The People’s Publisher

Hey everyone!

Hope you all had a merry pint o’green ale on St. Patty’s day! I had a few to celebrate that Gustav Hayes is almost complete. The fabulous Chris “the Stud” Studabaker is near completion of lettering all the pages, after reviews and any revisions, we hope to have Gustav complete by this weekend! Woo Hoo! Here is some teaser art of pages 1 & 2 done with lettering…

Right. Well I am lucky to announce that I had the chance to go and interview Gustav Hayes himself. What you say? How did you…? Well by the magic of Zeros 2 Heroes, the wicked idea of Julian Lawrence and By the power of Greyskull… I mean Morgan Jeske, I got a chance to drop by The City and have a nice one-on-one chat with Gustav himself. Check it out…

Panel 1: Robert steps over some half melted Zombiods and then smacks himself in the face when trying to finally open the door to “Hole in the Wall”, walking in he notices that only the bar is light up. Wandering over he is aware that the bar itself is alive… no wait… it’s Gustav Hayes himself stirring awake. Robert takes a seat next to Gustav and smirks.

Robert: Morning Sunshine! You ready for this interview?

Gustav: Ugh–keep your f**king voice down would you? What’re you press? I thought all of you were dead, oh wait– cockroaches, I forgot.

Panel 2: A shot of Gustav barely turning his head to look at Robert.

Robert: The Press… sure… we can go with that. I wanted to ask how you are feeling after your first big fight with the Zombiods, that army guy and the evil cloud thing?

Gustav: Feelings don’t enter into the equation friend. I’m back singing again, back to the dull throbbing headaches and the persistent voice from on high, shouting sweet nothings into my ear–

Panel 3: At this point Gustav glances over his shoulder, as if to make sure no one was within earshot.

Gustav: –this kid though, she–nevermind. That psycho Lt Doe, I thought I remembered his ugly jingoistic mug from somewhere–it was at a fundraiser for some politician, pre bombs.

Panel 4: Robert looks for a clean glass.

Robert: Alright. Least your back to singing. That’s good. I still remember your one big hit… kinda. I think you opened for The Fine Young Cannibals in Vancouver once - you were the best reason to see the show.. hey, where’s the bartender around here? I would love a pint of green ale considering its St. Patty’s day!

Gustav: Where the hell is Vancouver–is that the actual Fine Young Cannibals, or the sh*t lying on the floor over there–

Panel 5: Malcolm–part time zomboid–shouts from across the room “Hey!”

Panel 6: Gustav is sitting up on the bar. Robert leans over, grabs a bottle of some port and pours himself a small glass full, offers some to Gustav.

Gustav: Is it March already then? Hmph, who knew. Time got kind of
blurry after the war, granted, my sense of time before, wasn’t exactly
what one might call a ’sense of time’

Gustav: And for the record, there was more than one song–Bob.

Robert: Was there more than one? Well like I said, at least your singing again. That has to be good. What about your new “home” here in the Hole in the Wall? How is it? How are the hosts?

Panel 7: Robert takes a look at Malcom, looking around for Sue…

Gustav: Thee dead one has a mean Hate-on for me, says my music is tasteless pap. Can’t say I don’t agree, but, I’ve got to at least muster some fight. Sue has been–

Panel 8: Sue’s entered the room, Gustav is looking over at her affectionately. Robert looks to Gustav and smiles

Gustav:–sweet, really. Like if I had raised one of my probable illegitimate children. She loves me, which still f**ks me up a touch, and she’s got this way about her, I don’t know–it’s sort of like she makes my songs really sing, you know?

Robert: Yeah, muses work that way. You’re lucky to have someone like her around you. So what’s next for Gustav Hayes? A visit to the Zoo?

Panel 10: Shot of Gustav.

Gustav: It’s funny, really–I try not to think beyond the day that I’m in the middle of–too depressing I say. Most days getting out of bed is as far as I get.

Gustav: Malcolm says theres something at the Zoo–who knows, his brain is half dead, so it could really be anything. Some survivors have been complaining about irradiated animal attacks.

Gustav: Other than that, I ‘ll just keep singing one day at a time.

Panel 10: Robert snickers while looking at Gustav.

Robert: You mean you’re singing the theme song to “One Day at A Time?” — is this a nightly show?

Gustav: Are you taking the piss with me? No I’m not–f**k do I not need this.

