Plans to make actual copies of this comic probably won't happen, but I did post the story online here: http://www.kpcinema.com/timrocks/frankie.html
The 20-page story is a very serious analysis of a duck couple and their relationship. It's the story of what happens when two ducks come into some money, and the scheming interior decorator who tries to separate them from it.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Crusemas
Hey all, we just got this holiday greeting from (Honorary Ex-Pat) SHC Howard Cruse:
It came with this reminder:
www.howardcruse.com
Don't forget to visit LOOSE CRUSE: THE BLOG occasionally! — http://www.howardcruse.com/loosecruse/
It came with this reminder:
www.howardcruse.com
Don't forget to visit LOOSE CRUSE: THE BLOG occasionally! — http://www.howardcruse.com/loosecruse/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Anti-Christmas Card
merry christmas, from Cartoon By: Rosko!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Lord taketh away; the Lord giveth.
In the wake of our loss of Sarah White, allow me to introduce the newest Salty 'Ham Cartooneesta: Brian Ratigan!
Brian's the first one to embed animation in his SHC post, so check it out. He does stop motion stuff, like this:
He's also the guy that's working with Nolen Otts on the other animated short (besides mine) that got a grant from the Cultural Alliance. Can't wait to see me some of that!
Brian's the first one to embed animation in his SHC post, so check it out. He does stop motion stuff, like this:
He's also the guy that's working with Nolen Otts on the other animated short (besides mine) that got a grant from the Cultural Alliance. Can't wait to see me some of that!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
imagicon march 2009
imagicon site
hey guys, the art director for the new imagicon contacted me asking if i'd like to be in their art show... well, i'm not really much of an art show guy but i did suggest that if they would think about setting apart an "island" of tables at a good rate, maybe a bunch of us cartooneestas could invade the con. any takers? you can sell some art and maybe take part in discussion panels and worksops. please comment if you're interested. maybe i can work something out w/ these guys...
hey guys, the art director for the new imagicon contacted me asking if i'd like to be in their art show... well, i'm not really much of an art show guy but i did suggest that if they would think about setting apart an "island" of tables at a good rate, maybe a bunch of us cartooneestas could invade the con. any takers? you can sell some art and maybe take part in discussion panels and worksops. please comment if you're interested. maybe i can work something out w/ these guys...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Losing a Cartooneesta
SHC Sarah White is leaving us! As I understand it, she'll be somewhere in upstate New York, where her fiancee is stationed, for at least 2 years . . . perhaps never to return! I offered her Honorary Ex-Pat status, but she said let's just take her post down, and if she comes back to Dixie, she'll join up again. I'll keep it up for another week, so you can all revisit her links and such (click her name at the top of this paragraph to get to her post).
So long, Sarah, and good luck. You were definitely one of the shining stars of our little group, here.
So long, Sarah, and good luck. You were definitely one of the shining stars of our little group, here.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Caricatures of Jewish Celebrities - 2
Check it out - SHC Garth Potts somehow got to exhibit a 2nd batch of his Jewish Celebrity Caricatures at the Levite Jewish Community Center! . . . I guess it doesn't hurt that he's the Executive Director of the place.
You know where it is, right? On Montclair Road, in B'ham. Here's the web site: bhamjcc.org
The show is up 'til the end of December, so drop in and see it!
Garth, you might take some inspiration for your third installation from Adam Sandler's now classic Chanukah Song (youtube link), where he names a whole bunch of awesome famous Chosen People.
You know where it is, right? On Montclair Road, in B'ham. Here's the web site: bhamjcc.org
The show is up 'til the end of December, so drop in and see it!
Garth, you might take some inspiration for your third installation from Adam Sandler's now classic Chanukah Song (youtube link), where he names a whole bunch of awesome famous Chosen People.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Jenn & Bueno's First Book is Now On Sale!
Hey, look: SHC Andrew Willmore just put together a book of his Jen & Bueno pinup pieces. Nice, dude!
Order one for $21.00, and it will come signed with a quick Bueno sketch! Go here:
The Studio Bueno Studio Blog-o
and more specifically, here:
The post about The Jennifer & Bueno Collection
Order one for $21.00, and it will come signed with a quick Bueno sketch! Go here:
The Studio Bueno Studio Blog-o
and more specifically, here:
The post about The Jennifer & Bueno Collection
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
more duck comics
Here's the cover to the comic I just finished.. It's basically done, although I might have to come up with a few filler pages to pad it out since I've only got 20 pages of actual story. Maybe some ad parodies, or see if anyone wants to contribute 1-3 pages. Of course I'm only going to xerox a small number to give to friends and gerbils (there's a surprisingly large contingent of comic book readers among the gerbil population) so I don't know why anyone would contribute, but still.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Random Showcase - Brian Hamner
I think, to keep this blog alive, I'll sometimes do a random showcase, highlighting the work of a Salty 'Ham Cartooneesta. So today, let's look at some stuff by Brian Hamner.
