Co-creator of Splatter Comics, Kyle Brummond, talked to us about their fresh approach to story telling. Kyle describes the multimedia experience of Splatter Comics that combines still images, voice acting, sound effects, and narration.
Kyle later shares the inspiration of Splatter Comics’ latest creation, Army of Nun, starting from a bumper sticker. He also notes the benefits of Google when researching the subject as well as talking with friends who were in real life experiences.
Those interested will be pleased to hear that Splatter Comics is offering their content for free online with the possibility of print versions later.
We start talking about movies and Kyle mentions a famous book series he would be interested in seeing on the big screen. Obviously, I had to ask Kyle who he would pick to portray the lead role in Army of Nun.
Ken Tanaka spoke with us and brought us into his heavy hitting book, “Everybody Dies, A Children’s Book for Grown Ups”. Ken describes his style as Ken Tanaka-esq and says he is also working on another title called “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What the Fuck”.
Ken recalls his early interest in comic conventions and being encouraged by friends like David Mack.
We love talking with fans. They all have unique backgrounds and stories to tell. Here are some folks we talked with on day 1 of WonderCon 2012
00:00 – Lady Loki tries to hold up her costume and says she loves the evil aspect about her character
01:15 – Sally Jupiter (Watchmen) loves her spunky personality and says she loved the movie even though there wasn’t a giant squid.
02:59 – Introspective White Emo Ranger explains his character is lost in the UK and how he never gets respect. The man behind the masks discuss working at Knotts Berry Farm and watching his childhood memories go down the drain.
05:01 – Darth Malgus from the Old Republic does a great job on his ongoing costume
06:37 – David checks out the Game of Thrones booth where they Photoshop your head on a spear
07:17 – A generic steampunk fan explains the allure of steampunk and his addiction to conventions. He schools me on how dieselpunk differs from steampunk. Check him out at amberstreet.com
09:59 – Belle (Beauty and the Beast) likes her character’s intelligence and ability to find the beauty within. Check her Facebook page here
11:21 – Genie (Aladdin) loves her character’s comedy. Esmeralda (Hunchback of Notre-Dame) loves her character’s free spirited nature.
12:45 – Archangel (as he turned by Apocalypse) loves his character’s look after turned by Apocalypse. He wants to see a Cable movie and reveals who he thinks should lead that role
14:18 – Ash Williams (Evil Dead) loves his character’s groovy attitude and one-liners. When asked about other characters he cosplays, he responds saying his girlfriend and him are working on Jessie and James from Team Rocket. Check out his web series Epic Online and his girlfriend’s charms at oborocharms.com
16:54 – This fan takes pride in cosplaying Latino characters and decided to do Carlos Oliveira (Resident Evil)
18:27 – Jill Valentine (Resident Evil) is a true gamer who loves independent characters. She’s a graphic designer that drew inspiration from the Metal Gear and Legend of Zelda series
20:07 – This young man proves all you need is passion to come up with a fresh interpretation of a comic favorite, Silver Surfer.
22:21 – A luchador fan loves all the fantasy and theatrics of wrestling.
23:55 – The American McGee’s Alice takes a darker approach to the tale.
26:18 – Dr. Who loves the series because they can revive the series and use any actor they want. As a history student, he hopes to teach or use his knowledge for law enforcement.
27:38 – Rainbow Dash loves her character’s cockiness. Her costume was took a great investment of time to make, especially the wig. Her and Princess Celestia share a story about having breakfast at a business convention full of serious professionals in suits.
29:25 – An ewok and Hawkgirl walk into a bar…
31:22 – Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones) convinces me that I might be missing out on a great show
32:24 – Gambit decided to come to WonderCon all the way from Vancouver, BC.. As a costume maker, one of his most laborious projects was cutting out scales for an Aquaman suit.
Michelle Mauk and her sister, Tina, talked to us about her manga/comic influenced comics. Michelle spoke about her use of vivid colors and graphics to tell a story and gave of list of influences that included Katsuhiro Otomo, Moebius, and Tim Burton.
