Free Comic Book Day 2014

This past weekend was international Free Comic Book Day. This is the equivalent of Christmas for comic book shops around the world, where all kinds of folks, often not necessarily into comics, bring themselves (and kids) to get sketches done by artists, have free comics showered on them, and generally have a ball.

As in most years, the majority of Melbourne creators flock to their favorite comic shops to lend their services for the day. they sketch, shake hands with people and basically join in all the good-natured fun.




Brendan Hallyday



Most of the people I know in the Melbourne comics scene always come down to All Star Comics and lend a hand because these guys support local talent like no other store... so why wouldn't we support them, right? Pretty nice way to run a business and a community.


Everyone had fun.




Artist Alley (where we did free sketches for people), was held around the corner at 1000 Pound Bend Cafe. You'd walk through the cafe into the back warehouse area. They make great burgers.


Matt Emery






Trevor Wood


Tim Molloy was (as usual) doing simply lovely work... with water colour no less! You had to be there.


Tim Molloy




David Blummenstein







In All Star Comics, kids and crowds flocked into the store to get their free comics and others. It was a roaring day for the shop... as it should be.


Is that Troy?




A happy fan got a beautiful sketch by David Blummenstein.






Fellaaaaas!


I have, until next year's Free Comic Book Day, reached my quota in drawing superheros. Because I don't really read spandex fetish, I didn't really know what many fans would ask of me to draw. The plus side was that it gave me a chance to talk with them and search on their smartphones for images to reference... thereby breaking the ice. It was fun asking every request, "what does he/she look like?"

Homecooked Comics Festival 2014

I made my way down to the Homecooked Comics Festival at the Northcote Town Hall today. I love this little comics gig.

It's intimate, fun and - predominantly - all about self-published comics and mini-comics. Because this is a smaller event (think 'flea-market'), I had an easy time chatting to all my comic-creating friends, and browsed many beautiful little comics.






Ben Hutchings




Brendan Hallyday








Darren Close






Matt Emery




Sitting behind the MilkShadow table for a little while. I almost sold a book. Ah well, next time.


Philip Bentley




Bruce Mutard











I got to chat a little with some comic book creators and bought some nice little booklets. The Homecooked Comics Festival is such a great event. I'm putting this one in the calendar for next year. Hopefully I'll have a new book on offer by then.

30% off all Milk Shadow Books!!!

My wonderful publisher Milk Shadow Books is having a 30% OFF sale until the 18th April. That's a big 30% off everything you buy on their online store.

James Andre (the owner) is having a sale in light of his euphoric state at being a husband... Quick, get in before he comes to his senses and takes the 30% offer off the table.

Click here to buy yourself some great comics, and use the checkout code of: GETTINGMARRIED to get your 30% off. Hurry...you haven't got long!

The Ledger Awards 2014

A great thing has happened... The Ledger Awards have been resurrected again!

Last Friday was the relaunch after many years in hiatus. It was held at a beautiful room in the classy State Library of Victoria. It was a perfect size for a large gathering. From Q&A's to Awards, to speeches and mingling with friends and fellow creators. It was perfect. The acoustics were great too.


Another great MC'ing job by Australian comics' go-to orator... Bernard Caleo.


James Andre (Milk Shadow Books), and Matilda.


Gary Chaloner


The ring-leaders of the night, Gary Chaloner and Tim McEwen.


Wolfgang Bylsma, accepting numerous awards on behalf of the many creators who won awards under his publishing house, GESTALT.


Bruce Mutard. One of the most deserving winners (in my view). He embodies all the attributes and ethics I try and follow as a creator myself... I simply love this man's work.


The two organisers of Supanova Australia. Tim McEwen and (I keep forgetting his name)?


A very nice Q&A by Emmet O'Cuana (right) with Ben Templesmith (left).









>




John Petropolous.


I was fortunate enough to win an award on the night... probably due to my greatest supporter there, Paul Bedford. When i hit it big, Paul, I'll buy you a burger at Mc Donald's mate... any burger you want.








Accepting Ben Hutchings' award was the hilarious, David Blummenstein.




The other creator I hoped would be showered with gold, Tim Molly, was... He won two awards. He has a haunting Moebius-style to his work... and he's a workhorse to boot.


Pat Grant took out the big award for 2013. This guy had made some very big splashes in the last few years.


Tim McEwen.


Who. is. this. cool. guy. with. Tim?



I went to the awards on a whim to support my comic friends and take a few photos. I was sitting in front of the podium taking photos when my name was announced, so I was surprised and humbled to win a Gold Ledger for my book DIGESTED #2. Thanks to all that voted for it and thought it worthy.

This award comes at a great time in my life. You see - in the name of writing and drawing more comics - I've just quit my full-time job and have gone part-time. I'm really looking forward to giving my creative work the time it deserves.

Thanks for the recognition everyone... I'll repay you all with new work soon!