Skelton's Keys To The Classics: Jungle Book

Skelton Crew has a line of 'Keys to the Classics' of keys designed by artists to summarize a book in classic literature. As you may remember, Israel Skelton and I did a line of Mouse Guard replica weapons years ago, so it was a pleasure to reunite when he asked if I'd design a Jungle Book themed key: 'The Key to the Ruined City'

I was given technical specifications for the thickness, width, height, etc as well as a caveat that I needed to pull visuals and details only from the original text instead of any popular adaptations.

My goal was to make the key look like a stone or bone carving of a portion of the ruined city itself that also featured Shere Kahn, Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa, and some monkeys (Not King Louie--as he was a Disney invention)

The job started with pencil sketches digitally toned of the key rotation where each side is a bit different (especially the monkeys) This stage took the longest as I had to keep making adjustments so that the silhouette of each side matched the other and that the side edge details wrapped around convincingly enough. 

Because I knew Skelton Crew would like cleaner linework to use as etched/carved lines in the key itself, I then did an inked version using the above pencil version as a guide to ink from on my Huion lightpad. While in some ways I think the stark lines take away from the softer and more subtle pencil version above, it did give me a chance to clean up bits I wanted to refine.

The last step before sending it off was to do a digital render on the inked drawing to help show the relief and form.

The key itself is available for purchase at Skelton Crew's Online Store:
skeltoncrewstudio.bigcartel.com

And I have a few available with signed boxes in my online store:
mouseguard.bigcartel.com

 

Mouse Guard Plush!

Israel Skelton of Skelton Crew Studios and I were chatting after the release of his Chog plush from the comic CHEW. I mentioned how I really liked how that piece turned out and lamented that the plush of Lieam that was released in 2007 from Diamond Select toys was the only one they made before dropping the license. We decided to add new Plush Mouse Guard items to the Skelton Crew line! I worked up the rough sketch to the left to illustrate the proportions and color changes & embroidery changes could easily make most of the Mouse Guard characters.

Tomorrow Skelton Crew will start taking pre-orders for the first two Guardmice in the line: Kenzie & Saxon! I was involved with adjusting photos of prototypes until the manufacturer produced what Issy and I were going for. The two photographed here are physical versions I have in my studio, and a really great and quality pieces. They are 6" from butt to crown of the head. The butt is weighted with beanbag so they want to sit on your shelf, however a doll stand could be used to have them standing in your home display.

This link will have the plush items listed for pre-order tomorrow: http://skeltoncrewstudio.bigcartel.com/category/mouse-guard

And Saxon and Kenzie are only the first two in what should be a great series of plush mice. And we hope to have a prototype ready for production on another two mice in January of next year!

AND.....

The Skelton Crew mouse-scale weapon replica of Lieam's sword will be availble for pre-order at that same link!!!

It features a 2 tone plating and a thread-wrapped grip.













Pre-order it here:
http://skeltoncrewstudio.bigcartel.com/category/mouse-guard








But wait...there's MORE!?!?!

Israel is also at work on more Mouse Guard items!!

He recently sent me this prototype work-in-progress photo of the head of Gwendolyn's pike axe (which will have a braided wooden handle when completed) The head was sculpted by John Thompson, and will be further worked on by Israel once the first metal casting is made. 




A very difficult and complicated project is still underway: The Baldwin the Brave Marionette! This will be a functional marionette of the title character in the story "Baldwin the Brave" (which is being released in hardcover format November 5th). The original sculpt was something I did to use as reference for drawing the story, but Israel has gone in and added Baldwin's specific details and cleaned up the piece so that it will cast nicely. We are *fingers crossed* looking to a pre-order date in late November on this with units shipping after the new year.

All of these items will be available in the Skelton Crew Online Store along with replicas and items from Locke & Key, Chew, & Hellboy.

http://skeltoncrewstudio.bigcartel.com

2014 Appearances:

NY Comic Con: Oct. 9-12

Lucca Comics & Games (Italy): Oct. 31-Nov. 2

Skelton Crew Replica Weapons update

Israel Skelton of Skelton Crew Studios released a mouse-scale replica the Black Axe last year...but that piece was only the beginning of a larger line or replica products for the Mouse Guard fans...In this post, I wanted to share a bit of what Israel and I have planned for the future of this line and for your mouse-sized armory.

