Goodbye 2008, hello 2009

It's kind of sad that 2008 is leaving us all. In about 45 minutes time, the baby 2009 will appear and start saying bye bye to old man 2008. Recapping back the year before, there has been tremendous change, tears, happiness, awesomeness and all sorts mingled in my so-called life. I broke up, i met new friends, i got quite a few freelance project, i was way behind my Cavaliers #2 schedule, I quit my job as an illustrator, i bought over RM1000 worth of comics, i had a crush on someone 6 years older than me but it fizzles off, i haven't been drawing much lately this year and i guess because there's no motivation, i was given a post in the Pekomik, the organization of comic enthusiasts as the treasurer, i have a great family at Main Enterprise (that i sometimes leave behind a few months due to very bad time management) and lots more things happening. Needless to say, i have learn a lot of new things, experience crazy and extreme emotions and i feel rather happy about it. I hope that 2009 will be so much better and iam looking forward to being a new person. I will be officially 30 years old on September 17th 2009. Wow. 30 years old. Scary.

You've been a great year, 2008. Love you lots. (hugs the old man 2008)

Random pics from my phone

I have this habit of taking random pics from my cellphone.

Comic Fiesta 08

I attended the Comic Fiesta 08 as a volunteer for the Pekomik Booth. I didn't prepare stuffs of mine to be sold at the booth though. I was busy helping out my 'little sis' with her comics, doujinshis and bookmarks. It's her first time selling her artworks and i must say, most of the visitors liked her work. Made me proud that i managed to teach her a few ropes on comics and stuff. LOL XD! I made new friends, met old friends, hang out, laugh, joke, whatever. It was pretty much tiring and exciting at the same time. There were some awkward moments when i met my old college mate and i had no idea what to talk about. I'm not too sure if i ever want to do it again next time around. I'm planning to experience a comic convention in America instead. And i'm hoping to meet all my friends there. To name a few, Jim Main, Lance Boucher, Sam gafford, Jack Bertram, John Lambert, Dennis Kinniger, Wally Lowe, Jim Salicrup, Todd Dezago, Colleen Doran, Mike Wieringo (OOPS! He passed away...) and many others. But i am so looking forward to meet my best buddie and my big sis, Jennifer Wheaton and family. :D I would like to soak up the culture, and everything. It'll be fun! What an adventure yeay! XD

Nostalgic moments

Things that i was very much crazy over back in the 90's...





The New Kids On The Block. Oh yeah. Very crazy over them indeed. In fact i was inspired by them, the Cavaliers were born. :p



Inoue Takehiko's Slam Dunk. I was so excited about this anime and manga because the strokes and the way he draws humans are just so.... amazing. and he still draws amazing anatomy. Kudos to Mr.Takehiko!



And of course, not forgetting the Legionnaires. I fell in love with them in 1994, while i was browsing for comics at a local bookstore. It just hit me on the head and i'm a big fan of Legionnaires and Legion of Superheroes since then. Not turning back. And i really like this penciller who drew this version. Anybody know who he/she is?

Symphony lives!!

Photoshop hiatus

Funny that i can't seem to find my photoshop and illustrator cs3 cd. I know i've put it somewhere. I hate it when i misplaced things! Baka! LOL XD

Comic Fiesta is coming soon. On the 20-21st December. I'm working on Cavaliers #2. Yesterday I've discovered my very early version (not really THAT early) of Cavaliers and it's about how they met and how the Cavaliers came about. Very very different from the idea i have now. In fact, it's so different that i have forgotten how i actually start thinking about it in the first place. But as i read through the 46 pages of comic that did, i felt very nostalgic about it. Something deep within me moved and i smiled the whole night. I realized this Cavaliers project has been in my blood ever since, and i certainly can't be parted with it. They're like my family. My sons. I need to look after their well-being and i need to protect them from any harm. Yeah it sounds kind of corny, but i really love them. After all, i created them. LOL XD!

I started listening to Vanessa Mae's Contradanza. I haven't heard the song for awhile. This particular song inspired me to draw the robust energetic attitude of the Cavaliers and their distinguishable passion for adventure. Every rhythm, every harmony, every notes, has a drama and story unfolding within it. I was very much excited to relate the group with this music. It's so much fun and there's abundance of freedom in the music. It's almost as if it's portraying the every essence of being youths, teenagers, children. It's the freedom of life itself. Wow it's giving me goosebumps!



