Archive for November, 2004
Daily Musings: Day 28
“Does this thumb look fucked up to you?”
I just wrapped up writing about the Great Ogre Gathering (the pre-convention party at The Laughing Ogre) for The Pulse. Don’t know when they’ll publish it on their site, but I’ll link to it once it’s up.
Anyway, one of the things I wrote about was a conversation I had with artist Steve Lieber and zine legend John G. We were talking about the benefits of being in a creator collective or studio, and Steve gave us examples of things he’s learned being around his studio mates in Mercury Studios. In describing a particularly difficult page that was giving him trouble, he said he finally held it up and asked everyone in the studio “Does this thumb look fucked up to you?”
What makes this memorable for me is that this is Steve Lieber. Not only has he worked on mainstream books like Hawkman and Batman, but he’s also got tons of indy cred with books like Whiteout and Me and Edith Head. And he’s having trouble drawing a simple thumb?
It made me feel better about my struggles with my own craft. No matter how good we may think we are, there’s always something new to learn, some new challenge to meet.
On a side note, what is it about Portland that makes it home to so many comics pros? I mean, just look at the roster of Mercury Studios, it’s a veritable who’s who of industry talent:
Penciller MATTHEW CLARK Superman
Penciller TERRY DODSON Spider Man, Harley Quinn
Writer/artist PAUL GUINAN Heartbreakers, Chronos
Writer/artist DAVID HAHN Private Beach, Bite Club
Penciller DREW JOHNSON Wonder Woman
Writer/penciller/inker KARL KESEL Fantastic Four, Daredevil
Penciller/inker/letterer STEVE LIEBER Road to Perdition, Batman
Writer/artist JEFF PARKER Interman, The Escapist
Writer/penciller/inker RON RANDALL Trekker, Star Wars
Penciller PETE WOODS Batman, Catwoman
Inker REBECCA WOODS Deadpool
Damn.
Vintage paperback and pulp covers
Vintage Paperbacks is a website featuring over 800 scans of old paperback, pulp, and sleazy book covers. They are categorized by artist, author, publisher, or genre (such as “sleaze”, “science fiction”, or “drugs”). I love looking at these old pulp covers, especially the over-the-top cover copy like “Primeval passions lured them to lust’s outlands!”. Or book titles like “Satan was a Lesbian” and “LSD Orgy“. Classic.
(another cool link via boingboing)
Now wonder Target is such a popular store
An actual item on Target’s website.
Now, I’m not an expert on the going rate for something like this, but $10 seems pretty reasonable. Er, so I’ve heard. I wouldn’t know myself. Seriously.
(via boingboing)
Coming Soon
Ladies and gentlemen, the webcomic project I’ve been involved with for the past several months is closer to fruition. The official God’s Acre website is now up and running, with a synopsis of the comic and some production sketches and photos in the gallery. Drop by and check it out. It’s a pretty exciting project for me, and I can’t wait for the comic to finally debut.
Daily Musings: Day 27
The small things always make the difference.
This past weekend’s con wasn’t the best one I’ve been to as an exhibitor. In fact, after last year’s dismal table location and bad sales, I thought there’s no way it could get worse. And when I found out our table placement was much better this year, I was downright excited.
Then reality hit. The low attendance, combined with the slightly disorganized show, led to even lower sales this year.
But it’s ok. Because there were lots of little things that made the show a success for me. Our first sale of the day on Saturday was to a couple of female fans who were not only familiar with the Panel anthologies, but came to our table to actively look for any new books. I can’t tell you what a great feeling it is to have someone enjoy your work enough to want to seek it out. And then there were the panel discussions we were on. A small, but interested, crowd attended each one and there was never an awkward silence. Questions were forthcoming, the attendees were interested in the topics, and it was just a great time interacting with fans, fellow creators, and curious parties.
There were other cool moments, to be sure. My girlfriend taking a break from her studies to drop by both days. Running into an old friend, and in the process, being able to put him in touch with a third mutual friend. Having a beer with one of the pros in attendance, a third year tradition now.
