The Hangar

New and Last Post here at The Hanger

2011-04-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Well, this is the last post here at The Hanger... but for a very good reason. The Glitchwerk.com website has been updated and we are moving all of our news on Titanium Rain as well as our other projects there. So make sure you add http://www.glitchwerk.com/ to your rss feed to get all of the latest news we have to report.

As well, if you are going to be in the PA area this weekend, be sure to visit us at the CGS Super Show in Reading PA This Saturday-Sunday. For more inforamtion, please visit http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/

-Kat

WonderCon!

2011-03-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!
This weekend finds Josh and Kat exhibiting at WonderCon in San Francisco. So if you are in the area, be sure to stop by SP72 and say "hi". They will have copies of Titanium Rain for sale as well as art prints, posters, art books and more.

As well, they are hosting a fund raiser for Doctors Without Boarders to help with the relief effort for victims in Japan.

Hope to see you there!

What music are you listening to currently?

2011-03-26T15:02:00.001-07:00

What music are you listening to currently?

Answer here

Uniques Tales Issue #8

2011-03-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

If you love awesome action stories, then definately make a point to check out The Uniques and their spin off series, Uniques Tales by Adam Whithers and Comfort Love. Especially check out Uniques Tales #8 as Josh and Kat did the cover art.
The world of Uniques is set in an alernate 1990's where a horrible disaster has occurred and the United States, indeed the world, is dealing with the aftermath. Gifted people, known as Uniques, have formed, governmentally sanctioned, law enforcement groups whose job is to make sure that others with special abilities follow the same laws that ordinary citizens follow.

I highly suggest that you take the time to check this book out.

-kat

What color would your lightsaber be? Feel free to take this seriously (or wrong).

2011-03-07T19:51:00.001-08:00

What color would your lightsaber be? Feel free to take this seriously (or wrong).

Answer here

what was the BEST book/graphic novel you have ever read. You can only pick ONE.

2011-03-06T19:25:00.001-08:00

what was the BEST book/graphic novel you have ever read. You can only pick ONE.

Answer here

Vote for us in the Eagle Awards

2011-02-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

It's time once again for the Eagle Award nominations. If you have a spare moment, Josh and I would really appreciate your support. Head over to http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/ and vote for Josh Finney, Kat Rocha, and Titanium Rain.
Make sure to click the link in your confirmation email to make it all count.
* * This Just In * *
As of 2/28/11 there are only 3 copies of Titanium Rain left on Amazon.com!! So if you were thinking of picking one up, now is the time to do it. Only $14.96

Also, we will be at Wondercon this year April 1-3 located at SP72. We will, of course, have copies of Titanium Rain as well as posters, new projects and tons more. Come by and and say "hi" if you are planning on attending.

We're Going to Wondercon!!

2011-02-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

This year, Josh and I will be having our own table at WonderCon. Details are still coming in, but you will definitely be able to find us in the Small Press section. Just look for the display with the two planes flying OR you can look us up in the program guide under The Art of Josh Finney and Kat Rocha. We're going to have a lot of new stuff to show this year so please remember to stop by and say hello to us.

More updates will be coming.

News Report: Titanium Rain won Best HC of 2010 in UK based WFTTie Awards & is now available on Graphc.ly

2011-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody,

Well the holidays are over, it's a brand new year and we're starting it off right with a couple of awesome announcements.
First up, Titanium Rain is now available on the Archaia online store! For the first time ever, you can now order Titanium Rain from http://store.archaia.com/. How cool is that?!

Up next, Titanium Rain has gone digital! Graphic.ly has made Titanium Rain Vol.1 available for download. Issue 1 is free, 2-4 are each $1.99. And the whole graphic novel including all the extra material is only $6.99 Go Here and download yours for your iPad.

And last, but certainly not least, The hit UK podcast "Waiting for the Trade" has awarded Titanium Rain as the best Hard Cover of 2010!! Whoo Hoo!! Thank you WFTT!!

One final note: we should have news about the pending Titanium Rain Vol. 2 soon. so keep a look out for that in the coming weeks.

-Kat

Generic question: If you could have one super power what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?

2011-01-05T10:04:00.001-08:00

Generic question: If you could have one super power what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?

Answer here

Long Beach Comic Con Recap.

2010-11-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Comic Con. went very well this year. Josh and I sold out of Titanium Rain Vol. 1 and sold a fair amount of copies of Josh's latest art book, Transcend. Below is a slide show of some of the things we saw at the con and some of our friends. If your picture is not there, it's most likely I haven't found a good picture of you yet. :)

Also, for a "full report" on the con, list to Cammy's Comic Corner, Drinky Talky episodes 37 and 38 (found below).

UPDATE Oct. 26th, 2010

2010-10-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

Some great stuff to report today!
The first being that the Long Beach Comic Con is just around the corner. Only Three Days Left! If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, do so now. And if you have, come see us in Artist Alley Table Numbers 1505-1506. We'll be joined by our friends, Jules Rivera of Marsh Rocket, Mike Colbert of Tales of the Supernatural, and Corissa Baker who will be our personal body guard and the resident booth-badass.

We'll have copies of Titanium Rain, art, will have some give-aways for the kids on Halloween, and the grand unveiling of Josh's new art book, Transcend - the Art of Nu Flesh which is also available in our online store.

Also, Josh and I have been interviewed for the Comic Geek Speak episode 497, looking ahead to Long Beach Comic Con.

Last, but not least, more great art samples from Volume 2 to show off. Check em out in this fully updated slide show.

Amazon UK almost out of Titanium Rain.

2010-09-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

We have just received word that Amazon.co.uk only has 2 copies left of Titanium Rain Vol. 1. Thank you to everyone that ordered one, the second printing is on it's way for those who haven't yet, and now we're off to conquer the American Amazon!

Titanium Rain Reviewed on Waiting for the Trade Podcast

2010-09-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Dave and Angela Williams of Waiting for the Trade Podcast spend some time going over volume 1 of Titanium Rain in their 92nd episode. You can listen to it HERE . They do a wonderful job going over the book, giving a very fair critique of the story and artwork, as well as sparking a discussion on Americans and our inability to spell the word "meter" as well as who could kick more ass, us or Adam and Comfort, the creators of the other book series that is covered in this episode entitled The Uniques. I highly recommend giving them a listen.

New Preview Art for Titanium Rain Vol. 2

2010-09-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hey all, here are four more pieces of art for Titanium Rain Vol. 2 courtesy of Josh's Deviant Art Account.

News for October 2010

2010-09-20T15:59:00.001-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that Josh and Kat are taking this time to announce that they will not be attending the New York Comic Con this year. This was a last minute decision based on scheduling conflicts and the need to get Titanium Rain Vol. 2 ready for it's early 2011 release.

But, with that said, we will be exhibiting at the Long Beach Comic Con Oct. 29-31st at the Long Beach Convention Center in CA. And we won't be alone. We'll be joined by our friends Mike Colbert of Crazy Mary and Tales of the Supernatural, and Jules Rivera of Marsh Rocket fame. More information coming soon.

In other news, be sure to like us on Facebook and check out both Josh Finney and Kat Rocha's Deviant Art Galleries. Josh routinely updates his with sample art from the upcoming Titanium Rain Vol. 2.

That's all for now. Keep a look out for more information about Long Beach Comic Con soon.

Sneak Preview of Titanium Rain Volume 2

2010-09-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Over the past several month we've been working hard to get Titanium Rain Volume 2 finished as soon as possible. And though it will not be in stores till early next year, we offer to you this sample of what all is in store in the next chapter of this futuristic saga.

Graphic Policy interviews Josh Finney

2010-08-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Brett Schenker of Graphic Policy.com conducted an interview with our own Josh Finney recently. They discuss politics, the 60's, writing, and China.

-Kat

Did Taiwan ally with the Sino Union or was there a hostile takeover? Given the storied history between the two (even with warmer relations now), why would Taiwan want to help the beaten "Communist State?"

