Monday July 18th 2011, 11:48 am
Some time ago, I was contacted by the book publishing branch of LucasFilm. That they were planning a very special art book based on Star Wars with Abrams Books. This book was going to focus on the art of Star Wars comics, and asked if I’d like to participate, presenting a newer image for them. I was excited to be involved. So I came up with an idea that could feel like a snippet of a comics story, an untold tale, and the page would be like we’re getting to see only one key moment of the story. And this scene would be a widescreen fold out. They liked the idea. I wanted something that was a new character of my creation. I had been told that George was a longtime comics fan. So I also wanted to go for this classic giant monster versus hero idea, like stuff you might see in old Kirby comics, but here it needed to be a mechanical weapon that looked like a creature, giving a sense of story beyond fighting a giant monster. This gives more weight for the snippet of a bigger unseen plot idea. And the scene had to have a strong design sense to it, so it could have a signature look that could be identified with my sensibilities, but still felt like Star Wars when you look at it. I think it was successful. It was a lot of fun to do. The image was done using all simple line and tonal work, then coloring was done using photoshop. The effect I wanted was something that seemed like a meld of line work and paint work, but still had a bit of a graphic punch to it. Here is a preview of the image…
The art-book will be available October 2011, but can be pre-orderd at the following places or at finer book and comics shops everywhere…
Abrams
Amazon
Tuesday July 12th 2011, 12:21 pm
Well the San Diego Show is right around the corner. The only appearance I will be making will be on the Gays In Comics panel via a short filmed video. I’m hard at work on the new Batwoman material and unwilling to take time away from that to go to SD for almost a week. But for those of you going please go check out the panel. Below is more information about it, hosted by longtime contributor Andy Mangels. There is going to be some sort of after party gathering, and an auction benefit to which I’ve contributed a quick Batwoman sketch toward (see preview below). I wish I could be there, as I’m sure it’ll be a good time to be had.
Gays in Comics: Year 24!
Saturday, July 23
5:45-7:15, Room 6A
5:30-7:00 Gays in Comics: Year 24! — This all-star panel examines the rising diversity in the comics world today as the long-running “Gays in Comics” panel continues into its third decade at Comic-Con! As mainstream companies DC and Marvel are continue to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar, and hire top-level gay or gay-friendly creators, independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. Welcome a top-level panel of GLBT and straight creators, who will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come!
Joining founding moderator Andy Mangels, the USA Today best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor, as well as numerous comic books, are: Robert Kirkman, writer of The Walking Dead and Invincible and head of Image Comics’ Skybound imprint; Chip Kidd, award-winning author, editor and designer of books such as Bat-Manga, Rough Justice, and Jack Cole and Plastic Man; Dan Parent, writer and artist for Archie and Betty & Veronica, and creator of Archie’s new gay character and series, Kevin Keller; Jon Macy, writer and artist of 2010 Lambda Literary Award-winning Teleny and Camille and Prism Queer Press grant recipient for Fearful Hunter; Paul Cornell, writer for TV’s Doctor Who and DC Comics’ upcoming Stormwatch and Demon Knights series; Greg Pak, writer of Incredible Hulks and co-writer of Alpha Flight and Herc; plus, a special video appearance by J.H. Williams III, co-writer and artist of DC’s Batwoman series! Plus, there’s always a surprise or two…
Afterward, stick around for the hour-long gay comics fan mixer/social, hosted by PRISM Comics, with prizes and surprise special guests! Room 6A
7:00-8:00 Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction — hosted by and benefiting PRISM Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered comics, creators, and readers. Mingle with comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a “Comics Gift Basket” and the silent auction of hot comics items, including original art by Alex Ross, Dan Parent, and J H Williams lll! Room 6A
Auction quick sketch…
Music for your roadtrip (good mix of modern and retro)…
Florence+ The Machine: Lungs deluxe edition
Beach House
The Pretenders
Dead Confederate: Wrecking Ball
Echo And The Bunnymen
The Greenhornes
The Human League
Miss Kittin
Blondie: Panic Of Girls Fanpack edition (I know I’m biased but this album is just damn awesome!!!)