Date: January 28, 2006 5:17 pm ET


Eric Clyde Gill and Sol Leon Chance talk comics with Junior Davis

Hello Folks, I had the pleasure of speaking to two young men, Eric Clyde Gill and Sol Leon Chance , this Saturday morning. This is what Close to the Coast is all about; spotlighting folks in the community and surroundings area. Well, these two men are doing something that I have always dreamt of doing next to starting my own magazine- they are starting their own comic book company with tons of original characters and storylines to no ends. What makes this company stands out from the rest is what I learned in the interview.

We met on a beautiful Saturday afternoon around noon at Books-A-Millions in Joe Mugs, the coffee café. As I was seated across from Eric in the café's seating area, I glanced to look at the array of folks in the café. As I begin to get comfortable sipping on my Sam Choice's water, I begin to press record on my digital recorder and plug in an external microphone so I could ensure I would pick up on every word from the two men.

Here is the Interview I had with Eric and our very own Games and Comics Editor, Sol.

JD: Eric, how are you doing today?
EG: I am doing well.

JD: Before we get started, could you tell us a little about yourself?
SC: (playfully saying) I guess we can't cuss on here.
JD: No, (laughing) I really have this digital advice for me-old age. So, Eric tell us about yourself?
EG: Well, it is not much to tell. My full is Eric Clyde Gill, um.. do I need to go into more details? (pause for a second) I am 29 years old. That's about it. I really do not think abut myself much.

JD: Ok, I heard from a reliable source (looking over at Sol's way) that you are working on a new project? Could you tell me and our audience a little about the project?
EG: It is a book about Werewolves and Vampires pretty much. Our favorite thing! And before Underworld came out, we were talking about a Hybrid of sorts but we did not get our out in time.
JD: So, you guys are going to scratch that idea.
EG: No, we are going with it. I never did like the look of the Hybrid in Underworld but we are still going with our idea but in a different way. (laughing) We have changed the storyboard so many times.

JD: Could you give us some insights on the main characters?
EG: Our main character is a hybrid. Her father was a werewolf; mother was a vampire.

JD: Tell me a little about yourself? How did you get started drawing.
EG: Hmm, how did I get started drawing? Mostly doodling, most of the things I draw I really don't like so I throw them away. I don't have anything to work with. When kids were drawing stick figures in my elementary class, I was drawing somewhat fuller characters somewhat childish though.

JD: What or who inspired you to draw?
EG: No one really. Cartoon characters I would have to say. Way back in elementary school (laughing) this is a funny thing, when I was a kid, when other kids would get Valentine cards, I wouldn't care much for the writing or whom it was from. I would focus more on the drawing of the characters on them. Plus, I would sneak to take a look at the comics in my brother's closet. He always got mad at me. It wasn't into we move from Virginia Beach and he moved out that I picked up a comic of my own. I think it was Transformer or Thundercats.
JD: I remember them-not to age myself.

JD: What is the most difficult part there is to finding an outlet for your project? In order words, what obstacle do you face?
EG: The biggest obstacle is myself. I am very lazy. I am a dreamer. I am more of a dreamer than a doer. This is the same problem I been having this is why it has taking so many years to get this thing off the ground. There will be one month of the year where I am totally into the project and a week later I will fall off. It is back and forth right now.

JD: So, what do you think would be the catalyst to fuel your (searching for a word) interests?
EG: Umm, kick in the rear!
JD: Yeah, kick in the rear?.
SC: Money, man!
EG: Yeah, but, I will have to write the first script and seeing the first pictures. I think that would get me going. There is where we are at now, working on the first script and him (pointing to Sol) getting the first stretches on paper.
SC: I am not writing any part of the story.

JD: Folks, let me properly introduce him. Many may know him as our Games and Comics' Editor of Last Chance Recommendations but here is a proper introduction.
SC: My name is Sol (he spells his first and last name) Chance.
EG: The Sol stands for a lot more than this.

JD: So, why do you want to do this?
SC: Like the comics, like to draw.

JD: (Looking at Eric) so Eric, you will do the writing for the comics? (Looking at Sol) Sol, you will be doing the drawing for the comics?
SC: Yes, and I added with some of the characters. Some of the characters are mine.
EG: (Eric agreeing with Sol) yes.

