Thursday, December 29, 2005

Another Tabby sketch set

Another set of sketches~ not yet ready to move onto the other characters. Kazu arrives in Honolulu today~ I miss him so much it hurts! And so, there'll prolly be no new sketch for the next day hehe =) Still enjoying the Golden Compass CD, and yes... still good.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Tabby and the Golden Compass audio CD

Time to start sketching my old friends and getting myself comfortable in their world again. Above is some sketches of Tabby, I'd like to give her a little more fire in the final version. It's something that always bothered me, she was a little TOO quiet/pensive in the webcomic version. I had a hard time imagining her doing the things she was about to do without some kind of fighting spirit that wasn't present nearly enough. Also, I want her costume in the beginning to be different, more interesting and appropriate for who she is on the inside. Ah~ I'm having so much fun! =)
Also, helping me to realign myself with this, I purchased The Golden Compass audiobook. I listened to tons of Harry Potter audiobooks while I worked on Sorcerers & Secretaries, and they kept me in a pure storytelling entertainment mood that was appropriate for what I was doing and carried me through the project to the end. Now that I'm revisiting one of my favorite stories in The Golden Compass, I'm reminded of what I want RM to be more like. Something thought-provoking, engaging, a complex world filled with characters that grow dramatically and are affected by the world around them in deep and meaningful ways.
Like the book, I had a hard time getting into the audio version at first because of the nature of the story in the beginning. It really doesn't get crazy good until Lyra reaches the North, but once she does the book doesn't stop until the end of the trilogy. It was also difficult to get used to with a full cast after listening to only one person read the entire Harry Potter series. It's different, but still fun to listen to.
I also started nerding out after reading some reader reviews for the book on amazon.com (people seem to either love it or hate it, which isn't surprising considering the events in the book). This lead me to investigate the state of the movie, and I'm happy that Anand Tucker will be directing. Hopefully this'll be the last time the director changes... sometimes I wonder if this film trilogy will ever get made. If it really does come out in 2007 I'd be amazed. Either way... I'm both excited and nervous for the release of the movies, but happy that there'll always be the books. =)

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Happy Holidays! (even Reman ones!)

Happy Holidays everyone (even Reman ones!). The above idea was thanks to Keurigi via the forums~ Thanks for the inspiration! =D Every time I draw these guys I get sooo happy. It's funny how certain characters can mean so much to you. Just can't wait to get back to making that story... I was thinking about how much I miss Kazu while drawing this. I miss you, Hon! =P

Also I spent some time at a quaint cafe/bistro near the university of hawaii called "Volcano Joe's". It has some pretty nice coffee~ did some thumbnails... today is gift exchange/ham dinner night at my mom's place. Hope everyone else is having as relaxed and refreshing end of year as I am~ =)


Friday, December 23, 2005

Waikiki and some doodles

Click thumbnails to see larger versions:

Just playing around with some new art supplies I got for xmas. I drew it while thinking about my day, completing scripts, researching boats, and taking a little busride out to Waikiki beach during sunset:

Mom and bro (Tim) watched me draw for a bit. I encouraged Tim to give it a shot, here are some of his more finished doodles. I love 'em!


Thursday, December 22, 2005

Egg vs. Chicken

So there I was chattin' it up with an old friend from NY who works at Gamelab now as a visual artist, and he asked me: "Did you play Gamelab's new game over at Playfirst (the publisher)?" And I said no, so I tried it and then... I was knocked on my ass! I LOOOOVE it! XD Am I biased because I used to work with them? Perhaps, but just look at that graphic above and tell me that doesn't look like fun! Definitely Gamelab's most unified game yet in terms of visual/sound/storyline/gameplay, it all works together beautifully! I'm so proud of you Gamelab-ers....! Finally, some gorgeous visuals in american-made casual games while still maintaining easy to learn, addicting and challenging gameplay! I can't wait to see what you guys come out with next! Consider this one BOUGHT.

