Blog
Wednesday May 04th 2011, 11:21 am
Out today is a book collection titled Screaming Planet, published by Humanoids. Which I contributed the art for a short story that it contains, titled Eucharist Sun. This is actually my first collaboration with my friend Dave Stewart. This story and many of the others were originally printed in Metal Hurlant quite a few years ago. I believe I was still working on Promethea at the time that I did this.
It was a nice experiment for me, one of my early inking myself gigs. I remember wanting a very organic feel to the drawing, which is not easy to do if you’re working with an inker, so I went for it myself. The results were decent enough and I learned some lessons doing it.
The other thing about this book is that the stories were written by one of the finest comics writers ever, Alejandro Jodorowsky. He is considered by many, one of the premier european comics writers. Many of his english translated books can be found if you dig for them. Or ask your retailer to get them, or go to Amazon. I’ve been a fan of his work for most of my comics reading life, so getting the opportunity to draw a story from him, even a short 10 pages was a thrill for me so early in my career. I certainly hope one day I’ll get another such opportunity, but something grander in size.
He’s also known for his books on metaphysics such as Psychomagic, and his avant-garde film making, El Topo being the most noted, quite an artist, this man.
Below are a few links to learn a little more about the Screaming Planet book. Comic Book Resources has put up jpegs of my story today, so I’ve provided a link to that as well.
CBR
Screaming Planet
Humanoids
Jodorowsky
Tuesday April 26th 2011, 11:47 am
I’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 A sort of old style pulpy sci-fi thing with powers, all without feeling held down and outdated.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…
Invincible
Monday April 11th 2011, 10:00 pm
onto this and should ease people a bit on whoever is feeling like 2012 is something to fear.
Thursday April 07th 2011, 7:15 pm
The relatively new track American Trash from InnerPartySystem off their latest EP Never Be Content is absolutely stunning. Seek, find, listen and absorb.
The video is pretty damn cool as well.
Wednesday April 06th 2011, 4:51 pm
Powerbatpack!
Sunday April 03rd 2011, 12:37 pm
A quick note. In the cd player recently…
Earth
David Bowie
The Sword
The Cinematic Orchestra
Revolting Cocks
Gainsbourg
Colour Haze
El Paramo
Reading…
Michael Moorcock’s Hawkmoon: The Sword Of Dawn, and The Runsestaff
The Arctic Marauder by Jacques Tardi, one of Europe’s finest comics creators, There has been some books over the past couple years to make their way to the U.S. finally.
Big Love: Recently watched the series finale. Oh my god, that was a rollercoaster of an ending. I’ve heard complaints about the last two seasons of the series and I honestly can’t say enough about how wrong those criticisms have been, in my humble opinion. I’ve felt the writing on that series has been astounding from beginning to end. Very powerful and intense, and at times highly stressful. The show for the past 2 seasons kept building and building, as if things things would completely boil over any moment, until release. Watching the ending really shows how purposeful it all was, that there needed to be this intensity, rising to a point of breaking in order for something new to emerge from the chaos. For those who’ve not seen it, sorry for rambling on, just wanted to express my enthusiasm for how amazingly executed the series had been.
Thursday March 31st 2011, 12:01 am
My good friend, Scott Johnson, who is working with me as a co-writer on an untitled graphic novel project, has a new comedy venture in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its going by the name Feed The Monkey.
The show is every thursday night, 10pm at the Casbar inside the Sahara Hotel & Casino. Its a sketch comedy show. Scott wrote many of the skits performed and acts in it as well. this thursday the tickets are $15 cash at the door, every recurring thursday til they bring down the house is 19.95 plus fees.
More information is below.
Feed The Monkey Sketch Comedy Show, now backed by M. Walter Pitchman Productions, is set to take the glitzy stage of the Las Vegas Strip as they play the Casbar Lounge at the legendary Sahara Hotel and Casino Thursday, March 31st at 10pm and every Thursday moving forward!
Feed the Monkey is a sketch comedy troop that has been playing in the Las Vegas area for just about three years in various areas around town which include The Onyx Theater and the now defunct Town Square Theater. After almost a one year hiatus, the Monkeys are back with a vengeance, set to play at one of the most legendary Hotel and Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip; the Sahara Hotel and Casino. The Sahara has housed celebrity comedy acts such as Bill Cosby, Don Rickles, George Carlin and of course the legendary Rat Pack, just to name a few.
With the talents of local actors such as Ryan Remark, Jillian Pizzuto, Scott Johnson, Drew Yonemori, Margeret Menzies Gonzalez, Jeremy Knowles and co-founder of M. Walter Pitchman Productions, Jon Paul Raniola just to name a few – you are certain to have the most side splitting, jaw dropping, straight up hilarious time during this hour and fifteen minutes or so performance!
