Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Bad cell
If anyone is wondering why I've had your number but haven't contacted you lately...aside from being unbelievably busy I've just replaced my old cell and the company sent a new SIM card to replace the old one...new cell, bad card...however, all my contact info is gone. If I knew your info but haven't called but should have...please email it to me. Hopefully I'll get back to ya...fingers crossed.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!!!! May the best of your dreams be the worst of your troubles. Much love to my friends. Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, メリークリスマス, 圣诞快乐, vrolijke Kerstmis, frohe Weihnachten, Χαρούμενα Χριστούγεννα, Buon Natale, 즐거운 성탄, Feliz Natal and с Рождеством Христовым. And just in case I forget, Happy Boxing Day!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Do yourself a favor...
I would like everyone out there to do themselves the favor of snagging a commission from the soon to be legendary artist, Marietta Delene Williams. It's the perfect Christmas present! Or family heirloom...either way you should act now while you can. Ever wish you could get artwork from a famous artist before big fame? Here's your chance. Just head over to her site at meiken.deviantart.com
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Meatless Road
For the longest time I have been thinking of going meatless...did it once before... but how far does one go? Well while still mulling over this the other day a friend on facebook told me he was going meatless for a year. Perhaps I may myself. What do you think? :) The link to his journey on the meatless road is http://ameatlessyear.blogspot.com/ Please pay him a visit.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A large league back….
Earlier in the week in the midst of the whole Disney/Marvel buyout thing I had seen a post on FaceBook about the idea that it might be a good thing for Disney to buy Marvel because it might mean there would be more all-ages comics. This is most assuredly true, however is this a completely good thing? I think this is more of a “yes and no” thing myself.
Why? Well you have two sides on this. On one side you have the truth that there defiantly are not enough all-ages comics. Now I do a ton of all-ages things. My concept of all-ages is not necessarily just for children so much as safe for children to read yet not make an adult feel embarrassed or bored to take on, hence all-ages…from five to fifty.
Children’s books are something, in my mind and I think in proper definition, are something that just speaks to children where the age of readership cuts off at the tweens or maybe teens and have nothing to do with adults whatsoever. No challenging concepts that only an adult would know of. Nothing heavy in the realm of gore, horror or sex.
Now that being said I think that we could use a batch of comics that speak to all. However when most corporate folk seem to think that all-ages means material for four year olds. Think of the now cancelled “Spidey Super Stories” from Marvel… well from Marvel and The Electric Company. No challenging plot, concept or action. And this is perfectly fine for the kindergarten set, but is sheer death for comics in general.
In America comics has a horrible image problem. We have the dreaded “funny pages syndrome”…. Basically most people think that comics are for kids and not for adults. They think they are not proper literature and if you’re an adult reading them you are a submoron or a socially deficient person. That you’re a comic “geek”…and please don’t get me started on the geek label…another day for that one.
Comics in this country have a terrible time being taken seriously. Now I know there are a few out there that think that comics are just fine on reputation. That all of the people they meet know of and respect comics. “Hey Watchmen was a major motion picture that was taken seriously…and it, thee graphic novel, won praise and awards…. and what about Maus or Persepolis?”
Yes wonderful examples, lovely work…but guess what…not everyone knows them. And those that do who aren’t fans don’t really care. Mainstream America, Joe Blow Everyman has yet to put any comic next to Huckleberry Finn as far as importance or literary level. And a major, "put it on every supermarket shelf", company like Disney making comics that will serve just very young children under the guise of normal comic books will be a large nail in the coffin of comic book's literary reputation. A large league back…. not a step back…a league…
Monday, August 31, 2009
The mouse that caught the spider...
Ok this is fairly fresh news for me and my overall attitude about may change as time goes by... but I just had to get this out…so here goes.
This morning I awoke to the startling news that Disney has acquired Marvel Comics. To say this shot me out of bed with a troubled brow is an understatement. My first knee-jerk reaction was utter horror. I literally saw the heroes of my childhood…well some of them, let’s not leave out DC and God knows how many others…but I digress…where was I…oh yeah…I literally saw, eh…most, heh, of the heroes of my childhood being destroyed in my minds eye and remade in the Disney image.