Brian's primarily a fantasy artist, and not a cartoonist (as far as I know). So why is he a Salty 'Ham Cartooneesta? Well, for the purposes of SHC membership, I have a broad definition of cartoonist. Let's say a cartoonist is someone who uses unrealistic exaggerations and juxtapositions in his or her drawings. So that includes Brian.
Plus, the talents of a fantasy book artist and a wacky cartoonist can totally overlap. After all, look at Frank Frazetta (awesomest fantasy artist of all time). He drew some really kick-ass funny animal comics. (click here to see some)
Anyway, back to Brian:
Here's a guy leading his giant horned toad around some old ruins. Cool!
And here's a real crazy one. I like this color scheme. All grays, with just a twinge of yellow in the hair, plus BRIGHT blue cables. Or are they tubes? And is she being tortured, or might she be enjoying this arrangement? I guess I'll have to read the book.
I like how the wires are neatly coiled up on the left side, there. When hooking a young lady up to a giant machine, we have to be careful not to get our extension cords all tangled up.
Rock On, Brian Hamner!
Brian's primarily a fantasy artist, and not a cartoonist (as far as I know). So why is he a Salty 'Ham Cartooneesta? Well, for the purposes of SHC membership, I have a broad definition of cartoonist. Let's say a cartoonist is someone who uses unrealistic exaggerations and juxtapositions in his or her drawings. So that includes Brian.
Plus, the talents of a fantasy book artist and a wacky cartoonist can totally overlap. After all, look at Frank Frazetta (awesomest fantasy artist of all time). He drew some really kick-ass funny animal comics. (click here to see some)
Anyway, back to Brian:
Here's a guy leading his giant horned toad around some old ruins. Cool!
And here's a real crazy one. I like this color scheme. All grays, with just a twinge of yellow in the hair, plus BRIGHT blue cables. Or are they tubes? And is she being tortured, or might she be enjoying this arrangement? I guess I'll have to read the book.
I like how the wires are neatly coiled up on the left side, there. When hooking a young lady up to a giant machine, we have to be careful not to get our extension cords all tangled up.
Rock On, Brian Hamner!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
ROSKO'S 24 HR COMIC AVAILABLE ON MYSPACE
Hey, cartooneestas! My 24 hr comic "Burrito Fight" is available for reading on Myspace.com/Roskorillist! Go check it out. Guaranteed to leave a stain on yer brain!
Have a sample:
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Halloween Challenge
Chris Fason suggested not long ago (here) that we draw creepy costume versions of ourselves for Halloween. He sent us this disturbing piece, and Aine sent us this fun sketch. I've been a hermit in recent times, so I guess I won't dress up this year. So I don't really have an idea for a response to that challenge. In lieu, I decided to check in on Ptooey and Loogie, to see what they're doing this go 'round:
[For any latecomers, Ptooey and Loogie are characters I invented specifically for Salty 'Ham Jammers to play with (explained in greater detail here). Since then, four of us did a 3-page comic jam about them, called The Secret Sorcerer. And I did 4 other strips about them myself.]
It occurs to me now that I must have a penchant for horse-costume gags, because I just recalled drawing one for a Halloween party invitation some years ago. Checking the files . . . and here it is!
Oh, and Happy Halloween.
[For any latecomers, Ptooey and Loogie are characters I invented specifically for Salty 'Ham Jammers to play with (explained in greater detail here). Since then, four of us did a 3-page comic jam about them, called The Secret Sorcerer. And I did 4 other strips about them myself.]
It occurs to me now that I must have a penchant for horse-costume gags, because I just recalled drawing one for a Halloween party invitation some years ago. Checking the files . . . and here it is!
Oh, and Happy Halloween.
Got Another'n
Here's yet another new SHC - Deon Wills. You may have seen him in the 24-Hour Comics Day video post of two days ago.
This isn't really typical of his style, so be sure to visit his SHC post and the links you find there.
This isn't really typical of his style, so be sure to visit his SHC post and the links you find there.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
24-Hour Comics Day Video
Here's a video by Garth of Kingdom Comics, documenting the 24-Hour Comics Day event that was recently held there. It features SHC's Chris Rosko, Sarah White, Derek Anderson, and several other cartoonists I'm hoping to recruit for our Army of the Doodly.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Greencup Books
Saturday night, the wife and I visited Greencup Books. That's the cool, non-profit bookstore in Birmingham, next to Bare Hands Gallery. Rock bands were playing upstairs, but I just wanted to see the animation installation. They were playing a 3D puppet, stop-motion animated music video by Brian Ratigan, and another cool piece of After Effects animation by Burke Miles. I mean, they were projecting the movies on a sheet. I don't have Brian or Burke on the SHC roster yet, but maybe soon I can get them on board. Their films were nifty. And there was some cool art by Brandon McCullar, whom I also need to recruit.
