D.J. Coffman – Sequential Artist, Thinker

So my wife and I traveled up to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio for the Jack Johnson concert on Tuesday night. Was a great show. We were smack dab in front of the mic, so my wife got  good view. I think I caught her drooling and fawning a few times.

I was digging the organ player who was a cheery guy, played all the cool instruments like those little blow into mouth organs and stuff, and generally would get up and dance and have a good time. He would also be there poking at Jack when he forgot the lyrics a few times, it looked like they were having a lot of fun playing. At one point, said organ player go up with an accordion and they played “Girl I want to lay you down”, which I think they said he wrote, but it was dedicated to his grandmother who was sitting over in a wheelchair on the back of the stage.

I couldn’t believe just how packed the Blossom Music Center was, I mean, I like Jack Johnson and all, but had no idea he draws these types of crowds in Ohio, it was nuts. A different kinda crowd though then the concerts I’m use to going to, pretty mellow and no moshing around or crowd surfing. I kept looking around over the tops of everyones heads thinking “Shit, I’m the tallest guy here.” Which felt odd.

Got a cool picture of the opening act guy, Mason Jennings. Have never heard of him before but he’s from north of Pittsburgh I guess. I’d say his music is reminiscent of Tom Petty or Bob Dylan in their primes. In fact, if Tom Petty and Bob Dylan could have had a baby together, it might have been Mason Jennings. Pretty catchy tunes he was slinging, but yeah, this photo came out pretty neat. Looks like either a portal is opening up next to him, or Bob said that it looked like Jesus had ascended to rock out…

I love how cameras catch things you don’t see.

Here’s a pic of Jack playing ukulele…

He rocks a nice Kamaka Tenor Ukulele with koa wood. Wish I could afford one of those, the tenor runs about a grand over on Elderly Music.com It would be the prize of my uke collection if I ever snagged one.

It was only about a 2.5 hour drive so we decided to just drive home overnight, but we didn’t end up getting home until around 4am. SUCK. It was nice to get out of town with my lady though. She needed it. It’s been a rough year for her.

So yesterday was a bust of playing pickup kids, grocery shopping and catchup. Playtime is over now, gotta get to work serious like now. Prepping envelopes for shipping the rings out–lots of things to do here.

Wow… such a surreal week it’s been. A lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to get ready for last night– from meeting with the Flobots on Monday, to doing site design stuff behind the scenes,– I can finally make a couple announcements.

First though, I’d like to say– WOW… I’m so honored to know the Flobots– Jamie, Stephen, Mackenzie, Kenny, Andy, Jesse (didn’t meet Joe) — the thing that strikes a chord with me initially and made me contact them some time ago before I knew they were on the verge of blowing up on the charts and TAKING OVER— these guys and gal CARE about the people, just like I care about my own fans. They care about the world, and they want to do something with their platform. I’m so happy for them right now– I’m so proud of them— and I’m energized with this feeling that somehow– some way, destiny is calling all of us to a higher purpose of some sort.

Here’s a screengrab from them last night on Leno…

Wait… Did you notice his shirt there…

A couple weeks ago, I was honored to be asked to be a part of this new movement, and help lend my TOOLS to the America Will Be campaign. I won’t say much more about it, and let you all discover it as we go, but it will be evolving and changing throughout the summer with new things to look at and ponder on. You can begin to explore it today at AmericaWillBe.org

I’m also working with Flobots.org now– a non-profit organization lead by the Flobots to help bring about real social change in communities around the country, around the world even. They have a group called “Street Team”, but it’s not what you’d think of, like putting up posters or your average band street team– this thing will focus on giving members information and tools to REALLY make a difference… and they’re even planning on having other bands link up with this effort to speak to their audiences. It’s very exciting and i hope everyone who reads here checks it out. FLobots.org

If you want o know what their all about, see the interview with them in Wide-Eyed Magazine which is featured on the site.

NOW– even more exciting than all of that stuff for me is– We’re launching the Flobots Webcomic on MONDAY. It will be housed on Flobots.net — The stories will be, as Jason puts it, “Social commentary is about to COLLIDE full force with the energy and creative power of bomb.”

I have no idea what “creative power of bomb.” means, but that sums up what this project will be to us. We’re going to dive into some real issues, from real people in real life, then there will be a sci-fi twist to all of this. The stories are amazing. We’re working closely with Flobots on this, and have some more exciting plans in the future, but for now, we’re going to launch this thing and see where the community takes it– then we’re taking it to a whole new level.

