Becky Cloonan's Blog, page 7
January 2, 2011
The first blog post of 2011, or How Cannonball Joe Quelled the Suffocating Death
If you follow my twitter feed, you might have noticed that I've been doing some housekeeping over the past few days. It might have been to start the year off with a fresh start, or maybe that was all just good timing. Whatever the case, what started off as an innocent tidy spiraled quickly out of control into an upheaval, an ordeal of organization and re-arranging. I can't say it was bad because I have some time to kill, and it is a good way to start off a new year.
Long story short, as I was organizing and archiving my original comic pages, I came across the 120 or so pages of the unpublished East Coast Rising volume 2. Flipping through it, I thought man, what a shame, all that work. And the worst part, that volume 1 ended on a cliffhanger! Nobody will ever know if they defeat the Suffocating Death, or are consumed (that would have made a quick end to the series!) to quell it's seemingly endless appetite (it already ate Mr. Snuggles, the giant, flesh-eating turtle...)
I think a nice start to the new year would be to put an end to this cliff-hanger. For the next week, I'll be posting 3 pages a day to my blog until the first sequence is completed. I'll feel a little better for it, even though this may not be the most ideal medium to read comics in (3 pages a day for six days? ugh.), I just want to get it out there. These pages are also unfinished, I took off the tones and it hasn't been lettered, but I think you can get the gist of what's happening. Feel free to fill in your own words if you have some time to kill!
Here we go. East Coast Rising 2, scene 2, take one. Action!
Oh yeah, this GN was drawn back in 2007/8.
Long story short, as I was organizing and archiving my original comic pages, I came across the 120 or so pages of the unpublished East Coast Rising volume 2. Flipping through it, I thought man, what a shame, all that work. And the worst part, that volume 1 ended on a cliffhanger! Nobody will ever know if they defeat the Suffocating Death, or are consumed (that would have made a quick end to the series!) to quell it's seemingly endless appetite (it already ate Mr. Snuggles, the giant, flesh-eating turtle...)
I think a nice start to the new year would be to put an end to this cliff-hanger. For the next week, I'll be posting 3 pages a day to my blog until the first sequence is completed. I'll feel a little better for it, even though this may not be the most ideal medium to read comics in (3 pages a day for six days? ugh.), I just want to get it out there. These pages are also unfinished, I took off the tones and it hasn't been lettered, but I think you can get the gist of what's happening. Feel free to fill in your own words if you have some time to kill!
Here we go. East Coast Rising 2, scene 2, take one. Action!
Oh yeah, this GN was drawn back in 2007/8.
December 30, 2010
The end of 2010
2010 was a big year. A lot happened and a lot changed, but that's as it should be. And since a lot of people are making lists for the year, I thought I'd join in and try to mix it up a bit.
FAVORITE SELF-PUBLISHED COMICS OF 2010
I go to a lot of conventions and I'm always meeting new people- one of the things I like best is getting to check out other people's self-published books and mini-comics, whether it's from an established creator or from someone who is just starting their journey into the labyrinth that is comics! Everyone is making best-of comic lists, but I thought I'd go a little further; I love self-publishing, so why not show some love to books that might have flown under the radar?
3. WINTERS IN LAVELLE
by Kasey Van Hise
So I've known Kasey for a few years now, before she started Lavelle as a webcomic- now it's a fully fledged self-published graphic novel, complete with an ISBN number! Not only is that smart business skillz, but her comic is a lot of fun too. Winters in Lavelle is a YA fantasy comic about a brother and sister stranded in a parallel world- it's exactly the kind of comic that I wish I had been able to read as a teenager. You can read Winters in Lavelle online- Kasey updates on Tuesdays and Fridays.
2. ATELIER
by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
How prolific are these two? They produce an amazing amount of work every year and still have time to make a mini comic for NYCC, and go to the beach. This short comic is told in four languages- English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, chronicling the making of a comic from inception to completion. I've worked with Moon and Ba on a few comics, and I'll never get tired of their work. A new comic from the twins is always a treat!
1. SIGNAL
by Paul Duffield
Oh my god, this is a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship. This silent exploration of self reads like a love letter to Carl Sagan, with the universe unfolding as you turn each page. Beautiful in every aspect, this is a book worth hunting down. It's the closest thing to poetry that I've ever seen in a comic- there is so much to look at, it's like a visual symphony. Too bad it's sold out-- Hey Paul! What are you doing? Reprint this book in 2011!!
