Brave, Fearless, and Courageous Bun Toons! YAY!

You feel lucky, Rabbit? Go ahead and make my day.

There’s little you need to know that isn’t in the comic this week…except you should understand that EVERY word in this is verbatim true.

(click on the toon to make it bigger if it’s hard to read.)

Ty the Guy OUT!

PS:  If you want to check out the school, the website is found HERE, but there will be no promises of SWAT teams in the future.

 

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today is my youngest son’s fifteenth birthday, so your BONUS moments involve the lad.  He was ten when I wrote this:

this was one of the FIRST Bun Toons I did, back when the internet was in black and white.

It’s hard to tell, but Sean is the one in the lavender shirt.  He was thirteen when I wrote this one.  Happy Birthday Boy!

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for last week’s Bun Toon, click here.

for the archives, click here

There’s No Place Like Holmes (part 2)

We’re back with part two of our annual festival of comic goodness we call HOLMES INCORPORATED.   Today’s cover is brought to you by the letters “Daniel” and “Wong”, who turned in an action packed image that gives our family something to do on a slow Tuesday.  YIKES!

Yesterday we sneak peaked you into the first of TWO all new volumes for this summer, showing off FIVE (5) amazing new tales of the Holmes family in all their generations. Today, we bring you the second (2nd) of TWO (2) issues this year, with yet ANOTHER five fantastic features, and it’s also, officially, a doozy!

If you need to read the other slam-packed issues of Holmes Inc. , they’re all up online for FREE here!

Onwards to the new stuff!  WOO HOO!

Starting off the issue with a bang (literally) we have newcomer Dave Franciosa showing off his splash page skills over a roller coaster ride of a script by Sam Noir.  Blow out the hero’s knee with a gun blast from a mysterious monster at the door, and set the scales at life or death…. THAT’S how  you start a story!  I’ll bet you want to read more, right?

There’s that Franciosa fellow again, doing layouts this time, with Jason Roussel and Matthew Tavares finishing the pencils, and Christopher Yao inking, over top of character and prop designs from Rachael Wells.   This issue features a couple of jam stories by the whole Holmes Inc. Bullpen  (we were over-abundant with eager writers to the tune of two) and had to create art-teams to give life to a couple of our instant classic scripts.

Well, when James Cooper wrote a tale that absolutely everyone in the group wanted to work on, that’s what happened.  And it turns out that there’s some advantage in splitting up the layout/pencils and inks because the pages look better than the sum of their parts.  Who knew?

First time contributor Taran Chadha didn’t work on the jam story because he was busy showing off his multi-level skills on a story he wrote, drew and grey toned all by his own self.  And WOW is the only word we can use.    Only the really good ones make it look so easy.

With an utterly charming script from Holmes Inc. super-veteran Mike Marano (who doubled as assistant editor for this star turn…ye editor is SO proud), we see our next jam story.  This time laid out by the inimitable Rachael Wells and, penciled and inked by the whole gang (including some special guest stars from previous issues!) this story introduces us to another of Mike’s fantastic guest star characters!  Is she a new love interest for Edgar Holmes….or will she DESTROY HIM?!?

Ye editor pitched in with an art job of his own this year, with a story by second time Holmes Inc. author, Oliver Ho, that I had to get my hands on.  It’s spooky meets science-y, wrapped up in a mystery, and I got to draw Chinese Water Dragons, so everybody wins.

If you’re in Toronto, come on down to the FanExpo convention, meet the creators, and pick up your own copy (while supplies last, I suspect we might sell out of these mini-masterpieces).

ALSO:  Come on down to the FanExpo to hear me give out FREE lectures on creating comics for fun and profit.  Today’s lecture (which is, I think going on in the early afternoon 6:45pm Room 705) is called “How to Write a Plot in Under an Hour!”  There’s room for lots of people, so bring a friend!

Ty the Guy OUT!

For your Bonus Moment?  A map of Hall E

Fan Expo Canada: LAST DAY!!

Today is officially the last day of Fan Expo Canada 2012. Hard to believe it’s gone by so quickly–although it’s a bit of a blur at this point. So many days and so many people!

I’ll have Sketchbooks, Bigg Times, copies of Bill the Boy Wonder:  The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, original art and pages from Bun Toons; all for sale. I’m doing sketches, and I’ll sign your comics!

Stop by my table in Artists Alley, P30A and say hi! And don’t forget to get a copy of HOLMES INCORPORATED #3 while you’re at the con. If you don’t see them at my table, head to Booth 614, or Rachael Well’s booth A165.

And don’t forget–if you’re interested in taking any of my classes at COMIC BOOK BOOTCAMP, you can ask me or Keiren Smith about them, at P30A/B. Come by and pick up a flyer.

Ty the Guy OUT!!

Holmes Incorporated Countdown Continues! Tuesday Edition!