2010-07-30T04:10:00.001-07:00

As China became more westernized it's relations with Taiwan improved vastly. Eventually the two nations negotiated a "separated but united" pact which was patterned after the relationship the United States has with Puerto Rico. And since the Sino Union was originally an economic alliance of Asian nations, naturally Taiwan remained a part of it when it was quickly converted into a military alliance. At this point Taiwan isn't so much concerned about what will become of the ousted PRC, but rather fears what a Jade ruled China will mean for them. Kao-Shen is an ultra-nationalist who see himself as a great conqueror. A Jade ruled China would inevitably lead to an invasion of Taiwan.

Ask me anything

In Titanium Rain vol 2 will we be seeing another "Embedded" segment? And more of the undercover agent?

2010-07-30T03:02:00.001-07:00

YES! Both "Project Duplicity" and "Embedded" will continue in Vol. 2, along with a new story about a gunrunner operating in Tibet. Also, the journalist character in "Embedded" will appear in the main story of Titanium Rain vol. 2. In the first part of the book he arrives at Mamoru Airbase to embed with Phoenix Squadron. Why? Well, let's just say he's got deeper motives for being there.

Ask me anything

Both you and Kat do a fantastic job on the art. Who does what part of the art?

2010-07-30T02:46:00.001-07:00

Hmmm...this could quickly become a VERY long answer. But for now the easy explanation is that Kat does all the "traditional" art --the pencils, crosshatching, flatting. I do all the digital stuff --the digital painting, most of the backgrounds, all the 3D design. I also do all of the graphic design for the book.

-Josh

Ask me anything

I just finished the book and I need more! When will the rest of the story be told? I need to be able to tell my retailer when to order it?

2010-07-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

Vol. 2 should be in stores early 2011. BUT if you'd like previews for what is to come, you can check out the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Titanium-Rain-comic-book/107831152591470 or Josh's Deviant Art page http://josh-finney.deviantart.com/gallery/#Sci-Fi

Ask me anything

UPDATED signing schedule for San Diego Comic Con

2010-07-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

The signing schedule for Titanium Rain at the Archaia Booth #2635 has been changed!

Wednesday 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Table 1
Thursday 9:00am - 11:00am at Table 4
Friday 1:00pm - 2:00pm at Table 4
2:00pm - 3:00pm at the Featured Table
Saturday 4:30pm - 6:00pm at Table 4
Sunday 3:30pm - 5:00pm at the Featured Table

And don't forget to catch us at the Archaia All Access Panel on Friday in Room 9 from 6:30 - 7:30pm.

San Diego Comic Con 2010 Signing Schedual for Titanium Rain

2010-07-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

The following is the schedule of times Josh Finney and Kat Rocha will be at the Archaia Entertainment Booth #2635 at the San Diego Comic Con this year.

Wednesday 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Featured Table
Thursday 9:00am - 11:00am at Table 4
Friday 10:30am - Noon at Table 4
Saturday 4:30pm - 6:00pm at Table 4
Sunday 3:30pm - 5:00pm at Table 1

And don't forget to catch us at the Archaia All Access Panel on Friday in Room 9 from 6:30 - 7:30pm.

-Kat

San Diego Comic Con News and Schedule

2010-07-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year once again. Yes, it's time for the San Diego Comic Con and the creators of Titanium Rain will be there in force again. Yes four (or five) awesome days of comics, toys, games and fun. If you are attending this year and would like to see the creators of Titanium Rain (and get a sneak peak at Vol. 2) there are First off, you will be able to see them every day of the convention at the Archaia Entertainment booth #2635 for their daily signings. The Archaia booth is located in between the Marvel Comics and Image booths. Signing schedule will be posted at the convention.

As well, we will be participating in the Archaia All Access Panel on Friday July 23rd in Room 9 of the convention center. We'll be there with the creators of The God Machine, Starkweather Immortal, The Awakening, Hybrid Bastards, and more!

So come by the booth, see us at the panel, get your book signed, and have next week at the San Diego Comic Con!

Graphic Policy gives Titanium Rain a 9.75

2010-07-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Brett Schenker of Graphic Policy.com recently gave Titanium Rain a rating of 9.75 out of 10 and a killer review. Saying that "It’s just brilliant and executed flawlessly" and "This is the perfect summer read and a must buy." You can read the rest of the review at http://graphicpolicy.com/2010/07/09/review-titanium-rain/

Geeky Talky Interview

2010-07-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday, June 26th saw Titanium Rain and our friend Jules Rivera of Marsh Rocket at the Rising Sun Creations Comic Store for an all day signing. While we were there, Cammy from Cammy's Comic Corner Podcast showed up and conducted a live interview.

We talk about the serious issues like Furies and The Human Centipede. Things that really matter. ;) So tune in, kick back, and have some fun listening to Episode 13 of Geeky Talky.

How do you feel about the criticisms against photo ref artists and what do you think sets your work apart from that?

2010-06-30T07:33:00.001-07:00

Frankly, I find the biast against photo reference in comic art to be overplayed. Dave McKean uses photos, Alex Ross uses photos, so does JH Williams...and they are all widely respected artists in the field. It's really not a big deal to anyone except a handful of angry purists.

As for my own work, I consider myself a storyteller above all. The style in Titanium Rain is a means to an end in that sense. Wheather people consider it "real" art or not isn't what matters. For me it's all about conveying the story I want to tell.

-Josh

Ask me anything

Alec Killian and Happy are modeled after you two, huh?

2010-06-30T00:17:00.001-07:00

We use a lot of photo reference in our work. With a story as epic as Titanium Rain we needed models who would be available at all times. So yeah, Kat and I are in the book....as are many friends and family.

Ask me anything

Doctor Who: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Daleks (The Peter Jones-y Edit)

2010-06-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

What are pan-immunity genes?

2010-06-04T00:02:00.001-07:00

This is explained somewhat in the "Embedded" short story that appears in the Titanium Rain Hardcover. But the short answer is that in the world of Titanium Rain the Pan-Immunity gene was one of the first "custom genes" that could be purchased and given to children in the womb. It beefs up a person's immune system to the level that they rarely get sick.

Ask me anything

Cammy's Comic Corner names Titanium Rain Book of the Month for June.

2010-06-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Cammy's Comic Corner Podcast has named Titanium Rain vol. 1 Book of the Month for June of 2010. Click HERE to read the entire review as well as watch the video.

-Kat

Escape from Tomorrow Review and Signing News

2010-06-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Escape from Tomorrow blog gave Titanium Rain Vol 1 a wonderful review on May 26th.

"The quantity and quality of additional material in Titanium Rain, on the other hand, is such that I feel I've been doing a disservice by referring to it simply as 'bonus material' - what we have here is a back story, an origin, extended reading ... recruitment posters, periodical extracts, weapons specs, short - and not so short - stories ... beautifully illustrated throughout."

Thanks Guys!!

As well, Josh and I will be signing again at Rising Sun Creations in Mission Valley with our good friend Jules Rivera of Marsh Rocket fame on Saturday June 26th from Noon till 5pm. If you're in the San Diego area, come check us out! We'll have Vol. 1 available as well as sketches and art prints.

-kat

What's Russia think of the Chinesse civil war. I'd imagine that their pretty pissed about it. Why aren't they fighting but the USA is?

2010-05-21T13:19:00.001-07:00

Excellent question. Russia's involvement in the war (or lack there of), is a major plot point in Book Three. For now, here's how much I will reveal. Russia is NOT happy about the war in China, and did consider taking action early on. But the Jades took hold of China so rapidly that it became clear to Russia that they may have to accept the Jades as their new neighbor. For now Russia is officially neutral, but that may change....very, very soon. Also, consequently, the Russian arms industry has been selling hardware to both the Sino Union, the Jades, and India (who is part of the Allies).

Ask me anything

Exploring the Multiverse's Review of Titanium Rain.

2010-05-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

The guys at Exploring the Multivers Podcast gave an awesome review of Titanium Rain in their 20th episode. They also take the time to talk about the other books they got at Super Show '10 and the art piece they got from Josh of Power Girl.

So go visit them at ExploringtheMultivers.com . Our review is at the 20 minute and 30 seconds mark.

