Tarantino Comics - Issue 88 (The Cancelled Edition)

Merry Christmas!  I know it's been a while since I've posted, but today is truly monumental - It's opening day of The Hateful Eight!  So without further adieu, I now present Tarantino Comics #88 outlined by Amanda Rachels!

So you may be asking yourself, why have we skipped Issue #'s 47-87?  A few cons ago, Amanda (returning cover-artist) wanted to contribute a special piece to the Tarantino Comics sketchbook.  At the time,  Tarantino was no longer going to shoot The Hateful Eight after his script was leaked online.  However, to make light of a disappointing situation, Amanda found a snip-it of the script and imagined the sketch you see above.  Amanda also skipped to the 88th page of the sketchbook (leaving 38 blank pages), creating an even greater sense of "The Lost Issue."

Fortunately, all disputes were resolved and The Hateful Eight  has now been shot, edited, and produced.  Showing in glorious Ultra Panavision 70 mm film, I now get to partake in the Roadshow with my family at 7 PM and see "The Lost Issue" come to life.  Having sat through The Hateful Eight SDCC Panel, I'm pretty sure Amanda's depiction is a shot of Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) sitting on top of dead bodies in the cold Wyoming snow.  When the time comes, hopefully Amanda can create the "found and completed" issue of Tarantino Comics #88.

Anyways, Merry Christmas and I hope everyone enjoys their holiday!  And if you get a chance, celebrate with your family by watching The Hateful Eight.  I'd also recommend participating in the Roadshow because Tarantino is really trying to create a unique cinematic experience. To find one of the 100 participating Roadshow theatres near you, check out:  http://thehatefuleight.com/roadshow

SDCC 2015 - The Hateful Eight Panel

Even after hours of waiting in the Hall H line, I couldn't have cared less about the Batman vs. Superman Trailer.  Don't get me wrong, I'm going to see Zack Snyder's film, but I was in that room for one thing and one thing only - Quentin Tarantino.

Moderated by Chris Hardwick (the coolest Nerdist I know), I was jumping with glee once Tarantino was welcomed to the stage.  After explaining how this movie was shot in 70 mm (using some of the same lenses from Ben Hurr), we were privileged to watch several minutes of unseen footage. 

Without getting into too much detail, this is going to be a very claustrophobic film.  Since the characters are trapped in the snow, I sensed The Thing resonating across the screen.  Even the footage was accompanied with a thumping score similar to the John Carpenter musical theme (Coincidently, Morricone will be scoring The Hateful Eight).  From the few clips we were privy to, the characters suffer from paranoia, they want to kill each other, and they're unsure who's really the "bad guy" among all these crumudgeons. 

After Tarantino talked, we got to meet the cast of The Hateful Eight:

-John 'The Hangman' Ruth (Kurt Russell):  With another tie to The Thing, I can't wait to see Kurt Russell in another Tarantino Film especially after doing a fantastic job as Stuntman Mike.

-Sheriff Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins):  I loved him as Boyd Crowder in Justified.  Now I can't wait to see him play on the "good side of the law."

-Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh):  As Travolta was to Pulp Fiction, I believe Leigh will be to The Hateful Eight... except a whole lot scarier.  Plus if you check out this old blog entry (click here), Jennifer has given one of the best female performances I've ever seen.

-Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth):  Overly dramatic, Roth is really pushing the theatrics and I think he's going to provide much of the comedic relief.

-Joe Gage (Michael Madsen):  In any Tarantino film, Madsen always plays a despicable character... so I don't expect anything different here.

-General Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern):  I'm not sure what to expect from his performance, but Dern is a Hollywood Legend and had lots of kind words to say about Tarantino as a director.

-Bob (Demian Bichir):  Originally this character was supposed to be a Frenchman, but Tarantino decided on a Mexican instead.  However after talking with Robert Rodriguez, Demian was recommended since he's truly a "Tarantino Actor"

-Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson):  Unfortunately Sam Jackson was the only member of the "Hateful Eight" who was not there in person.  However, he did leave a message and described how this film will be presented as a road show - For the first few weeks, the film will only be shown across select theatres in 70 mm.  So after some Christmas cheer, I'm dragging Angie on a road trip.

Before we left the panel, we were given tickets to pick up a Movie Lobby Card.  Since I love Demian in The Bridge and Machete Kills, I chose a card pictured with Bob (collecting lobby cards could become another addicting hobby).

