The Miketron2000

Remembering Ringo

2008-08-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a year since Mike Wieringo died. I found out a while ago that due to several reasons, the tribute book that I contributed to, will not happen. This is a shame, but Marvel's already doing (or did) one, and it's not like the entire world of comics isn't going to think of him constantly anyway. I've made my idolization of the guy no secret, and I'm posting the piece I did in his honor today.

Run Spidey, run!

2008-07-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Commission I did. I usually don't have enough time for these. So this'll probably be the last for a while.

October Offerings

2008-07-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #13
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton & Wayne Faucher
Cover by Cliff Chiang
Speedy and Dodger sitting in a tree...but will the couple even think about getting personal? Meanwhile, Green Arrow and Black Canary recover from the hunt for Connor Hawke!
On sale October 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Layouts and finishes

2008-06-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

My first issue of Trinity (#3) came out yesterday and I thought it'd be neat to post some of the breakdowns I did and the finishes that Jerry Ordway did. Kind of a peek behind the scenes so you can see how differently things can be done in comics.

First the rough pencils from me...

And then the fantabulous finishes by Jerry.

Comics used to be done a lot more like this, and it was really fun to do. I've been working on newer issues that are fully pencilled, however, and I'll post those when they come out to compare and contrast.

Because I'm an Idiot...

2008-06-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention my signing tomorrow Wed. 17th at Challengers Comics + Conversation at 1845 N. WESTERN AVE. 2R here in Chicago at 5pm.
Patrick's store is awesome and you should go there whether I'm there or not!

Review time

2008-06-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Kinda interesting that these reviews are for the same book...

First one from Ryan at Newsarama:

"Mike Norton is, hands down, the star of this title. Over the course of the past year, he has gone from “Hey, that Mike Norton guys is pretty good” to “Hey, I am not going to miss anything that Mike Norton draws” and this issue is a prime example of why. His large panels are filled with great, iconic designs and incredibly consistency. It’s fluid, expressive, and features incredibly strong storytelling. Wayne Faucher inks tightly over Norton, emphasizing how strong the designs are, while putting focus on the line work above all else. No matter what goes on with the writing, Norton’s on such a roll that if every issue looks this good, I’m sticking with this title for the long haul... "

And then the sobering slap of reality from In the Line of Fire Reviews...

"Part of the problem is the art. Cliff Chiang was capable of real pathos amidst a polished, cartoony, cel-shaded look. He had a flair that was simultaneously retro and fresh.

Mike Norton does not. He’s fine, but he only gets as far as cartoony, making the moments of pathos ring false, with no impact at all. We’re being served a diluted product from the initial launch."

September offerings

2008-06-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #12
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton & Wayne Faucher
Cover by Cliff Chiang
Side-by-side with the League of Assassins, Team Arrow finds where Connor Hawke's been taken - but are they too late to save him?
On sale September 10 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Media Blitz!

2008-06-10T16:33:00.001-07:00

Those wacky guys in Reading, COMIC GEEK SPEAK, had me on their show today. Go listen and be amazed!

Also, I will be at the Wizard World Chicago show in two weeks. I've been going to this show over ten years now, and I really like it. I'm featured on their website even!

Character Design

2008-05-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post some designs for Dodger, the character showing up in recent issues of Green Arrow / Black Canary...

Nananananananananana

2008-05-23T23:05:00.001-07:00

Another sketch for the CGS Super Show.

2008-05-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

One of the sketches I'm doing as a promotion for Comic Geek Speak's Super Show.

Loaded Bible Trailer

2008-05-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Crank! created this awesome trailer for this summer's Loaded Bible TPB.

I like pugs

2008-05-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

I ain't gotta explain myself to you.

August Comic Offerings

2008-05-19T16:22:00.001-07:00

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #11

Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton & Wayne Faucher
Cover by Cliff Chiang
What happened before Connor Hawke was shot is revealed at last! Plus: Team Arrow finds itself working alongside some longtime enemies!
On sale August 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Blog fixed! Thanks for a GREAT FCBD and Oconocon!

2008-04-26T14:31:00.001-07:00

Had a great weekend at Amazing Fantasy comics in Frankfort, IL and the Oconocon in (where else?) Oconomowoc, WI over the weekend. It was a whirlwind tour and I thank Chris Burnham for driving!

Green Arrow/Black Canary #7 preview up at Newsarama

2008-04-06T10:19:00.001-07:00

The credits maybe a little off, but it IS actually me drawing...

Click here to see the rest!

Comics by Mike - June update!

2008-03-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Also by me in June.

