Here's the colours for the Tim Skinner promo image. Pretty happy with it actually.
I'm off to New York in the morning, so don't expect any posts from me in the next week or so.
Feel free to bicker amongst yourselves.
Dec.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
TIM SKINNER
Just did some artwork for Tim Skinner, my next project with Hero Killers writer Andy Winter. He was looking for an image to be used to advertise the book at the upcoming Bristol Comic Expo. Since the book is a send up of loads of different comics, the flyer is in the very same vein. Does it look familiar? Remember this....?
Hope ye like. Incidentally, the interview today on Newstalk Radio went pretty smoothly even though there was no Bob Byrne to be seen or heard. The highpoint being the abusive text messages i was getting while on air. Thanks to Lorcan for getting them in touch with me.
Dec.
Just did some artwork for Tim Skinner, my next project with Hero Killers writer Andy Winter. He was looking for an image to be used to advertise the book at the upcoming Bristol Comic Expo. Since the book is a send up of loads of different comics, the flyer is in the very same vein. Does it look familiar? Remember this....?
Hope ye like. Incidentally, the interview today on Newstalk Radio went pretty smoothly even though there was no Bob Byrne to be seen or heard. The highpoint being the abusive text messages i was getting while on air. Thanks to Lorcan for getting them in touch with me.
Dec.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
RADIO GAGA
Myself and the always 'gentlemanly' Bob Byrne will be on Ireland's Newstalk Radio this Monday (the 14th) at 11am. We've been asked to contribute on the subject of 'Superheroes in Movies'. Not sure who else is on it. I've been asked since i drew a superhero book (Hero Killers) and Bob's on because well, he's a attention-grabbing whore who'll do anything for a quick buck.
Have a listen. I'm sure it'll at least be a laugh. If you're not in Ireland, you can listen to it on the Net here.
Dec.
Myself and the always 'gentlemanly' Bob Byrne will be on Ireland's Newstalk Radio this Monday (the 14th) at 11am. We've been asked to contribute on the subject of 'Superheroes in Movies'. Not sure who else is on it. I've been asked since i drew a superhero book (Hero Killers) and Bob's on because well, he's a attention-grabbing whore who'll do anything for a quick buck.
Have a listen. I'm sure it'll at least be a laugh. If you're not in Ireland, you can listen to it on the Net here.
Dec.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
FRANKENSTEIN: NOW IN COLOUR
Recently found that some coloured sample pages from Frankenstein are up on the Classical Comics website so i thought i'd show 'em here. These are two of my favourites so far.
Linework by me, colours by Jason Cardy and Kat Nicholson.
It's a really strange experience; seeing someone else colour my work for the first time, especially as i've been doing nothing but black and white books up till now. Also, i'm on my last set of Frankenstein pages, so ive gotten really used to the black and white pages. But i must say, i'm really happy with how these are coming out. Jason and Kat are doing a really great job. The finished product is gonna be a really lush looking book. I've seen a lot more pages, and they look great. If you'd like to see more, head on over to the Classical Comics site.
Thanks to Rich for the heads up.
Dec.
Recently found that some coloured sample pages from Frankenstein are up on the Classical Comics website so i thought i'd show 'em here. These are two of my favourites so far.
Linework by me, colours by Jason Cardy and Kat Nicholson.
It's a really strange experience; seeing someone else colour my work for the first time, especially as i've been doing nothing but black and white books up till now. Also, i'm on my last set of Frankenstein pages, so ive gotten really used to the black and white pages. But i must say, i'm really happy with how these are coming out. Jason and Kat are doing a really great job. The finished product is gonna be a really lush looking book. I've seen a lot more pages, and they look great. If you'd like to see more, head on over to the Classical Comics site.
Thanks to Rich for the heads up.
Dec.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
JOHANN KRAUS
Well, since the last BPRD sketch went down so well, here's another one; this time Johann Kraus. I could just post the sketches in black and white, but i kinda like adding a bit of colour to them; i reckon the blog could do with a bit of colour here and there.
Thanks again for all the well wishes with the Eagle nomination by the way, it's greatly appreciated.
Hope ye like the sketch!
Dec.
Well, since the last BPRD sketch went down so well, here's another one; this time Johann Kraus. I could just post the sketches in black and white, but i kinda like adding a bit of colour to them; i reckon the blog could do with a bit of colour here and there.
Thanks again for all the well wishes with the Eagle nomination by the way, it's greatly appreciated.
Hope ye like the sketch!
Dec.
Monday, April 07, 2008
ON THE WINGS OF ..............AN EAGLE.....?
Or should that be 'On the Wings of a Dove'?
Anyhoo, found out last night that i've been nominated all proper for Favourite Newcomer Artist at this years Eagle Awards. Safe to say, i woke up this mornin' and thought i'd imagined it! Anyone who frequents this blog is probably aware my first comic Hero Killers won the Eagle Award last year. Although i didn't expect it to win, i did realise it was possible; being a team effort between Andy Winter and myself. God knows i got onto everyone i knew and i even asked old school/college friends to vote for me. This year, i heard someone had nominated me i was very flattered, but there was no way i thought that me, specifically, would make it through to the final nomination process, so i didn't bother to track down everyone i knew to vote me into the nominations list. Hence why today i'm so surprised it did in-fact happen!
In all honestly, the other guys in the same category are by far, way more talented artists than i am (i'm a big fan of Cliff Chiang's and David Aja's work especially). So although i'm not going to tell you not to vote for me, i can tell you that if you do vote for me, you are wrong!
However, you would be very wise to vote for the following folk:
BOB BYRNE: As pleased as i was to see my name on the list, i way overjoyed to see my homoerotic life-partner Bob Byrne was up for Favourite Writer/Artist. Bob has been doing great work for years with Mbleh and The Shiznit and recently has been doing knockout work in 2000AD with his Twisted Tales and his own fantastic graphic novel Mr. Amperduke. I couldn't be happier for Bob, and by god, he's up against some stiff competition (no gay jokes for once!)
SI SPURRIER: This talented gentleman has been nominated many times but never won. Give him the Favourite Newcomer Writer award and then we can give someone else a chance next year.
GARY ERKSINE: Gary's been nominated for Favourite Comics Artist Inks. If you've seen his work, you know how immaculately rendered Gary's inks are, and definitely deserves the award.
MATT HOLLINGSWORTH: My main man Matt has been nominated for Favourite Colourist. It's absolutely well deserved; the guy's a genius with colour, has worked on some of my all-time favourite books and is a swell guy to boot)
SANCHO: This Irish comic is up for Favourite European Comic for a second year in a row (congrats guys!)
CHRIS RYALL: As i said in a previous post, this guy has hired half of Ireland so deserves Favourite Editor just for that! Also, IDW are getting some great books out of late, and it's all due to the good work of this fella.
So, go vote for them ......and well, maybe me ......if you really want to.
Eagle Award Nominations List
Dec.
Or should that be 'On the Wings of a Dove'?
Anyhoo, found out last night that i've been nominated all proper for Favourite Newcomer Artist at this years Eagle Awards. Safe to say, i woke up this mornin' and thought i'd imagined it! Anyone who frequents this blog is probably aware my first comic Hero Killers won the Eagle Award last year. Although i didn't expect it to win, i did realise it was possible; being a team effort between Andy Winter and myself. God knows i got onto everyone i knew and i even asked old school/college friends to vote for me. This year, i heard someone had nominated me i was very flattered, but there was no way i thought that me, specifically, would make it through to the final nomination process, so i didn't bother to track down everyone i knew to vote me into the nominations list. Hence why today i'm so surprised it did in-fact happen!
In all honestly, the other guys in the same category are by far, way more talented artists than i am (i'm a big fan of Cliff Chiang's and David Aja's work especially). So although i'm not going to tell you not to vote for me, i can tell you that if you do vote for me, you are wrong!
However, you would be very wise to vote for the following folk:
BOB BYRNE: As pleased as i was to see my name on the list, i way overjoyed to see my homoerotic life-partner Bob Byrne was up for Favourite Writer/Artist. Bob has been doing great work for years with Mbleh and The Shiznit and recently has been doing knockout work in 2000AD with his Twisted Tales and his own fantastic graphic novel Mr. Amperduke. I couldn't be happier for Bob, and by god, he's up against some stiff competition (no gay jokes for once!)
SI SPURRIER: This talented gentleman has been nominated many times but never won. Give him the Favourite Newcomer Writer award and then we can give someone else a chance next year.
