Crozonia Issue 4 Preview

I will be postin the entire Cerberus sequence in Crozonia Issue 4 in full color! Special thanks to Dan Rivera for coloring it. Here is page 7, 11-13. 14 - 16 coming up soon!

Storm Hawks Ash Can - The first of many....

The Toronto Anime Con edition is on sale this weekend, limited to only 50 and only five bucks! Includes the short stories: The Escape, Phoenix Crystal part 1, and Phoenix Crystal part 2. The Phoenix Crystal part 1 was published in Europe in a magazine called Boy Zone, so this is the first time it is offered in North America. Part 2 has yet to see print overseas, so this is the first time, period!

Toronto Anime Con Spring 2009

Crozonia #1 close to SELL OUT!

I was doing an inventory check this weekend in order to ship to Diamond Distributors. After the Diamond shipping, there will be less than 150 copies of Crozonia #1! I have sold around 2800 copies of Crozonia #1. Not bad considering it's an indy book with very little distribution.

I am considering a very limited edition 2nd printing on the color version of Crozonia #1.

Storm Hawks the Comic

It's official! DMF Comics and Beach CS are producing the Storm Hawks comic book. More info to come!
Until then, go to

Crozonia Diamond Orders

Just got the Diamond orders, and the numbers were quite low. Low enough that Diamond won't be distributing issues 2-4. Rest assured, Crozonia #1 will ship through Diamond on time in April.

The rest of the Crozonia series will be offered through Haven Distributors.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far.
Regards,
Jim Su

Crozonia Issue 4 Page 15

Another crazy page from the much anticipated Crozonia Issue #4! Coming this summer!

Crozonia Issue 1 also available through Haven Distributors.

In addition to Diamond Comic Distributors, retailers can now order Crozonia #1 through Haven Distributors. The Haven order code is: CROZBEA001.

New York Toy Fair Photos

Here I am, getting ready to leave my office to go to Toy Fair International...
Just kidding, it's actually the Porter Airline lounge, which is pretty swank.
My partner, Marvin Mariano has never been to NYC before, so I'm going to have to put up with all his tourist antics.
Getting ready to go to the Javits Center
One of the first booths we saw, Kridana a toy company creating Hindu themed super heroes. They've got one of the last covers from the late Michael Turner.
The lobby at Toy Fair - HUGE!
Marvin with the world's smallest horse.
Getting to see my artwork on the latest Matchbox toys was a thrill!
Marvin worked on this one...
Hey, they're re-using my artwork. Do I get paid royalties?
Just outside the Hasbro 'Booth' in Times Square. In the past 12 months, we've worked on Tranformers 2, Indiana Jones, Marvel Super Hero Squad, and Transformers/Star Wars.

Comic Book Resources covers Crozonia

A cool article about Beach CS and Crozonia!

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20124

Back from NYC Toy Fair!

I flew back from NYC Toy Fair last night. Had a great trip meeting lot's of toy companies. Hopefully this will grow the studio's creative services division. My business partner, Marvin Mariano accompanied me. This was his first time in New York, so he took a lot of pictures! We will post to our blog soon!

Previews World features Crozonia!

Preview World, the website of the Preview Catalog from Diamond Comic Distributors is now running a feature about Crozonia! Check it out:
Preview World Crozonia Feature

Crozonia featured at Creator Owned Blog

Crozonia is now featured at the brand new Creator Owned Blog.
The Creator Owned Blog(COB) is an outlet for independent publishers and creators publishing creator owned material to promote their latest works and where readers and retailers can go to purchase the books.
Check it out:
http://creatorowned.blogspot.com/

Good review of Crozonia at Project Fanboy

Some positive reviews are coming in for Crozonia. Here's one from Project Fanboy:
www.projectfanboy.com

I'm not at New York Comic Con this weekend.

Unfortunately I decided to skip the 2009 NYCC this year for a variety of reasons.
- First and foremost, I made a commitment to go to Toy Fair in New York the following weekend (Feb 15-17). It would have cost too much to do both shows.
- The second reason, I don't have a fourth issue of Crozonia yet.
- And the third, it's February! New York is colder than Toronto this time of the year. I think it's because of the wind tunnel effect in Manhattan. I loved exhibiting last year because my wife and I were able to spend an entire day after the Con just walking around in Central Park.

