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
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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
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
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