Although shaking Tarantino's hand can't be crossed off my bucket list, at least I can say I saw the man from the distance.  But in the meantime, I'll patiently wait for Christmas Day to see a truly monumental film - Because whenever there's a new Tarantino film, just going to the movies is an event. 

SDCC 2015 - Shout Factory Score

The first stop I had to make on the SDCC convention floor was the Shout Factory booth.  I picked up a few Blu-Rays and scored some free swag:

- People Under the Stairs - This is one of the earliest horror films I remember seeing as a kid.  However, I rewatched it a few years back after going through a haunted house based on the film at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.  Now that it has a proper release in High Definition, I can't wait to rewatch it again!

- Robot Jox - I never seen this movie before, but the guy at the booth sold me on the special features.  Besides, it's Stuart Gordon.

- Hackers - Angelina Jolie as a computer nerd - What's not to like?

- Dog Soldiers -  This is actually another film I've never seen before.  However I was a big fan of Neil Marshall's The Descent in college, so this should be a fun watch.

- Thunderbirds The Complete Series - Someone filmed marionettes before Team America?  How could I pass this package up?

I also attended the Shout Factory panel and I'm excited for their new releases (especially the ones from Scream Factory).  And in case you didn't know, Scream Factory is once again celebrating their Summer of Fear, so be sure to take advantage of their sales at http://summeroffear.com !

Reginald Hudlin - A Bona Fide Writer of Tarantino Comics

So what seemed like an eternity to get here, SDCC 2015 has come and gone.  However, I had a great time spending an extra week in San Diego (I even got engaged) and was able to be in the physical presence of my celebrity hero (more of this to come in a future blog post).  As you already know, I created this blog to showcase the awesome cover art of Tarantino Comics.  Ideally, I'd love to present the "Master of Genre" my sketchbook in person, but Hall H was just way too big for a personal meet and greet.

 

Fortunately, I was able to meet another giant in the entertainment world - Reginald Hudlin.  I was first introduced to his work through comics, where I read his Marvel Knights Spider-Man run which followed Mark Millar's arc.  I also watched his Black Panther cartoon from BET.  Although I loved his contributions to the Marvel Universe, I was most excited when he adapted Tarantino's screenplay of Django Unchained through Vertigo.

Knowing Mr. Hudlin was a film producer on Django Unchained, I scanned and printed a hardbound book collecting the first 50 covers of Tarantino Comics.  This book provides some written detail on how Tarantino Comics came into fruition and the general process of obtaining art commissions at comic book conventions.  Since I'd love to share this beautiful fan art with Quentin Tarantino, I presented this book to Mr. Hudlin.  Hopefully he'll be able to show these fantastic images to Tarantino through the reprints in this book.  As you can see from the pictures below, I was very excited to meet Mr. Hudlin and even had him sign a few of my Django Comics.

 

In the meantime, be sure to check out Reginald Hudlin's upcoming work - The Return of Milestone Media.  If you're unfamiliar with Milestone, they created a world of culturally diverse characters, my favorite being Static Shock (I loved the cartoon as a kid).  This is a great imprint that promotes diversity and was one of the first pioneers to do so.  I'm excited for Milestone's return and can't wait to see their continuing impact within the pop culture world.

 

 

Tarantino Comics - Issue 46

I was hoping to reach Issue #50 before flying out to San Diego Comic Con, but I just ran out of time.  However, since I got pretty close to reaching my goal, I think I still deserve the right to attend The Hateful Eight Panel :)  Anyways, I now present Tarantino Comics #46 illustrated by Danny Haas at MegaCon 2014.

Inspired from Kill Bill, Danny drew an awesome depiction of Gogo Yubari.  Without even showing her chilling smile on her "innocent" face, Danny manifested the intense cruelty of O-Ren's personal bodyguard.

Whenever I go to a comic convention and see Danny's art, I love his ability to represent pop culture icons through very unique images (as you can see by the simple presentation of Gogo's skirt and bloody weapon).  I really enjoy his artwork and appreciate his unique eye of depicting characters.  If you want to see more of Danny's artwork, I encourage you to check out his website at http://artofdanny.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 45

Tonight's cover reveal is from Tarantino Comics #45 illustrated by Alex Sanchez at MegaCon 2014.