Life has a habit of throwing you curve balls. But the small things always make the difference between losing or simply enjoying the game.
Looking for a job with a comics company?
Zero One comics, a web-based comics company, is looking to hire creative and administrative folks. Here’s a bit about them:
“01comics.com is the web’s new standard for high quality, full color, full length, downloadable and pay-per-view webcomics. All comics at 01comics.com are creator-owned and creator-controlled.”
You use BitPass micropayments to purchase comics by the likes of Mitch Byrd, Diego Jourdan, Steve Conley, and founders Jenni and Barry Gregory.
Currently, they’re looking for colorists, color flatters, and a media relations manager.Click here for more details on the positions.
2004 Connies
Yes, it’s time for another edition of Panel’s Convention Awards, the coveted “Connies.”
We’ve got some changes in the lineup this year. Most of the costume-related categories have been dropped for fear of hurting peoples’ feelings. But generally speaking, if you’re thinking of dressing as Spider-Man but you’re built more like the Kingpin, go as the Kingpin.
And without further ado, let’s get to the awards:
* Paris Hilton award for overexposure: Panel, whose members appeared on about a half-dozen panels.
* George W. Bush award for enacting a backdoor draft: The Laughing Ogre’s Daryn, who dragooned Panel members onto a half-dozen panels.
* Cellar Door award for most pleasant phrase: The Panel panel.
* Horrors of War award: The 13-year-old storm trooper. It’s sad when the flower of the Empire’s youth is sacrificed for a never-ending war.
* Gene Simmons award for achievement in platform shoes: J’Onn J’onzz, Manhunter from Mars. Honorable mention: Darth Vader.
* Claude Raines award for invisible men: Tim McClurg and Sean McGurr (tie).
* Morganna the Kissing Bandit award: Matt Kish.
* Martha Stewart award for achievement in hostessing: Ione Damasco
* Dale Carnegie award for achievement in winning friends and influencing people: Tony Goins, who told another writer, “If I did know any artists, I sure as hell wouldn’t share them with you.”
* P. Diddy award for best media empire: Dara Naraghi, who fielded queries not only from aspiring artists but also a musician. A line of clothing can’t be far behind.
* “Beds are Burning” award for burning the Midnight Oil: Steve Black.
* Running for Jesus award: Tom Williams.
* Donald Trump “art of the deal” award: Craig Bogart, who talked a dealer down to $5 (from $10) for a Marvel adaptation of the movie “2001.”
* Fredo Corleone memorial award for filial loyalty: Bahman Naraghi, who spent more time at the table than I did.
* Most Dedicated Spouse/Girlfriend: Elizabeth. Honorable mention: Wendy.
* Cutest Costume: Hanna.
* Party MVP: Dan “Triple D” Barlow.
* Death Star award for an artist about to blow up big time: Raina Telgemeier, who’s doing a comic adaptation of the “Babysitters Club.”
* Shirley MacLaine award: Sean McKeever, who announced his “Mary Jane” series will soon come back for another incarnation.
* Best surprise: Coming around the corner and finding Eric Powell, the guy who does “The Goon.”
* Soup Nazi award for most accessible celebrity: Lou Ferrigno, who signed a poster to my nephew.
* Sean McGurr award for achievement in a rapidly expanding family: Midgard Comics, who have put out four anthologies in the last year.
* Hermit Crab award: Max Ink, who snaked two tables after their previous occupants left, and ended up with more real estate than we had.
Other connies were distributed at a private ceremony earlier in the day, and can be placed in the comments section.
New comics company open to submissions
Speakeasy Comics is a new publisher on the block, formed by former Dreamwave guy Adam Fortier. According to the site:
“We do have space available on our 2005 production schedule for interested parties to submit their materials for review,” Fortier continued. “The broad strokes of the Speakeasy deal are available at the site, and once read through, we can talk specifics with interested parties.”
More info here.
