Greetings Faithful reader (... or as I call ya, Ma)
I did not post last week due to a promised day of entertainment for my loved one. Which Resulted in my weekend consisting of the following films.
The Incredible Hulk-
The RE-Quel Was spot on fantastic, better then Iron man... No, but then again characters don't allow for the same movie to be made in a way that you can compare. Beautiful Cameo by Robert Downey Jr, Stan Lee, Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Now did I like Ang Lee's hulk? Actually the character development was well done, I see what he was trying to do, and I see where he was forced to listen to an exec who has never watched, read or seen the hulk.
Sex and the City ( Yes I will admit to viewing this)
Without going into personal details every woman I have dated, seen, acknowledged or slept with, LOVES Carrie, Samantha and the other two. SO to say I have seen the show is not a lie. Am I a fan?.. some episodes were very well done, but overall given the choice between that and little people big world, the Roloffs win. The movie was a glorious sparkling glitter encrusted Dolce and Gabanna handbag made from the shattered dreams of many a single woman. In short it was a long ass episode but with some good laughs.
The Happening.
Before I begin, this is the film that was chosen instead of seeing again the hulk and iron man (both digitallly projected which is the only way to watch hollywood movies) so it should have been the saving grace of the weekend right? Sweet lord fuck no! M (as he shall be referred to as I don't care to copy and paste his name over and over again) is known for his twist endings, and as of late, lackluster twists at that. This happily had no twist, it did however have an incredibly suspenseful trailer and incredible deaths..... That's it. Some poor grad student @ ucla blew three different studio execs and had a far better script written, but lost out as the third exec blew into their mouth and "M" walked in the door and plopped this turd out. Now was it waterworld bad? Yea actually it was. Miscast, poorly paced, ridiculous "message" and just boring. Hitchcock would scrap open his grave, walk his zombie corpse to "M"s house and subsequently fuck him talented.
So go see the happening... and pray its empty and you brought someone to play cards with.
Moving on!
Podcasting.
This blog used to be an audio show, no seriously it's true. While I have put my cans away for now (I assure you an angry rant will most likely make my year in review piece) I still maintain my friendship with several podcasters. Neil Gorman of comicology fame, and one of the founding members of the justice league of podcasts, Mr Peter Rios.
The geeks over at comicgeekspeak.com (free plug, next one costs ya) are the most entertaining bunch of cats I have had the pleasure of working with. I have appeared on the show a few times, but they are also great to offer advice and just general shoot the shit kinda guys. They have a great magazine now, one that should scare the shit out of wizard and parts of the internet. Comics Now is the best magazine for interested comic fans and those looking to get into the world of comics.
So our guest this week and good friend of yours truly.
Ladies and Gentlemen one of the Geeks of www.comicgeekspeak.com (your tab starts now sucka's)
Peter Rios
----------------
Now playing: Coheed & Cambria - Ten Speed (Of God's Blood & Burial)
via FoxyTunes
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
After Philly and Comments only a a mother could love.
Greetings
Its the weekend prior to wizard world philly. I survived on my classic barebones weekend, and am here with a quickie review.
First what went well.
Decent vendor selection
Nice location (the other side of the convention center)
Good start times.
What was .. Meh.
Guest list had some highlights but it seemed like a clip show before a big episode.
Volunteers. This can make or break an experience, this years group kept me on the fence. They hit the spectrum from great and friendly and helpful to border line confused and behaving as though they were possibly hired to be background performers. They however do not trump the ultimate experience killer.
The Bad
NO PRESS ROOM. Now I understand Wizard is (in their own eyes) "The only game in town". The problem with this is that they are now more like the people magazine or vanity fair of the industry. So when your online news source shows up it might be a good idea not to have your own reporters running the press badges. Open your eyes wizard.
Artist Alley and Dealer disappointment.
This stems from both the cost of tables and the subsequent guest lists. Great! Katee Sackhoff will be there .... on Sunday only... and she has little to do with comics all together (not to detract from her awesomeness though). Dealers suffer from fans who (rightly budget) to see the big draw or get that one piece by an artist. Indie artists or those who do not work for a steady paycheck suffer as well.
Friendly advice!
People, do not piss off dealers or artist alley, they may not be the huge name, however they have their own fan base.
Moving on
The Summer Movie season is in full swing and I bared witness to the newest installment of the Indiana Jones series and I must say. I had a lot of fun. I didn't go to the moment when I first saw Raiders and my eyes lit up and I was whisked away on an adventure. I knew better then to do that and to expect that. So all and all its about a 7/10.
While the summer is known for its movies... TV has one glimmer of hope. The Venture Brothers. Season 3 began last Sunday and lord almighty it is the best written animated... no. The best written TV show during the summer (please note I have yet to the see the wire though I hear its incredible).
Promo time!
www.hiddenrobot.com Now featuring the dailies of Powers, Mice Templar and many many more.
Now to this weeks guest.
This fine sir is responsible for the comics NYC Mech and 24/7. And he was just recently announced as the writer for the Marvels myspace weekly secret invasion tiein and is writing a story in marvel comics at present. I first met him many moons ago and have the good fortune of running in to him quite often while I tour. Stop by his table which he often shares with friend and amazing art partner Andy Macdonald (an untapped talent) Ladies (sorry he's taken) and Gentlemen (sorry he's taken) Mr. Ivan Brandon.
