Jumping Toaster Productions

So I’ve got my copy of the Dark Tower ‘Treachery’ Vol. 3 by Marvel do you? If you’re not reading the series I can understand. A lot of us out there try to preserve the original content and rather not know what the back story is or the epilogue in some cases. But in this instance, the work done by Jae Lee & Richard Isanove is incredible, their unique style fits perfectly with Stephen King’s universe of the Gunslinger. If you have no idea who Jae Lee, he worked on numerous titles under the Marvel licence such as: Namor, X-men and Inhumans. Richard Isanove has work on a few himself like: Wolverine ‘Origins’, Fantastic Four and Captain America.

If you enjoyed the ‘Gunslinger’ from the Dark Tower books like I did, check out the comic series illustrated by a handful of very talented artists. I especially liked the hard cover collection because of different ‘comic book covers’ by various artists inside. Great artists like J. Scott Campbell & Edgar Delgado or Joe Quesada & Richard Isanove and many others.

 I know Chapters (Canada) and of course your local comic book shops still carry all three titles, but if you’re interested you should probably rush out and pick up a copy before they’re gone. I recall the sticker price was around $20-$30 but once you see the artwork and the print quality, it’ll be worth it.

 Enjoy

Absolutely no educational purpose whatsoever, but damn funny!

Jim Henson Sept 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990

I stumbled across this website recently because I was looking for a new puppet. Yes, that’s right a new puppet! Jim Henson’s children were pretty darn smart to market their dad’s Muppets for sale through the world-famous retailer FAO Schwarz.

The Muppet Whatnot Workshop is a fantastic idea! Make your very own Muppet, start by choosing from three different body types, eyes, hair and of course little outfits. You’ll get your own Muppet creation in about 3-4 weeks and then you can start to put on your own puppet productions for your friends and family! I love this idea so much I’m waiting for a pay cheque before I go out and order mine. The Muppet Whatnots are made out of the same material and craftsmanship that the ‘real’ Muppets are made from, so you’ll know where your $129.00 went. Trust me, it’s far easier to pay a professional to make your own ‘personalized’ Muppet then going online to find a pattern, buy the materials and then spend your free time sculpting and sewing. Plus I’m not the best at sewing and I think I’d be a little disappointed after spending several hours stitching, only to wind up with a pile of crudely sown together rags and button eyes that will sit in the corner mocking me until I curb it!

Get started on creating your own version of a Muppet here at FAO Schwarz!

Arbor Day, Arbor Day

Does whatever a stupid tree does.

Does he swing, from a line?

Catches thieves any size?

He is wood…roots and pine!

In the heat of the night,

By the scene of a crime,

Lays a match so bright

And the smell of burning pine!

Arbor Day, Arbor Day

Friendly neighbourhood doggy washroom.

Wealth and fame, it’s ignored-

Urine is his reward.

To him,

He is a stupid tree ah-

Where ever there’s some pee ah-

You’ll find a stupid TREE!

Seeing as how it’s still Earth Day (April 22) I just want to quickly address the issue of littering. I love going down to the beach to hang out with friends, play some hacky sack and of course go for a nice dip in the ocean. But what I dislike about the beach experience is watching the numerous individuals having a cigarette and then putting it out in the sand. Covering it up with sand will NOT make it magically disappear or dispose of it properly.

The second terrible habit I witness on the beach are the drinkers. I love a nice cold frosty one on the beach too people, but please pick up the cans/bottles AND bottle caps they are just awful to step on if you’re bare foot. The children shouldn’t have to use the bottle caps to put on their sand castles and the cigarette butts for flag poles cause they’re lying around either. 

Love, respect, and cherish this world we have and the individuals and species we share our planet with.

Happy Earth Day

 VS.

Oh by the way, they’re both zombies!

Okay let’s start off with ‘The Street Prophet’ from Sideshow Collectibles. This ‘newer’ model of The Dead Series has over 30 points of articulation, life-like hair/clothing, a cardboard sign and a whole array of other little objects a Hobo might carry. But I left out my favourite, the gnawed leg of one of his victims you can make him carry. While I love the little additions, it doesn’t make up for the lack of uniqueness to the character profile.

The concept of a zombie Hobo could have been executed a bit better, though the life-like facial hair was a great touch. The body is where the Hobo seems to fall short on uniqueness. You can pull back the sleeves/jack and plainly see the joints and the different color of plastic. The clothing he’s dressed in seems drab it’s not stained or filthy like a Hobo should have. Heck, there aren’t any drops of blood on the clothing either! And lastly, the feet do not seem to bend properly? Seems that the left foot bend from side to side, where as the right bends forward and back, but not side to side? I know, I know, this seems like a dumb strike against the Hobo but when you try to pose him in different stances you’ll see what I mean. Maybe I want to turn his right foot inward while he’s gimping along instead of the left.

