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!
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!
Mark Schultz Various Drawings Volume Five and Al Williamson Archives Volume Two have been printed and are in transit to our warehouse. They are now available for pre-order at our online store. All orders will ship on June 1, 2011.
We will be receiving the books just in time for the Big Wow! ComicFest event at the San Jose Convention Center on May 21-22. Mark Schultz will be a guest at the show. I’m excited about premiering these two terrific books at Big Wow! where you can get Mark to sign your copies. I’ll post more details as the show approaches.
Flesk Prime Coming Summer 2011 From Flesk Publications.
A few months ago I came up with the idea of putting together a collection of four of the artists I regularly work with. I wanted to have something truly special for our summer convention appearances and also for our trip to the Stripfestival in Breda, Netherlands this September. I asked Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldžija, Mark Schultz and William Stout if they were all willing to be a part of this new book titled Flesk Prime. I was thrilled that they agreed. Then in February I was talking to Craig Elliott and I asked him if he wanted to join in as well, which he did. With five amazing artists on board I spent the last month putting this book together. I’m really excited about it.
This 64-page hardbound collection will only be available direct from Flesk. It will not be for sale in the book trade. We will debut the book at our Flesk booth at Comic-Con in San Diego this July where you can get it signed by Elliott, Gianni, Schultz and Stout. Then at the Stripfestival show in Breda, Gianni, Meseldžija, Schultz and Stout will all be making guest appearances to sign the book at our Flesk stand. These are going to be two very special events with four exceptional artists attending each.
I’ll get the full Flesk Prime book details and sample pages up on the Flesk Publications website soon. I’ll also have it available on our online store for pre-order next month.
For your viewing pleasure is the cover of the book above and promotional details below.
Flesk Prime serves as a fresh look into the imagery of five exceptional artists: Craig Elliott, Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldžija, Mark Schultz and William Stout. The essence of each craftsman is captured here to satisfy their fans as well as individuals who are enjoying their first glimpse. The section on each artist begins with an introduction and a biography written by Flesk publisher John Fleskes. The five were invited to handpick their pieces for inclusion, to showcase the best representation of their works. Furthermore, new quotes have been obtained to capture the artists’ own thoughts. Each chapter shows the dynamic range of styles and illustrations and the unique diversity of these five creators. Almost all of the artwork has been reproduced direct from the originals.
Elliott’s section contains an assortment of fine art, much of it centered on the female form. Also featured are editorial assignments and an enlightening look into the process behind one of his most recent paintings.
Gianni is represented by oil paintings, a pencil sketch, finished pen-and-ink drawings, comic book pages, a Sunday newspaper strip and book illustrations that span the last twenty years.
Meseldžija has provided a stunning array of graphite drawings and oil paintings completed within the last year, including private commissions and book illustrations. Giants, dragons, warriors and maidens are features of this fantastic voyage into his storytelling mind. Oil details show the brush strokes up close, for a view of his deftness.
Schultz offers previously unseen drawings from his personal blue-line sketchbook, plus pencil drawings and a pair of finished brush-and-ink comic book covers from his award-winning Xenozoic series. Heroic adventures, barbarians and fantasy-themed experimentations round out his section.
Stout shares many new and rare pieces. Oil paintings of a monster, zombie, prehistoric and dinosaur subjects are included. In addition, colored pen-and-ink drawings of record album and comic book covers are here.
Within the pages of Flesk Prime you will enjoy a dynamic range of colors, an exceptional quality of line, a bravura application of paint strokes on canvas, and a subtle balance of ink on paper—all represented through the masterful approach of these five highly trained and creative artists.
My blog postings and website updates have been sparse lately. There’s a good reason behind it. I have been totally focused on wrapping up three books for the printer: Flesk Prime, Mysterious Islands by Gary Gianni and The Art of Craig Elliott. I’ll have full details on these, and the Bruce Timm book for this fall, posted very soon.
For now enjoy the unveiling of the front and back cover of Mysterious Islands designed by Jim Keegan. This 16-page chapbook will be in the same format as Mark Schultz: Blue Book. It will only be available through Flesk and Gary Gianni. Each copy is signed and it is limited to 1000 copies.
Flesk Publications will be exhibiting at WonderCon running from April 1-3, 2011 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco—booth #709. This is a great place to see our entire line of books, meet artists, ask questions about future projects and pick up promotional material.
On hand will be certain books that are only available direct through Flesk, such as the signed and limited 16-page sketchbook, Mark Schultz Blue Book. Also, Harvey Dunn: Illustrator and Painter of the Pioneer West by Walt Reed, both the hardbound edition and the deluxe limited edition will be on hand. These two titles cannot be found in the book trade. We will also have deluxe-signed editions for many of our books including Jim Silke’s Jungle Girls, and other low stock items that are out of print. These can also be found on our Flesk online store by clicking here.
