I’ve added three new titles to our Flesk online store for pre-order. We now have four books that will be available at the end of July for shipping. Order any number of books in the same transaction and you will get the same flat rate shipping charge of $5.00. All four of these titles will premiere at Comic-Con in San Diego. (Flesk booth #5019). Terry Dodson’s sketchbook will be available only at his booth at the show (#4706). Here’s a breakdown of these latest books.
Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm Teaser. A Flesk chapbook exclusive that is limited to 1000 signed copies. At 16 pages this 5.5 x 8.5 inch saddle-stiched paperback sampler includes an assortment of pencil, ink and color works representative of the pieces to be featured in the forthcoming 304 page 9 x 12 inch Naughty and Nice title, and they are unique to this special production. 100 copies are reserved for the Flesk store and the remaining copies are available only at shows where Flesk exhibits. Price is $15.00.
Mysterious Islands by Gary Gianni. This Flesk chapbook exclusive is limited to 1000 signed copies. 16 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inch saddle-stiched paperback. Price is $10.00.
Bombshells 5: A Terry Dodson Sketchbook. I helped Terry Dodson out a little with his latest sketchbook. I’ll have a small batch for sale in late July. 16 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inch saddle-stiched paperback. Price is $15.00.
Then as a reminder Flesk Prime is also available for pre-order. Full details for all of these can be found on my previous blog post and on our Flesk website by following the links below.
I have received the samples for my latest book Flesk Prime. I am extremely pleased to see how this book has turned out. Links can be found at the base of this blog entry for full details, samples pages and pictures on the Flesk Publications website, and to pre-order the book at the Flesk online store. This 64-page, 8.5 x 11 in. hardbound book is not available through the book trade or comic stores. It is a Flesk exclusive with a cover price of $24.95.
Flesk Prime came from the simple idea of collecting in one comprehensive volume creations from five artists I have previously published. The working name was the Flesk Primer. Eventually the last letter was dropped to reflect the more apt name of Prime, as it would be hard to disagree that those featured within are producing the best works of their careers.
Each artist represented in this collection—Craig Elliott, Petar Meseldžija, Gary Gianni, Mark Schultz and William Stout—painstakingly works at his craft to achieve a greater understanding of the process and methods that lead to the creation of their images. They all have a common yearning to grow, a fire within that drives them to new heights, a passion that continually needs to be fed and a humbleness that grants them the admiration of their peers.
Flesk Prime will make its debut at our Flesk booth #5019 at Comic-Con International in San Diego in late-July 2011. All pre-orders will ship immediately upon our return during the last week of July.
"Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm Teaser" limited edition chapbook available from Flesk at Comic-Con 2011!
As an exhibitor at Comic-Con I begin preparing for the show more than a month prior to the opening day on July 20, 2011. I begin by securing helpers at the Flesk Publications booth (#5019), then produce promotional material and make sure any titles that I want to debut at Comic-Con are done in time. Another task is arranging for artist signings. I’ll touch upon many of these items to give you an idea of what you can expect from Flesk if you make the show.
The first bit of news is that Mark Schultz has given up his spot that he has shared with Gary Gianni and Jim Keegan for the last ten years and has moved over to our Flesk booth. Mark will be signing books and selling his original artwork each day of the show. Gary Gianni will also be doing a signing. You can also find him at his booth #4902 during the course of the show. Jim Silke will be present at his booth #4901 where you can get your copy of Jungle Girls signed and personalized. William Stout will have a broad range of books, original art, sketchbooks and prints at his booth #4803. Finally, Craig Elliott, the subject of an upcoming book from Flesk, will be at his booth #4812. Craig will have prints, books and original art for sale.
Pierre Alary will be signing at our Flesk booth on Thursday and Friday. Stuart Ng of Stuart Ng Books asked if we could provide some space for Pierre. I am all too happy to help. Stuart Ng Books will have all three volumes of both of Alary’s titles Belladone and Sinbad available at their booth #5012 which is right across from us. Pierre will also be bringing along some original art.
I’m also making up a new Flesk catalog and new promotional material that will be free at the show.
"Flesk Prime" and "Mysterious Islands" by Gary Gianni premiering from Flesk at Comic-Con 2011!
