Crystal Fractal Comics coverage from Wizard World Toronto

During Wizard World’s Toronto Comic Con on April 14 and 15, I attended the event as an exhibitor with Crystal Fractal Comics. This was my first experience on the other side of the table, as it were, and definitely differed from my experiences both as media and as a fan. Although I spent much of the event encouraging fans to give the Crystal Fractals books a try, Derrek Lennox, CFC founder/publisher, and I ended up giving a number of interviews to small press. We’re still waiting for the rest to be posted, but here is the first of three conducted at Wizard World Toronto. This first one features myself being interviewed by “Rich known as Jack” of Jack and Pookie publishing as we discuss the Crystal Fractal Universe and what we have in store as we continue to build the company. Enjoy!

Crystal Fractal Comics Wizard World Toronto wrap-up

Kieron O'Gorman(artist), Dino Caruso(writer), Shawn Smith(writer), Shawn Richison(artist), Derrek Lennox(creator/founder/publisher), Andrew Uys(writer) and Andrew Ardizzi(Senior Editor) pose for a group photo at the Crystal Fractal Comics booth April 15 at Wizard World Toronto.

 It was an amazing weekend for me at Wizard World Toronto, being my first experience as an exhibitor with Crystal Fractal Comics. Although I’ve attended several comic conventions over the last two years both as a fan and while reporting for Comic Book Daily, it was a different experience this time around as I spent much of the weekend behind our booth’s tables talking to fans, media and anyone with even a passing interest in the Crystal Fractals line of comics.

We had a lot of successes this weekend. We sold plenty of books from our table on both Saturday and Sunday, and are glad people were willing to spend their hard earned money on our work and give our books a chance. We really care about and believe in the potential our stories have; I received numerous comments that we have an interesting, well thought out plan for our universe. We appreciate the support we’ve been getting from shops and fans alike.

In that regard we have some fantastic news! Not only are a slew of reviews from various small press outlets coming from the likes of Tdot Comics, Pop-Culture Hype and Jack and Pookie Publishing, but our books are now available in Stadium Comics in Brampton, while Walter Durajlija, owner of Big B Comics, took a number books on consignment and they will soon be available in Big B Niagara once the store opens. Definitely be on the look out for those if you’re in those areas. Aside from that, Derrek and I had a great meeting with a cultural committee representative from a First Nations band about doing a similar project to our The Legend of the Sleeping Giant one-shot. There will be more news on that as the process moves forward, but all parties involved are very excited about the possibilities.

More than anything though it was great to meet up with some old faces. Derrek Lennox, Shawn Smith, Dino Caruso, Jae Korim, Kieron O’Gorman, Andrew Uys and myself gathered together for the first time, as what I suppose what we can call the “CFC collective,” for a group photo April 15 in the early minutes of the show. Even beyond those gentlemen, I met another CFC artist, Sam Agro for the first time, as well as Shawn Richison, an artist from Hamilton. We all reacquainted with Jessie Lam, a colourist for The Crossing #2 cover and long time friend to Jae. I also caught up with friends Marvin Law and Conor McCreery.

Thanks again to everyone who came out this weekend, and thanks to Derrek, Shawn, Dino, Kieron and Jae for manning the table with me and making the event an enjoyable experience. As for what’s next, definitely stay tuned for news both on our Twitter and Facebook pages. There you’ll find links to reviews, updates on new projects and where you can find your own copies of the books laying the foundation of the Crystal Fractal Universe.
Take care!
Andrew

A fun night at Silver Snail for Crystal Fractal Comics

Andrew, Dino and Jessie at Silver Snail!

