Tim Bradstreet

Heheh, nice.

Well unfortunately Marvel owns the character and the rights. I get not dime one.

I'm amazingly lucky if I even get a comp let alone two so I can give one to my model.

Nope, 9.975 times out of ten I get fucked. That's one of the many reasons we went off on our own to bring you guys Bad Planet. So we COULD get a piece of the pie.

Not sure what statue you saw at the Fplanet but the REAL badass, one and only version as far as I'm concerned is coming out from my very good friends at Sideshow Toy Collectibles.

Check it out ----------> http://www.sideshowtoy.com/cgi-bin/categor...7120&type=store

Do yourself a favor and check out the image gallery at the bottom of the page.

Unfortunately the Tim Bradstreet edition is already pre-sold out.

Sorry kids.

- TB

Heheh, nice one John.

Could you post the art in the other string in the comics section?

God luv ya mate.

- T

That is the plan. But with Punisher 2 and some other top secret Punisher stuff on the not too distant horizon it may call for an assist from time to time. I don't want to let that stuff interfere so I'll be doing my best to stay on board. If everything goes well I'll follow up and ink the next 6 issues as well (the whole thing is planned for 12 issues). The first 6 come out and then we take a 4 to 8 week break before getting underway on the next chapter.

- TB

Don't know where the official press release is (maybe this is it), but anyone interested in our new venture please feel free to jump on the forums at Steve Niles.Com and check out all the Sci Fi/Horror tales of savagery that is BAD PLANET.

I can also field questions here.

Cheers - Tim

Bad Planet press release ------------> http://forums.steveniles.com/showthread.ph...&threadid=14914

Hmm, hadn't considered that fiscal angle where DC's decision was concerned. It totally makes sense though considering I got on the book at a pretty lucky time (in terms of rates). I even got bumped up after the first year. But I'm afraid I probably hit some sort of ceiling seeing as how it was never bumped again over the last 6 years. That really wasn't a problem for me though. Hell, I never even asked about it again. I was comfortable with what I was getting so there was never any need. But this theory certainly gives me food for thought. And if there is any truth to it, it would really seem a double shame if I got shuffled for budgetary reasons. Though I assume it could only have been a contributing factor. I think there were several elements working against me here. This was very likely one of them.

As I've stated on the boards in the past. I approached Karen Berger two years ago at SDCC about doing a book dedicated to covers from my run. My whole point was that a book like this is kind of a no-brainer. They have already paid for the covers so they don't have to pay a page rate for the interiors. It would be a royalty book. Only expense would be printing and new cover (and maybe a wee bit of advertising).

Well anyway, Karen didn't want to do it at the time and I respect her decision. However, since I'm approaching the point of being finished with the run I think it makes total sense to approach her and Richard Brunning concerning this. The timing seems right. Luckily I will have the opportunity to see them both at SDCC. I'll keep you all posted on the matter.

And yes - John Vankin, the current editor started with issue 200.

- TB

Heheh, I'm sure that won't be a problem J.

I'll try and wear something besides my Steelers Jersey and Pirates ballcap.

Maybe pajamas, then . . . like Triumph at the Michael Jackson trial you can all claim that Tim Bradstreet CAME in his pajamas.

- tb

Ooh, I just hate the word "fired".

I know it's a harmlessly intended comment (so please don't feel you've insulted anyone) but just to clarify for the unenlightened. . . .

I wouldn't necessarily consider it being fired. Being fired would indicate that I was let go for a myriad of possibilities, like acting unprofessional, being a flake and repeatedly missing deadlines, turning in sub-par work, in general . . . Not taking the job seriously. Fired would also imply that DC/Vertigo would not be willing to work with me again for the foreseeable future. And that is hardly the case. I am working with Vankin as we speak on a new project and there is another tasty tidbit waiting in the wings that I have been assured of a shot at (sorry to be so vague).

So, like I said, no harm in the comment. Just wanted to be crystal clear about my relationship with DC/Vertigo which has always been and continues to be a on the best of terms.

- TB

Hey you SDCC punks -

If your going to be at the show be sure and look me up.

Artist Alley unless I get fucked.

If that happens, the Wigs will be on the green.

- TB

And thank you for being nice and low key about that Christian ;)

I like the initials thing. So if anyone does want to refer to this please follow Christian's example.

