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Digital Comics: Eye Witness

Hey gang,

Last year about this time I posted my thoughts on the fact that I thought 2011 would be the year that digital comics exploded on to the scene.  Turns out that prediction was fairly accurate, since now all the major publishers are releasing their new material digitally as well as through the traditional printed versions...with some even doing so simultaneously (which was unthinkable just a year or two ago).

At Head Press Publishing, we also fell in line with the changing reading habits of young people (who I think are dominating this new trend, if my son is any indication), as my Eye Witness series is now available for virtually any type of digital platform or device you could mention (outside of Amazon's....due to their behind the times spec. requirements).

But for those of you who might have joined the digital reading movement by getting a reader or tablet for Christmas, here's some places to check out that provide digital versions of the award winning Eye Witness series:

Graphicly ....which I list first for a couple reasons.  1. The offer versions of all four books that come with exclusive production art and commentary by me about the making of the series...and 2. because they offer the material in multiple formats for the widest variety of hardware.

Publit ....which is the site to get books-comics for your Barnes & Nobel, Nook readers.

DriveThruComics ....which is a very popular site for a wide variety of titles and THE EXCLUSIVE distributor of the HARD COPY EDITION of  Eye Witness: Book One (Revised Edition).

Comixology ....another very popular site for a huge variety of titles.

Enjoy....and in 2012 watch for an announcement...coming soon.... about my latest launch (or relaunch) into the world of digital publishing!


RJ Luedke
Posted by Robert Luedke at 9:27 AM No comments: Labels: christian author, christian comics, christian publisher, digital comics, digital publishing, luedke, religious comics, writers

Saturday, December 10, 2011

My 2012 Appearance Schedule

Hey gang:

I'm putting the finishing touches on my initial 2012 travel/appearance schedule.  One or two of these may drop off and there will most definately be a couple more added as we move into the new year.  But this gives you a good idea of where I'll be planting my flag in 2012!

Jan. 6th-8th    Amazing Arizona Comic Con (Mesa, AZ)

Jan. 28th-29th   Wizard New Orleans Comic Con

Feb. 11th-12th    Sci-Fi Expo (Irving, TX)

Feb. 17th-19th    MegaCon (Orlando, FL)

March 16th-18th   Wondercon (Anahiem, CA)

March 23rd-25th   Aggiecon (College Station, TX)

April 13th-15th    C2E2 (Chicago, IL)

April 20-22nd     CapeCon '12  (Cape Girardeau, MO)

May 18th-21st    Dallas Comic Con (Iriving, TX)

May 25th-27th    Comicpalooza (Houston, TX)

June 1st-3rd    Con Carolinas (Charlotte, NC) *Artist Guest of Honor and program cover artist!

June 9th-10th    Albuquerque Comic Expo

June 15th-17th   Denver Comic Con  (Denver, CO)

June 22nd-24   Texas Comic Con (San Antonio, TX)

June 29th-July 1st     Florida Supercon (Miami, FL)

July 11th-15th     Comic Con International (San Diego, CA)

Aug. 9th-12th     Wizard Chicago Comic Con

Sept. 8th-9th    Baltimore Comic Con

Sept. 14th-16th    El Paso Comic Con

Sept. 29th-30th    Wizard Mid-Ohio Con (Columbus, OH)

Oct. 11th-14th    New York Comic Con

Oct. 19th-21st   Fan Days Dallas (Irving, TX)

Oct. 26th-28th  Austin Comic Con (Austin, TX)

Nov. 9th-11th Memphis Comic Con

Nov. 30th-Dec. 1st   Wizard Nola-Con (New Orleans, LA)

Also....Wizard's Big Apple Con dates TBA. Other events will be added as they are scheduled.

Hope to see alot of old and new friends out there this year!

http://www.bobtheartist.com/ & http://www.headpress.info/
Posted by Robert Luedke at 3:52 PM No comments: Labels: artist alley, comic cons, comic conventions, illustrator, luedke, personal appearances, reality shows

Sunday, November 27, 2011

2011: Year in Review
 


Eye Witness Now Available to Even More Digital Readers!

Hey Gang, 

Monday, November 14, 2011

A Girl I'll Never Get Over!

More Than a Pet 


Posted by Robert Luedke at 2:46 PM No comments: 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Coming To ComiKaze Expo


Just added a new event to my appearance schedule...the Comikaze Expo, which is going to be held the weekend of November 5th and 6th at the L.A. Convention Center.

Stan (The Man) Lee's going to be in the house, along with a whole bunch of movie and TV stars, not to mention some top flight comic artists and writers.