GARY ERKSINE: Gary's been nominated for Favourite Comics Artist Inks. If you've seen his work, you know how immaculately rendered Gary's inks are, and definitely deserves the award.
MATT HOLLINGSWORTH: My main man Matt has been nominated for Favourite Colourist. It's absolutely well deserved; the guy's a genius with colour, has worked on some of my all-time favourite books and is a swell guy to boot)
SANCHO: This Irish comic is up for Favourite European Comic for a second year in a row (congrats guys!)
CHRIS RYALL: As i said in a previous post, this guy has hired half of Ireland so deserves Favourite Editor just for that! Also, IDW are getting some great books out of late, and it's all due to the good work of this fella.
So, go vote for them ......and well, maybe me ......if you really want to.
Eagle Award Nominations List
Dec.
Friday, April 04, 2008
FREAK SHOW COVER ART
Freak Show? What? Am I still drawing it you ask? Well yes gentle reader, I am still drawing Freak Show. Things slowed down a bit when I started on Frankenstein, then moreso when writer/creator Rob Curley started work on his new book Atomic Rocket Group 66, drawn by Will Sliney. I'm currently wrapping up the last few pages of the latest Freak Show, and this time I get to do a cover, which is nice.
Dec.
Freak Show? What? Am I still drawing it you ask? Well yes gentle reader, I am still drawing Freak Show. Things slowed down a bit when I started on Frankenstein, then moreso when writer/creator Rob Curley started work on his new book Atomic Rocket Group 66, drawn by Will Sliney. I'm currently wrapping up the last few pages of the latest Freak Show, and this time I get to do a cover, which is nice.
Dec.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
FRANKENSTEIN COVER
Coming to the end of Frankenstein now, so reckoned it was about time to get the finished cover done. The folks at Classical Comics really liked a pose i had used from a test page i did before i was actually hired for the project, and have used it for promotional purposes to date. I really wanted to do a new cover, as i think my drawing is at a better level now. Also, the monster drawn wasn't the finalized design so it was decided i should do a new cover, making it a reworking of the image they liked so much.
Dec.
Coming to the end of Frankenstein now, so reckoned it was about time to get the finished cover done. The folks at Classical Comics really liked a pose i had used from a test page i did before i was actually hired for the project, and have used it for promotional purposes to date. I really wanted to do a new cover, as i think my drawing is at a better level now. Also, the monster drawn wasn't the finalized design so it was decided i should do a new cover, making it a reworking of the image they liked so much.
Dec.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
COMPUTER TROUBLE.
OR,
HOW I'M LIKE SHAFT
Anyone who i've been in contact with over e-mail over the last few years got a wierd e-mail form me last night. 'Apparently', i was stranded in Nigeria (of all places) and really needed people in my contact list to send me money. Now before you all say "Typical Declan; always begging off me over e-mail," it turns out it was not actually me at all! Some godshite got access to my email for about 20 minutes and spammed everyone in my contact list. A lot of friends responded with much humour, which is fine. But i'm pretty miffed that anyone whose address i have but maybe haven't used out of etiquette, got the before-mentioned e-mail, which angers and frustrated me to no end. Not very professional-looking on my part.
Then there were the folk who were concerned, like the honourable Steve Bunche. Check his blog to see his reaction (and to see the Shaft comparison if it's not obvious)
So, if anyone got that mail, rest assured i'm fine and my usual missionary work will continue, despite this recent worry.
Dec.
OR,
HOW I'M LIKE SHAFT
Anyone who i've been in contact with over e-mail over the last few years got a wierd e-mail form me last night. 'Apparently', i was stranded in Nigeria (of all places) and really needed people in my contact list to send me money. Now before you all say "Typical Declan; always begging off me over e-mail," it turns out it was not actually me at all! Some godshite got access to my email for about 20 minutes and spammed everyone in my contact list. A lot of friends responded with much humour, which is fine. But i'm pretty miffed that anyone whose address i have but maybe haven't used out of etiquette, got the before-mentioned e-mail, which angers and frustrated me to no end. Not very professional-looking on my part.
Then there were the folk who were concerned, like the honourable Steve Bunche. Check his blog to see his reaction (and to see the Shaft comparison if it's not obvious)
So, if anyone got that mail, rest assured i'm fine and my usual missionary work will continue, despite this recent worry.
Dec.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
COMIC ART NOW
The end of the month sees the publication of a new 'coffee-table' book by Dez Skinn (author of Comix: The Underground Revolution, ex-editor of Comics International and Warrior) published by Ilex Press. Called Comic Art Now it aims to serve as a directory of some of the best of today's comic artists.
From Dez: "..It gives our industry something it’s long needed… an equivalent to The Creative Handbook, The Art Directory, etc and gives creators a general audience exposure and puts their names/email addresses in the hands of account execs and the like who invariably steal their styles because they don’t know how to find them. Uniquely, unlike the existing directories which charge for inclusion, this book’s selection for inclusion is based on the quality of the art rather than the artist’s bank balance.”
With an introduction my Mark Millar, it features the work of Alex Ross, Lew Stringer, Mike Ploog, John M. Burns, John McCrea. Oh yes ....and myself. It features a never before published Frankenstein page i did, that won't actually appear in the final book.
Really looking forward to seeing this book come out. I'm a sucker for 'artists books' so i'll get a great thrill from getting a book of that sort that i'm actually featured in, especially considering the amount of esteemed talent also in the book.
Published by Ilex Press (UK) and HarperCollins (US) the 10.5" hardback should be on sale on the 27th of March.
Hope ye all get a copy.
Dec.
The end of the month sees the publication of a new 'coffee-table' book by Dez Skinn (author of Comix: The Underground Revolution, ex-editor of Comics International and Warrior) published by Ilex Press. Called Comic Art Now it aims to serve as a directory of some of the best of today's comic artists.
From Dez: "..It gives our industry something it’s long needed… an equivalent to The Creative Handbook, The Art Directory, etc and gives creators a general audience exposure and puts their names/email addresses in the hands of account execs and the like who invariably steal their styles because they don’t know how to find them. Uniquely, unlike the existing directories which charge for inclusion, this book’s selection for inclusion is based on the quality of the art rather than the artist’s bank balance.”
With an introduction my Mark Millar, it features the work of Alex Ross, Lew Stringer, Mike Ploog, John M. Burns, John McCrea. Oh yes ....and myself. It features a never before published Frankenstein page i did, that won't actually appear in the final book.
Really looking forward to seeing this book come out. I'm a sucker for 'artists books' so i'll get a great thrill from getting a book of that sort that i'm actually featured in, especially considering the amount of esteemed talent also in the book.
Published by Ilex Press (UK) and HarperCollins (US) the 10.5" hardback should be on sale on the 27th of March.
Hope ye all get a copy.
Dec.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
STRIPWIRE FOR TRIPWIRE
Was asked to do a 3 page story for the Tripwire annual by it's editor and all-round nice guy Joel Meadows. Thought i'd take the opportunity to do something set in modern day, with a crime element to it. Basically, have a go at a crime story. I love crime stories (hence my praise for Brubaker/Phillips' Criminal), but i've never actually drawn one. I also took the opportunity to make it a silent strip, inspired by Bob Byrne's achievement on his fantastic Mr. Amperduke. I tried to cram in as much story into the three pages as possible. Above is page one.
I should also mention that Joel's book Studio Space is available to order through Diamond. I can't wait for this to come out; it's got interviews with Brian Bolland, Frank Miller, Mike Mignola and the like. Make sure you order a copy!
Dec.
Was asked to do a 3 page story for the Tripwire annual by it's editor and all-round nice guy Joel Meadows. Thought i'd take the opportunity to do something set in modern day, with a crime element to it. Basically, have a go at a crime story. I love crime stories (hence my praise for Brubaker/Phillips' Criminal), but i've never actually drawn one. I also took the opportunity to make it a silent strip, inspired by Bob Byrne's achievement on his fantastic Mr. Amperduke. I tried to cram in as much story into the three pages as possible. Above is page one.
I should also mention that Joel's book Studio Space is available to order through Diamond. I can't wait for this to come out; it's got interviews with Brian Bolland, Frank Miller, Mike Mignola and the like. Make sure you order a copy!
Dec.
Monday, March 03, 2008
HAUNTED LIVERPOOL
Here's a couple of illustrations i did this week for a new book by John Reppion (co-writer of Raise the Dead, Albion, etc.) about many ghost-stories centred around Liverpool.
I understand lots o' folk have contributed, so i'm really curious as to how the finished product will turn out. More about the book...
