Bringing his unique perspective to the community and, eventually
beyond, is important to comic artist Greg Jones, who has been
drawing comics since he was 11.
Bringing his unique perspective to the community and, eventually beyond, is important to comic artist Greg Jones, who has been drawing comics since he was 11.
“On Oct. 1, 1990 was the first major printing of my first comic book, ‘Visions,’” he said. “I ordered 200 through Capitol City distribution. Now, more than a decade later, I am continuing to look for new audiences for my work.”
Jones’ work depicts various superheroes he created dealing with issues of good versus evil, although in rather non-traditional situations.
Some of his characters include Vladameer Blood, Malleable and Simon Wraith.
“After distributing through Capitol for three years, I went underground due to lack of sales,” he said. “I continued to make my books and distribute them myself to those I came into contact with.”
The next few years were difficult for Jones, he said, because he didn’t see a way to accomplish what he wanted to accomplish – a widespread distribution of his fantasies – without help.
“A few years later, I pretty much put my books on hold not knowing what else to do,” he said. “And then, I ended up walking into Milligan News Co., Inc., and I pitched my idea to the vice president, Ron C. Nichols. He was extremely responsive and agreed to a 300-print run for each of my 10 books.”
Jones’ first book, “Visions,” was sold in several different stores in Morgan Hill. He has recently made an arrangement with the Legends of the Game store in the Tennant Station shopping center to stock his latest works, and he will be in the store on Saturday to sign his books.
“I feel very positive of the path my visions have led me on,” he said. “I have been able to share these with children, adults, friends and relatives …. During the last 10 years I have also been privileged enough to work with other artists, including Jeremy Jorstad of Morgan Hill and Alan Groening from south San Jose, even Scott Shriver from Saint Louis, MO.”
The opportunity to collaborate with other artists he values, he said. It was this interest in promoting communication and shared experiences that led him to his second book, “Proty II,” which included suggestions from readers and friends.
Jones said he still is seeking backers, so that he can afford an even more widespread distribution of his creations.
“I want to give others the opportunity to get involved in this project,” he said. “It is exciting, it has lots of potential, financially and otherwise.”
Jones’ latest projects include a mail-order catalogue of his comic books and coffee mugs decorated with his creations.
Although he no longer lives in Morgan Hill, Jones maintains his connections here and hopes to have more book signing events.
“While I want to extend my audience to the rest of the country, even overseas, I also think it is important that people realize that talent can be found in their own backyard,” he said. “I think it is good for kids to see that, too, and to know that if they keep working at something, even if it takes longer than they want, they can accomplish it.”
