Archie Comics news…

The Pulse has an interview with (writer) Alex Simmons and (penciler) Fernando Ruiz as they discuss ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126-129. Sadly, no one mentioned the great inking on "The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton." C’mon, the inking is always the best part of any comic! :)

And…





Above: Artwork from TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #31. Pencils by Fernando Ruiz and inks by Al Nickerson.

Looks like TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #31 is now on sale. I inked the twelve-page lead story, "Not Home Alone."

THE SPIRIT reviewed...

Beware!!! Some spoilers ahead…

After spending Christmas with the family, I jetted over to the theater to see Frank Miller’s THE SPIRIT film. This was probably one of the best-filmed (and best-directed) movies that I've ever seen. It’s absolutely beautiful to watch. And I did like the way the actors Gabriel Macht and Eva Mendes portrayed (respectively) Denny Colt and Sand Saref.

But, everything else about the movie stunk. THE SPIRIT film is not Will Eisner’s Spirit. It’s not even Jules Pfeiffer’s Spirit, nor any Spirit that I’ve ever read in the comics. This is Frank Miller all the way. The film is moody, the script is boring, much of the casting is lousy, and giving the Spirit super-healing powers (and making him, possibly, immortal) is just plain dumb. Miller should have just renamed the movie "MILLER’S GHOSTLY CRAP" or some such because THE SPIRIT is not the Spirit.

I figured I’d comment on THE SPIRIT film since many P.I.C. members had had Will Eisner as a teacher at the School of Visual Arts. I am interested to know what everyone else thought of the film. Being a fan of the Spirit comics (and a fan of Frank Miller’s comics), I really wanted to enjoy THE SPIRIT movie, but I just wasn’t able to do so.

Merry Christmas!!!

Luke 2:10-11 (New International Version): 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Still making comics...

Above: Artwork from ARCHIE & FRIENDS #128 by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (inker) Al Nickerson.

I’ve been busy making comics of late. I finished inking ARCHIE & FRIENDS #128 last week. This issue should be hitting comic book stores in February.



Above: A face only a mother could love. Artwork from ARCHIE & FRIENDS #128 by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (inker) Al Nickerson.

I’ve been working on my graphic novel, as well. I have 43 pages in the can. I’ve been talking with agent(s) and publishers to find a home for the book. It gets quite exciting when things are moving forward in that regard but, just as disappointing when things aren’t headed in the direction that I would like. Needless to say, I may have to look for another agent.



Above: Artwork from Al Nickerson's graphic novel.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126 now on sale!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126 is now on sale! And inked by yours truly. So, grab your copy today before all the kiddies start hoarding them.

Here’s how Archie Comic Publications describes ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126:

The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part One: Gnomes & Stick Figure Funnies": Chuck Clayton takes center stage in this special storyline. Chuck is asked to teach an after-school program in cartooning to elementary school kids... and it isn't long before he learns the kids can be more hyperactive than his doodles! Can Chuck ultimately connect with the kids and help them create the next comic book classics? Will his temporary teaching gig lead to bigger and better things, or is his tenure soon to be terminated? The answer's just a splash panel away! This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.



Above: Artwork from ARCHIE AND FRIENDS #126 by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (inker) Al Nickerson.

Preview ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126...

Above: Preview page from ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126 by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (inker) Al Nickerson.

The ARCHIE & FRIENDS blog has posted several preview pages from ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126. This issue was inked by yours truly, and begins the four part saga of "The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton." ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126 should be hitting comic book stores on December 10th, 2008.