Arcane Comics

Touchy Subject

2006-06-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

the new strip is up

Anyone check out the Ghost Rider trailer yet? I wish ol' Nick Cage the best, but I think he should have held out for for Jonah Hex... That would have rocked.

Speaking of which, DEADLANDS is back with a vengance...

...Grim gunslingers, spell slinging hucksters, brilliant mad scientists, and wizened Indian shamans stake their souls and fortunes on the battle against the evils of the frontier, and often lay down their very lives for the cause of righteousness and light. And sometimes, death is not the end.

Now, Yes I did a bunch of art for this game... but I'm not pushing this game just 'cause they pay me -- I'm a HUGE fan. Go check it out DEADLANDS RELOADED

Watched

2006-05-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

*** Cue Dramatic Music ***

The all new ArcaneTimes website is up and running (mostly) -- We are on a new server with a new look and I am very exicted about it all.

Special thanks to the Rampage Network for all the work it took to get this up and running. Right now i'm redesigning of the CafePress Store so if anything you wanted was missing give it a few days and I'll have it back up.

I'm also working on thinking up some new designs for stuff -- so if you have any requests lay them on me over at the brand NEW Forums and I'll put them on the to-do list

... only so many hours in a day

2006-05-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd get this in early -- I 've got a great strip for you guys, however, I'm finally pulling ahead on Girl Genius and I want to stay ahead.

-- Add to that some passes to see X-Men 3 tonight and I just don't think I can get this sucker inked and lettered today.

So you are getting it tommorow.

---- X-Men Update -----

Well I'm back from the film. So a short review is in order...

It's much darker, with a real high body count. I was quite supprised -- oh!... and stay though the credits :)

The Cup of Ka' J'No-Trub

2006-05-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

All righty -- the Full color version is up for you all to enjoy.

I'm working on a redesign of the CafePress Store so if anything you wanted was missing give it a few days and I'll have it back up.

I'm also working on thinking up some new designs for stuff -- so if you have any requests lay them on me over at the Forums and I'll put them on the to-do list

Chapter Two -- In Color!

2006-05-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

OK -- the full color version of the Chapter Two pin-up should be visible. Enjoy

...The ATC Forum

2006-05-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are into that sort of thing, I just opened a Forum -- HERE IT IS! Enjoy.

Chapter Two

2006-05-08T03:23:00.000-07:00

Hey - this is the update this week. I hope you guys don't mind a pinup now and then. I'll have a color version in a few days.

I want to say thanks to all the folks that have been leaving comments lately. It really helps me want to keep updating. Often in this line of work, you feel like you are throwing stones at the ocean. The comments prove that there are actual readers out there.

*** addendum ***

to Anders-
I may be able to do commission work from time to time (as my schedule opens up). When I have the chance -- I'll post a heads-up here.

Meanwhile -- after the success of the ArcaneTimes sketchbook on eBay, we are going to try putting up some original art -- both ATC strips and stuff from my RPG work. Rest assured, links will be provided

... charity auction

2006-05-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

I'd like to draw your attention to another auction that I'm a part of. This one is for a Deadlands Reloaded Limited Edition #1 of 1000 exclusive. Ah hell... here is the press release

Only 1000 of these 256 page, full color leatherette books were printed. The others will be available in games stores, the Pinnacle Entertainment website, and the Studio 2 Publishing website. Each individually numbered book has a gold foil Hanging Judge on the cover and is signed by Deadlands'creator, Shane Hensley. Inside you'll find all the setting information and new rules you need to play in the Weird West, including rules for shootouts at High Noon, new Edges and Hindrances, new powers, a savage change to melee damage, a complete history of the Weird West, and more creepy critters than you can throw a tomahawk at.

The #1 (of 1000) book includes a special message from Shane and a custom sketch determined by YOU from Cheyenne Wright! You can get a picture of Stone, Ronan Lynch, Smilin' Jack, or even your very OWN Deadlands character by Pinnacle's best-known artist!

