Pixels, Paint, Powerups, and 1-Ups

Hi-Score!

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:57:10 GMT

Congrats to Life Meter contributor, Matt Loux!

His videogame inspired graphic novel, Sidescrollers
was listed by The American Library Association as one of the Great Graphic Novels for Teens in 2008

If you haven't read it yet, go check it out!

He's a back!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:43:12 GMT

I still haven't had a chance to play Super Mario Galaxy yet, but a lot of friends are saying it's the game of the year. Here's a tie-in comic by hiimdaisy that might contain spoilers?

Diner Dash: Endless Shift

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:31:40 GMT

Alisa Harris sent us this great comic inspired by the hit online game series, Diner Dash!

Alisa writes "I don't play that many video games, but Diner Dash took over my spare time for a while. The idea for this comic came out of playing "the endless shift" when I don't want to be sucked into the game for too long."

Side note: the characters and art in Diner Dash was originally created by Alisa's fellow SVA alumi, Amy Kim Ganter, who went on to create awesome comics series like Sorceress and Secretaries from TokyoPop.

On the Road with LIFEMETER

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:52:00 GMT

Hey Lifemeter fans! If you're going to be in the northeast this weekend, don't you think you should come check out the New York Anime Fest?
This show promises to be one of the biggest shows of its kind, and LIFEMETER will be there in force!
Be sure to pick up a copy of Lifemeter #1, and hopefully you'll also be able to get your mitts on a copy of Lifemeter #2 which is nearly sold out! But don't fret, we'll be sure to have lots of pins, stickers and prints for you, too. So stop by and say hi! Hope to see everyone there!

Valkyrie Profile 2

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:02:27 GMT

It's been awhile, no? Here's a cute comic from Carolina Moya. Here's her explanation:

" I loved Valkyrie Profile ever since the first game came out. In the first game you play as the Valkyrie, Lenneth. In Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria, you play as her sister, Silmeria.
It's a great game if you're just picking it up and also a really great way to continue the series. If you did play the first one , you'll appreciate playing this game since it is a prequel to the original and it answers a lot of questions you might have had.
I made this comic joking around about one of the newly added features for leveling characters. The non-main characters that enter your party have a " free level" attached to them. When you level them up to what ever their "free level" is, you can turn them into some powerful one-time-use items. Basically you level up these characters, turn them into "Einherjar Vitamins" ( thats what I call it) and then make your loved characters stronger! "

You can see more of her wonderful art at Endless Fluff!

Winning Sonics

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:39:36 GMT

Thanks to everyone who voted on the Sonic the Hedgehog Game Art Challenge
There were SO many great submissions, each with their own charms that it was even tough to figure out the tally for the winners! So really there were no losers. But based on the votes here are the winners:

1st Place:
By Sean Kelley

2nd Place:
By Marc Ruiner, mars_malice

3rd Place:

By Michael Bowen, zap199x

4th Place:
By James Mar

The first 3 winners get awesome prizes and the all 4 of them will be added to the Life Meter online gallery and possibly appear in a future print anthology. Congrats!!
Be on the lookout for the next Game Art Challenge later this year!

Help us vote for the winners!

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:17:21 GMT

We got a lot of great entries for our Sonic the Hedgehog edition of the Game Art Challenge

Now we need your help to pick the winners! Check out the entries and vote for your first, second and third favorites. Then we'll announce the winner on MONDAY, October 29th!

#1 By James Mar James Mar

#2 By Erin Thweatt

#3 Marc Ruiner mars_malice

#4 By Sam Khaneka

#5 By runawayblue

#6 By Michael Bowen, zap199x

#7 By Sean Kelley

Okay! tell us which are your 3 favs and in what order!

FINALLY! LIFE METER 2!

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:09:37 GMT

Just a quick note -

Life Meter 2, the perfectbound 108 page sequel to the Life Meter Mini, is now officially available in the STORE! Just $15 for the US and Canada, and a mere $20 for our Friends in Foreign Lands!

Sega Jam!

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:43:17 GMT

It's hard to believe that I own some version of every single one of the games features in image by the amazing Paul Robertson...

come celebrate indy comics!

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:37:09 GMT

This Friday and Saturday we'll be selling copies of the Life Meter anthologies at the Small Press Expo in Bethesda, Maryland. Look for them at the comics bakery booth. A lot of the contributing artists will be there as well. So if you are into signatures and sketches in your copy SPX is the place to be! It's actually one of my all time favoritest comic related events to go to. Hope to see you there!

