Australian Comic Arts Festival

Ep. 30 ~ Heart of Millyera Webcomic Interview w/Jana Hoffmann & Jess Cate

If you are about supporting lovely ladies, Aussie comics, AND kickstarter campaigns (which I KNOW you are!) then do we have a pod for you!! Had a fun chat to Aussie web-comic illustrator, Jana Hoffmann, & writer, Jess Cate about creating and playing in their very own comic book universe ‘Heart of Millyera’!! We spoke about their involvement in the Adelaide Ladies Comic Book Club, an upcoming Steampunk convention, as well as their fully funded kickstarter for mini comic ‘The Many Adventures of Ida Blaker’…

READ ‘HEART OF MILLYERA’ ONLINE NOW: http://www.heartofmillyera.com/

SUPPORT THE KICKSTARTER!! ~ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1083161341/the-many-adventures-of-ida-blaker-mini-comic?ref=5kglbh

 

Jana & Jess at Free Comic Book Day 2017

*** Heart of Millyera is the first webcomic by Jess Cate and Jana Hoffmann. The story began in 2014, when Jana and Jess were discussing their mutual love for mystical sea-beasties. Millyera was born out of a fascination with the mysterious universe that dwells in the deepest oceans. The world of The Colonies sprung up out of our desire to create a comic with a setting that is both steam-punk, and yet proudly Australian. Milly and her friends are a team of adventurous, misfit geniuses, who we hope will win your hearts.

Heart of Millyera is an epic undertaking, which will carry you out of the depths of the ocean, across deserts, through the dusty streets of bustling towns, across the seas on trade ships, and out into the recesses of space. I am not sure that we can squeeze any more adventure in, but we will sure as hell try! Check out page 1 below, and make sure to head over to the website for more Heart of Millyera***

*many apologies for the technical difficulties (which you will hear a ding ding noise where it has been cut together and the robot voices taken out!) still learning about the audio over here!! Many thanks to the ladies for sticking with me while I figured it all out!! ~ABx

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Ep. 20 ~ Gary Chaloner Interview ~ ACAF 2018

Happy Easter AND Happy Birthday to Aussie comic book legend, Gary Chaloner!!

Paul and I sat down with Gary at ACAF to have a chat about his life in art/comics, going way back to his early art school years, newspaper strip ‘Jeff Little the Smiling Policeman’, his run with imprint Cyclone Comics, learning on the go with the development of the direct comic book market in Australia, Jackaroo, working for publishers in the US, work with Ashley Wood (Judge Dredd, Medieval Spawn, Zombies vs Robots), Darkhorse Downunder – Aussie anthology, work/life/family balance, web comics, and his work with Will Eisner.

There is some wonderful wisdom in this one for anyone working in the comic book industry, especially in Australia, including creating networks to get work, rolling on from project to project, practice makes perfect, talent will only get you so far, and as you already know, you need determination, drive, and a partner who is willing to help make those tough life decisions.

Thanks again, Gary!
Hope you are having a great birthday, look forward to talking to you again soon!

~Featured Image L-R: Glenn Ford (Frew Publications), Gary Chaloner, & Dr Paul Mason
~This podcast is the last of the ACAF series! Head over to the Facebook group to join in what topics we should cover next: https://www.facebook.com/groups/501943196826833/

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Ep. 15 ~ Pitching Comics for Film Panel w/Movie Producer, Robbie Miles ~ ACAF 2018

Australian Comic Arts Festival ~ Q&A Panel discussing the film and comic book industries, genre, tropes, how to get projects considered for film/submission, materials, who to talk to, budgets, a few of the stories he has/is making for film, project/story management/development, tag lines & pitching, finding the right people for the right projects & relationship building, book adaptation examples, character development, stereotypical examples of what to stay away from, literary agents, screenwriting, and much, much more. Quality, informative, and inspiring information for anyone looking to get started!!

With artist – Nicola Scott, and writer – Andrew Constant, also providing insight!