Stay tuned here to the blog for more info on the Flobots Comic launch— I actually have to go WORK now! I’m excited to be using not only my comic book storytelling muscles again, but also old school graphic design and stuff– Back to the drawing board…

Ok, so I decided to take the trip to Cincinnati with my wife to meet the Flobots while they’re out on tour, this was the closest they’d be to Pittsburgh. It was a really great experience. Thought I’d talk a little about it, a little about them, what plans are happening now, etc…

I’ve been talking with the band over email and the phone for a while now, but I really wanted to talk face to face and see them live in concert. The drive to Cincinnati was pretty darn easy and went by fast on cruise control. We were going to meetup for their soundcheck at the Mad Hatter, then grab some grub and talk about the takeover, er, revolution, er… comics and stuff. They were running a bit late, so my wife and I were hanging around at the club waiting for them to show up. — After awhile, a big ol’ tour bus, I’ll call it the FLO-BUS,  rolled up with “DENVER” in the destination spot. My wife and looked at each other and got a laugh thinking, “They’re driving their own bus around!” — They quickly got off and began unloading their own equipment and merchandise boxes— I was immediately impressed that it just yelled GRASSROOTS to me. It reminded me of the small press, hand stapling days of Yirmumah, and trucking a spin wheel around to shows and making my own merchandise, etc. It had that feeling to it. — I guess having a name like DJ and also having radio station stuff there, over the noise of the bus, it was a little confusing as to just who was introducing myself to– I nudged Andy the guitarist first and he was very nice– I asked if they needed a hand carrying things in, and he told me they were all self contained and just to relax and I didn’t have to do anything—- Again, it didn’t occur to me that he thought I was jut someone from the club or the radio station at that moment— I found Jamie (ahem, JONNY 5) and introduced myself to him, and immediately got a big hug and thank you for all I’ve been doing for them behind the scenes. He nudged over Stephen, re I mean, Brer’ Rabbit… and I got another big giant hug from him— lots of smiles and laughs. Stephen mentioned it felt like an internet date meetup. Ha!–

So there was a soundcheck, and a ton of fans starting showing up outside the venue and lining the street. Inside is when Andy and Jesse (guitarists) realized who I actually was, and then they went to a whole other level of nice in telling me how awesome I am and how I GET their message and visuals and it’s really bringing it all together for them— When you’re on the road like that, you gotta get laundry done somehow, so they asked if my hotel had laundry-  Mi Casa es Su Casa— if you look closely in this picture you can see them with their laundry bags slung over their shoulders near the back of the FloBus…

As we were standing back there, with kids looking at us like “HEY, DONT BE CUTTIN IN LINE!” we could hear the crowd mingling “There’s Brer Rabbit! — Is that Jonny 5?? I think I just saw Mackenzie!!” — it was funny, because as they then caught up with us, my wife said people in the crowd were looking like, where are they going with THOSE people… and so we coasted down the road, got some hot tea for the boy’s voices– and we talked a bit about future plans and activation… I can’t talk about any of that stuff YET

I can tell you this. There will be a Flobots comic coming at you REAL soon. Like, if I can get some other things done, “NEXT WEEK” real soon. They mentioned how impressed they were with me, wherein they needed a couple websites done up, visuals, BAM– it was done. I’ve been working on www.flobots.org which is the hub for their non-profit site. Check it out– while you’re there, go join the STREET TEAM— their goal with that this year is to sign up 50,000 new voters. They also do some AWESOME things with the Denver Children’s home– and they want to basically take what they’ve been doing on the grassroots level in their community and BLOW IT UP ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. That’s what Street Team is all about– get in on the ground floor people. —

While we were chatting about comics stuff… I looked up at Stephen and said– HOLY CRAP!– there was a big Dragonfly hanging out on top of his hat. We all grabbed our cameras and snapped photos… here’s one…

He just let it chill, and it ended up going to the rim of his hat like some sort of hood ornament, overseeing our talks. The dragonfly approved. I wondered later if that was some sort of omen or something. I just looked it up– it’s an omen of change. Of seeing through illusions… and this story i found online about symbolism of a Dragonfly sums up how I was feeling about this trip too…

The dragon fly is symbolic for change and being okay with it. Here is a story: The Dragonfly Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever. Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top. When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed. Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!

