a scene from "the Experts #3"

an excerpt from the Experts #4

Newsarama reviews "the Experts"

YOUR INDY WEEKLY: THE EXPERTS
by Ryan McLelland

The Experts #1 and 2
Near Mint Press - $3.00 each
Written by: Kenn Minter
Illustrated by: Clarence Pruitt
Website: http://www.kennminter.com

Rating: 4 stars (of 4)

With Kenn Minter’s The Experts you get a feeling that this superteam is called The Experts just like you call a big guy ‘Tiny’. But when you put together a team with old pros like Emerald Yeti and Doctor Delta with such nuebs as Ninja Witch, Free Mary, and the very dressed Naked Man one cannot expect to be as great as the Avengers, the JLA, or even the Great Lakes Avengers. Inanity runs rampant in this superb series that highlights what those who think they are great do in incredible situations…even if they aren’t that great.

The first issue features a trio of stories that introduces the newest team of Experts and also a shrink that caters to the problems of superhero and villain alike. The best story features IncredoLad – a youth in a small town that wears glasses and a bowl-cut ala Guy Gardner to preserve his secret identity. However everyone in this quiet town already knows that the unnamed teen is also the superhero IncredoLad.

The comedy moves forward when young Tina Tang falls into the river and starts drowning. All would have been fine with ol’ bowlcut running off to become IncredoLad to save the day except that Chet has to come over and provoke IncredoLad. Chet tells him to hurry and save Tina while IncredoLad defends everything from his eyeglasses, his bowlcut, and even a leg brace that appears out of nowhere that all but proves he CANNOT be IncredoLad. By the time he comes up with an excuse to get away from Chet (Chet and Tina’s friends all know he is going to change into his costume), IncredoLad runs into the woods, takes off his sweater, and finds that he left his costume at home. The situations get worse and worse as the reader gets a sinking feeling that Tina better learn to swim very quickly.

Issue two focuses more on The Experts themselves, namely Ninja Witch and Free Mary who are forced to take down the evil telepath Silver Muse. It seems that Silver Muse is able to control the minds of men and therefore only Ninja Witch and Free Mary can save the day. Not only that, the Experts’ leader Frost Queen points out, but the duo’s action figures (with exceptionally quality boobs!) are the lowest selling of the entire Experts line, so the two have to get out there more, fight more crime, thus causing more kids to want to go out and buy more of their toys. The two are off to fight Silver Muse, but the cattiness of two gals going to fight some evil bitch makes the comic sillier and better as it goes along.

Somewhat reminiscent of Bob Burden’s Mystery Men but with a devilishly sharp wit, The Experts is a perfect indy book that continues to throw pleasure at you page after page. From Clarence Pruitt’s sharp pencils to Minter’s ability to hit everything what would be wrong with every young superhero in the world, the Experts is truly a fun read that is destined to become a fave of every indy comic reader. It’s fun and it makes fun of all we behold, from masks to breasts to hopefully learning one day what Naked Man’s powers exactly are. The Experts is one book that indy readers should not miss.

More "Experts" Fan Mail

"Howdy, Kenn!

Great series! I have really enjoyed the first two books and cannot wait until the third issue is released. Speaking of, do you have an anticipated release date at this time?

The story-telling and artwork are a wonderful compliment to each other and already I can notice a progression in the backgrounds with the use of more gray tones, adding more weight or dimension to the art. I hate to draw (no pun intended) comparisons, but Darwyn Cooke and Bruce Timm come to mind, perhaps Allred also.

You have a light-hearted story telling style that is a relief to some of the more "over-inflated" story arcs that seem too prevalent in many of today's tales. I mean that as a compliment. With your books, the reader need not be concerned nor will he/she get too bogged down with continuity, history, etc. . . but will simply pick up a read that harkens back to a Golden or Silver Age book, while more sophisticated with a contemporary twist, complete in every single issue. It seems you have taken a very modern approach to getting issues printed and distributed and hopefully that will work out well for you, the creator, and myself the customer/reader.

Love the Experts,

Rob"

"the Experts" Fan Mail & Fan Art

"Hey Kenn,

My name is Brent Schoonover. Last Wednesday I visited my local
comic store and found a copy of issue 2 of The Experts. I loved the art
style and Kirby references so much I had to give it a shot. I'm glad I
did. I loved the book and plan on having my store get the book on my
pull list. Hopefully they can get issue one in store otherwise I'll get
one from you personally. Congrats on a great book and looking forward
to more.

ps- I loved the book so much I did a quick sketch of the Ninja Witch,
which I later realized those were throwing stars on her hat, so those
are wrong. Sadly I also drew it on the back of another comic script.

-Brent"

... a scene from the experts #4

We want your Experts fan art!

Hey, do you draw? If so, we'd like to see your Experts fan art! Draw/interpret the Experts characters any way you like... and we'll post the results here. E-mail your art to: kennminter@yahoo.com. Let us know if you have a blog or website... and we'll plug that too!

the Experts Theme Song!

