Unite and Take Over

Kickstarter Cover - colored

2012-02-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

Just arrived. Kickstarter cover colored by Kate Finnegan.

Kickstarter Reward - Cover Guitar Pick

2012-01-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a preview of the guitar pick available at Kickstarter Reward Levels for pledges above $50.

Record Store Day Cover - Unite and Take Over Volume 2

2012-01-25T19:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the full color version of Jason Pedersen's Unite and Take Over Volume 2 cover.

Photo Cover - Unite and Take Over Volume 2

2012-01-16T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here's the photo cover for Unite and Take Over Volume 2.

Kickstarter "Ask Me" Exclusive Cover

2012-01-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the b&w cover version of the Kickstarter "Ask Me" Exclusive Cover with art by Alfred Trujillo.

Record Store Day Cover - Unite and Take Over Volume 2

2012-01-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the b&w cover image of Jason Pedersen's cover for Unite and Take Over Volume 2: Stories Inspired by the Songs of the Smiths.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover

2011-08-19T17:35:00.001-07:00

That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore - Emily Rich

2011-08-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Emily Rich is a high school student, but before that, she is a writer. She has been writing her thoughts down since she could pick up a pen, and she has been telling stories long before that. In 2010, she started creating comics with her friend Jenn Fuguet. They plan to work together for many years as Dead Static Comics. She's honored to be featured in Unite and Take Over, with "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore," alongside artists and writers she greatly admires.

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before - Sneak Preview

2011-08-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

We want to give you updates of the how the stories are progressing. Today's update is art courtesy of Christian Vilaire, artist for Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before. I don't think we need to explain, but to know what he is doing, you'll need to wait until the book comes out.

Kickstarter Press - Bleeding Cool

2011-08-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

Rich Johnston, of the comic book news and gossip website Bleeding Cool has posted an article on Unite and Take Over.

Shawn Demumbrum (whose surname certainly sounds like Morrissey's singing on occasion) has assembled fifteen creative teams for the project and will release the finished collection at the Tucson Comic Con in November.

If his Kickstarter plans go...to plan, that is.

Shawn is looking to raise $3000 and is a tenth of the way there. Why not give this charming man a hand?

Read the whole article here.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - Inspiration

2011-07-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

I've sent Michael Stewart the reference photos of the 12 Smiths tribute bands who have agreed to take part in the exclusive cover. The tribute band Via Morrissey has agreed to be part of it. I've asked Michael to use the cover of Justice League #1 as a style reference for the cover making it a Tribute cover of a Tribute Anthology using Tribute band lead singers. Subtract the superhero costumes and attitude and add Morrissey's sense of style and flair. Kevin Maguire is one of my favorite artists and Justice League in the 90s was a great example of how superheroes can be serious and fun at the same time. Kevin is most know for the realistic expressions he applies to his characters.

Kickstarter Campaign Goes Live

2011-07-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

Our Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for printing is officially live. Check out the Kickstarter page to find out all the great rewards for pledging.

In the meantime, here is our Kickstarter video.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - Michael Stewart

2011-07-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Michael Stewart is a comic book illustrator who was born and raised in Arizona. Some of his recent published work includes: ImagineFX magazine, painted illustrations for the "Existenz" strategy game in Europe, art assistant on Top Cow's the Magdalena, IIlustrations for fashion designers, and penciling a few indie comic titles. Look for an upcoming illustration by him for Richard Starkings Elephantmen comic book. Check out his blog michaelstewartart.blogspot.com. Michael will be the artist for the Unite and Take Over Kickstarter Exclusive cover.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - Still ill

2011-07-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Several Smiths tribute bands have lent their likeness to a very special exclusive cover for our Kickstarter campaign. We are spotlighting each of the bands. Today's band is Still ill.

