“Pants Optional” is PopCultHQ’s Zoom video interview feature where we connect with individuals within the comic book community. It’s a way to see/hear what creators have been doing during the pandemic, projects which may be in motion, and noteworthy events and happenings taking place in lieu of conventions, appearances, and the weekly NCBD grind.
For Episode XXXVI, I spoke with David Baron. The writer, artist, colorist, letterer, and cover artist has been in the comic book industry for 25+ years working on the biggest characters in comics. He is now taking a dip into the crowdfunding pool with THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES: Michael Versus the Babysitters, a light-hearted, action-adventure comedy designed to entertain children of all ages with real-life childhood experiences to make us all laugh and enter a dream world of adventure.
David has partnered with Elisa Wikey, acclaimed artist and graphic designer, who has worked with other hot properties in the entertainment industry including creating gallery art for Rick and Morty, WWE Legends, Focus Films, Monty Python, Weird Al, Mattel, and the MLB. The Cobblestone Chronicles is a passion project for David & Elisa, something they wanted to do since they first became friends many years ago after meeting at Phoenix Comic Con. To David, family and friends are everything, and this book is a reflection of that. His son, Michael, being a huge inspiration to the joy and adventure that is The Cobblestone Chronicles, with David and Elisa pulling many elements from their own childhood.
The Cobblestone Chronicles: Michael Versus The Babysitters
A 72-page Full-Color Graphic Novel By David Baron & Elisa Wikey
Written by David Baron
Art by Elisa Wikey
Colors by David Baron
Letters by David Baron
In the town of Cobblestone, Michael should be like any other sixth-grader, and he would if it wasn’t for his parents (both teachers) who STILL leave him at home with a babysitter.
Michael may have not noticed this when he was younger, but now that he is going to enter the 6th grade, life is a lot clearer to him. He is unafraid, mature, and most importantly, doesn’t need a babysitter.
But sadly for Michael, his parents use “It’s Okay to Have Fun” babysitting agency, where their company motto is “Parents deserve to have fun too!”. They seem to use this agency more often than most, especially now that it is summer.
The babysitters really don’t do anything. They cook pizza, pour drinks and make sure Michael goes to bed really early! Oh, they also answer the door when the doorbell rings to say “no thank you” to late-night sales calls. They seem to answer the door a lot.
WAIT!!! Why are so many people coming to the door? At night? Trying to sell things to a babysitter? This question keeps Michael up at night and he is going to get to the bottom of it.
The good news is Michael has been training his whole life for this moment. All the ninja, spy, and super-hero cartoons he’s been watching has made his whole life one big training session. Why else would his dad make him kick all those soccer balls, or his mom make him chop all those onions? It all makes sense now. IT WAS FOR THIS MOMENT!
So sit back, relax, and chill with us as we discuss David’s first crowdfunding campaign, how the concept arose during the pandemic, and the massive plans he and artist Elisa Wikey have in store for this book and more! PLUS!!! Be sure to find out how you can snag a SPECIAL 4-page mini comic of THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES: A Holiday Special!
Special thanks to David Baron for taking the time to speak with us at PopCultHQ. Be sure to follow him and Elisa (links below) for the latest on THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES, plus you can follow the series on social media! And be sure to snag a copy of ‘Michael Versus the Babysitters,’ which is live on Kickstarter through October 28th! And for those in SoCal, be sure to find David at his upcoming shows for 2021 (and mention you saw this interview with David to get that mini comic!).
Writer/Artist – David Baron
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Artist – Elisa Wikey
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THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES Online
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