IDIOTHEAD.com -- OFFICIAL SITE OF ADAM TALLEY

STARSLAM KICKSTARTER IS LIVE!

2024-08-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I'm happy to announce that my new book is now available on Kickstarter! Get digital copies, physical copies, commissions and more! (Note, this is an ADULTS ONLY NSFW book. 18+ only!)

Click here to get it! http://kck.st/3SG2Tr2

CAP CITY CON RECAP~

2024-07-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Last week was the CAP CITY COMIC CON in Lansing, MI!

I had a great time out there and it was great to meet all of you! Here are some pics:

Cosplay I can get behind...

COMMISSIONED CARDS:

I'm retiring this old girlie. Anyone wanna buy her?

It was a great time. Thanks for coming out!

So now Its back home and getting projects done. I'm still doing my longform NSFW comic called "CONFESSIONS" that is a Patreon exclusive! Ramping up to the finale right now! Read it and over six years of other smut comics I've done by joining our community there! Click HERE

You can get ALL my books via digital download at Drivethrucomics! (you'll have to create a login to see them. Its free!) Click HERE FOR THAT.

Last bit... some teasers of what is to come for the STARSLAM REMASTER! Kickstarter launches hopefully in August!

Exciting stuff to come! Thanks for reading! Onward and upward!!

Get all my comics via digital download on DRIVETHRUCOMICS.com!

2024-07-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to note to everyone that I have left gumroad as my main source of online comics sales and am now working exclusively with drivethrucomics.com!! To access my online store, you'll need to create an account and then you can click here to see my library... https://www.drivethrucomics.com/browse/pub/14301/phymns

Get all my books and enjoy some reads for yourself!

Much love, T

Next Appearance! Capital City Comic Con! July 12-14th!

2024-07-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I'll be celebrating my 30th year in publishing comics this next weekend at Cap City Comic Con in Lansing, Michigan! I hope you all pop by to see me and the other artists there!

Here is a map from the front entrance to where I will be sitting. Booth 1910 up by the celebrities.

Let's talk deals I'll have at the show. Of course I will be selling the $5 sketch cards as always. But I got some new stuff! For anyone that buys any one of my books (Pleasant Life, Anna Pocalypse, Starslam, Late Night Shorts, etc) you will get a FREE 11x17 poster print of the comic!!

Also returning to my table are some convention exclusive art prints that I am doing! Fresh off the press and into your hot little hands! Supplies are limited so get them while they are hot! Price is $10 each or get 3/$25!

I will not be taking commissions at the show, so keep that in mind. I would prefer to be up chatting with people than having my head down and drawing. If you want a commission, hit me up via email and we can discuss such matters. Email: phymns@yahoo.com and hit me with your request.

This is most likely my only appearance for the rest of the year, so take advantage now. Come on out and celebrate 30 years with me! Can't wait to see you all there!

Much love, T

It was 40 years ago this week...

2024-05-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write up a special blog to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a movie that means a lot to me. It was the first movie I ever saw in the movie theater. I was six years old. And it probably was the first time I cried at a movie. That movie is STAR TREK 3: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK.

New 2024 Re-release poster.

In 1984, a third Trek movie hit the big screen and it had huge shoes to fill. The Motion Picture (1979) was an effects spectacle and in my opinion is the most "Star Trek" of all the films. Obviously Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (1982) is widely considered the best of all the Trek films even up to today. Very hard to top that. It was around this time that I saw TMP and TWOK on Betamax at home. At five years old, it captured my imagination. Then I discovered there was an original series... and a cartoon! It was truly the moment I came online as a geek and it forever changed the course of my life.

My family was into Star Trek. My brothers grew up watching it. My mother was a fan of it. And when they heard a third movie was coming they told me about it. I was begging to go see it. And so we did. It was at the Broadway Theater in downtown Mt. Pleasant. I remember that night well. I didn't know what "going to the movie theater" was like. And here were my new heroes on the big screen. There's the Enterprise! I think I fell in love with Star Trek mainly for the Enterprise. I loved the ship. I had the model kit. I had the FASA mini figures. (that was all the "toys" one could get back then) As a kid, I was obsessed with anything to do with outer space and space vehicles. Had I lived my original childhood dream, I would have tried to work for NASA or something similar. But I just became a movie geek instead. So it goes.

We sat down and watched the flick. And (spoilers) I was shocked to see my beloved USS ENTERPRISE blow up on screen. I wept. I remember crying hard at that moment. How could they destroy the Enterprise??! That ship WAS Star Trek to me! I was floored. It felt like my whole love and life up til that moment just had ended. It was gone and not coming back. Blown up and crashed onto the Genesis planet. After the movie we went to Taco Bell and got the 4 pack of the special STAR TREK 3 glasses. I used them forever. In fact, I still do. I got three sets of them in my cabinet right now. No bullshit. Hey, this is me we're talking about here. If you knew me well, that nerdy fact would be no surprise.

Being six years old and obsessed with Star Trek was a good time. I grabbed whatever collectibles I could get around the movie. Some of which I still have to this day...


My copy of Trek 3 on laser disc (remember those?) and the novelization by Vonda McIntyre (A Michigan native, BTW) - Not pictured is my versions on DVD, Blu-ray. But I got this:

In the 80s we had VIDEO DISCS. Yes, I have a bunch of Trek on these too!

I had all 3 of these Trek ships as a kid. I still have the Enterprise one in the box! Here's a pic of the Betamax tape I had. Yes, we bought that. It was expensive for the time, but we had it. And I had the soundtrack on vinyl! I have the 2 CD expanded score edition now that came out in 2010.

Of course here is a look at the Taco Bell STAR TREK 3 glasses. (I have three complete sets) and the model kit I had for this version of the Enterprise. It was my second one, as I had put together the Wrath of Khan version a year earlier. Im sure it looked like shit. I was six years old at the time! I knew nothing about proper model kit gluing and painting!

Instead of youtube, as a kid I had books on record! Of course I had the Star Trek 3 movie on record. It held me over while I was waiting for the movie to come out on tape. And my uncle Doug got me these four ERTL Trek figures. The figures were shitty, but it was all we had back in the day. I used to have all of these complete in box but sold them off about 13 years ago when I needed money. I will get them back someday soon.

(Not pictured are my Comic adaptations, official movie/poster magazine.. of which I had some of those posters on my wall as a kid!)

