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" About this project
WHERE MY IDEA CAME FROM...
This is a dream project for me; one that's been brewing since I was a kid! The late Silver Age/ Bronze Age of comic books was my influence growing up and I LOVED it! Even as I knew, back then, that I wanted to become a professional artist drawing comic books (which I've done) I've also, recently, become aware of a slightly different, yet parallel desire I've had since I was that kid, though I didn't really know of it until now: I've wanted to draw THOSE very comic books I was reading back then! (And after talking to tons of fans over the years, I've found that there are a LOT of people who'd love to READ those types of comics again!)
And those comics had some cool things going on: • Classic, yet revitalized, Superheroes. • New Creative superheroes which included: Kung Fu warriors and Cosmic Surreal Icons. • Savage Barbarians. • High Fantasy characters. • Tales of Mystery and Horror. • and New, radical, wild cartooning! And what a period for comic creators! Classic veteran writers and artists were reaching the zenith of their powers while new, young, talented creators were emerging with exciting skills and ideas. (Both of these types of creators are my primary influence, both then and now.)
And even the comic book medium/package itself had evolved and been refined into an apex of a fascinating combination of entertainment and commerce. Not only had the characters and the stories matured into very cool art forms but even the ad pages, the news pages and letter pages had all become their own self-contained experiences of interest. This was happening at the mainstream publishers as well as the independents.
BUT ... I was born too late to join that particular time of comic book publishing as a professional artist at it's zenith, though I was a rabid follower of it all. Well, this Kickstarter-funded project (fingers crossed!) is as close to solving that particular time-travel conundrum as I can come. So, here it is:
MY PROJECT AND HOW IT'LL BECOME A REALITY...
I've created quite a few of my own characters over time and, no surprise, they all reflect my personal love for that period of creativity. (The names of just a few of them: AUGUST, MATON, LION FIST, THUNDRON, THE SPIDROID, JOHN HAWK, EAGLE KING, ONYX, AGENTS of R.A.N.C.O.R., INFINITON, TERROR WOLF, etc. etc.) They all have the fun, jazzy story thrills, funky art techniques and graphics, bright strong coloring .... these classic-style (yet new) characters will fill dazzling pages of entertaining pop culture. I'm even going to mimic the old newsprint look of paper. (While still using good quality paper and acheiving a quality printing look!) And with these characters, this is the exact type of comic book experience I plan to create, brand new, again:
A 3-Issue Comic Book Mini Series: "Magnet Comics Presents..." 52 pages (Giant Size!) each issue; enough to tell a great variety of stories as well as offer a tremendous value for everyone's money! A glorious celebration of the Silver / Bronze Age of Comics ! A new expression of that era of comics and a new continuation of that period's potential! And in a price range that will be extra-value-packed and affordable! (Possible $2 per 52 page issue .... great deal !!! )
Why a self-contained, monthly, 3 issue mini series? So I can accomplish certain things with it: (a) Have separate front covers showcasing different characters and design styles .... (b) The ability and opportunity to utilize a "Next Issue", "Continued In..." and "Coming Up In Issue #__ " theme of design and in-house company ads as part of the fun packaging. (c) The storytelling devices of paused tension between chapters. (d) The opportunity for fans to write in letters and the potential for those letters to alter some of the next issue's content. And other unforeseen benefits ...
Most of this material will come from my own hands as I've built a respectable array of skills that were honed over years and across many disciplines. (See my resume/biography) But some of it will (hopefully) come from some of the very talented people that helped forge those days, those creators who are still around and active.
There's also going to be a lot of research and use of references/resources for (re)creating that particular publishing look and style. Paper types, color schemes, printing-drawing-graphic techniques, typography choices, etc. These 3 issues are going to powerfully reflect all these unique qualities, and more, while at the same time presenting all-brand-new stories and characters and experiences. A lot of time, man hours and hand crafted skills will go into these books.
Colorful, heroic, positive, powerful, mind-stretching stories and characters that just zip through a fascinating package of awesome comic book goodness!!!! (Of course it'll be just 3 months of this for right now but who knows what the future will bring ... ! )
WHAT THE FUNDING WILL PROVIDE...
The funds raised for this will pay for all the time, work and research needed to go into producing these books at professional rates as well as the printing and distribution efforts (both traditional and leading edge) needed to reach as wide of an audience as possible. Also there will be a few select, strategic convention and comic book store appearances to promote the books, which include creating specialty promotional items for sale, give-away and display. (My plans include the debut of these 3 issues over 3 convention appearances during the main convention season of 2012.)
MY FINAL WORDS OF GRATITUDE...
So, if you are around the age where you remember these types of comic books ... or even if you are much younger but you want to experience the thrill of getting at least 3 months worth of comic books coming your way that will actually entertain you as much as any video game of download ... than this is going to be a truly worthwhile project for you to support. An experience of superhero, mystery, action-adventure comic books that haven't been available as brand new for over 35 years!
Fun, awesome entertainment you will simply LOVE to have ... that's what I believe it will be, I certainly hope you believe it, too! Welcome on to this cool train of fun; it is GREAT to have you aboard!!!
Thank you very much for your time, attention and interest!! All the best to you!!