Journey back!

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:16:57 GMT

Written and illustrated by Marion Vitus, creator of the comic series, No In-between.

Marion says: Oregon Trail Oregon Trail was computer game made by MECC in 1974. It was a staple activity in our computer lab in 3rd grade because, well, we lived in Oregon. Kismet!
Incidentally, if you all would like to relive my childhood, you can do so HERE!

If you scroll to the bottom of the article you can download the emulator to play it at home. Fun AND educational, who could ask for more?!

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:19:29 GMT

Hey gang, because of some technical difficulties... I'm extending the current Life Meter Game Art Challenge!

So if you were thinking of something cool but ran out of time...you are in luck!

NEW DEADLINE: October 18th, 2007

So just a reminder...

Choose between the following 3 games:
Nights into Dreams (Saturn or Wii)
Fire Emblem (can't be interacting with Super Smash Bros envioronments or characters!)
Sonic the Hedgehog (any of the actual videogames. No cartoon or comic versions!)

DEADLINE: October 18th, 2007
4 Prizes:
-$15 via Paypal.
-Sonic the Hedgehog stuffed toy.
-Fire Emblem for Nintendo Gamecube,
-Nights promo Pillowcase.

Rules: Anyone can submit a drawing or comic.

Comics will get preferential treatment and have a better chance at winning!

It can be cool, cute, funny, crazy. Art is fine in black & white or color. You can enter in as many entries as you want for as many of the 4 games that you want. Don't hate us if your entry doesn't win. If only one person enters they automatically get one of the non-cash prizes. If no one contributes a drawing by the deadline we'll move on to the next challenge with different games. But it's more fun if people enter of course!
Spread the word!

More details HERE

***EDIT: Deadline extended to October 18th, 2007

PS: Sorry if we haven't responded to your emails! We are keeping track of all the submissions though!!

Made Mario!

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 04:59:28 GMT

Ryan Estrada has been brewing up this comic since we first started site. So allow me th pleasure if finally debuting the finished product with you!

Ryan Estrada's work can be found in Flight Volume 4 and on the Lunchbox Funnies collective, and his new Cartoon Commune business venture! Check em all out!

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:30:00 GMT

This is pretty much the best video ever...if you love old arcade games and stop motion as much as I do!

Thanks to lunchbreak_pat for the heads up!

Game Art Challenge #2

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:59:20 GMT

To help diversify the LM gallery we're holding contests called the Life Meter Game Art Challenge!

We post 3 games to choose from and encourage everyone and anyone to draw a pinup or comic. You can post your art either as a reply to this thread or email us at submit [dot] lifemeter@gmail [dot] com and we'll post it for you.

The site editros (Zack/Steph/Dave) will vote on our favorites. The winning images will get added to the permenent Life Meter gallery and possibly see print in an upcoming Life Meter mini comic. If we get lots of amazing entries we’ll ask everyone on the site to help us vote for the best… the people who win the PRIZES!

So here we go...

CHALLENGE #2
Choose between the following 3 games:
Nights into Dreams (Saturn or Wii)
Fire Emblem (can't be interacting with Super Smash Bros envioronments or characters!)
Sonic the Hedgehog (any of the actual videogames. No cartoon or comic versions!)

DEADLINE: October 18th, 2007
4 Prizes:
-$15 via Paypal.
-Sonic the Hedgehog stuffed toy.
-Fire Emblem for Nintendo Gamecube,
-Nights promo Pillowcase.

Rules: Anyone can submit a drawing or comic. Comics will get preferential treatment and have a better chance at winning! It can be cool, cute, funny, crazy. Art is fine in black & white or color. You can enter in as many entries as you want for as many of the 4 games that you want. Don't hate us if your entry doesn't win. If only one person enters they automatically get one of the non-cash prizes. If no one contributes a drawing by the deadline we'll move on to the next challenge with different games. But it's more fun if people enter of course!
So spread the word!

***EDIT: Deadline extended to October 18th, 2007

More Metroid!

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:10:29 GMT

Metroid Tribute Day continues!

a recent submission by Peter Trinh (dayuse)

Here are 2 great pieces by Joel Carrol, aka jodycody

Why is Samus so pink?
Those who have a copy of the Life Meter 2 book already know that Joel did an awesome 2-page, story about Samus Aran's love life. Well here it is for the rest of the world to enjoy...in color!

