Cream City On Ice

Hello all!

Well, winter has officially struck the home of the world's largest outdoor music festival. Snowstorms, freezing temperatures and other crap weather fun will be omnipresent for the next 2-4 months. Of course, this also means the rest of the Midwest is suffering along with us.

The brightside to this fact is underground artists will truly go underground, and hibernate/create cool new projects until the Spring thaw. If anyone has any projects they would like to shout, just send me an email with the details... I'll make sure they get posted here.

Until next time... stay warm.

Peace

-AR

The Slowboat from Cream City

Hello all!

I'm back to inform (for those not two weeks ahead of me on the newsfront) you Muscles & Frights managed to get a little coverage on the web just before Halloween. Ain't It Cool News review: www.aintitcool.com/node/38909 and our press release: http://breenibooks.blogspot.com/2008/10/haunted-hosts_06.html

Thanks to everyone out there hyping the book... and the series. It wouldn't have happened without you.

Peace

-AR

New Beginnings & Old Traditions

Hello all!

What a great day it is!!!

It's sunny AND warm in the Cream City, there will be new comics to sift through at noon, we're remembering Guy Fawkes, and the US of A has a new President... one which represents far more than a name or political affiliation could ever have done.

Where were you last night? Who were you with? What were you doing? Remember.

A friend sent me this text message last night. I'd like to share it.

"Remember the 5th of November. The gun powder, treason and plot... Viva la resistance!!"

Enjoy your new comics... under a new sky... and world. I now return you to our regularly scheduled programming.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Non-comical Commentary

Hello all!

If you're not already planning to, I encourage you to vote today. Regardless of the outcome of the election, it is quite possibly the most important and (could-be) pivotal point in our life history.

There has been a lot of talk and campaigning based on "change". There is no doubt we desperately need it. To be sure, we have only two choices for true change this Election Day... Obama (not the Democratic Party) and Third (Independent) Party. I'll leave it to you, kind reader, to figure out what "change" I'm referring to.

Enjoy yourselves today and tonight. Take in the sights and sounds around you. Remember where you were and what you were doing... you may be recalling it all to your children one day. More importantly, future generations will no doubt be reading about 4th November 2008 in their history books... and not just in the United States of America.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Update

Hello!

Things are quiet... with con season over.

Bud Burgy Inc. and Cream City Comics are still plotting out strategies and such for what is next on our collective creative plate. More than likely, we will be working on separate projects for a while. One thing is for certain... we want our series in the grubby mitts of more comic book loving readers.

I've got it on good word people have been asking about Muscles & Frights in local shops... thanks so much to those on the lookout.

Stay tuned for more to come.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Changes

Hello all!

Comics convention is over (for me) and it's evident the seasons are a'changing.

Fallcon's 20th seemed to be a massive success. It's always good to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while... that's at least one thing technology will never be able to replace.

Unfortunately, our book order did not arrive before the con was over. But you can order them online or, if you live in Milwaukee or Chicago, pick up copies at your local. If they don't have the books, ask them why and put in a request.

There are some very interesting projects on the horizon I hope to be in a position to share with you soon. Stayed tuned.

I'll be back on track with the 'interviews' soon.

Some people have requested I start sharing some of my art on this blog. I'm giving it serious consideration... we'll see what happens.

Peace

-AR

Cream City @ Fallcon

Hello all!

Well, Fallcon '08 is behind us. Hopefully, some of you made it and were able to enjoy all the new releases and activities.

The shipping gods were not with us, and Muscles & Frights was only represented by a proof copy. Still, people stopped by to have a look.

The International Cartoonist Conspiracy was out in full force. A tip of the ICC fez to all involved in setting the lounge. Ideas are already flying about what can be done to improve the scene and raise awareness next year.

Although, the convention year (for most) is over there is still time and opportunity to catch-up on your Muscles & Fights/International Cartoonist Conspiracy reading. Click away on the links featured on this blog learn more.

Have a great time at your local shop today.

Peace

-AR

Cream City in the Twin Cities

Hello all,

Just a quick note to inform you... Bud and I may only have copies of Muscles & Fights 1 and 2 for sale at Fallcon. Hopefully, the shipping gods will be with us and you'll be able to pick up Muscles & Fights 3 and Muscles & Frights from us direct. In any case, we will definitely have a preview copy of each book for you to peruse. And, don't forget, I will have original art from the Muscles & Fights series for sale!

Make sure you stop by the International Cartoonist Conspiracy lounge.

Have fun this weekend and be safe.

Peace

-AR

Muscles & Frights... The Beast Unleashed!

Hello all,

At long last, Muscles & Frights... the resurrected corpse of our Muscles & Fights trilogy (thanks Kevin)... has been proofed, and is available for purchase at www.lulu.com

I'll be honest with you, kind reader, I've never been so proud of my own publication. This book most definitely takes the series Bud Burgy and I put our collective pint-adled brains behind to the next level. Thanks so much to every contributor involved (see a full list at www.musclesandfights.com). Special thanks -once again- is due to Kevin McCarthy, Dan Olson, Marcus Muller, and Bernie Gonzalez. Without your input it wouldn't have been the same party.

Fallcon marks the soft release for the book (along with Muscliest & Fightiest). Our full-on fright fest will be slashing its way to you 31 October 2008... Halloween. Yes, this means we'll be throwing another release party... costumed this time around.

See you this weekend.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Update!

Hello all!

I'm back from NYC and in good company.

I thought you might like to know we think we've finally got all the kinks (not the band) out of Muscliest & Fightiest, and Muscles & Frights is already uploaded on lulu.com.

It's been a "topsy-turvy weird year"... but all has worked out for the best. Thanks so much to all kind enough to support our crazy trilogy. Special thanks to all encouraging us to put together more works... such enthusiasm spawned Muscles & Frights, afterall. On the subject of Muscles & Frights, BIG THANKS to Dan Olson, Marcus Muller and Bernie Gonzalez for their help in taking the series to the next level.

Make sure you get out to Fallcon. We'll be there with the entire boozin' & brusin' Bud Burgy, Inc./Cream City Comics library. I'll also have original art for sale!!!

Until next time...

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Danno

Hello all!

I'm back with another 'interview'. But, before I get into that, I'm gonna take this opportunity to give you the latest on M&F3. Well... the curse of the third volume in our little fisticuffs trilogy continues to plague us. I received my proof copy in the mail and there were some printing problems... AGAIN. Bud and I are hoping to have them ironed out soon. As I post this Muscles & Frights is being compiled as well.

And now... we return to our regularly scheduled programming. A meeting with the hardest working man in undeground funny books.

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

I am Danno Klonowski(dank!) from Northeast Minneapolis.

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

Well... it's been a busy few months to say the least. My "main" book, MANLY TALES OF COWARDICE, has been more or less on hold (I put out an issue #ZERO which was just my 2007 24 Hour Day story) while I've been working on all the following: MUSCLES AND FIGHTIEST--I did the final 10 page chapter in the SUPERMARKET VIGILANTE M&F trilogy....or did I finish that in 2007? I don't remember exactly...

UPTOWN GIRL vs TOMMY CHICAGO vs MANLY TALES OF COWARDICE--I may not have completed a whole issue of MANLY TALES this year so far, but BRIAN BASTIAN(the writer of Tommy Chicago)and BOB LIPSKI(the writer/artist of Uptown Girl) and I teamed-up to do a 64 page crossover of our characters. The crossover was great fun to do. Some pages Bob penciled and inked himself, and some I did. But, for the most part, Bob laid-out the book and, then, I did the finishes over that. My favorite pages, however, are the 5 pages I penciled and Bob inked. It was a great exercise and it's basically become the next logical step in creating the ever-expanding Minneapolis cartoonists version of a shared universe.

UPTOWN GIRL PRESENTS--When I finished the crossover I was in an Uptown Girl mode... so I coughed out a short crossover I had been promising Bob for about 5 years involving some of the D-list UPTOWN GIRL characters and my old D-list characters Mullet Clown, Liederhosen Punk, and Bitterness the Wrassler.

TOMMY CHICAGO--Bob and Brian have been making Tommy Chicago a couple times a year for a while now. But Bob just became a papa so he chose to complete the last 2 issues of TC and then step down. This made me quite sad since Tommy Chicago is easily my favorite mini-comic so I asked Bob and Brian if it would be possible for me to take over. They both thought it was a wonderful idea... later this year Brian and I are launching TOMMY CHICAGO #1 (vol.2).

