WHO REALLY WANTS TO KNOW!

I generally hate these things, but I can't sleep, so here goes:


Can you fill this out without lying? Paste these instructions in the body of a note, if you want to try,delete my answers, and type yours: 

1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth? pear yogurt, just now. Although I spilt half of it on the floor.

2.Where was your profile picture taken? On a cruise with my Mom. Probably in the Carribbean a few years ago. I like the formal nights. And there is usually dancing. :-) 

3.Can you play Guitar Hero? Naw

4.Name someone who made you laugh today. A cute little baby named Lucas.

5.How late did you stay up last night and why? 2 am checking e-mails. Then I slept 2 hours. Now I'm up again.

6.If you could move somewhere else, would you? Yes. Or at least also have a house in another country.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? Oh yes.

8. Which of your FB friends lives closest to you? Kenny

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? Most of the time, yes. 

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper? Love it.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Oct. 9th.

12. Who took your profile picture on Facebook? My Mom, Erma.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Michael Golden. Just yesterday. :-) He was goofing around for some picture. :-)

14. Was yesterday better than today? It's always better. It's a new opportunity to either continue to do the things we love, or do change the things we don't.

15. Can you live a day without TV? I hardly ever watch TV. Hate it. I do watch a few select shows though.

16. Are you upset about anything? not today

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Yes.

18. Are you a bad influence? I don't think so.

19. Night out or night in? Working out at the gym or in the park, then, a NIght in with good food, a movie and someone I like.

20. What items could you not go without during the day? Coffee and sunscreen.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My Grandmother, Maw Maw before she passed away in 2003. 

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? Sorry to have missed everyone at the Big Apple Con this past weekend.

23. How do you feel about your life right now? I always love my life and try to find ways to move in different and interesting directions work wise. I love being places, although I don't like flying so much. And I'm lucky enough to work with some incredible people like Golden, Texeira and Steve Scott. I have friends all over the world and some very loyal and wonderful friends at home. So, yeah, life is good. Wish we all had health care, but other than that, I can't complain. :-) 

24. Do you hate any one? I have been disappointed by people....but I think I have only probably hated one person really, and it took alot to reach that point. Before that, I pitied them and their craziness. Now, a few years later, I think I pity them and their delusions again...

25. If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? Lots of messages that I should probably clear out. LOL But most answered. I'm getting better about that.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Yup. Don't do drugs.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Yes, but they were wrong.

28. What song is stuck in your head? "Time is on my side."

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be? We'll it would be someone who knows I'm still up at that time usually, but has miraculously found a way to get to a 9th floor window. And that would be impressive! :-)

30. Do you want to have grandkids before you’re 50? It might have been nice, but since I don't have kids, isn't gonna happen.

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow. Work. Perhaps get a massage.

32. Do you think too much or too little? Too much sometimes. Most of the time just the right amount.

33. Do you smile a lot? I'm pretty happy right now, so I guess I do.

Gijon Comic Salon Underway! Golden Interview Kicks off Event!

Spain-- The renowned Gijon Comic's festival and salon is underway in Spain, with an extensive interview with creator Michael Golden kicking off the festivties on Oct. 13, 2009, and featuring many other events planned for throughout the week!

It was a particularly special opening as Golden singled Russ Heath out in the crowd as one of the greats in comic history, and the man who also showed Golden himself just what good inking could be over his pencils. "Based on the knowledge I was fortunate enough to get by working with Russ," says Golden, "I saved a decade on a learning curve."

The oldest convention of it's kind in Spain, the Gijon show is known for style and grace as well as the Haxtur industry awards. Started by the man we all know and love as Faustino, and in association with "El Wendigo" magazine, the show is set along the beautiful shores of Spain in the Asturian region. There could not be a more beautiful setting for this event honoring sequential art.

In addition to artist and creator Michael Golden, the festival is also hosting Russ Heath, Steve Scott, Diego Olmos, Daniel Acuna, Santiago Arcas, Renee Witterstaetter, Pau, and many more, and includes art classes for local students, a gallery show at the Antiguo Instituto (which 2 years ago hosted a Golden exhibition), and numerous events open to the public.

Michael Golden's interview took place on October 13th with press interviews to follow on October 15th, while the Steve Scott interview is scheduled for October 16th and Russ Heath is slated for October 17th and the closing of the festival.

