This is neat, I found my first non-TMNT web review (in that it was put up on a site that wasn't a Turtle one).
http://aboutheroes.com/content/2007/07/tales_of_the_tmnt_36_review.php
San Diego's sold-out Saturday was a bit of a trip. I finally got around to doing some back issue scrounging and found the final Sam and Max comic I'd been looking for, although I didn't get Mr. Purcell to sign it, as I'd already hit him up for a sketch of Sam (which looked awesome and will go perfectly with the Max he drew for me the day before) and another art print he'd just recieved for that day.
Also got to meet Ed Brubaker, who is one of the nicest guys you could want to meet, and who also signed my copy of The Man Who Laughs, which was awesome!
I also got to meet another writer who I look up to an incredible amount -- Brian Michael Bendis -- who signed my copy of New Avengers #1 (I have so much stuff I would have liked to sign, but I think when it comes to these sorts of things, one should take what they like best or what means the most) and was cool enough to grab a copy of my own Tales of the TMNT --AND-- get me to sign it for him! Thanks Mr. Bendis!
I was also fortunate enough to dig up a copy of Joe Quesada's incentive variant of New Avengers #1 (something I'd left at home) and have him sign that (which was also signed by David Finch and Brian Bendis) which was awesome! Corza got a photo of me with the dude, so I'll put that up later!
Mike Carlin had some great advice on speaking to editors and getting in touch with them about particular stories, and C.B. Cebulski asked me give him a copy of Tales #36 today! Mr. Cebulski is another person I've found in the industry to be a genuinely great person, even if he didn't want to be there or talk to another no-name writer, he certainly didn't show and was very positive and I suppose inspiring in a sense. Either way a great guy to talk to, and, as I said in my last post, had some great advice.
Bruce Timm did a sketch of Raphael for me! He didn't want to at first, claiming I'd be disappointed when I returned for the picture, but God damn... if it wasn't the most awesome thing I'd ever seen! This is the guy, who, along with Paul Dini, pretty much shaped the way I saw the Batman, and hugely influenced the way I write and see the comic book world - and that probably seeps out into Tales #36 - I was completely over the moon! I'll post pictures when I get the chance! It truly is an awesome thing for me personally! Thank's Bruce, looking forward to seeing you in October!
I'll post more later, gotta go get brekky!
Peace!
T
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
San Diego Comic Con Report
Okay, here we go. The big one.
I'd been meaning to get around to updating this thing each night after the Con, but no joke, I've come home (to the hotel) each night and collapsed. I hit the pubs/bars/establishments afterwards and come 10:00/10:30; my eyes start rolling up into the back of my head and I'm ready to hit Dreamland.
So here we go.
Wednesday night was awesome. It was nice, quiet (comparatively), and put me in good stead for what to expect the next few days. I had my To Do list ready to go, so it was a good little warm-up for the show. I was also extremely fortunate to meet two of my biggest influences, two people I respect a great deal in the comic book industry - Stan Sakai, creator of Usagi Yojimbo, and Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - both of whom I was extremely fortunate enough to speak to for a great deal of time. Both Stan and Kevin are two of the nicest people you could ever want to meet!
Kevin signed my copy of TMNT 1 and couldn't believe the condition it was in, and Stan, who not only signed the poster he had held aside for me for when I arrived at the con, signed my Usagi 100, and 10 (my first Usagi comic) BUT he also did a fantastic sketch of Usagi on a hillside on the backing board for one of them! I couldn't believe it! But wait, it doesn't end there, both Stan and I ended up in the Thursday morning paper, Stan being described as the legend he is, and me the sputtering ant/fanboy I clearly was at the time!
So that was my adventurous first night. Took a look around, got my bearings and a couple of things signed... I was set for the next day (we did, of course, go out for drinks afterwards).
Thursday.
Thursday was when it all sank in. It was on. On like Donkey Kong. Within the first hour of wandering around like the out-of-towner I am, I went to the Marvel booth to ask when Paul Jenkins would be in the booth for a signing. The dude responded with something to the effect of "In about an hour, but if you like I can introduce you to him now!"
-Hell. Yes.
Got to meet Paul Jenkins, who signed TMNT 45 (I think - doesn't matter, it was his first and only TMNT comic!) for me and couldn't believe that was what I was asking him to sign. His first comic, and something he hadn't had put in front of him in years, so he was kind of blown away by that, and offloaded a shitload of freestuff on me (which may or may not have been him simply self-promoting, either way, I wasn't going to say "No"). Had a couple of comics signed by John Romita Jnr. (whose work never ceases to impress), and spoke with Peter David for a while about his work on the Dreamwave Turtles stuff, how disappointed he was that it was cancelled when it was because he had become really attached to the characters and was finally able to branch off into new stories. Also, I was able to speak very briefly to Joe Quesada, EIC of Marvel comics, who was a really nice guy (but there's more to it than that).
