Bleeding Fool

---

• Stan Lee Was Right About Politics & Social Issues in Comics
• Indie Comics Showcase #169: MetalShade, Bubba Patrol & The Watcher
• Comicbooks for Kids! Launches in the United Kingdom

Stan Lee Was Right About Politics & Social Issues in Comics Posted: 23 Feb 2022 03:25 PM PST   Since their debut in the Silver Age of comics, the X-Men have been the stars of some of Marvel’s most popular and acclaimed titles, beginning in relative obscurity and eventually becoming one of the most recognizable teams in comics. Created by artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby and writer/editor Stan Lee, the X-Men formed one of the most recognizable and successful franchises of Marvel Comics, appearing in numerous books, television shows, films, and video games.    A year before he passed away at the age of 95, Stan gave an interview to Robert Kirkman’s Secret History of Comics series which aired on AMC November 12, 2017.  In this clip from the interview (embedded below), the mind behind many of Marvel Comics’ most beloved creations said the following about his approach to identity politics and social issues in comic books.   "I've always tried to do our stories so that it didn't matter if you were of the white race, the black race, the brown race, or whatever,” Stan says, adding that "social issues I tried to get in – in the background or under laying the plot. But never to the point of letting it interfere with the story or hitting the reader over the head."   Watch the interview here:      Lee had previously given an interview with Rolling Stone in 2014, but published during that same time as the above clip (The “Lost” Interview), where he discussed the kind of representation that was present in the X-Men, basically saying that we should all get along with each other, even if we held opposing points of view.   […] I loved the idea of the X-Men being good mutants, and then we'd get a bunch of bad mutants, and we'd make it seem as if the bad mutants had a point there. The human race hated them and feared them and shunned them and was trying to get rid of them, so why should they take it laying down? Whereas Professor Xavier said, we've gotta all learn to live together, no matter how different we are. And I felt that represented some schools of thought that exist among the human race now. And it was fun to toy with that concept. And basically, the main idea was to show that bigotry is really a terrible thing, and we should all get along with each other no matter how different we are.”     When the title was relaunched with a new team in Giant-Size X-Men #1, the marketing department at Marvel Comics had nothing to say about how “diverse” and “inclusive” the supergroup of various nationalities and races, and it became a massive hit without promoting those aspects. Why can’t comic books do the same today?      History continues to prove that Stan Lee was right about so many things.  He was a treasure to the comics medium. Is it too much to hope that today’s modern creators and promoters of comic books might try to hew closer to the approach of a man who was a first-class entertainer and the co-creator of countless comic book characters that have become staples in pop culture? Maybe he knew what he was doing.     The post Stan Lee Was Right About Politics & Social Issues in Comics appeared first on Bleeding Fool.