For more information, contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com

(above: Golden, Faustino, and Mark Texeira from 2007)

Golden at Baltimore/ Eva Ink and Woodcrest Participate in Harvey Awards!

Hi Ya'll--It's that time of year again. Baltimore ComiCon is happening a little later this year. Autumn is in the air--my favorite time of year, and it's time to board that train and get to the harbor and some great seafood. Crab Cakes are on the agenda.

Also for the second year in a row, I'm proud to say that my company, Eva Ink Publishing and Eva Ink Artist Group, along with our partner, Woodcrest Productions, will be donating some of our "Creator Chronicles" DVD series on industry creators as part of the gift bags for Harvey Awards attendees. There is always some cool stuff in these bags folks! It's not too late to get your tickets for the gala dinner and awards ceremony. We always have such a good time there, too. Last year I got to sit with the legendary artist Nick Cardy, and shared some wonderful conversation with this amazing man. :-)

Creator Michael Golden will also be a guest at the show all weekend, so stop by and see us. I'll be in Artist's Alley as well. At Mid-Ohio I had many of my old book I'd forgotten brought up for a signature. I'm sure I'll see some in Baltimore too.

Above, Golden scares up some spooky art for Halloween! :-)

Best,
Renee
:-)
____

Michael Golden Helps Baltimore Celebrate 10th Year!
Eva Ink and WoodCrest Productions Support Harvey Awards!


Baltimore--Fall is in the air and that can only mean one thing! It's time for the 10th Annual Baltimore ComicCon! And, just announced, joining the amazing line-up, and returning to one of his favorite shows is Co-creator of the X-men’s Rogue character, Michael Golden! Baltimore HAD to be on the agenda! And no matter if via plane, train or automobile, it should be on yours as well!

"I look forward to the gathering of pros and fans, in the great atmosphere that this show fosters, each year," says Golden, having just spent most of the last year conducting classes in sequential art storytelling worldwide, and accepting a few Guest of Honor nods along the way. "I wouldn't miss it."

Golden's pivotal and groundbreaking work can be seen in and on such books as "The 'Nam," "Micronauts," "G.I. Joe Yearbook," "Dr. Strange," “Nightwing,” “Detective,” “Heroes for Hire," "Hulk," "Spiderman," "Uncanny X-men" and “Iron Man” "Spartan X," "Bucky O'Hare," among much, much more.

Michael, no matter on which character, is indeed known for his unique art style that at various times seems detailed and at other times seems to be amazingly streamlined--cutting away the excess and maintaining the true essentials of a piece. Thus the title of his recent top-selling art book, "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," from Vanguard Productions!

Current projects include “Manga Bucky O’Hare” from Vanguard Productions; “Michael Golden Monsters” portfolio from Eva Ink; “Heroes and Villains Sketchbook” from Eva Ink; “Modern Masters in the Studio with Michael Golden" DVD and trade from TwoMorrows; “The Creator Chronicles : Michael Golden” DVD from Woodcrest Productions, and Michael's new sketchbook "MORE Heroes and Villains," due out in the fall.

Honored with gallery shows in places as diverse as New York, Brussels, Antwerp, Gijon, Paris and Barcelona, Golden is sought after for his signature art class in storytelling, which he has conducted throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and now China. Michael has served as an Editor at DC Comics as well as Senior Art Director at Marvel Comics, and has worked on scores of movie production projects, including some currently in development. As well as design work for both Universal and Disney.

Guests joining Golden, Oct. 10-11 for Baltimore include: Brian Michael Bendis, Robert Kirkman, David Finch, Marc Silvestri, Chris Claremont, Bernie Wrightson, Frank Cho, Tim Sale, Doug Braithwaite, Matt Fraction, Stan Sakai, George Perez, Joe Kubert, J.G. Jones, Rob Liefeld, Neal Adams, J.Scott Campbell, Jimmy Cheung, Cully Hamner, Sanford Green, Barry Kitson, David Mack, Mike Manley, Mike McKone, Terry Moore, Steve Niles, Walt Simonson, Matt Wagner, and many more!

Also, don't forget the Harvey Awards on Saturday night as the industry honors some of our great talents. Eva Ink and Woodcrest Productions are happy to once again be donating DVD's from their "Creator Chronicles" series for the gift bags at the event. "This has become a tradition for us,' says Renee Witterstaetter of Eva Ink. "We are thrilled to be part of the Harvey's and what they stand for, and Baltimore has provided such a classic home for the event."

