Just got back from the Patton Oswalt show at the Vogue! Fantastic sets from Patton, and openers Dana Gould and hometown hero Graham Clarke.
The only way it could have been better was if the 6 people at the end of our two rows weren't such total douchebags. This skinny pseudo-emo dressing couple were right next to us, their bridge-and-tunnel-rat friends (judging by the excessive mall make-up) in front of them and Christ they would not shut up. Everyone in our group, including many of Ian, Riel and Vicky's stand-up buds who all happened to get seats together were shushing and yelling at these assholes to keep it down but clan Yak Yak McCud-chewers kept at it. Then towards the end of the night when Patton brought out a couple of his more well known bits (the ones about the 67 year old new mom and the KFC bowl) the emo's actually called out the punchlines before he even said them, waving their arms to punctuate each word like they were conductors at some fucking Dane Cook concert. When the material turned to newer stuff they couldn't repeat by rote they would then rattle their chip bags or loudly ask each other shit like "Is that funny? I don't get it, is that supposed to be racist?"
When the lights came up it turned into a bit of screaming match as all the comics in our row took turns hacking into the un-original frat-fucks while they whined about how we weren't really fans "because that's what Patton would want to hear!" I guess we just missed that fridge post-it. Riel and I sang them out with "You lucky guys! Look what you get to take home! Wooo!"
And still despite those hick, no taste, no talent, fashion victim losers from thicksville, the show was stellar. Loved it. To top it off with a sweet lil' maraschino cherry we got to say hello afterwards to Mr Oswalt who laid down some lovely praise on Brian which I'll be passing on shortly.
Itching to get some work done. Ian is cooking up the most amazing smelling steak. Vic is playing Bejeweled.
Yep, life is nice.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Okay, time for some updates.
Y the Last Party was unforgettable and amazing and raised eleven grand for CBLDF. Here's some video recapping the night (WARNING! If you haven't read the last issue you may want to avoid the massive spoilers contained herein!):
Y: THE LAST PARTY
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I'm still stunned whenever I think back on that night, all the amazing things said about the book, meeting fans who actually camped out to get tickets, and of course that monkey (couldn't get enough of her!).
It took a few days to really recover from all that, both physically and emotionally. Physically because I was still pretty ill despite the soothing effects of antibiotics, the dusty LA air really didn't help, and sleep was crazy wonky. Emotionally because, well, that's a lot of excitement to deal with out of the blue after spending two weeks in bed. Saturday I was spent (watched Juno in the Hotel room) and Sunday, after an incredibly grueling day dealing with some bad directions, blazing sun and unco-operative cabbies I flipped out. It took a trip to Griffith Observatory and a lovely encounter with some honest-to-goodness infinity to set me right again.
And then on Monday we got stuck at LAX for ten hours.
We've been back in Vancouver for a couple of weeks now and I'm still dealing with this fucking flu. The worst of it is gone but the fatigue and ear thing is a lingering pain in the ass.
Still working on the Leah Moore short story. This should have been done weeks ago, Christ! I'm just getting back into the groove here aaaand...
Once that story is clear I get to start on that formerly-super-secret project. If you haven't heard yet, on the night of Y - The Last Party in LA I got the go ahead from the editors to announce the next book I'll be working on:
IDW's Doctor Who.
Wooo! So happy about it.
And how did all this come about?
Last year I was on the Bendis Board chatting with fellow Who maniac Alysha McK about whether a Doctor Who comic would be a good idea. Alysha of course wanted to write it and I jumped in saying that I'd have to draw it. As we giggled on about that, writer Tony Lee joined the thread asking if we were serious about this and to write him.
He e-mailed me about how IDW was working on acquiring the rights and asked if I'd be interested in drawing an arc. At the time I was already stressed from the Y schedule and wasn't sure about committing to another book so soon. It was also at this time that I got some contact info for Doctor Who Magazine. They run a 9 page strip every month and that, to me, seemed much more manageable. I talked with Alysha about pitching a story for the strip instead and we put together an outline.
The story, which we kept short thinking it would have a better chance as a little fill-in, was not well received. They wanted a bigger, juicier storyline and that would require a lot more work to flesh out. After squeezing out what little free time I could getting the pitch together there just wasn't any left to work this out into something more expansive and still get Y out so I let Alysha know that I had to hold off for a while.
And that was that, or so I thought.
