Category: Events

Posted on

Flesk Publications Exhibiting at Comic-Con (Booth #5019). New Exclusive Books and Artist Signings.

The following newsletter is going out this weekend. I’ll be totally absorbed in preparing for Comic-Con and exhibiting at the show from now until I return on July 26. All book orders will be on hold until then and email replies will be sparse for the week. I look forward to seeing those that can attend the show.

I’ll have new blog entries with pictures later this month. I’ll have a lot to share about the show as well as many new exciting topics to unveil. For now, enjoy the new updates to the website like the details for the Bruce Timm and Craig Elliott books as well as the Terry Dodson interview in a recent blog posting.

If you would like to join our email newsletter list, please click here.

Enjoy,

John
John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
text © 2011 John Fleskes

Flesk Publications Exhibiting at Comic-Con (Booth #5019). New Exclusive Books and Artist Signings.

Flesk Publications will be exhibiting at Comic-Con International this July 20-24 at booth number 5019. Flesk will have an exciting batch of new exclusive titles that will debut at the show, plus artist signings happening throughout the five days.

To begin, Flesk will have Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm Teaser, a 16 page sampler for the 304 page main Naughty and Nice book coming out this fall. Each copy is signed and numbered to 1000 copies for $15.00. A small batch will be available at the Flesk booth and the majority direct from Bruce Timm at the NFR booth (4601).

Flesk Prime is their second title premiering at the show. This 64 page hardbound book serves as a fresh look into the imagery of five exceptional artists: Craig Elliott (booth #4713), Gary Gianni (booth #4902), Petar Meseldzija, Mark Schultz (at the Flesk booth) and William Stout (booth #4803). The four artist’s with a booth number notation will be at Comic-Con and available to sign your copies. In addition, these four will have original art, books and prints available at their respective booths. All are available to chat and sign your other items as well.

Mysterious Islands by Gary Gianni is the third new Flesk feature. This 16 page chapbook opens his studio doors to offer the viewer an unrivaled selection of his favorite recent and past artworks. This is limited to 1000 signed copies with a $10.00 cover price.

Flesk will also have recent publications on hand such as Mark Schultz Various Drawings Volume Five, the new printing of Xenozoic by Mark Schultz, Al Williamson Archives Volume Two, Harvey Dunn by Walt Reed and Jim Silke’s Jungle Girls. Jim Silke will be nearby at booth #4901 and available to sign your copies of Jungle Girls. Silke will also have a variety his original artwork for sale.

Artist Signings

Flesk is hosting signings with the following artists during the course of the show. Mark Schultz will be at the Flesk booth for the full event. His guaranteed times are included here.
Wednesday

Mark Schultz 6:00-9:00
Schultz will be available for autographs and he will have original artwork for sale.

Thursday

Mark Schultz 9:30-12:00

Bruce Timm 2:00-3:00
Timm will be signing his Naughty and Nice Teaser and we will have free Timm promotional postcards available.

Pierre Alary 3:30-5:30
All three volumes of the Belladone and Sinbad books will be available from the sponsor of this signing, Stuart Ng Books (Booth # 5012), who reside directly across from us. Plus original artwork will be available by the artist.

Friday

Mark Schultz 9:30-12:00

Gary Gianni 2:00-3:00
Gianni will be available for signing his full line of books from Flesk, including the new Mysterious Islands chapbook.

Pierre Alary 3:30-5:30

Saturday

Mark Schultz 10:00-1:00

Emily McGuiness 1:30-3:00
McGuinness will have her new self-published title Ties and free promotional material.

Adam Warren 3:30-5:00
Warren will be signing his new Empowered sketchbook available from Stuart Ng Books.
Sunday

Mark Schultz 10:00-1:00

Emily McGuiness 1:00-3:00

Two other locations of note are Spectrum Fantastic Art (booth #4503) where you can learn about the exciting new show, Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. Also, Terry Dodson (booth #4706) will have his new Bombshells 5 and Reveries sketchbooks.

Flesk will have their new catalog, promotional postcards and posters available for free. Stop by and visit with their friendly staff to explore the entire line of Flesk books. A limited supply of bumped books will be available for 50% off. Publisher, John Fleskes will be present throughout the show.

