Pages 61-120 are with the lords of DC Comics now, and are more than likely on their way to being turned into downloadable comics for iPad, iPhone, iTouch, and the web. My thoughts on Season 2? I think it better than Season 1, but even now that the last page was turned in, I am reminded this is still my first comic and there were some hard lessons learned this season. I’ll save that for a future posting titled “Lessons Learned in Making Comics”.

Something else to note, a week or so ago, DC announced a number of layoffs, moves, and the closing of two lines, (Zuda and Wildstorm), as they go through a restructuring. This economy we’re in really blows and the announcements pretty much suck, but these things have a tendency to work themselves out. I hope everyone affected lands on their feet and go on to do great things. To my friends at DC, my hearts with you all. With so much talent and creativity on hand, I look forward to seeing how DC Comics evolves.

I’m reminded of when I worked as a programmer/artist for an interactive developer of software for children. A similar thing happened where over half the staff including my friends and boss were laid off. It sucked then as much as it sucks now, but they all landed squarely on their feet in new positions, and one or two; far better off for it.

So what next for me?

Something special, if I can pull it off … More on that later. Look forward to a posting frenzy this next week on my personal site.

Commissions! I’ll be opening 10 slots for comissions for the Baltimore Comic Con. I won’t begin them until the day of the con, (still working my tail off to finish AZURE before the con), but you can put your request in now by sending me a note on what you would like here. I can do 9×12 or 7×10 – 1hr 30min pieces in your choice of 3 mediums: watercolor, pen & ink, or pencil. If I think I can handle more at the con, I’ll open more up, and if you won’t be at the convention, they can be mailed.

Click the image to enlarge and please note (this is one of the smaller panels )

Screencap - panel 3 of 6

From this morning’s livestream and something for the SDCC 2010 attendees who stop by the booth during my signings.

Additionally – iTunes now has a nifty new Comics menu now.

I wish I could stress how amazing comics look on an iPad. The device is like no other. If you were ever on the fence, go into an apple store and play with one for 30 minutes…

Azure issue 1 has also come out on the PSP via the Playstation Store, and viewable using their comics menu item. It uses a similar Guide View technology to move from panel to panel, and is quite user-friendly. It is also available FREE from the Playstation Store under “Comics”.

Azure issue 1 on the PSP GO

Azure, Issue 1 is now available on the Playstation store for FREE. Click the PSP logo above to download or go to the Playstation store on your PSP.

Details:

Writer/Artist: Daniel Govar
Pages: 20
Full Color
Publisher: DC Comics/ Zuda Comics
Price: FREE

Azure is my first foray into the comics world, and this free issue, includes the first eight pages included in the original competition on zuda. Azure issue 1 was a real learning experience for me, and my goal was always to tell the story of Emelie while attempting to bring a sense of wonder and inspiration to readers. If folks dig the first issue, I encourage you to try the 2nd and 3rd…it only gets better as I’ve learned – every page a creator makes in comics is a step forward in becoming a better storyteller.

What are folks saying about Azure?

“…the comic is very beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful of all Zuda’s offerings. My hat’s off to Dan Govar for working on Azure by his lonesome and getting every single detail to pay off visually.”
- The Webcomic Overlook

“Sexy heroine, indeed! Daniel’s art is truly excellent filled with incredible details and awe-inspiring oceanic landscapes.”
- ComixMix

“Pop up the Zuda comic Azure, put it on full-screen, and tell me you aren’t scared sh*tless when that shark shows up.”
-Tyler James

“Azure: I can’t decide which is more gorgeous, the women or the art. @saulone (Daniel on Twitter) definitely earns some massive #zudalove”
-CEdwardSellner

from the talkback comments for Azure:

“Daniel, I could sit and stare at some of these pages for days.”

“Someone mentioned popping this onto there 24 inch monitor. I was alittle ahead of the game and have been reading this on my 32 inch and man does it look good. There are loads of details that I was missing. Certainly worth the effort for those with larger monitor options.”

“This should be a movie so I can enjoy it twice as much as I do now. STILL loving this!”

Read more about DC’s announcement.

Azure, I’m pleased to announce, is among the titles moving to this new format. Starting very soon you will be able to purchase an Azure comic on your iPad, iPhone, PSP, and online through the comixology website.

To my fellow Zudes and Zudettes whose titles are not moving to this format, I offer my sincerest condolences and I expect to see your titles online or elsewhere in the nearest future. There were some amazing talents and comics on Zuda, and whether their titles continue or if they decide to persue other interests I wish them all the best.

I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends because of Zuda: creators, editors, publishers, etc. who I’ve learned this crazy art form from. Making comics is hard work. Its also one of the most satisfying things to see a page come to fruition. Making comics is something that’s in your blood and those of zuda are born with it.

I’ve been a huge proponent of going digital with most every art form, be it sequential page art, illustration, concept art; you name it. Digital is the future of most media types. Distribution, delivery, and as is the case with Azure: creation – all digital. The big two, (Marvel & DC), have made massive strides into the digital arena, and many other publishers and comickers are following suit.

Comic lovers, keep your eye on things over the next year or so. Change is in the air…

(previously posted at DanielGovar.com)