So grab that nearest car, train or plane, and get thee to the ComiCon!

For more information on the Baltimore Comic Con, visit www.comicon.com/baltimore/

For more information on Michael Golden and his work, contact: evaink@aol.com; www.evaink.com

This is ONLY a Test!

Hello All--


Okay.... so I just got back from China....where they treated us SOOO well, and put us up in a fantastic hotel near a beautiful lake (probably full of fish, but didn't get a chance to buy a line and go see.)

Here's my problem: Maybe it's because I was speaking at a Comics and Animation Forum near Beijing, or maybe it was delirium after flying all the way around the world-- but the carpet in the hotel haunted me the entire time I was there! Really. And, it was a big hotel, so there was LOTS of this carpet, let me tell you!

But, let me explain: I kept seeing the face of one particular animated character in the design OVER and OVER again. I could NOT get it out of my head! The name reverberated in my brain with EVERY step, like some weird marching tune...

I tested Michael and Tex to see if they saw it too. They didn't at first...not until I pointed it out. Then they said..."Oh yeah....I see it now!!"

Now, keep in mind, I loved this character when I was a kid. Still do....so it wasn't all that terrible.

So, my question....do you see it too? Or is it just me. LOL

--Renee
:-)

Golden Guest of Honor for Mid-Ohio!

Ohio-- Co-creator of the X-men’s Rogue character, Michael Golden has been called "a legend" in the comics industry, and is sought after for his unique style, while conducting classes in sequential art storytelling worldwide! Now, he also has the honor of being named Co-Guest of Honor along with contemporary and comics legend, Bernie Wrightson, for the 2009 edition of Mid-Ohio Con.

Golden's pivotal and groundbreaking work can be seen in and on such books as "The 'Nam," "Micronauts," "G.I. Joe Yearbook," "Dr. Strange," “Nightwing,” “Detective,” “Heroes for Hire," "Hulk," "Spiderman," "Uncanny X-men" and “Iron Man” among much, much more-- Golden, modestly never says which is his own personal favorite project... However, according to one art dealer, "Everybody in the business has been influenced by Golden’s Dr. Strange.

Michael, no matter on which character, is indeed known for his unique art style that at various times seems detailed and at other times seems to be amazingly streamlined--cutting away the excess and maintaining the true essentials of a piece. Thus the title of his recent top-selling art book, "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," from Vanguard Productions! These techniques, coupled with his signature storytelling construction garner Golden a legion of devotees that number not only comic readers, but other artists as well.

Other milestones in Golden's career include the co-creation of "Bucky O'Hare," with writer Larry Hama, which led to an animated series and toy line designed by Michael, as well as the creation “Spartan X” with the input of Jackie Chan and editor/writer Renee Witterstaetter.

Current projects include “Manga Bucky O’Hare” from Vanguard Productions; “Michael Golden Monsters” portfolio from Eva Ink; “Heroes and Villains Sketchbook” from Eva Ink; “Modern Masters in the Studio with Michael Golden" DVD and trade from TwoMorrows; “The Creator Chronicles : Michael Golden” DVD from Woodcrest Productions, and Michael's new sketchbook "MORE Heroes and Villains," due out in the fall.

As a conceptual cover artist, Golden has penciled everything from Batman and Captain America to Vampirella-- and "Virtually every character in the industry at some point or another. I'm the one they come to when they want one of those covers with a thousand characters on them," he laughs.

Honored with gallery shows in places as diverse as New York, Brussels, Antwerp, Gijon, Paris and Barcelona, Golden is sought after for his signature art class in storytelling, which he has conducted throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and now China. Michael has served as an Editor at DC Comics as well as Senior Art Director at Marvel Comics, and has worked on scores of movie production projects, including some currently in development. As well as design work for both Universal and Disney.

Guests joining Golden, Oct. 2-3 for Mid-Ohio include: Joe Jusko, Steve Scott, Mark Texeira, Renee Witterstaetter, Robin Dale, Gary Friedrich, Ron Frenz, Jay Fife, Mike Grell, Barry Kitson, David Mack, Todd Nauck, Chris Sprouse, Herb Trimpe, Billy Tucci, Len Wein, Marv Wolfman, and many more!

