Casey Cebulski's DiGITAL FIST

Anim 125: Speed Model Challenge I

2012-02-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

For a mini assignment in 3D Modeling, our instructor gave us a challenge to model plastic building bricks!

Anim 125: Project I - Train of Thought

2012-02-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

Update time at last!

The last few weeks have been busy, more so with MATC.

For my first intermediate 3D class, we box modeled a toy train. For 'C' level work, we could simply copy what our instructor did. For 'B' and 'A' level work, we were to go a step or two beyond.

So, I decided to add a few cars, and two of them had some 'extra' things I'm sure no one in my class will expect.

Randon Fandom, Ep. IV - Star TreX: The Final Frontier Evolved"

2012-01-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated 2012, True Believers!

The past month has been filled with much busy-ness, including, but not limited to, the job ramping up, school resuming in full swing, followed by my venture into an internship with Forever Interactive as a concept artist.

Today, I bring you a bit of geekdom in the form of Star TreX: The Final Frontier Evolved!

It started with a bit of black humor: Two blinks mean 'No'.

For any Trek fan, especially The Original Series, this comes from the 16th and 17th episodes, the only two-parter of the show, 'The Menagerie' of Star Trek. In it, Captain Pike is injured and relegated to a chair that he can just barely move and in which he can only communicate via blinking lights: One for 'Yes', two for 'No'.

Then, I started thinking about the Star Trek: Original Series, and how for the time it really was one of the most diverse cast of characters on television. Then, it occurred to me that when Marvel Comics re-launched X-Men in 1975, they assembled one of the most diverse cast of superheroes on the market.

From there, and idea was cast: What would an amalgamation look like? Having time on the lifeguard stand to play it out in my head (WHILE MAINTAINING FOCUS ON THE WATER AND THOSE IN IT), it slowly took shape in the form of loose ideas. The first being Capt. Pike and his injury. The black humor was that he's the world's most powerful telepath and he can only communicate via psychic blinks...of course, if I ever created any story material, it would be a pinch different.

For Christmas, I was blessed with TWO X-Men Omnibus books (Chris Claremont and Jim Lee Vol. 1 and Astonishing X-Men) and two X-Force trade paperbacks (X-Force/Cable: Messiah War and Necrosha), among other things. Needless to say, I'm a HUGE X-Fan, and this past holiday prompted me to get my idea onto paper.

The first design I did was of Cyclops. Slowly followed were Havok, Kid Vulcan, Beast, and the rest.

Colored versions to follow,

Excelsior!

Forever Interactive: Visions of Zosimos - Internship Opening Pitch

2012-01-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

Over the course of my winter break from MATC, I took a chance and inquired with my instructor about an internship with his start-up company, Forever Interactive. The position called for a 2D artist, preferably one with digital painting skills. Having my MCAD background, how could I not.

Thus began my venture into the video gaming industry as a concept artist intern on the project Visions of Zosimos!

Below are my first few passes for a card called Tempest Rush!

Voyage of the ARGonauts: Fruits Of Our Labor

2011-12-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

My team (7Rings Entertainment) has finally come to a milestone. Below is the Alpha state intro video for the Voyage of the ARGonauts.

It has been a long, arduous semester, but it was worth every minute of it. My team of Connie, Mario, Robert, Scott, Jacob, and Daniel helped to make it all happen. They are the best!

MATC - Texture and Material Editing: Compositing 3D Models Into Photos

2011-12-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

For my final assignment, I was given a choice of models to unwrap in 3DS Max, paint/texture in MudBox, and then bring back into Max to composite into a photograph. I chose a Joan of Arc model. Not being content with just a simple paint, I activated my geek gene and went Star Wars on it. Adding a lightsaber of my own design, she became part of a still taken from the Old Republic. After lighting was settled on, I brought the image into Photoshop to do some further tweaking.

Voyage of the ARGonauts: Leggo' my Logo!

2011-12-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ahoy, fellow ARGonauts!

Today's installment brings you the piece of the puzzle that I finally found: the ARGonaut logo!

After painstaking trial and error, I finally arrived at the box modeling process (Thanks Keith Kamikawa!). Using the MentalRay renderer, I gave the logo first a chrome material, but it was WAY too dark and wouldn't play nice with the lighting and background.

Using advice from my fellow classmate (Yo Joel Swanson!), I decided to go with a Semi-Polished Stainless Steel material!

The final result speaks for itself!

Voyage of the ARGonauts: Roadmapping is Fun

2011-11-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

Before we could get started with any of the Projects associated with the ARG and AUG, there needed to be some kind of framework; a way to see where everything goes and how it gets there. For this necessity, I used the site 'bubbl'. Their mind mapping feature allowed me to get everything organized and situated for our projects, thus allowing me to get the work done that you've seen thus far.

Voyage of the ARGonauts: What Was and What Might Have Been

2011-11-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the first rough draft of the Game Design document for Midnight Riders, the 7 Rings production before it was scrapped for the Voyage of the ARGonauts game.