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #9
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton & Rodney Ramos
Cover by Cliff Chiang
Green Arrow and Black Canary follow the trail of Connor Hawke's missing body to the heart of the League of Assassins — and face the resurrected Ra's al Ghul himself!
On sale June 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY: ROAD TO THE ALTAR TP
Written by Tony Bedard and J. Torres
Art by Nicola Scott, Paulo Siqueira, Tom Derenick and others
Cover by Siqueira & Amilton Santos
Witness the stories that led up to the landmark wedding of two classic DCU heroes in this collection featuring material from BIRDS OF PREY #109, BLACK CANARY #1-4, and the BLACK CANARY WEDDING PLANNER!
Advance-solicited; on sale July 23 • 144 pg, FC, $19.99 US

( I did layouts for the Black Canary mini, so I put it up here... But my buddy J. Torres wrote the Wedding Planner! BUY THIS! )

Trinity in June!

2008-03-16T10:13:00.001-07:00

It's official... I'm gonna be one of the artists working on Trinity this coming year. From what I've seen of the pages Mark and the rest have done, this is really gonna be up the alley of those of you who loved the multicharacter adventure storyline of 52.

TRINITY #1-4
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Mark Bagley & Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher and Mike Norton & Jerry Ordway
Covers by Carlos Pacheco
DC’s new weekly series TRINITY explodes in an extra-sized debut issue featuring art by fan-favorite Mark Bagley (Ultimate Spider-Man) & Art Thibert with lead stories and dialogue by Kurt Busiek (SUPERMAN, ASTRO CITY)!
The lead feature explores the unusual bond — and importance — of DC's top three characters, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, as a mysterious dream links them together and may prophesy important changes in their trinity!
Plus, a co-feature in issue #1 explores the mysterious connection between several villains who are watching the Trinity —as well as the near future for these characters and their surrounding world! Co-features in issues #2-4 fill in back-story on some of the other important players in this major storyline. These stories are written by Busiek & Fabian Nicieza with art by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens (NIGHTWING, GREEN ARROW), Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher and Mike Norton & Jerry Ordway (ALL-NEW ATOM, INFINITE CRISIS).
Issue #1 on sale June 4; issue #2 on sale June 11; issue #3 on sale June 18; issue #4 on sale June 25 • Issue #1 40 pg, issues #2-4 32 pg, FC, All $2.99 US

"Like unto a thing of iron..."

2008-03-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Iron Fist re-imagining.

New books by moi! UPDATED

2008-02-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Since I finished my part of the book over a year ago, I almost forgot that this just came out!

Go snag a copy!

Countdown to Final Crisis #6 - March 19th

Blue Beetle #26 - April

Green Arrow/Black Canary #7 - April

And then in May:

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #8
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton & Wayne Faucher
Cover by Cliff Chiang
Still on the trail of the people responsible for Connor Hawke's condition — and subsequent disappearance — Green Arrow and Black Canary face their uncertain pasts…and a future of uncertainty! And Ra’s al Ghul and his League of Assassins won’t make that easy!
On sale May 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

METAMORPHO: YEAR ONE TP
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens, Mike Norton & Jesse Delperdang
Cover by Kevin Nowlan
Collecting the 6-issue miniseries that shed light on the origin of the Outsiders' resident shape-shifter! Adventurer Rex Mason’s latest quest leads him to Egypt to recover the mysterious Orb of Ra, not realizing his life will be forever changed. What other surprises are in store?
Advance-solicited; on sale June 11 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US

Odds and Ends

2008-01-31T09:16:00.000-08:00

Just some random doodles from the sketchbook. Really been too busy to dedicate any time to it.

I can't seem to finish Half Life 2: Episode 2... It haunts me

Some character sketches from a book I want to do someday about growing up in Tennessee.

I know it's been a while

2008-01-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

My friend Patrick told me I need to update more often. Truth be told, I forgot! Busy as usual here. Blue Beetle seems surprised by the way I've drawn him. Sorry, Jaime!

I'm drawing a special issue of Blue Beetle...

BLUE BEETLE #26
Written by Jai Nitz
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Cover by Zach Howard
A special extra-sized Spanish-language issue, with the English script as bonus material! Blue Beetle takes Traci 13 to his family reunion, and having your girlfriend meet your family can be tough, especially when she's the only guest who doesn't speak Spanish! To make matters worse, two people have uncovered Jaime's secret identity - and one of them is the Parasite!
On sale April 30 o 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

And no, the script wasn't in Spanish!

You're an animal, man...

2007-12-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Not crazy about this sketch, but I wanted to draw Buddy Baker, and Tim Seeley taught me how to draw a tiger! He can draw 'em from memory, how crazy!

Totally RAD!

2007-12-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

I love the Totally Rad Show. So I put the hosts (Dan, Jeff, and Alex) in the latest issue of All new Atom (#18). Chris, Tom, and Sal from Around Comics also make an appearance. So go watch TRS, listen to Around Comics, and buy All New Atom #18!

