Damnit Monday!

Scott Wegna

You always arrive 3 days too soon. Although in Monday’s defense, Saturday and Sunday did everything they could to whizz by as fast as they could. I spent Saturday visiting a new shop in Bellingham MA called Friendly Neighborhood Comics for a signing. Murphy’s Law dictated that of all the days last week, Saturday was the only nice one, and by “nice” I mean pack of the family and get to the beach as fast as you can. So it was a slow day, but a thoroughly enjoyable one. I’ve been seriously stressed out lately about Atomic Robo, because my Human Torch job went far longer than it was supposed to and I’m really going to struggle to get Robo 3.4 and 3.5 done on time. So it was great to just sit around in a beautiful new shop talking about comics and signing the occasional book.

Yesterday was the GraniteCon and that was also a good time. I got to see Norman Lee again, and met Jamal Ingle and Pop Mhan for the first time -both really swell eggs. GraniteCon happens less than a half-hour from my house, and so 99% of the people who go to it already know about Atomic Robo, or don’t care, so I spend a lot of time shaking hands and saying hello, but very little time doing sketches or selling books. I mean seriously -how many times can you sell the same 5 guys a Robo sketch? Again though, the slow pace was just what I needed and I did enough business to make it worthwhile.

Also this week, I got to contribute to Robot 6′s What Are You Reading? column.

Speaking of reading I picked up a bunch of books and comics this weekend! My man Benn Robbins hooked me up with a sweet preview of the “Mangalicious TICK: The Rise of The Setting Sun” that he and super-fab wife Liz Robbins and Brother Mac are working on. They swung by GraniteCon to say hello and hang out -which is saying something since that’s at least an hour and a half ride each way for them. I need to see more of these people. Love ‘em! I haven’t known Benn and Liz for very long -maybe a year or so? but they are such warm and open people. Every time I am around the pair I just want to hug the fuck out of them.

I also picked up Issue #2 and #3 of Amber Atoms. It looks nice, but I’m not sure I like it enough to continue with the single issues. If it’s collected in trade, I’ll pick it up though. I also grabbed Rapture, I Kill Giants, and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Century: 1910.

Proving what a comic art nerd I am turning into I was most excited to find a collected volume of the awesome old adventure strip Steve Canyon, Working Methods: Comic Creators Detail Their Storytelling and Artistic Processes, and a 176 page book about how to draw people in business suits. Seriously.

And then I came home to find Matt Wagner’s Batman/Grendel, Devil’s Riddle sitting on my desk. Thanks Tetsubo.

I’ve got a lot of readin’ to do.

I was hoping to have the second episode of the Atomic Podcast ready for you guys today. But due to more technical issues I had to ditch the recording. So we’ll be doing it for a second time. Just like last time. Blurgh! We talked with Ronda and Jeff about their comic book history and their work on Atomic Robo. It was awesome. Hopefully Awesome can strike twice.

I’ m going to try and finish the inks on Robo 3.4 now. So I’ll catch you kids in the Comments section.

RANDOM SPLENDOR

Sigh . . .just eat shit and die already, George.

Double your pleasure, double your . . .WTF!?!

I keep wanting to pick up Dead Pool, because the art is very nice. but something tells me that next to Brian’s writing on Robo this book is really going to suck hard.

What was that?! I can’t hear you over the sound of those massive breasts!

I’ve been engaged in a very interesting conversation this week about Powergirl, and how women in general are drawn in mainstream comics. It has been a very informative and enlightening conversation, and it’s always fascinating when women argue that comics are not sexist. On the other hand it’s made me reevaluate how I approach the female form when I draw them in Robo or other books.

But everytime I look at this cover all the interesting factoids that I’ve absorbed this week go out the window and all I can think about is how retarded I think Powergirl is.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at 8:59 pmand is filed under comics, links, signing, volume 3. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Scott!

I'm only commenting so that I can track future comments.

In this respect this blog is stupid.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

I'm only commenting so that I can track future comments.

In this respect this blog is stupid.
http://www.nuklearpower.com Brian!

You could use that fancy button in the corner up there.

<img src="http://www.atomic-robo.com/images/n00b2interbutt.png">

I don't truck with RSS, m'self. It's the devil's sorcery.
http://intensedebate.com/people/bclevinger bclevinger

You could use that fancy button in the corner up there.

<img src="http://www.atomic-robo.com/images/n00b2interbutt.png">

I don't truck with RSS, m'self. It's the devil's sorcery.
EarthNu

I could swear they took that popped collar shot in Connecticut. However, chances are that that disease spread much further than the reaches of witch-hanging country.

