Hero Camp Q&A Thread...with Greg Thompson

[Brian Cronin]

Image continues their recent strides into viewing the superhero world through different perspectives (a la Common Grounds, Ultra, Invincible, Noble Causes) with the release this May of Hero Camp.

Hero Camp is, well, just what it sounds like...it is a summer camp where young superpowered teens get trained to be superheroes.

The writer of the title, Greg Thompson, will stop by this thread (along with Kristen Simon, the editor on the book and Russ Lowery, the colorist on the book and Robbi Rodrigues, the artist on the book) to discuss the book, answer questions, and basically just schmooze y'all.

Enjoy!

-Brian

[Greg T]

I'm here! If anyone has any questions regarding the book or any of the creators, just let me know. I'll make sure Robbi, Russ, and Kris stop by here as well to say hi. Will also be posting links to unseen art and a bunch of other stuff. Don't be shy. Step on up!

[Kris S]

I'm here! If anyone has any questions regarding the book or any of the creators, just let me know. I'll make sure Robbi, Russ, and Kris stop by here as well to say hi. Will also be posting links to unseen art and a bunch of other stuff. Don't be shy. Step on up!

Hi!! I'm here too!

[Greg T]

Our lovely editor, ladies and gentlemen!

[Russ L]

Hi, I'm here.

[Brian Cronin]

So...I guess I'll start.

These are going to be brand new stories?

-Brian

[Brian Cronin]

In addition, Kristen...you're the editor on Image's "The Pact," which is a book that puts a bunch of disparate heroes together.

Is Hero Camp going to be in the same shared universe, or will it be like Small Gods, off in its own separate playground?

-Brian

[Greg T]

So...I guess I'll start.

These are going to be brand new stories?

-Brian


Yes, everything will be brand new stories. We have no current plans of reprinting the mini comics. Maybe if we get a trade, but I think we might George Lucas them; Robbi wants to redraw them, and I'd like to reletter them.

[Greg T]

Hi, I'm here.

The rugged colorist for Hero Camp as well as some surprises upcoming.

[Robbi Rodriguez]

greg's cheap mexican labor robbi(damnit i did not direct from
dusk till dawn or any of his crap) rodriguez is here. :D

[Kris S]

In addition, Kristen...you're the editor on Image's "The Pact," which is a book that puts a bunch of disparate heroes together.

Is Hero Camp going to be in the same shared universe, or will it be like Small Gods, off in its own separate playground?

-Brian

I see Hero Camp as being able to fit into the shared Universe. It could very easily house a lot of the same characters with little difficulty, and in terms of teens with super powers and having parents with super powers, The Pact and Hero Camp have some similarities, even though the focus of the two books are vastly different. (Incidentally, as well as being the colorist on Hero Camp, Russ is also the colorist for The Pact.)

Small Gods COULD have been written to fit more into the Universe, but we made a conscious decision NOT to do that. It made the concept more unique, and more real.

[Deathstroke]

Yes, everything will be brand new stories. We have no current plans of reprinting the mini comics. Maybe if we get a trade, but I think we might George Lucas them; Robbi wants to redraw them, and I'd like to reletter them.


Wow, George Lucas has become a verb now? Cool!

[Brian Cronin]

I was discussing the awesome collection by AdHouse of Skyscrapers of the Midwest, which collects Josh Cotter's two mini-comics, and someone asked me if I could describe exactly what is a mini-comic.

I did, but I think it would be cooler, Greg, if you laid out the terminology for the people out there of what exactly is a "mini-comic."

-Brian

[Greg T]

I was discussing the awesome collection by AdHouse of Skyscrapers of the Midwest, which collects Josh Cotter's two mini-comics, and someone asked me if I could describe exactly what is a mini-comic.

I did, but I think it would be cooler, Greg, if you laid out the terminology for the people out there of what exactly is a "mini-comic."

-Brian

Well, I'm sure people have different interpretation's of mini-comics, but to me, and I think to most creating them, it's a reference to their size. The largest ones, like Hero Camp, are usually 1/2 the size of an 8.5 X 11 sheet of paper, 5.5 X 8.5. Made that way because it's just simple to fold the sheet in half and have a comic. Of course, this is just a generality, and minis come in all sizes, from matchbook size to almost comic size, but typically never larger than a standard comic.

Also, they are usually "published" by the creator, meaning that they are copied at a local Kinko's or office supply store and then either handfolded and stapled by the creator or the store.

Price can range from free to around $2 - $3.

