Comix 365 Comics 365

José Villarrubia perspective on comic book colouring

2020-05-30T14:30:00.002-04:00

José Villarrubia, from his wikipedia entry

Mid 2000s, Paul Pope's Batman Year 100 popped into my life. And in turn, so did José Villarrubia work. José is a fantastic colourist and whenever I see a comic with his name attached I pay attention. José has the rare and under-appreciated ability to take a black and white drawing, apply a mixture of colours that enhance, compliment, and ultimately understand the emotion behind the piece.

Batman Year 100 by Paul Pope and coloured by José Villarrubia.
(Photo taken by my mobile phone on a overcast day).

Adam Strange issue 5 (Wednesday Comics) by Paul Pope and coloured by José Villarrubia

Recently, due to the work-home orders affecting my home town, I have been diving back into my comic collection and watching the plethora of YouTube videos on comics. A video by Comic Tropes references José Villarrubia work and this in turn focused my attention on his Facebook page (From a colorist's perspective) where José posts the art of coloring and how modern reprints are destroying original comics artistic appeal and intention. (Images from José Villarrubia Facebook page - go visit!)

I've written on comic colouring before, (but I don't remember exactly when, given I last really wrote for this blog 10 years ago!), about how I detested the modern comic reprints of Red Sonja. I dislike the addition of new shading to create a 3d rendered drawing, the eye sore popping of too bright colours, and just...well it's hard to put the full feeling into words. Luckily I hunted down the original prints of Red Sonja by Frank Thorne.

Reprint on left, with digital shading added, day glow colours added.
On the right, original printing of Red Sonja #10, printed 1978
(photo taken by my mobile phone on a overcast day).

José Villarrubia post many Conan images and points out the failings of modern colouring, the erasure of women artists work, and how to properly re-colour a comic book. Can I say it enough, check his Facebook page (sign-in first)!

I love this re-coloured image by José Villarrubia, showcasing his talent on how to properly colour an old issue for re-printing. Wicked!

On left is the original colouring. On the right is José Villarrubia's re-colouring.

And lastly I love this image of Batman on the bat-bike. Kick ass!

Batman Year 100, issue #3, by Paul Pope and coloured by José Villarrubia.
(Photo taken by my mobile phone on a overcast day).

Shredder on Tinder? Would you swipe right?

2020-05-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

Shredder is a total chad, no?

Guest contributor: We Heart Ninjas

WeHeartNinjas offers clothing print designs, accessories, stickers, and more.

Makes great gifts for kids and adults who love ninjas (and not always Teenage mutant ninja turtles, no offense!).

Visit the We Heart Ninjas Redbubble store or the TeePublic store.

Black and White Sunday: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2020-05-24T12:40:00.001-04:00

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is hitting Canadian Netflix next week. Cowabunga!

I remember when the cartoon hit the airwaves, I was disappointed with the turtles wearing different coloured headbands (eye-bands?) and I also didn't like the Michelangelo lacking his nun-chucks. My disappointment was later alleviated with the release of the first movie where Mikey's nun-chucks were back.

Below are some wicked black and white drawings from the issue #1 way back in 1984 and late 80's. Because the images were black and white, you had to rely on the dialogue and weapons to figure out who was who.

(Unless noted, all art by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird).

Remember this scene? In issue #4, Splinter is caputured by Baxter Stockman's mouser robots. Raph is distraught! This scene was adapted to the big screen when Splinter is captured by the Foot Clan.

via GIPHY

Remains of the Shredder (first death, issue #1, 1984)

By Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

Just some cool action shots!

Swagger!

Issue 21 (1989), the second time Oroku Saki (The Shredder) died. Great issue!

Art by Kevin Eastman and Jim Lawson

Issue 32, a fun one by Mark Bode, inked by Kevin Eastman and Eric Talbot

Back to issue 1, the alpha and omega turtles!

Guest contributor: We Heart Ninjas

WeHeartNinjas offers clothing print designs, accessories, stickers, and more.

Makes great gifts for kids and adults who love ninjas (and not always Teenage mutant ninja turtles, no offense!).

Visit the We Heart Ninjas Redbubble store or the TeePublic store.

