Eternal Nightmare Studio Blog

REVIEW: Alan Moore's Neonomicon

2011-12-27T08:14:00.002-07:00

I'm a big fan of Lovecraft's writing and tend to enjoy Moore as well, so when I came across this book I figured it would be an entertaining one.

Although it takes place in contemporary times, Moore manages to craft a Lovecraft style story that is original while also being a good homage to it's origins. There was also some clever usage of Lovecraft's character names and places throughout the second story. Some of it's blatantly obvious while some is a bit more obscure hardcore Lovecraft fans will enjoy.

At it's heart the two stories are Lovecraftian in theme and style. The use of FBI agents fits in well with Lovecraft's more intellectual/investigation style of protagonists. Yet, Moore isn't a copy cat and he defintely spices things up with plenty of blood/gore and unlike the asexual writing of Lovecraft, there's some very graphic sex and sodomy here. However, Moore uses this not as a juvenille excuse to get his rocks off, but instead it plays on the background/fears/issues of Merril which any good writer of horror would do. I like the fact that Moore doesn't play nice with either of his main protagonists.

If you're conservative or easily offended you want to skip this book.

The artwork in the book is fantastic as is the gallery section. I felt the artwork was a bit stronger in the second story. The layout of the pages in both books made for an easy read while remaining interesting visually.

I think that Lovecraft fans will get the most out of this, but only if they do not have hang ups about bizarre sex. I think certain sexual scenes could be the make or break point for a lot of people. I give Moore kudos for having the courage to do this sort of thing since horror should be exactly that - horror - and human sexuality has long been a part of horror.

Although it is a lot shorter then his other works, Moore still manages to develop his main protagonist very well by the end of the book. Again at the end Moore manages to put an unique spin on the old mythos. I found the ending to be great - in a disturbing manner.

I'd recommend this to Lovecraft fans that are open minded enough to except new ideas and twists on Lovecraft and his mythos. Although Moore's tales may be unconventinal when compared to Lovecrafts, they still stay true to their origins.

The Other 99 Percent

2011-11-19T14:17:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I have put up a new drawing online called The Other 99 Percent. You can check it out via this link http://kevinh.jalbum.net/PaintingsDrawings/slides/TheOther99Percent.html

This is my temporary website until I get a new one set up cause the other one was costing too much money each month.

Thanks,

Kevin

Website Gone - New Site Soon

2011-10-27T18:10:00.000-06:00

My old site, eternalnightmare.com is no longer active for various personal reasons I won't bore you with the details. I am in the process of setting up a new site for my art/comics that I will announce here in the near future

New Art Up

2011-09-18T10:17:00.000-06:00

I have added a couple new pieces to my website. You can check them out via this link: http://www.eternalnightmare.com/PaintingsDrawings/index.html

Thanks for checkin' them out!

Way of the Renegade Update - Pg 17&18

2011-06-12T12:01:00.000-06:00

As the memories of his past battles fade, Vincent Carson awakes to find himself facing a new enemy, and an ambigous plot against him. Determined not to go along quietly, Vincent does the one thing he know best...

Check it out right HERE

Thanks!

Way of the Renegade Update = Page 16

2011-06-07T18:36:00.002-06:00

I have recently added another page to my webcomic Way of the Renegade.

You can view by clicking HERE

Thanks!

REVIEW: Cold Storage

2011-06-05T07:56:00.001-06:00

It has been a very long time since I've seen a horror movie worth watching on dvd or OnDemand. Yet I managed to stumble upon quite possibly the most hilariously good and disturbing movie I've seen called Cold Storage. The plot is one that's been done before, but what made this one entertaining is the characters, the humor, and the slight twist in the whole obssesion/abduction theme. Pretty much all the characters are exagerations and the humor is a bit over the top but the style of the writing keeps it from feeling out of place. The plot is realitvely simple in that a young actress is in a car accident late at night, and found by a redneck living out in the woods. He takes her back to his shack and is convinced she's a 'gift from God', unlike a lot of other horror films with this theme Cold Storage manages to take it in another direction which is disturbing/bizarre and oddly humorous at times. The movie also manages to crank up the suspense/tension several times, showing a more serious side of the movie which is great entertainment.

In terms of gore/violence the opening sequences which takes place 30 years earlier is brilliant. It shows how twisted and psychotic the lead is, but unfortunately I never learn why he became this way. The physical special effects are great in this movie, and they don't go over board with the violence/gore. It's used sparingly but extremely effectively. There's a scene at the end that gives a whole new meaning to 'eye candy'.

The acting in the movie is very good. Especially, the lead character. There are times where the expression on his face is truly inhuman. His acting ability really makes the character and the movie. If it weren't for him I think this movie would've been horrendous. The rest of cast is good in their supporting roles. The sheriff in particular was one of the funniest satires of a inept cop ever, and has one of the best one liners at end of the climax. Despite the campiness and satire of the movie the actors clearly took their roles seriously and the end result was an entertaining performance.

Cold Storage doesn't rely upon cheap scare tatics, little Asian kids meowing like cats, or torture porn. If that's your preference in horror then move along and see something else. Instead it is heavily based on character and then plot. There are scenes that are creepy/disturbing but that it is done by the great acting and the physical sfx/set designs. Although it is goofy and a B movie Cold Storage is still a very good horror movie worth checking out if your looking for something other then yet another slasher or torture porn horror movie.

Page 15 of Way of the Renegade

2011-05-14T14:05:00.001-06:00

I have recently updated my web comic Way of the Renegade, and you can check out the latest page by clicking here: Renegade

Thanks for your interest and I appreciate any constructive feedback.

Way of the Renegade Update, Pages 13 and 14

2011-05-01T11:48:00.000-06:00

What exactly is this 'girl' that has wandered into the middle of the fire fight between Vincent's squad and the Canadian forces? Pages 13 and 14 of Way of the Renegade reveal her true nature, and the fate of Vincent's squadmates. Click HERE to check it out!

Way of the Renegade Update

2011-04-11T21:25:00.003-06:00

I've updated my webcomic Way of the Renegade with pages 10, 11, and 12. You can view these new pages, and the rest of the webcomic by clicking HERE

REVIEW: Superman/Shazam! :Return of Black Adam

2011-03-07T16:52:00.002-07:00

Although Superman and Captain Marvel/Shazam! share the cover art and title of the dvd it does not focus solely on those iconic DC characters. Instead the Warner Brothers/DC disc is a show case of four animated shorts. Besides Superman/Shizam: Return of Black Adam the dvd includes shorts featuring The Spectre, written by Steve Niles, The Green Arrow, and Jonah Hex.

Overall, the animation, voice acting and production values are the high quality that I've come to expect from the WB/DC dvds. Each story could easily be extended into feature length, but at roughly 20-24 minutes a piece they do a good job with their brief tales. Whether you're a diehard fan or a casual viewer there's something to be enjoyed in each story.

The first short features the origin of Captain Marvel, and although it has the standard epic fights of most Super Man stories which border on absurdity what saves the story is the dilema Captain Marvel faces between revenge and justice. Given it's brevity the story can't go in deep as a feature film would, but it does raise an interesting point. I think could've spent more time tossing each other into the sides of skyscrappers and more time dealing with the moral issue at hand, but what do you expect from capes and tights? Overall, it was a good origin story and well voice acted and animate. Score: 3 out of 5 skulls.

The second short features The Spectre and is written by Steve Niles. The feel of this short is a lot darker both visually and storywise then the previous one. They even go so far as to add dust spots and other blemishes to the animation to give it a grittier/older feel which is fairly effective. I also felt that the chose of sound track gave it an older/grittier atmosphere. The story movies quickly, a movie mogul is killed by former partners jealous of him and then the suspects are systematically killed in gruesome fashion. Unlike your traditional superhero stories The Spectre has a supernatural horror element to it, and is a bit more graphic in terms of violence - at least for most DC animation. The story is tightly written and despite the shortness of it, the story is interesting and it does a good job at introducing the viewer to The Spectre. Out of all the shorts on this dvd I think this could easily be expanded to something longer. Score: 4 out of 5 skulls.

Next up is a story featuring The Green Arrow. Honestly, I'm not too familiar with him, but after watching his story I ended up liking him. I'm not hardcore about tights and capes any more in comics, but he was entertaining. The story is very well written with fast paced action and an intriguing storyline. It begins with Green Arrow showing up at a local airport to pick up his girl while debating whether or not he should propose to her and let her know who he feels. Luckily, the soap opera stuff gets put to the side for the moment when he spies an enemy at the airport as well. Soon after he discovers a member of a royal family is arriving at the airport. An assassination attempt occurs and Green Arrow steps in to aide the princess. What I liked is that the story unfolded along side the action yet there was no extended monologues or heart felt confessions. It was brief and concise dialogue which revealed the reason for the assassination attempt and a bit more about each character. Since I'm not familiar with the Green Arrow the arrival of some apparent enemies later on didn't phase me much, but I'm guessing if you're a fan of Green Arrow it could be an 'oh shit' moment. Although short this story was intense and held my attention the entire time. Defintely one of those 'edge of your seat' stories which could've easily been expanded into something longer. Score: 4 out 5.

The final short on the dvd is one about Jonah Hex. I like Jonah Hex a lot. Probably because I live out West and have an interest in the ''wild'' West and supernatural elements as well. Plus, Jonah is a great loner/anti-hero. Compared to the other stories in this collection, Jonah's is fairly simple and seems to go by quickly. It revolves around a tavern in which a 'lady of the night' coerces men into her bed only to pull a devious 'trick' on them. All is well for her and her thugs until Jonah shows up looking for one of her 'johns'. The story is resovled quickly, but I loved the poetic justice at the end. The use of colors that are almost entirely sepia tone and the fonts in the opening credits do a great job at creating the Western feel. Compared to the other stories on the dvd, this one is the most 'mature'. There's some lightly sexuality and morbid stuff. Nothing hardcore, but it does have a harder edge then the other stories which is something I enjoyed. Score: 4 out 5

After watching this I felt that it was a great showcase for DC Comics' various characters that the hardcore fan and the casual audience can enjoy. I watched it online courtesy of Netflix on my PC, but it is also available on dvd and Blu-ray. From what I can tell neither have any elaborate special features or extras, but this doesn't lessen the entertainment value for me.

Way of the Renegade Pages 1-8

2011-03-06T17:01:00.004-07:00

I have uploaded pages 1-8 of my new sci-fi/action/horror webcomic, Way of the Renegade. It will be updated twice a month. Pages will be published on the second Sunday and the last Sunday of each month. In between published pages I will be putting up some background history blog entries or character sheets and etc.

You can read pages 1-8 by clicking on this link www.eternalnightmare.com/wayoftherenegade

Thanks!

RENEGADE: A New Web Comic Coming Soon...

2011-01-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Vincent Carson headed West hoping to escape the horrors of war. Instead when he arrives in the remote town of Vigil, Colorado Vincent discovers that Fate is leading him down a twisted path. Is it taking him to his damnation or redemption?

A monthly webcomic coming later this month.

Supplemental articles, maps, and etc will be posted periodically via Dr Leopold's North American History 101.

Night Of The Demons (Remake)

2011-01-02T07:34:00.001-07:00

I recently watched the current remake of the B movie 'classic' Night of the Demons via Netflix's s online streaming feature. Going into it I didn't expect anything special, perhaps some good gore-hound effects and a cheap escape for an hour and a half.