Indie Comics Showcase #169: MetalShade, Bubba Patrol & The Watcher Posted: 23 Feb 2022 01:15 PM PST     It’s time for another incredible installment of Indie Comics Showcase, the weekly blog where we signal boost a few truly independent comics that are currently crowdfunding their projects, crowdsourcing their funding in some way, or just completely self-publishing on their own. Every little bit of support for these creators matters, from a single dollar pledge to the twenty-five dollar bundle, and of course the higher tiers are usually fun too! Even if you can’t back a campaign or buy a book, you can share or tweet about these projects to your friends and followers.    On Indie Comics Showcase, we interview the creators, show off some art, and tell you how you can check out the product for yourself. Below we have some outstanding crowdfunding campaigns this week for you to learn about, enjoy, and hopefully support by backing one or more of them! Thanks for checking these out and for being the best part of Indie Comics Showcase. Let's jump in!   MetalShade by Izik Bell   Check out the crowdfunding page here!     Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Izik! Tell our readers about MetalShade and where the idea originated. Izik Bell: MetalShade is an arcane strike force that becomes entangled in a war with ancient, dark gods. I’ve been working on this idea since I was about 17 (I’m almost 40 now) and it really sprung from my desire to make my own comic series. I grew up around the early Image era of comics and independent creators publishing their own IP’s was always what inspired me most.     CB: What kind of comic readers is this suited for and who is it aimed at? IB: MetalShade is a dark superhero/sci-fi comic full of violence and adult themes. It features highly detailed art, dark humor, and in-depth character building/story telling set in a dystopian world. If that sounds cool to you, you’re my target audience.     CB: Tell us about your style and creative process, and how you developed them IB: I obsessively work on this comic 24/7. I jot down ideas, sketch out scenes and start to mold them into finished stories.     Talk about your creative team that contributed to this project IB: My fiancé is the other half of MetalShade’s creative force. She provides all the colors, variant covers, edits my scripts and sets up our campaigns. Her name is Alexa Lo and she is a total badass.     What are your plans beyond this book? Are there more stories to tell? IB: Two issues are already in print, and we’re currently finishing up issue zero. The next big campaign will be “The Entire First Arc” and will wrap up the initial storyline with issues 3 & 4 as well as collect 0-4 in trade format. I also have been working with another artist on a spin-off solo title that we will launch late this year. I also want to get MetalShade on Indiegogo, but I’m not sure the right way to go about it. I’ve seen other big Kickstarter books flop on their, and MetalShade is so dear to me, I dont know if I can take that!     CB: Before we sign off, tell me how the campaign is going so far. It’s got two weeks left, right? IB: There are a ton of extras that will come with the current issue on Kickstarter. We always offer stretch rewards and we have unlocked lots of them already! Come check us out online at akirakiraistudios.com.     Check out the crowdfunding page for MetalShade here!     _________ Tevin Fields is The Watchman by Lyle Ringold   Check out the book here!   Chris Braly: Briefly tell us the elevator pitch for your comic (what’s it about?) Lyle Ringold: Tevin Fields Is The Watchman is about and young man returning home from serving his country, to find out his father died and that his city is being over run by corrupt politicians and thugs. Tevin takes up his fathers mantle as The Watchman to continue his work and make his city great again. Stay vigilant for this colorful 21 pager.     CB: Where did the idea for this comic come from, and made you decide to self-publish it? LR: The idea for this series came from me wanting to put more street level characters in the forefront, especially of color as well. Growing up I was in love with Nightwing/Robin – and still am. We do not see that many street level heroes leading the way anymore. Mine has a twist though, he is also enhanced. I chose to self publish because I found a great company in Konkret Comics and they believed in my vision.     CB: Tell us about your style and creative process, and how you developed them LR: This is my first comic I ever put out. I literally just sat down and started writing and the story just flowed from my brain to my pen, to the pad. I was always good and writing in school, I have a big imagination and it comes from my love of movies, books and TV. I also listen to my favorite musicians or have the tv playing as I write to calm my mind.     CB: Talk about your creative team that contributed to this project LR: I am with Konkret Comics, the main people of that team I communicate with us the owner Lonzo Starr, and previous editor and chief Daniel. They were big help on this book and did not hold back on criticism. They were my letterer, editors and calming factors while making this book. I met them online via twitter and Instagram and we have never even met in person yet and it's been 3 years.     CB: What’s your production workflow like? And if it’s not complete, how far along is the book? LR: The first issue of this series is already done and ready to buy from Konkret Comics online. I like to work at my own pace. Whenever a idea pops in my head, I jot it down somewhere and start expanding on it later. I like to write during my off days from my full time job.     CB: What have you been learning from self-publishing and creating through this process? LR: Self publishing is actually harder than I thought at first. You have to have an online social media presence and I was never one to stay on social media 24/7, but my team told me I had to learn how to do that. Also crowdfunding was hard for me seeing who would put money into my product and who wouldn't. It made me think my work is good but at the same time not good enough. CB: Are there more stories to tell after this book? LR: There are many more stories to tell, many spin offs coming. New stories coming as well that won't even be comics, some are graphic novels and manga. Then I'm breaking into the film industry. CB: Thanks Lyle. The book looks good! Anything else before we sign off? LR: Stay tuned for issue 2 coming this year with lots of perks for that next issue.   Check out Tevin Fields is The Watchman here!   _________ The Bubba Patrol by John Anthony Chihak Soltero Check out the crowdfunding campaign here!   Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, John Anthony. Give me your description for The Bubba Patrol! John Anthony: Bold and colorful, the Bubba Patrol is a throwback to the Bronze and Silver Age where comics didn’t have to be overtly violent and dark or a deconstruction on the genre in order to tell an amazing, comprehensive and quality story. The Bubba Patrol is a team of superhero dogs, protecting Apex City, who prove the greatest asset is the size of your heart and the best super power of all time, is hope. Issue 5 is 28 pages of full color action and heart, printed on good old school newsprint.     CB: Where did the idea for this comic come from, and made you decide to self-publish it? JA: The Bubba Patrol is based on my dogs. They’ve been my little superheroes since the age of 14, and have been with me through good times and bad. They never gave up on me. And while I had been creating comics since 2006, they were always darker, and edgier products. Due to a life altering change in 2016, I decided the Bubba Patrol had to get made. It’s easily the most personal project I have ever worked on.     CB: What kind of comic readers is this suited for and who is it aimed at? JA: It’s an all-ages comic book. And while a younger reader could easily pick it up, because of a lot of the references I use, it’s great for older reader/collectors.     CB: Explain your creative style a little bit. JA: The best way to relate the visual style is a simplified Don Bluth feel, with 2D animation style coloring. Part of how I developed the characters, is by talking out loud to the dogs, giving them very specific voices and powers based on their personalities. I have been using basic writing steps and outlines for the last several issues, and using small points from previous issues of the Bubba Patrol to contribute to the forward progress.   CB: Who else has helped contribut to this project? JA: I met industry veteran colorist, Bill Simpson (Extreme Studios, TopCow and Marvel Comics) at a local artist group in late 2018. I met variant cover artist, Alexxiled (Dealings of the Damned on Webtoons) at the very same artist group. JoJo Seames (Metazoo trading cards and the Makeshift Man comic book), provided a great water color variant cover. My big sister, Ann Chihak Poff I have known my whole life.     CB: What’s your production workflow like? And what are you learning through creating your own comics? JA: Typically my creative process is working at night, with movies or YouTube videos in the background as I draw digitally. With issue 3 to current, all interiors on this project have been completed digitally, with the exception of the covers and the final page of interior work for this issue (issue five). The book has been sent to the editor and should be ready to send to the printer by April. Through self publishing, I have learned so many things about the process from start to finish, including my shortcomings, which include self promotion and building my brand. This time around I made a prelaunch page and hired consultants to help with making my intro video, and with mid campaign notifications/promotion. I have also learned that starting with an outline, I can build a more dynamic story and working digitally greatly speeds up my production.     CB: Any plans beyond this book? What makes this comic unique? JA: Following fulfillment of this issue’s campaign, I will take a break from the Bubba Patrol. There are a few projects I want to try while I recover from the emotion tied to the Bubba Patrol. The delivery of the product will change, as I will be producing any and all future projects in one shot or graphic novel formats. There are absolutely more Bubba stories to tell. This series is printed on newsprint, in keeping with the Bronze/Silver Age feel. The campaign has sketch cover/original artwork perks and three super limited variant covers. I am also offering the option of going digital for the first time ever. And retailers can pick up bundles, ad space and even an exclusive cover that is totally their own.   CB: Cool! Anything else you would like to share with our readers before we sign off? JA: I would just like to say thank you for considering backing this project and I appreciate you all for supporting indie comics.   Check out the crowdfunding campaign here! _________   That’s it for this installment. If you’re a creator ramping up your own campaign or have a comic available for purchase online and you want to be featured in our weekly column, click here. And follow Indie Comics Showcase on Twitter at @Indie_Comics and reach out to them for more eyes on YOUR crowdfunding comic project. Until next time, support indie comics!       The post Indie Comics Showcase #169: MetalShade, Bubba Patrol & The Watcher appeared first on Bleeding Fool.