Out of curiosity, did anyone you speak with about women in comics comment about the look of men in the comics? How often do you see a fat slob in a leotard? Last I looked Wolverine or Batman didn't gorge themselves on Keebler fudge cookies, no matter how delicious they are.

Not getting into the history of feminism and the history of the movement the current day feminist may say it's Powergirl's or any other boob-filled gal's power over men is their true power…which brings U.S. society back to the 1600s. People will argue any point to see how far they can take it. To argue that comics aren't sexist is not difficult as most comics set their characters up to be in male/female relationships that are part of American family and history.
EarthNu

I could swear they took that popped collar shot in Connecticut. However, chances are that that disease spread much further than the reaches of witch-hanging country.

Out of curiosity, did anyone you speak with about women in comics comment about the look of men in the comics? How often do you see a fat slob in a leotard? Last I looked Wolverine or Batman didn't gorge themselves on Keebler fudge cookies, no matter how delicious they are.

Not getting into the history of feminism and the history of the movement the current day feminist may say it's Powergirl's or any other boob-filled gal's power over men is their true power…which brings U.S. society back to the 1600s. People will argue any point to see how far they can take it. To argue that comics aren't sexist is not difficult as most comics set their characters up to be in male/female relationships that are part of American family and history.
http://www.nuklearpower.com Brian!

You could use that fancy button in the corner up there.

I don't truck with RSS, m'self. It's the devil's sorcery.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/bclevinger bclevinger

You could use that fancy button in the corner up there.

I don't truck with RSS, m'self. It's the devil's sorcery.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Tetsubo Tetsubo

You are welcome Scott. I learned in your super keen podcast that you liked Grendel when you were younger.

My favorite excuse for sexism in comics is that the target demographic is males in the 20- 30 age range. As if that *excuses* the sexism somehow… What amazes me is that it continues. Let's be honest, the number of artists and writers that work in this industry is not huge. How hard would it be to get them all to stop being misogynist asshats?

I like how you draw women Scott. They look human. Which is also why I like Campbell's Wet Moon and Abandoned. Though he has started to get a bit more stylized as of late, especially with eyes.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Tetsubo Tetsubo

You are welcome Scott. I learned in your super keen podcast that you liked Grendel when you were younger.

My favorite excuse for sexism in comics is that the target demographic is males in the 20- 30 age range. As if that *excuses* the sexism somehow… What amazes me is that it continues. Let's be honest, the number of artists and writers that work in this industry is not huge. How hard would it be to get them all to stop being misogynist asshats?

I like how you draw women Scott. They look human. Which is also why I like Campbell's Wet Moon and Abandoned. Though he has started to get a bit more stylized as of late, especially with eyes.
Scott!

Har-dee-har-har. I did that.

It only tracks posts, not replies. It must have something to do with Intense Debate.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

Har-dee-har-har. I did that.

It only tracks posts, not replies. It must have something to do with Intense Debate.
Scott!

I love Campbell's work. he came up in that other discussion I've been having.

This is random, but I mentioned in that chat that i thought Campbell was gay -I've seen his name listed with gay comics, but that could just as easily be the characters in his books. Do you know if he is or not?

It's not important in the end, but if he is I wonder if that is aprt of the reason why he draws women so well but his men sort of all look the same -skinny and sort of girlie (at least in the books I've read).

I almsot hesitate to ask it again in a second place. I don't want to start some "Ross is gay" internet rumor.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

I love Campbell's work. he came up in that other discussion I've been having.

This is random, but I mentioned in that chat that i thought Campbell was gay -I've seen his name listed with gay comics, but that could just as easily be the characters in his books. Do you know if he is or not?

It's not important in the end, but if he is I wonder if that is aprt of the reason why he draws women so well but his men sort of all look the same -skinny and sort of girlie (at least in the books I've read).

I almsot hesitate to ask it again in a second place. I don't want to start some "Ross is gay" internet rumor.
http://www.nuklearpower.com Brian!

It specifically says it's for tracking comments. I haven't used it though. As far as I know, you have to go to Intense Debate's website to view the crap it's tracking.
http://intensedebate.com/people/bclevinger bclevinger

It specifically says it's for tracking comments. I haven't used it though. As far as I know, you have to go to Intense Debate's website to view the crap it's tracking.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Tetsubo Tetsubo

I have no idea if Campbell is gay or not. His men are very pretty though. Often prettier than his realistic women.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Tetsubo Tetsubo

I have no idea if Campbell is gay or not. His men are very pretty though. Often prettier than his realistic women.
Ben M.

You guys always find the best pictures to put at the end of your blog.

I think you should try out deadpool. I love both AR and DP, so it just crushed me to hear you think deadpool would suck. However, I think if you want to read it, skip issue 1-3 of the current run unless your into the secret invasion stuff. issue 6 or 7 (I forget) had a great Die Hard spoof.
Ben M.

