JUST BACK FROM SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2007!

I had a chance to visit Comic-Con 2007 in San Diego for a couple days last week. Here are a few of the highlights of my trip:

*I got to meet one of my favorite artist/creator combos in the person of Doug Tennapel. I picked up his new graphic novel from Image comics called 'Black Cherry.' I have already read it twice...it is incredible! If you don't know about this gifted storyteller and artist, please visit his site at: www.tennapel.com . He writes and draws graphic novels, creates characters that have been video games (Earthworm Jim), and has animated shows developed from his stories and characters. His new cartoon called 'Catscratch' is now on Nickelodeon. A REAL talented "cat!"
Here is a review of 'Black Cherry' by Sean McGowan that is on Amazon.com. I heartily agree with this review:
A Great Story that Tells the Truth, July 30, 2007
By Sean McGowan - See all my reviews
This book will understandably make a lot of people uncomfortable. Full of vulgar language and violent imagery, this is easily Doug's roughest book yet and probably will be for the rest of his career. However, his intention is not to shock, but to be honest about the way the world is. To balance things out, Doug also tells the truth about the only reconciliation for all of the sin depicted in the book: Christ's sacrifice. Along with all of this is a story that's as good as any of his others. Black Cherry is not for everyone, but those who can stomach its brutal honesty really ought to give it a try.
*I met the graphic novelist named Jesse Lonergan. I got to pick up his first graphic novel called 'Flower and Fade.' This is a SOLID debut effort. It is a reflection on a romantic relationship and how it develops and eventually dissipates. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. You can find it at NBM Publishing here: http://www.nbmpub.com/comicslit/flower/flowerhome.html

*Taylor White and 'Monsters in Motion' (out of Placentia, California) were at the con. I got to pick up a few CD scores from Taylor and they were some great choices I am happy to say! I picked up Vic Mizzy's score to the Don Knotts films called 'The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.' Just listened last night and this score is SUPER-FUN! When you listen to scores like this, you realize where other great composers like Danny Elfman and Alf Clausen get some of their vibe! Also picked up Jerry Goldsmith's score for 'Escape From the Planet of the Apes.' What an awesome listen! When I listen to scores like this, I realize even more just HOW AHEAD of his time Mr. Goldsmith was...this score, at times and in some cues, almost sounds like a backdrop for a current movie in parts (the film was released in 1971)...and the rhythmic electronics in this score are nothing short of amazing! Jerry Goldsmith ROCKS! He has, in my opinion, influenced so many genres from electronica to lounge to avante garde film scoring. Pleae visit Monsters in Motion at: http://www.monstersinmotion.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/12
There were some other Comic-Con highlights that I will explore in my next post. Over and out from San Diego Comic-con for now.....HK.