The music was played at a typically high rock 'n' roll volume, which I can't blame them for. But the room had brick walls, creating an echo chamber. It was painful, really, and I could tell that I was suffering permanent hearing loss. I'm sure it will effect my quality of life, in later years. Most of the listeners were younger, and therefore naturally oblivious to dangers of all kinds. Including acoustical.
This might also be of interest to y'all: Greencup Books has a pretty good little comic book section. I think they're all used comics, and the selection is COMPLETELY random. But the nice thing is that, among the usual super-hero fare, a certain amount of the artier and/or funnier stuff can be found. The kinds you don't usually see much of, at our other area stores.
But I should mention, I expect to see all kinds of not-so-super-heroic comic books at Marcus Lusk's new store, Atomic Comics, in Gadsden. Rumor is that it will be opening pretty dern soon! I for one can't wait. And apparently a store called Astrobrain Comics is supposed to be opening in Pelham. I don't know what kinds of stuff to expect there.
The music was played at a typically high rock 'n' roll volume, which I can't blame them for. But the room had brick walls, creating an echo chamber. It was painful, really, and I could tell that I was suffering permanent hearing loss. I'm sure it will effect my quality of life, in later years. Most of the listeners were younger, and therefore naturally oblivious to dangers of all kinds. Including acoustical.
This might also be of interest to y'all: Greencup Books has a pretty good little comic book section. I think they're all used comics, and the selection is COMPLETELY random. But the nice thing is that, among the usual super-hero fare, a certain amount of the artier and/or funnier stuff can be found. The kinds you don't usually see much of, at our other area stores.
But I should mention, I expect to see all kinds of not-so-super-heroic comic books at Marcus Lusk's new store, Atomic Comics, in Gadsden. Rumor is that it will be opening pretty dern soon! I for one can't wait. And apparently a store called Astrobrain Comics is supposed to be opening in Pelham. I don't know what kinds of stuff to expect there.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New Kids on the Block
We've got 2 more new artists on board!
Check out Chris Rosko. He's done the regular strips Haikuuties and Cartoon by: Rosko for Birmingham Weekly. He hasn't written any text for his SHC post yet, but take a gander anyway.
[editor's note: Rosko has since added text to his post]
Next, cast your eyes on young Derek Anderson. I met him at Kingdom Comics, during 24-hour Comics Day.
Check out Chris Rosko. He's done the regular strips Haikuuties and Cartoon by: Rosko for Birmingham Weekly. He hasn't written any text for his SHC post yet, but take a gander anyway.
[editor's note: Rosko has since added text to his post]
Next, cast your eyes on young Derek Anderson. I met him at Kingdom Comics, during 24-hour Comics Day.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
drifting in molasses
okay, yeah, i'm still alive. for the past month or more, i and my family have been dealing w/ the sale and purchase of homes. it's been slow and frustrating. after setting and re-setting 4 closing dates we finally closed on the sale of our home last thursday and with moving and living out of a u-haul, it just wasn't in the cards to break away for 24-hours for the 24-hour comics day. as things sit, we're scheduled to close on the new house on thursday (we were originally supposed to close today. bleh.)
art-wise, other than the day job, i haven't really done any art lately, definitely no cartooning.
i only have internet at work so i'm sorry it seems i've been hiding under a rock. it's not intentional, just... life.
how about a simple art challenge for halloween? draw and post something creepy or halloween-y? i'll try and get something up today or tomorrow. ooh! draw yourself as you envision yourself as a creepy halloween character.
there. go.
art-wise, other than the day job, i haven't really done any art lately, definitely no cartooning.
i only have internet at work so i'm sorry it seems i've been hiding under a rock. it's not intentional, just... life.
how about a simple art challenge for halloween? draw and post something creepy or halloween-y? i'll try and get something up today or tomorrow. ooh! draw yourself as you envision yourself as a creepy halloween character.
there. go.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Old Animations
Hey, I'm on YouTube! (Warning: This stuff is kind of PG.)
Here's some stop-motion puppet animation I did as a student, in 1993:
And you can see more of that on the YouTube channel that my buddy John Walker and I put up: YouTube.com/Miltonicity
And here's a short I did for MTV's Cartoon Sushi in 1998:
Here's some stop-motion puppet animation I did as a student, in 1993:
And you can see more of that on the YouTube channel that my buddy John Walker and I put up: YouTube.com/Miltonicity
And here's a short I did for MTV's Cartoon Sushi in 1998:
Sunday, October 19, 2008
24-hour comics day - UPDATES
UPDATE 1 - I went to the comics shop at 7:30ish, Saturday night.
Chris Fason was NOT THERE! I guess his plan to participate this year didn't work out.
Rosko was on his 7th page, in the 7th hour. If he continues at that rate, maybe he'll finish just in time for the noon deadline.
Sarah White had already finished penciling her 24 pages, and was already inking her 11th! At her current speed, I guess she'll have a 24 page comic in 10 hours, instead of 24 hours. She was mainlining Mountain Dews and Pepperidge Farms, so it's no wonder.
There were maybe 7 other artists there, mostly youngsters who I didn't know. I tried to politely spread some SHC propaganda around.
