Comics on Fire #1

One thing we like around here is first effort comic books. It never ceases to amaze me how clever first effort comics can be. Comics on Fire is just such a comic. Paul Hack ( Hack, an unfortunate last name for a cartoonist)lol, has put together a series of one or two page strips that are original and funny. Now I won't say I understand all of the gags, but you may be more hip than I.

The artwork while not highly polished, certainly fits the strips. Paul does not seem to allow influences from other cartoonists to creep into his work, and that is a good thing.

The comic has full color front and back covers, sells for $3.00, 24 pages, and is available from Paul at

6307 Heritage Landing Ct. Burke, Va 22015 You can contact him at phack47@gmail.com

Or read his blog at paul-hack.blogspot.com

As a side note to Paul, always put your contact info in your comic. Reviewers lose envelopes, and inserts.

Tim Corrigan's Comics & Stories #25 & 26

The only monthly small press comic book that I know of is Tim Corrigan's Comics & Stories. It arrives at my mail box right on time at the beginning of each month. With full color covers and top notch art work. By that I mean fully rendered back grounds in each panel, no short cuts.

Issue 25, titled, "First Contact", even features a written story at the bottom margin of each page.

Number 25 spotlights good old Fred Schmurt as the unwilling recipient of Marge the restaurant owner's romantic advances. In the end Fred sees a way to possibly take advantage of Marge's affection for him. We will have to wait for another issue to see how Fred manages to take advantage of Marge for his own selfish purposes.

Issue 26 "The Ferbles Yesteryear and Toupee" A MightyGuy story. Marvin decides to write a MightyGuy theme song. Of course he is completely awful at it,...... and, well you get the premise .

As usual Tim Corrigan can make a very funny comic out of just about anything and he does it in both issue 25 and 26. Each comic is digest size, 11 pages, with a cover price of $1.50 Send for your copies today! Tim Corrigan POB 25 Houghton NY 14744

Izzy Challenge #5

J. B. Winter, creator of the Izzy Challenge, sent 50 cartoonist, one from each state, an Izzy panel to complete. Izzy is a little mouse, and this book is a record of Izzy touring America. Each artist was sent a few guide lines, and given one month to complete an Izzy panel depicting something from their state.

It's one thing to come up with an idea like this, quite another to pull it off. Winter is one of the best at layout and design. He manages to get four panels per page, plus an outline of each state represented on the page, and the artists info for each panel. All this in a digest size book. This is a great little collectors item. Some of the contributing artist will be known to small press folks, others are at least new to me. Every contributor does a great job, and for a dollar how can you go wrong?

Available from J. B.Winter at PO Box 1814 Columbia MO.65205.

Tales of Fantasy # 42

Issue 42 of Tales Of Fantasy has something a little different for regular readers of this series. This one is a Super Hero story! The story is written by Mike Tuz, and Larry Johnson does the art. Super heroes don't always get it right, and sometimes they can make things worse. That's the basic premise for this issue. Mike includes all of Larry's well known characters, Madam Boogala, her son Goomar, and of course Detective Kolowski, trying to sort things out. Larry's great letters section,"Mails of Fantasy" returns. Reading the mail section can really give you some insight on the previous issue. His stable of letter writers, take great care in analyzing each issue of TOF, making this section of the comic a must read for all.

TOF 42 is $3.00 from Larry Johnson 9 St.Peter St. #4 Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-4907

Captain Spectacular #3

Small press comics have their share of super heroes, but none quite like Nate Corrigan's "Captain Spectacular". How often have you seen a Super Hero, swing into action when he hears that a garbage dumpster is overflowing with garbage?

Well CS does just that. He jumps up runs into a bathroom, changes into his Janitorial uniform, and flies the dumpster to the dump. Howz that for a Super Hero?

Now of course no Super Hero comic would be complete without a villain, so Nate throws one in here just for good measure.

Nate's art and layout are flawless, making this a must have small press comic.

It's just $2.00 from Nate Corrigan PO Box 25 Houghton NY 14744

Get your comic on here!

If you would like to have your comic appear on the Homemade Komics Blog, simply send a copy to: Larned Justin
3741 Laura Ct.
House Springs, Mo 63051

I do not want this to be viewed as a way for me to get free comics, that is not my intent. If there is something you would like me to include in the comments on your comic please send that along as well.

Cornelia Cartoons # 10

With Kel Crum's art style, his comics could be considered art comics. If not for the fact that his stories have fall down laughing dialog, a beginning, a middle, and a punch line at the end. Thus disqualifying them for art comic status.

