Amazing stories
VOLUME 2
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The super zine for super fans
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MICHAEL WALSH C
anadian artist Michael Walsh has been drawing comics for as long as he can remember. His first major series, Comeback, written by Ed Brisson, was released by Image Comics in November to wide acclaim. He is currently creating art for the X-Files, and is launching a new series, Zero, with Ales Kot this fall. Michael was kind enough to share some insights into the life of a professional illustrator.
My mom likes to tell people that I could fingerprint the ninja turtles before I could talk. I always knew I would be an artist of some sort and after college I decided to put all my energy into comic art.
Punch: When did art become your full time job and how did it feel? MW: I quit my day job a few months before Comeback got picked up as I was getting a ton of commissions and had a few other small gigs lined up. I figured without a day job I would be more motivated to get full time comic work and I was right! It felt great to be doing what I love full time. It’s a privilege not a lot of people get to experience and it’s extremely rewarding.
Where did you go to school? Is it necesary to follow that route, or do Punch: How do you draw? Are you you feel it’s possible to be successful a diligent, disciplined, draw every if you’re self-taught? day kind of guy? and have a BA in Illustration. I don’t think it is necessary at all as long as you have a strong work ethic, direction and the will to learn and improve. It does help with understanding how to take a negative critique and interact with peers. I learned more from other students than I did from my teachers.
MW: My favourite medium is plain old India ink and brushes. It’s the most cathartic part of the process where I can let my arm do the work and my mind gets to rest.
Punch: How much does technology assist in your creative process? MW: Technology helps me in a bunch of different ways, the most helpful of which is that it saves me time (one of the most important commodities to a comic artist). I mostly use the computer for preliminary drawing, pencilling, printing/ scanning and looking up building/ gun/car reference. It’s a valuable tool and helps me every day.
Punch: Are you formally trained?
MW: I attended OCAD in Toronto
Punch: What is your favorite medi-
um?
MW: In comics you can’t afford
to not be working. Right now I’m drawing 6 days a week ten hours a day. If I’m hung up on something I just move on and keep working then come back to said hang-up. I find it fastest to spend a few days pencilling and then take a day to ink all those pencils as inking is usually a little faster than pencilling.
Punch: What does your process look like? Do you have any favorite supplies... paper, pens?
Punch: Who is/was your biggest influence artistically? Are there any artists/writers in the comic world that particularly inspire you? If you could work with anyone on your next project, who would it be?
MW: My two new tools I’m in love
with are a Blue Pilot Color Eno mechanical pencil (the first easily erasable non photo blue pencil i’ve found) and FW Artists Ink (It’s acrylic based so it dries a nice and thick matte black, makes the original art more appealing to potential buyers) My current process is as follows: I thumbnail the pages in photoshop, using just a regular round Pencil tool and a page template I created. All the photoshop drawing is done on a bamboo tablet. After these are approved I blow up the thumbnails and pencil them in photoshop. I’m not too finicky at this point as I do a lot of drawing during the inking phase but I do make sure everything Is tight enough so that all the anatomy and perspective is worked out. I then print these pencils out in a light non-photo blue onto an 11x17 strathmore paper. Sometimes I do a bit more pencilling the the Pilot Color Eno that I mentioned but most of the time I just jump into inks. I use a variety of tools and am constantly experimenting with new inking techniques. I use #4 brush quite a bit and also brush pens from zebra and pentel. I use the Pentel Pocket correction pen for any errors and a good old toothbrush for splattering ink or masking fluid. After I’m done inking I scan back into photoshop and format the pages, making any last adjustments before sending to the editor.
MW: I have so many influences its
Punch: How long have you partici-
pated in Artists’ Alley at comic-cons? How successful were you? What advice would you give fledgling artists hoping to break into comics?
impossible to name just one but I’ll try and keep it brief, Alex Toth (Zorro, Torpedo, etc), David Mazzuchelli (Batman: Year One), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), then there are tons of modern artists I look to for inspiration as well, including Samnee, Aja, Lark, Phillips, Leon … the list goes on and on (I read a ton of comics). For my next project? I’d love to take a crack at something in the Hellboy/ BPRD universe under the penmanship of Mignola/Arcudi. Also I’ve been loving Locke & Key and I feel I’d be a good match for the writing of Joe Hill.