Dad met his idol - Sergio Aragones, and I took a photo of the two, he also got his 1 of Groo signed, along with this crazy mask thing. He also went and saw Tom Luth, Stan Sakai, Sergio and Mark Evanier's Groo panel, which he loved.
As far as haulage goes - I picked up the last two Muppet figures I needed to fill out my collection - Uncle Deadly and the Penguin 2-pack, I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to shop in the Hasbrotoyshop.com booth, so I picked up a couple of con-exclusive Star Wars figures (the Ralph Macquarrie Yoda and Obi-Wan 2-pack and the Shadow Scout box), and was also able to pick up a Megaman t-shirt for my brother back home, a Turtles one for myself, picked up Usagi 1 signed by Stan, this massive Hardcover Exclusive Art of Udon book for Evan (signed by the entire Udon crew), and I think my grail for the day would have been meeting Steve Purcell, creator of Sam and Max, and getting two signed Sam & Max prints!
Oh! How could I forget?! Also met Paui Dini, who signed some comics for me (I'm a massive Paul Dini fan) and who even took one of my own Tales of comics and made me sign it for him! I was surprised at how softly spoken the dude was, but still, a really, really great guy! Hopefully I can thank him again personally before the weekend is up.
Again, come the end of the night, all were pooped, but still managed to fit in great dinner (Ahi tuna at Henry's Pub - so damn good) and some drinks.
Today.
Today was awesome. I'm getting a sketch of Michelangelo done by Terry Dodson, who's a great dude, although he had left by the time he told me to come and pick the sketch up (with my reference comics)! Went to the Cup of Joe panel, where Joe Q remembered me (by name!) from the day before! Asked about Devil Dinosaur (yes, I'm a fan), and the response was to be expected (nothing good - at least I know the character is something I can aim for!), was given some great, great advice by C.B. Cebulski about writing.
Stood in line for a Jim Lee sketch, only to be told that he wouldn't be doing any. Awesome.
Went back to get Steve Purcell's sketch books and was lucky enough to also get a big ass sketch of Max!
Had my Gargoyles 1 signed by David Hedgecock, who was a really cool guy!
Andrew Dabb signed my Ghostbusters comics, and we had a massive conversation about the company that put it all together, 88mph Studios.... sigh....
Andrew Dabb was a great dude too, surprised me how young he was!
Robert Kirkman signed my TrapJaw one shot (MOTU) and was pleased to see something other than his Marvel work or Walking Dead stuff (thanks Corza!).
Met Jake Black! A highlight for today! Though we didn't get much time to talk, it was fantastic to meet the guy! Keep an eye on him - big things. Big things! And thanks for signing my comic, dude!
I also managed to get hold of a couple of Grail items today! The final part to the old Laughing Fish story (Detective Comics 476), a copy of Devil Dinosaur 1 in mint condition, and The Man Who Laughs! For those unaware, this was an extremely limited story written by Ed Brubaker, retelling the Joker's first night as the Joker - an absolutely fantastic read, and with art by Doug Mahnke, you're hard pressed to find more awesome quality comics than this one! So thankfully I'll have it ready to be signed by the Bru come tomorrow.
I was lucky enough to make some loose contacts - plant some seeds so to speak. Chris Ryall, EIC of IDW Publishing and I spoke at great lengths about the comics and the deal between Titan and IDW regarding Transformers, and also about Castlevania, which looks to be returning mid next year!
Sheer random luck also allowed me to meet Mike Siglain, who's currently editing DC's big Countdown event (and edited a lot of the recent Detective and Batman stories - Face the Face, which I loved). He was extremely insightful, and wanted a copy of my TMNT comic, and also suggested I give it to the other editors there at DC too! I sit here staring at his card pondering how soon I should respond to his "Send me an email" request! I feel like I did when I first asked a girl out on a date...
Kinda surprising was meeting Greg Rucka, immediately after Mr. Siglain. He introduced himself to me! I was blown away - not only because I had no idea what Greg Rucka looked like (being a sheltered Aussie boy) but it's not everyday you get one of your favourite writers introducing himself to you and asking with genuine interest about you! Gobsmacked!
I will have to admit to my extreme jealousy of my travelling buddies. The artwork Jables scored is ridiculous, as is Jarrod's, actually, fuck it - Mark, Jarrod, Corey, JB - damn you all! You and your personalised Jim Lee, Scott Campbell, Todd Naucks and Van Sciver art!
