• -

Ok, Im in the homestretch, & I know i winged about this a while ago, but im struggling with the colour scheme for the cover just a little. I've redrawn & inked the original because, well, I didn't like the inking in certain parts.


Anyway... these 2 covers are the final contenders.

-Bobby.N

• -

Just so you all know... to now get to my site, redirect your browsers and emails to my new domain.

www.bobbyn.com

I've decided to ditch the 'bluetoaster' moniker because, while I liked the quirky name, I think its better to associate my work with my name rather than an obscure moniker that i continually have to explain to people. It's just been a drag over the last few years as people have gotten to know me and my work, and bluetoaster has just become counter-productive. I'll be re-jigging the site over the coming weeks to be in line with the 'bobbyn' idea, so stay tuned for a slightly new look.

Anyway, for now... my previous emails are the same but you need to replace the word 'bluetoaster' for 'bobbyn'.

So bobbyn@bluetoaster.com is now bobbyn@bobbyn.com

Got it? Good.
Later.

-Bobby.N

.

• -

A cold wintery-day... but this month's meet was great. I arrived at about 2.25pm, and was greeted by Greg, Colin & Jason sitting around chatting...


"You're late!" Greg teased - as I'm usually one of the first 'seat-warmers' there. Jason was on anti-biotics nursing a bad cold, but impressively made it down to the meet... or perhaps he just wanted to spread the pig-flu around... dunno. Anyway, soon Paul Bedford mosied on in lookin all 'chirpy'...


How Paul manages to sell books with THIS attitude I'll never know.





Greg was lucky enough to have a pre-release copy on show of Bruce Mutard's upcoming book THE SILENCE. Wonderful stuff. Definitely on my 'to buy' list.

Colin also brought in a signed & sketched copy of a massive hard-cover book of his (for one of Greg's friends). All black & white and simply beautiful. Can't for the life of me remember the title.



John Retallick was like a finch... too fast for my camera to capture. Stand still man!


The the old faces like John, Jen & Avi graced us with their presence. John 'hoofed' into some delicious looking hot soup and bread, while others drank beer while dipping hot pototoe wedges in sour cream. Ooh yeah.

The afternoon was a great light-hearted romp in the warm confines of the Prince Alfred Hotel as the overcast cold blew outside. Funny enough, we discussed 'movies' more than 'comics' this time. We reminisced and laughed out loud about the fantastic old 'dont-make-em-like-they-used-to' Warner Bros cartoons like Daffy Duck in ROBIN HOOD, and Buggs in THE BARBER OF SAVILLE, and WILE-E COYOTE, etc, etc.... it was great.

For those of you that missed out... suffa.
You missed a good one.

See you all next month.

-Bobby.N

• -

I've always got a pad or sketchbook with me soemwhere. In my sketchbooks (the cheap A4 ones with black covers you buy in artshops) I tend to always use blue pencil... I just like the look & feel of it & my brain-to-hand really gets firing with this colour pencil on this textured paper. Can't explain it. Don't ask. I also carry around basic lined notebooks (again standard from most newsagents of stores) and always write/sketch in a black BIC finepoint pen (one of those 'el-cheap-o' type pens... but man they're nice on notepad paper.

Anyhow... here is a page from one of my sketchbooks.


Later.

-Bobby.N

• -

Well the next issue of DIGESTED is coming along very nicely indeed. It's about 4 times the page count of issue-1 already, so Im polishing all the corners, and tying up all the loose ends, and making sure it makes a nice splash this year in our humble Melbourne scene.

So while you continue to be so patient, I thought I'd post the lineart for part of the continuing OXYGEN story that you'll see in the upcoming issue. Enjoy.

DIGESTED.02: (Sample page from 'Oxygen')

-Bobby.N

.

• -

I was looking forward to the coming long weekend. Feels like we haven't had a meetup in ages. Must be the cold weather. Anyhow... noon arrived, and i left my girlfriend Zora to her escapades at Highpoint Shopping centre, while I made off to this month's meetup. First, was a short pitstop at my favourite artshop ('WestArt' on 46 Buckley St, Footscray), where I picked up a few things. Then it was onto Cartlton & the meet.

I get there early at around 1.30, and was the only one there for a while until Mr Greg Gates turned up. Her ordered a beer, and people slowly dripped in like a tap. It wasn't too long before the place was jumping with comicbook enthusiasts.


The regulars were all there...

Chatting away about comics, movies, and everything else.


