Let’s cut right to the chase here: I’m looking for artists for an anthology I’m writing, organizing, and looking to have out via a print on demand outfit for the summer.

You’ll be alongside a number of other artists, including some previously published talents. This will be a square-bound volume. We’re targeting about 100 pages. It will be available for purchase online.

WHAT IS INVOLVED

Stories will average about eight pages each. Black and white. Genre will vary. While there will be superhero stories, I’m not looking for wall-to-wall heroes.

There is no pay involved, but the hope is that there will be potential for something in the future. In order to keep the price low, the price of the volume will be just enough to cover its cost; any extra will go towards the cost of a promotional website. There are some broader goals beyond “create something cool.” I’ll have more discussion about long-term goals and overall approach with people individually.

WHAT IS NEEDED

I have multiple slots to fill, so there are several chances to get in if you’d like to be considered.

Sorry, but not everyone will be on board. There are only so many slots, and there is only so much I can write and remain on deadline. But there are multiple roles to be filled, so don’t hesitate to throw your hat in the ring.

STORIES BEING TOLD

I’m looking for artists on a number of concepts (some already scripted, some outlined, some just in the concept stage). Some specifics I’d like to fill sooner rather than later:

* A crime story, Stray Bullets influenced. Normal people, cars, guns. Looking for either a scratchy, impressionistic approach or pen & ink style realism.

* A street-level crime fighter story. Think Frank Miller’s Daredevil. Traditional art.

* A brief taste of a government conspiracy/alien abduction/kid with powers story. Open to many different art styles.

* Likely a swashbuckling fantasy story (more Robin Hood, less Conan). Open to many different styles.

This is not all, just a sampling. I may also co-create some material with a select few folks, but we’ll take that on a case-by-case basis. Please don’t come to me with pitches. While I’d love to hear your ideas, I’ll be juggling a lot here as it is. If I am interested in a co-creation, I will reach out to you.

I’ll be working in a number of different styles, including Marvel method, full script, and everything in between.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

If you’re interested, I’d like to see your sequential art. Pinups and poses are nice, but sequential, comic book art is what it’s all about. You can post samples or links here, PM them to me, or email them to me at shoegaze99, with a hotmail.com tacked onto the end. If you choose to go private (email, PM, etc.) I will respect that until such time as you’re ready to tell people you’re involved. Several artists are already involved; we’ll announce that as things move forward.

If you can letter, please be sure to include that information (and provide samples, if you can). That’s a major plus. If you can’t draw but CAN letter and would like to be involved, also let me know. I think we’ll have need of you.

I hope to close the door on gathering artists by January 31 (just a few weeks away!) so as to give people ample time to balance their art with their full-time work.

Thanks for looking. If you have any questions, just ask. I’ll either answer them here or take them to PM.

Oh yeah, and while we'll be doing stuff other than superhero stuff, there will be some of that, too, so if those are the samples you've got, don't hesitate to show 'em.

I'd like in.

Thanks to the economic slowdown, I'm laid off next week, so I'm available. If I had any request, it would be doing something other than superheroes.

Pictures and sequential pages on my Homepage--> http://www.darthbrooks.net/

Very cool idea!

Sounds rewarding, but I'm left out because I can't draw. I may cook up a lawsuit to shut this whole thing down.

So much for the scheduled release date.

Thanks, John. I like what I see. I'll be in touch and we'll talk some more.

That looks exciting, Eric, can't wait to check out the finished product online. You and your artists will be mighty busy trying to get this all done by the summer!

Things are moving along pretty well so far. I have material in front of several artists already, and some completed scripts just waiting for the right match. I'm really thrilled with the prospect of seeing it all coming together, especially with the amazing talent that has already committed to the project.

Can't wait for Citizen IMWAN!!

Best. Post. Ever.

Same. If I could draw I'd be doing my own ideas. Some times I think it would be faster to learn to draw rather than having to deal with the time tables of other people.

Okay, I was just digging through some material I had forgotten about and came across a story intended for comics that could be quite nice. It involves a little boy getting hurt while trying to watch a fight by a Spider-man/Daredevil like character. Totally forgot about this. Could be a very touching little tale. I hope to find someone to draw this one.

We've got five artists on board and three potentials thus far. Stories are pretty eclectic. I like that.

Can we make it a class action suit?

UPDATE:

We are up to 11 stories and 10 artists, I believe. (EDIT: I'm sorry, I'm wrong. 12 stories.) We've a very exciting mix of material from all genres, including some stuff that has the potential to continue beyond this project. Prelim sketches are already coming in and they fill me with excitement. There are action-packed beat'emups and slower, more thoughtful meditations on life and new universes and humor and some grit. I'm excited to bring all this together and even MORE excited at the idea of getting to work with all these talented people.

Still have a script for a street-level hero sitting here without an artist. If people are still considering getting involved, you have time. This is a six-page script and involves dashing over rooftops and beating up thugs. Contact me if you're interested. I'd love to find the right artist for this.

Assuming everyone gets their stuff in, no one unexpectedly bails out and we hit no snags along the way, I foresee no problem in reaching 100 pages of comic goodness.

I might be willing to take a stab at breakdowns for the swashbuckling story, if'n you find someone else to ink it.

I'll take a look at doing that. That could work, it could.

Wow! Just saw this, and it's D-day. You guys are going to have a blast. Keep me in mind for any future efforts.

We'll be doing another one, Marc, so keep your eyes peeled. Yer art is plenty keen. It'd be fun to put something together with you.

In the meantime, watch as this one unfolds. I think people are going to be tickled at how awesome it turns out to be.

Can't wait to see what you all come up with.