Warbreed

Well, we finally got the Warbreed entry in at the last minute! The designs look great, and I hope everyone likes the logo (designed by yours truly)!

Click the post title to check out the entry.

As the Round 2 deadline approaches 7 more entries have made it. I suspect a couple more may be posted tomorrow, but it looks like several didn't make it at all.

I will say that I have been pleasantly surprised by several entries this round, and a few that posted tonight. This contest is getting more and more exciting by the day.

Oh, and since you've all shown your love for The Kansas Hit, please now go and VOTE FOR WARBREED! Thanks!

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Springtime

Ah, don't you just love the Springtime? Fresh air, flowers in bloom, and all the bugs you can shake a stick at!

My Mom was trying to go to the store today, but because there's this stupid holly bush in her front yard bees were all over it. As a child my Mom's sister threw a rock into a hornet's nest, and the entire colony attacked Mom as her sister ran off. Ever since she has been terrified of bees, wasps, hornets, et al.

So, because the bees were in the bush (which is right by the front porch) she wouldn't go outside. She stood at the door for fifteen minutes watching the bees. She almost went out about three times, but then saw another one. It was hilarious! She finally got brave enough to make a run for it, but wouldn't go unless I stood there holding the door open in case she needed to run back in. I tried to tell her if I held the door open they might get in the house, but she wouldn't listen.

At any rate, she made it to the car without incident. The bees didn't pay her any attention.

One time when I was about 14 we had a pick-up truck. My Mom was driving, I was beside her, my cousin (same age as me) was beside me, and his mom beside him, all in the cab of the truck. As we're going down the road Mom hears a buzzing sound. She looks up in the rear view mirror and sees a bee behind her on the back window. She panics.

She pulls the truck halfway into a gas station, halfway still in the street (a busy street at that) and then jumps out of the truck and runs. This might have even been okay had she put the truck in park, which she did not. So the three of us are rolling backwards into traffic and the bee is sitting pretty.

I was frozen or in shock, as was my cousin, and my aunt was trying frantically to reach over us to the brake while screaming at me to hit the break. Eventually we got the truck in park before anything major happened, thank God!

But this sums up my mom's reactions to things with stingers. She's not a fan.

Just thought I'd share. :)

Sorry I missed posting yesterday, I was kept pretty busy with the usual (writing, lettering, logo design, and contest stuff). Things are picking up quite nicely.

Speaking of the contest (Small Press Idol), today is the deadline for all Round 2 entries. At last count there were about 14 teams that advanced who still hadn't submitted their entries for this round. I know for a fact that Warbreed will be turned in today as we are one sketch away from completion, meaning we're just waiting on the colors and for me to slap the character's name on and we'll be good to go.

As for the other entries, I don't know if they'll make it or not. There are a few I doubt will, and there are some I hope will. I have been looking forward to seeing Velare, but I don't know if they'll get it in in time. We shall see.

And speaking of entries, as you all may or may not know the SPA site and forums have been having some issues. This has changed the links for the forums, and thus the threads to vote for the entries. At the suggestion of LJamal, creator of Warmageddon, I set up a redirect link that I can control, so the link will never be broken, or not broken for long.

So, from now until the end of the contest, The Kansas Hit thread (where you vote!) can be found by going to KansasHit.brantfowler.com.

Yesterday was Ed Dukeshire's (Digital Webbing) birthday, and as I said on the DW forums, I hope you had a great one, my friend.

For his birthday, go out and buy an issue or two of Digital Webbing Presents from a local or online retailer to support the book!

I'm working on tomorrow's column right now, and I can tell you at this point there will be at least three books I review: Cadre #3 (Nifty Comics), The Roach #1, and Marshal #1 (DBPro). Others I may get in, or may push to next week, include Red Prophet #1-2 (DBPro), Zoom Suit #1 (Superverse), and Family Bones #2 (King Tractor Press). I may be forgetting one or two, but all these are on deck.

Myth Conceptions Monday will be a look at the history of the Superhero. I just hope I have time to do it!

I'm also going to have an interview with Ben Lichius of The Black Coat from Ape Entertainment at SBC soon, once I find the time to write the questions! Since the book has been out for over a week now I'm curious to the early responses. So if you've read it send me an email and let me know what you thought. I'll quote your comments in the interview!

Break time's over and it's back to work I go.