For more by Joel check out his website!

Metroid Tribute Day

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:23:53 GMT

"Bounty Hunter" by Elmer Concepcion

In the summer of 1987, video gamers across the globe donned a super cool
space suit in order to look for awesome weapons, gather energy tanks, explore
zebes, and chase a big bad monster named Mother Brain...

as bounty hunter Samus Aran, we all felt as if we were one bad ass dude...
that is until the game was won...

Song and video by Uncle Monsterface

"Samus Aran" looking cute by Benjamin Rivers

The Lady in Red

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:54:27 GMT

Took us long enough...but we finally got some art for an educational game!
Remember playing Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?
Takes me back to all those afternoons playing computer games on an Apple II in elementary school!

Thanks to art thief Elmer Concepcion for the brain boost.

Finally some art from a Wii game!

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:03:08 GMT

Here is a fun tribute to the new Rayman game Ravin Rabbids by cartoonist, Mike Maihack

Now, IT CAN BE YOURS

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:04:32 GMT

ITEM GET: Life Meter 2: The Video Game Anthology

Finally, after much demand, LIFE METER 2 CAN BE YOURS! Full color covers and inside covers, 100 b&w pages, new stories available ONLY IN THIS VOLUME!

Do you really need any more reasons? Here's the in-depth info!

All this can be yours, at last. We will have an official page for LM2 in the Store section shortly, but for now you can very simply Paypal US $15 to info (dot) lifemeter (AT) gmail (dot) com ! If you are outside the US and would like a copy, please email me at zgiallongo (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get a copy out to you!
Contributors: if you'd like your comp copy mailed to you, please email me as well.

Get ready for the best Life Meter yet!

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:23:01 GMT

Sorry we haven't been posting as much lately. We'll try and make up for it over the next few days with cool stuff like these pieces from Pedro.

And just as a reminder Life Meter Comics is always looking for submissions. Old games, new games, PC games, point and click adventure. It's all good.
Just shoot us a line over at submit.lifemeter@gmail.com

Just check out our SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

books available at comic con

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:42:44 GMT

Copies of Life Meter 2 will be available at the San Diego Comic Con!
Just head over to the small press area and look for the Comics Bakery table P2.

You can also buy copies from Jacob Chabot in the artist alley.
Hope to see you there!

From mini to maxi!

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:47:28 GMT

Debuting at the MoCCA Art Fest in NYC on June 23rd...Life Meter Volume 2

Following the success of last year’s mini-comic that sold out by the second day of the MoCCA Art Festival, this new collection will feature over 100 pages of videogame-inspired comic strips and cartoon art from an impressive range of comic artists and animators. This graphic novel-length anthology includes an 11-page MEGA MAN story by Matt Loux, the Harvey Award-nominated creator of Side Scrollers from Oni Press; a shoujo manga take on The LEGEND OF ZELDA by TokyoPop artist Queenie Chan (The Dreaming); and a gorgeous cover inspired by the cult favorite game NIGHTS INTO DREAMS by Flight artist, Bannister.

Original comic stories debuting in LM2:
METROID by Joel Carroll (Flight)
GUITAR HERO by Jacob Chabot (Mighty Skullboy Army)
DOUBLE DRAGON by Debbie Huey (Bumper Boy)
SPY HUNTER by John Green (Teen Boat)
LINK’S AWAKENING by Dave Roman (Astronaut Elementary)
JET SET RADIO by Miguel Sternberg (back cover artist for Scott Pilgrim 4)
NIGHTS INTO DREAMS by Dave Roman, Bannister (Flight), & Stephanie Yue (Novasett Island)
SUPER MARIO BROS. by Josh Lesnick (Girly)
ELEVATOR ACTION by Sang S. Kim & Jeremy Arambulo (Let’s Do This)
PARAPPA THE RAPPER by Corey Barba (Nickelodeon Magazine)
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 by Zack Giallongo (10th Life of Pishio the Cat)
MARIO KART by Alisa Harris (Girls’ Guide to Guys’ Stuff)
PIKMIN by Edward J. Grug III (Those Scurvy Dogs)
THE WIND WAKER by Christopher Hastings (Dr. McNinja) & Carly Monardo (Venture Bros.)
RIVER CITY RANSOM by Michael Vega (3Apples Media)
OKAMI by Jennifer Moore (Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends)
& Miss Monster (missmonster.com)
PHOENIX WRIGHT by Eric Kim (Love As A Foreign Language)
BUST A GROOVE by Abby Denson (Tough Love)
KIRBY by KC Green (Droop)
Q*BERT by Dave Roman & Shelli Paroline (Malarky)
PHOENIX WRIGHT by Alison Wilgus (Kids Next Door)
MEGA MAN by Matt Loux (Side Scrollers)
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA by Queenie Chan (The Dreaming)

