Yes, nearly a month has passed since BICS 2009......and my blog seems to have died!

Well, this isn't a sign of terminal indolence or any lack of interest. In fact Martin and I have been beavering away on our respective and joined projects, and have compiled quite a healthy and varied body of work.

Firstly 'Alameda' is nearing the end of its scripting phase. I'd forgotten just how lengthy and involved writing a script can be...my last one being the 46 page 'Last of the Chickenheads' over two years ago. Alameda is longer, and FAR more involved. I'm approaching it differently too. I'm writing the dialogue and captions first, then adding the direction later, eventually breaking it into panels, then the finished pages, as I go along. This keeps speech alot more natural, and allows me to get the flow of action down without always pausing to add the descriptions for when I draw it.

I've been drawing character studies and conceptuals too, in order to be ready to start cranking out the pages as soon as the script is done. This also prevents my artistic skills atrophying from lack of use...always a danger when you're hunched over a keyboard typing for hours on end. Here's a concept piece...well, a sliver of one:You can also read a little article about my art style/ approach for Alameda, which differs quite alot from the way I drew Jack in the Box: HERE.

Martin has been busy writing his next magnificent octopus, 'Henry Green' which I won't go into too deeply now, because we'll be giving it its own very special launch when the time is right. Here are a few tasteful glimpses of some conceptual studies I've been working on for that very project. As you can see, although I've been deathly quiet on my blog, I haven't stopped drawing at all:Also 'Jack in the Box' continues to be a main priority, with its marketing continuing on a daily basis. It's now in 4 branches of Waterstones: Chelmsford, Canterbury, and...two others. It's a shame that they buy through Gardners, and that the process grants the branches anonymity. Ah well, at least 4 Waterstones are interested! Plus I'll be sending out another dozen care packages once the postal strike is over. (Edit: as of this morning we have a 5th Waterstones buying books from us!)

Another Jack in the Box development is the ongoing creation of a short 3D animated feature, which I've been collaborating on with Richard Ellis of 'Richard Ellis Media'. We hope to bring you an interview with him very soon. He's a top drawer 3D modeller and animator, and I've provided him with extensive character studies showing each character from a variety of elevations, and also showing their relative scale:That's great practice for getting to know your characters...shame I did it AFTER completing the art on the novel! Plus I've story-boarded the feature (MORE drawing). It's now in his very capable hands, and I can't wait to see the first 3D workups of my 2D creations! To see just how cool his 3D animated work is, you can view a 3D version of Frank the Chickenhead, HERE.

And because Jack in the Box also sells via the website, I've had to do a few traditional non-Intuous sketches:This is to honour the 'free sketch with every copy' offer on the 'BUY' page. More info HERE. And drawing in pencils keeps me primed for sketching at the conventions...something I want to do much more of if I get the chance.

Jack in the Box is still garnering praise. 'Small Press Big Mouth', the rather excellent comics-related podcasters, bought a copy at BICS 2009, and they have reviewed it HERE.

Finally, as if I didn't have enough on my plate already...I present Alfie:We have a dog! A really loveable handful, who at 8 weeks old is keeping me busy, entertained, and good company through my days spent working from home. He's a beautiful lil critter, and I'm really looking forward to the day I can take him for his first walk...27th November.

Before that though, Martin and I will be at the Comiket, on Sunday 8th November, with our Jack in the Box display, and more besides. Hope to see you there...more info HERE.