SOUL CHASER BETTY GRAPHIC NOVEL "An incredible tale full of humor,  great writing, and an incredible  artistic style.  It’s an engrossing  read from start-to-finish." - Aint-It-Cool-News. Learn More About The Book HERE!

Read It Online:

Big Art Update
Update 3/5/10

Hey, I've got a lot updates today, most of it new, some of it old.  So lets get to it.

First up, God of Thunder is now available as a signed print in the store.

New Art
Here are a couple of pieces I did in February.  After doing the massive God of Thunder piece, I wanted to get back to doing some simple pin-up style pieces.  These have pencil and ink versions.

Ouroboros (Pencil)
Ouroboros (Ink)

Angel of Temptation (Pencil)
Angel of Temptation (Ink)

Blade Temptress (Pencil)
Blade Temptress (Ink)

Old Art
I realized that I had never got around to posting some of the pencils I had done for some work back in 2007.  Well, here they are:

Fallen (Pencil)
The Raven (Pencil)
Fallen Queen (Pencil)
Avenger 02 (Pencil)

PinUps
Cave Girl Portrait
Cave Girl Pin-Up

Martian Princess
Martian Dancer

Betty
Betty Posed (Ink)

Con Sketches
Here are a few sketches I've done for fans at shows.

Buffy
Dresden

I hope you like some of the new art, and I hope to get to painting a few of them real soon.

BMAN

Capricon This Weekend
Update 2/7/10

Hey, just dropping a quick update to let everyone know that I'll be at Capricon SciFi and Fantasy convention this weekend (Feb 11-14th) in Wheeling Illinois. 

This year I'll not only be signing books on Sat from 3 to 4pm, but I'll be on four panels scattered across the concention:

Thurs 6:30PM - Mix and Match SF (About SF works that adopt other genres, ala Firefly)

Fri 2:30PM - Celebrating the Heroes of SF

Fri 8:30PM - Anime - Giving Voice to Animated Characters

Sat 10:00AM - The Critical Gap Between Film and Text (Or: Do we expect different things from SF films than we do from SF Books?)

Sat 7:00 PM - Is SF/Fantasy Dying or Just Evolving - a roundtable discussion with fellow authors Gene Wolfe, Jody Lynn Nye and others.

So if you are attending, join the discussion, drop by the signing to say hi, and check out my art in the art show!

As a side note, I'll have some new pen and inks and sketches to post soon after the convention weekend!

BMAN

Blatant Promotion!
Update 11/13/09

So I received a contact from Rickard Mathis from TopWebComics today seeking help in promoting a new book by J.C. Hutchins.  Now, normally I don't do these kind of things, cause I usually just keep my nose to the grindstone and ignore the inter-nets, plus I didn't know anything about Hutchins' work.  But this time I figured I'd at least go and check out the book, cause I know how hard it is to get stuff not only published, but under the noses of new readers.  Oh yeah, and because TWC is offering to help promote web-comics like Soul Chaser Betty in return, so why not see if its something up my alley?

So I started reading the first installment of the book, 7th Son: Descent, to see what it was like.

And kept reading. 

And read some more. 

See, the book is available in PDF "try before you buy" installments, and it turns out to be a potential sci-fi / political page turner.  It even reminds me, at least so far, of early Neal Stephenson - kind've a The Big U meets the Manchurian Candidate.  Political stuff mixed with bio-engineering and real-world Sci-Fi.  I like that kind of stuff.

Turns out its a win / win / win.  I get some promotion, 7th Son: Descent gets some promotion and if the book turns out to be as fun as the first couple installments, there's an entertaining read in my future as well.

So, kudos to Mr. Hutchins for getting the first in a trilogy published!  And anybody out there that likes this kind of stuff, at least check out the first installment or so at the official website.

JC Hutchins Offcial Site 

I'm going to go keep reading now.

BMAN
 

New Art Plus Reactor this Weekend!
Update 9/16/09

New Art
As promised (long ago) I've got some new art to post today.  So let's get right to it.