MW: I’ve been in the artist alley
game for about 2 years now. I’ve always been decently successful at cons as I have pretty cheap, eye-catching prints that sell really well. I always do commissions for relatively cheap and bring a boat load of original sketches in case my commission list fills up. As for con advice, I would say to find a way to make your work stand out amongst the dozens of artists in AA. Make the prints bold and position them so that people walking by can see them. Also, don’t undervalue your worth! At my first con I was charging ten dollars for full figure sketches and my list filled up quick. At the end of the day its better to charge a little more and do a few less to give yourself some breathing room, less stressful that way.
Punch: Do you do other artwork in your spare time? Is it stylistically similar to your technique in Comeback? MW: Spare time? HA. I’m a comic artist, I don’t have spare time! My work schedule is pretty demanding so I don’t find myself creating artwork for fun. That said if my load does lighten at all in the next few months I want to do a short fantasy webcomic that’s been brewing in my head for the last bit. Would be a dark fairy tale in the vein of Pan’s Labrynth.
Punch: What artwork are you most Punch: Without spilling the Punch: You’re currently also workproud of? beans, what can you reveal about ing on the X-files comic. Were you a big fan of the show? Any favorite your upcoming release, Zero? characters or memorable moments? MW: This really changes from day to day. As of TODAY I am probably MW: Zero is the brainchild of most happy with a particular se- Ales Kot. It’s a series set in the MW:When the show originally aired quence from the first issue of X-Files near future that flips all the tropes I was a little too young to watch it as it was way too scary for me. That said that I just got back fully coloured by of super spy fiction on their head. Jordie Bellaire (Coloring Godess). I’ve watched it since then and loved It’s an ongoing series with a dif- it! One of my favourite characters is Looking back I’m still pretty happy with how the covers to Comeback ferent artist on each issue. I’m Walter Skinner, that dude is just way all turned out. It’s great seeing them working on the first issue which is too bad-ass I love the scene where all in a row popping off the comic set in Palestine, it’s been a blast to him and Mr. X scrap in the elevator draw so far. shelves. in the episode End Game. Punch: How did you get on board Punch: On your blog, you say that Punch: What comic related book/
with Image Comics? Are they good Nightcrawler is your favorite comic to work for? How do you like the character. Why? other titles in that line? MW: Hm, did I say that? You guys MW: Image itself is a hard nut to did your homework! I don’t know if crack and it took quite a few pitch- he’s my favourite character today? He es before we had any response from might be my favourite X-Man. I like them, perseverance and patience that he is so many different things, were key. Image is great as there isn’t dude grew up in the circus looking very much editorial influence and like a Demon, yet ended up being a we were given pretty much free reign priest. He’s a swashbuckling ladies on the interior pages. Image is one man with values, and he really has a of my favourite publishers and they sense of childlike charm to him. are pumping out a bunch of my fa- I think my favourite character ever vourite books right now. Including MIGHT be Hellboy. Today it’s HellSaga, Fatale, The Manhattan Proj- boy. Probably because I’ve been re ects, Nowhere Men, Prophet, Walk- reading the comics from the begining Dead… They have way too many ning lately and they are so damn good books to name. I could sit here good. He is born of a demon and rhyming them off all day. a witch in hell. Descendant of King Punch: What books are currently Arthur and rightful heir to Excalibur AND the throne of England. He has your favorites? a giant right hand that is the key to MW: Been reading on a bit of a unlocking 7 Lovecraft inspired dragLovecraft kick lately. Also loved the ons which will bring about the end newest Dark Tower novel : The Wind of the world but he chooses to use Through the Keyhole by Stephen that hand to smoke cigars and drink King. It’s been great to return to whisky. Yeah I just convinced myself. Mid-World, if only for a little while. Favourite character.
movie are you most excited to see come to fruition?
