So here’s how the project shapes up so far: both scripts are done, all character concepts are done, both issues of the book are laid out, covers are drawn and we have pencilled pages from issue #1 in the bag – not a bad tally for 8 months work. PHEW! So, yes there is still a long way to go, but we are well on the way.

It’s all so exciting. Having written the story some time ago I feel like I am re-discovering the tale each time I see more of Andrew’s art work. Every time I see Andrew’s work I think about my plans for the book and try to decide on self publishing or submitting the book to an indy publisher. I think I will do both! I will self publish a small run and then submit the book; I still have a few contacts in the world of comics so I will see if they bear any fruit. I am really excited to share this story with as many people as possible.

See you there!

Malinki by Andrew Law/ Lisa Moore

Lines by Andrew Law. Colors by Lisa Moore.

Yesterday I was contacted by a fantastic colorist who really enjoys Andrew’s character designs; it’s great to see Tikki and Malinki generating some interest and connecting with comics fans way before the book is out there.

So, stay tuned to the DragonFUZE Comics site and be on the lookout for colored up versions of Andrew’s designs for Tikki and Malinki. We are planning to possibly use these colored up pics as promotional/ teaser images.

The colored images will debut here soon!

We also had a brief chance to talk about some of the marketing ideas I have for the book and about some of my plans for the book’s production. While there is a lot of work going on now for Tikki’s Giant, I am still acutely aware of how much needs to be done to get the book finished , online and printed. I am so convinced of the quality of Andrew’s pencils that I want to do this book without inks, so that will take one step out of the creative process and buy us some time.

I am still aiming for a 2010 release on this series. More news soon.

The first stage in our grand quest is nearing completion. Andrew’s work brings a bold and stylistic look to Tikki’s universe. I am thrilled with the many detailed designs he has sent through to me, but the one that bowled me over was this:

Malinki design by Andrew Law

Wouldn’t you love to pick this up as a limited edition DragonFUZE Comics print or poster?

Every writer has their hook or their angle and I like to think that I imbue most everything that I write with palpable emotion. With this book, the super heroics and slam-bam fights come in second to the emotional arcs of the four main characters; the superhero, his son, his wife and his nemesis. The work that I wrapped tonight only touches the surface of what is going on in the lives, minds and hearts of these characters and ultimately these are the things that I intend to explore as the story takes shape.

I find writing to be daunting; the process is about taking something that is internal and intangible and making it into a real product to be shared with the world. The Next Scion is the next step in my evolution as a writer. Not only is this my first superhero book, but the story explores a very potent issue for me; the father/ son relationship.

I am strongly committed to doing mostly all-ages, or PG rated comics. However, I am not sure that The Next Scion will fit that description. As a superhero story, the level of violence will be higher than that featured in Tikki’s Giant, plus the story is an emotional roller coaster that may be a bit much for kids to handle. So, I definitely feel as though this book is more of a “T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEEN AND UP” type story to quote the Marvel Comics ratings system.

Although Invincible by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley is a key inspiration for this book, I do not intend for the level of violence in The Next Scion to reflect that which exists in Kirkman’s book.

In any case, most of this post is hypothetical as I am yet to get started on this project! Look out for more updates after the Easter holidays wrap.