He used that as the foundation to create athlitacomics a. Oct 07, 20 israel idonije agrees to join lions youre able to identify with the characters, who are often young and geeky and arent quite sure yet who they are. Idonije loved comic books when he was a kid, and he thinks theyre a great first. Israel idonije will sign his new comic book saturday in. Israel idonije, former chicago bear, the protectors comic book creator and dreamkidz adventures childrens book writer will be greeting fans and signing comic books. Dearborn when it comes to israel idonije, there is more than meets the eye.
Sep 21, 2018 israel idonije is a former chicago bear, lifelong comic fan and founder of athlitacomics, partners with the chicago bears for the monsters of the midway project. Super bears have more comic book characters in store. See more ideas about isreal, chicago bears, mature mens clothing. Israel idonije jake barlow cbs news israel idonije of the chicago bears autographed copies of his comic book, the protectors, which features a band of athletes with super powers. Idonije brought on writer ron marz and artist bart sears to complete the project.
Now a free agent, hes selfpublishing his own comic books. He has a unique ability to get endorsements of other pro athletes, which. Chicago bear israel idonije launches the protectors comic book. Israel idonije, an 11year nfl veteran, is the founder and ceo of athlitacomics, one of the first companies to offer a highlevel blend of comic content, merchandise and properties that showcase. Jun 12, 2019 former chicago bears defensive end israel idonije can soon add another notch to his impressive postnfl career belt soon. Jul 31, 2014 longtime chicago bear and comic book creator will be at the barnes and noble geneva commons saturday, august 2 from 23. Israel idonije, who tormented nfl offensive linemen for 11 years as a defensive end, told the winnipeg free press in an interview in april at chicagos c2e2 comic convention that he was closing the football chapter of his life. Israel idonije on the protectors good comics for kids. He is a cowriter of the walking dead series, which the tv show is based off of. Longtime chicago bear israel idonije comic book signing at. Created by chicago bears defensive lineman israel idonije, the protectors tells the tale of a group of athletes who find their special abilities arent simply those displayed on the playing field.
My interest in comics began when i was growing up in brandon, manitoba. Idonije explains his new comic book, the protectors. Its a great origin story of the mythology behind where athletes get their power, their gift to. However, idonije, who goes by izzy, will have no shortage of callings to keep him. Lisa varga interview with israel idonije about the. Chicago bear israel idonije visits edgewaters third coast comics. During training camp in 2007, with his position on the bears finally solidified, idonije, a fan of comic books since his early teens, was struck with an idea.
Nfl veteran israel idonije opens up about creating comic book series by jacqueline howard s ome of israel idonije s fondest memories as a child are of curling up with a comic book copy of the green hornet and escaping into the world of masked vigilantes and makebelieve. Aug 07, 20 a defensive end by day, israel idonije doubles as a comic book hero who plays the piano and cant say no to popcorn. Chicago bears defensive end israel idonije released the first issue of his comic book the protectors. Bears defensive lineman israel idonije has a comic book company that will publish its first project later this year. C2e2 will be the scene of the launch for athleta comics first title the protectors.
Israel idonije will sign his new comic book saturday in geneva. Dec 29, 2015 idonije met marianos founder bob mariano, which led to the grocery stores selling candies connected to the comic book. The protectors, created by former chicago bear and lifelong comic fan israel idonije, written by ron marz, with art by bart sears is a unique melding of sports action and superhero adventure with a culturally diverse character base. Nfl veteran israel idonije opens up about creating comic book. Some other guests that were attending the convention were dan fogler, chris yost, and the voices of the tv show futurama. In the mind of chicago bears defensive lineman israel idonije, an admitted comic book fanatic, there was no better storyline.
The dreamkidz adventures childrens book series from athlitacomics focuses on teaching love, encouraging reading, instilling confidence and building imagination. Bears israel idonije creates the protectors comic book of. This passion project, as idonije describes it, has been in the works since 2007, when he. The underlying message of the series is that all people, including football players are meant. As an entrepreneur, israel has started several successful business ventures.
Nfl veteran israel idonije opens up about creating comic book series by jacqueline howard s ome of israel idonije s fondest memories as a child are of curling up with a comic book copy of the green hornet and escaping into the world of masked. Football star israel idonije unveils protectors usa today. Bears form monster partnership with idonije chicago bears. Apr 24, 2018 in 2007, during downtime at training camp, idonije created a comic book called the protectors, which imagines athletes as superheroes.