I've been commissioned to create this promotional poster for the event (see below) which I believe will be given out to certain VIP ticket holders and available for purchase for others (but I'll update that as more info becomes available).  But either way, there will be only limited quantities of the design available, so make sure to bring your copy by my table in artist alley to have me autograph and personalize it for you! I look forward to meeting all my friends from the west coast! For more information or tickets, see: http://www.comikazeexpo.com/

Posted by Robert Luedke at 1:22 PM No comments: Labels: artist, comic books, comic conventions, eye witness, illustrator, L.A events, los angeles, pop culture, stan lee


A New Tradition in Memphis!?

I'll be one of the featured artists at the second year of this event.... Hope to see 'ya there!

Posted by Robert Luedke at 1:04 PM No comments: Labels: artist, comic artist, comic conventions, eye witness, head press, memphis, tennesee

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

An October to Remember

Here's the rundown:

The Nashville Comic Con

At the TN State Fair Grounds

Oct. 1st-2nd.

For more info: http://www.comiccitytn.com/Nashville_Comic_Con.html

Fan Days Dallas

At the Irving Convention Center

Oct. 8th-9th

Memphis Comic Con

At the University of Memphis

Oct. 14th-16th

For more info: http://www.memphiscfc.com/

Wizard's Mid-Ohio Con

At the Greater Columbus Convention Center

Oct. 22nd-23rd 


Christian Creators Represent at Comic Con Int'l


There going to be a pretty impressive lineup of creators/publishers with spiritual based books/comics/short films at this year's Comic Con International later this week.

My friend Scott Shuford, at Front Gate Media, has put together this very all-inclusive press release of the people and events:

San Diego, CA – Arguably the largest pop-culture, entertainment event in the world, THE COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO 2011 kicks off this week with sellout attendance of more than 125,000. The CHRISTIAN COMIC ARTS SOCIETY (CCAS) in partnership with CHALICE PRESS will deliver top talent and projects to create impact at the event. Comic-Con International: San Diego (Comic-Con) is the largest comic book convention of its kind in the world.

Christian Comic Arts Society, presented this year in partnership with Chalice Press, is hosting three events as part of the official Comic-Con programming, and will exhibit throughout the convention in a CORNER BOOTH SPACE #P-08.

CCAS will be giving away copies of “MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH,” an outstanding review of the Marvel universe published by Chalice Press. While supplies last, all CCAS event attendees will receive a copy of the book, and booth visitors can sign up to win copies during hourly drawings on the exhibit floor. Events include:

Christian Comic Arts Society Open Meeting. Thursday, 7/21/11, 7:30p.m. – 9:30p.m., Room: 24ABC

Hosted by CCAS members Kevin Yong (Ragged Capes) and Ralph Miley (New Visions Anthology) of NewCreationNow.com, fans and creators alike are invited to join an informal after-hours time of Christian fellowship, networking, laughter and prayer as we “talk shop” about the Christian comics movement.

Spirituality in Comics: Is Mass Media Our New Church? Saturday, 7/23/11, 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m., Room: 4

In comics, movies, and even Broadway musicals like “The Book Of Mormon”, spiritual themed work seems to be unexpectedly coming from the least religious of sources. Join panelists including SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), RUSSELL DALTON (Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith), BUZZ DIXON (Serenity/Hits & Misses), and MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) as they discuss how a new generation of comics and pop culture are exploring timeless truths.

Christian Comics: The Calling of the Artist, Sunday, 7/24/11, 2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m., Room: 23ABC

What unique challenges do artists face in developing work for both mainstream and religious audiences? How can “Christian media” avoid becoming just a pale imitation of its secular counterparts? Join panelists SERGIO CARIELLO (The Action Bible), ERIC JANSEN (Missions Press), STEVE BLOUNT (Kingstone Media), ROBERT LUEDKE (Eye Witness), JOHN SHORE (I’m OK–You’re Not), MIKE SHIELDS (Blue Blazes) and moderator BUZZ DIXON (Hits & Misses) as they discuss the challenges and rewards of following the call of personal faith and the creative arts.

“MARVELOUS MYTHS: MARVEL SUPERHEROES AND EVERYDAY FAITH” shows us that Marvel superheroes are more like us than we may think. What really makes someone a hero? In the early 1960’s, the image of a superhero was someone with a square jaw, a muscular build, and a quick smile whose biggest personal problem was trying to keep their girlfriends from guessing their secret identities. Then, writer Stan Lee and artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko created a group of superheroes who revolutionized comics. These heroes, including The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, The X-men, Iron Man, Captain America and others, were not perfect heroes who lived in a perfect world, but fallible people with physical ailments and personal problems like our own.

