Endicott Redux

João Lemos: Mythic and Fantasy Comic Book Art

An email brought me to Sete-Estrelo, the blog of Portuguese comic book illustrator, João Lemos who is currently working with associates on a killer new project, Shiki, an ecological/magical journey told in twelve parts. The little video teaser above looks very promising. Stop by the blog to see more of Lemos's work, including an homage to Peter Pan he did for Marvel Comic's "Avengers Fairy Tales" series and lots more sketches of Shiki. There's a lovely elegance to Lemos's work which strikes me as similar to some of art-deco designer Erte and his sylph-like figures. (Right side is "High Priestess of Food of the Gods Cult" and left is "Autumn.")

Hilarious Savage-ry

Ok, I couldn't resist sharing this cartoon by Canadian humorist Doug Savage, who produces a Savage Chickens cartoon on a post-it every weekday. (There are now over 800 of these hilarious and wickedly absurd beauties.) Stop by the website and browse through the archives and be prepared to guffaw.

Blue by Elizabeth Genco and Sami Makkonen

We are eagerly awaiting Blue, a graphic novel and the latest offering from the creative team of author Elizabeth Genco and artist Sami Makkonen. Elizabeth explains "BLUE is about a girl whose ex-turned-indie-rock-god comes back and is not as he seems. It's a bit of a sendup of Bluebeard, a old school fairy tale."

And here's a quote from the solicitation copy: "A fresh, fantastic take on the bloodiest of classic fairy tales. When Blue's ex-boyfriend appears on her doorstep, he says he wants to make things right. His true intentions are far more sinister. Blue's shape-shifting powers can help her outrun him, but to survive, she must face him as herself."

Stop by Blue and keep up with the news, promotions, and sneak previews of the forthcoming graphic novel.

How to Survive Writing...

For those of you working hard to finish old writing projects, or just beginning new ones, I thought you might all enjoy some encouragement from comic book author Grady Klein in his wonderful short comic "How to Survive Writing a Graphic Novel." The humor and wisdom of the piece are transferable skills to almost any creative endeavor. You can see the whole piece here, on First Second Books. (Via PW: The Beat.)

Online Salon with The Interstitial Arts Foundation

   
I recently received word from Interstitial Arts Foundation board member Kris McDermott that the topic of their upcoming online salon is THE comics collective The Chemistry Set...

The comic that caught our eye was one by Phillipine artist Andrew Drilon, called Mang Tomas the Story Hunter – in which the Hero mutters, “INTERSTITIAL FICTION – KISS MY GUN!” We’re not sure if he’s giving us a shout-out or a slam, but we loved it! And then, of course, we wanted more.

He – and many of the other writer/artists on the site – approach graphic storytelling from a joyous mix of perspectives. I’m particularly intrigued by Drilon’s incorporation of Filipino archetypes and myths into his stories, but other series – Steven Goldman’s Styx Taxi, and Elizabeth Genco’s Scheherazade also use the handy vehicle of myth to explore some exciting intersections between visual and literary culture.

So visit the site and come back to discuss your impression of this project. Is the graphic novel/comic book the most interstitial form of pop culture going today, and if so, what is its future? What else have you encountered like “The Chemistry Set”? Does multiculturalism aid and abet interstitiality – and vice versa? Our conversation will begin here on December 8 and continue for a week. Hope to see you there!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8-Saturday, Dec. 15
WHERE: This thread @ the IAF message board
WHAT: Discuss The Chemistry Set – we call ‘em interstitial; do you?

Needless to say, I'm tickled. Andrew Drilon is a stunning talent - if you haven't checked out his Kare-Kare Komiks yet, you're in for a treat! Andrew recently took 2nd place at 2nd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards.  He's definitely a creator for fans of mythic arts to watch. 

My latest favorite from Andrew: Grinwit.

Yes, Mother: Elizabeth Genco on The Chemistry Set

Elizabeth Genco has a wonderfully gothic little comic -- part Cinderella, part really creepy step-mother tale -- which you can view in its entirety on The Chemistry Set website. The art is by Sami Makkonen and the layout assist by Rami Efal.

If you've never visited The Chemistry Set before, consider staying a while and browsing through some of the great black and white comics there. The group describes itself as "a collective of comic creators, exploring what happens when they throw their talents together in the cause of fresh, new, unexpected work. Sometimes we get beautiful synthesis. Sometimes we get explosions. But in every case, we get new comics, delivered every day by talented up-and-coming creators, including three Xeric Award winners."

And it's free.

Art in the Interstices

For those of you in New York City, the Interstitial Arts Foundation and MoCCA (the Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art) are presenting two events of interest:

April 23rd - Interstitiality and the Creative Artist
"For years, comic artists & writers have been struggling with the fact that their best work is usually unclassifiable and uncategorizable; most of the world doesn’t know how to describe it or even find it, let alone how to market it. Enter the Interstitial Arts Foundation, founded in 2003 to encourage and promote writing, music and all art that falls between the cracks of recognized genres: art made in the interstices between categories, by artists without borders. Creative folks -- including Megan Kelso, Colleen AF Venable, Doselle Young, and moderator Justine Larbalestier -- will discuss where their least-classifiable work comes from, where it’s going, and ways that the banner of 'interstitial' might help get us there."

April 30th - Interstitiality and the Comic Book Industry
"To broaden our discussion of how border-crossing works take root in the comic book world, MoCCA and the IAF will be scoping out the industry side of the equation, bringing together the behind-the-scenes perspectives of reviewers, museum curators, booksellers, and other facilitators to discuss how to best promote and cultivate works that are inherently unclassifiable. Panel participants include Calvin Reid, Jason Little, Jessica Stockton, Dallas Middaugh, and moderator Rachel Pollack."

For more information, visit the MoCCA events schedule. The art above is by IAF contributor Mark Wagner.

The Drawer Geeks

Here's a different kind of challenge from the one we featured two days ago. Twice a month (every other Friday) the Drawer Geeks challenge each other to produce images of a mutally-chosen fictional character. The results are then posted on the Drawer Geeks website, where you'll find pictures of everything from Alice in Wonderland and Snow White to Bigfoot and Bam Bam. Who are the Drawer Geeks? They're professional artists primarily from the animation, comic book, illustration, and design fields. Their aim, they say, is simply to have fun.

The sample Drawer Geek pictures reproduced here are:  Little Red Riding Hood by Tim Hodge, Pinocchio by Steve Leeper, Harry Potter by Alex Fleisig, and Gretel by Sarah Mensinga. To see all of the images, visit the Drawer Geeks website. (With thanks to artist Lisa Hunt for the link.)

Charles Vess: Modern Master

 

With all the excitement surrounding the Stardust movie and the unveiling of the stunning trailer, I’d say it’s the perfect time to mention the latest volume in TwoMorrows Publishing’s Modern Masters series. Modern Masters Volume Eleven features none other than Endicott contributor and longtime friend, Charles Vess!

The Modern Masters series “[celebrates] the lives and work of the greatest comic book artists of our time.” With a career that spans over 30 years and a huge body of visual narrative work in at least four mediums (painting, illustration, sculpture, and, of course, comics), Vess is a perfect choice for such a distinction.

The 120-page book concentrates on Vess’ work in the comics field, with lots of art samples from Heavy Metal, Epic Illustrated, Spider-man, Swamp thing, The Books of Magic and, of course, Sandman and Stardust. In addition to a generous selection of the work we know and love, there are some delightful, offbeat Vess rarities here, including a Transformers cover and a commissioned sketch of Spiderman in a kilt (!). I always get a kick out of checking out my favorite artists’ earliest works, and there are a few of those as well. The depth and true diversity of Vess’ talents are truly striking in this presentation.

The heart of the book is a lively, entertaining interview in which Vess gives us a backstage peek into his career, including his humble beginnings as a lonely young comics fan in 1950s Virginia, his experiences as a struggling artist in New York City, his breakthrough work with DC Comics and his current work on the STARDUST movie. It’s an absolute hoot to read, with Charles’ warmth and kindness shining from every page. As one of those sensitive writer types, I tend to stockpile interviews such as this one – they’re the amulets I reach for when the demons are messing with my creative spirit. (On that note, for another great doldrums-busting interview with Charles, check out The Comics Journal #218 – back issues are available on the cheap at their website).

If you’ve never had the pleasure of taking in a Vess slideshow (Mythic Journeys 2004, World Fantasy 2005), you’ll definitely not want to miss the influences section in this book. I also enjoyed reading the stories of collaboration for Charles’ self-published comic series The Book of Ballads and Sagas (now available in its entirety from Tor).

If I could change just one thing about the book, I’d beef up the color portfolio. But I suppose I can’t be too grumpy about that – a 200-page Vess art book by Dark Horse Comics is scheduled for release in August (Drawing Down The Moon: The Art of Charles Vess).

You can read an excerpt of the Modern Masters volume in this thread at Newsarama. Be sure to check in with Charles periodically at his blog, where he often posts new art. Also check out Terri Windling’s grand Vess appreciation and the fairy sketchbook in the Endicott gallery -- and for more on his influences (and his thoughts on genre-crossing art), be sure to read Charles’ essay at the Interstitial Arts Foundation.

Heroes of Indian Mythology

Richard Branson's new Virgin Comics has tapped deeply into Indian mythology and religion to produce a new line of mythic comic books aimed at both Western and Indian audiences. So far the project has been very successful and is expanding into films as well involving directors like John Woo and Guy Ritchie. Nicolas Cage has already signed on to star in one movie based on "The Sadhu" -- which describes the adventures of an English man who discovers he was a Hindu Holy man in a former life. (Deepak Chopra is writing the screen play.)

This incredibly creative explosion in Indian Comics has been largely due to the collaboration of Mr. Devarajan of Virgin Comics and Gotham Chopra. Mr. Devarajan had been running Gotham Entertainment Group which produced an Indian version of Spider-Man (living in Mumbai and battling supernatural monsters from Indian mythology). In 2004 the pair set up a studio in Bangalore and in 2005 Branson agreed to invest in the studio and launch Virgin Comics.

While the stories and characters are taken from traditional Indian mythologies, they are presented in contemporary and cross-cultural stories and settings.  Devi is based on the avenging goddess who battles Bala, a darklord in the modern city of Sitapur. This modern reincarnation of Devi has only one companion -- a burned out alcoholic detective named Raoul, who can see the demons invading the city. Snake Woman is the retelling of the Naga (Snake) legends in which "the soul of the serpent reptile is reborn in the form of an unsuspecting heroine." Jessica Peterson discovers this powerful and predatory soul in herself when a bar patron tries to assault her. More traditional tales are developed in a comic version of the great heroic epic of the Ramayan, while John Woo's 7 Brothers offers a more Chinese noir/fantasy tale.

The whole venture looks pretty rocking and should do a lot to open fantasy comics and film in an interesting new direction.

Last minute change of plans!

Hey, if you need to get out of the house, get away from the left-overs in the fridge, or those relatives who have taken up camp in your living room...(and, of course, if you live in NYC), head to KGB on Sunday (Nov. 26) to hear comics authors Dan Goldman, Nick Bertozzi, Margo Dabie, and Elizabeth Genco (Endicott reviewer, and code wrangler on occasion) reading from their work. Festivities start at 7:41pm and end at 9:00. So stop looking at the screen and go! Should be a blast.

Act-i-vate

   

Act-i-vate is an online comics anthology produced by a "cabal of cartoonists plugging in and giving you free serialized graphic novels as we create them." There's a lively, diverse range of material here, with new works appearing daily. Check out Leland Purvis's Vulcan & Vishnu ("The travels and travails of two honest workmen devising their way around obstacles and through calamities on their way to fortune and glory."), Nikki Cook's Sack of Puppies, Jennifer Tong's Orifice, Nick Bertozzi's Shackleton, and other delights.

Milk from Tucson

I have to thank Christopher Rowe for pointing out this astonishing artist from Tucson, whose MY Space name is simply "Milk." Boy, I wish I knew more about her. Her work is a startling mixture of modern, edgy imagery but with a romantic surreal side -- those girls with big eyes on velvet paintings and Frida Khalo's wounded body caught half way between human and animal. If anybody knows anything about Milk -- or where I can see more of her work, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a comment and let me know.

Eleanor Davis and Drew Weing: Little House Comics

I have to thank Charles Vess for sending me the link to comic artist Eleanor Davis, who, in collaboration with her boyfriend Drew Weing, created Little House Comics. Separately, Eleanor and Drew are enormously talented artists; and together they produce posters, books, and fabulous "mini-comics." My favorite of these is Eleanor's "The Beast Mother," a "mythic story about the conflicts of motherhood and duty, set in dark, old world forests. Pine trees, ravens, children, breasts, guns." (Click here to see a preview of this comic).

Eleanor's work is so varied that it constantly surprises and delights me. It can move from a Paul Klee-like use of color and shapes to a wonderfully wicked Gorey-esque ink drawing full of melancholy and anxiety. Her black and white work is equally strong, moving from the sharp, detailed style of the 19th century Arts & Crafts movement to the bold lines of Expressionism.

Eleanor has also created 3-d pieces for friends and family which show yet another layer of her astonishing skill, such as this box she made for her mother, a wall hanging for her sister (with the doors open), and a bank that "eats" coins.

I highly recommend stopping by the Little House shop to keep up with their current news (both artists will be at Small Press Expo October 13th and 14th in Bethesda, Maryland) and to consider purchasing some of Eleanor and Drew's collaborative work, posters, prints, and books. Also, have a glance at Eleanor's livejournal, filled with her sketches, paintings, and news about upcoming work. It is a lively and inspiring place to visit. And when you have finished marveling at the sketchbook versions of her recent work, check out this entry for Eleanor at PARTYKA that has finished versions of the sketches in glorious color, like the one below.

Charles Vess and Michael Kaluta

Today in Tor's Art Director Irene Gallo's blog there is a wonderful post about Charles Vess & Michael Kaluta's teamwork on the upcoming Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall, due from DC Comics/Vertigo in October. Irene asked Charles about the colloborative process and his response (along with art sketches!) is fascinating. (Don't forget to click the image for a closer look!)

Scheherazade's Question ...

Online web-comics represent one of the most interestingly fluid mediums for fairy tale retellings today. From "No Rest for the Wicked" to "Return to Green Hollow" to "Spells and Whistles" to "Suburban Fairy Tales" to "Golden: A Dubious Experiment in Storytelling," artists are using the internet to promulgate their sometimes dark, sometimes daring, sometimes hilarious reinventions of the fairy tale where more traditional markets might hesitate to go. (There are, of course, numerous print comics which deal with myth and legend out there -- comics such as Fables, Aria, and Castle Waiting -- but sometimes, one can want a quick fix from home.) Joining their ranks, today The Chemistry Set brings us its first installment of Scheherazade. Scripted by Elizabeth Genco and drawn by Adam Boorman, Scheherazade's first page promises a noir-ish tour through the fantastic imagination, asking the question "What stories would you tell ... if your life depended on it?". Boorman's art is heavily, heavily inked, with little white space and beautifully subtle shading: this promises to be one to keep your eyes on.

Sweet As Death...

... is the prose of Catherynne M. Valente.  Author of a number of ground-breaking prose pieces (The Grass-Cutting Sword is available, as of today, and The Orphan's Tales forthcoming this fall), readers looking to sample her work might be interested in picking up a copy of Fantasy Magazine #1, which also includes beautiful stories by Tim Pratt, Jeffrey Ford, Richard Parks, Jeff VanderMeer, Sonya Taaffe, Vera Nazarian, Erzebet YellowBoy, Nick Mamatas, and Holly Phillips.  Alternately, they might choose to read "Bones Like Black Sugar" online at Clarkesworld Books for a taste of the magazine's direction.   

Joss Whedon: The New Buffy

Wow. Joss Whedon is returning to writting Buffy tales, but this time for Dark Horse Comics.  There were older comic versions of Buffy, but not written by the man himself.  This is the new cover, and Buffy is looking like she hasn't lost any of her usual shape. The cover art is by Georges Jeanty from Issue 1 -- which is premiering at Comic Con this week (July 20 -- 23) in San Diego.

castle waiting

Long before FABLES, Bill Willingham's tales of Brothers Grimm escapees commingling with New Yorkers, there was CASTLE WAITING , Linda Medley's lush, bittersweet folk and fairy tale inspired comic series.  Despite its quality, popularity and longevity (it's been around since the mid-90's), CASTLE WAITING has long been one of those "indy" comics tugging at the sleeves of the mainstream, patiently waiting for someone to Notice Already.  It's the kind of book that you might pick up at a comics show, read, and then say to yourself, "This is so good!  Someone needs to get it to a larger audience!".

"Someone" is!  Huzzah!

At long last, CASTLE WAITING gets its day in the sun with the release of the complete edition from Fantagraphics.  This hardback brings together all past issues of CASTLE WAITING under one cover, with an introduction by Endicott's own Jane Yolen .  In addition to the goodness that is the content, the design and production of the book itself is quite outstanding, with decorated endpapers, heavy cream paper stock, and a ribbon bookmark.  You'll feel like you're opening up a treasured and well-preserved heirloom storybook straight out of your grandma's attic.

But that's not all of the good news.  I said "past issues" above because the release of the collected editon also marks the return of CASTLE WAITING as a regular series (also from Fantagraphics).  From here on out, expect to see a new issue every six weeks or so.

I'm thrilled to see CASTLE WAITING get the treatment it deserves after so many years, and equally thrilled that so many more folks will finally get to enjoy these stories.  I highly recommend that you treat yourself (or your patrons, if you're a librarian) to a copy.  After your book comes in, you can purchase accessories for it from Linda herself here.

In the gutters

Having only recently ventured into the world of graphic novels and comic book series (and now am forever hooked), I know I have some catching up to do. Yet, I am looking ahead having placed my order for the new Bill Willingham's Fables: Arabian Nights (and Days) Volume 7 . I have become a fan of the Fables series ever since my students introduced it to me a year ago. And what a treat to combine my favorite collection of tales (bawdy and complex) with Willingham's sly wit, (I mean who thought fairy tales could be so neo-noir?) and always great art from Mark Buckingham.

Next, I have been following with some interest the new graphic novel by Alan Moore and his fiance, artist, Melinda Gebbie called Lost Girls (the Collected Books), a pornographic treatment of three well known fantasy females: Lewis Carroll's Alice, Baum's Dorothy and Barrie's Wendy. It seems such an intriguing and incredibly intelligent take on human sexuality through the shared lens of these well known female characters (all creations of men curiously enough). Gebbie's art (what has appeared on the internet anyways) is lovely, glowing with a fantasy gold light--almost like a richly illustrated children's book. And Alan Moore's ideas are--as one might expect--provocative. Do have a look at these two fascinating interviews: one with Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie.

Last (for now any way) I was pleased to see Scott McCloud also has a new book coming this fall, the third in his series: Making Comics . Judging from this  quote  in the preview interview with McCloud on Comic Book Resources the new work is sure to ignite some sparks.

"The book starts with a radical new look at the process of comics. I just blow past the layout, penciling, inking thing (which I really think only applies some of the time nowadays, when we have all these new tools)."   

As a post script, I just want to send  a shout out to writer  Christopher Rowe who was in a bad bike accident last Saturday.  Take care buddy, I'm thinking of you (and Gwenda),  lighting candles and singing hymns to your recovery.