SLOMOTIONART: The Epic Failures Of Karl Slominski

DRAWING BOARD: 01232012

2012-01-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Listening To:

Just saw "Hanna" (scooped it up in a retail rental establishment's "Buy A Fuckload For Mad Cheap" sale) and was really diggin it. I'm a huge fan of the riskier movie scores being done these days- Daft Punk doing Tron? Reznor doing every new Fincher movie? The Chemical Brothers and Hanna are right up there.

Tad Caldwell Pre-Orders are ALIVE AND AMPLIFIED!

2012-01-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

HEY KIDS! Pre-Orders are now up for TAD CALDWELL AND THE MONSTER KID. I'm eagerly anticipating getting into your grubby little palms so the fine folks up the ladder have two options for you: You can snag it direct from the publisher or ON AMAZON! Look at that, it's the 21st Century!

http://www.amazon.com/Tad-Caldwell-Monster-Kurt-Amacker/dp/0984646469/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326866727&sr=1-3

http://www.seraphemera.org/seraphemera_books/Tad_Caldwell.html

DIG IT!

Trash Flavored Trash

2012-01-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

DRAWING BOARD: 01072012

2012-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Preliminary designs for a new project for 2012.

Listening To:

The Good Natured are pretty damn phenomenal, I'd check em out if I were you.
...and I'm not just saying that cuz I've got a crush on lead-singer-girl.

2011: Stick A Fork In Her, She's Done.

2012-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Suffice to say, this update is BEYOND overdue. Fortunately, that's a good thing- as a casual observer of the blogsphere, it's typically a good sign when your favorite artists don't update their blog semi-regularly because it leads to the inevitable blog-dump where they reveal how they're single-handedly taking over the world (or the comic book equivalent thereof). I can't exactly say, I'm taking over the world (yet), but 2011 certainly kicked everything up a notch.

So what've I been up to? The short answer: Making a shit ton of comics.

Comics you'll ACTUALLY get to see! (see 2008, 2009 or "the years of working on comics for companies that went belly-up, thus solidifying my lack of printed work"). You've already seen some of the bullshit I've been weaving about most of those books on this very blog, but briefly let me tell you that working on that many projects at once means your studio space will forever be untidy and you'll become Howard Hughes (jars of pee and everything).

Aside from producing exactly 1,208 (possibly 1,209- I had to redraw a page after a terrifying coffee-spilling accident in April) [2], I decided to catch up on some of the nerdery out there that I was (until now) vehemently opposed to. Namely: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA [1], which I publicly hated-on, referred to as "The West Wing in space", and endlessly mocked the inherent cylon-sex-appeal-as-a-marketing-tool angle. I'm sorry Battlestar, you didn't deserve that public loathing- you even came close to being one of my favorite shows of the decade (but that spot is reserved for shows that truly deserve such adoration, like THE WIRE).

I also found myself renewing my love for comics (as an art form)- when you spend close to 12 hours a day making comics, you easily fall in and out of love with it on a daily basis. This is partially due to the fact that I've been fortunate enough to find a LOT of AMAZING European comics on Amazon [3] but mainly because THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD COMICS BEING MADE! By people who genuinely make GOOD comics- it's no coincidence that the majority of the comics I thoroughly enjoyed this year came out of the world of indie press or self-publishing, these cats LOVE comics and it oozes out of every page!

"Forever Winter" by Joel Lolar (from Stock*Pile Comics)
"Man Gull" by Rian Miller (also from Stock*Pile Comics)
http://stockpilecomics.bigcartel.com/

"Rift Raiders" by Mark Sable & Julian Tedesco (from Kickstart Comics)
http://kickstartcomics.com/books/

"Holli Hoxxx" by Austin & Adam Tinius and Stefano Cardoselli
http://tiniusbrothers.com/

"Frankie Get Your Gun" by Robbi Rodriguez
http://robbirodriguez.blogspot.com/

Speaking of love of the craft, I've been experiencing comicsmaking on the other end of the drawing board as a writer for a project that's being drawn by my good friend Ken Wheaton (whose credits include Simpsons, Futurama, and being Eric Stoltz' body double [5]). I'll have more on that project down the road, but it's exciting to see someone else's interpretation of your story- and Ken does phenomenal work. You should tell him so if you see him at a convention.

In the rare moment that I could unwind [6], I managed to spend some time with my bandmates (read: assholes that play instruments together)- and as it is with these guys, we've been playing around with the idea of playing again. Old habits die hard.

I listened to some fresh tunes at high volumes (like you're not supposed to).

I saw some pretty great movies that I thoroughly intend to overwatch on DVD.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S BIGGER NEWS!!!

If that wasn't enough, I'm happy to announce that "TAD CALDWELL AND THE MONSTER KID", a brand new graphic novel written by Kurt Amacker (Dead Souls, Immortal 60) will be making its official debut at Wizard World New Orleans (January 28-29th) before hitting shelves- be sure and stop by to buy every copy he has! X-Men writer Victor Gischler called the book “a fun, quirky, hidden gem.” If that doesn't make you feel dynamite, I don't know what does!

...Of course, this is the first of quite a few TAD CALDWELL updates until it's in your grubby little hands, so get stoked. GET STOKED DAMMIT!

COMMISSIONS!