Each chapter of Marvelous Myths reflects on the heroes’ most famous adventures and discusses the ways in which we are called to overcome many of the same types of obstacles they face as we strive to carry out the ministries to which God calls us. While the authors and artists who created them did not intend to write explicitly religious stories, their tales of imperfect heroes who try to do the right thing despite the many challenges they face provide us with the opportunity to reflect on our own faith journeys as we strive to live heroic lives in the real world.

CCAS members are creating additional impact through Comic-Con related activities:

Created by The JESUS Film Project in association with Brethren Entertainment, Barry Cook (Director of Disney’s “Mulan”), and Tokyo’s renowned Studio 4°C, “My Last Day” is a short film of regret, repentance and redemption. This 9-minute animé unfolds through the eyes of a criminal who receives the same brutal crucifixion sentence as Christ. The criminal’s own guilt causes him to realize Christ’s innocence. See it at www.tinyurl.com/jfmylastday.

Kingstone Media, a central Florida publisher with three primary imprints, will be exhibiting at the event in Booth #5531. Kingstone Comics publishes faith based comics and Biblical worldview graphic novels. Galaxy Comics produces sci-fi and action-adventure graphic novels. Bay Forest Books is the cinematic fiction imprimatur with stories that will move you and characters you will never forget. Get more at www.KingstoneMedia.com. See Kingstone’s Steve Blount at the Sunday panel event.

Blue Blazes, a 168 Project 2011 Finalist, will screen their short film at the CCI-IFF July 22nd, and 1140a in the San Diego Marriott Marina. Mike Shields, (Producer, Director), Amber Greenlee (Storyboard Artist) and Blue Blazes himself, Robert Adan will be available to answer questions about this unique speed filmmaking competition, as well as the movie itself. Also see Shields at the Saturday and Sunday panel events.

Hitting up Comic-Con for the first time, Lamp Post can be found at Small Press Table Q-08. Creators Jerrell Conner (Revelations: The Prophets), Brett Burner (Hand of the Morning Star), and Dan Conner (Heaven Forbid) will be on hand to sign books, give portfolio reviews, and do sketches throughout the show. New books from the following series will be available at the show: Toned: Comics in Black and White, Revelations: The Prophets (featuring a backup of The Cardinal), Heaven Forbid, Finding Elim, God’s Love is Like a Conjoined Twin, Pakkins’ Land, and Parable. For more, visit Lamp Post, Inc. at http://www.lamppostpubs.com/.

The Red R (also known as Revelations) is a movement of artists who aim to revolutionize how biblically related stories are told to cast a bigger net and reach a wider audience. The Red R Movement brings the highest level of art (and beyond) to present the world with the Hope and True meaning that only the greatest stories every told can deliver. Their post-apocalyptic graphic novel series “REVELATIONS: The Prophets” has released six books and will debut the NEW 7th INSTALLMENT at San Diego Comic-Con along with a new animated short. Visit them in the Small Press area at table Q-08. For more info, visit http://www.theredr.com/

He outraged parents, ticked off networks, and delighted young fans with thought-provoking classic episodes of G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Batman. Now Buzz Dixon is launching a line of Young Adult novels based on his bestselling SERENITY Christian manga series as well as brand new tales of faith and courage in a challenging world. “The surest way to get into trouble is to speak the truth, and everyone I’ve ever worked with has found me to be a troublemaker!” said Dixon. Meet Dixon at the Saturday and Sunday panel events. See more at http://www.snokiestories.com/

New from Kingdom Comics, The Kingdom Zone is a 64 page graphic novel anthology that consists of 7 different short stories with a “Twilight Zone” flair coming from a Biblical perspective. Several Christian artists within the industry have contributed their talents to this graphic novel, which will be an ongoing series with new stories every issue. Brian Bradley is the publisher of Kingdom Comics which began in 1999. His first publication, entitled THE ANOINTED 7 has been an ongoing series. Additional titles include “The Lucifer Chronicles”, “Pledge Of Allegiance”, “Code:Evolution”, and various anthologies including “God Works” dealing with prison issues and which is a popular resource within the prison system.

