting with book two. In addition, I repaired the editing mis-steps we had made rushing the first book to press without adequate editing (lesson learned) and finally I added some content to make it flow better into the later books (since when I wrote the original manuscript, it was only going to be a one and done).
To order the Revised edition, visit our page on the Drivethrucomics site, at: http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?cPath=5731
There will be more to announce soon, so stay tuned!
RJ Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
http://www.bobtheartist.com/
As I've promised for some time now, we are continuing in our quest to make Eye Witness available to more readers in more reading formats.
Our latest breakthrough along these lines are these:
1. All four books in the award-winning Eye Witness series are now available for viewing/reading/downloading for virtually any electronic device you can mention (from your PC to iPad to smart phone) through through the Graphicly.com website!
They have really gone the extra mile with the bells and whistles their site offers indy publishers. With Eye Witness, each book has 4 pages of previously unpublished content I've put together, that's sort of a "behind the scenes look at the making of the series." In addition, they offer a FREE preview copy of each book in the series!
To check out our offering on the graphicly site, go to: http://graphicly.com/head-press-publishing
2. At long last the revised edition of Eye Witness Book One is available for purchase as a hard copy! Drivethrucomics, (who have previously offered books 1 and 2 as digital downloads), have now made available a POD (print on demand) version of the revised edition of the first book in the series.
Prior to this, the only way you could read this version was in digital format, but I know there are comic and graphic novel collectors out there that still love the hard copies. For those of you who are wondering what is different between this edition and the original....well, I went back and remastered the colors on the entire work to better reflect the improved production the series had starting with book two. In addition, I repaired the editing mis-steps we had made rushing the first book to press without adequate editing (lesson learned) and finally I added some content to make it flow better into the later books (since when I wrote the original manuscript, it was only going to be a one and done).
To order the Revised edition, visit our page on the Drivethrucomics site, at: http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?cPath=5731
There will be more to announce soon, so stay tuned!
RJ Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
http://www.bobtheartist.com/
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
The Readers Have Spoken!
I was pleasantly surprised this last week to learn that my Collected Eye Witness Slipcase Set, was the winner in the category of comics and graphic novels, in Family Fiction Magazine's 2011 Reader's Choice Award!
Given the quality of the competition, including Serigio Cariello's "The Action Bible", I am incredibly honored and humbled by this award! My thanks to all those "readers" out there whose vote made this possible.
If you have not yet read the Eye Witness series and want to get your hands on the limited edition SIGNED & NUMBERED variant of the Slipcase Collection, go to our order page at the Head Press Website...and to get a 20% discount....enter COUPON CODE: holiday.
R.J. Luedke
www.headpress.info
www.bobtheartist.com
If you have not yet read the Eye Witness series and want to get your hands on the limited edition SIGNED & NUMBERED variant of the Slipcase Collection, go to our order page at the Head Press Website...and to get a 20% discount....enter COUPON CODE: holiday.
R.J. Luedke
www.headpress.info
www.bobtheartist.com
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Ready For Con Season (Updated)
Hey gang,
Been working feverishly to get my act ready for another convention season...which for me will kick off next week at the C2E2 Convention in Chicago.
Besides continuing to promote the award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series (and the signed and numbered slipcase collection), I been working hard, (and having a blast, I might add), creating an ALL-NEW portfolio of original art and limited edition prints. And in the spirit of the times, here's the final addition to the initial offerings...which will be premiering next week:
So if you hail from the Chicago land area (or the Midwest) come find me in the artist alley area (I'm at table J7) at C2E2 at the McCormick Place in Downtown Chicago.
.......AND HERE'S AN UPDATE, 3/24/11*******
Been working feverishly to get my act ready for another convention season...which for me will kick off next week at the C2E2 Convention in Chicago.
Besides continuing to promote the award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series (and the signed and numbered slipcase collection), I been working hard, (and having a blast, I might add), creating an ALL-NEW portfolio of original art and limited edition prints. And in the spirit of the times, here's the final addition to the initial offerings...which will be premiering next week:
So if you hail from the Chicago land area (or the Midwest) come find me in the artist alley area (I'm at table J7) at C2E2 at the McCormick Place in Downtown Chicago.
.......AND HERE'S AN UPDATE, 3/24/11*******
Totally sold out of the "Winning Duh" print in Chicago and had lots of requests for the image on a T-shirt ('cause I was wearing one that I made as a promotional tool). So coming up at this weekend's Megacon Convention (in Orlando....Orange Co. Convention Center/West Concourse), I'll have an EXTRA LARGE supply of the prints and about 20 of the T-shirts (so don't wait too long in the week to come find my table).
