OK. I just got my issue(s) of the new PL.
I actually read both of them. Today. I know, productive day.
I put my vote in now that the CD format be THE format from now on.
I understand wanting to read a magazine copy on the shitter, and that's why they make printers. Print out whatever you have the inkling to gander and voila- entertainment whilst you redeem yon innards. And it's cheaper.
Along with the new format, we can delve into new territories of media such as the videos that Arnett has been posting. Just a little sample of what more we can do.
Like with any zine, there are some that will show more effort and hopefully we'll have more of an issue than a tech demo. There are many more pros than cons in going this new route. I'm curious as to what everyone else thinks.
And....it was a great issue.
Kudos all around.
Heit
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Create a super-heroine
Got this in an email from Marlan:
WHO WANTS TO CREATE A SUPER-HEROINE?
Most contests in the comic book business are geared toward artists. Shadowline, in partnership with Newsarama, is bucking the tide and creating a contest geared toward writers!According to Shadowline editor, Kristen Simon, “I’d been hoping to see a super-hero book with a strong female lead to act as a counter-point to our popular Bomb Queen series, but none were forthcoming. So I decided to come up with a contest to create a super-heroine for the 21st Century.”
The character will be 100% creator-owned as all Image and Shadowline books are (Trademark and copyright to be shared by writer and artist). The winning entry will be featured in their own self-titled three issue mini-series to be drawn by fan-favorite artist, Franchesco! (She-Dragon, Green Lantern Corps Quarterly) and back-end profits will be split between the creators.
Contest regulations are listed below. Neither Image nor Shadowline can or will be responsible for synchronicity (similar ideas appearing at the same time).
No feedback will be provided on submissions, just a confirmation of receipt.
Contest will be divided into three parts as outlined below, deviation will result in immediate disqualification:
Round One:
Contestants e-mail a BRIEF one paragraph story synopsis by January 31, 2008 to: superheroinecontest@gmail.com. Stories/concept must be original with original characters. No pre-existing characters may be used unless owned by contestant.
Round Two:
Ten semi-finalists will be chosen from all entries received by the above date and notified by e-mail. They will then be required to turn in 5 (five) fully scripted pages by February 29, 2008.
Round Three:
The five finalists will be announced and their synopses posted on Newsarama on March 10. Newsarama posters will be encouraged to vote on their favorite. (Writers are strongly advised to direct traffic to the contest via message boards, myspace, etc…every vote counts!) Polls will close on April 4, 2008.
The winner will be announced April 28 with initial concept art/character design by Franchesco. First issue will be solicited with a cover date of November, 2008.
WHO WANTS TO CREATE A SUPER-HEROINE?
Most contests in the comic book business are geared toward artists. Shadowline, in partnership with Newsarama, is bucking the tide and creating a contest geared toward writers!According to Shadowline editor, Kristen Simon, “I’d been hoping to see a super-hero book with a strong female lead to act as a counter-point to our popular Bomb Queen series, but none were forthcoming. So I decided to come up with a contest to create a super-heroine for the 21st Century.”
The character will be 100% creator-owned as all Image and Shadowline books are (Trademark and copyright to be shared by writer and artist). The winning entry will be featured in their own self-titled three issue mini-series to be drawn by fan-favorite artist, Franchesco! (She-Dragon, Green Lantern Corps Quarterly) and back-end profits will be split between the creators.
Contest regulations are listed below. Neither Image nor Shadowline can or will be responsible for synchronicity (similar ideas appearing at the same time).
No feedback will be provided on submissions, just a confirmation of receipt.
Contest will be divided into three parts as outlined below, deviation will result in immediate disqualification:
Round One:
Contestants e-mail a BRIEF one paragraph story synopsis by January 31, 2008 to: superheroinecontest@gmail.com. Stories/concept must be original with original characters. No pre-existing characters may be used unless owned by contestant.
Round Two:
Ten semi-finalists will be chosen from all entries received by the above date and notified by e-mail. They will then be required to turn in 5 (five) fully scripted pages by February 29, 2008.
Round Three:
The five finalists will be announced and their synopses posted on Newsarama on March 10. Newsarama posters will be encouraged to vote on their favorite. (Writers are strongly advised to direct traffic to the contest via message boards, myspace, etc…every vote counts!) Polls will close on April 4, 2008.
The winner will be announced April 28 with initial concept art/character design by Franchesco. First issue will be solicited with a cover date of November, 2008.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A fairly decent movie
I went to see "I Am Legend" Friday night (by myself, but that's another story). To offer full disclosure (and sure ridicule from some), I'm a big Will Smith fan, going way back to the days of "Parents Just Don't Understand" (which, if I remember correctly, was the second rap album I bought...Digital Underground being the first). I'm digressing...
I'm intrigued by the idea of the whole 'last man on earth' storyline. One guy, wondering about with no one else to communicate with or interact with. It's an apt metaphor for socially inept people in junior high and high school. But, even though it's almost a standard science fiction cliche, for some reason that plot calls to me.
Anyhoo, I went to see this movie. Good seats, popcorn and coke in hand. Surprisingly low attendance, even given the weather conditions. The previews, which I insist on watching, were so so (something is coming out in '08). Finally the screen darkens to begin the enjoyment.
Okay, so the plot. A cure for cancer has been found in the year 2009. 100% success rate. The only downside? You turn into a hairless, daylight phobic, extremely athletic zombie type thing. Smith, as Robert Neville, is a military scientist tasked with finding a cure.
Problem number one: Infections are both blood born and air born.
Problem number two: Infection and death rates are near 90%, meaning that 5.4 billion people on the planet are goners. 9% of the population becomes the aforementioned zombie type things. The other 1%? Natural immunity.
The infection starts in Manhattan and the government quarantines the entire island to prevent the spread of infection (unfortunately, it doesn't). So, after three years, Manhattan is a ghost town, at least during daylight hours (do they still observe daylight savings time in this future?) save for Neville and his dog. And apparently the rest of the world too, as Neville spends the better part of his day broadcasting on the AM frequencies looking for other humans. Oh, and Neville has that convenient immunity to the virus that prevents him from turning into a zombie.
So, what's the review? Smith carries the part well, especially considering it's pretty much him and a dog for the first 45 minutes of the movie. The macho shtick is kept to a minimum, except for a brief scene that was evidently inserted to show off his muscles. Rather than take the tough guy approach, Smith uses some range to convey, with very good success, exactly what it means to be alone. And rather than exude emotion until it runs out of his ears, a la Tom Hanks in "Castaway", Smith goes with the more subtle route. One scene in particular is when Smith takes his daily trip to the local video store. We are given no back story to what he's doing or why he's doing it but instead allowed to absorb the scene and it's ramifications as it unfolds. Mannequins are placed throughout the store, dressed in various clothes. As he walks through the store, Smith interacts with each of them in various different ways, greeting all of them as old friends. It becomes obvious that Smith placed these mannequins in the store at some point in the past to maintain a sense of realism to his world. He even carries on a conversation with his dog about hitting on a nearby female mannequin. At first blush, this scene was written for humorous effect. But subtly, you are given a glimpse into the slow madness that he is slipping into by being alone and the lengths to which he will go to forestall that madness. And later, we return to this video store after Smith loses his only friend in the world, his dog, to see just how far into that madness he as gone.
Solid build up, solid acting, solid scripting for the first 3/4ths of the movie. And then it turns into Resident Evil. Rather than let the movie play out on it's own strengths, the writers felt that more special effects were called for. So enter the massive hordes of CGI monsters to threaten our hero and his new found companions (Don't ask because I was about to walk out when Smith is rescued by a duex ex machina in the form of two OTHER immune humans...yeah, I know). Even with this colossal let down in plotting, I was still engrossed enough to sit through the last 15 minutes to find out what happens. I won't give away the ending here, but the ending redeemed a little bit of the previous ten minutes of CGI madness.
So, should you see this movie? Well, that depends. If you love CGI in all it's myriad forms, then yes, by all means. If you are more of a plot and acting person, then you should go. But do so with lowered expectations. It's still a good movie, but it misses the boat to greatness by about ten minutes.
I'm intrigued by the idea of the whole 'last man on earth' storyline. One guy, wondering about with no one else to communicate with or interact with. It's an apt metaphor for socially inept people in junior high and high school. But, even though it's almost a standard science fiction cliche, for some reason that plot calls to me.
Anyhoo, I went to see this movie. Good seats, popcorn and coke in hand. Surprisingly low attendance, even given the weather conditions. The previews, which I insist on watching, were so so (something is coming out in '08). Finally the screen darkens to begin the enjoyment.
Okay, so the plot. A cure for cancer has been found in the year 2009. 100% success rate. The only downside? You turn into a hairless, daylight phobic, extremely athletic zombie type thing. Smith, as Robert Neville, is a military scientist tasked with finding a cure.
Problem number one: Infections are both blood born and air born.
Problem number two: Infection and death rates are near 90%, meaning that 5.4 billion people on the planet are goners. 9% of the population becomes the aforementioned zombie type things. The other 1%? Natural immunity.