My hunger for all things Star Trek increased at the end of that movie. I had to know what happens next! Would the Enterprise come back? What about the crew? They disobeyed Starfleet orders to save their friend. Is it over for them too? I had to know. I started reading STARLOG magazine. I started buying the comic books... they were my first comics I ever bought. (The rest is history with that... but that is a whole other blog) And of course, a happy ending... the Enterprise came back in the next movie. But I had to wait til 1986 to see it! And as of STAR TREK PICARD season three (2023) That version of the Enterprise still exists in Canon. She's still out there. :)

Over the years, I've heard the snark that all "odd numbered" Trek movies sucked. While I thought Star Trek 3 was awesome, I began to hear rumblings about how it wasn't good and how shitty it was. Trek podcasts I listen to even now seem to just tear it apart for various reasons. I do see some of their points but Trek 3 will always be special. It was epic. A movie about family and sacrifice. There are emotional moments in that movie. The excitement during the whole stealing the Enterprise segment. Seeing Kirk's reaction to the death of his son. The Enterprise... RIP. The moment when they were all reunited with their dead friend on Vulcan, resurrected and he remembers them. I still think that scene where McCoy talks to Spock alone before they land on Vulcan is one of the best moments in all of Trek. It means even more now that DeForest Kelly and Leonard Nimoy are no longer with us. I watch it much different now because of that. Star Trek never felt epic in that way until movie three came along. And I will defend it to my dying day. Naturally I am grading it on a curve. It was my first theater movie. It hit me at the exact right time. It changed my life. 40 years... it seems like yesterday to me. The story was about family and Star Trek to me, is a family affair.

Often I am asked what my most prized collectible is that I own. I have a huge collection of movies, records, CDs, games, toys, comics... But if this place were going up in flames tomorrow and I could only grab one thing, it would be this...

My Star Trek 3 poster. Just look at it. Honestly, its ugly! That horrible vector art. Its nothing like the good ol' Bob Peak painting for the tape cover or the new 2024 re-release version (pictured above). But this poster means the world to me. You see, it was hanging in the Broadway Theater in 1984 when I saw the movie that night. I remember it. They unfolded it and mounted it on foam core and put this frame on it. After the movie was gone, it hung by the bathrooms in the Broadway Theater for years. I'd always see it when I would return to there to see other movies throughout the years. And then one day, it was gone.

Cut to May 1999. Im in college and I get a job at the Cinema Four Theater in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The same theater chain operated the Broadway Theater but opened a larger 4 screen theater closer to campus. My first day was The Phantom Menace opening night. One of the perks of working at a theater back in the day was that we could take home freebies that came in. Promo posters, standees, reel to reel trailers and other things. One night I was looking around upstairs and saw a few posters stuffed in a corner. These posters were vintage and mounted on foamcore. Terminator 2, Ghostbusters 2... and this! It was the Trek 3 poster from the Broadway! I asked my boss Bill if I could have it and explained its historical significance to him. He said, "Naw I think they got plans for those posters. I can't let you take that one, sorry." It was okay. I understood. I was just happy to see it again and know that it wasn't thrown away.

Many months later, October of 2000. The night I found out that my mother 100% had three months to live. The cancer was winning. I got the call at work that day and was understandably bummed. It was late in the night. We were waiting for the last movie to end so Bill and I could shut down the theater, turn on the alarm and I could give him a ride home. He did his counts upstairs and came down to see me. "How you holding up, T?" He asked me. I cannot remember what I said. Just that I was coping with the news. In shock maybe. It didn't feel real that my mother was going to die. The woman who, beyond just giving me life, gave me MY LIFE. She turned me on to movies, books, TV and... STAR TREK. I literally and figuratively wouldn't be who I am today without her. I was damn lucky to have the mom I had. And in a few weeks, I would have to say goodbye. It wasn't real. But it seemed final. Of course, I was upset. But I was swallowing it down. We chatted for a bit and he said he was going to head back upstairs to finish his counts and wait for the movie to be over so we could leave. He starts back upstairs and stops. He half turns to me and says, "Hey... if that Star Trek 3 poster disappeared tonight... I never saw what happened to it." And he went upstairs. I went up to the room where it was, grabbed it and tossed it into my back seat.

It meant a lot to me that he did that. He was breaking rules to give me that gift. A gift that was tied to memories of my mother. A silly thing I shared with him that months later he remembered. I was blown away that he did. I remember that act of kindness every time I see that poster. I remember the night in 1984 when I saw it in the theater when I look at that poster. The times I would see it again over the years revisiting the movie theater to go on other cinematic adventures as I grew up. Those memories tied to it, make it my most prized possession. And to me, its priceless. Its ugly. Its a large pain in the ass to have moved it from apartment to apartment over the last 24 years. But I always made sure I had space on my walls for it. I kept it clean and safe. And I'll never let it go.

STAR TREK 3 is my movie. Its not my favorite Trek movie, but damn close. Naysayers be damned, I love that flick. Pastels and crappy costumes and acting. The recycled Wrath of Khan score. The death of my beloved starship. Christopher Lloyd overacting. The obvious soundstage sets...Warts and all. And to prove my love for it.. I can spoil this: I will be honoring it in a very special upcoming issue of my comic: PLEASANT LIFE. The comic about Star Trek geeks and their relationships. My story. My "movie." You'll see what I mean when the issue comes out. Its my way of giving back to the movie and what it means to me. It birthed my whole life. My fandom. My obsession. Me.

So June 1st, marks 40 years since that movie was released. Paramount already announced a one night only theatrical release for the movie. Unfortunately as I type this, its only in the UK. But if they make a North American run somehow, I will gladly burn one of my few vacation days to go see the movie again on the big screen that night. I'll sit there with my popcorn and drink and laugh and tear up in all the same spots I always do. I'll think of all the actors in the flick who I met over the years and are now gone. I'll think of Bill and that act of kindess. I'll think of my brothers. I'll think of my mom. I'll probably listen to the score on the way there and back. Fully immersed like the big nerd I am. And proud of it.

The search is over. Spock was found. And the search for my whole life was found along the way. Happy 40th Star Trek 3. I still love ya. And the human adventure continues...

BONUS NSFW COMICS!!!

2024-05-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be an extra special spicy day as Ive joined forces with the award winning Brad Guigar to bring you bonus NSFW comics at each of our Patreons! We invite you to join our communities and get ALL THE THINGS! Access to YEARS of NSFW/smut content all sex positve, consent driven comics, pinups, commissions and more!

Come see where all the action and the fun is! You are most welcome!

Check out Brad's Patreon right here: https://www.patreon.com/guigar

And here is mine! https://www.patreon.com/ADAMTALLEY

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

2024-05-05T04:08:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! So I set up for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Summit Comics in downtown Lansing, MI. Man, the crowd was huge! I sold a lot of sketch cards, books and more. Thanks to everyone who came out and scored some good reads and art!

Yer boi was even on Fox 47 news in Lansing for a nanosecond. But at least he was smiling!

Here's the link to watch that footage: ADAM ON THE NEWS

My next appearance is CAP CITY COMIC CON in Lansing! I'll be there all three days with my books, prints and art! Information about that show is here: https://www.capcitycomiccon.com/

Don't forget I got merch! Shirts, phone cases with my designs out there! Link here: MERCH STORE

Lastly, ALL MY BOOKS are available for digital download here: GET MY BOOKS!

Thanks for reading! See you at Cap City Con in July! --T

New MERCH!

2024-04-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! For those that missed it, I got a bunch of new t-shirts, mugs, wall hangers, stickers, magnets ETC with designs I made on them! On sale for the next 24 hours... Come get em! https://www.teepublic.com/user/phymns

I'm BACK!

2024-04-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. It's been a whiiiiiiillle.......

A few years ago I moved all operations from here to my Patreon site. Its been good there and I've had support there for years. However, most of the stuff there is NSFW focused and I was missing hitting a more safe for work friendly exposure. So I decided to start seperating the two. I will return to regular posts/blogs/info here and mostly use the Patreon for NSFW comics.