It put me off my coffee and made me think of canceling breakfast. Then I regained my composure and dwelled upon things after posting my remnant of a brood on FaceBook. After doing so I was slightly surprised at some folk’s complete lack of reaction, some spoke of the better line of toys Marvel would have and others spoke of more all-ages comics. The first of those are easy to answer… toys come and go, hire a sculptor that has some talent…done. But the second gave me another slice of pause in this whole matter to go with the entire full plate of things I had to digest and think about. And one I will touch on another day…in another post.
Ok…first things first… Disney owning Marvel; Let’s start with the cons shall we?
Cons; Marvel may loose it’s edge... now this point could be argued by some as a thing that has already happened. In fact the whole idea of that is an article in itself, so I won’t really touch on that here. But Disney may water down what Marvel is already putting out.
Now in Disney’s defense they have said that they are not going to change Marvel one bit to fit the Disney brand. But come on… would you buy a company and never do anything in the way it’s run to fit your way of doing things? Over time businesses have to update their plan of attack on the market and Marvel is no different. In updating their plan Disney has no choice but to mold Marvel to fit their overall scope of future goals… to do otherwise is not good business. Disney has said they will honor Marvel’s agreements with the movie companies they have made but after that is done they will bring all future films “in house” and make and distribute it themselves… but then again I would if I were them… once more it’s just smart business.
The same was said of Disney acquiring ABC. Unless your completely clueless it’s obvious that they have certainly changed…don’t get me started on those tween “comedies” they churn out…but hey, someone must dig em… so yet again…digressing…
And oh my the crossovers….sigh… or better yet… animated Marvel movies with songs just thrown in there because, “Kids just love music in their movies!” ugh…
Ok, too many things to list at the moment without sounding bitter when I’m really not. I don’t want you to get the idea that my disagreeing with a few Disney methods means I hate the company…I don’t. I actually dig the whole Disney thing in certain respects.
So that brings us to…the Pros: Ok Marvel on TV for one thing. Disney is a freaking giant in multimedia and exposure is the word here. With Disney’s reach they could be in places they never could before. Word has it that upon hearing the news of the deal that everyone from Pixar to Disney proper was excited at the idea of doing things with Marvel properties. To quote them, “Sparks will fly.”
So one must ask themselves, “If all see something will it have the same soul when they see it?”
If Marvel is changed too much from it’s core then the whole world will see nothing but a name and a pair of long johns…my fingers are crossed but with age I tend to flavor my hope with a pinch of cynicism.
This morning I awoke to the startling news that Disney has acquired Marvel Comics. To say this shot me out of bed with a troubled brow is an understatement. My first knee-jerk reaction was utter horror. I literally saw the heroes of my childhood…well some of them, let’s not leave out DC and God knows how many others…but I digress…where was I…oh yeah…I literally saw, eh…most, heh, of the heroes of my childhood being destroyed in my minds eye and remade in the Disney image.
It put me off my coffee and made me think of canceling breakfast. Then I regained my composure and dwelled upon things after posting my remnant of a brood on FaceBook. After doing so I was slightly surprised at some folk’s complete lack of reaction, some spoke of the better line of toys Marvel would have and others spoke of more all-ages comics. The first of those are easy to answer… toys come and go, hire a sculptor that has some talent…done. But the second gave me another slice of pause in this whole matter to go with the entire full plate of things I had to digest and think about. And one I will touch on another day…in another post.
Ok…first things first… Disney owning Marvel; Let’s start with the cons shall we?
Cons; Marvel may loose it’s edge... now this point could be argued by some as a thing that has already happened. In fact the whole idea of that is an article in itself, so I won’t really touch on that here. But Disney may water down what Marvel is already putting out.
Now in Disney’s defense they have said that they are not going to change Marvel one bit to fit the Disney brand. But come on… would you buy a company and never do anything in the way it’s run to fit your way of doing things? Over time businesses have to update their plan of attack on the market and Marvel is no different. In updating their plan Disney has no choice but to mold Marvel to fit their overall scope of future goals… to do otherwise is not good business. Disney has said they will honor Marvel’s agreements with the movie companies they have made but after that is done they will bring all future films “in house” and make and distribute it themselves… but then again I would if I were them… once more it’s just smart business.
