Pics from Comikaze and Bent-Con

I have uploaded the FULL gallery of pics from Comikaze and Bent-Con on my Facebook Fanpage.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.577146749007035.1073741830.256574227730957&type=3

Enjoy ^_^
-Jezza

TRANSITIONING

Hi Everybody!!!

Only 1 more sleep to Bent-Con 2013!!!
I'm just so freakin excited!!!

Bent-Con is so much more than a convention for me. It's almost a family reunion. It's the one time of year that I get to catch up with so many of the artist that I admire and now call friend. I get to meet fans and hear their direct feedback. I always leave with new friends, fans, and motivation. I learn a lot and more importantly - I have A LOT of fun!

This year is extra special because my very own comic is finally making it's debut!
I won't bore anyone with the struggles of getting to this point because if you've been following my blog for a while you'll have somewhat of an idea already, but despite how frustrating or depressing any of those struggles were, I'm grateful for them.
It's here and the joy taste all the sweeter because of all those struggles. 

Allow me to share some of the lessons I've learned getting to this point...

My experience with being part of the Bent-Con Team, has revealed to me just how many amazing artist out there will allow themselves to be deterred by any obstacle. 
We are our own worst enemies as artist, writers, - Creatives. 
We're our own worst critics, we're harder on ourselves than anyone else, and as a result we doubt ourselves way too often. When these feelings are combined with circumstances that we have no control over, it's overwhelming. So overwhelming - that giving up will seem like the right thing to do. I've been disappointed with just how many amazing creatives I've seen who do just that. 

The last 2 years have not been easy at all for me. I was pretty much past the place of self doubt and over criticizing. Those things had become ambient noise that I rely on to check myself and motivate myself to push myself out of my comfort zones. But I wasn't prepared for the onslaught of circumstances that were just out of my control.
Alpha personalities like mine don't accept the concept "It's out of my control" very easily. It's mostly a strength to a fault, but when it's a fault, though - it often makes for more stress than is necessary. Alphas will most likely try to FORCE something rather than accept and go about it another way. 
If I've learned anything in the last 2 years, (and I've learned A LOT), it's just that. The fight isn't always won with stronger punches, sometimes you just gotta roll with them and strike when you can and prevail through endurance. 

So, if you're a creative and theres a project you've been working on but shit just keeps happening - Keep at it! 

"If you're going through hell, KEEP GOING." - Winston Churchill


That said - THANK YOU to all of the fans and followers who have stayed with me through such an "Off and On" couple of years. 
The remainder of this year is gonna be a transitional one for the blog as I prep for a BIG year of celebration in 2014. 

I've recently experienced some of the advantages of Tumblr and have worked out what seems to be a good plan to continue with the direction I'm taking this blog.
So, follow me on Tumblr!

There isn't much on there just yet, but you'll have the jump when I do start uploading art and interviews. In the meantime, you can enjoy the pics I post from this year's Comikaze and Bent-Con.

I'm also on Instagram and Twitter. I also have a new fanpage on Facebook that is in a very similar state as my tumblr at the moment. 
Feel free to follow me on any of those and all!

While I know it's silly to think ALL of you will be at Bent-Con, I hope that all of you who will be - will stop by and say hello
       ...and buy my comic book LOL!

Enjoy the rest of your week, Folks!
-Jezza

1 Month till Bent-Con!!!

Bent-Con's comin!
Bent-Con's comin!
Bent-Con's comin!

This year's show is gonna be ROCKIN'! Bent-Con returns with a plethora of geeky creators, celebrity guest, and it's famed Costume Catwalk while adding more events that encourage more cosplay - a Dance Party and an Atlantean themed Pool Party!

If any of you are struggling to find a room, looking to carpool, or need some other kind of assistance with organizing your Bent-Con weekend - There's a Bent-Con Community Group on Facebook to help people with such dilemmas connect.

See you there!
-Jezza

October 2013

Happy October Everybody!!!

It's October! - So that means two of my favorite events are approaching: Halloween & Bent-Con! Are you as excited as I am?!?!?

I've recently moved. So my return to blogging will have to wait till once I'm settled and set up. Realistically it will be after Bent-Con, but I at least have a Calendar Guy to hold you over.
;)

Have a great Month everybody. 
See you at Bent-Con!
-Jezza

Jeff Krell

     

     Jayson is the original "gay Archie character." Drawn in a style very reminiscent of Dan DeCarlo,  Jayson debuted in 1983 on the pages of "Philidelphia Gay News." Jayson later became one of the cornerstones of the gay comics compilation series, "MeatMen," featured in nearly 20 volumes. Jayson was nationally syndicated in 1990 and today continues to entertain us with new adventures in every day life. 

