Aspirations and Depressions

When it comes to comic books, I can think of nothing else that entertains and excites me as much. I've grown up with so many incredible stories and characters presented through this medium. A dream I've always had through the years was to become one of those crazy pen wielding shut-ins who craft such wonderful tales. As I get older I realize that my understandings are evolving, my perceptions are sharpening, and my ability to effectively tell stories through the comic book medium is stronger than ever.

While the industry is in a state where I can no longer see the characters or stories I loved in my youth, and almost everyone producing comics is signing away their work to have their names printed in 8-point font somewhere in the tediously dull credits of a movie, I'm worried about what I might get myself into if I strive to be a part of the modern world of funnybooks. I miss simple fun. There doesn't seem to be much of that anymore. No more crazy stories with enjoyable, not always realistic characters. It's all about rehashing old ideas and getting signed on with big old Hollywood.

I hope to not only create my own comics but to bring back what I loved about them through my work. No film deals. No glitzy, Styrofoam content. Just fun, simple comics to entertain and amuse. Here's to hope!

Mini-Comics, Zine things...

Lately I've looked into the mini-comics format. Perhaps zines.

As far as cheap production, personal feel, and character, I don't think any other format beats it. I understand there will be pains, as goes with any production. Endless days and sleepless nights of cutting out printings, stapling, and distributing when the work's reached it's most complete version of completeness.

This will be much fun and hopefully will spread the word on the potential of myself and those who contribute with me.

Back to the drawing board...oh, man, even I think that was bad...

Well, it's been a while.

Disillusioned by the state of comics and wearing blinders that centered my vision on the appalling works that littered the industry, I left the four colored world bitter and distant.

I'm back to business now. I've grown tired looking at the accepted efforts of industries and the people who populate them. Drawing has been a part of my life since I was a child (no trite crayon analogies here, folks!) and I'll be damned if I'm going to give up because there are forces beyond me that oppose drives such as mine.

Drawing, like writing, is an expression of one's thoughts and ideas through a medium of communication. I don't know of many folk who criticize, or feel self conscious about, handwriting. Why should one's ability to render their mind's fancies be weighed down with inspiration smothering critique and self doubt?

There's a bundle of stories, twine-tied together, sitting on an aged desk in my mind. I'm familiar with all of them, and I've been leafing through their pages for years. Time to get the lead, or graphite at least, out and get some India Ink under my finger nails!!

Here are the latest scribblings.

Times have changed in a matter of months...

I've been busy. Not the good kind of busy that makes you think, golly, swell, gosh I'm lucky. I've been a victim of the daily grind, for which there could not be a more apt description.

For those who say, "At least you have a job," I hope there's a hot rock in hell reserved with nothing but a searing cheese grater for comfort. There are things a man should not have to do to live. Working these unnatural, corporate, "Fill the overflowing pot" kind of jobs is killing the character and vitality of the human race.

I'd settle for a long, sweaty day laboring around my home, fending for myself, and providing for my wife and I. Give me work that relates to my life and not a way to pay wealthy men more money through the hard work they give me, and others like me, to do.

Anyway, that's why I've not been so into my original project to keep up this Blog and post drawings. Here's one for the hungry. The first in a while. Superman!

A long time, it has been...

Well, apparently I'm back from inactivity where I wasn't really being totally inactive. Sad that I have neglected this valuable spot to express and voice thoughts, developments, and goals. So much for using the tools at hand.

For this new year, 2010, I hope to go beyond mere sketching. I hope to develop a back bone of confidence in my abilities and to take risks that will hopefully lead me to a career doing what I really, really, truly, truly love, which is drawing and telling stories. Time will tell. Let's hope this year is a good one for this goal of mine.

I do have some new artwork, sketches as usual, to throw in the mix. I hope you, whoever you might be, dear reader, will enjoy!