K Lynn Smith Loves Johngy's Beat

I had the pleasure of interviewing creator K Lynn Smith at C2E2 2021. That interview can be found at On the Beat With K Lynn Smith at C2E2 2021.

During the interview, K Lynn presented me with her version of the Johngy character. It's another beauty that will be added to my Wall of Johngy at home.

After the interview, she was kind enough to do a promo video for Johngy's Beat. We appreciate it greatly and in return we encourage all to check out KLynnSmith.net to see all of her fantastic work. Also, check C2E2.com for more info on C2E2 2022, running August 5-7.

Ali Cantarella Loves Johngy's Beat

Johngy's Beat Contributor Joey Roth and I interviewed artist Ali Cantarella at C2E2. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Ali Cantarella at C2E2.

I have been a fan of Ali's work for years. A couple years ago, I asked Ali to do her version of the Johngy character. The next time I saw her, she presented me with her creation which blew me away. I made a special Cantarella Ink Edition Johngy's Beat shirt and presented it to her at C2E2.

Ali was kind enough to do a promo for Johngy's Beat while wearing the shirt she designed. How cool is that?

I return the favor and encourage all to check out Cantarella.Ink to see all of Ali's beautiful works. Also, follow her on social media to see the latest fun things she is doing. Lastly, go to C2E2.com for updates and news on C2E2 2022.

Art Baltazar Loves Johngy's Beat

I had the pleasure of doing an update interview with world famous cartoonist Art Baltazar at C2E2. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2021.

Interviews with Art are always fun. I never know exactly where they will go, but they always go several interesting places.

After the interview, Art was kind enough to do a promo for Johngy's Beat. I appreciate that greatly and encourage all to check out ArtBaltazar.com for all of his awesome work. Also, check out his Aw Yeah Comics Store if you ever get the chance. You might even see me at the Skokie location.

Tom Richmond Loves Johngy's Beat

Johngy's Beat Contributor Joey Roth and I interviewed the legendary Tom Richmond of Mad Magazine at C2E2. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Tom Richmond at C2E2 2021.

After the interview, Tom was kind enough to send a shout out to Johngy's Beat. We appreciate it greatly and return the favor by encouraging all to check out TomRichmond.com to see all of the cool work Tom does.

Natisha Hiedeman Loves Johngy's Beat

I have been a fan of Natisha Hiedeman since her time at Marquette. I have watched (and cheered) as she has grown into a solid WNBA player.

TSpoon was selected by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round (18th overall) of the 2018 WNBA Draft. She bounced around a bit before appearing in her first WNBA game. After the draft, she was traded to teh Connecticut Sun, waived by the Sun, signed and waived by the Atlanta Dream and finally signed again by the Sun, where she has been since.

Last season, she started five of the 32 games and averaged 20.2 minutes per game. She averaged 7.6 points, 1.9 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game.

A couple weeks ago, Natisha was kind enough to send a shout out to Johngy's Beat. This is one of the coolest promo videos I have gotten. I really appreciate her effort.

I encourage everyone to follow Natisha at WNBA.com. Also look for her fashion line at LonerBoi.com and check her tunes on most music platforms.

 

On the Beat With Tom Richmond at C2E2 2021

My post-event coverage of C2E2 brings us to Tom Richmond. I have interviewed the legendary caricaturist before, but it had been too long since our last one. That changed when Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth got an update from Tom. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Tom Richmond at C2E2 2021.

A major part of Tom's career involves his work at Mad magazine. Naturally, that came up in the interview. With the sad decline of the print industry, kids today won't know the joys we had of getting the new Mad. Even as an adult, perhaps even more because I get some of the jokes and connections, I always enjoyed Mad. Meeting Tom was a thrill years ago and it remains cool to this day. I am sure Joey felt the same. Tom is a legend in the industry.

Tom is also very cool and always up for a chat on or off camera. He also graciously agreed to do his version of the Johngy character, a piece of art which now hangs on my wall. Years ago seeing Tom's work in Mad, I never thought I would meet him and I certainly didn't think he would create a caricature of me.

For more info on Tom, go to TomRichmond.com. Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2021

My post-event coverage of C2E2 2021 takes me to Art Baltazar. You never know what fun will be had in an interview with Art. Last year, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth had the pleasure of handling the interview, but this year, I talked  to Art. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2021.

The interviews can be informative, but they can also be silly fun. We start off my discussing Art's growing beard. You decide which category that fits. For Art it might be both. His interviews are really some of the most unique ones I have done.