To prepare for this I drew the Tommy Chicago half of this years UPTOWN GIRL/TOMMY CHICAGO Free Comic Book Day book.I also just completed over 50 internet-exclusive drawings for the soon-to-be-updated-this-summer www.tommychicago.com. Watch for that.

LUTEFISK SUSHI--Minneapolis' once every 18 months or so mini-comic/art event Lutefisk Sushi went down in May(see www.cartoonistconspiracy.com/sushi) and was a monster success.

In addition to doing a 8 page MANLY TALES mini(written by Brian Bastian) for the Sushi Box, I was also 1/4th of the curating team. My responsibilities mostly involved getting drunk, calling people names, and hanging artwork. I was also in charge of the POTTY HUMOR exhibit in the gallery's bathroom, the contents of which sound exactly like the title implies.

SUPER FANTASTICA--I did a short 4-page story for Daniel J. Olson's second issue of Super Fantastica(www.superfantasticacomix.com) about my youth. Okay...so that's all the crap I've done so far.

Here's what I'm working on right now: GOOD MINNESOTAN #3--Raighne & Meghan Hogan put out the best(only?) avant garde comic book anthology in Minnesota entitled 'The Good Minnesotan'(www.2dcloud.com), and they've asked me to be part of the third issue. I don't know that my art necessarily fits in with the vibe of the book, but I've gone all out to create a strange enough "story" that I think it'll fit in nicely.

MUSCLES AND FRIGHTS--I won't be contributing a full story to this MUSCLES AND... anthology, but I'm being kept pretty busy inking a PLUNGER-MAN story Ryan Dow(www.ryandow.com) has written and penciled. Also, everyones favorite Eisner-winner Zander Cannon(www.bigtimeattic.com/blog) and I are doing one of those fight jams that are so popular nowadays.

TOMMY CHICAGO #1 (vol.2)--Like I said, Brian Bastian and I are relaunching Tommy Chicago with an all-new issue #1. I finally started penciling it last night, and it should rock your funny bone into a stupor....or something...

MANLY TALES #5--Again, as stated before, MANLY TALES OF COWARDICE has been on kinda a hiatus, but not really. I've been slowly penciling a page here and there for issue #5 since January. This issue will be 45 pages long and finally reveal the origin of one of our 'heroes'. I'll be working on the inking of it while I work on Tommy Chicago, so hopefully I'll be finishing both of them by late summer/early fall.

CITY PAGES--OH YEAH! The local call girl/stripper advertisement disguised as a weekly hipster new source, the CITY PAGES, will have their second annual COMIX ISSUE out soon. Lots of us Minneapolis locals submitted stuff, so it'll be fun to see what made the cut. Check out www.citypages.com sometime in the near future to find out for yourself. That's it (for now).Sorry it too so damn long.

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

SUPER FANTASTICA and the LUTEFISK SUSHI box are available in town, or check their websites contact info for info on how to order them.The rest of the release dates will remain absolutely top secret... until question #10...

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

Well, MANLY TALES OF COWARDICE is pretty planned out. It's going to be three 8-issue story arcs, and although I was planning on being done with the first arc this year, it looks like that'll have to wait until 2009(which SUCKS because as much as I like everything I'm setting with these first 8 issues, #'s 9-16 should be pretty awesome and I can't wait to get started on them).

TOMMY CHICAGO, after this years release of #1, should hopefully come out twice a year starting in 2009.In the "WHO KNOWS WHEN I'LL GET AROUND TO THIS" category: I have a 120 page MONSTER PIG-FACE BOY script I've been sitting on for a year, as well as an elaborate plan for a SUPERMARKET VIGILANTE SUPER SPECIAL I'd like to do. There's also plenty of loose talk about a sequel(or two) to the UPTOWN GIRL/TOMMY CHICAGO/MANLY TALES crossover.

And, I'm planning a UPTOWN GIRL crossover of sorts in MANLY TALES #10 that is going to probably lead into a spin-off book/one-shot Bob and I will do together--but again, that'll be in 2010 or something, so don't hold your breath.

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

I do painting occasionally. In fact, I just finished a large 4x6 foot thing I had been working on periodically for about a year. But I should clarify--my "painting" only really retains that title because I use brushes and acrylic and enamel paint to create the pictures, the reality is I'm just doing really elaborate, time-consuming cartoons when I "paint".

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

The last couple years have been a time where I think I really found my "style" cartooning-wise, and have learned plenty of tricks and cheats and short-hand ways of doing what I want. So I'm pretty proud of that. I'm now trying my hand at using what I've learned to ink over others and see what kinda results that brings. It's pretty exciting to see Bob or Ryan's pencils morph into this amalgam of our styles and create a whole new look. My big hope is to eventually work with everyone I know--with them doing pencils and me inking, or me penciling and them inking, or me writing and them drawing, or etc etc etc. I'm just having a blast collaborating with my co-Conspirators.

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

No! And I know I should. In fact, just the other day I ran into Conspirator Ken Avidor(www.bicyclopolis.blogspot.com) at a parade by my house and his first question was: "Did you bring your sketchbook?" GAH! .... no.... But Ken does the most wonderful, elaborate sketchbooks I know of, and I hope that someday they will be published for the world to see his genius/madness.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Well, I may not have a sketchbook, but I'm constantly roughing-out ideas at work (or someplace else I shouldn't be drawing) far in advance of when I put the idea into the actual comic. It's usually character sketches or rough page layouts, but they usually all come in somewhat handy at some point.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchandise [personally]?

Ummm...I have a mortgage and kids, this doesn't leave a lot of time/money for conventioneering about the country. Oh yeah... and I'm a veritable nobody so most conventions are kinda a wash for me anyway. Moving on the more applicable question #10...

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

FALLCON is where all the time I've put into this year pays off(without breaking even, that is)! This year expect all that crap I mentioned above---I should also point out the people who run FALLCON give you a FREE TABLE! That's right, FREE TABLE SPACE AT FALLCON! The Fallcon people want Fallcon to become a HUGE indie show on par with MOCCA or SPX, and I think that's a pretty admirable goal (considering the Midwest is pretty much lacking a giant, fabulous indie comic Mecca). So I encourage all indie creators to make the trek to Minneapolis/St Paul come the October. Ok, so Fallcon falls on the same weekend as SPX this year, but SPX doesn't offer FREE tables!!! Check out mncba.com if you're a creator interested in a FREE TABLE!!!..............................FREE!................................

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

I've continued being a horrible reader, only picking up lately(this week) Kurt Vonnegut's last book "Armageddon in Retrospect" and the Jessica Abel/Matt Madden book on making comics.

Otherwise, I've read lots of comics lately, including highlights: Warren Ellis' superhero work (the Authority and Planetary), books by Jason, and SHOOTING WAR by Anthony Lappe and Dan Goldman. I've also been really into audio books by David Sedaris and David Rackoff.

As far as TV goes, I don't watch broadcast TV but instead catch up very slowly on DVD. Right now I'm really into the 'Venture Bros','Extras', 'Strangers with Candy', and 'I'm Alan Partridge'(a great British series by Steve Coogan).

I heard 'SPACED', possibly the best sitcom ever, is finally coming out in America on DVD soon and I highly suggest EVERYONE run out and by a copy.(FYI-'Spaced' is the show Simon Pegg/Nick Frost/Edgar Wright/Jessica Stevenson did before hitting it big with 'Shaun of the Dead', and... yeah... it' perfection).

Movies? I feel like I'm way behind on movies. But 'THE MIST' was my favorite film of 2007, and if you haven't seen it yet-DO SO NOW!!!

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Hopefully, I'll finish series one of MANLY TALES OF COWARDICE and get out issues 6,7,and 8. Also, there'll be at least 2 TOMMY CHICAGO's(#2 and the 2009 Free Comic Book Day book). And if there's a MUSCLIER and FRIGHTER I'll be there. And a ton of other stuff, I'm sure.

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

The End Of Days is near! So thanks for spending some of your last moments on earth reading my self-indulgent B.S.---danno "In the old times it was not a crime." www.staplegenius.com
www.tommychicago.com
www.alteredesthetics.com/danno
www.cartoonistconspiracy.com
www.musclesandfights.com

Thanks Dank!