Writer/illustrator, Robert James Luedke, will return to Comic Con International after a two year absence to share his award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series and be a featured member of the CCAS panel on Christian comics and graphic novels. Luedke will feature his new, limited edition, signed/numbered Eye Witness Slipcase Collection at Comic-Con 2011. Eye Witness, which premiered at Comic Con in 2004, has won five indy book awards and been named a finalist in 5 others, making it one of the most recognized and decorated series in the brief history of Christian themed graphic novels. His book “Unknown God” was named as a finalist in the category of Novella in the 2011 Indie Book Awards. Luedke and the series has been featured in media from coast to coast (both Christian and secular), including: LA Times, Washington Post, AP, Fox News, Publishers Weekly, Christianity Today, World Magazine, Comic Buyers Guide, Wizard Magazine and USA Radio Network. See more at http://www.headpress.info/

From Wonder Woman to Green Lantern to Jesus Hates Zombies, HOLLYWOODJESUS.COM covers it all. The action at Comic-Con is naturally a huge shaping force in what the comic-reading world talks about. “We continue to be excited about the spiritual conversation the comics world has with our culture,” said Greg Wright, Editor-In-Chief. “Arnaldo Reyes, our Comics Editor, is always looking for new talent and new product to showcase the spiritual nature of comics.” HJ’s latest comic reviews can be found at http://live.hollywoodjesus.com/?page_id=378


The Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) was formed in 1984 to locate and link Christians who are interested or active in the comic book/strip medium. It sponsors Alpha Omega, the APA of Christian comics and Christian comic displays at various comic conventions across the country. The Goal and Purpose of CCAS is to support Christian professionals, hopefuls and enthusiasts within the Comic Book and related industries, accomplishing that by providing opportunities for the following: 1. The sharing of the Christian message and our Christian faith, primarily within and through the comic book industry and art form. 2. Mentoring, training, friendship and networking. 3. The collaboration on and creation of visual storytelling. The CCAS is governed by a volunteer board which includes Eric Jansen (Missions Press,) Scott A. Shuford (FrontGate Media,) Geoff Strout (Artist,) and Kevin Yong (New Creation Now) along with numerous volunteer committee members from the comic industry and the Church.

For more information on the Christian Comic Arts Society, go to: http://www.christiancomicarts.com/ , Facebook.com/ChristianComicArts , or Twitter.com/ChristianComics.

For more information on the Comic-Con International: San Diego, go to: http://www.comic-con.org/

Lori Lenz – FrontGate Media


Posted by Robert Luedke at 2:07 PM No comments: Labels: CCI, christian comics, christian graphic novel, comic con international, comic conventions, front gate media, head press, luedke

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Odds and Ends...


Just wanted to share a couple things that have been going on in my world here in the last couple weeks.

A.  After naming the Eye Witness Slipcase collection the top graphic novel for 2010, Family Fiction Magazine has recently published a Q & A with me.  If you've always wanted to understand a bit more about what makes me tick, check it out.

B. It was just brought to my attention, that Eye Witness: Unknown God....was named a finalist for the 2011 Indie Book Awards (in the category of Novella's).   Unknown God has already been a Winner in the category of graphic novels in the 2010 Best Book Awards, sponsored by USABooknews.com and the Eye Witness series, as a whole, has now captured 5 indy book awards and been named a finalist for 6 others!

C. I've been very busy creating an eclectic collection of character prints that I'm selling like crazy at my con appearances.  They are also available for purchase on the ever growing BobTheArtist website.

I look forward to seeing all my west coast fans and a lot of old friends at next week's Comic Con International, in San Diego and then next month at the Wizard-Chicago Comic Con!

http://www.headpress.info/ & http://www.bobtheartist.com/
Posted by Robert Luedke at 4:33 PM No comments: Labels: christian artist, christian fiction, christian graphic novel, comic books, eye witness, illustrator, luedke


Eye Witness Arrives on The Nook!


In our continued attempts to make our Eye Witness available to more and more readers, we announce that the entire award-winning graphic novel series is now available for users of the various Barnes & Noble Nook platforms!


The benefit of this new partnership, is that not only does it make the story available to those with Nook readers, but also to anyone using the Nook reader software on their mobile devices...including: iPad, iPhone, PC, Android and Android tablets.

And as with all our digital versions, purchasing-reading in this format is a great bargin at $5.99 each!

Posted by Robert Luedke at 12:27 PM No comments: Labels: christian graphic novel, color nook, digital comics, digital publishing, ebooks, epub, eye witness, head press, luedke

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Digital Age of Comics Marches On


As I've promised for some time now, we are continuing in our quest to make Eye Witness available to more readers in more reading formats.