Issue # 10 has three Cornelia stories, and an Ed Thud story. I really don't want to give any of the gags away here, so just take my word that the stories will not disappoint!

here is just one little thing I have to tell you about. In one panel Cornelia is walking by a food store. There is a sign in the window reading; " Closed captioned Rice Krispies for the hearing impaired"

( think about it)

Cornelia Cartoons # 10 is Half legal size, $ 2.00 from Kel Crum 32 W. Goodman Dr # 23 Fairborn OH 45324

Tales of Fantasy # 41

Any comic book title that runs 41 issues and has the word Fantasy in it, just has to do a " B" movie type story.

"The Skin Game" is Larry Johnson's homage to the "B" horror movies of the fifties. Larry Johnson is the artist and writer of one of the longest running small press titles, in all of small press!

We have a little of everything in "The Skin Game", a mad scientist, a creepy castle like mansion, on an Island. A lighting storm, a creepy assistant who does not talk, a beautiful woman being held against her will. And of course Larry's long running character Lew Brown, to sort it all out.

All though the story is quite familiar, Larry does a great job with it, adding a little twist to the type of mad scientist in the story. You will enjoy seeing how Lew Brown gets out of this one!

The issue also has a Space Cat story, " Mails of Fantasy" the excellent letters section, and features full color covers inside and out. About 42 pages, digest size, $3.00, From, Larry Johnson

9 St. Peter st #4 Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-4907

It's been a While

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything here. I think it is high time that I return to posting some reviews and info about small press comics and zines.

What better way to start than by taking a look at Christoph Meyer's new issue of "28 Pages Lovingly Bound with Twine" from Big Red Mill Publishing Christoph Meyer PO Box 106 Danville, OH 43014.

The big surprise here is that Christoph, after winning the Utne Reader Independent Press award,

"Best Zine Ever" Just kind of shut down, and did nothing. He admits he was depressed. I have met Christoph a number of times, and just hard to picture him in a funk. But that is just what happened. For 2 years he says he did nothing but sit around and mope.

But that seems to have changed! In fact he has taken on a monumental challenge. Christoph is currently on the Appalachian Trail, planning to hike the entire trail all 2,175 miles of it from now until Oct 2008. Whew! That's awsome! I suggest you send for this zine and read how this all came about, if you have read any of Christoph's past zines, you know this will not disapoint. I would say it costs $2.00.

You can follow Christoph's travels at http://www.trailjournals.com/ His trail name is Twineman. Leave a comment in his guest book Iam sure he will appreciate it.

Possible cover for a new comic

Here is a cover idea I have for an upcoming project with Tim Corrigan. Tim has also done a cover, so this may be an inside cover. The comic is Called "Roy Ritter and the Red River Wranglers"
It's about a traveling Cowboy Band circa 1905

Tim Corrigan's Comics & Stories #12

In November of 2006 I posted a review of Tim Corrigan's Comics & Stories. That was issue number one of a series that was supposed to come out every month. Well I can report to you that I have just received my 12th issue in a row, and every issue arrived right on time. I will be sending Tim another $12.00 for my next years subscription.

Tim has been able to accomplish something that is rare in the world of small press comics. He has published a quality comic with detailed art and loads of laughs on a monthly basis.

Tim Corrigan

POB 25

Houghton, NY 14744

Although some issues contain additional features, the main characters remain The crew from MightyGuy. Fred Schmurt runs a comic book publishing company. The company has been fortunate enough to come across a super hero suit that when worn by anyone will give them super hero powers. Mike Mcziltcho stumbled into Fred's office one day in search of a job, and wound up an unwilling super hero. Fred's plan is to find MightyGuy adventures, and have his artist, Marvin,draw them for the companies comics. This basic story line has been making people like me laugh since I first discovered MighyGuy comics. Believe me when I tell you, it will make you laugh also, just try it!

Video from SPACE

Here is a short video from this years SPACE comic expo in Columbus OH. Most of this was shot early before the show opened to the public.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyu16GtTbQ0

19th Century Detective, Play the video!

19th Century Detective available for Purchase

My Latest comic book, 19th Century Detective " The Graybridge Terror", Is now available for purchase. The comic is 32 pages, standard comic book size with color covers.

The cost is $3.00 plus $1.00 for shipping and packaging. Send cash or check to:

Larned Justin

PO Box 471

House Springs, MO 63051

Take a look at www.freewebs.com/candidcartoons for more info.

Thank, you

19th Century Detective

Click here For information about a brand new exciting comic book project from Larned Justin published by Candid Cartoons!

