Just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday season. I can’t believe the year has flown by so quickly. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas/ Chanukah / Kwanzaa / [insert your appropriate cultural celebration here] and an even better New Year.

To all of my friends that live in NYC: I know that most of you are probably leaving town this weekend; but to any of you that are sticking around I invite you to join me at O’Hanlon’s Pub this Saturday for music and fun. Neil Nelson will be entertaining, and will have guests up all night. You might even hear a familiar funky-white-boy horn player if he gets saucy enough. For those of you that miss the glory days of Ryan’s in LIC, this will feel like an old home to you. O'Hanlon's is a really fun joint with cheap drinks and cute bartenders. I hope to see some old faces I haven’t seen in a while.

This Saturday
O’Hanlon’s Pub
31st St. between 23rd Ave and Ditmars, right off of the Ditmars subway station
Astoria, Queens

To my friends in other lands: I know most of you don't hear from me a lot and sometimes you think I've fallen off of the planet. I do, however, think of all of you, my friends, often. And I hope to renew ties in the coming year. Life keeps me busy, but I know I'm nothing without my friends, family, and colleagues, so please feel free to pop me off a line back when you get this. I'm not too hard of a person to find, just shoot me an email. We live in times of great joy and great loss, and especially now it's good to let the people who matter to you know that you care about them. So, there's my Peace on Earth for you.

Ok, now I'll plug stuff:
Can't think of what to get that hard-to-buy-for person?

Just in time for Christmas, “QUANTUM: Rock of Ages,” my first publishing effort, is in comic-book stores throughout the land. Makes a great stocking stuffer, especially for the mature reader who’s always wondered what the fuss about comic books was. Call your local comic book store and ask them if they have it. Look for it all next year, and stay posted with updates at http://quantumcomic.net

QUANTUM #1 Cover



“The State of Blue-Eyed Soul” is still available at CDBaby.com if you’re thinking of giving the gift of music this holiday season. I’ve also relocated my music site to Ampcast.com (R.I.P. MP3.com), so look for updates on my musical ventures there. 2004 hopes to see the release of another Philip Clark record, so stay tuned.

Peace and Blessings! Happy Holidays to you all!

Cheers,
Philip

Just a quick one...

CHANGES CHANGES CHANGES

As most of you have noticed, the website has gotten a facelift. It is with great pleasure that I introduce what's to come for the future of QUANTUM: Rock of Ages. The art on the front page was done by new series penciller JAMES RODRIGUEZ and colored by up-and-coming sensation JACKIE TEIXEIRA. Just wanted to give these two talents props and give you, the audience, and idea of what's to come.

NEW YORK NATIONAL CONVENTION
November 29,30,31 at the Metropolitan Pavilion
I WILL be there at the CAG table WITH copies, hot off the presses, of QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #1
Come and get 'em!

GOD SAVE MP3.COM

It's been a few days since the big announcement from Vivendi that CNET has acquired "certain holdings" of MP3.com, the web's only real chance of giving you-and-me, the average joe, a fair chance at fairly distributing our music to the masses. As December looms ever closer, I'm downright fearful of the state and security of every independent musician on this planet. And, still, it's been DAYS since this announcement was made, and, still, no rebuttal from the independent music community. Frankly, my friends, I'm worried. Nay, TERRIFIED at what lies in store for the site that we have all come to call a safe haven and a JUSTLY FAIR FORUM OF ONLINE INDEPENDENT MUSIC DISTRIBUTION.

I have many questions to anyone (particularly over at CNET) that might be able to help me with this adjustment.

First and foremost: What about the DAM CD program?
For years, those fantastic folks over in San Diego have been burning me (practcally) ONE-OFF CD's, at my request, AND SHIPPING THEM to wherever my fans (yes, I have them, and I hope so do some of you) order. It may be small potatoes to the bigwigs, but I've sold CD's in Japan, England, Germany, Italy, Ireland, all over the good 'ole corporate US of A. Nearly a thousand, which I'm damn proud of. No one paid me to do it; no one censored any aspect of my process. My baby, my vision, and I shared it with the world. And I earned a profit of it. That's how it SHOULD be!