'All kinds of authors with all sorts of approaches write for our Haunted series, from ghost walkers and Ghost Club and SPR members to those with a longstanding interest like John. I had come across his work in the past, and I was delighted when he got in touch and suggested compiling a Haunted Liverpool for us. The aim is to combine eye-witness accounts of encounters with the supernatural with the historical background and some famous - and less well known - stories from across Liverpool. There will be some really interesting cases, and all the places that you would expect to read about - and a few that you wouldn't. With John's background, I am looking forward to seeing the illustrations! 2008 is such an important year for Liverpool, and I look forward to working on the book with John. It will be available in June 2008 at a cost of £9.99, and I hope that we can help to make it the best and most comprehensive collection of paranormal encounters in Liverpool that has ever been published.' – Tempus Publishing’s Cate Ludlow
For more on Johns work, along with stories with his writing partner Leah Moore, go to www.moorereppion.com
Dec.
Here's a couple of illustrations i did this week for a new book by John Reppion (co-writer of Raise the Dead, Albion, etc.) about many ghost-stories centred around Liverpool.
I understand lots o' folk have contributed, so i'm really curious as to how the finished product will turn out. More about the book...
'All kinds of authors with all sorts of approaches write for our Haunted series, from ghost walkers and Ghost Club and SPR members to those with a longstanding interest like John. I had come across his work in the past, and I was delighted when he got in touch and suggested compiling a Haunted Liverpool for us. The aim is to combine eye-witness accounts of encounters with the supernatural with the historical background and some famous - and less well known - stories from across Liverpool. There will be some really interesting cases, and all the places that you would expect to read about - and a few that you wouldn't. With John's background, I am looking forward to seeing the illustrations! 2008 is such an important year for Liverpool, and I look forward to working on the book with John. It will be available in June 2008 at a cost of £9.99, and I hope that we can help to make it the best and most comprehensive collection of paranormal encounters in Liverpool that has ever been published.' – Tempus Publishing’s Cate Ludlow
For more on Johns work, along with stories with his writing partner Leah Moore, go to www.moorereppion.com
Dec.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
FRANKENSTEIN; PAGE 91 --PENCILS
Here's the pencils to yesterdays layouts. I magnify the scanned layout to artwork size, 10X15 inches on Photoshop. I then roughly trace the image, eliminating the tough process of working out where everything will fit on a larger, blank page. This way, all the necessary information is on the page, so i can get to work on fleshing out all the details. So there, my illicit secret is out; deal with it.
Inks tomorrow.
Dec.
Friday, February 22, 2008
FRANKENSTEIN; PAGE 91 --LAYOUTS
I promised to show a whole Frankenstein page, so thought i'd show i did it from start to finish.
Once i very roughly thumbnail how i'll arrange my panels, i do my layout page. It's not huge; but not tiny either; about 6X4 inches. It lets me work out the composition of the page, arrange where everything is placed, figure out some details without having to actually draw them all, and also decide where my blacks will be. This makes the process of pencilling much easier for me. I find it easier to achieve more gestural spontaneous-looking drawing in a smaller area.
I'll post the pencils tomorrow.
Dec.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
FRANKENSTEIN SKETCH
Off to Edinburgh today to take some reference for Frankenstein. There's a scene in the story that takes place there, so instead of getting reference off the net, i'd just pop down on the bus and take some photos of my own.
I'll post a finished page during the week, but till then, here's a drawing of the Monster i did last night. Took me about 15 mins.
Dec.
Off to Edinburgh today to take some reference for Frankenstein. There's a scene in the story that takes place there, so instead of getting reference off the net, i'd just pop down on the bus and take some photos of my own.
I'll post a finished page during the week, but till then, here's a drawing of the Monster i did last night. Took me about 15 mins.
Dec.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
MY EAGLE AWARD NOMINATIONS
Best Newcomer Writer: SIMON SPURRIER
While Si is pretty established as far as 2000AD fans are concerned, outside of that circle, he may not be as well known, that's why he gets my vote. Si has had a huge break with his Silver Surfer; In Thy Name mini series for Marvel. I was chuffed to hear Si had landed the gig. Couldn't go to a nicer guy.
Best Newcomer Artist: KEITH BURNS
As tempted as i was to vote for myself (seeing as someone had alredy nominated me...), I had to support Keith, who drew Blood Psi for Andy Winter. Plus, he's from Ireland, so he deserves a vote, just for that.
Best Writer: ED BRUBAKER
It's no secret i love this man's writing. As you see more of my nominations, you might notice this.
Best Writer/Artist: BOB BYRNE
What can i say about this guy that hasn't already been said about Afganistan? He's bombed up and depleted. Ah just kidding, like i said in the last post, this is Bob's year, and i really hope he at least gets a nomination for this.
Best Penciller: RUFUS DAYGLO
Aside from being a top bloke, i was lucky enough to see Rufus' pencilled pages at the recent Hi-Ex con in Inverness. I really like his approach to storytelling, with a keen eye on design. That kind of work interests me more than a tightly-rendered pencil drawing.
Best Inker: STEFANO GUADIANO
Not a UK boy (actually, i don't know where he's from), but again, i really like this artist's approach to inks. Loose and textured, his inks add great atmosphere to Michael Lark's pencils on Daredevil.
Best Fully Painted Artwork: ESAD RIBIC
Have you seen this guy's work? I've seen simple line-drawings he's done, and they're amazing.
Best Colourist: LEN O' GRADY
Surprised i had to add Len's name to this list. Along with doing great colour work in 2000AD, Len's belting out great colours on his many IDW books. Plus, he's Irish. Let's see the award go to a Limerick-man!
Best Editor: CHRIS RYALL
Last year i voted for Matt Smith, who quite deservedly won, but this year i'm going for Chris Ryall. He's really going all out there with IDW, with his Angel and Star Trek books, but aside from that, he's employing not one, not two, not three, but FOUR irish lads. See a running trend here? If you're Irish i'll vote for you.
Best Publisher: IMAGE
Admittedly, Marvel are knocking it out of the park these days with top creators on top books. Dark Horse too, are bringing out some of my favourite books, but i voted for Image. Image really is where some great, original stories are being published and by god, that's a cause i'll support.
Fav American Colour Comic: CRIMINAL
Love this book. Love the story. Love the art. Nuff said.
Fav UK Colour Comic: 2000AD
2000AD can be tricky. There's some stuff in there i really don't like, but there's some really great stuff too. All in all, it's the best UK colour book i've read, so voted for it, i did (in Yoda voice)
Fav B&W American: THE WALKING DEAD
Have you read this book? Freakin' unbelievable. Without a doubt, the most compelling book on the stands these days.
Fav B&W UK: BLOOD PSI
Arrrgh! This was a tough one, as i really wanted to vote for PJ Holden's PREVIOUSLY (Sorry PJ!) but, i had to support Andy's Hero Killers follow up. A really, really great vampire story, that's recieved rave reviews. Oh yeah, i also did the cover for it. I urge you to vote for either book. They're both great.
Fav New Comicbook: TANK GIRL - THE GIFTING
Great book By Alan C. Martin, Ashley Wood and Rufus Dayglo.
Fav Comics Story: CRIMINAL 6-10 (LAWLESS)
See 'Fav Writer'. Second arc of the series, and the best so far, in my humble opinion.
Fav Original Graphic Novel: SILVERFISH
Great noir thriller by David Lapham.
Fav Reprint Collection: CRIMINAL: COWARD
See 'Fav Writer' (again)
Fav Comics Hero (HERO): BUCKY (CAPTAIN AMERICA)
Captain America is another great book by Brubaker, but what he did with the Bucky character in the last year or so has been a fantastic read.
Fav Comics Villain: BARRACUDA
Loved the recent Barracuda run in Punisher, and his own mini-series. Great villain.
Fav Magazine: DRAW!/WRITE NOW
I don't get to read thse as much as i'd like, but when i do get my hands on them i read every inch of them.
Fav Comics Related book: PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Great book that interviews Scott Hampton, Mark Chiarello, Mike Mignola, Brian Stelfreeze,etc. A fantastic read for us artistic type, or any student of sequential storytelling.
Fav Comics Related website: INDIEREVIEW
A site dedicated to UK small press/indie books. They've been very supportive of Hero Killers, so the least i can do is send them a vote their way
Roll of Honour: JAMES REDINGTON
I'd like to nominate Steve Gerber, but to be fair, i've never read any of his work. James Redington however, i was fortunate enough to know. Again, a great supporter of Hero Killers (and small press books in general), James was at all the cons, supporting his own books and others too. He wrote the first interview i ever did and i was so grateful for his efforts to spread the word about our little book. He died tragically at a very youg age in mid '08 and the least i could do for him is to nominate him for the Roll of Honour.