If you have a follow up question, please contact Robbie via LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/robbie-miles-45ab7249

 

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Ep. 13 ~ Kid Phantom Panel ~ ACAF 2018

Australian Comic Arts Festival (ACAF) Kid Phantom Q&A panel that turned into a casual chat/podcast on Sunday 11 Feb 2018…

Who was there:  Dr. Paul Mason (Artist), Andrew Constant (Writer – not murdered!), Glenn Ford (Frew Publishing), Robbie Miles (Producer/Fan), Antonio DiDio (Fan/Emotional Support Officer), Trevor Clark (Fan), Luke Geaghan (Fan) & Amanda Bacchi (Moderator)… and several other unheard audience members!!!

What we discussed:
– The ‘Comics for Kids’ panel earlier in the day
– The success that has been the first 3 Kid Phantom issues
– Background into the writing and art of the book
– How the stories have been set up and how/why
– Influences
– Costume drawing
– A little history of kids comics (internationally speaking), engaging with a young audience
– Popularity and differences in the different models of distribution: subscription, newsagent & comic book shop
– What the fans are looking forward to!!

http://kidphantom.com.au/

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Ep. 12 ~ Zombie Survival Chats ~ ACAF 2018

As we sat in the drawing room at the Australian Comic Arts Festival, the topic soon turned to zombies and survival (AKA why the kids in The Walking Dead are doing it all wrong). Politics were discussed, as were tanks, our own strategies, and a few of the different comic book/tv takes on the issue. Christian Read will probably be ok in his mountain lair, Paul and I are joining the boys from his Thai kickboxing gym who catch fish in the Brisbane River from bows and arrows they make themselves, and joining us at the end there was Trevor Clark… not sure where you are from sir, but god speed!
*The name of the BBC zombie show we couldn’t remember was ‘In The Flesh’ 😉 (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Ep. 9 ~ Debrief w/Nicola Scott & Gary Chaloner ~ ACAF 2018

Australian Comic Arts Festival debrief with Nicola Scott & Gary Chaloner, recorded while waiting for the National Gallery to open on Monday morning!

Discussion about the best features of the festival, the relaxed and engaging nature of the content/panels, and the future of the Australian comic book industry. Building community, bringing together the leaders of our industry, celebrating skills and collaboration.

 

 

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Ep. 7 – 10 Feb 18 ~ Pop Culture News w/ACAF Guests

Join Amanda and Dr Paul for the weekly top-voted news, coming to you from the secret portfolio room at the Australia Comic Arts Festival in Canberra. Joined by fellow pop culture enthusiasts, creators, and good mates – Christian Read (Writer, Gestalt Comics), Glenn Ford (Editor, Frew Publications), & Robbie Miles (Producer, Mythmaker Media). Much fun! (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Australian Comic Arts Festival 2018 Info/Schedule/Guests

9-11 February 2018, Canberra

ACAF is about comics, comic artists, comic writers, comic fans and any one wanting to be involved in comics! Learn about the industry, techniques and honing your craft, publishing and how to get published, how to pitch and so much more. Even better, come and see your favourite Australian Comics Artists in the flesh.

The ACAF program features an Academic Conference, Documentary Screening, a series of Professional Development Workshops and Masterclasses, Drawing Room with experienced comic artists as Wandering Mentors, Portfolio Reviews, Artists Alley, Panels, and a Launch Pad Cocktail Function to see all things new in Comics. (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

National Library of Australia Blog Mention

The wonderful staff at the National Library of Australia have outdone themselves with this fantastic write-up of the Australian Comic Arts festival last Feburary. Although the library I work in has an extensive graphic novel collection, it is not often that I have the opportunity to interact with fellow librarians who share my intense passion for the medium. Finding librarians who truly understand (or want to understand) the ins and out of the Australian and international comic book industry, and the challenges that creators and librarians face, is a rare honour indeed.

