2009: Year of the Crazy.

Happy Holidays, folks. Thanks to everyone who made 2009 such an unbelievable success in the CHEW camp. For me, things could not have gone any better than they went this year. Total dream come true, and a dream that I've been having for a long, long time. So, thank you. 2010 promises to be even bigger and better, as cliche as that is.

But first, 2009 wraps up with CHEW #7, which hits stores today. John and I are dedicated to making every issue better than the last, so hopefully we'll live up to that. We're both proud of how 7 came out, at least.

Notes and Press:

Newsarama has a new interview with John and me, focusing a bit on what's next for CHEW.
IGN names CHEW "Best Indie Series of 2009.
MTV Splash Page names CHEW "Best New Series of 2009.
MTV also did a nice feature, talking about why CHEW should be adapted to a movie, etc...

And then there's this:



The Image Comics Christmas card. I was really flattered when the Image guys asked me to do it, and pretty happy with how it came out. I have 25 of these to spare. And the first 25 original art orders will get one. If you're interested in CHEW art, hit chewcomicsales@gmail.com.

Catch you in 2010, suckas.
-Rob!

I, Slacker.

Spidey Commission.

Crap, I didn't even post in October, did I? Life moves fast on a monthly schedule...

Alright, I haven't been much for long-winded internet ramblings these days (except on Twitter, and that keeps me to 140 characters), so I'm gonna keep this short. Here's the news:

1) CHEW Vol.1 debuts this Wednesday!:
Yep, seems like just yesterday I was blogging about starting issue 1, doesn't it? And now a full trade is hitting stands on Nov.25, collecting the full "Taster's Choice" arc (Issues 1-5). Craaaazy. And even crazier? It's all for $10. 128 pages of full color madness for a measly 10 bucks. And John and I have already gotten advance copies of this thing, and it's beautiful. VERY proud of this. And on the same day, we also have...

2) CHEW #6 in stores the same day!:
This is the first part of the new "International Flavor" arc, and along with the trade, is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers. Check it out.

There's a new interview with Layman and myself that features a nice preview of CHEW #6 here.

3) Signings!:
Yep, I'll be heading out to Boston this weekend for what should be a fun time. Then, a week later, I'll be signing with John in Texas. Pop in and say "What up". I'll be signing comics, shilling original art and hanging out. Here are the details:

11/29
Rob Guillory in Massachusetts
Larry's Comic Book Show
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
at the Westford Regency Hotel

12/5
Layman AND Rob in Round Rock, Texas, outside Austin:
Rogue's Gallery
Starting at 7 p.m. until close.

And I think that about does it for now. New pages are a-callin', so it's back to the grind. But I'll try to keep this damn thing updated more often. Art prints are still coming, as are t-shirts when I find the time.

In the meantime, here's a peek at the covers to CHEW #8 and 9.
Peace,
Rob!

More Original Art Info.

Above is a framed page that my buddy Tofuguns bought at SDCC.

Still got pages from #2-4 available, and ONE page left from #1.

These suckers have been selling great, so if you're interested or want to inquire about a price list, shoot an email to chewcomicsales@gmail.com.

I'll be posting an updated price list on the site shortly and trying to keep it as up-to-date as possible each month as new issues debut. Speaking of which, we're pricing the #4 pages this week, so they'll be available for sale soon.

And on the subject of future issues:



Above is the cover to CHEW #7. Enjoy!

Peace,
Rob!

What's New?

Has it really been a month since my last post? Time flies when you're grindin'. I haven't looked up from my drawing table since SDCC...

Without getting too long-winded, here's what's new on my side:

1) The CHEW Sellouts continue.
Yep, as of now, we've sold out of everything that we've put out (which is insane). So on September 2, look out for CHEW #1 (fourth and Final printing), CHEW #2 (third printing), CHEW #3 (second printing) and CHEW #4 (first printing). Whew...mouthful.

2) CHEW Trade release on Nov. 25....for $10!
That's right. 128 full color pages, collecting the Taster's Choice arc (Issues 1-5) for a measly $10. Not only that...but on the same day, CHEW #6 will be released (cover below-SPOILER ALERT). Perfect jumping on point. Check out the trade cover above and you can Pre-Order the trade HERE.

3) Art Sales Stuff:
Thanks for the patience of all the folks that have been inquiring about original art. We're finally getting on track and getting organized. I'm adding an Original Art page to the site where you can check in for updated price lists for CHEW. I'll be debuting that this week.