So, there it is. Agree with me? Disagree? Tough. I've already voted, so there's nothin' you can do about it! Right, there's a lot of talk on this artblog recently, i'll post a whole Frankenstein page soon, to make up for it.
Dec.
Best Newcomer Writer: SIMON SPURRIER
While Si is pretty established as far as 2000AD fans are concerned, outside of that circle, he may not be as well known, that's why he gets my vote. Si has had a huge break with his Silver Surfer; In Thy Name mini series for Marvel. I was chuffed to hear Si had landed the gig. Couldn't go to a nicer guy.
Best Newcomer Artist: KEITH BURNS
As tempted as i was to vote for myself (seeing as someone had alredy nominated me...), I had to support Keith, who drew Blood Psi for Andy Winter. Plus, he's from Ireland, so he deserves a vote, just for that.
Best Writer: ED BRUBAKER
It's no secret i love this man's writing. As you see more of my nominations, you might notice this.
Best Writer/Artist: BOB BYRNE
What can i say about this guy that hasn't already been said about Afganistan? He's bombed up and depleted. Ah just kidding, like i said in the last post, this is Bob's year, and i really hope he at least gets a nomination for this.
Best Penciller: RUFUS DAYGLO
Aside from being a top bloke, i was lucky enough to see Rufus' pencilled pages at the recent Hi-Ex con in Inverness. I really like his approach to storytelling, with a keen eye on design. That kind of work interests me more than a tightly-rendered pencil drawing.
Best Inker: STEFANO GUADIANO
Not a UK boy (actually, i don't know where he's from), but again, i really like this artist's approach to inks. Loose and textured, his inks add great atmosphere to Michael Lark's pencils on Daredevil.
Best Fully Painted Artwork: ESAD RIBIC
Have you seen this guy's work? I've seen simple line-drawings he's done, and they're amazing.
Best Colourist: LEN O' GRADY
Surprised i had to add Len's name to this list. Along with doing great colour work in 2000AD, Len's belting out great colours on his many IDW books. Plus, he's Irish. Let's see the award go to a Limerick-man!
Best Editor: CHRIS RYALL
Last year i voted for Matt Smith, who quite deservedly won, but this year i'm going for Chris Ryall. He's really going all out there with IDW, with his Angel and Star Trek books, but aside from that, he's employing not one, not two, not three, but FOUR irish lads. See a running trend here? If you're Irish i'll vote for you.
Best Publisher: IMAGE
Admittedly, Marvel are knocking it out of the park these days with top creators on top books. Dark Horse too, are bringing out some of my favourite books, but i voted for Image. Image really is where some great, original stories are being published and by god, that's a cause i'll support.
Fav American Colour Comic: CRIMINAL
Love this book. Love the story. Love the art. Nuff said.
Fav UK Colour Comic: 2000AD
2000AD can be tricky. There's some stuff in there i really don't like, but there's some really great stuff too. All in all, it's the best UK colour book i've read, so voted for it, i did (in Yoda voice)
Fav B&W American: THE WALKING DEAD
Have you read this book? Freakin' unbelievable. Without a doubt, the most compelling book on the stands these days.
Fav B&W UK: BLOOD PSI
Arrrgh! This was a tough one, as i really wanted to vote for PJ Holden's PREVIOUSLY (Sorry PJ!) but, i had to support Andy's Hero Killers follow up. A really, really great vampire story, that's recieved rave reviews. Oh yeah, i also did the cover for it. I urge you to vote for either book. They're both great.
Fav New Comicbook: TANK GIRL - THE GIFTING
Great book By Alan C. Martin, Ashley Wood and Rufus Dayglo.
Fav Comics Story: CRIMINAL 6-10 (LAWLESS)
See 'Fav Writer'. Second arc of the series, and the best so far, in my humble opinion.
Fav Original Graphic Novel: SILVERFISH
Great noir thriller by David Lapham.
Fav Reprint Collection: CRIMINAL: COWARD
See 'Fav Writer' (again)
Fav Comics Hero (HERO): BUCKY (CAPTAIN AMERICA)
Captain America is another great book by Brubaker, but what he did with the Bucky character in the last year or so has been a fantastic read.
Fav Comics Villain: BARRACUDA
Loved the recent Barracuda run in Punisher, and his own mini-series. Great villain.
Fav Magazine: DRAW!/WRITE NOW
I don't get to read thse as much as i'd like, but when i do get my hands on them i read every inch of them.
Fav Comics Related book: PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Great book that interviews Scott Hampton, Mark Chiarello, Mike Mignola, Brian Stelfreeze,etc. A fantastic read for us artistic type, or any student of sequential storytelling.
Fav Comics Related website: INDIEREVIEW
A site dedicated to UK small press/indie books. They've been very supportive of Hero Killers, so the least i can do is send them a vote their way
Roll of Honour: JAMES REDINGTON
I'd like to nominate Steve Gerber, but to be fair, i've never read any of his work. James Redington however, i was fortunate enough to know. Again, a great supporter of Hero Killers (and small press books in general), James was at all the cons, supporting his own books and others too. He wrote the first interview i ever did and i was so grateful for his efforts to spread the word about our little book. He died tragically at a very youg age in mid '08 and the least i could do for him is to nominate him for the Roll of Honour.
So, there it is. Agree with me? Disagree? Tough. I've already voted, so there's nothin' you can do about it! Right, there's a lot of talk on this artblog recently, i'll post a whole Frankenstein page soon, to make up for it.
Dec.
Monday, February 18, 2008
EAGLE NOMINATIONS FORM
Noticed a couple of days ago that the nominations form for the Eagle Awards was up. Man, i remember this time last year, i was in Cork drawing at Will Sliney's house when i saw the list. And there it was; Hero Killers. I couldn't believe someone actually had voted for the book. Little did i know it'd go to make it through to the nominations list, and eventually win.
So, this year, i'm gonna vote for the little guy, as last year, Hero Killers was the little guy in question. At the awards last year, it was a shame to see most of the awards go to big-name American creators who weren't even attending. Someone told me lots of people were happy to see Andy Winter and myself accept the award, as we were one of the few winners to actually attend the event. So, in most cases, i'm gonna vote for more British creators.
I urge all who read this blog to vote for Bob Byrne as Favourite Writer/Artist. Everyone will probably vote for Frank Miller in this catagory, not to diss Mr. Miller at all, but the guy has gotten a lot of accolades over his career. Give the Eagle to an up-and-commer, i beg of you. This really has been Bob's year; With The Shiznit #4 out, his Twisted Tales for 2000AD, and opus; Mr. Amperduke all out within a year, he deserves to get some props. I noticed his name in the nominations form, and by god, THAT'S who i'll vote for.
(I also noticed there was some young fella by the name of Declan Shalvey in the nominations form for Favourite Newcomer Artist. I was very flattered that at least one person had already voted for me. Thanks, whoever you are, i appreciated it!)
So go forth and vote, gentle reader, and get your friends to vote, too!
http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/nominate.asp
Thanks,
Dec.
Noticed a couple of days ago that the nominations form for the Eagle Awards was up. Man, i remember this time last year, i was in Cork drawing at Will Sliney's house when i saw the list. And there it was; Hero Killers. I couldn't believe someone actually had voted for the book. Little did i know it'd go to make it through to the nominations list, and eventually win.
So, this year, i'm gonna vote for the little guy, as last year, Hero Killers was the little guy in question. At the awards last year, it was a shame to see most of the awards go to big-name American creators who weren't even attending. Someone told me lots of people were happy to see Andy Winter and myself accept the award, as we were one of the few winners to actually attend the event. So, in most cases, i'm gonna vote for more British creators.
I urge all who read this blog to vote for Bob Byrne as Favourite Writer/Artist. Everyone will probably vote for Frank Miller in this catagory, not to diss Mr. Miller at all, but the guy has gotten a lot of accolades over his career. Give the Eagle to an up-and-commer, i beg of you. This really has been Bob's year; With The Shiznit #4 out, his Twisted Tales for 2000AD, and opus; Mr. Amperduke all out within a year, he deserves to get some props. I noticed his name in the nominations form, and by god, THAT'S who i'll vote for.
(I also noticed there was some young fella by the name of Declan Shalvey in the nominations form for Favourite Newcomer Artist. I was very flattered that at least one person had already voted for me. Thanks, whoever you are, i appreciated it!)
