rkyv online # 39
DESCRIPTION
Aug 2010. FAotM: Stephen White; cover design by r. j. paréTRANSCRIPT
Table of Contents
RKYV # 39 {August 2010}
RKYV ONLINE LOGO –David Marshall {current}r. j. paré {modified}Roy G. James {original}
Virtual Cover # 39- Art by Stephen White- Layout by r. j. paré
Interior Art
- By r. j. paré, Bob Labute, Belinda
Da Fonseca, James Santiago,Naomi Randolph, Fehim Zećiri,Mike Grattan, Stephen White
Editorial Column- “At the Outset:
A Few Thoughts from the Editor”- By r. j. paré
Indie Comic- “Different Unlike Us -
Heatwave”- Written by Darke Raven, Art byArif Gunawan, Lettered by RRDuran
Featured Artist Review
- “Stephen White”- By r. j. paré
Indie Comic
- “Double Dead”- Written by , Art by Lee Roy
Lopez, Lettered by r. j. paré
Literature- “Hominine” - review
- by r. j. paré
Poetry
- By Larissa Gula, FrancesNichols Vargas, Wanda VanHoy
Smith
Pop Culture- “Comic Book Review”- By Brad Bellmore
- “Manga Maximus”- By Darke Raven
- “Raised on Saturday MorningCartoons”
- By Pauline Paré
Cap © Marvel Comics – by Fehim Zećiri
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At the Outset
A few thoughts from
the editor…by r. j. paré
Welcome to issue # 39 of, RKYV ONLINE, your art / lit / pop-culture e-Zine.The summer doldrums are coming to an end and with them this season of TVre-runs, blockbuster action films and sticky heat waves. Time is running out
for splashing through the lawn sprinkler and soaking in some rays. The kidssense the approaching school year like a black cloud on the horizon. Fun time
is almost over, but not quite yet…
[August]
adj. – inspiring reverence or admiration.
Admiration is precisely what I feel towards RKYV’s contributors each andevery month. They dazzle us with their artwork – from deftly rendered penciland ink sketches to gorgeous painted canvases. This Zine owes its visual
appeal to the many artists who continue to share their latest creations with us.
I’ve said, “I’m sorry”, by now,at least once to just about everyone…
In August and Everything AfterI want somebody else to bleed for me…
Counting Crows
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They also intrigue us with their wordsmith – from insightful opinions andreviews to poignant and, often, engrossing works of prose and poetry. ThisZine derives its voice from the many writers who craft its content.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: many thanks to all of the contributors
who have submitted this month – you make my job [putting this whole she-bang together] a hell of a lot of fun…
r. j. paré
Note from the RKYV board of directors: Considering how much fun mr. paréis having surely he won’t mind having his current salary significantlyreduced, particularly in regards to the current economic climate. Meanwhile,
RKYV ONLINE is proud to announce that it has not been the recipient of onered cent of stimulus or bail out money, not that we’d say no if you twisted our
arms. Do you here that FED? Just show us the trough to plunge our porcinesnouts in…
Expenditure; Out with the Old – by Tindersen B. Hoopdriver
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Indie ComicDifferent Unlike Usby Darke Raven
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The Healer – by Bob Labute
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Featured
Artist
Review
Stephen White
aka ‘Stref’by r. j. paré
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rjp: Have you always known that you wanted to be or, rather, were an artist?
SW: I did… in a way, whether I
knew it or not! I drew my way
through every lesson in school, be
it an art class or a maths one! It’s
not something you think about at
that age, you just do what
interests you… that’s what’s great
about being a kid, ya have that
luxury!
rjp: Did you study or major inart while in school?
SW: No, I left school at sixteen…
before my art (or any other)
exam. I did do my art O’grade and
scraped through with the lowest
possible pass, whatever that
means!
rjp: Who was your primarysource of encouragement, as achild, in pursuing art?
SW: My childhood wasn’t perfect
and I used books and drawing as
an escape. My Uncles had left
many comic book annuals at my
Granny’s house where I stayed
most weekends. This is how I was
introduced to such classics as
Herge’s Tintin books and Oor
Wullie (which is a very Scottish
title for those not familiar!).
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rjp: What is your favoritemedia to work with?
SW: I am aware of the
technological advances of this
new digital era… but I still love
to scratch away with a pen on a
sheet of paper. Don’t get me
wrong, I scan in, composite,
colour and fiddle around with
everything I draw… but it’s nice
to start off with an actual
drawing!
rjp: Do you use any special
tools and techniques to createyour art?
SW: My work is extremely
varied, I approach every project
with a style I feel suits it best.
I’m not sure that I even have a
distinguishable style, or whether
that is a good or a bad thing! I
try to adapt myself to the work,
not the other way round… this
keeps the work interesting and
challenging for me also. My
graphic novel Milk+ is a
collection of short stories I
wrote and drew. It contains
seventeen (I think) stories, each
rendered in a different style,
both of writing and drawing.
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Artist: Stephen White
Title: Cover to Milk+ paperback editionMedia: Photoshop
SW: Originally published in 2009 as MILK, this new cover image was created in 2010
for a paperback version with a title change to MILK+. The cover was created in
Photoshop from various images taken from inside the book.
rjp: What inspires you to create art?
SW: It’s an inexplicable drive from within! A desire to have my say… an unbelievably
egotistical presumption that it is important for me to verbalise my point of view!
Also, drawing and writing makes the world, around you, melt away, which can be nice.
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rjp: How would you categorize your artistic style?
SW: It’s hard to categorize as it’s all over the place… changing from project to
project, from day to day… just like my mind! Some work is minimalist and expressive,
other work totally cartoon-y, and everything in-between.
rjp: Would you say that there is a "message" or "unifying theme" in yourwork?
SW: Milk+ is an extremely
themed book, it is adult and
artistically expressive. The
book I just finished
(yesterday – at the tie of
this interview) is in the
tradition of the three panel
daily cartoon strips you
find in newspapers. So far
as themes go, in some work
it’s important… but in other
work it’s all about the
laughs.
Artist: Stephen WhiteTitle: MILK+
Part One: “Sanctuary”
(page one).Media: Blue pencil line,
ink pen on paper, greysadded in Photoshop.
SW: Sample Comic Page -
Man in desert – from
MILK+
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Artist: Stephen WhiteTitle: MILK+:
“H2oo” (page two).
Media: Blue pencil line, inkpen on paper, gradients added
in Photoshop.
SW: Sample Comic Page - Alien
looking at light explosion thru
window – from MILK+
rjp: Which famous artists /
creators or styles haveinfluenced you? Why?
SW: My two biggest influences
are Herge (Georges Remi),
famous creator of Tintin, and
Winsor McCay, creator of Little
Nemo in Slumberland. It’s not
often that you open up a book
and the contents utterly floor
you… but that happened to me
with both these guys.
As far as the super-hero genre
goes, my favourite artist is Barry Windsor Smith, who’s work (other than just his
comic book stuff but including it) also floors me!
rjp: Would you rather have an engaged & loyal but, ultimately, small Indiereadership or work on the latest Spidey, Wolverine or X - book? [the old Art
vs Commerce question]
SW: I have no interest in working on popular super-hero titles… there are plenty
artists out there doing a better job of that than I ever could. I guess I’m indie all
the way… but getting some money for a change would be nice!
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Artist: Stephen WhiteTitle: MILK+:
The Need (page one).Media: Multi media
originals manipulated in
Photoshop.
rjp: A sample comic pagefrom Milk+ in whichStephen ventures into thecomic “noir” genre. What Iparticularly like about this
page is Stephen’s looseningof the page structure[panels, balloons, boxes] to
create a more illustratedtext presentation that truly
suits the material.
rjp: With advancements in computer graphic tablet technology, some artists
are now creating their work directly in the digital medium and releasing it inpurely digital formats... are the days of paper & pulp doomed to the realm of
fading memories?
SW: Maybe… how sad! No more original artwork! The tress, however, are delighted!
rjp: What do you think of the term "starving artist"?
SW: That’s me!
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rjp: Do you feel more a sense of community with other artists or a sense ofcompetition?
SW: Community! Join my Facebook group, “I love comic book art” and share/promote
your artwork or project!
Artist: Stephen WhiteTitle: MILK+: A Tail from the City (detail from page two).
Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, greys added in Photoshop.
rjp: The amount of detail in this single panel is astonishing. The attention paidto background, texture and figures is almost Perez-ian, [if Stevie will allow me
to make the comparison...]