I'm going to try my hands on drawing Nova Kane, E-man's partner and maybe girlfriend i suppose.




But i need to get me a photoshop and illustrator first. :)

Oh by the way, here's some pages from the early Cavaliers comic i had worked on.










The idea is pretty lame. I'm happy i developed it into something entirely different now. XD And no, Jule's body is not as beefed up as in the above comic.

Gotta get photoshop after lunch. In the meantime I'll work on the latest Cavaliers #2. I think i'm going to be very happy getting back on track again. :)

Hard disk crashes

My life..... my job... my curse..... is ti get my hard disk readable before i shave my hair off my head!!!

My hard disk got corrupted and every single work i did and saved in it are gone. And yes i can hear people saying, did you back up? I just shake my head. ARGH the agony....

New version of Saturn Girl

Yes i'm a fan of Legion of Superheroes. And one of my fav's Saturn Girl. I can't use photoshop coz my computer was being repaired so i used color pencils instead.

New Transformers 2 Details Revealed at Hasbro Licensing Summit

By Peter Sciretta

Since the crack crap reporting team at Entertainment Tonight wasn’t able to get any new details after spending a whole day on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, I thought I’d pass along the news which was revealed at the Hasbro Licensing Summit in Malaysia this week.

The Chevy Corvette Centennial concept car (seen in the photo above) is actually the alt mode for Sideswipe. Described as a brave but often rash warrior, Sideswipe was part of the initial crew of Autobots. In the original animated series, Sideswipe and his twin brother Sunstreaker, took the form of Lamborghini sports cars. He later took the form of a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo, 1999 Dodge Viper, and the Cobra Stinger.

Ravage will appear in the film with “very raw beast mode”. Ravage was featured in both the original animated series and Beast Wars, and took the form of a robotic jaguar. He was featured in an original draft of Bay’s Tranformers, but later replaced with Scorponok.

Megatron’s alt mode is confirmed to be a tank. Looks like the leaked concept photos are legit.

And the Devastator rumors might also be confirmed with the news that a super-sized transformer that combines multiple toys will retail for $50+. In the original series, six constructicons combine to transform into the huge giant robot known as Devastator.

Warholizer!

Wow, never thought i look cool being in a pop art!

Saturn Girl updated

Here's the '03 version of Saturn Girl (Legion of Superheroes)




















And here's the '08 version of the updated Saturn Girl.


The color is a little dull because i changed the format to CYMK before changing it back to RGB. I added the planet Saturn at the back and a few stars.

Freelance art lecturer?

I had a ball at Sekolah Tengku Ampuan Rahimah today. Not only did i get back to my old school and embedded within my head the nostalgia, but also i had the privilege to share my comic experience with the school students. Which to me was a harrowing experience. Nevertheless it taught me something valuable - confidence.

So anyway me and my partner-in-crime 'Z' went to the school at around 8am. Turned out that we were late at presenting because of some technical problems. But we managed to start off and 'Z' was the first to present his modules. I was sitting trying to ease my nervousness by drawing and doodling. Unfortunately it didn't actually work.

All the while he was presenting folios after folios, my heart was pounding ferociously. What will i say to those kids? Will i faint? Will i freak out? All these questions popping in my head made me agitated and i had to rush to the toilet. When i came back, the first session was over and the students came to me for advise and demonstration.

I met this wonderful artist. Her name's Siti Hajar and she showed me her work. Which was really excellent to say the least. Manga die-heard by the way. Which was pretty cool. Even Kaoru (Malaysia's own manga artist) would be impressed. Everyone else showed their works. They had really great talents. Too bad no one's taking them seriously.

I had a ball drawing fast sketches for them. They were all surprised that i completed a full bodied pose in 2 minutes. Me and the kids chatted and exchanged tips and tricks, and experiences. Then came my time to conduct the workshop. I started to tremble.

The first few minutes was okay. I had their attention by introducing myself and what i did for a living. Then i started getting all mixed up. I knew i did some text and keywords, but i just had trouble explaining it. Moments later i saw some kids yawning away. So i had to think fast. I taught them how to draw figures and emotions. Luckily that worked. Although i think i must have elaborated the points too detailed, i think i was beginning to enjoy myself.

I gave them free comic books for their effort in answering questions and coming up to the stage and draw a few things i asked them too. Some were too shy but that was okay. I eyed a few enthusiastic participants, and i knew they're very serious in drawing comics. After the whole thing was over, the students thronged to the table i was at and gave me their A4 sized papers. They wanted me to sketch them drawings. I felt kind of flattered and they didn't want to let me leave.

