Sophia sprinkled with some Levi

How Dreams Become Realities.......

Hey everyone. It has surely been a while since my last post. I apologize for that, but things in the world of MARS has been very busy. Busy, in a good way. Lets dive into it!

Bedroom. I have been remodeling my daughters bedroom upstairs in our house for..... a "few" months now. Its really stressful on my wife, though she understands that 2 evenings at the most a week, is hard for one man to get done (even if I get help from a 6th grader occassionally). I think that the room will be wonderful for my girls. I am realizing that I could honestly spend hours in LOWES and I could gut out my entire house. I think my inner "man" has come out. There is just something about building stuff that makes me want to grunt like Tim, the tool man Taylor.

Work. We are moving cars. It has been a good few months. A couple headaches, but we get through. October was my best month ever. I sold over 20 cars. It felt good, and I think I am getting the hang of it. I have also tried to get out in the garage more. Jay, who has worked on cars for 30 years here works everyday. If I want to learn something I dont have to go far. If he doesnt know how to fix it, he WILL figure it out. Really good mechanic. I am learning alot more about what sounds mean in a car. Its very cool.

Disciple 6. Most of you all know my stories of D6, and some are a part of the team. I recently "met" a guy from down under who is interested in doing colour, and ink for the book. This guy is a great artist, and very talented. With Andy doing the pencils, and this guy Matt cleaning things up, it is all falling into place. its a thing of beauty. Words can't describe how good everything with this project feels. I can honestly say I can feel the prayers, and thoughts of my friends and family. There are so many people in my corner on this project. All I can really say is thank you, and i really appreciate the thoughts and prayers. I will leave you now with VISUAL evidence of this amazing trip we are on with Disciple 6.
This is a random sketch I did years ago of Vionne. A much different interpretation from B.W.
One of Andy's first sketches of Robertson Ward. With some adjustments, he nailed Vionne.Some inking and cleaning Baker did, this sketch was becoming completeMatt Bakers coloring is breath-taking. This is one of the main reasons why I approached him. His work is unbelievable. Now, what began as a sketch, I can see standing next to Spidey and Sups. To see something born in a thought, and end up looking like this, even before, if this ever does get published, its just really really fufilling for me right now.

http://www.budnickart.blogspot.com to check out Andy's stuff

http://prisoneronearth.deviantart.com to check out Matt's

Next post will be titled "Photo Album" You will get to see the kids I call my own.

Submission Synopsis

Hey friends and family, just thought I would share with you the synopsis letter that I have to send in to the comic book company, along with 7 finished pages. It just might help you get to know the story I have been working on a little bit better. I am also in the process of building a website for Disciple 6 (being done by homebrewer himself, and fellow 01 graduate Matt Michielsen)

Here it is. It has to be under one page long. Let me know what you think!



