Steam Crow is a Phoenix, Arizona company that creates quirky, imaginative characters and strange stories for people with a monster imagination.

These two artists have combined monsters, steam punk, and more into some amazing products, including story books, prints, buttons, purses and more.

I first met them at the Phoenix Comicon (Cactuscon) a few years ago and really dug their character Klawberry, and became an instant fan.

Daniel has created a new web comic- “Monster Commute” and even offers it as a collected “Traffic Novel“.

I can’t say enough good things about this Arizona couple’s work- or just how nice they are.

They’ve always got something new at their ever-growing and ever-changing booth every show I see them- Phoenix, San Diego, Emerald City, and more.

Daniel was recently interviewed on the Andrew Long Show (Ep.11) and talked about the creation of Steam Crow Press, the many irons he has in the Steam Crow fires, and what’s coming up down the road for Monster Commute and other Steam Crow projects and products.

Keep and “eye” out for Klawberry and Steam Crow at a convention near you!

Remember- monsters are real…real fun!

Lin

DEDLOCK #1

Written and Illustrated by A.E. Sparrow

Standard Comic
Black & White
Page Count: 24

Cover Price $2.50 (POD)

Lady Draca Infernia suddenly finds herself without an empire to rule. Face-to-face with the man who helped orchestrate her downfall, she uses every trick in her bag to avenge her loss. But this man isn’t all he seems to be, and before too long the pair find their lives to be linked…in more ways than one!

When the clandestine Ordo Draco Infernium is purchased by an outside investor, its offices liquidated and its arsenal of doomsday devices confiscated, Lady Draca Infernia suddenly finds herself on the streets with no marketable skills. Determined to restore her evil empire to its former levels of glory, she finds her way blocked by one man…with matrimony on his mind!

Deadlock #1 is available through IndyPlanet.com.

Or you can stop by booth T22 at the Phoenix Comicon Memorial Day weekend and meet Al face to face…

…if you DARE!

Al will also be pimping his comic THUGS! with artist partner Stephen Reid (aka “Flint Lockjaw“) at Cactuscon.

You can check out THUGS! online here.

Al’s a great guy and has great taste in head wear!

Lin

Dedlock #1 TM and © 2010 Al Sparrow/Studio Fugazi. All rights reserved.

The SIVADS of March!

March 25-28

A four-day tribute through art, film, music and words to the late Watson Davis, the innovative Malco ad man and ballyhoo specialist known for his elaborate movie promotions and who, in his guise as the ‘horror host’ known as Sivad (on the “Fantastic Features” program from 1962 to 1972 on WHBQ-TV Channel 13), was one of the most influential and beloved Memphis pop-culture heroes of the era, with a popularity that crossed generational and racial lines. He also scared the willies outta me as a kid here in Memphis in the late 60″s!

The new Art Of Bushi Tales book is now available!

Written and Illustrated by Dave Beaty, Lin Workman, Micah Stewart

Standard Sized Trade Paperback
Full Color
Page Count: 100
POD

$19.95 (+s/h)

Dave Beaty, Lin Workman, and Micah Stewart take you behind the scenes in the Art of Bushi Tales. See the scripted page come alive from pencil sketches to painted art. Includes a special guest artist gallery featuring art by Bret Blevins, Scott Clark, Greg Cravens, Andrew Charipar, Harold Jennett, Martheus Antone Wade, and more! A must have for art lovers and Bushi Tales fans.

It’s is the 31st century of man and the ancient world has returned. Four female Samurai are sent on a quest by Hachiman, the god of war, in this post-apocalyptic series created by Dave Beaty (X-men: Sword of the Braddocks, Adventure Comics, Brightest Day) and Lin Workman (Stargodz, Scared Silly, CGS: The End).

The book is available from Indy Planet. If you’d like to have one personalized or pick up a copy in person Dave, Micah and I will all be at the Phoenix Comicon (Cactuscon) this May, so if you’re in the area stop by the Bushi Tales booth and say hi.

I should have news on the Bushi Tales trade paperback coming soon- stay “tooned”!

Lin

Here are a couple of his new projects that are coming out soon-

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #7 (OF 7)

On Sale FEBRUARY 24, 2010

Written by JAMES ROBINSON; Art by MAURO CASCIOLI with SCOTT CLARK & DAVE BEATY!

This is the big one! After the catastrophes seen in issues #5 and #6, a hero loses control, leading to an unexpected ending that will fundamentally change the lives of the World’s Greatest Heroes forever. This issue launches a major storyline in the DC Universe and is not to be missed.

TITANS #23

On sale MARCH 17

Written by EDDIE BERGANZA

Art by ANGEL UNZUETA with SCOTT CLARK & DAVE BEATY!

Spotlight on Red Arrow! As Roy Harper lies in critical condition after the events of JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #5, his fever dreams show him the perfect future life he wants for the Titans. Unfortunately for him, it’s a life the Titans will never see.

