-A Natural Melding of Passion & Honesty-

Watchmen_DC comics and A.N.A COMICS

2012-02-01T10:36:00.003-06:00

“Man! Really? I lost that much time in my day worrying about what a billion dollar company is doing?”

That’s pretty much it. The people around me, the fellow creators I talk to or follow online are all afire with talk about new announcements from DC Comics today regarding their property WATCHMEN.

The whole thing fascinates me, especially now as I try to build A.N.A Comics and bring it to a whole new level. I really don’t care what DC Comics or any other publisher is doing. I care what A.N.A Comics is doing and what we are bringing to the industry.

I love comic books, I love the method of storytelling and the range it provides creators to express themselves. For my part, I can get wrapped up in the potentially poor choices of other people in this industry, or I can focus on making the right choices for myself and my team. I cannot do both.

Updates 01.19.2012

2012-01-19T13:15:00.001-06:00

PROJECT UPDATE – THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER: Revisions were needed for issue 1 and with those complete we are rescanning in all the pages, then its off to be re-lettered and colored for final production. Once the pages for issue 1 are all colored and lettered we will first be printing the Exclusive IndieGOGO edition for those awesome few to donated to our campaign and helped us reach this point in our j...ourney. After that The Midnight Raider issue 1 will release digitally through anacomics.com and other outlets, with the print edition of the book scheduled for release this summer.

Layouts for issue 2 are complete, and final pencil work has begun. The goal is to have a special Midnight Edition release in May, similar to how we released issue 1 before. Once that happens, the book will move along in the production process to be colored and art on the third book will begin.

We want to thank again all who have supported this project from the beginning! The Midnight Raider is coming and volume 2 is currently being plotted out. We are confident this will prove to be well worth the wait!

THOUGHTS ON GROUP FUNDING: I’ve used both Kickstarter and IndieGOGO for group funding campaigns, and with recent conversations I’ve seen people having I thought I would share some thoughts I have on the topic.

First off I want to say that it is worth trying. More than anything it doesn’t cost you anything to try, specifically with Kickstarter. Group funding provides us as creators with a platform to basically poll our target audience and test the waters before taking to many decisive actions. But does it work? Will it help you? And Whats the catch?

First it is important to know the general differences between Kickstarter and IndieGOGO, for the specifics please take the time to read through their websites. Biggest difference is that Kickstarter is an all or nothing pledge based situation, and IndieGOGO is a donation based program. How this impacts you up front is in your incentives. With Kickstarter you can plan with the understanding that your incentives are only filled after your goal is reached, yet with IndieGOGO you can only get one donation but you have to be prepaired to fulfill the incentive because you receive the money from each donation received.

As far as I know there is no sure way to success beyond knowing or having access to enough people who are willing to donate the minimum amount, helping your reach your goal. To a certain extent many people feel a rush a vulnerability when they put themselves out there, and when you don’t meet your goal it can sting. My greatest piece of advice would be to have at least 75-80% of your project complete before ever starting your campaign. This does two strong things for you. First it puts you in a position of confidence being able to say to your would be backers that you are already that close to completion. This allows them to donate with more confidence, trusting that in a short span of time the product they just pledged to support will be available for enjoyment. This confidense will hopefully also lead to more frequent donations and you reaching your goal sooner. Second, having that much of your project completed, should your funding goals be reached it will be easier to set aside the time to fulfill all the incentives you’ll likely have.

Its good to know your timelines. Which many times will require asking for input from other, but the knowlegde is invaluable. Having this info will allow you to accurately communicate with your supporters. My first campaign was for a graphic novel, it failed. Which part of me believes is because of the long timeline remaining on the project. So when I did my second campaign it was on a much shorter timeline, yet I had another lesson to learn also about timelines.

Being so accustume to my own side of the process I didn’t accurately take into the account of the other parties involved in the production of the project. On top of that we only raised $565, which is nothing compaired to what it costs to produce a full comic book. Thankfully the creators involved are all contributing their talents at no charge, however since this is not a paying gig, its also can not supercede their need to complete paying work. Its all a test in patience and keeping oneself focussed on the tasks at hand.

Would having raised a larger amount impacted the time lines of things? Yes. If a surplus was collected than a small amount could have been used to pay for assistance. This did not happen for me, so we are having to make due.

The benefit of this information for you is that you might learn from my mistakes. Hopefully group funding, though overly saturated by some opinions, could continue to help support independent comic book creators and help all of us get our stories out there!

As We Go Into 2012

2011-12-29T14:11:00.001-06:00

Noticing some of my comic industry friends posting on the various social media sites on how they think 2012 will be "their year". I have said similar regarding my own creative goals. The industry is only so big and theoretically there is only so much "success" to go around. I would like to officially say to all my creative peers that I truly hope this is your year!!! I hope you achieve new levels of success and get from 2012 all that you hope to, regardless of how my year turns out, I hope you are given your goals. Please keep posting and keep building this industry. Also keep in touch and let me know how you're doing with everything and I will do my best to promote, support, and assist you all as best I can. Let us, together, make 2012 year the best in independent comic book history!!!

11.11.11

2011-11-11T16:32:00.001-06:00

Never forget that you are not one of a kind. That’s not a bad thing. The fact that there are others like you gives you a greater probability of happiness and success. Never forget that if there weren’t any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you would still be here. This worlds social market will have you think you are meant for something great. You really aren’t, none of us h...ave a predestined outcome, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something great. So don’t use that copout that “It wasn’t meant to be.” when things don’t go your way, instead use your freewill and see that though you may have failed, that just means it hasn’t gone your way YET. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can rarely make a difference in the world as a whole. In fact we really only have a limited realm of influence on our personal environments, and most people never even difference there, they simply follow the paths tread before them. Still, YOU decide the type of life you will have, and the type of person you will be remembered as. Today people all over are remembering others, loved ones, those who stood up and at times, fought for what they believe in. You’re beliefs may be different, but that’s the thing, they are YOUR beliefs. Don’t be a leaf on the wind, blown about. Instead be a ship, with your sails wide and your rudder firm in the sea, ready for the waves life will bring. Surround yourself with people who are good for you. Those who will both challenge and support you, stand by you and fight with you. Know what you believe and that it’s not some invisible destiny that will make you great, nor is it the person you are.. it is the person you will CHOOSE to be. So be that one person.....Stay true to yourselfSee More

Me and Trouble

2011-11-08T12:05:00.001-06:00

(This is an observational rant and is not intended toward any specific person or group or issue. Thank you, Happy reading.)

My mouth has a way of getting me into trouble, mostly because we live in a world where everyone expects to be told the truth, but they expect that truth to always be skewed in their favor. For example you may have a working relationship with someone, after the job is done you acknowledge you are happy with the job, proud of it even, but felt that one aspect of how it all played out was a hassle, more of a hassle than you expected because the other party veered off course and you had to come in and “fix” or “adjust” how you were going to proceed with your part because of their actions – remember though, You already said you are happy with how it all went down and the final outcome. Now in my mind I’d think an average Joe would just understand what is being said and move on, but there are people out there who take that kind of statement ridiculously personal. Regardless of if it’s True.

Now some might site professional courtesy on that stuff. They may be right. Perhaps it’s just better to keep that stuff between the parties involved, but even then, do you really that that person would handle the critique any different? I don’t.

Another way people want things skewed in their favor is in personal relationships. Most people seem to only want to hear one of two things: 1. Info that will benefit them like make them happy, laugh, pleasured, or content. 2. Info that will allow them to be upset with someone else. They NEVER want to hear where they may have messed up, dropped the ball or need to improve. Think about it. If you took your lady’s last chocolate, she wants to know so she can be pissed at you, but if she takes yours, and you are upset what happens when you tell her? She gets mad at you for being so selfish. Or your man wont be able to watch the game he recorded because you accidently deleted it while flipping through the DVR for the most recent Bones episode, he’ll want to know so he can fuss about how you inconvenienced his life, but you try to tell him how his staying out too late and forgetting your dinner plans left you home alone to watch Bones in the first place and he doesn’t want to hear it.

Now those are just examples and I’ve brought them up in conversations with others and the most common response is for someone to start their statement with “Well I don’t do that all the time…” Really? So what you are again refusing to admit is your own fault. What you could have said as an accountable, caring adult is “I am guilty of that.” Why? Because it doesn’t matter if it’s some of the time or part of the time, if you do it, YOU DO IT.

My mouth will get me into trouble because I will say the things, or ask the questions a lot of people won’t. Which is a claim I have heard others say, but all they mean is “I like to say random pointless crap to try to shock and startle those around me.” Not my point at all. I’m not a fan of pointless, random conversation about nothing. I don’t want to talk to you about the weather, or shopping, or your superficial concerns that sound major when you complain in that whiney tone, but actually have no real impact on your life. On top of that, when things are brought to me, and people say “this is your fault, you did this wrong.” I’ll take it. Ask anyone in my house, my wife and kids, if it’s my fault, it’s my fault, and I don’t enjoy hearing it. But I want to hear it. I ask for it. Otherwise, how am I supposed to know? Then after I have it, I make adjustments and try to be better than I was for those around me. But my mouth still gets me in trouble. I say what I believe, I say what I think, I don’t always have a successful PC filter to spare the feelings or opinionated viewpoints of others. It is okay. I really don’t plan on changing any time soon.

I really enjoy hearing what people think. Love it! I also get so annoyed when people say things that are worded with the only purpose is to make allowance or pacify for the sake of another person. Like everyone has to always be made welcome, or every perspective included. That’s living a lie. That’s not how it is. I’m not condoning actions to attack or make other people or opinions unwelcome, not at all. But to think that adjustments need to be made or conceded to just for one group, viewpoint, or party over another is ridiculous.

