Second time is the charm.

This is the second version of this page(see previous post for the first). I wanted to make the figures larger, more dynamic and I wanted to add a little more costuming to Wrestler Zero with the addition of a belt and the shin guards. I also rendered the figures much more than in the first version. I hope I didn't over render the page and distract from the storytelling. While I strive to improve as an artist I don't want to forget that my priority is telling the story. My drawing should be in service to the narrative. On to the next page then.

Two pages and one mini sermon.

Hi everyone. Here are two pages from a short WRESTLER ZERO story in the works. When it's complete the full version will be posted here for you to read. I wish I were in a position to publish full length stories on regular schedule. I have lots of stories I'd like to tell. However, for the forseeable future I'm better off keeping my stories short and sweet. The plain truth is I need improvement in a lot of areas of my craft. Being a self taught artist means you can't be the biggest fan of your own work. You need a strong but not harsh internal editor to keep you honest. For me that means not publishing work that I know is sub-standard. For every one page that I publish in print or electronically there are at least two other versions that didn't make the final cut. This artform is not flattering to the ego. If anything, it constantly points out your limitations as a creator and the need for constant study and practice. At the amateur level there is no money and very little recognition outside your immediate circle of friends and family. You will always meet or see the work of someone whom you consider much more talented than you. I am not aware of any self publisher who is making a living from his or her publishing. Without exception the publishing is being subsidized by a day job. And without fail there will always be the nattering nabobs of negativism ready to talk you out your desire to pursue this difficult artform.

So why continue to pursue your craft? Why continue to tilt at your own windmills? Would it not be easier to pursue something far more practical? The answer is that you do this because you must. Because you can't picture yourself not pursuing that dream or not tilting that windmill. Art, like love, is not practical but for those of us who dream it and live it it's essential. Passion and sincerity will get you through times of creative slumps better than talent can get you through times of no passion and sincerity. It's very possible, in fact very likely, that I will never make my living from my self publishing. And since I have no interest in working for any comics publishers I'd best not quit my day job. So where does that leave me? It leaves me where I've always been; passionate about creating comics and passionate about improving my ability to do so. And that my friends is not at all a bad place to be.

Weather, comic book shops and a free comic book.

The summer season is officially over. The weather doesn't turn on a dime but already the air is cooler and the nights have me reaching for the comforters I'd all but abandoned since the end of spring. Autumn will soon be here and it's my favorite time of year. It's neither hot nor cold but a transition from one season to the next while retaining elements of the past and hints of what's to come.

What does any of that have to do with the image above? Nothing at all.

The above image is a panel from the in the works second issue of WRESTLER ZERO. In an earlier entry I said that I would let you know how you could obtain a free copy of WRESTLER ZERO #1. Drop me a line at tonyfig1@verizon.net and I'll let you know the details. I can only offer one copy per customer but I'm paying for the postage.

If you happen to be a customer of Million Year Picnic in Cambridge, MA, That's Entertainment in Worcester, MA or Friendly Neighborhood Comics in Bellingham, MA these stores are selling WRESTLER ZERO #1. A big thanks to all of them for giving my little comic space on their shelves. All three of these shops have a great variety of comics and related materials and are staffed by some pretty cool people.

Take care and I'll see you soon.

"We've lost the captain..."

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not good at capturing a likeness. This is supposed to be Mr. Spock from the first Star Trek pilot "The Cage". It's my favorite Star Trek episode although I do have a few other episodes that I enjoy as well. Ah well, back to the drawing board...

WRESTLER ZERO MUST DIE!

This is page one of Wrestler Zero #2. I'm still without a scanner so it's back to using my camera's phone.

Thank You to those of you following this blog. I appreciate it.

For my fellow process junkies out there, I inked this page with a Hunt 102 pen point, Pigma Micron 001 and 01 markers and of course my trusty Faber Castell Pitt Pen Brush. My ink is Dr. Martin's Bombay Black Ink. The pencilling was done with a B and 2B pencils.

The last word on the last page or how I phoned it in.

This is the published last page from WRESTLER ZERO #1. (see previous posts for the first two versions) I'm still without a scanner so I used my camera phone to bring this image to you. I wanted the last page to be a strong image and one that re established the status quo of the character. I'm not a huge fan of my own work. I have to maintain a student's mindset and a critical distance from my artwork or I won't grow. Once in a great while I'm somewhat pleased by what I produce and this page represents one of those rare instances. Besides, at the Boston Comic Con Mike Lilly and Scott Cohn both liked this page and when you consider what excellent artists they are, well, that felt good.

Picturing it.

It's been far too long since my last post. I have my PC back, although with so many new parts it's practically a new computer, but I don't have a scanner at the moment. The above image from the second issue of WRESTLER ZERO and was taken with my camera's phone. I'm pencilling more tightly so as to reduce guesswork during inking but allowing for some creativity as well.