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

Also, welcome back ADD and In Sequence.

Did I miss anyone?

 
Shiteyes

Rodrigo Baeza doesn't post often, but when he does, it's usually right up my alley. His most recent post is a transcript of an article Warren Ellis wrote on the death of Jack Kirby ten years ago. As Baeza points out, this opinion piece is especially relevant now that Ellis is poised to take over Ultimate Fantastic Four, a comic featuring characters Kirby had a hand in creating. Also of interest is the link at the bottom of the post, which will take you to a Usenet discussion about this article, with many familiar names popping up to contribute.

There isn't a girl in town who hasn't flipped for him...

Buck, Buck, Bo Buck, Banana Fana Fo F... Nevermind.



Dear Buck:
I am twelve, almost thirteen, and starting to like boys. Right now I am going out with this boy named Rob. My mother doesn’t like the idea of me going out with boys, but my father tells me I can do almost anything I want to do so long as I think I’m doing the right thing. I do not want to disobey my mother, but I do want to take my father’s advice--- because I really like this boy Bob.
Signed,
Problem Child

Dear Problem:
Your father is wrong--- you’re too young to make a judgement as to whether or not you’re doing the right thing. You lack experience, and therefore you need the guidance of parents who have “been there already”. Your father should not be giving you so much freedom, because by doing so, he is leaving the way open for you to make serious mistakes that could jeopardize your whole future--- mistakes which could have been prevented. So I say listen to your mother. Maybe she’ll let Bob come over to your house for dinner sometime, or maybe she’ll decide to let you go out with a group of your friends--- bowling, perhaps. Whatever she decides, it’s your duty to listen to her. I know she wants what’s best for you. Just remember that you have years of dating ahead of you, and there’s no need to rush them.
Yours truly,
Buck


posted by Steven at 8:55 PM

 
Blue Friday revisited

A few weeks back I posted a link to the first part of an interview with Blue Monday's Chynna Clugston-Major at Supersized, as well as numerous online resources for those wanting to read more. Well, the rest of the interview is up for your enjoyment. Part1, Part 2, Part 3.

You adorable little nitwit, don't you understand?

From Barbara Miles, with love. Even if you don't deserve it, you tramp.



Dear Miss Miles,
I have been reading your letter column for some time now, and I think it is now my turn to ask for some advice.
I am 17 years old and am going steady with a boy who is 16 years old. He is a wonderful, intelligent boy and since he skipped a grade in school, we're both in the same class. We're very happy when we're together, but my problem is this: everyone criticizes me for going with a younger boy. My parents also say I'm wasting my time and they act very cold to him when he comes over.
What can I do to stop everyone from talking about me?
Confused

Dear Confused,
How wonderful to find someone who is a worthwhile, intelligent person. You have a special relationship, and there is no reason for you to throw it away. As long as you are compatible, enjoy and respect the ideas of each other; there is no reason to conform to the opinions of others. You know what you are doing and believe in that.
Try talking to your parents about the acceptance of your boyfriend. Explain to your family how much their conduct hurts and upsets you. Be sure to have your boyfriend visit often enough so they can really get to know him. In time, an appreciation and understanding of your boyfriend should grow. Be patient and remember to be rational and reasonable, for this is a mature problem, and a childish plea will negate your cause.
Smile and be happy, for you have found what everyone is looking for.

posted by Steven at 10:05 PM

 
Free Comic Thursday - Undecided Heart

"First of all, romance was very special. It dealt with emotions in a different way than the slam-bang adventure stuff. There are a lot of things under the surface... a line of dialogue could say "this," but the expression of the person would say "that." Maybe only the camera/us/the reader's viewpoint would reveal the truth when she said, "I love you, too, George." Her face, eyes were saying something else! And the reader knows that, but "George" doesn't! He can't see that! So, there were all of these little nuances of line readings, acting, reacting, interpretation, layers of character personality, integrity, etc., people bouncing off each other... that was suddenly very grown-up, as opposed to the slam-bang... It was a whole new ballgame, and it forced me to really pay attention, and look, learn and listen."
From an interview with Alex Toth.

Valentine's month keeps rolling on. Today's selection, Undecided Heart, is by Alex Toth, long considered to be one of the most influential comic book artists of all time. In fact, many practitioners of the form choose to divide the modern comic artist's core influences into one of two camps, Kirby's raw energy vs. Toth's graphic realism, though most acknowledge some influence from both.

So why is Kirby's name so much more prominent then Toth's, who seems to be more well-known to fellow comic artists then to the world at large? One possibility is that Toth tended to work primarily on short stories across a wide range of genres and didn't attach himself to any one writer or title for long periods of time. The Toth name never became a popular brand, like Kirby's, but was rather a treat for the initiated, those in the know who took the time and effort to hunt his material down.