For more information on Mid-Ohio Con visit: http://midohiocon.blogspot.com

For more information on Michael Golden and his work, contact: evaink@aol.com; www.evaink.com

Will Marvel Ruin Disney? ;-)

Okay, so we all know now that Disney just bought Marvel. I personally don't look at this as necessarily a bad thing. No doom and gloom here. :-)

Disney can perhaps help expand our market and bring more readers into comics, something sorely lacking right now as we continue to shrink in readership. Disney also certainly has avenues into animation, marketing, and product manufacturing which will get more product out there, hopefully good stuff.

The things I don't like tentatively haven't come to pass yet, and may not! They are just fears swirling in my brain. But issues like artist's ownership of original artwork, art being done in house instead of freelance--as it is historically at Disney, being able to get interesting story lines green lighted that may not be PC particularly, artist's rates going up not down, etc. etc. come to mind.

But again, if Disney is hands off, nothing to worry about! They say they will let Marvel continue to do their thing, and perhaps that is true. No reason to think otherwise. As someone pointed out, aren't they hands off with Pixar and Miramax? And hey, one of my friends that works for Disney always compliments their good health insurance--wouldn't it be a dream come true for freelancers to actually get some decent coverage!?

Conversely, in my mind, what I always liked about Marvel, is even though it was a corporation--that nasty word-- it was a relatively small one, and one had the impression that if you had a particularly cool or inventive idea, you could still get someone to bite. There were still just a few folks you had to convince. Now with the monolith that is Disney behind it all, there are more than just a few--again--if they are hands on that could be a fear. But--They may not be.

We don't know what's going to happen right now. But one thing is for sure--the company that Stan and Jack started is gonna change in some ways. We just don't know how yet.

But let's face it-- it's ALWAYS been changing. This is nothing new!

When I first started working at the "House of Ideas," I felt like Marvel was a family. I loved every second!! We had Mark Gruenwald there as our captain of hi jinks and morale boosting, office parties, Assistant Editor's School, field trips to scriptwriting classes, Halloween hoedowns, and lavish Christmas gatherings where we dressed to the nines. It was an atmosphere where you felt we were being creative and having a great deal of fun all at the same time.

I saw it start to change.

After the company was taken over by Pearlman, the corporation began to set in and there were more rules, less fun and certainly MORE angst. A few years later, heads began to role, but I had left by that time to join my friend Jim Salicrup at Topps Comics.

I remember what Mark Gruenwald said when I asked him about if I should make that jump or not. He said, "Renee, things are changing around here. It's not the same place it used to be, and there's nothing I can do about it. I'll miss working with you, but Topps is offering you more money and different opportunties, you should go. I don't know what's going to happen here." A few months later, Mark was heartbroken as he started to fire folks he thought of as friends...I don't think he ever got over that.

So, yeah, things change. Marvel included.

Even though I'm telling you my own experiences above. People that worked for Marvel before me--perhaps in the Jim Shooter years or the Archie Goodwin years or the Roy Thomas years--think it was better THEN, and that the years after them were when things turned to shit! It all depends on your perspective, you see! From what I hear from folks working there now, it's even a new and different animal today.

Now, it will just be one with Mouse ears.

And ultimately, I don't know if it matters. A corporation is a corporation is a corporation. Their first loyalty is to the shareholders. Period. And that colors every decision. I don't know if it matters which corporation is in control.

Here's a question that hasn't been asked on any of the notes I've seen: Will Marvel ruin Disney? :-)

On a personal note, I for one like Chocolate with my peanut butter. But I don't know if I'm going to like Marvel with my Disney. I'll have to see.

I love both companies in some ways and for different things. I don't necessarily want to see Marvel rides at Disney theme parks and vise versa. They have a different focus and a different feel about them--those parks. I kinda like the fantasy feel I get when I go to Disneyland and leave the outside world behind, and at times I also enjoy the testosterone driven feel of the Marvel rides at the Universal park. But they are different! I like 'em that way. Yeah, it's a small world after all, and I'd like to keep it just the way it is. No change for me! LOL Just like it annoys me when they put Jack Sparrow into the Pirates ride, or make Small World PC. If it was already cool, don't f*C#K it up!