Robert: Well hey, whatever gets you through the night, Gustav. As long as yer not sleeping with Russian diplomats wifes or such, I think you’ll do just fine!

Panel 11: Robert finishes his drink.

Gustav: Wait–how did you know about–

Panel 12: Robert gets up, puts a tip on the bar counter next to his drink. Gustav sitting next to him.

Robert: Ah. I guess I got enough for my article. So let me ask, what is next for the great Gustav Hayes. More pop songs that I cannot remember? Venturing forth through this Brave New World? Bringing peace to the world with your singing or slowly killing yourself with bottles and pills?

Gustav: All of the above if I can manage, and not necessarily in that order.

Robert: Oh that reminds me. A friend we have in common wanted me to give you this…

Panel 13: Robert blocks the view and hands Gustav a small baggy of red pills.

Robert: In case you still need’em. Right. I’m off.

Panel 14: Robert looks over to Sue and Malcom, waves.

Robert: Nice to meet you! Gustav, you take care. Catch you next time!

Panel 15: With that Robert leaves.

Hey all,

Well good news - 99.9% of the coloring for Gustav Hayes is done! One final revision and colors are done. I would like to thank Cristian Valdes for all his hard work on the book! We have taken a number with busy letterer Chris Studabaker and hopefully this weekend we can get started lettering GH! So no additional teaser artwork this week but hey check this out - Gustav Hayes now has its own “production page” on the newly revised Z2H website here:
http://www.zeros2heroes.com/component/option,com_book/Id,4/

So I leave you with two things. One is a great bio & interview with Cristian Valdes (below) and that Morgan Jeske keeps teasing me with additional Gustav Hayes scripts! I do think that once we GH is done, I am going to keep bugging Z2H for future issues! I love the script for issue #2 and I really think that both Morgan Jeske & Z2H have a potentially great series in their hands. Fingers crossed for the future!

Alright. Nuff about me trying to pimp GH issue 2. Gotta get issue 1 in the can first. So I leave you with the interview and bio of Cristian Valdes…

Real name: Cristian Valdes P.
Other Aliases: Chico, Chascón, Riky
Double Identity: Known publicly
Current Occupation: Comic artist - illustrator
Previous occupation: Architect … …. Indeed I am an architect, though also I was boy scout and kendoca
Birthplace: Chillan - Chile
Affiliation Group: Heroes To Zeros, but the truth I am a damned mercenary…
Base: Double Mobility Chillan - Concepcion.
Super human powers: Aptitude to draw and color any type of comic or illustration
Source of Power: long-term exposure to TV radiation
Special skills: the ability to remember useless information like name of films, directors, actors, comics artist, superheroes, and others.
Weapons: blue pencil, eraser, pc, wacom, photoshop, ink and anything with which to draw.
First appearance: November 15, 1976

1. How did you get started working with Zeros 2 Heroes?

Like any artist, answering a help wanted ad. I am not sure if it was digitalwebbing, pencil jack, devianart or any other forum … The truth is that I’m looking for new material, and sometimes forget where I find the information.

2. Your colors on Gustav Hayes is wonderful. Who are your influences?

Hard question…. that depends to the style and type of work, but especially in this last time and for the title of Gustav Hayes, Dave Mccaig, Scotie Young and Joshua middleton

3. After working on Gustav Hayes, a beta book that is about a post-apocalyptic future with a reluctant hero, who is your favorite comic book hero?

My child hero was Batman, after that was Azrael and Martian Manhunter

4. Gustav Hayes based in an eighties post apocalyptic world. What was your favorite eighties fad?

If you ask me for the beautiful clothes and stylish haircuts … Maybe none hehehehe.

5. Your favorite comic book(s) on the stands these days?

Just these days because would take the whole day to enumerate all my favorite comic books ….. The Ultimates, Green Lantern, JLA, The New Avengers, X23, X Men.

6. Your last name is Valdes so V (V for Vendetta) or Voodoo (from WildCATs)?

Maybe both… though really I like to draw sexy girls like Voodoo, there is no comparison with V of Vendetta is a great comic, epic and inspirational.

7. You’re an artist as well as colorist, who is your favorite comic book artist?

Again a lot of them, ….. historically, Jim Lee, Scott Campbell, Manara, David Finch, Alex Ross, Travis Charest, Laining F. Yu, Juan Gimenez, Paolo E. Serpieri, Cam Kennedy, Andy Granov …. and I will add to the list any other artist that bursting my head.