For those just being introduced to Toth, and even those who are familiar with his work, by far the best place to go for more information is the Alex Toth fansite. I've probably linked to this site more times then just about any other, and for good reason. It's the most exhaustive comic creator site that I've seen, and is a great way to sample his work. In the Annotations section, you'll find a few more romantic goodies, like When Love Has Gone, I Do, Masquerade, and Hide Your Love, as well as many other stories in the widest range of genres possible. This is a great resource for the aspiring comic artist.

He's forgotten he ever held me in his arms!

Jane Ford lays down the law, whether you think you have a problem or not.



Dear Miss Ford:
I really don’t think that I have a problem, but my girlfriend thinks that I do! I think she is the one with the real problem…so I’m writing to you for your opinion. You see, I have been engaged to the same guy for two years…he is twenty-two, and I am going to be nineteen next fall. We have a wonderful relationship, but we haven’t made any plans for a wedding because my fiance wants to wait until he has a better job that will support us and his mother. That’s right, Miss Ford, he has a very nice mohter who can’t afford to get by on her own…and I don’t mind waiting. My girlfriend says I’m a nut to believe this “routine.” She claims it’s the oldest trick in the book when a guy doesn’t want to get married!
What do you say, Miss Ford?
“Almost a Bride!”

Dear “Almost”:
If I were you I’d think twice about your “fiance’s” intentions on the subject of marriage! Your girlfriend could be right. He may be using his mother as an excuse!
Question him carefully, but make sure you get the right answer!
That’s as I see it…
Jane Ford

posted by Steven at 1:33 PM

 
Almost There



What's the matter, Dad? You have eyes for her yourself?

For the remainder of the month, Flat Earth will be showcasing the remarkable talents of some of the most famed of all romance comic advice columnists. These writers are specialists in teen-age problems. They have a wide range of experience with young people, and welcome the chance to help you with any problems you might have. Just write a letter c/o stevenwintle@hotmail.com, stating your situation clearly and briefly, and be sure to give all important facts. Names will be withheld in all cases, and there cannot be any personal replies. Is it wrong that I typed this out while listening to Manowar and Iron Maiden?

Laura Penn, World's Greatest Romance Reporter, shows once more that she's hip with the kids.



Dear Miss Penn:
On my seventeenth birthday, my friends set me up with a guy named Norman. Today I am nineteen and still seeing Norm, but our two-year relationship has been filled with conflict and sorrow. You see, I am an orphan, living with my great-aunt. She is quite conservative and has a hard time accepting the liberalized ideas of our time. Both Nelson and I have gone through many changes in the past year and most recently, we were both arrested at a sit-in in favor of open-dorm policy at our University. After bailing me out, my great-aunt made me go straight to our apartment. She sat me down on the couch and explained that I would either have to stop seeing Norm or move out and take care of rent and tuition on my own. Norman or Aunt Frieda--- which, Miss Penn, which?
Homeless or Norm-less

Dear Homeless,
Yours is a difficult situation indeed but , somehow I feel you haven't given me the whole picture. Was your arrest due just to sitting in or did you do more than just sit? If it was more, your aunt could be seriously concerned about your well-being while you are spending time with Norm. You should consider these questions when thinking about a solution to your problem: Do you engage in sit-ins and protests because you are seriously interested in Norman? Are you willing to risk losing your higher education opportunity in order to be with Norman? You say that your relationship with Norman has been filled with conflict and sorrow. Is this the kind of relationship you want to have with a man? You should attempt to resolve your disagreement with your aunt so she understands why you and Norm act in certain ways. With a knowledge of your motivation, she might be more willing to tolerate your continued relationship with him. Your aunt seems to do a lot for you (rent and tuition), and she deserves your patience, at least.
Laura Penn


posted by Steven at 2:32 PM

 
The Man Who Loved Bugsy Malone.

I was on my way to Montreal for the weekend when I found out about Journalista's hiatus. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to pay tribute until the weekend was over, I used the few short minutes that I had left on the computer to post a blink-and-you'll-miss-it farewell. Now that I finally have a bit of free time, I'd like to say just a little bit more.

I was blogging for all of a couple of weeks when Journalista came on the scene. The very first time Journalista linked to me, I didn't think that The Comics Journal would for any other reason then ridicule. I think I had been posting something about M.O.D.O.K. around that time. Happily, surprisingly, Dirk has been one of my biggest boosters. In fact, in today's cutthroat world of comic blogging, he's been one of the few.