NEW THINGS I DID IN 2010
3. I played a slot machine for the first time this autumn, in England! I lost a pound, so I probably won't be playing them again anytime soon. It was actually a bit of a let down.
2. I drove on the wrong side of the road! For two weeks the gentlemanly Lee Marshall and I adventured around England and Wales in a shiny silver Peugeot- it was the first time I'd driven on the left side of the road, and the first time in about ten years that I've driven a standard! I'm guess I'm proud of my ability to throw myself headfirst into situations that I might be uncomfortable with, and actually come out okay (not just drive off a cliff into a herd of sheep and marmite).
1. I became an illustrator! I mean, I've done some illustration in the past, but this summer I did 60 full color illustrations for a novel to be released by Harper Collins in 2011. It pains me that I can't show much of the work that I did for it, or talk about it at all! It ended up being quite an ordeal as well since I'm more of a cartoonists and I am more comfortable working in black and white; I ended up learning a lot about myself and my art on this book. It was like running a marathon. I'm really proud of it though, and I can't wait for it to come out!
I'd talk about other favorites, like movies, but mostly I just watch old ones. And music, I mostly just listen to Iron Maiden (who's new album would be at the top of my list had I made one!!!) and operas, but I only saw two last year! I really don't get out much, so don't expect much lists from me.
SHIT I HAVE PLANNED FOR 2011
First off- more comics, totally. I've been talking with a few people about some new books that might surprise a lot of you- so I hope I can get going on those soon! A lot of you ask about Killjoys also- well, I can't say much about that yet, except hold on to your butts! I'm also going to try to do more illustrations. I didn't do that many this year and I really missed that.
I have two new self published books coming out this year also, one is called "Wolves"- it's a short story I did in 2009 for an anthology that was published in Japan, finally being released in English. My second story is called "Mary Bella Beth". I'm thumbnailing it now; it's based on a true story, and it's about four girls and a mirror. I will probably release this one online as well. I'll be bringing these to several conventions including TCAF, MCM, SDCC and hopefully a few others. You will also be able to buy them online, because....
...January will see a big update to my website! I know it's a long time coming, but there is only so much one person can do. I know, life is a difficult balance and sometimes my website and email get the short end of the stick when I am in a deadline crunch (which is most of the time.). The update will include an online store! And I'll try to keep it more current. And be better with emails (haha.)
There is also some debate as to weather I should bring Comic Attack back as well- we'll see! Oh and I plan on making a million dollars and buying a castle. Feel free to visit- and bring your ink!
That's it for me until next year. Tomorrow My homegirls and I are having an Iron Chef themed New Years party- I'm going to make DUCK!!!! Hope everybody is enjoying the holidays. Until next time~~
FAVORITE SELF-PUBLISHED COMICS OF 2010
I go to a lot of conventions and I'm always meeting new people- one of the things I like best is getting to check out other people's self-published books and mini-comics, whether it's from an established creator or from someone who is just starting their journey into the labyrinth that is comics! Everyone is making best-of comic lists, but I thought I'd go a little further; I love self-publishing, so why not show some love to books that might have flown under the radar?
3. WINTERS IN LAVELLE by Kasey Van Hise
So I've known Kasey for a few years now, before she started Lavelle as a webcomic- now it's a fully fledged self-published graphic novel, complete with an ISBN number! Not only is that smart business skillz, but her comic is a lot of fun too. Winters in Lavelle is a YA fantasy comic about a brother and sister stranded in a parallel world- it's exactly the kind of comic that I wish I had been able to read as a teenager. You can read Winters in Lavelle online- Kasey updates on Tuesdays and Fridays.
2. ATELIER by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
How prolific are these two? They produce an amazing amount of work every year and still have time to make a mini comic for NYCC, and go to the beach. This short comic is told in four languages- English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, chronicling the making of a comic from inception to completion. I've worked with Moon and Ba on a few comics, and I'll never get tired of their work. A new comic from the twins is always a treat!