Tim Corrigan's Comics & Stories

Digest size 12 pages each $1.00 each From: Tim Corrigan PO Box 25 Houghton NY 14744

I think most peolple in the small press community have at least heard the name; Tim Corrigan.Maybe not all are familiar with his outstanding comic work. This new series, according to Tim, will be the vehicle for all of his comic characters both old and new.

The first two issues feature my favorite Corrigan characters, Fred, Marvin , and Mike, from The MIGHTYGUY comics that Tim has published for a number of years. These of course are new stories written and drawn by Tim for this new series. In issue one Mike and Marvin decide to watch a movie on TV together, when there is a suspicious knock at the door!!! In story number two romance seems to have found Fred, the owner of C&T Graphics Comic Book CO.

Issue two finds the boys from C&T Comics setting up a signing booth at the local comic shop. Things get complicated when a spoiled brat of a kid becomes their first customer. The second story is called Mr. Doodle. And features the main character relating an incident that happened at a laundromat. This turns out to be a very interesting way to tell a story using sequential art, but just drawings of the stories narrator. These comics are Highly recommended!

Halloween # 7

Ckick on the graphic below to see Michael Roden's Halloween #7

SMALL PRESS EXTRA

Here is what most of us in the small press comics field have been looking for. A small press print review zine! Tim Goebel and Sam Gafford have started publishing Small Press Extra. Featuring reviews , interviews, columns, news, and ads from the small press community. If you have been involved in small press over the last few years, you know this is something we have needed for some time. The August issue was sent out free, and the next issue will be available in October.

The zine will be published bi-monthly The subscription rate is $20.00 for four issues. This is something everyone should get behind, go ahead and spend the twenty bucks. If you don't you only have yourself to blame. I can tell you from experience it is not easy to produce and pay for this type of a zine. The first issue is digest size, color covers, and 46 pages. Submitt your comics and send your subscription to:

Tim Goebel

71 Geranium Ave. West

St. Paul, MN. 55117

KOMICS/COVERS MUSIC VIDEO

Click on the graphic below to watch The music video

NOODLE # 2

Click on the Homemade Komics Video Blog below to see Noodle

The Return

Yep The video blog is back! this time with a look at Tales to Demolish # 3


Press play on the bottom right of the intro page

What Next???

After first having a problem with the video software that I use for the HOMEMADE KOMICS videos, my computer took a lightning hit and the mother board got fried. So I purchased a bare bones kit and put together a new computer. And I am proud of myself because it works just fine!

Then St. Louis was hit by a major storm. It knocked out power all over St. Louis and the surrounding area. My power came back on in about 6 hours, so we were fortunate there. Some still do not have power as I write this. However now I have lost my cable internet connection. They tell me, even though it worked after the storm, the current outage is still storm related.

So I can write this from work, but I can't of course do any videos, or even scan any comic covers in for an old fashioned written review. What next? A terrorist attack? Space invasion? Zombies?
What next?

Good news/Bad news

The good news is the software that I use to do the video blog is fixed. The bad news is , my computer will not turn on! I am stopping by a computer parts store tonight to pick up a new on off switch ( if they have one). That should fix the problem. The computer seems to be getting power everywhere it should, except at the on off switch when it's pushed in.
In the mean time buy some small press comics and read em !!

Video Blog Status

I am having some problems with the software that I use to do the Homemade Komics video blog.
Until I can figure out what has happened, I may post some written reviews here. I know it will be difficult to have to read a review, rather than just watch it, but just relax, we will all get through this!

Homemade Komics episode 8/ SPACE

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics2/episode8.wvx

Click on the link above to see Episode 8 of the video Blog featuring ZED by Duane Abel

The SPACE pre-Show Party Episode 7

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics2/spaceparty.wvx

Ckick the link above to see some clips of the SPACE pre-show party, and a review of MR BIg # 6
Story and art by Matt Dembicki

Homemade Komics Episode 6

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics2/episode6.wvx

Click on the link above to see Larry Johnson's Tales of Fantasy # 31

Homemade Komics Episode 5

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics2/episode5.wvx

Click on the link above to take a look at writer Jason Degroot's "KREETOR " no. 1
Published by REPERCUSSION COMICS!

Homemade Komics Episode 4

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics2/episode4.wvx

Clck the link above to check out Kevin Cool Comics by Larry Blake

HOMEMADE KOMICS VIDEO # 3

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics2/episode3.wvx

Hey, I finally have been able to post another episode of the Homemade Komics Video Blog.Just click the link above to watch it. It works with Windows Media Player.
Although I must admit this is more of another test than anything else.
I am happy to tell you that I think I am ready to really get started with the next Episode.