Whats going on at the Patron exactly? Well, Ive got over SIX YEARS of content there! Over 72 stories and right now I am doing a long form erotica comic there called CONFESSIONS. It is ramping up toward its major conclusion that will drop later this year. But for now, it still updates monthly, along with smutty pinups and other things. I also post my IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST there, ad free! If you are into such things, check out my Patreon right here: ADAM PATREON HERE CLICK ME

While I'm on the subject of smut, let me reveal that I am remastering/retooling my STARSLAM comics! See, the first book was originally a webcomic, that premiered right here at my faithful old website! I collected it into a book and it sold well. So I did 3 more books and they were all vertical! So the art didn't match. Plus the art is over 10 years old! I was coming up on the anniversary so I decided to try and retool the original book and make it vertical. But then I found a way to just completely REDRAW the whole thing digitally and change the colors and style to my current liking. If this goes well, I will remaster the other three books. I won't have to redraw them, but I will fix mistakes, change a few things and work on the colors so they all match! I'll launch a Kickstarter for the retooled/remastered STARSLAM book 1 this summer! Here's a safe for work peek at a couple of the new pages!

So, last year I relaunched my comedy/drama book about geeks and their relationships: PLEASANT LIFE! I did a 500 page graphic novel for these characters 20 years ago, using stories inspired from my own life! Well, its many years later and I wanted to catch up with them. So I started doing an ongoing series! I launched issue 1 via kickstarter last year and then I just did a kickstarter for issues 2-3! I'll do another Kickstarter for issues 4-5 this summer as well! (I'm a goddamn machine!) Here's a look at all three covers:

You can get these three issues via digital download, plus all my smut books at my GUMROAD website by clicking here: GUMROAD STORE! CLICKY CLICK!

APPEARANCES:

I'll be doing two appearances this year celebrating my 30th year in comics and selfpublishing! Coming up next is an appearance at Summit Comics in downtown Lansing, MI for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! I'll have my books and be doing free sketches for the kids! Info At their Facebook page HERE!

And as if Lansing couldn't get enough of me... Once again I will be exhibiting at the Capital City Comic Con in July! Info on the show here: CAP CITY CON!

Beyond that, things have been good for me. I'm still rockin' and rollin' and kicking ass. Still podcasting! (Search for IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW on Itunes and subscribe, its FREE!) and doing all sorts of comics and art. I just uploaded a bunch of personal sketchbook stuff on my Facebook page and Instagram page. You're welcome to follow/add me there.

So I have returned to Idiothead.com - Feel free to check back often as I will be updating here a lot more. And if you like the smut I do, check out the Patreon, which will be there exclusively. Beyond that, I remain yours,

--ADAM TALLEY

HELLO EVERYONE! (LINKS and MORE!)

2022-06-21T11:22:00.004-07:00

Hi friends! Thanks for coming to my site and checking me out! I have moved all of my operations to PATREON now as far as updates, blogs and other such stuff I used to do here. But I keep this site as a main hub for people to still go to.

Link to my Patreon HERE (I post monthy NSFW comics, blogs, pinups, podcasts and more!)

Link to buy all my books via digital download right HERE (All my books!)

Link to watch me doing stuff on YouTube right HERE (Art stuff, drawing, video games, travel and other things!)

You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other such places. Just search for me, ADAM TALLEY

I've been at this for 28 years with no signs of stopping. I thank you for coming here and checking me out. You can go to the above links to get my stuff. You are also welcome to browse the old archives here for content from all the way back to 2004 when I started this site. Woooooweeee! Lots of stuff I've done over the years. Thanks for coming by! I appreciate it.

--T

MIND DRIPPINGS Issue 1 (Free Public Newsletter!)

2021-05-18T08:47:00.004-07:00

I have posted a public newsletter for everyone to catch up with everything going on in Adam World! Check it out for free: https://www.patreon.com/posts/51404192

HAPPY NEW YEAR and HOW TO FIND ME!

2021-01-02T05:25:00.005-08:00

Hey friends! I do not post here as much anymore as I have moved my operations over to my PATREON PAGE - There for only $1 a month you get exclusive BLOG writings, personal writings, (Safe for work) cartoons, new pages of PLEASANT LIFE 2, PODCASTS and more! For $8 a month you get all that plus one (Not Safe for Work..AKA SMUT) comic story from me (A new story drops every month!), plus NSFW art, sketches, process sketches/pencils/ink of the monthly comic and more. $20 a month gets you all that, plus a monthly commission... which is now the ONLY way to get a commission from me! Do that for three months in a row and you get your original art for the commissions mailed to you, plus extras I toss in. (I take care of those who support me!)

So consider joining me on PATREON By going right HERE

As I announced several times and I meant it, as of January 1st this year, COMMISSIONS ARE CLOSED! The only way to get them now is through the monthly PATREON tier (Mentioned above) and if I offer them for a future Kickstarter for a new book I am publishing). I am too busy and want to focus on getting projects done. I have been open to private commissions and seeking freelance for 23 years now and its time to focus a bit on what I want to do and get done. I appreciate all those who seek and support. But outside of those two options, I have to decline. Thank you for your interest and support over the years!

One of my goals for 2021 is to get an online store rolling again. You can get all my books via digital download on GUMROAD (Go HERE for that) or at DRIVETHRUCOMICS.com.. you have to search for it there via my name as they bury them (Oh the joys of publishing NSFW comics... so easy to promote!) But I plan to open an online store where you can directly order physical books and things through me. Right now I do have a place where you can get shirts, coffee mugs and things with my art on them. Its through TEEPUBLIC! For purchase options, go HERE

I still do my IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST through Talkshoe.com and you can search for "IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST" wherever you get your podcasts! I appreciate all who listen. I just got a new mic, pop filter and stand so I will be increasing my podcasting efforts in 2021. Here is my RSS feed link: https://www.talkshoe.com/rss-idiothead-morning-show.xml and here is the direct subscribe link to ITUNES/APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idiothead-morning-show/id555674114

I thank you all for continuing to read, listen, support and follow me and my work. I want to make 2021 one of my most productive years ever. Its time to turn all of this around and make it happen! Much love to you all! Now go hit up that PATREON and get new and three year's backlog of content! JOIN ME! My PATREON is HERE

Much love, ADAM T.

Get Adam's new book now on KICKSTARTER!

2020-05-13T19:05:00.001-07:00

Announcing Adam's new erotica short story book: LATE NIGHT SHORTS vol 2, now live on Kickstarter.com! 84 pages of saucy action guaranteed to give and get boners!

Support Adam's Kickstarter!! http://kck.st/2WNpYKA

New PLEASANT LIFE is Live to read!

