At Last
Nonplayer, brought to you by Image Comics! Coming to a comic shop near you on April 6.
More details at the official Nonplayer website.
Sorry, it's hard to reach the keyboard from the ceiling. I'll post more when I deflate a bit.
Very happy.
Is This Thing On?
My last post here was in 2015. Returning to this page, I was a little surprised to discover that it was even still online, or that blogs were even still a thing. Perhaps they aren't really anymore? I have no idea. It's pretty interesting to see how many of the links on this page are now dead. The world has moved on. When last we met, I was in the late stages of learning that Nonplayer #2 was not going to provide the magic leverage to turn comics into a full time day job. Given the unsustainability of my schedule back then (drawing the comic in the wee hours of the morning while having a day job and raising a kid), it really was a hail Mary situation -- I'm not even really sure what form I thought the deus ex machina would take. Maybe Nonplayer would get turned into a movie? Maybe I could pivot to Patreon? In the end, I had to stop out of sheer exhaustion. I didn't give up. I started a spread for Nonplayer 3, and then stalled out. Here it is: I pivoted to writing, and g...
Awesome news, Nate, congratulations!
ReplyDeletehell yeah! Congrats man.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! *waves to ceiling*
ReplyDeleteWould it be in Barnes & Nobles?
I knew it! I pegged your stuff for making sense as an Image comic from waaaaay back in the day. Glad it's finally coming to fruition and looking forward to pickin up my copy in april. HUGE congrats Nate!
ReplyDeleteWOO! Congrats :D
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you. Just the fact that you went for it is amazing. Your story has really been inspiring. Congratulations and I wish you much success.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I'm proud.
ReplyDelete우리형부 :D
i buy it for my ipad?
ReplyDeletecongrats nate!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Nate! Like capt_parsons said, Image is a perfect fit (creator owned properties) as is Oni.
ReplyDeleteIs there gonna be a digital copy? Image publishes digitally on Comixology.
Congratulations! I'll definitely pick this up when I can.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is... AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteOh, and of course... congratulations! It's well deserved.
The most fantastic of newsthings I could have hoped to hear.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mr. Simpson!
That's awesome news !!
ReplyDeleteNow let's just hope I can have it shipped to France when it's out...
I've been following this project for a long time and it's good to know it will make it to the shelves. Can't wait to read the full story !
Cheers. :)
I saw the announcement on dA and YAY!!! So glad you can finally announce it! I only hope we can still get signed copies!
ReplyDeletegreat news, cant wait to read it !
ReplyDeleteGreat news ! Hope I can find it in Paris... I'll go check my comic shop for availability. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteWant!
ReplyDeleteContrats! Can't wait to buy it!
ReplyDeleteNow THAT's what I've been waiting for! Hurray! Congrats man! You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'd consider this a Hollywood ending to this story.
ReplyDeleteI will be front and center at Golden Apple comics to buy multiple issues. congrats, sir.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I've been following you since you started with this project, and I'm so excited and happy for you 'cause you, 'cause you finally did it!!
ReplyDeleteI know you had some hard times, but I've always been hoping that you finished someday, and finally it's ready! Such a great artist as yourself really deserves this.
Just for you to know, I'm from Chile! Meaning, you had support even around this corner of the world =)
I hope you the best! Good job =)
BTW!
How can I buy it? Will you have an online shop?
WHOA!!! I am happy for you and all, but I am even happier for ME because I finally get to read this motherfucker I fell in love with since seeing that unforgettable first page! Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! How awesome is that. love your work, can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThis is great news! I've been looking forward to this for a long time, and I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on your comic!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
ReplyDeleteNicely done.
ReplyDeletecongratulations pimp right on cant wait to get it
ReplyDeleteDon't stop now, you have only just begun! Much congrats your way!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I'm going to request at my local comic shop this week!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, sir! Well done! =D
ReplyDeleteIt really makes sense, Nonplayer being published by Image. I really cannot wait to grab a copy! I'll definitely be getting others to do the same!
Congratulations! Can't wait to read it! Hope you're having an epic sensation of fulfillment. You've earned it!
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat news man! This is almost like giving birth to a child...you nurtured this book, and grew inside you...and you shaped it...cared for it...gave it life....it's coming soon..and you have a due date April 6, 2011! Wow what a journey.
ReplyDeleteHi everybody,
ReplyDeleteI know I usually answer the comments individually, but I'm a teensy bit swamped at the moment. I just wanted to say thanks, and that it means a lot to me that so many of you tagged along over the last year. It's been a tough road, and you guys played a big part in helping me to get back up after every fall.