And if you're still looking for a reason to bid, all the proceeds of the auction will be going to the Fisher House Foundation (EIN#11-3158401), who build and donate Fisher Houses at military/VA medical centers, support existing houses, help military families in need and award Scholarships for Military Children.

...So there you go

Some Night Air

2006-05-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

CUE DRAMATIC MUSIC

OK -- that is the full version. Special thanks to the folks that have been leading a campaign to boost my listings on TopWebComics.Com and BuzzComix. Both sites now have a vote banner off to the right there --------->

In the unlikely event that I can get into the top ten on either site, I've also made a new banner Ad. Feel free to snag it for your own nefarious plans...

...and now a word from our sponser

2006-04-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

At the risk of becoming Firefly centric or pissing off Scott Kurtz and all those fine folks at Think Geek -- I give you Mal Shot First

I made this for me -- but I thought you might guys might want one too.

While we are at it. Allow me to draw your attention to This Ebay Item! A copy of my very first Convention Sketchbook. Chock full of game art, sketches, strips, and other goodies. The winner will also get an original sketch of their choice in the inside cover.

The Window

2006-04-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

OK -- here is the final color page. -- a big prize goes to the Anonymous commenter that managed to guess the EXACT joke I had written for the page.

Hmmm... Should I take that as a good thing -- that folks can follow my story just via the art?

Or should I be worried? Are my jokes lame and predictable?

To Mr. or Ms. Anonymous -- you can redeem your prize at the local traveling circus. Just hand over your wallet to the first carnie you see (for identifying purposes) and tell them the secret passphrase

"I'd Like What I Deserve, Please"

then close your eyes and count to ten. :)

...As You Know Bob

2006-04-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

ok - big info-dump this time around, but it's important. This strip sets the concept from here on out, and is the whole basis for the redesign.

Gag-a-day jokes are a great way to show off and be funny, but I wanted... more. This gives me a much bigger sandlot to play in. It also helps me put some distance between Me and Alan.

Easily half my cast from the original strip was based on real people. I've learned that real people like being turned into cartoon characters. I've also learned that they then want to become very involved in the writing of those characters, and it can be troublesome to write around the things that might get me a "I wouldn't do that" phone call (not that anyone has done that -- it just becomes a worry that they might). Not to mention the people that get pissed because I didn't base a character on them. To sum up -- Real people are a lot of baggage.

So now I'm making up pure fiction. I'm drawing characters with only the slimmest idea of who or what they are. What's the story with the flaming green skeleton? No clue. You'll find out when I do.

Enjoy the ride.

Fogg House

2006-04-10T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hey -- getting back on track. Hope you like.

He's Baaaack!

2006-03-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

Howdy all. ...So, um how you been?

good good... glad to hear it - mmm? oh me, I've been good. A little of this a little of that... you know. I'm still coloring for Girl Genius of course, in fact the fourth collection has finally arrived from the printers and should be hitting stores real soon soon.

It was a great relief to finally see the backup story "Fan Fiction" in the flesh - so to speak. I had been really worried about how the colors were going to come out. It looks good and I'm very happy with it.

Which is great because that means we will have them on the table at Emerald City Comic Con. Where I'll also have my very first convention sketchbook "I Think We Lost 'Em" - for sale.

I took a trip to NYC for the New York Comic Con -- which... had some issues *rimshot* But I got to meet a bunch of cool people like Kyle Baker , Jodi Jett and the lovely folks at Sequart .

I also got to meet some really great fans -- FAN'S!! of My comic! How cool is that! (Hi Kim!). It was very unexpected and a great treat.

I figure that if you read this strip you probably read GG as well, but if you don't -- You probably missed that I've put together an old time radio podcast out of the live performances we do at sci-fi cons. You can learn more and subscribe to the feed HERE. We've received a lot of good feedback on the show, some mentions by some of the cooler cats out there like Escape Pod and the Kick Ass Mystic Ninjas -- both of which I recommend listening to...

