New look, Straw Man & Sketches

First thing today is the new look for my blog.  I thought I’d try it out and see if I like it.  The first thing about the new look I’d like to point out is the buttons beneath the posts.  These buttons allow viewers of my blog to give immediate feedback and sharing.  The +1 button gives a plus to the post’s counter and adds the profile picture and name of the person who clicks the button will appear.  The other buttons allow sharing on Twitter and Facebook.

The other neat feature is in the upper left corner.  By mousing over the leftmost portion of the black bar (where it says “classic”) you can choose the way you want to view my blog.  My favorite is “flipcard” which shows threads with pictures and titles.  Try it!

Next I thought I’d mention Straw Man issue 10.  Straw Man is an independent comic written and drawn by David Branstetter.  It’s about a super hero with no super powers.  It’s hard to describe but it’s really fun.  Straw Man issue 10 includes the work of 9 other independent artists.  To publish Straw Man #10, David has started a kickstarter campaign to raise funds.  You can check out this campaign here and you can find out more about Straw Man here.

 Next, I wanted to post some sketching I did recently. Sometimes I think it’s nice to compare pencil work to inked work.  So here’s a Mutant Elf drawing I recently did in pencil:

 And here it is inked:

 Maybe I’ll color it someday!

 Finally this week, I noticed when reconfiguring my blog that my post from last week (this one) has over 200 views!  That’s record for this blog, and that’s in the first week! Thanks to everyone for reading my modest words and opinions.

Review: Out with PFLAG, Part I

First thing: in this review of Out With Dad episode 2.07 I’m going to spoil the entire plot of the episode, so if you haven’t watched it, go to here, watch it, and come back and read my review.  I think you will find it worth your time.

To an extent, Out with PFLAG was what I was expecting it would be.  By this, I mean I am somewhat familiar with the type of support group meeting depicted in this episode (I took some counseling classes years ago.) and I knew there would be stories based on real experiences of viewers of Out With Dad.  I also figured out the “girl from the washroom” would be at the meeting.

Yet despite this episode meeting certain expectations, I think it was one of the most heart-wrenching episodes of the series.  The viewer-submitted stories that were dramatized were the types of situations that are far too typical for people who are homosexual.  There are far too many barriers in our western society for people who are “different” and these stories also remind us that in other societies things are worse.  Much worse.  I applaud the people who submitted stories to writer/director Jason Leaver for inclusion in this episode.  Sharing such life events can be wonderfully informative and helpful to others, and it also takes a lot of courage to speak up about such events, especially when they are not about the happiest times in your life.

Seeing and hearing from Claire was an excellent development.  Her story puts her character in an interesting position of being the middle between Rose (supportive parent) and Vanessa (non-supportive parent).  I am very interested as to where Claire’s character will go in the future.  I’m sure there are fans that are screaming for her and Rose to develop a romantic relationship.  Right now, I think a friend going through the same thing she is would be nice.

And about Morgan, the final speaker before the end of part I.  I don’t know if I can articulate my feelings. I know this is a fictional account, but I also know there are so many abused kids in the real world, and sexuality is one if the things kids get assaulted for.  I’m sad but I’m also angry.  I’m very angry that people can do such evil and that other people, by their own stupid words and deeds, encourage abusive behavior towards people who are “different”.

Kate Conway did an excellent job in her portrayal of Rose in this episode.  And she did it with mainly body language, as Rose doesn’t have many lines this time.  The mannerisms of Rose really show how shy and unsure of herself Rose can be.  It’s easy to see what she’s thinking as she reacts to the other members of the group telling their stories at the meeting.

Will Conlon also did a top job with just body language.  I can imagine Nathan wondering if bringing Rose to this meeting was a good idea.  It’s certainly good for Rose to see that there are other people who have gone through or are going through similar situations as hers.  However, some parts of the stories are scary, especially to a shy kid who has just discovered her sexuality.  But the negative stories should also remind Rose of one thing: she’s not going to have trouble with her parent not accepting her, even if she encounters other people who do not accept her.

The biggest strength of this episode, as with the series, is the writing.  Jason Leaver tells a tale that makes the viewer care about the characters.  And, like always, I end up thinking a lot about the circumstances in the episode.  It’s what I like the most about this series: it makes me THINK!

 And hey, there’s about a month to go until the next episode.  Which gives me some time to think.  Maybe I’ll finish my other Out With Dad-related posts I’ve been working out.