First up, there is the color version of the "Savage!" Pen and Ink. 

Savage!  

Next up, there's God of Thunder, my take on Thor.  This one actually has a 10+ year history, as it began as a sketch I did back in late 1997.  That sketch sat in a portfolio until about a year and half ago until I re-discovered and wondered to myself, "why didn't you ever finish this?" I also posted the new pencil drawing that was created for the painting as well as a couple "Step by Step" animated gifs.

God of Thunder
God of Thunder Pencil

God of Thunder Step by Step Gif (Slow) (Opens in New Window)
God of Thunder Step by Step (Fast) (Opens in New Window)

Reactor This Weekend
In other news, The Reactor Con is this weekend.  Its been a while since Reactor has been active (they skipped 2008) so hopefully they'll have a good turn out this year.  If you're going to the con, stop by the art alley and say hi!

BMAN

Quick Update And Amazon News
Update 7/20/09

A quick "hullo" to everyone out there.  It's been a little while since I last updated.  The good news is that I have been working hard on new art, and there will be some new pieces going up in the coming weeks.  I've been pretty busy with finishing game related projects, but now I'm closing in on finishing a couple new pieces (slowed down by a quick stint of the flu this week), so keep an eye out.

In other news, the Betty Graphic Novel is now available on Amazon.com.  So, if you've been waiting to order a book, you can now get it at the largest bookseller on the web.  Or, if you already have the book, drop by the Amazon site and post a review!

Check out the Betty Page here at Twilight Tangents for more info.

or

Visit Amazon's Betty Page

That's it for the update.  Remember that Wizard World Chicago is coming up, as well.  So I hope to see many of you there.

In the interim, it's time to get my behind back to the drawing table.

BMAN

Anime Central This Weekend!
Update 5/5/09

It's that time of year again! 

Anime Central is this weekend, and I'm really looking forward to it!  This year I'll be bringing an all new Sketchbook 03, chock full of Fallen Angels, Cavegirls, Betty, Martian Princesses and other assorted coolness.  In addition, there is a couple new prints and a new mini of Reaper Queen. 

I'll see everyone there!  So Stop by the artist alley to chat and check out new stuff.  

It's Tasty Cuisine Time!

BMAN

Back on Earth / General Updates
Update 4/22/09

So, the trip to S.P.A.C.E. went well.  Tim and I had quite the adventure on the road for 13 hours last weekend (approx 6 hours there and 7 back - I think we definitely got to know each other by the end), but it was worth the trip.  We met some great cartoonists from all over the country, and made some new fans in the Ohio area.  

I'm sure that if Tim hadn't been there I'd have been holed up in a hotel room after hours, but he's the kind of guy who seems to network easily, and so we also made some new friends from the East Coast, mostly from the D.C. area.  A quick shout out to Evan, Matt, Tim, Brian and the other guys we hung out with Friday and Saturday.  Between tales of amputation, Epcot center malls and shots of Crown, a good time was had by all.

Quick Updates:

In other news, I've updated the gallery with some Betty sketches that for some reason never made it up here.  I dug them up while putting together a third installment of the Twilight Tangents Sketchbook.  I'm not sure why they weren't posted before, as they are a couple of my favorites, so check them out.

Betty Run
Betty Bed

And then there is this quick design for a Martian battleship:

Heliumite Destroyer

Now I'm off to gear up for ACEN.  I have a sketchbook and a new color print to get done before the show.

BMAN

BMAN in S.P.A.C.E.  !!
Update 4/5/09

Hey, looks like I am going to be attending S.P.A.C.E. (Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo) April 18th and 19th in Columbus Ohio.  I'll be there hanging out at a table with fellow Chi-town artist Tim Broderick. 

Check out the SPACE webpage to learn more.  We hope to see you there.

BMAN

New Interview @ Comix Talk and Mini Pics
Update 3/25/09

New Interview

Xerexes over at Comix Talk did the old Q&A with me about the publication of the Soul Chaser Betty graphic novel.  Questions range from the process of creating the pages, to the mythology and even into what comics and movies I like to peruse.

