Happy birthday, Will Eisner!

Above: Comics legend and teacher, Will Eisner. William Erwin "Will" Eisner was born on March 6, 1917.

Will Eisner was always a wealth of information. Many members of P.I.C. were once students in Will’s ‘Sequential Art' class at the School of Visual Arts.



Above photo: Original artwork from Will Eisner’s A CONTRACT WITH GOD. This piece was part of the School of Visual Arts’ Ink Plots exhibit. The photo was taken during the exhibit's reception on October 14th 2010 by Miguel Martinez Joffre.

"I think comic books are far more than two mutants trashing each other." -Will Eisner (September 1986)

"I feel the same as the other winners ... proud and pleased by the approval of my peers. Of course I'm embarrassed at winning an award that has my name on it. But it will not stop me from continuing to produce the very best I can do. Perhaps I ought to change my name." -Will Eisner (who won a 2002 Eisner Award for "Best Graphic Album" for his THE NAME OF THE GAME)

"That’s one of the main struggles in this medium, anyway, is the struggle for sovereignty over storytelling and art. I believe this is a language. I think of it as a literary form. Comics is literature." -Will Eisner (from an interview in HERO GETS GIRL! By TwoMorrows Publishing)

"(SHOP TALK interviews) reinforced the feeling I always had about the fact that this (comics) is a valid literary form and also a valid field to be in. And when you talk to guys like Joe Kubert and Jack Kirby- as simple a guy as he was- you got the feeling that you were part of group of giants. That’s exactly what they were." -Will Eisner (on his new book, SHOP TALK, 2001)



Above photo: Original artwork from Will Eisner’s THE SPIRIT.

Famous Moments in P.I.C. History: Miguel meets Luke Skywalker…

Above photo: Miguel and Mark Hamill meet during the Los Angeles movie premiere of BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD DO AMERICA in December 1996. To check out Miguel’s artwork and animation, stop by www.atomicshelter.com.

My time at the 2011 New York Comic Con...

As I had mentioned before, I was anticipating the 2011 New York Comic Con at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. I had my professional pass, and met up with Joey B. Despite my criticism of the fannish nature of comic book conventions, the New York Comic Con is still chocked full of fun. I always get the opportunity to visit friends, talk with colleagues, and see my editors.

This year, the New York Comic Con seemed more crowded and more insane than ever. Joey B and I saw things that I should never mention, nor post here at P.I.C. News. Now, Joey B has never before been to the New York Comic Con. So, He was having a grand time at the event. I‘ve gone to the convention each year, and just wanted to see who I wanted to see and then head on out.

I saw those ATOMIC ROBO guys, Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener. Scott drew this shiny Atomic Robo sketch…



Rick Leonardi drew this sketch…



I had the chance to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Staton (I try and do that every year). Joey B and I talked with Michael Golden, and then with Rich Buckler. I chatted with my one-time Archie Comics colleague, Dan Parent. I had a conversation with Neal Adams about his comics association, the Comics Creators Guild. I was able to pick up the first issue of RAISING RACHEL and meet up (again) with Terry Moore.

And, of course, Joey B and I saw Plastic Man…

Getting ready for the 2011 New York Comic Con...

Well, I’m getting ready for the 2011 New York Comic Con at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. For those of you not-in-the-know, the Con is a big to-do in the comics industry. The Con is huge. The Con gets crowded. And the Con has its share of creepy fan-boys and fan-girls…



And people like this charming lad…



I've gone to the New York Comic Con every year since it’s beginning in 2006. The plan each year is to get my professional pass, visit friends, talk with colleagues, and smooze with my editors, which is always a whole lot of fun. Then, I jet on out of there as soon as I am able. I like to leave the convention before they open the doors to the public. I do enjoy the Con, but I would enjoy it more without bumping into folks like this…



However, this year will be a bit different. I’m not leaving early. I’m meeting up with Joey B. (Hopefully, Scan can make it, as well.) Joey B wants to go to a panel or two. This is his first visit to the New York Comic Con. Of course, I had to warn him about these guys…



And folks like this fellow…



Hey, I remember these gals. Maybe the Con won’t be so bad after all…



And puppies like to go to the New York Comic Con, too…



But, be warned…

Congratulations Stephen Gerard and SO MANY OPTIONS!