Bruce Lee's Self Defense Techniques

2012-07-31T10:52:00.000-04:00

** Note: another article transplanted to here, even though it's not comic related, I liked it and wanted to post it somewhere. **

I was digging through my bookshelf yesterday and came across Bruce Lee's Fighting Method: Self-Defense Techniques. It was printed posthumously around 1976, but the photos date to 1966. It has a variety of techniques to help defend oneself. I've taken the liberty of scanning a few that highlight the destructive nature of Bruce Lee's Self Defense.

Defense from a Bear Hug

Punch the groin

Defense from headlock

Punch the groin

Defense from Front Punch

Kick the groin

Defense from Front Kick

Kick. The. Groin.

Defense from Weapon Attack

Toe. To. The. Groin.

Defense From Sitting Position

Having a cup of tea - Bam! Punch to the groin!

Defense from Front Grab

To the groin!

Defense from Multiple Attackers

Groin!

Defense from Multiple Attackers Alternative

Devastating

Moral of the Story: Don't ever mess with Bruce Lee or any of his disciples. Ever.

Darwyn Cooke pre Parker and Watchmen

2012-07-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

Darwyn Cooke wasn't one of my favorite artists until I stumbled upon his Eisner award winning one shot 'Batman/Spirit'. His artwork is both retro and contemporary. He draws with bold lines and is able to create great atmospheric scenes. He is also draws Wonder Woman taller than Superman.

On the DVD 'The New Frontier' Cooke mentions that this depiction of Wonder Woman has earned him both praise and scorn. I think it's funny, and really, she is an Amazonian Princess after all! Anyway, once again enough chatter - onward artward!

New Frontier

Catwoman Pin Up from Solo: Darwyn Cooke

Wonder Woman, back cover New Frontier

Batman, from Batman/Spirit

Wolverine and Doop vs pink lady!

Spider-Man versus The Vulture

Establishing shot from interior of Selina's Big Score

Free Comic Book Day cover

Batman vs Superman from New Frontier

Solo Interior art

Batman vs. The Hulk

2012-07-25T09:34:00.000-04:00

I have some neat books (at least in my opinion), so I thought I would take a moment to share them with any readers that stumble upon my blog.

Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk - a paperback comic

By Lein Wein, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, and Dick Giordana Published: 1981

Pixar borrows from Mad Magazine

2012-07-23T09:30:00.004-04:00

** This is an old post from a blog I am shutting down. Funny enough, my last blog I only had one comment, and it was for this post. I was told I was full of sh#t, and that Wall-E is the best movie ever and not rip off of anything. Rip off no, but a borrowed idea is still a borrowed idea **

I love Pixar flicks.

The folks at Pixar know how to entertain fo' sho. But not all the ideas they develop are original. Take for example the recently released Wall-E. A movie set in the future where machines run everything. Due to the machine operated world, humanity has grown gelatinous, lazy, and confined to a chair. A great idea and a logical conclusion - but not original.

Mad Magazine published this very idea over 50 years ago! In 'Tales Calculated to Drive You MAD #1' OCT-NOV 1952, in the story titled "Blobs" humanity is pictured exactly as present day Wall-E creators picture humanity. See the following image:

So as you can plainly see, Mad Magazine is truly ahead of its time.

More Comix 365 articles:

Legends of the Dark Knight

Girl Comics 2

Good Girl Art: Young X-Men no. 2 by Terry and Rachel Dodson

2012-07-02T07:25:00.002-04:00

That title sounds so wrong.

According to wikipedia "good girl art" is:

"...found in drawings or paintings which feature a strong emphasis on attractive women no matter what the subject or situation."

Whereas Young X-Men was a secondary storyline to the X-Men "Divided We Stand" story.

However, my interest really lies with Terry and Rachel Dodson's artwork!

I was first introduced to Terry and Rachel's work when I stumbled upon DC's Harley Quinn in 2001. There was something special about the comic. Well written, great characters, fun stories, and the clincher - Harley herself. No longer a whimsical cartoon depiction from Batman The Animated Series, Harley took on a whole new level of reality. Terry and Rachel drew Harley with the form of a fully realized person (albeit an 'idealistic' person). But here was a Harley who was athletic, emotional, capable, and ultimately, sexy.

