Quick post today…. After flipping through this book a few times at the comic shop, I finally picked up Chris Ware’s ACME Novelty Datebook.
Amazing. Go buy it.
More stuff to come real soon, including a new line of comic strips coming out of my own LazyComix Studio, and by “studio” I mean me. : )
I’m shooting for the end of next week.
Stay tuned.
--Gent
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
NYComix No Longer at PixelStrips.com
As of today, NYComix will no longer be appearing at Pixelstrips. I came to this decision myself as a number of factors contributed to the decision. One: My lettering work has really picked up lately… while the past few days have been the first time in a while I haven’t had a looming deadline, my lettering work has to take precedence. It pays the bills and Chris really helped us out this past year, so when I’m lettering I have to put as much into it as I can. The other things that lead to this decision were the feelings that this last storyline has really lacked the quality that I want NYComix to have. I don’t mind duplicating panels with the story allows, but I don’t want to do it for the sake of saving time. It was hard for me to look at the last few pages, so when that happens, its time to reevaluate what I’m doing. I also really hate missing deadlines. It’s something that I’ve never done with my lettering and I carry that over to my own comics.
And really, I have so many other stories I want to draw. I’ve got around 40 plus pages of NYComix done, and while there’s plenty more to come, I need a little break to recharge my desire to do the comic. In the meantime I’ve got a new line of strips that I want to start. Ultimately, LazyComix is going to be a group of comics that I do… like a one-man comic studio. Somewhere down the line I’d love to bring in other writers and artists, but right now, I’d want to have 3 different comics all under the LazyComix banner. NYComix being the “headliner” with a revamped “Randall” as well as a Third tentatively titled: “In My Head”. There’s also a Fourth waiting in the wings, which will be the most ambitious of the group.
I’m going to really start pushing LazyComix and NYComix around the web in the coming months. With a revamped website, web banners around some popular comics sites, some sponsorships on podcasts and who knows what else. It’s time to start pushing this stuff. “The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Oil” as they say back in Saugerties.
So stay tuned. I apologize to those who’ve been following my work at Pixelstrips. Thanks for you support and please stop by here and LazyComix.com. There’ll be plenty more NYComix and other work in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, keep supporting Pixelstrips.com. It’s a great web comic site with a lot of very talented artists. Where else can you get 20 comics a month for 2 bucks?
Big thanks to Kevin Volo for letting me be a part of the site. Good luck and keep up the great work.
--Randy
And really, I have so many other stories I want to draw. I’ve got around 40 plus pages of NYComix done, and while there’s plenty more to come, I need a little break to recharge my desire to do the comic. In the meantime I’ve got a new line of strips that I want to start. Ultimately, LazyComix is going to be a group of comics that I do… like a one-man comic studio. Somewhere down the line I’d love to bring in other writers and artists, but right now, I’d want to have 3 different comics all under the LazyComix banner. NYComix being the “headliner” with a revamped “Randall” as well as a Third tentatively titled: “In My Head”. There’s also a Fourth waiting in the wings, which will be the most ambitious of the group.
I’m going to really start pushing LazyComix and NYComix around the web in the coming months. With a revamped website, web banners around some popular comics sites, some sponsorships on podcasts and who knows what else. It’s time to start pushing this stuff. “The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Oil” as they say back in Saugerties.
So stay tuned. I apologize to those who’ve been following my work at Pixelstrips. Thanks for you support and please stop by here and LazyComix.com. There’ll be plenty more NYComix and other work in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, keep supporting Pixelstrips.com. It’s a great web comic site with a lot of very talented artists. Where else can you get 20 comics a month for 2 bucks?
Big thanks to Kevin Volo for letting me be a part of the site. Good luck and keep up the great work.
--Randy
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Am I the only one who feels like this?
I’ve been insanely busy with lettering the last few weeks, so I haven’t made it to the comic shop in about a month. I finally got a break around 3 o’clock yesterday so I decided to head in the City and visit a shop. I usually go to Jim Hanley’s Universe or Midtown Comics, but I’m in the beginning stages of research for a possible graphic novel so I wanted to see if The Strand Bookstore had some out-of-print books that I’ve been looking for. The Strand is in Union Square so I stopped by Forbidden Planet, hoping to catch up on the comics I’ve missed the past few weeks.
