To Flora

The reason why I am happy is here
The reason why I am smiling is real
The reason why I am finally me again
The reasons all lead back to you.

The reason that I laugh more or sing to myself
The reason that I think about the future
The reason that I have dreams instead of nightmares
The reasons all bring me back to you.

You are there with me through it all.
A friend, a lover, a person I admire.
Through all that I have dealt with and seen,
You were there to help guide me through it all.

Somehow I lost myself in a darkness that was vast.
But you were there to help me pull through the past.
The reason why I write this is plain
The reason why I know these things is true.

The reason why I love you is clear
The reasons all come to you.
And with the reasons I find the strength to say,
thank you.

Shocking Development!

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

A professional comic book artist since 1982, Todd Abbot has distinguished himself as an industry leader with huge success on the past and present Captain Nepto series. Mr. Abbot had a twenty five year exclusive DFG contract that expired August 1, 2008. Not feeling appreciated enough for his many years of service, Mr. Abbot announced this morning that he has decided to end his exclusivity with DFG and move on to work for other interested publishers. Phonecalls to DFG Headquarters were not returned at press time.

Todd Abbot's Latest Masterpiece

Years ago, DFG Icon Todd Abbot created two heroes that have been waiting to be featured prominently in a DFG title. Finally that day has come to pass. Here is an uncoloured preview of "The Story of the Wind Brothers" that will be appearing in Spy Classics Annual #1.

Internet Campaign Doesn't Sway "Prime" Direction

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

With a handful of over one hundred signatures Todd Abbot felt strongly that Publisher Dan Graves would intervene and prevent Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews from "Turning the Nepto legend on it's ass"; has failed to make a difference says Mr. Abbot.

"They are going ahead with the new storyline regardless of what fan reaction will be", said Mr. Abbot. "Sales and interest in the new title were great....I don't understand why Darryl is so intent on destroying the cool vibe of the first three issues?".

To further express his displeasure with the new direction, Mr. Abbot produced an as yet seen panel from the August issue depicting a Jr. Nepto character. "The fans aren't going to like this one bit", Mr. Abbot concluded.

Public Intervention Needed

He shouldn't do it - - he can't do it!!
- Todd Abbot upon reading "Captain Nepto Prime" August script for the first time

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

The outcry of rage and sorrow from Todd Abbot's office was ear deafening. Immediately he coordinated an inter-office meeting. "We need Hundreds of emails, from countries all around the globe, begging Darryl to reconsider his controversial storyline for Prime August!" Todd added he even took time to register a screaming complaint through DFG President Dan Graves voicemail, "Nurse Nova? Dr. Julius Smithers M.D.? Do you know what Darryl has planned????"

At press time, calls to Darryl Andrews' and Dan Graves' DFG Offices were not returned.

"Captain Nepto Prime" August marks the end and the beginning...

Special to DTA Online
By Todd Abbot


Greetings loyal DTA Comics readers! I want to inform you first, that the new "Captain Nepto Prime" series will not be continuing past the August release. I received word today from DFG Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews that the fun luvin', wig wearing Nepto you have all been enjoying in "Prime" will be replaced by the more somber Nepto that was featured in the 1996 era Spy-Comics series. I was to understand from this conversation that the '96 series was going to have some issues completed to complete that run of continuity and that my services on that title were not required. Instead, I have been assigned two new exciting projects which I will use this space to update you. I don't want anyone to feel upset or sad that "Nepto Prime" is over; as with all things in the DFG Universe.....nothing is truly over.

"Captain Nepto Prime" July to Feature C4

A Villain Super-group dubbed C4 [Carnage City Criminal Coalition) debuts in the pages of CNP July that will be sure to please the legion of DFG fans, reports Todd Abbot. Early pencil renderings have been completed and watch for the tease that will appear at the end of CNP June!

Inside the Mind of Todd Abbot

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

Hey fans! Here's a rare glimpse of how "Captain Nepto Prime" May was developed. DFG Icon Todd Abbot generously gave us a scan of the earliest breakdowns of that issue for you to see. Todd documented for us that he was having a phone conversation with DFG Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews in which Darryl was describing the basic plot for the first issue and Todd grabbed a pencil and started immediately flushing out the breakdowns for the issue. This is the result, a rare look into the basic foundation of a DFG comic- book!!

Principle Breakdowns/Pencils Completed on "Prime June"

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

DFG Icon Todd Abbot has finished the principle breakdowns and pencils for "Captain Nepto Prime" June. Mr. Abbot was gracious enough to answer a few questions about the issue.

RB: Feedback has been very positive about the new series. The fans agree that the flavour of the series has been recaptured even though it's 25 years later. What is your reaction to that?
TA: I could play down my enthusiasm and try to be cool, but I'll leave that for Darryl and his comments. I'm thrilled by the finished product. Everyone at DFG is putting a lot of heart into the project and realizes just how special this year has and will be for the legacy of DFG.

RB: "Spy Comics Presents" after a few stops and starts has gained speed and has scheduled releases every month planned to coincide with the "Prime" series; has there ever been a more productive time at DFG that you can remember?
TA: The early years of the company were heavy, very productive...it was the base of all that we have to work with now. I'd agree that today mirrors that time and all the stuff in the middle doesn't touch what we're all doing now.

RB: What is your favourite sequence in "Prime" June?
TA: I like the whole issue...it's very simple, straight forward....like the original series..., but then again, when I break it down I realize it introduces the secret cavern, the return of the lighthouse, the Nepto Sub and the super scientific ray gun that will have long lasting impact on the DFG Universe...hmmm, I guess it's a pretty significant issue after all...

