VIENNA

So what did I do with all my "hard earned cash" from the convention?

I blew it all buying all my friends and some guests dinner (we call large displays of generosity towards each other, "Vince-ing" from Entourage). I also decided to support the local comic scene and buy a frak-load of comic books.

I picked up Witchking by my previous publisher, Phospherescent comics. You should be able to see it on the main page. I'm sure I plugged it last year, but THIS is the link to all three issues of the Watch: Cathexes. Talented superdude (and Australia's sexiest comic book artist) Paul Abstruse did the first issue, Nicola Scott (DC's Birds of Prey) did the second issue and I did the last issue. Uber-colourist Annette Kwok coloured it all. Christian Read wrote the series. If you haven't read it, it's a fun read. Paul and Nicola pulled out some brilliant work. I think it's one of the best Aussie miniseries you will find and it's FREE at their website!

I also grabbed every issue of HELIOS and SMALL GODS that Jason Rand had on him. I'm up to issue 7 right now, and enjoying the hell out of it. SMALL GODS is about a world where psychics are real. The art is beautiful. Jas, gimme something to link to and I will do so.

My last big pick up was the first three issues of VIENNA. Written by Monin Sak from a concept by Jason Chung and drawn by the prolific Vito Leo. Vienna is a four issue full colour, prestige miniseries about a group of teenage juvenile delinquents trapped in a series of caves in the Australian outback. As they bond and begin to work together, one of them is hunting the others in the darkness. Here's my review for them:

"Vienna is a refreshing departure from the genre quagmire of most comic books. It's a passionate story from brave first-timers who deserve a wide audience. It's a thrill watching the creators and the characters grow with every page. I can't wait for the fourth concluding part."

I enjoyed what they did on VIENNA so much that I also drew a pinup for them. For anyone who knows me, time is my most valuable commodity. So to do this is the most generous gift I can give. Not bad for about three hours work. I think I'm getting pretty damn fast.

Oh, and "Hi" to Justin from Vienna. I hope your hang-over wasn't so bad, mate. =)