UPDATE 2 - I went to the comics shop again at about 11:40 on Sunday morning.
Rosko and Sarah were both gone, but I heard that they both finished their 24 pages. Congratulations, y'all!
Two other artists were still there, just finishing up, and I think one other person might have finished as well. So it sounds like there were 4 or 5 completed 24-hour comics created at Kingdom Comics this year. Pretty awesome. Hopefully some of these will get posted somewhere so we can see them.
Chris Fason was NOT THERE! I guess his plan to participate this year didn't work out.
Rosko was on his 7th page, in the 7th hour. If he continues at that rate, maybe he'll finish just in time for the noon deadline.
Sarah White had already finished penciling her 24 pages, and was already inking her 11th! At her current speed, I guess she'll have a 24 page comic in 10 hours, instead of 24 hours. She was mainlining Mountain Dews and Pepperidge Farms, so it's no wonder.
There were maybe 7 other artists there, mostly youngsters who I didn't know. I tried to politely spread some SHC propaganda around.
UPDATE 2 - I went to the comics shop again at about 11:40 on Sunday morning.
Rosko and Sarah were both gone, but I heard that they both finished their 24 pages. Congratulations, y'all!
Two other artists were still there, just finishing up, and I think one other person might have finished as well. So it sounds like there were 4 or 5 completed 24-hour comics created at Kingdom Comics this year. Pretty awesome. Hopefully some of these will get posted somewhere so we can see them.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
24-hour comics day - REMINDER
Today is 24-hour comics day! I decided not to try it this year, but Fason and Sarah and Rosko are doing it. And I don't know who else might be there. They're down at Kingdom Comics in Vestavia, each trying to write and draw a complete 24-page comic in the span of 24 consecutive hours.
http://www.24hourcomicsday.com
http://kingdomcomics.comicnet.net
http://www.24hourcomicsday.com
http://kingdomcomics.comicnet.net
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tumblin' Tumbleweeds
The Salty 'Ham Jam blog is like a ghost town!
For my part, I'm real busy working on animating a TV commercial and a music video, so I don't have much stuff I can post right now. And other folks just ain't hardly utilizing this space! So my plan right now is to start posting every week or so, by just picking out a piece from a different cartooneesta each time and putting it up . . . pieces that aren't already on the SHC page, I mean.
In this way, the Salty 'Ham Jam will at least retain an appearance of life, until which time more cartooneestas start posting here more often. Carry on.
For my part, I'm real busy working on animating a TV commercial and a music video, so I don't have much stuff I can post right now. And other folks just ain't hardly utilizing this space! So my plan right now is to start posting every week or so, by just picking out a piece from a different cartooneesta each time and putting it up . . . pieces that aren't already on the SHC page, I mean.
In this way, the Salty 'Ham Jam will at least retain an appearance of life, until which time more cartooneestas start posting here more often. Carry on.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Coalition of the Unwilling
I thought everybody might like to learn about a few more cartoonists who live -- like extra-terrestrials -- secretly in our midst! It turns out that Alabama's lush, kudzu-laden hills and hollers are chock-full of them.
I call this the Coalition of the Unwilling, because these are the ones who, for whatever reason, have yet to join the Salty 'Ham Cartooneestas' roster. But a lot of them are very talented, so let's take a look at their wares:
If you know some who I don't know, let me know. Of course there are a bunch more who I didn't list here, because they don't have web presences.
I call this the Coalition of the Unwilling, because these are the ones who, for whatever reason, have yet to join the Salty 'Ham Cartooneestas' roster. But a lot of them are very talented, so let's take a look at their wares:
Daniel Easley (myspace, click on Pics)
12 gauge comics
Will Cleveland
Miah Alcorn
The Uncanny X-Cast
Natalie Alvarez
Ryan Marlow
Scott Stantis
Lee Jiles
Ken Cottingham
Christy Daniel
Phantom Power Comics Podcast
Jim Kidwell
Ethel and Ram (myspace, click on Pics)
Dega-sama
Hunter Cressall
Tina Kirk
Kenae
12 gauge comics
Will Cleveland
Miah Alcorn
The Uncanny X-Cast
Natalie Alvarez
Ryan Marlow
Scott Stantis
Lee Jiles
Ken Cottingham
Christy Daniel
Phantom Power Comics Podcast
Jim Kidwell
Ethel and Ram (myspace, click on Pics)
Dega-sama
Hunter Cressall
Tina Kirk
Kenae
selfrighteoussuicide
Charles G. Brooks
Scarheart Artworx (myspace, click on Pics, then Paintings)
Michael Sprayberry
Todd Tennant
East Meets South Anime Convention (in Oxford)
Julie B.
MadBatBall
TK
Daisy Winfrey
Jon Knowles (R.I.P., 2008)
Sean Whitley
Megan Kimber
Brad Reed
Charles G. Brooks
Scarheart Artworx (myspace, click on Pics, then Paintings)
Michael Sprayberry
Todd Tennant
East Meets South Anime Convention (in Oxford)
Julie B.
