RED WINDOW

FILM SKOOL: NORTH BY NORTHWEST

2011-12-07T23:15:00.000-08:00

God, I wish I could pull off wearing a fedora any day of the week. The tall kind, the kind the “professor” wears.

And yeah, yeah, yeah, there’s nothing more “American” than Mount Rushmore. Maybe. I’ll go with Jazz, and bourbon. And you should, too.

So, the 20 year Pappy Van Winkle, switched to Noah’s Mill Bourbon about 45 minutes in, should make you giggle like a school girl as Cary Grant escapes harm via fabricated hijinx in the auction house. Seriously, NORTH BY NORTHWEST is one of the obvious go-to films for “learning”. I was shown the cornfield crop-duster sequence at age 18 in my freshman year story class at CalArts. The problem with freshmen is that you’re dealing with people who you ASSUME have seen certain films. At age 18, I’d heard of NORTH BY NORTHWEST, but never seen it. So the crop dusting sequence was marvelous to behold, even out of context, but still…it was out of context. And out of context, in a story class, is almost useless. Story happens in two ways: details, of course, which, with the crop-dusting sequence, still come across as marvelous…but the second way is “broad strokes”. Big, sweeping story elements. And these, my friends, are what establish context for something like the crop-dusting sequence.

Still, LOOK FOR DETAILS in NORTH BY NORTHWEST. The use of hands--human hands--and how they articulate. Grant and Eva Marie-Saint use them to great effect. Their first meeting, on the train, has them in the throws of passion: the cross cutting keeps the consistency of splayed fingers in hair, conveying a certain charm in the moment. Later, when they meet again, after Grant has been betrayed, Marie-Saint keeps her fingers splayed, but Grant, he holds his hands away from her, unable to touch his Judas. THIS is something that doesn’t show up in a script. THIS is NORTH BY NORTHWEST.

ALSO! Watch closely during the introduction of Van Dam. He accuses the unknowing Grant of “playing games”, yet Van Dam, that wily Sher Khan, enters in full light, crosses to a curtain, draws it closed, crosses to a lamp, turns it on and stand IN FRONT OF IT, back-lighting himself, then crosses yet again to light the room in full once more. Games, and control of how he’s perceived. This is a villain. This, too, is NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Charm: in the dialogue...the uses of lenses…the choices of shots.

It was a complete accident that I accented this flick with bourbon. That’s the happy film gods playing their role to a “t”, as Grant is forced most of a bottle, then requests it once more near the end of act 2. Bourbon. And Pappy Van Winkle is perfect for viewing this thing. The switch to Noah’s Mill was out a low supply of the Pappy’s. Try to keep to the good stuff.

ALSO! After the bad guys are on to Eva Marie-Saint (watch for two nice conventional camera tricks: focus, and a move, to a God’s eye view of the snakes in the grass), you’ll want to watch for an artful use of COLOR. It’s subtle, but as Grant climbs the outer wall of the mountain retreat, there’s a unique separation of warm and cool values: inner rooms warm, outer cool. Villains and prey inside…our hero, outside, in the cool.

And a train has never meant so much. Set up early in act 2. And the last shot says it all.

Details AND broad strokes. Watch the whole thing. The crop-dusting sequence is iconic, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Dem Birdsh

2011-11-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

This'll be up for sale to benefit the Cartoon Art Museum. It's some birdsh. Dey gots some berriesh. Birdsh gotta eat, too.

This is painted with cel-vinyl from Cartoon Colour. You people are always asking what kind of paint I use. So there ya go.

Cartoon Colour.

WOMEN OF WONDER DAY!

2011-10-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something for WOMEN OF WONDER DAY. Go support, people!

Sonny walks the Monster

2011-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

"...more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation."
--Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN

When my pal Steve Niles recently told me his dog Sonny had to undergo chemo I knew I had to step up to help a bit. I know what it's like to have a best buddy like Sonny. There's no end to a life like that no matter what's on the horizon.

This art will be made available as a print and the original will also be for sale shortly. Watch for details over at Steve's website.

SWEETPEA

2011-09-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, my pal Emma Coats is making a western short film called SWEETPEA. Go kick in and score an original gunslinger painting by me, but be QUICK! Fundraising is almost over! I contributed 4 originals...you'll score one of these paintings plus some other cool stuff.

