Hello All!
Holly Golightly here…or Holly G! I like both… Miss Holly is okay too. Troy has so generously extended an invitation to blog here at Newsarama!
How groovy is that?
Well just so ya know - I’m VP/creator at Jim Balent’s (my hubby) BroadSword Comics… I’ve done pencils, inks, colours and more for other companies, and still do - but most happiest workin’ just for us!
I thought I’d share what’s comin’ out of our studio this year.
Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose, will turn 9 years old on March 2009! So of course we celebrate with a limited edition Photo Cover.
It will be issue # 55 and will start a new multi-part story arc called, “Shades of Magick.”
Lotsa Faeries, creatures, and Magick of all sorts in this… even a WEREWOLF! Lovers of fantasy and adventure will be tickled by this chapter of Tarot’s life!
Tonya Kay, also known as “Creature” on the Sci Fi channel TV show “Who Wants To Be a Superhero,” will make her first appearance in issue #55 as well! I say first because like, Fiona Horne, soon… she and her special brand of Magick will be featured in an issue with Tarot!
I’ve just completed production and have ready to roll the Hard Cover Elite Edition of Tarot Trade Vol. #1. The original print run had sold out some time ago and there wasn’t a week that went by without someone asking for a copy sooooo TADA! All the info is on our web site (mature viewers only please) at www.jimbalent.com.
This weekend… Tarot TPB Vol. 7 the German Edition goes into production! YAY!!!
Then I hope to jump onto my Fears & Ears, A Survival Guide to Orlando, Florida for Goths, Geeks & Freaks! I’m adding a few new chapters to update the next edition… love to have that done before Winter ends!
You can visit my web site (all age viewing) for info and such at www.schoolbites.net!
I also hope to start a webcomic of School Bites up . We’re working with www.myebooks.com and I have Vampfire #1 up there and I’m quite happy with the company and their software, because you can add music-video clips and hot links Interactive heaven!
Comicbook Trailer for Jim Balent’s Tarot #53
Yeah… this is like a grocery list of things to do–buuut that’s pretty much what we do… But we love it!
Since this is my first time blogging here–I’m not sure how this will work, but if you have any questions or good recipes you wish to share… here I am!
Oh–if you wanna friend us on MySpace here are our addys:
www.myspace.com/jimbalent www.myspace.com/hollywitch
Best Witches & Much Magick!
Holly G!
P.S. Newsarama has included an image for Tarot #56 for your perusal — please enjoy!
January 12th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
…I’m speechless.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Can’t wait for the responses here…
Tarot is one of our best-selling indie books, so I’m always happy for more Tarot!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
http://www.the-isb.com/?p=980
January 12th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Comic nerds like tits, I am shocked and awed.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Thank You Ryan!
So happy to make you happy!
Sigh…
We have a lot of very groovy female readers,
guys….if we’re not your cup of tea…then don’t drink.
And Matt if that’s all you see- then I’m sure I’d never have
a conversation on who was the Best Dr Who-or that Frank Thorne’s Red Sonya Rules….you’d be too bizy looking elsewhere-
: P
and I always have this quote ready for snarky ‘reviewers’
“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations, the new needs friends.”
January 12th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Jim and Holly are totally the best. They always respond to questions quickly, and are always friendly!!!
Tarot, for me, is just a joy to read. The stories are amazing, the artwork beautiful, and the colors are simply magick!
They are great people, and will always have this chicks support.
<3
January 12th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
The 10th doctor is my favorite, the others were before my time.
I still am not sure what attracts comic fans to Tarot besides this: http://www.the-isb.com/images/Tarot53b.jpg
January 12th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I’ve never read Tarot before, but I think it’s worth giving a shot.
Yes, comic nerds like breasts… but minus a good story it’s just porn… might as well give it a shot and see if it’s any good.
January 12th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Hey Holly,
Batsy here (BatWolverine). Have been a regular Tarot reader since loooooong time. Have almost all issues (in singles or TPBs). ‘m missing the first few…but not for long. ‘m looking forward to the HC vol.1
…and to #55, #56, #…well, you get the idea.
-B-
January 12th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I have been a fan of Tarot since issue one and yes I own them all and I will remain a fan of Tarot. If you can’t see past the big boobs then you are wayyyy to immature for this comic.
January 12th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
While it has it’s ups and downs like any other comic, hells there’s some good shit in there. If ya love stuff like Slave Girls From Beyond Infinity or Sorority Babes in the Slime-Ball Bowl-A-Rama (two personal fave flicks of mine… horror, hawt chicks, and humour) then you’ll love Tarot. It’s got some clever shit going on in there that not everyone gets… perhaps you have to have a sarcastic sense of humour sometimes to really enjoy some of it… oh well that’s the kind of humour everyone says I like anyhow. And hell, if I’m gonna look at art, I’d rather it be Raven Hex than Men in Tights anyday.