4) CHEW Limited Prints:
This is something really special that I'm particularly excited about. These are oversized (think 11x17) full color, extremely high quality prints of CHEW printed on fine, fine cotton paper and signed and numbered. The guys at 1of1Printing did a sample print of the CHEW #1 cover for me at SDCC, and I'm completely in love with it. These things are frame-able pieces of art, and honestly are the best reproductions of my art I've ever seen. I'll be posting more info, including sample photos and price in the near future. I may do on-demand interior pages or just do limited runs of each cover. We'll see.

5) Press Bits:
NPR.com did a cool write-up on the book.
IGN.com did a pretty extensive interview with Layman.
iFanboy did a short video interview with Layman and me at SDCC, a cool podcast review and gave us their Pick of the Week. Very cool.
AICN had some nice things to say.
And ComicsPriceGuide.com posted one of the more bizarre CHEW-related news bits. Weird...

And lastly, I just wanna say THANKS to you folks that keep supporting this crazy-ass book. It just gets more fun from here.

Peace,
Rob!







*********SPOILER IMAGE BELOW!!!!!***********

Art Sales.

Alright...I've been avoiding this post like the plague, but here goes.

Thanks for everyone that emailed about original CHEW art. The response was not at all expected and totally overwhelming. I've been organizing these sales as best as I can, making sure everyone gets a solid page at a decent price that's fair to you and me. I avoided selling via eBay, mainly because I really feel like having you guys fight for the art would be annoying, greedy on my part and a major turn-off to potential fans. I'm not looking to make a fortune here. You guys have made this book a hit, and the alternative to getting these pages in your hands is for them to be stuffed under a pile of crap in my file. So it's a no-brainer.

So bear with me as this really is my first time selling originals of my comic work. It's quite strange. Sale details are as follows:

Price: Every interior page is priced starting at $150, and varies depending on complexity. Covers generally go for $400-ish.

What you Get: Each page is a black and white composition done with red graphite, inked over with pen and brush on a custom RobGuillory.com bristol page (Fancy!). Certain pages are not for sale (or may go for cheaper) because they have blank panels, which I leave for adding digital elements. Just pick up the book, and email me which pages you like already!

And to answer the question I've gotten more than anything: NO, I'm not selling the cover to CHEW #1. Keeping that baby to pay for my kids' college, or to sell should I be banished from comics down the road. But be sure to check back in about 10 years or so :)

Monthly Sales: I'll be selling a new batch of pages every month as new issues debut. Lotta pages equals a lotta chances to score one. So check back monthly. I ship out pages as their respective issue hits stands.

Commissions: Headshots go for $100, and price goes up per complexity. Allow a couple months for me to do them. I DO sleep from time to time. Sporadically.

Payment: Still working out the best way to do this. More than likely, Paypal. To be continued...

I'll be posting new info as I think of it. I'm refining this process as I find what works for me and doesn't interfere with the monthly work. Bear with me, you lovely, lovely people.

Peace,
Rob

CHEW News and Art FAQs.

First look at the cover of CHEW #4.

So, yes, if you haven't already heard the news, CHEW #1 sold out in 48 hours. Incredible. Thanks to every single person that picked up this book, and extra-special thanks to every person that blogged, tweeted or messenger-pigeoned about it shortly after reading. You guys rock, and we hope you stick around for the rest of the ride because it only gets crazier from here. CHEW is the most fun on comic shelves today. And I say this as someone that's read the first 6 issues.

Next up, on July 1, the second printing of CHEW #1 (with a crazy green logo) will be hitting stores side by side with CHEW #2. So be sure to pick both up. Issue 2 is Tony's first day on the job in the FDA, and it's a crazy one. As I said, there's more to being an FDA Agent than meets the eye. And there's friggin' ninjas.

Now, onto some FAQs.

1) Commissions: Yes, I do take on commissions from time to time. Generally, I charge $100 for a 9x12 headshot in pen and ink, and it goes up depending on complexity. For any inquiries, hit me at rob@robguillory.com.

2) CHEW Art for Sale: Yes, I will be selling every page of CHEW art in the coming months. Can't sell any just yet, but I'll be having a whole lotta pages to get rid of soon. Check back here for updates on that.

And San Diego Comic-con! John Layman and I will be parked at the Image booth, selling copies of the book as well as other assorted goodies. So stop by and say "Yo". I'll be doing commissions all week.

Later for now,
Rob!

THANK YOU!

"CHEW is a great comic book – the type that grabs you by the ears, takes a bite out of your nose, spits it in your face and still leaves you laughing and hungry for more. After only one issue, it might be my favorite book on the stands. 9.5/10."

-IGN.com

"The most unsettling, most awesome piece of comic book material that's been published in quite some time."

