NEWS!

Xeric Winning Author and Illustrator Gary Scott Beatty joined David Peterson (Mouse Guard), Jason Howard (Astounding Wolf-Man) and Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics) on a comic book creator panel at the Michigan State University Comics Forum March 28, discussing everything from writing to illustration, from creating to marketing to careers. If you missed it, you can hear it, moderated by Jay Jacot (Comics Obscura), plus a couple of other spiffy MSU Comic Forum panels, online at: http://www.comicsforum.msu.edu/?p=216

The upcoming Side B: The Music Lover's Comic Anthology contains a punk rock story by Gary, illustrated in a late '70s, "ransom note" style to match the tale's era. Available in the April 2009 edition of Previews, Diamond Order Code: APR090973. In stores June 3, 2009.

Look for a couple of works from Gary's "Jazz: Cool Birth" in the Eastern Michigan University Michigan Comics Exhibition, on display now at the University Gallery through June 5 and then to travel throughout this great land. Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery, and Mayhem info is online at http://www.emich.edu/fordgallery/

Xeric Winning Author/Illustrator Gary Scott Beatty signed his three graphic short story books at Art Cats Gallery in Lakeside, Muskegon, Michigan. in February. "Jazz: Cool Birth" features art inspired by '50s album cover design, a murder mystery set among the jazz clubs of 1957. Info on the gallery at artcatsgallery.com. Look at the books at aazurn.com.

ABOUT GARY

Xeric Grant Recipient Gary Scott Beatty read his first comic book, a beat up old Tin Tin hardcover, in his grade school library some time before the '60s Batman craze. The first alternative comic he produced (They were called "underground" then) was on his high school's mimeograph machine, after hours, without permission. Nearly three decades later the tools and format have changed, but Gary is still producing printed pieces that communicate and entertain.

His current Aazurn Publishing projects include Xeric Grant Winner "Jazz: Cool Birth," "The One" with "Adventures of Aaron" artist Aaron Warner, "Seductions" with Oz artist Bill Bryan and "Adam Among the Gods" with James Lyle. Lengthy articles detailing every step in Aazurn Publishing's birth are cataloged at aazurn.com.

His coloring and lettering for 3 Boys Productions' "Students of the Unusual" has appeared since the popular indy comic's first issue – now his logo design graces each cover. The controversial "Wedding of Popeye and Olive" Gary colored for Ocean Comics was discussed on Good Morning America, in "The New York Times," "Time" magazine and "Newsweek." His work with nationally syndicated cartoonist Aaron Warner included coloring "Adventures of Aaron" Sunday strips, producing the "Sparky and Tim" collection cover and typography and coloring for much of Aaron's advertising studio work. His cover coloring for Scott Rosema's "August" are now definitive of the character. His production assistance in Omega7's "America's Forgotten Children" publication helped lead to the recovery of several missing children. He letters for Viper and for Kaso Comics, has written scripts for Nicky Cruz Outreach and, locally, produces a full color, monthly entertainment magazine.

The publication production expert, typographer, writer, illustrator and comic book colorist's engaging ramblings can be found at comicartistsdirect.com.