Not that it will do you any good at this early stage.

And Josh - I'll scan it and pop it to John if he will be good enough to post it for me.

Maybe post all three to make it easier to see the process?

- TB

You know I may have opened my mouth on the Sandman thing a touch early so let's try and keep that as low key as possible. Considering I'm saying this on the internet I'm not sure HOW it could be kept low key. I think I may have let the cat out of the bag. I know the cover is due right after SDCC so I just assumed people would already know about it. Apologies to Vertigo/DC if I spoke too soon. No one told me it was hush hush.

And just to clarify, the first link which John and Mark both posted are the INKS, not the pencils.

Though if anyone is interested in seeing them I can scan it real easy like.

- TB

Done on the series John, but hopefully if you continue to write Hellblazer novels I will be your cover artist of choice. When you see Warlord you will demand it!

That would be a nice consolation. I'd love to remain even a small part of the family.

Not to suggest that the novels are a small part, just that doing one cover every once in a while would be a small contribution.

I'm really digging the book JPS.

- TB

I wasn't sure if that was the Eye Of Truth, Deathlok or Jonah Hex I was looking at there.

Either way it seems the Eyes have it.

Oh, and since I missed touching on this before -

I'm glad of the positive response to the 213 cover.

Like I mentioned in my list of fave Carey-run covers, it kind of came together of it's own will.

I'm not sure if the feelings I have for it are based on the realization that it was going to be one of the last three or not. You see, when I laid it out I still had no idea that I was leaving the book. But as I penciled and inked it I was totally aware. And for some reason that image just kind of haunts me. It haunts me in a really good way though. I keep looking at it and think about the last 7 years doing this book and I just get this nice feeling. To me it's also a perfect example of a cover done right based on the story it represents and tells. It makes me realize that this is the body of work that taught me how to do that. The remaining two should be very special as well.

- TB

Yeah, you know it's OK to voice your dissatisfaction when something like this happens.

And realistically Mark, I think most people understand the score. I don't think anyone really means that they are automatically going to be negative about the next cover person, though they may be feeling a bit pissy about the change. They are just venting and vent they shall. I think what they're getting at is that having a level of quality and familiarity for so long on the book has made an impact. And justifiably they don't want to have to settle for something less. That isn't necessarily deciding in advance to be pissed off or to hold a grudge against the next person.

Not by a long shot. They are just voicing their opinions on what is transpiring, how it effects them in the here and now. Just as in your meaning, don't be too quick to judge.

This is where we agree.

I think that the jury is still out until someone is announced. Then folks will debate the decision based on who is chosen. THAT'S when you need to reel them in a bit if the decision evokes any nasty biting. Case in point: When Michael Keaton was announced to play Batman tons of people cried foul, bitched and complained, had already decided the movie wasn't for them. . . . Then they saw it and realized they may have been bit hasty, and in most cases they had to eat a little crow. Point being, even if it's someone who you don't THINK would be a good choice, you gotta wait until you SEE what he/she has to offer.

So yeah, I think everyone pisses and moans when the honeymoon is over. It's a natural feeling.

No sense in really trying to curb it, it'll pass. Hopefully the reigns will be passed to a worthy talent. Then all of this becomes moot.

And to all that have commented since my last post -

Thanks you for the support and the warm feelings.

Yer all a bunch of big lugs!

- TB

goddamn it. this has totally ruined my day. Tim, you're the greatest cover artist HB has ever had, even surpassing in my mind the genius of McKean and Sean Phillips. like John said, when I think of Constantine, I think of the way you draw him. It's sad that the Vertigo people have such awful taste and don't see that your recent stuff (especially those two new covers) are just stunning! and I really, really can't tell the colouring is digital: it's always been such high quality.

 

Now I'm also worried about Hellblazer in general. those comments about a change in direction have me thinking that the current chiefs at DC might just be stupid enough to reboot the series as a movie spinoff.  :icon_evil:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks a ton Sethos. Your strong support has always been appreciated.

And as long as Hellblazer is in Denise Mina's hands I wouldn't worry too much about the book taking a lame direction. I was sooo looking forward to working with her. That is one of the biggest disappointments of leaving the book. I went from being asked by the editor to illustrate her first issue to being given my walking papers in the space of three months. I was literally licking my chops in anticipation of working with her.

