Archive for ‘News’

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ARTIST LINE-UP TO “GATES” SOUNDTRACK, BENEFITING THE RONNIE JAMES DIO CANCER FUND ANNOUNCED

by Hef on July 14, 2011 at 4:20 am

 

 

HAL HEFNER AND HEAVY METAL REVEALS THE ARTIST LINE-UP TO THE “GATES” SOUNDTRACK, BENEFITING THE RONNIE JAMES DIO CANCER FUND

 

July 14, 2011 (Los Angeles, CA) – Hal Hefner and Heavy Metal magazine are proud to announce the final artist line-up for its soundtrack to Gates, titled “Volume 1 – Ascension,” whose release date has been moved to August 9, 2011. All net proceeds from the sale of the audio companion to the comic, will benefit the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.”

 

Ronnie James Dio appeared on the 1981 soundtrack for the Heavy Metal film while a member of Black Sabbath. In homage to the original soundtrack, Hal Hefner and Musical Director, Scott Hunter–assembled an international collection of eclectic sounds that span styles from Metal to Ambient and so much more in between.

Hal Hefner, the creator of Heavy Metal Presents: Gates worked with artists LoveKrafty and Inside The Black to create all-new music to accompany the comic, and brought in other artists including Deltanaut featuring Nick Menza, Hemoptysis and Black ‘N Blue to complete the comic’s music companion. Corey Marshall, most well known as the voice of Ryo, in the game Shenmue also appears on the Soundtrack to Gates.

“This is a solid lineup of talented artists from across the world that have come together to form a transmedia experience that is very unique. I’m excited and honored to bring these artists together to be paired with my comic book art and writing. It is also an honor to be donating the entire proceeds of the sale of the soundtrack (minus the cut of the retailer) to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.

 

The complete soundtrack will be available August 9 for digital download on iTunes and AmazonMP3.

 

ARTIST LINE-UP:

LoveKrafty
Black ‘N Blue
Inside The Black
Deltanaut (Featuring Nick Menza)
The Odd Wedding
CrimsonFaced
Jordan Reyne
Hemoptysis
Friend Slash Lover
Rusty Eye
Kevin Bryce
Nineball
Elysion
HavocHate
Elysion Fields

 

For further news and information, please keep visiting http://www. gatesthecomic.com

 

About Heavy Metal

Heavy Metal is a bi-monthly magazine that features art and comics, often focused on the science fiction and fantasy genres, known primarily for its blend of dark fantasy/science fiction and erotica. It was first published in 1977 and has since expanded into films, music soundtracks, video games and more. Artists featured in the magazine have included H.R. Giger, Moebius and Frank Miller, and writers such as William S. Burroughs.

 

About Gates

Gates is the first web comic presented by Heavy Metal magazine. The comic launched January 1, 2011, and can currently be read online for free. Hal Hefner is the creator, writer and illustrator of the comic.

 

For a digital press kit that includes images and logos, please go to:

http://gatesthecomic.com/contact/press-kit

 

 

 

 

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The Gates Soundtrack + Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund

by Hef on July 16, 2011 at 1:58 am

Shoutouts to BLABBERMOUTH! who saluted Black ‘N Blue and Hemoptysis as well as Fearnet who wrote a great article focused on Rusty Eye, one of the rockin’ metal bands on the Gates Soundtrack in which all proceeds go  the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund. Since the announcement on Thursday, things have been lots of fun and very positive!

AND I’m excited because…

THE GATES SOUNDTRACK IS HERE: ON AUGUST 9th!
on Itunes and AmazonMP3 : Buy the soundtrack and we will donate all the proceeds to the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.”

When Ronnie James Dio passed away from stomach cancer, Wendy Dio started the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund. The Fund is 100% non-profit and a 501(c)(3) charity.

As of July 2011, the foundation has raised over $500,000 from fans, friends and fellow artists, musicians and creators–to help find a cure for cancer.

AND OUR GOAL IS TO BLOW THAT AWAY!

And this is all because of the talented bands, artists and creators that have joined forces to the benefit of the foundation. So I give them a huge round of applause.

THANK YOU!

LoveKrafty
Black ‘N Blue
Inside The Black
Deltanaut (Featuring Nick Menza)
The Odd Wedding
CrimsonFaced
Jordan Reyne
Hemoptysis
Friend Slash Lover
Rusty Eye
Kevin Bryce
Nineball
Elysion
HavocHate
Elysion Fields

You are all amazing and very kind people!