A few months later we're at SDCC and hanging out with our Bestest-Friend-in-the-Whole-Universe, Aussie writer Shane McCarthy who's all excited about landing a gig on IDW's Transformers. At some point during the weekend Shane introduces me to Chris Ryall and we all get to talking about Doctor Who which is looking like it's going ahead. I still wasn't sure if I would be able to do a whole arc for them but then the conversation turned to doing a Who story with Shane. Well, that I couldn't resist. I let Ryall know that I was interested all right but it would have to be some time after Y ended. He said there was already a team put together and (BBC approval willing) Shane and I could do a fill-in arc later and that would be great.
So a few more months go by. I hear from Shane how the Transformers arc is booming into a beautiful, sweeping epic and he probably will have to focus on that for the rest of the year. No Who until some time later. No problem, I need to focus on Y anyway and time off afterwards would be sweet.
After the Dublin con (where I met Leah) we're in London and I'm signing books at Forbidden Planet when I meet a gentleman with a message from Chris Ryall to contact him. That night I hear back from him via e-mail that there's an arc by Tony Lee being put together and was I still interested? Sure, but after Y.
Another month goes by and Tony Lee is letting me know that a script is nearing completion. It would be ready by New Year's, only a week after Y ends. Well that's a little freaky. By now I'm exhausted and really wanting some time off. A few more e-mails and there's word that this could start in March. That could work. And Leah's story should fit into that time frame nicely.
Our flu/pneumonia month has made all that a bit more challenging of course but that's how it goes sometimes.
And here we are.
And I still want to work out the bugs on the DWM story damnit!
;)
Y the Last Party was unforgettable and amazing and raised eleven grand for CBLDF. Here's some video recapping the night (WARNING! If you haven't read the last issue you may want to avoid the massive spoilers contained herein!):
Y: THE LAST PARTY
Add to My Profile | More Videos
I'm still stunned whenever I think back on that night, all the amazing things said about the book, meeting fans who actually camped out to get tickets, and of course that monkey (couldn't get enough of her!).
It took a few days to really recover from all that, both physically and emotionally. Physically because I was still pretty ill despite the soothing effects of antibiotics, the dusty LA air really didn't help, and sleep was crazy wonky. Emotionally because, well, that's a lot of excitement to deal with out of the blue after spending two weeks in bed. Saturday I was spent (watched Juno in the Hotel room) and Sunday, after an incredibly grueling day dealing with some bad directions, blazing sun and unco-operative cabbies I flipped out. It took a trip to Griffith Observatory and a lovely encounter with some honest-to-goodness infinity to set me right again.
And then on Monday we got stuck at LAX for ten hours.
We've been back in Vancouver for a couple of weeks now and I'm still dealing with this fucking flu. The worst of it is gone but the fatigue and ear thing is a lingering pain in the ass.
Still working on the Leah Moore short story. This should have been done weeks ago, Christ! I'm just getting back into the groove here aaaand...
Once that story is clear I get to start on that formerly-super-secret project. If you haven't heard yet, on the night of Y - The Last Party in LA I got the go ahead from the editors to announce the next book I'll be working on:
IDW's Doctor Who.
Wooo! So happy about it.
And how did all this come about?
Last year I was on the Bendis Board chatting with fellow Who maniac Alysha McK about whether a Doctor Who comic would be a good idea. Alysha of course wanted to write it and I jumped in saying that I'd have to draw it. As we giggled on about that, writer Tony Lee joined the thread asking if we were serious about this and to write him.
He e-mailed me about how IDW was working on acquiring the rights and asked if I'd be interested in drawing an arc. At the time I was already stressed from the Y schedule and wasn't sure about committing to another book so soon. It was also at this time that I got some contact info for Doctor Who Magazine. They run a 9 page strip every month and that, to me, seemed much more manageable. I talked with Alysha about pitching a story for the strip instead and we put together an outline.
The story, which we kept short thinking it would have a better chance as a little fill-in, was not well received. They wanted a bigger, juicier storyline and that would require a lot more work to flesh out. After squeezing out what little free time I could getting the pitch together there just wasn't any left to work this out into something more expansive and still get Y out so I let Alysha know that I had to hold off for a while.
And that was that, or so I thought.
A few months later we're at SDCC and hanging out with our Bestest-Friend-in-the-Whole-Universe, Aussie writer Shane McCarthy who's all excited about landing a gig on IDW's Transformers. At some point during the weekend Shane introduces me to Chris Ryall and we all get to talking about Doctor Who which is looking like it's going ahead. I still wasn't sure if I would be able to do a whole arc for them but then the conversation turned to doing a Who story with Shane. Well, that I couldn't resist. I let Ryall know that I was interested all right but it would have to be some time after Y ended. He said there was already a team put together and (BBC approval willing) Shane and I could do a fill-in arc later and that would be great.
