Since I won't be attending The Saratoga Springs Comic & Art Expo, Saratoga Springs Convention Center, Saratoga Springs, NY, I have contributed an 11" x 17" print of The Hole: Female to the convention's Comic Book Legal Defense Fund benefit auction. Experience an excellent convention and contribute to a good cause.

Posted artwork from Bonita & Clyde issue #1. Bonita & Clyde is a comic book mini-series that takes a gritty look at the lives of characters whose gang connections put them in grave danger. It is a story that I describe as Romeo and Juliet meets MS-13. Release dates and options are still under discussion, so check back for updates. To see the previews click here.

I will be showing some of the artwork from the Bonita & Clyde series at upcoming appearances. Feedback on the project, and especially the artwork, has been promising so far. Questions and comments regarding Bonita & Clyde or any other project are always welcome. Please send correspondences via the contact page.

The Hole Gallery Book is now available.The gallery book commemorates the April 2008 release of The Hole: Consumer Culture, a graphic novel by Damian Duffy and John Jennings, and is comprised of interpretations of the characters from the graphic novel by various artists.

The gallery book is available from Lulu.com in print and PDF formats. The book can be purchased here. It is also available as a free PDF download here.

John Jennings says, "this was a cross promotional project... it was just a way of celebrating our two year journey into the world of THE HOLE and a way to possibly promote artists that we admire and respect at the same time."

To see previews of the two images I contributed to the gallery book click here.

Evil Hat Productions' holiday themedSpirit of the Century supplement Spirit of the Season has been reviewed by Matthew Pook of the online gaming source Pyramid. I provided all of the artwork for this supplement and he has this to say about it:

"Spirit of the Season is a slim digest-sized book, decently written with nice artwork... The cover is particularly good, aping the style of the cover for Spirit of the Century (which depicted the heroes fighting the gorilla pilot of a biplane as a zeppelin looms overhead) with Nick Saint rocketing to the rescue of a Christmas parade being attacked by Jacques Frost riding a woolly Mammoth!"

He has this to say about the supplement as a whole:

"I like Spirit of the Season. It is fun, it is full of good cheer, and it does full justice to both Christmas and Chanukah without being cheap or tacky in its treatment of the various elements that make up both holidays, and with so many days until Christmas, I just found my first Christmas present."

If you have a Pyramid subscription you can read the complete review here.

The updated print and PDF editions of Spirit of the Season is available from Indie Press Revolution. For those who downloaded the free Christmas season 2007 PDF, this upgraded edition contains over 20 pages of new material, including Mystic Spellcraft rules, Empathy-driven minion stunts for heroes, and 11 new pieces of artwork as well as a full-color cover.

Click here to see previews of the black and white interior artwork.

Click here to see a preview of the full-color cover.

The word is out! The new comic book project I am working on with writer Buddy Scalera is called Bonita & Clyde. It is a story that I describe as Romeo and Juliet meets MS-13. It is a gritty look at the lives of characters whose gang connections put them in grave danger.

In anticipation of the New York Comic Con, Buddy recently had an interview with the North Jersey Record. In the interview he describes his struggle to make it back into the comics world and his projects, including Bonita & Clyde. You can also see a preview of the Bonita & Clyde #1 cover art. To read the interview click here.

Stay tuned! Previews of the Bonita & Clyde project are coming soon!

Finished two pictures for The Hole promotional pin-up book. The book commemorates the April 2008 release of The Hole: Consumer Culture, a graphic novel by Damian Duffy and John Jennings. The Hole: Consumer Culture is described as a science fiction horror story about the buying and selling of race in America, the simultaneous worship and degradation of African Americans in popular culture, and the bloody terror of boundaries being torn down. It is being published by Chicago-based publisher Front 40 Press and distributed by the University of Chicago Press.

The pin-up book is comprised of interpretations of the characters from the graphic novel by various artists and will be available from Lulu.com soon. Check back for details.

To see previews of the images I contributed to the pin-up book click here.

The newly updated print edition of Evil Hat Productions' Spirit of the Season is now available for pre-order at Indie Press Revolution. Pre-order customers will not only get the print version, but the free PDF version available for immediate download. The books will ship by mid-April and the PDF will be for sale as a stand-alone item at that time.

For those who downloaded the free Christmas season 2007 PDF, this upgraded edition contains over 20 pages of new material, including Mystic Spellcraft rules, Empathy-driven minion stunts for heroes, and 11 new pieces of artwork as well as a full-color cover.