If you would like to get to the know the bands—I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you–to please click on the links above and explore their music. We will be presenting lots of info on the bands and introducing you to them in more details as well.

Needless to say I would like to THANK EVERYONE who has been tweeting and re-tweeting and Liking and Sharing our links to promote the bands, Gates and the Dio Cancer fund!

As the writer and artist of Gates, I am so honored to have these bands accompany my creative passion with theirs. It is an exciting time for the Gates franchise and I am looking forward to the next journey I will be taking with these talented musicians and creators.

I’m hoping you will join our tribe and take the voyage with us.

– Hef

 

 

 

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Digital LA Comics Panel @Meltdown Comics Tonight Starring Hal Hefner and Thomas Jane

by Hef on July 18, 2011 at 2:44 pm

 

If you’re in LA, please join our me and a wonderful panel of industry leaders to discuss the trending and relevant topic of DIGITAL MEDIA! The discussion will focus on digital comics (which is why I’ll be there), animation and games experts for Digital LA’s third annual Digital Comics panel.

PURCHASE TICKETS for only $15!

 

The goal is to discuss how comics and comic book characters are part of an overall entertainment franchise, including animation, games, movies, iPad apps, web series, and promotion via social media. Which is indeed Gates!

 

The Scheduled Speakers:

– Thomas Jane, actor (Hung, Punisher), Founder / President of Raw Studios (comics and graphic novels publisher) @thomasjane

 

– TQ Jefferson, Marvel Entertainment, VP of Production, Games @Marvel

 

– David Uslan, Graphicly, VP of Business Development @graphicly; formerly at Branded Entertainment and ICM

 

– Dan Fraga, Director of Ricky Gervais show, illustrator on MTV’s Hard Times of RJ Berger animated sequences, former comic book artist for Marvel (Wolverine), DC (Superman), Image (Witchblade) @fragaboom

 

– Joelle Sellner, writer, Marvel Digital Holiday Issue, DC Comics Cartoon Network Action Pack. TV/animation: Avengers, Teen Titans, Jackie Chan Adventures @whereisjoelle

 

– (ME) Hal Hefner, artist, writer and creator of Heavy Metal Magazine’s first online comic, Gates @gatesthecomic @halhefner

 

– Moderator: Kevin Winston, Digital LA @DigitalLA @kevinwinston

 

This will be streamed by our friends at TechZulu. Watch at http://techzulu.com

 

You can follow the discussion live via Twitter, or tweet questions so we can ask our speakers via #DigitalLAcomics on Mon 7/18 form 8-9:30p. Follow Digital LA http://twitter.com/digitalla

 

AGENDA

7 -8p: Check-in and Networking

8-9:30p Panel

9:30-10p Even More Networking

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR ONLY $15

 

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Gates Soundtrack Trailer

by Hef on August 4, 2011 at 1:14 pm

Here is the official Trailer to the Gates Soundtrack.

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Official Soundtrack for Heavy Metal Presents: Gates, Vol. 1 – The Ascension, Available Now

by Hef on August 9, 2011 at 8:15 am

Heavy Metal Presents: Gates, Vol. 1 - The Ascension

After months of planning, listening and coordination, the official soundtrack to Heavy Metal magazine’s first webcomic, Gates, is finally available for download on iTunes and AmazonMP3.

This is Heavy Metal magazine’s first soundtrack in over ten years, and only their third soundtrack, including the groundbreaking original that was released for the film in 1981.

As you know by now, this soundtrack benefits the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.” Dio was on the original 1981 soundtrack singing “Mob Rules” as a member of Black Sabbath.

Ronnie James Dio was a big influence across the board — on the comic, on the bands — and with his involvement in the original soundtrack, it just made sense to donate all proceeds to the cancer fund set up in his name.

LoveKrafty and Inside The Black created all-new music to accompany the comic, and other artists were brought on board to complete the comic’s music companion, including Black ‘N Blue, Hemoptysis, and Deltanaut (featuring Nick Menza). Other artists were selected from a worldwide search for up-and-coming and underground talent including rising stars such as Rusty Eye and Friend Slash Lover who have been frequenting LA’s Sunset Strip.

This soundtrack is a return to form, mirroring the intent of the original, bringing together various genres, from rock, to metal, to electronica, all serving the storyline and tone of the comic, while adding depth, dimension and meaning to the comic.

Without further ado, here is the full track listing, now available for download on iTunes and AmazonMP3, benefiting the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.”