Also, I don't really need to see Mickey in a Spidey costume, or Wolvie and Tigger having a iced mocha together. I hope they will keep the entities separate. Of course that's just me. But... now that I'm thinking about it, that Spidey/Mickey thing might be kinda cute.

I'm sure they are already being stuffed and stitched in Hong Kong even as we type.

For those of you with stock...I wouldn't go selling it just yet. We are starting a new chapter, that's all, but it isn't necessarily a bad one. Just what's next.

Geez I wish I had some Marvel stock!

As Mark told me all those many years ago. It's GONNA change. We may not like all of it. But there's nuthin' we can do about it... Except perhaps....keep making comics and being creative....at whatever company allows you to make the kind of work that works for you.

And probably, someday, if Disney ever sells Marvel, somebody is going to be thinking of these next few years as the time when Marvel was "It" for them.

--R.
:-)

Golden and Scott Pin the Tale on the Dragon!--Two Art Classes/Two Exclusive Prints at DragonCon this Weekend.

Hi Ya'll--

Hope to see some of you at Dragon Con this weekend.

Two of my guys will be giving art classes. Golden's classes have been packed everywhere--and I'll have some exciting announcements about his curriculum next year! Steve recently did his seminar at schools in the Netherlands as well. This will be the first for both of these guys to conduct their classes in Atlanta.

I'll be at the show too, signing books and such. Then I'm off to Spain and China! :-)

More soon!
--Renee

_____________________



Atlanta--Artists Michael Golden and Steve Scott will be spinning Tales towards the tail-end of Dragon Con, wrapping up what is proving to be a fantastic fantasy filled schedule at the paramount Southern show this weekend, September 4-7th.

Co-creator of X-men's Rogue character, Bucky O'Hare and Spartan X, artist Michael Golden is known for his stellar storytelling in sequential art, influencing countless other craftsmen to pick up the pencil. Some of his enduring works include stories for G.I. Joe, Avengers, Doctor Strange, Batman, and much, much more. You can currently see Michael's work on Spiderman covers at Marvel, as well as in the plethora of publications out on the artist including "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden" --the bestselling art book from Vanguard Productions, "Modern Masters: Michael Golden"--from TwoMorrows Publishing, and the "Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden"--DVD and tutorial from Eva Ink and Woodcrest Productions.

The artist has conducted his "Storytelling with Michael Golden" class in places as diverse as Spain, France, The Netherlands, Canada, and in a few short weeks, China will be added to the list! He's pleased to offer a one-hour "essentials class" at this year's Dragon Con on Sunday afternoon of the show--his first in the Atlanta area for this curriculum. Check the Artist's Alley schedule and Comic's Track for details.

Current X-Men Forever artist Steve Scott, is known for his stunning work on "Razor," "Indiana Jones," "JLA," "Batman Dark Knight," and much more. In fact, he is the only artist tapped by DC Comics to do any artwork related to the movie and the only artist to officially render Heath Ledger in his now famous Joker turn. In addition, Steve is known for his dynamic story work and production art for the hit television show "Smallville," as well!

A local to Atlanta, Steve will also be on hand Sunday to conduct his class, "Elements of Drawing a Dynamic Figure," in the afternoon. Here's a great chance to learn positioning of figures and discuss the sign-language conveyance via art, which is unique to our medium.

Both artists will also be offering limited prints for the show, featuring the Dragon Con logo, signed by the artists, and available only at their tables in Artist's Alley while supplies last.

Other talents joining the guys at the convention include: Leo Liebelman (also with Eva Ink Artist Group), Bob Burden, Tommy Castillo, Lou Ferrigno, Francesco Francavilla, Stephanie Gladden, Cully Hamner, Richard Hatch, Eva Hopkins, Joseph Michael Linsner, Georges Jeanty, Renee Witterstaetter, Paul Jenkins, Nathan Massengill, Peter Mayhew, Malcolm McDowell, Mike Mignola, Leonard Nimoy, George Perez, William Shatner, Brian Stelfreeze, Patrick Stewart, William Stout--and do we DARE say it--many, MANY more! In fact, it's one of the best guest line-ups we've seen any time, any where!

Some come on by and help us "Pin the Tales on the Dragon," and we're sure you'll make a few new tales of your own to tell when you get back home! For more information on the show, visit: www.dragoncon.org

For more information on Steve Scott, Michael Golden and Leo Liebelman, contact:
evaink@aol.com