Possible Drop

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 What's up?  I've done a bit of thinking over the past few days, and I've slowly been coming to the idea of consolidating myself to fewer networks.  As-is, right now I have accounts up at dA, Smackjeeves, MM, here, and FB (well, originally just for a THT page but I guess I aught develop a personal page while there).  I'm just...not up to managing so many spots, especially w/ real-world stuff to take care of and how often I'm away just delving into other pursuits. 

   Because of this, I've decided to turn off my MangaMagazine account and will be shutting the blog down here, focusing topics onto my dA and Facebook pages instead.  The reality is, the blog hasn't gotten much traction, but I'm not terribly surprised.  Besides, I've had my dA account for a very long time and it would be silly to let that one die, especially since there's actual traction there.  As for FB, well, I wouldn't consider myself a heavy social media user but why be against the idea in general?  Besides, there are a lot of cool people up there I could get to know better, there's a lot of folks up there I maybe can attract attention to THT through, and...well, it's FB.  It's taken over the web, for better or worst.  Still though,...fuck Farmville.  Seriously.  I ain't got the time or patience to play that game, big draw aside or what have you.

  In the grand scheme of things, a MM account right now isn't necessary.  There's not a big clout for what I'm doing so far-not enough of one to warrant managing a page on that site at least-and besides, I get the sense that the community there at large and I just don't have that many similar tastes when it comes to our manga and comics.  Of course, putting this blog down will be a bit tough, but it's like this:  why have a completely separate site to do blogging when both dA and FB have blogging features?  Yeah, it's not as customizable as it is here (at least, not w/o HTML coding on the user's part), but it just makes more sense for me.  Less time managing yet another avenue, more time to do what I like to do best:  drawing and writing.  Sounds like a win to me.

  At the moment, I'm not totally sure when I'll call it an end for The General Express (as it is here in this form),...maybe a week from now, maybe a month.  Since a "precarious scenario" has arisen insofar as getting more THT pages done, it might be two weeks before it happens, but it will eventually occur before I drop new THT, that's a given. 

   Apologies in advance if this move ticks anyone off the wrong way; I just gotta set priorities, that's all.  A single hub site would be preferable (even less social managing, leaving more time for "teh good stuff"), but I can't program a decent site for shit, so fuck that.  It'll be a gradual thing tho, and hey, it only means more posting on dA and FB,...not a bad deal.

   L8r (oh, and, hope you don't lose any money on the Olympic bets you've placed....c'mon, I know you placed some bets.  Ah, see, you're blushing already.  Gotcha xD!)

Semi-Depressing Launch..For Dark Knight Rises

  Evening folks.  You've probably already heard, but early into the wee hours this morning, a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado underwent a great tragedy when a gunman let loose during a midnight screening of Dark Knight Rises.  It was a senseless crime, and I hope they get what they deserve.  But for now (and eternity, actually), I'm just there in spirit for the affected people who were either killed or injured; they were just fans going out to celebrate a good time, and unfortunately paid an unnecessary price.

  There is something that's been ticking my mind for a few days now tho, specifically revolving some of the hardcore fandom surrounding Dark Knight Rises.  I don't know what it is about the movie (well, I can certainly speculate, given that both Begins and Dark Knight were fantastic films in their own right), but there seems to be a very small, yet very passionate, segment of the fanbase that has been outright spiteful to anyone and anything that dares to challenge the film as being none other than 'Perfect'.  I noticed this upfront when I visited Rotten Tomatoes, catching a glimpse of comments surrounding the first negative review.  That section literally exploded in moments with all sorts of derogatory comments aimed specifically at the reviewer.  I'm talking death threats-like comments here, folks.  Granted this is the most anticipated film of the year bar none, but for fuck's sake...it's just one negative review, and not an especially damning one at that.

  Now, fast-forward a few days later up to the first midnight screenings ushering the film onto the general public, and we get this senseless tragedy in Aurora.  I can't speak much of the gunman's mindstate (and, for sake of respect of the affected, I won't mention his name), but with the miniscule number of facts that have poured in, he sounds a lot like an extremist hardcore Batman fanatic, or at least a hardcore extremist Nolanite.  And, make no mistake, I'm not trying to plaster this insane guy as the face for the crazies in either the Batman or Nolan fanbases, not even the ones posting slamming comments.  Fairly sure 99% of them would never even think of doing what this guy has done.  Having said that, though, it does at least illustrate a case of where fandom goes too far, a point where it maybe needs to be reigned in, before it becomes too late.

