Zazzle Store
Zazzle to the rescue! We have set up a Drake & McTrowell store on Zazzle. I love that they print and ship your shirt directly to you.
We currently have two offerings. The first is a sand-colored shirt with the &McT Artwork: Jake Rieman">Jake Rieman illustration on the back and our logo on the front.
The second shirt is yellow with Drake’s own “It’s Not That Kind of Serial,” illustration on the front and the punchline on the back.
It’s Not That Kind of Serial - Front
It’s Not That Kind of Serial - Back
Comic Con 2013
You may not know this, but both Drake and I read Mad Magazine as kids. Go ahead, say it, “That explains a lot.” And we both adored the little incunabula that Sergio Argones drew. So, we lined up to see the Mark & Sergio show. Sergio came out before hand to chat with the fans. How cool is that? As he was standing next to us talking to another fan, when a young boy and his dad approached. The boy was carrying a sheet of card stock with a piece of paper covering the top. When he got to Sergio, he uncovered the card stock to reveal that he was simply a messenger. The sheet was from Nick Meglin and it contained nothing more than a couple of scribbly doodles and a challenge from Nick. Apparently this is a “thing” they do. One of them makes the scribbles and the other has to make a picture out of it. I’m not sure, but perhaps the result is always supposed to be a comic portrait of the two of them. Below is Sergio’s response.
Argones
Epilogue: during the actual panel, Sergio got to talking about what had really mattered in his career. When he tried to explain how important the fans are to him, he started to choke up with emotion. It was heartwarming to see one of our hero’s softer sides. This is why I brave the lines and the non-parking to go to Comic Con!
We now return you to our regularly scheduled steamy, pithy commentary. I want these wings.
Fairy Wings
You can’t really tell from this pic, but each of the six wing elements is hinged in the middle of her back so they can be arranged separately. They’re made by Fairy Wing Factory.
Okay, this isn’t steampunk, but for all you Whovians out there, I just had to share because this costume is so good.
Novice Hame
I swear it’s going to be steampunk from here on out. I ducked out of Comic Con to visit the Gaslight Gathering Steam Worlds Fair for a few hours on Friday night. I caught Poplock Holmes’ show that was sadly shortened by technical difficulties. It was still good fun.
Poplock Holmes
Veronique Chevalier organized a very thoughtful panel on Steampunk as a Super-Culture. Her panelists were Trevor Crafts and Bruce Boxleitner (Lantern City), Thomas Willeford (Brute Force Studios), Paul Guinan (Boilerplate), and Brian Kesinger (Tea Girls and Walking Your Octopus).
Veronique’s Panel
Sorry for the blurry picture. My hands must have been shaking from excitement.
Of course, the big event for the steampunks is the steampunk meetup on the back stairs that includes a massive photo op followed by the Starburner Awards. I’m sure we all save up our best new costumes for this event and here’s the proof.
Mysterious Marine Michelle
I swear I didn’t realize this was Michelle until she took off the scallop breather mask thingy.
We had not one, but two steampunk Batmen.
Batmen
I don’t recognize the fellow on the right, but that’s Bob Mogg on the left, astonishing all with his creativity and skill as usual.
Max Metzler, aka Alastar Hyde, had a new hide.
Alastar’s New Hide
Seriously, you didn’t think I was going to let that one slide by did you?
I’m still having nightmares about this one.
Steampunk Raptor
Remember back before all these nifty pictures I mentioned that this event culminates with the Starburner Awards? Or perhaps you missed my previous bloop on the subject, but we won one of the awards for our radio show! Congrats to all this year’s winners:
- Jeffrey & Lisa Vaca - Community Support
- Anastasia Hunter – Events
- Max Metzler - Public Relations
- Michelle Scrimpsher – Costuming
- Erica "Unwoman" Mulkey – Music
- Brian Kesinger – Art
- Fred Jeska - Gadgetry
And hats off to the 2013 Starburner Galactic Courier Service inductees:
- Daniel Bissonnette
- Paul Bailey
- Jeb Haught
We hear that there will be more awards and inductees at other events later this year, so keep an ear out for the details.
