We've Moved

The Mediocre Trail

2009-10-16T23:50:00.005-05:00

Hey, guys! So, while hibernating, I thought of a way to promote MM and make comics again! Since I apparently can't think of a project for myself, I'm going to just throw the lot of us onto a premade setting! Hooray!

I'll be emailing you guys soon with more info. For now I get back to my research. ( ie: playing more Oregon Trail! )

Impending Doom to this Blog

2009-03-06T12:12:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's obvious that some of us aren't as enthused as we used to
be about MM. James, Joey, and I returned from a VERY successful trip
to Texas in November, and we want to get things going again.

I have made a new website which can be found at mediocremilitia.com
No longer must we use the horrible blogspot, all your posts have been
imported over and great plans are in order for Mediocremilitia.com

All I ask is that within the next week and a half sign up on the new blog.

http://mediocremilitia.zsfstudios.com/wp-login.php?action=register

Sign up there.
Please, I hate to be the asshole in the situation, but we've had a
kind of dry run lately with MM. If you don't sign up within the week
and a half, or send me any sort of response. (Just have to do one to
let me know you exist), then I'll assume MM isn't something you care
about anymore, and that maybe it's time to move on.

Thanks a lot guysza.

<3zac

Hello All you MM-ers

2009-03-01T18:57:00.002-05:00

I'm transitioning a move from this blog to a new website based around word press.

the url will be www.mediocremilitia.com
and should be up within the next 24 hours.

You may continue posting here and I can import, or you can do me a favor and sign up here.

http://mediocremilitia.zsfstudios.com/wp-login.php?action=register

I'll be sorting out the website for the next few days.
But I figure it's about time to get out asses in gear.

APL fan art!

2009-02-22T17:42:00.000-05:00

Here's mine of APL.

Eh.

2009-02-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

I haven't really been all that active over here lately, so here's a drawing of the cast of The Path dressed up as the cast of Hellboy.

I like Barry's art-exchange idea. Who's up for one?

Oh, and The Path updated today.

-Riot!

Erm

2009-02-16T22:56:00.004-05:00

Hey guys, First of all check out Barry's post below.

It sounds like a lot of fun, and maybe if you all agree we can set up some sort of swap soon.

Just thought I'd pop in and post since I haven't in ages, and EVEN PIXIE posted something recently.

Very pleased with everyone's work TOO!

Secondly, just a little Coraline pic I did, because I thought Henry Selick's (NOT FUCKING TIM BURTON) interpretation of the Neil Gaiman novel was a lovely, frightening masterpiece.

Also, working at the movie theatre, I hear people attribute Tim Burton to Coraline all day, and I want to slap them. Tim Burton didn't even have too much to do with Nightmare Before Christmas.

Henry Selick is the genius, and people should stop giving tim burton credit for things he doesn't make. Ugh.

Anywho, later guys

Medeocre Fan Art exchange

2009-02-13T14:30:00.004-05:00

Guys and Gals,

I am proposing that we do an art exchange with one another. Fan art for fan art between the members of the Militia. I proposed this over at Rampage and the great and powerful Acadia came up with the wonderful pic you see here!

It will do several things for us:

1. Get us to better know our neighbors here at the Mediocre Militia.
2. Get us drawing more.
3. Get us some cross-pollenization form each others readers.
4. We all love when we get fan art, don't we?

What say you Militia-(wo)men?!

Barry :D

PS. Acadia , I am working on one for you!
_________________
Barry
\m/(>.<)\m/
Rock On!

Holy Buckets

2009-02-09T14:01:00.003-05:00

Sup, gaiz? ( and gurlz ) Here's some stuff I've done sorta recently. Kind of going through a slump as I brush off my AWESOME SKILLZ. ( see all my Z's? i'm cool. )

So I'm living on my own now, which is fun. No more stupid family drama or crazy moving around to stab my muse in the face. I am working on a new project and I have a writer, so it won't suck. So, you know, I haven't TOTALLY stopped drawing or existing or whatever. Also trying to sell some pet-themed prints at work for a little extra cash in this bleak economy.

I don't yet have interwebs, but I try to stay signed on AIM and Yahoo on my blackberry if anyone needs to tell me anything or send me anonymous hate messages. I like both. =D

.. I'm SO out of the loop! D:

2009-02-03T20:23:00.002-05:00

I guess I'll post some stuff on this sketchblog that I am a part of.

I guess.

Jeez.

Also, puppies.

2009-02-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

WTF

2009-02-03T12:28:00.003-05:00

All my art is in polymer clay now. Am I still allowed to follow you guys around? :'(

(2" tall pendants)

2009-01-31T03:41:00.004-05:00

So, it was a rogue IM from Zac today that made me realize that some of you, due to my rampant anti-social tendencies, may not know that Shaun and I are updating Applied Living again.

So here's my formal reminder:

Shaun and I are updating Applied Living again. Go check it out!

Also, I've been toying with a style of portraiture that's really appealing to me lately. Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about.

Harry Homa and the Pgh Steelers!

2009-01-23T00:36:00.000-05:00

With all the talk about the 7th trip to the Superbowl by the great Steelers makes me miss my grandfather, Harry Homa, who was one of the photographers from the 70's era Steelers.

I've worn Superbowl rings, worn actual practice shirts, met all the legends (including The Chief himself.

Next week they are replaying all the old Superbowls on NFL network, I'll be watching, like when I was a kid, and looking for my Pap on the sidelines.

I miss ya Pap!

Go Steelers!

Barry

It Lives!!!

2009-01-13T00:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm back in the saddle again. I, too , like Riot have been having tech issues. I killed my hard drive by loading itunes on it.

Thankfully, my friend and writer, Brian Babyok, was able to save all my unbacked-up work and rebuild the beast.

It's better, faster, stronger!

I am 5 pages deep into drawing my new issue.

I have some fan art up and up and coming.

I any of you all want to send me some fan art, you'd get my undying love and affection!

Cheers!

For Christmas-

2008-12-27T20:40:00.002-05:00

I has it. :D

-W

Sorry Guys...

2008-12-03T02:11:00.003-05:00

...but I need to brag about this somewhere.

There's going to be a Wizard World Exclusive "The Path" comic entitled "Edward's Tale" which basically gives a lot of background into the world of The Path and shows Edward trying to rally some troops to Chance's side for the coming battle with Nyarlathotep! The appropriate people AT Wizard Entertainment and I have already spoken about it, so it's a done deal! It'll probably be at WWLA or WWChicago just so it stays timely.

ALSO: Guess who got asked to do a pin-up for the Applegeeks book?

Oh, that would be ME.

In other Mediocre Militia-relevant news, our very own Barry Linck is getting INTERVIEWED on Sunday, Dec 7th at 10pm! I need to get which time zone that 10pm is in, but we can all click HERE to listen in!

So, if you're planning on being anywhere near your computer Sunday night, make sure to listen to the interview and support our fellow Militia Man! Seriously! DOO EEET!

-Riot!

HAPPY CTHURKEY DAY!

2008-11-27T09:47:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, my Mediocre brothers and sister in arms!
Hopefully, next year Zac and Joey will be making the trip to my place for their Turkey Day meal. That's what me and the little lady are hoping for, anyways.

Oh, Barry, we can kick ourselves together, because I just set up shop over at Smackjeeves, too. I figured the more exposure, the better. I'm also waiting for my ComicGenesis account to finally get set up, too. I'm turning into just as big a whore as you are!

Anyways, have a safe and happy one gang!
-Riot & Julianne

So...

2008-11-23T02:35:00.002-05:00

...anyone else notice that mediocremilitia.com no longer leads to...well...Mediocre Militia? Who's got the info for the domain so that I can get it renewed? Normally it wouldn't matter, but Zac, Joey, and I just spent so much time and energy a few weeks ago telling people to go there. Seems kind of silly to not have it...y'know...THERE.

Also, the main reason I was going to post: Old Dying Kitty just got a facelift! So go check it out and leave a message in the shoutbox!

Also: Joey? Zac? I miss you guys. Fucking move out here already!

-Riot!

Because it's adorable.

2008-11-14T01:24:00.002-05:00

I drew this, and fell in love with the background. Digital painting is so much fun, and I just learned about how to manage hue and saturation! Wheee!

So, that con was amazing, not gonna lie, and next time, I'll have something in print. :D

So how bout that A-kon?

-W

WWTX '08!

2008-11-10T17:16:00.003-05:00

So...we actually put in a real good showing at WWTX this year. A lot of people came back who'd come to our table last year. A lot of people came by because we were loud and obnoxious. Some people even came by because they were lured in by shiny prints and strange signs taped to Zac's head. Either way, a lot of sketches were sold and we made some pretty cool connections.