2011-10-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, time for the kids to become beggars with terrifying masks, pilgrims to rape the land of its bountiful gifts and christians to repent to their nearest Wal*Mart to spoil their fat beggar children rotten. Or as the greeting card industry calls it: THE HOLIDAYS! With such fruitful occasions on the horizon- I usually make a point to give my workload a little wiggle room so I can churn out a few pieces for you guys!

You want your very own Kid_Reverie drawn Wolverine? Or Maybe Boba Fett? Hell, HR Pufnstuff? Whatever you want*!

All you gotta do is email me or hit me up on deviantArt (link to your right) and tell me what you want and I'll throw it on the board and (as Nike so infamously said) JUST DO IT!

Standard BLACK & WHITE single-character illustration (inked on bristol)- $50

Better-than-Standard COLOR single-character illustration (ink & paint on bristol)- $75

It's first come serve, so let's roll out the red carpet to those fun-loving firsts and rock n' roll!

xoxo
Kid_Reverie

DRAWING BOARD: 10122011

2011-10-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

Listening To:

Wisdom...

2011-10-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

"When you’re down, when you’ve been kicked down in the street and then kicked a few more times until you’re bleeding and your teeth are out, then you only have up to go. You get reborn again, and expectations aren’t so great because they’ve taken you away. It’s beautiful to be down there. It’s so beautiful."

-David Lynch

(Autumn means its time to rewatch Twin Peaks while I work)

Mary Shelley Vs. The Menace Of Man or The Menacing Man

2011-09-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

So I finally finished work on the cover for KILLSWITCH, which I honestly had a difficult time formulating- how many times have we seen the same "Monster and Child" concept? Since the iconic image was stamped into our collective pop culture-riddled minds with Frankenstein (the black and white movie, not that early 90's garbage or Mel Brooks' masterpiece)- we've seen dozens of interpretations. Is it enough to show a small child with innocent eyes that we automatically empathize with it? Or is it the manner in which the beast remains in shadows, as if pained by its own menace? You decide. Mary Shelley might've unintentionally posed an interesting question: what makes the fear tangible- the menace of the man or the man himself?

Subtlety 101

2011-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

(Noun)
1. The quality or state of being subtle.
2. (of a mixture or effect) Delicately complex and understated.

...It's not about what's shown, rather what's implied.

A Love Letter To DRIVE

2011-09-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm a cinefile by nature, it could be argued that most guys are- but there are moments every once in a great while where I see a flick that absolutely floors me. Those are the movies that I feel like gabbing about like a gossipy girl the whole way home (and often the next day). Assuming that the remainder of the year fills me up proper with a few goofy comedies and a popcorn flick or two, there's a good chance the title of "My Favorite of 2011" goes to director Nicolas Winding Refn (who's "Bronson" with Tom Hardy, I'd highly recommend) and his new flick DRIVE.

Let me start off by saying, this movie already had me interested based on its UK print campaign alone- I haven't seen turquoise and hot pink used so eloquently since the days of big hair and Gary Numan. Consider me SOLD! Then throw in the ever-dreamy heartthrob (I get it ladies, those puppydog eyes? You just wanna smash his face in... I mean snuggle.) Ryan Gosling and you have a movie that might just garnish the 10pm friday movie crowd's 10 dollars.

They're thinking: "It's got The Notebook dudebrah and he's driving getaway cars? Dude, I'm fuggin there! I love those Transporter movies."

Cut to the first five minutes of the movie which open on a credits montage of upper-LA richly soaked in vibrant blues and those same hot pink credits to the soundtrack of a velvety sprawling synth tune. Those same guys in the back sum up their feelings thusly: "Fuck is this gay shit?"

Well, it's not The Transporter.

Drive is what happens when a visually compelling director steps into new territory and opens the camera up to see something in a completely different way that its been seen before. Something where the setting almost becomes a character. LA trips the light fantastic in subdued beauty that (arguably) bests Michael Mann when he wasn't shooting movies on cell phone cameras (*ahem* Public Enemies *ahem*).

Mister Gosling, our story's nameless protagonist, owns the role in EVERY scene. Often times wordless, channeling the grisly and ice cold stare of Bullitt-era McQueen as he stoically almost-interacts with neighborgirl Carey Mulligan and her son. There's a romance there- but it's not played out with Hollywood's ever-present over-compensating dialogue or gratuitous sex scenes to a shitty Coldplay song- WATCH their faces. Their body language. Drive plays out like a study in human interaction- it's no wonder the guys in the back weren't following it, women are always saying that men can't read signals!

(See this picture above? That shot alone explains EVERYTHING about these characters)

The shots Refn uses to tell the story add to the subtle storytelling even more so- not once is there a neon light pointing to Gosling screaming "THIS IS THE GUY YOU'RE ROOTING FOR!", instead he favors strategic camera angles and wide-lens hero shots, empowering his presence without you even realizing it among the sparse-dialogue.

There's talking though. And the dialogue never sounds stilted or knee-jerk worthy- because the heavy conversation is handled by people you WANT to hear talk; like Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston or Sons of Anarchy (or Hellboy, your choice) star Ron Pearlman. Cranston, especially, owns the faux-paternal role to Gosling even when the shit hits the fan I completely forget he was on Malcom In The Middle.

