Gallery opening

Did you know that Culver City had an Art District? I did, and I visited an art opening there last night. There really wasn't anything exciting there to report. The paintings were colorful, but had little personality. Nice gallery space however. I should do more painting and have my own show!

The New CRACKED

A little more than a year ago, I learned that CRACKED Magazine would return to newsstand and comic shops. The mag that was a MAD Magazine rip-off years ago, has returned as a MAXIM Magazine rip-off. I know that MAD had to change with the new generation. That change included color pages and Ligit advertisements (No more parody ads, dude). And the new management at CRACKED promised a modern mag with the type of humor that kids would enjoy. Unfortunately, the new CRACKED looks like MAXIM, but without the girls in bikinis. No bikinis! I felt jipped!

The humor goes for a DAILY SHOW spin in a glossy bi-monthly magazine. I thought that there would be something more from the past. Just about the only things left is the CRACKED logo and The mascot, Sylvester Smyth.

First issues are always a tough sell. Maybe the MAXIM imitation is deliberate and a parody of popular lad Mags. I will buy the next issue and hope for the best. And I'll hope for a lot more cartoons too!

Football update

The city of New Orleans has been through a lot. The hurricane changed a great many things and the city may never return to normal. I think that a winning football team can help the city. The New Orleans Saints played The Tennesee Titans in TN this weekend. The Saints won the game and the team looked good! It's only preseason, but I hope their success continues until January.

Hollywood Burns!

What did I do this past Saturday? A picnic at The Hollywood Bowl with friends, then staying to hear the LA philharmonic. Tchaikovsky and his greatest hits! Romeo and Juliet and his 1812 Overature were featured and the finale included blowing up the venue. Just kidding. But the photos look scary!

Original art

I recently read a response to one of my blogs and it got my head spinning. Sara Kocher wrote in response to a post about Power Pack, that Stan Drake gave her some Juliet Jones original artwork. What is the deal? I am sick with envy!

There was a time, long ago, that Old School artists gave away original art, the same way a clown would pass out balloon animals. I remember working at VALIANT Comics in 1990, Dan Barry came in with original art from his Flash Gordon newspaper strip. He gave me one! Barry was working on a book for the company and he may have thought a kind gesture would go long way. I thought it was such a rare treat, and I cherish it today. If I'd known that Stan Drake was so cool, I would have begged for a few Sunday strips!

Oh well, I am grateful for the art I have. I just hope that I run into Stan one more time.

San Diego 2006

Here is a photo of Richard Starkings and myself at the Active Image booth in San Diego!
I found this snapshot at Manofaction.tv

More to say about Power Pack

I really liked the art on the Jon Bogdanove and Hilary Barta run of Power Pack. I had a different view of the book once I started working on it! I was working in the MARVEL Bullpen in the late 80s, doing background art for a number of inkers. It was great training and I got a good page rate. The editor of Power Pack at the time asked if I would help the new inker. Sure! Who is he? The new inker was Stan Drake.

I was not familiar with him at all. The first inked pages from him smelled like Cuban cigars, but the art was beautiful! He had a clean, confident line and he knew how to draw pretty women. I think the first job was over Bogdanove and I remember he changed a few faces. I found out that he was one of the Old School artists of the 60s and 70s. He did a lot of photo-realistic newspaper strips and I got a hold of some copies of his art. At that time, for whatever reason, A lot of professional newspaper guys got comic book work. I was lucky to learn a few tricks from Stan.

At one point, I got to ink Power Pack all by myself! Inking over my pal and old roommate! But that's another story.

Tuesday at La Jolla

Tuesday was a busy day! I am working on some additional art for 'Jersey Boys' and I had an appointment to see the director, Des McAnuff. He is also the Creative Director of The La Jolla Playhouse and that meant road trip! I first started work on the show about 3 years ago and since the show hit it big, a lot people have moved on to other projects. Des is now working on a new show in La Jolla, 'The Wiz'.

I always arrive early, so I had lunch at a Rockbottom Restaurant in town. At 1:30, I walk into 'The Wiz' production meeting with Des and the entire cast at a circular table. Before he broke for lunch, He Introduced me as the 'Jersey Boys' artist! That was very cool.

I have shown earlier sketches on this blog and during our meeting, we brainstormed on some new ones. I did a lot of sketching and we agreed on some art. Pretty good meeting. Now I have to get to work on finishing a bunch of new art.

