tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-146745262024-03-07T04:16:34.318-05:00SIZE MATTERS: The Mini-Comics BlogShawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-27195074064883160472010-10-27T07:32:00.004-04:002011-02-16T15:00:04.433-05:00<b>Film Photography: Mat Brinkman Art at The Hole Gallery in Soho</b><br /><br />Thought SIZE MATTERS readers might dig these pics from the recently ended Mat Brinkman show at The Hole gallery here in NYC. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffi3OiWnmivO2eZgdGnvn98pqjXCAi5PQZ8qdRhBMmUAmqG0v3YOUBB8imZeasH57_fZxDiY4qP5N77_n22JBYA4M4luRzboxAV_S56fi3e_uEvb6fNVuYGFcGsWFVoHQFG7d/s1600/img171_AP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffi3OiWnmivO2eZgdGnvn98pqjXCAi5PQZ8qdRhBMmUAmqG0v3YOUBB8imZeasH57_fZxDiY4qP5N77_n22JBYA4M4luRzboxAV_S56fi3e_uEvb6fNVuYGFcGsWFVoHQFG7d/s400/img171_AP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532688007525381618" /></a> <a href=http://www.shawnhoke.com/2010/10/mat-brinkman-at-the-hole-gallery/><b>More pictures here.</b></a>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-86307724585982400152010-09-15T16:09:00.003-04:002011-02-16T14:59:34.250-05:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Film Photography: Yoshitomo Nara's White Ghost on Park Avenue in NYC</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ90eEfAwGL4xX_gdQIw4TZDtaNfOJrh7f8Z9tg1BzGG4qQYB0iGq-YnZhMj2PCh4AvdZU_afhNh93DqnmADTbWLRozxqRrf8USAtT5hDZbzwft1I6MZzYn1CG1joy7wnexnSj/s1600/WhiteGhostPureAwesomness+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ90eEfAwGL4xX_gdQIw4TZDtaNfOJrh7f8Z9tg1BzGG4qQYB0iGq-YnZhMj2PCh4AvdZU_afhNh93DqnmADTbWLRozxqRrf8USAtT5hDZbzwft1I6MZzYn1CG1joy7wnexnSj/s400/WhiteGhostPureAwesomness+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517234950109650882" /></a><br /><br />I know a lot of comics fans enjoy Nara's work, so here's a post of his awesome White Ghost statue on Park Avenue. There are actually two of these, one on 71st and one on 67th. Pretty cool. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.shawnhoke.com/2010/09/yoshitomo-naras-white-ghost-and-a-white-hello-kitty/">Yoshitomo Nara's White Ghost at Shawn Hoke Photography</a><br /><br />PS, hope everyone had fun at SPX.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-9398394711232110882010-01-09T21:27:00.002-05:002010-01-09T21:33:47.338-05:00Am loving this Poladroid software as I can't afford real Polaroid film. <br /><br />Fernet Branca Cocktail <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnhoke/4259655553/" title="Fernet Branca Cocktail by NYCShawn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4259655553_d2e6985d7c.jpg" width="411" height="500" alt="Fernet Branca Cocktail" /></a> <br /><br />Sunday Morning <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnhoke/4259655473/" title="Sunday Morning by NYCShawn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4259655473_620f835b43.jpg" width="411" height="500" alt="Sunday Morning" /></a><br /><br />Brooklyn Bridge <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnhoke/4257429696/" title="My love is a bridge by NYCShawn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4257429696_fd997e85cd.jpg" width="411" height="500" alt="My love is a bridge" /></a> <br /><br />Sign <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnhoke/4257732118/" title="Sign by NYCShawn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4257732118_101d4a366a.jpg" width="411" height="500" alt="Sign" /></a> <br /><br />Chloe Dog <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnhoke/4259407447/" title="Chloe by NYCShawn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4259407447_a0d72276d8.jpg" width="411" height="500" alt="Chloe" /></a>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-40130682778201616412009-11-06T15:50:00.006-05:002011-02-16T15:01:16.949-05:00Well it seems I've missed blogging a bit, since I started a <a href=http://shawnhoke.com/><b>website of film photography</b></a>, primarily of places and things here in NYC. I guess it's in my blood... Anyway, really been digging the cool comic shops here in New York. <br /><br /><a href=http://www.desertislandbrooklyn.com/><b>Desert Island</b></a> in Brooklyn just knocks my socks off and I love the front of it. This is a shot from <a href=http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantagraphics/2436976387/><b>Fantagraphics Flickr Page</b></a>. <br /><br />And of course <a href=http://rocketshipstore.blogspot.com/><b>Rocketship Comics</b></a>, right down the street from my <a href=http://charno4.com/><b>new favorite whiskey bar</b></a> is always a fine store to visit. <br /><br />Have to admit that I've been most impressed with <a href=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-NY/Bergen-Street-Comics/54926657157><b>Bergen Street Comics</b></a>, which is just a 15 minute walk from Rocketship. I love these guys. Their store is not what you normally expect from a comic shop. Inside it's all gorgeous wood and aesthetically pleasing. When Kate and I walked in the first time, she was like, "Wow, this doesn't even feel like a comic shop." She's right. It feels more like a well stocked independent book store that just happens to specialize in comics. And EVERY time I've been there, someone gets up from behind the counter, walks over to me, and politely asks, "Do you need any help finding something?" That's it. Pretty damn simple. I tell them no thanks, and they disappear like a ghost. Back to browsing... That's really nice. <br /><br />Over here in Manhattan, I haven't found as many new places. The new to me <a href=http://www.fpnyc.com/><b>Forbidden Planet in Union Square</b></a> is jam packed with good stuff and TONS of mini comics. That was a nice surprise. Plus it's really close to The Strand, which means I get loaded down with comic books and book books all on one subway trip. <br /><br />So, who knows. Maybe I'll get back to cranking this rusty old thing up. It's certainly been nice to get email and questions from people still about mini-comics. <br /><br />In the meantime, if you are intereseted in photos of the city, check me out over at <a href=http://shawnhoke2.blogspot.com/><b>Still Life</b></a>.<br /><br />Hope everyone is enjoying their fall. <br />ShawnShawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-13344326919882937072009-09-01T22:46:00.002-04:002009-09-01T22:51:35.439-04:00Contest Winner!<br /><br />Hey folks, thank you SO much for all the nice comments and emails. Your kind words really mean a lot to me. I've met a lot of great people through this blog and am lucky to have my life enriched by knowing many of you. <br /><br />Twenty-six people emailed to enter the contest for the box of comics and Kate picked the winning number. And the winner is... Sarah Morean. Congrats, Sarah! <br /><br />It's kind of cool, because Sarah review minis too over at <a href=http://thedailycrosshatch.com/author/smorean/><b>The Daily Crosshatch</b></a>. The box of mini-comics will be on it's way shortly. <br /><br />So long!Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-75520390434277130062009-08-18T18:32:00.012-04:002009-08-18T20:40:48.444-04:00<b>Hiatus and Contest</b><br />I'm sure this will come as no surprise as I haven't updated here since late June, but I'm going to take extended time away from posting reviews on SIZE MATTERS.<br /><br />Between work, exploring the city, and spending quality time with Kate, my life is embarrassingly full right now. Last year was one of those years, and I've been seriously re-evaluating things and what's important to me. I'm working on my own comic and spending a lot of time reading books and writing. <br /><br />I will keep SIZE MATTERS up as a resource. Maybe I'll revisit reviewing when winter hits and I'm not out running the streets. In the meantime, I'll probably post pages of my own stuff here when I feel like sharing. <br /><br />For all of you who are waiting on reviews, I'm sorry if I haven't got to your work. Luckily, there's a bunch of other reviewers who are much more dedicated to showing your stuff to the world. I started SIZE MATTERS on July 20th, 2005 when I noticed there wasn't sufficient coverage of minis. I'm so happy that has changed.<br /><br />For now, it's time to move on. I've got too many other things rattling around in my head to concentrate. I'll see most of you around. I'll keep abreast of what people are doing on Facebook and I'll still check out local shows and events. <br /><br />I'd like to thank everyone who has read the blog over the years. Thank you, thank you. I'm really glad I was able to share some of these amazing mini-comics with you. And thank you to everyone who sent in minis for review. I've always been impressed with the creativity and energy that I've discovered in your work. You guys and gals are awesome. <br /><br />Before I turn out the lights, here's a very quick look at some interesting stuff that I was hoping to review before I shut down. Please visit the links provided to find out more. <br /><br /><b><i>City Under Sand</i> and <i>Casual Sex</i></b> by <a href=http://myspace.com/beyerbewareproductions><b>David Beyer</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84lUWePGTLlqy1YFA9226R1mRfSt9v31gsFBIZaXJ7WoKm-ZgIKcruh1Oca-b-ecZW_GyS867w-UmcZ6isvsevRxYE_oR9iQt8EG2HSr6MtSD1lkO_NQQittqmI5mIuiVUtgj/s1600-h/BEYERCOVERS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84lUWePGTLlqy1YFA9226R1mRfSt9v31gsFBIZaXJ7WoKm-ZgIKcruh1Oca-b-ecZW_GyS867w-UmcZ6isvsevRxYE_oR9iQt8EG2HSr6MtSD1lkO_NQQittqmI5mIuiVUtgj/s400/BEYERCOVERS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463157482855282" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_drOqaZfxy-r-WQcWXEPTYqsepdYXZSO-u87Ctp-bVhjhOTATZS9BBi3AtKNOO8PijgfKa5HAeyQXrFN2pAgbSX_U4Aq58J97a0Sxzk2PzoSw0kkVFyTWvV_JHILkslj4TMqn/s1600-h/BeyerSand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_drOqaZfxy-r-WQcWXEPTYqsepdYXZSO-u87Ctp-bVhjhOTATZS9BBi3AtKNOO8PijgfKa5HAeyQXrFN2pAgbSX_U4Aq58J97a0Sxzk2PzoSw0kkVFyTWvV_JHILkslj4TMqn/s400/BeyerSand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463161209260514" /></a> <b><i>Nine Gallons</i></b> by <a href=http://www.thisiswhatconcernsme.com><b>Susie Cagle</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm27Q2HROOAIBlJ8Zd5LQyTyDdUBp-Oc_iXXZvneg71j2pq2_azkrWVorzR8aCThwKzTDs1aFDeEYc9oB8dQnU1cFyicUHGeT9dLF0qIp2dw7kPaCop7W88Eb82RxpFomnB-s/s1600-h/CagleCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm27Q2HROOAIBlJ8Zd5LQyTyDdUBp-Oc_iXXZvneg71j2pq2_azkrWVorzR8aCThwKzTDs1aFDeEYc9oB8dQnU1cFyicUHGeT9dLF0qIp2dw7kPaCop7W88Eb82RxpFomnB-s/s400/CagleCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463167908356354" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd8QYjGRn7Qe1nmTp19Sh5OYuTcWUMeSoN7KwDXcwKt7QPsBbG3DQTFwcHvEbf9xZsi09xpiWOuinUMhAv_bw6epCPra_-ozYmsptmdnChd2om52T-CY9l9Iah8OFPh52xmNm/s1600-h/CagleInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd8QYjGRn7Qe1nmTp19Sh5OYuTcWUMeSoN7KwDXcwKt7QPsBbG3DQTFwcHvEbf9xZsi09xpiWOuinUMhAv_bw6epCPra_-ozYmsptmdnChd2om52T-CY9l9Iah8OFPh52xmNm/s400/CagleInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463174340439426" /></a> <b><i>Big Un Visits the City</i></b> by <a href="mailto:bri_leo@msn.com"><b>Brian Leonard</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypFTMyzdiJ-x9k3IUEDtwF5cYEbpRGZJfNYm3lItqYpEQ30d46wyFs25FyDGrQ40tF26wLR87hTPW9UbHIJIpJ1WzVlLNA-ox9kq0thdEtz9-VTm9fAYYEjswom0t_7mvVOxO/s1600-h/LeonardCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypFTMyzdiJ-x9k3IUEDtwF5cYEbpRGZJfNYm3lItqYpEQ30d46wyFs25FyDGrQ40tF26wLR87hTPW9UbHIJIpJ1WzVlLNA-ox9kq0thdEtz9-VTm9fAYYEjswom0t_7mvVOxO/s400/LeonardCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463179995115874" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT63vuRNe1kitEiXn6okeStzGGcPlB_p-oWtX87m2_Kgf0qF88czlyIf4d_hBK9XUJa8i5Blv1SyDclnesZ6DW5JflwGUk2JXtO3r1C7cWGFMYINKwJg1WDiUDQMY6te1BLG17/s1600-h/LeonardInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT63vuRNe1kitEiXn6okeStzGGcPlB_p-oWtX87m2_Kgf0qF88czlyIf4d_hBK9XUJa8i5Blv1SyDclnesZ6DW5JflwGUk2JXtO3r1C7cWGFMYINKwJg1WDiUDQMY6te1BLG17/s400/LeonardInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463763174578146" /></a> <b><i>Nurse