Now for the cool new product we will have premiering at Comic-Con. The first is Flesk Prime, a new 64-page hardbound collection featuring the art of Craig Elliott, Petar Meseldzija, Gary Gianni, Mark Schultz and William Stout. The cover price is $24.95. Pick it up and get four of the artists to sign it at the show. Also, Mysterious Islands by Gary Gianni, a 16-page signed and limited to 1000 copies chapbook will be on hand. In addition, a 16-page Bruce Timm chapbook teaser featuring exclusive art that you can’t find in the main book of Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm. This teaser is signed and limited to 1000 copies and runs $15.00. All three of these items can only be purchased direct from Flesk Publications and the artists. They are not available to the book or comic trade. If you want them, you have to get them from us. I will have copies of each for sale on the Flesk online store right after Comic-Con in late July.
I will have more updates as we approach the show! There’s more!
The Prince Valiant Page deluxe edition with slipcase signed by Gary Gianni.
We are down to our final copies of the deluxe signed edition of The Prince Valiant Page by Gary Gianni. The price has been reduced from the $39.95 cover price to $24.95 due to a slipcase imperfection. The material on the slipcase spine is partially separated and wavy. The book is in new shape and comes shrink-wrapped in the slipcase. The price has been reduced from the $39.95 cover price to $24.95. The book is 9 x 12 in. at 112 pages in black and white with three color gatefolds. The introduction is by Robert Wagner and foreword by Mike Mignola.
You can visit our Flesk Publications online store for more details and to pick one up!
I am thrilled to pass along the news about a fantastic artist focused event, Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! This show is organized by Arnie and Cathy Fenner, the same two individuals who bring you the highly popular Spectrum annual. It will run May 18-20, 2012 in Kansas City, MO.
A partial description regarding the show from their website reads:
“We envision Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! as a fantasy-focused art fair, one in which creators will be able to sell originals and prints while promoting their work to patrons, collectors, and potential clients. Presentations, panels and displays will help broaden the public’s awareness of and appreciation for our field; art directors will be invited to meet new talent and conduct portfolio reviews; workshops and educational opportunities will be offered; and there will be the chance to network, socialize, and share.”
Special guests include Brom, Mike Mignola, Iain McCaig, Phil Hale and Andrew Jones.
I have personally invited Gary Gianni, Mark Schultz and William Stout and they will appear at the Flesk Publications booth each day.
According to a recent post on the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live website the booths are going quick. If you are an artist looking to gain greater exposure and mix within a three day show with your peers I highly recommend you reserve a spot soon.
I’m really looking forward to this accessible show that focuses on the creative individuals that drive this industry I enjoy so much.
And while I am on the topic of Spectrum, here’s the recently unveiled cover for Spectrum 18 coming fall 2011. The art is by J.S. Rossbach.
I exhibited at The Big Wow Comic-Fest on May 21-22. The event had been called Super-Con in the past. Besides the name change the show itself had a facelift. The move into the main hall of the San Jose Convention Center is the most notable. More space and an improved ambiance gave it a fresh look.
Mark Schultz posing with his new book!
Mark Schultz was a guest of the show. I had a great time getting to spend some time with him as well as Jim Silke. We ended up having three dinner three nights in a row with pleasant company. Downtown San Jose is a terrific place to find great food.
We had a steady flow of people stopping by to visit the Flesk booth. Our two new books, Mark Schultz Various Drawings Volume 5 and Al Williamson Archives Volume 2, did very well. I shared a corner booth with Stuart Ng of Stuart Ng Books. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with him.
Manuel Auad, Sanjulian and John Fleskes enjoying Big Wow ComicFest.
The Big Wow ComicFest had an all-star line-up of artists. They make a point to focus heavily on the guest artists. Sergio Aragones, Daniel Brereton, Frank Cho, Adam Hughes, Alex Nino, Sanjulian, Dean Yeagle, and Thomas Yeates were a few of the stellar individuals who were able to make it.
I highly recommend making the Big Wow ComicFest in 2012. You can’t beat the intimacy and lack of crowds. At some point the attendance will increase. It’s best to take advantage of being able to talk to the artists without a long wait and to actually be able to get sketches while the event is still building momentum.
We’ll be there again next year!