  I'm absolutely sure Nolan will comment on this even soon, if he hasn't already.  I know he will not condone this sort of act, and it's absolutely shameful Dark Knight Rises' premier is being saddled by this sort of episode.  I also hope the media doesn't jump down the film's throat and insinuate it somehow promotes this sort of horrific violence.  But the health of any fandom means that the rationale, healthy fans have to do their parts to keep the unruly, irrational ones in check.  I consider myself a fan of Batman and Nolan's Batman films, absolutely.  Because of that, I hope to do my part-even if it's just microscopic-to show how against I am to these sorts of incidents, whether they be physical or virtual.

  Nonetheless, I also hold the creators themselves in a high position of responsibility, and I have to be honest...I didn't like the fact Nolan defended the sort of fans that bad-mouthed and threatened some of the critics of these negative reviews.  Personally, I see those sorts of fans as the kind that turn new people from joining what's otherwise pretty awesome, and one can't blame them.  I hold that sort of action against him, but he's allowed to say and feel as he wishes.

  There's an even bigger angle I could attack this from; again, we don't know what was going through the gunman's mind, but things couldn't have been clicking for him on all sides personal, professional, economic etc.  However, this isn't the best time to do that.  I likely shouldn't have even delved into bringing up my own personal feelings on "that segment" of the fanbase.  In the end, I just feel personally for those who have suffered this hell.  We're in a time of diminishing hope and future prospects, and fewer things we can call dear and near.  Maybe that's why certain extremists in fanbases attack with such vigor,...maybe that's why the worst of the worst go to do insane acts like killing people.  Yet, I'm certain those same factors are part of the reason there are fans who like to bask in the good that can be had, to cherish those times with fellow like-minded people and living the grandness of life, even if for just a moment, even if they're critical of that great energy along the way.  But they don't deserve to be discriminated against for it,...and they sure as hell don't deserve to die for it.  Let's all try to work together, and marginalize the occurrence of these tragedies for our and future generations.

  I'm signing off for tonight.  L8r folks.

We Launch In One Hour (Approxiamate)

  What's up everyone?  The day's finally here.  I'm setting up the pages for the comic as we speak, and tho it may not be much to start with, this will definitely be an ongoing effort.  Things will be heavily refined and streamlined over the course of the next few weeks, and before too long it should all find its own voice.

  Again, just hit the typical spots between 10 and 10:30 and the first few pages will be up.  I'll probably mention more of it again in the next couple of days to show some WIPs or w/e, but we'll see how that all goes.  Humble start yes, but I hope you like what's there so far and where it will be going.

  See 'ya l8r.

Before I Call It A Night...

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  Hey peeps; making a quick drop by before I listen to some tunes and doze off for the night.  I got a new sketch/illustration to share w/ 'ya.  Hope you like it:

  It's no surprise I'm a big fan of Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita series.  I had yet to do an illustration for Gally I really liked, so I started this one some days ago.  It's something of a sketch since I decided not to use my watercolors and stuck with cheapo-grado copy paper, but thankfully the Faber-Castell markers hold up well to even the flimsiest of grounds.  Since I rarely used the colored markers, I did so w/ this sketch as well.

  I finally got a feel for the FBs, but sadly some of my Cold Greys have began to run out of ink.  I'll have to order more.  I may not get more of the color markers as soon, as I'd rather get more tubes of watercolor paint, hopefully some that match these marker equivalents.  Overall tho this was a fun little illustration to sketch, gave me some chances to get really loose here and there, keep it tight elsewhere, etc.

  Quick list of the markers used (all Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen brand):

   >Cold Greys 1-6, black >Ivory >Light Flesh >Medium Flesh >Raw Umber >May Green >Chromium Oxide Green >Sky Blue >Indathrene Blue >Dark Naples Ochre >Green Gold

  Always a challenge to scan traditional artwork to a scanner properly; for 'full-intensity' efforts I will probably just let a professional do the scans w/ high-quality equipment.  Also for w/e reason the image is stretched here..that hasn't happened w/ any other pictures I've scanned.  Maybe time to re-adjust some scanner settings?