And right there is the truth to why the Dodson's artwork is so appealing. The women the Dodson's draw are not weak, docile characters whose only strength is their exterior. The women they draw are fully realized both internally and externally and in essence are not just attractive women, but attractive characters.

Over the years I've kept an eye out for Dodson's work, be it their run on Spider-Man or their current work on X-men, but a few years ago I realized that I had seen their work from way back in my past. Digging through my comics I came across my old copies of Mantra. Judging from the cover art I knew why I purchased these comics as a 13 year old boy and looking at them now as an adult I appreciate them for much more than a prepubescent thrill they were then, but now a realization that even at 13 I had great taste in good girl art.

Young X-Men #2 written by Marc Guggenheim, penciled by Yanick Paquette, inked by Ray Snyder, colored by Rob Schwager, lettered by Dave Sharpe. Marvel July 2008.

Terry and Rachel Dodson Gallery

TCAF and I'm looking for work...

2012-05-09T22:13:00.003-04:00

Art by Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba

Three years ago I returned to school to chase my dreams - I wanted to be an artist and animator. As of April 2012 I have finished my studies and am halfway to achieving those dreams. The crap part of chasing those dreams though is having to deal with the possibility of not achieving those dreams - ie. finding a job I love. So the pros and cons for looking for work:

Pro: can now devote some time to this neglected blog o'mine.

Con: looking for work with the rest of my time.

Ah well...let's get to it: some comics!

Went to TCAF 2012 on Sunday. Met Tom Neely - who was gracious enough to sign his wonderful pin-up for King Conan #4 (Dark Horse). Also picked up Doppelganger from him, which is his Popeye existential comic. I feel like Good Guy Greg! Even though I have a digital copy of Doppelganger at my fingertips, I still bought the comic! +1 for Good Guy Goodness! (I've also recently gotten hooked on reddit). Enjoy Tom Neely's fantastic art! (He also has the original for sale - check out the uncensored version! Tom rules!)

Necrosha The Gathering

2012-04-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Writer: Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost
Artists: Ibraim Roberson, SotoColor's L. Molinar, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Leonardo Manco, SotoColor's C. Fidler, Kalman Andrasofszky, Cam Smith, SotoColor's J. Roberts, Mateus Santolouco
Pub: Marvel
Pub Date: Feb 2010

Only bought this because of Walta's art. He's got a great style. Not to knock the other artists of course, they're a bonus.

Uptight No. 3

2012-04-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

Jordan Crane
Fantagraphics
2009

First tale is depressing. Second tale is pretty neat. Cover is great.

Cover of the Week: Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #2

2012-04-20T23:24:00.003-04:00

Cover Artist: Rafael Grampa

Check some of Grampa's preliminary work over at Vertigo!

Cover of the Week!

2012-03-05T21:44:00.001-05:00

Cover Artist: Yanick Paquette

Check out his line work on this issue! Fantastic!

The Toronto Comics Arts Festival 2011

2011-05-29T18:25:00.016-04:00

On May 7 me and my lady went to TCAF. Great event. Went to two panels: The first had Paul Pope, Sam Hiti and Brandon Graham discussing their ideas on story creation, fav artists, and independent work vs studio work. The second one we attended starred Darwyn Cooke, Ray Fawkes, Kathyrn Immonen, Stuart Immonen, and Jillian Tamaki. The topic was regarding their ideas on a Canadian voice in mainstream comics. As ever, the panel was fun due to the fact of Darwyn just being Darwyn.

Overall I loved TCAF. My personal highlight was meeting James O'Barr. He signed my Crow comic, which is awesome, but more importantly, we caught him outside the event, and we got a chance to shoot the shit with him. I couldn't help but smile when he started playfully razing Paul Pope. I didn't know it, but I guess when Pope started out in the biz, he went and saw James and Dave Sim to show off his work and get advice. Pope draws on these huge art boards, and James joked that Paul should start drawing on 11 by 17's instead of bed sheets. It was neat to hear one of my favourite creators jokingly pick on another of my favourite comic creators.

Also slightly offended Chester Brown. That was amusing. He asked me why I didn't want to buy his new book, so I told him I'm not attuned to autobio comics. The real reason is I didn't want to buy his new book because I was tapped. I eventually told him that, but the sting was there. Also I laughed when I read his new books title aloud, "Confessions of Being a John". I just thought it was a funny title.