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1IqiaD8_Ny7TdeUeNjoubzYrE9ZLL8N5WfYLO9LdlL78

Voyage of the ARGonauts: Plot Points

2011-11-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

For the Voyage of the ARGonauts ARG, I assisted in a team of three to come up with the overall story for the game itself. Coupled with the character design, we created a flawless set of documents that illustrated through words what the game should look like and how it all flows.

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1azPYi-BOMNlqiEoFDqim9_hHJ5tOAeNAlqE2MYWn9M0

Voyage of the ARGonauts: It's About Character, Stupid!

2011-11-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

As part of the game creation process, my team was tasked with creating the plot, the world, and the characters of the ARG. Using what I know from previous experiences, I took on the task of creating the characters used in-game.

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1hD8TS2vlJ0nj9Gtgk-kZHMDAOPzSWM5B3Z7pYT3RNzs

MATC - Voyage of the ARGonauts: The Scripting Process

2011-11-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

As Product Owner, I directed my team to come up with what we needed for our portion of the ARG, which is a video that has elements for the player to follow. To get things started, I took on the task of writing the shooting script. It was touch and go for a bit, but I finally got a final draft done to work from.

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1JUNs_rn28FTP_s7BSvJoDz5AEtSYvk56DJ7o7szQh0U

3ds Max Fun...Because I Can

2011-11-28T07:25:00.001-08:00

Have 3D modeling program, will create!

Killdove: The Long and Winding Road...That I Got Lost On And Had To Stop And Ask For Directions...

2011-11-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

A milestone!

With this latest entry, I have completed all the line art for Eric Pusey's 'Killdove' after two-and-a-half long years!

With some further input from Big E, I can complete any alterations necessary and fill-in work that was left undone for direction purposes.

It's finally ready to read from start to finish!

Next up, the graytones and cover!

MATC - Principles of 3D Animation: Armand Hammer

2011-11-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

The next project in 3D involved making an arm out of a box...

MATC - Texture & Material Editing project 4

2011-11-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Mudbox painted anime mesh! Obviously, I deviated from the original and made it something actually cool...

Killdove: On the home stretch...

2011-11-06T18:59:00.001-08:00

Page 21!

Just one more page to go, and the line art for issue 1 will be completed!

MATC - CSG Production: Voyage of the ARGonauts II

2011-11-05T20:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome back another journey into mystery via the ARGo!

This installment features a preliminary set of storyboard sequences aimed at structuring the A.R.G. video for the school-wide Augmented Reality Game!

After several attempts at creating a workable premise and script, the gallant ARGonauts started anew, taking what was good, learned from the bad, and contemplated the maybes and concepted an ARG video that was packed with a lot, but needed very little! Packed with subliminal messages and hidden clues, the ARG video is the gateway to the AUG at MATC's Portfolio Night!

Sequence One: This is the opener, starting with a shot of space. This space is interrupted via mysterious glowing disks! Cut to a web cam on the intrepid Dr. Kee, who is tracking said disks' movements, as well as decoding and deciphering transmissions! Enter the enigmatic Mr. Locke! As Locke and Kee interpret the events unfolding, the two Messengers contemplate the next move...

Sequence Two: The light disks make their way planet side, descending without impediment! Cut back to out web cam on Mr. Locke as he reads a news feed regarding missing people. Our good Dr. begins to think that the disks have something to do with the missing people, but that can't be. BUT SUDDENLY...THE ENEMY STRIKES! All is not as it appears!

Sequence Three: A cryptic message from the Doc! The light disks carry the allies! But, what is Kee NOT saying! Why is he in trouble! What is up with Locke, and how can Kee be in two places at once?!

Sequence Four: Dr. Kee has braved the invasion of the evil aliens, while making ready for the good guys' arrival! He's scrambled messages everywhere and set clues to find the hidden bad guys...who are closer than you think! MWA-HAHA!

In all seriousness, this is the beginning stages of the scripting process. rather than try and write it all out, my team and I created a structure so that we can word it all out later. Most of the images were drawn late in the day, after I'd put in long hours at the office/pool on only a few hours rest. You tend to get silly in that situation.

MATC - CSG Production: Voyage of the ARGonauts

2011-11-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the wonderful world of student video-game design and production!

Today's topic covers my awesome task of designing the logo and title for the school-wide Alternate/Augmented Reality Game my class/team is currently orchestrating.

As soon as my professor told us it would be an A.R.G. and that we needed a name, 'Jason and the Argonauts' quickly flew into my head. I really liked the idea of using a play-on-words, and when I proposed it, along with my logo, the class seemed to like it too. My prof dropped his name from the title portion, but immediately ok'd the logo.

Now, my task is to render it all in 3DS Max!

...good luck to me.

Killdove: Long Time Comin'...

2011-11-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

My sincerest apologies my faithful followers! Being a full-time student again, as well as working full-time hours has left me somewhat with a time shortage. But nonetheless, I managed page 20!

X-Celsius!

MATC - CSG Production: Character Design

2011-11-02T13:33:00.001-07:00

Production art for an in-game character for our ARG! Using an existing image of myself along with another model, I drew this up for an idea of what our characters would look like in the AUG portion of the game.

MATC - Principles of 3D Animation: Table Setting v 3.Done

2011-11-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Table setting in standard 3DS Max lighting, added utensils with a reflective material!