Idonije is the founder of athlitacomics, the chicagobased company that created the comic book line the protectors and has since grown the. The chicago bears defensive lineman teams with comicbook writer ron marz on a new graphic novel for 20. In 2007, during downtime at training camp, idonije created a comic book called the protectors, which imagines athletes as superheroes. Chicago bears aware that earning potential as football. The creative style rippled through other marketing assets used for their monsters of the midway branding and social media campaigns. Chicago bears players say former teammate israel idonije was feeding detroit lions their defensive calls. Giants israel idonije finds success in comic books the. Lance briggs has passion for comics as much as playing for. I mean, you dont see nfl players hanging around the comic shop in the big bang theory. Detroit police seek suspects in nonfatal shooting on citys west. Israel idonije, former chicago bear and friend of windy city live, stops by to spread some holiday cheer and tell wcl what hes been up to since he officially retired. Israel idonije my main business is a manufacturing business. He hoped to combine the world of sport heroes with that of comic book heroes.
Wrestlemania 37 stage early look jojos bizarre adventure new anime. He had gone into the grind of nfl training camp in 2007 eat, sleep. Nfl veteran israel idonije opens up about creating comic book series by jacqueline howard s ome of israel idonijes fondest memories as a child are of curling up with a comic book copy of the green hornet and escaping into the world of masked vigilantes and makebelieve. Apr 17, 2014 along with ron marz and bart sears, chicago bear defensive end israel idonije is bringing his comic the protectors to c2e2 on april 25th27th and a signing of his book april 23rd at chicago comics. The protectors, set in the future, is based around a group of super athletes who learn they are blessed with super powers 17 that help protect humanity. At c2e2, israel idonije of the chicago bears will unveil his debut comic book, the protectors. Nfl defensive end israel idonije has been a fan of comic books since he was a child. Teaming up with the comic book company, athlitacomics, which is owned by nfl former player israel idonije, we were asked to take part in the schedule release and stadium up for the chicago bears 2018 season. Nfls israel idonije creates comic book series for a good.
Oct 08, 20 hed be kind of like your leader, kind of like a cyclops type or a captain america type, your leader of your group. During training camp in 07, idonije decided to create a comic book storyline. Besides playing in the nfl for 11 years, author israel izzy idonije, has worked in youth programming since he was in high school and has a charity that has been providing. Chicago bears israel idonije fandom espn playbook espn. We were able to talk to indie writers and artists to people that write for the walking dead and draw for comic books of regular show. With that business, well sell probably 40 million units of product this year throughout north. Chicago bearss israel idonije, ron marz and bart sears. Giants israel idonije finds success in comic books the new york. He came up with the idea at the chicago bears training camp in 2007. Local comic shop third coast comics had a special appearance from one of the well known chicago bears, israel idonije yesterday for an interview with cbs to discuss his comic books, the protectors. Apr 25, 2014 football player isaac chike, who bears a strong resemblance to chicago bears player israel idonije, left, is the main character in a new comic book selfpublished by idonije, called the protectors that will launch at c2e2, the comic book scifipop culture mega convention being held at mccormick place in chicago starting today. Israel idonije created a comic book series that features. A longtime comic book aficionado, detroit lions defensive lineman israel idonije has taken his hobby to the next level. With that business, well sell probably 40 million units of product this year throughout north america.
Since retiring from football he has jumped into the world of comic books. His company athlitacomics develops custom comic content and properties. Bears israel idonije creates the protectors comic book. The comic book he created, the protectors, and his childrens book series dreamkidz adventures, are all available in print and digital formats. Chicago bears defensive lineman israel idonije has a new comic. Bears idonije creates the protectors comic book sporting. I asked what idonije saw himself doing when his playing days were over and this is what he answered. Israel idonije is best known as a lineman for the bears. Oct 04, 20 idonije has created his own comic book the protectors that is coming out soon.
Chicago bear israel idonije to release his book the. Idonije revealed his new comic, the protectors, at its soft launch during the new york comic con in october 2012. Israel idonije grew up reading comics, and in 2007, in the middle of his. Israel idonije, former chicago bears player, makes. Israel idonije to sign copies of new comic book saturday in. Chicago bears defensive lineman israel idonije has a new. Dec 14, 2015 football player isaac chike, who bears a strong resemblance to chicago bears player israel idonije, left, is the main character in a new comic book selfpublished by idonije, called the. Idonije launched his dreamkidz love book series to promote social and emotional awareness for children. Chicago bear israel idonije visits edgewaters third coast comics july 26, 2014 by keely jones. Israel idonije chicagoland sports appearance connection. Aug 17, 2014 working with the acclaimed writer ron marz and the artist bart sears, athlitacomics, the publishing house idonije founded, has produced two volumes of his series, with at least three more due out.
