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This review exposes a problem I keep having with reviews of this comic. Whenever someone dislikes something about the book, it's attributed to me, but when they LIKE something they attribute it to someone else! Even if I did the work! I saw a bit of that last issue with people mixing Tom's work with mine. I understood there, as it wasn't clarified who drew what.
However this issue the problem is with the "reliance on color". When the reviewer likes the work they credit my buddy Erik Swanson. Now, Erik is like a brother to me and his help here has made it possible for me to do this book on time. BUT, he's just doing the flats, not the full colors. Basic flat colors outlining the forms under the line, and I come in and alter the color to fit what I need and do all the modeling.
Here's an example of how we're working
Flats, by the awesome Erik Swanson
Final page by me
Many people look at comic artists like a piece meal job. Like you're not supposed to create a complete image. Look, it's all drawing. There is no "penciling" and "inking". Those jobs are the invention of editors, not artists. As an artist, I'm purposely leaving areas open for color so i CAN do more painterly modeled artwork. Create some light and atmosphere with the color. I'm not being lazy with the line and let it "fall on the colorist to provide many of the finer shadows and highlights"! That makes anti-sense! Why is that so difficult to understand?
I've written a script to illustrate how that might play out -
Me - Fuck this! I aint gots no time to be drawing all this shit! I'll leave it for the colorist to do! Now, where's my scotch!?
Logic - Uh, Mike...YOU'RE the colorist!
Me - So,I can't...uh....leave the work for some other guy to do?!
Logic - ...no...
Me - ...because?...
Logic - Uh, you're the "other guy" Mike.
Me - BOB SAGET!!!
I hope this helps people understand. :)
BTW, and here's another review - http://www.hisstank.com
This issue is a tad slower then last, but believe me when I tell you it's so that Larry can show us just who all these characters are. OH, and he's setting up some great action in the upcoming issues.
Best,
mike
PS - I drew the lines too, just in case someone wants to attribute that to the pencil or Dixon Ticonderoga or something.
PSS - I'm in no way complaining about getting a BAD review. It's actually not a "bad" review, as we get a 7.5 out of 10. Honestly, it is everyone's right to not like my work - even if my awesomeness should be as clear as the brightly shining sun of a new day. BUT, if you don't dig it then you don't dig it. No sweat.
Just get your reasons correct.
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6 comments:
Frustrating to say the least, but we of the faithful few, your fellow artist friends, feel your pain brother. It's great work all around and I appreciate your response. Will it be heard by "the man"? Well, maybe not, but I've heard it and I'm likin' what I'm hearin'!
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Thanks! I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but I had to get it out there.
Mike
You suck,we all know it and still love you!
HA! Thanks!
A friend in the business says it's my fault cause I credited Erik for flatting. Still seems random that someone would pick parts they like and say someone else did it.
Mike
Well, you must be doing something right. I went into the comic store to buy Origins #1 and it was sold out. All the other GI Joe titles were still on the shelves and they order MORE of the Origins.
Cool! Please thank your local guys for me!!
Mike
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