Publisher: Image Comics
Trade Paper Back (Collects issues 21-26)
Writer: Brandon Graham
Artists: Simon Roy (issues 21-23), Farel Dalrymple (issues24,25), Brandon Graham (also drew issue 26)

Summary: John Prophet awakes in a far distant future, already fully geared and prepared for a mission that he just knowingly heads to complete. The first issue has John following this ghostly little girl very similar to “Cortana” to Master Chief in the Halo Series (Computer Holograph that the user can see and hear) and instructs him to keep moving forward. The additional issues follow John to complete missions, but also reveal various plot points, didn’t want to include spoilers since you can essentially google the spoilers anyway.

I love reading comics, but I get really pumped when I read something that I’d like people to really know about. I’m constantly wading through the weekly options of titles and bypassing the usual mainstream titles, usually because everyone knows about them. There are these great titles that catch my eye, either by the cover or because the title doesn’t have DC or Marvel stamped on it.

The art reminded me of some European influence and some more stylized American style comics without the big muscles and superhero types which was fitting considering the story is more of a space odyssey than buff guys running around space. There is a lot of action, but still a lot of subtle details especially because of the variety of alien cultures and tools. The other thing happening with much of these first couple of issues is that John isn’t really having any dialogue since he’s completing the mission solo. Most of the text is just narrative and notation, but it definitely helps fill in some of the backstory as each panel needs no explanation or dialogue of what is happening. The notation just lets you know what various alien things are like the Dolamante, a personal organic symbiotic utility cloak or the star suit.

How does one judge writing for comics? In my opinion its a collaboration between the artist and writer, is there enough information on the page to let you know what is happening and from panel to panel and page to page and seeing the big picture of all those pages together. Does it make sense and draw you toward something without giving it all away? This book does all of that. It rolls up this fantastical arena of epic proportions into this subtle space action and adventure genre that leaves me with the need to read the next story that comes out.

A side note on the issue numbering, this series starts at issue 21 because it is loosely based off the original Prophet title by a Marvel artist Rob Liefeld. The stories don’t coincide, but it seemed like there was some agreement or some such decision to continue with the issue numbering where Liefeld’s books ended.

Overall this book is awesome from the writing and the drawings and definitely needs your attention and what great comics can be.

Must Read: Prophet, Volume 1: Remission is a post from: Donald Speaks

I chose to submit artwork for the 25th Anniversary of The Tick.

The Tick 25th Anniversary: SDCC Souvenir Book Entry is a post from: Donald Speaks

Finding Gossamyr published by Th3rd World Studios (not a typo, thats really the number three)

Written by David A. Rodriguez
Penciled and colored by Sarah Ellerton
Edited by Angela Nelson and Justin Robinson

My synopsis:
A boy with a special condition (I’m guessing some form of Autism) that prevents him from being normal in the everyday world, empowers him with incredible power in the fantastical world of Gossamyr. His super power, uber math genius.

I actually picked up the Free Comic Book day preview issue because of the art. I am crazy about cover art and especially when the art matches the content of the book it is a huge motivation for me to buy it. I didn’t even bother reading the synopsis and just flipped through the fully painted pages and I knew I had to pick it up. Unfortunately, I didn’t actually start reading it till much much later. The positive part about doing this review much much later is that there are currently three completed chapters (issues) on sale at your local comic book shop.

This book/series is kid friendly and although I mentioned “super power” this does not have superheroes like Superman or Spiderman. This is a straight up fantasy book with magical beings and the whole aspect of solving equations in the air is a nice spin on magic casting.

The panels are beautifully painted which gives it such a rich texture and depth that usual comics lack. From my experience, I’d say the style is a hybrid of the Korean colored mangas and looser Disney-esque feel. Sarah does a wonderful job illustrating the story and keeping a nice pace.

I can’t say enough great things about this book. You must pick it up and read it and share it with your kids, family, school and everyone around you. There are so many “Comics” like this that are out there that have so much to offer outside of the mainstream superhero books. I’d like to advocate that Comics aren’t just “capes” and that everyone not just guys in their mothers’ basement can enjoy them.

Must Read: Finding Gossamyr is a post from: Donald Speaks

Here’s what I drew for James.

I know this is is very last minute, but James is also one of the writers for the Horror comic Anthology titled In Sanity, AZ. I’m illustrating one of the stories for it. Kickstarter is a way for independent creators to basically crowd source the production of something. We’ve got a few days left to reach our goal and it’d be nice if you could support the project if not monetarily but letting other people know and spreading the word. There are many creators involved and lots of images are at the kickstarter page already so you can see what it will look like.

Here is the link to the kickstarter CLICK HERE

The Undergrounds Fan Art and In Sanity, AZ Horror Anthology is a post from: Donald Speaks

You can read the comic for free, but having the book is so much nicer (imo, I hate load times even if they are 5 seconds long).

I like doodling characters that aren’t mine and I did this one of Casey.

Valkyrie Squadron and Sketch is a post from: Donald Speaks

Like in math class back in school, showing your work can help you figure out what you’re doing and where you’re going or where you messed up.

I’m working on trying to complete 6 pages of sequential samples, 3 pages from a story Matt wrote awhile back and I just adapted from. Another 3 pages, from another story I’ve been writing and just haven’t adapted to a script yet.

Here’s a few of the sketches I’m working out the paneling of page 1. It isn’t a complete story, but once more parts of the pages are drawn out I’ll post those too.

Sequential Page1 Progress is a post from: Donald Speaks

Here are two pages of sketches of two of the main characters Matt and Jeremy. The natural evolution of my style and experience shows through, but I’m also trying to stay close to the original work.

Matt:

Jeremy:

Don’t Get Excited but here are some SFC Sketches is a post from: Donald Speaks

My goal this year is to make the site work for me. There will be changes to the site albeit slower than I’d like, but they should be help me in getting you to see progress of my projects or random sketches as well as make it more appealing to browse.

As you can see over in the right hand side are things I am currently working on and if the project has completed like Straight Face Comics, there is a little indicator of where it’s at.

Stay tuned!

Welcome to 2013 is a post from: Donald Speaks

Part of it was wedding preparations (Yup, I’m now married) and the other was comic book project I drew and my wife wrote that we gave to our guests. Afterwards we continued the series online at the request of our friends and family. You can find it here http://www.marriageandlaughter.com
Mochithoughts also came into a hiatus during this period and has picked up again, but not as updated as frequently with comics and recipes.

I worked on some commission projects through this year as well and I hope to do some more in the future. This was definitely a hectic year in terms of balancing my creative work and personal life. I admire all the people who are able to do everything and still able to balance it all.

Here’s an image dump of 2012, sorry for the load time:

Hope you enjoyed 2012 and thanks for checking in and supporting me.

Donald

2012 Wrap Up is a post from: Donald Speaks

Here are sketches of one of the things I’m currently doing. Its a three page mini.

Expressions Mini Comic Process Sketches is a post from: Donald Speaks