Next time I will be taking a look at some comics by long time small presser, Larry Blake.
Check back soon

Regarding The Video Blog

I am currently putting together the next Homemade Komics Video blog. I am doing the early steps such as intro music and that kind of thing. But, as of right now I do not have a new comic to feature.

I can pull something out of my collection, but I would rather show something more current. SO.....
If you are a small press cartoonist, and you think it would be fun to have your comic featured on the video blog send it to Larned Justin PO Box 471 House Springs, MO 63051.

If you do not want to send an actual publication, just send a copy of the cover, and maybe an inside page, and do your own write up. I will still be able to show it on the vlog and read your write up.

I have just switched to cable DSL, so I am hoping the quality of the video uploads will be much improved. The hosting service for the first two episodes was a free trial. Now I have had to switch to a paying account, and with that switch it seems as though the first two episodes will not play anymore. So I will consider those just tests, and we will move on from this point.

I think there is quite a bit that can be done with this type of small press comic review, so check back often and see what is happening on the Homemade Komics Video Blog!

Video Blog Episode 2

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics/episode2.wvx

Clock on the link above to view The Homemade Komics Video Blog Episode 2. A review of Mineshaft Magazine.

VIDEO BLOG

http://easylink.playstream.com/homemadekomics/Show_1.wvx

The link above is a test of the new HOMEMADE KOMICS VIDEO BLOG. I am still working the bugs out , and learning how to work with the software, as well as trying to figure out the best way to publish it. The vlog is designed to work with windows media player, however when I use it at home, since I have AOL, the AOL player pops up. And it's not very good.
If you take a look at the Vlog, please leave a comment as to how it played on your computer. If you are a cartoonist and would like your comic featured on a future video, just send a copy of the comic to Larned Justin PO box 471 House Springs Mo 63051. If you would rather not send a complete comic just send a scan of the cover and write your own description (about a paragraph) of the story.

RATTLETRAP # 1

Mini/ 7 pages / 1 stamp / From Jerry Smith 3344 Horner Dr. Morristown, TN 37814

This is a minimalist comic from Jerry featuring some "everyman" conversations. If you are married with kids that are around the teenage years, then you have had these exact conversations. If you draw small press comics, it will surely remind you of past conversations.
The art is minimal to say the least, but had this been done by some of the better known experimental cartoonists like the Fort Thunder guys, it would be hailed as a masterpiece.
My criteria for minimalist comics is knowing whether or not the artist can draw a standard type comic or not. Of course Jerry can, and has proved it over many years. The comic is certainly worth a stamp, and if you collect small press comics, you should by all means have it in your collection.

"THE WANG" Who's Your Daddy?

Graphic novel/ Standard comic book size/ 96 pages/ color covers/ $9.95/ From Stan Yan
Squid Works Comics PO Box 480463 Denver, CO 80248-0463

The continuing story of Eugene Wang, a guy who seems to always look at the dark side of things, and nine times out of ten he is right. Stan Yan's pro level cartooning is the first thing you will notice about this second volume in "The Wang" saga. Stan out does himself this time, with his cartooning and overall design of the book.
The story of course has some twists and turns but Eugene basically is looking for the Father he has never known. I won't give any more than that away here. This one is well worth the cover price, and you will find yourself going back through it after you read it, just to enjoy some of the wild panels Stan creates.

ERASER DUST # 7

Size 8 1/2 x 11/ aprox 22 pages/ free from: Eraser Dust Comics 15096 Buena Vista Ave. White Rock, B.C. Canada , v4B1X9

Holy cow! I'm not sue how to describe this one! It's humor.....and the humor is something like Mike Goetz, but with a lot more characters. The artist is RC Johnston, who also has a band called "Quanset". He includes comics drawn on sticky backed paper, so you can make your own stickers. One of the stickers is a key hole you can hold it up to your eye, and spy on anyone, anywhere, anytime.

I am not sure what to make of the rest of the comic, other than it's different. Heck , get one their free, what could it hurt?

INKED PAGE

Well here is the finished, inked page for Tim Corrigan's "MightyGuy" Comic. Twenty three more pages to go!. Of course I do not plan to show every page on this blog. You will just have to buy the comic to see how it turns out.
Hey do you want to see a very funny web page? Kel Crum's web page is up at:
www.dangerousbird.com check it out, you will get a kick out of it!