2020-03-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

My friends, today is a day to remember. Its been years in the making. PLEASANT LIFE 2 is now officially launched. You can read the first 8 pages of it now on my PATREON PAGE right now by signing up for only $1 a month. ONE DOLLAR. That is less than a soda, less than a coffee. Bottom of purse change that goes to help support an artist, his family and the work that he strives to keep providing over 26 years. Here's a look at a couple pages:

I cannot begin to say what today means for me. Its the biggest step in a long time, years long, journey for me. To be working on these characters again, to empty some shit in my personal basement and giving it to those who have followed me through the years... there's no explaining it. I can't. Its the biggest thing I've ever done, honestly. This story is a journey and I invite you to take it with me.

For your $1 a month at my Patreon, you get a few pages of PLEASANT LIFE posted to read every month, plus exclusive blogs, sketches, podcasts and more. You get ALL THE THINGS, for only $1 a month. Join me for the journey by clicking here: http://www.patreon.com/ADAMTALLEY

Thanks for your support, T

I'm so Quiet here lately... what gives?

2020-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! Someone asked me why I keep this site and why there isn't as much activity here as there used to be. Well, I am now on PATREON!

Not on my PATREON yet? Consider joining my community there! You get exclusive blogs, podcasts, and comics launched there first, including my sequel to my slice of life comic PLEASANT LIFE that will be available for all reward levels there starting at only $1 a month... (Less than a soda!). At $8 a month you get monthly erotica comics, process/making of the comic, sexy pinups, sketches and more! At $20 a month you get all that plus a monthly single colored digital commission. (Half off my normal rate) and you get an exclusive confession blog where I share sexy stories that I personally know about! We've built quite the community there and that is where I mainly do business. The money helps me keep the lights on and I appreciate everyone there. They get ALL THE THINGS~! Join us: https://www.patreon.com/ADAMTALLEY

Also, did you miss out on one of my Tshirts for Starslam? Get it and others I have done right here at my TeePublic store: https://www.teepublic.com/user/phymns - They also have coffee mugs, art prints/wal hangings, pillows, phone cases and more. This is my official indie comic merch store and I do get a % of the sales. So rock your favorite comic creator's art in your life and say loudly and proudly, "I SUPPORT ADAM TALLEY CAUSE HE ROCKS!" I appreciate it!

You all are welcome to follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ADAMTALLEY and my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phymns/ ALL ARE WELCOME. I am pretty accessible. Lastly, email me anytime at: phymns@yahoo.com -- I answer everyone and welcome thoughts, critiques and just general friendship. You following, chatting with me isn't an interruption of my life, but the purpose of it. I thank you all.

In other news, I got the proof copy for STARSLAM RETURNS in the mail:

So once off the UPS truck after printing, they will go out to all the Kickstarter backers. I will have NO PHYSICAL COPIES left to sell here. But you can get a digital copy at my Gumroad page: https://gumroad.com/phymns

Also in Late March/early April I will be launching another erotica collection on Kickstarter called "LATE NIGHT SHORTS vol 2!" So watch for that!

I am on another sketch card set for Dynamite comics. I am not sure if I am allowed to say what it is yet. Just know that I am not done doing sketch card work. In fact I have a few blanks left available for commission. Check it:

Email me at phymns@yahoo.com for your interest and details. Asking $25 per card.

Lastly, I am stopping all open public commissions at the end of this year: Dec. 31st. After that, no more. Retired. Patreon only. So take advantage now! Here's my commission rate and rules: http://idiothead.com/COMMISSIONS.html

Thank you all for your support. Find me on PATREON! PLEASANT LIFE sequel drops there starting next month... Only $1 a month. JOIN US!

Thanks for giving me a great life. I counted it up last night, in 26 years, I have drawn and self published over 1,900 pages of comic art. WOW! I couldn't have done it without you!

--T

Unsuccessfully Coping with Turning Older and Dealing with Life's Bullshit

2020-01-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks for coming here for a read, my friends. Gather round as grandpa titillates you with another barely coherent ramble of nonsense from his aging spine flower. I appreciate those who come here and also who stick through til the end of my postings. I wish I could say I do it all for you, but in truth, it is for me. To get things off my chest and rid myself of some of the thinky pain, by sharing my thoughts aloud to the ether and to those who would lend me an ear. I do appreciate it.

I turned 42 this weekend. I received lots of messages of love and appreciation, all of which got a return thank you note. The least I could do. My lovely bride got me the Harlan Ellison book I've been wanting. I'm reading it rather quickly, enjoying every word of it! I got a gift card from my dear father in law, with which I took the wife on a necessary trip to a couple local swap shops, diving deep for physical media to fill our already well fed media shelves. Oh so necessary. I love my gluttonous shelves jam packed with dusty but well loved DVDs, Blu-Rays, Video Games, Books, Records, CD, Toys and anything else I can use to distract myself from the daily grind. I found three vintage in the box STAR TREK TNG figures from Playmates, as well as TMNT (1990) on Blu-ray, BATMAN ANIMATED SERIES season 4 DVD set, yet another JEFF BUCKLEY live Cd (How many of those things exist? I do not know, but they all must be mine), and KING DIAMOND'S "ABIGAIL" on vinyl. Do I need these things? Of course not, but yet I do. Don't judge me. Its how I fill the holes. I also sat down to a lovely lunch/dinner at Logan's Steakhouse, where I had grilled chicken and shrimp. I plan to have a steak dinner with my father in law sometime soon, so I shall savor that moment to come.

All of these things I have used to be a welcome interloper to the stress, anger and depression that has been swirling around my head like a vulture waiting to gnaw on the remaining unspoiled specs of meat. The last couple weeks have been hell. My wife to be has lost a parent and we are coping with all of that. On my side of the fence, my father is having some personal struggles of his own. All of this indeed weighs heavy and sometimes I think I'd rather french kiss a cactus than face it head on. But despite all our distractions, the pain exists and we are working through it. Everyone has been lovely with their messages and gifts of food and comfort. It means the world to us. Thank you so, so, soooo much. That is all I will say about that for now.

I passed out the bad news of the delay of the physical release of STARSLAM RETURNS. Just have had too much going on to finish the things that need finishing to send it to the printer. But for those who are waiting, I do promise (as I always do) to deliver. I appreciate your patience and bearing with me. I also have been busy keeping steady work on the PATREON comics for the year of 2020. Right now I have scanned in all the original art and partially colored the flats for stories that lead all the way through to September. My goal is to finish all the year and get it scheduled, uploaded and done so that I can focus on other things for a while. I want to get PLEASANT LIFE 2 finally launched sporadically on the Patreon, as well as doing some writing. I want to finish one of the 19 novels I have planned/started/almost finished. Seriously, I want to.
I need to.
I shall.
This year.
Promise.

I have seen the first episode of STAR TREK: PICARD and I am pleased to say that I enjoyed it. I think there are a couple established cannon factoids they didn't address but perhaps those will be answered in later episodes. It feels good to finally be taking the STAR TREK story forward instead of doing another prequel. I detest prequel stories in general. I feel that they fail on all levels, most important of which is living up to expectations. While I sometimes do flashbacks in regular stories, you will never see me do a prequel to anything I ever write. Always moving forward is a good thing. Not just in creative endeavors but also in life.