Podcasting is a hoot and I'm looking forward to doing more of it, as soon as I can find a good gimmick.

So... let's see... New GG trade, Emerald City Con, Sketchbook, Fans are cool, Podcasting is fun... yeah, that about covers it.

...Oh wait -- I'm getting Married. -- TTFN

Lazy Sunday

2006-01-01T01:43:00.000-08:00

"...Mr.Pibb + Red Vines = Crazy Delicious"
If you haven't seen This yet, go watch it now.

Moo

2005-12-28T01:59:00.000-08:00

Here is another "sketch". This one is of an Ancestor from Scott Siglers Podcast novel "Ancestor"

There might be some site interuptions in the next couple of days, KeenSpace - the folks that host me, changed thier name to ComicGensis and it has come time to jump to the new server. I'm thinking that I might take advantage of these to overhaul the site and make a few design changes -- When it's all done the new URL for the comic will be arcanetimes.comicgen.com -- the Keenspace URL will just redirect you there.

Sneak Peek

2005-12-20T01:15:00.000-08:00

I am drawing the next strip -- I swear. To tide you over till it's ready... here is a sketch fom yet another project. This is one I've been working on for a few years. You'll hear more about it when it is 100% done.

Death to Uni-taskers

2005-12-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

Alton Brown's new re-designed site went live today and my shirt is on it. Go look at it's golden glory!

The REALY BIG news

2005-12-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

I've made mention from time to time about some big news that I couldn't talk about just yet. Well I finally got the go-ahead.

I like to watch a show on the Food Network called "Good Eats". I'm a big fan of the show and it's host Alton Brown. I switched to kosher salt because of him. -- if you haven't seen it, do go catch a few. It's like cooking with Mr Wizard. His goal is not just to give you a recipe but to teach WHY it works -- the Science of cooking.

So - Last year I did a little cartoon inspired by the show and sent it to a few friends... who sent it to a few friends...etc...

and somewhere in that chain was Alton Brown himself.

Long story short -- I'm designing a new line of shirts for Foodie-Guru Alton Brown. Host of "Good Eats". The first shirts are back from the printers and should be going on sale next week.

The really weird thing about this all is I didn't go looking for the job... he came to me. It's unsettling.

This is not the image on the shirt... for that you will need to wait one more week, but I just couldn't not say anything any more.

Answering Criticism

2005-12-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hey PNM - I'm sorry you feel that way. Mostly 'cause I half agree.

Trust me, while you may be pissed that I haven't updated the comic, I am far more pissed. Not updating affects me and what I think about myself a lot more than it probably affects you guys.

When I started, I had the time to do this thing. And it is still my intention to finish it. but people keep throwing money at me to work for them instead. (yeah I know - poor me)

I love doing the comic - but freelance art is my ONLY source of income. I don't have a day job. If I turn down art orders to work on free content for ArcaneTimes - I don't eat. And I like eating.

I HAVE been writing this sucker. I know what happens next. But until I can afford to work on this -- I can't afford to work on it.

All will be resolved

2005-10-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of updates, big things are happening here at Casa' Arcana. Some annoying, some exciting, and others scary. To all the kind folk that have stuck through this rough patch -- I will be back soon. SOON!

Again with the Running and the Screaming

2005-09-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here you go -- hot off the pixels.

Let me be the first to say I really like the room I have to play with in this new format.

now.. GO SEE SERENITY!

Risky Business

2005-09-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

Arrr-- Talk like a pirate day is over which means I am another year older. 34 years at last count. Hoopa! (...hoopa?)

Today's strip was drawn with a brand new set of Staedtler markers, given to me for my birthday by my good friend Nicky. They lay down a solid black line, but lack the 'bounce' of my Pigma Microns. Which is too bad as I use so many other staedtler products it would be cool to add them to my system.