MATC - Principles of 3D Animation: Table Setting v 2.0

2011-10-19T14:35:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

It has been a busy last few weeks with class, but here is another render of the table setting, complete textures and materials in standard lighting!

MATC - Principles of 3D Animation: Table Setting

2011-10-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

As part of my major at MATC, I'm taking a 3D animation course. This project here is a table setting with cloth.

Very tricky.

I caused my computer to crash only once, though.

MATC - Computer Simulation & Gaming: VICOM 115

2011-10-03T09:41:00.001-07:00

For my major, I'm taking video game production classes. My team's initial idea was to create a racing game based on Paul Revere and William Dawes' ride to warn the Colonists about the British Invasion.

My role as Art Lead required me to be in charge of many design elements. MY first round of concepts involved what the 3D models for the player hands would look like in the HUD.

Sadly, our project was scrapped to make way for a much grander game to be made over the course of the rest of the year.

MATC - Texture & Material Editing project 3

2011-10-03T09:39:00.001-07:00

Project 3 for my Texture & Material Editing class, that of human skin.

MATC - Texture & Material Editing project 2

2011-10-03T09:33:00.001-07:00

After yet another long pause between posts, here is my first update since going back to school.

As part of my major, that of Computer Simulation and Gaming, I'm taking classes focused in the animation track. So, I've begun learning 3D modeling and texturing.

Here is the second project, that of color and texture spheres.

Killdove: A Page Late and a Background Short

2011-08-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Page 18!...sans one important element: a background...

Once I started drawing this page, I suddenly realized that there was no description of the lab that Roger Arbell mentioned! Instead of panicking, I instead contacted Big E for his thoughts, while continuing to draw the rest of the page, getting the characters and lettering down.

I could have easily faked the backgrounds, however a few factors stopped me:

1 - It's lazy, and I've got a better work ethic than that.
2 - Try as I may, I couldn't find any photo reference of the type of 'lab' I had in mind
3 - I didn't want to assume what Big E wanted, and given he's been VERY meticulous in his writings thus far, I want to make sure it all lives up to HIS standards, as well as mine.

Killdove: Progression Obsession pt.4,000,000

2011-08-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Line art for pages 16 AND 17!

Killdove: Progression Obsession pt.3

2011-08-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Line art for page 15!

Killdove: Line 'Em Up, Knock 'Em Down...

2011-07-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

A special sneak peak at the next page before the graytones!

Killdove: Progression Obsession pt.2

2011-07-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

The latest finished page for Killdove!

Killdove: Progression Obsession

2011-06-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

More completed pages, long overdue!

Killdove: Long Overdue...

2011-04-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings, True Followers!

First off, I feel I should apologize for my apparent lack of progress (ok, I'm gonna stop with pop culture references).

Life, it seems, has got in the way of "the prize", so to speak, and I've gotten away from what's important in my life.

But, I'm here now, and that's what matters!

Sp, here are few new Killdove pages, 8-10 respectively. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why no page 7. Well, my friends, Eric and I are still working on that one.

For now, enjoy this brief update, and I'm gonna do my darndest to follow up with more!

Inspirational Speaker

2011-01-30T19:32:00.001-08:00

Howdy everyone.

First off, happy belated New Year, and I am very sorry it's taken me THIS long to update this thing.

I've been having a busy month as senior staff at my Y filling in many hours and working many days/weeks consecutively. So, my time to get pages done has diminished some (that and having getting four PS3 games for Christmas doesn't help any). I've also been making arrangements to pursue more schooling at Milwaukee Area Technical College, hopefully finishing with a two year degree in Computer Simulation and Gaming.

To that effect, it's taken quite a bit to get a fire lit under my @$$ and give Killdove the loving attention it deserves.

For now, I thought I'd share some fun pics I made for 's call for people to send in their 'spin' on the Packers/Bears rivalry. For those of you who don't know, or simply live under a rock, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have one of, if not THE, longest rivalries in NFL history. And when they played each other for the NFC Championship title and be the NFC rep in the Super Bowl last Sunday (see, I have been working A LOT), it was electric around the states. And yes, the Packers won, and they are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Any-hoo, here are the four 'inspirational' posters I created for the occasion. Enjoy!

Killdove: Rough Start, Rough Finish

2010-11-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

At long last, and update!

After many weeks of toiling and scheming, I've finally finished the first issue roughs. As I've stated before, instead of approaching this thing one at a time, I opted to go in batches of four in order to get the layouts to Eric faster. By working smaller on the page as well, I'm able to work faster, as I don't have to fit in as much.

At any rate, the final 16 pages have finally come into place, the last 12 being show here (pages 7-10 I posted earlier). So, for your viewing pleasure, Killdove #1, pages 11-22.

Random Fandom: Blast From The Past

2010-10-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

Opening up my old portfolios, I've found some of my older work from my days at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Completed in the 2007-2008 year, these are from my own personal project during my internship with Peter Gross that summer, a Superhero Comics workshop with Andy Schmidt in the fall, Comic Three and my Senior Project classes with Barb Schulz.

