Aizan Resurrection

I'm sorry..I can't do it..I can't wait. We survived the Apocalypse people!! That's gotta earn us something, right? Why should I wait till January 1st to give you a taste of Aizan's new look? Well, here it is. Like I told you, just minor tweaks. Let me know what you guys think.

Now, as some of you may or may not know, my Aizan project was recently held up due to a copyright dispute-- an artist claimed that Aizan was too similar to a character of his design. Well, after all this waiting, the case has moved on. And I pray to God this is the end of it. 

What does this mean for Aizan overall? It means Aizan will still be published!! Obviously the original publication date is completely obliterated, but the new release date is set for MAY 1ST, 2013! 
Why so long? Well, I have no choice but to go back to the very beginning and rework all of the artwork and product I spent so many months prepping. I'm also working with the guest artists who would have contributed to the book to have new/revised artwork included. In addition, the story has been re-worked a little as well. This new date will give me and the team all the time needed to recover from this roadblock. This will be a rough road, but I'm committed to seeing this through. That is the essence of Aizan.

I want to thank all of you guys for your incredible patience. I can't say thank you enough to everyone who sent me a word of encouragement..to everyone who offered to donate money to help me out..just an amazing show of love. Thank you all. I'm even grateful for this ordeal...how else will you know what you're made of if you don't fall once and awhile?

Now, one last thing. Like I said, I really am sick of this and I personally don't want to talk more about the matter. I also personally don't want to give this guy anymore attention, but I've had people asking me to see the character in question as well as ask who was the artist and  what more details can I touch on. I won't speak on it more here, but for those of you interested, a good friend of mine by the name of Kamau Mshale, wrote two amazing blogs about the whole thing, with pictures of the character in question. They're really quite insightful and done with a fair, analytical tone. If you want to find out more, I'm sending you his way. While you're there, stick around cause he's a great artist and will be featured in the Aizan book.
Part 1: http://kmshale.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-barrel-of-crabs-pt.html
Part 2: http://kmshale.blogspot.com/2012/12/thats-just-nasssty.html

And that's that. Thank you once again and I'll see you all soon.

Cheers everyone.

"You're fire, I'm butane.."- Nas

"Still I Rise"

"You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise."

Maya Angelou says it best in her poem "Still I Rise", and I shall not seek to best her. All I can say is, prepare yourself.

Peace!

Pyroglyphics Sale

What's up peeps! You all know what time it is-- time for those holiday gifts. And for that special fanboy or fangirl, nothing beats some sweet art and/or fashion. Check out all the posters and shirts I have available this season. Inbox me with questions, comments and orders.
Peace
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.206007222784611.64756.198162636902403&type=1

Aizan Kickstarter Wrap-up

What's up peeps?! It's feels like it's been forever. Well, it's official, the funding campaign for the Aizan Kickstarter has rapped and it's a success!! WOO-HOOOO!!!!

I'll be honest, when I first thought of doing this Kickstarter thing, I thought I might hit my goal if I begged and pleaded enough, but I never would've thought everyone would respond they way they did. I can't thank everyone enough..this is truly humbling.

There are also a ton of people behind the scenes who have helped me through this roller-coaster creative process, and I would love to thank them all, but I don't want to make anyone upset by forgetting a names...you know who you are.

Last but not least, I want to thank the people who tried to throw up roadblocks in my path. It's because of the negative than I can learn and rise to the occasion.

Now, the real hard work begins. I'm looking forward to path ahead.

LET'S DO THIS!!!

The revised version of my creator owned character Aizan. Although the kickstarter has wrapped for it, you can learn a little more here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/751261014/aizan-the-demo

Aizan Kickstarter

Hello All.

This is looonngg overdue, but I'm excited to share the news with you that the Kickstarter for my creator-owned project AIZAN has been launched!!And not only launched, but it is BLOWING UP!! I can't thank all of the amazing supporters enough.

 This is a project that has been in the works for a while, and I hope you will check it out by clicking the link below.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/751261014/aizan-the-demo

Aizan is my creator owned property that tells the story of a young woman by the name of Hela St.August, a passionate artist and graffiti activist who lives in a world where as a result of a super-powered war, her city is left devastated. Angry, bitter and rebellious to start with, Hela's life slips into disarray, and with the new emerging superhuman and vigilante community, she begins to feel disgusted by people with powers and views the superhuman community as parasites. Her life turns even more topsy-turvy when she not only discovers that SHE has powers but that she is also heir to a superhero legacy.