Nurse 3 and 4</i></b> by <a href=http://www.calicocomics.com><b>Katie Skelley</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10SvZt_cUjpUBl4aV11OoZ66KnrkJ-RX_cssjWvRbOJFZKjs03cbejn3c_QixN36aopWrW2kCK8okI9Rj9lSyGRXbrleHpfxjCXHvIvARurT41Npa4DyS5YZLJFqrsvcY7vR5/s1600-h/SkellyCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10SvZt_cUjpUBl4aV11OoZ66KnrkJ-RX_cssjWvRbOJFZKjs03cbejn3c_QixN36aopWrW2kCK8okI9Rj9lSyGRXbrleHpfxjCXHvIvARurT41Npa4DyS5YZLJFqrsvcY7vR5/s400/SkellyCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463770003579362" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEayUxCiK58RPGeZAMISJewQSw89C04oNSywD2krNk0_DFIxvFrUDvF5soq6Xqj9uL-PEaH1w4m4W7fY2Kz0vb994dyKu5Yxq2zMhr8PkDHduT3krRHTkImoJFq3S8aWqF20QN/s1600-h/SkellyInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEayUxCiK58RPGeZAMISJewQSw89C04oNSywD2krNk0_DFIxvFrUDvF5soq6Xqj9uL-PEaH1w4m4W7fY2Kz0vb994dyKu5Yxq2zMhr8PkDHduT3krRHTkImoJFq3S8aWqF20QN/s400/SkellyInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463777467457586" /></a> <b><i>Candy or Medicine Volume Six</i></b> by <a href=http://www.candyormedicine.com><b>Josh Blair, et al</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7mFfy0AzaEAEZC8I9_6sZrTlODMA2gpfyuV9eH2pbrTQcN08dCYYSLl3u3FhBFslVVOyWPrV14o43Bof9s7eIHZZmAQliUloesa9w-UriBoXPST6BVKW38k_hJ0Rp06jz7LU/s1600-h/BlairCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7mFfy0AzaEAEZC8I9_6sZrTlODMA2gpfyuV9eH2pbrTQcN08dCYYSLl3u3FhBFslVVOyWPrV14o43Bof9s7eIHZZmAQliUloesa9w-UriBoXPST6BVKW38k_hJ0Rp06jz7LU/s400/BlairCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463782309344274" /></a> Here's <i>Blobby</i> by Patrick Morgan <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hVndp6yWO4rHXzXZ-xPnAaig9NGSHt4E5lKQbWwbtSgtZEzWMqyUM7LucuhR2gbpq_PM69aG5dTevCK3PIkGwhBn6-67h8lsyzAeOjxlYR81XEP9_GBjJeMoLo7cohyCasqb/s1600-h/BlairBlobby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hVndp6yWO4rHXzXZ-xPnAaig9NGSHt4E5lKQbWwbtSgtZEzWMqyUM7LucuhR2gbpq_PM69aG5dTevCK3PIkGwhBn6-67h8lsyzAeOjxlYR81XEP9_GBjJeMoLo7cohyCasqb/s400/BlairBlobby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371463784426491794" /></a> <b><i>Sunward</i></b> by <a href=http://www.manateepower.com><b>Jason Viola</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA8qQ9U4ivqaUjQleINP6C_DOBwMW_-KeYeC6vlhgh-s8oIcyaGLNiORu2giGRhNEWFAjcW5eFy-VBZOlP4B5G2rQ-fAIYp5HFwRZFOnIUVFeKNxCnaEKSe2U9QpOreDbcso5/s1600-h/ViolaCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA8qQ9U4ivqaUjQleINP6C_DOBwMW_-KeYeC6vlhgh-s8oIcyaGLNiORu2giGRhNEWFAjcW5eFy-VBZOlP4B5G2rQ-fAIYp5HFwRZFOnIUVFeKNxCnaEKSe2U9QpOreDbcso5/s400/ViolaCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464700623171010" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCl16emRYaU6D_PHlt2iwaCVacG14svIzON06tUh9Svbx7Lu7NMO9yzyWISfYFqLfEi0LBSdglYKYxn4iOeX8b8tC5Xx6ex75TKkP5EJoTWXmDr2gLKMrXLsQuQWLo8VVyNyn/s1600-h/ViolaInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCl16emRYaU6D_PHlt2iwaCVacG14svIzON06tUh9Svbx7Lu7NMO9yzyWISfYFqLfEi0LBSdglYKYxn4iOeX8b8tC5Xx6ex75TKkP5EJoTWXmDr2gLKMrXLsQuQWLo8VVyNyn/s400/ViolaInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464708193042434" /></a> <b><i>The Moth or the Flame</i></b> by <a href=http://thursdaycitynews.blogspot.com><b>Joshua Ray Stephens</b></a> This is a gorgeous hardcover book. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CxMU4ENj-YywA7IEWF-IK7fPITn3AqyAqvodgNiAT_Fnp-0gpu0x6NxTPE3Kf-JGyc6zoJMDqFPXDe1ZM0D-4WZSrDfkZeIXLYpMPOh_s5M7TzDpomt1RJfzvGfFJt93oBJV/s1600-h/StephensCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CxMU4ENj-YywA7IEWF-IK7fPITn3AqyAqvodgNiAT_Fnp-0gpu0x6NxTPE3Kf-JGyc6zoJMDqFPXDe1ZM0D-4WZSrDfkZeIXLYpMPOh_s5M7TzDpomt1RJfzvGfFJt93oBJV/s400/StephensCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464713471328434" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhl7G1s5dv-BZK4dA01oTxGQbBt_gbMY9aTmWGHvjcyahT6d6WI2wrFCOhvZCo4FCDLo1uaEdBM3diTwW5Se2K9EtBKhUgC6y7h8nIut-o0ny2RmJO4NrGxLDXM3EoMEDImTg/s1600-h/StephensInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhl7G1s5dv-BZK4dA01oTxGQbBt_gbMY9aTmWGHvjcyahT6d6WI2wrFCOhvZCo4FCDLo1uaEdBM3diTwW5Se2K9EtBKhUgC6y7h8nIut-o0ny2RmJO4NrGxLDXM3EoMEDImTg/s400/StephensInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464721290043490" /></a> <b><i>Sam and Dan</i></b> by <a href=http://americanstronghold.blogspot.com><b>Jeff Lok</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj1aa3vlNmg4rLzsygu9k20ZeR7QsuCUiJinjdhnv-D327pXr4oEPVUztRQus5BGfo5ohSGQwqGAGrD7Zrz4Pqt0cEhCAqhhmCSx-87HxtwWEQEbbFCWmXnB3kTON-9OvLXKz/s1600-h/LokCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj1aa3vlNmg4rLzsygu9k20ZeR7QsuCUiJinjdhnv-D327pXr4oEPVUztRQus5BGfo5ohSGQwqGAGrD7Zrz4Pqt0cEhCAqhhmCSx-87HxtwWEQEbbFCWmXnB3kTON-9OvLXKz/s400/LokCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464732189395810" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7EvFaGUY9A3wjaIL9h_LEFFwbmE_wfRQEMwcLhx4CR1kfwtQ9UfgopReO5Qe95Uz7o22qXh8CsB5N8RwtptsiO0Dfke65IeAU7V8_sa_sE6kdonOEHKsaHUoDENhzIOiXaD3/s1600-h/LokInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7EvFaGUY9A3wjaIL9h_LEFFwbmE_wfRQEMwcLhx4CR1kfwtQ9UfgopReO5Qe95Uz7o22qXh8CsB5N8RwtptsiO0Dfke65IeAU7V8_sa_sE6kdonOEHKsaHUoDENhzIOiXaD3/s400/LokInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371465468604922898" /></a> <b><i>Exploding Head Man</i></b> by <a href=http://www.discretefunk.com/><b>Jason Overby</b></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fEGy6VALZG2qUJtX96JkN35XQ7896zgZGxBZS89LKleg1rZ-iyp6N1_h-h119b0Gnhdfu3oTNfaW33ACfmzofUB2oiG9vlbko1_xKCEF1qE-23Tw6EeFHRR9Jj8ec_qyW7WI/s1600-h/OverbyInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fEGy6VALZG2qUJtX96JkN35XQ7896zgZGxBZS89LKleg1rZ-iyp6N1_h-h119b0Gnhdfu3oTNfaW33ACfmzofUB2oiG9vlbko1_xKCEF1qE-23Tw6EeFHRR9Jj8ec_qyW7WI/s400/OverbyInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371465482942612242" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FnnOWHpDZPyqxo8_o_YOOE-S-q3OxcDnA7augvoB6y4cCDg-leKQBdycjPgIpnptwEHIxJSP39uWvt9Gzg7bPkxhjoCC85cVNWn_i_Y8l11N2X3XHP8mUFZfamtlmaaD8JUq/s1600-h/OverbyCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FnnOWHpDZPyqxo8_o_YOOE-S-q3OxcDnA7augvoB6y4cCDg-leKQBdycjPgIpnptwEHIxJSP39uWvt9Gzg7bPkxhjoCC85cVNWn_i_Y8l11N2X3XHP8mUFZfamtlmaaD8JUq/s400/OverbyCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371465474624391298" /></a> Look at this beautiful envelope from Jason. I'm gonna miss that kind of shit. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusWB7cFahaFUw8RmJG40XH_OLahvC63G33yXQeAJyaURFc-kyFElCqSLS2GcktHLZG-xOVmr79zwyIo3SaDRB17xjrqTfS2j1JD08coWltdW_Fs8nN7VeiBOCtC3p6lI0s5dz/s1600-h/OverbyEnvelope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusWB7cFahaFUw8RmJG40XH_OLahvC63G33yXQeAJyaURFc-kyFElCqSLS2GcktHLZG-xOVmr79zwyIo3SaDRB17xjrqTfS2j1JD08coWltdW_Fs8nN7VeiBOCtC3p6lI0s5dz/s400/OverbyEnvelope.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371465489286787842" /></a> And one last thing - I have a huge box of mini-comics sitting in a sub 500 square foot apartment. I need to get rid of these beautiful little things. So, if you want a big box full of mini-comics (probably about 100 minis I would guess), drop me an email titled "I want that box of mini-comics!" <br /><br />I'll have Kate pick a random number between 1 and the number of emails received between now and August 31st. The corresponding email response that matches the random number will win the comics and I'll ship them out to you. <br /><br />I'll see you around. <br />ShawnShawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-15438258712653259642009-06-25T17:22:00.006-04:002009-06-26T18:39:59.248-04:00<b><i>Up a Blind Alley</i> and <i>Paunch</i> by Scott Smith</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EY98bizGCxmwO3gtC5uR2lWIUmLXo8SGKXRTbUM4IGYfwJyxi4X8JXzG3cU2h2QQHINEU1Eh2FGS0JFkM314nLbGsKNPSZAOp4VqoPY-APIlPnBbt4hOSFDYVyAGIgTcRTBk/s1600-h/SmithCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EY98bizGCxmwO3gtC5uR2lWIUmLXo8SGKXRTbUM4IGYfwJyxi4X8JXzG3cU2h2QQHINEU1Eh2FGS0JFkM314nLbGsKNPSZAOp4VqoPY-APIlPnBbt4hOSFDYVyAGIgTcRTBk/s400/SmithCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351379291544614114" /></a> Scott Smith's <i>Up A Blind Alley</i>, subtitled "When did I get to be so boring," entertains with its deadpan humor and laconic pace. Scott's art is rather stiff, but it works well in this mini-comic. For instance, there's a panel to panel transition that has Scott talking to a girl at a boring party. It's one of those situations where he doesn't know anyone and feels awkward. In the first panel as the girl faces him, he starts to say something about teaching. Rather abruptly in the next panel, the girl's head is turned away from him. His thought bubble says, "Fair enough." The stiffness of Scott's art adds to the feeling that one might get at such an event. <br /><br />The stories in the 36-page <i>Up A Blind Alley</i> meander into each other kind of like life unfolds. Before you know it, Scott slips off to a local pub and runs into this: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAB69S4y9FNjYacMHkJ5OKIIsf_Sl96nipHDVn_w7-2i6RNoCYo4fc1ceI-_rj4DgsbfyVADgq-AiQHyJ8zFQ75cB_S9sJPIaOrcwH6FXyp4KiJQB05KpLDcjHaFVRO4xII7d/s1600-h/SmithInterior1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAB69S4y9FNjYacMHkJ5OKIIsf_Sl96nipHDVn_w7-2i6RNoCYo4fc1ceI-_rj4DgsbfyVADgq-AiQHyJ8zFQ75cB_S9sJPIaOrcwH6FXyp4KiJQB05KpLDcjHaFVRO4xII7d/s400/SmithInterior1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351379295226992802" /></a> I enjoyed Scott's work here. It's slice of life, autobiographical stuff that most of us can easily relate to. He records awkward moments that revolve around the unpredictability of our fellow travelers. <br /><br />The pages of <i>Blind Alley</i> are cream colored and Scott uses some nice shading to give his art some depth. This one has a nice, deep black cover with a hand colored figure of the artist walking in a blind alley, scratching his head. It's a good juxtaposition with the content inside. <br /><br />In Scott's fourth and latest issue of <i>Paunch</i> he steps out from the autobiographical and into more straightforward storytelling. Three of the four stories ("Cat in a Bag," "Forbes Thorpe in... Speed Date," and "Charlie Cymric: Part Four") are character pieces about a creepy old guy, a creepy younger guy, and a guy recently out of prison. In the fourth piece, Scott gets back to Scott's observations on things that bug him - some game show hosts, sunglasses worn inside, bed head, drinking tea just to be cool. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0ixSAITxvhZefBUAV7PVC-r4_OBluyaDBraUrN3lqzkgYkz8ipNN4XiAZW6Y0cHwCvXyI0jJbHDQkstq2xSF6lXlRGcBfdiwaw6aX7w-VWSd-GgA3eLMZBpCzSPxPcOdoD3T/s1600-h/SmithInteriorPaunch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0ixSAITxvhZefBUAV7PVC-r4_OBluyaDBraUrN3lqzkgYkz8ipNN4XiAZW6Y0cHwCvXyI0jJbHDQkstq2xSF6lXlRGcBfdiwaw6aX7w-VWSd-GgA3eLMZBpCzSPxPcOdoD3T/s400/SmithInteriorPaunch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351379296930914498" /></a><br />You can check out more of Scott's stuff at <a href=http://scottjasonsmith.blogspot.com/><b>his blog</b></a>. I'm sorry I don't see a price for these, but if you <a mailto:scottjasonsmith@yahoo.co.uk>email Scott</a>, I'm sure he can give ou the scoop. One last thing, I liked this little "Thank You" page: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFxpDp-HT3irw9SxNYK-XbXtXgDtLvGZ0tkJDLEoEmpvWsn3bEsTTpo_KHW8Smm0HI49Yz11gWJfRo1gKOfrtURdH9nXfseF0UfWqhnKtAopQ-jKdGVLIL7sBo9ugGOXiiixI/s1600-h/SmithThanks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFxpDp-HT3irw9SxNYK-XbXtXgDtLvGZ0tkJDLEoEmpvWsn3bEsTTpo_KHW8Smm0HI49Yz11gWJfRo1gKOfrtURdH9nXfseF0UfWqhnKtAopQ-jKdGVLIL7sBo9ugGOXiiixI/s400/SmithThanks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351379303773432034" /></a>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-46812480083841618822009-06-23T22:22:00.001-04:002009-06-24T22:08:14.688-04:00<b><i>Yearbooks</i> by Nicholas Breutzman, Shaun Feltz, and Raighne Hogan</b> Flipping the mailing envelope of an ordinary SIZE MATTERS package revealed this: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMho-tQgHaR2eHE3HOASM7_Dkwz-lLnhuASmH2qRACoamPLsFhyphenhyphenfqNiK3KudfyBVADGf-lbI3KaCH7jF6v9Uo5ic9qu1yeKNRB0ywGaEkOIx-V5MJ1JosJ7UXFLLY8atBNlAQ/s1600-h/YearbookEnvelope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMho-tQgHaR2eHE3HOASM7_Dkwz-lLnhuASmH2qRACoamPLsFhyphenhyphenfqNiK3KudfyBVADGf-lbI3KaCH7jF6v9Uo5ic9qu1yeKNRB0ywGaEkOIx-V5MJ1JosJ7UXFLLY8atBNlAQ/s400/YearbookEnvelope.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350714442519411378" /></a> Inside <i>Yearbooks</i>, these very panels show up in a dream sequence, as main character Ryan dreams that a teacher, pushed by the emotions of the children's intense art, goes batshit insane on the kids in a classroom. <i>Yearbooks</i> is written by Nicholas Breutzman and Shaun Feltz, Nicholas handles the art, and Raighne Hogan adds the colors. It's a joint effort for sure, but it flows in a natural manner from start to finish. The story, from creepy dream sequence to almost apocalyptic ending, perfectly captures the creepiness and angst of high school, and Nicholas' art only adds to the effect. He does a fantastic job of capturing emotion in the character's faces, especially the creepy, blank stare of the bespectacled art teacher. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ttu5MUqGIS1mpbhgcWOUMv9aiCDksd9Pd23uRlVMKwkkUwYKbbcQ9EJ2QjxhOJlkQTulo6gGZHFb7w0tQ_jJLWqnfNvFQ1btS8Wu2dSsQYaXdAXGuJPba8XW5iCR8H4TnFvh/s1600-h/YEarbooksCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ttu5MUqGIS1mpbhgcWOUMv9aiCDksd9Pd23uRlVMKwkkUwYKbbcQ9EJ2QjxhOJlkQTulo6gGZHFb7w0tQ_jJLWqnfNvFQ1btS8Wu2dSsQYaXdAXGuJPba8XW5iCR8H4TnFvh/s400/YEarbooksCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350714438814699426" /></a> When you look at this whole package, what really makes this project crackle with energy is the vibrancy of Raighne Hogan's colors. The red of Ryan's hair, the mostly green background, and the bright pink skin tones give the pages an extra pop. The subtly shifting panel layouts keep things lively as well. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CPYBKx-EZcL2vyUUPWCp74vaWN7BlpBRU23piB1UsOOKkZT95VXvrRhBsIeGtYWu06vemYTZR012hUbNpHaAHt6L5MKgRyXgB7udYbxnjoytTZ9OSp0Oa6Jv9OgCKTnuPOLW/s1600-h/YBInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CPYBKx-EZcL2vyUUPWCp74vaWN7BlpBRU23piB1UsOOKkZT95VXvrRhBsIeGtYWu06vemYTZR012hUbNpHaAHt6L5MKgRyXgB7udYbxnjoytTZ9OSp0Oa6Jv9OgCKTnuPOLW/s400/YBInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350714431559969938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2jpG8KhOfbiIQV-RQ_vRDpDMG4IMaDp7qRso6Ub3vfLUAntiY_NuDZuK3Mgvn6H_BKogyO5u4MfR2YGKETVAICRTeGORgzTM7mDRjLd5OAxZHRNc3vQI3YHkEQ9qKHdICQ-P/s1600-h/YBInterior2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2jpG8KhOfbiIQV-RQ_vRDpDMG4IMaDp7qRso6Ub3vfLUAntiY_NuDZuK3Mgvn6H_BKogyO5u4MfR2YGKETVAICRTeGORgzTM7mDRjLd5OAxZHRNc3vQI3YHkEQ9qKHdICQ-P/s400/YBInterior2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350714423620112434" /></a> The voyage that Ryan takes as he gets to know more about his art teacher resonates with that slightly off kilter vibe that marks our high school years. Everything seems a little more charged and mysterious. This is very captivating cartooning in a sleek and seductive package. It's only 40 pages for $13, but the over-sized (11"x8") landscape orientation packs in a lot of material. <br /><br />Get your own copy at the <a href=http://2dcloudstore.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4371122><b>2D Cloud website</b></a>.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-31742667374913465652009-06-21T21:24:00.008-04:002009-06-21T22:30:56.528-04:00<b>Jim8Ball's <i>Carnival of Comics</i></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YFkIj10P20ODoIamqTG3RGQ3c9TgTBknbHna72E8Al57eHmLW6L-3zrXxEqiGzgiAX_aP_cote2raHYHdHGUI_Lu_99_HUyNKaFEDGeOid9ymHAlVV-ve7myr7VKNOwjb0Yk/s1600-h/DSCF2003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YFkIj10P20ODoIamqTG3RGQ3c9TgTBknbHna72E8Al57eHmLW6L-3zrXxEqiGzgiAX_aP_cote2raHYHdHGUI_Lu_99_HUyNKaFEDGeOid9ymHAlVV-ve7myr7VKNOwjb0Yk/s400/DSCF2003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349957408305936466" /></a> This could be the best deal in mini-comics: 25 black and white minis with color covers packed into a circus-inspired box for $20. Feast your eyes on this: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwjiK9vv6ZhBuu2oKuggGXtU9AVD9XPqwPIraHcpZsgS9mDW8xwCeWNinIbme1MfY36nTMMZidAZiBWmC5fO8o7Jgc6wfyPKT5wN0AN_WgYynC5x-NGgAJ4btUZBFANBUSnPf/s1600-h/DSCF2004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwjiK9vv6ZhBuu2oKuggGXtU9AVD9XPqwPIraHcpZsgS9mDW8xwCeWNinIbme1MfY36nTMMZidAZiBWmC5fO8o7Jgc6wfyPKT5wN0AN_WgYynC5x-NGgAJ4btUZBFANBUSnPf/s400/DSCF2004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349957396907124770" /></a> I sat down and opened this box of minis from Jim Coon over the weekend, expecting to find a handful of good minis and a pile of stinkers. No such luck. I smirked and laughed my way through almost all of them, except for a three issue series called <i>Super Soap</i> that just didn't do it for me. <br /><br />Jim's art is professional and deadly consistent. He's been making his own comics since the Reagan administration, so the consistency is understandable. But it's still nice to see that each of these minis are so solid. Most of them are quarter page format, with a few eighth of a page size ones thrown in. I started with the smaller format and a couple of them were my favorites - <i>It Came From the Sea</i> and <i>Robot vs. Alien</i>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizq5fTeA7UPJKgWIl989PJkj44DzCLimZ6UIwe3jWhPmpC6OC9ZhsoPIMrhTedOIWf3fA2UViWNNszPSNPl6D5w_kVbEgTmFeEY5_STSJMNaR39cshic3ic86-kLyt63TBFyJ/s1600-h/MonsterCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizq5fTeA7UPJKgWIl989PJkj44DzCLimZ6UIwe3jWhPmpC6OC9ZhsoPIMrhTedOIWf3fA2UViWNNszPSNPl6D5w_kVbEgTmFeEY5_STSJMNaR39cshic3ic86-kLyt63TBFyJ/s400/MonsterCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965617446192322" /></a>Both of these 16-pagers are heavily indebted to the monster movies that Jim and I probably both grew up watching and both feature single panel per page layouts with captions telling the story. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX5z21jJfv7R86nzzXFED8-6qXeah81gRGODrTB6aF5d9YvH_od1vWVOliVwksp1qr3J8IA7tDwpzZczALtZD2dFX3o6nss-CNyXCOK9UtVTHoY9mA0ltfGxcVR_texI_iGqq/s1600-h/MvsAInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX5z21jJfv7R86nzzXFED8-6qXeah81gRGODrTB6aF5d9YvH_od1vWVOliVwksp1qr3J8IA7tDwpzZczALtZD2dFX3o6nss-CNyXCOK9UtVTHoY9mA0ltfGxcVR_texI_iGqq/s400/MvsAInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965626930792738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHa8d9gylK3s_oWWwcY2nQkzd7b02xppFdJiXt18S6DSp7UUVtdUUhwS2R8N3OBF8aNKNk_4vnkY7cLoVOn-taH7T1Cw40Ixa6UNuzS4ORoSc1-8pJpIWb9O5x7_Mbx_Uai_v/s1600-h/SMvsPoisonInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHa8d9gylK3s_oWWwcY2nQkzd7b02xppFdJiXt18S6DSp7UUVtdUUhwS2R8N3OBF8aNKNk_4vnkY7cLoVOn-taH7T1Cw40Ixa6UNuzS4ORoSc1-8pJpIWb9O5x7_Mbx_Uai_v/s400/SMvsPoisonInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965623912350786" /></a> I also really enjoyed the five-issue series <i>Tail of the Tomcat Samurai</i>. This felt a bit like Stan Sakai's awesome <i>Usagi Yojimbo</i> series, but Jim's tongue is a little firmer in cheek than Stan's. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ1Y0LrSDsPXSwpqyK-Woy7y0bIBcIWk8g9S0OmmQ8yxjf9LSXPcp-WyZlaZK1XlxyD2dc2jpre2Elt2ZOt70DGGHoceuXOf3kSladfFrIKaTIQVGZ9REYr50L2r18GGd7Wrb/s1600-h/SamuraiCatInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ1Y0LrSDsPXSwpqyK-Woy7y0bIBcIWk8g9S0OmmQ8yxjf9LSXPcp-WyZlaZK1XlxyD2dc2jpre2Elt2ZOt70DGGHoceuXOf3kSladfFrIKaTIQVGZ9REYr50L2r18GGd7Wrb/s400/SamuraiCatInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349967679581626658" /></a> Each issue has a "to be continued" drop that makes you wonder what's about to happen next. Issue two has a particularly heinous surprise for Meowki San aka the TomCat Samurai. These eight-page minis are packed with shifting panel structures and an abnormal amount of action. <br /><br /><i>Lola and the Spaceman</i> is probably the simplest of these minis, but it's also one of the best. A spaceman lands on Lola's planet and the two of them fall in love. Unfortunately spaceman's oxygen tank is limited. Poor Lola just wants to help her new love, but sometimes love hurts... This one is wordless, but Jim does a great job of showing the two character's emotions as the story unfolds. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsILGdWzcVyeEvGBkOSn6HrUo1aiQvlgQ24lpxkVeVZqEFQyGvffj9H7xzDafCleCoZw8pbpfX64ajChqhbdN0Knu-4VLFP7UY5nDFL1BuzWWRrs_SgknWMfyD1htDUtzwVXnx/s1600-h/LolaInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsILGdWzcVyeEvGBkOSn6HrUo1aiQvlgQ24lpxkVeVZqEFQyGvffj9H7xzDafCleCoZw8pbpfX64ajChqhbdN0Knu-4VLFP7UY5nDFL1BuzWWRrs_SgknWMfyD1htDUtzwVXnx/s400/LolaInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349969377152200146" /></a> Get more information at Jim's <a href=http://www.lastdollarcomics.blogspot.com><b>blog</b></a>. He has multiple deals on <a href=http://lastdollarcomicslistings.blogspot.com/><b>this page</b></a>, including a slightly risque <a href=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrpuAk5Yywtz3kTZ5mQRwljjUid3-zjfuEaIc0161PD1MOssyF2z2LZb82o0sSOvNFc28dgCcjMUAQANuoNQbIoY73qREWtLTCQFSvVX8eEp32C8Z265V_M6gQqKpqS9Jb0XcFA/s1600-h/HFB3.jpg><b>mature audience pack</b></a>. I would suggest the <a href=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxQIen369feH8zKD1V5aDx8HBiDq9qMUuIeEpSt_8zNOqS1uqZ0D45VuTva4GG-MxQQQAIdd-gWiPiL_gRGMCqPkDiFLon8gkkovXkn1tJEyxngX1BLcDqmYf5BofjlHl-_bEPw/s1600-h/ROBOT+4+PACK.jpg><b>Robot and Monster Pack</b></a> for $4 for starters. You can buy individual comics or any combination at his <a href=http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=4924><b>Etsy store</b></a>.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-71692870152825070002009-06-18T16:27:00.003-04:002009-06-18T21:26:31.871-04:00<b><i>Lost Kisses</i> and <i>Worms</i> by Brian John Mitchell</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyf_NcbJyeCLy4A6PnID6XIGToZAZYJSCimxZtUhkgKqNd6qu1NIX5WiQSp-wHMi25XhGueC7Ctvv01zqF58xDzd-q4zRMBaXgpeIux9fKFUVgtgQ2_sxAtQCIMZShB_UFCMB/s1600-h/BJMCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyf_NcbJyeCLy4A6PnID6XIGToZAZYJSCimxZtUhkgKqNd6qu1NIX5WiQSp-wHMi25XhGueC7Ctvv01zqF58xDzd-q4zRMBaXgpeIux9fKFUVgtgQ2_sxAtQCIMZShB_UFCMB/s400/BJMCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348767235065176114" /></a> These minuscule mini-comics are adorably sized. The cute factor ends there, however. Inside it’s sci-fi dread and hard-core issues of hate, guilt, and anger. <br /><br />I love that each mini is barely larger than a postage stamp. And it’s also nice that they come in snug, clear plastic sleeves. Brian gets an A for packaging. Inside things don’t go so well. The two issues of <i>Lost Kisses</i> deal with a stick figure character’s feelings about an ex-girlfriend. Over two disturbing issues, the guy finds that he may or may not have indirectly led to his ex’s house being broken into, which leads to her being beaten into a coma. <br /><br />Over 40-single panel pages, the main character talks to the reader in word balloons; underneath Brian types captions that usually telegraph the action above, but sometimes lead you in a different direction. It’s a bit disconcerting at times. For instance, at some point in issue 8 the ex goes from being in a coma to actually being dead. After rereading, I couldn’t figure out where it happened, where she went from coma to dead, but it did happen. I think. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d3VoUZADYbrZptLdQW63OhWcZ3I_7RQc50w7JQLRo5vQO9IZ2cD0DuPJoJLVctlCsYfyG0GkVs2fFgDZnZWMGiR3r6mWdUZyzeDLEAMsA_jYLvR2pXYqdnP3bGBJeLWEDs0H/s1600-h/LKInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d3VoUZADYbrZptLdQW63OhWcZ3I_7RQc50w7JQLRo5vQO9IZ2cD0DuPJoJLVctlCsYfyG0GkVs2fFgDZnZWMGiR3r6mWdUZyzeDLEAMsA_jYLvR2pXYqdnP3bGBJeLWEDs0H/s400/LKInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348767235415703682" /></a> Brian’s art in <i>Lost Kisses</i> is stick figure drawings with minimal props and no background. It’s serviceable to the story, but unfortunately as flat and lifeless as the computer font in the captions.<br /><br /><i>Worms</i>, with artwork by Kimberlee Traub, is physically similar to <i>Lost Kisses</i>. The panels are one per page and the mini-comic is tiny. The art is livelier, but still very basic. Her line is thicker and her drawings are more varied. <i>Worms</i> is the third part of a tense story where a girl wakes up in an ICU with an IV bag full of worms. The captions totally mimic the action drawn above, which gets tedious, but the story does grab you and move along quite nicely. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJOKI976VY12dSr4yF8CYcIkqpmN9JMggLf_lqsM7ELxksgb_tTJMhARrcFfHzNdVox8_NJxeh4eGyKj4iOQfQF5ITQzE55cS1Um14qIJ97TRG8K5rvlqh1KUADmb4Vgo9m_7/s1600-h/WormsInside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJOKI976VY12dSr4yF8CYcIkqpmN9JMggLf_lqsM7ELxksgb_tTJMhARrcFfHzNdVox8_NJxeh4eGyKj4iOQfQF5ITQzE55cS1Um14qIJ97TRG8K5rvlqh1KUADmb4Vgo9m_7/s400/WormsInside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348767231415456210" /></a> You can check out more on Brian's minis at his <a href=http://www.silbermedia.com/lostkisses/><b>SilberMedia website</b></a>. Issues one through four are just $1 each, not sure about these two issues, but give Brian a shout on his website and he can give you the scoop.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-54577910180910266662009-06-15T20:58:00.004-04:002009-06-15T21:32:25.692-04:00<b><i>Urgent Telex</i> by Hurk</b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD-WGItakmTp7xdJ4RQzjHLobt_rip_0sFJjrKGqI19HJF7Jt3HwnyYICblcfRiw1R3IGqIg44ZdFglnQsTrhyBIp3SGBGKZdRKBqJ5h2OV7aaoUX8gnGAZpMrQjAINf3OaZa/s1600-h/UrgentTelex.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD-WGItakmTp7xdJ4RQzjHLobt_rip_0sFJjrKGqI19HJF7Jt3HwnyYICblcfRiw1R3IGqIg44ZdFglnQsTrhyBIp3SGBGKZdRKBqJ5h2OV7aaoUX8gnGAZpMrQjAINf3OaZa/s400/UrgentTelex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347724220611829746" /></a> Hurk's, er <i>Lord</i> Hurk's 44-page mini-comic <i>Urgent Telex</i> is a handsomely outfitted comic with screen printed covers and cool graph paper endpapers. Inside you'll find three stories and a few one page pinups. The best story is the creepy and colorful, "Glass Chops." A redneck type fellow sends his teeth off to hunt some pigs in the forest, but the teeth, who have morphed into little sentient creatures, find out that the pigs might be one step ahead. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1LYkYPXtngGYjfHQ6Qdjyop9-7o3OYNDhD0KPYED3eHS7sZHghVwOTUUt5jQm-bUAVpQkviilXJcESiUw01IK6g_X8c0X0dPFz1JgNvQoifRe0U6uBG2YlvaAYWOBOQwgFMp/s1600-h/TelexPigs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1LYkYPXtngGYjfHQ6Qdjyop9-7o3OYNDhD0KPYED3eHS7sZHghVwOTUUt5jQm-bUAVpQkviilXJcESiUw01IK6g_X8c0X0dPFz1JgNvQoifRe0U6uBG2YlvaAYWOBOQwgFMp/s400/TelexPigs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347724215974520338" /></a> The longest story, "Bozak the Space Dictator," is less engaging (maybe after the technicolor glory of "Glass Chops" it couldn't be helped) but gets points for effectively lampooning our chimp of a an ex-president George Bush . <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DQY6xRTmy-jNt17L7VWD3JODQ7y5YkHt3Lev-AHakPWOxa_BVIY58G_791uCKlYdpp-F4iTkB5sPAiriWSSSfhYEj-MX55Gnw4vc9s2qY8OB0kapS8WirOFLk0NHO8e7WwUh/s1600-h/TelexInteriorLeader.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DQY6xRTmy-jNt17L7VWD3JODQ7y5YkHt3Lev-AHakPWOxa_BVIY58G_791uCKlYdpp-F4iTkB5sPAiriWSSSfhYEj-MX55Gnw4vc9s2qY8OB0kapS8WirOFLk0NHO8e7WwUh/s400/TelexInteriorLeader.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347724211304997538" /></a> Hurk's art is expressive and fun. Often it brings to mind some of the better work in the now defunct <i>Nickelodeon Magazine</i>. I especially enjoy the use of the benday dots in his backgrounds. <br /><br />Hopefully, copies will be still be available a Hurk sent this in for review ages ago. Check his <a href=http://lordhurk.blogspot.com/><b>blog</b></a>, <a href=http://www.lordhurk.com/page2.htm><b>website</b></a>, and he's even got an <a href=http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5621575><b>Etsy shop</b></a>. Definitely check out <a href=http://lordhurk.blogspot.com/2009/06/odd-hour-presents-part-1.html><b>these posts</b></a> on his blog of his latest work, <i>The Odd Hour Presents</i>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wta-3syVpIOr0fERwmxcNPizvIT58nm4-49jpria3JZ2EiCYu5nKi-cnEBUQG43hY_5ZC-VnHVIjSI_uAmUwA4cNob_ry-CJJxNCFXMRxeuia7TEuklIsV5qf02srIOsbTSo/s1600-h/egg4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wta-3syVpIOr0fERwmxcNPizvIT58nm4-49jpria3JZ2EiCYu5nKi-cnEBUQG43hY_5ZC-VnHVIjSI_uAmUwA4cNob_ry-CJJxNCFXMRxeuia7TEuklIsV5qf02srIOsbTSo/s400/egg4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347731426280910386" /></a>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-69227000364394123092009-06-11T19:13:00.018-04:002009-06-11T21:04:28.761-04:00<b>MoCCA Continued</b><br />My apologies to everyone at MoCCA who I didn't get around to visiting. I've heard from several people who saw me pass by their table - pass by being the operative word - and I feel kind of bad about that. For some reason I didn't pick up a map of tables and it took me a few laps to orient myself. I did stop and talk to several people, but despite my best intentions I didn't make it back for my final round after the Panter/Santoro panel. For instance I really wanted to talk to <a href=http://www.calicocomics.com/><b>Katie Skelly</b></a> some more about <i>Nurse, Nurse</i> but never made it back to her table. I saw <a href=http://www.marekbennett.com/><b>Marek Bennet</b></a> talking to someone and made a mental note to go back, and then never made it back. <br /><br />MoCCA wasn't a total loss though, I got to talk to several people and pick up some great books. For starters, I ran into <a href=http://www.carlistheawesome.com/><b>Marcos Perez</b></a> and <a href=http://earthminds.blogspot.com/><b>Justin Fox</b></a>, two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I have a handful of their comics for upcoming reviews and it's been awhile since I've checked out their stuff. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC5deNziiTwjKYV9T2K5QvmCzzgPcuqu_gUYI4hDIYEKbBnVb22zLcG8Eutmk2aE9gRI9qvELJHyzdBEKR9aMjvIWP81Notyy08SQkq_hJi3grKl5w6GT-GnSKFJPrBguxKpZ/s1600-h/DSCF0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC5deNziiTwjKYV9T2K5QvmCzzgPcuqu_gUYI4hDIYEKbBnVb22zLcG8Eutmk2aE9gRI9qvELJHyzdBEKR9aMjvIWP81Notyy08SQkq_hJi3grKl5w6GT-GnSKFJPrBguxKpZ/s400/DSCF0015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346223451641250162" /></a> Also got sucked into the Partyka table. <a href=http://www.schemingbehemoth.com/paping/><b>John Meijas</b></a> had this amazing book with huge, painted wood covers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiZzQsSjtFcCU8ZNViw5VxMoolfwkf4VHYJIKZt_8NOok8RC1UcB795t8uHCcgZpNkyYvL0dXLz_OkchtbPhNQnuPmR90nI2KiYXAI0g7xMP74NX6pC8Z46WPpSg84j2qliuf/s1600-h/DSCF0018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiZzQsSjtFcCU8ZNViw5VxMoolfwkf4VHYJIKZt_8NOok8RC1UcB795t8uHCcgZpNkyYvL0dXLz_OkchtbPhNQnuPmR90nI2KiYXAI0g7xMP74NX6pC8Z46WPpSg84j2qliuf/s400/DSCF0018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346224737144407906" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dIAj52bD5mn9YBk0C9eo3tX7j8bRIEEVLzT1zrePjl7KaEsFiHbr6kRnnIwom9UGupR3aiVHUb5t0ai5Lh6ajuAbZY0y8yLNliVUeMxOmM2c3V6OmCJgCWI1tEbQTMw3WD4F/s1600-h/DSCF0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dIAj52bD5mn9YBk0C9eo3tX7j8bRIEEVLzT1zrePjl7KaEsFiHbr6kRnnIwom9UGupR3aiVHUb5t0ai5Lh6ajuAbZY0y8yLNliVUeMxOmM2c3V6OmCJgCWI1tEbQTMw3WD4F/s400/DSCF0019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346224740267069890" /></a>Inside was just too good to be true. When I asked him the price, he sheepishly said it was $100. I didn't get a copy there, but John says they are available at <a href=http://www.desertislandbrooklyn.com/><b>Desert Island</b></a>, which I REALLY need to visit, and <a href=http://www.stmarksbookshop.com/><b>St. Mark's Books</b></a>, which I did pop into on the way to <b>Angel's Share</b> cocktail bar on Sunday night. <br /><br />Talked to John and Shawn Cheng for a bit and bought a couple comics that I hadn't had a chance to see. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AV1-6lmaVZ106-JWvljffAmc2yQcJWZ6EfYGeumq1PU-c3LPYXYx6CVlWCrZGjV8v9WKwDevqIj6jcZsCYAYAP5mX429DVLb_t_CkIM2hJqD4HhV-wxwe-HEKhxbvlZe-RC3/s1600-h/DSCF0020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AV1-6lmaVZ106-JWvljffAmc2yQcJWZ6EfYGeumq1PU-c3LPYXYx6CVlWCrZGjV8v9WKwDevqIj6jcZsCYAYAP5mX429DVLb_t_CkIM2hJqD4HhV-wxwe-HEKhxbvlZe-RC3/s400/DSCF0020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346225634220615282" /></a> I really loved the self explanatory Matt Wiegle's <a href=><b>Monsters & Condiments</b></a> and Shawn's <a href=><b>Whiskey Jack & Kid Coyote Meet the King of Stink</b></a>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIPXgdCrSPZHPliacpuZpzLgeRwEegl7lMkNzbFC3mCOznH3IljaTx-eEWPdKHSbWj0C4pdQiHtzHg9VWbhJNTgc_MyqOYvlmZ5I2iOQYyI1MsOXQVikHCxU811UZX-UujfVh/s1600-h/WiegleCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIPXgdCrSPZHPliacpuZpzLgeRwEegl7lMkNzbFC3mCOznH3IljaTx-eEWPdKHSbWj0C4pdQiHtzHg9VWbhJNTgc_MyqOYvlmZ5I2iOQYyI1MsOXQVikHCxU811UZX-UujfVh/s400/WiegleCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346226387709538066" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgdKjQ9REGOTaXjcrqJRTia1uSAZEsq7a2GSXNH9x_dnoIv0u7geQfy5ujfTzd2HBDuHU33o0y8_Jqeb-uTGrqZsWq7Z8QyQE76Ajl4aEdG6mLDaCbsX-RTLxU77i_VkaUbF-/s1600-h/WiegleDwarves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgdKjQ9REGOTaXjcrqJRTia1uSAZEsq7a2GSXNH9x_dnoIv0u7geQfy5ujfTzd2HBDuHU33o0y8_Jqeb-uTGrqZsWq7Z8QyQE76Ajl4aEdG6mLDaCbsX-RTLxU77i_VkaUbF-/s400/WiegleDwarves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346226379489037794" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQAU9de2vwYruzOiLv_fhw2Pyfi3_6Z9LzxGXVFoA1zkZUmKq8lGWV9AmTj1pCMJ6gdGkzxdYYCqJz-zPCGFeVpdXQiSIw2pxiav3N8YeDmyQqAB7GmGKmQ0cCqyaiG0GsiH4/s1600-h/ChengCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQAU9de2vwYruzOiLv_fhw2Pyfi3_6Z9LzxGXVFoA1zkZUmKq8lGWV9AmTj1pCMJ6gdGkzxdYYCqJz-zPCGFeVpdXQiSIw2pxiav3N8YeDmyQqAB7GmGKmQ0cCqyaiG0GsiH4/s400/ChengCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346226377580430082" /></a> I haven't cracked open the copy of <a href=><b>Paping</b></a> yet, but it's on the nightstand. Here's a shot of the Paping books: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6kM7vXonYmaZthAmc_CQN4EcyWcKJ21HGwGs76roD4Tv_mJjtC_hz-tyeXgDIukKWtgvKwaEsMU0O1_ZXzqQkAJvrW-Pf5LOvMu_4WdrEvX3FSnDEhKpIGkMyWrdQ5A0HWzp/s1600-h/Paping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6kM7vXonYmaZthAmc_CQN4EcyWcKJ21HGwGs76roD4Tv_mJjtC_hz-tyeXgDIukKWtgvKwaEsMU0O1_ZXzqQkAJvrW-Pf5LOvMu_4WdrEvX3FSnDEhKpIGkMyWrdQ5A0HWzp/s400/Paping.