I had the privilege of meeting Jayson's creator, Jeff Krell,  at this year's Bent-Con. Jeff would probably disagree, but Jeff is the living embodiment of Jayson. After meeting him and now having interviewed him, I feel that way even more so. You don't have to take my word on it, read his Q&A and let me know what you think.

Bent-Con 2012 Recap

     So it's been two weeks since the extravaganza gathering of gay geeks, Bent-Con, occurred. The event is so overwhelmingly fun, it takes me at least a week to recover. 
Many of you already know what Bent-Con is, but for the benefit of those who don't, I'll explain. Bent-Con is an annual LGBT Comic Convention. It's technically 3 years old, but this is its second "official" year. Bent-Con gives home to artist, writers, directors, and anyone else showcasing queer work that usually is either overshadowed or more often excluded all together from other comic conventions. Fans can enjoy works they would normally miss out on as well as participate in cosplay they would usually not be free to or feel comfortable wearing. 
This year's show was packed with so many great panels, it was not easy picking which ones to attend. Celebrities like  Amber Benson, Tom Lenk, Christopher Rice, and even Traci Lords got in on this years fun along with Celebrity creatives like Jane Espenson, Phil Jimenez, Wendy Pini, Marc Andreyko, and too many more to list without this looking like one of those linage books of the Bible. Here are a few highlights from the show...

December

Hey Everybody!
The end of 2012 is nigh! Can you believe it?!
The end of the world doesn't look like it's gonna be happening anytime soon, so I guess I have to get back to work. I'm just getting back into the swing of things after returning from my trip to Bent-Con last weekend, but first there are some birthdays that need to be recognized:

This month two fantastic artist will be celebrating the big 4-0! Boy Meets Hero's co-creator and colorist, Russle Garcia is celebrating on the 13th and Spanish artist extraordinaire, David Cantero, on the 29th.
Be sure to stop by their facebook page or websites and give him some Extra birthday love.

Ok, I have LOTS to share about Bent-Con! Instead of trying to sum it up with a few unjust adjectives and disclosures, I will be posting a review of the amazing event later this week.

The last few months have been stressful for me and the blog has suffered for it. Actually every since I returned from Japan, this Crazy year has been spinning in chaos. The combo of a much needed time out and the super rejuvinative aspects of Bent-Con have helped me bounce back. I have some long overdue fan art pieces to share with you in addition  to a celebratory JezzLoad Q&A with Jason's Jeff Krell. 

Happy Monday to all of you and make it a GREAT week!
Jezza

Michael Derry

He is best known as the creator of the web comic, Troy, but you might know him as the voice of Flippy in the animated series "Clay Kids." He illustrates, he writes, he animates, and he's one hell of a voice actor. It appears there is no limit to Michael Derry's creative expression. The witty and entertaining "shy guy-funny man" reluctantly allowed me to probe him for your pleasure in this month's Q&A. I hope you enjoy him as much as I did...

November

Helloooooooooo Good Folk!
It's November! That means there are only 2 months left of 2012! That also means the next American Presidential Election is upon us AND Bent-Con is only a matter of weeks away!

Birthday Annoucements:
Artist, Michael Breyette is celebrating his birthday TODAY
and Foot-Man, Palanca, turns 44 on the 9th

Show them some love!

Lots happening this month! First priority, to my American audience - VOTE!!!  This Tuesday on November 6th, Vote. I do my best to keep my political opinions to private conversations and Facebook :) but too many things happening in politics that directly effect gays, women, and PORN to not remind everyone through this avenue.
Ok, next order of business - an updated list of the scheduled guest at this year's Bent-Con has been posted. Get your tickets!

I've got another entertaining Q&A for you this month! This month's feature is with multi-talented creator of the webcomic, Troy -  Michael Derry! 

I've got a few more exciting announcements to make, but you'll have to stay tuned.

Until next time - Enjoy the rest of your weekend and make it a GRRRRREAT week!
-Jezza

Tuesday November 6th - VOTE!

Bent-Con 2012

Bent-Con is around the corner, folks! 

 


Bent-Con has also put out a call to artist for fan art of the Bent-Cont bentlings. Check out http://bent-con.org/2012/07/12/contest-name-the-bentlings/ for deatils: 

I'm not entering the contest, but here are my interpretations of them with some obscure powers.

October

 Happy October, Everybody!

I'm back from my globe trotting and back at my drawing table. I can honestly say, I missed you guys :)  For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it's Fall - my favorite time of the year. So as hard as it is for me to stay inside during this time of year, I've got lots to keep me and my pencils busy. Before I go any further, it's time for Birthday shout-outs...