You can follow Feed the Monkey on Twitter for more updates and you can also find them on Facebook. Come and take part of Sketch Comedy that eats your head!
Sunday March 27th 2011, 11:06 pm
STATIC SHOCK Special
Below is the cover I just finished for the Static Shock Special due out some time in the near future. I wanted to try some different things in attitude. The Milestone characters always had this unusual quality to them, which I think made them pretty cool. And some of them seemed to have this Funk aspect to them. Now when I say Funk, I’m referring to Funk Music. So I decided to see if I could bring that more forward in attitude for this cover. The result is pretty effective. It still has this iconic quality that the genre should have, but now it feels like Funk meets Superheroes to me. Resulting in something different than what I usually do.
So here is the breakdown as always…
This is the rough sketch for editorial approval.
Here is the black and white version. I was dissatisfied with the idea in sketch form, it didn’t feel iconic enough, or elegant enough. The trick to doing iconic superhero images these days is that they can feel a bit redundant or generic. The sketch is a bit blah to me. So in this black and white version I focused on making the pose more elegant in it’s movement. I used all copic greytones this time around and no traditional inking. I combined that with some black color pencil work and a little inkwash, and then final touches of white.
Here is the color version, done using photoshop. In the black and white I knew there was quite a few elements that I wanted to convert to color and remove some of the line work. The color was going to play a very important role here capturing the attitude I talk about above. So I used some unusual palette choices to get that feel I was going for across. I tried to use colors that fit the character but also fit the theme or my idea of Funk Music. The end result makes some of the stereotypical aspects of the iconic image recede and something bolder come forward. I’m pretty happy with it.
And finally the logo version. This was tough because the logo for this character is a very awkward style. Making it fit in with what was happening on the cover but stand out was challenging. The end result definitely fits into the Funk Music mentality that I was trying to convey. Hopefully its now a cover that will pop off the shelf from whatever is next to it.
Thursday March 17th 2011, 9:43 pm
Not much to report since last week. Working away on pages. Issue 3 is shaping up nicely so far. Had a bit of St. Patricks Day fun, watching Darby O’Gill And The Little People this afternoon. Although a bit down due to all sad events in Japan. I can’t imagine the nightmare that situation is for them. My heart goes out to those people.
In the CD player this past week…
Lena Horne
Fitz and The Tantrums
Antony and The Johnsons
Journey
Noir Desir
Motorhead
Janis Joplin
Raveonettes
George Thorogood
Marilyn Manson
The reading this week…
Steve Pugh’s Hotwire
Fucking amazing! The art is so good I’m jealous.
Michael Moorcock: Hawkmoon, The Jewel In The Skull
I’ve been on a kick for all the imagination this author has to offer for quite some time now. There have been a few recent re-publishing efforts on his work. I’m determined to read his entire cache of books. I’m thoroughly addicted and cannot recommend his work enough.
TV Watching– Justified, Pillars of the Earth, No Heroics, Glee, and Fringe
Saturday March 12th 2011, 12:33 pm
Well, its obvious to many that Batwoman’s release has been pushed back yet again. This was not our choice, and as to why, I’m not at liberty to really discuss. So the release may be farther away now, but be assured that work is still commencing. The upside to a later release means that gives us plenty of time to get a lot of issues done. Amy has turned in some variant cover work for the series and has shown us thumbnails for issue 6, looks really nice. So while I’m moving forward, she is too, we’ll have my arc done and hers well on it’s way to completion by the time this thing rolls out. The only real downside is that solicits were pulled on us twice, making readers heads spin, wish that didn’t happen, but it has, lets just make the best of it. I’m fast approaching the middle of issue 3′s interior art, Haden and I’ve started working on script for issue 8, the first 5 covers are done, and Dave has had issue 2 in his hands for his special magic touch.
Its a bit ironic that the release has been pushed back again considering that DC decided to show preview pages this same week. I too was going to be showing the cover to issue 3 in a couple weeks for when that issue was to be solicited, now that solicit isn’t happening at this time. But I’m going to show it anyway right now, to keep spirits up.
Here is the rough sketch done for editorial approval…
Here’s the black and white version. You can see quite few elements were added or altered based on the sketched rough above.
Now the colored version by me, using photoshop. At this stage I had planned on adding that zigzag design motif that is indicated in the rough sketch. But after seeing it this far along, it just seemed wiser to keep the design a little more simple. I’ve been feeling that way about most of the new covers for the series so far. I’m not sure if has to do with the psychology of them, being more on the horror side. But it just feels right to leave off some of the flourishes I tend to do, this time around.
And here is the logo. This was a bit tough to figure out properly because I didn’t want it to be intrusive, but it needed to stand out too, graphically. And there were some space limitations to contend with as well.
