Yet ANOTHER New Cartoon!

I present to thee....ROTTEN TEENAGERS. The timeless tale of adolescence gone awry. Actually, this was inspired by my years spent in high school with friends bragging about how totally wasted they were and how they pushed the boundaries of human intoxication to limits never seen before. I think this happens in every generation, so the tale is timeless. It has a little surprise twist to it too. This is my third "shortie" style cartoon in a row. I'm enjoying doing these simple little scenario shorts. Feedback has been positive. I think I'm going to do some more of these "real life" experience cartoons. Names will be changed to protect the ignorant.

The Modern Masters

This is a part of my "stash". I sometimes lay these books on the ground and roll around in them naked (ouch...the papercuts!)These are books by/about some of my favorite artisits. I though tI might take a little time to share just why I enjoy their work so much. By the numbers(in no particular order) :

1) JOE OLLMAN- He's out of Canada and his writing is as impressive as his art. His character's gestures really add life to the stories. Cartoony in the best of ways, its like watching little mini-movies when you read his books. Really has a great eye for design. His work has a sweetness (not sugary)to it that is very addictive. Very inspiring. http://www.wagpress.com/

2) JOHN BYRNE-Like many growing up in the 80's, Byrne was the man. He defines the modern comic rockstar for me. If Byrne was doing his take on a character it was totally his own. I think he is singlehandedly responsible for the massive popularity of Wolverine, his version was so defining. Is that a good thing? Now we have Wolverine up the ying yang. Any way- his 70's/80's stuff is beyond compare. Byrne rocks! Google him.

3) DAN CLOWES- Clowes work shows the versatility of comics. His mood and attitude in his art is so non-fanboy that even someone who hates comics can get into his stuff. He has a spooky eye for clean, crisp design. His characters are some of my favorite pieces of art ever. He makes me want to be a better "artist"...not just a draw-er (I almost typed "drawer"). He's the one who got me re-interested in comic book art. Google him.

4) HARVEY KURTZMAN- In short, the greatest layouts in comics EVER. What a sense of spacing and framing this guy had. Amazing. His work in early MAD is legendary. His covers for TWO FISTED TALES and the other war comics are among my favorite art pieces. Genius design and perspective drawing. Harvey is the guy I try to emulate the most when I draw....I hope it shows. Google him, its worth it.

5) SERGIO ARRAGONES-Sergio was my first art hero. His work in MAD and GROO is brilliant. Attitude-wise, he's got the personality that I wish to have one day. Nobody can draw like Sergio. Such a unique and cool style. He is amazing in his detail. Everything is perfect yet cartoon. Confident but really humble. Sergio truly is a stud and a class act in real life. http://www.sergioaragones.com/

6)AL JAFFEE-Hands down the most underated artist in the world. He does so much more than the fold ins and Snappy Answers for MAD. His sense of humor is very much responsible for my own. I grew up with this guy. He and Sergio were like tutors to me as a kid. Jaffee's art is incredible. His characters always seemed to be posed in an "acting" shot. Great subtleties in his work. Nobody draws the "rich" like Al Jaffee. A legend. Google him.

7) JACK KIRBY- Just the king of comic artists. Period. Google him.

New Cartoon!

NEVER RAT

Never ever ever rat on your homeboy. Well, ok, maybe every now n' then? While I, in no way, have ever been a thug or a gangsta, I did have an experience that inspired this cartoon(although much less sinister). At the age of 6 or so, I was caught behaving badly in a supermarket. My friend (who was also caught) told me "lets make up a story. He was older, so I followed, as young followers do. After all- he was the professional criminal mastermind, right?

I stuck to my story....and he snitched me out. Sigh.

So I killed him with a tire iron. Hey, I was 6 yrs old, I couldn't get a gun. Enjoy the cartoon.

Dear FBI...I am totally joking. (it was a hammer)

Whammy!

One of my favorite songs (Whammy Kiss) by one of my favorite groups (B-52s). This was my favorite era for them....like 82-83. Whammy is a great album. In my humble opinion, their best. Go search it on iTunes. Check out the way Cindy Wilson dances (in yellow). She rocks so hard. "I aint foolin' gimme a refuelin'!"

El Muerto Lives!

El Muerto, as drawn by yours truly. El Muerto is the only superhero ever from Whittier, CA- at least I think so. I know Richard Nixon was from Yorba Linda or something...but that's beside the point. Javier Hernandez is just one of the many talented creators that populate the San Gabriel Valley area. Check out what Javier is up to by clicking here.

David Hopkins the Magic Viking

Every now and then I like to do a portrait of my friend, David Hopkins. why? Because he's just a fun guy to draw. David is a writer from Arlington, TX. He is also a magic viking that weilds a sword and controls the lightning with his bare hands. Oh yeh, he had me killed in one of his published stories (see Karma Incorporated/Viper comics) David can be found here.

Ain't She Sweet?

Yes, I constantly draw ugly girls....but once and a while I can make pretty pictures. Aaaaaaw.

San Gabriel...the Hidden Valley

Might be cool. Might go. I'm interested in meeting the creator of El Muerto, Javier Hernandez. He's doing some really cool stuff and is local . God bless the San Gabriel Valley.

Monkey on Cell

Don't ask me why, how, or what inspired this. But here is a quick sketch I did the other night. I don't know wo "Gordon" is, but I'm sure the monkey doesn't appreciate his patronizing tone.
4x6/ink/digital colors

Gangsta Chick

Here's a little sketch I did of my co-worker. This very flattering piece was but a gift of friendship. It feels good to give. To bring joy to a co-worker's heart with the gift of art. aaaaaah.
Caption: "You can take the girl out of Valinda..." Btw, Valinda is a town that neighbors mine. I tease because I care.

Brock Rizy: the Brocketeer!

Inside joke. Had fun drawing. 4x6 sharpie/colored pencils/marker.

Random Sketch: Vision in Tears

I have this book, Stan Lee's Marvels (hence my Marvel fascination as of late) and in the book there is a drawing of the Vision crying. Here's my take. 4x6 ink/crayon.

Random Sketch: Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem, from No Country For Old Men. Ink/crayon on 4x6 card. Take one part Jules from Pulp Fiction and one part Hannibal Lectre....and there you have the killer from No Country.

Random Sketch: Silver Surfer

Continuing my Marvel Comics kick, here's a sketch of my favorite super hero, the Silver Surfer. Theres just something cool about him. Maybe its that he's "silver" and "surfs"? I dunno. Both this sketch, and my previous (Sub Mariner) were done on 4x6 index cards, sharpie pens, and colored with crayons (thanks Julia for letting me use them). I did 2 other sketches tonight, will be posting those in the upcoming days.