The Making Of a Comic Book Chapter #1

Since this blog is supposed to be about making homemade komics, I thought I would show the various steps in this project as they occur. I am doing the penciling and inking for a new issue of Tim Corrigan's "MightyGuy" comic. This issue is based on a plot line by me, called "Night of The...eh... NIGHTOWL"
Tim wrote the script, lettered all the word balloons, and very lightly did the character layout and placement. All I have to do is the finished pencils, and the final inking. To make it even easier, he has included a typed narrative for each panel. The page shown here on the right is my pencil of panel one. The added challenge is to make the characters look like Tim's characters including the proper expressions. I am not sure how well the pencils will show up here but you can click on the image to enlarge it.
The page on the top ( sorry, the page with all the panels penciled should have been on the bottom) has panels two and three penciled. The next step is inking . Since I am working on three seperate projects at the same time, it may be a while before I get the inked page up on the the blog .

MIRACLE FORCE # 17

( Who are the Wasper Men?)/ digest size / 12 pages/ free to new readers/ from Jerry Smith 3344 Horner Dr. Morristown, TN 37814/ http://miracleforce.blogspot.com.

Let me quote a letter from Larry Blake to Jerry Smith, from the inside cover of this issue. It says more about Jerry's work in a few sentences, than I could in a couple of paragraphs.

" You have a host of strong concepts and characters that lesser comic's writers would kill for! All your titles I've seen are strong enough to carry their own series! You could draw like Da Vinci, but it'd be pointless if you had nothing to write that anyone would care about! Not everyone has the goods, Jerry, but you do! It's no wonder that you and Troy Hickman were such a good team....Your writing is as fresh as his... And way more imaginative in some ways. What I wouldn't give to be in on a brainstorming session with both of you at once! You have an amazing book here. I hope it goes on and on forever!"

I'll second that motion!

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

All of a sudden I find myself hip deep in comic strip projects. Tim Corrigan and I discussed my doing the art work for one of his "Mighty Guy Comics", when we were at S.P.A.C.E. last April. Well, I just received a post card from him telling me he had just about finished the script and it should be about 24 digest size pages. A day or so later I received a letter from Christoph Meyer with a script for 24 panels. He had asked a few months ago if I would be interested in doing a strip for his zine " 28 Pages Lovingly Bound With Twine", and I said sure I would love to. Couple that with the fact that I am trying to complete 32 pages of my own comic "NUT # 3", plus keep up my web comic , "The Propeller Beanie Report" ( about 4 panels a week). I also have to keep up my 2 page strip that runs in "The All Comics APA" bi-monthly. So I think you can see why I say I am hip deep in comics projects.
Knowing that I have all this to do, I usually walk into my studio, ( pictured above) look around, and then head straight for the X-Box and play " Brothers in Arms, Earned in Blood". I wonder why I don't seem to be making a dent in these projects?

New Homemade Komics logo

I was so impressed with the logo on Shawn Hoke's blog, "Size Matters", that I asked him if he could help me with placing one on my blog. Shawn was a big help, because I don't think I could have ever figured out how to do it on my own. I sure don't know any thing about html. So a big thanks to Shawn!
That said, I hope it is visible to all. The first time I did it, I was the only one that could see it.
The other thing I have noticed is that the color is not showing in the sky of the 3rd panel, and the word "Bonk". I guess I'll never quite understand how the internet works.

Making The Rounds

It seems that I have developed a routine that I go through almost every day with regard to sites that I visit on the intertnet. If you would like to be a hip underground cartoonist like me, you may want to follow this cyber space trail.
I start out with a visit to Size Matters. After seeing what's new there I head to Wasp Whispers, to see what Matt has to say. Then it's on to the Poopsheet Foundation , Rick Bradford's informative site. Optical Sloth is my next stop to see if I agree with Whitey's take on the comics he reviews. After that I check in at the forum located at Small Press Comics . This site is great for picking up small press related news. And just recently I have started to drop by Tea Krulos site Notes from the Joke Blog. Tea published Riverwurst Comics, and always has something interesting going on. And last but not least I sneak in and lurk around Ian Shires SPA forum.
By the time I finish my rounds the work day is just about over, and I can start thinking about wrapping up another hard day at the office.

