david hopkins, antihero comics

05.14.08 - THE QUESTION OF SAN DIEGO

2008-05-14T12:22:00.004-05:00

As summer approaches, I get more and more friends asking "Are you going to San Diego?" The Comic Con is July 23rd - 27th, and for the second year, I'm skipping. I went four years in a row, and it was an incredible event. However, like many other comic book creators, I've been increasingly wary of this annual journey to pop culture mecca. My opinions aren't new or groundbreaking. New rant same as the old rant. It follows two common lines of thought:

1. The event has grown too big. That's the appeal, isn't it? You go to San Diego, because that's where the business is. My first year, I attended a seminar on networking. Solid advice, I follow religiously. And with every year, I learn a little bit more. I laugh about it now, but my first year, I was handing out mini-discs of a three hundred page script to any and every person behind a booth who would take one. Probably not the best way to start a writing career. Since then, I've learned how to put together a good proposal. I've also learned that San Diego is no longer the place to woo publishers. It's simply too busy. The publishers are trying their best to survive the week. The last thing most of them want is to talk about your story. Too many people drop off proposals. Your's is just another hidden awy within an unmanageable stack of pulp. At this point, if I want to work with a particular publisher, I e-mail them.

After I got a few books published, San Diego became the place to sell my books. Although, being a proud small press/independent writer, the economics of San Diego don't add up. Take into account the travel expenses (flight and hotel), the cost of a booth, and other impulse buys throughout the week, it's hard to sell enough copies to cover the guilt. Especially being behind a publisher's booth, my book is one lost among the other books. And let's face it, the overwhelming majority of attendees who are only there to spot Hollywood celebrities, the Star Wars fans, the Marvel/DC fans, they aren't interested in a coming-of-age family drama set during the early '60s. With my publishers still opting to attend San Diego, my books will (or won't) sell with or without me. Last year, I went to MoCCA in New York instead. It was a much better event, especially when it came to finding my audience.

2. The event is too Hollywood. Once again, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The film/television/gaming aspects of the convention bring in a larger audience who may also be interested in comics. The opportunity to get a comic creator's property optioned to a studio could be quite lucrative, but I've never been interested in writing for Hollywood. I went into comics. That's the medium I love. More money and more exposure potentially gives me opportunities to write and publish more comics. That's how I have to look at it. That being said, it's gotten a little ridiculous. The Hollywood execs patrol the aisles desperate to find something they can turn into the next 300, Sin City, or Iron Man. What's worse is the the comic book writer falling over himself/herself to meet one of these people, secretly wishing they can jump ship from our bastard artform and join the noble ranks of Hollywood. Trading caffeine for cocaine. I'll tolerate the game to an extent, but as an industry, we're more than Hollywood's strip mine.

There are some good reasons to attend San Diego Comic Con.

1. The Eisner's. This is the highlight of the week for me. It's the most cherished honor you can receive in comics, and I love attending the event. I'm a ashamed so many people skip out. I view it as almost an obligation. If you've committed yourself to the growth of the comic industry, you should be there to recognize the accomplishments of the previous year. Plus, it's nice to attend a reasonably classy event devoid of men and women dressed as Stormtroopers.

2. To Meet Up. And we return to this question asked by my friends: "Are you going to San Diego?" Fact is it's one of the few places where I can to hang out with people I only see once or twice a year. Other large conventions exist. San Diego is the place where people assume you'll be there. However, if this is the only reason to attend, we need to find a less expensive meeting place. The Hyatt Bar is ridiculous, absurdly crowded and over priced. Hotels are a Madmax post-apocalyptic nightmare in hospitality management. And Ralph's! Um... I have no complaint with Ralph's. It's a cool place to grab groceries on your way to the convention center.

There's no immediate solution. I hope the growth of San Diego Comic Con is a sign of positive growth for our industry, and not an indicator of us being eclipsed or bullied by the larger film/television/gaming industries. And if San Diego is a sign that comics are simply too big for a singular "must attend" event, then cool. We pick and choose. Maybe some year, I'll go back, but not this year.

