Miami Florida Supercon!

Ok folks, just a little heads up for this year's Florida Supercon . I'll be in attendance (table 8-104) and will be participating in 2 panels:

DC Comics Panel: with me, Tony Bedard, Rob Hunter, Tyler Kirkham and Brad Walker- July 4th, 5:00-6:00pm

Superman: The Artists of an Icon, with me, Brad Walker and Tyler Kirkham.-July 5th 1:00-2:00pm

See youse there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/456431157712145/?fref=ts.

Last Act.

Action 14 page 8 preliminary

   I've been reflecting on my run on Action. I felt it necessary because although I've done other "re-vamped" versions of an older idea (Black Condor, Turok, Doc Savage), none of them carried the oomph that is Action Comics. 

   It's the big kahuna of our industry of superpowered beings.

   I should, if I had any sense, have been completely awestruck and intimidated by the proposal; but as I've stated in other interviews, I was expecting one thing but got another and then I went into pro-mode that carried me through the series. Pro-mode is when I go into a zone of necessary items that a book needs and in that zone, you don't even think of the character in a way a fan does; it's all nuts and bolts by then.

   It's easier, I suppose, to do your version of things and justify it based on it being new and improved. Characters like Brainiac, Metal-0, Mr. Mxyzptlk (Vyndktvx, actually), and even Luthor are pieces of cake because villians are more or less like the supporting cast and changes are, if not expected, accepted.

   But in Superman, it's a loooooong history of hundreds of artists who have had varying success in translating this character. It was up to me to do my impression of him and make it sound and reasonable. Not that difficult, there is a template, but if you get it wrong...oh boy, it's obvious.

   Luckily I was able to manage it without ruffling too many feathers and for the most part I'm ok with what I've done (although we artists ALWAYS think of things we coulda, whoulda, or shoulda done better- it's our curse), and from what I've gleaned, most of you guys felt ok with it too.

Action 17 double page spread

   Now, I know I've said that I thought Superman sucked when I started this series, and I have to reiterate, it was the DIRECTION he had been in that I thought sucked and NOT the character or the supporting cast; although characters like Jimmy Olson sorely needed to be addressed. A brilliant move to make him Clark's contemporary and not a subservient. I love that Lois remained untouched, she's perfectly fine. I liked that we got George Taylor involved as well as Ferlin Nyxly....it was nice to see old characters from way back come forth and take another bow. 

   All in all it was a solid run, with exception that it was difficult to stay on from issue to issue. It's not acceptable to be as inconsistent as I have and I apologize for my part in that. Some things were absolutely unavoidable, and some I can't comment since it involves others and I won't speak for them, but I know how it's looked and as much as I would have like for some things to have been different, it wasn't in the cards this time around. I hope it hasn't spoiled your enjoyment too badly and in the end I look back and think we did an ok job of it. You can thank Matt Idelson and Wil Moss for keeping the seams from coming apart.

Action 14 page 11

  In closing I've already given my private thanx to the creative team and editors, but I'd like to thank you guys, the fans. Not to be cheezy, but you guys are the litmus test of what we do and the direction of where we go. You guys do have power, even if you don't like what we do at times. We listen, and even if we don't go about it as you would prefer, nothing changes without promotion and that comes from you. We can only hope it's well received, and if it's not we make changes. It's how it's always been, right? Like it or not, you fans are a big part of the creative team, so thanx!


   I'm not sure when I can talk about my next project, but it's a one issue deal that has repercussions to come. After that, I have something I'd love to do that I approached Tony Bedard to write. Still waiting on that approval.

   See ya in the funny pages!

~RAGS.

On Joe Kubert

The 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.

The Aurora Colorado Shooting

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.

Interview in BARCELONA

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

Comment 

BARCELONA

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)

The Great Allentown Comic Con

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!