Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

May you and yours grow closer over the holidays. And check out the link above when you return to work.

Peace & Love

-AR

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pulp City

Hello everyone!

When I started this blog a few years ago, I mentioned a handful of fancy Indie e-Rags I hoped would seek out little (at least in the US) known comics and creators for their editorials. One site has truly captured the essence of their moniker. That site is Indie Pulp.

Michael Martinez teamed with Bernie Gonzalez, founder of Element X Studios, to create what would almost instantaneously become a very special longterm project. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. The site (linked in the blog title above) is polished to a distinct sheen. It is very easy to mistake it for another run-of-mill 'edgy' mainstream production. Truth be told, Indie Pulp couldn't be any less a fake, if it was printing the comics featured there in a damp basement.

Matthew Brady is the resident site editor and reviewer of all the amazing comics plastered all over IP. He's done a remarkable job... including enough interior art to give his readers a solid idea of what they can expect to see on their LCS shelves. Many indie mainstays have lent their art to help give the site its brilliant look.

If you aren't already, it wouldn't be a bad idea to frequent Indie Pulp. They are doing their part to make sure indie comics don't stay underground.

Peace

-AR

Saturday, October 31, 2009

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

My favorite holiday is finally here.

Where to go? What costume to wear? What candy to plow into first? Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a copy of Muscles & Frights to bring a little laughter into your scares tonight.

Enjoy yourself!

Peace

-AR

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New Links!

Hello everyone!

There is little I enjoy more than sharing cool stuff with other artists and art lovers. I've added new links to this blog and updated old ones. This is a great place to keep up with what is going on with the people and creations you already know and/or, for newcomers, study the art form. Feel free to surf away, and continue to stay tuned for future updates.

Peace

-AR

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

City Sketch

Hello everyone!

Check out a quick pin-up I did for Dan Klonowski (better known as Danno) by clicking on the title of this entry. It's not much... But I'm finally drawing again. It's about time I start adding new art on this site soon to keep you up-to-date on what I'm working on. Let's hope that happens more often than not.

Peace

-AR

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Back To The City

Hello everyone!

With Fallcon over, I'm back in Cream City.

There was plenty of amazing product to pick up at the con:

Bud Burgy and I had the entire Muscles & Fights library, including the Halloween special (Muscles & Frights). All these releases can be purchased at Lost World Of Wonders-MKE, The Source-MPLS/SP, and Chicago Comics-CHI as well as lulu.com and amazon.com. We're especially proud of the manner in which Muscles & Frights raised the bar on brawling goodness. Big thanks to those who gave up their hard-earned cash for a copy.

Danno was there with his Manly Tales Of Cowardice monster of a franchise. It's always good to see him so busy with fans of the series. He and Bud are hard at work with their Continuity Guy ongoing... do yourself a favor.

Kevin Cannon had his amazing Top Shelf/fancy pants HC edition of Far Arden. Of course, it just makes me feel extra special for owning one of the 100 self-published copies he sold prior to striking it rich. The guy blows me away with his attention-to-detail presentation.

Sam Hiti was also there with his shiny-covered historical series. You can always count on him to have plenty of new merch to choose from.

The really big news and, for my money, greatest value for buck at the show was BIG FUNNY. Congratulations to Steve Stwalley, Zander Cannon, and the rest of the International Cartoonist Conspiracy for their efforts!

Special thanks to Dan Olson, Justin Cermak and Ryan Dow for the time they took to catch me up on what they have in the works.

For any and all curious about what these talented individuals are spilling their life-blood to produce, hop on over to the links found on this blog. Happy hunting.

That's all, for now.

Peace

-AR

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Cream City @ Fallcon 2009

Hello Everyone!

My favorite convention of the year is just around the corner (Oct 10 &11). I will be there with copies of various OGNs published with my good friend Bud Burgy. I will also have original art (from those projects) for sale, and hope to have a decent start on my new project to display. Remember to catch up with all your favorite Cartoonist Conspiracy creators too! Learn more about the con and the Midwest Comic Book Association by clicking the title of this entry.

Peace

-AR

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Psychedelic Son of the City

Hello again!

It's been a while since I had something excite me enough to write about it. Today, the silence can be broken.

Last year I was introduced to the art of Stan Ewert, the son referred to in the title of this entry. I was effectively blown away at first glance. Stan is one of the scariest cats you've never heard of. Mix Crumb, Escher, Final Fantasy Tactics, classic D&D, 60s-70s poster art, add a dash of Stairway To Heaven and you are just scratching the surface of the first Ewert mindtrip I was exposed to a year ago.