Sincerely, Scott Rosema "

I pledged my support Scott...I want to see these comic books! C'mon people!

HERCULES vs !!!

HERC vs SUPERMAN by legendary artist George Perez...my favorite pic from the bunc

Herc vs Wonder Woman a cartoon I found while surfing...yeah that's how it would go down.

Here is an unlikely duel by Independant cartoonist. Bertram.

The classic mythological match up HERCULES vs Cerberus..the three headed wolf dog who guards the entrance to Hades or HELL...whatever you want to say! Stay tuned for more HERCULES vs !!!

Brett Ratner to direct a new "HERCULES" film.

He has signed on to direct the film based on the RADICAL imprint "Hercules the Thracian wars"

series. No word yet on who will star in the film. But it has been said that it will follow the story line of the comic book and stay faithful and true to the dark and gritty nature. There is even one news outlet on the web stating that Vin Diesel will play a role ( Hopefully not as HERCULES! I won't see it then ) Other reports hgave it coming out in 3D and others state it will be shot in the style of 300. A film I loved by the way. Since CONAN was such a big flop...maybe one of my other heroes can save face. Then of course there is TARZAN with Hugh Jackman...I'm hoping that will also quench my thirst for some SAVAGERY!

The passing of Andy Whitfield.

"Andy Whitfield, star of the Starz Entertainment sword-and-sandal series "Spartacus," died in Australia on Sunday at the age of 39.
The muscled actor succumbed to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer with which he was diagnosed in March 2010, according to The New York Times.
Whitfield was born in Wales, but made his home in Australia, where he first came to attention after stints in a number TV shows, including "All Saints" and "Packed to the Rafters." The sometime model had his biggest breakthrough, though, when he was cast in the Starz series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," in which he played the title role of a soldier who leads a rebellion against the Roman Empire. The series was an instant hit thanks to his turn in the classic role that had previously been filled by such screen icons as Kirk Douglas.
After his diagnosis last March, Whitfield began to undergo treatment in New Zealand, which led to the delay of the second season of the show and the filming of a six-part prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," for which he provided some voiceover work. He was initially declared cancer-free a few months after treatment, but suffered a relapse later in the year that forced him to abandon the role, which was recast.
His wife, Vashti, issued a statement on Sunday confirming his death. "On a beautiful sunny Sydney morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his love wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer ... he passed peacefully surrounded by love," the statement said. "Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."
The cable network Whitfield called home also released a statement on his passing. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in 'Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life. Andy was an inspiration to all of us as he faced this very personal battle with courage, strength and grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and fans."

This article was taken from MTV's news media site.

HERCULES is beside himself!

Art by Mike DeStasio ( after Jack Kirby and Sam Glanzman )

Color art and text by Mike Dominic

Over at - "The Brave and the Bold- The lost issues"

Ross the creator , founder and main man has put together this little beauty. I have been following Ross' blog for a couple of years now. I take great joy in seeing his little mash ups. It is definately a number 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 in the entertainment department.

