Well this could be awkward...
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So a few years ago I did a targeted reading level graphic novel for Rubicon Publishing in Canada, they provide content to educational book outlets and schools etc... So I'm looking for a finished cover which I don't have to scan (since I just have the illustration files) to pad my portfolio and I stumble onto a link that says, "Ghost House on iTunes".
Well it looks like the Skyreader part of the company is publishing their books as learn to read apps/iBooks on iTunes in February. So if you're a fan of my art and you have kids and an iPad, you might want to check it out! Also, at the time of the writing there aren't any comments on the iBook/app page, so it would be awesome if someone left some good feedback there and happened to mention the artist as well ;)
I was able to attend the Pittsburgh Comic Con and found myself making a brief appearance on "The Chris Yambar Show". Chris is the creator of "Mr.Beat" and the writer of numerous comics including "The Simpsons" comics.
I met Chris last year at the same convention and was immediately impressed and entertained by his presence (which is to say I was eavesdropping). He soon visited our booth and purchased the first Ralf the Destroyer book "Am I There Yet?". When I saw him again this year he had nothing but entirely gracious things to say about it. Since the next Ralf volume ("Friend or Faux") is in the chute, my wife had suggested having a forward. Fast forward to the convention and hearing Chris' lyrical enthusiasm we decided he was the right man for the job, so I asked if he would and he heartily agreed. I laughed and was humbled upon reading it and would like to share that Forward with my online audience before the new book is finalized:
Now let's get one thing straight: I know a lot about space aliens! In addition to following them in comics and pulp literature for decades, I've seen just about every documentary, heard every radio broadcast and slept through every motion picture on the subject. I've been to family reunions, eaten their cereals and even dated one in high school (she was out of this world!). In my X-File opinion, Scott Lincoln's RALF THE DESTROYER is all the hardcase proof we need that there is intelligent life out there! RALF is well-crafted, well-drafted and worthy of any sci-fan's bookshelf collection. Unlike other characters in the little green invaders category, RALF won't get a chance to become a dusty ancient astronaut relic. You'll want to read it over and over again! Smart, fun and adventurous with just a pinch of cute. OK - Two pinches. The only backside probe you'll ever feel is your hand digging for your wallet in order to buy the latest collected edition. CHRIS YAMBAR Bart Simpson Comics / Mr.Beat
While I'm sure everyone would prefer a comic update, the Ralf the Destroyer Site has been long over due for its own update. Many have been quick (but polite) to point out the navigation issues that were affecting the reading experience. I have managed to update the site to a newer version of Comicpress and that seems to have resolved the navigation problems as far as I can tell.
Of course now the site is pretty disheveled, so there will need to be some work cleaning up the design. I am by no means a professional webmaster, so my brain is fried just getting me to this point. However, I do know more needs to be done to get it to a more polished state. If anyone has recommendations about how to spiffy up the layout, please comment (my wife has already let me know the side bars are unreadable). On the other side of the coin, please let me know if and/or what you do like as well. I look forward to hearing from you.
Uugh! I didn't realize ComicMix.com had a Mix March Madness Webcomic Tournament! We just discovered it doing a random "Ralf the Destroyer" search. I would, however, like to thank the readers who thought of Ralf the Destroyer, nominated it and for those who were able to vote for it in the first round!
If I had known I would have campaigned a bit more by posting about it sooner and yacking about it on Facebook and Twitter a bit. Aside from that there are a bunch of great comics over there that can still use your vote, so mosey on over there and help your other favorites out!