Leprechauns and Elves!

I’ve decided to go more “art” that “writing” this week.  Not that I don’t have anything to say, but I decided this time to say it with pictures.

First up is a sketch I did for a student last week.  I figure it’s good enough to be my first annual “St. Patrick’s day print and color drawing”.  So copy it, print it, color it.  Or give it to some kid you know to color!  Have fun!!

I recently finished (YAY!!) my “Mutant Elf” strip for the SPACE anthology comic (available online for free and in print format at this year’s SPACE convention!) and I thought I’d share a teaser.  This is a black-and-white scan from before I colored the book.  I used my newly bought PITT colored markers and had a blast working in color for a change.  I don’t think I can stop Mutant Elf with just this one story!  I have some loose plans to run with this idea in some format in the coming year!  Stay tuned!!

That’s it for now.  But I have some plans for next week brewing already

Movie Review: The Ides of March

I had a long weekend so I spent some time when I wasn’t drawing watching some movies.  The first movie on my “to watch” list was The Ides of March starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney.  Clooney also directs and writes.  The honest reason the movie drew my interest is that the main character’s name is Stephen Meyers.  Just in case it doesn’t translate to other languages well, that is pronounced the same as “Steven Myers”.  I figure if a movie involves a character with my name, I need to at least watch it once!  The bulk of the movie takes place in Ohio.  Which is the state in which I reside.  Hmm:  Stephen Meyers. Ohio.  Quite the interesting coincidence.  Perhaps this movie does have something to do with me?  Could it somehow be a message to me from George Clooney himself?  Maybe…who knows?  (Note to George: if you do want to send me a message, you don’t need to make a movie about it.  You could call, e-mail, or get a hold of me via Facebook.)

But on to the movie itself!  The Ides of March is a political thriller.  It really keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen with all kinds of twists and turns.  I can’t say too much about the plot without giving things away, and I do so hate spoilers!  The movie concerns the political machinations surrounding a mythical Democratic primary election.  In this movie, all the Democratic politicians seem to hate each other.  This is rather interesting as it looks like the real life Republican primary election is among a group of guys who have nothing nice to say about each other.  There’s a lot of wheeling and dealing among the political teams in this movie, and our main character (Stephen) tries hard to keep his integrity despite all the rottenness that piles up around him.

 I don’t know if the movie would be interesting to someone who knows nothing about politics and campaigns.  I like to watch political coverage and I know a lot about our American political system and how messed up it can be at times.  It does make a good setting for a tale involving things such as dirty tricks and drama.  I’d recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in the genre.  It kept me interested throughout and guessing until the end.

And I really need to review Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of me.  I mean, portrayal of Stephen.  I think he did a great job in this film.  He carries the movie and in this film it is very important for the viewer to understand the main character’s motivations and feelings.  And if, by chance, there was a movie made about me, I would be happy to allow Mr. Gosling to play me.  And he’d probably be an even better performance than Ides of March since he’s had practice as Stephen Meyers!

Ryan Gosling as Steven Myers?

It could happen…

Dungeons, Football, and Whitney Houston

I recently saw a joke on Facebook that went: Fantasy Football is Dungeons and Dragons for jocks!  Yes, I think it’s funny.  However, there’s this little problem. You see, I play both!  Where does this put me?  Geek?  Jock?  Jeek? Somewhere in the nether region that exists between the extremes?  Well, okay, it isn’t that hard.  I’m definitely somewhere between.  In fact, perhaps it isn’t so smart to try and fit people into such neat little categories.  Perhaps, people are all individuals that should be judged on a case-by-case basis.  For example, the Fantasy Football league I’ve been playing in for years is made of a bunch of guys who met on a comic-book message board.  Yep!   We’re just a bunch of comic book geeks who love Football.  Is that so bad?  Can society exist with such people?

 

I think my interests are quite diverse.  For example: reading, drawing, sculpture, skepticism, playing guitar, playing games and playing tennis probably top my list of interests.  You can divide some of these interests into categories too such as role-playing games, board games (including war games, strategy games, and fantasy board games), fantasy sports games, and card games.  In fact, maybe I have too diverse a list.  Perhaps I should concentrate more time on fewer things.  But rather, I’m more likely to look for newer things to add to my list.