Football Season

I watched the first NFL pre-season game last night! I was an OK game, but I didn't watch the end. I only mention it because the 2006 Football season will start in a month and I have a wager with a friend. In San Diego, I bet Dave Wohl that the New Orleans SAINTS will win at least half (8) of their games. He doesn't think they have a chance. The SAINTS have a new coach, a new QB and a great new Running Back, so I am optimistic! Stay tuned for details!

Power Pack

MARVEL Comics published a book called POWER PACK in the 80's and early 90s. It was a book about four siblings living in Manhattan. Two boys and two girls with super powers, and they kept it a secret from the parents! There was always some kind of drama with whether or not to use their powers. The city is burning! How do we leave the house with mom in the kitchen? I grew to love the writing by Louise Simonson, but I didn't start buying the book until a new art team started drawing the book.

This is page 22 from Issue 36 of Power Pack Edition one. Art by Jon Bogdanove and Hilary Barta. Barta's inks ar incredible. Really strong and clean. Bogdanove had exact reference for the upper east side in panel one, and Barta does not slip up. I know that the PP kids are back in new adventures, but there's a different team. I think I'll stick to these guys.

azumi

I am a great fan of Japanese Culture. Not only the pop culture, but the history as well. So every once in a while, when a new Japanese film shows up, I will ask my friend Kazu about it. I show him a flier for the film 'Azumi' starring a cute girl, Aya Ueto.
Kazu tells me: "I don't know of the movie, but she is a model turned singer, turned actress. That's common in Japan."

Well, I guess that's the way young people get famous over there. All I know at this point is that the movie is about assassins, and the actress is overboard cute! Last night, I caught the 10:00 show at the independent movie house. I prepared for a really bad movie with sub-titles. I am surprised! I really enjoy the movie and Aya Ueto is an OK actress. I won't spoil anything by saying that there's a lot of swordplay, blood and teeth-grinding drama.

Chances are that you may never see this movie. It's in limited release around the country and it only played for a week in LA. But if you enjoy Japanese pop-stars dressing up in period costumes, taking a samurai sword and killing entire villages, then search for this film.

Back to Kolchak!

After the SDCon, I had to pay attention to a few other projects. But over the weekend, I started inking issue 2 of my Kolchak run.Take a look at page one before and after!

Kevin, Marie and Me

This is a photo of Marie Javins, Kevin Kobasic and myself! It was taken in New Orleans more than 10 years ago, I think around 93. I found this snapshot after reading Maries' blog and checking out Kevins artwork. I knew Kevin from my NYC days at Marvel and he was a great guy. I remember him being taller than me, that's always a shocker. I haven't seen him since...I don't know. Six years ago? I had an old number for him, but if anyone has a recent one, let me know.

So, the story on the photo is, It was almost like a coincidence the three of us meeting. I flew down there to meet a woman I was dating. She had family in New Orleans and we made plans for dinner. I think I just ran into Marie! In the days before cell phones we just told her the name of the Brew pub/Restaurant and she and Kev joined us.

I had a lot of fun on that trip! I put on a dress and marched in a French Quarter parade, I badly cut leg while shaving it. My lady friend and I walked down to Tulane University(notice the hat), we enjoyed some good music and we ate at some really expensive places. That town was such a great place for romance. I hope to return one day.

More JB Sketches

It looks like the simpler the better. The theme seems to be romance and loss.

Jersey Boys Sketches

I have contacted by the Art Director for Jersey Boys! Michael Clark wanted some new art for the show and I sent some quick brush sketches. Stay tuned for more info!

SDCC Digest report

I have just returned from San Diego and I know that there are a million blogs with up to the minute reports. This is my own story from the pop culture pilgrimage.

Comiculture did not have a booth at the con, so I worked the Active Images booth. Rich Starkings and I are pals so I helped sell comics and I had a place to hang out. We shared space with the 'Man of Action' Guys. They must have posted something on the blog every ten minutes. Check out Manofaction.tv to see it.

So I worked the booth and talked up 'Elephantmen'. The new book written by R. Starkings and published by Image. I watched Tim Sale, David Hine and Snakebite(don't ask), do signings. I sold one Comiculture Anthology. And I had drinks with Mike Heisler, Dean and Monica Kubina, Joe Dunn and a horde of Pros at the Hyatt Bar.

I realize that this does not give you the complete convention experience, so I recommend the Man of Action site.

Las Vegas

As I prepare to go off to San Diego, I look back at an earlier Con in Las Vegas. The 2003 Las Vegas Comic-Con was held in the Mandalay Bay Resort and it sounded like a good idea! A star-up Con looking for fans and Exhibitors, and me looking to gamble!
Comiculture had a booth and I went to help sell the magazine. Unfortunately, attendance was low. Really low. The Bucce can tell you how much money was lost at that show, but it's probably a painful memory.

