The (Not Exactly Canon) Gargoyles / Spider-man / Young Justice Radio Show at CONvergence 2016

Performed live at CONvergence 2016, here is the (not exactly canon) Gargoyles meets The Spectacular Spider-man meets Young Justice Radio Show featuring Black Manta’s Celebrity Hot Tub.

…perhaps I should explain.

In 2014, CONvergence (the convention I co-founded many moons ago) was lucky enough to get to host a 20th Anniversary Celebration of Disney’s Gargoyles. Our Guests of Honor that year included four people with ties to that series: Gargoyles creator Greg Weisman, the voice of Demona Marina Sirtis, Supervising Producer Frank Paur, and Lead Character Designer Greg Guler.

At previous Gargoyles “Gatherings”, Greg had written Gargoyles radio plays to be performed by a mix of voice actors from the show who were on-hand to play their roles and fans from the convention to fill out the rest of the cast. These were tongue-in-cheek stories that frequently broke the fourth wall and became increasingly more convoluted and absurd as they carried forward their continuity from year-to-year and eventually included mash-ups with other Greg Weisman projects including The Spectacular Spider-man animated series.

Greg generously decided to continue this tradition at CONvergence 2014, expanding this madness to include characters from Young Justice. So with only Marina Sirtis on hand to play both Demona from Gargoyles and her character Queen Bee from Young Justice, a large cast of fan actors were auditioned and cast from the fans at CONvergence. The play was called “Recruits” and you can watch the video of the event below.

When Greg Weisman returned to CONvergence in 2016, he was joined by Khary Payton (the voice of Aqualad on Young Justice and Cyborg on Teen Titans). From the moment we knew these two were coming to CONvergence I was hoping we could get Greg to not only bring us another radio play, but that we could incorporate an unproduced gem of an idea called Black Manta’s Celebrity Hot Tub.

OK, more explaining. Back when Young Justice and Green Lantern: The Animated Series were airing back-to-back on Cartoon Network as part of a programming block called “DC Nation,” Greg and Khary pitched Black Manta’s Celebrity Hot Tub for the series of comedy shorts that aired between the two shows. In one of history’s great tragedies, these shorts went unmade.

However these shorts were repurposed into segments in the CONvergence 2016 radio show, so now you can get a taste of the glory that might have been.

We had two separate sessions of auditions at CONvergence to fill out the sprawling cast, followed by Greg, Khary and myself hiding away in secret corner of the hotel and sneaking lunch while casting the whole show. The day after the final cast list was posted we had an hour to run through and rehearse before the live performance!

Many thanks to Greg Weisman for somehow finding the time in his busy schedule to write this crazy thing and to everyone who helped make the show happen, and thanks to the CONvergence Video Team for getting the video put together. The video isn’t fancy (single camera from the back of the panel room), but the audio is reasonably clear and we even have subtitles you can enable in the YouTube video!

So without further ado, here’s Greg Weisman, Khary Payton, and a cast of dozens (including me!) in Gargoyles meets The Spectacular Spider-man meets Young Justice: “The Cosmos.”

Now taking Sketch Commission Requests!

I finally have a gap in my comics schedule and for a limited time am taking commissions for custom sketches. I get lots of requests outside of conventions, but am usually dealing with comic book deadlines that are too tight for me to consider additional work, so now’s your chance!

I am taking advance orders for Gallifrey One, Emerald City Comic Con, and C2E2, as well as orders to be sent by mail.

Gallifrey One (Pre-Order Deadline February 10)
February 17-19, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA
www.gallifreyone.com

Emerald City Comic Con (Pre-Order Deadline February 23)
March 2-5, 2017 – Seattle, WA
www.emeraldcitycomicon.com

C2E2 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (Pre-Order Deadline April 14)
April 21-23, 2017 – Chicago, IL
www.c2e2.com

I will appearing at all three of those conventions and will be taking orders and commission sketches there, but my sketch list fills up FAST, so even if you’re hoping to see me there ordering your sketch in advance is the best way to make sure you can get the original art you want. Plus, for ordering and paying in advance, I’m offering a $20 discount on full-figure sketches or orders of $100 or more.

All of my convention sketches are black ink on 9×12″ bristol. I will also draw on sketch covers and in sketchbooks by request. I have a supply of the sketch cover varient of the first issue of my Third Doctor series available.

Sketch Rates

Here’s my sketch rates right now. Samples of different varieties of sketches are below!

