Monthly Archives: May 2022

31May/22

The Craft of Creating Comics with Dean Zachary

Hey there, Silver Fam! For this week I talked with Dean Zachary and asked him a bunch of questions about his time working in comics and how he creates comics as an artist. I hope you enjoy this conversation and get some insight to help with your comic creation journey.

 

1. You have a breadth of experience working in comics. If you had to say one invention or development had the biggest impact on how comics are created, what would you say it is and why?

The sophistication of technology has improved to such an extent in the past 30 years that a creator can now, pencil, ink, color, and even letter an independent comic on an iPad Pro. This Incredible advantage allows for an unprecedented amount of creative control. Similarly, the “distribution system” used to be a Political Networking Bottleneck where Editorial Gatekeepers determined who saw your work. Today, you can operate in a worldwide marketplace with limitless possibilities.

2. As an artist, you’ve also worked on comics that are entirely you’re idea, comics that other writers have created, and comics that are licensed properties. Are there any differences in how you approach creating the artwork? Why or Why not?

The advantages of Creator-Owned properties include more control, and if the property is successful, a more substantial reward, especially if the Creator wears multiple hats of Writing/Pencils/Inks and so on. The disadvantage is commercial exposure. “How do you get your Name/Title Out There to the Widest Possible audience?” When starting from scratch, that’s the biggest hurdle. We here at Silverline work on answering that age-old question on a daily basis.

Regarding Licensed Properties, the advantage is that you may already have a built-in fan base, like if you’re drawing/writing an X-Men title for example. The disadvantage is, that the majority of the Creative Control resides with Editors, Writers, and License Owners.

3. How important are references or samples for your art? Are you constantly checking a reference on another screen, are they just nice to have available if needed, or are there some pages or illustrations where you don’t even check a reference?

My attention to reference obviously depends on the subject matter. If, for example, I’m drawing a cover for Wolf Hunter, I would reference any WWII aircraft, military vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and settings comprehensively. This approach adds legitimacy to the comic book in a Real World setting. For a more fantasy-oriented subject, I enjoy exaggerating reality to fit my “vision” which helps to make a more memorable impression on the reader. The “Zachary Realism” then makes my work more unique, making me less of a Human Camera and more of a Visionary, sharing what I see with others in a more unique style or brand.

4. One thing you’ve said a couple of times on the Silverline live shows is, “don’t calculate.” Something that gets brought up is people creating something just because they think it will say, not because they are actually passionate about it. If you could expand on that, what sort of advice would you give new creators as they embark on this journey of creation?

Creativity Beyond Calculation. This concept is one of my favorite subjects in the Comic Creation world. While keeping in mind that at its core, one could argue that Comic Books are a Commercial Art venture, and creators ultimately want to sell their work. We at least want to sell enough copies to do the work full-time. That being said, Calculation to Sell is the Death Knell of creators. In essence, the creator begins second-guessing his own instincts in favor of some incredible sales numbers an Indy Book is doing online, prompting the temptation to “copy that” so I’ll succeed too. This is a huge mistake, in my opinion. Trust your instincts. If you like it, in a Worldwide Marketplace, there are likely enough other people that will like it as well. Your genuine Internal Enthusiasm, Instincts, and Creative Fire will be so evident that the concept will shine much brighter than a calculated copy of someone else’s success. Trust your own creative instincts, regardless of what’s selling. Be True to Yourself when you create. This brings not only freedom but more gratification once you’ve shared the creation with the world.


5. What are some projects that you have coming and where can people see your work? Anything you’d like to shout out?

People can see my work on many Silverline Covers, including Cat & Mouse, Wolf Hunter, BEAH, Beyond the Stars, Obsoletes, the upcoming Capetown, and classics like Krey and Switchblade. I’m also writing and drawing Silverblade, a Victorian Fantasy that explains why Silver affects Monsters featuring Knights fighting supernaturally powered Cultists. For my past work with Malibu, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and others, my work can be found on sites like Comic Art Fans, Comic Vine, and, of course, Silverline Comics. Here’s a link. 

24May/22

Kickstarter Funded: Science Fiction Extravaganza

Hey there Silverline fam! You did it again! Another Kickstarter is fully funded. The Silverline Science Extravaganza has finished its run on Kickstarter and is getting ready to migrate to your mailboxes. If you weren’t able to get your order in quite yet, that’s alright. Soon enough, these titles will be available through the Silverline storefront on Indyplanet. But you will still have to wait until after the backers get their copies and you won’t get as many copies. (You also won’t get as many goodies.)

If you backed the Silverline Science Fiction Extravaganza be sure to keep an eye on your email, and also your Kickstarter message center. You should be receiving an invite to complete a survey soon. That survey is crucial as it allows us to make sure your books get to you. We want to make sure you get exactly what you ordered in the way that you ordered it. To do that, we need you to make sure we get it right. Fill out the survey to confirm your name and shipping info and make sure we know what bonus goodies you ordered.

Right now, those of you who backed Wolfhunter/ Sirens should be getting your flipbooks in the mail. Be sure to tell us what you think on our socials! We love to hear from you guys. The Instagram and Twitter posts of people opening their copies have been great to see. That coupled with knocking this Kickstarter campaign out of the park has made our week.

If you were looking forward to either of those titles but did not get a chance to preorder during the Kickstarter campaign, don’t fret. Those should be in our online store any day now. While you’re there you can also catch up on any titles you missed (I recommend Divinity).

This marks our 18th successfully funded Kickstarter! Our Kickstarters are old enough to vote in the US! We hope that you stay with us as we continue to grow. Soon enough, we’ll have Kickstarters 19 and 20, and 21, soon enough it’ll be off to college and falling in love. We’re still talking about crowdfunding right?