The biggest applause I can give this movie, doesn't go for the beautiful cinematography or the recklessly enjoyable cast- I'm giving my props to the Director, who deservingly just took home the Best Director honor from Cannes Film Festival. Nicolas Winding Refn creates a world of LA that is lived in and unfamilliar simultaneously and masterfully winds a pace that both intrigues and keeps you waiting for the other shoe to drop. I haven't been this wound by a movie's tension in ages- and the manner in which each scene jumps from 0-80mph without a moment's notice (and often with gasp-worthy shock) is a welcomed change from the usual "totally saw that coming" response I have to most "intensity" in most summer movies.

As much as I love plotless, goofball, popcorn faire- it's a pleasant surprise to go to a movie and NOT get slapped in the face with the plot, subtext or the character development. Granted, it's not for everybody (sorry to the dudes in the back that wanted some Statham-worthy action), but for the handful of friends I know that appreciate something with a little substance with their entertainment- this is pretty godamn great.

...oh, and the soundtrack? I don't care what you say- SYNTHESIZERS MAKE ANY SCORE BETTER. Take notes Danny Elfman. Cliff Martinez FTW!

DRAWING BOARD: 09032011

2011-09-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Listening to:

Brothers In Arms Set The World On Fire

2011-08-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've got a confession to make.... I'm pretty damn nostalgic by nature. Particularly when it comes to seeing a project come together over years of dedication and (seriously dozens of) reincarnations. As creators, we all admittedly have that ONE MAGICAL IDEA that'll throttle our creative genes till we finally get it to paper and unleash it onto the unsuspecting world- we can't help it, it's the whole reason we get into making these indescribably cool things up. BECAUSE WE HAVE TO.

My comrade and fellow former Kubert School mate (NOT AN ENDORSEMENT) has always had a sweeping epic in the works since the day I had the pleasure of meeting him. In many ways, he's undoubtedly one of my favorite creators- because almost everything he's drawn somehow relates to the world he's created since years ago. And after all the time passed, the man is finally unleashing the first chapter of this phenomenal tale! Ladies and gentlemen, it is my unabashed pleasure to introduce:

FOREVER WINTER

Homeboy's been working on this massive undertaking since there was hockey in Boston and this year at Small Press Expo, you're all gonna get your first taste of what will undoubtedly be my favorite book of the year.

...oh yeah, and it also features a five page short story I did a few years ago.
Trust me, Joel's work makes mine look like amateur hour for sure.

Be sure to check out more of Master Lolar's dream-crushing brilliance here:
http://greenskyzero.deviantart.com/

AND BUY THE DAMN BOOK!

In The Works: KILLSWITCH

2011-08-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Written by Glenn Arseneau (The Price, Bulletproof Angel), KILLSWITCH is just the gritty freak-of-nature story I've been dying to draw- monsters, cars smashing in half, half of a city block getting leveled (spoilers?) and the age old tale of man's own flaws heightened by science.

Tragic heroes are the only kind worth saving.

DRAWING BOARD: 08112011

2011-08-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Listening to:

FIGHHHHHHHHTTTTTTT!!!

2011-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Starting this fall, I'll be doing the art on a webseries written by the enigmatic Adam Soandso entitled "RIVALS". It's a madcap romp of punk rock proportions featuring one of the greatest bands you've never heard of and their unending misadventures battling some of the galaxy's most prolific stage acts. It's guaranteed to melt a face or two, kicked up to eleven, alive and amplified.

"That's a dumb name..."

2011-03-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

ZOO is finally coming. Thank god.

Relentlessly personal & often a challenge to both write & illustrate, ZOO will finally be seeing print in the coming months (close to fall, undoubtedly). I'll be posting a preview of it soon(ish) once I go through and make my final edit. For the sparse handful of you that have read the original working script (then, known as "Riding The Median Home", for those that recall earlier posts)- your feedback has been astronomically encouraging!

Stealing Lovecraft

2011-02-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

...Just some pages from a new book I've been working on.
Hope y'all like Lovecraft. That might be a clue.
Might.

A2V is a CRIME PSA

2010-11-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

At long last, another update on a rising crime wave in the greater Metro area.
Please be aware, all transmissions are monitored for your safety.

...this is ALL building up to something.

A2V Awareness Month v.2: The Best Of The Worst

2010-10-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Shocktober is still in full swing and between carving pumpkins and bouncing out of trick-r-treat-induced diabetic comas, we've still got a very serious issue at hand: A2V (or Audio-Visual-Vandalism) is a growing issue in the 22nd century and the best way to putting an end to this heinous crime is education. Knowledge IS power, knowing the major players can aide an average citizen in being aware of a potential A2V threat.

There are dozens of A2V gangs ravaging this city alone, some more reputable than others- do your part for the city and help us bring one of the most notorious bands of Wave Raiders to justice and keep our network safe!

Print and distribute for your neighborhood's education!:

ROCKTOBER is A2V Awareness Month!

2010-10-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

With the 2011 release of my very first ongoing series, I thought it would be fun to start letting the cat out of the bag slowly- as opposed to my usual routine of throwing that mangy feline into the boat without a paddle. So EVERY FRIDAY (yes, Fridays still mean something to people) I'll be releasing a new promotional piece for your enjoyment/interest/distraction from internet porn- which will lead to the unofficial internet scavenger hunt counting down to this super awesome project's release. Got all that? No worries, there won't be a test at the end.

The real message you should take away from this is A2V IS A CRIME and we can prevent it. So let's come together as a community and raise awareness!

They Only Come Out At Night...