Anyway, better clock off. Tomorrow's a big one, being completely sold out - gotta be up early.
Oh, I finally got to meet Geoff Johns too! Awesome guy!
Peace out!
Trist
I'd been meaning to get around to updating this thing each night after the Con, but no joke, I've come home (to the hotel) each night and collapsed. I hit the pubs/bars/establishments afterwards and come 10:00/10:30; my eyes start rolling up into the back of my head and I'm ready to hit Dreamland.
So here we go.
Wednesday night was awesome. It was nice, quiet (comparatively), and put me in good stead for what to expect the next few days. I had my To Do list ready to go, so it was a good little warm-up for the show. I was also extremely fortunate to meet two of my biggest influences, two people I respect a great deal in the comic book industry - Stan Sakai, creator of Usagi Yojimbo, and Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - both of whom I was extremely fortunate enough to speak to for a great deal of time. Both Stan and Kevin are two of the nicest people you could ever want to meet!
Kevin signed my copy of TMNT 1 and couldn't believe the condition it was in, and Stan, who not only signed the poster he had held aside for me for when I arrived at the con, signed my Usagi 100, and 10 (my first Usagi comic) BUT he also did a fantastic sketch of Usagi on a hillside on the backing board for one of them! I couldn't believe it! But wait, it doesn't end there, both Stan and I ended up in the Thursday morning paper, Stan being described as the legend he is, and me the sputtering ant/fanboy I clearly was at the time!
So that was my adventurous first night. Took a look around, got my bearings and a couple of things signed... I was set for the next day (we did, of course, go out for drinks afterwards).
Thursday.
Thursday was when it all sank in. It was on. On like Donkey Kong. Within the first hour of wandering around like the out-of-towner I am, I went to the Marvel booth to ask when Paul Jenkins would be in the booth for a signing. The dude responded with something to the effect of "In about an hour, but if you like I can introduce you to him now!"
-Hell. Yes.
Got to meet Paul Jenkins, who signed TMNT 45 (I think - doesn't matter, it was his first and only TMNT comic!) for me and couldn't believe that was what I was asking him to sign. His first comic, and something he hadn't had put in front of him in years, so he was kind of blown away by that, and offloaded a shitload of freestuff on me (which may or may not have been him simply self-promoting, either way, I wasn't going to say "No"). Had a couple of comics signed by John Romita Jnr. (whose work never ceases to impress), and spoke with Peter David for a while about his work on the Dreamwave Turtles stuff, how disappointed he was that it was cancelled when it was because he had become really attached to the characters and was finally able to branch off into new stories. Also, I was able to speak very briefly to Joe Quesada, EIC of Marvel comics, who was a really nice guy (but there's more to it than that).
Dad met his idol - Sergio Aragones, and I took a photo of the two, he also got his 1 of Groo signed, along with this crazy mask thing. He also went and saw Tom Luth, Stan Sakai, Sergio and Mark Evanier's Groo panel, which he loved.
As far as haulage goes - I picked up the last two Muppet figures I needed to fill out my collection - Uncle Deadly and the Penguin 2-pack, I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to shop in the Hasbrotoyshop.com booth, so I picked up a couple of con-exclusive Star Wars figures (the Ralph Macquarrie Yoda and Obi-Wan 2-pack and the Shadow Scout box), and was also able to pick up a Megaman t-shirt for my brother back home, a Turtles one for myself, picked up Usagi 1 signed by Stan, this massive Hardcover Exclusive Art of Udon book for Evan (signed by the entire Udon crew), and I think my grail for the day would have been meeting Steve Purcell, creator of Sam and Max, and getting two signed Sam & Max prints!
Oh! How could I forget?! Also met Paui Dini, who signed some comics for me (I'm a massive Paul Dini fan) and who even took one of my own Tales of comics and made me sign it for him! I was surprised at how softly spoken the dude was, but still, a really, really great guy! Hopefully I can thank him again personally before the weekend is up.
Again, come the end of the night, all were pooped, but still managed to fit in great dinner (Ahi tuna at Henry's Pub - so damn good) and some drinks.
Today.
Today was awesome. I'm getting a sketch of Michelangelo done by Terry Dodson, who's a great dude, although he had left by the time he told me to come and pick the sketch up (with my reference comics)! Went to the Cup of Joe panel, where Joe Q remembered me (by name!) from the day before! Asked about Devil Dinosaur (yes, I'm a fan), and the response was to be expected (nothing good - at least I know the character is something I can aim for!), was given some great, great advice by C.B. Cebulski about writing.