Art has so much going on in his head and on his drawing table, but he always has time to chat and laugh. In this interview, Art does give a glimpse into current projects, with a hint about other stuff forthcoming. Some news he can't reveal yet. Some news he doesn't even know yet. That's part of the fun and why I keep bugging him for more updates.

Art also is co-owner of Aw Yeah Comics, my favorite comics store just blocks from my condo. There are other locations in Muncie, Indiana and New York. How Muncie and Skokie fit in with New York is another mystery I will unravel with Art at some point.

This interview was fun as always. It ended with Art laying out a challenge to Joey for his wrestling championship belt. Some day, that match has to happen.

Go to ArtBaltazar.com for more info on Art and his art (like he never gets tired of that joke). Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Jared Bartemeyer at C2E2 2021

Today, I present the last interview I did at C2E2 2021. This interview came as the result of happenstance and an energetic promoter.

I thought I had finished my work at C2E2 when I came upon a booth running a movie trailer. A positive man approached me, with an enthusiastic soft pitch for the movie. He offered to introduce me to the man behind the project. When Jared Bartemeyer started talking about the project, I became intrigued and asked for the interview at that point. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Jared Bartemeyer at C2E2 2021.

A Chicago area native, Jared is the owner and publisher of the made-fr-screen epic Eden Skye. The story is described as "chronicling the life's journey of a young woman named Lyra, her journey home and the vast expanse of what it means to belong. Watch the video to get a better description, straight from Jared.

What struck me the most is Jared saying he produced something he wanted to watch that he hadn't seen. He didn't follow some current trend. He produced from his own vision and passion and that is what will lead to his ultimate success.

I also learned his energetic frontman was his dad! It's the perfect team. Dad knew how to draw people in, as I was just one of many folks intrigued by the trailer. I look forward to seeing both of them again at a future con and getting an update on this project.

Until then, I encourage all to go to AeonianDawn.com for more info on Jared and his work. Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Michael Watson at C2E2 2021

My post-event coverage of C2E2 2021 brings me to Michael Watson for the first time. Actually, Victor Dandridge (seen here last week) brought me to Michael. Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth handled the introduction interview with Michael. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Michael Watson at C2E2 2021.

I love the interplay between Michael and Victor. It's obvious they work well together and have a similar vision. They both are doing great things in the industry.

Michael is a freelance artist at Upper Deck and the Publisher/Lead Creative at Freestyle Komics, among other things. He is currently promoting his Kickstarter campaign for Emerald Quest #1. It is billed as "a world of might and magic seen through the eyes of a young warrior." There are three issue of Emerald Quest already done and issue #4 is written.

Michael talked about Emerald Quest and his other projects in the interview. After returning home, I checked out his Kickstarter page and was intrigued by the summary and trailer. I see why Michael is so excited. This looks great.

I love discovering creators I haven't met previously, especially such positive influences like Michael (and Victor). I look forward to seeing Michael again and getting an update from him. Maybe even a joint interview with him and Victor for double fun?

Go to FSKGO.com for more info on Michael's Kickstarter campaign. Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With DJ Corchin at C2E2 2021

My post-C2E2 coverage brings me to DJ Corchin. Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth handled the interview with DJ. That interview can be found at On the Beat With DJ Corchin at C2E2 2021.

DJ Corchin is a children's book author and illustrator. His colorful books are very eye-catching at his booth at comic cons. DJ is a Chicago area native and a fellow DePaul grad. His career started in music, but along the way he discovered a passion for children's picture books. This lead him to create You Got a Boogie, his first book.

Writing entertaining and informative children's books is a double challenge, but one DJ handles very well. In his books, fantastically artwork accompanies fun writing to present wonderful lessons. As Joey discusses with him, especially now, these books are so important. His books are obviously successful and popular, as he now has produced a whopping 24.

Go to DJCorchin.com for more info on DJ. Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Victor Dandridge at C2E2 2021

 My post-C2E2 2021 coverage leads me to Victor Dandridge Jr., the hardest working man in comics. I have interviewed him a few times. This time, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth handled the interview. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Victor Dandridge at C2E2.com.

I have known Victor for years. He was one of the first creators I got to know. Over the years, I have seen him grow as a real force in the comic industry. I can name all of his works through his company Vantage: Inhouse, but perhaps his most significant work is through U Cre-8 Comics.