Globalization of comics
Spotted this press release and thought I’d share:
“DEEPAK CHOPRA STARTS COMIC BOOK COMPANY – World-renowned author and spiritualist Deepak Chopra and director Shekhar Kapur have joined with Gotham Ent. Group, the leading publisher of comic magazines in South Asia, to announce the launch of Gotham Studios Asia, a new company focused on creating original comic books and character properties for a global audience.”“Deepak said, “As the narrow walls of nationalism come down, and as a new collective humanity, we break through our tribal identities, Asia will become the home of the entertainment, media and business activities of the world. Through the studio, we plan to reinvigorate some of civilization’s greatest mythologies, to tap into the primal energies of India and Asia’s great tradition of storytelling. The Super-Powers of tomorrow will not be defined by their military prowess but by their cultural contribution and we firmly believe our new venture will be at the vanguard of this global, cultural and economic shift.”
More details at the link above.
Daily Musings: Day 26
Mid-Ohio-Con is over. I’ll save my write-up for The Pulse article, but suffice it to say, it was fun, yet disappointing. Fun, because I met old friends, made new acquaintances, sold books, signed autographs, sat on a panel, and generally had a blast. Disappointing because despite our better table location this year, sales were way down and the crowd seemed much smaller than previous years. Oh well. C’est la vie.
Some random thoughts to wrap up today’s post before I go and crash:
It’s really not my place to say if it’s ok or not for an adult to dress up in superhero costume and attend a comic convention. Hey, to each their own. But if you happen to be a bit on the chunky side, maybe skin-tight, colorful spandex isn’t really a smart decision. Why not a costume that involves a dark trenchcoat? Or a cloak?
I ran into a friend of mine at the con with whom I had lost contact about 7 years ago. And I never even knew he was a comic fan! How’s that for the old cliche “it’s a small world”?
Hanna looks adorable in her little Batman costume and home-made cape. Though I can’t believe little miss talkative suddenly turns shy when we wanted to take her picture with the other costumed folks.
This may have been the first time ever that I’ve attended a convention where Franchesco hasn’t had a table.
When John Byrne was walking around the convention floor away from his table, he flipped his name tag over to the side on which he had written “Off Duty”. Yeesh. And he wonders why he’s got a reputation for being an egotistical jerk.
Sergio Aragones is not only the funniest and friendliest guy in comics, but he also has the coolest accent.
Peace out.
(updated 11/29)
Since this post has been getting a ton of traffic (thanks to Kevin and The Beat) I decided to share a few more tidbits from Mid-Ohio-Con:
On one of the panels, Phantom Jack creator Mike Sangiacomo let slip an item that has already been the subject of several rumors. Apparently a Batman pitch he had at DC was well-liked, but ultimately turned down by Dan DiDio because they could not “fit it in” with the big events planned for the next 2 years. According to DiDio, Identity Crisis is just the beginning of this big new “crisis” event that will be sweeping through all the DC books over the next year or two, and supposedly leave them all “changed” in some way. Make with this as you will.
There was a booth in the dealers room that was selling swords, daggers, and other medieval weapons. Not sure how that ties in with a comic book and pop culture show. Whatever.
The number of T&A guests has dramatically decreased from previous years. I remember two years ago there were so many Playboy Playmates and “scream queens” on the guest list that they were cordoned off in a separate “adults only” room. This year there was only one, as far as I could tell, and she was sitting in artist alley.
If you’re a company setup at a comic book convention and are selling character sketches and caricatures, there’s really no need for you to be dressed in suits and talking like insurance salesmen. Really, nobody is going to be impressed at how “professional” you are. Just do your art and leave the “image” at home.
Blast from the past
Over at Newsarama’s It Came From The Quarter Bin column, Ryan McLelland takes a look at Strikeforce: Morituri #1 from Marvel Comics (1986). This brings back some fond memories of a truly groundbreaking series. Written by Peter B. Gillis (one of my favorite writers), and penciled by Brent Anderson, it was one of those comics that was ahead of its time by about 10 years. It wasn’t set in the Marvel Universe (which given the time, was pretty unusual) and dealt with some really deep topics.