Download the free trial

Purchase here

I'm still writin' stuff~ just finished a 46 page script and jumping into thumbnails! I'll be trekking out to Waikiki today because they got a Starbucks there and well... I find it a good place to drink tea and get work done sometimes. =) I need to warm up my drawing skills a bit so I'll try to whip up some illustrations to post~ more later!

Thursday, December 15, 2005

In Hawaii Once More

Once more, I'm in Honolulu visiting my awesome mom and brother. I love Hawaii. It's a beautiful paradise, and there's a peace with waking up to the sound of all the birds singing, sun shining, clear breezes through the radiant green trees carrying wonderful smells of flowers and sweets. This is only my second trip here, but every time I'm given a moment to reflect and regather myself while spending time with my familiy.

A year's passed since last time and it feels like my life has come full circle. So much has changed since then and I feel like a much more mature person than I was before. Being here last time reminded me that it was okay to expect more in life. Arriving here this time, it's reminding me how wonderful it is now. A lot of things were on pause, hobbies I enjoyed and projects I cared about, to make room for preparing myself for the rest of my life. Being here reminds me that things will be fine now and I can move on.

I'll be doing a lot of writing while I'm here so I'm not sure about how many visuals I'll have to post~ Been watching a few movies lately as well. Kazu, Ben, and I recently did a little double feature... Narnia followed by King Kong. I wasn't so hot on Narnia, I felt like the characters were non-existant, but it'd be a good movie for kids I suppose. King Kong however was just awesome, especially the scene in the ravine fighting all of the bugs... I just loved that! XD Of course the rest of the movie is wonderful as well, I highly recommend it. In fact... I wouldn't mind seeing it yet again before it comes off the big screen. You can just tell that everyone working on it was having so much fun, so there's a real sense of enjoyment behind everything in the movie that keeps you glued to your seat.

Also the horrific elements in it have a great balance between nightmare and humor. When things get too intense there's always a moment of decompression that results in a well-balanced emotional ride. After watching something like Narnia where the SFX were overshadowing the story, it was such a breath of fresh air to see something like King Kong where the effects and story went hand in hand. I hope more movies in the future will go in that direction... but I guess they can't all be so awesome. =P

Thursday, December 8, 2005

Demo trade and studio photos

My good pal Becky Cloonan is the artist for the above series, Demo! FINALLY the trade paperback collecting all 12 inspiring issues is ready for order~! Click the above image to get to the amazon.com listing! =)

Also, for those curious, Kazu (who, by the way, will have work up at Nucleus' christmas show opening this Saturday ::phew:: hehe~)took a bunch of pictures of our new studio in our spiffy new place. I have to say, I never had such a nice workspace! I guess we both came a long way from drawing on the floor. Click the below image to see the pics:

Things have calmed down a bit since finishing up S&S. I've been spending the time regathering myself for the next book (preparing production schedules for the upcoming year for three different projects, writing scripts and dabbling with an RM proposal). Basically a lot of little things so when it comes time to get back into drawing I can do it without having to stop and write too much, cause that's where things tend to slow down a bit.

Still, I can't wait to get back into it so I'll have more work to show here. This place is gettin' kinda quiet! And huuuuuge thank you to everyone that pre-ordered S&S so far. It's weird thinking someone pre-ordered something I made! How neat~ =D

Thursday, December 1, 2005

Last chapter of S&S up at Manga Online

Click here to read the last chapter (click "read chapter" button on the left)

Click here to comment on the last chapter

Click here to pre-order S&S book 1 at amazon

Well, that's it folks! The last chapter of Sorcerers & Secretaries book 1 is available to read online now. I'm eager to know what you guys think of it, and I can't wait to conclude the story in book 2! Things have been good with me lately, spent a week with the family relaxing but now I'm ready to get back to work! Click here to see some photos from their visit over at my livejournal account.

