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Today is the deadline for artists working on ONE NIGHT STAND. As of right now, I have sixteen finished pages and I'm waiting on the remaining half. I'm getting anxious emails from anxious artists. I feel bad causing such torment upon the busy lives of comic book artists. Seriously. We're all swamped with work, and sometimes a project like this can be a real albatross (so thank you to everyone contributing). I set the deadline to have enough time to layout, print, and ship everything a week before the December 30th release date. It also coincides with end of my Kickstarter pledge drive -- five more days left -- so that funds will be available in time to print. The deadline wasn't completely arbitrary. My apologies to those artists cursing my name as they ink the final panel.
On my end, it's exciting. This is probably my favorite part of the process. I love seeing the art for the first time. And I've never worked with this many people on a single project. It was an interesting exercise to script all these one-pagers on a single theme. I tried to complete five pages every day. Each artist is incredibly talented, and the styles are all varied. This project includes artists I've worked with on other projects: Paul Milligan (How To Lose Big), Tom Kurzanski (Karma Incorporated and Antigone), Brock Rizy (Emily Edison), Daniel Warner ("50 Miles to Marfa"), ZeeS ("Siren Song"), Cal Slayton (The Last Babysitter), and April Wenzel (our relationship). This project also includes artists who are brand new to comics, and several pros I've always wanted to collaborate with. My next step is to arrange the completed pages in an aesthetically pleasing order, and get the files ready. Then, I need to find a good local print shop. Preferably not Kinko's. After that, I'm sending fliers to the retailers I've contacted -- and doing a bit more promotion.
There are ten days left on my Kickstarter pledge drive. It was exciting to hit our goal so early, but it also caused the contributions to slow down. The goal represents the bare minimum I need to get the mini-comic printed and distributed to as many stores as possible. When you factor in the fees subtracted from Kickstarter (5%) and Amazon (4%), printing (one color cover, eight b&w interior pages front and back), and shipping -- the $800 we have so far is great, but we could do so much better.
Project page (CLICK HERE) Think of it this way: I've found 25 people willing to pledge to ONE NIGHT STAND. Compared to other comic book projects (that I would also highly recommend), these numbers are actually kinda low. Gordon Alpin has 182 backers. Jamie Tanner has 108 backers. Poorcraft has 226 backers. Surely, I can get more than 25 people to each pledge $5 to get this mini-comic sent to as many North American retailers as possible. NEWLY ADDED REWARD: As a last minute reward level, for anyone who donates $10 or more, I will send them a hand-made thank you card -- with a crappy little sketch from me. I'm not a great artist, but I will certainly try to make it look nice. Crayons? Markers? Glitter? I'll try anything to make your card... special. Plus, we still have two slots open for the $100 level: art + care package + ten comics ship to the store of your choice + 1 comic shipped to you + thank you listed in the comic. So, there you go. I'm leaving this project in your hands. I'm not the type to keep knocking at your door. (Oops. We're dealing with a mixed metaphor.) I greatly, greatly appreciate everyone who has donated so far. We're almost done! But it would be awesome if we could get a few more supporters on board before I start printing and shipping this mini-comic. Thank you! Project page (CLICK HERE)    
Yesterday, I was invited to the Burleson Public Library (Burleson, population 30,300) to speak with the Manga Club (population 15). I was introduced as an award-winning comic book writer, which I guess is technically true. I talked about the manga industry versus the American comic book industry, and what American comic book creators can do to be competitive in the future. Afterwards, one kid asked me to sign his YuGiOh card. "M'kay."