Here's some photos of TCAF.

Saga of the Swamp Thing # 21

2011-03-30T21:05:00.005-04:00

Writer: Alan Moore

Artists: Stephen Bissette, John Totleben, Tatjana Wood

Publisher: DC

Published: February 1984

The last few years I've been guilty of buying comics based on art alone. Story was always important, but art became even more important. Often the artwork or cover art will dictate if I buy a comic. If the story's good, then that's just a bonus.

After reading a recent 5 issue mini series, which I bought based on the cover art, I was forcibly reminded of how important, nay, vital, story is. Directly after finishing reading the last issue of this mini series, I picked up my Vol 1. Saga of the Swamp Thing and broke into the first issue of this collection. Reading it was like a fresh rain during a drought.

The art is fantastic, and I love it, but in one small paragraph, Alan Moore reminded me of how great prose can be. Below is an excerpt:

(Setup - Swamp Thing origin: Alec Holland is working on a top secret bio-plant formula. The experiment is sabotaged, with Holland and his wife killed during an explosion. Alec flings himself into the swamp, covered in his formula. This transforms Alec into the Swamp Thing. He then tries to restore his humanity. Swamp Thing is later killed, frozen, and in the possession of the Sunderland Corp. The excerpt is regarding Swamp Things rebirth and anger at the person who has held him captive.)

The old man shouldn't be in any real danger at all...

...as long as the creature hasn't read my notes.

But if he has read my notes...

You see, throughout his miserable existence, the only thing that could have kept him sane was the hope that he might one day regain his humanity...the knowledge that under all the slime he was still Alec Holland. But if he's read my notes he'll know that just isn't true. He isn't Alec Holland. He never will be Alec Holland. He never was Alec Holland.

He's just a ghost. A ghost dressed in weeds. I wonder how he'll take it? And I wonder how the old man will take it...when the doors won't open?

He'll pound. He'll hammer. He'll wheeze and he'll scream and he will not be able to comprehend how this could be happening to him...the old reptile.

And will there be blood? I don't know. I don't know if there will be blood. It isn't important. It won't spoil things if there is no blood. The blood doesn't matter. Just the dying.

The dying's all that matters.

Afrodisiac

2011-03-13T17:41:00.004-04:00

"By day he cleans up your office - at night he cleans up your streets: introducing Alan Deasler, a.k.a. The Afrodisiac! A mysterious smooth dark chocolate brother, bitch."

Get this. Now.

Jim Rugg Brian Maruca Adhouse Books 2010

Batman # 852 to 854 - Dark Knight Dark City

2010-11-03T20:19:00.007-04:00

Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist/Inks: Kieron Dwyer/Dennis Janke
Publisher: DC
Published: 1990
Cover: Mike Mignola

Batman's back. Back again.

Grant Morrison has finally returned us Bruce Wayne from the hands of time. In the process he has reinvented the Bat Origin Mythos, inspired/based on the 3 issue Batman story Dark City. I'm not going to get into too much detail on this connection as other blogs will do a much better job than me. However a quick recap is necessary to help understand the opening pages of Batman and Robin #16. In Dark City a bunch of cultists have prepared a woman for sacrifice in a hidden basement of a barn. This ritual is to summon the demon Barbathos...but the cultists chicken out, bolt and seal the trap door to the ritual room, leaving the woman to perish.

During the final issue of the Dark City mini series, Batman has been manipulated into returning to that same room where he frees the ghost of the woman. Take a look at the below image...take a good long look at this climatic moment of the Dark City run that Grant Morrison has used to usher in the New Batman of the 21st century...

Pretty good right...good guys win...but wait...why, in the last panel, is Batman not wearing any pants?! I can picture it now:

Batman: "So before I rescue you from this burning inferno, I'm gonna need to slip into something comfortable." Zip "Goodbye pants - hello freedom!"

And there you have it...the story that set the stage to re-define our beloved Batman; our beloved Pants-less Batman.

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Bob and Harv's American Splendor

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Fan Expo 2010 - Hellblazer # 250

2010-09-12T08:00:00.004-04:00

Writers: Brian Azzarello, Jamie Delano, Dave Gibbons, China Mieville, Peter Milligan
Artists: Rafael Grampa, David Lloyd, Sean Phillips, Giuseppe Gamuncoli, Stefano Landini, Edie Campbell
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: February 2009

This should be my final entry on the Fan Expo...I think so at any rate...

