Zipper: PSP Digital Comic Blog

Zipper Renewed! New Illustrator Onboard

2007-03-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

When ja'il had to leave the project, to say I was disappointed was an understatement. But it was nothing compared to the heartbreak I felt about having the project slip into no-man's land. I was beginning to wonder if I would ever see my dreams of getting this project out the door. And while it still isn't, and counting my chickens, as they say, is a dangerous thing, at least we are once again back on track.

The new artist is 'Fura', a sauve Colombian from the hip city of Bogata. If you are worried about the quality of the work, worry not, for if you have been reading this journal, you have already seen his work. Check out the HARA KIRI images below. That is Fura's work. I would say this project is in excellent hands.

As I write this, Fura is busy reading over the script and revamping designs. Will be just a wee bit before we have anything to show you all, but all good things in good time.

Before I close, I would like to thank everyone for being patient, and remind all of you lucky readers who qualified for the free issues, will STILL get them. The only thing that has changed is the artist, not my promises.

Until later,
Made in DNA

Auditioning Serious Illustrator for Manga/Comic (pls read below)

2006-12-27T02:44:00.000-08:00

Auditioning Serious Illustrator for Manga/Comic (pls read below)
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

I am currently seeking an illustrator to work on a comic/manga project that my current illustrator has to take leave from. Am not looking for artists to copy the current work, but rather, take the (finished) script, and the current designs/work, and begin fresh, giving the manga a new life. Interested parties should contact me via site mail. I will ask for samples of ORIGINAL artwork (no fan fic work please) and give a contact address. I am open to questions, and I will be fully open about the project. Strong English language skills a must, though applicants need not be native speakers. Thanks so much for your time and interest. Happy holidays to those of you who celebrate them. Made in DNA

Hara Kiri Manga/Comic

2006-12-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hara Kiri (Alternate 02) Dressed for Success
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it my proud duty to announce to you that a second manga/comic is going into production next year (early 2007): HARA KIRI (tentative title). Scripted by myself and illustrated by the fantastic "Z Fura" (more on him later).

A manga set in a future, alternate reality Japan (Greater Nippon) where the Shogun and the Emperor rule two separate, yet friendly, states (similar to two Koreas). The heroine is Hara Kiri, a young bounty hunter, whose job it is to track the criminal elements of New Edo.

A combo of samurai chambara (sword play) and high-tech. No release date is set yet.

For those of you wondering what happened to ZIPPER... I wish I could say more. It seems to be in a limbo state. Frankly, I feel I am going to have to make some very hard decisions about it. I AM NOT cancelling this project!!! NO NO NO NO. I will not allow this to happen. Zipper is something I have spent the good part of more than a year on now, including writing the script and coaching the illustrator. So, I *REFUSE* to give up on it.

Hara Kiri (Alternate 02) Dressed for Success

2006-12-16T01:06:00.000-08:00

Hara Kiri (Alternate 02) Dressed for Success
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

Rendition of the heroine of my upcoming novel HARA KIRI by the fantastic Colombian artist zfura

Published @ Lulu

2006-10-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

I have published two works; a comic/script combo about a body-for-hire (ZIPPER: BOUNTY) and a short story collection featuring news stories from the future (NOT NECESSARILY THE FUTURE). Both of them may be purchased at Lulu.com. At $1.00 and $2.00 respectably, they are priced to go! PayPal accepted, immediate download!

http://www.lulu.com/dnafiction

Not Necessarily the Future
Not Necessarily the Future is a collection of five humorous short stories featuring news from the future. Tune into the future of news: from A.I. robots to zombies. Also features 4 superb illustrations from horror comic author/illustrators Jerem Morrow.

Zipper: Bounty
Zipper is an "AnyBody" -- more specifically a body for hire -- who, together with her A.I. dragonfly companion, will take on any job for any one. Set 700 years into the future where humans have excelled at the sciences, taking them to the stars as well as allowing them to manipulate their world in a variety of mediums. This is an original short 6-page comic in rough ink, and the working script from which it was illustrated.

Live and Learn

2006-10-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long since I've posted anything here, and I apologize to those of you following. It was my intention from the beginning to keep this site active right up until the manga was published, and then slow down slightly. To be honest, it was my intention that the manga be published mid-summer, but that date has come and gone, and the manga is still not finished.

For many of you, it might seem as if the site and indeed the project have been abandoned. This could not be further from the truth. The project is still on and currently being illustrated. That said though, I must own up not only to you all, but myself, that I cannot put down a date for publication.

I do not put any blame on delays on anyone at all. I simply think that there is so much going on in the lives of myself and ja'il that it is hard to always keep a schedule. Moreover, Ja'il is in Jakarta and I'm in Japan. So we have to meet online when we have the time. Such is life in the very global world that we have created for ourselves with the Internet. It's bright, beautiful, and a complete miracle that we were even able to get together, however, it has its innate problems. C'est la vie. Live and learn.

