From the Drawing Table

There goes the Friendly Neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 23:23:00 +0000

Guess what? I have a little news.

Sometime ago, and recently I've dropped a few hints about some "doings" going on about me, and now I can talk about it a bit.
For those keeping score, you may have noticed a bit of an adjustment. You may have noticed I've changed a couple of things on my facebook profile as well as my twitter tag, and you may have noticed the personal attention to my fanpage in the form of commissions that is a rarity for me.
August used to be the month that I would get notice of my contract with DC and usually August was about me adding another tour of duty with DC as my parent company and main employer. Well, this past August I was instead informed that DC was shifting around some chairs and they didn't have one for me. They added how they would keep a door open for me for the future...to not be a stranger. They have since then, asked for a couple of covers from me-one for Superman Unchained and another for Earth 2-so they have given me a bit of work, but my streak of 15 years at DC has all but ended.

I kept mum because I was busy finding my landing spots (and thanx to all interested in my commissions, it made the pill go down smoother); not just for the obvious "how am I gonna pay my bills" scramble that I was doing, but also for those wondering where I'll be going.

The obvious conclusion, and correct one is that indeed, Marvel and I will be working in the near future together, perhaps longer. I've been given an assignment--busy work really--as they get me acclimated to what's happening in the Marvel Universe. I don't know a blessed thing, so anyone who wants to chime in and give me the cliff notes, I won't mind at all.

I'm currently finishing the latest list of commissions with Lady Death. Then I'll be doing a cover for Avengers World...and no, I'll err on the side of caution and not say what's on it...I don't even know the issue #, to be honest, but hey-it's a living.

So I guess I'll see you around the Friendly Neighborhood.

Make Mine Marvel.

~RAGS.

Con Man

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 17:53:00 +0000

I was checking out Roberto Briceno's photos that he had posted on facebook, when it dawned on me that I haven't mentioned much about the con circuit since Barcelona and the ECC group last year (Hola David, Paloma, Joe, German, Fran, etc.). I've been to Germany twice now, and the Panini group headed by Alex Bubenheimer is second to none. Jess and I always enjoy being with our constantly extending family of convention gypsies that grace us behind and in front of the table.

This past weekend's convention was in America, and for the second year in a row, I attended Mike Broder's Miami Supercon. Hanging out with the crew, of course, is cool and the friends of these shows make it all feel like an annual or semi annual family reunion. However, and the reason for today's sentiment, I had a couple of things happen that thrilled me as much as I was thrilled to meet Milo Manara, Mike Perkins, Nathan Kane, and Lee Bermejo in Munich last month.

You see, there are things in a person's life that happen that makes you pause and look back to when you dreamed a bit more than you do now. The compliments that can come are bitter sweet, in that they are always welcome, but are the kind of things that remind you that your bucket list is getting smaller.

Gavin Smith, a young Kubie sought me out to say thank you for an old portfolio review that slipped my mind. We do so many, it's hard to pinpoint whose was what and when it happened. But he reminded me that it was sound advice, and for the second time in my life, I've influenced someone enough to get into an art field-the first being my pal Phil Giles.

Jose Delbo, my maestro and first professional to hire me for work, told me that I "was a great student, now am a great artist". THIS one...kinda made me teary eyed. Jose and I go back further than our initial meeting. I was a young budding artist that bought Charlton Comic's Billy the Kid. Jose inadvertently taught a young wanna be how to draw a Colt revolver. Years later and after my first year at the Joe Kubert School, Jose- who was teaching basic drawing- hired me to be an assistant artist. An error in his judgement since I unfortunately slowed him down instead of assisting. He currently runs a Cartoon Camp for aspiring artists. If you're an aspiring comics artist in the Florida area, do yourself a favor and go. These opportunities are few and far between.

I met Doug Sneyd. The legendary Playboy cartoonist was there as I gushed over his work and inspiration to me. His girlfriend Heidi was charming and loved to chat us up. It would have been very nice to have dinner with them, but the one time we were in the same restaurant, they were having dinner with the legendary Nick Cardy and I was with my own company. Nick by the way, was also a very-as Jess put it- "cute old man" that was charming and loved to talk to everyone. He never forgot to say goodbye as they wheeled him out of the show. I absolutely LOVED his Aquaman and Teen Titans, and I wished I could have spent time with him but I was simply too busy, and his floor time was limited.