For the New York Crozonia fans that come by the booth each year to pick up a new issue, I'm so sorry I couldn't make it. I will be back in full force either at the Big Apple Con or the 2010 NYCC. Also, Crozonia #4 will be released in store in October this year.


Best Regards,
Jim

Beach CS 2009 Convention Schedule:

March 21-22: Toronto AnimeCON
April 18-19: Toronto ComicCON Fan Appreciation Event
April 25-26 : Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
May 23-25 : Anime North (Toronto)
June 12-14 : Anime Evolution (Vancouver)
August 6-9 : Wizard World Chicago
August 28-30: Fan Expo Canada (Toronto)
September 27: The Word on The Street (Toronto)
October 10-11: Baltimore Comic-Con

Crozonia featured at ComicShopLocator.com

Here is an excellent Crozonia feature currently running for the next three weeks at comicshoplocator.com
www.comicshoplocator.com

Crozonia PDF Flyer

You know you want the first issue of Crozonia!
If you're unsure how to order, just print out this Crozonia Flyer, go to your nearest comic book shop and hand them the flyer. It has the Diamond Order Code (FEB094108). Get your order in before February 24th. Crozonia Issue 1 will ship April 29th.

Crozonia #1 Official Press Release

The Previews catalog comes out today. Crozonia #1 is available for order now! Will ship April 29th. Advertisement banners have been bought to run in February. A few feature articles will run as well.
First a press release:

Underwater comic book series Crozonia ships in April worldwide by Diamond Comic Distributors

Calgary Comic Expo Pin Up in Colour

Here is the final pin-up, with colours in Photoshop:

Diamond Order Code for Crozonia #1

I will be spreading the word, advertising and updating the website with this code. You can give this code to your local comic book retailer to order copies of Crozonia #1. Help spread the word!

CROZONIA #1 BEACH CREATIVE STUDIOS FEB094108

Calgary Expo Charity Pin Up

The promoters of the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo have asked all the artists to contribute a pin-up to their charity artbook. Here's mine:



I will be colouring it soon. For more details about the Charity artbook, please visit www.calgaryexpo.com

Crozonia Issue4 Page 14

Another crazy page!

Crozonia Issue 4 Page 12

Another cinematic page from the much anticipated fourth issue of Crozonia!

Gavin Blair to appear at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo

Gavin Blair, one of the creators of ReBoot will be makin a rare appearance at this show. There will be a ReBoot Q&A and Gavin will be signing copies of The Art of ReBoot on both days, produced by Beach Creative Studios.

Jim Su will be making his first appearance at the Calgary Expo, promoting Crozonia which will make it's comic book store debut in April!

http://www.calgaryexpo.com/

2009 New Year Resolution

I have been reflecting on the past couple of years...

2007 was a high point for my studio. I rolled out a few products: The Art of ReBoot, Crozonia #3, The Art of ReBoot: Plug In, a ReBoot Gigabyte Poster, and an ashcan sketchbook. I also did tons of freelance illustrations and worked on Resident Evil: Extinction. I exhibited in New York City, Detroit, San Diego, and hometown Toronto.

2008 saw a dip in production. I did come out with any new issues of Crozonia. Just an Issue #4 ashcan in time for Fan Expo. The freelance illustrations slipped a bit. I also only exhibited in New York City, Chicago and hometown Toronto. I worked on Death Race and Max Payne. But there were lots of positives.

First and foremost, was my first trip back to Korea in over five years. It definitely recharged my batteries and creative juices. I went after some licensed properties due to the success of ReBoot. And although they didn't materialize in 2008, one of them is almost signed, should be official sometime in January. Beach CS was incorporated and given a new corporate task to grow the business. Diamond Distributors accepted Crozonia, and will be on the shelves in April 2009.
Crozonia Issue #4 is the best work I have ever done. The artwork is a huge improvement and the colors extraordinary thanks to Dan Rivera. I will be previewing the Cerberus cave sequence soon.

Expect some big things from Beach CS this year. Making Waves in 2009!

Top 10 Resolution:

10. Wrap up a license involving a rock band!
9. Go visit Vancouver for the first time in five years!
8. Promote Crozonia online more.
7. Don't get too stressed at work.
6. Do some personal Crozonia CGI work.
5. Conventions! Calgary, Chicago, Toronto, Baltimore! And new cities in 2010...
4. More creative services business from new toy clients.
3. A new licensed property adapting an animation series currently on Cartoon Network!
2. Eat more veggies.
1. Finally complete the comic book epic, Crozonia!

