Comic Creator News
First, I would like to thank all the great members we currently have on SketchMagazine.net. I hope to see the projects you’re all creating.
Where have I been…
So, a lot has happened since I last reached out to everyone. Many delays have occurred because of my day job. As many of you know, I own a video game store (Nostalgic Video Games), and over the last year, I have opened a Retro Arcade called Nostalgic Arcade. This has taken a lot of time with remodeling a space to house the arcade, and just when I believed I was ready to get back here, my lease on the warehouse and office space ended, causing us to have to move the warehouse (thousands of games and accessories, along with workspaces and offices). That has now been completed. Thank goodness, because I’m exhausted, but I’m ready to embark on some creative adventures of my own. Several announcements are coming soon.
For anyone new to the email list, you might be wondering who I am and why you should care about what we have to say here at Sketch Magazine/Blue Line Art.
My name is Robert W. Hickey, and I have published comic books for over 40 years. In that time, I’ve packaged comics for some of the top 5 publishers. I had the top-selling comic for a major Indie publisher, and my comics were packaged in mass-distribution bundles along with Image Comics you can still find in stores today. I’ve self-published many other creators along with my own comics, building a whole universe of characters.
I created and published an online comic strip and became a #1 bestselling author on Amazon with my novel Camelot Forever, which now has an audiobook via Audible/Amazon.
My brother and I created a whole line of comic book art supplies with Blue Line Pro, which gave many artists quality pre-printed art boards/papers, and published over 45 issues of Sketch Magazine, helping artists with tips and techniques. Sketch also gave me the opportunity to interview comic book greats such as Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefield, Frank Cho, David Mack, and many more.
I have run several successful Kickstarters for publishing comic books and look forward to doing so again soon.
We have opened and run over 6 comic book stores in and around the Northern KY/Cincinnati, OH area.
And, lying on my art table now are the beginnings of a video game developed from one of my projects and a basic outline for an animation for Paradox Wars.
Yes, I also like to create and tell stories.
I have two great friends, Bill Nichols and Chris Dreier, both established comic book creators, who are also going to help share as much information as we can gather for you.
I will also reach out to creators I have met over the years, doing conventions from San Diego Comic-Con to New York Comic-Con and hundreds of locations in between. Many of these creators have become friends and comrades in the comic book industry.
Purpose of this newsletter?
Simple… to share as much information about creating comic books and other creative adventures as possible.
Sketchmagazine.net was the beginning. Now we’re modifying the Sketch Discord channel, YouTube Channel, and podcast outlets to offer a community for Sketch/Blue Line creators. So, stay tuned for more updates.
I promise most updates won’t be this long. We just figure you might be wondering where we’ve been.
Take care,
Robert W. Hickey
Comic Book Creator
Current Project: Imaginarium Chronicles Video Game
Patreon – Discord – YouTube – Steam Wishlist