So here’s where I got a real jolt of reality. There wasn’t a single “mainstream” comic that piqued my interest. Four weeks worth of new books and I didn’t buy a single one. I’m pretty sure that working in the industry for the past 5 or 6 years has jaded me a bit, but I didn’t realize that my jadedness had gone this far. It’s just starting to feel like everything has been done before in some form or another. Does mainstream comics need new blood? Maybe it does...I mean it seems like it’s the same fraternity of guys writing all the “important” books. It used to be that the “event” comics were spaced out over time. One every year or two… Secret War and Infinity Gauntlet being two that comes to mind. Now it seems like it’s one after another after another, in my opinion, if you keep bombarding your readers with big event comics over and over with no break in sight, you’re going to lose that excitement that is key in getting people interested in these events. Nobody will care about the event if they know there’s another 2 or 3 coming up right after this one. Killing off a character used to be a big deal. Think of Elektra’s death in Daredevil or Gwen Stacy’s in Spider-Man. They meant something… they shocked people, now when someone dies we’re only a story arc away from the big “Return”. I used to laugh at the storylines of Daytime Soap Opera’s, but mainstream comics aren’t far off at all. They’re so alike that it’s hard for me to even think about it without being embarrassed.
Keep in mind that I’m just a lonely letterer. But first and foremost I love comics. There’s been a lot of talk lately about the influx of Hollywood talent that has come on and started writing books. While this is great, and these guys are talented people, but really what makes a guy who writes a show on the WB more capable of writing a book than a guy who has been writing comics for his entire career? Do the companies think they’re making themselves more legitimate this way? Maybe they do, maybe they don’t.
It goes back to me thinking that the sooner the comic industry stops looking at itself as Hollywood’s bastard little brother, the sooner they’ll get that respect they so desire. How many times have you read a creator interview where he says that he’s trying to make comics more “cinematic”? How about those reviews where the writer has “Tarantino-like” dialogue? Or the penciler who is using wide panels to get that “cinematography-feel” to his art? If people want to feel like they’re at the movies they’ll go to a theater or they’ll pop in a DVD, they’re not going to flip through a 3-dollar comic for it. People buy comics to get a comic experience. They go the movies for the theater experience.
Another thing I notice is how mainstream comics have all but completely counted out their female readership. But every single time I walk through the graphic novel section at Barnes & Noble or Boarders there are as many, if not more, girls reading comics than guys, they’re not reading mainstream books, they’re reading Manga. What is it about Manga that gets the girls to read? Has anyone at the big companies thought about this? Are they doing anything to get in on this market? There’ve been a few attempts, but nothing memorable. I think more can be done. It’s worth it… 50% of the readership is basically ignored.
What about kids? Seems like they’re another group that is being given up on. Marvel has a few books and they’re making an effort, but much more can be done. And really, the plug will be pulled the second the books marketed for kids start losing sales and/or money. DC, with the big Infinite event thing they have going on is not only forgetting about new readers, but they’re forgetting about readers like me. I’m not a DC reader, I’ll check out an occasional book, but I’m more than willing to become a regular reader of one or more of their titles. Thing is, when I read about the present event, I’m completely and totally confused. Earth 1 Superman and Earth 2 Superman, different Flash characters, different Green Lanterns… I don’t know where to start and frankly, I don’t want to. How would an 8 year old kid be able to figure out what is going on there? I’ve heard people say that kids don’t want to read comics; they want to play video games. Part of that may be true, but what about the 1000’s and 1000’s of kids lining up around the block at midnight when the new Harry Potter book comes out? Yeah, Harry Potter is a phenomenon that doesn’t come around often, but if it proves anything it proves that kids will read if given a great product. Comics can’t grab all of that audience, but I’m willing to bet some of those kids would enjoy a comic book.
Wow. I really rambled on there. I should place a disclaimer here. Yes, I work in the industry, but that was written as a fan of comics. I love comics and I want to see them succeed and be more than a fringe fraternity of fans who only leave the shadows when a movie is released. I have no “inside” knowledge of what’s going on behind the scenes and I don’t want any. I just want to see the industry, as a whole, push itself further.
--Randy
So here’s where I got a real jolt of reality. There wasn’t a single “mainstream” comic that piqued my interest. Four weeks worth of new books and I didn’t buy a single one. I’m pretty sure that working in the industry for the past 5 or 6 years has jaded me a bit, but I didn’t realize that my jadedness had gone this far. It’s just starting to feel like everything has been done before in some form or another. Does mainstream comics need new blood? Maybe it does...I mean it seems like it’s the same fraternity of guys writing all the “important” books. It used to be that the “event” comics were spaced out over time. One every year or two… Secret War and Infinity Gauntlet being two that comes to mind. Now it seems like it’s one after another after another, in my opinion, if you keep bombarding your readers with big event comics over and over with no break in sight, you’re going to lose that excitement that is key in getting people interested in these events. Nobody will care about the event if they know there’s another 2 or 3 coming up right after this one. Killing off a character used to be a big deal. Think of Elektra’s death in Daredevil or Gwen Stacy’s in Spider-Man. They meant something… they shocked people, now when someone dies we’re only a story arc away from the big “Return”. I used to laugh at the storylines of Daytime Soap Opera’s, but mainstream comics aren’t far off at all. They’re so alike that it’s hard for me to even think about it without being embarrassed.