So a few more months go by. I hear from Shane how the Transformers arc is booming into a beautiful, sweeping epic and he probably will have to focus on that for the rest of the year. No Who until some time later. No problem, I need to focus on Y anyway and time off afterwards would be sweet.
After the Dublin con (where I met Leah) we're in London and I'm signing books at Forbidden Planet when I meet a gentleman with a message from Chris Ryall to contact him. That night I hear back from him via e-mail that there's an arc by Tony Lee being put together and was I still interested? Sure, but after Y.
Another month goes by and Tony Lee is letting me know that a script is nearing completion. It would be ready by New Year's, only a week after Y ends. Well that's a little freaky. By now I'm exhausted and really wanting some time off. A few more e-mails and there's word that this could start in March. That could work. And Leah's story should fit into that time frame nicely.
Our flu/pneumonia month has made all that a bit more challenging of course but that's how it goes sometimes.
And here we are.
And I still want to work out the bugs on the DWM story damnit!
;)
Friday, February 15, 2008
A few night ago, Ian, Vicky and myself were hanging out playing Bejeweled when we heard a powerful explosion outside. It sounded like it came from Cambie Street and our first thought was maybe a propane tank blew at the RAV line construction site. Soon the neighbourhood was filled with the sounds of sirens and we figured we'd find out what happened on the news the next day.
Sure enough, all over the headlines is the story of the Taco Del Mar on Broadway getting firebombed.
The blast took out the Starbucks next door, sent debris across the street into the London Drugs' windows and even blew in a window at the Holiday Inn down the street, inside was a sleeping soldier on leave! She was okay, just shaken up (poor thing).
It was interesting to note the reactions to the bombing, most people saying "Yeah, it looks like arson" "Some guy did a pretty lousy job of it" "Witnesses saw the jerk running from the scene" "Probably an insurance job or disgruntled employee" and so on. Not once did anyone bring up the word 'terrorism', even with the Olympics only two years away.
And that's why I like living here.
Oh yeah, a very burned suspect was picked up earlier today. There's some talk about the guy being connected to other acts of vandalism on the west side.
Sure enough, all over the headlines is the story of the Taco Del Mar on Broadway getting firebombed.
The blast took out the Starbucks next door, sent debris across the street into the London Drugs' windows and even blew in a window at the Holiday Inn down the street, inside was a sleeping soldier on leave! She was okay, just shaken up (poor thing).
It was interesting to note the reactions to the bombing, most people saying "Yeah, it looks like arson" "Some guy did a pretty lousy job of it" "Witnesses saw the jerk running from the scene" "Probably an insurance job or disgruntled employee" and so on. Not once did anyone bring up the word 'terrorism', even with the Olympics only two years away.
And that's why I like living here.
Oh yeah, a very burned suspect was picked up earlier today. There's some talk about the guy being connected to other acts of vandalism on the west side.
Still fighting this bug! It seemed on it's way in LA but as soon as we got back it decided to pull a last gasp (not unlike Gudonov's character in Die Hard bursting out from under that blanket with an uzi or whatever it was). Not as bad as the week before, mostly a stubborn cough and lack of energy. I did manage to get out to the office today for some work, most of the pencils on page one of the CBT story are done with starts on page two and three. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
Of course there's a lot to talk about from Y the Last Party and a certain announcement but damn if I'm about to pass out here.
More soon.
Of course there's a lot to talk about from Y the Last Party and a certain announcement but damn if I'm about to pass out here.
More soon.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Despite some really, reeeeeally bad moments this weekend (ticket problems on the way down, wandering lost in Hollywood, choking on smog, dehydration, sunburnt eyeballs, and getting stuck at LAX 12 hours of our last day in LA) it was all worth it for this:
Meeting 'Zoonie' was one of the highlights of my life.
Getting a dumptruck of praise from fans, a speech from Joss Whedon, and having a page of Y go for two grand at the CBLDF auction was pretty sweet too.
More pics soon. I need sleep so bad right now.
Meeting 'Zoonie' was one of the highlights of my life.
Getting a dumptruck of praise from fans, a speech from Joss Whedon, and having a page of Y go for two grand at the CBLDF auction was pretty sweet too.