So go forth and vote, gentle reader, and get your friends to vote, too!
http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/nominate.asp
Thanks,
Dec.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
PUNISHER .....AGAIN
The king of all Declan-gossip, Will Sliney, had a signing over here in Aberdeen during the weekend, and it was an absolute pleasure to see him. From what i saw he did some kick-ass sketches. At one stage, it was suggested he do a Punisher piece. I jokingly suggested that i could do a better piece than he, so of course, it became a competition between us. As does everything. Above's the fruit of my labour, check Will's blog to see his.
Who wins? YOU decide!
I decided to do something a bit different and went with a bit more of a biker approach to the Punisher
.....whereas Will decided to rip off Tim Bradstreet's approach. ZING!!!
Dec.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
GREEN LANTERN SKETCH
A young man was sound enough to send me on the Green Lantern sketch i did at Hi-Ex. The one that ended with me spilling ink on myself. Nice.
Glad to get a scan of this. I originally started this sketch the usual way; head/figure in the middle, etc, but it wasn't working. Instead, i decided to be more bold with the composition, and move the figure right into the corner, and use a solid black to emphasize the vertical energy beam.
Quite happy with this one.
Dec.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
HI-EX AFTERMATH --PART TWO
Well, as promised, here's more Hi-Ex info. Various blog reports and whatnot. Do read them, they give a great overall account of how the weekend went, and do a much better job at it than i do.
Reports; one, two, three, four
On the saturday night, there were pens and paper handy .....and some alcohol. It resulted in some 'interesting' comic-jams. They actually bordered on onscene, but here's one of the cleaner ones....
I could probably post more, if there's demand for 'em.
Here's a photo of Saturday's festivities. Amongst the crowd are Kev F Sutherland, Colin MacNeil, Rufus Dayglo, Paul Scott, Al Ewing and Gary Erskine.
I hope to post the odd sketches from the con over the next day or so.
Dec.
Well, as promised, here's more Hi-Ex info. Various blog reports and whatnot. Do read them, they give a great overall account of how the weekend went, and do a much better job at it than i do.
Reports; one, two, three, four
On the saturday night, there were pens and paper handy .....and some alcohol. It resulted in some 'interesting' comic-jams. They actually bordered on onscene, but here's one of the cleaner ones....
I could probably post more, if there's demand for 'em.
Here's a photo of Saturday's festivities. Amongst the crowd are Kev F Sutherland, Colin MacNeil, Rufus Dayglo, Paul Scott, Al Ewing and Gary Erskine.
I hope to post the odd sketches from the con over the next day or so.
Dec.
Monday, February 04, 2008
HI-EX AFTERMATH --PART ONE
Hello all, i'm back from my little trip to Inverness, and what a trip it was. Once i got there i was sorry to hear that because of heavy snowfall, some guests couldn't make the weekend. I feared that the weather would also mean the weekend would be a slow one, with small attendance. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I has kept busy all weekend, as were all the other artists, as much as i could tell.
Afraid i didn't take many photos, but i robbed these two from the Forbidden Planet Blog
The very talented Dave Kendall and myself sketching for fans
(well, Dave's sketching. I'm taking a picture of a sketch i just drew)
Funny story to go with that pic. When i took the photo of my sketch i accidently knocked something off the table. "Oh no" i thought, " i hope i didn't drop my new digital camera!" Never fear dear reader, cuz it turned out i knocked my open bottle of India Ink straight on to my lap!!! Thank god i was wearing black trouseres is all i can say!
Was kept busy sketching for most of saturday. Sunday too. I was asked to cover for some of the guests who didn't make it, so i rather hillariously was on the 'Script Writing Workshop' and 'Brits in the USA' panels. I also was part of the 'Pitching to Comics/Portfolio Review'. Most of the panels i was on were with 2000AD writer Al Ewing, who had me in stitches all weekend. What a funny man.
Myself fith fellow indie folk Paul Scott and Graeme Neil Reid at the Indie Comics panel
The one panel i did that i was originally supposed to do in the first place was the 'Indie Comics' panel, where my fellow panelists and i discussed the pros and cons of getting involved in the scene of independent comics. To be fair, without meaning to, i think we gave the indie scene a negative slant, just by describing how hard it can be, but i think we pulled it together with a positive outlook in the end. I definately made it clear that without being involved in indie comics, i would not be where i am today.
I must say that with all the panels i was on, i developed a taste for it. I certainly got into the habit of cracking jokes/smart comments on stage and making fun of the audience, so hopefully people found my presence on the panels entertaining, rather than irritating. I'm pretty sure i mentioned Bob Byrne in every panel, and tried to make myself seem cooler by telling people i knew him. I may have pretended to be him, once or twice.....
The other panels were quite fun. With the Writing Panel, i managed to let aspiring writers know what they could do to make an artist-friendly script. I got to see some grat talent with the Portfolio Reviews, and vented some steam at the Brits in the USA panel, while also maintaining i was neither British or American.
I popped in to see the Charity Auction at one stage, where there were some great pieces going ridiculously cheap. I put in a bid for this Trevor Hairsine piece....
......and won! Won't say what i got it for, but i can honestly say it was a steal. In fact, i could have gotten it cheaper, but i raised my bid just to make sure that i got it, and no one else.
I took a couple of photos of sketches i did, i'll post them soon, along with more info on my Hi-Ex experience.
Later,
Dec.
Hello all, i'm back from my little trip to Inverness, and what a trip it was. Once i got there i was sorry to hear that because of heavy snowfall, some guests couldn't make the weekend. I feared that the weather would also mean the weekend would be a slow one, with small attendance. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I has kept busy all weekend, as were all the other artists, as much as i could tell.
Afraid i didn't take many photos, but i robbed these two from the Forbidden Planet Blog
The very talented Dave Kendall and myself sketching for fans
(well, Dave's sketching. I'm taking a picture of a sketch i just drew)
Funny story to go with that pic. When i took the photo of my sketch i accidently knocked something off the table. "Oh no" i thought, " i hope i didn't drop my new digital camera!" Never fear dear reader, cuz it turned out i knocked my open bottle of India Ink straight on to my lap!!! Thank god i was wearing black trouseres is all i can say!
Was kept busy sketching for most of saturday. Sunday too. I was asked to cover for some of the guests who didn't make it, so i rather hillariously was on the 'Script Writing Workshop' and 'Brits in the USA' panels. I also was part of the 'Pitching to Comics/Portfolio Review'. Most of the panels i was on were with 2000AD writer Al Ewing, who had me in stitches all weekend. What a funny man.
Myself fith fellow indie folk Paul Scott and Graeme Neil Reid at the Indie Comics panel
The one panel i did that i was originally supposed to do in the first place was the 'Indie Comics' panel, where my fellow panelists and i discussed the pros and cons of getting involved in the scene of independent comics. To be fair, without meaning to, i think we gave the indie scene a negative slant, just by describing how hard it can be, but i think we pulled it together with a positive outlook in the end. I definately made it clear that without being involved in indie comics, i would not be where i am today.
I must say that with all the panels i was on, i developed a taste for it. I certainly got into the habit of cracking jokes/smart comments on stage and making fun of the audience, so hopefully people found my presence on the panels entertaining, rather than irritating. I'm pretty sure i mentioned Bob Byrne in every panel, and tried to make myself seem cooler by telling people i knew him. I may have pretended to be him, once or twice.....
The other panels were quite fun. With the Writing Panel, i managed to let aspiring writers know what they could do to make an artist-friendly script. I got to see some grat talent with the Portfolio Reviews, and vented some steam at the Brits in the USA panel, while also maintaining i was neither British or American.
I popped in to see the Charity Auction at one stage, where there were some great pieces going ridiculously cheap. I put in a bid for this Trevor Hairsine piece....
......and won! Won't say what i got it for, but i can honestly say it was a steal. In fact, i could have gotten it cheaper, but i raised my bid just to make sure that i got it, and no one else.
I took a couple of photos of sketches i did, i'll post them soon, along with more info on my Hi-Ex experience.
Later,
Dec.
Friday, February 01, 2008
HI-EX!
This weekend is Hi-Ex! The Highland International Comic Expo, which i'm a guest at, along with established talent such as David Lloyd, Jock, Alan Grant, Gary Erskine and Rufus Dayglo. So, i'm off for the weekend. See you again next week.
IF you happen to be in Inverness this weekend, do drop by, i'll be sketching away and whatnot. I'll also be on a couple of panels over the weekend. They are...
