Welcome to the home of THE VARIANTS.  A live action web comic that puts you on the other side of the counter of your favorite comic shop.

Hi.  My name’s Joe Cucinotti.  Formerly a radio DJ in Dallas/Fort Worth and a host of the short-lived (but soon to rise again like a phoenix from the ashes) podcast JOE VS KEN that I produced with long time friend Ken Lowery.

In early 2009 Ken and I were approached by Richard Neal – the Eisner award winning owner and operator of Zeus Comics in Dallas TX. (4411 Lemmon Ave… come visit!)  He expressed a desire to develop a web series that would appeal to fans of something like Felicia Day’s THE GUILD but fused with the comic/dramatic style that you might see in something like THE OFFICE or 30 ROCK.

What qualifies Ken and I to help with putting this project together?  Well, not a whole lot really.  I’ve written a couple screenplays, 2 one-act stage productions, a stage musical and a full length stage comedy.  Of those, only 1 of the one-act plays has been produced.  Ken writes movie reviews, sits upon his throne as the Lord of Twitter and had a backup story published in THE BLACK DIAMOND #2 – ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD by AiT/Planet Lar.  We’re not exactly seasoned comedy writers but that wouldn’t stop us.

After a number of brainstorming and writing sessions, THIS is what we came up with.  A show that would pull the curtain back on (and maybe embellish) what life is like for the people who work at a comic book shop.  Giving you, the customer/viewer/passhole, a little bit of insight on what we’re saying about you after you leave the store.  HAHAHA Just kidding, folks… mostly.

I know I speak for Richard and Ken when I say that we’re very excited to share our work with you.

Joe Cucinotti – July 5th 2009