05.09.08 - IN THE MAIL

2008-05-09T01:37:00.004-05:00

I'm shipping complimentary copies of MINE ALL MINE to the following retailers:

Zeus Toys & Comics (Dallas TX), Titan Comics (Dallas TX), Keith's Comics (Dallas TX), Austin Books (Austin TX), Speeding Bullet Comics (Norman OK), Astrokitty Comics (Lawrence KS), Star Clipper (St. Louis MO), Big Brain Comics (Minneapolis MN), Comix Revolution (Evanston IL), Quimby's (Chicago IL), Chicago Comics (Chicago IL), The Beguiling (Toronto Ontario), Strange Adventures (Halifax Nova Scotia), Strange Adventures (Fredericton New Brunswick), The Million Year Picnic (Cambridge MA), Comicopia (Boston MA), Jim Hanley's Universe (New York NY), Rocketship (Brooklyn NY), Copacetic Comics Company (Pittsburgh PA), Atomic Books (Baltimore MD), Bizarro Wuxtry (Athens GA), Skylight Books (Los Angeles CA), Meltdown (Los Angeles CA), Comic Relief (Berkeley CA), Hijinx Comix (San Jose CA), Needles and Pens (San Francisco CA), Isotope (San Francisco CA), Reading Frenzy (Portland OR), Zanadu Downtown (Seattle WA)

If you happen to live near any of these stores, stop by later next week and see if they have it on the shelf somewhere.

05.08.08 - GHETTOMANGA LIKES IT, THUS IT MUST BE GOOD

2008-05-08T19:45:00.004-05:00

At least, that's my thinking. My friend Samax at ghettoManga gave a great review of Karma Incorporated. If you haven't been to Samax's blog, you need to bookmark it. I visit the site regularly, and he keeps me updated on everything that's anything that's enjoyable. I know he's developing a magazine, and I can't wait to read more. Financial backing, my dear ones, that's all we need to make this world a little more hip. On his blog, you will notice he has copies of "Mine All Mine" for sale. If you can't wait for the minicomic to arrive at a comic book shop near you, here is the only place to get an early copy online.

Also, I started a twitter account. I've added the function to my website and MySpace page. Let me know what you think. Love it? Hate it? Too much? Not enough? Care less?

05.06.08 - SIGNING AT MORE FUN COMICS

2008-05-05T21:03:00.004-05:00

Robin Gillespie, Brian Denham, and I were guests at a Free Comic Book Day event yesterday. Technically not the actual "Free Comic Book Day," but Denton Texas being a college town -- most of the store's customers are gone on the weekend. Thus Monday. I've never been to More Fun Comics, but I have to say it is a cool store. Citizens of Denton, rejoice and be glad. Great set up. The manager/owner was incredibly helpful and supportive. We had a good time.

05.05.08 - CAPE RECAP

2008-05-05T08:42:00.005-05:00

The busiest weekend of the year for me, and I forgot to take pictures. Sorry. The 4th annual CAPE was incredible. Best one so far. Richard, Chris, Barry, Sean, Scott, and everyone with Zeus work hard to pull off this comic book festival. And over the past four years, they've created the most pure and genuine celebration of everything I love about this industry. Thank you.

On Friday, April and I drove to St. Pete's Dancing Marlin for the live art show. You know it's going to be a great event when you can smell the sharpies from the sidewalk before you even enter the bar. I hope we keep this location for the annual event. I prefer it to the snobbier, classier Metro Bar & Grill. St. Pete's is more laid back, and it's a nice way to start the weekend. I was celebrating my birthday that night, and if anything, I probably over-invited. There were simply too many people from various circles of friends, and as a result -- I ended up playing "musical friends" all night, hopping from one group to the next. I wanted to hang out with everyone. In the end, I was continually distracted. I apologize if I seemed distant. I was. I'm in love with everyone, and damn it, I want all of you to buy me a birthday beer. April drove us home.