MW: Well I just heard that the rights
to the Daredevil films just passed back to Marvel so I’m super excited to see what they do with the character. It would be silly of them not to jump on a film immediately.
Michael Walsh will be a guest at the Saskatchewan Entertainment Expo in September. Let’s show this talented artist, (and native of Canada’s Doughnut Capital, Hamilton, origin of TIm Hortons) some prairie hospitality. “Tim Hortons? I love Time Hortons. Large Regular 5 days a week! I could live off of Boston cream donuts.”
Lindsay Macnab
HULK ON HOLMES Years ago, the Incredible Hulk became a household name by showing puny humans how devastating his strength could be when pestered by the military and superhuman villains. Nowadays, the Hulk has focused his rage on poorly constructed homes. His team of approved home inspectors is providing the most thorough, high quality home inspection services available. “Hulk get stupid letter. Hulk see if trailer worth saving” The damage done to the trailers is the fourth time in the last 3 years that a prison breakout has affected Mr Steel’s home. “Hulk not laugh so hard since he punched Galactus in rear end.” Starting with the roof, Hulk suggests some changes. “Maybe use admantan, andaman, alamanta, umm Wolverine bits to hold roof together. Hulk hit Wolverine hard and he not break.” Moving onto the interior lighting and wiring Hulk suggests some changes.
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A heart-wrenching letter has led The Hulk to the front door of a homeowner named Mike Steel. His trailer unit and those in his trailer park, located close to super-villain prison The Raft, sustained major damage from the latest super-villain breakout led by Electro which freed all the prisoners.
the original construction. “Hulk find lots of holes in floor. Look like Hulk footprints. Oh... They are Hulks footprints.” A further inspection on the interior walls reveals improper fitting and mudding in the drywall. “Hulk can see where poor workmanship has led to problems. Not enough care was taken in the fitting and cutting stage. Ha ha. Hulk sound like Holmes on Homes.” Going around the back, Hulk sees the patio concrete pad is uneven and cracked.
“Hulk rip out lights. Actually Hulk hit head on lights, get mad and rip out lights.”
“Look like result of Umar** and Hulk wrestling match.” Finally, Hulk gives his opinion on Mr Steel’s trailer home.
Checking the flooring, Hulk observes some problems with
“Hulk think trailer not worth saving. Easier to smash
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then buy new trailer.” Hulk then gives some final tips that might help Mr. Steel when future prison break-outs occur. “Maybe move. Hulk not live near prison. That is dumb.”
Melissa Friessen
PSYCHOANALYZING SUPERMAN W
ith the release of the new trailer for Zack Snyder’s upcoming Superman film, Man of Steel, brings forth once again the question of identity and masks in the Superman character. A debate that swirls around the concept of which belongs to his real self and which is the false identity that Superman is deliberately performing. Is Clark Kent the real self while Superman the façade? Or is the reverse true? Complicating the issue is that there are in fact three facets to the Superman personality; Clark Kent, Superman, last son of Krypton, as well as Kal-El. The 1978 Superman movie shows us that Superman does have access to Kryptonian culture (by way of Marlon Brando’s large floating head). It can be argued that this aspect is too removed and distant to be have the full impact on his identity, but in actuality I would postulate that it is in fact more significant access to cultural heritage than humans have. As a mortal I do not have the facility to interact and have a dialogue with my ancestors. In this regard Superman has a greater knowledge of his genealogical past than we humans do.