The story of how U Cre-8 Comics came to be starts with a young Victor  Admittedly a hater of reading, young Victor's interest in reading was sparked by the announcement of the death of Superman. His mom bought him comics and he quickly became an avid reader. Then he became a creator.

Victor cites the opportunities and education comics provided him for the reason he felt compelled to pay it forward. Thus U Cre-8 Comics was born.

Talking to Victor, you can feel his passion for everything he does, but he has a special gleam in his eye talking about U Cre-8 Comics. It is obviously something special for him, as well as all of the young creators.

Despite being the hardest working man in comics, Victor still makes time for the youngsters and that should be applauded and recognized. It's wonderful to see such a talented and busy person growing the industry and teaching the youth.

For more info on Victor, go to VantageInhouse.com and Ucre8comics.com. Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Trevor Mueller at C2E2 2021

My post-event coverage of C2E2 2021 takes us to Trevor Mueller. Another long-time favorite of mine, I have talked to Trevor several times, but somehow never interviewed him. That changed at C2E2 2021. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Trevor Mueller at C2E2 2021.

Trevor is the writer of the multi-Harvey Award nominated webseries Albert the Alien, among many other works. Albert the Alien intrigued me when I first saw it on a banner at his booth years ago and not just because it was a cool drawing. There are a lot of alien stories and series out there. It takes something special to make one that really stands out.  Albert the Alien is unique.  It's fun, but it also contains some life lessons. It is an "all ages" book. It might seem to be aimed at youngsters, but the themes in the book can be applied throughout life.

We talked about Albert the Alien and how it came to be. I always want to know how one specific idea sticks in a creator's mind, as opposed to the many ideas that roll through their minds. Of course, Trevor also talked about other things, like working through the pandemic. I have a lot more questions for Trevor, but this was just our introductory interview. In the future, I plan on revisiting Trevor to delve deeper into his work.

Go to TrevorAMueller.com for more info on Trevor. You should also follow him on social media. Especially entertaining is Qsday Tuesday when he answers any questions with legit thought and sharp humor. Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With K Lynn Smith at C2E2 2021

My C2E2 post-event coverage brings me to K Lynn Smith,who I finally interviewed. Although I have been a fan of her work, this was our first interview. I have wanted to get an interview for a long time, but the usual chaos of cons prevented that. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With K Lynn Smith at C2E2 2021.

It's funny what stands out in a hall filled with creators. For me with K Lynn, it was her snarling self-caricature that caught my eye. Once drawn to her booth, I fell in love with her other artwork, too.

In addition to her amazing art, she also published the For Goodness' Sake series. She describes it as swearing, bad jokes and struggling (recommended for ages 15 and up). The three concepts come together to make a highly entertaining read. I can relate to all three of those concepts.

K Lynn has other cool art and book creations as well as a few new ones coming soon. One of her latest though is a special one to me.

Earlier this year, I asked her about doing her version of the Johngy character. She very graciously agreed to put her talents into a special version. The result is so cool. I very much appreciate and LOVE it!

Follow K Lynn at KLynnSmith.net. Also, check C2E2.com for info and news on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Franco at C2E2 2021

My post-event coverage of C2E2 continues with creator Franco. After interviewing Franco at C2E2 2021, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth once again talks to him for an update interview. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Franco at C2E2 2021.

Franco is the artist and co-writer with Art Baltazar of Tiny Titans. The two creators won the 2009 and 2011 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids. The pair won another Eisner in 2014 for Best Publication for early readers with Itty Bitty Hellboy. Franco has a fantastic artist and is very popular on the comics scene. His resume and portfolio is quite impressive as you can see on ComicBookDB (the Comic Book database).

Franco also partnered with Sara Richard on The Ghost, The Owl. I listed The Ghost, The Owl in Great Reads for Global Traveler magazine. As I state in the interview, while The Ghost, The Owl might be aimed at kids, I find it immensely entertaining. The text goes perfectly with the artwork. It is a beautiful marriage and I was mesmerized the first time I read it.

Along with Art, Franco owns Aw Yeah Comics, my favorite comic store. Conveniently located a couple blocks from my condo, I get all of my comics there and love their occasional in-store events.

For more info on Franco, check BlindWolfStudios.com and AwYeahComics.com. Also, check C2E2.com for updates and news.

On the Beat With Ali Cantarella at C2E2 2021

I start my post-event coverage of C2E2 with Ali Cantarella. Special Johngy's Beat Contributor Joey Roth was back to do an update interview with Ali. You can find that interview at On the Beat With Ali Cantarella at C2E2 2021.