DO IT FOR THE CHILDREN!!!

So, apparently to enjoy the game... I SHOULDN'T follow the ASSASSIN'S CREED

2007-11-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

I bought Assassin's Creed and Mass Effect this week. I was looking forward to these games TERRIBLY since the concept of a hitman during the times of the crusades just sounded awesome and Bioware hasn't made a game that I haven't liked yet.

I was talking to fellow career pencil user Skottie Young about AC since he bought it for his shiny new (and silent!) PS3 and we've both had different experiences with the game so far.

The game is BEAUTIFUL! I honestly haven't had a visual experience in a game like this one and the story seems really interesting, but the controls and gameplay were disappointingly clunky and repetitive. This made me sad. I went to last night's Lead Poets Society meeting with a bad mood towards the game and had declared it a failure. But maybe I wasn't giving it a fair shot? Obviously there's got to be something else to it if I keep turning it on just to LOOK at the world you run around in right? Oddly enough, as soon as I got home I looked online to see if there was anything I was missing in the game and I was kind of stunned that everything I read said you should play it the opposite of how they tell you to IN THE GAME. I played through one mission and had a LOT of fun. So now I'm back into it and will hopefully finish before the next project drops in my lap.

Here's the Altair... the main character from Assassin's Creed.

More inking stuff

2007-11-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

More from the project I'm trying to finish by Tuesday.

Progress update

2007-11-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

Here's the inks for that page. I finished it tonight around 6, but went to record with the Around Comics guys, so I didn't have time to upload. That's one page penciled and inked, and another penciled and partly inked.

Justice... Like Lightning.

2007-11-16T08:47:00.001-08:00

Today, I'm gonna post a page as I do it. I've recently been charged with finishing up a JSA Classified issue. I tend to get projects like this a lot where something has to be done yesterday. So, rather than whine about it, I'm gonna post some as I do it. Here's my first pages pencils. I'm going to ink it myself, so I'm really only doing layout style rough pencils rather than my normal tight ones.

Changing the Changing Man

2007-11-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Anybody remember the NON-Vertigo Shade the Changing Man? I do! I do!

More of me trying to learn how to color stuff.

Dead... Again.

2007-11-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Took at stab at coloring this bad boy.

Dead means dead

2007-11-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

I like Deadman for some reason. The idea of a grumpy dead acrobat appeals to me.

Metamorpho #3 and Atom #17 out today!

2007-11-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Go get 'em or Rex Mason will eat you.

When fat comic guys attempt to rock

2007-11-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Crank and I recording ACID WASHED. Taken by Patrick Brower.

I'm not the only one that loves my new lamp

2007-11-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Kenny the toothless cat does too!

The day after Halloween can still be scary, right?

2007-11-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a sketch of buddy Tim Seeley's AWESOME comic, HACK/SLASH.

2007-11-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Way back when I visited Chicago for the first time for the Chicago Comic-Con, a few of my comic buds and I stayed with Chad Rasner (now of the Dirtbox Racers). That weekend, Chad and I came up with the greatest character of all time, The Courderoy Ninja. He probably doesn't even remember it, but I do.... I do!

Okay maybe he's not the greatest character, but I like him. Here he is punching out Skullmonkey, who IS the greatest character of all time. I also love the idea of using "RULED" as a sound effect.

Happy Early Halloween!

2007-10-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

Gimmie some candy!

We all scream for...

2007-10-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Can't remember if I posted this a while back or not... I'm stupid.

TwoFace, meet Catface!

2007-10-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Going through some stuff in the sketchbook, a drawing of Harvey Two-Face.

And then from a LPS night where the subject was "Crazy Bond-type Villains"

Ryan Choi: Hearthrob

2007-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Got this one from Kevin Mellon. Thanks, dude!

Officially the dumbest thing I've ever done

2007-10-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, my pal Crank and I were part of the 24 hour comic podcast. It was something Crank had wanted to do for a long long time, and for some reason we were able to convince some other people it was gonna be fun.

Well it was, but man oh man was it hard on me. I think it may have been the second time in my life that I've stayed up over 24 hours and well, I was much younger when I did it the first time. I made it home with eyestrain so bad that my eyes swelled shut. I'm right as rain now after sleeping for a good 15 hours and feeling like a new man.

If you feel the need to witness this insanity (we're number one in the comics section of iTunes!) check out www.24hourcomicspodcast.com. Let us know what you think.

Yes, I'm wearing a bathrobe.

December may kill me...

2007-09-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Or it'll make me stronger.