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John Byrne argues the opposite view in the mid-80’s mini-series called Man of Steel. Byrne however, highlights the main difficulty with establishing the Clark Kent persona as the authentic self. The only way to promote this idea of Superman as the public role and Clark Kent as the true identity is that Byrne strips all the silver age elements from the character in order to make this idea work. By doing this, by modernizing the Superman character, readers lose everything that differentiates Superman from his origins. It also leaves in question to what purpose would a super-powered being perform such a transparently awkward interpretation of a teenager, well into adulthood. The shyness, the stammering, the fainting at times of crisis (more prominent in the Fleischer cartoons than in the contemporary incarnations), the obvious acts of buffoonery, are too blatant as to actually draw attention towards the character. Finally there is the physical reality of his extraordinary abilities. As Jules Feiffer points out, when Superman wakes up in the morning he is that powerful being known as Superman. This would be particularly evident during adolescence, when everything that separates an individual from the rest of his peers is highlighted and exaggerated, often becoming the point of ridicule. There is no way for a character with powers of this magnitude would be able to comfortably blend into the rest of the teenagers. Not only is it psychologically unbelievable that a powerful being from an alien world would be able to comfortably fit into our society, it also devalues everything that is interesting about the character. By removing the alien heritage as integral to Superman’s identity the readers are left with an assimilationist ideal of a unique being called Kal-El becoming comfortable with his adopted culture and abandoning the traditions that helped formulate his identity.
Don Sparrow
TOY KING H
ello everyone, Toy King back again with anlecting can be a lot of work. other write-up on the care and feeding of acIn bygone days, I’d spend free time covering the city tion figures. I lived in, hitting various places looking for stuff. I’d This chapter will cover how and where to find accover a lot of ground in a day ( using public transit, tion figures out there in the wilds. no less) and would visit anywhere from a half-dozen to a dozen stores....on foot. I’d follow my intuitions Quite a lot of people have asked me just where I and instincts and often discovered stuff in surprising find the figures that I collect and my answer has places. That much effort might sound like a lot of long been “ all over “. tedium to some.......and yes, it can be very tedious. Now, I’m sure a lot of you readers will roll your eyes and think that’s a cute response, but really..........it’s But if you are passionate about as generalized as that. Having been a collector for something, there’s no amount of almost 30 years, there’s a few tricks and practises effort that is too much. that I have that seem to work for me, and they reGo at a pace that is pleasant to you, either alone, or ally aren’t all that complicated. with people whose company you enjoy. Make an adOne thing before anything else: toy colventure of toy hunting and it can be a lot of fun. But where does one look? The obvious places start with the classic venues: Toy stores, collectible and comic book stores are good sources. Big retail chains like Walmart and Toys R Us are usual stops. But there’s a problem with them...........almost EVERYONE checks these places.
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It’s a “cattle-trough” dilemma, and even more so in bigger cities with a larger collector population. Too many people are looking for all the same things. It makes it harder to find stuff (in theory) and can give rise to scalpers hoarding stuff for the secondary markets. This adds up to a lot of frustration for collectors, and the most common gripe is regarding “someone else got it before I did”. Frequently, people resort to all kinds of strategies like trying to get to stores right when they stock, to canvassing numerous stores in a given period of time, to even bribing stock people or managers to secure select items just for them. And, really that is all just more thinking harder, not smarter. Toy collecting IS supposed to be fun and enjoyable, not a chore. The unfortunate thing is that there are, indeed, aspects that make collecting “competitive”, and probably when it need not be so.
Here’s some strategies: Understand that, a merchandize distribution system can send products like toys to all kinds of retailers. Practise and observation has shown repeatedly that the above kinds of retailers are NOT the only ones getting action figure stock. Hardware stores like Home Hardware, Tru-Value and other chains can and have stocked toys in various outlets. Drug stores/pharmacies like London Drugs, Pharmasave can have toy sections. Hobby stores, or craft stores can stock toys, especially in smaller communities. Regional grocery chains like Real Canadian Super Store and Save-On-Foods have oddly-timed seasonal toy stocks--odd in the sense that while they may have a boatload of stock at Christmas time, they also may get a sizeable amount of toys in the summer, or at other times of the year.
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TOP TEN TRADES Batman: The Long Halloween Set in the early days of his career, Batman sides with Commissioner Gordon, and Harvey Dent to take on the Mob, and the mysterious Holiday Killer.
Who is Hush? Follow Batman as he encounters his entire rogues gallery and all of Gothams protectors in search of the answer. This is a great starting point for new readers of Batman, DC comics, or comics in general.