Here is an example: I love black people. Love em! Love all different cultures, be that Hispanic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Native American, whomever, I find who they are, what they believe, what they love, I find it fascinating. But I’m WHITE. I know that no matter how much I respect, admire, or appreciate anyone in them or the groups as a whole; there are some very specific moments they just aren’t going to want me around simply because I am White. Notice I say white, because they don’t have any reason to care what nationalities make up who I am. That’s fine. I don’t even think its racist. They don’t have to want me around. They don’t have to like me. Why would they? Just because I appreciate them? That’s such a ludicrously selfish way to think.

Sadly some people think that way. They think that just because they want to be involved that accommodations should be made to allow them to be included. Those people are the adult equivalent of the fat kid running home to cry to mommy about how they wouldn’t let him play basket ball at the park. I should know, I was that fat kid. Grow up!

Like I said, my mouth gets me in trouble. Perhaps it always will. I operate on very simple terms. I’ll always be strait with you. I’ll respect you, be kind to you, but if you ask me a question I will tell you the truth of my opinion and if that doesn’t sit well with you or you are a sensitive person well… you have been warned. I don’t baby people. I don’t baby, babies. I want you to like me, but for who I am, not that which you think me to be. That is why I am so forward, and unwavering in my personal demeanor. I would much rather you dislike me with an accurate knowledge of who I am than to do so out of some inferred or assumed perspective. I give a lot to others, and take very little. I live a life of no expectations from other beyond what they commit to giving. I hate compulsory kindnesses such as gifts for special occasions. There is no meaning in that for me. Give me your kindness out of your honest desire to be kind to me because you appreciate me for who I really am, not because of a day on a calendar. If you are loyal to me, I will be likewise in return, if that loyalty is broken I don’t get even, I just keep moving and allow you to go on the path you have shown you desired more than the one we shared together. I’m a peaceful man. I like to explore, understand, and examine life and its idiosyncrasies. I am often miss understood. Yet I am always willing to help explain who I am.

My mouth may get me into trouble, but hopefully you will forgive that and appreciate the genuine nature of who I strive to be. As I will do the same for you always.

VIDEO of panel from MIX 2011

2011-11-07T12:21:00.001-06:00

A.N.A Comics enjoyed our time this past weekend at the Minneapolis Indie Xpo (MIX) 2011.

While there, A.N.A Comics EIC: Anthony Hary was part of a panel regarding croud funding. Here is a recording of the panel for your viewing pleasure.

We would like to note the numbers shared and statistics are those the panel participants were aware of at the time of their research, we would encourage you to do your own research to know what the specifics are before going out on any venture you may be considering.

TMR: UPDATE

2011-10-06T11:41:00.002-05:00

The Midnight Raider - Reid. Captain of the football team. Quarterback. 17 years old with popularity to spare. He has it all. He has it all to lose. When the pillars of his world are shaken, and his understanding of life is rocked to its core, Reid will have to make a choice. Does he step up to be the leader he needs to be, or shrink back beneath a blanket of excuses? One thing is sure: To Face His Future, He Must Confront Their Past!

Don’t miss out on this exciting mini-series of mystery, intrigue, and excitement as we follow Reid Liston, watching as he learns the secrets of his family’s past and faces the threat, not just to his future, but to his very life.

You can Donate today & just $10 subscribes you to receive ALL 4 issues of THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER! As they are release, they will be mailed directly to you at no additional charge. Act now, only days remain on this offer!!

http://www.indiegogo.com/MIDNIGHT-RAIDER-COMIC-BOOK

Farewell to Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T19:40:00.000-05:00

Farewell to Steve Jobs - I know many are sad, I'm sad. Sappy as it may be. I didn't know him, like most I only knew of him & was blessed by his impact on the world I live in. Often I would imagine meeting the man who co-founded Apple, and helped give the world Pixar. To talk to him, to get to know him, the real him, would have been a treasure. He was an imagineer, one who lives by what his mind can imagine. He was in many ways what I hope to be. Not the founder of a computer manufacturer but a creative leader. A man to for reality out of ideas. To take a goal and make it something that benefits not just me but as many people as it can. Steve Jobs was ... Steve Jobs. His black turtle neck shirts to his endearing personal charm. He didn't try to impress, but often seemed to impress all of us with out trying. I read Dave Johnson (DC/MARVEL Artist) said it best on twitter and almost made me cry: "If I owned a black turtle neck, I'd be wearing it right now. Respect Mr. Jobs." - To that I tip my hat, and fane a black turtle neck. Respect to you Mr. Jobs, and thank you, always.

10 days left to help

2011-10-03T20:58:00.001-05:00

This is it, the last 10 days of The Midnight Raider Fund Raising Campaign - we need to raise $270 in the next 10 days to meet our goal. Thank you to those who have already donated or reposted the link. The quest to get The Midnight Raider published isn't over and for the next 10 days you still have the opportunity to help while also securing some awesome goodies for yourself including ALL FOUR ISSUES of the mini-series as the print. Take a look at the incentives and then on top of that add on all 4 copies of the first volume of The Midnight Raider as they print to direct market retailers at no additional cost to you, freely shipped to your home. As a reminder this book was created by Kat Hary, Richard Evans, and myself. The book is scripted by Kat Hary, drawn by me, with colors/letters by Meghan Wright. We've got 10 days left to Make IT Happen & we can do that with your help. Thank you in advance, here is the link to donate: http://www.indiegogo.com/MIDNIGHT-RAIDER-COMIC-BOOK

2 weeks 4 free comics

2011-09-29T10:03:00.001-05:00

I am currently working as Penciller for an upcoming comic book mini-series - THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER. The creative team has been running a fund raising campaign for the last couple months that will soon be coming to an end. A couple generous people were willing to donate, but with only 16 days left, we're hoping to find a few more to help support the project and get some awesome incentives for themselves in the process.

If you still want to get in on The Midnight Raider and learn how you can recieve the full 4 issue mini-series for FREE, the best way to do it is to donate here: http://www.indiegogo.com/MIDNIGHT-RAIDER-COMIC-BOOK

Just a minimum $10 donation and you get the Exclusive Full Color special Edition of issue 1, which feature 24 pages of story & an additional 16 pages of content including art and information that will not be reprinted anywhere again. ON TOP of what ever incentives package you choose, ALL that donate, in any amount, will recieve the following 3 issues as they print for FREE! We'll mail them, signed, right to your door!

By Donating, you're helping us bring this story to our audience, and also ensuring that you wont miss a single exciting moment! Dont miss out, only 16 days remain to donate.

formspring.me

2011-09-26T22:30:00.001-05:00

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know? http://formspring.me/Anmph

Follow Up Friday - Asking Why pt 1

2011-09-16T16:35:00.004-05:00

Follow Up Friday: Asking Why pt 1
– 09.16.2011

“You’re too nice.”

“You shouldn’t do so much for other people.”

“They’re just using you… taking what you do for granted.”

“Why do you take on so much? … You’d accomplish more if you focused on your work and not helping others [creators].”

These are questions or statements were ALL posed to me over the last 2 weeks alone. Not a new topic by any means, but one I have not really given much consideration. However with recent events and plans that loom in my future it seems as there is no more appropriate time to explore the reality of these statements.

The purpose of this blog is soley to examine myself, to move forward. This is not an exploration or commentary on any other factors.

There is no secret to what my goals are. I speak of them freely.
1. To be able to make a living as an artist/storyteller
2. To find success both independently & working for publishers in comic books
3. To always have fun in what I do

Some people in my life have commented that the accomplishment of these goals has been hindered by my other desire or pattern: To Help Others – Specifically Creators.

The idea is not that they are saying that it is wrong to help others, rather that the efforts and investments I have made to help others have largely cost me more than they have given me back in return.

This left me to first ask myself “Why do you do it?” – The first plausible motivator I thought of is that even though family and close ones growing up all recognized and appreciated my love for drawing, art, and comics they did much to try to steer me toward all manner of “real jobs” for my future and my trust in them led me to follow their advisement. This in turn resulted in my investment of time, our most valuable resource, in efforts that were both unsatisfying and not where I wanted to be with my life. So now, along with pursuing my own personal goals, I do everything I can to share my knowledge and time with others who share my similar goals. To give what I was not given.

This in and of itself is not bad by any means, but I have this facet to my personality where I don’t expect things from others beyond what they choose to give. Meaning I can spend a whole day teaching and sharing everything I can about art, comics, production and avenues to use to explore possible paths to success and I don’t ever expect that person benefiting from that to return anything to me in any way. If they benefited from what I could share, and they use it and succeed, that is all the thanks I need.

The flip side to this is that many people when they pick up on that take advantage of that freedom and the relationship can become very one sided. Then when that other party feels they can benefit no more from you the relationship fades and dies out.

Another reason for WHY is that I believe in the collaborative process. The beauty, much like film is the creative collaboration that comes into play to make something truly wonderful. This desire to make something truly wonderful has motivated me to reach out to other creators, and each experience started off well. Yet after that “honeymoon” period passed for one reason or another most of the collaborations have ended poorly. Was it me, as I am the only common denominator in my own experiences?

It takes at least two to tango, so I don’t place blame on any party, I do however find there is a very real deficit when communication is replaced by assumption. Where one party begins inferring the intentions or meaning behind the actions of the other party. This hinders healthy growth on any level and always leads to hurt feelings, misconceptions and most likely anger and the breakdown of that relationship.

These experiences are always a bit clearer in the 20/20 hindsight of life, but they are out of the reach of change. So I have to instead make my future choices based on what I can still yet do.