Check it out at ComixTalk!

Mini Pics Update:

On a different note, there are better, more clear (and color corrected!) images of the Dragonblood mnis are up in the Hobby section, along with new detail close up shots!

BMAN

Lots of New Art Goes Live
Update 3/09/09

I've finally gotten around to updating with some new art!

Pen and Inks
First up, it's new pen and inks.

A while back I started doing more sketches at cons, and I realized that, since I had created all of the ink work for the Soul Chaser Betty comic digitally, I needed to get back up to par with real pens.  That way, I could create more finished inked images for fans at shows.  Well, that led to me re-discovering how much I love pen and ink work, and I've been looking for the time to spend working on some new stuff.

I decided to work on some new drawings and then take a crack at inking them in a new style.  I hope you like them.

Snow Hunter
Savage
Martian Guard Dog
Under the Moons of Mars

Pencils
These are the original pencil drawings, created as a foundation to let me practice my pen and ink skills on. 

Snow Hunter
Savage
Martian Guard Dog
Thark Design

Con Sketches
Here are a couple more sketches that were created for fans at local shows.  I don't usually have a chance to get a scan of these, but here I was lucky.

Simple Cave Girl
Spooky
Godzilla

Fan Art
And finally, a couple new pieces of fan art.  This time the subject isn't Betty, or a character from SepterraCore.  Instead it's just portraits of little 'ol me - one by some guy named Gene Ha...

Bored BMAN
Grumpy BMAN

BMAN

New Minature Based on the Art of BMAN
Update 3/09/09

The folks over at Dragonblood Minis have done it again.  Check out the latest gaming scale miniature based on one of my pieces of art!  This time it's Reaper Queen, which has been turned into a mini by the name of Sihoban Nightshade - Reaper of Souls.

Check out Dragonblood Miniatures for more pics and info on how to order one of these limited edition minis.

Also, I've finally got around to posting pics of the Outlaw and Witch Queen minis that I painted last year. To see these and more of the minis that have been created by Dragonblood, check out the Hobbies Dragon Blood page!

BMAN

BMAN and Soul Chaser Betty in the Daily Herald
Update 2/24/09

Hey, just updating to let everyone know that the Daily Herald, a newspaper based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, ran a story about artists and how we survive in the modern (i.e. - bad) economy.  As part of the story, Soul Chaser Betty and myself were featured, right there on the front page!

To check it out online:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=274377

BMAN

Betty Graphic Novel Ships to Stores
Update 2/1/09

Thanks again to everyone that ordered a copy of the Betty Graphic Novel from their local comic book store! 

Remember that books should be shipping to retailers in the first week of February - so check with your local store about getting your copy on Wednesday Feb 4th - new comics day!

If you didn't order a copy, it's never too late.  Check with your local retailer to see if they carry it, and if not ask them to get you one today!  For more detailed info on ordering, go here!

BMAN

Betty Book Signing at Capricon 29
Update 2/1/09

Hey everyone, I'll be signing copies of the Betty Graphic Novel at Capricon 29 on Saturday, February 21st!

Capricon is a long running Chicago area science fiction, fantasy and anime convention.  For more information, including directions, event listings and more, check out the Capricon Website. 

In addition, I'll be on a two panels on Friday: "Anime for the Unitiated", and "Online RPGs".

I hope to see you there!

(Note: Admission to convention not required to access autographing area - so come on by and say hi!).

BMAN

New Interview At Comicon.com
Update 1/17/09

The Pulse over at Comicon.com recently posted an interview I did with them about Soul Chaser Betty.  Check it out to learn more about Betty, her relationship with Rolf, why she isn't a "Chosen One" and what kinds of 80's hijinks influenced the creation of the story.

Read It Here

In other news, I'll be updating the site with some new pencils in the near future, as well as some new news regarding the line of Dragonblood miniatures based on my art.