Full details and sample pages for all Flesk Publications titles and the most-recent news can be found at fleskpublications.com. Additional information can be read on publisher John Fleskes’ blog at fleskpublications.com/blog

Posted on

The Art of Craig Elliott Book Details. Plus, Elliott appearing at Comic-Con.

I have posted the details of our upcoming book, The Art of Craig Elliott on the Flesk Publications website. This book was designed by Craig with a personal touch that truly personifies the artist. Iain McCaig graced us with his willingness to write the introduction. I will have sample pages and more details posted as the book nears its street date in the fall.

Craig will have his own booth at Comic-Con International running July 20-24. (Booth #4713.) He’ll have original art, prints, books, postcards, jewelry and cool specialty items like the Moleskine sketchbooks with his art on the cover pictured above.

Also remember I’ll have copies of Flesk Prime at our Flesk booth (#5019) which features Craig’s art which you can have him sign.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
text © 2011 John Fleskes

Links:
The Art of Craig Elliott book details
Craig Elliott website
Comic-Con International website
Flesk Prime book details

Posted on

Terry Dodson Interview! Plus Two New Sketchbooks and Comic-Con 2011 Appearance!

Reveries and Bombshells 5 by Terry Dodson.
Reveries and Bombshells 5 by Terry Dodson.

Terry Dodson will be making his annual appearance at Comic-Con International running July 20-25. He is sharing his booth again with Aaron Lopresti (#4706).

Terry will have two new exclusive sketchbooks premiering at the show titled Bombshells 5 ($15.00) and Reveries ($25.00, signed and numbered to only 500 copies). Both are 5.5 x 8.5 inches at 16 pages, plus covers. I had the good fortune to help Terry out a little bit with the production of them. Terry will also have original comic art from his recent stint on Uncanny X-Men and will be doing a small number of sketches at the show.

I asked Terry if he was willing to share some insight into these new sketchbooks, his work on Uncanny X-Men and for an update on his second Songes book that will appear this fall. He was kind enough to agree. Our question and answer session follows.

Flesk: Can you tell us about your new sketchbook Reveries and what type of material is included?

Terry Dodson: Reveries is sketchbook material related to the graphic novel series Songes featuring the character Coraline. Mostly the sketches are of Coraline, me trying to get back into the rhythm of the characters. There are studies that are preparatory for Songes 2. There are commission drawings of Coraline.

Also there are some prelims for Coraline related illustrations, pin ups, prints, covers. Finally, there are some actual panels from the second book that we are not using as there have been some tweaks made to the story.

Flesk: Are you working on Songes now and when can we expect to see the second volume featuring Coraline?

Dodson: Yes, feverishly!

I’m drawing the line art in pencil, then scanning that in and coloring in Photoshop so I’m doing all the art so it’s a lot of work but it’s nice to be able to do the whole thing myself.

Expect to see it both in Europe and here in the U.S. this fall! The US version will include both volumes 1 and 2.

Flesk: What does Bombshells 5 comprise of?

Dodson: A variety of stuff directly from my sketchbooks. First there are number of designs and studies for creator owned projects that will hopefully all see the light of day sooner than later. There are sketches and designs of preparatory work for ongoing works such as Uncanny X-Men and Songes.

Plus, there are sketches from life when I’m traveling– I find it’s the best way to capture what I see when out–way better than a camera! Finally, I look behind all the design and process of creating the cover for the sketchbook.

Flesk: Do you spend much time sketching for yourself or find that you drawing mostly for assignments due to time constraints?

Dodson: It’s off and on but I have kept a sketchbook regularly since I was 13. When I can I prefer to draw for myself. But I use the sketchbook constantly for work, especially all the preliminary designs and cover/pinup compositions. Also, for figuring out and reminding myself of future illustrations. Plus, I love taking one with me when I travel!

It definitely can be a struggle to find the time when working to simply sketch for fun. I generally try to find something to do a study of to at least force myself to work in the sketchbook and better myself as an artist. Pretty soon, I’m sketching away for fun and I have to put the book away in order to get some paying work done!

Flesk: You’ve just finished up a run on Uncanny X-Men. How does it feel to be a part of this legendary title?

Dodson: Real cool! I read the book growing up and always wanted to work on the characters.

