Category: Humor

Jim Ivey and Rob Smith

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A little over a month ago my wife and I planned a “breakfast get-together” with Jim Ivey and Rob Smith.  Both Jim and Rob are old friends that I don’t get to see as much as I’d like.

Our meetings start as get-togethers for breakfast, but without fail turn into “gift” exchanges, sketching, reminiscing and a whole lot of laughing.

Jim and Rob just before they break out the sketch pads and throw-down.

Rob breaks out the smart phone to video Jim as he works his magic.

Jim may not have a smart-phone but he was mentally recording his former student’s every move.  Here’s a look at Rob’s creation.

You know, looking at these pictures makes me think it’s about time for another get-together.

Sly Stallone Scores a Headshot

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  • Way back in October of 2008, I posted about a French crime comic called “Headshot” that had been optioned by Warner Bros.  “Headshot” was about a hitman and cop who, when their partners are killed, form an uneasy alliance to get revenge on the powers that set them up.  At that time, I said that I’d love to see an American edition of the comic and that I’d keep an eye out on the progress of the movie.
  • Today I’m happy to report that “Headshot” is moving forward with Sylvester Stallone playing one of the hitmen and Wayne “Running Scared” Kramer set to direct.
  • Here’s how /Film describes “Headshot”… In the film, Stallone’s character “teams with a young NYPD detective in a high-stakes investigation that leads from the dingy back alleys of New Orleans all the way to the power corridors of Washington, D.C. The unlikely duo, brought together by two vicious murders, take on all who stand in their way, and are willing to sacrifice everything to exact revenge.”
  • IM Global [the company making “Headshot”] CEO Stuart Ford said… “Headshot is exactly the type of fast-paced, universally themed project that suits our business model. Sylvester Stallone is an international icon and we’re really excited to be in business with him.”
  • “Headshot” is set to being filming in May and I couldn’t be happier.

Giant Women Spotted in Buddy Pudwell’s County

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You’ve probably heard me speak read about my buddy, Bill Black many times.  Bill always has something creative going.  He writes, draws, edits and publishes comics.  Bill also writes, produces and directs micro-budget movies.

Bill’s latest film is called “The Ghost of Garganta: The Giantess Rises.” Here’s a link to the trailer.  If it looks like something you’d like, then check out Bill’s site.   You can see more free clips and even order a movie or ten.

Rob Smith’s Santa Stallone

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I’ve known Rob Smith Jr. for over 30 years. In addition to being a talented artist, Rob is one of the most passionate, committed and dedicated people I’ve ever met. Rob absolutely loves the state of Florida, nature, art, politics, reading and more. Rob’s enthusiasm is contagious and he is always on the go. Another thing I admire about Rob is he doesn’t just talk about his passions, he gets actively involved.

Rob and I met up for breakfast with another old friend [Jim Ivey] earlier this week. As we were eating, talking and doing a lot of laughing, Rob whipped up his take on Sly as Santa. After our breakfast, Rob headed out to another meeting about preserving an old Florida school and then to an evening meeting with the Florida Trail Association. Whew!

You can check out Rob’s site and learn about more of his passions!

Hero, Dynamite and Henchman

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That’s the cover above to Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1.  I can remember buying the first issue off the stands [cover date June 1972].  Lucas was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  In an effort to get early release, Lucas agreed to an experimental treatment designed to boost a person’s immunity to illness.  Instead it gave him super-strength and steel hard skin.  Lucas used his new powers to escape prison and take on the identity of Luke Cage, Hero for Hire.

I loved the idea of a hero who took on cases like a private eye.    And although Cage was a “Hero for Hire” he often took on cases for no pay when the cause was right.  I really got into the comic.   In “shop” class we had to create business cards, so while other kids were creating cards as lawyers, plumbers and the like, I created cards that read “Blackjack Joey, Hero for Hire.” I explained to the teacher that “Blackjack Joey” was my secret identity [taking the moniker of my favorite professional wrestler, Blackjack Mulligan, and combining it with my middle name Joseph].

That was over 38 years ago.  So you can imagine my amusement when looking through the December issue of Previews to see these two comics coming out in the early months of 2011.

That’s the cover to Black Dynamite: Slave Island coming from Ape Entertainment.  It’s a 48 page full color graphic novel based on the “Black Dynamite” movie which starred Michael Jai White.  Black Dynamite: Slave Island was written by Brian Ash with art by Jun Lofamia.   The book is suggested for mature readers and will set you back $5.95.

Harry Walton: Henchman for Hire is a 62 page full color graphic novel [$9.95] from Arcana Studio.  Written by Zak Sherman with art by Tom Martinek and Jason Worthington, it is the story of a “disenfranchised ex-super-hero sidekick” who decides to “work his way up the ranks” and become a super-villain.

I’m not sure either of the two books are my cup of tea, but they did make me want to go back and re-read Luke Cage, Hero for Hire.