R.J. Luedke
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Acts of the Spirit Now Available for Digital Media!
Hey gang, I'm proud to announce that the second book in the award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series (Acts of the Spirit) is now available for reading on your iPad and iPhone Apps, the Android Marketplace Comics App...as well as through the comiXology web store online.
Up until now, only the Revised edition of the first book (A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth) has been available through Comixology (and these other applications). The book is divided up into three chapters and each at a very reasonable price point (of $1.99 each chapter)...which makes the digital versions less than 50% off their hard copy counterparts.
And don't forget PDF versions of the first two book in the series are already available for viewing on your computer through DriveThruComics!
-------------------------------------------------------------
In other Eye Witness news....
I've been nominated in a couple categories in this year's Eagle Comic Awards (which will be announced this year at the London Comic Con).
This is one of the longest running (if not thee longest running) awards in the industry and set up to allow the fans to participate by voting for who is chosen as finalists. I'd love your support (especially if it helps Eye Witness get more exposure in the UK). If you'd like to help out, here's what you have to do:
-Go to the Eagle Awards Voting page (can cast one vote per computer address) at: http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/
-Of course vote for any and all of your favorites in as many categories as you'd like, but make sure to cast your vote for, category #4: Writer/artist ....and look for Robert James Luedke on the drop down menu.
-The other category of importance is, category #23: Favorite Graphic Novel...and look for Eye Witness: Unknown God on the drop down menu.
If I understand correctly how the awards work, voting will run through late March '11, and then they'll announce the top 5 finalists in each category.
Thanks in advance for your support!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Up until now, only the Revised edition of the first book (A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth) has been available through Comixology (and these other applications). The book is divided up into three chapters and each at a very reasonable price point (of $1.99 each chapter)...which makes the digital versions less than 50% off their hard copy counterparts.
And don't forget PDF versions of the first two book in the series are already available for viewing on your computer through DriveThruComics!
-------------------------------------------------------------
In other Eye Witness news....
I've been nominated in a couple categories in this year's Eagle Comic Awards (which will be announced this year at the London Comic Con).
This is one of the longest running (if not thee longest running) awards in the industry and set up to allow the fans to participate by voting for who is chosen as finalists. I'd love your support (especially if it helps Eye Witness get more exposure in the UK). If you'd like to help out, here's what you have to do:
-Go to the Eagle Awards Voting page (can cast one vote per computer address) at: http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/
-Of course vote for any and all of your favorites in as many categories as you'd like, but make sure to cast your vote for, category #4: Writer/artist ....and look for Robert James Luedke on the drop down menu.
-The other category of importance is, category #23: Favorite Graphic Novel...and look for Eye Witness: Unknown God on the drop down menu.
If I understand correctly how the awards work, voting will run through late March '11, and then they'll announce the top 5 finalists in each category.
Thanks in advance for your support!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Unknown God is Finalist for Book Award!
In 2010, I finished my eight year creative mission and completed the Eye Witness graphic novel series with the release of the fourth book, Eye Witness: Unknown God. I had just been alerted today that Unknown God is a finalist for the Christian Small Press Publisher Book of the year awards.
Voting is open for any publishers, retailers, authors or readers for these awards. If any of you reading this posting feel so inclined, I'd appreciate if you could cast your vote and pass this information on to people you know who may have an interest in such things. Here's the details....
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Graphic Novelist, Robert James Luedke's, latest published work, Eye Witness: Unknown God, (www.headpress.info) is a finalist in the category of "Young Adult literature" in this year's Christian Small Press Publisher, Book of the Year Awards.
Voting is now open till the end of March for retailers, publishers, authors and readers.
Vote now at: http://www.christianbookaward.com/
All Christian book readers are invited to vote for the 2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Although small publishers are often less well known than larger publishing houses, they produce fresh and innovative books to inspire readers or fill niche needs. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award honors books produced by small publishers for outstanding contribution to Christian life.
You are invited to vote for one book in each category online at www.ChristianBookAward.com.The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is offered for books in each of eight categories: Fiction, Biography, Christian Living, Relationships/Family, Bible Study/Theology, Children’s Book 4-8 years, Children’s Book 8-12 years, and Young Adult (12+ years). The winners of this award are determined solely by the votes of Christian retailers and book lovers alike.
