Jim Ivey Takes on Sly

Jim is a political cartoonist, author, publisher, teacher, owner/curator of one of the first galleries featuring cartoon art in the world [The Cartoon Museum], World War II vet and self-professed mellow curmudgeon. I’ve always loved the simplicity of Jim’s art.

The piece above is one of a series of three that Jim did for me a couple of years ago [at the tender age of 83]. Jim’s goal was to capture Sly as well as spell out S – L – Y in as few lines as possible. I think he succeeded.

Fright Night Too

That’s the poster for the remake of “Fright Night.” It kind of works.  I wish the large face in the background was more menacing, but it still ain’t bad.  If you’d like to see a slightly bigger version, you can over at IMPAwards.

Here’s the official trailer.   When I heard that Colin Farrell had signed on to play the vampire, I thought he was an odd choice.  Now, I think he may be the best part of the movie.  I’m a fan of the original film, and will give this one a shot.

Brock Won’t Fight Dos Santos @ UFC 131

Brock Lesnar has pulled out of his fight against Junior Dos Santos that had been scheduled for UFC 131 next month.  Brock says his medical condition has flared up again.  Now Dos Santos will fight Shane Carwin.  Interestingly enough, Roy “Big Country” Nelson predicted, way back in January, that something like this would happen.

The Expendables 2 Teaser But Synopsis Wrong

FirstShowing scored a, uh, first look at The Expendables 2 teaser poster.  Several sites picked up on the image as well as the synopsis that  Nu Image posted the storyline for the sequel.  I just received a call from Sly’s office Sly wanted fans to know that the posted synopsis is not correct.  The real storyline will be forthcoming, but Sly wanted SZoners to know the truth first! – Craig

Steranko’s Chandler is Back

That’s the cover to Dark Horse Presents #3 and yep, that’s Steranko’s classic private eye, Chandler.  If you’re a fan of crime comics and haven’t read Steranko’s Chandler, you’re missing out.  The great news is that Dark Horse Presents #3 will feature a 13 page preview of the soon to be re-released graphic novel plus a new interview with Steranko.   The preview and interview alone are worth the price of admission.

[Via CBR.com]

Mike Torrance Gets Carter

Mike Torrance aka The Krayola Kidd did this for me earlier this week. Mike Torrance does it all – pencils, inks and colors. You can see more of Mike’s art at The Daily Sketch with The Krayola Kidd and his Deviant Art site.

You’re also going to be happy to know that once a month Mike has a contest for someone to win a free sketchcard! This sketch of Jack Carter was what I chose when I won! What would you choose?

Mike is available for commissions and his prices are very reasonable. I just ordered four cards [three Stallone pieces and one for a friend so the subject must remain secret… at least until he gets it.]

Loose Ends: It’d Be a Crime to Miss Out

Loose Ends by Jason LaTour [writer]. Chris Brunner [pencils & inks] and Rico Renzi [colors] is described as…

  • …a gritty, slow cooked, “southern crime romance”, that follows a winding trail down Tobacco Road, through the war torn streets of Baghdad, and into the bright lights and bloody gutters of South Florida…12-Gauge style.

It’s no secret that I love hardboiled crime stories and great art. Loose Ends is gonna have both.  It’s the one comic that I can’t wait to get my mits on. Loose Ends will be the first comic that I’ll read [Yep, Criminal and Walking Dead will have to wait] when it hits comic shops in July.

Jason has set up a great story and Chris’ art with Rico’s colors are amazing.  Truly.  I think that Loose Ends is going to break big and I’m encouraging everyone who might like it to give Loose Ends a try.

If you like what you see, please order up a couple of dozen copies from your local comic shop. [The copies will make great Christmas and birthday gifts.]  If you don’t like what you see, it’s time to get your eyes checked.