Artist Spotlight: Billy Martinez of Neko Press

My wife and I recently met Billy Martinez, owner and publisher of Neko Press on our trip to Wizard World LA. His display at the Golden Apple booth was small, but I was very impressed by how what he was there to present immediately grabbed the attention of myself and other passersby. I was delighted and inspired in seeing that he, and his wife, seemed to be doing well, selling comics and prints of Billy's work, along with the works of other talents, while the artist himself did some very impressive live painting. Upon talking with them, I learned that he was not only a fellow art teacher, but was doing well as a gallery artist, too. Well, as you can imagine, I immediately realized that I should at least somewhat follow this guy's example. I have to admit, that if I hadn't had seen him selling prints, I wouldn't be doing my print project, right now. After the show, I sent him an e mail with some questions, that are always on my mind (about art and the art world) and this is what he was kind enough to send back.


When a person gets into publishing, it's usually because they have a vision, or see a need in the print world that isn't being filled. What are you trying to provide to comics, that no one else is?

I think I'm really focusing on putting out books that readers will remember. I want to make sure they get the most out of our books. Our job is to entertain readers so I'm doing my best to make that promise to our readers.

Outside of comics, you show some really beautiful work in galleries. Are your patrons comic fans, or are you working in two separate worlds?

Two separate worlds. I run my art school in La Mesa. I always tell my students to be versatile. Life is always changing and an artist must change and adapt if he or she wants to make a career out of the biz.

Concept wise, where do you think art is thriving more... in the comics books or in galleries?

At this point it's hard to tell. Both are doing well but I would need more time to observe this.

What do you wish you could see more of? What would you ask growing artists to think about, when they are making art?

To have fun and to follow their own mark and not try to be a clone of other artists. Be original.

You paint mainly women. What are you trying to convey when you paint them?

The beauty and personality and strengths of a woman.

What are your next goals? Where do you see yourself one year from now?

Making comic books and doing more paintings. The same thing I have been doing for over 14 years.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Red wine is good for the heart. Drink lots of it!

Ah, a wine man, too! I'll drink to that.

After Wizard World

I know, I'm days behind everybody else, but after Wizard World, LA I need a few days to get my brain back. Here I am though, with a brief overview of my Saturday there. I'll be spotlighting some of the stuff I took and interest in, a little more in depth, throughout the next week or so.
It started at the IDW panel, where Gene and his son Nick Simmons showed up to steel the day, and talk about there new line of comic books. They're big comic fans, but we've seen this happen before. A movie or rock star will think they can use there name to push a comic, and everything will be great. RIP: Roger Corman Comics, Glen Danzig Comics, Jada Pinkett Smith Comics... does anyone know if Rosario Dawson's comic is still going?

Next up was a visit to Billy Martinez and his wife, who were there promoting Billy's art (here we see him doing some live painting) and there publishing company Nekpo Press.

After that, was a stop off at the Atomic Comics display, where they have a comic book store in a van. The ice cream man wouldn't have got a penny from me, when I was a kid, if this thing had driven through my neighborhood.
Next up was a visit to artist ally, where we came across Omaha Perez and his book Holmes.
Here's the man himself with is book. "Sherlock Holmes is a maniac completely out of his head on drugs at all times and Dr. Watson, his own personal "Dr. Feelgood", isn't much better off." I haven't read it yet, but being that Omaha was a student of Barron Story, this book must have something going for it art wise, at the very least.
Then we met this girl. Damn, what was her name. I have her husbands card, so we'll call her Mrs. Bridges, of Pendant Productions. She gave me a disc, all full of wonderful, fan made, radio shows, like 007, Star Trek, Indianan Jones, Superman, Batman, & Wonder Woman. I think I'll be looking more into what they do.
Then there was the guy was doing horror make up at the Fox Atomic booth, who's Frankenstein flash was so good, I just had to get a photograph. I forgot his name, too, but we chatted for a bit while we waited for our prospective women to come out of the bathroom.

There was Dame Darcy (love the dolls, girl) whom I will tell you more about later. I've been a fan of her very imaginative comic books for years.
I also got a copy of the documentary about David Mack, from David himself. I'll be screening that for my art students in the coming months. More on that one later, too.
Here's John Leekley, Ahmet Zappa (yes, Frank's kid), and Brendan Smith, with their new comic Amerikan Freak. These guy were having such a good time, and were so nice, I couldn't give there comic a bad review. Besides, they said they'd hunt me down if I did.
Atomic Comics owner Mike Malve with the man (signing at Atomic's booth) who bloody killed Captain America, Ed Brubaker. Cap! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a big fan of Ashley Wood, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with some of the comics he puts out. Inside the front cover of this D'Airain book is an image that I just don't see a need for. Anyway, it's one of the pictures I took at the IDW booth. Over all, I'm liking that company.
And last but not least (because I just can't help a little goth) I had to stop by and talk to the folks at Bleeding Edge, about their Be Goth dolls. That's right. I like um, and I aint ashamed.