Thursday, July 18, 2013
San Diego ComicCon!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Under Dark Skies
A few people have asked over the last couple of weeks, so I figured it was time to make a general announcement!
The second Nordguard book, Under Dark Skies, won't be making its debut this summer.
Last year turned out to be a rough year in a few ways, with a lot of upsets that made it difficult to settle in and devote the time I really needed. Each page takes roughly 35-40 hours from start to finish, and there's just no rushing it in the end. In many ways, this project is a labor of love, but love doesn't always pay the bills, heal the sick, put fresh coffee on the table, or add extra days to the calendar.
It's not been forgotten, however. I've actually got a substantial part finished, or on paper. But this summer is a busy one, between three large conventions I'll be dealing at, personal obligations, other smaller art projects, and then the appropriate soul-searching and struggle it takes to get back on track. It's daunting on any day, I've got to admit. I hope to "get back on the sled" later this year, and little by little, reach the end of this very long road.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
NG: Card Game Art, Cyber Monday
Each piece is about 3×4″ in watercolor and acrylic, and was made specifically for the Nordguard Card Game earlier this year. You can get more information on the game itself right here!
By the way, Sofawolf Press is having a 20% sale this weekend, until November 26th! It’s a great deal if you’ve been waiting to buy! They have Nordguard: Across Thin Ice in both soft and hard cover, and the Nordguard Card Game is in stock, and makes a great stocking stuffer!
Click here for more info!
Monday, July 9, 2012
ComicCon, Sofawolf Press & Free Stuff!
ComicCon International in San Diego begins in just a couple of days!
We're always excited for CCI, especially this year. In cased you missed it, Teagan Gavet, the author/layout/penciling half, has been nominated for the Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her work on Nordguard: Across Thin Ice. The nomination in itself is a huge honor, and competition is steep, but we'll be keeping our fingers crossed this Friday at the Eisner Award ceremony when the winner of the Manning award will be announced.
Where We'll Be:
Every day of the convention, you'll be able to find us sporadically at the Sofawolf Press booth #1236 (which is in the Webcomics section of the dealer's room.) Sofawolf Press will have Across Thin Ice, free 8-page previews of the second Nordguard book (Under Dark Skies), the Nordguard Card Game, copies of Dog's Days of Summer, Art of Kenket books, plus all of their new summer releases and the bulk of their full catalog! Come check it out!
We are more than happy to sign any of our books, so feel free to watch @screwbald on Twitter to know when we'll be at the Sofawolf Press booth! You can also follow @sofawolfpress on Twitter to find out when other Sofawolf creative will be on hand to sign books, such as Kyell Gold, Lynn Hogan (author/artist of Prydwen), Mandi Tremblay (author/artist of Peachy Keen,) and Kamui, the cover artist for many of Sofawolf's publications.
Free Stuff:
Aside from the free 8-page preview of the next Nordguard book, Under Dark Skies, Sofawolf will be giving out different buttons on different days of the convention, featuring either Pi, London, Nickel from Nordguard, or Diego and Bayshore from Dog's Days! Supplies will be limited, so stop by or follow @sofawolfpress for the heads up on free stuff!
There's also going to be a free preview of Spain Fischer's upcoming comic, Caterwall!
Also, when we're at the Sofawolf table to sign, we will be giving out a special, collector card for the Nordguard Card Game, the "White Bear!" event card! This card is not included in the original decks, and this will be it's first release! If you are unable to get one from us at CCI, we'll have some with us at other conventions throughout this year and the next!
So, once again, feel free to follow us @screwbald on Twitter to know when we're signing/giving out stuff!
Have a great week!
Cheers,
-Blotch
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Nominated for the Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award!
Now that it’s up on the ComicCon International Website, I can make the announcement! I’m one of the five nominees for the 2012 Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award, for Nordguard: Across Thin Ice!
Here’s some more information!
It’s really exciting, I can’t even. Wow. I get a grin ear to ear whenever I think about it! 25 top comic creators, film producers and other industry folk judge the awards, and will see and read our book. Just that alone is awesome. Being nominated and recognized for the story telling and layout of the book is a real honor to me.