This week I have taken the time to watch some new things. Movies like RUNNING SCARED, JAY & SILENT BOB REBOOT, and episodes of the classic THE OUTER LIMITS and THE TWILIGHT ZONE. I'm also sitting down to read not only my Ellison book, but the booklets of some box sets I have purchased but haven't dug through as deeply yet. I also got my preordered SONS OF APOLLO album, which I haven't listened to yet. I am currently enjoying a re-listen/re-appreciation of the NEAL MORSE BAND'S "SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM," ALTER BRIDGE "FORTRESS," OPETH "IN CAUDA VENENUM" and other stuff. New stuff I've pre-ordered include the new PEARL JAM and STONE TEMPLE PILOT records. Exciting stuff in music coming!

Currently I am reading ELLISON'S ENDLESSLY WATCHING, UNFUCK YOURSELF by Gary John Bishop and a re-read of DRAGONLANCE: DRAGONS OF AUTUMN TWILIGHT. Its all keeping me sane but most importantly as I said, distracted.

Its been a bumpy road so far this year. In 25 short days, we've had threats of war, a circus of a senate trial, the death of Neil Peart, Terry Jones, my mother in law and other things. I've been dealing with back trouble and up and down eating patterns around the anger/depression of the above things happening. But I'm getting through it. That is the important thing right? I'm still here, trying hard. I'll get it all sorted and figured out someday.

Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope you all have it sorted and figured out someday too. It's the goal, right?

--T

RIP Professor. Neil Peart

2020-01-10T15:23:00.001-08:00

Im sitting at work sad as fuck. Neil Peart is gone.

My two closest friends texted me within five minutes when the news broke. Dean, who has been a lifelong Rush fan hit me with the news first. We saw Rush together on their last tour in 2015. A couple minutes later Shane, my lifelong brother in life and music, texted me the news. They both knew how I would feel. They both share a deep love of music with me and an even deeper understanding of what this loss means.

Neil Peart wasn’t just a rock drummer. He is probably considered to be the greatest drummer who ever picked up the sticks. That is a debate, considering your own preference and musical interests. But any rock musician would put him in the top of their lists of influence. His methods, perfection and skill is absolutely beyond estimation. But Neil wrote all the Rush lyrics. So those words, were influenced by all sorts of fantasy and literature, who did comparisons with history and the psyche. All of it was from him. And the lyrics had substance. It went beyond just kicking ass and chasing chicks. Its not common in rock radio to be talking about integrity and honesty in a radio hit (Spirit of the Radio). Or even breaking down a love of a motor car (Red Barchetta). Or using history as a parable for a futuristic story about humans enslaves by aliens, inspired by German concentration camps that his bandmate’s family endured (Red Sector A). Or fuck, the granddaddy of them all: rebuttal of a totalitarian society who controlled and subdued creativity per potential rebellion, and it was a comment on their current state in their industry as artists (2112).

The examples go on and on. For me, i connected with lyrics about just wanting to be the cool kid in school, when I wasn’t (Subdivisions). And knowing you have to work hard to make your dreams come true (Something for Nothing). But today, i’m thinking about Neil, his life and the life of those whom I hold dear in my life and whom I share a love of music with. Its a garden to nurture and protect (The Garden).

Im sitting at work, devastated. Ive cried a lot today. Im sitting in silence. I want to turn on some Rush from my phone, but I don’t even know where to start. I’m not sure I can right now. I know it would turn me into a blubbering mess. Its yet another thing that changes for me as I grow older. You love a musician or an actor or an artist. They die, then you come back to the work and see it in a different way. Sad that its the end and you now have a complete body of their work, knowing nothing else will come from them. Amazed and sad at their work and performance, because it means so much to you. You use their art to define you and who you are. Like when I watch Star Trek now, I cry. Because I love those folks and miss them. He same it shall be now for Rush. I won’t hear it the same way again.

But most of all, I am grateful to have lived during the lifetime of those whose work spoke to me. Im grateful they gave me their art and grateful for who they were. Neil was a great man. A monster musician. A monster writer. And a humble, quiet, peaceful person. He endured the sudden loss of his daughter to a car accident, the loss of his wife to cancer and found happiness in continuing. He leaves behind a daughter who will have to find her own way now to cope without him. And he was so humble that even when he is considered the greatest, he cared enough about his craft that he re-learned how to play with teacher Fred Gruber. He changed his style and made himself better, without ego. That shows how much he cared and wanted to continue to grow and learn. He didn’t crave the attention or the limelight, in fact he ran out of the stadium after the last cymbal crash to avoid it. He came, he played and he gave it all to us. The best. The greatest. And he showed us how to be a great person.

This loss is incalcuable. For me on a personal level, it is devastating. I will not be the same again. RIP Maestro. The Professor. Thank you, beyond words.

“The treasure of a life is a measure of love and respect.
The way you live, the gifts that you give.
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect.
So hard to earn, so easily burned.
In the fullness of time,
A garden to nurture and protect.”

—The Garden. RUSH off of CLOCKWORK ANGELS. Lyrics by Neil Peart. RIP

A Bunch of Things

2020-01-09T10:38:00.002-08:00

Hey friends!

Well we crossed into the safe haven that was to be 2020 and our clean slate was met with the threat of total annihilation. I won't even go into the rock em' sock em' robots game that never seems to end. Let's just focus on our own back porch a bit shall we?

I keep blogging and writing because I enjoy it. It exercises my brain. I heard a comedian recently refer to blogging as "having a conversation that no one wants to have with you." I don't believe that. I follow certain writers and people who I know either through their work or personally and I love their words. I love to hear their day to day. I love to know they struggle too. It helps me.

There are three artists, all of whom I have looked up to over the years, recently revealed their struggles. One had their artwork denied for a charity art auction. THEM! Are you kidding me? Their art is fucking awesome! You deny THEM?? Another whom I thought would be very financially secure is struggling to make his rent and has to do commissions to make ends meet. The third has to take meds, therapy and a bunch of other issues. Goes to show that everyone is going through something. Everyone you meet has a battle and a story to tell. Never forget that.

So that is on my mind. Trying to police my own thoughts. Trying to be better at everything. I'm working hard at it. I'm working ahead on things like the Patreon and trying to catch up with everything I have out there and promised. I'm trying hard to keep promoting and play the game I have to play, while also taking the time to read a book, play a game, watch a flick I've been meaning to watch, etc.

Life. Its beautiful!

Check this out:

This year was the first time I publicly talked about STARSLAM. Not quite the anniversary of her first publishing. That comes in 2024 I think. I did create her and take her to San Diego Comic Con back in 2008, but she wasn't book published until 2014 I think it was. Before that she was online only. So what is the official anniversary? I don't know, but its coming up soon. She's been my life pretty much for the last few years. While I've done some other books here and there and a lot of erotica work on the Patreon and erotical collections, STARSLAM has been the baby I've been raising. Also, its my highest selling. Check this:

With the exception of an ANNA POCALYPSE here and there, its all been my erotica work that has sold. I understand why and all that. But I still hope I am able to publish a slice of life drama/comedy that is PLEASANT LIFE and get the same amount of acceptance. Its one of the things that has held me back from doing the sequel to it I have been talking about for years. I have 60 pages done and I am slowly going to put them on the Patreon starting in March. So if you like PLEASANT LIFE, consider joining to read it! More on that another time. Let's talk about the now.