The winners of the 2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award will be announced on April 15, 2011. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is sponsored by Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA).
Your vote would be greatly appreciated! For more information about me or Eye Witness, visit:
R.J. Luedke
www.headpress.info
Voting is open for any publishers, retailers, authors or readers for these awards. If any of you reading this posting feel so inclined, I'd appreciate if you could cast your vote and pass this information on to people you know who may have an interest in such things. Here's the details....
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Graphic Novelist, Robert James Luedke's, latest published work, Eye Witness: Unknown God, (www.headpress.info) is a finalist in the category of "Young Adult literature" in this year's Christian Small Press Publisher, Book of the Year Awards.
Voting is now open till the end of March for retailers, publishers, authors and readers.
Vote now at: http://www.christianbookaward.com/
All Christian book readers are invited to vote for the 2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Although small publishers are often less well known than larger publishing houses, they produce fresh and innovative books to inspire readers or fill niche needs. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award honors books produced by small publishers for outstanding contribution to Christian life.
You are invited to vote for one book in each category online at www.ChristianBookAward.com.The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is offered for books in each of eight categories: Fiction, Biography, Christian Living, Relationships/Family, Bible Study/Theology, Children’s Book 4-8 years, Children’s Book 8-12 years, and Young Adult (12+ years). The winners of this award are determined solely by the votes of Christian retailers and book lovers alike.
The winners of the 2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award will be announced on April 15, 2011. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is sponsored by Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your vote would be greatly appreciated! For more information about me or Eye Witness, visit:
R.J. Luedke
www.headpress.info
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Eye Witness in the Media
Hey gang, just to update you on what's been happening lately, now that we are winding down from the 7 month long, Unknown God tour.
Over the last couple weeks I've been interviewed on a number or radio programs around the country about our latest release, The Collected Eye Witness Slipcase Set.
Here's a podcast of an interview I did on the Family Life Network last month:
http://www.fln.org/media/family-life-podcasts/detail/bob-luedke-eyewitness-book-4/
Here's one I did last week for the Messiah's Branch radio program:
http://branch.podomatic.com/entry/index/2010-11-22T21_09_39-08_00
...and coinciding with my appearance at the upcoming Wizard world Atlanta Comic Con, I'll be interviewed live on WATV's "Atlanta Live" program on Fri. Dec. 3rd at 7pm.
Enjoy, share them with a friend and post any comments.
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Over the last couple weeks I've been interviewed on a number or radio programs around the country about our latest release, The Collected Eye Witness Slipcase Set.
Here's a podcast of an interview I did on the Family Life Network last month:
http://www.fln.org/media/family-life-podcasts/detail/bob-luedke-eyewitness-book-4/
Here's one I did last week for the Messiah's Branch radio program:
http://branch.podomatic.com/entry/index/2010-11-22T21_09_39-08_00
...and coinciding with my appearance at the upcoming Wizard world Atlanta Comic Con, I'll be interviewed live on WATV's "Atlanta Live" program on Fri. Dec. 3rd at 7pm.
Enjoy, share them with a friend and post any comments.
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Monday, November 08, 2010
It's A Digital World
In our quest to make the Eye Witness epic available to more readers than ever...not just in North America...but all around the world, we are happy to announce our new partnership with Drive Thru Comics, who markets their site as, "The First Download Comic Shop."
Available immediately for you to download from their site are, both, Eye Witness (Book One: Revised Edition) and Eye Witness (Book Two): Acts of the Spirit. The two titles are broken up into three chapters, each retailing for $1.99 (so if you purchased all three, you'll save 50% off the hard copy price). AND...as an additional incentive, Drivethru is offering the first chapter of Book One for FREE!
For those of you who prefer to read comics on your ipad or iphone, Eye Witness Book One is still available for those applications/hardware through Comixology!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Available immediately for you to download from their site are, both, Eye Witness (Book One: Revised Edition) and Eye Witness (Book Two): Acts of the Spirit. The two titles are broken up into three chapters, each retailing for $1.99 (so if you purchased all three, you'll save 50% off the hard copy price). AND...as an additional incentive, Drivethru is offering the first chapter of Book One for FREE!
For those of you who prefer to read comics on your ipad or iphone, Eye Witness Book One is still available for those applications/hardware through Comixology!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Unkown God Tour at Chicago Comic Con
Hey gang, just wanted to share my thoughts and some pics from this year's Chicago Comic Con.
