ElsonWong

Yes I'm back and making a difference in what I do here on deviantART. I'll most likely not be using this account for a while - it's a nice backup account actually!

So a big thank you to everyone who have been following me on my new account (and to those who have been new watchers on the list!). You guys have been fantastic and I don't take your admiration for granted.


Nevertheless for the full details on the latest from me, check out my latest deviantART journal via (or alternatively click on the photo below you! It's me with a book about dogs! What's up with that? Read on and find out!)








... That God-damn, those two look so darn sexy...!!!

There I said it. No regrets.

XXXD


About a month an a half ago Archie Publications announced about the upcoming arc (ie the one after Dr. Eggman's) known as the Secret Freedom.

And when I saw the concept artwork and cover art... I think I went gah-gah for a moment, SILVER'S IN IT! But wait! Who da hell are the rest of the gang following behind him??! Jebus, they look so tight as a group!! And dare I say it again - the designs look sexy... I'm a sucka for these kind of things... Probably fantasising myself as Silver minus the special abilities... I know I'm naive, at least I got one of his traits! Boo-ya!!


Anyways, a-hem, I also noticed that 's work got featured yet again in SONIC UNIVERSE/Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Publications) comics... That makes my reading extra special - I love to see friends that I know from the DA community who 'made it' and get the opportunity to show off their amazing talent on page. I'm so proud of Evan, I can't wait to read the Secret Freedom arc!! I'm that excited!!


Though I have one question and I beg for an answer.

For the Sonic Archie fans out there, will I miss out much on the story if I read the Secret Freedom arc first instead of he Scrambled arc?? I feel the need to skip that arc, and it's not to say that I don't like Dr. Eggman's debut solo adventure in the SU series but I'm too keen to get into the action of SF arc!! Especially when it features my some of my top favourite characters of the series!! (a-hem, insert bias towards Silver, Elias and Geoffrey *cough*).


I mean, God-damn it (I said it again), how sexy can they get?!? Must be the tights.





Btw those covers for the SF arc look sick-as. Sonic Archie team are legendary.






Well I'm back in Perth and full of beans! I'm inspired more than ever after coming back from my fifth round the world trip. This time the United Kingdom has, yet again, been an impressive and exciting adventure. Catching up friends of mine and visiting new places were key motivators of this trip (oh and my retail therapy on books of course, can't forget that one!). Nevertheless I'm in the process of posting all the photos I've taken during my trip via Facebook. First up a retrospect on the Summer of Sonic event. Here it is:


SUMMER OF SONIC 2012

[Inside & Outside Convention, Opening, Buzzbombers and Live Performance with Jun Senoue, Rock Out with Crush40, Artist Gallery, Cosplay, Club Sonic and After-party]


Summer of Sonic is a convention that never fail to impress. Every single year I'm proud to know of friends from the humble Sonic UK community who organise this event, and with a lot of hard work, pull off something really special for like-minded fans all over the world.

It's been a real delight to have actually experienced Summer of Sonic for what it is. On previous events I've been somewhat indirectly involved by running an art table of my own (kindly offered by the organisers of SOS), or at times just help out staff with simple tasks (e.g. tasks that require a bit of logistic-know how and muscle to move stuff).

To have experienced SOS in it's raw form - that is - being the visitor coming to the event, has been an eye-opener. It was entertaining and insightful to enjoy the program in full. I applaud the organisation that went into SOS this year and congratulate on the team's success (you know who you are!).


Highlights of my experience at Summer of Sonic 2012 included: Interacting with the queue before opening time, catching up with a guy named Brett (aka ThunderboltElemental) whom I never knew but impressed me with his enthusiasm, grace and acrobatics, opening with Svend and Roareye (prime organisers of SOS and people I've known for through their community works and a unique podcast called 'The Sonic Hour'), the amazing and creative Sonic cosplayers, the Buzzbombers showcase (I finally got to see it for the first time! Nice work Hogfather for being host yet again!), Q&A with Svend and Izuka-san, admiring in awe of the crazy talented artists who were showcasing their work this year (that includes Kieran Gates, James - dude with glasses and Robotnik t-shirt, and StC Online gang), catching up with all of my close friends I know of from the Sonic UK community, getting greeted and photographed with fans of Darkspeeds (thanks for the awesome gift arts and crafts too!), and finally, singing and jamming it out with Crush40, the crowd of fans and the cool Indian dude who partied just as wild as I was at the front of the stage!! (Oh and I haven't forgotten the after-party catch up with Adam Tuff, Chris Neilson, Pete, Lewis, Phil, Dave, Simon, Gavie, Siruku, James (FFS), Graham, Kiera, Mark, the J Bros, the StC gang, and several others!)