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #18
Written by Gail Simone
Cover by Ladrönn
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Things go from bad to worse as the Department of Metahuman Affairs, led by field agent Diana Prince, declares Ivy Town under Martial Law! Even worse, the mind-altering new villain, the Ruffian, wants both the Atom and Wonder Woman dead! Can the combined power of the Tiny Titan and the Amazing Amazon stop this crisis?
On sale December 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

METAMORPHO: YEAR ONE #5-6
Written by Dan Jurgens Covers by Kevin Nowlan
Art by Mike Norton & Jesse Delperdang
The origin of Metamorpho concludes! After saving the world from destruction, Metamorpho meets the world’s mightiest heroes, the Justice League. When they offer him a spot on the team, will it finally be an opportunity for the misfit element man to fit in?
Issue #5 on sale Dec. 5; issue #6 on sale Dec. 19 • 5 & 6 of 6
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Dream Projects

2007-09-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

This week's LPS subject: What's your dream project. This was harder for me to come up with than I think it should be. First thing I came up with naturally. Mr. Ted.

Then I drew the little pet project that's been haunting me for years that will become reality eventually. Here's another drawing of my superhero (or IS he?) character, The ANSWER!!!

So fast, you may have missed it.

2007-08-31T21:27:00.001-07:00

I loves me some Project Rooftop. If you've never gone there, you should.
When I heard they were doing a whole week dedicated to Mike Weiringo by accepting redesigns of Impulse/Kid Flash, I drew something up immediately. Luckily, it made the cut so you can see it over with a bunch of other way cool designs. Here's what I did.

Hot Chixxx

2007-08-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Last weeks LPS sketch subject- Hot Chicks.

Most everybody else did an ultrasexy nekkid gal... I think there maybe something wrong with me.

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

2007-08-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

I did two pages in Countdown 37 last week. Could you guess which ones? if not SPOILER ALERT!

I wanted to show how sometimes things get changed between the drawing and the finished product. In this case, the editor wanted the last page to be just extreme and in your face, so they cropped in closer on the shot I drew and changed quite a bit on Supes' expression.

The original

What was printed

Obviously, I prefer my original, but these things happen. I thought it would be a pretty cool thing to show the contrast between the two for some "behind the scenes" stuff.

Ooop! I almost forgot...

2007-08-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

All New Atom TPB's out in November too? There isn't any reason why you shouldn't be reading this book now.

THE ATOM: FUTURE/PAST TP
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Mike Norton, Eddy Barrows, Andy Owens and Trevor Scott
Cover by Ladrönn
In this second Atom trade paperback, collecting issues #7-11, the tiny titan encounters a man with a strange connection to the mysterious Time Pool — and a dangerous connection to the deadly Linear Men.
Advance-solicited; on sale December 5 • 128 pg, FC, $14.99 US

THE ALL-NEW ATOM: MY LIFE IN MINIATURE TP
Written by Gail Simone
Art by John Byrne, Trevor Scott and others
Cover by Ariel Olivettie
Reoffered to coincide with THE ALL-NEW ATOM: FUTURE PAST TP! Collecting the first six issues of the new series! Meet Ryan Choi — the young hotshot professor at Ivy University, who inadvertently becomes the all-new Atom!
On sale November 7 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US • RELIST

November's a Wonder!

2007-08-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #17
Written by Gail Simone Cover by Ladrönn
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
When the Department of Metahuman Affairs becomes concerned over the explosion of metahuman weirdness taking place in Ivy Town, they send special agent Diana Prince to investigate — but can even Wonder Woman save the all-new Atom from the shotgun wedding of the century?
On sale November 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

METAMORPHO YEAR ONE #3-4
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Mike Norton & Jesse Delperdang
Cover by Kevin Nowlan
Rex Mason is kidnapped by millionaire arms dealer Maxwell Tremaine, but is he ready to return the favor when Simon Stagg and Java come to his rescue?
Issue #3 on sale November 7 • Issue #4 on sale November 21
3 and 4 of 6 •32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Remembering Ringo

2007-08-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Lead Poet's Society, we talked about Mike Wieringo and what he and his art meant to us. From there we decided to do Ringo themed sketches.

Ringo's Flash got me into drawing comics again in the 90's. Some of my first samples to DC were Impulse samples based on the stuff I saw of his at the time. Later on, his Spider-Man had a tremendous affect on how I approached the character myself. I was told a couple of times by editors and friends that there was a "Ringo" type feel to my Spidey. While some artists cring at being compared to other established artists, I thought this was the cooles thing anybody could ever say to me.

So tonight, I drew Spidey. The way I draw him. Which is pretty much the way I saw him filtered through Mike Wieringo in the first place. Thanks, Mike. I can honestly say I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today without your influence.

Goodbye Mike Wieringo

2007-08-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have a list of comic art idols. Mike Wieringo was up there at the top.