Distribution is also usually limited to websites and conventions, although some lucky ones get them in to local shops and beyond. In the case of Skyscrapers of the Midwes (which is indeed an awesome collection) a rare few get enough press to allow them to solicit through Diamond in the monthly Previews catalog.

The best thing about a mini comic is that anyone can create one. It doesn't matter how many you make, all that matters is that you have fun doing it. I would highly suggest doing them for anyone who is thinking about being in the business.

There are some great mini comics out there, and if it wasn't 2:30 in the morning and my wife was asleep, I'd dig a few out right now and share them with all of you guys. As it is, I'll try to find them later this weekend and post up names and links.

[Brian Cronin]

Quick AND detailed.

Nice. :)

-Brian

[Greg T]

greg's cheap mexican labor robbi(damnit i did not direct from
dusk till dawn or any of his crap) rodriguez is here. :D

The mult-talented penciler/inker of Hero Camp is here to field questions or discuss his cinematic tastes, friends. Take advantage of it now, before he moves on to working for the Big 2 and forgets all about us! :eek:

[Greg T]

Just got the release date for Hero Camp: May 18, 2005!

[Greg T]

Here it is folks! A 4 page preview of Image's Hero Camp, due this May, courtesy of mycomicshop.com

HERO CAMP (http://www.mycomicshop.com/subscriptionservice/communications.cfm?AID=192)

[JimmyDee]

Here it is folks! A 4 page preview of Image's Hero Camp, due this May, courtesy of mycomicshop.com

HERO CAMP (http://www.mycomicshop.com/subscriptionservice/communications.cfm?AID=192)Looks good, man, looks good.

[Greg T]

Thank you, sir.

[Greg T]

Take a look at the downloadable Hero Camp banners: http://www.hero-camp.com/promos.html

Feel free to put them on your site or in your messageboard signature. :D

[Robbi Rodriguez]

http://img201.exs.cx/img201/3687/page07tif1fi.jpg
http://img201.exs.cx/img201/9177/page10tif2ha.jpg
http://img201.exs.cx/img201/728/page016tif4hi.jpg
http://img201.exs.cx/img201/8419/page18tif6fh.jpg

[Mike Bullock]

That looks great! It has a wonderful old-school feel. :D

[Greg T]

I love you, Robbi. ;)

[Greg T]

Thoughts?

http://www.hero-camp.com/~greg/hccover01.gif

[Christopher Burton]

That looks great! It has a wonderful old-school feel. :D

Mike Allred. It reminds me of Mike Allred. That's a good thing. A very good thing.

[Deathstroke]

A very non technical "COOL!"

[Jack]

Mike Allred. It reminds me of Mike Allred. That's a good thing. A very good thing.
Curses, someone has articulated my precise thoughts already!

[Christopher Burton]

Thoughts?

I like floaty Buddhist dude. I guess that's also a very non-technical response. ;)

[Greg T]

I like the floaty buddha guy, too! Technical or no, feedback is feedback and always appreciated.

Thanks Chris and Deathstroke.

[Greg T]

We'll be out at The Comic Asylum on February 19 with David Finch and Michael Lark. Come out, say hi and get a sketch.

For more information, see http://www.hero-camp.com/

[the_coldest_sun]

Cool cover... goes well with the name of the comic.

[the_coldest_sun]

lookin even better than the cover!

[Greg T]

http://www.hero-camp.com/~greg/Covers/Finishedcover2.jpg

and just because we have it, the dressed cover for issue 1.

http://www.hero-camp.com/~greg/Covers/hccover01.jpg

Crits and comments welcomed.

Art by Robbi Rodriguez, colors by Russ Lowery.

[mgs]

Lookin good, when's the first issue due out?

[Greg T]

Should be out May 18th and you can preorder it now.

[Greg T]

Interview with me at http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29858

[Justin Davis]

Holy crap, Brian's really ahead of the game getting you guys here when he did. I know he must've told me about this thread a while back, but I just got around to seeing the Newsarama interview today and it looks really fun. There's definitely a Mike Allred appeal to the art, plust some Jay Stephens Atomic City Tales-inspired stuff.

I'll make sure to tell the comic book store to put this on my pull list, and when I do that, I can usually talk a few other people at the store into picking it up too.

[miss5050]

is this goin 2 be about> parent's footprints on kids?
personally...i hope that 'super-dad/mum' won't be involved :p

& i totally love heading, great letters :) i can imagine it on my t-shirt ;)

[Greg T]

Holy crap, Brian's really ahead of the game getting you guys here when he did. I know he must've told me about this thread a while back, but I just got around to seeing the Newsarama interview today and it looks really fun. There's definitely a Mike Allred appeal to the art, plust some Jay Stephens Atomic City Tales-inspired stuff.