Peace People... I'm off to NYC!

-AR

M&F3 Update!

Hello all!

I should be receiving the proof for M&F3 this week (hopefully before Friday). I'll be back with more of an update once that happens.

Also, if you've got some interesting projects in the works or ideas on what you'd like to see on this blogspot, don't hesistate to drop me a line.

Peace

-AR

Muscles & Fights 3 - Muscles & Frights Update!

Hello all!

As the title of this post suggests, I've got an update on what's going on in the Bud Burgy Inc/Cream City Comics publishing world.

Muscles & Fights 3: Muscliest & Fightiest!

The final installment in the M&F trilogy is finally online. Bud and I are asking people to hold off ordering copies for a week or so. We are awaiting our preview copy which should be in our grubby mitts soon.

Bud and I have been going back'n'forth on what to do for the release party this time around. Originally, we'd planned to combine M&F3 and Muscles & Frights release parties and hold the duo event the weekend of FallCon... that plan has since changed. Rather than kicking off the duo event in early October we'll be waiting until later that month. However, the book will be available for purchase at FallCon, and contributors can pick-up their copies from us there as well.

We would like to get together with all the contributors at FallCon - Saturday night, though.

Muscles & Frights!

Muscles & Frights is still moving along as scheduled. Big thanks to all the contributors. As a matter of fact, the response to this monster of an anthology (yeah-yeah-yeah... horrible pun) was so massive, we've decided to divide the book into two volumes. The release party for Muscles & Frights, which will also serve as the official release of M&F3, will be held Friday 31 October 2008... HALLOWEEN. More details on that are coming.

So... there you have it. You're all caught up on M&F Publishing news. You keep reading 'em and we'll keep making 'em.

Big thanks again to you all!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Justin Cermak

Hello all!

Back with another 'interview update'. Spanky Cermak, the creator of such titles as Space Sherrif and Dynamite Pilot is here to give us the 4-1-1 on what he's been up to since we last touched base. He's a man of little words... but what he says is something deserving of our attention.

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Spanky Cermak, MPLS, MN

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

Chicago Party! It was smaller but I had a blast. Currently, this second I am taking a break from writing three titles. An new Space Sheriff and Happy Space Boy ISSUE X (origins!), a follow up to the un-yet released Dynamite Pilot and a new short story for Muscles and Frights.

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

If you've missed your last few issues of Space Sheriff,6,7,8 and 9, bug your retailer to carry them. Dynamite Pilot will be out on Diamond Distribution soon.

4) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

I no longer keep a sketch book. If I'm going to draw, it needs to be something that needs to get drawn.

5) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

I'm going to have SSAHSBX ready. Are you ready? Otherwise, I'm planning on going to APE in San Francisco and NYC Comic-con in '09.

6) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

*Note: A sit-down conversation with Spanky is as enigmatic... usually accompanied by a stare you feel is cutting through you. -AR

I'm in the midst of a kick ass book it rules! I just watched the the coolest movie, it was awesome! I just watched the stupidest TV show and it sucked.

7) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

You're The best! HIGH FIVE!

*Note: Your check is in the mail, pal. -AR

Thanks, Spanky!

There you have... short'n'sweet... as promised. Make sure to pick-up a copy of Dynamite Pilot upon release. It is widely considered to be some of Spanky's most engaging work.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Marcus Muller

Hello all!

I'm back with the second of two 'interviews' with Marcus Muller. In addition to working with him in art studios situations (in the past), I've also had the distinct pleasure of publishing some of his work. Part Don Bluth-part Japanese block print, Marcus' work jumps of the page... or pulls you into in, and envelops you forever.

It's good to have him back.

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Marcus Muller and I live just on the outskirts of the town Hebron in Harvard, Illinois. If you drive too fast you may miss it.

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

I had a King of the Unknown short story in the Muscles and Fights Vol. 3 anthology, was going to do a full length King of the Unknown story for the horror themed Muscles and Frights but had to drop out because my brother didn't have time to tone it between work and school. You will see that comic some day, though. Other than that, I'm working on a mini-series with a writer that I can't really say too much about until it's closer to completion.

*Note: That's a drag about the lack of time to work out the Muscles & Frights story... glad to have you contribute some vintage monster images for us, though. You, fine reader, can view one of said images on www.musclesandfights.com -AR

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

The Muscles and Fights vol.3 anthology is out now so check out their website for more info (www.musclesandfights.com) and just check my blog for updates on anything else I'm working on www.marcusmuller.blogspot.com

Although I should warn you, I'm a huge slacker when it comes to updating my blog. I have tons of stuff I could put on there it's just a royal pain to get my scanner to work right, and putz around with everything. So whenever the planets align correctly and there's a full moon expect stuff on there.

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

Again, the big project I'm working on is the mini-series I've been trying like crazy to get done. It should, hopefully, be released by this time next year at which time I can talk more about it.

*Note: I'm looking forward to it already. -AR

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

I've been doing some motorcycle decal designs for some people at my brothers work for some extra scratch, and for those I'm using a different style. Also, for one of them I inked it with some pretty ghetto materials: bic pen, Sharpie, and a magic marker. You could probably get a contact high just by standing too close to that piece of paper but whatever gets the job done I say.

*Note: That's one of many benefits in working on art old school style. -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

Well, I think from time to time it's always good to change things up just so you're work doesn't stay the same and can evolve a bit. An artist should never be content with their work because that's the day they're done. Of course, this is coming from someone who wants to tear his artwork in half the moment he's done working on it so (of course) I want to improve.

*Note: The old 'rip it up once it's done' syndrome. I, too, suffer from that illness. -AR

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

I do keep a sketchbook but I don't use them as much as I used to. Loose leaf and scrap paper has pretty much taken its place for me, and most of the time it's either just doodles or I'm trying to work an image out on it for a comic page.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Like I mentioned, I use it a lot to work stuff out for a comic. Or, sometimes, I may draw something in there and think it may work for a colored pin-up image... so I'll scan it in, print it out, and light table a clean version of it.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchadise [personally]?

This year I'm not really attending to many conventions, and if I am it's as a spectator and not behind a table. Over the past couple of years I've gotten really burned out on cons.

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

That's the one convention I actually wish I was going to. But most likely won't be able to make it to... next year for sure, though.

*Note: It'll be cool to hang out with you there and see your reaction to being treated like an 'artist'... even though you aren't necessarily making the big bucks. -AR

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

Hmm... well I don't watch too much television, and if I'm reading anything it's usually probably not anything written within the past couple of decades. But, like most everyone you've already interviewed, I do watch Lost.. and also my brother just got me hooked on Flight of the Conchords which is great.. oh yeah, and I watch House too. Oh yeah, and I'm eagerly awaiting for the third season of Venture Bros. to finish so they come out with the DVD because I don't have cable (I know, I think I'm one of the few people in the world who doesn't have cable). As for comics, I read most of the stuff I've been getting is for the artwork like Eric Canete's stuff on Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin and Gabriel Ba on Umbrella Acadamy. Great lookin' stuff.

*Note: That's a lot of... erm... non-television, there, Marcus. Great taste in comics creators. -AR

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Just the mini-series and hopefully some more King of the Unknown which is always incredibly fun to do. Other than that, who knows?

13) Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

Um, nope.

Thanks, Marcus!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Matthew Kriske

Hello, all!

This next 'conversation' is with (as promised) a huge fan of Kevin Cannon. He's much more, though. Also a regular contributor to the M&F series... this guy is a fine artist in his own right. But I'll let him tell you all about it.

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Matthew Kriske, Minneapolis, MN

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

I've been keeping fairly busy with a steady stream of commission work and other projects. Off the top of my head, so far in 2008 I did a two page comic for Muscles and Fights 3, A three-pager for Uptown Girl Presents #3, I did a brief stint as the guest artist for the Big Time Attic webcomic, and I just wrapped up a one-page comic for the City Pages. Also, I've been hard at work on book that collects my artwork and sketches over the past year, that is nearly half complete (I'm only taking the best stuff, hence the longevity of the project).