You guys always find the best pictures to put at the end of your blog.

I think you should try out deadpool. I love both AR and DP, so it just crushed me to hear you think deadpool would suck. However, I think if you want to read it, skip issue 1-3 of the current run unless your into the secret invasion stuff. issue 6 or 7 (I forget) had a great Die Hard spoof.
Scott!

I read a Dead Pool mini a few years ago. It had something to do with Banshee's daughter, the Sasquatch dude from Alpha Flight and . . .that's all I remember. Oh and the story sucked. I remember that too. The art was cool. I think this was back before it was Cable & Dead Pool.

I need to find out how writes DP best and find a run of his work. And yeah -absolutely NO Secret Invasion please. I used to be indifferent to those big stupid "Events", but now they actually irritate me.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

I read a Dead Pool mini a few years ago. It had something to do with Banshee's daughter, the Sasquatch dude from Alpha Flight and . . .that's all I remember. Oh and the story sucked. I remember that too. The art was cool. I think this was back before it was Cable & Dead Pool.

I need to find out how writes DP best and find a run of his work. And yeah -absolutely NO Secret Invasion please. I used to be indifferent to those big stupid "Events", but now they actually irritate me.
Scott!

That's what I'm talking about.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

That's what I'm talking about.
http://www.greymattersplat.com/ Mike

Daniel Way is the writer for Deadpool, and I gotta admit, as much as I haven't been a fan of the character, I really enjoy the book. Way first wrote Deadpool in a few issues of the Wolverine: Origins series. Those issues are truly something to behold. Wade pretty much goes full-tilt bozo, and the whole thing feels like it belongs in a Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner cartoon. No, really.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of most of the Secret Invasion stuff that came out, but actually the Deadpool issues weren't terrible. He does some serious damage to the Skrulls in a way that only Deadpool can, and really the only thing you need to know about SI going in is that the Skrulls have invaded. The rest is pretty standalone, actually…and worth at least reading.

It really is a very funny book, but comparing it to Mr. Clevenger's scripting is almost like compering Robo to Hellboy. I can understand it, but they really are two different things. Whereas Robo is legitimately funny as a character, Deadpool is funny because he's completely batshit loco. And I'm a sucker for breaking the 4th wall…something Deadpool does more effectively than just about anybody this side of She-Hulk.
http://www.greymattersplat.com Mike

Daniel Way is the writer for Deadpool, and I gotta admit, as much as I haven't been a fan of the character, I really enjoy the book. Way first wrote Deadpool in a few issues of the Wolverine: Origins series. Those issues are truly something to behold. Wade pretty much goes full-tilt bozo, and the whole thing feels like it belongs in a Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner cartoon. No, really.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of most of the Secret Invasion stuff that came out, but actually the Deadpool issues weren't terrible. He does some serious damage to the Skrulls in a way that only Deadpool can, and really the only thing you need to know about SI going in is that the Skrulls have invaded. The rest is pretty standalone, actually…and worth at least reading.

It really is a very funny book, but comparing it to Mr. Clevenger's scripting is almost like compering Robo to Hellboy. I can understand it, but they really are two different things. Whereas Robo is legitimately funny as a character, Deadpool is funny because he's completely batshit loco. And I'm a sucker for breaking the 4th wall…something Deadpool does more effectively than just about anybody this side of She-Hulk.
Scott!

99% of character in comics are depicted as these unattainable super-gods when it comes to their physical attributes. and that's okay. It's really about how they are dealt with. Its funny, but for the first time ever, while writing this it occurs to me that it's not comics as an industry that's sexist per-say, but rather comic book artists and to a lesser degree, comic book writers.

The editor never asks you to draw somebody so that you can see their ass and boobs in the same shot. They never say, "Put the camera down low so we get a great shot of this character's ass". They also never say, "Powergirl has giant boobs. Be sure to write her like an idiot, because the larger the brad the lower the I.Q."

And actually, I've known of several cases where artist's had to tone down the sexuality of their work I can only guess that the same has been true for some scripts.

but generally, people don't call us creative types on that sort of bullshit. They are just happy we turned in some work, and overall it looks good or reads well. Hmmm . . .that's really interesting. Have to think on that.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

99% of character in comics are depicted as these unattainable super-gods when it comes to their physical attributes. and that's okay. It's really about how they are dealt with. Its funny, but for the first time ever, while writing this it occurs to me that it's not comics as an industry that's sexist per-say, but rather comic book artists and to a lesser degree, comic book writers.