Are we going to see other offspring of the Phoenix program, like cyber-enhanced Infiltrator Goats. Strange Cyber Goats?

2010-05-19T22:24:00.001-07:00

Look, you guys start sending me stuff like this and I'm liable to make weird references to it in Book 2. Book 1 has already got a ton of MST3k and b-movie references hidden away in it. You've been warned.

Ask me anything

How has the feedback been on the TitaniumN Rain Hard Cover?

2010-05-18T10:51:00.001-07:00

The feedback on Titanium Rain has been awesome. The reviews on Amazon.com so far have been all five stars and we’ve been getting letters from all over the world saying how much people loved this book.

Ask me anything

What, politically and economically, motivated you to write that the U.S. would enter a direct conflict with China?

2010-05-18T07:34:00.001-07:00

Politically or economically? I'm not sure what you mean by this. Economically, I suppose, I could say I do want the story to sell and make money. But politically? I believe I'm saying more about the human condition rather than commenting on any one government or nation. Above all else, though, my motivation is to write a damn good story. My aim is no less than penning a sci-fi classic that is smart, compelling, and worth your time. If it makes you think, good...but I'm not drafting a manifesto here. For a long time now many of the themes in Titanium Rain were burning in my brain and I needed to get them out...deeper ideas that go beyond politics. War, atheism, evolution, man's relationship to technology -- these things came first in the story process. The idea of setting a war in China came much later.

Ask me anything

Since the Air Force has the F35X Hellcat, do the Marines or the Army have their own super special versions of the JSF?

2010-05-16T22:55:00.001-07:00

Well, remaining strictly in the realm of reality, the F-35 Lightening was developed specifically to be a one-size fits all plane of the various branches of the military. Multiple variants of this jet currently exist. The F-35C, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing, is used by the US Marine Corps. In the Titanium Rain setting this concept has been taken further and countless variants of the F-35 exist. Many of these fictional F-35 variants can be seen in the back material of the Titanium Rain hardcover.

Oh...one other thing. Just like in reality, the US Army in Titanium Rain doesn't use F-35s.

-Josh

Ask me anything

Where did you hide the dead hooker Josh?

2010-05-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

C'mon. Why do people keep asking me this?! You'd think I did something wrong...I'm a nice guy. People like me. I think.

-Josh

Ask me anything

How about a short story about the revenge of the monkeys used to test Phoenix enhancements? Super-intelligent, vengeful hairless cyber monkeys? That steal mech suits and wreak vengeance? Just a thought.

2010-05-16T21:31:00.001-07:00

Funny you should ask. Archaia Entertainment has been looking to beef up their child-friendly titles and I proposed a story concept similar to this...except the monkeys go berserk and end up devouring the cast from Fraggle Rock. I even wanted David Petersen of Mouse Guard to illustrate it, but by the time this came up in conversation everyone in the room was convinced I'd had a few too many.

-Josh

Ask me anything

How about a short story about the revenge of the monkeys used to test Phoenix enhancements? Super-intelligent, vengeful hairless cyber monkeys? That steal mech suits and wreak vengeance? Just a thought.

2010-05-16T21:08:00.001-07:00

Funny you should ask. Archaia Entertainment has been looking to beef up there child-friendly titles and I proposed a story concept similar to this...except the monkeys go berserk and end up devouring the cast from Fraggle Rock. I even wanted David Petersen of Mouse Guard to illustrate it, but by the time this came up in conversation everyone in the room was convinced I'd had a few too many

Ask me anything

Forumspring Questions Answered.

2010-05-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

Questions Answered

Ask your question about Titanium Rain at - http://www.formspring.me/TitaniumRain

I know as creators you want to keep moving forward, but I have to ask: will you ever return to the Utopiates? Or if you're not planning to do so, have you ever considered opening the idea to other creators, like David Petersen is doing with Mouseguard?
I've always intended to return to Utopiates when the time is right. A lot of it depend on the publisher, though, Bloodfire Studios. As for inviting other creators to contribute to the Utopiates setting, ABSOLUTELY. From day one I wanted Utopiates to be an "open" univerve in which other could play in. I even proposed to Bloodfire the idea of a "Utopiates: Urban Legends" book which would allow for exactly this.

5 minutes ago

Question: when will the next book be out?
Damn...with all the delays on the first book (thank's to our censor happy pals in China) I'm sort of paranoid at this point about making any promises.

2 hours ago

In the TR world, how well accepted are American born Asians in the U.S.? Are they at all, or are there internment camps like they did with Japanese in America during WWII? by Wookiee71
Nope. No internment camps. For all our troules, the America of 2030 has moved past this sort of thing. Are there hate crimes? Sure. They will always be stupid people who do this sort of thing, but widespread state instituded racism against Asians? No.

2 hours ago

Assuming it was up to you, which would you rather see, a Titanium Rain movie or TV (mini?) series? Also is it true that the book is "banned" in China? (I think I heard that rumor but can't find a weblink.
As far as seeing Titanium Rain translated into a film or TV mini-series, I'm open to either. That said, I'm not writing this story in the hopes that some day it'll be told in another medium. As an author and artist, sequential story telling is the medium I've chosen to work in. A graphic novel is EXACTLY how I want readers to experience Titanium Rain. The story is written to take full advantage of the medium's strengths, and really couldn't be told any other way without losing some of the magic

That said, if anyone was to make Titanium Rain in to a film, my dream would be for it to be animated by Production IG and directed by Mamoru Oshii.

-Josh

2 hours ago

We have placed a TR order @ local Borders; next plan to do same at local Barnes & Noble. Any other suggestions?
Amazon.com, InstockTrades.com, and your local comic book stores. All these places are great for ordering. And Instock Trades and Amazon both have it at a discount.

4 days ago

Titanium Rain Vol.1 HC Now In Stores!

2010-04-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hurrah!! It's here!! The book we've all been waiting for. The book banned by China, Is now available at your local comic book store TODAY!! As well, Titanium Rain Vol. 1 will be available at major book sellers such as Barnes & Noble, Boarders, and Amazon.com in just another week or so.

So please, go to your local retailer, pick up your own copy today, and tell us what you think. :)

Updated Signing and Convention schedule to come soon.

convention schedual as of 4/21/10
San Diego Comic Con
New York Comic Con
Long Beach Comic Con
_______________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CHINESE GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTS
TO CENSOR ‘TITANIUM RAIN’ VOL. 1

When real-world politics clash with four-color fiction.
PR: China tries to censor Archaia's TITANIUM RAIN.

Los Angeles, CA (April 21, 2010) – In an instance of real-world
politics affecting the comic industry, ARCHAIA ENTERTAINMENT's latest
graphic novel series, TITANIUM RAIN, had been severely delay when
Chinese printing companies refused to print the book. TITANIUM RAIN,
which portrays a civil war in near-future China, was repeatedly
rejected by Chinese printers, citing "politically sensitive content"
deemed offensive by the PRC.

“What I find very telling about the whole situation is at no point
does our book criticize the current Chinese government or any of its
policies," say author/co-artist Josh Finney. "The scenario I wrote is
patterned after the Boxer Rebellion, and is meant to be a statement
against ultra-nationalism and ethnic cleansing. In fact, it is
ultra-nationalists in the Chinese military who attempt to overthrow
the government in TITANIUM RAIN.”

Until now, Archaia Entertainment printed most of its books through
China, an arrangement the publisher has had to reconsider. Clearly
China's cheap manufacturing costs do come at a hidden price.
Censorship.

Controversy over TITANIUM RAIN's publication may have stemmed from a
sequence of pages in the book which show events leading up to a
Chinese civil war. A sneak preview of those pages is available here:
www.glitchwerk.com/press/.

Written and illustrated by the husband-and-wife team of Josh Finney
(Batman, Star Trek: Enterprise) and Kat Rocha (Batman), Titanium Rain
Vol. 1 (full color, 152 pages, 6.625” x 10.25” hardcover with dust
jacket, $19.95, ISBN 1-932386-72-6) collects the first four chapters
of the series. The story is set in the year 2031 and told from the
point of view of US Air Force pilot Alec Killian, who is forced to
shed some of his humanity in exchange for biotech and machine when a
civil war in China spirals into a global conflict.