Finally I was approached by Holly Frazetta, the daughter of the late, great, Frank and Ellie Frazetta. She shook my hand, I expressed my deepest condolences over the loss of Frank and Ellie, and we talked a bit about Franks new museum being built in Austin Texas. A shame since the one on the Frazetta estate was close to me. She even bought one of my prints; about as close to a Frazetta endorsement as I can get. Very touching.

Anyway, that's whats been happening. Sorry for all the namedropping but without it, this blog sucks.

See you guys next time!

~RAGS.

Miami Florida Supercon!

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:58:00 +0000

Ok folks, just a little heads up for this year's Florida Supercon . I'll be in attendance (table 8-104) and will be participating in 2 panels:

DC Comics Panel: with me, Tony Bedard, Rob Hunter, Tyler Kirkham and Brad Walker- July 4th, 5:00-6:00pm

Superman: The Artists of an Icon, with me, Brad Walker and Tyler Kirkham.-July 5th 1:00-2:00pm

See youse there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/456431157712145/?fref=ts.

Last Act.

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:13:00 +0000

Action 14 page 8 preliminary

   I've been reflecting on my run on Action. I felt it necessary because although I've done other "re-vamped" versions of an older idea (Black Condor, Turok, Doc Savage), none of them carried the oomph that is Action Comics.

   It's the big kahuna of our industry of superpowered beings.

   I should, if I had any sense, have been completely awestruck and intimidated by the proposal; but as I've stated in other interviews, I was expecting one thing but got another and then I went into pro-mode that carried me through the series. Pro-mode is when I go into a zone of necessary items that a book needs and in that zone, you don't even think of the character in a way a fan does; it's all nuts and bolts by then.

   It's easier, I suppose, to do your version of things and justify it based on it being new and improved. Characters like Brainiac, Metal-0, Mr. Mxyzptlk (Vyndktvx, actually), and even Luthor are pieces of cake because villians are more or less like the supporting cast and changes are, if not expected, accepted.

   But in Superman, it's a loooooong history of hundreds of artists who have had varying success in translating this character. It was up to me to do my impression of him and make it sound and reasonable. Not that difficult, there is a template, but if you get it wrong...oh boy, it's obvious.

   Luckily I was able to manage it without ruffling too many feathers and for the most part I'm ok with what I've done (although we artists ALWAYS think of things we coulda, whoulda, or shoulda done better- it's our curse), and from what I've gleaned, most of you guys felt ok with it too.

Action 17 double page spread

Now, I know I've said that I thought Superman sucked when I started this series, and I have to reiterate, it was the DIRECTION he had been in that I thought sucked and NOT the character or the supporting cast; although characters like Jimmy Olson sorely needed to be addressed. A brilliant move to make him Clark's contemporary and not a subservient. I love that Lois remained untouched, she's perfectly fine. I liked that we got George Taylor involved as well as Ferlin Nyxly....it was nice to see old characters from way back come forth and take another bow.

All in all it was a solid run, with exception that it was difficult to stay on from issue to issue. It's not acceptable to be as inconsistent as I have and I apologize for my part in that. Some things were absolutely unavoidable, and some I can't comment since it involves others and I won't speak for them, but I know how it's looked and as much as I would have like for some things to have been different, it wasn't in the cards this time around. I hope it hasn't spoiled your enjoyment too badly and in the end I look back and think we did an ok job of it. You can thank Matt Idelson and Wil Moss for keeping the seams from coming apart.

Action 14 page 11

In closing I've already given my private thanx to the creative team and editors, but I'd like to thank you guys, the fans. Not to be cheezy, but you guys are the litmus test of what we do and the direction of where we go. You guys do have power, even if you don't like what we do at times. We listen, and even if we don't go about it as you would prefer, nothing changes without promotion and that comes from you. We can only hope it's well received, and if it's not we make changes. It's how it's always been, right? Like it or not, you fans are a big part of the creative team, so thanx!

I'm not sure when I can talk about my next project, but it's a one issue deal that has repercussions to come. After that, I have something I'd love to do that I approached Tony Bedard to write. Still waiting on that approval.

See ya in the funny pages!

~RAGS.

On Joe Kubert

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:27:00 +0000

The industry has taken a sharp cross to the jaw with the passing of Joe Kubert. I don't know the details (as I've just found out), but I can't tell you enough of how shocked I am at the news. Joe was not just a legend of mythical proportions artistically, but in his presence there was a air of greatness about this man. So sharp and spry over the years, it's hard to imagine this behemoth of energy can ever be gone from our sights.