And that kinda is a metaphor for me on this trip now that I think about it. That was such an ODD experience to have that Dragonfly show up like that– I think everyone in the room knew it meant something. Stephen said his Dad told him that Dragonflies were good luck and that they were “medicine men” because when they fly it looks like they’re carrying a medicine bag.

I was feeling that feeling of CHANGE the whole trip. Of what could easily be. To get out of the muddy water, and fly off somewhere else. Everything we talked about, seemed to be clicking, and we’re all on the same wavelength with what our goals are with these projects.

I felt very rejuvenated on this trip. It was good to meet people who are suddenly experiencing CRAZY success, and it’s not gone to their heads– they’re down to earth. They see all these things as TOOLS– almost like, “Now what can we do with this to help?” — It was refreshing to see and feel this energy and to have a renewed faith that there are GOOD people like this out there, people who aren’t only concerned with their bottom line, but with the REAL BIG PICTURE.

I also got them the shirt that he’ll hopefully be able to wear on Jay Leno tomorrow night– crossing fingers. I don’t think there should be a problem, because it’s not a “logo” shirt, they made it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, because it’s just an AWESOMELY positive thing.

Had a quick bite to eat with Stephen, Jamie and their manager J.J.– J.J. is also a really stand up honest guy, you can just immediately feel that he’s got everyone’s best interests in mind.  They had to run to get back to the show and prep and we’d meet up afterward  back at the hotel– so my wife and I went to change and get to the show….

THE SHOW.- I was a FAN of the flobots first and foremost. So seeing them LIVE was going to be a treat on it’s own. The show was killer– My wife and I talked about how it was surreal to see them on stage, as if they were ON, and sort of transformed into these ROCKSTARS before our eyes– we laughed and said “They’re dirty laundry is on our room right now!” CRAZY. So we geeked and nerded out in a fan-like fashion on how surreal that moment is– I could go on and on about how awesome they are live, but take my word for it. All of the pics I had inside the club came out a bit blurry, but here’s a good one of Mackenzie rocking people’s asses off during an encore cover performance of “Heartbreaker” -

And here’s Jamie and Stephen doing their thing…

– After the show, we were good fans and hit the merchandise table for some official FLOBOTS T-SHIRTS.

They showed up at the hotel about an hour or so later to chill some more and go over plans. But it was odd, because I swear, it was if they went back into Clark Kent mode and I didn’t even recognize who they were on stage. Not visually I mean– but it didn’t feel like the hip-hop stars who are sitting at the #1 spot on charts were hanging out in my hotel room. That still kinda blows my mind. I can’t even imagine how THEY must feel. — After some good conversation, J.J. mentioned they actually had to be leaving THAT night to get to Detroit– no time for Laundry Dr. Jones. — Stephen sighed, “Man, no laundry again.” — I joked with them that I caught my wife rifling through their dirty clothes, and to check ebay in the coming days.

We drove them over to where they stashed the FLObus, said our goodbyes, but we all knew it wouldn’t be the last we’d be seeing of each other. I’d love to get out to the DNC in August– there’s going to be a LOT of action going on there, plans, etc.

My wife and I then proceeded to sleep very little, and then battle against Tornado watches and heavy rain on the way home. Got home tired, but feeling SO MUCH BETTER.

So yes… in light of everything else that’s NOT been going right in my life, THIS has been the one constant thing keeping me sane. I think I might have found some weird “calling” to public service or non-profit work too. I’d never really thought about before seriously, but being around these guys and talking to the entire crew– it’s inspiring. New American Insurgents, indeed.

That’s my break for the day— back to work for me. There’s much to do.

Well, might as well get started with the recap and get this out of the way. Pittsburgh Comicon, my hometown show, was a good time. It’s a mellow show and great for talking one on one with fans and other creators and publishers. I have to thank ALL the local shops for carrying Hero By Night, Eides, New Dimension, Phantom of the Attic, Joy’s Japanimation, and a few other NEW shops I’ve never heard of but I met the owners there as well. I left the show with a sense of excitment, especially after seeing the quality of our Free Comic Book Day issue that’s coming out next weekend. WOW– it’s just packed full of awesomeness and will be GREAT for new people to come on board our title. Big props to Platinum Studios and Sean O’Reilly for making that FCBD issue happen– it’s going to be awesome, I can feel it. Click the more link for a complete rundown and photos from the party friday night at my place. Read more

Still reading the Kirby: King of Comics book slowly and enjoying it. I laugh sometimes because of parallels with today’s times, or past work I’ve done with editors, and creators who are sheer lazy.

