Recent Activities!

Between screenwriting and artwork, things have been rather busy lately. But there has been a little time for fun with good friends. Here a few photos of recent play time...

David J. Schow's birthday celebration. R.A. Maliahoff, Frank Darabont and his friend Adina,
myself, Bernie and Liz Wrightson.

R.A., Cathi Holland, myself, Tom Holland, David Schow and Dave Parker.

Schow, Dietz, Darabont and Drew Struzan.

At Monsterpalooza with Don Calfa (photo by Beverly Randolph).

My LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN cast-mates Susan McConnell,
me and Trish Geiger at Comic-Con in San Diego.

Happy Birthday to Me, 2009!

So amidst all of the craziness this last three months hath wraught, I happened to hit the half-century mark. I turned 50 years old in October, which is still hard for me to believe. But my friends did their best to make my transition to a pentagenarian a smooth and painless one.

Below are a few of the treasured gifts I received from my rather notable friends.

From Bernie Wrightson and his lovely wife, Liz - an original birthday sketch:

From LOST SKELETON director Larry Blamire - my LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN character gets his own vintage comic book! Or at least the cover...

From my other pal, David J. Schow - the limited edition hardcover of REYNOLD BROWN, by Daniel Zimmer and David J. Hornung, which showcases the artistry of the man who created all of the cool sci-fi posters of the 1950's.

Great gifts from great friends.

Havoc Swims Unpainted

HAVOC SWIMS JADED, by David J. Schow. A collection of short stories. David wanted something Black Lagoon-esque. My task was to create a cover image that evoked the essence of the Gillman's world without infringing on any copyright of trademarked properties.

The atmosphere of the piece was the most important element. We needed the gloomy, murky feel of an underwater lair, with just enough light to showcase the character. I used a combination of Prussian Blue, Ultramarine Blue and Viridian Green as the main colors, with Burnt Umber and Titanium White to bring out the darks and lights.

Keeping the Creature "soft" was paramount in achieving the ghostly quality of the painting. I kept most of the edges soft, picking only a few "hard" edges to define important areas.

Below is the final painting, which Mr. Schow has hanging in his home.

And here is the actual cover of the book...

Wonderfest 2009 Part 3

More fun than humans should be permitted to have...

...and big thanks to Eileen Colton, Terry Pace and Beau Kaelin for the great pix!

Here are three of my favorite people: Gary Prange, creator and curator of THE OLD DARK CLUBHOUSE, Joe Busam, the Rondo Award-winning producer of MONSTER KID HOME MOVIES, and Linda Wylie, everyone's favorite nurse. Here we drink a toast to good friends.

The Boys Of Wonder (fest) finally receive the long-deserved Rondo Award for Best Convention. John Davis, Dave Hodge, Dave Conover and Donnie Waddell. Congrats, boys!

THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN gang pose for a photo op. Frank, Jennifer, the Poster from the movie, Larry and producer Mike Schlesinger are happy to be anywhere, but especially happy to be in Louisville.


A mischevious prank unfolds during a post-convention dinner. Particpating in the hilarity are Jen, Melinda Angstrom (back turned), Frank, David J. Schow, VIDEO WATCHDOG'S Tim and Donna Lucas, Gary Prange and someone's nose to be named later.

The crowd begins to gather for the exclusive screening of THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN. The room would end up being SRO, and the crowd went nuts for the long-awaited sequel.

Wonderfest 2009 Part 2

More candid shots of the frenzied fun that is Wonderfest...

David J. Schow takes in the splendor of THE OLD DARK CLUBHOUSE...

Joe Moe and Anita Pace become part of the FAMOUS MONSTERS SPEAK album cover art. Later that night Anita would be caught in a scandal involving myself...

...the lovely Sara Lattis...

...and the concoction pictured below. Kids, don't try this at home...

Bob Burns placates an alien in need of a root canal. That's WF program director Dave Conover at the podium.

Alexandra and Forrest Pace became best buds with "Animala" herself, Jennifer Blaire.

Still more to come... Thanks to Terry Pace for the usual awesome photos!