Craig Reade over at ComiXtreme.com has posted a review for issue #3 on his
site. Go check it out!
http://comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9595
Many thanks to Craig for his continued support of this book. Look for a
column by yours truly on the ComiXtreme site this May.
Coming soon: Dave's Rant on issue #3!
PC
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
The incomparable Comic Fanatic, Heath Shelby, has just posted an awesome feature on QUANTUM: Rock of Ages. Check it out over at his site.
http://thecomicfanatic.com
Here's a direct link to the article as well.
http://www.thecomicfanatic.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=421&mode=thread&order=1&thold=1
http://thecomicfanatic.com
Here's a direct link to the article as well.
http://www.thecomicfanatic.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=421&mode=thread&order=1&thold=1
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Saturday, April 10, 2004
Hey Guys,
Check out QUANTUM #5's cover and solicitation for June's PREVIEWS. Enjoy!
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #5 Solicitation:
The perfect jumping-on point for new readers. Quantum-bearer Tony Ghiatonne joins our cast of wayward heroes, and has a startling revelation for all of them. Plus, the evil Amarillo Frosch continues to scheme with an unknown traitor, and we meet his second-in-command: Deimos the Man-Dragon! The best cross-time epic you’re not reading continues this August.
Check out QUANTUM #5's cover and solicitation for June's PREVIEWS. Enjoy!
QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #5 Solicitation:
The perfect jumping-on point for new readers. Quantum-bearer Tony Ghiatonne joins our cast of wayward heroes, and has a startling revelation for all of them. Plus, the evil Amarillo Frosch continues to scheme with an unknown traitor, and we meet his second-in-command: Deimos the Man-Dragon! The best cross-time epic you’re not reading continues this August.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
My Journey into SPACE...
This past weekend was my first trip to the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo, or SPACE, as it's affectionately known to the indie comic book community. Despite a completely heinous and draining commute to and from the show itself (read: leaving at 2:30 AM Friday morning to catch a train out to Long Island for a 6:45 plane, and then getting up--after losing an hour with the time change--at 5 AM that Sunday following to trek back home. And nary any rest in between; I'm not as young as I used to be), the experience was quite enjoyable, rewarding, and educational.
I arrived in Columbus, OH at about 11:30 Friday morning (did I mention my long commute?). Now I didn't really get a chance to familiarize myself too much with Columbus, but I can say one thing:
Columbus has more soul than New York.
I know I'm taking a risk saying that. And believe me, I've seen a lot of soul in NYC (hell, I've played the Apollo). But from the time I got off the plane, I just started noticing that there's a serious soulful presence in Columbus. The local classic soul station is better than NYC's KISS FM. There was even a band in the Holiday Inn I was staying that had more serious flava than some of the best bands I've seen in the city.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Anyway, my main goal here is to talk about comic books, and the indie con itself. So, the first real gathering was that Friday night at The Laughing Ogre, probably the most indie-friendly shop I've ever been to. I immediately introduced myself to GIB, the owner, and was delighted to see that the entire north wall of the store was "Alternative Comic" heaven. Racks of small press and self-published books, and lo and behold, there was QUANTUM #1 AND QUANTUM #2, displayed in prominence. The Ogre also had mini-comics and of course mainstream books; plenty of graphic novels (mainstream and indie alike), an extensive manga section, and how-to staples like all the Hogarth anatomy books and such. Gib's store was so great it was impossible for me to resist buying stuff, and I stocked up on Eisner's "Comics and Sequential Art," Bendis's "Fortune and Glory," and Damon Hurd's "A Sort of Homecoming #2." The meeting itself was a good-willed conglomeration of creators, artist, and publishers old and new. DAVE SIM and GERHARD (the con's guests of honor) were on hand as well, although that night I was too shy to approach them. I did meet some nice folks that did mini-comics out of Michigan (big ups Midtown Productions and Darkworld Comix!), who gave me a ride back to the hotel; but not before we all mingled and partook of the Ogres generous offerings of Pizza, sodas, and booze. There was also an in-house DJ spinning his remixes.
Anyway, back at the hotel I settled myself at the bar and took in the soulful sounds of the tasty R&B Band, sipping down Coronas and Jack Daniels until I finally crashed from exhaustion and hit the much-needed hay.
