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!

Chewed.

Character sketches for CHEW.

John Layman makes me draw the craziest crap. Love him for it.

-Rob!

Late Resolutions...

Man, I really suck at this updating thing...

Alright, so this is a few weeks late, but I figure now's as good as any time to show a few of the 09 projects I'm cracking away on. I've got three projects in development that are too early in the going to really chat about, but the stuff below is what I've got locked in so far.

1. CHEW



I've been posting the occasional peek at some of the CHEW artwork over the last few months, and I'll be revealing more until its release in May/June. We're starting it off with an initial five issue run through Image Comics, and I'm thinking there will be more to follow. My writer on this, John Layman, is a total mad genius, and I've had a blast kicking his scripts around. It's an edgier, more mature break from the kid-friendly stuff I've been dabbling in lately. Speaking of which...

2. St. Spooky's



Just finished Book 1 of Spooky's (9 issues, 4 page serialized chapters) for Random House's The DFC. This one's available via subscription only, and primarily in the UK, but US residents can order it with shipping costs attached. I'd highly recommend it. The DFC's an awesome way to get kids not only reading, but reading comics. We may be doing a Book 2 of this later in the year.

3. Teddy Scares



Yep, I'll be doing more Teddy Scares this year, too. So far, I've contributed to three issues (both on sale here, and the third will be on sale soon), and they were a blast. I'm a huge fan of infusing humor in my art, and the TS stories are always hilarious. Plus, the guys at APE have been really cool about letting me experiment with different techniques, which is always fun. For the new issue (above), I went with a dirtier, textured look.

4. Solo Project



This one, I've hinted at in a couple past posts. Keeping mum on this for now, except that 1) this'll be my first project where I'll be handling script and art, 2) it's sci-fi-based and 3) it's complete lunacy. More on this later.

5. Children's Book



This one's been a fun little break. Written by local writer Theresa Singleton, this is my first real foray into children's books, which I've thought of trying for a while. This was a great experiment with a really clean, simplified look. I'll be finishing art on this in the next couple days. After that, I'll post any info as I get it.

Also, expect a site and gallery update in the next couple months. It's time to dust off the cobwebs...

And that's it for now. Now that the New Year's blitzkrieg has settled, I'm gonna try to get back into the habit of posting new art on a weekly basis.

Fingers crossed...

Peace,
Rob!

Muzak.

Side B Anthology Self Portrait, yo.

Wow. Has it really been over a month since my last post? Damn. Time does fly...

I'll be posting a peek at my 2009 work sometime in the next week, so check back for some goodies. It'll be worth it. I promise.

Peace,
Rob!

Duo.

Couple more panels from CHEW #1. The first issue's wrapped, so I'll be starting the next this week. Progress!



Peace,
Rob!

Medium Rare.

Random panel from CHEW.

-Rob!

Back that Thang Up.

A peek at some of my process for St. Spooky's.

-Rob!