I had not did this event, (which has previously been known as Wizard World Chicago), since 2006. That year I was quite disappointed with the event, my sales and the lack of foot traffic...which probably explains why I stayed away so long.
But this year's show was quite a different experience for me. There was significant foot traffic in the artist's alley area all 3 and 1/2 days of the event and Saturday's crowds reminded me of a day at Comic Con International (in San Diego) with isles so filled with people it was difficult just to try to move through the hall.
In 2006, it seemed that the crowd was very indifferent to Eye Witness, which I basically determined by the few number of people that actually stopped to ask about it or grabbed a free poster. While during this year's show, it seemed many more people were interested in finding out just what the heck it was about, stopped to hear my pitch and gobbled up the free Unknown God Posters as fast as I could autograph them. And of course, when more people stop to take a look, that meant many more purchased.
There were a number of "brother creators" were in the house this year also, which gave me an opportunity to refer people I knew were in search of comics and GN's with Christian or spiritual content, to their tables. There was Dr. "Solo" Perry of Honors Studios, with his War in Paradise comic...which. if you haven't seen it, is a beautifully rendered story of Angels and Demons which is reminiscent of the widely popular Archangels comics of the '90's. Got a chance to briefly meet Marc Moran, who shared with me his massive Conqueror and Conqueris graphic novel...can't wait to give it a read. I also got a chance to touch base briefly with the gang over at Kingdom Comics...who had a whole table of different faith based comic offerings. Also a big shout out to Martin Oakly and George Macas, who were also in attendence selling (literally) tons of comics they had just purchased!
As with most major conventions this one was loaded with people in costumes. There was the requisite Joker in the Nurses uniform and Captain Jack Sparrow, groups of characters from the World of Batman and X-Men, as well as two guys who created home-made Iron Man and War Machine armor, that I would have sworn was the product of Marvel studios. But this was the only one I felt compelled to run out and get a picture of.
This young girl was the perfect Hit-Girl!
As with any of the Wizard promoted events this one had a real nice assortment of celebrity, movie and TV guests. But the biggest surprise along those lines was an appearance on Saturday morning by the newly convicted ex-governor of IL, Rod Blagojevich. He was there to sign autographs, have your picture taken with him and in general attempt to start building his new war chest for his second trial. Granted I did not leave my table to go see how many people actually gave this "character" their money, but when they announced his arrival most in the hall let out a thunderous boo!
But as this picture here shows, even pro. wrestlers enjoy the Eye Witness series! If you don't recognize him, this is the legendary, Raven, of the WWE, getting his copy of book one!
Overall this was a very fine show for me...the best outside of the Creation NW music festival...in amount of sales. Now I'm really looking forward to the next Wizard sponsored shows I'll be doing in the fall leg of the Unknown God tour, in Boston, Austin and Atlanta!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
I had not did this event, (which has previously been known as Wizard World Chicago), since 2006. That year I was quite disappointed with the event, my sales and the lack of foot traffic...which probably explains why I stayed away so long.
But this year's show was quite a different experience for me. There was significant foot traffic in the artist's alley area all 3 and 1/2 days of the event and Saturday's crowds reminded me of a day at Comic Con International (in San Diego) with isles so filled with people it was difficult just to try to move through the hall.
In 2006, it seemed that the crowd was very indifferent to Eye Witness, which I basically determined by the few number of people that actually stopped to ask about it or grabbed a free poster. While during this year's show, it seemed many more people were interested in finding out just what the heck it was about, stopped to hear my pitch and gobbled up the free Unknown God Posters as fast as I could autograph them. And of course, when more people stop to take a look, that meant many more purchased.
There were a number of "brother creators" were in the house this year also, which gave me an opportunity to refer people I knew were in search of comics and GN's with Christian or spiritual content, to their tables. There was Dr. "Solo" Perry of Honors Studios, with his War in Paradise comic...which. if you haven't seen it, is a beautifully rendered story of Angels and Demons which is reminiscent of the widely popular Archangels comics of the '90's. Got a chance to briefly meet Marc Moran, who shared with me his massive Conqueror and Conqueris graphic novel...can't wait to give it a read. I also got a chance to touch base briefly with the gang over at Kingdom Comics...who had a whole table of different faith based comic offerings. Also a big shout out to Martin Oakly and George Macas, who were also in attendence selling (literally) tons of comics they had just purchased!