2010-08-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

I've gotten to the point where I'm gonna stop apologizing for the lack of updates- because that seems to be how I start every entry. I think at this point, you know me well enough to know that I'm either A.) REALLY busy coming up with a new manner in which to blow your proverbial mind or B.) Dead. We're not talking "mostly-dead", we're talking "all-dead" (and all dead means there's only one thing left to do- search my clothes for loose change). Anyway, I'm pleased to report it's the first option. Unfortunately, I can't go into too much detail until its actually in your grubby little munchkin hands and I've got enough money to buy that high-end soda pop, not that dented-can, bargain bin stuff at the mini-mart round the corner.

So what've I been up to, you ask? Aside from the usual (rocking and rolling/liver damage/pursuing women I have no chance with)- I've been fortunate enough to work with the always-talented Colin Grant and his (infamous) Colin Grant Band (sugary-sweet folky-goodness at: myspace.com/colingrantmusic)this adorable little number:

I've also wrapped up a project involving a metal band (which I literally just finished a half hour ago). I can't say much about it, but, this happens:

And if that wasn't enough- I'm still knee-deep in the madness of Josh Jenkins' ever-expanding Plan B universe with these wonderful new characters here:

...and just because I like you- I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. This guy?:

His story isn't even close to being done yet. He's still gotta fight giant killer robots.

Also, in case you haven't seen Scott Pilgrim yet, the fanboy community will probably lynch you at the next comic con you attend. I highly recommend snarky-remark-repelling body armor.

And that, as they say, is that.
Noise.Paint.Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Here comes the bride....again!

2010-04-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Sweet jesus, I've been busy- so I apologize in advanced for not getting this damnable thing updated on the regular. Rest assured, that's ALWAYS a good thing. Unless it's a bad thing- in which case, your panic is appreciated.

I'm on my last week wrapping up a graphic novel that will be my first full-color work to actually see print (much respect to the various projects I did in color that fell through the cracks for whatever reason)- and I can categorically say that it's the coolest thing I've done yet.

But, alas, once that's gone I'll have some freetime (haha, what's that?) to dive into another project- aside from the much-anticipated PLAN B BOOK 3: THE FIVE LIVES OF JONATHAN TUMBLER. What is that other project you ask? See for yourself.

Ladies and gentlemen, at long last- THE DEVIL'S TRYST...

Things That Go BOOM!

2009-12-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

I've got some character designs for you today- it's for another project I've got in the works. I'm rounding the bend on the design and scripting stage, so the trio of ragged characters you see up there are as close as they'll be to final.

Time Magazine!

2009-12-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Despite my lack of attendance at Brooklyn's first King Con last month- Plan B writer Josh Jenkins was and he had the chance to say a few things about Plan B! Despite the total lack of mentioning me, the majority of the 5 seconds of fame is Josh's voice over yours truly's artwork. Didn't see it yet? That's okay! Just watch it below by clicking on Harvey Pekar's face. Don't know Harvey Pekar? Well, then we're not friends anymore.

GIANT ROBOT WARFARE!

2009-11-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hey e'erbody. I'm getting caught up on my interneting finally, since I just finished chapter one of (super secret awesome project to be revealed at a later date, narf). I can't tell you how super stoked I am to share it with you, but alas, I won't. In more me-centric news, I've got some pages of ZODIAC AND ME that I'll be posting real soon. Till then, here's something that'll kick the crap out of that Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody video y'all have been watching:

Hell In A Handbasket And Letters To The Editor...

2009-11-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

Oh internet, I'm sorry I've been gone for so long- needless to say, it's with good reason. Somewhere in the farthest reaches of the darkest city nights, I've held myself up in a fallout shelter with only a bag of art supplies and a ragged copy of "Black On Both Sides" to keep me company. I'm knee-deep in illustrating a helluva knockout graphic novel written by horror writer extraordinaire, Jeff Dixon. It's in the works right now, so there's not much else I can say- except that it's gonna knock your socks off. And if you're not wearing socks, it'll put socks on and promptly knock them off.

It should also be noted that the news slipped out about my next creator-owned project sooner than expected. So in case you didn't hear, my next book (publisher TBA) is called "ZODIAC AND ME". Yes, THAT Zodiac. Writing the book has been nothing short of a study in coincidence, since the story doesn't directly deal with the Zodiac murders- it does revolve around the historical events. I'm very happy with the script and it's definitely a much more grounded tale than my usual.

If you're looking for something new to ruckus to, I highly recommend giving Like Wolves a listen. They're six shades of brutal and an amazing live act to catch. Click it: Like Wolves

In other news, I've got another gallery show in the works- this one is gonna be ridiculous, so hold onto your hats and brace yourselves.

SMALL PRESS EXPO: The Lowdown & Aftermath.

2009-09-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

To say that I was ANTICIPATING my journey to Small Press Expo is the understatement of the year. Yet, the time finally came to overcome my fear of flying once again and journey out to Bethesda, Maryland (I know, I can't name anything else that's out in Bethesda, Maryland either- I've tried). But I digress, WHAT AN AMAZING SHOW! Where as most conventions are over-saturated with an ever-present Hollywood dump zone, this convention goes straight to the source- ART. It's one of the few cons I've been to that thrust the spotlight on the creation of comics and it shows- EVERYONE there is in love with the art medium and I've never met a more humble and inviting collection of peer.

Eye-candy journeyman Josh Jenkins and I met up to hustle our wares to the masses without any fear and had a BLAST!