The premise of the movie is that a Halloween party/rave is held at an old mansion that is the scene of a possession/suicide that happened many years ago. As is usually the case those darn meddling kids (this time a drug dealer, a trio of over sexed bimbos and your stereotypical straight laced girl next door type) invoke the 7 demons in the basement. The kiddies spend the night trying not to get possessed via kinky sex acts and hope to make it until dawn. If the 7 demons possess the 7 kiddies then all Hell breaks loose. Clearly, this was written by a Pulitizer Prize nominee.

Overall the movie did not disappoint in terms of gore - although it takes a bit to get to it when it appears on screen it is surprisingly well done. Not on the level of Stan Winston's Studio, but at least it was better then your typical low grade slop. Acting wise it was surprisingly better then most B movies. No Oscar considerations here, but at least the actors stayed in character and weren't too annoying.

The movie also fulfills the prerequisite of copious amounts of half naked women and the token lesbian scene - which is expected when Shannon Elizabeth is in it. Although after the 'whiskers' scene in the bathroom you'll never look at a woman or a tube of lipstick in the same way...

Whether it was intentional or not there are some hilarious one liners in the movie. There's also a scene where the 'girl next door' slams the door on the head demon while it is in the middle of its stereotypical villain diatribe. There are a few scenes that are rather clever in terms of how the demons get into a warded room that main characters are hiding in. I think that if the movie amped up the cleverness and humor in a few scenes it would've made for a better experience.

The thing that kills this movie is the way that the conflict with the demons is resolved. It's a rather half assed ending in terms of both the writing and the way it was filmed as well as the stunt/special effects. I think that they should really be given an award for pulling off this hat trick of half ass-ness. I suppose they were trying to be clever but writing a script and huffing paint never works out well in the end.

So, if you like boobs, blood, and crappy music like Type O Negative you'll like this movie. If you like all those things but have a brain that grasps plot and logic you'll probably wonder what the fuck just happened but at least it'll be mildly amusing. Like a beer truck and a pizza truck hitting head on the highway.

The Book of Eli

2010-07-24T14:56:00.000-06:00

The other night I watched the Denzel Washington/Gary Oldman opus, The Book of Eli on dvd. Besides the caliber of the aforementioned actors what attracted me to this movie is the post-apocalyptic settings and the fact that conflict centered around a book. Growing up in the 1980's with the Mad Max movies I also was interested to see how the Hughes Brothers would envision this type of world in comparison to Mad Max's fuel injected wasteland.

Overall, I enjoyed The Book of Eli. The plot moved quickly and got Eli involved with other characters which kept things rolling. Sometimes movies about lone wanderers or survivors like I am Legend can spend too much time with just that one character and despite the actor's abilities it can get a bit dull. The movie also does a decent job at explaining the war, and Eli's and Carnegie's quests via the characters rather then a narration or lengthy exposition that stalls the story.

The action sequences were excelent. There are several times when Eli is out manned by great odds. It's during these scenes that the fight choreography really shines. It's nice to see combat handled in a fairly realistic manner.

Visually, The Book of Eli is what you'd expect from a post-acolyptic setting. Charred cars, broken bridges, and crumbling buildings. The only thing that annoyed me slightly is that the characters' clothing was in good condition. No frayed cuffs, patched knees, or haggard apparell. It was all a little too neat and clean. Not a major issue, but still I wonder why there's such a lapse in attention to detail here when it doesn't exist in the environment.

In terms of the story it may go over some people's heads or they may dislike it simply because it involves some Christian elements. Personally, I enjoyed the story a lot. The movie handled it well without being too heavy handed either way in my opinion. Despite his quest Eli was not without his flaws, and this made him more believable to me. Carneige was an archtype that you can point to throughout history and even current events. Yet he was very human at times, and in some ways I could relate to him or at least understand his motivations - although I never agreed with them.

The Book of Eli to me was a good movie that balanced the elements of action with a good story about Faith and Evil. There is a bit of a twist toward the end which some people will have a knee jerk negative reaction but if you sit back and pay attention and think for yourselves as well as pay attention to some very subtle clues the twist works very well. At the end it appears the Hughes Brothers are prepared to make a sequel or 'part two' yet Eli's story is wrapped up in a realistic and satisfying manner.

For me The Book of Eli is a welcomed addition to my personal collection. If you like sci-fi that is more then ''pew pew'' and metal bikinis then check it out.

Screamers

2010-01-21T20:27:00.003-07:00

The other night I watched the movie Screamers. It's one of those movies I've seen on the shelf or listed on Netflix for years, but never picked up. Since it was a freebie via onDemand I decided to give it a shot. The fact that it based upon a Phillip K. Dick short story intrigued me. Overall the acting was decent and I liked the stop animation used for the creatures. It held my interest for the entire time and did a good job with the suspense.

However I think they could've played up the paranoia (who's human vs who's a machine?) as well as the political subterfuge (Is this meeting really an attempt at cease fire or an ambush? Is the leader really dead? Is there a new war starting on another planet?). All which is the meat and potatoes of PKD story. Unfortunately, the movie decides to visit these themes very little, and instead goes for the action shoot 'em up. They also feel compelled to throw in a very cliched love interest.

Overall, Screamers wasn't horrible, but rather predictable. I think it had potential to be a thinking persons sci-fi but fell short of that mark.

I was somewhat surprised to see that there's a sequel that came out not too long ago. I'm playing on watching it to see if they expand on PKD's ideas or simply resort to more of the same. At the very least seeing Lance Henrickson will be fun.

Dragon Age: Origins

2009-11-08T09:35:00.002-07:00

I've always been a fan of role play games. It began with the original D&D back in the day, and gradually made it's way up to PC games. Neverwinter Nights by Bioware was one of the first I played on PC and one my favorite games ever. Since then I've been a fan of Bioware. Recently, I fell in love with the uber goodness that is Bioware's sci-fi epic Mass Effect.

Then on Tuesday of this week I picked up their latest epic Dragon Age: Origins. After having put in numerous hours into the game, and tried several of the different races/classes I am impressed by DAO. The meat and potatoes of a rpg is the story, and Bioware has proven over the years to be the masters of storytelling. Without giving anything a way I will just say that the story in DAO is on par with any epic Hollywood could produce. Perhaps greater. The brilliant voice acting really creates both beviablity and immersion into the story. Without this the game would fail. The story has a great sense of humor, but also balances the darker and more mature content well. This is a game made for adults, not your 8 year old. Between this game and Mass Effect I am pleased to see game developers coming out with content that appeals to adults without subcoming to mindless violence, nudity, and vulgarity. Rather they're dealing with personal issues and complex conflicts that appeal to some one that's interested in more then 'uber loot'. I also like the fact that you have to work on your relationships with the other characters in your party. You have to EARN their loaylty and/or romantic interests through your own actions and words. It's also an open ended world, not only in regards to where and when you go or do but also you have choices on how to handle situations. Do you let a prisoner free, kill them, or have them join you? That type of freedom is great.

In terms of graphics I have everything set on medium and it looks great and runs smooth. The cutscenes are rather striking with their use of lighting and facial detail. Bioware is not known for earth shattering graphics, but I am very pleased with the detail and quality of the graphics and animations.

The music in the game is brilliant and fits the feel of the world perfectly. I am glad they didn't use the heavy metal music in game like they used for the promos.

Overall, DAO is a fun game. There are some things I don't like - such as the lock picking system for rogues. Yet even with that DAO is a very fun game. I won't consider it the greatest game ever, but one of the best. Between the release of DAO this Fall, Mass Effect 2 early 2010, and their first mmorpg Star Wars: Old Republic I think Bioware is poised to kick some ass and give gamers some fantastic experiences.

Dreaming of a white Halloween

2009-10-29T23:45:00.002-06:00

Starting on Wednesday we were hit by a major snow storm. It's rather tradition for it to snow on Halloween out here in Colorado but usually it is only an inch at the most. After Thursday my neighborhood ended up with 14 plus inches. Other areas in the foothills got between 3 and 4 feet.

I was scheduled to be off work anyways, so yesterday I got my snowshoes on and trekked about my neighborhood's paths and park. Never had done that before since we don't get much snow in the metro area. Every few years though we get dumped on like this storm. I'd expect it won't be the last snow we see this winter but may be the most.

The irony is that it'll be in the high 50's and low 60's a week from now in the metro area. Though it'll stay cold up in the high country. I'm going to try and go somewhere tomorrow to snowshoe and maybe head up north to Rocky Mountain National Park next Tuesday. Normally snowshoeing doesn't start until late Nov or early Dec and there's not this much snow until late December. Crazy - in a good way.

Nut Up Or Shut Up

2009-10-17T01:25:00.003-06:00

Friday night I saw the movie Zombie Land. I enjoyed it because it had a good balance of comedy, over the top gore, and action. I also liked the spin they put on the overly cliche situation that every zombie movie has in it involving a family member being bitten.

I was surprised by the cameo of a certain Hollywood icon, and the short story line involving him.

I felt that the film was well cast and well acted. The story is more of an ensemble piece rather then a Woody Harelson vehicle. Nothing against Woody, he's great.
Although it is a simple plot and rather short for a feature film I liked the fact they did short flashbacks to each character's life prior to the outbreak. However I do think they could've given a bit more of Witchita and Little Rock (the nicknames of the two girls). Yet, the flashbacks did do a good job giving a rationale to Woody's character Tallahassee.

The character Columbus is keeping a list of survival tips during the course of the movie. In a clever movie the makers of the movie add these tips in relevant scenes via cgi. For example at one point Columbus is running from a zombie and via CGI they put Tip #3 Cadio on the pavement they're running across.
There may be holes in the logic of the plot, but it is not meant to be over anaylzed by pseudo intellectuals and eggheads. Overall, Zombie Land delivers the goods in entertaining and fun zombie flick. A good movie to unwind and let go with.

RIP Jim Carroll

2009-09-15T18:38:00.002-06:00

Normally, I could care less about celebrity deaths. They have on impact on my life.
However people like Jim Carroll are the exception. Not only was he a great writer and influential on punk rock he was someone I could relate to.

RIP Jim Carroll

Posted using ShareThis

Any Given Sunday...

2009-09-13T16:50:00.002-06:00

Some people say football is too formulaic and predictable. It's all about 'the system'. I'll agree with that to a certain extent, but then things like this happen which clearly exemplify the X factor...

Gotta love it when one of my teams pulls it out at the end.

The End Of The Paper Trail?

2009-09-03T13:03:00.002-06:00

Lately, I've been reading on a lot of blogs and web sites about the potential changes in the publishing industry. The main focus is what impact the digital media will have on it. Digital media has already had an impact on how we get our news and in part caused the demise of some print newspapers.

Some people out there seem rather hysterical over the idea of digital e-readers like Amazon's Kindle or Apple's iPhone. As if it spells the death of literature. Personally, I don't see it that way at all. Does the written word have less impact if it is on a screen then in an old dusty hardcover tucked away on a back shelf of some library?

You can go with the aesthtic appeal of the hardcover or trade paperback. The feel and aroma of a book is unique and appealing to a lot of people. Going into a bookstore and being greeted by the scent of paper is something comfortable and reassuring. Something that the screen can never capture. An old dog earred copy of a favorite book isn't the same as a book marked pdf or blog.

On the plus side of technology digital books allow greater distribution and is also cheaper. Especially when it comes to rare or out of print books. True this can also be a con on the side of technology since every body and their brother can distribute their book regardless of quality.