The same was said of Disney acquiring ABC. Unless your completely clueless it’s obvious that they have certainly changed…don’t get me started on those tween “comedies” they churn out…but hey, someone must dig em… so yet again…digressing…
And oh my the crossovers….sigh… or better yet… animated Marvel movies with songs just thrown in there because, “Kids just love music in their movies!” ugh…
Ok, too many things to list at the moment without sounding bitter when I’m really not. I don’t want you to get the idea that my disagreeing with a few Disney methods means I hate the company…I don’t. I actually dig the whole Disney thing in certain respects.
So that brings us to…the Pros: Ok Marvel on TV for one thing. Disney is a freaking giant in multimedia and exposure is the word here. With Disney’s reach they could be in places they never could before. Word has it that upon hearing the news of the deal that everyone from Pixar to Disney proper was excited at the idea of doing things with Marvel properties. To quote them, “Sparks will fly.”
So one must ask themselves, “If all see something will it have the same soul when they see it?”
If Marvel is changed too much from it’s core then the whole world will see nothing but a name and a pair of long johns…my fingers are crossed but with age I tend to flavor my hope with a pinch of cynicism.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
One of those writing sheds like Mark Twain had...
Not a lot to say...not much to say...The only thing I will say is that on one hand I have a dictation program that needs LOTS of training...and on the other hand I never get any quiet or proper space sans interruptions to actually dictate without background noise.
God I wish I had one of those writing sheds like Mark Twain had... I think it was on his Sister-in-Law's property. A lovely little gazebo with a typewriter and writing paper. Far away from folk...when he was done he would come home...period.
Not that I'm not thankful for what I have and all...but JESUS man! Come on.... Everytime I get CLOSE to the "zone" someone come trouncing through. Or my Son pops in saying someone wants to see me...and it amounts to "Look at that..." ...which amounts to NOTHING!!! ARRRGGHHHH!!
At this rate I'l never get done with any freaking thing! .......merde.....
God I wish I had one of those writing sheds like Mark Twain had... I think it was on his Sister-in-Law's property. A lovely little gazebo with a typewriter and writing paper. Far away from folk...when he was done he would come home...period.
Not that I'm not thankful for what I have and all...but JESUS man! Come on.... Everytime I get CLOSE to the "zone" someone come trouncing through. Or my Son pops in saying someone wants to see me...and it amounts to "Look at that..." ...which amounts to NOTHING!!! ARRRGGHHHH!!
At this rate I'l never get done with any freaking thing! .......merde.....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
My art for purchase online....
I am proud to announce that high quality prints of my artwork are available for purchase for the first time ever online. To see and own a wall ready print of my art please visit jadearcade.imagekind.com
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
God bless Stan and John...
It's funny sometimes how someone else can remind or push you into something you've been meaning to do for ages. Recently I was invited to join a group that has, out of the bloated list of groups on FaceBook about....anything you could fathom, comes one that has long been due existence. A group on the old standby of comic book artist, the ever necessary "How to draw comics the Marvel way".
This book was a wonder to me as a child. It was a bible of art. The second I got the tome in my hot little hands, I poured over the contents until the pages broke from the spine from use. It was the first time I remember being spoken to by an adult in terms that I no only understood, but was not spoken down to. I, being a hyper had to know everything type of child...and now adult, was quite fulfilled with the step by step process I only could guess about beforehand.
Sure I, like many had learned from the world around me as far as drawing goes. But this was far more than looking at trees, the sky or the new issue of Micronauts. No this was the first that truely taught me form and structure. Dynamics of movement previously given out in mental viewings by Ditko and others were fleshed out, the body given bones, the house a foundation.
I had always wanted to meet John and Stan...although the great Mr. Buscema is gone, and I still miss his presance in the world, I still hope to meet Stan "The Man".
I could drone on forever on this book, but I'll spare you that. But I must in the highest fashion imaginable recommend that you get this book in some form if you haven't already. Myself being the eternal studant, still picks it up from time to time...to learn or wax nostalgic. It's more than worth your time....and is a large chunk of childhood for me.
It inspired me...it inspired my son. It's required reading for anyone doing comics. It's a thing I'll always treasure and go back to to this day. The only thing I miss is the hardcover....seems more official.... For any who have a problem with Marvel now...this is Marvel then.....and will always be a thing of learning and childhood wonderment. God bless Stan and John..I owe ya guys..