Sadly this means from time to time these relationships end, new ones form, but most of all we are faced with the task of standing up in a painful place and taking the next step. For myself I refuse to treat people poorly. I believe in what most know as the “Golden Rule” to treat others the way you would like to be treated. This doesn’t mean they WILL treat us how we are treating them, and it really doesn’t play a factor either. Even with people who I know could care less for me, I have no ill will toward them and so if interaction takes place I treat them with kindness.

I also believe in this industry. There are some who are in it for the money, it’s what they do, they get paid to do it and that’s their only concern. From a business stand point that may be all it is at the end of the day. Still this industry is too small for pettiness and short sighted behavior. It’s no one’s place to decide for another if their opinions fall in that those categories, but I know for me I will do my best to make choices that support and build up the world of comics & Storytelling.

For now I’m focused on some great projects. First and foremost of which is THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER! The pencils for issue 1 are complete minus a couple edits I am working on. Lettering is underway, along with coloring. The scripts for issues 2 & 3 are also complete and we are getting started on issue 4, the BIG Grand finale of the book.

We’re putting everything we have in to this book. The story was written by my wife Kat Hary, Richard Evans (Legion Unleashed) and me. Kat is handling scripting duties on the mini-series and is doing an awesome job. Her back ground with Novels has brought a great depth to the story telling. My daughter, Meghan Wright is handling coloring and lettering while I take care of the pencils. This has been the best project I’ve been on thus far in my career.

Along with the production of THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER we’re offering special exclusives to those who are interested via a fund raising campaign: http://www.indiegogo.com/MIDNIGHT-RAIDER-COMIC-BOOK

If you get a chance, please visit the above link and take a look at all the special incentives that are exclusive to those to donate to the project!

Thanks for reading!

Refocus on the Details...

2011-09-14T16:50:00.000-05:00

There are times when I need to take a step back & refocus my efforts. This week has proved to be one of those times. I'll keep everyone posted because with out you guys & your support it'd be that much harder to get through. Needless to say its time to let some things go, focus on the opportunities I do have & make my goals real rather than everyone else's.

Priority 1: The Midnight Raider - We are finishing ALL the scripts for ALL 4 issues before I am to do any more art work.

Priority 2: NOTHINGFACE (Kel Nuttall) - I am pencilling this one shot, after the small edits I have to do TMR issue 1 it is my top project.

Priority 3: ANA Comics SwimSuit Special Breast Cancer Charity book - Scheduled to print in OCTOBER.

Priority 4: I signed on with Richard Evans ' Raven Entertainment Studio and we have some AWESOME projects in development.

Many of these things overlap, I mean obviously the Swimsuit book has kind of a time crunch on it, so these aren't necessarily in order of importance but simply listed so everyone knows the score.

Priority 5: Finish commissions and have a great time at IOWA COMIC BOOK CLUB's I-CON this weekend, Midwest Comic Book Association ( MCBA ) FALL CON in October, C4 - Central Canada Comic Con at the end of Oct. In winnipeg, then Minneapolis Indie Xpo November 5 & 6.

The fans and supporters of my work are why I am where I am. I do what I do as much for me as I do for them. Lets have a great end to the year!

And for those interested we will have a pre-order special on the Swimsuit book, remember ALL profits are being donated toward the fight against Breast Cancer. Plus you WANT this book because rumor has it that it will feature an AWESOME collaboration between myself and the amazingly talented Kate Finnegan (colorist for Big Dog Ink) - which is a dream come true for me!!

9.9.2011 MOBILE VIDEO BLOG

2011-09-09T08:32:00.001-05:00

THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER UPDATE 9.7.11

2011-09-07T14:55:00.001-05:00

PROJECT UPDATE: 09/07/2011

Many of you know the great progress enjoyed at the beginning of 2011 with issue 1 being completed in April, and the time line looking good for all 4 issues to be completed by the end of 2011. All of us on The Midnight Raider Team greatly appreciate your support and encouragement, and wanted to give you a status of the account as we move into the fall of 2011.

After the sneak preview of the project at MCBA SpringCON 2011 we quickly got to work on finishing the script for issue 2. It was in this that we found our timeline changing. The further into the story we got, the more we saw opportunities for growth, for tightening up certain areas of the story, and expanding others. Having now completed the script for issue 3, and being knee deep into issue 4 we found as we worked closer to the climax to the story that we were going to need to go back and do some revisions to earlier moments in the story. Some of which are in issue 1.

The down side to this reality is that issue 2 will not be available for its special sneak preview until SpringCON 2012, which was originally supposed to be at next month’s MCBA FallCON.

On the plus side taking this step to make revisions and in some cases complete changes to our original plan has resulted in a higher quality project, a stronger more engaging story and just a better property for everyone to enjoy overall.

Also during this time we’ve been addressing the logistical side of producing a comic book and have been attempting to raise financial support via a fund raising campaign that also gives donators special incentives as “Thank You” gifts for believing in our project. This campaign runs through Oct.16th 2011 and there is still time for you to donate. Just $10 secures for you a Full Color, Exclusive Edition copy of The Midnight Raider #1 containing 24 pages of story and an additional 12+ pages of bonus content. You can read about all the incentives here: http://www.indiegogo.com/MIDNIGHT-RAIDER-COMIC-BOOK

We also still have fun goodies planned for all our faithful supporters to snatch up at our shows this Fall.
- ICBC I-CON – September 17th in Altoona, IA : We will have promotional posters being handed out, and production copies of issue 1 in ashcan format for those interested. Writer, Artist, & Letterer will all be at the show.

- MCBA FallCON – October 15th in St. Paul, MN & Central Canada Comic Con C4 – October 28-30th in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada: We will have new prints, buttons, and some other special items available. Also The Midnight Raider Artist: Anthony ANMPH Hary will have his art featured in a Swimsuit special through A.N.A. Comics that month. Profits being donated to Breast Cancer Charity.

Please stop out to see us & stay tuned for further updates!

PATIENCE - Creatively

2011-08-30T11:29:00.001-05:00

PATIENCE – Creatively
08/30/2011

Patience is a hard thing to master. Among most that I know I am a very patient man, more so when it comes to being patient with others or with external situations. I am however, NOT patient with myself or with situations that I feel I should be able to impact and help to move faster, more effectively, or more successfully. Often times I’ll just do it myself and take all that weight on my shoulders because not only do I want it done, but I also don’t want to have to be patient through the process of “fixing” something that perhaps another party involved should have not messed up on initially. This is a huge factor of my daily struggle as a creator & storyteller.

Over the last 2 years I have accomplished more than in the 7 years before them. Still I fight the feeling of pressure, perceived pressure, and impatience with me to put out more work for my supporters, for my fans. I want a new book at every show. Prints you will all love. I want to be good enough, fast enough, nice enough where it’s almost as fun for you to support my work as it is for me to receive your support. I say it that way because, let’s face it, it’s always going to be the larger honor to me to have received your support. So I feel like there is this place I SHOULD be at. That there is this work load that I SHOULD be producing to keep fresh content available to entertain and please those who believe in my work, and so I push myself. Even though so many have said to me “Take your time…”, “Its worth the wait.” Still this desire to please weighs on me.

I wish I had all 4 issues of The Midnight Raider DONE, not just drawn but done, and ready to print so that I could share them with everyone RIGHT NOW. Not because of a desire for sales or success, but because I believe this story is that good. That it’s fresh and unique enough to stand out in the crowd of other hopefuls.

Also I hope to reach the point of being able to illustrate and tell stories full time, perhaps only having to work a day job part time, rather than the current situation of having to work 40+ hours per week at the day job and hopefully squeeze in a couple hours for my creative work at night.

So I need to be Patient.

One of the ways I am learning to be more patient is to keep things in accurate perspective. Yes, I work more than full time at my day job, but this does not keep me from being productive. In April I penciled all 22 pages of the Midnight Edition of The Midnight Raider #1. It was EXHAUSTING but I did it, and it proved that under the circumstances I could perform at that level if needed. This accomplishment left me feeling like I would be able to get the subsequent books done within a similar timeframe. However we don’t just want to put out another book, we want to make sure we put out our best possible story. Thus began the revision process of the story to The Midnight Raider. Which resulted in finer plot points and a tighter story, but it also meant some revisions art wise to the already drawn issue 1. Largest of which was the need to expand the story from 22 to 24 pages by adding 2 more pages of content to the opening sequence of issue 1, thus better establishing the focus of the story. This change though meant taking out the current page 1 and replacing it with 3 newly illustrated pages. Also after taking into account the critiques received there has been other panel adjustment for subsequent pages, along with the whole book be re-lettered and dialogue adjusted. It’s all about staying focused on the goal.

While it will SUCK to tell those who are hoping to get issue 2’s Midnight Edition at the Fall shows that it’s not available… YET. It will be available but we had to be honest with ourselves and focus in on that we are trying to create a property. A property that we hope to submit to a publisher and get it printed nationwide, while at the same time we are running a fund raising campaign to help raise funds to help with printing costs, especially if we have to print it on our own. So we’re doing revisions on issue 1, and those art corrections take time. Yet on the bright side we’ve finished the scripts for issues 2 and 3! With Kat already started work on the HUGE finale for issue 4. Keeping these facts in perspective has helped me stay positive and keep moving.

I’ve also adopted a term that I remind myself of: Directionally Correct - Think about it. It doesn’t matter if its 1 inch or a mile, as long as its directionally correct.

Even with all this perception management I still have a LOT I am trying to accomplish and a lot of it relies completely on me. It would be GREAT to have a manager, someone to take care of the logistics and negotiating but honestly even my closest family members don’t fully grasp my goals and what I want to accomplish and it just wouldn’t work. Also I’ve come to realize that its emotional enough chasing your dreams, there is no wisdom in bringing in more emotion by having a loved one try to manage you. It will likely lead to head butting, arguments, and a whole slew of avoidable stress. Instead things need to stay objective, so I have to do it myself. Among those things I have on my plate is upcoming work on the book NOTHINGFACE and a couple projects with Raven Entertainment Studio that are all set up after I complete The Midnight Raider.

