PREMIERE ISSUE WINTER 2018 $9.99 #1 Magazinemagazine SPOTLIGHT CARLOS RAPHAEL and the POWER COMPANY ARE READY to SWITCH YOU ON!

EXPLORING THE INFINITE UNIVERSE OF INDEPENDENT COMICS! PREMIERE ISSUE WINTER 2018 $9.99 #1 MagazineMagazine SPOTLIGHT CARLOS RAPHAEL AND THE POWER COMPANY ARE READY TO SWITCH YOU ON!

A DEVIANT MIND A TALK WITH SERIES CREATOR PAM HARRISON ON HOW SHE MAINTAINS THE INSPIRATION FOR HER LONG RUNNING SERIES. NEXUS AND DARIUS WILL THE BELOVED VETERAN AGENTS RETURN TO ALEX FERNANDEZ’S REIMAGINED WORLD OF BODYJUMPERS?!?

RUMBLE TIME! TWO OF ICC’S FLAGSHIP LADIES BATTLE IT OUT! JANUARY 2018 independentcreatorsconnection.com AD CONTENTS 1 CONTENTS ISSUE #1 January, 2018 independentcreatorsconnection.com ICC MAGAZINE COVER FEATURE EDITORIALEDITORIAL TEAM TEAM

Pam Harrison, Editor in Chief Winston Jordan, Assistant Editor

Contributors: Jerrie Lee, Terance Baker, Winston Jordan, Pam Harrison, Charles Apellaniz, Bill McCormick, Jenni Gregory, BlackTalent.tv DESIGNDESIGN layout LAYOUT

Pam Harrison, Graphic Design, Advertising Graphics Supervisor » p.15

7 INDY COMICS: A CREATOR’S QUEST 15 Artist Spotlight: The Power Company The comic book industry is going through some A dull ache of complacency had replaced the giddy optimism turbulent times and some are saying we may be which once held firm. The lords and ladies who once led the seeing the comic book crash of the 90’s all over Realms now were gone to other worlds or had sold their souls for again due to Marvel’s problems and DC reboots. the price of a box of popcorn. Yes, comics were dying. But I say no. I see these are the times for the Indies. 9 Cracking the Diamond

“Unfortunately our location can only order though the Previews Catalog. If your comic was available there we would gladly carry it. Thank you for your time, maybe in the future we can work together.” Have you ever heard that from a comic shop? Does it make you mad? Our Chief Editor walks you through how to Crack the Diamond and get your work available to comic shops everywhere through Diamond Comics Distributors. 12 Jerrie’s corner: comic reviews and rants

Join our resident comic reviewer Jerrie Lee as he » p. 9 » p.26 rants about his favorite Indie Comics! ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 2 CONTENTS

» p.20 » p.24

FILM MAKING CONTENTS 24 Hottest Indie Comics of 2018

Keeping a sharp eye on all the rising stars in Indie Comics is not easy. We’ve consulted numerous lists to find the hottest new comics for you to keep an eye on. Who can predict the next breakout hit? We’ll look at all the latest contenders here. And, Indie Comic Hopeful, if you keep practicing your art, hang on to your spirit and your drive, and be the best you can be, if you are not careful you will find yourself on this list. » p.19 26 Indie Comics To Watch out For 20 Comic Cons, Cosplay News Netflix has given a 10-episode straight-to-series order to hourlong sci-fi, family drama, Raising Follow ICC Founder Terance Baker and his incredible wife Detria Dion, based on commercial and music video as they make the circuit of the hottest Comic Conventions all along director Dennis Liu’s short film about an African- the Orlando, Florida scene in 2017. American single mother who discovers her young son has multiple, constantly changing abilities. 28 PITCHING YOUR COMIC

Winston Jordan gives us some insight about a topic near and dear to our hearts: Once we get that comic finished, how do we pitch it? Here are some tips to make your pitch grab a reader’s attention. 31 Artist Spotlight: Matt Bowers

From Cheap Trick and Judas Priest to mainstream » p.28 comics, pop art, manga and anime, and a lot more in-between that we haven’t even begun to mention, ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 the eclectic portfolio of Matt Bowers is one you have to check out. 36 ICC Mashup

The two female warriors stand across from one another, glaring. “You’ve taken enough innocent lives, Assassin!” Pink Hammer yells. “Consider yours the next.” The assassin known only as “The Wind” calmly draws her signature butterfly knives. 39 Artist Spotlight: Pam Harrison

“How Do You FIND Yourself--When You Don’t Know WHO You Really Are?” Comedy, parody, religion, politics and social commentary...and ChessMasters! Join us as Jerrie Lee has a talk with Pam Harrison, creator of A Deviant Mind and Chief Editor of ICC Magazine, on how she maintains the inspiration for her long-running sci-fi series. 45 Artist Spotlight: Alex Fernandez

A tentative search on IMDB.com for Alex Fernandez yields a modest bio. But scratch the surface, and you find a driving force in modern Indie filmmaking. In this interview with Black Talent TV, we get a glimpse at the inspiration for the creator of Body Jumpers and Dawn. 50 Advertise with ICC

Advertise with ICC Magazine! You have two options: Print advertisement in our comics, or promote your comic or business on Project Wonderful! All ad pages and inserts must be reserved in advance. Please see Monthly Advertising Deadlines for Ad Reservation and Materials Due Dates. Ads are subject to pre-approval.

» p.50 Get “Who Is Darius Key?” on:

http://amzn.to/2mgavAy 4 PREVIEWS

It’s more than just a Facebook page or a website--what exactly is ICC you ask? It is a wonderful arena where creators on all levels can network together, collaborate, create, mentor, educate and learn from each other. Why was it created? Well, I was a member of quite a few groups before. I tried my best to fit in over and over again.”

» p.12 » p.41

» p.36 » p.04 » p.20

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 PREVIEWS 5

...But for the most part I just wasn’t feeling a lot of the groups. I often discovered that there was a lot of rude- ness and unnecessary drama at times and as a creator I did not enjoy being amidst that kind of environment at all. I decided to create my own group, so I created ICC on May 23, 2013. I figured I’d add a few of my good friends so that we could network.”

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 6 PREVIEWS

We could talk shop, create, connect. I figured, what have I got to lose? It grew to 15 members within a week, then 75 members, within three months we had 150 members. I figured okay that’s probably all the people we’re going to get in the group, so I was satisfied with that. As of December 14th, 2017 ICC has accu- mulated 8,239 members.”