As with most major conventions this one was loaded with people in costumes. There was the requisite Joker in the Nurses uniform and Captain Jack Sparrow, groups of characters from the World of Batman and X-Men, as well as two guys who created home-made Iron Man and War Machine armor, that I would have sworn was the product of Marvel studios. But this was the only one I felt compelled to run out and get a picture of.
This young girl was the perfect Hit-Girl!
As with any of the Wizard promoted events this one had a real nice assortment of celebrity, movie and TV guests. But the biggest surprise along those lines was an appearance on Saturday morning by the newly convicted ex-governor of IL, Rod Blagojevich. He was there to sign autographs, have your picture taken with him and in general attempt to start building his new war chest for his second trial. Granted I did not leave my table to go see how many people actually gave this "character" their money, but when they announced his arrival most in the hall let out a thunderous boo!But as this picture here shows, even pro. wrestlers enjoy the Eye Witness series! If you don't recognize him, this is the legendary, Raven, of the WWE, getting his copy of book one!
Overall this was a very fine show for me...the best outside of the Creation NW music festival...in amount of sales. Now I'm really looking forward to the next Wizard sponsored shows I'll be doing in the fall leg of the Unknown God tour, in Boston, Austin and Atlanta!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Thursday, July 08, 2010
ReadTheSpirit Calls Attention to Christian Comics
Hey gang,
One of my favorite writers on all matters spiritual is David Crumm, formerly of the Detroit Free Press and now editor of the website, Readthespirit.com
He just penned a wonderful article on the state of the Christian Comic (Graphic novel) scene:
http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/723-comic-book-news-independent-publishers-continue-to-produ.html
There's also a good supplemental story about the bad rap comics (and their creators) have gotten over the years.
Enjoy-
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
One of my favorite writers on all matters spiritual is David Crumm, formerly of the Detroit Free Press and now editor of the website, Readthespirit.com
He just penned a wonderful article on the state of the Christian Comic (Graphic novel) scene:
http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/723-comic-book-news-independent-publishers-continue-to-produ.html
There's also a good supplemental story about the bad rap comics (and their creators) have gotten over the years.
Enjoy-
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Unknown God Tour---Promo Poster
Here is hot image we'll be using as our Unknown God 2010 tour promotional giveaway poster.
The image was based upon my original cover design, which was re-envisioned and painted by artist supreme, David Rodriguez.
To get your copy, watch for the posting of my upcoming appearance schedule coming here soon...and simply make your way to my table!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
The image was based upon my original cover design, which was re-envisioned and painted by artist supreme, David Rodriguez.
To get your copy, watch for the posting of my upcoming appearance schedule coming here soon...and simply make your way to my table!R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Friday, April 30, 2010
Unknown God----Preview Pages!
Get an advance peek at a sampling of pages from the upcoming Eye Witness: Unknown God, graphic novel.
This is the fourth and final book in the award-winning Eye Witness series. The book will available nationally in book and comic outlets in July 2010.
Click here for your preview!
Enjoy!
R.J. Luedke
This is the fourth and final book in the award-winning Eye Witness series. The book will available nationally in book and comic outlets in July 2010.
Click here for your preview!
Enjoy!
R.J. Luedke
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Unknown God Lives!
I know I haven't been doing a very good job of regularly posting here at "Eye Witnessed", but I had been working my tail off for months to get the fourth book in the Eye Witness series...Unknown God...finished and ready for press.
But I'm happy to announce that the book has basically been completed and we are now in the final stages of editing and proofing. So now I have a bit more time to share what we have coming up over the rest of 2010. First things first.
UNKNOWN GOD COMETH
Unknown God is the final chapter of the Eye Witness series, which has been eight years in the making. People will ask me, "why has it taken so long between books (on average, 2 years)?" The answer is simple! Since I do most of the work involved in the books myself (writing, illustration, inking, coloring and production) there is no way I can rush the process on these books, that run from 96 to 120 pages each. The artwork for each book is what consumes about 14 months for each book and I'm pretty consistent that I can pencil or ink 1-2 pages each day I work. I just feel blessed that God has allowed me physically to complete this project, which took close to a decade of my life to complete.
The book is schedule to hit store shelves and websites in July 2010, but I'll start selling copies direct at my convention appearances begining in June (see upcoming post for my summer schedule).