Stood in line for a Jim Lee sketch, only to be told that he wouldn't be doing any. Awesome.
Went back to get Steve Purcell's sketch books and was lucky enough to also get a big ass sketch of Max!
Had my Gargoyles 1 signed by David Hedgecock, who was a really cool guy!
Andrew Dabb signed my Ghostbusters comics, and we had a massive conversation about the company that put it all together, 88mph Studios.... sigh....
Andrew Dabb was a great dude too, surprised me how young he was!
Robert Kirkman signed my TrapJaw one shot (MOTU) and was pleased to see something other than his Marvel work or Walking Dead stuff (thanks Corza!).
Met Jake Black! A highlight for today! Though we didn't get much time to talk, it was fantastic to meet the guy! Keep an eye on him - big things. Big things! And thanks for signing my comic, dude!
I also managed to get hold of a couple of Grail items today! The final part to the old Laughing Fish story (Detective Comics 476), a copy of Devil Dinosaur 1 in mint condition, and The Man Who Laughs! For those unaware, this was an extremely limited story written by Ed Brubaker, retelling the Joker's first night as the Joker - an absolutely fantastic read, and with art by Doug Mahnke, you're hard pressed to find more awesome quality comics than this one! So thankfully I'll have it ready to be signed by the Bru come tomorrow.
I was lucky enough to make some loose contacts - plant some seeds so to speak. Chris Ryall, EIC of IDW Publishing and I spoke at great lengths about the comics and the deal between Titan and IDW regarding Transformers, and also about Castlevania, which looks to be returning mid next year!
Sheer random luck also allowed me to meet Mike Siglain, who's currently editing DC's big Countdown event (and edited a lot of the recent Detective and Batman stories - Face the Face, which I loved). He was extremely insightful, and wanted a copy of my TMNT comic, and also suggested I give it to the other editors there at DC too! I sit here staring at his card pondering how soon I should respond to his "Send me an email" request! I feel like I did when I first asked a girl out on a date...
Kinda surprising was meeting Greg Rucka, immediately after Mr. Siglain. He introduced himself to me! I was blown away - not only because I had no idea what Greg Rucka looked like (being a sheltered Aussie boy) but it's not everyday you get one of your favourite writers introducing himself to you and asking with genuine interest about you! Gobsmacked!
I will have to admit to my extreme jealousy of my travelling buddies. The artwork Jables scored is ridiculous, as is Jarrod's, actually, fuck it - Mark, Jarrod, Corey, JB - damn you all! You and your personalised Jim Lee, Scott Campbell, Todd Naucks and Van Sciver art!
Anyway, better clock off. Tomorrow's a big one, being completely sold out - gotta be up early.
Oh, I finally got to meet Geoff Johns too! Awesome guy!
Peace out!
Trist
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Stan Sakai, Nicest Guy!
Gonna do a bigger one later, but we had the preview night for San Diego Comic Con last night! Stan Sakai is the nicest guy anyone could ever want to meet, Kevin Eastman blew my mind, and my old man became a five year old when he met Sergio Aragones - creator of Groo! Photo's forthcoming!
Peace!
T
Peace!
T
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Best Day of My Life
I am completely unable to truly express how grateful I am to Murph, Paul, Eric and Mike. A simple phrase like "thank you" will never be enough. I hope everyone who picks this up enjoys it and knows that I feel the same towards them!
Much love and peace!
T
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
DC Lures
Okay, so I'm being drawn in by DC more and more... After checking out the October solicits, here's what I'll probably be adding:
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #1
Written by Frank Tieri
Art and cover by J. Calafiore
This 8-part epic explores the underbelly of the DC Universe and ties in to COUNTDOWN! Frank Tieri and COUNTDOWN's J. Calafiore team up to deliver an action-packed tale that features Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman and just about every other Gotham guest-star imaginable. As more and more evildoers seemingly disappear into thin air, Gotham City finds itself in the midst of a villainous vacuum. Who will rise to commandeer the remainder of Gotham's rogues? As several factions scramble to stake their claim, Batman and friends strategize a counter-attack!
ROBIN ANNUAL #7
Written by Keith Champagne
Art by Jason Pearson and Derec Donovan
Cover by Pearson
A special issue tying into next month's Batman event, "THE RESURRECTION OF RA'S AL GHUL"! Fan-favorite artist Jason Pearson illustrates "The Festival of Angry Ghosts," featuring Damian. Plus, in "The Great Pumpkin," Robin races the clock to solve a series of Halloween-themed murders so grotesque, they leave even the most jaded detectives in Gotham shocked. Plus, a special "Times Past" story focusing on Dick Grayson's first Halloween as Robin.