Chin up 'ol chap, John's in good hands as far as the writer is concerned.

- TB

Now THAT'S a compliment - Thanks for that John

And to Mike -

I'll touch base with you privately but just wanted to tell you thanks for that.

For my part you have made my job both easy and challenging. Your work on this title has been a pleasure to draw every month. Never in 7 years did I ever work with a writer on this book that actually had scripts done for me to work from EVERY month. It makes it so much easier to be able to read that and then pull images from it. Because you have been lucky enough to have great artists to work with on the interiors I've felt like I haven't needed to get overly specific with the covers, meaning - I was given the opportunity to read the stories, digest them and then go for the spirit of the material as a whole. That luxury made the process of encapsulating the issue with a single image a lot less daunting. I never felt cornered by "what to do".

Yeah, working on the title with you has been extremely gratifying. I only regret we didn't skull together a bit more. You did what you do and I did the same. A well oiled machine.

Until our creative paths cross once again my friend.

- Tim

PS - A small list of my personal favorite covers on the Carey run.

And you Mike, should take major credit here because your words were the grist for the mill.

In chronological order.

1. 175 - JC back in the UK

2. 178 - May be my favorite all time Hellblazer cover

3. 181 - The tattooed back shot. ALWAYS get great response on this one

4. 182 and 183 - The FLY! I love this two parter. Me and Bermejo together again. Loved the story

5. 188. - The lover skeletons in the death embrace. Bred In The Bone. LOVED researching Gruinard

6. 189 - The classic "praying" shot

7. 195 - Playing with graphic design. I just love the graphicness of this one

8. 196 - One of my favorite shots of John

9. 198 - Can never get enough of Ghant

10. 200 - Grant went overboard and made this thing way too photographic for my taste but this was the first Italian job and time was so short I couldn't tweak this the way I'd have wanted to.

Love the concept though

11. 202 - Alas poor Yorick

12. 203 - Very different approach for me and I LOVE how it turned out. Grant redeemed himself on this one. The colors are right in the wheelhouse

13. 205 - I just like it

14. 206 - The black and white Chas cover

15. 207 - I like this in color but I LOVE it in black and white. I dig the JC shot

16. 209 - The John shot is one of my all time favorites, and I got to draw silhouette troops on horseback. Yeah baby

17. 210 - Before I had to turn the sky into a fiery red popsicle this was one of my iconic faves. Luckily I have a nice file of the original color treatment. To me it's the only version

18. 211 - The Family. No, not the one from Omega Man, the Demonic one

19. 212 - The changeup! Variety they wanted, variety they got. Definitely in the top 5. This one made me giggle when I finished it. Graphic on a grand scale

20. 213 - This is a REAL story-telling cover. It has all the elements you need from the story (which I loved). This one was one of those covers that kind of told ME what to do. I get a real nice feeling when I look at it. I had a lot of fun inking this one, and because of a deadline log jam, I had to ink it in one sitting. 1:00 pm until 4:00 am. 15 hours at the table. Got in a great groove

So Mike, I think it's rather telling that most of my favorite covers sprang from your run.

That's a pint I owe you mate.

- T

You are too kind by far my brothers and sisters.

I can't tell you how much these comments mean to me. Truth be told, these past 7 years on Hellblazer have been like a love affair. Three things go through my mind as I work on every cover. My affection for this title and the character, as a long time fan. Answering my own expectations as an artist, striving to both challenge and please myself. And living up to the guys that sat in this position before me. . . . OK, four things. And finally , and I feel - most importantly - Pleasing the fans of this book, not necessarily in that order. Ok, that was like five things.

But I wasn't expecting a sort of Spanish Inquisition ;)

Anyway the point is I do it as much for you as for me. A lot of you know that I started at the bottom in the Role Playing Game Industry and worked my way into comics. I spent a lot of time on the other side of the table at conventions before I got a leg up. A lot of people don't give a shit what the fans think. Many of them don't even have the sand to ante up and give back.

To me that is just outright sad. It's never been my M.O. And at the risk of sounding maudlin, here's why.

There are times when I get up and go to my table and think, I just don't feel like working today.