It has been a busy couple of weeks here at Flesk. With the arrival of Mark Schultz Various Drawings Volume 5 and Al Williamson Archives Volume 2 at our warehouse we have been steadily packing orders. These two titles, along with the new printing of Mark Schultz’s Xenozoic should begin appearing in stores in the next week or so.
I’ll be back writing a more regular flow of blog postings soon. I have much to share!
Congratulations to Petar Meseldžija for being nominated for a 2011 Chesley Award. His work titled “Unk!” is among the six pieces being considered in the Unpublished Monochrome category. A posting on the Muddy Colors blog shows a list of all nominees and their art being considered.
Flesk Publications will be exhibiting at Big Wow ComicFest! (Formally known as Super-Con.) The event will be held at the San Jose Convention Center this weekend, May 21-22, 2011. Our booth number is 305. We will be sharing a booth with Stuart Ng Books.
Mark Schultz will be a guest at the show. He will have original art for sale as well as be available to sign your items. This is his only Bay Area appearance this year.
Jim Silke will also be a guest of the show. We will have copies of his new book Jim Silke’s Jungle Girls that you can get personalized. Silke will also have prints, books and original art for sale.
We will be premiering two new Flesk titles at the show. They are Mark Schultz Various Drawings Volume Five (Deluxe signed hardbound $34.95 and softbound $19.95) and Al Williamson Archives Volume Two (softbound $19.95). We will be honoring the pre-order price of $29.95 for the new Schultz deluxe edition at the show. This price is good until June 1. Plus we just received fresh copies of the previously sold out Xenozoic book by Mark Schultz. These three titles will arrive in the stores in mid-June. In addition we will have the Flesk exclusive Mark Schultz: Blue Book, a 16-page signed sketchbook for only $10.00.
Flesk will have a wide variety of all of the books we publish as well as free promotional material for upcoming titles such as Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm and The Art of Craig Elliott.
We look forward to seeing those who can make the show! If you are unable to attend you can visit the Flesk online store to order any of the items mentioned in this newsletter.
Full details and sample pages for all Flesk Publications titles and our most recent news can be found on our website. Additional information can be read on publisher John Fleskes’ blog. Flesk books can be purchased on our online store. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Wesley St. Clair and Victor Williamson. Photo courtesy The Kubert School.
Congratulations to Wesley St. Claire who is the recipient of the inaugural Al Williamson Memorial Scholarship $1000 Award for a worthy second year student going into the third year at The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art. The scholarship is sponsored by the family & friends of Al Williamson. The award was presented by Al Williamson’s son, Victor, on Friday May 13th, 2011.
The following press release regarding the Al Williamson Memorial Scholarship was provided by Mike Chen from The Kubert School. You will find full details about the scholarship and information on how you can contribute for next year. Also be sure to read the scholarship winners for all categories further down.
Wesley St. Clair, Joe Kubert and Victor Williamson. Photo courtesy The Kubert School.
Al Williamson Memorial Scholarship Details
Dover, NJ (May 13, 2011) – The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art, Inc., announces a new art scholarship for its students.
The friends and family of Al Williamson have established the scholarship in the famed illustrator’s name in 2010. They made this decision due to Al’s longstanding friendship with various Kubert School alumni as well with the school’s founder, Joe Kubert.
This $1000 scholarship award is offered only to a current 2nd Year student going into his or her 3rd Year at the Kubert School. Funding for the ongoing scholarship is based on contributions from the many admirers of Al’s artwork. Contributions can be sent directly to the Kubert School. Please make out checks to “The Joe Kubert School”, but add the notation that it is intended for the “Al Williamson Scholarship Fund”.
The scholarship joins several others offered at the Kubert School including the DC Comics Scholarship and those set up to honor artists such as Norman Maurer, Dave Simons and Dave Cockrum.
The winner must be in good standing with the Kubert School, show exceptional promise, be committed to a career in illustration and/or comic book art, and prove financial need. It is open to American citizens as well as foreign students. There can only be one winner of this award per school year.
Applicants must submit three (3) pieces of artwork. The choice of subject matter and media are left to the applicant’s discretion.
Originals for submission will not be accepted. Hardcopies or photocopies only are acceptable. They must be 11” x 17” each. CD-ROMs are unacceptable. Artwork will not be returned to the applicants.