1. SIGNAL by Paul Duffield
Oh my god, this is a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship. This silent exploration of self reads like a love letter to Carl Sagan, with the universe unfolding as you turn each page. Beautiful in every aspect, this is a book worth hunting down. It's the closest thing to poetry that I've ever seen in a comic- there is so much to look at, it's like a visual symphony. Too bad it's sold out-- Hey Paul! What are you doing? Reprint this book in 2011!!
NEW THINGS I DID IN 2010
3. I played a slot machine for the first time this autumn, in England! I lost a pound, so I probably won't be playing them again anytime soon. It was actually a bit of a let down.
2. I drove on the wrong side of the road! For two weeks the gentlemanly Lee Marshall and I adventured around England and Wales in a shiny silver Peugeot- it was the first time I'd driven on the left side of the road, and the first time in about ten years that I've driven a standard! I'm guess I'm proud of my ability to throw myself headfirst into situations that I might be uncomfortable with, and actually come out okay (not just drive off a cliff into a herd of sheep and marmite).
1. I became an illustrator! I mean, I've done some illustration in the past, but this summer I did 60 full color illustrations for a novel to be released by Harper Collins in 2011. It pains me that I can't show much of the work that I did for it, or talk about it at all! It ended up being quite an ordeal as well since I'm more of a cartoonists and I am more comfortable working in black and white; I ended up learning a lot about myself and my art on this book. It was like running a marathon. I'm really proud of it though, and I can't wait for it to come out!
I'd talk about other favorites, like movies, but mostly I just watch old ones. And music, I mostly just listen to Iron Maiden (who's new album would be at the top of my list had I made one!!!) and operas, but I only saw two last year! I really don't get out much, so don't expect much lists from me.
SHIT I HAVE PLANNED FOR 2011
First off- more comics, totally. I've been talking with a few people about some new books that might surprise a lot of you- so I hope I can get going on those soon! A lot of you ask about Killjoys also- well, I can't say much about that yet, except hold on to your butts! I'm also going to try to do more illustrations. I didn't do that many this year and I really missed that.
I have two new self published books coming out this year also, one is called "Wolves"- it's a short story I did in 2009 for an anthology that was published in Japan, finally being released in English. My second story is called "Mary Bella Beth". I'm thumbnailing it now; it's based on a true story, and it's about four girls and a mirror. I will probably release this one online as well. I'll be bringing these to several conventions including TCAF, MCM, SDCC and hopefully a few others. You will also be able to buy them online, because....
...January will see a big update to my website! I know it's a long time coming, but there is only so much one person can do. I know, life is a difficult balance and sometimes my website and email get the short end of the stick when I am in a deadline crunch (which is most of the time.). The update will include an online store! And I'll try to keep it more current. And be better with emails (haha.)
There is also some debate as to weather I should bring Comic Attack back as well- we'll see! Oh and I plan on making a million dollars and buying a castle. Feel free to visit- and bring your ink!
That's it for me until next year. Tomorrow My homegirls and I are having an Iron Chef themed New Years party- I'm going to make DUCK!!!! Hope everybody is enjoying the holidays. Until next time~~
December 20, 2010
More Northlanders!
Northlanders #36 hits stores in January, so keep an eye out! It's the conclusion to "The Girl in the Ice" story arc. Here's an idea of what might happen next issue:
Clang!
Clang!
December 11, 2010
Northlanders: Girl in the Ice part I
Northlanders #35 came out this week, written by Brian Wood with art by meee! Here's a peek at what you'll find inside:
And if that doesn't convince you to pick it up, maybe some things other people have been saying will help (Note that some of the reviews might have spoilers, if you worry about that sort of thing!)
So there you go. If you still don't want to pick it up because finances are tight and the holidays are coming up, well it's only a 2 part series- low financial commitment! I'm wicked psyched about this book, and really proud of the work I've put into it, so I hope you guys enjoy it too!
Now, enough with the internet- time to make some food.
And if that doesn't convince you to pick it up, maybe some things other people have been saying will help (Note that some of the reviews might have spoilers, if you worry about that sort of thing!)
"NORTHLANDERS is probably my favourite book coming out of DC right now." -Warren Ellis
"...the reader will walk away with yet another incredible Northlanders yarn stored in the consciousness." -Omega Level
"...perhaps [Cloonan] and Wood bring out the best in each other as collaborators." -13 Minutes (who also gives the book an "A"! Sweet, high honors!)