The infection starts in Manhattan and the government quarantines the entire island to prevent the spread of infection (unfortunately, it doesn't). So, after three years, Manhattan is a ghost town, at least during daylight hours (do they still observe daylight savings time in this future?) save for Neville and his dog. And apparently the rest of the world too, as Neville spends the better part of his day broadcasting on the AM frequencies looking for other humans. Oh, and Neville has that convenient immunity to the virus that prevents him from turning into a zombie.
So, what's the review? Smith carries the part well, especially considering it's pretty much him and a dog for the first 45 minutes of the movie. The macho shtick is kept to a minimum, except for a brief scene that was evidently inserted to show off his muscles. Rather than take the tough guy approach, Smith uses some range to convey, with very good success, exactly what it means to be alone. And rather than exude emotion until it runs out of his ears, a la Tom Hanks in "Castaway", Smith goes with the more subtle route. One scene in particular is when Smith takes his daily trip to the local video store. We are given no back story to what he's doing or why he's doing it but instead allowed to absorb the scene and it's ramifications as it unfolds. Mannequins are placed throughout the store, dressed in various clothes. As he walks through the store, Smith interacts with each of them in various different ways, greeting all of them as old friends. It becomes obvious that Smith placed these mannequins in the store at some point in the past to maintain a sense of realism to his world. He even carries on a conversation with his dog about hitting on a nearby female mannequin. At first blush, this scene was written for humorous effect. But subtly, you are given a glimpse into the slow madness that he is slipping into by being alone and the lengths to which he will go to forestall that madness. And later, we return to this video store after Smith loses his only friend in the world, his dog, to see just how far into that madness he as gone.
Solid build up, solid acting, solid scripting for the first 3/4ths of the movie. And then it turns into Resident Evil. Rather than let the movie play out on it's own strengths, the writers felt that more special effects were called for. So enter the massive hordes of CGI monsters to threaten our hero and his new found companions (Don't ask because I was about to walk out when Smith is rescued by a duex ex machina in the form of two OTHER immune humans...yeah, I know). Even with this colossal let down in plotting, I was still engrossed enough to sit through the last 15 minutes to find out what happens. I won't give away the ending here, but the ending redeemed a little bit of the previous ten minutes of CGI madness.
So, should you see this movie? Well, that depends. If you love CGI in all it's myriad forms, then yes, by all means. If you are more of a plot and acting person, then you should go. But do so with lowered expectations. It's still a good movie, but it misses the boat to greatness by about ten minutes.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Pulp Legacy # 38 IN THE MAIL!!!
Thanks to the guys who helped out at assembly last night.
One other thing, and this is made mention in the "finances" page... we've ran up a $214 CopyCo bill over the last two issues. Last night, our group kicked in $50. Add in Tom Boring sending in $20 membership dues, I can take $70 down there today.
Please consider kicking in some money to help us pay this bill. Even $10 helps. You can PayPal it to me at sjones2@gcsaa.org (please note the '2').
I know it's a bad time of the year to ask for cash. You don't have to send money tomorrow. But please consider getting me something by this time next month, when I'll be taking them another payment.
Last night, we had a serious discussion about ways we can avoid $214 bills in the future. I think we have a pretty good solution. It's addressed in issue 38. I'll wait till you get this issue, and then we'll discuss this idea further.
But essentially, it boils down to this: something's GOT to change.
One other thing, and this is made mention in the "finances" page... we've ran up a $214 CopyCo bill over the last two issues. Last night, our group kicked in $50. Add in Tom Boring sending in $20 membership dues, I can take $70 down there today.
Please consider kicking in some money to help us pay this bill. Even $10 helps. You can PayPal it to me at sjones2@gcsaa.org (please note the '2').
I know it's a bad time of the year to ask for cash. You don't have to send money tomorrow. But please consider getting me something by this time next month, when I'll be taking them another payment.
Last night, we had a serious discussion about ways we can avoid $214 bills in the future. I think we have a pretty good solution. It's addressed in issue 38. I'll wait till you get this issue, and then we'll discuss this idea further.
But essentially, it boils down to this: something's GOT to change.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
All the Cool Kids are doing it
So won't you please click here to visit my mini city, Ajasontville?
I got this from my livejournal friend Jens Altmann whose minicity is here (and please click to visit his city, too!) and he got it from some other LJers... you know how these crazy internet things go.
Anyway, please just click through and help me build a bit of population. Then visit every once in a while to see how it's going.
I got this from my livejournal friend Jens Altmann whose minicity is here (and please click to visit his city, too!) and he got it from some other LJers... you know how these crazy internet things go.
Anyway, please just click through and help me build a bit of population. Then visit every once in a while to see how it's going.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Issue 38 delayed -- again!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Pulp Legacy # 38 delayed
Sorry everyone, but the Lawrence assembly team was unable to assemble last week.
Everyone held up their end of the bargain -- especially Copy Jesus, who was all over printing your 'zines this go-round. But then my daughter got sick.
On the evening we planned to assemble, the Jones family was in the emergency room.
My daughter had a fever of 105, started vomiting, got the shakes and lost her pinkish color. So we hustled into the ER. She has a virus, and the doctor said she just has to work it out of her system while we go from feeding her Tylenol to Ibuprofen.
Even more insulting? It was her 1st birthday.
We went in Thursday night and were still there into Friday morning. Some birthday, huh Evey?
If you'd like to see a photo of my daughter giving an apathetic stare to her birthday cake, visit my blog at www.especiallyevey.blogspot.com .
Me and the crew plan on assembling early this week -- Monday or Tuesday -- so the new issue will be just a few days delayed.
Apologies.
Everyone held up their end of the bargain -- especially Copy Jesus, who was all over printing your 'zines this go-round. But then my daughter got sick.
On the evening we planned to assemble, the Jones family was in the emergency room.
My daughter had a fever of 105, started vomiting, got the shakes and lost her pinkish color. So we hustled into the ER. She has a virus, and the doctor said she just has to work it out of her system while we go from feeding her Tylenol to Ibuprofen.
Even more insulting? It was her 1st birthday.
We went in Thursday night and were still there into Friday morning. Some birthday, huh Evey?
If you'd like to see a photo of my daughter giving an apathetic stare to her birthday cake, visit my blog at www.especiallyevey.blogspot.com .
Me and the crew plan on assembling early this week -- Monday or Tuesday -- so the new issue will be just a few days delayed.
Apologies.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Another prop to occupy your time...
Something I did for my friend Rob's new online graphic novel, launching sometime in the next couple of weeks.
I'm getting better at these things...
I'm getting better at these things...
Friday, November 23, 2007
Woot!! This Am Blog Has Smarts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
OLD SCHOOL
Nothing like a li'l old school rock'em sock'em 'n'roll to flare out them inspired spirits
Comin' Atcha!!!
Comin' Atcha!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
My nephew's bedroom walls
For my nephew Jett's 5th birthday, my sister told him he could have his room decorated in any theme he wanted.
You know it warmed my heart when he said "super heroes!"
I was called in as an independent contractor and as a good uncle, to lend my limited artistic ability to this project. My sister wanted me to paint a few characters -- preferably those with a red and blue theme -- on Jett-Man's walls. Of course I was thrilled to accept the assignment.
I'm not done with the project yet -- the final, most important piece will be Spider-Man. I wanted to warm up a little before I got to Spidey, and I did that with these paintings of Captain America and Superman.
I'm relatively happy with the way they turned out. I've never painted a character on a wall before, so it was uncharted territory for me. The hardest part was the scale, and not being able to really see the "big picture." I drew the characters in pencil first, and then started painting. Up close, I couldn't see that I would have liked my characters to have been a little bit longer-legged. But that's OK, I can call that a foreshortening issue. I'm also not too happy about Cap's shield (I knew that would be a challenge) and I'm really mad that I chose to use that pink paint as a skin tone. That's something I'll try to go in and fix later.
I'm mostly happy with Supes, which surprises me. Such a hard character to draw. Why? Because he's got no mask! With no mask, it makes it really easy to make him look like your neighbor in a cape and tights... and creepy. But this guy looks like a kid-friendly Superman to me. And I'm really shocked that I nailed the Superman 'S' chest emblem. Sure, I can draw it, but I figured I'd screw it up painting it. Once I get the yellow in there, that 'S' is gonna look good.
But yeah, as you can see from the third photo, Jett just LOVES these paintings. Seriously, he was really pumped about them, I could tell. The photo doesn't convey that mood, but trust me, he was excited in person. He really wants Spider-Man up there pretty bad though, because Spidey is his favorite. To a 5-year-old, he probably just thinks Uncle Seth is tormenting him by not getting that one done first, but the truth is, I just really want to nail that one for his room, so I want to make sure I've worked the kinks out before I start painting the ol' Webhead.
So, have you done any similar projects? What advice can you give me? Go easy on my art I posted, really, I tried hard... I can't help it, I used the talent I was given!