Thank you to all of my friends and fans who shared their hospitality with me, I never expected to still be respected so highly from admirers of my past and current works on the online art community (ala Darkspeeds). Seriously, I'm grateful of your feedback, friendship and good times shared together at SOS this year - thank you.

Here's to more events in the future, and who knows, I'll probably try and get Chris (aka BlitzChris) to get a small one started back home in Perth, Western Australia - just for kicks - even if it involves a BBQ and plenty of Fosters.

Screw it... I'm gonna do this.







Just wondering... Who's entering?

Search for a Singer: Your Chance to Shine at SoS!





Nuff said.


My apologises to everyone who has been anticipating an update on the Cursed Wombat website - lately I've been unable to concentrate or dedicate time to the project but I'll continue my research and commutation of ideas and inspiration during my trip to the UK. I need to find a coal mine museum in Wales to understand better how it looks like and how it operates.


Anyways there's just one last thing to share with you before I go:





I managed to catch up with Kovabomb a few nights ago. We had a good time catching up and chatting about fun stuff, and as usual, it involves Sonic Archie Comics and the voice acting business.


He inspired me that night to challenge myself and work on a Sonic Comic Drama that I've always wanted to do. The challenge this time is something that I wanted to try out for this very particular issue - to see if I can single handedly voice-act all the characters (including the girls, for a good laugh that is, and thankfully there aren't too many lines to do either...) and make it workable for a Sonic Comic Drama.

He reminded me the importance of setting a deadline or a goal for the project, otherwise you're just going to procrastinate and achieve nothing.


Making this took me a whole week with 5 days of shift work. Not easy to dedicate so much free time to the project since I got other things that I'd like to do too (like spend quality time with family for instance) but yes I was naive to think that I could do the entire issue in just one week. I wanted to do it before I leave on the Friday for the Summer of Sonic but alas this was as far I as got to.

Hope you'll enjoy what's been made so far, I plan to finish it when I come back in August. *thumbs up* Until then, stay inspired and keep creating!


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[CREDITS - full proper crediting to be post when the full video comes out]

- StH #233 Comic: Sonic Archie Publications
- Voice Overs: Elson 'Darkspeeds' Wong
- BMG: Sonic Team/SEGA, Final Fantasy VIII, Fire Emblem series
- SFX: Sounddogs, Sonic Team/SEGA, Kovabomb's collection of SFX, Darkspeeds' Custom SFX
- Comic Panel Narration: Comixology

----------------------------------------


Also Kovabomb did a fantastic job posting his second instalment to the How to Make a Comic Drama video. I love listening to his tutorials and advice. This is  highly recommended for those who are interested in taking the challenge of producing a Comic Drama.





Take care everyone! Stay safe, stay motivated, keep creating! *thumbs up*


Oh and one last this! This just came up but who is currently running ONE HOUR SONIC has created an initiative for you folks at OHS and I hope you can join him for the weekly challenge! Details are found in the banner! Enjoy and keep rockin'!









=============

AWESOME People featured in my video includes:

1] Jason Bronkowski (First Canadian to Attend Summer of Sonic)
2] Jason aka Chemb0t (Tech Engineer at Industrial Light & Magic)
3] Evan Stanley (Creator of Ghosts of the Future)
4] Raul aka Cytochrom (Sci-Fi Digital Artist)
5] Jason Brubaker (Creator of reMIND)
6] Ian 'Potto' Flynn (Head Writer of Sonic Archie series)
7] Paul Kaminski (Editor of Archie Publications)
8] Aaron Webber (Associate Brand Manager at SEGA of America)
9] Chi-Town Shawn (First American to Attend Summer of Sonic)
10] David Lillie & Liz Thomas (Creators of Dreamkeepers)
11] Mike Pollock (Professional Voice Actor and Commercial Voice Over)
12] Monique aka Lily-Hedgehog (Digital Artist)

=============





This video is LONG overdue.

Just about 12 months ago I decided to skip the United Kingdom (after being there four times already - I must love that place don't I?) and opt it for a revisit to Canada and the United States of America.