The awards are given at the Eisner Awards ceremony in July at ComicCon International in San Diego… so, wish me luck!
With that bit of awesome news, it’s back to the comic-mines, and more work on Nordguard book two, Under Dark Skies!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Under Dark Skies!
The book will pick up right where Across Thin Ice left off, and if everything goes to plan, will be out in 2013. According to the current rough layouts, it will be a little bit longer than Across Thin Ice, and in the neighborhood of 80-85 pages.
You’ll be able to pick up a free 8 page preview of Under Dark Skies at AnthroCon in June, and of course ComicCon in San Diego, as well as all the other conventions that Sofawolf Press attends!
Here’s the cover for the preview, as well as the first two pages of the teaser!
And that brings us to…
Thank you, you guys are awesome!
It’s been really great to hear from people who’ve walked to comic book shops in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Melbourne—even Cape Town—to find Across Thin Ice on the shelves!A huge part of that is because people have asked their local stores to carry it. Creator-owned comics are underdogs in the comic market, and it’s really difficult to make even the slightest impact. You guys have really helped however, by taking the initiative to ask for the comic, talking about it, and getting stores to keep copies on their shelves. So, thank you all so much for the support, for helping spreading the word, and your continued effort to! Every book that sells helps us to keep making more comics, and more artwork.
It’s been a pretty good first year for the Nordguard. That is to say, we can afford to eat, buy beer, and pick up enough paint and paper to launch right into work on the next book! So far this year, we have been pretty busy working on Under Dark Skies, and the summer promises the same.
Telling stories on paper with pen and paint is not just something we love to do; it’s really something we have to do. Art is such a huge part of our lives, there would almost be no life without it. Being able to work at something we love every day, and challenge ourselves with it, and create things which people enjoy is… honestly, really amazing.
Thank you guys so much for enjoying the work we put out, your kind comments, and your support.
You rock, you really do. :]
Now, it’s time to get back to the paint-and-paper mines!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Nordguard Card Game, Cards
Here’s three cards we made earlier this year for the Nordguard Card Game, “Shortcut,” “London,” and “Raiders!” respectively.
The originals are small, each about 3×4, in watercolor and acrylic.
You can see a sped-up recording of painting the London card right here!
This is also a reminder for those that might have missed it–the Nordguard Card Game will come in two editions, Standard and Deluxe. While the standard decks will likely be around for a while, there is a very limited and finite number of the Deluxe sets. Here’s more information on the differences, and how to get your hands on a Deluxe set, starting tomorrow!
Pre-Orders for the Nordguard Card Game, as well as the return of Across Thin Ice hardcovers, start tomorrow (May 26th) at 10AM Central time (That’s Chicago time!)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Nordguard Card Game/ATI Hardcover Pre-Orders!
Click Here for the Standard Edition Pre-Order, and Here for the Deluxe!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Stray, from the Nordguard Card Game
This was a piece painted a couple of weeks ago, for the Nordguard Card Game. Specifically, it’s one of the “Stray Territory” location cards, featuring a stray Maguruq who thinks you would be tasty to eat.
While the majority of the original artwork for the game is about 3×4″, we liked the thumbnail sketch of this one enough to page it a bit larger. The original is about 8×10, watercolors and acrylic.
Here is the original sketch, and some work-in-progress photographs:
The first step, aside from stretching the paper, is to add masking fluid to the foreground rocks/skull. (I use Winsor&Newton brand masking fluid.)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Pi, and Ask the Nordguard!
The original is small, about 3×4, in watercolor and acrylic.
Over the years, a couple people have asked where Pi got her name. Pi is actually a nick name (her real name comes up in the next book, actually…) There’s two stories behind how she got the nickname–one, being that she’s black and white and it’s short for piebald. The other is a slightly longer story from her days of basic training. In searching for an object buried in the snow, she stumbled and tripped, landing directly on the target. She set a new record time of 3.14, hence, the nickname “Pi.”