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Kansas Hit Banners

The team has made some banners to promote the contest. If you'd like to use these somewhere please feel free to grab one and post it somewhere. You can link to one of the press releases or to the SPA site itself.

And yes, I said press releases. Silver Bullet Comics posted our press release as well! You can check it out here.

Also, if you want to read up on our journey in the contest so far, as so eloquently scribed by Cary Kelley, check out this link.

Now, how about them banners? And just to note, Jerry Loomis' wife made the animated one, and we are very thankful!

Click on banners to enlarge

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Press Release

What you are about to see is the press release we sent out to nearly 20 comic news sites. Only one of these actually posted it, which you can see by clicking the post title. So if you are involved in a comic news site please feel free to take this and post it!

SMALLVILLE IT'S NOT - VOTE FOR THE KANSAS HIT!

Mountain Grove, Kansas. It's the kind of town where everyone knows your name, and is dying to know your business.

William has always been good at keeping his life private, until fate drops Sandy in his lap. He's a home town hero with a secret life - as one of the premiere assassins in the world. She's a beautiful city girl with secrets of her own - she's just retired from the adult entertainment industry and is running scared. When they meet at gunpoint, neither of them are thinking clearly, but as they struggle to avoid crazy Italian assassins, a small town full of nosey neighbors, and the occasional skateboarder, they develop a relationship that is as intense as it is improbable. With nothing left to lose, and each other to gain, they take a chance and roll the dice!

Created/Written by Cary Kelley
Art by Jerry S. Loomis
Colors by Doug Stevens
Letters by Brant W. Fowler

Vote for THE KANSAS HIT in Round 2 of the Small Press Idol contest here.

The Small Press Association (SPA) via Dimestore Productions is currently hosting the annual Small Press Idol Contest. The entrants compete through 4 grueling rounds beginning with a premise and ending with a 12 issue primer issue of their series. The winning entry will receive its own four issue mini-series published through Dimestore Productions.

The contest has advanced to Round 2, where only 15 of the 39 teams currently in the running will advance to the next round.
While THE KANSAS HIT has done well so far, with one week until the deadline for Round 2, things will begin to heat up. We still need all your votes to advance!

The vote is open to ANYONE. All you have to do is register at the forums (free) and post a YES in our Round 2 thread! One vote per person.

You can register at www.dimestoreproductions.com.

Visit THE KANSAS HIT idol page here: www.dimestoreproductions.com/KansasHit

VOTE for THE KANSAS HIT here: The Kansas Hit Round 2 thread






















You MUST be registered to vote. Please vote for us and tell everyone you know to vote for us!

Voting for Round 2 is open until May 7th, 2006!

Thanks for voting!!!

The Kansas Hit (copyright) 2006, Cary Kelley. All images are the sole property of Cary Kelley and may not be reproduced without written consent.

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Myth Conceptions

This week's Myth Conceptions column is up entitled "As the Worlds Turn". I talk about the fictional worlds and where they are derived from, and what they add to fiction stories.

Click the post title to read the column!

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American Idol

Katherine McPhee

This is one of my picks to win American Idol this year.

Not only is she drop-dead gorgeous, but she is incredibly talented and deserves to win.

Some would disagree with this. Funny, I always thought the show should be about showcasing talented people who haven't been able to catch a break. Silly me. And another thing about Katherine is that in her AI Q&A she stated herself that the process was not fair because they turned away talented people in exchange for attractive ones. At least she's honest.

I'd still go on it in a heartbeat if I could (I'm 29 now), but not for the fame as some would assume, but for the chance to make a career out of something I love to do. Same reason I want to work in comics, or act, etc.

But alas, I am one year past the age limit. And while almost every single year since it's inception it has raised the limit, each time allowing me to squeeze in, I don't think that's going to happen anymore. I missed my shot.

Anyway, this season has been the best season of them all for one reason only. Almost everyone this season has deserved to be on the show through their talent. There were one or two exceptions, but for the most part these guys and gals are super talented.

My final four would be Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Elliot Yamin, and Katherine McPhee. Though I love Kellie Pickler and Paris Bennett as well (the other two rounding out the current top six).

Taylor Hicks

My other pick to win. The guy (who is only months younger than me) is incredibly talented and such a throwback that I think his records would sell through the roof. But not because he's an easily marketeable talent, which he is because of this show. But because he's that good.