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTICLES 7 INDY COMICS: A CREATOR’S QUEST CHARLES APELLANIZ

The comic book industry is going their books, yet this industry cries through some turbulent times and out for new content, new diverse some are saying we may be seeing characters and they provide that the comic book crash of the 90’s all but get little to no support. over again due to Marvel’s problems and DC reboots. Back in the 90’s I had a TV show where I spotlighted Indy comics But I say no. I see these are the more than Marvel or DC. I felt they times for the Indies. got enough exposure, but the little guy had heart and passion and I When I say Indies I don’t mean loved to see new artists who would Image, Dark Horse, IDW and the never be seen because they didn’t other more monetarily stable pub- work for the “Big 2” or have a lishers, but the smaller labels as “House style”. in Ink Pot Comics, Baker Comics, Estrada Media and all other print It was also around this time Image on demand publishers. These became a beast and was a force to smaller publishers put their hearts reckon with. Fans were so happy and souls into these comics. Not and a new exciting age of comics to say that other publishers don’t, was on the horizon. There were but some have money for ads and also other companies coming out to be featured in previews. Smaller also and were making waves: Dark publishers may not have the Horse, Malibu, Event, Chaos and finances or the backing to publish (Continued on Page 8) ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 8 ARTICLES of course Valiant, but something Now I know I’ve missed a lot of Independent comics were out and started happening. Books became things, but in a nutshell, Image and believe me people were buying. a commodity for investors and Dark Horse had good books and the speculator market took off. stood above all others in the late Now, the comic book industry is People who never bought comics 90’s and took big chances, some struggling, but not much. The light were now gobbling first issues and good, some bad. Dark Horse had at the tunnel is that Image Comics special hot new Number 1 issues. the license for Star Wars, Image are putting out some great books. produced prolific books written IDW and Dark Horse are putting Fans were being left out now and by Alan Moore and Michael J. out great comics too, but what stores were seeing big payouts Strazynski. DC launched their about the other Indy comics? Are for guys willing to shell out big Vertigo line and things were looking Image, Dark Horse or IDW Indy? bucks for a comic that was hope- up. Broadway Comics launched, What are Indy comics? Who are fully going to be able to be worth but before that Jim Shooter tried Indy creators? These are ques- a lot of money for the future. And a comeback with Defiant Comics. tions to ask and some have a then things changed: the air was There was some hope for these hard time differentiating this. I do different. Now those big number new, fresh creations, but was it not have the answers but I will one issues or the special tin foil enough to get the fans back and be asking creators, comic shop hologram comic were saturated excited for comics again? owners/workers, and others in and now too many number one the industry the What, Who, How, issues were available. That rare Let’s go back a bit, let’s say 1984 When and Whys of this question. Collectible issue was no more. where two young fans of Daredevil If there is hope in an industry sat- Books were late after deadline took their tax return and created a urated with so much product, will and gimmicks were getting stale; little comic called Teenage Mutant the rise of the Indies of the smaller deaths and rebirths of heroes, Ninja Turtles. Yes! Eastman and press be heard? clones and crippled heroes just Laird had a studio called Mirage couldn’t save comics and then it Studios, and they did all the work. Tune in next time when I will have all imploded. Marvel bankruptcy, At the same time there were other some answers to these questions DC struggling, Malibu and Valiant smaller Indy comics like London and have fun finding out. folded, with Image and Dark Horse Night Studios and Silver Wolf barely holding on. Was there a light but those came out about 1986- Peace, Love and Creativity. at the end of the tunnel? 87. Then there was Dave Sim’s Charles Apellaniz critically acclaimed Cerebus.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTICLES 9 CRACKING DIAMOND: AN INDIE GUIDE TO MARKETING YOUR COMICS PAM HARRISON Source: Diamond Comics On any given month, the Distributors top 5 publishers (Marvel, DC, https://www.previewsworld.com/ Image, IDW and Dark Horse) https://www.diamondcomics.com/ make up approximately 80% of the comic books sold in the Comic book publishing is direct market. DCD services a challenging industry that between 3000-3400 retailers on requires a significant amount a given month and new publish- of time and finances to do suc- ers can expect their initial sales cessfully. Publishers should of their comic book to average The most important part of the consider the resources needed between 1000 and 2000 copies hustle and grind of being an indie to create a comic (writer, illus- while graphic novels will typi- creator is getting those books into trator, inker, colorist, letterer cally sell an average between the most important hands of all: The and editor) as well as the many 100-300 copies. readers. Gather your promo post- resources needed to market the cards and find comic shops near comic book to potential custom- BEFORE YOU SUBMIT you to show them what you’ve got at ers (online ads, Previews ads, https://www.comicshoplocator.com/ reviews and features on popular Before you submit your comic book websites, promo- project to DCD, we strongly rec- tions to retailers, etc.) ommend that you do an exten- sive amount of research about Even with a large amount of the industry and determine time and expense paid to creat- where your company will thrive ing and marketing a comic book, best in the current market. most publishers will receive low orders and spend at least the Understanding how your first year building their relation- product compares to other ship with customers and retail- publishers will help you better ers in order to build sales to a understand how and where to more substantial number. market your company for the best possible attention. Please For this reason, any creators review a copy of PREVIEWS with plans for just one book will (DCD’s monthly catalog) in typically be encouraged to find order to see what established another established publisher publishers are selling and how to co-publish the book for the they are selling it. This will direct market. also give you an idea of how

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 10 ARTICLES

your product would appear in separate item should have its mail, email, or phone. In some the catalog and how to better own unique sheet included in cases, a brand manager may improve your chances of being the package. (use “PRODUCT contact you in order to clarify a seen by potential customers. INFO SHEET”on page 5) particular detail of your product We also highly recommend that before a final decision can be you research the most popular 3. COVER LETTER – A made. Please do not send websites devoted to comic book letter that introduces yourself, any original artwork. Diamond fans since this is where many of your company, and any other Comics does not send any sub- your potential customers will be details about your submission missions back to the publisher seeing and reading about their that you feel our staff should unless otherwise requested future purchases. Our last rec- understand when reviewing with a self-addressed, stamped ommendation is that you build your package. envelope included in the sub- your company’s “brand” in the mission package. comic book community via con- 4. MARKETING PLAN – A ventions, websites, and social document that gives a clear and MARKETING YOUR PRODUCT media for a minimum of one year thorough agenda on how you before submitting to Diamond plan to market this book to cus- Inclusion in the Previews Comics. Building a publisher’s tomers and retailers in order to catalog is a great way to presence in the market takes make it successful in the comic increase your product’s reach time, but it is absolutely essen- book market (use “MARKETING in the comic book direct tial in selling your product. If a OUTLINE” on page 4). publisher waits until Diamond market. Our optional mar- has accepted their submission Please mail your physi- keting services will assist pub- to begin promoting their brand, cal submission package to our lishers in strengthening this it’s already far too late. head office: reach but Previews is 3 THE SUBMISSION Diamond Comic only the first step toward PACKAGE Distributors selling your product to comic ATTN: Jay Spence shop retailers. A publisher’s In order to be considered as 10150 York Rd Suite 300 marketing strategy is a potential vendor, we require a Hunt Valley MD. 21030 formal submission package BY often one of the largest MAIL that includes the following: factors in cultivating strong sales and this cannot be done 1. PRODUCT SAMPLE – THE REVIEW PROCESS with Previews alone. A sample of each product you wish to be considered. This Upon receipt of your sub- You’ll want to reach as many sample can be a fully printed mission, it is reviewed by comic readers as possible and book if it is available. If the several members of our pur- that often means connecting product is not yet formally chasing staff. Our staff con- with online sites and social printed, you may print the cover siders many variables when media destinations that focus and interior pages from a com- making their decision to dis- on comics. In some cases, your puter and bind them together by tribute a product, including but project may also appeal to less staples, clips, etc. Our goal is to not limited to; price, format, traditional comic markets that read the product from page to quality, and overall potential should be considered (ex. a page and get a sense of how in the current comics market. comic about street racing may the story and art may look as a The review process can take appeal to car/racing enthusi- finished piece. up to 6 weeks to complete but asts). Research as much about typically less. We ask for your the current comics market as 2. PRODUCT INFO SHEET patience in times where sub- you can, taking into account the – A product info sheet filled out mission volume may be higher types of comics that are already according to the product(s) you than usual. Once our staff has being sold and by whom. Pay are submitting (found on page made their decision, you will close attention to the visual 4). You may send more than receive a response from one familiarity of company brands one product at a time but each of our staff members either by and the visual branding of their Continued on Page 52 ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTICLES 11

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blacktalenttv @BlackTalentTV blacktalenttv HTTP://blacktalent.tv ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 12 COMIC REVIEWS

COMIC REVIEWS & RANTS JERRIE LEE Jerrie Lee is an avid comic fan who writes and illustrates his own comics, as well as collaborations. Some of his books include: Anthology of Anfer, Jay’s Internet Fight Club, Neva Knownes, Pate Empire, Porsha’s Anfer Stories, Scenes From Anfer, Sleeker, Tales of the Heartless, VOE2D, VOE, Tales of Lugnor, Lee’s Intergalactic Fighting League. Check out more of Jerrie’s work at http://jalsactionbabecomics.com/.

MUHAHAHAAAAAAA! The Hey!!!! Jay JAY is UNLEASHED AGAIN!!!! is back!!! This time I rant (or review… whatever you wanna call it…I TOLD prefer to say RANT!) about YA I’d be a fun new release by Molly ranting! I figured that Whipple….Lucky Lucy (issue one). Molly Whipple describes before Terance Baker Luck Lucy as follows… and Pam Harrison ”After a pampered early life, realized they made a Lucy’s father died. Orphan Lucy ran off to join the circus mistake having me be where she learned a lot about an editor here, I better the school of hard knocks as post some rants be- well a lot of special skills, both good and bad. “Lucky” Lucy fore they toss me out Tilton isn’t just an acrobat and (heh heh heh….if they escape artiste extraordinaire, toss me…my rants she’s secretly the thief better will live FOREVER in known as “Mouse.” cyberspace….MUHA- Nice thing…she’s an escape HAHAAAAAAAAA)” artist…BAD thing…Baby girl is ALSO a thief! A thief who