I am not opposed to digital books. I put it on par with Guttenburg's press. Prior to his invention books were written and bound by hand by scribes and monks. Their distribution and content were controlled and limited. When the printing press began that is when political, social, and religious progression began. It helped bring thought and ideas to the People. I'm sure there were members of society opposed to the printing press then as there are those opposed to the digital book today. Whether or not digital books will stir up the burning embers of a new revolution is highly debatable, yet it has the potential.

Other then books there is talk of how the computer will soon replace pen and paper when it comes to comic books, and possibly in the proffesional artist arena. I am not opposed to digital art, and in fact like quite a bit of it. I can see how it is a time saver in comics and animation and graphic design and typography. Yet, I do not see for a moment any proffesional painter or sculpter or printmaker dropping their traditional tools altogether to pick up the optic mouse. When photography started gaining ground someone once claimed that Painting was dead. Regardless, the field of painting in the traditional means is very much alive. The truth of the matter is that both Painting and Photography have influenced each other. Whether it be cropping of an image or perspective or use of lighting and color the influences of each medium is there. Digital art is different in that it imitates other mediums. Whether trying to pass itself off as watercolor or pen and ink it has no true voice of it's own. It's always trying to be something it is not. As the younger generations grow up with computers and programs like Photoshop in existance and constantly improving I think that digital art will eventually develop it's own voice. What that voice and style is I am not sure, but I think that eventually it will be it's own. No one will confuse it with a charcoal drawing or digital photo. Perhaps I will not live long enough to see this come about, but the progression and emergence of a new medium is an interesting one to see develop.

In the end there will always be paper books, just as there is style vinyl records being pressed. Comics will still appear in print but not as often and limited quantities. You cannot eliminate the niche of collectors from the comic book industry. The allure and obsessive quest to have a mint condition #1 issue of whatever or double gate alternative cover Art. Traditional Art will always have a place in galleries and museums and personal collections because despite our advances in technology we still are flesh and blood. We still crave the physicality and tangibility of canvas and paint. The presences of marble and chisel.

The day we loose touch with this is the day we lose touch with our humanity resulting in an empty existence which values nothing other then the latest technological marvel.

Sketch Before Bed

2009-08-30T01:31:00.002-06:00

This a rough I did a few minutes ago of a creature I've had stuck in my head for the past day or two. One of those things that won't go away until on the page. Actually, it is part of a triptych I'm going to be working on.

Two New Pieces Of Art

2009-08-29T18:32:00.003-06:00

I recently put up two new pieces of Artwork on my website. You can find Domestic Life of Demons and After The Hunt under the Paintings and Drawings section of Eternal Nightmare Studio.

Thanks for checking them out. C:

Hype or Hope?

2009-08-22T14:32:00.004-06:00

A trailer for James Cameron's opus Avatar has recently appeared online as well as a sneak peak of 16 minutes at theaters the other day. I've seen the trailer numerous times, and even read a synopsis about the storyline. Considering the amount of time Cameron has spent on it, 6 years since conception I think, and the obscene amount of money it's cost I am not impressed. Cameron is the man responsible for Aliens and Terminator both of which were revolutionary sci-fi films. Now, he gives me blue elves running around a rainforest filled with rejects from Jurrasic Park? Some genre media types have proclaimed Avatar as being a milestone and revolutionary movie in the genre. Yet with the same tired old storyline of earth men saving alien civilizations, I'm not impressed. Yes, I get the geek factor of the Avatars being controlled by humans' minds. It just doesn't impress me much.

Avatar will be in 3-D when it hits theaters this December. Apparently, that is part of the buzz surrounding the movie. Some claims are that the detail in the CG will make this unlike any other 3-D movie. I suppose it does have the potential to be a very immersive experience. Hi-def CG and surround sound in a theater does have that potential. Yet a major part of immersion into a movie for me is the storyline and acting. It can have all the bells and whistles of the latest technology but miss the mark in story/acting and I won't finish watching a movie.

Not a lot has been released about this movie when compared to the amount of hype on genre web sites and forums. So, it is possible I'm premature in my opinion about Avatar being high on eye candy and low on content. Yet first impressions made by trailers are what draw audiences more then critics' accolades especially in the genre of sci-fi/horror/fantasy. My impression right now is that Cameron has lost his ability to tell a story in exchange for the glitz of special effects and novelty of 3-D.

WTF?! Sculpture?!

2009-08-15T22:18:00.002-06:00

After seeing some of Bug Maker's work I got inspired to try some sculpture, again. It's been since my early college days, (1993?)that I've done any sculpting. I started off with a relief sculpture of a sketch I did the other day. Basically a goblin/demon face. The type of clay I got will dry over time, 72 hours or so, and afterwards can be painted with a variety of mediums.

This is what I accomplished this afternoon.

I like using the clay. Working in 3D is a change up from always drawing/painting. A different way to think and use my creative. It's proving to be a good challenge.

What Are You Some Kinda Neurotic Devil Worshipping Daisy Painter?

2009-08-15T16:06:00.004-06:00

Awhile back I had gone on a date with a woman and prior to meeting face to face I'd given her the link to my website. Somewhere during the date she said to me ''So, is that how you see your life, as an eternal nightmare? Is that why you named your site that?"

I disagreed with that notion, and told her that the name of the site was chosen because it fits my themes and creatures. It is after all a Horror art site.

I find it annoying that people can presume that simply because I work in a chosen genre that I'm some how depressed or an angry man or a devil worshiper. As if no sane person would ever create such work. If I painted nude men would they presume I was gay? Or little children and puppies would that make me a pedophile in their eyes. Ludicrousness.

None of that could be further from the truth.

My Artwork has always been about escapism and exploration of the unknown and bizarre.
A world of my own where I have complete control and the liberty to explore any idea. Where no one can tell me I'm wrong or doing it incorrectly. It's not a place to psychoanalyze my childhood or bitch about failed relationships. Anger plays no part in my work. When I create I am happy.

I understand the work that I do is outside the mainstream. That not everyone 'gets' Horror in general or my work specifically. However I would hope that if someone actually bothers to look at the work for what it is they'll see that it has no bearing on my psychology. Instead they see that it is the product of a unique imagination.

My Art is unsettling perhaps but I am not unsettled.

I paint monsters, but am not one.

In the end her comment didn't offend so much as surprise since it came from someone that's educated and supposedly cultured. Though perhaps it shouldn't have surprised me since my work has never really fit in the academic world, even when I was a part of it.

I am fine with that fact.

I suppose all artists no matter their genre or field has to deal with this at some time. Even van Gogh got static for painting the common working man rather then ballerinas or catherdals. de Kooning for his abstract expressionisms and the cliche of ''my kid could do that...''

It is something I've dealt with before, and don't dwell upon. Yet when it comes from someone that you are personally acquainted with then it does strike a nerve.

Perhaps it is better to cause people to feel unsettled about the artist rather then to create work that is bland and banal. Work that puts the viewer into the mental doldrums rather then wondering how long the artist has been an escapee.

Alive In Joberg

2009-08-13T14:57:00.002-06:00

Alive In Joberg is the short film by Neill Blomkamp that is the inspiration for his feature film District 9. I am particularly interested in seeing District 9 after seeing the trailers and even more so now that I've seen his short. Unlike a lot of other sci-fi films out there this movie seems to be taking a unique approach to the whole 'first contact' idea. You can defintely project contemparory issues of apartheid, Holocaust, and the mismangement of dealing with aboroginal cultures by Western colonists on the film. Yet, it doesn't see to be too preachy about all that while mainting the 'geekness' of scific gadgetry and tech. From what I've seen so far it seems to be an intelligent sci-fi movie that I'm defintely going to check out this weekend.

Bug Maker

2009-08-10T18:54:00.002-06:00

The other day I came across this guy's website on Flickr. He makes some pretty awesome critters that are Lovecraft/HR Giger inspired. His work defintely has a mad scientist type feel to it with all the little jars and such. If you like gruesome little creatures then check out his work HERE

It was always 'Fumbles'

2009-07-29T15:31:00.000-06:00

Dark Adventures Radio Theatre: At The Mountains of Madness

2009-07-27T16:23:00.002-06:00

I recently downloaded a MP3 verision of Dark Adventure Radio Theater's adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's stellar novella At The Mountains of Madness.

The premise of DART is to do radio plays in the style of the 1930's. They have a small but talented cast of voice actors, terrific sound effects that are superb for creating the proper atmosphere, and a musical score on par with any Hollywood production.

If you've ever read any of Lovecraft's fiction you'll know that though he was a talented word smith his use of descriptions and obscure vocabulary makes it somewhat difficult to do a direct adaptation. DART manages to handle it well however by presenting the initial story as a news radio broadcast about the Antarctic expedition. The story unfolds effectively through interviews and flashback scenes. DART manages to stay true to the source material both in terms of plot and atmosphere. I felt that it was during the midway portion of the story - the attempt to rescue the other scientists and the discovery of their camp - that the production really shines. Lovecraft's work was about the fear of the unknown and the actors ability to convey this emotion does wonders for the story.

The only down side to the production is that early on they use sound effects to create the sound of static and wind. I understand what they were trying to do but it does make the dialog a bit tough to understand at times. Luckily, this doesn't last for the entire production and the majority of the dialog is clear.

This was the first time I'd heard one of their radio plays and I was very pleased with it. I would definitely order another one in the future. They also offer them on CD which includes props like maps, ''news'' article clippings, and etc.

ShadowVale: Pages 9 & 10

2009-07-23T15:49:00.001-06:00

I recently put up two more pages to my webcomic ShadowVale. CLICK to view them.

Thanks for checking it out sometime.

Loch Ness Hoax?

2009-07-23T10:32:00.001-06:00

Zombieland Trailer

2009-07-09T00:43:00.001-06:00

Dark Dreamers

2009-07-04T18:35:00.002-06:00

I came across this series called Dark Dreamers which features interviews with various Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Artists/Writers/Directors. I've watched a couple - Matheson and Barker. Both which were very well done. They both seemed to be interviewed a few years ago. I'm hoping that they continue to post new ones up. It's always interesting to get insight from fellow creators of the genres, and Dark Dreamers does it well in a brief format.

Blue Grouse - hen

2009-07-01T15:28:00.004-06:00

As I was riding my mountain bike down Meyer's Homestead trail last Thursday morning I spotted this bird on the edge of the trail. I stopped and got out my camera since I'd never seen one before. At first I thought it was a pheasant, but once I got a good look at her it was obvious that it wasn't a pheasant. Normally a bird will take right off, but she stayed in the general area. Given that fact and that ruffled feathers and noises she was making I assumed she had a nest near bye. I snapped these shots and continued on my way.

Afterwards, I found out that she was a Blue Grouse which are considered uncommon in that area. They're more common in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and along the coast of British Columbia of Canada and up into a portion of Alaska. They do nest on the ground in an area similar to where I spotted her. I didn't spot her on the way back down, but assume she was back in further amongst the boulders and tree stumps, etc.

She was maybe 5 to 10 feet away from me.

Trip Trap

2009-06-20T18:26:00.001-06:00

I have completed the cover art for Ted Kehoe's ebook Trip Trap. The ebook will be published in September 2009 by Damnation Books.

You can view the original artwork for the cover on my website via this LINK.

