Coming soon...

I'm super excited to announce that the collected edition of ARMOR X will finally see print as part of Chimaera Studios "Signature Line."

Details to come.

I'm planning on taking a "Director's Cut" approach to the collection. Aside from some odds and ends at DC, ARMOR X (trivia: The X is actually the roman numeral for ten) was my first real writing work I had published in comics. It's hard to look at it now and not see a lot of warts. So I'm going to fresh it up a bit and make it shine.

Hopefully, if the trade performs we'll finally get to produce the next series (of three that I originally intended on).

the NEW greatest picture ever!

Jack drew me a picture of a really scary monster a couple of days ago. To me, it's better than looking at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I'm particularly proud of the bellybutton, eyebrows, and five fingers on each claw.

The kid is a GENIUS!!

The best picture ever!

As the 20 year high school reunion for my class gets closer, a networking website has sprung up where former classmates can say hi, post pictures, that kind of thing. So here's a doozy that made me laugh out loud when I saw it.

This is my friend Dawn and I shortly before going to our freshman year homecoming dance. All I can say is WOW!! Fourteen year old Keith Champagne was not only quite a ladies man, he was also an icon of style! I don't know what's up with my hair, I remember it used to flip up quite a bit as it got longer but man...that's something special.

Tom, if we see Prince Valiant at Fallcon this year, he and I will have something to bond over. Turns out I was rocking that haircut 20 years before he was!

For all the Ghostbuster fans out there...

Because my blog has been overrun by Ghostbuster fans, here's a little something to keep you all fed. I'm not going to leave it up here indefinitely, just for a day or two, maybe less if IDW asks me to take it down. So consider it an easter egg and enjoy it while you can.

Nice work by Tom, isn't it?

A quick reminder

Just a quick reminder that SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #1 comes out today, with an eleven page Aunt May story written (and inked) by me and pencilled by Shawn Moll. I've yet to read it all put together so I hope it worked out OK. Let me know what you think.

Also, I believe the collected edition of Countdown Arena arrives in stores today. Everyone loves to shit on Countdown these days so I'm proud that Arena was one of the more popular of the offshoot series. Can't win 'em all but more people seemed to enjoy it than not.

That's all for now...

Two Birds With One Stone

I noticed on the comicbloc message boards that there was a thread about what questions/topics readers wish had been addressed at the DC panels in San Diego last weekend. Since a couple of them concern me, I instantly had the idea I would steal the topic and give myself something to blog about over here. So thanks to "oddballUK," the one who started the thread.

The first question/statement was:

Keith Champagne has mentioned on his blog an upcoming DC project with Doug Mahnke that has yet to be announced.

Yeah, tell me about it! This project is completely written and, to date, Doug has drawn about a third of it. The work he's done so far has been absolutely STUNNING, the best of his career. The problem here is that Doug was needed more urgently for a couple of Final Crisis books and he's then been booked onto some Green Lantern stuff. The hope is when those obligations are finished, he'll have the time to finish our project. It's going to eventually be published in the prestige format, it's related to Gotham City, and even if I wrote a shitty book, Doug's art will make it well worth the wait.

And although this next one doesn't seem to be related to me, it actually very much is...

I was hoping for more info on Peter Tomasi's creator owned book for DC and something more concrete on the fate of the Nightwing book post-#150.

I can't speak for the fate of Nightwing post-150 but that ol' grizzly bear Tomasi has already named the creator-owned book in interviews. It's called THE MIGHTY. It's a twelve-issue series, not set in the DCU, co-created, co-written, (and co-owned) by Peter and myself, which is why I feel comfortable covering it here. Tomasi and I have written a few things together outside of comics, this is our first time doing it for DC. Peter Snejberg is about halfway done with the art for the fourth issue at this point and that's all I should say for now.

Over and out!

Ghostbusters!

At the San Diego Convention over the weekend, IDW announced during their Saturday panel that I'm writing the revival of the Ghostbusters, a four-issue series we tagged GHOSTBUSTERS: THE OTHER SIDE, beginning in October.

Here are some links to interviews about the project. I even got interviewed by MTV for this one, kind of a nice change of pace. I still heart Vaneta the most though, she always does the best job and one Newsarama reader even called me a douchebag in the comments section. Gotta love my adoring public!