Saturday, April 3:
The beginning of the convention brought me in contact with its organizer, BOB CORBY. Bob was a really straight up guy and, after just a little glitch, set me up in some prime real estate; between both major rooms, in front of the hotel restaurant, and smack-dab between the Laughing Ogre's tables and Friends of Lulu. AND eventually, right in front of Dave Sim's signing table, but we'll get to that later.
About Dave Sim: let me go on the record to refute any nasty rumor you've ever heard about the guy. Before the actual show started I finally got a chance to introduce myself, congratulate him for the outstanding achievement of producing 300 issues of "Cerebus" all on his own, and thank him for the "Self-Publishing Guide." Dave is just the coolest guy, he took a good look at QUANTUM #1 and #2 and we chatted briefly about the Cerebus accomplishment. He was engaging, friendly, and attentive, and later when he was signing stuff for fans, he spent a good 10 minutes talking to EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. This was not the "arrogant jerk" I'd heard about. Sim was just too cool.
Also in attendance, and right next to me at the Ogre's table was Columbus's golden boy, SEAN MCKEEVER. Sean was really great to hang out with as well, and we caught up on things since our introduction at Wizard World Philly last year. Sean hipped me to the latest happenings in his career, including the regrettable cancellation of "Inhumans" and "Sentinel." But fear not, Sean will hopefully be taking over "Mystique" and also writing "Mary Jane," a high-school-years story involving Spidey's main squeeze.
I also got to meet some of my fellow Small Press Association colleagues, notably founder IAN and KATHY SHIRES, and also STEVE NOPPENBERGER. The Shires, although exhausted, were clearly good people with a serious passion for comics and small press. I picked up a copy of the newly published "The Guide" and consigned a few copies of QUANTUM to the SPA.
Noppenberger--or "Noppie" as he's used to being called--and I spoke briefly about his "Potlatch" anthology, which shares space with QUANTUM in this month's PREVIEWS catalogue. To my surprise, I found out that Noppie doesn't even use paper for his art anymore, choosing instead to keep his art completely digital. I told him he should think about writing a book about that, to which he laughed, but I think it'd be a fascinating "how to" for up-and-coming artists. Maybe I can talk him into it down the line (hell, *I'd* help him write it).
Traffic at the QUANTUM table was fairly steady, and I got a chance to see some new talent's work and also turn new people onto the book. I did my best to do a couple of laps around the con, eventually running into fellow small-presser TYLER PAGE, creator of "Stylish Vittles." Tyler was cool as ever, and had an ashcan of "Mini Vittles," a smattering of work that has never made it into any of his other publications. I also had the pleasure of meeting MAX INK, whose "Blink" is a well-rendered and very cute mini-comic.
One pleasant surprise of the con for me was meeting ERIC ADAMS, creator/writer/artist of "Lackluster World." I'm telling you folks, watch out for this guy! His prose is clever and engaging, his characters nicely fleshed out, his art and storytelling very refreshing. Go check his stuff out at http://lacklusterworld.com right NOW!
My other pleasant surprise came in the form of A. DAVID LEWIS, a friend and colleague I've had the pleasure of knowing since SPX 2003. David is always a pleasure to run into at a convention, and we caught each other up on our respective ventures. The talented Mr. Lewis is getting ready to release the "Mortal Coils" trade paperback in June, the same month as QUANTUM #4 hits, so expect to see an ad for it therein. David was also nice enough to invite me onto the self-publishing panel last minute with fellow creators STEVE CONLEY (Astounding Space Tales), CHRIS PITZER (AdHouse Books), MILLARD DRAUGHT (Dog Eared), and IAN SHIRES (Small Press Association).
After the con, I got a chance to hang out with David, Steve Conley, Bob Corby, and JIM GOWNLEY (Amelia Rules!). That experience was probably worth the whole price of admission, as it served to be very educational for me regarding new ideas on how to market and promote QUANTUM. Also, I ran into Dave Sim again, who, despite the long day, was more than happy to chat a little more about his extensive experience. I'm telling you, he was just a really nice guy. Finally, after a well-deserved night cap, I made my way to bed for an early departure back to New York.