Also, Jorge Vega is a fun guy and went along with a lot of our shit.

The pics from the weekend can be found here on my myspace page:
Mediocre Militia: Wizard World 2008 pics

When I have more time, I'll slap them up on my flickr accounts.

Happy (late) Halloween!

2008-11-03T04:43:00.006-05:00

Happy belated Halloween, MM! Despite an increased financial burden and a decreased cash flow, a good Halloween was to be had in the Land of Riot!

The little lady and I went around as Hellboy and Babe Sapien:

I fought a robot and saved the world. YOU'RE WELCOME.

...and I drank beer. All in all, a good night.

What about the rest of you? Show me your costumes!

Ever tallied up how many comics you ever made?

2008-10-23T18:18:00.005-05:00

This is a list of all the comic pages and strips (that I can remember) I've done since 1990.

It's a lot.

I need to do more....

I did a lot before but I can't possibly remember all those. They're not very good anyway, just high school/middle school stuff, really...

It's kind of neatly retrospective to do one of these, gets you thinking of where you've come from.

B

Important MM meeting

2008-10-06T16:28:00.000-05:00

I'm sending out an email too.
I need EVERYONE who is going to WW to tell me a time that we can all possibly get on skype/aim/phone to discuss this trip.
We have lots of details to work out.
Either post your available times here or email them back to me.

This is REALLY IMPORTANT!

Thanks
-zac

2008-09-24T21:55:00.004-05:00

So I just popped this out real quick. I think I'm going to do a "fine art" set for WWTX and make prints and sell them for like 10 bucks each. I'm trying to think of Geek Culture things to work with. Of course I won't sell out completely and I plan on having some original stuff there too.

Just thinking of how to make up some of the plane money

I may try something captain kirkish or impulse or something. I dunno.
Just trying to get used to drawing again and having stuff for the con

WWTX '08!

2008-09-06T01:54:00.002-05:00

So...we're going.

Militiamen/women in attendance are: Carly, Zac, Wingnut, Freux, and yours truly!

The downside? One table was what was available. It's an 8ft table, so we'll have a LITTLE bit of room to play around with, but not much. We'll just rotate who's sitting when and give anyone asked to do a sketch priority. Peronally, I'd like it if we made half the table the "merch" side, and the other half our goof off and draw side. That way, someone can always be standing behind the merch side pimping the sample book and stuff.

Oh, did I mention we'll have the sample book? Because we will.
Did I mention that we'll have bright, shiny postcards to hand out that have an MM logo on the front and the URLs of everyone's comics on the back just like a real studio?Because we will.
If someone would f'ing call me back, we'll have buttons as well.
The rest is up to you guys.

If you have prints, bring them. Stickers, pins, whatever: bring them. Since it's one table, I'd like to see us grouping all the merch together on the merch side and then making a point of cross-promoting eachother. This isn't a Drunk Duck table where we weren't a group entity yet. For example: "Oh, I see you're looking at The Path. If you like that, you should check out A Murder of Two or Phineus: Magician for Hire." Zac, Carly and Joey know what I'm talking about.

One thing that was fun about the DD tables and I'd like to see us do is the giveaway prize game. Like the Die of DOOM. Suggestions?

RED FUTURE

2008-09-02T19:50:00.002-05:00

You guys probably already all know about this, but I figure I'll share it here, as well, because it is very time-consuming and very artsy. It is my new comic called RED FUTURE. I strongly recommend checking out the homepage if you haven't already, because there are LOG entries on the left of that page that add a lot to the story (hover your mouse over them, they light up!).

So there ya go.

Since no one checks the forum...WWTX stuffs.

2008-09-01T06:21:00.004-05:00

I'll repost here regarding WWTX:

Carly and I have been playing phone/email tag about this for, like, a month.

Here's the deal: If, on Sept. 7th, there are still tables available, I'm getting two. If there are no tables available in the Artist Alley, but there's a small press booth available, I'll get that instead. The price is about the same as two tables in the 'alley.
As it stands, it looks like those attending will be Carly, Dave, Joey, Bran, Myself, my girlfriend, and Zac. Each table comes with two badges, so we'll just need to spring for two extra badges. I think a small press booth comes with four. With six-seven people, we could cram like every other group of con-goers does, or spring for two rooms.

If we get two tables, the set-up is pretty much going to be as follows:
Table 1 will be Carly, Zac, and myself. Table 2 Joey, Dave, and Bran. If Bran doesn't come, Zac may wind up going to Table 2. This may sound like a jerk thing to do, but Carly and I have the most stuff. I know Carly has printed comics. I have printed comics, prints, and a stand-up banner thingy.

If we get a small press booth, set up will be figured out when we get there. Judging from the size of small press booths at past WWs, we could all probably fit back there, but rotating who's at the booth would probably work out best, and give everyone a chance to wander and see what else is there.

I would have done it earlier this summer, but convention hopping to promote The Path and all the time I had to take off of work to do so depleted my savings to the point that I am now one broke mo'fo. So my paycheck on the 7th is the closest point I'll be able to afford it.

Assuming we get to WWTX, we'll have copies of the MM Sample book. That way, whoever shows up will have something tangible to give out.

DAVE: I need our logo ASAP if we're going to do this con. I would REALLY like to have a stand-up MM banner, or a large table-banner with the MM logo.

Now, we all need to be prepared in the event that I've screwed the pooch and waited too long. In that event, well, we get all this shit done like we were going to WWTX ANYWAYS so that we're not having this same conversation in march when WWLA comes around.

MM Blog edit:
I'm hearing rumors of people wanting to pitch in. I'm sure as hell not going to turn that down. If we wind up getting to go, I'll spring for the tables and badges if those of you who can put in towards the room/rooms?

Like Zac said, we REALLY need to have a sit-down and chat about this. About a lot of things, really. What's everyone doing tonight (Monday)? I'm off until Friday night, so PLEASE let's try and iron some stuff out by then.

-Riot!

Hey we need to talk business.

2008-08-30T11:40:00.003-05:00

http://www.zsfstudios.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=65&st=0&gopid=789&#entry789

PLEASE READ THIS THREAD.
If any of you are wanting to actually go through with WWTX we need to sit down and discuss it soon. Otherwise we're going to need to pick a different convention to head to.

Also, RIOT, We miss you.

Also, did a commission for an environmental awareness group out in LA. Uhm, yeah. Maybe I'll start a sitcom about a family of 4 of which the father is a moron, the mother is anal, the son is rebellious/retarded, and the daughter is a nerd. Maybe there can be a baby worm too. I can only imagine how funny it could be!

But seriously guys, lets get stuff together and meet up again

2008-08-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

So...about a year or so ago, Barry Linck (Phineus: Magician for Hire) and Kevin Hayman (The Errant Apprentice) gave me the go ahead to muck about with their flagship characters and do a crossover with them and Chance from my comic, The Path. I was thrilled, as I am a huge fan of both their comics, and immediately penned a story. Then started working on pages. Then, because I'm me, life got in the way. Despite good intentions and excitement over the project, it fell by the wayside.

Well, now that I'm behind on The Path and playing some hardcore catch-up, this project started rearing it's ugly head again in the back of my mind and won't leave me alone.

Assuming that Barry and Kevin's blessings remain, this crossover will return anew with the New Year. Because, quite frankly, few characters belong together more than a wizard, a modern-day knight, and the reincarnation of a certain once and future king.

Here is the cover mock-up I colored for practice tonight (someone discovered vector brushes...) in an insane bout of insomnia whilst my girlfriend slumbered peacefully.

I'm especially happy with Phineus in the back there for some reason.

And that's that.
-Riot!

You see nothing...

2008-08-25T04:18:00.003-05:00

I got bored, and that is a dangerous thing. Here's a script that acadia and I came up with forever ago.

What does this mean for AT? Who knows, ask me in the morning.

-W

The Path Sketch Dump

2008-08-24T21:18:00.013-05:00

So, after the Bendis wall of text left last time, I thought I'd balance it out with a sketch dump. Most of these will be in The Path sketchbook that I've been talked into doing.

And that's that.
-Riot!

Update from the front.

2008-08-21T04:37:00.003-05:00

"WHERE THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN?!" Is something I've been hearing a lot of lately. Usually in frantic, angry tones on my voicemail from family members, various freelance employers and internet friends who actually have my cell number...since I don't have internet at my new place as of yet.

Goddamn, time does fly when you're moving and have no internet with which to avail people of the knowledge that you are, in fact, moving.