Despite the numerous production delays TITANIUM RAIN VOL. 1 shipped to
comic stores nationwide this Wednesday, and will be in bookstores the
following week.

More information about author Josh Finney and his reasons for pening
TITANIUM RAIN can be found here:
http://comicrelated.com/news/3086/worlds-within-worlds

About Archaia
Founded in 2002, Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for
producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. With a
slate including the popular Eisner Award-winning title Mouse Guard, as
well as Awakening, Gunnerkrigg Court, The Killer, Robotika, Killing
Pickman, Artesia and the Publisher’s latest additions of Titanium
Rain, God Machine, Roddenberry Productions’ Days Missing, The Jim
Henson Company library and Mr. Murder Is Dead and Lucid with Zachary
Quinto’s production company, Before the Door Pictures, Archaia has
become synonymous with quality content. For more information on
Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia
can also be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/archaiacomics),
MySpace (www.myspace.com/archaiacomics) and Twitter
(www.twitter.com/archaiacomics).

# # #

WonderCon 2010

2010-04-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Josh and I got back from WonderCon this week, and what a surprise we found at the Archaia Booth. It was a copy of Titanium Rain HC Vol. 1! Yes, it's here and should be hitting shelves in the next few weeks. I do have to say, the book is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to hear what other people think of it.

It was a good con this year. We sold out of Titanium Rain issue 1 and talked to a lot of interesting people. As well, we were interviewed by Cammy from Cammy's Comic Corner.

Hung out a lot with Chandra Free of the God Machine and Patrick McEvoy of Starkweather Immortal. Ate Sushi and Dim Sum and late night pizza. :) I think we'll definitely be back for next year.

-Kat

Supershow 2010

2010-03-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ah, it's been a while but here is the next blog update.
First, Titanium Rain news:
For those of you who have preordered Titanium Rain, or those of you who are waiting for the hardcover to come out I am happy to dispel your fears and say that Titanium Rain vol. 1 is NOT CANCELED. It's just been delayed. Not due to publishers or distribution or any of the normal reasons you hear about, but due to a foreign government. Yes, seriously. Often in comics, companies will send their graphic novels to China to be printed because it's cheaper there. And so, our publisher did as well because that is where they send all of their books. Unfortunately the Chinese don't like our book and attempted to sensor it. Printer by printer they were denied, told that the book was offencive and, in one instance, "pornographic". Basically, the book has been banned in China. BUT, with that said, S. Korea has agreed to print it and the other two as well. With any luck, it will be at your LCS in the next month or so.

In Other News:
Super Show 2010 in Reading, PA was AWESOME. We just got back last nigh and have to say that the guys from Comic Geek Speak put on an amazing convention and we can't wait to go back next year for more. I wore the pink dress as promised all day on Sat. and at the after party as well. At the show there were artists like J.K Woodward, Mike Norton, Danielle Corsetto, and many more. The 501st Storm Trooper Legion was there too, posing with the kids and "keeping the peace".
You can find out more about the show at http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/.

In two days, Josh and I will leave for Wondercon in San Francisco. If you are going to be there, come see us at the Archaia Booth #813.

Titanium Rain HC News and Supershow

2010-02-07T01:00:00.001-08:00

Okay everyone. Time for a news update of what all has been going on.

Our Top Story Today
Titanium Rain Delayed due to Chinese Objection to Content:
For those of you who may not know, Titanium Rain follows a squadron of American fighter pilots and their roll during a civil war in China. The Americans (and other countries) have sided with the Sino Union against an ultra nationalist faction known as the Jades. Set in an alternate 2032, Titanium Rain has been compared to Ghost in the Shell: SAC, the new Battle Star Galactica, and Generation Kill. You can find out more on the official website at TitaniumRain.net

Well, I have some bitter-sweet news for fans of Titanium Rain. The release of Vol. 1 Hard Cover has sadly been pushed back. The cause – well, in short, China doesn’t like our book. Seriously. It was sent to three different printers in mainland China and all of them refused to print it due to content. We’re pretty sure it has something to do with the news flashes in Ch.4 and the views on ultra-nationalism. But, our publisher found a printer in Hong Kong and I will have a release schedule for you very soon.

Keep a look out for the official press release coming soon.
And don't forget to preorder the book through Amazon.com at just a little over $13.

In Other News:
Josh and Kat Will be attending the Comic Geek Speak Super Show Convention Comic Geek Speak Super Show Convention this March.
In Related News:
The Pretty in Pink Fundraiser was a success! Kat and the CGSSScrew hosted a fundraiser for Hero’s Initiative. The deal was, if $500 was raised by convention time in March, Kat would go to the convention in a pretty pink dress. Thanks to everybody who helped donate.

Cammy's Comic Corner Interview

2009-12-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Cammy's Comic Corner has just put up their interivew with Josh and I. You can view it below and please visit Cammy's site for more awesome podcast episodes.
http://cammyscomiccorner.com/2009/12/24/cammys-comic-corner-titanium-rain-marsh-rocket-signing/

Signing at Rising Sun Creations December 5th, 2009

2009-12-23T09:17:00.001-08:00

This December has been a busy one for Josh and I so I apologize for how long it has taken me to update this blog.

On December 5th, Josh and I along with our very good friend Jules Rivera (of Marsh Rocket fame who also created the promotions poster) had a signing at Rising Sun Creations located in Mission Valley. The turn out was great!! We were busy all day talking to customers and we drew sketches for people. We had a video interview with Cammy's Comic Corner Podcast, and a hip hop band on tour gave us free copies of their cd's. It was a total blast. I haven't had that much fun in... ever sitting behind the table.

Afterwards we went to dinner with Jules and her husband Alex as well as Josh's cousin Chante and her two friends, Kevin and Ihimu who came into town from Orange County.

As soon as I get the link from Cammy, I'll post the interview. Until then, please enjoy this picture slide show. And thanks to Kevin for taking these wonderful pictures.

Illustration of Jetta by Josh Finney of Titanium Rain

2009-10-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Josh has an art piece appearing in the upcoming Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa Graphic Novel. You can check it out HERE.

Lots of Titanium Rain News

2009-10-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well, first and foremost, IT'S OUT TODAY!!!! Yes, the long wait is finally over. Titanium Rain Double Size Issue 1-2 is out in stores TODAY!!

So if you haven't picked it up yet, do so ASAP!! As well, stay tuned for news on our upcoming signing at Rising Sun Productions in San Diego. Josh and I are making plans to do a signing with this wonderful store as soon as 3-4 comes out, which should be in another few weeks.

Second, CBR has just run an interview with Josh on Titanium Rain. It's called "Archaia Forecasts Titanium Rain". In it, Josh talks about what inspired the story and what his goals were in how he told it. It's an awesome interview and I highly recommend that you check it out.

Last, but not least. We've put in our application for a table at the Comic Geek Speak Super Show Convention in March of '10. I know it's a ways away but we're going to start beating the drum now so that people can make plans to head out to PA and come see us. We'll do sketches, have books, patches, and exclusive swag that you can only get from Josh and I. It's going to be awesome!!

-Kat

Press Release: Who Does What

2009-10-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Due to numerous articles in the comics press containing false or misleading information about Titanium Rain, the creators of the book have decided to step forward and clear up a few things.
First and for most, Josh Finney is both the WRITER and LEAD ARTIST on the book. Along with writing the story, he is also responsible for the panel layouts, digital painting, 3D graphics, graphic design, lettering, and concept art. Kat Rocha's role in the process is as a penciler and flatter. Early in Titanium Rain's creation Josh and Kat had opted to simply list the art credits as being done by both of them. Specifically stating who does which tasks seemed unnecessary. That is until the press repeatedly ran articles crediting Kat for all the art tasks, and on occasion, even credited her for Josh's past body of work as a professional artist.