The last steampunk event of Comic Con was the Steampunk Generations panel organized by Daniel Bissonette. It was a multi-generational look at steampunk’s attraction and direction. The panelists were Hannah Vaca (our very own Gertrude and the voice of Margaret O’Malley), William Swanson, C.J. DeAngelus, Kim Hutsell, and Duane Matthews.
Hannah and her (Steam) Brothers
The highlight for me was when Hannah admitted that her mom, Lisa, is the coolest mom in the world. Now it’s on the Internet; it must be true.
None of us really wanted to admit that Comic Con was over, so we hung in the hall for a while catching up. I’m not sure what these two are up to.
Lady Amethyst + Phineas Sinclair
Maybe she was bragging about being the coolest mom in the world.
I’ll just close by saying, “I’m a fan of Jeb’s work.”
I’m a Fan
Starburner Award
This Rocks!
By the way, if you missed the radio show when it ran on Krypton Radio, you can buy yourself a copy from our shiny new General Store for the low, low price of $2.99.
Our Third Anniversary
Invasion of the Gear Hands
Of course, there were lots of delicious chocolate goodies.
Now That’s a Chocolate Bar!
Now Children
There’s plenty for everyone; no need to fight over it. Gertrude wonders why the adults are behaving like children.
Pensive Gertrude
In addition to eating, drinking, and admiring each others’ costumes, we sampled a bit of one of our Krypton Radio shows. And then we handed out the special CDs we made of the entire radio show + the interview on Event Horizon. We made a disc for each friend who volunteered their voice talents, many of whom were present.
Handing Out the CDs
You might think these two are Thelonius Rex and Mellivora Rathbone. They also happen to be the voices for Mrs. McCreary and Alistair Bennington Rutherford/Constable Higgins.
Drake genned up a special treat just for that evening, a brief comic skit entitled “Panic in the Apothecary.” We “recruited volunteers” to read the parts including some repeat offenders such as Dr. Edmond Pogue. Kelly Varner also demonstrating once again what a good sport she is.
Panic in the Apothecary
We made a serendipitous find: Drake’s beer and Sparky’s root beer. We rounded up a few for folks to take home as gifts in addition to the lovely logo chocolates that Eclipse has been making for us since this time last year. Where does the time go?
Drake’s and Sparky’s
Pictures by Lisa…as if you didn’t see that coming.
We want to thank everyone who attended and made it a great celebration of another year of all things Drake & McTrowell.
Clockwork Alchemy 2013
Dîner, Birthday Girl?
In addition to the customary delight of dressing up, hanging with friends, being gawked at by mundies, and being chronically amazed by the creativity of others, the weekend had some very special treats of its own.
First, Clockwork Alchemy hosted a tearoom; very civilized. That was our very first stop in order to consume some delightfully refreshing and energizing caffeinated beverages while making our plan of attack.
Tea @ Clockwork
The Mysterious Gentleman Admirer was so mysterious in the tearoom, that you can’t see any of him except his coat and boutonnière.
On the advice of our pal, Karina (aka Mellivora Rathbone), we had badge ribbons made up for this first time. Of course, the first ribbon had to go to Lady Amethyst, all kitted out here for one of her cryptozoological expeditions.
First “HOT POTATO!” Ribbon
We made new friends. Aaron and Belinda Sikes came to our Team Writing panel.
Aaron and Belinda Sikes
Drake Gives Wikipedia the Thumbs Up During Team Writing
They just had their first co-authored short story published in Mechanized Masterpieces! And then, to prove what a team they are, she volunteered him as a guest author for Drake & McTrowell’s Hot Potato School of Writing™ when we came up short one author. True love.
Hot Potato School of Writing, Part Deux,
The Game of Sticking It to Your Fellow Author
Normally I wouldn’t post a picture like this (below) because it suggests disharmony in our (D&McT) creative enterprise, but I imagined a snippet of dialog that goes like this:
Sparky - Seriously, you’re going to pick that Hot Potato?