French Lustmaster, Logan will be 41 on the 4th
Glen Hanson celebrates another year on the 11th
and Shirtlifter's Steve MacIsaac will be 43 on the 21st

As you all know (or at least should) Bent-Con is coming up next month. So I've got lots to do in prep for the show. That means I won't be posting much fan art this month, BUT that DOES mean I will be posting some teasers of what you have to look forward to at the show and a peak at some of the projects I'm currently working on. In addition to all that, you guys are in for a treat of an interview. His work has been poppin up everywhere this year and I can't get enough of it. Nickie Charles gave me a good load of his goods that I'm lookin forward to sharin with you guys. 

Ok folks, Till next time - Make it a Grrrrrrrrrrrreat week!
Jezza

August

 

Happy August, Everybody!

It's a big Birthday Month, so grab your calendar and a pen.

One of my new favorite artist, Nickie Charles, kicks off the birthday bashes on the 4th

Bent-Con and Rated-Z creator, Sean-Z, keeps the party goin on the 7th

Festish artist, Drub, turns 39 on the 14th

French artist, Vee Bee, turns 28 on the 21st

Class Comics' newly wed, creator, Patrick Fillion, turns 39 on the 26th

Graphic designer and It's The Michaels creator, Chris Decarlo, celebrates another year on the 28th while writer,producer, and Door-Q's, Jody Wheeler, wraps up the month along with blogger, Jubell, on the 29th.
Happy Birthday, all of you extraordinary creatives!

 This month is going to be an insanely busy month of travel for me. This weekend, I'll be in Los Angeles for the Hard Heroes party doing some promoting. Then I head to Tokyo for Comiket followed by a couple of weeks in NYC!!!

Because Blogger's post scheduler seems reliably unreliable, I am not planning on making any post this month. I will resume with my monthly Calendar Stud and Q&A in September.

That's all for now, Folks.

Until next time, enjoy this month's stud and make this month a GREAT one!

-Jezza

For those of you who will be at San Diego ComicCon

WONDERMAN

The countdown to Bent-Con continues with another JEZZ LOAD!
This week's interview is with a blogger I'm sure everybody is already aware of. I've been wrong to make those assumptions before, but I'm gonna go ahead and put it out there - If you don't know about his blog "Maybe It's Just Me..." - You Should!  Wonderman blogs about all things Geek, Gay, and Current Events - Relevant current events - with more attention on what actually matters and less on predictable divorces among annoying hot Armenian chicks.  
Following this blog, has connected me with many stories going on in the world I was unaware of and keeps me up to date on what's happening in the world of Comics. Wonderman has provided a resource I'm grateful for and has proven to be a huge hand in making this year's Bent-Con happen. Learn a lil about the blogger extraordinaire here...

Dave Davenport

The countdown to BENT-Con has started! 
In less than 3 weeks, some of the greatest gay artist, writers and geeks will be gathering to celebrate gayness in comics, films, and games.
I'm counting down with interviews with a few of the studs you'll be able to meet there, starting with one of the brilliant minds behind the starting of BENT-con, Dave Davenport!
From his gritty illustrations to dynamic tattoos and astonishing paintings, Dave's work shows off great skill and versatility. Read what he had to tell us about himself here...

BENT-CON CountDown!

Hey Everybody!

I know my breaks from the blog have been longer than usual, but I assure you it's only temporary. I've been busy prepping for BENT-Con!




It's less than 3 weeks away and I couldn't be more excited!!!
Each week until the con, I'm gonna post New interviews with a few of the artist and geeks you'll meet there.
In the meantime, go ahead and review some of my previous interviews with guest who will be at this year's Bent-Con:

• Sean-Z (The man responsible for making BENT-Con happen)
• Patrick Fillion
• Chayne Avery
• Belasco
• Jon Macy
• Zan Christensen
• Justin Hall
• Joe Phillips
• Iceman Blue

You can see a list of the guest list on the Bent-Con webpage and can stay up to date with news by liking the fan page on Facebook.

That's all for now, Folks!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I hope to see all of you at the Bent-Con. Gonna be a GREAT show!
-Jezza

BENT-CON 2011 Update

Hey Everybody!

The Bent-Con website is up!
Get your tix now!

I hope to see all of yaz there!

Gonna be GrrrRRRREAT!

Stay Tuned - More to Come!
-Jez

Bent-Con Returns December 4, 2011!

I was in no condition to make it to last years, but nothing or nobody is gonna stop me from makin it to this years.
This is THE comic convention to attend for all your gay art and comics!