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Last week Marcos worked with long time friend Riki Takaoka on new pages for their upcoming graphic novel project. Here is a small sample of what Riki completed for the books first chapter titled Snowbird Drive.
-TBB
Just because Marcos has been busy with the new recording studio, dance studio, Beat Shop, etc. etc, doesn’t mean that he has forgotten about his graphic novel project! It now has a release date and more info is coming soon! 
Check out some of this awesome work Riki Takaoka contributed to the new Blackout Beat Dance Studio. The characters include inspirational pop and dance icons and some unnamed buy yet very passionate dancers.
Artwork by Riki Takaoka
-TBB
Make sure to get your copy of PULP magazine and download UNSUNG Magazine this month to check out two great new articles on The Blackout Beat and their projects! 
Front cover for the A is Authentic graphic novel
Although the Kickstarter for Marcos’ A is for Authentic comic book/ soundtrack project has ended unsuccessfully, Marcos has already begun to initiate what he calls his “plan B” to bring the project to life. Despite the fact that the project fell $4,000.00 short of his $6,400.00 goal he was able to generate significant and enthusiastic interest in the project. “I’m going to tap into the interest and support base that we have been able to create since I first announced the project in August to help start this project on a smaller level. Instead of ordering graphic novels that include all 10 chapters of the story we will release a 10 part comic book series and sell them in our new studio store and locally at comic shops. This will be easier on the wallet since we can order smaller numbers that will not cost as much as the collection. Once all 10 issues are out we will then be in a better position to release a graphic novel special edition in limited numbers.” Said Marcos Garibay, the books author and creator. The first issue is complete and scheduled for a January 2013 release. All issues can be purchased online (in physical and digital formats), at local comic shops statewide and in the Blackout Beat’s new mini shop located in their new studio. Marcos and artist Riki Takaoka have already begun work on new chapters and will work hard to keep the books coming on schedule.
The Mallory Gonzales Scholarship, a program that will use profit from the book to pay tuition and costume costs for underprivileged children to dance in local folkloiko groups will continue. “I’ve already begun notifying some of the folkoriko groups that I’m interested in helping and let them know that this scholarship program will happen.” Said Marcos Garibay.
Since one of the biggest components of the project was its original soundtrack, its worth mentioning that the soundtrack will also be released in parts along side each of the story’s 10 chapters. Each comic will include a code for a digital download of a new song off the soundtrack. A physical CD of the soundtrack will also be packaged with the graphic novel later this year when they are released after the 10 issue comic series.
-The Blackout Beat
Download the first 14 pages from Marcos’ A is for Authentic graphic novel now! This introductory story introduces Marcos, his family and sets the tone for the first part of the book. Words by Marcos Garibay and stunning artwork by Riki Takaoka. If you have not yet supported this project via Kickstarter you can do so by clicking here.
Click on this link A_is_for_Authentic_Preview1 the right click on the link again on new page and save as.
-The Blackout Beat
Here is a scen from last week’s Pueblo Chieftain article featuring A is for Authentic. Stay tuned for more press, pics, music and updates for this project and its Kickstarter campaign. If you have not checked out the Kickstarter page for this project please do now. You check it out here.
-TBB
Here is our first project update. The first image (moving clockwise from top left) is a picture of the original script for page 7 of chapter one. Next is the rough (putting it nicely) sketch that Marcos made for Riki to use for the page. Following that is Riki’s b&w line work followed by the final page complete with colors by Riki and the script’s text.
Thanks for the support! More artwork, story and music updates will be coming soon. Here is the link to Kickstarter page for A is for Authentic if you would like to help back it.
-m
The Blackout Blog 