Then another kid asked me to sign his school ID. "Cool." Then someone asked me to sign his Nintendo DS. "Uh... sure." Then a person asked me to sign his cell phone. "Sure, why not?" At that point, a kid looked at me and asked suspiciously: "How famous are you?" Damn. I've been discovered. "Not very." He looked disappointed. I was disappointed. "I'm locally well known... in Dallas... in certain social circles... especially with people who read comics."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ONE NIGHT STAND MINI-COMIC TO ARRIVE ON DIAMOND'S "NO SHIP" WEEK
Comic book retailers in North America have a long committed relationship with Diamond Distributors. They're a cute couple. However, since Diamond will not be shipping any new comics during the week of December 30th, David Hopkins is offering a ONE NIGHT STAND. No strings attached. Written by David Hopkins, ONE NIGHT STAND is a series of one-page vignettes, a collaboration with 32 artists -- including Ryan Dunlavey (Action Philosophers), Christopher Higginson (Ghouly Boys), Sina Grace (Books with Pictures), Mark Murphy (Tiki Joe Mysteries), and Daniel Warner (Cocopiazo). All the stories center around a theme of casual sex and brief intimate encounters. "The instant I heard about this project I wanted to be a part of it," says Ryan Dunlavey. "David is one of the most outspoken advocates for indie comics -- and a great writer to boot -- so I knew if he was putting it together I'd be foolish not to get involved." The goal is to distribute free copies of ONE NIGHT STAND to indie-friendly retailers across North America. The stores can then sell those copies to customers looking for something new on December 30th. "I realize mini-comics are not the easiest books for a retailer to move, but it'd be nice for an independent comic to steal the spotlight for at least one day," says David Hopkins. "I'm not trying to turn a profit. It's my slutty way of saying thank you to retailers who sell independent self-made comics throughout the year." Preview page by Nate Bramble, creator of the webcomic Hermit Hill  Funding came through Kickstarter, a pledge-drive website used to support ideas and endeavors. After only three days, Hopkins was able to raise $500 for basic shipping and printing needs. The project site also allows people to pre-order the mini-comic. ONE NIGHT STAND is part of an initiative by IndyComicBookWeek.com. A retailer does not have to join ICBW to receive ONE NIGHT STAND, but obviously their participation is appreciated. "It would be great if stores encouraged their local talent to put something together for December 30th," Hopkins says. "End of the year, the economy has been crappy; indie comics seem like the most appropriate way to celebrate." ## RELATED SITES: http://antiherocomics.com http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/994120775/one-night-stand-mini-comic-and-casual-encounters http://indycomicbookweek.com http://www.hermithillcomic.com
Aaron Taylor sent me this pin-up in support of our ONE NIGHT STAND project. When we started, I had to cut the comic down to 32 pages, which means some artists weren't able to participate, because of promises I made first to other artists. It happens, but I felt terrible having to cut anyone. Aaron's pin-up art is greatly appreciated. Online promotional exclusive?
 Right now, I'm working on a press release for ONE NIGHT STAND and an email to gain the support of more retailers. The scripts are all written, but I'm keeping busy. For more updates, click here or visit the Indy Comic Book Week website.
Paul Milligan accuses me time and time again (usually when we're bored at conventions and need something to debate) that the women in my stories get unfairly beaten upon. I apparently have a bad case of "Women in Refrigerators" as a plot device. In my defense, (1) several of my stories have strong leading women. If you are the protagonist, the conflict follows you and you're an easy target. (2) The men in my stories also get beaten upon. Basically, if you are a character in one of my stories, expect bad things. (3) Joss Whedon is my spirit guide. It's the "I learned it from watching you" rebuttal. I don't just love Whedon. I study him. I've read all the scripts for the first three seasons of Buffy. I watch his shows with a notebook in front of me. Not kidding. I'm ready to learn. And you think I'm bad? You should see what he does to the women in his stories. In fact, I imagine he uses excuses 1 and 2 quite a bit as well.
For public record, here are my crimes against fictitious characters. Their lives were in my hands. I'll let you be the judge. Spoiler warning. Also, it's a fairly complete listing of everything I've worked on in the past seven years, published and unpublished. SPACE TO OCCUPY *stage play, performed at UTA* No women were harmed in this story. One was homeless, but that's it. A guy douses himself with gasoline and attempts to set himself ablaze. Guy, not a girl. THE INSIGHT *comic book, never published* Okay, a college girl is murdered. She develops psyche powers from her boyfriend (it could happen), and she accidentally discovers that her professor murdered his own son. The prof kills the girl to cover up his previous crime. Later, the psychic ghost imprint of the girl forces her boyfriend to kill the professor. I'm sure it would make sense if you read the script. Maybe not. SOME OTHER DAY *mini-comic, self published* No women were seriously harmed. A mom punches her own teenage daughter. One pastor is killed when a piece of space shuttle debris lands on him. (read the comic) FIGHT TO LIVE *short story featured in DEAD@17 ROUGH CUT VOL. 1* No women were harmed in this story. In fact, one girl comes back to life. That should count for something. (read the comic) THE SPARROW *short story featured in DEAD@17 