An absent regular, Dave Cunning, showed up. It was good to see him again, but it may be a while before we see him at another meetup, as he's moving to Bendigo for good. A damn shame, as Dave's one of the very few local creators that I feel simpatico with when it comes to his views and approaches to producing comics. Lets hope we still see him contributing to comics in the future.

It was a great gathering this month. Many, many new faces who looked to have enjoyed themselves. Now it's the long wait until the next one.

Keep those fists scribbling.

-Bobby.N

.

• -

The good news is, I've found a day-job and can now resume finishing the last parts of DIGESTED.02 and be able to actually pay to get it printed for all of your greedy little mits. The not-so-good news is, my new job takes a lot out of my day. I start at 8.30am and finish at 6.00pm. I leave my home for work in darkness and I finish work in darkness. Suffice to say, I only see my house in daylight on weekends. Within the first few weeks of this new gig, I've tried working on my book after work and dinner (and notwithstanding rare moments of success), I've found my brain is putty.

I've resigned myself to the system I used in finishing my previous book WITHHELD, where I'm getting up before my day-job to work on my book. So far, it's been very good. The routine has kicked in, and the weekends are an added novelty of watching my right hand ink a page with sunlight falling on it. Sunlight!

So, here's a sample of one of the last short stories I'm inking before I start the final book construction. Should be about 56-70 pgs when DIGESTED.02 is all put together.

DIGESTED.02 Short Story: Pavlov's Dogs.

Anyone obsessed (or even mildly interested) with comics is welcome to Melbourne's informal monthly gatherings on the first Saturday of each month. We discuss, show work, and generally have a relaxed afternoon in leafy Carlton. Come along.

This month's
MELBOURNE 'COMICS' MEETUP:
Prince Alfred Hotel
Grattan St, Carlton
Sat-June-6th
2pm - 6pm

See you there.

-Bobby.N

-

Well, the night finally came. The publisher Gestalt swung by my city of Melbourne and launched their new book FLINCH. I finished work at 6.20pm (yeah, I got a job a few days ago... that means that DIGESTED.02 should be published soon-ish), and rushed down to Dymocks on Collin's St. A great big wonderful crowd turned out to listen to the speeches, see the original artwork on the walls, get their books signed by the authors, and pick up a great selection of books by Gestalt.

Tom Taylor's friend (who's name escapes me) MC'ed the evening.

And everyone enjoyed the speeches, nibblies, and drinks.

Even 'Secret Life of Us' actor Samuel Johnson was there...


Local comicbook writers and artists were smattered amongst the crowd... as Tom Taylor, Shaun Tan, and Wolfgang Bylsma got up for their respective speeches.

Wolgang Bylsma (Gestalt Publisher) and Shaun Tan (Picturebook artist) got up and talked about how much they adore the comics medium, how it's emerged from below the waterline, and how hopefuul they are of it's continued growth. They talked of a deep-felt obsession that I myself have long had... it was very affirming to hear.

After the speeches, I got to catch up with some of my comicbook buddies.

Some of my original artwork from WITHHELD was up for people to have a squiz at.

Then it was down to getting RSI through frantic signing.


The famous Shaun Tan being swamped with sketch/autograph requests. Check out his website.

The moment above when actor Samuel Johnson came up to Shaun Tan wanting books signed was a memorable one. Shaun had no idea who he was, as he proceeded to sign his book he asked "and what's your name?"

A peculiar moment when the world seems flipped up-side-down... and you smile. Good on you for digging picture books Samuel. (BTW: Liked your work in the recent UNDERBELLY.)

MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

• Seeing FLINCH in print. Wolfgang went through a real rollercoaster getting this book out to the public. It's great to see a publisher who cares about the importance of the work itself.
• All the speeches... particularly Wolfgang's & Shaun Tan's.
• Seeing/chatting to Tom Bonin again. He only recently came back to Australia from the UK, and flew down from Canberra just for the launch.
  
• Chatting with various people at the event. Fans, newbies, my friends, and my betters. Thanks for supporting this great medium.
  
• Talking to Shaun Tan about THE LOST THING, and sitting next to him in the signing. One thing I admire about Shaun is that he's a real illustrator. He lives what he does on paper. It matters to him. Each of his signed sketches for people was different and considered. Its great to meet someone like that. Its rare.
  
• The chat about THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL that myself, my girlfriend Zora, Greg Gates, and Jason Franks had. Don't ask.
• The finger food.
• All the author signatures in my copy of FLINCH.
  