Killdove: Spreading the Love

2010-10-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about working on Killdove is the chance to constantly improve my work. In an effort to present the best visuals possible, I'm always running them by Eric first. After giving me his painfully concrete feedback and insight, I make sure I get what he needs to make his story work. Here is a perfect example.

The fifth page of Kill dove involved the main character, Kevin, seeing into the future, and going through all the possible encounters with the bad guy. Each one resulted in his death. Eric had on one page 12 panels showcasing this, but I felt one page would be too small. So, I opted to make it a two page spread, Eric liked this idea. But then, I came up with an even bigger, bolder attempt: a three-page spread. This way, in my mind, I could get all four of Kevin's visions on the page, and even fit in a money shot of the character reacting!

After a few stubborn renderings of the various images, I was able to compile the final image used in our pitch.

Not being content, Eric brought up and excellent idea: Thought balloons instead of tiers and have Kevin looking at the reader. Genius! My first re-working had Kevin putting his hands on his head, as if reacting to the sudden rush of telepathic visions. But, Eric felt just having him looking forward in the same pose I originally had would be better. As always, he was right.

Killdove: Opening Pitch

2010-10-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Okay kiddies, here's a blast from the past! When I initially took on the Killdove project, I wasn;t quite sure what to expect. The writer, Eric, had a massive story with lots of layers and characterization. What's a recent art student to think?

Instead of starting at the very beginning, Eric and I decided to produce a few pages, just to see what kind of look we could produce. He opted to send me a few pages of script to work from, which was from about the middle or so of his overall story. It involved time-traveling back from the middle ages, dimension hopping creatures, and ninja swords.

Upon further review, Eric decided that while presentable, he wanted to start from a different point.

Fortunately, these pages serve as somewhat of a reminder of what Killdove can become.

Random Fandom: Digital Art part 1

2010-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at some of the digital art I've done with my Wacom tablet, some photo reference, and no life...that last bit was a joke.

Included in this batch are Nite-Owl from 'Watchmen', Kyle Rayner Green Lantern, Captain Peter James Cybulski (my own creation, though he does kinda look familiar), Super-Duo Dark Lioness and Lady Thunder (thank you Anna and Emily), Jedi Rinn Di Haloken (my creation), and Nite-Devil (an amalgamation of Daredevil and Dr. Mid-Nite).

Killdove: Rough Around The Edges

2010-09-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

At long last, an update.

Killdove is still being worked through. In my last update to Eric, I had completely roughed out the rest of the first issue of Killdove. While I was excited, I had gotten a bit blinded to the objective.

Eric, being the perfectionist for his baby, felt that I could've done better. And he was right. After getting the most updated script he wrote, I've decided to do four pages at a time. It saves time, keeps my deadlines tighter, and most importantly allows me to get the best results without having to worry about X amount of work.

Killdove: Hitting a Rough Patch

2010-08-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

After our romping visit to Wizard World Chicago, Eric and I have decided to push forward with the rest of the issue. Our overall goal is to publish it online, then proceed with one page a week. A long way from now, here is the start of the process. Tally-Ho!

Adventures at Wizard World Chicago 2010

2010-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

As a abudding comic book artist, one of the things you're told is to travel t oconventions to get your work looked at by editors and pros alike. With this comes a degree of cold feet, as I wasn't sure of...well...anything really.

Grandiose adventures started the night of Friday, August 20th 2010. I had been working my day job as a lifeguard at the YMCA during a rather stormy day (nothing pisses people off more than when you have to close to pool because of lightning). Almost immediately after, my writer friend Eric 'The Indomitable Progressive Blogger' Pusey arrived in my tiny, ho-dunk town of Jackson. We were able to meet up at Jimmy's (a fabulous small-town diner), and just chill. Going over the pitch, which turned out great, as well as the weekend itself, a plan was hashed out.

Come 6:45 Saturday, August 21st 2010 I'm on the road to Chicago! A road trip for the ages, Eric had the pedal to the metal and the top down on his sweet Miata. I could feel the wind blowing through whatever hair is left on my head.

Soon enough, we ended up in the home where the FIBs roam (Eric is convinced he didn't pay any tolls coming in, yet doesn't seem to remember stopping at one). And like two out-of-staters, we were completely lost getting to the Hyatt for our stay. Conveniently located by the convention center, we trotted our way the few hundred yards to our impending doom...I mean catastrophe...sh*t, I mean fate (I told you I was nervous). All the while, I kept telling myself 'This is really happening. A year of planning, hard-ish work, and waiting and we're finally getting ourselves here!'

Right was we touched our feet to the convention floor, Eric and I are immediately herded into a different direction: Exhibit Hall B. Not what you think. Crammed full of people, Exhibit Hall B housed the gigantic line to the main entrance. Over the course of one-half hour, Eric and I mused about geeky things, poked fun at some of the more oddly dressed folks (all in good-natured humor too, btw), and kept our spirits high by talking ourselves up.