So, I've moved. It was incredibly inconvenient, and the new neighborhood is less than favorable (despite a Taco Bell across the street), and it is a good hour away from anything I like to do and everyone I like to hang out with. WHY would I move, then, you may be asking? Well, because my roomies wanted to move and the notice they gave me was not sufficient to go find a place of my own with the meager savings I had left after a season of convention-hopping. Sure, they'd been talking about moving for a few months, but each time they spoke of it it was like a chain-smoker saying, "Yeah...this week I'm quitting." Every possible relocation was spoken like a pipe-dream and disappeared like a whisp of smoke so fast that I got to the point that I didn't think they were actually going to go through with it. I LIKED my old place. It took me two years to actually feel at home there. To surround myself with a few friends and a few bars that I enjoyed frequenting and settle into a decent pantomime of a productive life. NOW, when my girlfriend comes over, I have to leave my apartment complex to meet her where she parks and walk her in for fear of her being raped or mugged between the gate and my door. My now four hour round trip commute to work isn't exactly a selling point for this new residence either. Nor are the creepy neighbors or the equally creepy staff of the complex. It's like I've stumbled upon a mexican version of Innsmouth (Go ahead, look it up. I'll wait.) and, while this prospect would normally be exciting to a Lovecraft fanatic like myself, it is less so when you're wondering if today is the day your fish-eyed neighbors make a move for your female friends when you're at work.

I don't know how long I'll be dealing with Casa Del Innmouth, though, as the little lady and I are talking about taking a giant leap towards wanting to murder eachother and move in together. Seeing as how between my place and hers we've pretty much been living together ANYWAYS, and we're sort of at the point where neither of us can sleep without the other around we're both pretty sold on the idea (even though another move may cause me to start hurling small children into the ocean). Plenty of other reasons, but we all know how I dislike talking in terms of hoo-mahn emotions and such.

For those of you waiting with bated breath for news of WWTX '08 (I'ma lookin' at you, Carly) I have no effing clue at the moment. If there are still tables available as of the 7th of September (which is when I'll have the $$$ to do something about it), then we're good to go. If not, then I've let you all down. There's just been too much on my plate the last few months and WWTX unfortunately fell by the wayside. Worse comes to worse, I'll have plenty of time to make sure there's an MM presence at WWLA.

Phineus and the Great Jaguar Paw 2 Cover

2008-08-17T18:36:00.003-05:00

Here's an in=progress peek at the cover for the new Phineus story, premeiring in September!

Have you ever wondered...

2008-08-15T18:36:00.003-05:00

Mayor McCheeseburger seems really cool, I mean he's got a cheeseburger head! A FREAKIN' CHEESEBURGER HEAD I SAY! How awesome would that be? Like what if he had a son with not only a cheeseburger head, but also chicken wing feet...holy crap you couldn't contain that kinda WIN! Well it seems like a great "concept" but in reality I think it would suck, I think it would be a disability actually... (see below)

Radish Face.

2008-08-11T00:11:00.003-05:00

So I'm feeling super cut off from MM lately. It's -probably- due to the fact that I only talk to one of you on a semi-regular basis. As for the rest of you, I just sort of assume that you still exist and are working on artsy things. :P

As for myself, I'm awaiting the release of Warhammer and am celebrating my very first pay raise. ( Even though I actually see less money right now than I have in a while ) I'm enjoying Muay Thai and my Pit Bull is driving me crazy. My comic making is on hold as I try to decide what exactly I should do.

Can I has cheezeburgers?

Level Up!

2008-08-09T22:43:00.002-05:00

I've been doing daily digital painting studies, because I'm tired of being terrified of using my tablet for anything but flat coloring. I was checking out an AMAZING artists portfolio and saw that they had a tutorial. Intrigued, and hopeful of gleaning the secrets to digital painting I checked it out. The techniques they discussed wasn't anything I hadn't seen before, and so, I thought to myself, "Great, another amazing individual to be jealous of."

But, before I left the page, I noticed that they discussed doing daily studies to get better. I looked at some of there examples and realized that once again, this was just someone waaay more talented than myself. The last linked image however had a very small message next to it saying, "And here, to show you all that you can do it, is MY very first daily study." Upon investigating the image, I then realized that with everything else in this field, all it takes is time. :D

Thusly, I've started down the path, and here is day #2.

-J

Where the hell/What the hell have I BEEN DOING

2008-08-07T05:10:00.002-05:00

BEEN A WHILE SINCE I POSTED SOMETHING HERE, HUH?

New character design for a new project.

Jaguar Paw #2 Sketches

2008-08-01T23:36:00.001-05:00

Here are some preliminary sketches I've done for the upcoming Great Jaguars Paw #2. I am starting both that and Creephunter #2, so I have a lot of design work to do! I don't know if you've ever done the ramp up for a story you've not written, but the trying to visualize another's story takes a great deal of work. But boy it is fun!

I'll keep hacking away at this and the pages will post soon enough!

Rock.

Barry

I May Be in Trouble Here

2008-07-22T09:26:00.003-05:00

As of this time next week, I'll be completely moved in to my new place. I can't wait for the month-long cluster-fuck to be over. Then I'll be able to get back to drawing! I haven't had time to sit down and draw anything more than a one-panel Antisocial comic in weeks! My brain is going to overflow and try to kill me if this isn't remedied soon.

In other news, yeah. Meeting the girlfriend's dad at the end of the week. Which, under normal circumstances, I would blow off or come up with the most glorious of excuses to get out of or even use it as an opportunity to get out of dating a girl altogether...but I do believe I may be getting clobbered over the head with the dreaded "L" word here, and so I'll put in the effort. I do believe that counts as the seventh sign. The apocalypse is well on its way.

I've not seen TDK yet. I'm hoping to do so next week. I HAVE seen Hellboy 2 seven times, though.

And that's that.
-Riot!

Eeeeeee!

2008-07-21T01:18:00.001-05:00

Guess who just updated her comiiiiiic. ;)

http://www.drunkduck.com/Grog/

And in other news, Charlie was the Daily Puppy last Monday. Clearly we rock. :D

http://www.dailypuppy.com/puppies/Charlie-the-Spaniel-Mix_2008-07-14

TDK

2008-07-17T01:40:00.000-05:00

What's with the great movies this summer? Hellboy was great, and TDK was great

Just got back from the Preview of the Preview (roomie works as theater)

and guys, all I have to say is

This movie is intense like a roller coaster.

Can't wait to discuss it with you kids

Fan Art Contest!

2008-07-15T00:18:00.003-05:00

Hey , all!

I have had some cool ass fan art done for me over the years, and I have most of it up here at Fans of Phin

Check them out! But, I want more! SO I tell you what, you guys give some, I'll not only post it, but I'll owe you! I can send Signed ashcans , guest stips or original art, your choice!

Thanks, guys!

Barry

I Can't Smile Without You

2008-07-14T16:59:00.002-05:00

Easily one of the best parts of Hellboy 2. Hellboy and Abe getting drunk, singing along to "I Can't Smile Without You" by Barry Manilow. I've been doing stupid sketches of them singing since I saw the movie. This is just the only one I took the 15 minutes to color.

For you young'uns who've never heard the song, here. Just imagine Ron Perlman and Doug Jones belting it in full Hellboy and Abe gear.

The move goes...albeit slowly. I can't wait for this bullshit to be over so I can get back to my life.

-Riot!

Antisocial: Date Night/Hellboy 2

2008-07-11T04:57:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am alive.

The trip to flow-ree-dah with the current object of my affections was...good. Really good. It was nice to take time off that wasn't "race here, do con, race back, work". It was actual time off and time well spent. I feel good about where my life is headed right now.

The above comic, well, you all know how obsessed I am with Mike Mignola's big red beast of the apocalypse. Well, not ONLY does the girlfriend dig it too, BUT she encourages...nay...JOINS IN most/all of my shenanigans. So that's her painted up like a sexy version of Abe. We ARE crazy. It's fucking great.

Looks like Zac and Carly did really well at AX. Sorry I didn't make it guys, but it's probably better that way. I just would've pissed off anime geeks and made them cry anyways.

Go see Hellboy 2 tomorrow. It's fucking awesome. So awesome, I'm still smiling. There's a buddy scene with Hellboy and Abe...just...wow. So good. Now I'm off to bed.

-Riot!

Anime Expo Recap.

2008-07-06T22:57:00.004-05:00

Big Media Post Ahead: Beware. I'll make a more detailed post when I get back to Mississippi
All the photos I took from the Convention can be found here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28318330@N02/

Also all of the Hayter Videos I took are below

Also: Contact Info Again
Just some quick info for those of you visiting from AX:

Zac's contact info is: zacfreundt@gmail.com
http://myspace.com/sceneisgay
Facebook search: Zac Freundt

Carly you can reach at creepycarly.com

Werewolf!