Above: Movie poster for SO MANY OPTIONS featuring thespian Stephen Gerard.

I received some good news from Stephen Gerard concerning Spinshot Films’ SO MANY OPTIONS and the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project…

From Stephen Gerard:

When all was said and done we won Audience choice, Best direction, Best cinematography and Best editing. We got a lot of positive response at both the awards screening and the after party. Here's a link to the short on youtube.

SO MANY OPTIONS...

Above: Movie poster for SO MANY OPTIONS.

Stephen Gerard stars in Spinshot Films’ short film, SO MANY OPTIONS. Scary-looking movie poster, huh? Thus far, SO MANY OPTIONS is an "Audience Award Winner."

Here’s more info on The Seattle 48 Hour Film Project.

Independence and Gettysburg...

This is a very amazing holiday weekend. We celebrate the independence of our nation.



Above photo: Independence Hall is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The United States Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were both signed at Independence Hall.

P.I.C. even once paid a visit to Independence Hall.



Above photo: President Abraham Lincoln leaves the stage after giving his Gettysburg Address.

Also, 148 years ago, our nation saw the Battle of Gettysburg. In 1863, from July 1st to the 3rd, 160,000 American soldiers fought one another at the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. There were between 46,000 and 51,000 Union and Confederate casualties in that battle. Some sources state: For the Union: 23,055 (3,155 killed. 14,531 wounded. 5,369 captured or missing). For the Confederates: 23,231 (4,708 killed. 12,693 wounded. 5,830 captured or missing).

Gene Colan: 1926-2011

Above photo: Comic book artist and former SVA teacher, Gene Colan.

From Genecolan.com:

I regret to tell you that Gene passed away on 6/23/2011, around 11pm. Gene had ongoing health issues with his liver, heart and cancer.

Gene Colan was once an instructor at the School of Visual Arts. Many P.I.C. members had taken Gene’s class while attending SVA.

Gene died while in hospice from complications of liver disease and a broken hip. He was 84 years old.

Please keep the Colan family in your prayers.



Above photo: Taken in a classroom at the School of Visual Arts. (Left to right) Mitch and (comic book legend and SVA instructor) Gene Colan. School year 1986-1987.

Words from Will Eisner...

Above: Comics legend and teacher, Will Eisner.

Will Eisner was always a wealth of information. Many members of P.I.C. were once students in Will’s ‘Sequential Art’ class at the School of Visual Arts.

And, years later, I continue to learn from Will Eisner. Recently, I was reading the "Cartoonists as Prisoners" editorial in Kitchen Sink’s THE SPIRIT #25 (November 1986). Here, Will stated:

You have to believe in what you’re producing. You must produce it without embarrassment, in an unabashed way. You can’t deny the emotion within you.

Most of the really successful comic book and comics writers had to be honest and believe in what they were doing in order to produce good work. The similarity between Milton Caniff and Jack Kirby is they have a basic honesty and belief in what they are doing. It shows up in their work, and it’s a reason they’re successful.

That is powerful and encouraging.

I am, also, re-re-reading Dark Horse Books’ EISNER/MILLER that was published in 2005. This book is a vast tome of wonderful knowledge from Frank Miller and Will Eisner. I found this statement from Will very interesting:

[National Periodical Publications/DC Comics’ Harry Donenfeld] told the artists, as he told me, "Look, I can replace you." As a matter of fact, the artists working in the field in the late thirties and early forties would not talk to each other about their work for fear that they might be replaced.

I don’t think that the comics industry has changed much in that regard. A colleague once told me that the publisher that we were working for at the time frowned upon its freelancers talking to one another. I’ve written about this before in "When Creators speak out...". Don’t let anyone stifle your Free Speech. Speak freely.

Ink Plots reception…

Way back on October 14th, the School of Visual Arts held its reception for the Ink Plots exhibit. SVA instructors and alumni gathered for a few hours to meet, greet, and drink wine.

The exhibit had been held at the Visual Arts Gallery located at 601 West 26 Street, 15th floor, New York City. Ink Plots continued until November 6, 2010.

The following photos of the Ink Plots reception were supplied by Miguel (thanks, Miguel):



Above photo: Original artwork from Will Eisner’s A CONTRACT WITH GOD.



Above photo: P.I.C. buddies Stephen Scanlon (creator of PIPE DREAMS) and Miguel Martinez Joffre (creator of TICKLE ME SILLY).



Above photo: Original artwork from NIHILIST-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (writer/inker) myself.

For more information concerning the School of Visual Arts’ Ink Plots exhibit, go here.



Above: Artwork from NIHILIST-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (writer/inker) myself. The Ink Plots exhibit also featured ten pieces from NIHILIST-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 with artwork by Joe Staton, Fernando Ruiz, and myself.

Harvey Pekar...

Above photo: Cartoonist Harvey Pekar.

As many of you might have heard, cartoonist Harvey Pekar passed away. On July 12, 2010, around 1 a.m., Pekar's wife, Joyce Brabner, found him at their home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Reportedly, Pekar had been suffering from prostate cancer. Harvey Pekar was 70 years old.

At his Old Metal Lunchbox blog, artist and fellow P.I.C. member, Joe Borzotta shares with us his personal accounts with Harvey Pekar.

From Joe Borzotta:

Here's a link to my blog about my contacts with Harvey Pekar ("American Splendor") who just died.

The Independence of a Judeo-Christian nation...

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six of our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, thirteen states formed a free American nation separate from that of Great Britain:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.



The Declaration of Independence was authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson and signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (P.I.C. even once visited Independence Hall.)

In my continuing studies of our Founding Fathers and the idea that the United States of America was founded as a Judeo-Christian nation, I have included a few more quotes from our Founding Fathers. This idea goes all the way back (at the very least) to the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact. (Click the "Christianity" and "History" Label links for further quotations.)




-George Washington (1752, Part of a prayer written in Washington's prayer journal):

Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou hast this day prescribed in Thy Holy Word…direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. Bless, O Lord, all the people of this land.




-Thomas Jefferson (April 21, 1803, In a letter written to Dr. Benjamin Rush):

My views... are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed, but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus Himself. I am a Christian in the only sense in which He wished anyone to be, sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all others.




-John Adams (October 11, 1798, A message to the Officers of the First Brigade of the Third Division of the Militia of Massachusetts.):

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Happy Birthday, Scan-Man!

Above photo: P.I.C. member and PIPEDREAMS creator, Stephen Scanlon, as he reads Mrs. Bucky’s new book.

It’s Scan’s birthday today. Happy Birthday, Scan! For new news on Scan and to read his webcomic, PIPEDREAMS, stop by Scan’s Corner.

P.I.C. pics...

Above photo: Steve Pro and Miguel at New York's Twin's Pub on the night of the last.

Scan has posted some recent photos including a P.I.C. gathering at Twin's Pub and a New Year's Eve bash.

It’s Pro’s birthday!!!

Above photo: P.I.C. member, artist, and thespian, Steve Pro.

Hey! It’s Pro’s birthday today. Merry Birthday, Mr. Pro!

Stop by Pro’s website to see some of his excellent artwork!



Above photo: Me (who was about to have his lunch) and Pro at Sloane House (the School of Visual Arts dormitory). Fall 1986.

Happy Birthday, Heather!

Hey! It’s Heather’s birthday today. Happy Birthday, Heather!



Above photo: Heather at the Wax Museum in Las Vegas.

Stop by Heather’s website to see some awesome artwork!

Happy Birthday, Martin!

Above photo: P.I.C. member and artist, Martin.

Hey! It’s Martin’s birthday today. Happy Birthday, buddy!

Stop by Martin’s website to see some cool artwork: http://martinschneebalg.com/illustration/.



Above photo (left to right): Scan, Joey B, and Martin having a good time with fellow P.I.C. members in Manhattan last December.

Happy Independence Day!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.





Above photo: Independence Hall is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The United States Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were both signed at Independence Hall.



Above photo: In October 1997, P.I.C. visited Philadelphia and Independence Hall.



Above photo: The assembly room of Independence Hall.



Above photo: We also visited the Liberty Bell which is displayed across the lawn from Independence Hall.



Above photo (left to right): Jen, Pro, Bucky, Korn, and Miguel in Philadelphia (October 1997).



Above photo (left to right): Bucky and me in Philadelphia (October 1997). Remember kids,… smoking is bad, bad, bad. It’ll kill you. So, don’t smoke.