We’ve been getting a lot of character specific questions, usually in the chat during LiveStreams. We thought it would be fun to set up an “Ask the Nordguard” page! You can ask a character from the comic a question. When we have a bit of free time, or feel like sketching something a little less serious, we’ll respond to one or two of the questions in a quick and sketchy fashion.
So, check it out, and if you have a question for one of the characters–ask away!
Keep an eye on either @nordguard on Twitter, the Nordguard Development Blog, or the News feed for answers!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Nordguard: The Card Game
The game itself has been developed by Tempe O’Kun and Nic Wald, and Jeremia Heupel of ThinkTank Games directed play-testing. They’ve been tweaking and play-testing for over a year now. It’s slated to be released this summer, and will be available from Sofawolf Press.
The card game will feature 50+ pieces of new original artwork we’ve done, plus some artwork from Across Thin Ice, and Nordguard concept art. In total, each deck has 130 cards, plus comes with custom Nordguard dice. The game will come in two editions, standard ($12) and collectors ($25).
There will also be additional artwork from the talented Chromamancer!
You can find more information about the game itself on cardgame.nordguard.com! The site will continue to be updated as we get closer to the summer and the game’s release.
Here’s a few of the new images I painted for the game:
You can follow @screwbald or @nordguard on Twitter to be updated whenever I start LiveStreaming!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
On LiveStream!
LIVESTREAM.NORDGUARD.COM
If you want to catch a live session, there are a couple of places you can keep an eye out:
Follow @screwbald on Twitter to be notified every time I'm painting on LiveStream, for all projects, or...
Follow @nordguard on Twitter for less frequent notifications, pertaining only to comic stuff.
You can also follow on FaceBook for updates!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Nominate Nordguard for a Hugo!
Nordguard: Across Thin Ice is eligible to be nominated this year for the Hugo's "Best Graphic Story" category!
This is really pretty awesome. The category is a relatively new addition to the Hugo Awards, and as such, the "underdogs" have more of a chance of getting noticed and included.
So what does that mean? It means I need you fine Worldcon members to nominate Across Thin Ice!
To nominate, you must either currently be, or have been, a member of either a 2011, 2012 or 2013 Worldcon. (If you are not a Worldcon member and want to become one, you may join Chicon 7 or LonStarCon 3, the 2013 Worldcon, before January 31st 2012 to be eligible.)
The deadline for nominations is March 11th, 2012!
The Hugo nominations are being handled though the Chicon Hugo Nomination Website. You can submit a ballot either online (click here!), or mail-in a paper ballot (more info!).
If you happen to be a Worldcon member and you haven't yet cast your nominations, we would greatly appreciate the moment of your time to include Nordguard: Across Thin Ice on your ballot!
The pertinent information you'd need would be:
Catagory: Best Graphic Story
Title: Nordguard: Across Thin Ice
By: Teagan Gavet/Tess Garman
(For "Magazine," I'd say: Publisher, Sofawolf Press, ISNB 978-1-936689-10-1, www.nordguard.com)
You can put up to five names down for each category on the Nominations Ballot, so you can give all your favorites from 2011 a shot at being nominated this year!
Thank you very much!
It's been a whirlwind kind of year so far. Really, thank you everyone who's gotten a copy of Across Thin Ice, left kind comments, shared the book with friends, penned great reviews, sent nice emails, or simply just said at conventions "I can't wait until the next book!"
Being able to write and make comics is truly a dream realized for both of us. It's exciting, and encouraging at how well the book has been received, both within and outside of the fandom. Thank all of you guys for that! :]
Now, back to sketching the next Nordguard book I go...
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Inked Page from Book Two

(I actually did these inks ages ago, but considering things are moving forward again, I figured now was a good a time as any to post ‘em.)

Also, here’s a few Maguruq wolverine studies I did, since you’ve not seen the last of ‘em!
Lastly--you can still order a copy of Across Thin Ice and have it arrive before Dec. 25th! The official cut-off date for domestic orders from Sofawolf Press is Dec. 19th!
Order your copy here! | More info on shipping cut-offs from Sofawolf
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Nordguard Cast - Nickel & Geri
In bits of my spare time, I've been working to compile a bit of a Nordguard "cast list" for the website. As soon as I have the majority of the main characters finished, I'll put it up!