8. What tip(s) would you give an artist trying to break into the comic industry?

Hard Work, Show their art by all possible means and to respond all the advertisements, notices or ad announcing job.

9. Who is an upcoming creator in the industry that you follow or support?

I really do not know if they correspond to an upcoming creator, but at least I discovered in them and they really surprised me a lot…. They are Paul Richards and Joshua Middlenton.

10. Being that Gustav Hayes himself is a singer, what music do you listen to while working on Gustav Hayes?

Usually hear a local radio of Chile ‘Rock and Pop’ to keep me updated, but if I you hang by the neck and ask me which is my favorite music I must say that the Grunge Rock.

Right. Thats all for this week. Same Gustav time next week, Same Gustav channel... I mean blog!

Hey all,

So… work on Gustav Hayes is moving along. We are close to finishing the colors of the book and went over some final approvals last night. All the coloring should be done soon and then over to Chris Studabaker for lettering. The interview with Cristian Valdes is pending so I leave you with this, The Art of Gustav Hayes, a specific gallery made just of all the previewed artwork for the book. Enjoy.

View the gallery here

http://www.zeros2heroes.com/gallery/302

Also note that all the Gustav Hayes posts now have their own category so you can read all the blog posts here:
http://blog.zeros2heroes.com/category/gustav-hayes/

- Robert

Hey all. News from the Gustav Hayes bar, Hole in the Wall, is that the great Daniel Bradford has completed all the pencils and inks for the book and wonderful Cristian Valdes is working hard to get the rest of the pages colored for next week. The too cool for words, Chris Studabaker, is taking numbers for what book gets lettered this week but hopefully Gustav Hayes will be lettered very soon.

No interview with Cristian for this week. My bad but I want to get rolling on the remainder of the coloring first then we will try for next week.

Hiya all,

Sorry for missing our blog time for Gustav Hayes yesterday. Things have been so busy with the book that I got caught up in it’s development. As you can see, the coloring and toning of the book has begun. The toning/coloring on the book is to give it the old school 1950’s-1960’s comic book feel of the Benday Dots printing process. The idea is to make Gustav Hayes have a different, unique look and feel to accompany the fun of the book itself!

Bradford is feverishly working on the inks and almost the entire book is done, a handful of pages remaining. Once we get half the book colored and approved then it will move onto lettering in the final stretch of Gustav Hayes.

I am hoping to have an interview with Cristian, our colorist, for next week plus more lovely artwork to tease you all with.

We are just wrapping up the last little bit of colors and inks on the Bros. McElroy. I know you guys are going to love this book! The art should be wrapped up this weekend, with the lettering following shortly. Once again I have a few more pages to show you.

In other news, I also have the priviledge of working with Gregory Robinson to bring Age of Heroes to life. I am really excited out this project, and I will be working with another group of fabulous artists.

Stay Tuned!

j

Pencil ‘em up, Ink ‘em up,
Color ‘em up, Letter ‘em out,
Edit ‘em on, blog ‘em out Gustav!

As the rip on the Rawhide song goes, Gustav Hayes is rollin’ right along. Later today will will have half the inks done plus the coloring has started. It’s a busy busy time on the book these days and I need to get back to it so here is a great bio and interview with Gustav Hayes artist Daniel Bradford…

I live in the deserts of Arizona with the lizards, tumble weeds, cow skulls, my wife, and three daughters (whom I generally count among the lizards). I’m interested in pretty much all aspects of the comic book industry and am trying get familiar with it all. I’ve done work on numerous as an illustrator, colorist, lettererererer, and logo designer. I’ve yet to actually write a book because I suck.

I don’t like avocados. They’re slimy.

1. How did Zeros 2 Heroes get in touch with yourself?

Just sent me an email asking if I’d be interested. Pretty simple.

2. Your artwork is wonderful and shows off a great deal of influences from the likes of Mike Mignola, Steve Niles and others. Who are your influences?

Mignola is an obvious big one. Stephen Gammell, however, is an even larger influence for me. Most people that I’ve talked to have no clue who he is by name, but when I mention the children’s book series “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” their eyes bug out and they something to the effect of “Oh snap! That guy’s art scared the crap out of me when I was a kid!” I seriously get lost in his art…you can just feel the moisture and smell the rot in his work. Give the man a pencil and he’ll draw the creepiest crap.

