Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Deadlines, Conventions and Stocking Fillers

Or my NEW book, Malta and a Seasonal Offer

Hi Folks, well, with Christmas just around the corner, my deadline for finishing the brand new Worlds End Colouring & Storybook met and Malta’s yearly comic convention imminent I thought it would be a good time for a quick tri-promotional Blog before I find myself jetting to warmer climes.

 Okay first up, the new book is finished and, although it was a mad rush to get things done in time, I managed to complete the artwork and the design of the new book in time for a world exclusive Pre-Christmas launch once again at MaltaComicCon 2012 in a few short days time.

This has been a chance to draw some new scenes from the world of Gaeyrth on which the saga takes place. The artwork is purposely very open as it is a colouring book as well as containing some Worlds End back-story too. It contains some great action scenes and some more tranquil moments and includes all of your favourite characters, both hero and villain.

We have received some really nice complimentary comments and emails via our Worlds End and Wizards Keep FaceBook pages since we began to show some of the artwork a few weeks ago.

The new Colouring & Storybook will be available for sale on the website from Wednesday 5th December.

In the meantime for everyone that orders a graphic novel before Christmas, on the evening of Christmas Eve, even if you have missed the last Pre-Christmas post, we will include one of the new 40 page books, as a special seasonal stocking filler.

Here is a little teaser cover-art from the book:

 

The book has been produced to fill in the gap between the first two graphic novels in the "Science Fusion" series, Worlds End – Volume 1 – The Riders on the Storm and Worlds End – Volume 2 – A Hard Reign’s Gonna Fall.

In this book I am joined by three – yes three – guest artists. Dave Windett, Paul Eldridge and Lauren Hanratty.

You may remember that back in January 2009 we announced a new Worlds End project, which would launch after the publication of the first graphic novel. Three pages were left open for three lucky winners to fill in the book. It was just a fun thing and the competition was open to four categories – Professional, Semi Professional and Amateur. Dave won the Pro category, Paul won the Semi-Pro and Lauren won the Amateur category.

The Competition required the guys to draw a black and white line drawing of one, or more, of the Worlds End Characters. Well they did just that and after sifting carefully through hundreds of entries we decided on our winners.

So, please make sure you get your orders for the graphic novel in before Christmas day to receive your FREE Colouring and Storybook or if you prefer to order just the colouring book itself I am sure we will throw in some extra goodies for those fans/customers too, but as to what those may be - well, that will be Santa’s secret for now.
Well, Thursday will see me heading out from old Blighty, as a guest once more, for the sun-drenched island of Malta, home to some of the most enthusiastic comics fans and creators I have ever met, as well as some of the nicest folks ever to grace our wonderful planet.

This year’s convention has a great line up of guests and includes some big guns from the world of comics – a full list of which you will find in my earlier Blog here.

You can bet your bottom dollar I will be posting my thoughts and a great plethora of photos as soon as I get chance when I get back to the UK.

Excited, even though this is my fourth trip out there?

You bet I am, because having been to all of the conventions held there this time I know what is to come there. I will also get to share more moments with my Maltese mates, fans, and a lovely warm culture that will leave indelible memories in my heart once again.

If you have been thinking of going and need a little nudge as to whether or not to attend – do yourselves a favour and order your flight now! You won’t be disappointed.

If any of you reading this are going to be at the convention and would like to buy something in particular, please get in touch ASAP before I fly on Thursday to ensure I pack your goodies in the cases. That way you will make sure yours is included and won’t miss out.

I’ll just add here I can’t wait to see you all once again.

And now…

“What, there’s more?” I hear you say. Yes, a little teaser for you all. We are launching a NEW competition.

The Worlds End Search For A Superstar!

Okay, it’s just that time of year for us here at the Keep, so we’ll spill the beans already.

The competition is Free to enter and is open to everyone and the prize will go to someone very special indeed. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on a special comic book project for real? Well, now’s your chance to find out.

So what do you need to do?

You are going to be invited to colour a page from the Worlds End Colouring & Storybook!!!

If you work traditionally with “real” paints, inks or coloured pencil crayons then you will need to create your masterpiece, scan your finished artwork and then send it off.