The real point is, to get the comic out. If it takes a little more time doing it, then that's the way it is. So instead of fretting over it all, I prefer to chill and let things fall into place as they do.

Thank you all for your support and patience (especially all of you who are entitled to free copies ;) ).

All my best,
Made in DNA

Many Apologies

2006-10-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

Many apologies to everyone who has been so patiently awaiting the comic. We have been working hard on it, but can only go so fast.

However long it takes, this project WILL be finished and published, along, hopefully with companion comics. Currently I am in negotiations with another artist about producing a second comic. Which of the two publishes first is not a problem as, for the most part, Zipper will not be a linear storyline.

One comic will equal one complete story. All the stories will be standalone. This keeps all options open for me as the creator of the comic, and gives a freer hand to illustrators.

In the meantime, I will post the background information on the world as promised.

Best regards,
Made in DNA

PS Many thanks to Edgar H for giving us a shout out. You've just won yourself a free copy of the comic when it's finally published! Congrats!

"Zipper: By All Means" Character Montage

2006-10-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

"Zipper: By All Means" Character Montage
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

A montage of the main characters from ZIPPER: BY ANY MEANS.

Zipper Wallpaper, T-shirts, and Stickers Coming

2006-06-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

True to my word, there are more Zipper goodies on the way. I have wanted to produce more goods sooner and mete them out over time, but it's been a matter finding artists to help out.

While I would prefer ja'il to do it all, he is MEGA busy with the comic and a full time job as it is. So I have decided to relieve him of a few of his duties (though I am by no means replacing him), so he can breathe a little easier.

So within the next few weeks, you can expect to see some great Zipper goodies hit the site.

Thank you all for your support!
Made in DNA

Small Setback

2006-06-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

ARRRRRRGH!

It seems that ja'il's monitor bit the dust about a week and a half ago. Obviously this means he can't use his computer, but he still continues to illustrate the Zipper comic by hand. I don't see this as being a problem really, and if this is the worst thing that happens to the project, then I thank our stars, because I nearly had a cow when I heard of the earthquake (in Indonesia where ja'il lives). Fortunately, he and all his friends and all Zipper material were safe.

ja'il says not to worry about the monitor situation though; he will pick up a new one by his next paycheck. WHEW! If you all could keep your fingers crossed though, we'd appreciate it. ;)

PSP-native Comics

2006-05-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

In email the other week, a new acquaintance inquired if I had coined the term "PSP-native" after I had used it in mail with him. I was a little shocked as I didn't really know the answer. I sat and thought about it awhile (the complete week or so since being asked actually), and wasn't sure if I had picked up the term somewhere, or if I had just started using it. In the mail I sent to the acquaintance originally, I was trying simply trying to explain to him what Zipper the comic was, and "PSP-native (comic)" was the term I used.

He started me thinking; had I coined a new term out of necessity, or had I picked it up elsewhere? Surely if I had picked it up, it would have been from a limited number of sources, seeing as there is only three native projects out there to begin with (NYC2123, the Metal Gear Solid comic, and this one). So it is with no surprise to myself, that the NYC2123 blog comes to mind. I frequent it and, in fact, am a (very small) contributor to the project having supplied the kanji seen in issue two. But I can't seem to find any trace of the words. Perhaps Chad, writer/creator of NYC2123 -- whom I know lurks this blog when he's not scarfing natto -- can help me out.

So what exactly does "PSP-native comic" mean? Quite simply: comics that are specifically created for the PSP that are "PSP-native". That is, comics that measure 480 x 272 pixels (the native screen size of the PSP).

To me, as I think most people would agree, the term "PSP (digital) comic" is an over-term, that is, it describes all the various kinds of comics for the PSP; both those created specifically for the PSP and those created for other mediums first and then "resized" (or even not) to fit the PSP.

Most comics out there so far (what few of them there are) fit the resized category. Resized comics often lose quite a bit in the translation in my opinion. That is why Zipper is PSP-native. Resized comics are nice, but PSP-native comics help create (recreate?) the medium of comics in general. They shout-out to would be artists and comic writers, and offer enjoyment anytime, anyplace you take your PSP. There's real potential in this. It just needs to be tapped.

Just my two yen,
Made in DNA

Zipper: Bounty (Page 03) Sneak Peek

2006-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Zipper: Bounty (Page 03) Sneak Peek
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

This is a special sneak peek at page three of a six-page manga that is to be printed this July in Bottle Rocket Magazine, an anthology of comics, prose and more. To read the whole thing, you will have to purchase the comic. (Info coming soon.)

This image is a low-res version, resized version of the one that will go to the printer. Note too the copyright and URL info, which will NOT appear in the printed version.

Check the image below it to see how the antagonist character "evolved".