• Full Figure: $100 for the first character + $80 for each additional character (MINUS A $20 DISCOUNT for advance orders/payment)
• Head Sketch or Head-and-Shoulder: $60
• + $5 for Doctor Who Sketch Cover Book:
  The same rate structure applies to artwork done on a sketch cover – but if I provide the comic there is a $5 charge for the book, and currently I only have the sketch variant of The Third Doctor #1.

I expect demand to exceed my available time, so I will commit to commissions on a first-come, first-served basis. Place your order early so you don’t miss out!

Headshot or Head-and-Shoulder Sketches

Single-Character Sketches

Two-Character Sketches

Three-Character or Negotiated Flat-Rate Sketches

More Sketch Covers

  >  

If you want to place a commission order, fill out the form below. If you want to place an order for more than a single sketch, re-submit the form for each additional sketch.

Form is now closed.

Upon receipt of this form I will write you back to confirm the details of the order and ask any necessary follow up questions. I’ll instruct you on how to make payment via PayPal (including an extra postage & handling charge if the artwork is to be shipped). Once I have the payment I will complete your sketch it will be available for pick-up or shipped as per our arrangements.

Christopher Jones NYCC 2016 Schedule and More!

This is my FIFTH year at New York Comic Con and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I love the Artists Alley that darn near feels like its own separate comic con thanks to the impressive work of Mike Negin, and the cosplayers are simply amazing! I look forward all year to this pilgrimage and the opportunity to connect with East Coast fans.

I am a Featured Guest at New York Comic Con this year and I will be at Artist Alley Booth D9 all 4 days! Click here to add me to your show planner. The New York Comic Con show planner is really nifty, by the way.

FREE Convention Exclusive Mini-Print!

I have a new FREE convention exclusive mini-print for Facebook and Twitter followers!

Just show me that you follow me on Twitter or like my Facebook page to claim yours! And I’ll still have a limited supply of the ever popular Wonder Woman Invisible Jet mini-prints, Flash Fastest Man Alive mini-prints, Disco Nightwing mini-prints, and Batman buttons free for followers if you would rather pick up one of those. Remember, these are convention-exclusive freebies. The only way to get one of these items to find me at a convention!

Christopher Jones’ NYCC 2016 Schedule

In addition to visiting me at my booth, you can also find me at the following events!

Thursday, October 6

Comics, Graphic Novels and the Reluctant Reader

Graphic novels have been called a “gateway drug to literacy,” but schools still have large groups of students who don’t know how to read them. Join experts in the field of education and comics, including Solution Squad creator and veteran middle school teacher Jim McClain as he guides you step-by-step through a program that will help you to bring even the most reluctant reader into the fold. Attendees will also receive a free digital copy of Solution Squad #1 and more goodies that they can use in their library and classroom.

Panelists: Jim McClain, Supergirl Smiles, Janet Lee, Theresa Dyson, Christopher Jones
Time: 1:45-2:45PM
Location: Room 1A05

Saturday, October 8

Doctor Who Comics Signing

Signing Doctor Who comics at the booth! This is your opportunity to get Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #1 signed by both me and Paul Cornell!

Panelists: Paul Cornell, Simon Fraser, Chris Jones
Time: 1:00-2:00PM
Location: Titan Booth #2142

Doctor Who and Torchwood Comics Panel

An umissable Doctor Who and Torchwood comic book Panel packed with exclusive reveals, never-before-seen art previews and special announcements! Join Titan Comics writers, artists, and senior editorial, Andrew James to get the inside scoop of brand-new comics hitting stores in 2017. Each audience member will receive a receive a free goodie bag bundle of Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Doctor comics (each bag includes the 2015 convention one-shot!)

Panelists: Nick Abadzis, Paul Cornell, Simon Fraser, Andrew James, Chris Jones, Rachael Stott
Time: 7:45-8:45PM
Location: Room 1A21

Sketches & Art Prints

I will be doing commission sketches during New York Comic Con, but I expect my sketch list to fill up FAST, so if you’re hoping to get a sketch from me, try to stop by my Artist Alley table as early as possible. If you would like to send me your NYCC sketch request ahead of time, putting you first on my list on Thursday, email it to chris@christopherjonesart.com with the subject, “NYCC SKETCH REQUEST”. Please include the days you will be at the con, and your phone number so I can text you when the sketch is completed.

All of my convention sketches are black ink on 9×12″ bristol. I will also draw on sketch covers and in sketchbooks, and on …other things… by request. Payment due when you pick up the completed sketch.