MadBatBall
TK
Daisy Winfrey
Jon Knowles (R.I.P., 2008)
Sean Whitley
Megan Kimber
Brad Reed
If you know some who I don't know, let me know. Of course there are a bunch more who I didn't list here, because they don't have web presences.
New Old Sketches
Yet again, I've attempted to make something out of nothing by scanning and posting a bunch of drawings out of my old sketchbooks.
Go to my sketch blog if you want to see more of these sketches from 1996.
Go to my sketch blog if you want to see more of these sketches from 1996.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
answers and more
[Here's a post Mark Martin put up here accidentally! He meant to post it on his own blog. I'll just let it stay, so everybody can get a small taste of what things are like over at Mark's blog: jabberous. --Chris G.]
dogboy and eeteed want info on the "September Project"...
It's for a promotional piece for a wonderful bed & breakfast in Wales. I'll post the completed art soon. I like to wait until the object actually exists before unveiling work done for a commercial enterprise.
jed: And unlike the "family recipes" of some candidates: Those delicious Hope Tacos and Barackitas probably aren't borrowed from the food network.
DAMN THAT McCAIN AND HIS FAKE RECIPES!!!
h-man: I can't watch THE SIMPSONS anymore.
WE KNOW WE KNOW!!! Look, last Sunday's episode was pretty lame, but even a lame Simpsons is better than the best Family Guy or American Dad ever produced. You can argue with me if you want to, but benny and bonzogal will just shout you down.
Why would you start a second blog?
Because I need that Hope Taco recipe!!!
Whyhowcome thay has never been a Gnatrat movie? Or has they bin an I just ain't never heard of it?
Yeah right!
benny: why do you only get 500 px for your stuff?
The 500 pixels I mentioned is the max width of the EveryThing "frame" on paneltopanel.net. It is what it is because that's the way the webmaster made it.
Speaking of p-to-p, anybody who slacked off and missed Runaway Comic can get all 3 issues for $5.95 there now. Christmas is coming!!!
...
See the girl in the blue pants with long black hair? She's playing Jonah and that's me in the whale costume from my production of "Jonah and the Whale" from way back in the year 2000.
I ran into her dad recently (the balding guy in the foreground. He told me she has blossomed into quite the artist, so I checked out her online gallery and I have say that is an understatement. Not bad for a 16 year old prodigy. I yam so proud of her!!!
...
DON'T RUN AWAY!
It's politics but it's FUN!!!
Obama As My Personal Jesus!
Princess Sparkle Pony's Photo Blog!
OK, bye
...
dogboy and eeteed want info on the "September Project"...
It's for a promotional piece for a wonderful bed & breakfast in Wales. I'll post the completed art soon. I like to wait until the object actually exists before unveiling work done for a commercial enterprise.
jed: And unlike the "family recipes" of some candidates: Those delicious Hope Tacos and Barackitas probably aren't borrowed from the food network.
DAMN THAT McCAIN AND HIS FAKE RECIPES!!!
h-man: I can't watch THE SIMPSONS anymore.
WE KNOW WE KNOW!!! Look, last Sunday's episode was pretty lame, but even a lame Simpsons is better than the best Family Guy or American Dad ever produced. You can argue with me if you want to, but benny and bonzogal will just shout you down.
Why would you start a second blog?
Because I need that Hope Taco recipe!!!
Whyhowcome thay has never been a Gnatrat movie? Or has they bin an I just ain't never heard of it?
Yeah right!
benny: why do you only get 500 px for your stuff?
The 500 pixels I mentioned is the max width of the EveryThing "frame" on paneltopanel.net. It is what it is because that's the way the webmaster made it.
Speaking of p-to-p, anybody who slacked off and missed Runaway Comic can get all 3 issues for $5.95 there now. Christmas is coming!!!
...
See the girl in the blue pants with long black hair? She's playing Jonah and that's me in the whale costume from my production of "Jonah and the Whale" from way back in the year 2000.
I ran into her dad recently (the balding guy in the foreground. He told me she has blossomed into quite the artist, so I checked out her online gallery and I have say that is an understatement. Not bad for a 16 year old prodigy. I yam so proud of her!!!
...
DON'T RUN AWAY!
It's politics but it's FUN!!!
Obama As My Personal Jesus!
Princess Sparkle Pony's Photo Blog!
OK, bye
...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Secret Sorcerer - complete
At last, shee eez feeneesh!
I hoped to accomplish all that in one, pleasingly wide panel, but it worked out better as 3 little ones. Oh, well.
And now we are introduced to a new member of the Ptooey canon: Loogie's Aunt Cranny. Due to her diminutive size, I'm going to say she's actually born of the clan of Faerie-folk. And I think we can gather something of her character here -- that despite her clearly non-James Bond-ian looks and demeanor, she's always involved in the world of international intrigue. Do I smell a spin-off?
