So, I’ve been trying to come up with some ideas for fun, pop cultural pin-up drawings–initially I had been thinking of obscure superheroes, then videogame characters, and then, this morning, it hit me! DRAG QUEENS.
Last night, the first episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race‘s third season began, and I looooved it. This morning, all I wanted to draw was drag queens. And so I picked my favorite three and ran with it!
There may be more next week. Stay tuned.
Yesterday, I drove up to snowy Lansing, Michigan to attend the Michigan State University Comics Forum. It was a cool little event, featuring some great artists and panels. And despite myself, I had a good time.
My great friend Denver Brubaker (of the fantastic webcomic Tales of a Checkered Man) was exhibiting, and I was eager to hide in the corner with him, rather than venture out and meet new folks. But over the course of the afternoon, I summoned the intestinal fortitude to start meandering amid the artists’ tables and managed to to strike up conversations with a number of cool, charming, talented folks.
I talked shop with the tremendously talented Nate Powell, talked Godzilla with Tyler and Sara Sowles of Killustration Studios, and had a great time chatting with Brett Pinson, James Barclay, Nate Higley, Joe Foo, and many others. After working for years in almost total creative isolation, it’s been daunting to seek out other artists, but throughout the long, blustery drive home, I couldn’t help but buzz with excitement and inspiration.
I’ve been fretting over whether I should try to exhibit at some conventions this year–I feel like it’s yet another hurdle to overcome. I’d like to sell some printed copies of Shadow Play, maybe make some Vreeland minicomics, and even collect Manta-Man. Oh, and speaking of that sexy devil, this week’s installment of Manta-Man has just been posted, so go check it out!
This week concludes Manta-Man‘s first bizarre, jumbled story arc. Hopefully it gives you an idea of what to expect from this eccentric little escapade: profane characters, obscene scenarios, and the inevitable humiliation of our titular protagonist. Fun, right?
Sure, the cast is already too big, and I just had to introduce yet another character this week. Well, get used to it! I’ve approached Manta-Man as a fun opportunity to play around with all my insane little characters and make all the juvenile dick jokes I want. My other comic projects tend to be overly ambitious, obsessively edited, and aimed toward kids. Obviously, Manta-Man is very different: an adult playground for all my strange, sexy, improvisational comic doodles. So what I’m saying is: this is gonna get sloppy, people!
So, enjoy!
http://www.mantamancomics.com/
Also, I’ve continued work on my new kids’ graphic novel The Cardboard Kingdom! So far, it’s been a lot of fun switching between Manta-Man and this new project. Here’s a peek:
Also, I looked back at my graphic novella Shadow Play for the first time in months and was amazed that I actually still like it! If you haven’t yet read it, it’s available in its entirety here.
This week’s Manta-Man update features the return of two (or…three?) of my longest-lived (and bizarre) characters, so go check it out!
http://www.mantamancomics.com/
Also, after far too long, I’ve finally been able to get myself on DeviantArt and will be posting other new artwork there (though most images will probably find their way here, too). Click here to go to my profile page, or find me there as shadcell (get it??).
As 2011 begins, so does my new webcomic Manta-Man! Every Monday, I’ll update with another couple strips, clustered together for coherence and convenience.
Manta-Man is strange, potentially offensive, and occasionally sexy. If that sounds good to you, check in every week and tell your friends, despite your shame at reading such filth.
Go, go! www.mantamancomics.com