I'd only met the man once - a little after I finished a Sidekicks story for Oni after he couldn't finish it. I made sure to tell him that doing that was probably the most intimidating thing I had ever done. He reassured me and couldn't have been a nicer guy. My friends Skottie and Jamar talked to him often and I would always tell them, "Man, I wish I could talk to Ringo. He's my idol, y'know", and I'm sure they got sick of hearing it.

Well, he's gone now. And even though I never even really got to know him, it feels like somebody in the family is gone. His work has had such a big presence in my life for so many years as a fan and peer that I'm not sure how to use this information that he is no longer around. I feel for his family and those who knew him well.

Ringo will truly be missed.

"You're a WIZARD, Harry!"

2007-08-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Wizard World is coming up this week, and I will be there! Come out and see me in Artist's Alley at table #5508. I'll have original art pages, comics and sketches for sale. I'll also be signing daily at the DC comics booth. Here's the schedule.

Thursday: 4-5:30pm
Friday: 11am-12:30pm
Saturday: 3-4:30pm
Sunday: 12-1:30pm

See ya this weekend!

Boy Wonder

2007-07-18T13:36:00.001-07:00

I don't like this sketch. But I post it anyway. Don't think I've ever drawn robin outside of Teen TItans Go!

Wolverines!

2007-07-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever do this, but I decided to draw something totally unrelated before I started pages this morning. I know a lot of other artists do "warm-ups" before they start the day. The idea of that weirded me out because I couldn't get used to working on something that wasn't "work related" as ridiculous as that sounds. Well, that's how you learn stuff guys and gals... by doing stuff you don't usually do. Here's a quick Wolvie sketch I whipped up.

October is psychedelic, baby!

2007-07-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wow... I should update daily, I know. Here's what I've missed on writing...

Crank and I are on Around Comics this week. On Thursday's episode, Skottie Young and I will be talking about comic artist 101. Go listen to me talk.

Hopefully you all bought All-New Atom #13 a couple of weeks ago. If you did, make sure you put this on your list for October.

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #16
Written by Roger Stern
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Cover by Ladrönn
The mysteries of Ivy Town deepen as it appears Ray Palmer may have been more responsible for the bad than the good…and the new Atom is further disillusioned by his former mentor. Featuring guest writer Roger Stern (THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN)!
On sale October 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ROGER STERN!!! I mean COME ON! Talk about a dream come true. This guy wrote my favorite Spider-Man stories ever! And jeez, about a bazillion other books of course! I'm drawing it right now and I am having so much fun. Of course, Gail is coming back before you all get scared.

Okay, on to the next thing... SAN DIEGO!
Yeah, I'm going to San Diego again this year after sitting last one out. I'm dosing up on Airborne and running 3 miles ever other day in preperation. That show will drive men mad like cthulu. I'll be signing at the DC booth at the following times.

FRIDAY

10:30am-12pm : Signing at the DC booth

1:30-3pm : Signing at the DC booth

SATURDAY

6-7pm : Signing at the DC booth

SUNDAY

11:30am -12:30pm : Signing at the DC booth

I think that's it. I'll post again soon if I forgot something!

The Dark Knight.... sunburns

2007-07-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Went to Great America yesterday with a bunch of friends and stood out in he hot sun to get scared to death of rides. This year was much easier than last, however. I guess when you know what to expect, it's not as bad. Plus losing about 30+ pounds makes it easier to scrunch into the Superman: Ultimate Flight ride.

Speaking of WB characters, here's a 3 minute sketch of Bruce Wayne in his jammies.

And HOLY CRAP do I want an iPhone... Man those things look cool!

Before I went to DC...

2007-06-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

I drew the package art for the new Marvel Legends Stan Lee doll to debut at this year's Comic-Con International in San Diego. It was inked by my Loaded Bible collaborator, Mark Englert- who rules the school.

This is just cool to have been part of something like that. Get one!

September Offerings

2007-06-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #15
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Cover by Ladrönn
The Search for Ray Palmer is interrupted as the Atom is literally plucked from the Nanoverse by the mastermind behind all of the problems in Ivy Town — and the man who may or may not hold some answers for Ryan Choi about his fallen idol Ray Palmer!
On sale September 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

The future is bleak

2007-06-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Lead Poet's Society subject was "draw your future self"...

Things don't look so good for the kid.

Karoake does weird things to a guy

2007-06-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Sketch inspired by hanging out with Tim and the AC guys, Tom & Sal at a karaoke bar.

Cobra

2007-05-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is a sketch from last week's Lead Poet's Society meeting. The subject was "action movies". That made me think of all the awesome influences and homages in the extremely funny new movie, "Hot Fuzz". There was quite a bit in it that could lead you back to the Stallone fueled cop thriller, "Cobra" in the 80's. Hot Fuzz is much better than Cobra, but Cobra does have it's charm. And it also has Stallone delivering the following line with a straight face.