I'm not sure my solution for an ending really makes sense. Aunt Cranny was apparently willing to murder her own niece, to avoid blowing her cover. But if Aunt Cranny's as nutty as she seems, maybe that's okay. And perhaps it's so important that the black magic cabal be infiltrated, that's it's worth the loss of a loved one. The fate of the world may lie in the balance, after all . . . And apparently, during the 7 years under cover, Aunt Cranny has developed real magical abilities. Or maybe that's her Faerie-folk power she's using . . . It sure is a coincidence that it turned out to be Loogie's aunt! That seems a bit of a stretch.
If we do any more comic jams in the future (starring Ptooey or otherwise), I wonder if they could be more organized (or should they?). I wonder if they could be done more quickly (or should they?) And I wonder if they can utilize more artists (or should they?) Anybody with thoughts on any of that or anything else, please comment below.
Super-special thanks to those other 3 fellows who gave of themselves for this cause. Especially Tim Rocks, who put in twice. And to myself, who contributed thrice. Full Credits for The Secret Sorcerer:
Page 1, panels 1 - 4 . . . Chris Garrison
Page 1, panels 5 - 9 . . . Tim Rocks
Page 2, panels 1 - 3 . . . Chris Fason
Page 2, panels 4 - 6 . . . Chris Garrison
and Page 3, panel 1 . . . Chris Garrison
Page 3, panels 2 - 4 . . . Christopher Davis
Page 3, panels 5 - 8 . . . Tim Rocks
Page 3, panels 9 - 11 . . Chris Garrison
I hoped to accomplish all that in one, pleasingly wide panel, but it worked out better as 3 little ones. Oh, well.
And now we are introduced to a new member of the Ptooey canon: Loogie's Aunt Cranny. Due to her diminutive size, I'm going to say she's actually born of the clan of Faerie-folk. And I think we can gather something of her character here -- that despite her clearly non-James Bond-ian looks and demeanor, she's always involved in the world of international intrigue. Do I smell a spin-off?
I'm not sure my solution for an ending really makes sense. Aunt Cranny was apparently willing to murder her own niece, to avoid blowing her cover. But if Aunt Cranny's as nutty as she seems, maybe that's okay. And perhaps it's so important that the black magic cabal be infiltrated, that's it's worth the loss of a loved one. The fate of the world may lie in the balance, after all . . . And apparently, during the 7 years under cover, Aunt Cranny has developed real magical abilities. Or maybe that's her Faerie-folk power she's using . . . It sure is a coincidence that it turned out to be Loogie's aunt! That seems a bit of a stretch.
If we do any more comic jams in the future (starring Ptooey or otherwise), I wonder if they could be more organized (or should they?). I wonder if they could be done more quickly (or should they?) And I wonder if they can utilize more artists (or should they?) Anybody with thoughts on any of that or anything else, please comment below.
Super-special thanks to those other 3 fellows who gave of themselves for this cause. Especially Tim Rocks, who put in twice. And to myself, who contributed thrice. Full Credits for The Secret Sorcerer:
Page 1, panels 1 - 4 . . . Chris Garrison
Page 1, panels 5 - 9 . . . Tim Rocks
Page 2, panels 1 - 3 . . . Chris Fason
Page 2, panels 4 - 6 . . . Chris Garrison
and Page 3, panel 1 . . . Chris Garrison
Page 3, panels 2 - 4 . . . Christopher Davis
Page 3, panels 5 - 8 . . . Tim Rocks
Page 3, panels 9 - 11 . . Chris Garrison
Friday, September 19, 2008
dibs!
I hereby call dibs on the last little area of page left in The Secret Sorcerer . . . mainly because I still can't wait to find out what happens at the end! . . . however, I have NO IDEA what I'll put down there. If anybody has any thoughts on who turns out to be in the turban, please email me suggestions or put them in the comments below. Could it be John McCain? Rhea Perlman? Ptooey's lecherous friend? Some random character? Or a new regular? And whoever it is, WHY did they take over the mind of a Nepalese squirrel? Of course, there may not actually be enough room for the whys and wherefores on the comic page, but it would still be good to know.
I reckon I'll try to work on it this afternoon or over the weekend.
The Secret Sorcerer so far
In the end, I will have done parts 1, 4, and 7 of the jam. Next time we gotta get more people involved! Would anybody want to work on some kind of super-heroish jam?
In other Ptooey and Loogie news, I've decided to go with Mark Martin's suggestion on naming Ptooey's lecherous friend. Hence, I now present . . . Oyster!
I reckon I'll try to work on it this afternoon or over the weekend.
The Secret Sorcerer so far
In the end, I will have done parts 1, 4, and 7 of the jam. Next time we gotta get more people involved! Would anybody want to work on some kind of super-heroish jam?
In other Ptooey and Loogie news, I've decided to go with Mark Martin's suggestion on naming Ptooey's lecherous friend. Hence, I now present . . . Oyster!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
New SHC
Introducing Scotty White! . . . of Rainbow City, Alabama. I met him at ARTWALK, and he's already joined up.