Someone has made a list

A French website has made a list of every MARVEL Comic and every creator. I am listed and If you worked there, your name should be there as well!

www.comicsvf.com/auteurs/Don+Hudson.aut

San Diego since 1990

My first San Diego Comic Con was in 1990. It was the year I spent working for Jim Shooter and Valiant Comics. The convention was a blast but I couldn't stay for the finish. While playing in the comicbook industry softball game, I broke my ankle. I had to lay in my room in the Hotel San Diego waiting for flight back to NYC. Oh well.

The best CONAN Cover Ever!

The Best Conan cover ever? That is a bold statement. Every Conan fan of the last 20 years has a book that they've read because of the killer cover. The death of Belit? King Conan issue one perhaps? All of the Buscema stuff rules, but nothing measures up to this painted cover from the Black and white MARVEL Magazine. Earl Norem is one of those old School cover painters. He did a great many Men's Magazines back in the 60s before moving to illustration art and comics art in the 70s and 80s. He painted the cover you see here. The Savage Sword of CONAN issue 193. The best cover ever.

What makes it so excellent? The composition is rock solid. A beautiful girl in the foreground, Conan killing some freaky lizard-men in the middle and some headless Lizard-king in the Background. Norem was always a master of anatomy and this Conan looks very much like the Pumping Iron Arnold. You can see how professional he is by the first cover sketch. So much detail in the Sketch and he designs the cover logo as well. I guess the editor ignored his suggestion.

Girls! Lizard-men! Bloody swords! Excellent artistry from a true pro. What do you think? Do you have a favorite Conan Cover?

The shocking truth

I found this AD in the July 31 1964 edition of LIFE Magazine. If you check this blog on a regular basis, you know that I go through magazines like a hungry man goes through food. I found this particular AD and it was indeed shocking.

There is a young man with shifty eyes reading a comicbook when he should be reading his textbook. His look is kinda menacing and the copy calls him a poor student and I disagree with that! The good students read comics too! The AD is for some publishing house and they are selling a catalogue of classic books by Tolstoy and Shakespeare among others. Why must they pick on comics? At that time in four-color history, Stan and Jack had created The Fantastic Four, The Avengers, The Hulk ,Thor and I think that John Romita was drawing Spider-Man!

I think the shocking truth is that the comic books the kids are reading in 1964 will be a heck of a lot more valuable than the cheap, hardcover reprints this advertisement is trying to sell.

Khan Sketch

This is a cover sketch for KHAN #2. The book was cancelled as I finished penciling it. Oh well...

Never-Before seen Sketches!

Last year, ONI Press did a talent search in anticipation of the 2005 San Diego Comic Con. They posted several scripts for artists to print out and they would judge the results at the ONI Portfolio review in San Diego. Even if it was just for spec, I thought it was neat Idea! You could choose from a few sample stories like Action, horror etc. I chose the horror script because it seemed like fun. I didn't finish the sample because I found some paying work. I got as far as layouts and composition. I am reminded of this because I am preparing for this years Comic-Con, and I am doing a lot of drawing in preparation for that!

I review Superman!

A scientist from an advanced culture in outer space sends his only son to Earth to live among them. His adoptive parents teach him right from wrong and he grows up to perform super feats and miracles. He is a symbol of truth, justice and all that other stuff. I am talking about Superman, of course, but you might assume that I were speaking about Jesus. That's the impression I got after watching the recent movie with Kate Bosworth and Brandon Routh.

So much Christian symbolism...Oh boy. Rouths' acting is placid. Not like the confidence and wit of Chris Reeves and Routh is missing the overboard geekyness that made the contrast between him and his alter-ego so entertaining. Bosworth is so pretty, you forget that her dialogue is weak. Kevin Spacey as Luthor had a lot to do, but he never seemed like the threat that he was supposed to be. The action is excellent and the effects top-notch but the symbolism too much. Superman is about an immigrant coming to a different land and achieving his full potential. It's the idea that Siegel and Shuster first gave us.

Spoiler Example: Towards the end of the movie, Superman is lifting a small island into outer space. It's infused with Krptonite and as he throws it into space, he succumbs to the krypton radiation. He falls to Earth, arms out stretched. Is he alive or dead? His disciples, Perry White, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Ma Kent wait for three days as he lays in a hospital bed. Then he disappears!

He has recovered and is still among us! Fighting crime and flying above us.