The Future of Literature

2009-06-11T16:40:00.001-06:00

Kim Richards has a thought provoking post about the digital age of literature on her blog. Worth checking into.

Traps & Hunters...

2009-06-11T11:50:00.004-06:00

Finished the inking of the cover illustration that I'm currently working on for Ted Kehoe's story Trip Trap which will be published in e-book format by Damnation Books

The illustration's subject matter is a bit outside my norm. It features an old creek bed and a bridge, which is a major location in the tale. I think it's turned out well. I think it is good to go outside of my comfort zone in terms of what I create for a piece of Art. Ted did agree to a certain amount of artistic license which still relates to the overall theme of the story, so it won't be a Roger Tory Peterson -esque piece once it is done.

Still waiting to hear back from Damnation Books to see if they want any changes made, but the color work should be starting soon. I'll put it up on the site when it's finished.

Yesterday, I picked up the latest issue of The Walking Dead. For awhile now the issues after the Prison arc were a bit of a disspointment. Rather anticlimatic - especially with The Herd (which amounted to the characters simply running/driving away). This issue begins the long hyped Fear the Hunter arc which Kirkman promised would shake things up a lot. I still find the newest character the priest extremely cliched. I'm hoping he either dies or Kirkman does something with him as far as development. Kirkman is supposedly an atheist/agnostic and I think the whole addage of 'write what you know' is coming back to haunt him with this religious character.

Yet, the latest issue is great because Carl, the young son of Rick, is finally starting to show both leadership abilities and form opinions of his own rather then being a shallow 'daddy's boy'. In some ways he's probably the strongest person mentally in the series. I think he's got a better grasp on things then his father. I really hope Rick dies soon since outside of Dale, he's the weakest character. I'd find it far more interest for Abe and/or Micchone to take Carl under their wing.

Also there's some actual zombie vs human combat/gore which is nice since it's been quite on that end. Of course the end, which I won't ruin for anyone that reads the series, made me laugh with glee - evil sadistic glee. Yeah, I'm defintely looking forward to the next 4 parts of this one.

I Love...Er..Like...When A Plan Comes Together.

2009-06-09T13:13:00.003-06:00

I came across an article today about a potential A-Team movie. The mention of Liam Neelson playing Hannibal does sound great, and I have to agree with the author of the article that Robert Downy Jr. or Jim Carey would do a good job at playing Murdoch. Although Carey's comedy work in the past has been far too cliched for my tastes. I think Downy would do better given the work he did in the brilliant A Scanner Darkly.

For me The A-Team is one of the iconoclastic shows of my childhood. One of those things you HAD to watch on a Friday night. Looking back the whole thing is rather ridiculous in terms of plot, but it did have good acting, especially in the case of George Peppard, when compared to other 'hit' shows of the 1980's like Dukes of Hazard.

I even remember that back in the day while part of the jr high concert band we played the theme song from the show. LOL.

I think that if the new movie is handled right it could be very good. The original series had a nice blend of action/drama/comedy. If Hollywood stays true to it and doesn't go goof ball satire(another reason I don't want Jim Cary in it) then it could be solid.

If I were to pick my dream cast I'd pick:

Hannibal: Liam Nesson
Murdoch: Robert Downy Jr.
B.A.: Ving Rhames
Face: Johnny Depp

ShadowVale - Now Online Pages 1-8

2009-06-01T13:54:00.002-06:00

You can now read the first 8 pages of my comic on line via the link below.
I'm planning on updating it with a page or two every couple weeks. Although that is not set in stone.

I will also be making a button on my website that'll directly link to the comic.
But for now you can read it via THIS LINK.

HOLIDAY ROUND UP

2009-05-22T14:37:00.003-06:00

First off, Happy Memorial Day to everyone. Hope you all have a fun and safe holiday weekend. I'm defintely glad to have a long weekend. Where I work we usually don't have holiday's off so I'm stoked to have it off this year. Plan on checking out the new Terminator movie, watching the Denver Nuggets whoop some ass at home, and going mountain biking along with the traditional cookout.

As far as Art goes I am almost ready to put up the first 8 pages of my comic/graphic novel Shadowdale. Just need to finish up some lettering and one more page. I'll be making a special section of my website for it and regular updates.

I've also been in contact with Damnation Books, a relatively new publisher of e-books and an e-magazine of the Horror genre. I'm going to be doing some story and possible cover work for them. I'm liking the way they're doing things over there from the business side. If you're so inclined you may wanta check out their guidelines for Art or Fiction.

I'm close to finishing a short story, and plan on sending it out once it's been tightened up a bit.

My piece called Grace will be appearing on the back cover of Night To Dawn later this Fall. That issue will feature some new layout ideas both on the cover and interior which I've been given a preview of and given some insight toward. Lookin' good.

Sandstone and Single Track

2009-05-15T12:10:00.002-06:00

From Lory State Park May 14th 2009

Yesterday was a beautiful day so I went up North and rode at a new place. It was a lot of fun and gorgeus scenery. It wasn't too crowded either. They used to quarry sandstone up here back in the mid to late 1880's. A large resvoir is in the area and the trails I was on led down to the various coves.

WIP: Self-Portrait

2009-05-01T16:58:00.000-06:00

Illustration: The Bravest Soldier

2009-05-01T09:26:00.002-06:00

My illustration for the short story The Bravest Soldier by Michael C. Keith is now 'live' on Static Movement Online's May '09 issue.

You can check it out via the link below.

THE BRAVEST SOLDIER

Let Yr Garden Grow...

2009-04-26T12:02:00.000-06:00

I've started a 'balcony garden' this year. The plant on the left is a 'moon' cactus and the other is a tomato plant. It's the first year I've tried to grow any plants, especially vegetables. My mom, and extended family, are big time gardeners so I got some good advice on the tomato plant. Depending on how this year goes I may add more the next time.

The other plant is a 'moon' cactus. I liked it cause it looks pretty funky, and it is hard to kill. LOL. Frank calls it a 'zombie' plant.

What's Your Greatest Fear?

2009-04-24T15:14:00.004-06:00

I got this online earlier today, and it got me to thinking about what my personal fears are. I'd say for me water - in particular drowning - is my greatest fear. I've never been a big fan of the water, whether it be a pool or natural body of water. I don't know how to swim, despite taking lessons at a local YMCA when I was a kid. I've never felt comfortable in water, and once I had a freaky experience at a public pool where I went under and couldn't get up. It probably only lasted a few secs but freaked me out pretty bad. So, for me drowning - especially with no one else around would be my greatest fear. Even worse perhaps would be drowning with people all around but no one noticing or caring enough to help. Being around a lake,creek, or whatever doesn't bother me. Just being in water does. I think it's that loss of control, and 'alien' environment that does it.
I've never really written/drawn about it but maybe some day it'll inspire something creative out of me.

If you read this blog and feel like sharing go ahead - I'd be interested in hearing what others Fear....

REVIEW: Let The Right One In...

2009-04-20T18:23:00.002-06:00

I saw the Swedish vampire movie, Let The Right One In, over the weekend. I'm glad that I did. It proved to be one of the more intelligent and thought provoking horror films I've seen. The basic plot of the movie is that 12 year old Oskar is a timid boy that is bullied at school and more or less ignored by his divoriced parents. One night he meet Elli, a girl who has moved next door. It turns out that Elli is a vampire and her 'father' is a human that kills young boys and drains their blood for her to drink. He's also quite possibly the worst serial killer in history. What sets the movie apart from other vampire movies is that it develops its characters and their relationship. Delving into the emotions of loneliness, falling in love, and the darker side of love. It's the kind of movie that won't appeal to a lot of American Horror fans. There are a few scenes of violence/blood but not enough to appeal to the gorehounds. There are no effeminate male vampires a la Anne Rice. There is no melacholy love sick vampires a la Coppola's Bram Stroker. There's no brooding over the ''hunger''. When Elli feels 'the hunger' she bestial and primordial. There's no poetic waxing over it. It is her nature. What a breath of fresh air it is!

Acting wise the two young actors do a tremendous job. Production wise it is well done. The frigid temperatures and snow covered landscape of Sweden make for a great backdrop for the story. Special effects are kept at a minimum and use effectively. In particular a scene where Elli climbs the side of a hospital. Rather then focus directly on it, her wall climbing happens in the background on the far right of the screen in the shadows. Very effective and creepy/bizarre.

In the end it is not for everyone. It's rumored that an American remake will be coming out by JJ Abrahms. I'm not a fan of this dude at all. I'm not a fan of remaking a movie that's only 2 years old just to cater to the lowest Common American denominator. If you like smart well crafted artistic horror then check it out on DVD.

Overall I give it a 5 out of 5.

WIP: The Bravest Soldier

2009-04-16T01:57:00.004-06:00

This is the WIP of an illustration I was asked to do by Static Movement's Chris Bartholomew. It is for a short story that'll be appearing in the May 2009 issue of the web zine.

It was an easy story to illustrate and this idea came to me quickly. I like the way that the piece is coming out, and post a link to the finished piece and story down the road.

This scan came out kinda blurry, but the original will be better.

From illustrations 2009

Night To Dawn #15

2009-04-15T15:27:00.002-06:00

The Spring issue of Barbara Custer's Night To Dawn magazine is now out and available for purchase. On the back cover you'll find one of my pieces and I also have a drawing within the pages of it.

Night to Dawn is published twice a year (Spring and Fall) and features vampire realted fiction, and poetry. It also features movie and book reviews of the Horror genre.

Time

2009-04-15T14:56:00.002-06:00

Over at WebComics they have a pretty good article about making time for working on your comic. You can really replace 'comic' with just about anything.

Most of the article covers things that I've read before, but one thing that struck me is the 'dead'time idea. That time where you really aren't doing anything, and really just wasting time. The example they give is half heartedly surfing the web, watching tv or playing video games when you could be working on your project. There's defintely something to be said for unwinding after the work day/night but I'm guilty as anyone of 'dead' time. It's too easy to lapse into a multimedia coma these days, but I find once I make the commitment to myself and get to the drawing board I make the most of my time and prefer to be there rather then in front of the tv.

There's defintely a balancing act between working on a project and taking breaks. A lot of these self help articles are good at giving advice on how to make the time to work on your project. However they seldom mention the benefits of taking breaks. Sometimes we become so fixated on our project that we run the risk of over working it to the point that it is ruined. Taking a break to walk around the block, hit the gym, grab a beer, or play a video game for 30 minutes is a valuable thing. Quite often by taking a break and going back to the project later you can see things you may have overlooked or have a sudden break when resolving a problem.

ShadowVale - Preview Pages 1&2

2009-04-12T01:56:00.003-06:00

Here are the first two pages of ShadowVale. Still needs a tad bit of tweaking, but overall they're finished. I've done 7 pages in terms of pencil, inking, and coloring. I should be able to get the 8th page done later this coming week. The scanning/lettering won't take to long to do since it's easier to do lettering digitally. Once I get that done I plan on entering the 8 page pitch into Zuda.

Price War

2009-04-11T12:27:00.004-06:00

The latest controversy in the comic books world is price. Mainly, it deals with the fact that Marvel, the largest comic book publisher in the world, is now charging 3.99 per issue. To give you some perspective I have some old Uncanny X-Men issues from the late 1980's and early 1990's that are 1.50 per issue. It is true that the quality of paper has been upgraded from the old newsprint and they are using better ink/printers.
Yet that doesn't rationalize the increased cost because every other publisher from DC, Image, and small press like IDW and BOOM! also use the same paper/printers while charging 2.99 per issue.