TRACK LISTING:
1. “Introduction”
2. “Never Forever” – Elysion
3. “M.O.D.” – Hemoptysis
4. “Is This Over Now?” – Inside The Black
5. “River” – Nineball
6. “The Changing Face of Basements” – Kevin Bryce
7. “Cowboy” – The Odd Wedding
8. “I Got A Gun” – LoveKrafty
9. “Fools Bleed” – Black ‘N Blue
10. “Video” – CrimsonFaced
11. “Of Titans” – Elysion Fields
12. “The Entity (Ghostly Lust)” – Rusty Eye
13. “This Violent Earth” – HavocHate
14. “Where Have I been All My Life” – Friend Slash Lover
15. “The King” – Deltanaut
16. “The Washing Machine Song” – Jordan Reyne
17. “Gates Theme” – LoveKrafty

I personally would like to give a big shout ou to all of the bands on the soundtrack who came together for a great cause. All of us in one way or another have been touched by cancer and by purchasing this music, you can get an amazing soundtrack and help fight a terrible disease–In the name of Ronnie James Dio.

 

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deviantART Interview with Hal Hefner at San Diego Comic Con 2011

by Hef on August 13, 2011 at 7:51 am

I love deviantART. They have been extremely good to me. When I went down to San Diego Comic Con this past July, I had a chance to sit down and talk with the gang at deviantART. At this year’s con, dA sponsored Artists Alley and as usual, they did a nice job of sponsoring the artists.

So here’s a big THANK YOU to dA for always being so kind to me. Heather Wetzler and Aunny De La Rosa, I love you!

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Hal Hefner Appears on the G-Spot podcast, with Joe Matheny & Julietta Randall

by Hef on September 3, 2011 at 1:01 am

Hal Hefner, yeah that’s me, made an Appearance on the G-Spot where I talked about Gates, my webcomic and the soundtrack where all of the proceeds go to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Foundation, that just came out.

I had the pleasure of doing  what tuned about to be a really cool podcast called the best name ever...THE G-Spot. How ironic, a Hefner on the G-Spot. Yep, good times.

The G-Spot is actually a cool show that’s hosted by Joseph Matheny of the famous groundbreaking Transmedia ARG (Alternate Reality Game) , The Incunabula Papers: Ong’s Hat and many more very cool counter culture Transmedia campaigns. Joe is a writer, CTO, inventor and so much more…who enjoys testing the bounds of reality in an intellectually stimulating way. He is joined by his beautiful and talented co-host, Julietta Randall, who is the drumming vixen and lead singer of the band Rusty Eye.  The same ass-kicking band, RUSTY EYE, also on the Gates soundtrack.

Since my comic Gates, is very different from a lot of the webcomics and comics in general out there due to its topics like, conspiracy theories, modern myths and the social, economical and biological unrest of modern day Earth, it seemed like a great fit for this show.

It was fun to talk with them about the concept of Gates, the themes behind it, the soundtrack and more. So please check it out and have a listen. Joe and Julie are very cool people with a lot to say and most importantly they enjoy life.

You can download it here as well.


 

 

 

 

 

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(Mothman) Return To Point Pleasant Review by Hal Hefner

by Hef on September 8, 2011 at 1:01 am

HAL HEFNER’s REVIEW OF RETURN TO POINT PLEASANT, A VOLUME COMIC COLLECTION WRITTEN BY CHAD LAMBERT AND PUBLISHED BY APE ENTERTAINMENT:

If you’re a fan of science fiction, horror and fantasy, well do I have a tale for you. If you’re a fan of legends and myths, well do I have a tale for you. If you like Loch Ness, Bigfoot and love the tales of the too familiar stories that scared the shit out of you as a kid, well this is right up there.

Return to Point Pleasant is written by a man with a vast knowledge of the subject of what I would say is America’s second most famous Cryptozoic creature next to Bigfoot, (Sasquatch or whatever you want to call that hairy ape man)–THE MOTHMAN!

For those of you that don’t know who or what the Mothman is, then you’ll need a history lesson on the subject, and this si exactly what Chad Lambert gives you in Return to Point Pleasant.

The actual plot of the story is very fun and centers around a group of futuristic time traveling scientists who journey back to Point Pleasant, West Virginia in search of the infamous Mothman! Lambert takes you on a historical trek that begins at the Revolutionary War and focuses on the murder of Chief Cornstalk which many believe begins the chain of events that led to the birth of the Mothman in the form of a curse. Lambert then takes you on a journey all the way up to the 1967 Silver Bridge disaster, chronicling more than 200 years of paranormal folklore that comes to life in fully-painted color comic panels. And the crazy thing is what makes this so devilishly awesome is that it is based on true events!