EDIT:
Sold Out For Now!
Wow, those went a bit quicker than I thought they would! If you missed your chance to get a Nordguard patch or sticker, don't worry! I'll have some with me at RainFurrest later this month, as well as MidwestFurfest in November.
Thank you to everyone who picked one up!
===
And in other news-- Nordguard Patches and indoor/outdoor vinyl stickers are now for sale! Check 'em out over here! I'll only have them up for a week or until supplies run out, since after than I'm out of town again!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
For Coloradans, Canadians, and Everybody
For the Coloradans:
In the few days I've been at home this month, I've been rampaging around to comic-book shops in the surrounding area, with Across Thin Ice copies in hand. I'm happy to say, everyone who saw it was very enthusiastic about the book! Several comic book places will be ordering from Diamond (and have books hopefully in October,) but a some places picked up some copies on the spot. So if you're in Colorado, want to get yourself a copy of ATI, and would like to support some super friendly local businesses, check out:
- Kilgore Books, Located 624 E 13th Avenue, Denver CO 80203
- Calico Books, Located at 300 Nickel Street, Broomfield, CO 8002
- I Want More Comics! Located at 1020 W 104th Ave, Northglenn, CO 80234
- Time Warp, at 3105 28th Street, Boulder CO!
I plan on hitting a few more places along the road south tomorrow, namely the 'Springs, and I may stop in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. If you know of any good places to hit up, let me know! I'll try to post an updated list if any more places want to pick up copies on the spot. :]
For the Canadians:
Half of me has the utmost pleasure of being a GoH of Camp Feral next week! I'll be running a couple of workshops there during the day, and drinking by night (maybe by day, too.) With me, I will have a small assortment of prints, Nordguard patches, stickers, about a bajllion original sketches (been spending most of my time sketching, as it were,) and some Across Thin Ice copies in tow. There are good times ahead!
(In the Feral raffle, I'll be donating a copy of Across Thin Ice that I have lovingly defiled with a Nickel. ;] )
For Everybody:
If you want to see Nordguard: Across Thin Ice in your local stores, it's not too late!
If you haven't already, you've got between now and September 1st to ask your local comic purveyor to order it through Diamond. Let 'em know it's a Diamond Staff Pick, it's #318, and it's full of awesome! There's more information over here about what to do if you want to help!
Once again, thanks for everyone's enthusiasm and support!
(Also, I am over on LiveStream painting for a little bit on some Nordguard related things. I'm putting together a cast page of sorts and a few other things for the site, so if you're interested in seeing a growly Geri, come check it out!)
Cheers,
-Blotch
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Nordguard in Stores/Diamond Staff Pick
So what does that mean?
It mean’s I’ve got a small favor to ask! If you’re interested in seeing Across Thin Ice carried in stores around the country, you’ve got until the end of this month to ask your local comic shop to stock it!
Ask for "Across Thin Ice," mention that it’s a staff pick on page #318 in Diamond’s August Previews Catalog, and that you’d love to order one or a dozen copies. ;]
If you have a copy already, bring it in to show them!
So, if you read the book and liked it, or just want to get a copy for yourself without shopping online, or just want to get the word out there--I’d be really appreciative if you ask for Across Thin Ice at your local comic store, anytime between now and September 1st!
Also, if you’re over seas and want to spare yourself shipping from the US - Across Thin Ice has already started to pop up in many comic book stores online—for you UK folks, Forbidden Planet has listed it as a pre-order! Same with Archonia in Belgium! (If you don't order it, they may not stock it--so if you've had your eye on a copy but want cheaper shipping, this is the time to buy!)
Alopex from Sofawolf Press wrote a longer explanation about Diamond’s role and what you can do to help! Check it out! :]
Thank you for the moment of your time, and once again, a big thanks to everyone who’s already gotten a copy of Across Thin Ice!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Nordguard Reviews & ComicCon
First things first! Have a couple Nordguard: Across The Ice reviews!
