2012 in Review: DRAW

DRAW

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?
 
Being invited to contribute to the forth coming issue of Kloaka a Slovak Literature magazine. I'm really excited about this its the first time my colour abstracts have been reprinted. Also this year I've made some of my best comics. Which will appear at some point on my website.

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?

Sorry I can't actually think of anyone. I haven't really been following comics actively of late.

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

Most memorable would be classic Doctor Who, The Addams Family, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Lots of 80s films; Hell comes to Frog Town, Street Trash, Gwendoline and too many others to list. Also I've been really enjoying this website: http://www.cavetocanvas.com

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

Not really. I really just been refining my current methods at the moment

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

Making comics.

http://www.drawingsilence.com/

2012 in Review: Tim Danko

Tim Danko
 

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?
 
Continuing confidence in my work and processes, it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Dylan Horrocks giving me a by-line I will use for all eternity “one of Australasia’s leading experimental cartoonists”. Possibly a by product of my piss poor scant on detail self-penned bio for the N.Z. comics and graphic novels guide, Dylan had to fill in to give it some stature. But it’s out there and I will take it gladly.

It is a marathon, so steady sub 6 minute miles this year which is quite good for the second half of my race (I started slow). Nothing fancy just good honest progress. I  liked having comic work to do all year.

Feels like we are running with the internationals as a group and as part of the comic conversation, which is a long cherished dream becoming a reality.

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?
 
Tatang Suhenra was an Indonesian cartoonist a little shrouded in mystery who drew for the Indonesian rental comic market and after initial success with martial arts comics (and subsequent disgrace? decline? Not sure) he had a comeback with a run of mythological Punakawan figures/titles (Gareng, Petruk, Semar, Bagong). He died in 2003, “According to a number of rumors circulating, he died because of diabetes. The disease is suffered because Tatang, who often work at night, drinking carbonated beverages addiction.” (Thank you, Google translate.)

His later comics have an easy surreal mix of the everyday and monstrous surprise occurings. Where the character chases carnal desires (food, women, acclaim) only to have the object of his desire turn into some unspeakable monster. With the odd kung fu fight. And appearance of popular American cartoon figure rip-offs (teenage mutant ninja turtles, batman). Kind of like a randy Jim Woodring in his realist/dream comics. Of course it helps that the comics I possess have passed through many rental hands and strange reproduction processes. Awesome.  

Jessica “Phlegmbot” Dews a local artist (cartoonist? Up to her!). Thanks to Mr Horrocks I had found Jessica’s ‘phlegmbot’ tumblr bristling with her shivery psyche energy images. Much imagery, much media, much fun. Who is to say that a tumblr site is not the futures next digital ‘meta’ meta-comic? I think it is, already. Can’t wait to see what comes next.

Yoshiharu Tsuge. Every year is a Tsuge discovery year. I’m up to 12 years of Tsuge discovery. Keep on discovering. Thank you, Tsuge.

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

I have enjoyed finding out about Masao Adachi, a Japanese film maker (and seeing his film ‘A.K.A serial killer- 1969’, a film about a serial killer - without any trace of the serial killer in it).  I have been enjoying my longing to see the Philippe Grandrieux documentary/conversation with Masao  “It May Be That Beauty Has Strengthened Our Resolve - Masao Adachi” , sometimes the waiting and finding out is the pleasure. Both film makers have methods that reaffirm my approach to cartooning.

Finding ‘Love Patrol’ a Vanuatu made 4 series TV show that is a cross between first series Shortland Street production values / the wire in its cross society scope / and  public service announcement social messaging. But you know… set on an unnamed Polynesian/Melanesian island. Visiting the company who made it, Wan Smolbag Group, who also put out public service educational comics.

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

Trust and faith, lost a fair amount of fear of falling and failing whilst drawing. Drawing and marking to get something new out, rather than for a pre-determined result.  Results come later, with hindsight. It is an ongoing struggle, to forget to look at what you are putting on the page and stop thinking about what it will be.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?
 