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 COMIC REVIEWS 13 doesn’t know when to quit, it ultimate pay back mission...Baby seems. Ms. Whipple is a writer of girl made a list…and she’s getting many fun comics series; all of her them back! If your name is on her books are cool…what happens list…well…um…sucks to be YOU in ONE…leads to the next title… such as the case with her latest Molly delivers with this new offer- release….Lucky Lucy! ing what she ALWAYS delivers in her various series… The action for Lucy continues from Dark Domme issue two, Great, fun, storytelling…Loaded where good ol’ Lucy here was with both action and humor. Oh! caught pick pocketing guests at And some nice NSFW content the Dark Domme’s party. (Dark (BOOBS dude! You were warned!) Domme is Molly’s number one Her awesome artist for Lucky bad girl…now…this chick is world Not to mention some AWESOME Lucy1…Piotr Czaplarski, has a reknowned for being someone art work from Piotr Czaplarski. Deviant art page as well…if you NOT to mess with…so why the Fantastic art all the way through have an account there, you can hell would you go to her party… this fun action fest. see more of his work:http://peter- of ALL people…and start picking the-tomato.deviantart.com/ pockets? Only Lucy would think I have been a fan of Molly Whipple’s she could do that crap, and get work for a long time, and I have all away with it…) Her little butt was of her various books. This latest DRAGON TRIO…. caught, and made into a friggin’ offering is one of her BEST in my slave! At the end of that book… humble opinion. If you like fun, LETS RANT!!!!!! Looked liked Lucy’s goose was action stories, you need to check friggin’ COOKED!!!! this one out. Lucky Lucy is a fun The Jay is BACK! YES!!!! with character, and its great watching a rant about another series that HOLD ON DUDE! Enter…Lucky her get into trouble, and wonder- you (Yes…YOU!) should be Lucy #1! That picks up where ing if she can get out of the mess reading…….by Winston Jordon Domme #2 left off…Good ol’ she made for herself. (Ink Pot Comics). Possum (another of Molly’s nefar- ious characters…Molly refers to If you want the WHOLE story…also An evil organization called the him as the Ultimate Bastard… get Dark Domme #1 & #2….you Black Dragon is reigning terror after following him in Molly’s don’t NEED them to enjoy Lucky and trying to control everything…In various books…I agree with that… Lucy #1…but you see what Little their way? Three vigilantes called the Bastid!) Dumps Lucky Lucy Mouse did to get into the mess that The Dragon Trio. into a swamp (LUCKY? being led to Lucky Lucy 1….Either way… dumped in a swamp…is lucky? Lucky Lucy 1 is a book you need to This is another of those series that Ummm…well…depends on your read!!!! Get it…GET IT!!!!! grabbed me right from the begin- point of view I guess…) How did ning, when its creator, Winston she get into that predicament, Molly Whipple’s Books are avail- Jordon (um…you DO know who you ask? HEY! I can’t tell you able at DriveThru comics Winston Jordon IS…don’t you? EVERYTHING!!!! You have to get He’s been a main stay at the ICC Dark Domme #1, and #2 to see http://www.drivethrucomics.com/ Facebook page for years…posting for your selves! Trust me…it’s fun product/213126/Lucky-Lucy-1 his fantastic art!!! he’s also one of reading. this website’s editors!). Why did If you have a Deviant Art account… this series grab me? Intelligent WELL!!!! I’ll be a biscuit on a check out her page at deviant writing. well defined characters. plate with gravy…she IS Lucky art! Keep up to date of her next Martial arts intrigue and action!!! after all...baby girl survives that project (she’s got a LOT of fun near death experience…and she’s stuff coming! STAY Informed!) Her This series has it all. I am an more mad than a hive of bees with page is loaded with her characters, Old Schooler…I always followed a bear’s paw sticking in it! Lucy humor, all kinds of fun stuff! Martial arts movies that not only decides…”Ok…OK! I WANT PAY had action…but were well written. BACK!!!!!!!! ” And Lucy goes on the http://chickfighter.deviantart.com/ Like Bruce Lee’s Enter the

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 14 COMIC REVIEWS

Dragon… Dragon Trio is right up character on the ICC Facebook there as far as I am concerned. site… tons of folks have posted you got characters you care about, fan art about her on the FB page… and want to follow…can the Trio what does that tell you? That this brothers put an end to The Black series is a must read….that the Dragon crime empire? heh…let characters and writing PULL you me tell you…I been here since right in!!!! I sit on the edge of my issue one, folks…It isn’t going to seat…waiting for the next Dragon be easy. get the books…you’ll see Trio series news…so I can go what I mean…one MAIN reason it grab the newest issue soon as it’s wont be easy? The Black Dragon available!!!! captain…Midora. Midora has branched out…into two Midora is a mysterious assas- action packed spin off books….The Well defined characters…. sin of Chinese descent…who the Wind and the Wolf…where she Fantastic action….Great art all the other Japanese crime captains meets and battles another badass way through (courtesy of Winston don’t like…heh…well…I wont tell ICC woman…NightWolf. (YES…I Jordon). If I tell you TOO much… you HOW…but they respect her have that one too. that book is a you wont buy it! I got my copies… pretty damned quick…Midora is a LESSON in drawing fight scenes, YOU GO GET YOURS!!!!!!!! bad ass lady…ok? I fell in love ok? not to mention yet another with her right from the beginning… compelling story) I am a big fan. I even have dolls Winston’s action pack art has her of the Three Dragon Trio Brothers, kicking ass and taking names. and You probably want want me to and Midora. Seriously…if you’re she isn’t nice about it (OMG I love spill on the details of each issue… not following this…you are missing this chick…she’s who she is…and well…I think I did… out on a fantastic series. Get it. she isn’t apologizing for it!!!!) Great compelling crime drama… The Character Midora ALONE is Midora has become a very popular enough reason to follow this…and NOT just because she’s sexy…this woman…is just dope. So dope she even branched out into a spin off book. Dragon Trio is available at Ink Pot Comics https://www.facebook.com/inkpotcomix/ (Ink Pot’s FaceBook pg) http://inkpotcomix. webs.com/ (Ink Pot’s website) Go there! Get those Books…it’s one of the best series…you’re not reading…If you do read it…I bow before you…um…I call dibs on Midora….I was her fan first.

JAYS CORNER RANTS ABOUT A DEVIANT MIND MAY 29, 2017 JERRIE LEE

Hey!!!! The Jay is back!!! TOLD YA I’d be ranting! I figured that before Terance Baker and Pam Harrison Continued on Page 52

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Am no an listening depending up believing. Enough around remove to barton ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 15 agreed regret in or it. Advantage mr estimable be commanded provision

THE POWER COMPANY BILL MCCORMICK

The bludgeoning darkness swept dreams of the many. to remedy this. To return joy and color across the land leaving an ooze of He was joined by a small group at to the universe. mediocrity in its wake. The lands, first; Sir Rodney Lockett of Iron Gate Initially they began with small once verdant in bright colors touched Comics, Sir Jermaine Christmas of raids. Indy books set on the edges by galloping dreams, were now rent Kringlistic Comix, Sir Joe Davis, Sir of the comic-verse, designed to draw asunder. The hopes and visions of Chris Thomasma, Sir Tony Klapper of the curious out. To ensnare those who the youth of tomorrow lay wasting in a Nevaland/Crazy Monkey Ink Comics, still held, however minutely, a shred world filled with fifty shades of bland. Sir Roy Johnson of Standard Comics, of hope. A dull ache of complacency had and Sir John Jones of Heroestcg Small raids or no, those early replaced the giddy optimism which came together and formed the alli- raids took their toll on our valiant once held firm. The lords and ladies ance that would come to be the home knights. Sir Chris Thomasma and Sir who once led the realms now were of The Power Company. Joe Davis fell from the union. The gone to other worlds or had sold their They knew that, individually, former, bowed but unbeaten, rallied souls for the price of a box of popcorn. they could not beat back the dark- his troops to continue the fight on his Yes, comics were dying. ness or erase the stains left by the own. The latter left his trusted charac- Into this miasma of despair evil accountants and toadying syco- ters, Victory and Sebek, to continue rode a knight in glistening armor. phants who now ruled the comic with the Power Company whilst he did His name, Carlos Raphael of the kingdom. They were too entrenched, open up battle on a new front. Champion Comics kingdom, struck the masses too beaten and wary, to While Sir Davis was still repre- no fear, emblazoned no souls, and unseat easily. sented in the group by his creations yet, somehow, this brave knight, and The populace had become it was felt they needed one more his ideas for a better future, found fol- accustomed to being force fed the knight to join them to fill out the order. lowers. He envisioned a world where most mollifying shades of Pantone™ After searching far and wide they ran comics could matter again. A world there were. From gray to beige, and across a heroic soul who was also where the people who read them a few points in between, the people fighting off the hum drum of confor- could find their avatars ensconced knew not anything else and accepted mity. Using a combination of Vudu within the pages. A world where the it as though it were normal. and guile she was gaining ground dreams of the few could become the It was up to The Power Company others could not. ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 16 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

A dull ache of complacency replaced the giddy optimism which once held firm. The lords and ladies who once led the Realms now were gone to other worlds or had sold their souls for the price of a box of popcorn. Yes, comics were dying.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 17 CARLOS RAPHAEL AND THE POWER COMPANY BILL MCCORMICK