Secondly, what about the commercial music streaming services?
I receive roughly 1000 streams a day from MP3.com's version of "Muzak." And this is pretty much my primary source of revenue as an independent songwriter and producer. Will this venture be tossed to the corporate wolves for want of higher grossing "established" artists?

I could go on. Lots. But I just wanted to give some of you a feel for what is happening to independent music and art. It is quickly being either swallowed or discontinued to those that wield the power to REGULATE how music is heard, bought, and sold.

Remember the good ole days? Radio played what it wanted to, and ALBUMS were the talk of the day. Nowadays, we're lucky if even ONE SONG is enough to keep a company's attention for long enough. The entire game is fixated on image, not music, and the consumers BUY it. I dare say encourage it.

But I used to have a little haven, where I could record my own record, post it up, and get INTERNATIONAL attention and acclaim. The big corporations never found me "marketable," but I was SELLING, and people were going out of their way to hear my stuff.

Some hundreds of thousands of streams later, I'm finding out that my haven is being torn down, passed on to a company within a company within a company. I fear for the music, my friends, I really do.

Thank god there's still CD Baby. Now, just where can I get my music heard on RADIO?

Finally got a moment to sit down and write a note about the progress of QUANTUM. But before I do that...

I want to give a big-up to FRIENDS of LULU, which is an organization whose goal is to educate us all about the role women play in comic books and offer support to female comic book creators. It's a good group of people with a great mission, and I wanted to take a moment to give them some online buzz. It's great to see somebody really actively going for a readership which I feel is largely ignored in comicdom. Check out their anthology "Broad Appeal," and throw a little support their way.

Ok, well, we are roughly a month away from the official release of QUANTUM: Rock of Ages, and things look good to go for a fairly smooth release. I must say, it looks fantastic, and I look forward to getting it into everyone's hands. The only caveat I have to impart to you all is: if you don't find it in you local comic store, bug your retailer to order some up. You can also look for me on the convention circut, peddling my wares. Pick up a copy or ten from me there. I will more than likely set up an online store as well, so those of you who don't have Paypal, get hip.

Anyway, enough of the sales tip (buy my book! Ok, now I'm done), and on to creative updates. Most of the art team is locked in for the first four issues. However, I'm sad to report that Ozzy Longoria has other professional obligations, and will be leaving the series after issue #2. Yes, yes, I'm bummed out too that he couldn't commit, but all is A-O.K. here at Dreamchilde Press. In his stead, I have signed on James Rodriguez to take over as artist. James is a fellow New Yorker and also a member of Comic Artist Guild. I've already seen James' take on the characters, and know that you all will be in for a nice change come issue #3. James will also be providing wraparound cover art for issue #2, giving us an homage to the departing Ozzy Longoria. Everyone here at Dreamchilde wishes Ozzy a fond farewell, and we all thank him for helping to get the book to the point it is right now.

Anyway, about issue #2: it's really sad to see Ozzy leave, because I personally think it is his best work to date. I believe you all will really enjoy it, possibly even better than issue #1, because I feel like I can start settling into a groove and start telling these characters' story. Well, you all will just see when QUANTUM #2 hits in February.

Oh WE HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS AGAIN!!

quantumcomic@hotmail.com

UPCOMING CONVENTIONS
–––––––––––––––––––––

November 28-30
Big Apple National Comic Book, Art, Toy, and Sci-Fi Convention
@ the Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th St., NYC
between 6th and 7th Ave.

I will be at the CAG table with advance copies of ISSUE #1!! Come and get 'em!

More later,
P

Lots of stuff going on, but first a little news roundup.

Check out these links for the latest press on QUANTUM: Rock of Ages

http://www.stanleythemole.com/cag/cagnewsphilipint.html

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0309/29/

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D37%26t%3D001359

http://www.comicstack.com/articles/philipclarkint.asp

http://nyartsmagazine.com/bbs2/messages/1363.html

More later.
P

09.10.03

BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. Now that things are falling into place a little bit more, I'll be a little more diligent about these posts. Well, the 1st bit of big news to report is:

QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #1 is in the October PREVIEWS catalog.

It's official. Quantum #1 will be released to the masses in December, so in order for anyone else to know about it I need everyone who sees this post to tell their local comic shop to order it. I have media kits with sample copies available to send out to retailers, so if you know of an indie-friendly store in your area, let me know.