Seeing the Philippe Grandrieux documentary “It May Be That Beauty Has Strengthened Our Resolve - Masao Adachi”

learning French at high school.

Grabbing the Neomad.

Crowd funding my 4 year 48 page full colour completed comic. (low resolution sneak peak tumblr here).

Catching up. Going to something I am in, either an exhibition or a book launch. It’s been six years since I’ve been to something I am in.

“Revolution is also an image. The question is how one turns that image into reality.” (Masao Adachi)

http://www.deadxeroxpress.com/

2012 in Review: Ben Stenbeck

Ben Stenbeck cover illustration for North & South

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

I got to spend another year drawing funny books. I had 3 weeks in Europe a few months ago with a bunch of kiwi comic artists.  It took flying to the other side of the world for most of us to find out that we all had a lot in common and got on really well.  Also I started drawing covers this year which i was nervous about but its been fun.

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?

James Harren.  Holy crap. His work simultaneously makes me want to give up comics altogether and make more comics. And hes only 25. Massimo Carnivale maybe my favourite painter of all time. Heres his blog with paintings from movies  http://sketchesnatched.blogspot.com

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

'Adventure time' I cant get enough. And the soothing Viking death metal of 'Amon Amarth'. Dont you judge me, its fun music if you dont take it seriously and just enjoy it. And the game Skyrim, but dont tell my Wife or my editor about that one.

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

I set up a new desk just for Inking.  spicing things up.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

I get to draw some stuff later in the year that will be significant for anyone whos been following Baltimore. Ill be doing More covers, Vol 3 Of Baltimore will be released (which might be the best one yet). And another year of drawing funny books! Also hearing all the explanations as to why the world didnt end on December 21st. My money is on no-one considering the possibility that it was all bullshit from the start. It'll be a gas. Merry Christmas.

http://benstenbeck.com/

2012 in Review: Pat Grant

Pat Grant

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

My first book came out, got reviewed all over the place and sold pretty well. That was a highlight. Also, going to America with the Caravan of Nerds was amazing. Michael Hawkins taught me how to eat doughnuts like a man and I came home with this massive belly. I've never done conventions before because fandom creeps me out a little bit, but I found it really interesting. I discovered some neat things about my drawing after being forced to draw in each book I sold. Doing this fast, high pressure, disposable art that I will never see again somehow liberated me from the clenched anus approach to drawing that I've always had.
 
Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?
 
I met some cool people in America. We met Sam Sharp and Jeremy Tinder in Chicago. They really do some great comics and I don't know that I would have met them had I not been in the States. Oh yeah, I've been enjoying watching my friend Sam Alden become this amazing comics ninja with every piece he finishes. I also had my honeymoon at his Mum and Dad's house in Portland which was strange but wonderful. Annie Koyama is possible the most fascinating person in comics. Who is she? Is she real? Or is she like, an angel sent down by the god of nerds to help up takeover the world?
 
What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

Breaking Bad, really surprised me. I just popped out of the cliched trope , you know, the "unlikely suburbanite flirts with the underworld" and has become something entirely more interesting. My favourite thing about it is the setting in Albuquerque, this amazing blend of  ghetto, desert border town, and leave-it-to-beaver suburbia.

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

Normally I draw big, sometimes three times the size of the reproduction, but this year what little drawing I have done has been at the exact size that I am reproducing the work.Here's what I've learned: It fucken sucks balls. Comics are supposed to be drawn large, as large as possible, and don't let any silly miniaturist tell you otherwise.

I've also been writing for an hour every week day. A sprawling crime-adventure comic that may or may not ever get drawn. Sure is fun to write though.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

World War Z? Nah, kidding. I just want to finish of my stupid PhD so I can get a brainless job and devote more time to the next book.

 http://www.patgrantart.com/

2012 in Review: Daniel Reed

Daniel Reed

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?
 
I think Pat Grants 'Blue' was a great achievement, those spreads where the kids are on the rail line amongst all of the crazy vegetation were just amazing. I also liked Sam Wallman's 'Being Born is Going Blind' and lots of others.