The next morning, I was at Craddock Park at around 8 AM to help set up. They really didn't need me, but I tried my best not to get in the way. I was there on behalf of La Reunion to moderate the writer's panel (proof). Marc Andreyko said it was one of the best panels he had ever been on. Score. At CAPE itself, I had a table next to Chynna Clugston. She's such a sweet person. The minicomic "Mine All Mine" sold well. I'm printing a few more, and will send them to various indie-friendly stores (list coming soon), available May 14th.

The weather was perfect. A little cold in the morning, but we dragged our table out from under the shade of the tent and we were fine. Then it got hotter in the afternoon (mid 70s), so we dragged it back. We're highly adaptable like that. The wind was a problem, but it's a problem every year. This time, I came prepared. I brought six large rocks from my backyard and a plexiglass cover to keep my comic from blowing away. It made for a nice display, and I had no problems. David vs. Wind? David wins this year.

Saturday night, we ate at Blue Mesa. I sat with Crosland, Andreyko, Justin, and Shawn. Andreyko spent most of the night selling us on BlueRay DVD players. I have to admit; I'm intrigued. Add it to my wish list. Later that night, a bunch of us went to Barcadia on North Henderson Avenue. As the name would suggest, the place is a bar/arcade hybrid. Some girl at the bar was trying to set me up with her friend. However, being as lame as I am, I didn't realize until much, much later.

*She bumps into me intentionally*
"Oh, I'm sorry. You should meet my friend."
"Okay."
*I grab my beer from the bartender and leave.*

April, clearly, you have nothing to worry about. I'm just too socially retarded to be a threat.

Next morning, April and I attended the Big Gay Brunch at Frida's. We sat next to Mark Waid and Robert Kirkman. I'm a little TOO much of a fan of their work to fully enjoy sitting with them. I didn't have anything to say that wouldn't sound like the SNL skit by Chris Farley. "You remember that one time you had Invincible's dad reveal his evil plot to take over the world, and he nearly killed his son, but didn't? Yeah. That was cool." My indie cred is shot to hell the moment I pick up my Waid/Wieringo Fantastic Four. Frida's did not seem well prepared for our group, but Robert was funny as hell, so I really didn't mind the wait. The Big Gay Brunch is a great way to close out the weekend.

-- More CAPE stuff --
Oaklawn TV's report
Post about CAPE by Scott Kurtz
Dan Koller's report on Quick
CAPE on Flickr: from amboy00, bryansayscom, vinh-luan luu, jamie s. rich, mighty mangler, divalea (also here and here)

05.01.08 - I'VE BEEN TWITTER'D

2008-05-01T16:12:00.002-05:00

A few hours ago, I finished the first draft of a script for this cool anthology project organized by Len Wallace (more info soon). Apparently, he likes my story. And then later, he added more commentary.

04.30.08 - EMILY EDISON COLORING PAGES

2008-04-30T09:43:00.003-05:00

Break out those crayons! La Reunion will be hosting a kid's coloring area at CAPE. If you can't wait until Saturday, feel free to print the pages from my site -- you can choose between EMILY (.pdf) and KOO (.pdf). As an added bonus, if you show me your colored masterpiece, I'll give you a 50% discount off any of my books.

04.26.08 - MINICOMIC UPDATE

2008-04-26T23:24:00.005-05:00

88% of the art is completed, and I'm getting the files ready for the printer tomorrow. It will debut at CAPE next Saturday. Here's the cover by Tania Kaufmann, a friend and one of my favorite local painters.

Click for the full front and back view, plus it doubles as a nifty desktop image. Working on the press release tonight.

04.25.08 - MISCELLANY FOR FRIDAY

2008-04-25T11:20:00.006-05:00

* So far, I have thirteen pages collected for "Mine All Mine." It's looking nice. Thank you to everyone who contributed. While I didn't intend for it to be, this project has turned into a wonderful early birthday present -- getting to work with all these fantastic artists.

* A few days ago, I received an e-mail from Josh Fialkov. Rather than summarize it, here it is:

It has come to my attention one of Image's own, Josh Medors (artist of the upcoming FRANK FRAZETTA'S SWAMP DEMON), has long been fighting cancer. While things have been on the upswing, a recent analysis showed a recently removed tumor has come back and unless his radiation therapy helps, he may only have three months to live.