Until very recently, his works were reserved for a private collection of connected pieces of Ewert's imagination. But lucky art freaks everywhere can finally purchase prints of what is sure to become a heavy underground sensation.

For a more intimate idea of what I'm gushing about, head over to www.ewertartimages.com

If you're attending Wizard World Chicago, check out Alberto 'Ponbiki' Rios in Artist's Alley. He'll have graphic novels, sketchbooks, original art and other great swag to choose from.

One last thing...

Tank Girl tpbs will finally be available in the original black & white versions. The books will be packed with cool extras. I have ONE and it's far superior to the 'colour' versions already in circulation.

Peace

-AR

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Quiet In The City

Hello Everyone!

As the title suggests, all has been fairly quiet here. I am still contemplating my next move in art... and lamenting the third death of my iBook G4. The ideas for new books are still in infancy stages, and whether or not there will be a resurrection of Super Depressed Girl has yet to be decided.

There are no new (and exciting) books to report on at the moment. But Ponbiki and Galvo are still kicking all forms of artistic arse at zuda.com.

Peace

-AR

Monday, June 1, 2009

Cream City Update Plus!

Hello everyone!

I'd like to share some fairly exciting news.

1) The Cream City Comics (with Bud Burgy, Inc.) library is available on Amazon now. I received an Email (from Lulu) last week informing me Heavee Underground was submitted to Amazon. I later found out the Muscles & Fights series, including Muscles & Frights, is available through Amazon too. Good news. Thanks to all the contributors involved!

2) As of today, Sam Kieth's My Inner Bimbo and Scott Morse's newest Ancient Book are available for purchase. My Inner Bimbo has been packaged a bit differently than Ojo was... it's much bigger (which translates to more raw looking art).

3) I saw Yeah Yeah Yeahs play at The Rave last night. Of course, Karen O and company did everything right... which included an acoustic version of their breakthrough hit Maps. But the real treat of the evening was the opening band, Grand Ole Party. The San Diego trio blew the lid off the joint. I picked up a copy of their DH Records debut, Humanimals, and received a free CDR sample from their upcoming September release. The disc includes two songs... You Can't See Me and Love Button... which are nothing short of brilliant. If you like checking out live gigs, this is probably the show you don't want to miss this year. And support Grand Ole Party with your 10 bucks... you won't be disappointed.

Peace

-AR

Monday, May 18, 2009

Cream City on Cavallaro

Hello everyone!

I'm back with some good old-fashioned gushing over a comics veteran I've only just discovered. As I surfed to learn more about him on the 'net', I was disappointed with how little available reviews there are... thus, the following gush fest.

Mike Cavallaro started his career in comics studying at the Joe Kubert school (later dropping out for Rock'n'Roll)... then... coloring for Valiant in the '90s (remember them). He also produced work for DC cards. But, as the dust from the '90s comics explosion settled, he shifted gears... expanding his skillset in animation. As a member of the Deep6 and a regular contributor to ACT-I-VATE web comix, Mike has created several fine sequential gems including the book which brought him to my attention... PARADE (with fireworks).

PARADE easily exhibits the imagination and prowess of its creator. The command of space, design, ink, color, light, shadow, emotion and pacing are all on... erm... parade in this graphic historical biography. I won't go into the specific visuals or storyline here because I believe a large part of the excitement the reader gets from a comic is discovering them on his/her own. I will say the price point, $12.99 US, is an absolute steal. And the packaging? Fugetaboutit.

Big thanks is due to Shadowline/Image Comics for helping Cavallaro realize the printed version of his creation. Let's hope works like PARADE, TRANSIT, MISSING THE BOAT and SURREAL ADVENTURES OF EDGAR ALLAN POO become a regular thing at Shadowline.

Enjoy!

Peace

-AR

**Note: On the inside back cover of PARADE (with fireworks) you'll see a cool looking title called MISSING THE BOAT. The creative team on that book is Shady and DWELLEPHANT... not Wellephant. Respect to the Cream City legend. Check out the links listings to learn more about both Cavallaro and Dwellephant.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Sons of the City

Hello everyone!

As promised a couple posts ago, I'd like to spend a little time on the fact "not all free is good". Book fans of all stripes are all too aware of that theory since Milwaukee became Schwartz Bookstores-free.

Schwartz bookshops served the Cream City community for 82 years, since 1927, when Harry Schwartz started his first store in the back of a beauty shop. And didn't only serve by selling books. He supported local and national authors with in-store book signings, and... at times... with his checkbook (funding the publication of books).