When one of the greatest authors of our time says, (“Superb and Frightening! Bravo!’ – Ray Bradbury), you know you’ve got something here. And I agree, I think it’s really neat how Lambert weaves the myth and legends into a tale of time travel. Now I’m not one to ruin the plot here by telling too much, so I won’t, but I think either way, if you know the Mothman then you’ll love this. AND if you DON’T…then you will want to learn more. So before or after reading this book, I highly suggest you check out the documentary, Eyes of the Mothman, which is streaming on Netflix right now. Lambert is actually in the book and through his research and writings, I would consider him one of the foremost living experts on this bizarre subject. This is a great documentary and paints the Mothman and the negativity of town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia in a very creepy way.

I have to admit that if I could pick a negative from the book itself it would be some of the art I was not completely sold on, but I really think Lambert’s writing makes up for it.   Some of the art was great though the cover in particular. Some of the art I downright despised but hey, I’m an artist too, and there are people out there who hate my art too so who cares really. Art is subjective anyway so my point is moot and I don’t mean to bag on anyone in particular–BECAUSE, again, it’s about the story and the myth of the Mothman that sets this book apart.

Chad Lambert’s compiled a collection of comics actually in , Return To Point Pleasant. Some would say it is probably a niche comic but damn it is some good writing and pacing. And for the most part,  it assumes an existing knowledge of West Virginia’s curiosity of the creature known as The Mothman.

Check out the trailer below:

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Overall I give this book two thumbs up. I liked it so much, I reached out to Chad Lambert and we have began to correspond about comics, art, life and more. I’m looking forward to more of his writing.

Lambert ironically will be appearing at the MOTHMAN FESTIVAL, on September 16th-18th in Point Pleasant, West Virgina. Check it out!

In my next post I will discuss how the Mothman Legend has influenced Gates, my webcomic

 

 THE MOTHMAN AND POP CULTURE:

The Mothman was most famously and originally immortalized in John A Keel‘s classic of journalism journey, The Mothman Prophecies . This was later adapted into a very well done and  creepy film of the same name, featuring Richard Gere, Laura Linney and Will Patton.

The late John Keel, tells the modern myth splendidly and recounts The Mothman as the  mysterious figure which has supposedly been haunting the residents of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, with prophecies of doom and fore-warnings of disaster.  The initial appearance of the Mothman began in the late nineteen sixties when it first appeared to ambush the car of a bunch of teenagers near the notorious TNT polluted areas of the town.

Since the Mothman appeared,  the creature has been explained as everything from the American Indian result of Chief Cornstalk’s curse, to UFOs, to Men In Black, to mutated birds, to Dinosaurs, to supernatural phenomena, to  an explosion of mass hysteria, to proof of time travel, to straight out bullshit, to oh so much more.

So which is it? That’s for you to decide.

If you’re interested in the Mothman phenomenon, I suggest these 4 different items.

1) The Eyes of the Mothman Documentary

2) The Mothman Prophecies Book by John Keel

3) The Mothman Prophecies Movie based on John Keel’s book

4) Return to Point Pleasant Graphic Novel by Chad Lambert

 

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Honestly, I’ve been fascinated with Mothman – and the potential interpretations and the influence on popular culture – since first seeing the Richard Gere film back in 2002, which led me to read John Keel’s book .  In my next post on Saturday September 10th, I’ll discuss how the Mothman has influenced me and my art, for Gates my webcomic.

 

 

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Hal Hefner on Animation Aficionados Discussing Heavy Metal and Heavy Metal 2000

by Hef on September 17, 2011 at 12:11 am

I had the pleasure of being the guest on a very special episode of Animation Aficionados. It was a great time, and I was asked to join the show to discuss the original 1981 Heavy Metal movie and the sequel, Heavy Metal 2000 or F.A.K.K.

 

Being a  huge fan of the original movie, it was an honor to discuss.

 

The Animation Aficionados, first discussed the show Reboot….

In the first episode, Fes of Webcomic Beacon joins them to talk about Reboot, the first ever totally CGI program produced for television. Part way through the show, JT from Saskatoon joins them to give the kanuck perspective on this Canadian production.

And then at exactly the end of the first hour begins the episode which I am a part of. It was pretty fun as I got a chance to flex my nerd muscles and discuss all of the useless knowledge I know about the movie, the animation, the writers, the actors and so much more. If many of you who follow along could tell, the first movie is dear to my heart and is one of the reasons I do what I do today…

But if I had to put these two movies together in the Super Bowl of Heavy Metal, HEAVY METAL the movie VERSUS HEAVY METAL 2000, the first movie would annihilate the second. Heavy Metal 200 in my opinion was…well you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out!