Happy Birthday... I found Ray Palmer!

2007-05-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everybody who came out to see me at Comics and Collectibles this weekend! It was really cool.
Special thanks to Lin, Antone, Janet, Kevin, Adam, Ron, Mike V and everybody else who helped make my birthday awesome. Here's me after eating my birthday cake that Kevin and Lin got me topped by a Ray Palmer action figure!

Speaking of Ray, here's August's comics offering from me.

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #14
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Cover by Ladrönn
Part 3 of "The Hunt for Ray Palmer,” tying into COUNTDOWN! Ryan Choi, Donna Troy, Jason Todd and Bob the Monitor continue to search the Nanoverse for Ray Palmer — and the travelers find themselves in what some might call…Heaven.
On sale August 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Make sure you go out and get Loaded Bible 2: Blood of Christ tomorrow at your local comic store!

Birthday + Barbecue = Me

2007-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Goin' back to Memphis for my birthday this upcoming weekend. Those in town can help celebrate by coming to see me at Comics and Collectibles on 4730 Poplar Ave in Memphis, TN from 12-2. I'll be signing copies of my stuff and eating buckets of circus peanuts.

Woot.

Bark at the moon

2007-04-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

From last night's Lead Poet's Society meeting.

I loves me some Wolfsbane. I always did since the New Mutants days. I got to draw her in the New X-Men issue I drew, but don't feel like I really was able to do what I wanted with her. That's always the way it goes when you're doing a book... You always feel like you're getting the hang of it right as the project is ENDING. Oh well...

All-New Atom #13 In July!

2007-04-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #13
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Mike Norton & Dan Green
Cover by Ladrönn
The Search for Ray Palmer continues as the Atom finds himself with people who knew Palmer very well: the jungle-dwelling little people from SWORD OF THE ATOM! And they may be hiding the Atom's predecessor among their people.
On sale July 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Summer Offerings

2007-03-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #12
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Mike Norton & Dan Green
Cover by Ladrönn
Beginning a sweeping 4-part story arc that will change the history of the Atom! Ryan Choi makes the fateful decision to proactively seek his predecessor and learn where he went at the end of IDENTITY CRISIS!
On sale June 6 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TEEN TITANS GO! #44
Written by J. Torres
Art by Mike Norton & Lary Stucker
Cover by Todd Nauck
Red Raven is on the loose! It's up to the Titans to stop Raven's dark side from ruining the day!
On sale June 27 o 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

Busy busy busy...

More Mike Exposure

2007-03-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to update for a while, but it's been hard catching up since returning from the NYC show. Thankfully, I should be on track after this weekend.

I don't know if you saw the glut of Mike on the internet recently... There was an interview on Newsarama about the recent DC exclusive. Comic Book Resources also ran a studio tour of my meager accomodations. To top it all off, the Comics Should Be Good blog just listed me as their 69th (snicker) reason to love comics.

That last one really surprised me. I wouldn't have put me on that list at all. Then again, this is "I hate mike.com".

I'm burning halfway through All New Atom #13 right now... HOO BOY are you guys gonna be diggin it. Well, I hope you will, at least. Issue #9 is out right now and it's pretty cool. Eddy Barrows is drawing it and the two issues after and I personally am loving the creepiness of the story.

I am DC exclusive

2007-02-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

As announced this weekend at the New York Comiccon, I am now DC exclusive. I am also the new regular artist on The All-New Atom. This is the part where I tell you to read it or I will be sad.

People I hate

2007-02-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

I wrote a column for CBR's Comics Should Be Good blog. Go read it here!

So Very Famous

2007-01-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

"Vorpal" Keith Cunningham did another interview over at the awesome AroundComics Podcast site.
Go read it... unless you're sick of me.

And speaking of awesome podcasts, go listen to my brother from another mother - Tim Seeley's interview at Word Balloon. Others try, but nobody can touch John Suintres when it comes to interviews. Do yourself a favor and go listen.

The Many Sides of Gail

2007-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Newsarama is doing stories on supatalented Gail Simone's books. Today's article is about The All-New Atom with some preview pages by me.

Night Club on Pullbox

2007-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

Did you miss Night Club (the creator owned series I did with Mike Baron at Image)? Well, I only drew one issue of it, but you can read them online for only 99 cents an issue over at Pullboxonline.com

Monsters on the Prowl!

2007-01-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

They just collected the most recent four issues of Marvel Adventures Spider-Man I did with Peter David. Sppppppoooookkky! Here's a review!

Overexposed!

2007-01-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Comic Book Resources interviewed me about Loaded Bible 2: Blood of Christ.

and
The Pulse interviewed me about filling in on All-New Atom.

Both went up on the same day! That's too much Mike, if you ask me.

