Sequential arts and comics have long been part of media culture. Individuals who have read comics have created many films, cartoons and contemporary games. In the past the contributions have taken second seat in exposure to the more flashy and tech savvy that created the end products (films, games, etc.).
It is now nice to see more independent comics being transformed into films. It is even nicer to see traditionally made comics getting more media exposure. G4 reviews the latest in entertainment technology. They also do their part to review online comics and traditional comics. They understand the impact the medium has had and it is very great to see them provide meaningful coverage to comics and graphic novels.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Superman
I noticed there is a new Superman movie coming out this summer. Here is a review I wrote for a graphic novel featuring Superman. It was never published so I thought I'd share it with you...
Superman: Secret Identity Review
This graphic novel, Superman: Secret Identity is a compilation from the four part miniseries published by DC comics in 2004. The story follows a young man named Clark Kent who awakens one day with the amazing superhuman abilities of the fictional Superman character. The concept sounds unusual and it is but this reinvention of the Superman myth works on profound new levels.
When you begin reading, Superman: Secret Identity, you will not be able to put it down. This comic chronicles a life. This particular depiction of the life of Clark Kent/Superman will have you wanting to share every moment of it. Kent is human and that is what makes this Superman more real. A sympathetic connection is immediately established and never lost with the Clark Kent character. He is one of us with imperfections and fears and lives an extraordinary life both human and super human.
Comic readers have long lived in the secret identity metaphor. Many creators work day jobs and at home become their authentic selves vicariously saving the world page-by-page, panel-by-panel. Superman: Secret Identity intelligently exploits this metaphor of comic creation with the Clark Kent character’s dual life. Kent tries hard to make a living in the journalism field or as a writer but when he is off the clock he uses his gifts. In his case it is his “Superman” powers. In the example of independent comic creators it is their true talent.
The sequentials orchestrate the story in such a cinematic manner that your mind will recall this story as if they were scenes from a motion picture rather than a graphic novel. The art completed by, Stuart Immonen, evokes both wonder and emotion. There are many scenes where Kent flies to solitary serene vistas and contemplates nature. This resonates with the philosophical aspect of humanity contemplating its relationship with nature and divinity.
Todd Klein’s lettering is superb in that you remember the character’s words as their own rather than as letters or fonts in a bubble. This is an example of what a good lettering is.
The curtain of heroism is there yet drawn back so we see more human nature. In making Superman imperfect, Kurt Busiek achieved perfection with this character. Busiek’s Superman is human. He has struggles and dreams (Both human and super human). He fears persecution for being different and ultimately it is that quality that allows readers to relate so well to the main character. The writing or storytelling in this book is skillfully woven as each of the four chapters focus on significant moments in the main characters’ life.
There has never been a Superman with more introspection. I was never a Superman fan but I am of this, Superman, This is a classic. This is art in that you will feel as though you experienced something after reading this. That “something” is the true secret in Superman: Secret Identity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reviewed by Kevin Trivedi. Fine artist and President of ArtistScape (www.artistscape.com). Kevin describes comic making as the art form with the most innovation and the most possibilities.
Superman: Secret Identity
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Art: Stuart Immonen
Letterer: Todd Klein
Publisher: DC Comics
Superman: Secret Identity Review
This graphic novel, Superman: Secret Identity is a compilation from the four part miniseries published by DC comics in 2004. The story follows a young man named Clark Kent who awakens one day with the amazing superhuman abilities of the fictional Superman character. The concept sounds unusual and it is but this reinvention of the Superman myth works on profound new levels.
When you begin reading, Superman: Secret Identity, you will not be able to put it down. This comic chronicles a life. This particular depiction of the life of Clark Kent/Superman will have you wanting to share every moment of it. Kent is human and that is what makes this Superman more real. A sympathetic connection is immediately established and never lost with the Clark Kent character. He is one of us with imperfections and fears and lives an extraordinary life both human and super human.
Comic readers have long lived in the secret identity metaphor. Many creators work day jobs and at home become their authentic selves vicariously saving the world page-by-page, panel-by-panel. Superman: Secret Identity intelligently exploits this metaphor of comic creation with the Clark Kent character’s dual life. Kent tries hard to make a living in the journalism field or as a writer but when he is off the clock he uses his gifts. In his case it is his “Superman” powers. In the example of independent comic creators it is their true talent.
The sequentials orchestrate the story in such a cinematic manner that your mind will recall this story as if they were scenes from a motion picture rather than a graphic novel. The art completed by, Stuart Immonen, evokes both wonder and emotion. There are many scenes where Kent flies to solitary serene vistas and contemplates nature. This resonates with the philosophical aspect of humanity contemplating its relationship with nature and divinity.
Todd Klein’s lettering is superb in that you remember the character’s words as their own rather than as letters or fonts in a bubble. This is an example of what a good lettering is.