2008-07-06T15:40:00.002-05:00

Here's a disign for a werewolf I did. These are among my favorite monsters! I'm gonna have to do a werewolf story again, soon!

Contact info For AX

2008-07-05T03:57:00.006-05:00

Just some quick info for those of you visiting from AX:

Zac's contact info is: zacfreundt@gmail.com
http://myspace.com/sceneisgay
Facebook search: Zac Freundt
ALL OF MY CON PICS ARE UP ON FACEBOOK. :D

Carly you can reach from creepycarly.com

On Monday I should have all the pictures up.

---
If you came by the booth give a shout out! We'd love to know who came by the site too, and we'd totally love to have you check out the
oekaki and forum

Also, anyone on the site commissions, I'm sure. Just pick their comic from the side and you can get contact info for them there.

:O

Billings Paperdoll

2008-07-04T01:41:00.003-05:00

Here is one of the images for my new venture of...paper dolls! I am doing a series of paperdolls with characters from Phineus, to sell either at cons or on my website. I am still in the prototype stage.

AX

2008-07-04T01:35:00.002-05:00

Hello, welcome if you're being directed from Anime Expo!

I hope you find something you like, and be sure to check out everyone's comments, the oekaki board (which is fun and free), and sign up on the forums!

I'll update this stuff tomorrow with pictures of cosplay and art and and and other stuff!

Concepts? Mm? Yes?

2008-06-30T11:30:00.002-05:00

Here's some more concept sketches from my new project. This is one of the major settlements in this story, a city built on the back of the last sleeping Nephilim. So long has this settlement been there, that many of the populace forget that it's built on a giant, a sort of 'forest for the trees' situation, and are often troubled by the increase in earthquakes.

Here's a facial study of the giant himself-

And here's a picture of the city-

-W

Uhm

2008-06-28T23:44:00.003-05:00

I was testing something and uh I'm going to make a bigger, better compressed version but until then and until I have the motivation to sit down and do another.

Oh yeah.
As a reminder.
DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A FORUM AND OEKAKI
YES WE DO INFACT. JUST CLICK THE LINKS ON THE RIGHT AND BECOME PART OF OUR COMMUNITY!

I'm with Pixie

2008-06-28T00:20:00.003-05:00

I agree lass, I've been stuck in a creative rut as well lately. I need to just get started on my own projects, and stop moping about the loss of a comic. Yes...yes indeed. So, along that vein of conversation, here's some character art for a new project I'm working on. I don't want to name it quite yet, don't want to jinx it, but here's some pretty pictures. Sorry about the lack of color, I've been rather lax on that lately
.

And here's something silly. I've found out that if I don't do a gamer gag picture every once and a while, I'll explode. Further destroying of our beloved childhood.

-W

2008-06-24T02:23:00.004-05:00

BUGGER it.

*Slams hands down on desk*

I AM going to start drawing again, and I AM going to come back. Gonna kick these motivation problems in the ARSE.

Right?

Right.

I'm going to eeaaaaaaaasssee back into it by making a diary comic about how fucking crazy it is to have a puppy. I'm mostly going to be outlining over photos and then playing with colouring/shading things in different ways.

And THEN maybe I can actually give myself a big enough kick in the ass to get back to a proper comic like Grog.

YEAH.

...Wish me luck, guys? :'(

http://s279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/Charliepup/ <---- The little bugger that's keeping me from this place

- My first attempt at this whole thing (the middle one is Charlie. We named the left and right puppies "Emo" and "Sassy" respectively. Poor Sassy is still for sale- the last of the litter of 7. :( I want him).

The Path gets a facelift

2008-06-21T09:50:00.000-05:00

So, in preparation of Diamond-ness, I've been going back to old pages of The Path and gussying them up a bit. Adding the crosshatching I've been using lately, and in some cases, replacing panels that I didn't like. Then, it hit me:

I don't really like ANY of my old pages. Like, at ALL.

If I'm not too fond of them, I could only imagine what people in shops nation-wide would think. Don't get me wrong, The Path's selling well...but I've grown into the style I set out to do it in. The pages from issues 4 and 5 are way better than the pages in issues 1-3.

So I started redrawing them. ALL of them. Below is a "Before and after" example of what I've been doing. This is also giving me the chance to tweak some issues I've come across in the story now that I have the advantage of hindsight. I think that you'll agree that the new version is going to kick all kinds of ass. ALL. KINDS. OF. ASS. Yes, even THAT kind.

-Riot!

Guys...it's time to check the site for updates...

2008-06-19T00:27:00.002-05:00

Seriously.

Here's the news I wanted to post. GO READ IT HERE http://www.zsfstudios.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8&st=0&#entry12

ON OUR NEW FORUMS. BRAND NEW AWESOME FORUMS.

Oh did you hear? We have forums! I heard Weatherby made them. Oh he did! Great! That's our first step towards reformatting the site layout to become a decent community.

If you're a militiaman or a fan, PLEASE go sign up. News on the site status will most likely be posted there.

IMPORTANT BELOW:
Please send Weatherby your comic descriptions, or post them in the comment section here. This is really sort of important. We also need to come up with rules for the forum. Also, see the below post.

Also Militia FOLK
We have custom smilies on that forum. Here's my plan, you send me or Weatherby some images of your characters being expressive and we'll turn them into forum emoticons.
HOW cool will that be, eh?

Okay, please for once guuuuuuuyss. We're trying to kick some life into this

And we're back!

2008-06-16T22:38:00.005-05:00

On the last episode of MEDIOCRE MILITIA: Weatherby uploaded a shiny new forum system to give Militia members a chance to grow a community. Suddenly, an ancient evil awoke in Zac, and the forums began to die slowly. With only five minutes to save the forum, Weatherby transformed into the legendary Super Admin, and pretty much just went "fuck it" and took the forum down.

Anyway, the NEW forum is up, if that makes much of a difference. We're now running on Invasion Power Board, a system I've never used in my life. Hey, it looks pretty nice, and I hear it's secure. So far I've found nothing along the same lines as the token error, but I'm still not sure if it's totally bug free. Go over and check it out. I can't quite call it done until it's at least tested.

http://www.zsfstudios.com/forum/index.php

You are still able to do everything you could on the normal board, but it's a tad different in terms of navigation. You are now able to make profile pages for a mini-social networking application (embedded right into your user profiles) at the loss of the build in personal image gallery. Win-some lose-some. Hope the style is Ok, went with more of a futuristic kind of "military system" feel for the forums. It's sleek, but simple, and I think that works. I had to edit a lot of images to make sure everything matched, but some I can't quite seem to find. Like, there is this "ON", "OFF" and "PM" set of boxes that you think would be in profiles, but I don't see em'. Then again, I need the place tested, so who knows.

Enough rambling. I'm still waiting for forum descriptions from some of you, and we need a set of rules which I can't really do on my own.

Was a long and dark December.

2008-06-16T21:15:00.002-05:00

Proof that I've been attempting to be productive despite 12-hour work days. Shut up all of you people who manage busy lives and still do 2348237492 more drawings a month than I do. Just.. shut up. XD

I'm really enjoying these black and white images. I know color is probably more interesting to look at, but black and white is more of a challenge and I love doing it. I used to be sooo afraid to add massive amounts of black to a colorless image, but I'm learning bit by bit how to do it right. ( or, at least, in a way that looks right to me ) I refuse to do comics in color, but I hate using tone. If I can master this black and white thing, I might be able to produce something nice. =D

About the image: These are two characters from aMoT that appear in the second chapter. I WILL REVEAL NOTHING ELSE.

Weirdlings Print @ Cover Preview

2008-06-14T12:50:00.003-05:00

A sneak peek at the cover for the upcoming print book of Weirdlings! For those of you who don't already read it, go now,, swiftly!

MANIFEST DESTINY!

2008-06-12T18:42:00.003-05:00

This was done by the awesome Micha over at Absurdness and is an accurate representation of how I got things done at A-kon. That cane is awesome and is coming to every con forever now, too.

You should be reading Absurdness. Do so. Now.

-Riot!

Letters from Veldimar Township

2008-06-11T09:41:00.003-05:00

I've decided at long last to post up a shorts story here.

-Evil Emperor Nick

Letters from Veldimar Township

Written By: E.E. Nick
Edited by: Amelius

Most esteemed High & Overlord Attez,

As per your request I went to Veldimar Town to investigate the possiblity of some brain altering parasite breaking out there. I was rather put out that I was not the first one there. A one Frey Von Skyler, and elvish whelp of some great self importance but little relevance is already in the town uninvited by your both high & overlordship.

I tried to explain to this elven interloper that I had already been assigned to deal with this problem and he had the audacity to suggest that the problem was beyond me. Well I informed him that you had personally assigned me to the task and that by questioning my compitency he was indeed questioning your judgement as you sent me here and that your high & overlordship does not make mistakes as such.

