Hello; I am John Mason, creator of ----, I also like to do other stuff. While you can visit other locations for ---- -specific mentions and updates, this here is just a dumping ground for various other things, whether it be fanart, viewpoints, or mentions I feel are worth mentioning. Enjoy your time :)
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.
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. 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