But everything has an end and we had to leave. A few students caught up with us and were telling us how excited they were about the workshop. Z decided to let me be Siti Hajar's mentor, and i must say, i was very happy. It had always been my dream to teach kids how to draw. We went on to the mamak restaurant and had ourselves a hearty lunch. I had my fried noodles with fried chicken while 'Z' had his friend noodles with squids. Eeeewwww.

We will certainly conduct more comic related workshops to various schools in Klang. I'm looking forward to this adventure. It was intense, but at the same time exciting and educational.

Comics, anyone?

The road goes ever on....

Hah! Bet you guys are wondering where i got the title from! It's what Bilbo said in The Hobbit, if i'm not mistaken. I think so.... aww nuts i don't remember much. But yeah he said that.

Now that i'm happy that the net connection is here to stay... (OH PLEASE STAY!) i can get in touch back with the world. Wow... my dA has been idle for months! So's Myspace and a whole bunch of other sites. Scary.

Lots of obstacles and crazy stuff i have to put up with soonest. So i hope i'm brave enough to face them. I don't have a sword or a bow, but i know i have a spirit in me. *wink wink*

Did this artsie out of boredom while the technicians were fixing my connection somewhere out there...

New artworks?

I hope so. I've been pretty idle for years. Haven't come out with a comic book. Sad to say. I think i'm kind of scared to admit that i might have artist's block. LOL XD! Well, i hope i can fight that off soon. going to draw and draw and be like the old times. Cheerio!



Care for an ice-cream? :)

Static for a few weeks

Hari Raya is here again. I've been busy handling guests and foods for the festival. I met lots of my relatives, near and far and it's neat. What's not neat is that my internet is failing me for the past few weeks. I was kind of bored without the net. Finally i'm online again. Whooppeee. :p

Oh i found this while i was cleaning my room...



It was a study of how Legolas would look like if he was a slave, and Aragorn as a young brash ranger looking for adventure. :)

Green Lantern movie

Something i got from IGN...

The IESB has an early look at Greg Berlanti's The Green Lantern plus updates on George Miller's Justice League of America.

A few years ago, we reviewed the GL script Robert Smigel wrote with comedian Jack Black in mind -- D.C. and Warner Bros. wisely decided against going down that route, maybe we had something to do with that when we shit all over it, read our review here.

But, there has been quite of bit of buzz lately coming from Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green's newest take on the Green Lantern and I managed to find a copy in my hands.

Let me start off with saying that within just reading the first few pages, I knew Berlanti, Guggenheim and Green had gotten the character right.

I don't want to do a traditional script review, instead I want to give IESB readers more of a sense of the story by going through some plot details and my thoughts on the screenplay. Wait a minute, that is a review. Let it begin...

It starts off with the revelation of Oa and The Central Battery with a voice over narration explaining that 1) there are extraterrestrials that protect the universe, 2) they have power rings, 3) there are thousands of Green Lanterns and 4) one of us has become one of them.

We go from one part of the universe to another and find ourselves in a familiar Solar System…our own.

Before I share some of the details let's do a quick character list of those we will see in the movie if this script gets the "green" light.

Martin Jordan
Hal Jordan/Green Lantern
Thomas Kalmuka
Carl Ferris
Carol Ferris
Kilowog
Tomar-Re
Abin Sur
Thaal Sinestro
The Guardians
Legion
Hector Hammond

A few cameos include a certain mild mannered reporter from the Daily Planet, a certain college football coach with the last name of Gardner (who we are promised in the script we will see more of in the second film) and loads of other characters sure to keep fanboys orgasmic throughout.

Back to the script - The story follows the traditional Hal Jordan/Green Lantern story lines to a certain degree including the battle between Legion and Abin Sur, Abin Sur's crash landing on Earth, as well as the choosing of Hal Jordan over Guy Gardner and Clark Kent.

Parts are straight out of the Emerald Dawn series including Jordan's simulator being ripped out of the training center and flown to a dying Abin Sur and Hal Jordan going to Oa to help defeat Legion.

The major difference is in the Sinestro character arch. I don't want to give too much away but the writers were very careful to stay true to the character without blowing their load on the first film.

The other difference is also introducing Hector Hammond into the story line and making him the big threat to Earth or Gaia if you prefer.

