Jim, Charles, Junior, Charlie and Shawn

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What a great time I had today.  I woke up early, but since I have the next couple of weeks off, I was able to take my time to leisurely get ready for my trip to Orlando to see my buddies, Jim Ivey [in the middle looking like a thin Santa] and Rob Smith, Jr. [on the left, looking like he’s starting a Santa beard himself].  We were joined by Charles Treadwell, who like Jim and Rob, is also an artist. 

We met at Junior’s Diner and for nearly three hours we had breakfast and a lot of fun.  We shared stories from the past, caught up on what has been happening in our lives, and basically shot the bull.  The food was excellent and the company even better.  Since I drove Jim, it was my duty to get him back home, but not without a trip to Charlie’s Bakery for a box of double-chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies to go with the cigars and lottery tickets that I got him for Christmas.  When we got back to Jim’s it was just in time to see his old buddy, Roy, pull in.  Roy was carrying a bag of books and more for Jim.  Christmas indeed came early for Mr. Ivey.

Shawn Surface had planned to attend the breakfast get-together, but obligations at work forced him to cancel.  Shawn told me to swing by his work if I could because he had a sketch he’d drawn for me.  So after dropping off Jim, I called Shawn, who said to come on by.  I did and things were slow enough that Shawn and I were able to hang out for a bit.  We talked about Shawn’s progress on Kuduman, a new series, Shawn plans to debut in 2012.  Shawn also gifted me with a very cool Stallone as Judge Dredd sketch that I’ll post in the coming weeks.

Finally it was time for me to get back on the road for my drive home.  I was smiling the whole way back.  I can’t remember the last time I had such a relaxed, free-flowing day with friends.


Mike Torrance Hits the Bullseye with Rambo

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Mike Torrance aka The Krayola Kidd shows us his take on Sly as Rambo.

Recently Mike ran a “Black Friday” discount on his sketches and sketchcards. Since I’m a fan of Mike’s art, I naturally jumped on board for several. Mike, as he always does, went above and beyond. Next week I plan to share the present he included. It’s too cool.

Until then, you can see more of Mike’s art at The Daily Sketch with The Krayola Kidd and his Deviant Art site. Mike is available for commissions and his prices are very reasonable.

 

“Expendables 2” Trailer Hits

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If you don’t like this trailer for The Expendables 2, then turn in your man card.

 

Drive Sequel Due in April 2012

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Just a little over five years ago I posted about two great crime noir novels I’d just read.  One was Drive by James Sallis.  [The other was The Wheelman by Duane Swierczynski.]  Drive was the story of a get-a-way driver brought in on a heist that was a set-up from the start.  It went on to become a major motion picture that fans and critics loved.  This coming April, James Sallis and the Driver return in the sequel, Driven. 

Six years later – Phoenix.  Out of nowhere someone wants Driver dead.
Who?  Why?  Big mistake.

I’m looking forward to the novel and would love to see the team that made the movie return for the sequel.

Dave Johnson’s Hi-Lo

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Dave Johnson is one of the most talented artists working today.  He is the go-to guy if you need a cool cover design.  Reverend Dave recently started a weekly blog, Johnson Cover Hi-Lo, in which he talks about the comic covers that just hit the stands.  Dave tells you what he likes and why as well as the same for those that don’t make the grade. 

Dave doesn’t talk about the artists who created the covers, but simply their choices, either good or bad.  I’m not an artist, but I enjoy learning about the process.  You might, too.

Oh, and by the way, Dave drew the above cover and snuck into the art a little personal commentary about his feelings for the editor’s design choice.  Well played, Dave.  Well played.