I first met Bryan Hitch at Heroes Con 06. He was just wrapping up Ultimates and had no idea what the next project would be. I spent about a half hour with him as he signed thousands of books for people who had submitted them to CGC (my views on CGC will be expressed in a later article). It was a rare opportunity as he does very few cons in North America.
I was doing my Youtube interviews at this point but it entirely slipped my mind as I was stunned that the man who was responsible for redesigning the inside of the TARDIS ( which I only recently was told) was chatting to me about technique and how he was influenced by outside media.
When I saw he was a special guest at this years New York Comic Con I thought he would be placed behind a glass booth where you slide your book underneath and he would sign it. I was thankfully very mistaken and he was situated in artist alley. He was amongst the people. He was also Sketching.
Understand something- when going to cons, hot artists do not sketch all the time. Many reasons for this but certain artists you almost expect to never sketch in public. LET ALONE FREE.
Thats right: Bryan Hitch was Sketching For FREE.
For those of you new to the convention experience and are bewildered as to why this is an epic thing allow me to explain.
In Europe, artists sketch for free. No matter who you are, it is a cultural thing that you are looked after and the fans are rewarded.
In North America: (artists pay for tables, hotels, meals. this is their job)
Artist just trying to get a paying job- Sketches for free and quality varies ( this guy is perfecting his craft and while nice to receive, sometimes you may find a diamond in the rough).
Artist with his own book (independant) - Will charge cheaper rates as he wants you to buy his book and realizes other people will see your sketch book and if he's lucky may swing a gig out of it.
Artist working for the big indies- Charging a little more as they often are on their way up or are trying to pay for the con and make deals to land a big book.
Artist from the big two- rates can be higher ( between 60-100 for a sketch of varying size) Here's where you should be careful as some independent guys get big heads and charge for what they think is nice work, but does not hold a flame to caliber work.
ICON Artists -These are your hot artists on uber popular books. This also includes your ultra artists from the nineties. They more then likely are 100 dollar minimums or sketch for charity's like HERO. Charity sketches are more fulfilling in my eyes, and I don't mind loosing out on one because I know either way the money is going to an excellent cause.
You'll notice I have not named names in prices. This is out of respect because artists can need to alter their pricing depending on their needs at the time.
The point is when you hear my guests name you think and you know Icon. Now there are some rare exceptions, a future guest was a notorious free sketcher. That is until he saw a piece he did, for what he thought was a friend, available on the artists enemy.... EBAY.
I shall continue the discussion on Ebay and its effects on the industry later, until then...
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bryan Hitch
Boss Hogg
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ivan Reis
Green Lanterns Strike Again!
After Rebirth sunk it's teeth in I was now buying this book weekly. Truth be told I did not need another title on my list but I made an exception to balance out the books I was already buying (whatever works to rationalize it..).
I am a fan of both Marvel and DC and while both companies can do summer blockbusters well, they can also put out a corky romano or taxi (the jimmy fallon one). With that said and a yet to be named Marvel title faltering in quality, green lantern replaced it.
Now I know what you're thinking, the books didn't even launch together, point is it was a trade for the title. I was now happy seeing Ethan's art and Geoff's words flow together like ambrosia into my eyes. But like all good things that go in your eye (or so I am told), I was left with a reddening when I read online that my artist of choice would leave the book.
Shocked, I nearly attempted to burn the internet, but rather than waste the zippo fuel and also attempt to replace my mac, I decided to see who would replace him: Simone Bianchi and Carlos Pacheco, both fine artists with unique takes on the material.
Then along came this man Ivan Reis. He took this book higher and higher with each issue and had you begging for more. something about his art just kept you wanting more.
Now as you saw in the last video Ivan is set to draw Blackest night (as of time of posting and is subject to change) It would actually be great if DC put a few more eggs in the Blackest night basket.
With out further adieu, Mr Ivan Reis.
After Rebirth sunk it's teeth in I was now buying this book weekly. Truth be told I did not need another title on my list but I made an exception to balance out the books I was already buying (whatever works to rationalize it..).
I am a fan of both Marvel and DC and while both companies can do summer blockbusters well, they can also put out a corky romano or taxi (the jimmy fallon one). With that said and a yet to be named Marvel title faltering in quality, green lantern replaced it.