Once on the showroom floor, we were overwhelmed. Vendors, celebrities, and pros abound, we didn't know where to go first. So, we did the simple thing: we walked around. A lot. Our first stop was at the Avatar Press booth, Brian Pulido showing off his greatness with Lady Death. Our first 'meeting' to show off our pitch, we were told to leave contact info, and they'll get back to us. Perfectly fine. Seeing my favorite droid from a galaxy far, far away, I grabbed a photo op. Word. I was also able to catch glimpses of Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker from SW: Ep 1), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett from SW: Ep 2 and SW: The Clone Wars), Brent Spiner (Mr.Data from ST), the back of Walter Koenig's head, Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor from Terminator), Christina Loken (from T3, who also walked right by me with Linda in the ATM line), Gareb Shamus (former EIC of Wizard Magazine), and Adrianne Currie (a model who is a SW nerd).

Our next stop was the artist alley. The first person I saw there was my old classmate Joel. He gave me good advice, as well as doing some small catching up since I'd hadn't seen him since 2008. Next we quickly deposited our pitch to David Mack, Eric kinda freaked a little thinking we were taking time away from his 'selling of stuff', which is neither here nor there at this point. Another stop at Hanson Press, and then I'm finding myself talking to freelance comic artist Mike McKone! He too offered great advice, telling us to go the digital route, and even asked if I had any relation to CB Cebulski of Marvel. Sadly, I do not. Turing 180 degrees, we spoke with Jim Calafiore, another free-lance artist who is going to get a web comic up and running, he too dispatched more words of wisdom (seriously folks,this was almost as exciting as meeting Patrick Gleason and having Doug Mahnke walk over and offer tons of advice!). The duo pretty much had this message for us: never give up, and explore as many options as we can. Plain and simple. We even got some great digital websites to display our comic from the guys of Mid-Knight Adventures.

A special mention will go out to Rod Blagojevich who was in attendance. Why? Who the hell cares. Every time they announced him, there were boos abound, and everyone had something to say. As I came back in from the ATM line, he was standing right at the entrance, and I was standing shoulder to shoulder with him. I didn't actually talk to good ol' Rod, but I'm sure I'm in a TON of pictures with the guy.

Feeling we'd exhausted all sources we could find, Eric and I decided to try and enjoy the Con a bit, and head out shortly after. But first, I had some detouring to do: 'The Final Five' actors from Battlestar Galactica were in attendance at their own tables taking photos and signing autographs! Unfortunately, I got confused by some of the signage so I wasn't able to get a picture and autograph from Michael Hogan, who played one of my favorite characters on the show. Bummer. I at least got 'a' picture of him signing stuff.

However, I was able to get a photo-op and personalized autograph with Michael Trucco, aka Anders. As a fan of the show, I fell into the cliché of blanking when I met him. We chatted a bit about the show, the fact that his character 'Anders' became one of my other favorite characters as the show went on. He even told me how it was a hard sell to keep him on, mainly because he kept getting in the way of Starbuck and Apollo. I managed to compliment the fact that he was 'representing' with a Captain America shirt and stupidly said i was rocking the GL shirt. When I got my picture taken with him, he allowed Eric to take more than enough photos, and was even trying to direct him AS he's taking them. Finally, we got 'The One' as Michael put it, I shook his hand once more, gave my compliments, and was on my giddy merry...right into the line to meet Rekha Sharma, aka Tory.

Even more beautiful in person, I again blanked upon reaching her table. I simply gave my praises for her and the cast of the show, telling her how much I enjoyed it, and then blanked again. I awkwardly said 'I guess it's picture time' to which she responded 'Picture time, kinda like it's business time?'. Having no clue I again awkwardly responded 'I guess so.' To which she responded 'Do you watch Flight of the Conchords?', and my stupid response of 'I try to', which isn't far from the truth as I'd heard of it, but had never got the chance to see what it was. I was mentally punching myself in the head. Hard. Eric again played camera man, got a few pics, I shook her hand politely saying how good it was to meet her, and off I went. I had never felt more stupid around a female in my life, regardless of Ms. Sharma being an actress on my favorite TV show.

My VERY LAST STOP came in the form of the making a purchase from the custom lightsaber creators of Saber Forge. Laugh all you want, but holding a movie quality prop that is super-durable is a nerd's wet dream (aside from meeting hot TV actresses).

Back at the hotel, Eric and I chilled out and rested our feet and knees. Professor Avery Brooks (Captain Benjamin Sisko from ST: DS9) was wandering around, and even sat within 15 feet of us at the hotel restaurant. Michael Biehm from 'Terminator' was there too, as well as David Mack, and Joe Madruiera. The clocks struck midnight awfully fast.

Come morning, we had to depart. But not before I see Michael Hogan from BSG going down one the elevators. We ate some breakfast, packed our stuff (me getting extra paranoid of my autographed pic), loaded the car, and headed back in to the Con. We again spent time in Exhibit Hall B, this time not as long (what with it being Sunday and all). We decided to peruse the vendors some, Eric looking for some long-sought after comics and trades. Soon enough, however, we were on the road. Illinois behind me, I found myself in DT Milwaukee with my buddy Alex playing Madden and going back to being plain old me. The weekend, however, will stay with me forever. And every time I look up at my framed picture of 'Anders', it shall remind me to continue to bust my hump to get my dream of being a comic artist into a reality.

Casey J., over and out.

UPDATED - Geek Speak: First Look at Ryan Reynolds in 'Green Lantern'

2010-07-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

(Click for a GIGANTIC version. Seriously, the image is HUGE!)