Twenty Five years of self publishing last year. TWENTY-FIVE. Look at this:

Original art from the Erotica Collections.

All the original art for STARSLAM RETURNS, my latest book.

Big tub of original art. 99% of it is mine. Some are by friends of mine that I have collected over the years. Also a painting tray from college!

I've done a lot of shit. Lots of books. All of which you can get digitally. Some physical are sold out. I don't reprint the majority of it. I should and keep it safe so people can get them. Maybe I will look into bettering myself at an online store presence. Just a whimsy I shall chase soon.

My dad turned 75 yesterday. He's made it the farthest in age than anyone in my family ever has. I called him yesterday and he's doing okay. That is great, considering the great scare I had with him in October. I'm proud of him and honored to have him in my life. I really hit the parental lottery when it came to my folks. My mom will be gone 20 years this December. That is unreal. I still think about her everyday.

I'm going random here but there are many things on my mind. Many things I want to do and promises to myself and to you I want to keep. I'm working hard on the work, the day job, myself and everything I can squeeze in. I promise someday I will have it all figured out. Maybe you will too. Here's to the struggle!

Thanks for reading and supporting. I appreciate it.

--T

Goodbye 2019, and it Can Kindly Fuck Off

2019-12-30T08:05:00.002-08:00

First off before I begin, allow me to plug. STARSLAM RETURNS (Digital) is now available for purchase and download at my online GUMROAD ACCOUNT. Simply click on the link and purchase. It downloads to you as a pdf. Please enjoy it. I'm quite proud of it.

I did a big wrap of of 2019 in the most recent IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST. Please download that and enjoy my best/worst lists and all that. Its free!

One year in the life in our lives is gone and we celebrate the achievements we earned and mourn the losses we had. To sum it up in one sentence: 2019 for me just sucked. It wasn't a great year. I could go on and on about the various bummers and hurt I encountered and dealt with but I am just ready to move on from it all. I'm looking to 2020 to be a clean slate of opportunity to make things better. There are lots of things already planned and lots of things I want to do. I don't have resolutions, but I am calling them resolves.

The usual stuff is on there. Get my health in order, work on my finances, etc etc. But as would interest those in my art world I promote here on my site, I plan to do the following:

--Patreon shall continue and starting in March, I will be premiering PLEASANT LIFE 2 sporatically for all levels of support. From $1 onward, all will get to read that book first! Pages will be uploaded as they are done and will be free for my patron supporters to read.

--New monthly erotica stories will continue for the $8 and up levels on my patreon. Stories and themes already completed include: Ballerinas, bimbos, tennis players, BDSM/Lesbian Domination and much more. Its going to be an exciting time over there for those who like my NSFW content.

--In the spring there will be a new LATE NIGHT SHORTS book on Kickstarter. It collects all the short erotica stories that I have done for the Patreon. Watch out for it. BTW, Patrons of mine get a digital copy of it for FREE!

--Also in the spring, I will relaunch STARSLAM books 1-4 on indiegogo in an effort to draw in more readers. So if you missed a physcial copy of any of those books, look for that.

--Sometime in the fall, I will be finally releasing my "tell all" book about working in adult retail. I've been talking about it for years and now it is time to finally get that book out the door for all of you to read and enjoy.

--I mentioned this previous and I say it again here: After 2020 is over, I will NOT BE TAKING ANY MORE PRIVATE COMMISSION WORK. The only way to get commissions from me is either through a Kickstarter for one of my books (if it is offered) or through my Patreon reward tiers. Only $20 for that one... which is an excellent price considering all you are getting. But after December 31st next year, no more commissions. None. Thank you.

I have a few potential projects on the stove as well. Like a one shot comic done with my colorist. Finishing that Wise Intelligence graphic novel collection. Putting together a new STARSLAM one shot collection of all the side stories plus new ones... There is no telling what is to come in the new year. That is the good thing about it all. Its new and exciting! I know 2020 won't be pie in the sky. Its an election year in one of the most trying times I've ever seen in my lifetime. Seems like everyone is toxic and hates each other for whatever reason. Either over a movie reaction to core morals and fundamentals. We got a lot to slog through. But for my part I am right here with you and I shall strive to keep you titillated and entertained.

I hope all of you have a safe and happy new year. Be safe and keep everyone around you safe. Strangers and friends. We get through this together. Team humans. Team people. Eat, drink and be merry. Let's die another day.

I have spoken. This is the way.

--T

Great Time to be an old Geek

2019-12-09T07:18:00.003-08:00

Its been a weird week for me. Its a week where we lost some BIG BIG BIG names in Star Trek fandom. I mean, Robert Walker, Jr. (Charlie X), D.C. Fontana and last night, Rene Auberjonois left us. Its odd for me as a man in his 40s now, watching his heroes slowly retire, drift away or pass away. In a world that is constantly telling you to "grow up" or that movies, comics and games are things for children... its pressure. And I would be lying to you if I said I never agree. Because sometimes I do. That maybe I had these things and I had my time with them. Those times are over and I have to move on.

But if you look around my home, you'll see its filled up as an entire museum of my life. Especially my early years. I have toys on the wall. I have in boxed Nintendo games. I have shelves and shelves of DVDs, Blu-Rays, Comics, Books, Magazines, LPs, CDs and so many other things. I still drink out of Star Trek 3 Taco Bell glasses from 1984. I watch old cartoons like The Real Ghostbusters or Scooby Doo. I play Mario and Ghostbusters for Ps4. On and on and on. I'm a giant man-child and I don't think I will ever grow up. I've come to terms with that and I like that about myself. I think my kids like that about me too. We share in these things together. Lately I've been turning my youngest into a Ghostbusters fanatic. He's got a jumpsuit and a proton pack and he plays the video game constantly. He's got toys for it and we watch the cartoon together. Its awesome!

The geeks have grown up and now they are making the media. Some get it right, some miss the mark of what made that thing so great. But really, it doesn't matter. We have SO MUCH of the right thing. Like STAR TREK. Okay, so older fans don't enjoy the new stuff. But we have so many old episodes, books, comics that get it right. I'm willing to bet that all the ranty fans online haven't seen or read all of it. Why focus on the bad? And okay, I wasn't a fan of the 2016 Ghostbusters movie. I gave it an honest chance but I felt like it wasn't funny and it missed the mark. There were things I liked about it, but ultimately, I wasn't into it. That is okay. Did I need to go online and threaten the makers or the actresses in it? Of course not. Why do people do that? I don't get it.

Perhaps the best thing about me growing older is that not only did I never leave these things, but I also left my elitism behind. I remember a younger, angrier version of me who judged anyone who didn't like this movie or that band. I sometimes playfully act that way in front of younger co-workers who talk excitedly about anime or Pokemon and I say, "Whats a Pokemon?" Cause it is funny to "play" like I'm an old angry man, just barely tolerating the youngsters around me. But inside I am enjoying that they like something. They can dress up and play and collect, just like I did. Its actually awesome. It feels good to have let go of my elitism and put down the swords of a gatekeeper of the old cool things, so that when someone asks about it, I'm not all, "you weren't there for that and its only for me!" I'm more like, "wow... you got so much cool shit you missed out on. Let me show you." And I'm really happy to open the door for anyone who wants to check it out. I think its a much better way to be.