Inspired by Death Proof, this cover features a portrait of Stuntman Mike.  It's an eerie image, showing the mystery and complexity of the character.  Most recognizable is Mike's scar - A detail Alex does a terrific job emphasizing. 

The other notable feature is the cover's title.  Initially, the printed words of "Tarantino Films" bothered me quite a bit since I provide each artist a detailed page of instructions.  However, I realized the misprint resembled the essence of Grindhouse films.  Remembering the opening sequence of Death Proof, the movie was originally presented as Thunder Bolt until a black title card printed with the film's proper name was projected onto the silver screen.

Overall, I really enjoy Alex's art.  If you want to see more of his work, check out http://ironhed.tumblr.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 44

The final issue completed at Heroes Con 2013 was Tarantino Comics #44 illustrated by Kevin Mellon.

Inspired by Death Proof, this beautiful cover features Abernathy (Rosario Dawson) posing for the camera atop a 1972 Ford Mustang Grande.  In the film, there's a "quiet" interaction between the girls and Stuntman Mike at a convenience store.  This cover revels in that moment by showcasing the strength and beauty of Abernathy before joining in the quest for the Vanishing Point Dodge Challenger.  Kevin's detail of both actress and car are fantastic, transforming this pin-up into an absolute iconic cover image.  His presentation reminds me of a promotional shot for a movie lobby card, luring audiences into the theatre.

As you can see, Kevin is an phenomenal artist.  Even though he's not really drawing a Death Proof comic (which is unfortunate since he's great at drawing girls and cars), you get a sense of  similar theme in other projects of his including GearHead and Suicide Sisters.  To follow up on his latest posts, check out his blog at http://kevinmellon.blogspot.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 43

Happy Fourth of July!!! To celebrate our independence with a Kaboom, I present Tarantino Comics #43 illustrated by Bryan Mon at Heroes Con 2013.

Inspired by Kill Bill, Bryan created one of my favorite covers that captures the essence of EC Comics.  If you look at an old Wally Wood or Jack Davis cover, they're able to generate a lot of suspense and terror with their images.  Similarly, Bryan pulled off the same tension by keeping Beatrix's face hidden in the shadows while Vernita Green is holding a box of Kaboom Cereal.  Along with fantastic and colorful art, Bryan's title banner is beautifully accompanied by amazing font.

If you can't tell from this image, Bryan is a terrific artist.  In all of my sketchbooks, I have at least one Bryan Mon sketch.  He's a versatile illustrator whose style is reminiscent to the golden age, drawing anything from pin-up girls to classic cartoon characters.  I highly recommend you check out his comic character - Tuff-Girl and lookup his blog at http://monotonae.blogspot.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 42

Today's entry showcases Tarantino Comics #42 illustrated by Mitch Gerads at Heroes Con 2013.

Inspired by Django Unchained, Mitch captured the spirit and essence of our hero through a relatively simple image.  After witnessing a gruesome Mandingo fight, Django literally blows off the situation by partaking in a spelling bee with Mr. Franco Nero (the original Django).  Mitch created a powerful expression through Django's face, showing confidence as he transforms from slave to bounty hunter.  Jamie Foxx's likeness is also extraordinary, showing Mitch's skill as an illustrator.

If you enjoy the detail and grittiness of Mitch's art, you can find some of his work at your local comic shop.  He's worked on many different projects including The Punisher and The Activity.  However, if you'd like to purchase some of his original art or just check out his blog, visit http://www.mitchgerads.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 41

Since my wonderful girlfriend is keeping tally, we only have 10 more days until our trip to California! As we continue our countdown to the SDCC, I present Tarantino Comics #41 illustrated by Aaron Campbell at Heroes Con 2013.

Utilizing only grey scales, Aaron created a terrific rendition of Zoe Bell holding on for dear life atop a 1970 Dodge Challenger.  With the simple swipes of a brush, we're able to visualize the kinetic energy of our heroines playing Ship's Mast during Death Proof.  Aaron displays his storytelling techniques by drawing the scene from a lower perspective, allowing this "Vanishing Point Car" to drive out of the page.  In addition to choosing a great image, Aaron has an eye for detail and line-work by showing the slick contours of both the car and our lovable stunt woman.