Hey everyone!
Last night I appeared alongside Crystal Fractal Comics creators Dino Caruso (The Crossing #1 and #2, Acts of Violence) and Jessie Lam (The Crossing #2) at Silver Snail in Toronto. First of all I have to thank George Zotti and the Silver Snail staff for having us in there and for supporting the CFC books like they have. I really appreciate the receptiveness George has shown for CFC and the extent to which he helped us promote the books and last night’s signing.
I talked to a lot of cool people last night and many were quite interested in what we had to offer. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the store last night. It was fantastic talking to you all and we appreciate the interest and support from each and every one of you and hope you enjoy the ride as we push CFC forward in the future at signings, events and the larger conventions that are scheduled in 2012.
In addition to all the patrons who stopped by, we were also visited by Joe Eigo, a local martial artist and founder of multi-level moves, as well as local T.O. artist Marvin Law who was in the building. I also got to talk with Jim Felker, who is a puppeteer, more specifically working with Jim Henson puppets such as a circa 1970s Kermit the Frog. Jim also happens to be the host of the youtube show “Geeking Out Weekly,” which is a comic book review show. It was really cool to chat with them all and hope to see them again soon. So, what’s next you ask? Well, Crystal Fractals will be appearing at One Million Comix in Toronto from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m on December 10. CFC founder/publisher myself, Derrek Lennox, Dino Caruso and Jae Korim will be appearing at the event to sign some books and talk to fans. All CFC books will be available for purchase, including CFU #0, The Crossing #1, The Crossing #2, Dr. Twilight #1, Redorik #1, Entropy #1 and The Legend of the Sleeping Giant.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Crystal Fractal Comics, please feel free to check out our website, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Also, our books are now available in Silver Snail Comics Toronto, One Million Comix, Paradise Comics and Altered States Comics. If you have any questions at all regarding the books and how you can get your own copies, please feel free to email me at aardizzi@crystalfractals.com.
Thanks for reading!
Andrew

Crystal Fractal Comics signing at Paradise Comics

On Nov. 12 I was joined by Crystal Fractals creators Dino Caruso, Shawn Smith and Jae Korim at Paradise Comics in Toronto for our first signing to promote our latest books, including Redorik, Entropy, The Crossing and The Legend of the Sleeping Giant. Thanks go out to Doug Simpson for having us in the store, and thanks to anyone who stopped by, looked at our books and bought copies. We’re really happy to have these books out, and look forward to meeting more people in the coming days, weeks and months at local events including signings and conventions. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, how about that awesome sketch of Elizabeth Windsor by co-artist of The Crossing #2 by Jae Korim?!
Don’t forget, you can buy all of our books by clicking here and finding your book of interest along the top of the page.
-Andrew

Crystal Fractal Comics at the Speakeasy comic book show

Last Thursday was a bit of a first for me. Being traditionally terrified of people, more specifically people I hadn’t previously met, initiating conversations off the cuff was a switch. Okay, perhaps I’m exaggerating a tiny bit, but even still. Despite my journalistic training and normally being thrust into a conversational flurry at any given moment, this was different. I’ve been to many conventions both as a fan and while working for Comic Book Daily, but have always been on the other side of the table (except when I go behind the table).

For four hours I stood at the Crystal Fractal Comics table, all seven of our books on display, and spoke to as many people as I could about the Crystal Fractal Universe (CFU). And they were great conversations. With one exception, a couple who thought the subject matter might a little much for their four-year-old, everyone seemed genuinely excited about the CFU, its stories and the characters involved. That was cool to see, as being a small, independent, scarcely known comic book publishing company, how could you ever know what to expect? Altogether I sold seven books to people who came by the table, the biggest seller being Entropy, a book about two brothers who are sucked into the 15th level of hell during a mystical event. I also sold two copies of another book based of the Ojibway legend about the Sleeping Giant from the Thunder Bay area. Beyond those, I moved some copies of Redorik and CFU #0.0.

Altogether I had a great time there. I met quite a few local artists, including Keith Grachow and the braintrust behind the Bear Stories books, and really enjoyed talking to everyone by the end of it. Although, at one point I felt like my vocal chords were strained, but I suppose that comes from never speaking for the better part of four hours straight before, right?

So then what’s next for us? Well, having recently released four new books, we’re scheduling a number of comic book signings across Toronto to promote them. We have one event scheduled this Saturday, Nov. 12 at Paradise Comics in Toronto. I’ll be there, alongside creators Dino Caruso, Shawn Smith, Jae Korim and Andrew Uys, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m . signing autographs on the copies, and if you like, sketching something on the super-cool sketch page on the outside back cover. We also have a handful of others that are close to confirmed, but why let the cat out of the bag just yet?

-Andrew

App Store

The Crossing: Cheng Brothers in Exodus! is now available at the Appstore for iPhone (and iPad!)

Go to the AppStore from your i-device and search "cheng brothers"

Only 99 cents!

Free Comic Book Day 2010

Free Comic Book Day 2010 was a blast!

Well, or so I was told.

For reasons beyond my own schedule, I was not able to make it out to Free Comic Book Day this year - but I did make my rounds on Thursday and Friday the days before.

Visiting a half a dozen comic book stores, I got a chance to take a look at Free Comics before they were made available... and of course, to deliver a few copies of CFU 0.0 to each of the stores I visited.

Kids, adults, and people in between!

Chat soon.

Wizard Con - update!

