Still Playing with Toys - comic books just like ma used to make!

SPT Presents #3, coming this month!
Posted by troy on Wednesday, April 9 2008

It's coming ladies and gentlemen... and just like the first two issues, it'll be free of charge!

Keep checking back, later this month you'll be able to read the continuation of Nate, Ryan, and Henry's adventures in the dreamworld. You'll be able to see just how Lt. Jacob Axebry is able to recover from his encounter with the wrong end of a fist. You'll be able to read a comic book for FREE (and that's not half bad).

Meanwhile, Chris, Rob and I frantically work around the clock to get the issue done and move onto the fourth and final installment of the anthology series that ramps up Still Playing with Toys' flagship properties.

Stay tuned, please send Red Bull!

Sneak Peek at Still Playing with Toys Presents #3!
Posted by troy on Tuesday, March 25 2008

Head on over to our Myspace for a preview of "Only and Dreams" and "Angel XRC" from issue three! It's well worth the wait, and if you've literally been holding your breath for the new issue it'll be even better (because lack of oxygen to the brain does that kind of thing to you... or so we hear).

Not our friends on Myspace? We're hurt, you should friend us now!

A few notes from behind the scenes!
Posted by troy on Tuesday, March 25 2008
Hey there everybody, long time no see-- well we have much to tell you so I'll just get straight to it!

For those of you that ordered print version of issue number one directly through our publisher Comixpress and have still yet to receive your issues (that's quite a few people), I encourage you to write them daily at info@comixpress.com. They even owe US issues and money and have been ignoring our pleas for some sort of update. So if you've had a particularly bad day and need to vent on someone, and still haven't gotten your first issue of Still Playing with Toys Presents that you paid for in October, that's info@comixpress.com --

Moving onto lighter fare.

Issue Three is coming along nicely, and while we had aimed to have it all wrapped up and with a bow on it for you all by the end of this month, you'll have to wait until April to see all the goodness that's inside. But don't worry, it's well worth the wait! And it'll be FREE for you to download here from the website!

And there's big things on the horizon. Big, like Rosie O'Donnell after Shamrock Shake season big. Stay tuned!

SPT at San Diego Comic-Con 2008
Posted by troy on Tuesday, February 5 2008
That's right ladies and gentlemen, July 23 through 27 you'll be able to catch Still Playing with Toys at a booth amid all the chaos that is San Diego Comic-Con! We'll have a booth in the small press area of the con, with swag, ladies, and maybe even a few special guests!

Stay tuned to the main page and to the forums for more information on where you'll be able to find us (and what free swag you'll be able to have signed and run away from us with)!

Reviews for SPT Presents #2 coming in!
Posted by troy on Saturday, December 29 2007

It seems we've made big fans over at the well-respected Broken Frontier - reviewer Dave Baxter has fallen head over heels for the second book, here's a few excerpts from his review:

"The folks at Still Playing with Toys have got it figured: hot on the heels of such revolutionary new small press publishing set-ups as the trail-blazing Wowio, president Troy Benjamin is now offering every issue of Still Playing with Toys Presents for 100% FREE download, straight from the comic’s website. It comes in easily accessible .PDF format, and now hardly anyone has to worry about being unable to find the book or having to pay more than they can rightly afford.

...

In matter of fact, SPwTP #2 is a sweet improvement on #1, which is probably the best thing that can be said for any freshman effort of a fledgling company. The art in general is crisper, cleaner, and now fully colored by Rob Smith (leaving poor, overworked Chris Enterline to focus solely on his pencils and inks). It’s prettier and more polished than what’s come before, and issue #1 was pretty damn pretty (it’s prettiness being what caught my eye in the first place, in fact), so that’s a big fat plus. Both stories gear up in their respective ways, “Only in Dreams” growing complicated while “Angel XRC” pushes its own action threshold into overdrive."

Unbelievable! Thanks for the kind words, Dave! You can (and should) read his full review over at Broken Frontier's site.

And don't forget that you can now download BOTH issues one and two completely free of charge here on the SPT comics section!

Download Issue 2 for FREE right this second!
Posted by troy on Friday, December 21 2007

Happy Holidays from Still Playing with Toys, and woo boy do we have a present for you!