  Can't recommend enough Faber-Castell markers.  Trust me, if money weren't an issue I'd likely get Copics,, but these babies go the long haul.  They're fantastic even on copy paper, so for the next illustration I'll see how they handle on proper illustration board ;).  

  Personal blurb:  I think my favorite color of use here was Indathrene Blue.  Well, either that or Medium Flesh, but both May and Chromium Oxide Green did neatos for the sketchy trees.  If possible I'd like to re-scan some day to a closer rep of what it looks like in person w/ optimal lighting conditions, but we're getting ahead of ourselves.

  Hope you dig the drawing; be back l8r w/ more.  Uh...nighty night, you all.

Prometheus Hate and...Tyler Perry Sci-Fi? WTF?

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  Hey people; I'll try and relax and enjoy the rest of this Saturday night in a few minutes (btw, I'm delaying "that" comic by a couple of days; I need some time to chill off), but I just wanna get a few things off my chest.  Scott's recent film Prometheus...I have not seen such a backlash against a film on the internet in quite some years.  There almost seems to be a scathing sense of hatred from the supposed base, i.e Alien and sci-fi fans.  And that doesn't begin to mention the people who just didn't understand what the fuck the film was trying to do.  Let's just say I've read some posts on various sites that aren't alone in their voice, and at time seem to drown out the proponents in favor of the film.

  I myself would recommend anyone to see it in theaters, and in 3D if possible.  As said before, it's not a perfect film by any means and may fall short of Alien, but I personally am not willing to slam or condemn it from just ONE SINGLE VIEWING.  I went to that theater to be entertained, and to see a film that would do well w/ being out at midnight in a last showing of the night.  And damnit, was Prometheus that sort of movie and damnit was it worth it.  There are 'little things' I picked up that bothered me certainly, but since I was being thoroughly entertained I dismissed them.  There's no word of exactly when the film will fit DVD and Blu-Ray, but you can bet your ass I will pick it and Alien up and watch them back-to-back before drawing any definitive conclusions on Prometheus, tho some of the harder-hitting criticisms have given me ideas on what to look out for when that time comes.

  Even so, there have been far worst movies over the years that easily deserve this sort of backlash well before Prometheus...I almost get the sense most of the bickerers are just "riding the wave" of the moment and hating on it b/c a few prominent critics did so too.  Ugh, imitators....

  Speaking of 'haters', surprise surprise..Tyler Perry (yep, that Tyler Perry) also came away disappointed from Scott and Lindolof's epic.  Now, I would-in a more immature form of myself-be quick to dismiss Perry's opinion given the dubious quality most of his own efforts have consisted of.  However, if his appearance in that new cop-drama is any indication, he might actually have interests beyond the mainly mundane, and who knows, the guy might even be able to do a sci-fi epic of his own that won't devolve into dress-up caricatures and potty jokes.  So when I heard he was writing his own sci-fi script...well I'll be honest I'm very skeptical here.  Dude's gonna have to do a lot to prove he has the chops, but (and this is some honesty here) he can at least avoid some of the biggest mistakes in Lindolof's script for Prometheus...I still can't understand how some of that got through without rewrites.  Then again, this is Tyler Perry we're talkin' about here *so*....

  Okay, I'm off for the weekend.  Uploads for Surco Fresco pages over on my dA resume Monday, which is when I'll also debut the new comic project.  Until then, stay frosty kids.  L8r.

Old Scrap Comic Posts on dA This Aft

  

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 So I realize I kinda suck at self-promoting, and tho what I'm pushing right now isn't a project I'm currently working on, I guess it's worth pushing in an archival sense.  Anyways, a few years ago I was working on this big-ass graphic novel called "Surco Fresco" (the title makes little sense now, but literally means "Fresh Valley" in Spanish..it can also mean "Fresh Groove", which was the original intent), and it was about a lot of crazy shit.  I actually got a fair amount done on it (tons of pages roughly drawn, even more written) but then stopped due to plot hole frustration, indirection, and waning interest.  Altho I could just save this for a l8r date if considering relaunching the project, the truth is it's not the sort of story I would create today.  But hey, parts of its spirit persist, albeit in a more mature fashion.