Monday, October 29, 2007
The New Frontier
10-28-07
Lawrence Public Library
Circulation Department
707 Vermont Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
SETH A JONES
1409 LAWRENCE AVE #C
LAWRENCE, KS 66049
******** DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSSAGE ********
If you wish to contact Circulation via email, send
correspondence to circulation@lawrence.lib.ks.us
************************************************
According to our records, the amount shown below is charged to
your library account. You may pay all fees at the library or mail
a check to the Lawrence Public Library at the above address.
If you have any questions about this notice or want to check the
total balance on your account, please call 785 843-3833.
Inv #195086 OVERDUE CHARGE $2.00
AUTHOR: Cooke, Darwyn.
TITLE: DC, the new frontier
LOCATION: Adult Fiction Graphic Novels
CALL NO: GN COOKE D v. 2 BARCODE: 0130502152940
DATE CHECKED OUT: 09-08-07 10:53AM
DATE DUE: 10-06-07
DATE RETURNED: 10-27-07
NOTE: Total outstanding fines and bills $4.40
8:8
It so wasn't worth it.
...sigh.
Lawrence Public Library
Circulation Department
707 Vermont Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
SETH A JONES
1409 LAWRENCE AVE #C
LAWRENCE, KS 66049
******** DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSSAGE ********
If you wish to contact Circulation via email, send
correspondence to circulation@lawrence.lib.ks.us
************************************************
According to our records, the amount shown below is charged to
your library account. You may pay all fees at the library or mail
a check to the Lawrence Public Library at the above address.
If you have any questions about this notice or want to check the
total balance on your account, please call 785 843-3833.
Inv #195086 OVERDUE CHARGE $2.00
AUTHOR: Cooke, Darwyn.
TITLE: DC, the new frontier
LOCATION: Adult Fiction Graphic Novels
CALL NO: GN COOKE D v. 2 BARCODE: 0130502152940
DATE CHECKED OUT: 09-08-07 10:53AM
DATE DUE: 10-06-07
DATE RETURNED: 10-27-07
NOTE: Total outstanding fines and bills $4.40
8:8
It so wasn't worth it.
...sigh.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Meme
Your results:
You are Magneto
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
And you are ---?
You are Magneto
| You fear the persecution of those that are different or underprivileged so much that you are willing to fight and hurt others for your cause. |
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
And you are ---?
Tentative Toe in the Water
Here's a teaser for the latest thing I'm working on:
(I think the sound is better on this one, to be sure...)
You vets of PL may recognize the title, and if you do, great, you already know part of what's coming. If not, you'll find out soon. I'm combining so many styles of delivery and influences, it's not even funny.
Last night I began inking the illustrations, and will paint or color them over the coming week. This video will only be up for a couple of days, so if you miss it, sorry. Be advised the next version of it will be up before T-day, I think.
(I think the sound is better on this one, to be sure...)
You vets of PL may recognize the title, and if you do, great, you already know part of what's coming. If not, you'll find out soon. I'm combining so many styles of delivery and influences, it's not even funny.
Last night I began inking the illustrations, and will paint or color them over the coming week. This video will only be up for a couple of days, so if you miss it, sorry. Be advised the next version of it will be up before T-day, I think.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Deadline for zines IMMINENT!
This email just went out to the membership, courtesy of Marlan Harris, our esteemed guest-EIC...
Is there anyone that isn't going to have a zine in the next issue of the APA? That's right -- no one is not going to have something in it because everyone is going to contribute. If you can read this e-mail, you can send something in. Excuses will not be accepted.
I haven't gotten any replies to these notices I've sent out (except to add more people to the recipients-list... who also haven't much replied) so I don't know if it's because you're all so busy working on your zines that you don't have time to reply or if it's because you're just ignoring me. Trust me: you don't want to ignore me. I have a nasty way of remembering things for a very long time.
To stay on my good side, get a zine together and sent in before November 26. If you're getting this e-mail, you've done at least one before, I know you can do it again. Don't disappoint the APA. And if you haven't done one, get some writing together and I'll talk to you later about how to turn it into a zine for inclusion in the APA (if I haven't already. And if I have, you should already have some things together). You have 33 days. Plenty of time to get something together.
Get to it. You don't want to be left out on this one.
mar
Is there anyone that isn't going to have a zine in the next issue of the APA? That's right -- no one is not going to have something in it because everyone is going to contribute. If you can read this e-mail, you can send something in. Excuses will not be accepted.
I haven't gotten any replies to these notices I've sent out (except to add more people to the recipients-list... who also haven't much replied) so I don't know if it's because you're all so busy working on your zines that you don't have time to reply or if it's because you're just ignoring me. Trust me: you don't want to ignore me. I have a nasty way of remembering things for a very long time.
To stay on my good side, get a zine together and sent in before November 26. If you're getting this e-mail, you've done at least one before, I know you can do it again. Don't disappoint the APA. And if you haven't done one, get some writing together and I'll talk to you later about how to turn it into a zine for inclusion in the APA (if I haven't already. And if I have, you should already have some things together). You have 33 days. Plenty of time to get something together.
Get to it. You don't want to be left out on this one.
mar
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Random Musing
I overheard "Hotel California" today on the radio and for some odd reason, it got me thinking, "Is this song literal (as in a story)? Or is it a metaphor for something else?" I've heard "Hotel California" more times than I could care to count as a child (my mother is a HUGE Eagles fan...I can remember listening to them on 8 track) but for some reason, when the song played through my brain today something clicked that this song just might be a metaphor. I've always assumed it was a nice little story song. I'm sure that as a youth, the concepts of metaphor, analogy and symbolism were just a bit too much for me to digest. As such, ideas that are implanted and reinforced repeatedly at said young age are very, very hard to break (this arm chair psychoanalysis was brought to you by the left side of my brain). So I never questioned the song, just went along with the image of this guy trapped in a demonic hotel. What about everyone else? Metaphor or story? Or am I the only one who is that clueless about this song (Not that I can't discern metaphor in music as I once wrote a paper in college about the symbolism and analogy in "Plush" by STP)?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Same rainbow
Here's a photo my wife took of me and Evey admiring the same rainbow (we're in the lower right-hand corner).
I know that rainbows lose some of their mystique as we grow older, but this rainbow shattered any cynicism with its sheer brilliance. At work the next day I mentioned the rainbow, and we were all kids again. Most of the people in the conversation claimed to have never seen a rainbow so intense before. And I have to agree. This rainbow was eye-popping.
I hit Dillon's for some groceries after work. And as I drove down 6th Street in Lawrence, the clouds parted and the sun shot through. And I knew there'd be a good rainbow soon. And before I knew it, there was a spectacular double-rainbow. I raced home as fast as I could, to get my daughter and show her her first rainbow -- a rainbow very worthwhile of being someone's first rainbow.
As I drove by the local TV news station, I saw a cameraman outside filming the phenomena. And as I made the turn down the alley behind my house, I saw an older couple with camera in hand, shooting the rainbow for their own collection.
I ran inside, grabbed Evey, and we began our admiration for God's (or whatever name that being goes by) handiwork. OK, Evey didn't quite understand why I had her out in the rain. Still, for me, it was a rush.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Life in Color
Lawrence, Kansas, October 17th, 2007, between 6 and 7 pm. Cross-posted from my LiveJournal. And yes, the trees were REALLY that green.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Supes Confidential for January
SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #11
Written by B. Clay Moore
Art and cover by Phil Hester & Ande Parks
B. Clay Moore (Hawaiian Dick) teams with Phil Hester & Ande Parks (GREEN ARROW) to shed light on the origins of the Jimmy Olsen/Superman relationship in Part 1 of a 3-part story, in which Superman invents a way for Jimmy to signal him, and Metropolis deals with giant, murderous...toys?
On sale January 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Friday, October 12, 2007
Can't afford Kirby art?
Well, maybe instead you should buy Kirby's art.
As in, the art he hung on his walls.
Like this.
Don't know what I think of this. It's like, man, that hung on JK's wall while he drew all those FFs, Avengers, Hulks, Caps? Cool!
And yet... no one would really get it.
Thoughts?
As in, the art he hung on his walls.
Like this.
Don't know what I think of this. It's like, man, that hung on JK's wall while he drew all those FFs, Avengers, Hulks, Caps? Cool!
And yet... no one would really get it.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Sweet Soul Music
I don't know what the fuck happened to soul music, but it used to be something special, right? Soul music all but died in the seventies, but lately I've been on another one of my kicks.
Today (one of those amazing but rare cool, sunny early fall days in Kansas) it's all about the Chi-Lites, the Delfonics and the Stylistics.
Got-DAMN that's good music!
Also? I want to write comic books that read like the Five Stairsteps' "Ooh Child" sounds.
Also also? I want to start dressing like them:
An email to a fellow Radiohead fan
Reason # 7,326 why I prefer to buy a CD.
OK, so I purchased (the new Radiohead CD, available via download only) last night when I emailed you. I had been drinking, of course, but was all geeked to buy the album and then download it today.
Well, I wanted to spend $12.00 on the CD. But since it’s in “pounds” or whatever, I’ve got to convert. So I went to a converter and it made sense to convert it to Euros. $8.58 Euros, I paid for the CD. Today I checked my credit card. My card was charged $18.58. Dammit. OK, whatever.