I made it to the Firefly Min-Marathon in Kirkland over the weekend along with 300+ other Browncoats - It was a mighty fine shindig...

The next big Seattle Browncoats meet-up will be at the Meridian 16 on opening day. Serenity tickets are on sale now via Fandango. Folks here plan to saddle-up for the 7:30 show, but Eli and I will be in attendance for the 4:40, and 10:20 showings as well.
We have done the impossable - and that makes us mighty.

This Old House

2005-09-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

A little late today - but still in under the wire. Browncoats can spot the nod to firefly in this weeks strip -- can you?

the 3 brides

2005-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was talking with Aaron Williams about taking the strip in a new direction. I asked him what he thought it needed and he said "more slutty vampire chicks". I tell you... that man is a genius.

The Old Man

2005-08-30T01:53:00.000-07:00

Well. Here it is. This is the start of the new direction for the strip. I'm trying for more story this time around. Let me know what you think.

I wanted to put these up twice a week (Tues-Fri) but a 'perfect storm' of freelance work drowned that idea -- for now. So it looks like they'll be up every Tuesday til I can work it up to speed.

Watch This Space

2005-07-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

are you ready? -- I'm not. But I'm working as fast as I can. I'm drawing new 'sets'. and working out new 'sleeker' designs for all the characters.

Just to settle any worries, everybody in the old strip will be in the new version. Think of it like that sequel to "a Fish called Wanda". The one with all the actors from the first one -- but now they work for a Zoo -- and it's not as funny...

... wait. Forget I said that.

The Bridge

2005-06-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here is my opening page (a two page spread) from the start of my run on Girl Genius. 'The Bridge' will be the first page of the 5th collection. Weep at it's beauty. WEEP I TELL YOU!

New pages go up every MTF over at Girl Genius Online... so blame them for me being too tired to be funny... Wait, that's not fair.

I was never funny

so it begins...

2005-06-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was going to get a new strip up for you guys today. NO REALLY!... but Eli snagged a pass for me to see "Batman Begins" tonight at the Cinerama. So... um... maybe next time.

In Other News: I have been tapped to be the new colorist for Girl Genius. My first page goes up on the website on June 27th (I belive). I have already finished the first 4 pages of what will be Girl Genius Collection 5. Wo0T i say.

oooOOO That Smell

2005-06-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going camping this weekend. Apparently there will be some sort of massive "event" where people hit each other with sticks going on at the same time. I however am not going to take part in the stick hitting or, in turn, the being hit by same said sticks. Nor do I intend to acknowlge the presence of such activity.

I

will be

camping

.

Other News: Super big thanks To Sean and Erin for being so cool and making sure I got a seat in the May 26th screening of "Serenity". Thank you guy. You are the best.

12 Step Program part 1

2005-05-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

this one has been on my back-brain for a few weeks... more to come

New Strip Overdue

2005-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yes...yes.. Sorry all. I have been working hard on drawing three dozen bankrupt businessmen-cum-Mexican wrestlers for 'Secret Tijuana Deathmatch', a new Cheapass Game. I'm sorry that this has impacted the strip. Come rain or shine I'll have a new comic up tommorow. One day, I hope to be big enough that I can lure other artists to do guest weeks for me.

One Side Note: I just upgraded my home PC and lost my all my emails and the entire contents off my address book in the process. Wheeeeeeee!. If you have contacted me recently and are waiting for a reply, please send me another missive.

Two By Two...

2005-05-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Seriously... anybody got an extra ticket?

Computer Bad!!!

2005-04-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Just like the preamble says. Computer Bad was done as a note to my work's Tech dude to explain the problems we've been having with the PC a few years ago.

Meanwhile... the packing still goes on.

