Rant

So I was surfing this fine, quiet weekend. Cup of tea in hand, sitting in bed to just relax. I happen to wonder, what's up with the world of comic artists? I haven't visited Alex Ross' website in a while! So I go on and I'm excited to see that he's got some stuff going on still. And I notice that there is an announcement on his page where they are releasing a second art book collecting his work from DC.

I'm a huge fan of artists like Alex Ross. I own some of his works. I especially go out of my way to get their art book collections. I've got Alex Ross, Bill Sienkiewicz, Kent Williams, Jon J Muth, George Pratt, Tim Bradstreet, Mike, Mignola, Drew Struzan, Claire Wendling, Brian Bolland, etc. I love seeing artists work in their early stages to finished product. As an artist, I am always amazed by how effortlessly and naturally these individuals grace a line on a blank page!

There are obviously masters of their trade! As a 'fan' it pleases me to see their work published in collected form and sitting on my bookshelf so from time to time, I can just grab one, crack it open and just stare in awe for hours.

So, the point of this is, it's obvious there is a large enough following for these artists to warrant production of these printed collections. After all these years and all these publications, WHERE THE HELL IS A COLLECTION OF ADAM HUGHES WORK?????

Yeah, Mr. Hughes is a big favorite of mine. So yes, he's more known for his big breasted, shapely females that grace covers on the comic stores. But, a real artist who can look beyond that, can see clearly that Mr. Hughes is such a master at his craft! It's just so weird that DC has yet to even be interested in printing his work!!! What's up DC??? He's done so many Wonder Woman and Catwoman covers. He's got a few other things he's done for other titles. There's a body of work there that is screaming to be collected! And don't forget his sketchbooks!!

I had the honor of finally seeing Mr. Hughes work at a convention one time in NYC. And I have to say, in person, flipping through his pages to see the ideas roughed out is just absolutely mind blowing!! I wish I could own his sketchbooks but, alas, that is way too much for my pockets! And I feel that there are people out there who'd feel the same way as I do about an AH collection!

If you can publish all the other artists mentioned, why can't DC publish AH already???

I highly doubt my rant will get any notice, but if it does, I hope it is the pebble that is thrown in the pond to start a ripple effect to DC to get their act together and get us AH fans a collection that has been LOOOOOOONG overdue!! Yeah, that's my two cents.

Working hard!

Yeah, there's been an extreme lack of posts on my blog as it's tough for me to really put any time here. Had to put the drawing projects on the back burner as it's been busy, busy, busy for me with the film work! Been training with the team, and coordinating some stuff here and there.

Currently, busy coordinating with a japanese production company for an upcoming TV show for Japan. They'll be shooting some scenes in NYC with action! Hands are full! Hopefully, will post anything remotely 'exciting' or 'interesting' back here as it comes!

Coffee plug

Been a long time!  Busy busy busy!  Anyway, just a quick plug in support of a recent blogger I've come upon.  Clay Enos!  Amazing photographer who has just recently had his work published in the form of the Watchmen Portrait book.  Yes, I suppose I'm plugging that too! 

What I'm really posting is Clay's coffee!  For those of you who are coffee fiends click on the link below to check it out!  And what's even cooler is that all proceeds is being given to charity!  How can you go wrong with that?  

http://organiccoffee.com/

VIDEO

For those of you who still follow me here and wondered why it's been super quiet, big sorry!

Been super busy working on my other 'side projects' and haven't had ANY time to update this blog! Meanwhile, click on the link below and vote for this video I've worked hard on along with my other teammates!

http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/video/1564/

A little setback

Ugh! Just when I thought my plate was full. Another big spoon of mashed potatoes gets plopped on my already overflowing plate. I don't know how much my stomach can take before it explodes!

There is a slight delay in my graphic novel as I am also occupied with writing chores. Yes, I don't restrict myself to just artistic endeavors. I fault myself with doing it all. Blame it on wanting to be 'self-sufficient.' Or, is it being too much of a perfectionist? Maybe it's a combination of both.

Either way, I'm keeping more then busy these days! It's difficult to keep up with even this blog! I think I need to hire an assistant!

Spacegirl rocks!

Yeah, yeah! I know I should be updating this blog with my own material. But, I couldn't help it since I recently got my hands on a copy of Travis Charest's 'Spacegirl' collection (courtesy of the good folk over at Stuart Ng Books! Thanks!).

I've been regularly following Mr. Charest's career ever since seeing his work pop up at Marvel and then Image. I think I started to enjoy his work even more when I noticed his work evolve drastically with his run on WildC.A.T.s. His work was the only reason I picked up that dreadful series to begin with. To be honest, he was the only guy who came out of that era (in my opinion) that seemed to go anywhere. As apparent also with the release of WildC.A.T.s and X-Men and the new WildC.A.T.s series (which he lasted a few issues on before 'disappearing.').

I definitely admired and respected his evolution as a comic book artist. You can tell he was pushing himself. Gone were his signature 'Jim Lee clone' look from his early career. Now it's Travis Charest's own signature. And, like any artist who garners some huge popularity, I see some Charest clones in some comics these days too.

That's why I kept with Mr. Charest's work. While you have all these other artists continually stuck as your 'Liefeld clones, your Silvestri clones (funny, because Mr. Silvestri has become a Lee clone himself now), and of course, the Jim Lee clones. Mr. Charest has moved on and established himself as his own entity. And that is difficult in an industry (like any industry) where everyone wants to be the guy or gal that is the most popular.

I love my comic books. I love the images being put out. What I love even more is when you see someone with their own distinct personality on the pages you hold in your hands. That's why I enjoy the works of such greats as your Charests, your Adam Hughes, your Michael Kalutas, your Mike Mignolas, your...you get the point!

Oh, yes! Spacegirl, Volume 1! If you can find a copy of it, you should make it a priority to pick it up! It's entertaining and enjoyable work from Mr. Charest! I've been wondering what he's been up to and to see this collection, it's clear what he's pouring blood, sweat and tears over for the past, oh, I don't know how many years! As for me, I'm in complete awe of what I have. I can't begin to express how impatient I am to wait for Volume 2!

If you're a fan of Mr. Charest as well, you know it's essential to your library! If you don't know where to get it, you can start here with the good folks at Stuart Ng books! They have a incredible selection of other amazing artists whom I am also in complete fanboy awe of!

http://www.stuartngbooks.com/

You can also view the next chapter of Spacegirl over at the Travis Charest groups at MSN!

http://groups.msn.com/TravisCharest/_whatsnew.msnw

As for me, my ass should be going back to the drawing board!

Updates...

Everything has been on the quiet side of late. Apologies to those of you who expect daily updates on my blog post. Things have gotten slighly busy outside of the series and I had to take a bit of time away from it. Rest assured, exclusive artwork will be posted soon to make up for the delay! Thanks!