My New York Comic Con 2016 Sketch Rates are…

• Full Figure: $100 for the first character + $80 for each additional character
• Head Sketch (shoulders & up): $60 or $40 with a current student ID
• + $5 for Doctor Who: The Third Doctor Sketch cover provided by me

I will also have all of my prints available during New York Comic Con, at the usual reduced convention prices:

• 11×17″ Color Prints: $20 each or 3 for $50
• 8.5″x11″ Color Prints:  $10 each
• 8.5″x11″ Black & White Prints:  $5 each

You can see my entire selection of prints in My Etsy Store. I have two new classic Doctor Who prints since last year’s New York Comic Con:

Again, you can find a full selection of my prints, including Young Justice and more Doctor Who prints, on my Etsy store.

Mr. J!!

Joining me once again at the con will be booth babe cosplay personality Mr. J! He’s generally happy to take photos with anybody and may even have something special for kids – what a clown!

Lastly…

Because con food is expensive and I know a lot of my fans are at the con on a budget, I’ll have granola bars available at my table for anyone who asks for one. That’s right – free, healthy(ish) snacks! And definitely NOT engineered by the Reach or Lexcorp, if you were concerned. While supplies last.

I will also again have a cosplay repair kit with sewing stuff, different sorts of tape, contact cement, and other misc. cosplay repair items. Just ask if you need to use it.

And, just to cover a few other questions I often get on Twitter:

• Autographs are always free and I’ll sign anything you bring me. (Check out my guide to asking for signatures and drawings at conventions!)
• I do not charge for photos and I am happy to take a photo with anyone who asks!
• I’m happy to do interviews, podcasts, snippets, goofy stuff, and whatever any day but Sunday, but the earlier you can drop by, the better!
• I will draw any cannon character ship kissing if asked. I will draw any two characters together doing non-romantic/sexual things, regardless of whether it’s cannon or not.

I think that about wraps up my New York Comic Con post. Whew! I really am looking forward to seeing you all again this weekend! Come say hello! Marvel at my latest T-Shirt. Sing a duet with me. Get some free candy. Buy some art. Artist Alley table D9! See you there!

Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #1 on Wed 9/14 & Signing at Hot Comics!

On Wednesday, issue #1 of Doctor Who: The Third Doctor hits comics shelves! I really can’t wait for everyone to see this book. Paul Cornell‘s The Heralds of Destruction is the Third Doctor story that we classic whovians deserve, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Signings

If you live in Minnesota, USA and plan to pick up a copy for yourself, stop by Hot Comics & Collectibles in New Hope where I’ll be signing between 3pm and 8pm!

Hot Comics and Collectibles New Hope
3524 Winnetka Ave N.
New Hope, MN 55427
Facebook Event

If you live in the UK, Paul Cornell will be signing at Forbidden Planet in London from 6pm!

Forbidden Planet Megastore
179 Shaftesbury Avenue
London
WC2H 8JR
Details Here

Also, Paul Cornell and I will be at New York Comic Con next month, so that would be a good opportunity to get your books signed by both of us. And I will be at Chicago TARDIS in November and will be happy to sign books there too. So be sure to pick up your copies this week even if you can’t make it to one of our signings on Wednesday.

(I expect I’ll be seeing a lot of sketch covers in my future…)

Reviews & Press

There are already reviews starting to surface for the first issue. Here are a few to check out:

• Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #1 Review on Rogues Portal
• IN REVIEW: DOCTOR WHO THE THIRD DOCTOR ISSUE #1 on Scifi Pulse
• Pullbox Reviews: Doctor Who The Third Doctor – Perfect Pairing on The Pullbox

Recently I went over my process for bringing the Third Doctor art to the page for Comics Alliance. Check that out if you really geek out about the details like I do.

• The Best Episode You Never Saw! Artist Christopher Jones On Bringing Back ‘The Third Doctor’ on Comics Alliance

Here’s a couple interviews Paul Cornell did about the series.

• PAUL CORNELL Returns To DOCTOR WHO and Brings Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor With Him on Newsarama
• Paul Cornell on Writing New DOCTOR WHO in a Classic Era on Nerdist

Preview

DOCTOR WHO: THIRD DOCTOR #1
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Christopher Jones
Colors: Hi-Fi
FC – 32pp – $3.99 – On sale: September 14
Order on Comixology

Paul Cornell returns to Doctor Who comics with “The Heralds of Destruction!” When something enormous crashes into Bedfordshire, the Doctor, Jo Grant, and the forces of UNIT under Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart mobilize immediately, only to find themselves in the middle of a pitched battle against a terrifying invader. But the shocking face that awaits their return to base may tip the whole world off its axis! It’s classic third Doctor action as you’ve never seen it before!

