Nick Davis's Blog, page 43
July 3, 2014
Comic Review – Rocket Raccoon Number One by Skottie Young #comics #GotG
Title – Rocket Raccoon #1
Writer/Artist – Skottie Young
Publisher – Marvel
I’ve waited a long time for this book, as you all know I am a huge Rocket Raccoon fan having discovered the character in the B-story in Marvel UK Transformers Weekly. It was the Keystone Quadrant storyline, full of animal-morphic characters and Killer Clowns… I was hooked! And now my favorite Marvel character has his own book, so what did I think?
First Read – First Impression
I brought the book at Chucks Comics my local LCS and rushed home to read it, my first read impressions was I was left feeling a little flat. I liked the art style, just parts of the story felt out of character for the character.
Second Read – The Review
Today I picked up the book for a second read through, again the I enjoyed the art, Skottie Young infuses the story with a frenetic pace and I like the lose cartoon style if suits the character and the world he inhabits – visually very stunning.
The storyline makes sense given Rocket’s nature although it feels it is taken to an extreme. It is obvious the character leans more towards the Movie version with the language Rocket uses. There is a fun dialog moment exchange between him and Starlord (who is off doing Guardian of the Galaxy stuff), which made me I was reading more of a Firefly story than a Marvel book.
Will I Buy Part Two?
The cliffhanger was pretty good and left me wondering just how much trouble has Rocket got himself into with his misdeeds and adventures rescuing Princess’es – appears to be a side hobby of our Gunslinging Raccoon. There is enough there for me to come back for the second book.
Final Thoughts
As Rocket Raccoon is my favorite Marvel character I had some high expectations for this book, which may of contributed to the flat feeling I had reading it first time around. It is worthy to be called a Rocket book and while the character traits are little more extreme (Ultimate Rocket Raccoon?) it fits the story pacing and art.
I do hope we will soon see some of the Keystone Quadrant characters turn up – which secretly I was hoping to see and a little disappointed there was no link, or even a wink to his origin.
Looking forward to the next book.
3.5 thumbs up out of 5
July 1, 2014
What is the ‘Wot I Drew At the Convention Art Board’ then? #sketchcards #art #scifivalleycon
My Artboard featuring Sketch cards, My Little Pony, Bat-Finn, Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes
At the Sci-fi in the Valley Convention I tried something new, I made the decision to draw at this event and put up on my Art board some original, and unique art.
Original Art Sketch cards by Nick Davis – featuring Stay Puft Man, Captain American, Maleficent, Deadpool, Wolverine, Batman, Rocket Raccoon and Spider-man.
You Like It! Buy It!
Then you the Convention Attendee could then purchase one of these pieces and have something completely unique to add to your collection. I had, and still have no plans to replicate most of the art on my art board as prints making each piece very exclusive.
My Little Pony – Twilight Sparkle & Pinkie Pie by Nick Davis
New Art… New Techniques…
It also gave me chance to spread my talents beyond just drawing Teddy Bears, learn new techniques and styles – which I can then apply to my original character artwork and Unconditional Hugs. For each piece I imposed a time limit of fifteen minutes so I could learn brevity and speed.
I am determined to improve my drawing skills and pushing myself and this Art Board idea is the way forward for me to teach myself. Some stuff will hit, some stuff will miss, but it is going to be an interesting journey which I started over three years ago.
The Dante Hicks Sketch Card Commissions by Nick Davis
Look Out for the Art Board
This is going to be a new feature on my Artist Tables (space allowing) from this point forward, it will be full of postcard, and sketch card size original pieces for you to pick up and purchase – just like Bat-Finn (Adventure Time Finn & Jake Mashup) who was brought at Sci-Fi in the Valley.
So stop by my table at the next show you see me at… Original Pop Culture Art, Commissions and cool Teddy Bear Stuff!!! See ya there!
June 30, 2014
Back through the Gate… Back from the Sci-fi in the Valley Convention
Trying a new look at Sci-fi in the Valley Con
The last three days were spent in Altoona, PA at the busy and growing Sci-fi in the Valley Con. This is the second trip into PA for Tristan and me as we keep spreading the word about the Teddy Bear Tales across the East Coast. Sci-fi in the Valley is in its third year now, and it is a fun mid-sized con right in the center of PA.
Tristan and Nick enter the Stargate
How Did It Go?
We traveled up to Altoona with the Time for Hugs crew Scott and his good lady Victoria, this is a three-day show which means it is a marathon not a sprint, so I got time to speak to people about Tristan and the Teddy Bear Tales, and breakout my pencils for some in show art.
It was a good weekend, the show is amazing and next year moves to a new larger venue, so if you are in the area it is worth your time to check it out.
You Did Art?
Yes, I did art… Or more correctly tried something new which I call ‘Wot I Drew at the Con Artboard.’ Where I breakout my sketchcards, paper, pencil and pens and have a go at some very different pieces than the Cuddly Sketches.
Nick’s Artboard
As you can see from the picture (above) I had a go at Garfield, Calvin & Hobbes, Wolverine, Joker, Dante Hicks, Twilight Sparkle, Maleficent, Deadpool, Batman, Bat-Finn, Spider-man, Captain American and Pinkie Pie.
The only rules I gave myself was it had to be black and white,be available for sale on my Artboard at the convention, and would not be turned into a print. I thought it is a cool way to exercise my skills and get some fun, cheap original art out there. I hope to make a feature of it on my table from now on.
Stuff That Happened at Sci-Fi in the Valley Gallery
Will I Be Their Next Year?
Yes, if all things go well enough I hope to attend next year. The newer venue and show will be in May and a week before Awesome Con, but I would like to come back and make Tristan a cornerstone. So… until next year…
And He Wasn’t Even Supposed To Be Here Today
June 29, 2014
Tristan the Teddy Bear meets Dante Hicks at Sci-Fi Valley Con
Tristan the Teddy Bear Meets Dante Hicks – who wasn’t even supposed to be here today…
We may have just broken the internet, at Sci-fi in the Valley Tristan met Brian O’Halloran (Dante Hicks from Clerks/Clerks 2), who is a totally cool guy to talk to. Enjoy the picture, please share and watch out for the full report on this fun show later today…
June 24, 2014
Meet Tristan and Me at Sci-Fi in the Valley this Weekend June 27-29 #SciFiValleyCon @SciFiValleyCon
This weekend starting Friday June, 27 around 2pm Tristan and me will be setting up in the Artist Alley at Sci-Fi in the Valley Convention in Altoona, PA – in what promises to be a very exciting show!
What You Need To Know
Sci-Fi in the Valley Con Friday to Saturday – June 27 to June 29
Friday: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
At the Jaffa Shrine Center, 2200 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601
You can find out more show details and buy tickets from the Sci-Fi in the Valley Website.
We will be located at Artist Alley Tables E4 – E5 look for the Teddy Bear Tales Banner once you are inside the event.
What I am Bringing To My Table
The Alt World and Teddy Bear Tales Books
Tristan and the Cuddly Defenders Graphic Novel – Friends
The Teddy Bear Tales Illustrated Adventures One and Two
Tristan the Teddy Bear Goes to the Moon Imagination Adventure Story book.
The Wonder Tales – Archer, the Horse and Other Stories Compilation
The Wonder Tales – The Daughter of Frost Illustrated Edition
Fabula Zero Exposition – the uniquely super-heroic Graphic Novel
Sigmartyr – an unofficial action figure Graphic Novel
The Tether Saga Books – None Good and Accept One
Exclusive Teddy Bear Ghostbuster Print by Nick Davis
Plus
My Show Exclusive Print – The Teddy Bear Ghostbusters
In show Commission (just ask)
The Cuddly Sketch Cards Prints
Full Size Prints – Deadpool Bear, Harley Quinn Rabbit, Bat Bear, Star Bears, Giant Size Man Thing, Hug Therapy and much more
Original Cuddly Sketch and full-size Art
The Cheap $10 Original Art Bin
T-Shirts – The Teddy Bear Tales And The Teddy Bear Army
The Cuddly Hero Plushy Toys – Tristan, Archer, Wilma, Fernando and more
Spooky Abigail Limited Edition Cover
But Wait There Is More!
I will be bringing copies of the Spooky Abigail Limited Edition Black and White comic of the first issue that I have been writing for PRM Comics.
Spooky Abigail is about a Witch in Training (WiT) who isn’t really all that good at Witching. We join her story in MacGivens Academy for Magical Beings, and explore this world with her as she learns to ride a Broomstick, falls foul of the Coven and has a most fortunate accident with an invisibility potion. This first book sets up the beginnings of Spooky’s first adventure along with best friend Bella the Girl Werewolf.
Charmingly Geeky Jewelry
Shiney, eh?
I will also be joined by Charming Geeky Jewelry, who will be selling their unique collection of handmade geek charms, bracelets, earrings and much.
See You There!
Okay, now you know what we will be bringing I hope you take time out of your day to visit Tristan and Me at Sci-Fi in the Valley this weekend… It is going to be a stonker!!!
June 21, 2014
Britain’s Greatest Secret Agent is Back… First Image of Dangermouse and Penfold
He’s the greatest
He’s fantastic
Wherever there’s danger he’ll be there
He’s the ace
He’s amazing
He’s the strongest he’s the quickest he’s the best
Danger Mouse
Danger Mouse
DANGER MOUSE
And he is back!!!
The animation is by Boulder Media and from all accounts is pretty good, I am looking forward to this old favorite from childhood return. It was and still is a wonderfully written show that works on so many different levels while completely riffing off 007.
June 20, 2014
Government Shuts Down Boy’s Little Free Lending Library #FreeSpencersLibrary
You may have seen these little Free Libraries pop up all over the place, give a book, lend a book community book shelves are getting quite popular. They are a great way to share books, to teach about civic virtue and to give something back to the community. Normally they are just a book cabinet with a roof, no bigger than an ornamental bird house and are mostly harmless, unless of course you fear books and what they contain.
It appears the City of Leawood in Kansas do, having shut down a Boy called Spencer Little Lending Library citing code violations and Neighbor complaints. That is right Local Government instead of rewarding civic responsibility have instead stomped on it – great way to teach responsible citizenship and community Leawood!
Read The News Story Here
I am not going to parrot the entire story here on my blog, but I encourage you all to click-through to local KMBC News Website and read about this piece of Local Government Insanity. I find it appalling, that common sense is at the mercy of bureaucracy.
What Can I Do?
If you are reading this and thinking what can I do? I don’t live there, I will say you can do something and if you want to see Spencer’s Little Library reopen I urge you to do the following.
Show your support Spencer’s Little Library Facebook Page Here.
Contact the City of Leawood Mayor Peggy J Dunn at peggyd@leawood.org use the subject line Spencer’s Little Free Library and express your outrage.
Or let the City Of Leawood know your outrage via their City of Leawood Facebook Page Here.
Other Sources
WBAL News Report of Spencer’s Little Library
Fox4 News Report of the Free Little Library
KSHB News Report about this Free Lending Library
Now let’s go get them interwebs! Let’s get Spencer’s Little Library open again!
Local Government Insanity Alert – City of Leawood (KS) Shuts Down Boy’s Little Free Lending Library #FreeSpencersLibrary
You may have seen these little Free Libraries pop up all over the place, give a book, lend a book community book shelves are getting quite popular. They are a great way to share books, to teach about civic virtue and to give something back to the community. Normally they are just a book cabinet with a roof, no bigger than an ornamental bird house and are mostly harmless, unless of course you fear books and what they contain.
It appears the City of Leawood in Kansas do, having shut down a Boy called Spencer Little Lending Library citing code violations and Neighbor complaints. That is right Local Government instead of rewarding civic responsibility have instead stomped on it – great way to teach responsible citizenship and community Leawood!
Read The News Story Here
I am not going to parrot the entire story here on my blog, but I encourage you all to click-through to local KMBC News Website and read about this piece of Local Government Insanity. I find it appalling, that common sense is at the mercy of bureaucracy.
What Can I Do?
If you are reading this and thinking what can I do? I don’t live there, I will say you can do something and if you want to see Spencer’s Little Library reopen I urge you to do the following.
Show your support Spencer’s Little Library Facebook Page Here.
Contact the City of Leawood Mayor Peggy J Dunn at peggyd@leawood.org use the subject line Spencer’s Little Free Library and express your outrage.
Or let the City Of Leawood know your outrage via their City of Leawood Facebook Page Here.
Other Sources
WBAL News Report of Spencer’s Little Library
Fox4 News Report of the Free Little Library
KSHB News Report about this Free Lending Library
Now let’s go get them interwebs! Let’s get Spencer’s Little Library open again!
Local Government Insanity Alert – City of Leawood (KS) Shuts Down Boy’s Little Free Lending Library #SpencersLittleLibrary
You may have seen these little Free Libraries pop up all over the place, give a book, lend a book community book shelves are getting quite popular. They are a great way to share books, to teach about civic virtue and to give something back to the community. Normally they are just a book cabinet with a roof, no bigger than an ornamental bird house and are mostly harmless, unless of course you fear books and what they contain.
It appears the City of Leawood in Kansas do, having shut down a Boy called Spencer Little Lending Library citing code violations and Neighbor complaints. That is right Local Government instead of rewarding civic responsibility have instead stomped on it – great way to teach responsible citizenship and community Leawood!
Read The News Story Here
I am not going to parrot the entire story here on my blog, but I encourage you all to click-through to local KMBC News Website and read about this piece of Local Government Insanity. I find it appalling, that common sense is at the mercy of bureaucracy.
What Can I Do?
If you are reading this and thinking what can I do? I don’t live there, I will say you can do something and if you want to see Spencer’s Little Library reopen I urge you to do the following.
Show your support Spencer’s Little Library Facebook Page Here.
Contact the City of Leawood Mayor Peggy J Dunn at peggyd@leawood.org use the subject line Spencer’s Little Free Library and express your outrage.
Or let the City Of Leawood know your outrage via their City of Leawood Facebook Page Here.
Other Sources
WBAL News Report of Spencer’s Little Library
Now let’s go get them interwebs! Let’s get Spencer’s Little Library open again!
June 19, 2014
Preview of the Gi Joe Cuddly Sketch Cards coming to Sci-Fi in the Valley Altoona PA – June 27-29 #gijoe #cobra #actionforce
GI Joe Duke Ted by Nick Davis
A week next Friday I will be in Altoona PA at the three-day Sci-Fi in the Valley convention. Here is a preview of the GI Joe Cuddly Sketch Cards I will be bringing.
