Creating a Graphic Novel : Art – Food – Photography

Link to Project Word Smith.

Word Smith is on track for a June 2017 Kickstarter launch. This is the horizontal banner artwork by P.R. Dedelis. You can see the progression from the rough pencils to the detailed pencils. There were some other drafts but this was the final image that we went for. It’s trying to capture 3 elements of the story :

• Sparky playing with Celia
• Victoria in the midst of crafting a word
• The exciting airship chase

Word Smith – Horizontal :

Link to Project Word Smith.

Word Smith is on track for a June 2017 Kickstarter launch. Over the next couple of months, I’ll continue to release more artwork and updates on this project. This post is a quick sneak peek at the pencilled cover with artwork by P.R. Dedelis.

Word Smith – Pencilled Cover :

Link to Saturn and Orion Kickstarter

Saturn and Orion is currently on Kickstarter with just over 20 days to go. The project is from the creative minds of Jay Huwer (script) and Ben Ferrari (artwork). Saturn and her adoptive father, Orion protect their city. A kidnapping prompts the heroes in a race against time to not only save the victim but potentially the city. I had the opportunity to get an insight into this work with some time with writer Jay Huwer.

Saturn and Orion Cover by Luis Rivera :

Thanks for your time and good luck with your Kickstarter. What was the inspiration for Saturn and Orion?

Saturn and Orion was a collaboration between Ben and myself. Ben asked me if I would be interested in developing a Daredevil/Batman style character because he was interested in drawing a book that was dark in tone with rooftop ninja action. This happens to be the style I prefer to work in. I jumped all over it and began writing character biographies. Within a very short amount of time, Ben started doing some concept sketches and Saturn was born.

Pin up by Jim O’Riley :

Is this a stand alone work or do you have plans for the future?

Both!

I’m definitely interested to hear more!

Saturn and Orion is a stand alone book in a sense. It was written with a definitive ending but there are elements laid into the plot that hints toward a bigger future.

What happens if Book One is successfully funded?

If book one is a success, we will continue with Saturn and Orion Book Two. The twists and turns in the first issue should satisfy the reader, while simultaneously creating a sense of wonder. The events of the first issue will definitely impact Saturn in every one of her future appearances in various Pilot Studio books from book two to the upcoming Zion Wars. Zion Wars is a Pilot Studios crossover book where Saturn is prominently featured. This will most likely be the first time readers get to see how she handles the twists that occur in Saturn and Orion Book One.

Sample Interior 1 :

Sample Interior 2 :

And lastly, what do you think gives Saturn and Orion a unique appeal?

Saturn and Orion Book One takes a look at our society through the lens of a super hero. Saturn is a technological genius who has become over dependent on her gadgets. This dependence on technology has become a major issue in our society. As we become more focused on our advancements, we forget about our roots. That’s where Zodiac, the book’s antagonist, comes into play. He needs to honor the gods of old; the gods from our mythology. If he fails, these gods will wreak havoc on mankind. Anyone who reads myths knows what they can do. At it’s heart, this is a story that pits technology against mysticism.

Thanks once again for your time and all the best in your Kickstarter. It’s off to a good start and there’s still 3 weeks to go.

Link to Saturn and Orion Kickstarter

Link to Project Word Smith.

I’m excited to announce that Word Smith will be the next project I am aiming to launch in June 2017. Word Smith is a steampunk fantasy adventure which follows the life of Victoria (a Word Smith) and her dragon friend, Sparky! Word Smiths are trained to craft the physical manifestation of words. For example, the word “Hope” will give a person a sense a hope.

Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more storyboards, artwork and story tidbits! All this will be leading up to a Kickstarter in June 2017 to help fund this project. A special sneak peek on this post has the storyboard for the first 2 pages as well the detailed pencils for Page 3. Page 3 is the first appearance of Victoria and Sparky in the graphic novel!

Word Smith – Storyboard Page 1 :

Word Smith – Storyboard Page 2 :

Word Smith – Pencils Page 3 :

Link to Staunch Ambition Issue #2 Kickstarter

Last April, Brian launched the first issue of Staunch Ambition which was successfully funded. Almost a year later, he’s now crowdfunding the second issue to get the funds for completion.

(https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1353079473/staunch-ambition-issue-2-a-supernatural-science-fi.)

Story :
Out of the enlightenment, both science and technology are born anew. As mankind continues to advance in scientific knowledge, breakthrough upon breakthrough compound, exponentially. Through this new technology, mankind is able to transcend its physical limitations by passing through the thought dimension and entering the supernatural.

Review of Issue #1
I read Issue #1 and it’s amazing artwork (with a painted quality to it!) combined with an interesting premise. The bulk of the first issue explains the current world state before leading to a possible suicide bomber. It ends with on a cliffhanger with an important discovery. (No spoilers)

Firstly to the interior artwork of Issue #1. Wow. Seriously wow. Most of the panels resemble paintings. Amazing work by Erwin J. Arroza. I would liked to see Erwin do all the pages but there are 2 other artists doing the remainder of the works. It does feel a little disjointed moving from one style to another. I understand the writer’s purpose for the different artist was to differentiate the starting dream sequence with the rest of the story.