• The late train ride home with Zora.
  

So... congrats to Wolfgang and all the authors. FLINCH is wonderful. Do yourself a favour and buy it.

-Bobby.N

.

• -

An albeit 'chilly' day was still sunny in the shadow of Melbourne University today. What can I say month after month, except... we all had a great time. A few regulars failed to show up (Yes, Im looking at you Paul & Jason), but those that did come, had a drink on your behalf.


I grabbed a copy of Colin Wilson & Tom Taylor's THE EXAMPLE comic (brown & yellow cover sitting on the table)... and I must say, it's the best thing I've seen in a while. A great read... and only $5 too! Get it here, or come to this Thursday's book launch of FLINCH in Melbourne and get a signed copy.


Brendan & Matt... sitting in a tree... K.I.S.S.I.N.G....


Once again, come to the FLINCH booklaunch in Melbourne and get your copy signed by the likes of Colin Wilson, Shaun Tan, and many, many more!...

..........................................................
EVENT DETAILS:
Thursday, 7th May 2009 18:30~21:00

VENUE:
Dymocks Melbourne
234 Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia

Tel: 03 9663 0900

Email RSVP would be greatly appreciated by 1st May 2009 to flinch@gestaltpublishing.com
..........................................................

See you all on Thursday...

-Bobby.N

.

• -

Yesterday was the final night of the Comic Book Funnies events that have been on during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival where David Blumenstein has been presenting the humorous side of the comicbook medium on stage.

Though it was a gloomy and rainy evening... inside, the place was packed...

...and there were familiar faces about holding beer.


The esteemed Bernard Caleo launched the 'Sexiest Men in Comics' calendar that evening.

The two men of the evening. (Man, look at that chiseled profile!)

I have to admit, the launch of the 'Sexiest Men' calendar was nice BUT, John Retallick stole the show (for me) when he brought along copies of the mythical unpublished BIG NUMBERS 3 in a high-res large printed format. Beautiful. (Thanks John).

I have the first 2 issues of this beautiful work, and it was an absolute BUZZ when Mr Retallick Dropped this gem in front of us!... seriously, it was like someone showing you the unpublished 'Lord of The Rings 4' novel.

For those unfamiliar with the work, this was going to be Alan Moore's best... before it got killed after the 2nd issue that is. (Read more about it here.)

-Bobby.N

.

• -

Things have been ramping up for Gestalt's upcoming anthology FLINCH, which is due for release next month. I know it's been the buzz in the local comics scene lately, and most are looking forward to it. The effort from Gestalt has been outstanding in getting this book out there. There's already an official FLINCH website. It's on pre-order from Amazon.com and from the Gestalt website, and recently it was submitted to Diamond's preview listing. There is also the Official FLINCH and EXAMPLE Book Launch at Dymocks on Collins St in Melbourne on Thursday the 7th-May at 6.30pm (be there!) ... but a few days ago Wolfgang emailed me to tell me that Diamond Distribution had axed the book due its now (more than doubled) minimum order quota. Not only that, but Diamond didn't even contact him to relay the news... but rather, he found out from a retailer in Montreal. The full story here.

This was a kick in the guts to Wolfgang and many others who have put a lot into this... but not missing a beat, Wolfgang said the launch in Melbourne would still go on, and he had a plan B and C to get the book distributed in other channels. It's great to see determination like this...

THEN, Wolfgang emails me the next day and says that it's been un-axed. Not only that, it's recieved a star-rating and now Gestalt has sold more books than ever!

Unless books meet their quota, Diamond doesn't let them through. Understandable i guess, but they're the only real game in town. They make few exceptions, and it looks that this was one of those times... and it's worked out to boost the book's orders. Lucky for Gestalt, though you'd hate to think they'd be subjected to this circus each time they try to put a good book out. Doesn't inspire confidence eh?... Make of it what you will. I certainly know how i feel about the state of this monopolized shebang.

So anyway, come along to the book launches of both FLINCH and THE EXAMPLE:

..........................................................
EVENT DETAILS:
Thursday, 7th May 2009 18:30~21:00

VENUE:
Dymocks Melbourne
234 Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia

Tel: 03 9663 0900

Email RSVP would be greatly appreciated by 1st May 2009 to flinch@gestaltpublishing.com

..........................................................

Go out and buy the above books. They're great... and if you're in Melbourne on 7-May (in the evening)... drop by Dymocks at 6.30pm in Collins St and get a signed copy from the many contributing authors who'll be there!

