Trick and Treat : Works on Paper

Albert Reyes : front of drawing (L) : back of drawing (R)

Halloween evolved out of the Celtic tradition of Samhain (Old Irish for summer’s end) and the Christian observance of All Saints’ Day. Then again, it may have been derived out of our need to annihilate an entire bag of “super sized” chocolate covered candies. Of course this tradition begins well in advanced of the actual night, better known as “knock down your door for candy day.” (check this out for a food frenzy).

Gary Panter : Teen Terrors

“Yes. I know you trip-dip into that oversized bag of candy—polishing it off days before the main event—only to find yourself scrambling to buy more candy just minutes before Halloween night begins with visits from your neighborhood Disney characters, princesses and skeletons.”

Matt Furrie : Custom Zine and Comic Con Signature

And to kick off our favorite pagan holiday, I thought it was a sweet opportunity to share a few drawings from my drawing collection. Happy Halloween. Enjoy.

Mark Todd (sketch) : Esther Pearl Watson (screen print)

Keith Warren Greiman : Letterpress

Gary Taxali drawing Gary Baseman’s Toby character

(Gary Baseman then drew a portrait of Gary Taxali kissing the ass of Toby)

Sixty Cents by John Geddes

When asked to participate in an exhibition about narrative art, I looked immediately to what I write most about these days. I'm a journalist who covers a topic that is near and dear to my heart: comic books. In essence, I report on mainstream narrative art. After all, comics and graphic novels are, at their core, just pages of words and images that tell a sequential narrative. It sounds boring when you describe it that way, though, doesn't it?

The All-Star Squadron was an example of "retroactive continuity" or "retcon", as it rewrote the already-established history of DC superheroes that had been published during the 1940s.

When I was younger and falling madly in love with comic book after comic book, I had no idea I was flipping through pages of sequential narrative. I was reading cool stories about heroes and villains - fodder for my imagination. I wasn't reading art, I was reading a comic book. It took me years to admit what I now know as my own personal truth - comic books were my gateway drug into the world of art. This admission always makes me think of the first time I purchased a comic book - my sequential narrative drug of choice.

All-Star Squadron created by Roy Thomas, Rich Buckler and Jerry Ordway

As a 9 year-old kid, I walked into a 7-11 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with my dad and picked up a copy of All-Star Squadron issue #2 from DC Comics. I don’t know why, but the cover fascinated me. There they were – Hawkman and Plastic-Man and a slew of their teammates, feverishly trying to dismantle a WWII-era jet in mid-flight. I had to have that book. I needed answers. Why was that specific plane so dangerous? Did they succeed in tearing it apart? Did they all survive? Aside from Hawkman and Plastic-Man (who I recognized from Saturday morning TV cartoons) who were these other costumed heroes who were part of this so-called “All-Star Squadron?” Oh, I needed answers alright. I needed that book.

Jeff Lemire’s “Essex County” (published by Top Shelf)

For sixty cents, it was mine. I had my answers. But I also had so much more. I had the start of a lifelong comics addiction. I also had an admission ticket to a much larger world. Those sixty pennies opened a whole new mysterious universe to me. They introduced me to heroes, villains, writers, and artists. They led me to adventure tales, to science fiction, to horror, to stories of war. They led me to the dictionary to look up unfamiliar words. They led me to understand the process of writing, scripting, penciling, inking, and coloring. As I grew up, they led to endless hours of drawing and daydreaming. They led me to comic book stores every Saturday morning. They led me to conventions. They led me to art contests. They led me to art school, where I learned that comics are just a form of sequential art. They led me to art galleries, where I discovered that all art tells a story. Ultimately, in a roundabout way, they led me to where I am today. For sixty cents, I bought something that was so powerful, I can still feel its effect today.

Jeff Lemire’s comics

Through the years, to some degree or another, I’ve kept in touch with the books that I fell in love with as a kid. So often, as people age, they reminisce about how much greater things were when they were younger. In many facets of my own life that thought rings true. For comics, however, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, I get nostalgic for the books that I loved as a kid. I always will. But that nostalgia doesn’t blind me to the fact that amazing work is being done these days in the world of comics - work that absolutely boggles my mind.

David Mazzuccheli Asterios Polyp (published by Pantheon) earned best Graphic Album by the Eisner Awards at Comic-Con San Diego, 2010

Stories are being told today within this medium that wouldn’t or couldn’t have been produced three decades ago. Today’s creators have learned from their predecessors. There have been incredible advancements in production technology. There are writers finding exciting new ways to present sequential narrative to readers. There are artists, using pencils, pens, and computers, who are challenging the status quo. There’s more variety. There are more options for readers.