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012? 

I had seen bits and pieces of Charles Burns work before, but I read 'Black Hole' for the first time this year. Has to be said that it stuck in my head for ages. The line work is so clean, dark and emotive. The weird story marries perfectly to the images.

I also read 'Safe Area Gorazde' by Joe Sacco. It was certainly not as easy to read as 'Black Hole' but succeeded in many other ways. I think the reporting (of the war in Eastern Bosnia 1992-95), in comic format had a much greater impact on me than it would have done had I seen it in a documentary format. Not sure that I can put my finger on why...
 
What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

Was introduced to "The Game of Thrones" TV series, which is cool. Gigs by 'The Mountain Goats', 'Bonnie Prince Billie' and Robert Forester were all really enjoyable. "Graphic Novels! Melbourne!" documentary was a hoot!

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?
 
Working a lot in colour at the moment. Compositing together water colour, ink and pencil images in PhotoShop.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?
 
Getting to as many book launches, drawing nights and meet-ups as I can. Writing and drawing as much as I can. Seeing Hawthorn beat the Cats for the first time since 2008. Other than that, my title "Grubby Little Smudges of Filth" is due out in limited release hard cover sometime in 2013, so I'm looking forward to that too.

Grubby Little Smudges of Filth

2012 in Review: Colin Wilson

Colin Wilson

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

Undoubtedly, for me the highlight of my year was attending the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany during October, along with Dylan Horrocks, Ben Stenbeck, Greg Broadmore, and Roger Langridge. Who would have thought that such a gang of comic reprobates would be included in the Official New Zealand Delegation to the biggest Book Fair in the world? NZ comics were invisible 35 years ago when I published the first issue of Strips, and look where we've got to now! If things carries on like this, in another 30 years we'll probably be considered part of mainstream publishing.........

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?

For a variety of reasons, I don't actually read a lot of comics these days, but thanks to the internet I recently discovered a couple of European artists that have both really impressed me a lot. At a recent Supernova Con here in Australia Greg Gates introduced me to the work of Italian artist Corrado Mastantuono, who's work on Tex and other Italian comic stories I was completely unaware of, and, while i guess he is not strictly speaking a comic artists, everything I find by Marcos Mateu-Mestre just blows me away. He's an Spanish artist who has worked for, amongst other, Dreamworks and Sony Pictures Animation in the States.... check out his website at http://marcosmateu.net/.

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

There's life outside of comics?
 

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

The biggest change to my working method this year is that I've finally had the chance to slow down a little. Most of my comic work from the last few years has been for mainstream US Comic Publishers, and while it has been a lot of fun, I've found the constant deadlines really started to wear me down. About 12 months ago I decided that I needed to step off that runaway train, at least for a while, and started to accept more offers for European work. It is where my comic heart lies anyway, and my recent book signing tour of France, Germany and Belgium convinced me that I've made the right decision. The quality of comic work being produced over there these days is really impressive, and it was refreshing to discover that their biggest problem appears to be the sheer volume of books being published each year.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

World peace? Well, clearly that ain't gonna to happen, so I guess the highlight for me in 2013 will be starting work on my new series for Delcourt in France. Over the last couple of years I've worked on a couple of Jour J books for Delcourt, and I've recently signed on for a completely new project that is currently being written for me by the two writers of that series, Fred Duval and Jean-Pierre Pécau. I haven't had the chance to work on something entirely original for France for about 20 years, and so this is going to be a real challenge for me. I can't wait to get started.....

http://wilco4400.blogspot.com.au/

2012 in Review: Paul Mason

Paul Mason

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

Highlights? Oh man, 2012 has been very big, and extremely kind to me, so I hope I don’t bore you with my rundown. I “soldiered on” (yes, you’re damn right that pun was intended) with two more issues of ‘The Soldier Legacy’, plus a volume 1 trade paperback, published by Black House Comics. I also continued with my back up story with Christopher Sequeira in ‘Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes #8’, and another collaborative story that we’re hoping we can spin off to something larger in 2013, which I’m excited about. A sketch book also produced for my second trip to SDCC, which helped kick some goals. That trip, with the people and companies that Chris and I met with while we were over there, was a massive boost to the cartooning morale. At the very least, it was a strong validation to me that I’m not wasting my time scribbling, despite not being the most photorealistic of comic artists. (I won’t name drop; I’ll sound even more like a douche bag.) But at the very least, thank you Chris and Baden.

My other highlights were thanks to the good people at Supanova Pop Culture Expo, who had me as a guest in Melbourne, Gold Coast and Brisbane. The tours were fantastic, and chatting to the top guys of current mainstream comics was a blast. My last biggest highlight was thanks to the good folks of Oz Comic-Con, who very kindly had me, and a great line up of other Australian comic book makers, as guests at their Melbourne event. Chatting to Stan Lee about ‘The Soldier Legacy’ was very surreal.
 
Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?
 
I didn’t get a lot of regular comic reading in this year. But, there are a couple of creators: Tristan Jones, a Melbourne writer and artist (TMNT, Ghostbusters for IDW, and upcoming Sebastian Hawks), was also a guest at the cons I was at, and I got to see much of his illustration output as well as more of his writing. His digital illustration line has this lovely, “inky wire frame to hyper realistic” layered effect: a building of blacks, spatter, “grit” and lines that overlay and piece together these highly detailed, dark and disturbing, shadowy images.... I’m hopeless at describing them, google it. I finally got to read the complete volume of ‘The List’ by Paul Bedford, Henry Pop and Tom Bonin - I’ve been mates of Paul  for a while, but wanted to wait until I had the intended completion. I really enjoyed it; it’s the sort of book that dwells on your thoughts hours after you’ve put it down. Though I think I was more disturbed by the fact that I didn’t find it disturbing. I need some therapy, I think... ;P Bobby N’s “No Map but not lost” was fantastic.

The rest for 2012 are mostly older published stuff: I picked up Essential Rawhide Kid and discovered some of Jack Davis’s westerns for Atlas/Marvel. At the time I thought his figures in motion reminded me of Frank Robbins, until I was put on to Harvey Kurtzman; specifically his stories from Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline combat, during at conversation/portfolio review from Howard Chaykin (which would rival Alex Toth's review of Steve Rude. It’s almost word for word, just throw in a few “bullsh**”s ;P). I can see where I think Kurtzman’s figures, poses and ink line had influenced Jack Davis’s stuff. I’m wondering if Kurtzman did the layouts for the EC artists in some of these stories (?). And yes, Kurtzman would be another one. His stuff is fantastic- deceptively simple in detail, but thick line gives his drawings a very expressive look- contrasting with the more realistic styles that feature in the title (like Severin and Wood). The storytelling is very emotive, and layouts, much like Kirby post 1940’s,  show you can still have big impact through pose, camera choice and simple panels over flashy layouts of some modern books . Corpse on the Imjin is probably my favourite, Rubble ticks all the boxes re: layouts, story, passage of time, empathy etc.
 
What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

Again, I was chained to the drawing table, so didn’t get to the cinema much. I did manage to see a few pics, which I enjoyed:  ‘the Avengers’, ‘SkyFall’, ‘Argo’, and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’.

I began lecturing in semester 2, so got to pick up a few classics on DVD that I always wanted to see, and show as parts of the class. Really though, I’m just a sucker for war and westerns, so any excuses was good enough. I enjoyed ‘The Magnificent Seven’ (not often a Hollywood remake is good, right? ;P), Clint Eastwood’s ‘Pale Rider’, and Steve McQueen’s ‘Hell is for Heroes’.