All in all, this convention is what it's all about for me: a chance for all us smaller publishers to reach people who are genuinely interested in swimming away from the mainstream. There wasn't a Marvel, DC, or Image title to be seen anywhere, just fresh, independent art from (fairly) normal folk just like you and me. For all you budding comic creators out there: these are the kind of shows to hit, rather than wasting your time at, say, a bigger con (where the organizers won't even return your phone calls unless you're Jim freakin' Lee). I know I can make a much larger impact at shows like SPACE, MOCCA, and SPX; shows where the indie press are given equal chance to shine as the big guns, not to be quarantined into the "Artist Alley" of a "Major" con. One thing I am learning in this experience that is self-publishing is to go where the audience is. Well, my friends, it sure ain't at Big Apple Con (mercy me, did I just talk out of turn?).
So anyway, two little piles of QUANTUM sold out and just a little lost sleep later, I'd have to say that I'll be attending SPACE for several years to come. How about you?
Peace,
Philip Clark
This past weekend was my first trip to the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo, or SPACE, as it's affectionately known to the indie comic book community. Despite a completely heinous and draining commute to and from the show itself (read: leaving at 2:30 AM Friday morning to catch a train out to Long Island for a 6:45 plane, and then getting up--after losing an hour with the time change--at 5 AM that Sunday following to trek back home. And nary any rest in between; I'm not as young as I used to be), the experience was quite enjoyable, rewarding, and educational.
I arrived in Columbus, OH at about 11:30 Friday morning (did I mention my long commute?). Now I didn't really get a chance to familiarize myself too much with Columbus, but I can say one thing:
Columbus has more soul than New York.
I know I'm taking a risk saying that. And believe me, I've seen a lot of soul in NYC (hell, I've played the Apollo). But from the time I got off the plane, I just started noticing that there's a serious soulful presence in Columbus. The local classic soul station is better than NYC's KISS FM. There was even a band in the Holiday Inn I was staying that had more serious flava than some of the best bands I've seen in the city.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Anyway, my main goal here is to talk about comic books, and the indie con itself. So, the first real gathering was that Friday night at The Laughing Ogre, probably the most indie-friendly shop I've ever been to. I immediately introduced myself to GIB, the owner, and was delighted to see that the entire north wall of the store was "Alternative Comic" heaven. Racks of small press and self-published books, and lo and behold, there was QUANTUM #1 AND QUANTUM #2, displayed in prominence. The Ogre also had mini-comics and of course mainstream books; plenty of graphic novels (mainstream and indie alike), an extensive manga section, and how-to staples like all the Hogarth anatomy books and such. Gib's store was so great it was impossible for me to resist buying stuff, and I stocked up on Eisner's "Comics and Sequential Art," Bendis's "Fortune and Glory," and Damon Hurd's "A Sort of Homecoming #2." The meeting itself was a good-willed conglomeration of creators, artist, and publishers old and new. DAVE SIM and GERHARD (the con's guests of honor) were on hand as well, although that night I was too shy to approach them. I did meet some nice folks that did mini-comics out of Michigan (big ups Midtown Productions and Darkworld Comix!), who gave me a ride back to the hotel; but not before we all mingled and partook of the Ogres generous offerings of Pizza, sodas, and booze. There was also an in-house DJ spinning his remixes.
Anyway, back at the hotel I settled myself at the bar and took in the soulful sounds of the tasty R&B Band, sipping down Coronas and Jack Daniels until I finally crashed from exhaustion and hit the much-needed hay.
Saturday, April 3:
The beginning of the convention brought me in contact with its organizer, BOB CORBY. Bob was a really straight up guy and, after just a little glitch, set me up in some prime real estate; between both major rooms, in front of the hotel restaurant, and smack-dab between the Laughing Ogre's tables and Friends of Lulu. AND eventually, right in front of Dave Sim's signing table, but we'll get to that later.
About Dave Sim: let me go on the record to refute any nasty rumor you've ever heard about the guy. Before the actual show started I finally got a chance to introduce myself, congratulate him for the outstanding achievement of producing 300 issues of "Cerebus" all on his own, and thank him for the "Self-Publishing Guide." Dave is just the coolest guy, he took a good look at QUANTUM #1 and #2 and we chatted briefly about the Cerebus accomplishment. He was engaging, friendly, and attentive, and later when he was signing stuff for fans, he spent a good 10 minutes talking to EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. This was not the "arrogant jerk" I'd heard about. Sim was just too cool.