Comicbooks for Kids! Launches in the United Kingdom Posted: 23 Feb 2022 10:55 AM PST     Since establishing itself as a success in its native North America, ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) has set its sights on the United Kingdom for the launch of ComicBooks For Kids UK! (CB4KUK).   Founded in Chicago by Mark Weiss, CB4K started with a simple mission to put comic books into the hands of children in local hospitals and cancer centers. The non-profit organization quickly grew from an Illinois-centered enterprise to one that supports over 200 hospitals in every state within the United States to all demographics.   Says Weiss, "When we started CB4K, little could we have imagined how quickly this would be adopted and expand.  Over time, donations of comics, funds and increasing demand from hospitals continued to reinforce that we were making a positive difference for the kids. When the distributors, publishers and retailers joined us we knew that we could indeed support these kids on behalf of this incredible industry".     To help launch the UK arm of the charity, Weiss turned to co-directors Will O'Mullane and Chris Thompson, who are veterans of the UK comics and pop culture scene, to bring his vision to the entire UK.   "I first met Mark when I was at C2E2 in Chicago to represent Titan Comics a number of years ago," explains Thompson. "He told me what they were doing for kids in North America, and I immediately wanted to get involved. Titan became one of the key supporters of CB4K's work so, when it came time to launch the UK side of the organization, he came back to me and I suggested reaching out to Will."   Says O'Mullane, "Witnessing the joy and magic that Mark had already built in North America, along with his infectious passion and enthusiasm for CB4K made this an easy decision.  I'm incredibly excited to be on-board, and to see how we can help create this same magic for kids in the UK!"     Having worked behind the scenes throughout the pandemic to get the charity registered as its own entity in the UK, the entire team is excited to see it grow and find its own feet. Although there is still a lot to do in terms of getting inventory, making contact with hospitals, and encouraging donations, everyone is optimistic to make this a success.   You  can visit comicbooksforkids.org to make a donation (there is a separate option for donating to the UK) while interested publishers, retailers, hospitals and press can make contact with the directors by emailing will@comicbooksforkids.org or chris@comicbooksforkids.org locally in the UK. The post Comicbooks for Kids! Launches in the United Kingdom appeared first on Bleeding Fool.

You are subscribed to email updates from Bleeding Fool. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States