Click here to see previews of the black and white interior artwork.

Click here to see a preview of the full-color cover.

Preliminary work has begun on the Swashbucklers of the 7 Skies RPG (S7S) with Evil Hat Productions and Atomic Sock Monkey Press.

"Skyships ply the 7 Skies, soaring from Cloud-Island to Cloud-Island for conquest, espionage, trade, and piracy. Kingdoms clash, cultures collide, and secrets abound. Heroes and villains roam Above the Blue, seeking action, intrigue, adventure, and style. Will you be one of them?"

Chad Underkoffler
Author

The Erotics CD cover for 30 Seconds Over You appears on page 28 of this month's Classic Rock Magazine. The album was rated #30 on "The 50 Best Albums of 2007."

"It’s the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year... For EVIL!

The miserly villain Doctor Scrooge hides behind legal technicalities as he steals from the pockets of the impoverished... explorer-gone-mad Jacques Frost preys upon the peoples of the north with his resurrected prehistoric murder monsters... the immortal Baroness Blackheart quests for the Elixir of Life, threatening to destroy all foundations of happiness for mankind...

... and it’s up to Nick Saint—Codename: Secret Santa!—his Reindeer Men, and you to save the holidays from their vile clutches!

Spirit of the Season is a holiday treat from the minds of Evil Hat Productions and Atomic Sock Monkey Press. Featuring characters and new rules compatible with both Spirit of the Century and Truth & Justice, Spirit of the Season is your ticket to two-fisted holiday pulp adventure!"

Fred Hicks
Evil Hat Productions

Spirit of the Season is now available! The Spirit of the Season Free Holiday Gift Edition PDF will be available from DriveThru RPG or directly from the Evil Hat Productions website until December 31, 2007.

Click here to see the preview images from Spirit of the Century RPG holiday themed PDF supplement Spirit of the Season.

"Doctor Scrooge does NOT think you should download Spirit of the Season when we make it available -- free for a limited time -- in December! Scrooge hates acts of giving and charity. Good thing we have you around, friendly neighborhood Reindeer Men (and Women)!"

Fred Hicks
Evil Hat Productions

Click here to see Dr. Scrooge from Evil Hat Productions' upcoming Spirit of the Century RPG holiday themed PDF supplement Spirit of the Season.

Work continues on images for the upcoming Spirit of the Season.

Click here to see the first preview image of Reindeer Man: Dancer from Evil Hat Productions' upcoming Spirit of the Century RPG holiday themed PDF supplement Spirit of the Season.

Appeared at the 10th Black Age of Comics Convention, Kenwood Academy High School, Chicago, IL. Thanks to Jamal Igle; Rod, Barbara, and Robert from Kiss Me Comix; Joe, Jeremy, and Aminah from Strictly Underground; Hall Boy Productions; Nino Mesarina; Ashley A. Woods; Brother G; LaMorris Richmond; Tim Jackson; Yaounde' Olu; and the Kenwood Academy High School's Graphic Novel Club.

Very special thanks to "Father of the Black Age" Turtel Onli and Event Manager Alisa Williams for their friendship, inspiration, hospitality, and for producing such a memorable event.

To see photos from "Black Age X" click here.

Added a full-color portrait of DC Comics' Black Adam to the portfolio. Click here to see a preview.

Also added a full color version of Gorilla Khan from Evil Hat Productions' Spirit of the Century RPG. Click here for a preview.

Evil Hat Productions' Spirit of the Century RPG garners more awards during Gen Con 2007:

• 2006 Indie Game of the Year (Indie RPG Awards)
• 2006 Silver for Best Rules (ENnie Awards)
• 2006 Best Roleplaying Game (Ogre's Choice)
• First Runner-up, 2006 Best Support (Indie RPG Awards)
• First Runner-up, 2006 Best Production Values (Indie RPG Awards)

Thanks to Game Geeks #23 for prominently featuring my Spirit of the Century artwork during their YouTube review of the game.

See more previews of the Spirit of the Century cover art here and the interior art here. Order your copy from Indie Press Revolution or Lulu (hardcover or electronic edition).

Future Funk #1 from Onli Studios premiered today at Wizard World Chicago and features my James Brown pin-up as part of a tribute to the late Godfather of Soul as well as preview pages from the as-yet unpublished Grafenveer #3.