Of course then he tried to deny it suggesting that he meant no offense and only was here to help but I saw through his denials. I told him he was unwelcome and unapreciated and that he should go but of course since I was placing the town under quarantine until I finished my report that he couldn't and that he should confine himself out of the way!

At which point I dismissed him, seeing as your high and overlordship prizes efficency, since talking further would serve no purpose and tried to begin my investigation. I went to my room only to find he was in the one next to me. At this point it became obvious he was sent to spy on me and that his foolishness was just an act as no one could truely be so stupid. Still as your high and overlordship knows it is better not to tell your enemy how much you know but rather let them think that you don't know that they know. As such I spent the remainder of the night feeding him false information before finaly stopping to rest. With luck that will put him off the trail as I continue my investigation tomorrow.

-Grand Master Brix Skrowald
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Uncle Skyriel,

As I start my second day here in Veldimar I am more and more concerned about the possiblity of brain parasites. The town people seem very suspicious of outsiders. They have no magical lighting here at all They use animals rather then magic for the majority of their labor. All signs that the brain parasites are effecting their brains, otherwise I cannot see why they would not be using magic to take care of these mundane tasks.

Luckily I am not alone in this endeavor, a one Mr. Brick Morewall is by chance also investigating here in town. Morewall suspects the problem too and suggested I investigate the local latrine.
Personal Note: Mr. Morewall talks in his sleep 'causing me to get an early start today. If I meet him again I must ask him about the "fairy" he saw yesterday. He seems to think this individual is quite a malcontent despite a host of personal failings and maybe involved with the problem in this village.

Mr. Morewall's advice proved to be critical as I found evidence of parasite waste in my investigation. Sadly the local crap house is publically used and I cannot be certain who is carrying a parasite yet, though I am fairly sure they could use more bran in their diet. As I have no practical way to monitor what villagers consume in the privacy of their own house however I fear this clue will take me no further today.

I'll continue with my investigation here but now that we know there are brain parasites here I think it might be wise to send an expert to deal with them.

Love,

-Frey Von Skyler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most respected/feared High and Overlord Attez,

I am still recovering from my beating yesterday. I know the this village is a backward place and has never known your glorious presence, had a representative from you before or in anyway really felt the effects of your rule but despite all that you would think these pesants would understand that your word is law.

When I ordered them all naked into the street so I could inspect them for brain parasites they refused and become violent when I attempted to enforce my command. It is bad enough that they reject your highest and most overlordships authority but you think they would at least welcome someone trying to save their lives! I humbly suggest that after we liberate this town from the brain parasite menace that we destory the villiage down to the last screaming newborn infant as an example to the surrounding villages.

I managed to escape from the mob with mostly minor injuries though I fear after riding on a rail I may never now reproduce. However I offer the tragic loss of my pontenial offspring and the barter they could have brought with the gnomes up to your high and overlordness and trust you will reward me for my losses in your service.

I suspect now I am no longer welcome in town and so have begun less overt activites. I know that is not the manner fitting for one of your Grand Masters but being here alone and with the villagers rejecting your authority, this isn't a normal situation.

I managed to lure some villagers into the forest with the promise of sweets and trinkets in exchange for examining their brains. I did manage to conduct a few examinations but I was alas interrupted by the Von Skyler fellow before I had completed more than 0.01% of the villiage population.

Von Skyler claimed to be concerned about my health and wellbeing after last night beating, but of course we both know that isn't the case. I managed to divert Von Skyler by offering to compare notes on our progress though I deliberately failed to give him any information in return. I found his veiled contempt at what he perceived to be my lack of progress due to the mob yesterday. Little did he know of my real efforts on your behalf your High and Overlordship.
When I at last managed to rid myself of Von Skyler I continued my investigation. As you no doubt know in your infinite wisdom, Brain Parasites prefer to avoid sunlight. I investigated and found that this villiage was infact originally founded to take advantage of silver deposites in the area. The are has been well mined but the passages still remain. Such a ripe environment will surely attract brain parasites if it hasn't already.

I've begun to map the mine and I am in the process of preparing traps for any traveling within the mine. While far less direct then I might have liked I feel this menthod should prove effective. After I've caught any brain parasites entering or already in the cave I can use them to track how far the infection has progressed and backtrack them to find whom else is infected. As an added bonus that traps have also secured several animals which I can use to sustain me.

With luck this whole unfortunate affair will be over soon.

-Grand Master Brix Skrowald
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Uncle Skyriel,

I fear that I am failing in my mission here. A few villagers have gone missing and at least one has turned up dead. Even poor Prix Skornwaled seems to have left, if I were wise I would probably do the same.

Observation: I fear for his saftey since the villages confiscated his horse. I felt this was not exactly justice but I also felt it would be very stupid and probably painful of me to voice this opinion out loud.

Thus far my investigation has not turned up one person infected with the brain parasites yet their presence is clearly felt. The beasts must have infected some sort of genius for them to evade me at every step.

Organizing the villages has not gone well. The village has become very hostile to me lately and I fear for my safety. They have all been put on edge since an unfortunate misunderstanding with Mr. S a few days ago. Several villagers feel I am causing undo trouble. Still the brain parasites could not have left the village so it is only a matter of time.

Personal Note: I've been ejected from my room in the village and forced to seek other lodings. I found a kind woman who has offered me a place to say for free. Thank goodness for the generosity of people.

I think it might be wise to send some additional help to this village. Things are getting a little out of hand.

Love,

-Frey Von Skyler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh Might High and Overlord Attez,

Things I am happpy to report are now welll in hand, sort of. From what I gather the brain parasites have begun to strike, which I admit is rather bad. The brain parasites seem to be avoiding the mine for now, which probably means they are to busy spreading in the villlage population again I know very bad. The good is that several of the villlagers have come over to my side and started working with me.

Now at least with some coooperation I can finallly make some real progresss. I've organized the villlages and we've changed tactics. We're turning the mine into a layer from which we can defend ourselves from the parasites and eventuallly eliminate them. As more and more villlagers seek the mine as a safe haven the brain parasites will be forced to come here to seek new victims. Since we are examing each new arrrival we can eliminate any that try and slip in and then destroy them alll at once should they try and attack en massse as an act of despiration.

I admit it is beneath me to work with this people however I consider my service to your High and Overlordship worth any price. Additionallly I am fallling sick since my beat, cold nights alone in a cave and living off only uncooked animals and rock moss so I am rather forced to rely on them. However I was to asssure you this is only temporary due to extra ordinary condition and should not be read as a sign of weaknesss. Indeed if you pardon my asssertion but it is sign of the highest level of resolve and resourcefulnesss.

This situation shalll be resolved very shortly I think.

-Grand Master Brix Skorwald
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Uncle Skyriel,

The situation becomes grim.

Personal Note: Also I hate camping. After the unfortunate incident where it became clear just what that woman wanted from me in exchange for staying with her I've been sleeping in the forest. If I survive this I am never again traveling without at least a mule and tent.

I fear this maybe my last letter. More and more villiagers have vanished and a few have even turned up dead. The brain parasites are clearly running out of control. I've already had to deal with several citizens infected with the parasites.

I fear they have established a layer near by and are using it to raid the villiage. Panic has gripped the citizens which is allowing the parasites free reign at night. We've banded together for mutual defense but I fear the situtation might be explosive.

Clarification: I mean that anger, fear and panic might break out. This is unrelated to the bean problems in the town yesterday.

If we make it through the night I am leading the remaining towns people away from here tomorrow morning. I don't know if you'll ever get this letter but it is my deep hope that it will make its way to you.

I expect the brain parasites to attack and try and stop us and so I'll be drawing my magic to its full power tonight. I cannot destory the hive by myself but if they do not attack en mass I may be able to defeat all their scouts. If I can then they may not realize we are gone until it is too late.

A least that is what the handbook says.

Regardless, please send help. It is critical that the hive not be allowed to mutate. Once it does it may expand. Please send help!

Love,

-Frey Von Skyler
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi # Overlord Attezzzzzzzzzzz,

I ammmmm writttting to tellllll u Ive finished mi reeeeport on teh brrrrrian parrrrrrrasites. Pleaze se mmmmmy reporrrrrt below.

*blood stain*

Theeeeeir r nooooo soch thing as braaaaaaaain parrrisites. U should no b concerned.

Ichy....Tasssssssssssssty.