Also in attendance, and right next to me at the Ogre's table was Columbus's golden boy, SEAN MCKEEVER. Sean was really great to hang out with as well, and we caught up on things since our introduction at Wizard World Philly last year. Sean hipped me to the latest happenings in his career, including the regrettable cancellation of "Inhumans" and "Sentinel." But fear not, Sean will hopefully be taking over "Mystique" and also writing "Mary Jane," a high-school-years story involving Spidey's main squeeze.
I also got to meet some of my fellow Small Press Association colleagues, notably founder IAN and KATHY SHIRES, and also STEVE NOPPENBERGER. The Shires, although exhausted, were clearly good people with a serious passion for comics and small press. I picked up a copy of the newly published "The Guide" and consigned a few copies of QUANTUM to the SPA.
Noppenberger--or "Noppie" as he's used to being called--and I spoke briefly about his "Potlatch" anthology, which shares space with QUANTUM in this month's PREVIEWS catalogue. To my surprise, I found out that Noppie doesn't even use paper for his art anymore, choosing instead to keep his art completely digital. I told him he should think about writing a book about that, to which he laughed, but I think it'd be a fascinating "how to" for up-and-coming artists. Maybe I can talk him into it down the line (hell, *I'd* help him write it).
Traffic at the QUANTUM table was fairly steady, and I got a chance to see some new talent's work and also turn new people onto the book. I did my best to do a couple of laps around the con, eventually running into fellow small-presser TYLER PAGE, creator of "Stylish Vittles." Tyler was cool as ever, and had an ashcan of "Mini Vittles," a smattering of work that has never made it into any of his other publications. I also had the pleasure of meeting MAX INK, whose "Blink" is a well-rendered and very cute mini-comic.
One pleasant surprise of the con for me was meeting ERIC ADAMS, creator/writer/artist of "Lackluster World." I'm telling you folks, watch out for this guy! His prose is clever and engaging, his characters nicely fleshed out, his art and storytelling very refreshing. Go check his stuff out at http://lacklusterworld.com right NOW!
My other pleasant surprise came in the form of A. DAVID LEWIS, a friend and colleague I've had the pleasure of knowing since SPX 2003. David is always a pleasure to run into at a convention, and we caught each other up on our respective ventures. The talented Mr. Lewis is getting ready to release the "Mortal Coils" trade paperback in June, the same month as QUANTUM #4 hits, so expect to see an ad for it therein. David was also nice enough to invite me onto the self-publishing panel last minute with fellow creators STEVE CONLEY (Astounding Space Tales), CHRIS PITZER (AdHouse Books), MILLARD DRAUGHT (Dog Eared), and IAN SHIRES (Small Press Association).
After the con, I got a chance to hang out with David, Steve Conley, Bob Corby, and JIM GOWNLEY (Amelia Rules!). That experience was probably worth the whole price of admission, as it served to be very educational for me regarding new ideas on how to market and promote QUANTUM. Also, I ran into Dave Sim again, who, despite the long day, was more than happy to chat a little more about his extensive experience. I'm telling you, he was just a really nice guy. Finally, after a well-deserved night cap, I made my way to bed for an early departure back to New York.
All in all, this convention is what it's all about for me: a chance for all us smaller publishers to reach people who are genuinely interested in swimming away from the mainstream. There wasn't a Marvel, DC, or Image title to be seen anywhere, just fresh, independent art from (fairly) normal folk just like you and me. For all you budding comic creators out there: these are the kind of shows to hit, rather than wasting your time at, say, a bigger con (where the organizers won't even return your phone calls unless you're Jim freakin' Lee). I know I can make a much larger impact at shows like SPACE, MOCCA, and SPX; shows where the indie press are given equal chance to shine as the big guns, not to be quarantined into the "Artist Alley" of a "Major" con. One thing I am learning in this experience that is self-publishing is to go where the audience is. Well, my friends, it sure ain't at Big Apple Con (mercy me, did I just talk out of turn?).
So anyway, two little piles of QUANTUM sold out and just a little lost sleep later, I'd have to say that I'll be attending SPACE for several years to come. How about you?
Peace,
Philip Clark
Monday, April 05, 2004
Thursday, April 01, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: PHILIP CLARK 347 239 2564
James Rodriguez Takes “QUANTUM” On An Even Wilder Ride.
New York Artist Takes On Sci-Fi/Musical Comic Book Epic.