"Onli Studios is reviving the seriously ill fanzine from back in da day. Future Funk... will explore the best in the Black Age of Comics and more. It is a 'zine for the independent, a pricing guide, a calendar for the contemporary arts. Various independent writers, artists, collectors, fans, students, or educators... contribute to da funk. This fresh approach gives the reader the chance to hear it directly from the minds of the people themselves... without the handprint of editors or the like."

Contact Onli Studios or visit Dablackage blog for more information about Future Funk.

Appeared at The Saratoga Springs Comic & Art Expo, Saratoga Springs Convention Center, Saratoga Springs, NY. It's great to have a convention in the Capital Region again.

Contributed a drawing of Mike Mignola's Lobster Johnson to the convention's art auction to benefit Hero Initiative.

Grafenveer in Other Heroes Art Exhibition:
Other Heroes: African American comics creators, characters & archetypes is an exhibition of comics and comics-inspired artwork running April 4-25, at Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, JSU Art Gallery and curated by John Jennings and Damian Duffy.

Cover artwork for Grafenveer issues 1-3 will be part of the exhibition. The three 18"x24" prints will be available for purchase and include signed certificates of authenticity. Copies of Grafenveer #2 will also be on hand for purchase, quantities are limited. Proceeds benefit Scholarship America's Disaster Relief Fund.

The Other Heroes Art Exhibition catalog is now available for purchase online. All proceeds past printing costs will be donated to Scholarship America's Disaster Relief Fund, helping low income students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita seek post secondary educations. Chock full of fantastic art from the show, the 178 page catalog also features essays from an array of comics creators and scholars including:

• "intrOH!" by Damian Duffy w/ John Jennings
• "E. Sims Campbell: Comics Pioneer" by R.C. Harvey
• "Da Rise of Da Blackuns and Da Black Age of Comics" by Turtel Onli
• "Jackie Ormes Biography" by Nancy Goldstein
• "Here Come the Sisters!" by Prof. William H. Foster III
• "Somewhere Between Here and There is Me" by Alex Simmons
• "Finding Other Heroes" by John Jennings w/ Damian Duffy

For more information on the Other Heroes Art Show, including a list of contributing artists, click here. To read the Other Heroes Art Show press release click here.

Worked the floor at the New York Comic-Con, Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY. Highlights included The Black Panel NYC, Deadline Horror Stories, The 60's Marvel Bullpen, and BET Animation. Met Dresden Files creator Jim Butcher and showed him the artwork for the Dresden Files RPG (received his enthusiastic approval, especially Mavra, Gogoth, and Agatha Hagglethorn which he described as "spot on"). Met up with Yumy Odom and Maurice Waters from ECBACC and confirmed plans to appear at their show in May. Checked in with Buddy Scalera (the artwork for our latest project is coming along nicely and the story will grab you). Also got to catch up with our friends TJ and Jason May (SUMM Publications), Jim Su (Beach Studios), and Kensuke Okabayashi (Piggyback Studios).

Cover artwork for Grafenveer issues 1-3 has been accepted as part of the Other Heroes Art Exhibition. Other Heroes: African American comics creators, characters & archetypes is an exhibition of comics and comics-inspired artwork running April 4-25, at Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, JSU Art Gallery and curated by John Jennings and Damian Duffy.

Other Heroes also represents an effort to raise funds for the local community. All profits from the sale of the Other Heroes catalog, soon to be published through print-on-demand website Lulu.com, will be donated to Scholarship America for the charity’s Disaster Relief Fund, which provides tuition support to low income Gulf Coast students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

For more information on the Other Heroes Art Show, including a list of contributing artists, click here. To read the Other Heroes Art Show press release click here.

In their reviews of Evil Hat Productions' Spirit of the Century RPG on RPGnet Daniel C. Ansell comments, "...with solid art... The cover is especially cool-looking," and Christopher W. Richeson says, "Small pieces of art centered around signature characters from the product are very evocative and well done, adding to the already substantial pulp feel of SotC." Order your copy from Indie Press Revolution or Lulu (hardcover or electronic edition).

Appeared at Syracuse Heroes Expo, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Liverpool, NY. Debuted Christian N, St. Pierre: Sketchbook vol. 1 at this brand new convention. Thanks to Caffeinated Lifestyle for the Pringles and hot sauce, B. Robert Bell for Cobalt Warrior Angel #0, and Rens for not really eating the crow. Photos coming soon.

Michael Stewart from The Comic Book Bin reviews
Grafenveer #1.