Crozonia now on Deviant Art

Happy New Year! Starting to spread Crozonia around the web:
http://crozonia.deviantart.com/
Also, join the Beach Creative Studios Artwork Facebook group. Now with over 80 images posted!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40057575771

Crozonia February 2009 Preview Ad

This lovely ad will appear in the February 2009 edition of PREVIEWS. Please tell your local comic book store to order! Diamond Code still to come!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

I want to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday!
All the best,
Jim Su

Crozonia available at Eagle One Media

The online retailer, Eagle One Media is offering the entire Crozonia #1 for download for only $1.99! Want to try out an issue without paying for shipping? It's only two bucks!
http://www.eagleonemedia.com/comicdownloadstore_IndyPub_Beach.php

Quick Interview from Wizard World Chicago

About asians in the comic book industry. Also featuring fellow Toronto artists, Bobby Chiu and Kei Acedera!

Beach Creative Studios Facebook Group

I've started a Facebook group to show off the studio's artwork. I use it to promote Crozonia to the Facebook crowd.

Join and leave comments!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40057575771

Crozonia #Issue 4, Page 10

Here is another spooky image!

So close and yet....

These past months have been the longest months for me! I have a huge project to announce, whenever the deal gets made. When it does, and hopefully before the Christmas break, we will be making as much noise as possible!

Crozonia Advertisement

This will run in Arcana's line of comic books. Please help spread the word for me, post this in your blogs and websites!

2009 - Making Waves

Crozonia will finally be released through Distribution in 2009. The first issue is slated to appear in the PREVIEWS catalogue in February. It will arrive in stores in April. Order Code and promotional items to follow!

2009 Convention Exhibitor dates:
February 1 : Toronto ComicCON
March 21-22: Toronto AnimeCON
April 18-19: Toronto ComicCON Fan Appreciation Event
April 25-26 : Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
May 23-25 : Anime North (Toronto)
June 12-14 : Anime Evolution (Vancouver)
August 6-9 : Wizard World Chicago
August 28-30: Fan Expo Canada (Toronto)
September 27: The Word on The Street (Toronto)
October 10-11: Baltimore Comic-Con

Also Attending:
Feb 15-17 Toy Fair (New York)
June 2-4 Licensing Expo (Las Vegas)

Cerberus Revealed!

Here's another dramatic page from Issue 4 of Crozonia:

Crozonia Distribution

Crozonia will be distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors, the world's largest comic book distributor! More info to come!

Crozonia Issue 1 now available on WOWIO!

You can now read the first issue of Crozonia online for FREE at WOWIO! A medium PDF for download is also available at $1.99 USD. Go on, read the first issue!

WOWIO Crozonia Issue 1

New Copy Editor for Crozonia

I am happy to announce that Mike Exner III has come on board to help copy edit Crozonia. Mike has written for various independent comics including Digital Webbing Presents, and Warmageddon. He is the copy editor for all of Robert Kirkman's indy books including Invincible and The Walking Dead. Welcome Mike!
Gary Cohen who has been a tremendous help since Issue #2, is still on board to wrap up Issue #4.

Crozonia # Issue 4 - Colour Preview

Crozonia - Now What?

Just tallied up my sales since the beginning in 2006. I have sold around 2500 issues so far, including 1500 Issue #1. Not bad with no distribution, just selling at conventions. I just sent my submission package to Diamond. Crossing fingers, hoping Crozonia will be accepted. I really think I can make another 2000 - 3000 new readers through distribution if I put enough marketing muscle into it.
I also want to reach new convention markets. The fans at Wizard World Chicago are good to me, so I'll return when Issue #4 is published. And Toronto is my hometown, so I'm at Fan Expo every year. I really want to go to Wonder Con (San Francisco), MegaCon (Orlando), Wizard World Philly, Wizard World LA, and Emerald City Comic Con (Seattle). I hope to hit at least two of those cities next year.

Watch out!

The Word On The Street = This Sunday!

Beach CS will be exhibiting this Sunday September 28 at The Word On The Street in Toronto Queens Park. Grab your copy of Crozonia Issue #4 Ashcan! We will be located at the booth FB#1.

New exciting projects!

Beach CS recently finished work on conceptual designs for new Milton Bradley products. And we have started a comic book adaptation for a popular animated series. To be revealed soon!