SIMON DARK #1
Written by Steve Niles
Art and cover by Scott Hampton
Gotham City has another guardian, a protector known only in whispers and children's jump rope songs - and he's not afraid to get his hands bloody! Meet Simon Dark, the mysterious creature of the night who's the star of a new ongoing series by the creative team behind the acclaimed GOTHAM COUNTY LINE - writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) and artist Scott Hampton (BATMAN: NIGHT CRIES)!
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #1
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Koi Turnbull & Art Thibert
Cover by Turnbull
Variant Cover by Ryan Sook
Tony Bedard (BIRDS OF PREY, COUNTDOWN) and Koi Turnbull (Fathom) launch a bold new direction for the DCU's misfit heroes! The rules have changed all over the DC Universe - but for the Outsiders, they're still just things that were made to be broken!
It's a fresh game of dirty pool for the Outsiders as the Dark Knight sends his new team to the frontlines of a massive assault on metahumans. Batman and the Outsiders must fight even dirtier than their enemies...and risk becoming the supervillains they despise!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers that may be ordered separately. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (featuring a cover by Koi Turnbull) ordered, retailers may order 1 Variant Edition (featuring a cover by Ryan Sook). Please see the Order Form for more details.
Monday, July 16, 2007
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Well, I just filed my first tax return as a professional/freelance comic book writer and it was far less daunting than I'd imagined. I'm getting a pretty decent return too, and was able to claim a chunk of my trip to the U.S.! Cha-Ching!
This Week's Comics
Outside of my own comic hitting the shelves this week, here's what I'll be picking up:
NOV060032 STAR WARS DARK TIMES #4 (OF 5) $2.99
I'm a perpetual Star Wars nerd and have been since I first saw the movies. Dark Times has ridiculously good art and continues on the excellent storyline involving the hunting of the Jedi post Order 66.
MAY070127 COUNTDOWN 41 $2.99
My first foray into DC crossover events and it's looking okay so far! I'm in it mainly for the Jason Toddness of it all though, as he's a character that interests me a great deal.
MAY072126 AVENGERS INITIATIVE #4 WWH $2.99
The only true Initiative title I've decided to pick up (but really only as long as there's a Spidey anchor to it). The reason? Well, Tony Stark's given the Iron Spider costumes to some new group and are going by the title "The Scarlet Spiders". The Clone Saga was probably one of the bigger Spidey events in my growing up, so the reference makes me giddy. I also rather dug Spidey's Iron duds, so it's cool to see them being utilised again, even though I know they'll be used to hunt Peter down.
MAY072096 FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #22 $2.99
Peter David = Awesome. This is a great Spidey title, having a really nice old school feel to it, but keeping up with the modern MU.
MAY072154 SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #1 (OF 5) $2.99
C'mon! It's MODOK for God's sake! The Chameleon is also part of this team, who just so happens to be my favourite Spidey villain. This looks like a hell of a lot of fun too!
MAY072155 THUNDERBOLTS DESPERATE MEASURES $2.99
What happens when you put the world's most dangerous supervillains into a team together to help bring down rogue superheros in a post Civil War Marvel Universe, AND slap Marvel's biggest loon at it's command? You get one of the best books Marvel has on the shelves at the moment. Warren Ellis is doing great things with this book, but I just wish they'd let the Thunderbolts cut loose on some A-Listers. Looks like Norman Osborn is losing the plot too, which will definitely make for interesting reading...
MAY072119 WORLD WAR HULK #2 (OF 5) WWH $3.99
World War Hulk #1 won me over with "Puny humans, I have come to smash." This is going to be fun!
MAR073093 GARGOYLES #5 $3.50
The continuation of Disney's canceled cult favourite. I love it when creators get to continue things THEIR way, you get top flight entertainment such as this. Pity about the delays though, still, it's worth the wait!
MAY073618 TALES OF RAPHAEL BAD MOON RISING #1 (OF 4) $3.25
Bill Moulage fronts the first of this four part TMNT mini, which is the sequel to one of my favourite Tales of issues. Should be fun!
MAY073619 TALES OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #36 $3.25
My comic. 'Nuff said.
NOV060032 STAR WARS DARK TIMES #4 (OF 5) $2.99
I'm a perpetual Star Wars nerd and have been since I first saw the movies. Dark Times has ridiculously good art and continues on the excellent storyline involving the hunting of the Jedi post Order 66.
MAY070127 COUNTDOWN 41 $2.99
My first foray into DC crossover events and it's looking okay so far! I'm in it mainly for the Jason Toddness of it all though, as he's a character that interests me a great deal.
