The Team

Ian Ally-Seals - Editor-in-Chief

Ian Ally-Seals moved to Hartford in 1992 when he was thirteen years old. He has had a beard since that time. Ian started working in comics two years later when he had a series of strips published in The Hartford Courant’s Metro Bridge section. It was here that he met two artists who he still works with to this day: David Robles and Myrton Bewry.

Besides work in comics Ian has also has been employed as a writer, producer and editor for Nickelodeon. He currently teaches a Multimedia class at Thomas Edison Middle School in Meriden, Connecticut. His curriculum includes, among other things, comic book drawing and production.

David Robles - Art Director/Penciller

Though he’s been drawing since an early age, it was during his years at Hartford High School that David Robles started working with comics. His illustration talents were immediately recognized by artists at Optic Comics, a local publishing company. Through Optic and The Hartford Courant’s Metro Bridge section, Robles was a published artist before he graduated high school.

Besides penciling the debut comic book series Shadow Tracers, David is working on a nursing degree at Goodwin College. He also moonlights as the successful D.J. known as “Dirty D”. Hopefully when word gets out that he’s a comic book geek the ladies at the club won’t go running out the door!

Vincent LaBate - Writer/Web Comics editor

Vincent LaBate loves monkeys. Of that, there can be no doubt. If there are no monkeys or apes present in the first issue of Shadow Tracers, you can bet that’s no thanks to Vin. His preoccupation with our simian cousins aside, Vincent has proven himself time and again as an exceptional comics writer. His wit and comic timing have made his work on Fish With Legs and Black Rain a joy to read.

Other little know facts about Vincent LaBate: he has a rather large collection of clown based toys, his cat Smokey loves the pantry cupboard more than him, he likes his jeans ripped and he cooks a mean catfish & rice!

Pito Arroyo - Production Assistant

Pito has been a staff member of Rare Earth Comics since its founding in 1998. If a page needs ink finishes or a script needs a quick read through, Arroyo is the man for the job. Pito’s endless enthusiam and support has been instrumental to the success of REC . Where ever there’s a Rare Earth comic being sold, you can bet that Pito’s there selling it.

Besides being a dedicated member of the REC staff, Pito Arroyo works as a producer for Hartford Public Access Television. Among his many productions are Hartford’s Tech Week TV and the popular Pito’s Music Show.

Myrton Bewry - Inker/Colorist

All who see it are amazed by the work of Myrton Bewry. He is an artist of the highest caliber and has the resume to prove it. Bewry has done penciling, inking and coloring work for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Top Cow, Image, Committed Comics and Optic Entertainment. Besides being a comics artist Berwy is also an expert animator who has worked on interstitials for Nickelodeon.

Myrton is currently working on the animated film entitled Gyro Boy for his studio Acro Productions.