“Wednesday Comics” is a weekly anthology comic book launched by DC Comics on July 8, 2009

I look at Jeff Lemire’s Essex County and marvel at such a poignant and quietly powerful tale. I look at the multi-generational appeal of Bone by Jeff Smith. I look at the enduring and expanding influence of Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, and the X-Men. I look at the oversized retro beauty of Wednesday Comics. I look at Mouse Guard. I look at North 40. I look at all of these books with the same wonder and intrigue that I had when I was a 9 year-old buying that copy of All-Star Squadron in 7-11.

Aaron Williams created “North 40” and “Mouse Guard” by David Petersen

Sixty cents was the cost for me to purchase a book that led me into the world of comics. Although the admission price has gone up considerably since those days, I’m glad to see the world of comics is still here, still growing, and still being discussed as a viable expression of art. I'm glad that comic books continue to be so addictive and continue to attract thousands of fans to conventions each year. Mostly, though, I'm glad comics are still inviting kids of all ages to lose themselves in the stories that are so magically conveyed through those sequential panels.

Mark Todd and Matt Furie featured in “Survey Select”

John Geddes created this article for the celebration of “Survey Select” exhibition on display July 15—Sept 5, 2010 featuring writers, artists, musicians, interior designers, technologists, designers and many other multi-disciplinary art practitioners. John is an inspired writer for USAToday who actively writes about comics and cultural events. John featured Scribble.08 earlier in the year and traveled in from Atlanta to check out “Survey Select” during Comic-Con.

Comic-Con 2010 Booth No. 4833

Alex Toth (1928-2006)

One of the oldest urban legends shared in American by comic book collectors is how Mom disposed of your comic book collection by taking it to to the curb. It makes me ponder, “How many super heroes lie dormant in the sea of trash discarded at the city dump?”

Just imagine if Mom never discovered your comic book collection secretly hidden in your bedroom lair. (Not to mention whatever else you were hiding in there). For the lucky ones, according to many experts, if you were able to hold on to your 1938 mint copy of Action Comics No. 1, you and Superman would be high-fiving over your right to claim a $440,000 payday. And if you knew a good superhero when you saw one, your Detective Comics No. 27 introducing Batman in 1939 would be valued at a sweet $375,000. All in all, you would be a millionaire if you were smart enough to hang on to the edgier Human Torch introduced in the first issue of the 1939 Marvel Comics valued at $330,000.

Mike Royer (1941) : Forrest J Ackerman (1916-2008) : Jack Kirby (1917-1994)

Comic-Con March and August 1970 : U.S. Grant Hotel : Official Guests

And why am I writing about this adolescent obsession turned mega Hollywood blockbuster phenomena? Glad you asked. “Comic-Con!” Not just any comic convention, it’s San Diego’s original culture-jam that dates back to 1970 featuring 500 comic fans assembled at the U.S. Grant Hotel. (A nostalgic hotel built in 1910, just ask Ray Caesar who resided for one week, he loved it!). Forty years later capacity crowds will gather at the world’s largest costumed celebration complimented with artists, jet-set Hollywood, fanatic collectors and the superhero faithful.

Travis Lampe original paintings featured in silk-screened frames

Murphy Art Books will be located at Comic-Con booth 4833 featuring original artwork, signed mini zines, fine art books, dvds and plenty of inspirational chatter. This year will feature Travis Lampe, Jeff Soto, Joel Nakamura, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson and new art-shirts by Gary Baseman, Ryan Wallace, Joseph Hart and Mark Murphy. Comic-Con will be taking place at the San Diego Convention from July 22 – 25 with a special preview taking place the night of July 21, 2010.

Thesis Sahib : Matt Furie : Hugo Crosthwaite : featured at Survey Select

Thursday, July 22 will feature a Comic-Con reception at the Wonder Bread Factory from 6 PM until midnight showcasing the world-class museum exhibition, “Survey Select” and the musical performance of Thesis (aka Thesis Sahib), sponsored by Grim Image Records, an exceptional beat driven rap style that celebrates the essence of story telling. Artists, will no doubt assemble, and marvel about the more than 75 original art works presented by Marshall Arisman, the Clayton Brothers, Anthony Lister, Matt Furie, Jeff Soto, Hugo Crosthwaite and many more. “Survey Select” promises to be a premier event that beckons a celebration of your inner rock star and delivers life changing inspiration.

Joseph Hart : Gary Baseman : Ryan Wallace : TreeHugger Ts at Booth 4833

San Diego Comic-Con 2010 will be a great time and a “what if” moment . . .“oh damn, I wish my Mom kept my old comics?” Not to fear, you will be introduced to a great number of artistic super heroes featured at Comic-Con booth 4833 and “Survey Select” taking place July 22-25 at the Wonder Bread Factory from 10 AM – 6 PM daily with a special rock star reception on Thursday, July 22 from 6 PM – 12 Midnight.

Survey Select will transform the Wonder Bread Factory

Survey Select will be located at 1440 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA (14th & Imperial), Adjacent to the north side of the San Diego Convention Center and next to the Petco Park/baseball stadium parking lot within walking distance of the Comic-Con Convention. See you there and for more information about “Survey Select” please click here for a complete event line up.