That being said the other publishers will occasionally charge 3.99 per issue, BUT these issues tend to be oversized issues sometimes with gate covers, unfolds to a mini posters, or are one hit comic featuring some top talent or a mini-series. All of which justifies the additional cost, since you are getting more for your buck or something rare and limited.

Marvel would rather just stick 8 pages of a preview of another comic into an issue in an attempt to justify the increased cost you pay. Most likely a preview you don't give a rat's ass about nor will buy.

I only follow about 3 or 4 comic books per month (none of which are Marvel) so I do not mind spending 2.99 per issue as long as the content of the title is good. I also do not mind occasionally paying 3.99 if it is a one hit done by people I like or a mini-series that interests me. Above all else it is the content that is the deciding factor. I do not buy Marvel because their content is lacking.

A good reason why I do not think that the 3.99 cost of a Marvel issue is justified is because they advertise way more in their issues then publishers like Image and Dark Horse. Image places no adverts in the pages of their issues, except for the back page. Dark Horse may put two or three adverts for their own titles within the pages of their titles and stick the rest in the back after the story is complete for that issue. Marvel, however, will have 6 or more adverts within the pages of the story for products not even related to the title or comics in general. That's not including the inside of the front/back cover. So essentialy if you buy a copy of The Walking Dead by Image you are paying 2.99 for 24 pages of story. If you buy any Marvel title you are paying 3.99 for 32 pages yet 6 or 7 of those pages are adverts so you are only getting maybe 26 pages of story. Is that really worth an extra dollar? Really? Especially when advertisers pay through the nose to advert?

Marvel Comics has gone through troubles before, and despite the popularity of the movie adaptations it's had the publisher really needs to get its head out of its ass.
I think they'd be better off cleaning house and getting rid of a quarter of their current titles. How many X-men/Wolverine titles do we really need? I also think they'd be better off following a template created by Image where each title is self contained - no cross over bullshit. If you really wanta do a cross over then create a limited series which ends with the storyline's conclusion. The way they've been doing it where a storyline starts in one title and carries over to another each month is bullshit because it require your reader to spend even more money just to keep up.

Weekend Round Up

2009-04-11T00:28:00.002-06:00

Picked up two books via Amazon that came today in time for the long weekend. 13 Bullets by David Wellington (current fave author) and The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks.

13 Bullets is Wellington's approach to the vampire mythos. Although at times he practically rips off the vamps from 30 Days of Night he manages so far to have some unique ideas of his own and characters. Plus, his descriptive style and fast paced action plots seem to keep this one going.

Max Brook's The Zombie Survival Guide is decent. I've heard much hype from friends and press about it, and finally picked it up. The premise is clever, written in the style of any outdoors/wilderness survival guidebook a la The Backpackers Handbook. It's a very detailed world/concept that Brooks has come up with, perhaps going deeper then any writer/director has done. That being said it's very dry in content and makes for a better read when done so in a few paragraphs here and there rather then being the proverbial page turner into the wee hours of the night.

Watched Bruce Campbell's MY NAME IS BRUCE earlier this week. Very funny movie he directed/produced/starred in where a small town kidnaps him with the misunderstanding that he'd be able to kill the demon that's plagued them.If you're a fan of his work then I'd recommend it. On par with Bubba Ho Tep. It's currently avail on DVD.

New Bedlam

2009-04-07T10:00:00.001-06:00

Jodi Lee and others have started a new online zine called New Bedlam Project. The first issue of it is online at this moment and features a handful of stories and poems. The theme of the zine is all the fiction is set in the fictional town of New Bedlam. If that sounds familiar to you it is because it also the setting for the upcoming anthology Courting Morpheus. Speaking of which I'm pleased to say that the antho has found a publisher and will be out later this Fall. In October I believe.

But for now if you are looking for some quick reads on your lunch break or whatever go on over and check out New Bedlam Project.

Honest Crap

2009-04-06T14:26:00.006-06:00

The Award and Rules:

This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog content or design is, in the giver’s opinion, brilliant.

Apparently the rules are as follows:

1. When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to the said person so everyone knows she/he is real.
2. Choose a minimum of 5 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have seven friends. Show the seven random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with Honest Weblog. Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.
3. List at least ten (10) honest things about yourself. Then pass it on!

Makkaio is one of my oldest and best friends. I've known him since middle school and read his blog regularly. He's always been into gaming and programming. His blog consists of insights into MMO games, development orientated posts, and his opinion on the continuing evolution of the MMO culture. I admire Makkaio's passion and love for gaming. I appreciate that fact that gaming isn't simply mindless entertainment for him and that he has learned the nuts and bolts of the gaming industry. I respect that fact he's never lost this passion for gaming even as we got older and that his creativity and intelligence are used for something outside of his day job. I'm glad to see him stepping up and working on his own game currently. His blogs are well written and straight forward.

Geo I've know George for a few years through the various small press publications we both did illustration work for. George's a very talented artist with an imagination that lives up to his title 'Twisted Mentality'. George not only has wild ideas but good craftsmanship which I've seen mature over the years. His use of shading and composition is growing. I like his blog because he not only shows finished pieces, but shows the various stages that he's going through. You can find a link to his Deviant Art page on his blog as well which has more of his Artwork. If you like good Horror check 'em out.

Deanna Davoli I've known Deanna since college, and she's one of my best friends. She's a tremendously talented Fantasy artist who's work continues to amaze me. I enjoy her blog because it is a good way to keep tabs on what she's working on and what festivals she's appearing at.

Jodi Lee I've known Jodi Lee for several years and her blog always has good insight on her editing/writing projects as well as well written slice of life pieces. Her snarky attitude at times can make for an entertaining read.

Julia. Not only is she Makkaio's better half-perhaps superior half :P she's one of the few people I know that blogs almost daily. That wouldn't mean too much if it were poorly written drivel. Julia's blog makes for an entertaining read because it runs the broad spectrum of life's topics. Whether it be about music, her everyday life, social issues important to her, or her violin performances it's always down to earth and engaging. A lot of people try to come up with themes for their postings and blogs. Julia's was vaguely inspired by a indie coffee shop she used to go to, and I think she's accurately conveyed the topics often discussed in such establishments.

10 Honest Things About Me

1) My first job was at a burger joint when I was a junior in high school. I worked there part time for about 4 years before leaving to go to college at Buffalo State.

2) I grew up in a rural community, not even a town per se, and spent the majority of my youth in the woods and along the creek in the ravine behind my folks' house.

3) I've loved cycling since as long as I can remember. When other kids had pics of Tony Hawk or Joe Montana on their wall I had Greg Lemond and Italian road cycling teams on my wall.

4)I never had training wheels.

5) I sliced my hand to the bone on broken glass.

6) I moved 1400+ miles from my birth place to Colorado without a job waiting for me, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life.

7) At one point a few years ago I weighed close to 190 lbs. I've shed 30 lbs and lead a much healthier/active lifestyle.

8) I rarely drink alcohol any more. Maybe once or twice a year. I really don't enjoy it or 'need' it. Have nothing against alcohol but think those years are over for me.

9) I am a Christian.

10) My Art/Writing is my true love.

REVIEW: The Haunting In Conneticut

2009-04-02T11:34:00.002-06:00

This past weekend I went and saw the movie The Haunting In Conneticut. Overall, I enjoyed the movie a lot. I thought it was well acted and well written. The movie had a good atmosphere, and relied more upon story then cheap scare tatics and gore. Personally, I find horror, especially supernatural horror, to be most effective when it involves realistic and sympathtic characters that are placed in situations that gradually become more bizarre. Early on in the movie you can justifiably argue that the visions Matt is having are the side effect of the experimental treatment that he's taking for his cancer. That the impact on his family is caused by him and not the spirits in the house. Yet by the midway point of the movie it is clear that things aren't so banal. I felt that the lead actor Kyle Gallner (Matt) did an excelent job in his role and had a tremendous ability to pull off the creepy personality/expressions needed for the role. I liked the way the director told the back story of the movie through visions of ghosts/flash backs rather then using a talking head to spill the truth. Although there are few scenes/conflicts that were a bit predictable there was an interesting twist and ideas concerning the house that made it highly entertaining. Then again I'm not one to sit there and say 'Oh I totally knew that was gonna happen'. If a movie is well written and acted I simply enjoy it for what it is.

In the end I came away satisfied and entertained by the movie. I would put it in the same category as Poltergeist and The Marsh. If you like supernatural horror that is well made then you may want to check out The Haunting In Connecticut.

Heaven Is Dirt

2009-03-24T18:57:00.004-06:00

The sport of mountain biking began in the 1970's. It's rather mind boggling when you consider how fast the sport has grown from the early days of fire roads in Northern California to single track, downhill, and free riding today. It's even included in the Summer Olympics. The technology has gone from department store bikes to alumnium frames, front/rear suspensions and more types of tires that I can name. Although Colorado, California and Texas remain the stronghold of the sport, (the three states have the most pro riders), it has managed to gain popularity across the world and feature international champions.

I can still remember seeing a picture of a mountain bike for the first time in the late 1980's in a road cycling magazine. There was a definite appeal to the idea of riding through the wilderness rather then the road.

After moving out to Colorado I've been blessed to have access to numerous great trail systems. To me the sport of mountain biking represents freedom. Riding down a sweet single track or wagon rode through miles and miles of unspoiled land and not seeing another person for hours is sublime. XC (cross country) riding also presents a physical challenge that can be grinding and grueling. But when you reach the top of hill or make it through a series of switch backs the feeling it gives me is the best. There is an unspeakable satisfaction of looking back and seeing how far I've climbed none stop, or clearing roots or boulders.

Trail riding is an intellectual stimulant. It requires eye/hand coordination and quick decision making otherwise you'll be doing an endo, (head first over the bars).

Trail riding is a religious experience. This is where I find God. Whether it be the view along a ridge, encounters with elk and other wildlife, or the sound of the mountain wind and the sweet vanilla of the Ponderosa. No sermon can capture the raw beauty like God's country can.

I'll never be one to sit on the couch all day. I'll be riding until I can't get out of bed. Mountain biking isn't for everyone. It's harsh, taxing, and grueling to the rider and the bike. Despite all that there are the rare breed that find the pleasure and beauty in it. Feeling the flow. It is love. When you are no longer rider and bike, but you are one. When the sun hits your back and the wind your face and you know what it is to be truely alive and free.

36 Years Ago Today

2009-03-22T15:35:00.006-06:00

I used to devour the words of Kerouac and Morrison like a starving dog that had wandered into a banquet. Dadaism and Abstract Expressionism. Stream of consciousness. These were the banners I carried into battle against the commercialism and industrial tyrants that tried to lay siege to my wallet and consciousness. Sonic Youth and Nirvana's feedback sang my national anthem across the campus quad.

I gave the finger to the establishment and cast off their labels. While others explored the pleasures of the flesh and the union of the soul with one or many, I delved deeper into the road of excess in search of the fabled Palace of Wisdom which seemed more like over crowded house parties, dingy Buffalo streets splattered with vomit and blood. Tickets that were seemingly one way were paid for by ill gotten goods and morally grey means.

Looking back at it now is like a ring of soap scum on the shower walls. You can see where a youth of ignorant hate and excess peaked.