Starting TODAY Still Playing with Toys Presents will be available for direct download for free! That's right, no money, no killed trees, no hassle, you can download full issues cover to cover straight to your computer.

Be the first on your block to read Still Playing with Toys Presents #2, our latest December release. Plus, if you missed out on the first printing of Issue One, it's also available for your downloading pleasure! All you've gotta do is click here!

Here's the full press release for you crazy cats that love all the details:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Troy Benjamin
troy@stillplayingwithtoys.com
www.stillplayingwithtoys.com

DECEMBER ISSUE AND SOLD OUT DEBUT OCTOBER ISSUE OF STILL PLAYING WITH TOYS PRESENTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DIRECT DOWNLOAD

Burbank, CA, December 24, 2007 – After an incredible response to the first printing of STILL PLAYING WITH TOYS PRESENTS #1, both the debut issue and the new December issue will be provided free of charge as direct downloads from www.stillplayingwithtoys.com.

This unprecedented move makes the label’s flagship title accessible to a wider variety of readers by providing an Adobe Acrobat document of the entire issue cover-to-cover directly downloadable from the publisher’s website. There will be no charge to download the issue.

“It’s really an exciting time for all forms of media,” states CEO and Publisher Troy Benjamin. “The music industry has already opened their doors to letting users download full versions of albums for free. Why shouldn’t comics follow suit?”

Issues #1 and #2 will be available for download via the Still Playing with Toys website (www.stillplayingwithtoys.com) at midnight December 22, 2007 to tie-in with the holiday season. Issue #3 will be made available in March of 2008 as a similarly free direct download from the company website.

Hard copies of issue #1 will continue to be sold through Diamond Comics Distributors. Select retail outlets will receive physical copies of issues #2 through #4. Further information on where to purchase at retail outlets will be made available in January via www.stillplayingwithtoys.com.

STILL PLAYING WITH TOYS PRESENTS is an anthology series featuring two very different genre titles that appeal to mass audiences: ANGEL XRC and ONLY IN DREAMS.

(continues)

In Angel XRC, readers are introduced to the gritty and sexy post-Civil War world of soldier Lieutenant Jacob Axebry, a member of the Xeriv Resistance Control or XRC. After he becomes entangled in a plot far larger than he can imagine, Axebry must join forces with those that he has sworn justice on, namely a cunning and beautiful Resistance leader known only as Jade. Dark, sexy, gritty, and socially relevant, XRC throws the reader into the fire.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Only in Dreams harkens back to the high-concept broad comedies made popular in the early 1980s. Four college students turn their thesis into a profit when they open the world’s first nightmare prevention program. Using homemade technology, the boys are able to tap themselves into the dreams of their patients – entering their dreams to do set things right. It’s Ghostbusters meets The Matrix in this light-hearted comedy.

Publisher and writer Troy Benjamin is a Loyola Marymount graduate with a background in film production. Having worked for four years in development for film super-producer Trevor Albert on such films as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Benjamin now focuses his talents and experience into the publication of showcase Still Playing with Toys Presents. Benjamin is also the proprietor of long-running fan favorite website Ghostbusters Headquarters celebrating its tenth year online.

Performing double-duty as penciler and inker on the title is upcoming phenom Chris Enterline. “Just wait until you see his characterizations,” says publisher Benjamin. “Chris has a unique and defined style that I’m sure will become immediately recognizable.” Joining him as colorist is Rob Smith, a graduate of Gallaudet University, the acclaimed liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing talents.

Still Playing with Toys, a publishing company formed in June of 2006 by Troy Benjamin and Drew Drescher, is the exemplification of an independent publishing company. Their goal: to create original material and to provide up and coming creators with an outlet for their imaginations. With strong backgrounds in film/television and business respectively, Benjamin and Drescher aim their debut title was released October 31, 2007. The company is based out of North Hollywood, CA.

Buy Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 online through Graham Crackers!
Posted by troy on Tuesday, November 20 2007

Been waiting a long time to post this one, online retail giant Graham Crackers is now offering Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 through it's online site.

Click here to order now!

And don't forget, the issue is now in a fine comic shop near you! Make sure to drop by your local haunt and drop lots of cash (preferably on several copies of our book).

