Category: Comics
Beatty: World’s Most Dangerous Sketch Artist / Bellathon
Since you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance that you know my buddy, John Beatty. That’s not really John in the photo above. John’s actually a little more intimidating. Ah, but I kid. I kid because I care. The truth is I do care. John is my oldest and closest friend [outside of my wife who is actually a little older and much closer], but I think you get the idea. Anyway…
John’s cat, Peepers got sick not too long ago. The medical bills were unexpected and fairly expensive. The good news is Peepers got better. The bad news is that John and Bella [John’s wife for those keeping score] had to dip into money that they’d been saving for Bella to take a trip back to the Philippines to see her family. They did it without second thoughts and figured that they’d both work a little longer/harder to make up the money spent. And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.
From time to time, I join John when he’s sketching for fans on U-Stream. John always likes when I show up to “co-host” because it allows him to spend more time looking at what he’s drawing since I moderate the typed in questions and can interact with the fans. There’s always a lot of laughter, convention stories, trivia, movie, tv and pop culture talk. And it’s always interesting to see who pops in to join the fun — other artists, friends, and strangers… not to mention [but I’m going to] John’s regulars aka The Corduroy Mafia.
So I suggested to John that we do a “Bellathon”. “What?” was John’s response and probably yours too. I explained. We’d do a U-Stream sketch session to help raise money for Bella’s trip to see her family. At first John was hesitant. Some fans had already purchased sketches [and even donated some bucks] when they first heard about Peepers being sick. I countered that the Bellathon would simply be another U-Stream session with me, but the proceeds would go towards Bella’s trip. Fans would still get great deals on art and they’d know the money was going to a specific cause. I felt it was a win-win for all involved. John thought about it and agreed.
So here’s the broad strokes – John and I will be U-Streaming our BELLATHON this Saturday. John will be offering a variety of sketches. All the details can be found at John’s site. I hope you can attend, even if you don’t plan to get a sketch. It’s going to be a blast… and for a great cause!
Walt Simonson Knows “Nature’s Way”
If you’re a fan of comic books, Walt Simonson, Charlton Comics, The Twilight Zone or twist endings, then you might get a kick out of this four page story drawn by Walt Simonson back in 1973 for Charlton’s The Twilight Zone #50. The story is called “Nature’s Way” and can be read in its entirety here thanks to the great folks at io9.com.
Chris Stevens Gets Carter
I’ve been a huge fan of Chris Stevens’ art since I first discovered him on Deviant Art. When I first met Chris, he was pretty much an unknown artist just starting to make waves. He wasn’t even a guest at the show. Suddenly Chris burst on the scene and it seemed everyone loved his style. And why wouldn’t they? The following year, Chris was a featured guest and a line of fans that would make any artist proud!
When I found out that Chris was putting together his first sketchbook, I knew I was going to want one. The fact that Chris included free headshots with advance purchases was a beautiful bonus. I’m hoping that Chris will have a new edition sketch book next year, and will offer the same deal again! Until then, we have Chris DA Art Gallery to hold us over!
Walking Dead Weekly
If you’re a Walking Dead fan, who didn’t discover the series until after the back issue prices had already gone through the roof… boy, are you in luck! Starting in January, Image Comics will begin reprinting the single issues of the series — shipping one issue per week all year long! For full details, click here. [Via Newsarama]
The Walking Dead Books It
One of my favorite comics, The Walking Dead, may soon become one of my favorite tv shows. It may also become one of my favorite novel trilogies. That’s right, it’s been announced that…
…Thomas Dunne Books, a division of St. Martin’s Press, will publish a trilogy of original novels set in The Walking Dead “universe,” beginning in 2011. Kirkman will conceptualize and outline the books, which will then be developed by horror novelist Jay Bonansinga (Perfect Victim, Shattered).
Darwyn Cooke Takes on The Outfit
Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of Richard Stark’s classic crime novel The Outfit is now available. In case you’re late getting in the game, The Outfit is Cooke’s follow-up to his award-winning adaptation of Richard Stark’s The Hunter. Stark aka Donald Westlake gave his blessing to the original plus three additional adaptations. In honor of the release of The Outfit Darwyn Cooke sat down for an in-depth interview with Tucker Stone for the Comics Alliance. Here’s a taste:
Palance was Westlake’s only visual reference. When I changed Parker, the idea was always to use plastic surgery as a metaphor for his emotional regression. He’s meant to look like a rawer, more stripped down version of himself… His jaw, and most importantly, his eyes, are the same. The rest is meant to reflect a man drained of things like remorse and compassion. A loveless, unadorned man.
