For those of you who have been eagerly awaiting news on Vinny #1, here is the official word, finally. Of course, about a month ago I posted about the Proof Copy of Vinny that we had received. One of the writers/editors, Josh, had a chance to test it out amongst some professionals in the comic book world. They had lots of helpful feedback of course, which we’re really thankful for.

We’ve got some changes to make to the issues before it can be printed. They’re all changes that are worth it, especially in the art department. Josh had originally wanted a more cartoony look for the book, but we decided to add some depth to the art by adding greyscale “color” to it. And what easier and more fun way for me than to use watercolors?

Thus far it has improved the quality of the art nearly threefold. It doesn’t take long to do, but definitely adds a level of life and depth to it that it lacked so sorely before. I’m very excited to see what it looks like when it’s finished. Of course there are writing and editing changes that Josh and Matt are implementing as well, but as a whole the final quality of the book will be much higher because of it. This does mean that the official release date will be pushed back some, but I feel it’s worth it to wait and release a better product than to rush.

As of right now I am still in the process of painting the pages, and they are being relettered. Josh and Matt are brainstoming about the writing, and there is a possibility of an Issue #0 being released in the near future as well, to really introduce readers to the characters and story before the main series begins.

I thank everyone supporting the project for their patience– it will be well worth the wait, I promise! Please stay tuned for more updates in the near future.

The Vinny #1 proof copy finally came back from the printers! It was quite possibly the most glorious moment in all of my artist life– holding a finished and printed comic book filled with MY art! My breath was taken away.

And of course as a bonus this means that as soon as it’s OK’ed, sent back, and we receive the printed sale copies (plus as soon as I get far enough along in #2) they will be ready to BUY!!!!!!

In the meantime, life has been busy as always. Dragon*Con was fabulous as always, and I got to meet some cool people. Maybe next year I can have some pieces in the art show. Hmmm, that’d be fun, huh?

I’m about to head down to San Diego to hit up ComicCon! I don’t have a booth or anything this year, but I have brought all the pages of Vinny #1 with me to show off. Come up and say hi if you see me! I love making new connections.

Nothing like new art to start a week off on the right foot! I finally got the scan of the Vinny cover back from my editor, so I thought I’d post it! Click the thumbnail to see the larger version!

Vinny #1 – Watercolor and ink on bristol.

The original actually has the logo painted onto it, which is totally old-school in method. However, what you don’t see here is a photoshopped version with a different logo on it. The writers/editors/bigwigs are still deciding on the logo, so who knows what it’ll end up looking like in the end? Only the person that owns the original painting will know for sure.

I was really pleased with how eloquently Vinny himself translates to watercolor. If only I had enough time to the entire book in watercolors… heh. I can’t wait to do the next ones. Watercolors are seriously one of my most favorite mediums.

More fun news: The pencilling for Vinny #2 is officially underway!

Here’s some in-progress shots of me working on the cover to Vinny #1. Thus far it’s done in all watercolor on bristol with small amounts of graphite.

And yes, I’m left-handed.