Welcome readers, new and old, old and young, to the first in an irregular series of Etherington blogs designed to fit nicely around our regular updates, and to discuss the brighter side of comics. The more observant among you might even recognise the title of this post, as it initially featured on ComicWorldNews, where I held a short-lived column before the site sadly closed in 2008 (I do hope the ol’ Etherington family curse wasn’t responsible ... again!)

Well, the kind folks of the former CWN (gawd rest its soul) have allowed me to resurrect the name and continue to fight the good fight. What a lovely bunch they are.

Anyone familiar with Monkey Nuts, Malcolm Magic, Tusk, MOON! or the forthcoming Baggage graphic novel will know that Lorenzo and I take the art of being silly seriously. We specialize in telling entertaining tales wrapped in thick layers of fun. And it was partly due to this inherent sensibility that I chose to centre my original column solely on the positive side of the industry. There’s more than enough web wordage devoted to negativity but we Etheringtons are all about the FUN. And our sort of fun looks a lot like this.

Over the coming months I’ll be dipping my toe into the warm waters of a wide range of comic-related bits and bobs. From superb shops, to brilliant books; from amazing writers and artists to the joy of sharing comics with family and friends; from events and panels to the past, to the present and on into the future.

And I’ll always – always - be focusing on the most smile-enducing, sky-punching, air-guitar riffing and high-fivingly GOOD side of this biz. Because as far as we’re concerned comics have never been so much fun...

More soon!

MASSIVE 600 page sketchbook being released at the Bristol Comic Convention in May!

Well, I've been wanting to tell you all about this one for AGES, and I finally got the proof copy back, so I can officially announce that we'll be releasing a HUGE new sketchbook at the Bristol Comic convention in May!
El Sketchbook Lorenzo DELUXE COLLECTION: 2005 - 2010 collects together the first 4 volumes of the El Sketchbook series, and adds a further 200 pages of new concepts, scribbles and design sheets. The book weighs in at a whooping 600 pages, and features thousands of separate illustrations, together with step-by-steps, tutorials and exclusives.

This baby is, quite frankly, a monster, and we've managed to keep the price super low at just £24.95, which we think is pretty darned good value for book of this size!

The Deluxe Collection will be on sale on our Stand at the show on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd May, though numbers of books at the show will be limited, so turn up early to avoid disappointment! The books will be released worldwide on Monday 24th May, though we won't be offering our "Kustom Sketch" service on this one, so if you want it sketched or signed by us, then get down to the show!

Click the poster to learn more!

Cheers!

Lorenzo!

Mezolith Book Launch

So, Bob and I were lucky enough to be at the Mezolith Book launch last night, and what a lot of fun it was! Sarah McIntyre (genius creator of the DFC's Vern and Lettuce amongst other children's book-based delights) has blogged about it, so I'm going to shamelessly steal one of her photos and then point you in the direction of HER BLOG ABOUT IT to see more and read all about the night.

Oh, and buy Mezolith HERE, because frankly it's incredible, and I don't say that lightly! I'll be posting a bit of fanart up for the book very soon!
This pic from the night shows a whole host of DFC creators together:

(Front Row) Adam Brockbank and Ben Haggarty (Mezolith), (Back row) from left: Your pal Lorenzo, Dave Morris (Mirabilis), Sarah McIntyre (Vern and Lettuce), Emma Vieceli (Violet), David Fickling (publisher), Patrice Aggs (The Boss), James Turner (Super Animal Adventure Squad, John Aggs (John Blake, The Boss), and finally Robin!

Lorenzo!

One Man Army show photos

Hey folks, here's a few snaps from the opening night of my One Man Army exhibition, thank you SO much to all the good folks who came down on the night, it was extremely cool to see you all! A very special thank you also goes to my bro, who curated the show for me, and did a spectacular job. All that, and he'd only accept beer as payment! Cheers Bobby!

We were totally blown away by the response to the work, with about eighty percent of the show having sold by the end of the opening weekend. The exhibition runs until the 24th April.

BIG news coming very soon for all you sketchbook fans!!!

Lorenzo!

Monkey Nuts Available to order NOW!

It seems like only yesterday that we announced our next book, Monkey Nuts and the Diamond Egg of Wonders was to be part of the pre-Christmas wave of DFC Library titles. Today we have immense pleasure in sharing the news that Sid and Rivet’s first grand monster-besting adventure can now be pre-ordered online from Amazon.co.uk.