KAMEN RIDER!

2011-09-02T16:34:00.001-07:00

For a 40th Anniversary gallery show at Q POP in L.A.

CRIME AND TERROR/ STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY limited editions

2011-08-04T10:20:00.002-07:00

You can now order the limited editions of A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR and STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY world-wide!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!

A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR is a very small "preview" print run of the upcoming CRIME AND TERROR hardcover series from Steve Niles and Scott Morse. This volume, an oversized board book hardcover at 9"x12" with rounded corners, is limited to 500 copies (going fast after the debut at TR!CKSTER) and runs $25 plus shipping and tax (in CA). It'll come signed by me if you order through my site.

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY's "limited edition" is the high quality trade issued from IDW, signed and numbered by me and shipping with TWO pieces of original art from the actual book. Each page was executed as three separate panels, and with each limited edition you'll get two of these panels, picked by me, to accompany your book. Limited to 25 copies, these might go quick. $50 plus shipping and tax (in CA).

Get 'em while you can! And allow a couple weeks for shipping...I'm a one-man operation still recovering from TR!CKSTER and planning the next one, so I'll get 'em out in a timely fashion, but it might take a few days. Thanks!

CRIME AND TERROR/ STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY limited editions

2011-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

On Comics and Film: visual storytelling

2011-07-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

COMICS AND FILM LANGUAGE

It has occurred to me, while watching David Lean’s GREAT EXPECTATIONS as I write this, that cinematic language and how it relates to comics storytelling—that being the progressive sequential images of comics—has evolved in ways we don’t acknowledge or respect.

Take for instance simplicity in staging and cutting—bare economics in relatable film language—in Lean’s GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Simple by today’s standards (2011). Progressive cutting from establishing shots to medium to close-ups and back out. This language of visual dynamics is economic and easy to follow and translates readily to a still-image format like comics. By today’s standards, however, the cutting dynamics of Jack Harris and his crew in GREAT EXPECTATIONS might be viewed as light and elementary by the average viewer. However, there is historic and elementary KNOWLEDGE at play here. And shockingly enough, this is the type of cutting most directly related to the strongest of dynamic comics storytelling in play in the modern age. Take Jeff Smith, or Paul Pope, or Cyril Pedrosa, or Jaime Hernandez. These fellows know when to move their “camera”, when to cut, when to shift compositions, at the most basic cinematic level--essential cinematic level, even. A reveal, a cut or push-in for dramatic impact. The fact that you can “hold” on a composition for solidarity is often times cast away in favor of “flash” and “style”. In actuality, relishing a composition can in fact strengthen and hearten a moment. Let a composition do its job: tell a story. And remember: to tell a story is to lay out one card at a time and not play your full hand until you need to.

Let us address this: in comics, we have only the still image to play with. Only the stagnant, untimed delivery of one image juxtaposed against the sequentially designed next. If, as a visual storyteller, you endeavor to tell your stories in comics and eventually hope to translate them to film, you might consider the editorial style of Jack Harris and David Lean. Economic--poignant and iconic—and effective.

Very simply: let a moment exist as long as it needs to, and “cut” only when it serves to progress your story. Impact. Small or large, impact is important. Savor the visual choice to establish a new plot dynamic. Only change the visual when there’s something new to say—a new story point—and understand that this choice will be obvious when you execute it. Impact.

Comics are NOT storyboards. They are very different animals. However, even different animals share a common ancestor…and sometimes that ancestor is an unknown quantity: is Bigfoot the missing link between great apes and man? Is there a way to merge the still images of comics with the timed images of film?

A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR...on its WAY!

2011-06-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Big thick board book pages! You could throw it at someone and knock 'em out! They're on their way and they're gonna be at TR!CKSTER. Come an' get 'em... and come see how make a book like this! You get a copy of the book with the price of admission!

Hoot.

2011-05-23T17:14:00.001-07:00

A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR NOW EVEN BIGGER!