Growing older is a sour thing for some. The backwash in the stein of Life. I still don't see it that way. When I look in the mirror I see the grey hairs, the furrows etched in my brow, and the growing baldness. But I don't see growing older as a process of slowing down or loosing the 'edge'. If anyting the process of getting older has been a boon to my creativity and intellect. The edge has become sharper and more focused. No longer the barbarian's axe but a surgican's scalpel. A sniper's rifle.

As I hit my 36th year today I find myself growing stronger and more focused. Grounded in reality, but not hindered by it. Childish delusions of fame and fortune have been shed like the skin of the serpent. I made my peace with God and Christ and the Holy Spirit. I feel no shame in that nor deny it. Yet I continue to push the boundaries of my Artwork and self-expression. I continue to explore the corridors of darkness and the supernatural without it weighing me down.

I've learned to work with the political system to make definite changes in the laws and regulations in regards to the environmental issues I consider important. I don't know lash out with anger but brandish intellect and critical thinking to defend those that cannot speak for themselves. I know that the world will not change overnight but in small steps.

I know and like myself more then I have back in the days of brash youth. I embrace the process of living and growing older rather then wallow in the melancholy of what once was my youth.

WIP: ShadowVale Cover Art

2009-03-15T16:07:00.000-06:00

I started this last night while taking break from working on page #7. The blocks/bricks will continue up the page.
Started playing around with different fonts for the title/header on the page earlier today. Not quite sure I like the font I used but it's staying for now. Once I get the drawing finished I'll screw around with fonts more for it. There's a ridiculous number of fonts on my computer. I seriously wonder what the point is when it comes to some of them.

Anyways, I'm going for a walk since it's nice out today and will likely finish the cover up later tonight and post it.

Man vs Scanner (& other random BS)

2009-03-10T16:13:00.003-06:00

I have 7 pages of ShadowVale penciled so far, and should finish the 8th page by this weekend. Maybe sooner. I've inked one page already, and by next week hope to have a good start on the inking, and early color. I originally was doing it on 9x12 sheets of bristol plate, but switched over to 11x14 sheets since I can get more panels per page that way and other reasons. I found that it's easier to scan the sheet in two seperate halves rather then scanning a 9x11 too. So it should be less of a pain in the ass and I won't have to fret about something getting cut off the page.

I wish they made larger flatbed scanners at a reasonable price, but the way I'm doing it now should work out fine.

Once I get the first 8 pages completed I plan on entering it into the competition at Zuda. Zuda is a website that's a subdivision of DC Comics. The winner gets a publishing contract with them. That's not the only egg in my proverbial basket, but seems like a good way to start.

I don't watch much TV, especially once the NFL season is over. However, I am a fan of Sci-fi's 'reboot' of Battlestar Galactica and ABC's Lost. BSG has only 3 episodes left or so. Last week's was very good and seems to be setting things up for what should be an epic conclusion of a great series. I have to say the two prior episodes were utter rubbish on par with daytime tv. I have a feeling that the remaineder will be superb.

I have a love/hate relationship with ABC's Lost. There are times when it seems like the show is more build up and cliff hangers rather then anything tangible. However, I really like where this season is going with the time travel, and some of the character developments along the way. Yet, I can't help but think they should simply spill all the beans and end it after this season.

Although I enjoyed the graphic novel THE WATCHMEN, I'm not overly enthused about seeing the movie. I'll probably just end up renting it.

DC comics is doing some rather weird stuff with Batman. I can understand the whole thinning of the herd when it comes to the off shoot titles from Batman/Detective Comics. Titles like Robin, Nightwing, Birds of Prey aren't really worth the paper they're printed on. However I take exception to the supposed death of Bruce Wayne. The fact that he was apparently killed in Final Crisis (a cross over title) rather then what was historically his title of origin, Detective or the venerable Batman title. It seems like a cheap way to do it, and I don't feel like spending money on a cross over I don't care about. It's the equivlant of Han Solo being frozen on an episode of Star Trek. That's how stupid it is. Now DC is starting a 'Battle For The Cowl' amongst the remaining supporting characters of the Gotham multiverse. Apparently whoever wins will become the new 'Batman'. All of which stinks of the so called Death of Superman arc which happened years ago in which a similar battle took place only to have Superman rise from the 'dead'. The idea there was that it'd make the series tighter and the characters better, which it didn't. I can see Batman doing the same. I think that DC will lose a lot of support from the 'death' of Bruce Wayne and eventually come up with some half assed reason as to why/how he returns. I would've rather seen the off shoot titles canceled and a arc which centers around perhaps a new sidekick for Batman or maybe even have it result in a new enemy for him.

I guess the main reason I can't get into superhero comics anymore is cause of stuff like this happening. Too formulaic.

Oh well the newest issue of The Walking Dead, Proof, and House of Mysteries will be in my hands later this week. Good stuff.

Hang The DJ

2009-03-07T08:00:00.003-07:00

I haven't listened to commercial radio in God knows how long. It make's me physically ill. I do not listen to lyrical music much anymore. I don't need to here any more songs about failed relationships, pussy, bling, drug addiction, or political injustice. I don't give a fuck about that cause no one has anything to say any more.
I've been listening to instrumental music these days. Well months actually. Bands like Isis, Tides, Earthless, Zoe Keating, Brian Eno, Zoviet France and etc. I find shit like this to be far more appealing. Musicians that actually fucking know how/why/what about music and their intsruments is refreshing given the state of commercial music. People that actually create music not for pussy or cash but for the creative process and because it's something their passionate about.

I am a music snob. I'm fine with that, and I am glad that through the internet I am able to access to music that I enjoy rather then having to suffer through another Pink Floyd, Fallout Boy, or Rhianna song for the millionth time.

A friend once said that the internet killed 'the underground' back when we were in college, circa 1994. I disagreed with her and still do. I think that internet radio has allowed it to grow. Sites like Pandora and Last FM and etc give fans and musicans a greater audience without having to rely upon corporate labels and commercial radio stations. True you will get bullshit posers out there that can't play for shit, but there's a market for everything - including bullshit. And I'd rather deal with a few annoying musical fruit flies then the stinking maggot heap of commercial radio any day.

REVIEW: The Marsh

2009-03-06T23:14:00.002-07:00

The Marsh
Director: Jordan Barker
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Gabrielle Anwar.
Released: 2006
Avail: DVD

Although movies based around haunted houses can be a bit contrived, The Marsh is a good supernatural horror film. The movie relies more upon atmosphere and psychological elements rather then gore/cheap scare tatics. It does a great job at creating the creepy atmosphere and sense of mystery. Although I will admit there is a scene that did make me jump, which I rarely do. Forest Whitaker was the only actor I was familiar with but along with his performance I enjoyed the rest of the cast.

The storyline was tightly written and held my interest the entire time. The plot centers around Claire who is a childrens' author/illustrator that's plaqued by strange dreams. Despite medication and psychological counseling she cannot come to the root cause of the dreams. Then one day while channel surfing she happens across a news story which features a shot of a house which matches the one featured in her dreams. When she travels to that town she soon discovers she recongizes the people there from her dreams. Soon afterwards Claire has encounters with spirits in the house, and begins to investigate the history of the old house. It's a nicely written mystery with supernatural elements. Although a few times I was a bit perplexed by the plot by the end things were neatly tied together to create a very good story.

The use of computer generated effects are used effectively. I especialy liked the way the ghosts 'vanished' toward the end.

If you liked films like Poltergiest and Amnityville Horror then you will enjoy this one I think.

Preview Art: ShadowVale: Web Comic

2009-03-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

This is a preview frame from the comic I am working on called, ShadowVale. The dude is one of the main characters and his name is Barry. Is he simply a burn out that spews idiotic drivel or does he hold the answer to the crisis plaquing the town of Raven, Colorado?

Coming in April 2009.

Survive The Outbreak

2009-03-02T02:39:00.002-07:00

I came across the 'interactive' movie, Survive The Outbreak tonight. The setup is similar to the original Night of the Living Dead and you are in control of the character James. I say interactive movie because there are various times in the movie where you have to make a critical decision as what to do. These decisions will either lead to your violent death or allow you to survive a few moments longer. The acting is good and the production level is very well done. Defintely worth checking out. So far I've died 3 times. LOL.

Misery Depot

2009-03-01T17:27:00.003-07:00

I came across Misery Depot earlier today via Drunk Duck. Misery Depot is a free online comic that blends sci-fi and surrealism together in a tightly written, albeit short, story. I liked how it resolved some questions I had early on by the end of the story but left some things open ended. Although it appears that they won't be continuing the story exactly, they do plan on putting out some more comics. Personally, I think they'll be a group to watch.

I like the fact it is free to download as a pdf and also avail on Mac's iPhone and Google's Android.

I will warn you however that the comic does contain non-sexual nudity so if you are offended by that for whatever reason then don't read it. Otherwise go Check it out.

Fungus Threatens Ancient French Cave Art : Discovery News

2009-03-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Fungus Threatens Ancient French Cave Art : Discovery News

The Holy Grail Of Krypton

2009-02-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

An Action Comic issue #1 which introduces Superman as the world's first superhero is up for auction bids online. The issue came out in June 1938, and is considered to be in 'fine' condition. Essentially it was kept in a poly bag of some sort the entire time. Considering that up until recently, mid 1990's, comics were printed on cheap paper - the equvlant of newsprint, the issue has stood up remarkably.

They are saying that the issue could go for at least 126,000 dollars, but many are speculating that it will go for more. I like the fact that this is being done online and not some limited haughty auction house in NYC or elsewhere. At least it gives everyone at least a token shot at getting it. It'll be intersting to see how much it goes for given the nature of the economy. True, comic books have experienced the 'lipstick' effect, increased sale in low priced luxury items during economic strife, but will anyone be willing to drop a couple hundred g's on it? Probably.

There's a link below to take you to the page where you can check out the cover and some interior pages. I have to say it looks really good, especially the colors.

I'm not a huge superhero fan, but it is pretty awesome to see this piece of comic history.

ComicConnect :: The Online Marketplace for Comic Buyers & Sellers

Obsessions

2009-02-24T15:18:00.002-07:00

I've never been to become fixated or obsessed with any fictional franchise. I know plenty of people that are fanboys or fanatics for Star Wars, Battle Star Galactica, Star Trek, or etc.

I've enjoyed a lot of these things, but only on a casual level. I never went so far as to know the intimate details of wookie mating rituals or the personal hygiene of a cylon. You'll never find me doing a one man re-enactment of A New Hope, including the music, while on a road trip with some buddies. I don't buy Stephen King books only to shrink wrap them and put them in storage without ever reading them. Ever.

I'm not sure why I don't have this personality trait. I don't think there's anything wrong with knowing the birth place of Han Solo or the shoe size of Captain Kirk. I simply have never cared enough about any series/character to want to know such things. Like whether or not Darth Vader had a zipper fly in his Vader suit, or did he wear depends?

Perhaps I am not a fanboy because I have spent a lot of time creating my own Art and Fiction. That unto itself takes a certain amount of obsession. Putting tiny little dots on a page to create shadow defintely requires it. Yet, I don't think it is quite the same as knowing the color of Caprica 6's panties.

Even as I work on my comic and develop the major characters there's a certain line that I don't cross with them. I may need to know what sort of relationship they had with their parents and what their parents did for careers, but that is only because it comes into play for that character. I don't go further into how the parent's met or the fact that the father was anal retentive about coffee creamer.