I'll make sure to tell the comic book store to put this on my pull list, and when I do that, I can usually talk a few other people at the store into picking it up too.

Thanks for putting it on your pull, Justin. It's getting close to numbers time, and I don't mind telling you we're all a little nervous. :eek:

Who knows? Maybe your convincing people to read the book will be the few extra copies we need! :D

[Greg T]

is this goin 2 be about> parent's footprints on kids?
personally...i hope that 'super-dad/mum' won't be involved :p

& i totally love heading, great letters :) i can imagine it on my t-shirt ;)

It's not really about the parents at all...although they do make an appearance in issue 4. Heck, for that matter, you might make an appearance, too! Keep your eyes peeled for a press release soon.

Glad you like the logo. That was designed by our buddy Cal Slayton. You can see his stuff at www.calslayton.com.

Thanks for the kind words.

[KingMixer]

Do you remember when you wrote Hero Camp? Um. That was awesome.

[Greg T]

Do you remember when you wrote Hero Camp? Um. That was awesome.

Hahahahaha! Mark Smith, ladies and gents! If you guys don't already know, Mark is the writer of Amazing Joy Buzzards, one of the best reads on the shelves today. If you haven't already, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It's greatness.

[KingMixer]

Well anyhow I just wanted to pop on here and let you know how excited I am about Hero Camp in May!

[Greg T]

Well anyhow I just wanted to pop on here and let you know how excited I am about Hero Camp in May!

Thank you, Mark. Means a lot.

[holeycrullers]

I cannot wait, folks! The book looks great, and I'll be first in line at my comics shop (probably knocking down small children and anemic fanboys in the process, but hey, Darwin was right!).

Troy

[Greg T]

but hey, Darwin was right!).

Troy

They WILL be selected!

Thank you very much, Troy. Really hope you like it.

[Greg T]

Cover to issue 3!

http://www.hero-camp.com/users/russ/Covers/Issue3cover.jpg

[KingMixer]

Is it May yet?!!!

[Greg T]

Is it May yet?!!!

No, this is April. I guess when you're writing one of the most kick ass books on the face of the planet, Amazing Joy Buzzards, you lose track of all time.

Glad you're excited about the book. I just hope we deliver. Just think of it like you're watching an old Hanna-Barbera cartoon, and I think we'll be just fine.

[Todd nauck]

Hey, hey!

Tomorrow's the big day! Can't wait to pick up Hero Camp #1.

Best of luck Greg, Robbi, Russ, Kris, and anyone else involved with this book!
I hope it has amazing success and you don't forget us little guys you stepped on on your way to the top.

I hope this question hasn't been asked yet...
Is the name of the camp, Camp Enok Chuk, have any relation/homage to the SuperFriends' Apache Chief?

[Greg T]

Hey, hey!

Tomorrow's the big day! Can't wait to pick up Hero Camp #1.

Best of luck Greg, Robbi, Russ, Kris, and anyone else involved with this book!
I hope it has amazing success and you don't forget us little guys you stepped on on your way to the top.

I hope this question hasn't been asked yet...
Is the name of the camp, Camp Enok Chuk, have any relation/homage to the SuperFriends' Apache Chief?

Well, I can't say that it doesn't, but I won't say that it will. I will say I watched Super Friends as a child and absolutely loved it.

[Greg T]

Anyone pick it up? What did you think? Good? Bad? Indifferent? I gotta know!

[Allen Klingelhoets]

I never had chance to get to store today. Relatives from Madison came to visit.

[Greg T]

http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/snapjudgments/051605/herocamp1.shtml

[miss5050]

i got it and :)
i like the idea, how they think eric is da best
1st sentence=supercool, very good start :D

[cosmicspidey]

I got this today. I liked the art, and the concept seemed cool. But I thought the writing was lacking, and introducing characters in profiles just seems lazy to me. I understand there's a big cast, but maybe the first issue should have been about introducing everyone instead of jumping into a story with nearly 20 completely new characters, whose names, powers and motivations are unknown. I won't be picking up #2.

[miss5050]

i like it :)
except few pics where Eric looks really ugly :p
fresh, funny, nice colors, 4-1-1 = amazing, Block's story= ;)

[Greg T]

I got this today. I liked the art, and the concept seemed cool. But I thought the writing was lacking, and introducing characters in profiles just seems lazy to me. I understand there's a big cast, but maybe the first issue should have been about introducing everyone instead of jumping into a story with nearly 20 completely new characters, whose names, powers and motivations are unknown. I won't be picking up #2.