2011-03-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

You suckers asked for it. Me and Steve Niles are gonna slap you silly with a sneak peek book this summer. It's a 9"x12" board book with rounded corners, all big and thick and meaty. Sure, it's just got two stories in it, 32 pages total, but it's a limited edition kind'a thing. We're only printing 500 of these bad boys. It's called A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR and these stories we're puttin' in it, they're chocked full'a both crime AND terror. Yer gonna be pushing people outta the way just to get yer mits on it. CRIME AND TERROR, the big book, it's gonna be LOTS bigger'n this with lots more stories, but that's coming out down the line and THIS is coming out this summer. This is just a tease, a tease you'll want for your coffee table to make all'a yer friends jealous that yer so cultured with a big ol' book about CRIME AND TERROR.

More information soon. Hold yer horses. Enjoy the cover for the book in the meantime, you saps.

ONE: a benefit for Japan

2011-03-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

Another incredible effort to generate some much-needed aid for Japan. I'll have this piece available:

CRIME AND TERROR teases

2011-02-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

A little more...just to keep you all in suspense...

CRIME AND TERROR is in full swing...

2011-02-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

...and here's a coupla more peeks:

NEWS!

2011-02-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hey all-

A coupla things:

ITEM! Pal Skottie Young and I have launched a new daily (?!) character sketch blog at SkottieScott Swing by every day for some love! And buy something if you love it THAT much.

ITEM! TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! is available for the iPad at WHAMIX! ! If you're wanting a beautifully designed digital version of this and many other books by pals Ted Mathot, Enrico Casarosa, and others, on an app by Apurva Shah, one of our pals from Pixar, then this is your ticket!

It's been awhile...

2011-02-01T14:08:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone-

Happy 2011. I'm on a new film at Pixar, and working on my own stuff in the spare minutes. MY OWN STUFF. That's important. Stuff I get to call shots on, and work with who I want to work with on. Along those lines, there's two new books on the horizon that'll hit this year. I'll be yapping about them lots, as I'm super excited about both.

TEN AGAINST THE WORLD will launch later this year...5 issues, 40 pages each. You've seen some snippets of this in the past. Buckle up for the full-tilt horror ride. Hot rods and monsters, REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE a'la pre-hero Kirby. Kinetic, insane, pure comics. I'll post some art soon, as well as info on the publisher. It's locked, but we're not done with contracts yet, so stay tuned...

STEVE NILES and I are about to kick you in the teeth with an ONGOING SERIES. It's called CRIME AND TERROR. It's filled with episodes detailing the events in the life of a detective named Mike Fallon who's going through some serious personal problems. On top of THAT, we'll be smacking you upside the head with a bunch of short, stand-alone stories: noir, horror, sci-fi, whatever we want. All drawn by me, some written by me, some by Steve. On top of THAT, we'll be throwing in new prose stories with spot-illos by me. Seriously, monthly is the plan, and every month, you'll cry with glee as you scream your face off. Again, publisher info soon, but here's a possible first cover, above, and a sample page from one of the short stories, below:

There's more on the horizon for 2011, too, stuff like CARS 2, of course, but even more stuff that just might change the world. You've been warned.

What I do at work

2010-11-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

This week, MATER'S TALL TALES was released on DVD and Blu Ray. Now, normally I'm not a huge shill for my day job, but this disc is something kind of special for me. These shorts were amazingly fun to work on. Even more unique, for me, are the bonus features. You'll find "Unmade Tales" in the special features section, and if you're brave enough to click on BACKWARDS TO THE FORWARDS, you'll find...me. Pitching storyboards for an unmade short. It's a rare look at what actual working storyboards at Pixar kind of look like. This whole "Unmade Tales" section is a rare look at board artists pitching, too. If "story" is something you're hoping to get into eventually, it's a nice thing to check out, just as a heads-up on how we do it.

An owl for Ghana

2010-10-19T17:08:00.001-07:00

10"x10", cell vinyl on wood

Art Blocks for Ghana is a pretty great charity being organized to help build a home for orphaned children in Ghana. The art goes up on eBay in March, 2011.

Comic Debuts

2010-10-13T15:41:00.001-07:00

Here it is. The unveiling of the two most ground-breaking pieces of sequential art fiction to hit the comics world EVER. Feast your eyes on two limited edition mini-comics by my son Finn (5) and his cousin Logan (7). These books are incredible first endeavors in comics storytelling, translated and embellished in VERY few places by me, the freelance designer.

