Webcomics and my inspirations

Still recovering from a fantastic weekend at the first Hugo House Writing Conference, Finding Your Readers in the 21st Century. There was a great Wacom Intuos4 Small Pen Tablet with Photoshop. I didn’t have the benefit of a teacher or guide when I started, but now there is one that I highly recommend: The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics.

Artistically, my first, best inspiration was the late great Will Eisner. Although I loved his work in The Spirit but it was his Contract with God Trilogy that really got to me. Fantastic writer, fantastic artist and he could tell a deep resonate story with some funny squiggles.

Many great graphic novels have come after this early genius. BTW, I got asked this a bit afterwards so if you're looking for a comic to give to non-comic people, I've had a lot of success sharing Persepolis or Craig Thompson's Blankets. Speaking of Craig Thompson's work, don't miss his gorgeous travelogue, Carnet De Voyage. For younger readers, check out Girl Genius.

So how does one adapt a gritty crime drama in a webcomic? My inspirations there were none other than the work of Frank Miller’s gritty take on super heroes, especially Batman: Year One and Daredevil: Born Again.

My other inspiration, Greg Rucka, who started out writing mysteries but then graduated to mystery comics, like Whiteout and his homage to the old spy show, Sandbaggers - Queen & Country. BTW, I highly recommend Greg Rucka's take on Batwoman.

How do I write with a female lead? Well, after reading Terry Moore'sStrangers In Paradise, I was inspired. So much so that I have an original drawing of Katchoo in my upstairs hallway.

I know my artwork leaves something to be desired. If I had 3 wishes, one of them would be able to draw like Andi Watson. I find his stuff to be brilliant pieces of simple beauty. My favorites of his are Geisha , Dumped and Princess At Midnight.

That’s all for now, but I’ve got a few more inspirations and recommended reading posts somewhere in my head waiting to be typed out.

0 Comments