As I was moderating other panels, I’m disappointed to say that I was unable to attend the library focused workshops provided by the brilliant Sydney based librarians Karen Dwarte and Alex Hammond. It was, however, great to see such a comprehensive write up in the NLA blog regarding not only the issues faced by collections teams, but also in providing some understanding and reason to comic creators who may want to connect, or distribute their work via library systems. They were spot on in saying that libraries are really looking for content across all age and reading levels, that is of value to the community, and that it is easier for them to loan graphic novels/trades rather than single issues due to shelf-life/damage issues. (hope I got that right!)

It was also interesting to read more about the NLA collection process for Legal Deposit; although I must point out, that in saying that Paul’s comics won’t ever be reprinted, they are referring to copies of the earlier single issues and one-shots only, not newer versions of ‘The Soldier Legacy’ or other work. This series was recently given an upgrade into 2 trades (as they are more popular), making the single issues limited edition, until sold out at conventions.

Big thank you to the National Library of Australia for taking Paul and I on such an amazing behind the scenes tour, for taking the time to chat about old back issues and their amazing work in comic book preservation, and for giving us a mention in the write-up below also (I’m not worthy!). It gave me excellent bragging rights at work 🙂

To read the full NLA blog post, click here: https://www.nla.gov.au/blogs/behind-the-scenes/2016/04/19/connecting-with-comic-creators

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Alien Exchange: ‘Art of Tristan Jones’ Panel Recap

Well-deserved praise is rolling in for Tristan Jones’ comic work on his dream project, Alien: Defiance, yet he refuses to call himself an artist. During his ‘Art of Tristan Jones’ panel at last weekend’s Australian Comic Arts Festival in Canberra, he shared some stories about the process of working with major studios and licensed properties, his love of the Alien franchise, speaking to Ridley Scott though representatives, artistic process on the book, and struggles with comic store communication. (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Aussie Comic Book Secrets Revealed at ACAF

There seems to have been some trepidation from some comic fans in taking a chance on a ‘first-time’ event, fears which have proven to be completely unfounded. While the numbers were slightly lower than expected, what the attendees lacked in volume, they make up for in enthusiasm and passion. They had a willingness to utilise the festival’s unique opportunities to absorb as much of the knowledge that decades of good, bad and ugly experience had bestowed upon the plethora of artists and writers in residence. While I did not make it to a lot of panels (as I was hosting in other areas), the snippets of the few I was able to sit in on were well researched and informative, with feedback from participants being highly positive.  (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

Mark Sexton: Panel 1 of 2 – Origins

From Mad Max to Star Wars, the extensive storyboarding career of Mark Sexton is a delicious wonder, considering his formative years without tv or cinema, growing up on  the isolated Norfolk Island. While most kids grew up going to comic shops and enjoying the popularity of superheroes, Mark’s introduction came through Asterix comics shipped in by his Dad, obscure kids book ‘Ant and Bee’ by Angela Banner, and Pink Floyd’s ‘Muddle’ from his mum. It was these items that helped form the character ‘Bug’, and cemented his career in the comic arts – if you were ever looking for his horcruxes…. I caught his ‘Art of Mark Sexton’ panel at the Australian Comic Arts Festival in Canberra and tried to transcribe some of his extraordinary career.. (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

In Conversation with Mark Sexton – Promo

Amanda Bacchi joins Mark Sexton in a relaxed, wide-ranging conversation about his career working in comics such as Mad Max and Judge Dredd, and storyboarding movies such as Dark City, Happy Feet, Star Wars (Ep II) and recently, Mad Max: Fury Road. There’s sure to be some industry gossip in all that!

Also, did his early career choice in genetics give him any insight into his creations? Perhaps Bug and Stump are actually real mutations cooked up in a secret lab somewhere in the Blue Mountains, and his comics were actually documentaries? The TISM comic was certainly true to life, surely! (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago

In Conversation with Tristan Jones – Promo

Amanda Bacchi joins Tristan Jones in a relaxed, wide-ranging conversation about his career as a gun artist for such titles as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Mad Max: Fury Road and now, Aliens. Find out what he enjoys about drawing these iconic characters, what he listens to while drawing, does he even have a life outside of comics? Is it as glamorous as one might imagine? (more…)

By Amanda Bacchi, ago