Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

The weather outside is frightful...

Hi Folks,

Well it’s that time of year once more – my favourite time of year for reflection and looking to new adventures.


Blogs have been a little light again this year.

Hopefully more Blogging in 2013 as I work to complete the pencil artwork ready for digital painting.

2012 has been a strange year, but one which for my family saw a new addition with the birth of my wonderful and beautiful little Granddaughter, Phoebie – our little Princess.

Thanks go out to all my family, friends, fans, colleagues and customers to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Thanks for your continued support – without which there would be no new books etc.

Just a quick note that we will be launching some completely new product ranges in 2013 – watch this space for more news soon.

In the meantime have a wonderful time and if you have to work through the holidays remember to take time to join in the fun when you get a chance.

Oh, yes, and try not to eat and drink too much!

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 25th 2012

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

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

MaltaComicCon4

Malta’s latest Comic Convention - 8th/9th December 2012

Hi Everyone,

Well, today it’s the turn of MaltaComicCon to get a plug!
 
Well, what can I say except it is the best organised and also the best convention I have ever attended with for its atmosphere and sense of fun. This year it takes place over the weekend of Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of December.

It seems incredible that this lovely convention and its organisers and fans have been a part of my life for FOUR years now – where does all the time go? Over that time I have seen it grow in both statue and in what it offers to fans and creators alike.

The convention is run by a small band of incredibly enthusiastic and warm-hearted  individuals who under the guise of Wicked Comics create a convention, which is every bit as much a meeting of like-minded souls (both comic fan and creator alike) as much as it is a professional assembly of all things comic.

The guys have become a big part of my life during this time and my words cannot honestly do their work the justice it truly deserves – all I can say is they have just announced an offer in the last day or so and if you can – you really should take them up on it.

My good buddy, Chris Le Galle posted this onto my FaceBook page on Tuesday afternoon:

Fantastic Offers for Fans Travelling to the Malta Comic Con 2012!

Wicked Comics are proud to announce fantastic package deals (including discounted accommodation rates and discounted convention tickets) for fans who wish to travel to the forthcoming Malta Comic Convention from abroad.

The Single Accommodation Package:

The Single Accommodation Package includes the following:

Accommodation in a 4 star hotel in Bugibba (tourist area) on Bed and Breakfast basis for 3 nights (Friday 7th December, Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December).
2 Day Ticket to the Malta Comic Convention (Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December between 10am - 6pm both days).
Return Transport from the hotel to the convention centre (applicable for both Saturday and Sunday)

This package only costs €102 per person.

Optional additional accommodation dates available at €25 per night per person.

The Shared Accommodation Package:

The Shared Accommodation Package is even cheaper! But this is only applicable for 2 persons travelling together. It includes the following:

Accommodation in a 4 star hotel in Bugibba (tourist area) on Bed and Breakfast basis for 3 nights (Friday 7th December, Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December).
2 Day Ticket to the Malta Comic Convention (Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December between 10am - 6pm both days).
Return Transport from the hotel to the convention centre (applicable for both Saturday and Sunday)

This package only costs €87 per person.

Optional additional accommodation dates available at €20 per night per person.

Ticket holders are granted access to all convention areas and for everything happening during the Malta Comic Convention. Additional minor charges only apply for console and cosplay competitions.

Anyone interested in any of these packages is kindly requested to email us on travelling@maltacomic-con.com quoting the package of interest and indicating any extra nights might be applicable.

And if you're thinking of coming to our convention why don't you also pop over to another great convention happening just a week before ours in Madrid? The Expocomic will be held between Thursday 29th November and Sunday 2nd December 2012. More info at: http://www.expocomic.com

The Malta Comic Con 2012
Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December
St. James Cavalier (all floors), Valletta
Between 10pm to 6pm - both days.

The Malta Comic Con - What's all the Buzz about?

The Malta Comic Con (MCC) is a 2 day event which celebrates comic creators, comic books, books, movies, TV series, table top games, video games, role playing games, cosplaying and virtually anything that is related to the comic culture. The MCC is both entertaining and educational and on both days there will be material specifically intended for children and material specifically intended for a mature audience. However, particular focus is always given towards providing a platform for creators to meet their fans. This year MCC 2012 will be hosting the biggest number of professional creators yet. The names will be communicated shortly but one thing we will promise is that there is going to be some really BIG names this year.

- Big Guests - Short or no queues!
- Local and Foreign Exhibitors!
- Signings, Sketches, Original artwork and more!
- Workshops, Talks, Discussion Panels and more!
- Exhibitions - Emma Rios Artwork and Corto Maltese!
- Movies and animations showing continuously on both days!
- Console Gaming, LAN Gaming, Table Top Gaming & Role Playing Games!
- Cosplay!
- Competitions!
- Collectables!
- Retail Stands!

Detailed information about all things Malta Comic Con will be uploaded on our website shortly!

So there you have it, guys – straight from the organisers themselves.

It really is an incredible event, but don’t just take my word, ask any of the previous convention guests and they will say the same.

This year’s Guest list stands like this:

Calssara
Chris Thompson
Declan Shalvey
Dez Skinn
Emma Rios
Jimmy Broxton
Jordie Bellaire
Mike Carey
Sean Azzopardi
Sonia Leong

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 hoping that my deadlines on 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 will allow me to venture along again this year.

Stay tuned I’ll let you know how things move along.

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
September 26th 2012

Website and Promotion

Club Vamporama and a great offer to boot

Hi Everyone,

Today I have decided to plug the work of Liz Black and also writer, designer, cartoonist, Chrissie Harper.

First off is Liz Black's new Project - Vamporama Productions, an independent film company, seeking start-up support for a production Website and the filming of two five-minute promotional videos.

Liz and her gang have put a lot of time and effort into this project already and the start-up Flexible Funding campaign over on the Indiegogo Inc. Crowdfunding website needs as much support, both financially and via word of mouth  on all the Internet networking sites as possible. So if you can please lend a very hard working set of folks your support.

Second up is Chrissie Harper's Website building offer, which she has recently spoken to me of. For a short time only she is going to make herself available to create some lucky folks (at least those who take up the offer anyhow) a great looking website.
Examples of some of the websites she has created for such notables as Des Skinn and Bryan Talbot’s wife, Mary can be found here on Chez Chrissie, Chrissie’s own Portfolio Website.

Now, folks are always asking me about websites and so here is an opportunity for a short time only to take up this incredible offer.

The Offer (available for a short time only) looks like this:
  • Sites can be run on Wordpress completely if the client wants, or just as a client-updated blog.
  • A basic website (five pages or so) for £100 - remember this is for a limited time ONLY!
  • No domain and hosting are available as yet, but this can be arranged for an extra £30.
  • The cost for more complex sites is £150.
  • For a VERY complex site the cost of creating one is as always negotiable.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!!

Please do check out both Liz's Vamporama Project and Chrissie’s Portfolio of Website Designs – You’ll be glad I mentioned them to you when you do.

Until next time, have fun!

Tim Perkins…
September 25th 2012