Still ill is San Diego's tribute to the music of Morrissey and the Smiths. They are an energetic group of established local musicians who also happen to be huge fans. Since 2006, the band has played for over thousands of people and has been playing show all over San Diego, Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas at a variety of venues including the House of Blues, 4th and B and the Belly Up Tavern. Throughout their career, Still ill has played with musical celebrities such as the original bass player of the Smiths, Andy Rourke, and Dave Keuning of the Killers in Las Vegas. Check out the band at www.stillill.net.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - The Handsome Devilz

2011-07-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

Several Smiths tribute bands have lent their likeness to a very special exclusive cover for our Kickstarter campaign. We are spotlighting each of the bands. Today's band is The Handsome Devilz.

Tired of not being able to go anywhere in the Chicago are to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Smiths and Morrissey, vocalist Joseph De La Mora and his band Terraforma decided to give it a shot in 2008. Originally just for an ICON show with other bands paying tribute to the likes of Depeche Mode, the Cure and Joy Division. The chance to emulate their idols was just too addictive to do just once. Thus, The Handsome Devilz were born to bring life to the live sound that once was the Smiths and still is Morrissey. Striving as time passes to resurrect as many songs as possible from their catalogs for all to enjoy. Check out eh band at thehandsomedevilz.com.

Shoplifters of the World Unite - Shawn Demumbrum

2011-07-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

The origin of SpazDog Press began as a way for writer/publisher Shawn Demumbrum to get his kids involved in Free Comic Book Day. Their interest waned, but he continued to write 8 page mini-comic scripts. He showed them to some of his local artist friends who liked the writing, but not the subject matter. So he started collaborating with those artists who had great ideas, but needed someone to write for them. The first comic to come out of that collaboration is Old Man Clem. Since then he has collaborated on Sonic Youth, Shadow Wolf and the Purge. In addition, he has written stories for the Fiction House Mafia's Robot (heart) Kiaju and Ocho Comics' Ocho Bootleg anthologies. "Shoplifters of the World Unite" and Unite and Take Over are the next steps in introducing the local creators to the comic book market.

Girlfriend in a Coma - JP Manz

2011-07-25T03:43:00.000-07:00

JP Manz is known for 3 things. Number 1 is being born and the most part raised in Ohio. Number 2 is staging his own personal JP Manz reboot by moving to Tempe, AZ. Number 3 is making fantastic, humorous mini comics. He is creator of Tiny Death, a dark humor comic that combines JP's creative influences, Jhonen Vasquez and Evan Dorkin. His influences show up in his version of "Girlfriend in a Coma".

Handsome Devil - Shelby Robertson

2011-07-25T02:31:00.000-07:00

Shelby Robertson is an American comic book illustrator and writer. Shelby's art career started at the age of 15 when he was hired by British Aeronautics Magazine as lead artist and concept illustrator for monthly publication. He was hired by Rob Liefeld in 1996 for his first professional comic book illustration job and he immediately became one of the premiere bullpen utility artists. Shelby's first pin-up proposal artwork became his first published piece at Image Comics and since then he has worked steadily for various film, music, and comic book companies. Shelby creates and self publishes comics through American Dischord on a semi-regular basis. When asked to contribute to Unite and Take Over, Shelby replied, "the Smiths are embedded in my High School RNA so yeah man, I'm down". So, "Handsome Devil" it is then.

That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore - Jenn Fuguet

2011-07-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

Jenn Fuguet makes up one half of the comic team for “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore”, along with writer Emily Rich. They began working on comics together in 2010, and have many plans for the future with Dead Static Comics. She is an amateur artist in high school, and has much to learn about the world of art and comics. She is beyond honored (and a little frightened!) to be included alongside such great Arizona artists in Unite and Take Over.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - The Smiths United

2011-07-24T05:12:00.000-07:00

Several Smiths tribute bands have lent their likeness to a very special exclusive cover for our Kickstarter campaign. We are spotlighting each of the bands. Today's band is The Smiths United:

The Smiths United is a tribute band from the Detroit, Michigan area formed of 5 loyal fans. Christopher George (Morrissey), Jonny Epstein (Marr), Brandon Fireman (Rourke), Gordon Elwart (Joyce), and Paul Epstein (keyboard). The five of them are dedicated to do their best to re-produce the early alternative sounds of The Smiths and Morrisey's solo career. Check out their Facebook Page The Smiths United.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - The Smyths