But then, this morning, I went to download. When it gave me the choice of “save,” “open,” or “cancel,” I chose “open,” because I wanted to choose WHERE I saved it. Well, nothing happens for about two minutes. I panic, and close the window and start over.
Then I re-enter the link they gave me. “We’re sorry, the link you’ve entered has already downloaded,” it told me.
So now I spent $6.50 more than I wanted to, and I have nothing but frustration to show for it.
There was an email address for problems, I emailed them my story at 7:30 a.m. and still no response.
OK, so I purchased (the new Radiohead CD, available via download only) last night when I emailed you. I had been drinking, of course, but was all geeked to buy the album and then download it today.
Well, I wanted to spend $12.00 on the CD. But since it’s in “pounds” or whatever, I’ve got to convert. So I went to a converter and it made sense to convert it to Euros. $8.58 Euros, I paid for the CD. Today I checked my credit card. My card was charged $18.58. Dammit. OK, whatever.
But then, this morning, I went to download. When it gave me the choice of “save,” “open,” or “cancel,” I chose “open,” because I wanted to choose WHERE I saved it. Well, nothing happens for about two minutes. I panic, and close the window and start over.
Then I re-enter the link they gave me. “We’re sorry, the link you’ve entered has already downloaded,” it told me.
So now I spent $6.50 more than I wanted to, and I have nothing but frustration to show for it.
There was an email address for problems, I emailed them my story at 7:30 a.m. and still no response.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Comic Book Idol at CBR
Hey guys,
Something to add to your web surfing these next few weeks: Comic Book Idol 3 over at www.comicbookresources.com.
Former Pulp Legacy member J. Torres is hosting the event. The top 10 have been selected, and there are some stunning artists involved this year.
I'm also involved behind-the-scenes, as I've been hired to write the press releases on CBI3. So help me out by visiting the site and spreading the word to your comic book pals about CBI3. Thanks!
Something to add to your web surfing these next few weeks: Comic Book Idol 3 over at www.comicbookresources.com.
Former Pulp Legacy member J. Torres is hosting the event. The top 10 have been selected, and there are some stunning artists involved this year.
I'm also involved behind-the-scenes, as I've been hired to write the press releases on CBI3. So help me out by visiting the site and spreading the word to your comic book pals about CBI3. Thanks!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Survey continuation
The comments on the first survey post were getting a bit long as well as getting pushed into the background by the newer posts. So, to expedite things ('cause some people prolly wouldn't take the time to actually SEARCH FOR the original post), I'm including Copy J's most recent comment as well as my response as a new post. Comment away on this one until it too gets buried.
Copy J's comments:
Absolutely that would be a logical starting point. We could do a "Pulpy Issue" reprinting (digitally) the winners and have everyone submit a "Best of 2007" list of whatever they choose; music, movies, tv, etc.
Archiving the old issues needs to be done as well. Seth mentions it every once in a while at assembly, we talk about it, then we don't do anything about it (imagine that). It takes lots of time for a project of that scope. But it could be done over a period of say, a year. We could release "season 1" first to much fanfare, maybe do presale on "season 2"... ok, maybe not.
Likely everyone will have some issue with any change that is made or not made. I have my opinions, I voiced them earlier today. In my mind, there are 3 main questions to the digital/not digital discussion:
1. TIME - is there ever enough?
2. COST - the price of everything is going up, always has, always will, where do we draw the line?
3. NEW MEMBERS - what do we have to offer them?
This is getting long-winded, so I'll stop for tonight. Let me just leave you with this thought, "Some days, you just can't get rid of a bomb." Adam West as Batman
My comment:
Actually, I like the Season 1 idea (assuming of course, we can find copies of all those issues)...I keep all my issues of my 'zine archived and I'm fairly positive that everyone types theirs up on some type of computer or word processor that is connected to the Internet, so emailing them shouldn't be a problem. So archiving each 'zine shouldn't be that hard to do (starting it up, yes...once we've got the ball rolling, not so much). Perhaps we could compile them into a PDF file and upload them somewhere? (Jason, is this possible?) Or, have someone (I will tentatively raise my hand and volunteer) compile all the issues digitally and burn them to disc. Then if you want a copy, you send whomever is running the show a few bucks to cover shipping and CD costs and you've got Season whatever of PL.
I really do think that we should do a Best of the Year digital issue. If nothing else it will be a "put up or shut up" moment. If the response is overwhelming then it certainly would give an impetus for going digital. But I still have two arguments against going completely digital that I can't overcome: 1) I like to show off the anthology at school and to my friends. If the issue were completely digital, it would be far more difficult to say, "Here's the new issue, take it home and load it onto your computer and let me know what you think". That's more effort than most people will do. 2) Tying into the first argument is the fact that I've gotten more people interested in PL from them spying the cover and asking questions than I have with conversations about what my hobbies are. I've even starting taking the newest issue to school and leaving it on my station 'cause almost everyone who sits in my chair for a haircut will browse through it and make comments (plus it serves as a conversational piece...it gets hard to talk about the same inane topics every day, five to six times a day). I know that the covers are expensive, most especially with the production values going up with them, but since we are a creative bunch, surely there is something we can come up with to negate the costs to a more reasonable price? Thoughts?
Copy J's comments:
Absolutely that would be a logical starting point. We could do a "Pulpy Issue" reprinting (digitally) the winners and have everyone submit a "Best of 2007" list of whatever they choose; music, movies, tv, etc.
Archiving the old issues needs to be done as well. Seth mentions it every once in a while at assembly, we talk about it, then we don't do anything about it (imagine that). It takes lots of time for a project of that scope. But it could be done over a period of say, a year. We could release "season 1" first to much fanfare, maybe do presale on "season 2"... ok, maybe not.
Likely everyone will have some issue with any change that is made or not made. I have my opinions, I voiced them earlier today. In my mind, there are 3 main questions to the digital/not digital discussion:
1. TIME - is there ever enough?
2. COST - the price of everything is going up, always has, always will, where do we draw the line?
3. NEW MEMBERS - what do we have to offer them?
This is getting long-winded, so I'll stop for tonight. Let me just leave you with this thought, "Some days, you just can't get rid of a bomb." Adam West as Batman
My comment:
Actually, I like the Season 1 idea (assuming of course, we can find copies of all those issues)...I keep all my issues of my 'zine archived and I'm fairly positive that everyone types theirs up on some type of computer or word processor that is connected to the Internet, so emailing them shouldn't be a problem. So archiving each 'zine shouldn't be that hard to do (starting it up, yes...once we've got the ball rolling, not so much). Perhaps we could compile them into a PDF file and upload them somewhere? (Jason, is this possible?) Or, have someone (I will tentatively raise my hand and volunteer) compile all the issues digitally and burn them to disc. Then if you want a copy, you send whomever is running the show a few bucks to cover shipping and CD costs and you've got Season whatever of PL.
I really do think that we should do a Best of the Year digital issue. If nothing else it will be a "put up or shut up" moment. If the response is overwhelming then it certainly would give an impetus for going digital. But I still have two arguments against going completely digital that I can't overcome: 1) I like to show off the anthology at school and to my friends. If the issue were completely digital, it would be far more difficult to say, "Here's the new issue, take it home and load it onto your computer and let me know what you think". That's more effort than most people will do. 2) Tying into the first argument is the fact that I've gotten more people interested in PL from them spying the cover and asking questions than I have with conversations about what my hobbies are. I've even starting taking the newest issue to school and leaving it on my station 'cause almost everyone who sits in my chair for a haircut will browse through it and make comments (plus it serves as a conversational piece...it gets hard to talk about the same inane topics every day, five to six times a day). I know that the covers are expensive, most especially with the production values going up with them, but since we are a creative bunch, surely there is something we can come up with to negate the costs to a more reasonable price? Thoughts?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Thor's a Pokes fan!
If you haven't been reading the new Thor title (and shame on you if you haven't) then you missed the fact that Asgard is now located smack dab in the middle of Oklahoma (actually it appears to be located in the western part of the state, near Elk City...like you know where that is).
That's right, Oklahoma. California only rated the West Coast Avengers but we get an Asgardian God. See, good things happen to people who shoot rock salt at propane tanks...
http://newsok.com/article/3130459
Anyhoo, here's the article in case you care to read it. I also wrote up a short review in my latest 'zine.
That's right, Oklahoma. California only rated the West Coast Avengers but we get an Asgardian God. See, good things happen to people who shoot rock salt at propane tanks...
http://newsok.com/article/3130459
Anyhoo, here's the article in case you care to read it. I also wrote up a short review in my latest 'zine.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sweeten's MC's
I thought I would post the MC's online this time. Several reasons go into this, but the foremost reason is immediacy, which is one of the reasons I started this blog, to remove obstacles from creating a better back and forth between members. That, and I've got an axe to grind with some things. Let's have fun, shall we?
Cover: Very cool. You know, if there is one thing that has been upgraded to the point of near perfection over the years, it's been the covers. I can still recall the embarrassment in Seth's voice before he sent me a copy of issue #14 for use in compiling Pulpy nominations. The cover merely read "Pulp Legacy May/June (or some such) #14". That's it, no artwork, no nothing. We've come a long way baby!