We talk about awesome music, hot chicks, and exploding doll houses!

HAL HEFNER ON ANIMATION AFICIONADOS PODCAST

 

 

 

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HAL HEFNER CREATOR OF GATES TO APPEAR AT COMIKAZE EXPO in LA

by Hef on October 27, 2011 at 12:00 am

Hal Hefner (me) will be appearing at the Comikaze Expo on November 5th & 6th, 2011.

I’ll be at Table number 128.

WHAT IS THE COMIKAZE EXPO?

Well I had an awesome meeting with the main organizer Regina Carpinelli and she had me convinced that this show is going to ROCK!!!!! Like me, she wanted to bring the true feeling of culture, family, comics and art back to the “comic con”.

Why? Well, it seems like they are trying to do something different. I know everyone around the world is envious of folks who go to the San Diego Comic Con, and I have to admit, there are some things about it that are pretty cool. Well I’ll be the first to tell you, it ain’t all its cracked up to be. San Diefgo Comic Con has now become a big masturbation circle for studios and other corporate entertainment monsters and in my opinion, this past San Diego Comic Con in 2011, was pretty awful. Aside form the ridiculous ticket prices, packed isles and overpriced food, it seemed almost exactly like the 2010 show, from floor layout to exhibits and products. To me that sameness brought little excitement and I felt that there was a kind of arrogance about the show that said to me, “HA! You’ll buy our shit no matter how little we do to it.” Also the sign up process for “new artists” is a sham. They set up this fake phone line that was always busy and a fake email that nobody from San Diego Comic Con ever returned an email from. It was infuriating and insulting to the intelligence of every new artist, creator or professional. So needless to say, I’m done with San Diego Comic Con for a while. And besides, why the hell is this con in San Diego? Bring it to LA!

Anyway, enough ranting on SDCC, but the reason I’m doing so is because I’m very stoked about the Comikaze Expo. It is being billed as an event unlike any other comic-related event in the US. Having spent much time researching both local and national conventions in the United States, the Comikaze Team created an event that was affordable, and filled with all the reasons people used to love the San Diego Comic Con and a whole bunch more. Regina and her team are working, very hard to create a multi-tiered extravaganza created by real comic fans with deep ties to the entertainment industry. While Comikaze still might have a classic convention vibe, it’s much more than that because the people who are putting it on actually care. The Comikaze Team did not want to make an event for industry people and hardcore fans only, they thought about the everyday guy who doesn’t drive a BMW or the every day high school girl who loves Anime. Instead, the Comikaze Expo team, designed a more balanced event as an alternative to the standard fan convention that is dedicated to the city of Los Angeles and our proud geek community, above all else.

The Team putting on the event, really wanted to make the Comikaze Expo, an integral part of the city of Los Angeles, something both residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come—without breaking the bank to get into the show. This strategy was so that fans could spend the money on the things they love, rather than shelling out a ton of cash just to get inside to the event. Drawing inspiration from the city and the fans, Comikaze is an eclectic mix of LA and geek culture that spans the realms of entertainment and comic culture to low brow art. Comikaze has been created to be something unique for the city of Los Angeles and I’m proud to be a part of it.

 

HAL HEFNER and the ART OF GATES:

As the creator of Gates, Heavy Metal Magazine’s first online comic, I am pretty excited to be a guest at the Comikaze Expo on Noevember 5 & 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I will be bringing with me, the art of my comic book, Gates, and so much more.

 

WHAT WILL HAL HEFNER BE SELLING: GATES THE COMIC RELATED ITEMS

At the Comikaze Expo, I will be selling;

1) Limited edition prints for the comic Gates.

They will be signed by me, right there in front of you!

2) Exclusive Paintings: Painted by hand in acrylic paint, I will be selling a bunch of art for the new science fiction comic Gates. The scenes are all very creature based and a must have for fans of the comic.

3) Art Prints: of various pieces of my work from Han Solo, to Deadpool to Optimus Prime.

4) Sketch Cards: I will be selling existing Sketch cards from sets and originals.

5) Original Concept Sketches from the Gates comic book

6) Exclusive sketch book comics
Here are some awesome videos for the Comikaze Expo! Hope to see you there in less than two weeks!

 

GET TATTOOED AT THE COMIKAZE EXPO!