MAY072126 AVENGERS INITIATIVE #4 WWH $2.99
The only true Initiative title I've decided to pick up (but really only as long as there's a Spidey anchor to it). The reason? Well, Tony Stark's given the Iron Spider costumes to some new group and are going by the title "The Scarlet Spiders". The Clone Saga was probably one of the bigger Spidey events in my growing up, so the reference makes me giddy. I also rather dug Spidey's Iron duds, so it's cool to see them being utilised again, even though I know they'll be used to hunt Peter down.
MAY072096 FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #22 $2.99
Peter David = Awesome. This is a great Spidey title, having a really nice old school feel to it, but keeping up with the modern MU.
MAY072154 SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #1 (OF 5) $2.99
C'mon! It's MODOK for God's sake! The Chameleon is also part of this team, who just so happens to be my favourite Spidey villain. This looks like a hell of a lot of fun too!
MAY072155 THUNDERBOLTS DESPERATE MEASURES $2.99
What happens when you put the world's most dangerous supervillains into a team together to help bring down rogue superheros in a post Civil War Marvel Universe, AND slap Marvel's biggest loon at it's command? You get one of the best books Marvel has on the shelves at the moment. Warren Ellis is doing great things with this book, but I just wish they'd let the Thunderbolts cut loose on some A-Listers. Looks like Norman Osborn is losing the plot too, which will definitely make for interesting reading...
MAY072119 WORLD WAR HULK #2 (OF 5) WWH $3.99
World War Hulk #1 won me over with "Puny humans, I have come to smash." This is going to be fun!
MAR073093 GARGOYLES #5 $3.50
The continuation of Disney's canceled cult favourite. I love it when creators get to continue things THEIR way, you get top flight entertainment such as this. Pity about the delays though, still, it's worth the wait!
MAY073618 TALES OF RAPHAEL BAD MOON RISING #1 (OF 4) $3.25
Bill Moulage fronts the first of this four part TMNT mini, which is the sequel to one of my favourite Tales of issues. Should be fun!
MAY073619 TALES OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #36 $3.25
My comic. 'Nuff said.
Road Nazi
Driving along this morning, I was dismayed to look across while sitting idly in traffic to see a P-Plater in the car next to me, wearing a singlet to clearly show the world his new tat (I'm sure it was new, based on how he was looking at it and rubbing it every so often). Why was I dismayed? Because this jerk was brazenly putting a shoulder sized tattoo of a Swastika on display for the world to see. The fact that someone could be so narrow minded, in this day and age, right here in my home town, made me furious. Here is a young white male, on his P-plates (meaning -- for those of you not in Australia -- that he's between the ages of 18 and 21), brandishing a symbol of hatred. I see things like this and not only does it get to me that someone can be that stupid, but it reminds me that there are others out there with the same mentality, which gets to me even more.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Favourite of the Books and Worst of the Movies
Went to see the new Harry Potter movie today (Order of the Phoenix). Can't say I was impressed. The book was my favourite so far (though Half-Blood Prince and Prisoner of Azkaban were excellent too), but the movie was just so... forgettable... The whole thing plodded, with nothing much happening and then when the climax arrived - which in the book, read to me as a very exciting and tense event - just whizzed by. It's like Diet Harry Potter. Diluted with water. Warm tap water. Even by film standards.
That aside, with it being the school holidays here, the cinema was jam packed with pre-adolescent punks and families with small children and nothing better to do. What really stood out was how many of the parents clearly hadn't read the book or paid any attention to the classification. It irks me somewhat when parents bring kids incapable of sitting still, with attention spans of nanoseconds, and are the ones screaming as soon as something remotely frightening or loud occurs on screen. Generally they're under the age of 6. But I just don't get why?! The movie is rated M 15+ for a reason! They might as well have their phones on while they're a... OH! Wait! They do!
Same thing happened in Batman Begins, Spider-Man, Revenge of the Sith, The Lord of the Rings movies, King Kong... too many more to count, but I really wish parents would just stop and think about what they're doing and about other people before deciding to bring a kid to a movie just because "it's Batman" (parent = "Adam West was Batman!").
I'm going to stop before I go insane with the ranting. It's half-midnight, and I've been stacking shelves. Time for bed.
G'night!
That aside, with it being the school holidays here, the cinema was jam packed with pre-adolescent punks and families with small children and nothing better to do. What really stood out was how many of the parents clearly hadn't read the book or paid any attention to the classification. It irks me somewhat when parents bring kids incapable of sitting still, with attention spans of nanoseconds, and are the ones screaming as soon as something remotely frightening or loud occurs on screen. Generally they're under the age of 6. But I just don't get why?! The movie is rated M 15+ for a reason! They might as well have their phones on while they're a... OH! Wait! They do!