Now I have some time between books to do my short story for Flight 4 and some other projects that have been waiting patiently on the side (like working on an RM proposal).

That's all from me for now, more later! =)

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Drawing complete!

At long last, after a final 48 hour comics sprint I finished the last page of Sorcerers & Secretaries book 1 on Nov. 22, around 7pm. After finishing the book I went with Kazu and our talented friend David to see the latest Harry Potter film (which was fun).
I have to say, after all of this comicking I feel even better prepared to tackle RM when the time comes. Planning out a book that comes out in 170 page chunks feels so much different than doing something like a monthly series or a webcomic, it's more like writing a novel than your usual serialized work... which is fine by me. =) Now I get to start up on some of the side projects that have been building up, all of which are a welcome break to writing romantic comedy! I miss writing and drawing monsters, social-political intrigue, action, and all that good stuff.
Well, in any case I thought I'd drop in with my little update on my progress before the holiday. My Mom and Bro are stopping by from Hawaii! It'll be the first time I've seen them in about a year! Yowza! They're two of my favorite people in the world, so this is going to be an awesome reward from my first comics marathon.
Hope everyone else has a great Thanksgiving too! See ya!

Friday, November 11, 2005

Three Trees

3 Trees Make A Forest Exhibit

If you're in Los Angeles on November 19th be sure to swing by the Nucleus at 30 West Main Street in Alhambra for a very special event, the gallery opening of "Three Trees Make A Forest", an exhibit of the works of Ronnie Del Carmen, Enrico Casarosa, and Tadahiro Uesagi. All three of the artists will be present for the opening, it's sure to be a memorable night!

In other news Kazu and I moved to a new apartment! I've been moving a lot lately, from brooklyn to cali, from kazu's old studio to our interim place in san gabriel, and finally from san gabriel to alhambra. Moving so much is giving me a confused sense of place, but things are finally feeling a little more permanant in terms of housing.

My book deadline is around the corner and I won't have internet access beyond occasional email checks at my friend's gallery until the 16th. If I haven't replied to emails or thread replies, this is why, not because I hate anyone or anything! XD

So to my friends and family, if you need to contact me just call. I always have my cel phone on me! =)

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

November Manga Online

Read Chapter Five (click the button that says "read chapter" on the left)

Comment on Chapter Five

Helloooo everyone~

So Manga Online (formerly takuhai...) November edition is online now. They have a bunch of new series up along with the usual suspects so check them out. They also have a re-uhhh... "print" I guess of a Newsarama interview with me.

Also, don't forget to download, print, and present to your local comic shop retailer the flyer from the previous entry! =D

In other news, Kazu and I found an apartment and we're NOT moving to Portland at the moment. We just have too many projects to do right now for a bigger move like that, but we definitely need more space. Our 500 sq.ft. apartment isn't enough if you're working at home. But this new place will suit us juuuuusst fine! Can't wait to settle in, it'll just be tough juggling that and finishing up this book in time. =P Back to the drawing board I go~

Monday, October 31, 2005

November Previews

Right click and choose "save as" to download the printable flyer (approx. 500K):

::saleswoman voice on::

chippin' away at chapter six I realized that Sorcerers & Secretaries is available to order through Previews magazine. Be sure to go out to your local comic shop and give the clerk S&S's diamond order code "NOV05 3132", and tell them to be sure to carry Sorcerers & Secretaries!!!!! OH JJYYYEAAAAH! XD

And to make things even easier, I made this printable flyer to give to your comic shop retailer so they'll remember! Just right click and choose "save as" here, or on the picture above, print it, and present it to the clerk. =)

::saleswoman voice off::

Ahem... because Eccentric Won't Cut It asked for it in the comic thread here is the first page to chapter five:

Back to the drawing board I go~! =)

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Thursday, October 27, 2005

Chapter 5 done!

PHEW. So I finished chapter five last night around six am >_< A Comics Monk!!