So how do I rate this zombie action figure from Sideshow Collectibles, well I give him 7 moans out of 10! He’s a great figure to take out of the box and pose on the shelf with all the accessories, but I wouldn’t pay the extra bucks to get the ‘Sideshow Exclusive’ for the traveling bag on a stick.

Lurching her way toward you next is ‘Bloody Betty’ from Peril Unlimited. You can purchase a ‘bloody’ version or a ‘clean’ version, both are simply stunning. This figure also comes with realistic bimbo-bleach-blond hair, life-like cheerleader outfit and boasts over 30 points of articulation. My luck was with me when I placed the order, only to receive my ‘Bloody Betty’ in a body bag! That’s right kiddies, a little body bag! Too bad they had to stop shipping them in the bags because of the extra custom fees the buyer had to pay to have an officer ‘handle’ the item. Get your hands off my Bloody Betty buddy!

Okay, so the Bloody Betty ships in a clear ‘clam shell’ case now that’s fine, considering the money you’ll save. The sticker price is almost HALF the cost of the Hobo, including the handling fee you might have to pay! All money talk aside, this zombie action figure is definitely a gem! The face is absolutely hideous, loose skin hanging off on the sides, a dead stare and patches of hair missing from her scalp. Plus you gotta love the sexy cheerleader figure, especially when there’s mud and blood soaked stained knee-high socks. The attention to detail and care that the artist at Peril Unlimited took when crafting my Bloody Betty only added to the figures overall appeal and uniqueness. Who else would take the time to think; “What did Betty step in that got her cute little sneakers so dirty before she ate that dudes brain?” It’s that kind of thinking that really launches a company in the right direction. Even with the lack of accessories (because we really could have used some pom-poms) Bloody Betty takes my heart away and probably takes a bite out of it!

The Bloody Betty zombie action figure from Peril Unlimited bites herself an 8 and a half fingers out of 10! Individuality sets Betty aside from the Hobo, for no two will ever be crafted the same. Cost, pay half the price for a superior zombie action figure! So there you have it ‘Bloody Betty’ from Peril Unlimited beats ‘The Street Prophet’ from Sideshow Collectibles with a severed limb for victory!

Tiko Kerr

‘You Are Here’

 April 08/09 – May 03/09

Since 1981, Tiko Kerr has produced a number of solo exhibits both nationally & internationally and has participated in many group exhibitions and creative cultural collaborations. His work is widely collected and he has generated an impressive number of corporate commissions. As an activist, Kerr routinely uses his success to help raise funds for a variety of worthy causes and related charities.

In his most recent series of figurative and landscape works, Tiko Kerr examines the disparity that exists between what shelters different citizens of Vancouver, BC. The artist invites viewers to examine a variety of concepts of what makes a home and illustrates the ambiguous boundaries and unstable locations found within a city poised on the verge of global examination. 

A deeply profound exhibit that will leave you asking what else our government could be doing to aid the numerous individuals facing homelessness in our city/province.

Winsor Gallery

3025 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3J9
604-681-4870

Just in time for the start of another work week, a least this is a short week for most of us. Anyways the first website is a little sick, so buckle up for a fun ride and try not to get busted at the office.

First up one of my personal favourites, Happy Tree Friends! This sick little website was first introduced to me during one of the Spike & Mike’s Sick and Twisted Animation Festivals here in Vancouver, BC. This design and concept is what I hope to achieve with Jumping Toaster Productions in the next short years. Obviously my style sets me aside from this one, however the general layout, marketing and design is what I’m shooting for. One of my favourite clips is the episode titled ‘Sweet Ride’ probably cause it makes me shudder every time when the bunny grinds his teeth across the ground skateboarding.

If you start to really enjoy the cartoons created in Flash and want to own a little piece of their work, be sure to check out their store. They have some really fun, brightly-colored, ultra violent stuff for sale. From neat characterized Mimobot 1GB storage drives, to key chains, to apparel and of course DVD’s. I also like the ‘Goodies’ section where you can get wallpapers, little user controlled games and fan art work. 

Next stop on my surfin’ is something a little more twisted & weird than sick woodland creatures beating each other senseless, it’s Ralph Steadman.com For those of you who have no idea who this man is, he’s Hunter S. Thompson’s long time best friend and artist/writer/cartoonist. 

Ralph Steadman first met Hunter at the Kentucky Derby to cover a story for the newspaper Scanlan. Hunter didn’t want to bring a photographer to cover the story with him because that would have been too ‘normal’. Nope, he wanted an artist to paint what the underlying truth behind the Derby, not the mighty steeds thundering toward the finish line. Anyways the Derby was a bit of success and from that point on Hunter and Steadman were best of friends getting into all sorts of trouble. Why don’t you read about it in Steadman’s new book ‘The Joke’s Over’ available through Amazon.com  Or you can purchase some incredible art like this illustration of Hunter through Ralph Steadman’s website. Their store is handled a little differently than most, as there’s no instant checkout. But you are dealing with a different kind of ‘Master of Arts’ here so expect a different kind of atmosphere. Regardless, the art is handled with professional care and shipped out just like any other ‘big-box company’.  So place that order already, and get yer hands on some incredible art! 