JD: This is a odd sort of a cliché question but I will ask you anyways? Why do you want to publish your on comics?
EG: Umm, I want to put a comic book out that I want to see. Not all this censor stuff.
SC: Hardcore stuff.
EG: But with a good story.
SC: Yeah, good story.
EG: I am a big stickler for not using nudity without really a reason. My characters, you see all those characters with big (using his hands to emphasize the big breast) breast, my characters are down to earth in that instances.
SC: Yeah, not over exaggerated!
EG: Yeah!
SC: Well, a few of them are exaggerated but they are the males not the females.
EG: Yeah, the muscular look.
SC: But, that is due to their namesake.

JD: DC, Marvel, Independent? And why?
EG: DC!
JD: Why?
EG: Because they let loose, from what he (pointing to Sol) has told me. Plus, what's on the Internet. I have not been keeping up with comics as of lately. I am kinda poor and kinda afraid to take some of their ideas subconsciously.
SC: See DC characters when they kill them; THEY KILL THEM!! In Marvel, there is a 80/20 chance you are coming back!. That is what I have a problem with Marvel right now.
EG: Yeah, if someone in our book dies, we may bring that character back if story demands it but other than that, NO!
SC: And if you are decapitated in our book; you are dead. No coming back.
JD: Thank God, I hate when certain companies bring back characters after they have been shredded (over stating it) but you get the picture.

JD: So no parallel universe or multiple Earths?
EG: No no no
SC: There may be other dimensions but only one Earth type world.
EG: My thing is that I am not into too much ongoing series. I like the characters; they work but for me I am like "here are the characters and here is the storyline and here is the ending."
SC: His (referring to Eric) approach is like that of animation. Here is the Discs set; story over. Here is the 12 part series; story over.

JD: Who is your favorite writer and drawer, respectively, in the business?
EG: I am not familiar with any writers.
SC: I would have to go with either Jim Lee or Todd McFarlane. Both of their style of drawing is very detail and realistic looking.

JD: What makes your character or storyline stand out different from the other comics' characters out there? What will make folks draw to your story book telling?
EG: Wow, (thinking on this question) (long pause).
SC: Possible our villains
EG: Yeah, we are taking elements from a lot of things out there but putting our twist to it. Still, folks out here will say that we are copying from that one or this one. We have a lot of characters; a ton of characters. The way we do the comic is like a television series. You will interact with a lot characters. It is hard to say which one stands out.

JD: In terms of investments, how will you all fund this project?
SC: We are the funding right here baby!!
EG: Yeah, Blockbuster Videos and Adelphia.
JD: Trust me, I completely understand. That is how I am doing the magazine with most coming out of my pocket.

JD: Do, do you have a plan?
SC: Like a business loan?
JD: Yeah, like a business plan or something of that sorts?
EG: Umm, that scares me because I am like we have to bring in lawyers and all that copy right stuff.

JD: Speaking of copyrights, that brings me to my next question. Will you copyright your materials?
SC: We will copyright before we even print.
EG: Yeah, and it is not bad. About $60-$100 dollars to copyright.
JD: Now is that fee for the group or per character?
EG: I am not sure about that one (laughing) I may want to look into that one.

JD: What do you hope to see this lead to in the next five years?
EG: We just hope to have some issues done and have our names out there. And hopefully have the series completed. Plus, work on another series I have my mind own. I think it is unique; I have not run this across to him yet (Sol, looking surprised).
SC: This is my first time hearing about it.
EG: Things happen to me when I am about to go to sleep; things pop into my mind. That is where I get my inspiration from.

JD: Any last thought you would like to tell our audience about the project :
EG: We are hear to entertain the people:
SC: Not for the weak of heart; Not for the kids.
EG: Definitely! Not for the kids. Don't look for naked women-go buy porn for that (we all laugh on this one).
SC: I think it is a nice blend.

JD: Eric, thanks for taking the time to do this interview.
EG: Not a problem.
JD: If you guys don't mind, I would like to take a picture
EG: Oh no, I don't do pictures well!

Good for Eric, that the camera I had with me was not properly working so I was unable to get a picture with the guys. However, in the midst of trying to get my camera to work for me, Eric took it upon himself to elaborate on his inspiration.


EG: My inspiration comes from Fantasy Novels from the Internet and other books.
JD: I think what you guys are doing is amazing seeing that your whole universe will be mostly made up of Vampires and Werewolves more like a fantasy universe
EG: Yeah, when we first talked about the concept of the books, we originally were going to set the book in the future. But, as my taste changed, the setting went from future to more like an anime style where it is an Earth type planet but we won't name the planet. It a sort of future type with a Dark Ages look and feel. It is hard to describe it. It is a mix of technology and old.
JD: In one of my earlier questions, I talked about how your project would stick out, and you have answered it perfectly. I think it is a cool idea for a Super Hero Fantasy Universe.
EG: Yeah, and another reason why I was being delayed on this project is that I am a stickler for details. I would say that even if there is a billboard in the background of a fictional company; I want the whole background of that company especially for the detail-oriented folks writing in and asking about those details.
JD: Yeah, other companies not naming names are always messing with time continuity and details. I HATE THAT FOLKS!!!
EG: Unfortunately, the first issue is going to be just introducing the characters. I wanted to do the whole series but he (pointing to Sol) showed me differently. Do the first issue and see how it flows with the fans.