Erasmus - Hey, with my incredibly fabulous new double-breasted waistcoat in delicious butterscotch and cinnamon candy stripe from Mr. Alan Jeffries, I can pick any Hot Potato I want.
Seriously, You’re Going to Pick That Hot Potato?
I can’t continue this post without sending extra special thanks to Thena McArthur and Gene Forrer. This is the first con we’ve attended where the writers got first class treatment. They set up a special room for writing panels, called “The Library,” that was actually decorated like a library.
The Library
So cozy. And Thena was responsible for organizing all the writers and writing panels. It was so well organized and welcoming!
Jake Von Slatt was there! I can’t help it. His work is just so amazing and I’ve never seen him in person before. Did I mention that he’s a really nice human being?
The Über-Maker Himself
And the Mysterious Gentleman Admirer was there getting tin-etching tips.
Mysterious Gentleman Maker
As fortune would have it, our radio show on Krypton Radio was scheduled to run during the last day of the con. With a little bit of scrambling, we managed to set up in the hall outside the Library for folks to listen live. (What am I doing here?!)
Listening Live
More thanks are in order for all of the Clockwork Alchemy goodness. Here goes…
Gene Forrer got the troops rallied to advertise the playing of the D&McT Krypton Radio Show on less than a day’s notice. Seriously, a sandwich board!
Good Old Fashioned (Just-in-Time) Advertising
And Gene Turnbow at Krypton Radio adjusted his programming schedule overnight so folks could hear two shows in a row, both the first and second. That explains why we all look so happy in this pic.
Just-in-Time Radio Programming
Yes, Steam Powered Giraffe was there and they actually played two shows.
Hamming it Up with Hatchworth
But then there was this other special moment when the band was hanging in the foyer chatting with fans. And Michael Reed was just sitting in the corner playing whatever he felt like on the piano.
Improv
Okay, I saved the best for last. All of you who are FoL (Friends of Lisa) know that 1) she has really long hair and 2) she has a really wacky imagination. Put those together and WHA-BAM! You get this.
What Octopus?
It’s been nearly a month and I’m still laughing about this.
Are You Looking At Me?
I really hope Clockwork Alchemy invites us back next year…hint, hint, hint because we had an amazing time!
I need to come up with some clever acronym/meme for thanking Lisa once again for providing excellent pictures for us to use. Thanks, Lisa!
Krypton Radio Update
This is just a quick update on our show on Krypton Radio. They’ve agreed to double up our shows each week in our assigned time slot. This means that when you tune in on the hour, you’ll hear the previous week’s show followed immediately by the new show. So, if you missed the show the week before, fear not, you have three more chances to catch up!
Remember, the times are:
- Monday, at 3:00 AM PDT (6:00 AM EDT)
- Monday at 11:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM EDT)
- Thursday at 5:00 PM PDT (8:00 EDT)
So, to put it simply, on Thursday, May 30th, Krypton Radio will air shows 1 & 2 of “London, Where It All Began.” Next week, they will be airing shows 2 & 3.
Thanks, Krypton Radio!
Gaslight Gathering 2013
Drake Under Roses
To sail along with us, click here.
Wild West Fest 2013
First Annual? Wild West Fest
For all the smokin’ hot shenanigans, click here.
Steampunk Picnic
Picnicking is Hard Work!
For a steamy stroll in the park, click here.
Krypton Radio
If you’ve been following us on Facebook or attending any of our panels at conventions lately, you know that we’ve been talking about Krypton Radio for a few months now. Well, folks, this is the big announcement!
We’ll be interviewed on Event Horizon, Krypton’s on-air science fiction, fantasy and technology discussion panel on Saturday, May 18th at 5:00 PM PDT (8:00 PM EDT). The show repeats that same night at 9:00 PM PDT (midnight EDT) immediately following DJ Willow Leafstorm’s Steam Powered Cabaret, and again on Sunday, May 19th at 4:00 PM PDT (7:00 PM EDT).