-$nd Massssssster Brix Scorvlad
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Von Skyler,

Recently the postal commission has decided to increase the cost of sending express mail from two silver pieces to a full gold. As such while we will still send your letters however they have been downgraded to third class and will consiquently take longer to get there. If you would like to upgrade your spell mail account back up to first class any future letters you send will be once more sent first class via wormhole rathen then by trained pigeon. We hope this has not caused any inconvenience.

-The Postal Service
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Grand Master Brix Skorwald,

You'll have to forgive me if I don't remember you personally I am terrible with names but I'm mostly sure you're someone I in my service as most everyone is. I've read your reports with great interest and am very pleased with your work etc. etc. etc.

I'm glad to know the brain parasites are not a problem that is a great relief and to show you how much I apreciate it I've decided to take your suggestion and destory the villiage and all the surrounding area.

I'm sure one of my many vassals will see to your reward and see to your next assignment. In
future please address all your letter to them instead of me.

-Lord Attez

Full page or Strip?

2008-06-10T21:37:00.000-05:00

I have polled this one before, bit it bears repeating.

Do you think it is better to post a full comic page, twice a week, or, post tiers of the page as a strip, on a daily schedule?

I was daily for quite a while, and noticed (Mainly at Drunk Duck), a great drop in my readership due to only updating twice a week.

I have been updating Mondays with extra background info and Wed and Fri with pages. I was toying with the idea of splitting my pages and posting them M-F or even M-S. I look to strips like Sluggy and AVP who go daily and have great readership.

I can't seem to get off the fence.

Thanks

Barry

Art Stuffs

2008-06-09T01:32:00.006-05:00

So...all I do around here lately is blab. I felt I should post some artwork. So, here we go...a bit of an art dump.

A redraw of a commission I did at A-kon. I really liked it, and was sad to part with it. So I redid it:

The sign I had up at the booth during A-Kon, which will now come to every convention:

Finally, drawing for Hawk and today's filler at The Path:

-Riot!

Nyarlathotep

2008-06-08T22:13:00.003-05:00

Here is a sketch of the character Derek from Phineus after he becomes the new avatar Nyarlathotep in an upcoming story in Phineus. I still haven't worked out all the details, yet.
I'm going to try and update something, at least once a week. keep me honest!

Barry

A-kon...

2008-06-02T16:37:00.003-05:00

...was awesome.

Every con I do gets me closer and closer to realizing how to successfully run a booth/tables for MM. Learning from how Juno does cons, seeing what would and what wouldn't work for our group...it's going to pay off for us in the long run. I think WWTX is going to be a really good way to end the con season this year, and provide a good spot for us to round-table a plan to promote MM during next year's con season. Plus, it'll give me enough time to get tax certs for us to be able to sell shit in the different states we'll be in.

On a personal note, A-kon went pretty well beause The Path sold a lot better than I thought it would at an anime convention. That was a pleasant suprise. Plus, we just about sold out on my posters, too. I think there were two or three left at the end of sunday. The "Story-driven webcomics" panel I was on went really well, too. I think there was actual useful insight provided...and we were damned entertaining. Thanks to anyone reading this that showed up. Lindsey, who some of you should remember from WWTX last year, came by to hang/help out, too. So did that kid and his dad (Joe and Zac will remember. The kid whose first con it was).The guys who do Applegeeks are pretty fucking cool. You should go read that comic. As is Mookie, who does a comic called Dominic Deegan: Oracle for Hire. We all went out to dinner with a few other cool peeps and good times were had. Can't wait to hang with the same group at Otakon in August.

One last thing: how cool does the idea of having your very own sword from The Path sound? Now what if I told you it was going to be made by a company that builds LARP weapons, and you'd be able to beat the crap out of your friends with it without breaking it? Sound cool? You bet your ass it does...and it's coming.

Anyways, I'm going to go decompress after an inredibly long, busy, and awesome weekend...and get the book layout finished up. Catch you hip cats and kittens later.

-Riot!

S.O.B.

2008-06-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings, all!
Here is a pic of a sister of battle for you, yeah, I'm a big Warhammer 40,00 geek.

I have been diligently banging away at stuff, the past couple weeks.
I have no new Bio for June 2, as I spent a good part of the past week redesigning my websites. I needed to have the Comicgenesis and Drunk Duck sites match what the NEW Rampage Network site will look like.

I have up to page 12 of "Zombie Rat Uprising" drawn, so I have a nice buffer.

My page count so far this year is 64, so I'm a little behind schedule. I have a good excuse, I spent ALOT of time prepping my print/PDF download pages for the NEW support section on my site. I have nothing up at Wowio, yet. The Print versions of the first two Volumes should be available soon. Drive Thru and Cafepress are up and running.

Gotta run, I have yard work and a pool to open!

Word.

Barry

Heeeere's Barry!

2008-05-26T01:29:00.003-05:00

Hello, all! I'm the new guy, Barry Linck, A.K.A. Phinmagic, mastermind lunatic behind Phineus:Magician for Hire. Thank you all for the opportunity to be in such illustrious company!

For my first post I figured I give you guys a peek at a sketch for the main character of what may turn out to be my 2008 24 hour comic, "Ghoulina". I'm still working out the bugs with the story, but it's a story about a cute Zombie chick, nuff said. Her name comes from a Necromantix song. Rawk!

The Rats in the Walls, MM Sample Book, and CONTEST

2008-05-24T18:34:00.004-05:00

BEHOLD! An illustration based on an H.P. Lovecraft story! How OUT OF CHARACTER for me!
Next I'll be telling jokes about your mom. And her FACE.

In other news, the MM Book is looking sexy. Really sexy. It's going to be a glorious thing to behold once it's printed up. Though, I'm open to suggestions for the cover. I was just going to draw something up to make it look like a spoof of one of those old EC horror comics, but if you guys hate that idea in the FACE, let me know.

ALSO, I've decided MM needs some sort of mascot/logo-y thing. So get crackin'! I'm going to leave it to you guys to come up with one and send it to me. The ones I like the best will be posted in a blog for us all to vote upon! I figure this'll be fun and also get you lazy bastiches drawing something! Hell, if nothing else, it'll be like the good old days when we used to bicker at eachother in chat rooms. Which Bran, Acadia, and I have decided we need to get back to. So get to work!

Catch you hip cats and kittens later.
-Riot!

Ho. Lee. Crap.

2008-05-19T04:49:00.005-05:00

Look at you guys. All I need to do is threaten you, and you pull pages out of your asses. Great stuff, too. Especially Zac and Bran. One: Because it's nice to see some new comic pages from you two. Two: Because I really like Murder of Two and am excited at it's imminent return! Three: It's REALLY nice to see new pages from you two. You've been hiding comic pages from us for way too long! Joey, thanks for coming through, little bro! Your work, as always, makes me happy in the pants. In very inappropriate ways.

In other news, the girls I live with got married this weekend (Suck it, militant christians and right-wingers! It's LEGAL in Cali now!). Not gonna lie to you: it was kind of like my sisters got married, I may have gotten a bit of manly tears in one of my eyes (so that's where I've been all week, helping get everything ready for that). It was hot as BAWLS, but I looks pimpin' hawt in a suit, so it was a trade off. Also, I was seduced by a beautiful woman reading me an excerpt from "Call of Cthulhu". I didn't stand a chance. She had, apparently, utilized a Batman-like level of PREP TIME and CUNNING.

Anyways, thanks for coming through, guys. It's nice to see that MM still matters to most of us. Sorry I get overly "Rargh!" sometimes, but I really want us all to DO something with our stuff and GO somewhere with it. And, quite frankly, I'd really like us to make it to those levels together.

End of Hallmark moment. Now get back to work!
-Riot!

We had a year Anniversary

2008-05-17T03:14:00.004-05:00

About a month ago.

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Mediocre Militia.

I'm surprised we got in 133 posts last year. Not bad at all.
MORE THIS YEAR AND MAYBE SOME BOOKS AND STUFF

*WINK*

Making Comics Again-

2008-05-10T01:06:00.004-05:00

So I started up They All Bleed The Same again. I was feeling pretty down about not doing any comics, and not even being on the Duck in months. I'm gonna take it easy, updating slowly, and just trying to get a feel for doing these things on my own without a writer. It'll probably keep the same format, with the sort of journal style, but I'll probably start doing them by hand. It's just easier for me, especially with my mobile workstation. Once I get the hang of it, I'll probably branch off to other things, like stories that I want to tell that I just don't have the confidence for. I'm working a lot more by hand lately, especially now that I have my own giant box of Prisma markers. Guess I won't have to bum off you no more, eh Riot?

Other than that, things are going good. Preparing for the move out to California, trying to find my niche in this world of art, and mainly just being me. Which, as we all know, takes a lot of work to be this awesome. I've got all the MM stuff ready to go, I just need to do a new bio-pic. Sorry for letting you all down before.

