The very prolific and influential comic book artist JOE KUBERT died last weekend. He was 85.
Read the full article HERE.

Also a pretty thorough read HERE.

When I was a young kid, I didn't appreciate his work because I thought it too 'sketchy' and sloppy. "How can people think that's good...?", I thought aloud. Later, I marveled at his body of work and the strong composition in his drawings. He was a master storyteller and and darn good artist.

Legendary Comic Artist Dick Giordano Dies

Self portrait by Dick Giordano for Nov. 2003 tome

DC NEWS: SILVER AGE INKER/EDITOR DICK GIORDANO PASSES AWAY

- Comic Books Resources (www.comicbookresources.com/) reports that Dick Giordano, legendary penciler, inker, and editor for DC Comics has passed away at age 77. A freelance penciler and inker from the 1950's into 1965, Giordanobecame editor in chief of Charlton Comics, the company in which Steve Ditko created characters under his watch such as the Question and Captain Atom. He also gave first breaks to other legendary artistic talents such as Jim Aparo and writer Denny O' Neil. A New York native, by the end of the 1960's he had been hired by DC as an editor as well as an inker, always producing by deadline. He often worked alongside Neal Adams on runs on BATMAN as well asGREEN ARROW/GREEN LANTERN, among other projects such as SUPERMAN VS. SPIDER-MAN and SUPERMAN VS. MUHAMMAD ALI. He became Executive Editor in 1983 and held that position until 1993. During that reign, the two most famous works he authorized were "CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS", which helped create and cement the "cross over event" in comics, as well as Alan Moore's "WATCHMEN", where he encouragedMoore to create characters based on Charlton Comics characters rather than use those characters outright, to make it more timeless. Talent such as Marv Wolfman heralded Giordano as a "line editor" - an editor who advises without heavy handed orders. In his later years, he worked for Hero Initiative, an organization which seeks to help old retired comic book creators and artists. Current DCartist and Wildstorm editor Jim Lee stated how it was Giordano's brief words of encouragement in a rejection letter that helped Jim Lee continue to plug away and try to enter the industry (which he did, at Marvel Comics). Current top DC editor Dan DiDio called Giordano "an inspiration" and Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment, stated that, "Dick Giordano has left a lasting legacy as a comic book artist and as a DC Comics executive." His long time collaborator and friend Neal Adamsstated, "Inking my work was the LEAST significant thing that Dick did for-meant to me. I loved Dick like a brother and a friend. He cared for and loved me. I was made better by him. For a time, we were partners, on a handshake. NO ONE didn't like Dick Giordano and respect him. Who can say that? Look at that face. JUST,...look at it." Another giant of the comic industry, gone. R.I.P.

New Burger Joint

This is an old concept from a few years back that I finally drew out. Took me a while to scan & color it, since it's been languishing in my "Jungle OUT THERE" folder under some stuff....

The premise is one of a place where I would be afraid to eat....!
"Quick, Robin! The Bat-Antacid and Antidote!"

"The KING of COMICS"

I was returning some books to the library that I use for photo reference when I am designing, and happened upon a couple that caught my attention. The first was this image that jumped at me off of the shelf:
"King of Comics" is a rousing explosion of drawings and biographical information on one of the most prolific and influential comic book artists of all time, Jack 'King' Kirby. This coffee-table book not only tells of his career in the pulp fiction industry, but is PACKED with sketches, inked panels, doodles, roughs, and forgotten works. It also exposes a window into the seedy behind-the-scenes of the early comics industry.

Though, admittedly, I wasn't a fan of his style when I was a young boy, walking with my older brother up to the corner store to read and buy (not necessarily in that order) comics. I was used to the simple, cartoony DC style. As a self-appointed 'purist', I didn't understand the appeal. I didn't realize he almost single-handedly revolutionized the medium.

Not only did he create or co-create MOST of the classic Marvel Universe heroes, he cut a swath through DC in the early 70's, as well! And he was a TRUE visionary: Check out the 'New Gods' series, and note the "Mother Box". Closest thing to a cel-phone, gps, blackberry or any of the modern devices you'll ever see.

He dreamed it up in the 1970's.

How to Get a FREE Hotel Room...AND Breakfast!

It's like this:
We were on the first leg of our trip to Washington, D.C. to visit relatives for Thanksgiving. We had anticipated an earlier departure in order to beat some 'rush hour' traffic, but real life ain't that way. I was a failure in my duties as 'co-pilot', since I was unable to maintain conciousness in spite of doses of coffee and Starbucks Mocha Latte. We had to make the periodic stops for gas, food, and 'twin maintenance'.
One of these stops involved the afore-mentioned "Hazzard County Sheriff" vehicle sighting. ANYhow, after many hours and many miles of travel, it was time to find a hotel for the night. We avoided several establishments in 'questionable' areas, and were unable to locate some in designated locations. We settled on a Drury Inn on the north side of Atlanta. It seemed relatively safe, if not 'upscale'. Well-lit, secure parking lot with a gate and guarded parking lot. Free hot continental breakfast. Perfect.
The desk clerk was polite enough, and as our party waited in the van I procured us a room. After retrieving the keys, we proceeded to unload the van and make our way to the desired accommodations. With twins and luggage in tow, we made our way to the third floor and down the hall to our room. I swiped the key, pushed open the door, and we filed in......and froze.
We were greeted to a couple of unmade beds, some half-filled soda drinks and a television blaring MTV or something. We quietly back-pedaled out of there and I returned to the front desk. I calmly explained that it appeared that the room was indeed occupied. The girl behind the desk was startled and apologetic, and offered to upgrade our room at no extra charge. Same floor, so we didn't have to make a long expedition; just move down the hall.
I went back up the elevator and explained to everyone the deal. We made our way down to the next room, and just as I swiped the key, the desk clerk comes running up the hall.
"Waaaaaaiiiiiit!" she she frantically whispered as she waved wildly and sprinted towards us. "That room is occupied....!" So she had almost sent me into an occupied room for the SECOND time, potentially placing me in danger of being shot as an intruder... again! Damn!
In conclusion, she took us over to one of the suites and ushered us in. "I'm sooooo sorry!", she said. "There is no charge! I'm gonna refund your money!" And, in fact, she did.
We filed in, had her bring us a cot, and settled in for the evening. Mama & Daddy got the fold-out couch, while Jared got the cot. Aunt Alice & Uncle Brent took the twins and slept on the king-size bed in the bedroom.
When we got up and got clean & ready to go, I told Wendell that I had taken care of the room. Breakfast was his responsibility. "No problem!" he said.