Themes of story include: Truth; Heritage; Legacy; Life and Death; Religion; Anarchy; Capitalism
Elements of story include: Hip-hop; Sci-fi; Martial Arts; Par-kour; Graffiti; Superheroes

A donation would be spectacular if you can, but even if you can't, I ask that you PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!

As I said in the video, Aizan is a new type of hero, and I would love to be able to let her story be heard.

Thank you for your time.

Shawn Alleyne

"Up From The 36 Chambers.."

What's up peeps, it's been FOREVER! I can't even begin to talk about all of the ups and downs that I've been through since last I updated my blog. But so what, we're reunited and that's what counts.

So I guess the first bit of news would be to let you guys know that this Saturday is The Hershey Comic Con. http://www.hershey-comiccon.com/
This is the first show for these guys, and I'm proud to say I will be one of the presenters doing my Character Design Workshop. Stay tuned for upcoming pics.
In the meantime, here's a new print I will have at the show..Blanka

And the black and whites...

But wait, there's more. As a way of saying "I'm back" and to show how much I love you guys, here's an EXCLUSIVE look at another one of my newest prints I will have at the show..Black Cat

This is just for you subscribers, and you won't be seeing this print anywhere else online for a while.

Now, the other big news I would like to share, is that I have finally begun serious work on publishing my own character. The character is called Aizan, and you may have seen her pic in my gallery before, but I'll soon be making official Aizan blogs. I will have some exciting updates in just a few short days, so keep those eyes peeled.

That's it for now..as always, thank you guys for your incredible feedback, your support, your comments, even the critiques... everything you do that makes me keep striving. Even if I don't get a chance to update or respond as often as I like, I do read everything.

Peace

"They saying the monster's back...!" - Geist

Debut Posters

Almost that time. And I have a couple more pieces of art I want to share with you guys.

First up, the new Green Lantern piece I'll have available. It's a companion piece to my Sinestro FEAR one, and eventually I plan to do the whole spectrum of Lanterns.

GL:Hal Jordan WILL (colors by Renee Clarke)

Next up we a piece I'll be trying out. This started off as a sketch commission for someone, then took a life of it's own. I'm curious to see how this one will do as it's not an established character, but something I designed. 

Fantasy Werewolf (colors by Matt Seel)

Anyways, I hope you like.

See you tomorrow as Wizard World starts.

Shawn.


"Twilight Zone type symmetry...Night Gallery, painting vividly visual schizo-imagery/
Seeking alternate forms of energy/ A technomancer, master of the art of MECHA-scorcery..."- Geist

Wizard World Update and Raffle

What's up peeps.
So I survived my television appearance. And I have to say I was surprisingly calm..till the time came to talk. lol Anyways, it could've been much worse, and it turned out to be a real chill production. Pretty much all I had to do was sit there and draw the host Marlie Hall as  super hero. I ended up drawing her as a version of Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, I gave her the original, and of course I didn't take any pics of it.(gotta work on that)
Then, it was only about a minute or so for me to to talk about Wizard. All in all, I had a ball. So shoutout to WPHL-17 and the fine folks at Wizard for having me on. If I'm able to get a copy of the segment or the pic I'll let you guys know.
http://www.myphl17.com/shows/eye-opener-tv/
 
So as you may have heard, I'll be at Wizard World Philly in a few days. Shocking..I know. And as you may or may not know/remember, all 5 Strek Captains will be in attendance. For the first time ever..all together. Historic!! So guess what ya boy did for my Trekkies?

BOO-YAHH!!! My first Star Trek art ever(not counting the Capt. Kirk sketch I did a while back). This piece will be available in a limited run at the show, so don't miss out. Thanks to the mighty Blair Smith for the awesome job on colors.

And last but not least, I want to mention a special raffle I'll be doing at the show promoting my new QR Code. All you have to do is scan the QR which links to my Pyroglyphics facebook page, (code will be on the back of the flyer seen below), "Like" the page on the spot, and you will be entered into the drawing. It's that easy. There will be 3 winners, with prizes ranging from posters, to shirts, to a special grand daddy first prize bonanza! These will also be limited.

(graphics formatted by Takeia Dunlop)

As always, thanks for checking me out and I'll see you tomorrow with some more art.