So far 2011 has been my biggest year yet, and it looks that true to form 2012 will be even bigger. I just need to be patient. Take my time, do it right, put in the hard work and most of all Make IT Happen!!!

Follow Up Friday #9

2011-08-18T09:03:00.004-05:00

FOLLOW UP FRIDAY #9

It has been a while since my last Follow Up Friday blog, and even now I’m posting it on a Thursday. What’s up with that?!?

It has been a hectic and busy summer to say the least. Busy and with no sign of letting up. So as sorry as I am that there hasn’t been more frequent, purposeful updates, this update will have to be brief.

1. I’m selling original art here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/anmph

2. I have a Show or Event every month for the rest of the year, with the next being the Iowa Comic Book Clubs one day wonder: ICON - http://www.iowacomicbookclub.com/

3. You can pre-order Con-Sketches for yourself to pick up from me at ICON/FallCON/C4/MIX by using this link:

CON-SKETCH PRE-ORDER SPECIAL IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING SHOWS:

- ICBC ICON (Sept 17th)
- MCBA FALLCON (Oct 15th)
- C4 (Oct 28-30th)
-MIX (Nov 5&6th)

Order yours TODAY!

Everything else you need to know is updated regularly via THE OFFICIAL ANTHONY ANMPH HARY FACEBOOK FAN CLUB <-- Click and join today!

CONSKETCH PREORDER SPECIAL

2011-08-16T17:19:00.005-05:00

I have a few shows coming up & thought it would be a great way to offer a deal to do a CON-SKETCH PRE-ORDER SPECIAL!

Order your con-sketch today, Single Character for only $20! I will complete the sketch and bring it with me to one of the below shows for you to pick up! Every order comes with an extra "thank you" gift as a surprize!! Order yours TODAY:

CON-SKETCH PRE-ORDER SPECIAL IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING SHOWS:

- ICBC ICON (Sept 17th)
- MCBA FALLCON (Oct 15th)
- C4 (Oct 28-30th)

Order yours TODAY!

Which friend would you do anything for?

2011-07-06T10:28:00.001-05:00

Anything is a vague word, with a broad scope, but I am one that believes if someone is really your friend and they need you, than you do everything you can for them. Even if they dont ask. You see a need, you answer that need. It is in those moment that we really see who our real friends are. These days most people are just pals, aquaintences, people just only hang out when there is something fun to do. That isn't my way. I believe in companionship, loyalty, trust, and sacrifice for those you love. I can entertain myself and dont need "friends" for that. A friend is someone who is a part of your life, meaning they should be involved with your life. Even if its through conversations. Friends confide in each other, and maintain that trust confidence so their friends know their information wont be meaninglessly shared with people who have no right to know it. Also friends give of themselves for their friends. You have extra, you dont stow it away, you share it with your friends, otherwise what really do you have? I can't stand people who are only fair weather friends, friends of convienence who only are your friends when you are around, but they never seek you out, or call to see how you are. But for my non-fake, sincere friends, who make a point to be a friend to me, I will always do everything I can for them. Always.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

What was the scariest moment of your life?

2011-07-01T10:37:00.001-05:00

The scariest moment of my life is hard to pinpoint. There have been a few scary moments. Climbing the rock walls at Taylor’s falls was scary, just as my first time successfully jumping off the high dive was scary. Having to jump from a horse at full gallop because your saddle went sidewise and it was either jump or end up under the horse… that was scary. And it really hurt. Having a gun pointed at you, getting jumped by 3 guys while being all alone, or having to get out of an apartment after being punched in the head by a doped up junky who wants to throw down hardcore is also scary.

I would have to say though that for me the scariest moments are the ones I pursue every day as a creator. To take a piece of who I am, put it down in some physical way, whether in writing or illustration, and put it out there for people to see. There is a huge fear in that, a fear you’ll show too much and people will reject you, or just not appreciate your work. That fear is something I take on willingly because when you find someone who connects with your work, the risk is worth it.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

What do you enjoy drawing the most? Why?

2011-06-30T15:58:00.001-05:00

My absolute favorite subject to draw is mid-evil fantasy stuff and women. Both are hard, and both if done well can captivate and tell a story to the viewer.

Frank Frazetta's Conan covers for the novels my dad had growing up struck me, and I have always wanted to be able to convey what he did in those single images. I dont think I am there yet. There is just something so rewarding and fun about imaginening something so completely make believe. We dont live in that world and much of it is inspired by reality or history but its all a dream, it can be anything we like. From knights, monsters, kings, castles, the whole spread I love it.

Same with women. They are so hard for me to draw honestly. Yet when I do it, when I capture the woman, capture the feeling the beauty its such a rush, feels like I am king of the world in that moment. Even the process is fun, an not just cus their beautiful and sexy, its like watching this wonder come to life as you work and it never gets old. Piece by peice, the eyes, lips, hair, hips, breasts, hands, clothing, having it all come together and work feel so good.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

formspring.me

2011-06-30T15:30:00.005-05:00

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know? http://formspring.me/Anmph

What is your karaoke song of choice?

2011-06-30T15:30:00.003-05:00

I dont do Karaoke. I rock out for real.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

If you owned a club what would you call it?

2011-06-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

I can tell you that, wait until I open my club.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

If you were psychic whose thoughts would you want to read?

2011-06-30T15:28:00.003-05:00

Everyones.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

Are you winning?

2011-06-30T15:28:00.001-05:00

As long as I am still playing, I am winning.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

The Midnight Raider IndieGOGO Campaign

2011-06-16T13:54:00.005-05:00

::UPDATE 06.21.11::

Via Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production: "We are pleased to announce the artists who will illustrate the cover for The Midnight Raider #1 IndieGOGO Exclusive book. The cover will be illustrated by the duo of Anthony "ANMPH" Hary & Alfredo Lopez Jr!!! If you have followed their work you know their tallent but we wanted to share with you a few images they have collaborated on in the past. Including the cover for WE'RE INDY: Rise of the Independents volume 1 through A.N.A. Comics. Be sure to reserve your copy of this exclusive book by donating at just $10 towards The Midnight Raider IndieGOGO.com fund raising campaign!!"

"Special Thank You! To Alfredo Lopez Jr for supporting our book by coming on board!"

The following is from IndieGOGO.com's The Midnight Raider Donation Campaign!!!

Our Story
THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER – 4 Issue Mini-series. Created by: Kat Hary, Anthony Hary & Richard Evans. Story by: Kat Hary & Richard Evans. Script by: Kat Hary. Art by: Anthony Hary. Color & Lettering by: Meghan Wright.

The Midnight Raider is a 4 issue mini-series that we plan to complete production on in 2011. Work began on developing this property in the Fall of 2010 between Kat Hary, Anthony Hary and Richard Evans. Both Anthony & Richard are long time comic book fans with a long history with the genre. Both have self produced creator owned work, Richard as a Writer and Anthony as both Writer & Artist. Kat brings something special to the group with her history being firmly grounded in novels and not comic books. This blending of disciplines has lead to the creation of a very distinct level of storytelling.

An initial 3 issue treatment was written by Richard and then sent to Kat for revision and final scripting. It didn’t take long for us to see we weren’t just telling a story. Instead we were building an entire world! The Midnight Raider is unique in that unlike most stories with a defined hero which are set up as “Event” plots, where we are introduced to the Hero, then to the Villain or problem and the story is composed of the Hero solving the problem, The Midnight Raider has a “Character” focused plot. Our story centers around a young man named Reid, 17 years old. At the opening of his story Reid is a confident, popular, captain of the football team, and enjoys the freedom of having his own part time job at a local steakhouse. This all begins to change when strange events begin happening around him and to him. As the story unfolds hidden truths about his family’s past, their connection to the current state of the world scene and a threat on Reid’s life all come into focus and Reid is left to make what is to date the hardest choice of his young life.

The Impact
This is a completely Creator Owned project. All the resources used are our own, they come from us and we are limited to what we ourselves have. Thus far we have had to invest a substantial amount of time, money, and physical materials into producing The Midnight Raider. Receiving assistance from your support and donations will completely change the scope of the project for us.

After the cost of paying the Writer, Penciller, Inker, Colorist and Letterer (Creative Team) a combined modest amount of $300 per page, a 22 page book will at least cost $6,600 just to produce. Which is on the severe low end of the spectrum & that does not include any printing costs. For our team, no one is getting paid anything unless the book sells and makes money from sales. This however still leaves us the cost of production materials (paper, ink, pencils, erasers, computer programs/peripherals), and the cost to physically print the book. Most printers will do a minimum print run of 1500 to 2000. The cost per issue on a full color book can differ between printers, but the average we have found is around 80 cents per issue. Now this amount will go down the more you print, but at $0.80 per issue, a 2000 print run will cost $1,600 before the cost of shipping and distribution. After the cost of printing there is the cost of advertisement and the cost to take this book to the public via comic book conventions.

What We Need & What You Get
We are hoping to raise at least $500. This small amount isn’t even half of what the print run would cost, and its barely enough to cover advertising/comic convention appearance charges. Nonetheless it will help.

Meeting our $500 goal will allow us to have the resources we need for materials involved in physical production of the Mini-Series. That’s right, Mini-Series. Not just one single issue. This means even at this small amount, we would be able to put it to great use.

Should we be able to surpass our initial goal to raise $1,000, or even our ultimate goal of $2,500 or more would put us in the position to secure physical printing of 1,500 to 2,000 copies of the book, along with having the resources to bring it out to the many comic book conventions across the United States.