Arcane Flashback

2005-04-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Arcane Flashback is an old strip I did back when I was testing out the viability of using Blogger as an Auto-Updater. It did not work well. When I jumped ship to Keenspace many of the old strips did not come with. This is one. It features an early "small hair" Lex design. I'm also in contact with a guy that has copies of my REALLY OLD college strip. Hopefully I can get them soon so i can show you all.

FIRELY NEWS! Trailer. Serenity. Tuesday. (It's not up yet, But I figured I'd pass along the info anywhew)

According to Joss Himself...

EXCLUSIVELY on Apple movie trailers will be a small, medium, large or FULLSCREEN trailer for Serenity the major motion movie. Yeah, THE trailer. And the following Friday said trailer hits theaters.

Now, here's a word of warning: this trailer ain't shy. If you're looking to live totally spoiler-free, know that there's plenty of key dialogue and images running through this bad boy. It's pretty tasty, though, and it doesn't give everything away. But close scrutiny will definitely learn you much of what's to come. (Anakin TOTALLY goes evil.) It's a nice piece to while away the time till September, and hopefully should intrigue th' peeps that don't have coats of brown.

UPDATE: It's there! It's there! It's there! It's there! By all that is good and holy WATCH THIS TRAILER!

Moving Day

2005-04-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys. Sorry about the non-strip but things are real hectic.

Meanwhile gor read about how Superman is a Dick

We moved all the big stuff yesterday and now We begin the task of sifting though the remaining stuff. We got 8 more days to clean out the old place. Eli says we can do it, and I have relinquished all thought processes to her. I do as I am told. I am merely an instrument of her Will. So far that seems to be working out. I'll try to post some pictures of my new studio once it's set-up.

Cel Phone Update -- All the votes are in, and with a 9-out-of-10 show of support by ArcaneTimes readers the winner is ... Cingular! I am picking up phones today. Thanks guys!

True Story

2005-04-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

As unlikly as it may seem, "True Story" is a true story. Grrr.

The Poker night I mention is in fact the semi-regular poker night at Phil And Kaja's. Which can be a lot of fun. Other regulars include Payne, the real life model for... Master Payne from Girl Genius. Erin Lindsey, creator of Venus Envy and James "Cheapass" Ernest.

One cool side effect of craming a whole bunch of really wierd people in a room together is things like Dealers Choice the Complete Handbook to Saturday Night Poker. Which started life as Phils notebook of odd (read: "candy-ass") poker rules for when you get sick and tired of Texas Hold 'em.

Gag-A-Day

2005-04-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today's strip was written by Phil Foglio. Phil and I were at a tiny little Game con two weeks ago, and there was very little to do - so we talked a great deal about things that nomally never come up in day-to-day work related conversation. Like the "Gag-a-Day" review. I don't know why, but something about calling the strip a "Gag-A-Day" bugs me. It is! I'm not saying it's not. I just wish that style of comic had a better name.

Anyway Phil and Kaja's Not-A-Gag-A-Day webcomic went live today.
Go read GIRL GENIUS ONLINE

P.S. Does anybody know a good cel-phone company? I'm going to make the jump to the 20th century and get a pair for Eli and I. But I am in mortal fear of picking the wrong company. Any Thoughts?

Ripped From the Headlines

2005-04-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

I watch Law & Order allot. It is the show of choice at Casa' Arcana. Mostly because there is always a version on at any given moment. What with Law & Order SVU, or Criminal Intent (which features Eli's TV boyfriend Vincent D'Onofrio), Trial by Jury... and of course Classic L&O.

anyways this strip is inspired by my constant viewing of this show and is topical to boot!

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Reuters) - People in Florida will be allowed to kill in self-defense on the street without trying to flee under a new law passed by state politicians on Tuesday that critics say will bring a Wild West mentality and innocent deaths.

The "Stand Your Ground" bill passed the Senate last week on a 39-0 vote and now goes to Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, who indicated he will sign it. -- More Here

Woooooooooooooot !