RB: What can you tell me about the July issue? Is it still going to feature the Man-Hunter and a rather large Art Collection theft?
TA: Believe it or not, Darryl, Dan & I have every intention of following the initial schedule even though we've come up with many, many more ideas of stories and characters to introduce.

RB: New characters? Can you tell us about some?
TA: New arch nemesis labelled "Sista Sinna", who is highly spiritual, dangerous and full of poison...that's all I can tell you...oh, and Nepto will be poisoned...

RB: When can we expect her debut?
TA: "Captain Nepto Prime" August 'nuff said!!

For Flora

Prime Debuts on Official Captain Nepto Website!!

Interview with Todd Abbot

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

With "Captain Nepto Prime" only days away from release I had a chance to interview Todd Abbot at his new condo.

RB: How was the process of working with Darryl [Andrews] and Dan [Graves] again?
TA: It was a really good experience. After all the corporate battles we were all able to sit at the table and move forward to publish a great book for the fans.
RB: Would you agree that both sides seemed to be flexible to allow for the book to go forward?
TA: Yes, that was key. The book's direction incorporates both ideas that were being discussed at the time. I was very happy we went back to the beginning of the Nepto adventures instead of skipping ahead to series two. All the more reason that now we have the option of doing that in the future.
RB: Has that been discussed?
TA: I don't want to get too far ahead at this point since #1 is just being released next week, but Darryl and I have had conversations about creating updated stories for every timeline established in the former books.
RB: That would be a very exciting prospect!
TA: It's a long-term ambition shared by myself and everyone at DFG. Collectively, we'll work towards that, but there's always the possibility of another layoff.
RB: Even so, this period of DFG has netted some highly creative results.
TA: Yes, it's a very exciting time for everyone.
RB: Financially things appear to be better for you.
TA: I didn't come back for drill. I made sure my deal with DFG was really solid.
RB: What can you tell the fans about issue 2?
TA: Nepto Sub -- need I say anything more?

Sneak Peak Captain Nepto Prime

Earliest look at raw images from Captain Nepto Prime #1 before lettering & colouring.

D.F.G. Gives Up

Special to DTA Online
By Jim Boss

DTA Comics C.E.O. Todd Abbot was elated after meeting with DFG Vice-President Darryl Andrews and coming to terms over the rights of character Captain Nepto. In a DTA office circulation, the document stated that DFG comics does acknowledge that Mr. Abbot was in fact a part of the early creative Captain Nepto series. Where Mr. Abbot has been an uncredited creator for years within the DFG hierarchy, he will now be credited for his input and involvement. It has also been confirmed that Mr. Abbot is in charge of the pencilling duties for the new Captain Nepto Prime series debuting in May 2008.

Nepto Script Stolen

Special to DTA Online
By Kim Boulden

Todd Abbot has reported that "Captain Nepto the Original"; script and artwork has been stolen from DTA Comics Headquarters. The In-office courier is the prime suspect. "The courier was to deliver the artwork to the colourist", spoke Mr Abbot. "Now the artwork along with the courier is missing".

Captain Nepto the Original due for release May 21

Address Change

Todd Abbot wants to remind everyone that he's no longer operating Online at toddabbot.com, but has changed his address to http://abbotartisticcreations.blogspot.com

Dan's Hell-Hole Re-Launch--??

Special to DTA Online
by Rhonda Bowlden

"Dan Graves has made a very BIG mistake", swears DTA C.E.O. Todd Abbot. "If he's ready to take the gloves off, then he'd best be prepared to get a bloody nose!"
I tracked down Mr. Abbot stalking the trailer park for pieces of wood and kindling to light his wood burning stove. He had nothing but fire in his eyes as I questioned him about recent comments made by DFG President Dan Graves. "I've got history on my side", noted Mr. Abbot. "There's been friendly years with DFG and hellish years - Dan don't want anyone to know about those years! I've got the records and the former staff members aligned to resurface if he pushes me any more".

Mr. Abbot at this point ushered me to the park exit and told me not to return unless I brought steaks. More on this story as it develops...or after I return with steaks.

Todd Abbot Officially Announced as DTA Comics C.E.O.

New Captain Nepto Series

Special to DTA Comics Online
by Rhonda Bowlden

The wait is over Captain Nepto fans! Todd Abbot has begun work on the new "Captain Nepto The Original" series!! The first issue will feature Todd's own creation, the Jester and will be available in May 2008.

DTA Comics Scooped by Todd Abbot

Todd Abbot announced, "I believe that it's important to the history of DFG. It's something that they are proud of and they see it as part of their heritage. I'm just the one to show them how much it will hurt"

The title DTA Comics was used originally by Darryl Andrews to publish the original Captain Nepto stories. Todd Abbot was one of the first hires for the series and transferred to DFG Comics when the two publishers integrated. DTA Comics received a federal trademark in the early 1980s. That trademark expired more than a decade ago. Abbot says no one noticed until now.

"It most certainly was a mistake" DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein said. "We failed to renew the trademark back in 1990's and now Mr. Abbot, out of revenge has taken control over it."

Mr. Abbot says he discovered last fall that the trademark expired. He quietly filed an application this month.

Being known as DTA Comics means more than just bragging rights. It also means money. Both companies can lay some claim to the Captain Nepto orgins.

This isn't the first squabble between the two parties. DFG Management and Mr. Abbot have had a blistering relationship of late. "I don't think that Todd would want to go to war, so to speak, over something like this," Publisher Dan Graves said. "But this is something we take seriously. 'This is who we are. Todd has no idea of the beast he has awoken"