Wednesday 1 December 2010

So It's December the 1st! Marineman issue one is officially on sale today! Scary and exciting stuff I can tell you!

I've seen and listened to a few reviews and so far they've been favorable so that is really encouraging...

Issue 2 is off to be lettered by the hard working guys at Comicraft, it's all wrapped aside from that.

Issue 3 is being colored by myself and my new coloring companion - Alex Sollazzo. You may have seen his work on the other Image Comics publication; Morning Glories.

I'm still hacking my way through the drawing of issue 5 and I'm thoroughly enjoying it!

I want to thank you all for pre-ordering issue 1 of Marineman and for the support everyone has been showing the book - It really means a lot to me.

Here's a link to a podcast review of issue one by 'House to Astonish', the part about Marineman is about three quarters of the way in so you may want to skip ahead as it's a long podcast!
http://housetoastonish.podomatic.com/player/web/2010-11-21T13_18_36-08_00

Enjoy!

25 comments:

  1. Hi Ian,

    Picked up the issue today - loved the preview art, and the review on House To Astonish caught my interest, so I checked it out - quite enjoyable!

    I really, really like the art style you're using, and the colours work with it well!

    I also thought the design of the book was great - very polished stuff.
    The back matter and inside front page were better designed than books that have been going for years!

    My only complaint - sorry! - would have to be with the story.
    Although I enjoyed reading it - no lie, I missed my train stop today because I was caught up in the issue - I was a little disappointed we didn't get to see any action or adventuring!

    I kind of wish there had been a few less characters introduced, just to make way for a little more to happen.
    I liked all the characters, it's just there was a lot of them, and I didn't get to see them do anything!

    At this point, I don't know if Steve Ocean is powered, or if he's about to get powered - heck, not sure if he's even going to be powered (could just be holding his breath real well in the pin-ups!)

    That's my only gripe, but the characters all seemed fun and I can't stop looking at the art, so I'll definitely be back next issue - and once we get some adventuring happen, I think you'll have the complete package!

    Keep up the good work!

    Cheers
    Ben.

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  2. Hi Ben,

    I'm really pleased you enjoyed it! You missed your train stop? Wow!

    Issue 2 picks up the pace and makes up for the lack of action in issue 1. I promise! Issue 3 will explain a lot and issue 4 is wall to wall action!

    Issue 1 had to set things up and establish what a comfortable life Steve has so that when things happen down the line the impact will be more intense.

    I'm glad you're sticking with it though- it will be worth it in the long run!

    Thanks for your support, please tell your friends and spread the word!

    All the best,

    -Ian

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  3. Great first issue! while I agree I thought it would be more action packed I absolutely love the character development. The most surprising part to me was how well the issue flowed. The pacing felt like a Geoff johns or Robert kirkman book it was that great. I made sure my lcs shop got a bunch of copies. Pulled one for me and my 8 year old cousin. The little guy loved it! Especially the page when Steve massaged the lemon shark then held it upright. Fantastic storytelling and gorgeous art.
    Brilliant first issue Ian. I can't wait for the next five.

    All the best,

    Dennis Hoffmann

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  4. Dennis,

    That my friend is music to my ears!

    I'm so glad you and your cousin enjoyed it, maybe it will inspire him to create a character of his own...or to become a marine biologist!

    Geoff Johns and Robert Kirkman? That is a VERY flattering comment, thank you!
    There'll certainly be more action in the issues to come!

    Thanks for making sure your Local comic store ordered a bunch, I appreciate it!

    It's a lot of hard work making these issues but it makes it all worthwhile to get a response like yours.

    All the best,

    -Ian

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  6. Hi Ian,

    I thought you would like to know their is a fantastic review on CBR!

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  7. Hi Ian,
    Please add me to the growing list of people who love your current drawing style! MARINEMAN was such a joy to read. I find myself picking it up again and again just to flip through and enjoy your artwork.

    Fantastic work, man.
    best,
    j.

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  8. Hey Dennis,

    Thanks for pointing out the CBR review- I hadn't seen it!

    -Ian

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  9. Hey there J.

    Glad you're on board fella, and thanks for the kind words!

    -Ian

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  10. Hi Ian -

    I just wanted to drop you a line regarding Marine Man.

    I picked up issue 1 this weekend. Hadn't heard a thing about the book, but the cover jumped out at me - from partially *behind* another book. I got it home and read it through, and I felt compelled to say something to you... not just for the great content of the book, but for what it represents.

    I started on a comic in 2002, and it was for the same reasons you mentioned - a yearning for the fun, optimistic, "shiny" heroes of yesteryear. Until I picked up your book, the only other case of what I consider "extreme perseverance" in comics was Jeff Smith's Bone, which started as an idea in childhood and survived decades of not giving up to become a tour de force. Yours is a second story in that column, as most artists give up WELL before their idea makes it to fruition. Somehow, seeing a sketch in the back labeled "2005" just put big ol' a smile on my face.