-COMIC PANTS.COM

"How do I describe Chew? The perfect recipe for your comic book appetite: a healthy helping of police drama, a dash of humor, sprinkle in some action, and throw in some cannibalism for good measures. Chew has it all, just be sure not to read it on an empty stomach."

-COMICS ADDICTION.COM

"...One of the most innovative and all-around successful ideas in the market today."

-COMICS WAITING ROOM

"Layman offers a story so flawlessly distinct amidst a bombarding and suffocating genre without any pretense; he has given this genre a much-needed gasp of air. Beginning to finale, Layman prevents CHEW from festering in clichés and presents readers a refreshing, provoking and entirely entertaining new comic. Bon appétit."

-COMIX411.com

"Chew blends a dark, compelling crime-fiction atmosphere, biting political satire and over-the-top, absurdist humor to arrive at an entertaining and surprisingly compelling bit of storytelling that almost defies description."

-EYE On COMICS

Damn.

What a crazy-ass day yesterday was. I'm still processing it. Seriously, I've been grinding for the last decade, trying to break into this friggin' industry in some meaningful way. And from the moment John Layman put this project into my hands, it's been unreal ever since. And I just wanna take a second and show some love to you guys. Not in a cheesy, I just-won-an-Oscar kinda way. But you guys have been so great, and I feel so incredibly blessed that I feel "Thank Yous" are in order.

Thank you to everyone that picked up this book and tried something different from the norm. I love this industry and think that despite all the weird creative recycling that its been prone to lately, the best days of the comic industry are still ahead. There's still room for new, crazy ideas, and you picking up CHEW is proof of that.

And in a Soapbox moment: Who's to say that CHEW is a crazy idea anyway? This industry was built on grown men crawling walls in spandex, blue men with their blue penises flopping around and hairy midgets with metal shooting from their hands. It's only a crazy idea until someone chooses to accept it. Then it's all fair game.

And thank you, John friggin Layman. For bringing this unbelievably brilliant thing to a total newbie like me and trusting me with it. Seriously, I can't imagine a better collaborator, and I am completely spoiled now.

Now here's the thing: If you dig what we're doing here, then we need you to show love.

Spread the word. Post blogs. Share links. Twitter it. If you only have messenger-pigeons, then let them fly. We're putting all we have on the page to make CHEW the best book on the stands, indy or mainstream. But we still need you to sustain our little creator-owned baby. So if you dig it, why not tell somebody else about it?

Deal?

Thanks again,
Rob!

CHEW Day Treats.

Busy, busy day ahead. My head is buzzing. CHEW #1 hits stands today, so please run down to your local comic shop and harass your retailer until he sells you a copy.

Here's some new goodies for today:

CBR has the complete CHEW #1 script online now, so check it out after you get the book. Later on, we're gonna be doing a type of Director's Commentary on the first issue, so check back for that.

The IND, a newspaper based in my hometown of Lafayette, LA, has a nice (somewhat cheese-flavored) piece on the book, as well as a brief 3 minute bonus interview with yours truly. So if you have a thing for watching camera-shy geeks, shoot on over there.

Mania.com has an interview up, in which I talk a whole lot about the story and art. Probably my favorite interview we've done so far.

Comic Addiction has a short, very positive review of CHEW #1, as well.

Catch you kids later,
Rob!

CHEW #1 Tomorrow!

Yes, tomorrow is the big day. And guess what? I also turned 27 today, so you know what you can get me :)

Also, just in the spirit of keeping the news flow going, here's a bunch of recent press, plus advance reviews that we've been stockpiling:

AintitCoolNews.com Interview
Newsarama Ambidextrous Interview
TFAW.com Interview
ComicsWaitingRoom Advance Review
Secret Identity Podcast Advance Review
Eye on Comics Advance Review
Comixtreme Advance Review
Fanboy.com on the CHEW #3 Cover Art

And there's more to follow, including some cool stuff we'll be putting up on ComicBookResources.com over the next few days. Until then, how about some peeks at future issues?

UPDATED: CBR just put up a cool Process of CHEW piece that I scribbled up a while back. It chronicles the creation of the CHEW #1 cover and 2-page spread, from script to final image. Check it out, you process junkies, you!

The Process of CHEW on CBR.







Peace,
Rob!

CHEW #3 First Look.

First Look at the cover to CHEW #3. Below is the full solicit.

CHEW #3
story JOHN LAYMAN
art & cover ROB GUILLORY

AUGUST 5
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Amelia Mintz is a food critic and a Saboscrivner. That means she can write about food so accurately, so vividly and with such precision, people get the actual sensation of taste when reading her restaurant reviews. Since the government prohibition of poultry, she’s lost her enthusiasm for the culinary world, and only reviews restaurants with a “D” rating or less from the Health Department. Her last review caused half the city to projectile vomit, and sent hundreds to the hospital with severe food poisoning. Agent Tony Chu has been assigned to arrest Amelia Mintz, but there’s just one problem with that… he’s madly in love with her!