His slogan is, "Underachievement in Fine Art," but I tend to disagree. It seems to me like he's achieving some actual achievement.
His slogan is, "Underachievement in Fine Art," but I tend to disagree. It seems to me like he's achieving some actual achievement.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ames lettering guide
Just wondering if anyone knows where to get one of these locally. I used to have one but I lost it. Seems like sort of a hassle to deal with ordering plus S&H when they only cost a few dollars if that..
I don't really want to ask an art store to order one specially either.. In my experience that usually turns into a long drawn out complicated affair. Maybe there's some dusty old drafting supplies in some corner of the town that I'm overlooking..
I don't really want to ask an art store to order one specially either.. In my experience that usually turns into a long drawn out complicated affair. Maybe there's some dusty old drafting supplies in some corner of the town that I'm overlooking..
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
the 24-hour comics challenge
in a little over a month, on october 18th, is 24-hour comics day. i encourage everyone to participate! for those not in the know, a 24-hour comics challenge is where a cartoonist will try to write and draw a complete 24-page comic in the span of 24 consecutive hours. i will be at kingdom comics in vestavia (and i imagine sarah white will be there as well), which is a sponsored site for the event.
http://www.24hourcomicsday.com
http://kingdomcomics.comicnet.net
http://www.24hourcomicsday.com
http://kingdomcomics.comicnet.net
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Delaine at ARTWALK
[Something from Salty 'Ham Cartooneesta Delaine Derry Green, in case anybody didn't get this -- ]
Hi there! This is just a final ARTWALK reminder -- we hope to see you at What's On 2nd this coming weekend. I'll be sitting on the first floor near the stairs with all of my wares Friday the 5th from 5-10pm and Saturday the 6th from noon-6pm. Come and see me anytime... I'll be there. We will also have some great catered food to share from Salsarita's and the Magnolia Cafe. AND... we'll be sneaking out to the Wine Loft at some point, if you want to join us. ARTWALK is a must-do event, so tell your friends too!
xox, DELAINE!
[What’s On 2nd is located at 2306 2nd Ave North, Birmingham]
Hi there! This is just a final ARTWALK reminder -- we hope to see you at What's On 2nd this coming weekend. I'll be sitting on the first floor near the stairs with all of my wares Friday the 5th from 5-10pm and Saturday the 6th from noon-6pm. Come and see me anytime... I'll be there. We will also have some great catered food to share from Salsarita's and the Magnolia Cafe. AND... we'll be sneaking out to the Wine Loft at some point, if you want to join us. ARTWALK is a must-do event, so tell your friends too!
xox, DELAINE!
[What’s On 2nd is located at 2306 2nd Ave North, Birmingham]
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Old Comics Coloring and Printing
This thread has some incredible information if you're interested in the topic. All about the old 4-color letterpress printing on pulp paper. After the colorist made a guide, somebody had to cut each of the color layers by hand, in order to make the plates:
http://comicscomicsmag.blogspot.com/2008/08/comics-color-article-from-cc-2_26.html
It resulted in a unique look that defined comics for generations, and with its disappearance there seems to be (as in the case of other commercially obsolescent printing technologies) a growing interest in it among artists. However unlike other old-fashioned printing techniques, which are expensive enough, I doubt that artists will have access to this particular technology unless something unlikely happens, such as a determined person (with money) or a collective revives it and makes it available. Or some university or other institution.
I wouldn't want the tedious job of cutting all those separations, but I do like the look that resulted. As many have said, the limitations themselves created a certain aesthetic within which the artists had to work.
http://comicscomicsmag.blogspot.com/2008/08/comics-color-article-from-cc-2_26.html
It resulted in a unique look that defined comics for generations, and with its disappearance there seems to be (as in the case of other commercially obsolescent printing technologies) a growing interest in it among artists. However unlike other old-fashioned printing techniques, which are expensive enough, I doubt that artists will have access to this particular technology unless something unlikely happens, such as a determined person (with money) or a collective revives it and makes it available. Or some university or other institution.
I wouldn't want the tedious job of cutting all those separations, but I do like the look that resulted. As many have said, the limitations themselves created a certain aesthetic within which the artists had to work.
2 for 1
I just added 2 new posts to the SHC page - one for graphic designer and comic book artist Mark Poe of Albertville . . .
. . . and one for his comic book publishing company, Mega Comics Group. They put out a few indie comics back in the 80's, and now they're making a comeback online!
. . . and one for his comic book publishing company, Mega Comics Group. They put out a few indie comics back in the 80's, and now they're making a comeback online!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Blast from the recent past
Hi everyone, I hope you all had a great Labor Day. I haven't been able to do too much art as of late but one of my laurels just popped up in the mail today. I participated in a 50 State Jam that Mark Martin pointed me to a while back. The info is at The Winterizer's Website
I hope to get freed up soon and get back to having fun drawing.
I hope to get freed up soon and get back to having fun drawing.