Speaking of lists, one thing on my “to-do” list that’s getting done is my “Mutant Elf” story for the SPACE anthology.  I just finished the inking, which means the only thing left is the coloring!  It’s going to be fun to do some full-color work since I usually do comics in black-and-white.  I’ll have to post a teaser when I get done.

Finally, I’d like to mention something about Whitney Houston.  I really really used to love her work.  Her first two albums are among my favorites and I think at one time there wasn’t a better voice anywhere.  I didn’t like her subsequent work as much, nor her movies, and it was sad to see her destroy herself physically.  I wish her family strength in dealing with their loss.

Reaching beyond the game

The Super Bowl has come and gone! I am a football fan and I enjoyed the game this year as I usually do.  Sports are, for the most part, a fun diversion from the everyday drudgery of life.  A temporary escape from our daily responsibilities.  Sports, however, do sometimes cross over into society in ways that are much deeper than mere entertainment.  Every once in a while, something in sports affects society in a positive, uplifting manner.  After watching the “Big Game” I started thinking about my favorite examples of this:

 

Jackie Robinson is my all-time favorite athlete.  Not only did break the color barrier in sports, but he did it with class.  He was a great ballplayer, a true gentleman.  He put up with a lot of grief, and he risked his own personal well-being every time he took the field.  And he was a catalyst for a change in society.

 

Jesse Owens not only won 4 gold medals in the 1936 Olympics, but he did it in front of Adolf Hitler against the Fuhrer’s “master race.” It was a symbolic blow against the Nazis, and something the world needed to see at the time.

 

The 1980 US Olympic Hockey team was a bunch of college kids taking on the Soviet Empire.  Or something close to such.  It was an uplifting event for a country that seemed to be losing confidence in itself.

 

Jim Abbot.  Every time he took the field.  He still makes me think I should be doing more with my two hands every day.

Well, these are the stories that come to my mind as going beyond the usual reach of sports and touching society. Perhaps you have some favorite examples of your own.  Feel free to comment here.  Next week I’ll probably be discussing something a little closer to my normal comics/pop culture topics.  See you then!

Review: Candy or Medicine volume 16

I received Candy or Medicine volume 16 in the mail this week from editor and publisher Josh Blair. Candy or Medicine is a mini-comic with 16 quarter-sized pages, black and white, printed on premium paper.

Allow me first to explain a little about Candy or Medicine to those who haven’t heard of it.  Candy or Medicine is a quarterly anthology comic that consists of comics and artwork of just about any subject matter.  You never know what you’re going to find inside when you pick up an issue.  Chances are you will find something inside that is worth the dollar you paid for the book!  In the spirit of full disclosure, I have contributed to Candy or Medicine.  Specifically, I did a two page story in volume 12.  But today I’m talking about volume 16, so let’s get on with it!

The cover is by Emi Gennis.  The cover illustration is a clever play on the title of the book.  A slot machine with candy and medicine on its reels!  Great idea!  And the lady pulling the lever, well, I think I remember seeing her last time I was in Vegas!

The first comic is called Ziff and is by Jim Gullet.  Ziff is the meanest fist of the apocalypse!  Ziff comes to a village of lizard men to collect a bounty.  Ziff himself isn’t a lizard.  Or at least I don’t think he is.  I’m not sure what to call him in fact.  The art is very nice with lots of thin line work and the storytelling is well done.  The perspective needs some work, but I like the overall look of the story.  Scratchy/doodle-ish like a mini comic should be!

The second strip, by Nate McDonough, doesn’t have a title.  It is a little tale of a very short man who encounters larger and larger people on a street.  Neat, stylistic art, and a nice twist ending make it a rather charming piece. Since it has very little dialogue, the storytelling must be very clear and it succeeds admiringly well.

Art from Waltz no. 63

Waltz no. 63 is the last sequential tale in this volume.  It has some very creative artwork and is all about the things that may exist in the woods.  Small, tight panels and very creative illustrations make this little strip a nice ending to the book.

But it doesn’t end there!  There are two more illustrations, by Andy Nukes and Robert Dayton that are a nice little coda to the book.  Andy’s is a funny drawing and Robert’s is a nice little joke.

Candy or Medicine volume 16 is available for $1 plus shipping and Josh also accepts trades from other publishers.

Josh always seems to put together fun little comics for Candy or Medicine.  To see more checkout Josh’s website where you can order his books and download some more for free!  You can also order from his etsy site.  Josh also writes his own blog, with many entries on small press and other comics.

For information about the creators featured in Candy or Medicine, click here.