I was offered the book a couple of times previously but this time it felt right and the timing was good. Matt Fraction gave me some really good stuff to work on!

Flesk: Are there any particular Uncanny X-Men runs by other artists you are inspired by or enjoy?

Dodson: Arthur Adams annual work on Annuals in the ’80s was what really made me an X-Men fan. My favorite run on the book was Jim Lee’s run. It really got me excited about comics again and pushed me to become a professional comic book artist. Carlos Pacheco and Chris Bachalo also have done some great stuff on the book. And I think my last favorite run was the Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely stuff!

Flesk: Did you find yourself making an artistic connection with a certain X-Men character?

Dodson: You know, I actually have worked on a number of X-characters over my career, so it was nice to reconnect with Emma Frost, Kitty Pryde, Storm, Beast, Nightcrawler and then try to put my stamp on characters like Cyclops, Colossus and Wolverine. Plus, I was able to do some redesigns and costume tweaks on characters like Dazzler, Dagger, Emma and Namor plus a host of others.

One thing about the X-Men, you draw a LOT of characters which I really enjoy doing on superhero books!

Flesk: Thank you for your time, Terry!

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Dodson art and text © 2011 Terry Dodson
John Fleskes text © 2011 John Fleskes

Links:
Terry Dodson website
Bombshells 5 at the Flesk online store

Posted on

Flesk Publications Comic-Con International 2011 Booth Signings

I’ve just confirmed the artist signings that will happen at our Flesk Publications booth at Comic-Con International in San Diego (#5019). This is a terrific group of people and I hope you will stop by and visit. Books and original s will be available, or just come by and chat.

The Pierre Alary and Adam Warren signings are done in conjunction with Stuart Ng Books. I’ll have more details posted in the next few days.

Wednesday

Mark Schultz 6:00-9:00
Schultz will be available for autographs and he will have original artwork for sale.

Thursday

Mark Schultz 9:30-12:00

Bruce Timm 2:00-3:00
Timm will be signing his Naughty and Nice Teaser and we will have free Timm promotional postcards available.

Pierre Alary 3:30-5:30
Alary books will be available from Stuart Ng Books, plus original artwork by the artist.

Friday

Mark Schultz 9:30-12:00

Gary Gianni 2:00-3:00
Gianni will be available for signing his full line of books from Flesk.

Pierre Alary 3:30-5:30

Saturday

Mark Schultz 10:00-1:00

Emily McGuiness 1:30-3:00
McGuinness will have her new self published title Ties and free promotional material.

Adam Warren 3:30-5:00
Warren will be signing his new Empowered sketchbook available from Stuart Ng Books.

Sunday

Mark Schultz 10:00-1:00

Emily McGuiness 1:00-3:00

Best,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

Link:
Stuart Ng Books
Comic-Con International

Posted on

New Flesk Publications 2011 Catalog

I put together a new Flesk catalog over the weekend. This shows all of our current books that are available and upcoming books planned for the near future. You can download the catalog as a PDF from the Flesk homepage and also by using the link below. I have copies being printed now. They will be available for free at our booth (#5019) at Comic-Con in a few weeks. Hard copies will be included with all Flesk book orders placed direct through us starting next week.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

Links:
View the Flesk Publications 2011 catalog PDF version

Posted on

New Books by Bruce Timm, Gary Gianni and Terry Dodson Added to Flesk Store For Pre-Order.

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.

Enjoy,

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

Posted on

Announcing “Flesk Prime” Coming Late July 2011! New Art Book Featuring Craig Elliott, Petar Meseldžija, Gary Gianni, Mark Schultz and William Stout!

Flesk Prime coming late July 2011!
"Flesk Prime" coming late July 2011!

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.

Enjoy!

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text and photos © 2011 John Fleskes

Posted on

Flesk Publications Ramping-Up for Comic-Con in San Diego 2011!

Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm Teaser limited edition chapbook available from Flesk at Comic-Con 2011!
"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!
"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!

Enjoy,

John
John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

Posted on

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live Announced!

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.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2011 John Fleskes

Links:
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live official website
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live on Facebook
Spectrum Fantastic Art website with news about the annual and more

Posted on

Big Wow! ComicFest 2011! The Flesk Publications Report!

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 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.
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!

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text and photographs © 2011 John Fleskes