Green Lantern Sinestro Corp War
Superman: Birthright
Guy Gardner and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps fight a war with Sinestro, and his yellow lanterns, The Sinestro Corp.
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Batman: Hush
We all know who Superman is; now learn how he came to be in this modern retelling of his origin.
52 vol. 1-4
In a year without Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, follow several intertwining stories of some of DC’s lesser-known heroes.
The Question Vol. 5: Riddles
The Question continues his quest to clean up the cesspool that is Hub City. Is he enough for the task? Will The Riddler stop him before he is finished?
Identity Crisis
This is a “whodunit” for the Justice League. The death of Elastic Man’s wife calls upon all the JLA to rethink just how safe they are? Find out what secrets could tear the team apart.
Crisis on Infinite Earths This classic from 1985 changed the face of the DC universe forever. Heroes from infinite earths are called upon to save their planets from the Antimonitor and things have never been the same since.
Deadman vol. 1
Boston Brand is the high flying trapeze artist “Deadman” until he gets shot and killed mid act. Reborn as a ghost with the power to posses people’s bodies, can he find out who killed him?
Flashpoint
The Flash stars in this tale of a world without Superman, where Batman is not who he seems, and Wonder Woman is in an all out war with Aquaman. Could this be the real DC universe?
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FLIPSIDE Davis Hordern interviews Tony Antonuk How many comics do you have? About 30,000 What age were you when you started collecting? FIve. And you saved them? No. They were read and thrown out 20 years later. They were trashed. Covers missing, our names written all over them. Do you remember the first comic you bought? Green Lantern/Green Arrow.
Both of them on the cover. I’d guess around #35. I’d put them up on the window, then a piece of paper and trace them. Did you ever use Silly Putty on your comics? Silly putty was huge. It was the way to go.
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What is your favorite now, and when did you start? Spiderman, around 1983? When Todd McFarlane started.
What got you back? I heard there was a Batman Dark Knight 2.
Before that he did the Hulk. Before that I was reading a lot of Punisher and XMen. Did you always read Superheroes? Sometimes I’d get Archie because of my sister. Did you have periods when you left comics? When Collector’s Edge burned down. Mid 90s. I was sick and they had a big stack waiting for me, and they were burned. Then I went to try and replace some of them, but they were gone. My girlfriend at the time was happy. I didn’t miss them.
I went to Jeff ’s store and was told it wasn’t that good, but I got it anyway. And there was a Spiderman/ Green Goblin, and then Walking Dead #6.
Then it snowballed. When did it become a big hobby again? 2 years later, early 2000s. I was done school, so I had extra money. And I gave it to Jeff. Eventually, I had to cut down my file. And Jeff was sad. But then you came in! (they both Laugh) I’m still spending over $150 a week. More than you can read? Yeah. I’m reading a lot of old stuff: Hulk, Spiderman. Do you have a favorite storyline? Spiderman 300 Venom stuff.
To have a symbiote come back from the wars. When did the Dark Knight come in? I loved it then, but now, I like Hush better, Year One. I guess I got tired of rank Miller. Sin City was really good, but I wouldn’t buy anything new. I blame Frank Miller for killing Batman for me.
Is there any comic you wish you never bought? No. Even the crappy ones are fun to look at. What new comics are you reading? I read Star Wars, Age of Ultron is awesome.
Have you ever sold any of your comics? No. The only things I’ve lost are what my Mom threw away. I can’t imagine selling. We have that in common. I’ll just die, “Save them for the children!” Do you have all your comics listed? Yes. On pieces of paper. I have 9 long boxes left to inventory, but everything is bagged and boarded. It takes a lot of time. TV is better than putting your comics in boxes. Finally, what is your favorite comic? Spiderman #1 signed by Todd McFarlane. It was a gift from my brother. It has a certificate. It’s numbered. It’s really cool. Came out late 80s.