  To give some indication of just the sort of stuff I've done in the past (tho this is hardly the only example) in trying to develop my own technique both in terms of visual style and writing structure, I'll be uploading the entirety of the aborted Surco Fresco project online, in a separate gallery on my dA account.  I'll stick with uploading a page a day from here on, but there is an issue w/ some of the early pages in that I completely lost the dialog and can't recall what's happening.  In lieu of such, tho, I'll make up some stuff.  Also, since none of the drawn pages have dialog directly on the page, I'll post the dialog and narrative for them in the text description part of the respective pages.  This will also be the last time I mention the comic on this blog, as I'll be creating a separate blog for it and other comic-heavy business, since this is just a general flair space.

  First set of pages (probably around five or so) should be up by 2 pm on dA, so you know where to go.

  Btw in case it wasn't obvious by now, this is not the comic I mentioned as the "surprise"; that's on track for Saturday so..patience, grasshopper x3.

  Alright I have to go, but I'll catch 'ya around soon.  L8r.

First Watercolor Test Painting

   Heyaz; since ordering a first-ever batch of professional watercolors maybe a month ago, there has been some resistance on my part to work with them.  It's just not a medium I'm used to working with, and it'll take time and effort to learn them like the back of my hand.  There was also the issue of lack of suitable support to do any painting on (sadly, acrylic gesso on hot-pressed illustration board does not a good substitute for cold-pressed or NOT make), but that's been temporarily overcame.  And then there's just lack of experience with the medium and most of the colors, and painting in a way that is wholly different to what I was doing with acrylics before.  So far, tho, I'm liking where this is going.  Very much.

 ""Click for fullsi--" Yeah, that's redundant."

  I did this one from start to finish yesterday, finally dredging up the courage to experiment with the watercolors as best as possible.  Sadly no reference was used; I'd of painted something from outside but there were kids running about and it was somewhat sweltering.  The first thing I decided was to accept that these weren't quite the colors I originally planned to buy.  I wanted more subdued earths, cooler unsaturated colors that verged towards neutral, but the colors I ordered (with the possible exception of Shadow Green) are anything but neutrals.  Granted, in light enough washes and mixed together well any group of colors can produce neutrals, but I'm talking 'strong, clear' neutrals here, not muddy messes (which is the usual result of that aforementioned type of thinking).

  For the piece I stuck with Burnt Sienne, Ultramarine Deep Blue, Rose Madder, Cobalt Blue, Indian Yellow, Permanent Alizarin Crimson and Ivory Black.  The PAC came in accidentally b/c I thought it was the Rose Maddar :P.  Anyhow, it sounds like a big palette (at least for me, I'm used to sticking with maybe 3-4 colors max), but the Cobalt was only for laying a thin ground and Ivory Black (we won't mind the "don't use black" rule of thumb this time,..personally I'd of preferred a deeper near-neutral purple but I don't have the paint to mix it) for deeper shadows.  So that brings the primary batch down to 5.  There were also some interesting things I learned about the paints here.

  Rose Maddar is a STRONG color.  "A little bit goes a long way" or so the saying has it.  It threatened to overpower the other colors quite easily and often, but thankfully the very nature of watercolors kept it from being too big an issue for so long.  I also like its intensity.  Other Rose Maddars may be different, but I'd consider the one I use the "romantic's red", or a ruby red in tone.  I probably lucked out getting this red b/c it and Ultramarine Deep make a nice saturated purple.

  Cobalt has some unique uneven spread properties when used in heavily diluted washes.  I'm sure I read of why this is the case somewhere before, but I can't recall the text from heart.  Altho both it and Ultramarine are popular for skies, I probably prefer Cobalt for more pure, "early afternoon" skies, like where the sun is more prominent, and Ultramarine as a base elsewhere.

  Burnt Sienne...the one I have is a bit more reddish in undertone than I thought it'd be, and that was a reason why I pushed for the picture to have a reddish tonal range (like I said, Rose is powerful even in little bits).  It works very well in a more muted fashion w/ Shadow Green in creating neutral browns tho (sadly that's not present in this picture).