If you think Aaron's art looks like something from an old crime strip, you would not be wrong.  Aaron has done a lot of fantastic work at Dynamite Entertainment, illustrating titles such as The Shadow, Green Hornet, and Dark Shadows.  So if you get a chance, go to your local comic shop and pick up some old back issues or trades.  In the meantime, you can catch more glimpses of Aaron's work on his Twitter Account at https://twitter.com/olmancampbell

Tarantino Comics - Issue 40

The final cover completed at CGS Super Show 2013 was Tarantino Comics #40 illustrated by Art Baltazar.

If you're not familiar with Art's work, it's extremely kid friendly.  So for the guy who created Patrick the Wolf Boy, I never believed in a million years I'd see him recreate a scene from Pulp Fiction... until you get to know him.  When I first started going to comic conventions in 2007, Art was one of the first people I got sketches from.  For a dollar, not only do you get a sketch of any character you want, but you get an entertaining conversation with one of the coolest guys in the comic industry. 

Since he's highly knowledgeable of both comics and movies, Art whipped up this fun piece featuring Butch's famous words to Esmeralda Villalobos.  While creating this awesome addition to the Tarantino Comics line, Art made sure to cover up the word balloon to shield the eyes of young children waiting in line for their Tiny Titans sketches - What a Guy!

If you have kids, stop by your local comic shop and pick up some comics by Art and Franco (believe me, you'll enjoy them as well).  If you're still unsure about his art, check out his website at http://www.artbaltazar.com/ .  Finally, if you have a long commute, have a boring desk job, or just want something entertaining on your IPod, be sure to listen to Art and Franco's podcast, The Aw Yeah Podcast, at http://awyeah.libsyn.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 39

Completed at the CGS Super Show 2013, Tarantino Comics #39 was illustrated by Avery Butterworth.

Inspired by Inglourious Basterds, Avery recreated the powerful (and slightly comedic) introduction of Hugo Stiglitz.  Since he's great with inks, Avery decided to make this issue look like an old tattered funny book found in a damp box of your grandmother's basement. Given the legend of the character, this presentation is quite suitable for the German soldier who murdered 13 Gestapo officers.  Although the humongous font showcasing Hugo Stiglitz's name is absent, you know it's him by the way he's standing in front of subtlety drawn trees... and the way he's holding a giant MG42.

If you've followed this blog in the past, you may of seen Avery's work on the "Final Issue" of Tarantino Comics (click here).  I've known Avery for quite a while now and he's a phenomenal artist whose art I've collected over the years.  If you want to see some of his older pieces, check them out here:  http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerydetail.asp?gcat=11314

Tarantino Comics - Issue 38

Today's issue of Tarantino Comics was completed at CGS Super Show 2013.  Illustrated by Bill Ellis, Tarantino Comics #38 was inspired by the under-represented Jackie Brown.

If you look at old pulp covers, there's usually a classy broad with a crime title in the background.  Making homage to novels like those in the Hard Case Crime line, Bill successfully transforms this Jackie Brown cover into an intriguing issue that you'd want to pick up.  With Pam Grier in the forefront, "The Switch" title makes reference to the "Killing" scene between the ATF and Ordell's gang (Melanie and Louis).  I'm sure Bill's design of the cover would make Elmore Leonard proud.

I met Bill through the Comic Geek Speak and Wild Pig conventions.  He's an awesome guy and likes pop culture (He put a Boondock Saints spin for an entry in my Muppet Show vs. Sesame Street Sketchbook).  To see more of Bill's work, check out old strips of his webcomic at http://www.allnewissuescomic.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 37

Once again, I broke a promise and didn't deliver Tarantino Comics on a weekly basis.  However, I believe my track record is still better than Frank Miller's and Jim Lee's previous collaboration.  So to kick off my daily countdown to the San Diego Comic Con, this issue was inspired by Kill Bill.  Illustrated by Shawn Tommelleo, Tarantino Comics #37 was commissioned at MegaCon 2013.

This issue was the first to star the only man Bill ever loved - Budd.  Taking a comedic approach, Shawn created an awesome splash of Elle Driver's Black Mamba springing into action.  Although the figure has cartoony embellishments, Michael Madsen is recognizable with his greasy hair and a flashy metal necklace chained around his neck.  In addition to the imagery, Shawn's banner design was truly creative with his arching title font.

Shawn is another Florida artist with a fun sense of humor.  At the same convention, he drew a piece in my Muppets vs. Sesame Street sketchbook with a Deliverance twist...  So if you're interested in seeing more of Shawn's work, check out his webcomic at http://whatsshakincomic.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 36

This weekend's issue of Tarantino Comics is truly monumental.  Not only was it drawn by our awesome reoccurring artist, but it's the first issue to feature Django Unchained.  Designed by Amanda Rachels,  Tarantino Comics #36 was illustrated at MegaCon 2013.