Please DO NOT send off original artwork – we cannot accept responsibility for any potential damage or loss.

If you work digitally you can scan the page from the book you intend to digitally colour and then work on the computer to colour it.

After which you need to email it to one of our email addresses.



OR you can opt to send full colour photocopies, or prints of your work via snail-mail to our studio address at:

Wizards Keep Publishing – 11 Walton Crescent – Whinney Heights – Blackburn – Lancashire – BB2 3TQ – United Kingdom

Now here is the prize – the winner will get the chance to work with us here at the Keep on a new Worlds End project as the colourist.

Yes, it’s a paid Gig and a chance to work alongside us here at the studio. Now, don’t worry you don’t need to leave home to come along here it can all be done virtually from your own homes. But the work needs to be of a professional standard and it is even better if you can do this digitally.

So there you have it in a nutshell.

The winner will be the colourist on the next Worlds End Project that we will announce following the prize draw!!!

Check back here soon for ALL the details and Good Luck when you enter.

Here is a copy of the Competition Flyer for you to pin on your notice boards...


In the meantime – I have some books and clothes to pack and a flight to catch soon, so as always…

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 5th 2012

Thursday, November 15, 2012

10 Questions: Wizards Keep Publisher Tim Perkins

Interview on DownTheTubes

Hi Everyone,

The other day I was fortunate to have John Freeman ask to interview me for his wonderful website, DownTheTubes regarding all things comics, movies and everything in between.
The questions were all concerned with my Worlds End Projects.
You can read the interview here:


Next time I will be plugging my upcoming convention appearance once again at MaltaComicCon4 and following this some news on Worlds End and some new art from the books.

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
November 15th 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Sketches Part 3

The third of three sketches for Halloween week

Hi Everyone,

Well, I hope you are all set for this evening’s partying.

Here is the last of this week’s quick Halloween sketches with this one, again in biro, of favourite Halloween performer, ALICE COOPER. Alice and his music have always had a special place in my life. For me he is the ultimate “real-life” Halloween character performing in this vein all year around. In Alice’s world everyday is Halloween.


If I was to produce a comic version of Alice – this would be my version of him.

So, if you are seeing this Alice and you decide you would like to produce a new comic – hopefully you know where to come – yes what better company than here at Wizards Keep.

I look forward to hearing what you think of this quick little sketch.

In the meantime, if you are out this evening “Trick or Treating,” please ensure you all keep safe and watch out for all those...

“Ghosties and Ghoulies and Things that go Bump in the Night...”

For me, I’m off to sort this evening’s viewings – Scooby Do cartoons, followed by Alice Cooper in Concert and then perhaps the thousandth viewing of The Fog, or perhaps Halloween, or Salem’s Lot – or then again perhaps all the above and more...

BOO!!!

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
October 31st 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Halloween Sketches Part 2


The second of three sketches for Halloween week

Hi Everyone,

Well I hope you are all well on with your plans for your Halloween parties and that you have your pumpkins at the ready to carve for tomorrow evening’s exploits. Here we have our treats ready for any “Trick or Treaters.”

As with the theme this week here is another Halloween sketch. Today’s rendition is this one, again in biro, of a Witch.


I look forward to hearing what you think of this quick little sketch.

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
October 30th 2012

Monday, October 29, 2012

Halloween Sketches Part 1


The first of three sketches for Halloween week

Hi Everyone,

As many of you already know Halloween is a special time of year for me. I love all the pumpkins, dressing up and Scary films on TV – I always have. I am so happy that my daughter, Joanne and her husband, Toby are following on the tradition in their home too.

The year usually runs like this for me, Halloween and a few days later Bonfire Night. This is a great lead up to December and the run up to Christmas and the New Year and then I start looking forward to the coming longer days... or at least I hope the ones in 2013 are indeed longer and sunny next year.

So with that in mind I thought instead of my usual sketch for Halloween, as it’s a short Halloween week this year, I would publish a sketch over the next three days, beginning with this one in biro of Frankenstein’s Monster.