*Note: Reads like a busy schedule and interesting new release on the horizon. I'm already looking forward to it, Matt. -AR

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

Musclesandfights.com, otherwise DreamHaven Books and the Source should be a pretty safe bet. The Big Time Attic ones can be seen if you actually take the time to go back through their archives and look for them. City Pages has a pretty wide distribution, so basically anywhere.

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

I'm still hoping to put something together for Muscles and Frights, so we'll see what comes together for that one.
I, generally, try to keep involved in any local stuff that comes together, so I'll always be out there somewhere.

Otherwise the artbook, which actually has a title now... so I can stop calling it the artbook... should be printed and ready for Fallcon. Christmas is my fallback date. It should clock in around 70-90ish pages, and will feature an introduction by the legendary Kevin Cannon.

*Note: (The title is "Oddment", by the way.) -AR

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

I had some fun doing sketches that resembled old photographs a while back, which can be seen on my blog, but other than that I have a pretty familiar handling of my materials. I suppose the only other thing of particular note is that I've become mildly known for my paintings on shoes, which I've perfected a bit.

*Note: I've seen some of those "old photo" sketches and they're brilliant. Check them out! -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

With the shoes, I think of it in the least pretentious manner really. I bought a pair of shoes, painted them up, and people liked what they saw, so it snowballed from there. They are still just shoes, no matter how good the painting turns out, and I'll throw my pair out when they become ratty as hell.

Not exactly what I consider high art, but who am I to complain, if someone else is footin' my bill? (Yep, that was an awful pun, for which I will not apologize.)

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

Indeed, I do. Given enough time, I'll get a finished book out of it. I would personally recommend it... as it keeps you open to trying new things and keeps you in practice as well.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Pick up a copy of "Oddment" coming Fall of 2008, and all shall be revealed.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchadise [personally]?

MicroCon has came and gone, so FallCon might be the only other one this year. Otherwise I'm usually available for commission, so people can get something personal that way.

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

My fingers are very much crossed that everything will come together and I'll have a shiny new book for most of the Convention goers to ignore, and I'll probably have a new batch of artwork to sell at reasonable prices.

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

Recommendations for reading: Mona and Other Tales by Reinaldo Arenas, anything by Clive Barker or David Sedaris, Far Arden by Kevin Cannon (Coming in 2009, I'm told), That Salty Air by Tim Sievert, Luna Maris by Steven Archer, and The Portrait by Iain Pears. There are also a few comic artists who I will buy anything they put out. They are as follows: Dave Crosland, Jim Mahfood, Vince Locke, Michael Zulli, Zander Cannon, Kevin Cannon, Sam Hiti, and anything that is local as well as good.

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Graphic Novel.

13) Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

Um...Support good artists, expand your horizons and try reading new things (i.e. not just the big two), get out there and try making your own comics or doing your own thing, whatever that might be. (Yep, that was corny as fuck.)

*Note: We won't hold our breath for your apology. -AR

Thanks, Matt!

Have a great week, folks. And, if you're in the Midwest, get out there and enjoy what's left of our Summer. 'Cos you know Winter will be here in no time flat.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Kevin Cannon

Hello all!

I'm back with another e-interview. This time up is a cartoonist I hold in the highest regard. His praise-worthy work has never left anything but dumbstruck... so it's always nice to have an excuse to hype his unholy name.

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Kevin Cannon, Minneapolis MN.

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

I found a publisher for "Far Arden", and I'm writing the script for a second Shanks book.

*Note: I've mentioned Far Arden here before. Kevin was kind enough to autograph a copy from his self-published small print run. I think it's absolutely brilliant. There isn't enough time or energy to say just how much I admire Kevin and his craft. -AR

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

Far Arden will come out April 2009. I also co-illustrated a book called "The Stuff of Life", which is a non-fiction graphic novel about genetics and DNA, and that's coming out in January. Zander Cannon also did illustrations and Mark Schultz wrote it.

*Note: If you don't know, anything Kevin and Zander team-up for is a book worth purchasing. So, cop it when it's released! -AR

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

Zander Cannon and I are illustrating a graphic novel for Simon & Schuster. That one will be coming out summer '09.

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

I'm rediscovering the series 7 brush, and doing some acrylic painting.

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

Painting in acrylic has always been difficult for me because I can never get the fine lines and smooth gradients I see in my head. So now I'm trying to embrace that, and work bigger and not worry too much about details. Working in black & white all day makes working with paint a real trip.

*Note: Something tell me your exploration in acrylics will be even grander than your established work in black & white. You may quote me on that, folks. -AR

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

No, I never got into sketchbooks. I keep lots of notebooks for writing, but I mainly do sketches on loose leaf paper so I can move them around easily and put them in a folder when I'm done with them.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Sometimes doodles will end up becoming stories, but these are on random sheets of paper, not in a sketchbook. The character Elephant Bear was doodled on a book convention program cover, and later became a short comic story.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the> comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchandise [personally]?

Nowhere this summer, but I'll be at FallCon this fall.

*Note: Stop by and pick-up whatever Kevin and his pals have at FallCon... you won't be sorry you did. -AR

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

It's always nice to have a new mini-comic for each show, so I'll try to produce something like that. Nothing in the works yet, though!

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

I've been big into Eric Rohmer's films lately. I highly recommend "The Aviator's Wife." Other than that I've been reading "Kon-Tiki" by Thor Heyerdahl and "The South Pole" by Roald Amundsen.

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Just that Simon & Schuster book.

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

If you're going to the San Diego Con, say hi to Zander! He'll be in artist's alley.

Thanks, Kevin!

Next up is an artist who is even more enthusiastic about Kevin's work than I am. Stop in next week to learn more about this amazing talent.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Jon Sloan

Hello all!

Another happy Monday and I'm back with another 'interview'. This time up brings us the return of Jon Sloan. It's always great to listen to Jon's excitement about the medium. I hope at least a hint of that comes through your computer screen.

Enjoy!

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Jon Sloan, I live in the Northwest Minneapolis metro area.

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

Still juggling my duties as an Art Teacher, Security Guard, and Tae Kwon Do Instructor. I've been busy working on my submission for "Muscles And Frights", as well as working on my book "Sa-Bom Jim"... I've also done my first spot illustration for a corporate newsletter for Cargill Corp., as well as contributed to the "Lutefisk Sushi C event this past Spring.

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

The submission for "Lutefisk Sushi C" is in a limited edition box set with other works. Remaining copies should be available at FallCon. "Muscles And Frights" is slated to be released at FallCon, and I will have copies of my book available for sale, as well as have a portfolio of my work at my table for convention goers to see.

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

I am going to be featuring a back-up story in issues #7 and #8 of "Sa-Bom Jim" that will be written and drawn by Earl Luckes. I've been in contact with Earl, and his story really looks good so far. I'm excited to see how another person will be interpreting my work. The projected release will be this Fall.

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

Yes, as a matter of fact. For the "Muscles And Frights" story, I am red-lining my drawing style quite a bit, going for more realistic drawing as opposed to my regular loose, cartoony style. I am also experimenting with using pencils as well as inks in my finished images.

*Note: Reads cool, Jon. I'm already looking forward to it. -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

To give you a bit of a teaser, the story does involve zombies, so I've had to really examine anatomy to make sure things look authentic enough for what I'm doing. This is taking more time for me to draw, due to the unfamiliarity of this new style, as well as constantly making certain that I don't slip up and ruin what I've been working hard at.

As far as mediums, working with the pencils are more natural for me... as that's what I've been drawing with ever since I graduated up from crayons as a little kid. Inking has always been my nemesis, I always feel that I lose quite a bit of my drawing quality when I ink my work. I hope that by working more with both of these media, I can bring out more quality in my artwork.

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

I have a few sketchbooks that I doodle in sometimes. I'm trying to become more practiced in doodling and sketching out ideas and details, mostly for future use. I think it's a necessary tool for an artist to have. It's a good repository for ideas, even if you don't have any use for them at the time you draw them. Having a sketchbook and working in it is a great way to keep your skills sharp.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Yes, when I was trying to think up the character design for Sa-Bom Jim, I ended up looking through my sketchbooks I drew when I was a student at St. Cloud State. I found a few thumbnail sketches of a martial arts character I drew. It was from this basic idea that I built the look for Jim.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchadise [personally]?

I am planning on being at FallCon this year again, where I am eager to meet more of the comics-reading public as well as hobnob with other comics creators. Folks will be able to buy books from my table, as well as go to my website: www.sa-bomjimcomic.com.