More pics soon. I need sleep so bad right now.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I really feel like punching something.
I was feeling better this morning. The sinus stuff was gone, I was coughing less and overall it seemed what was left of this flu was just a weakened immune system sparking up my asthma/allergies a bit. No need to see the doctor, this train is leaving the station! Yay! We went out for some lunch to get some fresh air, clear the lungs of triggers and fuel up for the final farewell to the last 2 weeks of fucking misery.
And then on the walk home I was hit by a huge wave of tired so I figured "okay, time for bed anyway, I'm hitting the sack."
I wake up 4 hours later (y'know 'cause I love not getting a solid 7-8), I'm coughing up crap, my throat is on fire, my eyes are burning and squinty and I'm EXHAUSTED!
I'm so done with this! I need to be on a plane on Thursday and I'm fucking done already! So on top of all the other last errands I have to get caught up on tomorrow now I have to cram in a trip to the clinic.
Fuck.
I was feeling better this morning. The sinus stuff was gone, I was coughing less and overall it seemed what was left of this flu was just a weakened immune system sparking up my asthma/allergies a bit. No need to see the doctor, this train is leaving the station! Yay! We went out for some lunch to get some fresh air, clear the lungs of triggers and fuel up for the final farewell to the last 2 weeks of fucking misery.
And then on the walk home I was hit by a huge wave of tired so I figured "okay, time for bed anyway, I'm hitting the sack."
I wake up 4 hours later (y'know 'cause I love not getting a solid 7-8), I'm coughing up crap, my throat is on fire, my eyes are burning and squinty and I'm EXHAUSTED!
I'm so done with this! I need to be on a plane on Thursday and I'm fucking done already! So on top of all the other last errands I have to get caught up on tomorrow now I have to cram in a trip to the clinic.
Fuck.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
I am officially sick of being sick. Last night I missed the Jim Gaffigan show because of a wracking cough that scared Ian silly. My throat feels all scratched up, my chest is raw and I'd really like to sleep more than a few hours at a time.
sucks.
Watched a bit of Spartan this morning on cable. How much do I love that movie?
Back to bed...
sucks.
Watched a bit of Spartan this morning on cable. How much do I love that movie?
Back to bed...
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Urban Rush was a hoot. Some of you Vancouverites may have caught it Friday evening but if you missed it, the episode will rerun on Monay morning. Mike and Fiona are always a blast and it was so cool to talk to them about the book at the very beginning of its run years back, then again in the middle and now at the end.
And another link.
An interview on Newsarama with two creators who made huge impacts on this book: A Good-Bye to Y: Massimo Carnevale, Jose Marzan Jr. Lovely!
Got this note from David Hyde, DC's PR guy extraordinaire:
Thanks again to everyone writing in about the book. It's really great to read all the wonderful feedback!
And just a note about Facebook...
I am on this network but I've limited it to people I deal with on a regular basis, family, friends, colleagues and such. It's my address book where I can quickly access these people and also have a quick glance at how they're doing (via the mini-feed). I don't do applications like Gifts or Growing Things or Compare Your Friends or whatever. If you've been sending and re-sending friend requests (or Gifts, Growing Things etc.) and not getting a confirm please don't feel snubbed, I just want my Facebook page to be small and relatively uncluttered.
Please check out MySpace if you'd like to join my open network there.
Trying to sleep. Not really succeeding.
And another link.
An interview on Newsarama with two creators who made huge impacts on this book: A Good-Bye to Y: Massimo Carnevale, Jose Marzan Jr. Lovely!
Got this note from David Hyde, DC's PR guy extraordinaire:
MTV is prepping a segment looking at women in power via the prism of pop culture, specifically what's the fantasy (like in Y the Last Man, "Commander in Chief," etc) and what can Hillary Clinton learn from that?(too bad I'm an Obama fan)
Thanks again to everyone writing in about the book. It's really great to read all the wonderful feedback!
And just a note about Facebook...
I am on this network but I've limited it to people I deal with on a regular basis, family, friends, colleagues and such. It's my address book where I can quickly access these people and also have a quick glance at how they're doing (via the mini-feed). I don't do applications like Gifts or Growing Things or Compare Your Friends or whatever. If you've been sending and re-sending friend requests (or Gifts, Growing Things etc.) and not getting a confirm please don't feel snubbed, I just want my Facebook page to be small and relatively uncluttered.
Please check out MySpace if you'd like to join my open network there.
Trying to sleep. Not really succeeding.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Radio interview went well, I haven't listened to it yet but I'm guessing I sound weird. I went through several Ricolas to get through it in case there's a lot wrapper crinkling going on. Afterwards we went home and I crashed for a bunch of hours. Around midnight I was up again, checking e-mails, having some dinner but now I have to get back in bed so I can be up for an inteview on Urban Rush at noon. I can't remember if the show is live or recorded a day ahead. It'll be fun to chat with Mike and Fiona again.
I still have a mess of work to do too. Ugh. Want this cold done now.
I still have a mess of work to do too. Ugh. Want this cold done now.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
What a day.
Spent a lot of it in bed trying to kick this bug but also following reactions online (which have been amazing! Wow!).
And there's still more. On Thursday (later today) you can hear an interview with Brian and myself on the Inkstuds radio show. I'll be in their UBC studio hacking up a lung while Brian calls in from LA. You can listen live between 2 and 3pm via the CITR site or check out the archives at the Inkstuds homepage.
Even more links (can you believe it?)
Video interview with Brian on CNN
Here's my CBR Studio Tour mentioned ealier.
An article from the Wall Street Journal where Jorge Garcia (the actor who plays Hurley on Lost) totally geeks out over Brian. How sweet!
Y We Fight, more info on the Y Party and CBR related news on LA City Beat.
Kurt Loder's wrap up over at MTV.com.
And the Newsarama interview with myself, mentioned earlier. They'll also be posting a chat with Jose this week so stay tuned for the link.
Wizard is running coverage in their latest issue so keeping an eye out for that and the Rolling Stone piece.
More as I get it. Gonna watch this week's Torchwood and then get some more sleep.
Spent a lot of it in bed trying to kick this bug but also following reactions online (which have been amazing! Wow!).
And there's still more. On Thursday (later today) you can hear an interview with Brian and myself on the Inkstuds radio show. I'll be in their UBC studio hacking up a lung while Brian calls in from LA. You can listen live between 2 and 3pm via the CITR site or check out the archives at the Inkstuds homepage.
Even more links (can you believe it?)
Video interview with Brian on CNN
Here's my CBR Studio Tour mentioned ealier.
An article from the Wall Street Journal where Jorge Garcia (the actor who plays Hurley on Lost) totally geeks out over Brian. How sweet!
Y We Fight, more info on the Y Party and CBR related news on LA City Beat.
Kurt Loder's wrap up over at MTV.com.
And the Newsarama interview with myself, mentioned earlier. They'll also be posting a chat with Jose this week so stay tuned for the link.
Wizard is running coverage in their latest issue so keeping an eye out for that and the Rolling Stone piece.
More as I get it. Gonna watch this week's Torchwood and then get some more sleep.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
No skipping ahead now, this is one ending you'll be glad you earned.
And of course, thanks. We really wouldn't have made it to this without you.
Found some more links. Two interviews with Brian, one for CNN and the other for Entertainment Weekly. Posting them as I find them.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tomorrow is the big day, the last issue of Y hits the stands and suddenly everyone is talking about it. Here's a list of the latest name-drops, interviews, mentions, YouTube spots and spotlights gracing the net and the stands this week:
Newsarama interviews! Part I and Part II with Brian by Zack Smith. Look for my own interview with Zack tomorrow. IMPORTANT NOTE for those getting their comics late due to snow or for Trade Waiters: these interviews (mine especially) contain MASSIVE SPOILERS, do not read until you've read the issue.
This week Comic Book Resources will be posting a tour of our studio. Marvel at the mess!
Time Online gives a mention in an essay about apocalypses and you can find a a sidebar in this week's issue.
USA Today talks about the series coming to an end.
And also on USA Today A chat with DJ Caruso on the Pop Candy blog about Y the Last Man...movies?
New York Magazine interviews Brian about Y and Lost and time travel.
Here's Brian in a CNN spot talking about Lost (note all the copies of the book behind him. What a slut!)
A rather confuzzled individual chats about Y on YouTube.
An interview with myself on the Blazedent Blog.
And there's a rumour going around that the next issue of Rolling Stone (with Radiohead on the cover) will have a little story about the book as well.
Wowee.
Newsarama interviews! Part I and Part II with Brian by Zack Smith. Look for my own interview with Zack tomorrow. IMPORTANT NOTE for those getting their comics late due to snow or for Trade Waiters: these interviews (mine especially) contain MASSIVE SPOILERS, do not read until you've read the issue.
This week Comic Book Resources will be posting a tour of our studio. Marvel at the mess!
Time Online gives a mention in an essay about apocalypses and you can find a a sidebar in this week's issue.
USA Today talks about the series coming to an end.
And also on USA Today A chat with DJ Caruso on the Pop Candy blog about Y the Last Man...movies?
New York Magazine interviews Brian about Y and Lost and time travel.
Here's Brian in a CNN spot talking about Lost (note all the copies of the book behind him. What a slut!)
A rather confuzzled individual chats about Y on YouTube.
An interview with myself on the Blazedent Blog.
And there's a rumour going around that the next issue of Rolling Stone (with Radiohead on the cover) will have a little story about the book as well.
Wowee.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
This last week has been a blur. Lots of worrying and not sleeping and now I seem to be fighting a bit of a bug as well. Taking it easy here so I don't end up like Ian. Tired but can't seem to settle my brain.
Earlier today I discovered the pages I had been drawing for the Comic Book Tattoo project are the wrong size. Instead of standard comic book format, they're supposed to be square. I'm a dork. Before I start over on those I have to get this print for the Y party sorted out. Came up with a neat image. Very happy about it.
Snowing this weekend. A cold, sloppy, wet snow.
I want to be somewhere warm.
And yes I'm still blaming the landlady.
Earlier today I discovered the pages I had been drawing for the Comic Book Tattoo project are the wrong size. Instead of standard comic book format, they're supposed to be square. I'm a dork. Before I start over on those I have to get this print for the Y party sorted out. Came up with a neat image. Very happy about it.
Snowing this weekend. A cold, sloppy, wet snow.
I want to be somewhere warm.
And yes I'm still blaming the landlady.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Last couple of days have been a bit rough here. Ian's caught that super nasty bug going around. Hard to see someone you love feeling icky. Even harder when the Nyquil and tea and honey and lemon aren't making any noticeable dents. My poor babe.
On a side note, got 13 sketch requests in the OUT box the other day. Another stack still waiting so patience everyone, they're coming.
On a side note, got 13 sketch requests in the OUT box the other day. Another stack still waiting so patience everyone, they're coming.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
So a lot has been going on here and I figure it's about time to get y'all up to date on some of it.
A very cool event has just been announced, on February 8th Brian and I will be at Y the Last Party, a charity fundraiser hosted by Meltdown Comics in LA to celebrate the ending of our lil' book. The reception will feature a keynote speech by, of all people, Joss Whedon! It's pretty overwhelming really, especially after hearing advanced tickets sold out in an hour! There will be about 70 tickets available at the door on the day of the event so there's still a chance to see two very pasty, pale comic book creators sitting in a huge crowd looking stunned. More information here.
Meanwhile, in Vancouver I have two pages from Y on display over at the Jem Gallery on Broadway as a part of the Inkstuds Art Show featuring the work of many local comic book creators. Check it out if you can, lots of nice stuff there.
Also, Ian and I have been invited to a book festival in Leipzig Germany in March. There's going to be a mini signing tour beforehand where we'll be visiting a few cities (Frankfurt and Stuttgart?). Once the itinerary has been hammered out I'll have it posted. Should be amazing!
Presently drawing a short story written by Leah Moore for Comic Book Tattoo, an anthology graphic novel from Image featuring stories inspired by the songs of Tori Amos. It's coming along slowly (damn the seductive lure of the couch!) but it's getting there.
And finally, there's a verrrry sweet project in the works, still can't talk about it, dying to, but not just yet. Holy crap I can't wait!
More soon...
A very cool event has just been announced, on February 8th Brian and I will be at Y the Last Party, a charity fundraiser hosted by Meltdown Comics in LA to celebrate the ending of our lil' book. The reception will feature a keynote speech by, of all people, Joss Whedon! It's pretty overwhelming really, especially after hearing advanced tickets sold out in an hour! There will be about 70 tickets available at the door on the day of the event so there's still a chance to see two very pasty, pale comic book creators sitting in a huge crowd looking stunned. More information here.
Meanwhile, in Vancouver I have two pages from Y on display over at the Jem Gallery on Broadway as a part of the Inkstuds Art Show featuring the work of many local comic book creators. Check it out if you can, lots of nice stuff there.
Also, Ian and I have been invited to a book festival in Leipzig Germany in March. There's going to be a mini signing tour beforehand where we'll be visiting a few cities (Frankfurt and Stuttgart?). Once the itinerary has been hammered out I'll have it posted. Should be amazing!