The truth is, for the last couple of years Josh has been essentially mentoring Kat, teaching her the skills to eventually become an artist in her own right. This is not something Josh or Kat would have wanted to have made public, but apparently the press cannot get it right. Look, we all understand these feel-good "Girls can draw too!" human-interest stories are en vogue right now, but it does not excuse piss-poor journalism.

For the record:
Josh Finney is the lead artist on Titanium Rain. Kat Rocha is the penciler and flatter.

Josh has done past work for Star Trek Enterprise, NOT Kat.

All the Titanium Rain covers are painted by Josh.

The "Digital Realism" style that Titanium Rain is known for was created by Josh Finney, and can be seen in much of his work for game companies such as Spartan Publishing and Rebel Games.

Please of the love of dog, comics press, do your damn homework next time.

LOOK!!!

2009-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Titanium Rain AND God Machine are back from the printer!!! YEAH!!!!!!

News Blast: Titanium Rain at the Long Beach Comic Con

2009-09-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

NEWS:Josh Finney and Kat Rocha of Titanium Rain are Special Guests at the Long Beach Comic Con!

Come see them at the Archaia Booth #265. by the front entrance, next to Nintendo.

They'll do sketches, sell art prints, and have Titanium Rain Squadron Patches available.

And while you're there, check them out at the "Archaia: The Mouse that Roared" Pannel on Saturday, Room C at 12 Noon.

See you all there!!

-kat

Titanium Rain Now Available Through Amazon.com

2009-09-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody!! Look what's now available through Amazon!! It's Titanium Rain Volume 1. So now, there are even more great ways of getting your copy.

1. Order from your local comic book store using the Previews Code SEP09 0597
2. Preorder through DCBS and pay only $10.97!! That's a 45% savings.
3. Preorder through Amazon.com.

And don't forget. There will be an additional 50 pages of exclusive content.
Two New Guest Stories
Vehicle Stats
News Articles
Propaganda Notes
And an interview with Bramford, the mind behind Prometheus.

Believe me, you do NOT want to miss this book!!

And don't forget to visit the official Titanium Rain Store for cool swag and art prints done by Josh and Kat.

-Kat

Josh Finney Assaulted...

2009-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

This headline might be at least sixteen years stale but Josh has decided to come forward and talk about how he was assaulted and nearly killed at age 19, and how it relates to our book Titanium Rain.
Read it at ComicRelated.com

It's Official...

2009-09-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true. I know, I can hardly believe it myself but it's real. It's in Previews. Yes... Titanium Rain is coming out in Hard Cover!!!

Over 30 pages of bonus material!
Vehicle Stats
Tech Stats
Informational articles
AND
Two Bonus Short Stories

So head on down to your local comic shop and tell them
"I Want My Titanium Rain!"

-Kat

Interviews and a Sample Page

2009-07-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

Well, Josh and I have been busier than ever, what with the book coming out real soon and San Diego just around the corner. But, here is another sample page from Issue 3/4, currently solicited in the July Previews. Shout out time: Damian (aka. Lord Shaper) from the Kryptographiks podcast makes a cameo appearance on this page as a reporter on the scene.

And speaking of Damian, he did a great interview with us on his website, The Furnace. 11 Questions with Josh Finney and Kat Rocha.

Also, Broken Frontier ran a two part interview with us as well.
Titanium Rain: Anxiety for Postmodern Warfare - Part 1
Titanium Rain: Anxiety for Postmodern Warfare - Part 2

-Kat

Titanium Rain Sneak Peaks

2009-06-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some sneak peak pages from Titanium Rain issue #3/4 solicited in the July Previews Page 195, Code: JUL09 0675

Face: Bryan Deemer from Comic Geek Speak

Face: Jamie D. from Comic Geek Speak

-Kat

TIN OMEN

2009-06-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

"Tanks arrive! Fire wall! Got to keep the camera alive!
Tell the world! Tell the world what's going on here!"

"Tin Omen"
Skinny Puppy

Reports are sketchy, but word is on CNN that the Iranian government is now using attack helicopters against the protesters in Tehran. Considering the story I am telling with Titanium Rain, the events playing out in the news right now strikes pretty close to home. In Titanium Ran a nation that goes to war with itself when a despotic regime refuses to accept a changing world. It is a clash that symbolizes stagnation vs. progress, religion vs. faith, dogma vs. humanity, nationalism vs. globalism, fear vs. hope. In short, the war Alec is fighting is all about the old world versus the new. The question is, who will win this fight, and what will this new world look like? Of course, Titanium Rain is fiction. The blood running in the streets of the Tehran today is very, very real.

The situation in Iran is frightening, as much as it is depressing. The endless stream of blurry footage coming across CNN -- scenes of fires, teargas, and scream crowds -- as a observer, this moment history has been like one gut punch after another. Over breakfast today, Kat and I both found ourselves having trouble finding our appetites. Or as Kat put it, "I feel like I'm going to throw-up." But as overwhelming as all this is , it also makes proud. Proud to be a part of this nascent species called man.

This is also something I am striving to communicate in Titanium Rain, and that is what it means to be human. We as humans have free will. Unlike any other creature on Earth (except maybe elephants and dolphins) we have the ability to push aside instinct and look beyond our base needs. We can choose to be better. We can choose to stand on the side of right. It not only blood running in the streets of the Tehran, but also the human spirit. These men and women are risking all they have and all they are for a better world, knowing full well they probably will not live to see it. This is altruism in its purest form. People making the ultimate sacrifice in the hope of creating a better, more equitable world for those who will survive them.

For now Iran is in chaos. CNN just said acid is being dump onto the crowds from those helicopters, and tanks have rolled into Tehran. Nobody knows just yet how this will end. But for now I will leave you with a quote from a personal hero of mine, Franklin D. Roosevelt...

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith."

Probably a bit of an odd quote from an atheist like me, but I do have faith. Quite a bit in fact. I have faith in mankind. Faith that we can and will do better. Men have always sought an end to the toil and misery, but it can't be given, it has to be achieved. There is hope, but it has to come from inside ourselves.

-Josh Finney
June 20, 2009

More Podcasts

2009-06-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Geeks at Comic Geek Speak invited us to join them while they went through this month's Previews. So join us for jokes and Archie "Spoilers" and good good comics. You can go to the website or you can listen to it Right Here. :)

Also, I'd like to thank Bill Doughty (aka. Library Boy on TheComicForums.com) for the wonderful quote: "Josh and Kat are the Nick & Nora Charles of hard science fiction and dark, inappropriate humor."

Disclamer: No actual spoilers were made for Archie #600. It is all a joke. Neither Josh nor myself have any prior knowledge to what is happening. If Archie does wind up a homeless man, it is purely coincidental.

Podcasts and Reviews!

2009-06-09T02:02:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been busy getting the word out about Titanium Rain so I've got a few places to point out. This is purely in order of when they came out because we've been busy and hadn't had a chance to update sooner.
First, we chatted with Chuck from ComicRelated.com and had a wonderful discussion, not only about Titanium Rain but a little about philosophy and religion and stories with deeper meanings.

Next, Lord Shaper from Kryptographik podcast gave Titanium Rain a wonderful review on his site, The Furnace.. You can read his review by going to LordShaper.com.

And Finally, we have a KILLER deal on Titanium Rain #1/2. You can order your copy through DCBService.com for ONLY $2.74. As well, if you are one of the first 100 people to order the book you will receive...

I dare you to find a better deal than that!

-kat

2009-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Kat Rocha (with a little help from Josh Finney) has made her editorial debut on ComicRelated.com with her article "Power Girl, WTF?!" You can read it athttp://comicrelated.com/news/1564/power-girl-kat-rocha

Review from Ain't It Cool Comics

2009-05-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

First review of the "New" issue one of Titanium Rain just came in from Ain't It Cool Comics.
"I’m going to keep my eye on this series. The art is absolutely mouth-watering and the premise is damn strong too. I’ll be checking in on June’s Previews to find out more on TITANIUM RAIN #1 for sure!"

-Kat

Titanium Rain Preview 2

2009-05-07T20:07:00.001-07:00

Archaia Roundtable @ The Pulse

2009-05-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Jennifer M. Contino of The Pulse sat down with the creators of Awakening, Lone & Level Sands, Robotika and Titanium Rain and talked about the new Archaia and what they have in store for this year.