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346229661225366946" /></a> Also talked got to meet Tom Gauld and picked up the third volume of <a href=><b>Three Very Small Comics</b></a>. Tom's packaging as always is first rate. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOVmyeh8JEWox5oAGmn8mw8fLKLK_o6a456CF9_AcGfWnhTnsw29c15O9u95aJ9kmEGKADQAf8ateag_P5NSmVlFxJSGQl5IPLrutWPWOMfvuwQBwZNINxNCTJ0nwf8ny_ZUN/s1600-h/IMG_4170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOVmyeh8JEWox5oAGmn8mw8fLKLK_o6a456CF9_AcGfWnhTnsw29c15O9u95aJ9kmEGKADQAf8ateag_P5NSmVlFxJSGQl5IPLrutWPWOMfvuwQBwZNINxNCTJ0nwf8ny_ZUN/s400/IMG_4170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346213153383640242" /></a> I talked to the super sweet Meghan Hogan of <a href=http://www.goodminnesotan.blogspot.com/><b>Good Minnesotan</b></a> for a bit and was bummed that I missed her husband Raighne. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUyS9xYPRG2stJfeeQ069XMa4jBbgfRCtJKoI15ERBzE9H2sMNrPQ2AssRxdVUUyqWikDGotMOpa4aFQlCCdC56_sF2E4Iw9pKCGSvg0AIgKUG7mFxkwL1Eugl9HUJ6aQ1VW_/s1600-h/DSCF0027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUyS9xYPRG2stJfeeQ069XMa4jBbgfRCtJKoI15ERBzE9H2sMNrPQ2AssRxdVUUyqWikDGotMOpa4aFQlCCdC56_sF2E4Iw9pKCGSvg0AIgKUG7mFxkwL1Eugl9HUJ6aQ1VW_/s400/DSCF0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346226944234567330" /></a> Right next door I found <a href=http://comics.metrokitty.com/><b>Cathy Leamy</b></a> and got to chat with her for a little bit. I'll have reviews of her stuff coming up. Then abruptly I was face to face with the wild-bearded Raighne Hogan. His beard was truly a site to behold and we held court on vegan and vegetarian food for a bit.<br /> <br />I also got to meet Kevin Church for the first time, which is kind of weird since I already feel like I know him from his <a href=http://www.beacoupkevin.com><b>many</b></a> <a href=http://www.agreeablecomics.com/therack/><b>online</b></a> <a href=http://www.whiskeyandfailure.com/><b>ventures</b></a>. Kevin, I hope you made it to <a href=http://www.thespottedpig.com/><b>The Spotted Pig</b></a> after the show. <br /><br />And that's pretty much it for my MoCCA visit. As the Panter/Santoro panel was winding down - it was at that point that I hate, where the audience members were asking questions (or also know as let me show everyone how smart I am) - I got texted away on a beauty emergency. So, everyone that I didn't get to talk to or return to, I'll see you next year or maybe at SPX. <br /><br />Pictures of the PictureBox table: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlCt88yOp_GIR3s1tgHj3fx_SWEmltidYyPhfAlMKbE7n5fWx0moFALcNDWZAvGlPzfh2YEkK5fAvMG5RjenG9iKyq3SdSO6oPlqC8X7mE6HguJB0ASscgHn8xOI16qOEPDEX/s1600-h/PictureBoxTable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlCt88yOp_GIR3s1tgHj3fx_SWEmltidYyPhfAlMKbE7n5fWx0moFALcNDWZAvGlPzfh2YEkK5fAvMG5RjenG9iKyq3SdSO6oPlqC8X7mE6HguJB0ASscgHn8xOI16qOEPDEX/s400/PictureBoxTable.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228621893599330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6I6bRgyuXVUPPjq0wkww5yyV8T6UcLH5LkgP9wx6Yp10IFCgKVM6JTo2iyhd78aLmyIaobkWp2giDy-1CS9-vz8fvAJtGwRz7qb26ZjLwoCLsFG6-LBQVYeZvgKM6yHMpjjeW/s1600-h/Picturebox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6I6bRgyuXVUPPjq0wkww5yyV8T6UcLH5LkgP9wx6Yp10IFCgKVM6JTo2iyhd78aLmyIaobkWp2giDy-1CS9-vz8fvAJtGwRz7qb26ZjLwoCLsFG6-LBQVYeZvgKM6yHMpjjeW/s400/Picturebox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228615747160994" /></a> Buenaventura Table: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaCLJ1Q6ZR-EWguxMI6Ijgk2YsDIyZYmjPb4LCqfAe49v_ILVclvkNSVmhKLad4NhvW_0StvODFHAcQf_xxpkmyClZT_pqS55ocif44qzZb4CvbpM7peL2hHU7XnN9mmJSvp_/s1600-h/BuenaventuraTable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaCLJ1Q6ZR-EWguxMI6Ijgk2YsDIyZYmjPb4LCqfAe49v_ILVclvkNSVmhKLad4NhvW_0StvODFHAcQf_xxpkmyClZT_pqS55ocif44qzZb4CvbpM7peL2hHU7XnN9mmJSvp_/s400/BuenaventuraTable.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228606758006626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SDkk0fkglkymcAEE-PkeAKiq-BJZ9MJoiZgME2YaUwgQrdL8Hp_v4esJ21YAuCfAhnF9NraLLiXLh9lpO2Z5QurAailtXUw6W8aWx2mjXDw4nA_3aEsgiHpCzlnTtCGFGqPf/s1600-h/TomGauldPicturebox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SDkk0fkglkymcAEE-PkeAKiq-BJZ9MJoiZgME2YaUwgQrdL8Hp_v4esJ21YAuCfAhnF9NraLLiXLh9lpO2Z5QurAailtXUw6W8aWx2mjXDw4nA_3aEsgiHpCzlnTtCGFGqPf/s400/TomGauldPicturebox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228629217685538" /></a>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-91391326617534392402009-06-07T21:25:00.004-04:002009-06-07T21:39:22.899-04:00<b>MoCCA Haul</b> <br /><br />Didn't spend near enough time at MoCCA, but talked to a few people and picked up some cool looking books. The new site wasn't in as good a location as the Puck building, but the layout was much more open. Not much cooler though! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT7UuChC7g7VP8vp0RCT29VFsxhIfwqoID6k6z_w9Tu9vyKfEsARG1XIwqv3ZTmC8PgWQSm6EWbyF-6CuXr4bKO_pfMd-GE8u1eLmMfXkNMcMXSRHxyMIYIIM6S0S7ppXgbgG/s1600-h/DSCF0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT7UuChC7g7VP8vp0RCT29VFsxhIfwqoID6k6z_w9Tu9vyKfEsARG1XIwqv3ZTmC8PgWQSm6EWbyF-6CuXr4bKO_pfMd-GE8u1eLmMfXkNMcMXSRHxyMIYIIM6S0S7ppXgbgG/s400/DSCF0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344762493156958370" /></a> I grabbed a copy of <a href=http://www.pictureboxinc.com/product/id/440/><b><i>Multiforce</i></b></a> and completed my <a href=http://www.pictureboxinc.com/product/id/426/><i><b>Cold Heat</i></b></a> collection. Also geeked out and cornered poor Frank Santoro to introduce myself while he was trying to check his email or text.<br /><br />I'll type up a more complete report in the next couple of days. Hope everyone had fun at the show and sold a lot of books.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-11310637589895403342009-06-04T19:50:00.003-04:002009-06-04T23:20:41.336-04:00<b><i>On the Beach</i> and <i>Prologue</i> by Kenan Rubenstein</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ls1Vthb6Hk_6aZ1AdrMgtBABWpiiHWPU7VmZRdn430g3SpZvYGCToEHq-76D-PMVcBaDwzI19cQ88hxF9-lYRxIyH0hIusyV8YQvaN4Ez3hNJgMr-6BcGPonc2Hfli2ZAZgx/s1600-h/KenanCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ls1Vthb6Hk_6aZ1AdrMgtBABWpiiHWPU7VmZRdn430g3SpZvYGCToEHq-76D-PMVcBaDwzI19cQ88hxF9-lYRxIyH0hIusyV8YQvaN4Ez3hNJgMr-6BcGPonc2Hfli2ZAZgx/s400/KenanCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343624275305516466" /></a> Both <i>On the Beach</i> and <i>Prologue</i> are made of one single sheet of paper folded in half four times. You read the panels exactly as they unfold and it's never unclear where your eyes should go next. Both minis are a departure from the normal fold, cut, and staple jobs. <br /><br />What works very well in <i>On the Beach</i> is that each time you unfold the comic, the storytelling space gets larger. Usually the panels themselves double in size until the last fold takes you from two adjacent quarter sized panels to a mondo full page final image. I've seen this used before, but not as well as Kenan does here. <i>On the Beach</i> chronicles an experience through the ages on a local nude beach. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRyeG74yVsV5fy6IX69QXpG9xm9_mgsRcbF3jErSArfDc92l2Cd0UwLMznWTx3zBEpxkKAUKX7oTZZej4awUcp97R3bxN3R6GeTQYMBIWgJH_N6ouPWppCw_WL_Rg1rv7xER_/s1600-h/BeachInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRyeG74yVsV5fy6IX69QXpG9xm9_mgsRcbF3jErSArfDc92l2Cd0UwLMznWTx3zBEpxkKAUKX7oTZZej4awUcp97R3bxN3R6GeTQYMBIWgJH_N6ouPWppCw_WL_Rg1rv7xER_/s400/BeachInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343624275627817218" /></a> While <i>Prologue</I> is less successful at taking advantage of the unfolding format (the panels don't escape from the eighth of a page size until the very end), it's understandable because Kenan has more of a story to tell. He needs more panels to convince the reader just how dire things are romantically for the main character. The art is much more dense in <i>Prologue</i> than <i>On the Beach</i>, as the setting is a dark party and city streets at night. No matter the setting, he really manages to pack a lot of visual and narrative detail into this story. In both minis, the quality of the art is superb. The level of detail and the grace of the line is very convincing for the reader. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yp9zCJWxtWQn7JLkyNiHSIte_iMonNZWfwFbwYi1r-H1n-2lRk8Cd9qKu0a9LFyz75RtP_UeLPE-jkFV1jKdpt4SKZrtWLKORTrP2HZXVPCAKDqb3KgueBomkR8OvUtnvysy/s1600-h/PrologueInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yp9zCJWxtWQn7JLkyNiHSIte_iMonNZWfwFbwYi1r-H1n-2lRk8Cd9qKu0a9LFyz75RtP_UeLPE-jkFV1jKdpt4SKZrtWLKORTrP2HZXVPCAKDqb3KgueBomkR8OvUtnvysy/s400/PrologueInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343624272747606914" /></a> You can find out more about Kenan's work at <a href=http://www.boyblueproductions.com><b>his website</b></a>. No prices that I can find, but I'm sure a quick email to kenan@boyblueproductions.com will sort things out.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-65142355940074530112009-06-04T09:40:00.007-04:002009-06-04T10:12:16.926-04:00<b>MoCCA 2009 is This Weekend!</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkKRRtI_SCQQiWPt66Y-0h7bDvQ3Cius3kVay5jUehJ_97ssIALAY4DpZQRtjX6j35y40og2waDosH6RMDhK2SnW2aB6bBckf_xSDyn860qdkYb6csbrYgixEiL1ZB98vNV3e/s1600-h/MAF09-med.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkKRRtI_SCQQiWPt66Y-0h7bDvQ3Cius3kVay5jUehJ_97ssIALAY4DpZQRtjX6j35y40og2waDosH6RMDhK2SnW2aB6bBckf_xSDyn860qdkYb6csbrYgixEiL1ZB98vNV3e/s400/MAF09-med.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343473880632866498" /></a><br />Tom Spurgeon, who I only know and love online, has a list of <a href=http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/twenty_five_things_id_do_at_mocca/><b>25 Things I'd Do at MoCCA</b></a>. <br /><br />It's a shame that he won't be at the show, but I really enjoyed his list this morning, particularly this one:<br /><br /><b>5. I'd walk to the show one morning<br />You have to be careful with this one because you'll be on your feet a lot at the show, but there's nothing better than taking a long walk through one of the great cities of the world knowing comics is your final destination.</b><br /><br />I couldn't agree more, Tom. One thing for me about New York, is that it makes you slow down a bit and <i>want</i> to walk. If it's a beautiful day, I couldn't imagine taking the bus or the subway if you are just going a few miles. Hell, Kate and I have walked from our place all the way up to 23rd Street. Of course that was with the promise of a <a href=http://www.shakeshack.com/><b>Shake Shack</b></a> Shroom Burger (Crisp-fried portobello filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato and Shack sauce) and fries at the end of our destination. <br /><br />I'm excited about MoCCA this year, mostly because I haven't been for a few years. But I'm also looking forward to meeting a lot of the folks that I've reviewed and emailed with over the past few years. I'll be at the show on Saturday, but probably not Sunday unless I stop by for the Gary Panter/Frank Santoro discussion Sunday afternoon. <br /><br />I'm not that familiar with the area up there yet, but I enjoyed local expert <a href=http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/><b>Heidi's guide to eats</b></a> close to the show. Maybe this will give me the chance to try <a href=http://baoguettecafe.com/locations.html><b>Baoguette</b></a>.