EIC notes: After Arnett's and Zaric's tenure, I'm relieved to see that Seth can take a break and not have everything fall to pieces. Not that I thought they would, but you always worry when the driving force behind the anthology for so many years suddenly hands the reins to someone else. You two have done a masterful job. Marlan has some big shoes to fill.
Savitski: (I'm going to include both of his features with this one) It's good to see you back, man. I was worried that you had disappeared into the abyss like so many others. I still love watching the original Highlander. Of course, you have to suspend the disbelief with that movie a bit (more for some of the special effects, especially at the end) but the storyline simply kicks ass (Sean Connery too!) I stopped watching the Highlander movies after the third one but I might give Highlander: The Source a try after your review, if only to fill the midnight hours when the kids get up.
The Yankees are coming through again! Write them off at your peril! And you are exactly right in that they are one of the more inconsistent teams in the MLB, let alone the AL. Especially considering their roster payroll could fund most third world countries. But, as I said previously, it all comes back to the pitching, which the Yanks finally seem to have rolling. Bring on the post season! (by the by, when are we going to see a 'zine out of you? You have great chops)
True Journal Comics: I've never been into web based comics (or comix or khammeqz or what the hell ever we're calling them these days). My argument against them is the same one I have against taking PL completely digital. I like to hold what I'm reading in my hands. Touch it, feel it, caress it like a comely women (yeah, that's a bit perverse...I didn't say I wanted to have sex with it). For me, there will always be a link between reading and having something tangible in my hands. Which is why I still buy a newspaper, even though I read, on average, 5 to 6 news websites daily.
Johnston: Welcome aboard. I'm not sure who recruited you (I know it wasn't me and it's supposed to be my job but I ain't bitchin') but you've definitely got the goods. I just might put some of your organizational concepts to good use (I'm always losing track of things).
Roemmele: Another new member. I'm assuming that Will brought you on board (and congrats to him for doing it). I find it a bit interesting that the two members we have that are confessed "free spirits" both wind up in Southeast Asia. What is it about that place? Anyhoo, welcome aboard!
Arnett: Find your niche, man. I am inspired by the fact that you refuse to let go of your passion for creative writing even when the door doesn't open far enough to be slammed in your face. I know that I have aborted my attempts at cracking the comics world for the moment, but it's nice to see that you still keep trying..
Heitmeyer: One day, you and I will sit down to a long conversation about the evils of being a Sooner fan. It's my mission to help you see the light. Hopefully, this marks your return (for good) to these pages. You have some very stunning visuals. And we are top heavy with prose writers (I can't draw more than a stick figure, a bad one even at that). Plus, I get a good laugh out of your stuff (in a good way).
Baxter: Have you seen Sicko? It didn't make it to conservative Enid, but I'll be first in line to rent it at the local video store (I don't do Netflix). The American health care system is on life support right now and I firmly believe the next president will be elected on the strength of their health care reform policies (I also believe they won't be Republican, but that's a different debate).
Sweeten: Hey, it's me! Sorry 'bout the pinup. If you are that interested in seeing it, let me know and I'll email it to you (if you are REALLY interested, I have about 75 shots that didn't make it...this girl likes to take off her clothes)
Jones: The Con that didn't happen. Man, am I kicking myself for missing this one. But you know why (if the rest of you don't know, it's a bit personal and I'm not going to go into it) and thanks for not cursing my name to whatever God you pray to (at least not to my face) for having to bail at almost the last minute. You do raise some valid points with the "why can't comics get published on time" argument. However, I wouldn't have used a traditional newstand magazine as your counter argument. For one, there are a staff of dozens working on these mags, with an equal, if not greater, amount of freelancers and staff writers to fill up the pages. With most comics, it's 3 people on the creative side (writer, artist, inker) to turn in the pages. If one link falls, there isn't much time to get another. Which leads to my next point. Most artists that I've read about over that past few years (Jae Lee being a notable exception) have stated that they can only churn out a good quality page a day, sometimes two pages. That's awfully slow. How long does it take you to type up a feature length article? Surely not 3 weeks (I'm using the equation of 1 page = 1 day, 22 pages = 22 days). Let's say that you're the artist on Zap-man. Let's say you get sick, or your kids get sick or whatever. A few days off and you're behind. So you can phone it in and be on time, in which case comic book geeks everywhere will be screaming for your head because "this wasn't your best work" or you can take the time to turn in quality work and be late (in which case, they will prolly still be screaming for your head but for different reasons). 52 was closer to your counter argument in that a larger number of people had their hands in the pot to get it done (and I think they had that thing mapped out like a year in advance). With all of that said, however, you are right in that there has been an increasing acceptance of fandom with late issues, most notably The Ultimates and All Star Batman and Robin (that thing comes out quarterly at best and its supposed to be bi-monthly). The only way to make a change (beyond storming the offices of DC and Marvel) is to stop buying chronically late books and telling the editors why you aren't buying these books.
Zaric: I've had similar PC problems myself. I think the desktop computer industry is in collusion to purposefully make their PC's expire after 5 years or so (although my last one made it ten years). I've always wondered what happens to all those old PC's. And then a friend of mine showed me his set up: He bought a bunch of used PC's for pennies on the dollar and ran them parallel (He linked them together to combine their computing power for the non-geeks out there). The overall computing power wasn't "Oh my God" impressive, but considering that he spent less than $600 on the whole thing (including a kick ass 22 inch widescreen monitor), it was a hell of a deal. You know, I don't know why you are so vehement against Transformers. Did you not play with them as a kid (okay, teenager...okay, twenty-something...how old are you again)? Sure the movie had it's weak points, but I found it far and away a much better movie than Spiderman 3. I'll take Jon Turturro's hamming it up over Tobey Maguire's jazz hands any day of the week.
Harris: Ah, and now we come to it. I'm generally one to let comments slide, but I really do feel that I must address some things Marlan has said. Before you think I'm attacking him, let me clear the record by stating that I love Marlan to death. He's unique, sometimes witty, and never afraid to voice his own opinion, even if it is the proverbial "lone voice in the woods". With that said, (to quote Robert Jordan before he died) "I'm feeling viperish today".
"Man, you need to stop giving opinions about music because every time you say (or type) something, you just keep making yourself look bad and lose any credibility you have (which has already been precious little after you picked STP over GnR)"
Ahem. Why do you listen to the specific music or musicians that you listen to? Because there is something within the words, chords, or whatever that you like, right? A song came over the radio and you found yourself connecting to it in a way that separated it from everything else you heard that day. "Hey," I'm sure you said, "I like these guys." Or whatever. Your own personal tastes, life experiences and alcohol of choice lead you to prefer one group over another and there is nothing wrong with that. Everyone likes something different, it goes without saying. However, what the FUCK gives you the right to lambaste me over my musical preferences? Music, just like most other forms of creative expression, is appealing to each person for their own reasons. You like non-mainstream music (if such a thing still exists) because it appeals to you. My personal preferences are chosen for the same reasons. If I don't care for GnR, that's my opinion. If you think GnR is the best thing since sliced bread, that's yours. In no way does my opinion invalidate yours and vice versa. And since tastes in music are based more on opinion than anything else, what gives you the right to say that my opinion is somehow less worthy than your own? That's elitist and terribly condescending (as well as arrogant and supercilious). Yeah, I said Morrissey sucks, that's my opinion...it doesn't mean you still can't enjoy listening to him (although why in God's name you would is beyond me). You don't like the bands I listen to? That's fine by me, I'm not holding a gun to your head, making you listen to them on repeat. But don't say that because I choose a certain band over another that I do not have any "credibility" when it comes to offering my opinion on which band is good or which band isn't. The same thing applies to comics, art, beer or porn. Which brings me to my next rant...
" The worst is that [Joe Madureira] was a rip-off of all the McFarlane/Lee/Scott Campbell (shudder) imitators at the time...he was still ripping off bad art"
I could reiterate my previous argument here, but I'll try a more...tackful...route. Joe Mad himself has stated that one of his earliest influences was Art Adams, hardly a "clone". While there is an "Adam-sy" quality to some of his line work, the predominant influence comes from Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell) as well as most Japanese Manga in general (take a look at Rogue's hair in the "Age of Apocolypse" storyline for a direct influence). If you go back and look at his earlier work, the artistic "style" that Joe Mad brought to the table was a very "Americanized" manga style, notably speed lines and facial expressions. It wasn't until his later Battle Chasers series that he began to incorporate more Japanese storytelling effects (e.g., beginnings of fight scenes with long horizontal panels where one person would be to the extreme left of the panel and the next panel would stacked directly underneath the previous one with the other combatant to the extreme right). All of the imitators that you are referring to (of which there are several) drew four or five pinups on a page and passed them off as panel progression. Madureira would focus on the storytelling first and foremost. There was never any trouble reading a story he drew and following it from panel to panel and page to page (I make no claims for the writers of said stories, considering that for most of his tenure he was paired with Scott Lobdell).
"That it seemed to take him so long to get any issue out...is just humiliating on the part of comics readers."