Finn's book is untitled (I'll check with him on that), but features the adventures of a modified Shaggy and Scooby, much kinder and altruistic than the mystery-solvers you've all grown to know and...love(?) Finn's rendition was completed in one slam-bam sitting on a bright Sunday morning. The T-Rex and fire truck on the cover are not indicative of the contents, but man, LOOK at that T-REX! There may be a few prints of that puppy available as well. I'll check with the artist.

Logan's epic is entitled MISSIN TO MARS. Yeah, it's supposed to be "Mission", I'm pretty sure, but it's way cuter keeping his logo design aesthetic intact. The story is a quick adventure through space, featuring strange creatures and special effects. You know you want it.

$1 each, or more if you're feeling the love. They'll be available at APE this weekend, booth 330, while supplies last. Finn may be in attendance on Sunday...he might sign your book, but don't hold your breath.

TIGERS IN ITALY

2010-10-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'll be at the Lucca Comics and Games Festival later this month, sitting with the fine people at BAO PUBLISHING, the Italian home of TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! In honor of that, here's a sneak at a possible cover for TIGER!2...

THE BOURBON LEGEND

2010-10-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

CRITERION posters for ATP!

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

I've painted two posters for the cinema section of the ATP Festival, 03 Sep 2010 to 05 Sep 2010, Kutsher's Country Club, Monticello, New York, USA.

The cinema section is being curated by the incredible CRITERION folks, with film selections by Jim Jarmusch. My two posters are for Jacques Becker's Touchez pas au grisbi and Jules Dassin's BRUTE FORCE. Criterion designer Eric Skillman knocked the final designs out of the park, taking my paintings and emulating old EC and DC covers. Other comics artists will be filling out the poster roster, including buddies Scott Campbell and Matt Kindt. Tickets are still available, I believe, if you're planning on being in the area.

For years, it's been a dream of mine to work with the CRITERION folks. Absolute fun.

Support the CBLDF! LIBERTY COMICS 2010!

2010-08-09T16:48:00.001-07:00

I'll be contributing an all-new 4 page short to Image's LIBERTY COMICS 2010, an anthology of goodies by luminaries like Frank Miller, Jim Lee, Evan Dorkin, Jill Thompson, Brian Azzarello, and Paul Pope! And plenty more! My story is an adaptation of the Greek myth Phaeton...here's a sneak:

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #6!

2010-07-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

Final issue covers, first look! All answers REVEALED! It's all about issue 6, folks...coming in December from our friends at IDW!

SAN DIEGO WARES pt. II BOOTH 4800

2010-07-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to offer another exclusive small run item for San Diego this year: A set of 8 lobby cards, custom printed on high quality fine art paper and delivered in a film canister. These are incredibly small run, but offered at two sizes:

EDITION ONE
8 prints at approximately 4" x 5.25"
delivered in a hand-marked canister Approximately 7" in diameter
edition of 10
Plus an additional large size print of one of the cards (on 13"x 19" paper)
$100

EDITION TWO
8 prints at approximately 3" x 4"
delivered in a hand-marked canister Approximately 5" in diameter
edition of 10
$40

Please e-mail me at crazymorse*at*sbcglobal*dot*net if you'd like to reserve one of these. Available first at Comic Con. Any remaining stock will become available the week after the con right here on the blog.

**ALSO**

Commissions will be done in full color this year on cold press Aquareller Arches watercolor paper. These will be offered at $150, an subject matter. Please bring reference if you want something crazy! Prints of other popular paintings will also be available in a small range of sizes. Please drop me a line if there's an image you'd really like, and I'll make sure it's there for you.

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON WARES PART 1

2010-06-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time, folks! LIMITED EDITION time. First up, you'll get TWO new books, THE OLD RED TRUCK and TIGERS ON THE PROWL. Each book is 6 5/8 " x 10 1/4" of love, 16 pages a pop. THE OLD RED TRUCK is a solid comics story , autobiographical (har har) about my father and I restoring my 1951 Ford F1. This is a very personal story to me, something I've had constructed for awhile, and now's finally the time to present it to the masses. TIGERS ON THE PROWL is a different animal...each page features images of the world-famous tiger design from SOUTHPAW and TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! These are paintings from past gallery shows and exhibits, collected and seeing print for the first time.