ROUGH CUT VOL. 2* No women were harmed in this story. A pastor dies saving a baby girl's life. Hmmm. Maybe I should look into how often I kill off clergy in my stories... (read the comic) CFI SILENT FOREST *short story featured in SILENT FOREST TELEVISION PARODY SPECIAL* A golfer, male, is found dead. His head shoved in the ground. (read the comic) THE STRANGER WAITS FOR ME *short story featured in WESTERN TALES OF TERROR #2* A woman is shot to death, but more guys were shot to death. (read the comic) OMISOKA BRIDGE *graphic novel, never published* In this tale of a young samurai searching for his family, his mother sacrifices herself to save his life. ROCKET SCIENCE *comic book, never published* Late 1950s, alien invasion. The human resistance is led by three gifted teens (think Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew) with access to some sweet jet packs and ray guns. Besides most of the world being wiped out by the invasion, no women were hurt? My Nancy Drew-esque character survives. JACK RUBY *graphic novel, never published* Non-fiction. JFK dies. Lee Harvey Oswald dies. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise. THE LAST BABYSITTER *graphic novel, never published* A quirky teenage girl loads up on guns to protect the neighborhood children against the robot apocalypse. Sorry to spoil the ending, but the babysitter dies at the end of chapter three to save the kids. EMILY EDISON *graphic novel, published by Viper Comics* A large monster attacks a city. If they were any deaths, they occur in the reader's own imagination. Only death mentioned is my own. Off panel, the English teacher is eaten by the large monster. Alas, Mr. Hopkins. Beyond that, there's girl-fighting-robots violence. One girl is attacked by tiny spider-bots. SIREN SONG *short story featured in DARK HORRORS* A dad searches for his missing daughter. He is lured into the ocean and drowns. (read the comic) BULLETPROOF WEST *comic book, never published* Co-written by Jamar Nicholas. I don't remember any women dying in this one. Although, Annie Oakley beats up Lillian Smith. THE HENCHMAN *short story, never completed* A poor guy breaks his leg. Twice. (read it here) BETRAYAL OF THE MAN-EATING COW CLONES *one pager featured in THE TICK'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION* The Tick's sidekick Arthur gets mauled by ravenous cows. (read the comic) VIRGINIA 1939 *short story featured in THE BRADLEY BOYS ADVENTURE MAGAZINE* An editor is punched by Dash Bradley. (read the comic) ANTIGONE *comic book, published by Silent Devil* The lead character Antigone, she's horribly beaten and then commits suicide. Her lover Haimon kills himself. Haimon's mother also commits suicide. None of this is my fault. It's an adaptation from a play written by Sophocles. Blame him. KARMA INCORPORATED: POOR MR. WILSON *graphic novel, published by Viper Comics* In chapter one, Susan throws hot coffee on Art Gellman. In chapter two, a police officer is beaten, kicked, and tied up. A man is shot and killed. A guy is thrown through a window. Yet, for some reason, people seem to remember chapter three as the violent one. Marsha is beaten badly, pistol whipped and choked. Her antagonist gets his face bashed in with a remote control airplane. KARMA INCORPORATED: VICE & VIRTUE *graphic novel, unpublished* I released the script earlier this summer (click here). Their headquarters blows up. Susan is badly injured. Someone dies later in the story, but I don't want to give anything away. A woman is shot, but she lives. LAKE ARCHER *comic book, never published* I scripted the first four issues of this ongoing series about a small town under quarantine. In the first issue, there's a woman found dead in her SUV. Also, a man is shot during a bank robbery. FRONTIER *graphic novel/manga, still in development* Can't really share much about this one. In the name of disclosure, a main female character does die, but so do lots of other people. It's a story about a wealthy family driven into the frontier (hence the name) as a result of war. DELTA COUNTY *graphic novel, still in development* The story revolves around a school shooting in a small town. Four students die. Three boys. One girl. HOW TO LOSE BIG *graphic novel, still in development* I'm working on this project with Paul, and I'm proud to say no women were hurt in the main story. One girl is pushed over in a convention brawl, but that happens all the time. However, in the backup story "Princesses vs. Unicorns" -- it's not pretty. Unicorn and princess carnage. Grenades, shotguns, and chainsaws are employed. 50 MILES TO MARFA *short story featured in POPGUN VOL. 3* Con artists ditch a car in the middle of nowhere and walk home with the loot from a bank job. I don't want to spoil the ending, but it does support Paul's hypothesis. THE HEIST AND THE HEART ATTACK *short story featured in POPGUN VOL. 4 (unreleased)* This story is about the bank job hinted at in "50 Miles to Marfa." As the title suggests, someone has a heart attack. And someone punches an old lady. ASTRONAUT DAD, VOL. 1 *graphic novel, published by Silent Devil* No women were harmed in this story. However, in the second volume, some bad stuff happens. I would argue that the "bad stuff" only exists to show the very real tragedies that can occur in life. UNTITLED PROJECT *graphic novel, still in development* Centers around the murder of a young girl. It's loosely inspired by actual events. Here's my closing defense. The most important people in my life are all women. Could it be possible that my writer's imagination leads me to dark places and I can't imagine anything worse than something terrible happening to the people closest to me? It's catharsis to confront my own fears as an artistic expression?
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