The first day was the con equivalent of getting thrown from the frying pan straight into the fire- bombarded by hundreds of curious parties who were genuinely interested in what we brought to the table (literally).

I only spent about a half hour standing, before the wave of eager crowds came to shoot the shit and buy my books- which I am still gracious for. Seriously, if we just met this weekend and you're reading this entry- I dedicate this rambling excuse for a blog to you!

I even ran into one of my favorite Jersey boys- senor Ryan! Imagine the sheer serendipity of the two of us being at the same place without any prior knowledge! Understandably it required a serious celebratory drink(s) or twelve to commemorate the occasion.

Sunday was just as much fun as Saturday- only a little rough in the beginning- this picture says it all (notice the lack of effort to look gentlemanly here? yes ladies, that's the face of a man hungover and underslept).

I have to thank all the great people who I met along the weekend who were responsible for making it an undeniably great time, I can't wait to do it all again next year!

Noise.Paint.Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

On The Road to SPX!

2009-09-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

...And we're off! See you in Bethesda, Maryland THIS WEEKEND!

Clues from the Clueless...

2009-09-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I'm incredibly A.D.D. (or unable to keep projects of mine a secret), I had to hint at my next creator-owned crapshoot which I'll be self-publishing next fall. Granted, I'm my own worst enemy getting too many pots on the stove, but there's something incredibly gratifying about putting something of your own out by your own means. I'm not letting the cat out of the bag too much on this one though, I'd rather have you keep guessing.

January 2010.

2009-09-08T15:22:00.001-07:00

Starting with the NEW YEAR I'll be launching a weekly webstrip.
It's called CROSSTOWN TRAFFIK.
That's all I'm saying for now.
I've been blogging too much today.

What's On The Desk: Dear Diary...

2009-09-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Salute Your Summer Stereo!

2009-09-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

Seeing as we're a couple days into September already and I'm eagerly anticipated everything I've got in store this fall, I'm gonna take a minute to thank the following summer releases for making every damn minute spent at the desk worthwhile (or at least tolerable at best):

Shy Child-"Noise Won't Stop", Mos Def-"The Ecstatic", Gallows- "Grey Britain", So Many Dynamos-"The Loud Wars", Busdriver-"Jhelli Beam", NASA-"NASA Music", Prince-"MPLSound/LotusFlow3r", The Mars Volta-"Octahedron", Aceyalone-"The Lonely Ones", Cage-"Depart From Me", The Crest-"Cheerful Robots", Division Day-"Visitation", Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster-"III", MuteMath-"Armistance", POS-"Never Better", Innerpartysystem-"Innerpartysystem", iwrestledabearonce-"It's All Happening", Kid Cudi-"Man On The Moon: End Of The Day", Poison The Well-"The Tropic Rot", Spinnerette-"Spinnerette.

That's 20. You're bound to like one.

Noise. Paint. Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Riding Hood.

2009-09-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

New print! Available on the con circuit this coming year
and at the new webstore which launches in a few months.

Pretty Little Short Stories

2009-08-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

So it's safe to say that the art for PRETTY LITTLE KILLJOY is in the can and getting lettered as soon as I'm finished this bloggy-blog-thing. Just to give you a taste of what's in store here's the usual single-panel teaser for y'all.

Noise.Paint.Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Old Habits Die Hard...

2009-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

It's official, PLAN B BOOK 2: SAMUEL PROVIDENCE AND THE NEFARIOUS DOCTOR FOIL has gone off to the printers and readied itself for a welcomed debut next month. Even more than the previous book, Book 2 is a true testimony of Josh's brilliant lunacy. The final product is something I couldn't be more proud of. For the last six months, I have lived within the pages of that nefarious doctor and his twisted tale- six months of gradually slipping into the ranks of the author's own psyche and the end results of being just as much a mad genius that he is. I can't wait till you kids get a chance to get deeper into the Plan B universe and gain a greater understanding of the things that go bump in the night.

Don't forget to check the Plan B website for more up-to-date information and pre-order your copy of Book 2 at www.victoranomalous.com

Noise. Paint. Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Coming This Fall....

2009-08-05T18:29:00.001-07:00

As I'm in the midst of lettering Plan B book 2, I figured you
needed something to tide you over until I have the freetime
required for droning on about myself for your amusement. Above
these well-crafted words and sentences are the 3 (count them)
new works that will be available from yours truly for you's truly
this fall. Plan B 2 (which will usher in a an age of reason that
will make the renaissance look like a comedy of errors), "Pretty
Little Killjoy" (a collection of short stories I've put together),
and FINALLY, a new damn sketchbook serving as further proof that
I'm a talentless hack.

In other news, has anyone heard that Spinnerette record? It's
really effing good. Brody Dalle was totally my celebrity crush
when I was but a young boy.

"Go long enough without someone's touch and eventually you'll go mad..."

2009-05-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Maybe because I'm addicted to insomnia, maybe because I love drawing comics so much, or maybe because I'm just a plain idiot- I've got YET another project in the works. Dear Diary, My Heart Beats Electric, is one of TWO (yep, I'm an idiot), TWO planned graphic novels of my own I am working on back-to-back. As of this moment, I'm still working out the tail ends of the script and layouts- but I hope to have it done by late 2010.

I'll be sure and keep you in the loop of all the bullshit rambling about the project when I'm ready to start shooting my mouth off about it. For now, everything's like LA Confidential- "off the record, on the QT, and very HUSH HUSH".