Friends from the UK Sonic fan community told me that I've missed out on an excellent Summer of Sonic event back in 2011 - it was their best one yet. However, at the same time they also told me that it was a wise choice that I stuck to travelling abroad to North America instead. And you know what? I totally agree with them.

Not only did I get to explore more beautiful terrain and cities in many parts of North America but I also had the opportunity to revisit relatives and close friends that I met back in 2007, AND I manage to catch up with people who have inspired me in my hobby affair of being a graphic novel artist and appreciator of comic arts, video gaming and voice acting.


I've been blessed to have have the time, money and good health to travel while I'm still young - I thank my family for giving me the financial start in the first place. Over the years I've worked hard and saved loads of money to essentially catch up with the people who inspire me from the internet and commercial graphic arts and multi-media industry.

And so I present to you a short, but sweet, compilation of quick, shot-gun paced interviews of the AWESOME people I've met during my travels to North America in 2011.  All of these people brought a special meaning to my visit, each in their very own way, and I thank them for that. Hope you'll enjoy!


..........

Oh and after this...? I'll be going to the UK in 10 days time. Friends of the Sonic UK community, you better watch out for me cuz I'm coming to hunt you guys down and involved too! 'Darkspeeds Meets AWESOME People - Part 2? Bring it! *thumbs up*






Hey guys! The Summer of Sonic has gained an amazing reputation over the years as a community-run convention that's dedicated to the favourite hedgehog we all know and love so well.





In the past I've been privileged to have directly and indirectly be a involved with this fantastic initiative that is run by the hard-working fans and talented friends of the Sonic UK Community. They are a close-knit bunch and it's incredible how they have organised the events each and every year - they are truly an inspiration and a role-model for those who would like to organise their own event celebration the hedgehog's birthday.

The Summer of Sonic concept has done so well that it's brought international acclaim and has inspired the guys in the U.S. to host their own Sonic party known as Sonic Boom.


This year it's going to be yet another super party for fans of the blue blur so I'm just wondering - who's coming?






Well this whole month of July I'll be spending nearly a whole month in the United Kingdom; Summer of Sonic is not the only thing that I'm after! I'm going to spend quality time with friends of the Sonic UK Community whom I've kept in touch over the years (I miss those guys and gals - they're a lovely bunch). I'm also going to do something that I love doing when I'm travelling - EXPLORING. I love visiting quint towns, national parks, local attractions, and I enjoy riding the national rail, sampling rustic cuisine, and admire arts and crafts created by the locals at community halls and museums. This is why love the UK, not only do I get to catch up with some really cool friends but also I get to discover new treats at all the towns and parks that I'll be visiting - this is my kind of holiday.


The places that I'll be travelling to include the following:





Nevertheless the best time to catch up with me (people who follow my work over the years AND live in the UK) is at the Summer of Sonic on the Saturday. I'll be chillin' in Brighton the day after too with mates but like I said it's best to catch me at the Sonic convention that is held as the Brighton Hove Centre.


I've yet to decide what exactly I'll be doing at the Summer of Sonic but I have plans to do at least a few recordings for kicks (how about we all sing together some songs from the Sonic games? 'IT DOESN'T MATTER' ~ Oh yeah!). I'll post my plans here when I got a clear idea so watch this space.






It's interesting how people are still inquiring about my GRAND HUNTER graphic novel - it's been more than 2 years now since it got printed and published!

I did sell my comic back in 2010 when the Summer of Sonic was held for the third time. The sell out of all signed copies of the booked and posters was a surprisingly success. It was an experience not to forget that day.





This year the Summer of Sonic does not encourage the sale of anything at the event which is something to be respected and acknowledged.

However if you are still interested in getting a copy during your visit in Brighton (or outside of the SOS convention) then hey I'm more than happy to arrange something for you.

I've already had two people who are getting signed copies of my book (who missed out on it two years ago).


The books will cost 15GBP each. Each of them signed with a sketched drawing. The price will be the same as I have charged two years ago as presented on a historical Darkspeeds journal post.  







I still got 24 copies left - a very limited stock. 2 have been pre-ordered so that makes it 22 copies left.

Feel free to send me a PM or post a comment here to arrange something should you have missed out last time or to those who have just gotten into the GRAND HUNTER series - would like to get a copy!


Anyways hope to see many of you at this years Summer of Sonic convention - stay cool, stay WAY PAST cool and don't be a stranger!

