Tarantino Comics - Issue 50

Comic books love to celebrate milestones.  Whether it’s the 1st issue or the 1000th, artists strive to render a cover that will be recognized for the ages.  For instance, the 50th issue of The AMAZING SPIDER-MAN is easily identified by any comic book fan.  With a simple layout, fans effortlessly visualize the words “Spider-Man No More!”  underneath the defeated Peter Parker walking away from his costumed life.

In the case of TARANTINO COMICS, our 50th cover is just as iconic.  Drawn by Amanda Rachels in 2014, this cover image highlights everything important in DEATH PROOF:  Powerful Women and Fast Cars.

In most slasher films, the targets tend to be dimwitted hussies and douchey jocks.  In DEATH PROOF, Tarantino mixes things up by making the victims strong women we can root for.  Yes, these “cool” girls get murdered by Stuntman Mike.  However, we spent time listening to their conversations, sharing shots of Chartreuse, and dancing to tunes by the juke box.  Therefore we feel an attachment with these characters and become impacted by their demise halfway through the film.

TARANTINO COMICS #50 celebrates the last “hang out scene” with Arlene, Shanna, Lanna Frank, and Jungle Julia.  As I look at this image, I reminisce how this female crew rocks out to the percussive beats of “Hold Tight!”   Just like the film, Amanda portraits each foreboding casualty within their own frame.  But as the bright headlights shine across their faces, this posse meets their death just as the murderous 1970 Chevy Nova darts out from the center of the page. 

Amanda’s layouts are masterful and her likenesses are superb.  I’ve always enjoyed her art.  Plus, she’s a huge Tarantino fan and always includes subtle details – For instance, did you see Jungle Julia’s leg hanging outside the passenger window?  Going back and gazing upon other covers drawn by Amanda, I think this might be my favorite.  She continues to make leaps and bounds and I can’t wait for her to illustrate another issue!

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

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 27

Merry Christmas!  Today is truly a day to celebrate!  Not only has Santa come to visit, but it's the release of the most anticipated film of 2012 - Django Unchained!  To celebrate the awesomeness from the Master of Genre himself, here's an issue of Tarantino Comics from regular cover artist Amanda Rachels:

Drawn at C2E2 2012, Tarantino Comics #27 features Captain Koons' infamous monologue of the golden watch from Pulp Fiction.  Amanda once again captures the essence of the scene and magnificently transforms Christopher Walken from a memorable actor into a coloful EC comic character.  I love the tagline and can't image the tales Amanda could draw in the interiors of this issue.

Anyways, support Amanda as she continues to grow into an even better artist and storyteller.  I know she has some work coming from Arcana Studios, but in the meantime, you can follow Amanda and writer Kevin LaPorte at http://www.inversepress.com/

Black Swan Comic Art

One of my favorite movies of recent years is Black Swan. The story is very intriguing, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, and at times it's downright horrific. Although Aronofsky's stories are told much differently than Tarantino, his films share a similar trait in creating memorable scenes and images. On this beautiful piece of artwork, Amanda Rachels brilliantly shows Nina Sayers' transformation from the beautiful White Swan to the terrifying Black Swan.

Inked and colored on 11 x 17, this is really a fun piece of art. Amanda creates a lot detail by illustrating the kinetic energy flowing from Nina's wings, the small feathers emerging from her back, and her piercing red eyes. I've been toying with the idea of commissioning Black Swan artwork and Amanda has once again set the par (see some her fantastic Tarantino Comics covers here). I could only photograph this piece, so I'm sorry you can't see its full beauty and resolution.

I actually got this piece of artwork by pledging for Amanda and Kevin's Clown Town Kickstarter Campaign. They've actually started another Kickstarter for their graphic novel (click here), so definitely check out the site and support their work. If you donate, not only will you receive an awesome story, but you can be awarded some fantastic prizes such as this very commission now hanging on my wall!

Tarantino Comics - Issue 13

Today is Good Friday and it's been over two weeks since I've last posted something on this blog. Since I've been extremely busy at work and school, I thought it would be nice to start off with another awesome issue of Tarantino Comics:


Drawn by Amanda Rachels at Megacon 2011, Tarantino Comics #13 was inspired from Kill Bill. Amanda has become a regular cover artist on this series, so be sure to check out her previous covers on Tarantino Comics #'s 2 & 3. In a year's time frame, Amanda's work has really improved (not that it was bad before) and I'm excited to see her skills develop even more. I love "The Bride's Exploits" montage filled with beautiful vibrant colors.

So be sure to check out her other projects like The Blind Eye and Clown Town at http://blindeyecomic.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issues 2 & 3

The covers to issues 2 and 3 were drawn by Amanda Rachels at Megacon 2010. Amanda being a huge Tarantino Fan as well, I am glad she did the next two pages. My biggest fear was that this sketchbook was going to become a pinup book, but instead, she was able to transform Tarantino's films into classic comic book covers.

Issue #2 was inspired from Inglourious Basterds. I love how she put the tagline said by the "Giant Face."

Issue #3 was inspired from Death Proof. This is a personal favorite thus so far because: 1) I believe this is an under appreciated movie and 2) I love how she put the "Zoe Bell Posse" screenshot at the bottom of the cover.

Amanda is a great artist so be sure to check her webcomic at http://blindeyecomic.com/