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

I don't quite know yet. I hope to... I am in training to test for my 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, also slated for this Fall. If I am able to have something special for this show, I will announce it on my website.

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

With my work schedule, I haven't been able to see all the movies I wanted to see this Summer. Within the last year or so, the two books that have stood out for me have been "An Anthology of Graphic Fiction, Cartoons, & True Stories" Edited by Ivan Brunetti, and "Will Eisner's New York: Life In The Big City".

*Note: It's always good to see other artists are reading Eisner's wonderful works. His stuff is among my most prized personal library pieces. -AR

Brunetti's anthology is a wonderful collection of work done by outstanding artists in the field of alternative comics, and is something every comics person should read. Eisner's book is a collection of his New York City stories in one volume, but is a great read for literature as well as analyzing the works of this late master.

*Note: I'll have to look up that Brunetti anthology. Thanks for mentioning it. -AR

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

The one question I always ask myself at the completion of one project is "What's next?". I definitely want to get more issues of Sa-Bom Jim done, and I'm batting around ideas for some separate projects, hopefully collaborating more with other members of the ICC.

*Note: That reads really cool. You can count me in! -AR

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

Just a stray thought from an interview with Frank Miller done years ago when he said "This is a great artform to be working in....and this is a GREAT time to be doing comics!"

*Note: Amen!

Thanks, Jon!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Mike Toft

Hello all!

I'm back with another 'conversation'. Before I get into that, I have another reading suggestion for you.

Last week, the comic book reading community had another great reason to be proud of this great literary form rush their local comic shops... NAT TURNER.

In a medium unbalanced by its spandex-clad offspring, it's always nice to see something unexpected arrive on a Wednesday (or Thursday after a national holiday). Sure, we have the garden variety 'slice-of-life' books, and many of them are amazing. But comics is a big enough biz to offer even more. Historical books are nothing new to graphic novels but really, really good ones just don't seem to get the same limelight of the aforementioned comics.

It's a shame.

NAT TURNER was originally self-published by Kyle Baker in 2006. What is basically a silent book is peppered with excerpts from The Confessions of Nat Turner, the few books written about the man, memoirs of other self-freed slaves, and memoirs of various slave traders/owners.

Right about now, you may be thinking... "Didn't Black History Month already happen this year?" or "Did Cream City Comics just become some feel good, politically correct blog?"

But I'm here to tell you this about brilliant comics I haven't read much press about. You'll have to trust me and look it up online or at your LCS.

Still looking for a reason to even look into the subject?

In 2006, NAT TURNER received several Glyph & Eisner Awards as well as a few other awards well into 2007. And I'm certain the book will receive even more awards stretching into 2008 and 2009 thanks to the new 207 page, duo-toned, beefed-up, $12.95 (SC) edition. This baby is also available in a HC edition. Related graphic reading: MAUS, THE PROTOCOL, TRUTH: RED, WHITE & BLACK.

Of course, this begs the questions...

Why haven't we heard more about this great piece of work? I think the answer is probably related to the reason Nat Turner usually turns up as a paragraph or three in American history books.

Okay, that takes care of that bit of business. Let's get on with the 'conversations'. This latest addition to the interview line-up is a newcomer to our fold. Well, Mike isn't exactly new... especially if you're a mini-comic fan living in the Twin Cities.

For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Mike Toft. Minneapolis, MN

2) What have you been up to lately? What are projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

Right now, I'm working on a story for Muscles and Frights. I just did a strip for City Pages about the RNC coming to Saint Paul. They used it on their web site (not in the printed version, damn them). The main other things are the mini for the Lutefisk Sushi Volume C show and Brain Food #14, which I finished back in April.

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

At this point, I still have some copies of Brain Food #14 and the Lutefisk Sushi mini. Also a tiny number of back issues of Brain Food. Send a buck to me at PO Box 7246, Minneapolis MN 55407, and I'll send you a copy of #14 and the Sushi mini. What a deal!

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

There's the Muscles and Fights 3, which I assume is coming out one of these months. Bud Burgy is in control of that. The next thing I'll work on is a mini for FallCon, so that needs to be done by early October. That's about it. Drawing is more of a winter thing for me.

*Note: The third volume of M&F is completed but the release has been put on-hold due to revisions and such. The official release with coincide with the Muscles & Frights release party. -AR

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

Trying to be more abstract and less detail-oriented at the pencil stage. Also drawing originals smaller, with the goal of drawing faster. Smaller page equals less time per page, right?

*Note: In theory? Yes. Of course, laziness and lack of time/'inspiration' always have a say in the matter too. -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of> your thoughts on that process.>

See the previous question.

*Note: Will do, Mike.

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

I keep a sketchbook to work on copying stuff from books or from artists I like. Also, for the occasional life drawing -- either models or quick sketches of people in coffee places. And to practice drawing things I'm not good at... like cars, for example.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Sometimes I work out how I want something to look in the sketchbook, then try to import that into an issue of Brain Food.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchadise [personally]?

The best place is the PO Box I mentioned in question 3.

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

I'll be there. I'll do a mini specifically for that, and also be peddling Brain Food #14.

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and> where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

Reading: The Bible and The Koran. (I'm serious. If more people actually read them, fewer people would take them seriously. And we could all get on with our lives). The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. Far Arden by local hero Kevin Cannon. I just picked up a pile of books with some of my economic stimulus check. A mix of comic books and book books. Should keep me busy for a year at least. Watching: Reruns of Family Guy and The Simpsons. They're each on about 15 times a week here right now. American Dad... up and down, but the good episodes are hilarious. Team America: World Police. One of my all-time favorite movies... I'm serious. Lake of Fire. A kick-ass documentary about abortion... should be required viewing for everyone in the country. Weeds... I haven't seen season 3 yet, so don't say anything. The Wire... I haven't seen season 5 yet, so don't say anything.

*Note: Just how small is the paper you're working on now, Mike? By the way, I've red the bible. And I think, even if you don't believe in it, it's a great piece of world literature. -AR

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

I don't plan that far ahead.

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

Stop thinking and start doing.

*Note: Amen! -AR

Thanks, Mike!

So, there you have it... another interesting interview to get you through another Monday.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Commentary

Hello all!

We've still got a few days before I post the next 'conversation' but I wanted to drop in and mention a couple of things.

1) I recently picked up the Batman: Gotham Knights 2-disc DVD... WOW! I'd already seen the leaked animated feature-length film, but I had to own yet another brilliant Studio 4 Degrees/Madhouse/Production IG team-up. Why did I opt for the 2-disc set (which cost me 7 bucks more)? A documentary on Bob Kane and 4 Bruce Timm Batman: Animated Series episodes. Now... I'm not really a superhero comics reader/show viewer. But I love the Legends Of The Dark Knight episode based on various takes on the caped crusader. And I'm an absolute sucker for a good documentary. If it interests you at all... check it out.

2) My partner-in-crime, Bud Burgy, took time out of his insane schedule to post a special Halloween/Muscles & Frights piece by Muscles & Fights alum Marcus Muller. If you've seen Marcus' stories in the Muscles & Fights books you know he's an amazing talent. This latest offering drives the point further. Check it out at www.muscelsandfights.com

So that's it, for now. Get back to Mark's interview... or drawing your own comics... or reading some cool indie comics. Will ya?!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Mark Miller

Happy Monday!

Okay... so maybe your Mondays aren't of the happy variety. But I've got a new 'conversation' to share which always makes me happy (any day of the week).

Mark Miller participated in the first wave of e-interviews, and he's back for more. I'm not gonna ramble on much this time. I'll leave all the fancy blurb business to a true wordsmith...

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Mark L. Miller originally from Lima, OH, now residing in Chicago, IL.

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

I've been up to my ears with AICN Comics lately, which leaves me little time to do much else.

AICN Comics is the comic book section of Harry Knowles' Ain't It Cool News.com entertainment website that focuses mainly on movie news, rumors, and reviews, but the small corner of the site that myself and a few others (affectionately referred to as The AICN Comics @$$Holes) have carved out for ourselves is dedicated to comic book reviews, news, previews, interviews, and other things that end in ews.