Stop by and pick up our free promotional postcard for Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm, the new book coming this fall. We will be hosting a special signing with Timm. A signing schedule will be posted at our booth on the first day of the show.
Additional artist’s appearing at WonderCon that we have published, or are developing books on, are Craig Elliott, William Stout and Jim Silke.
William Stout will be directly next to us at booth #711. He will have original art, books, prints and calendars and be available to sign your items.
Jim Silke will be located in Artists’ Alley at table #AA031. He will have original art, prints and books available, and happy to sign your copies of Jungle Girls!
Craig Elliott, the subject of a forthcoming art collection from Flesk, will be present at his Craig Elliott Gallery, booth #723. He will have prints of his fine art, originals, books, cards, jewelry and other items available.
Our friends at Stuart Ng Books will be near us again at booth #713.
Flesk Publications goal is to continue promoting the arts through quality collections. We produce art books on illustration, comic art, graphic novels, fine art and fantasy, with a strong focus on individual artist collections.
You can keep up to date on the latest Flesk news through publisher John Fleskes’ blog, our Flesk news page, and order all of our books online at the Flesk store. Feel free to contact us with any questions and interview requests.
I have eight book titles in production at the moment. I expect all to be available in 2011. Over the next few months you can expect more information and official release dates posted on the Flesk website and here in my blog.
Both Al Williamson Archives Volume Two and Mark Schultz Various Drawings Volume Five are at the printer. I am delighted to present these new volumes of the two ongoing series. I interviewed Mark about his upcoming collection on a recent blog. (A link can be found at the bottom of this posting.) Full book details and sample pages are on the Flesk website. Randy Dahlk has designed both of these books. I will be reviewing the printer proofs by the end of this week and expect them to go to press very soon. Both will be available in July. I will have them at Comic-Con International in San Diego.
The new printing of Xenozoic is on the press right now. We were delighted to see the first printing sell out within just a few months. The fresh copies should begin showing up on the bookshelves (both real and virtual) in June.
At the moment I am working on wrapping up three books to have in time for Comic-Con in San Diego. This is the first mention of them. They are all exciting projects, which I am anxious to share.
First up is The Art of Craig Elliott. A few highlights from the book description explain the contents: Perhaps best known for his contributions to such hit films as Bee Movie, Treasure Planet, and The Princess and the Frog, Craig Elliott is truly a multi-faceted craftsman. This volume showcases Craig’s uncanny ability to capture the human body—and particularly the female form—in highly original and evocative compositions that possess a palpable atmosphere and a strong sense of place. This will be a full color 9 x 12” 64-page collection that Craig is designing himself. The spreads I’ve seen so far are gorgeous.
Next we have Gary Gianni’s Mysterious Islands. This small chapbook collection will mimic the Mark Schultz Blue Book format, and showcase the monster and horror art of Gianni. At 16-pages and signed for only $10.00, this will only be available direct from Flesk. This collection furthers my desire to always having something fun and unique for an affordable price at the shows.
I am finalizing Flesk Prime, a primer showcasing the talents of a select group of artists whose books I publish. This is a 64-page hardbound collection featuring 12-pages each on Craig Elliott, Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldžija, Mark Schultz and William Stout. There are many new and unpublished works in this book. It is a perfect introduction to any of these artists you are unfamiliar with. This will only be available direct from Flesk. All but Petar will be at the San Diego show, where you can get it signed by four artists! Then, we will have the collection for our September 2011 trip to the Stripbeurs Breda show in the Netherlands where Petar will join Gianni, Schultz and Stout for the two-day event.
I’ve just recently shared the news of our forthcoming collection on Bruce Timm titled, Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm. This oversized collection will feature over 250 women, from nudes to adventure and fantasy scenes, super-heroines, and horror and hardboiled detective situations, plus more. It’s a thrill to have the opportunity to work with Timm and publish this book. I have the book on our fall 2011 schedule. Randy Dahlk is designing this book.
I’m teaming up with James Bama again to bring you James Bama: Personal Works. This collection includes over 50 unpublished paintings Bama created solely for himself. They are unbelievably moving. It was during one of my visits with Jim that I learned of these works. I asked him if he would mind if I published a book on them. “Sure!” he said. This collection will extend the diversity of subject matter he is currently known for. The book is designed and waiting for my final attention to wrap it up. I expect this out in the fall sometime.
Lastly, I have an Edwin Austin Abbey book in the works. This career retrospective of his pen and ink drawings will collect a few hundred pieces to demonstrate his range and growth during his lifetime. This book is a labor of love for me. I have the design roughly done. It is waiting for my time to finalize. I plan on having it ready for late fall.
There you have it. A whirlwind preview of what I will be publishing in 2011. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported us. Anyone who has purchased one of our books can pat his or her back for contributing to our cause in bringing you these art books.