"In brightest day, In blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight, Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power, Green Lantern's Light!"

This is the mystical oath recited by test pilot Hal Jordan and and many others across the fictional universe of the Green Lantern mythology. A favorite of mine, I jumped for joy when I heard news of a motion picture. Now next summer, we will see the Green Lantern universe move on the big screen, the title character portrayed by Ryan Reynolds.

This week's issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands Friday July 16th, features our first glimpse at the Emerald Warrior.

Before the movie itself began production, director Martin Campbell had this to say about the hero in an interview: "...he's quite fascinating as a character, given that his powers are psychological, it's to do with will power as you probably know, and his enemy is fear. All that's interesting and he's the only superhero to go to another planet, which is very unusual. The combination of that... the main thing I've got to do is keep a sense of reality about it, and we endlessly at meetings have what we call a 'Cheese-Meter' (chuckles) which whenever we have ideas or how we're going to do something or develop it, we all talk about the cheese factor, about keeping it in reality and not letting it get too cheesy. I'm very aware of all of that, and I hope I will bring a sense of reality to it so it doesn't get in the realm of "comic book" as such."

(source: http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=62408)

Campbell has also gone on record as saying that he didn't want Green Lantern's suit to look 'human', and wanted a more alien, organic appearance. This of course comes from the idea that the ring that Green Lantern wears is of extra-terrestrial origin. He also wanted the suit to be completely CGI. That's right, Ryan Reynolds costume was merely a motion capture suit. Neat-o!

Fans, including myself, are already used to the regular design of the GL (Green Lantern for short) costume as seen in the comics (see image, right). Modified from a design created by the late-Gil Kane over fifty years ago, the green-on-black-white gloves has been a staple for the character of Hal Jordan (I can get into the other Green Lanterns from Earth, but this is about the one for now).

The possibility of seeing this design on screen was both a joy and a curse. A joy, in that my favorite superhero gets the big-screen treatment, a curse in that 98% of all superhero movies look hoaky. Why? Characters drawn and colored on a 2-D surface are far different than a moving, breathing person. The pop-color costume of Green Lantern could VERY easily fall into the realm of 'silly' awfully fast.

So, upon first glance I have to admit I was taken aback. Not in disgust, more along the lines of bewilderment. I wasn't sure what to expect. As I've stated before, the classic, slick design of the comics wouldn't translate very well onto the screen (regardless of explanations and CGI). There have been a few attempts to modernize the Green Lantern suit (as seen in Midway's Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, see image left), which could work, but wouldn't quite fit with Martin Campbell's vision of the character.

Now, while we as the audience have no clue how the film itself will pan out, GL fans already know that Hal changes his costume in the books (some changes were also brought by whomever was drawing the character at any given time).

So, maybe this first glance is a tease,
so to speak. Who knows? Maybe we'll be treated to something like this fan-rendering of Reynolds as GL. (All credit goes to the artist, whom for the life of me I can't find their name.)

One thing is for sure, Martin Campbell and Co. are doing this film justice. While I can't speak for everyone, I can say for myself that I like the design. It keeps a modest sense of the original design (body suit, logo centered on his chest, mask with white eyes, and of course the ring on his right hand) and it delivers the 'alien' feel in spades. I get the sense of a suit that is a part of the ring-wearer, which is almost the point. Any comic artist will tell you that every superhero is essentially drawn naked with a few lines to indicate a form-fitting costume. At least with a CGI suit, you won't be distracted with a foam-rubber look (sorry Batman Begins). Needless to say, the more I see and hear about this film, the more excited I get to see my favorite superhero light up (no pun intended) theater screens next summer.

UPDATE - 7/25-2010

Straight from San Diego Comic Con, ScreenRant.com was there to give us the report from the movie panel held in Hall A. Here are some tidbits from the report:

Martin Campbell was asked about the costume. They lost the white gloves, looked cooler and more interesting without them.
Costume is still a work in progress. It’s more of a “skin” than a costume, with muscular lines.
Lord of the Rings costume designer is working on the costume – amazingly talented.

It would seem as if my assumptions listed above may be accurate. Maybe this is merely a tease to what the final version of our Emerald Warrior will look like on screen!

(source: http://screenrant.com/comic-con-2010-green-lantern-panel-rob-70093/)

Green Lantern is scheduled to be released on June 17, 2011.

Killdove: Re-Opening Old Wounds

2010-07-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, true believers!

Today, on the eve of July 4th, I've re-completed the first page of the Killdove pitch.

The original page featured a detective and officer at the scene of a gruesome crime. Staged in a dank bar, most of the interiors were pitch black, save for light pouring in from windows and the door.

At first, I just wanted to get a general idea for the page, getting all the line art done. But as time went on, something was bothering me about the whole thing. And then it hit me. It was flat, lifeless. I never applied the amount of graytone and lighting that I added to the other pages, so it didn't fit with the other pages.

After experimenting with blurs and layers, I've achieved (at least I think so) a finished page.

Killdove: Tiers of Joy

2010-06-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

At long last, an update.