Superior Spiderman. If you were the editor of Marvel what changes would you make? Bring back Amazing Spiderman, bring Mary Jane back, and make Peter not such a dork. I’d bring back Hulk as Hulk. Be like they used to be. I’d change all the new stuff back. And DC? I don’t like DC much. I like Batman, but I don’t get it. So Green Arrow never regained your youthful enthusiasm? No. The ring is cool. As a kid. But as a grown-up, why bother? Just turn your ring into a jail. issue 2
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DECEPTICONS 4 Decepticons Who Should Lead in the New Movie (But Totally Won’t) by Rod Parker Now that the first Transformers live–action trilogy is wrapped up and work has begun on the second trilogy, it is the perfect time to speculate on who should take up the mantle of Decepticon leader given the fact that Megatron, Starscream, Shockwave, Soundwave and even Scorponok are all on–screen dead. So here are four Decepticon leaders who should get their chance to shine, but for various reasons will remain sidelined.
1. Overlord
Previous Leadership Experience: Led the Decepticons in Super–God Masterforce. Overlord demonstrated a tactical mind in his time as leader, and something bordering on actual care for his troops and respect for his enemies. This would make him a refreshing change from the megalomaniacal tendencies of Megatron. Lately though, he’s been a raging psychopath with a grudge against Megatron, and almost enough mechanical muscle to put Megatron in his place. Overlord also stabbed Ultra Magnus through the chest, killing him instantly. Why He Won’t be in the Movies: The overwhelming thing against Overlord is the question: “Who?” Even though he had a starring role in IDW’s Last Stand of the Wreckers and More Than Meets the Eye series, Overlord will get flattened by the nostalgia train that will demand a more recognizable name to carry the next movie trilogy. For that reason alone, Overlord will find himself in the “Wishful Thinking” category.
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2. Bludgeon
Why He Won’t be in the Movies: While he has slightly more nostalgia factor on his side due to his appearances in the G1 and G2 comics, Bludgeon will also find himself undone by the question, “Who?” The fact that he died in IDW’s movie tie–in comics certainly doesn’t help his cause, but death in the Transformers movies so far seems to be only a minor obstacle. Therefore, there is an outside chance that he could make a return, but it still remains highly unlikely.
3. Deszaras
Why He Won’t be in the Movies: He transforms into a metal monster. While this is cool, it probably smacks of Mechagodzilla a little too much. It also defeats the whole “Robots in Disguise” angle of the movies as well. As well, his love of massive building projects would likely disqualify him. He tends to lead from the rear quite a lot unless he leaves to tangle with Star Saber, which makes him a little less interesting than some of the other Decepticon leaders. Deszaras also lacks popularity, and hasn’t been featured in the western Transformers comics except for a cameo panel in the Dreamwave series from the early 2000s, which counts for nothing.
Previous Leadership Experience: Took command of the Decepticons near the end of the original Marvel Comics run, and has been a perennial favorite of writer Simon Furman ever since. Bludgeon has often commanded small teams of Decepticons with an affinity for Cybertronian martial arts and magical arts as well. These factors alone would separate him from many of the other Decepticon leaders and would make him an interesting character to explore.
Previous Leadership Experience: Took command of the Decepticons in Victory, and, get this, builds a Transformers–scale transforming fortress/Death Star. Let’s repeat that: a Transformers–scale transforming fortress/Death Star! Deszaras doesn’t mess around. When he says he wants to destroy earth, he gets down to business. He also has chest – minions similar to Soundwave, and fights with a giant scimitar, a spiked flail, and a cannon that destroys living metal.
4. Thunderwing
Previous Leadership Experience: Led a small band of Decepticons during The Matrix Quest portion of the Marvel Comics run. He was also evil enough to corrupt the Creation Matrix, and later used it to challenge Unicron … for a couple of panels. He later became a mindless monstrosity in Stormbringer after experimenting on himself in the hopes of making an outer shell to survive the deteriorating conditions on Cybertron.
Why He Won’t be in the Movies: Thunderwing is undone by the level of characterization that would be required to make him truly compelling. Unlike many Decepticons, Thunderwing is a bit of a slow-starter. This makes him less interesting at the start, which is precisely when viewers would be getting to know him. In addition, the last Pretender wasn’t well received, so that puts a black mark against him.
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