It was soon agreed by all that Midnite’s Avenger. Darum, Etoiles Lady Dorphise Jean of Gente Finder, Cherry Bullet, and the leg- Entertainment, LLC should join them endary Death Squad Zero are joined in their battle. together in their quest to make the The final, and formal, iteration Power Company a force of, hereto- of the creators needed for Power fore, unimaginable influence. Company complete, they set forth to Sir Roy Johnson of Standard bring comics back to their forgotten Comics found a way to resurrect the glory. careers of, long forgotten, heroes I’ll admit this all seems a tad over- like TNT Todd or the Grim Reaper wrought. But, as you read on, I hope and mix their talents in with his origi- you’ll agree their end game is epic. nal characters like UltraMan, Optima, And worth supporting. Star-Storm, Chthonak, Emulex, and Let’s meet the full team. Dreadhelm. His characters help While Sir Joe Davis may no bridge the gap between the halcyon longer be an active member his char- days of yore and the shining beacon acters Victory and Sebek are widely respected and will be integral parts of the Power Company universe in the times to come. Sir Rodney Lockett of Iron Gate Comics has released five titles under the Iron Gate Universe banner and has two new additions, The All-Winners Society and Guardians of Creation, of the future. ramping up to join the fray. Sir John Jones is the owner and Sir Jermaine Christmas of creator of heroestcg.com, an idea that Kringlistic Comix brings with him a started early this century for a trading bevy of beauties, Mistletoe, Pigeon, card game composed of hundreds of Tempest, Lucky Charm, and Ms. heroes and villains. John started out America, to join the battle alongside as a 2D artist but then he found he had other heroes who have been waiting an affinity for 3D. And utilizing tools for the chance to shine. such as Poser, DAZ3D, Sculptris, Sir Tony Klapper of Nevaland/ Autodesk 123D Design, ArtRage, PD Crazy Monkey Ink Comics is rally- Particle and Photoshop he was able to ing his crew around his new hero, transform the 3D into composite art to

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 18 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

the new storyline, hiring commissions, setting creative teams, and preparing for the moment of the launch. They raised $4,500, which was more than their initial goal of $4,000 and were ecstatic to have something turn out this successful after all the prepara- tion and planning. They currently have over two thousand followers on social media. They’ll be making merchandise and comics available in December of 2017, as soon as they deliver the rewards to their Kickstarter backers. They want them to enjoy the Power Company first, before anyone else gets the opportunity. After all, it is only fair that those who took the early risks reap the first rewards. The Power Company art is being handled by Luis Rivera (pencils and inks), Escomic! (colors), Warren Montgomery (lettering), along with a plot and script by Coalition Comics. The cover art is being provided by, comic art legends, Jason Metcalf, Joe Correa, Joel Cotejar, and Luis Rivera, so you know it’s all beyond reproach. The story is an amazing collaboration between all involved, and they are currently gearing up for Kickstarter #2, bring it all together. Though he took, a together, and set about on their quest which will close the first arc. much chagrined, ten year hiatus from to rid the world of the mundane. Carlos Then they’ll begin the four issue doing art, he is back doing what he has authored the popular series arc that will see a shift in the team, the loves and embracing his passion to American Revere, Night Demon, guest appearances of several inde- create superhero themed art. Trap Door, Viking, and many more. pendent comics creators and their Lady Doprhise Jean of Gente Champion is an esteemed company characters, a close of the first sto- Entertainment, LLC brings a new type which has followers the world over. He rylines, and the workup to the trade of hero to the crew. Destiny, a young was the perfect person to lead these paperback and hardcover edition of Haitian girl, is attempting to deal with brave souls on their journey. issues 1-6. puberty while coming to grips with They originally gathered as a To make this all work it was agreed magical powers. Dorphise brings a group on Messenger to hash out the the characters would be considered deep knowledge of Haitian culture, details of what would be their pub- “on-loan” from the respective part- history, and language, to the group lishing agreement. They agreed early ners in Coalition Comics. Each creator to help further their goal of bring- on they’d work towards the goal of reserved the right to pull their charac- ing unique kingdoms together for a launching a Kickstarter campaign. ter from the book and the company common goal. Along with that came the pact that wherever they pleased. There are no Lastly they have Sir Carlos agreement that they’d share in the out clauses, intent to leave clauses, Raphael, of Champion Comics. He financial cost of prepping, promoting, or binding penalties. A partner is free brought this group together under and producing art for Kickstarter. to leave whenever they want, but a the auspices of the ICC (Independent The gathering of the above finally return would need approval of five of Creators Connection). There, away came together under the banner of the six remaining partners, and if that from prying eyes, they honed their Coalition Comics. They then spent partner is replaced by a majority vote crafts, worked on ways to work the next eight to ten months honing with another, there is no potential to

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 19

....They want that sense of wonder and dread, without the overbearing darkness and bloodshed. There will be dark moments, but they will be met with weight and wonder, and not gratuitous. This is their group mission: MAKING COMICS FUN AGAIN.

Spirit’s Destiny, and Killer Wail to fight those 80’s X-Men, Justice League, the good fight, and rid his world of this and Avengers books. They want that threat. sense of wonder and dread, without In issue#1, Damage Inc. invaded the overbearing darkness and blood- Earth JJ2 intent on taking over, not shed. There will be dark moments, only, the entire planet, but also profes- but they will be met with weight and sor Bizarre’s lair which houses those wonder, and not gratuitous. This is rare artifacts. Employing a divide and their group mission: MAKING COMICS conquer tactic, Damage Inc. attacked FUN AGAIN Washington D.C., and more directly Join them in making this project the White House, which was being pro- come to life, and spread the news, tected by the Guardians of the White share the fun, and let’s raise the bar House, Steel Wolf (Eric Bennett), for what independent comics can be Thunder Woman (Daniel Hoins), and and fulfill their potential! Midnight Owl (Cuong Nguyen). “It’s in our nature to want to watch return unless another partner were Necromage unleashed a horde of our human frailties played out on a to leave. The coalition is currently zombies and demons to keep Power huge, epic canvas. Ancient societies capped at seven members at the Company occupied, while Cyborilla had anthropomorphic gods: a huge moment, making it the most exclusive, and Necromage planned a sneak pantheon expanding into centuries and cool, club in the comic book world. attack on the lair with the help of the of dynastic drama: fathers and sons, The Power Company universe vengeful spirit Eden, and her demonic star-crossed lovers, warring brothers, currently consists of seven main minion Asbeel. She is the raw energy martyred heroes. Tales that taught us heroes brought together by Professor released from, the now dead and the danger of hubris and the primacy Bizarre, a collector of the rarest and abandoned, Garden of Eden, and her of humility. It’s the everyday stuff of most powerful museum pieces in the hatred of humanity knows no bounds. everyman’s life, but it’s writ large, and universe, and a powerful, mystic. Due Along the way, there are twists and we love it.” to a baffling time/space portal, seem- turns, ebbs and flows, and a member ― Tom Hiddleston ingly created out of nowhere, the world of Power Company is affected forever That’s the Power Company. What conquering Cyborilla, with his claims of by the end of issue #1. you think you know writ large in bright superiority over homo sapiens, assem- As a group, coalition Comics colors accented with breathtaking bles a group of like- minded “soldiers,” is trying to make comics fun again. adenture. Make sure you don’t miss it. Necromage, Abominus, Sebek the They are striving for a vibe similar to Medjai, Priestess Danielle, BrimCoal, Poison Arrow, and Overcast, bound together under the moniker Damage, Inc., to help him take over Professor Bizarre’s Earth and overrun his sanctum. Traveling the outermost independent comics’ universe, Professor Bizarre recruits Five Star, Metalmorph, Forecast, Crimson Streak, Victory,

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 20 COMIC CONS AND COSPLAY COMIC CONS AND COSPLAY TERANCE BAKER created ICC on May 23, 2013. figured I’d add a few of my good friends so that Iwe could network amongst ourselves, talk shop, create, connect so to speak. I figured what have I got to lose? It grew to 15 members within a week, then within a month 75 members, within three months I was shocked to get 150 members, I figured okay that’s probably all the people we’re going to get in the group, so I was satisfied with that. As of December 14th, 2017 ICC has accumu- lated 8,239 members and it’s still growing. person tells another and so on. ’s more than just a face The reputation is a positive one book page or a website, e word of a great because the group has done Itwhat exactly is ICC you ask? It group gets out; one and continues to do wonderful is a wonderful arena where cre- Th things. At any hour of the day ators on all levels can network any day of the week if you log together, collaborate, create, onto the face book ICC room mentor, educate and learn from you will see amazing art, cre- each other. Why was it created? ativity and more being posted Well, I was a member of quite a HOURLY, it will not stop. There few groups and rooms prior to is always someone posting May 23, 2013. I tried my best to what they created, made or fit in over and over again, but for enjoy in the room. Real creators the most part just wasn’t feeling enjoy sharing, networking and a lot of the groups. connecting.

often discovered that at has ICC done? A there was a lot of rude- whole lot, here are Iness and unnecessary drama Whjust a few of our highlights: ICC at times and as a creator I did has held our very own conven- not enjoy being amidst that kind tion, 3 of them as a matter of of environment at all. I decided fact, and we even had Eric The to create my own group, so I Smoke Moran from TV’S Hero ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 COMIC CONS AND COSPLAY 21

books attend as each of our conventions as well. Numerous radio talk shows from several radio broadcasters followed our exploits and also helped promoting our vision. e’ve had Mr. Vincent J. Roth feature some of Wour creator owned characters in his Indy Movie Surge of Power: http://www.surgeof- power.org/ which is being seen at Indy Movie festivals across the globe.

