Post 307: James O'Barr, creator of THE CROW, draws LANDIS! Prints available!

Wowwie...

This here is a piece that was done today at Heroes Con by NONE OTHER than the creator of THE CROW, James O'Barr.

I'll be offering it from the show as a LIMITED EDITION PRINT for a short time period only, since I don't want Mr. O'Barr mad at me, heh, but it was one of the few sketches he actually did at the Heroes Con.

No, I will not be selling the original, since it will probably be framed, much like the Ethan Van Sciver piece, and placed in my living room.

I'll post more about my convention experience from this year, as well as at least one more piece of art I got from the artist of Ghost Rider, and hopefully I'll be able to show everyone at least a photo of me and my original Andy Lee painting (if I would have known he would have painted anything I wanted, I would have had him paint Ardy, but instead, I got a painting of the Flash).

Anyway, I will probably update everyone with the entire Con Experience tomorrow, but hurry if you want this piece of Landis history...available at cafepress.com/potchak 

Post 306: Rob draws Wolverine...again...

My latest drawing. Its Wolverine, since he's always really been my favorite character, and I went for a mostly silhouette look for him... call it cheating, whatever, I like the piece, as it really seems to show off my crosshatching. Comments? 

Post 306: New Art coming soon!

Hey folks...I just wanted to let everyone know the past little while at the current job is boring, so I've been doodling the past few days. In fact, they recently installed new filters so that I can't go to myspace or some other favorite sites. Luckily, blogger is still okay, so that's good.

With the end of City that Never Sleeps in a few days, I want to really THANK everyone that has stuck through the old material, because I'm hoping everyone is going to like the new material.

JK is working hard to get the full "first chapter" of The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures complete before launch, and I know Eric is trucking away on the pages of TAGGER, so it'll be great when I've got stuff to show everyone.

The format for TAVA will probably be Tuesday and Thursday updates, bu if JK and I think we can go as far as M-W-F, we may stick with that. I have to be honest when I say that I want to stay as far ahead on the prjects as possible, but I'll be writing the second story arc soon...since the first one is 40 or so pages, and JK is about 16 pages into it (and about 13 fully colored already), I have a little bitof a breather, but I feel like I'm kinda letting the fans of LANDIS down a little.

IF ANYONE is interested in doing a GUEST PAGE for Landis (or a pinup) or anything, let me know! I'm VERY interested in giving the masses NEW material. I know JK said he'd like to do a pinup or two for LANDIS, so we'll see if they come up :).

Anyway,

I'll be posting MY OWN art in the next couple days, so even if the main LANDIS site goes into a "reprinting" of the first arc (which it may), I'll be updating the blog with new art, hopefully every M-W-F for the time being just to keep us going.

However, my art may not just be of sketches of LANDIS, ARDY, TAGGER or other, I may post some newer art from THIEF (even though it isn't a Keenspot Exclusive to date), ATOMIC TEEN, CIPHER, or maybe even just redrawing some characters from my past, like Raccoon Man :)...I always liked drawing that guy.

Anyway, if anyone has any comic characters that they want me to try and draw, hit this up with a comment, and I'll see if I can't comply.

One last bit, and I want everyone's opinion about this one...I've noticed A LOT of webcomics accepting donations from fans to keep the quality and the product going. What is everyone's opinion of this? Does anyone think that they would ever consider donating for the comics? I'm just wondering...I don't think I'd do it, but I know that having to have a fulltime day job (just like BOTH artists, JK and Eric), we can't be as fast as we'd truly like on the comic, so I am just asking for opinions on this theory and way of doing comics.

Posts 300-305: Art and fun fun stuff.

Alrighty...I was going to just post the THREE HUNDREDTH blog post today, but because of the special occassion, I went all out with it. As this is now actually post 305, with lots of really cool art on here...and now time to explain what they are...

The first piece (at the bottom of the five pieces), is the Heroes Convention poster that's given away to all attendees of the show, from Arthur Suydam, the fantasy painter. It's actually a recreation painting of Captain America #100 done into the new fad of Marvel Zombies.

The second piece of art is actually what's going to be given away to anyone who preorders their 3 day passes for the show. It's drawn by Bryan (ULTIMATES) Hitch, who is Marvel exclusive, but has always wanted a shot at drawing Superman, so he's done it. Since Christy and I have pre-ordered 3 day passes, we'll be receiving one each, so one to frame and one to do whatever...