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STAN LEE PROVES HE’S SENILE AT THE COMIKAZE EXPO

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ELVIRA GETS CRAZY AT THE COMIKAZE EXPO

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Artist HAL HEFNER’s Acrylic Sci Fi Paintings & 5 Quick Art Tips

by Hef on November 26, 2011 at 12:00 am

Many of you know my digital artwork only, specifically from Gates, my online comic book. BUT, what you may or may not know is that at heart, I am a painter. Some may say, but you’re a comic book artist? Well in some respects sure, but when it really comes down to it, I’m at my heart and soul, a painter and a storyteller. I just use comics as one of various mediums to tel my stories.

When I first signed up for the Comikaze Expo in November, I was under the impression that it was  hybrid art show/comic convention. So I decided I wanted to sell some of my art that people could take home with them.

I love photoshop and all of the terrific things you can do with it…but it lacks one major thing: a physical piece of unique art that someone can own.

So I bought some new canvases. created some sketches, pulled out the acrylic paints and went to town. Below you will see some videos, and several paintings showing my process and the end result of the paintings. (Some of which are still for sale so please contact me if you are interested)

Here is a few simple rules I learned to live by before tackling a painting. This applies to both digital and acrylic paintings.

5 quick tips to keep any artist from going insane while executing an acrylic painting.

1) Come up with a good sketch first.

2) Execute a color sample wash, so you have a feel for a color scheme.

3) When creating a paint pallet, use out of the jar colors only to start with, never use paints without mixing them as it looks too manufactured.

4) Don’t be afraid to draw with the paintbrush and change what you started with.

5) Over-thinking leads to overworking a painting.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO: Here’s a video of my work, and the process in which I work in when using acrylic paints.

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MIXED MEDIA PAINTING: Mixed media piece, of the very important hieroglyphic, in the Gates Universe. I also have this glyph tattooed on me. I used, matte medium, glue, sand, chalk, guache, watercolor, ink acrylic, cardboard, wood and nails. And the sketch is already done, on my arm.

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Richard Corben’s Den and the Influence on Hal Hefner’s Comic Book Gates

by Hef on December 17, 2011 at 12:02 am

Gates is a an epic science fiction comic book, created by Hal Hefner (me) and currently being presented by Heavy Metal Magazine as an online comic. As of 12/16/2011 there are 52 pages of the comic book posted online and available for free. Although the majority of the book thus far takes place in a dystopian setting, it’s future will eventually expand into a whole other realm of epic science fiction and fantasy proportions.

As the creator of this universe, as both artist and writer, I have several major influences both inside and outside of the Heavy Metal universe. Moebius, HG Wells, Rod Serling, Phillip K. Dick, Aldous Huxley, Ray Bradbury, Frank Herbert, Frank Frazetta and many more.  But one inspiration that has been very huge on me creatively is Richard Corben.

For those of you unfamiliar with Richard Corben, he is an ass kicking  American illustrator and comic book artist, that is best known for his comics featured in Heavy Metal Magazine.

Corben first became affiliated with Heavy Metal Magazine n 1975, when Moebius, Druillet, and Jean-Pierre Dionnet began publishing the original version of the magazine, Métal Hurlant in France.  Corben submitted some of his stories to them and the rest is history.  Corben then continued his work for the franchise in America, when it was called Heavy Metal. In 1976  Corben adapted a very cool, short Robert E. Howard story in an early graphic novel, Bloodstar.

BLOODSTAR: THE FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL
Corben’s Bloodstar was the first graphic novel to call itself a “graphic novel” in print and even labeled itself that in its introduction and dust jacket. It was published by The Morning Star Press in a limited signed and numbered edition and is hailed as the beginning of Graphic Novels.

DEN:
Corben’s most influential story drawn for Heavy Metal was Den, which had begun in the short film Neverwhere as well as short story in the underground publication, Grim Wit #2.

Below is the short film Neverwhere: Parts 1 & 2

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The saga of Den is epic in every way and is a fantasy sci-fi series about the adventures of a young nerd, who travels to Neverwhere. Neverwhere is a rich universe that is said to take inspirational nods from Robert E. Howard’s Hyborian Age, H. P. Lovecraft’s horror dimensions as well as Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Barsoom. In  Neverwehere the young nerd boy is transformed into an enormously endowed nude muscleman like super hero, who has erotic adventures in an alien world of outrageous dangers, hideous monsters, and sexy nude women.

This story was also adapted into a highly abridged format in the animated film Heavy Metal, in which Den was voiced by none other than Canadian, comedy legend, John Candy.

