Category Archives: Content Spotlight

23Dec/22

Looking back at 2022

Content Spotlight, News

2022 in Review

As have done the last four years, I’m going to spend some time looking back at what Silverline did in 2022. Before I dive into that, please hear me say THANK YOU VERY MUCH for all the support you have given us this year—it is greatly appreciated. And as cliché as it sounds, we really couldn’t do this without you.

Re-reading that, I can’t believe that ’22 marks the end of our fourth year. 2019 doesn’t seem THAT long ago, but indeed the first “year in review” was done in December of 2019 (https://silverlinecomics.com/news/silverline-review-of-year-1/) In that review we talked about the website—which was launched June of 2019, the Facebook page-which had 1370 likes and 1377 followers, and the new Silverline section on IndyPlanet!

2020 in review we talked about the live stream we launched in March. In less than three months, our numbers had grown so much we launched a 2nd day/time and had weekly streams on Sunday and Wednesday. We started streaming to Facebook, Youtube, and Twitch, all of which we still do. If you had backed any of our kickstarters (and still lived at the same address), you received a Christmas card from us that year. You would be surprised at the number of them we had returned to us.

2021 in review the new stuff we mentioned was our discord channel and our podcasts. We produced a Christmas Special that year (limited # of copies still available—if you want one, just email us for details) and to this writing, I think it’s one of the coolest things we’ve done!

As I type this, our Facebook page has grown to 2.2k likes and 2.3k followers, so we’ve added about 1000 (https://www.facebook.com/SilverlineComics) – maybe go like and follow if you haven’t already. Our Silverline youtube channel has 274 subscribers (https://www.youtube.com/silverlinecomics) — would still like to push those numbers up, so please go subscribe if you haven’t already. It’s free! The Silverline Twitch channel has 76 followers (https://www.twitch.tv/silverlinecomics) and the Twitter is hanging around 393 (https://twitter.com/SilverlineComic) please consider following if you have the blue bird. We’re on some of the alternate platforms as well, but the activity on those platforms is very minor at this point.

Kickstarters delivered 14 comics in 2022!

That’s right, we ran six kickstarters in 2022. Starting in January, we ran one every other month. March saw us increase from two comics to three, September we did four, and then November saw us attempt five in one kickstarter. That one didn’t make. As we reported there, we were bummed, but not terribly so because we want to make sure we keep pushing and trying new things.

This brings Silverline’s total output to 37 comics since 2019. Yup, thirty-seven. What, you need a list? Okay then:

Beah #1; Beyond the Stars #1; Bloodline one-shot; Cat & Mouse #1-3; Divinity #1-2; Friar Rush #1-2; Kayless #1-4; Kayless Vol 1; Kayless: Achilles Has Landed #1; Krey RemiX #1; The Obsoletes #1; The Rejects #1; The Scary Book RemiX #1; Silverline Christmas Special; Silverline Team-Up #1; Sirens RemiX #1-2; Sniper & Rook #1; Steam Patriots #1; Switchblade RemiX #1-2; Teen Beetle #1-2; Tony GN; Twilight Grimm #1-4; White Devil #1; Wolf Hunter #1.

Comics

Looking back on the three past “upcoming this year,” I thought I’d take a peek and see what we said would happen, but didn’t. I probably should not do that so that it doesn’t put a spotlight on that…but as you know, we try to be fully transparent with you!

We hit all our marks in 2020 and 21.

In 22, however, we said we would deliver these books and did not do so: Cat & Mouse #4, Divinity #3, Beah #2, Silverline Team-Up #2, White Devil #2, Knight Rise #1, Shadow Ghost #1, Satin’s Ways #1, Demon’s Tails RemiX #1. To be fair, we said we hoped to deliver 22 comics and did deliver 14—could have delivered 19 if we hadn’t cancelled our last kickstarter, and Divinity #3 was one of those. So, we don’t look at these as failures, simply delays.