Schwartz was succeeded by his family and, eventually, opened 5 stores in total. This feat marked Schwartz Bookstores as the most successful independent bookstore chain in the state, if not the country. Of course, times change and people often change with it. Internet shopping, large corporate bookstore chains, and a shaky economy have all contributed to hard times for the Schwartz family. In early 2009, shoppers on Schwartz's mailing list received the official news the stores would be closing at the end of March. This is truly sad news for a community which seems so proud to support locally-owned business.

Could anything have been done to save the stores? Probably not, but it does raise the question of what waits for us in the future. What happens to the local comic book shops? Where will independent/self-published authors sell their wares now? Will life for those authors be the same, if they cannot establish personal relationships with the people responsible for selling their artwork? Time will tell.

On the upside of Cream City sons making good on their life passion, I've added a new link to the Cream City links listing. Damian Valentine Mayek, working simply as Damian Valentine Music, has an amazing story about what can happen to those who pursue their dreams with self-belief. Please check out his site, especially the bio section, to learn more about this amazing musical and visual artist.

Hats off to Schwartz and Mayek for giving the Cream City faithful one more reason to be proud of the city they hail as home.

Peace

-AR

Sunday, April 19, 2009

New Booty

Hello everyone!

Sorry to disappoint, but the title above is in no way a reference to the latest hit from the flavor of the week in the rap game. The title doesn't refer to a new Chris Rock comedy routine either. I'm simply sharing some cool stuff I've been fortunate enough to get my grubby mitts on recently.

1) Title: Bardin the Superrealist. Author: Max (Francesc Capdevila). Publisher: Fantagraphics Books. This hardcover collection of psychedelic strips written and illustrated by the Spanish artiste (Max) was released in 2006, but I've only now discovered the gem. God, art, vice, life, death, philosophy... no stone is left unturned in a style familiar to fans of Walt & Skeezix, Krazy Ignatz and Jimmy Corrigan.

2) Title: Notes Over Yonder and Tiger! Tiger! Tiger! Author: Scott Morse. Publisher: Red Window/AdHouse Books. Those fortunate fans keeping up with Scott Morse over the years have noted a constant exploration of story styles, format and presentation. This is an artist who really doesn't know the meaning of fear or limitations. Notes and Tiger! are his most recent reminders life and art are always linked firmly in the mind, soul & heart of an artist. It's worth noting Tiger! is clearly marked volume one so I'm looking forward to more in the series. If you keep up with his blog, you are aware there is a new addition to the "Ancient" book series coming our way soon. Mister Morse is also working on other projects (somehow) when not at his day job with Pixar Animation Studios.

3) Title: Birth Of A Nation. Author: Aaron McGruder/Reginald Hudlin/Kyle Baker. Publisher: Crown Publishers. Ah... politics, solcial commentary, comedy, and purty drawings enclosed between two hard covers. Reads like a dream come true, doesn't it? I thought so too. Unfortunately, it took me all of 4 years to discover this fine work. Fortunately, good art... in any medium... never grows old or stale. This is, yet, another brilliant example of comics as serious literature.

4) Title: Your Career In Animation. Author: David B Levy. Publisher: Allworth Press. Okay, Okay... no... I am not an animator. BUT... I love animation... AND... I would love to be an animator... AND... it serves as a great companion to my copies of Eisner's Shop Talk, Eisner/Miller and Comics & Sequential Art. I don't think any artist's library is complete without a small collection of books tackling the subject of art and commerce.

So... now you're probably wondering what kind of reviews I consider the above. Well, they aren't reviews at all. I'm simply passing on information in hopes you'll become interested enough to get up, get out, pick up, read and form your own opinion .

Peace

-AR

Monday, April 6, 2009

Cream City Conversations with Jennifer Young

As promised Saturday, here's the latest on Jennifer Young. I will prove a bit wordier than usual in this 'conversation' so I'll keep this intro short and sweet. Enjoy!


1) For the uninitiated, your name and location?

Jennifer "Jenny Bunny Bunns" Young, Atlanta, GA

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

Because I've transitioned to a different tattoo studio - the first one since my apprenticeship, I'm wrapping up The Apprentice Diaries, my comic strip diary of my life as a new female tattoo artist. Volume 8 will be my last. Now that I've left my "alma mater" to move onto a new studio, I've renamed my comic strip diary The Inkbunny Diaries. Both hardcopy versions will be available on my website and various book selling sites (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Borders) and Lulu.com.

Other than that, in the past year I've been getting back into the art-show circuit, starting in the Atlanta area. The first one I did in 3-4 years was last December, and since then I've been in 4-5 art shows and did a spot in a lecture series at The Contemporary in Atlanta, GA. They can be a little stressful if the deadline is short notice, but it pushes me to draw for myself, which I rarely do otherwise. And it pushes me to explore different avenues and to delve deeper into familiar themes.


