A day at the beach…

In between paying gigs I’ve been working on personal stuff. Stuff such as for my comic/ graphic novel featuring my character “Mustang Sally.” I’ve been developing the story and characters for 2 years now. I’ve drawn them numerous times, as many of you have seen. Each time, they’ve somewhat evolved. As has my “style.”

I’ve struggled to find my “style” as an artist, constantly trying to force it out of myself. I sat down and started drawing Sally as part of some redesigns I’m doing on the characters of my book. The redesign on Sally, though it may be slight, I think is definitely evident. I was shooting for a bit of a darker, more serious, punk look. Here’s the progression of the drawing from pencils to inks. Next up are Cherry and Shelby, followed by Pops, Jake. After that I’ll be doing character designs for a comic I’ll be starting in October-ish.

-Z

A day at the beach…

Here’s something I’ve been working on in my spare time. I’m going to ink it, then color it in photoshop so that it looks like washes similar to watercolor. Sally hangin by her ’stang near the Long Beach Pier…

-Z

Loss.

I’ve been thinking of how to say this. How to get the right words out. I’ve been sitting and thinking in between work, to come up with something profound… something memorable. But I just can’t. So I’ll say this…

In the past month, the comic book industry has lost two great people. One an artist, the other, a wife of an artist. On June 27th 2008, Michael Turner, creator of Fathom and Soulfire, co-creator of Witchblade, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Mike was a popular artist, a very good artist, and from what I’ve read about him and heard from friends that knew him personally, he was one of the best guys you could ever meet. I only met him once, it was my first con. I didn’t talk to him long, but I can think back to then and it confirms every nice word I have ever heard about him.

Michael Turner was one of my favorite artists. I loved the way he drew. When I started attending the Kubert School, I strayed further and further from his work, mainly because I found myself wanting to draw just like him. I wanted to find my own “style.” He has inspired many new artists, as well as helped many artists get their start in the business. He founded his own company, Aspen MLT. He was so successful, and talented. He was far more talented than many artists working in the industry today. He will be missed but his work will live on. Thanks Mike, thanks for the inspiration, and the stories and art. You will be missed.

The second hits a bit harder, personally. Muriel Kubert, wife of legendary comic book illustrator Joe Kubert, passed away on July 8th, 2008. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Kubert, but I did have the opportunity to learn from and get to know her sons Adam, and Andy, and her husband Joe. Mrs. Kubert, along with Joe, founded the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. in 1976.

The only time I met her was at graduation. She was one of the kindest people I had ever met. If it weren’t for her, the Kubert School would have never existed and I may not have been where I am today as far as my career goes. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kubert family. I am sorry for your loss.

Those wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner’s family are encouraged to send them to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.

C/O Michael Turner

5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111

Culver City, CA, 90230

Aspen Comics also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Turner’s name can do so to his requested charities, The American Cancer Society or The Make-A-Wish Foundation

Donations may be made in Muriel Kubert’s name to Compassionate Care Hospice, 400 W. Blackwell St., Dover, N.J. 07801.

-Z