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-19433398345464785372009-06-03T16:52:00.010-04:002009-06-03T19:51:21.622-04:00<b><i>Jin & Jam</i> and <i>Reich</i> from Sparkplug Comic Books</b><br /><br />Hopefully, you are familiar with <a href= http://sparkplugcomics.com/><b>Sparkplug Comic Books</b></a>. They are a quality publisher of mini-comics, comics, and books, as well as a must visit table at finer comic conventions. <br /><br />Months ago, I received a fat package of comics and books including a few comics that fit in well here at SIZE MATTERS. Dylan and the gang publish these in Portland, but they retain that oh so appealing mini-comic factor. At the same time, the materials and design feel kind of luxe and consistent giving off a "publishing house" vibe. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL0x-mpKRMcCxvp2qrCBuBCuhns5NzGnZZtHpNGIb-N6jL8pyZiyqgaEHo6ePTbtFq8J_lFswk7UD9spl0csWZCYEhCfaFrGs3CNurMPf1_7lCTMtIhoM1LXVzURdnGNU9gk1/s1600-h/JinJamCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL0x-mpKRMcCxvp2qrCBuBCuhns5NzGnZZtHpNGIb-N6jL8pyZiyqgaEHo6ePTbtFq8J_lFswk7UD9spl0csWZCYEhCfaFrGs3CNurMPf1_7lCTMtIhoM1LXVzURdnGNU9gk1/s400/JinJamCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343207948450177058" /></a> The first issue of <i>Jin & Jam</I> by Hellen Jo is a barely contained riot over 36 black and white pages. Sure, Hellen tells a linear story, but her art has a manga-like (think Matsumoto’s <i>Black & White</i> or <i>Blue Spring</i> rather than something cuter like <i>Sgt. Frog</i>) energy that’s impossible to ignore. Movement is hyper and exaggerated at times and the volume of the text expands, threatening to burst out of the straining word balloons. Hellen is having a ton of fun and so is the reader. <br /><br />The characters are over the top stock characters – the good girl who might not be so good, the bad girl, the sidekick – but Hellen also tosses in the rough and tumble conjoined twins, Ting & Terng to test the story’s protagonists. Roughly a third of the book is an extended fight scene, but even the fight has some lovely interludes. I’ve posted a few images from <i>Jin & Jam</i> to illustrate some quiet moments. Notice the carp floating in the black backgrounds in this first image. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbRFGPtC47qmEcghBz_PwyDgzZRfQZYLhl2fL-LOQH9p9WvyT4Zq4Tsc6Hpmn68m2BVt9BMWHK_YstwurvLo5Re1rtGK0vwjReThw_AZRqSbpQywFab1X__14Pp1wNoy-V2V8/s1600-h/InteriorJJ1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbRFGPtC47qmEcghBz_PwyDgzZRfQZYLhl2fL-LOQH9p9WvyT4Zq4Tsc6Hpmn68m2BVt9BMWHK_YstwurvLo5Re1rtGK0vwjReThw_AZRqSbpQywFab1X__14Pp1wNoy-V2V8/s400/InteriorJJ1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343211283116970738" /></a> I love this page showing the Jin and Jam floating up into sky littered with SAT flash cards after Jin says, “I wanna get out of here! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6909KLaedyDA8VgD8H28ppNFTChZhzyjUNltfDtZb1U5e8kLxtFpkAx9yY__TNy41FFGSDpIBrSA9rxyYt6Lum4ipLJnUA4tcBahq3giKrwwkOrbcmKwL2qtt5i_4gkPYHRv5/s1600-h/InteriorJJ2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6909KLaedyDA8VgD8H28ppNFTChZhzyjUNltfDtZb1U5e8kLxtFpkAx9yY__TNy41FFGSDpIBrSA9rxyYt6Lum4ipLJnUA4tcBahq3giKrwwkOrbcmKwL2qtt5i_4gkPYHRv5/s400/InteriorJJ2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343207952802987874" /></a> For more information, check out <a href=http://helllllen.org/><b>Hellen’s website</b></a> or <a href=http://sparkplugcomicbooks.com/><b>Sparkplug Comics</b></a>. <i>Jin & Jam</i> is $5 plus shipping.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBfZS0Kwhf3CSeufryEf_hFu8X8HySfybzi2d8p0AwzuMOOtEbx-yYVQJnvunlyncVxvwe7tbqNx0lQ8YSnJRyAe3zVEho_IqkZFOXrONnta36smUbEwTipN6uUaTQRX5AhcX/s1600-h/ReichCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBfZS0Kwhf3CSeufryEf_hFu8X8HySfybzi2d8p0AwzuMOOtEbx-yYVQJnvunlyncVxvwe7tbqNx0lQ8YSnJRyAe3zVEho_IqkZFOXrONnta36smUbEwTipN6uUaTQRX5AhcX/s400/ReichCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343207961591426658" /></a> Issues four and five of <i>Reich</i> by Elijah Brubaker continue the story of the young psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich in 1920’s Vienna. <i>Reich</i> reminds me a bit of Chester Brown’s extensively footnoted <i>Louis Riel</i>. Elijah takes his subject seriously, but also isn’t afraid to bend history for a good yarn. Where he does depart from history, he makes sure to let the reader know how and why he diverges. <br /><br /><i>Reich</i> is visually austere, which serves the storyline and subject very well. Walls are a stark black and the faces rarely smile. However issue four is a little lighter in appearance. Here you see the emotion and changing points of view that mark a reunion of Reich and a friend. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbbephTVoMPVwJG_XX3abG7ms9d6Zggo9CZJDkS9ykeeEpITGJT8oiaLYC2qzw0F3D8amxsPFzdTf9jqwVmENDVTp9j0x3JMuukQ5sj6vMHwrWej9bLw-r8qnVYdqu_TKYfbx/s1600-h/Reich4Interior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbbephTVoMPVwJG_XX3abG7ms9d6Zggo9CZJDkS9ykeeEpITGJT8oiaLYC2qzw0F3D8amxsPFzdTf9jqwVmENDVTp9j0x3JMuukQ5sj6vMHwrWej9bLw-r8qnVYdqu_TKYfbx/s400/Reich4Interior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343207965313689122" /></a> Elijah softens the austerity with the shape of his characters; the heads are large and rounded and the noses are exaggerated. Children are more cartoonish and less well developed. On the page below, the young daughter almost looks like a cartoon character in an otherwise reality-based comic. This is a neat touch. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjGZdtQsr0FkTI2feWCzTJqHy_ss4xgg5tbW7lJvAtqDcjf36Al8WLnZKNaWhcJFA6P3DWqBLNwjnfCgNWKCNnyXKSB-cPoEw86aO2VOJ5ua1kFZDzCRa2hSG_0N9xDT2G99Z/s1600-h/Reich5Interior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjGZdtQsr0FkTI2feWCzTJqHy_ss4xgg5tbW7lJvAtqDcjf36Al8WLnZKNaWhcJFA6P3DWqBLNwjnfCgNWKCNnyXKSB-cPoEw86aO2VOJ5ua1kFZDzCRa2hSG_0N9xDT2G99Z/s400/Reich5Interior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343208205029118418" /></a> Each 24-page issue of <i>Reich</i> is $4 plus shipping and handling. You can get yours through the <a href=http://www.sparkplugcomicbooks.com/><b>Sparkplug Comic Books webstore</b></a>. For more information on Elijah's work, check out <a href=http://www.elijahbrubaker.com/><b>his website</b></a>.<br /><br />Side note part one: On a visit to Powell's Books in Portland, Kate picked me up a mini-comic and it was a Sparkplug Comic Books mini called <i>Super Crazy Cat Dance</i> by Aron Nels Steinke. It's adorable and fun! <br /><br />Side note part two: Sparkplug Comic Books will be at MoCCA this weekend. Here's <a href="http://www.sparkplugcomicbooks.com/2009/06/new-books-new-parties-and-mocca.html"><b>a posting from their website</a></b> on new books and events.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-69702004006089855812009-06-01T16:39:00.005-04:002009-06-01T21:51:54.734-04:00<b><i>Folk</i> Issue #2 by Tyler Stafford</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK-_sp8Ix0oFKKtEkkC-JgUIk1Vb9pgFl_0laC__V3tw9mOZjFCThJiBmoHA2-LJQMRoJ16pItMRmOt0cI_gd0anBrv1UsR_mDMov_E1Aj5cgnzr2IfKHWjqC2n2Y_kTG2bdz/s1600-h/FolkCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK-_sp8Ix0oFKKtEkkC-JgUIk1Vb9pgFl_0laC__V3tw9mOZjFCThJiBmoHA2-LJQMRoJ16pItMRmOt0cI_gd0anBrv1UsR_mDMov_E1Aj5cgnzr2IfKHWjqC2n2Y_kTG2bdz/s400/FolkCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342462004919265922" /></a> The second issue of Tyler Stafford's <i>Folk</i> is visually engaging and whimsical. Over 20 pages, Tyler tells two stories on pages of alternating colors. For some reason, the transitions from yellow to green colored pages are the most jarring. Of course it doesn't help that the thread of the story is something that reminds you a bit of a hallucinogenic trip. "The Hunt" is a hunter becomes the hunted story that channels some of Jim Woodring's <i>Frank</i>. Tyler packs these densely landscaped pages with imaginative and otherworldly flora and fauna. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUcVkWwJXBQpT3ydYcFssREBLJJrA_4TVB97Wop0S9C96gq9F18EEPF6-SJ1UD8PYKQbo4Dc1igQ6if1AaeAb_nP3kGFIwTrsobFOZEjsmmapBWouFZWLqiy7O16FgHPnPR8U/s1600-h/FolkInterior1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUcVkWwJXBQpT3ydYcFssREBLJJrA_4TVB97Wop0S9C96gq9F18EEPF6-SJ1UD8PYKQbo4Dc1igQ6if1AaeAb_nP3kGFIwTrsobFOZEjsmmapBWouFZWLqiy7O16FgHPnPR8U/s400/FolkInterior1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342461995946619698" /></a> The setting in "The Crystal Ship" switches from woodsy and dense to lunar and angular. Tyler doesn't drop as many details in this story, but you still get something like this: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq5UJuounSSj9RQnpGYojasrBf_w3qPfOzWioBNrMLbeRvdSlO0xdoYp47clyPGWYvQviXxrLL5qMNYsxaeh7BHicAXQo14XHUdZxaKOK4fJGuS3WiRlaPLKkDDwgnw-wjgEb/s1600-h/FolkInterior2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq5UJuounSSj9RQnpGYojasrBf_w3qPfOzWioBNrMLbeRvdSlO0xdoYp47clyPGWYvQviXxrLL5qMNYsxaeh7BHicAXQo14XHUdZxaKOK4fJGuS3WiRlaPLKkDDwgnw-wjgEb/s400/FolkInterior2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342461991528244146" /></a> Check out the little guy in the mid-to-upper right of the page that has the vacuum tube thingy. Have no idea what's going on there, but I like it. <br /><br /><i>Folk</i> issue two is on sale at <a href=http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5225867><b>Tyler's Etsy shop</b></a> for $2.50. You can also see some <a href=http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25572879><B>additional page scans</b></a>. Also check <a href=http://www.tylerstafford.com/index.html><b>Tyler's website</b></a> for more information.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-64008096626272795932009-05-28T20:54:00.009-04:002009-06-01T14:36:34.811-04:00<b><i>Hot Town</i> and <i>Getting There</i> by Robyn Jordan</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlVmt7teBGawCTa6ok8ZAIjclaFl4GnAdRsjaeLWg1WAa7cMmkCEFR7Z5ZbiIgr1WLb5fCaXz3W-RqBLtwRIc-ZJKYUuIoRXKHAvfoTtOndh_x_Ik4cDAPCClkVkmGradXnUF/s1600-h/JordanCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlVmt7teBGawCTa6ok8ZAIjclaFl4GnAdRsjaeLWg1WAa7cMmkCEFR7Z5ZbiIgr1WLb5fCaXz3W-RqBLtwRIc-ZJKYUuIoRXKHAvfoTtOndh_x_Ik4cDAPCClkVkmGradXnUF/s400/JordanCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341052316731935570" /></a> In <i>Hot Town</i> and <i>Getting There</i>, Robyn Jordan displays two different art styles. <i>Hot Town</i>, subtitled "One More Summer in Sticky NYC," is looser and more quickly rendered than <i>Getting There</i>. Robyn's lines are thicker and darker; she uses very little shading or texturing and spends less time worrying about backgrounds. The stories are little vignettes of live in NYC - showing realtives around, puttering in her community garden, checking out nude beaches. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuyUj2zvrfckxSrCEW_36uCNsNtsgvQ5-Ep9kC_Xc15AfspEIQa0UiHa1wNKxYi6AUjOhKUuGGWU92yJbS9pJRVsg33ChFb-xhmlrxx_4FmpvNDDkP1aeyzQbTDnKd44M8xjT/s1600-h/JordanInterior1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuyUj2zvrfckxSrCEW_36uCNsNtsgvQ5-Ep9kC_Xc15AfspEIQa0UiHa1wNKxYi6AUjOhKUuGGWU92yJbS9pJRVsg33ChFb-xhmlrxx_4FmpvNDDkP1aeyzQbTDnKd44M8xjT/s400/JordanInterior1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341051536856850338" /></a><br />The 20-page <i>Hot Town</i> is wrapped in a saddle stitched, bright orange cover with the title screen-printed over an overheated, bikini-clad girl, clutching a yard glass full of something tropical. <br /><br /><i>Getting There</i> features longer stories (two stories sandwiching a one-pager) and a much tighter style of art. Here, Robyn meticulously graces the panels with detailed shading and crosshatching. The backgrounds are more significant, lending depth to the pages. Story one details the characters you see commuing on the subway and story two depicts Robyn's jury duty experience.