I edit, image, and code the column and contribute reviews of both independent and mainstream comics for our biweekly column that drops on Mondays and Wednesdays (News on Mon, Reviews on Wed).

Other than that, I've been working on my own stuff whenever I get a chance or inspiration hits. I'm currently trying to develop a more mainstream comic book universe and a few projects that I'd like to develop into more personal "prose & picture" pieces or full on novellas. Nothing concrete yet, but I am looking for an artist to share some of my ideas with and help develop them (*hint*hint*).

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

AICN Comics is a mouseclick away at Ain't It Cool.com . It's mostly a mainstream comics crowd, but I try to sneak in independent comics every week to enlighten the masses. So many people are afraid to buy outside the mainstream. But there's some amazing stuff out there. That's why I try to include reviews of independents, manga, and webcomics in every column. Who knows, I may convert some of those strictly DC/Marvel folks.

*Note: It's a dream we all share... I'm sure. -AR

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

I'm currently starting a new job, which hopefully will allow me more time to write. Although my background is in art, I've always thought of myself more as a writer than anything else. No dates yet. But I'm hoping to develop some stuff that would be fit to print by next year.

In the meantime, I am working on a new submission for MUSCLES & FRIGHTS. My last endeavor was more of an exercise in what I could get away with. I learned a lot of what I could and couldn't do given the limited resources I had.

It was a blast to work within those restrictions, though, because it makes you become more creative. I was using the copy machine from my day job, carbon paper, stone age paint computer programs, photography, and good old fashioned sketching for my submission to MUSCLES & FIGHTS III. TALES OF JACKASSERY was fun and I was really pleased with how it turned out.

*Note: Your "exercise" ended up being a favorite among many. I can hardly wait to see what you come up with next. I'm especially happy to know you're seriously looking at putting together some of those ideas with an artist. And, yes, the hint is noted. -AR

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

Although it's not completely new to me, for my MUSCLES & FRIGHTS submission, I'm working on scratchboard for the first time in quite a while. I used to love working with scratchboard because it was more like sculpting a picture than actually drawing it. It's been fun rediscovering how to do it.

*Note: Reads very cool, indeed. -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

Omaha Perez, the guy who wrote and drew HOLMES which was recently collected by AIT: Planet Lar did a dream sequence with scratchboard (I think the covers to his HOLMES miniseries were done this way too). I remembered how much fun it was and also how much hard work it took to fully understand the medium.

After reading that book, I always had that bee in the back of my brainpan that I wanted to work with scratchboard again. When I thought up the story for MUSCLES & FRIGHTS, it was a dark one and it totally lent itself to that type of medium.

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

I keep several sketchbooks. One in my bag which rarely leaves my side. One by my bed. One by the desk. One by the couch. You never know when the inspiration hits. I don't know if it's a good idea for everyone, but it is for me because if I don't write this shit down ASAP, I'm going to lose it. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to remember a winner of an idea that's been lost to the ether, alcohol, a hectic day, whatever...

*Note: That's devotion... and good to know. -AR

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

My sketchbooks are filled with art and text. Sometimes it's a phrase I hear on the bus or subway. Sometimes, I doodle while on the phone and I don't even know what it is. Some of my favorite drawings and paintings came from a period of my life when I worked at a telemarketing job.

I always had a pad of paper as I went through my phone script. It always made me nervous to ask people for money and I really didn't believe in or support the job I was doing, so to ease the nervousness I would doodle.

Sometimes the coolest things would appear on the page as I was trying to squeeze a $10.00 pledge from some poor schmoe who just graduated and couldn't find a job out of college to save his life. Sometimes I didn't even know I was doing it until the call ended and I really had a chance to look at the picture.

It's almost like subliminal art, coming from some kind of Zen like place where if you consciously try to go there, you can't do it. If you believe in that sort of thing, that is...

*Note: Wow! That reads like the habit of a musician or film maker (the sketchbook bit). I'm working on tapping into my own "subliminal art" these days. It feels odd... but I like it. -AR

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchandise [personally]?

Well, I've got a cool ten-pager in MUSCLES & FIGHTS III. TALES OF JACKASSERY. The Overreactor vs The Projector. Just two guys with psychological quirks beating the snot out of one another. Stopping. Then doing it all over again. I think you know the guys who published that one, don't you, Amado?

*Note: Why, yes I do. Unless I'm mistaken, they're two nutty guys from the two coldest cities in the US. -AR

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

I won't be there but the next time I sip some Templeton Rye Whiskey, I shall toast the con, wherever I am. After my prayer for world peace, that is.

*Note: See, this isn't a site just about weird art stuff... it's about saving the planet too. -AR

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

I'm freaking addicted to GHOST HUNTERS. And I don't know why. It's extremely dumb. There's rarely anything supernatural going on. Mainly I just kind of play a drinking game with it and do a shot every time someone says "What the hell was that?" which is an exclamation shouted at least ten times an episode. But I never miss an episode.

*Note: When I was living in a place with cable, I was also addicted to that show. It's one of the few TV programs I actually miss watching. -AR

I'm addicted to LOST, DEXTER, and FAMILY GUY too. I missed FREAKS & GEEKS the first time around, but a buddy of mine let me borrow his dvd collection and I can't get enough of it.

As far as movies, I'm a whore for anything from blockbuster to made-in-your-basement-with-duct-tape flicks. I'm a big fan of horror films (yet what passes for horror these days is very sad). I haven't seen it yet, but I want to see Stuart Gordon's new flick called STUCK, which I think is about a white trash girl who hits a bum with her car and accidentally drags him home under her car.

Apparently, it's a true story and this chick kept on telling the guy stuck under her car that she was getting an ambulance, then procrastinated for days before actually doing anything about it. It's one of those stories that speaks volumes of how apathetic we've all become. Or at least that's what I've read about it.

*Note: How very sad is that? Jeez! -AR

Comics-wise: My gig at AICN Comics kind of requires me to read a little bit of everything. From BATMAN to RASL, I'm reading it. I did really like this book called REX from a guy named Danijel Zezelj. It's an intense revenge story with amazingly gritty art. I also just finished a collection of WONDERMARK webcomics from Dark Horse called BEARDS OF OUR FOREFATHERS. There's some hilarious stuff in that one.

*Note: REX?! Yes! I picked that up when it was released (a few weeks ago). I think it's absolutely brilliant. His command of black & white is something special. I've been wanting to contact the Canadian publisher responsible for getting it on shelves. I keep forgetting... thanks for reminding me, Mark. -AR

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Hopefully, I can finish my MUSCLES & FRIGHTS submission by the deadline. Here I am going on about it and with my luck, I won't finish it in time or it won't be picked to be in the anthology. How embarrassing...

Hopefully when the dust settles at my new day job, I'll be able to plan out the rest of my year. Until then, I got nothin'.

*Note: You write/illustrate it, Mark... it'll be published. -AR

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

NO! They're mine. And I know how much you want them. But too bad. They're all mine.

OK, I'll share one. I really love the way Cream City and the rest of the MUSCLES & FIGHTS contributors work to help give voice to the independent scene. To me, there's nothing more fun than to sit down and read a comic book that is filled with new ideas; ideas that make you think differently or even ideas that make you turn off your brain and just enjoy the act of tuning out and reading a comic for a moment.

During the day, I work with a lot of kids and it saddens me to see so many of them have never read a comic book. On the last Free Comic Book Day, my LCS gave me a bunch of comics to give to the kids. They loved them. It really made me happy to see these kids discovering comics.

Sadly, or maybe not so sadly, I can attribute a large part of what I know today from reading comics. They've made me open minded, creative, and somewhat literate. It's really cool that Cream City helps give comic book readers/creators/lovers like me a voice and a chance to express themselves in this way.

*Note: Well, that's what community is all about. Right, Mark? It doesn't work, if we don't ban together and get the job done. It really is a pleasure to share these 'voices' with other people. Thanks to the International Cartoonist Conspiracy and every other group and individual making the effort. -AR

Thanks, Mark!

Well, folks. That's another 'conversation' down. There are still more coming your way. I hope you're finding them entertaining and informative.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Troy Little

Hello all!

Back... again... with another e-interview. This time up is someone I've never actually met (in-person) but whom I was a studio mate with a while back. The studio was simply a blogpsot put together by Wesley Green (Greenyfly Productions) called Independent Propaganda. The blogpsot was cool and the members were... are... even cooler. Every member had or has something really unique of their own going and this next victim of CCCs is no exception. So...