Note: The intelligent and talented individual who made the FaceBook group for this great book is artist Atula Siriwardane. The links to him and his world of wonder are:
http://www.atulasiriwardane.com
http://atulasiriwardane.blogspot.com/
http://tinyurl.com/MyProfile-Facebook
And of course if your interested in joining the group, and you should be, is:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=540243850#/group.php?gid=62830038643&ref=nf
Big thanks to Atula....now...Go join that group!...LOL!
This book was a wonder to me as a child. It was a bible of art. The second I got the tome in my hot little hands, I poured over the contents until the pages broke from the spine from use. It was the first time I remember being spoken to by an adult in terms that I no only understood, but was not spoken down to. I, being a hyper had to know everything type of child...and now adult, was quite fulfilled with the step by step process I only could guess about beforehand.
Sure I, like many had learned from the world around me as far as drawing goes. But this was far more than looking at trees, the sky or the new issue of Micronauts. No this was the first that truely taught me form and structure. Dynamics of movement previously given out in mental viewings by Ditko and others were fleshed out, the body given bones, the house a foundation.
I had always wanted to meet John and Stan...although the great Mr. Buscema is gone, and I still miss his presance in the world, I still hope to meet Stan "The Man".
I could drone on forever on this book, but I'll spare you that. But I must in the highest fashion imaginable recommend that you get this book in some form if you haven't already. Myself being the eternal studant, still picks it up from time to time...to learn or wax nostalgic. It's more than worth your time....and is a large chunk of childhood for me.
It inspired me...it inspired my son. It's required reading for anyone doing comics. It's a thing I'll always treasure and go back to to this day. The only thing I miss is the hardcover....seems more official.... For any who have a problem with Marvel now...this is Marvel then.....and will always be a thing of learning and childhood wonderment. God bless Stan and John..I owe ya guys..
Note: The intelligent and talented individual who made the FaceBook group for this great book is artist Atula Siriwardane. The links to him and his world of wonder are:
http://www.atulasiriwardan
http://atulasiriwardane.bl
http://tinyurl.com/MyProfi
And of course if your interested in joining the group, and you should be, is:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=540243850#/group.php?gid=62830038643&ref=nf
Big thanks to Atula....now...Go join that group!...LOL!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A little light....
This doesn't really have anything to do with news about me but just me soapboxing a little.
Every now and then, if your lucky, you get a little light in your life. A gift.
Sometimes this come in the form of a child or that special someone. A dog, a day, something that would otherwise make what is a dull existence into a bright one.
If it ever happens to you...recognize it and never take it for granted. Treat every day as the first and last in your life. If your religious, thank the maker for what you have. But most of all be thankful for the light in your life. Life is too short and in a blink....it's gone.
Be grateful, cherish, pay attention...we only have so may lights in our life. Hold on to yours and never let it go out.
Every now and then, if your lucky, you get a little light in your life. A gift.
Sometimes this come in the form of a child or that special someone. A dog, a day, something that would otherwise make what is a dull existence into a bright one.
If it ever happens to you...recognize it and never take it for granted. Treat every day as the first and last in your life. If your religious, thank the maker for what you have. But most of all be thankful for the light in your life. Life is too short and in a blink....it's gone.
Be grateful, cherish, pay attention...we only have so may lights in our life. Hold on to yours and never let it go out.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
QDos
There is an online rating system for famous folk...no I did NOT say celebrities..that rates how known they are and their internet footprint. Being that I've been doing this art and writing thing for over twenty years now I happen to be one of these "famous folk", oh if only it were "rich and famous", and since that is the case I am on Qdos. Folks add web links with the sites mentioning the person and that combined with current fame is how they rate the person...I think, but I don't run the place so don't quote me on that one. I didn't put myself on it, you just show up after having a little "being known" going on. So here is the rating graphic, I think it self-updates.
If it doesn't just go to this place.
Or go to qdos.com to check on yourself or your favorite "famous folk"
Or go to qdos.com to check on yourself or your favorite "famous folk"
Friday, January 16, 2009
FaceBook...
I now have a profile on FaceBook as well as Myspace. For MySpace CLICK HERE and as far as FaceBook CLICK HERE or the fan page CLICK HERE. Come on by and be a friend...I'll be yours... we'll make a day of it...LOL!
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