Kirk
Here is my Alabama Submission. The deal was, J.B. Winter sends you a postcard with just the mouse IZZY and and a starting text specific to your state. You fit in however you can to imply that his character IZZY is sending a postcard back from the state he is in. I can't recall how much time it took to think up what to draw but actual drawing time was about a half hour. My only regret is that I wish I had took time to put more black in.
I received my completed booklet in the mail yesterday and was very suprised how 50 different artists with only one unifying factor and very few rules to follow made a book that looked as if one person could have done the whole thing.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
amateur art
Chris, you were talking about the appeal of crude unfinished art a while back [here]. I came across this thread where there's an interesting discussion about it (after the initial boosterism):
http://comicscomicsmag.blogspot.com/2008/08/drawing-is-fun_10.html
http://comicscomicsmag.blogspot.com/2008/08/drawing-is-fun_10.html
Friday, August 29, 2008
Ptooey & Loogie Strips
While Ptooey and Loogie's first comic jam awaits a bold cartooneesta to step forward and take the helm, the wacky couple are taking a new approach - the strip format! No, I don't mean you'll be seeing Ptooey work the pole; I mean I've drawn a few Ptooey & Loogie comics in the style of a daily strip. Here they are.
I think these two characters have a great potential for versatility, so I tried to explore that in these strips. I went for romantic comedy in the first and third ones. With the second one, I was hoping to show how they can enter the world of the bizarre or surreal, a la The Twilight Zone, or Dream of the Rarebit Fiend.
I also wanted to add to the Ptooey and Loogie bible some, so I managed to show some things we haven't seen: their fancy duds, their cat, their house's exterior, and Ptooey's lecherous friend. Speaking of which, here's what he looks like --
I don't know what to name him, though. Here are some ideas --
Gooey
Munk
Wexler
Tom
What do y'all think? Vote for one of those names or submit your own ideas for a name in the comments below.
Also, if you're inspired, add to the collection of Ptooey & Loogie strips! As before, you can draw them to look like mine, or you can draw them in whatever other style you like. You could also, if you're wildly excited, volunteer to ink and/or paint any of the existing strips. Or if you have ideas for strips, but have no time to draw them, post them here or email them to me. That way I could keep a growing collection of scriptlets, from which any of us can draw in the future, when we want to do some new P&T strips.
Love Always,
G
I think these two characters have a great potential for versatility, so I tried to explore that in these strips. I went for romantic comedy in the first and third ones. With the second one, I was hoping to show how they can enter the world of the bizarre or surreal, a la The Twilight Zone, or Dream of the Rarebit Fiend.
I also wanted to add to the Ptooey and Loogie bible some, so I managed to show some things we haven't seen: their fancy duds, their cat, their house's exterior, and Ptooey's lecherous friend. Speaking of which, here's what he looks like --
I don't know what to name him, though. Here are some ideas --
Gooey
Munk
Wexler
Tom
What do y'all think? Vote for one of those names or submit your own ideas for a name in the comments below.
Also, if you're inspired, add to the collection of Ptooey & Loogie strips! As before, you can draw them to look like mine, or you can draw them in whatever other style you like. You could also, if you're wildly excited, volunteer to ink and/or paint any of the existing strips. Or if you have ideas for strips, but have no time to draw them, post them here or email them to me. That way I could keep a growing collection of scriptlets, from which any of us can draw in the future, when we want to do some new P&T strips.
Love Always,
G
Loogie Languishing
The Secret Sorcerer, our not-so-ongoing comic jam, is currently floating in limbo, with no takers. Somebody please call dibs and draw the next few panels! Our unlikely heroine has fallen under the spell of a magical squirrel. Only YOU can rescue her . . . or seal her fate?
The Secret Sorcerer - 1st installment (this post tells you about the spirit of the characters and the jam).
The Secret Sorcerer - 5th installment (this most recent addition catches you up on all that's happened in the panels added by Tim Rocks, Chris Fason, and Christopher Davis).
The Secret Sorcerer - 1st installment (this post tells you about the spirit of the characters and the jam).
The Secret Sorcerer - 5th installment (this most recent addition catches you up on all that's happened in the panels added by Tim Rocks, Chris Fason, and Christopher Davis).
Monday, August 25, 2008
I hate layers
I finished working on my picture of my muses and I gotta say... I'm not exactly happy with it. I had to reduce the girls and move the layers around a bit to fit'em proper on the background I had picked out. Well, that softened some lines and pixelated others and I was wondering what the hell did I do to eff this up? Well, I shoulda never kept them as JPGs the whole time, I suppose, 'cause I know they pixelate when reduced.
Regardless, I present to you, my Muses; Art, Author, Anger, Asshole, Adolescence, Agony, and Arousal:
If you really want to, you can check out the girls in their full forms, too.
Regardless, I present to you, my Muses; Art, Author, Anger, Asshole, Adolescence, Agony, and Arousal:
If you really want to, you can check out the girls in their full forms, too.
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