Same thing happened in Batman Begins, Spider-Man, Revenge of the Sith, The Lord of the Rings movies, King Kong... too many more to count, but I really wish parents would just stop and think about what they're doing and about other people before deciding to bring a kid to a movie just because "it's Batman" (parent = "Adam West was Batman!").
I'm going to stop before I go insane with the ranting. It's half-midnight, and I've been stacking shelves. Time for bed.
G'night!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Dance into the Fire
It's been one of those days. Nothing much happened and it's been bitterly cold the majority of the day. I was informed today that we've crossed the two-week barrier - now there're only thirteen days until my first big trip overseas! Kinda bummed out this morning - although it's not necessarily the best source of information regarding the release dates of smaller press comic books, my issue of Tales of the TMNT wasn't on this weeks Diamond Shipping List update. Maybe next week? I hope it is this week though, the anticipation as things grow nearer is brutal! I'm sure once it's out the crew at Mirage will breathe a sigh of relief ("Finally, it's out, it's over!")
Watched The Living Daylights again tonight. Easily one of my favourite Bond movies! It's always a controversial point, but Dalton is easily my favourite Bond too. I think it has something to do with the first Bond you're exposed to, but you can never bring up your favourite 007 without entering some sort of shitstorm argument about the pros and cons of each.
Still, Duran Duran's theme for View to a Kill is stuck in my head...
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Some Illustrations
I'm feeling somewhat creative today, and figured I'd jazz my blog up a bit so you have something to look at other than my incessant rambling. Here are some of my favourite bits and pieces I put together in my spare time (where has that gone anyway?). I'm a huge fan of the Alice in Wonderland books and the Wizard of Oz books, and surprisingly enough, don't actually own any of them anymore outside of Ozma of Oz!
Anyway, the first is the only Oz picture I have finished at the mo, but these are my interpretations of the Quadlings from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The Tweedles
The Gryphon and the Mock Turtle
The Frog Footman
The Frog Footman
The Jack of Clubs
I Made This!
This is one of the few things I've created that I'm truly happy with. Often I'll build/create/write/draw/whatever something and, although I like what I've done and there's a definite sense of accomplishment, I'm very rarely truly happy with the final product. This is one of the few that I'm happy to flash about. This was the very first 'proper' short film I ever made. We built the room itself in the recreation room of My Old Man's primary school during the holiday period, shot the whole thing in a day and a half (after a horrifying debacle that I'll talk about another time), and the whole thing cost less than 500 doshi.
Emma - who had never acted before - saved me and my film by stepping in in the eleventh hour (on her birthday too, which I completely forgot about) and doing everything perfectly, Walsh's job on the sound is borderline ridiculous, Bill, who shot the majority of the film, is someone I'll never be able to repay for the job he did (talk about having a video feed straight from the brain), Brown, who's moral support during the stressful first couple of days shooting is, again, something I'll never be able to repay in full. Al... you're just fucking awesome. And Ball... well...
....Yeah.
Anyway, the point is, everyone's effort and work that went into this, that helped make this the film it is for me personally, means more than anything to me. So sit back, and try to enjoy.
Emma - who had never acted before - saved me and my film by stepping in in the eleventh hour (on her birthday too, which I completely forgot about) and doing everything perfectly, Walsh's job on the sound is borderline ridiculous, Bill, who shot the majority of the film, is someone I'll never be able to repay for the job he did (talk about having a video feed straight from the brain), Brown, who's moral support during the stressful first couple of days shooting is, again, something I'll never be able to repay in full. Al... you're just fucking awesome. And Ball... well...
....Yeah.
Anyway, the point is, everyone's effort and work that went into this, that helped make this the film it is for me personally, means more than anything to me. So sit back, and try to enjoy.
Friday, July 06, 2007
F*ck.
It's the middle of the night. Some gigantic fly is circling my room in stealth mode and we have no flyspray. All I can hear is the Doppler effect of its buzzing. It's like the Predator and a fly rolled into one. I have to be up for work in 5 hours. I have never truly wished for anything to die until now...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
That's the Men in - That's the Men in - Oh! Uh!
One of my all time favourite TV shows has finally come to DVD, and much like the Lost Season of TMNT, it's only available here in Australia!