Thank you for your honesty. I don't understand the need to know every character right off the bat, but that's just me. I'm glad you at least tried the first issue.

[Greg T]

i like it :)
except few pics where Eric looks really ugly :p
fresh, funny, nice colors, 4-1-1 = amazing, Block's story= ;)

Glad you enjoyed it! We're working hard to bring in something a little different. Response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, so we're pretty excited.

[Greg T]

i got it and :)
i like the idea, how they think eric is da best
1st sentence=supercool, very good start :D

Thank you very much. If you liked the first issue, I think you'll love the next 3. There's a lot of fun packed into the pages.

[miss5050]

Thank you very much. If you liked the first issue, I think you'll love the next 3. There's a lot of fun packed into the pages.

awesome :D
kinda reminds me (no offence, i consider it funny) bruce willis and his funny looser monologues in last boy scout

are u gonna introduce dudes in every issue?
bc that was super-cool...bands/books i know.
likes/dislikes gives u that nice feeling that u know them :rolleyes:

[Greg T]

awesome :D
kinda reminds me (no offence, i consider it funny) bruce willis and his funny looser monologues in last boy scout

are u gonna introduce dudes in every issue?
bc that was super-cool...bands/books i know.
likes/dislikes gives u that nice feeling that u know them :rolleyes:

That's really funny that you mention Last Boy Scout cuz there's this part in issue 3 where...aw, you'll just have to read it. But, yeah, that type of fun is what I'm shooting for. Nothing life-changing, but something to get a giggle.

Each issue will have 411 pages with characters from the book. I was always a big fan of profile pages, so we just had to do them with this.

[miss5050]

That's really funny that you mention Last Boy Scout cuz there's this part in issue 3 where...aw, you'll just have to read it.
u got me :D

Nothing life-changing, but something to get a giggle.
but thats it...totally

I was always a big fan of profile pages, so we just had to do them with this.
me too, me too :)

[zilla31]

any other reviews out there?

[Greg T]

any other reviews out there?


There are tons of reviews. Click HERE (http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=2879) to see the ones I could find, good and bad.

[Greg T]

Anyone have any thoughts on issue 2? Issue 3 preview should be up sometime this week. It's a fun one.

[Rob H]

Issue #2 was even better than issue #1 and issue #1 was great. This issue had a little more depth in terms of story and pacing. With Eric being the cool character that he is, it was all the more enjoyable. Those little midget spit creatures were awesome man. I can't wait for #3.

Honestly, I love this book. It's alot of fun and takes me back to Allred's Madman. It's querky and the art is bloody cool. Don't ever get rid of Robbi... you guys are great together.

Keep up the good work.

[Greg T]

Thanks a lot, Dr. Flem (that has to be one of the greatest names in the history of comics!) I'm really glad to hear that you're digging the series. Robbi, Russ and I would like to keep doing Hero Camp for a long time to come. Hopefully, sales will allow us to do that!

[Rob H]

I'm glad to hear that you're in it for the long haul. I'm one reader that won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

[miss5050]

HRRRRRRRK+SPIT+BOYS = the best
aye aye ;) I can still hear You :D
i love this one, really http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/Neen/toothless.gif

[Greg T]

Really glad to hear that you liked it! Issue 4 is going to be a full 24 page story, and features some of Robbi's best art yet. Plus, it's got a giant purple ape in it. Could it get any better than that...okay, so maybe if JM DeMatteis was writing it it would be a lot better, but still a GIANT PURPLE APE!

[Rob H]

Whoooo! Yeah! :) I can't wait. I really need another HC fix.

[Greg T]

Issue 4 out next week!

[Greg T]

ATTENTION ALL DALLAS/FT WORTH AND SURROUNDING AREA HERO CAMP FANS!

Robbi, Russ and Greg will be at Lone Star Comics Dallas from noon until 3 pm and at Lone Star Comics Central Arlington from 4 pm - 7 pm on Saturday, October 8. We'll be signing comics, drawing sketches, chatting with fans and kissing babies, so if you're able to, please come and say hi. For directions to the stores, click here. (http://www.mycomicshop.com/ourstores/)

[miss5050]

Issue 4 out next week!
it's over :(
but purple monkey 4 great finale rocks :p

[Greg T]

I'm glad you liked it. Don't fear, there will be more Hero Camp in 2006. Details as we have them