Our latest breakthrough along these lines are these:

1.  All four books in the award-winning Eye Witness series are now available for viewing/reading/downloading for virtually any electronic device you can mention (from your PC to iPad to smart phone) through through the Graphicly.com website!

They have really gone the extra mile with the bells and whistles their site offers indy publishers.  With Eye Witness, each book has 4 pages of previously unpublished content I've put together, that's sort of a "behind the scenes look at the making of the series."  In addition, they offer a FREE preview copy of each book in the series!

To check out our offering on the graphicly site, go to:  http://graphicly.com/head-press-publishing

2. At long last the revised edition of Eye Witness Book One is available for purchase as a hard copy!  Drivethrucomics, (who have previously offered books 1 and 2 as digital downloads), have now made available a POD (print on demand) version of the revised edition of the first book in the series.

Prior to this, the only way you could read this version was in digital format, but I know there are comic and graphic novel collectors out there that still love the hard copies.  For those of you who are wondering what is different between this edition and the original....well, I went back and remastered the colors on the entire work to better reflect the improved production the series had starting with book two.  In addition, I repaired the editing mis-steps we had made rushing the first book to press without adequate editing (lesson learned) and finally I added some content to make it flow better into the later books (since when I wrote the original manuscript, it was only going to be a one and done).

To order the Revised edition, visit our page on the Drivethrucomics site, at:  http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?cPath=5731

There will be more to announce soon, so stay tuned!

Posted by Robert Luedke at 11:05 AM No comments: Labels: christian comics, christian graphic novel, digital comics, digital downloads, head press, print on demand, robert luedke

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Bringing Ghostbuster's to Life (part 3)

Here's the third and final stage of the construction of the Ghostbuster's print... The illustration of Bill Murray, which was refined in stage 2, is now paired with the Ghostbuster's logo and the I WANT YOU headline with the Illustrator program.  And shazam ...a new print design is created!

Like my other character designs, this one will be available at my convention appearances and soon on the BobTheArtist website. Labels: artist, artist tutorial, bill murray, ghostbusters, harold ramis, illustrator, movie posters, robert luedke

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Bringing Ghostbuster's to Life (part 2)

Here is the second step in my creating a Ghostbuster's inspired print/poster. I've taken the base pencil illustrations (did in part one) scanned it into my PC and refined it in photshop.  Here, I'll add to the contrast, deepen the blacks and add highlights.

Now the image is ready for the next step...

Next: Designing the finished look of the print.
Posted by Robert Luedke at 10:00 AM No comments: Labels: art tutorial, artist, bill murray, ghostbusters, harold ramis, illustrator, movie posters, movies, robert luedke


Bringing Ghostbuster's To Life


I received such good feedback on my showing the steps here to creating my Superman/Doomsday print, I decided to do it again.

After 3 con appearances in May, (Nola Con, Dallas Comic Con and Comicpalooza) it became clear to me that there is still a tremendous amount of interest in all things related to Ghostbusters out there!  I do believe at all three events there were fan tables set up there for groups that support and revel in Ghostbuster memorabilia, cosplay and collecting.  So I figured who best to support that interest but the leader of the Ghostbusters, Bill Murray?!

Here's the base illustration in what will become my first Ghostbuster inspired print: I utilized the icon Murray image from his movie Stripes (which is basically used in the classic "I Want You" for the US Army recruiting poster...seen below) and made it more in step with his look in Ghosterbusters.  Rendered in pencil by Robert Luedke. Next up: Stage Two, where I take this into photoshop for enhancement.
Posted by Robert Luedke at 9:16 AM No comments: Labels: army, art tutorial, artist, bill murray, ghostbusters, illustrator, peter venkmen, posters, robert luedke, us army


Busy Weekend in DFW

Hey gang

I'm going to be out and about and pretty busy this weekend around the DFW area.

Beginning Saturday morning (though Sunday) I'll be exhibiting my Eye Witness graphic novel series and my all-new collection of iconic comic and pop culture art prints, at the Bigger-Better Dallas Comic Con (at the state of the art Irving Convention Center).

Saturday night, I'll be one of the featured local artists creating an original piece of artork for auction to benefit Heroes for Heroes. Come on by and score a one of the kind piece of original art...and help entertain our troops through your efforts!

Hope to see many of my friends and fans sometime this weekend!


6/11/11....Just wanted to share with ya'll, the finished piece of art I rendered for this event: Posted by Robert Luedke at 8:02 PM No comments: Labels: artist, artlovemagic, comic conventions, con cons, dallas, deep ellum, dfw, graphic novelist, illustrator, painter

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

The Readers Have Spoken!