Be sure to stop by the Bushi Tales table at the Pheonix Cactuscon this May to see what else Dave has been up to.

Hopefully he’ll be able to announce what else he’s got lined up soon.

Congrats, Dave!

______________________________________________________

Lex Luthor For Sale

If you’d like one of my paintings now’s your chance!

I originally did this to show at the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL a couple years ago, and ended up donating it to the HERO Initiative art auction at the Phoenix Cactuscon. Noel Neill (the ORIGINAL Lois Lane) was kind enough to sign it for me before the auction (she starred with Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns).

Well, it’s back up for auction- this time on ebay by Brandon Ladd Burkey, owner of Crossroads Entertainment Co., LLC. and the guy who bought it in Phoenix. Minimum bid is $200 and apparently you get one of my sketchbooks, too.

Best I remember this one is approx. 2′x3′ and it’s airbrush acrylic on canvas.

______________________________________________________

PHOENIX OR BUST!

Speaking of PHX, it’s official- Dave and I have been listed as guests for this May’s Phoenix Cactuscon. We’ll be there with Micah and Nicki and are looking forward to checking out the new con digs!

Oh- Noel Neill will be there, too!

Hope to see you there-

Lin

The CGS Super Show is a fun con and is growing by leaps and bounds, but Nicki’s never been to Phoenix and it’s a chance to hang out with Dave and Micah- my Bushi Tales partners as well as Noel, The Dude, and the PHX staff.

______________________________

Shadowcon XIV

January 8th & 9th, 2010

Holiday Inn Select

2240 Democrat Road

Memphis, TN 38132

http://www.shadowcon.org/

______________________________

Midsouthcon

March 12-14, 2010

Whispering Woods Hotel and Convention Center

11200 Goodman Road

Olive Branch, MS 38654

http://www.midsouthcon.org/

*Special guest- Gail Simone!

______________________________

CGS Super Show

March 27 & 28, 2010

Greater Reading Expo Center

Reading, PA

http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/supershow/

*Special guest- former Memphian  artist Mike Norton!

______________________________

Cape Comic Con (Cape-Con)

May 1st & 2nd

Cape Girardeau, MO

http://www.capecomiccon.com/

$5.00 Two-Day Pass
(Same rate applies for single day)

Children 7 and under FREE

$10.00 Two-Day
Gamer’s Pass
(Same rate applies for single day)

Guests:

DC artist Ethan Van Sciver

John Wesley Shipp- TV’s The Flash

Gary Friedrich- creator of Ghost Rider

Jay Chuppe- Creator of Red Mullet & Cow Boy

Lin Workman- Co-creator of Bushi Tales

and MORE!

Cape Comic Con is partnering with FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) and will be giving away free comics Saturday, May 1 while supplies last.

______________________________

Free Comic Book Day

May 1st, 2010

Comic Cellar

3620 Austin Peay HWY Ste 2

Memphis, TN 38128

http://www.comiccellaronline.com/

http://www.freecomicbookday.com/

______________________________

Phoenix Comicon (Cactuscon)

May 27-30, 2010

Phoenix Convention Center & Hyatt Regency

Downtown Phoenix, AZ

http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/

______________________________

Metropolis Superman Celebration

June 10-13, 2010

Metropolis, IL (off I-24 north of Paducah, KY)

http://www.supermancelebration.net/

______________________________

I’ll add more as I get the info.

Lin

The second part of the interview Wonton and I did with Shawn Pryor and Jon Carroll for The Black Box podcast is now available. We talk more about digital comics, distribution, web comics, Jetta, Bushi Tales, my B/W art show and Comic Whore site.

Click here to go to the Black Box Podcast site.

I’ve got some news about mine and Nicki’s recent adoptions, last Friday’s art walk and George Hunt art show, Adam Shaw’s upcoming art show this Friday and more on my LinWorkman.com site. Check it out if you get a chance. Pics from last night’s Hernando Christmas parade will be up there later this week.

Type at ya later,

Lin

The PKD Black Box Podcast

Episode 3: Roger Corman & the Memphis Mafia battle Ninjas.

Oh, don’t forget to check out LinWorkman.com to find out more info on the First Annual Broad Avenue Holiday Art Walk featuring artist George Hunt!

Type at ya later-

Lin

#6 – Whoever Knows Fear…

…one way to create characters is for the writer to ask and answer four questions.

*What does my character always want?

*Who or what does he love?

*What is he afraid of?

*Why does he involve himself in extreme situations?

Check out Denny’s blog to find out more!

Thinking outside The Black Box

Last night I recorded a podcast with my friends Shawn Pryor, Jon Carroll, and Martheus Antone Wade for an upcoming episode of The Black Box. Not sure when the air date will be, but as soon as I know I’ll post it here. We had a great time talking about self-publishing and the ups and downs that can come with it.