  Ultramarine Deep, is a stronger blue than Cobalt.  Deeper too.  I'm interested in seeing more of what it can do.  Burnt Sienne seems to knock it back in strength and neutralize it more..since I'm interested in more neutral-focused pieces, I'll definitely explore that in some future efforts.

  Indian Yellow is a very nice 'cool' yellow (I consider it cool anyway, compared to a Cadmium).  The oranges it can create w/ Maddar aren't so bright, but they worked for this picture.  I wonder if I can create a more workable neutral orange by small mixes of Burnt Sienne or Shadow Green into the equation...we shall see.

  I'd talk about the other three colors more, but I didn't use them extensively in this one, so maybe when I do a painting w/ them as dominant fixtures, we'll talk about 'em then.

  Hopefully you enjoyed the picture and the write-up; this was fun as a testing exercise and I'm already looking into getting more Strathmore watercolor paper (it's what I used for this piece) to continue w/ more, and save the Arches panels for serious work.  If there's time in the week, I'd love to try another painting to get even more comfortable with the medium.  But until then, just be awesome and do you.  I'll do the same.  L8r.

Comic Delay 'Till Next Saturday

  Keeping it short here, but GIMP and my terrible mouse are being very douchey and messing around with their finicky-ness does not seem worth it.  Unfortunately, since I originally drew the pages to add the dialog and greyscale coloring in digitally, this means I'll have to re-draw them, but that's okay with me.  It also means the debut will have to wait until next Saturday, but I'm cool with that.  I'd rather the process be fully enjoyable for me then enjoyable at the start and shit turning into a petite dish of Hell's assorted flame cakes once I even attempt a stroke with the shit-ass mouse.

  Sorry 'bout that.  See 'ya l8r.

Cameron's Deal

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  What up peeps?  I'm not sure how many people follow revered director James Cameron's word with bated breath..I imagine it's a fuckton of folks judging by the global gross Avatar snagged in.  Oh and speak of the blue devil,..that actually ties in with this recent development.

  A while ago James made it known that, between assisting in launching the world's first asteroid-mining company and the Avatar films, he isn't interested in developing "other people's stories".  That's perfectly understandable, I suppose.  I'm nowhere on the same level as that dude and even I cringe oft-times at the idea of working with other people's ideas.  If you come up w/ the idea yourself, chances are good you were meant to execute it.  Even so, this defiant decision of his has put one of my most-anticipated films in a sort of development hell.  Battle Angel Alita, a manga written and drawn by Yukito Kishiro and his brother serving as assistant, is at least one of the franchises Cameron brought the rights to years ago, and ever since doing so the world has been teased here and there of just the possibility of the film kicking into production, let alone if and when it'll come out.  Given the recent altered state of mind, however, I'm afraid it's just not going to happen..or perhaps it just might..

  Word's in that Cameron wants to run the productions of Avatars 2, 3, and 4 side by side..by side.  What's possessed him to attempt doing this?  Well, a bevy of variables I'm certain, it's not like myself and most folks on teh intawebz have even a slightest idea of the technical business in producing a film from start to finish, all parts considered.  And by taking this action, Avatar would be only the 2nd franchise in recent history to have so many installments produced simultaneously (the first to my mind is the Lord of the Rings trilogy).  Given all of this, though (and the more embarrassing fact I've yet to sit down and watch Avatar...yeah yeah, I'm such a tard and all that shit), and the sensation he might try to pull the films out in relatively rapid succession...does that run the risk of viewer fatigue?  "Too much of a good thing.." as the old saying goes; Cameron is probably too business savvy to do a move that bullheaded.  After all it took like, what, seven years between Terminators 1 and 2, correct?  I doubt he need worry about making people sick of his Smurfs-Of-The-Rainforest saga quite yet.