Feel free to download this image and share it with your friends AS LONG AS IT STAYS COMPLETELY INTACT (as-is).

© 2006 Made in DNA & ja'il

ZIPPER: Bounty Special Sneak Preview

2006-05-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

The 15th of this month marks the deadline for the first Zipper comic to finished. ZIPPER: Bounty is due to be published this summer in the indies comic book anthology Bottle Rocket Magazine.

ja'il and I are both very excited! To celebrate, we have decided to publish (in part) the comic in this blog. We want all our loyal readers to be able to be able to slake their thirst for a manga we have been hyping on very little. For some visiting the site perhaps, it might seem that Zipper could very well be vapor-print (all hype and no show). We want everyone to know, this is not the case. We are ready to blow your socks off!

Since the comic itself is only a six-page work in total (remember, this is just a short project, not the full Zipper manga due out for the PSP, which is much longer, it is likely we will only print one page. Can't give too much away.

Also, purchasing information will also be available. I believe it is being printed in the U.S. so international shipping rates may apply to those of you overseas. More on that later though.

Thanks again, to everyone for their support! As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

Moving Ahead: Of Stickers, Images and Wallpaper

2006-05-07T00:09:00.000-07:00

Whoa! Things certainly are moving ahead from us here at the Zipper virtual "offices"; I received an offer today from a company that makes image-stickers for handheld devices and other products. They want to produce Zipper image-stickers! I'm very excited and optimistic about this. One step at a time though, nothing has been finalized, therefore I'm not going to give out names, but rest assured, there will be site cross promotion and links when the time is right. I think it's a great opportunity, as it will generate interest in Zipper for those who are interested in comics, and those who are just interested in a cool image-sticker for their handheld device. Win-win situation.

Also on the table, a cool image from ja'il, Zipper's designer and illustrator, of "Damitri", one of his older images that he wants to use as a prototype for the "bad guy" in the ZIPPER: Bounty (formerly known as THE SHORT PROJECT) for Bottle Rocket Magazine. So a little omake for everyone paying attention. Once this is finished, I am hoping to get ja'il to produce a few more PSP wallpaper images for everyone. Completely free of course!

More ZIPPER images at Flickr

Two Zipper Comics This Year!

2006-04-13T00:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a hell of a month, and it's turning into a hell of a year as it look like this year ZIPPER will see itself published TWICE!!! Once digitally, one in paper.

Bottle Rocket Magazine, an independently published comic/fiction anthology, has given the go ahead for a Zipper 6-page short story to be published in July! While not "full-length", it's is a complete, and completely original story; something in the realm of a full-on action quickie!

Currently known only as "THE SHORT PROJECT" (definitely need a better name...), neither ja'il nor I had planned on producing another Zipper comic this year, but when the opportunity rose to actually publish in paper form, we jumped! We are hoping this will open a lot of possibilities for both fans and us, as we really believe in the comic.

More details about where to purchase Bottle Rocket Magazine when the details become available. And as the copies will be directly available from the publisher himself, it is likely that it will be easier for everyone to put their hands on.

Zipper Characters & Storyline (Basic)

2006-03-14T22:15:00.000-08:00

In order to facilitate a better understanding of just what Zipper is (readers certainly have come a long way on faith alone, and we thank you for that), this post is a basic overview of the storyline, Zipper the character, and the world overview. I don't want to get to far into details as this will spoil some of the surprises.

ZIPPER: THE CHARACTER
Going by the moniker "Zipper", the heroine of the story is an "Anybody" -- a soul-for-hire, so to speak -- a profession with a dubious reputation at best. So named for the highly unusual adornments set into her body, Zipper is an expert in a variety of fields that allow her to perform rather dangerous jobs for any number of clients, including, but not limited to intelligence, weapons handling, intrusion/counter-intrusion measures, assasination, acting/performance, subtrafuge, and more. She is not perfect, she is just well-studied.

Her companion in the series is an A.I. robot in the shape of a dragonfly, named Zephyr. Zephyr is an ARC MkII (Autonomous Remote Consciousness, Mark II) type A.I. Unbeknownst to most, its name is a reference to the world first computer bug found in the Mark II Aiken Automatic relay Calculator at Harvard, even though it's not a Moth (the bug in said computer). Slightly larger than its real-world counterpart, Zephyr is an expert at hacking, retrieval, finding, analysis, and much more. It can connect directly to the back of Zipper's neck to repower, as well as dock to almost any computer in the greater "commonwealth" of nations.

ZIPPER: THE PSP DIGITAL MANGA
Zipper, the manga, is meant to be a series of one-shot (stand-alone) stories of Zipper and different jobs she takes. Readers will get one complete story at one time, so there are no "next" issues to wait for. Moreover, the stories do not have to be read in any particular order as they are all stand-alones.