Noise. Paint. Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

The Occupant Must Be Awaken

2009-05-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick glance at one of my favorite scene's from Plan B Book 2. I'm really diggin' working in a looser, more abstract feel for some parts of the book and completely throwing in another vibe for others. It definitely does a good job of unifying the Plan B universe, while still being its own entity.

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??? I know, you're totally asking yourself that right now- as well you should be. But guess what, you'll be able to find out this fall! In fact, if you're heading out to Small Press Expo this year, you oughta make a point to stop by my booth and pick up a copy for yourself and maybe like 12 for your friends and family.

Noise.Paint.Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Press Dump!

2009-05-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sometime next week I'll be sure and get y'all a decent, awe-worthy blog update- but right now it's crunch time and I've got shit to get done. So to tide you over, here's a round up of all the latest news other rad kids are droppin' about my work on the interweb!

Ain't It Cool News' PLAN B Review!

iFanboy's PLAN B Review!

MPNnow's Raygun Cowboys Interview!

Noise.Paint.Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Raygun Cowboys #2: Sophmore Slump/Work In Progress

2009-04-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

I've been jokingly referring to Raygun Cowboys issue 2 as a "sophmore slump" for a number reasons. Every time I finish a page, I look at the first issue and curse how proud I am of it, noticing how the second issue has to outshine it (and with my scruples, it rarely does). It's been an uphill battle topping myself- but I think it's safe to say that things are moving in a decent direction.

Oddly enough issues 3 and 4 should be a breeze, I've managed to have all of that stuff worked out and roughed since I first started plotting #1. But as you can see, 2's already got some good stuff going for it: charismatic sidekick creatures, monsters, mega spaceships and suggestive womanly nudity- last I checked that's the reason most of us won't admit to enjoying Return of the Jedi.

Noise.Paint.Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Raygun #1 Release Party Recap- WAY OVERDUE

2009-04-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

While I've been out, failing at updating this blog, we had a release party for RAYGUN COWBOYS#1 (out now from Patchwork Comics, hint hint)- this WAY back in FEBRUARY! So this is long overdue. With some live music from Turbines (check em out: www.myspace.com/turbinesmusic, they're ten shades of rad) and a stellar turnout, it was a good night. But since you weren't there- here's a brief recap of what you missed. Next time put these things in your calender, savvy?

(all photography by Savannah J. Richards)

Don't Call It A Comeback

2009-04-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Jesus, has it been THAT long? Did it take THAT long for me to show some bloggy-blog love? Apparently. I know, that's probably way too long (to you the four people and my mom that check this regularly). So it's a good time to unleash some news to the masses.

I've been knee-deep working on the next installment of the Plan B universe for the upcoming BOOK 2! "SAMUEL PROVIDENCE AND THE NEFARIOUS DOCTOR FOIL"! If you were diggin' the first book, the second damn sure knocks it out of the park. Josh's story is gonna turn your crazy little brains inside out.

You've been warned.

Noise. Paint. Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

And so it begins...

2009-01-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

www.patchworkcomics.com

It's official, Patchwork Comics has launched with the ushering in of the new year- which means you can bounce on over to our website right when you're done reading this and pick up a copy of the first issue of Raygun Cowboys, as well as our other premier title The Mask Of Manolo.

Happy New Year!

Noise. Paint. Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Your Nine Lives Are Up Next Year

2008-12-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

Yep. That's all I'm gonna give you to go on.

Until you hear more about the project, I'd keep your eyes peeled-

You never know when Murdercat is watching you.

Oppenheimer Was A Hack!

2008-12-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like me, you dig going to the mailbox this time of year- maybe you'll get a card, maybe you'll get a present- or maybe you'll get the program for this year's MEGACON schedule. Did you notice who's name is in it? Yep, yours truly. So as any true upstate New Yorker does, I'll be in sunny Florida at the end of February to debut my next graphic novel: PLAN B: THE HAUNTED LIFE OF DOCTOR ANOMALOUS.

It's taken up a good 7 months of the past year and its gonna be a helluva ride finally seeing it hit print. But not to fear, it's BOOK 1 of a multiple-book series. Which means you'll have plenty to read and I'll have plenty of reasons to be drawing.

Do you want a copy to love and cherish like your own? You're in luck! You can!:
http://www.victoranomalous.com/

Western Priorities

2008-12-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

When it takes someone forever to update a blog that means either two things- the person's been hella busy or the person's dead. Hate to disappoint a select few (I'm talking to you kid who sat behind me in health class back in high school), but I HAVE indeed been wicked busy. With what? 2009 marks the launch of PATCHWORK COMICS and the home to my very first creator-owned endeavor, RAYGUN COWBOYS. As we get closer to the release date, I'll get some more goodies out to you- but issue one is off to the printers as you read this and eagerly awaiting your mean-spirited jest. Till next time!

Noise. Paint. Love.
xoxo_Kid_Reverie.

Group Theory

2008-04-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Album art for upcoming release from jazz act Hard Logic by yours truly.
Check out some tunage at www.hardlogic.net.

Introducing: Rafael Casal

2008-04-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory of Dave Stevens: The Man Who Made Me Love Comics

2008-03-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

I was 12 years old when I first started getting seriously into comics.