In light of this news, we've immediately organized an auction for this upcoming Emerald City Comic Con to support Josh.

From Frazetta Comics Editor, Jay Fotos:

---------------------------------------

I have some not good news...

Josh Medors, artist on Frazetta's Swamp Demon has cancer, he went in and got a tumor removed from his spine a few months ago and it's back and with more specialists involved found out it's a very rare cancer that is normally found in the brain.

He is in kemo therapy now and was told if this does not work he has 3 months to live.

Of course like most freelance artists he does not have insurance.

So, I would like to do as much as I can to raise some money to help pay for some of his bills.

I'm working with Image Comics now on setting up a auction at Emerald City Comicon (in 2 weeks)... that Frazetta Comics will have a booth at.

So I ask everyone here is that you can donate something for this auction that would be greatly appreciated.

Josh is a good friend, father and artist.

With the support from the comic industry that he loves dearly, we can all help ease his pain just a little would be most appreciated.

Please contact me on what you would like to donate.

They can be sent to:

Jim Demonakos
c/o ECCC Medors Auction
10706 57th Pl. W.
Mukilteo, WA 98275

Information on what you can do to help is available here:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16161

* In other news, tonight, ArtLoveMagic presents: ARRIVE, a night of live art, music, poetry, and celebration. The event starts at 8 PM. $5 cover. Mokah Art Gallery in Deep Ellum.

04.21.08 - SHAKESPEARE, A COW, MISS TEXAS, HIPPIES, AND THE MAYOR

2008-04-21T12:28:00.004-05:00

April and I spent our weekend following around the mayor. Click here to read my report, as posted on D Magazine's FrontBurner blog. Seriously, read. I stayed up until 3 AM writing it.

Now onto the script for Souvenir of Dallas...

04.20.08 - 20 QUESTIONS

2008-04-20T08:34:00.003-05:00

Jim Lujan and I started this tradition of each year asking each other 20 random questions. Here is this year's:

20 Questions for Jim Lujan
1) If you could "fight the power," who would you bring down?
I would bring down FM radio. I would reprogram it with a variety of music and talk that you don’t hear now. Right now its terrible…all the same stuff.

2) Your favorite curse word:
I’m gonna go with “pussy”. I cannot say that without smiling.

3) Worst meal you've ever had:
Western Bacon Cheeseburger in 1982. I threw up because of the stomach flu. Yum.

4) Can you change a tire? If so, proof?
I can and the proof is on my car right now.

5) Have you ever been in a fight?
I’m a peaceful guy. Haven’t been in a real fight since grade school.

6) Pitch an idea for a made-for-television movie.
Old men bounty hunters…the odd couple meets Dog.

7) Your favorite cartoon as a child:
UnderDog.

8) What movie makes you cry?
The ending of the Shawshank Redemption….and the Lion King father’s death scene.

9) What was the first cartoon you ever made?
Mayhem News (1996)

10) Worst hair cut:
Anytime I get it cut too short on the sides. My head looks like a friggin’ handball court…totally Frankenstein.

11) If you could ask John Waters one question, what would it be?
I’d ask him what he is embarrassed to admit he likes in pop culture.

12) Fame or money? You must choose.
Fame…because fame gets you perks.

13) Favorite Beatle:
Paul.

14) Who's the baddest bad ass celebrity (living or dead)?
Mohammed Ali

15) If you had $1000, where would you spend it?
I’d print up Jim Lujan Cartoon DVDs for sale and make my money back tenfold.

16) How much time do you spend drawing every day?
5 mins- hour. I skip days a lot. I need to draw more.

17) Most important political issue for you:
Quality affordable healthcare.

18) Worst year in public school:
Senior year. Most of my friends dropped out. Yes, I hung with some losers, for the most part.

19) Where will Jim be in five years?
Working on art FULL TIME.

20) How far is too far?
Picking on the defenseless. Now that’s just lame.