The third piece of art is as it says, from my favorite comic artist, Travis (METABARONS) Charest. Here's the thing with this guy...he lives in France, and this is his only american con this year (or so I've been told). He is also one of those artists that is like IMPOSSIBLE to get original art from (I've got a poster autographed, but that's it). Here, he's drawn Captain America from the 40's, and as you can see, it's a piece of genius. Don't expect to see TOO much from him, as he's been working on a Metabarons graphic novel for what seems like 3 years now. For current work, look at Dark Horse Comics KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC, which he's currently painting the covers for.

The fourth piece of art is a piece I recently purchased, and is by none other than John (ASTONISHING X-MEN) Cassaday. Unfortunately, he's not going to make the Heroes Con this year, and he's a really cool guy...I got to talk to him for about 2 hours when Astonishing started 2 years ago at this convention. He's totally the GQ artist. But he's so down to earth, he didn't mind just talking...

Neither did Tony Harris or Tom Feister of Ex Machina, either, as they were also part of the 2 hour discussion. I thanked them for taking their time away from deadlines to come out and see fans because they probably didn't get thanked enough.

Finally...the last piece of art...Mark Texeira's Ghost Rider. This one is a pencil sketch done on FCBD this year. I love this man's work, and him and his brother-in-law, Javier Saltares are going to be at the show this year, promoting their new GHOST RIDER series written by Daniel Way. And though I'd love to get a sketch of Ardy or Landis from him, he's never really seemed like that personable of a guy to be able to ask that to...unlike Brandon Peterson, Cully Hamner (and the Gaijin Studio guys), Mike Weiringo, Tim Townsend (Who won't be there this year, booo) and others that just seem really grateful to have people looking at their work. Tim Townsend gave me some great black and white prints because we used to talk online back in the day before artists couldn't go online because they'd get hounded for commissions or whatever.

I really miss those days.

Well, I'm going to end this anniversary blogpost now, but please, if you'd like, share your favorite blog moment in the comments, since this is such a momentus occassion.

Thanks for reading, and here's to another 300 posts!

Mark Texeira purchased Ghost Rider Sketch. 

John Cassaday purchased sketch, Snow from Planetary 

Travis Charest, My Favorite Artist, his Convention Guidebook Cover Art 

Bryan Hitch Signed and Numbered Print from Heroes Con 

Test 

Post 299: Isn't it funny how these trends start?

Everyone I know suddenly is talking about how Chuck Norris' beard is impervious to pain, how he makes books tell him what he wants to know and how he counts to infinity...twice.

Well, I've gone ahead and added to the trend, with the official UNOfficial WHAT WOULD CHUCK NORRIS DO T-Shirt.

That's right, I'm joining in on the hoopla, because its just too damned funny. You can actually view this Black T-shirt with White lettering at my store, at the site:

http://www.cafepress.com/potchak.63024532

The tee is 19.99, since that's what Cafepress charges for the shirt, but anyone who wants to order one, I'll send you a FREE The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures Magnet, since they are also now on sale on the site (a 2.49 value BEFORE shipping).

See, it isn't so bad. In fact, ANY T-shirt Purchase for the time being will be shipped a FREE THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES MAGNET.

Thanks for listening. 

Post 298: Hypothetical

IF you were to tell a loved one that you are not going to talk to, IM, TXT Msg or Phone a person because it is a detriment to your relationship...is it okay to contact that person if it is "purely innocent?"

"Purely innocent?" Sure...like, "How ya doin?...Ok...Good. Gotta run, stay outta trouble." Y'know, not the "Hey, hopefully I can leave my husband for you, and then be back in time for dinner..."

See with me...Any type of deceit is lying. Its how I am. I don't do it to you, I don't expect it done to me. If it is done to me, you are breaking trust and you are ruining what you've worked "hard" to establish. I don't like being deceived, no matter what the cause or purpose. I don't like being lied to for any reason.

I'd find it much easier to deal with a situation where I was cheated on and told about it. At least that way, I could say, "get out of my life you dirty tramp...." because obviously, someone in that kind of situation doesn't want their home life the way that it is anyway, so the release is at least mildly expected.