Make sure you’re following all the Silverline Socials as well as all our creators so that you don’t miss out on the next chance to preorder a Silverline comic. Each Kickstarter comes with juicy exclusives (juicy ‘sclusies?) and fans have told us they love them. Especially our collector’s bookmarks.

We’ll see you on the next Kickstarter, and hopefully, we see your name on the Thank You Page. Until next time,

Make Mine Silverline!

17May/22

Content Spotlight: The Comics Fu Show

Hey there, Silverline fam!

We have another Silverline Content Spotlight for you. This week is an extra special episode. Kurtis, Silverline’s resident Kung-Fu expert, hosts the artist and crew involved with the Shadow Ghost inspired music video from Capitan Walas.

Shadow Ghost is the kung-fu comics by kung-fu master upcoming from Silverline! Sifu Kurtis Fujita created this comic to combine two of his passions. We’ve mentioned it before, but Kurtis is an actual Sifu, a certified instructor of kung-fu for health and competition. He also has a historied career in comics and entertainment. Combining the two into one dope comic series seemed like a kind of no brainer.

A few months ago Capitan Walas made a track and music video inspired by Shadow Ghost. The track, Drunken Tiger featuring Alan Yip on Erhu features themes from traditional Chinese music with a modern twist. The music video is also a great demonstration of practical martial arts and use of traditional Chinese weapons. “Capitan Walas is a Mexican musician based in California’s SF Bay Area. He has been a guitar/ guqin composer and martial arts practitioner since the early 2010s.

Capitan Walas, Alan Yip, Sifu Tony Tong, and Megan Wong join the the comics fu show to talk about their various backgrounds, influences, and behind the scenes production of the song/music video. This episode also features a screening of the video!

Be sure to check it out as it goes live today on the Silverline Comics Channel!




10May/22

Kickstarter Alert! It’s AAAALLIVVVVEEEE!

Hey there, Silver Fam!

You heard that right folks! We’re doing some dark science! Using the power of technology we’ve brought the dead back to life! Or at least have brought another Silverline Classic back to print with another Remix.

It’s not alone either. We are launching two brand spanking new titles at the same time. For a total of three, you head me right, THREE books in one Kickstarter campaign. Remember a Silverline Kickstarter is essentially just the preorder with a chance to get some extra goodies. Psssst, it also really helps the analytics so if you back it, that tells us you want more.

These are some truly dope titles, and I really can’t recommend them enough if you are fan of Sci-Fi.



From the far future of the year 1992, comes Krey!

When a band of mutant warriors attack a human tribe, a young human boy is taken alive. Given the name “Krey,” he is raised with the very mutants who killed his family. as the young boy grows, he desperately wants to be a warrior and join the men in war. When humans attack his village, he just might get that chance.

Krey #1 RemiX is science fiction/fantasy; full color, 25 pages. It is part 1 of a five issue mini-series. This comic is completely finished. Roland Mann – writer; Steven Butler – penciller; Ken Branch – inker; Jeremy Kahn – colorist; Nick McCalip – letterer.



Brand new, and from the brain of my friend Wes, and featuring art from my Tuesday co-host Aaron, The Obsoletes!

When a group of grizzled intergalactic prospectors are accidentally thrust 20 years into the future, they’re faced with a very different reality. The world they knew is unrecognizable and their profession has changed, becoming more deadly than ever. But rather than ride off into retirement, the crew of roughnecks sets out to prove that they’re still the best in the game… even if they are a little obsolete.

The Obsoletes #1 is science fiction/action, full color 22 pages, is the first of a four issue mini-series. The comic is completely finished! Wes Locher – writer/letterer; Aaron Humphres – penciller; Jose Fuentes – inker; Haley Martin – colorist.



If a space opera is more of your jam, than Beyond the Stars might be for you!

When a galactic spanning entity threatens the Empire of Man, Haven’s corp of Science-Warriors is called upon to save mankind. Led by Kal, a fearless servant of the All Mother, and Prof. Yonel Travane, an expert on lost alien races, their team will sacrifice all to challenge this unimaginable horror from beyond the stars.

Beyond The Stars #1 is science fiction/action; full color, 22 pages. It is the first of a six issue mini-series. The comic is completely finished. Ron Fortier – writer; Andrea Bormida – artist; Mike W. Belcher – letterer.

Again, I can’t recommend these books enough. If you like sci-fi you need these on your shelf. There is something for everyone and again, this is a rare occasion for Silverline with three books for offer at the same time.

Please check it out, (give our analytics team their data) and get yourself some dope comics.


Until next time, Make Mine Silverline!

03May/22

Silverline Content Showcase: Paul Kupperberg on Wednesday Wham!

Hey there Silver family!

Sorry it’s been a while since we posted. I was lost in the desert for a week. I was some about Bend when the Monster and Protein Bars began take hold. I then got cozy with some bacteria while I was out there which knocked out of commission for the next week. We’re back and lightly medicated, so that means it’s time for a post.

We got an extra special one for you this time! Long time comics pro, veteran of the long war, Paul Kupperberg joined the Whammers for an incredible episode of Wednesday Night Wham!

If you’ve been living under several rocks, Paul Kupperberg has had a career in comics for over 45 years, and has written over 1,400 stories. That’s a lot. Like . . . a lllooooooootttt. Some companies he’s worked with include DC Comics, Weekly World News, and WWE Kids Magazine. You might recognize two of those names, if you’ve breathed at any point in the last 40 years.

Paul also famously killed Archie. Yes, that Archie. He’s worked on Peacemaker, Vigilante, Doom Patrol, and Supergirl to name a few. If you’re like me, you’ve been loving the shows based on those titles, I would definitely recommend reading some of his work after you watch the conversation he had with the Whammers.

Enjoy!