MORE Holmes Inc. goodness! How will you survive all this explosively skilled and impressive work? By heading to FanExpo Canada 2012 this weekend to buy your VERY OWN copy of the book, of course!

It will look like this…you should have no trouble finding it at the FanExpo convention this weekend in Toronto!

Up first today, pages from Analysis Paralysis, a story from first-time participants Savannah MacIntosh and Tuhin Giri, who turned in a story like a pair of old pros.   Savannah wrote this delightful story – illustrated even more delightfully by Tuhin – which sees Edgar having to rescue his sister and cousin from evil-doers.

story by Savannah MacIntosh, art by Tuhin Giri

 James Cooper is back with a one-pager, Special Guest, with art by Jeff Longstreet!

written by James Cooper, illustrated by Jeff Longstreet

Next up in our excursion through artland is returning champion artist Rachael Wells (a participant in all three Holmes Inc. issues), and a new writer, Sam Noir. I inked Rachael on her last story, and it inspired her to take my Inking for Comics course–with some pretty wonderful results, as she inks her own pages this time out. Sam Noir is a first-time participant with Artie is Dead, but his story left an impression on everyone who read it.  There’s a hidden surprise or two AFTER this tragic opening that you’ll NEVER see coming.

story by Sam Noir, art by Rachael Wells

The next haunting tale of Holmsian Love and Mystery was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had working on this project for the last three years.  The story went through a draft or two before we got to this fabulous version in the end, and Kevin “Silkcuts” Gorospe gets my vote of the most tenacious writer we’ve ever had.  His artist Raymond Jin is another first-time participant who turned in a wonderful art job with more effort and attention to detail than anyone else, and was FINISHED FIRST, which every editor loves.  When you read the full story, you’ll fall in love with one of our cast, just like Trey did…

Take a bow, guys.

story by Kevin “Silkcuts” Gorospe, art by Raymond Jin

Holmes Incorporated #3 will be available for sale at Fan Expo this weekend, in Booth 614, at Rachael Well’s booth A165, and at the Templeton-Smiths tables in Artists Alley, P30A and P30B. Stop by and pick up your copy!!

Ty the Guy OUT!!

Here now, your BONUS Holmes Comic Book Moment:

This comic is actually the FIRST time I ever read a Sherlock Holmes story.  It came out when I was about nine or ten, and started me down a lifelong path of loving the great detective.  Walt Simonson cover, and E.R. Cruz artwork on the inside, if I recall (or one of the Redondo Brothers).

See, Mom?  Comics can learn ya stuff.

Because I’m not nearly busy enough…

I thought, “Hey, why don’t I open a school of my own and start teaching there?”

I’ve been teaching for many years now–but it’s always been in someone else’s school, and it’s been as much a learning experience for me as the students. Now, I know what I want out of my classes, what I want for my students, and I know where we’re going to be storing the crayons, darn it –and that’s what I’m doing with Ty Templeton’s Comic Book BOOTCAMP!!

And So You Shall!

And I’m opening it in the most welcoming location in the city of Toronto.  A collective space called the Comic Book Embassy, located at 392 Spadina Avenue (Second Floor) in Toronto (Chinatown and on the edge of Kensington Market! Two great neighbourhoods!). I will be sharing the address with several freelance creators; the school will be in the front room overlooking Spadina. It’s an amazing location–two streets south of  College on Spadina. The Spadina streetcar has a stop almost directly in front of us. Easy access by TTC, and for those of you who drive, there is a large (and cheap!!) parking garage on the first street south of us (on Baldwin Avenue). AND…we’re only minutes away from The Comic Book Lounge & Gallery, which will make those Wednesday afternoon treks for our new books easy peasy lemon squeezy. I’ve been told it’s only a ten minute bike ride for those bizarrely intent on remaining healthy.  Not a bad walk, either, says my wife who has done it many times. (and remember that Guerilla Printing is in the same space as The Lounge, for those of you who need comic books or prints done after you’ve finished taking one of the classes!)

Learn stuff, like how to do THIS.

I’m still figuring out tables and chairs –but I already know what classes I’ll be teaching in September. For a new school, I figure it’s best to start at the beginning with the  basics, some writin’ and some drawin’.

This is called “branding” when I push it in your face like this…

Head over to the site for my new school, Ty Templeton’s COMIC BOOK BOOTCAMP and read all about ’em there!

(www.comicbookbootcamp.com)

And don’t worry, there’ll be a schoolwarming party as soon as we get the expensive stuff nailed down.  I’ll keep you posted.

Ty the Guy.  Teaching Canadians to cartoon, one day at a time!