I look forward to hearing what you think of this quick little sketch.

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
October 29th 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Phoebie’s Magikal Castle

My Granddaughter’s new bedroom mural

Hi Everyone,

I have been meaning to post this for a while now, but aside from posting some photos on my FaceBook page hadn’t managed to get around to doing so here. A few weeks ago I finished painting a mural on my Granddaughter Phoebie’s bedroom wall.

As I have said before I am now a proud Granddad and as such – when asked to create a mural for what was to become Phoebie’s bedroom by my daughter, Joanne and her husband Toby – decided to try to create something a little special for our special little girl.

The plan is to eventually post a big series of day by day photos of the creating of the mural from start to finish – which in real terms took a few weeks to complete.

Here in the meantime is a photo of some of the finished article to whet your appetites.


Once I get a little straighter with the Worlds End schedules I will begin publishing the stage-by-stage photos of the creation of the mural.

I look forward to hearing what you guys think.

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
October 23rd 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012

MaltaComicCon4

Update on Malta’s Comic Convention 2012
Hi Everyone,
 
I thought I would make it official that I will be attending MaltaComicCon for the fourth time in as many years, so like Sean Azzopardi I have been lucky enough to be invited along to all the Maltese Comic Conventions since 2009.

The convention has now become a main event in my diary – to which I look forward to every year. I feel extremely honoured to have been asked back each year and I cannot wait to catch up with my Maltese Friends and Fans once more.

This year will also give me the opportunity to catch up with fellow comics creators that I know already and some other guests whom I have never met before. This is the beauty of this kind of event.

As always I will be running the Children’s Comic & Fantasy Art Workshops on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, between 11:00am and 12:00pm. This is a really great way for me to start the convention as each year the children that attend, along with their parents a lot of the time, are always incredibly keen to learn how to draw comics and fantasy characters. The workshops are always extremely well attended and sometimes over-subscribed, which is always a good thing. From what the guys are telling me at the moment this is the same for December’s workshops.

I will be sketching and signing books, etc throughout the weekend, so please feel free to drop by my table and say hello – I don’t bite, honest.

Please check out my previous Blog (if you haven’t already) for information on the Fantastic Offers for Fans Travelling to the Malta Comic Con 2012!

AND NOW SOME INFORMATION FOR YOUR DIARIES:
Dates: Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December
Venue: St. James Cavalier (all floors), Valletta
Times: Between 10pm to 6pm - both days

This year’s Guest list currently looks like this:

  • Ben Templesmith
  • Calssara
  • Cameron Stewart
  • Chie Kutsuwada
  • Chris Thompson
  • Dave Gibbons
  • David Gianfelice
  • Declan Shalvey
  • Dez Skinn
  • Emma Rios
  • Glenn Fabry
  • Herb Trimpe
  • Inko
  • James Hodgkins
  • Jimmy Broxton
  • Jordie Bellaire
  • Mike Carey
  • Richard Clements
  • Sean Azzopardi
  • Sonia Leong
  • Tim Perkins 

An incredible line-up as you can see, well apart from the last guy on the list... I’m not too sure about him... LOL.


As I mentioned in my previous Blog, if you are new to my Blog and want to read more about the conventions, please feel free to check out my Blog Archives for November 2009, October 2010, and February, March and April 2012. You’ll need to make a brew before hand as they are quite comprehensive and maybe even some sandwiches to boot.

 
I am going to be taking along some pages from Worlds End – Volume 2 – A Hard Reign’s Gonna Fall, as well as the Worlds End Colouring and Storybook Book plus a few other projects in the pipeline this year. I am also trying to take along a few surprises as well. In fact, because the second book is in these early stages it feels a lot like my first visit way back in 2009 when that was the stage volume 1 was at. I am excited to hear what the Maltese folks think about my new book. You will also get an exclusive chance to view a piece of full colour art from Volume 2 as the artwork will be part of a MaltaComicCon Calendar.       

Anyhow, I have lots to do before then, so I’ll just simply say how much I look forward to meeting up with everyone at the convention – see you all soon.

Until next time, have fun!
         
Tim Perkins…
October 18th 2012