But wait, there’s more! The Drake & McTrowell radio show premieres on Monday, May 20th at 3:00 AM PDT (6:00 AM EDT)! This means that our friends across the pond will hear it first (we’re talking to you Ickenham and Linköping). For those of you who keep more civilized hours, tune in at 11:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM EDT) that same day or 5:00 PM PDT (8:00 EDT) on Thursday, May 23rd. Coolest birthday present I ever got…except from Drake who purveys birthday gifts like no one else.
A new show will run in these same time slots for nine weeks until we’ve covered all of “London, Where it All Began.”
Perhaps you’re asking yourself, “Self, why should I tune in?” It will be egoboo for some local San Diego steampunks who lent their voice talents to our little enterprise (and a certain professor from Brunel). But mostly you should listen because we think it sounds great!
For details on Krypton Radio shows and air times, see their table of show times.
Wild Wild West Con 2013
As promised in “Oh Hats!,” we premiered our new Drake-and-McTrowell-before-they-were-D&McT costumes. Luckily, Lady Amethyst was there to capture us in our new finery. (Thanks, yet again, for making us look good.)
Can You Say Pecos Incident?
Thar Be a Fancy Pirate
For (lots) more dusty, steamy fun, click here.
Oh Hats!
For some time now, Drake and I have been talking about developing “Drake & McTrowell before they were Drake & McTrowell” costumes, i.e. costumes for our back stories. If you’re not sure what that might mean, here are a couple of clues.
Other Clues are Hiding in this Pic
If you’re still not sure, I recommend catching up with “The Pecos Incident” and “The Parisian Party.” Failing all else, catch us at Wild Wild West Con next week where we’ll be premiering our new ensembles. Not a hat person, indeed!
Steampunk Saturday
Lady Amethyst and Her Mysterious Gentleman Admirer (sans Mask)
To get the scoop on all the day’s happenings, click here.
Me and My Baby
Steam Powered Giraffe at the Four Points Sheraton
Doc Synchronous, L.O.S.E.R. Leader
There are numerous reports from published newspapers in the American colonies attesting that Doc Synchronous is a snake oil salesman, a charlatan, and a dealer of weapons. In the wilds of the Americas, these crimes may be taken lightly, but not in London! Our man from Scotland Yard is most concerned that this “Doctor” leads an international organization of villainy. Check out the details and photos of Doc Synchronous in his Logbook entry.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
Phineas Sinclair Joins the Logbook Crowd
Phineas Sinclair is known for being an airship smuggler, Confederate sympathizer, villainous rights supporter, horse thief, train robber, and Cthulhu cultist. That’s quite a Victorian rap sheet! And, for the first time, Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake has illustrative evidence of a crime in progress. One of Scotland Yard’s men doesn’t take this lightly. Check out all of Phineas’ details, with a photo showing a train robbery in progress, in his Logbook entry.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
Our 15th Logbook Entry
Oliver Von Bremen and Alva O'Dell
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
New Logbook Entries!
Let’s ponder Gertrude (illustrated below), a cyborg of questionable allegiance. She’s an aethership concierge by occupation, and Erasmus has proof that her sideline is as a procurer of all things rare and precious. More details can be obtained on her logbook entry.
Our other entry is Professor Ambrosius, an evil boy-genius aspiring to join the L.O.S.E.R.s. He is currently under the tutelage of Doc Synchronous, who is a charlatan and purveyor of remedies and medicines (of questionable efficacy). I ask you gentlefolk, what is this world coming to?! As with the rest of the mischief-making lot, the Chief Inspector has more details regarding the lad in his logbook entry.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
It's Not That Kind of Serial
Now With Pocket Watches!
We’re thinking of printing greeting cards, but we’re also considering it for the next round of Drake & McTrowell t-shirts.
HRM Steampunk Symposium 2013
A Pirate in Blue, Not to Be Confused with Bluebeard (Who Was Also There)
Click here for the rest of the fun and frivolity.