Here now, your BONUS Boot Camp Comic Book Moment:

This was the logo designed by former Bootcamper Jason Laudadio, many moons ago, when this meshuga first started up.

www.comicbookbootcamp.com

 

Comic Book Bootcamp–A look at some of the ‘graduates’

It’s time to register for the next session of classes at TCW!   Writing for Comics Level Two is only available for students who have finished Level One. New and returning students can enroll in Ty’s Comic Book Bootcamp Part One!! Yayyy!

When Ty created Comic Book Bootcamp, it was  such a popular class that the first group of students begged him to continue–and he created Part Two.  After a student finishes Part One and Two, as Ty tells them, they’re able to take all the skills he’s taught them,  go off and create on their own.

Holmes Incorporated by Christopher Yao

Ty is helped in this belief by a lot of evidence…over the years, many local Toronto creators have taken his Bootcamps. They came in with varying abilities and backgrounds but with an enthusiasm for learning, and a drive to practice practice practice until their skills got to where they could look for professional work, or start creating on their own.

Eden Bachelder was one of Ty’s first students. She’s an artist who works in oil and acrylic paints, leather and many other mediums.  After taking Ty’s Bootcamps  she participated in  Bootcamp Comics (writing and pencilling The Three Kinds of Sex), and  Holmes Incorporated #1, (pencilling Nightclubbing with writer Kathleen Gallagher).

Holmes Inc. #1 Nightclubbing pg 7, by Eden Bachelder

Eden does other freelance work (she illustrated a government colouring book I lettered for her!).  Here’s a sample of Eden’s cartooning work (this one is called Citizen Chauvelin Adjusts Himself“).

Eden Bachelder

Christopher Yao is at work on his creator-owned comic Fauntkin. He has participated in both Holmes Incorporated comic books,

Holmes Inc. #1, Welcome to Holmes Incorporated, art by Christopher Yao, story by Greg Dunford, letters by Keiren Smith

and recently, drew The Adventures of Y Guy, a mini-comic that Toronto Cartoonists Workshop produced in-house for the YMCA of Greater Toronto (which is currently being reprinted).

The Adventures of Y Guy, pg 3, art by Christopher Yao, script by Kathleen Gallagher, colours/letters by Keiren Smith

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The Adventures of Y Guy is the first paid comics work of another former Bootcamper—Kathleen Gallagher. Kathleen wrote stories in each of the Holmes Incorporated issues (Night Clubbing with Eden Bachelder on art, for #1, and Eight Seconds to Mayhem for #2 with Danny Setna on art).

Adam Gorham was an artist on Holmes Incorporated #1 after taking classes with Ty (The Fingerless Prince with writer Heather Emme).

Holmes Inc. #1, The Fingerless Prince pg. 3, art by Adam Gorham, script by Heather Emme, letters by Keiren Smith

Adam’s first work was The Vampire Conspiracy and he is currently working on Teuton, an ongoing comic series he co-created with  Fred Kennedy.

Teuton, Vol. 2 Trolls attack, art by Adam Gorham

Daniel Wong took Ty’s Bootcamp a couple years ago and signed up for Fit to Print’s Holmes Incorporated when he was finished. His story, The Family Name was chosen as the first story for the issue. Pages like this were the reason why:

Holmes Inc. #2, The Family Name by Daniel Wong, script by James Cooper

Daniel is busy working as a freelance illustrator, recently finishing a commissioned story written by his Holmes Inc. collaborator, James Cooper (who is continuing to write comics, write and direct short films and writes Bagged and Bored for Tdot Comics). That work isn’t published yet–but I’m sneaking in a page here.

Old Haunts pg 4, art by Daniel Wong, script by James Cooper

One of the hardest working students to ever grace a Bootcamp has to be the one, the only Gibson Quarter! When other students were asking how to find their first work, Gibson was busy networking and finding his own here and abroad. He’s worked with Alan Grant for his Wasted Magazine, pencilling Grant’s War on Drugs. (Grant started Wasted Magazine through his company Bad Press; sadly, it’s now defunct).

Wasted, California pg 5, pencils by Gibson Quarter, script by Alan Grant

Gibson was one of the first students to take a Bootcamp course, and one of the very few who got to take all three versions. Having finished Parts 1 and 2, he was able to join in on the fun with Holmes Incorporated. He pencilled Flight Plan (for writer Robert Pincombe) for Issue 1, and Polarized for Issue 2 (written by Sam Ruano).

Holmes Inc. #2, Polarized, art by Gibson Quarter, script by Kathleen Gallagher

Gibson is a workhorse, so I couldn’t possibly list everything he’s done.  He’s worked for FutureQuake Magazine, producing both a cover and interior work for Issue 15. He pencilled The Gutters with Ryan Sohmer, drawing #244. He’s in the current issue of Undertow #2 from 7th Wave (which is on the stands NOW. Review HERE. You can buy a copy from The Comic Book Lounge & Gallery, the comic store sharing space with…Toronto Cartoonists Workshop!). Gibson’s currently finishing up the pencils and inks on a story for Heroes of the North–to find out what’s next for him make sure you check out his art blog.