From the first major beat of the story - that is sure to bring a tear - to the revelations at the end of the movie that easily set up prequels as well as sequels this script has it all. Also, unlike other recent superhero movies, this Green Lantern story has science fiction elements such as visiting other planets and major space battles.

It's a quick read and is a mere 109 pages but is action packed from the beginning to end. It has the potential to be bigger than Iron Man or maybe even The Dark Knight.

The script, if greenlit, is a sure-fire hit for fan boys, but in scale it's big, VERY big, and we are hearing rumors that it may be too big for the director currently attached, Greg Berlanti.

But who would the studio trust to take on a franchise of this size?

First, let me say that the studio execs love this GL script, they really dig it - and get it which is always important - and word is they are prepared to spend a pretty penny.

Changing gears for a sec, let's see what's currently going on with Justice League of America. Last week there were reports that the movie is finally moving forward. Guess what - that's not what we heard.

IESB found out the complete opposite from various sources at WB -- the movie will not move forward in its current incarnation and a lot has to do with the success of The Dark Knight. Warner Bros. is not willing to risk pissing off Christopher Nolan or Christian Bale and their intent would be to move forward with a third Batman film instead of introducing another Batman in a JLA film.

Officially WB is stating that Justice League of America is on hold due to the potential SAG strike. We have been advised from various sources that the truth is that George Miller has been pulled off the project. We have contacted all parties involved including Kennedy/Miller and other producers but they have declined to comment at this time.

So does that mean that Miller is out of a job? Nope, we have been told that some execs over at Warner Bros. would like Miller to take over The Green Lantern project. Any truth to the rumor? Only time will tell but one thing is certain in my purest fan boy opinion - this script totally kicks ass!


OMG OMG OMG Green Lantern movie! Next thing will be Legion of Superheroes! And then probably Elfquest! But i'm not biting my tongue yet! Green Lantern will definitely wet my appetite for comic book movies! Besides, he's one of my fav comic character. Whoo hooo!!!

Quizzes to pass the time

You Are an Onion Bagel

You are spontaneous, savvy, and multi-talented. You enjoy taking risks, and you're not the kind of person who makes long term plans. Of all the types, you're the most likely to eat something new for kicks. You tend to have something unusual for breakfast... if you even have breakfast at all.

What Kind of Bagel Are You?

What Your Socks Say About You

You Are: - Quite cuddly - Downright adorable - Truly kind - Infinitely patient

The Socks Personality Test

What's Sexy About Your Name

You are sexy because you are an true romantic. You love everything about falling in love. You like to set up a romantic scene, and you fuss over every detail. For you, being sexual is all about being dramatic. You don't take sex lightly. You believe sex should never be ordinary or boring. You pull out all the stops in the bedroom. And since you're a true romantic, you could never get intimate with someone you didn't love. You have to be swept off your feet before you can be swept into bed.

What's Sexy About Your Name?

You Are 80% Interesting

Believe it or not, you are a very fascinating person. You're probably too busy being interesting to realize exactly how interesting you are. You have a rich, full life. You are curious about the world, and you are very open to new experiences. You have a lot to talk about, and people find you to be an amazing conversationalist. And most importantly, you are truly interested in other people. How could anyone find that boring? You truly listen and learn from others. You're not self absorbed or shallow.

Are You Boring or Interesting?

You Follow Your Heart

You're romantic, sentimental, and emotional. You tend to fall in (and out of) love very quickly. Some may call you fickle, but you can't help where your emotions take you. You've definitely broken a few hearts, but you're not a heartbreaker by nature. Your intentions are always good, even if they change with the wind

Do You Follow Your Head or Your Heart?

Your Independence Level: Very High

You do things your own way. Even if everyone else thinks you're wrong. You cherish your freedom, and you resent rules. No one knows what's right for you as much as you do. You can take care of yourself... and you do a mighty fine job of it.

How Independent Are You?

Your Inner Eye Color Is Green

You're off-scale unique and creative - just like green eyes You're peaceful, relaxed, and easy to be around You've got an exotic flair that draws men in... with unique beauty.

What Color Eyed Woman Are You Really?

What Your Dreams Mean...

Your dreams seem to show that you're a bit disturbed... but nothing serious. You may have a problem you're trying to work out in your sleep. You tend to be a very productive thinker. You have a very vivid imagination and a rich creative mind.

What Do Your Dreams Mean?

Your Inner Child Is Surprised

You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

You Are "Wow"!

What Japanese Smiley Are You?