Beach Creative Studios Store redesign

The redesign of the Beach Creative Studios website continues. The website store has been revamped. Soon there will be new products available such as the Crozonia Issue #4 ashcan, Gigabyte Poster, and The Art of ReBoot.

http://www.beach-studios.com/store/index.htm

Website redesign

I am redesigning www.beach-studios.com to make it look more corporate and less like the 1999 website it started out as. So please bear with me as I soft launch the new website. If you spot broken links (trust me, there will be lots at the beginning) feel free to shoot me an email or comment on the blog.

Jim

Crozonia Issue #4 Ashcan available at Fan Expo Canada

Includes a gorgeous pin up by Marvin Mariano! We will also be selling prints of this pin up.

Crozonia Issue #4 Ashcan

Sorry guys, Issue 4 in full colour will not be ready in time for Fan Expo Canada (August 22-24). I will have an ashcan preview ready for the show. It will have a good chunk of the story, and reveal the CERBERUS! It will include some guest pin-ups as well as some of my CGI artwork and sketches!

Jim

Back from Wizard World Chicago

I exhibited at Wizard World Chicago last weekend. I almost didn't go. The past two weeks leading up to Chicago were all a blur. First, I had just come back from Korea and was adjusting to the time zone. Then I went to New York for the Licensing Expo right after. Went through a period of 40 hours with no sleep. It was literally the longest day in my life. Came back to work at the visual effects studio, working on no less than four movies at the same time. And working on Mattel freelance during the evenings.

There was no fiscal or emotional reason to go back to Chicago. I had cancled last year's show, and figured nobody would notice. I also could not make it to Thursday or Friday of the show. I just couldn't take the time off. A couple of friends of mine had bought one of my artist alley tables at a discount, so the most I would have stood to lose was $400 on my table fees. I could take that weekend to just recover and catch up on my freelance work. Instead, I reluctantly decided to go, and try to make the most of Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning started off the horrible news that Michael Turner had died. I have seen him many times at Fan Expo in Toronto, but only spoken to him once. That one time I talked to him, he came across as very polite and soft spoken. Definately the most humble artist that was also superstar in his industry. Although I barely knew him, because we both publish an underwater comic book, there's was a strange connection I felt with him. He didn't know that I existed, but I kept an 'arms length' tab on his work at all times. I liked his artwork sometimes, and at other times didn't understand what was so special about it. I would occasionally pick up a copy of Fathom, just to see what he was doing with the underwater art. I tried not to read it, in order to prevent any sort of influence to affect Crozonia. Although I didn't always like his work, Michael Turner's artwork and career were very compelling to me. I couldn't stop thinking about him during the show.

Sales were steady, but when selling comic books $3 at a time, it really doesn't matter to me anymore whether I sell 100 or 200 books. It's not going to change the fact that working on comic books is now just a sporadic weekend pastime.

I have been struggling with the reason why I self publish. I've sank about $4K per book, and only Issue one has finally broke even in sales. I'm tired of going to conventions, doing the hard sell, explaining my comic book only to have people walk away. I put more than 500+ hours into each issue. Why? I keep telling myself it's a labour of love. But I don't love the labour, and my love for comic books has waned. Will I ever get a hollywood deal? After wading through the BS that was San Diego Comic Con producers, not likely.

Sometime late Saturday afternoon, a 10 year old girl saw my mermaid banner. Her eyes lit up, and she called out for her dad. It turns out this girl bought my Crozonia #1&2 two years ago. She went searching for me last year, but I wasn't there. She also looked for me on Thursday and Friday, but I wasn't there. She finally found me on Saturday, picked up Issue #3, and crossed my name off her 'to do list'.

Wow. I'm on somebody's list. I was so humbled, I gave her a gift. A little CD-comic book I had drawn for Mattel. That little girl made my day. And there were a handfull of others who came by saying they looked for me last year. They all picked up Issue 3after a two year wait.

My sales were enough to just pay for the trip. I may have squeaked out of there with a couple hundred dollars in net profit. And I'm exhausted. And really behind on my freelance work now. But it was worth it. I'm sure there's a hundred other artists in Chicago that are just like me. Working hard on their own comic book only to see their passion slowly slip. For most of us, there is not comic book fame or fortune at the end of the tunnel. I think I'm rambling, there's no concise statement I trying to say or to 'inspire' my fellow artists. Perhaps I just want to thank that little girl in Chicago for making my trip worthwhile.