I’m hoping to start my own Comic Whore podcast in the near future, but it’ll at least be after the holidays. Got enough on my plate right now to keep me plenty busy!

Like writing more Comic Whore updates for Mondays. If you have any ideas, questions about self-publishing/promotions, or things for me to pimp please send them on. You can reach me at lin (at) linworkman (dot) com.

Type at ya later,

Lin

Len Wein, me, and the first comic I ever bought.

Luckily the local sci-fi one (MidSouthCon) increased their comics programming the past few years. Steve Rude, John Jackson Miller, Mike Norton, Mark Waid, Len Wein, John Ostrander have all been comic guests there, and Gail Simone is scheduled to be their comics guest of honor this year. But, they aren’t a full blown comic convention, and never will be. They like sci-fi and fantasy literature and art, but some of the powers that be kinda looked down on comics in the past(and what are a lot of comics but sci-fi/fantasy stories and art, right?), and even down more on self-published comics (luckily that has changed a lot recently). I’ve tried to become part of the local comics and con scene, and so have several of my friends, and that seems to have helped increase comics programming and guests.

Me and writer John Ostrander at Midsouthcon

But do you have to just settle for what’s around you and what those cons want to do or be, or can you build your own comic-con?

A few years ago my friend Tim and I were on a message board discussing the lack of comics at the local convention(s).  He joked and posted that he could throw a better comic convention in his back yard. All we needed to do was get a few card tables, a port-a-potty, invite the local creators, and offer some free barbecue to get some bigger name comics guests. We joked and jaughed about it being BYOT (bring your own table) and calling it “TIMMYCON!”. It just got silly and crazier from there. What was really crazy is that folks started thinking we were serious! We started thinking about actually doing it- but needed a better location than Tim’s back yard.

That came when our friends Todd and Patrick with the haunt we volunteered at got wind of our crazy scheme and offered us the haunt lobby to use one Saturday. It was about 1500-2000sqft and plenty big for our joke of a free comic show. We put the call out to all our friends, made up some promo postcards and dropped them off to all the local comic shops, put up a few posters at the haunt and around town, and in all spent about $20 or so promoting it (the $20 was for shipping on about 1000-2000 free ClubFlyers.com postcards). Saturday came, and so did the rain. “Great…” I thought. “Nobody’s going to show for this.” I was wrong.

Over the course of the day we had close to 200 people come through our doors! We had about a dozen tables including local comic creators, the local Star Wars Fan Force (Tim was the president of the group then), a toy collector/dealer, and a local comic shop (the owner and his son were both named Tim!). The show was a lot of fun, and we all thought it great to do it again sometime. So we did…

The next year Todd and Patrick asked us if we’d be interested in combining the haunted house’s kids’ day (which benefited Youth Villages), and moving it next door into the recently vacant dollar store.

The space was great (needed a bit of cleaning and decorating- no biggie), and we split it down the middle with Youth Villages.

This time the weather was perfect! We did some more postcards and posters to promote it, added a few more tables and artists, had a couple 501st members in costume, and put up a small art show.

Youth Villages ran an ad in one of the local papers, set up some games for the kids, hosted a costume contest, had a moon-bounce, did some face painting, and had some of their volunteers escort the kids and their parents through the haunted house where the kids got to trick or treat with some costumed characters of a kid friendly version of the haunt.

The haunt had almost 1000 people go through it ($3 ea.), and we had at least a third of that come through our half of the event, which was free again.

Then along came an idea to do a learning con called “Con-Sequential”…I’ll tell that story another time.

Since then I’ve seen more folks start some small shows that have become successful and have quickly grown in attendance, size, and length of show time. Around Comics’ Windy City Comicon in Chicago, IL and Comic Geek Speak’s Super Show in Reading, PA are two that come to mind.

CGS had episode celebrations (ep100,ep200,ep300) that started off being held in a local comic shop, and then expanded to an extra empty shop bay, and then became too big to be held in a comic shop or mall.

So they had to move to an event center. Not a bad problem to have.

CGS and AC started off small with local folks, local creators, and fans of their podcasts. They have grown and are now offering bigger and better guests and events for their fans in just a few short years.

So maybe if you can’t go to the con, the con can come to you.

They have proven it can work, and be fun, too. Just takes some time, effort, help, and planning. The budget part is up to you. Start small, have fun, and grow it is my suggestion. Delegate, do frequent follow ups, and try not to get in over your head or wallet. (That discussion will come up again when we talk about Con-Sequential…)

San Diego, New York, and other big cons have their place and can be fun, but I’ve always tended to enjoy the smaller shows. You get more face time with fans and creators, and they tent not to hit your wallet so hard, especially if you can do a local one or do a short road trip to one. Just make sure you have something new to sell and promote each year you set up.

This year I plan to hit Shadowcon and Midsouthcon in Memphis, CapeComicon in Cape Girardeau, Cactuscon in Phoenix, and the Superman Celebration in Metropolis. Hope to see you there!

Lin