Peace.
Shawn

"When they showed me the graphics, they were puzzled by my spastic neo-synapses/
And reloaded the geographics using Vulcan black magic mathematics..."- Geist

Eye Opener

Guess who's got 2 thumbs and is going to be on t.v this Tuesday?

I'm proud to announce that I will be a featured artist of the Eye Opener show on PHL17, this Tuesday from 6am-8am.
 http://www.myphl17.com/shows/eye-opener-tv/

I'm exactly sure what I might have to draw or what will be covered, but I'm super excited(and nervous) all the same. The station has covered the Philly Wizard show for a few years now, so they're doing this as a special tie-in promotion. I'll keep you guys posted on any further details I might be able to gather.

As far as the con, I'll be showcasing a couple of new prints, and I'm hype to show you guys this preview.

This Green Lantern started off as a commission, and with the help of colorist Thomas Shelton, has took on a life of it's own. Thanks Tom.

Enjoy your Sunday, and God willing I'll see you guys tomorrow.

Peace.
Shawn


"I'm a Predakon, my protons forms the unruliest/My gamma based skeleton revolves around an iron core nucleus.."- Geist

A Crown Of Horns Pt2

Ok, yesterday I announced that I'll be at the Wizard Philly Comic Con from Thurs, May 31st- Sun June 3rd. This is an exciting year for me because a lot of projects I started last year are starting to bear fruit, and one such project is the long awaited Crown Of Horns novel.
This is an illustrated novel with a piece of art at the beginning of each chapter. The book was written by John Cullins, with illustrations(pencils and some inks) by yours truly, additional inks by Will "Afromation" Jamison, graphic design by Renee Clarke and Alberto Rodriguez, and colors on the cover by Blair Smith.

So the book has FINALLY been printed, and it came out beautifully. I'll have a limited amount of copies with me at the show, going for a measly $15!..along with which you'll receive a free mini-poster and bookmark. To help you brush up on all things "Crown..." related, check out my past blogs for the scoop.

 http://shawnah-lean.blogspot.com/2011/11/crown-of-horns.html

http://shawnah-lean.blogspot.com/2011/11/wizards-and-flying-things.html

http://shawnah-lean.blogspot.com/2011/10/111111.html

As a special treat for you, here's a piece I did as a sketch that was taken to another level by colorist extraordinaire Matt Seel.

Some shots of the book.

For more info on the book and Broken 1 Publishing, check out the facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/Broken1Publishing

See you guys tomorrow.

Peace,
Shawn

"..so you can run in the gym, gatorade, hype music on, loop it/
All them weights you eat ain't going to make your eyeballs stronger, stupid..."- Geist

Philly Wizard 2012

Whadup peeps! It's official, I will be attending the Wizard Convention here in Philly next week. I must give thanks to the man Eric Cooper for helping a brother out, and I hope to see you guys there.

Speaking of Eric, Mr. Knight Seeker himself, I was recently asked to do a commission for him featuring his title character and the late Trayvon Martin. The thing I like about Eric is while a lot of people jumped on the bandwagon of the Treyvon case just for the sake of it it seems, Eric really took this matter personally and seriously. So while the rest of the bandwagoners have fallen off, Eric still follows the case and seeks to keep attention drawn to this important matter.

KnightSeeker and Treyvon Martin. Colors coming soon

Eric debuted the black and white version at ECBACC last weekend, and will be showcasing the colored version at Wizard next week. He and I will be sitting next to each other for the show and table details will be coming shortly.
Oh, and in case you didn't know, this year Wizard Philly will be adding a special preview night to the con. It'll be going from Thurs May 30th-Sun June 3rd. Not only that, I just found out the other day that ALL 5 STAR TREK CAPTAINS WILL BE APPEARING TOGETHER!!! First time in history supposedly. Check out the site for more details: http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html

And since this blog feels a little light, here's a quick little prelim version.

Catch you tomorrow when I unveil some of the new art I'l;l be debuting at the show.

Peace,
Shawn

"Only a bitch would have to use a mecca/ Real men train their minds and body to mentally handle the pressure.."- Geist

5th Annual Youth Art Exhibition

Last week I announced 5th Annual Youth Art Exhibition that was held on Friday, May 18th.  
(Click here for the last blog: http://shawnah-lean.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-believe-children-are-our-future.html )
The show included students showcasing the results of my 10 week "Comic Book Character Development Course" at Orange Korner Arts, in association with the Ayuda Community Center. The Center provides After School workshops which include music, painting, and more. As I stated last time, this is the fourth time I've taught this course around Philly now, first through Congreso, now privately. And with half the amount of time and resources available to other classes I’ve taught, these young people developed some amazing characters and stories. They're an amazing group of kids I had the fortune of teaching. Their personalities rang through in every stroke of the pencil, and I’m proud to share my humble renditions of some the kid's characters as well as some pics from the show.