On the Road Filming Scribble

Albert Reyes : Photography : Drawings : Lifestyle

This past Sunday was a full day. Dave Arabia and I hit the road to complete the last stage of filming for the upcoming Scribble documentary yet to be titled. Our schedule was packed with 3 studio visits and 4 extremely talented artists in the Los Angeles area.

Ryan Reyes Display :

“Got Love” was just added to the Murphy Fine Art Collection

Stop one featured a visit at the famed Los Angeles estate of Albert Reyes. Albert’s sprawling manor features multiple living pods, creative studio, graffiti wall and a full-scales haunted house. Yes, a well constructed haunted house in the backyard that includes a look out tower, interior maze, severed heads, rats, porno portraits and living spider webs. Albert took an early morning grape juice run and the filming party really got started.

Ryan Reyes and gal pal (yellow and white Matt Furie tops)

Albert (red Matt Furie shirt) : Matt Furie (Matt Furie shorts)

Albert Reyes is a bad ass Haunted House builder

Joining in the weekend fun at the Albert Reyes parkland was San Francisco based artist Matt Furie. Originally from Ohio, Matt shared his big smile, philosophy on burgers, early influences and his charismatic “prisma” colored characters. Good fun was had and everyone was sporting Matt Furie attire.

Souther Salazar Color Images from Fumetto Festival and Studio

Across town Souther Salazar and Monica Choy were recovering from jetlag and their return from the Fumetto Comix Festival in Switzerland. Souther created a beautiful installation of assorted sculptures, smartly designed to efficiently ship to compliment his paintings, comics and limited edition zines. Souther shared his experiences in Byrne, Switzerland and his early creative influences--Cirque Calder, Roger Miller, early books about making comics and building creative compositions out of found materials.

Megan Whitmarsh in the studio

Nearby we visited Megan Whitmarsh at her recently completed modern studio. A beautiful space filled with multi-colored fabrics, embroidery threads, sketches and hand-sewn creations. Megan eloquently discussed her unique style of “narrative” and its’ origins dating back to her early experiences in the studio at the age of four years old.

Souther Salazar : Victor Castillo : Martin Wittfooth : Mark Todd

“Scribble No. 2” is now in the editing stages, a daunting, time consuming task, as pressure mounts to unveil a genuine documentary featuring: Shawn Barber, Kelsey Brookes, Victor Castillo, Matt Furie, James Jean, Albert Reyes, Souther Salazar, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson, Megan Whitmarsh, Martin Wittfooth and Justin Wood. Sweet times, great memories, amazing talent and fantastic perspective about the modern state of the fine arts. More soon.

Sketch Book Joy

Cathie Bleck : Tim Biskup

Ana Bagayan : Amanda Visell : Shag : Lola

What is the “big deal” in collecting signatures or inviting a great artist to pen a precious moment into a blank sketch page? For some, a special favor to make something meaningful and more credible. And for others, proof that hours standing in line, was well spent, as they now possess the captured markings of a famous artist or gifted soul.

Dave Cooper

For me, the only way to collect thoughts and unexpected opportunities is to travel with my sketchbook. Often, I look for the chance to hang with artist friends who enjoy drawing and exchanging in great conversation. Of course, I am a true nerd when it comes to this exercise, but it is vitally important that I capture and collect these moments in volumes that can be archived for future generations. Especially, for those who may not get the opportunity to meet all of these artists, (I promise to leave these sketchbooks to a museum someday).

Daniel Peacock

Brandt Peters : Kathie Olivas

Every year, there are chances for fans to collect these "sketch" moments, and Comic-Con is one of the best. Of course, some fans arrive armed with blank canvas boards, vinyl figures and pages filled with inspired artists from years past. True art patrons, in my opinion, are interested in the personal exchange with an artist, conversing while the artist is busy drawing on their page.

Over the past few years, Jeff Soto and I have shared a booth at Comic-Con. I love witnessing Jeff work on many sketches for his art pals and fans of his work. For me, this is a great education, watching black line move across the page, take form and turn into something great. Often, this is a discovery that ends up in a future Soto painting.

Matt Furie

Brandi Milne : Paul Hornschemeier

This year, I have had the great privilege to meet Matt Furie and a new artist, Paul Hornschemeier at the Buenaventura Press and Fantagraphics booths. Alvin of Buenaventura Press kicks out some of the best-designed books in the graphic/comic space and his new “Kramer’s Ergot” rocks. Thankfully, Matt Furrie and Matt Groening signed this oversized coffee table book. Rockin.

Thomas Han : Gary Baseman

This entry represents sketches I have archived over the past couple of years. Kind thanks to all of the talented artists who have shared their creative moments with me, as I continue to learn, explore and experience a creative community I feel so fortunate to be a part of. More will be shared soon, but for now you all are invited to make collecting art a “big deal” in your life.

James Jean