20 Questions for David Hopkins
1) Are you happy with your middle name...what is it?
Yep. Gregory. I'm named after my uncle. The name means "Watchman," which is freakin' cool.

2) Favorite sugared breakfast cereal.
Mellow Matties. It's a generic version of Lucky Charms.

3) Are you an early bird or night owl?
I'm a night owl, but I have to wake up early for work, so I'm kinda both.

4) Favorite candy bar:
Snickers.

5) Japan or France? Just answer the question.
Dang. That is a difficult question. I'd happily visit Japan, but I would live in France. Also, I'm a much bigger fan of French comics over manga.

6) Do you believe in ghosts?
I would like to say that I don't, but I kinda do.

7) Make up a name for a sitcom:
Doing It Right.

8) Song that makes you cry:
"Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright

9) Who is your favorite old guy?
Will Eisner. He's no longer with us, but I met him when he was old.

10) What was the very first comic you ever made?
In junior high, my friend Wim and I worked on a comic that was basically crappy fan fiction. We made our own sequel to a graphic novel by Jim Starlin and Jackson Guice called "X-Factor Special: Prisoner of Love." It was pretty cheesy. We took turns drawing each page.

11) Ever have a a ponytail?
Nope, but I had a mullet once.

12) Ever walk out of a movie you paid for?
There are some movies I've rented, which I couldn't finish. My Super Ex-Girlfriend. However, I've never walked out of a movie at the theater. Even though, I've been tempted. For the most part, I skip the movies that look like they are going to suck.

13) If you were having coffee with Prince, what would you ask him?
I could care less about Prince. Never really listened to his music. Maybe I'd ask him when he plans to retire.

14) Your latest obsession:
Battlestar Galactica. I'm watching season three on DVD.

15) Is there anything redneck about you?
Not really. I'm sort of the antithesis of a redneck. I live in Texas, proud to be a Texan, but I never understood the humor behind Blue Collar Comedy. Also, I once referred to it as a "NASCAR game." I think that disqualifies me from redneck status.

16) What does it take to make you dance?
Music. That's all. I'm always looking for an excuse to dance.

17) Favorite bookstore:
Too many to choose. Half-Price Books in Dallas.

18) Sexiest body part on a woman:
The personality. It's not a body part, but anyone can look sexy with the right attitude and a bit of confidence. I'm a sucker for the bookish indie girl -- a hoodie, some Converse, and a geek-out obsession with music, movies, and books, I'm done for.

19) How was your attendance in high school?
Decent. I would only miss one or two days a year.

20) Last time you yelled at a stranger:
Last year, in St. Louis, a car nearly ran me over while I was crossing the street. I started yelling at the driver. My friends were rather embarrassed. "Uh, David, we don't do that here..."

04.18.08 - EXCLUSIVE WITH ZEUS COMICS DOT COM

2008-04-18T16:14:00.007-05:00

I’ve updated my website -- now all my comics and graphic novels on the published work page are linked *and available for purchase* through the Zeus Comics online store. (click here). Chris Williams has kindly added cover images and descriptions to each of my titles.

Even if you already have a copy of Astronaut Dad, Emily Edison, Karma Incorporated, or Antigone, I would love if you'd peruse their site to give your own starred rating or review. Zeus Comics has been very supportive of my work, always ordering tons of copies, hosting in-store signings and release parties.

Keep in mind: There are numerous indie-friendly comic book shops where you can find my books, and any retailer can order through Diamond Distributors. However, when it comes specifically to my website, I'm using Zeus and greatly appreciate all they've done.

04.16.08 - NOT A GIRL, STILL ON GIRL TALK

2008-04-16T21:49:00.004-05:00

My friend Leah Shafer hosts a weekly podcast Girl Talk for Quick DFW (part of the Dallas Morning News). April and I were interviewed on the most recent episode: 4/16/08 Tales of a successful couple. We're probably more of a case study or a social anomaly than the model for success. But hey, it works for us. If you're curious, feel free to listen.

Randomness. I've enabling the web forwarding function. The domains karmaincorporated.com and sidvankid.com now forward to Antihero Comics. However, emilyedison.com is still its own site.