CHANGE IN DISTRIBUTION TO COMIC SHOPS
Like a number of small and indy press publishers, we learned this spring that we have become a causualty of the more restrictive Diamond Distribution order thresholds. These new minimum order levels (established in 2009) have resulted in lots of wonderful indy comic titles to virtually disappear from many comic store shelves over night. Despite the fact that Diamond had filled orders for more than $10,000 of books in the Eye Witness series, it was not enough and now Head Press Publishing has formally severed our distribution with Diamond, ending a 15 year business relationship.
I'll put my prophet cap on for a moment here...when I owed a pair of comic shops back in the 90's, I became concerned when Diamond started signing exclusive deals with publishers (as a way to combat Marvel's move to self distribution at the time) because you could see it immediately started to put a strain on their competition. This trend continued, even after Marvel returned to their ranks, until almost all the major large to medium sized publishers had become exclusive publishers with Diamond.
Now, there is virtually no competition for Diamond and they are pretty much free to do whatever they like where distribution is concerned and we have situations like you see today... that they now determine what publishers and creators are made available to the retailers (hence the readers). And that's not right! I said it 15 years ago...as I sold my shops, because I didn't like how the business landscape for stores was changing....and I continue to say it today, as a publisher effected by their monopoly. Where's Teddy Rosevelt when you really need him?
But the good news? There are more ways to get your comic/gn novel fix then ever before!
Eye Witness is available to the general bookstrade through STL Distribution North America, which makes our books available through basically any book stores, (whether mainstream or Christian), big-box retailers who carry books and/or websites which sell books (including Amazon of course).
We have entered into a deal with Haven Distribution, which is catagorized as a restock distributor...in other words they do carry product/publishers that Diamond no longer carries, but they do not publisher or market a regular monthy order catalog. Retailers go to their site and see what they are stocking currently. So any comic retailer can now get they Eye Witness books from Haven!
And finally, we make all of our books avaible for direct wholesale purchase to the retail community through our website. To help overcome the additional work from ordering direct, we've even upped our wholesale discounts to put more money in the store owners pockets!
HIGH POWER ENDORSEMENT
I'm excited to announce that over the past few months I developed a friendship with comic legend, Brian Augustyn, and he has agreed to supply the forward for Unknown God! If you're not familiar with Brian's work, he has been involved as a writer and editor for some of the best crafted issues of: Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman, JLA, Flash and the X-Men.
More to come....
But I'm happy to announce that the book has basically been completed and we are now in the final stages of editing and proofing. So now I have a bit more time to share what we have coming up over the rest of 2010. First things first.
UNKNOWN GOD COMETH
Unknown God is the final chapter of the Eye Witness series, which has been eight years in the making. People will ask me, "why has it taken so long between books (on average, 2 years)?" The answer is simple! Since I do most of the work involved in the books myself (writing, illustration, inking, coloring and production) there is no way I can rush the process on these books, that run from 96 to 120 pages each. The artwork for each book is what consumes about 14 months for each book and I'm pretty consistent that I can pencil or ink 1-2 pages each day I work. I just feel blessed that God has allowed me physically to complete this project, which took close to a decade of my life to complete.
The book is schedule to hit store shelves and websites in July 2010, but I'll start selling copies direct at my convention appearances begining in June (see upcoming post for my summer schedule).
CHANGE IN DISTRIBUTION TO COMIC SHOPS
Like a number of small and indy press publishers, we learned this spring that we have become a causualty of the more restrictive Diamond Distribution order thresholds. These new minimum order levels (established in 2009) have resulted in lots of wonderful indy comic titles to virtually disappear from many comic store shelves over night. Despite the fact that Diamond had filled orders for more than $10,000 of books in the Eye Witness series, it was not enough and now Head Press Publishing has formally severed our distribution with Diamond, ending a 15 year business relationship.
I'll put my prophet cap on for a moment here...when I owed a pair of comic shops back in the 90's, I became concerned when Diamond started signing exclusive deals with publishers (as a way to combat Marvel's move to self distribution at the time) because you could see it immediately started to put a strain on their competition. This trend continued, even after Marvel returned to their ranks, until almost all the major large to medium sized publishers had become exclusive publishers with Diamond.
Now, there is virtually no competition for Diamond and they are pretty much free to do whatever they like where distribution is concerned and we have situations like you see today... that they now determine what publishers and creators are made available to the retailers (hence the readers). And that's not right! I said it 15 years ago...as I sold my shops, because I didn't like how the business landscape for stores was changing....and I continue to say it today, as a publisher effected by their monopoly. Where's Teddy Rosevelt when you really need him?
But the good news? There are more ways to get your comic/gn novel fix then ever before!