D6

Imagine living your life, searching for a purpose, a meaning to it all, only to discover that in death you will finally achieve that purpose. Disciple 6 tells the tale of six such individuals from many different paths. Living lives of faith and compassion only to have them horrifically ripped away. Yet they have been selected and given a choice: continue to heaven, or return with a gift that could change the world. Long ago a being known only as the scribe, trusted guardian of The Domicle Archives (the physical records of all names marked for heaven and hell), was charged with forming a team to prepare for the coming wars. Throughout time he has set apart those worthy to serve.
First there was Zacheaus, or Z [code name: Rook], a man from biblical times whose life and death remain a mystery to even those closes to him. Next came Robert Ward [code name: Vionne], the group’s field leader, a knight of medieval times stabbed from behind by his own power hungry cousin. Then there was Anthony Childress [code name: Hazard], a strong yet gentle man who grew up as a slave on an early plantation, whose throat was cut after attempting to escape to freedom. Moving ahead to Abel Kissinger [code name: Cordite], a young art teacher, is chosen after saving a young girl from a fire. Then came the 5th member, a unique man named Leonard Maddox [code name: Griffith]. Born into this world as an anomaly, Leonard possesses large tan wings, and the feet of a lion. He is captured by a group of mysterious men; he simply calls The White Suits. Leonard later signs on with the team and awaits the arrival of the sixth member, and instructions as to their role in coming events.
This is where Patience or Passion, the first story arc begins. Leonard, restless struggles with waiting for the next member. He often takes his anger out on the evil that lurks in the city’s dark places. On numerous occasions, against Z’s instructions Leonard leaves the safety of The Sanctuary, a rundown church that serves as the team’s base of operations, in order to fight crime.
When it is announced that billion-dollar corporation DOZTECH INDUSTRIES is set to begin production on project: Cypacor, robotic policing units for the city. Christopher Dozman, younger brother to DOZTECH owner Mitchell, has plans on using these Robots for his own twisted will. Christopher has been in and out of the insane ward, honing in his abilities to control minds.
With the pending arrival of sixth member, a raped and murdered medical student named Grace Chambers [code name: Remedy], the team embarks on an intelligence mission following the Doztech company. While out near a Doztech warehouse Leonard spots men in white suits. Fueled by anger from his past, Leonard blindly follows them against orders. He falls into a trap that leads to the removal of his feet, and one of his wings. Before the removal of the second wing, the guys save him, and get him back to base, right in time for the 6th, Remedy, with her gift of healing, to help our broken friend.
Disciple 6 is sure to leave fans of traditional comic art, team dynamics, complex characters, and exciting story lines begging for more. Though the religious overtones are prevalent and important to the authors, this is by no means a tale written only for religious thinkers. Nor should it be marketed that way. This is a story of faith – faith in a higher calling, faith in our own abilities and beliefs, and faith in each other. “God” is not a character in these stories, only The Scribe who acts on His behalf. If Hellboy, Spawn, Ghost Rider, and Johnny Constantine can exist in the comic realm, why not a team such as this? I am confident people will find these stories of struggles compelling, even if it happens to be the “good” supernatural being giving out all the cool powers!
Disciple 6 is a creation of Matthew A. Rodriguez, with illustrations by Andrew Budnick. The entire 5 issue miniseries has been outlined and the opening act of issue one: An Ordinary Knight has been included in this submission. Thank you very much for this opportunity, and if you are looking for a comic that is authentic, and tells new and engaging stories, look no further. Welcome to the world of Disciple 6.

GRIFFITH JUMPS ON THE SCENE

As we get closer to a submission to Image Comics, I keep getting blown away by the artist that has partnered up with me on this project. Andy Budnick has been getting deeper and deeper into each character. I wanted to share with my friends and family a picture of Griffith that Andy did recently. I tried to ink it myself, so i do apologize ahead of time, I will post the drawing, and the inked. (the inking done by a professional would rock, and i think Andy still needs to do detail on the left arm)

The first 7 pages that we are sending to the comic book company are being work on right now. I am finishing with the synopsis letter, and the script for the first issue. I will post some of that as we get closer. Just a tease now of Griffith!!

Moving in the Right Direction

Just thought I would update a bit on the current projects I am working on. It has been a while since mentioning fully, but since this is titled "ideas's" from mars, I thought that maybe an update is in order.

The World Within My Walls.

Geoff is currently plugging away with re-writes. Several months ago we had put the book aside after finishing it and basically took a break to think about other things. I dabbled with my other child "Disciple 6" for a bit, as he continued to work on some things also. Now more recently (a month or 2 ago) we dove back in, with a fresh outlook, and new thoughts and ideas on things. It has been amazing again since then. Everything seems to be falling into place, things we once questioned have been changed for the better, or small parts have been added to make the story more fluid. I can't wait to see what Geoff has been doing, and slowly but surely The World Within My Walls seems to be writing itself...... and that's a good thing.

Disciple 6.

Andrew Budnick recently graduated from Kendal. with his newly found art degree in hand (not literally) we met for the first time at Panara Bread. He seemed like a nice kid, really eager to learn about the story, or if he could have the job of being the artist. He brought several pencils he had done, including some finished work. It was very well done, schooled, and I could see the raw talent, with obvious schooled applications. It didn't stop there. I wanted to get to know him a bit more. I mean, no one really likes working with people they don't get along with right? His love for superheroes was an obvious, and his dream of someday penciling a Wolverine book is encouraging. But when he muttered some words about Masters of the Universe Classics...... That's when I was sold. (for those who don't know MOTUC is the new toy line for collectors of He-Man figures) I thought, I could definitely work with this kid! I mean, have you ever met someone who was a He-Man freak who wasn't genuinely a great guy?!?! (ahem....)

so, as much as I am an "ok" artist...... The Rook went from......

to ........