Rand's Shield:

Two weeks ago saw the release of Rand's shield. I first drew a piece of control art with measurements for Israel. When I draw this artwork, I have to look at all of the times I've drawn that piece in the Mouse Guard books and come up with an amalgamation of it ignoring inconsistencies and making an idealized version of the weapon or, in this case, armor. I try and give Israel different views and suggestions of how I see details working for the replica.


Israel then makes a prototype. For Rand's Shield, we discussed what to do about the back where the straps would go. I suggested they could be cast metal that was painted, or they could be left off...as though they have rotted away. But Israel insisted that if they are supposed to be leather straps, he would make sure the replicas all had leather straps. This photo is one he sent me to show an example of the strap material against the prototype.

The final product is a pewter casting that has been plated and antiqued to look like the shield from the comic (or even better in my opinion). This photo shows a near final version of the shield, Israel had some finish tweaks he wanted to do before they went into production. And these are available through the Skelton Crew store currently.

Farrer's Hammer & Tongs:
The next scheduled item is actually a pair of items. The hammer and tongs of Farrer, the mouse who forged the mythic Black Axe. For the control art I included a scale reference to the Black Axe, something Israel appreciated and requested I do in all the new pieces. I talked Israel out of having each hammer's handle be made of real wood...however, the tongs will pivot and function as real tongs would.

Beyond these pieces, we don;t have a release schedule or order set, but these are most likely the pieces that will follow the hammer and tongs...

Loukas' Sword: 
The design of this sword started with a drawing Jeremy Bastian did for my 30th Birthday of a mouse wielding a sword like this one. I liked the drawing and sword so much, I told him I was stealing it. In the Mouse Guard comics it became Saxon's mentor Loukas' sword...which Saxon later inherits. Israel has informed me that while the hinge won't match mine, and there will be no working compass inside, the acorn-cap pommel will indeed open in the replica...even though it will be no bigger around than a pencil eraser.

Lieam's Sword:
That strange triangle sword I drew for Lieam has become an iconic weapon for the character (even though he only had it in issues #1 & half of #3 in Fall...) Because my drawings had changed so much between when I drew Fall 1152 and now (as well as the times I've drawn Lieam with this sword for spot illos and commissions) I had to really adjust the proportions and design of the sword into this version. Because the next volume of Mouse Guard will take place in 1149, Lieam will again have this sword...which will make the replica a welcome addition to my reference shelf.

Gwendolyn's Pike-Axe:
Israel requested this one come sooner than later. I designed the weapon for Gwendolyn as something of a cross between functional and ceremonial. I wanted it to be something she could 'knight' mice into the Guard with and keep enemies at a distance with. In talking with Israel, I mentioned that I knew the braided cloth would be a pain for this replica so he could scrap them if he wanted...but not Israel. He said they will all have the braided cloth for certain when it comes time to make this replica.

Beyond these, Israel and I have a long list of things from the existing Mouse Guard books (including Legends of the Guard) and future Mouse Guard books. Here's a taste of what else we want to tackle:

-Kenzie's staff w/ lantern
-Sadie's daggers
-Celanawe's sword
-Delvin's Sheild
-Delvin's sword
-Bastian's bow~
-Leaf Hilt sword
-Sienna's mace
-Conrad's spear/hook
-Luthebon's sword (weasel scale)
-The tooth horns from the Legends cover

It's wonderful as a creator to entrust your world and designs to a skilled and talented craftsman like Israel Skelton. I hope you fans agree.

Upcoming Appearances:

New York Comic Con: October 10-13

North Carolina Comic Con: November 9-10

San Diego Comic Con 2013 Info

With my biggest convention starting tomorrow, I wanted to share all the info I have about where I'll be, items I'll have available, and what else I'll be doing at the convention. Lots to cover, so here we go:

Where:
Most of the five days of the show I'll be in Artist Alley GG-09. I have scheduled signing times at the Archaia booth (#2229) every day (see their schedule), but I am happy to sign anything of yours that I've worked on at either location. I'll do quick head sketches at either place so long as there isn't too much of a line. If I'm not at either of those locations, I'm most likely at a panel (see below) or taking a bathroom break.