Keep in mind that I’m just a lonely letterer. But first and foremost I love comics. There’s been a lot of talk lately about the influx of Hollywood talent that has come on and started writing books. While this is great, and these guys are talented people, but really what makes a guy who writes a show on the WB more capable of writing a book than a guy who has been writing comics for his entire career? Do the companies think they’re making themselves more legitimate this way? Maybe they do, maybe they don’t.
It goes back to me thinking that the sooner the comic industry stops looking at itself as Hollywood’s bastard little brother, the sooner they’ll get that respect they so desire. How many times have you read a creator interview where he says that he’s trying to make comics more “cinematic”? How about those reviews where the writer has “Tarantino-like” dialogue? Or the penciler who is using wide panels to get that “cinematography-feel” to his art? If people want to feel like they’re at the movies they’ll go to a theater or they’ll pop in a DVD, they’re not going to flip through a 3-dollar comic for it. People buy comics to get a comic experience. They go the movies for the theater experience.
Another thing I notice is how mainstream comics have all but completely counted out their female readership. But every single time I walk through the graphic novel section at Barnes & Noble or Boarders there are as many, if not more, girls reading comics than guys, they’re not reading mainstream books, they’re reading Manga. What is it about Manga that gets the girls to read? Has anyone at the big companies thought about this? Are they doing anything to get in on this market? There’ve been a few attempts, but nothing memorable. I think more can be done. It’s worth it… 50% of the readership is basically ignored.
What about kids? Seems like they’re another group that is being given up on. Marvel has a few books and they’re making an effort, but much more can be done. And really, the plug will be pulled the second the books marketed for kids start losing sales and/or money. DC, with the big Infinite event thing they have going on is not only forgetting about new readers, but they’re forgetting about readers like me. I’m not a DC reader, I’ll check out an occasional book, but I’m more than willing to become a regular reader of one or more of their titles. Thing is, when I read about the present event, I’m completely and totally confused. Earth 1 Superman and Earth 2 Superman, different Flash characters, different Green Lanterns… I don’t know where to start and frankly, I don’t want to. How would an 8 year old kid be able to figure out what is going on there? I’ve heard people say that kids don’t want to read comics; they want to play video games. Part of that may be true, but what about the 1000’s and 1000’s of kids lining up around the block at midnight when the new Harry Potter book comes out? Yeah, Harry Potter is a phenomenon that doesn’t come around often, but if it proves anything it proves that kids will read if given a great product. Comics can’t grab all of that audience, but I’m willing to bet some of those kids would enjoy a comic book.
Wow. I really rambled on there. I should place a disclaimer here. Yes, I work in the industry, but that was written as a fan of comics. I love comics and I want to see them succeed and be more than a fringe fraternity of fans who only leave the shadows when a movie is released. I have no “inside” knowledge of what’s going on behind the scenes and I don’t want any. I just want to see the industry, as a whole, push itself further.
--Randy
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Random Musings
ITEM!
There is probably thousands of Oscar blogs out here on the intraweb, but get ready for the LazyComix version. I didn’t see any of the Best Picture nominees, hell, I didn’t see damn near every movie nominated. So Brokeback Mountain, Crash, whatever…. When they hit Netflix, I’ll check them out.
What I did see was Revenge of the Sith…. Which was nominated for best makeup and lost. It was not, however, nominated for Visual Effects. Now, I’m not saying it should’ve won, because there are a few movies that should’ve won and Oscar and haven’t. Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese all haven’t won and Oscar… go find me 3 filmmakers who’ve influenced movies more than those three. Meanwhile Kevin Costner has a Best Director statue in his house.
Anyway, I’m just trying to figure out how Sith didn’t even manage a nomination? Sure it had more effects than the other flicks, but volume alone shouldn’t warrant a nomination. But maybe high quality on top of volume should? Love or hate the prequels, your distaste with the acting/story/whatever, has nothing to do with the quality of work the guys at ILM put into that movie. Before it’s all said and done, the techniques used on the Prequels is going to change the way Special Effects are used in the future. Digital Stuntmen, Digital Head replacement that allowed an 84 year old Christopher Lee to fight guys 50 years younger than him, General Grevious was one of the most amazing and technically complex CGI characters ever put on screen. The Clone Troopers were built without the use of a 3-D Model scan. How about using a Digital Camera to make the SFX artist’s job easier? The guys at ILM were doing digital work on the movie hours (and sometimes less) after the scene was shot. With a film camera you’re waiting for the film to be processed and then scanned into a computer. You’re also getting some of the best picture quality on the screen. Do these things contribute to an Academy Awards voter’s consideration? I have no idea. Yeah, I’m biased, but a nomination? That’s all I’m saying.
ITEM!
