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 XX - Reservoir Dogs Screening

Even though I barely survived the worst class of my entire educational career (Materials for Optical Systems just in case you're curious), I managed to escape to my local movie theater and see the most important film in cinematic history: Reservoir Dogs

Without Reservoir Dogs, we wouldn't have masterpieces such as Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill.  True Romance and Natural Born Killers may have defined Tarantino as a writer, but it was Reservoir Dogs that defined him as a director.  Using a funky soundtrack and iconic film shots, Tarantino proved his chops and transformed cinema with his witty dialogue and ultra violence.  And because of it, he created a cult following and at least one super duper fan...

To celebrate Tarantino's 20 years of film making, they created an awesome bluray box set containing all his films (including True Romance).  Even though I already own each disc on their own, one day I will have to buy this collection.  It has some exclusive special features and some beautiful box art (I have to find this artist and get him to do an issue of Tarantino Comics).

Also to celebrate the 20 years, they showed Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction for 1 day only at Fathom Events movie theaters.  I was able to catch the Reservoir Dogs screening, but unfortunately missed Pulp Fiction because of exams.  Luckily I saw Pulp Fiction earlier this year at the Garden Theater (see here).

Before showing Reservoir Dogs, they had about 10 minutes of interviews showing the influence of the movie on other filmmakers such as Eli Roth.  Also to make the showing unique, Tarantino provided three trailers from his own personal collection:

If you don't see the common bond, its Harvey Keitel.  Of these three films, the only one I've ever seen is Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets.  And although I would love to see Ridley Scott's The Duellists , Mother, Jugs and Speed is a film I have to find!  With a funny Bill Cosby and a gorgeous Raquel Welch, I can definitely see how this "black and busty" comedy fits Tarantino's sensibilities.

Tarantino Comics - Issue 24

Wow!  I'm horrible at keeping my blog up to date, but since this is my 100th post, this surely calls for a celebration!  Inspired from Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino Comics #24 was illustrated by Mario Gonzalez at Megacon 2012.

This may be the most cartoony piece in the series, but I love it!  Mario is a huge fan of film and had no problem capturing the essence of this horrific scene - but with a slightly comedic slant.  This is probably the most memorable sequence of Reservoir Dogs and has been a favorite among artists (as you can see here and here).  But the way Mario humorously depicts Mr. Blonde sharpening  his razor creates a sense of terror and suspense in its own right.  Since the soundtrack is such an important staple to Tarantino films, Mario is also the first to include a song as a tagline - "Stuck in the Middle with You" - something I've been eagerly waiting for an artist to incorporate.  Last and not least, look at the colors in this piece - the scan does not do it justice, but the colors are purely mesmerizing, beautiful, and brilliant.

If you ever see Mario at a con, be sure to say hi.  I met him previously at a CGS Super Show and he quickly kicked out some awesome work (he did a Killdozer for my dad and Beaker vs. The Count von Count for me).  He's truly a nice guy and a fun person to talk to.  Be sure to check out his webcomic Wyliman at http://www.wyliman.com/ .  You can also support him by purchasing hard copies, where there's tons of laughs and pop culture references inside!

Tarantino Comics - Issue 17

Issues ago in Tarantino Comics #5, Mr. Blonde is proudly holding the ear of Marvin Nash. But in Tarantino Comics #17, we no longer see a sinister smile, but a tortured man who is beaten, gagged, and covered in blood:

Inspired from Reservoir Dogs, Chris Dibari drew this cover at the 2011 CGS Super Show. Danielle Soloud (who drew Issue #11) mentioned Chris would be great in my book and I'm glad I listened to her. He is an awesome artist and a great guy. While he was drawing, we had some fun conversations ranging from comics to movies.

Chris has a gritty art style that I enjoy very much. In this particular piece, his line work is sharply drawn and perfectly complimented by the dripping red blood. Also, Chris' blood splattered "Tarantino Comics" logo may be my favorite design thus far.