As I look to my left I got a shelf with an Enterprise ship and an Ecto-1 car on it. Both are screen accurate and immaculate looking. If I had these things as a kid, I woulda lost my mind. But I have them now. My kids have them. For all the wrongs that happen, there is a lot of right things to embrace as well. So why dwell in the negative? I am entertained by the ranters and naysayers who tap into the anger and use it as entertainment. Like the RED LETTER MEDIA youtube folks, or the ANGRY VIDEO GAME NERD. That is for entertainment. But those actual ranters... the ones who boycott and threaten and use their anger to spread hate and vitriol everywhere.... that I don't get. What is that? How can you spend your time dwelling in that head space? I feel sorry for you. Cause there is so much good shit out there. All you gotta do is go find it!

Aging is weird. Everyday I wake up, someone I liked is gone. A project I like ends. A creative team I liked has left a project. But then, new cool shit comes up. Its refreshed. Reborn. Because there will always be cool things to come. I can't tell you how excited I am for the rest of the season of The Mandalorian. or Star Wars Episode Nine. Or Star Trek Picard. Or Ghostbusters Afterlife. or the Creed movies. On and on and on.

Being an old geek ain't so bad. Drop the hate an enjoy it. There's no better time than now.

-T

Updates, 2020 Look Ahead...

2019-11-21T07:43:00.001-08:00

Hey friends, thanks for checking back with me.

I haven't updated here much. Although at my Patreon, I post there a few times a week. Blogs, pinups, sketches, comics... Its really the place to be and it directly funds what I do. So if you want more me, join us by clicking: HERE

I'm super busy with day job overtime and wrapping up STARSLAM RETURNS. My colorist finished the pages a couple weeks ago and so word ballooning has begun. I got a lot of family stuff coming up in the next couple weeks (holidays, natch), so I am still hoping that December release will happen. Of course you will hear about it on my blogs and social media. If you missed the Kickstarter there will be opportunities to get digital and physical copies when its complete. Stay tuned.

I'm already looking ahead to 2020 and what that will bring into my life. I have a couple projects I want to focus on and complete, along with the monthly work the Patreon brings me. Unfortunately I've found that as I grow older and life has become more complicated, I've found that my time is more severely limited to work on the things I want to do and pursuing paid work and commissions have constantly put road blocks in front of progress on these things. Its not a bad problem to have, don't get me wrong. Getting paid for my art and seeing people enjoy it has been a privilege. I'm forever grateful for those folks who do get my art and support me directly. But the drive to finish these things I have long since promised and keep delaying, coupled with a severe drive to want to do these things, funneled through a shrinking window of daily time to do them has been an extreme juggle for me. I have thought long and hard about what to do and what I WANT to do, and I think I have come to with a conclusion.

Freelance has to stop. Meaning, paid work and commissions. But I cannot stop it outright. I have clients I work with long term and its on things that are not finished yet. I cannot leave anyone high and dry on things. I would never do that. So I have come up with a compromise:

2020 will be the last year I will take commissions.

There, I said it. It feels better to admit it. So I am giving the world 13 months to get whatever they want out of me until I close the door for good. Page commissions, story commissions, 8x11, 11x17, larger pieces... all of it will end on Dec, 31st 2020. No more. Zilch. Nada. Onward.

The focus will only be on my stuff and keeping the promises I've made to myself and to others. All the things will come. Also, more time with my family and friends. I've had a great run and I am grateful to all who have supported and will still support what I do. I never have taken you for granted. You've helped me keep the lights on in extreme times. I hold you all closer than you know. But I've just come to a point in my life where I just want to pursue the things I want to do and not make it so much of a "business" anymore. I've already stopped doing conventions, except for this anniversary year where I did reach out a bit. This decision is the next step.

Does this mean no more Commission tiers on Patreon? I haven't made a decision on that one yet. I am thinking I might keep that one for now. That might be an exception I will consider because its not all that much of a demand and its for the hardcore folks who support me and ALL THE THINGS I do. That might be the only way to get something from me. Also, I do often do story commission reward tiers on Kickstarters for new books. That might be the other way. But as far as me chasing down paid work, emailing me blindly and getting something done, nope. That ends on Dec. 31st, 2020.

So we got a year. Want something done? Something for the holidays this year? NOW is the time to get it done. Details and pricing are here: CLICK HERE

I hope this decision isn't too disappointing to you. I've wrestled with this for a long time, so it did not come lightly. But this is the best choice for me and my future. But we got 13 months. There is plenty of time to get something nice for yourself, whatever form that will be in. All funds secured directly go to fund my future and my family. I got big life changing events happening in 2020. The money will certainly be put to use. So consider scoring a piece today or very soon. I do appreciate it and love you all.

Next time we talk will be my big year end blog that I always do. Let's talk then after Christmas!
Much love, T

Mt. Pleasant FANTASTICON Recap!

2019-10-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hey friends!

I'm back from a whirlwind of a vacation/convention appearance in my old hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan! Its time for a recap of how it went down:

Every time I return to the old haunts, I have to take a stroll down memory lane and see what I remember, what remains and what is gone for good. I stopped through Shepherd and saw my old childhood home. Then we drive to downtown Mt. Pleasant and saw a few old places of note... like the BIRD BAR & GRILL... my old bar! (and also featured in the pages of my comic, PLEASANT LIFE!). Right across the street is the old WARD THEATER. A place where I worked and closed shop on back in 2001. Then of course I had to stop off at JON'S COUNTRY BURGER. All necessary stops when I am in town and full of memories! Here's an image dump:

We got to the Soaring Eagle Casino on Friday and chilled in the jacuzzi a couple of times, while sipping on some vodka and Mike bottles. On Saturday I reported to the FANTASTICON show floor and set up... but not before stopping for a breakfast pastry!

"mmm.... doughnuts..."

Iz VIGGO!

Two in the box, ready to go!

On Saturday I stayed steady. I didn't get pics of every commissioned sketch card but here are some TMNT ones I did for someone:

I did a lot of cards for some really kind folks. But most importantly to me, I sold a lot of books! I sold out of my copies of STARSLAM 1-2, ANNA POCALYPSE and I was down to only two remaining PLEASANT LIFE books! Not a bad problem to have indeed! I also got rid of some original art and bacon bookmarks! I had a really good weekend, sales-wise... thanks to everyone who came out and supported!

It was a smaller show and more intimate to deal with people, which I prefer. Only downside to me was that the panel "room" was on the show floor and the speakers were right behind my table, behind a curtain. So sometimes people talking or music playing got so loud I couldn't hear anyone in front of me. It was a pain in the ass, but I dealt with it.

I ran into my brother, my old pals Shane and family, Jon K, Matt & Michelle and my brother stopped by and hung out for a while. And that was just a few old friends I saw. Many more stopped by and I made some new ones as well. That is always the highlight of these shows for me!