Applicants must include their name and contact info on each piece. This information must be legible.
The Williamson family will select the winner. At least one runner-up will also be selected by the Williamson’s in case the 1st place winner is unable to accept the award.
The name of the winner will be announced at a private ceremony for its students and staff held at the Kubert School on May 13. Victor Williamson, Al’s son, will present the award.
Legendary cartoonist Joe Kubert (Hawkman, Sgt. Rock) founded the Kubert School in 1976 with his wife, Muriel. Since then he and his faculty of professional artists have trained hundreds of cartoonists, illustrators, animators and graphic designers. Joe continues to run the school to this day with his sons Adam (Wolverine, Spider-Man) and Andy (Batman, Green Lantern), also respected artists in the comic book industry.
Alfonso “Al” Williamson was an American cartoonist, comic book artist and illustrator specializing in adventure, Western and science-fiction/fantasy. His most notable works include his science-fiction/heroic fantasy art for EC Comics in the 1950s, on titles including Weird Science and Weird Fantasy.
In the 1960s, he gained recognition for the Flash Gordon comic-book series, based on the original comic strip created and illustrated by his idol Alex Raymond. Al spent most of the 1970s working on Raymond’s Secret Agent X-9 strip. The following decade, he became known for his work adapting Star Wars films to comic books and newspaper strips. From the mid-1980s to 2003, he was primarily active as an inker on such superhero titles such as Superman, Daredevil, and Spider-Man.
Al Williamson was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2000.
For further info, please contact Mike Chen at the Kubert School, 37 Myrtle Avenue, Dover, NJ 07801. The phone number is 973-361-1327 and the e-mail address is mchen@kubertschool.edu. The school’s website is www.kubertschool.edu.
2011 KUBERT SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Axiologix Scholarship for Artistic Excellence
One (1) $500 Award for a worthy 1st Year Student going into the 2nd Year at JKS and…
One (1) $500 Award for a worthy 2nd Year Student going into the 3rd Year at JKS.
Sponsored by Axiologix Education™ of Egg Harbor, NJ.
Presenting the award for Axiologix Education is their CEO/President/Chairman, John Daglas.
And the winners are… Carly Frank for the 1st Year, and Mike Morrocco for the 2nd Year
Dave Cockrum Memorial Scholarship
One (1) $1000 Award for a worthy 2nd Year Student going into the 3rd Year at JKS.
Sponsored by the family & friends of Dave Cockrum.
Presenting the award for the Cockrum family is Clifford Meth, writer and editor.
And the winner is… Brigid Allanson
A Wave Blue World Scholarships
Two (2) $1000 Awards for worthy 1st Year Students going into the 2nd Year at JKS.
Sponsored by A Wave Blue World™ of NYC.
Presenting the awards is Tyler Chin-Tanner, JKS alumnus and publisher of A Wave Blue World.
And the winners are… Kristoffer Sorensen and Max Fuchs
Dave Simons Memorial Scholarship
One (1) $1000 Award for a worthy 2nd Year Student going into the 3rd Year at JKS
Sponsored by the Inkwell Awards.
And the winner is… Angela Fernot
Al Williamson Memorial Scholarship
One (1) $1000 Award for a worthy 2nd Year Student going into the 3rd Year at JKS
Sponsored by the family & friends of Al Williamson.
Presenting the award for the Williamson family is Victor Williamson, Al’s son.
And the winner is… Wesley St. Claire
Dave Monahan Memorial Scholarship
One (1) $2000 Award for a worthy 2nd Year Student going into the 3rd Year at JKS.
Sponsored by the family and friends of Kubert School alumnus, Dave Monahan.
Presenting the award for the Monahan family is Mark Monahan, Dave’s brother.
And the winner is… Nathan Chaffin
Norman Maurer Memorial Scholarship
One (1) $2000 Award for a worthy 1st Year Student going into the 2nd Year at JKS.
Sponsored by the family & friends of Norman Maurer.
And the winner is… Fred Lupus
DC Comics Scholarship
One (1) $5000 Award for a worthy 2nd Year Student going into the 3rd Year at JKS; sponsored by DC Entertainment
And the winner is… Henrik Jonsson
Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners! These scholarships go a long way to helping these students. I encourage you to donate to one of them.