Featuring page after page of sumptuous art and frenetic action this book is a must have for anyone who falls into the following categories:

(1) You’re a fan of humorous all-ages adventure comics.
(2) You need a good giggle, a belly laugh and a pick-me-up.
(3) You like pretty, pretty pictures with more mind-blowing detail than your eyes can comprehend.
(4) You’ve made it your life’s goal to gather and categorise the complete works of The Etherington Brothers.
(5) You like Monkeys.
(6) You don’t dislike Robots.
(7) You need to find the perfect present for an 8-11 year old, especially if it’s a boy who’s refusing to read.
(8) You’ve pennies in your pocket and you’ve just realised that you’re staring at the deal of the decade.
(9) You’re addicted to - buythisbookbuythisbookbuythisbook - subliminal advertising.
(10) You know us or you owe us.

GO HERE – Or click the banner at the top of the page to order yourself a fried slice of sequential gold.

Tell your friends, your enemies and random folks you meet on the streets – the Nuts is a-coming!

One Man Army opens this Friday (26th march)!

Hey folks, a little sneak peek at a couple of the paintings I've been working on for my show.

These are in- progress shots, so they weren't quite finished when these snaps were taken, but I hope you like 'em anyway! They're just under A1 in size, and are acrylic, gouache, ink and marker on wood. They'll all be framed and under glass.

Right, I hope to see any of you folks who are in the area on Friday, the night runs from 6pm - 10pm at the Weapon of Choice Gallery here in Bristol.

See you there!

Lorenzo!

Show blurb:

"One Man Army unceremoniously opens up the bizarre mind of comic book artist Lorenzo! and spills it all across the walls of the Weapon of Choice Gallery. Featuring a series of graphic portraits of individuals who fall comfortably into the category of "best left alone" this cast of miscreants are a visual snapshot of Dark Pop for the post-Gorillaz generation. Alongside the seven big new paintings are a series of exclusive ONE OF ONE prints, restored from the archives and splashed with all the colours in the paint box that the other kids were too scared to use. Expect robots, monkeys, robot monkeys, the undead and the soon-to-be-dead. This is Uranium at Lead prices."

9 days until show opening!

Hey folks, another of the prints from my One Man Army solo show opening Friday 26th.



Enjoy!

Lorenzo!

Twilight Comic News!

Okay, that title may be SLIGHTLY misleading. The Twilight in question is actually Anakin Skywalker's Starship, but that doesn't make it any less exciting!

Yes, it's Clone Wars time again, with a tale written by me and illustrated by the ever excellent Tanya Roberts!


It's a new month and a new adventure for the intrepid Jedi as Anakin and Ahsoka (ably assisted by Rex) respond to a distress call from a stranded Trade vessel. Unfortunately for our heroes, nothing in deep space is ever quite what is seems...


Issue 6.5 is in the shops (and supermarkets!) now so grab yourself a copy before stocks run out.

GO HERE - to subscribe to the comic and never miss an issue again!

Your Invite to the Opening Night of One Man Army!

Hey folks, just dropping in to invite you all to the opening night of my One Man Army solo exhibition of prints and paintings on Friday 26th March. Hope to see you all there, it's going to be a big one! Get directions to the Weapon of Choice gallery HERE.

I'll be posting up some production shots of the paintings soon!

Lorenzo!

The DFC's Good Dog Bad Dog Book 1 out now!

Hey folks! Just wanted to swing by and drop in this little piece of fan art I did to celebrate the fact that Dave Shelton's awesome Good Dog Bad Dog book is now available online and in all good bookstores!

This is the first release from the new DFC Library, the same stable that will be bringing you our Monkey Nuts book in September.

Good Dog Bad Dog is basically awesome, so GO HERE to buy it from Amazon, and why not pre-order a few of the other 5 great titles coming from the DFC while you're at it?

More soon!

Lorenzo!

Autobots ... roll out!

My, what an active week of exciting news!
A new book, a new poster and now a brand new Transformers tale!


Issue 2.10 of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has just landed in newsagents across the land and it's a little beauty, not least because it features a thrilling story written by ME!

Bring me the Head of Optimus Prime introduces a slightly darker edge to the legend of the cybertronian warrior as he comes under fire from the species he swore to protect ... humans!

GO HERE - to visit the site and subscribe to this gem of a monthly comic, or pop into any self-respecting vendor and say 'One slice of robotic awesomeness please, sir!'

The choice is YOURS!

DFC Poster Goodness!

We've just been informed that the DFC Library series launch poster, designed by Lorenzo, has arrived. On the eve of the first volume hitting the shelves - the marvellous Good Dog, Bad Dog by Dave Shelton - it's great to see a promo piece that truly sums up the breadth and quality available in this original comic collection.



Keep your eyes peeled for more info soon.

Oh, and if you're attending the Hi-Ex International comic convention in Inverness on the 27th March make sure you stop by and say hi to fellow DFC Alumni, Dave, Sarah McIntyre and Gary Northfield.