I spent the long bus trip to Montreal wondering what the "comics blogosphere", and on a smaller scale, myself, would do in the event of the absence of Journalista. I'm not the only one to ask this question. Would someone, or multiple someones, step in to fill in the gap? Like others, I had visions of spending that much more time and effort making the "comics blogosphere" a better place. With this new job, I may not be able to do much, and I may even have to slow down, posting only on weekends, if that. But just asking this of myself, of ourselves, is something that I doubt anyone would ever have done if it wasn't for Dirk raising the bar. In fact, with the amount of bloggers pledging to post more and try harder, I wouldn't doubt it if the "comics blogosphere" became stronger, more diverse and important then it ever has. This, if anything, should be Journalista's legacy.

Thanks, Dirk, and congratulations. I look forward to your future endeavours, in print or in your inevitable return to this forum.

I-- feel-- like-- fainting!

Betty and Veronica double-team your problems in this very special guest installement.



Dear Betty and Veronica,
Did you ever have a fellow with a camera dangling around his neck stop you and ask you to pose for him? Well, I did! I had this character following me around the school and I've noticed him taking candid shots of me! I let him have it! I told him to knock it off because the line "Let me take your picture," is as old as the hills! Time passed and I noticed students staring at me in the halls. I found out my picture was entered in a school photo contest and won a prize! You guessed it! My camera clicking fellow entered it, and now I'm embarrassed about how I acted toward him. How do you think I can fix it?
S.F., Tampa, Florida

Dear S.F.,
It's no problem! I'm sure an apology will do just fine. After all he did win a prize. You helped- however unwillingly!
posted by Steven at 11:17 AM

 
Holy Guacamole!



I just got back from a lovely weekend in Montreal, and was looking forward to a nap before delving once again into my overwhelming homework, when I saw the note my roommate left me. The studio I had applied to for a job finally set a time for me to being work. Today. In two hours.

I've got just enough time to shave, shower, grab a bite to eat, and link to this anecdote concerning Supergirl (scroll down).

"There's an issue of ADVENTURE -- I think it's #421 -- where Supergirl goes through this weird psychic battle with a villain inside her own mind. Meanwhile, in reality, her pal Geoff is holding her hand and cheering her on. When it's all over, Supergirl feels like she's been through a rite of passage, and now feels "more in touch with the world". Years later, I was corresponding with the writer, Steve Skeates, and he mentioned that the story was supposed to be symbolic of Supergirl losing her virginity. Oooo-kay..."

EEEEIIIIII...MY HAIR!

Papa's got a brand new Buck's Bag.



Dear Buck:
I have an important problem and I hope you can help me with it. I liked a boy named Tyrone, and he said that he liked me, too. We went together for a year, and then we broke up. The reason we broke up was that he saw me talking to another boy, and he started saying that I liked him.
For four months after I broke up with Tyrone I was in love with this boy named Allan, and he was in love with me. Then a girl from America moved into our district and Allan fell in love with her. We broke up, and now Tyrone is begging me to come back with him. I don’t know what to do. Should I go back with him or not? Please help me soon!
Signed,
Troubled

Dear Troubled:
If you like Tyrone, then go back with him. You don’t necessarily have to go steady, you could just go out on dates every so often. That way you wouldn’t have any commitments that you aren’t ready for or just don’t feel you want. If you want to go steady, though, and you do like Tyrone, then by all means go back with him. There’s nothing to stop you.
Yours Truly,
Buck


posted by Steven at 3:46 PM

 
"You can even learn from Care Bears"
A Termite Terrace reprint, because I just saw Rock and Rule for the first time in years.

On Monday, November 17th, approximately 50 students from my animation course went to Toronto to visit various studios and learn from professionals. The first animator we heard was Charlie Bonifacio. Charlie Bonifacio graduated from Sheridan College in 1976, after which he began work at Nelvana on Cosmic Christmas, Romeo-0 and Julie-8 and Rock and Rule(!), a common factor among Canadian animators of his generation. Soon, Mr. Bonifacio was working with Don Bluth in Ireland, after which he began teaching at Sheridan. Once teaching became less attractive financially, Mr. Bonifacio moved back into the animation field through Nelvana, then worked at home for Disney on such features as Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, and Lilo and Stitch, among others.

One of our teachers, Chris, informed us that Mr. Bonifacio had taught him at Sheridan College, so in a way we were getting our information right from the source. When asked what should happen if Mr. Bonifacio were to contradict his teachings, Chris replied that we should ignore him and listen to Mr. Bonifacio.

On Drawing

Despite the emergence of 3-d animation, it is still acknowledged in the industry that a firm grasp of 2-d drawing skills is absolutely essential.
The most important thing to remember is to progress, always learning and developing, and not to dwell on the work of others.
A page has gravity. Without realizing it, you're drawn down to the bottom of the page (or towards the horizon line). Keep that in mind and work it to your advantage.
If your drawings become too safe and tentative, switch mediums to keep on your toes. Eg. Blue pencil to ballpoint pen.

