SUMMERTIME

Hey Everyone

I feel like I’ve been behind on everything. These past six months have been a slog for a number of reasons and I haven’t really been able to devote as much time and energy as I would like to the comic side of things, especially the social media aspect, but somehow things keep getting done and we keep moving along.

By now, if you’ve backed it, you should have received MONSTRADORES. This spin-off, while standing on its own, also acts as a bridge to our next Monster Matador series, Blood of the Matador. This will wrap up the long storyline that began in Tango of the Matadors. Of course, after the events of Once Upon Some Monsters in Mexico the Matador is dead… so what happens next? Glad you asked. You can sign up to get notified when the next Kickstarter launches in late July HERE There will also be a secret link that I will send out with our next newsletter for discounted rewards. Here’s a look at the main cover by Fabio Alves and Alex Zief.

This was a tough issue to get a handle on. There was a lot to be accomplished in terms of the narrative and I went through a few outlines before I nailed it. I’m really happy with how this one came out and not enough can be said of the Art and colors by Fabio and Alex.

I’m anticipating a variant from one of the most in demand artists around. He doesn’t normally do comics, but you’ve recognize his work from any number of licensed material he’s worked on for just about every major studio. The sketch I got is amazing, but right now he’s slammed with work and he’s trying to find the space to slip it in. So no previews yet on that cover. But I do have a preview of a different variant from Jesus “El Kartún” Pedroza (Linkin Park Graphic Novel).

Outside of Monster Matador I’m working on a one shot that’s halfway scripted. It’s an homage/love letter to 70’s exploitation movies. I’m going to be looking for artists soon and plan on launching that one next year.

I’ve also dusted off a novel I wrote a while back and am having someone edit and give some notes so I can get it into shape.

Where I’ll find the time for all this, who knows, but I will! As much as I love the Matador, I feel like it’s well past time to get some other things out there. None of which will impede progress on the next books. Fabio is already halfway through issue 2 and I’ve just finished the script for issue 3. I also just approved a sketch for a painted variant for issue 2.

Working so far ahead keeps me motivated, I guess, and also ensures these things get done. With Matador it’s also been what’s allowed me to keep the gang together as it were. After Blood of the Matador we’ll probably slow down a bit, but I promise it won’t be the end.

Thinking that far ahead is hard enough, especially when it comes to crowdfunding and where that will be in a year or two’s time. Not that it’s going away, but even now it’s in a different place that it was a couple of years ago. Campaigns are definitely feeling the effect of not only the economy, but also the seemingly endless amount of campaigns out there. Of course I’m happy to have all of you and the support you’ve given over the past 5 years.

Oh yeah, it’s 5 years since we launched Tango of the Matadors! Where did all the time go? (I’m sensing a theme).

Alright, I feel like I’ve rambled a bit long. I’ll be back in a few weeks with that link for secret reward discounts and more. Here’s the link to the pre-launch page https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/monstermatador/monster-matador-blood-of-the-matador-1

Have a great week!

Steve