We've been moved once more - now at booth 612, we are excited!
Doctor Twilight 001 and Doctor Twilight: The Crossing 001 are both selling well - and getting some good feedback.

Everyone is excited about the news that Shiny Happy Pictures has optioned the rights to a live-action televsion series! More news on this as it comes available!

Pictures of the Booth, of Zatanna (long story) and the artists coming soon...

D.

Toronto Wizard Comicon Update! - we're at booth 744

An Update!

The Wizard Con is at the CNE grounds - as we are there!

A floor plan revision has moved us to a new booth 744! (right by the snack bar!)

The con is on Friday from noon to 8pm, Sat from 10am to 7pm, and then Sun from 10am to 5pm...

Shawn Smith and Dino Caruso will be there most of the time...

J.Korim will be there to sign and sketch - exact times to be determined

Jon Bryans (NGuard creator) will be there with his Manager and all around bud on Sunday only

Sam Agro will be there to sign and sketch on Sunday only as well...

Lots of great things planned... the new issues look great...

See you there!

D.

Wizard Toronto

Sometime last year the Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon was bought by Wizard owner Gareb Shamus (and a congrats and kudos out to Peter of Paradise for inking the deal). This year, the convention will be on the CNE grounds and will feature appearances by greats like William Shattner, Eliza Dushku and yours truly. While I am - in the mind of most - not as great as Bill and Eliza, I do get the odd fan excited. Great art, great stories, great opportunities for a portfolio to be reviewed... etc etc...

We are looking forward to the con -- to see how it looks, feels, and smells now that Wizard has put its stamp on it!

Hope to see you there! (whether you are excited to see me or not)...

D.

Zero Issue Chapters...

Recently, I was asked "why are the Zero Issue Chapters" coming to us out of order?

For that I answered "what do you mean? Doesn't 5 and 6 come BEFORE 1?" And then I was booed...

To straighten a few things out: I liked the movie Memento (the one about a guy with no short-term memory that gets told backwards until we finally get to the reveal)... and while I didn't want to "copy that", I thought: why not have a story where elements pop up, and can be read in virutally any order and the telling still makes sense... ?

Grandios Vision? Easy way to Cheat a production schedule? Not sure yet... but I know the more you know about the Zero Issue Chapters, the more you learn about the universe overall... and the deeper the story gets...

Let me know if it is working... oh, and Chapter 1 was just posted... more chapters to come!

D.

Chapter 1 of the "Zero Issue" Is Now Available!

Another Zero Issue Chapter gets posted!

Back to the beginning... we get to see much younger versions of your favourite CFU characters... under the tutelage of Ilonus! Written by Dino Caruso, line-art by Daniel Bertucci and colour-art by Katrina Mae Hao - the same team that brought you Chapter 6...

How does this fit into the Crossing? You'll have to read to find out...

D.

And the Winner is...

Over the past few months, we ran a simple "get to know you" contest.

The prize?

A CGC graded 9.6 version of the Preview Edition of "Crystal Fractal Universe" Number 0.0!

On Jan 1, 2009 we drew a winner... AND THE WINNER WAS JASON TRUONG!


On Jan 17th, we had an in-store shindig at Paradise Comics Toronto, where Jason got the book! Pictures coming soon!

D.

Paradise Comics and Crystal Fractal Comics in the News

This is a little out of order, but I recently came across a link to this article "published" in SNAP that featured our Oct signing at Paradise Comics.

It shows headshots of some of the Crystal Fractal Comics talents including Sam Agro (penciller for PELT), Andrew Uys (writer of several upcoming Zero Issue Chapters) and Dino Caruso (writer of Chapters 5 and 6 of the Zero Issue - now online - check them out below - and some up and coming chapters...)

It even has a little photo revealing the Editor-in-Chief himself...

Thanks SNAP!

D.

links to Caruso's Chapters:
http://www.crystalfractals.com/ZEROISSUE/Chapter5.1.html
http://www.crystalfractals.com/ZEROISSUE/Chapter6.0.html

The Fall Tour!

This fall we hit a number of stores and cons - and had a blast!

The highlights include the October in-store signing at Paradise Comics (covered by SNAP!)! A full preview of the comic titles were presented (check out facebook for some more previews!) - and we had six guests in total! and... the Boston Con in November where Jeff pretty much held the fort.

If you have posts or comments from any of these events, we'd love to hear about them - especially if you have scans of any of the sketches done for the Cons or signings!

D.