Here is my first ever article (one that's legit and proof-read several times that it's giving me a headache - and btw I suck at writing essays and such when I was in high-school, leave me be! XXD ^^)  that talks about the importance of having a fundamental and visual understanding of how the human anatomy works for comics artists like myself. It is now added to my 'Making Comics' section which I hope will provide useful tips and suggestions to comic artists who want to improve on their craft!

Why Understanding of Human Anatomy is Useful for Comic Artists

Hi everyone! You know when you go through phases in life and from time to time you experience the 'going-ins' and 'going-outs' of those phases? Well this is one of them for me folks.

I'm leaving Sonic stuff for a while, you know the creative stuff that I do associated with the hedgehog? Yeah that stuff.


I will make a couple of exceptions but I'll get on to that in a sec. For now I'd just like to say that I've lost the spark to do anything creatively with Sonic the Hedgehog, and it's not to say that all of a sudden I quit doing this sort of thing for good - far from it.

I just need a long break and get myself back into developing more on my anthro-cartoon drawing style. I've always wanted to apply this new and improved drawing style into my next generation of graphic novel projects (which include Cursed Wombat and Vienna Blue). I'm rather excited about this especially after my experiences at Comic-con last year - discovering amazing new talent such as Blotch and Jason Brubaker. On my brand new website www.cursedwombat.com I've detailed my goals on the About and FAQ sections. Have a read to see where I'm headed!


I remember that for the past few months I've been LOADED with the Sonic spark... Just been on full pelt  with the 'ONE HOUR SONIC' initiative and Sonic Youtube projects such as the Singing Recordings and Sonic Comic Dramas. But yeah right now no more of that with the exception of completing PART 02 of TREASURE TEAM TANGO (to check out what you missed out of PART 01 click here).


So yeah that's the plan for the time being, I may from time to time post a Sonic piece or two (it really depends on whether I got that spark to do so), but it'll be much more less frequent than before.

If you want to keep up to date on my artwork I'll be posting on www.cursedwombat.com (best to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates), my twitter and tumblr for Cursed Wombat. I'd love to hear your thoughts when I make updates to the site (also fan-art of Cursed Wombat or Vienna Blue is always welcomed!). Also I'll be checking out DA from time to time to check up on messages and PMs (in addition to that I'll be posting another announcement soon on the OHS group page regarding future operations of the group and how it'll be handled).


Anyways take care everyone and keep on rockin'! Your feedback and support has always been much appreciated!

Marine's and her high seas adventure!





I should be able to get the first part of the SONIC UNIVERSE Comic Drama uploaded by next week. Fingers crossed!

Oh and also, a big thank you goes to for her epic Ma Fei fanart piece! It's wallpapered for the weeks to come - mua ha ha!






... In just two days?





I don't get it. When you compare this to the GHZ one I did (which was posted just one day before Speed-Way Jam), you check the statistics and it's more than five times the amount of  reception it has received. Why though?


Was it because SPEED HIGHWAY was a very well loved track in Sonic Generations as compared to Green Hill Zone? Perhaps. Was it the fact that people found the lyric work to be more complex than GHZ? Or that I had someone to collab with me for the rap? Was it because it was rap piece?


I'm writing this not because I want to get cocky, far from it. If you have posted two things not too far apart in terms of time and you find out that one get's a crazy bunch more attention than the other - you begin to wonder why...?


And the one thing I learnt is when things go crazy after uploading something on the internet and it could potentially generate hits, hence  you get SPAMMED alot... This is an attractive feature for would-be-marketers to target certain audiences but nevertheless do check out two of the comments on the Speed-way Run lyrics page - anything related to the music we uploaded? Nope. The same goes with the ones on my Youtube page - it's crazy I tell ya.


Okay next thing is a big THANK YOU to everyone who have shared their feedback and honest opinions about the song and how it could be improved.


I'm very surprised that the chorus part was the least favourite of all! I thought that it would flow nicely with the chord progression of that particular section of the track but the audience would know better at times. So yes thank you for letting me know that the chorus part could be improved. I'd be interested to see if anyone can suggest something to replace that part - AND have it recorded.


Anyways it's time to get back into more CURSED WOMBAT stuff... But I think I may actually get myself back into the swing of a certain animated adaptation... Treasure Team Tango anyone?


Oh and just out of the random blue...


Just how FUNKY IS THIS?? TheSymphonicGames did two original composition of what could be a set Sonic level BGM! You better love it cuz it defintely deserves more views!!