Tuesday February 22nd 2011, 10:33 pm
Just heard some very sad news, Dwayne McDuffie has passed away. He was always one of the best creators this industry had the luxury of claiming. His work is memorable not just for his forward thinking in terms of ethnic characters, but also for the coolness that always seem to come along for the ride with his stories. I had the fortunate but very brief time to have worked with him while Milestone was on the rise for DC Comics. It was Milestone that really seemed to be willing to give me some of my first shots at being a professional artist. My gratitude for that can never be forgotten, and neither will Dwayne’s offerings.
Read This.
Sunday February 13th 2011, 10:24 pm
Here is the basic run down of the second issue cover.
Original version done using Zig millennium pens, ink brush work, Copic greytones, Holbein gouache paints…
Then that was scanned into photoshop for digital color of the black and white portions. This was a purposeful choice because I wanted for the two sections of art to have drastically different looks. One style above the water line and another below. This helped add to the surreal unnerving quality of the image…
Then final text and logo placement…
Wednesday January 26th 2011, 8:57 pm
Here is the breakdown and process notes…
Rough sketch for editorial approval…
Black and white version, done with ink and copic greytones, and a little ink wash. Then some touch-ups with black color pencil and white color pencil.
Color version using photoshop. Since I wanted the ghostly image of the new Villain to be a part of the physical artwork I had to carefully separate that digitally before coloring the piece. I felt this was necessary to better mix the elements afterward using various fx. Also I made a compositional change by adding another fish skeleton, using one of the ones I had already drawn through selection and duplication tools. This really improved the compositional balance. I also made a slight digital change to the cape near Batwoman’s face. This was important to do because the color of the untouched version looked a little awkward. I also smoothed the textures on her skin so it would have a different feel than the wash tones elsewhere. I also added some green mist to enhance the ghostly otherworldly quality of the villain’s presence to finish it off.
Wednesday January 19th 2011, 10:06 pm
Okay, as some places on web have determined, Batwoman has been pushed back to April. I feel I should comment on this and get some facts straight. Some think that this book was to launch last July, this was never the case, this was speculation on the part of some. The book was also never to launch in November either. The zero issue which came out at that time was never in the original plans, but was done as a bit of a reminder as requested by DC, and to set the stage, this of course took out time of the work already in progress. February had been decided on the launch date by the company with reservations about that from me. I felt that was a bit too soon in a realistic look at work progression. One of the reasons for this was that I had been seriously committed to making appearances around the world over this past year. I think maybe 3 months or more of work loss occurred during that time. I kept trying to point this out whenever discussions about schedule came up. When first discussing the launch date earlier last year we had originally wanted April 2011, and now ironically that is what we have. Only after solicits stating otherwise, causing some unnecessary frustrations. Added to this mix I was being asked to do covers for Batman Inc., which I was concerned about considering the schedule for Batwoman, this quickly added to the problem of not being able to launch in February. So I thought it best to bow out of the Batman Inc. project. Even though there has been issues raised in the scheduling and plans being jumped the gun on, DC acknowledges for the greater good of the project we need more time. I’m glad that they saw this was a good idea, this will help maintain a certain standard that we’ve already set in place. The work has been very intense on this so far. Haden and I have put a lot of time and detail into the plot to make it as strong as we can, going well beyond the first 2 arcs. We know where we want to ultimately take this, we know what we’d like to see happening in 2 years for this character, and have thought a lot about it. Things we are doing in the plot now will impact and have meaning for what is to come later. Same goes for the art, I want this to be at least as good as what came before. So in the daily grind of work, in terms of writing, the process of the script creation gets in the way of drawing quite often. I’m just sorry that solicits took place when they clearly shouldn’t have. I hope this gives more clarity to what has been going on.
Okay now that I’ve said what needed to be said, onto some visuals. Below are my 5 only covers for Batman Inc., without any of the fuss of the logo and text treatments…
Next up will be Batwoman covers in detail, sometime next week.
Sunday January 02nd 2011, 8:49 pm
From me to all of you, wishing you a better 2011 than 2010.
Below are the Slipcase and Cover images to Absolute Promethea Volume 3. I hope you enjoy them. These were done close to a year ago and I’ve had to hold onto them for this long before revealing. But now that the final volume is available for pre-order at finer shops and book outlets everywhere, I figured it’s time to show them. The cover image was way too complicated to break down into steps for this one. The next post will feature some of that sort of thing for the Batman Incorporated covers I’ve been doing (issue 5 being my last). And then onto the new Batwoman covers. I had been meaning to post images sooner for the new projects but energy around the holidays tends to go in other directions.
Absolute Promethea Volume 3 Slipcase…
Absolute Promethea Volume 3 Cover…
Monday December 20th 2010, 1:09 pm
Wishing a Happy Holiday time to everyone.
