General
December 29th, 2017 | Posted in General
The startup comic book company I recently did some work for, Sitcomics, is getting some press for both the “Binge Book” format of their comics and how they are trying to buck the standard comic book distribution system with what they call “sell-through distribution”. Bleedingcool has a write-up as does The Outhousers. Sitcomics publisher and main writer Darin Henry wanted to do something different with his comic book lineup. Coming from a background as a successful TV writer (Futurama, Seinfeld, The Ellen Show, etc) he is applying today’s new dynamic of TV consumption to comics. His “Binge Books” contain 64 page full story arcs for… READ MORE
December 28th, 2017 | Posted in General
I’m currently working on my first job for the new MAD staff, and part of this project requires me to recreate the look/style of another cartoonist. MAD does this sort of thing quite often, having lampooned comic strips, comic books, book illustrators, and other visual artists over the years requiring one of their artists to “ape” the look of another artist to pull off the parody. Doing a perfect copy of the style of another artist isn’t exactly the goal with a parody. It’s more capturing the “feel” of the work and certain signature elements of it, so the viewer sees it and instantly recognizes… READ MORE
December 25th, 2017 | Posted in General
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Peace, Happiness, and Joy to all! READ MORE
December 19th, 2017 | Posted in General
I saw “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” last Thursday while on vacation in Orlando. I must say I am surprised by some of the vitriol a few people are spewing about it online. There’s even an online petition for Disney to get the movie stricken from the “official canon”. Good Grief, people. It’s a MOVIE, not your life’s work. You sit on your ass and watch it… that’s the extent of your involvement. SMH. Personally, despite some disappointing elements, I thought it was a pretty good addition to the Star Wars series, better than any of the prequels, and I thought as good as “The… READ MORE
December 12th, 2017 | Posted in General
Last night was a tough night for a lot of the Usual Gang of Idiots. The MAD staff is just putting the finishing touches on issue #550, which goes to press next week. It will be the last issue of MAD produced in New York City, where MAD has been produced for over 65 years. Last night there was a “wrap” party of sorts for the staff and major contributors at the Society of Illustrators. I flew in from my vacation in Orlando to say goodbye (professionally anyway) to some people who have been a very important part of my life for over 17 years.… READ MORE
December 11th, 2017 | Posted in General
In subscribers mailboxes, comic book shops, and available digitally now, and on news stands everywhere tomorrow: MAD #549 (February 2018) Cover (Mark Fredrickson) The Fundalini Pages (Jeff Kruse, Bob Staake, Matt Lassen, Peter Kuper, Brian Boone, Chris Houghton, Mike Morse, John Kerschbaum, Kenny Keil, John McNamee, Rick Tulka, Samuel Ferri) The MAD 20 Dumbest People, Events and Things of 2017 (opener: Mike Morse, Scott Bricher) Team Trump Colludes with Russians (Artist: Mark Fredrickson) Bill O’Reilly (Uncredited) United Airlines Passenger Removal (Writers: Joe Raiola & Charlie Kadau) White Supremacists March (Artist: Tom Richmond) Academy Award Show Screw-Up (Artist: Chris Wahl) Trump on Twitter (Artist: Mike Loew)… READ MORE
December 8th, 2017 | Posted in General
It’s been a while since the Demon has reared his ugly head… not because I’ve not had deadlines but because I’ve actually been home for a solid month 7 straight weeks (almost) and been able to keep up with things. Not so right now, As I am headed out for a week starting Saturday and need to finish a big job before I hit the road. See you on the other side! READ MORE
November 28th, 2017 | Posted in General
The National Cartoonists Society Foundation‘s Thanks&Giving art auction to benefit hurricane relief efforts is down to its final two days. If you have not at least visited Heritage Auction‘s auction NCSF auction pages, do yourself a favor and go take a look. Bid if you can or wish, but enjoy looking at the images. There are some amazing pieces in there. Looking at them myself I’m reminded how rare these sorts of pieces of original art are starting to become. A few weeks ago I was at a cartooning get together and I overheard an artist I admire telling another how he now does 100%… READ MORE