I was pleasantly surprised this last week to learn that my Collected Eye Witness Slipcase Set, was the winner in the category of comics and graphic novels, in Family Fiction Magazine's 2011 Reader's Choice Award! Given the quality of the competition, including Serigio Cariello's "The Action Bible", I am incredibly honored and humbled by this award!  My thanks to all those "readers" out there whose vote made this possible.

If you have not yet read the Eye Witness series and want to get your hands on the limited edition SIGNED & NUMBERED variant of the Slipcase Collection, go to our order page  at the Head Press Website...and to get a 20% discount....enter COUPON CODE: holiday.

Posted by Robert Luedke at 2:28 PM No comments: Labels: artist, author, book awards, christian, christian comics, christian graphic novel, religious fiction, writers

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Creating a Print (Part 3)

Part 3:  Bringing the Composition to Life

In this final stage of this tutorial, we'll take the flat colored version of our Superman/Doomsday design (part 2) and bring it to life and add depth of field by adding highlights and shadows. You can see how the reflected light from the fires on the characters, along with the shadows on the side facing away from the flames, serves to give them a feeling of weight and 3 dimensions (verses the flat colors).

Another long time colorist tool is the intensity of color.  Notice the colors and outlines in foreground debris stands out from the characters, adding depth to the scene.  Along those same lines, on the debris behind the characters I went with even lighter colors and outlines less intense, to pull those items back in the scene from the characters...adding even more depth of field.  So in essence, what I've tried to do is create a foreground, middle ground and background through the intensity of color.

So there you have it!  I hope this is helpful information.

For those of you interested, this print design and so many others, are now available for purchase at my new website:  BobTheArtist.com    ....which should go live sometime today (if you get directed to headpress.info, try again later, as that means bugs are still being worked out).

Posted by Robert Luedke at 11:30 AM No comments: Labels: art tutorial, artist, comic book coloring, commissions, dc comics, doomsday, illustrator, superman

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Creating A Print (Part 2)

Part 2: Shoring up the Design and adding the Base Color Scheme

Okay now that we've created the foundation of our pen/brush and ink design (see part 1), we're ready to scan it into the computer and go to work in photoshop, rounding out the design elements and laying down the base color scheme for the entire design.

FYI...I usually work in 400dpi on these so I can get the most detail possible with my colors and because the piece will eventually be blown up to 11 x 17 (from it's approx. 8.5 x 11" size now).

As you can see I added a few elements to the original design.  But I just felt that the original design was a bit to thin to base a print design from and wanted to really have a bit of fun by adding elements that would elevate the level of carnage of the scene.   For those of you who recall this original battle between these two in the final couple books in the storyline (Superman: Man of Steel # 19 and Superman #75) it was basically a knock-down, drag-out battle with them trashing the city as well as each other.  So I wanted to convey that level of destruction in the design.  In addition, I took away a couple elements....the Superman logo in the background and 60th Anniversary Lettering.  Since the original design was for a Sup's 60th Anniversary spread both seemed appropriate, while here they would serve to draw away from the drama.
Making these kind of additions once the design in scanned is somewhat unusual for me, since I've never really gotten comfortable drawing in photoshop or illustrator.   These are things I'll usually fix or add on the drawing table, but since none of them involved a whole lot of precision I took a shot.
This is the first step of how I do my coloring (in photoshop).  Like you see here I lay down the foundational colors for ALL the elements of the design.  The only one that I did a bit more with, was converting the line work on the flames to orange instead of it's original black.  It's kind of funny, looking back on the Superman series when this story was published (cira: 1993...before the era of digital) this stage represents how most comic coloring looked (very flat).  But as they say..."all you know is what you know" and artists did the best they could with the limits the paper and printing technology had to offer at the time.
My next step is I'll select each color and then go to work adding my shadows and highlights, one by one.  Like almost all of my designs this one has a very obvious and dramatic light source (the burning debris behind the figures) which allows for the colorist (in this case me) to really have a blast bringing the composition to life and adding depth....
...But that will all be covered in the next step:  Bringing the Composition to life!
Posted by Robert Luedke at 11:28 AM No comments: Labels: art tutorial, artist, comic book coloring, dc comics, illustrator, man of steel, superman

Friday, April 08, 2011

Creating A Print Design (Part 1)


While in the process of creating my next print design, it occurred to me that I really should share a few of the steps involved in arriving at the finished product, for those who might have an interest in such things.   So, here we go....