In stores tomorrow, seriously!
Posted by troy on Tuesday, November 13 2007

The wait is over! In stock tomorrow at a fine comic shop near you is Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 - our flagship title's debut issue! It makes an excellent holiday gift for those of you that celebrate holidays, and excellent reading material for those of you who lock yourself in the basement from November 1st to January 2nd.

Speaking of which, we really hope you have a tanning booth in your basement, otherwise you're going to look pretty gnarly come 2008.

If your local shop doesn't have a copy (or two or eight) on the shelves, tell 'em they need to get their crap together and demand they reorder issue one (we've already gotten enough demand that a second printing is on the way!)

And if you really are locked in your basement until the New Year, have no fear- you can always order online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our printer Comixpress where it's printed right there, on-demand just for you! (Yes, they DO take credit cards via PayPal which is an easy and secure sign-up process, we assure you).

Happy reading, don't forget to stop by Troy's Place when you're all done to tell us how much you loved it or how well it's stopped your kitchen table from wabbling!

Free exclusive Angel XRC Prequel now online!
Posted by troy on Tuesday, November 6 2007

Now online at stillplayingwithtoys.com - Angel XRC: Solemn Genesis!

Solemn Genesis is a preface to the events that unfold in the debut of ANGEL XRC available in Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 on sale now wherever fine comics are sold and online by clicking here.

Check out Chapter One, free and exclusive to SPT.com!

FREE COMICS!
Posted by troy on Tuesday, November 6 2007

That's right, for the first five people to sign up for the SPT boards (aka Troy's Place) and start posting, we have a free autographed copy of Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 with your name on it, so what are you waiting for all it takes is the click of a few buttons and you're chatting with new friends AND getting free swag!

Too lame to post? Too shy? That's cool too, but you can still get a copy of Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 from the comfort of your own sheltered home by clicking here... but c'mon, take your mama's advice and get out there and live a little. You're always welcome to come have a beer with the SPT crew!

AVAILABLE NOW! Still Playing with Toys Presents Issue #1!
Posted by troy on Wednesday, October 31 2007

After months of hyping, after a year of having my artists Chris Enterline and Rob Smith chained to a drainage pipe in my basement forcing them to work faster... the time has finally come! Available RIGHT now and ready to ship to you is our debut issue of Still Playing with Toys Presents!

Issue 1 is 24 full color pages of delicious goodness containing not one but TWO very different stories for your entertainment, the gritty post-apocalyptic ANGEL XRC and the lighthearted high concept comedy ONLY IN DREAMS! Something for everybody to borrow an oft used cliche!

So forget that elaborate scheme you had to shanghai a group of trick or treaters tonight and treat yourself to something with a l'll more substance, drop that $3.99 and have a copy of Still Playing with Toys Presents in the mail to you today!

Click here to order now, directly through our printing company ComixPress!

Subscribe and order SPT PRESENTS through Heavy Ink
Posted by troy on Wednesday, October 31 2007
A ghoulish Halloween greeting to you faithful SPTers. Today is SUPPOSED to be our in-store date for the first issue of Still Playing with Toys Presents but we're receiving word that some stores might not be getting their shipments and putting the book out on the shelf until NEXT WEDNESDAY.

Sorry for the inconvenience, as the book touches so many hands after it leaves ours on the way to you kids, sometimes unavoidable delays that are out of our hands happen (especially at the Chicago Midway airport, where I have yet to depart on time and wish to speak to a manager).

BUT...

We've just received word that another great and reputable online shop is not only carrying issue one for your purchasing convenience, but you can add SPT Presents to your subscription and pull lists! That way you never miss an issue, and never have to lift a finger to buy our book again!

Check it out: at Heavy Ink's online store!

Pre-order Still Playing with Toys Presents #2 from Mile High Comics!
Posted by troy on Monday, October 15 2007

Mile High Comics has once again been gracious enough to offer up our second issue (due on shelves in December) for pre-order! The early bird catches the worm... and the totally sweet pre-order discount. Stop by their site today to pick it up!

Click here to order!

Sneak peek at SPT Presents #3 cover by Grant Gould!
Posted by troy on Friday, October 5 2007

DC Comics, Heroes, Lord of the Rings, oh yeah, and some little property that will never catch on named Star Wars- they all have one artist in common, the fantastic and unique eye of Mr. Grant Gould!