Before the discussion with Darwyn Cooke, another popular crime writer hosted a talk: Brian Azzarello. I enjoyed the discussion. I've only read a few works of his, namely, The Joker, Broken City, a few other stand alone stories, and this issue. Overall I wouldn't call myself a dedicated fan...it's nothing personal...his writing overall just doesn't connect with me...however his work ethic is admirable and he comes across as a nice and opinionated guy.

From what I gathered in the discussion, he's a hard working chap who enjoys writing down-and-dirty crime stories. Some things of note during his talk were his dislike of continuity comics, his dislike of the Joker becoming a popular anti-hero, and his approach to making sure his stories have an invisible plot. In regards to his Joker statement, I'm glad I went to the discussion, considering after I first read his and Bermjo's take on the Joker I was left confused, dissatisfied, and unable to appreciate it.

Which was a subtle goal of theirs.

Azzarello and Bermjo don't like that the Joker is becoming so popular and well-liked that he's almost becoming an anti-hero. The Joker is not being recognized as the psychopath, schitzo killer that he is and thus as a character he's losing credibility. Knowing this was their intention, I now realize that my initial distaste after reading The Joker was not because of a poorly conceived book, but because unconsciously I wanted to root for the Joker, when in actuality, the Joker is the last person you want to root for.

Anyway, enough on Brian and Bermjo...I'm sure they're doing alright for attention!

I picked up Hellblazer #250 because of R. Grampa. He's the shit. His art is graphically insane! Over the next year or so I can guarantee that in the world of comics, it's going to be Grampa, Grampa, Grampa!

In Grampa and Azzarellos tale, John Constantine has been hired to remove a decades old curse. All he needs are some dedicated fans and a goat. Let the magic begin!

The rest of the comic has a variety of solid tales that are pretty awesome - but don't take my word for it! Go get it because once Grampa really hits it, his back log is going to be super hot shit!

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Fan Expo 2010 - The Bomb

2010-09-07T08:00:00.004-04:00

Writer/Artist: Steve Mannion
Publisher: Asylum Press
Published: August 2008

One of the comic book creators I was most excited to see at the Fan Expo was Steve Mannion. A few months back I picked up The Bomb on a whim. When I saw Steve I mentioned this,... well I said this: "I had never heard of The Bomb, but based off the cover I picked it up, and well, it's the bomb!"

This statement could have gone two ways with him: awkward silence or laugh. I got a laugh. Nice. I knew right then this guy's alright. We talked for a few minutes. He struck me as a goofy guy who easily breaks a grin. These qualities definitely come through his work. I asked if he plans on continuing his Fearless Dawn run, upon which he responded yes, and flipped to a drawing of Helga and her Nazi buddy on the moon!

The Bomb is a collection of great looking goofy stories ranging from a Jungle girl and a dinosaur, to a juiced up pirate, to nazi shenanigans, to zombie robots. It has a swimsuit edition that is nice play on Archie Comics. Anyway, I can't express how much I like this collection of comics. There just good ol' fun comics...

As an final note, at the Expo, his sketchbook was the best purchase of the day. As far as sketchbooks go, for $10 you won't find a better deal. I have a feeling he'll be realizing this and the price will go up...but good for him!

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Fan Expo 2010 - Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne # 3

2010-09-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Ink/Color: Michel Lacombe/ Nathan Fairbairn
Publisher: DC
Published: August 2010

Part 3 of The Return of Bruce Wayne has Batman visiting ye ol' pirate days.

What stands out in this particular issue is Yanick's stellar artwork. The guy's a pro! I also had the chance to meet him while at the Fan Expo. Of all the artists/writers I met, he was certainly the most lively and open with his thoughts. Yanick hails from Quebec, and when I arrived he was knee deep in a conversation with another fan regarding the state affairs of European and French comics. I had no idea what they were talking about, but it was fun to listen to nonetheless.

While perusing his original artwork for this issue, I asked him how long it takes him to do a page. He told me he does a page a day. I was taken aback and expressed my amazement. His response, with a diabolical hammed up glee: "I'm a machine!"