Michelle shared her insight on the digital revolution and the necessity for artists to come up with colorful content that grabs readers’ attention. She later offered some humbling advice to aspiring artists.
When asked about subjects she was on the fence about, Michelle talked about her attempts at creating superheroes but returning back to characters on the outskirts of society.
Check out more of Michelle Mauk’s work here and follow her on twitter: @michellemauk
Have you ever felt there might be something strange in your Bay Area neighborhood? Who would you call? The Bay Area Ghostbusters of course!
Rather than trapping ghosts, the Bay Area Ghostbusters help raise money for various local charities such as children hospital appearances, Relay For Life, and the Bay Area Food Bank.
It turns out that the Bay Area Ghostbusters are one of the younger pieces of a much larger pie that includes chapters located all over the world.
As far as their gear goes, it’s all crafted, not bought.
Learn more more about the Bay Area Ghostbusters here
The very chatty Audrey Soffa talked about her web comic, the Bunny System, where adorable things do horrible things. Who knew something so cuddly and cute could start getting into deep things like politics and emotions. She says her series is for those that love animals and violence but is kid friendly, save for some swearing and intimate contact.
Audrey also talked about her series, Sauce, where the main character screams “sauce” and throws up.
Some of Audrey’s influences include Charles Shulz, Bugs Bunny, and poetry.
Dave Kellett was nice enough to talk to us about Sheldon and Drive Comics. Dave talked about his origins, death of newspapers, the independent artist advantage in the digital age, advice about making a living off giving content away for free, and the inspiration for the pug in his book “Pugs: God’s Little Wierdos”
We spoke with AdaPia d’Errico about the works of her sister, Camilla d’Errico. She showed Camilla’s latest creations including Tanpopo and Sky Pirates of Neo Terra, which is coming out as a Facebook game later this month. The game is set in the world of Neo Terra and is described as a “Mario Kart in the sky”.
While strolling through the WonderCon floors, we noticed some interesting versions of the Star Wars R2D2 droid that were made of aluminum and carbon fiber. We spoke with Mantium Industries and discovered what they’re up to. A representative from Mantium Industries was kind enough to discuss their building process, customization, and future projects.
While most people will stop to ask about the robots, Mantium Industries also crafts cosplay gear like swords and costumes.
Yup. We did it again. Another intimate look at cosplay fans. Check out the clips below and discover who showed up at the 2011 Comikaze.
00:00
Nerfpunk (Nerf + Steampunk mashup) talks about supporting Comikaze because it’s for the geeks, by the geeks. Check her out on the web and on twitter: @MakeUpBySiryn
02:11
A psychology student cosplays Link (Legend of Zelda)
03:13
A sheriff cosplays Pyramid head and explains he loves the character’s darkness.
05:29
A 6th grade student teacher cosplays a deku from Legend of Zelda (Ocarina of Time) and says “no comment” when asked how to solve the education system’s problems
08:01
Ariel (Little Mermaid), cosplayed by a visual effects artist that worked on Arthur Christmas, talks about the use of 3D in movies giving her a headache. Check her out on Facebook
10:51
A TSA agent cosplays Joel Robinson (Mystery Science Theater 3000) says she likes Comikaze because it goes back to the roots of comics. If you’re a friend, add her on Facebook
14:07
Amazing Spider-Man talks reboots, the moral values of Peter Parker, the spark on kids’ face. He’ll be joining the military in a couple of years.
16:18
We weren’t able to get inside the Mark Hamill panel for Sushi Girl, but did talk to some people waiting in line. The first talks about his thoughts on Comikaze as the first convention he’s ever been to. He mentions seeing Stan Lee in person being quite a treat. I ask his buddy about Star Wars who tells me which episode is his favorite and shares thoughts about George Lucas’ revisions.
20:47
This guy was one of my favorites of this convention. I’m so glad I stumbled across this fellow. This Snow Trooper (Episode V) also talks about George Lucas’ changes, using the help of 501st.com to make his costume, and his German origins. I became instantly fascinated with his background and learned he was a marketing student who loves how friendly people are in Califorina but hates the speed limits on freeways.