Presenting the weirdest comic you will read all month, and maybe the best, as the deliciously twisted new series about cops, crooks, cooks, cannibals and clairvoyants continues!

-Rob!

Fast Food.

First peek at a page from CHEW #2. More goodness to follow.

And don't forget to snatch a copy of Walking Dead #61, which has a special preview of CHEW in it. Walking Dead is a brilliant book (that I am absolutely addicted to), so it's very flattering to be featured in it pages. Check it out.

Peace,
Rob!

TFAW.com Interview and First Look.

TFAW.com just posted a great interview with John and me. Tons of new discussion about story, art process and future arcs. Check it out here.

Plus, there's also a 4 page peek at CHEW #1's interior art with a few never-before-seen pages, so hit that here.

Peace,
Rob!

The Art of CHEW on CBR.

For those that may have missed it, CBR has posted a mini-sketchbook of CHEW art at this link. It's a great behind-the-scenes look at my art process and gives a good peek at future issues. Hit it!

-Rob!

Chop-Sockey!

Panel from CHEW #2. Bigger for the details!

-Rob!

CHEW #2 Cover.

First look at the cover to CHEW #2. Yes, there are Ninjas. Ass-kickery ensues.

There are a few new interviews up at ChewComic.com, so check them out. More to follow. But now, back to work.

-Rob!

PREVIEWS Solicit and ChewComic.com

Here's a couple scans of our write-up in PREVIEWS magazine. Pretty snazzy (though no one says "snazzy" anymore).

Also, the official CHEW blog is live here. Feel free to Twitter, MySpace, Facebook or Messenger-Pigeon it everywhere. The view is subject to change, so bear with us while we get our footing. We'll be posting new stuff over the next few weeks as new interviews and special goodies get released.

Also, here are a couple cool pieces of press from the last couple weeks, so check them out at Fanboy.com and ComicsWaitingRoom.com.

I also did a cool Making of CHEW feature for ComicMonsters.com. It's a look at the process of creation behind one page of the book. Fun stuff.

More to follow. But I got pages to pencil right now.

-Rob!

CHEW Pre-Order Info.

A few rough "hashing-out idea" pages from my sketchbook. In this, case, I was contemplating cover ideas for Issue 1, along with general themes. For the Process Junkies. Also, a few character sketches for Issue 2.

The Diamond Pre-order code for CHEW #1 is out, so be sure to lock in your copy.

APR09 0337 Chew #1

Hit your local shops and order this sucka today. You're gonna love it.

Peace,
Rob

FINALLY....

Finally, I can talk about this. All the secrecy and "don't show anyone" was killing me...

Alright, so the word is out. CHEW was announced yesterday at Wondercon 09 by my partner-in-crime, madman John Layman during the Image Comics Panel. And I couldn't be more excited. John and I have been working on making this the best, craziest damn comic on the face of the earth, and I'm friggin' ready to share just what it is I've been working on, because frankly, this project is the most fun I've ever had working in comics.

First, I think it's important to say that I'm not what you would call normal, either. I mean, sure, Layman's crazy, and the premise of this very book is batshit insane. That was my reaction from the second he pitched it to me. In fact, I remember the initial pitch going something like this:

Layman: "So, it's a police procedural. But taking place in a world where bird flu has killed millions, the FDA is the new Homeland Security, and there's a whole subculture that believes it's all a conspiracy. OH, and the hero's a psychic who solves cases using his psychic ability that gives him visions based on what he eats."

But here's the even crazier part: It works. By God, it freakin' works.

Enter Fan Mode:

The world that Layman has created is a wonderland of psycho chefs, shady FDA agents and a wide-ranging conspiracy plot that takes its characters everywhere. Every issue is a new turn on one big rollercoaster, and I am absolutely along for the ride. It's rich, unbelievably funny, and downright heartfelt at times. And I'm speaking as a fan that has read the first four issues worth of script. This is a book I'd buy. Something totally original and new. I think you'll dig it.

Check out the CHEW coverage so far here, here and here. There will be more to come over the next two weeks, including my Newsarama interview and an exclusive 6-page preview on Comic Book Resources. And as always, check back here for the occasional goodies, sketches and whatnots. I'll be posting the PREVIEWS pre-order code here as soon as I get it.

Until then, check out some preview art from the first 5 issues.






Peace,
Rob!