Here's the official general press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: PHILIP CLARK 347 239 2564

Dreamchilde Press Debuts QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES

New Independent Comic Takes on Alternative Realities, Broken Dreams, and Pop Music

What if you could meet the person you never became? What if Elvis never existed? This December, the Dreamchilde Press team of writer Philip Clark and artist Ozzy Longoria attempt to answer those questions in QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES. While navigating the mysterious waters of the time/space continuum, QUANTUM also pokes fun of pop culture in various alternate universes.

Described as High Fidelity meets Sliders, QUANTUM reveals the story 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 search to find himself. In this case, Nick’s “self” has split into seven different characters over seven parallel universes. And two of them are women. His goal is to find his “cross-time” counterparts in order to repair time before time and space fade from existence. Each unique character in QUANTUM discovers a bizarre gemstone fragment newly embedded into their bodies. These fragments of the “Quantum Silica” sphere offer a unique power to each of his selves, and need to be reassembled before Nick can return to his record store reality. The longer it takes Nick and his other selves to do this, the more alternate realities start to blink into oblivion, one universe at a time.

Also a musician, creator/writer Philip Clark creates a story that he has always wanted to tell. “Having lived the life I’ve lived, sometimes I feel I’d like to see the ‘what ifs’ out there. With QUANTUM, I get to explore the possibility of, say ‘What would have happened if I never left Wyoming?’, or ‘What if I was already a rock star? Ultimately this is a story of Nick confronting his own personal demons, through seeing the possible outcomes of his other lifetimes. It’s very much a ‘the grass is not always greener’ morality tale. I guess the ultimate lesson I want Nick and the reader to learn is the price of giving up ones dream.”

QUANTUM: ROCK OF AGES the new comic book series published by Dreamchilde Press, will debut December 2003, and will be available for ordering in the Independents section of the October issue of Diamond Comics Distributors “Previews” catalog (32-page black and white comic book w/ hand-painted wrap-around covers by Ozzy Longoria, $2.99)

###

SPX 2003 Follow-up

On a whimsy, Meg and I subjected us to grumpy moods and uncomfortable bus rides in order to get to the Small Press Expo in Bethesda. Although it was only a day trip, I got a chance to see some old friends, including Myatt Murphy and Scott Darymple (Fade from Blue) , Rick Spears and Rob G. (Teenagers from Mars and Detective Comics), Damon Hurd (My Uncle Jeff), A. David Lewis (Mortal Coils), and Tyler Page (Stylish Vittles). I also got a chance to get turned on to some new work and meet other fellow small press heroes Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and Harris O'Malley (Between the Cracks). This is the second strictly independent comic convention I've been to in the past few months, and it's good to see such a great interest in the small press. I'm currently making plans to attend Alternate Press Expo in February. Will keep you posted.

THEN THERE WAS COLOR (sort of)...

I also wanted to take a moment to announce the addition of MAURICIO MANDARA to the Quantum Aft Team. Mauricio will be handling grayscale coloring chores on the book. His work is on the 3 page preview on the website, and I think you all will agree he's a fine asset to the team. Mauricio lives in New Jersey, works a job he's so better than in Manhattan, and originally hails from Argentina.

I need REVIEWS and PIN-UPS!!

This is an open call to any and all comic book or small press professionals for your two cents on QUANTUM. So far I've only received 2 or 3 serious submissions for pin-up features, and I want to add to that. Also, it's my viewpoint that there's no such thing as bad press on this thing, so if you wish to review Issue #1, email me, and I'll send you a copy for your inspection.

We have a new email address: quantum@comicbooks.net

What I've seen of Issue #2 looks great. Ozzy is growing by leaps and bounds. More later.

07.21.03

Summer Convention Wrap-up

Well, although I didn't get to go to the San Diego con, we were represented by the man himself, OZZY LONGORIA. Ozzy was making the rounds at this, the biggest con of the year, schlepping around preview kits of QUANTUM #1, as well as his own book PROJECT: NOAH'S ARK. Yours truly put together the ashcan preview of Ozzy's book, which is his story about the fate of humankind in a post-apocalyptic future. From the sounds of it, Ozzy had a fun trip.

