There are many individuals that play key roles in producing a successful convention. They are often unsung and ignored as fans flock to talk to their favorite performers or try to track down a much sought after back-issue of a favorite comic series. One such individual is Sacramento's own comic book artist and businessman, Jason Dube. Dube is one of the most important players that contributes to the success of conventions such as SacAnime and the Sac Sci/Fi Horror Show.
Upon first meeting Jason Dube, one is immediately struck by his youthful appearance, energy and enthusiastic demeanor. For the many detractors of individuals that read comic books, it can be argued that reading comics appear to slow down the effects of aging, but at the very least your sense of wonder in relation to your surroundings is very much alive. Examiner.com's Oscar Benjamin discussed Dube's role and many interests in and outside of the convention circuit.
"I am an artist, writer and publisher of Scattered Comics. I am just here promoting my comic books" is a response Jason had to a question on introducing himself. It was his humble answers that reflected the fact that Dube is a fan himself. Jason recalls a humorous incident when asked about his beginnings in the world of comic book publishing. "I told somebody I started this comic book in 1991 and they said oh that was when I was born! She said I'm nineteen and I said whoa-I've been doing this for nineteen years!"
Perusing through Mr. Dube's work in his titles such as Panda Days, Scattered and Waiting for Something to Happen, there is a pronounced anime influence throughout the books. Dube responded to the question of his influences by stating that Robotech, Starblazers and Battle of the Planets were shows I grew up with. Reading comic books also was very influential and think the two kind of melded into my style!"
Jason Dube self publishes his own titles according to customer demands that are fulfilled online through his website at http://scatteredcomicsstudios.com/ Dube touched upon the challenges and satisfaction of his independent ventures and what inspired him to do so. "When I went to a comic book convention and showed them my portfolio-their response was you need to do this differently and you need to change your style. The whole Image(comics) thing really helped a lot of artists say you know what I don't really have to listen to these people and maybe I can do my own thing and be a maverick! That really helped me to decide to take the leap and do my own books. Thank goodness I did because it has been a real pleasure during these years doing my own books".
Jason's style and business savvy is beginning to influence many in the business as evidenced by his role in the S.C.C.G. which is an acronym for the Sacramento Comic Book Creator's Group. "I have a weekly meeting with local artists and writers. It is really great because it really helps new writers and artists that have a love for it, but don't know where to go. They can come to us because we have art teachers that are part of the group. We have tutorials that help people with how to publish their books and get them out there!"
His resume in the business is impressive and obviously this caught the eye of the individuals that run some of Sacramento's more popular conventions. His modesty is on display once again with his response to how he first came to be an integral part of the glue that holds together these conventions. "My duties started kind of very small-artist's alley and artist's contests. They recently let me hire some staff to take over those duties so I can now do press liaison work and help with the vendor halls. I guess my title would be convention coordinator. He further clarifies his origin as convention coordinator, "I came to my first SacAnime and I was the first one in the Artist's Alley. I asked the director where I could go to set up and he showed me. He then asked me if I could keep an eye on things while I was in there and from that I grew into being the director of the Artist's Alley and then I got more responsibilities as time went on".
During the time frame of the interview, Jason was approached by several fans who were obviously very pleased to be in his presence. His response to the fans' enthusiasm was that of a fan himself taking pleasure in sharing a common love. It is this character trait and his uniquely entertaining graphic work that will increase Dube's fan base and also further cement his position among Sacramento's celebrities that will also be noticed by the rest of the fans in the greater United States!
http://www.scatteredcomics.com/
http://facebook.com/jasondube.comicguy
http://scatteredcomics.deviantart.com/
http://www.myspace.com/scatteredcomics
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