Presently drawing a short story written by Leah Moore for Comic Book Tattoo, an anthology graphic novel from Image featuring stories inspired by the songs of Tori Amos. It's coming along slowly (damn the seductive lure of the couch!) but it's getting there.
And finally, there's a verrrry sweet project in the works, still can't talk about it, dying to, but not just yet. Holy crap I can't wait!
More soon...
Monday, January 7, 2008
After reading about a new show in the paper today I had to watch it to believe it. The Border premiered tonight on the CBC and I'm not sure what makes me angrier, the fact that this is the best Canadians could come up with or that my taxes helped pay for it.
The oh so hip and tech savvy Border and Immigration guys clash with the sneering men in black over at CSIS while trying to uncover the truth about a possibly innocent terrorism suspect handed over to the CIA and all the news ripped from the headlines of the Globe and Mail blah blah blah. Derivative and condescending with a camera operator plainly afflicted with some kind of tremor inducing illness to explain the ceaseless jerky motion throughout the flashy, cool-blue-toned shots.
Oh and there's even a computer geek who uses backwards klingon as the "perfect code", only thing is, he's like in his late thirties and looks like he stepped out of men's underwear ad, all chiseled and perfect. Oh do fuck off with this CSI Miami crap.
And next week: a "rogue Homeland Security agent" in stilletos shows up to stir up trouble! Oh joy.
Oh hey, Life on Mars is on BBCCA. That I can actually watch.
The oh so hip and tech savvy Border and Immigration guys clash with the sneering men in black over at CSIS while trying to uncover the truth about a possibly innocent terrorism suspect handed over to the CIA and all the news ripped from the headlines of the Globe and Mail blah blah blah. Derivative and condescending with a camera operator plainly afflicted with some kind of tremor inducing illness to explain the ceaseless jerky motion throughout the flashy, cool-blue-toned shots.
Oh and there's even a computer geek who uses backwards klingon as the "perfect code", only thing is, he's like in his late thirties and looks like he stepped out of men's underwear ad, all chiseled and perfect. Oh do fuck off with this CSI Miami crap.
And next week: a "rogue Homeland Security agent" in stilletos shows up to stir up trouble! Oh joy.
Oh hey, Life on Mars is on BBCCA. That I can actually watch.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Just got this cool note from friend Paul Breau
"Hey Pia, Hope you enjoyed the holidays. I thought you'd get a kick out of this story. After reading through Y The Last Man (can't wait for the final issue) I recommended it to a good friend who works for the Vancouver Public Library. He'd already heard of it because the 3rd book in the series is one of the most stolen books at the Vancouver Library. Here's hoping it becomes the modern day Catcher in the Rye. All the best."
Neat!
"Hey Pia, Hope you enjoyed the holidays. I thought you'd get a kick out of this story. After reading through Y The Last Man (can't wait for the final issue) I recommended it to a good friend who works for the Vancouver Public Library. He'd already heard of it because the 3rd book in the series is one of the most stolen books at the Vancouver Library. Here's hoping it becomes the modern day Catcher in the Rye. All the best."
Neat!
Sleep is all wonky this week.
Yesterday I crashed at noon, no reason, my head just does this to me sometimes, and I woke up at around 7:30 pm. Ian had to get out to the airport this morning at 8am so I just stayed up instead of getting a couple of hours that would only make me feel worse in the end.
Went with Ian and saw him off, miss him like crazy already but he'll be back in a few days (he's in Chicago for Sketchfest). When I got back I was reluctant to keep this silly schedule going so I'm doing my best to stay up. Once I've righted this I can get my ass into the office and get started on some work. There's a phone interview with the Wall Street Journal set for tomorrow morning so it could work out if I just... stay... awake.
I'll imagine clowns trying to eat me.
Yesterday I crashed at noon, no reason, my head just does this to me sometimes, and I woke up at around 7:30 pm. Ian had to get out to the airport this morning at 8am so I just stayed up instead of getting a couple of hours that would only make me feel worse in the end.
Went with Ian and saw him off, miss him like crazy already but he'll be back in a few days (he's in Chicago for Sketchfest). When I got back I was reluctant to keep this silly schedule going so I'm doing my best to stay up. Once I've righted this I can get my ass into the office and get started on some work. There's a phone interview with the Wall Street Journal set for tomorrow morning so it could work out if I just... stay... awake.