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rjp: How do you market yourself?
SW: I’m a whole lot better at the creative side of things… hence the starving artist
lifestyle! However, the internet has made it easier to showcase your work and
connect to both the audience and potential publishers alike… so I’m trying to be
better at this side of things!
Artist: Stephen WhiteTitle: RAISING AMY: BORN TO BE WILD! (samples)
Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, colour added in Photoshop.
rjp: Do you find it difficult to stay motivated/inspired?
SW: Only when I’m too weak (through hunger) to drag my skeletal body to the
drawing board! Seriously though… I go through periods of mass production and then
periods of doing nothing. I worked on The Dandy comic for six years, producing up to
eight pages a week sometimes, and after I left, I never picked up a pen for two
years! I just finished drawing 250 cartoon strips for my new book, Raising Amy-Born
to be wild! This took four months of intense drawing… I got rid of my T.V. whilst
doing the book to minimalize distractions- much to the annoyance of my daughter,
but it worked!
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rjp: While traditional publishing and distribution has become a difficult goalto achieve for the modern Indie comic creator, what do you think of theimpact that social networks and POD services have had as an alternate means
of mass-connecting you, your work and your audience?
SW: The internet has made the whole world, including publishers and audiences
more accessible. I promoted and pitched my last two book ideas online and found
publishers without even having to spend money on a stamp! That is inconceivable,
when compared to the process this would involve before the mighty internet!
rjp: What other interests do you have, besides art?
SW: I play the guitar pretty badly, but well enough to sustain a drunken sing song at
house parties! I love books and movies; my favourite movie is still Blade Runner.
rjp: What advice would you have for a young artist starting out today?
SW: If certain essentials are important to you, for instance… food! Then give up and
get a real job! If you can live without the luxuries… then you are truly an artist! If
you fall into this category, then you have my sympathies… but I look forward to
hearing what you have to say!
Artist: Stephen WhiteTitle: RAISING AMY: BORN TO BE WILD! (sample)
Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, colour added in Photoshop.
rjp: Little Orphan Annie, she’s not. Rather, Amy is the wickedly delightful
product of Stephen’s warped, but oh so talented imagination...
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Artist: Stephen White
Title: Black Eagle,a Milk+ Poster
Media: Blue pencil line,ink pen on paper,
coloured in Photoshop.
rjp: A truly breathtaking
piece. The richly detailedscene combined with
Stephen’s command oflight and shadows – all setin an amber washedsunset landscape – madethis my favourite piece to
review for this article. Ofcourse, I simply had to co-op the image when laying
out this month’s cover,many THX to Stephen
White for sharing some ofhis insight, background
and amazing work withus this month.
rjp: Do you have any big plans, shows or Cons coming up?
SW: My first book, MILK was originally published by Insomnia, but I have since left
them and will be bringing out a superior softback version with different content
from a different publisher in the near future. My next book out will be “Raising
Amy-Born to be wild!” published by Markosia Enterprises. You can get a sneak peek
into these pages at the Facebook group, “Raising Amy”. The book will contain 250 full
colour strips, full of attitude!
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rjp: How would you like your art, and by extension yourself, to beremembered?
SW: Hopefully as someone who made you think and made you laugh- that would be
more than I could hope for!
rjp: For those who’d like to ‘follow’ Stevie and his work online, links areincluded below. Cheers!
I love comic book art ( Facebook group )http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541352675#!/group.php?gid=90709790781&ref=mf
Raising Amy ( Facebook group )http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541352675#!/group.php?gid=196439171613&ref=mf
Raising Amy ( Playstation Comics Interview )http://uk.playstationcomics.com/main/digital-comics/issue-detail.html?issue=Raising+Amy+%231_65479-GB-EN
Raising Amy (Playstation Comics Blog)http://uk.playstationcomics.com/main/blog/raising-amy.html
MILK+ ( Facebook group )http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541352675#!/group.php?gid=22420456975&ref=ts
ART SAMPLEShttp://www.facebook.com/album.phpaid=167089&id=541352675&l=4093adce79
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Tree Ballet – by De Tourist
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Indie ComicDouble deadWritten by Scott Hartman,
Drawn by Lee Roy Lopez & Lettered by r. j. paré
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30to be continued…
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Untitled – by Bob Labute
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Lit - CornerHominine – Reviewby r. j. paré
Lewis Evans, a talented artist & writer [whom we at RKYV were
privileged to review as our Featured Artist of the Month back in Issue # 22], isback gracing our pages this month as we offer up a ‘shout out’ for his first
novel – “Hominine – We Have A Choice”.
