Blogging forward…
Tuesday April 26th 2011, 11:47 amI’ve been reading some old Legion Of Superheroes comics. Sad to say that I never dived into this stuff more fully before, so I’m treading through collections at my whim. There is something uniquely captivating about these characters to me, it all seems to have this random retro quality to the ideas of them, which I like very much. A sort of old style pulpy sci-fi thing with powers, all without feeling held down and outdated. Having a good time with it.
Also just started reading 2012: The Return Of Quetzalcoatl. I thought I’d give this a shot since I mention this subject loosely in my last post, upon recommendation from my wife Wendy. We’ve traded books this time around, me placing in front of her a book from Leslie Kean on the reality of the UFO, and she giving me 2012 book by Daniel Pinchbeck. So far the book seems to be about the idea that toward the end of 2012, from the author’s point of view, will begin a transformation of metaphysical consciousness for humanity. He talks about the various experiences he’s had exploring psychedelics and shamanistic journeys he’s taken. The mythical god Quetzalcoatl being a symbol to usher in a new age of thought and progress beyond the wants of the physical, expanding to truer desires rather than the consumption of worldliness, shaking off the shackles of crude goods beyond what we actually need. But this is just basic boiling down of the beginning pieces of what the author discusses. It is interesting but a bit scattered in his thought process, making for some tough reading, goes on some tangents, but thats okay. I tend to think that way sometimes myself. Only starting the fourth chapter. The book does have a lengthy introduction that seems to basically spell out what the following chapters may cover. I hope to gain more insight as I read along but I really dislike introductions that give away the point of what I’m about to read, so why read the following segments, we’ll see. Wendy enjoyed the book, she did find it frustrating to follow at times. But ultimately felt it was worth your time and thought provoking. I’ll most likely blog about it again after finishing it and giving it some thought.
In the CD player recently…
Earth
Antony And The Johnsons
Jarvis Cocker
Nashville Pussy
Beirut
Gene Colan…
Is by far one the best artists comics has seen. His work is full of life and shadow. Known for working on some of comics’ most famous characters, and one of my favorites from the past, Tomb Of Dracula. I highly recommend the omnibus editions of this stuff that Marvel has released. Gene has not been feeling well of late and needs to raise funds to support him with some of his physical needs. There is an auction to be held to gain some meager proceeds, quite a list of items and more information can be found here…
7 Comments so far
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J3 – Thanks for the link to Gene Colon’s info. I will definitely go and check that out. Sending out positive thoughts for him.
Have you read any of the other 2012 books by DP? A quick search at Amazon showed several with 2012 in the title. His name is familiar to me because of an intro he wrote to an art book on the Burning Man fest.
Say … comic con season is fast approaching, any possible appearances on your horizon?
Currently Reading : Greg Rucka’s Stumptown HC.
Comment by Pam 04.27.11 @ 5:19 amHey there Deane
Yeah, I totally agree with you about Gene’s work. He is one of few pencil artists that really shouldn’t have inks over the work. I find it interesting to look at what he does because I don’t really pencil anymore. I go straight to ink and tones and washes to get a more rendered effect that Gene manages to get quite boldly in pencil. I’ve always really liked his work very much.
Hello there Pam
I’m sure you’ll find much to enjoy in Gene’s work if you’ve not been immersed in it prior.
As for other books by Daniel Pinchbeck, I’ve not read him before now, so this is my first experience with him. He does mention Burning Man briefly in one of the chapters I just finished.
Con appearances, this year is going to be quiet on that front for us. I’m really trying to stay focused on getting lots of writing done for the series, and wrap up a lot of art too. As well as pay attention to other projects that I have plans for down the road.
Comment by jwh3 04.27.11 @ 11:46 pmWhat a coincidence. I’m re-reading all my old Legion of Superhero comics as well. I’m already into the 5 years later run. Its been great fun.
Comment by Michael C. 05.02.11 @ 4:13 amHey there Michael C.
What kinda got me going was the collections that have been coming out. Really looking forward to reading the deluxe edition volumes that are arriving.
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I don’t think we have the technology to “see” the way Gene paints with a pencil. Conventionally, comic art is supposed to be covered in India Ink.
We loose so much when these pencils get covered up.
Comment by Deane 04.26.11 @ 7:53 pm