Congrats to ADDTF for one solid year of reading comics naked.

Also, welcome back ADD and In Sequence.

Did I miss anyone?

 
Kimota!

The Gaiman/McFarlane Miracleman debate is so wacky. I could probably live without seeing the work reprinted just to see what boneheaded thing McFarlane will do next. I came this close to drawing a comic that would serve as a primer on the situation, and every time something new and bizarre pops up, I kick myself for not starting it up.

Journalista passes along news of McFarlane's most recent embarrassing defeat in court, alongside even more exciting news. McFarlane is once again trying to push Miracleman product out into the marketplace without getting full rights to the character. Chutzpah? Stupidity? A little of both?

Event of the Year

Finally, the long-anticipated publication of the greatest magazine on cominc art created by humankind. The Journal of MODOK studies is making its debut. I sent my money out earlier yesterday. Expect a full review when I receive my copy. Go to the link for information on ordering your own.

Correction Dept.

Livejournal has not been kind to me, so I've switched my diary over to a blog. The correct link is in the sidebar.
posted by Steven at 2:42 PM

 

Previously known as The Horribly Pretentious Two-Person Comic Book Club

The Two-Person Comic Book Club With Modest Expectations has started up for the month of January. This month's selection, as promised, is Hellboy - Conquerer Worm. I haven't contributed yet, myself, but will be once or twice this weekend.

Not just for kids anymore

One of these days when I have the time I'll gather together links to all the raging debates over comics for children, and how a lack of such material could spell the end for comics (or, at least, super-hero comics). For now, here's a little article from the Globe and Mail, courtesy of Darwyn Cooke over on Shane Glines, called How Comics Abandoned Kids. This topic has actually been getting plenty of mainstream attention, now that kids are actually interested in comics again, they (and their parents) are having a hard time finding suitable entertainment. Mr. Cooke's posting of this on a thread on Shane Glines' site has caused quite the discussion, with quite a few comics creators chiming in, including Cooke, Cameron Stewart, J. Bone, Glines, Chip Zdarsky, and Mike Manley.

While you're there, take a look around. Glines' message board is absolutely amazing, with discussions on a wide range of artistic endeavours. And much of the art is stunning. It's like taking an art appreciation course and practical lessons all-in-one. Take advantage, because for the next few months the site will be pop-up free.

House Cleaning

A few fancy pants blogs that you may wish to visit, now conveniently found in the sidebar to your left. I have no idea who Big Sunny D is, but he has a keen insight into comics (among other things) and updates regularly. Damn him. My pal Betty was linked by this blog before, but she then changed to "friends-only" and has since changed back. Though she doesn't talk about comics all that often, and we violently disagree on Sandman, she has directed a goth screwball romantic comedy, and for this she should be praised. And lastly, the aforementioned cartoonist Alan Hunt, has jumped into the blogging game, found here. Check 'em out!

A personal entry that is also shockingly comic-related.

I have decided, against my better judgement, to restart my cartoon diaries. Every year for a month or two I draw a number of entries, then get swamped by other things and find myself stopping. I will be posting them online at my old Livejournal address. They will be posted a week late so that I can scan them in batches since I don't always have ready access to a working computer.

Originally, I had no intention of sharing them with anyone, let alone putting them online. However, many people who have no interest in comics but who know me personally visit this blog with the sole purpose of checking to make sure I'm still alive. It is for them that I make them available. If you have no interest in such things, I don't blame you. Please continue to enjoy the blog.

While we're on the topic, I would like to clarify something. Cartoon Diaries are somewhat in vogue right now. Like auto-biographical comics before them, there's a bit of a backlash. Also, many people feel the need to compare such works to James Kochalka. There is no comparison. Kochalka is the best. Add to that a quite possibly true statement related to me a few times that comic readers, and especially those who publicly comment on comic-related matters, are all interested in stepping up to the plate and making there own. These three points make me a little nervous and shy about posting my diaries.

In no way do I feel that I am beyond critical attention simply because I'm posting these cartoons for friends and family. It's true, I don't think I have much to add to the medium through these diaries. I like to use them to test my drawing skills and play with the medium occasionally for my own education and amusement. I started my diaries before I had first seen Kochalka's, but not before I had first heard of them. After having seen them, I cannot deny seeing a resemblance and quite possibly having his influence rub off. Respect to the Superstar. I hope the reader also notices the influence of Crockett Johnson and Harold Gray in there as well. Lastly, it is true that I enjoy drawing comics and would gladly make a living working in the industry. However, that is not why I write this blog, or draw the journal. I do it for the love.

While we're talking about love, let's spread some more around. Drew Weing also has a wonderful little Comic Journal called the Journal Comic. And if you need even more Journal-y goodness, don't forget to stop by the sublime Toddbot.

Is that enough pre-emptive grovelling?







posted by Steven at 8:58 PM