Happy Christmas!

Happy christmas to one and all, and thanks so much to anybody who picked up any of my books throughout the year, I really do appreciate it!

Have a great one!

Angel Annual - Last Angel In Hell - Out Today

Please pick it up and let us know what you think!

(My) Last Angel

This wednesday sees the release of the first ever Angel Annual, a 50-page monster by myself and Brian Lynch. The script on this one is just so, so funny. Spot-on piss-take after piss-take of every action-movie cliche you can think of. All delivered with po-faced sincerity by our main man, Cangel. Boy, am I gonna miss drawing Brian's books.

It's kinda bitter-sweet this one, in that while it's almost certainly my finest hour on Angel, it's also very probably my last. So happy face, but then, inevitably, crushingly, sad face.

Please pick this badboy up, we're really rather proud of it. It's a beautiful print-job, with its own spine and everything. I also have to mention the gorgeous job that fellow Oirishman Len O'Grady did on the colours, so sweet.

So, this coming Wednesday, December 23rd.
Do it to it.
Much appreciated.

Just What I Always Wanted: An exhibiton of Irish comic book art

I've been invited to take part in an art exhibition here in Dublin, the theme being 'Just what I always wanted' for christmas. All the pieces are by top Irish artists(and me) and are being auctioned off in aid of Crumlin St. and Temple St. childrens' hospitals, so please drop by the Twisted Pepper on Abbey St. between the 1rst(today) and 12th of December.
The full details for the event can be found here.

A detail from my piece is shown here, for the full whack visit the Eclectic Micks site here.

Sketchbook Sold Out

Sorry if you'd been planning on ordering the book, but the last copy just got ordered. I may get another batch printed up when work quiets down a bit and i have time to organise it, I'll let folks know if that's the case here on the site.
Many thanks to everybody who ordered the book, they'll be winging their way around the world very soon!

Angel Sketchbook

Hey. I've had a few people get onto me now wondering what the story is with ordering the Angel sketchbook off me, so here's the skinny. The book itself is 84 pages and costs 10.00 euro. The postage and packaging(anywhere in the world) would be another 5 euro, so you're looking at 15 quid altogether. The book turned out really nicely and I'm very happy with it, so it does come recommended, if only by Brian and I!
Fire an email off to stephencmooney@gmail.com if ye're interested.

UPDATE- Oop, meant to say that my preferred payment system is paypal, but sure we can work something out if needs be. We're all friends here.

Ecclectic Micks Sketchbook Luanch/Signing/Shambles

Ahoy-hoy gentle readers, just a reminder that myself and most of the other Micks(everyone 'cept PJ) will be signing copies of the new Micks sketchbook next saturday the 14th from 3-5pm in Forbidden Planet Dublin. We'll be making fools of ourselves all evening afterwards at the Twisted Peeper on Abbey Street, do join us won't you!
Here are the details from the Forbidden Planet International website:
'Regular readers will already know we’ve been enjoying the art being shared on the Irish comics collective blog Eclectic Micks over the last while and that the Micks had decided to publish their very own sketchbook, drawing, no pun intended, on the artwork the seven of them take turns to post daily on the blog. I’m delighted to say the home turf Irish launch for the sketchbook will be taking place in the Dublin FPI branch (5-6 Crampton Quay, phone 0035 3167 10688) on Saturday 14th November from 3 to 5pm. Stephen Mooney (Angel; After The Fall), Will Sliney (Farscape), Stephen Thompson (Die Hard; Year One) Bob Byrne (Mr. Amperduke), Declan Shalvey (28 Days Later) and Nick Roche (Transformers) should all be present to talk to fans and sign copies, with a planned bash afterwards in the Twisted Pepper. The Irish comics scene has really been developing well in recent years and I hope if you’re in the area you’ll come on down and lend the boys some support.'

PS- I'll bring along some copies of my own Angel sketchbook for anybody who's interested. It turned out pretty bloody sweet.

Angel 27

Angel 27 is out this week, my last 'normal' issue. After this it's just the annual/movie special next month from Brian and I and then we outtey.
There's a preview for the issue here over at CBR, check it out.

Is That It? Am I done?

