Museum address

I want everyone to visit this museum!I really enjoyed it.

A trip to San Francisco

I am off from work! So I took a trip to San Francisco to visit some friends. The weather was excellent and I was able to do a lot of walking around downtown SF. I recommend the Comic Art Museum for culture and Chinatown for a great walking tour. I stayed at the Hilton in Chinatown! Take a look at this view!

Sketch of the day!

And what is the sketch of the day?

Holiday disaster film

The disaster movie became a fine "art" in the 1970s. There was an unpopular war going on, the government was crooked, gas prices at an all time high and the Environment became an issue for conservatives and liberals alike. My favorite disaster film of that time was Soylent Green. What a bleak vison of the future. Overpopulation, depleted resources and a sweaty Charlton Heston. As dark as the film got, there were flashes of hope and optimism. Especially at the end when Heston raised a bloody hand to tell the the world that the end is nigh.

I should have recognized this before, but the disaster movie is back. Similar circumstances and just as bleak as before. It's Christmas Day and I've just seen Children of Men. A film starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen. The story revolves around a pregnant girl in a world about to collapse. There hasn't been a child born in 18 years, so this baby and the mother try an escape to a far off sanctuary. On the journey, the film shows how far civilization has fallen, as Concentration camps and Martial law takes over.

The film is truly scary. Taking place in a near future and touching subjects like Holy war and Guantanamo Bay. This is a film that has taught me a valuble lesson...don't ever watch a disaster film on Christmas day. It can be kinda depressing.

Remembering Alex Toth

A few monts ago, I wrote about Alex Toth. I gave a link to a critque he had for Steve Rude. Toth did not pull any punches to say the least! Toth passed away this year and it would be wrong to remember him as a mean old critic. I'm posting some of his late 60s/early 70s storyboard work.

This is the first 10 pages of a DINO BOY story, from Hanna-Barbera. He boarded the entire show at 30 pages with 4 panels a page. These days, an animated TV show would need maybe 3 times as many pages with separate background drawings and revisions and whatever. So take a look at the art of an excellent artist...Rest in peace.

More old photos!

Marcus at idmx.blogspot.com has posted some old photos on his blog. Fifteen years old at least! I hate to dig out the old glossies, but Marcus has forced my hand!

More Kolchak!

The Holiday season is just as busy as last season. I am doing some neat work for TESKEEL comics and just finishing up the Kolchak stuff. This is a page from the 3rd issue of my three issue story arc. In this slpash page, Our Hero is being attacked by Couple of freaky, dog-like animals!

No chance

I don't have very much feelings for vermin, but this photo really affected me. Two falcons are fighting over dinner and ripping a poor mouse to shreds.

SOHO freeway

I read an article recently that mentioned that Robert Moses was planning a highway through SOHO, but was defeated in 1964. I knew that from the PBS program about his life, but hearing it again struck a nerve. I've recently returned from NYC after staying in the SOHO Grand Hotel. It's a beautiful Hotel in a nice neighborhood, with century old buildings. I can't imagine Canal street with a six lane highway on top of it.

So Cute!

As you all may know, I am a sucker for a pretty face and this actress takes the cake! If you have seen the indie film "Little Miss Sunshine", then you know Abigail Breslin. Here she is promoting the Japanese release of the film!

Looks familiar

I caught this ad while surfing and the style caught my eye. Could this be what Joe Madurera is up to? Concept art and design?

Art opening

Last night I attended a multi-media art installation in Hollywood. A large gallery space with Paintings, scupltures, musicians, three full bars and a $15.00 cover! It's called Create:Fixate. It was unique and I thought it was ambitious, but I learned that it was it's fifth year. Maybe it started small and grew.

My Co-worker Kaz had some art on display there and I wanted to support him. His work is good and by the time I left he had sold 3 pieces! Nice! The show had many interesting installations like T-shirt Silk screening and a strange iron robot sculpture. My favorite was a somber painting that I could not stop staring at.

Gallery openings are great. Having a friend sell three paintings is better!

Shopping

'Tis the season to go shopping! I found this AD in an old electronics Catalog from 1980.

Book of the Dead

I found this web page on the internet. The Marvel Universe Book of Dead Characters has just been reprinted as a trade paperback. The Grand Comics Database Project gives me credit as an inker. I did some art correction on most of the Marvel Uni. stuff back then. I just wonder, will I get any royalies from the trade paperback?

Back to Greenpoint!

I lived in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in 1990. I did a lot of background work with inkers and the occasional rush job for Marvel. I shared a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment on McGuinness Blvd with two other guys starting out in comics. In fact, the entire nighborhood was peppered with Marvel staffers and freelancers! Everyone from the old crowd has moved away, including me, but I'll never forget the small comic book community I was a part of in Greenpoint.

So that was then... What's the place like now? I did a walking tour of the old nighborhood and found out a few things. Greenpoint was and still is a Polish nieghborhood. Old washed up guys, young immigrants and ethnic shops. There are more young professionals in from Manhattan and a lot of high-end construction to house them.