On Quick Sketching

Usually your first drawing is crap.
Don't be afraid to put down bad drawings. Get them out of the way.
Draw like a 4-year old.
Take at least a half-hour every day to sketch quick drawings of one minute or less. Keep to simple shapes.
Shamus Culhane's book Animation from Script to Screen has a section on this (pg. 39-42).
"If I told you to do quick sketches 30 minutes every day, only one or two of you would do it. You can tell I was a teacher."

On Life Drawing

During a life drawing session, take the model and change it to the character you're working on.
Make the poses have the character's attitude and personality.
Your drawings will become less than the model, more like the character.
Keep these down to 2-minute poses or less.

On Thumbnails

Your first day working on a scene could be in thumbnails.
Work out expressions, paths of action, playing with perspective.
Keep it sketchy.
Cut and paste bits and pieces to get a visual sentence.
Go back and forth, adding and refining animation principles to your rough.
Spend only 2 minutes per detailed thumbnail.

On Character

Copy the model sheets.
Know the shapes as well as you can.
Try your own poses.
Jump into the character's skin, and when you draw the character, it will do the acting for you.
Once you understand the character, you can create a visual sentence, just like a writer crafts a written sentence.
Designs can change based on storyboards and thumbnails. Add vitality and flexibility to the designs, if necessary.

On Storyboarding

Take a lot of space, work all over the page and piece it together later.
Work them like the thumbnails and get the acting and story structure right, then start moving the "camera" around.
Storyboarding can be like animating, but on a broader scale.
Long shots are emotionally passive.
When you get in the "emotional line" of the character (place the "camera" between the character and the object of its interest), the viewer becomes more involved and begins to think that the character is speaking directly to them.
Find the iconic images, visuals that convey information without words. Angles, lighting, meaning.

On Dialogue

Working off the script, often with just dialogue, you provide the context and subtext.
What the character says isn't always what they do.
Cut dialogue or add dialogue as needed (not usually applicable to television animation).
Good directors can steer voice actors in the right direction.
Voice work often happens after storyboarding.
Create a visual record of the soundtrack. Determine the high and low points in the dialogue.
Looking at poses of the voice actors involved can also be helpful.

On Acting

Don't worry about making a sequence. Find the storytelling.
Even slight tilts and minor body changes are loaded with meaning
All scenes usually have 5 different poses. The character will end on a different pose then they began with.
Convey the message any way you can.

Q & A

On Creating Personal Work - Mr. Bonifacio is interested mainly in long-form productions, which are near-impossible to produce alone, therefore he's happy to contribute short sequences to a greater whole.
On Lead Animators - 4-8 animators on each character, working under a lead animator and the director.
On Getting a Job - Work on that demo, know what position in animation you want to fill, build your strengths, but be diverse.
On School - The best students work hard and socialize. The people you meet in school are your first job contacts.
On Studio Interference - Even with maximum freedom, you're answering to someone. On Lilo and Stitch many scenes were toned down and softened, and the directors had to purposely lose a few battles to win the war.
On Permanence - Painters have galleries, illustrators have book collections, and animators have a few short minutes that fly right by you.

I may be ruining my life...but I can't help myself!

Looks like the honeymoon's over. Marc makes his return.



Bow Down, Womankind! Marc, Sage of Olympian Grandeur, has returned! HAH, HAH! Thought you could get rid of me, eh…you sponge-minded Girl Libbers!
Well, dream on fluffheads: It seems as if Ole Uncle Marc has more worshippers than you counted on! The ‘Help-I Need Your Vote’ ballots have been running two to one in my favor! They love me! I told my editor that I was right! This is most gratifying!
So much for you darling girls who wanted to replace me with...Gloria Steineim.
Of course, the balloting is far from over! We’re giving the rest of you gals more time to enter your votes. While I may be ahead now, who knows what tomorrow’s mail may bring?
We’d best get onto the subject of your problems; how else can I set you girls on the right path?

Dear Marc:
I am 13 years old, and I like a guy who is 16. We haven’t known each other long, but I think we’ll eventually get married. The problem is my mother. She says I’m not old enough to date or have boy friends visit the house. How can I make her understand that I am old enough to date? I don’t think I can go on living like this!
Apron Strings

Dear Apron Strings:
To be honest with you, thirteen is kinda young to be dating. Especially for a female. Most gals don’t mature until they are forty or so (if ever), and your mother doesn’t want you falling head-first into a situation you can’t handle. Wait---your time will come. (Y’know, sometimes my fantastic good sense amazes even me!)

You heard the man! Either vote YES for Marc to keep him, or NO for Marc and get rid of him!
Send to: stevenwintle@hotmail.com


posted by Steven at 12:52 AM