I'm sure that you are referring to his Battle Chasers series. After all, the man was on Uncanny for over 3 years and he maybe missed a handful issues. Yes, Battle Chasers was chronically late (actually, it stopped being published around issue 8 I think) and he does have a lot of trust to recoup for that. But to say that he amassed a small body of work is laughable. 30+ issues of work in three years is not small, especially by today's standards (If you want to see laughable, look at Frank Quitely. The man can't draw two consecutive issues to save his sorry ass and yet a goodly number of people hail him as a "good artist").
Okay, that was a lot of venting. I hope Marlan doesn't take it personally but some of these things have been boiling to a crescendo point for some time. This was a really good issue and I hope that we can keep it going.
Travis
Cover: Very cool. You know, if there is one thing that has been upgraded to the point of near perfection over the years, it's been the covers. I can still recall the embarrassment in Seth's voice before he sent me a copy of issue #14 for use in compiling Pulpy nominations. The cover merely read "Pulp Legacy May/June (or some such) #14". That's it, no artwork, no nothing. We've come a long way baby!
EIC notes: After Arnett's and Zaric's tenure, I'm relieved to see that Seth can take a break and not have everything fall to pieces. Not that I thought they would, but you always worry when the driving force behind the anthology for so many years suddenly hands the reins to someone else. You two have done a masterful job. Marlan has some big shoes to fill.
Savitski: (I'm going to include both of his features with this one) It's good to see you back, man. I was worried that you had disappeared into the abyss like so many others. I still love watching the original Highlander. Of course, you have to suspend the disbelief with that movie a bit (more for some of the special effects, especially at the end) but the storyline simply kicks ass (Sean Connery too!) I stopped watching the Highlander movies after the third one but I might give Highlander: The Source a try after your review, if only to fill the midnight hours when the kids get up.
The Yankees are coming through again! Write them off at your peril! And you are exactly right in that they are one of the more inconsistent teams in the MLB, let alone the AL. Especially considering their roster payroll could fund most third world countries. But, as I said previously, it all comes back to the pitching, which the Yanks finally seem to have rolling. Bring on the post season! (by the by, when are we going to see a 'zine out of you? You have great chops)
True Journal Comics: I've never been into web based comics (or comix or khammeqz or what the hell ever we're calling them these days). My argument against them is the same one I have against taking PL completely digital. I like to hold what I'm reading in my hands. Touch it, feel it, caress it like a comely women (yeah, that's a bit perverse...I didn't say I wanted to have sex with it). For me, there will always be a link between reading and having something tangible in my hands. Which is why I still buy a newspaper, even though I read, on average, 5 to 6 news websites daily.
Johnston: Welcome aboard. I'm not sure who recruited you (I know it wasn't me and it's supposed to be my job but I ain't bitchin') but you've definitely got the goods. I just might put some of your organizational concepts to good use (I'm always losing track of things).
Roemmele: Another new member. I'm assuming that Will brought you on board (and congrats to him for doing it). I find it a bit interesting that the two members we have that are confessed "free spirits" both wind up in Southeast Asia. What is it about that place? Anyhoo, welcome aboard!
Arnett: Find your niche, man. I am inspired by the fact that you refuse to let go of your passion for creative writing even when the door doesn't open far enough to be slammed in your face. I know that I have aborted my attempts at cracking the comics world for the moment, but it's nice to see that you still keep trying..
Heitmeyer: One day, you and I will sit down to a long conversation about the evils of being a Sooner fan. It's my mission to help you see the light. Hopefully, this marks your return (for good) to these pages. You have some very stunning visuals. And we are top heavy with prose writers (I can't draw more than a stick figure, a bad one even at that). Plus, I get a good laugh out of your stuff (in a good way).
Baxter: Have you seen Sicko? It didn't make it to conservative Enid, but I'll be first in line to rent it at the local video store (I don't do Netflix). The American health care system is on life support right now and I firmly believe the next president will be elected on the strength of their health care reform policies (I also believe they won't be Republican, but that's a different debate).
Sweeten: Hey, it's me! Sorry 'bout the pinup. If you are that interested in seeing it, let me know and I'll email it to you (if you are REALLY interested, I have about 75 shots that didn't make it...this girl likes to take off her clothes)
Jones: The Con that didn't happen. Man, am I kicking myself for missing this one. But you know why (if the rest of you don't know, it's a bit personal and I'm not going to go into it) and thanks for not cursing my name to whatever God you pray to (at least not to my face) for having to bail at almost the last minute. You do raise some valid points with the "why can't comics get published on time" argument. However, I wouldn't have used a traditional newstand magazine as your counter argument. For one, there are a staff of dozens working on these mags, with an equal, if not greater, amount of freelancers and staff writers to fill up the pages. With most comics, it's 3 people on the creative side (writer, artist, inker) to turn in the pages. If one link falls, there isn't much time to get another. Which leads to my next point. Most artists that I've read about over that past few years (Jae Lee being a notable exception) have stated that they can only churn out a good quality page a day, sometimes two pages. That's awfully slow. How long does it take you to type up a feature length article? Surely not 3 weeks (I'm using the equation of 1 page = 1 day, 22 pages = 22 days). Let's say that you're the artist on Zap-man. Let's say you get sick, or your kids get sick or whatever. A few days off and you're behind. So you can phone it in and be on time, in which case comic book geeks everywhere will be screaming for your head because "this wasn't your best work" or you can take the time to turn in quality work and be late (in which case, they will prolly still be screaming for your head but for different reasons). 52 was closer to your counter argument in that a larger number of people had their hands in the pot to get it done (and I think they had that thing mapped out like a year in advance). With all of that said, however, you are right in that there has been an increasing acceptance of fandom with late issues, most notably The Ultimates and All Star Batman and Robin (that thing comes out quarterly at best and its supposed to be bi-monthly). The only way to make a change (beyond storming the offices of DC and Marvel) is to stop buying chronically late books and telling the editors why you aren't buying these books.
Zaric: I've had similar PC problems myself. I think the desktop computer industry is in collusion to purposefully make their PC's expire after 5 years or so (although my last one made it ten years). I've always wondered what happens to all those old PC's. And then a friend of mine showed me his set up: He bought a bunch of used PC's for pennies on the dollar and ran them parallel (He linked them together to combine their computing power for the non-geeks out there). The overall computing power wasn't "Oh my God" impressive, but considering that he spent less than $600 on the whole thing (including a kick ass 22 inch widescreen monitor), it was a hell of a deal. You know, I don't know why you are so vehement against Transformers. Did you not play with them as a kid (okay, teenager...okay, twenty-something...how old are you again)? Sure the movie had it's weak points, but I found it far and away a much better movie than Spiderman 3. I'll take Jon Turturro's hamming it up over Tobey Maguire's jazz hands any day of the week.
Harris: Ah, and now we come to it. I'm generally one to let comments slide, but I really do feel that I must address some things Marlan has said. Before you think I'm attacking him, let me clear the record by stating that I love Marlan to death. He's unique, sometimes witty, and never afraid to voice his own opinion, even if it is the proverbial "lone voice in the woods". With that said, (to quote Robert Jordan before he died) "I'm feeling viperish today".
"Man, you need to stop giving opinions about music because every time you say (or type) something, you just keep making yourself look bad and lose any credibility you have (which has already been precious little after you picked STP over GnR)"
Ahem. Why do you listen to the specific music or musicians that you listen to? Because there is something within the words, chords, or whatever that you like, right? A song came over the radio and you found yourself connecting to it in a way that separated it from everything else you heard that day. "Hey," I'm sure you said, "I like these guys." Or whatever. Your own personal tastes, life experiences and alcohol of choice lead you to prefer one group over another and there is nothing wrong with that. Everyone likes something different, it goes without saying. However, what the FUCK gives you the right to lambaste me over my musical preferences? Music, just like most other forms of creative expression, is appealing to each person for their own reasons. You like non-mainstream music (if such a thing still exists) because it appeals to you. My personal preferences are chosen for the same reasons. If I don't care for GnR, that's my opinion. If you think GnR is the best thing since sliced bread, that's yours. In no way does my opinion invalidate yours and vice versa. And since tastes in music are based more on opinion than anything else, what gives you the right to say that my opinion is somehow less worthy than your own? That's elitist and terribly condescending (as well as arrogant and supercilious). Yeah, I said Morrissey sucks, that's my opinion...it doesn't mean you still can't enjoy listening to him (although why in God's name you would is beyond me). You don't like the bands I listen to? That's fine by me, I'm not holding a gun to your head, making you listen to them on repeat. But don't say that because I choose a certain band over another that I do not have any "credibility" when it comes to offering my opinion on which band is good or which band isn't. The same thing applies to comics, art, beer or porn. Which brings me to my next rant...