Then again I’m old enough to know it’s better n’ sitting around in my parent’s basement painting Warhammer 40k Models like some people.
January 12th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
In addition to beautiful color, strong detail, sensual images and, yes, boobs, Tarot has consistently communicated a positive message around issues like bad body image/low self esteem, rising above your weaknesses, confronting evil in the every day, and the balance between the positive and negative elements inside every person. Sometimes it’s a really moving story, and sometimes it’s just a darned fun romp, but Tarot never fails to bring a smile. I applaud Jim and Holly for having the courage to make and sell a comic based around ’shocking’ ideas (like women being half naked and comfortable with that), and for undercutting the idea that nudity=tasteless. I can’t wait to see the next issue, and best of luck to you both with all of your great projects!
January 12th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Hey Matt- did you READ that issue? Or are you just basing your comment off the surface reaction you get when looking at that image? Personally, parts of that issue freaked me out a bit (in concept). Also, I think it’s got one of the best comic book lines I’ve ever read. I’m sure you’d agree, if you’d read it. And if you DID read it, and didn’t enjoy it, perhaps you should try one of the less horror-slanted issues? Or perhaps one of the multiple-issue story arcs, which are more character driven.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I can’t say I like TAROT, but you seem like a sweetheart so good luck with the column. Ignore the trolls… they have nothing to offer anyway (damn, they come out of the woodwork fast).
I love your quote about criticism. The more I learn about the world, the truer it is. Who is the source? It’s brilliant.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Jim and Holly were the friendliest artists at the San Diego Comic con this year. There really is far more to their comics than what you might see on the cover. Don’t judge till you’ve actually read a Tarot comic. They are great comics in my opinion. I can only hope that some day I’ll be like them someday making the comics that they love and being successful at it.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
great folks even greater comics! &the other great tarot related merchandise on the webbsite is straight offthe hook! seriously but…and you just knew there was going to be a but coming i still keep hopeing that ile see a chromium cover to add to my collection! maybee in time for the 100th issue? ide by two!
January 12th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Welcome! Hey maybe I’ll come here now.
January 12th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Unfortunately, I was late to finding out about Tarot, it has only been a couple of months since I picked up the second TP, on a whim. But since then I have truly enjoyed this comic, and have the utmost respect for both Holly and Jim. Tarot is a beautiful comic in every possible way, and as a practicing witch, I find it truly amazing. Its about time that Wicca is displayed in a positive way in the comic book realm. Great job Holly and Jim! I look forward to many more issues of this great work.
January 12th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
For those that wonder what attracts readers to Tarot, perhaps it has something to do with the positive messages that are in the storylines. Messages that are delivered from the heart without being preachy.
As for who is attracted to the book, looking at the line of people at the Broadsword booth at Comic-con year after year Jim and Holly have a diverse and loyal following of fans. Some of us see each other just once a year as we run into each other at their booth.
Though I have enjoyed Jim’s work prior to Tarot, I have to say I am very grateful for the work Holly and Jim do on this book as it has quite often echoed a message that I knew but had been subconsciously avoiding facing until I saw it delivered in such a unique style.
Keep up the great work guys for every snarky naysayer you have many loyal fans that love you both and Tarot, Raven and the gang as well.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thanks Everyone…OOXXX
Anything you guys wanna see in the next blog?
oh Peace…
that quote is Anton Ego from Ratatouille…
Yes Remy is joining my Disney tats on my arm this year…
love that flick!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Holly, to collaborate with you is a dream come true … you’ve made this little witch’s lucid dreams come true!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Love the comic, love the creators! Holly G. and Jim are so fan-friendly and their art is so beautiful. I agree with some of the previous posts: I had rather look at beautiful ladies et all any day!
Holly: I would love to hear some “inside scoop” on the process of how you guys make the comics. It might inspire us to fulfill our (my) dreams of self-publishing comics!
Look forward to more!
January 14th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Tonya!…Jim is so psyched to be working with you!
I’m the lucky Witch that gets to perform colour Magick on you!
heehee
Target242
I believe the next blog will have a bit of that…
but the process is more or less…WORK
heehee
Hexy Hugs!
January 15th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Rock on, Holly!
Blog@NEWSARAMA has now gotten even cooler!
Since we’re both now onboard here we’ll have to do some sort of combo-blog or something at some point…
January 16th, 2009 at 9:06 am
it sure is cool!!! It’s 3 degrees outside!!!!
AAAAAHHHH!
Okay a blog duet…
whatcha wanna blog about Dirky?
het where are my emotioncons…
mmmm?
: P