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/