Oh, we were also able to get the book done, and I have to say special thanks to Mr. Kamau Mshale, who came through at the13th hour and saved my butt. I can't thank him enough. Kamau also has his own comic out, and you can check his work at these sites:

www.ArsonOnline.com
www.ishmiel14.deviantart.com
www.Kmshale.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/KamauMshale
or contact him here: kamau.mshale@gmail.com

Also, special, special thanks to the Orange Korner Arts Director Michaelanne Harriman, the lady who runs the show, hired me, and allowed me to be a part of this wonderful organization.

"Connor" created by Gabriel Bangert age 11(colored by James Mason)

"Anevay" created by Adi Mendez age 14 (colored by Renee Clarke)

"Sarah Walker" created by Julie-Ann Perez age 16 (colored by Renee Clarke)

The finished book containing all the kid's stories and characters. The name of the group they formed is the Ghost Society", named after a rebellious futuristic military crew.

 "Orange Korner Arts, located at 4401 N. 7th St., enrolls youth from Hunting Park ages 10-18 in art classes of all mediums providing safe, creative space everyday after school. OKA is a program of Ayuda Community Center. Find out more at www.ayudacc.org."
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ayuda-Community-Center/108805299139261


Thanks for checking me out.


Peace
Shawn.

"I Believe The Children Are Our Future..."

For the last 10 weeks I've been teaching my Comic Book Character Development Course at Orange Korner Arts, in association with the Ayuda Community Center. The Center provides After School workshops which include music, painting, and more. This Friday, May 18th, sees the culmination of this semester's work with the "5th Annual Youth Art Exhibition". The show is from 6:30pm-8:30pm, and will be held at the Esperanza Health and Wellness Center @ 4417 Nth 6th St. Admission is only $10 and FREE to anyone under 18. My students will be there showcasing their work as well as talking about the characters they developed. 

This is the fourth time I've taught this course now, and with half the amount of time and resources available to other classes I’ve taught, these young people developed some amazing characters. They're an amazing group of kids I had the fortune of teaching. Their personalities ring through in every stroke of the pencil, and I’m proud to be able to share their work with you all.

 "Orange Korner Arts, located at 4401 N. 7th St., enrolls youth from Hunting Park ages 10-18 in art classes of all mediums providing safe, creative space everyday after school. OKA is a program of Ayuda Community Center. Find out more at www.ayudacc.org."
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ayuda-Community-Center/108805299139261

Check out my humble renditions of some of the kid's characters.

"Tiger Woman" Created by Amelia Cortes age 11 (colored by Renee Clarke)

"Seth" created by Josiah Perez age 11 (colored by Sha-Nee Williams)

"Superkid" created by Keithon Robinson age 14 (colored by Sha-Nee Williams)

"Shockwave" Created by Jacob Ramos age 11 (colored by James Mason)

Come out and join the festivities if you can.


Peace,
Shawn

Moving Forward

For a little while I sat and thought about the title for this blog. The first thing that came to my mind was "Closure". Mainly because the whole point of this entry was to bare my heart to the public and try to put something behind me..get some sort of focus back into my life.

The thing I'm talking about is the recent death of my step-dad.

But "Closure" didn't feel right to me. Words can mean different things for different people and I look at closure as the complete end of something. I don't want to cut this man out of my memory. I thought about calling it "Death". Simple...elegant even. But the weight of the word felt wrong..because the sum of a man is more than just his death, it's also how he lived his life. And my step-dad, who we all called "D.W", lived his well.

He never had a negative word to say to me, and always encouraged everything I did. He was usually a quiet man...till he had a couple of drinks in him, then he was the life of the party. He was one of the hardest working people I knew. He would be up till the wee hours of the morning hanging out, talking, drinking, then pass out for a couple of hours...only to wake up sand head to work so fresh you would think he had hibernated for a month. This became his normal routine, and while I wished I had maybe took that extra beer away from him every now and again, he enjoyed his life...only for it to be snatched. And for a sec there it felt as though things were supposed to stop.