   On the other hand, I sure as fuck wouldn't mind him blitzing through the tetralogy, if that means he feels comfortable resuming BAA.  If however he decides to do the smart thing and pace the releases out,...please Cameron, sell the rights back to Kishiro/Kodansha (I assumed the rights belong to Kishiro solely since he recently switched to Kodonsha like a year or so ago, but w/e) so they can sell them off to another director.  Hell, help them find another good one if you can, I'm sure Ridley wouldn't mind a property like it and he's but one talented choice.  I'd just rather you not vaguely do the equivalent of patent trolling, tis all.

  Okay that concludes this post.  My legs hurt.  L8r.

Surprise Starting Saturday (-1 Day Maybe)

   

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Okay.  So, I've been using a lot of what time I've put here not actually towards my own works, and that's a shame.  The purpose of this blog was, mainly, to kick around little shit I am doing in regards to artwork and comics and whatnot that would not fit on a more serious space devoted solely to those efforts (say, sketches for example).  There are a couple of big projects I am working on, but so far they are in early production or (in one's case) being restarted due to rookie eagerness that eventually bested me.  In either case, I can't speak more on them; just know they'll be coming "soon".

  Even so, that isn't any excuse not to try something else in the meanwhile, so I've decided to attempt a surprise project.  A rather unplanned comic, aside from a basic concept, something to give it just the slightest hint of direction.  There's no saying how long this effort will last, and since I'm still working on planning things out for the other "serious" projects I won't push this one to the same rigorous pace as these (or to the same expectations I suppose).  However, this isn't unprecedented for me, as I've done at least two comics in an on-the-whim fashion.  Neither was finished (it's a sad side-effect sometimes) and I completely tore apart one of them years ago instead of storing it away (in Scrubs operatic fashion now:  MISSTAAAAAAAKE!), but regardless, it's stuff I've done before.  This time I'll attempt to finish the project out but if work on that begins to slow down my efforts with either two of the "serious" projects once I can go full-tilt into those, don't be surprised if I put it on indefinite hiatus or just some time off to get those up to speed.

  As for where I'll host it?  Well, it's essentially going to be a webcomic format-wise, so I'll actually make use of that Smackjeeves account created eons ago (now I just need a good bufferer to restore that luminous luster), and co-host it on my MangaMagazine.net profile as well.  In any case, I can get a feel for whom my sort of style would appeal to, since even tho there's no plot crossover btwn this and those two other projects, there are (obviously) stylistic qualities in common.

  Ah, and to wrap this mention up:  I have still the original pages to the last comic project tried doing years ago (it was about in '07/'08 actually).  Most of them are damaged, aren't inked and there's no dialog on any of them (although I have written scripts for most of the pages).  Although the work is definitely a reflection of the more "immature me" at that time (parts of which, I'll admit, are still around, tho I'd like to believe in wiser fashion since I'm a bit older), it might be a fun kick to give a sampling of the sort of shit I've done before that's helped lead up to what I'll be doing in the very near future.  Those pages, however, I'll just stick in a scrap folder in my dA profile, for anyone interested, and will begin scanning and uploading them near the end of the week along with this "surprise" comic.

  That's all for now.  I feel like doing some drawing right now while there's a nice overcast.  Have a good Sunday and..uhm...dunno.  A bit mute from yesterday to bother much clever word-plays.  See 'ya l8r.

Ishetcetera 1...

Hazel-Badoowap 

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  Hello peoples; it's been a minute from the last post.  I don't have too much time to part with as of this blog b/c I'm gonna work out soon (yes, I do that kind of stuff too.  Good health ftw!), so I thought I'd simply jot a few stressing points on my head that's gone on over the last week.

"Yet may your smugness never result in your head being snapped by a wannabe Nephelim."

  # Saw Prometheus last Saturday, WAY ahead schedule, and the last showing of the night to boot.  But damn if don't say it's worth it, certainly in 3D.  I'm sure given time there are some things that will grate at me regarding the story, certain decisions etc.  In fact I already have one thing bothering me relating to Charlize Theron's character (in particular, a cliched' action she takes near the very end.  I mean, holy hell, could it not have been more stupid), and the ending sort of falls apart in terms of two central character's decisions and dialog (saved in that context by a little bit at the very end), but overall it's a great film.  Saying it's better or worst than Alien's unfair b/c Alien has nostalgia on its side, not to mention a huge following that's grown over the decades.  On its own merits Prometheus is fine, and should do for a neat new franchise.

