Pencilneck
Originally, Pencilneck was set to be an ongoing mob soap opera starring Jonathan as a recluse who becomes a vigilante stuck in the middle of a gang war. However, we decided to forego an ongoing series and changed the format to a set graphic novel. Even if we had won a fortune playing poker online, and could afford an ongoing series, it was decided that the story would work best with a decisive beginning, middle, and end.
Further research and financial planning for the project has guided us to publish the series as a four issue, 120+ page, trade paperback book. This was done for three reasons:
1) We can focus all marketing and advertising costs into one successful push through a distributor, rather than four separate occurrences.
2) Retailers would rather stock a completed story shown as one trade instead of rolling the dice on an independent book that may, or may not, ship according to schedule.
3) A completed four-issue story would prove to be an excellent addition to any portfolio because it would show that the book’s team can tell, not only a single issue, but an entire story arc as well.
Reviews –
Project Outline:
A detailed history of Pencilneck’s history can be found in the trade as a bonus feature, but a brief timeline of the 6 year history and future plans for the series Pencilneck would look something like:
- 2002 – Victor reads a book dealing with creating comics and decides to use his savings in trying his hand at self-publishing.
- 2002 – The first issue of Pencilneck was thrown together in a very fast manner so that it would be ready for the summer’s convention
in
- 2003 – Film and video were the focus of
- 2004 – Victor decides to give
the story and self-publishing venture a second chance. After saving enough funds and spending the extra time to develop a proper
story
- 2004 – After the ups of downs of dealing with several artists, Victor paired up with Jeff Blascyk to work on the series, starting over from page one.
- 2006 – After two issues were printed through Comixpress, Jeff made the commitment to join the Armed Forces. Paper Street fully endorsed the decision and awaited his return from basic to finish the series.
- 2007 – Jeff returned and continued to work through issue three, but complications in scheduling caused Jeff to focus on other important areas. Similar scheduling issues caused a change in our letterer as well. Paper Street went back to the web looking for talent to help close out the series.
- 2007/2008 António Brandão responded to a posting and jumped on board as Paper Street’s penciler/inker for the series, Marc Lewis (who was doing the colors for the covers) signed up for the gray tones, and Brant Fowler agreed to handle lettering duties.
- 2008 (April
3rd) – A movie announcement hits the public concerning a partnership between Paper Street Comics and Benderspink with regards to shopping
the property through
- 2008 (May) – Lions Gate decides to pick up the option to turn Pencilneck into a big screen feature. - The deal is no longer in place - so Paper Street Comics has the property back on the market!
- 2009 (1st Quarter) – The deluxe trade, loaded with special features, has been released!!! This item is for sale in our store section.
- Future expectations would be to see Pencilneck on the big screen.