This particular design has a bit of history behind it. I originally designed this illustration for the 1998 Comic-Con International (probably known as San Diego Comic-Con back then) souvenir program book.  If you've attended that show before you know that each year in that publication they celebrate a character or character's anniversary, by presenting a whole bunch of renditions that will fall all across the spectrum of styles.  Now, I've got to be frank here...I can't recall if they ended up using my design the in finished product or not (but I'm sure there must be someone out there in comic-dom who collects these gems and can confirm that fact).
But, that year the theme was Superman's 60th anniversary and since the death of Superman Saga and Doomsday were still pretty fresh in every one's mind, I thought that might make for a dynamic design.
I've always loved this piece, but had forgotten I even still had it till rummaging through an old portfolio looking for another piece of art.  So I decided to put it to good use and use it as the foundation of a print.
Next up:  Shoring up the design and the base color scheme.
till then....
Posted by Robert Luedke at 11:25 AM No comments: Labels: art lessons, artist, dc comics, illustrator, superman

Monday, March 14, 2011

Eye Witness: Unknown God is Book Award Finalist

Head Press Publishing received notification today that the fourth book in our Eye Witness series, Unknown God, has been named a finalist for the 2010 Fore Word Reviews, Book of the Year Awards!

According to ForeWord, "The finalists were drawn from more than 350 publishers and were selected from 1400 entries in 56 categories. These books are examples of independent publishing at its finest."

Eye Witness: Unknown God is a finalist for the 2010 Awards in the graphic novel category.  "Given the quality of the titles and creators also named in this year's finals, I'm quite honored," stated author/illustrator Robert Luedke.   Here is a list of the finalists:

■Beasts of Burden by Evan Dorkin
■Binky to the Rescue by Ashley Spires

■Blacksad by Juan Daz Canales

■Book of Hours by George A Walker

■Days Missing Vol. 1 by Ian Edginton, Phil Hester, David Hine and Matz

■Eye Witness by Robert James Luedke

■Gunnerkrigg Court Vol. 2 by Tom Siddell

■Return of the Dapper Men by Jim McCann

■Tumor by Joshua Hale Fialkov

■Wanderlust by Megan Speers

Eye Witness: Unknown God, is the final book in the Eye Witness tetraology and it features a unique and fast paced combination of a modern-day action thriller with an adaptation of the Biblical book of Acts.  Since it's premier in 2004, Luedke's Eye Witness series has garnered four indy book awards and been named a finalist in four others.

Winners will be determined by a panel of librarians and booksellers selected from the ForeWord readership. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor’s Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at a special program at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans this June.  The ceremony is open to all ALA attendees and exhibiting publishers.
Posted by Robert Luedke at 8:21 PM No comments: Labels: american library association, book awards, christian graphic novels, foreword magazine, indy publisher, luedke, religious comics


Ready For Con Season (Updated)


Been working feverishly to get my act ready for another convention season...which for me will kick off next week at the C2E2 Convention in Chicago.

Besides continuing to promote the award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series (and the signed and numbered slipcase collection), I been working hard, (and having a blast, I might add), creating an ALL-NEW portfolio of original art and limited edition prints.  And in the spirit of the times, here's the final addition to the initial offerings...which will be premiering next week: So if you hail from the Chicago land area (or the Midwest) come find me in the artist alley area (I'm at table J7) at C2E2 at the McCormick Place in Downtown Chicago.

.......AND HERE'S AN UPDATE, 3/24/11******* Totally sold out of the "Winning Duh" print in Chicago and had lots of requests for the image on a T-shirt ('cause I was wearing one that I made as a promotional tool).  So coming up at this weekend's Megacon Convention (in Orlando....Orange Co. Convention Center/West Concourse), I'll have an EXTRA LARGE supply of the prints and about 20 of the T-shirts (so don't wait too long in the week to come find my table).
Posted by Robert Luedke at 11:02 AM No comments: Labels: artist, charlie sheen, christian comics, christian graphic novel, comic conventions, illustrator, pop culture, religious comics


Acts of the Spirit Now Available for Digital Media!

Hey gang, I'm proud to announce that the second book in the award-winning Eye Witness graphic novel series (Acts of the Spirit) is now available for reading on your iPad and iPhone Apps, the Android Marketplace Comics App...as well as through the comiXology web store online. Up until now, only the Revised edition of the first book (A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth) has been available through Comixology (and these other applications).  The book is divided up into three chapters and each at a very reasonable price point (of $1.99 each chapter)...which makes the digital versions less than 50% off their hard copy counterparts.
And don't forget PDF versions of the first two book in the series are already available for viewing on your computer through DriveThruComics!