24:46
A fan briefly explains why he loves the Joker. We weren’t able to talk with him more due to the line moving into the hall
25:02
A fan does a mashup of Simpsons and Dragon Ball Z to create: Hegeta (Homer + Vegeta). He offers a suggestion of how the Simpsons should end the show and talks about why the Dragon Ball Z movie was a flop and how they could make a reboot better.
29:28
We knew there would be plenty of Elvira fans since this was her last convention appearance. I caught up with one fan who explains why she loves Elvira, meeting Elvira, and if anyone else can fill Elvira’s shoes. I asked about her personal life and she explained she’s an assistant editor for a film trailer house, Ignition Creative. Check out her deviantart profile here
32:28
A fan cosplays Rainbow Dash, the fastest pony in all of Equestria, talks about putting her blood and sweat into making her costume. Follow her on twitter: @mkpresson. When I ask her about the craziest thing she’s seen, she points to a guy just to her left who turns out to be playing a character from Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride.
00:00
A very chatty, original costume, cosplay fan talks about his custom work, making moccasins, and being a Hawaiian cowboy. Check out his pizza businss on Facebook
03:49
The green man we chatted with earlier ends up in a battle/dance with another full body suit guy. Hilarity ensues.
05:04
Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) loves being a total douche and says he’d reboot the Star Wars movies.
06:50
Steampunk peacock. Check out her steampunk group here and follow her on twitter: @saintchimo
08:51
Girls and Corpses representative has trouble convincing me why people have a corpse fetish
10:39
A pool boy cosplays a Tusken Raider
12:52
Phantom of the Opera talks about being dragged into conventions by her daughter
14:25
Another fan takes method acting very seriously and doesn’t get out of character as Rorschach (Watchmen)
15:07
A college student cosplays Allen Walker. She wants to be a costume designer and we think she’s onto a good start
17:05
The Red Shirt Army from Star Trek. Check out their youtube channel here and follow them on twitter: @inprovence
19:50
A steampunk couple does it right. It’s always nice to see couples get into the spirit of things together and really invest some considerable time and effort into their costumes
23:23
A fan cosplays Speed Racer and talks about his first car. Follow him on twitter: @jaysethan and check out his site
26:19
This fan cosplays Gem (Tron Legacy) and really pulls it off. She works for the Disney Channel as a satellite operator. Follow her on twitter: @annisse
28:57
This guy helps demonstrate why its fun to ask what people do for a living. He’s an optician that cosplays Cyclops.
30:59
I really love watching childhood favorites come to life. This guy obviously put serious money and time into his Predator costume. He does IT work for an elementary school.
32:25
A young industrial design student traveled all the way from Atlanta and cosplays Rydia (Final Fantasy IV). I love that the cute Anya photobombs in the beginning of the video. Follow her on twitter: @mnikalee
00:00
Costume contest: includes Spy Versus Spy, Anya (Gears of War), Rydia (Final Fantasy IV), Mandalorians (Star Wars), Predator, Deadpool, Jurassic Park, Squirrel Girl, Jedi Bob’s Big Boy, Henchman (Venture Brothers), Black Widow, Cloud (Final Fantasy VII), Dr. Doom, Cobra Commander, Joker, Belle (Beauty and the Beast), the same Poison Ivy from the Anime Expo (@megturney), Wonder Woman, Gem, Putty (Power Rangers), Master Chief (Halo), Lloyd Dobler, Pyramid Head, Rainbow Dash, Catwoman, Rogue (X-Men), Cyberman
13:20
Anya (Gears of War) talks about why she loves the game and Comikaze and says what she’ll buy if she wins the $500
14:46
Putty (Power Rangers)
15:53
Squirrel Girl turns out to be a real character in the Marvel World! I also love how animated she is! Add her on Facebook if you’re a friend and follow her on tumblr
19:24
Winners of the costume contest are announced
24:45
Jurassic Park couple
26:22
A gender bender cosplay fan talks about his character being known for being a slut. I can’t make out the name of the character. If you recognize the character, comment below!
