STRANGEWAYS, HERE I COME

As Rose City Comic Con approaches, Rob McMonigal over at Panel Patter is doing a round-up of books by the guests of the show. And he began with Archer Coe & the Thousand Natural Shocks.

What starts off as a fairly straightforward noir story with a man caught up in a set of crimes he didn't commit and a woman with looks that can kill quickly morphs and changes into a plot where reality is questioned at every turn of the page and even when it finishes we aren't 100% sure of the truth of the ending. The saying about making your bed and the having to lie in fits well here. Archer may seems like a stand up guy with a stand up act, but though not a magician, swallowing the reality of his situation is going to require magic.

Read the whole review here.

Rose City Comic Con is going to be September 20-21. Information is on their site.

I'll be at table G-13.

I'll also be hosting a panel on Saturday at 3 p.m. 

Back to the Gutters: Let's Talk Comics
Room: Panel Room 4
Time: 3:00PM - 3:50PM

From part of the team that brought you From the Gutters comes a new take on the comic book panel. Join comics writer and journalist Jamie S. Rich and Ryan McCluskey as they bring their unique unique wit and perspective to a live interview format. Along with their special guests, they'll discuss the intricacies of a life in comics, both in the studio and out.

- See more at: http://rosecitycomiccon.com/programming/#sthash.crLm0p12.dpuf

We're lining up guests now, with the first two being Nate Quarry and Leila Del Duca!

See you there. I'll have comics for sale, most likely just the most recent stuff. If you have a special request, particularly for my prose novels, drop me a line and we can set up my bringing them for you.

After that, it's Long Beach the next weekend!

Current Soundtrack: The Smiths, Strangeways Here We Come

BORN IN A UFO

Wow. We did it. Nine episodes in nine weeks.

Our finale is one of the best we've done, which is why we saved it for last. Michael Allred and I having a chat about all kinds of crazy topics. Particularly tune in for Part III when we move into his studio and take a look through his most recent pages (at least at the time), including Batman '66 covers and FF interiors. 

There is also a little bonus there: Mike and the Gear performing a Dandy Warhols song.

Links to the second and third parts follow the episode, but here they are for your easy access: Part II - Part III

Other links: 

My reprinted introduction from Madman Atomic Comics vol. 1

A gallery of Paul Pope drawing Allred characters

Oh, and hey: It Girl and the Atomics vol. 1 available for digital download for only $4.99! That's 2/3 off! (Sale ends December 2nd.)

Like us on Facebook to keep getting From the Gutters news.

And follow us on Twitter.

Current Soundtrack: These New Puritans, Field of Reeds

ELECTRIC LADY

Another week already gone by, and we're now one episode away from the end of the first season of From the Gutters.

The two-part chat I had with Ming Doyle is one of my favorites, partially because she's the one person I didn't know at all going into the interview. I found her to be a charming conversationalist and gracious given how wrecked we were following the Stumptown Comics Fest.

It was also nice to do the interview at Floating World Comics, where I used to work part-time and also where I shop.

Please also check out my write-up on Ming's work, and particularly her book Mara, over at FromtheGutters.com.

Next week is our finale. Michael Allred is our Thanksgiving turkey. Stay tuned!

Current Soundtrack: Esperanza Spalding on NPR

HE COMES IN COLORS

This week's From the Gutters is our special two-part interview with Dave Stewart, the colorist of such comics as Hellboy, Umbrella Academy, and the recently released Sandman: Overture.  

You particularly want to check out this second part where he shows us his coloring process and lets us take a peek at pages from Craig Thompson's next book, Space Dumplins.

DAYDREAMS ABOUT NIGHT THINGS

It's week five for the first season of From the Gutters, and this time it's our two-part chat with Ted Naifeh over at Portland's Bridge City Comics.

We talk process and what went into creating Courtney Crumrin, Polly & the Pirates, and his next comic book series Princess Ugg.

We're now more than halfway trough this new cycle. Then I can take a nap. 

Current Soundtrack:  Barzan

HE'S A REAL NOWHERE MAN

Yesterday we posted our third episode of From the Gutters . This time, I chat with Image Comics publisher Eric Stephenson, who is also the author of Nowhere Men and Long Hot Summer .

Check out the first of two parts right here... 

Don't forget, I also supply exclusive content to the Gutters blog over at our website. Like, here are my thoughts on Nowhere Men .

Current Soundtrack: Eminem, "Rap God"

MELDING OF THE MINDS

Oh, yeah. In case you didn't notice, we put up the second episode of From the Gutters this week, our three-part chat with Becky Cloonan, creator of Wolves and The Mire, co-creator of Demo and American Virgin, artist on Detective Comics, Conan the Barbarian, The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, and so much more.  