Enjoy kiddies

Just in time for another Monday morning!

Marc Hansen has been an idol of mine for many years now, even though he slipped away from the cartoon spotlight, he’s still producing some of the funniest comics I’ve ever read! Marc Hansen is the creator of a character with an uncanny ability that no one has been able to recreate over the years.

Ralph Snart is basically a young Grandpa Simpson with a huge nose and a lizard-humanoid for a sidekick. Ralph Snart enjoys chugging beer, picking up chicks and occasionally saving the world from Dr. Goot. What makes this story so unique you ask? Well Ralph is blessed with an overactive imagination that causes him to black-out and leap into a different world only accessible through his mind. This is the reason why Dr. Goot is after Ralph’s squishy brain, so he can unlock the mysteries of inner dimension travel.

Marc Hansen’s tale of Ralph Snart is hilarious and the level of detail is amazing! I’ve collected the comics for years until comic stores simply stopped carrying them, mainly because the demand just wasn’t there. But that hasn’t stopped Marc from posting his work online! For a small membership fee you can read the entire collection of Ralph Snart online plus Weird Melvin and Doctor Gorpon! That’s right meat-bags, you can select the issue you wish to read, pay the man and the issue is yours to enjoy (Acrobat Reader 6x is required). Still my favorite short story is ‘Mind Games’ where Mr. Lizard breaks Ralph Snart out of the looney bin to protect him from Dr.Goot who’s still after his squishy brain! I won’t give anything else away, but let me tell you once you read this three part mini series you’ll want to continue reading the Ralph Snart Adventures!

Keep on drawing Marc, more fans are on the way!

Enjoy

Starting off on the wrong foot this week? Here are a couple of websites that I visit daily that really lift my spirits!

First off Deviant Art, a fantastic community of artists from around the globe who post some incredible work. I could spend hours surfing though the pages of anime, sculptures, paintings and my favorite of course, the cartoons. Not only are there ‘unknown’ artists work, but there are some of the industries best of the best (J. Scott Campbell), you just have to search for them!

You can create your own account for FREE! Once you start uploading your artwork, pictures, etc. you can choose whether or not you want to sell them as prints and Deviant Art takes care of the rest (for a fee). But there’s so much more to just surfing the vast library of artwork, you can; collect other artists work (click&drag), buy prints, enter contests and so much more! You can even check out yours truly on Deviant Art by following this link!

I’ve always loved the concept of the ‘Anti-Hero’, which brings me to my next website Spawn! Todd McFarlane was really on to something when he created the first anti-hero ‘Spawn’, aka Al Simmons. Ever since the very first toys were released in the 1990’s, I’ve been blowing my hard earned paychecks on his action figures! If you’re into Spawn and collecting wicked, cool action figures, become a Collectors Club Member. It’s the only way to get first dibs on their ‘New Releases’ and ‘Exclusive Figures’ before they get bought up and dumped on eBay for outrageous prices. I got tired of looking for ‘repaints’ or ‘Deluxe Boxed Figures’ online that I became a member (membership is free of course).

The McFarlane Toys Collector’s Club is simple to join. Just go to the Store at www.spawn.com and make a purchase. You don’t need to be a Club member to purchase your first exclusive, but you will be asked to create a ‘Login Name’ and password during the checkout process. That’s all there is to it and you’re automatically enrolled in the Club during the checkout process and all your information will be stored for future visits. So do it already!

The last site I’ll cover today is Scott R. Kurtz website Player vs. Player! A fantastic webcomic and blog, with witty humor and great stories that everyone can enjoy! Scott really inspired me to launch my own webcomic, seeing as how most artists are using the WordPress application as a ‘tool of the trade’ I figured I’d better jump on the band-wagon and start blogging already! But where to start…well if you’re looking to start your own webcomic, you better pick up this book ‘How To Make Webcomics’. Written by some of the industry’s great artists: Dave Kellet (Sheldon), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Brad Guigar (Evil Inc.) and Kris Straub (Starslip Crisis), ‘How To Make Webcomics’ is a must own for anyone seriously interested in creating their own webcomic.

This is a very straightforward read, with tons of factual content that’s pretty ‘up-to-date’ on the current applications used in the industry to produce webcomics (Photoshop, Comicpress, WordPress). From the initial concept skills, writing, storyboarding, to publishing, this book is a great starter/referral for any artist interested in creating their own webcomic. I still continue to refer to this book for tips and image preparation for my own webcomic! Thank God someone wrote a decent book on webcomics, without all the technological gibberish!

Hope your Monday is a little brighter!

🙂