I’ve got two more of these books to do. My plan is to finish the fourth one for my 50th birthday… I can tell you that it’s not wearing on me, working on this character. I can see him being a part of what I do for a long time. Maybe not constantly, but he’s going to be there.
Again, this is the benefit of having a few exchanges with Donald. One of his concerns was that I understood that Parker doesn’t operate out of anger. He never commits a violent act out of anger. He does it because it’s the expedient thing to do. It’s the practical thing, a survival mechanism.
I could continue to pull interesting quotes from the interview, but why not just read it. You’ll get insight into Cooke’s process in adapting the Stark novels, his [and Stark’s] take on what makes Parker tick, which crime movies were influences [and which modern crime classic Cooke thinks is over-rated], and so much more. Congrats to Tucker Stone and Comic Alliance for a great read and thanks to Darwyn Cooke for bringing Parker back.
CBR.com also has a nice little interview with preview art from Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of Richard Stark’s The Outfit.
Jason Walker’s John Spartan
My buddy, Jason Walker, gives a free headsketch with every sketchbook of his that you purchase. This is his take on Sly as John Spartan from Demolition Man. The caption says, “To Craig: Eating at Fuel leads to a need for the three sea shells. best – J. Walker”. Seems everyone but Spartan knows how to use the three sea shells. You can see more of Jason’s art here.
Francesco Francavilla’s 31 Days of Halloween
Francesco Francavilla is no stranger to the ZONE. I’ve posted about his art and gotten sketches from Francesco for my Stallone-theme collection. Over at one of his blogs for the entire month of October, Francesco is running what he calls the 31 Days of Halloween. Every day Francesco posts a drawing [sometimes more] of a monster, vampire, werewolf, well… you get the idea. It’s a great idea and a lot of fun. I hope you can join us.
Mike “Hellboy” Mignola Speaks
MTV Geek has posted a really interesting video interview with Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Mike talks about breaking into comics, his artistic influences, the development of Hellboy, how Hellboy has changed over the years, the future of comics and a whole lot more.
The interview can be seen here and is definitely worth a look.
Dan Hipp Provides a Treat
Dan Hipp is the immensely talented artist behind Gyakushu Volume 1; Gyakushu Volume 2; Amazing Joy Buzzards; and a bunch of other stuff including his website. Dan must love Halloween because for the month of October he is giving fans a real treat. For the month of October the entire series of GYAKUSHU! can be read online here for free!
So check it out and if ya dig it, let Dan know!
Charlie Adlard Draws the Dead
Not only do I like the above Walking Dead teaser poster much better than the last one, but it comes attached to a CBR.com interview with Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard!
Donald Duck and Glenn Beck Mash-Up!
I’m not a Donald Duck fan. I’m not a Glenn Beck fan. But put them together in this expertly edited cartoon and I can dig it. [Via Miss Cellania]
Let’s Hear It for Dave Wachter!
I’ve been talking up Dave Wachter and his art for a while now. Dave Wachter is one of the best kept secrets in comics and an all-around great guy. Seems like the secret is starting to get out thanks to the fine folks at Comic Alliance. So, this post is to help keep the ball rolling because it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!
Otis Frampton: Cop Land
Otis Frampton’s art is no stranger to the StalloneZone. I’ve told you about Otis’ 7-7-7 Sundays before. I’ve been fortunate enough to get three previous sketches from Otis — Rambo, Jack Carter and Cosmo Carboni. You can see them here.
I finally got to meet Otis in person at Heroes Con last year. When Otis attends conventions he has sketchbooks that he sells for a buck each. Yep, one buck. And to make the deal even more enticing, Otis includes a free headsketch. For mine he did Freddy from Cop Land. I would have gladly paid a buck a piece to have Otis draw Sly from every movie he’s done, but the idea is to get new fans to give Otis’ work a look. So instead, whenever I ran into a friend who’d never heard of Otis I’d slap a buck down and buy ’em a copy of the sketchbook with a free headsketch. Luckily none of them requested Sly, or I might have had to keep the copy for myself. ; )