THE UNBELIEVABLE LAUNDRY DETERGENT MAN # 4

Standard comic book size/ 24 pages/ full color covers/ $ 2.95

"Nino" continues the adventures of a young man who was forced to drink a soapy mixture by a gang of thugs, turning him into a super hero. In this issue a new hero is born. Once again it's a street gang, this time robbing an unsuspecting older couple, that produces an unlikely hero.
After his wife is killed in the robbery, Unger Thadius Ensile, puts together a costume from discarded hardware and becomes UTENSIL!
Nino, Jose Mesarina is able to blend drama and light comedy in the same story. Although this issue does not have a lot of comedy.
It seems that both Utensil and TUBLDM are both crime fighters, they may not get along with each other that well, and the cops don't like either of them.
It will be interesting to see where Nino takes this story line.
By the way if you are fortunate enough to see Nino at a comic con, he may be sporting his full Laundry Detergent Man costume! That's right he has a full custom made costume!
To send for the comic, the address is Instant Press Studios 5130 Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60630

All Comics APA

If you are not familiar with the term APA it stands for amateur Press association. I don't usually review APA news letters, because they are usually just that, a news letter for the members.
But Tim Corrigan has come up with something different as far as APA's go. He has started an All Comics APA. It works like this; each member submits a minimum of two 8 1/2 x 11 pages of continuing comics every two months. All the pages are assembled and a finished comic with a story by each member is returned to the membership. These comics are also available to the public, and feature some great comics by names such as Larry Blake, Michael Neno, Tim Corrigan, and a number of other great cartoonists. ( including myself...Great cartoonist?)
If you would like information on joining the ACA, or purchasing the comics produced ( they are priced at .12 cents per page to the public. Priced by the page due to varying page counts per issue) Contact Tim Corrigan POB 25 Houghton NY 14744

Web ComicsNation

I have started a web page at Web ComicsNation. If you are not familiar with WCN it is a site for continuing comics that is used by quite a few small press creators. I will be doing a weekly up date called " The Propeller Beanie Report " ( News and Commentary from ridiculous Perspective)
Eventually I plan to have this site replace my current web page. It is still under construction, but the basics are there. You can take a look at it by clicking above, or over on the right of this page.
Any feedback would be helpful.

DSL

It seems that DSL service is unavailable in the area I live in. So in order to post images on this blog, I scan them in at home on my computer, then transfer them to a jump drive. I bring the jump drive to work and up load the images from the jump drive, using my DSL line at work. What a pain!
I work in the city of ST. Louis, so it's not like I live in the middle of no place. In fact we now have indoor plumbing, and most of the people where I live are starting to wear shoes,so why not DSL?

I just received the new WATUSI THE TALKING DOG from Dale Martin. This little Halloween comic would be a great trick or treat give away. I will get an image of the cover up and do a little review soon.

Temporary # 4 " A Dirt Nap"

I would be interested to see Rick Smith's pencil work, before he inks it. Because his panels look like they are inked without any pre-penciled lines. His brush flows fluidly resulting in panels that are both loose and expressive. I find his cartooning fascinating.
With regard to this issue of Temporary, story by Damon Hurd, it is another temporary assignment for Envy the girl who works for a temp agency. This time she is asked by her rather distracted boss to make some pick-ups, and delivery's for a small firm. When she arrives at her employers location she realizes that it is a funeral home. I must admit that this issues story loses me half way through. However if you have been following this series, a little closer than I have, you may find some clues here that I missed.
You can get a copy for $2.95 from : www.origincomics.com

PAGE FROM SAP

Here is a page detail from SAP
Cover and info below

SAP # 7

I guess there are some cartoonists that come up with a complete story line, covering all the issues they produce, before they begin the very first issue of their series. That must be the case with Jeff Wilson's SAP. I have the very first issue, it is several years old now, but that issue had unexplained things in it such as a brief glimpse of a large worm, and kid wearing a gas mask. They had no connection to the story at the time, or at least did not seem to. The title itself, SAP, had no connection to the first issue.
However as the story unfolded over the now seven issues, all those little hints of things to come finally make sense. Should I tell you what it all means.... I don't think so!. Let me just say the story line involves teenagers, space aliens, giant worms, and of course the end of the world.

If you are a small press fan, you must have heard of USS Catastrophe the distro and group of St. Louis cartoonists Made up of Kevin Huizenga, Ted May, Dan Zettwoch, and yes Jeff Wilson. Jeff May not be quite as well known as some of the others ,but he is, in my opinion the best cartoonist of the bunch. His backgrounds are amazing, his pages are alive with action, and his story telling is fun and original.

SAP # 7 is $2.00 it is magazine size 23 pages, and available from Jeff Wilson PO Box 13233 St. Louis, MO 63157

CORNELIA CARTOONZ # 8

By the way you can read a review of a couple of my comics over at Size Matters, Shawn Hoke's blog. There is a link on the right of this screen.