The curtain of heroism is there yet drawn back so we see more human nature. In making Superman imperfect, Kurt Busiek achieved perfection with this character. Busiek’s Superman is human. He has struggles and dreams (Both human and super human). He fears persecution for being different and ultimately it is that quality that allows readers to relate so well to the main character. The writing or storytelling in this book is skillfully woven as each of the four chapters focus on significant moments in the main characters’ life.
There has never been a Superman with more introspection. I was never a Superman fan but I am of this, Superman, This is a classic. This is art in that you will feel as though you experienced something after reading this. That “something” is the true secret in Superman: Secret Identity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reviewed by Kevin Trivedi. Fine artist and President of ArtistScape (www.artistscape.com). Kevin describes comic making as the art form with the most innovation and the most possibilities.
Superman: Secret Identity
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Art: Stuart Immonen
Letterer: Todd Klein
Publisher: DC Comics
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Happenin' Time
Last Saturday night was awesome. Every 3rd Saturday in Roseville there is a gallery tour. The Owl Club of Roseville participates in this 3rd Saturday event.I have some work currently exhibiting there so naturally I attended to see what the scene is all about.
The club begins to fill up at about 8:30 pm. There are great prices on drinks and plenty to do there including darts and pool. It is becoming an art house of sorts that has the ability to provide a haven for creative types. Around 9:00 musical acts set up and played. I really enjoyed the hard rock of the Blessed Bees (Hope I got their name right). These guys put on a great show of original music that could stand up to most things on the radio or MTV. I met up with some of my friends and family and just had a great time. Owl Club is a very fun and honest place.
Around 10:30 we went bowling. I have not bowled in over ten years and was surprised to see the changes, First of all when I bowled the only refreshments were provided by vending machines. Now there is a full menu and bar. The pizza at the Rocklin Lanes was incredible. If you go later at night on a Saturday there are three large screens that hang above the lanes that play music videos. The lights are dimmed and there are dance lights that flash around as everyone is having fun enjoying the atmosphere and bowling.
The club begins to fill up at about 8:30 pm. There are great prices on drinks and plenty to do there including darts and pool. It is becoming an art house of sorts that has the ability to provide a haven for creative types. Around 9:00 musical acts set up and played. I really enjoyed the hard rock of the Blessed Bees (Hope I got their name right). These guys put on a great show of original music that could stand up to most things on the radio or MTV. I met up with some of my friends and family and just had a great time. Owl Club is a very fun and honest place.
Around 10:30 we went bowling. I have not bowled in over ten years and was surprised to see the changes, First of all when I bowled the only refreshments were provided by vending machines. Now there is a full menu and bar. The pizza at the Rocklin Lanes was incredible. If you go later at night on a Saturday there are three large screens that hang above the lanes that play music videos. The lights are dimmed and there are dance lights that flash around as everyone is having fun enjoying the atmosphere and bowling.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Something Funny
Ever had one of those days? I sure had one today.
If you haven’t seen it yet I recommend you download “Lazy Sunday”. It is a rap video by Chris Parnell and Adam Sanberg. I think I got their names correct. This hilarious skit debuted on SNL when Jack Black was hosting a couple of weeks ago. It has since generated a buzz on the Internet. If you are an itunes user it is a free download.
If you haven’t seen it yet I recommend you download “Lazy Sunday”. It is a rap video by Chris Parnell and Adam Sanberg. I think I got their names correct. This hilarious skit debuted on SNL when Jack Black was hosting a couple of weeks ago. It has since generated a buzz on the Internet. If you are an itunes user it is a free download.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Good Reading
I did a lot of traveling this Holiday season. We really had a good time once we got where we were going. The travel itself was very difficult. Northern California is having terrible storms that I believe are actually beating historical records for the area.
I am reading a great biography about comic book artist Will Eisner. It is fascinating to see how he and the comic industry developed over sixty years ago. The book is called, “Will Eisner A Spirited Life” by Bob Andelman. ISBN 1-59582-011-6. I received it for Christmas and have not been able to put it down.
I am reading a great biography about comic book artist Will Eisner. It is fascinating to see how he and the comic industry developed over sixty years ago. The book is called, “Will Eisner A Spirited Life” by Bob Andelman. ISBN 1-59582-011-6. I received it for Christmas and have not been able to put it down.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! This has been a big year. I moved. I started a new job and have continued to work hard in my classes. Things have been very exciting and challenging. I am going to update the site more in the summer of 06’.
This weekend I saw The Chronicles of Narnia. This movie was awesome. It would have been real easy for the filmmakers to take the easy way out on this. They didn’t. The look of the film and the cast were superior. I think Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings has set a new benchmark for other films based on books to measure up to. I love it when mediocrity loses!
This weekend I saw The Chronicles of Narnia. This movie was awesome. It would have been real easy for the filmmakers to take the easy way out on this. They didn’t. The look of the film and the cast were superior. I think Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings has set a new benchmark for other films based on books to measure up to. I love it when mediocrity loses!
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