Items:

I'll have my standard con items at my table: books (including Black Axe), prints, watercolor commissions (first come first served each day), &original art....but at SDCC I'll have a few new items:

2013 Mouse Guard Sketchbook:

A collection of commissions from the past year specifically colored for this collection (plus a few other illustrations) 24 pages, signed and numbered (500) $20. After SDCC, I'll take remaining books to my upcoming conventions, and put them in my online store once I'm back from SDCC. (and don't worry, I never sell out of them at SDCC....even if an ebay seller claims I did).

New Black Axe Tee:

With the red banner shirts almost entirely gone, and with the release of the Black Axe hardcover, it was time for a new shirt! Celanawe with the Black Axe is surrounded by illustrated depictions of the five ancient serpents who once surrounded all that was. The printing will be black and grey ink on a heather-grey shirt. At SDCC we will have Mens & Ladies sizes and make the shirts available in the online store soon after we return home.

SDCC exclusive Black Axe:
Skelton Crew released a special finish version of the Black Axe in an antique gold. These will be available at both my table and the Archaia booth for $30. I believe Skelton Crew will make any remaining available through their website after SDCC.

Panels:

I'll be on three panels over the course of this weekend. Here are their descriptions, locations, and times.

MTV: Creator Pitch LIVE
MTV Comics executive editor Tom Akel conducts a live pitch competition between three of the top creators in the business. Last year's winner David Petersen (Mouse Guard) will be back to defend his crown against two new challengers. Creators are presented with a topic just a few weeks out from the convention and then develop original pitches that you, the fans, vote on to determine the winner!
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Room 28DE


How and Why to Write a Great All-Ages Comic Book
Some of the biggest "kids" in comics discuss the current state of the industry and what steps are necessary for comics to secure a place in the hearts and minds of the next generation. What are the benefits and challenges involved in writing all-ages comics? How are licensed comics playing a role in our future? How might webcomics, digital publishing, emerging technologies, and self-publishing change the landscape? And how can we ensure that more young readers today become readers for life? Panelists include Andy Runton (Owly), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Katie Cook (My Little Pony), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Neo Edmund (Jurassic Strike Force 5), Otis Frampton (Oddly Normal), Royden Lepp (Rust), and Jimmy Gownley (creator of Amelia Rules!). Moderated by all-ages comics writer and editor Joe LeFavi (Fraggle Rock).
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm 
Room 28DE

Archaia Entertainment: The Year of Mouse GuardAfter its debut, Mouse Guard has become one of the most popular, beloved, and honored stories in comics, and in 2013, creator David Petersen is not slowing down! This year will see the release of the Mouse Guard Vol. 3: The Black Axe hardcover and the debut of the four-issue Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Vol. 2 miniseries (followed by the release of a hardcover that collects them). In addition, from Skelton Crew comes collectible replica Black Axes, the first in a line of Mouse Guard replica weapons! Moderated by Mel Caylo (Archaia's marketing manager), join the Eisner Award-winning Petersen and guests, including Jeremy Bastian, Israel Skelton*, and more to be announced as they give you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of all this Mouse Guard goodness, preview art from upcoming releases, and answer everything you wanted to know about Mouse Guard! Every attendee will receive a Comic-Con exclusive print of an original David Petersen drawing. Plus, one lucky audience member will win a free copy of the limited Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 Black and White Edition!

Sunday July 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm 

Room 28DE

(* Israel won't be there in-person, but will send a video message, and we will also be joined by Legends of the Guard contributor Eric Canete)

Watercolor Wednesday:
Here's another view at last week's Watercolor piece that I offered for sale. First up was a giant with a cottage on his head. I was thinking it would be fun to show a giant character using something we think of as 'big' as a small piece of attire. I think as I was painting it I realized there is a bit of Terry Gilliam/Time Bandit homage here...but a cottage instead of a ship.

The other piece I drew in the lobby of the hotel at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. I was looking at my pad of bristol that I did the art for and thought it might be fun to re-visit a gentleman Grasshopper. To make this more than just a re-dressing, I opted for him to wear no clothing and just use body language and the tea & saucer props to convey him being a gentleman.  Tomorrow (even though I'm in San Diego for Comic Con) I'll post two paintings in my online store. Watch my twitter @mouseguard for when they go live


Upcoming Appearances:

San Diego Comic Con: July 17-21

Boston Comic Con: August 3-4

Baltimore Comic Con: September 7-8

New York Comic Con: October 10-13

North Carolina Comic Con: November 9-10