Here is part one: 

And as if that weren't enough, as promised, the extended interview with Matt Wagner: 

You should subscribe to the YouTube channel, or add fromthegutters.com to your RSS feed, as we're going to continue to post weekly episodes for seven more weeks. Up next: Eric Stephenson, publisher of Image Comics, writer of Long Hot Summer and Nowhere Men.

Current Soundtrack: Deltron 3030, "Talent Superceded;" R.E.M., "Drive;" The Smiths, "Shoplifters of the World Unite (The Tube performance, 1987)"

WHEN THE CHAT SHOWS BECKON FOR ME

Today is the day that From the Gutters goes live. 

Our first episode with Matt Wagner, presented in three parts, is available now. Here is segment one, and you'll see a handy embed to lead you to segment two at the end. You can also see them all on our dedicated YouTube channel. 

We've been working on From the Gutters  for the better part of this year, so don't hesitate to click that "like" button!

We also have a new website running to promote the show where we will post added info and behind-the-scenes reports. Check out fromthegutters.com  and add it to your RSS feed.

This is a new venture for me, uncharted territory, so I really do hope you all dig it. 

Next week...Becky Cloonan! 

Current Soundtrack: Martin Rossiter, "No One Left to Blame" single

WE BELIEVE IN SHOWBIZ

 New comics interview webseries 'From the Gutters' debuts October 4th.  Hosted by Jamie S. Rich.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

More info: fromthegutters.show@gmail.com

After weeks of teasing about the content of their new program “From the Gutters,” producers Ryan McCluskey and Martin Vavra are ready to unveil the full content of their online series. A comic book-themed talk show, “From the Gutters” is set to debut on October 4. The show is hosted by well-known comics writer Jamie S. Rich, and the guest for the debut episode is Matt Wagner, the creator of “Mage” and “Grendel,” who also currently writes “The Shadow: Year One” for Dynamite Entertainment and “The Tower Chronicles” for Legendary.

“We knew we wanted to start big,” McCluskey said, “and there is no bigger name in comic book circles than Matt Wagner. Plus, he and Jamie have a relationship that dates back to when Jamie was just a reader, and it’s great to see two friends and colleagues sit down and talk shop.”

 “From the Gutters” episode 1 will appear on the show’s dedicated YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/fromthegutters, as well as via the website, fromthegutters.com. After the October 4 debut, the next eight episodes will debut weekly, released every Friday through October and November.

“The Wagner episode will establish our basic routine,” explained Vavra, who also serves as the show’s cameraman and editor. “Each interview will be edited down to at least two 10-15 minute segments, with some having a third bonus segment, usually for interview sessions where we were able to shoot in the artist’s studio.”

The shorter segments will be followed a week later by the full version of the interview, allowing viewers to eavesdrop on the longer conversation between guest and host.

“In the case of Wagner,” McCluskey added, “we had a full day where he cooked for us, chatted about his passion for the kitchen and for comics, and then took us down into his office to take us through some of his process. There were so many good moments, it was hard to pick and choose. That’s why we decided that, with every new episode, ‘From the Gutters’ fans will also be treated to the extended cut of a previous favorite.”

That means the uncut Matt Wagner interview will be online October 11 at the same time as the second episode with Becky Cloonan debuts.

“Becky is a powerhouse in her own right,” Rich said, “and it was fun to chat with someone who is a little bit newer to the business. She had already finished her run on ‘Conan’ and was just starting ‘True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys’ at the time, and she had yet to win her Eisner for her own comic ‘The Mire.’ It’s like we knew her when....”

Future guests include Michael Allred (“Madman,” “FF”), Ming Doyle (“Mara”), Ted Naifeh (“Courtney Crumrin”), Dave Stewart (“Hellboy”), Michael Avon Oeming (“Powers,” “The Victories”), Eric Stephenson (publisher of Image Comics, writer of “Nowhere Men”), and Bob Schreck (editor at Legendary Comics).

“Our intent with ‘From the Gutters’ is to peel back the page a bit and show you the creators behind your favorite comics,” Rich concluded, “both as artists and as people. We’re going to dig down to uncover the motivations behind choosing comics as a profession, and the personalities that bring these stories to life, so that we can start to see the art and the artist as a singular unit.”

For further information, contact the producers at fromthegutters.show@gmail.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/fromthegutters

Twitter: @fromthegutterz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fromthegutters

JOINED UP TALKING

A couple of quick links... 

* Last night Ryan McCluskey and I were on Geek in the City talking about From the Gutters. You can download the podcast here. We come on about half an hour in, but give the whole show a listen.

* Also, did you see this update from Joe Keatinge about our panel? Bob Schreck and Matt Wagner! 2 p.m., room 4, Rose City Comic Con. 