Teen Titans Go!

2007-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

TEEN TITANS GO! #42
Written by J. Torres
Art by Mike Norton & Lary Stucker
Cover by Todd Nauck
Raven’s going to pieces! Her multicolored Emoticlones have broken free and are on the run. How will the Teen Titans get all of them back together?
On sale April 25 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

I got to draw Jericho! A dream realized!

So didja get it?

2007-01-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

The All New Atom #7 came out today! Hope you liked it!

New Sketches - Lead Poets Society

2007-01-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

A few images from the last few Lead Poets Society get-togethers.

Subject: Noir

Subject: Eskimo Hunting (no lie)

Sketchiness

2006-12-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

As usual, I've been pretty off/on with the blogging. The holiday rush (finishing up Loaded Bible 2, getting Christmas cards out, etc.) has kept me from posting regularly. But hey, busy is good.

Here's some stuff from a while back. All these are from Lead Poet's Society get-togethers.
The first is from a night where we drew characters that we all made up when we were kids. We all wrote down descriptions and picked at random. I did Skottie Young's first (and he got mine!). But then I did Patrick Brower's... MR. MOSQUITO!

This week's subject was your favorite religious figure. I chose Xenu.

WILDCAT

2006-12-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Got the sudden inspiration to draw Wildcat. He's just so cool lookin'.

Here come the holidays

2006-11-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Mid Ohio Con in lovely Columbus, OH this weekend. Thanks to the always McPimpin' Sean Kelley McKeever for letting me stay at his crib. Got to meet lots of fans and see lots of friends. Those are the best shows.

Chrimmas is coming quickly and I'm barely ready. I'm still working on stuff and planning out my workload for the new year. Already gonna be busy.

Also, remember to get your local retailer to order DC's All-New ATOM #8 and Image's Loaded Bible #2: Blood of Christ for Jan and Feb. GET ON IT!

Come see me and some geeks.

2006-11-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend (Saturday Nov. 11th) I will be attending the 200th episode of Comic Geek Speak at Golden Eagle Comics in PA. Find out all the particulars here.

It's gonna be so fun! I can't wait!

Mike Project Update

2006-10-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Since I don't post as often as I should, and sometimes lagging in my self-promotion. There's a bunch of stuff I've got out or coming out. Go buy it all, will ya?

Runaways #21, the end of "Dead Means Dead" is out in stores. It's good.

Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #20 is out as well. It's a cool Halloween story with Frankenstein's Monster and Hawkeye!

Next month, New X-Men #32 hits the store. Check it out, people!

And Just announce in this month's Diamond Previews, my first of two issues of DC's ALL-NEW ATOM (issue #7). Please ask your local comics retailer to pull it for you. Previews Order Code: NOV060204

Collaboration!

2006-10-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Took a stab at inking a captain America pinup by my buddy Tim. Inking's something that I CAN do, but don't enjoy. This actually really was a calming experience... not really thinking but just putting lines on paper. Hope it came out okay!

Reviews Reviews Reviews

2006-09-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

People seem to like Runaways#20, okay.

And this guy likes #19... I THINK..

Fairy Tales

2006-09-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

More sketchiness from the Wednesday night drew crew. This week it was fairy tales. I know Peter Pan isn't really a fairy tale, but one guy did King Arthur, so I figure anything was fair game.

Billy Goats Gruff was always one of my favorites.

Space Cowboys

2006-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Another week, another sketchfest at T's bar and grill. This week's subject: Alien Cowboys.

Killer Queen

2006-09-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

More New X-Men sketching.

Listen Up!

2006-09-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

From an advance review of Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #19 from Comixtreme.com.

"Norton continues to kick all kinds of butt on the art; I mean seriously, he does. Bump him up to one of the core Spidey titles, Marvel, or I’ll contemplate having you declared legally insane."

I hope somebody over there is listening :)

What's a Wither?

2006-08-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

About to start on my New X-Men issue, so I figured I'd get familiar with the characters. Here's me trying to get used to Wither. I don't know if I've got a haircut I like down. His is kinda shaggy (sort of similar to Chase in Runaways, but not as drastic). The hair is a big deal for me a lot of the time, because it can ruin the way the rest of the face looks. Maybe I should worry about bigger things, I guess :)

Jesus Christ!

2006-08-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

At the risk of offending some, I'm posting a quick sketch I did of Tim Seeley's Loaded Bible hero.

Sketch-O-Rama

2006-08-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

My friend Skottie got the brothers Seeley, and Greg Titus together tonight for a sketch night out. Hopefully, we'll make it a regular thing. Tonight we decided to start out slow with some Batman villains. This is what I did.

Okay this isn't a bat baddie but I liked it anyway

X-Mike!

2006-08-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Coming in November!