New art debuting in the book:

NINJA GAIDEN by Allan Norico (Kappa Mikey)
GABRIEL KNIGHT 2 by Faith Erin Hicks (Zombies Calling)
PANZER DRAGOON RPG by Dave Roman
WIZARDS & WARRIORS by Raina Telgemeier (Baby-sitters Club)
EARTHWORM JIM by Steve Hamaker (Flight)
POKEMON by Jacob Chabot
ICO by Alexei Martins
ALEX KIDD by Elio (Sketchy Five)

Classic stuff that appeared on the Life Meter website:

SUPER MARIO BROS. and THE LEGEND OF ZELDA by Dan Schoening
CASTLEVANIA: CIRCLE OF THE MOON by Derek Hunter
TETRIS by David McGuire
TOAD by Jake Parker
DRAGON QUEST 2 by Lamar Abrams
KATAMARI DAMACY by Jacob Chabot
KID ICARUS by Alexei Martins
DUCK HUNT by Zack Giallongo
SUPER MARIO BROS. By Jeffrey Rowland
PACMAN by Jess Fink
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA by Queenie Chan
GOLDEN AXE by James Mar
CONTRA by Jeremy Arambulo
KID ICARUS by Miss Monster
PACMAN by David McGuire
CAVE STORY by Joseph Bergin III
STREETS OF RAGE by Curt Franklin & Chris Haley
SUPER MARIO BROS. by Jose Garibaldi
KOOPALINGS by Zack Giallongo
KIRBY by Stephanie Yue

Afterward by Matthew Hawkins.

All profits of the book will be donated to Child’s Play, a charitable organization that holds an annual toy drive for children’s hospitals.
www.childsplaycharity.org

Challenge #1 Winners!

Wed, 23 May 2007 06:06:04 GMT

Time to announce the prize winning artists for the first ever LIFE METER GAME ART CHALLENGE
It was hard to pick the best because all the entries were good! So we chose one winner and a runner up for each of the remaining games. All of them got to choose a prize. And 2 of the 3 pieces will be included in the next Life Meter print anthology. Exciting, aye? So without further ado,

THE WINNING COMIC IS…
“Streets of Rage" by Curt Franklin and Chris Haley

This had the distinct advantage of being an actual comic strip (always encouraged on Life Meter) and being funny. Maybe also a bit existential too?

Here’s some info about the fine people who made it:

CURT FRANKLIN reads comics and plays video games in Memphis, TN. He hopes to break into comics so he can drop out of Med school and to one day eat an apple. Enjoy more of his wit and wisdom at http://octavepark.blogspot.com

CHRIS HALEYhas more important things to do than capitalize his name.
Like digging Superman and being a rock star. The creator of "Wolf-Pop & Tiger Claw", he says stuff that you should read and posts pretty pictures at hiptoday.blogspot.com

1st RUNNER UP
“Golden Axe” by JAMES MAR

James Says: Thongs and bikinis aren’t exactly the smartest things
to wear when you’re going into battle. But they sure look damn good! LOL. At least on the girl it does
anyway. I still have Golden Axe II for the Sega Genesis. The two player action made it a popular choice for lots of game time for me and my bros back in the day.

2ND RUNNER UP…
“Phantasy Star” by nemissa aka LAUREN NICOLO

---Thanks to everyone who entered! Stay tuned for info about the NEXT Life Meter Game Art Challenge! There will be new games to choose from and new prizes to win!

last chance!

Tue, 01 May 2007 06:06:22 GMT

Extended deadline for entries for the first ever Life Meter Game Art Challenge is this Thursday, May 3rd at 5PM EST!

The games in question are:

Golden Axe

Streets of Rage

Phantasy Star

--all sequels count!

3 Prizes: Avatar: The Last Airbender for Nintendo DS, Fire Emblem for Nintendo Gamecube, $25 via paypal!

More details HERE