Three Vexxarrs to post Monday. Details Wednesday!
Nay, but seriously brethren, All caught up by Monday. I'll be posting them Sunday evening untill we are all on the caught-ups. Yo.
Isn't funny that Yo, went from being a Sting-ism (per the POLICE) to being hip gansta' slang? I want to tell the hip young-uns at my gym that when they say "yo" it makes me think of the 'POLICE the videos' VHS I still have at my house.
Another industrial ugly morning...
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Jasper
Expect late updates this week. I'm shooting a long format in Jasper Alabama. Where you ask? Two street left of nowhere. But it has a nice retreat I am told...
New Vexxarr upon my return from the nether regions.
There I have been told that I have a right pretty mouth...for a Trekkie.
New Vexxarr upon my return from the nether regions.
There I have been told that I have a right pretty mouth...for a Trekkie.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Would You Wear this?
This is what I'm thinking at this point. Details are still being ironed out like...everything, for example. I'm pretty sure this is the image if not the graphic and that the slogan will be "Surrender your cake".
I'll post details as they ferment.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Manchester, Church of England Apparently Unaware That Television Isn't Real.
Resistance Fall Of Man is a game where mankind is struggling in a losing war against parasitic alien invaders. It takes place in an alternate 1951 where WWII never occurred and America stands ready with a powerful and highly advanced military after twenty years of isolationist development. In this game, Asia, Europe and England have been simply devoured by a race of hostile creatures (presumably alien in origin) known as the Chimera. America, after losing contact with British forces, attempts to establish a beachhead in Great Britain. You play a member of this US Expedition force in it's first encounter with the Chimera.
Evidently, some of this alternate-reality based science-fiction action takes place in Manchester Cathedral. Apparently, guns are involved. Apparently the Manchester of the real world is a city in the midst of violent crime. And apparently this fact has religious and political leaders declaring that creators of mass-market media (games, movies and maybe even books) should not be allowed to set their fictional works in Manchester. Apparently it shows a lack of respect.
This may well be true.
However, did setting Godzilla in New York show a lack of respect to the hundreds who die in violent crime each year? Did setting Halo 2 in a war battered Africa show a lack of respect for those who now struggle with genocide, famine and poverty? Did setting any of the Medal of Honor games in real villages, towns and buildings show a lack of compassion for those who died, fought or gave their lives in WWII?
Resistance Fall Of Man is not only fictional but it takes place in a past that never happened. Further, the enemies being 'slaughtered' aren't even human. They don't exist in this universe in any form. The reason Manchester Cathedral was chosen as a setting was to no doubt illustrate the sense of apocalyptic scale, isolation and hopelessness the game authors wanted to explore. As long as no actual images of Manchester Cathedral were used in the game (all images were computer generated) it is unclear whether The city of Manchester or The Church Of England has anything to say about the game.
Officials in Manchester point out that the nature and frequency of violent crimes and gun violence in their city demand special respect from those who create violent media. The question then becomes, how much respect are they due and how much cooperation can they coerce from those in the media? Should I back off stories and images I find interesting because they cause others distress and emotional pain? There are times when I would actually say yes - voluntarily. Should those people be able to coerce that reaction from me, then ask for money? I hope the answer to that is 'no' and that the answer seems obvious. Otherwise, I might think seriously about not expressing myself in any interesting and challenging ways at all.
Who would want that?
Evidently, some of this alternate-reality based science-fiction action takes place in Manchester Cathedral. Apparently, guns are involved. Apparently the Manchester of the real world is a city in the midst of violent crime. And apparently this fact has religious and political leaders declaring that creators of mass-market media (games, movies and maybe even books) should not be allowed to set their fictional works in Manchester. Apparently it shows a lack of respect.
This may well be true.
However, did setting Godzilla in New York show a lack of respect to the hundreds who die in violent crime each year? Did setting Halo 2 in a war battered Africa show a lack of respect for those who now struggle with genocide, famine and poverty? Did setting any of the Medal of Honor games in real villages, towns and buildings show a lack of compassion for those who died, fought or gave their lives in WWII?
Resistance Fall Of Man is not only fictional but it takes place in a past that never happened. Further, the enemies being 'slaughtered' aren't even human. They don't exist in this universe in any form. The reason Manchester Cathedral was chosen as a setting was to no doubt illustrate the sense of apocalyptic scale, isolation and hopelessness the game authors wanted to explore. As long as no actual images of Manchester Cathedral were used in the game (all images were computer generated) it is unclear whether The city of Manchester or The Church Of England has anything to say about the game.