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdjIgJ8VBfnOQC9Dz5CQslKPuVLDf6LLN4ahLUlTLGGRx2w9EMYwDbZ5eA-TPA5B2XQk50PdtLIDpT_-UTc7eGnadmrYoQwe2oJdhO48KMGfo4mMhgIYKXmI3RtX-7lpER8jp/s1600-h/JordanInterior2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdjIgJ8VBfnOQC9Dz5CQslKPuVLDf6LLN4ahLUlTLGGRx2w9EMYwDbZ5eA-TPA5B2XQk50PdtLIDpT_-UTc7eGnadmrYoQwe2oJdhO48KMGfo4mMhgIYKXmI3RtX-7lpER8jp/s400/JordanInterior2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341049826781382066" /></a> Here's a bonus greeting card that Robyn sent in: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii93eAq9eE8LJxBPkBpyKY9HfHXcDa_aAx1bn_GhEUnEYyNjAl_lS4c1NSWX3WFrPJVK993Q4D6nHZGDUWTIDZKFXXltDQmoDS5QrHVRDWUr0_uXOcymL3eo_qJuivAIoiBFIT/s1600-h/JordanCard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii93eAq9eE8LJxBPkBpyKY9HfHXcDa_aAx1bn_GhEUnEYyNjAl_lS4c1NSWX3WFrPJVK993Q4D6nHZGDUWTIDZKFXXltDQmoDS5QrHVRDWUr0_uXOcymL3eo_qJuivAIoiBFIT/s400/JordanCard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341049623497991778" /></a> The inside says, "Hey, thanks for everything."<br /><br />Find more details at <a href=http://robynjordan.com/><b>her website</b></a>, including <a href=http://www.robynjordan.com/images/><b>this page</b></a> with many images. Looks like you can find Robyn's comics at <a href=http://www.desertislandbrooklyn.com/><b>Desert Island</b></a>. Contact her at robyn@robynjordan.com.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-65401277869851935022009-05-26T16:16:00.004-04:002009-05-26T16:33:57.081-04:00<b><i>The Would-Be Bridegrooms</i> by Shawn Cheng</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UYZPR1znwIFcsGMhC9Q-r7R6AskupQfQR8TfBW8se8Nxk9KgrjXUk31gFHLEMejlLHN0H-WyKjlbuASPIyWZryYjoJPVimpoY9_2HJUE_q1Umy3crWjaCYq_VAgl_UXwndX_/s1600-h/Bridegrooms+Cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UYZPR1znwIFcsGMhC9Q-r7R6AskupQfQR8TfBW8se8Nxk9KgrjXUk31gFHLEMejlLHN0H-WyKjlbuASPIyWZryYjoJPVimpoY9_2HJUE_q1Umy3crWjaCYq_VAgl_UXwndX_/s400/Bridegrooms+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340229225376670018" /></a> Shawn Cheng, of <a href=http://www.partykausa.com/catalogue/><b>Partyka</b></a>, has combined the grace and simplicity of a fable with the energy and silliness of a shape-shifting duel. Two would-be bridegrooms approach a girl's house, slowly realizing that they both intend to ask for the hand of their beloved. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW4Easq9l9bnMt0dZPq0_Qtz-2lHHYuYJEupT9Cmd5y2P4ay247PR6fffnJhvCu4YveKG5b1M2roSrtfNlPFaFxlTSCvTzhJL9-gSNNZBhvQBghuDcnBMcKhrJtsFoBCHK2ex/s1600-h/BGInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW4Easq9l9bnMt0dZPq0_Qtz-2lHHYuYJEupT9Cmd5y2P4ay247PR6fffnJhvCu4YveKG5b1M2roSrtfNlPFaFxlTSCvTzhJL9-gSNNZBhvQBghuDcnBMcKhrJtsFoBCHK2ex/s400/BGInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340229226103800002" /></a> Once they realize this, the battle is on - the two shape-shifters take turns trying to outmaneuver and overpower the other. Near the end, the two suitors find themselves in a very compromising position. Shawn's comic timing is impeccable during this sequence. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSvo-m8FI9M9-XKY7DBfTjhhIuVABCEhyphenhyphenyyikx4tddyESmumJX2Xe9c9x1WTgDsZcYZHzHlAex3wZWbp5I1670IZo2gKJzg7ACwMY4IFNaRtJPD_ms3atRzvi69w_m_cmLX_s/s1600-h/BGInterior2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSvo-m8FI9M9-XKY7DBfTjhhIuVABCEhyphenhyphenyyikx4tddyESmumJX2Xe9c9x1WTgDsZcYZHzHlAex3wZWbp5I1670IZo2gKJzg7ACwMY4IFNaRtJPD_ms3atRzvi69w_m_cmLX_s/s400/BGInterior2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340229220412028482" /></a> <i>The Would-Be Bridegrooms</i> is a 48-page black and white mini-comic wrapped in a threaded spine cover. Get your own copy for $5 at the <a href=http://www.partykausa.com/catalogue/><b>Partyka online store</b></a>.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-88148408682551548572009-05-22T15:09:00.006-04:002009-05-22T16:18:26.812-04:00<b>Mini-comics by Gwenaelle</b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUbhmpBq2EywNZn7Z-BrsNrVVttCFTkj_dA3rELPy3qKE_hDTQJgHGIDRzy0sE7ZyT-WVxDIP0rRDUUAYFpyF907uUnPhF9nInfvrVRurDdhLk6vFxXylmWXVygNL8ZVELNFC/s1600-h/Recipes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUbhmpBq2EywNZn7Z-BrsNrVVttCFTkj_dA3rELPy3qKE_hDTQJgHGIDRzy0sE7ZyT-WVxDIP0rRDUUAYFpyF907uUnPhF9nInfvrVRurDdhLk6vFxXylmWXVygNL8ZVELNFC/s400/Recipes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727787156887106" /></a> Gwenaelle creates gorgeous penciled minis that both teach and delight. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AvaCCPsb0BV6fsWirLYYWmjZvG13ad6vsci_5ypflVgKpyBKCLU2sJkeIfwxiNKrW7VfeBmbYcwpxK6yctyBk6GryFEg_mlifCWBfAjXjYfLgpGVpQULJdsagFcTbbmVybfO/s1600-h/RecipeInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AvaCCPsb0BV6fsWirLYYWmjZvG13ad6vsci_5ypflVgKpyBKCLU2sJkeIfwxiNKrW7VfeBmbYcwpxK6yctyBk6GryFEg_mlifCWBfAjXjYfLgpGVpQULJdsagFcTbbmVybfO/s400/RecipeInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727784133274130" /></a> <i>Gwenaelle’s Little Book of Recipes Illustrated</i> Volumes I and II cover “Chicken Marinated in Beer” and “Mavis K. BBQ Steak Houston Style” respectively. Each 16-page issue features ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions accompanied by pencil drawings. “Chicken Marinated in Beer” adds two pages each for setting the table and beverage selections. These would be great for <i>Gourmet</i> or <i>Food and Wine</i> readers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGVn0AiAXdbevDr0_3uRfESiDw2F0_lGz6zj2NET2Hu-HYQnOSYwNbh1AULCCgjRw8A_bP8glK4XlWq9WUD1d5oA6A4svGR_kP0xnpoFv9xhxde9GgofVBo5Cgv_MwnIZv3QK/s1600-h/InventCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGVn0AiAXdbevDr0_3uRfESiDw2F0_lGz6zj2NET2Hu-HYQnOSYwNbh1AULCCgjRw8A_bP8glK4XlWq9WUD1d5oA6A4svGR_kP0xnpoFv9xhxde9GgofVBo5Cgv_MwnIZv3QK/s400/InventCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727781875126370" /></a> <i>Inventez Des Nouvelles Positions Sexuelles (Invent New Sexual Positions)</i> is a 16-page exercise in capturing ideas about sex and ignoring "your inner cop or censure" when you consider the sexual act. This mini, like the others, is lovingly crafted inside and out. The inside cover folds out and looks like this: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOV6Y2tGIAQBOtR_-M9rdVmiSL7wOKjJtaq-bxFFmsBUyZYHzJA9JTmNZRiquPbDAQeJsoPSUYuUbJA-R7tdi5j9hLaMhb-KCV_5Uh1LLIe5cEe-40RhGz8Pq4DzwnQT46Dztd/s1600-h/InsideCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOV6Y2tGIAQBOtR_-M9rdVmiSL7wOKjJtaq-bxFFmsBUyZYHzJA9JTmNZRiquPbDAQeJsoPSUYuUbJA-R7tdi5j9hLaMhb-KCV_5Uh1LLIe5cEe-40RhGz8Pq4DzwnQT46Dztd/s400/InsideCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727775200806210" /></a><br />Gwenaelle's <a href=http://www.gounie.com/minis.html><b>mini-comic page</b></a> has more pictures, like a lot more pictures, to give you an idea of how interesting these little books are. Just click on a title and away you go! She doesn't have any prices listed, but I'm sure if you email her at contact@gounie.com, you can get the scoop on prices. She does have an <a href=http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5045618><b>Etsy shop</b></a> where you can purchase minis. If you re in the Los Angeles area, you can purchase the minis at <a href=http://www.skylightbooks.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp><b>Skylight Books</b></a>, <a href=http://secretheadquarters.bigcartel.com/><b>The Secret Headquarters</b></a>, or <a href=http://www.meltcomics.com/><b>Meltdown Comics</b></a>.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-44171425060143182002009-05-21T15:02:00.004-04:002009-05-22T16:11:25.088-04:00<b>SIZE MATTERS Update and Address Change</b><br /><br />Folks, I apologize. I’ve neglected SIZE MATTERS over the last month and a half. The review copies are piling up and I’m feeling very guilty for not posting. Honestly, this has been a pattern for the last year or two – sporadic updates followed by a month or two of nothing. I know that has to be annoying to the few readers who still check in. <br /><br />I know you just come here for mini-comics, so I won’t bore you with the details of what’s been happening to keep me away from blogging. Life is just like that sometimes. <br /><br />Kate and I have finally moved to Manhattan and I have to say it’s fantastic to be back on the East Coast. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-iPH6PGmTAcRdMhjo-B4aD4sDZ8bNw1x3jFQWPY_rHg3PWNXAzyN8O1SJ-XfHgO63nB_j_rAWTr2ThazC2Bk9YBUJ9HkYN5tEUdwLoqN97oqe6z9i3JO8r1J1B-GoY2FKIc_/s1600-h/New+Apartment.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-iPH6PGmTAcRdMhjo-B4aD4sDZ8bNw1x3jFQWPY_rHg3PWNXAzyN8O1SJ-XfHgO63nB_j_rAWTr2ThazC2Bk9YBUJ9HkYN5tEUdwLoqN97oqe6z9i3JO8r1J1B-GoY2FKIc_/s400/New+Apartment.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338354741097140674" /></a>The address for reviews has obviously changed (email me for the new address). Now that I feel like things have calmed down, I’d like to try something a little different to help me get through this box full of mini-comics that deserve your attention. <br /><br />I will do more frequent reviews, but make the reviews more basic and informational. This will give potential readers what they need to make a decision. I will keep the cover and interior shots up, because I know those help me decide on buying minis, but I’ll talk less about what I like and how the mini works for me. <br /><br />Posts will follow this format:<br /><br />Title<br />Author<br />Materials and page number<br />Price<br />Quick overall thoughts<br />Where to buy<br />Pictures!<br /><br />If I stick to this for most of the minis, I can get more posts on here and put more minis front and center where they belong. Trust me, this review pile is embarrassing…Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-77389412204009117642009-03-08T18:29:00.002-04:002009-03-08T19:39:47.481-04:00<b><i>Magic Everywhere</i> by Eliza Frye</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQQTWkSiy1JApl7H3i22mjZOmyGiHd44FJMkbm8SZq5f1UjreRq_eLFtCfGmJNCmFxzWbh7IP3U1Bq8nQTGG9Phw0J1mp-MzaEbxuhotuRK5heZXa2b24jaA2v7XcP93_5m2g/s1600-h/Unicorn+Cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQQTWkSiy1JApl7H3i22mjZOmyGiHd44FJMkbm8SZq5f1UjreRq_eLFtCfGmJNCmFxzWbh7IP3U1Bq8nQTGG9Phw0J1mp-MzaEbxuhotuRK5heZXa2b24jaA2v7XcP93_5m2g/s400/Unicorn+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310947840484364290" /></a> <i>Magic Everywhere</i>, by Eliza Frye, is an eight page mini that deftly and silently mixes fantasy with reality. A young girl visiting a tar pits museum chases a snowflake and stumbles upon the skeleton of a mythical creature. Most of the eight pages feature two stacked panels, though page five, which serves as the "chase scene," is a full page panel. <br /><br />Eliza's art is simple and unadorned. She uses a nice balance of white space and black ink, and only draws what's necessary for the reader to get a sense of what is happening on the page. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCXyDq79B9HmmO76bdiQasFrG_4KnC8SSIY0bUN1fYmGMpYoQyJ6wVAMgU5N148Q7L7WZ26tCti5fvR6qiLCJCB2n29jCdoCeM4XP563GhZ2cDExvV5L1QRfx6yb1b05e5EYH/s1600-h/UnicornInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCXyDq79B9HmmO76bdiQasFrG_4KnC8SSIY0bUN1fYmGMpYoQyJ6wVAMgU5N148Q7L7WZ26tCti5fvR6qiLCJCB2n29jCdoCeM4XP563GhZ2cDExvV5L1QRfx6yb1b05e5EYH/s400/UnicornInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310947846924206786" /></a> The cover, however, is a nicely detailed silk screened affair, done in blue and dotted with snowflakes. You can check out more of Eliza's work at <a href=http://www.elizafrye.com/wordpress/?page_id=16><b>her website</b></a>. You can grab your own copy of <i>Magic Everywhere</i> at <a href=http://www.elizafrye.com/?page_id=299><b>Eliza's online shop</b></a> for $3 including shipping.