Chris is great as well, but I worry that he is painted into a corner with his niche. And evidently America doesn't like him swaying from that niche as he got voted in the bottom three for the first time after his rendition of "What A Wonderful World", which I thought was superb.

Elliot is also very skilled, but the guy has a hard time connecting with the fans and portraying emotion.

So if I had it my way, Katherine (Kat) McPhee (Yes, I got the McPHEEVER!) and Taylor Hicks would be the top two. I would be happy with either of them as the next American Idol.

But any way it goes, I'll be watching!

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Indy-Pendant #44

After a little PC trouble as I understand, the column finally is up!

This week I review Horizons #2 from Proletariat Comics.

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Column Delay

Just so everyone knows, I finished and turned my column in yesterday at around 3:30 pm, so I'm not sure what the hold-up is, but I'm sure it will be up as soon as Bryan can get it up there.

I apologize to those who have been trying to access it. Thanks.

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Minor Happenings

Just saw on Yahoo that Miss Kentucky was crowned Miss USA for the first time ever I think. My Mom will be thrilled and disappointed. Thrilled that she won, disappointed that she missed it.

I finally finished revisions on 8 pages of Wanabez that my editor and artist were eagerly awaiting. I just have to get two more pages straightened out and I'll be finished with the issue...unless the editor has changes of course.

I've gotten a lot of lettering done, but still have a lot to go. I've got about 36 or so pages on deck!

My column tomorrow will be a complete review of Horizons #2 from Proletariat Comics. I've already sent it in.

I've been posting promo posts like a mad man all over the internet for The Kansas Hit this week. We seem to, at the moment, have a solid top three spot. We've been in the top three since we posted our entry, but 18 more entries have yet to post. We aren't letting up and all, and we are still asking that you come vote for us! You can check all the details a few posts below.

I've been getting very little sleep this week, and when I do sleep it's at odd hours and for sporadic amounts of time. Which makes me stay tired pretty much all the time. I'm about to fall over as I type this, which is why I got my column done early.

Tonight on Cartoon Network at 9:30 Est. Ultimate Avengers is playing, so I'm going to tape that and watch it later. That's cool, 'cause I was afraid to buy it.

That's about it for now. Please come vote for The Kansas Hit (see the top link in the sidebar also!).

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Vote! Vote! Vote!

A few posts ago I posted about my entry to the Green Goblin vs. Hobgoblin Draw-Off on DW. Well, the poll is now up, so if you like it go VOTE for me!

Also, if you guys and gals haven't already, please headover to the Kansas Hit Round 2 thread that I mentioned here and VOTE for us there!

Thanks to all who have already voted on both of these!

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Twisted Gate

I just got some great news! Several weeks ago I was asked to write a couple of short horror stories based on mythical creatures for Twisted Gate Entertainment. I wrote the two 3-pagers, sent them in and waited.

Several weeks went by with no word. So finally this morning I decided to email and check up to see if they were accepted. Turns out Ray (from Twisted Gate) had sent me a long email about them weeks ago, but I never received it.

Long story short, both stories got accepted! And not only that, but one of them already has completed art, and the other one is being worked on!

Depending on when this book comes out in comparison to the Ronin Studios Fantasy Anthology, these two stories could possibly be my very first officially published comic writing.

So I'm a little excited.

Who am I kidding? I'm a LOT excited!

It was wild because I'm not generally a horror fan, and I definitely didn't think it was my forte when it came to writing. But once I actually started on the research ideas started hitting me and the whole process flowed on both of them. I am very pleased with how the scripts turned out and I can't wait to see the art.

If you want to check out more about Twisted Gate, click the post title to go to their website.

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Myth Conceptions

The new Myth Conceptions column is up featuring an original poem written by me yesterday.

Click the post title to read the column.

This week The Journey Continues as we embark on a new leg of the theme of the column.

Check it out and post your thoughts on the SBC forums!

And while you're here, check out the post below to VOTE FOR US in the Small Press Idol contest!

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Vote for The Kansas Hit!

The Kansas Hit Round 2 entry is posted and awaiting your votes! Cary Kelley is the writer, Jerry S. Loomis the artist, Doug Stevens the colorist, and yours truly the letterer.

The winning entry of the comepetition gets a 4 issue mini-series published by Dimestore!