I thought I would see more high end shops along the main avenue. Nope. The same old tacky shops. It looks like the action is further south near Williamsburg. I walked from the L train station north to my old apartment on McGuinness Blvd. Then back down to the derilict waterfront. It was such a nice day, I enjoyed the walk and the trip down memory lane.

On the train back to Manhattan, I wondered if I would ever move back to Greenpoint. Probably not. There's a few things that's missing. A good comic shop, a really good Restaurant/bar and some excellent friends.

I've won my bet!

Yesterday The New Orleans Saints won their 8th game of the 2006 season. That means that I have won my bet with my friend David! He didn't think that team could win that many games in a 16 game season. I believed in The Saints because they have a great Quarterback and a talented new running back! If The Saints make the playoffs, It will be icing on the cake!

I love NY

Where was I all weekend? New York City! It was a beautiful weekend with nice weather and cool people. I flew in on a Thursday night and made it into the city Friday morning. I know that I'm leaving out details...maybe this video will help.

Leisha Hailey

She was in a band called The Murmurs that had some good songs. The band broke up maybe six years ago and Leisha Hailey started acting! I remember her doing a bunch of yogurt commercials and a few years ago, she started acting on the L Word. The photo on the right is from a recent charity event>

Kolchak Art

After a few delays, I have begun to ink the third issue of Kolchack the Night Stalker! At the beginning of the issue, I sketched out the opening fight scene. I've posted a panel from start to finish. Well...just without color.

Thanksgiving BBQ

I decided to barbecue this years turkey. How can you do such a thing you ask? First I did some research, and the NYTimes has some great articles on BBQ Smoking. I love to grill and this presented me with a challenge.

It turned out GREAT! I brined the bird the night before, and left it in the fridge to marinate. I stopped by a local lumber yard for some Oak wood scraps( they had plenty!) and made sure I had enough charcoal. The cooking done by the smoke, not the heat. I soaked the wood in beer to give it a nice flavor. The coals can't be too hot. I made sure to watch the coals and kept the lower vent closed.

The turkey was tasty, juicy and had a easy smoky flavor. It took as long as a conventional oven, so if you have a back yard, I recommend smoking your holiday turkey!

Comicraft Fonts!

I read this article at NYTimes.com and I thought the idea of public toilets in Times Square an idea whose time has come. Then I checked out the font inside the toilet! Comicraft strikes again!

Spotted at the Comic Shop!

I don't visit Hi Di Ho Comics as much as I used to. It's close to me in Santa Monica but I do most of my purchases in Burbank. Anyway, I noticed this cool Comiculture poster behind the counter at Hi De Ho. Has it been five years since the first issue of the magazine?

Is he Mr. Sinister?

I came across this article in the latest PEOPLE magazine. It's about Michael Jackson and his new concert wardrobe. I'm no fashion expert, but who' designing his out fits? Morbius?

Golden Art

This is a page drawn by Michael Golden! It's the cover of The 'NAM issue one and it's excellent. Really exciting and detailed!

The Pubic Domain

I just read an article in Advertising Age about a new product. Ad Age covers the industry of mass consumption. The tactics of selling products. That being said, how do you sell hair color for the pubes?
Who are you trying to impress with your auburn privates? If you are married, would your husband (or wife) go crazy over a different color? Are you ashamed of your gray?
It seems that older women are interested in the product, so the baby boomer generation has some strange priorities. Is this something that interests you? VisitBettybeauty

Superman on DVD

Superman Returns will soon be available on DVD.I was disappointed with the new Bryan SInger version of the DC Hero. Too much Jesus allegory, Lois Lane was too boring and Superman has a baby out of wedlock? No thanks. Instead, I recommend you purchase the Richard Donner, Director's cut version of Superman 2. Exxcellent acting and a much better Lois in Margot Kidder.

Comics are Everywhere!

This is a photo from VOGUE Magazine. It shows the model Shalom Harlow (Great name) reading a comic book and being shocked over it's contents. I remember that issue of She-Hulk that she's reading. It wasn't that shocking.

My Powerbook

I owned a Powerbook and it looked a lot like this one. I bought it second-hand from my friend M. Heisler maybe 15 years ago. He upgraded to a new one and I tried to get into the world of computers. I never really used it fully. Not enough memory, no internet access and low battery. All kinds of reasons why I didn't use it. Have Powerbooks changed since then?

Sketch of the day

And what is the sketch of the day?

Previews AD

The first issue of my Kolchak run has been solicited in the NOV 2006 issue of Previews. That's cool. I am keeping to a monthly schedule so I don't blow my deadline. The only thing that pisses me off about the ad is the credits. I don't want to come off wrong, but I am at the bottom of the Ad and I'm the friggin' artist!
Take a look at it. David Michelinie is the writer, Bob Layton did the Cover and I penciled and inked the book. I know those two are more well known, but at least mention that I drew the damn thing.

