[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq7LWn1Bbuc[/youtube]
Here is a video introduction to GATES, recorded in my studio in October of 2010. It gives an overview of the story for Heavy Metal’s first online comic and where it’s going in the upcoming months.
The best way for me to explain Gates to you in terms of pacing is that it has a big similarity to the Wizard of Oz–in one way. I know a lot of you have seen the various images online of the lush plant life and bizarre creatures. You’ve also seen the negative Utopian world which is currently underway in the pages that are up on the website currently. You’ve probably wondered how these worlds fit together.
Well remember how Dorothy started off in the black and white, dull world of Kansas and ended in up in the technicolor land of OZ? Well, there ya go. It’s very much like that. Two contrasting worlds colliding. It was not an intentional thing to do it this way but a person that was interviewing pointed it out and I kind of liked the similarities.It was an honor actually because I love that movie.
As a kid I loved the magical, yet disturbing land of OZ, and of course the creepy flying monkey and the scary Lollipop gang of dwarfs. It’s not surprising that this movie subconsciously made it’s impression on Gates, as did many others. Without amazing tales like the Wizard of Oz, people like me couldn’t weave their tales of science fiction today.
AMAZING ARIZONA COMIC CON adds deviantART to programming schedule, with scheduled deviantMEET, panel hosted by Hal Hefner, creator of Heavy Metal’s first online comic GATES
As I alluded to earlier in the week , and it is now confirmed–I will be hosting a panel at the AMAZING ARIZONA COMIC CON.
This is the very first Comic Con of 2011, and deviantART has decided to join in on the fun and kick off the convention circuit. And I am honored to be helping them. Taking place January 8th and 9th at Mesa Convention Center, in Phoenix, AZ, dA will be hosting a one hour panel on Saturday afternoon at 4pm, focusing on artists, and how deviantART can help take their work to the next level.
Immediately following the one hour panel, at 5pm there will be a deviantMEET where artists, both professionals and amateurs can introduce themselves and congregate with representatives from deviantART, while discussing their experiences and a whole lot more. As an artist, I really love to help other artists in any way I can. It’s great to get advice, and I myself seek it all the time so please feel free to seek me out and chat me up.
FREE deviantART schwag be be given away at the event. Be a part of the action! It’s going to be fun.
deviantART Panel
Saturday January 8th, 4pm
Hal Hefner, creator of Heavy metal Magazine’s first Online comic Gates, will moderate a panel discussing how artists looking to break into the comic book or illustration industry can use deviantART as a springboard to build a fan base, portfolio and more to attract potential employers, publishers and more.
We will discuss success stories such as Hal’s and Dan LuVisi’s with Heavy Metal. Additional panelists include Karl Alstatter of MTV Geek Me2, Nicole Jordan from dA’s Los Angeles Headquarters and more.
To Find out more about deviantART and their Special Program at the AMAZING ARIZONA COMIC CON, join the discussion- http://nicolejordan.deviantart.com/journal/37302920/
For More Information about the AMAZING ARIZONA COMIC CON, check out our links at-
Web: http://www.AmazingArizonaComicCon.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amazing-Arizona-Comic-Con/153989404640173
FB Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103296223070393
Twitter: @amazingcomiccon , @halhefner, @danluvisiart
Me & deviantART:
Although I’ve only been a deviant for about 3 years, I really love dA and what it has done for artists. It’s a great congregation of those that are young and old, being friends sharing art and bonding over likes and dislikes. Ironically Dan LuVisi is the one who introduced me to dA a few years ago. I had heard about it but never knew what it was.
I loaded up a few images and was on my way. It was great to get instant feedback and find a whole bunch of new friends from across the world, spanning all ages. It’s been pretty fun being a part of it and watching it grow. I have to say that being on this panel and hosting this panel is pretty awesome.I will be recording it and placing it the site after the con.
I can’t say enough how much I’ve learned form talking with other artists. Sharing techniques and tips is almost tribal and passing down ideas from one generation to the next I think is something as an artist you MUST do. Giving back is extremely important.
And to follow up on lending an artistic hand/advice, here’s a little video tip I did a while back about contracting colors in painting.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA_iIsCxUNs[/youtube]
Come and meet me, Hal Hefner, artist and writer of Gates the comic at the Amazing Arizona Comic Con on January 8th and 9th, 2011.
I will be located at booth #123.
I’ll be sharing a booth with DC (Secret Six) cover artist, Dan LuVisi and creator of Heavy Metal’s blockbuster new hit, LMS.
The Amazing Arizona Comic Con is a new convention located in the heart of the desert. It’s the very first convention of the year, spanning the latest and greatest from the world of comic books and entertainment. From a show floor packed with over one hundred exhibitors, to an exciting artist alley, and autograph sessions giving fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators, the Amazing Arizona Comic Con brings the best of popular culture to the American Southwest!
Arizona is a great location and I’m excited to be a part of it. I’ll be located next to Leph Loeb, Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefeld. It’s an honor to be amongst these comic legends.