"I've been waiting a long time for a game that scratches my pulp itch. And this ... it's got a **** gorilla flying a **** biplane. Damn, that's pulpy! If this were a carton of orange juice, it'd be solid pulp. How can I resist?"-dumnbunny

Evil Hat Productions' Spirit of the Century now available for pre-order from Indie Press Revolution. See previews of the cover art here and the interior art here.

Stefan Haas, Alex Haas, Robert Weiman, and Ron Miller of Indy Comic Review each give Grafenveer #1 "3 out of 5 stars." Read their reviews here. Watch for their review of Grafenveer #2 within the next two weeks.

Appeared at the Pittsburgh Comicon, Monroeville, PA, supporting Grafenveer. Had great neighbors in Kensuke Okabayashi and Scott Ethan Ambruson.

Recent praise for the Grafenveer series:
"Christian St. Pierre is a real rising star illustrator. His dark vision and creativity is reminiscent of early Berni Wrightson. Keep an eye on this guy because he's drawing stuff that will scare the crap out of you."
Buddy Scalera
After Hours Press

“ I really enjoy reading this story! With Grafenveer’s three dimensional characters, stark artwork, and stirring dialog, I can hardly wait until the next issue to see where it all takes me!”
Prof. William H. Foster III
Comic Book Historian

I would like to thank both Buddy and Prof. Foster for their continued support and encouragement.

Grafenveer #2 artwork is complete. See a sneak preview of the first four pages and pin-ups here. You can see a preview of the cover here. Artwork for the second issue in this series will be on view at the New York Comic-Con, Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY, February 24-26, 2006. Issue #3 is in the layout and design stage. Check back for updates as the project progresses.

Appeared at The National Comic Book, Art, and Sci-Fi Expo, Penn Plaza Pavilion, New York, NY, supporting Grafenveer. Got to catch up with Lou and Eric from Geek Boy Press, Chris Moreno, and Andrei Lukianoff, and meet aisle-mate Geek Mafia author Rick Dakan. Thanks to Buddy Scalera for stopping by on Saturday and to Prof. William H. Foster III for his support. Click here for photos.

Appeared at The Comic Book Show, The Holiay Inn, Nashua, NH, supporting Grafenveer. Was very happy to have artists Chris Moreno and Andrei Lukianoff as neighbors and share the space with legends Bernie Wrightson and Adam Hughes. Click here for photos.

Baker & Taylor, Inc., worldwide distributor of books, video, music, and games, will add Grafenveer #1 to their ordering system in November 2005 and to their catalogue in December 2005. Your favorite local bookstore can place an order for you if it isn't already on the shelf.

Appeared at Wizard World Boston, Bayside Expo Center, Boston, MA, supporting Grafenveer. In addition to meeting the Graf fans, panels by Angel Medina, Billy Tucci, Skottie Young, and Josh Middleton were highlights of the weekend. Thanks to Buddy Scalera for good conversation and a copy of 7 Days to Fame #1. Click here for photos.

Appeared at the Canadian National Comic Book Expo, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, supporting Grafenveer. Comics legend Neal Adams offered real world advice and some tough love during his talk. It was great to be part of this record-breaking event: 36,753 fans attended. Click here for photos.

Grafenveer #1 available through Booksurge

Grafenveer #1 artwork is complete. See a sneak preview and the pin-up here. The first issue in this graphic novel series is due to be released in December 2004. Issue #2 is in the layout and design stage. Check back for updates as the project progresses.

Interior work on Grafenveer #1 is nearly complete. The painting for the cover is underway as well as a period map.

Grafenveer is the coming of age tale of Ra Nimbulo who was taken from Africa as a child, along with his mother, and sold into slavery. King Grafenveer finds them in Spain, buys their freedom, and returns with them to Germany.

Under Grafenveer's guidance, the young Ra becomes one of the greatest knights and dragon-slayers in the kingdom. Unfortunately, Ra’s skills do not impress the jealous and scheming Prince Manira. At the same time, both Men and Dragons become concerned about a prophecy which tells of armor constructed from Dragons' blood that can only be worn by a truly fearless warrior- a prophecy that Ra may be part of. While the Prince plots against Ra, the armies of the Dragon Clans plan an attack that will bring the entire kingdom down.

Be on the lookout for the Croc Week insert to accompany the Croc Hunter television series beginning June 14, 2004 on Animal Planet. I provided the interior lettering and back page layout. The insert will appear in several magazines including TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly.