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 49

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD has reinvigorated my love for the cinema.  So far, I’ve seen it (3) times (once even on 35 mm film).  Each viewing not only reminds me of Tarantino’s love for the movies, but his passion for the film-making process.  It’s a picture that makes me want to create something of my own.   Although I’ll never shoot a movie, at least I can ponder on the flicks I love and discover new ones to dissect.  Hence I feel refreshed and want to start writing again.  

Since I’m an Optical Engineer by day, I have a greater appreciation for cinematography:  Why was this scene backlit this way?  What lens was used for this shot?  How come the camera was framed from this perspective?  As I ask these questions, I realize comic artists must ask the same things.  Between panel layouts, point of views, and depth of focus, these are all tools that coexist in the (2) mediums that I love – Welcome to Tarantino Comics.  

Today’s issue was produced all the way back in 2014 at Megacon in Orlando, FL.  Depicting a memorable scene from DJANGO UNCHAINED, Rando Dixon replicated this terrifying shot in Tarantino Comics #49:

This scene was all about deception.  At first, Calvin Candie was deceived into allowing Django and Schultz to eat at the Big Table.  But after discovering their true intentions (to rescue Django’s lovely bride), Candie reveals he cannot be fooled.  Armed with a hammer, a broken skull, and a helpless Broomhilda, Calvin Candie truly controls the situation.

Dixon exemplifies the tension of the scene with Candie’s chilling expression – Not only is DiCaprio's likeness spot-on, but we know arrogant triumph is hidden behind that charming grin.  

Besides his great illustration, Dixon’s monotoned color palate wonderfully captures the era of this set piece.  Film makers often depict historic times with earthy and muted color tones: yellow, orange, and brown.  Dixon does the same except for the pop of red flowing across Candie’s hand.  As we all know, blood is a common embellishment in Tarantino films and this scene is no exception.  However while filming, Leo actually cut his hand from the shattered skull.  So whether the blood was intentional or not, the viscous liquid makes a great visual for a climatic scene built with tension and fear.

Tarantino Comics - Issue 48

Once again I'm sorry for the hiatus, but at least the time void wasn't near as long.  Maybe one day I'll get back into the habit of writing.  But for now, I hope you enjoy today's issue - Tarantino Comics #48 illustrated by Kaymonstar at MegaCon 2014.

Reservoir Dogs has a lot of things going for it - It's an unconventional caper with a funky soundtrack, cool dialogue, and flashbacks mixed with ultraviolence.  In addition to all things awesome, Tarantino conjured up some great performances (especially for a first film).  For instance, the audience welcomes the paternal bond created between Mr. White and Mr. Orange.  As "Lawrence" defends the honor of his fallen "son," Tarantino really amps up the tension between the experienced Mr. White, the quirky Mr. Pink, and the terrifying Mr. Blonde.  However, once Mr. White discovers he's been duped for the entire film, we feel his heart drop as he raises a gun to the head of his dying "partner."

This emotional blow to the gut is beautifully depicted by Kaymonstar.  Even with cartoony flourishes, I empathize with the tears dripping down Mr. White's face.  Even if I had no knowledge of Reservoir Dogs (which is impossible within any Earth of the Multiverse), this image is more than enough to entice a grab off the old spinner rack.

Unfortunately I cannot find an "official" website for Kaymonstar on the internet.  However, if you see her at a show, I highly suggest you checkout her work.  I've commissioned her in the past and all her pieces turned out pretty rad (ranging from Batman and Daredevil to Super Grover).

Tarantino Comics - Issue 47

Wow - It's been over a year since I last posted (since the theatrical release of The Hateful Eight to be exact).  I don't watch as many movies as I used to, but I have a backlog of films I eventually want to get caught up on.  However, my love for comic books has been reignited so I'm super excited for Heroes Con next week.  I went to MegaCon earlier this year (only for a day), but I was disappointed - Unfortunately the show has become too media and Anime driven.   At least Heroes Con is still an comic convention, so I'm looking forward to getting some awesome sketches with back issue diving in between (in particular, I'm searching for old issues of Batman, Daredevil, and 70's Marvel titles).

Anyways, let me present an issue illustrated 3 years ago - Tarantino Comics #47 illustrated by Neil Posis at MegaCon 2014.

Featured on this cover, we see O-Ren Ishii from Kill Bill.  Neil portrayed the deadly assassin posing as an iconic comic book cover image.  I love Neil's artistic vision to maintain the "EC Comics Banner", but allowed it to flow into frame with blood - a great representation of the iconic splatter seen in the Crazy 88 battle inspired by Lady Snowblood.

If you want to see more of Neil's work, check out his blog:  http://raynirart.blogspot.com/ . Not only does he draw beautiful comic art, but he illustrates a decent amount of movie icons as well.

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/