James Rodriguez makes his debut as regular series penciller in QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES #3, from Dreamchilde Press. This bimonthly independent comic has already garnered much critical praise, and the new art direction promises to exceed the high standard of excellence in storytelling and originality set by its previous issues. While navigating the mysterious waters of the time/space continuum, QUANTUM also pokes fun at pop culture in various alternate universes.
Described as "Sliders" meets "High Fidelity," QUANTUM follows the adventures of Nick Vargas, a jaded musician turned record-store owner. Due to a Nazi experiment gone awry in an alternate reality, Nick is unwittingly taken on the ultimate cross-time thrill ride. His goal is to reassemble the Quantum Silica—-an ancient and powerful artifact that has been split into seven fragments—-in order to repair time and space before they fade from existence. Each unique character in QUANTUM discovers a fragment of the bizarre gemstone embedded into their bodies. These fragments of the “Quantum” sphere offer a unique power to each of them, and need to be reassembled before Nick can return to his record store reality. The longer it takes Nick and his counterparts to do this, the more alternate realities start to blink into oblivion, one universe at a time.
A Queens native and also member of the Comic Art Guild, James Rodriguez brings to QUANTUM a level of quality that creator Philip Clark has been seeking since its inception. “James is a total pro. His attention to detail and command of perspective blows anything that we’ve done previously in QUANTUM out of the water. It’s been a pleasure working with him. I really feel like he has a passion for the story and the characters that is more in line with my initial vision for the project.”
Rodriguez says, “This is definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had in creating comics so far. Philip’s characters are fun to draw, and his plot and concept are really engaging. Besides, eventually we’re going to have two hot girls in the book time traveling around the multiverse; what more could a guy ask for?”
QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES #3, published by Dreamchilde Press, hits comic book specialty shops late April. QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES #4 is available for ordering in the April issue of Diamond Comics Distributors “Previews” catalog (Order #APR042589 32-page black and white comic book w/ wrap-around cover by James Rodriguez and Jackie Teixeira, $2.99)
QUANTUM #3 Cover Art
###
James Rodriguez Takes “QUANTUM” On An Even Wilder Ride.
New York Artist Takes On Sci-Fi/Musical Comic Book Epic.
James Rodriguez makes his debut as regular series penciller in QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES #3, from Dreamchilde Press. This bimonthly independent comic has already garnered much critical praise, and the new art direction promises to exceed the high standard of excellence in storytelling and originality set by its previous issues. While navigating the mysterious waters of the time/space continuum, QUANTUM also pokes fun at pop culture in various alternate universes.
Described as "Sliders" meets "High Fidelity," QUANTUM follows the adventures of Nick Vargas, a jaded musician turned record-store owner. Due to a Nazi experiment gone awry in an alternate reality, Nick is unwittingly taken on the ultimate cross-time thrill ride. His goal is to reassemble the Quantum Silica—-an ancient and powerful artifact that has been split into seven fragments—-in order to repair time and space before they fade from existence. Each unique character in QUANTUM discovers a fragment of the bizarre gemstone embedded into their bodies. These fragments of the “Quantum” sphere offer a unique power to each of them, and need to be reassembled before Nick can return to his record store reality. The longer it takes Nick and his counterparts to do this, the more alternate realities start to blink into oblivion, one universe at a time.
A Queens native and also member of the Comic Art Guild, James Rodriguez brings to QUANTUM a level of quality that creator Philip Clark has been seeking since its inception. “James is a total pro. His attention to detail and command of perspective blows anything that we’ve done previously in QUANTUM out of the water. It’s been a pleasure working with him. I really feel like he has a passion for the story and the characters that is more in line with my initial vision for the project.”
Rodriguez says, “This is definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had in creating comics so far. Philip’s characters are fun to draw, and his plot and concept are really engaging. Besides, eventually we’re going to have two hot girls in the book time traveling around the multiverse; what more could a guy ask for?”
QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES #3, published by Dreamchilde Press, hits comic book specialty shops late April. QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES #4 is available for ordering in the April issue of Diamond Comics Distributors “Previews” catalog (Order #APR042589 32-page black and white comic book w/ wrap-around cover by James Rodriguez and Jackie Teixeira, $2.99)
QUANTUM #3 Cover Art
###
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