…And of course, you can still pick up a copy online from Sofawolf Press! Click here! ;]
ComicCon:
In a nutshell, ComicCon was fantastic! I haven’t been in a few years, so it was great to get a chance to run around, buy art and books, find cool comics, canoodle, break out some dice for a spot of gaming, be spoiled by San Diego’s weather and delicious sundries, and generally be entirely overwhelmed by the 150k+ people. I’m also pleased to say Nordguard: Across Thin Ice was very well received! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to pick up a copy and have it signed!
Also, Pi was roaming around a bit every day at SDCC!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Headed To ComicCon, and ATI Page 4
Firstly, tomorrow afternoon I'm headed west for San Diego and ComicCon 2011!

I'll be running around most of the time, but you can catch me at the Sofawolf Press booth various times during the weekend. I'm more than happy to sign anything, as always! I'll be using my @screwbald Twitter for the convention, and to alert folks to when I'll be at the Sofawolf Booth in case you wanted to swing by!
So stop by Booth #1236 (in the webcomic section, that orange one, on your map!)
You can grab a copy of Nordguard: Across Thin Ice, or Dog's Days of Summer, or any other fine Sofawolf books!
Sofawolf Press' will also have the last hardcover Across Thin Ice copies, so if you wanted one and missed out at either AnthroCon or the online pre-sales, now may be your last chance to get the first print/first edition hardcover!
Also, you might catch sight of Pi running around ComicCon!
Next, here's page 4 from Across Thin Ice.You can order the comic right now from Sofawolf Press!
Once again, for any new-comers--softcover copies of the book are $19.95, 75 full color pages, and rated for audiences 14+ for language and violence.
(You can find more information on ordering the book online right here!)
(And, for any one interested--I'm resuming a painting from last night over on LiveStream. Stop in, if you want!)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Home Again, & Across Thin Ice Available Now!

(Surprise Nordguard cake/wine glasses from the publishers Thursday before the book's release, & Signing ATI hardcovers at Sofawolf Press HQ after the convention, with the author of Sixes Wild: Manifest Destiny, Tempe O'Kun)First things first!
Starting today, Across Thin Ice is available to order from Sofawolf Press' website!
(They've also rolled out their fancy new website, so you should check it out!)
Click Here to get your own copy of Across Thin Ice!
Softcovers are $19.95, 75 full color pages of arctic adventure, suitable for ages 13 and up! (There's some violence and language!)
Pre-orders of the signed hardcover ATI books also hit the post office today!
I also have some Nordguard patches and vinyl stickers left over, and soon as I'm settled back in, I'll see about making them available for sale online.
===
AnthroCon--to be brief for now, since I have a fair bit of unpacking ahead of me-- was awesome! Dare I say... magical? ;]
As always, it was great to chat with folks, put some real faces to e-names, hang out with old friends, and become acquainted with new ones. A huge thanks to everyone who stopped by the table, and for those who picked up a copy of Across Thin Ice! And thanks for those who attended my Graphic Novel/Comic panel on Sunday--it was a pleasure to run, and hopefully informative! :]
The rest of the summer promises to be a pretty busy one:
-I'll be at ComicCon in San Diego at the end of this month, mostly just running around in a daze from all the awesome, but you will be able to catch me at the Sofawolf Press booth to sign stuff, if you so desire! They'll have Across Thin Ice, of course, and Dog's Days of Summer and the other things I may have had a hand in, plus all their other fine and furry publications! :]
-I'll be at Rocky Mountain FurCon in the middle of August, and I may or may not wear a cape.
-Half of me will be at Camp Feral August 31st-Sept 4th, generally up to no good, and teaching a workshop or two, and absconding with all your nice Canadian things (like Coffee Crisps.) Feral's theme is a wonderful theme: B-Movies! You can find the trailer for the "It Came From Camp Feral!" here!
-As August wraps up, I'll begin my serious work on the next Nordguard book, and resume posting development of the comic on the Nordguard blog, streaming stuff, and so on. In the meanwhile, I foresee barbeque's, concerts, beerfests, random art and other fun summer-related things!
Have a great weekend!

































