Monthly Archives: February 2020

25Feb/20

Craft Introduction

Craft of comic creating,

Hello Silverline Family, we have some exciting news for you!

First of all, allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Tim Thiessen. I also write under the name, Tim T.K. I’m the associate editor here at Silverline and I help with the website and digital content. You may recognize my name from our Title Spotlight series where we showcase some of the titles in our lineup. I also help with editing some of the series we’re working on, but more on that at a different time.

What I’m writing about today is our new upcoming series ‘Craft!’ As the name implies, this is a series all about the Craft that we at Silverline have fallen in love with: the craft of making comics. Being an independent print, we are in the blessed position of having fewer middlemen between ourselves and the reader. We also have many unique opportunities to take on creators new to the comics industry. This series should help illuminate all the different steps, roles, collaboration, and unique challenges that are part of the comic creation process.

Silverline has had the pleasure to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Writers like R.A. Jones, Sidney Williams, and Brent Larson. Pencilers like Dean Zachary, Luis Czerniawski, Jackson Renick, and Alex Gallimore. Inkers like Barb Kaalberg, Chuck Bordell, Thomas Florimonte, and Terry Pallot. Colorists like Steve Mattson and Kevin Gallegly. I’m not guaranteeing that I’ll be able to get entries from all of the above-named creators, but I have already reached out to a few of the creators we’ve worked with and will be reaching out to more as the series goes on to ask for their insight on the complicated matter of creating a comic book.

Every industry pro has had a different journey. Each person has a different entry point into working in comics. Due to the nature of the industry, many have had to fill different roles, work on a wide spectrum of projects, and have worked with other creators who have helped shape each other’s process. Each person has had to develop their skill set differently because of this.

Our hope with this series is to dig into the nuances of different creator’s process. Throughout this series, we will cover the manifold disciplines found in the industry. Each entry will focus on a specific detail of the creation process for a specific discipline. We will discuss matters like the challenges of writing for a visual art form, creating unique art that tells just as much of the story as the dialogue, and much more.

This series will be great for the beginner or hopeful comic creator, comic fan, or experienced industry pro. Whether you’re learning the skills necessary to make it in comics, a diehard wanting to see how the sausage gets made, or just interested in learning how others do their craft. We’re hopeful that you will come away from each entry of Craft having learned something exciting and new.

Please join us on this journey as we talk with some of our favorite creators and learn about what they do.

18Feb/20

Silverline Comics signs “Steam Patriots” series

News, , , , , , , ,

Silverline Comics signs a Steampunk American Revolution series titled Steam Patriots

The independent comic publisher behind Cat & Mouse, Kayless, Demon’s Tails, and others add steam, clouds of black smoke, muskets, boiler carriages, and founding fathers to their lineup with Steam Patriots, co-created by Scott Wakefield and Rory Boyle; penciled by David Mims; and colored and lettered by Daniel Hosek.

Scott Wakefield says, “Steam Patriots has been years in the works, slowly evolving into a comic book, which is perfect, because it’s a visual story with a great big dose of action.” Wakefield and his good friend Boyle came up with the story idea while serving together in the Coast Guard. “We love the Victorian style of traditional steampunk,” Wakefield continued, “but someone needed to tell a story about its beginnings. America and Ben Franklin seemed like a good place to start things off. We’ve been molding this story from that small kernel, and now it’s ready for the world to see.”

“Rory and Scott told me about the amazing characters and expansive story-world they created,” says Roland Mann, Silverline’s Editor-in-Chief, “and I knew that combining the art of David Mims would be a wonderful addition to the Silverline family. They put enormous effort into developing a complete story, and building a creative team, so we’re excited to get their story into readers’ hands.”

Steam Patriots is a steampunk origin story set during the American Revolution. Ben Franklin has changed the world with his steam creations, and he has set his efforts toward throwing off the tyranny of England’s rule. The story begins in August 1776, where young Felix Ward-a boy of 15, with a mind like no other-discovers stolen plans for Franklin’s electrical weapon. Beset by redcoats, and he must use his mind and wits to save Washington’s army from destruction.

As is the Silverline Comics model, Steam Patriots will be crowdfunded upon completion. Please follow our Facebook page or subscribe to our email list to keep abreast of all news Silverline!