As a sample of what you'll read, here is our very own Josh Finney and his answer to what was it about Archaia that made it worth the wait...

"What was it about Archaia that made it worth the wait? Well, I suppose Mark Smylie had a lot to do with it. Those boyish good looks, that winning smile of his, his odd Obama-esque manner of speaking. What other reason does a comic creator need, really? Ask yourself, could Marvel ever promise such a fine, fashionable editor and chief? I can guarantee you Joe Quesada does NOT perform bare-chested tai-chi every morning before a convention. Mark? Well, maybe I've never seen him do this, but I'm pretty sure Mark does. Beat that, Marvel!"

-Kat

Archaia in the News.

2009-05-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

With all the news services putting out articles on Archaia's return, I thought I'd make a list of all the places you can read diffrent interviews and news about the company. Of course, this includes info on Titanium Rain :) but it also has some information on other great titles such as Awakening and God Machine.

Newsarama, Comic Book Resource, Comic Relate, ICV2
Broken Frontier

-Kat

Cool TR Swag.

2009-05-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! Look at what we got! Yes, they are official Titanium Rain: Phoenix Squadron Patches. Now you too can be a member of Phoenix Squadron with this beautiful embroidered patch. Designed by none other than that handsome and extremely talented artist, Josh Finney.

Now I bet you're probably asking "How can I get myself one of those nifty and extremely cool patches?" Well, there are not one, but TWO ways you can get one.
1)Simply be one of the first 100 to order a copy of Titanium Rain Prestige Edition #1 (which contains issue 1 and 2) from Discount Comic Book Services this June (more details to come)
OR
2)Come see us at the Archaia booth at the San Diego Comic Con. We will have them on sale along with other great stuff.

Titanium Rain Previews 1

2009-04-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

Awakening Vol. 1 in the April Previews

2009-03-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

In an effort to spread the word that Archaia is back and all the quality you had come to expect from them is still there, many of the Archaia talent have banded together to help pimp eachother's books and get the word out. So, I encourage anyone who reads this blog to take a moment to view their copy of the April Previews and check out The Awakening.

Below is a press release from Nick (the writer) discribing the book. And, I must say that as a rule, if I don't like something I won't pimp it. I loved this book. It's more of a dark, psychological mystery than a "zombie" book. Kinda reminds me of the X-Files when it was good.

Anyway, I will now leave you to Nick.
-Kat

------BEGIN TRANSMISSION---------

Nick.Tapalansky@gmail.com
http://www.archaiasp.com/awakening.php
For Immediate Release:

Awakening Volume One Now Available for Pre-Order!

March 26th, 2009 – New Paltz, NY. Creators Nick Tapalansky and Alex Eckman-Lawn are thrilled to announce that Awakening Volume One, the first of two volumes of the critically acclaimed Archaia series, is now available for pre-order.

"It’s been a long, strange trip getting here," Tapalansky says, referring to the restructuring Archaia (Mouse Guard, Artesia, The Killer, etc.) underwent throughout the entirety of 2008. "Archaia is a fantastic company and all we can say is the wait was well worth it. These guys came out on the other side as a stronger company with some great initiatives for fans and creators alike. We’re proud to be a part of their line-up and can’t wait for people to see what they’ve got coming, especially Awakening. Not that we’re partial or anything.”

The solicitation for Awakening Volume One reads as follows:

“The once peaceful city of Park Falls has been tainted by a series of gruesome murders and missing persons. Cynthia Ford, well known as the town crazy, comes forward to speak with retired police detective Derrick Peters one January afternoon. She claims to have information about the murders, but does she hold the key to unlocking the mystery or has she truly gone insane?

To Derrick’s disbelief she utters one word:

Zombies.

Unable to ignore Cynthia’s information, though not sharing her beliefs, Derrick and others in the city explore the mystery as weeks turn to months and the death toll rises. Could Cynthia have been right? Follow the first half of Park Falls’s year-long struggle for answers here…”

“We’re really taking a grass roots approach to getting the word out,” Tapalansky explains. “We want to reach out to as many fans and retailers as possible. We’re hitting
MySpace, deviantArt, message boards, you name it. We’re hoping that fans of the floppy issues will jump on board and help spread the word. That’s also why we’ve released our fancy pre-order coupon, which is a huge component of that initiative.”

The coupon Tapalansky refers to can be found ----->. It contains all the information a retailer will need to order a copy of the book from Diamond’s Previews catalog.

“All anybody needs to do is print this sucker out and bring it to their local comic shop. That’s it! Come June they’ll have a tome of existential horror and noir mystery to enjoy. We’re hoping that fans and folks interested in the book will feature the coupon and some links on their blogs, message boards, bathroom stalls - whatever it takes to get the word out.”

“We couldn’t have gotten this far without our rabid fan base,” Tapalansky continues, “We’re hoping they’ll turn their unnatural lust for horror and good comics towards spreading the word.”

Those without local shops needn’t worry – as soon as the book is available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers, links will be posted to Nick and Alex’s websites, various message boards, and blogs across the internet.

So spread the word and get ready: Awakening is coming.

You’ve been warned.

About Awakening: Chapters 1 – 3 of Awakening were originally serialized and released in 2007 to rave reviews. Fans and critics alike enjoyed the unique take on the zombie genre, focusing on the noir mystery of a city slowly rotting from within rather than the typical mass uprising/fight for survival. Referred to as existential horror by the publisher, critics have said that it’s “The coolest and most original zombie piece since The Walking Dead,” (Broken Frontier), “The next 30 Days of Night,” (The Pullbox), and that main character Derrick Peters is “where Phillip Marlowe meets George Romero,” (Horrorview). Readers can find out more by visiting the MySpace page for Awakening, Nick’s Blog, Truth in Four Colors, or the official Archaia page for Awakening.

Awakening Volume 1 is due in stores this June.

----- END TRANSMISSION -----

Takshaka

2009-03-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Finally. After 8+ years of waiting, Takshaka: Black Feather is now available through iTunes. Takshaka is the IDM musical project of Johnathan Sharp (Bio-Tek, New Mind, Barking at Butterflies) and Josh Finney. They began producton on this over eight years ago and finally it is available to the public. From the futuristic sounds and mood of "Macarther Bart (Forma Tadre version)" to the ambiance of "Curious Yellow", to the Ghost in the Shell inspired "Motoko 2501", Takshaka: Black Feather is an audio journey through the future.

Please take a moment to listen to some samples at the following websites:
Official Site - www.glitchwerk.com/takshaka
Myspace - www.myspace.com/takshaka1
Last.fm - www.last.fm/music/Takshaka

If you like what you hear you can go to iTunes and download the album.

Interview: CBRS/Superheros-R-Us

2009-03-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Lorrie Thomas of Comic Book Road Show and Superheros-R-Us sat down with us for a few minutes at the San Francisco Wondercon. You can listen to the interview at the Superheros-R-Us website.

WonderCon 2009 Update: Part 1

2009-03-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

With Titanium Rain up and running again, I suppose I should probably start posting here a little more often. So far, aside from the rare post or two from myself, it has been Kat who has been diligently maintaining this site with regular updates. Anyway, with the two of us returning from Wonder Con in San Francisco, I figured I'd share some observations about our journey up north.
Overall I'd have to say it was a success for Titanium Rain. The book was received VERY well by the Bay Area crowd, which was a relief to Kat and I both, considering we weren't sure how the freaky city by the bay would take to a war comic where America isn't pure evil, and the men and women in uniform are portrayed as good people trying to make the best of a bad situation. Judging by our sales, we had nothing to worry about --our entire stock of issue #1 was sold out by Sunday morning.
As for the convention itself, anyone who can get to Wonder Con, I highly recommend it. This was my first visit, and I was impressed. The floor was well organized, the vibe was good, and at no point did I feel the urge to don a chem suit and start zotting costumed freaks with a stun prod. If anything, I'd describe Wonder Con as San Diego light. It has all the perks of the San Diego con without the horde of unwashed masses, Hollywood hype, or aging porn stars begging for work. Even better, Wonder Con is a comics convention that is actually about COMICS. Most of the fans stopping by the booth actually were interested in media that involves READING, which is a nice change of pace.