The 'Indie Comics'panel at 14:00 on Saturday, and at 15:00 on Sunday, i'll be on the 'Future of British Comics' panel. See the Hi-Ex website for more details. Hope to see ya there.
Later,
Dec.
This weekend is Hi-Ex! The Highland International Comic Expo, which i'm a guest at, along with established talent such as David Lloyd, Jock, Alan Grant, Gary Erskine and Rufus Dayglo. So, i'm off for the weekend. See you again next week.
IF you happen to be in Inverness this weekend, do drop by, i'll be sketching away and whatnot. I'll also be on a couple of panels over the weekend. They are...
The 'Indie Comics'panel at 14:00 on Saturday, and at 15:00 on Sunday, i'll be on the 'Future of British Comics' panel. See the Hi-Ex website for more details. Hope to see ya there.
Later,
Dec.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
PUNISHER
I just finished reading the latest issue of Garth Ennis' and Goran Parlovs Punisher series. Ah man, it blew me away. It's been a thrilling arc so far and it climaxes in this final, brutal showdown. In the end we see a bloody and beaten Frank Castle that's barely left alive. Not the stereotypical 'scratch on face' we generally see with a beaten hero, but a Punisher who's face is beaten to a pulp. Rarely do I read a comic where the level of violence actually makes me say "Jesus Christ!!!" out loud. I'm not really a fan of Ennis' 'The Boys', where he uses violence for violence's sake, or humour, whereas in this book, it's viceral and shocking, used for great dramatic effect.
Right, sorry for the rant. In summary; The Punisher. A great book. Read it now, before Ennis leaves the book.
Did a sketch to justify the rant.
Dec.
I just finished reading the latest issue of Garth Ennis' and Goran Parlovs Punisher series. Ah man, it blew me away. It's been a thrilling arc so far and it climaxes in this final, brutal showdown. In the end we see a bloody and beaten Frank Castle that's barely left alive. Not the stereotypical 'scratch on face' we generally see with a beaten hero, but a Punisher who's face is beaten to a pulp. Rarely do I read a comic where the level of violence actually makes me say "Jesus Christ!!!" out loud. I'm not really a fan of Ennis' 'The Boys', where he uses violence for violence's sake, or humour, whereas in this book, it's viceral and shocking, used for great dramatic effect.
Right, sorry for the rant. In summary; The Punisher. A great book. Read it now, before Ennis leaves the book.
Did a sketch to justify the rant.
Dec.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
RADIOHEAD
Last week, the greatest band in the world, Radiohead*, put on a small show in London for the select few who made it to the door first. The cost? Absolutely nothing. It was free. Now, i'd normally be pretty miffed 'bout not making it to such an event, but i am not. Why? Cuz the band did a live stream of the show via their website. So, this poor soul could watch the magic from the comfort of his own home (having a throat infection meant i couldn't really leave the house anyway). So, fair play to Radiohead. If i had the time i would have done a sketch, but instead, i found this on my computer; an old Radiohead ink drawing/watercolour i did back in '03 as part of an exhibition i had. Actually, it was probably the very first thing i ever scanned; my computer was brand new, and i didn't even have photoshop yet. Ah, those were the days....
* other bands are available
Dec.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
TRANSFORMERS COVER COMPETITION
There's a new competition launched on the IDW boards for a chance to do the cover to a Transformers comic. LOADS of people have entered and sure, thought i'd give it a go meself, as did my pal and yours Will Sliney. Here's mine......
Just go to the idw boards and register/log in and vote for me by going here and clicking on my name, #2008, and/or here for Mr. Sliney.
Thanks,
Dec.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
ANOTHER HELLBOY SKETCH, ANOTHER ANDY WINTER INTERVIEW!
Two days in a row, what are the odds?
Don't answer that.
Andy's interview here.
Dec.
Monday, January 21, 2008
BACK TO WORK
All quiet on the blogger front of late. Fell behind cuz I had a throat infection for a week, since then I've been tryin' to catch up on Frankenstein. Here's a Hellboy sketch to keep ye happy.....
Also, check out Indie Review for and interview with Hero Killers writer Andy Winter. He discusses all his previous books, including Hero Killers along with his upcoming work, which includes our Tim Skinner one-shot, (which i'm slowly plodding along on)
Dec.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
BEST OF 2007
Yep, i know it's January 10th of 2008, so it's a bit late for a '07 review. Sue me, now is when you're getting it.
Personally, the best of 2007 was having Freak Show Book 1 in print, winning the Eagle Award for Hero Killers, printing my first creator-owned book and of course, getting the contract for illustrating Frankenstein. Add making friends with some great comic artist (all great people) and 2007 was a pretty great year for yours truly.
Another thing that happened to me in '07 was moving to Aberdeen, setting up a studio underneath a comic shop, giving me unprecedented access to hundreds of comics and graphic novels. So, with that in mind, i present my favourite reads of 2007:
X-Factor (Marvel)
I've been enjoying this series from #1. I haven't been enjoying the run as much as of late, but that's because the book can't seem to find a regular artist to match the mood Ryan Sook started with. There's been a real up and down in art quality, but the story's still top-notch. Here's hoping 2008 will see the book finds an artist deserving of its title.
Green Lantern (DC)
Never been a regular reader of this book, or of its writer, Geoff Johnns, but i picked up both the Sinestro Corps one-shot and Green Lantern #25 and was blown away by both. Great, old-fashioned superhero stories illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver at his best, and a quite phenomenal Ivan Reis.
Criminal (Marvel/Icon)
I wish this book was out every week, i really do. If i could only buy one book a month, it would be this one. Fantastic characters and stories imagined by Ed Brubaker and drawn with fantastic noir-ish mood by Sean Phillips. This second story arc, Lawless is even better than the first arc, and by story's end, certainly doesn't disappoint.
Hellboy (Dark Horse)
Some fans were probably not happy to hear that Mike Mignola wasn't drawing his book anymore, and as much as we're missing out on that front, we're certainly being treated with Duncan Fegredo on art duties. He's blowing away on this book, finding the mix between the minimalistic Mignola-esque style, and his own established gestural style. So much so, it's almost depressing me.
Ultimates 2 (Marvel)
Finally wrapped up this year and recently bought the hardcover. Nothing i can say about this book hasn't been said already. It's the title that got me back into comics with a bang after college. And, although i wasn't mad about the ending, it really is a fantastic series, that raised the banner as far as superhero stories are concerned.
Ex Machina Masquerade Special (DC/Wildstorm)
Really enjoy this series anyway, but having John Paul Leon stand in for Tony Harris is a rare treat. Leon seems to have done a few fill in issues this year (Midnighter, Scalped, Hellblazer, etc), but as a stand alone story, i prefer this the best. I'm sure the story written by Brian K. Vaughan certainly attributed to that....
Astonishing X-Men (Marvel)
Loved the first arc of this, and this arc does not disappoint. Both Whedon and cassaday are on fire on this book. One thing i love about this story is how Whedon have showed that Cyclops is a badass. For years, creators have dismissed the character as the flat, boring leader-type, and now he's been seen as a ballsy, no-nonsense badass.
New Avengers (Marvel)
Never thought i'd ever admit i was loving an Avengers book, but Brian Michael Bendis has really turned the Avengers around. It's a great, enjoyable read, with some really energetic artwork by Leinil Yu. Id'd still prefer he had an inker, rather than just digitally inking his pencils as they can seem too loose at times, but i'm just nitpicking here.
Punisher (Marvel)
Read the odd trade of Ennis' run but i think the recent issues have been flawless. Absolutely Ennis at his best, with suitably disturbing art from Goran Parlov. Very sorry to hear Ennis is wrapping up his run soon. Should also mention the Annual out that year written by Mike Benson, with dark, moody art by Laurence Campbell. An absolutely chilling stand-alone Punisher tale. Highly recommended.
Daredevil/Captain America (Marvel)
I've lumped these two together cuz as far as stories go, i can't decide which i love more. Wish i was reading them in trades, cuz by the time i get into the issue, it's over. Art on both is sterling, but i personally lead towards the Lark/Gaudino/Acateza linework, and Matt Hollingsworth colours. Superhero stories at thyeir best.
Batman (DC)
Never the biggest Morrison fan truth be told, and i found the arc he wrote for Andy Kubert disappointing, but the 3-part story illustrated by JH Williams lll is great. Fun Batman story with innovative panel Layouts by Williams, and some great colouring by Dave Stewart.
All Star Superman (DC)
Thoroughly enjoyable, silver-age inspired Superman tale with wonderfully clean art by Frank Quietly.
