Oh yeahhhhh...

New Pearl Jam album comin' out May 2nd. Pretty excited. I see on their site they have tour dates in Canada, except they're all in Toronto. Dammit!! I'm making due with a bootleg of one of their shows in Ottawa.

To me, they bring me back to high school. Every time I listen to a song from Ten I can refer back to places and events while listening to each song. Ahh, high school. Wasn't the best of times for me but it had it's moments. I recently hung out with a friend I hadn't seen in, like, 8 years and talked all about it. Heard names and thought of faces I'd basically forgotten about. Wierd how small high school was but felt so big at the time. Concerns that I thought were life ending are now oh so petty. Ha ha.

So, for better or worse, I still confide in my PJ all the way.

TAK

I think I need a new scanner. My current Snapscan 1212 has been a loyal companion for about 5 years now but it's old, big and clunky. I hate to throw things out that are still working but it's about that time. Upgrading my computer was a bigger deal and I didn't feel so bad about that. Wierd.

Been chompin' away at layouts for the beast all weekend. That's what I'm just gonna call it from now on. The "beast". I'm working from a loose script and I'm finding it really pulls out the best in me. I feel like everything is being created on the fly and I like that. Makes me feel like I'm really smearing my brain on the page. Uninhibited. I'm going for a heavily cinematic look to the contruction and flow of the panels for this one. Like, panning camera shots, wide angles and panels, etc. If all goes well it should be the smoothest and most seemless read you've ever experienced. Like, Shwing!!

Oh, I downloaded and burned my first PS2 game this past weekend as well. I never knew this was possible. Is there anything the internet can NOT do?? If there were a place to download the meaning of life I think all our hopes and dreams for the internet will be realized. Question is how big will the file be?

TAK

Been fucked up for the last week and a half. I think I'm all right now.

Lessee, I missed out on a BBQ, a poker night, and episodes of LOST and American Inventor. Although, the payoff has been that I'm getting a lot of research and reading done during those quiet nights. Books on dialogue, pacing and narrative have been taking up the bulk of my time. I'm pretty confident with the plot of my book, I just need to brush up on other mechanics of the story or else it'll flop into ambiguity. Also, been reading this book called The Question of God. It's basically, Freud and Lewis indirectly debating the existence of a higher being. It's been... interesting. Whether you're religious or not I recommend picking it up. Gives good food for thought from both perspectives.

So, yeah, American Inventor. It echoes the audition process of American Idol in that you get genuine talent and also the crazies. Makes for pitty laughter. There hasn't been an invention that's wowed me yet but it's entertaining enough. Although, one thing I find weathering with the show is it's total "rah rah go USA and american dream" bullshit. I understand it's post 9-11 and peeps need reassurance that things will be alright and be uplifted and all but the amount of times they repeat the words "American Dream" wears a bit thin. Also, ever notice all those commercials that thank the Man? Who's sponsoring this? Bush?

Anyway, that's my rant for the day.

TAK

I was lookin' through some flyers today from someone tryin' to sell me something and got to browsing through ipods and ipod accessories. I've only had my ipod for about a year and it's already been trumped by nanos, video pods and a whole slew of other shinier versions. talk about an ipodian arms race.

I think I'm sick. I have a habit of moving around in my sleep and throwing my blankets and covers off in the middle of the night. I also wake up with my T-shirt rolled up to my chest all the time and leave the window open for fresh air to boot. I think that did me in last night. On the bright side, I've heard that moving in your sleep isproof you're in good health as well, so... I dunno. I've hit a happy median I guess.

S'more art.


TAK

TAK

Got a coupla more new sketches for ya. Enjoy.

Oh, I watched Ultraviolet yesterday... Wow. Just, wow... Could there be a worse movie in the history of humanity?

TAK

The Shuster awards have officially opened voting for this years nominees. Among the writing picks is my good friend J. Torres who has penned many a great books from our co-created Sidekicks to the kid favourite Teen Titans Go! and the critically acclaimed Love as a Foreign Language. Please shoot him a vote. Among the best artist category is the uber-talented Runaways artist Adrian Alphona and for cartooning the fan favourite Brian Lee O'Malley. I guess you know who my picks will be;)

So, yeah. C'mon out and support Canadian creators!

TAK

Just got wind of this link from the Ain't It Cool website. One of the reviewers have chosen Mary Jane: Homecoming as one of their favourite minis from last year and if that weren't enough I've been named as one of his/her best artist's as well. Hot DAY-UM!! I'll take it!!!

TAK

I just got word of Miyazaki's new film Gedo Senki: Tales of Earthsea. Well, it's more his son's film since it will be his directorial debut. The link is here.

They've gone with adapting another writer's (Ursula K. Le Guin) work again which I'm a bit hesitant about but the trailer looks beautiful and lush. Classic Ghibli style so I am more excited than bummed. It mentions it will be playing in theatre's in Japan this summer. I suppose a North American showing will follow later this year with Torrents available well in advance. Looking forward to it.

I realize I haven't posted much art on here in a while. Here is the new cover to the next installment of BFX which I'm finishing up right now.


In other news, I've finished the MJ issue and I'm currently attacking my new book. Had a short chat with Felipe Smith last night on MSN regarding how he set up a schedule and organized himself. Im attempting to complete a 150+ page book in 2 months so organization is key for me right now. Damn, that reminds me. I still need to pick up a calendar for this year. Something with big squares to write in. My last calendar sucked ass for that!

Anyway, I'll start posting some development art as I finish them.

TAK