* Oh, and did you see our latest video? 

 

Please click over to YouTube and hit the "like" button for us if you are so inclined. 

That awesome design of me is by Joëlle Jones.  I am hoping it will be my version of the Hitchcock profile. The final logo was done by Kaijucast's Kyle Yount.

Current Soundtrack: Stars, "Wishful/The Light;" Kate Boy, Northern Lights EP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FROM THE GUTTERS

Jamie S. Rich hosts new comics interview webseries 'From the Gutters'; sneak peek set for Rose City Comic Con Sept. 21

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 13, 2013

More info: Ryan McCluskey & Martin Vavra, fromthegutters.show@gmail.com

Writer/editor Jamie S. Rich is hosting "From the Gutters" -- a new original online show featuring in-depth video interviews with comic-book industry professionals. The nine-episode first season debuts on YouTube on Oct. 4 -- with a special sneak-preview event set for Portland's Rose City Comic Con on Sept. 21.

To see preview videos, visit the show's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/fromthegutters/.

ABOUT 'FROM THE GUTTERS'

Produced by Martin Vavra and Ryan McCluskey, "From the Gutters" will begin as a weekly series, with its initial season consisting of nine episodes, each spotlighting an individual comic book personality.

"From the Gutters" Season One will feature a diverse collection of industry vets and on-the-rise superstars -- including Eisner Award-winners Matt Wagner ("The Tower Chronicles"), Becky Cloonan ("True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys"), and colorist Dave Stewart ("Hellboy"). Established behind-the-scenes pros including Bob Schreck (editor, Legendary Comics) and Eric Stephenson (publisher of Image Comics, as well as the writer of "Nowhere Men") will share the spotlight with newer talent including Ming Doyle (artist of "Mara") and such indie pioneers as Mike Allred ("Madman"), Michael Avon Oeming ("Powers"), and Ted Naifeh ("Courtney Crumrin").

Each interview will be serialized in edited segments, followed by the full-length session for those looking to go deeper into the comic-book process.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM

The show is produced and directed by McCluskey, with camerawork and editing done by co-producer Vavra. Each has a long resume in front of and behind the camera. The pair hatched "From the Gutters" as a way to learn more about an art form they both loved.

"Living in Portland, Oregon," McCluskey said, "we regularly bumped elbows with comic-book creators. I’ve been an avid comic book fan for years. Getting a chance to have an ‘All Access’ pass with these creators was a dream come true. Generous and amazing…every single guest.” 

ABOUT HOST JAMIE S. RICH

McCluskey and Vavra approached Jamie S. Rich, veteran graphic-novel writer and editor they knew socially. "We'd have drinks with Jamie and he'd tell us a bunch of stories about his years in the comic-book industry," McCluskey said. "He knew everyone and had an opinion about everything. Someone needed to stick a microphone in his face."

Rich began his career in comics as an editor at Dark Horse Comics before taking over as editor-in-chief of Oni Press. He has since established himself as a writer on books that include "12 Reasons Why I Love Her" and "It Girl and the Atomics." His next major release is the original graphic novel “A Boy and a Girl,” drawn by Natalie Nourigat and set for publication by Oni Press on November 27.

"My friend and collaborator Joëlle Jones had been joking for a while that I needed to do a podcast or some kind of history about comic-book creators," Rich said. "It was kind of a no-brainer when Ryan and Martin approached me. I had grown tired of the treadmill of comics press. It's all too often a hype machine: Promote this one book that you're doing right now. It got so impersonal -- most interviewers wouldn't even ask me how my day was going. At the same time, most readers and curious laymen I'd run into had very little idea of how a comic book was made. 'From the Gutters' was a chance to change that."

ABOUT THE SHOW'S APPROACH

In addition to discussing what inspires each creator to do what they do, each episode will showcase the art process.

"We look over Oeming's shoulder as he inks," Vavra said, "and get a breakdown from Dave Stewart of how a digitally colored page comes together. Each session is practically a master class. It's 'Inside the Comic Book Creator's Studio,' in a sense."

"That's not just figurative," McCluskey said. "When we can, we go to the artist's space an see what they do and where they do it. That means looking at the art on the walls at Bob Schreck or Mike Allred's house, or getting a cooking lesson from Matt Wagner. It's not just about ink on paper -- it's about the whole lifestyle."

ABOUT THE PREMIERE

"From the Gutters" will debut on a dedicated YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/fromthegutters/ on Friday, Oct. 4, following an official unveiling at Rose City Comic Con ( http://rosecitycomiccon.com ) on Saturday, Sept. 21.

For more information or interview requests, contact Ryan and Martin Vavra: fromthegutters.show@gmail.com

Twitter: @fromthegutterz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fromthegutters

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