The Walking Dead (Image)
Man, what a great book. Firstly, great, consistent black and white artwork by Charlie Adlard. Wonderfully paced storytelling, with quiet moments as well illustrated as the frightening horror parts. Secondly, the story, by Robert Kirkman has you on edge consistently. It's a zombie book, with sweet feck-all zombies in it. It's the wonderful characterizations mixed in with the constant threat and explosive relationships that make it a must-read.
Y: The Last Man (DC/Vertigo)
I picked this book up in trades, so i'm a bit behind in recent developments, along with Walking Dead but it's a fantastic read. Really knocks the 'last man on Earth' concept on it's head.
Phonogram (Image)
One of the most interesting stories to come out of 2007, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. Hard to explain, so you should just check it out for yourself, but think John Constantine mixed together with NME.
Doomed (IDW)
I normally don't go for horror books, but i happened upon this trade, illustrated by Ashley Wood, by chance. Told in simple black-and-white, with some really interesting storytelling techniques.
Batman: Year 100 (DC)
Cool, futuristic story. Fantastic, energetic art. What else can i say?
Silverfish (DC Vertigo)
A great, dark, disturbing, thrilling original graphic by David Lapham. Reminds me of how i should be reading more original graphic novels, rather than trade paperbacks. It really makes me wish i could sit down and write a story of my own to draw. Someday maybe.....
Dec.
Yep, i know it's January 10th of 2008, so it's a bit late for a '07 review. Sue me, now is when you're getting it.
Personally, the best of 2007 was having Freak Show Book 1 in print, winning the Eagle Award for Hero Killers, printing my first creator-owned book and of course, getting the contract for illustrating Frankenstein. Add making friends with some great comic artist (all great people) and 2007 was a pretty great year for yours truly.
Another thing that happened to me in '07 was moving to Aberdeen, setting up a studio underneath a comic shop, giving me unprecedented access to hundreds of comics and graphic novels. So, with that in mind, i present my favourite reads of 2007:
X-Factor (Marvel)
I've been enjoying this series from #1. I haven't been enjoying the run as much as of late, but that's because the book can't seem to find a regular artist to match the mood Ryan Sook started with. There's been a real up and down in art quality, but the story's still top-notch. Here's hoping 2008 will see the book finds an artist deserving of its title.
Green Lantern (DC)
Never been a regular reader of this book, or of its writer, Geoff Johnns, but i picked up both the Sinestro Corps one-shot and Green Lantern #25 and was blown away by both. Great, old-fashioned superhero stories illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver at his best, and a quite phenomenal Ivan Reis.
Criminal (Marvel/Icon)
I wish this book was out every week, i really do. If i could only buy one book a month, it would be this one. Fantastic characters and stories imagined by Ed Brubaker and drawn with fantastic noir-ish mood by Sean Phillips. This second story arc, Lawless is even better than the first arc, and by story's end, certainly doesn't disappoint.
Hellboy (Dark Horse)
Some fans were probably not happy to hear that Mike Mignola wasn't drawing his book anymore, and as much as we're missing out on that front, we're certainly being treated with Duncan Fegredo on art duties. He's blowing away on this book, finding the mix between the minimalistic Mignola-esque style, and his own established gestural style. So much so, it's almost depressing me.
Ultimates 2 (Marvel)
Finally wrapped up this year and recently bought the hardcover. Nothing i can say about this book hasn't been said already. It's the title that got me back into comics with a bang after college. And, although i wasn't mad about the ending, it really is a fantastic series, that raised the banner as far as superhero stories are concerned.
Ex Machina Masquerade Special (DC/Wildstorm)
Really enjoy this series anyway, but having John Paul Leon stand in for Tony Harris is a rare treat. Leon seems to have done a few fill in issues this year (Midnighter, Scalped, Hellblazer, etc), but as a stand alone story, i prefer this the best. I'm sure the story written by Brian K. Vaughan certainly attributed to that....
Astonishing X-Men (Marvel)
Loved the first arc of this, and this arc does not disappoint. Both Whedon and cassaday are on fire on this book. One thing i love about this story is how Whedon have showed that Cyclops is a badass. For years, creators have dismissed the character as the flat, boring leader-type, and now he's been seen as a ballsy, no-nonsense badass.
New Avengers (Marvel)
Never thought i'd ever admit i was loving an Avengers book, but Brian Michael Bendis has really turned the Avengers around. It's a great, enjoyable read, with some really energetic artwork by Leinil Yu. Id'd still prefer he had an inker, rather than just digitally inking his pencils as they can seem too loose at times, but i'm just nitpicking here.
Punisher (Marvel)
Read the odd trade of Ennis' run but i think the recent issues have been flawless. Absolutely Ennis at his best, with suitably disturbing art from Goran Parlov. Very sorry to hear Ennis is wrapping up his run soon. Should also mention the Annual out that year written by Mike Benson, with dark, moody art by Laurence Campbell. An absolutely chilling stand-alone Punisher tale. Highly recommended.
Daredevil/Captain America (Marvel)
I've lumped these two together cuz as far as stories go, i can't decide which i love more. Wish i was reading them in trades, cuz by the time i get into the issue, it's over. Art on both is sterling, but i personally lead towards the Lark/Gaudino/Acateza linework, and Matt Hollingsworth colours. Superhero stories at thyeir best.
Batman (DC)
Never the biggest Morrison fan truth be told, and i found the arc he wrote for Andy Kubert disappointing, but the 3-part story illustrated by JH Williams lll is great. Fun Batman story with innovative panel Layouts by Williams, and some great colouring by Dave Stewart.
All Star Superman (DC)
Thoroughly enjoyable, silver-age inspired Superman tale with wonderfully clean art by Frank Quietly.
The Walking Dead (Image)
Man, what a great book. Firstly, great, consistent black and white artwork by Charlie Adlard. Wonderfully paced storytelling, with quiet moments as well illustrated as the frightening horror parts. Secondly, the story, by Robert Kirkman has you on edge consistently. It's a zombie book, with sweet feck-all zombies in it. It's the wonderful characterizations mixed in with the constant threat and explosive relationships that make it a must-read.
Y: The Last Man (DC/Vertigo)
I picked this book up in trades, so i'm a bit behind in recent developments, along with Walking Dead but it's a fantastic read. Really knocks the 'last man on Earth' concept on it's head.
Phonogram (Image)
One of the most interesting stories to come out of 2007, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. Hard to explain, so you should just check it out for yourself, but think John Constantine mixed together with NME.
Doomed (IDW)
I normally don't go for horror books, but i happened upon this trade, illustrated by Ashley Wood, by chance. Told in simple black-and-white, with some really interesting storytelling techniques.
Batman: Year 100 (DC)
Cool, futuristic story. Fantastic, energetic art. What else can i say?
Silverfish (DC Vertigo)
A great, dark, disturbing, thrilling original graphic by David Lapham. Reminds me of how i should be reading more original graphic novels, rather than trade paperbacks. It really makes me wish i could sit down and write a story of my own to draw. Someday maybe.....
Dec.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
CHARACTER SKETCHES
Here's a couple of sketches i did last night. I've become aware that in a lot of scenes i draw, i end up with many background characters looking the same, so while watching a documentary an TV, i tried sketching some of the people on screen making sure that they looked different to each other. From now on i'm gonna try more to vary how i draw different characters. I've been looking more at my Alex Toth Doodle Book, so tried doing these with as little construction lines as possible.
Hope to work on it some more.
Dec.
Here's a couple of sketches i did last night. I've become aware that in a lot of scenes i draw, i end up with many background characters looking the same, so while watching a documentary an TV, i tried sketching some of the people on screen making sure that they looked different to each other. From now on i'm gonna try more to vary how i draw different characters. I've been looking more at my Alex Toth Doodle Book, so tried doing these with as little construction lines as possible.
Hope to work on it some more.
Dec.
Friday, January 04, 2008
INKS
Here's the inks to yesterday's pencils.
With the inks, again, i tried to keep the freshness of the original layout, while hopefully adding something to the image. I tried to add texture to the face, yet keep the rendering looking spontaneous. Practice with drybrush has helped with that, and i now try not to follow exactly where i spot my blacks in my pencils, therefore making the image less laboured-looking....
I hope......
Dec.
Here's the inks to yesterday's pencils.
With the inks, again, i tried to keep the freshness of the original layout, while hopefully adding something to the image. I tried to add texture to the face, yet keep the rendering looking spontaneous. Practice with drybrush has helped with that, and i now try not to follow exactly where i spot my blacks in my pencils, therefore making the image less laboured-looking....
I hope......