So I finished up the art for the Angel annual on Tuesday; bittersweet.
On one hand it's probably the best comicbook I've ever had the good fortune to be involved in, but on the other... It's quite probably my last work in the Angelverse. I've been working on Angel books of one form or another for the last two and a half years, and I've loved every minute of it. I remember lobbying Chris for weeks for a shot on the upcoming official continuation of the show, the story that turned out to be 'After The Fall'. What a time to get to play with Joss' toys, and on stories of such quality written by Brian.
Sigh... great times, but I'm ready for a change. Thanks so much to anybody who picked up the various books, and a HUGE thanks to Chris 'I'm two-sevenths Irish you know' Ryall and to the man, Brian 'I'll see you in hell, hopefully once a year' Lynch.
Hopefully I'll still get to contribute a cover here and there, but other than that,
I'm out.

Angel 26

The first issue of my final arc on Angel landed in stores last week, and by all accounts seems to have been well-received by just about everybody, which is lovely news. I really enjoyed working on the 'Boys And Their Toys' storyline with Brian, and I think issue 27 is even better than 26. It's the high-concept that sells these books for me, and Brian is the man in that regard. His ideas manage to be original and fantastically witty while at the same time they make you think 'why the hell didn't I think of that?'
Issue 26 leads into part 2 in issue 27 next month, and then in December the whole thing is wrapped up in the nigh-50 page beast that is the first Angel annual, 'Last Angel in Hell'. Myself, Brian and Chris are VERY proud of this one, and wait'll you see the colours on it by fellow Irishman Len O'Grady.

I GAURANTEE that the annual will be one of the best comics of all time, DESPITE the fact that I drew it. The script is that good.

More BICS Sketches

Some bits and pieces from the recent con; Hellboy, Dr. Strange, Usagi Yojimbo and a weird bouncing zombie noggin.

BICS

Back from Birmingham last night, wrecked. Great con was had by all though, met some fantastic people and did a great trade in sketches/sketchbooks/original art. Thanks so much to everybody who stopped by the Micks table, myself and the lads really appreciated it. We also had some sore heads after 3 nights in a row of sessions and shenanigans, with some utterly fantastic people.
Did lots of sketches, I'll post them here and on the Micks blog at various intervals. A couple of Angel related doodles first.

Last Angel in Hell Contest

This just in from the talanted(and pretty!)Brian Lynch:

'When the book is out (you gotta pre-order to make sure if your store gets one, reserve one NOW!), there will be a contest to see who can take the book, shoot ANY scene, and make their own LAST ANGEL IN HELL fan-film, BE KIND, REWIND style. No effects needed, just your imagination. Lower budget the better.

In the ANGEL world, Hollywood made an ANGEL film. In our world, you guys are gonna.

The best fan vid will win a huge package of ANGEL/SPIKE stuff from me. Like, a lot. Like, too much. Comics out your ears. Signed signed signed.

This could be a lot of fun, I think.'

I'm gonna jump in here on this too- The winner of this contest can also expect some original art from any of the Angel books that I've worked on, winner's choice. After the Fall, Not Fade Away, Boys and Their Toys, Last Angel in Hell, whatever they like(depending on what I've still got obviously, but there's a lot).
I'll throw in a couple of runners-up prizes too.

Spread the word guys. Myself and Brian are very proud of this book and really want to get the word out there for folks to pre-order it.

Sketchbooks

My first sketchbook will be debuting at the British International Comics Show on the weekend of the 3rd of october. The book is 84 pages and contains plenty of Angel-centric sketches, commissions, pencils and inks and the like. On top of that is a brand new intro by your-and-my favourite Angel scribe, Brian Lynch. I'm really happy with how the book turned out, so if you're attending the con be sure and drop by the Ecclectic Micks table to check it out.
Speaking of the Micks, our first group sketchbook will also be making it's bow at BICS(you wait ages for one, then two come along at once...). Jam packed with the highlights from the first year of the Micks blog, it contains some really stellar stuff.
Please stop by and have a look if ye make it to the con!
It's possible that the books will be made available from the blogs in the near future too, for those that can't make it to conventions. I'll keep you posted.

The NightHorse Cometh

A poster I just finished for SuperExtraBonusParty's upcoming gig in The Academy, Dublin.
The lads wanted a disater movie type feeling for the image, which was great fun altogether.
Be sure and try and catch the band live if you can, I'll update the site with appearance details when I have them.

British International Comics Show

I'll be at BICS this coming october along with fellow Micks Declan Shalvey, Will Sliney and PJ Holden. Do drop by our table and say hi if ye're about, I'm sure we'll do something ridiculously embarassing to Dec to entertain you all. Although we'll probably do that regardless...
It's on the 3rd and 4th of October, and we'll be helping out with panels, and participating in signing and sketching sessions. Come along and I'll tell you what kind of underwear Brian Lynch buys.
Press me.

heh.... 'acclaimed'.

