Night of the Living Wed

Pia and Ian

Lord Love A Duck

What does a drawing of a man kissing a duck have to do with Pia and Ian getting married? Is it some romantic symbolism? A Finnish fairy tale? Something to do with the fact that their first official date was at the Thirsty Duck restaurant and Bowling Alley (no, but a good guess!)?

Ian got this illustration from Joe Matt who was a guest at a comic convention taking place in Vancouver. Shortly after Ian walked his way down the artist's table and saw someone at the end. She was a knockout and was drawing in a sketchbook. She also had in front of her a Desert Peach comic book with an illustration of hers in the back. They talked briefly. Ian walked off. Pia went back to drawing and talking to people about her art.

About 10 years later they decided to get married.

It's a Shame She's Already Married

Over the years Ian and Pia saw each other at conventions and comic book functions. But since they were always romantically involved at the time nothing more than that. Then Pia married Paul Sloboda and moved to L.A.

Except she didn't. That was just a weird rumour that got some legs on it and went for a walk. When Ian became single he decided to see how she was doing via the newfangled World Wide Web. A website called hellkitty.com came up and it was connected to a Pia Guerra with a very similar art style. One email later and Pia's bogus marriage was annulled by facts. Pia was back in town from Seattle (not L.A.) and was living in New Westminster getting a children's clothing store up on its feet.

And they were both single.

The Reception

Date : Wednesday, May 24th 2006
Location : Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
Time : 5:30 pm -- Theme : Film Noir

One of the first questions that came up when we started planning all this wedding business was "where to hold the reception?". It wasn't long before the name Heritage Hall came up. The building is in the neighbourhood after all, we pass it every day, we hear its bells every hour and more important, we've attended numerous comic cons there. It's a beautiful bulding and it feels like home.
It wasn't until we learned some interesting history about the hall that the whole film noir theme presented itself. A friend of ours told us how during the war, when it was still a post office, the hall had an office in the back that was used by the RCMP to "interrogate nazi spies". This person's father was one of those officers doing the interrogations in fact. It was so over the top, so bizarre to picture such intrigue going on in a tiny town like Vancouver... it was like something out of a Dick Powell movie.

Ta da.

That... and hats are cool.

Much about the era is cool in fact. Swank duds, swank music, swank hats. A nice combination under such a lovely roof. We're putting together some great tunes, both old and new so no worries if you're a little rusty with a two step. And if you're stuck for clothing ideas check in with the blog over the next few weeks where we'll be posting lots of pics to help you out.

See you there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be an ending to Y? How many issues will the series run?

Y will end after 60 issues. No more. No less. That's the plan anyway.

Will you be selling any pages from Y?

Yes. Just not right now. It's a bit time consuming to set up sales but when I do have the time (and maybe an assistant to help me code it all) , there will be plenty of notice for everyone.

Do you do commissions/sketches?

I'm one of those really slow artists who sweat every little detail to the point of unhealthy obsession so taking time out to do a big sketch will hurt the schedule.

So here's what I'll do.

If you send me a backing board I will draw a quick convention style sketch for you for free (you read right, free). It won't be fancy, just the same kind of sketch I'd do for anyone at a con.

Here's what you need to do.

Send your backing board and request (example "I would like a picture of Ampersand please") along with a self addressed stamped envelope to the following:

Pia Guerra
#169 - 2416 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
V5T 3E2

If you are from Canada please add a few stamps to the return envelope. People from the US or other countries can send me those international coupon thingies but really, they tend to pile up so don't worry too much about them and it doesn't cost THAT much to send boards in the mail. Of course if I suddenly become inundated with requests I may change that policy. Please, please put a note on your package saying DO NOT BEND. The PO box I get my mail from will sometimes bend envelopes in order to cram it into that little mailbox and this will ruin your backing board. If you can, add a stiff board of cardboard in there that I include with the return art, just to be safe.

I will do my level best to get art back to you pronto but keep in mind I check my mailbox every week or so. If you don't get a response in like four weeks, drop me an e-mail and kick my butt. It'll be in the next out batch.

I saw an interview with you the other day and I really feel you'd be perfect for this book idea I have.

I am presently committed to Y - The Last Man for the remainder of its run, if you see above you'll note that will be 60 issues. No more. No less. If the latest copy of the book on the stands doesn't say "issue 60" on it, then I'm still working on it. My apologies.

Can you give me information on submitting work to Vertigo?

The best advice I can offer here is to put together three to six sample pages (photocopies, no originals) of your BEST sequential art. The idea is to show off your range so make the pages interesting. Make certain you put your name and address on the back of each page in case the pages get shuffled about. The last thing you want is an editor discovering a random page, loving your work but having no idea who to contact.

Pick a Vertigo title you feel best suits your style and look at the credits box, there you will see the name of the editor and possibly an assistant editor. Get the address off the disclaimer bar and send your samples c/o of the editor or assistant editor along with a brief letter stating your interest in submitting work and a self addressed stamped envelope. You won't be guaranteed a response but if they do have an interest the SASE will make sure you hear it.

Conventions are also a good way to get your stuff seen. It's a great place to talk to other creators and get feedback. You may also run into editors willing to look at work. If you do, keep it short, show your best work and LISTEN. Take whatever critiques/advice they give you and WALK AWAY. You'll probably be running into these people again and again in the future and you want to be sure you leave them with a consistent, professional impression of yourself. Many newbies get overly defensive of their work and in the process make asses of themselves (believe me, I've done it myself). You can bitch and complain with friends about your interview later.

Remember, there aren't a whole lot of bridges in this business so don't go burning them all willy-nilly and then wonder why you're not getting gigs.

Good luck!