Officials in Manchester point out that the nature and frequency of violent crimes and gun violence in their city demand special respect from those who create violent media. The question then becomes, how much respect are they due and how much cooperation can they coerce from those in the media? Should I back off stories and images I find interesting because they cause others distress and emotional pain? There are times when I would actually say yes - voluntarily. Should those people be able to coerce that reaction from me, then ask for money? I hope the answer to that is 'no' and that the answer seems obvious. Otherwise, I might think seriously about not expressing myself in any interesting and challenging ways at all.
Who would want that?
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Why Video Game Magazines are Corporate Hacks
You may or may not be aware that Penny Arcade has a 3D game hitting the shelves in a few time cycles. You may or may not be aware that PC Gamer magazine is commemorating this event with a series of five special covers on this month's edition.
If your read PvP you are aware that in this same special edition of PCG Magazine, their cover guru, Greg Vederman, disses Penny Arcade with an unwarranted OP ED. Basically in an issue sporting a five-cover Penny Arcade extravaganza, Vederman says 'Meh" to PA.
Hey, he's welcome to do this. Many of you likely agree with Mr. Vederman. What stinks is he does it inside the Penny Arcade Extravaganza issue of PCG Magazine itself!
What gives? Is this not the ultimate in too-cool-for-school poserism? If he felt this way, should he not have published his OP ED piece in the issue following the PA grope-a-thon?
I get that Vederman feels that PA is all hype and no substance. He has some valid points. But what is PCG saying by dissing their cover Gods for that very issue? Here is an idea: PC Gamer Magazine is exactly that sort of exploitation of the gamer phenomenon that Greg Vederman accuses Penny Arcade of being.
I know that by saying this, I have shocked exactly two people on this planet - one of whom being Greg Vederman's mother. But to vent my spleen, I put my thoughts down on actual paper and mailed them to PC Gamer. I believe this is best described as 'quaint'.
If your read PvP you are aware that in this same special edition of PCG Magazine, their cover guru, Greg Vederman, disses Penny Arcade with an unwarranted OP ED. Basically in an issue sporting a five-cover Penny Arcade extravaganza, Vederman says 'Meh" to PA.
Hey, he's welcome to do this. Many of you likely agree with Mr. Vederman. What stinks is he does it inside the Penny Arcade Extravaganza issue of PCG Magazine itself!
What gives? Is this not the ultimate in too-cool-for-school poserism? If he felt this way, should he not have published his OP ED piece in the issue following the PA grope-a-thon?
I get that Vederman feels that PA is all hype and no substance. He has some valid points. But what is PCG saying by dissing their cover Gods for that very issue? Here is an idea: PC Gamer Magazine is exactly that sort of exploitation of the gamer phenomenon that Greg Vederman accuses Penny Arcade of being.
I know that by saying this, I have shocked exactly two people on this planet - one of whom being Greg Vederman's mother. But to vent my spleen, I put my thoughts down on actual paper and mailed them to PC Gamer. I believe this is best described as 'quaint'.
Monday, May 21, 2007
T-Shirt Design Forthcoming.
It is...it really, really is.
It has to be right and it has to get you odd stares from your fellow hu-mons. Likely the first design will be Vexxarr himself. It will feature the URL. And it will have a pithy phrase from which you may draw uncommon wisdom. This I decree! So keep pummeling me with ideas, opinions and insults and I'll announce - this week perhaps - the first order block. Shirts will then ship after I have twenty orders. And then your loved ones will be returned to you unharmed - I promise.
It has to be right and it has to get you odd stares from your fellow hu-mons. Likely the first design will be Vexxarr himself. It will feature the URL. And it will have a pithy phrase from which you may draw uncommon wisdom. This I decree! So keep pummeling me with ideas, opinions and insults and I'll announce - this week perhaps - the first order block. Shirts will then ship after I have twenty orders. And then your loved ones will be returned to you unharmed - I promise.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
T-Shirts
I have spoken to people. We have compared numbers. We have reached an agreement. There remains only one question: will my minions BUY these T-Shirts?
I can tell you this much: They will be black. They will be two color, high quality silk screen. They will cost $20 plus shipping.
Tell me how this makes you feel. Moreover, tell me how many of you will buy one. The deal I have made will open an order on the first purchase and when I have orders for 20 shirts - the shirts will then ship. So I need to get orders in blocks of twenty to move forward to fulfillment. Get me?
Assume that the first one will feature Vexxarr. Beyond that, I will have to post a design. Expect one by Monday. Until then, mosey on over to the forum and speak your mind!
I can tell you this much: They will be black. They will be two color, high quality silk screen. They will cost $20 plus shipping.