For the longest time I was surrounded by kids at school comparing notes on the latest issues of X-Men and bickering about their spandex-clad idols. However there was something about those early nineties books that didn't appeal to my young scrutiny- it felt foreign, almost alien to a boy who was enamored with farther reaches of the imagination. Those modern superheroes were unrelatable to my fancy and I barely realized it at such an earlier point in my life, until my eyes drifted towards an unlikely hero that was seemingly thrust into his position by sheer chance.

They called him The Rocketeer.

What set the book apart from every comic I had stumbled across prior was its humanity and its groundings in a world I knew from folklore and legend. Each page was meticulously crafted in a classic manner and the story unfolded with only the truest form of zest and zeal seen only in the yellowed pages of pulp comics that lined the racks at the local bookstore I frequented. Action, adventure, intrigue and excitement- THIS IS WHAT COMIC BOOKS were supposed to be. I was immediately immersed in a world only spoken of in Saturday morning serials from a generation I was far from a part of, but would soon long to be. After the hundreds of readings of my now tattered copy of the Eclipse graphic novel, I have Dave Stevens to humbly thank for igniting my love for the craft of comic book making and the very reason I strived to become an artist.

Over the years I have sought out the majority of Mr. Stevens' printed work, each time thanking him for giving me the inspiration to follow a similar path. From every square inch of creation he has provided for his audience, I can rest easily knowing that whenever I can't get that one panel just right or that cynic's brow perfectly curved, I can flip through the pages of his work and be reminded exactly what I love about comics.

Thank you Mr. Stevens, for your inspiration and your creations- your contributions will never be overlooked and you will be truly missed.

Noise. Paint. Love. xoxo_Kid_Reverie
March 11th 2008

Popstar Killer

2008-01-30T22:43:00.000-08:00

There's never a lack of femme fatales in the Kid's studio.
(apologies for the shit quality- a pic from ye old digi-cam oughta do till I can get a decent scan)

Count The Shells...

2008-01-25T11:05:00.001-08:00

I finally wrapped up the first issue of The Pepper Shakers, so I finally found myself with a little time at the desk to work on one of my own projects. Of course, as soon as I realized I had some ME-time, I up and got myself sick and lost my voice (so what else could I do but draw my way out of it?) So cut to a week later and a sore throat clearing up and I'm staring at the first few pages of The Devil's Tryst. Despite my best efforts, it looks like the project's going to have to sit on the backburner for a while though- seeing as I've got other work to get done before spring. Either way, there's more on the way.

Do you know what a heart really looks like? A fist, covered in blood.

2007-09-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Devil's Tryst, written, illustrated, financed and published completely by myself is in the works as we speak and its gonna be one helluva fun read. I've been having a blast tearing through the pages of sheer crime thriller glory. It's stark, hard-boiled and quick paced- just the way it should be. It's going to be in print this Valentine's Day (the perfect gift for someone special, or someone not-so-special, your call) and it'll make its official debut at the 2008 Megacon in Florida.

Count the shells.

If It's Too Loud, Turn It Up

2007-09-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a relatively busy month so far here in the world of the beautiful and the bizarre. August had me draggin my ass from convention to convention with enough enthusiasm to snap only a couple "Karl Gets Attacked By Twenty Stormtroopers" pics. I met a lot of rad boys and girls on the short bus- artist alley in Toronto was sick this year. But now I'm back at the desk with a behemouth-sized stack of work I'm tearing through without any sleep (cuz hell, that's how some of us prefer to work).

Taking a break from the desk last weekend, I had myself the opportunity to throw down some live art at an event being thrown by my heterolifemates at Sick Sique Six Records- a whole night of crazy canvas antics and more live music than you could shake a stick at, what more could you want? And speaking of the Trip Six crew, check out the album art I did for their friends in The Suitor And The Dagger.

I've got some more serious news on the way, but the coffee pot's about to blow up.

SPX vs. The Great Beyond

2007-06-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

So May is gone and summer is finally starting to peak through the blinds and bitchslap me for grounding myself at a desk. However, being that kid whose parents had to practically force to go outside and play- my tree climbing impulses are few and far between at moment. Instead I've got a lot of new stuff in the works for the coming season.

First off, I will be attending the SMALL PRESS EXPO in Maryland this coming October with my good friend Chad Farmer, where we will be officially unveiling THE GARAGE to you the eager readers. SPX is a great crowd to get in good with if you're a namedropping, pseudo-indie snob such as myself (or at least I dream to be one day). Also at SPX, I'll have a bunch of new goodies for sale including a new print, some limited tshirts that I've been screenprinting and a brand-spanking new sketchbook chocked full of more SLO art than you can shake a stick at.

Also, be sure and track down a copy of ASH TRAY COMICS available now, which includes some great art by a slew of fellow Kubert School grads and the return of Michael Kraiger's ZONE (originally published by Dark Horse)- oh, and if you've been keeping up with this damn blog thing you might recognize the cover by yours truly.

And last, but not least- SLOMOTIONART.COM version 2.o launches this week. You'll be the first to know once its up.

Large-Scale Paintings in A Minor- Act One

2007-05-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

First, the sketch- just a brief idea of what I've got in mind. I'm desperately trying to create an unbound sense of manic energy in the painting itself, so the rough is strictly of the subject matter (minus all the nonsense that will be occuring thereafter).

Second, The underpainting, made up of (in this order) newspaper clippings, followed by gesso, with several layers of dripping spray paints, and finally the outline of the subject in spattered blue acrylic. You should've seen the neighbors gawk at me slinging paint like a fiend outside.