doing big things. We’ve created books for Charity causes for of Cosplay host our very first Hurricane victims. One of our one, and He himself is a major more recent milestones is the international Cosplayer with fact that now The Very First ICC international appeal and over- Magazine is about to become joyed to be the host of our first reality. Pam Harrison is ICC’S Con. Our attendees loved the Creative Editorial Consultant conventions as they get a first and she is an amazing individ- chance to learn up close and ual who is a writer, publisher and personal from vendors about website designer within her own what it takes to get books, art right and ICC is very thankful to and craft to the public. have her on our team! She and Winston Jordan our Creative ’ve had film maker have established Administrative Consultant Alex Fernandez numerous collabo- have helped guide this group We rationsWe amongst creators from those who want to learn to seasoned publishers. We’ve been featured on tons of podcasts, radio shows and numerous other venues in the media. People truly enjoy seeing independents that are making it happen and not just talking about it. We’ve from New York attend our con- been featured on TV news 13 in a positive and winning direc- ventions, and he actually bought in Orlando Florida for our third tion and it is very noticeable. some of the cast members of Convention 2017 recognized James Bethel and Detria Baker his shows Body Jumpers and as an independent community also help the group maintain a Alex Fernandez’s Dawn to very positive vibe with their sup- attend ICCON. https://www.ins- port and promotion. Anthony tagram.com/10Fstudios/ Peterson created Ants Hot Corner featuring ICC videos e have been for- where he absolutely makes cre- tunate enough to ators shine and showcases their feature W tons of writers, artists, Indy Books. Jerrie Lee leads the and publishers of independent way on our website with Jerrie’s ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 22 COMIC CONS AND COSPLAY

Continued from Page 21 Rants and Marcus H Roberts leads ICC Anthologies on face book. There are so many others who help make this group shine, the list goes on and on. Other creators promote and showcase ICC in their own sites and books and we are extremely grateful. The group is always mentoring, and inspiring others continuously. C is a fantastic group and features amazing creators show- casingIC their art daily! With over Eight thousand members currently posts are seen by many individuals who truly enjoy them. Some of our primary objectives will always be Motivation and inspiration! Connecting is the driving force behind this great group as evidenced by the daily posts from so many different creators at any given time. timately my goal is to do two things in ICC as we continue toUl grow and heading toward our goal as a recognized Indy Company: Keep creating and Have Fun! -- Terance (Artist) Baker- Independent Visionary. www.bakercomics1.com

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 COMIC CONS AND COSPLAY 23

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 24 HOTTEST INDIE COMICS BESTSELLING INDIE COMICS OF 2018 INDYPLANET.US

The Indie Comic Revolution is here! Every Quarter, ICC Independent Creators Connection will collect the scoop of the best up and coming Indie Comics online, and showcase them in ICC Magazine! IndyPlanet is the best resource around for Indie comics creators! This issue we present the Top 20 Best Selling Independent Comics on IndyPlanet.us.

Follow ICC Magazine, with an upcoming treasure trove of tips, tricks, training, marketing advice and more! Drop by our website at http://independentcreatorsconnection.com and follow the links to our Facebook page and drop us a line! We support the Indie Comic Industry from green beginner to well-seasoned Pro. If you are not careful, you might see your own comics on the Best Seller list! Get them all at IndyPlanet.us.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 HOTTEST INDIE COMICS 25

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 26 INDIE COMICS to watch for INDIE COMICS TO WATCH FOR PAM HARRISON WITH DEADLINE.COM

Netflix has given a 10-episode straight-to-series order to hourlong sci-fi, family drama, Raising Dion, based on commercial and music video director Dennis Liu’s short film about an African- American single mother who discovers her young son has multiple, constantly changing abilities. The project comes from Liu, Creed star Michael B. Jordan, who will have a supporting role, veteran showrunner Carol Barbee (UnReal, Judging Amy), writer-producer Michael Green (American Gods, Logan) and Charles D. King’s MACRO (Fences).

Barbee wrote the adaptation of the Liu-directed Raising Dion short film (you can watch it below), which accompanied the comic book of the same name Liu wrote with illustrations by Jason Piperberg. She will serve as showrunner on the series and will executive produce alongside Liu, who will direct; Jordan, through his Outlier Society Productions; MACRO’s King, Kim Roth and Poppy Hanks; Kenny Goodman; and Green.

Raising Dion, a Netflix production, follows the story of a woman named Nicole Reese, who raises her son Dion after the death of her husband Mark (Jordan). The

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 INDIE COMICS to watch for 27

Raising Dion, a Netflix production, follows the story of a woman named Nicole Reese, who raises her son Dion after the death of her husband Mark (Jordan). The normal dramas of raising a son as a single mom are amplified when Dion starts to manifest several magical, superhero-like abilities. Nicole must now keep her son’s gifts secret with the help of Mark’s best friend Pat, and protect Dion from antagonists out to exploit him while figuring out the origin of his abilities.

“I started this project many years produce and finance four to six film ago because I wanted to see more and TV projects a year. MACRO diverse representation on film recently teamed with Van Jones to and television and I’m excited to produce Indivisible (working title), partner with Netflix, who I know an hourlong political drama set to shares that commitment,” Liu said. begin production in 2018. “More than ever, we need more stories told from different points “We haven’t seen this type of of view and my hope with Raising superhero story before — an origin Dion is to create a cinematic expe- myth full of imagination, wonder rience for all families that will lift and adventure, all grounded in the your spirits and make you laugh experiences of a modern single and cry.” mother,” said Cindy Holland, VP, Original Content for Netflix. This marks the first TV series order “Michael B. Jordan is an excit- for MACRO, the multi-platform ing and dynamic talent, and I’m media company founded in 2015 excited to see him, MACRO, Carol by former WME partner King with and the team translate Dennis’ the goal of bringing diverse stories unique vision to television.” to film and TV. The company $4.00 for a limited time! just raised an additional $150M Raising Dion is on sale http://www.indyplanet.us/ in equity and debt financing to now at IndyPlanet.us for product/128905/

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 28 ARTICLES PITCHING YOUR COMIC WINSTON JORDAN

About the Writer: Winston Jordan is the writer and creator of Dragon Trio under his brand, Inkpot Comix. Buy his comics and collaborations on IndyPlanet.us!

Illustration: https://comicsforbeginners.com prowess. You should put as much passion into the advertising and marketing as you did into the creation. Now is not the time to get lazy. And that’s okay if all you want are friends and family purchases. But what con- vinces a complete stranger to buy it? 2. When pitching your comic in a short paragraph. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when asked to describe it is to compare it to other prop- erties. I hate to see someone write a pitch for a book and they say ” It’s Star Wars meets Battletoads” or whatever. That’s a cop out and it’s a very lazy way to describe your property. One thing I’ve always been told of my life by not checking it Harsh realities. Okay, is that I am good at pitching and out. What sets Fartman and Cupcake, you’ve got a comic marketing things. It’s not that DooDooBoy #1 apart from the book out now the real work hard to do, just think from the other 75 gazillion comic books starts. No one can buy it if they consumer’s point of view. Here out there? Why should I buy it don’t know it’s out there. are two main No-No’s for inde- and not the one sitting next to pendent comic book creators it? Sell me the damn thing. Did Here are some Google when it comes to marketing you really go through the trouble links to help you research what your product: of producing an entire comic… makes a real comic book pitch, 1. It’s not enough to simply raising money and paying a cre- and get the word out there. say ‘Go buy my comic’. All ative team if you did not do the that’s going to happen is your work yourself , printing costs, HOW TO PITCH YOUR COMIC post will simply get looked over. to Simply sell the product with You need to tell me why I can’t ‘go buy my comic’? If that’s the How to Pitch Your Comic | live without this book and why case I certainly hope the book 8th Wonder Press I’m making the biggest mistake is better than your advertising https://8thwonderpress.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTICLES 29

It’s not enough to say ‘Go buy my comic’. You need to tell me why I can’t live without this book and why I’m making the biggest mistake of my life by not checking it out. Sell me the damn thing.”