Over to the right of the blog, you'll find a link to the new "the Experts Theme Song!" The song lyrics were written by myself and the music was created and composed by my pal, Jim Shaw. It's a wacky tune which also functions as the team's roll call. Give it a listen and let us know what you think in the comments.

-Kenn Minter

the Experts in the News

This article about the Experts ran in a local paper ("the Lexington Weekly") about a year ago. Click on the image to read the piece.

... and now some random scenes from "the Experts #3"

the Experts #3 (the cover)

Interview w/Kenn Minter/the Experts

Here's an online interview w/me about my comic book series "the Experts" :

Link

(scroll down a bit, and click the link)

Thanks,
-Kenn Minter

"the Experts" #2 available at comic shops in April!

The Experts are coming!

the Experts #2 in Feb. 07's Diamond Previews Catalog

from Near Mint Press:

the Experts #2
by Kenn Minter & Clarence Pruitt

in the Diamond Previews Catalog (February 2007)

Item Code: FEB073663

Page #: 312

The Experts members, Ninja Witch and Free Mary, go on their first mission as a duo to thwart international art thief, the Silver Muse. If anything can go wrong... well, it does.

Also in this issue, the Z-Squad, the most angst-ridden super-powered teenagers ever, are featured in a 4-page back-up story.

32 pages | Black & White | $3.00 US

the Experts#1
(always available at comixpress.com):
LINK!

Holiday Wishes from "the Experts!"

the Emerald Yeti!

sketch by Clarence Pruitt.

... and now a scene from "the Experts #3"

Gosh, More Fan Mail for "the Experts #1"

"Kenn & Clarence,

I just finished reading the first issue of "The Experts". I admit, I picked up the comic on a lark. I'm a big supporter of independent comics - I usually find they have much more quality tales than the mainstream stuff being churned out by the big guys in the market today. This is one comic I'm glad I decided to take a chance on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first issue! A cute introduction to the main team - Dr. Delta, an enigmatic ghost? - Free Mary, from the costume and name, I'm guessing her to be a Lady Liberty type character? - Ninja Witch, who I hope to see more of her ninja side in action - Mr. Elaztik, not much on him this issue - Emerald Yeti, a clockwork beastie? what's that? - and the Naked Man, interesting name, but does he actually get naked to use his powers???

New recruits for a team that has been around before, eh? Hope we eventually get to see some of that old team (other than Frost Queen and the Scottish guy.

IncredoLad was a humorous tale - a new take on the whole "keeping the secret identity" - he he he, and the "ad" for IncredoLad's comics was a fun stab at the old Superboy type comics from days long past.... (although, with this tale, one has to wonder why Chet didn't try to save poor Tina.....)

When superheroes need a psychiatrist, where do they go? Dr. Michael Schlessinger, obviously! I definitely hope we see more of him in upcoming issues - how often do we get a chance to see the inner workings of a superhero's troubled psyche?!?!?!

Pruitt's art is beautiful - he definitely has a good knack for expressions - particularly with Ninja Witch - had she had no words to say at all, it would have been easy to see what she was thinking!

Overall, a great first issue, one that only whets my appetite for more (and there had better be more guys!!!) Any hints as to when we can expect to see issue two solicited???

- TODD H. LATOSKI"

a little before and after

I did these up for fun the other day...

Comic News Insider Reviews the Experts #1

Comic News Insider has a new podcast up wherein they review "the Experts #1." Download and listen to the podcast (Click on Episode #65) here.

Shucks, more Fan Mail for the First ish...

"Kenn & Clarence,

I just picked up a copy of your book The Experts at a comic shop here in Connecticut!
I very much enjoyed it!! I don't buy many comics, as a matter of fact I haven't bought one in 8 years!
I was at Buried Under Comics pluggin' my web comic The Kosmix, and saw it on a rack. I was a huge Mike Allred, and it was Clarence Pruitt's Allredesque style cover that hooked me! His artwork is tremendous!! It is understated, yet complex. Yes... it is Mike Allred like, but stripped down a step further, and with shades of Bruce Timm!!!
The writing was exceptional as well. Fast paced, and a nice homage (with modern sensibilities) to a day when comics were actually fun!!!
And you ink too! WOW!!
Please let me know when a new book is scheduled to come out, and you can count on a sale from me!!

KUDOS!!!
John McDowel"

More "the Experts" Fan Mail

Just so you know, mine and Clarence Pruitt's "the Experts #1" is currently available in comic shops nationwide... it came out last week. Check your favorite store to see if they have it. If they don't, it will always be available from our online shop at comixpress.com (along with "the Experts #2). Please see the links on the right sidebar of this blog.

Thanks,
Kenn Minter



"Kenn -

I've taken to browsing for cool indie comics when I go to my local
comics shop each week, looking for good stuff to inspire me as I work on my
own book. Last week I picked up a copy of "The Experts" and was so
impressed that I bought two copies and sent one off to my collaborator to
check out. It's cool to see an indie book look so professional right out
of the gate, and the Incredo-Lad story was pretty damn funny.