I am so happy that DADT is finally gone. I have to say this was a perfectly timed thing to happen for our country, in terms of what time of year Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was repealed, a nice gift from our government. Its just sad that this policy ever occurred in the first place. It was grotesque and shameful that we ever went there. And terrible that it took nearly two decades for the folly to be properly dealt with. It made us seem less civilized than other industrialized nations on this matter. But with it’s repeal finally seeing reality, I feel a little more hopeful that our country can move forward into a better future. It shows us that progress is happening, I just wish it didn’t take so damn long.
Now to figure out what this may mean for Kate Kane, we’ll need to acknowledge this in some way, but properly in the plot, much like the policy’s enforcement affected the plot for Batwoman’s origin. Like it informed her past, setting her on the path she now has, this new progress will have to inform her direction at some point in a significant way.
Friday November 26th 2010, 4:53 pm
****UPDATE****
The event at Red Sky Comics for December 4th has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances from the store. Haden and I apologize for such short notice to anyone who may have made plans to stop by, or travel to the shop from out of town, to get copies of their comics signed. This was beyond our control. However, the signing appearance from us at BLUE MOON COMICS in Novato, CA is still on, as scheduled (see details below). We’ll both be there and will have lots of art from the new Batwoman series that starts next February for preview. So if anyone wants to come up to that event we’d love to see you there.
****************
BLUE MOON COMICS
1555 So. Novato Blvd.
Novato, CA 94947
12/11/2010
1:00PM – 4:00PM
***CANCELLED***RED SKY COMICS
617 West Main Street
Merced, CA 95340
12/04/2010
5:00PM – 8:00PM
***CANCELLED***
Tuesday November 23rd 2010, 11:01 pm
Now that I’m finally back from all of the jaunting around Europe, which was fantastic, here is some news.
A bit of round table discussion at CBR about the release this week of Batwoman: Zero with some preview material to go along with it. The issue was written by me and Haden Blackman, with art by me and Amy (who did a great job of deciphering our words of inspiration). Then we have color by the incomparable Dave Stewart. It’s a bit of a tricky and experimental book, where Amy and I share art space together on almost every page. The end results are pretty unique and I’m really happy with the overall affect. It serves as very nice bridge from what came before on the first run in Detective Comics by Greg Rucka and I, and a primer to what is to come in February for issue 1.
And last week saw the release of Batman Inc. #1, which some of you may have seen that I did the cover for. I’m pegged to do the covers on that series, along with my duties on Batwoman, until I feel like it’s too much. I’ve done the first 4 covers so far and will begin previewing those shortly.
Art on issue 1 of Batwoman has been done for some time now, and now that my travels have ceased, work has commenced on art for issue 2. The scripts are done up to issue 4, and for issue 6 (Amy’s first issue). The first 2 covers are done as well, previews to come this weekend. I’m feeling like the work is turning out well and hope that you all will find some enjoyment in our efforts.
Saturday October 30th 2010, 9:12 pm
Apparently I was up for an eagle award this year, and won!! For Best Artist in one of the art categories. The Eagle Awards have been a long traditional award set representing lots of material from overseas, but there is quite a bit of American crossover. I remember seeing these mentioned all of the time on covers to Judge Dredd and things like that when I was young. Very excited to have won. So thanks to whomever voted for me.
Saturday October 30th 2010, 12:45 pm
Beginning this next week I will be making several stops in Europe, so sort of a mini-european signing tour. Locations and times are…
ORBITAL COMICS November 6th 2010 3pm to 5pm
8 Great Newport Street
London WC2H 7JA
FORBIDDEN ZONE November 10th 4pm to 7pm
25, rue de Tamines
1060 Bruxelles (Brussels)
ASTRO CITY COMICS November 12th 3pm to 6pm
74, Rue Military Hospital
59000 Lille, France
LILLE COMICS FESTIVAL November 13th and 14th for the entire event
Lille, France
Monday October 11th 2010, 12:22 pm
Greg Rucka’s newest novel based on his creation, Queen and Country, arrives soon and I’ve done a bookplate piece for it to be made available in limited numbers through Greg’s website. Below is the image for this and a link to his site to find out more information on how to get the bookplate and a copy of The Last Run signed by mister Rucka.
info at Rucka
I had a really good time designing this. It’s a simple idea, but just right. I don’t usually get to do things like this too often. So when Greg asked if I would be interested, I of course said yes. I hope you enjoy it and find that it compliments the story in the novel well.
Thursday September 30th 2010, 12:14 am
…is out now. Here is the art to the slipcase, it’s a wrap-around for it.
Monday September 27th 2010, 4:22 pm
This was done a short time ago for Robot 6.
Sunday September 12th 2010, 12:46 am
Everybody should read this book. Its a real eye opener.
Tuesday September 07th 2010, 10:47 am
at Tales From The Parents Basement.