BMAN

Happy New Year!
Update 1/5/09

Hey, I hope everyone's holiday season was a good one, here's looking forward to a good 2009 for everybody!

Just a few general updates here.  As everyone probably knows, the Soul Chaser Betty graphic novel appeared in the December issue of Previews.  Of course, I've spent the better part of the last 3 months promoting the book, sending out review copies, talking with comic stores across the country and generally doing my best to get the word out.  

Thanks to everyone who asked their local comic stores to order them a copy!  For those of you who didn't, its not too late.  Books ship to retailers in February, so you can still reserve copies with your local shop through January.  Just tell them to use Diamond Order code DEC084285. 

In the coming days I'll be able to post some new links to a new interview about the book, as well as to an online retailer that will be carrying Betty.  So stay tuned.

For more info about the book, a 32 page preview and links to interviews and reviews, check out the Soul Chaser Betty page here on the site.

BMAN

Betty Interview Up at World Famous Comics
Update 12/14/08

Bill Baker over at World Famous Comics recently interviewed me for his column, Baker's Dozen. 

The interview is about the Soul Chaser Betty graphic novel, but we also discuss a wide range of other topics, including game design, the creative ups and downs of the game industry, and how small press comics allow authors to tell unique stories on their own terms.

So, check out the interview today over at World Famous Comics!

BMAN

Betty News Page Up
Update 12/14/08

I've added a News page over at the Soul Chaser Betty site.  You can find links there to the Ain't-It-Cool-News review, as well as other reviews, interviews and updates as they become available.

Soul Chaser Betty News Page

BMAN

December Previews is Out Now!
Update 11/26/08

Previews magazine's December issue is out now, and Soul Chaser Betty Vol 1 is inside! 

For those of you who check out previews every month, go to page 319 and look under Twilight Tangents.com to see the ordering info for the graphic novel!

For those of you not familiar with Previews, it's a monthly catalog of upcoming releases that you can find at your local comic shop.  Comic fans use it to let store owners know what new comics, toys and other geek goodness they'd like to have ordered. 

If you don't read Previews, you can still order!  All you have to do is visit or call your local comic shop in December and ask them to order you a copy of Soul Chaser Betty Vol 1.  You can tell them the Diamond Comics order code is DEC084285, or ask them to look it up in Previews under Twilight Tangents.com on page 319.

Books arrive in stores in February!  But remember, most comic shops won't automatically order copies of a small press book like Betty, so if you want a copy, tell them to pre-order you one in December!

For more information on the graphic novel, a preview of the first chapter and more, visit www.twilighttangents.com/betty.

BMAN

Soul Chaser Betty Info Pages Open
Update 11/26/08

The official Soul Chaser Betty Book site is now live.  Readers can learn about the graphic novel, get a preview of the first chapter, read character bios and learn how to order through Diamond Previews in December or directly from Twilight Tangents. 

Look for updates with reviews in the near future.

Learn More About Soul Chaser Betty

BMAN

Soul Chaser Betty Available Through Diamond Comics Distributors
Update 11/03/08

Okay, I mentioned this in an earlier update, but here is the official announcement: 

Soul Chaser Betty, the popular web comic, has been collected into a print graphic novel containing Betty's entire first adventure.  The 176-page book has been available directly from Twilight Tangents for some time, but is now officially set to be distributed across North America by Diamond Comics.

Beginning in December, the graphic novel will be listed in Diamond's Previews Magazine, which is a compilation of upcoming books and comics.  To get a copy, simply go to your local comic store in December and ask them to reserve one for you.  Books ordered in this way will ship to stores in February of 2009.

However, don't go to your store expecting to find a copy in February if you didn't pre-order.  Most stores don't automatically carry small, independent books like Betty unless you ask them to!  So I highly recommend fans ask for a copy in December.

For more information about ordering from Diamond, or directly from Twilight Tangents, go here.

For new readers, check out the book online at Web Comics Nation!  If you like it, support independent books like Betty by ordering it from your local comic shop!

