Sketchtacular

I was asked by the Midwest Comic Book Association to do some sketch cards for their upcoming comic con and charity auction. The show is the same weekend as Mid-Ohio-Con, and obviously my heart belongs to the big MOC, I don't mind doing some art for a good cause. (I also don't mind saying "no", just to make sure that I don't get innundated with requests for free stuff.)

So, I did five, two of Amazonia, one of Crusader, one of Abby and Mark, and one of Darkblade. I've cleverly posted the artword here. Click and embiggen for your viewing pleasure.

If you're in Minnesota, as some of my friends will be, check out Fallcon. Of course, if you're in Columbus, come by and see me at Mid-Ohio-Con, too.

Texas Wise Guys

The guys over at Comic Pants, wise men and distinguished gentlemen all, have some nice things to say about the LNC trade. If I had a top eleven list to do, I'd add them in.

Dan: Thom Zahler’s superhero romance/comedy about a Superman analogue and his girlfriend is clever, funny, smart, and just plain fun to read. I’ve been picking up every issue, but I’m going to buy the trade anyway both because I like trades and because of the quality IDW is well-known for. Do yourself a favor and check this out if you haven’t already. (page 293)

Randy: I can’t really add anything to that except to say Dan is completely right, and this is definitely worth your attention.

Check out their site, too. If you're not listening to their podcast (tragically on hiatus right now) then you haven't heard Shakespeare the way it was meant to be performed.

Reason #6 to buy the LNC Trade from IDW

Every time you buy a copy, a Victoria's Secret Angel gets her wings.

Diamond Previews order code SEP084142E.

The Castle Perilous

I wound up doing this commission for Castle Perilous in Illinois to help promote the upcoming Love and Capes trade and issue #8. Have I mentioned either of those lately? They're both coming out soon, and you should buy many of them.

Anyway, the shop requested it, and I was glad to help out. And, if you own a shop and one of these would help you order and move some more Love and Capes, give me a shout and maybe we can figure something out.

Reason #7 to buy the LNC Trade from IDW

Gail Simone says, "A book full of rare delights--bright, lively art, a fun and clever story told with perfect pacing…Thom's doing great work on an irreplaceable book."

Diamond Previews order code SEP084142E.

If You Only Order One Love and Capes Collection This Year, Make It This One!

It's been a year in the making. Well, three years in the making, if you count when I actually started the darn thing. But thanks to Harlan Ellison, Chris Ryall and IDW, lo, there shall come a Love and Capes trade.

It's in the new Diamond catalog, order code SEP084142E. Please, put it on your pull list or order. You can use this handy order form to do it, too. And, if you need to find your local comic shop, you can use the Comic Book Shop Locator. If all else fails, feel free to order it from Amazon using this link.

Here's what some comics pros and reviewers are saying about it, if you need any more reasons to buy a copy or eight:

"LOVE & CAPES is warm, witty, clever and lighthearted without being empty-- there's real, satisfying emotion underlying the comedy. It's one of a very few comics my wife tries to steal from me so she can read it first."
KURT BUSIEK
SUPERMAN, ASTRO CITY

"Damn straight it is. And what do you mean, 'tries to'?"
ANN BUSIEK

"A surprisingly charming tale about a hardworking superhero and his girlfriend…Thomas F. Zahler’s boldly cartoony artwork recalls "The Incredibles," and so does his wry, smart dialogue. A-"
DOUGLAS WOLK
SALON.COM

"These mundane episodes in the domestic life of a superhero — some more amusing than others — exude just enough charm."
NISHA GOPALAN
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ONLINE

"My favorite superhero book on the market today. Five Tonys."
TONY ISABELLA
TONY'S TIPS

"A book full of rare delights--bright, lively art, a fun and clever story told with perfect pacing, and a fresh look at the best (and sometimes silliest) tropes of superhero-hood. Thom Zahler's doing great work on an irreplaceable book."
GAIL SIMONE
WONDER WOMAN, BIRDS OF PREY

Picture This

I've been back from San Diego for almost two weeks now and I never posted those pictures I said I'd post. Things got busy upon my return, including some things I can't talk about yet. (Curses!) As soon as I can say something about these, I will.

Anyway, here are some photos from Comic-Con. With all these photos, you can click and embiggen.

There were some great costumes at Comic-Con. I loved this take on Plastic Man.

And there was a lot of Hollywood stuff around, including this, from "The Mummy 3."

I did some sketches at the show, as well as at the aforementioned Drink and Draw. The Moon Knight was a commission, the others were from the D&D.

That's all I've got for now. Hopefully more cool artwork from current projects soon!

Love and Capes #8 in Previews NOW!

Hey, Love and Capes #8 is in the Previews catalog right now! It's order code AUG08 4209. Buy as many as you'd like. I'll make more.

Number eight this month…the trade next month…it's a flurry of Love and Capesishness.

This Post Will Self-Destruct in Two Minutes

I've been posting Love and Capes covers for a while now, but I've never run into the situation I have on this cover: I can't show it to you. Well, not completely. There's a surprise guest-star in issue #9. As such, I can't show you half the cover. That's why the right side seems so empty here: I deleted the character that's standing there. Now, if you buy #8, and I hope you will, you can see the full cover there. Now that I have a schedule locked down, I'm back to running ads for the next issue, complete with the next cover.

With issue #8 done aside from a rewrite here or there, one minor art correction, and the inevitable corrections from the Secret Society of Super-Reviewers. I'm in good shape for leaving for San Diego. It'll be nice to not have this over my head while I'm there, and with that brainspace nice and clear, I should be able to get some good ideas for the new issue.

Issue eight will be in stores in October, and debuting at Mid-Ohio-Con.

A little more

Still not saying what the mystery cover is, but here's a little more of the image, and now in color!