For the past year, I've been cranking away at the Killdove pitch. The process has been slow (mostly due to things like time, procrastination, and my tenacity to fit as much detail as I can), but ultimately rewarding.
I've finally got together the last three pages, formed into a spread.

Originally, this was to be a simple, one page splash with four tiers of panels surrounding it. The scene is our mind-reading anti-hero Kevin glimpsing all possible options to disarm the villain, each one ending in his death.
I decided to take a chance and work this into a spread (as mentioned in a previous post).

The overall process was this: start with tight pencils, outline with a wet-media brush via Photoshop, get Eric's approval, then add graytones.

Combined with very large resolution (I work at nothing less than 600 ppi), this allows for the richest, most detailed line work I can muster.
Once the last tier was completed, I added the lettering. Eric always had this idea of a kind of reverse-color word balloon to really push the fact that these bad guys are ANYTHING but human.

I white letters with a black background, did a triple-outline of white-black-white, then added the 'plastic wrap' filter in order to give it a grimy/gross feel to it, via Eric's instructions.

I have to say, the end result speaks for itself.

Killdove: A Process of Insanity

2010-06-05T15:02:00.001-07:00

If there's one thing an artist can do, it's to always NEVER be satisfied with their work. Once in a while however, one can forget HOW to not ever be satisfied. This can be a bad thing. Why you ask? Simple. To be satisfied with your work means to settle on something that may not be your best. I fell into that. Hard. Case-in-point, my tenure as 'Artistic Director' for the Killdove pitch (the writer's title choice, btw). We've settled on first presenting a portfolio, or pitch, to various editors and publishers in order to get this thing printed. No easy task, mind you, mostly because of what I've stated above.

As I progressed in the pages, I found my stopping point in the story when the protagonist, Kevin, through ESP/pre-cognition, sees multiple ways to stop an assailant. Before he comes to a future where he DOESN'T lose or die, he acts. However, in the pitch we're only gonna show the process by which Kevin sees his grisly demises.

My first pass at this involved a single page with just the four tiers of action. The more I looked at it, the more I felt like something was missing and a bit off. Then it hit me! Make the single page into a spread (For those of you not familiar with comics, a spread is usually two or more pages, usually meant for a massive shot of whatever the story requires). I pitched this to Eric (my fearless project leader), and he approved. I submitted my first pass, and I still felt like something was off. It again hit me! Add a central image, making this a three-page spread. I would then arrange the tiers to 'float' around this central image.

Eric liked this idea. However, trouble arose. He was feeling that what I depicted wasn't quite what he wanted, or the best I had to offer. Now, I'm not gonna say this pissed me off or nothin'. Artists are used to this kind of thing. The problem came from me getting 'comfortable' and settling on the first pass, obviously not my best. After a much needed kick in the ass (thank you Eric!), I got back to work and took what he had to say to heart. My next pass came that much easier.

Not to be satisfied either, Eric pointed out that I had missed a few things. Imagine how I thought 'Geez, I'm a dope'. And interestingly enough, all I had to do was fix a few shots of the bad guy's hoodie. I never noticed that I had the bad guy wearing a zipper-hoodie in half the tiers, and a regular hoodie in the other half. Talk about being blind. I also had to let go of the central image that I personally liked, and instead came up with an even better one.

This just goes to show that I need to focus and retain that mind frame to NEVER be satisfied. Or, at the very least, not be so stubborn about having to change.

Random Fandom Episode III: They Are The Avengers

2010-06-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

With the recent 'reveals' of concept art for both the Captain America and Thor movies respectively, many are aware that along with the Iron Man films the Avengers are right around the corner.

The big screen premiere of Marvel Comics' super team is a few years away yet, but I can't help bu wonder just how the team itself will look once the big three are on screen. Well, thankfully I have the artistic ability to bring that concept to life. Utilizing the blank variant cover to the recently released Avengers #1, as well as concept art for the Iron Man 2 video game with Cap and Thor, I can 'see' the Avengers as they could appear together on film.

But it's not enough to simply put the images together, let us also examine the respective looks of each character.

Captain America- The Sentinel of Liberty. Super-Soldier. The icon of WWII. With the Ultimates series by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch, Cap had been given a radical design for his WWII fatigues (think basic soldier, only in all blue with the red and white stripes, blue helmet with white 'A'), as well as an update for this contemporary uniform. I say uniform, because Cap is a character who is a soldier first and 'costume' just doesn't fit. With his movie appearance, Joe Johnston went to great lengths to ensure the fans of the series (myself included) that his suit would respect the source material, yet be made in a way that makes sense. I feel that this has been accomplished. The basic design is there, color scheme, etc. I even dig the red straps, as they hold a true purpose and even allow for the design of the vertical red and white on the suit. Even the helmet is great. While I do feel that wings painted on would've made sense, it still works.

Thor- The Norse God of Thunder. His look embodies the more modern design, following the relaunch of a few years ago. The look that was given to him the 1960's was used up until the early 2000's, and is still the iconic look that most older comic fans will recognize and think of when they hear 'Thor'. Here, however, that look is blow out of the water. In keeping with the fantastic, Norse mythology that the character is pulled from, we get a design that doesn't scream 'This has been done before in every movie about mythic times!' or 'Hey, wasn't he Eomer from LOTR?' (though, in an interesting twist, the actor, Chris Hemsworth, played George Kirk in Star Trek, along with the actor who played Dr. McCoy and Eomer in LOTR, Karl Urban). The suit is supposed to reflect the idea of chain mail armor, overcoat and cape that one associates with Norse tales. And, if the hammer glows like it does in this image, the film will be epic!