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080727-GhostbustersIDW.html

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17427

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/07/26/exclusive-the-ghostbusters-return-to-comics-and-weve-got-your-first-look/

I've done a lot of soul searching this year over the type of projects I want to write, something I'll probably blog about more at a later date. The key for me though, my new manifesto in terms of writing gigs can be boiled down into one word: FUN.

Writing Ghostbusters is pure fun and working with Chris Ryall/IDW (and now, Andy Schmidt) has been an absolute pleasure. Top it off with getting to work with my friend Tom on art and I've stumbled into a great situation with this project. I'm a lucky bastard, plus I get paid thousands of dollars a decade!

Speaking of fun, I have another announcement to make but I wanted to hold off until after the San Diego show so it wouldn't get lost in the shuffle. Maybe in another week or so, maybe even on my birthday would be appropriate.

Thanks for reading and if you see any ghosts, give me a call!

Who Watches The Watchmen?

I do!

I just saw the first Watchmen trailer and it literally took my breath away.

...Does whatever an old lady can...

I've gotten kind of jaded over the years to seeing my name on covers or in solicitations, that sort of thing. But I have to admit, I got a little tingle when I saw Marvel's solicitation for this book. I actually started my career at Marvel back in 1993, haven't done any work there at all since '98, and have never written for the company ever.

So to me, this is really exciting! I'm now an extended part of Spider-Man's family!

Your Spidey-Senses are about to tingle a bit more with the debut of Amazing Spider-Man Family #1! Exploring the lives of Spider-Man and the rest of his Brand New Day cast, this brand new series kicks off with 104 pages of friendly neighborhood action! What happened the day after Uncle Ben died? J.M De Matteis & Alex Cal have the answers! And what was life like for Mr. and Mrs. Parker before May “Mayday” Parker was born? You’ll get he answer, courtesy of Tom DeFalco & Ron Frenz! Take a look back at the origin of Venom and a special Aunt May Story by Keith Champagne & Shawn Moll! Plus, your first look inside the Marvel Apes universe, as Karel Kesel & Ramon Bachs, the creators behind September’s simian sensation, reveal the secret origin of Spider-Monkey!

Wrapped up in a jaw dropping cover by Adi Granov, Spidey fans can’t miss the all new Amazing Spider-Man Family!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #1 (JUN082310)
Written by J.M DEMATTEIS, TOM DEFALCO, KEITH CHAMPAGNE & KARL KESEL
Penciled by ALEX CAL, RON FRENZ, SHAWN MOLL & RAMON BACHS
Cover by ADI GRANOV
RATED A…$4.99
FOC—7/17/08, On-Sale—8/6/08

A potpourri

The last month or two has been grueling healthwise but I think I've finally got this Lyme Disease out of my system. Aside from some aching joints in my fingers and my knees feeling like an old man, I seem to be pretty much back to myself. So a word to the wise from your Uncle Keith, kids. If you've got an insect bite on your body that, instead of going away, grows to the size of a softball, get it checked out before it turns into a bulls eye. Trust me, you won't regret it.

On the work front, I've spent the past week or so inking an 11-page Spidey/Aunt May story (that I also wrote) over Shawn Moll which I'm pretty sure makes me the only writer alive to have worked with the entire Minnesota Wrecking Crew. I believe this story will be out in August in the new Spider-Man Family anthology book, with guest appearances by my two brothers, Kenny and Kyle, and my niece Samantha, all of whom have characters named after them.

All of which is a good warm up to get back in the inking swing of things, as I'm expecting to start Supergirl over the next week or two (Am I close, Jamal?). Anyone who reads my blog knows I love working with Jamal but on our next project together, I think we need to switch things up and work as writer/penciller instead of penciller/inker. Hear me, Big Poppa?

The San Diego Convention is looming and, while I won't be there this year, I should have at least one, possibly two writing projects announced. The first is a project that I'm writing for IDW and the second is a creator-owned series, a western that's already attracted quite a bit of Hollywood interest. Which means nothing, really, but it makes me feel cool to pretend I'm a player. There's also a chance that DC will announce one of two projects I'm writing although I've learned not to get my hopes up there the last few months.

While I'm thinking of Supergirl, let me take another stab at posting the Supergirl promo that Jamal and I did. I freely admit I got a little lost interpreting the mountain peaks, sorry they suck. I'm a little rusty but Rome wasn't built in a day.

That's all for now, unless you're my favorite moral authority. Then you must finish reading this and TURN TO THE RIGHT!

Look! Up in the sky...