04.15.08 - WHO NEEDS EVITE?

2008-04-15T12:09:00.002-05:00

My birthday is coming up. I'll be 31 on May 1st. To celebrate, I'm inviting everyone to attend CAPE's Live Art Show (click and scroll down) on FRIDAY MAY 2nd at 9 PM.

St. Pete's Dancing Marlin
2730 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX

That's all. Hope to see you there.

04.11.08 - MINE ALL MINE

2008-04-11T09:17:00.005-05:00

I'm not quite ready for the press release, but I thought I'd share an update on the minicomic. It's going to be called "Mine All Mine," a series of one-page vignettes about taking what doesn't belong to you. Uh, stealing. The minicomic will debut at CAPE on May 3rd. I wrote all the vignettes. So far, here's who I have involved on the art end...

Cover by Tania Kaufmann

Samax Amen ("The Plan")
Ryan Cody ("Long Walk Home")
David DeGrand ("Stealing Electricity")
Joe Eisma ("Lost Wallet")
Jake Ekiss ("Vending Machines")
Derrick Fish ("Misdirection")
John Gonzales ("My First Stolen Car")
Michael Lagocki ("Tools of the Trade")
Jim Lujan ("The Nigerian Scam")
Paul Milligan ("Kidnapping")
Wes Molebash ("I Found It")
Chad Sell ("Will Run for Food")
Cal Slayton ("Return Policy")
Justin Stewart ("Blanket Thief")
ZeeS ("Pickpocket")
Scott Zirkel ("The Oil Change")

I appreciate everyone who decided to jump on board despite the time constraints. In a better world, I would have thought of this project months ago, and then you could've procrastinated to the last minute. Now I've taken that away from you. My apologies.

04.08.08 - MY BAD IDEA

2008-04-08T11:56:00.006-05:00

I just sent an e-mail (posted below). This could get ugly. If you did not get the e-mail and you want to participate, let me know. I didn't contact some folks, because I knew you were incredibly swamped with other projects that we're collaborating on, such as 50 Miles to Marfa, Omisoka Bridge, Bolivar, Astronaut Dad Vol.2, and Karma Incorporated Vol.2.

Already, I've received six confirmations (UPDATE: 15 confirmations) from some very talented artists.

Hello friends,

I'm working on a one-shot comic that will consist of a series of one page vignettes -- about thieves, crooks, scoundrels, con artists, etc. Each page, a different artist. I'm trying to pull some favors with all the artists I know. With CAPE (http://capeday.com) and Free Comic Book Day right around the corner, why not release it as a mini-comic with anyone who can contribute? I'll see if I can get a lovely publisher for the final version.

If you're interested, let me know and I'll send you a script by Friday. Due date for the finished inked and lettered page: April 25th. I need it grayscale, 300 dpi, tiff, 5.5"(width) x 8.5"(height). Put your name on page somewhere at the bottom, title at the top. I'll credit myself on the title page, along with all the participating artists.

Some of you may not be able to make the April 25th deadline, but would be interested in playing along for the final version. If so, let me know, and I'll add you to that list.

For people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I'll print enough (I hope) for you to have some copies at your booth at CAPE or wherever else you will be that day. If you want to make a print of your own page to sign and sell, have at it -- hell, I'd be seriously honored.

If you live outside of DFW, time permitting, I'll try to mail you the copies before Free Comic Book Day. Otherwise, I can mail the files to print your own mini-comic for Free Comic Book Day.

**Working with this many artists is really a bad idea**, but I'm also excited about what will come together. I know you all are insanely busy with your own work. I apologize if my request is a last minute inconvenience on top of the thousand other people who want a piece of you. I'd like to say I'd never bother you again, but we all know that's not true. If this one page project sounds like fun, jump in and join the mischief. If not, no worries.

:: David H.
http://antiherocomics.com

A little experiment. Let see how this goes.

04.08.08 - YOUTUBE POLITICS

2008-04-08T11:53:00.001-05:00

So Obama gets this, and McCain has this? Now that's just sad.