" The worst is that [Joe Madureira] was a rip-off of all the McFarlane/Lee/Scott Campbell (shudder) imitators at the time...he was still ripping off bad art"
I could reiterate my previous argument here, but I'll try a more...tackful...route. Joe Mad himself has stated that one of his earliest influences was Art Adams, hardly a "clone". While there is an "Adam-sy" quality to some of his line work, the predominant influence comes from Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell) as well as most Japanese Manga in general (take a look at Rogue's hair in the "Age of Apocolypse" storyline for a direct influence). If you go back and look at his earlier work, the artistic "style" that Joe Mad brought to the table was a very "Americanized" manga style, notably speed lines and facial expressions. It wasn't until his later Battle Chasers series that he began to incorporate more Japanese storytelling effects (e.g., beginnings of fight scenes with long horizontal panels where one person would be to the extreme left of the panel and the next panel would stacked directly underneath the previous one with the other combatant to the extreme right). All of the imitators that you are referring to (of which there are several) drew four or five pinups on a page and passed them off as panel progression. Madureira would focus on the storytelling first and foremost. There was never any trouble reading a story he drew and following it from panel to panel and page to page (I make no claims for the writers of said stories, considering that for most of his tenure he was paired with Scott Lobdell).
"That it seemed to take him so long to get any issue out...is just humiliating on the part of comics readers."
I'm sure that you are referring to his Battle Chasers series. After all, the man was on Uncanny for over 3 years and he maybe missed a handful issues. Yes, Battle Chasers was chronically late (actually, it stopped being published around issue 8 I think) and he does have a lot of trust to recoup for that. But to say that he amassed a small body of work is laughable. 30+ issues of work in three years is not small, especially by today's standards (If you want to see laughable, look at Frank Quitely. The man can't draw two consecutive issues to save his sorry ass and yet a goodly number of people hail him as a "good artist").
Okay, that was a lot of venting. I hope Marlan doesn't take it personally but some of these things have been boiling to a crescendo point for some time. This was a really good issue and I hope that we can keep it going.
Travis
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Issue 37... is on the way!
Hi gang,
Just an FYI, Pulp Legacy # 37 should be in your mailbox soon. Some of the issues went out Friday, while the rest went out on Monday.
Special thanks to Jason, Copy J, and new to the assembly party, Bart, for their help assembling. We killed a few beers, talked comics, music, movies and had a good ol' time at my new place.
One note about the new issue -- we had to kill the centerfold. No, she's not dead in a trunk somewhere (that I know of), I mean "management" (me, Zarko and Copy J) decided not to print it at this time. Travis did come through with photos, but the logistics of it (read: COST) was not in the cards. I'll talk to Travis more about this in-between issues, and perhaps we'll see this in a future issue, but not in this issue. (But don't be totally crestfallen... the best photo from the shoot did make it in Travis' zine, so you'll still get to see her). But we'll discuss alternative methods to make it a reality. My apologies, Trav, and everyone.
Let me know when you get the issue... feel free to post here to say, "I got it!"
Changes to the Pulp Legacy roster
All,
I've made some changes to the Pulp Legacy roster page in the newest issue of PL. I thought it'd be wise to note these changes here.
The changes are:
-- Brad Heitmeyer's address has been updated.
-- Danny Pumpelly has a new address.
-- John Gerdes has dropped his membership (per his request).
-- Ande Parks has dropped his membership (per his request).
These changes will be reflected in issue 37 of Pulp Legacy.
Thanks,
Seth
I've made some changes to the Pulp Legacy roster page in the newest issue of PL. I thought it'd be wise to note these changes here.
The changes are:
-- Brad Heitmeyer's address has been updated.
-- Danny Pumpelly has a new address.
-- John Gerdes has dropped his membership (per his request).
-- Ande Parks has dropped his membership (per his request).
These changes will be reflected in issue 37 of Pulp Legacy.
Thanks,
Seth
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Feature Essay
I may regret this, but this here is the 'secret surprise' I promised last week. Since we're not assembling tonight, it's finally finished and now, without any further ado, here it is:
Please be kind...
Please be kind...
APA assembly update
Monday, September 3, 2007
Damnthetech
I had meant to have something to post today, but I'm having more trouble than I thought I would and so I don't have the post I thought I would. I'll try to have it up before assembly Thursday night.
I've got my 'zine done, and the Features are in the can, I just have to get them printed.
I kind of agree with Brad's comment in the post below about going digital. You'll see why I think that might be a good thing in my printed 'zine when you get it.
Hope you American-types had a good holiday. Off to see Halloween in a bit.
I've got my 'zine done, and the Features are in the can, I just have to get them printed.
I kind of agree with Brad's comment in the post below about going digital. You'll see why I think that might be a good thing in my printed 'zine when you get it.
Hope you American-types had a good holiday. Off to see Halloween in a bit.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
A little off the cuff survey
I was thinking about revamping my 'zine the other day (yeah, I know I do that more than I change my underwear but bear with me) and it got me to thinking: what would I change about Pulp Legacy if I was given unlimited power (like the Infinity Gauntlet or something). Then I thought, what would everyone else change? So here's my question: What thing or things would you change about PL? It could be the most minute thing or it could be a broad sweeping change. Both posts and comments will work on this one (I'll tell you what I'd change when everyone has weighed in).
Monday, August 27, 2007
Two Men Roughin' It
Well, not so much, but hey, it sounds tough. Just to let you know, having Seth Jones as a friend is a blessed thing. I was fortunate enough to tag along with him, his wife Adrianne, and their daughter Evey for the weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here's Jones and I smoking some cigars during a rain delay at the Porto Cima golf course on the lake. I'd like to have you think that's rain on me there, but more than likely it is sweat. Neither here nor there...
Anyways, besides golfing at two great courses (Jones and I at the "Witch's Cove" on the Witch's Cove Golf course), I got to spend some quality time with the Jones'. Besides celebrating a milestone birthday for Adrianne, we were able to enjoy a relaxing weekend now that I'm closer to the Lawrence area. And besides a bout of rain we experienced early in our weekend, the weather was gorgeous, the company fantastic, and the trip enjoyable.
And of course, what would a post be without my favorite god-daughter, Evelyn. As Adrianne says, "she gets more beautiful with each day's start!" Yeah, she learned the stoic look from her father, who's signature pose looks pretty similar. Thanks to the Jones family for the weekend trip, glad I could be part of a great ride this past weekend.
You Are SO Jealous
So I have this trampoline sitting in my yard.
And you might ask yourself, "I wonder what a fat man jumping on a trampoline looks like?"
I'm here for you.....
Hi-5meyer
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Pulp Legacy Pinup
It will happen. I guarantee it. The next issue of Pulp Legacy will have a new pinup girl. I've already got a handful of pics on the hard drive but the model in question wants to do another series. If I manage to get enough, I might just do a calendar...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Journey Westwardly-ish
Well, first post on the new blog and I have to say, man, Marlan sure knows how to wear a hat. Just as a little update to you P-Leggers, I'll be driving out to Chanute, KS starting Friday, to temporarly relocate from Charlotte, NC. It's going to be a great experience heading there to help a friend with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and for now, there's no timeline on how long I'll be out there.
The good news is that we had a weekend "going away for a while" party and Friday night we hit a great seafood restaurant LaVecchia's (here I am strangling my big-time friend Brian), then headed to Cosmo's to watch the lovely ladies out and about doing their thing and then ended the night appropriately at Uptown Cabaret (no photos, but plenty of 'make it rain' moves that night). There were about 12 of us in total that night and the bar tab she was a wee bit higher than I was expecting. Who knew you didn't get free drinks for leaving the city?
Saturday was equally entertaining as we headed over to Dan Norton's house. About 20 guests, great food, even better company, and it was a nice chance to say "see ya later" to all of my closest friends here in town. Pictured on the right are my good friends Wade and Shawna Knutson. Both are quality people in my book. Anyways, the drive begins at 5PM sharp on Friday, with my hopes of getting to Tunica, MS for some riverboat gambling probably a long shot, but hey, a guy can dream. I'll have plenty of pictures and stories to share on my 1100 mile drive out west. It's not a Comic-con convention, but hey, not everyone's life can be so blessed. Keep up the good blogging everyone, I'm a faithful reader!
Chicago!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Post comic-con headache
Sadness
On Sunday, comics lost one of its best.
Mike Wieringo, artist on such great runs on Fantastic Four, Spiderman, and The Flash- which made him a star, died of sudden heart failure at the young age of 44.
Since his run on The Flash, in the early '90s- he's been one of my greatest influences because he didn't caddy to the trendy styles of any time and seemingly refused to take the popular route of dark and realistic to sell a book. He was, and will always be, awesome.
Comics are definitely worse for his being gone.
It's taken me a day to gather my thoughts and be able to write anything.
Nothing could ever be spoken or written to fit such a tragedy.
I never had the pleasure of meeting him and am sad that I never will.
He will be dearly missed
If you're not familiar with his work, please honor his passing by visiting :
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=97896991
or
http://www.mikewieringo.com/
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Drunk Dialing
If you can't make it to Chicago, the consolation prize is a drunk dialing call from all the people who are there. The best part is that you have all kinds of drunken rants, off color jokes and tepid put downs on your voicemail that come in handy later on for blackmail and such (not that I would stoop to such shenanigans). Still, it's nice to know that even though your friends are 3 sheets to the wind, they still have the mental acumen to think about you at 2 am.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Comics in Prison 5
Damn that Seth! I would have picked Amazing Spider-Man for my stay in prison. Barring that, I might ask for Fantastic Four, but only the Lee/Kirby run and the John Byrne run. The Lee/Kirby run kick started comics in the '60's and introduced so many characters and concepts, you can't help but be impressed. And then, of course, there's Jack.