Here's the new comic, I'm enjoying drawing these.

Cheers!

-Wing

[EDIT]

Squeeee! I just discovered an awesome new coloring technique! This picture is entirely digital, and attempts at emulating this style before were given up because it took far to much time. This picture, from start to finish, took 45 minutes. And thats everything folks, and it's super fun! Oh man, I'd be happy to show anyone how to do this, it's a dream. Acadia, I think you could really dig on this style, it's super great for totally digital work. I estimated, and I think this picture would have probably taken me about 2-3 hours using my normal methods, so thats an AWESOME time difference. Hoo-hah!

-Wing

From The Management.

2008-05-07T01:34:00.002-05:00

Gentlemen. Ladies. A word.

May 15th is the FINAL deadline for the MM sample book. I'm sick of begging you guys to let me publish you. There's really no other way I can put it anymore.

So, here's the deal: Six pages. Bio. Bio pic. By May 15th. They don't even have to be NEW pages. You can take from stuff you've already done.

Failure to have pages in by the date specified will lead to expulsion from Mediocre Militia.

Allan, Acadia, and Carly...you are exempt from this, as I have your pages.

Feel free to email me with any questions: riot.james@gmail.com.

-Riot

Kuro-puu <3

2008-05-06T20:59:00.004-05:00

Kampai. <3

Just got high speed internet back after over a week with no internets whatsoever. I did get quite a bit of drawing done. Thank you, lack of entertainment. :P

So here are two pieces to burn your eyes with. Proof that Intuos is effing brilliant and that Manga Studio is less of a demon than I once thought.

Hey, hey, picture time. It's picture time! Won't you enjoy some pictures of mine?

2008-04-29T21:24:00.004-05:00

Because I'm sure you were all wondering:
New York Comic Con went REALLY well! The Path sold really well, and good times were had by all. My fellow Trashy Bohemians, Juno and Jojo, had really great sales of their books as well!

You can go check out the ODK blog for details and some pics.

In the meantime, I haven't really posted here in forever. So here're some pictures! ENJOY!

Jockey of the Rings

2008-04-21T19:19:00.002-05:00

The fruit of my labor for today/last night.. ish.
This is my main character. Right here. That image right there. ( Though he doesn't dress like that. I just like silly outfits. <3 ) This will probably be a chapter cover or something. I just wanted to try out my new tablet, really. :P

Yes, my old graphire died a terrible horrible belated death. At Best Buy I was confronted with an epic decision. Would I spend everything I had in the bank on an Intuos 3 or face the unknown terror of a tablet called Bamboo Fun?

Okay, the decision only took all of two minutes to make. I'm flat freakin' broke, but I'm soooo happy with my new tablet. <333

2008-04-17T21:49:00.003-05:00

So I just wanted to prove that I HAVE been drawing... just very slowly. Getting straight As in university takes up more of my time than I'd like, you know. ;)

Here's a part of the page of Atlantis Paradise I'm re-drawing:

Also, it was my birthday a couple weeks ago. My brother drew me this awesome Sin.

ANNND last of all, I just wanted to show off my puppy-to-be. ;) We're heading off to the icy depths of Pennsylvania in 4 weeks to pick the little guy up. He's the middle puppy in both pictures.

AND THAT'S IT!

What have you guys been up to lately? ^_^

Death Shot HO!

2008-04-16T23:50:00.008-05:00

Hi hi hihihihihi!

I'm very talkative today and I'm not extremely sure why, but it seems to have rubbed off on my typing.. SO.. I thought I would post some sketches and give you all a glimpse into the AWESOME WORLD of my little green spiral notebook which has magical anti suck abilities or something because I can't draw diddly-squat on white paper anymore. It must be a curse.

I stayed at a hospital for the better part of last week and apart from a steady diet of vending machine food and, of course, my poor relative, it was pretty nice. It was quiet and I found a big ol' table that I could sprawl my things out on and DRAW on. Uninhibited! FREE AS A BIRD! So I did several sketches and a lot of inking. Hooray! Course, now I'm back at home and we'll see how productive I can continue to be. :P

These have to do with my latest rewrite. ( OMG A REWRITE! HOW ORIGINAL OF ME! )
So, um, enjoy?!

TV Raptor says watch more TV!

2008-04-16T03:42:00.003-05:00

TV raptor also told me to tell you: Rar!
Hey everybody! So sorry I haven't posted anything in here until now, I have been alternating between being busy or sick or both! (Currently my lungs are trying to escape through my mouth...goody!) Plus I had no idea what to put in here, all the awesome stuff in here intimidates me! (gosh I sound like a total butt-kiss but I am being honest!) So here's my pipe-cleaner raptor...standing on a TV set (it had the best light in the room, I suck at photography!)
Anyway I'm here to ask something....
I was already planning on cameoing everyone I've met at the WW conventions in my comic (with its never-ending party...but I'm trying to wrap it up eventually) but I also wanted to do this with all you cool MM member's characters on one page.
Anyway the question is, which of your characters would you like me to toss into the party? I'll post the image here when I'm done though, for youse that aren't a fan of the comic so you can see what I did to your precious characters! mwahahaha! (If you don't want me to draw them in there let me know though, I'm just extending the invitation here)
I half fancied drawing everyone as an M&M candy just now...sweet.

So I'm a bandit-

2008-04-14T03:06:00.005-05:00

Yo! All you salty sea-devils, if you didn't see the Zac man's awesome Flash skillz, then ye best be scrollin' down. So sayeth' the Wingnut.

So, I had a blast drawing that Jack and Jill picture right? Like an obscene amount of fun. And I thought to myself, "Self, that was a really fun picture. You should do something in that style again." And I got to thinking, Jack and Jill would make an awesome crime fighting duo.

Jill was colored with prisma colors, and I'm thinking about digitally coloring Jack. Not gonna lie here folks, I'm having a BLAST with this. So then, looking at this picture, I'm like, "Dayum! Jill is a badass! I should draw a picture that emphasizes THAT!"

So, uh. I did.

And then I colored it with more prisma colors! I'm OUTTA CONTROL!

Auugh! What's this? Solid blacks in a drawing by the Joey?! Who is this? Yeah, I'm super proud of this picture. Who knows? These two are a blast to draw, it's outside my comfort zone, and maybe just maybe, they may turn into a project all their own.

Whaddya think?

-Wing

How to make a Lucie

2008-04-14T00:24:00.009-05:00

First of all if you haven't seen Wingnut's insane rendition of Jack and Jill scroll down and check that out.

Secondly, here's some art. Everyone's red heads look the same these days. I was going to put Kim Possible in it too, but got lazy (surprise surprise).

I mainly drew this as a means to mess around in flash. It didn't take too long, really.
See what happened was I saw this awesome picture drawn in flash and was like HOW'D HE DO THAT. Then I tried to fail at emulating it.

Frankie was the most fun to draw..
Also I watched about 4 hours of Ben Ten today. Not sure why.
Click for full view I guess?

Also
and the individual images, minus misty because it's ugly and done the quickest

Anyways, take it EASY guys.

We need to all get our power rings together and UNITE!
-zac

Jack And Jill

2008-04-12T22:57:00.003-05:00

Jack and Jill wen't up a hill, to fetch a pail of water. Or so the story goes, as they say. Did this one just for fun, I'll probably upload it to my website someday, but I thought it should be shown here. Guess what Riot? I did this baby in prisma colors. Yeah, that's Joey's 3rd attempt at traditional media. Bum-bum-buuummm!!

In other news, I set up a freelance portfolio on ifreelance.com. It's pretty good, I've gotten some gigs, some reviews, and best of all, some money. Business is pretty slow right now though, so I guess that's why I'm drawing twisted things like this. Check out my profile at-

http://www.ifreelance.com/provider/detail.aspx?providerid=39958

Had a blast with this picture, and I tried to do something outside my comfort zone of muscle'y men. (snicker.) Allright, I'll post more info about the site once I get a chance!

Cheers!

-Wing

Drunk Duck Adventures: The Mighty Drunk Duckers

2008-04-10T16:41:00.004-05:00

Feel free to drool.

Yeah, I know this is two months later than I originally planned, but the first page goes live right after NYCC. The first "issue" is going to focus on the three characters on the cover, how The Rioteer winds up in modern times, and the accidental formation of the full team.

...and jokes on where Freux keeps all those scissors.

-Riot!

Weapon X: Welcome Back

2008-04-08T09:13:00.005-05:00

So look what's updating again.

Maybe this will lure Ben and Pix back to the internet.
-Riot!

Antisocial: Speed Dating & The Path is on sale NOW

2008-03-31T08:39:00.003-05:00

So, yeah. I haven't been posting here a whole lot. Here's a comic...that you're all missing out on. Because none of you read my blog for Old Dying Kitty.