I then went on to express how much I enjoyed the look of this issue, especially his attention to the skulls and bones bridge. Yanick said he had created a 3d model to figure out the angles, which makes sense, because his bridge of bones is the most mechanically solid bridge I have ever seen rendered. In the above credits I see that Michel was the inker on this issue, but when I saw the originals, they were already inked. I never thought to ask how the two of them collaborate, but let me just tell you, his black and white originals for this issue are outstanding! They look fantastic! (Check this link for an idea of the level of skill Yanick is at.)

Yanick then went onto discuss his working relationship with DC and Grant Morrison, which is startling/fascinating unto itself. If you ever get a chance to meet Yanick, let me just tell you, he's an interesting/fun guy.

Fan Expo 2010 - Girl Comics # 2

2010-09-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

Writers: Various
Artists: Various
Colours: Various
Publisher: Marvel
Published: July 2010

While at the Fan Expo in Toronto, I had the opportunity to meet Jill Thompson! She's a nice person who is a wicked artist. Our conversation was brief and a bit stunted, but enjoyable nonetheless.

I mentioned how much I liked her cover for Girl Comics 2, what with the spin on a fairytale using Marvel characters. She said she "got to do a Marvel cover" and so she wanted to cram as many characters as she could on it. All the better in my mind - I think it's the best cover of the 3 issues.

We then turned to a discussion on her technique. She is a master artist in my mind. She can write, draw, illustrate, paint, letter, and color. She mentioned that one of the draw backs of digital coloring is how easy it is to create a flat looking image. She's totally right. Now, just to clarify, she's not saying digital coloring sucks, just that it is very easy to create a flat image, whereas with paint, depth and perspective can be explored more thoroughly. By having the color trail off, recede, or fade out, an illusion of depth is created, which makes the art all the more interesting. Another thing she mentioned was on her Scary Godmother series, she uses her own font, which has since been made into a digital font. I'm not sure why Marvel didn't just use her font for her Inhumans story...but that's the corporate machine at work I guess. Man she's a wicked artist though! I only wish I had the cashonies to buy a copy of her sketches...I'll be kicking myself over that one....

Check below a pic I took of the printed copy vs. the original artwork from Girl Comics 2. (I still think Girl Comics 2 is a terrible title. All the more considering I have to think of Jill Thompson and the phrase 'Girl Comics' in the same sentence. Just seems wrong...anyway, enjoy the art!)

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Fan Expo 2010 - Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne # 1

2010-09-01T08:00:00.004-04:00

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Sprouse
Inks/Colors: Karl Story/Guy Major
Publisher: DC
Published: July 2010

As only Grant Morrison can pen and Chris Sprouse can envision, the first issue of Bruce Wayne's return from "the dead" hits like a rumbling thunder storm. Near the conclusion of Final Crisis, Batman was hurled back in time to the dawn of civilization. It is at this point where The Return of Bruce Wayne kicks off. Essentially, issue # 1 is an action packed cave man yarn staring Batman. I know - Awesome.

So as the title above mentions I recently attended the Fan Expo in Toronto and I had the opportunity to meet Chris Sprouse. He comes across as a real nice guy. I think I may have gotten a small reaction out of him when I said his version of Batman was "a manly man's man." I sincerely meant this as a compliment, because Batman is normally a clothed figure, shrouded in darkness, so it's a interesting change to see him shirtless, but still wearing his leotards. Plus, Chris Sprouse has got the whole alpha male look nailed down. It don't get more manly than his drawing of men. (Again, that's a compliment.)

Our conversation then turned to how the internet is essentially a stomping ground of negativity. He mentioned that some complaints on the internet of his book were that one of the cavemen was blond, and that there was a giant bat thingy in the book. I don't read comic book message boards generally, but I wasn't surprised to hear this. If there is one thing the internet has encouraged, it's complaining. Which is fine in of itself, but due to the sheer quantity, it can be a bit much. So as Sprouse mentioned, he just turns it off and does his thing.