I’ve succumbed to the coolness that is Hardcover comic books. I’ve never bought one before, but yesterday I picked up the Powers Volume One HC Edition and wow. What a cool volume. I’ve only read Powers after it moved to Marvel and frankly, I’m not completely in love with the book. It’s well written and Oeming’s art is great, but I always feel like I’ve missed out on something when I read it. But I’ve stuck with it. A bit part of that is the fact that it has the best Letters Page in comics. Which is a lost art form. Gotta make room for ads, right?
Anyway, I sat down and read the first 2 issues of the book and it’s amazing. Some of the best reading I’ve had in a long, long time. I’ve heard nothing but praise for the “Who Killed Retro Girl” storyline, and so far I see what they mean.
When I finish up, I’ll give another long-winded review.
ITEM!
Pixelstrips is back on track, folks, I’m 99% sure I’ll hit tomorrow’s deadline.
Thanks for reading.
--Randy
There is probably thousands of Oscar blogs out here on the intraweb, but get ready for the LazyComix version. I didn’t see any of the Best Picture nominees, hell, I didn’t see damn near every movie nominated. So Brokeback Mountain, Crash, whatever…. When they hit Netflix, I’ll check them out.
What I did see was Revenge of the Sith…. Which was nominated for best makeup and lost. It was not, however, nominated for Visual Effects. Now, I’m not saying it should’ve won, because there are a few movies that should’ve won and Oscar and haven’t. Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese all haven’t won and Oscar… go find me 3 filmmakers who’ve influenced movies more than those three. Meanwhile Kevin Costner has a Best Director statue in his house.
Anyway, I’m just trying to figure out how Sith didn’t even manage a nomination? Sure it had more effects than the other flicks, but volume alone shouldn’t warrant a nomination. But maybe high quality on top of volume should? Love or hate the prequels, your distaste with the acting/story/whatever, has nothing to do with the quality of work the guys at ILM put into that movie. Before it’s all said and done, the techniques used on the Prequels is going to change the way Special Effects are used in the future. Digital Stuntmen, Digital Head replacement that allowed an 84 year old Christopher Lee to fight guys 50 years younger than him, General Grevious was one of the most amazing and technically complex CGI characters ever put on screen. The Clone Troopers were built without the use of a 3-D Model scan. How about using a Digital Camera to make the SFX artist’s job easier? The guys at ILM were doing digital work on the movie hours (and sometimes less) after the scene was shot. With a film camera you’re waiting for the film to be processed and then scanned into a computer. You’re also getting some of the best picture quality on the screen. Do these things contribute to an Academy Awards voter’s consideration? I have no idea. Yeah, I’m biased, but a nomination? That’s all I’m saying.
ITEM!
I’ve succumbed to the coolness that is Hardcover comic books. I’ve never bought one before, but yesterday I picked up the Powers Volume One HC Edition and wow. What a cool volume. I’ve only read Powers after it moved to Marvel and frankly, I’m not completely in love with the book. It’s well written and Oeming’s art is great, but I always feel like I’ve missed out on something when I read it. But I’ve stuck with it. A bit part of that is the fact that it has the best Letters Page in comics. Which is a lost art form. Gotta make room for ads, right?
Anyway, I sat down and read the first 2 issues of the book and it’s amazing. Some of the best reading I’ve had in a long, long time. I’ve heard nothing but praise for the “Who Killed Retro Girl” storyline, and so far I see what they mean.
When I finish up, I’ll give another long-winded review.
ITEM!
Pixelstrips is back on track, folks, I’m 99% sure I’ll hit tomorrow’s deadline.
Thanks for reading.
--Randy
Friday, March 03, 2006
Pixelstrips Page Posted!
Better late than never, I always say... check it out here and keep NYComix as the #3 strip over at Pixelstrips!
thanks!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
LazyComix Recommended Reading & More
ITEM!
I’m 2 weeks late on my Pixelstrips page. Between the convention and the lettering workload, I barely have time to post this… but I want to update this Blog more often. Maybe a Monday/Wednesday/Friday deal. We’ll see.
I posted over at my Pixelstrips forum that I’d be late with the new page, and what do I see when I go to the front page? NYComix making its first appearance in the Top 5. Figures, when I finally break the Top 5, I don’t have a new page up for folks to read. So I’ll be up tonight drawing so hopefully I can get the new page up before the weekend is over.
Thanks to those who went over there to see the new page and I apologize for being late. I’ll be back on regular schedule soon.
ITEM!
At the Convention last weekend, I picked up a few Trade Paperbacks for 40% off. As well as a comic by on of my favorite creators, Jim Mahfood.
STUPID COMICS #3 by Jim Mahfood (Image)
Anything by Jim Mahfood I’ll check out. He’s one of the most innovative and amazing creators working in comics today. Stupid comics #3 is a collection of short stories dealing with mostly with the 2004 Presidential Election. They’re hilarious and scary at the same time. Just like the election, actually. If you get a shot, pick it up.