In the tradition of past shows, these are extremely limited sets. 50 total. You'll get both books, signed and numbered, and some kind of original art, as well, more than likely a tiger painting, to sweeten the deal! How much, you ask? Same as last year's STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY limited edition: $50 a set.

Offered to San Diego Comic Con goers first, and any sets remaining will be offered here on the blog. IF you're attending the show and plan to pick it up there, drop me an e-mail at crazymorse*at*sbcglobal*dot*net and I'll put your name down for a set. Again, if you're NOT attending, stand by for remaining sets after the con!

Here's some pages from THE OLD RED TRUCK:

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #5!

2010-06-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Featuring THE FOOLISH FLING, a love-forsaken fool that's gone soft over a dame...this one's gonna be FUN. This is the November issue from IDW, both covers (regular and retailer incentive!)

HEROESCON: you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy

2010-06-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

All for sale at the booth tomorrow!

TIgers for Charlotte!

2010-06-02T17:04:00.001-07:00

Charlotte, NC, that is, at HEROES CON! Swing by and buy 'em up!

HEROES CON!

2010-06-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, friends and neighbors, I'll be attending HEROES CON in Charlotte, NC for the very first time! It's rare I make it out to that side of the country, so I hope to meet a bunch of you there. To whet your appetites, I'll be bringing a bunch of wares for sale, including some paintings, some of which you can see here. These guys will run around $100 a pop, and I'll also be doing commissions, anything you like (bring reference for tricky stuff, but alas, I'll NOT be painting PIXAR characters...sorry!). Commissions also will run $100 each.

I'll be sitting with AdHouse at BOOTH AA 35-37 (see the map!)

Hope to see you there!

escena final de 8 1/2

2010-05-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

That's the way it crumbles, cookie-wise.

2010-05-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

TOUCH OF EVIL

2010-05-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, Jeff.

2010-05-19T17:45:00.001-07:00

BRANDED TO KILL

2010-05-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

A gift for my buddy Scott Mosier, based on Seijun Suzuki's BRANDED TO KILL, starring Jo Shishido. This is maybe the first true blooded Yakuza flick, and you can see it on Criterion's DVD release, spine #38.

Cell Vinyl with some digital enhancements.

THEM!

2010-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

James Whitmore rocked a monster movie without batting an eye. James Whitmore is the man.

This is cell vinyl with digital enhancements. The original has more color and isn't as cool. So you get this.

BAO!

2010-05-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Italian publishing house Bao Publishing will be launching TIGRE!TIGRE!TIGRE! this fall, their first book! To honor the company, each artist publishing with them is supplying a new version of their iconic pup, Cliff. Here's mine!

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY!

2010-05-11T12:52:00.001-07:00

It's getting stranger, as #4 (October, from IDW) will feature G.I.GANTIC!

You love it.

PLUS: Alternate covers for #2 and #3! Order big, retailers...

VOLTRON!

2010-04-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

THE COFFIN

2010-04-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

For Hester and Huddleston's collection, coming soon from IDW!

THE RARE CANADIAN TIGERS

2010-04-23T10:33:00.001-07:00

These guys will also be on the table, available at around$40-$100, depending on the image. Swing by!

THE CANADIAN INVASION OF THE SPIDER-MEN

2010-04-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

I'll be at Calgary Expo this weekend, and I'll have these guys sitting on my table. They're 6" x8" and will go for $150 a pop. I won't have any paint with me, so no proper painted commissions will be offered, but I'm expecting to have some markers and the like to do up nice drawings at around $40 a pop. So swing by and say hello! All hail the maple leaf!

some little charity paintings

2010-03-30T17:29:00.001-07:00

These guys are spoken for, but thought you all might like to see...

That cat always loved Harry.

2010-03-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY at IDW!

2010-03-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

You heard it right, folks: STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY will hit the stands properly with the help of the amazing IDW, this July through December! Six issues of retro-crazy pure comics storytelling, featuring the stories you've come to love here on the blog, CONTINUED! I promise, this will be unlike ANYTHING on the stands this year, and you have IDW to thank!