-Bobby.N

.

• -

Late last week, I got an email from a comicbook acquaintance to do a commission for a magazine. My concept and pencil had gone smoothly, and I was just about to start colouring it today to hand in tomorrow, when he emailed me saying that the story was found to be a hoax and that they were pulling the article. Ah well... not his fault, but I thought the illustration shouldn't go to complete waste, so I'm posting its short lifespan here. Enjoy.

First I do a very quick pencil of the idea I have in mind after I've interpreted the brief from the client. Then I wait for his ok on the concept.

After the client gives it the 'thumbs-up', I tight-pencil in the final layout (at the correct-proportioned magazine ad. size).

Then I ink it ready for colouring.

I might colour this illustration sometime for the fun of it, as I was happy with the way the composition came out, but ultimately, thats as far as it went for this fun little piece.

-Bobby.N

• -

This month's meet was great. Beautiful sunny Autumn day, and a whole bunch of Melbourne comicbook authors and enthusiasts. For those that didn't show up... you should have.

All in all... about 15-25 people showed up. A nice big turout.


Tried taking a candid shot over Jason Frank's head... but Jen saw me... get it, 'saw' me... er, forget it. Anyway, didn't get a chance to chat to Jen or Trev, as they split soon after I got there... hope it wasn't something I said -;)

Paul was in his usual upbeat enthusiastic mood, and Brendan gave us a contact for a short-run local printer... sweet.

The whole group was a noisy buzz of conversation about comics. Some brought their stuff along to show, while the rest just drank and waxed.


MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

• Chatted with Bruce Mutard about my work and a delema I was having between chosing one direction vs another. It was a nice discussion, because the transition of Bruce's work from his earlier STREET SMELL days to his current SACRIFICE work is very very obvious, and I was at a crossroads in deciding what direction in drawing 'style' to take with a story I'm working on now. Bruce gave some nice words of wisdom on the subject.
• Bendan's new short run printer contact.
• Roundtable chat with a bunch of us about the new Watchmen film and Alan Moore's writing. Just between you and me... Paul Bedford and Henry Pop came out of the closet and confessed to not thinking very much of Alan Moore's work. Just between us, eh?
• Daniel Reed showed me the next big project he's working on. Some great big ambitious stuff. As you'd expect from Mr Reed, its very detailed and imaginative.
• Chats with all the rest of the gang.

It was another wonderful meetup. People gave their updates and opinions of last weekend's 'Supanova' exhibition (that I missed), and the overall consensus wass that it was a major improvement on last year's event. Most of last year's problems seemed to have been fixed, and the majority of people said they did fairly well over the weekend.

Here's an interesting example... Paul Bedford said that he sold MORE of Sunday than on Saturday?!... while others typically sold better on Saturday (Trev & Jen for example), though Paul said it may have had something to do with his 'selling' methods. On Saturday he consciously stood up and did the 'hard-sell' to people gesturing them to come over, and being very 'chatty'... while on Sunday he sat behind his table quietly working on his writing while he let people come over and discover THE LIST-II on their own, and he actually did better with that method. I actually prefer this method myself. I think you can 'potentially' scare some people off your books (particularly the majority of introverts) by badgering them when they walk past your table... so i look for eye contact and relay a polite 'hello' and gauge it from there. The Butcher method of "GETCHYA COMICS, HEY, GETCHYA COMICS HERE!" doesn't work for me. Besides, the character of my work (and what I'm writing and drawing about) negates that kind of 'pop' (carsales?) method. But, each to their own.

Anyway....

Seee you all next time, and keep those fists scribbling.

-Bobby.N

• -

I have a story I'm working on in the background whenever I get a chance. I'm using the inking method of jumping around to different scenes/arcs throughout the story so the final book looks more uniform. (ie. The artwork at the end doesn't look drastically better than the first page.) I used this method producing WITHHELD and was happy with the results.

Here's a page of the secret project (well, not so secret now), that I finished today...

Anyway, I doubt I'll make it to Supanova this weekend, so I'll see the rest of you at the following weekend's monthly meetup.

Prince Alfred Hotel
Grattan St, Carlton
Sat-Apr-4th
2pm


-Bobby.N

• -

Ok, just finished inking the last 2 panels of pg-15...

Just need to clean up and add my grey tone behind the artwork, and after that I attack (ink) the penciled pg-16 that's shown in the previous post... but now, it's 6pm on a Friday night, and I'm off to play some hoops with the guys at Williamstown.