Once again, Amanda knocked this cover out of the park.  Her skills are always accompanied by her Tarantino knowledge, where she fits so many entertaining and significant references from his films.  Also it should be noted these images came from her memory since I didn't have any Django references printed.

The cover was designed like an amusement park ad, where our tour guides Calvin Candie and Stephen welcome us to CandyLand.  Making reference to the tense-filled dinner scene, Calvin is holding a fight card promoting the battle between Eskimo Joe and the Black Hercules (also be sure to read the subtitles). And to top it all off, we are enticed to visit CandyLand so we can get some White Cake!

As I've said before, be sure to check out Amanda's work.  As you can see from this piece, her art is always evolving and getting better.  To see what Amanda and her team at Inverse Press are doing, you can find out here:  http://inversepress.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 35

So this weekend was definitely a good weekend.  Not only did I have very little homework, but my girlfriend was able to score tickets to the largest pop culture event of the year... The San Diego Comic Con!  Angie survived the nerve-racking random number generator and got badges for every day except preview night!  Since we were both lucky enough to gain entry  before everything sold out, let's just hope for an awesome panel with the cast and crew of The Hateful Eight!

Anyways, for this week's presentation of Tarantino Comics, we finally move to a new convention -  MegaCon 2013.  Drawn by Jamie Fay, Tarantino Comics #35 was inspired by Kill Bill.

I really like Jamie's approach for this cover.  By designing the layout as a fight card, we know there's going to be a huge showdown between Copperhead and Black Mamba.  Also, Jamie did a terrific job overlaying shattered glass over the image, foreshadowing the opening fight sequence of this revenge saga.

If you ever see Jamie at a con, be sure to check out his work.  He's a super nice guy and draws beautiful women (as seen with these awesome renditions of Vivica and Uma).  If you're ever interested in a commission, you can contact him here:  http://jamiefayx.deviantart.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 34

This week's issue was the last one commissioned at The Super Wild Pig Show 2012. Inspired by Pulp Fiction, Tarantino Comics # 34 was drawn by Ian Glaubinger.

Ian has a very unique art style that is composed of retro pop art mixed with modern day cartoons.  In this particular cover, Ian did a terrific job showcasing a simple yet memorable scene from Pulp Fiction:  Breakfast at the diner.  Although Honey Bunny isn't involved, the dialogue box alludes to the seriousness of Jules' retirement.  However, humor breaks the scene with Vincent's word balloon dictating "You've decided to be a bum..."

Overall, Ian's pop art is colorful, memorable, and iconic.  At the Wild Pig Show, his booth caught my attention right off the bat because he was surrounded with prints depicting movies and TV shows that I love.  I also appreciated Ian's talent because I've met other artists who sell prints in a similar style, yet they're not brave enough to draw at the conventions themselves. 

So if you enjoy Ian's art style like I do, be sure to check out his work at http://hasunow.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 33

Since this is my first blog post of the new year, I going to reveal my 2015 game plan.  With school finishing up in the spring, I should be able to watch more movies and read more comics - theoretically allowing me to write more reviews.  But until I graduate, lab reports are going to get in the way of my pop culture writing.  Nevertheless, I have a huge backlog of Tarantino Comics that needs to be presented.  So until each cover is displayed, I plan to showcase at least 1 issue a week.  In a way, this is going to be a countdown to media event of the year - The San Diego Comic Con!  Although tickets are not yet available, I have every intention of visiting the con and attending a panel of the most anticipated movie of the year - The Hateful Eight! 

So until plans become solidified, let's continue with this week's new issue.  Inspired by Pulp Fiction, Tarantino Comics # 33 was drawn by Fred Chao at The Super Wild Pig Show 2012.

Simple in design, Fred's depiction of Jules and Vincent is dead on.  Although the portrait is not from any particular scene of Pulp Fiction, the hit men are totally recognizable.  I also love Fred's color palette - Black and White with a tint of red.

If you enjoyed Fred's artwork, be sure to checkout his graphic novel Johnny Hiro, nominated for 4 Eisner Awards in 2010.  Also check out his unique and awesome artwork at http://www.fredchao.com/