The good:
-Punk rockers trying to pick a fight with Klingons. This made my day. "Klingons are pussies, yo! C'mon up here and fight me ya space loser!" It would've been better if the Klingons hadn't wimped out and actually threw down. K'Pla!

-Hanging out with fellow Archaia talent Nick Tapalansky (The Awakening) and Patrick McEvoy (Stark Weather) and getting to know them better.

-The guy who'd built a damn near perfect Tom Servo replica. Hell yeah.

-Meeting the creator of Marsh Rocket, and finding out she lives only a few minutes away from Kat and I.

-Meeting DA artist, Ram Star and purchasing a rather nice piece of art from the man.

-Meeting up with a number of the Geek Speak crowd. Always good to touch base with the geek army!

-Scoring an incredible deal on a 1:24 scale Tachikoma.

The bad:
-Not having enough copies of Titanium Rain to sell. By Sunday morning we were out, and people were still asking for it.

The ugly:
-Seeing 300 sweaty pounds of flab pushed into a size 2 leather fetish one-piece. Please, people, if you've got Jaba's body and Tree Beard's face, you really SHOULDN'T be dressing like Xena Warrior Princess.

-The kid who talked like Truman Capote and smelled like Cheetos who came by the booth to tell us how much he luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuved Jesus and how he was a virgin. And I mean, this kid loved Jesus. Really really loved him. In a Biblical sense. I have a feeling this boy took that bit in Leviticus literally about having to be "in the closet" to pray properly.

-Getting utterly hammered on ONE, yes, ONE white Russian (it reacted bad with the Zoloft) and then telling a very matronly middle-aged Chinese barmaid how attractive I thought she was. Ack.

More soon,
-Josh

So what's up with Titanium Rain?

2009-02-23T23:48:00.001-08:00

Since the book's strong debut back in July 2008, this is the question we've heard almost daily from fans, friends, industry and press.

The short answer is, Titanium Rain is back.

After a prolonged delay due to our publisher coming under new management, Titanium Rain will return to store shelve come June with a complete re-launch of the series. As well, with the series moving to a monthly schedule, issue #2 will be out just in time for Comic Con. With Archaia Studio Press (now simply called, Archaia) shifting to a more streamlined and networked operation, expect to see Titanium Rain and other titles receive better support, industry representation, and most importantly, better availability in stores.

So yeah, it's been a long winter, but the winter has passed.

Kat and I both thank everyone for sticking by us as Archaia needed the time to get its house in order. Believe me when I say, the wait was worth it.

-Josh

P.S. If you're going to be at WonderCon in San Francisco this weekend, stop by the Archaia booth, #427. We'll be there all weekend.

Kryptographiks Direktor's Kut Episode 4

2008-09-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Damian and Brian at Kryptographiks had us on for a special "Direktor's Kut" of Titanium Rain. Find out all the neat facts behind the book, the art, what inspired the story and much much more. MEGA SPOILER ALERT!!

You can listen to the episode on their website at http://kryptographik.ning.com/ or you can directly download it HERE.

-Kat

Comic Book Page and Comic Related

2008-08-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

The fine hosts of the Comic Book Page (John and Bob) were kind enough to review Issue #1 of Titanium Rain on their weekly comic's spotlight. Go check it out out at http://www.comicbookpage.com/Podcast/?p=206

As well, Chuck from ComicRelated.com interviewed us about Titanium Rain, Utopiates, the Awesome Anthology, and much much more. You can listen to the interview at http://www.comicrelated.com/audio/relatedrecap031.html

-Kat

Comic News Insider #152

2008-08-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

Joe and Jimmy from Comic News Insider reviewed Titanium Rain Issue #1 as well as The Bond of Saint Marcel. If you haven't heard their show before, go check them out! http://jimmyaquino.typepad.com/comicnewsinsider/2008/08/episode-152---t.html

-Kat

SDCC 08 Wrap Up w/ Pictures

2008-08-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Another SDCC come and gone. As always there was a ton to see and lots of people to meet.

Tuesday: Josh and I kicked it off early with a dinner with the CGS guys in Old Town. Bryan knew of this great little mexican restaurant that had excellent food really cheep.

Wed: We picked up Charlito and Mr. Phil from the airport and took them to a local teriyaki and sushi restaurant. Took them around town for a bit of sight-seeing and then we met back up with some of the CGS guys at their hotel. Hung out for a bit and then we all headed down to the Convention Center. Previews night is always crazyness. I swear it gets more busy and hectic each year. There were so many people on the convention floor that it felt more like a Friday than Wed. We knew this was going to be the best time to check out the con and see all the cool displays and movie stuff, and we took the opportunity to do so. We saw the Owl air ship for The Watchmen and the Bat Cycle from the old Adam West show. As well, I got to meet Nicole de Bore from DS9. She is one of my favorite actors. I’ve loved her since before she was on Star Trek, when she was on The Outer Limits and Forever Knight... so I geeked out on her and got really tongue tied. She was very nice and didn't seem to mind. Later that evening we had dinner with the ISR guys and called it a night.

Thursday: Was a blur. We met all of our fellow ASP creators at the booth and hung out for a while talking to people and getting the word out about Titanium Rain. Then at 5 we headed upstairs for the pod-casting panel. This is the first panel Josh and I have been to in years. Lots of joking and fun ensued as they all discussed the future of the medium and comics. Then we all headed down to the Tilted Kilt for dinner. I wasn't expecting much but their burgers were amazing! Definitely a place to check out if you are ever in town.

Friday: Much like Thursday. A blur of crowds and comics and geeks. That night though brought THE con story for us for this year. Josh's chair was stolen by Stan Lee.
We went to a party at the Hard Rock Hotel with the ASP crew. It seemed to be mostly filled with Hollywood types and business people so some of us (Chandra from the God Machine and Patrick McEvoy from Starkweather Immortal ) went to a corner by the bar and hung out. Then this bouncer-looking guy came over and told us that the table had been reserved and we had to move. There was no "reserved" sign that we could see but we all moved anyway. In walks Stan Lee himself. He comes over to the table we had just been sitting at and sits down right where Josh had been sitting. It was so surreal.

Saturday: Titanium Rain Issue #1 came in! It looked so good. We stayed at the booth almost the whole day. Josh and I were very happy with the response Titanium Rain got from the crowds. As well we had a few returning fans from Utopiates come find us including Super Fan Mike.
We also met Jennifer Q and Emil from The Bond of Saint Marcel. I've been wanting to read this book since I found out about it a year ago and I was so excited to not only read it but talk to the writer herself. That night we had dinner with Jennifer Q, her husband and Emil at the Joe's Crab Shack behind the convention center. Josh and Jennifer talked shop most of the evening as well as what all Emil has been up to and working on.

Sunday: Last day of con. Worked the booth and left a bit early. The previous 4 days had finally caught up with us. We said goodbye to everybody and finished up any business we had.

Monday: Last day to hang out with our friends from the east coast. Went out to dinner with Charlito, Phil, MobilHome from the forums, Peter Rios, and Fred Chao of Johnny Hiro. Then we spent a wonderful evening back at their hotel, just hanging out and having fun.

Great Con! Great Friends! Met some awesome people. Overall, this was a good year.

-kat

Loot and Swag: Motoko figure from Ghost in the Shell: SAC Second Gig, original piece from Matthias Wade, original piece from Chandra Free, all three issues of Primordia,

Shout Outs (in no particular order): Everybody at the ASP booth, the CGS guys, Charlito and Mr. Phil from ISR, Jimmy from CNI, Bob and John from CBP, Super Fan Mike, Michael (Crazy Mary) Colbert, Jennifer Q and Emil from Bond of Saint Marcel, Evil Twin comics, Bushi Tales, Matthias (Jetta) Wade, Torchsong, Jimmy Trout, and everybody from the Comic Forums who stopped by to say “Hi”.

