"Sketchbook Vol. 1: big dummy"

First of all, I want to thank everyone that contact me over the past few weeks with suggestions for the mini sketchbook I'm compiling. I had so many good recommendations, I know some of them will overflow to a volume 2 to pop up sooner, rather than later.

But with SPX on the horizon (less than 2 weeks away, folks), I put the finishing touches on the sketchbook this weekend!


I decided to take my favorite sketch from the volume, make it the cover, and name the book something related to this sketch. Therefore, Volume 1 is titled "big dummy", thanks to the Fred Sanford drawing gracing the cover! Everyone who suggested a sketch that made it into the book will be getting a free copy of it in the mail! I'll be debuting the book at SPX (Bethesda, MD; Sept. 11-12) with 4 different color covers: red, blue, green, and yellow.

Til next time,
Matthew

Tales From The Suggestion Box

If you ever check out Katie Omberg's blog at all, this isn't really "new" news. I apologize for being late on it, but this is ANOTHER big announcement for me.

Katie and I decided to do a digest-size graphic collection of the first four issues of "Suggestion Box" (Aaron's Framing, Hip Hop Hooray, A Titanic Failure, and Day at the Museum), our mini comics telling true stories of the woes of working retail. When we were discussing what the cover should be, I had an idea to do it like a classic "Tales From The Crypt" cover. Katie thought it sounded cool and ran with it...I'm super impressed.



I love the way her coloring makes it look almost like an old comic, too! "Tales From The Suggestion Box" will be debuting at SPX this year. Katie and I have tables right next to each other, so if you are there, come by and see us and check it out! I'll be back soon with info on my upcoming sketch book.

Til next time,
Matthew

Sketch book contest!!

Okay, guys, I need YOUR help and input on this one...

I'm kicking around the idea of putting together a mini sketch book of sorts for SPX next month. I'll unveil the specifics of the whole thing in the next week or two, but in the meantime, I need you guys to do something for me:

Suggest characters/people YOU would like to see in the sketch book!

They can be:
A) 80 Pork Comics and T.A.K. Comics characters

B) characters from other comic companies, like Marvel, DC, Image, Archie, etc.

C) characters from television, cartoons, or movies

D) celebrities (actors, musicians, politicians, etc.)

E) characters from video games

F) be creative...suggest something I haven't stated above

And even better...everyone that submits a character suggestion that is chosen to be sketched and included in the book will get a FREE copy of it!

So, send me your suggestions NOW...email them...Facebook them...post them here on the blog. Looking forward to hearing what you guys think!

Til next time,
Matthew

Announcement #4: VA ComiCon - Sunday, Aug. 8th!

Hey, guys,

For the last of the new announcement series, I present one that is pretty self-explanatory from the title of this blog...

I'll be at the Virginia ComiCon in Richmond, VA this Sunday, August 8th! I did the show earlier this year with Katie Omberg, and had a good time. I missed the May show and I wasn't sure I would be able to make this one, but I was glad to squeeze in another little con between the monsters of HeroesCon and SPX. It's definitely a cool little show to check out if you live within driving distance. So, check out their site, get directions, drive out, buy some books, and hang with me for a bit...I'll dig it.

I'll be back soon for some comic updates...

Til next time,
Matthew