The voting is open to ANYONE. All you have to do is register (for free) on the Dimestore Forums, and then head over to the Kansas Hit Round 2 thread in the SPA Idol 2006 forum (click the post title above to be taken straight to the KH thread). Once you're there all you have to do is post a big, fat YES. Only 15 entries will advance to the next round.

Please show your support and vote for us! Then tell everyone else you know to do the same!

Wish us luck!

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The Great Goblin Race

Well, despite my proclamation a while back that I wouldn't enter any more draw-offs at Digital Webbing or elsewhere until I improved, I had to enter this one. The prizes were movies! So I had to give it a shot.

Unfortunately this one had to be full color, and I'm terrible at inking and coloring. But I gave it a shot anyway.

First, here are the pencils, inks, and colored pencils I used as a guide:

And here is the final that I entered:

You can see the rest of the entries by clicking the post title.

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Indy-Pendant #43

The new column is up! Click the post title to read the column.

This week I feature a one-on-one interview with John Taddeo, creator of Zoom Suit!

Next week is Horizons, as I promised for this week (see the column ending for an explanation), then probably the following week I review a comic called The Roach, from Robert Roach, among other titles.

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Mouse Guard Interview

My interview with David Petersen, the creator, writer and artist of Mouse Guard is up. Click the post title to read the interview!

Friday

Tomorrow I am not going to be online much at all. I have a ton of stuff to catch up on before the weekend. I'll still check my email every so often, but unless necessary I won't reply until Saturday probably. Any emails I'm supposed to send tonight will most likely be late tonight.

So don't get freaked if you don't hear from me tonight, tomorrow or half of Saturday. Thanks!

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Interviews

Soon I will have a new interview posted on www.silverbulletcomics.com. This one's with David Petersen, the writer/creator/artist of Mouse Guard. I just have to edit it, get some pics and send it in.

Upcoming I will be doing an interview with a team on a certain fantasy novel comic adaptation. More on that as it draws near.

And finally, in this coming Sunday's Indy-Pendant column I will be conducting an in depth interview with John Taddeo, writer/creator of Zoom Suit. In preparation for this I read a lot of other interviews with him, and I think I managed to ask new questions or at least put a spin on some of the old ones.

Keep checking this space for updates on when these go live.

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Words, Words, Words

J. Michael Straczynski has been writing a column over at Newsarama for a few weeks with the same title of this post. The latest installment, while very long, is very, very, very good. In it JMS talks about the reason to write, when to write, what to write and simply that you should get it done. And all those suggestions focus on what YOU like!

It's not really new to any of us who have been writing for any length of time, but it is very well put and very encouraging, or at least it was for me.

For those living under a rock who don't know who JMS is, he wrote Babylon 5 for TV, and has been writing Amazing Spider-Man for quite some time now. He's done a ton of other stuff, but those are probably the two most notable.

He also wrote a book on scriptwriting for film and television that I have read through two or three times. Very informative stuff there.

Anyway, if you are a writer you WILL enjoy this column, I guarantee it.

Check out the latest by clicking this post's title. Check out past installments at the bottom of that page.

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Myth Conceptions

The new Myth Conceptions is up! Click the post title to read it.

This week we cover Rogues Galleries, and I have tons of pics!

Check it out and let me know what you think in the SBC forums.

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Scryptic Studios is Honored

Curious about the big announcement I alluded to about Scryptic in my column yesterday? Click the post title to find out what it's all about. Or at least read the details since I'm going to tell you anyway.

Scryptic Studios was listed among the 101 best websites for writers in Writer's Digest! This is a huge honor for us and we are thankful to all those who have participated in Scryptic since its inception.

This has breathed new life into the Scryptic Crew. Every year Writer's Digest does this, and it requires people to vote for it. Enough of you voted that we got a mention.

Scryptic still needs your support, so make use of the site, and visit the forums as often as you can. And tell us what would make it even better. As a matter of fact, email me at brant@scrypticstudios.com and let me know personally.

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A Rebirth, A Blog Hater and A Bunch O' Other Stuff

First thing's first, whether you were aware or not, the Independent's Day Campaign birthed out of Jason Berek-Lewis' column, Industrial Evolution, had a forum finally. But because of some unknown problems it stopped working.