So what's he doing working with chumps like us, you say? Well he's illustrated the cover for issue #3, that's what he's doing! Grant was kind enough to put a sneak peek at the cover (which you'll be able to see in its full glory here on SPT.com next week).

It's a fantastic depiction of Angel XRC heroine Jade - and sure to be the cover of an upcoming Maxim issue if you ask us.

For more of Grant's excellent work, check out his website at http://www.grantgould.com!

I WANT MY SPT PRESENTS #2!
Posted by troy on Wednesday, September 26 2007

Ladies, gentlemen, and those of you that choose to be scoundrels unwilling of such titles (because who are we to place a title on you, this isn't high school) - it's that time again! Our debut issue of Still Playing with Toys Presents hits stores October 31st but Still Playing with Toys Presents #2 is featured and solicited in this month's (October's) edition of Previews! Our order number for you savvy cats is OCT073777 but for those of you who live in the age of convenience (like us) here are some quick links to order forms that you can fill out and take straight to your comic shop demanding a piece of the SPT pie!

Download the Still Playing with Toys Presents #2 order form (PDF)

Download the Still Playing with Toys Presents #2 order form (MSWord Doc)

Don't procrastinate -- all orders have to be in before October 13th to guarantee that your local comic shop will have a fresh, crisp, and warm off the press copy of Still Playing with Toys Presents #2 waiting for you come December!!

Still Playing with Toys Presents #2 soliciting in October Previews!
Posted by troy on Wednesday, September 26 2007

On shelves today don't forget to take a look at our solicitation for "Still Playing with Toys Presents #2" shipping in December. We'll have an order form online for you shortly!

Hey, we know that guy!
Posted by troy on Wednesday, September 19 2007
SPT colorist Rob Smith is getting a little attention over at his Alma mater Gallaudet University:

"'I wouldn't be anywhere without the people who believed in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself. Natural talent can only take a person so far, but it's the company you keep and the lessons you learn from those who know a little more than you that mold you into the person you're destined to become. I credit a lot of people for where I am today, and a good portion of that goes to the Gallaudet Art Department for giving me that edge that I needed to be good at what I do.'

–Robert Smith
Digital Colorist for “Still Playing With Toys” comic books."

http://art.gallaudet.edu/x3789.xml

Congrats Rob!

Wanna sneak peek of SPT Presents #1?
Posted by troy on Monday, August 20 2007
Okay, so you weren't among the few and the proud that were able to con their local comic shop manager out of their comped copies of Still Playing with Toys Presents #0. It was our special preview issue that was sent ONLY to comic shop managers...

Don't worry, there's still time to feel as cool as a local comic shop manager (with far less overhead)!

With a flash of the credit card, you can have a copy of SPT Presents #0 in your mailbox stat! For a limited time only, you can now purchase your very own ultra-rare copy of Still Playing with Toys Presents #0... this is the first 12 pages of our 24 page issue hitting a shop near you in October-- that's right, you can know half the story before all the cool kids do (and GI Joe said winning is half the battle, or wait... knowing is half the battle... so if you know half of the information knowing is one quarter the battle, something like that).

Hurry, supplies are most certainly limited and before you know it, this puppy will no longer be available for sale. Be the first on your block to know the ways of Still Playing with Toys!

Head over and pick it up NOW!

Pre-order Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 at Mile High Comics!
Posted by troy on Thursday, August 16 2007

Growing up in Colorado there was always Mile High Comics right next to Celebrity Sport Center, the mecca for us kids from way out in the middle of the sticks... so it's an honor to have our book Still Playing with Toys Presents carried at the place we consistently begged our parents to take us to...

You can pre-order and even subscribe to Still Playing with Toys Presents here at the Mile High Comics website!

Preorder Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 at TFAW!
Posted by troy on Monday, August 6 2007

You can now pre-order your very own copy of Still Playing with Toys Presents #1 from the cool cats over at Things From Another World! So on your next order of Spawn figures and super hot posters of Sarah Michelle Gellar, be guaranteed a copy and put in your order now!

Click here for more information over on the TFAW.com site!

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Question? Letter to be printed? Just feeling lonely?
Give us a buzz:
STILL PLAYING WITH TOYS
PO Box 6465
Burbank, CA 91505
troy@stillplayingwithtoys.com