San Diego Comic Con

2008-07-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

One week and two days left. I can't wait!!! I can't believe that Con is almost here. For those of you who read this blog that may be attending, come visit Josh and I at the Archaia Studios Press Booth # 2231. Issue #1 will be on the table and we will be giving away some cool swag including a limited art print (only 500 of them made).

So come by, say "Hi", and let us know what you think.

-Kat

Barking at Butterflies

2008-06-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Load up your iTunes and do a search for Barking at Butterflies.
Created by the same man who is working on the upcoming Titanium Rain soundtrack, this music project is perfect for those who like IDM music such as Bjork and Funkstorung.
If anything, check out the stand-out track, "Inhuman" on this EP. You will not be disapointed.

It's Meme Time

2008-06-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Got sent this. Figured it would be fun to post. -Kat

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicise those you intend to read.
3) Blue the books you LOVE.

( the list )
1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four- George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Phillip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte's Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Publisher Archaia’s Restructuring

2008-06-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

In mid-May our publisher, Archaia Studios Press, announced the company was undergoing a restructuring due to co-founder Aki Liao’s personal decision to depart ASP.
“Mark and I started ASP Comics as a hobby business in classic ‘two-guys-in-a-garage’ fashion, and that hobby business has grown well beyond its initial size and scope..,” said Aki Liao. “...It’s been an amazing ride, and I enjoyed meeting a lot of wonderful people along the way, especially the talented group of creators that I’ve had the good fortune to work with. It is with a sad heart that I depart as I’m no longer able to give the company the kind of commitment it requires and wish everyone at ASP the best for the future.”

As a creative team with Archaia Studios Press, we feel a responsibility to assure our readers that ASP is in good standing, not at risk of going out of business, and Titanium Rain issue #1 will make it’s debut at the San Diego Comic Con in July. We are confident ASP will continue being a great company with great books. As a company grows there are always stepping stones like this that arise along the way.

Other ASP creators have voiced similar support, such as David Peterson (Mouse Guard), mpMann (Innana’s Tears), Josh Hechinger (Grave Doug Freshley), Dave Moran (Robotika), A. David Lewis (Some New Kind of Slaughter), and Tom Pinchuk & Kate Glasheen (Hybrid Bastards).

ASP Press Release: http://www.daradja.com/2008_pr_052108.php

Nearly a month

2008-06-19T16:07:00.001-07:00

A little over a month till San Diego Comic Con. Oh Man I can't wait. Titanium Rain will be at the Archaia booth and Josh and I plan on being there as much as possible. This is so exciting.

Also, we've put in the orders for the limited prints. If you were one of the first 100 people to order Issue #1 from DCBService.com then you will be getting one. I will be posting a picutre of what it looks like soon.

New updates for the website are coming soon, so keep a look out.

-Kat

One of those moments...

2008-06-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at my drawing table a few nights ago, working on the pencils for issue 2 when it suddenly hit me... I REALLY love drawing. It's not like I didn't love drawing before. I've always loved drawing.. but suddenly... I don't know.. I got this amazing rush.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you just get a sudden renewed feeling of... warmth and happiness from doing something that you love? It was like that. I don't know. It's kinda hard to describe... but I just got this incredible rush and for the last few days I've been feeling like a kid again. I just can't wait to get home and hop on my computer and work on the next piece.

I've never had this before... It's just... odd... but cool.

-Kat

Welcome!

2008-06-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome all to the new Titanium Rain blog.

I suppose an introduction is in order in case you are not familiar with us. Titanum Rain is a new maxi series by Josh Finney and Kat Rocha, published by Archaia Studios Press.

The story is a futuristic, alternate reality war story set in the year 2031. A civil war in China has errupted into a global conflict. The reader follows US Air Force Pilot, Alec Killian and the rest of Phoenix Squadron through their struggles and lives living on the front lines.

To view a 10 page preview of issue one, you can visit our website at http://www.titaniumrain.net

The Hangar

New and Last Post here at The Hanger

WonderCon!

What music are you listening to currently?

Uniques Tales Issue #8

What color would your lightsaber be? Feel free to take this seriously (or wrong).

what was the BEST book/graphic novel you have ever read. You can only pick ONE.

Vote for us in the Eagle Awards

We're Going to Wondercon!!

News Report: Titanium Rain won Best HC of 2010 in UK based WFTTie Awards & is now available on Graphc.ly

Generic question: If you could have one super power what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?

Long Beach Comic Con Recap.

UPDATE Oct. 26th, 2010

Amazon UK almost out of Titanium Rain.

Titanium Rain Reviewed on Waiting for the Trade Podcast

New Preview Art for Titanium Rain Vol. 2

News for October 2010

Sneak Preview of Titanium Rain Volume 2

Graphic Policy interviews Josh Finney

Did Taiwan ally with the Sino Union or was there a hostile takeover? Given the storied history between the two (even with warmer relations now), why would Taiwan want to help the beaten "Communist State?"

In Titanium Rain vol 2 will we be seeing another "Embedded" segment? And more of the undercover agent?

Both you and Kat do a fantastic job on the art. Who does what part of the art?

I just finished the book and I need more! When will the rest of the story be told? I need to be able to tell my retailer when to order it?

UPDATED signing schedule for San Diego Comic Con

San Diego Comic Con 2010 Signing Schedual for Titanium Rain

San Diego Comic Con News and Schedule

Graphic Policy gives Titanium Rain a 9.75

Geeky Talky Interview

How do you feel about the criticisms against photo ref artists and what do you think sets your work apart from that?

Alec Killian and Happy are modeled after you two, huh?

Doctor Who: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Daleks (The Peter Jones-y Edit)

What are pan-immunity genes?

Cammy's Comic Corner names Titanium Rain Book of the Month for June.

Escape from Tomorrow Review and Signing News

What's Russia think of the Chinesse civil war. I'd imagine that their pretty pissed about it. Why aren't they fighting but the USA is?

Exploring the Multiverse's Review of Titanium Rain.

More Formspring Answers

Are we going to see other offspring of the Phoenix program, like cyber-enhanced Infiltrator Goats. Strange Cyber Goats?

How has the feedback been on the TitaniumN Rain Hard Cover?

What, politically and economically, motivated you to write that the U.S. would enter a direct conflict with China?

Since the Air Force has the F35X Hellcat, do the Marines or the Army have their own super special versions of the JSF?

Where did you hide the dead hooker Josh?

How about a short story about the revenge of the monkeys used to test Phoenix enhancements? Super-intelligent, vengeful hairless cyber monkeys? That steal mech suits and wreak vengeance? Just a thought.

How about a short story about the revenge of the monkeys used to test Phoenix enhancements? Super-intelligent, vengeful hairless cyber monkeys? That steal mech suits and wreak vengeance? Just a thought.

Forumspring Questions Answered.

Titanium Rain Vol.1 HC Now In Stores!

WonderCon 2010

Supershow 2010

Titanium Rain HC News and Supershow

Cammy's Comic Corner Interview

Signing at Rising Sun Creations December 5th, 2009

Illustration of Jetta by Josh Finney of Titanium Rain

Lots of Titanium Rain News

Press Release: Who Does What

LOOK!!!

News Blast: Titanium Rain at the Long Beach Comic Con

Titanium Rain Now Available Through Amazon.com

Josh Finney Assaulted...

It's Official...

Interviews and a Sample Page

Titanium Rain Sneak Peaks

TIN OMEN

More Podcasts

Podcasts and Reviews!

Review from Ain't It Cool Comics

Titanium Rain Preview 2

Archaia Roundtable @ The Pulse

Archaia in the News.

Cool TR Swag.

Titanium Rain Previews 1

Awakening Vol. 1 in the April Previews

Takshaka

Interview: CBRS/Superheros-R-Us

WonderCon 2009 Update: Part 1

So what's up with Titanium Rain?

Kryptographiks Direktor's Kut Episode 4

Comic Book Page and Comic Related

Comic News Insider #152

SDCC 08 Wrap Up w/ Pictures

San Diego Comic Con