Plans: I have plans to micro-develop, (I just made that up) within the Hero By Night Universe– I’d like to do 5 page stories of fan favorite (and my favorite, really) characters. Doctor Nowhere, Saul Simian… and i gotta get the origin of The Steel Phantom done up, a character who’s yet to appear in the comics in phantomy form, but has appeared as another character… WHO COULD IT BE!?  – But yeah, we have a whole little world building over at HeroByNight.com and in the print books. I figured I’d hedge my bets a little and flesh out some of the other concepts, not only for the sake and enjoyment of the readers, but it also allows my publisher, Platinum Studios, to be able to have individual things that they can work their magic with in other mediums. That’d be good for everyone, yes?

I’ve got a lot I’d like to get doing today, so I’m going to have coffee and read for a spell, then hit the drawing/writing board.

I enjoy trying to blog here every morning and clear my thoughts, for better or worse. Biting my tongue when I know I should, and letting thoughts fly when I know I shouldn’t. This is all before coffee. That’s my excuse.

Yesterday was a good day.

News from the homefront – Dog update: The other dog is gone. We took it to a no-kill shelter/adoption place. I was able to get the first GOOD deep sleep in months– my neighbors probably felt the same way. I felt kinda bad doing it– but it was for the better of the dog. Really, it’s on my kids, who if they could have spent more time with the dog daily, it might have been different. I can’t be the only one taking care of all of these things. So, being a parent sucked yesterday, but that’s life. I think we made the right decision, because NOW we can actually give our first dog the attention he deserves, maybe try to adapt him to being in the house, test him around the cats, and see if the ol’ bassett is ready to chill out in the warm house.

Work update: Still working on the Hero By Night Free Comic Book Day edition that will be out on May 5th. It sort of takes place between issue 3 and issue 4 in continuity so it’s been tricky making sure I keep it between issues and don’ t bring up things that happen in issue 4. It’s fun.

Yesterday I received the new RING prototype from the HBN fan who also happens to make rings and offered to do so. THESE ARE KILLER!!! Seriously, the best rings yet, he really nailed the logo, etc. These might be available to the public soon, I’ve sent word to Platinum about them, and or/ maybe I can just sell them direct to fans on the site. I don’t know what they’d retail for, but I know I’d be willing to pay 20-30 bucks for one of these if I were a big HBN fan. Your own power ring!

Check out the pics I took.

– So yeah, that’s pretty exciting. When I think of other HBN merchandise beyond the book, the first thing I ever thought of was RINGS. I mean, I was shocked when my kids wanted rings. They don’t make sounds, they don’t articulate in a 1000 different places, they don’t have built in wi-fi– but they do something so much more powerful… they stir the imagination.

Anywho– I’m off to the drawing board here. I’m pretty pumped up, and ready to go.

PS. Obama ‘08!

Here’s a blurry look at the new office setup here. It’s really hard to get good photos thanks to the old chandelier, but it’s good enough for now.

My wife surprised me with the leather Steelers office chair. It’s awesome. Go Steelers.

A look into the back corner which isn’t comic book wallpapered yet. I’ll probably do most of this wall with Silver Surfer reprints. Most of the walls so far are Mister Miracle and Kirby Hulk.

When you’re sittin in the Steeler chair looking out at the doorway into the office….

This is the view chaise lounge in the corner. The ol’ Yirmumah banners shield my closet of old inventory and stuff, which is WELL organized now thanks to my wife.

Took this next pic a couple weeks ago– my test audience here is my oldest son Devin, now 10 years old. Every story MUST meet his approval! He says that the new Hero By Night #1 is better than the first series…

when I’m drawing if I stand up and leave the room, my cats steal the seat. They either like the smell of my butt, or the heat from the seat?

And finally– from the Football banquet this past weekend, my middle son, Dillon, now age 9 just completed his first season in midget football, and he got his first jersey with his name on the back…. He’s proud, I’m proud.

COFFMAN! COFFMAN! COFFMAN! — Maybe one day he’ll be in the pros?