Kel Crum's latest issue of Cornelia Cartoonz is something a little different. This time out Kel has collected a bunch of his one page strips and put them all in this issue called " One Page Rage". Not all of the strips have a knock out punch line in the last panel, but the dialog leading up to the final panel is a riot!
Kel continues to be one of the true funny men of small press comics. He is an observer of our goofy society and he finds a way to put Cornelia in the middle of it with hilarious results. The book is half legal size, 12 pages, with a cover price of $ 1.00. Please include a stamp when you order through the mail. Send for it at; Kel Crum 32 W. Goodman Dr Apt. 23 Fairborn OH 45324

MR.BIG

I sent for all of the issues of Matt Dembicki's Mr. Big series, 1 thru 5, I was a bit too late to get issue #1, it is out of print. However I did get 2 thru 5. This series is what makes small press so different and exciting. Matt does something very simple, yet something I would never think of, he takes a walk to a small pond near his home, and comes back with an idea for a whole comic book series based on what he imagines takes place within the animal society that inhabits the pond.

In issue # 2 he does something even more daring than the basic concept, he illustrates the pond at night! The entire issue is black with white highlights, maybe done with a scratch board. This sets the tone, and lets the reader know that this series is going to be innovative both in story line and presentation. And of course the following issues do not disappoint.

Just to give you the basic premise of the story, it revolves around a Snapping Turtle, Mr. Big, that inhabits the pond and will eat any thing that gets in his path. A plot is hatched by the other animals of the pond to get rid of Mr. Big. Now that I have wet your appetite for this excellently illustrated series, get them all. Color cover issues are $1.50, black and white cover issues are $1.00. Get them from Matt Dembicki 3148 Hartwick Lane Fairfax, VA 22031

MIRACLE FORCE # 15

Jerry Smith's Miracle Force continues to roll along. Issue 15 continues the Twisted Mister story, with the usual twists and turns that make this series fun. I don't want to give away the story, but in my opinion this is not that last we will see of Will Carp A.K.A. Twisted Mister. If you have never seen an issue of MF, then I suggest you contact Jerry at 3344 Horner Dr Morristown TN 37814 ( by the way Jerry misspells his own street in this issue, I love it, I am the not the only one who can't type or spell, ha ha!) This issue is $2.00. The earlier issues are mini size, collect them all!

NEW LOOK

The new 28 Pages Lovingly Bound With Twine is out! It's number 13, and it has a brand new look. Christoph has gone from digest size to comic book size. Still 28 pages, but this issue includes a bonus zine made from the left over's from trimming the pages to comic book size.
The cover price moves to $4.00 with the new size, however this issue includes a lot of photos, illustrations, and hand made touches that make it well worth the increase in price.
There are about eight stories and othe various ramblings that will have you chuckling out loud.
28plbwt is available at a number of distros and stores or direct from Christoph Meyer at PO Box 106 Danville, OH 43014. No web page or e-mail, those things Christoph considers to be a passing fad.

SPARKPLUG COMICS

Dylan Williams runs a small press comic book company called " Sparkplug Books" The artists he represents push the limits of sequential art. That is something you just don't find in most mainstream comic book companies. Another thing you may not find in a mainstream comic book company is the fact that Dylan is also an artist and has drawn and published five issues of his comic "Reporter", winning a Xeric award along the way. Along with issue Five of Reporter, Dylan sent me "Christina and Charles" a 6 x 9 76 page full color book by Austin English, and Jeff Levine's " Watching Days Become Years". (44 pages standard comic book size). As I mentioned above these books explore the comic book medium, and touch on comics as art. You can check out Sparkplug Books at www.sparkplugbooks.com or you can e-mail Dylan at dylan@sparkplugcomicbooks.com. Those of us who enjoy small press comics should always support the people who take the risk of pushing the boundries of comic art.

HAPPY FREAK SHOW # 8

Half legal size/20 pages/$2.00/ From; Jeff Plotkin 1700 Gough st. # 305 San Francisco CA 94109

This issue features some of Jeff's best artwork. In Wedding Bouquet Blues the story calls for Jeff to draw a complete wedding dance floor in a number of different panels. His rendering of the dance floor at a wedding is perfect, it looks just like any number of weddings that I have attended.
This issue has eight different strips, and as always they are fun and imaginative. Jeff never fails to think of the off-beat yet manages to make it relate to something that has happened in your own life.
You can never go wrong ordering any of the other seven Happy Freak Shows, and this issue is no exception.