As a student it was always a pleasure to sit in his classes and just...listen. He had an incredible ability to clearly and concisely express the nuts and bolts of our field so that it stayed with you forever. I always made it a point to everyone who would listen (if you were so inclined) to allow this man to critique your work. You would have grown immensely.

His work on Sgt. Rock, Enemy Ace, Tarzan, Hawkman, Tor, Yossel, Jew Gangster, Ragman, Viking Prince (a personal favorite) etc., etc., it speaks for itself. Picking up a Joe Kubert book was not just picking up a great read, but picking up history. You can see every inch of where this industry has gone and where it was going, and he was one of the elite few in our industry that got better with every project; as hard as that is to imagine. So very sad that this is what we lost; a cornerstone.

With deep regret I express my condolences to Adam and Andy and the whole Kubert clan. God bless you all.

The Aurora Colorado Shooting

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:50:00 +0000

Talent Relations has sent out an email regarding the tragedy of the movie shooting in Aurora Colorado. As such I've decided to let any who care to ask me, to refer to this writing.

First I will say that I'm lucky to be in an industry that allows day dreams to entertain. We who work in and around this industry know the feeling of helpless disgust that this senseless slaughter happened at a Batman movie, and how there are groups out there who relish the opportunity to make political points at the expense of a medium that they don't know enough about, but are quick to assume.

That last paragraph, by the way, is directly related to this next point, though some would be appalled that I didn't lead with sympathy. As I said, I'm lucky. One reason is being directly related to an industry that invited me to a premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. I went with my fiancee and daughter all the way to N.Y.C. to be among the company of associates to see this brilliant movie. But when I woke up this morning, I found out about the shooting in Aurora. Selfishly, my first thought was that I went to a premiere where the chances of a crazed gunman were nil to non-existent. I couldn't imagine the horror and immediate insanity of bullets flying, people screaming, blood, and horror happening around me, with my loved ones right next to me, and what is to be assumed, a group of like minded fans around with that sense of family, being completely obliterated. It's too much to absorb that kind of tragedy and for those who were victimized, I can honestly say I'm so very, very sorry that it has happened to you, your family, your friends. Nothing like this should ever happen.

Now, for those of you who are familiar with me on facebook, I'm pretty much politically conscience. I didn't, in one post, give my condolences to the victims in an original post that expressed that sentiment. Instead, I lead off with how mad I was at the situation. My being mad, I thought, would be sufficient to let others know how disgusted I am over the tragedy and by extension, my sympathy would be implied. I then went on to say that I believe that anyone with a gun (obviously registered) should be brought in for psychological evaluation, and that anyone who is an NRA apologist should lead that evaluation. This isn't about lost freedom that some (who are gun enthusiasts) would feel are being victimized, but about the lost freedom of a group of humans simply at a show to be entertained. Moreover, the loss of life.

Guns are serious business. I don't really have a problem with the second amendment, except that it doesn't take automatic or semi-automatic guns to kill a deer or protect your family. Those who are afraid of the government and cling to a gun, are sorely mistaken that they think they can take out a military operation with their armament. They may be able to provide an obstacle, but in the end, its your death warrant.

As for the jackass politicians and idiots who think 'if only there was someone with a gun to stop this predator', on the surface I understand your view, but here is where you are stupid: unless you came prepared to shoot a crazed gunman with a bulletproof vest, gas canisters, a machine gun, a shotgun and a handgun, in a dark movie theater where your footing is obstructed by seats behind your knees and in front of your feet and stairs; with people screaming, pushing, running and being killed in front of you and around you and gas clouds to obstruct your vision, you're living a bullshit, macho Clint Eastwood dream that doesn't exist except for in the movies.

I hope you live through it, if God forbid it happens to you at that movie.

Interview in BARCELONA

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:15:00 +0000

During my signing session in Barcelona, they interview you while you draw a sketch. That sketch is then raffled off to the audience who are ask some questions as well as the interviewer(s) who are sitting next to me. Cool system.

BARCELONA SIGNING SESSIONS

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BARCELONA

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Well, I'm finally taking a few moments to talk a bit about my trip to Spain. I'm compelled, since it's not like my other con experiences, and it rings as a first for me outside of the immediate area of the U.S. The weather was beautiful and the area we stayed (Placa d' Espanya) was at once magnificent and quaint. It was a pleasure to walk around and absorb the subtle differences that was an uncommon atmosphere for me. I saw some old and new architecture, and the food! I can now say that not only have I had octopus, but I've popped a baby one in my mouth. Yum!