Israel idonije is shown at work on a comic book for his protectors series. Besides playing in the nfl for 11 years, author israel izzy idonije, has worked in youth programming since he was in high school and has a charity that has been providing programs to youth since 2007. Israel idonije, a defensive lineman for the chicago bears, is not exactly your stereotypical comic book guy. Former bear idonijes comic unveils new powers chicago. The comic book he created, the protectors, and his childrens book. Hed be kind of like your leader, kind of like a cyclops type or a captain america type, your leader of your group. The lions announced the deal on their website and official twitter feed. So i collected my books, i had a paper route so i could go to my local. Idonije explains his new comic book, the protectors cbs. Idonije, the nfl defensive end and former member of the university of manitoba bisons 20002002, is the driving force behind the protectors, a series of graphic novels or comic books about.
Israel idonije, chicago bears defensive lineman talks to the offseason with lisa varga about the comic book series he created called the protectors. Mar 29, 2021 monsters of the midway comic book cover left with a 4panel comic strip of the bears taking on the packers right it widens the fanbase, idonije explains. He started athlitacomics in 2007 during the chicago bears. Using sports as a backdrop, the protectors contains a positive message to youth about discovering their unique abilities and talents and choosing good despite the obstacles that will come their way. Amidst the usual crowd of comic book illustrators, writers and actors at the chicago comic and entertainment expo c2e2 this april, a new. Jan 01, 2016 the protectors, created by former chicago bear and lifelong comic fan israel idonije, written by ron marz, with art by bart sears is a unique melding of sports action and superhero adventure with a culturally diverse character base. Nfl veteran israel idonije opens up about creating comic. Former bear idonijes comic unveils new powers chicago tribune. Former bears lineman israel idonije took that concept to the next level in 20 when he launched the protectors, a comic book series. Giants israel idonije finds success in comic books the new. Former chicago bear israel idonije to be in netflix film.
My interview with israel idonije heroes in the game heroes in life. Former chicago bears defensive end israel idonije described his feelings about. Lions idonije, invades detroit fanfare to promote self. Israel idonije, former chicago bear and friend of windy city live, stops by to spread some holiday cheer and tell wcl what hes been up to. Comic book creatorchicago bears player israel idonije at. His first book i love me izzy cover was released on amazon on january 24, 2017. Idonije explains his new comic book, the protectors, gives. Israel idonije, an 11year nfl veteran, is the founder and ceo of athlitacomics. Its special to be a part of the franchise in this new way izzy idonije. He has been building toward the next phase of his life since he was a child. Idonije loved comic books when he was a kid, and he thinks theyre a great first step in getting kids to crack open a book. The protectors, created by former chicago bear and lifelong comic fan israel idonije, written by ron marz, with art by bart sears is a unique melding of sports. Jul 31, 2014 israel idonije to sign copies of new comic book saturday in geneva geneva, il the longtime chicago bears defensive end will make an appearance saturday at the geneva commons. Jay was at the convention as a guest of local comic book shop comic city.
Israel idonije agrees to join lions youre able to identify with the characters, who are often young and geeky and arent quite sure yet who they are. Dec 30, 20 the player with the most improbable road to the nfl has a life so diverse that even a comic book would have difficulty capturing the superherolike life of israel idonije. Hed gone into the grind of nfl training camp in 2007 eat. My interview with israel idonije heroes in the game. Some of israel idonijes fondest memories as a child are of curling up with a comic book copy of the green hornet and escaping into the world. Israel idonije, former chicago bears player, makes communion. No longer an impact player, a giant finds a way to deliver a kaboom. Chicago bear israel idonije visits edgewaters third coast. Teaming up with the comic book company, athlitacomics, which is owned by nfl former player israel idonije, we were asked to take part in the schedule release. Dec 17, 2014 idonije, the ceo of athlitacomics and an 11year nfl veteran, got the idea to feature athletes as superheroes while in training camp in 2000. First launched in 20, the comic is a story about the most amazing and skilled athletes in the world whose sole purpose is to save humanity by. Saturday signing the comic book he created, the protectors.
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