Any amount we receive will in turn accomplish the primary goal of providing us options for printing, production, and more. These are options we simply won’t have available to us without your donation.

To thank you for your donation we have set up a sweet array of incentives for you to select from depending on the amount of your donation. Everything from Posters to Buttons, Books to T-shirts and even Original Art from The Midnight Raider #1!

Every donation of $10 or more will receive The Midnight Raider #1 – IndieGOGO.com Exclusive Edition. It’s Full Color, 22 pages, with an Exclusive cover and comes signed by Kat, Anthony & Meghan. Also inside this special book will be character design sketches, and other artwork from the early production of The Midnight Raider that you can’t find anywhere else.

At the $50 mark your book also comes with two 11x17 full color mini-posters, a pack of The Midnight Raider Buttons, 2 bookmarks and a Midnight Raider Sketchcard drawn by Anthony Hary.

At $80 you can join The Midnight Squad! You’ll get all the goodies already listed along with a Midnight Raider T-shirt. The T-shirt is durable white cotton shirt that says “To Face His Future… He Must Confront Their Past.” On the front, and on the back has the logos for The Midnight Raider, The Osprey, Black Terrapin and The Expletives – all characters/groups that you will get to know inside the pages of The Midnight Raider mini-series. Word is Anthony Hary will even draw The Midnight Raider character on your shirt if you like, making it truly one of a kind!

That’s not all. Take a moment to read through all the incentives listed on the campaign site before making your selection.

Other Ways You Can Help
Please share this campaign with others! Your friend, family, co-workings, schoolmates – anyone you know, and we thank you for it. Please let us know what you have done to help spread the word. We are working on a way to give a special thank you to EVERYONE who supports The Midnight Raider. Remember to follow us on http://themidnightraider.com and also on our Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Midnight-Raider/153721348025290 Stay Tuned, and Thank you!

SAVE ON COMMISSIONS TO BENEFIT LUKE

2011-06-10T09:23:00.005-05:00

From now until the end of June 2011 I am offering special pricing on commissions to help raise funds to benefit a kind young man named Luke.

Please read about his situation here: BENEFIT INFO

To help raise funds for Luke I am discounting all illustration commission orders by 25% and we will be sending 25% of all orders received to Luke’s family to help them get what they need to help take care of their son.

(coupon to save 25 - 50% on your order)

There is no limit to what you can order. Be it for you or someone special as a gift, I am as open as the limits of your imagination.

If you place your order between: June 10 – 14th - I will donate 50% of your order to Luke’s needs.

Please email services@carbonhallway.com if you have questions or would like to place an order. Also if you can spread the word to all those you know it will be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Anthony Hary

Single Character Full Color Digital Sketch Special

2011-06-07T15:13:00.006-05:00

For June myself and colorist Meghan Wright are doing a digital sketch order special. Any single character, existing or your own, FULL COLOR digital sketch for just $20.

Lines will be by Anthony Hary
Colors will be handled by Meghan Wright

There's nothing to mail or ship, which will make this a fast turn around opportunity to get a Full Color Sketch.

Here are some examples of our work together: EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3

Orders are placed via Paypal.com here:

What words do you live by?

2011-06-07T09:32:00.001-05:00

I’ve had friends point out to me that I have a bunch of little sayings for everything. I suppose that’s true. I am a fan of proverbs and short sayings that encompass a thought. For me it comes down to what many know is the “golden rule”: Do on to others as you would have them do on to you.

The “golden rule” encompasses the main idea behind any other action. It’s a governing rule that should guide all others. For me though I also try to apply the following in my life:

- You can tell the type of person someone is by the choices and actions they take
- Only say words you are man enough to stand behind
- Belief only takes you as far as the actions it inspires
- Live by hope rather than expectation
- They only think keeping you from your goals becoming a reality is you

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

Follow Up Friday #

2011-05-27T20:14:00.003-05:00

Follow Up Friday
05.27.11

Hey guys, Last weekend was SpringCON and I made a video recap about the show:

On Wednesday I posed this question to my Facebook Fan Club: CLICK HERE TO VISIT FAN CLUB

I had a couple fun replies, if you haven’t I would still love to know your inspiration or what inspires you creatively. For me it comes from the people around me. Life and the people I interact with give me my ideas and make me feel the NEED to create. To draw, to write, even play music, its all from the experiences I have. On top of that I am motivated to do my greatest work so my Father can see it. We never know how much time life has left for us so part of what helps me stay up those late hours losing sleep and pushing myself to reach the next level is the huge desire I have for my Father to be proud of me and to see the positive results of my art. As long as he is breathing I will strive to find a new way to wow him, because lets face it folks.. When it comes to me, he’s seen it all. Its quite the motivator.

Follow Up Friday #

2011-05-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

Follow Up Friday
05.27.11

Hey guys, Last weekend was SpringCON and I made a video recap about the show:

On Wednesday I posed this question to my Facebook Fan Club: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1913123941153&oid=213711424846&comments

I had a couple fun replies, if you haven’t I would still love to know your inspiration or what inspires you creatively. For me it comes from the people around me. Life and the people I interact with give me my ideas and make me feel the NEED to create. To draw, to write, even play music, its all from the experiences I have. On top of that I am motivated to do my greatest work so my Father can see it. We never know how much time life has left for us so part of what helps me stay up those late hours losing sleep and pushing myself to reach the next level is the huge desire I have for my Father to be proud of me and to see the positive results of my art. As long as he is breathing I will strive to find a new way to wow him, because lets face it folks.. When it comes to me, he’s seen it all. Its quite the motivator.

Who inspires you the most?

2011-05-25T10:34:00.001-05:00

The person who when we speak seems to speak the same as me. Not just in language but in viewpoint, opinion, and passion. That is nothing as inspiring.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

formspring.me

2011-05-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know? http://formspring.me/Anmph

What's the best way to relax after a long day?

2011-05-13T16:12:00.001-05:00

I say the best way to relax after a long day is to find a refreshing environment with friends, and good food / drink to socialize and not do much. There is just something wonderful about sitting in the company of friends, either at someones home, or a restaurant, but where no one has to do much work, there is just a freedom to visit, laugh, and be refreshed.

Art, Illustration, Comics, Movies, Opinions, ask away, what would YOU like to know?

Follow Up Friday #8

2011-04-29T12:05:00.000-05:00

Follow Up Friday #8

Life is busy man, so this week’s post is going to be short and sweet… well at least short.

April 29, 2011 – the month is nearing its end and it has been quite a month. Many of you are likely familiar with the long secret project that has been announced: THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER ( http://themidnightraider.com ) – if not then you need to read the blog more. (see Follow Up Friday #7) April has been primarily dedicated to completing the pencils on this book, this first book of 4. It’s been an amazing experience.

THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER – Created by Kat Hary (my wife), Anthony Hary (myself), and Richard Evans (a superb creator/writer from Toronto, Canada – Pick up his graphic novel: CANADIAN LEGION – Diamond order code FEB11 0725) , Volume 1 is a 4 part Mini-series that will introduce you to not just “who” The Midnight Raider is, but the whole world and the past of where he came from. Issue one is in production currently with a special “Midnight Edition” planned for release at MCBA SpringCON 2011 ( http://midwestcomicbook.com )

What has been both a challenge and a blessing on this is the deadline. Yes, that may sound crazy for those who have worked with deadlines before, but it has been great. We set the goal to premier the property at SpringCON, and wanted a book for the premier. This has meant that even though I am not an artist full time, thus still having a 40+hr /week day job, it would still be required of me to work at almost the same level of being a full time artist for a company like DC or Marvel. I had to illustrate a page a day, or something in that range. To my disbelief I have done essentially that. Even with a one day comic convention out of state I have been able to produce as of the writing of this blog, 19 pages of finished pencils. Many of the pages are already lettered and we are on track to have all 22 pages finished, lettered and sent to the printer by Saturday night!

It feels really good.

I will be at The Source Comics & Games (http://www.sourcecomicsandgames.com/ )on May 7th for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY – I hope you can stop out to see me. Visit, take a look at art from the book and enter to win a copy of issue one Midnight Edition for yourself!!

After that on May 21 & 22, 2011 – I will be a guest Creator with fellow ANA Comics members Rod Salm and Meghan Wright at MCBA SPRINGCON 2011. Meghan is also the letterer/colorist for THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER. Be sure to come see us at the show and be one of the first to get your hands on the limited release of issue 1 Midnight Edition!

Until next time, ciao!

~ ANMPH

Follow Up Friday #7

2011-04-25T09:55:00.004-05:00

Interview with Artist: Anthony Hary regarding his 2011 Comic Book mini-series from Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production

Visit: http://themidnightraider.com

The Midnight Raider © Copyright 2011 Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production / AHE
Created by: Kat Hary / Anthony Hary / Richard Evans
Story by: Kat Hary & Richard Evans
Script by: Kat Hary
Art by: Anthony Hary
Colors & Lettering by: Meghan Wright
Editors: Anthony Hary & Kat Hary

The Midnight Raider logo designed by: Meghan Wright / Anthony Hary / Kat Hary
Comic book mini-series scheduled to be completed in 2011

The Midnight Raider is owned by Kat Hary & Anthony Hary and is not authorized for use with permission.

--------------------

As of today, only a few pages remain in the completion of the first issue. Granted it’s the first of 4 total issues, nonetheless it is exciting for this to be completed. I hope you are able to join us at 2011 MCBA SpringCON. The plan is to have a special release of books and products all designed to introduce the world to the world of THE MIDNIGHT RAIDER.