And so... time to make some tea and toast, get my day started and start chapter six, the most awesome chapter yet! I seriously can't wait to draw this thing. This is the last chapter in the book so it's the final lap in my comics marathon! I'll be posting progress to keep my energy up! =D Wish me luck guys and gals. =)

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Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Chapter 5 inks finished

Phew! I finished inking chapter five last night! I dunno if I can post this but I'm really proud of this page because I was afraid I couldn't draw Josh jumping the turnstile, but it turned out okay so I'm posting it anyway hehe~ still need to add tones:

Also thanks to everyone replying to Kazu's request for cities with affordable housing and that are livable! We decided to postpone our Portland move for financial and time reasons, maybe we'll do it next year? We've also considered Seattle because it seems more metropolitan, we still have yet to visit it though. I have to say that I do miss the Northeast and part of me wants to go running back there, but at the same time I've moved around so much my entire life within the Northeast. I think as long as the people around me are awesome and the city makes sense with what I'm doing as a career, we'll make it work.

In any case, if anyone has a place in mind that is suggested, go ahead and pimp your city! We wanna know good places to look into for buying a house. =)

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Monday, October 24, 2005

S&S progress plus Royksopp

Above is a panel from chapter five. Just felt like bloggin' a bit.

I'm about 2/3 done with the chapter, it's turning out pretty awesome! Having read Svet's amazingly fun and fast-paced comic, Dramacon (out in finer bookstores near you!!), I realized as a storyteller I need to stop being afraid of letting bigger events in the story happen. I get so lost in developing the characters I kind of forget that there's an actual story that needs to be told! I feel like it was one of my problems with Reman Myth as well as for the first three chapters of S&S. I guess in the end the stories are working out okay, but it's good to be reminded every once in a while to get that ball rolling! At the same time it is kind of annoying when stories move TOO fast, not leaving enough time to get to know characters, but maybe since I lean too far in the character developement area, feeling like I need to lean towards story beats more will balance out my comics. Thank you, Svet, for the inspiration!

I haven't had much time to work on the S&S section of this site yet to post this, but check it out! My first ever Sorcerers & Secretaries fan art! Thank you, Maddy! =)

By Shadi's recommendation, I've been listening to Royksopp. I really love the general sound of his songs, they sound full of conflict, a little on the edge of urban adventure/drama, and very modern. Nice! I recommend clicking "discography" and listening to the realplayer previews of his songs from his two albums, "Understanding" and "Melody A.M.". I really like "Only This Moment", "In Space", "Eple", "Follow My Ruin", and "Beautiful Day Without You". Really, though, they're all awesome. Really! =)

All right... back to comics I go. More updates on progress n stuff laterz~! ::puts in the royksopp again::

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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Las Vegas and Tokyopop

I went on a weekend trip to Las Vegas with fellow Tokyopop creators and some editors for a library tour. Click the above image for a photo report!

During one of the sessions I tried out Irene's copic markers by drawing Philip and Tabby. Those markers sure are cool~ especially the brush tip! But man, do I miss these characters.

I also feel a little woozy, I think I got sick... worse time to be sick. S&S chapter 5 deadline's right around the corner! wish me luck~!

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Wednesday, October 5, 2005

read chapter 4 (click "read chapter")

discuss chapter 4

What can Josh be so happy about? Why, the fourth chapter of Sorcerers & Secretaries is online now, that's what! Click the button that says "read chapter" under the drop-down menu to the left of the takuhai page (now known as "manga online"). When you're done if you have the urge to give me some feedback on it or discuss it with other readers (if they're still around! XD ) just go here to the felaxx forum~ =)

Also, S&S is available for pre-order from tokyopop.com. To make things easier on how to get your hands on stuff I worked on, I made a little "store" section to the site that's accessible on the left.

If you missed it, check out my photo report from my recent trip to Portland or access the news archives below~

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