I'm not feeling it. Call it a lack of inspirato or call it a hangover in high gear. There are times when I begin to take this career, this job for granted. Then I think about what it was like when every fiber of my being yearned to be doing this. I think of the long way I've come and I think of all the wonderful fans I'm lucky enough to have. Fans who's thoughts and opinions I value because I used to be (and still am) one of them.

Then I snap back to reality and the inspiration returns. You guys are a huge part of whatever magic I spin every month. Whether you see your name on a cover or not, you're there in every line and brushstroke.

So let me straighten you all out for a second. I should be the one thanking you.

Thanks for being there every month folks. It has truly been my pleasure.

- TB

And by the way Lou, I wish I could tell you more but Axel would have my ass ;)

Also - Never fear people. I've been crushed with deadlines and real life shit, but I will be getting the cover to 202 up on my sales site for the low rate we discussed as soon as I can. I'll let you all know when it's available. Sorry for the wait. There will be a lot more than that as well.

Cheers.

Oh , and my bad . . . there are two other covers that are entirely digital, 192, and 201.

OK so that's two and a half covers that are digital out of like 80 covers.

The other 77.5 covers are all by hand. That's my final answer ;)

- TB

Thanks John -

Also big thanks to Ade Brown.

Ade - I got this background from the shots you sent me. It was perfect to stand in as . . .

But that would be letting the cat out of the bag. Suffice it to say - Thanks Ade.

- TB

Fucksakes.

I'm sending this to John so he can post it for me. Don't know what the hell is going on with this thing today.

- TB

For a better understanding of the process check out the link John posted to 213 in his post.

It will show you the black and white line drawing. And if this attachment thing will work for me (it's being very laggy and wierd) you can see what that line drawing looks like when fully painted in photoshop.

In other words, here's a sneak peek at the finished 213 cover.

- TB

In fact, your recent digital work has been - in my opinion, at least - even better than your pen and ink stuff.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here's the misconception. Only the color is digital. I still hand draw with pen and ink, every cover. EVERY COVER, with the exception of issue 212 which is a combination of hand drawn and digital. Just wanted to clarify.

And thank you all for the kind wishes. A Hellblazer one-off is in the future, never fear. John Vankin and I have been discussing it. It won't happen for a while but my hope is to work with Denise Mina before she leaves the title. My one demand may be doing the cover as well. We'll see how it goes.

- TB

To my wonderful friends and supporters at Straight To Hell -

Sadly, after seven years on the title, I'm being lifted from my cover duties on Hellblazer.

I've been feeling this coming for a while. Heavier than usual art direction over the last year was my first clue. Prior to that I'd never really gotten much. "Do what you do" was the order of the day. It was a wonderful freedom to have. And still, in spite of the recent propensity for direction from on high the last year was a thorough pleasure.

When I left to work in Italy last May I was forced to make a decision with respect to my normal process of cover work. Not being sure of how I'd be able to print my black and white line art onto watercolor board for hand painting led me to go digital for color until last January. Expedience and a thick schedule prevented me and my painter (Grant Goleash) from switching back to that process in the 5 months since we returned. I'd been getting a lot of comments from upstairs concerning my more digital or photo realistic look since the switch. We tried a lot of different methods in an effort to make them look more hand painted but still we were met with a steady course of disapproval. Unfortunately while we were in Italy we simply had no choice. I've been told that this was a contributing factor to my losing the gig, which is indeed a shame (if this is true) given that I've done everything in my power to make every cover the best it can be. It's a little disturbing that a small change in technique should meet with such disapproval when the end result (in my opinion) can still go toe to toe with any cover art out there. I am extremely proud of the recent work and ultimately I know it's good shit. Like I said, this was a contributing factor.

I'm sure the real reason I'm leaving is based on the fact that Hellblazer sales are in the tank. Sales have been slowly declining every month (give or take a month here or there) since Azzarello left. This should have no reflection on Mike Carey. I think he's done a wonderful job and it's been a pleasure to work with him. Who can explain it? The movie didn't really help sales of the regular title and I'm sure DC was hoping to receive a boost because of it. But no, I think it's hovering somewhere around 14,000 books a month which is not too much above break even.