Eye Witness is available to the general bookstrade through STL Distribution North America, which makes our books available through basically any book stores, (whether mainstream or Christian), big-box retailers who carry books and/or websites which sell books (including Amazon of course).
We have entered into a deal with Haven Distribution, which is catagorized as a restock distributor...in other words they do carry product/publishers that Diamond no longer carries, but they do not publisher or market a regular monthy order catalog. Retailers go to their site and see what they are stocking currently. So any comic retailer can now get they Eye Witness books from Haven!
And finally, we make all of our books avaible for direct wholesale purchase to the retail community through our website. To help overcome the additional work from ordering direct, we've even upped our wholesale discounts to put more money in the store owners pockets!
HIGH POWER ENDORSEMENT
I'm excited to announce that over the past few months I developed a friendship with comic legend, Brian Augustyn, and he has agreed to supply the forward for Unknown God! If you're not familiar with Brian's work, he has been involved as a writer and editor for some of the best crafted issues of: Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman, JLA, Flash and the X-Men.
More to come....
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Eye Witness Slide Show
Get a taste of a cross section of my artwork from all four books from the Eye Witness graphic novel series:
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Awards for Christian Based Entertainment
Since entering the realm of what I guess is known as, "Christian entertainment," six years ago, with the publication of my first graphic novel, Eye Witness: A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth, I wondered aloud....why weren't there any organizations which attempted to throw a spotlight on all the wonderful ways Christian comic book & graphic novel creators are honoring the kingdom, (as well as the people involved in many other forms of diverse entertainment)? Wouldn't that sort of thing be instrumental to helping expose many more people to this creative output who may not know about these kind of works currently?
Now in their second year, The Christian Entertainment Awards, are now featuring awards in the categories of: Commercials, Film, Journalism, Literature, Live Entertainment, Music, Online (websites), Radio, Stage and TV. Within each of these main categories are subcategories. For example, within the Literature category, are sub-categories, including: Biography/Autobiography, children's books, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels (which include comic books).
Sure, there is the annual Christianity Today book awards, but their categories seem far to limited and restrictive to cover the broad nature of what's being published outside of standard prose only books...and they focus specifically on published works, not the entire spectrum of entertainment. Outreach Magazine seems like a natural to tackle this type of thing (since this is all about creativity in sharing the Gospel and/or the Biblical narrative), but likewise they just focus annually on a very narrow handful of publishing only categories, in their, Resources of the Year Awards.
A few weeks ago, I was approached by a gentlemen at a DFW area business to business networking group, (Professional Business Networking), who was one of the founding fathers of an annual awards contest/show, that though originally conceived to honor only those who've made a mark in world of Christian Music, had now expanded it to cover the wider spectrum of the diverse nature of "Christian Entertainment."
Now in their second year, The Christian Entertainment Awards, are now featuring awards in the categories of: Commercials, Film, Journalism, Literature, Live Entertainment, Music, Online (websites), Radio, Stage and TV. Within each of these main categories are subcategories. For example, within the Literature category, are sub-categories, including: Biography/Autobiography, children's books, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels (which include comic books).As with most awards contests (outside the major ones), there is a nominal fee to have your work considered, but the good news here is, that the fees go to the parent non-profit charity dedicated toward building a Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Here's a link to an overview about the awards and the charity.
Another unique wrinkle to these awards are, that anything published (in the case of graphic novels and/or comics) since Jan. 1, 2008 through the final deadline of May 31, 2009, is eligible for the 2009 awards. You can submit your works anytime up to that deadline. Each month an independent panel of judges will select a Gold Medal Award Winners from that month's submissions. The Gold award will be given to any entry the judges believe deserve special recognition within their category. There is no limit to the amount of Gold Award winners the judges can name, but to qualify the big prize, The Platinum Award, (what the judges consider the very best of all entries within each category), you must be named a Gold Award Winner, first.
This not only gives the publishers and creators a chance for multiple exposures and publicity on their exemplary titles, (since the Gold Award can be given out anytime between now and September 2009), but adds prestige and credibility to their works, to boot, through being named an award-winner!
The Platinum Award winners will be announced on September 1, 2009 and I believe there will be a ceremony at the 2009 Christian Music Hall of Fame awards, on Nov. 14th, 2009.
For more information, visit their FAQ page, or send an email to: admin@ceawards.org
Personally, I think this kind of thing is a long overdue and it can only help develop more and better public appreciation of our works. I hope all my brother and sister creators help support this idea, by entering their books, graphic novels and comics in this inaugural season.