Its the weekend prior to wizard world philly. I survived on my classic barebones weekend, and am here with a quickie review.
First what went well.
Decent vendor selection
Nice location (the other side of the convention center)
Good start times.
What was .. Meh.
Guest list had some highlights but it seemed like a clip show before a big episode.
Volunteers. This can make or break an experience, this years group kept me on the fence. They hit the spectrum from great and friendly and helpful to border line confused and behaving as though they were possibly hired to be background performers. They however do not trump the ultimate experience killer.
The Bad
NO PRESS ROOM. Now I understand Wizard is (in their own eyes) "The only game in town". The problem with this is that they are now more like the people magazine or vanity fair of the industry. So when your online news source shows up it might be a good idea not to have your own reporters running the press badges. Open your eyes wizard.
Artist Alley and Dealer disappointment.
This stems from both the cost of tables and the subsequent guest lists. Great! Katee Sackhoff will be there .... on Sunday only... and she has little to do with comics all together (not to detract from her awesomeness though). Dealers suffer from fans who (rightly budget) to see the big draw or get that one piece by an artist. Indie artists or those who do not work for a steady paycheck suffer as well.
Friendly advice!
People, do not piss off dealers or artist alley, they may not be the huge name, however they have their own fan base.
Moving on
The Summer Movie season is in full swing and I bared witness to the newest installment of the Indiana Jones series and I must say. I had a lot of fun. I didn't go to the moment when I first saw Raiders and my eyes lit up and I was whisked away on an adventure. I knew better then to do that and to expect that. So all and all its about a 7/10.
While the summer is known for its movies... TV has one glimmer of hope. The Venture Brothers. Season 3 began last Sunday and lord almighty it is the best written animated... no. The best written TV show during the summer (please note I have yet to the see the wire though I hear its incredible).
Promo time!
www.hiddenrobot.com Now featuring the dailies of Powers, Mice Templar and many many more.
Now to this weeks guest.
This fine sir is responsible for the comics NYC Mech and 24/7. And he was just recently announced as the writer for the Marvels myspace weekly secret invasion tiein and is writing a story in marvel comics at present. I first met him many moons ago and have the good fortune of running in to him quite often while I tour. Stop by his table which he often shares with friend and amazing art partner Andy Macdonald (an untapped talent) Ladies (sorry he's taken) and Gentlemen (sorry he's taken) Mr. Ivan Brandon.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Memorial Day not to Canadians
A Happy memorial day to my neighbours to the South. On this fine sunday I am off to see The man who quest for a crystal skull. Perhaps see another film. More to come next weekend as I report from Flithy philly.
Upcoming updates....
Con goers survival guide?
Sketchbook do's and don'ts
Interviews at random places or more walk and talks.
Thoughts ?
Till next weekend.
Upcoming updates....
Con goers survival guide?
Sketchbook do's and don'ts
Interviews at random places or more walk and talks.
Thoughts ?
Till next weekend.
Derec Donovan
Video of my buddy Derec.
The man making Youngblood actually readable and look cool. Keep up the good work Derec.
Another post tomorrow.
The man making Youngblood actually readable and look cool. Keep up the good work Derec.
Another post tomorrow.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Cliff Chiang and the incredible exploding cycle.
It was a great pleasure to meet Cliff and I look forward to more of his work.
Ladies and gentlemen
Cliff Chiang
Ladies and gentlemen
Cliff Chiang
Friday, May 2, 2008
Darwyn Cooke and the new frontier
Greetings one and all
I apologize for the delay in posts, but I saw Iron man and the new Batman trailer. I took part in the dark knight viral marketing experience and shall post about it this weekend.
I discovered my next guest's work on a lark. My friends at the shop recommended me two trades that they said I must own. It was the two part New Frontier. The book is a fantastic take on the origins of the justice league and one of my favorite heroes the Green Lantern.
The dvd recently came out and it has done an excellent job of taking the foundations of the story and applying them to make it older kid friendly.
As mentioned in an earlier piece my ebay and cgc pieces are to follow. I didn't have a chance to ask my next guest his views on these matters, however in those pieces I shall share some tales from the con floor.
This is one of the guests my other half, Kiara, was very excited to meet. Without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Darwyn Cooke:
I apologize for the delay in posts, but I saw Iron man and the new Batman trailer. I took part in the dark knight viral marketing experience and shall post about it this weekend.
I discovered my next guest's work on a lark. My friends at the shop recommended me two trades that they said I must own. It was the two part New Frontier. The book is a fantastic take on the origins of the justice league and one of my favorite heroes the Green Lantern.
The dvd recently came out and it has done an excellent job of taking the foundations of the story and applying them to make it older kid friendly.
As mentioned in an earlier piece my ebay and cgc pieces are to follow. I didn't have a chance to ask my next guest his views on these matters, however in those pieces I shall share some tales from the con floor.
This is one of the guests my other half, Kiara, was very excited to meet. Without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Darwyn Cooke:
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Bryan Hitch
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
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
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