Cool Art: World’s Finest ad by Steve Rude & Karl Kesel

by Mike Hansen

Here’s a preliminary version of Steve Rude’s cover to World’s Finest (1990) #1. Unlike the final, painted version by Rude, this ad version is inked by Karl Kesel and traditionally colored.

To the best of my knowledge, this version has never been collected in any DC book: I know for sure it wasn’t in the original 3-issue miniseries or the recent Deluxe Edition hardcover (I’ve never owned the older trade-paperback collected edition, but I’d be surprised if this was in there).

Anyway, cool art, huh? This is pretty much exactly how Superman and Batman should look, especially in comics aimed at kids under 18. (Remember when superhero comics were aimed at kids?)

Nice art: unpublished Conan by BWS

by Mike Hansen

From the past to the future…

Here’s a little something to start 2013 off right: a new Conan movie poster concept by legendary 1970s Conan artist Barry Windsor-Smith. It’s on sale online for only $25,000! Click to embiggen:

I love the cheesy, early-’80s lettering – I’d expect this from Dave Sim today, but not BWS anymore… Still, I dig this piece – most movie posters are really dull, so it’s nice to see a poster idea with energy and artistry behind it.

Related articles

• 15 Minimalist Movie Posters (inspihive.com)
• ALIEN, BLADE RUNNER and TERMINATOR Poster Art (geektyrant.com)
• Tossin’ It Out There: What’s YOUR Favorite Movie Poster? (fogsmoviereviews.com)

Goodbye, 2012

by Mike Hansen

Another year down already? Man, where does the time go? I miss the days when I could pack in a zillion things in one day and collapse at night, instead of just trying to make progress on a few things until the day’s over. Is this what old people feel like?

I was thinking about writing what I thought of comics in 2012, but I honestly don’t have much to say. (Which probably explains the lower frequency of posts on this site in the last several months!) There were a lot of good comics in 2012, and a few great comics, and way too many comics that could have (and should have) been better. The bottom line, though, is that I LOVE COMICS, and that’s never gonna change. Putting words and pictures together as a flexible, hybrid storytelling language is the most creative and direct way of communicating and entertaining people. Thanks to the internet, more creators are reaching more people. With digital publishing and print-on-demand, the costs and barriers of entry for both producers and consumers of comics are dropping. It’s only gonna get better, folks.

(And VERY SOON, I’ll be sharing some NEW comics work of my own. I’m finishing a script for a story that’s being drawn RIGHT NOW. Can’t wait to share it.)

Have a happy and safe New Year’s celebration, everyone!

An explanation and apology to readers

by Mike Hansen

After a productive first couple of months, ALL DAY COMICS has been updated in fits and starts for a while now. Why? Well, it’s all my fault. I’m the one who does all of the updating, regardless of who contributes to the site. I’d originally envisioned ADC as an Ain’t It Cool-style site about comics, with contributions from several folks supporting my schedule. For various reasons, it hasn’t quite worked out that way, so thanks for sticking with the site despite the irregular posting.

So, WHY has ADC been updated so infrequently lately? Well, the main reason is that I have less free time: after being out of comics for a decade, I’m finally doing some professional comics work again. First off, I’ve been doing freelance research work for Marvel. I’ve helped out in an unofficial capacity in the past (there are a handful of Marvel books that credit me in the Special Thanks section, most recently X-MEN: BISHOP’S CROSSING), but now I’m getting to do paid research, which is really exciting and is a great outlet for my otherwise useless nerdy comics knowledge. (Since Marvel books have a long production schedule, you won’t see my pro credits in them for a while, though.)

I’m also in the process of creating some cool comics with some amazingly talented artists, and I hope to be able to share some of that work in the next few months. I can’t say much yet, except that we think we’re creating some exciting and original work, and I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks.

In the meantime, I’ll do my best to keep ADC chugging along as best I can. I’ve got a few more things to post in the next week or two – and very soon, an amazing interview that Orion conducted down at Comic-Con.

Onward!

Jason Pearson puts himself back on the map

by Mike Hansen

Thank goodness.

As far as I’m concerned, Jason Pearson is one of comics’ finest artists of the last 20+ years. After a health scare last year, he dropped off the radar to get himself together. Today, he posted on his Facebook fan page for the first time since December, and if these new commission pieces are any indication, he’s better than ever at his craft. His return to producing artwork – and, more importantly, to a healthy state of being – is worth nothing less than celebration.

Here’s what he posted today – click over and check out all of the stunning new artwork he’s posted for the world:

It has to feel right.

Before Joe Peacock interrupted me from committing suicide last December, that sentence, despite my drunken state, screamed repeatedly at me. It is, in truth, why I’m still alive. It screamed louder than my depression, my anger, my hate. Nine months since, I have only just begun to discover how much that statement has haunted my existence. In every step that I have taken throughout my life, those five words have permeated every decision in regard to life and love, death and consequence. Art and story has simply been my feeble, human attempt to explain.

Every member of family, friendship, and editorial, has tried to convince me that the old Nike slogan “Just Do it” was the correct assurance in avoiding my pitfalls. Yet in the back of my mind, I would always stall. Hesitate before the jump. Why? Why did I refuse the chance to become a drug dealer in 1986? Why did I move to Wheeling, WV to start my art career (an atrocious journey BTW). My move to Atlanta in 1991 to join Gaijin? My abandonment of my friends and studio mates to be with an Oregon mother of two, who I barely knew? Then moving onward to fucking Alabama and circling back to what– Atlanta?

Why not the slice across the wrists?

Remember, if I had solely agreed with the base feelings that most Nike-influenced Americans rely on, then you wouldn’t be reading this. I have avoided any attempts to reconcile with Marvel,or DC, who could enhance my financial status because– it just doesn’t feel right. They don’t care about me or my journey. And just like a child who has come to realize that his own parents hate him, or a man in a bad relationship with a spiteful woman, I have learned how to say goodbye — finally without hate or remorse. I hope they find what they find what they are looking for but I won’t, I can’t continue with that bullshit.

You know what does give me resolve to continue pushing on despite imminent destitution? Doing these fucking stupid commissions and begrudgingly writing the next arc of my creator owned project, Body Bags. Why? WHY? Why resort to efforts that have offered me nothing but an incredible surplus of agitation, disappointment and financial instability. Gainful livelihood abhors complication but my very existence is a motherfucking complication. So fuck it.Are we stardust as Joni Mitchell declares or are we just clusters of molecules slamming into each other as Schrodinger’s Equation suggests. Either way, reality is merely perception. These pieces of art should appear as nothing more then images of tits and ass, but within these requested preameters I had to ‘feel right’ about doing them. A reason for their existence had to be achieved. To you, Domino sits naked with Deadpool reflected in a mirror. To me, it’s a theory about the fear and hate of true love. To you, Elektra looks cool as a pin cushion for arrows and ninja stars, to me, she’s about acceptance. So is the Panda/Baby Doll piece. Scarlet Witch is about the death of family and the happiness that blossoms from it. Those are my conclusions. Maybe I’m stupid for using cheesecake to answer questions about psychiatry and quantum physics but it gets me through the fucking day. If I’m wrong, then at least you can be amused by the titillation.

My next Body Bags arc entails sudden revelations about Mack and Panda’s approach in life and the true nature of their relationship. The first story is simply titled “Vicious”. It is to showcase Mack in his most truest of appearances as he dismantles a kidnapping ring single-handily. The next story, a mini-series, is tentatively called “Black Viking”, where Mack and Panda must kill an old friend.

I would love to say these stories are done and will be in your hands next month but the truth is I just started laying out the storyboards. Sadly, I am not independently wealthy and will need your help to produce these projects. I am worth 200 dollars right now and bills don’t stop coming because I found my ‘path’. A lot of idiots are resorting to Kickstarter and I, the biggest idiot of them all, will probably have to as well. Although, it should be my last option.

Please help me. Help me with your patience as I still owe some people artwork and with your love as some of you would like to own a piece of my mind. Contact Mike Alexandropoulous at MoreGreatArt.com.You can request a private commission or artwork from past projects like the Deadpool mini-series, Punisher Annual and others. Upcoming Facebook images will be of Panda with a .50 Cal Barrett sniper rifle, Red Sonja, Spooky Babe (that’s what Ben Defeo asked for), Catwoman, Batman from Miller’s Dark Knight and St. Michael (yes, you Catholics). Let me draw what’s right for you and maybe I’ll find out what feel’s right for me.

Finally, thanks to all who called and wrote your concerns during my darkest time. To combine to cliches, I CAN see the forest despite the trees but I’m not out of the woods yet. Your friendship and devotion helps lights the way although.

—
-J

I know what it’s like to be in a lonely place and gripped by anxiety and depression (there were some dark days a decade ago), and I’m glad that Jason is working through it with the understanding that surrounding oneself with supportive, caring people makes a huge difference. I’m thrilled that Jason is looking towards the future. I know I’m looking forward to whatever he does next. The sky’s the limit.

(And movie studios: why the hell isn’t there a BODY BAGS movie going on yet? Did you not see KICK-ASS kick your eyes in the ass? Get on that now, fools!)

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DISASTERLAND, a Disney parody art show: opening tonight in L.A.

by Mike Hansen

From here:

Disasterland is Mexican artist Rodolfo Loaiza‘s tribute to pop culture, fashion, animation, horror films and the undeniable attraction of celebrity. The stage is set for fantasy to collapse and surrender to the inevitable apocalypse of 21st century Hollywood. Fairytale characters continue to dominate his latest project –this time caught in the headlines of our favorite tabloid stars.

Continuing his penchant for cleverly depicting the “uncouth” customs of our dichotomous society, Rodolfo explores what would happen to our fables if they were flesh and blood and confronted with the frenetic and excessive world of fame. Who among them would prove susceptible to the excesses of drugs, alcohol, harassment or vanity?

With his sharp and characteristic black humor Loaiza captures images once morbidly circulated by the media, and proposes a novel way of reviewing them. In Disasterland, heterosexual happy endings have been discarded; outdated. In this story, discriminated minorities will finally achieve the resolution they’ve yearned for, beyond any bias or phobia.

Behold an apple infused with truth; behold a mirror in which we can truly see our reflection. This is our magical world of disaster.
What are we waiting for? Let’s enjoy it!

Here are a few highlights – click here for the gallery info and more images.

This next one might be a tad NSFW:

Free rare Neil Gaiman comic available from Steve Bissette (offer ends TONIGHT)

by Mike Hansen

I’ve ordered mine. If you want it, you should order right now –

Comics legend Steve Bissette (of Tyrant, Taboo, and Swamp Thing fame) has a special offer at his online store: with every purchase (no matter how small!), he will include a free copy of the 1992 Sweeney Todd Penny Dreadful, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Michael Zulli, originally included in the now-very rare Taboo #6. I’ve never seen a copy of this myself, though I’ve searched for it for 20 years – so there’s no way I was going to pass this up.

Mr. Bissette asked me to spread the word about this offer, which I’m happy to do! As he posted yesterday, this offer is in its final hours – at midnight TONIGHT, unless he runs out of copies before then – so if you want a really cool and rare piece of ’90s comics history, go place an order now! There’s a lot of great stuff available, from Tyrant (one of the most acclaimed self-published series of the ’90s) to Taboo (one of the greatest horror comics series ever, containing the first chapters of From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell) to many other terrific books.

From his announcement (sample page in the link):

This genuinely rare Gaiman & Zulli gem was originally offered in 1992 as a pre-order special with all pre-ordered copies of Taboo 6. It was available only through Direct Market distributor pre-orders of that Taboo volume, shrinkwrapped with Taboo 6 all initial shipments to retailers. That was the one and only time the Penny Dreadful was made available to the market.

Since only a few thousand copies of Taboo 6 were preordered, this exclusive Penny Dreadful is among the rarest of all Neil Gaiman and Michael Zulli‘s 1990s comics/graphic novel creations.

Is our comics “Art”?

by Mike Hansen

Bleeding Cool says the original cover painting for Tintin in America just sold for $1.6 million, a new world record. To which I say – to my university art professor, who claimed “illustration” was not “art”: SUCK IT!

I’ve got 1.6 million bucks that says this is art.

That same “teacher” criticized me for presenting the class with this classic Frank Frazetta cover:

from Weird Science-Fantasy #29 (1955). Note the masterful placement of every element of the drawing to lead the viewer’s eye.

The previous year, I had a much more open-minded art professor. For an assignment to replicate a masterwork using the same materials (I assume, to see if any students had a career in counterfeiting!), he let me do this instead:

photo of Deathblow splash page by me (after Jim Lee), I think from Deathblow #2 (1993).

I learned more from this assignment than from anything I did in art class the following year!

Related articles

• Tintin comic cover fetches record price (abc.net.au)
• The epic on epic fantasy art of Frank Frazetta in its first UK retrospective (itsnicethat.com)
• Frank Frazetta’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ Illustrations Make Middle Earth Metal (comicsalliance.com)
• Reprints in Review: The Real Frank Frazetta is in the “Funny Stuff” (comicsbeat.com)
• Discover The Funny Side Of Frank Frazetta (graphicpolicy.com)
• Frank Frazetta’s Lord of the Rings illustrations brought barbarian armor to Middle Earth [Lord Of The Rings] (io9.com)
• Frank Frazetta’s Lord of the Rings Artwork (eoghann.com)
• IDW Presents the Funny Side of Frank Frazetta (comicbooked.com)
• New Golden Age Revival: Thun’da (As In Frank Frazetta) (comicsbeat.com)
• Illustrations For The Lord Of The Rings By Frank Frazetta (neatorama.com)
• CORRECTED: Tintin comic book cover fetches record price at auction (expatica.com)

Quote of the Day: Amanda Palmer

by Mike Hansen

Amanda Palmer Live 2008 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The brilliant and talented Amanda Palmer (also known in comics circles as “Neil Gaiman’s wife”) posted an awesome Q&A about her latest Kickstarter venture.

 i think music should be shared. all the time. by everybody. i think it’s pure insanity to make music filesharing illegal.
and with that said, i have, for years, encouraged my fans to burn, download and share all of my music with each other and with strangers.
and i will never stop doing that. all that sharing eventually comes back to me in all forms of income and goodwill.

I think this applies not just to music, but all forms of “commercial art” (comics, books, movies, etc.). Even though companies generally look the other way now when their fans use their work in a non-commercial way (since angering one’s own customer base is stupid, if not suicidal),