The editor never asks you to draw somebody so that you can see their ass and boobs in the same shot. They never say, "Put the camera down low so we get a great shot of this character's ass". They also never say, "Powergirl has giant boobs. Be sure to write her like an idiot, because the larger the brad the lower the I.Q."

And actually, I've known of several cases where artist's had to tone down the sexuality of their work I can only guess that the same has been true for some scripts.

but generally, people don't call us creative types on that sort of bullshit. They are just happy we turned in some work, and overall it looks good or reads well. Hmmm . . .that's really interesting. Have to think on that.
http://heavyink.com/dan Dan

Heh. Way ahead of you, Scott: HeavyInk origin.
http://heavyink.com/dan Dan

Heh. Way ahead of you, Scott: HeavyInk origin.
http://heavyink.com/dan Dan

Well, that was irritating. Your blog software did something to my link. Here it is:

http://heavyink.com/forum/forums/1/topics/103#pos…
http://heavyink.com/dan Dan

Well, that was irritating. Your blog software did something to my link. Here it is:

http://heavyink.com/forum/forums/1/topics/103#pos…
http://heavyink.com/dan Dan

I got "Meanwhile…", that Milt Caniff bio, but it's like 30 pounds, so I've got to do a little weight training before starting it or I could strain something.

Oh, also, I'm determined to read my way though all those newish Modesty Blaise reprints… they're awesome!
http://heavyink.com/dan Dan

I got "Meanwhile…", that Milt Caniff bio, but it's like 30 pounds, so I've got to do a little weight training before starting it or I could strain something.

Oh, also, I'm determined to read my way though all those newish Modesty Blaise reprints… they're awesome!
Scott!

It's the "Bat-shit loco" thing that I'm not sure I will enjoy. But now I have a name (Mista Way) and I will check some issues out.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

It's the "Bat-shit loco" thing that I'm not sure I will enjoy. But now I have a name (Mista Way) and I will check some issues out.
Scott!

You've got some serious readin' there!

(Awesome pic BTW)

I also wanted to pick of Allan's War, but I'm still a little WWII'ed out after Vol.2.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Scott_W Scott_W

You've got some serious readin' there!

(Awesome pic BTW)

I also wanted to pick of Allan's War, but I'm still a little WWII'ed out after Vol.2.
Dave S

I’m pretty sure Campbell’s straight, I think DangerGirl is based on his wife. The most disapointing think about Power Girl is this is drawn by Amanda Conner, a great artist who draws ridiculous looking women. But we lay the blame at Ric Estrada and Wally Wood’s feet for PG’s “over the top” nature.
Dave S

I’m pretty sure Campbell’s straight, I think DangerGirl is based on his wife. The most disapointing think about Power Girl is this is drawn by Amanda Conner, a great artist who draws ridiculous looking women. But we lay the blame at Ric Estrada and Wally Wood’s feet for PG’s “over the top” nature.
http://www.greymattersplat.com/ Mike

It’s a tough market out there. Let’s face it, boobs sell books. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I hear the book itself is actually pretty decent. If somebody reads it, likes it, and then goes looking for more stuff that Palmiotti’s written, then suddenly you could have a new reader for Jonah Hex too.

I’m not saying it’s a good thing, but hell…sometimes you do what it takes to get your foot in the door.
http://www.greymattersplat.com Mike

It’s a tough market out there. Let’s face it, boobs sell books. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I hear the book itself is actually pretty decent. If somebody reads it, likes it, and then goes looking for more stuff that Palmiotti’s written, then suddenly you could have a new reader for Jonah Hex too.

I’m not saying it’s a good thing, but hell…sometimes you do what it takes to get your foot in the door.
http://www.nuklearpower.com Brian!

“sometimes you do what it takes to get your foot in the door.”

Our plan is to do a book so good people have to come to it.

But that’s not exactly the easy road and those who can’t take it will go the cheesecake shortcut
http://www.nuklearpower.com Brian!

“sometimes you do what it takes to get your foot in the door.”

Our plan is to do a book so good people have to come to it.

But that’s not exactly the easy road and those who can’t take it will go the cheesecake shortcut
http://www.greymattersplat.com/ Mike

I dunno…putting Robo in a push-up bra and a pretty dress might help you appeal to a whole new demographic.

(Of course, now I’m picturing Robo with a blonde Marilyn Monroe-style wig and dress…and badly drawn-in lips that are CAKED in bright red lipstick. And hopefully now you all are too.)
http://www.greymattersplat.com Mike

I dunno…putting Robo in a push-up bra and a pretty dress might help you appeal to a whole new demographic.

(Of course, now I’m picturing Robo with a blonde Marilyn Monroe-style wig and dress…and badly drawn-in lips that are CAKED in bright red lipstick. And hopefully now you all are too.)