At the Long Beach Comic Convention, we saw many booths where artists, writers, and producers showcased their latest works. One of them that immediately caught our attention was the Toonhole booth. Who doesn’t love Macho Man Randy Savage? Even though he rests in peace, his legacy and iconic voice lives on. We stepped closer to discover a world of funny and clever comics that really appealed to us. Obviously, we had to get a word with the boys behind Toonhole.
Take a look below and learn all about Toonhole in this interview with Ryan Kramer and Mike Nassar. They talk about the drunken mashup that is Toonhole, their origins as animators, the benefits of technology on the comic book industry, plans to publish for the growing tablets market, and offer unique advice for aspiring artists.
Earlier this year, we gave you guys an intimate look at cosplay fans of the Los Angeles Anime Expo. Well, I hope you didn’t think we’d leave you hanging with the Long Beach Comic Convention, because we did it again!
Have a look and discover what cosplay fans are all about as we ask them questions like what makes the Long Beach Comic Convention different from others, why they love the characters they cosplay, how long their customes took to make, why DC Comics doesn’t release as many movies as Marvel, and what they do for a living. Notice how popular steampunk costumes have become?
00:00
The Joker explain who she is and why it’s fun to be crazy. It’s interesting that she references Batman as a creation by Christopher Nolan rather than Bob Kane. She always weighs in on Twilight versus the Avengers. Don’t try to find her online because she’s got tough security settings.
02:10
John Stewart (Justice League Unlimited) loves being one of DC’s first black characters
03:55
Ash Williams (Evil Dead II)
04:58
Bloodsucka Jones gives us the heads up on the convention being a place to pickup girls
05:42
An rebel X-wing pilot talks about George Lucas’ tweaks to the video releases
08:15
An attorney cosplays Superman and talks about the character being inspirational, leading by example, the DC Comics reboot, and why DC Comics hasn’t made as many movies as Marvel Comics
11:05
Wonder Woman
12:23
a storm trooper tries to take down Felix the Cat
12:49
a steampunk couple explains the allure of steampunk and the convenience of the Long Beach Comic Convention being close to home
00:00
Boba Fett, intergalactic booty hunter, talks about why he’s the 1%, all the girls he’s pulling, and gives advice to the president
01:07
An amazing Deadmau5 helmet that took 10 months to make by a film and visual effects student. Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pwnch
01:58
A computer science student talks about his original character, Ordo Mando, and the challenges of using fiber glass and resin. He mentions deconstructing the helmet taking awhile due to many screws. Check out the forum that helped him make his costume: http://405th.com/
03:40
An insurance claims negotiator cosplays a dalek from Dr. Who and promotes her fiance’s comic book site: Old Dying Kitty Comics
05:22
Captain America gives advice for the president
06:28
An English major graduate student cosplays Henchman 21 from the Venture Brothers and talks about Long Beach Comic Convention being great for checking out panels
08:01
A human services major student cosplays Lina Inverse from Slayers and gives advice for the president and predicts the outcome of a Jersey Shore versus Twilight fight
10:25
Chun-li from the Anime Expo cosplays Jill Valentine from Resident Evil
11:45
Daft Punk
13:05
A geek squad agent (Best Buy) cosplays a more obscure character, Jared Nomak (Blade 2), and shares his thoughts on Steve Jobs’ legacy
00:00
Steampunk cosplay fan talks about her outfit ingredients: Nerf gun, cookie cutter
01:23
Sexy Colonel Sanders and a KFC chicken drumstick. This was my favorite for sure. There isn’t any explanation needed. I even asked the couple if the idea was ironic. I know fast food always gets a bad rap and I initially suspected the couple might have actually been vegetarian. It turns out they’re just fans of the Colonels wonderful recipe.
02:33
A very nervous John Egbert struggles to answer questions. I guess we caught him off guard.