I also so much enjoyed the company of our stay. Meeting face to face for the first time Mark Buckingham, Greg Capullo, Scott Snyder, and their lovely wives Jaime and Jeanie. Add Jess and you can imagine the naming foibles that went around.

None of this however would have been possible if not for David Macho Gomez, his wife Paloma, and the many assistants especially Josep and German! The convention was relaxing and invigorating and the people, most of all, were the best part of this trip. I've spoken to and gotten to know to an extent, some of you here and are now proudly my acquainted friends on facebook. Welcome all, and at some point in the future, let's do this again!

¡Bienvenidos todos!

RAGS.
(Germany, you're up! Miami, you're on deck)

The Great Allentown Comic Con

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:06:00 +0000

Normally I don't think much of one day events. In fact, I'd rather not. But since I've been incognito from the overall convention scene these past few years, and since I'll be overseas for much of this summer, I decided to let myself get to the THE GREAT ALLENTOWN COMIC CON this St. Patrick's Day. As of this writing, just about 9 days away. Short notice, I know, but if you want to come and do some nerdin' with me, I won't mind at all. Hope to see you there!

Omnibus Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:06:00 +0000

Ok, since I have a couple of copies of the Hawkman Omnibus, I decided to be an awesome penciller and friend to all again, and see who can win this bad boy.
So for this giveaway, the first person to find the Family Guy tribute(s) in First Wave gets a signed Hawkman Omnibus courtesy of me! There's a catch, cause if you're not a forum member, you're gonna have to join up in order to post your guess in the blog boards.

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The Modern Myth of Morales

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

Just a heads up folks: This Sunday night you can tune in to my podcast with Chris Clow, Sean Gerber, and Josh Costella (and a couple of questions from a guy named Brad--no, not Meltzer) at MODERN MYTH MEDIA. We talk about all kinds of nerdy shit, so come by and check it out.

Modern Myth Media

NEAT-O!

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:39:00 +0000

DC has come up with a new Super Friends cartoon in "DC Super Friends". It's got that retro feel of the the original series while being faithful to the comic and today's technology without being overbearing and show-offy with the computer FX. I love it!

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Fowl Mood

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Well it's Wednesday before the Holiday Season kicks off for us Americans. While most of you will be driving to destinations far away, I hope you come back to us healthy, fulfilled, and jolly. For me, as it is to be Thanxgiving, I can tell you that you guys are a big part of my thankful list along with my health, family, friends, and loves. Thank you for spreading the word for my site here, for checking out all the nooks and cranny's on the site, and for taking the time to say "hi" in our forums. Take care and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

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Well here's something new

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:21:00 +0000

I've added a new print to the site and here it is:

Now, before the website had a makeover, I had a topic in the forums about the first 50 members. At the time, we had exactly 50 members and I posted that those 50 would get a free Superman print on my dime. Just a little thank you for being supportive of my site and my work. Some of you came back, yet others didn't. So this is what I'm gonna do: Since all prints that were purchased are due to go out on December 10th, I'll set a signup deadline for the 10th. The limit will be 50 for the free print, but if we don't have 50 members by then, then I'll send along prints to whomever does sign into the forums and private messages me their address. That's it, that's all you need to do. So have at it and thanks again for your support!

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Aaand we're back

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

In case you haven't noticed, Jess the webmistress has, as all artists do, tinkered and refined what was already a great piece of art into something, as she puts it, even awesomer. It's more easily accessible, and by November we'll be putting up some prints for sale. Commissions at this time are closed, but with any luck I'll be able to pull away from my duties on Action to squeeze a few in. Right now though, time for commissions is nonexistent.

So hang out, check it out, and for those who registered in my previous forums, I apologize for having you re-register. I know it's a pain in the ass, but I think you'll agree this site is better for it.

Thanx again and welcome back!

Thank you Fat Jacks Comicrypt!

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:01:00 +0000

Rick, Jess, and I made the trek down to Philadelphia on a beautiful Indian Summer day this past October 8th and had a time at Fat Jack's Comicrypt. Bill and the crew couldn't have been nicer or more engaging and the crowd that turned out made it fun to hang out. Thank you all for the time you made to come see us there!

FatJack's Comicrypt

UPDATE!

