Nine Panel Grid - Issue #01 - Comicpalooza 2018 Edition
A Comics & Culture Newsletter
Panel 1: The Comic Art Dance: Creating Movement in Comic Book Art
I had the honor of moderating a panel with three fantastic artists at Comicpalooza 2018: Skottie Young, Paul Pope, and Sanford Greene. Many in attendance were aspiring artists, and Sanford's key advice to young artists: draw from life. Too many artists can forget to observe the important details of everyday life, and bringing those influences into comic art brings a vitality and authentic feel to the panels.
Panel 2: Paul Pope: Read Everything.
In the same discussion, Paul Pope stressed the importance of reading everything, and attending conventions - comics isn't just a medium, it's a culture. Pope recommended that artists find something to hold onto and draw inspiration from outside of comics. He said that when he finds himself working late on a project, he turns to music.
Panel 3: Skottie Young: Just Draw.
Skottie's advice was elegant and simple: just draw.
Panel 4: Tabling at a convention: first experience
Comicpalooza was the first show I tabled at, and one of the keys to success - be a good table neighbor. I was lucky in my first go-round, being set next to Marcus Cardenas-Rocco. He and his wife were incredibly nice and supportive. They had good tips, and kept an eye on my table on occasion when I had to step away. Check out his art on Instagram @marcuscardenasrocco
Panel 5: Comics Pull-list for the week
Death or Glory #2, Captain America #703, Songs for the Dead #3, Wasted Space #2, Vagrant Queen #1
Panel 6: Grief by Frank Gogol
At Comicpalooza, I finally got to meet comic writer and fellow Comics Experience Workshop member Frank Gogol, whose anthology Grief was selling fast at the Source Point Press booth.
Panel 7: Vita Alaya and "The Wilds"
I got to meet Vita Alaya, writer of The Wilds, at Comicpalooza. The Wilds is a brilliant post-apocalyptic series from Black Mask Studios with amazing artwork by Emily Pearson. As a new comics writer pitching a first series to publishers, I'm looking for wisdom and Vita took the time to give this n00b some good advice.
Panel 8: Mark Waid and Captain America
I also got a chance to meet Mark Waid, tell him how instructive his process podcast was, and gave him a copy of one of my comics. Waid's current run on Captain America is going in very interesting and unexpected directions - taking a leap to the future and exploring the legacy of Steve Rogers.
Panel 9: Pop, Schlock, and Solo
I joined a roundtable discussion on the KPFT radio show Pop and Schlock Live to discuss Solo: A Star Wars Story. Pop and Schlock has smart fun with pop culture, and the latest Lucasfilm offering provided a great discussion - check out the video or audio online.