Follow Up Friday #6

2011-03-31T08:21:00.015-05:00

Follow Up Friday #6 ::UPDATE:: 03/31/2011 Lots of great things happening, here are some links you need to check out! April 16th, 2011 I will be at the Iowa Comic Book Club’s MINICON!! Here is the link with details: IOWA COMIC BOOK CLUB A.N.A. Comics has some great books coming out in the next couple weeks! The Precarious Adventures of Newton Von Brisby – Year 1 TPB (Created by Nicholas P. Myers) Harijan – TPB (Created by Nicholas P. Myers) Henchman #2 – (Created by Daniel Woolley) (click the cover to order issue 1) ::Still available:: A.N.A. Comics Presents: WE’RE INDY: Rise of the Independents – Anthology (click image to order your copy today)

Artists. Help Gerogiy Come Home

2011-03-06T10:03:00.003-06:00

I was recently contacted by a friend of mine, Dave Anderson. He sent me the following message, that I share with you because its better if you hear it from him:

“I was wondering if I could ask a huge favor of you.

I can imagine that you might be very busy, but...

You might know that my wife, Cathy, and I are adopting. After seven years, we're going to be adopting a 9-year-old boy named Georgiy from the Ukraine. The adoption is $30,000.

We've got a page here on Facebook, Cathy And Dave's Adoption Journey. ( http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Cathy-and-Daves-Adoption-Journey/128812497169601 ) One of my co-workers at KMFX-FM helped us raise $1275.00 with a burger eating challenge last Thursday.

Bear Creek Services here in Rochester very much wants to put together a benefit for us. We start planning it Monday. I've picked April 16th, Cathy's birthday, as the date.

My good friend, Mark Lundberg, who used to work at Jimmy Jams when it was open here in Rochester, suggested that I get some sketches as silent auction items. Another friend, who runs Book Review here in Rochester, suggested the very same thing.

I was wondering if you would be interested in contributing a sketch. Mark suggested something that would be topical, like Thor, Cap, GL, Green Hornet or something like that...

I was also wondering if you knew of any other artists there in The Cities that would be interested as well.

I completely understand if you're busy, you have a lot on your plate.

I just thought I would ask.

Thanks!

Dave”

I am sharing his message with you because I want to help Georgiy come home. Here is what I am asking of you.

Mail to me a illustration in any medium, or any other art item (sculpture, Munny, painting, etc.) by April 1st to donate to the silent auction.
Please make your illustration topical as mentioned in Dave’s letter.
This will help it appeal to the widest audience and have the highest chance of selling.
Include with your illustration your personal contact info: Name, address, phone#, website – so you can be properly represented and thanked for your generosity.
Also include what you consider to be the fair market value for your donation.

Anything you can contribute will be appreciated. If you can not send in your own work, please share this information with others so they may contribute. Also visit the facebook page for Cathy & Dave’s adoption journey, and if you can make it to the event, or donate towards their cause, please let Dave know.

Please email anthony@carbonhallway.com if you want to donate art and I will give you the address to mail your art.

Thank you in advance.

Anthony Hary

ANMPH'S Video Blog - Indie Comics Alliance

2011-03-03T14:03:00.001-06:00

ANMPH Mobile Video Blog 1

2011-03-02T11:14:00.001-06:00

Follow Up Friday #5

2011-02-11T14:32:00.003-06:00

Follow Up Friday #5
~the videos~

The other night I was inking the cover for Nicholas P. Myers Year one collection of The Preciarious Adventures of Newton Von Brisby and I like to have great back ground noise while I work. My studio is right off from the family room, can you hear what the kids were watching while I worked?

Follow Up Friday #4

2011-02-03T16:14:00.000-06:00

::ATTENTION CREATORS::
A.N.A. Comics 2011 Breast Cancer Charity Swimsuit book UPDATE

Hey Everyone!

Do you have a property you would like to get more exposure? A.N.A. Comics is publishing a swimsuit comic book whose profits will be donated to benefit Breast Cancer Research.

We are happy to announce we are opening the doors for a select few creators to donate their creator owned character to the book.

Here are the details:
A.N.A. Comics 2011 Breast Cancer Swimsuit comic book

Room for 10 Creator Owned Illustrations – submissions due JULY 1st 2011

Book will be printed in Color – If you want your illustration printed in color, YOU have to color it.

Cost for having your Character included: $0.00
All Illustrations must be approved to be included (No Nudity, Extreme Graphic violence or language)

Release Authorization must be submitted and signed by Intellectual Property Owners to have story included.

Approved submission entries have to be turned in to A.N.A. Comics, formatted and ready for printing by JULY 1ST 2011

- The Format specifications can be found here:
http://ka-blam.com/printing/index.php?page=Specs

Email submissions to : submissions@anacomics.com

Book is scheduled to be available through Indyplanet.com by October 2011.

Ad space is available for $15/half page or $25/full page Advertisement.
-------------------------------------------------------

Release Authorization – A.N.A COMICS (must fill out completely)

Name of your Character: ______________________________
Intellectual property Owners name/s: ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Signing this Release I recognize and Authorize the follow terms:
- I am the owner of the above listed Character/Property
- I Authorize A.N.A. Comics to print my Character Illustration in the 2011 issue of A.N.A. Comics Swimsuit issue, alongside other independent properties.
- I understand by signing this release I am in NO way assigning rights or agreeing to share IP copyright or trademark ownership & I retain full ownership of my property and the ability to reprint my Illustration in any other format I should chose.
- I understand A.N.A. Comics is not obligated to compensate me in anyway.
- I understand I will be able to order copies of the publication for my own personal use, sales, or private distribution for 5% over cost through A.N.A. Comics (aprox: $10.00per book)
- I authorize A.N.A. Comics to utilize my Illustration to publicize the publication provided that all due credit will be listed clearly for myself as owner.
- I understand that A.N.A. Comics will be printing, promoting and distributing copies of this publication online, at comic conventions, art shows, in comic book direct market shops.
- I agree and understand that I can in no way sue for monetary compensation or seek legal action against A.N.A. Comics as I entered this project of my own discretion.
Name of Copyright owner: __________________________________________________
-fill out below info for credits area inside the publication-
Name: _______________________________________ Date:_______________________
Name: _______________________________________ Date:_______________________
Name: _______________________________________ Date:_______________________
Company/Studio: __________________________________________________________
website: _________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
City/State: ______________________________________ Zip Code: _________________
Signatures :_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Follow Up Friday #3

2011-01-28T18:19:00.002-06:00

A.N.A. COMICS Presents
WE’RE INDY: Rise of the Independents Volume 2

With the great response we have received from our first Anthology, A.N.A. Comics is excited to announce our plans to have Volume 2 put together for Fall of 2011!

The goal of this project is to help showcase the awesome work being done by Independent Creators throughout the comic book industry. Its FREE advertisement and exposure for all who participate. If you would like to be a part of our next book, here are the details:

We’re Indy: Rise of the Independents #2
approximately 80 pages
Black & White interior w/Color Cover

We’re 2 major categories of contributors:

1. Full Creative Teams to submit their Creator Owned property to the project. Each team can only submit ONE property, and the stories need to be between 5 to 10 pages total. You MUST be the owner of the property to submit it for consideration. You will be required to sign a release form granting A.N.A. Comics permission to print your property. Owners retain 100% ownership of their property. A.N.A. Comics assumes no rights or liabilities regarding your intellectual property beyond the written permission to include it in the Anthology.

You will NOT be paid, nor will you be charged to participate. A.N.A. Comics is simply interested in helping you to promote your project.

2. Artists with a character that currently doesn’t have a story, but you want to get your characters name out there for all to see, perhaps to attract a writer to your property, we want you to Also sign the creator release and submit a Pin-up/Spash Page showcasing your work. Artists retain 100% ownership of their property. A.N.A. Comics assumes no rights or liabilities regarding your intellectual property beyond the written permission to include it in the Anthology.

You will NOT be paid, nor will you be charged to participate. A.N.A. Comics is simply interested in helping you to promote your property.

Creators included in the project will have the opportunity to purchase copies of the Anthology at 35% off the Cover Price via A.N.A. Comics, to sell at shows and distribute to their fans however they see fit.

Not all Submissions will be included in the Anthology.

**For those Writers who do not have complete creative teams but a story they would like to submit, we encourage you to do so. A.N.A. Comics is interested in helping talented Writers get the attention they deserve. We have 3 slots set aside specifically for Writers in this position.

If you are interested in being part of this initiative, please visit the link below to download the Release form and email it to submissions[at]anacomics.com

(right click, save as is recommended)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE RELEASE FORM

Make It Happen!!!

- ANACOMICS

Follow Up Friday #2

2011-01-20T09:47:00.005-06:00

Follow Up Friday #2
01/21/2011

In 2010 I spent the better part of the year working on improving my ability as a storyteller; taking time to study and read books on the editorial process, writing, and sequential storytelling. I learned a LOT about how to improve in my writing, story construction, character development, plot structure and just understanding this crazy world of speculative fiction. If you are like me and want to take the time to read and improve in our craft, here are the books I have read so far and all of them are helpful in their own ways:

I started with the “Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels” by Mark Ellis and Melissa Martin Ellis.

(CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON.COM )

It was a great book to get started on. The book covered the full publication process from an independent publishing point of view. Very handy book to have on hand, not extremely in-depth but good nonetheless.

Next was the book “Panel Discussions: Design in Sequential Art Storytelling” and it was marvelous.

( CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON.COM )

This book also followed the publication process, but started from the editorial point of view, then walked through the creation process and design of sequential story telling via interviews with creators such as Will Eisner, Scott Hampton, Mike Wieringo, Walter Simonson, Mike Mignola, Mark Schultz, David Mazzucchelli, Dick Giordano, Brian Stelfreeze, Mike Carlin, Chris Moeller, Mark Chiarello, and others. If you are an independent creator who wears many hats, such as Writer & Artist, you need to read this book. Very awesome, I plan to read it again.