Corben’s an artist and writer and his work is epic, detailed an inspiration to me on so many levels. Below are some of the images from Den and a few other selected works.

hal hefner gates the comic

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Gates The Webcomic Presented By Heavy Metal Magazine Celebrates One Year Today

by Hef on January 1, 2012 at 11:33 am

Gates, a dark, science fiction webcomic, presented by Heavy Metal Magazine celebrates a birthday today!

THANK YOU…

As the writer, creator, designer, HTML editor, production artist, letterer, article writer and all around one stop shop creative whackjob and brain trust behind the Gates, science fiction comic, presented by Heavy Metal Magazine…I humbly do a Kung Fu bow to you all.

Thank you to all of my new, wonderful friends I have met this year who have become fans and supported Gates on social networks, the official website and so much more.

Thank you to all of my old friends who saw this coming and helped me in so many ways spiritually, emotionally, physically and more.

Thank you to my family and friends that are as close as family (you know who you are), without you guys, I’d be in big trouble.

Thank you to everyone who has given me hand here and there to help with little intricacies of Gates such as marketing, production, web dev, moral support and more. You guys rock!

Thank you to all of the bands and musical talents that participated in Volume 1 of the Gates soundtrack.

Thank you to everyone who has ever doubted me, dissed more or told me I couldn’t do something. You all fuel the fire in my belly.

I am very grateful for all of you. Thank you. Cheers to you in 2012~

 

A RECAP OF GATES THE SCIENCE FICTION COMIC BOOK IN 2011

One year ago today on 1/1/11 , Gates launched to much fanfare from such places as Wired Magazine and MTVGeek!

A trailer was launched…

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Then a few videos about the story were released…

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Then the first 5 pages, popped up online! The negative Dystopian science fiction comic book was born! Heavy Metal Magazine then had its first online comic book, and history was made. Every Tuesday of every week a new page of Gates has been added to the website.

 

In May we created a fun video that serves as back-story juiciness involving the ConGenement, the villainous oppressors of our main character Gates.

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 THE SOUNDTRACK TO BENEFIT THE RONNIE JAMES DIO STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND FOR GATES THE COMIC BOOK

In August we launched a soundtrack to the comic that is available for download on iTunes and AmazonMP3, benefiting the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.” This soundtrack was created to memorialize Dio for his contribution to the original 1981 Heavy Metal Movie, while in the band Black Sabbath, in the last and most epic short form the movie, Taarna. The song the Mob Rules will forever inspire Heavy Metal Magazine artists forever!

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And in the summer, in support of the Gates soundtrack to support the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, your fun and self mocking creator, ME (Hal Hefner) dressed up as Girogio Tsoukalos, the Ancient Aliens TV show star from the History Channel, and ancient astronaut theorist. Know for his over inflated locks of hair and his passionately delivered speeches, we had a little fun with him, his theories and…his hair and orange skin.

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THE ART, DESIGN and MESSAGE OF GATES: “FIGHT THE POWER AND QUESTION AUTHORITY – THINK FOR YOURSELF”

And Gates, continued to chug along…New Page after new page. Here are a few of my personal favorite pages from the year, from the science fiction webcomic, Gates.

 

 

 

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Giorgio Tsoukalos and Season 4 of Ancient Aliens , Comic Books, Soundtracks to benefit Cancer

by Hef on January 14, 2012 at 12:01 am

Giorgio Tsoukalos has arisen to mythical status with his participation on the show Ancient Aliens, that is produced by and airs on the History Channel. Currently in production is the much awaited Season 4 of the show, Ancient Aliens. Giorgio Tsoukalos is again starring as an ancient theoritical expert discussing his ideas on Gods, human history and the possibilities of extra terrestrial or advanced species intervention with our past.

Tsoukalos is a pretty fun guy who sports a wonderful quaff of hair and tends to look very tanned. With the popularity of Ancient Aliens and the fun demeanor of Giorgio Tsoukalos, we decided to have a little fun with a promotional video for the comic book, Gates.  In August we launched a soundtrack of up and coming bands from multiple genres, to accompany the comic book. This soundtrack is dedicated to the Ronnie James Dio, Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. 100% of the proceeds are dedicated to this cause. And in October of 2011, we created a fun video, spoofing Giorgio Tsoukalos and Ancient Aliens in an effort to have some fun with a dark subject such as cancer and in hopes, to promote the soundtrack so we can donate a ton of money in the name of Ronnie James Dio, Hal Hefner, Gates the comic book and Heavy Metal Magazine.