The highlight of the interview for me was having Joey present Ali with the Johngy's Beat shirt that she designed. That was surpassed Sunday when Ali wore the shirt at her booth. Seriously, I can't tell you how cool that was.

I have been a fan of Ali and her work for years. I asked her to do her version of the Johngy character to be hung on my wall and I was so blown away by it, I had to make it into a Limited Edition Cantarella Ink Johngy shirt (available at Pro Wrestling Tees). It was the first new version of my shirt since I started this venture and there's nobody better to do that than Ali.

I was originally drawn to Ali's cute pet portraits. I don't have any pets, but I do have a goofy logo. When I approached Ali, she eagerly accepted my request and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Ali doesn't just do pet portraits though. If you follow her on social media (and you should), you see she does wall murals, outside projects for several communities and many other amazingly beautiful works.

It was fun seeing Ali again and to be at a comic con in general. I am already looking forward to more comic con fun in 2022 and I am sure I will see Ali at a few of them at least!

Go to Cantarella.Ink for more info on Ali and her beautiful work. Check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

On the Beat With Coach Brooke Atkinson of New Mexico State WBB

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Coach Brooke Atkinson of the New Mexico State University women's basketball team. Coach Atkinson took time out of her busy schedule to discuss several topics about her career, the Aggies and more. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Coach Brooke Atkinson.

Coach Atkinson spent her playing days at Western Nebraska Community College (1998-00) and Wichita State (2000-02). Shortly after her playing career ended, she started her coaching career as an assistant at NM State in 2003. Eight seasons at NM State were followed by three at the University of South Dakota and three at Colorado State, before Coach Atkinson returned to NM State as the head coach for the 2017-18 season.

Heading into this season, Coach Atkinson had compiled a 65-50 record at NM State. Some highlights include earning WAC Coach of the Year honors in the 2017-18 season, while guiding the Aggies to their first bid to the WNIT since 2010. The following season, the Aggies went 26-7, including a 17-game winning streak, tied for longest in program history.

NM State is 3-2 on this young season. Their last scheduled game Wednesday against UTEP was postponed due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing within the UTEP program. The game will be rescheduled later in the season. Prior to that game, the Aggies blast played Saturday, beating Tennessee Tech 66-52 to improve to 3-2 for the season.

We covered a wide range of topics, starting with when Coach Atkinson knew coaching was in her future. Me moved on to recruiting during the pandemic and in general, including Coach listing some of the strong points of NM State. Coach Atkinson gave her thoughts on the possible NCAA tournament expansion to 68 teams, social media and promoting women's basketball. I ended by asking Coach Atkinson about her favorite activities outside of basketball and when she listed travel as one, I followed by asking her favorite destinations.

I thank Coach Atkinson for her time during the busy season. I wish the Aggies a lot of luck. I hope to do an update interview with Coach Atkinson deeper into the season.

On the Beat With DePaul WBB Game One

The season opener was Allie Quigley Night for the DePaul Blue Demons Women's Basketball Team. With WNBA champ Quigley, the Blue Demons played like champs, crushing Texas Southern University 114-71.

First year player Aneesah Morrow was the star of the night. Playng her first regular season game, Morrow scored 31 points on 13-16 shooting. She is the first player in Coach Doug Bruno's DePaul career to score that many points in her freshman debut.

Morrow also grabbed a team-leading nine rebounds, falling just one short of a double-double. This prompted Coach Bruno to take a lighthearted jab at Morrow in the post-game media session for not hitting that milestone. Not missing a beat, Quigley retorted Coach Bruno should have kept Morrow in the game. This exchange caused a nice round of laughter from all.

Rounding out her dominating performance, Morrow had four steals and three blocks. Media members in press row were trying to recall any first game performance like this.

This game was never in doubt. TSU scored the first points, but DePaul took over from there, leading 35-18 after the first quarter and 60-27 at halftime. DePaul and Morrow were so dominating, Morrow actually matched TSU in scoring in the first half.

The lead was so big, Coach Bruno was able to give his bench a lot of playing time. Even with bench players in the game, DePaul played even with TSU as they cruised to the 43 point win.

In addition to Morrow, three other Blue Demons finished in double digits. Deja Church had 21, Dee Bekelja had 17 off the bench and Darrione Rogers poured in 11. Lexi Held had seven assists and six points.