In response to a couple of your questions: Image tells me that the comic will be available in digital form, perhaps on the day it hits the stands. For those who live in other countries and have no access to Image comics, I'm told that there are international comic distributors who specialize in delivering American comics abroad. Also, you could make friends with an American nerd, have them bring a copy of the comic to me at a convention, and then have them send you the signed copy.
Or you could fly me out to your country. I'd happily bring you my comic in that case. Heck, I'd bring two copies.
Much obliged to all of you,
Nate
Hey Man, Congratulations! You really did it!!! I'm proud of you dude! I can't wait to see it...:)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it. But honestly I'm looking forward to the second issue because I haven't seen any art for that yet.
ReplyDeleteOkay, a few spare moments, so I can take a closer look at what folks are up to:
ReplyDeleteJer - Thanks, man. I really like the face studies you posted on your most recent blog entry. But you put them up quite a while ago! Anything more recent to show off?
Brent LaDue - Whoa, man. Thanks for the kind word. But wow. Your painting skills. And your modeling skills. Just astonishing. Scary good. You're one of those people I had nightmares about when I worked in games. You know, the ones who are so good that they make the rest of us look like chumps. Really amazing work! Man, the self portraits are just spectacular. Is this all digital? Why don't I know about you? Am I the last person not to know about you? Okay. I'm done. But wow.
ReplyDeleteEleeza - Thanks! Someday, when all six issues are done, they'll be collected as a trade paperback. Then, if Barnes and Noble still exists, you'll find it there. If I'm lucky. For now, you're pretty much limited to comic shops and conventions.
ReplyDeleteI really like your color sense. I hope you post some more color stuff to dawn of the doodles -- those pastel colors are major eye candy. Look at that juicy nose-tip! NICE.
capt_parsons - Are you still abroad, or are you back in the States now? It's good to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, Image is definitely a good fit. I look forward to hearing what you think of the first issue.
auds - COME TO TAG NEXT MONTH! We had so much fun last week. It's totally worth the trek. Hope all is well back east!
ReplyDeleteTed Terranova - Thanks a lot! Wow, your concepts are SWEET. Space stuff, castle-y stuff, cool future sailboats... what a great range. The sketches are rad, too. The big steampunk monster thing is totally boss. When are you going to do a comic?
ReplyDelete윤영 - Hello, sister-in-law! Hyung-boo POWER!!! Thanks for everything, Yoonyoung! Say hi to Yoongyoung for me!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your art is AWESOME.
Tony Kim - I'm told Nonplayer will be released digitally on or around the same day that it's released in physical form. I'll post more about this when I get some details. Short answer: yes on iPad!
ReplyDeletematt - Thanks, Matt! How are things going in the fast-paced world of Australian animation?
ReplyDeletePeter Hon - It was good to hang out with you before TAG last week. I hope you're able to make it next time, too. If I'm not mistaken, you had a pretty good time, yeah?
ReplyDeleteGO MALDEN!
T.B. Wright - Thanks, T.B.! I hope the writing holds up to your standards!
ReplyDeleteRipsey - Thank you, Stefan! There's some serious wisdom to your last blog post about helping your style grow rather than trying to force yourself in an unnatural artistic direction. I can see you've taken your own advice to heart -- Gone to Ground looks better than ever, and it started out looking great to begin with! Post more soon, please!
ReplyDeleteDRP - David, last week was so much fun. I hope we do like we said and make it a bi-monthly thing. And yeah, I totally need to check out your mountain of French comics. I've already rented a U-Haul truck, so when I come by just have everything loaded onto palettes. Thanks, man.
ReplyDeleteOh, and congratulations on your anthology appearance. I can't wait to see the next thing you do. Guy Davis had better watch his six.
Thomas - Thanks for writing all the way from France! If I have any say at all, there will be a French translation of Nonplayer. It's priority number one. I'll keep you posted!
ReplyDeleteJoumana - YAY! Of course there will always be a signed copy for the lady who got me my first Daily Deviant!
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, I love the stuff you've been doing with integrating photography and hand-drawn artwork. Every time I come back to Malaak, I'm blown away by the stuff you're doing. You're going to be famous, aren't you? Are you already famous in Lebanon? Are you one of these secretly famous people?
Sean Hayden - Dinosaurs! Dragons! Goat-dudes! Your blog is super neato. Thanks for dropping by!
ReplyDeletemoozoom - Man, I hope you CAN get it in Paris. There's something intoxicating about the idea that a little part of me will be visiting other countries in comic-form. And France is a special case. I'm very sad that I'm missing the Moebius exhibit in Paris this month. Next year, I really need to get to Angouleme. Everyone I know who went this year had a wonderful time. Thanks for visiting, moozoom.