Third, a smidge of red and cadmium oils caked on for a weary bloodbath look- these shades of crimsons will act as a guide for the fleshtones to be added next.

Shake it up!

2007-05-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hey cats and kittens! I figured it was about time to give you a little peak at what's been on the desk lately. I'm not gonna give much away, but I will say that there's been a lot of Motown playing in the studio lately.

News That's Bigger Than Megalon's Fists Of Fury!....Sorta

2007-05-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Buried under the desk lately, I needed to come up for air and do my bi-monthly web-surfing. So, taking the time out from my usual myspace-stalking, online movie debates, illegal music downloading and "important" email checking- I finally have some news-worthy update material for this hurr blog.

First of all,
The Garage issue #1 hit press just recently and will be ready to get soiled by your greasy little hands ASAP. More importantly! I'm already halfway wrapped with Issue 2 and I gotta say its some damn pretty work. I've definitely found a groove with the characters and the look of the story, so I think issue 2 is sure to win you over easier than a cupcake to a fat kid. Don't believe me? Fine! Here's a quick peek fresh from the desk!

Also available finally (seriously, to call this one "overdue" is the understatement of the year)- is THE POST HUMAN COMICS ANTHOLOGY featuring a six-page story written by Kevin McHugh and illustrated by myself way back last summer. "Father's Day" finally will get a chance to see some sunlight and you kids can snag a copy online or raid the UK with skeleton-pirate-ninjas for one. Because, let's face it, skeleton-pirate-ninjas are apparently all the rage in the UK (?).

Don't worry though, I am also working on two very rad books that are painted (yes, painted- its about time) for some very rad people. One is a very hush-hush project that's sure to turn a few heads (fingers crossed)- I'll give you the straight skinny when I am at liberty to do so. The other project is a great story called THE UNCREDITED HISTORY OF FARRAGUT AND FOSTER: ADVENTURERS FOR HIRE written by Chuck Saterlee & Sal Cipriano and painted (yes, painted) by yours truly.

And yet! More big news: SLOMOTIONART.COM is getting a huge (and way-overdue) overhaul, with a brand-spanking new layout, navigation and 3 times as much art as before!

Everything else is bland, boring, and generally not the least-bit newsworthy. As always, the coffee's calling and getting up from the computer is an excuse to take "Gimmie Shelter" off repeat on the stereo. Till next time!

Shameless Swag Plug

2007-03-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

Hey boys and girls! Ever want your very own Karl Slominski-designed Tshirt? Of course you do! What a great time for me to pimp out my good friends at Punk and Pissed- a DIY print company set on exploiting trends for their benefit. Join in the fun and pimp out some nice guys and get em some hard-earned green by getting one (or more than one) awesome Robot Tshirt I came up with for them. C'mon! Everyone loves robots!

BUY ROBOT HEAVEN T-SHIRTS AT PUNK & PISSED.COM!

An Honest Week's Pay For An Honest Day's Work

2007-02-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

I am on the final bend of wrapping the last couple pages of THE GARAGE, written by Chad Farmer and illustrated by myself. I'll admit, I've gotten attatched to the characters and I'm hoping for a bright future for my favorite deep south repo men. I'll have some previews of the interriors a bit down the road.

In other news, I'm in the midst of working on a project for Chuck Saterlee and Sal Cipriano- an offbeat western adventure that's sure to turn a few heads. Progress on my own projects is taking back seat for the moment with the work that's been coming in lately, but once I've got some news you'll be the first to hear it.

Just Push Play:

2006-12-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Robots Like Ice Cream Too!

2006-11-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Here's the cover to the second issue of Evil Robo Presents, in case you haven't checked it out yet- these guys have some next-level talent showcased in their first issue and the next one is gonna knock it outta the park. Check out some samples from the book at: http://www.myspace.com/evilroboproductions

That there's the cover.

...and the idea I got on a long train ride back from Brooklyn- I didn't really have any particular destination for the piece, but I thought the concept was fun. When the Evil Robo crew asked me to do the cover, I knew I had a place for it after all.

Paints! Paints! Paints!

2006-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since we've had an update in a while- so now's as good a time as any. At the moment I've got a couple choice projects on the burner, but I can't go into too many details at the moment since they're still in the very early stages of development- but never you fear, you'll be the first to know & see. For the time being, I thought I'd share some more recent paintings (which could very well have narrative involvement in the future). But seriously, enough of the cryptic nonsense- enjoy!

Hell, I'll even throw in the cover of my sketchbook for shits and giggles.

2006-08-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

True story: Once upon a time I was really into spray painting things on buildings and trains and basically anything I could get paint on without getting caught. Regrettably, its not a hobby I keep up with to such an extent, but I still have a warm place in my heart for writers and their contribution to the art community. To deny grafitti as an art form and ignore its impact on both society and pop culture is like saying Miles Davis or Thelonious Monk made "mild" contributions to the face of jazz music.

In the midst of my work (see the previous post on "Father's Day" and "The Garage"), I took a breather to keep my fingers nimble.

This is the first in a series of two paintings I'm doing called "Attraction"- the second will be of a guy looking the other way at the girl- hence the name. Call it being clever.

2006-07-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

At the moment life is starting to pick up the pace (finally) as far as steady narrative work is concerned. At the moment I've locked myself into doing a short story for POST HUMAN COMICS- so keeping in the spirit of keeping in the loop here's some character designs for the story itself. More to come!