Jun 1, 2012 – Larry Young pitch, and here’s my story. writes from Bleeding Cool; The Art of Pitching Without Here’s a simple list of things to Pitching – CBR include or to be aware of when www.cbr.com/the-art-of- you send me (in my capacity as pitching-without-pitching/ … Oct 27, 2010 – Jason Aaron Make a great comic book gives aspiring comic writers tips pitch – Comics for Beginners on the art of the pitch with the comicsforbegin- … If you can’t hook them with ners.com/articles/ your idea in one page, then your com/advice-for-creators/ creating-a-comic-book-pitch/ idea … how-to-pitch-your-comic/ How to make a comic book Pitching Comic Books How to Pitch Your Comic. pitch and tips for working with 101 | Copic – Imagination 5. After receiving a few dozen an artist on your book proposal. International Inc. submissions for our summer Robert Kirkman Shares https://imaginationinterna- anthology it became clear pretty Comic Book Pitch Advice | tionalinc.com/copic/inspire/ quickly that there aren’t many GalleyCat – Adweek pitching-comic-books-101/ guidelines … www.adweek.com/galleycat/ Sep 29, 2015 – Do you want Here Comes The Pitch – robert-kirkman-shares-comic- to learn how to create a suc- Part One | Zub Tales – Jim Zub book-pitch…/51510 cessful comic book pitch? … a www.jimzub.com/ Apr 23, 2012 – The Image one to two sentence log line that here-comes-the-pitch-part-one/ Comics submission guidelines summarizes the premise of your Sep 10, 2012 – Like I did (which I’m most familiar with, comic. with the blog series focused on so I’ll use them as an example) Comic Revolt With David my comic writing methods … says to do five pages of your Gillette: Pitching Your Comic – Your pitch needs to convince comic and … Comic Booked them that you are one of those pitch your comic book script https://www.comicbooked. people … – Sevara com/comic-revolt-with-david- Submissions | Image sevarawillrise.com/sevara/ gillette-pitching-your-comic/ Comics how-to-pitch-your-comic-book- https://imagecomics.com/ script-a-guide-for-writers/ Oct 25, 2012 – Comic Revolt about/submissions Are you a writer or creative offers up tips and examples on The creative team in your team? Got a kick-ass script? successfully pitching your comic pitch is the one we expect to Learn how to pitch your comic book to editors. see actually working … Do not book. Here’s how made my hand Image Comics employ- ees submissions at comic book conventions. How To Pitch Your Comic By (Or Possibly To) Larry Young – Bleeding … https://www.bleedingcool. com/…/how-to-pitch-your- comic-by-or-possibly-to-larry- y…

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IronGateComics @lockett769 ‏ irongatecomics WATCH FOR OUR UPCOMING ALL COMICS AVAILABLE ON: COLLABORATION WITH COALITION COMICS GET POWER COMPANY -- YOURS TODAY! COMING SOON!!! ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 31

MATT BOWERS BILL MCCORMICK

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 32 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Black Jesus

At some point I hope that when people think of my book that they think of this city too and think of it as one better thing that came from MEMPHIS.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 33 INTERVIEW WITH MATT BOWERS BILL MCCORMICK Black Jesus

The internet is dying to know, project is that we were all CHEAP are you related to Betty Bowers, TRICK fans before starting the America’s Best Christian? project. Not only working with one of my favorite rock & roll singers Nope. But I’m probably America’s but becoming friends with him has Worst Catholic. Flip side of the been an amazing experience. same coin? The project is finished but I’m not Speaking as someone who lives sure when it will be released. Robin in Chicago, and has crawled out has big plans for it, including an of numerous bars in Rockford original soundtrack. (sometimes with famous musi- cians), I’m beyond curious to You do manage to create a know how you hooked up with diverse portfolio. What was the Rockford’s favorite son, Robin impetus behind you working with Zander (Cheap Trick), and Pamela Pitts on The Awakening: created the art for the High Priest Is This Your Financial Life? How of Rhythmic Noise concert expe- did financial planning end up rience and video? being the basis for an acclaimed comic book? My brother Skip met the band in Orlando and asked if they wanted to see behind the scenes at Disney & MGM. At the time he worked for Disney in feature animation which was at MGM in Orlando. He spent the next day with the band and at some point Robin talked to him about making a graphic novel based on CHEAP TRICK’S two albums, DREAM POLICE and the HIGH PRIEST of RHYTHMIC NOISE. I eventually got involved I don’t feel that artists should limit and in time took over the project themselves creatively. That’s why from Skip. Once we figured out my portfolio is so diverse. From the details of the project I brought what I can remember about Pam, in another brother, Tim to do the she placed an ad on Freelanced. colors. I designed all of the char- com and I responded. That book acters, penciled, inked and lettered was her “baby”. I just drew what the project. The coolest part of this she asked honestly. I mean

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 34 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT the cover for their EP UNDEAD HORDE which was so much fun. I mean, an album cover with zombies is a win-win in my mind.

Your personal stuff seems like a no brainer for video. Have you ever considered doing a full blown animated project for your stories?

I would absolutely love to do so one of these days.

You lettered Like Father, Like Daughter, which is enjoying an ongoing run, about a young girl whose father left her to become a super hero as well as numerous other comics. What led you to pick up lettering as an extra skill?

I taught myself to letter after teaching myself how to ink with a brush. Basically it can be difficult to work with people so after trying to bring others on board to work on STRANGE BEHAVIOR with me and never working out. I decided I needed to learn how to do it all on my own. Just in case. At some point when I was looking to pick up some extra freelance work I kept noticing lettering gigs which I nor- mally ignored. Well when I saw a post from SHORT FUSE MEDIA I decided to act. Other than LFLD, I’ve also been lettering a bunch of I did contribute to the story as learned how to produce a comic other titles for them and having a well. I came up with the ghosts of book on my own. That started ball. They put out great comics. I’ve financial past, future, present bit. with STRANGE BEHAVIOR which also more recently been lettering a Definitely one of the more interest- eventually became MEMPHIS. couple of titles with a writer named ing comics I’ve worked that isn’t SHELDON ALLEN. The titles are, my own. Besides Cheap Trick you’ve also CRUCIFIED which is surprisingly provided animation, and still exciting and fresh. Then there is You used your own imprint, Time graphics, for Taco & DaMoFos SNATCHED which is intense to Bomb Comix (since defunct), and cover art for the Dova Grove say the very least. to start garnering national CD. Do you see a side career attention. How did its flagship developing as an artist for rock In your latest comic, Memphis, release, Strange Behavior (later bands? loosely based in your home released by Monolith), help your city, you tackle a wide variety career? I love designing/illustrating cover of superhero tropes in a wildly art, I really do. Besides the ones unconventional way. Was a lot Well it got me to COMIC CON more you mentioned I also did the cover of alcohol involved in blending than once. Once in San Diego and for a local teen metal band called Sci-Fi, Super Heroes, Zombies, once in New York. Beyond that I DAWN PATROL. I illustrated Freaks, Giant Pandas, and ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 35

“Music is a huge influence on me and everything I do. Anime and Manga is another. MUSIC. I have more than 30, 000 songs on my classic iPod. Characters and stories pop into my head when I listen to music. Especially when I’m not trying to create, but just listening.”

and worth reading. The other thing would include Michael Golden, I’d like to do with this comic is in Paul Smith, John Byrne, Terry some way be a positive force in Austin, George Perez, Jamie this city. I love my city and I feel it Hernandez, Jason Pearson, gets way too much negative atten- Adam Hughes, Stuart Immonen, tion. Not that there aren’t problems Keith Giffen, Chris Samnee, Mike but there are lots of great things McKone, Jim Lee, Ed McGuiness, about MEMPHIS and tons of great Alex Toth, Neal Adams, Daniel people here. At some point I hope Acuña, Nick Cardy, Steve Lightle, that when people think of my book Chris Batsta, Jamie Hewlet, Mike Romance in a single, wonder- that they think of this city too and Mignola, Brian Stelfreeze. The list fully coherent, story? Or this think of it as one better thing that could probably go on for your entre just a typical Tuesday in your came from MEMPHIS. This is also first issue. mind? one of the reasons I changed the name of the book before launch- What’s next on the table for you? Yes, that’s a normal Tuesday for ing it digitally. Also the city is basi- me. Look. I actually learned how cally a character in each issue if MEMPHIS #3. For the past year to read by sneaking my brothers’ you really think about it. my focus has been on my wife copies of SUPERBOY and the Kristen and helping her fight LEGION of SUPER-HEROES. I You have a very distinct, almost cancer. She was diagnosed with was the only kid thatcould read on pop art, style. What were some Lymphoma right before Christmas day one of 1st grade at my Catholic of your biggest influences? last year. She’s now in a different school. Because of comics. Sister stage of treatment and we both feel Theresa thought I was somehow Well, modern pop art for one. it’s important for me to shift some faking it. I‘ve been reading comics Anime and Manga for another. of my focus back onto producing for a very long time and I still love MUSIC. Music is a huge influence my book. She also helps me with them. I’m not trying to reinvent on me and everything I do. I have dialogue so maybe it will be good comics in any way but I want to more than 30, 000 songs on my for her too. I never intended to not put my very own unique spin on classic iPod. work on my book but I honestly comics. What I want to do with found it near impossible to feel MEMPHIS is tell stories that I would Characters and stories pop into the level of creativity that I need to like to read. About characters that my head when I listen to music. produce my book during the past I would love to read about. I also Especially when I’m not trying to year. I’m finally starting to feel that want readers to feel that way about create, but just listening. Some of spark again and I’m ready to jump my stories and my characters. The my biggest comic book influences back in. great thing about how I design this book is that I have total freedom to do whatever I want. The book isn’t called CHINA MONROE or THE POWER ANGELS for a reason. A year from now if I’m done telling their stories then they won’t be in the book anymore. The characters will come and go, some will just go and never come back but hopefully it will all be interesting ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Am no an listening depending up believing. Enough around remove to barton ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 39 agreed regret in or it. Advantage mr estimable be commanded provision

PAM HARRISON JERRIE LEE

Pam Harrison is one of the first of the most successful artists in and best known CGI artists in In- Independent comics. She began dependent Comics. Her work with her equally-popular sci-fi series A the historical fiction series Hou- Deviant Mind in 2010. An accom- se of the Muses earned her the plished penciller as well, Pam’s 2008 Prism Comics Queer Press pencils can be found in House Grant for Outstanding Series, and of the Muses #3 and Roy Dun- she continues her storytelling in a can’s Frankenstein Apocalypse. gripping sci-fi space opera adven- A reboot of her acclaimed series, ture, A Deviant Mind, that not only haunted young oracle Mnasidi- House of the Muses Remastered far transcends its original LGBT ka of Sparta, has won numerous is underway, pencil illustrated and audience, but at more than 40 reviews and mentions, and she is digitally colored, scheduled on episodes is now among the lon- able to count herself among some bookstands by Fall of 2018. gest running sci fi series on sale at IndyPlanet. Her work has also ap- peared in ALPHABET Anthology, Dark Mischief horror anthology, Voices Against Bullying and more.