Kudos on that cover too! Really good things going on with the colors
and design there!

(Oh, side note -- I found your book at Forbidden Planet in NYC, in case
you're curious about that sort of thing.)

I also saw your comiXpress ad on the back and was curious what you
thought about them, as I was planning on trying them out. Would you mind me
using your name as a referrer?

Anyway, cool book and I wish you luck with it. If you ever want to talk
shop, drop me a line. I'm hoping to have an ashcan teaser issue for my
book done within the month.

-Keith McCleary"

Experts Fan Mail

My name is Frankie B. Washington and I'm planning on
debuting my comic book, FBW Peace March 2007, thru
Comixpress. I'm a freelance illustrator living in
Massachusetts and totally understand the passion and
drive to get a comic book series out.

I've already drawn up to four books and now I have to
letter them as well. It's time consuming but the
reward of completing the dream is so worth it.

When I first saw the covers for The Experts I was
immediately drawn to them. I was nervous that when I
opened the book the art and story would not be upto
par.

Least to say that I was and still amazed by the rich,
humorous storytelling and kick-ass artwork.
It definitely lends to b/w and color which is the
ideal medium all books should aspire for.

I really hope when FBW Peace is released it is able to
be on that level as well.

Definitely stop by my webpage and sign the
guestbook if you like.

http://www.fbwpeace.com

More costume changes!

Here's a scene from "the Experts #2" wherein Ninja Witch magically creates new duds for Free Mary.

-Kenn

New costumes for "the Experts" gang?

Maybe. You'll have to pick up "the Experts" #3 to find out what all the hub-bub is about.

These are costume designs that I created to send to the penciller. Wait til you see the finished pencils by Jason Cheeseman-Meyer... YOW!

Wait-a-second? Who's Jason Cheeseman-Meyer?

Experts group sketch

Here's a nifty group pencil sketch of "the Experts" by my brother, Matt Minter.

-Kenn

A bit of both what?

What is the mysterious Doctor Delta referring to in this panel? Why is he holding up a check made out to him from "the Experts?"

Find out in "the Experts" #3.

Coming soon...

"the Experts" T-Shirt Shop!

Be the coolest kid on your street while you don the latest in "the Experts" fashions! "the Experts" is the fun new Superhero comic book by Kenn Minter and Clarence Pruitt! Buy your very own "the Experts" T-Shirts and Sweatshirts HERE!

All the cool kids are doing it. :oP

Character Sketches

Recently, Clarence sent me some character sketches/costume designs for possible kid sidekicks to some of our adult characters from "the Experts" etc. Here we have "Moon Bird"... the long lost comrade of the moody Night-Guard (introduced in "the Experts" #1). Also, there's "Zippy"... the young chum of "the ZZZip." But, of course, we wouldn't be able to use the name "Zippy"... since it's already the name of a hilarious daily comic strip by Bill Griffith. I suggest we name the lad "Quickee,"... that way it's naughty and stupid all at once.

Of course, my favorite character has to be "Candy Corn Man"... I mean... how could it not be? His origin is as follows:



Wally Winchell was a mild-mannered youth... except for being your usual pain-in-the-ass teenager. Wally liked Halloween. He enjoyed All Hallows Eve gobs and gobs. Wally liked candy... Wally loved free candy. Wally cared much for trick-or-treating.

When Wally came bounding down the stairs from his bedroom dressed as his favorite superhero, "the Emerald Yeti," one Halloween evening... his father was aghast.

"Wally!" Dad exclaimed, "Where do you think you are going dressed like that? You're 17, son. You are too old to go out trick-or-treating. You can escort your little sister around the neighborhood if you want, but you're too big for Halloween. It's time to grow up!"

"Aw Pop... but I like candy so much... and it's free Dad! Free candy! How can I pass that up?!"

Dad rubbed his chin in consideration. "Nope. Sorry. Now take off that stupid costume and take Wendy out for awhile... I'd do it... but I don't feel like it, and there's a game on."

Wally hung his head in disappointment. He turned toward the stairs and ran up to his room. At the top of the stairs, he tore off his Emerald Yeti mask and screamed at his Father, "I hate you Daddy! I hate you!"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Vintage Experts Proto-Images

Here's an assortment of "the Experts" character sketches that I had done years ago... probably 7 to 10 years ago. These characters were haunting my sketchbooks long before I ever wrote any scripts or met Clarence Pruitt via the internet.

As you can see, I sorely needed Clarence's help on this project.

-Kenn

the Experts #1 in Stores!

The Experts #1 (by Kenn Minter & Clarence Pruitt) in stores across America... November 29, 2006!

But why wait? Buy a copy of #1 and #2 online now:

Experts #1!

Experts #2!

JUMP!

Here are two more panels from the upcoming third issue. Exciting rural action!