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:26:00 +0000

I know, you were thinking it's Action Comics related....but it's probably more important. They caught that slimy scumbag that ripped off our pal Mike Myer of $5,000 worth of Superman memorabilia. Here's the news and what that chump was trying to do when he got caught:

That chump Gary gets busted!

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Back to back to back

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:05:00 +0000

It has come down to me before the news was sent out that Action (along with Batgirl) has been counted among the 3rd print runs. Not since Identity Crisis have I seen such a response to a book that I'm associated and I can't tell you how exciting that is for all of us involved.

For me though, I temper my enthusiasm when news like this simply because I always think of the collectable market that's out there. Geomancer #1 sold 300k and was my first big "hit", but that was during the speculation boom and subsequent issues were halved every month since. Big numbers are nice, believe me- nicer than small numbers, but I'll wait to see what issue #5 sells before I get too full of myself.

In the end though, Superman is back to the iconic status he deserves to be. Never should the industry's trademark play second fiddle, and with that I humbly say THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US!

ACTION and BATGIRL back for a 3rd printing

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Here's one retailer that knows a GD good opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:08:00 +0000

I've mentioned this before in my forums (Conventions section) and I can finally talk about it again.

Saturday October 8th, I'll be doing an Art Tour appearance with Rick Bryant. I hope everyone within ear shot can attend, it's a book signing look at original work thing in Philadelphia, at a place called Fat Jack's Comicrypt from 3-5 (or longer depending on the turnout.)

Here's some more of the information as well as some other 52 art tours around our land...some may be near you!:

52 Art Tour

And for those of you still sore at me about "My Thoughts on Superman", you can't come. And you can't bring a pie to hit me in the face with....AAAAND you can't make it an apple pie, cause I really hate those.

See you then!

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So a North Carolina Store is boycotting Action Comics.

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:08:00 +0000

I guess this Bleeding Cool article says that Superman is a sinner, or is promoting sinning. http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/09/08/north-carolina-comic-shop-to-boycott-action-comics/

What was clear, to me at least, is that GD was a grunt sound. But these guys are convinced otherwise. One Christian voice of reason did however make a good comment after the article which I'd like to highlight and thank him by promoting his reaction here:

Friends!

I pastor a fairly large church in Columbus Ohio... I cannot comprehend a follower of Jesus taking issue with Action Comics #1-- Throughout the Bible God measures humankind by their care for the fatherless and the widow, alien and stranger.

Superman is an "alien" who cares for all of them. What better honor to the Judeo-Christian belief than taking up the cause that the Book of James equates with "True Religion"

Look at the heroes of old, Hercules, Gilgamesh, etc... they were not exactly advocates for the most vulnerable in society. This take on Superman is refreshingly Christian... and I recommended the reboot to my entire congregation.

GD could just as easily be a split second prayer to the almighty.

And if it is God Damn... well if God Damns anything it is the evil forces that oppress humankind, cause love not to flourish, and value materialism over justice. It's not the Lord's Name in Vain if the recipient is the forces of evil, be it greed that destroys the environment, human trafficking, abusive labour practices, etc.

Grant Morrison and I might one day (if I'm lucky) have an interesting discussion about the supernatural, and humankind's quest for heroes... We might disagree on many points... But I cannot help but commend this most refreshing take on the Superman Myth.

Thank-you Jesus for the Creativity of Grant Morrison.

Jeff Cannell
Senior Pastor
Central Vineyard Church
www.centralvineyard.com

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This pisses me off

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:26:00 +0000

For some of us, a lot of money makes us happy. For others, lots of good friends. And for some like Mike Myer, some fond memories lining the walls of a two room apartment will suffice. This poor guy got ripped off by a piece of shit named Gary. Read on:http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_1056e17b-2eb0-5967-a84a-85f35b4338a5.html

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Closer...inching closer...

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Newsarama has set up a sneek peak of Action Comic #1:http://www.newsarama.com/comics/new-superman-modern-cynical-superhero-110901.html

Action #1

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:37:00 +0000

Well, I finally got my copies of Action Comics #1, and I have to say that for once I'm actually happy with a first issue. My com-padres, Grant Morrison, Rick Bryant, Brad Anderson, and Patrick Brosseau look pretty good for being thrown together for the first time. Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair look spiffy in the variant cover as well. A solid issue for a #1.