I just finished reading the book – here’s my thoughts:
Hominine is an interesting and timely piece of work - Zeitgeist meets Dan
Brown meets 24. Modern geopolitics and terrorism as seen through the eyes ofan aging, disillusioned hippie who's now very much a part of the
establishment he once railed against.
It is a tale about deadly next-gen weapon technology developed through "new
age" discoveries - but implemented without the corresponding "new age"wisdom. It's Einstein, Oppenheimer & the Atomic bomb all over again. Can
mankind's "higher awakening" empower them to exist beyond the confines ofmodern consumerism - before the powers [both governmental and corporate]
behind the status quo eliminate critical thought and the dissent it leads to?
Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hominine-the-novel/137874056248172?ref=mf
more info:
http://www.hominine.info/
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PoetrySelected Poetryby Wanda VanHoy Smith
ALL GRAY BLUES
The clouds are inside out
showing their leaden lining.The ocean dark as tarnished Turkish cymbalsnothing bright and shiningexcept our memories of his music.
Even the Cherokee Maiden's hairis now gray as pelican feathersand ashes.
His fans gather for his last solo to cross
the Light House bar in the good ship jazzHe is set free in a basket of rose petals in the sea.Be Bop Beverly's tears fall like drops ofsalty blues on the rose she holds.She tosses her grief among the jazzy
red blossoms that brighten dark watersin a line like the Saints marching in,
A patch of blue opens in the heavensand for a second a wave sparkles likethe white pearl shell on double bass drums
Tomorrow we will all cross over Nexus – by r. j. paréto our favorite bar.where we will hear future all stars
inspired by those who came before..
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Selected Poetryby Frances Nichols Vargas
Granted A Suprise
It is funny how life can pass by so fastSo fast in fact
Twenty years go by as fast as the ocean tideOne day, granted a surprise
Turn around and caught my eye
Blending In – by De Tourist
A smile
A winkChase takes place
Another year soon passesAnd a phone call tantalizes
Yet more time flies by
Granted another surprise
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A smileA wink
A date to contemplateLaughter gives way to feelings of comfort
And familiarityIt is the feeling of knowingThere is a thread that binds
Understanding all too well where each one has beenA desire to know where each one is heading
Shelter – by De Tourist
A smileA wink
And a drinkSome funny stories and promises take place
A wink, a smile and a hug goodbyeLooking forward to the next time
Some more time flies byAnother surprise
Another date to contemplate
A winkA smile
An all too familiar hugTime slows down
Only to be granted another...
Selected Poetryby Larissa Gula
Africa’s Name Is ‘Beautiful’
A stroll down our streets before the rains will take you pastA dusty shop on your left with a smiling caretaker waving;
A small house down on your right, its owner peacefully asleep;And a school that still stands at the center of our society.
When you arrive at my house, you will find me,Dark skinned, wrinkled, with hair pale from the aging process,
Always smiling out to the world in delight, in welcome.Over the years, we have learned to always smile; always.
Oasis – Life in the Harshest of Climes – by r. j. paré
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As the sun trails downwards, I perch and I weave and I observe.I watch our beautiful children kick a ball down the dirt streets,
As my youthful neighbors emerge with drums and guitars, instruments
Designed to take our dreams and convert them into a delightful display.
I watch the ones with heavy textbooks walk home, smiling, excited –And I smile back, hoping to always see those smiles, hoping
That as they age they smile with wonder at all knowledge, accepting
That the process will never end, until we are welcomed home above.
I call to them as they stroll home, late (as always), and offer the foodThat I spent the day harvesting and cooking with my two scarred hands.
I relish the conversation in moments that a sunlight bath made beautifulThe plain’s animal dust trails, the dirt, the weeds, the thirsty tree roots.
Surreal Landscape – by r. j. paré
OpeningTo Here
Sketchwork by Tindersen B. Hoopdriver
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Pop CultureComic Book Interviewby Brad Bellmore
In RKYV issue 28 I reviewed the comic
Genecy by Gerald Cooper. It is afascinating book that has been comparedto the Conan playing the Silver Surfer. It’scool. It’s cosmic. The art and storytellingwill blow you away. If you didn’t already
pick up a copy after my review, do so nowat http://www.invisioncomics.com/ or
at www.indyplanet.com .
Genecy issue 2 is about to be released so I
connected with the creator to get thelatest.
RKYV: So what’s new w/ Genecy?
Cooper: Issue number 2 is what's new!
There's going to be an eight page short story
in the back of issue number 2 explain what
life was like for the character prior to issue
number 1.
RKYV: How did you come up with the concept for Genecy?
Cooper: I thought of a grand scene and said, "How do I get there, and where does
it go from there?"
RKYV: Who is working on this project with you?
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Cooper: Diego Bernard, Carlo Dotson and Tony Pabone are
the artists and Oren Kramek is the colorist and letterer.
RKYV: How did you get connected with him?Cooper: I connected with Diego via the internet, through
Glass House Graphics. That’s the same place I found Eddy
Barrows who drew my first issue. Eddie got picked up by
DC and he’s now drawing Superman. I had to replace him so
I went with Diego who drew the cover of issue one.
RKYV: How has it been switching artists?Cooper: Diego has a amazing consistency and visual power. Nothing against Eddie –
he did amazing work on the first issue and has a power all his own. But Diego has a
Buscemi type of intensity and power in his art. Not that it looks like that, but it has
that intensity. So, I asked Diego to mimic Eddie’s style and slowly morph to his style
over a few issues. That’s what Marvel did when they brought in John Byrne to draw
X-Men. Oren, who, by the way, is the best colorist in the business, helps with the
morphing. The consistency of his work makes the book have its ultimate feel so that
helps.
RKYV: What is your creative process like?
Cooper: I’m a mad scientist locked away working on my project and then suddenly I
kick open the door, smoke pouring from my hair and shout “Eureka!” Basically, that’s
how I write the script. Then I send it to the artists, they send back the artwork and
I shift it all over to Oren.
RKYV: What projects are there in the future?Cooper: There is a spin off series in the works about a king on a distant planet ... so
distant I almost forgot it was there (LOL).
RKYV: What is coming w/ Genecy?
Cooper: Rathgar! I also plan to include 8 page shorts at the end of each issue that
give some back-story of Kaizaxx, helping the readers understand why this dude is
who he is. They will be titled Trials of Tanaan.
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Each short will feature a different artist each time. Diego will focus only on the
main story.
RKYV: Are you doing a con tour?
Cooper: Yep! I plan to be at New York and San Diego next year and everywhere
else.
RKYV: What has worked
for you in promoting yourbook?
Cooper: Screaming and
begging! I feel like Stan Lee
and Don King! People are calling
me Stan King now ... or is it Don
Lee? Whatever!
RKYV: Did you study
writing in school?Cooper: I had no choice.
What's funny is that I HATED
English class.
RKYV: When did you know you wanted to write comics?Cooper: When I accepted the fact that I couldn't draw. I don't know how they do
it.
RKYV: Do you use art for self discovery?
Cooper: I just discovered that I can do that!
RKYV: Is there anything of yourself in Genecy?Cooper: Oh yes. A lot. How I was and How I am. I'm in a lot of characters.
RKYV: What inspires you?Cooper: God, my wife, the people that help me, those that I help.
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RKYV: What pisses you off?Cooper: Burnt and undercooked food! YYEEEEEAAAARRRGGGG!!! And being late.
RKYV: Who/what are you influences?
Cooper: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Marv Wolfman Walter Simonson, Jim Starlin and the
bible.
RKYV: That’s a lot of classic stuff. Any reason for that?
Cooper: All the new writers were influenced by those guys so when you read them
your reading the classics. I also took a look at how Dc built their world and how
Marvel built their world. I’m in that same process so I draw more from the earlier
days when those guys were building their worlds.
RKYV: What else are you reading?Cooper: The bible.
RKYV: What do you aspire to do withGenecy? With comics?
Cooper: I aspire to send Genecy to the big
screen!
RKYV: What are you
watching/reading/listening too?Cooper: I'm so busy right now; I forgot that
I had a big screen TV.
RKYV: If Genecy had a soundtrack, what
would be on it? Who would you want todo the music for it?
Cooper: I'm actually getting close to finishing the Genecy soundtrack and it sounds
good! John Williams inspired.
RKYV: Are there any other projects on the way?
Cooper: Oh yeah! I’m talking with some friend about collaborating on a project. It
will be awesome.
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RKYV: When writing comics, do you find yourself creating with an eyetoward movie development? Video games?Cooper: Oh yeah! I wrote Genecy to as well be a video game and a movie. If you look
at issue one, the whole thing is set up like levels of a game, ending with the big boss
battle at the end.
RKYV: Do you feel that the comic industry is going down the toilet with therest of the print world? Or are they one segment that can survive?
Cooper: Man has always had physical books to read. I don't think that's ever going
to change. Comics aren't going anywhere. We just need to give people comics worth
buying, and Genecy is one worth buying. I'm so product based!
Comic Book Reviewby Brad Bellmore
Beast Legion
Thumb Partly Up
Beast Legion is an online comic created by Jazyl Homavazir. This is a trueindependent endeavor with Homavazir both writing and drawing the book
which is now on issue number 3. The book seems aimed at a slightly youngeraudience.
The story takes us to Lithopia land that has enjoyed three decades of peace.Prophecy warns that when the planets align the Shadow Nexus will return
and plunge the world into war and chaos. This event dawns when a mysticalitem is stolen form the palace treasury during the prince’s birthday
celebration. With the Shadow Nexus released, a horde of demons rush out tobring destruction on the world.
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This story’s concept in this rivals
some of the better fantasy work outthere, either in comics or prose.
The idea of trying to prevent aprophecy and dealing with itseminent fruition is a great conflict to
hinge a story upon; then followingthat with a classic struggle of good
verses evil where the good havebeen vigilant and are prepared for
this event. The dialogue and page topage storytelling are a bit rough attimes. Nothing that ruins the book
just leaves me scratching my head attimes trying to connect the dots.
Part of these storytelling issues stem
from the art. Occasionally I findwhat feels like missing panels, likesomething happened in between
that I missed and can’t puzzle out.
The issue is a mix of really solid art that fits the world and style of this kind offantasy and the audience. Other times the perspective is off enough to give me
a bit of vertigo, something like an Escher drawing. If that is intentional, it is awonderful tool to keep the sense of otherworldliness. However, I don’t believeit is.
Overall, I think this is worth taking a look at. Despite its rough spots, it is a
fun story. If you prefer a hardcopy, the print version to be shipped fromwww.Indyplanet.com; otherwise check it out online at www.beastlegion.com.
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Manga MaximusBy Darke Raven
This Month’s Experiment: Svetlana Chmakova’s DramaconPublisher : TOKYOPOP (2005 to 2007)
Considering that conventions and manga goes hand in hand it’s a wonderwhy more series are not set in the hectic unpredictable world of a
convention. Svetlana Chmakova’s Dramacon brings the conventionexperience to life wonderfully, making you wonder why other talents(on both sides of the pacific) are not giving this setting a shotthemselves. Also, as a bonus, she brings home her human drama with an
unlikely may never take off romance between it’s lead Christie and themysteriously dressed like Cyclops from the X-Men live action moviesMatt (and all the humor and drama you think you can handle and then
some).
Presently at three volumes the series is spread amongst the years of
Yattacon, the convention that is the centerpiece of the series. InVolume 1 it’s amateur writer Christie’s first convention, debuting her
independent manga Wary City at the con in the Artist Alley. This timeout she has come with her soon to be ex cos girl chasing anger
management deficient loser boyfriend slash first Artist, and thestrange pairing of miss cat girl and mr. dude (who sadly only appearin this one volume as far as I know). While trying to settle into thealien environment of her first convention Christie runs into Matt, andwhile it looks like they have no chance of hooking up by the night of
Day 1 they’re well on their way…
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…of course it won’t be easy since she still has her loser boyfriend who ends upbeing ex boyfriend after they break up when he tries to force himself on her ina drunken fit and thrusts her right into Matt (and his team’s) arms wrapping
up the first year with bright prospects between the two. Oh, and Christiemeets the series major Amerimanga talent Lida Zeff and begins to grow
as a writer (she is quite the sponge of info gathering writing down all theadvice given her in order to improve).