Tell me how this makes you feel. Moreover, tell me how many of you will buy one. The deal I have made will open an order on the first purchase and when I have orders for 20 shirts - the shirts will then ship. So I need to get orders in blocks of twenty to move forward to fulfillment. Get me?
Assume that the first one will feature Vexxarr. Beyond that, I will have to post a design. Expect one by Monday. Until then, mosey on over to the forum and speak your mind!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Destiny, Irony, Confectionery
Those of you familiar with Vexxarr should know by now that I do not consider myself an artist. I am a writer. I do not say this out of some misplaced sense of pride. I do a lot of things to pay the rent. I shoot and direct video. I edit. I build rapid prototypes of consumer goods. I build castles for no other reason than to detonate them using highly illegal explosives.
But what I do, that is what I actually have a gift for, turns out to be writing. Sure I have a facile grasp of my native tongue. I know how to write a complete sentence. I grok the clause. I can avoid fragments and even use them to underscore a point. I know what a paragraph is actually supposed to contain. And I have a pronounced spelling deficiency - a requisite quality in all great writers.
All of this is...fine.
What makes me a writer is the opportunity, desire and ability to shape precise, complete thoughts with the written word and convey those thoughts accurately to another, detached individual. That makes someone a writer no matter how else they may be able to put food on the table. In my case, it helps that I have on occasion been paid to place words on a page. In a specific order no less.
So I now must reexamine my dreams. I know what it is that I have desired to do all these many years. Only now do I realize what it is that I can really do and have done over this same passage of time. It can be a sobering realization. Imagine studying to be a doctor for twenty years only to discover that you have a baker's hands. Even though you can appreciate the art and nobility of your God-given destiny, it doesn't mean that you will suddenly like bear claws...
But what I do, that is what I actually have a gift for, turns out to be writing. Sure I have a facile grasp of my native tongue. I know how to write a complete sentence. I grok the clause. I can avoid fragments and even use them to underscore a point. I know what a paragraph is actually supposed to contain. And I have a pronounced spelling deficiency - a requisite quality in all great writers.
All of this is...fine.
What makes me a writer is the opportunity, desire and ability to shape precise, complete thoughts with the written word and convey those thoughts accurately to another, detached individual. That makes someone a writer no matter how else they may be able to put food on the table. In my case, it helps that I have on occasion been paid to place words on a page. In a specific order no less.
So I now must reexamine my dreams. I know what it is that I have desired to do all these many years. Only now do I realize what it is that I can really do and have done over this same passage of time. It can be a sobering realization. Imagine studying to be a doctor for twenty years only to discover that you have a baker's hands. Even though you can appreciate the art and nobility of your God-given destiny, it doesn't mean that you will suddenly like bear claws...
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
To Tired To Blog!
I've been so busy trying to stay on schedule that I haven't had time to post lame excuses on the Blog! I've actually been told by some of you that you read my postings but not my comic... I say to you "scram!"
Actually, I may lock the blog and make the pasword the sixth word in panel three of every strip just to force you comic lurkers to read Vexxarr.
Why so bitter?
Let me give you a hint: I blog because I need to tell you guys why the comic that has kept me awake for thirty-six hours is late. If you only read my Blog, I COULD HAVE GONE TO SLEEP THIRTY-SIX HOURS AGO!
It's a paradox, true, but such is my lot.
Actually, I may lock the blog and make the pasword the sixth word in panel three of every strip just to force you comic lurkers to read Vexxarr.
Why so bitter?
Let me give you a hint: I blog because I need to tell you guys why the comic that has kept me awake for thirty-six hours is late. If you only read my Blog, I COULD HAVE GONE TO SLEEP THIRTY-SIX HOURS AGO!
It's a paradox, true, but such is my lot.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
New Vexx Late but Coming!
Work has conspired once again to curtail my real work on Vexxarr. I've drawn a strip for you but hadn't the time to finish it before my posted bedtime hour. I have an early and unexpected shoot tomorrow (Wednesday) and some duration of unconsciousness is required before attending. SO I sleep this once in stead of fulfilling your fondest dreams of a Vexxy Wednesday.
I'll be hard at work once my morning's toil has been properly disposed of...
I'll be hard at work once my morning's toil has been properly disposed of...
Friday, April 27, 2007
Time For A Serious Update!
The site is looking a little dingy. I think I need a change of pace. I'm thinking maybe chartreuse. I'd like to get a store here but I'm not sure what the demand for Vexxswag actually is. And I'm ever the conservative business turtle - never willing to stick my neck out. Perhaps I'll see if I can find an accommodating vendor who will let me order on demand (and not be a larcenous lout). Or perhaps I'll just pony up the cash...
Um, the first one I think.
Um, the first one I think.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Back On Track
And ready for tomorrow too! Feels kinda' odd actually... I'm thinking about updating the site in all my copious free time. Or I might sleep instead. It's up to you...
Monday, April 23, 2007
Excuse Number 2633421 -A12
I had a long shoot yesterday, OK? It was hot and lengthy and boring and slow. I spent the day hefting a Sony Beta SP camera and sticks around a Ford Dealership from 10:00am to 8:00pm. I was fed hot dogs the size of grown weasels. We shot nine (9) commercials, each featuring the daughter of the owner. While talented for a 21 year old, she was...well...shall we say extremely 21.
Again, present readership excluded.
Thanks to sunblock SPF 45 I am unripened this day but have been slugging back water since I awakened parched this morning. I have had to return camera package, audio package, lighting package and send various envoi to their respective owners.
Expect a comic in your near future. If you live in Gadsden and watch local television, expect something far, far less pleasant.
Again, present readership excluded.
Thanks to sunblock SPF 45 I am unripened this day but have been slugging back water since I awakened parched this morning. I have had to return camera package, audio package, lighting package and send various envoi to their respective owners.
Expect a comic in your near future. If you live in Gadsden and watch local television, expect something far, far less pleasant.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Go Hokies!
Vexxarr is flying Hokie colors in tribute to those who lived and those who died in Virginia. No links for contributions. I think all the Hokie spirit has asked at present is a little time and a little respect.
Done and done.
Done and done.
Monday, April 16, 2007
The IRS Stole Your Comic
Yes, I am preparing my taxes. Expect a comic soon...but not today. I feel your moral outrage. Direct it here. I'll have three comics up this week. Possibly starting tomorrow. If not, I promise it will be in color...or something.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
I'm 40
That's right, I am eight years older than I ever imagined I would be. At 40 I can now start codgering with relative impunity. So now when I rant about some petty indiscretion - imagined or real - I can now add "back in my day" or "when I was young" or the ever popular "kids these days". Think I'm being silly? In fifteen years, I get my AARP card.
Put THAT in your LAN party and invite it to team chat.
Let me assure you, I'm not exaggerating my age in an effort to reduce the duration of my ongoing pledge to you. In fact - as of the typing of this missive - there are (so far) no outwardly visible signs of my advancing decrepitude. More than once my youthful appearance has been described as "creepy" by those younger than 25 - an admonition that I believe underscored the veracity of their appraisal. Maybe by nightfall my visage with wither and droop like the unlucky Dorian after his encounter with an enraged art critic. Or I might play some Halo. Both have equal likelihood of coming to pass.
Well...Halo has a slight lead should Diet Code Red be introduced in any significant volume.
So...
1) I'm 40.
2) I owe three strips come tomorrow.
3) I have three scripts written so...give me half a day here and I'll see what I can do.
Put THAT in your LAN party and invite it to team chat.
Let me assure you, I'm not exaggerating my age in an effort to reduce the duration of my ongoing pledge to you. In fact - as of the typing of this missive - there are (so far) no outwardly visible signs of my advancing decrepitude. More than once my youthful appearance has been described as "creepy" by those younger than 25 - an admonition that I believe underscored the veracity of their appraisal. Maybe by nightfall my visage with wither and droop like the unlucky Dorian after his encounter with an enraged art critic. Or I might play some Halo. Both have equal likelihood of coming to pass.
Well...Halo has a slight lead should Diet Code Red be introduced in any significant volume.
So...
1) I'm 40.
2) I owe three strips come tomorrow.
3) I have three scripts written so...give me half a day here and I'll see what I can do.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Too Good To Last.
Friday's Vexxarr will post Sunday-ish. Monday's will be on time. Unscheduled road trip will keep me away from my cybernetic life support pod until Saturday evening. I'll let you know when and if I survive this trip into the meat-space wilderness of the American Southeast (Florida).
Till then, relish the wacky new perspective.
Till then, relish the wacky new perspective.
Monday, April 02, 2007
April Fools and the day after
Yes, your recent foray into the BWW (Bleen Wide Web) was indeed my April fools jolly at your expense. It took me less than an hour and it was the best I could do on short notice. To further exacerbate things - by which I mean you - I left it up all day toady because some of you don't get Vexxarr at home on the weekends.
So.
I hope you enjoyed being confused by it as much as I enjoyed confusing you. Which is to say quite a bit.
Look, a new comic. I have more. I shall post them.
So.
I hope you enjoyed being confused by it as much as I enjoyed confusing you. Which is to say quite a bit.
Look, a new comic. I have more. I shall post them.
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