Iron Man- Tony Stark. He is Iron Man. In Iron Man 2, Tony Stark created an upgrade for his suit. The most telltale difference is the chest piece. A circle in the first installment, it is now a triangle. This recalls the Iron Man used in the 1980's, the Silver Centurion armor. With more streamlined effects, and angles used for different pieces this newer model, the Mark VI, conveys power. The color scheme itself is more in keeping with the comics (legs and arms = gold, boots, gloves, chest, torso, hips, helmet = red), which is nice to see with this version. Don't get me wrong, the first Iron Man was amazing. This one just amps it up a bit.

So, there you have it. The Avengers. Coming to a theater near you in 2012 (hopefully)!

Random Fandom Episode II: Master and Apprentice

2010-05-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here's an image from my own geeky Star Wars fan-fiction I've been writing since I was about 15. What started as a simple, poorly-written story in a spiral notebook with a yellow cover, became an odyssey of sorts involving short-stories, a small comic project in college, and many doodles involving characters from a galaxy far, far away.

The duo is a Jedi Knight and apprentice team of (Master) Wade Vox and his eager apprentice Quin Qel-Droma, circa 25 ABY.

The story developed around the time that the Star Wars novel series 'New Jedi Order' was being published. One of my best friends in high school and I began writing a story that takes place a little over a year prior to the series itself, culminating just as it opens. We cast ourselves, so to speak, as the main characters during a minor conflict.

As I developed the story more and more, I ended up with Quin enrolling in the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4 (Quin was 'myself', as I would want to be in Star Wars, ego-centric, yes, but keep in mind I was 15 when I started writing it all). I chose the name 'Quin' as a direct homage of the character Quinlan Vos, a pre-existing character in the Dark Horse Comics series. I had gotten back into collecting monthly comics with the current SW series, being drawn by one of my all-time favorite artists Jan Duursema. The shortened version of Quinlan's name was said, and I liked the ring to it. Thus Quin Qel-Droma, descendant of Ulic and Cay Qel-Droma, was born. His best friend, based off of my actual best friend in real life, was called Vander Donna, the rugged fighter jock.

Quin's master became an EXTREMELY obscure character by the name of Wade Vox, a Jedi Knight with origins in smuggling and shady origins like his apprentice. Wade was last seen in the PlayStation game 'Star Wars: Demolition', and he was a character of strong Force ability. I knew this character's full story was never told, so I figured why not. Besides, Wade was THE best character to play as in the game.

Since most of the Star Wars dramatic personae were being used, I decided that if (heaven forbid) the stories themselves ever get published then I'd use characters that no one would think to. Thus, I'd be free to write whatever without contradicting what was already happening.

Nerdy. I know.

ANY-HOO...I based this image on a story I'd written for my Comic One class.

Master Wade and his apprentice Quin.

Random Fandom Episode I: Iron Lantern

2010-05-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

I love comics. I love movies. When the two are put together the right way, we get gloriousness. When they aren't put together the right way...well...let's just say 'bad aftertaste' applies to more than food.

ANY-HOO...when Iron Man was first being promoted, I was a senior in college. I came across an AWESOME image of the Mark II armor, and decided to have some fun.

Anyone born around 1985 and just happens to also be into comic book stuff, should remember the DC/Marvel Amalgam Universe from 1996. Released in two waves, the second featured my all-time favorite combination: Iron Man and Green Lantern. Hence, 'Iron Lantern'.

I took that idea and applied it to the image I found from the Iron Man movie.

Origins of the Killdove Project

2010-05-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

Presented before you are the first of many images related to a project in the works.

Going under the working title 'Killdove', I've been working in conjunction with a writer named Eric. Over the past year, I've been working like crazy trying to being his vision to life in way that will get us published.

Actually, it's funny how it all began. I'd been living in Minnesota after college, just trying to make ends meet. While on a visit to my folks in WI, I came across an e-mail from Eric. He'd seen my MCAD work, and wanted ME to provide visuals for a project he'd had in his head for years.

From there, I've rendered, re-rendered, scrapped, and started anew. As I get closer and closer to finishing a solid set of visuals for a pitch, we're readying ourselves for shopping this little gem around to various publishers.

The introduction of a mad man...

2010-05-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

...ok, not really a 'mad man', but to those that know I'm definitely not normal.

Who I am is an artist that hails from southeastern Wisconsin, currently holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Comic Art. My major influences stem from the mainstream world of comics, with artists including Alex Ross, Ivan Reis, Jan Duursema, Adi Granov, and a slew of others. As of right now, my major project involves developing a creator-owned graphic novel/comic book series titled 'Killdove'. Check us out on Facebook!

I am new to the blogging world, and can't wait to begin sharing my work and experiences with you.

In the immortal words of Stan Lee,

Excelsior!