For some there will always be the need to know things about their favorite fictional characters, like what a shaved wookie would look like, but it's not for me.

Evolution of a Nightmare...

2009-02-23T14:37:00.004-07:00

Finished the first draft of the script of my comic book series, and am about three quarters of the way through the re-edits. I've already done a few character sketches and plan on working on the rest today and Tuesday. Most likely start working on the actual comic this coming weekend. So, it is coming along nicely.

I'll eventually be uploading it in a special section of my website as well as to other online comic communities. Of course any updates and whatnot will be posted via this blog.

People vanishing from their homes, a psychotic stranger in tattered robes, a babbling mad man, and a pulse which disable all technology in the remote mountain town of Raven, Colorado. Are these things just random coincedences or are they all pieces in some lunatic jigsaw puzzle? For the survivors of Raven it is more then a mere curisoity as they attempt to survive the horrors that have come upon their town. A group of strangers most ban together and discover not only the cause of the events but a way to resolve them before it is too late.

Werewolf Wire-Fu?

2009-02-22T06:09:00.005-07:00

Tried watching SkinWalkers the other night. Key word being tried. The acting was decent and the plot was action packed, but I simply couldn't get into it. I think it was because none of the characters were really developed all that well. When someone died I didn't really care cause I didn't know anything about them other then they were 'good' or 'bad' werewolves. When it was revealed the 'bad' head werewolf was the supposedly dead father of the 'chosen one' it felt flat cause you never really knew anything about their relationship prior.

I was really expecting more from the visual effects since Stan Winston's studio was involved with the project. If Lon Cheney Jr's 'Wolfman' ever had pups with a chihuahua then these 'werewolves' would be the result. The fight sequence at the end consisted of ridiculous 'wire fu' jumping around and seemingly endless and bloodless bitch slap fests that had little effect on anyone. Rhona Mitra and Natassia Malthe provided the eye candy for me, but that wasn't enough to make this movie watchable.

I think that the last good werewolf movie was Dog Soldiers. Too bad there aren't more since the werewolf is a great archetype that has plenty of room to explore.

New Da Vinci Portrait Reveals Artist in Middle Age: Discovery News

2009-02-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

New Da Vinci Portrait Reveals Artist in Middle Age: Discovery News

Conan

2009-02-19T10:48:00.002-07:00

Dark Horse Comics has recently acquired the offical Robert E. Howard liscence to adapt many of his fictional stories into the comic book form. I recently picked up a copy of their Conan: The Cimmerian series and enjoyed it a lot. As far as the story and characters go they stay true to the source. In particular I like the fact that they represent Conan not as a blundering simpleton muscle man but a warrior that is intelligent. No, Conan wouldn't be able to compete with the likes of Gallieo or Shakespear but Howard's verision of him in stories showed him to be well versed in military strategies and survival skills.

I also liked the fact that Dark Horse is using two different pencilers to do the artwork. One does the main storyline and another for the flash back scenes. This defintely gives it a distintive difference in the visuals.

Dark Horse is also starting the series off with Conan as a young man just embarking on his early journeys rather then later in life. It is a good way to develop not only the main character but the world Howard created.

I had read some of Robert E. Howard's stories in the past and the comic has renewed my interest in his work. My interest was particularly peaked when I learned that a collection of his horror stories had been released recently by Del Rey.

You can learn more about all the Conan comics at Dark Hore Comics
You can learn more about Robert E. Howard at his offical site.

Mountain Bluebird

2009-02-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Took this a couple weeks ago near the shores of a mountain lake.

Racism or Art?

2009-02-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

Today I came across the now notorious cartoon which appeared in today's New York Post.
If you haven't seen it then click on the link below. Although, it is every US citizens right to express themselves freely I think that the NY Post has trampled the line of morality. There are plenty of other ways to attack and criticize the current administration's economic plans and Obama himself without resorting to blatantly racists imagery.

Someone argued that Obama didn't write the stimulus bill, but the members of Congress did and therefore the cartoon is in reference to Congress. That it isn't a racists comment toward Obama nor a death threat/wish toward the President. Personally, I find this difficult to buy. Even if that was the cartoonist's point he failed to deliver it. Since there's only one chimp dead on the ground it doesn't convey the idea that the bill was written by the proverbial room full of chimps at typewriters.

Personally, I do think it is a racist image and the NY Post knowingly printed it while being aware peoples reaction would be that of the President. The cartoonist in question is known to have done other political cartoons which associated gay marriage with bestiality, and other so called 'satires'.

This type of ignorant narrow minded hateful imagery doesn't deserve to see the printed page, and I hope that the NY Post experiences a severe backlash for it.

The Associated Press: NY Post cartoon seems to link Obama to dead chimp

Alien Economics (NEW ART)

2009-02-16T13:09:00.002-07:00

~encrypted transmission beta liberty omega~...

Stop blaming the Dems and Reps for our current economic crisis! I've found the truth to the entire crisis and have a limited amount of time to share it with you - the PEOPLE! I suspect they'll jam this single soon...they're on to me by now.

It is time to unite as one against the forces that work against us. To cross party, cultural, and even international lines BEFORE it is too late!

To see the face of OUR TRUE ENEMY click HERE and prepare yourselves for the SHOCKING truth!

KNOW YOUR ENEMY!

~end transmission~

RE: Your Brains by Jonathan Coulton

2009-02-05T22:17:00.001-07:00

Best song EVER about zombies. EVER!

The Keene Act & You...

2009-02-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Klingon Robs 7-11

2009-02-04T14:14:00.002-07:00

Forget about Mexicans sneaking into the States illegally and taking your lawn mowing job or driving around your neighborhood in their low riders all night. Now we got friggin out of work Klingon warriors comin' down here and raiding our 7-11's...Seriously...

Man Robs 7-11 with Klingon Sword...

Stephen Wiltshire - 'Human Camera'

2009-01-31T14:17:00.001-07:00

Stoopid Things...

2009-01-30T15:41:00.002-07:00

Things I've heard over the past week in person that I wouldn't believe were true if I hadn't heard them myself...

''Tofu? What's that some kinda meat?''

Person 1: Name some sharp items you use daily that require the use of a cut glove.
Person 2's Answer: Sharp items.

Me: I don't have a part time job outside of here, but I do freelance illustrations of magazine covers and short stories. Mainly horror and sci-fi.

Person 2: Illustration? (accompanied by blank stare) So you write articles?

Me: Me, no. I do the Artwork that accompanies them.

Person 2: *Blank Stare*

Me: *Walks the Fuck Away*

REVIEW: Outpost

2009-01-26T13:48:00.003-07:00

Over the weekend I watched the movie, Outpost and was pleasantly surprised by it. The synopsis of the film is that a mysterious businessman hires a group of mercenaries to escort him to a remote area of Eastern Europe. His reasons for going there are unclear other then the company he works for has property there he needs to attend to. After traveling through the war torn country side they come to the location which turns out to be a bunker from the WW II era. Speculation amongst the mercs arises as to the reasons the businessman has come there. The discovery of corpses in the bunker along with an attack by unseen forces causes paranoia and tension to arise amongst the mercs. As time goes on they realize that this isn't going to be a simple 48 hour job and that they may have taken on more then they can chew.

The movie benefits from solid acting from a strong cast of little known actors, a tightly written script which manages to nicely balance the military based action, supernatural/weird science, WW II history, and an atmosphere of tension. It is also well shot and edited. The move tends to rely more upon atmosphere and psychology then going overboard with graphic violence and gore. There are a few scenes during the climax of the conflict that provide visceral eye candy but isn't heavy handed. I also liked the fact that the ending wasn't the typical Hollywood ending. Pacing of the plot allows you to get a bit of a back story on the bunker without slowing down the plot of the storyline.

The only negative thing I felt about this movie is that although the plot and the background story definitely held my interest, I didn't necessarily feel bad when the characters died nor did I feel compelled to root for them. I never got to know much about the characters other then that they were mercs - killers for money. If I knew something more about their families or personal lifes - some sympathetic or 'good' quality to them I would've cared about their fate. As it stands I didn't. I wasn't really cheering for the main characters to die, but would've liked to know about them a bit more. Not necessarily an hour's worth but a few minutes here and there would've made them more then just cold blood soldiers of fortune.

This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the movie, but would've definitely added to it. Given the interesting back story of the bunker and the pacing of the plot the movie still was entertaining and enjoyable.

Outpost appealed to both my interest in WW II, and supernatural horror/weird science. Compared to some other recent releases it is a horror/sci-fi film for thinking people. There is a reason for the events rather then a mindless slasher flick or torture porn.

If you enjoy fast paced action films with military/WW II elements and supernatural horror then this movie would be worth checking out.

Dead Snow

2009-01-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is coming to the States in the summer. Can defintely see a certain amount of style/humor a la Evil Dead and Sean of the Dead in the trailer, which is a good thing.

Dr. Manhattan

2009-01-22T16:21:00.001-07:00

Better Blue Then Red!

EC Comics

2009-01-22T11:32:00.003-07:00

As a belated Christmas gift my parents gave me a copy EC Comics Archives: Tales From The Crypt Vol 1. This hardback collection contains the first 6 issues of the iconic comic book from the 1950's. Along with the reprints it includes the history of EC Comics and the birth of the Crypt. It's rather interesting how the title evolved from a small feature in another title to what it has become. I also came away with great appreciation for what Gaines and Feldman along with their staff of artists did for the horror genre and comics books. It is unfortunate that Tales From The Crypt stopped being published due to censorship/pressure by the Federal Government which considered comics of this type to be detrimental to the youth. Artists like Johnny Craig never really found their niche again in comics since their style didn't fit into what DC and Marvel were looking for in their titles. Craig later on became a successful and acclaimed artist doing commissioned paintings but I have to wonder what he would've done had EC been able to continue publishing Tales From The Crypt. EC Comics continued by publishing the iconic humor title, Mad Magazine.

The Artwork by Johnny Craig and Graham Ingles is great stuff. I particularly like Craig's cover work. The amount of detail and sense of drama in his work is fantastic. Although the formula for the stories may be a bit predictable they are no less entertaining then anything written today. There's a definte difference in the vocabulary and characters but to label this as a negative thing would be as ignorant as calling Cary Grant a poor actor.

I found it rather interesting that the writers often wrote the text directly in the panels of each page rather then writing a typical comic script. Today it's standard practice for writers to write up a script similar to a screen play for the artists.

There is some controversy over the 're-coloring' of these reprints. The fact is, as is well explained in the book, the technology of reproducing color in the 1950's was limited. In fact Feldman and Gaines were not satisfied with the coloring in the first two issues. Unlike today, comics did not have a staff colorist but were at the mercy of the printer to do the coloring. Eventually, EC hired on their own colorist to do the work which proved to be much better. The reproductions in the book have been recolored digitally in a manner which follows the style of the staff colorist. Since they stayed true to the original colors I do not have any trouble with it. The end result is vibrant strong colors that still retain the feel of the 1950's comics. Compared to some other publisher's reprints these look great.

EC Comics has stood the test of time because of it's fantastic artwork. It also stands above the rest, including DC and Marvel in my opinion, because it set out to create new trends. The suspense/terror story is something that at the time no one else had done, and they were willing to take a chance on. They proved that there was a market for Horror comics and that it could be successful. Despite the censorship EC's influence extends beyond the years they published Crypt. You can see it in the movies of John Carpenter, Stephen King, and etc. Without EC there would be no titles like The Walking Dead, House of Mystery, Conan, or etc.