Earth was being invaded by The Horde, an alien race with no real technology or weapons of their own. Rather, they used whatever they had plundered from their previous victims. In a last ditch effort, human scientists devise a way to grant super powers to humans through a difficult, and sometime deadly, process. But even if the volunteers are lucky enough to survive the process, they’re still faced with a huge problem: they only have about a year to live. Hence the title of the book, which translates to “We Who Are About To Die”. Pretty heady stuff. Gillis was an amazing writer. One of my favorite characters was a deeply religious woman who had to rationalize her decision to defend humanity with the fact that by entering the program, she was in effect committing suicide…a mortal sin.
In the comments section below the review, inker Scott Williams pops in to post a note as well:
“I have a soft spot for this series as well, as it was my first regular gig in comics. Talk about being in the right place at the right time–I had just moved to San Diego where the series artist Brent Anderson was living, we were introduced, and he took a leap of faith in offering me the job of inking his pencils…Peter Gillis was truly ahead of his time with the concept and his writing style. Very surprised he never turned into a bigger force within the comics industry.”
If you ever have a chance to pick up this series, I’d highly recommend it.
Daily Musings: Day 25
Well, this is it. Start of the weekend’s big con. It’ll be an exhausting, but fun couple of days. Since this may be my only chance to get online today, I guess today’s musings will be short.
For those of you in Columbus, hope to see you at the show. For everyone else, I’ll be posting a con report sometime next week.
Take care.
Daily Musings: Day 24
Just got back from the GOG (Great Ogre Gathering). It’s the traditional night before Mid-Ohio-Con shindig at Columbus bestest, baddest comic book store, The Laughing Ogre. Tons of comics fans, pros, rising stars, and cool people in general convene in the depths of The Ogre’s back rooms. Free adult beverages, free food, free live music. It’s a blast. I’m going to write about it in detail for The Pulse in a few days, so stay tuned for the link.
So now it’s close to midnight, and I have about another hour worth of work to do to get ready for the show tomorrow. Not bad. So I’ll leave you with my little list of “stuff” I need to pack for the convention (when you’re as forgetful as I am, you make lists for everything)
- Comics to sell (obvious)
- Preview pamphlet of upcoming stories
- Digital camera
- Batteries
- Cash box and plenty of singles for change
- Promotional bookmarks and cards
- Business cards
- pens and pencils
- Sketchbook
- Notebook
- CD player (for people to sample the BigCityBlues CD)
- coloring books and balloons (for the kiddies)
- Ferret Press sign
- Easel (for Ferret Press sign)
- Promotional posters and signs
- Display stands for the books
- Scissors, tape, twine, paperclips,etc.
- Mailing list signup sheet
- Price list
- and probably half a dozen other items I’m forgetting
Daily Musings: Day 22
The shaky-cam must die.
Or blurry-cam. Or headache-cam. Or whatever the hell the technical name of it is. You know, the polar opposite of the stedi-cam used to film movies? It’s primarily used in recent action movies during the fight scenes to completely obliterate any semblance of clarity. All you see are millisecond cuts, blurred motion, shaky images, etc.
What is the point? I mean, really, isn’t the whole reason d’etre of the action movie to dazzle the audience with spectacular action scenes? It’s certainly not the captivating plot or in-depth characterization. But more and more recent movies seem to subscribe to the “make it so blurry that the audience can’tell what’s happening” school of fight cinematography. Even otherwise well-made films are using this annoying technique. The Bourne Supremacy, anyone?
It’s as if someone looked at the ultra-choreographed, slow-mo fight scenes in a movie like Charlie’s Angels, and said “give me the exact opposite of that!”
Sigh. And I’m not even an action movie fan.
By the way, don’t ever, ever, pay money to see Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Not even at the el-cheapo second run theater. Not even for Milla Jovovich.
Don’t ask.