Well, everything's fixed now and it has a new address. You can click the post title to get to it, or just go to Creators and Publishers Unite.

In issue #174 of Wizard Magazine there was an interview with Ron Marz about various things including the new Cyberforce and Ion series. In the interview it was also brought up about Marz's website being under construction for a long time. This was followed by a statement by Marz that rubbed me the wrong way. Here is what he said word for word, according to Wizard:

"I'm not going to be blogging because frankly if I'm going to be writing something I'd rather get paid for it."

He then takes a stab at some nameless creators who supposedly spend more time writing on their websites than turning in actual work.

Now he may or may not have meant this the way I'm taking it, but to me it felt like a stab at all us bloggers and that his time was worth more money than ours. It just didn't set well with me, and until it's clarified further I have personally lost a little respect for the man.

I'm am chugging along with the workload on my plate. Doesn't look like I'm making that draw off deadline unless they extend it, but it's the least important thing right now.

I made plenty of headway on lettering and logos this weekend, not so much on writing.

Had some family problems the past couple of days that hindered a bit as well. I think I'm going to have more alone time this week though, so I should be able to get back on track.

That's about it for me. I've wasted enough time as it is. Better go produce some actual work before Ron Marz extends his views to us nobodies.

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Indy-Pendant #42

Tomorrow the 42nd installment of Indy-Pendant goes live.

This week I feature Twilight X: War issues 1-4 from Antarctic Press.

I also review Family Bones #1 from King Tractor Press coming out in May.

I briefly mention the SPA Idol contest, a forthcoming announcement from Scryptic Studios and issue 2 of the Horizons magazine from Proletariat Comics.

Click the post title to check out the column tomorrow. Enjoy!

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Breaktime

April showers are in full effect, and man is it making it hard to concentrate. I used to love to draw or read on rainy days. Today I was home so I ended up sleeping a lot. lol. I was up late last night working on lettering and didn't get much sleep, so this afternoon when the rain was pouring I just dozed off.

I've had 21 of the 32 pages for Division Shadow (which in totality will be a 180 page graphic novel) come in to letter, and got the script earlier than expected.

I also got 7 pages and script for another project (with amazing art!), and got picked for another submission package, but they are snail mailing me the files.

I've managed to get all the pages of all the projects I currently have loaded into templates and ready to go. About half of them have the text already on the page as well. So I'm getting there.

I still have two columns to write this weekend, and at least ten pages of script (5 pages for two projects) I need to complete by tomorrow.

I'd also love to enter the latest Digital Webbing draw-off, but it's due by 3am Eastern Monday Morning, and I haven't even started. Not to mention it's a full color rendering, and my coloring isn't exactly pro level (or amateur level for that matter). But the prizes rock. Free dvds for one! Oh well, we'll see.

Ultimate Fighter 3 debuted last night and was pretty good. With Ortiz and Shamrock as the coaches things could get real interesting as they legitimately hate each other.

Smallville was a decent episode last night, but I'm afraid it may be losing steam.

Supernatural was another good episode last night as well. This show has really surprised me as when it was first advertised I thought it would be corny (yep, showing my age with that "corny" statement). But I've really enjoyed it. My brother and I haven't missed an episode.

The O.C. (yep, I'm a sucker for teen dramas, at least some of them. This one's pretty good and mentions comics pretty often) was a pretty good episode as well. The only thing that bothers me is once again all four main characters are single, Ryan and Marissa are still doing thier back and forth thing, and Seth is still being stupid and once again losing the cool girl he's been in love with since 1st grade. I don't know how many times they can keep recycling that plot. It's only the second season and it's already getting really predictable.

Tonight is Smackdown night, which gives me about 2 and a half hours to work on stuff, so I guess I've taken enough of a break.

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That Time Again

Every so often I take a few days away from the mad internet posting to catch up on life and projects. It's that time again. While I don't have nearly as much backed up as I have in other instances such as this, I anticipate an onpouring this weekend, so I want to get as much stuff out of the way as possible.

On top of that I haven't done a whole lot of writing lately with all the lettering and other stuff taking all my free time. So I'd like to get back to some of that.

Right now I have 13 pages to letter as of today, with several other pages once I get the script for another project, and even more pages from other projects that have yet to come in. I still have a couple of logos to finalize as well.