This past weekend, DC Comics announced the new Supergirl creative team at the Chicago convention. So let me throw my name in the mix, because inkers don't really get acknowledged in that context.

So...for the seven people that care, I'll be digging out my brushes and pens and coming out of inking "retirement" to join Team Supergirl. Jamal was nice enough to call and ask if I'd be interested and when Big Poppa asks, I say "How High!"

I worry about having the time to properly handle a monthly book again. I'm simultaneously juggling a few different writing projects with five more in various stages of development but, let's face it: having too much to do is the best kind of problem to have in this business. I'm hoping to produce the first six issues with Jamal and then pick my head up, look around, and see what kind of shape I'm in.

So keep one eye up in the sky...we'll try to put together a good book for everyone to read.

(PS- a blogspot "internal error" is keeping me from posting the inked Supergirl promo piece. I'll pop it up when I can.)

Hamsters #4

Well, I'm a little behind the eight ball on this one but it's worth mentioning that Black Belt Hamsters #4 arrived in stores last Wednesday. I've had a hard time plugging this book because I'm never quite sure when they're going to ship.

But the eagle has landed.

Honestly, this entire issue was one big punchline built around the old Richard Gere Hamster rumor, the character of Richard's last name was even "Gear, " spelled differently to avoid any legal problems. Dynamite got squeamish at the last minute and removed any references to Richard Gere or Gear, which is fine. It's their company, their call to do. But as a result, I'm not sure the big joke makes a lot of sense anymore. I'm hoping if/when the Hamsters is collected, I can go back into the dialogue and find a way to make it work again.

I hope the future will bring more Hamsters my way. I had a great time writing the book, working with Tom, and trying to make Don Chin laugh. Thanks to Dynamite for making it happen, love those guys.

Turn to the right!

Wow, I really suck at blogging this month. Even my Adventure Con recap is way overdue.

Well, anyway...

Adventure Con came and went and a good time was had by all. I enjoyed spending time with Doug and Pat and Tom and Andy and Dev and Jamal during and after the show, as well as meeting Michael Golden, Mark Texeira (the funniest man alive), and Arthur Suydam. I never knew Doug Mahnke could bring a man down with the smooth, dulcet tones of his singing voice but his serenade reduced me to tears of hysterical laughter.

The comic readers down in the Knoxville area seem to be about as nice as they come. I'm used to people lying and saying they enjoy my work but I almost believe the Knoxville-ians. It's nice to also see the familiar faces of people that I met last year at this same show, sort of a small family of friendliness down south. I got to meet a few of the media/movie guests and the Smith and Pyle concert after hours on Saturday was a blast. A big thanks to Brandon Mysinger for setting the whole thing up and bringing us all down to Tennessee for the show. I hope to be back next year.

On the work plate this week, I'm finishing the script for the first issue of a project Andy Smith and I are doing for IDW. I'd like to get a couple in the can before I make my return to the monthly inking grind next month, reuniting with Big Poppa himself on our new assignment for DC. And anyone who thinks the only thing Jamal can do is draw has never seen that man dance!

That's about all the up I can think to date at the moment. So, one last thing just for you, Pat (you know it's coming...)

TURN TO THE RIGHT!

Adventure begins

Thanks to the few that posted below in the Artist Wanted thread. It looks like in this case, the mountain came to me and I think I'm all set. I'm sure I'll post more about this project in the coming days.

Off to Adventure Con in Knoxville Tennessee in literally ten minutes. Got to head to the airport and hit the skies. There's a great crew of comic book artists attending, including my beloved Minnesota Wrecking Crew of Doug Mahnke, Pat Gleason, and Tom Nguyen. Big Poppa Jamal Igle and my frequent collaborator, Andy Smith will also be in town, as well as many others. It was a fun show last year and this year looks to be bigger and better.

Back soon!

Artist wanted

Ever wanted to be a comic book artist? Or maybe you are a working artist in the wonderful field of comics and are looking for a project to draw on the side. Or perhaps your mother has long harbored a secret dream of drawing comics and you want to help her to achieve that elusive, life long goal.

Well, I'm looking for you, pal! (or your mother.)

Leave your contact info or website/portolio link in the comments section and I'll touch base with you soon after. If you think I'm an astonishingly gifted writer that you need to work with before you die and also have a love for the old west, we might just be soulmates.

Thanks!

Lost

Wow.

The Lost season finale was all kinds of great!