Oh, and PAUL POPE will be delivering one-page back-up features. PAUL POPE, people!

RETAILERS, rejoice! There's at least one incentive alternate cover planned, pictured above, with details to follow...

ISSUE 1 is in the next PREVIEWS, so ORDER! ORDER! ORDER!

THE ATTACK OF URSA ASTEROID!

2010-03-11T17:08:00.001-08:00

This is for the con book that will be available at the Calgary Comics Expo! See you there?

It's been awhile.

2010-02-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your patience, everyone...it's been a hectic few months of work and play, but fret not, there's plenty on the horizon! I've got new work appearing in Image's FRACTURED FAIRY TALES, in Dark Horse's DARK HORSE MYSPACE PRESENTS, and in a couple of gallery shows coming up: Gallery 1988's CULT FILMS show and a group show at Portland's GRASS HUT.

Follow on TWITTER for the real up-to-the-minute love: @crazymorse

SHOWS this year:
Calgary Comic Expo
San Diego
APE
Lucca Comics and Games

Plus some possible new books are taking shape.

Plus some announcements on other new books really soon.

In the meantime, enjoy a sneak peek at CHIPTIE BUTTERNUT, the DHP story!

X*POSITION rocking out DECEMBER 11th

2009-10-29T17:47:00.001-07:00

Here's a poster for our next gig...just for kicks. No, I can't get you on the list...sorry...;) We are rocking a guest guitarist, though, someone BIG. I'll post pics after the gig, I think.

APE spill-over!

2009-10-21T13:58:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who came by and said hello! APE was a huge success...Below you'll find some of the commissions from the past weekend, just for kicks. Thanks again everyone, and more news is on the horizon, so stay tuned! Follow on TWITTER if you dare...!

APE this weekend!

2009-10-12T10:59:00.001-07:00

I'll be at APE, same spot as always, sitting with Bill Presing and the Allen Spiegel gang. I wanted to have the PROJECTIONIST limited edition on hand, but the printer I used on the first two STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY books, Hatcher Press, just went out of business. Thanks, economy! So I'm on the lookout for the perfect spot to do the next books. Anyhow, I WILL be doing original art commissions, $100 a pop, 8"x10", time permitting, and will also have some older art on hand, some of it even framed, all for good prices ($50 and up, more than likely...) The MICRO-TIGERS above (2.5" x 3.5") will run you $50 a pop, and there's only the 10 of them. And you know you get discounts if you buy a lot of stuff. ;) So swing by! Also, this'll likely be one of your last chances to grab a copy of THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE, as supplies are running WAY LOW!

If you're in L.A. and can't make APE, do yourself a favor and go see Kent's curated show!

CTN!

2009-09-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hey all..a quick interlude from THE PROJECTIONIST:

Have you registered for the Creative Talent Network’s Animation Expo (CTN-X)? Early bird pricing ends September 30th. The most anticipated animation tradeshow on the planet comes to the City of Burbank beginning Friday, November 20th – Sunday, November 22nd. This is the ONLY place where you’ll meet so many animation industry icons under one roof. Make contacts, learn new techniques and meet with recruiters. Hurry and join in on the action where “X” marks the spot to connect with renowned artists from around the world. Register online or call today (800) 604-2238. CTN-X takes place at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center with ample discounted parking and is conveniently located across the street from the Burbank Airport and Amtrak Station. Early bird tickets are $25 for the exhibit floor only, $50 for a day pass and $125 for a 3-day pass. Discounted rates are available to students, active military and professional industry organizations. Space is strictly limited at this groundbreaking event. For more information and to register, please visit: www.ctnanimationexpo.com or call, (800) 604-2238 and mention the special member discount code to obtain an extra 10% off any 1day or 3day professional/general passport. CODE: MORSEX09

Sweet Charities

2009-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Here's some work that'll be up for auction very soon...stay tuned for details both here and at the links below.

For the Hero Initiative, in which folks like you donate money to help out artists who can't help themselves in times of medical or financial need (like John Ostrander, for whom the BATMAN is to benefit).