Deadpool Breaking Bad, pencils by Gibson Quarter, inks by Guillermo Ortego, colours by Keiren Smith

You’ll notice that all those mentioned have participated in one or both issues of Fit to Print’s:  Holmes Incorporated. The next Fit to Print will be starting up soon (looking at end of April/beginning of May?); in order to participate students have to completed at least Comic Book Bootcamp Part One.

Holmes Inc. art by Gibson Quarter, colours by Keiren Smith

This is just a quick list of some of the creators who’ve taken Ty’s classes–just think, next time I write this list up…YOU could be on it.

Keiren

NEW YEAR, NEW CLASSES!!

It’s January, and we’re counting down the days until Ty starts teaching his next set of classes at Toronto Cartoonists Workshop.

Before he does though, the one and only Leonard Kirk is teaching a SNEAK PEEK WORKSHOP on DYNAMIC PAGE COMPOSITION. That class will be THIS Saturday, January 7, 1-4pm. Click through to book a spot; it’s $25/+HST.

Next Wednesday, January 11, it’s Ty’s turn for a SNEAK PEEK WORKSHOP, FIGURE DRAWING FOR THE COMIC BOOK ARTIST. This will be a three-hour look at what is a brand spankin’ new class. There will be a live model and instruction from Ty.  The class runs 7-10pm. Click through to book a spot; $25/+HST.

Classes “officially” begin the week of January 16. First up will beWRITING FOR COMICS, LEVEL ONE. Immediately following this session, Ty will be teaching a brand new course which will be WRITING FOR COMICS, LEVEL TWO. Level One starts Monday January 16, 7-10pm. Click through to book a spot. If you’re interested in Level Two, but it’s been a while since you’ve taken Level One, talk to Sean Menard, TCW director–he’s offering an AMAZING DEAL wherein you can get a 50% discount off of the first course.

On Tuesdays, beginning January 17, 7-10pm, Ty will be teaching INKING FOR COMICS. This is a brand new course; previous versions involved four different inkers teaching their methods and ideas. This course will be taught solely by Ty, and will involve lots of in-class work so that you can get immediate feedback on your techniques. Click through to book a spot.

Starting on Wednesdays, the following week, Ty will be teaching the full version of FIGURE DRAWING FOR THE COMIC BOOK ARTIST. This class will involve a different live model each week, with ongoing instruction from Ty.

Check out the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop website for all details and for all the other courses available. There’s also a course about watercolour painting, Life Drawing with Geordie Miller, and–yayyy!! Dave Ross will be teaching a class on Designing Environments and Props for the Comic Book Artist.

Learn how to do this from artist Dave Ross

Keiren

A New Year, New Classes!

Yes, it’s that time again…time to tell you the glories of the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop, and all it’s classes.

TCW has expanded it’s selection of children’s art classes, and there are now classes available after school, and on Saturday and Sunday. Kids’ workshops will run for nine weeks. Classes for adults run in the afternoon, late afternoon, and early evening, and will run for seven weeks.

Ty will be teaching Writing for Comics, on Monday evenings (January 10-February 21) and  Professional Layout and Storytelling for Comic Books and Graphic Novels on Tuesday evenings. Comic Book Inking:  4 Perspectives will run on Wednesday evenings, and I believe Ty will be teaching the first two classes (check with Sean Menard).

To the best of my knowledge, there are still spaces available in all TCW classes (all you savvy Christmas shoppers, saving their bucks and waiting to see what’s left after the holidays!), but they go fast this last week, so contact Sean Menard NOW! NOW! NOW! at Toronto Cartoonists Workshop and get in the class of your choice.

Ty is not the only instructor at TCW (hence that whole “4 Perspectives” idea behind the inking course!). Others, this semester, are:

the inimitable Leonard Kirk—Cover Design and Layout, co-taught with…

Kalman Androsofszky

Scott Caple—Basic and Fundamental Drawing

Eric Kim—Manga Dojo Level I

Joseph O’Brien–Screenwriter’s Workshop:  Basic Training (Joe is fitting this class in before he goes off to watch filming of his latest screenplay, announced last year at Cannes, and produced by Guillermo del Toro. So–yes, Joe knows of what he teaches)

J. Bone–1/4th the Perspective for Comic Book Inking

Sam Agro–another 1/4th for Comic Book Inking

Craig Yeung–making a full 4 Perspectives for Comic Book Inking.

Kids’ Workshops will be taught by

Eden Bachelder—Acrylic Painting

Ruzya Karpinec—Cartooning for Kids, Flipbook Animation

Walter Dickinson (the man who founded TCW)–Drawing Rodeo

Dave Lapp–Cartooning and Illustration for Kids

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Keiren