Not Fade Away Pencils

This is a page I recently sent to super-scribe Scott Tipton as a thank-you for collaborating with me on the Not Fade Away miniseries. Thought you folks may like to see how the pencils look before they get inked.
It's part of Wes' death scene.... still gets me every time. -choke-

Interview With The Vampire (drawer)

Yes, I realize I've used that title before. Deal with it.
New interview with yours truly up on the Comic Related website, in which I talk candidly and bland-edly about the Micks and my 'career' and the like. Also a lot about Shalvey for some reason, think the interviewer fancied a bit of Dec action.
Anyhoo, for those bothered enough - clicky.

Angel 26+27 'Boys and Their Toys'

What-ho gentle readers!
Can finally talk a bit about the new Angel story arc by Brian and myself, since it was all announced at Comic-con last week.
The official solicit goes a little bit like this:

Angel #26: Boys and Their Toys #1 (of 2)
Writer: Brian Lynch; artist: Stephen Mooney; covers: Stephen Mooney, Nick Runge

Somebody has made a movie based on Angel’s adventures in hell! Angel and Spike go to a comic con to see how badly Hollywood has mangled true events, only to find themselves surrounded by supernatural evil at every turn. Can Angel tell the difference between an evil demon and a 14-year-old fanboy dressed as an evil demon? Is there a difference? The Angel: After the Fall team of Brian Lynch and Stephen Mooney throw Angel and Spike into an all-new hell!

Sounds good, right? Well it is. The issues were finished last week(writing AND art) and I think its some of Brian's very best Angelverse work. When I heard I'd get to illustrate an Angel/Spike 'buddy movie' type storyline I was pretty darn excited, as I loved the episodes of the show where they'd focus on the bickering, sibling-type relationship the boys share.
There's some stuff in these two issues that rivals Cavemen v Astronauts, I shit you not.

Here are my two covers, firstly the B+W version of the 'Action Figure' cover for issue 26(as I didn't do the colours) and then two versions of the cover for 27(which I DID colour).

The first version of 27 is the one that everybody's seen already, but the second is new. It shows our boy Groo(who features pretty heavily in this storyline, with his funniest dialogue yet) seperating the two sides of the Spangel head.
Chris and Brian quite liked the Groo version, but felt that it may be a tad mis-representational in the grand scheme of things. I agreed, and also felt the image was just more immediate without The Groosalugg in there muddying up the concept.

I think the lads were right to pick the simpler version, and so my mission to get Groo onto one of my covers goes on!

ComicCast Birthday Spectacular

Hey, this Friday the ComicCast podcast, Ireland's best(...and only) comics podcast show turns one year old. To celebrate the hosts Liam and Craigey are having a big old bash at Twisted Pepper on Abbey Street in Dublin. It's open for everybody to attend and lots of pros(and me) will be there to sing happy birthday to the lads. Ye should all stick yer heads in if ye're about, should be a larf and a half. There'll be lots of artwork etc projected onto the walls, including lots of stuff from the Ecclectic Micks blog such as the Storm piece here. There're all sorts of bands and comedians and the like, so should be worth the price of entry, ie, it's free in.
Details of the whole shebango here

Batman..?

This is a commission I did a week or two back. A lady wanted a drawing of her boyfriend(who is a massive comics fan) as Batman as a gift for his 30th birthday. She knew he'd really go for something like this but could never be seen to seek it out himself! I get these kind've requests more often than you'd think, maybe because I'm used to doing likenesses for most of the books I work on, who knows.
Anyhoo, apparently the bloke was delighted with his present so all's well.

Not Fade Away Issue 3

Heads-up!
This coming wednesday sees the release of the last issue of Not Fade Away, written by Joss Whedon, Jeff Bell and Scott Tipton. I was pretty happy with my work on this one so I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys think. Please pick it up and let me know your thoughts!
Here're the last couple of pages from issue 2 to get you up to speed, and the cover for the new issue.