Dec.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
PENCILS
Here's the pencils of yesterday's panel. I'm working a lot closer with my layouts these days, in an effort to speed up, but also to try and keep some of the freshness of the original drawing. Sometimes when you re-draw an image, it can look stale and sometimes lose the original flair. Looking back at my earlier work, i think it suffers from looking flat, or static, and i think now (by staying closer to my layout design and using drybrush for texture), i'm starting to iron out that flaw
Dec.
Here's the pencils of yesterday's panel. I'm working a lot closer with my layouts these days, in an effort to speed up, but also to try and keep some of the freshness of the original drawing. Sometimes when you re-draw an image, it can look stale and sometimes lose the original flair. Looking back at my earlier work, i think it suffers from looking flat, or static, and i think now (by staying closer to my layout design and using drybrush for texture), i'm starting to iron out that flaw
Dec.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Greetings all, hope ye all had a good New Years.
Below is a panel from one of my Frankenstein layouts, i'll post the pencils tomorrow.
Also, there's an article on Newsarama revealing fellow Mick Stephen Thompson's new Star Trek book is in fact part of Peter David's New Frontier series, written by the man himself. You can read the feature here. Congrats Thompson! I'm dead jealous of yeh.
Speaking of Thompson, both he and i met up, along with some of the other Eclectic Micks, Stephen Mooney, Will Sliney and Nick Roche, for a little Christmas shindig at Mooney's place. Returning home for Christmas and seeing old friends was great, but the Micks-meet was a definite highlight of my time home. I realised that lots of my friends had Christmas work-parties, which i can't actually have, since i work for myself. So meeting up with the other Irish guys and talking shop for the night was an absolute pleasure. Joining in the festivities (and adding some much needed good-looks) were colourist extraordinaire Lisa Jackson and host extraordinaire, Jackie! For once, i have no photos as proof, but ask any of the others and i'm sure they'll say they enjoyed themselves.
Another high-point was the 12 Pubs of Christmas in Cork with my main man Will Sliney, and the annual Superman/Batman piece we did. Check it out on his blog
Smell ya later,
Dec.
Greetings all, hope ye all had a good New Years.
Below is a panel from one of my Frankenstein layouts, i'll post the pencils tomorrow.
Also, there's an article on Newsarama revealing fellow Mick Stephen Thompson's new Star Trek book is in fact part of Peter David's New Frontier series, written by the man himself. You can read the feature here. Congrats Thompson! I'm dead jealous of yeh.
Speaking of Thompson, both he and i met up, along with some of the other Eclectic Micks, Stephen Mooney, Will Sliney and Nick Roche, for a little Christmas shindig at Mooney's place. Returning home for Christmas and seeing old friends was great, but the Micks-meet was a definite highlight of my time home. I realised that lots of my friends had Christmas work-parties, which i can't actually have, since i work for myself. So meeting up with the other Irish guys and talking shop for the night was an absolute pleasure. Joining in the festivities (and adding some much needed good-looks) were colourist extraordinaire Lisa Jackson and host extraordinaire, Jackie! For once, i have no photos as proof, but ask any of the others and i'm sure they'll say they enjoyed themselves.
Another high-point was the 12 Pubs of Christmas in Cork with my main man Will Sliney, and the annual Superman/Batman piece we did. Check it out on his blog
Smell ya later,
Dec.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
Hello all.
I've been quiet on the auld blog once more. I've been back in County Clare for the holiday season, working from my old room. It's been a nice mix of nostalgia with the slap-in-the-face realisation that i'm now a grown up. I've had no scanner or internet connection so no blogging. Prob won't post again til the new year. I haven't had time to do a festive image so instead, here's a peek at the first finished Eclectic Micks piece.
So, til next time, i hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.
All the best,
Dec
Hello all.
I've been quiet on the auld blog once more. I've been back in County Clare for the holiday season, working from my old room. It's been a nice mix of nostalgia with the slap-in-the-face realisation that i'm now a grown up. I've had no scanner or internet connection so no blogging. Prob won't post again til the new year. I haven't had time to do a festive image so instead, here's a peek at the first finished Eclectic Micks piece.
So, til next time, i hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.
All the best,
Dec
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
DEEP SPACE NINE
I was talking to fellow irish arist Stephen Thompson a while back bout all the referance he has been doing for his new Star Trek book with IDW. The conversation totally re-awakened all the nerdy Trek information stored in my brain since childhood, so i thought i'd put all that information to good use and draw some Star Trek pages. I went with Deep Space Nine, as i haven't seen any DS9 comics of late, and if i had to pick a series to draw, it'd be DS9, cuz it was bad-ass. Man, i loved that show. Don't get me wrong, The Next Generation will always have a special place in my heart, as Captain Picard practically raised me, but DS9 had a darker tone, which is what really appealed to me as i went through my teens. Also, i think the darker setting of DS9 suits my work better.
Forgive the rant .......I'm such a nerd.
Dec.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
MICKS
Started work on my first piece for the Eclectic Micks sketchbook, which is a collection of art by myself and the other irish comic artists. The idea came together while we all met up at the Dublin Comic Con.
We've all chosen a character for the other artists to draw, this is the one Will Sliney chose for me. Don't want to say who this character is, but i reckon it's pretty clear.
Dec.
Started work on my first piece for the Eclectic Micks sketchbook, which is a collection of art by myself and the other irish comic artists. The idea came together while we all met up at the Dublin Comic Con.
We've all chosen a character for the other artists to draw, this is the one Will Sliney chose for me. Don't want to say who this character is, but i reckon it's pretty clear.
Dec.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
NEWSARAMA-RAMA
Two things of interest for me on newsarama in the last day or so;
First is an interview with fellow Irish-comic-artist Nick Roche bout his upcomming book Doctor Who. Read it here.
Also, there's an interview with Rick Leonardi bout pencilling and with Kevin Nowlan bout inikng Leonardi's pencils, along with his approach to inking other artists work. Anyone who knows me knows i'm a huge Kevin Nowlan fan, so foind this interview really interesting. On inking his own work he says;
"Penciling is the heavy lifting and inking is the celebration after the real work is done"
That's very much how i feel about inking my own work. For me, pencilling is the hard work and inking (although still a lot of work) is the fun part.
Read it all here
Dec.
Two things of interest for me on newsarama in the last day or so;
First is an interview with fellow Irish-comic-artist Nick Roche bout his upcomming book Doctor Who. Read it here.
Also, there's an interview with Rick Leonardi bout pencilling and with Kevin Nowlan bout inikng Leonardi's pencils, along with his approach to inking other artists work. Anyone who knows me knows i'm a huge Kevin Nowlan fan, so foind this interview really interesting. On inking his own work he says;
"Penciling is the heavy lifting and inking is the celebration after the real work is done"
That's very much how i feel about inking my own work. For me, pencilling is the hard work and inking (although still a lot of work) is the fun part.
Read it all here
Dec.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
PENCILS
Here's the pencils of yesterday's page.
Off to see a Sons and Daughters gig tonight. Can't wait. It's been ages since i saw a live show from a group that i'm a fan of.
Dec.
Here's the pencils of yesterday's page.
Off to see a Sons and Daughters gig tonight. Can't wait. It's been ages since i saw a live show from a group that i'm a fan of.
Dec.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
JIM LEE SKETCH
'A maaaan'
Been ages since my last post. If anyone's actually reading this, i apologise for the silence, but i was just too busy for the last week or so. The least i cud do was show off the Jim Lee sketch i got off ........well ........Jim Lee. I swear, i'm so happy with this. I saw lots of people get Batmans and Wolverines, but for me, it had to be Cyclops. I've always loved how he redesigned his costume, it was a great design (very nineties, but still cool), and Lee made him look badass. Not many have been able to pull that off since. John Cassaday is doing that right now in Astonishing X-Men, a decade later. Anyway, here's the sketch....
Maybe i'll eventually put some of my own art up on this........
Dec.
'A maaaan'
Been ages since my last post. If anyone's actually reading this, i apologise for the silence, but i was just too busy for the last week or so. The least i cud do was show off the Jim Lee sketch i got off ........well ........Jim Lee. I swear, i'm so happy with this. I saw lots of people get Batmans and Wolverines, but for me, it had to be Cyclops. I've always loved how he redesigned his costume, it was a great design (very nineties, but still cool), and Lee made him look badass. Not many have been able to pull that off since. John Cassaday is doing that right now in Astonishing X-Men, a decade later. Anyway, here's the sketch....
Maybe i'll eventually put some of my own art up on this........
Dec.
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