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

I would be Troy Little and I currently reside in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

*Note: Another [technically] international interview. WooHoo! -AR

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

I'm working on the final few pages of my second graphic novel "Angora Napkin". It's about a pop music trio of girls who are unbelievably peppy yet find themselves mired in horrific situations. It's pretty twisted and funny.

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

The book has been picked up by IDW and will be released world wide in comic shops and book stores as a deluxe hard cover book in January, 2009. IDW will also be releasing the TBP edition of my first book "Chiaroscuro" in October 2008. Pick up a free 48 page preview of both books at the IDW booth at Comic Con San Diego!

*Note: Well aware of "Chiaroscuro", and I'm glad it's gonna have a sans dustcover release. Those things drive me crazy. The hardcover edition of the book is cool, though. I was really happy to see it collected. -AR

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

"Angora Napkin" has also been picked up by Teletoon for an animated pilot. Air date will be in March 2009.

*Note: Very happy for... and jealous of... you at the same time. -AR

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

Well, the cartoon is a bit of a switch. I work in animation as my day job and do the comic work when I can find the time. It'll be interesting to bring these characters to life in this format. I've spent the last 2 years doing the graphic novel so up until this point they've been static and B&W characters. Originally "Angora Napkin" was designed for animation but I never expected it would really happen!

*Note: I guess this pretty much proves the long wait of the DIY graphic novel has proven its worth, then. -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

It's a big switch, working with colour, movement and fully painted backgrounds. Then finding actors that can add a voice to this show adds another dimension. Then there's the ability to add the music to the group, something that doesn't translate very well in the silent comic medium.

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

I think it's a great thing for artist to keep a sketchbook. Personally I don't really keep one, mostly because I'm too busy to sketch and doodle much (I have a day job, infant twins and a comic/animated show in the works, cut me some slack!). When I find time to draw it usually has to be practical. I'm sure keeping a sketchbook would improve my drawing ability a lot, I hope to pick up the habit in the future.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Nope, see #7.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchadise [personally]?

I'll be at SPX for the first time ever this October! I've been planning this for years, this year I'll be there. I'm also the Artist in Residence at the Arts Guild in PEI July 12-21. It will be open to the public to get a sneak peek at the comic and cartoon.

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

Alas, I can not be there.

*Note: You'll be missed. Well, I haven't really met you yet but your work will definitely be missed. -AR

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year.. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

I'm reading "Lolita" by Nabokov. I don't watch much TV, with the exceptions of "Lost" and "Battlestar Galactica" which sadly are on hiatus at the moment. I liked the new "Indy" movie, but then again I'm an old school junkie for that stuff.

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Once the "Angora Napkin" graphic novel and cartoon are out of the way it's back to work on "Chiaroscuro Book II". I'll also be publishing a fiction lit novel called "Hide Your Life Away" by author Carol Little this Fall.

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

I'm to tired to think.

*Note: And we can see why. Make sure to check out Troy's blog in the 'Artistes' section of the CCC links.

Thanks, Troy!

There you go. Another 'conversation' in the bin. I hope it proves entertaining and enlightening. If you'd like to get involved with CCC by including your answers to these questions, simply copy'n'paste these questions to an e-mail [answers included] and send them my way. Have a great week!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations with Matt Chicorel

Hello again!

Wow... two posts in one week, I'm on a roll (if you've been keeping up with how little I've been keeping up lately).

I'm stoked about this update/conversation because I've been hoping to include this Cream City-based artist to the line-up of talent interviewed here. Why this artist? He was the number conspirator present when the idea for Muscles & Fights first came into being. He also graced us with his art in one of the 3 volumes.

So... without further ado...

1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Matt Chicorel - Milwaukee [WI].

2) What have you been up to lately? What projects have you been attached to in the first 6 months of 2008?

Regular comics in the LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCABIES zine, various album and poster art, and the first printed NLC book in a long time--BUZZPOP #1

*Note: (And Matt has very kindly offered to send me a copy... COOL!).

3) When and where can people pick up and/or see these works?

nightlightcomics.com, or from me if i'm around.

4) What projects and events are on the horizon? Do you have release dates in-mind at present? If so, indulge us.

Milwaukee Zine Fest for now. [I'll] probably start doing cons again next year when I've got some more printed material and/or money.

5) Have you been working in any new mediums or experimenting with your known style and tools, at all?

I did a poster on legal sized paper instead of 11x17 the other day...fucked me up.

*Note: Are you implying you got the stuffing kicked outta you by a sheet of paper, Matt? -AR

6) If you've been trying new things, share a bit of your thoughts on that process.

It's been a long time since I had mushrooms, but I got some the other day and it was grrrrrrrrreat.

*Note: Not quite the info I was after but I'm sure they were for medicinal purposes so that'll work -AR

7) Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, what do you get out of this process? Do you think it's a good thing, in general, for an artist to do?

Yeah, but I haven't been drawing in it as much as I probably should. It's important to have around though, that's for sure.

8) Do you ever use these sketchbook drawings for your printed works? If so, please explain how the sketchbook art informs your finished work.

Not unless it fucking rules.

9) With convention season in full swing, where can the comic book reading public expect to see you and purchase your merchadise [personally]?

...cons are still too expensive right now

10) The big convention this year has got to be Fallcon 2008. If you plan to be there, will you have anything special for that particular show?

Probably won't be able to make this one. Fuck. Next year?

*Note: Hopefully, with some work that "fucking rules". Right, Matt? -AR

11) Now we're caught up on what you're doing and where we can see this year. What are you reading and watching these days? Is there any particular book or film you'd like to make sure people are looking for?

My roomate just rented Kung Fu Hustle, and then I bought it cause it's super awesome! The only tv show I watch is Lost. Love it. I wOrk at the comic store, so I read too much... Monster Zoo (Doug TenNapel's new book) just came out-- that was good. Madman. Amazing Spidey. Detective. 100 Bullets. Futurama. Hickee. Atomic Robo!! Mouseguard.

12) Anything already in the works for 2009?

I've got some plans, but I'll have to wait and see what gets done. All in good time, though.

13) Do have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

Wish I didn't have to be up this early.

And, hey, I still gotta get me a copy of HEAVEE UNDERGROUND. Drop by the store one day, or should I just order it from lulu or whatever?

NIGHT LIGHT COMICS
est. 2004
Milwaukee, WI
www.nightlightcomics.com
www.myspace.com/nightlightcomics

*Note: No, Matt... I'll eventually make it back to the store and deliver the copy of Heavee Underground. I'm looking forward to seeing Buzzpop too! -AR

Thanks, Matt!


There you have it, folks. I'm back in the saddle again. There are more on the way. Until next time... keep the faith.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conversations: Update

Hello all,

For those interested parties... I am happy to inform you the new batch of questions has been sent and [I hope] we'll see some new names involved. Of course, some of the participants from the last round will make a return too. We've gotta stay 'in the know'.

So, check back soon. I hope to have some new stuff up later this week or early next.

Peace

-AR

All Apologies

I can't believe it's been so long since I logged on here.

Well, I was in Spain for two weeks and I've been job hunting as well as wrapping up my time with those 7th and 8th grade kids I wrote about before.

Let me say, the work with the kids ended up working out all right. I'm not saying it was all we set out to produce (not as many kids did the work as we'd hoped), but we produced the page count we wanted. Actually, those little buggers exceeded what we'd reported we'd have for the final project.

For the final product, we put together a book from the comic book pages the kids produced. Unfortunately, time was not on our side so we went with a different packaging than I'd originally hoped for. In the end, it's about the kids' not my wants and desires.

I hope we planted a few seeds of what one can do when one puts his/her mind to it and follows through on paper.

Much respect and thanks is due the great Zeph Farmby for his efforts while I was in Spain. He's an amazing talent... more than that... he's a cool cat with as much soul as he's got skills.

The interviews will make their return soon... seriously.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Shorts

Hey all! Back with some more 'shorts'.