I'll imagine clowns trying to eat me.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I don't think I'm exagerating when I say my sister is brilliant. And funny. I was reading over some of her movie reviews on Facebook this morning and just giggling my face off. It's a hugely entertaining read. Don't believe me? Here's a sampling:
Now go and ask Vicky Van to be your friend and see about two hundred more of these brief yet spot on observations of movies from a whole range of genres.
Corvette Summer
In this early work of Matthew Robbins we see the seeds of what would later germinate into an unforgettable ouevre of cinematic genius. The young protaganist, Ken, embarks on a journey after the object of his desire, a car emblimatic of power and prowess usually reserved for those above poor Ken's station, is taken so unjustly from him. We later see young Ken become embroilled in the underhanded dealings of his employer. The same class struggles and moral challenges would later arise in the director's populist "Batteries Not Included." It is in the character of Vanessa, however, that we see the beginnings of a world view that would later infuse the master work "The Legend of Billie Jean" with it's particular radical feminist slant. Themes are important to this giant of the cinema. We see the plot device of the chase and the journey of discovery that emminates from the development of desire that leads all humans, black or white, man or woman, rich or poor, Dragonslayer or apprentice, to grow and define the parameters of their existence. Much like the line of pee that young Chuckie Devlin leaves so that the eponimous Bingo may come to his rescue in the risky 91' addition to Robbins' resume, Ken follows that far more ephemeral master, passion, to the seedy underworld of Las Vegas where he must confront both internal and external obstacles. A universal journey to which we may all relate. Kudos Matthew Robbins! Kudos!
Star Wars: Holiday Special
I remember when my favorite aunt, who I thought was the coolest person in the world, brought home this awful, stupid, racist loser and fawned over him all evening until I lost all respect for her. This "Holiday Special" is a lot like that.
Now go and ask Vicky Van to be your friend and see about two hundred more of these brief yet spot on observations of movies from a whole range of genres.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Another pleasant Christmas has come and gone. Stuffed with turkey, cozy and warm, we thank the universe for another year together and welcome the lengthening days as we gape in awe at the speed at which our nephew and niece are growing.
We also just finished watching this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned. Loved it. Can't wait for more in March.
And while I'm on the subject of everyone's favourite Time Lord, a very sweet Who story was recently printed in the Daily Telegraph called The Hopes and Fears of All the Years written by Paul Cornell and illustrated by our good friend (and excellent Who guide to Cardiff) Mike Collins. Check it out!
Off to bed...
We also just finished watching this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned. Loved it. Can't wait for more in March.
And while I'm on the subject of everyone's favourite Time Lord, a very sweet Who story was recently printed in the Daily Telegraph called The Hopes and Fears of All the Years written by Paul Cornell and illustrated by our good friend (and excellent Who guide to Cardiff) Mike Collins. Check it out!
Off to bed...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
I've had a couple of days to get used to not working on Y anymore. It feels pretty great and today a friend noted "You look lighter, y'know, happy."
Of course a lot of it is the great sense of accomplishment but also the anticipation over the next project which is driving me crazy that I can't talk about it. Not yet anyway. Stay tuned.
There's a a very large stack of sketch requests sitting on my desk that I'll be starting on later today. I thank everyone for their patience and I'm very sorry I couldn't get them to you by Christmas.
I'm also cranking out crafty presents for friends and relatives. I'm a crocheting/knitting/sewing fool and it's just wonderful.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Of course a lot of it is the great sense of accomplishment but also the anticipation over the next project which is driving me crazy that I can't talk about it. Not yet anyway. Stay tuned.
There's a a very large stack of sketch requests sitting on my desk that I'll be starting on later today. I thank everyone for their patience and I'm very sorry I couldn't get them to you by Christmas.
I'm also cranking out crafty presents for friends and relatives. I'm a crocheting/knitting/sewing fool and it's just wonderful.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
4 pages into the final 7. Home stretch is tonight.
BBC radio online is helping get through this where dull TV isn't. There's a creepy horror story posted this week in the arts and drama section called Catch My Breath that I quite like. Two girls escape an Outward Bound camp in Northern Scotland only to run into a strange man living in an enormous, ghostly manor house. Next week they're putting up some Arthur C. Clarke stories. That should be fun.
BBC radio online is helping get through this where dull TV isn't. There's a creepy horror story posted this week in the arts and drama section called Catch My Breath that I quite like. Two girls escape an Outward Bound camp in Northern Scotland only to run into a strange man living in an enormous, ghostly manor house. Next week they're putting up some Arthur C. Clarke stories. That should be fun.
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