As for writing, I made a committment to get a few pages revised of Wanabez and send them in for edits. I also have to revise Aroquin and send that to the artist. Then there are some other things I want to get started or finished up before I have to devote my writing to the columns this weekend.

And finally, I have to continue my efforts on finding funding for www.scrypticstudios.com, something I haven't mentioned here, but may soon given the situation at hand with the site.

Then there's life, which I tend to neglect a lot. lol. So what this means is I will not be as active as usual on messageboards. I will still check my emails, of course, and I will probably briefly pop into my favorite hangouts to see what's poppin', But no involved discussions for me more than likely.

On a few side notes, the SPA/Dimestore site is still down, and that sucks.

I still haven't heard back from Platinum Studios about the last revision I sent in about 3 or so weeks ago. The only reason I haven't contacted them yet is because I figured I'd take the time to catch up on things. The only problem with that is almost everyday something gets added to the list! I had 10 immediate goals (out of many more) a couple of weeks ago. Everyday I have been able to scratch off at least one, sometimes three or four. Today I still have ten on that list. That's how fast they pile up. Not complaining at all, because I love it. Just saying.

So anyway, I've been pretty consistent lately about posting every day here, and I'm going to try to continue that throughout the weekend, even if it's just a small post. But just in case I don't get to it, you'll know where I'm at.

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Message Boards

Why is it so easy to be sucked into message board discussions? I'm not talking about your good-hearted, friendly threads that are always fun. I'm talking about the controversial ones. The ones where people are passionate to the point of fanaticism on their personal views. Why is it so easy to let yourself stoop to that level and participate in these discussions when you know your empty words across a computer screen won't change the way someone else thinks in most cases?

Maybe it's because you feel passionate about it too, and want your voice heard. Or maybe it's because there are blurred lines and you seek answers. Or maybe you're just a sucker. I'm trying to figure out which one I am right now.

Over the past two or three months I've allowed myself to be sucked into these threads and fear I have become one of those posters I so can't stand. You know the ones. They always have to be right and make a point, and never let anyone sway their thinking.

Now I think I'm pretty open in that if someone proves me wrong I'll accept it with open arms. And more than anything I want answers. But lately I seem to have been on some righteous cause, being fed up with these kind of posters and telling everyone about it. And in doing so I may have just sunk to their level, and that sucks.

It just comes out of nowhere. You don't see it coming, you don't expect it, it just happens. It's just hard not to get involved in a discussion where you want answers or you're sick of bashing, or whatever the case may be. But, as I knew before all this, I have to once again realize that their words on a computer screen don't amount to a hill of beans, and their arguments just don't matter all that much. You need to pick and choose your battles, and lately my energy has been depleted on lesser battles that don't affect any outcome worth affecting.

For me personally after today I am taking the high road and staying out of these heated, senseless rambling discussions of internet fans who like to hear their own voices. There are far better threads out there that involve polite, friendly discussions and people that would be a much better use of my free time I think.

So this is my apology to the internet message boards for sinking to that level, if that is in fact what I have done. I'm still not sure. All I know is my dog in those fights is down for the count. I'm putting him to sleep. It's just not worth it.

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Haters

Every once in a while an artist comes along that just gets under people's skin. Whether it be a lack of solid anatomy, a style preference, accusations (and in some cases solid proof of) plagarism, or "ripping", or whatever.

Part of this bothers me. While I don't think it's okay to rip someone else's work (poses, panels, etc.) unless it's an homage, I also don't have the hate in me to bash them continuously. I don't see the purpose that serves and it gets really old really fast.

There are several pretty popular examples of these artists in recent months and years that are pretty well-known in the comics community. Two in particular come to mind, being Greg Land and Rob Liefeld.

Before going any further I'd like to say I was a fan of both of these guys. I fell in love with Land's work on Crossgen's Sojourn, and I was as big an X-Force and Youngblood fan as any back in the day. I still think both of these guys have a lot of talent, whether anyone agrees or disagrees.

Now, both of these guys, and others, have been pretty openly accused of ripping from other people's work (stealing poses, panel layouts, etc. in layman's terms), and a lot of 'evidence' and 'proof' has been shown to make these claims, and a lot of it is pretty condemning.

Now I don't personally have the time or energy to go through countless books, magazines, posters, etc. to find all of these examples, but some people out there seem to have nothing better to do than pour through every image they can find to make the comparison, and thus have provided some examples.