"If it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me.  Or we could go University of Virginia either way, grand finish."

  #  I've seriously been considering going back to college.  My mind is made up now insofar as it's a definite "yes"; all that needs be settled is the timing.  I'll be going for a major in architecture, since it still gives me a chance to be artistically creative and in various industries that aren't so fickle to the boons and busts of extra money in the economy.  The goal's a Master of Architecture, and I've been doing my research, so there's a bit of a way in terms of time to obtain that sort of certification, yet it seems worth the effort.  Enrollment probably won't come until around later this fall tho, so enough on that for now.  I gotz more studieanh teh doz!

"This is what the Romster really thinks of his party!"

  #  Gov. Romney...yes, that guy.  The one making the funny face right there. You know, if I give it some thought, he is actually, in SOME ways, a likable guy.  Or at least, I can imagine.  He's got looks (I'm a dude and don't sway that way, but handsome is handsome I suppose) and his jokes are so pathetic you can't help but laugh (so even if it's totally unintentional, he has humor for certain).  Yes, he is virtually non-existant on some very big social issues and he's got enough $100 bills to wipe his ass through a harsh winter,..oh and he's made some questionable hardball decisions during his tenure at Bain and as Governor...but still, aside from those flaws he seems pretty likable.

   Indeed, I think what's going to hurt him so hard very soon (as if it isn't doing so already and, given the fuck-ups Dems have been doing the past few weeks, it isn't as noticeable as it could be) is his own party.  The Republican party, as it is right now, is so distant from the majority of Americans it's almost laughable.  They may not have the most extreme of ideologies (for that you'd have to sniff out very niche extremists groups who don't really pop up on the big boy political radar), but damn if they aren't the most persistent at being ass-backwards.  If Romney can't reign his party in and demonstrate real leadership amongst them, even if he is elected President, he won't get much shit done.  The House and Senate Republicans are going to smuffle him of what good will he has in his soul, and what bit of connection he has with people at large.

  Romney, you'd be wise to steal that golden suitcase from Jules and distract the Republicans for four years if you want any chance at maintaining an identity after this race is over, let alone if in some miracle you win the presidency.

"She's what makes the 12 o' clock a worthwhile hour."

  #  And, tho not totally related but still somewhat related, I officially vote for Alex Wagner as hottest political pundit on TV.  No, I'm not one of those saps that can only be interested in politics if a pretty face is speaking, but she does make it more enjoyable.  So yeah, there goes my vote.

"Ha!  You expected an image insert for this too?  Must be new here kiddo."

  #  I'm pushing hard to try and get going with at least one of the comics I'm working on.  Also considering just pushing them around to a publisher straight-up once things are ready to go.  That's the big reason I've been so quiet; these aren't like the usual webcomics.  I've always been inspired by the big boys and do genuinely believe my work has what it takes to be as respected.  Plus I could use the money x3.  I likely won't push for both simultaneously, but eventually, having them out there together would be nice.  Fuck, it'd be nice to have some other input in there as well (tho I'm prepared to wing them solo if need be).

  Just be patient for any and all interested.  They aren't your typical stories in any sense, and fine-tuning all the ingredients to a satisfactory blend is not easy, or particularly kind to hands.  But it will be worth it.  Trust me!

  Damn...that sounded really corny just then.  Oh well, you know what I (really) mean xD.

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  That should do it for now.  I plan to have a kick-ass weekend if the weather doesn't try foiling it (even tho, it would be a relief for even more rain).  Going now, so please, you have a pretty kick-ass weekend yourself and stay cool.  L8r!

Small Update

  Hey all; I understand it's been a while since the last update, and for that I make an apology.  Well, somewhat.  A few personal things have come up and I've been working like mad on my comics.  That's right.  Not just one, but two, which I'm hoping to begin pushing concurrently.  It helps (some would say hurt) that they're wildly different from one another, but it seems to be helping me @tm.  However, until I file off for copyrights, that's all I can say on them for now, but they shall not disappoint in any way whatsoever.  We'll see how the end of this month holds out on that front.