With this in mind, I sometimes wonder if comic creators read comments, reviews, or reactions to their work? I think they would almost have to, considering it's vital to their success to know what is working and not working with their audience; but at the same time, where do they draw the line? I know when I was in elementary school, I used to read and re-read my report card comments. I was obsessed with knowing 'my areas of improvement'. But then one day I just turned off that side of my personality. It wasn't getting me anywhere. In the end it was a relief. I think many comic book creators also feel this sense of relief once they turn off the message boards. No point getting charged up just because some fanboy didn't dig your version of a cave man, even if he is the manliest man of cave mans...

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Cover of the Week

2010-08-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

Avengers: The Childrens Crusade # 2 - Variant Cover
Cover Artist: Travis Charest
Publisher: Marvel

Runner Ups

Thor: For Asgard # 1
Cover Artist: Simone Bianchi
Publisher: Marvel

Grotesque # 4
Cover Artist: Sergio Ponchione
Publisher: Fantagraphics

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Fan Expo 2010 - The Man with the Getaway Face

2010-08-30T12:31:00.017-04:00

Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Publisher: IDW
Published: July 2010
Adapted from Richard Stark's Parker: The Man with the Getaway Face

This past weekend was the second time I met Darwyn Cooke. He was at Toronto's Fan Expo where he had a booth setup along fellow comic book artists; he also hosted a one hour discussion on comic book layout and construction. As ever I was beside myself when I talked to the guy. It's hard not to let my fan boy-ness out, but overall I think I did well, even considering the fact I was sporting a Frank Miller Dark Knight t-shirt.

During my meeting with him he was as nice as ever. He spoke a little about his long term plans with his Parker series of graphic novels. He would like to finish them up just in time for his 50th birthday, and then after he was done with them he would take a break - *boo-urns* - but then again, it is a much deserved break.

As I mentioned I also went to his page composition layout discussion. I love these type of events. Not only do you get some tips and ideas on how he works, but you get a chance to actually hear his opinion on a wide range of subjects. One thing that stood out in my mind was his comment that he was limited in 'really conversing' with us fans due to the times...ie. everything is recorded, videotaped, and posted...which he's completely right about considering here I am writing about his discussion. The only difference is I have enough tact to not go into everything...I'm just not interested in stirring the pot as it were. He also mentioned he was a big fan of Dan Clowes, and especially of his book Ice Haven. This surprised me at first, but upon reflection, makes perfect sense. They're both awesome comic creators.

Overall Cooke strikes me as a humble guy, but also a guy who has definite opinions and interesting thoughts. My only wish is that we lived in a society where he could really share his more "controversial" thoughts without it coming back on him due to some fan boy posting it to youtube. I just know he has a unique perspective on the comic industry and it would be great to hear some of those thoughts in more detail.

One detail he mentioned that was quite exciting is that in his next book, The Outfit, Cooke has homaged/parodied the old Hanna Barbara cartoons to visually represent one of the many heists. This alone has me excited for The Outfit.

The Man with the Getaway Face was originally intended to Cooke's second adapted work by Richard Stark's series of Parker novels. Cooke opted to reduce it to a prelude for the Outfit (dropping Oct.5.2010), because it was his least favorite of books and he didn't want to spend a year of his life working on a book he doesn't really care for. I see his point. It's essentially an armored truck robbery, and as Darwyn put it - it gets a bit boring see a bunch of crooks talking about how they're going to pull off the heist - they're are only so many angles you can depict of guys sitting at a table.

However, that being said, don't let this comic pass you by. Although story-wise, it may be Cooke's least favorite of the series, what makes it stand out is it's printed about 95% the size of the original artwork. Most artists work looks better reduced to standard comic size, but in my opinion, Cooke's work looks better at original size. Even though he says you can see the rough passes and 'mistakes' when it's kept close to original size, I think it actually makes his work look better. Each brush stroke or color pass is magnified, and it's just charming as hell...

Here's the final page from the comic, and a Jonah Hex print I bought from Darwyn while at the Expo.

****Note: Over the next week or so, I'll be posting comics of the different artists I visited with, as well as sharing info on our conversations****

More Comix 365 articles:

Ghost Rider Glows!

Where the Wild Hulks

Cover of the Week

2010-08-17T21:15:00.007-04:00

Cowboy Ninja Viking # 8
Art: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics

Runner Up:

The Bulletproof Coffin # 3
Art: Shaky Kane
Publisher: Image Comics