Now see, the question at hand is something I feel very strnogly about because it creates a "give me the benefit of the doubt, and I will prove what I want" scenario that if you allow it to occur once, it'll continue. It's a junkie's mentality and it continues to go until you own up to it, take responsibility for it and start acting like an adult. Hell, this is why twelve step programs were created in first place.

Another thing I can't stand is this..."I feel like if I'm told I'm not allowed to do something, it makes me want to do it more..." What the hell is this? It is basically a drug abuser's feeling for the coke or the heroin that is totally bad for them...they KNOW it is bad for them, and it makes the Jones that much worse.

If you aren't willing to make your decisions in life based on what you believe, are you living a lie?

And finally...who out there has ever placed themselves into a position where they are so low on themselves that instead of grabbing the bull by the horns and riding the problems out to see the light that EVERYONE knows can and will happen, they just continue to make mistakes, create lies and live in their own filth based on the decisions that keep piling up because they don't like themselves?

Me...I don't like a lot of things I've done in my life, but I'd never do anything to hurt those I love or care about on purpose for the fact that it may cause me a SINGLE MOMENT of happiness, when its my overall LIFE that is important to me. Why do people live for a single moment, when if they live for their life they'll ultimately find some sembalence of happiness in there somewhere?

You folks that read this can try to decipher a hidden meaning here, but I don't think there is one. I truly feel that I try to live my life the way I'm supposed to. Not lying, not stealing, not cheating or deceiving, but I haven't been given the happiness of Earl's list in My Name is Earl, and I haven't been given the meaning of life...and I'm fine with that. Am I bound to find out anyway? Probably not.

Why is it that some people choose the wrong way and the wrong path through life, and yet skate by without a scratch, yet people that live an 85% healthy life of not hurting or deceiving gets into as much of a gamut as I do?

Don't worry, I'm actually not depressed right now. I'm just living my life the way I always do, and trying to enjoy the captions...even if they are in a foreign language to me at this point.

I'd love to hear opinions on this stuff. Thanks in advance!

Post 297: Heroes Con 2007! And cars....

Hey all.

Recently, due to my issues at home, I thought that I'd be unable to attend Heroes Con in Charlotte. This really sucked, due to the fact that my favorite artist, Travis Charest is going to be there, and this is his ONLY American con this year. Those who don't know his stuff, check out his art, here...groups.msn.com/travischarest, trust me, you'll MORE than be glad you did. I'm going to try to at least get his sketch book or maybe even try to geta sketch from him, but I'm sure his line will be long enough to where I may have to get on a waiting list or something...(sucks).

This con is going to probably be bigger than the recent Philadelphia convention put on by Wizard World, because Wizard wanted to put another con on in Atlanta that weekend (June 30-July 2nd). Due to this, the comic community rallied behind the "little convention that could" and are planning to make this the biggest con in years (probably since Top Cow made the trek in 1998).

Anyway, I just wanted to say that Christy, my wife, has told me she's going to take next Thursday off so that we can drive down to Charlotte (the Convention Center is where it's at for anyone interested), and then come back on Friday after I've been able to get to the convention...

Of course, the following week, I'll be getting a new car...and I'm looking at the Nissan Sentra 1.8S...probably a 2004-2005. If anyone has any opinions about this model vehicle, please let me know...I think for the features I'm looking for and the pricing I want to look at this is probably the best options for me...but if anyone has another idea, please let me know...the other car that I thought was kinda of cool was a Suzuki Aerio SR, but I have no idea on their resale value nor how they hold up over time (something I've been told a Nissan is good at).

Anyway, help here would be great, folks. As always, you can post here, or email me at rpotchak@gmail.com

One last note...ANYBODY reading this that has my SUNCOM WIRELESS Number...it will be changing as of July 2nd. GET IN CONTACT WITH ME if you need my new number...and I'm not going to post it on my blog...

Post 296: Civil War Update...

So Marvel's second issue of CIVIL WAR came out this week, and wow. Mark Millar is still doing the things that he's been known for a long time, and he's doing them amazingly.

In this issue, without trying to give too much away, One MAJOR character shows teh world his identity (it was spoiled by the NEW YORK POST), and Captain America is recruiting other costumed heroes that are against registration.

Steve McNiven's art is top notch, and just seems to look like an animated movie more than it looks like a comic book. Morry Hollowell is not only outdoing himself with the coloring on the book, but really gives it a gritty feel, that really gos perfectly with Mc's art.