But the real score of the convention is getting Matt’s number in theend, which opens much possibilities. Which promptly die the minute she
tries to call him and a woman answers. After much crying and addictionto her PS2 she returns in Year 2 with a brand new (and female) artist
named Bethany (who is far better a character than the guy from Volume1, though now it’s Bethany’s turn to be creeped out by the alienenvironment of her first convention).
With brand new neighbors in the Artist Alley (Firebird Studio and the
catgirl duo of Hyu-Jeong and Monica (if Hyu is the artist does thismake their work Manhwa or Manhua instead of Manga?) and their
keeper slash boss Raj) as well as the return of Matt and his posse, alongwith his girlfriend -- which, yes, does seem to doom the relationshipbetween Christie and Matt. What, already?
Finally year 3 and the partnership between Christie and Bethany may be
doubly doomed. If she’s not recruited by Mangapop she might bedragged away by her own family who may not approve of her future as
an artist.
Oh, and if this wasn’t enough pressure for Bethany, Firebird Studio’s
Raj may finally be ready to begin forming a relationship with her…(while Christie and Matt's relationship is threatened again possibly
by the returning girlfriend)... which sadly all comes to an end as thevolume ends and the series wraps.
Or does it?
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At present there is word from the creator herself that, maybe afterher present series Night School, she might return to Dramacon and
bring forth Dramacon Volume 4 (and year four of Yattacon)… in thefuture. Stay tuned for more info and hopefully a interview with Miss
Chmakova (if she ever clears her inbox and accepts my email requests).
One of my favorite Amerimanga series to date, Dramacon is a beautiful
lovely mix of humor and drama, romance and strangeness, wrapped up ina convention that is as much a character as the engaging cast set
before you. Be you a convention veteran, newbie, or never been to aconvention before you should make time in your schedule to add this to
your reading list for the coming year. Highly recommended with fivemembers of Pocky Sticks Anonymous out of five. Enjoy!
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Raised on
Saturday
Morning
Cartoons
by Pauline Paré
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED
I love many things about summer but around August, I begin to miss my
favourite shows, some more than others. If a series does it job well, a viewerwill anticipate the next season. Like old friends, you may miss the characters
to some degree.
I do feel that Supernatural can be overlooked. It has delivered excitement andsurprises season after season. Last season, the Winchester brothers weretrying to stop an Armageddon that they may have inadvertently started.
There were sacrifices and surprises but now the brothers are separated again.
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I don’t want to give away too much for those who may be consideringpurchasing or renting complete seasons of the show but I will say that thefinale was quite exciting last year and one of the main reasons I eagerly await
it’s return. I honestly feel this series does not get the respect it deserves yetSupernatural has delivered excitement and suspense every season so far. I
love a show that has it’s own style and character which Supernatural has inspades with it’s kick butt soundtrack and it’s rock and roll approach.
Smallville is entering its final season and Iam looking forward to seeing if Lex Luther
returns (please!) and if Clark will finallydon the mantle of Superman. This is
Smallville’s 10th season and the show hasgrown with its audience. The producershave known from the beginning of filming
that this is the last season and I sincerelyhope it goes out with a bang.
I do love when a series hasenough notice to give us a great
ending and I am certainlyexpecting such an ending with
Smallville.
Speaking of bang, I can’t wait for Big Bang Theory to return. This show is justhilarious and I recommend anyone to watch this from the beginning if you
haven’t already. Between the cast, the writing and the characters, this is acomedic winner. Not to mention, the theme song rocks! The guest star listkeeps getting bigger and bigger in what seems like a promising new season of
Big Bang Theory.
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If you didn’t catch Stargate
Universe last season, you have noidea what you are missing. This
reincarnation of the Stargate seriesis unlike anything you have seenfrom Stargate before. This new
series is hard and edgy and hasmuch more in common with
Battlestar Galactica than theprevious Stargate series.
The acting is amazing and the writing is strong and suspenseful. HavingRobert Carlyle playing the self interested and sometimes dangerous Dr. Rush
is a stroke of genius. This is definitely a worthwhile way to spend an hour
The fall season is nearly here and there will finally be something worthwhileto watch on television. So enjoy those chilly nights snuggled with loved ones
on the couch and get into a favourite series.
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