Pam Harrison has been credited by Comic Book Resources’ Brian Cronin and veteran comic legend Sergio Aragonés as “THE best CGI comic artist EVER”. In 2007 Pam took the fledgling Poser comic genre to new heights with the debut of her long-running graphic novel series, House of the Mu- ses: The Latter Days of Sappho of Lesbos. Her series, chronicling the adventures of the ill-fated and ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 40 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

There is so much history involved in this series. It was built from family and in the end it has become dedicated to family... along with the quest of learning who we are and claiming it.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 41 INTERVIEW WITH PAM HARRISON JERRIE LEE

How long have you been a started trying to find my storytelling comics fan/artist? outlets. A Deviant Mind was born in 1980 in Western Kentucky out of Since 1970. I was already reading the overactive minds of two high and scribbling at a young age, and school kids with an undying love my grandfather was a huge fan of of Star Wars, Space: 1999, Buck the 1940s Wonder Woman comics. Rogers, Lost in Space, Battlestar Now, he never learned how to read Galactica and more. Doug Smith very well--his family made him quit and I were scribbling in study hall school in 1914 to work his fami- one day when we were supposed ly’s farm, and he got away from to be doing our homework and I there as soon as he could--but he was drawing my loathesome Teen could look at the pictures in comics Scene comic strip which was being and understand the stories. When published in a local newspaper he saw some of the early draw- but not really taking off. Then he ings I worked on, he took me to showed me his original sketches the local grocery story where Mr. of Captain Space. We spent the Fulcher kept a comic rack of the rest of the school year writing and latest comics. I think he was dis- illustrating science fiction adven- appointed that my first pick was tures of the characters that modern Supergirl, but I caught up on his favorites later and discovered new ones..

Who is your favorite A Deviant Mind character?

Tara is, obviously, but the problem with this series is that many episodes are told from the lead char- readers know as Captain Space acter’s POV of whichever story I and Queen Banaii, Najimi’s mother. am telling at the moment. Several We had originally titled our series of my characters have had a bad The Galaxy Guardians, but were habit of taking over the series and crushed to find the Marvel Comics making it their own, like Najimi and series Guardians of the Galaxy Chani L’Ishan. on the comic racks. Disappointed, we continued work on the series in When did you first decide that parts after high school graduation you wanted to create your own and Doug’s departure to the mili- comics as a career? tary, and it would not be until 2010 that I would sift through some old In high school was when I first boxes and bring the series back to ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 42 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT life under the new title, A Deviant Mind.

Who has had the biggest influence on you outside the comics industry, and how did they affect your life?

Besides my grandparents, my wife Penny. She is the most incredible person I have ever had in my life, and she supports me no matter what, even though she has no concept of what it is like to be driven to write stories and create comics. She has sat with me at comic conventions with a totally bewildered expression on her face as cosplayers walked by, at other times been totally bored, but when she sees how I come alive she is there for me 1000%. Every once in awhile, she will read one of my books. She loved the previous episode of A Deviant Mind #39: Paranoia. When she set the book down and told me, “Wow. This episode is amazing,” her words were just about as good to me as Sergio begging me to autograph a copy of House of the Muses for him. Never take for granted a Marvel), who fanned the flames of force in our family is movies. spouse that supports your dreams. old 70s dreams, Colleen Doran, Comedy, adventure, sci-fi--there is who signed one of her books for nothing like blowing off the steam Who has had the biggest influ- me: “Not all those who wander are of a day with a good movie, to put ence on your comics career, and lost”. yourself far away somewhere else how has that person changed for awhile. your work? Wow, if you step into my tiny office and see my influences hanging on Describe your typical work I have had so many influences on the wall, I have everything from routine. my comics career, and they prob- Alphonse Mucha to Walt Disney ably have no idea what their influ- to The Beatles and beyond. There I have no typical work routine. I sit ence was: After I won the Prism are so many who influenced my at my computer at 7 am and check Comics Queer Press Grant in 2008, drive to succeed as a comic artist. out what my friends on Facebook Candra French and Bill Nichols But my biggest influence, although are doing, drink down about three built my sense of self-worth as an I have never met him and was cups of coffee, update ads on web- artist and helped me to channel my heartbroken to realize that I missed sites and share articles on respec- creative abilities into a powerful meeting him at the 2017 Fall Derby tive websites because I am Admin and positive direction; Lora Innes City ComicCon....is the artist Mike on numerous sites. When I am sat- (The Dreamer) for even knowing Grell. I worship his art and his sto- isfied from updating sites I admin, who I was at Mid Ohio Comic Con rytelling ability...and I always will. I turn to writing stories or catching 2010, and comics legend Sergio up on administrative work until time Aragones at that same event, who What do you do to recharge your to head over to my evening job. begged me to autograph a copy creative batteries? of House of the Muses #5 for him, What tools do you use to create Barry Bostwick (1970s Captain Movies. Oh my gosh, the binding comics and what makes them ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 43 the “right tools” for you? ...My grandfather was a huge fan of the 1940s Won- I use DAZ 3D Studio to recreate the worlds in my head, render out der Woman comics. Now, he never learned how to the panels and assemble it all in read very well--his family made him quit school in Adobe Illustrator. Tips? Lighting is 1914 to work his family’s farm, and he got away from everything. there as soon as he could--but he could look at the pictures in comics and understand the stories. What element of your work gives you the most personal satisfaction?

I have written so many stories to date that have struck a chord in my readers, in one way or another. From the quest of finding out who one really is, family issues, rejec- tion, betrayal, going back to a “home” where all you once knew is lost, and you have to come to terms with building the future...

Doug and I were supposed to reunite on the new series in 2013. My last phone call with his wife, my cousin Donita, was a very excited one, as we were touching base on how far I’d come with the series, and I was preparing a stack of the comics to send to them...but the two of them died in a house fire on May 25th, 2013. All of a sudden A Deviant Mind had become my last From Walking Among The Dead, Episode #36: Chani releases old grief and bridges link to them both, and writing it in the gap between the past and the present, as the departed loved ones she has clung the wake of their devastating loss to point her destiny toward an uncertain--but not very likely to be dull--future. became my therapy and my sal- vation. Captain Space and Danae Your 2D work is also terrific. Do her sister Asuka? haunted the pages of A Deviant you have plans to anything 2D Mind for four years, until around in the future? Without a doubt. There’s a turning the anniversary of their passing in point in the series coming where 2017. Yep. I have a bunch of pages to everything shifts. do for the House of the Muses: There is so much history involved Remastered book that has to be Who do you think will be the in this series. It was built from completed by end of this year next one in the series to come family and in the end it has become forward and break out? dedicated to family...along with the Will Tara finally embrace her quest of learning who we are and inner Diva...and start acting like CheckMate. No, really. ;) claiming it. Wherever the series goes from here, it’s become a lot more than we had originally intended.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard given to a promising new creator? Best advice I have ever heard, best advice I can offer: Never give up. ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 45 Am no an listening depending up believing. Enough around remove to bartonARTIST SPOTLIGHT agreed regret in or it. Advantage mr estimable be commanded provision

ALEX FERNANDEZ PAM HARRISON If you check the IMDB interviews in the future. (Internet Movie Data Base) with With the gracious permis- a search for Alex Fernandez, sion of Diana McCray and the you will find an interestingly Black Talent TV Team. we are modest bio, but this informa- offering a reprint of their out- tion is clear: standing interview with Alex from September 10 2017. Alexander Fernandez is a director and writer, known for Be sure to check out Black Body Jumpers (2012), Body Talent TV’s “Be in the Talk” Jumpers Origins (2013) and Podcast for positive conver- Body Jumpers Resurrection sations with filmmakers, web- (2016). series creators and graphic You can find Body Jumpers novelists, and check out their now on Vimeo! full page at in this issue of ICC We hope that as Alex Magazine. Visit their website at Fernandez’ career progresses, http://blacktalent.tv he will offer us many more

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 46 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

There was nothing I enjoyed more than watching films whether it be on the big silver screen or on our one television at home where we would all huddle around like it was a campfire on a cold night.

