The making of a comic book: Signed

Many people who read comic books have an understanding of what goes on in the creation of the shiny colorful pages laden with captions and action. But, the process takes longer than most think and is very costly even if you are an artist/writer. Still, the creation takes time and every artist/writer's time is worth compensation. Plus, printing and shipping costs aren't cheap. We all must burden that expense. (Actually, that's not true. You can just go digital if you want but it's hard to sell digital copies at conventions.)

What's involved in the making of a comic book?

Today we wanted to take a brief moment to show you a few stages in the development of a product for your edification. It can be fun but it is work. It doesn't always flow on a smooth path but the friction can make for interesting artistic and storytelling choices that weren't previous conceived; thus, making for a better final piece at the end. Going to throw down some artwork now for comparison. First a pencil that will be followed by some inks and the subsequent colored pages. Although as a comic book reader you know that is hardly the end of the process, however we give everything away.

That is a pencil of the cover to issue 2 of Signed C: the missing.

That is an inked page. Now for the side by side or in this case stacked comparisons.

And

So now you see the contrasts. I must say it is indeed a wonderful thing to see a script become pencils that accept the ink. Then to pass into the vibrant thoughts that paint the life of color on the pages is a joy to behold. Takes time and money though... and a lot more love.

Here's a bonus image from the upcoming issue of Horsemen. It's an ink.

Hope you enjoyed the quick show and tell. Ars longa, vitae brevis.

-The Wayward Raven Crew

It's Friday! Let's celebrate!

And what's the best way to celebrate Friday? Why, you should give us your paycheck! Okay, okay, not the whole thing, maybe just a small piece. Really, for just the price of a cup of coffee*, you can sponsor three poor, starving artists (hey, it's lunchtime, of course we're starving!) as they live out their dreams of bringing you great comics and other content. How do you do that, you ask? That's easy! Just check out our Shop page where you will find great titles like the ones you see below and some cool gear too. For those of you who prefer to read on your iPads and mobile devices, you can get our content on comiXology too!

So go ahead and click those links, you know you want to. Don't make us pull out the big guns and show you our puppy dog eyes...Well okay, but you asked for it!

See, we told you we would do it! Now please, give generously. After all, think of the artists! Thanks for your support!

-The Wayward Raven Crew

*Price of coffee may vary based on supply and demand and location. Here in the NYC metro area that's like a bazillion dollars, so what we're asking for a book really ain't that bad. Seriously.

Sneak Peek at Horsemen 2

Horsemen 2 is moving along at a terrific pace and we just can't wait to show off some of the work! Artist James Beihl has been ever diligent, putting together some outstanding pencils and inks for the new book.  Our apologies for being a bit of a tease, but we really can't contain ourselves. If you haven't read issue one yet, you can pick it (and our other books) up in our shop. Be the cool kid on the block with a Horsemen t-shirt too!

And so without further ado, here are a couple pages that will hopefully hold you over until the next issue is ready. Enjoy!

-The Wayward Raven Crew

Did You Know We Have Webcomics?

Yes indeed we have Webcomics! For the past year (has it been that long?) we've been publishing a weekly webcomic, Damn Heroes. Damn Heroes is about Sebastian, a pour shlub who one day tries to cut through Hero City going five miles over the speed limit and is arrested by Captain Righteous, the city's top superhero. His sentence is to serve five years of community service in a city populated mainly by superheroes.

Come experience his trials and tribulations, like changing elderly superhero bedpans, dealing with a gamma irradiated chicken or just trying to find a date. Under the ever-vigilant gaze of Captain Righteous and the machinations of his supervillian landlord, the vile Doctor Entropy, life ain't easy for a normal guy in Hero City.

Where other webcomics only focus on gaming or unicorns, we go to the source and make fun of comics and webcomics! That is, unless you guys want more webcomics about games. 'Cause we've got some of that too!

Interested you are. Read it you should!

Sneak peek at Issue 2 of Signed

We are ever so pleased at the reception that Signed C: the missing has received and are even more happy to announce that the follow up issues are being completed at a good pace. Wayne Brown and company have knocked out issue two and are on to issue three, which looks splendid. So, here are some colored pages from issue two for your enjoyment. If you haven't done so, please pick up a copy of issue one through the store on this website and if you happen to be in Milford, CT then you can go to Alternate Universe and purchase a copy signed by the authors. The series should be going up on Comixology very soon as well at a good price.

And so it goes... myth, magic and mayhem.

Be grand,

The Wayward Raven crew