JEW GANGSTER by Joe Kubert (iBooks Graphic Novels)
This little hardcover graphic novel by Joe Kubert is one of the best comic reads I’ve had in a long time. As to be expected, Kubert’s art is incredible, he’s on of the all-time greats in the history of comics and even at his age he’s still making incredible work. What really stands out about his art to me is his storytelling. He’s a master and I wish some of the up-and-coming artists would check this book out. He doesn’t rely on fancy panel layout or even heavy, (often overbearing) Photoshop coloring. He just tells a good story, period. With all the coloring effects and easy to spot movie star photo reference around comics these days, it’s nice to see how it was done, and how it should be done.
JINX by Brian Michael Bendis (Image)
I’ve ready plenty of Bendis Marvel stuff and I’ve always been a big fan of his writing. JINX was my first introduction to his art, which surprised me as not being that bad. He’s using a lot of photo reference, but at least it’s not Ben Affleck shots swiped from Google. You can tell Bendis is trying to push the envelope of comic storytelling and JINX was a good read. Made me want to read some more of his earlier work.
I’m 2 weeks late on my Pixelstrips page. Between the convention and the lettering workload, I barely have time to post this… but I want to update this Blog more often. Maybe a Monday/Wednesday/Friday deal. We’ll see.
I posted over at my Pixelstrips forum that I’d be late with the new page, and what do I see when I go to the front page? NYComix making its first appearance in the Top 5. Figures, when I finally break the Top 5, I don’t have a new page up for folks to read. So I’ll be up tonight drawing so hopefully I can get the new page up before the weekend is over.
Thanks to those who went over there to see the new page and I apologize for being late. I’ll be back on regular schedule soon.
ITEM!
At the Convention last weekend, I picked up a few Trade Paperbacks for 40% off. As well as a comic by on of my favorite creators, Jim Mahfood.
STUPID COMICS #3 by Jim Mahfood (Image)
Anything by Jim Mahfood I’ll check out. He’s one of the most innovative and amazing creators working in comics today. Stupid comics #3 is a collection of short stories dealing with mostly with the 2004 Presidential Election. They’re hilarious and scary at the same time. Just like the election, actually. If you get a shot, pick it up.
JEW GANGSTER by Joe Kubert (iBooks Graphic Novels)
This little hardcover graphic novel by Joe Kubert is one of the best comic reads I’ve had in a long time. As to be expected, Kubert’s art is incredible, he’s on of the all-time greats in the history of comics and even at his age he’s still making incredible work. What really stands out about his art to me is his storytelling. He’s a master and I wish some of the up-and-coming artists would check this book out. He doesn’t rely on fancy panel layout or even heavy, (often overbearing) Photoshop coloring. He just tells a good story, period. With all the coloring effects and easy to spot movie star photo reference around comics these days, it’s nice to see how it was done, and how it should be done.
JINX by Brian Michael Bendis (Image)
I’ve ready plenty of Bendis Marvel stuff and I’ve always been a big fan of his writing. JINX was my first introduction to his art, which surprised me as not being that bad. He’s using a lot of photo reference, but at least it’s not Ben Affleck shots swiped from Google. You can tell Bendis is trying to push the envelope of comic storytelling and JINX was a good read. Made me want to read some more of his earlier work.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Post-Convention Wrap-Up
Back to the ol’ lettering thing over here and coming down from the NYComic Con, which went really well. If you’ve been following this blog you know that Philly convention last year was an unmitigated disaster, but this past weekend went much better than expected. I had a great time hanging out with my old Bullpen co-worker Jacob Chabot, sold plenty of comics, and met a lot of cool folks. I just may do it again next year.
If anyone is interested, feel free to shoot me an email and I’d be happy to get a copy of the new Mini comic out to you.
On the Pixelstrips front, it’s slow going at the moment. I had to miss last Wednesday’s release date in order to meet lettering deadlines as well as prepare for the Convention. The comic will be out this week… most likely not tomorrow, but by the end of the week.
I apologize for the wait.
Thanks.
--Gent
Friday, February 17, 2006
Convention Preview
With only one week to go, I'm further behind that I thought I'd be. But, I should be able to finish up before next Friday.
Here are a few shots of some character sketches I've done in preparation for my first venture into offereing Convention Sketches. Feel free to let me know what you think of them.
--Randy
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Plan B!!!
I ran a few test stencils yesterday and it didn’t work out as well as I had hoped. (Check out the pics) I didn’t really know what to expect, but after this I’m glad I gave myself time for Plan B.