Green Corpses

So let's talk about Green Lantern: The Corpse for a minute or two.

I logged into the comicbloc message boards for the first time in a while this morning and was surprised to see this thread:

http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58912

Go ahead and check it out. I'll wait.

It shouldn't be but it's surprising/amusing to me that a one-on-one conversation that I had at a small convention in New Hampshire last weekend has grown to include so many different people with so many different opinions and theories as to why this project was killed. Seriously, thanks for caring so much about it, even those of you who seem to think I suck at this writing thing. You try writing something like WWIII or ARENA and see how you do, tough guys! :)

I'm not going to go into the behind the scenes stuff on this because, well, that's why it's called "behind the scenes." To sum up, it doesn't seem likely the series will move forward at this point but I still have hope that I can get the Corpse resuscitated eventually. I'm always looking for new opportunities to plug them back in if the story I wrote won't be used and I do have a couple of champions up at the DC offices. But if it's not meant to be, there's nothing more I can do. If you guys want to help, let DC know you want to see it. This is comics, things change all the time.

In the meantime, I've got plenty of work coming up from DC, both writing and inking, as well as my first writing work for Marvel, a story that will be out in August. So keep an eye out and thanks again for making a little noise about the Corpse series. I'm glad to know people liked and remember the last story and, one way or another, we'll do it again soon.

Hamsters!

Out of curiosity, has anyone in my little circle of blogness been able to find/read Black Belt Hamsters #3? Due to the low print run--er, I mean the scarce, instant collectors item nature of the series, I haven't run across any feedback on the third issue which came out, I believe, a couple of weeks ago.

Rescue Me

Wow. It's been so long, I almost don't know what to blog about. So while I figure out which of many weighty topics to expound upon, feel free to chew on this.

For a brief moment in time last year, there was almost a sequel to ARENA. Almost meaning I had an idea for a fifth chapter, Mike Siglain and I both wanted to do it but...the rest of DC didn't seem to notice. The ending to #4 would have needed some shifting to open things up for the epilogue but aside from that, the story would have stayed as is and lead into...

THE RESCUE

A 38-page COUNTDOWN: ARENA sequel

KEITH CHAMPAGNE

Wonder Woman (New Frontier). Batman (Gotham By Gaslight). Apollo. Jay Garrick. Green Lantern (Earth-32). Lia Nelson (Tangent).

Six heroes left behind in the aftermath of COUNTDOWN: ARENA. Six survivors held helplessly in reserve by MONARCH, a second wave to bolster the despot’s army should the unthinkable occur and his war against the MONITORS go awry.

Of all the participants, only the SUPERMAN of Earth-31 (The Dark Knight Returns), aided by BREACH and using the dimensional harness designed by TED KORD, survived the confines of The Arena and escaped from Monarch’s steely grasp.

Reluctantly, the Man Of Steel was transported away with Breach’s enigmatic words still ringing in his ears. “The harness is fully charged. It will take you where you need to go.”

Now, Superman is coming back, determined to free the remaining survivors and, in the process, throw a wrench into Monarch’s plans.

But thanks to Breach, The Man Of Steel isn’t coming back alone. Unknown to Monarch, Superman was transported to a world where he could find help with his task. Help in the form of a man equally determined to locate the survivors; a lethal, leather-clad killing machine with an agenda of his own: THE MIDNIGHTER, angrily searching for Apollo from the moment his lover first disappeared.

Set against the backdrop of Monarch’s campaign against The Monitors, the twisted “WORLD’S FINEST” team of Superman and The Midnighter enact a war of their own. With the Multiverse burning around them, the mismatched duo infiltrates deep into Monarch’s territory, overcoming THE EXTREMISTS, and finding themselves, ironically, facing off against the same six brave souls they set out to free; all while struggling to find common ground between their wildly divergent methods, morals, and personalities

Free Comic Book Day!

Hey kids, did you know that this Saturday, May 3rd, is Free Comic Book Day?

That's right, like Christmas, it only comes along once every year but unlike Christmas, the date changes every year. Scheduled to coincide with the Iron Man movie, FCBD triumphantly arrives this weekend. To contribute to the good times, I'll be dragging my sorry ass over to Sarge's Comics in New London to sign and chat and generally try to look busy even if no one is talking to me.

I'll be there starting at 3:00 PM for an indeterminate time, 2-3 hours is a safe bet. So by all means, stop on by and grab some free comics.