Now I know what you're thinking, the books didn't even launch together, point is it was a trade for the title. I was now happy seeing Ethan's art and Geoff's words flow together like ambrosia into my eyes. But like all good things that go in your eye (or so I am told), I was left with a reddening when I read online that my artist of choice would leave the book.
Shocked, I nearly attempted to burn the internet, but rather than waste the zippo fuel and also attempt to replace my mac, I decided to see who would replace him: Simone Bianchi and Carlos Pacheco, both fine artists with unique takes on the material.
Then along came this man Ivan Reis. He took this book higher and higher with each issue and had you begging for more. something about his art just kept you wanting more.
Now as you saw in the last video Ivan is set to draw Blackest night (as of time of posting and is subject to change) It would actually be great if DC put a few more eggs in the Blackest night basket.
With out further adieu, Mr Ivan Reis.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
LeviEthan Van Sciver
For those of you not fortunate enough to read the best damn thing DC put out since New Frontier, I offer you this opportunity to do so. It is collected in a fine hardcover and will be released in three volumes. What is this book?
The MUTHA FUCKIN* SINESTRO CORPS WAR!
(*mutha fuckin is not actually in the title)
First off a lot of people have asked me "Green Lantern? who's that?" Sadly with very little main stream media to point to I was left with two options, the army member from the justice league cartoon ... sigh, or I merely referred them to the early 90's tv movie in which I then quickly remove my own pubic hairs with a set of tweezers to make sure I am still alive.
One book in particular got me back into comics years ago, just one simple economically priced (especially if you shop used book stores ) hardcover: Green Lantern Rebirth.
The story explained why the most powerful weapon in the universe could be defeated by a can of trimclad paint. It also did not wash away the 90's iterations of characters but actually made them into characters of depth and value.
Now some of you readers will be from an age before my time when writers touched you in special ways. Those writers were bad men or unless you were compensated are now government officials. The comic book writers did excellent things with these characters, however after a certain time frame they were made into jokes and comic follies.
Enter Geoff Johns, the man who made me care... actually care about a character named the trickster, and gave me a reason to fear a rogues gallery of lets be honest, damn near laughable rogues.
Thankfully when Geoff decided to do Green Lantern he took this artist with him.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting one of DC Comics all stars. Ethan gives us some insight into his upcoming projects and thoughts on the internet as well.
Enjoy.
The MUTHA FUCKIN* SINESTRO CORPS WAR!
(*mutha fuckin is not actually in the title)
First off a lot of people have asked me "Green Lantern? who's that?" Sadly with very little main stream media to point to I was left with two options, the army member from the justice league cartoon ... sigh, or I merely referred them to the early 90's tv movie in which I then quickly remove my own pubic hairs with a set of tweezers to make sure I am still alive.
One book in particular got me back into comics years ago, just one simple economically priced (especially if you shop used book stores ) hardcover: Green Lantern Rebirth.
The story explained why the most powerful weapon in the universe could be defeated by a can of trimclad paint. It also did not wash away the 90's iterations of characters but actually made them into characters of depth and value.
Now some of you readers will be from an age before my time when writers touched you in special ways. Those writers were bad men or unless you were compensated are now government officials. The comic book writers did excellent things with these characters, however after a certain time frame they were made into jokes and comic follies.
Enter Geoff Johns, the man who made me care... actually care about a character named the trickster, and gave me a reason to fear a rogues gallery of lets be honest, damn near laughable rogues.
Thankfully when Geoff decided to do Green Lantern he took this artist with him.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting one of DC Comics all stars. Ethan gives us some insight into his upcoming projects and thoughts on the internet as well.
Enjoy.
Welcome
Hello and Welcome to HoggTied.
This is your one stop for a different look into the world of comics and it's creators.
I of course will be guiding you on this journey... well you'll be seeing it through my eyes how about that?
This is a place for you to discover new art, find your favorite creators and voice your opinions to the world.
So Welcome and I hope you enjoy.
Boss Hogg
This is your one stop for a different look into the world of comics and it's creators.
I of course will be guiding you on this journey... well you'll be seeing it through my eyes how about that?
This is a place for you to discover new art, find your favorite creators and voice your opinions to the world.
So Welcome and I hope you enjoy.
Boss Hogg
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