T
he industry has taken a sharp cross to the jaw with the passing of Joe Kubert. I don't know the details (as I've just found out), but I can't tell you enough of how shocked I am at the news. Joe was not just a legend of mythical proportions artistically, but in his presence there was a air of greatness about this man. So sharp and spry over the years, it's hard to imagine this behemoth of energy can ever be gone from our sights.
As a student it was always a pleasure to sit in his classes and just...listen. He had an incredible ability to clearly and concisely express the nuts and bolts of our field so that it stayed with you forever. I always made it a point to everyone who would listen (if you were so inclined) to allow this man to critique your work. You would have grown immensely.
His work on Sgt. Rock, Enemy Ace, Tarzan, Hawkman, Tor, Yossel, Jew Gangster, Ragman, Viking Prince (a personal favorite) etc., etc., it speaks for itself. Picking up a Joe Kubert book was not just picking up a great read, but picking up history. You can see every inch of where this industry has gone and where it was going, and he was one of the elite few in our industry that got better with every project; as hard as that is to imagine. So very sad that this is what we lost; a cornerstone.
With deep regret I express my condolences to Adam and Andy and the whole Kubert clan. God bless you all.
Talent Relations has sent out an email regarding the tragedy of the movie shooting in Aurora Colorado. As such I've decided to let any who care to ask me, to refer to this writing.
First I will say that I'm lucky to be in an industry that allows day dreams to entertain. We who work in and around this industry know the feeling of helpless disgust that this senseless slaughter happened at a Batman movie, and how there are groups out there who relish the opportunity to make political points at the expense of a medium that they don't know enough about, but are quick to assume.
That last paragraph, by the way, is directly related to this next point, though some would be appalled that I didn't lead with sympathy. As I said, I'm lucky. One reason is being directly related to an industry that invited me to a premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. I went with my fiancee and daughter all the way to N.Y.C. to be among the company of associates to see this brilliant movie. But when I woke up this morning, I found out about the shooting in Aurora. Selfishly, my first thought was that I went to a premiere where the chances of a crazed gunman were nil to non-existent. I couldn't imagine the horror and immediate insanity of bullets flying, people screaming, blood, and horror happening around me, with my loved ones right next to me, and what is to be assumed, a group of like minded fans around with that sense of family, being completely obliterated. It's too much to absorb that kind of tragedy and for those who were victimized, I can honestly say I'm so very, very sorry that it has happened to you, your family, your friends. Nothing like this should ever happen.
Now, for those of you who are familiar with me on facebook, I'm pretty much politically conscience. I didn't, in one post, give my condolences to the victims in an original post that expressed that sentiment. Instead, I lead off with how mad I was at the situation. My being mad, I thought, would be sufficient to let others know how disgusted I am over the tragedy and by extension, my sympathy would be implied. I then went on to say that I believe that anyone with a gun (obviously registered) should be brought in for psychological evaluation, and that anyone who is an NRA apologist should lead that evaluation. This isn't about lost freedom that some (who are gun enthusiasts) would feel are being victimized, but about the lost freedom of a group of humans simply at a show to be entertained. Moreover, the loss of life.
Guns are serious business. I don't really have a problem with the second amendment, except that it doesn't take automatic or semi-automatic guns to kill a deer or protect your family. Those who are afraid of the government and cling to a gun, are sorely mistaken that they think they can take out a military operation with their armament. They may be able to provide an obstacle, but in the end, its your death warrant.
As for the jackass politicians and idiots who think 'if only there was someone with a gun to stop this predator', on the surface I understand your view, but here is where you are stupid: unless you came prepared to shoot a crazed gunman with a bulletproof vest, gas canisters, a machine gun, a shotgun and a handgun, in a dark movie theater where your footing is obstructed by seats behind your knees and in front of your feet and stairs; with people screaming, pushing, running and being killed in front of you and around you and gas clouds to obstruct your vision, you're living a bullshit, macho Clint Eastwood dream that doesn't exist except for in the movies.
I hope you live through it, if God forbid it happens to you at that movie.
During my signing session in Barcelona, they interview you while you draw a sketch. That sketch is then raffled off to the audience who are ask some questions as well as the interviewer(s) who are sitting next to me. Cool system.
BARCELONA SIGNING SESSIONS
Well, I'm finally taking a few moments to talk a bit about my trip to Spain. I'm compelled, since it's not like my other con experiences, and it rings as a first for me outside of the immediate area of the U.S. The weather was beautiful and the area we stayed (Placa d' Espanya) was at once magnificent and quaint. It was a pleasure to walk around and absorb the subtle differences that was an uncommon atmosphere for me. I saw some old and new architecture, and the food! I can now say that not only have I had octopus, but I've popped a baby one in my mouth. Yum!
I also so much enjoyed the company of our stay. Meeting face to face for the first time Mark Buckingham, Greg Capullo, Scott Snyder, and their lovely wives Jaime and Jeanie. Add Jess and you can imagine the naming foibles that went around.
None of this however would have been possible if not for David Macho Gomez, his wife Paloma, and the many assistants especially Josep and German! The convention was relaxing and invigorating and the people, most of all, were the best part of this trip. I've spoken to and gotten to know to an extent, some of you here and are now proudly my acquainted friends on facebook. Welcome all, and at some point in the future, let's do this again!
¡Bienvenidos todos!
RAGS.
(Germany, you're up! Miami, you're on deck)
Normally I don't think much of one day events. In fact, I'd rather not. But since I've been incognito from the overall convention scene these past few years, and since I'll be overseas for much of this summer, I decided to let myself get to the THE GREAT ALLENTOWN COMIC CON this St. Patrick's Day. As of this writing, just about 9 days away. Short notice, I know, but if you want to come and do some nerdin' with me, I won't mind at all. Hope to see you there!
Ok, since I have a couple of copies of the Hawkman Omnibus, I decided to be an awesome penciller and friend to all again, and see who can win this bad boy.
So for this giveaway, the first person to find the Family Guy tribute(s) in First Wave gets a signed Hawkman Omnibus courtesy of me! There's a catch, cause if you're not a forum member, you're gonna have to join up in order to post your guess in the blog boards.
Just a heads up folks: This Sunday night you can tune in to my podcast with Chris Clow, Sean Gerber, and Josh Costella (and a couple of questions from a guy named Brad--no, not Meltzer) at MODERN MYTH MEDIA. We talk about all kinds of nerdy shit, so come by and check it out.
Modern Myth Media