JD: I do have a final question? How would you distribute this comics?
EG: We were looking at Printer companies locally? (Looking to ask Sol) didn't we get one out of Jacksonville?
SC: Yes,
EG: We haven't worked out all the details yet but we would either pay for the printing of the comics or would either cut a deal to have them put their ad in the middle page (the coveted page) of the comics for a cheaper printing fee.
SC: or we may go with some other ideas we have in mind too.

Well folks, that is it. We will keep you posted on any new developments on this projects and check back next week when I will have photos of both Eric and Sol in a nice slide show. I hope everyone has enjoyed this fun Interview.

-Junior Davis, Editor-in-Chief

SABA's Official Website

Spotlight:
SABA
JANUARY
2006






Saba is a very talented band. But, I may be a little bias because they gave me a free CD to listen to their band. To say the least, I was very impressed with the music and the talent behind the band. I recently asked SABA to fill out an online Interview; so enjoy:
Here is the online interview with SABA:

JD: Name of Artist/Band? (Include all band members names and instruments played.)
SABA: SABA: Beau Halton percussion/ Henry Colado Guitar,Piano, Bass, Vocals

JD: Is your stage name trademarked?
SABA: No, it is named after a old student of mine I used to tutor. Saba means, beautiful garden arabic, grandfater in hebrew and fish in japanese.

JD: Have you filed your songs for copyright protection?
SABA: Protection is over rated in some things.
JD: True!

JD: Have any of your songs been published? (If so, by whom?)
SABA: None of our music has been published. The words of Ray Lynch best describe how we feel, "The reason that I take the trouble to copmpose music ... is because I value an open heart and I've never been able to think my way into such a condition. Art can assist opening doros which are normallly shut because of the dominance of our survival mechanisms."
JD: hmmm....

JD: Have you affiliated with a performance rights organization? (which one? ASCAP, BMI, SESAC?)
SABA: Musically our affiliation has been exculisively with the human race. It doesn't pay much and we havent received much notariety but we still believe in our affilate.

JD: What is your background? (Who are you and/or your bandmembers? Tell your story.)
SABA: Often times I tend to want to answer a question with a list of jobs. The accumulation of wealth tends to be helpful but mostly overrated in who I am. Beau just got married and is a good drummer. I've been married for 27 years and like to write songs. I have been in and out of music all my life. Beau left it after 14 when he was showed up by another drummer. But now he believes in his drumming. I used to dream of being a star but now I'm striving to write songs that can be meaningful to other people in some way.
JD: I think that is wonderful.

JD: Why do you want to record and release your own music? (Be very honest.)
SABA: No one else has seemed interested in assisting us release our music. I like the control of self recording. It seems more artful.
JD: I know the feeling.

JD: Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
SABA: I write all the songs and we arrange them. Sometimes I start with juicey lyrics or a sweet melody or a simple chord progression. Sometimes it comes in bits and pieces and sometimes it comes all at once. It's like riding a good wave on the surfboard catch it while you can it does not last for ever. Writing comes from experiences, visions in my head, words i read, other people, a million places and yet all the same place, me.

JD: What image do you think your music conveys? ( Do not avoid the image issue!)
SABA: We have developed into a culture of visual stimuli preference. I close my eyes and listen to music. Sometimes I see people I love or images. When i write most times I see people I sing to or people the song reminds me of. As far as what image it portrays, I leave that to the person listening. I would encourage everyone to consider listening without seeing and allow that sense to make you feel.

JD: What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)
SABA: Write a song that someone can say they connect with. Write a song that someone can love. Write a song that reminds someone of someone else they care about. Write a song that has a meaning to someone else. Write a song that someone can feel.

JD: Do you have a business license? (City, state, federal?)
SABA: Mostly we do this for free. Original music is not in big demand in our market economy. Most people like what is comfortable. This leaves anything unique or different at a marked disadvantage. I think it creates a culture of mediocrity( I don't mean this in a negative sense).

JD: What is your current "business form"? (Sole proprietor? Corporation? Partners?)
SABA: N/A

JD: Have you set up a system for tracking your financial activities? (Software system?)
SABA: No!