Third was a little gem titled “Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David”… yes, that Peter David!

( CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON.COM )

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Peter writes in such a conversational manner, mixing humor with down to earth, easy to apply instruction that its hard not to imagine he is right there, telling you to your face how to become awesome. The book I read was the revised second edition. I highly recommend it. It ends with a great portion from an editors perspective on how they expect good writing to be accomplished in comics. Very awesome tool for all writers of Comics & Graphic Novels.

My fourth and final book of 2010 was “How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy” by Orson Scott Card.

( CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON.COM )

Mr. Card, much like Mr. David constructs this book in a very conversational manner, yet Mr. Card’s book is much more geared towards writing in general and not so much the specified field of Comics & Graphics Novels. I really have enjoyed the progressive method of logic employed by Mr. Card in this book and if you ever dreamed of being successful in writing speculative fiction, there is no way this book can do anything but help you!

Check out the books for yourself, see if it works. But more than anything – KEEP WRITING! That is the only way we improve in our craft.

Thanks for reading.

ANMPH

Follow Up Friday #1

2011-01-07T15:21:00.001-06:00

Follow Up Friday
01.07.2011

Part of my day to day tasks with A.N.A. Comics are the duties associated with being the acting Editor-in-Chief. This includes replying to emails, contacting and establishing business relationships with creators and overseeing all major projects in the pipeline for A.N.A. Comics. Recently things have really picked up and it’s been good to have been able to bring in a gentleman named Eric Lamansky to help cover some of the Editorial duties.

Eric will be overseeing our Web-comics, an area that will see a lot of growth in 2011. Along with the much anticipated second year of “The Precarious Adventures of Newton Von Brisby” we also have a couple more web-comics in production. One of which is my own, which I am only able to finally do because of Eric joining the team.

ROBIN HOOD is scheduled to start sometime around March with preview images building up to the stories start. As always stop back here next Friday for more updates on what is going on with me, A.N.A. Comics, and Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production!.

ANMPH

Nearly New - 01.03.11

2011-01-03T16:03:00.000-06:00

Nearly New
01.03.11

There is nothing quite like starting over, or at least trying to create for yourself a new opportunity at a fresh start. Guess that is what 2011 is going to be for me. Most of my old blog posts have been deleted, and I am going to be moving forward with a clean slate.

Look for the first edition of Follow Up Friday to post January 7th, 2011!

Thanks so much for reading my blog,

ANMPH

HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE press release

2010-12-06T12:22:00.003-06:00

(note: Anthony Hary is featured in this anthology as the artist for the final story in the book, Written by Dustin Archibald, with assists on inks by Nicholas Myers.)

HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE anthology to benefit The Hero Initiative

Ronin Studios' HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE – a 188-page comic book anthology benefiting The Hero Initiative – is available in comic book stores everywhere starting February 21, 2011.

HOPE has 25 short stories and pinups by more than 80 creators from around the world. All have themes focused on heroes and the nature of heroism. The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work.

"Working on HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE is a great experience. There’s a lot of super talent in this book," says HOPE editor Dustin Archibald. "The Hero Initiative is an amazing organization that truly helps people in need. Their efforts of aiding comic creators in need are something any comic reader can get behind."

The pieces in HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE were created by up-and-comers in the comics industry and established professionals including Tom Nguyen (52, Final Crisis), Jake Black (Batman: Brave and Bold, Smallville), Russell Lissau (The Batman Strikes), and Gerry Alanguilan (Ultimate Avengers, Hulk). Ray Anthony Height (The Amazing Spider-Man) drew the cover.The book’s release is part of a fund and awareness raising campaign to benefit comic creators in need with all profits going directly to The Hero Initiative. HOPE shows that the comics community is willing to do its part.

Added Pain Killer Jane creator and Jonah Hex writer Jimmy Palmiotti: " Elegantly told and beautifully rendered, HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE is a must have for any collection. Comics done for the right reason. "

The full color softcover has a cover price of $19.95 and can be ordered from retailers with the Diamond Order Code DEC101038.

More information about HOPE can be found at http://ronin-studios.com. To interview the creators or editors, e-mail hope@ronin-studios.com.

HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE anthology to benefit The Hero Initiative

Ronin Studios' HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE – a 188-page comic book anthology benefiting The Hero Initiative – is available in comic book stores everywhere starting February 21, 2011.

HOPE has 25 short stories and pinups by more than 80 creators from around the world. All have themes focused on heroes and the nature of heroism. The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work.

"Working on HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE is a great experience. There’s a lot of super talent in this book," says HOPE editor Dustin Archibald. "The Hero Initiative is an amazing organization that truly helps people in need. Their efforts of aiding comic creators in need are something any comic reader can get behind."

The pieces in HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE were created by up-and-comers in the comics industry and established professionals including Tom Nguyen (52, Final Crisis), Jake Black (Batman: Brave and Bold, Smallville), Russell Lissau (The Batman Strikes), and Gerry Alanguilan (Ultimate Avengers, Hulk). Ray Anthony Height (The Amazing Spider-Man) drew the cover.
The book’s release is part of a fund and awareness raising campaign to benefit comic creators in need with all profits going directly to The Hero Initiative. HOPE shows that the comics community is willing to do its part.

Added Pain Killer Jane creator and Jonah Hex writer Jimmy Palmiotti: " Elegantly told and beautifully rendered, HOPE: THE HERO INITIATIVE is a must have for any collection. Comics done for the right reason. "

The full color softcover has a cover price of $19.95 and can be ordered from retailers with the Diamond Order Code DEC101038.

More information about HOPE can be found at http://ronin-studios.com. To interview the creators or editors, e-mail hope@ronin-studios.com.

A long winded THANK YOU for those willing to read it

2010-12-03T10:23:00.003-06:00

This time of year is an interesting one for many. There is a wide display of differing beliefs, all on display in an attempt to show a joyful or an appreciative spirit. Much time is devoted towards outward displays of affection through gift giving, family time, the sharing of meals and cards being sent around the world.

For my part I haven’t participated in the holidays for over 10 years. As a child I was raised with all the festivities and holiday events. Yet as I became a man I found myself disenchanted with the insincere compulsion driven and obligatory routines that this time of the year brings to the forefront. The forced expectation of being active in these routines and ceremonial activities left me empty and at a loss. So I stopped being burdened by them.

My Father and Mother, even though they divorced when I was 4, the shared similar teaching elements that they instilled on their own time with me, foremost of which was that I was to be my own man and not some product of my environment but more than what the life I had made available to me. The choices I made needed to be mine and the life I live needs to be sincere, full, happy, kind, honorable, and true. My Mother told me to always make sure I followed through. My Father drilled me with the expectation of being responsible and accountable, responsible so as to handle my affairs correctly, but accountable so that should I make a false step I would be man enough to own up to the consequences. As I moved out to build my life on my own it was these qualities I strove to, working everyday to instill them fully in my life.

The basic elements that most of us appreciate about the holidays are the same. Time with family, friends, the opportunity to share gifts with others whom you care for, these are all things that are in and of themselves good things. It was sad though to me that it was only on holidays that we seemed to allow ourselves these things. It didn’t feel sincere. I became determined to show those whom I loved and cared for that I did so no matter the time of year. If I felt compelled to give a gift, I didn’t wait for a special date to do so, I just did it because I wanted to. Sharing meals with friends became a way of life instead of a festive activity. It also became my desire that those who may care for knew that I did not expect these holiday obligations to be bestowed upon me, but rather that they simply show me their affection on their own terms. Doesn’t it feel better to know someone did something for you out of love rather than a feeling of obligation?

It was an amazing thing to see, how some of my closest friends had to admit it was easier to show love on a schedule than out of a sincere desire to do so. They couldn’t seem to fathom thinking outside the box and adjusting their schedule to do things that are much easier to do if they just stayed within the system. It was okay. I understood, but that isn’t how I live my life.

If I talk to you, it’s because I want to. I am interested in you, who you are, not what you can give me. If I choose to listen to you, be your friend, care for you, it’s not because I want something in return, it’s because I chose to view you as worth the effort and time. If I give you a gift, I don’t want one in return unless you feel sincerely that I deserve it. It’s a view point of self accountability. Self sacrifice for the sake of being a loving, honorable person. I’d rather have you respect me than like me. So I show who I am openly and allow other to choose their stance. This mentality is how I approach all relationships, from my wife to my parents, from my kids to my friends. It’s more important to me that when all is said and done you know that what I did, what I said, was real, and genuine and that you can trust and respect what we shared on whatever level. My life is not based on expectations. I’m 30 years old, most of my friends are my age or older, we’re adults. As an adult we are going to show the types of people we are by what we do. We’ll show the types of friends we are by the choices we make and the actions chosen. I don’t expect certain behavior from the people I love, but I do look at the choices they make and use that as my basis for determining how they must view me. My primary focus however is that I strive to conduct myself in a way that lets them accurately know how I view them.

All that being said this day is as good a day as any to be thankful, to say “Thank you”, which I would like to say. To all who have been my friends & chosen to take the time to put up with my opinionated personality, my challenging demeanor and my sappy emotional self, you have made me who I am today. To my parents, who despite their fluctuating appreciation for each other have always loved me, expected the best from me, and never let me believe I was not capable of my dreams, I love you so much. To those who may be fans of my art, appreciators of my creativity, or just friendly passerby’s at shows, though your support and encouragement I have been able to better know who I am, what I really love in this life and where I want to be in the future, thank you very much for that gift.

When we speak again, any of you, know that the man I present to you is me, with all my flaws, imperfections and quirks and I do that honestly and openly in the hope that you will do the same. That it would allow us a candid, respectful relationship & that you would be able to walk away with no question in your mind that the man you just spoke with was Anthony Hary.