His blog is the inspiration for me to draw up the "HERC vs" covers. Of course I'm only doing about 8 or so altogether. But ROSS has an ongoing thing with his blog. Check out " The Brave and the Bold - The Lost issues " today!

AVENGERS cosplay

That's the same HERC guy from the earlier cosplay shot with BatMan....

Herc vs Herc vs Herc!

This one brought to you by Walt Simonson , John Buscema and SaM Glanzman! Just for fun..a 3 way Royal Rumble

Ok..I think I'm happy now

After DON HECK

In 1989...THOR 400 came out...in it was a back up feature that had a splash page with THOR and HERCULES ready to sit down and have an arm wrestle to finally decide who is the strongest between the two...well they rattled a mountain apart in their struggle. Here is my HOMAGE to DON HECK...part of it anyway...my scanner in too small to accomodate the artwork...so I scanned the most appropriate section..for the blog...lol

Hercules vs Hercules? Huh?

I was not happy with the bottom ( First image ) so I worked up another one...to save myself some time it's all in markers...so it's not as smooth but I like the way the Glanzman HERC turned out.

I just got done working on this one....I tried to imitate Sam Glanzman's style for the Charlton version of HERCULES and he has a pretty muddy ( But tasteful ) line...I got a little too muddy on the face...But I like the border I got going on...that's very Sam! Of course...everyone knows where I got Jacks HERC from...I been drawing Kirby-ish my whole life...some things are easier than others...then some things get a wee bit difficult...trying to mash up Sam Glanzman and Jack Kirby...yeah that's a wee bit difficult...BUT...I like it. Color version on the way. :)

HERCULES vs TARZAN

Here is the next cover in the series....I believe I am going to do maybe 6 more or so...then put a lid on it....But in the meantime this is FUN! Enjoy! Thank you CROMSBLOOD from over at

"Crom the Ultimate Conan fan blog " for the assist in putting this little piece together...Next ish...RED SONJA!

HERCULES cosplayer

Here is a shot of a HERC cosplayer at a recent con. Posing with some guy who's supposed to be ZORRO or something.

Progress on the next cover...

still working out some bugs...but this is almost what it's gonna look like...I'm loving it. My friend Mark is really kicking ass on this....

HERCULES and TARZAN

Here is the artwork for the next HERC vs mock up cover...the art has been scanned and file sent to the color artist. I am excited...this is fun. Each drawing will be in the style of KIRBY of whatever seems appropriate. As I am working I am slowly getting my chops back. It'll take several more attempts before I am back at the level I was 20 some odd years ago. Plus I need to go get me some serious art tools...this 5 dollar pack of brushes is killing me.

Cover ideas for HERC to square off against next are...RED SONJA , SHANNA the SHE DEVIL , DC COMICS version of HERCULES as well as Charlton comics Sam Glanzman version...that's it for now. Stay tuned!

HERCULES battles CONAN ~ FULL COLOR!

I was inspired recently to whip up an homage to Jack Kirby....being that Charles R. Rutledge from " Singular points " and I were mentioning that Jack Kirby never really had any CONAN material out there. So I too pulled a Rich Buckler/Ron Frenz and swiped/borrowed a couple of poses to draw up this HOMAGE to CONAN and KIRBY in honor of his Birthday recently Aug 28.
I was thinking after I drew it...man this needs some color and thought to myself " Hmm I've been working on a side project with Cromsblood...but he has a child on the way and he's very busy as of late." Then I remembered the Rudy Nebres " One minute later " piece from several months back on "CROM the Ultimate CONAN fan blog" and how Mike Dominic from AIM comics producers of " The Brutal blade of BRUNO the BANDIT " colored in the artwork the very next day...it was an internet smash and can be found in several places...( Folks that was Mike Dominic who colored that in ) So I asked "DOM" if he would not mind doing this fun little side job for me. Sure enough the very next day VOILA!
I could not be prouder..thank you "DOM" You did a great job coloring and adding text to my piece! You are a great artist! I hope you folks out there like it. I'm very proud.