"If you're looking for a great story with beautiful art, I cannot recommend this issue enough." -Comixology (Also note the 5 stars given to writing, art and cover!)
So there you go. If you still don't want to pick it up because finances are tight and the holidays are coming up, well it's only a 2 part series- low financial commitment! I'm wicked psyched about this book, and really proud of the work I've put into it, so I hope you guys enjoy it too!
Now, enough with the internet- time to make some food.
December 10, 2010
UK ROCK SOUND
If you live in the UK, you might read this one magazine called Rock Sound! If so, you might have noticed that this week they included a huuuge A2 poster of My Chemical Romance's Danger Days that I drew! Check it out:
Besides the poster, they also included a great interview about the Killjoys album, some cool photos and a bunch of these awesome stickers. So if you are around this week and happen to nose around a news stand, check for this month's issue!
xoxo
b
Besides the poster, they also included a great interview about the Killjoys album, some cool photos and a bunch of these awesome stickers. So if you are around this week and happen to nose around a news stand, check for this month's issue!
xoxo
b
November 10, 2010
LEEDS! THOUGHT BUBBLE!!!
On Saturday, November 20th I'll be in Leeds for Thought Bubble! I'll have a little of this and a little of that, plus some original art, so if you are nearby, or just passing through, stop in and say hi!
(I'm so psyched for this show!)
(I'm so psyched for this show!)
November 4, 2010
I'll be at King Con! Will you?
So this weekend is King Con II: The second glorious year of Brooklyn's finest comic book convention! I don't have a table myself, but I will be signing at the Deep 6/DrawBridge table Saturday from 1-3 with Kat Roberts and Simon Fraser, and Sunday from 1-3 with Reilly Brown! I'm not on any panels, but I'll be floating around the whole weekend. I'm excited to have a convention where I can actually take time to look around rather than feel pressure to sit at a table!
I won't have much to sell, probably just some post card sets! There is also a great ramen place a few blocks away (it was there last year anyway)- if you are local to NYC I encourage you to make the trip down! It's on the Union stop on the R train, come say hi!
October 24, 2010
SLUTS OF DRACULA
I read Dracula again last year and dedicated some space in my sketchbook to him and his sluts. These pictures are photos from my sketchbook, for the lovely Kate Beaton, who is currently enjoying some Dracula sluts.
EDIT: Yes this is what I do when I read books. Yes this is what I do in my spare time. Book reports, yo.
EDIT: Yes this is what I do when I read books. Yes this is what I do in my spare time. Book reports, yo.
October 5, 2010
NYCC 2010 Schedule!
Besides chilling out in the Artist Alley at tables F4-F9 with Ivan Brandon, Fabio Moon, Gabriel Ba, Rafael Albuquerque, Gustavo Durate and the gentleman Andy MacDonald, you can find me at the following places:
Friday, October 8
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Signing @ Dark Horse booth with Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
4:45pm - 5:45pm: Adapting Public Domain Texts Into Graphic Novels: Room 1A23
Saturday, October 9
1:00pm - 2:00pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
Sunday, October 10
12:30pm - 1:30pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
At the artist alley table I'll have some original pages from DEMO v2, and some sneak peeks at the Northlanders issue I'm drawing right now. I'll also have some postcard sets and comics, and I'll be sketching probably. You know, the usual con stuff!
I love NYCC. Can't wait for this show!!! See you all there I hope!
Friday, October 8
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Signing @ Dark Horse booth with Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
4:45pm - 5:45pm: Adapting Public Domain Texts Into Graphic Novels: Room 1A23
Saturday, October 9
1:00pm - 2:00pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
Sunday, October 10
12:30pm - 1:30pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
At the artist alley table I'll have some original pages from DEMO v2, and some sneak peeks at the Northlanders issue I'm drawing right now. I'll also have some postcard sets and comics, and I'll be sketching probably. You know, the usual con stuff!
I love NYCC. Can't wait for this show!!! See you all there I hope!
September 30, 2010
DrawBridge!
I've been posting warm up sketches periodically over at DrawBridge, a daily sketchblog with daily drawings by our studio members! It's pretty fun, here's yesterday's Sandman that I did (it was Vertigo day at Drawbridge!) and I'll be doing another one later today- and there's some amazing artists who post daily too. Check it out!
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