    I finished the first issue of my own creator-owned comic last month. Almost ten years, and I and many friends thought I was crazy for it. I just wanted to stop by and say thanks - thanks for not giving up, thanks for pushing through and showing the world that it's possible.

    I'll be first in line for Marineman #2.

    -C. Madden

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  11. Hi Chris,

    Thanks for taking the time to drop me a line!

    Seeing Marineman in print has been a dream come true but it certainly wasn't easy as I'm sure you can imagine!

    Congratulations on finishing your own comic book, I wish you every success with it!

    Thanks for taking a chance on Marineman number one - I appreciate it!

    All the best,

    -Ian

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  12. Hi Ian

    I read a friends copy of MARINEMAN and immediately regretted not getting a copy for myself. When I went to the only comic book store we have they were sold out, so I have to wait another 2 weeks for it to ship down from America.

    The writing was great and the art is even better. This book must be a labor of love for you Im sure.

    Cant wait to get my own copy of #1 and all the following issues of MARINEMAN.

    Cheers
    Josh

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  13. Hi Josh,

    Sorry to hear they sold out of Marineman at your comic store! I guess retailers were being understandably cautious with the current economic climate...

    Still, I hope you do manage to get a hold of a copy in the end!

    Marineman really is a labor of love for me, and this is a childhood dream come true!

    Thanks for the kind words and please keep reading Marineman!

    All the best,

    -Ian

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  14. Mr. Churchill:

    There is a review of Marine Man on The Comic Book Page Podcast #173. I haven't listened to the show yet, but according to the shownotes, the Marine Man review starts at 25 minutes and 32 seconds into the show. Found here:

    http://www.comicbookpage.com/Podcast/?p=478

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  15. After I posted the previous, I listened to the latest episode of Comic Geek Speak (#985) and a guest host Mike Smith recommended Marine Man to the listeners(43:30 into the show).

    Mike also wrote a glowing review of MM #1 on his site, Image Addiction. That can be found here:

    http://imageaddiction.net/?p=1826

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  16. Ian,

    Last week I saw Marineman at my local comic shop. I skimmed it, noticing the different art style that I'm used to when I see your name. I held off on it and went on my way. Yesterday I went back to the Marineman on the rack and actually read through the issue...sold hook, line and sinker. What got me was the story held my interest and kept up a wonderful, lively pace throughout the entire issue. It's rare that a premiere issue can do that without having a lull in there somewhere. And with that great artwork, it made each page pop and give a great kinetic feel to it.

    What will probably make your day is that I purchased the other remaining first issue for a friend of mine that's an occassional comic reader but is an amateur oceanographic buff. That's one of his gifts from me... I think he'll enjoy it as much as I did.

    Congratulations on a wonderful first issue. Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday and a bright 2011.

    - Ryan

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  17. Hi Thoom,

    Thanks for posting those links to the Marineman reviews - some very thoughtful comments and reviews from the reviewers.

    I appreciate you taking the time to let me know...

    All the best,

    -Ian

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  18. Hi Ryan,

    So glad you went back to your local store and picked a copy of Marineman up, and that you enjoyed the read!

    I really hope your friend enjoys it too and that you both check out issue 2 on it's release!

    Thanks for the kind words and all the best to you too for the new year!

    -Ian

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  19. Hello Ian;

    Picked up the first issue today. Beautiful artwork!

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  20. Hi Laura,

    Thank you for taking a chance and picking up a copy of Marineman, and thanks for the kind words also!

    Be sure to pick up issue 2 in January 2011!

    Happy New Year!

    -Ian

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  21. No problem, Mr. Churchill.

    I was in Pasadena for a Christmas party a few weeks ago. I had some time to kill before the party started and stumbled upon a great comic book store there. Upon the shelves, among the dark and gritty, the horrific and the bland, shining like a beacon of light, I saw Marine Man #1.

    I had to pick it up.

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  22. I just posted a blog entry about Marineman #1 at http://tinyurl.com/26jwe8u. Hope you like it!

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  23. Finally got my copy of Marineman #1. Was a little late with the pre-ordering so I had to wait and damn...what a beautifully book. Your (new?) art style is so much fun to look at.
    Love the back-up stuff, too. Hope you can keep that going in the upcoming issues.
    And is #2 really out this week?

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  24. Hey there Penelopecat,

    Wow! That was a really well thought out blog entry and I can't thank you enough for the encouraging words!

    You're right, a creator-owned comic in the current market is no small risk but it's one I'm glad I went ahead with. Reactions like yours are what makes all the hard work worthwhile!

    Thanks for spreading the word and I'm happy you'll be back for issue 2...

    Happy New Year,

    -Ian

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  25. Hi Bendrix,

    I'm heartened to hear you thought Marineman issue 1 was worth the wait!

    Fun is the operative word - it's what's missing in so many comics these days.

    The back-up stuff does indeed continue in issue 2, and yes, as far as I'm aware issue 2 really is out this week!

    I have copies from the printer right here so I know they've been printed...

    I hope you can pick one up with less of a wait than you had for issue 1 and that you come on back for issue 3!

    Cheers,

    -Ian

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