As a comic creator myself I've come away with a better appreciation for what EC has done for not only comics but the Horror genre as a whole.

Spiders and Politicos

2009-01-16T13:14:00.003-07:00

This week and special edition of the series The Amazing Spiderman will feature a 'guest apperance' by President-elect Obama. Apparently the storyline centers around an imposter attempting to replace Obama during Innaguartion Day, but Spidey swings into action and stops it.

I voted for Obama and in fact supported him way back when he announced he was going to run for the White House. That being said I'm not too crazy about this idea for a comic book. I know Obama's election is a historic event and seen as a chance to make up for the past 8 years. I also know that Obama himself has said that he still reads/collects Spiderman comics. Yet for me a major reason for reading comics in general is to escape reality. To experience a world where things aren't like the one I live in. Putting in a living person into a comic like Obama not only destroys any sense of escapism but I also think Marvel could easily be alienating/pissing off some of their fan base.

I'm not sure if Marvel is attempting to actually give a genuine tribute to Obama or simply jumping on the band wagon of the hype surrounding him.

Just Another Day In The Wasteland...

2009-01-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

This is a screenshot of my FallOut 3 character, Alice. Been playing the game since around the holidays and love it. Hands down one of the best rpgs I've played, ever. Alice is utterly evil, has detonated a nuclear warhead which destroyed a small town, has become a slaver, has owned a bisexual female slave for a short time, battles addictions to whiskey and illegal drugs, tends to murder those who don't give her what she wants and oh yeah Alice has recently become a cannibal! She's kinda sneaky and pretty good with computers and damn nasty with a shotgun. :D

Hard Time For Super Heroes?

2009-01-08T17:34:00.002-07:00

I knew the economy was bad, but didn't realize how bad. Today while I was driving home I saw a man dressed in a bright blue spandex outfit complete with cape and cowl. At first I thought perhaps he was bringing some justice to some evil doers. Perhaps Auntie Jones had got car jacked. Little Billy had lost his dog. Nope, he was out there twirling a sign for a locale Tax Service office. Tax. Service. What a sad sad day when costumed crime fighters have to resort to this type of work just to make the payments on their invisible jet or mortage payments on their underground lair on a remote tropical island.

Gonna Party Like It's 1999....errr...2009...?!?!

2009-01-05T06:53:00.001-07:00

So, seriously - what the fuck has happened to the first decade of the 21st century? We're almost through it, and I swear every year goes by way too fast lately. Yep, I'm getting old. Oh well, fuck it.

I'm not gonna do an end of the year review, cause like most people I had good and bad things happen. Blah fucking blah.

Toward the end of 2008 and over the course of 2009 I will be working on my own project and first serious attempt to get something published by a major publisher or at least a very well established smaller press. Someone that's not a turd in the bowl, but that's been around for years - not weeks. My project is a comic book series. I have the basis of the story down and the majority of the characters put down on paper. I'm working on character sketches too while writing the first draft of the script. It's coming along well, but I'm sure it'll need a few rewrites. I'll be doing all the Art myself. I thought about just doing B&W Art, but decided to say 'Fuck that' cause I'm damn good at coloring inside the lines.

I think by maybe early summer I could have enough to put some up online. I can create a special spot on my website for it and also send it off to publishers and some online web comic communities. I'd probably end up doing a weekly update with one or two pages each time online which is what a lot of creators do. Been doing some research into the whole comic creator thing online and there are some great sites out there.

In the mean time I'll leak some stuff now and again about it as things progress. For now I'll say that the main storyline so far centers around Charlie and Alice who travel to the remote town of Shadow Vale in the Colorado Rockies. Their intentions are to have a simple weekend of hiking and 'personal' time together away from their hectic careers. Unfortunately, things don't go according to plan when they discover someone or something has apparently abducted everyone from the town. Charlie and Alice soon find themselves seperated and struggling to discover the truth and to simply survive.

It's The End Of The Effin' World

2009-01-05T03:21:00.007-07:00

I watched Doomsday tonight on DVD. Pretty good film. Rather ridiculous in parts, but given the fact that Neil Marshall (the director) said that's what he was aiming for then he succeeded. It's light on plot and character while giving you heavy dose of gore, violence, and T&A. A fun one as long as you expect nothing too much. If you're expecting an intelligent, tightly woven tale with deep characters and internal struggles of morality then you'll hate it.

I like the fact that the dvd had both the theatrical and the unrated verisions along with some documentaries on the same disc rather then doing the typical 'regular' and 'special edition' separately.

Personally, I enjoyed it. I'm not one to look down my nose at this kinda stuff. The point of ART is to entertain. Whether ART enlightens or appeals to primordial pleasures along the way is irrelevant. You can put that on my gravestone. Assuming the mountain lions don't get me first...

Burn! Baby! Burn!

2008-12-27T02:29:00.002-07:00

For Christmas my parents gave me a DVD burner for my PC. Got around to installing it in my computer tonight which wasn't too difficult. Very cool to be able to burn a ton of images and writing to a single dvd rather then have to put it on numerous cds. Should make backing up all my stuff easier/quicker.

REVIEW: Batman: Private Casebook

2008-12-26T13:01:00.006-07:00

Author: Paul Dini
Main Artists: Dustin Nguyen (pencils & inks) and Derek Fridolfs (colors)
Publisher: DC Comics
Released: December 2008 - Currently available via Comic Book shops and other bookstores.

Batman: Private Casebook is a recently released hard cover collection of issues 840-845 of Detective Comics and DC Infinite Halloween Special #1.

Although I am not heavily into the superhero niche of comics, I do enjoy Batman. In particular Detective Comics which is the original title Batman appeared in. I enjoy Paul Dini's writing of the iconic Caped Crusader. He has a good understanding of the major villains and plot lines of the iconic title, but more importantly is able to flesh out and breathe life in to the major players. Detective Comics has a dark gritty edge to it which I enjoy. It also puts an emphasis on the fact that Batman/Bruce Wayne is above all else a detective, using forensics and other skills to solve crimes.

The collection features mainly stand alone stories, but also includes the two parter 'Opening Night' and 'Curtains'. This two parter is the strongest storyline in the collection. It displays Dini's ability to create an interesting storyline, while exploring the depth of the characters. I think this is where Dini really excells as a writer. He understands the importance of action and the criminal underworld but is talented enough to make the characters realistic rather then flat. The other stories in the collection are well done, but seem brief in comparison. Still, they prove to be entertaining reads.

Dustin Nguyen is a great artist and I like his work a lot. His style is not hyper realistic nor overly cartoonish. He seems to walk a fine line between the two, and has a great knack for rendering action sequences. I also prefer his vision of Batman which is that of a man in well conditioned form rather then the steroid induced bulk that some other artists give him. Nguyen's Batman looks believable, a mortal man that is in peak physical form not unlike a professional athlete/soldier.

Nguyen also does the covers in water color and he's got a fantastic touch with them. His covers generally never depict a direct scene in the issue but rather capture the essence of the story without giving too much away. The type of covers that draw you in, and after reading them you realize they tie in nicely to the storyline. The Private Casebook features all his covers plus an original on the front of the dust cover as well as two more watercolors on the actual hardcover of the book. This makes for a nice addition for fans of his work.

Derek Fridolfs has a slick style to his coloring, and his choice of pallet does a tremendous job of capturing the feel of each panel. Color is a tricky thing and poor choices can really throw off a page no matter how good the inking/pencil is or how interesting the storyline is. Firdolfs understands this and gives this version of Gotham and it's denizens a great feel.

Overall, Batman: Private Casebook has a slick presentation and good story lines that even the most casual Batman fan can get into and appreciate. For the hardcore fan it is a nice collection to add to the shelf even if you have the individual issues, given the additional artwork on the covers and interior cover art sans titles. The story lines of Opening Night and Curtains really stand out to me and show why this team is worthy of the kudos they have received.

Story: A
Artwork: A
Packaging/Presentation: A
Overall: A

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas to everyone out there. Hope you all have a happy and safe day.

Northern Flicker

2008-12-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

I spotted this guy on my bird feeder this afternoon. I later found out that he is a Northern Flicker - Western Variety. You can tell he's male by the ''moustache'' strips on his head and that he's the Western variety by the color of his stache. Pretty cool sight to see.

If Your Head Is Already Ripped Off We Probably Can't Help You...

2008-12-22T02:48:00.002-07:00

What make's this great is the fact some of it is true, plus the dead pan delivery of the humor. Great animation, too.

Bitch Slap The Baby Sitter - 'Unborn' Trailer

2008-12-21T23:28:00.001-07:00

Heh, I love that part when the kid hits her upside the head with the monitor thing. This film looks like it could be really fucking good, or total crap. Early on it kinda reminded me of Jap - Horror remade for Americans too dumb to read subtitles. I think it was the creepy boy, but later on some of the visuals like ''Mom?'' and the dude on the stairs look very American. I'll probably check it out when it comes out. Although I'm a bit leary about a movie that shows so much, monsters and effects, in a trailer. Kinda takes the sting out of those scenes unless they got the proverbial ace up their sleeves. Check out their site at www.theunbornmovie.net

Plots As Mindless As The Walking Dead

2008-12-16T01:16:00.003-07:00

I just finished reading David Wellington's Monster Nation. It's the second book in his ''Zombie Novel'' triology. Although I enjoyed Monster Island a lot, I didn't like book #2. The characters were one dimensional and stereotypical at best, the plot lines went nowhere, and I was left wondering what the fuck the point of it all was. Nothing really develops in terms of plot or character. In the end it's mindless just like the zombies.

I'm holding out hope that Monster Planet may be better, since I think Wellington has talent given things of his I've read outside the series.

In stark contrast I recently picked up issue #55 of The Walking Dead. I've been following this series since issue #1 and still love it. Wonderfully written characters and plots. Characters you root for and against. Plots that have a beginging, middle, and end. The recent addition of Arthur and his crew with their quest to go to DC seems like an interesting one and addresses the issue of the cause of the outbreak, which the series needs. I like the fact the characters are back on the road again after spending all that time in the prison during the last story arc. Kirkman's not afraid to put his characters through mental and physical torment which keeps things interesting. The realtionship between the characters is a driving force. And of course the zombies are always fun. The zombie plague may seem cliche but The Walking Dead is a complex and enjoyable series. Issue #56 marks the five year anniversary of the series which says a lot about its appeal.

Charlie Adlard

2008-12-12T21:27:00.002-07:00

Charlie Adlard is the penciler, inker and cover artist for the series The Walking Dead. It took me a little while to get used to his style after he took over the series, but now I love his work and was glad to see he's finally come out with his own website.
If you like zombie art or horror art in general, especially nice ink work then go check out his site.

unbecoming (of a young woman) Portraits of the Living Dead Number 01

2008-12-11T19:31:00.001-07:00

I just put up a new piece of Artwork on my website. So go check it out!

Annoyed...

2008-12-10T16:45:00.001-07:00

Today, I drove over to a local comic book shop that I've been going to the past several months. It was a really cool shop with great selection and helpful/friendly staff. The type of local business I like to support. I drove over there this afternoon intending on buying several issues, but found the doors locked and no sign posted as to what the deal was. I could see inside and many of the shelves were bare, which is rare, and no one was inside. It's rather annoying since they could've at least had a piece of paper taped up on the other side of the window saying 'Close, out of business, moving or etc'.