graven.images

Alright, I finally watched an episode of Glee... and it's really lacking something. It's not really funny. It's not really serious but it's got a couple of great music numbers in it and that's 'okay'. I don't get it. It has all the superficial elements of a musical. Stereotypes and all. It's set in Lima, Ohio. I grew up near Lima, Ohio and it's not anything like the town I remember. The Rockwell sheen has long left that area. It'd be amusing but mean to seriously do a dramedy / musical set in the real Lima, Ohio. You can get a taste by watching a newscast on channel 35. The anchor's look like they were pulled from some craft show at gun point and miked up. Awkwardly spewing the news. Painful to watch. The news graphics and backdrop look like they were used in the 80's. A fading picture of the town in the background.

Because of the attitudes in Lima, I'd seriously doubt there would be a Muslim Club or Gay / Lesbian Club in any school there. It's largely an uptight right wing Christian community. That wouldn't fly. There's no south-side bangers in the school. Not one. I worked with one when I was on a seasonal road crew for Allen County (ahhh college). Charming guy. He wouldn't shut up about his time in prison for dealing. Then there was the redneck who was anything but pc, mumbling about traffic and his 5th grade education. My seasonal co-workers carrying on like a bunch of frat guys on a bender. The town is one heart-beat away from the rural wasteland I grew up in. The town could really use the tourism / Hollywood dollars if Glee would shoot some scenes in Lima. Kewpee or the Lima Mall. I feel a parody comic coming on.

Genghis-Con was a really good first show. Not to shabby Astound Comics. I didn't really know what to expect. After doing a few shows set up with a cash bar, I think that's a really good idea. People who might normally bail, may stick around and browse with a drink in their hand. It works for galleries so why not a craft show or indie-con? The organizer went around and checked in with everybody toward the end of the show. Which is another great way to get a feel for how the show went, and improve on next year's show. The Beachland Ballroom was a great venue. Sat next to local alt-weekly cartoonist Derf. Nice guy. I got to meet Gary Dumm (one of Harvey Pekar's many contributors) and it was more than a rumor that Pekar was going to go to this con. Which would have been awesome, but alas he didn't show. Maybe next year perhaps.

Astound Comics went around and bought some books from people's tables. The owner's going to set up a special display in the shop. So if you were on the fence or couldn't make it, there's some copies of Misa and SPB:Rise! no.1 at Astound. I'll definitely do the show again next year. Thanks to the guys at Astound and John G. for setting this up. This show really reminds me of SNAP! from a few years ago. I love comic shops that actively promote indie comics.

*my batteries died on the camera. I did manage to snap off a couple of pics before it crapped out. I'll post them later.

Just a reminder that I'll be in Cleveland Saturday for the first Genghis-Con. Held in the Beachland Ballroom, normally a great venue for the rock show. It runs from 12 to 6pm. A few of my pals from Panel and I are carpooling it up there and back. There's a $5 cover. Cleveland has such a rich comics history. Peter Kuper, Harvey Pekar, the creators of Superman hail from there, Brian Bendis, etc. It's a no-brainer that they had to have some sort of a show. I don't know what to expect but I'm excited by it.

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I twittered this but thought I'd mention it here on the blog: I've got a new OGN art gig with Oni Press! Yay! I'm pretty stoked. The graphic novel is set to drop sometime in late 2010. Pretty much all I have to say about it for now. A bit of good news as I've been under the weather with the flu. First time I can remember ever having the flu. I'm okay now save a little cough that I hope goes away soon.

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I forgot to mention this but I'm doing this impromptu thing in Cleveland,Ohio (November 28th) called the Genghis-Con. (dig the sweet John G. poster art above) with Andy and Dara. Held in the Beachland Ballroom. Show runs from 12noon till 6pm and only costs $5 to get in. Looks like the show is mostly focusing on local and indy comic talent from the tri-state area.

They're still looking for exhibitors, so if you do zines, poster art, comix or any alt-media, they want you. Sounds like a good way to escape from all the holiday whoopee-doo. Hit the link above and you'll find contact info.