Thank you for reading.

A.N.A. COMICS TO FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

2010-10-15T10:32:00.001-05:00

October 15th, 2010

Many are already aware that A.N.A. Comics is working on producing a special swimsuit pin-up comic book, with profits from the book being donated to Breast Cancer Research. This is an all volunteer process. From the Artists to the Editor, no one is being compensated monetarily for their contributions to this project, which now has a 2011 projected release date.

From working on the A.N.A. Comics Swimsuit Charity book we have become more aware of the statistics around those with cancer. It has been an eye opening experience, and it got us thinking.

It is our pleasure to announce that A.N.A. Comics will donate a percentage of its profits on every project towards Breast Cancer Research going forward!

And we mean EVERYTHING. If you see one of the A.N.A. Comics founders at a Comic Convention or Event & you pick up copies of any A.N.A. Comics book, print, or other merchandise a portion of the profits made form that sale will be donated towards Breast Cancer Research. This can also include purchasing of original art, commissions, and private sales.

To kick it off, Anthony Hary, current Editor in Chief & VP of Brand Management will be at MCBA FallCON ( http://midwestcomicbook.com ) this Saturday, October 16th from 10am to 4pm. He will have original art, prints, calendar posters, books & more for sale, along with doing Con-Sketches and taking commission orders. A portion of all profits from this show will be donated towards Breast Cancer Research.

Please, take a moment to spread the word and support A.N.A. Comics. Support the fight against breast cancer. We can all make a difference!

Make It Happen!!!

- A.N.A. COMICS

ANMPHs Bio

2010-07-27T13:14:00.003-05:00

I was recently asked to write a short bio about me for the C4! Comic Con in Winnipeg Canada, thought I would share it you guys. Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------

My name is Anthony “ANMPH” Hary. I grew up in south Minneapolis, Minnesota and was introduced to the world of comic books formally by my Uncle Keith when I was 11 years old. Already having been doodling and drawing since I was 3years old, he recognized something I was unaware of at the time and kindly shared with me his love for Comic books. From there I was hooked and everything I drew had a comic book flair to it from that point on. In high school I didn’t buy so many new comic books, I was too busy trying to talk to girls and pretend I was cool. Both futile efforts as I came to find out. Through the years I still retained my comic book collection and soon my world was flipped upside down when I heard my favorite artist Jim Lee was drawing my favorite character BATMAN in the now famous HUSH storyline. This event reinvigorated my love for comic books and I began purchasing them again, frequenting the local comic book shops and attended my first comic convention in almost 10 years. At the show I was fortunate enough to form acquaintances with local professional comic book artists and talk with them about how I had recently started producing a digital web comic. I’ll forever be thankful for their advice.

In 2005 things really became more focused for me. I had been producing, in a writer/artist capacity, web based comics for almost 5 years and decided it was time to take it a step further by founding my production company Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production with my wife Kat Hary (who will be at C4 with me). This served as the venue I would begin putting out published collections of my art, and doing freelance work for different clients developing designs, logos, website content, comic book art, private commissions, invitations and more. During this time I also served on the Board of Directors for both Ronin-Studios and Cadre Corner Studios helping with the building of those companies and providing art, design, and editorial support on various independent comic book projects.

In 2009 my company, Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production, joined forces with Floating Island Press, and Supreme Knight Studios to form A.N.A. Comics. The aim was to create a company that would help with production, development and distribution exclusively of our comic book properties. Since its inception in May of 2009 we have released 4 books, and 2 web comics. Also our publications have been used to promote not just A.N.A. Comics brand but Indy comics as a whole. For our year anniversary we released WE’RE INDY: Rise of the Independents – a 80+ page anthology showcasing 11 different Intellectual properties from creators all over the world, many from studios not directly associated with A.N.A. Comics. That was a fantastic project.
The Fall of 2009 was very big for me. The property that started in 2002 as a Digital Web Comic had developed and grown to the point where I was pleased to release BRETHREN: Beginnings. The book was premiered in October 2009 at MCBA FallCON in St.Paul, Minnesota & C4-Central Canadian Comic Con in Winnipeg, Canada. The fans at both shows gave the project HUGE support and I was able to sell out completely of my initial modest print run.

Since that time I have been hard at work, getting the story and art set for the first volume of BRETHREN. I am also the current Editor in Chief for A.N.A. Comics, where we have a huge Swim Suit comic book coming out to benefit the fight against Breast Cancer. We also have a new creator owned title coming out late Summer/early Fall titled – HENCHMAN – created by Daniel Woolley. Very exciting to get things going with him for the property. There are also a couple Digital Comics in the works which we’ll announce later in the year. Very busy.

Currently I am getting things together to be a guest artist at both MCBA FallCON and of course the Central Canadian Comic Con – C4! 2009 was my first time to C4 and I loved that show. Great time and very excited to be welcomed back. With the Star Wars theme for the weekend I plan to bring a limited run of Exclusive C4 Star Wars inspired prints. They will only be available at this year’s C4.

If you want to follow any of the projects I am part of you can visit http://anthonyhary.com and there are links there to both Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production and A.N.A. Comics’ websites along with my personal blog and you tube & Twitter accounts. Give them a visit and see if you can find the secret behind my moniker: ANMPH.

Fridge Photos

2010-07-13T12:20:00.002-05:00

Pencil Page Samples

2010-06-24T16:35:00.005-05:00

These pages are penciled by ANTHONY HARY Owned & © Copyright Carbon Hallway Graphics & Production/AHE 2010-2011 Created by: Kat Hary/Anthony Hary/Richard Evans

ANTHONY HARY anthony@carbonhallway.com 952.452.4495

Ode to my Father

2009-10-13T15:47:00.003-05:00

28 years ago my Father founded the Hary School of Dicipline. You may have seen posts from me that referenced or quoted lessons tought in that school. Its a bit unorthidox, & I am sure not all parents, included some of the other Hary's out there fully agree with how he conducted his school. That is ok. (its not a school just his word for parenting lol)

Why, because he knew I was his son, how stuborn & challenging i would be, & he knew what he wanted to make sure I learned so that he could be proud of me. My wife made the observation once "you dont really knwo anything until you have seen him with his father." - I think she is right. For all the hard times, faults & pain, I love my father, would die for him. He tought me what it means to be loyal, what it means to be confident, & how to be honest even when people dont like what you have to say. I'll be 29 soon, & I just wanted to publically recognise the man who is my Father.

He is the second oldest in a family with six brothers. Being what you could call the runt of the litter my Father only tapped out at 5'6" tall and a whopping 125 on a good day. My Dad was never one to go with the grain. Dropping out of school to join the Army at 17, he said to the rest of the world that he was off to do his thing. After returning home from the service he and my mother were married, and at the age of 24 my fathers life changed forever. In the span of 11 days, my father not only became the first of his brothers to have a son, but also broke his neck in a tragic car accedent that has left him technically paralised from the waist down. Being the defiantly stuborn man that he was, my dad didn't take it lightly that he could be confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life. No rather he fought and soon was walking, though only gaining almost full function of his left leg. His right leg would remain fully paralised from the top of his thigh down. This hit him hard. He was a young man, who loved basketball, and other out door activities. Now he found himself completely helpless to do the things he loved, like running, riding a bike, playing baseball, even swimming was a challenge. On top of all that, he was now a Father. One can only imagine the full level of emotions that he will never voice outloud.

The weight of these emotions become evendent in his choices. Soon alcoholism and drugs pushed a wedge between he and my mother that their love for each other was not enough to overcome. They were devourced when I was just 4 years old.

Years went by, homelife for me was rought with neglect and abuse. My Mothers second marraige was especially distructive and things at times were all to much to try to handle. It was a joy the weekend visitations with my Dad. Not because he entertained me, or spoiled me with things. He did niether. It was a joy because my father never talked down to me. I see now how he really treated me like the man he expected me to be. Both my parents did all they could for me, to the extent it seems they felt was available to them. I would never pit them against each other, one was a mom, the other a father, you can not compair that.

As far as Fathers go, my Dad was definately MY Dad. I say it like that because he fits with me. My Uncles are cool, on either side of the family tree and I have learned and admired a lot from many of them. None compaire to my Father. Even in his failings he never gave up. That is a HUGE lesson I learned from him. Some can focus on the Negitive. I had family members come to me, concerned with my Dad's life style and how he treats himself, but I have always taken my Dad's lead and focused on the man.

This all became evident when I gained the ability to drive. The first thing I did was drive to see my Dad. A trip I would repeat frequently because I was not going to miss out on the chance to finally have the full relationship with my dad that I always wanted. He welcomed it with open arms. We grew closer then ever and he continued to teach me and help me grow as a man. My Dad is a HUGE reason I draw now. When people in the past tried to stop my art he wouldn't let me. I'll never forget the day he showed me the file he had made, full to the brim with little scribbles and drawings I had done. He gave me confidence in my tallent and I grabbed hold of it with both hands. It was also my Father that made it possible to take on the biggest challenge of my life... Marriage.

I think we all kinda feel like our family is crazy from time to time, and I know there is a fair amount of crazy in mine, and it comes from all directions. Yet my Dad has never quit on me. I was not the best behaved son, but I was HIS son and there was nothing in my life I wanted more then for my Father to be proud of me, and I will never forget the day he told me he was. Sitting in Scooters bar in Big Lake, MN. It was a dream come true. I hope he stays proud of me.

He may not be the best Father. He certainly is more of a pain then most would want from their Dad, but he is My Dad. My kind of Dad, and I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. I doubt he'll ever read this. That doesn't matter. If you did, I thank you, and I hope you have a person in your world that is as key to you as my Dad is to me.

Cheers