So, as you can see I am very impressed. You can check out his blog and some of his other work at budnickart.blogspot.com

Seriously though, seeing my creations take form like this. Seeing his interpretation of my ideas, and characters has been amazing this past couple of weeks. Soon submissions to the comic book publishing company, and who knows, maybe you will see our book get published. I am currently writing Issue 2 titled "Amazing Grace". If you want to read any more about the actual outline, it can be found in last years December blog.

So there you have it. Slowly but surely my hobby and love is turning into so much more. Thanks to Geoff, and now Andy.

PS. Its my fathers birthday today. He is 66. I couldn't have asked for a better father.

McKinley Ave.

So, things are going pretty good in the Rodriguez' household. Ella is becoming such a good helper. She lets the dog out for us, and helps with the little one. She really loves being the big sister. Sophia is occasionally making her naked butt all the way to the bathroom to go pee. She gets really excited to go potty and pulls off whatever clothes she can. Ella never had the "run around naked and laugh" stage. Sophia Grey is apparently going to. She has a couple more teeth that are coming in so those were bothering her last night. Little Levi Drake is crying less and less at night giving Rachel a little more time to sleep. His little gentleman personality is showing more and more each day. Rachel is walking around in her new shoes :) and is back in the swing of things called JC PENNY. Her new clippers work "amazing" she tells me. As for me, things are going well, I am a bit tired, but its my own fault. I have a new love.... Its called, "Supernatural" a tv show my friend B turned me on to. It has that undeniable quality called the "hardy boy factor" that I really love. The brotherly banter, and the mystery is all I need. Basketball also starts tomorrow. Every Wednesday night Taylor, my brother in-law and I will take our NBA skills to the local Holland Civic Center, and prove to the rest of the city...."we got game" My comic book titled Disciple 6 is coming along very very smoothly. Andy Budnick, a local Kendall graduate has taken the reigns on the art for it, and I have been more than pleased with what he has come up with. I will be posting some sketches he has done, along with logo art, and title work that we may or may not use. But overall, his vision for the project, along with Geoff's script for it seem to be meshing as well as it could. I have always felt confident in my creations, but this comic is building up to be something great.

That is what is going on lately on McKinley Ave. The Rodriguez family is living, loving, and having as much fun as possible. Now the ten:

10. Kobe should never push out his jaw
9. The timing belt/water pump myth is getting annoying
8. Marriage is easy, if you are married to the right person
7. LeBron James is a child in a mans body. I have very little respect for him
6. Marv continues to sell more cars than the people that work for the company.
5. I should pray more than I do
4. Money is necessary. But I will never love it.
3. Owning a home is fun, there is always something to do. (tired face)
2. I haven't spent money on toys in a very long time. this is a good thing.
1. Hungry Howies has the best meatlovers pizza I have ever had. They also have, by far, the worst pizza EVER to re-heat. Its disgusting

ReFresh Button: Sigh

Isn't it weird sometimes how life is.

One day we could feel like complete trash. Nothing going for us, or nothing to live for, down and out.

The next day we could be on top of the world and in complete satisfaction in what is happening in life.

The differences between day one and day two were absolutely NOTHING.

It was all about outlook.

I sort of laugh at days that I am down and out. They really mean nothing to me, and I shouldn't give them any more thought than, just to get past. I try and focus on all that I have, and all I have been blessed with. Those are the things that are CONSTANT. Family. Kids. Home. Dreams. God. Those are the things that do not change between day to day.

I see people sometimes have a "negative" outlook or attitude. Man is that annoying. Seriously. Its like they have a "bone to pick" with LIFE. The justified person that sees life as half empty. I do not need any of that. I love my life. (and I do admit, i have it easier than some) But I was never one to "scrooge" my way through the day.

I am very tired today. My eyes feel heavy (though not as heavy as my wife's as she feeds our son in the middle of the night) But for some odd reason, I feel very refreshed. Like someone was sitting at the computer, My LIFEPAGE is on their screen, and they just pressed the refresh button at the top of the page.

This stripped everything back to blank. and put everything back up. Background. Titles. Images. text. Like you could see everything that got you where you are. every piece of your life.

Obviously I didn't think or see everything, but I encourage you to think about this. Think about why you are standing, or sitting where you are. and how you got there. What paths you took. think about all the great things that led you to NOW.

I hope most of you smile.

Because you are currently LIVING LIFE. And if you are busy frowning, reflect. pray. and try hitting the refresh button.

take a deep breath.