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-63184983147709771492009-02-26T21:39:00.002-05:002009-02-26T22:41:28.467-05:00<i><b>Phlegm</i> by Dan</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKdrdRpy80PViiRY_O0viISg5szB7dIcBU9FIbqBeJLGQ6Bwct3GUwqfDKWx0YXFjb1NdLhBDdL07M_ZRqN4dywRL4wUTDOGt8bAZcagv4b059-fOgrxhg3jeofKJtInlpZwU/s1600-h/PhlegmCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKdrdRpy80PViiRY_O0viISg5szB7dIcBU9FIbqBeJLGQ6Bwct3GUwqfDKWx0YXFjb1NdLhBDdL07M_ZRqN4dywRL4wUTDOGt8bAZcagv4b059-fOgrxhg3jeofKJtInlpZwU/s400/PhlegmCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307301572172775426" /></a> Issue eight of <i>Phlegm</i> by Phlegm, or aka Dan no last name, is a dark, densely shaded attack on modern advertising similar to, but much more disturbing than, the subversive and colorful Wacky Packages. To begin with, Dan’s subject matter is more grown up and his characters more purely disquieting. <br /><br />As I’m flipping through this issue, I stop on the last page featuring “Unicorn Porn.” Apparently, but I haven’t actually checked, at http://www.uniporn.com you can find unicorn porn and other specialist pornography. In the fake advert, a unicornish creature cries, “Hold on to my pink sequin fur and ride my horn to magic land.” Yeah, you never found stuff like that in a package of Wacky Packages. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlDSQGIDlHaUpxkVIa_rqkCrjS50FPpMNeWVP0utQGBrYda_-J9vwdXd8IZSqcuk6PagIKyQuI4RTab3r1T3UGlvAYDC4h3okx38zIEi75BT8-9KTpJL1RdAMqHBsnfaY8TVb/s1600-h/PhlegmInteriorDebtDrinking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlDSQGIDlHaUpxkVIa_rqkCrjS50FPpMNeWVP0utQGBrYda_-J9vwdXd8IZSqcuk6PagIKyQuI4RTab3r1T3UGlvAYDC4h3okx38zIEi75BT8-9KTpJL1RdAMqHBsnfaY8TVb/s400/PhlegmInteriorDebtDrinking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307301581623817554" /></a> The faces of Dan’s characters are simplistic and eerie. The rounded heads, slitted and tilted eyes, missing nose, and often-misplaced mouth make the characters seem barely human. He strips the ads and the scenes down to the bare, disgusting untruths of advertising. If at times the slogans seem hackish or trite, they reflect the obviousness of the adverts he lampoons. <br /><br />Dan’s art is very well suited for this messy and dismal subject. He uses heavy swaths of ink and shifting fonts to frame his humanoid characters. The fonts swell, loop, and stretch in each panel as they slink towards the bad pun or hateful finish. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpwwMnhc0vsLUcW64Q07wyhhxvadRg8rUFQuk6PY755ve1-bZBdUuAPwHjg0ARCpfQ_GNoTTUZ_0JQT67EKoQM4kTb4XdjSFdQmg5IWv7upWP-DUL0LKn0K5JzbF1AyF4OYd8/s1600-h/PhlegmInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpwwMnhc0vsLUcW64Q07wyhhxvadRg8rUFQuk6PY755ve1-bZBdUuAPwHjg0ARCpfQ_GNoTTUZ_0JQT67EKoQM4kTb4XdjSFdQmg5IWv7upWP-DUL0LKn0K5JzbF1AyF4OYd8/s400/PhlegmInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307301579470718210" /></a> Dan sums up this issue of <i>Phlegm</i> on his website:<br /><br /><i>“The comic contains my pen and ink illustrations, cartoons, and street art. The work is intense, often surreal and thought provoking, but most of the time it looks like a mad person has been locked in a room for years with no company but a bottle of Indian ink and a scratchy nib….because that's precisely what it is.”</i><br /><br />Issue eight of <i>Phlegm</i> is 36 pages with a handsome screen printed (on both sides) cover. You can grab a copy at <a href=http://www.phlegmcomics.com/shop.html><b>Dan’s online shop</b></a>. For more information on his work and some damn nice artwork, check out the <a href=http://www.phlegmcomicnews.blogspot.com/><b>Phlegm Blog</b></a>.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-10203500834189524482009-01-20T19:54:00.003-05:002009-01-20T20:38:55.783-05:00<b><i>This is What Concerns Me</i> by Susie Cagle</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYco90Z0ouCwm0Lh40P79PTtiFxyVFpGBJ5-BliZTNfBnvrLicoLtafPHWc2ySLlGO9ciVJM9H_Nl43_Vx8krMnYNJeSVYJpvXSCVdYlZ_bn2CJ71lSEy4LM3x_vFtLVM7d_O/s1600-h/CagleCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYco90Z0ouCwm0Lh40P79PTtiFxyVFpGBJ5-BliZTNfBnvrLicoLtafPHWc2ySLlGO9ciVJM9H_Nl43_Vx8krMnYNJeSVYJpvXSCVdYlZ_bn2CJ71lSEy4LM3x_vFtLVM7d_O/s400/CagleCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293544559678773170" /></a> In <i>This is What Concerns Me</i> and <i>This is What Concerns Me Presents Remainders</i>, Susie Cagle catalogues the things that bug, perplex, or annoy her. Shopping for vegan safe food, used condoms on the sidewalk, security cameras on the rooftops of her neighborhoods - everything is fair game under Susie’s pen. Over 13 black and white pages, she uses whatever space is necessary to get it out, even devoting 6 pages to the two-part “Security.” <br /><br />The cover to <i>This is What Concerns Me</i> is my favorite part of this issue. Her body language suggests a real weight, which is also shown by the letters that form the word “me,” and the backpack Susie clutches. Her head is down as well, lending her the picture a seriousness of purpose. Inside, however, it’s fun and games. She pokes fun at herself as much as she pokes fun at others. Susie’s art is light, expressive and perfectly nuanced with shadow and crosshatch. She hits a nice balance of white space and shading in these pages. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-d2SrjGY3CC704XZR8mvLUKrrNg_MQ1YE6rSeCgoFWJIry-NxJG6Tyjq4tHO2EGj2M-9fuLxVGO6-Tt2iBpo0Q2FHwkdx7TBBS6_F0G5h8dg7BntaUF_39lbdvDqgNiioqrL/s1600-h/ConcernInterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-d2SrjGY3CC704XZR8mvLUKrrNg_MQ1YE6rSeCgoFWJIry-NxJG6Tyjq4tHO2EGj2M-9fuLxVGO6-Tt2iBpo0Q2FHwkdx7TBBS6_F0G5h8dg7BntaUF_39lbdvDqgNiioqrL/s400/ConcernInterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293544551411537474" /></a> The 16-page <i>This is What Concerns Me Presents Remainders</i> is a bit more polished. Her line seems more assured and the wide horizontal page gives the words and pictures more breathing room. Three episodes of “Smashing in the Kitchen” give recipes that range from oiled and baked veggies with Susie to killing, gutting, and skinning a moose with Sarah Palin. Her page layout is at its most inventive over these pages. <br /><br />Also included in this issue is some quick and easy ways to spot an FBI agent at a potluck, drawings of actual foods from a school kitchen in Harrodsburg, VA, and a nice two page spread on how pervasive corn is in our diet (read <i>The Omnivore’s Dilemma</i> to really get freaked out!). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2J41th7qrhjTkbvCiHYn7SUJNeJtfNgiRDXEfXaf6P5hqBsXtjGX60ZXKi9ZF_Z3NwWlhMAqT4zp296e2FDTIpT0JtegkLlTr5NB330PhLP1rT6TfqMPHSIjNkWdDzB7YAhD/s1600-h/CagleSmashing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2J41th7qrhjTkbvCiHYn7SUJNeJtfNgiRDXEfXaf6P5hqBsXtjGX60ZXKi9ZF_Z3NwWlhMAqT4zp296e2FDTIpT0JtegkLlTr5NB330PhLP1rT6TfqMPHSIjNkWdDzB7YAhD/s400/CagleSmashing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293544547452026210" /></a> Both of these minis are available from <a href=http://www.thisiswhatconcernsme.com><b>Susie’s website</b></a> for $2 each plus shipping.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14674526.post-83683052375178102072009-01-02T06:55:00.002-05:002009-01-02T07:59:24.604-05:00<b>Trio of Comics from Secret School Press</b> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvmRLg6x57nbffFEYm7FWS0NtQnnu3cfz-bIlUgtE6bF1iJI0ppYkXkA0-2F6taqd2LAb69met0K34sXkPJEARDcl1d6iP5J4VC4SeGGnZGBNWqnLGzUDh1ecu_Jomxz0cdeQ/s1600-h/SSCovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvmRLg6x57nbffFEYm7FWS0NtQnnu3cfz-bIlUgtE6bF1iJI0ppYkXkA0-2F6taqd2LAb69met0K34sXkPJEARDcl1d6iP5J4VC4SeGGnZGBNWqnLGzUDh1ecu_Jomxz0cdeQ/s400/SSCovers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286664010698379730" /></a> The horizontally oriented mini <i>One Time</i>, by Adam Beeby, tells a cute story of Adam making a birdhouse, installing it in his backyard, and then quickly deciding to modify his original design. <i>One Time</i> is drawn simply with very little embellishment. Adam draws himself as a gingerbread-like figure with rounded limbs and three holes for his eyes and mouth. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdoqpflW57nGK_mNQSVKtTjxJDqNlpL39w4MzOS9X07kH-9-omAGRr2IzQxJB3rygB3lEh5Ce6NipS18Xe9M4M5PLwe-8YC_-_Q0wph-8xZQ0sgJAEx4Csd05MbB4orqwOPeL/s1600-h/Beeby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdoqpflW57nGK_mNQSVKtTjxJDqNlpL39w4MzOS9X07kH-9-omAGRr2IzQxJB3rygB3lEh5Ce6NipS18Xe9M4M5PLwe-8YC_-_Q0wph-8xZQ0sgJAEx4Csd05MbB4orqwOPeL/s400/Beeby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286664015614752930" /></a> This mini is a good example of the quick gag format used so effectively by a lot of artists. Adam doesn’t try to hard. He picks a short memory or story and gives it a simple, but effective design. He uses the last page for the gag and delivers a solid $1 mini-comic. <br /><br /><i>The Confession of a Most Intimate Memory</i> by W. Roger Stroud is an eight page meditation on a terminally broken relationship. The narrator shares a secret of how he cruelly tested a woman he may or may not have loved. He deliberately lied to the woman to test her honesty. He was looking for the moment when she called “Bullshit,” but instead found nothing but destruction. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-35WbifqJLZVJZKlVwdPOBuybTXP0V83X1LVZv_IT2dr_5-xroUL06BOEqRMUA_ksD52Lp5LIH4EQ8luqy5P2MyHBPRTj2WymwbBS_hyu04HcujazysByF0NERiSuKPMjj3Y/s1600-h/Confession.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-35WbifqJLZVJZKlVwdPOBuybTXP0V83X1LVZv_IT2dr_5-xroUL06BOEqRMUA_ksD52Lp5LIH4EQ8luqy5P2MyHBPRTj2WymwbBS_hyu04HcujazysByF0NERiSuKPMjj3Y/s400/Confession.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286664021024852642" /></a> Over drawings of landscapes or empty rooms, the prose of <i>The Confession</i> floats neatly in carefully lined text boxes. A separate set of single words, strung together to form the central theme of the comic, nests within each of the first several pages. The lines of the images are photo-realistic and stiff, creating an inflexible air to the words that pile up to create this gloomy memory.<br /><br /> <i>Rule of One-Way</i>, also by W. Roger Stroud, is an eight page mini-comic, slightly larger in format than <i>The Confession</i>. In <i>Confession</i>, neatly lined backgrounds filled the pages; in <i>Rule of One-Way</i> the carefully constructed backgrounds are replaced instead by figures of people in a train station. The characters are drawn almost as rigidly as the backgrounds; they seem frozen in time rather than fluid. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8x7kwyiJ7XwRi35UtH3-LVQP8kDmEXjA8IzZrvFZewkxeSpClArBK3AI3Kd57ZRkb4NUvg8H73FjZN5AtwVRJvZA5RvftGlg9n7caxbeCFpPDbWIuUlyzbDlFoRfdDZ2YDys/s1600-h/OneWay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8x7kwyiJ7XwRi35UtH3-LVQP8kDmEXjA8IzZrvFZewkxeSpClArBK3AI3Kd57ZRkb4NUvg8H73FjZN5AtwVRJvZA5RvftGlg9n7caxbeCFpPDbWIuUlyzbDlFoRfdDZ2YDys/s400/OneWay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286664022592495298" /></a> The story itself is quick, brutal, and marked by tragedy. There isn’t much room for things to develop, but it works very well in an eight page format. <br /><br />Contact Adam, the founding member of <a href=http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=715172><b>Secret School Press</b></a>, to see about purchasing SSP minis. <i>One Time</i> and <i>The Confession of a Most Intimate Memory</i> are each $1 and <i>Rule of One-Way</i> is $2.Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09587282809987830362noreply@blogger.com0