So please come by and say hello. I’ll also have some limited edition art prints, posters, exclusive shirts and a few other exciting items for sale, along with some free shwag.
I’m in the process of scheduling some panel appearances as well, and will update everyone accordingly when all of the information is confirmed. It looks like something fun with deviantART is in the works. Stay tuned.
INFO: AMAZING ARIZONA COMIC CON
DATES – January 8-9, 2011
Location – Mesa Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
TWO DAY Weekend passes are $25, with Sunday Only passes for $15. Order Now!
MVP Passes NOW Available! Get in on the Ultimate Fan Experience for only $100!
Location:
Mesa Convention Center
263 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85211
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead creator)
STEVEN YEUN – Glenn From AMC’s WALKING DEAD
JON BERNTHAL – Shane from AMC’s WALKING DEAD
Jeph Loeb (Hulk, Ultimate Comics)
Rob Liefeld (creator & artist Deadpool, Youngblood)
TODD McFARLANE (SPAWN creator, HAUNT, Image Comics Founder)
Victor Gischler (X-Men, Deadpool Corps)
John Layman (Eisner & Harvey Award-Winning, Chew)
JT Krul (Green Arrow, Brightest Day, Blackest Night)
Ryan Ottley (Haunt, Walking Dead)
Cory Walker (Invincible)
Marat Mychaels (Deadpool Corps, Brigade)
with
Aspen MLT: The Creative Studio behind such hits such as Fathom and Soulfire launches the new Steampunk fantasy LADY MECHANIKA. On Twitter @AspenComics
Joe Benitez
Peter Steigerwald
with:
Frank Mastromauro
Vince Hernandez
Mark Roslan
Keu Cha (Witchblade, Rising Stars) On Twitter: @Keu_Cha
JT Krul (Green Arrow, Brightest Day, Blackest Night) On Twitter: @jtkrul
Andy Kuhn (Creator of Cartoon Networks’ Firebreather) On Twitter: @andykuhn
John Layman (Eisner & Harvey Award-Winning, Chew): Bio: A former WildStorm editor turned writer and letterer, John Layman has worked for almost every major comics book company over the last 15 years, including Marvel, Image, WildStorm, IDW, Oni, Dynamite and Avatar. He is currently focused on his 60-issue creator-owned cannibal cop comic CHEW with artist Rob Guillory. Layman resides in Gilbert, AZ, with his wife, child, two cats, and a ton of Legos. On Twitter: @themightyjohnlayman
Marat Mychaels (Deadpool Corps, Brigade) On Twitter: @Marat_Mychaels
Ryan Ottley (Haunt, Walking Dead) On Twitter: @ryanottley
Brian Pulido (Creator of Lady Death)
Richard Starkings (Elephantmen, ComiCraft)
Cory Walker (Invincible) On Twitter: @corentha
Joe Weems (Top Cow, X-Men) On Twitter: @joeweemsv
Also Appearing – Team WildStorm:
Eddy Choi – On Twitter: @gelatometti
Joel Gomez – On Twitter: @JoelG
Livio Ramonelli – On Twitter: @MrLivio
Oliver Nome
JJ Kirby
Gabe Eltaeb
Michael Lopez
Eddie Nunez
And ZENESCOPE creators: On Twitter – @zenescope
Eric Basaldua AKA EBas
Mike DeBalfo
Raven Gregory
Nei Ruffino
Artist Alley:
Karl Altstaetter (MTV Geek ME2, Samurai) On Twitter: KomicKarl
Austin Bermhall
Sherry Bissette
Gerimi Burleigh – On Twitter: @Gerimi
Andy Carreon
John Chihak
Ryan Cody w/Scott Godlewski – On Twitter:@ryancody
Allison DeLarosiere
Marc De Los Santos
Evil Robo Productions: Henry Bartajas, Matt Howard, Eric Schock, Arnie Brermudez
Denae Frazier
Jamie Gambell (Samurai) On Twitter: @jamiegambell
Benjamin Glendenning (Zombies V Cheerleaders, HackSlash) – On Twitter: @Skulljammer
April Grady-Reyna
Jim Hanna – On Twitter: @jimhanna
Hal Hefner (Heavy Metal Online, Gates) On Twitter: @halhefner
William HighTower/IDK Comics
John C Hughes
Tom Hutchinson/Penny for Your Soul
Brandon James
Russ Kareoke Fanboy
Michael Macropoulos
Larry Marder (BeanWorld Creator) On Twitter: @larrymarder
JP Marizan & Tosh Delaney
Alan Martinez w/Victor Olazaba & A. Cruz
Eric Mengel
Mat Nastos (Disney’s Phineas & Ferb, ElfSong) On Twitter: @niftymat
Milen Parvanov (Zenescope Colorist)
Shelby Robertson
Jerry Roscoe
Tim Vigil
And Indy Art Team:
THIRD EMPIRE STUDIOS
Greg Harms
Roman Morales
Luke Donkersloo