Jae Lee is another huge influence for me. I really can’t think of another artist who can create such beautiful atmosphere and mood quite like Lee.

I have an arsenal of artists that really motivate me to draw, but when it comes to influences it really just boils down to those three. I’m sure there’s others, but none that have made such an impact on me as a studying artist. If I’m stuck, or I’m backed into a corner artistically I just look at my WWGD, WWMD, or WWLD wrist bands and go from there.

3. After working on Gustav Hayes, a beta book that is about a post-apocalyptic future with a reluctant hero, who is your favorite comic book hero?

Batman.

4. Gustav Hayes based in an eighties post apocalyptic world. What was your favorite eighties fad?

Pete Burns.
…wait, eighties FAD!? Sorry…read that wrong. I would have to say the heavy use of neon colored shapes and squiggly lines in 80’s design. And the fashion. The punk look was so brilliant then. Now it’s rubbish and smelly, but back then it was totally rad to the max.

5. Your favorite comic book(s) on the stands these days?

Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse.

6. You go by Daniel so Daniel Rand (Iron Fist) or Dan Garret (original Blue Bettle)?

Daniel Ketch.

7. You’re an artist, who is your favorite comic book artist?

I LOVE Chris Bachalo’s art. Ever since Death: The High Cost of Living I’ve adored his style. The man has a knack for combining cartoony art with emaculate detail…very groovy.

8. What tip(s) would you give an artist trying to break into the comic industry?

Take your time, find your artistic heros, and drown yourself with their work. Take criticism from your elders VERY seriously. They’ve succeeded in what you haven’t yet.

9. Who is an upcoming creator in the industry that you follow or support?

Ben Templesmith. He makes me laugh.

10. Being that Gustav Hayes himself is a singer, what music do you listen to while working on Gustav Hayes?

Well…normally I listen to talk radio while I work. But when it comes to music, I usually listen to alot of Tool or Nine Inch Nails. Something that gets my mind off what I’m working on. I seem to focus better when I’m distracted.

Great to get more insight on Daniel Bradford. Next week, more on the progress of the book, lettered Page X and hopefully an interview with Cristian Valdes! Same Gustav channel er blog, same Gustav time!

Well, we are starting to wrap the book up. We’ve got a few pages to ink and color. Diego has done a fantastic job on this one. I have also learned quite a bit about working in this particular process because it is very different to how I have worked in the past as an editor.

I’ve got to get back to work, but I’ll post a couple of colored pages to give you guys an idea of what we’re going to be releasing.

Enjoy!

j

Hey everyone!

In this weeks episode… I mean blog post, we look at the coloring of Gustav Hayes. Last week we covered the script, pencils and inks of Page X. Now for the coloring of the book.

Those that remember, we wanted to make Gustav Hayes different than other comic books that are produced these days. A key to accomplishing such a task is with the usage of half tones and colors. Morgan Jeske made reference to the toning & colors during the early development of the Vision Document. The idea is to capture that old school 1980’s (and earlier) feel with the half tones and bright base colors of that era of comic books. Where Spider-man’s costume depended as much on the toning as it did the pencils and colors. Just take a look at some of the Essential Marvel books and you can see good examples. This was the look & feel we wanted on Gustav Hayes.

We informed the colorist, Cristian Valdes, of this style choice early in our discussions. Cristian had made the initial Page X come to life with his use of toning and colors. Now he has done a great job again on our latest Page X, just have a look:

As you might have noticed, the coloring on Page X appears when the main character, Gustav, begins to “sing”. This is to signify the usage of Gustav’s special powers and visually express the idea that Gustav’s song, and more importantly he may have the power within to (perhaps) start changing the grey world in which they live in. In this scene, Gustav comes out of the bathroom in a drunken state, kicking the door open (with inward wind, YES inward wind - a great script from Morgan! *smile*) to try and save the day. This moment of action deserves attention so it was requested that the panel be colored. It’s an old visual trick.

I believe that the toning and coloring is one key factor to the book. One which gives the book its own look and feel. Making it special and different, much like Gustav Hayes himself. You will see more examples of this “effect” when we have the more of the pages done.

Speaking of other pages, John Daniel Bradford has been working extremely hard on the full production of the book. Here are some of Bradford first few inked pages.

Let us know what you think! Next week more Gustav Hayes pages and an interview with John Daniel Bradford and maybe even Cristian Valdes.

Cheers!