Hey...who knows, you might even get some TV exposure, as the CEAwards people are currently in negotiations with several cable networks to broadcast the awards ceremonies!
R.J. Luedke
Monday, October 20, 2008
November Book Signing Events
I just wanted to let everyone know about my upcoming book signing events...which should be the last of my promotional appearances for Eye Witness (Book Three): Rise of the Apostle. After this, it's back to the studio to being work on Eye Witness (Book Four): The Unknown God.
November 1st and 2nd, I'll be in Austin, TX....for the Texas Book Festival. The event, which is in it's 13th year, has generated over $2 million dollars for libraries in Texas! The event features authors from all genres not only signing, but also doing readings from their latest releases. For more information, visit: http://www.texasbookfestival.org/
Look for me in the exhibitors area, booth 118, just off the intersection of the Capital Driveway and Colorado Street.
A week later, on Nov. 7-9th, I'll be in Arlington, TX...for Wizard World Texas. This is the largest pop-culture convention in Texas and will feature people involved in the world of: Movies, TV, comics, graphic novels, movies, gaming, video gaming and collectibles. For more information, visit: http://www.wizardworld.com/home-tx.html Look for me in the Artist's Alley area.
See ya' all there!
bob-
http://www.headpress.info/
November 1st and 2nd, I'll be in Austin, TX....for the Texas Book Festival. The event, which is in it's 13th year, has generated over $2 million dollars for libraries in Texas! The event features authors from all genres not only signing, but also doing readings from their latest releases. For more information, visit: http://www.texasbookfestival.org/
Look for me in the exhibitors area, booth 118, just off the intersection of the Capital Driveway and Colorado Street.
A week later, on Nov. 7-9th, I'll be in Arlington, TX...for Wizard World Texas. This is the largest pop-culture convention in Texas and will feature people involved in the world of: Movies, TV, comics, graphic novels, movies, gaming, video gaming and collectibles. For more information, visit: http://www.wizardworld.com/home-tx.html Look for me in the Artist's Alley area.
See ya' all there!
bob-
http://www.headpress.info/
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Rise of the Apostle...in the News!
Hey Gang....
Just wanted to give you an update on the coverage generated by Eye Witness: Rise of the Apostle, (which is exciting, since it just released nationally a week or so ago...depending on your region of the country):
Publishers Weekly: http://www.publishersweekly.com/enewsletter/CA6587089/2287.html#QA
Tulsa World Newspaper: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080809_18_A8_hAcomi10842
Sightmagazine.com: http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/stories/feature/luedke13.8.08.php
Midwest Book Review, (which has included it in it's latest Children's Bookwatch edition): http://midwestbookreview.com/cbw/aug_08.htm#Graphic%20Novel
...a podcast of an interview recently done on FAMILY LIFE RADIO NETWORK:
http://www.fln.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=162&Itemid=833
.....and just FYI, the World Magazine did a wonderful piece on the rise of the graphic novel in pop culture (one of the most comprehensive I've ever read on the history), that at it's core talked about the movement of Christian based comic and graphic novels...some good (Eye Witness included...yeah!) and some not so good:
http://www.worldmag.com/articles/14136
Enjoy my friends...and always keep spreading the Word!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
Just wanted to give you an update on the coverage generated by Eye Witness: Rise of the Apostle, (which is exciting, since it just released nationally a week or so ago...depending on your region of the country):
Publishers Weekly: http://www.publishersweekly.com/enewsletter/CA6587089/2287.html#QA
Tulsa World Newspaper: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080809_18_A8_hAcomi10842
Sightmagazine.com: http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/stories/feature/luedke13.8.08.php
Midwest Book Review, (which has included it in it's latest Children's Bookwatch edition): http://midwestbookreview.com/cbw/aug_08.htm#Graphic%20Novel
...a podcast of an interview recently done on FAMILY LIFE RADIO NETWORK:
http://www.fln.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=162&Itemid=833
.....and just FYI, the World Magazine did a wonderful piece on the rise of the graphic novel in pop culture (one of the most comprehensive I've ever read on the history), that at it's core talked about the movement of Christian based comic and graphic novels...some good (Eye Witness included...yeah!) and some not so good:
http://www.worldmag.com/articles/14136
Enjoy my friends...and always keep spreading the Word!
R.J. Luedke
http://www.headpress.info/
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