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 47 INTERVIEW WITH ALEX FERNANDEZ BLACK TALENT TEAM

(This interview is reprinted with watching films, whether it be on the gracious permission from an big silver screen or on our one tele- interview with blacktalent.tv vision at home where we would all dated 9/10/17) huddle around like it was a campfire on a cold night. I watched all types Thanks for interviewing with of film from foreign, domestic,black Black Talent TV. Tell us about and white,silent films and musicals. yourself. You name it, I watched it. I sat there for hours on soaking it all in. Even I was born in Puerto Rico and to this day, I still watch at least two arrived in New York City when films a day. I was just 2 years old. By Age 4 my parents were taking me to the I always tell people if you want movies religiously every weekend. to make movies then you have It was six of us kids in the house to watch movies. In 2008 I grad- five boys and one girl and I was uated from Film school with a the youngest. I guess my parents degree in Digital Film Making. In figured it was a good way to spend 2012, I created what would be some family time and get out the my first award winning web series house for a few hours. There Body Jumpers and really from was nothing I enjoyed more than that moment forward it changed

ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 48 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Get Alex Fernandez’ work on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2CSL5mA everything for me. Because Body Jumpers lead me to create Alex Fernandez’s Dawn, another web series about a young witch turned vampire who becomes a warrior of God. For both my series I do everything with 0 crew. I write, direct,camera operate,visual FX, editing and posters. I also have comic books based on both series.

What inspired you to start doing the web series Body Jumpers and Body Jumpers Resurrection?

My inspiration for the show came from a funny place for an initial idea to create a series. You see as I mentioned before I gradu- ated from film school in 2008 and afterwards I did freelance for a few years. But all the while friends that knew me kept saying “Alex, you need to do something, create something.” At first i was hesitant, then one day in 2012 I was sitting in my room talking with my friends and I said “I got it. I wanna do a web series about a female hero who lives in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn and saves people and no one knows that she is a hero. Now not only that, I also want her to be black.” I was sur- prised that my black friends said Superfly etc. So I wanted a Pam in the U.S. – The International she needed to be white otherwise Grier from space that had simil- Euro Film Festival(2015) it would not be “popular”. iar attitude and undertones. So Best Visual Fx _ Urban Once I got that response I knew I that’s what I did and the show Action Expo (2015) had to do it. I knew it was not even grew. I did 2 Full seasons of Body Alex Fernandez’s Dawn – Best Web their fault for thinking that way, that Jumpers, 22 episodes. In 2015 I Series – Urban Action Expo (2016) train of thought goes back to what I created Alex Fernandez’s Dawn a Best Visual FX – Urban say about diversity in Hollywood. If vampire series doing a complete Action Expo (2016) you grow up your whole life seeing Season 10 full episodes. I decided Body Jumpers Resurrection – only white heroes, then just the that in the 3-4 years of doing both Best Sci- FI Series – Hip Hop Film thought of a black hero or a black series my writing and Visual FX, Festival/The Urban Web Summit female hero succeeding seems directing and editing abilities had (2017) very difficult to many people. Then improved so much I could go back the rest fell in place. to Body Jumpers, re-imagine the Where do you see yourself in series and make it even better then 5 years? I see myself still telling I grew up in the 1970s and my what it was and that’s how Body new original independent stories parents and brothers would take Jumpers Resurrection was born. but maybe on a just a bigger scale. me to see a lot of films: all kinds, old and new and some of those What awards have you won? How has your web series films were Black Exploitation films encouraged other filmmakers? like Coffy, Cleopatra Jones, Shaft, Body Jumpers – Best Web Series From the filmmakers I have had ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 49 the chance of meeting at screenings or at film festivals they are “I have had the chance of meeting at screenings or at film encouraged by the fact that I have festivals--they are encouraged by the fact that I have 0 0 crew members and yet I am able crew members and yet I am able to put together 2 quality to put together 2 quality shows with shows with good stories and great visual FX and that gives good stories and great visual FX them the energy and the hope that they can do it too.” and that gives them the energy and the hope that they can do it too. To me, better than any reward is to receive a message or a letter from a fan saying they have been inspired by my work, or by me. This gives me the energy I need to do what I need to do and makes me want to just tell more stories. It’s a good feeling knowing that we can all inspire other people in the same way other people inspire us.

How have your projects helped diversity in web series? Who inspired you to get started?

Well, Body Jumpers, Body Jumpers Resurrection, Alex Fernandez’s Dawn are web series that feature all female leads. Body Jumpers and Body Jumpers Check out the amazing work of Alex Fernandez and his team on Resurrection both feature main YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBodyJumpers/videos heroes that are African – American females. For Alex Fernandez’s people will still like it and support Resurrection and on the second Dawn, the female Vampire lead is it if you have a good story to tell. season of Alex Fernandez’s Dawn a Latina, half Peruvian, half Puerto All the women on both shows are which launches this Fall, as well Rican. The cast on both shows are strong characters and I would as writing the next comic book predominately female and very like to see more women getting a issues of Body Jumpers, Body diverse featuring African American, chance at bat in front and behind Jumpers : Resurrection and Alex Asian, Russian, Indian, Latinos, the cameras. I truly love film: I need Fernandez’s Dawn. Caucasians and it is two subjects film, like most people need water that I think the film industry is for and what really was my inspiration I would like to thank both my some reason or another still strug- to do it was and is my genuine love series leads and cast members gling with.There is not enough for film. and also my wife who is exec- diversity in the film industry. We utive producer on both my need to see more and I mean all What projects are you working shows and the comic books. minorities in general. I grew up and on now? I am currently working on [email protected] live in New York City, The melting the first season ofBody Jumpers: pot. I would like to see more of a melting pot on screen. I would like to think that with Body Jumpers and Dawn I can show people that you can have a series or film with a female African American hero lead or a Latina hero lead who is not on drugs, a hooker, a mistress,an ex con, a loser mom or comedy relief, doesn’t die first and guess what ICC Magazine | Premiere Issue - January 2018 aDVERTISE

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To Advertise in ICC Magazine or on our website, visit our Advertising page now! http://independentcreatorsconnection.com/advertise-2/ 52 COMIC REVIEWS Continued from Page 10 It is absolutely essential outline form on page 6 of our books. Your publishing name, for new publishers with a new marketing guide to help you logo and cover designs should product to thoroughly plan out build your plan. all be easily readable and recog- a marketing strategy that can nizable so retailers and readers be strong enough to gain atten- Want to learn more? You will recognize your efforts as tion. Publishers who do not can read the rest of this article a new publisher entering the focus enough on marketing online at http://independentcre- market. We never recommend will see far less response from atorsconnection.com. that a new publisher reproduce their listing in Previews. A mar- exactly what is being done by keting plan that shows a strong other publishers, but it is impor- understanding of the industry, tant to be mindful of other proj- and your audience, is essen- ects that may be similar in story, tial for Diamond Comics to see genre, style, etc. when considering a new publisher. Please use the marketing Continued from Page 14

goes on a journey to find Deviant Mind is in this magazine. herself. As her journey Check on that. Read this series… continues…the real Tara and I mean READ it. Just don’t may not be such a nice just look at it, and oooooh, and person, as that sweet ah, at the pretty pictures. Read it. girl with no memory who Let Pam take you into the world of awakens. Tara…follow Tara on her journey… meet the characters, of one of the I will be talking about best series you’re not reading… various issues of this and then…kick yourself ,for not great series on the ICC reading this series sooner. HEH! I website…the writing, the don’t have to kick myself. I’ve been realized they made a mistake characters, grabbed me there, following A Deviant Mind, having me be an editor here, I right from the very beginning… from the very beginning. better post some rants before soon as I saw her first page of this they toss me out (heh heh heh…. series on Drunk Duck website…I Heh heh heh…TOLD ya I was if they toss me…my rants will knew this was going to be good…I gonna rant…it’s what I do when live FOREVER in cyberspace…. wasn’t disappointed. Fabulous art I’m stoked about a series.--JL MUHAHAHAAAAAAAAA) Terrific characters. Compelling story. Action! This series has it all. Um…ok… I will be ranting here And, as I talk about various issues, about a lot of good webcomics and you’ll see why it will be part of my books I am crazy about. A Deviant regular rants. Look up of review Mind is going to be one of those of issue 19, I wrote it in 2014. series. (Which I still say today….issue 19 of this series, is a MUST have, for A Deviant Mind is a Sci Fi series, folks who like reading great comic created by Pam Harrison. I have stories. this issue is a standalone followed this series from the begin- classic) ning. It is a web series, and also has 35 printed books to date. (And If you’re not following this series I am proud to say I have EVERY on the web, or you don’t have any printed issue) of Pam’s books…damn. You don’t know what a great read you are It’s about Tara, a woman who missing out on. Don’t do this to awakens, with no memory of who yourself. she is, where she’s from, and how she got where she is…and she Her Artist Spotlight Interview for A

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