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

My website is probably the most convenient way to see everything I do and how to get stuff! I'm also on Facebook and Myspace, too.
www.myspace.com/jyoungart
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenny-Bunns-Young/9002583889

www.theinkbunnydiaries.com


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

I just released my final "Diary of an Apprentice" volume (8) a few of months ago. I was also really excited to be in the recently released Anthology, Muscles & Frights! YAY! Other than that, I've got a few art shows coming up, the one I'm most looking forward to is at the Youngblood Gallery in Atlanta, GA, opening January 10th!

*Note: Great news all around. Did I ever send you a personal copy of Muscles & Frights or did you slip through the cracks when you didn't show at Fallcon? Whoops! -AR

As for my new comic strip diary series, "The Inkbunny Diaries", I'm debating whether I should submit it to publishers, or keep going with self-publishing at Lulu.com.

*Note: Your army of fans would probably be the best sounding board on this. Either way, I know your books will continue to look amazing AND be very entertaining. -AR

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

Yes! This year I've applied more of my art nouveau influences in, including my tattoo work. I've invested in getting new materials to help supplement my graphic design and illustrative work, like getting a wacom tablet and new software, etc.

*Note: Mucha is at the top of my most beloved artists ever... in any medium. I've always enjoyed seeing the At Nouveau influence in other artists. -AR

6) 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?

Of course it's always good to keep "in shape". However, lately, I have not really kept a set sketchbook. I just use loose papers or different paper pads, depending on what I'm doing. I think working at a tattoo shop has made me form these habits - not that other tattoo artists do this... it's just been so hectic between work and side-work that it's all I've been able to use whenever I have time.

*Note: After a (too) long hiatus from drawing and painting I've put some sketches together -recently- and I also put together an ink drawing for someone... what a relief. I feel ready to put together more finished work now. I suppose there must be some relation between constant sketching and final product productivity. -AR

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

I like the sketchy look. I often think, as far as my own work, anyway, that my sketches look better than the final draft. I just enjoy the loose line work laying under the stronger lines. There's something very beautiful in those lines - like happy accidents, etc.

*Note: I wish I had the patience for this. I love some of my brush works, but I feel too... erm... exposed when showing that work. My usual tight pen work makes me feel some sort of strange, unexplainable security. -AR

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

The only one I make time to go to these days, because of my busy work and travel schedule, is the Minnesota FallCon. I always look forward to seeing everyone there each year - it really brings me back to my Midwestern roots, haha! Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts with a new tattoo shop I moved to, I could not make this 2008 one :(

*Note: You were sorely missed Jenn. I think you would have loved the ICC lounge. -AR

9) 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 bringing as much stuff as I possibly freaking can.

10) 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?

Between everything I'm doing and involved with, there is very little time for reading, unfortunately. In fact, BECAUSE everything's been so hectic, I no longer have the attention span for reading. So instead, I've been following webcomics & blogs, such as:

http://ryandow.com/ic/

http://bewilderedkid.com/blog/

http://www.baristagirl.com/

http://www.thoughtmarker.blogspot.com/

http://corinna-tomrlova.squarespace.com/dear-dairy/

And a plethora of misc. others.


As far as film and TV, I recently saw Bolt, and LOVED it. I'm also following the shows House and Dexter.

11) Anything already in the works for 2009?

Ha! One thing life has taught me - always work toward long-term goals, but never plan too far ahead. There are too many surprises down the road.


Thanks, Jenn!

There you go, folks. I hope you'll check out some of the sites shared in the 'conversation'. The economy being what it is, we could use all the free stuff we can get our grubby little mitts on.

But not all that is free is good... I'll be letting you in on what I mean next installment.

Peace

-AR

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Rise Of The Ogre

Hello all,

After a long, long hiatus... I'm coming back with more frequent updates and other posts. This time I really mean it.

My first order of business will be posting a new Jenny 'Bunns' Young interview. Miss Young has been busy changing her website, pumping out those illustrated diaries, inflicting inky pain on patrons, and other mayhem. Look for this to surface within a week.

Have a nice weekend.

Peace

-AR

Monday, January 12, 2009

Don't Call It A Comeback!

Hello all,

Yes. I do realize it's been a while since I've posted or even poked my head in to see whether anyone's even noticed the absence of any news.

Well, I'm back with... news.

Here is a link to something in the works. I hope to have some more updates about it in subsequent posts. http://selfmadescampitch.blogspot.com

Peace

-AR