So now, I am safely back home. The dust has settled on another con appearance. Thus ends my "25th year anniversary in comics" celebration. Its been a long, strange trip, folks. But so rewarding. I'm glad to have spent it at home. But now my mind turns toward what is next. I finished the page art on STARSLAM 4 and I am beginning the new PATREON stories. Plus a new graphic novel after that. So much to keep rolling on! I cannot wait for what is to come. You'll hear all about it soon, I assure.

To be a part of it, the best way is my PATREON PAGE (Click here). You get monthly exclusive blogs, podcasts, pinups... then there are reward tiers to get monthly erotica comics and then even monthly digital commissions for 1/2 price of my regular prices! Its the best way to keep up with me as my updates here on Idiothead.com are sporadic. I invite you to join my community I am building over there. All new stuff goes there first!

Thanks to all who came out to FANTASTICON and who took the time to stop by. I'll miss you until next time. Love to you all!

--T

Abbey Road Remastered Review

2019-10-08T08:28:00.003-07:00

If you are a hardcore Beatles nut like me then you woulda scored the ABBEY ROAD 50th ANNIVERSARY box set last week. I got the super deluxe edition with the big book, handwritten lyric scans, studio notes, outtakes, demos and of course, remastering of the album.

Most people when they hear "remastered," they don't take much stock in it. But with The Beatles, there is an exception. In 2009, all their albums were remastered and it was noticeable. I could hear the drums and bass higher in the mix and it sounded "warmer" from all previous CD ports.

*Note: I won't argue the sound of vinyl with this or other releases. I'm going to talk about CD only. Apologies to my sound nuts out there with a preference for wax. Much love. Also I won't debate the Stereo vs. Mono mix here. I'm just reviewing the CD box set. Choose your own preference.

So is this 2019 remaster worth listening to? ABSOLUTELY. Here is what I can say about it:

You've heard these sounds hundreds of times. But this time in headphones they sound fresher. Sunnier. Sparkier. Glassy. Just overall more shiny than ever before. The vocals are higher in the mix especially and you can hear the guys breathing in and out before singing more than before.

Also, the instruments are separated better. You can actually zone in and just listen to what Paul is doing on the bass or the enhanced deepness of the lower toms when Ringo hits them (Most noticeable in the SOMETHING intro and drum solo in THE END). You can hear little bass fills and playful things Paul does on songs more and guitars don't sound as fuzzy on songs like BECAUSE or I WANT YOU. Truly you can hear the song and think, "What is Paul playing" and can ignore the rest and zero in on just him and hear it! I've never heard it like this before. Truly wonderful.

One special thing I noticed is that HER MAJESTY starts and its full on in my right ear. Mid-song, its drifted to the center. By the end, its fully on the left ear! Just a little playful thing done for those who care to notice.

The song that sounded the best to me was SOMETHING. There are waves of sound there and they are completely separated. And George's vocal is higher in the mix and clear as if it were recorded yesterday.

I took the time to listen to the 2009 remaster and then switch to this new 2019 remaster and compare the first minute or so of each song just to see if there were differences, and truly there were. I must say I give G. Martin a big thumbs up for this mix. It might be my favorite way to hear my favorite Beatles album now!

I checked out the studio alternate takes and demos and its interesting to hear how these songs were formed. The real highlight is "THE LONG ONE," Which is the whole medley as one long 16 minute thing together, and with HER MAJESTY in its original spot between MEAN MR MUSTARD and POLYTHENE PAM. A glimpse of how we might have heard it had it remained that way. Personally, I like it taken out because it seems to lose momentum with it left in. But I'm also coming at that having it heard the same way for a long damn time.

Also, you hear a lot of laughing and chatting between the takes. Might help dispel the myths that they were super angry at each other during this period... unless they found the playful bits and put them in there to help sedate those old myths. But either way, it was nice to know and hear that the boys did have times of fun while making their final album together.

Anyway, that is my review. Thanks for reading and go get that deluxe box set!

FANTASTICON Oct 19-20th - MT. PLEASANT, MICHIGAN!

2019-10-03T07:01:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! I will be a guest at the FANTASTICON Mt. Pleasant, MI on October 19-20th this year. Its my only appearance for the forseeable future and rare because I don't really do conventions that much anymore. I'm going to celebrate my 25th year in self publishing comics! I plan on partying back in my hometown all weekend and I hope you come on out and see me! Here's the skinny:

I will be selling the following---

• HAND DRAWN SKETCH CARDS (pop culture characters for a cheap rate!)

• GRAPHIC NOVELS (Very limited quantity and at a discounted rate!)

• ORIGINAL ART BLOWOUT! (Lots of old pages, pinups going for dirt cheap!)

What I WILL NOT be doing at the show are full commissions. So if you want a commission, it is best to pre-order it now for the low low low low low rate of $25 for an 8x11 (1-4 characters max, single image) and paypal me now at: phymns@yahoo.com - Please use friends/family rate. I will get it done and you can pick it up at the show. Easy! (Note: This is for pickup at the show only. Special anniversary rate. This is not for standard commissions elsewhere to be mailed out. ONLY for Fantasticon Mt. Pleasant pick up. Thanks.)

This show will be a celebration as well as a major garage sale of old stuff that I just want to get rid of. Original art and my books will be majorly discounted. I will be partying at the Casino all weekend with my friends and family. This is a homecoming and a celebration for me and I want you all to be a part of it!

So make your plans now to come out and celebrate with me! For more info about the show and to get early tickets, click HERE

luvs, T

Finding some calm in my storm

2019-09-16T21:14:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! Thanks for reading, I appreciate it.

Well, the Kickstarter for STARSLAM RETURNS ended on Friday and we pulled in around $3800, Which is awesome! It really tried to shoot for the moon with this campaign, since STARSLAM 3's numbers were so high. But I suppose many factors came into play and I couldn't capture lightening twice. Once I pay my colorist and pay for printing/reprints on older books and shipping, I will have a tiny bit left. That's not to say that I am upset about anything at all. I'm very grateful for the old fans that came back and all the new ones who joined in on this journey. Starslam has become a very important part in my life and I am glad she has such rabid fans! She certainly is fun to draw!

Now comes a few long months of finishing production on the book, getting the colors and letters done and then printing it. I am hoping it will all be done by December as I promised. I'm hard at work at that and other things to keep it all afloat. So excuse me if I go radio silent for a while. Just means I am busy getting things done.

I took a much needed vacation this past weekend. We went to Muskegon State Park for some camping and a celebration of my girl's birthday! It was very therapeutic and relaxing all around. It has been a rough year for both of us for various reasons. So glad to finally get away for a couple days and just detox from all the bullshit with some great friends!

So now I am home and I have two big TO DO lists I need to get going on. Lots of commission stuff, prep for the upcoming FANTASTICON Mt. Pleasant, a card gig I just signed up for and about a million other things...priority being to get STARSLAM RETURNS out the door. Its going to get very busy for me real quick. The good thing is I am staying ahead on PATREON stories and things are going good there.

Anyway, thanks for reading and I will be back with some good news soon about FANTASTICON. I'm hoping this good streak keeps up. I need a win this year man... big time.

Thanks everyone!

-T