So if you see Chris at a comic convention, be sure to say hi. Also check out his work at Cadence Comic Art, where my favorite piece for sale is The Exorcist Pinup.

I hope you enjoyed this week's piece and be sure to come back next week for another issue of Tarantino Comics!

Tarantino Comics - Issue 15

The last two months have been filled with awesome comic conventions and I haven't reported on any of it! For now, I will at least present the latest issue of Tarantino Comics:


Tarantino Comics #15 was created in two parts. At the 2011 CGS Super Show, Miguel Jorge penciled and inked this awesome cover. Miguel saw my sketchbook at the 2010 Super Show and has been waiting to do a cover since then. Before Miguel started the commission, we discussed ideas he could illustrate. When I mentioned the possibility of the Reservoir Dogs crew walking from breakfast, Miguel said he had to do it. And I'm glad he did, as his likenesses of each character is spot on. As I look at the cover, I can hear Little Green Bag by The George Baker Selection in the background. Miguel is a super humble guy and is very talented. He is an artist based out of Portugal, so check out his art at: http://www.migueljorge.com/

The second portion of this cover was just completed last weekend at Heroes Con in North Carolina. At the show, you have tons of artists, including colorists, so I decided to give it a try and had this cover colored by Brian Reber. Overall, his color scheme was simple, but by keeping the characters black and white, their likenesses stand out even more. A lot more work goes into coloring than one may imagine. If you want to see more of Brian's work, visit: http://daikaiju.deviantart.com/

Stay tuned, as I should be back in a week for another issue of Tarantino Comics!

Tarantino Comics - Issue 14

Inspired from Reservoir Dogs, Issue #14 of Tarantino Comics was drawn by Walter Ostlie:


As the last piece drawn at this year's Megacon, this image truly captures the energy and intensity of the standoff scene between Mr. White and Mr. Pink. I had a few more commisions done by Wally and they each have a similar kinetic feel to them.

Brick by brick, this cover has a creative layout with an awesome choice of colors. Although his style is unique, in my opinion, Wally's character designs are reminiscent of Fabio Moon or Gabriel Ba, both artists I truly enjoy (The Umbrella Academy, Casanova).

I look forward to following Wally's art, so be sure to check out his websites, as I only expect more awesome work in the future: http://slidestudios.deviantart.com/ and http://walterostlie.blogspot.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issue 9

Before I showcase today's issue of Tarantino Comics, I'd like to give a quick shout-out to the website Everything Tarantino. They are a great provider of Tarantino news, ranging from film rumors, announcements, and appearances. In a recent post, they pointed out this blog, so thank you for the word of mouth! Please go check them out at http://www.everythingtarantino.com/

Tarantino Comics #9 was drawn by Josh Greathouse. Done at Dragon Con 2010, Josh was inspired by Tarantino's signature camera angle: The Trunk Shot! From the perspective of soon-to-be-earless Marvin Nash, Josh did an amazing job illustrating Mr. White, Mr. Blonde, and Mr. Pink's facial characteristics with his own style.

Feel free to check out Josh's artwork and webcomic at http://www.boneyardfranky.com/

Tarantino Comics - Issues 4 & 5

Last weekend I went to the Comic Geek Speak Super Show in Reading, PA. The guys who put on this show are a group of great guys who have an awesome comics community and podcast. Be sure to check them out at: http://comicgeekspeak.com/

My first sketch of the weekend, Tarantino Comics #4, was done by Adam Withers of The Uniques Comic. This piece was inspired from Kill Bill Volume 1. I've met Adam at previous shows before, so he had to draw in this book because he previously drew a "Reservoir Muppets" scene in my Muppet Show vs. Sesame Street sketchbook (The Swedish Chef as Mr. Blonde cutting off Bert's Ear). Be sure to check out Adam and Comfort Love at http://www.uniquescomic.com/

Tarantino Comics #5 was drawn by William Blankenship. This was inspired from the infamous torture scene in Reservoir Dogs. Will was a great guy, so be sure to check him out at http://www.bohemian-zen.com/