  Besides that it's been a bit slow.  New neighbors (they seem nice enough) and whatnot, but you aren't interested in that (hell, neither am I).  I didn't get a chance to see Prometheus last week as was the plan, but I hope to catch it sometime this month, in proper IMAX 3D.  Word has it that really bolsters the experience.  Could care less about consensus on the film as of now; I just personally want to see a kick ass sci-fi film, b/c as I've said before, it's been fuck all a long time since one's dropped that wasn't a bore.  And it'll help immensely breaking the superhero machine (which, actually, has tapered my excitement for the next Batman film somewhat; I'm sure that'll still be a smash regardless).

  Have not been drawing any fanart recently, as all my efforts have been to working on concept designs and story details for the comics, but I do have an itch to try some Trigun pieces.  That's all for now, see 'ya l8r.  Get lifted.

BAA: Gally

 A quick sketch of a character named Gally/Alita from Yukito Kishiro's manga series Battle Angel Alita.  I always seem partial to her non-LO form (altho I love the skintight Imaginos outfit she wears early in that series ;).  Altho I say sketch, it took the better half of a day or so, b/c I am trying a new technique.  Basically, the "fuck pencils!" approach; from start to finish it was done completely w/ my FC markers.  Results should get better as I get more comfortable with the choice and have better concepts realized before drawing.

  Will probably post it at other spots in a few days, maybe.

  Prometheus seems to be holding alright review-wise, tho it's more mixed than I'd of hoped.  I still think a lot of critics were coming into it with wrong expectations; on its own merits I'm sure it'll still be one of the best films of the year.  Hopefully will find out for myself on the 8th.

  Also, been enjoying the hell out of Illusion of Gaia.  I don't have many chances to sit down and play it, this weekend being an exception.  Fun game, like LOZ:ALTTP but more linear, beefier on the action and a tad bit (imho) more clever in puzzle cryptology.

  That's all for today; see 'ya next week.  Get lifted.  L8r.

Prometheus...Reinvigorator of Good Sci-Fi?

  Hey peoples.  I'm not quite sure if it's this Friday or next Friday, but either way, one of the godfathers of science-fiction is set to release their latest magnum opus onto the general public.  I'm speaking of course of none other than Ridley Scott and his newest film, Prometheus.  I am, sadly, very late to hearing about the film, as first word only occurred to this poster a mere two months prior to today, but that was likely for the best.  I hate getting hyped for almost anything, especially for too long, and would rather something surprise me with what quality it has than let down my expectations.

  From the reviews that have channeled through so far, the film is doing well with most critics, and I expect it to peter out as a valued investment in the sci-fi genre over the long run.  Yet to my eyes, I hope-and get the feeling-it could be a spark for future good, intelligent sci-fi (maybe even w/ some cyberpunk over/under lays) films going into the near future, because lord knows the genre has been on the back-burner for some time now. 

  There are some personal thoughts I have on why sci-fi and cyberpunk in particular seem to have gone into remission state in at least cinema (but practically every other media to boot), but that's for another time and space.  Just, for now, for all of us interested in this sort of material, we aught to support films like Prometheus with our pockets.  Which, I guess, I'll be doing right after my little sis's birthday (that's on the 7th ;).

  A trailer to close things out, and until next time, get lifted.  L8r.

  

Dear Toonami Faithful...

  So, some days ago (well, only as old as this Saturday), the Adult Swim producers over on Cartoon Network decided to resurrect their old anime block Toonami, which, to put it in any other context, left me elated.  I grew up with Toonami; it was the reason I really got into anime and it made weekday afternoons after school worth it (you know, aside from when I was never playing outside or games or w/e). 

  Now, it isn't completely fair of me to say how the rebirth went down, given it's only just occurred, so I best save those thoughts for another time and space.  For now, however, I'd like to share a blog I composed a few days ahead of the premiere expressing some tips I felt the producers should heed in order to make Toonami the block it deserves to be.  If you'd like, please give it a read either at my MM link or, perhaps more appropriate, over on ToonamiFan (thanks to site manager Nick Gibson for the publishing!). 

  Sometime maybe soonish, I'd like to offer some further tips, maybe much more radical and unexpected, that could be even better idea launching points.  Until then though, take care and do you.  Get lifted.  L8r!