Category: Comics

“Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters” (2022) / Z-View

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Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022)

Director:  Kevin Konrad Hanna, Jim Demonakos

Stars: Mike Mignola, Christine Mignola, Mike Carlin, Art Adams, Stephen Green, Duncan Fegredo, Guillermo del Toro, Patton Oswalt and Ron Perlman.

Tagline: The secret origin of Hellboy

The Plot…

Documents the life of Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, from his early days trying to break into comics to the success of his Hellboy universe in comics, prose and movies.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mignola’s relationship with Guillermo del Toro is interesting.  Especially when Mignola said, “Hellboy wouldn’t do that” and del Toro responded, “My Hellboy would.”  Mignola seemed to take it well.  He understood that the comic Hellboy and the “movie” Hellboy were not exactly the same.  But this could be what led to there not being a third del Toro Hellboy movie.

Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (2022) rates 4 of 5 stars.

MARSHALL ROGERS: BRIGHTEST DAYS & DARKEST KNIGHTS is Coming!

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Marshall Rogers burst on the scene and became a fan favorite with his art for Batman and Mr. Miracle.  He branched out doing more independent comics such as Demon with a Glass Hand (with Harlan Ellison), Detectives, Inc. (with Don McGregor) and Coyote (with Steve Englehart) to name a few.  Although Marshall Rogers left us prematurely, the impact of his art lives on.

A Marshall Rogers biography is coming.  Here’s the lowdown…

From underdog to icon, Marshall Rogers helped redefine Batman for generations, inspiring readers and up-and-coming artists alike. Initially savaged by editors at DC Comics, his style was uniquely complex with vast and angular architectural design anchoring his storytelling, and it immediately caught on with fans for his depictions of the Darknight Detective, Hugo Strange, The Joker, Silver St. Cloud, Dr. Strange, Cap’n Quick and a Foozle, and more. And though his output was relatively small in comparison to many of his contemporaries, his impact outlived the artist himself, and inspired a loyal following and affection.

Now, Rogers’ story is told by friends, collaborators, and family members, delving deep into a complicated and conflicted man and his art, as we feature inker Terry Austin, friend and fellow artist Michael Netzer, Dan Greenfield’s extensive interview with writer Steve Englehart (conducted for 13thDimension.com), and others recounting their time and camaraderie with Rogers, alongside an in-depth interview with Marshall himself, and a wealth of art both familiar and rarely seen.

Written by Jeff Messer and Dewey Cassell (authors of the Eisner Award-nominated Mike Grell: Life Is Drawing Without An Eraser), this book shines a light on the fan-favorite artist’s brightest moments and darkest days.

Featuring a new cover collaboration by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin!

MARSHALL ROGERS: BRIGHTEST DAYS & DARKEST KNIGHTS drops on July 8th.

Jack Carter by Sam Banchard aka Shlepzig!

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Sam Banchard aka Shlepzig had a unique style.  I loved it.  In addition to being an artist, Sam was a teacher, a fencer, a husband and so much more.  I met Sam in 2022 at HeroesCon.  I got the commission above, went back for another and introduced my friends to his art.  They got pieces and all commented on how humble and nice Sam was.

Sadly Sam passed away at the end of 2024.  He was way too young.  Thankfully his art will live on.