So here's what. DC is looking to revamp the title. To do that they need to throw a changeup. That means getting a new writer and a new cover artist. I don't think getting rid of Manco was an option since he's fairly new to the title and he's doing an excellent job. Mike was leaving anyway so no sweat for him. But for me it's a sad day when I finish my last stroke on the cover to issue 215. Hey, don't cry for me, it's been a GREAT run. I've had a ball every step of the way. I'm not going to act like some kind of jilted lover. The folks who run the show simply feel it's time for a change and they feel I'm expendable. It's not like I will have trouble getting work. I'm busier now than I have ever been after 19 years in the freelance shark tank. The rub for me is that I do not feel I've said all I can say with the character. The decision to stay or go was taken out of my hands and for me that's a shame. I'd have loved to have done it on my own terms.

I have no ill will towards anyone at DC. They had to make a hard decision on the flagship Vertigo title. I respect that. I'd rather see Hellblazer stay alive and on the shelves. If overhauling the book can accomplish that than more power to them.

My hope is that maybe someday I'll make a return to the title that I love so dearly. I think that would be wonderful thing. Think about it Vertigo, you know where to find me.

In seven years I have made some fantastic friends at Vertigo/DC. Some are gone now, some have moved on and most are still in the house. Big thanks to Karen Berger, Richard Brunning, Axel Alonso (who brought me to the title), Will Dennis, Tony Bedard, Mr. Jon Vankin, Casey Siejas, Jenny Lee, Zach Rau, Bill Kaplan, Stuart Moore, Shelly Roeberg (Bond), and the immortal Archie Goodwin.

And don't think I'm going anywhere folks. Here's what's coming up -

1. The Punisher - every month from Marvel

2. Bad Planet - Image/Raw Studios - coming in December.

Created and written by Thomas Jane and Steve Niles. Pencils by Lewis Larosa and inks by yours truly. Covers by Bradstreet, Bernie Wrightson, William Stout, and Dave Stevens.

3. Jonah Hex - upcoming cover for the mini written by Jimmy Palmiotti.

4. Movie posters for "The Lurkers" and "In The Blood" from Lion's Gate Films.

5. Sandman Mystery Theater - Covers for the 5 issues

6. Hellblazer: Warlord - By John Shirley - Cover art

7. Punisher: First Kill - By Garth Ennis - Cover art.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have helped me with reference, comments, advice and feedback.

Thanks to you folks for keeping me honest. A huge thanks to Mr. John McMahon, the man, the myth , the mugwump. Straight To Hell is truly the OFFICIAL Hellblazer site despite no actual affiliation with DC.

And just cause I'm leaving the book doesn't mean I'm leaving the boards here. You can't get rid of me that easily.

Cheers all - Tim Bradstreet

I'd pay real money to see Demon Constantine light a cigarette off the palm of his hand.

That would be mondo cool.

- TB

Not sure if the subject was brought to light or not. I only know that there seems to be speculation in this particular string.

And "cracking art" to be sure, James.

- TB

If Manco can keep this sort of standard up without the month's lead-time, his run has the potential to be everything you predict. - Can't wait for this arc to continue, really - as the last page would suggest, this was just a prelude to greater things to come.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And judging from the preview pages to 208 the prediction looks to be right on track.

I see what you are saying about the Bridge Of Souls, but I'd like to impress upon you that the script's descriptions can get a little daunting. I'd go out of my mellon if I had to draw the shit that Carey puts in the scripts (I'm talking the HELL stuff here), I mean . . . It never stops. I honestly don't know how Manco does it. He's gotta be single cause I don't think there is any way a wife would put up with talking to the back of his head while he pencils and inks 15 hours a day.

Like I said before, these are not "walk through" panels and pages, it's not a quick style like Sean's interiors were (and by quick I mean stylistically more simple). Every page is full bore.

I wasn't so sure about Manco at first when he showed up with the Out Of Season arc. I mean I thought he was OK but when I learned he was taking over I had my doubts. Then I didn't see any of his issues for a while (cause I was in Italy), I had no access to comps. Then I get home and I have this All His Engines thing and 3 issues. I became a believer very quickly.

If Manco sticks on this book and keeps the level of his work to this high degree, he's gonna own this bitch. And the sick part is he can get better. Do we have a star in the making?

- TB