2011-07-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

Several Smiths tribute bands have lent their likeness to a very special exclusive cover for our Kickstarter campaign. We are spotlighting each of the bands. Today's band is The Smyths:

Formed in 2003, during their first 18 months The Smyths built their reputation by playing to sell-out crowds in many venues across London, including regular appearances at "Quarry", the celebrated club night for Smiths & Morrissey music. 2005 saw The Smyths widen their horizons and play to passionate audiences across the UK & beyond, including a successful tour of the Netherlands. They were invited to headline the world's first Smiths conference which saw hundreds of Smiths fans from around the world flock to Manchester for a weekend of Smiths activities. Check out the band at thesmyths.net.

Pretty Girls Make Graves - Justin Miller

2011-07-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

Drawing since '92, Justin Miller has shed his meager beginnings and delved headfirst into the world of comics, debuting in Fiction House Mafia's Robot (Heart) Kaiju and contributing to Alien (Heart) Bigfoot. He works his trade with his on-going webcomic, Dark Dank and Dreary and various illustration jobs. Residing in Phoenix, AZ Justin and his wife, Mandy, live with 2 world-domineering cats and 1 very lazy but neurotic dog. "Pretty Girls Make Graves" is his artistic contribution to Unite and Take Over.

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - Strangeways

2011-07-24T04:18:00.000-07:00

Several Smiths tribute bands have lent their likeness to a very special exclusive cover for our Kickstarter campaign. We are spotlighting each of the bands. Today's band is Strangeways:

Strangeways was formed on the eve of Morrissey’s Hollywood Palladium show on October 13, 2007. Singer Ric and guitarist Ralph Paredes (Dead to the World, Life of Misery, Moondoggs) had been friends for over 15 years but had never played music together until that night. Ralph says “My wife Kathy and Ric use to work at Tower Records, so I’ve known him for years, but I never heard him sing until that night; his voice was amazing; I knew I wanted to work with him on some project musically”. The two quickly got together again and within hours had about eight Smiths & Morrissey songs down. The guys decided to pick a name for their band and decided on STRANGEWAYS after The Smiths final studio album “Strangeways, Here We Come”. Check them out at strangewaystribute.com.

What Difference Does It Make? - Jeff Pina

2011-07-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

Jeff Pina moved to Phoenix 11 years ago from La Quinta, CA. In late 2006, he launched his first book, Dr. Oblivion’s Guide to Teenage Dating and has been making new issues through his self-publishing label Sideways 8 Studios. He’s also added a newer series Imaginatives to his list and works on his web comics Monkey In Space and Drunk Robot. A member of the local comic group, Fiction House Mafia, he’s also been project coordinator for the “Heart” series anthologies which focuses on showcasing local talent (of which the first one, Pirate (heart) Ninja, debuted at Phoenix Comic Con in 2010). He has also done artwork for Hasbro Games and sketch cards for 5finity, as well as freelance work in the local Phoenix market. He’s recently been published in Voltron: United and Drawn. In between sleep and rerun episodes of Star Trek, he finishes illustrating pages of his contribution to Unite and Take Over, "What Difference Does It Make?".

Kickstarter Exclusive Cover - The Sons & Heirs

2011-07-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

Several Smiths tribute bands have lent their likeness to a very special exclusive cover for our Kickstarter campaign. We are spotlighting each of the bands. Today's band is The Son & Heirs:

The music of Morrissey, Johnny Marr & co. lives on with The Sons & Heirs, a NYC-based tribute band that brings the experience of seeing The Smiths live to the stage. Singer Ronnissey and guitarist Ravi Marr recreate the songs & stage performance of The Smiths with stunning authenticity & attention to detail, right down to the last gladioli left on stage when the band is through. The Sons & Heirs have been performing at some of the best venues on the east coast since 2006 and have shared the stage with the likes of Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and Morrissey drummer Spencer Cobrin. Check them out at thesonsandheirs.com.