You see, for me anyway, there's usually a 5 issue warm up before I'm comfortable with an on-going series. There's so much to consider; the main character has to be consistent, the supporting cast as well and they need to serve the purpose of their support, the atmosphere needs to be convincing, and the pacing has to jive with the writer. This is most important because you do, as an artist, have a bit of leeway in how the story is presented. Like Paul Levitz once told me, "Rags, it's a script, not a contract." So long as you keep the intent and spirit of what needs to be said, you can add or subtract to what's been presented from the writer.

So when you get to see what we have cooking, you'll get to see not only a strong first issue, but you'll know that it's only gonna get better. Seriously, issue 2 is very strong, and #3 is coming along nicely. See you guys in 8 days!

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The new 52 commercial

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:48:00 +0000

This is neat. I love motion comics and they gave a lot of play for Action #1. I'm proud of that. Anyway, here's the video.

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My thoughts on SUPERMAN

noreply@blogger.com (Rags Morales.) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:12:00 +0000

"Superman? Superman sucks." That's what I told Geoff Johns one Wizard Con night in Philadelphia. "Superman is passe'. He's been split up into every superhero now out there. He's just not relevant anymore."

Geoff at the time, was just getting the Secret Origin machine up and running with James Robinson, with whom he had just finished having dinner. Geoff protested, but I wouldn't budge. "Who's better?" he asked. "Batman. Batman at least has something going on besides his costume that works." That was my answer and I was sticking to it.

My sentiment was based on Superman as he had become. When I was a kid, Neal Adams was the man on Superman. Despite the stories being as milk toast as I could stomach them, he, like he always does, took what was happening and elevated it. But since then Superman seemed to stay in this redundant vacuum of 'boyscout laughing at feeble attempts by Luthor and robots trying to knock the smile off his perfect face'. Bleh. Moreover, he was becoming more and more omnipotent to the point that villains were having to go to increasingly absurd lengths just to give him a reasonable challenge.

Then he got married.

What? Talk about jumping the shark.
See, when a character, whose whole existence is to sacrifice a normal life for the sake of humanity, becomes domesticated he loses his teeth. His concern doesn't become the world, but his own personal world. Back in the day, when Lois would be in danger, she was the metaphor for all of us. Humanity personified who was rescued, returned to safety, then left wondering 'who was the masked man?' Now Lois became his only world that was to be balanced with the rest of us. This changed Lois as well. She went from being this snarky, stubborn, beautiful pain in the ass, to the wife wondering if her husband would survive the current omnipotent menace challenging him, and still make it back home for lasagna. Any attempts to bring them back to what they were, felt clunky to me. He was a hero, husband, or brow beating dad, depending on who he was interacting.

There's the nutshell. Superhero who increasingly becomes more powerful as he is challenged, brought back down to earth as a spouse as his origin gets re-envisioned over and over again.

He had so many layers to him, that it threatened to blow him up like Krypton.

I simply had no affinity with him. Maybe that's why many of my attempts to draw him failed. I've done some "decent" drawings of him and a whole lot of lousy ones. I wasn't Neal Adams, or Curt Swan, or Jerry Ordway simply because I didn't get him. Wasn't my kind of hero.

Now, if you go back to the Max Fleisher films, THAT was Superman to me. He got hit hard by stuff and exerted effort. There was a sense of danger to himself and with Lois playing the damsel in distress for all of us, made it exciting to see if Superman could not only survive but manage to save Lois too. It was a simple formula that was perfect.

So why would someone like me even accept an assignment to a character that I felt I couldn't contribute?

The answer was issue #1. Not that it wasn't a badge of honor to have the entire industry's seed in my hand. I assure you it is. Not that having it at issue #1 wasn't an added thrill. It is. It's that I can do my job without having to have 70 years of backlog to think about and try to address and honor.

If you look back to the first image of Grant's and my Superman in jeans and a tee shirt, you can see the Superman as he had become to me. He was beyond Hercules and even in shadow you can see the miles and miles of history in his profile. That image was for, I thought, the brass to measure not only my ability with the character, but to see what the hell he looked like in his dungarees and work boots.
I didn't know, or even think, it was something I could do issue for issue. But then I figured it would work it's own problems out eventually.

When I got the script and saw that Grant wanted to harken to the Shuster image of Kal-el, it completely clicked for me. Max Fleisher here I come! And what, he's not omnipotent? All right! And he's not married? Get out of my fucking way and let me draw!!

THAT is Superman to me. Back to Hercules! Back to the feelings I had as a kid when I saw the reprints of the 40's stories in treasury editions.

Back to the Man of Steel, because that's the only fucking thing that matters.

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