I also managed to drag myself away from the drawing board, and dipped my toe back into one of my old hobbies- Taekwon-do. Specifically, tournament fighting. I honestly thought I was Danny Glover when I did my first lesson back, just before the NSW state titles. But I managed to remember enough to take out the division, then rinse and repeat at the Australian titles, and earn a place on the Australian team for my 4th stint at the World ITF Championships next year in Korea. As long as I don’t bankrupt myself or break my drawing hand on some poor competitor’s face, I’ll be ok.
 
Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

Hmmm, not really. I guess if someone’s interested in my nonsense, I did try to experiment with a different production method for every issue I do, if that counts. So what I mean is, for instance, with issue 4 I experimented with the Shitagaki method of writing a comic, from Colleen Doran’s Master class talk late last year (basically, post-it note sized thumbnail page layouts- no script). It’s a little Marvel method-y, but for a solo dude: thumbnail the thing, including balloon placements etc. With issue 5, I took onboard John Barber’s comments to me re: trying simplified layouts, so much of the pages contain horizontal “storyboard style” panels, rather than vertical, or diagonal layouts I tended to use for action pages. Trying to show what is needed in 1 panel, rather than 3, was another consideration I tried from talking with W. Chew Chan (so being more concise with camera choices); That sort of thing. Nothing drastic, just tune-ups based on talking it out and learning, try to take onboard as much advice as I can to hopefully improve.
 
What are you looking forward to in 2013?

I’m looking at 2013, and it already has me wincing :P

Comic book wise; failing an apocalypse, my current story arc will wrap up in 2013, so I’m looking forward to that.  A new TPB of the last couple of issues will probably be on the cards, a possible issue of this new project maybe? Yes. Let’s stay open-minded. I think a one-shot of the ‘Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes’ back up story is planned once I wrap up the last chapter. I’m looking forward to finishing this damn Doctoral thesis- I struggled this year to balance the drawing commitments with the reference reading, writing and typing commitments this thing demands.

There are a couple of things collaboratively that I’m waiting on, and hoping to hear news of. But in the meantime, I’m not struggling to find something to do. And travel. Lots and lots of travel planned in the diary.
I think ultimately, I’m just looking forward to seeing what 2013 can do for me; I figure all we can ever do is “stick to the plan”, whatever that may entail in your or my case (unless your plan is “sit around, doodle, and pray.” That plan sucks. Don’t do that plan). Work hard.

http://pm-comic.blogspot.com.au/

2012 in Review: Scarlette Baccini

Scarlette Baccini

What have been your personal cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?

Being a part of the Big Arse 2 launch was really special. I launched Zombolette, which is a collection of my comics about a zombie and her mutant guinea-pig best friend. Over the years I've come to care deeply for these characters, and I was really proud to see it all finished and in the hands of real-life nerds.

Watching Graphic Novels! Melbourne! at Readings with the good vibes of the local comic book community was also a mega highlight. I've always been a bit of a hermit in comic book land, but there's a real buzz in Melbourne comics at the moment, and finally being a part of it this year has been wonderful. The film kind of summed it up for me.

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?

This year I discovered Warren Ellis, who created such a massive and wonderfully realised world that I felt totally lost in the landscape. I also very happily discovered about a zillion local creators. Tim Molloy's It Shines and Shakes and Laughs was so moody and delicious, I
can't wait to see more of his work. Ben Hutchings' Lesson Master killed me, and I think Walking to Japan is one of the loveliest creations I've seen. Discovering the prolificacy of Frank Candiloro was also really inspiring.

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?

Seven Psychopaths! Possibly my favourite film of 2012. I'd been having conniptions over drawing a lot of violence in a new comic I'm working on, and that film helped me to sort out my feelings on the matter.

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?

I used to be very haphazard about drawing, and so years of strangling pencils whilst sitting awkwardly on the floor has given me pretty awful RSI. A few months ago I got my hands on a proper drawing board, started sitting at a desk, and learnt how to use brushes. It's been a bit rough learning to use all these new tools, but I'm sure I'll thank myself later.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

Finishing a Zombolette graphic novel, and a few other shorter projects that are a bit out of my comfort zone.

http://scarlettebaccini.com/