For the game, DePaul shot 67.6% (46-68) from the field, 58.3% ()7-12) from three point land and 78.9% (15-19) from the free throw line. TSU shot 37.7% (29-77), 15.0% (3-20) and 90.9% (10-11), respectively.

It was a bit surreal in the post game media session with DePaul great Quigley sitting next to the rising star Morrow. It was a total feel good session, as all celebrated DePaul's past and future.

DePaul returns to action Friday night at Wintrust. They will face city rival Loyola University.

On Monday, Quigley, Coach Bruno and Held participated in a Zoom press session which can be found at On the Beat With Allie Quigley, Coach Doug Bruno & Lexi Held.

On the Beat With Coach Tamara Inoue

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tamara Inoue, Head Coach of UC Irvine Women's basketball team, for Global Women's Sports Radio. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Tamara Inoue.

Coach Inoue is in her sixth season leading the UC Irvine women's basketball program. Despite the time crunch of a busy pre-season schedule, Coach Inoue was gracious enough to give me her time for an interview.

Coach Inoue took over the UCI program for the 2016-17 season, inheriting a team that won 12 games over the previous two seasons. In her first season leading the Anteaters, the team went 5-26. The team quickly found success though, going 65-52 in the next four seasons, including reaching the Big West Tournament championship game last season. For her efforts last season, Inoue was named 2020-21 Big West Co-Coach of the Year.

Inoue had an interesting patch to UCI. A player at Laguna Hills High School, she was later inducted into the Hawks' Hall of Fame. She went on to play at Long Beach State University and also earned a degree in Criminal Justice. She then went to Australia to play and coach for six years. An injury cut short her playing career, but not her coaching. She earned Coach of the Year honors in Australia's Victorian Basketball League in 2006-07 and won the national championship the next season. Returning to the United States, Inoue had a couple coaching stints prior to joining UCI.

In our interview, Coach Inoue discussed her start in coaching, her Australian experience, her biggest coaching challenge, recruiting and more. She also gave a scouting report on the Anteaters. Of course, Coach Inoue did not make predictions, but coming off a second place finish with a conference record of 11-4, (15-9 overall), the Anteaters should be in the Big West title race again. Coach Inoue did say her team is young and the early season will be tough, but she likes it that way.

The Anteaters open the 2021-22 season on Tuesday, November 9 hosting Westcliff University. They have two more home games against Southern Utah and San Diego State before they hit the road.

I greatly appreciate Coach Inoue's time in giving us this interview. We plan to get an update from Coach Inoue during the season. Until then, we wish much success to the Anteaters.

On the Beat With Stephanie Han

Through Global Women's Sports Radio, I had the pleasure to be "On the Beat" with boxer Stephanie Han. With a fight just a few days away on Saturday, October 30, Stephanie was gracious enough to give me a few minutes of her time to talk about her life and the upcoming match, despite her busy training schedule and life.

"The Enforcer" comes from a family of fighters. When Stephanie steps in the ring Saturday, it will be her first pro fight, but she basically has been training for this her whole life. With a father and siblings all in boxing, it was the natural path for Stephanie to take. Stephanie brings a lifetime of training experience into her match with Amy "La Picosita" Salinas on Saturday.

Five days from the fight, Stephanie is completely focused. Even in the interview, you can see her intensity. When I asked Stephanie about her boxing style, she chose to keep that under wraps for now, preferring to let her opponent find out Saturday. Why potentially give away any strategy? That's a true competitor. Stephanie also talked about her start in boxing, the potential pressures because of her boxing family, her training, her mindset and more.

Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Stephanie Han. You can watch her match and the rest at Boxing Fright Night on Facebook Live starting at 6:00 p.m.

Chicago Blitz Coach Sidney Lewis Loves Johngy's Beat

Earlier this year, I attended a Chicago Blitz practice session. I interviewed Coach Sidney Lewis and several players. That set of interviews can be found at On the Beat With the Chicago Blitz. After the interview, Coach Sid was kind enough to do a promo for Johngy's Beat.

Coach Sid has a tough job ahead. The (rebranded) X League hasn't played in two years. He is also following the legendary Coach Keith Hac, who guided the Bliss to four LFL championships.

No announcements have been made recently about the return of the X League. I think it wil return in some form at least. I hope Coach Sid is still there, because he's a good guy and a solid coach. I am interested to see what he can do with a whole new Blitz squad.

I have my eyes on the situation and will report back here when anything develops. Let's hope the Blitz take the field for real in 2022.