Jim

Korea, New York, and now Chicago.

In May, my wife and I went on a 1 month vacation to Seoul. It was a great trip, got some rest, and even drew some pages of Crozonia. Then I came back to Toronto in June, but a day later went to New York for the Licensing Expo. This weekend I will be at Wizard World Chicago. I will only be there for Saturday and Sunday though. Come find me in the Artist Alley! I will be selling Crozonia and ReBoot products.

Jim

Angler Frog!

Here is my latest personal project:
Some more work with Mudbox! This is a cross between an Angler fish and a Frog. I need more creatures on my demo reel. The design is from last year, and I finally got around to modelling it. Next will be some more look development to make it look slimy and gross.

Crozonia Issue 4

Here is the cover to Issue 4 inked!

2008 Demo Reel

Here is my Demo Reel for 2008. Still going to add more footage here and there. And I have to learn how to put this up on YouTube.
http://www.beach-studios.com/cgi/DemoReel2008.mov

Update: Fixed the broken link.

Toronto Comicon This Weekend

At the convention center in Toronto. Come by and say hi!

Braccus in CG

Here's one of the characters from Crozonia modelled and rigged in Maya.

Gavin Blair to appear at the New York Comic Con!

After the success of Gavin Blair's appearance at Fan Expo Canada, Beach Studios is proud to bring the ReBoot co-creator to the New York Comic-Con (Jacob Javits Center, April 18-20, 2008). This will be Gavin Blair's first American convention appearance! Come meet Gavin and get your ReBoot merchandise autographed for free! Some special plans are in the works!

Also in attendance:

Dan Didio (ReBoot writer and DC Executive Editor) to take part in a ReBoot panel with Gavin Blair!
Jim Su (ReBoot Season 4 Character Modeller and producer of The Art of ReBoot)
Sean O' Reilly (The Art of ReBoot publisher)

www.nycomiccon.com

Some Crozonia #4 pages

Here are some pages from the upcoming Issue 4!

A new year, new beginnings.

I spent a lovely week in Cancun during the holiday break. Here's a panorama picture I stitched up.
There will be many new changes happening this new year, including big developments for Crozonia!
Jim

A Logo design.

Haven't designed a logo in a while. This was fun: A martial arts gym for a friend located in Vancouver.

Poster Exclusives

The ReBot Gigabyte posters came in on Tuesday, and the first batch of orders were shipped on Wednesday! The poster turned out great! The paper stock was upgraded to 10pt cardstock which is about as thick as bristol board!

DMF Comics and I are creating a new business venture called PosterExclusives.com
We will be bringing `under the radar' licensed properties to the poster market. We are confident we can replicate the success of ReBoot posters.

ReBoot Gigabyte Poster delayed.

The bad news first:
I went to the printer last night to pick up the posters. They were printed on the wrong printer stock. We wanted the posters printed on cardstock. It was printed on 80lb paper instead. So the entire run has to be printed again. Our motto is Premium or go home.
The good news:
The print quality was amazing! ReBoot fans will LOVE this product! The metallic ReBoot logo is beautifull. Gigabyte looks really imposing at this blown up scale. Those who have ordered will have to wait a week longer to get their posters but trust me, the wait is well worth it.

Gigabyte Poster now on SALE!

The Gigabyte Poster is now on sale at DMF Comics. Get it before christmas if you order NOW. It is limited to 500 and only $15. Bundle and save if you order both posters that I drew. For only $25 get both the original ReBoot Poster and the New Gigabyte Poster! You also pay only one fee in shipping.


ORDER NOW!

ReBoot Gigabyte Poster Preview

Here is what the poster will look like.It features Rainmaker Entertainment's logo for the first time. The logos are printed in silver metallic ink!

New ReBoot Poster coming soon!

Just got a new license for a new poster. Still in the designing process so I will post a preview as soon as possible! And since it's already November, we will take pre-orders soon to try to get these posters to the fans before Christmas.

Jim

Crozonia now on sale at DMF comics!

It's always good to have multiple points of sales for an indy comic book, so I'm pleased to announce that you can now buy the first three issues of Crozonia at DMFcomics.com!

Please support this unique online store - all the products carried are produced by DMF and Beach Studios. So order a copy of Silent Leaves or Demented while you order my books!

http://www.dmfcomics.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_31