2D

Attended the 2D con in Northern Ireland last week and as usual it was fantastic, great hosts, enthusiastic guests, huge turnout, and a handful of us Micks. Hearty thanks to con organiser Dave Campbell who once again pulled out all the stops to make us feel welcome and looked after.
Here's one of many, many drawings of Angel and Spike that I churned out over the course of the con. They were all pretty quick and loose pics but that's the way its gotta be when so many kids are looking for sketches. Actually, that's the best thing about this particular con, the guests are predominantly children, and they're so excited and enthusiastic. The Northern Ireland Arts Board funds the event and encourages schoolkids to attend free of charge, so there's always a great, youthful vibe about the place.

Not Fade Away 2

This coming wed/thurs sees the release of Angel: Not Fade Away 2. I was pretty happy with how the art came out in these issues, hope you guys can pick it up and let me know what ye think. Also happy was I with the cover for this issue, which was an image I'd had in my head for some time and one of those rare instances where the final image on paper came halfway close to resembling the mental version.
24 degrees of beautiful sunshine here in Ireland right now, and 2D con this weekend too.
Should be a good week.

Saturday Night at the Movies

Hey, these images(from Brian's blog) have been linked on a lot of the fan-sites already so I figured I might as well stick em up here. What are they for? Draw your own conclusions is all I can give ye at this point.
But know this:
judging from the script I've received from Brian so far, it will genuinely be utterly brilliant. Hyperbole aside, like. Soooooo good; so much fun to draw. I love working with this guy. Oh, and bonus: The amazing Nick Runge is collaborating with me on these posters, he'll be working his colour-magic on them to finish 'em off real special-like. I'm giddy at the prospect of what he'll do with them(no pressure there Nick)!

The NightHorse Cometh

I recently drew this image as an album cover for the very talented(and Irish!) band, Super Extra Bonus Party. It's for their new LP 'NightHorses', which is released this month and I'm very much looking forward to hearing.
I'll stick up the step-by-step process, just so ye can see how the magic(cough) happens.

First off, the concept that I put to the guys. The brief was to have a horse in space wearing armour and being shot at by attackers with rayguns, so the piece designed itself really...


Here are the pencils, no significant changes from the rough other than I flipped the image as I thought it read better the opposite way.

And so onto the inked piece. I was asked to make the horse's head bigger as the fact that he was actually a HORSE might be getting a little lost in there. So I embiggened his noggin a tad. A good call by the band.

Here's my first stab at the colouring. I think it has some decent elements, but on reflection the image looks a bit washed out and the planes needed to be more defined.


Here's the final version. The band wanted the NightHorse to stand out against the BG more, so we lightened him up while darkening his linework, and threw some darker blue hues behind him to pop him a bit more.


And that's my heroic story.

Not Fade Away

First issue of my new Angel miniseries, 'Not Fade Away', is out tomorrow. Please check it out!
The script on this one is by the very talented Scott Tipton, adapted from a piece by Joss Whedon and Jeff Bell.
Also, I'm making an appearance to promote the book at Sub City Comics in Dublin on sat the 30th of May. I'll be sketching, signing and singing for my supper, and fellow IDW'er Stephen Thompson said he'd stick his head in too, so that'll get the teenaged girls in.
I'll stick up times for the signing when I get 'em.

Cordy's a Little Blue... (or) Lorenzo!

On Friday I met a fine gentleman from Pisa, Italy named Lorenzo Croce. Lorenzo is a massive Buffy/Angel fan who was spending a few days in Dublin. He had got onto me previously about maybe meeting up while he was here to talk about the Angel comics and the shows. While I admit I was a teensy bit wary of meeting somebody who contacted me over the net, I'm so glad I did, as Lorenzo turned out to be a lovely fella altogether, totally down to earth and, like me, a massive fan of both shows.
We yapped for an hour or two over coffee, just waxing fanatical about the verse. I also did a couple sketches for him, one of Angel in his FIRST NIGHT hardcover, and also this Cordy pic.
So all in all, stalking people you admire over the internet obviously works, and will score you some free crap.

PS- I can't go without mentioning Kinzica and Marta, Lorenzo's two lovely female friends who were travalling with him. Great people.
Even if Kinzica is a huge CHARMED fan.

Slayalive Sketches

Until now, I still owed a couple of pieces to two members of the Slayalive Buffy/Angel forum, Sagewoman and D'hoffryn(or Jean and Graham respectively), so I figured it was high time that I got my act together. I spent a bit longer on each of these pieces as the guys had been waiting a looong time for them and I wanted to make with the nice.
That, and I have plans for these two badboys down the line...
Illyria is always fun to draw, and honestly I could draw Wes for the rest of my career and be happy.