I have no problem with religion. I just think that original 1978 movie had a similar plot but less Holy Roman undertones. I recommend seeing the film if only to be prepared for the talked about follow-up. Batman versus Superman. I mean, The Devil versus Jesus.

KHAN

I drew a book for Moonstone Books called KHAN. It was written by Tom DeFalco and I was eager to work with the former Editor and Chief of Marvel Comics! I had known him during my NYC years when I did a lot of inking and it would be cool to draw a book with him as writer. We did the first book and we were approved for a second, but just as I finished the pencils for book two, we were cancelled! Bummer! So until the second issue of KHAN gets printed, I will show some pencil art from it.

Check out a new interview!

I did an interview for a really cool Jersey Boys website! It's a daily blog that follows the hit Broadway show! It's been up for a little while now, so I hope you visit this cool site!

www.Jerseyboysblog.com

Ever More Kolchak!

I am trying to do as much of this Kolchak book before the San Diego Con! Because I am working the Active Images booth, I won't have time to stand in line. Hmmm. Let me think about that for a minute. In the meantime, check out this pencil page.

Spider-Man on Broadway?

The filming of the third Spider-Man movie continues!
The set moves from New York, Ohio and back to NYC. This time for a visit to Broadway! Take a look at these images Courtesy of The NY Times. Peter Parker (Spidey) has an aspiring actress for a girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson. Peter takes in the show and if look closely at the last image on the bottom, you can see that Jersey Boys is playing across the street! How cool is that?

Related?

I think that this is such a nice photo. Taken at the Pirates of The Caribbean premiere.

More Kolchak

I am working on The Kolchak book for Moonstone and I have been busy.

I STILL remember the GO-GOs!

Don't you just love the passage of time? Take a look at two shots of My Favorite Girl-Group more than 20 years apart. They look fine, but you can't miss the obvious eye job on Gina Schock. Belinda looks a little pulled back as well.

Hell's Kitchen

I just finished watching a cooking show on FOX television and I am convinced that it's the best show in the world. Hell's kitchen is a reality show about a Master Chef who yells at a bunch of wannabe chefs. That's it! About twelve men and women work at the head guys restaurant and after 3 episodes, the restaurant has had to close early! The wannabes can't seem to work as a team and it takes 2 hours for an appetizer. Shocking! I have eaten in my fair share of restaurants and this show gives me an overdone, super-dramatic peek inside the turgid underworld of competitive sous-chefs!

The head guy does a lot of yelling and the contestants make a lot of mistakes. I recommend the show! Hell's Kitchen on FOX. Sundays at 9;00

Storyboards

This entry is a response to Allen! He asked if I could post a sample of some storyboard work that I have done. Most companies frown upon their ideas being shown in public, So I won't tell you what company this was drawn for or what they are trying to sell. This is an example of the type of work an Advertising agency would accept (and pay for) from a freelance artist. I used a light pencil, then did the half tones in Nuetral Grey Marker. I finished in brush and pen. Sometimes I might get a script, but I spoke with an advertising copywriter for this one and he let me do my thing. All the communication was done on the phone and I sent him E-mails with the artwork at all stages of the job.

Western cover

This is a great Marvel Western cover drawn by John Romita! It's packed with action! This was the Two-Gun Kid before the new series that's out now.

Modern decorating

The somewhat famous Model Janice Dickinson has opened up her home to InTouch Magazine. She has decorated her home and is obviously proud of it. And why not? She's got some nice comicbook reproductions on the wall! I recognize a Superman Annual cover Drawn by Gil Kane, flanked by two Lichenstein copies. Bold, yet approachable design!

Award winning!

I am starting Monday on a high note! Jersey Boys won a Tony for best Musical! I feel so happy for everyone on the show and I am proud to be a part of a Broadway success! That's something to put on may resume!

Tommy Lee can read!

I read the latest issue of GQ Magazine and came across a fashion photo shoot of Motley Crue drummer and infamous lover, Tommy Lee. He runs around in very fashionable outfits and leaps among the flora and fauna. What caught my attention was what he did by the pool! He reads comics! In the photo here, he's reading a Captain America book written by the Late Mark Gruenwald and penciled by Rik Levins (if memory serves me right). I knew Mark back when and he was into Werewolves. At one point the Cap book was overrun with Werewolves!

Anyway, All of the books that Tommy has with him were printed before 1996. Take a close look at the books on the ground. Are you a geek like me and can you identify who wrote and penciled those books?