Ok, so the next morning I finished page-15 off by cleaning it up, adding a grey tone, and lettering it.

Whenever I get to the final stages where I use the computer for minor polishes and edits, Im always mindful not to let it look like a machine has necessarily touched the artwork. I think the strength of the best comics are those that look like a 'hand' has actually made it.

Make your comic/book look the best it can. Care about the printing and presentation by all means, please... but don't forget that one of the best things about minis & zines is the fact that you can tell a person did it. It seems precious, worthwhile, and honest. Thats what people respond to. Computers take away that sincerity incrementally. Your work will start to look plastic. Your final printed pages will look manufactured instead of created.

Don't let the computer 'draw' your comics.

-Bobby.N

• -

Right now I'm inking the last 2 panels on pg-15 of my story OXYGEN... but just so you have something to look forward to, here's the pencil of the next page (pg-16) of the story ready to be inked as soon as I'm done.


-Bobby.N

• -

As mentioned previously, I have my complete story WITHHELD reprinted in the upcoming anthology FLINCH along with a whole bunch of other great illustrators & authors. This wonderful book is now available for pre-order on the official FLINCH Website, or through Amazon. So order now before it sells out!

Here's a video preview of some of the art in the book...

Or view a bigger version of it at YouTube ... enjoy!

-Bobby.N

• -

A while ago, Trev Woods asked me to contribute a small piece for the back of their next SAWBONES trade paperback. I said, "sure!"... and then proceeded to forget all about it. At yesterday's meetup, Trev reminded me that he was putting the volume together for publication this coming Friday and wondered how i was going with my drawing, so a little embarrassed, I appologised and began sketching some ideas right there at the meetup with people drinking beers all around (Acting all anti-social)... and here is the artwork after I finshed inking it this afternoon...

Hopefully Trev & Jen don't mind me showing it.

-Bobby.N

• -

Today had a real overcast 'Spring' feel to it, and I was looking forward to catching up with the local comicers this month. I got there just after 2pm and found the elder statesmen Greg Gates and Colin Wilson sitting there chatting outside in the cool air. It began with a "Hello gentlemen" from me, as others started to drip in to the meet.

Soon Jason, Trev, Bruce, (and newcomer) Ivan dropped in. Bruce brought a long a complete pre-press dummy of his next epic tome (The Silence) that will be published by Allen & Unwin later this year. It looks absolutely beautiful. If you haven't already seen Bruce's work, then buy his most recent novel The Sacrifice and you'll be able to see just how good this chap is.


There was a decent sized turnout this month of about 10-12 people. Brendan brought along a selection of recent GN's that we flicked through, and I sat sketching ideas for a picture for Trev & Jen's next issue of Sawbones which I'd promised them, but forgotten to do (...bad Bobby, bad).

MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

• Chatting with Greg & Colin about the older Golden/Silver age inkers that have gotten worse through time.
• Talk with Jason & Jen about writing in comics.
• Flicking through Craig Thompson's 'Carnet De Voyage' and remembering how good it is.
• The red softdrink that Trev bought a jug of... mmm refreshing.

Late this month will be SUPANOVA here in Melbourne:
Dates: March 27-29, 2009
Venue: Melbourne Showgrounds
Event website: http://supanova.com.au

Drop in for all the comic and pop-culture fun!

-Bobby.N

• -

Yesterday (Sat.21.Feb.2009) I popped into Pat Grant's booklaunch at 'Brunswick Bound' bookshop on Sydney Rd, Brunswick. It was a warm afternoon, and walking up those familiar stairs...

... to the exhibition space on the top floor brought back memories of Mandy Ord's booklaunch where is was a sweltering hot day too! What is it with people booking this bookshop for their exhibitions?... are they only available on hot days? (heh)... well anyway, Pat Grant's work is great. (Check out his website).

The launch was already hoppin' when I arrived...

and it started to get full fairly quickly...

The presentation of Pat's work was failry nicely done. Hand painted material was on the walls, as well as pages of his comicbook work (both framed and 'raw'). The were nibblies & drinks. A nice event.


Pat's new comic 'The Last Share House' was launched & for sale.

A few local comic'ers were also there to support Grant and his work, which is always good to see. Also there was 3CR's (The Comic Spot) John Retallick, Jo Waite, and a few other faces who's name I can't recall. Though sweating, everyone looked to have had a good time.

-Bobby.N