2005-04-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

For those that do not know - my day job is art assistant for Phil and Kaja Foglio, working on the Mad Science comic book Girl Genius...

Hereafter know as the EISNER NOMINATED Girl Genius !

...Again... Woooooooooooot!

Brians!

2005-04-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

While packing my books for the big move (a quarter mile down the street) I found an old sketch book with this basic joke in it. I cherry-picked the better ones and re-drew for your reading pleasure. Huzah!

Pain is Funny

2005-04-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

Whenever I'm at a games store or convention, I can't resist the urge to look for stuff I did art for. Sometimes it's well displayed and I am happy. I get a giddy little feeling in my stomach. "I did that" I want to say. "Look! ... That's my name!" - Luckly I have some self control and can often resist the urge. Try and play it cool.

The flip-side to this adrena-pride however is the bargin bin. I approch these like a 7 year old child taken to an open casket funeral. Fear and dread dripping from my bones.

One Week and Counting

2005-04-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

One week from Monday, Gil Genius Online goes live. Girl Genius is the mad-science bonanza by Phil and Kaja Foglio. Starting April 18th they will be releasing pages every M-W-F, picking up where the old print comics left off. Want to learn more about the who's, why's and how's?...

Read Kaja's blog -- Diary of a Cartoon Girl

Must... Kill... Girlfriend...

2005-04-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

Writer's block is so frustrating it goes around the bend, and cracks funny on the back of the skull with a whiskey bottle.

I really was up at 3 am that morning trying to write ANYTHING. It's so disheartning to just sit there staring at a blank page. And oddly, it's not for lack of ideas... I have many ideas for things that I'd like to do with my comic. But when it comes time to sit down and put pen to paper... Nothin'. GRRRR!

Then comes the doubt. "Did I use up all the funny?"... "was I EVER funny?", it's around this point I reach for the afore mentioned Whiskey bottle. ahhh... Whiskey, you make everyone funny.

In other news. Like the new site design? I felt it was time to streamline it a touch. Let me know what you think guys...

Arcanetimes Fan Club?

2005-04-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome My Minions. I am Cheyenne Wright, and this is a link to the ARCANETIMES Fanatics Club. It will be the cornerstone of my Empire of Greatness(tm)for which I am destined.

too much? .... I can never tell anymore.

Hows this.... Howdy! My name is Cheyenne and I've started this google group to give folks that read my comic a place to share ideas and give me feedback about my comic. It will also give them a chance to get to know me better.

You see... at a recent poker party James Ernest came up to me and told me I needed a better PR deparment. It seems that on his recent trip to GAMA he was showing off his new game and telling folks that I was going to be the artist on it. To which the reply was "oh yeah... she's good"

I am used to this. I've grown up with the name Cheyenne. Had it all my life. Up untill 4th grade folks would often think I was a girl. Thoughout high school I had to deal with clumsy attempts to embarass me by mocking my name.

Even now when my girlfriend Elizabeth and I are introduced it's often as "Cheyenne and Eli" -- to which the intoductee inferrs that I, the 6 foot 4 bearded one is Eli... and that the beautiful love of my life is an exotic dancer (not that there is anything wrong with that - some of my best friends are exotic dancers)

I can not change this perception of me... Alone. If only I could be
famous.

Help make me famous kids.

Mitch Hedberg 1968-2005

2005-03-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

"My lucky number is four billion. That doesn't come in real handy when
you're gambling. "Come on, four billion! Fuck. Seven. I need more
dice."Mitch Hedberg

I saw Mitch perform in his last performance in Seattle at the Moore theater, as part of a double bill with Steven Lynch. It was around Christmas and as we left he had set out cases of "Happy Holidays - from Mitch" tree ornaments. I remember seeing 2000 + people wandering through the late winter evening . Wrapped up in scarfs with their arms cradling the sparkling gifts. Delicate nuggets of joy. I'll miss you brotha'.

UPDATE - Mitch Hedberg dot Net is offline