Storywise, it’s a interesting build up with the initial pages spent in exposition. It definitely grabs your attention and I am curious to see where the story will eventually lead. With only one issue, the hook is there and it’s hard to judge a story without knowing where it ends.

I had the opportunity as well to have a quick chat with writer Brian Lau.

Thanks for your time! After Issue #1, which direction are you planning to take Issue #2?

More action!!!

At the beginning of Issue #3 which we have already started we will get into some emotionally driven character backstory and I’m loving it!

How many issues do you have planned for the first story arc?

I don’t know how many issue this will turn out to be yet. There are just too many variables in play. I have the basic plots and story ideas all in my head but then I take those and work with my co-writer, then that goes through the artist, both contributing so much to the story that we may add of subtract ideas as we go. It’s kind of organic.

What themes are being explored in this issue?

Issue #2 is dealing with the theme of epic action and how the characters will each deal with imminent danger. We also get a glimpse into the plans of a certain pain in the ass character who was responsible for this escalating threat of death and destruction.

Link to Staunch Ambition Issue #2 Kickstarter

The first big milestone for Blue! Seeing copies of Blue in its first store. If you live near Australia’s capital be sure to drop by Impact Comics to check out Blue. It’s great to see there is a place for an Australian Cattle Dog among all the other graphic novels.

Impact Comics
16 Garema Pl
Canberra ACT 2601

Blue – Impact Comcis :

The first printing of Blue – Kickstarter have been picked up! It’s an amazing feeling to hold the physical copies in your hand. Now it’s time to start the packing and shipping process!

Blue – First Printing :

Blue – A4 Posters :

The proof copies for the Blue – Kickstarter have arrived! Planning to go over it carefully this weekend and make any necessary corrections before getting ready for the first print run.

Happy 2017! I hope this year turns out great for you. It’s been a great Christmas and New Year for me spending time with the family. Sometimes life is so hectic, it’s great to slow down once in a while.

One of Blue – Kickstarter rewards is original sketches from P.R. Dedelis. The parcel arrived between Christmas and New Year but this was the first opportunity I had to open it. They look amazing and I’m sure the lucky pledgers will love them!

A lot can happen in a year. The first year was absolutely amazing in which I launched 2 graphic novels, Tabby and Tabby Sketchbook. Tabby is currently in over 150+ public libraries across Australia and New Zealand. It is truly humbling to imagine someone borrowing and reading your work.

Dec 2015
I received some amazing news in December. Creative Partnerships Australia will match the amount raised for the production of my new 5 Seconds project up to $3750. This was the first ever government grant that was received and only 2 graphic novel submissions were accepted for the 2016 period.

Feb 2016
After months of getting it ready, the 5 Seconds Kickstarter was launched!

Mar 2016
After a very nervous last few days, 5 Seconds reached its target with over 100+ backers raising more than $4000+ to fund its production. This was a fantastic moment as 5 Seconds was a story I had mulling before Tabby and it was only in 2015 that I finally finished the script for it!

May 2016
I participated in Kinokuniya’s (Awesome book store in Sydney!) for Free Comic Book Day among some absolutely amazing creators. There was a huge turn out and I was glad to see the interest in Tabby.

Jun 2016
The artwork of Tabby was exhibited for the first time at Concord Library (part of Canada Bay Libraries). This original artwork was on display and it received some great feedback. Tabby was reserved out at Concord Library for several months after. Thanks to Lim and Tara from Concord Library for making this happen!

Jul 2016
I had the fantastic opportunity to do a presentation at Stanton Library (Thanks Eliza!) in front of over 40+ children. I was so happy how well the kids were engaged with Tabby. Since there’s very little dialogue in Tabby, they participated in telling me what was happening in the story. It was an amazing experience!

The first printing of 5 Seconds was done. I was busy packing copies of 5 Seconds as the Kickstarter rewards. 5 Seconds was added to its first library, Ashfield! (Thanks again Karen for all your support. Special mention to David from Manly library for being the second library to add 5 Seconds to its collection.) Impact Comics in ACT also became the first comic book store in Australia to stock a few copies!

Sep 2016
The Blue Kickstarter was launched and was selected by Kickstarter as a Project We Love.

Oct 2016
The Blue Kickstarter completed with over 100+ backers and raising over $3000. It’s so fantastic to see many previous pledgers return to support Blue! Now comes the fun part, getting the graphic novel ready for digital (PDF) and for print.

The Star (Malaysia’s national newspaper) also completed an interview with me. This was the first time I was written up by a newspaper outside of Australia.

Link :
http://www.star2.com/culture/books/book-news/2016/10/06/malaysia-born-graphic-novelist-goes-from-lat-to-cats/

Dec 2016
There’s not much left in 2016. Right now it’s been pushing for Blue to ready! There’s always a lot of last minute tweaks and corrections to make sure there’s no silly mistakes when the book is set to print.

What’s planned for 2017?
2017 is still very fluid at this time but I’m still planning to release at least one new graphic novel in 2017. I currently have a story with Comics2Movies that is currently in production. (The artwork is amazing!) I can’t wait to see it published!

Thanks to everyone for your support in 2016. When I look back to 2015 and 2016, I couldn’t have done it without all your help! Hope you have a very happy holiday period and a fantastic 2017.