What's a Mom-tini?

I recently read an article on suburban moms who get together for playdates. Not such a big deal for a few women and their children meeting at someone's home for recreation and socialization. The twist on this article was that it's a Happy Hour playdate. The kids play in a backyard, a safe environment, while the moms shake a few cocktails. Maybe a bottle of wine to take the edge off?

Hey, I've got nothing against Happy Hour and I have heard more than one Stay-at-Home mom complain about the lack of adult conversation. But is it safe to drink while parenting? I'm not a parent, so maybe I don't get it.

I read the article on the NYTimes website.Click Here

Pop Culture Quiz

In the back of this weeks Entertainment Weekly, there a pop culture quiz! It's about comicbook characters in the movies and TV, so I was eager to try it. I got 8 out of 10 right. It was nice to test my knowledge, but there was no prize.

Web Surfing

So I have become a hot-linking freak! I want to visit the sites below to find your next favorite website! I have checked them out and they are age appropriate and fat free. If you already know these sites, suggest another one!

cinematical.com
Sachsreport.com
myopenbar.com
Today'sinspiration
illustrationArt

Saturday Meeting

I had my meeting on Saturday and I got there a little early. I had a chance to see some of the rehersal and it was great! I must say that there are some new actresses that are really beautiful! But anyway, I need to create more artwork for the Broadway show. I wish I could elaborate, but I can't. How boring.

Travel video

I am back from my trip to NYC and my meeting with The Jersey Boys Production Staff. I am so Busted up from the return trip and what I have to do today, i will save the story for another time. Instead, look at this!

I hate flying

So here I am back in New York City. I got a call last week from the Jersey Boys AD asking if I could fly to NYC. The show needs some more artwork(different artwork) for the show. This is neat! The Jersey Boys job is like a gift that keeps on giving.

Early November is a good time to visit Broadway. Not too chilly and right before the Holiday rush. I admit that the one thing I could do without is the cattle drive style of flying. I took a red eye flight and did not sleep a wink. My knees hit the forward seat and my neck hurts. It's morning and I'm a bit dopey and a little cranky.

And another thing...Did you know that the NY Marathon is this Sunday? There are hundreds of international runners training in the streets! Waving flags and all sorts of stuff. Finding a hotel was an effort, but the JB production office found the MUSE Hotel

I have yet to check in. Stay tuned for my review.

Smallville

If you haven't checked out my TokyoPop Blog, this a neat time to do it. I have made a few comments about the Smallville TV show. The bottom line is that I don't see what the big deal is with the show.Click Here

Halloween Past

I did not wear a costume this year. But there was a time that I would shock and amaze everyone with my Joker outfit!

Neal Adams

While reading Creativity Magazine, I caught this AD for Cougar Paper. If you have ever wondered what Neal Adams is up to, he is still doing advertising work! As for the drawing, it's printed on card stock paper and the colors were really nice.

The latest Variety

In the Oct 23-29 issue of Variety magazine has a Virgin Comics preview issue with it. It's sure to be read by the Hollywood ruling class, but it's not so hot in my opinion. The book says director's cut on the cover but it's censored on the inside. It's a 9 page preview, so maybe the full length book is much better.

Bill Sienkiewicz Inking

I can remember working in the Marvel bullpen in the 80s and watching Bill Sienkiewicz Ink a cover for ROM the Spaceknight. I think I was an intern at the time. He was really cool and he did not mind us watching him work. He even said a few words. "I try to keep my lines real loose. Like I almost don't care."

I'm sure he cared, but he did have a real fluid line. At one point in the early 90s he started inking other artists. People like Sal Buscema and M.C Wyman and many others. He is such a great artist he takes your pencils to another level but he never inked my stuff. Maybe one day.

The two pieces of art is from the early 90s and the BLAZE cover was penciled by Ron Wagner

The art of TOM GRINDBERG

I am a big fan of Tom Grindberg and I've inked him many times. He has penciled in a variety of styles and he is really talented. He did have a bit of an ego and I remember him thinking that the powers that were in charge at Marvel at that time had something against him. I don't know about that, but the guy had talent. The art is page one of Cosmic Powers and It shows THANOS noticing a surveillance camera in the middle of a battle.

Janet Jackson

I caught this photo of Janet Jackson while surfing the web. She's wearing a beautiful kimono during a press conference in Japan. I tried drawing an outfit similar to this years ago and I could not come close. I wish I had this shot as reference.

Photos with Boxers

I have noticed a sorry trend. Every time I see Muhammad Ali photographed at a charity event he is usually posing with the sponsor or another celebrity. Hey, if I was at an event I would want a snapshot with the champ. But why is everyone trying to punch the guy? Is it necessary to pose with some girls fist in your face? I promise that if I ever meet The Greatest of ALL Time, I will simply shake his hand.

More Kolchak color

This is another page of color from the book I'm working on. By the way, the excellent color art is courtesy of Monica Kubina!

In search of...

Have you seen this man?