Streaming

We’re still streaming thrice weekly, but our big news is that we tossed our hat in with a bunch of other indy comic making folks and joined the COMICS MADNESS network. Pops Van Zant has done an awesome job of assembling a bunch of quirky comic type folks and getting them all together to create an indy-comics channel. Believe it or not, it’s saved us some monthly subscription money and has increased our eyeballs at the same time. Please consider watching and subscribing!

Website change

As I write this, we’re working to revamp our website. We’re going to change it to be more of a display site than a blog. As is, the blog is the emphasis (Tim TK has done a wonderful job, don’t you think?), but if we can do what we want to do, the website will focus more on the comics we make and we’ll add a store to it.

Thus, this will be our last official blog post. To get more of this content, you need to subscribe to our email list. I’ve already written the first one that will include a what to look for in 2023 and so you need to subscribe to know what’s coming up!

If you’re already subscribed–great! If you aren’t, you can do so here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/silverlinecomics/jan23

And remember to

#makeminesilverline

26Jul/22

Roland Mann Interview on Two Geeks Talking

Content Spotlight, Creator Appearances, Creator Spotlight, , , , , ,

Hey Silverline Family,

This week is another quick update while I work on the history book for Wolf Hunter.

Recently Roland Mann had an interview with Two Geeks Talking. Since they did us the favor of having him on, I figured we’d do them the favor of shouting out that interview.

Give it a watch and we’ll catch you next week!

17May/22

Content Spotlight: The Comics Fu Show

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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!




03May/22

Silverline Content Showcase: Paul Kupperberg on Wednesday Wham!

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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!

 

22Mar/22

Content Spotlight: The Comics Fu Show – Brad Graeber Part 2

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Hey there Silverline Fam!

I did a write up for this when the last episode went live, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t also feature this episode, as it is a part 2. The Comics Fu Show continues the interview Powerhouse Animation founder Brad Graeber.

For those who don’t know Powerhouse Animation is . . . well, an animation studio that is currently a powerhouse in the field. Recently they have worked on Castlevania, Masters of the Universe: Revelations, Seis Manos, and Blood of Zeus. I would honestly recommend any one of those shows.

They start off the episode talking about the influences of Seis Manos then transition Brad’s experience as leader at Powerhouse Animation. Brad also gives some deep insight into the humble beginnings of Powerhouse Animation. They interview takes some fantastic turns and covers some points that I found pretty inspirational even as a comic writer/editor.

Brad also spills the tea on some new projects that Powerhouse has down the line.

Brad is a genuine and thoughtful guy. Listening to him in this interview is really a treat. I would have got Kurtis a year’s worth of Del Taco just to sit in on this. Please give it watch and enjoy the conversation.

Be good ya’ll!

22Feb/22

Content Spotlight: The Comics Fu Show – Brad Graeber

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Hey Silverline Fam!

I know what you’re thinking. “That’s a lot of content spotlights back-to-back.” You’re right, and to that I say, we got good content dangit! We got lots of dope videos and interviews being live-streamed or uploaded all the time. We’ll be back with another Craft here soon, but this week we uploaded a special video that I want to feature!

That video is another episode of The Comics Fu show. I said it last time, but this is my favorite type of content that we create. This week features a conversation with Brad Graeber, CEO/CCO of Powerhouse Animation (Seis Manos, Masters of the Universe: Revelations, Castlevania, Blood of Zeus). When it comes to guests with clout, this is a contender for the peak. Castlevania is also in my top 5 for favorite modern shows, so Brad if you’re watching, hi.

In this episode, Co-hosts Sifu Kurtis Fujita and Patrick Lugo ask brad about how Kung Fu influences movement, animation, and everyday life.

As a practicing kickboxer, hearing how different martial artists combine their arts (combat and comic) is always fascinating. Taking that conversation and including animation really provides a lot of food for thought. I grew up watching anime and animation and was always fascinated by the visual poetry of a well-choreographed fight. Getting some insight on the creative side of that is really powerful.

I definitely recommend taking some time and checking out this video.