And that's why I named this journal "Moving Forward". I don't want to change directions. I don't want to come to complete stop. I don't want to go backwards. I want to enjoy what little time God has blessed me with, and carry the memory of this man with me. To make me stronger..to allow me to resist temptation..to make me want to try harder. Whatever it is I realize life doesn't stop..so neither can I.

Thanks to everyone who has sent a well-wish my families way, to everyone who took the time to go beyond the internet and personally call, to everyone who continues to support my art, and to everyone who's been patient with me as they waited for me to finish their artwork. I will strive to come back to the art table with a vengeance. I hope you all enjoy whatever time you have in your own way.

R.I.P D.W

Shawn

The Motherload

Ok, so much for keeping that schedule. It seems like I owe you guys about 4 blogs now, but fortunately for you I have a bunch of stuff to unload, so let's skip the small talk and get right into it.

First off, I have some extra photos from Chicago.

Joe Currie of the Almighty Street Team crew and resident Chicagian doing his thing. Bigups for letting me and my boy Will crash at his spot for the con.

My Artmada brother Will Jamison

Punisher

A delicious Catwoman

Bane

Black Panel discussion:(l-r) Jamal Igle, Ashly Woods, Mshindo.

Ok, digital bus-stops. Step it up Philly

Start of an Iron Fist sketch

Some more..forgot to take a pic of the finished version

Good peeps from the show

Some "Umbrella Academy" love

Sick!

Taste the fist

Great lady who show support to Street Team

With Joe and Will at Chicago's famous Giodarno's

Finally, after 2 years, I'm getting authentic Chicago deep dish pizza

Would've been nice if I could've made it a bbq chicken pineapple. Oh well.

 


Next up, pics from Pittsburgh, one of the best shows out there. It has this amazing family feel to it.

One of the cool things at Pittsburgh is that they always have this amazing pre-show party in the Penthouse of one of the sponsored hotels. You get to hang out with other artists to draw, drink and draw some more. They provide you with these little tiles and all the sharpies you can sniff. The tiles are then auctioned off at the show the next day, and all the proceeds go to a worthy cause. I believe it's the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, but don't quote me on that.Unfortunately I didn't do one this year, but I'll be ready next year.

Breakfast at the Hampton Inn. It tastes even better when it's legit.

Artist extraordinaire Blair Smith

Creator owned cos-play

Some supporters got my GL piece colored.

Blair again..providing some ref..

For a Thanos commissh

A nice Rouge

Power Ranger(?) and Thor-ess

Some bloody Zombies

So cute..Thor and little Thor

Emma Frost(NOT Ghost as I erroneously guessed) and yet another Thor

Domino and Silver Sable

Hugo Strange

Wolverine commission

Korra

Ash and Poison Ivy

Scarecrow with Scrowcrow

SaintWalker commission

Stan Lee tatt...THAT'S  a fan.

Sweet X-23 alternate

  Darth Vader getting some lunch

 

 

Zatanna and Blk Canary

Some nice Kabuki...don't see enough of this.

STAN! THE MAN! LEE!(I got my signed Romeo and Juliet)

Another Tony

Yes!

Stryker

Doom and X-23?! You da man D!

Special shout out to my main man Alec who helped me out at the table over the weekend.

The train doesn't stop. Last Saturday was the Eastern Shore Fan Con (http://www.facebook.com/easternshorefancon), a surprise hit show. Don't let anyone tell you the small shows can't hold their own with the big boys.

Vega, doing all kinds of Vega things, with Ibuki

One of the many lovely cos-players

How can you not love a convention that serves this type of food.

My convention neighbor Jabaar Brown of Underground Comix

Awwww, look at the itty-bitty Iwon Man

Jabaar and his lovely wife Alison

Knightseeker novelist Eric Cooper taking a break

Crimson Viper

God I can't wait to do some Juri fan art.

Son Goku

Another great cos-player

Killed it!

A little Death action for ya.

A commissh of a female black America and Germany from Hetalia

Oh, and last but not least, me and Juri

So there you have it, one nice big drop of everything so far. Next up, I'll be traveling out to Jersey for Free Comic Book Day this Saturday May 5th, at the Voorhees Town Center. I'll be there with a bunch of cool artists exhibiting, sketching, and enjoying the fanboy's version of Christmas.

Catch you later this week where I try to be ontime for my next blog.

Peace

S

"The spirit of vengeance, spit brimstone in every sentence/Hot enough to melt my fillings down and turn them into silver pendants.." - Geist