It's a 100% authentic retelling of my brief foray into speed dating with my friend Chris.

ALSO: The Path #1 is now ON SALE!
Click here to get yourself a new and improved copy of a comic I've already given most of you for free!

-Riot

Blue Squire.

2008-03-30T03:26:00.004-05:00

EDIT: New drawings

Lots of things wrong with these drawings (blue's head too big, shoulders off, armor placement), but I was just trying to come up with an armor concept for them...

Blue's chest still seems like it's missing something. Like a breastplate or something. I dunno. We'll see what I can come up with.

Quick Character Sketch. More to come in the future.

Yes. Yes, yes, yes!

2008-03-29T04:06:00.006-05:00

Finished another one of these "Practice Paintings" that I've been doing.

Personally, I like this one better than the last. Any critiques would be helpful in helping me to improve! Thanks guys.

EDIT: Added a little rope-with-shrunken-heads-thing in his hand

And because I like it, here's the progression.

PS Painting

2008-03-27T00:55:00.005-05:00

I figure the only way I'll improve is if I start doing these ridiculously-long time-consuming PS Paintings, so here's one I did today.

I might go back and tweak some details on his face... but I probably won't.

PS. Here's the progression:

I HEARD THE NEWS

2008-03-26T20:42:00.001-05:00

Which news you might ask?

ALL OF IT. ALL THE TIME.

Blaaagggghhhh.

2008-03-25T16:21:00.003-05:00

Yeah, like Dave, I've not posted here in a while.

Carly and I had a blast at WWLA, and even made some money, too. Carly was cranking out $1 sketches of people like a freaking machine. It was a sight to behold. The whiny Platinum people were all, "Wahh...why aren't you selling OUR book?" and carly was all, "Shut up, bitches! My shit's cooler!" and they were like, "But we want you to sell thiiiiis booook..." and Carly pimp-slapped them and said, "Is carly Mizzou gonna have to choke a bitch?". At least that's how it went in my head. I was selling color sketch cards for $5. We both did drawings for Ernie Chan and his wife (at least we THINK it was his wife...if not...PLAAAYAAAAA). And I got to hang with Angus Oblong.

I just did a big dump of sketch cards that have been ordered through my website over at Old Dying Kitty. So click that link there if you wanna see them. I'd do the same thing here, but it'd take up the whole page, and that would just be rude.

I am also super excited about Dave coloring The Rioteer. So excited that I've been working on new pages. That he will have to color. Forever. Speaking of Dave coloring...he colored the artwork I did for a big 6ft standee-thingy for New York Comic Con. Because he's awesome. And he did it last minute, too...which I really appreciate (and will pay him for on pay-day). There will be pics of said standee once I get to NYCC next month.

Also, the last boss in Conan for Xbox 360 is BULLSHIT. Seriously. I cannot beat this fucking guy for anything. I've already broken one controller out of frustration.

HAY THAR

2008-03-25T01:34:00.002-05:00

So I haven't posted for a while. Sorry.

Figured I should send some sort of update your way. It's only fair, as I'm so interesting and important and talented and in-shape.

And tall.

Anyway, I've been working alot, despite what my complete lack of posting here may suggest. Shaun and I have been updating Applied Living closer to 'on schedule' than it's ever been! We also took a move over to our own site (graciously hosted by Rampage Network -- FO' FREE) . It's pretty sweet and Shaun and I feel productive. For once. I also switched up the style YET AGAIN (I can't seem to decide on what I want my art to actually look like). It looks good, in MY opinion. But whatever -- it'll probably change again in a few days.

I've also started workin on Zomben. It's written and drawn by this guy Ben Steeves (who, by the way, is mega-friggin-talented -- makes me jealous, sort of the way I am with Riot, but in a less gay way). I'm coloring for it. You guys should all go check it out. It's a really cool comic and I'm honored to be working on it.

ALSO, Riot finally sent me his Rioteer pages, which I've started on -- and am super excited about. Like SUPER excited about. Mega excited. Ultra.

Uber.

Looks like I've got alot of work ahead of me.

Wish me luck!

-Dave

More More More!

2008-03-23T00:32:00.003-05:00

Yup.

When the Rain Came Down..

2008-03-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

Booo for more storms. They're ruining my happy sunshiney days. D:
Storms = sketching, though. Someone better start posting before I fill up the whole page with buggery drawings. :P

First we have some faces from a new project:

Then we have a Mad Hatter that is a work in progress:

Character Sketch, HO!

2008-03-16T22:14:00.003-05:00

Some new sketches of an old character. :)

Walk the Walk

2008-03-10T20:01:00.005-05:00

I made a little animation... I think it's pretty nifty.

EDIT: Figured out how to upload video to the site through Flash.

Click here for a better version.

(On the right (or on the header))

Note: It'll be kinda choppy till it loads all the way through once.

Heh heh heh...

2008-03-08T16:10:00.001-05:00

A sample page for a project I'm working on.

Nuff Said.

-Wing

Gotta catch'em all!

2008-03-04T00:15:00.002-05:00

That's what I did today. Do I ever do finished work? Nooooo.

This was originally going to be a group shot of the mighty drunk-duckers group, but then I said HEY. I want to draw them all individually. And so I shall. Keep an eye out for the rest. Ohohohohoho.

Suggested Donation-

2008-03-03T02:58:00.002-05:00

Sorry if people haven't heard from me lately, there's been a lot of crazy shit going down, and I'm just now getting everything back in order. As testament to that, I have an announcement.

So here's whats up. Acquired Taste is dead. We've had a good run of it, I'm proud of every page, but it's just not gonna pick back up again. Casey (My author) doesn't want to get back into it if I'm going to be moving away in 8 months, so I guess that's that.

What does that mean for me? Well, I'm free to do my own things now. I've set up a portfolio, and registered a web domain for it. Enter Suggested Donation Studios. It's a place where I'll be able to promote my own art, my own writing, and hopefully, my own comics. I'm tired of just dicking around, and I want to do what I love, and be the one held accountable. Check it out-

http://www.suggesteddonationstudios.com/

So what's that mean for you militia men? Well, it means that you've got a freelance artist on your hands. I've gotten a few commissions, and I figured I needed a site that conveyed some level of professionalism. So I'll keep you updated, but as of right now, I'm without a comic.

So what am I going to do about that? Well, currently I'm writing a "Big Trouble in Little China" style buddy cop story set in San Francisco in 1977. Think constant slap bass and wah-wah pedals combined with kung-fu style opponents, and wise cracking good cops bad cops. I'm combining all the things I know to make a project that I'd love. I know I can do comedy, I know I can do epic shots, and I wanted something that would suit my changing art style more than the cartoony AT. As of now I want to do the story in chapters, and it has no working title. I'll let you know more as soon as I do.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around some of the stuff that has happened, but just bear with me friends, I'll be better again soon.

-W

New Yawk Comic Con '08

2008-02-28T10:56:00.004-05:00

Seriously, bitches. Anybody at NYCC better stop by. I'll be there. Also, as if THAT weren't reason enough on it's own, I'll be with two lovely ladies who are clearly much more talented than I am.
Juno of Star Crossed Destiny fame, and JoJo who does my new favorite romantic comedy of mythic proportions, Dis: Life is Hell. There'll be comics!There'll be...other stuff, too! But, seriously. Anyone there should stop by. Something tells me Juno and Jojo will be almost as much as my MM boys were at TX (damn, I miss you guys).

SPEAKING of MM, your fellow MilitiaMen Carly and I will be at WWLA in march. No, I'm not changing it to "MilitiaWoman for Carly. Not because she's lacking in femininity, but because we'd lose the alliteration, and I like alliteration. At least i THINK we'll be there. I honestly have no clue. I imagine I'll know for sure when I get a call that Friday from Carly saying, "Where the hell are you?!"

That's it for now. It's starting to look like you might have a TOOTHACHE.

A little preview-

2008-02-27T04:01:00.002-05:00

Here's a peek at a little something I'm cooking up.

More at 11.

-Wing

Wheeeeee!

2008-02-25T09:29:00.001-05:00

*GASP*

I actually have something to post! OMGWTF!

Except I have to do it later 'cos I'm at school now and my pic isn't exactly worksafe. ^_^ But you can see it here if you want a sneaky look:

http://zetachannel.com/index.php?topic=42.msg226695#msg226695

The Path: Covers 1 & 2

2008-02-25T09:28:00.004-05:00

Covers for the 1st and 2nd issues of The Path's print run. Coming in April from Bohemian Trash Studios.

That's it for now. My glorious return is NIGH!
...that means "soon".
-Riot