My favorite Thing

Sixteen years ago, I was a young man trying to make a living drawing comics. I was on staff at Marvel Comics working for John Romita and one of the ways I made ends meet was to ink backgrounds for anyone who needed help. I was just starting to learn the fine points of comicbook inking and doing backgrounds for professionals was a great way to learn! Along the way I worked with many excellent artists. One name that stands out is Joe Sinnott. I was able to see how the long time inker of The Fantastic Four gave The Thing his trademark look. What does a background Inker do? He or she inks everything but the figures. Like cars and buildings. It saves time for the inker!

I did the backgrounds on FF issue 310. Joe had a regular guy working for him, but for whatever reason, he needed somebody fast and John Romita gave him my name. I really enjoyed working with him and I hope to see him at a convention where I can tell him how much I appreciate him.

I am posting scans of the issue I worked on! If you look closely, you'll see a guy in a cell that I inked. It's a very bad inking job.

Ordinary Hero

The latest issue of Los Angeles Magazine has some very disturbing images of your favorite Super-Heroes. It's a special Hollywood issue and it puts a spotlight on the neighborhood revival and it's people. If you were to visit Manns Chinese Theatre, you would see people in costume and you could have your photo taken with them. No different than any comic con I guess. The disturbing part is that they show the same guy in some dopey, everyday routine, but with his costume on! Ugh! Do I really want to see some guy in a saggy Spider-Man suit do his saggy Spidey laundry?

Well... I bought the magazine. So I guess I do!

Work in progress

As some of you may know, I am working on a Kolchak Mini series for Moonstone books. I am working away but I still take time to critique my own work. Shocking! Please take a look at the above artwork and comments.

CinemaRetro Magazine

I buy a lot of magazines. One reason is that I'm constantly looking for reference, Like an 18th century pirate ship or a photo of Genghis Khan or something. I will visit my local newsstand and go through Esquire Magazine to Marie Claire, and if I see a photo that I can keep as reference, then I will shell out my five bucks happily. A bonus is that I will read the articles within and learn something. If you read a few issues of Marie Claire you'll get good advice on body image...But that's another posting.

Anyway, while checking out the racks at Astonishing Comics in Burbank, I found a groovy UK import Magazine. Cinema Retro is a magazine covering A list and B list Movies during the 60s and 70s. They have really serious views on English Horror flicks as well as David Lean's lesser known efforts. A big draw for me was a photo essay on Frank Sinatra and his "Tony Rome" movies!
The latest Issue features Vincent Price and a movie he did in the Sixties called "Witchfinder General". Lots of photos of witch hunt era Salem and a few comments on how they had to edit the film for American audiences. I guess the English didn't have a problem with topless actresses.

If you enjoy B movies, do yourself a favor and get this mag. Cinemaretro.com

X-Men movie REVIEW!

The X-men movie surprised me. If you have not seen the movie yet, turn away from the screen. What shocked me is that so many important characters die! I liked the movie and it was very entertaining, but action and special effects won over character development. The Colossus guy had maybe one line and the Kitty Pryde character could have been focused on a little bit more. The actress Ellen Page is the cutest thing!( I had to point that out!)

Some noteworthy parts of the film was the nice Danger Room sequence, the Moira MacTaggart Cameo and the introduction of the Bolivar Trask character. That sets up a sentinel sequel idea. Gosh, I am such a Marvel geek...
I spoke with The Bucce about the movie. He hopes that the DVD will add some more quality footage and help flesh out the characters a bit more. That would be an excellent Idea.

I remember The GO-GOs

I called my friend Vince the other day. We had a chat and he mentioned that his wife Laurie had gone out with some friends to a concert. She went out to see the GO-GOs! I love that band! I first saw them with Laurie almost 12 years ago at The Academy in Times Square. Before the makeover in Times Square, it was the place to see good bands at a sweet price.
So many cool memories of that show. I hope the band still rocks!

E3_Revisited!

Three more E3 photos that shows a favorite activity at the show! Being interviewed! Right over here Mr. Cameraman!

Work in progress

I am working on an issue of KOLCHAK for Moonstone Books. The character is a reporter that chases after bizarre stories that involves monsters or weird creatures. One of the things that makes the this project interesting to me, is the chance to work with David Michelinie. When I did IRON MAN backgrounds for Bob Layton all those years ago, he was the writer on the book. That was a long time ago! This is page one pencils and inks.

Jersey Boys NOMINATIONS!

Excellent news from Broadway! Jersey Boys, the Musical I worked on has been nominated for 8 Tony Awards and I am so happy for the cast and crew. I hope I can add "Tony Award winning Musical" on my resume!