ReplyDeleteFelipe - Thanks! Your artwork is blindingly awesome. You remind me I have much to learn! Back to the drawing board for me, literally!
ReplyDeleteMyron Macklin - Thanks, man. When are you going to post some new stuff to your website? Your work is so pretty!
ReplyDeletebykamon - Thanks a lot! How is school going?
ReplyDeleteBaba - I was tempted into seeing it as a Hollywood ending, as well, until I realized it was at best a Hollywood beginning. Which means this all ends up with me homeless and bearded, but an inspiration to the lone arts journalist who finally rediscovers me beneath the 405 overpass at Pico. Then he takes me to the 2046 San Diego Comic Con, where everybody does a slow clap for me.
ReplyDeleteBen Hansford - Golden Apple! Awesome! I was sad to learn that they'd moved west. I had some sort of weird fantasy about doing a signing in the same room where I'd bought my all-silent Snake Eyes vs. Storm Shadow issue of G.I. Joe (first comic ever). Oh, well.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like the comic!
Woka - Thanks for following from Chile! Your sketchbooks are a pleasure to wander through -- some really funny, well-drawn stuff in there!
ReplyDeleteAs to ordering from overseas -- I'd love to sell individual copies through my online store, but I'm not sure if I'll have the time or means to make that work (though there will be posters -- hopefully as soon as next week). The guys at Image tell me there are companies that specialize in shipping individual comics internationally, so perhaps Google can lead you in the right direction!
Thanks again for dropping by.
josef_kaye - Aw, shucks. I hope the rest of the pages have some stuff you like, too. Thanks for being all jazzed about it. That feels good.
ReplyDeletesamacleod - Thanks, Sam. I tried to net-sleuth some of your work, but all I could find was Alexander Samuel MacLeod, died 1956. You're not a ghost, are you?
ReplyDeleteDan Cox - Thanks! I hope the wait was worth it.
ReplyDeleteSam Mooney - Thanks! I know I already said this, but your autobiographical comic is coming along SO WELL. I hope to find it on a shelf at a bookstore someday (perhaps at Kinokuniya?).
ReplyDeleteDominic Bugatto - Whoa, dude. Those diving journal illustrations are the best. As usual, gorgeous, gorgeous work. Thanks for the attaboy, Dominic.
ReplyDeleteAaron Simmons - Ha! Thanks, Aaron. It is nice to be thought of as a pimp, as you kids say.
ReplyDeleteZachC - Thanks, man. Yeah, hopefully this will go on for a while. Here's hoping we draw a few more lucky cards along the way...
ReplyDeleteJason P. Crayton - Thanks, Jason! And much obliged for mentioning it to your local comic purveyor -- we'll know soon what sort of ordering action the comic is getting through Previews. Good luck with Grade 5!
ReplyDeleteMichael Mayne - That means a lot, coming from the talented creator of Bonnie Lass! I was talking about digital comics with a friend last week, and I told him about Red 5 and Bonnie Lass, and he immediately said "I have that! It's great!" So there you have it! Independent verification that you are teh radness. Not that you needed it!
ReplyDeleteEhud Landsberg - Yeah, there were definitely a few moments of sublime satisfaction there. Until I realized I was only 1/6th of the way to the finish line!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work on those talkin' bees, Ehud!
Vinod Rams - Thanks dude. You are law, we are crime.
ReplyDeleteRamel - Ha! Yes, very much like giving birth to a child. Right down to the pelvic discomfort. Thanks again for being the most prolific commenter on Project Waldo. Your enthusiasm is quite infectious!
ReplyDeleteRayford - RAY! This is ALL YOUR FAULT. If you ever come through Seattle again, dinner is on me. I hope everything's going well back east!
ReplyDelete(checks link to Ray's blog)
HOLY SHIT YOU ARE A GOD NOW. Wow. Looking forward to seeing more amazing stuff from you soon, Ray.
Thanks!
tormentedartist - Dude, yeah. I hope the second issue comes together more easily than the first. So far, I'd say the writing is about 50% better, but there aren't as many wordless vista-type moments. I have a lot of story-ground to cover. We'll see how it looks in color, too. For now, it's all just line art.
ReplyDeleteWhen am I going to see some new hotness in your DeviantArt gallery? It's been a while -- I assume you've leveled up a couple more times since last we crossed paths!
Haha! Thanks Nate but you're the rock star! I'm more like the house band:) I'll take you up on dinner though!
ReplyDelete