I was hoping to have each cover of the Mini Comic with it’s own unique stencil. But the one thing I didn’t think of was how much Krylon Paint stinks. So I don’t want to have people walking around the convention smelling the fumes of my comic. So, with Ereisa’s help, I have a good replacement. I’ll still stencil, but I’m going to stencil one big one, then I’ll shrink that down on a copy machine, and use it on all the covers. Thus eliminating the awful, mind altering stench.
In other Mini Comic news, I got another pin-up from Jacob Chabot and it’s fantastic. It’s presently my desktop wallpaper and I couldn’t be happier with it. Chris Giarusso sent me the thumbnail of his pin-up, (which is actually a really cool one-page comic) and boy and I glad I asked Jim Lujan, Jacob and Chris to do a few pages… it’s really going to add to the Mini.
Also, don’t forget about page 2 of the new NYComix “Who Gives a @#$# about the Letterer?” over at Pixelstrips.com.
Thanks!
--Gent
Friday, February 03, 2006
NYComix Swag and New A Story Up At Pixelstrips!
ITEM!
There’s a new Chapter beginning over at PixelStrips.com…. it’s called: Who Gives a @#$%* the Letterer!
It’s going tell how I got into Lettering and what it’s like to work for the one of the Big Boys in the Comic World.
There will be a new page up every Wednesday, so have a look.... page 1 is up now!
ITEM!
As I gear up for the NY Comic Con this February, I got a surprise package from my sister-in-law back in Saugerties.
A box full of NYComix Tote Bags!
I’m so excited about it as it’s a great idea and something I’d never think of. I’ll be handing these babies out free at Booth #AA72. Check 'em Out!
Thanks Kate!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Lazy Reviews and MiniComic Update
ITEM!
The lettering over here on my end of the Virtual Calligraphy Train has slowed down a bit. After about 3 weeks or so of having a book due just about every day, I finally found some free time to get knee-deep into Volume 2 of the minicomic.
After making a quick dummy mock-up, this one looks like it’s clocking in at 32 pages. Which is a lot considering Volume 1 was something like 21. So as it stands right now, the pages are ready to go. I’m just waiting on a few pin-ups, which I think will show up. I hope they do as I think they’ll really add something to the comic. If someone is going to be kind enough to drop 2 bucks on a hand stapled, Kinkos printed comic, I might as well throw in a few extras, right?
I’ll be giving the stencil cover a test run tomorrow and I’m going to have Ereisa take some pictures of the process so I can post it here… it could be a total disaster, who knows. Either way you’ll see the Triumph or the Failure here in a few days.
ITEM!
After literally a few months since my last trip to a comic shop, I’ve made it out to the shop the past 3 weeks. During my “dry spell” I realized that I was completely out of the comic loop. Most every comic message board was foreign to me. Although my pull from 2 trips to the comic shop only resulted in 9 comics, I was pretty happy with the reads.
Here are my impromptu reviews.
1) The Goon #15. By Eric Powell.
This is the one comic that keeps my faith in “mainstream” comics afloat. I have never, ever read a bad issue of this book. Powell is, in my opinion, the best writer/artist in comics right now. The latest Trade just came out as well, so if you haven’t tried this book, do yourself a favor and do so.
2) All-Star Superman #1&2. By Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely.
I only bought this book because I have yet to hear a bad thing about it. I’m not a huge fan of Morrison’s work, which is sacrilege in some comic circles, but his stories tend to wind up a little esoteric, in my opinion. I absolutely loved the start of his X-Men run, but by the end, I dropped it. And that was when I got comps from Marvel. Either way, the first 2 issues of this book were really fun and it really made me want to read more…so we’ll see what happens. I’m on board now, that’s for sure.
3) New Avengers #14&15. By Bendis and Cho.
I’ve been enjoying Bendis’ Avengers run since Disassembled. I’ve missed a few issues here and there, but I’ll probably pick those up at some point. Spider-Woman’s double agent story is really interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. I miss Finch’s artwork, though. Cho is great, but Finch’s art just seems to fit better for the book, IMO.
4) Powers #16. By Bendis and Oeming.
This book is always good. I keep forgetting to order the Hardcover that just came out. I’ve never read the early stuff and I’m looking forward to doing that. I love Oeming’s work, I originally bought this book for Bendis’ writing, but now I buy it for Oeming’s art.
5) Savage Dragon #122 By Erik Larsen.
A new Dragon? What? Yup. I can’t even remember when issue 121 hit the stands, but this is a book I’ll buy no matter what. My boss, Chris Eliopoulos, lettered this thing, it’s been a while since he was on the book and from what I read in the back, it’s only temporary, Erik is looking to hand letter this book himself soon. When he does that, he’ll be a one-man show. Which is pretty damn neat.
6) The Amazing Joy Buzzards #4. By Crosland, Mahfood, Smith and Hipp.
I’ve never read and issue of this book, but I heard that Mahfood was in it, so I picked it up. It was a pretty cool read, and it’s nice to see a real Indy feel on an Image book. I’ll pick up the next issue, Mahfood involved or not.
7) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. By Miller and Ching.
This is the first issue of the Darkhorse Star Wars relaunch. I hate to say it, but I was incredibly under whelmed by this book. I really haven’t read a good Star Wars comic in a long while. I’m picky with Star Wars, but this book didn’t feel like the universe at all to me. The art was nice, though, as well as the cover. But the story…..
So that’s the rundown of comics I’ve read recently. It was nice to pick some books up after a long layoff… I’ll be back at the shop next week, hopefully.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for update on the Mini Comic Cover Stencil.
--Gent
The lettering over here on my end of the Virtual Calligraphy Train has slowed down a bit. After about 3 weeks or so of having a book due just about every day, I finally found some free time to get knee-deep into Volume 2 of the minicomic.
After making a quick dummy mock-up, this one looks like it’s clocking in at 32 pages. Which is a lot considering Volume 1 was something like 21. So as it stands right now, the pages are ready to go. I’m just waiting on a few pin-ups, which I think will show up. I hope they do as I think they’ll really add something to the comic. If someone is going to be kind enough to drop 2 bucks on a hand stapled, Kinkos printed comic, I might as well throw in a few extras, right?
I’ll be giving the stencil cover a test run tomorrow and I’m going to have Ereisa take some pictures of the process so I can post it here… it could be a total disaster, who knows. Either way you’ll see the Triumph or the Failure here in a few days.
ITEM!
After literally a few months since my last trip to a comic shop, I’ve made it out to the shop the past 3 weeks. During my “dry spell” I realized that I was completely out of the comic loop. Most every comic message board was foreign to me. Although my pull from 2 trips to the comic shop only resulted in 9 comics, I was pretty happy with the reads.
Here are my impromptu reviews.
LazyComix Picks O’ Da Week.
1) The Goon #15. By Eric Powell.
This is the one comic that keeps my faith in “mainstream” comics afloat. I have never, ever read a bad issue of this book. Powell is, in my opinion, the best writer/artist in comics right now. The latest Trade just came out as well, so if you haven’t tried this book, do yourself a favor and do so.
2) All-Star Superman #1&2. By Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely.
I only bought this book because I have yet to hear a bad thing about it. I’m not a huge fan of Morrison’s work, which is sacrilege in some comic circles, but his stories tend to wind up a little esoteric, in my opinion. I absolutely loved the start of his X-Men run, but by the end, I dropped it. And that was when I got comps from Marvel. Either way, the first 2 issues of this book were really fun and it really made me want to read more…so we’ll see what happens. I’m on board now, that’s for sure.
3) New Avengers #14&15. By Bendis and Cho.
I’ve been enjoying Bendis’ Avengers run since Disassembled. I’ve missed a few issues here and there, but I’ll probably pick those up at some point. Spider-Woman’s double agent story is really interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. I miss Finch’s artwork, though. Cho is great, but Finch’s art just seems to fit better for the book, IMO.
4) Powers #16. By Bendis and Oeming.
This book is always good. I keep forgetting to order the Hardcover that just came out. I’ve never read the early stuff and I’m looking forward to doing that. I love Oeming’s work, I originally bought this book for Bendis’ writing, but now I buy it for Oeming’s art.
5) Savage Dragon #122 By Erik Larsen.
A new Dragon? What? Yup. I can’t even remember when issue 121 hit the stands, but this is a book I’ll buy no matter what. My boss, Chris Eliopoulos, lettered this thing, it’s been a while since he was on the book and from what I read in the back, it’s only temporary, Erik is looking to hand letter this book himself soon. When he does that, he’ll be a one-man show. Which is pretty damn neat.
6) The Amazing Joy Buzzards #4. By Crosland, Mahfood, Smith and Hipp.
I’ve never read and issue of this book, but I heard that Mahfood was in it, so I picked it up. It was a pretty cool read, and it’s nice to see a real Indy feel on an Image book. I’ll pick up the next issue, Mahfood involved or not.
7) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. By Miller and Ching.
This is the first issue of the Darkhorse Star Wars relaunch. I hate to say it, but I was incredibly under whelmed by this book. I really haven’t read a good Star Wars comic in a long while. I’m picky with Star Wars, but this book didn’t feel like the universe at all to me. The art was nice, though, as well as the cover. But the story…..
So that’s the rundown of comics I’ve read recently. It was nice to pick some books up after a long layoff… I’ll be back at the shop next week, hopefully.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for update on the Mini Comic Cover Stencil.
--Gent
Monday, January 30, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Back In Action
Whew. It’s been quite awhile since I last posted in here. These last 2 weeks I’ve been lettering like a madman. Which is great, can’t complain when you have work, but boy, it really throws a wrench in my other work. Hopefully next week I’ll really get down to business. The NY Con is approaching fast.
I did manage to get to the comic shop last weekend. It’s been so long since I’d been there that it was shut down! Newspaper covering the windows, gate pulled down… just flat out abandoned. Thing is, it didn’t surprise me at all. That comic shop was a dump. It was the kind of shop that gives comics a bad name. Messy, dirty, unorganized, a cranky co-owner behind the counter who wasn’t too keen on personal hygiene, and don’t forget his mother sitting in the middle of the shop (right next to the 50 cent bins) eating anything she could get her mitts on, spilling ketchup and other assorted condiments all over the wares. Awful shop.
Lucky for me there’s another really nice shop nearby. I picked up All Star Batman and Robin #3. Which I really like, I know it’s the cool thing online for fanboys to bash Miller, but the guy is amazing in my opinion. Nothing cracks me up more than some fanboy on a message board with a Serenity username talking about how Frank Miller, the guy behind Batman: Year One and Dark Night Returns, can’t write Batman.
Anyway, I also picked up Sgt. Rock The Prophecy by Joe Kubert. A flat-out amazing book. If you haven’t picked it up, do yourself a favor and do so. If I have a “Pick of the week” this book is it.
I also picked up Jim Mahfood’s “Adventures of One Page Filler Man” As usual its amazing work from Mahfood.
I’ll be heading out to the comic shop tonight to meet up with my good buddy C.B. Cebulski, whose book: Mangaverse, I just lettered. It’s a real fun book with great art and great lettering. : ) It’s on the shelves now, so show C.B. some support and pick it up this week.
Don’t forget about the new NYComix over at Pixelstrips, and stay tuned, things should be heating up here as the Con approaches.
Thanks.
--Randy
I did manage to get to the comic shop last weekend. It’s been so long since I’d been there that it was shut down! Newspaper covering the windows, gate pulled down… just flat out abandoned. Thing is, it didn’t surprise me at all. That comic shop was a dump. It was the kind of shop that gives comics a bad name. Messy, dirty, unorganized, a cranky co-owner behind the counter who wasn’t too keen on personal hygiene, and don’t forget his mother sitting in the middle of the shop (right next to the 50 cent bins) eating anything she could get her mitts on, spilling ketchup and other assorted condiments all over the wares. Awful shop.
Lucky for me there’s another really nice shop nearby. I picked up All Star Batman and Robin #3. Which I really like, I know it’s the cool thing online for fanboys to bash Miller, but the guy is amazing in my opinion. Nothing cracks me up more than some fanboy on a message board with a Serenity username talking about how Frank Miller, the guy behind Batman: Year One and Dark Night Returns, can’t write Batman.
Anyway, I also picked up Sgt. Rock The Prophecy by Joe Kubert. A flat-out amazing book. If you haven’t picked it up, do yourself a favor and do so. If I have a “Pick of the week” this book is it.
I also picked up Jim Mahfood’s “Adventures of One Page Filler Man” As usual its amazing work from Mahfood.
I’ll be heading out to the comic shop tonight to meet up with my good buddy C.B. Cebulski, whose book: Mangaverse, I just lettered. It’s a real fun book with great art and great lettering. : ) It’s on the shelves now, so show C.B. some support and pick it up this week.
Don’t forget about the new NYComix over at Pixelstrips, and stay tuned, things should be heating up here as the Con approaches.
Thanks.
--Randy
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
It's a Traaaaaap!
A little Admiral Ackbar to get you through the week. I posted a few more sketches over at my site... check 'em out.
As with every Wednesday, the latest NYComix page is over at Pixelstrips.com... Take a look.
thanks.
--Gent
Friday, January 06, 2006
More Mini-Comic #2 News
Things are really starting to come together on the upcoming NYComix Mini-Comic #2. Available this February at the New York Comic Con and through Lazycomix.com... it’s really shaping up to be a great Mini.
Over 30 pages of NYComix as well as a comic by Ereisa Wells and pin ups by Jacob Chabot of Mighty Skullboy Army Fame (we’ll be sharing a table at the show), Chris Giarusso of Mini Marvel and G-Man, and Jim Lujan… who already sent me an incredible pin-up.
Keep checking back for more info and don’t forget that there is a new page up over at Pixelstrips.
--Gent
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Monday, January 02, 2006
Mini-Comic Issue 2
Just a Quick Mock-up for the cover of the upcoming NYComix Mini-Comic Issue 2, which will be available at the New York Comic Con this February. It'll probaby change, but this is the idea I'm playing around with.Let me know what you think.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
New Page
Just posted a new page over at Pixelstrips.
Check it out.
As I stated over at LazyComix.com... all new NYComix will be appearing there for now. It's tough to keep up on both sites, especially with a full-time job. Plus, there's some other stuff going on that I'll announce soon.
Thanks for looking!
--Gent
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