Jonathan Bryans to Write “Zero Issue Chapter” for Crystal Fractal Comics featuring “The Cheng Brothers”

Crystal Fractal Comics continues meeting fan demands by adding Zero Issue Chapters to its repertoire of online offerings.

Toronto, Canada (October 3, 2008) - Canada-based comic book publisher Crystal Fractal Comics announced that it has signed Jonathan Bryans – creator and writer of acclaimed “NGuard” – to write a Zero Issue chapter featuring the Cheng Brothers.

“We are extremely excited to have Jon on board,” says Derrek Lennox, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Crystal Fractal Comics, “His work on NGuard is phenomenal and commercially successful in both Europe and North America, and we expect to see him do more work through Crystal Fractal Comics beyond this first Zero Issue chapter.”

The Zero Issue program features introductory stories of the characters that were involved in the Crossing – or whom didn’t even make it but were expected to. The series will be published online in a semi-monthly schedule and will be collected into a trade paper back at the end of the initial run, featuring characters that will have long-reaching impacts on the Crystal Fractal Universe. The Cheng Brothers have a long involved past with both Doctor Twilight and Leviathan – an enigmatic but uncharacteristically vastly well-informed participant at the Crossing – and will be highly influential in the outcome of the Crossing – should they make it!
In addition to the Zero Issue program. Crystal Fractal Comics is planning on releasing six published comicbook titles in the coming months: Doctor Twilight, Entropy, Project Epsilon London Town, Magus Rex, Redorik and Velvet Angel. Like the Zero Issue Chapters, all of these titles focus on The Core and The Nine, the key players of the fictional Crystal Fractal Universe.

Crystal Fractal Comics is an up and coming comic book publisher and character licensing company seeking to diversify the industry through the dynamic storylines and characters of its titles. Founded by Derrek S. Lennox, the company aims to become one of the top ten firms in its industry through its online and print comics, toys, and other licensed products. Crystal Fractal Comics is currently headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Jeff Haas to Write first story arcs for Crystal Fractal Comics’ Upcoming Titles “Doctor Twilight” and “Entropy”

Crystal Fractal Comics continues meeting fan demands by extending the agreement with Jeff Haas on both Entropy and Doctor Twilight.

Toronto, Canada (October 3, 2008) - Canada-based comic book publisher Crystal Fractal Comics announced that it has extended the agreement for Jeff Haas – writer and co-plotter for the first issues of Entropy and Doctor Twilight – to script the complete first arcs for both books. The series are planned for solicitation in late 2008.

“We are extremely excited to have Jeff stay on and finish the plots that he and I outlined,” says Derrek Lennox, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Crystal Fractal Comics, “We believe that his deep understanding of the characters (some of which he created) and his interpretation of the Crystal Fractal Universe will be the perfect complement to both series.”

Entropy focuses on Domenico Poisson, one of the Core and the Nine turned immortal as a result of the Crossing, and his search for his long lost brother, Lucas Poisson, whom was trapped in the 15th Level of Hell centuries ago. Denying Doctor Twilight’s assistance, Domenico has built team after team to try to rescue Lucas, with no success. This time, he recruits individuals with a specific motivation to topple the leadership of the realm where Lucas was last seen. This book is filled with twists and turns, and is expected to showcase the biggest twist that the Crystal Fractal Universe will see in its first year!

Doctor Twilight focuses on the immortal Natanael de Velazquez, a.k.a. Doctor Twilight, as he fights to undo the wrongs of his past and reverse the Crossing. To do so, he must release his past companions and relatives, many of whom are still trapped in the time stream and whom can only be released from the time stream through manipulation of crystal fractal shards – most of which transformed into relics and artifacts by other members of the Core and the Nine that do not want the Crossing to be reversed.

In addition to Doctor Twilight and Entropy, Crystal Fractal Comics is planning on releasing four other titles in the coming months: Project Epsilon London Town, Magus Rex, Redorik and Velvet Angel. Like Entropy and Doctor Twilight, all of these titles focus on The Core and The Nine, the key players of the fictional Crystal Fractal Universe.

Crystal Fractal Comics is an up and coming comic book publisher and character licensing company seeking to diversify the industry through the dynamic storylines and characters of its titles. Founded by Derrek S. Lennox, the company aims to become one of the top ten firms in its industry through its online and print comics, toys, and other licensed products. Crystal Fractal Comics is currently headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Howard Wong (After the Cape) to Write Crystal Fractal Comics’ Upcoming Title “Redorik”

Toronto, Canada (PRnine - August 12, 2008) - Building off the momentum from the 2008 Paradise Toronto Comicon, Canada-based comic book publisher Crystal Fractal Comics announced that it has signed Howard Wong, previously of the acclaimed Image Shadowline series After the Cape, to script the first four issue story arc of its upcoming title Redorik. The series is planned for solicitation in the beginning of 2009.