First up, work by Greg Land:

Brad Pitt in Troy=Magneto

Before:

After:

Comparison:

Now Liefeld:

These are just some examples. I'm sure those with much more time on their hands and nothing better to do can find plenty more. I just don't have the time or will to waste that much energy on something as pointless as this.

Now, in my own personal opinion a lot of this stuff does look like they ripped from other artists. Some of the pieces I could see as an homage. Most probably not. So I am not defending this in the slightest, let me make that perfectly clear. But that's not what bothers me.

Both of these artists obviously have a lot of artistic merit if you look at their work. Liefeld has problems with anatomy, true, but for me most of it didn't detract too much from the overall work. Liefeld was one of my earliest inspirations in wanting to become a comic artist myself. I admired and respected what he was able to do when I was a teenager. I think he has improved a great deal.

Greg Land's photo-realistic art is just amazing, whether he rips poses or not. He's still an amazing artist.

My problem with the haters, though, is that they just love to hate on these guys. I guarantee 90% of them have never met either one of these guys personally, nor ever heard their personal stance on the accusations of fans. For me personally, unless you know someone personally and can talk to them face to face, or unless they make a public statement about it, or something of that nature then you really don't have a right to sit in judgement of these people.

But I understand in any form of media, or anytime someone is in the public eye they fall under a certain amount of scrutiny. I just think it's a waste of time to find every thread on every messageboard on the subject of these artists and make post after post bashing them. Say it once, let your thoughts and opinions be known, then move on with your life.

I just think a lot of people become bitter at their success because they don't think they truly earned it, and I can see that point to a degree. But nobody on the face of God's green earth has the right to sit in a seat of judgement. We are all flawed and we all make mistakes, and sin, if you will, on a daily basis.

I won't justify the swipes artists make as it is technically stealing from another artist's work. But I also won't sit in a seat of judgement. I don't know either of these artists, or many other artists accused all the same, so I haven't heard their defense on this matter. The artists themselves probably hear this so much that they stopped trying to defend it and just let people think what they will, regardless. And I think that's the smartest way to handle it.

The fact of the matter is both these guys are doing well, and any publicity is good publicity. These guys will keep working whether anyone likes it or not. But it's simple. If you feel that strongly about it don't buy their books, plain and simple. This doesn't mean you have to attack their personal integrity on a daily basis and label them as bad human beings.

For me there are far more important causes to be up in arms about than whether a comic artist ripped a panel or not. It's ridiculous, in my opinion, to boycott their titles for that reason alone. If you don't like the art, then don't buy it, but don't avoid it for some self-righteous indignation.

But alas, my words will fall on deaf ears, because if there's one thing I've learned about comic fans and aspiring comic artists over the years is that they become fanatical and almost obsessed (same with hardcore fans of any form of entertainment or people in the public eye) in their causes and somehow forget that all these artists (or writers, movie stars, even preachers, etc., etc.) are human too.

I thank God that I don't have the energy to hate as much as these boneheads just for the sake of hating or for making some self-righteous stand. More power to you all that do this. As for me, I will probably still by Liefeld and Land art if I like the stories they are illustrating.

Whether I agree or disagree with their methods, I'm no hater.

B-Out

Myth Conceptions

The latest installment of Myth Conceptions is up. You can read it by clicking the post title.

This week ends the two-part discussion on antagonists as Jason and Cary stop by to hash it out.

Chuck is mentioned briefly in the column, and I meant to link his name to his blog, so I did that here instead.

Cary's new column is up as well: Merely This and Nothing More.

Check them out!

B-Out

Facing the Storm...

Man, the weather here got bad earlier. So bad I unplugged the computer just in case. I have a surge protector, but still. Luckily it has all calmed down now and all is well. My computer at least got a nice rest.

Speaking of the computer, I've been having problems with certain applications, namely ones that eat up a lot of memory. They won't run with other programs open, which leads me to believe it's a memory problem. As soon as I can I'm going to get some more, but until then there's no more online for me while lettering.

The SPA site is still down. Some stupid problems with the server. I know Ian has been working hard on it for days now trying to switch servers and all. Just sucks it's in the middle of the contest. Luckily it gives the Kansas Hit team a few more days to get everything together. With any luck we'll post ours first.