In other Eye Witness news....

I've been nominated in a couple categories in this year's Eagle Comic Awards (which will be announced this year at the London Comic Con).

This is one of the longest running (if not thee longest running) awards in the industry and set up to allow the fans to participate by voting for who is chosen as finalists.  I'd love your support (especially if it helps Eye Witness get more exposure in the UK).  If you'd like to help out, here's what you have to do:

-Go to the Eagle Awards Voting page (can cast one vote per computer address) at: http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/

-Of course vote for any and all of your favorites in as many categories as you'd like, but make sure to  cast your vote for, category #4: Writer/artist ....and look for Robert James Luedke on the drop down menu.

-The other category of importance is, category #23: Favorite Graphic Novel...and look for Eye Witness: Unknown God on the drop down menu.

If I understand correctly how the awards work, voting will run through late March '11, and then they'll announce the top 5 finalists in each category.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Posted by Robert Luedke at 12:36 PM No comments: Labels: android, book awards, christian comics, christian graphic novel, comic apps, comic awards, digital comics, eagle awards, ipad, iphone, religious comics, uk comics


Unknown God is Finalist for Book Award!

In 2010, I finished my eight year creative mission and completed the Eye Witness graphic novel series with the release of the fourth book, Eye Witness: Unknown God.  I had just been alerted today that Unknown God is a finalist for the Christian Small Press Publisher Book of the year awards. Voting is open for any publishers, retailers, authors or readers for these awards. If any of you reading this posting  feel so inclined, I'd appreciate if you could cast your vote and pass this information on to people you know who may have an interest in such things.  Here's the details....


Graphic Novelist, Robert James Luedke's, latest published work, Eye Witness: Unknown God, (www.headpress.info) is a finalist in the category of "Young Adult literature" in this year's Christian Small Press Publisher, Book of the Year Awards.

Voting is now open till the end of March for retailers, publishers, authors and readers.

Vote now at: http://www.christianbookaward.com/

All Christian book readers are invited to vote for the 2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Although small publishers are often less well known than larger publishing houses, they produce fresh and innovative books to inspire readers or fill niche needs. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award honors books produced by small publishers for outstanding contribution to Christian life.

You are invited to vote for one book in each category online at www.ChristianBookAward.com.The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is offered for books in each of eight categories: Fiction, Biography, Christian Living, Relationships/Family, Bible Study/Theology, Children’s Book 4-8 years, Children’s Book 8-12 years, and Young Adult (12+ years). The winners of this award are determined solely by the votes of Christian retailers and book lovers alike.

The winners of the 2011 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award will be announced on April 15, 2011. The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is sponsored by Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA).

Your vote would be greatly appreciated! For more information about me or Eye Witness, visit:

http://www.headpress.info/ or.... www.facebook.com/rjluedke

Posted by Robert Luedke at 12:41 PM No comments: Labels: artist, author, book awards, christian comics, christian publisher, gospels, religious comics, religious fiction, writers, young adult readers


Kicking Off the '11 Con Season in Style

Looking forward to meeing all my midwestern friends and fans during my first visit to the C2E2 2011convention, (which is one of the nations fastest growing pop culture events) on the shores of lake Michigan in Downtown Chicago, March 18th-20th. I'll of course have plenty of the limited signed/numbered editions of the Eye Witness slipcase collection and a whole selection of never before seen prints (and original art) of some of the most beloved (and sometimes quirky) pop comic and pop culture characters. To view more of my commission/print artwork, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eye_witness/

...and if you are interested in commissoning me to do a piece of original art based upon a particular character or actor for you, (to pickup at the show), please email me at: email@example.com, and we'll discuss what you're looking for and pricing.

To find out more about the C2E2 show, visit:

Hope to see many of my midwest friends and fans there!

Posted by Robert Luedke at 9:18 AM No comments: Labels: artist, brad pitt, chicago, christian artist, christian graphic novel, comic conventions, dc comics, illustrator, religious comics, star wars, troy, wonder women, yoda

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Live DFW Art Event Benefiting the Hero Initiative

Hey Gang:

Here's something really cool!!

...and more artists TBA.

One night only

Saturday, January 22nd
at Arnetic
2826 Elm Street
Dallas, TX

For more info? Check the ArtLoveMagic facebook event page here:
 Posted by Robert Luedke at 11:21 AM No comments: 
Saturday, January 01, 2011

2011...the Year of Digital Publishing?


Here a bit of info on the developing digital age: