Father/Son Art

With the new school year in session, we've started a new project in my household. Every Wednesday for the past 3 weeks, after picking my son up from Kindergarten, the two of us have driven downtown to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Our mission: TO DRAW ANIMALS!

This has been loads of fun for me, and hopefully somewhat amusing for my son! The museum here in Los Angeles isn't as huge and comprehensive as the one I grew up with in New York, but it's not bad. My son really loves it,and used to visit practically every weekend. He even did a few weeks of summer camp there last year. However, until we started our new project, we haven't spent much time there of late.

So here's what we're doing: After spending some time wandering around, looking at the exhibits for the umpteenth time, we pick a few animals, and we each do a drawing. I also ask him to write the name of the animal, and sometimes a fact or two, like "lives in Kenya" or "Eats bugs." It's been fun to see what he comes up with and, obviously, good practice for his writing skills.

Here are two of today's sketches. An ostrich...





...and a chimpanzee...




Now, I think my ostrich is pretty good, but clearly his chimp beats mine, hands down. Isn't it awesome?

I really like drawing from those stuffed animals in the big dioramas. They are, of course, perfectly still models! You can't ask for better! Those rooms are so quiet and peaceful. At least, they are on Wednesday afternoons. In fact, the whole place is dead! Make me worry about the museum's future and the state of our youth in general, but at the same time, I really appreciate having the place to ourselves.

Right now, the museum is being renovated so some of the halls are closed. Also, it seems, the entire area around Exposition Park is under construction. They are doubling the size of the neighboring science museum and, I believe, they are reconstructing the light-rail system in the area. So parking is a huge pain. No street parking AT ALL, so visitors are forced to lay down $6 per car. Luckily, we're members of the museum, so parking is the only cost. In any case, the results have been well worth the trouble. As an activity to share with a child, I recommend it highly.

WeHo Signing This Weekend

This Sunday, September 30th, I'll be joining some fellow TOKYOPOP creators at the West Hollywood Book Fair. I'll be participating in the "Manga 101" panel from 3:14 - 4:15, and signing copies of my book, Battle of the Bands at the TOKYOPOP booth after that, from 4:15 - 6:00. The fair is free, lasts all day, and features appearances, workshops and readings by many authors. Check out the schedule on their website.

Here's a map:

View Larger Map

If you can make it, I look forward to meeting you and telling you about my book. I'll even throw in a free sketch!

Yet Another...

Okay, I promise that this is the last of the Elephantmen pages that I will be posting...



It's just that this page actually features Hip Flask, so I thought it was worth showing off. He's the hippo dude, in case you're wondering. This coloring on this page has more noodley texture than I usually do, but that's because I wanted it to be somewhat similar to the look Ladronn has established for the series. Does it work? YOU decide!

I'm starting work on a couple of new projects that are interesting. I'll write more about them soon. I also want to tell you about the pirate ships that I'm building. (YARR!) I'm just to tired to get into it right now ( I think I have a cold). I'll tease you with these images...





Ciao.

Reading: Three Comrades by Erich Maria Remarque
Watching (on Netflix): Nip/Tuck: Season Four and Smallville: Season Six
Listening to: The Voice of Reason

One More...

I should probably stop posting these Elephantmen pages before I start with the "spoilers!"

Anyway, Here's one more...



This is a fun scene. In case you're wondering about the location, it is Piazza San Marco in Venice. "Venice, Italy," you ask??? Nope; Venice, California! In the future world of Elephantmen, the great Italian city has fallen into the sea! Thankfully, the historic monuments were moved to Southern California to preserve them for posterty.

I love that idea!

BTW, if you haven't seen the other pages that I've posted, you they are up in my "Sequential Art" Portfolio. Links are on the right side of this blog.

More Elephantmen

Here's another page from the Elephantmen story that I'm drawing. I'm quite pleased with how it's turning out...

The story is pretty much the origin of Hip Flask's partner, Vanity Case. It establishes many previously unknown things about her character--including the first look at her Venice Beach apartment. Richard crammed the script with all sorts of details. It's been challenging (and time consuming!), but also fun. I think it shows a side of my work that most people are not familiar with, and it's some of my best work to date.

I'll probably put a couple more in my online portfolio as I finish them. More art links are on the right, FYI...

Ronald Reagan Reborn!

If I'm not mistaken, this week I have another new book out!

Ronald Reagan: A Graphic Biography is a project I worked on last year that is now being published as a hardcover graphic novel from Hill & Wang, written by Andy Helfer and with 100 pages of art drawn by me and Joe Staton. I drew this before my TOKYOPOP book, and I'm interested to see how people will respond to it. I'm also eager to get my hands on a printed copy to see how it all turned out!

When I was in high school, I was a big fan of Staton's E-Man comic. I'm proud to be associated with his work and I wonder how it will mesh or clash with my own.

Today a friend sent me THIS LINK to an online preview at SLATE.COM. Check it out! You can read more than half of the book there. I drew up to page 49 and the cover art.

If the link above doesn't work, you might want to consider a new web browser. Meanwhile, here's a redundant URL for you to copy and paste: http://www.slate.com/id/2172927/

Sneak Peek: More Elephantmen Art!

Gosh, I hope Richard doesn't mind me showing this off, but I'm pretty pleased with how this Elephantmen job is turning out. Here's a peek at page one, drawn & colored by Yours Truly...

The title & credits lettering is just temporary. As you might expect, Richard's Comicraft wizards will come up with something much cooler.

The Comic Bug Signing: Post Script

Good signing last night! Tricia and I sold some books, met some cool people and ate some pizza. My thanks to Mike and Jun at The Comic Bug, Mandy, Joe & Luis from TOKYOPOP, and all the fans who gave our books a try.

A Friendly Reminder: Book Signing Wednesday Evening

Just want to remind you cool people about my book signing tomorrow in Manhattan Beach. If you're in the West Los Angeles region, I hope you'll drop by The Comic Bug. I'll be whipping up some FREE SKETCHES and trying to get people to notice Battle of the Bands. I may even give out some special goodies, so you won't want to miss it!

Also, I won't be alone! I will be joined by my old pal, Tricia Riley Hale, who also happens to have a book out from TOKYOPOP called Grand Theft Galaxy. Yes, it'll be a regular party down at the 'Bug. Now, let's review:

Wednesday, August 29th,
From 5-8 PM,
Steve & Tricia will be signing at:
The Comic Bug
1832 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 372-6704
www.thecomicbug.com

You can download a flyer PDF by clicking right here.

It looks like this:



Only bigger.

If, for some unspeakable reason, the link above doesn't work, you can copy this URL and paste it in your address bar:

http://www.madsciencemedia.com/comicbug.pdf

How much easier can I make this? Well, I can give you this HANDY-DANDY MAP:


View Larger Map

That's it! That's all I've got! I hope you can make it. If not, I'll be devastated, but I guess I'll see you at some other event. Last week I had lunch with some SUPER-NICE people in TOKYOPOP'S marketing department and it looks like we've got some cool stuff lined up. I will certainly keep you posted.

Wish me luck...

Legoland Pics

Hey, I promised some Legoland pics, so here they are! Did a quick overnight trip this weekend with the wife & kid. We had a blast. If you have kids, or know kids, or ARE a kid, Legoland is pretty cool. My son is pretty much obsessed with Legos, so it's like heaven on Earth to him.





This was my second trip to Legoland, and I've been pretty impressed both times. It's a much more low-key experience than Disneyland...but then, they don't have as many big rides. Actually, what really amazes me is the detail in all the Lego sculptures. In the center of the park, there's an area called "Miniland" that has miniatures of different cityscapes, including New York, Washington DC, San Francisco and their newest addition: Las Vegas. These are really impressive. The detail on the U.S. Capitol Building and New York's Grand Central Station is truly a wonder to behold. Alas, I have no photos of them to share. Check their website if this sounds interesting to you. I just hope your web browser can handle it; mine just crashed twice trying to navigate their site!




The "Dragon" rollercoaser really is NOT that scary. Just hamming it up for the kid. You know how it is.




What can I really say about this pic?


In closing, Legoland gets two thumbs up! Their website, however, needs work.

Ask me about Tip Top Meats, if you dare!

Another New Review...

Just found a new review of my book, Battle of the Bands at Manganews.net. This one made me smile:

Read it here!

Don't know who these guys are, but they get it!

New Interview

Back from Legoland! I'll post some pics later. Meanwhile, I want to point interested parties toward another new interview with Yours Truly. This one's on the TOKYOPOP website, wherein I discuss my new book, Battle of the Bands and some other stuff.

In case the link above doesn't work, here's the URL: http://www.tokyopop.com/Robofish/tp_article/796155.html

Enjoy!

Comic Bug Signing

In a previous post I mentioned that I'll be doing a signing at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach next Wednesday evening. I'll post more extensive details later, but if you're curious right NOW, you can download a flyer PDF by clicking right here.

If, for some unspeakable reason, you are viewing this on a lousy or out-of-date web browser, and the link above doesn't work, you can copy this URL and paste it in your address bar:

http://www.madsciencemedia.com/comicbug.pdf

How's that for service?

Tomorrow, I dine in LEGOLAND!

Elephantmen!

Pretty tired right now for some reason, but I wanted to post a sneak-peek at my latest project before I collapse in an unconscious heap.

Today I finished drawing an 8-page back-up story for Elephantmen, that will be published by Image Comics and Active Images around the end of the year. I am extremely pleased with how it's turning out. I just finished the inks, and now I can start coloring the hell out of it. I think that the past year of intense drawing has paid off. This story is going to be a great showcase for my work.

Anyway, here's a page of inks:



I think it's pretty cool right now, but it's gonna be great in color, IMHO.

In case you're wondering what you're looking at, it's Hip Flask's sidekick, Vanity Case rushing through Piazza San Marco for a cup o' joe. See, in the dark & gritty world of Elephantmen, the Italian city has finally fallen into the sea. Thankfully, these spectacular monuments were saved--and transported to Venice, California! Personally, I love that idea. I hope it happens for real. You know...unless they can safely keep it where it is now, of course!

Post-Convention Ramblings

Sorry that I haven't posted anything since August 1st. Just been swamped since Comic-Con, trying to catch up with all the things I didn't finish before Comic-Con. That's right, I haven't finished my convention video either. The sound was crap, so I'm turning it into an exciting montage. Any ideas what music should accompany??? I'm trying to avoid the obvious choices like People are Strange. I think we've all seen that a few too many times.

Last Saturday I dropped by Blizzcon for a little while. That was surreal. Thousands of people in a dark room, playing video games they already play at home--and paying $100 bucks a head for the privilege. Now I know I'm in the wrong business! Did I say that the games looked freakin' awesome?! We used to play Warcraft pretty often at the Mad Science Media studio, back in the day. It's amazing what a phenomenon it has become. And the new version of Starcraft looks fantastic.

Actually, I was there with my TOKYOPOP editor (and blood brother) Rob Tokar, hoping to meet some of the Blizzard folk. Last week I drew up some samples to show them in hopes of working on their Warcraft manga. Here's a "Night Elf..."



I also drew a big battle pin-up. We'll see if I get "approved" to work on the book.

Meanwhile, I have been back to work on my Elephantmen story for Active Images. It's just an 8-page back up story that I'm drawing & coloring, but it has been quite a challenge! The script is jammed with little details and rich backgrounds. I just finished the pencils yesterday, and I'm pretty pleased. Should be my best work to-date, and I'm looking forward to showing it off. You know--to get more work! Must...keep...working! In any case, I'll post some images here once they're inked.

Also, I'm trying to find ways to promote my new OEM, Battle of the Bands, even as I discuss a second volume with my publisher. If you've picked it up, I'd love to get some feedback. If you haven't seen it, I hope you'll check it out--and tell a friend! As of this writing, I have one in-store signing planned at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach, California on Wednesday, August 29th from 5-8PM. If you're in the area, I hope you'll come by and say hello. I'll be signing books along with my pal, Tricia Riley Hale, author of TOKYOPOP's Grand Theft Galaxy. Should be a HOOT! I'll post more details a week before the signing. You know...to remind you.

Now, as I was, in fact, born a rambling man, I'd love to keep writing, but I must WORK! Have a great day!

Remember: Give me music recommendations for my video, and feedback on my book! Thanks!

Comic-Con 2007: Reflections & Stuff

It's been a couple days since I got back from the San Diego Comic-Con, and I am still "decompressing." As many of you know, it was the biggest year ever for the con, having sold out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Never happened before. The event is overwhelming and one can spend all day reading blogs like this trying to sort it all out.



I drove down early Friday morning (5AM!) with Don Hudson and leaped into the fray! Last year I did not attend the Con--I'd missed it for the first time in over a decade--but it was familiar enough. What stunned me were the thick crowds right when they opened the doors. Truly crazy! I quickly made my way to the TOKYOPOP booth to check my signing schedule, stopping to say hello to Richard Starkings at Active Images, who took the picture above.

This year, I didn't have much to do at the convention. In previous years, Comiculture had a booth of it's own, so I had a "base" in which to hide and keep my stuff. I also had a clear-cut "mission:" To sell copies of Comiculture and my Studio's other published works. I decided to make promoting my new TOKYOPOP Manga my main focus.

To that end, I sat on one in-booth panel for TOKYOPOP on Friday afternoon. It was about "Shōnen Manga." These are books created for a teen male audience, usually with a lot of action and featuring attractive female characters. Here's a photo swiped from the TOKYOPOP website where you can almost see me!




Anyway, we did a brief signing after the panel and I convinced at least one guy to pick up the book. It was interesting, and I wish I had an opportunity to do more panels because I feel I would have had more interesting stuff to say by Sunday!

I spent most of the rest of the weekend at the Convention, trying to do some networking which, hopefully, will help me find my next big project. There's an interesting thread on Don's blog today about that very subject. I added my 2 cents there--check it out, so I don't have to repeat myself here!

Actually, Don's blog has been very entertaining this week. He has some short video podcasts that he took in San Diego. Here's one now:



There are a couple more on his blog. They are Hilarious.

For more "traditional" reporting, I encourage you to watch Heidi MacDonald's podcasts on The Beat. There is also good coverage on The Pulse. In fact, I helped them out on Saturday by sitting in and reporting on the Remembering Milton Caniff & Steve Canyon panel. My good deed for Saturday!

I also took some video at the convention, but have been unable to do anything with it yet. Hopefully I can throw together a quick edit before the week is over and people start talking about the next big show.

Right now I'm working on a bunch of new stuff, but on the top of the list is still getting the word out about Battle of the Bands. Yesterday I was pleased to report that I received a nice review on EyeOnComics.com, though some people had trouble with the link for some reason. If you were one of those, and you are interested in reading the review, you can download a PDF by clicking here.

Or, you can copy & paste this link:

http://www.madsciencemedia.com/eyeoncomics.pdf

See how easy I make it for you?

When all is said and done, I had a really good time in San Diego. I reconnected with some old pals, made some new ones and had a few margaritas to boot. Can't complain.

Must stop writing now. Look for that video soon!

Like "Josie and the Pussycats on Tequila"

Hello friends! Back from San Diego and I have some things to report, but not much time to blog right now. Hopefully, later in the week.

Meanwhile, I'd like to direct you to this nifty review of my new book Battle of the Bands, by mister Don MacPherson! Not too shabby!

I will leave you now with an image from the San Diego Comic-Con, courtesy of Richard Starkings. Catch you later!

San Diego Comic-Con Update

Just want all you stalkers to know that I'll be at the SDCC from Friday thru Sunday, promoting my book at the TOKYOPOP booth. I'll be hanging around there at various times, but if you want to find me for sure, I just received my schedule...

FRIDAY, JULY 27th, I will be participating in 2 panels at the TOKYOPOP booth:

3:30 - 4:30 PM I'll be joining some other creators in a panel about creating Comics vs Manga.
5:00 - 6:00 PM we'll be presenting our new books and doing a signing.

SUNDAY, JULY 29th, I will most likely be doing another signing at the TOKYOPOP booth from 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon.

Otherwise, I'll be floating around the con. I'll be the guy with the bewildered look on my face. Just like every year.

See ya!

Another Interview

While I was away this interview went live on Jazma Online. In it, I discuss my latest book and get to travel back in time!

Bonjour...

...and hello. I've been missing here in the blogosphere for the past 2 weeks because I've been on vacation with my family! We just got back from Paris (one of my favorite places, ever) and, yes, we had a fabulous time. Sorry to rub it in.

:)

Too exhausted to get into it right now, but I thought I'd share a few photos (most were taken by my wife, to give credit where it's due)...

ahhh, Paris...





We were there for Bastile Day...




Took an overnight trip to Arras...





Ate good food...




Made new friends...



Another overnight trip to the medieval town of Provins...





Took in a circus (can you see the guy's X-Men costume?)...



ahhh, Paris...



More later. Got some catching up to do. This weekend: The San Diego Comic-Con!!! I'll be heading down on Friday. What about you?

Purdy Picasa Portfolio

Regular visitors to my blog will notice there are some new features over on the right. Yes, I've finally integrated my portfolios into this here blog page.

In a previous post I asked for input about the best way to do this. I was tempted by the lure of some other blog hosts (like "Typepad") that allow for more customization options than "Blogger." The downside being that those other providers aren't free!

What I've settled for here may not be the most elegant solution, but it was incredibly easy to set up, and has more functions than I even need. My new portfolios have been uploaded into Picasa Web Galleries. Picasa is a free online picture gallery service that happens to be easily inserted into the Blogger templates. Check it out. It's owned by Google, just like Blogger. I wish I could add some bells and whistles--a way to navigate back to the main blog page would be nice. I'd also like to change the appearance of the gallery to match my blog's colors so it looks more like part of the same "site." Maybe one day they will expand the features and all my dreams will come true.

To be honest, I haven't even looked that deeply int0 the whole Picasa thing. I'm just happy that I got it to do what I wanted. That's the bottom line, in any case. I only wanted to integrate the blog & portfolio in a way that's easy to update. Mission accomplished.

It was actually pretty important because It's been a couple of years since I updated the old online portfolio. Egads.

Anyway, browse around the galleries if you have time. Let me know if you see anything wacky in the way the gallery works--OR in the art! If you happen to be in the business of hiring artists, of course I'd love it if you'd consider me for any projects, but I'd also like feedback as to what you'd like to see in these galleries that might not be represented.

Thank you and good night.

Now On Sale!

Hey Cool People! I've got just the thing to make you even cooler:



Hot off the presses! Git 'em while they're hot!

One More Thing

Today I busted out some artwork for a promotional postcard to hand out at the Comic-Con in San Diego. Here's a peek:



If you're coming to the convention (July 26-29) come look for me at the TOKYOPOP booth. I want to meet you--yes, YOU--and give you one of these postcards! I'll be there from Friday until Sunday (July 27-29). Not sure of the schedule yet. If I learn more specifics, I'll let you know. Probably not until that week.

Meanwhile, I STILL encourage you to read this INTERVIEW! In it, I talk about how I came up with the idea for my new book (on sale next week!) and what I think about manga, generally. MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you want to help me spread the word, PLEASE leave a comment (or "Reply") on the interview page. The more comments that appear, the higher up on the page the interview will appear. Columns with no comments quickly lose visibility. And that, my friends, is a tragedy. :(

THANK YOU!

In Lieu of a New Post...

...I will direct you to this spiffy new interview with ME on The Pulse! It includes some previously unseen art. Check it out, and PLEASE: LEAVE A COMMENT! It's nice for me to know that you looked at the interview, and it's also good because it will help keep the interview in a visible position on their site. THANK YOU!!!

:D

(and thanks to Jen Contino for this opportunity to plug my new book)

Have a great weekend!

Another Random Page

Hey there. Here's another page from Battle of the Bands! On sale soon!

(I'm gettin' all excited! How 'bout you?)

Help--?

So, I need some input from you people out there. I'm considering swiching my blog from this handy (free) Blogger account to a different host that would charge me for the honor. Why? Well, I recently came across the blog/portfolio of a French cartoonist named Caroline B. What I liked about her blog page is that it has her portfolio embedded into it. Check out this link. Notice the galleries on the left side of the page. I think that's pretty cool. Right now I have a portfolio website that is separate from my blog. I think it would be nice to have them all together. Also, I can only imagine that it is much easier to update those blog galleries than it is for me to rebuild my own website.

But I'm torn.

The nice thing about this Blogger blog is that it's free and part of the whole "Google" experience. I know nothing about the host of Caroline B's blog: Typepad.com. Anyone out there have experience with Typepad? Do you think it's worth the cost (about $9 per month)? Are the templates easy to customize? Any bad experiences you can share with me?

Also, perhaps it is better to keep the blog and portfilio separate. It seems like putting them together is a good idea, but maybe I'm not thinking of something. Anyone out there have an opinion?

I need some guidance.

Now I must work. But first:

Listening to: Herman's Hermits. Not sure why. I'm so hardcore.
Watching: Last night we finished watching The Longest Day. Have you seen that one? Good D-Day flick. Unbelievable cast: Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, John Wayne, Sean Connery, Edmond O'Brien, Robert Wagner and about a zillion other faces you'll recognize.

Filler

I haven’t really been living up to my promise to blog more often. Unfortunately, this post is just a lame attempt to “appear” to have fresh content this week. I don’t have too much to say right now.

Well, that’s not exactly true. I have things to say, but not much time to devote to the blog right now. I’ve too many things to get done before the ol’ Comic-Con next month.

If you look at my brother’s blog, you know that I’ve been to a couple of funerals lately. They’ve given me some food for thought. You know—about mortality, family and stuff like that. As a result, I’ve started keeping a journal. That’s because I don’t like writing about personal stuff here on the blog. Sorry. Way it goes. I’m just a big tease.

Speaking of death, I’m disturbed by last week’s death of online writer/interviewer Daniel Robert Epstein. Daniel wrote for several websites including Newsarama, Suicide Girls and others. He was a top-notch interviewer of people in the entertainment industry, and no, I didn’t know him personally. I admired his work, and recently started corresponding with him via email. We sent him an advance copy of my manga. Anyway, I haven’t heard any details, but Daniel died last week at the shockingly young age of 32. My heart goes out to his wife, family and friends.

I guess that’s about it for now. Sorry if I’ve depressed you all. Maybe I’ll post another random page of art in a day or so. Meanwhile, here are some "interesting" factoids…

Reading: A Farewell to Armsby Hemmingway (part of my war kick)
Netflixing: The Office(American Version) Season 2 on DVD
Listening to: My son watching Wacky Racesin the next room. Drat and Double-drat.
Working On: Drawing a back-up story for Elephantmen, helping Don by Grey-toning his Star Trek manga story, slowly updating my websites & portfolio, thinking about the second volume of Battle of the Bands and some other kooky ideas I’d like to get published!
Smoking: A big fat cigar. COUGH!!! Just say no.

Yo, Check This Out!

Last night my esteemed TOKYOPOP editor, Rob Tokar, dropped by to give me THIS--an advance copy of my new book, hot off the press! Woo-hoo! It has that "new book" smell!

Look for one just like it at your local bookstore in JULY!

Random Page...

Here's a sneak-peek at another random page from my upcoming TOKYOPOP manga, Battle of the Bands. Please to enjoy...



I was going to mention some 'interesting' factoids about this particular page, but on second thought, I think I'll keep 'em to myself for now. I don't want to release any spoilers before the book comes out.

Sorry!

:D

UPDATE (25 minutes later): Hey! I just noticed that TOKYOPOP has on online preview of the new book available HERE. Anyone can see the first few pages, but if you register with their website, I think you can read the whole first chapter. Neat.

War

So, who watched Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed on The History Channel last night? Obviously a good way to spend Memorial Day; Remembering of all the valiant rebel Soldiers and Jedi that died during the Clone Wars and in the struggle to liberate the galaxy from the Empire.

Actually, I quite enjoyed the program, which illustrated the mythological and historical basis for the Star Wars saga, even though most of the references were old hat to a Star Wars Scholar like myself. Joseph Campbell=duh.



In some ways, more interesting was another program called Star Wars: Tech that discussed the “science” in the Star Wars films; what was reality-based, what was impossible and what real inventions are on the horizon. Some amazing stuff in the robotics and bionics field. And who knew that plasma was a fourth state of matter? In any case, it’s always a riot to hear scientists complain that there is no sound in outer space, or speculating how a light saber could possibly work.

Star Wars. Hard to believe it’s been 30 years. Yeesh.

Speaking of war, I’m currently reading an interesting book about a soldier who died durring the Battle of Arras in World War I. The book is called To Arras, 1917 and is written by Walter Reid, who is the nephew of the soldier in the story, Ernest Reid. I’m a bit of a WWI buff—well, an interested amateur, to be honest—but what I find riveting about this particular story is that while it chronicles the life & background of Ernest Reid in particular, it also focuses on the broader questions of WHY that particular generation was so gung-ho to enlist and serve in that war. There really was so much enthusiasm that is difficult for people to understand today. Especially since the First World War was much less of a clear-cut “moral” war than WWII. The youth of that generation seemed to relish in the ‘adventure’ of the war, treating it as a rite of manhood, and a solemn duty to God and Country. Anyhow, I’m still reading, but I’m impressed with the author’s take on the subject, and how he personalized the story using his uncle’s experience.

I’m reading the Arras book in preparation for a vacation to France this summer. We’ll be spending a couple of days in Arras, and so I naturally want to know more about the region’s history. Also, as I mentioned, for several years I’ve been fascinated by The Great War. One of my ‘dream projects’ is to do a graphic novel in that setting. I have many ideas, but nothing concrete yet. One day, I will do it, though it will be daunting task. I don’t know how I—or anyone else--can compete with the art in Jacques Tardi’s C'était la Guerre des Tranchées: 1914-1918. The visuals in that graphic Novel are simply amazing. Tardi is, perhaps, my all-time favorite comic book artist.

It was only by coincidence that I happened to be reading the Arras book on Memorial Day, but it did make me take some time to think about those that have given their lives for the great cause of liberty, from which we all benefit. As well as those who have died for other ideals we may or may not agree with. In either case, the individual soldier has a special job that makes all our lives possible. It is only just that we have a holiday to honor the memories of those people that have made that sacrifice. I hope that this weekend you all took a few minutes between the barbecue and the History Channel to think about that.

I Am Still Alive / Harem Manga As I Understand It

Hey all you blog-readin’ people! (Is anyone still out there?) It’s been a while and I’ve left you blogless, and for that, I apologize. God only knows what blogs you’ve been reading in my absence. Probably more interesting ones, so maybe you should THANK me!

Well, Hot Bliggety Blog! I’m back!

Last week I finally completed my book. If you’ve forgotten what that is, here’s a shameless plug: Battle of the Bands is the title of my new harem manga from TOKYOPOP, and it will be on sale this JULY!



What’s a “harem manga?” Good question. It’s kind of a sub-category that is popular in some Japanese comics. Basically, regardless of the genre, the story involves a male character in a situation where he is surrounded by women who alternately love and hate him. Popular harem manga titles include Love Hina by Ken Akamatsu and Girls Bravo by Mario Kaneda.

Just to give an example, Love Hina is about an insecure loser named Keitaro, who has been trying to get into Tokyo University, in order to fulfill a promise to a girl he knew as a small child. Fates conspire to make him the manager of an all-girl dormitory owned by his grandmother, and hilarity ensues. As you might imagine, there are plenty of opportunities for hapless Keitaro to stumble upon the female characters while bathing & such. The plot element that hooks the reader is the mystery of the childhood friend; Keitaro doesn’t remember who she is—could it be one of the girls living at the dorm??? Maybe…

When I set out to create my own harem manga, I studied several different books and Love Hina in particular. I think what makes it work is that beyond the titillating scenarios and “fan service,” are scenes of real tenderness. The interaction between the main characters is believable and they are, therefore, sympathetic. We care what happens to them and hope that the destined couple will get together.

In Battle of the Bands, there were many challenges for me to overcome. At 182 pages of story, plus covers & supplemental pages, the book was a HUGE undertaking. The art style was an important factor, and I did what I thought necessary to give fans of harem manga everything they would want in a book whose back cover claims, “If you like Love Hina or Girls Bravo, you must not miss this harem manga bursting with comedy, romance and fan-serviced-filled fights!” But, the challenge I took most seriously was to try and infuse the book with as much HEART as I could. And, no, I don’t mean the band “Heart.” If I did my job correctly, Battle of the Bands is much more than “fan-service-filled fights,” and contains a moment or two of poignancy...as well as a rollicking good romp! This July…YOU BE THE JUDGE!!!

The overt gratuitous nature of the harem manga, means it isn’t for everyone. In fact, I will readily admit that I did not write this book for ME.* At first, I worried that this meant I was a big sell-out. But, in the end, I think it’s a good thing. Battle of the Bands is not a self-indulgent vanity project, but one that is designed to appeal to a specific audience. Believe it or not, comics is serious business, and I did my homework, so it is my sincere hope that I did, in fact, create something with that appeal, and that readers will embrace it as an “authentic” harem manga.

To see some preview pages of Battle of the Bands, you can follow these links to my page ComicSpace and at TOKYOPOP.COM. In the next few weeks, TOKYOPOP will be revamping their website, and there should be even more good stuff available as the July publishing date approaches.

Now that I’m back blogging, you can expect to hear more from me about various topics. I’ll be writing more about Battle of the Bands, and my experience creating it, and I have some other topics in mind, such as what I learned about self-publishing Comiculture Magazine. Yeah, I’ve a few things to get offa my chest. Hope you’ll stick around and humor me!


* Or Becky Cloonan, whose work I so admire, but who apparently is NOT a fan of Love Hina! Sorry, Becky! Can’t please everyone, I guess…