The Byrne run, while it can't hold a candle to the earlier Lee/Kirby issues, is just plain fun. The run is long enough to develop the story and Byrne's art was at the top of it's game. If anything, the Byrne issues are a nice homage to those earlier FF comics.
The Byrne run, while it can't hold a candle to the earlier Lee/Kirby issues, is just plain fun. The run is long enough to develop the story and Byrne's art was at the top of it's game. If anything, the Byrne issues are a nice homage to those earlier FF comics.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Comics in Prison IV: What title would Jones take?
I'd have to take Amazing Spider-Man.
It's a title I already love... plus, there's lots of it that I haven't read yet. And it's a storyline that I wouldn't mind studying and reading and re-reading. The progression of Flash Thompson as a character. Norman/Harry Osbourne. The Kingpin. The Rose. Hobgoblin. Kraven. Todd McFarlane. Steve Ditko. JR. JRJR. Zeck. Gil Kane.
And if I'm ever short on toilet paper, there's always the clone saga.
I can see taking Batman or Superman (Detective or Action, naturally). Lots of issues, lots of history. But there's a little too much rainbow kryptonite, Bat-Mite and imaginary stories for me.
(You know what I mean when I say "imaginary stories." Don't try to make that joke, Trav.)
Monday, August 6, 2007
Comics in Prison: Addendum
Just so you know (or as if you care), you CAN get comics in prison. However, there are a few limitations that come with that.
Nothing violent or extremely graphic. To pick an example out of the air, you couldn't get close enough to sniff Alan Moore's Miracleman run.
Back issues would be extremely difficult to get, depending on where you are. If you have a good administrative staff, (i.e., not a bunch of up-the-ass conservatives) then yeah, prolly. Otherwise, you would have to get a subscription service directly from the publisher.
Solitary confinement is usually devoid of any such niceties like reading materials (again, depending on where you are...see above comment). It's just you and all the time in the world.
Assuming you're not going to be in the pokey for the rest of your life, you would actually have to leave any reading materials you recieve at said institution when you discharge your sentence.
So kids, if you are thinking about whacking a rival for your local capo, remember that you can pretty much kiss your comics goodbye.
Nothing violent or extremely graphic. To pick an example out of the air, you couldn't get close enough to sniff Alan Moore's Miracleman run.
Back issues would be extremely difficult to get, depending on where you are. If you have a good administrative staff, (i.e., not a bunch of up-the-ass conservatives) then yeah, prolly. Otherwise, you would have to get a subscription service directly from the publisher.
Solitary confinement is usually devoid of any such niceties like reading materials (again, depending on where you are...see above comment). It's just you and all the time in the world.
Assuming you're not going to be in the pokey for the rest of your life, you would actually have to leave any reading materials you recieve at said institution when you discharge your sentence.
So kids, if you are thinking about whacking a rival for your local capo, remember that you can pretty much kiss your comics goodbye.
Comments Anyone?
You guys realise that you posted comments as posts?
Replies to the post should be put into the little comments bar- that way while you're reading the replies you get to read all the interesting tidbits and additional commentary pertaining to the post. Rather than having to scroll thru an entire blog and discern what is a post and what is a reply/ comment, which would be all out annoying. (not to mention messy. Which isn't a good thing when trying to attract new members)
But that's just me. (My comments can be found in the comments of the original post)
Replies to the post should be put into the little comments bar- that way while you're reading the replies you get to read all the interesting tidbits and additional commentary pertaining to the post. Rather than having to scroll thru an entire blog and discern what is a post and what is a reply/ comment, which would be all out annoying. (not to mention messy. Which isn't a good thing when trying to attract new members)
But that's just me. (My comments can be found in the comments of the original post)
Comics in Prison III: Hands Down...
Detective Comics. (It's a title, Mar, so I'm typing it correctly for the sake of history. I still make Comix, not khammeqz or whatever...)
Simply for variety, it's been running since 1937, and has introduced so many characters it ain't funny.
So yeah, hands down, as much as I'm a Superman guy, I'd go with the detective and as a bonus, I'd get the Manhunter and Martian Manhunter backups. Something to engage my mind.
Simply for variety, it's been running since 1937, and has introduced so many characters it ain't funny.
So yeah, hands down, as much as I'm a Superman guy, I'd go with the detective and as a bonus, I'd get the Manhunter and Martian Manhunter backups. Something to engage my mind.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Comics in Prison: Seth's question
Hmmm...good question. I would prolly have to narrow my choices to those titles that have been around for a good long time, like Batman or X-men. And then it would have to be a title or character that I would enjoy reading about. I'm assuming that it would be a continuous run of the same volume, not continuations like volume 2 (like Captain America or Spiderman). I'm also going to assume that the title doesn't have to be currently published (say, f'r example, Thor). So to get the most bang for my buck, I'm going to need a title that has been around since the 60's at the latest. Since I already own all but the first 120 issues or so of X-men, they're out. Batman? Maybe, probably even. Superman was just plain silly for years so he's out (yeah, Batman was silly too, but those O'neil and Adams stories of the seventies made up for it). Thor would be good if only for the Simonson run. Spiderman would prolly be neck and neck with Batman. But then there is the Fantastic Four and all that Kirby and Lee goodness. Hmm, this is tough. I'm going to have to say Batman, but it would be close. Real close. Does this mob boss owe me any other favors?
You can only have one run of comics... what do you choose?
Hey, great to see some posts all of a sudden!
So, I was driving today, and lost in thought, as usual (or talking on the cell phone, just to upset Marlan).
And I thought of a question I wanted to pose to you yahoos...
OK, you've been sentenced to 10 years in prison -- make it solitary confinement. But you took the fall for a major crime boss, so since you did him the favor, he's going to do you a favor... and while you rot away for the next ten years, he will send you a run of comics -- any single title -- from the very first issue to the most recent issue.
What series do you ask for?
You can't keep them, so don't choose for the sake of investment. They're only yours to read and return.
What series would most entertain you, have the most bang-for-its-buck, for ten years?
Tell me, I'm curious.
So, I was driving today, and lost in thought, as usual (or talking on the cell phone, just to upset Marlan).
And I thought of a question I wanted to pose to you yahoos...
OK, you've been sentenced to 10 years in prison -- make it solitary confinement. But you took the fall for a major crime boss, so since you did him the favor, he's going to do you a favor... and while you rot away for the next ten years, he will send you a run of comics -- any single title -- from the very first issue to the most recent issue.
What series do you ask for?
You can't keep them, so don't choose for the sake of investment. They're only yours to read and return.
What series would most entertain you, have the most bang-for-its-buck, for ten years?
Tell me, I'm curious.
Jason's New Project...
I haven't been working on comix (so much) lately, and have favored the idea of an old-style radio adventure/drama. The script is written, has been rehearsed and now we're struggling to find the recording time. I'm hopeful that we'll have the basic tracks done by the end of the month.
Here's the teaser I shared with Seth a while back:
With this blog, I think I'll do more 'little films' like this, but have to find the time around my increasingly busy work schedule.
So, for now, until the recording is done, we'll all have to be patient. (Dammit.)
Here's the teaser I shared with Seth a while back:
With this blog, I think I'll do more 'little films' like this, but have to find the time around my increasingly busy work schedule.
So, for now, until the recording is done, we'll all have to be patient. (Dammit.)
Saturday, August 4, 2007
so far, so good
well, it could be worse...but with four posts in a week (this counts as five) we could be doing a lot worse...keep posting people. And I'm sorry to say that I won't be going to Chicago this year...some personal issues have come up that will prevent me from going (ask Seth about it when he's really drunk) but I'll be waiting for my drunk dialing calls
Friday, August 3, 2007
Chicago in T-minus 6 days
For those going, I can only hope you've begun to muster such a "great" feeling- as I have.
For example:
For those that aren't- you should eat some Nutri-Grain.
For example:
For those that aren't- you should eat some Nutri-Grain.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Tommie is coming with us!
Monday, July 30, 2007
The ultra-rare PL 31... found!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Welcome to the Pulp Legacy Blog
Hello and welcome to the all new Pulp Legacy Blog! What is Pulp Legacy? Pulp Legacy, or PL as we call it, is a APA (Amatuer Press Association) self-published anthology. All the members of PL contribute to the contents of the anthology in a wide ranging number of ways. From artwork to personal musings to reviews of music, movies and comic books, every two months we churn out another edition of one the best "fanzines" in the country. This blog was set up to allow the various members of PL to communicate and discuss whatever topics come to mind. It's also here to allow people who are interested in joining PL a chance to see what all the excitment is all about (and hopefully join up!). We always welcome any interested people to join in on the fun. So subscribe to the blog and check us out. To all the other members of PL, have fun!
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