New Horizons

BICS seems like it was only yesterday but it's been a couple of weeks already. Since then a few big things have happened that will affect me, most directly is that Sony are going to be distributing comics via the PSP to its customers and Insomnia is on board. The Digital Comics Store on the PlayStation Network starts in December 2009. So with a bit of luck, this time next year Empyre will be available to all those with PSP's.

Insomnia Publications’ graphic novels will be presented in the store as single-issue length chapters, following the publication of the book. The first chapter of every book will be offered free to readers as a “taster” of the story. So, to kick us all of people will be able to get a taster of Cancertown, Burke and Hare and Cages.

Other bit of more personal news, I've started in a new job, and so far it seems to be going well, but it is keeping me very busy and is tiring. Thankfully Empyre is already fully written apart from any tweaks I feel are necessary as I stare at the scripts. All it means is I probably won't get to start on the research for my next graphic novel until the New Year. Story is all there, title, characters, structure, but I need to iron out some creases before I put pen to paper, or rather finger to keyboard.

Finding an artist is also moving along with Empyre. I've seen a few portfolios and we've got the feelers out, so we'll see what happens. More news when I have it.

Less than two weeks to BICS

It's only a few days now until the British International Comic Show at Birmingham, and once again this year it is being held at the Think Tank Museum, not far from the Bullring. The floor space used has massively grown since the first year and this event is continuing to evolve. I will be in attendence on both days and it will also allow me to meet some of my fellow Insomniacs for the first time in person. As ever there are lots of great guests on hand for talks and sketches, and these include some big names from abroad. So while there's still time book a ticket if you're in the neighbourhood or you could take your chances and buy a ticket on the door this October 3-4th.

Small update on Empyre, my pilot for a cunning plan has been given the thumbs up, so I can now start working on that soon. As soon as I know who the artist is going to be I will announce it on here and other places on the Internet. See you at Brum if you're going.

Quick Update

Just a short update before the bank holiday weekend. Still searching for an artist with Insomnia, but also working on some marketing ideas to build some interest that will utilise the power of the Internet. If I get the thumbs up from Insomnia for the "pilot" I put together, the real ones will require some audience participation. So I may be calling on those who are happy to have their mugshots out there to take part. More info as soon as possible, at which point I will stop being so cryptic.

A new beginning

Hello and welcome to the blog for The Empyre, a forthcoming graphic novel from Insomnia Publications. On this blog I will post regular updates on the progress of the book, including any news, art samples from the artist (yet to be chosen) and generally keep you up to date on when and where it will be available, and, of course, how you can order it.

Once the book comes out, I will use this space to post any reviews and list forthcoming appearances by the creative team.

So, what is The Empyre all about? Here's the short pitch.

On his first day in office, the Prime Minister meets a member of his Cabinet he didn’t elect - Alistair Donovan, the Secretary of State for Nocturnal Affairs. Donovan runs a secret government department that has existed for over a hundred years. In extreme circumstances, when a swift resolution is needed, the Prime Minister calls on Donovan and his team of hand-picked specialists.

The Empyre mixes fast-paced action with politics and drama, charting how the UK starts to become a world leader in a secret technology, and the effects it has on international politics.

The Empyre will appeal to a mature audience and fans 24 and The West Wing TV shows as well as comics including Ex-Machina and Queen and Country.