1) I was fortunate enough to pick up Anthology #2 of Yves Chaland's Lombard series recently. I feel horrible for not looking into his work much earlier. It seems he was light years ahead of the comics industry [stylistically]. The subject matter in his work was also ahead of the times. Chaland took true European hstorical events and created action/crime noir/comedy/dramas around them. He passed away at the early age of 33 in 1990. Humanoids has collected his Lombard series in two oversized, hardcover volumes. Pick them up!

2) The latest Lutefisk Sushi seems to have been a massive success. I'm so jealous of the Twin Cities lot. I'm sure there'll be photos of the event on www.musclesandfights.com

3) Jim 'food one' Mahfood dropped Mix Tape, an art book packed with his color flyer/poster work, and Stupid Comics: Phoenix Edition some weeks ago. I've been a huge supporter of his work for years and these are some sweet additions to any/all Mahfood collection.

4) The long-awaited third Portishead album dropped last week. If you don't already have it, it's called... THIRD... and it's amazing. They sped up the tempo on a few tracks and even included some acoustic surprises. It turns out to be worth the wait.

5) Ever heard of Holly Golightly? If you haven't but have seen Broken Flowers, you've at least heard her voice. She sings on The Greenhornes' There Is An End. She's also appeared on some White Stripes' tunes. I dig her voice... her solo stuff is some fine listening. Check her out.

6) An official Heavee Underground [Cream City] release party is finally in the works. I'll update you as the plan solidifies. If all goes well, should be happening 25 July 2008.

Keep supporting your local and non-local underground/indie scenes.

Have a great week!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Shorts

Hello all!

Just dropping in with a few entertainment suggestions you may wanna look into.

1) Brian Jonestown Massacre: My Bloody Underground 'A' Records. First debuted as a rough mix @ www.brianjonestownmassacre.com, the latest release by indie champion Anton Newcombe is finally available in CD format. Still very lo-fi, this album serves as a departure for the band as well as a natural shift. Past tunes like Starcleaner and Seer hinted this album would eventually come.

2) David Lines: The Modfather/My Life With Paul Weller. While in the UK (with Bud Burgy) promoting our Muscles & Fights anthology series I stumbled across this little gem of literature. This autobiography moves along nicely with the music of The Jam and Style Council as a soundtrack to modern living. A great story of a young boy stumbling his way to manhood... accompanied by the music, desert boots, Fred Perry shirts, white 501 Levi's and smart hair cuts... this book is a keeper (whether or not you're a Mod).

3) Wes Anderson: The Darjeeling, LTD. I don't know whether you're into indie films... especially of the Anderson variety... but you should definitely check out his latest. Accompanied by the short film he debuted on the internet, this film is filled with all the stuff I love about modern cinema.

That's all for now.

Have fun and be safe... and support independent music, literature, film and COMICS!

Peace

-AR

Cream City Comics: Promotionalize

Hello all!

I'm back... after a much needed break away to work on some other projects and a trip to Spain. On that note, should the opportunity ever present itself, visit Malaga. If you've ever been to Puerto Rico (the greatest island in the Caribbean), you have an idea of how amazing Malaga is. More than anything else, the Spanish seem to have a firm grip on one vital life skill... how to enjoy... erm... life. On second thought, stay away from Malaga! I love it and I'd like to keep it all to myself.

Enough of that. I'd like to turn you onto three new releases you may or may not have in your personal library yet... Muscles & Fights III: Muscliest & Fightiest (Bud Burgy/Cream City Comics), Far Arden (Kevin Cannon) and Three Shadows (First/Second/Cyril Pedrosa). 

Now, as much as I'd like to brag about the quality of the last installment in the Muscles & Fights trilogy, I think you should head on over to www.musclesandfights.com and see for yourself. Bud's been kind enough to put a link up that'll take you to our store at www.lulu.com 

A few interviews ago I hosted Kevin (I'm just beggin' for Amado to break my hands) Cannon right here @ the Cream City Comics blogspot. Well, as mentioned before, Kevin released Far Arden recently and has given me more reason to break said hands. I'm on the hunt and, if you're an artist with any amount of self-respect, you oughta join me. Of course, you could simply head over to Kevin's site (linked here under the Twin Cities) and hope he's still got copies to sell. 

All joking aside, I think Kevin Cannon is among the greatest living cartoonists. Support his work and improve your library. 

Finally, there is Three Shadows by French animator-turn-genius-funny book creator... Cyril Pedrosa. Pedrosa has put together a monster of an emotional tale in Three Shadows and you owe it to your permanent library to have this work included therein. First/Second has a much deserved reputation for a [pretty much] flawless collection of masterworks... all stuff I wish I'd done. 

That's all for now. I hope you're all revved up for summer... by the looks of where the indie comics scene is headed... it's gonna be a scorcher. 

Peace

-AR

Cream City Comics: Heavee?

Hello again!

It's Friday night and soon I'll be out enjoying it.

I thought I'd answer a question which recently came to my attention. Why is 'heavy' spelled 'heavee' in Heavee Underground? The answer is very simple, actually. Years ago, when the thought was to put it together as an anthology, I was talking to Jim Mahfood, Mike Huddleston and Dave Crosland about the concept.

They all seemed to be down to do whatever I needed for the book... providing their schedules allowed. I was picking up Dave & Deb's anthology and Dave wrote "Heavee!!!" on the cover. On the first page of the book he wrote "Yes!". I dug his spelling of the word and decided to lift it for my book. I've since noticed there are a few DJs also using that spelling. Damn! I thought it was a totally original spelling Dave came up with.

I kinda look at it the way the underground cats in the '60s started using "comix" instead of "comics" or how Krazy Kat is spelled without a single 'c'. We're still using "comix" and hero worshipping Herriman today. I hope Heavee Underground endures half as long.

I hope that wraps the question up nicely with some sort of sense. And for those scrutinizing the spelling with such fervor... shame on you. It's only a funny book.

Have a great weekend. Be safe.

Peace

-AR

Cream City Continued... Zeph Farmby

Hello again!

Back from my trip and ready for another. I had such a good time.

Anyway, I'm happy to be calling attention to the super talented Zeph Farmby once again. He was recently interviewed and was kind enough to lend me the link. I've included it here for you to check out at your convenience. Enjoy.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1378314717/bclid1419799826/bctid1459251913

By the way, I also picked up Tim Sievert's That Salty Air today. It's a gorgeous book at a very affordable price (only 10 bucks). At 110 pages, that's 11 pages free. Have that!

http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=575

Peace

-AR

Cream City Conundrums

Hey, everyone!

Before I head off for a short vacation, I wanted to share a bit about a recent experience in an art class I'm teaching.

I don't know about you, but my grade school art classes were (for the most part) pretty well stocked with students interested in learning about... art. When I was younger I was completely unaware of the apparent fact there are lots of kids taking art classes out of duty rather than choice. I didn't take art for one half of the year and gym the second half. Gym was linked with home economics or something... art was another animal, altogether.

What happened? When did learning how to express yourself on a more personal level become an easy way to bring up your grade point average? Has this always been the case? Was I blinded to this due to my interest in art studies?

I'm worried about a society with no appreciation for self-expression. This becomes especially worrying when adverts are constantly bombarding us with the message of buying the next biggest, fastest, shiniest, multi-playingest toy in the bin... all in the name of 'fitting in'.

Hey, I'm an American... born and bred. I understand the consumer mindset. I'm not some guy living in a shed on some mountain in the North Pacific of the continent. But does all this hoarding of new societal gadgets need to equal forsaking the tools necessary for building society in the first place?

I've been to the mountaintop... and I see children, at the prime of the self-expression age, completely unable to pull an idea out of their heads without being connected to some sort of a machine.

"Can I look something up on the internet... real quick?"

"Do you have a drawing I can look at?"

"Comic books are stupid!"

"I'm sick of drawing!"

These are just some of the things I've heard come from the mouths of grade school art students. What's going on? Does this alarm you? It should. Written language would not have been possible had art not come first. But we don't need to go that deep. How many times have you heard a child voice an idea abut how they could improve a video game or an animated film? Yet, these children shut down when there is a blank page staring them in the face rather than a blinking screen.

Think about it. Get angry. Calm down. Come up with ways to strike back. And exercise those ideas.

We don't need to worry about whether or not web comics, manga, super heroes and/or illustrated diaries will take over the market... 'cos the kids aren't reading, writing or drawing anymore.

Oh! Pick up the latest issue of AdBusters.

Peace

-AR