JD: Have you created an actual career, marketing, or business plan? (Is it in writing?)
SABA: No!

JD: Who handles your daily business activities? (Bookings, promotions etc.)
SABA: Me, but only when I can I have a job that is very demanding (teaching).

JD: SABA, thanks for stopping by; GOOD LUCK!
SABA

-Junior Davis,
Editor-in-Cheif,

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JC's Official Website

Spotlight:
JC:THE TRUTH
JANUARY
2006





Check out this rising star.

I have had the pleasure to listen to this talented young man and trust me folks; this cat is the real deal. This new hip-hop with a R&B flair style will capture you from the very moment you hear his sounds.

Check this artist out for yourself. See what all the rave that I am chanting about JC. And fall in love with his funky flows like I have.

For more on JC, Check out his webpage.

JC is going places: remember the name!

I have had the pleasure to interview JC today,
Here is the online interview JC took time from his busy schedule to do:

JD: Name of Artist/Band? (Include all band members names and instruments played.)
JC: Jeff Clark aka JC "The Truth"

JD: Is your stage name trademarked?
JC: Nah, I'm more worried about street credibility and people knowing my face. Once they get use to me they'll know the name.

JD: Have you filed your songs for copyright protection?
JC: All of my lyrics have copyright protection from the federal government, the beats themselves from my Mixtape, "Let The Truth Be Told", are for promotional use only. So they are not mine. My new CD, for which I'm producing everything, will have copyright protection on the instrumentals and lyrics.

JD: Have any of your songs been published? (If so, by whom?)
JC: Yes my songs have been published before. I wrote/produced a jingle for a local fast food place called "Wingz N' Thingz" which got a lot of radio play and is still airing in Staunton, Virginia.
JD: wow, that is amazing JC!

JD: Have you affiliated with a performance rights organization?
(which one? ASCAP, BMI, SESAC?)
JC: No.

JD: What is your background? (Who are you and/or your bandmembers? Tell your story.)
JC: I grew up in Penns Grove, New Jersey then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now I live in NYC.

I ride solo with my music. I can't seem to find anyone else out there like me. Everyone wants to come off has being hard, or tough, or something they're not. What they don't understand is fans don't want fake. They want the real you.

I'm a poet. I struggled on the streets. I don't pretend to be a thug or pimp; all I do is exercise skill. When I write, I write about topics that people can relate to; topics that make people feel something.

I was homeless and living out of my car, taking showers at truckstops, and at one point, I didn't even know where the next hot meal would come from, so when I write I come from the heart. My parents weren't there for me, and because of that I struggled, but I don't regret anything. Struggles are what drive me.

JD: Why do you want to record and release your own music? (Be very honest.)
JC: The same reason any serious artist wants to create, to release demons; to get a response; to express yourself.

JD: Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
JC: I write all my own lyrics. I never bite. I'm the most unique artist you'll ever meet. I mean, let's be honest, all artists have influences, which they pull from. Which is fine. Everyone admires someone in their field. But you can't compare me to anyone right now, why, because I do my own thing. I have my own personal experiences, and that's what people want to hear, experiences, so they can say...I can relate to that.

JD: What image do you think your music conveys? ( Do not avoid the image issue!)
JC: My music conveys hope to people who have none.
JD: NIcely put JC!

JD: What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)
JC: I'm going to keep making music every spare minute I have and try to get some radio play. Someone out there will hear my music, want to make some money off me, and sign me to their label. Why? Because that's how it works. Will I cut it as a pro? Keep tuning in and you'll find out.

JD: Do you have a business license? (City, state, federal?)
JC: No, only because I'm still an underground artist.

JD: What is your current "business form"? (Sole proprietor? Corporation? Partners?)
JC: I work alone.

JD: Have you set up a system for tracking your financial activities? (Software system?)
JC: I keep a file for everything I sell. That includes street sales as well.

JD: Have you created an actual career, marketing, or business plan? (Is it in writing?)
JC: Yes I have. My plan is to finish acting school, and work on my music every weekend. Then on the summer breaks I'll work on my music full-time. I plan to put out a new CD every 6 months while in school, and every month while school is out. So keep an eye out on my site for my latest announcements.

JD:Who handles your daily business activities? (Bookings, promotions etc.)
JC: I handle everything.

JD: Thanks for taking the time for this online Interview: Look forward to hearing from you.
JC: Thanks Junior. You're awesome. TTYL.

Here is JC's website:

JC

-Junior Davis,
Editor-in-Cheif,

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