You know what? Every time I try to get the gumption to do my FallCon 2004 recap I shrivel, because it’s a big undertaking and it makes me want to put it off. So I’ve decided to just post little bits and pieces as they come to me, some big, some small.

I have to start with one of the friendliest, most enthusiastic guys working in comic books: Tom Nguyen (NOTE: some of the art on his site contains nudity), inker on JLA for the last few years and now working on JL Elite (amongst other projects, natch). I’ve met Tom at a few signings and conventions, and the amazing thing is that he’s always apologizing for not having enough time to wander around and talk.

Why is he so busy? Well, because he’s so talented that he can create art that looks like a photograph and everyone wants to meet him and get a sketch or an autograph! He usually has a line of people that never dwindles.

And yet, this Minnesota shy person thinks that no one will be attending his lecture on inking! Well, I did, and so did a few dozen other people, including a couple fans who kept going on about the state of the comic book industry due to Identity Crisis. Tom, bless his heart, let them talk…even though he hasn’t even read Identity Crisis. I, meanie that I am, asked him, “Is it true that inking is just tracing?” Tom’s got a pretty good answer for that one that I won’t share; I don’t want to give away his good material.

Tom and his frequent collaborator, penciller Doug Manhke, have two new DVDs debuting soon. One follows Doug’s development of a pencilled page from beginning to end. The next follows Tom’s inking of Doug’s page. In each one, they narrate their design process and give away some tips and tricks.

Tom’s has an added bonus: a plot. A certain editor calls Tom and tells him to get the page finished in a day or he gets the sack. Tom has to work under pressure, all the while surrounded by beautiful models. (Let’s all give Tom a big awwwwww.) You can download and view trailers for both DVDs.

I can’t wait to see these DVDs. I wish there was one on writing, but even I can’t think of a way to make THAT work for video!