...and TRANSFORMERS: ALLIANCE and TRANSFORMERS: DEFIANCE are kicking ass on the iTunes store! Yeah, yeah, it's all because of the new movie, but what's most surprising is that people seem to enjoy the format. Could this be a new door opening to comics as we know them? Who knows, but in the meantime, I'll just enjoy the stories doing well for as long as I can. Major kudos to the teams on these books (and a special shout out to Gilberto Lazcano—the guy at IDW who's been piecing these books together), without them it just isn't possible. Plus, all that delicious artwork transfers over so well! We'll just have to watch the overlapping panels in the future.In somewhat related news, Starscream returns! Well, kind of. Just found out today that TRANSFORMERS: THE REIGN OF STARSCREAM is going back to press. I'm seriously stoked about that because not only is the first thing I ever wrote professionally, but it's also my favorite story. I just love that guy and have some great memories of working on that. Heh, there's some not -so-great ones, too, but we'll save those.Matter of fact, I was toying around with the idea of getting another tattoo and having it be Starscream (movie version), but then the idea of some of his tattoos from the new movie instead was kicked around. What do you think?
So I found out today that both prequels are on the New York Times Best Seller list for Graphic Books (fancy speak for trade paperback). While this is absolutely because of the franchise, I wanted to take a moment and imagine that it's not and that it's really because of the great team I've been able to work with. Let's just say that it's really because of these people (in no particular order):Josh Perez: The guy amazes me and has grown to be one of my best friends that I hardly talk to. Seriously, his talent is only matched by his passion for the franchise. What can I say? I love the guy. It's hard not to.
Alex Milne: The other third of "Team Scream," Alex continues to deliver art that blows me away. The detail, the thought that goes into the designs, it's all there. Doesn't smile as often as he should though. If I were him, I'd be grinning ear-to-ear.
Dan Khanna: This was the first time Dan and I worked together and I couldn't be more pleased. Dan took some very tight deadlines and laid out some fine work. I still remember getting that first Defiance splash page and having to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Nice job, Dan.
Andrew Griffith: I think somewhere, somehow, Andrew and I were separated at birth. We like the same music (mostly), same art styles, it's quite amazing. But for someone that is new to the comic book industry (and HATES the movie), he's done some fine work so far. Be on the lookout for him in the future I'm sure.
Don Figueroa: What can you say that hasn't been said about Don before? He's a god, a legend, and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. It was a great honor to work with someone that I admire so much finally. The day that Denton told me Don would be doing an issue, was one of the best.
Denton J. Tipton: Last but certainly not least, Denton. I couldn't ask for a better editor (say it five times fast). When there were problems arising, Denton handled it. When things were tough for me and I was ready to walk away (back in Issue #2 of Alliance, #1 of Defiance), he was ready to talk me through it and get me back on track. And by the way, he's a hell of a storyteller, too. You'll see.
Kris Carter, John Wycough, and Andy Schmidt. Please know that every contribution you made to the projects were not only needed (as in saving our butts), but very, very appreciated. Hats off to you all and a very sincere "thank you."
And finally, Chris Ryall. Without whom none of this would have happened. Although we differ in height, I'm always looking up to him. Sorry, had to go there.
Great job,everyone!
Wow. The New York Times Best Seller list. Crazy. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
-Chris
Wow, what a fun show. Seriously, it was the best one yet. It's always so cool to get to meet new fans and see familar faces once again. Highlights were definitely meeting Josh Van Reyk & Shaun Knowler. These two guys have been some of the most supportive and critical friends I've had. The biggest surprise for me had to have been the really nice things that people had to say to me. Hard to believe that this time last year, we were premiering Transformers: Reign of Starscream #1 at Botcon. This year, I've officially written 15 issues as of the show. What a blur last year was.
It's late here, so I'll have to continue this later. But in leaving, I'll leave you with a photo of me, Nick Roche, and Jetfire (not really Jetfire, but it's an SR-71 here in San Diego) that was taken this evening.