NEW MIRACLE FORCE

The new issue of Miracle Force is out. With this installment, number 14, Jerry changes from a mini comic to a digest size comic. MF, since the beginning has been a hit. This issue The Force has to do battle with Will Carp, A.K.A. Twisted Mister . The gang calls on Trick Pony to lend a hand, but you will have to wait until issue 15 to find out what Twisted Mister has in store for Miracle Force.
You really can't go wrong with any of the Miracle Force comics.
You can purchase a Digest size collective of the first six issues. it sells for $3.00, and would be a good start for anyone who wants to start a MF collection.
Issue 14 is $2.00 and both items are available from Jerry Smith 3344 Horner Dr. Morristown , TN
37814

IZZY CHALLENGE #3

B. Winter has a new Izzy Challenge out. It's 16 pages digest size.
The Izzy challenge is a jam comic featuring Izzy The Mouse. Winter draws the first panel, and then sends it to another cartoonist for the second panel. Whoever draws the third panel returns the jam to Winter for completion of the last panel. He also offers a variation on the same idea.
This issue includes panels by , J. Gonzales, Billy Mckay, and Jeff Plotkin, along with a number of others..... Including myself. Although the one thing that it does not include is an opportunity to draw one of the Izzy Strips that Winter starts. Winter gives credit to Dale Martin who originally came up with this type of a comic jam With his Watusi The Talking Dog jam comics.
Send a $1.00 to Winter PO Box 1814 Columbia MO 65205.

DOODLES

I have to confess, I am a doodler! I doodle constantly at work. I doodle while on the phone, or when I am on the computer. I cannot stand to see a blank piece of scratch paper. Every once in a while I bring some doodles home, today I just grabbed some scratch papers off of my desk and decided to scan them in and show them here. Sometimes they give me an idea for a whole comic strip. However nothing in this batch inspired me.

Hey they're just doodles, what did you expect, Rembrandt?

MONTHLY MEETING

One of the things that I have always wanted to do is start a group of cartoonists that meet once a month to talk about comics, do some drawing, and just hang out. There are a number of such groups scattered across the country. If you check out the link to the right of this entry, you will find Wasp Whispers blog. The blog is Matt Dembicki's commentary about drawing comics, but you will also find info about the D.C. Conspiracy. The DCC is a group of cartoonists, writers, and others that gather once a month. Matt Feazell has a group up in Michigan that does the same thing.
There are Groups in Columbia, and Kansas City Missouri.

Well I live in St. Louis, and here is an official call for any Cartoonists, Zinesters, Writers or Whatever's to drop me an e-mail if you have any interest in starting something like I described above. My e-mail address is candidcartoons@yahoo.com. Now of course I am just about positive that no one will ever read this, but you never know.....

A DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE

If you area StarWar's fan you know that a Jedi Knight can sense a disturbance in the force. Well I am no Jedi Knight, but I do sense a disturbance in the Small Press comics scene. Not so much a disturbance as a lull. Right now it just seems that some of the excitement that small press used to generate is lacking.

Personally I believe it is due to the fact that small press comics currently do not a review zine in print. This may go back as far as the last issue of Tim Corrigan's Small Press Comics Explosion.
Ian Shires continues to try to put something together, but he seems to encounter one set back after another. I am sure he will get his publication rolling, but for now, we seem to be in limbo. Doing a review zine has proven to be an un-rewarding pile of hard work for anyone who attempts it. Yet it seems to remain the best vehicle for generating interest in small press comics.

At one time Tim Corrigan's SMPCE had 200 subscribers. That may not sound like a lot, but in the world of small press, it is amazing. With a subscriber base like that it is possible to at least break even on the publishing expense. However it does not change the work load, and in fact may increase it.

So have I encouraged anyone to start a review zine?? Boy I hope so!

INDIA INK

I have thought for a long time that I should be doing my inking with a brush. Or at least give it a try.
So not long ago I found my trusty bottle of Higgins India Ink, dug out a pretty good looking brush, and gave it a try. Wow, what the heck was wrong? The lines were almost see through. I thought india ink would give you a smooth black line. Then I started thinking how long have I had this bottle of ink? As a matter of fact it seems as though I have always had the same bottle if India Ink.
It could be 30 years old!.

So I retired my Higgins Ink and bought a brand new bottle of Speedball super Black India Ink. What a difference! Smooth ultra black lines. Now if I could just control those lines a little better I might have something. Line weight has always been a problem in my cartooning. Using a brush does eliminate some of the problem. But it is just not as easy as using a brush for your lines. You have to know which lines to add weight to, and how to taper them to give the drawing that special look.

I have seen some original panels by Chris Ware, his brush work looks like it was done with a machine, and the line are perfectly placed to give the weight at the right place.

Oh well I guess I have to just keep on keeping on. Maybe some day line weight will become second nature.