I just love this story, and from the sounds of it, this will be the straw that breaks said character's life up, and hopefully it'll continue down this path of one huge thing per issue.

So far greatness. I just hope Millar dosn't finish it like he did with WANTED.

BUY THIS COMIC...this is probably the best comic story I've read in YEARS.

Post 295: Coloring books and milestones...

So today is actually the fifth anniversary of my first date with Christy, which coincidentally enough is two days AFTER the two year anniversary of me asking her to marry me...weird, huh?

So with the TRAIN concert set for next month in Raleigh...the same band's concert that I proposed to her at those two years ago (during "our song," Drops Of Jupiter which also happened to be the final snog of the night), things with the wife are starting to pan out and turn. As long as she remains honest and less selfish, things will continue to improve.

Again, with this situation, its never been about me not loving her...I love her more than life itself...its everything else...heh.

Ok...enough about the wife :), now its time to discuss comics. I've finished the FLAT colors on the first ten pages of The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures, and now I'm playing with adding some shading, some depth and some just fun stuff to the comic. Ultimately, I'm giving JK approval on the art, so whether we'll see the FLAT color, or the newer shaded stuff remains to be seen, but I'm doing both and we'll see where it goes.

Post 294: Update of sorts...TAVA news.

Alrighty, back from a wedding, not allowed to discuss ANYTHING aboutmy court case, and the wife and I are TRYING to trust each other and get through this temultuous first year of our marriage...so what's the most important piece of news?

THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES, while I'm afraid it may be a little behind schedule, all my fault, too, btw, has about 7 pages fully colored and ready to rock. I am held to NOT show ANY art until JK approves it, as is in his not yet written contract, but I have given my word that I will not show anything until he allows me to, heh.

I've a lot coming up in the next month, since I'll be starting a new day job, having a court case the following month, and somewhere in between actually having a vacation planned. What exactly does this mean?

I've told JK I don't want to launch TAVA until we have at least 30 pieces of `100% completed work. Sounds tough and rough, I know, but it isn't as bad as it may sound. As he's sending me the art, I'm coloring sometimes two to three pages a day, so as long as wecan keep up a great pace, we shouldbe able to have everything upand running by the first week of August, OR, if we both bust hump (and I know he is...like I said, this is ME slowing down everything) we may still meet our deadline, but I need to create the websites.

Anywho, hoep all is well with everyone else...I'm finally getting comic work done, so hopefully we'll be seeing more of me on here, too.

Post 293: Ardy's first month numbers

Alright, trying to get my head straight and start talking about about accomplishments, last month, there was only ONE page of LANDIS story, and the rest of the month was Ardy's story, City That Never Sleeps (STILL NOT FINISHED, DON'T GO ANYWHERE)....and I must say, though the 94000 total hits this month is tremendously down, the fact that only 8000 hits left when the story shifted to a ten year old story that had mostly actually seen print is something I think is great.

The other good news is that Ardy has begun starting to see more people trying to catch up in recent days, so that's cool too.

Though I have to discuss with JK exactly when we are going to launch the NEW "The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures," adn I'll be working with a web designer to actually get the main site ardyvanstarr.com and vanstarr.com up at least in a main site with a gallery, blog and more.

I'm wondering if I want to start a new blog specifically for that, or if I want to continue this blog. I would love for JK to be able to give his opinions on a daily basis on the pages, or at least whenever he wants to talk about what's going on, so I may try to set up dueling blogs, OR a blog that we can both post into...and keep this one running here at elisalandis.com, since its been here for a while, and I still like updating everyone. I've even been considering giving a weekly scripted adventure, rather than with art and everything, maybe with some single panel pieces like Fantasy novels.

What does everyone think of that idea? This way I could still give Landis fans what they crave, its just the art may be fewer and farther between...although I'd love to have select pieces from existing artists, like Owen, maybe Eric, JK and anyone else that would like to contribute to that. If it got printed after the fact, in real book format, anyone who contributed would receive copies of the book.

If you are an artist that enjoys LANDIS and are interested in an idea like this, let me know. rpotchak@gmail.com

Thanks all...with everything that's happened, including what i pulled down last night, I'm going to have a lot more free time on my hands. I just hope it isn't all in vein and writer's block.

Post 292: Dead inside...almost on the outside, too...

I had to delete this post to not incriminate certain situations...so hopefully certain people who wanted to see it got to.

Sorry.