I'm speaking of MIB: The Series. I wasn't a huge fan of the movies - they felt like second rate Ghostbusters rips, and my opinion of them at the time was jaded because Ghostbusters III, a movie I was looking forward to more than anything was canceled to make the first MIB - but still, when the animated series came around it was in a class all of its own. Far superior to the movies, excellent stories, great character interpretations and fantastic visual style, this was a show I would watch with borderline fanaticism. And here it is, finally, on DVD!
I'm speaking of MIB: The Series. I wasn't a huge fan of the movies - they felt like second rate Ghostbusters rips, and my opinion of them at the time was jaded because Ghostbusters III, a movie I was looking forward to more than anything was canceled to make the first MIB - but still, when the animated series came around it was in a class all of its own. Far superior to the movies, excellent stories, great character interpretations and fantastic visual style, this was a show I would watch with borderline fanaticism. And here it is, finally, on DVD!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Don't You Love When Things Work?
Okay! Here's the preview I'd been trying to get going. Thanks to the good graces of the Powers that Be at Mirage and Titan Publishing UK (thanks Murph, thanks Ned!) the following two pages are from my second Fast Forward! Turtles story for Titan UK. Unfortunately, you can't get it here in Australia, or in America - it's a UK exclusive. Still, here are a couple of pages anyway, and if you're in the UK, remember to pick it up and let me know what you thought! Hits the streets August 2nd I believe.
In other news, I picked up two new CD's recently, both of which I'm loving. It's been a good while since anything new impressed me, having been let down by some of my favourite groups' recent efforts (Stadium Arcadium... prime example), but Velvet Revolver's new album "Libertad" is absolutely, fuckin' awesome! Definitely ahead of their last album, which is among my favourites, and it certainly seems as though they're having more fun creatively with this one.
Scott Weiland's well known personal problems seem to have been exorcised on their first album, and the narrative diversity on the Libertad songs is much closer to some of his earlier Stone Temple Pilots material. Musically, it's a much different - though still hard-rockin' - sound, but not so drastically different as to alienate fans of Contraband.The other CD was the Transformers soundtrack. Say what you want, but I'm a big fan of soundtracks, simply because of the mix of songs and artists you get, and if you dig a particular genre, they're even better, as a lot of soundtracks tend to stick to the same genres. I like my rock music, and I dig rap and hip-hop. Both genres are well and truly represented on Transformers, and a number of groups I normally wouldn't listen to have provided tracks that genuinely surprised me. The opening song by Linkin Park - a band I've never been a fan of - is actually really good, The Used turn in a rockin' track, as do Styles of Beyond, and the new song by the reformed Smashing Pumpkins is wicked too.
See the great thing about soundtracks in my mind, is that they allow you to discover new groups in a particular genre of music that you might not have heard had you not picked up or listened to that soundtrack. Thanks to Spider-man, I got into Injected, Daredevil led me to Revis and although I've heard most of the bands on Transformers, I've never really given them the time of day (until now).Finally, I went in for what I hope is my final blood test today. I had no idea you were supposed to have a drink of water before you went in for these things. Every other blood test I'd been in for, I'd fasted beforehand, so I always went first thing in the morning. Anyway, went in, hadn't had a damn thing and sat down to have the blood drawn. The nurse tried a fairly large artery on my left arm, but nothing came. It's kind of bizarre watching a syringe being jiggled about in your arm and not seeing any blood come. Anyway, mission aborted, Nurse decides to go the right arm. Didn't look like it was going to be successful either, but we got there in the end. So there you have it, drink some water before you go in for a blood test.
By the by, in case you were wondering, I'm being tested for liver functions. I became kinda sick over the last summer and lost a lot of weight, my sleeping patterns were out of whack, which meant my eating habits changed (when I'd eat and all that), thing was, my work hours, and exercise patterns didn't. By the end of the summer, I couldn't drive anywhere because I'd start phasing in and out and if I sat down anywhere for too long I'd probably end up asleep. I'd also gone from being 73-74 kg to 61kg, which is/was really, really bad. Anyway, here I am, six months later, I've put most of the weight back on, I'm sleeping better hours, and feeling hella better, but some kind of bizarre anomaly occurred in my liver. There are four enzymes in the liver that help it do what it does, and you're supposed to have X amount of said enzymes in your system. Two of these enzymes were in abnormally high amounts, which would indicate dangerous alcoholism... if the one of the other enzymes were to be found in the same abnormally high amount! I'm not a huge drinker these days (actually, I can't remember the last time I had a big one out), and I certainly hadn't touched a drop of alcohol over the period in question, so the good doctor and I are baffled, and hopefully this blood test will come back saying everything has ironed itself out.
Until next time!
Peace!
Peace!
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