“We are extremely excited to have Howard on board,” says Derrek Lennox, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Crystal Fractal Comics, “We believe that his unique look at the jaded hero will be the perfect launching point for Redorik.”

Redorik focuses on Justin Henderson, a high school student who can telepathically read the thoughts and emotions of others and teleport to distant locations through a pocket universe. Unlike his peers, who fantasize about having supernatural powers, Justin must learn to come to terms with his new found abilities, in addition to dealing with the death of a friend and trying to determine which of the voices he hears are those of others, and which are his own subconscious. He is unaware of the fact that he is a descendant of Nathanael de Velasquez, a powerful mage whose alias Doctor Twilight is the central character in another eponymous Crystal Fractal title.
In addition to Redorik and Doctor Twilight, Crystal Fractal Comics is planning on releasing four other titles in the coming months: Project Epsilon London Town, Magus Rex, Entropy and Velvet Angel. Like Redorik and Doctor Twilight, all of these titles focus on The Core and The Nine, the key players of the fictional Crystal Fractal Universe.

Crystal Fractal Comics is an up and coming comic book publisher and character licensing company seeking to diversify the industry through the dynamic storylines and characters of its titles. Founded by Derrek S. Lennox, the company aims to become one of the top ten firms in its industry through its online and print comics, toys, and other licensed products. Crystal Fractal Comics is currently headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Crystal Fractal Comics Launches at 2008 Paradise Toronto Comicon; Announces Publication of Six Titles

Toronto, Canada (PRnine - August 6, 2008 ) - In response to the accolades received by its Preview Edition of Crystal Fractal Universe 0.0, Canada-based Crystal Fractal Comics announced that it will be publishing the first six Crystal Fractal Universe titles. These titles are Doctor Twilight, Project Epsilon London Town, Entropy, Magus Rex, Redorik, and Velvet Angel.
“We are excited at the reaction to what is really a preview book,” said Shawn Smith, Creative Director and Head Writer, “and look forward to releasing the first six books within the Crystal Fractal Universe.”

The Preview Edition of Crystal Fractal Universe 0.0, entitled “The Crossing”, was introduced to the public with Crystal Fractal Comics’ launch at the 2008 Paradise Toronto Comicon on July 12th and July 13th. The issue centers on Natanael de Velasquez, a powerful mage who is searching for the remaining members of The Core and The Nine, and main character of the Crystal Fractal title Doctor Twilight. In addition, the Preview Edition also contains a second story featuring Doctor Twilight and a sneak peak of Project Epsilon London Town, which focuses on several descendants of The Core and The Nine.

Crystal Fractal Comics is an up and coming comic book publisher and character licensing company seeking to diversify the industry through the dynamic storylines and characters of its titles. Founded by Derrek S. Lennox, the company aims to become one of the top ten firms in its industry through its online and print comics, toys, and other licensed products. Crystal Fractal Comics is currently headquarted in Toronto, Canada.

CRYSTAL FRACTAL COMICS DEBUTS WITH PARADISE TORONTO COMICON PREVIEW EDITION OF “CRYSTAL FRACTAL UNIVERSE 0.0”

- Special CGC “Signature Series” will be available -

July 6, 2008 (Toronto): Crystal Fractal Comics launches at the July 12 & 13, 2008 Paradise Toronto Comicon with a special Paradise Toronto Comicon preview edition of “Crystal Fractal Universe 0.0.”

“Crystal Fractal Universe 0.0” provides a glimpse of the upcoming line of comics including “Doctor Twilight”, “Magus Rex” and “Project Epsilon London Town” and includes two short stories including “CFU The Crossing” written by Derrek Lennox with Jeffrey Haas and art by Jian Yi. This printing will be limited to less than 2000 copies, with less than 133 set aside for the CGC Signature Series program. The exact print run will be released at the Convention.

“We are extremely excited to release this preview edition at the Paradise Toronto ComiCON,” says Derrek Lennox, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Crystal Fractal Comics, “and of course to see the response and reaction to featured writers from the US and Canada, as well as renown artists from China, Argentina and Canada – artists from around the world that will be showcased as the comic series are released.”

Crystal Fractal Comics is a Toronto, Ontario; Canada based comic book and character property company. The Paradise Toronto Comicon is an annual “Celebration of Comic Books and Sequential Art".