NEW X-MEN #32
Written by CRAIG KYLE
& CHRISTOPHER YOST
Pencils by MIKE NORTON
Cover by PACO MEDINA
“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WITHER?” Part 1 (of 1)!
The New X-Men are still reeling from the events of last issue, but the real concern is: Where has Wither been this whole time? After leaving the Mansion, Wither set out on his own...but what has he been up to? Find out here. Also, what does Selene have to do with all this?!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

DOOOOOOOOOOOM!

2006-08-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

He's got a magic sugar cube!

Another Gravity Sketch

2006-08-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Fly, boy, FLY!

Runaways #19 out this week! See Mike! See McKeever!

2006-08-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

This week sees the first issue of my Runaways stint hit the stands. Please go try this book if you haven't yet!

I'll be signing copies at the Downtown Chicago/loop Graham Crackers Comics location on Wednesday, the 16th (from noon til... lets say 2) when the issue comes out. Come say hi! I'll be checking to make sure everybody has a copy in their stack! And when you're done, go hop on a plane and see Sean McKeever in Las Vegas at Alternate Reality Comics (from 5-7pm).

It's like Civil War... WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON???!!!

Wow, another sketch?

2006-08-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

This quick doodle for a thread I saw on the Image Comics message board.

Another for Steve

2006-08-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

More sketches! This was inspired by the fan art challenge currently going on at Comic Geek Speak's forums

Gravity Lives!

2006-08-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to EVERYBODY that came out to Wizard World this past weekend. SO MANY people came by to talk and get sketches (my hand is still cramped!). I appreciated it so much and can't wait to see everybody at the next one. Here's a picture of my official geek moment of the convention.

Steve Rolston's been telling me I need to post more sketches on this blog. Steve's right. Here's one I did 5 minutes ago.

Speaking of the blog. I'm going to be making some major changes to the site in the upcoming months. I'm going to be going back to HTML and a dynamic back end (that sounds dirty) to make it more easily updated. Sorry to all those who were fans of the "Y'all stop that, y'hear?!" So pretty soon this blog will be the home page. Just a word of warning.

Back to work!

Runaways 19 Previewed!

2006-07-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

IGN.com has a preview of next month's Runaways #19... The first of the three issues I'm drawing. Lemme know what you think!

More books than a Barnes N' Noble!

2006-07-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Out NOW!!! Go get 'em!

TEEN TITANS GO! VOL. 4: READY FOR ACTION

Written by J. Torres; Art by Todd Nauck, Mike Norton and Lary Stucker; Cover by Sean Galloway

The action never stops in this volume collecting TEEN TITANS GO #16—20, as the Titans confront a rampaging Wildebeest, teach the hot—tempered Hotshot the value of patience, battle an army of zombies, find themselves trapped in a deadly video game with the Titans East and more!

Cartoon Network | 104pg. | Color | Softcover | $6.99 US | ISBN 1401209858

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN # 17

COVER BY: CAMERON STEWART
WRITER: PETER DAVID
PECILS: MIKE NORTON
INKS: NORMAN LEE
COLORED BY: GURU-EFX
LETTERED BY: DAVE SHARPE

THE STORY:
Full moon’s out, so guess who’s comin’ to bug our webslinger? WEREWOLF BY NIGHT! And he’s turned Peter Parker’s rival, Flash Thompson, into a werewolf too! Can Spidey find a cure before the sun comes up, or is Flash forever doomed to a life of fleas and howling at the moon?

32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

OUT NEXT WEEK!!

TEEN TITANS GO! #33

Written by J. Torres; Art by Mike Norton and Lary Stucker; Cover by Sean Galloway

Batter up! The Teen Titans go up against a collection of their wildest foes for a good old-fashioned game of baseball...but the stakes in this game include the lives of everyone in Jump City! This is definitely one of the strangest sports stories you'll read this year!

Johnny DC | 32pg. | Color | $2.25 US

And newly announced for October...

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #20
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by MIKE NORTON
Cover by CAMERON STEWART
Guest-starring HAWKEYE! FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER crashes Halloween, and SPIDEY’s in waaaaay over his head! Can the Wall-Crawler and the Ace Archer trick the brute, or will they be treated to their last Hallow’s Eve?
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

RUNAWAYS #21
Written by BRIAN VAUGHAN
Penciled by MIKE NORTON
Cover by JO CHEN
It’s the shocking conclusion of “Dead Means Dead!”
As the Runaways face the biggest threat of their young lives, an old friend reappears.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

In other news, I'm NOT in San Diego and I'm bummin' about it. WHINE!!!! Have fun everybody out there!

VALIDATE ME!

2006-07-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

An advanced review of the upcoming issue of Marvel Adventures Spider-Man by Peter David, Yours Truly, et al.

Here's the link...