03.31.08 - COOL SITE

2008-03-31T22:30:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Jim Lujan for recommending this site -- Comix Interviews. Absolutely love it.

03.26.08 - D MAGAZINE, FBR, ETC

2008-03-26T22:45:00.005-05:00

The April '08 D Magazine is now available. This particular issue includes the latest installment of "Souvenir of Dallas" (written by me and illustrated by Paul Milligan), and an article "The Dallas Museum of Art Is Validating a Marginalized Art Form" also written by me. I could get used to this.

I'll be attending DenCon on Sunday (see yesterday's post). The day before, on Saturday, I will be giving a comic book presentation at the Ridglea Library in Fort Worth with Paul Milligan. 1 PM. Anyone in the DFW area -- feel free to come by and check it out.

The March Indie Show for Fanboy Radio is online. Scott Hinze and I interview Jim Mahfood and Mike Heronime. It's a great episode. I'm glad to have the Indie Show back in regular rotation.

And yes, LOVIE did win Quick DFW's Battle of the Bands. Congrats to Cari, Rebecca, Grace, and Cathleen. Well deserved.

03.25.08 - DEN CON THIS SUNDAY

2008-03-25T06:51:00.001-05:00

03.20.08 - AVATAR OF COOL

2008-03-20T13:19:00.003-05:00

(via The Beat) The New York Times has done a FASHION spread on indie comic book creators -- described as "brashly confident avatars of cool."

Of course, the ever-so fashionable Tim Leong of Comic Foundry knew this all along with his red carpet treatment of the Eisner awards. Video (check out 2 minutes 42 seconds).

On top of this, comic book artist James Jean has done some work for Prada; Paul Pope designed for DKNY.

03.18.08 - FOER AND LOVIE

2008-03-18T14:46:00.008-05:00

"Why would a reviewer make the point of saying someone's not a genius? Do you especially think I'm not a genius? You didn't even have to think about it, did you?"

- Eli Cash, The Royal Tenenbaums

Ever so often I get the reminder, as if I needed one, that I am definitely "not a genius." Last night, it came when I started reading Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

What a freakin' amazing novel. I looked at his Wikipedia bio. He's my age. In a world that creates writers like Foer, I feel pretty small. Even at my best -- I'll be thinking: "Yeah, but have you read this guy." Seriously.

In other news, Quick DFW's Battle of the Bands is down to the Final Four with my friend's band Lovie still fighting.

Already some of my favorite local bands have been knocked out (Salim Nourallah, Sarah Jaffe, Red Monroe, Mom, Theater Fire, Laura Palmer, Robert Gomez, Smile Smile). Good music must prevail! We need you to vote for the best band... *ahem* Lovie. Give them all a listen, and decide for yourself. But come on, Lovie.

03.16.08 - SPACE TO OCCUPY

2008-03-16T12:54:00.003-05:00

April is moving in next Friday. Thus, I've been busy making space at the house. Throwing away stuff, removing clutter, organizing the garage, the office, the bedroom. While doing so, I've stumbled across some old scripts I've written. Notebooks upon notebooks of ideas and bits of dialogue. Some of my old stuff isn't too terrible. Good intentions, so-so on the execution.

Two seconds before I started writing comics, I wrote a short play performed at UTA. Due to time constraints, I had about two weeks to come up with the whole thing from beginning to end. It was an interesting first step into my new identity as "writer." Anyways, I found the script today, and read through it. Yeesh. This thing needed at least two or three re-writes. However, not surprisingly, the final scene was the most solid-ish. Here it is. Unedited for your scrutiny. Do not expect any more plays from me.

Basic set-up: The normally eloquent student philosopher WILL is going to commit suicide by setting himself on fire. However, the gas fumes render him completely nutty and unable to light a match. Chinese food delivery girl ASHLEY comes to stop him, maybe.

ACT II, SCENE 3

Stage lights rise. The scene takes up where we left off in Scene 2. Will is drenched in gasoline. Ashley stands behind him -- conflicted. Will progressively gets more and more "out of it," as the gas fumes affect him.

