Alaska Pictures
Here is a link to my Photobucket Slideshow. remember, that if you want to view a specific image just give it a click and it will open in a new window.
Also, I have a bunch of new Robo-related links for you.
I have to be honest with you. Brian and I are feeling a little bit of performance anxiety regarding Vol.2. We can’t help but feel people might be expecting a little more out of Robo that either we, or the character, can deliver. from some reports, you’d think we were the Second Coming of Christ, or something. It doesn’t help that we all suffer from selective memory; to some readers the entire Robo experience can be summed up in that one Stephen Hawkings joke (which I still don’t find funny), zombie cyborgs, or giant ants.
As simple as our book is, it’s a composite of all that stuff and a little more.
So I really hope that no one is terribly disappointed with the single story track we’ve chosen for Vol.2. Because it’s all WWII related the gags are toned down, but we tried to ratchet up the action to compensate. Vol.3 will probably take the opposite approach, going more for laughs than wall-to-wall action. each volume will have it’s own flavor.
Because we went for a more comprehensive story this time, instead of the atomic Poo-Poo Platter that was Vol.1, Issue 2.1 may seem a little slow. I’m not sure how a massive Allied invasion fleet assaulting Sicily and Robo punching his way through a platoon of German soldiers can be considered “slow”, but that’s the feedback we’re getting. Of course, last time these same people were crying because the issues read too fast. So obviously some people just can’t be pleased. 
Anyway, Atomic Robo is what it is. It’s just a comic book and it’s a lighthearted one at that. It’s probably not the “Barak Obamah of comic books”, as it was called on the IGN or CBR blog, (I forget which one and I’ve lost the link).
Brian and I are more confident now than we were 6 months ago that Robo has what it takes to have a nice long run. Just bear with us as we shift gears to a slightly different storytelling format and settle down for the long haul.
-Heavy Ink is running an awesome Buy One, Get One Free deal on Atomic Robo 2.1! Well, really it’s a “buy one for 20% off, with free shipping, and get one free”, but that doesn’t have the same ring to it.
-IGN reviews Atomic Robo & The Dogs of War 2.1.
-Indie Pulp takes a look at Robo Vol.2.1.
-According to CBR, “The first trade paperback from Red 5 Comics debuted on the list in rank 54 with “Atomic Robo” vol. 1 which sold an estimated 2,098 units. It outsold a number of DC and Marvel trades and hardcovers. Not bad for an up and coming publisher.”
-I’ve never come across Comic Pants before, and obviously I like it because it says nice things, but motly just because this guy seems to “get it”. It’s a comic. It’s silly, and it’s fun.
Okay, it’s back to work for me. I’m still decompressing after Alaska, and realizing that I actually had a really good time. The only thing that soured it for me was the anxiety of falling behind on Robo . . .and not having a reliable pay check for the last two months because of falling behind.
Donations for the Atomic Robo Fund can be sent to . . .
RANDOM SPLENDOR
August 15th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Hey Scott,
I’ma go out on a limb here and say screw the reviews, bad AND good. Write and draw what YOU like, and let it attract who it will.
That said, don’t screw it up, or I’ll hate you forever.
Also, I picked up and loved the Punisher WarJournal you drew. Never read the series until now, but it was really great story and art-wise. I particularly loved the ‘hot dog’ scene, and The Punisher’s expression.
Here’s a ‘trade secret’ question, that you don’t have to answer. In both Atomic Robo and the Punisher (and actually, many other comic books I’ve read) there are basically ‘cut and paste’ panels- Say, that one where The Rhino is eating the horse, and he pulls out the feather -maybe one character’s expression changes, or there (as in this example) is something drawn over (the arm and hand holding the feather, and the line of spittle) or otherwise changed, but the basic drawing is copied. I don’t object to this, and in fact it makes sense, but I was wondering- are those reproduced digitally, or through some other method of which I’m unaware?
Thanks Scott! And keep up the great work all ’round!
August 15th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Ethan- those panels are worked in Photoshop. If I want to keep everything the same and just alter one or two small details i will draw the main image one, and then all the small changes -facial expressions or something like that.
in the old days you would use a light-box for this. I still do sometimes.
In most cases I regret trying to be slick and end up wishing I’d just drawn everything twice. Photoshop is a pain in the ass.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Picked up two copies of Robo #1 Vol.2 today at Double Midnight (Brett, you da man.) Really enjoyed the story, pacing, compositions, colors, lettering–heck, everything! How is it that you improve so much from issue to issue? It doesn’t seem possible/fair. Really looking forward to seeing where this story goes and watching those giant robots do battle with our hero. Enjoy Alaska despite the main reason you find yourself there.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
What’s with the gang signs?
August 17th, 2008 at 11:08 am
You’d have to ask the Widget. She runs with a rough crowd.
August 17th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Is that a PBY Catalina I see in those photos?
Looks like you had quite the adventure. Speaking of which, you survived SDCC. Congrats! My friend Christian, who you met at the con, spoke very highly of both you and Brian. And I didn’t even pay him to say that.