It made sense to utilize this show and this man because Gates has some ancient alien theories that for the foundation of some of its themes, such as the Vril and the underground society of Vril.

Please enjoy the video below and share it. Please share it with Giorgio himself as he has yet to notice it and or recognize it. His and your support would make a HUGE difference for a great cause.

 

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Marvel Comics Hotlist: Marvel’s 15 Hottest Babes

by Hef on January 19, 2012 at 12:01 am

As person who was born with the last name Hefner, what can I say except that I LOVE women! It was my destiny to draw and write about hot girls…as well as science fiction when you factor in the first name (Hal) as well. And since I do write and illustrate Gates, Heavy Metal’s first online comic, in my own head all of these delusions of grandeur make me the perfect outsider to rank Marvel’s blistering babes of beauty.

So I took it upon my opinionated self to sit back, relax and rank the hotties of the Marvel Universe. Since the new 52 arrived for DC I have really not payed attention to what is going on there, so it was best that I chose to look at Marvel and their lineup of super sexy hot villains and super heroines.  I know them well having grown up with them and in all honesty my loyalties rest more-so with Marvel than DC…even though Marvel supports SOPA. So at this point in time I am boycotting both Marvel and DC comics and my only way to discuss them is through an online beauty pageant.

As for this beauty pageant list of Marvel’s hottest chicks, the qualifications were pretty simple. Hot bodies, hot faces, hot powers and sexiness.

It was a difficult process narrowing down who should be included on this list of Marvel’s beauty queens. However I HAD to make a choice. Unfortunately some of Marvel’s girls had to be left off, like Polaris and Namora to name a couple. And it was a difficult decision ranking these  hotties as well.

But I managed to do it…So without further delay, here are my choices for Marvel’s 15 Hottest Women.

 

15) Psylocke = Betsy Braddock
Purple hair, an amazing body and enchanted by Merlin, imagine the  things she could do to a man.

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14) Rogue = Anna Marie (full name unknown) 
A southern girl with lots of spunk, Rogue is so hot you can’t even touch her…or you’ll get your life sucked out of you.

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13) Dagger = Tandy Bowen 
The girl is sexy in that whitey tighty outfit and can throw light daggers that do everything from cure drug addiction to forcing people to confront their own demons.

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12) Tigra =  Greer Nelson
What man would not want to get nasty with a cat woman? Grrrrr

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11) Mystique = Raven Darkholme
Blue skin, amazing body and to top it off can shape-shift into anything. She would make an interesting one night stand

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10) She-Hulk = Jennifer Walters
Big green and sexy, what man wouldn’t wanted to be dominated by this hot hero?

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9) Scarlet Witch = Wanda Maximoff
A crazy sorceress who is into sex with androids. She might make for a fun night that only Clive Barker could dream about.

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8 ) Black Widow = Natasha Romanova
Sleek, sexy and dressed in skin tight black leather, this is one Russian babe who could paint your town red very quickly.

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7) Ms. Marvel = Carol Danvers
Ms. Marvel is one sexy alcoholic who looks to be a real warrior in the bedroom.

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6) Black Cat = Felicia Hardy
She is a sleek and sexy ex-catburgler with a body to die for but Spider Man chose Lindsey Lohan like Mary Jane Watson instead? WTF?

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5) Elektra = Elektra Natchios 
Elektra is one Greek Goddess Assassin who can rock your world with her ass kicking moves.

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4) Storm = Ororo Munro
An African priestess with a bangin’ body, a beautiful booty, white hair and can rock a mohawk better than Grace Jones, Storm is a “thunderous” babe.

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3) Phoenix = Jean Grey
As Marvel Girl, Jean Grey was cute. But as Phoenix she was diabolically delicious, especially the darker she got.

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2) Spider Woman = Jessica Drew
This curvaceous black haired she-arachnid is ass-kickingly beautiful in a Jaclyn Smith in her prime type of way.

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1) The White Queen = Emma Frost 
Emma frost is as sexy and sultry as any comic book seductress can get. Her cold chill cannot does nothing to defrost her hotness. Her inner battle with good and evil only makes her hotter.

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All characters are Copyright of the Marvel Universe. Their images and information are found on the official Marvel Web Page, that has character bios and anything and everything you desire to know about the Marvel Universe.

Thank you Marvel for creating these hot babes! BUT I’m very disappointed in YOU for supporting SOPA. Maybe if you were a little quicker at embracing understanding and innovating the digital space, you wouldn’t have to support SOPA. Blame yourself not others.

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