Through the series the readers will learn more of Zipper and the society she lives in. The first story is entitled BY ANY MEANS and relates a job in which she is hired to find a man who has absconded with a small fortune in credits from his former and very upset employer. Second and third stories are already in the primary development writing stages.

More on Zipper's world and environments soon.

ZIPPER PSP Digital Comic Wallpaper

2006-03-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

ZIPPER PSP Digital Comic Wallpaper
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

The first unofficially-official wallpaper for ZIPPER. Download freely and upload to your PSP, but please do not distribute on your website without proper permission. Thank you.

©2006 Made in DNA / ja'il

Special thanks to zero_butterfly for her help.

Rough Sketch Work for Zipper (a PSP Digital Comic)

2006-03-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

Rough Sketch Work for Zipper (a PSP Digital Comic)
Originally uploaded by Made in DNA.

Zipper Manga Sneakpeek Thumbnails

2006-02-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Lay your squinties on these! Sneekpeek thumbnails of the manga in rough sketch form!

Contains some adult material. May not be work-safe.

© 2006

Zipper Update

2006-01-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I realize it's been a while since you have heard from the creative team of ZIPPER. Thus, lest you think we have abandoned the comic, I am writing in today to let you all know that the comic is alive, well, and screaming to be let loose upon the masses!

That said, I cannot tell you how far along we are, but that jai' el is pumping out pages like mad! He's a busy man, but we keep in regular contact via email and the occasional IM chat. As he lives in Indonesia and I in Japan, you can imagine that it's a little on the rough side to contact each other. I am not sure about Internet connections in Indonesia, but I gather, from short exchanges about it, that it's not exactly the most stable or cheapest.

So while you all sit back and wait, I would like to hear from you all. What would you like to see on this page? I realize this is not an easy question to answer, but as I am a very customer-orientated kind of guy, I would like to know what you all are thinking, not only about the images that you have seen, but of the site. What would make it more interesting to you all?

Thanks for your time and attention.

Made in DNA

Happy 2006!

2006-01-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! 2006 is the year we plan to launch ZIPPER! Seems like spring is such a long way off, but before you realize it, launch day will be here, and the world'll be enjoying the comic (yes, we have THAT much confidence in it).

With all that firmly in mind, Jei el and I would like to personally thank you for sticking with this blog and the project until the time we can get it into your hot little hands. It's no small effort on the part of readers to stick with a project until full fruition, and we promise for those of you here, you will NOT be disappointed. We have been working hard on all aspects of this project. News doesn't seem to flow your way often, but everything in all due time.

That said, Jei el (remember to check his site regularly for superb non-Zipper work as well) has cooked up a beautiful color illustration of Zipper. We hope you will enjoy it! At 535 x 974 pixels, it's suitable for desktop wallpaper.

Zipper Manga Contest Winners!

2005-12-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, that title does say winners, as in multiple persons. I had a really tough time deciding which was the best name. There were far too many.

So I have decided to go with a three winners, and a fourth "winner" of a Christmas winner! All four will get free copies of the Zipper manga upon its debut!

The Winners:

ZephyrWest for the name: "Zephyr"
PodThulhu for the A.I. robot type: "ARC MkII, (Autonomous Remote Consciousness, Mark II)" in reference to the Harvard computer which caught the first "bug".
haibl as a runner-up for the name: "Gromozeka"
elijah as the Christmas present winner!

Congratulations to you all!!!

Contest Outcome?

2005-12-15T06:07:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that many of you are eager to find out who won the contest. To be honest, I am having a hard time choosing. There are a lot of great entries, and I am pouring over a "final" list. While this means that it is taking slightly longer to make a final decision, I know that there will be some very happy people out there in the end, because I have decided to go with MULTIPLE winners. How? Well, I leave that until announcement day, which I promise, is just around the corner. Another week at the most.

So if everyone will be just a little more indulgant, I'd greatly appreciate it. f(^^;

LiveJournal Syndication Feed

2005-12-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

For you LiveJournal users out there who would like to keep track of this blog through your friends section, go to the rss Feeds section to the right and click on "LiveJournal rss feed". This will allow you to read updates to this site automatically. (Thanks ZenMondo!)

Enjoy!

Manga Contest Final

2005-12-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I must say, I am extremely pleased with the sheer number of participants and names that were sent in. Now comes the really hard part... picking the winner. There are definitely a few I am extremely partial to, and honestly, I'm not sure I can pick just one.

As my wife and I have plans this weekend, I won't be announcing the winner until Monday the 5th. And since I am an open-minded kinda guy, I'm going to allow anyone who wants to, to submit names during that time. Even those who have already submitted once, may submit again. Once I have chosen though, I won't change or extend. I'm open-minded, but not a fool. The last thing I want to do is to tick someone off. ;) I'm a man of my word.

That said, I wish you all a great weekend, and the best of luck on the contest!

All my best,
Made in DNA