WILL (not looking at Ashley). Are you here to stop me or to watch?

ASHLEY. I don't know.

WILL. If you don't know, then I sure as hell don't know.

ASHLEY. So this is it.

WILL. I was thinking about doing this alone. It saves me the stress of trying to have "last words."

ASHLEY. Do you have any last words?

WILL (not really listening). I'm getting lightheaded from the fumes.

ASHLEY. Those your last words?

WILL. No, I got different last words and you can't hear them, because it ruins the moment to tell you before the fact.

ASHLEY. I guess so.

(Long awkward pause.)

WILL. Don't feel guilty. That whole "I could've said or done something to stop him." You know my mind has been made up.

ASHLEY. You can't tell me to not be affected by your decisions. You do this, I will feel responsible for not stopping you.

WILL. Then I'm sorry for including you.

ASHLEY. Why me? And not because I'm a stranger. You knew me. Why me?

WILL. I thought you'd understand.

ASHLEY. What do you mean?

WILL. I don't know anymore, but this is not your fault.

ASHLEY. I know it's not my fault, but I will feel guilty.

WILL. Well, that's awfully-- (long pause) Oh man--

ASHLEY. Are you okay?

WILL. Just fuckin' peachy. I'm covered in gasoline with a box of matches. What do you think? (pause) What was I talking about?

ASHLEY (prompting him). "Don't feel guilty."

WILL. Exactly! I chose this nine months ago. My decision. Not yours.

ASHLEY. I can't stop you.

WILL. Well, that's awfully (pause) something.

ASHLEY. You know, you can't do this.

WILL. Where are my matches?

ASHLEY. You're holding them.

WILL. Shit. I'm messed up. (Opens the match box upside down. Matches fall out.) Oh shit. (Begins trying to put the matches back in the box... unsuccessfully.)

ASHLEY. Need some help?

WILL. Yeah, do you have a lighter?

ASHLEY. No.

WILL. Does God?

(Ashley goes to help put the matches back.)

"Per molestias eruditio." It's Latin.

ASHLEY. What's it mean?

WILL. I forgot. My last words -- I forgot what it means. "Per molestias eruditio." (pause) What am I doing? (Will breaks down.) It -- hurts -- so -- much. I'm just -- I'm just -- I'm just scared of what happens next. You know -- after we're done preparing to live our life. (pause) I don't know what to do, where to go, who to be.

ASHLEY (comforting). I know.

WILL. I don't want to settle for -- (Can't think of what to say next) I don't want to -- (Still out of it) I don't feel too good.

(Will can barely stay vertical. He's swaying. Ashley moves closer to him and holds him lovingly like a mother.)

What are you doing?

ASHLEY. It's okay. (Catches a whiff of the gasoline) Ooo, that cologne. Let me guess... regular unleaded, Texaco.

WILL. No, it's super unleaded. Hell-- if you're going to go -- don't be cheap about it. (pause) I'm sorry about your mother.

ASHLEY. I am too.

WILL. Can't set myself on fire if you're holding me.

ASHLEY. I guess you'll have to wait.

WILL. How long?

ASHLEY. It might be awhile. I don't have anywhere I need to be.

(Music cue #6. As in the beginning, a home video montage is projected onto the back wall of the set. Slowly, very slowly, fade to black. The home videos continue until the end of the song.)

END.

03.14.08 - SPAMBOTS, PODCASTS, AND YOU

2008-03-14T12:12:00.006-05:00

My forum has been more active recently. If you want to participate, let me know (post comment or e-mail) and give me your screen name, that way Jamar can authorize your account. The JNN forums have had trouble with spambots in the past.

I was interviewed again for the podcast Half Hour Wasted. And actually, I talk a bit about Bolivar. Check it out. You can also subscribe to the podcast via iTunes.

03.07.08 - STAPLE REPORT FROM AICN

2008-03-07T11:55:00.002-06:00

I was mentioned in the STAPLE! report for Ain't It Cool News by Prof. Challenger. http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35889

Plus, he posted a nice photo of Brock and me.