This year's MOCCA Art Festival and NEW YORK SCIENCE FICTION CREATORS Conventions saw the debut of QUANTUM: Rock of Ages #1. I pressed small quantities of the book to circulate to various industry professionals. The MOCCA fest was an independent comic creator's dream, and I'll definitely be getting a table there next year. Rubbed elbows again with Myatt and Scott of "Fade from Blue," as well as Tyler Page. Saw some familiar faces, and met some new colleagues, like A. David Lewis (creator and writer of "Mortal Coils") and Eisner Award Nominee Damon Heard.

At the MSG con, I had the honor of volunteering at the CAG table. But I did get time to break away and hobnob with Tony Harris, Coleen Doran, George Perez, Phil Jimenez, and Brian Michael Bendis (each of whom received their very own copy of QUANTUM #1). Lots of fun seeing people that I'd introduced myself to just one year ago with nothing more than a script and a plot/character synopsis.

06.06.03

WHAT'S UP, Y'ALL??

All looks good for "QUANTUM" #1. I'm happy to announce that the pencils are "in the can," thanks to the mastery of Ozzy Longoria. And the pages look great! I'll have a new sneak peek up soon, but I want to show you some finished pages, so that leads me too...

...Announcing a new member on the team. Supriya Kalay has come aboard as inker. Supriya, originally from India, has published work in Manoj Comics, and also lent inks to the "QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" ashcan. Look for big things out of this rising talent!

 

ART CONTEST!!

Are you a budding comic talent wanting to get your work published? Then look no further. I've decided to devote a page of the book to featuring art from up-and-coming artists. So if you dig the project, send me a sketch of one of the characters, or a scene involving them. I'll choose the best ones and feature them in future issues of "QUANTUM!" Wham, bam! Instant exposure, how cool is that? Email me for more details.

 

CONVENTIONS THIS MONTH

JUNE 22 - M.O.C.C.A. Art Festival (The Puck Building, NYC)

Come out and support the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, geared toward preserving this wonderful form of media.

JUNE 27-29 - New York International Sci-Fi & Fantasy Creators Convention (Madison Square Garden)

One of the bigger conventions in NYC, littered with the pros and legends of the industry. Plus, Lou Ferrigno will be there!

Look for me at both events (at MSG, I'll be at the CAG table). I may just have a finished copy of Issue#1 by then. Mention you saw this, and I'll give you one!

 

My trip to WIZARD WORLD EAST in Philadelphia

Initial impressions: This is one of the biggest and best runs cons I've been to. All the biggies were there (except Image, oddly enough). But Marvel, DC, and CrossGen all had huge booths with stars signing and portfolio reviews. Definitely salivation material. Quesada was there, walking around the floor, running a Q&A, and some other panels, including the return of the Epic Line. Marvel is opening Epic up to unknown writers who want to write Marvel character related material as well as creator-owned and other genres. However, in the actual panel, even the Bill Jemas warned everyone, "I can't say your idea won't get stolen." So I took that as an indication to be careful if I submitted anything.

The other big thing I went to was the Kevin Smith Q&A. That was really hard to get into, but totally great. The man's funny as hell, has tons of Afleck stories, and dick and fart jokes aplenty. Very educational, and just plain fun, we also got to see some clips from "Jersey Girl," his new movie. I attended a workshop on producing thumbnails (fun by Tone Rodriguez of Snake Pliskin and Violent Messiahs), and also a panel on writing in different time periods by Scott Beatty (Batgirl:Year One). Got to talk to Phil Jimenez, and praised him for his recent run on New X-men. He gives much props to Grant Morrison, and told me a little of what's coming up. I did a lot of schmoozing with the indie guys. Ran into Rick and Rob from "Teenagers from Mars," and caught up. Found some new cool stuff as well, like Tyler Page's "Stylish Vittles." I got some really good advice (thanks Sean McKeever!), and hopefully will be in touch with these guys on a fairly regular basis.

 

Anyway, that's a quick recap. When I think of any more stuff, I'll pop off a note.

 

"QUANTUM: Rock of Ages" is scheduled for a fall 2003 release.

 

feel free to send any questions or comments to dreamchilde@hotmail.com or quantum@comicbooks.net