Category: Art

Darwyn Cooke & The Man with the Getaway Face

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Richard Stark fan?   Check.

Darwyn Cooke fan?   Check.

Crime stories fan?   Check.

Comic Book fan?   Check.

Loved Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of Richard Stark’s Hunter?  Check.

Okay.  If that’s the case, and you have two bucks and are going to attend WonderCon next week, then you may be one of the lucky folks who can pick up an…

…exclusive prelude to The Outfit, the second of Richard Stark’s Parker novels that Cooke is adapting… This 8″x12″ preview book offers one entire chapter of The Outfit and will be included in the finished graphic novel, coming in October.

What’s that?  You won’t be able to attend WonderCon?  Well, don’t fret because…

…the preview will be available in comic stores everywhere in July at the same low price and large size.

Be sure and let your local comic shop manager know that you’re going to want a copy.   Check.

R.I.P. Dick Giordano

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Dick Giordano passed away today.  He was considered a legend in the comic business having literally done it all over the course of his long career.  Many learned of Mr. Giordano’s passing through an e-mail sent out by his good friend and fellow artist, Bob Layton.  Here’s how Bob broke the news:

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

It is my sorrowful duty to announce that legendary artist/editor/entrepreneur Dick Giordano passed away today.  Few could ever hope to match what he accomplished in his chosen profession, or to excel while maintaining great humor, compassion for his peers and an unwavering love for the art form.  His unique vision changed the comic industry forever and all of those who work in the business continue to share in the benefits of his sizable contributions.

I have been honored to call him a business partner, mentor and dear friend throughout the majority of my lifetime.  We will not see his like again.

Regretfully,

Bob Layton

I’m honored to have met Dick Giordano several times over the years.  He was always gracious and kind.  As many of you probably know I have several Dick Giordano “Demolition Man” headsketches in my collection.  Mr. Giordano did them in preparation for his work on the comic book adaptation of the movie.  Last week, I received another headsketch drawn by Mr. Giordano.  This sketch is Dick’s take on Sly as Jack Carter.  It was gifted to me by my buddy Steve Lipsky [who also owns the sketch on today’s post].  I plan to post the Jack Carter piece with tomorrow’s update.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Giordano’s family, friends and fans.

Bob Layton is right, we will not see the like of Dick Giordano again.

“The Expendables” Comic Prequel

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If you can’t wait for The Expendables to premiere in theaters later this year, then perhaps an Expendables comic prequel will help hold you over. CBR.com has an interview with Chuck Dixon, the writer of the project. Here’s a bit of what Dixon had to say:

“This is a movie that Sylvester Stallone has been trying to get together for years; an action movie packed with as many well-known action stars as possible…

“Sly’s not re-inventing the wheel here. He’s just built a really bad-ass, killer wheel of awesomeness…

“My job is to tell a story that takes place before the events of the movie without revealing anything that’s to come in the movie’s story…

To read the full interview as well as see some preliminary art for the comic, simply click here.

Dave Wachter’s Rocky

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It couldn’t be more appropriate [since there were several pieces about Rocky and the Oscars in this week’s update] that we have Rocky by Dave Wachter for this week’s Stallone art. Dave’s work has appeared on the SZ before with his riff on Sly from Paradise Alley.

After the recent earthquake in Haiti, Dave offered everyone who made a donation to Doctors Without Borders to aide earthquake victims in Haiti a free sketch. The piece about is what I got for my donation. You can see what others selected, and more of Dave’s art by heading over to his website.

Thanks to Dave for my great sketch as well as his efforts to help the people in Haiti.

Jonah Hex #50 [Minor Spoilers]

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The Pitch: Darwyn Cooke [artist] teams with Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti [writers] for the 50th issue [a double-sized extravaganza] of Jonah Hex.

The Overview: Hex and a female bounty hunter named Tallulah have found that working together has benefits… their relationship has become more than just professional.  After a night spent together celebrating a huge reward, Hex wakes up alone.  Determined to find Tallulah and the reason she left, Hex accepts a bounty mission to bring in 50 criminals.  Fifty bounties is a huge burden, but it’ll be easier than accepting what he learns about Tallulah.

The Good: Darwyn Cooke’s art. The story by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti.  Tallulah is a cool character and the perfect love interest for Hex. The reason Tallulah left.  Fifty bounties for the 50th issue was a nice touch.

The Bad: What happens to those hunted by Hex or Tallulah.  Hex’s attitude after Tallulah leaves.  What happens along the way and when Hex finds her.

The Ugly: Jonah Hex.

The Summary: Jonah Hex #50 is a great read.  The story has twists that will surprise even the most jaded comic reader. It’s a double-sized issue and presents a complete story, so even the most casual comic reader can enjoy it. It’s definitely worth searching out.