Jason Loo shares the origins of “The All-Nighter,” winning awards, and working with Marvel

I'm very excited to welcome back comic artist and creator Jason Loo to look at the ComiXology Originals series “The All-Nighter.” The series is now complete and will be available in print on March 16.

Main character Alex is bored—flipping burgers for strangers all night is no way for a vampire to live. But he and his fellow vampires Joy, Cynthia, and Ian have agreed to blend into human society. Inspired by superhero movies, one of few passions in his un-life, Alex decides to don a cape and start fighting bad guys. But his decision will have bigger consequences than he realizes—for himself and for everyone he wants to protect.

Jason and I talk about the origin of the series and working with co-creator Chip Zdarsky, with whom Jason worked with for “Afterlift,” another ComiXology Originals title. That project went on to win the Eisner Award, and Jason shares the experience at winning one of the biggest awards in the comics industry.

Marvel is one of the many companies that Jason has worked with, and he talks about getting to do the art for some of his favorite titles. His life is a busy one, with a day job on top of his comics projects and gives some insight into how to balance such a busy schedule.

Deshawn White releases tribute song for “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

For this episode, I sit down with rapper/producer Deshawn White to talk about his recently-released single, “Control,” a tribute to the upcoming “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The song took Deshawn in some new directions, including getting into character, a first for him. We also nerd out a bit on the film franchise and talk about the different actors who've played the wall-crawler over the years.

But there's much more! Deshawn's career began when he was just 12 years old, rapping about the violence and drugs that were his childhood. We look at this early work, and what happened that led to him releasing “Hold On” in 2011, his first Christian single, followed by “Before The Ceiling Falls” in 2015. Deshawn and I talk about the role religion has played in his life and why he felt so strongly about dedicating an album to it.

In 2022, Deshawn will relase “BOATS” or “Based On A True Story.” It's a summation of his life—both the good and the bad, and he holds nothing back as we talk about the different tales that he'll share. We also look at what's next, and the answer is pretty interesting.

Following this, enjoy Deshawn's new single “Control.” It's a really powerful song and compelled me to check out the rest of his work.

Feb. 23, 2017: Bullethead/Hana Kahn/Curtis Lawson/Amanda McCarthy

It's a reunion show on Citywide Blackout! Jeff Royds returns to talk about the latest news from his band Bullethead, which includes an upcoming CD release. Jeff also talks about his many posts online regarding advice for musicians, whether that's how you interact with the crowd or the importance of getting out and going to shows. We have such a good time, Jeff decides to stay for the rest of the show.

Hana Khan returns and she has a great new campaign to talk about. Called "You Are Enough," it's going to be launched this spring, coinciding with an upcoming single and article. In this campaign, she incorporates her own experiences in dealing with mental illness and the science behind it with the goal of helping others in the same situation, with the message that they are enough and they can achieve anything.

Up next is author Curtis Lawson. He has a new book to talk about, "It's a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad World," his new comic "Mastema," which she wrote with Marvel Comics author Nico Leon, and the return of one of his earlier works, "The Devoured," which he was able to get back the rights to. We talk about his foray into audiobooks, the legal side of writing and what kind of villain he would be.

Closing of the show is Amanda McCarthy, another former guest making a big return. She's redone her Grammy-nominated song "Bad News," and we talk about the work that went into that, the best kinds of road food, and her upcoming shows.

A recap of the Granite State Comic-Con

As I walked up to the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, I questioned whether I had given my GPS the right directions. This didn’t seem like the site of a major convention of geek-dom. Then, I was greeted by the sight of a young woman dressed as the infamous Harley Quinn standing beside a Gotham PD car, tagged in green spray paint.

The cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender

Yeah, I’d say I’ve got the right place.

My first time at the Granite State Comic-Con was an exploration of sorts—I’ve been to its larger cousins, Boston Comic-Con and PAX East, but this was my first time at Granite State. After getting my press pass [yay, I’m an official convention correspondent!] I took a quick walkthrough to get a feel for the place and what this con had to offer. I soon confirmed many of the staples of the convention world: a massive array of vendors selling everything from replica weapons [oh, my kingdom for a halberd!] to comics from all eras, to toys from my childhood and posters, posters, and more posters! There was a gaming room where players could test their skills, and one set aside for panels all weekend that gave solid advice on the comic industry and how to make your mark in it. For those that attended, I hope you took good notes…by the way, can I borrow those?

Zatanna, by Lady Jay Cosplay

Of course, what convention would be complete without lots and lots of cosplayers? Many donned Marvel and DC regalia such as Zatanna, Raven, and Nick Fury, but others tested different characters, including a casually-dressed Wolverine, Doctor Who, the mashup Deadpool Ranger, and even the entire main roster of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I was really impressed with the styles and detail of the costumes, as nearly all looked hand-made. Those that I talked to eagerly posed for photos, striking some epic stances for camera after camera. There were some professional cosplayers as well [those that have turned their fandom into a business], such as Koi Fish Asylum. 

A stalwart Nick Fury, by Everyone's Hero

In the main vendor’s hall, I saw impressed to see many first-time creators showcasing their work, such as V.S. Holmes who was telling fellow fantasy fans about the newest book in her “Reforged” series, or ArrionnaWagoner, the master of all artisticstyles and head of A. Wags Illustrations. Her work—which features zombies, fantasy setting and her take on popular female characters—was so good, I had to pick up one for myself. I also learned of the Horror Writers of Maine, a collection of some of the best masters of the macabre to be found up north. Peter Simeti, founder of Alterna Comics, talked about his upcoming release of "The Chair," which sounds like a truly haunting story.

A sample of the work by A. Wags Illustrations

There were plenty of great bonuses, such as the lightsaber dueling classes that went on all weekend. Sith or Jedi, everyone seemed to have a great time, and those leading the class really knew their stuff. The entire setup was easy to navigate, and never did I feel to penned-in or claustrophobic by the tables or people.

All in all, the convention was a great experience, an introduction to some amazing new artists, and an opportunity to mingle with my fellow nerds. On to next year! 

A day well spent at Granite State Comic-Con