Stay good!

15Feb/22

Content Spotlight: Valentine’s Day Podcasts

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Hey there Silverline Fam,

It’s the day after valentines day, and you know what that means? We got content for you to watch! There are rose petals on the floor, sandals on the table, and Phil Collins in the air. Before you get to cleaning that up or shooing Phil away, throw one of these podcasts on your YouTube viewing device and spend the next couple of hours chilling while we talk about romance in comics.

This week we’re featuring both an episode of Wednesday Wham and Silver Sunday. Each crew tackles the subject of romance in comics and provides a unique perspective on it. The lineups for each show also differ from the current roster so you get to see different creators in conversation than on current episodes of each show.

Make sure to check out both of these great shows, as well as this week’s lineup of podcasts starting with A Show on Tuesday tonight at 8 PM PST.

Be good out there, fam!

08Feb/22

Content Spotlight: Silverline’s Getting a Facelift

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Hey there Silverline Fam!

It’s a new year, new me kind of vibe over at the Silverline Youtube. We’re breaking up wax, hitting the tanning salon, and getting lean for hot-nerd summer. Well, we may not all be going that extreme. But we are getting a major facelift to our podcast videos.

As you probably know by now, every single Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, we livestream a podcast that gets saved as a VOD on our youtube. That way you can throw us up on your laptop at work, your smart tv after work, or annoy your spouse by watching us on your phone in bed. That last one may get you kicked out to the living room couch.

Under the direction of our CEO, BJ Mann, our videos have a new sense of confidence and a sleek new look for that summer bod. The content of each episode is now spending a bit more time in the training center before coming out and strutting its stuff. So that means each episode will have more hyperfocus, leaving some room for the same old fun asides. But that’ll give the host more time and space to really dig deep into the subject material and deliver to you some true nuggets of wisdom to chew on.

The second part of this facelift is the facelift. Each episode now has a beautiful thumbnail that is sure to appease the almighty algorithm. Or at least, give you the viewer a better idea of what’s going on, as well as build a stronger and more cohesive identity for Silverline. That way if you’re bored and staring at your recommended page, we’ll be easier to identify. Just look for the chiseled chin of Dean.

You can already see it in action!

Check out last week’s and this week’s episodes and get some of that sweet sweet beach-bod VOD taste for yourself.

25Jan/22

New Silverline Book & The Blog Strikes Back

Content Spotlight
Hey there Silverline Fam!

I hope you all had a dope holidays and that the start of your 2022 has been good. I had to take a break from the blog to deal with a bit of a family thing and then I got destroyed by a respiratory infection (not Covid). I didn’t forget about you all though.

There’ll be a full-length post next week when I’m back to 100%.

In the meantime, you ALL need to swing on over to our Kickstarter and make sure you have preordered your copies of Rejects and Sniper & Rook. This campaign will run until 01/30/2022. So get in NOW.

Be good all, and see you next week!
07Dec/21

We Have Cool (Deadly) Friends!

Content Spotlight

Hi there Silverline family!

Today we’re featuring something you probably did not see coming. A Kung Fu influenced instrumental-hip-hop music video! If that caught you off guard, I don’t blame you.

Long-time fans of Silverline may have seen some hints. Several members of our crew are practitioners of martial arts or combat sports (kickboxer here). Previously on an episode of the comics-fu show, Kurtis had already talked about the intersection of comics, martial arts, and hip-hop.

And it’s happening AGAIN!

Captain Walas released a single this year titled Drunken Tiger featuring Alan Yip. The inspiration for this single and music video comes from our very own Kurtis Fujita! Kurtis is both a dope comic creator and a sifu (a master and instructor of kung fu). His most recent project Shadow Ghost is a combination of both passions. This title is something you should absolutely be on the lookout for if you enjoy martial arts, comic books, or a good time.

Please check out the music video and give Captain Walas all the love! Be on the lookout for Shadow Ghost in the future. And remember to “make mine Silverline!”