BMAN

More Updates & Diamond News
Update 10/13/08

All right, the move went off without a hitch and I am up and running in a new spacious studio.  I have some illustration projects that are in the pipeline, but most of them have been put on hold due to the move as well as some cool news:

Diamond Comics, distributors of comics and graphic novels throughout North America, has accepted Soul Chaser Betty for distribution.  Expect to see the book show up in the December issue of the Previews catalogue, due in comic stores in December.  The graphic novel will ship to retailers in February of '09.  Great news!

As you can imagine, I will be busy trying to advertise, promote and generally get the book noticed over the course of the next few months (particularly in December).  So if you haven't ordered a copy from the site yet, you'll be able to order one from your local comic shop in December!

In the meantime, I will be scanning and posting some drawings in the near future (yeah, I know, I keep saying that.  This time I mean it).

BMAN

General Updates
Update 8/21/08

So boy did I get sick after Wizard World this year.  Call it the dreaded Con Plague, but I came down with something right before the show and muscled my way through it, knowing full well it was gonna catch up with me.  So I wound up with the flu for 2 and half weeks and missed the summer holidays (here in the good old U.S. of A. being sick on the 4th of July is like missing the whole summer!). 

Well, the good news is that I got better and got back to work on some new art.  On the home front, after a few years of planning and building, it looks like I will finally be moving into a new place, complete with a new, spacious art studio, so that's exiting. 

On another note, after the move I plan to get some archived drawings up on the site, so hopefully there will be a big update in mid-September.

Also, it looks like Reactor has been cancelled this year, which is a big disappointment, as its a good show late in the year (and it doesn't hurt that last year it was right in my neighborhood.)  It looks like they're going to try for it next year, so hopefully I'll see some of you there.

Finally, I have a commission from Wizard World Chicago that someone didn't pick up.  Write me with the details of what it was and I'll figure out how to get it to you.  You know who you are!

BMAN

New Art and Wizard World Chicago
Update 6/24/08

DUCKON
So, yeah, I made a surprise appearance at Duckon last week, and signed books for some online fans.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the signing table to say hi!

NEW ART
Okay, I've been waiting to post this one for a few weeks.  It's a color piece based on the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs.  What?  Martian Princesses?  Me?  Shocker!

Martian Harem

I've realized that I haven't really been posting the original pencils for most of my recent color work (you know, for about a year), so once the Wizard Con is over, I will work on getting those up into the Sketchbook section, as well as new stuff I'm working on and picts of the painted Witch and Outlaw Queen minis.

FAN ART
Hey!  There's a new piece of Fan Art in the gallery, thanks to Shell! 

Cute Betty

WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO
Well its that time of year again, (so soon?  Yes they moved the con up almost a month and half this year!).  I'll be at the Artist Alley Thursday night and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  So stop by and say hi, check out the painted minis in person and see what's new.

See you there.

BMAN

Con Sketches and Fan Art Online
Update 5/29/08

Thanks to everyone who came by and made ACEN a great success!  A hearty hello to new readers who stopped by the Artist Alley and are visiting the site for the first time, as well!

Alright, I've got a bunch of stuff to put up on the site today.  First up there are some new con sketches going up today, a new cave girl portrait, and some fan art that has been sitting in the wings for many years.

First up: Con Sketches.

A couple of these are going into the con sketch section, and a few are going into more appropriate sections.

Added to the Betty Sketch Section: Betty Lounge
Added to the Con Sketch Section: Kneeling Sword
Added to the Cave Girl Section: (Warning: contains nudity) Smiling Cave Girl

Finally, I've added a new gallery of Fan Art.  These are drawings, tattoos and even 3d Models, inspired by my art, that people have sent me over the years. I hope you enjoy seeing them as well!

Fan Art Gallery

If you have any fan art you'd like send along, go for it.  Just provide your name and I'll post with the appropriate credit!

Coming up next: some hand painted minis of Outlaw Queen and Witch Queen and a new color piece.  Think Martian princesses!

Later,

BMAN