Why I want Greg Weisman at CONvergence 2016 (And You Should Too!)

I wanted to show you all the art print I recently colored. I created a black-and-white line art version of this print for CONvergence 2014, to commemorate the radio play that Greg Weisman wrote then produced entirely at the convention. But I just colored it this month. This is the very first time it’s been colored.

And here’s a recording of the radio play, “Recruits”. It is a mashup of Young Justice, Gargoyles, and The Spectacular Spider-Man. and it features CONvergence 2014 Guest of Honor Marina Sirtis.

Why am I sharing these things? Well…

Most of you know that way back in 1999 I helped start a science fiction convention here in Minnesota called CONvergence. (Yes I have a second career as a con runner in addition to my career as a comic book artist.) Many years later the convention is still going strong with 6-7,000 annual attendees. One of our favorite repeat guests at CONvergence is Greg Weisman, among other things, creator of Disney’s Gargoyles, producer and writer for The Spectacular Spider-man, Star Wars: Rebels, Young Justice, and, of course, my collaborator on DC’s Young Justice comic book. Beyond Greg’s impressive list of writing and producing credits, he always makes a great convention guest because he’s a great talker and great panelist – great both in terms of quality and quantity. No guest ever does more panels at our convention than Greg Weisman does. (Seriously, he’s broken records.)

This is how you’ll usually find Greg Weisman at CONvergence: on a panel

So, some of us are trying to bring Greg Weisman back to CONvergence this year. How, you ask? Well,  he’s been good enough to volunteer to be our guinea pig for a new program CONvergence is piloting called “Fan-Featured Guests” – guests brought in by an outside group with approval from and working directly with the CONvergence Guests of Honor Department.

That is SO CRASH!

The funding for bringing in a Fan-Featured Guest is provided entirely by the group bringing the guest and can be crowdfunded, fund raised, or privately donated. This means that the budget to have Greg as a guest at CONvergence 2016 isn’t coming from the convention budget, but rather from a third party – in this case, a crowd-funding campaign that Hal and I are running. As of right now, it’s 70% funded!

I’d particularly love to see Greg back as a guest at CONvergence this year because Khary Payton (the voice of Aqualad on Young Justice and Cyborg on Teen Titans) will be a Guest of Honor as well. (And strangely enough, so will I! After having been a guest at most of the other sci-fi and comics conventions here in Minnesota, I’m finally going to be a guest at the convention I helped start. It’s a little surreal. But I’d love to have TWO members of the Young Justice family there with me to join in the fun.)

The last time Greg was a guest at CONvergence in 2014 he wrote and produced the radio play at the beginning of this post – a mash-up of three of his TV shows: Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-man, and Young Justice. Marina Sirtis was also a Guest of Honor at CONvergence that year and she provided the voices of her characters Demona from Gargoyles and Queen Bee from Young Justice. The rest of the characters were cast from volunteer attendees of the convention, during the convention. I wasn’t kidding when I said Greg produced the play at the con. He held auditions and everything. I mean, this was a hell of a thing.

Greg has said that if he returns to CONvergence this year, he’ll write and produce another radio play, and this time we’ll have Khary Payton to lead another cast of fan volunteers. I would do a new art print to commemorate the new play as well.

Greg and me with Young Justice fans at CONvergence 2014

You can probably tell where I’m going with this. I’m inviting you to contribute to help bring Greg Weisman as a guest to CONvergence 2016. We have a number of rewards for various contribution amounts, including the new color version of the 2014 radio play print. I’ve also donated copies of prints I’ve done based on Young Justice and on Greg’s novel and audio play Rain of The Ghosts, which will be signed by both Greg and myself. Those prints can be picked up at the convention or mailed out if you are unable to attend.

Hold the phone. Why would you support the campaign if you are unable to attend?

Well… Some of the rewards are things like Khary Payton (Aqualad, Cyborg) recording a custom greeting for your voicemail. You could have Greg Weisman or me do one too, but if it was ME I’d want the Khary Payton option. Or you could have one of the art prints mailed to you. On top of that, the radio play will be recorded and made publicly available after the convention, so that’s a new, original production by Greg Weisman for everyone.

Also, if you don’t want “Black Manta’s Celebrity Hot Tub” to be a real thing, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Because it will definitely be a real thing if we can get Greg Weisman to CONvergence 2016.

Click here to view the crowdfund campaign.

And please share this with your friends. Together maybe we can all give this effort the last push it needs!