For the Wonder Woman Museum and WONDER WOMAN DAY benefit, where good people like you donate to benefit domestic violence victims centers.

UPDATES!

2009-08-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

ALL SEX AND SCIENCE LIMITEDS and STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY LIMITEDS are boxed and ready to ship! So look for yours soon in the post if you were one of the lucky 50 to grab one. Both of these items are SOLD OUT, just as a reminder.

In other news, LE SKETCH is officially on the stands in various countries, so let the hunt begin! Paulo Patricio did an amazing job with this little accordian-style sketchbook.

More soon!

A Topnif homecoming

2009-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who scored that ticket to ride down the long and winding road of San Diego Comic Con 2009. I had an extraordinary convention, filled with laughs and friends and prospects of projects to come. There's some incredibly exciting things on the horizon so watch the blog for details. In the meantime, enjoy some of the blobs of paint that fell off of my brushes and onto pieces of art board as the week progressed, and some photos of the shenanigans, too. Special thanks and love to Allen Spiegel, Ronnie, Scott, and Emily Zoback, Ronnie del Carmen, Enrico Casarosa, Jeff Pidgeon, Anita Coulter, Michelle Coulter, Don Shank, Ted Mathot, Derek Thompson, Dave McKean, David Saylor, Sheila Keenan, Kent Williams, David Mack, Scotty Campbell, Jim Mahfood, Mike Huddleston and his girl Erin, my partner in crime Chris Pitzer, The Duartes, the Laudieros, and my wonderful family...

the RED WINDOW booth, featuring me, Ronnie, Enrico, Don, Jeff, Anita, and Michelle

Working away. This is a fun week, but work, nonetheless, at times...still, you gotta love a job like this.

Ronnie at work...always like watching a miracle unfold.

Kent Williams, me, Dave McKean, Jim Steranko, Barron Storey, Allen Spiegel, Bryan Talbot, David Mack at the Spiegel booth.

My son's first artistic offering, priced reasonably at $25,000.

Winding down with good pal Scott Zoback.

THE SAN DIEGO ODYSSEY begins!

2009-07-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm off to see friends old and new at the biggest nerdfest in the galaxy...follow the adventures on TWITTER! I'll try to post the fun bits as they come and post any fun pictures on TWITPIC.

SAN DIEGO WARES update and MAP!

2009-07-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here's us, and some of our friends:
RED WINDOW INC. (Scott Morse, Ronnie del Carmen, Jeff Pidgeon, and Enrico Casarosa) 4800
Allen Spiegel Fine Arts (Dave McKean, Kent Williams, J Muth) 4700
Ted Mathot and Derek Thompson 1215
Bobby Rubio/Alcatraz High 1943
Jamie Baker/Rhode Montijo 1329
What Is Torch Tiger? 2302
Jill Thompson/ Brian Wood/ Cliff Chiang 1322
Mike Mignola 4901
Jeff Smith 2109
Fleet Street Scandal 1316
Samuel Hiti/ La Luz Comics 1831
Jim Mahfood EE05
Mike Huddleston EE06
Conduct Happiness 4830
Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls (Lauren Faust and Craig McCracken) 4834

You'll spot out booth easy with new banners on display. Monster Media in Riverside, CA did a FANTATIC job, and they're INCREDIBLY affordable.

We're down to five copies left of the SEX AND SCIENCE LIMITED EDITION...if you're looking to order one and are on the fence, now's the time, I think. Again, $60, painting by me, signatures by me, Don Shank, and POSSIBLY (more than likely) Lou Romano and Nate Wragg. We're working out how to get everyone's signatures on the books. So there you go. Drop a line at crazymorse*at*sbcglobal*dot*net! There's variations on two designs, depicted above and below. It's random which one you'll get...

Also, I've got a VERY small batch of X*POSITION t-shirts. This is my rock band who performed at the recent PIXARPALOOZA. It's a black logo on a white, soft (but not AMERICAN APPAREL style) t-shirt. I've got one small, one large, and some XL and XXL. $20 at the con.

Again, drop a line if you're looking for specific art...I might be able to hook you up...

More soon!

SAN DIEGO WARES PART 2

2009-07-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Mainly just an update with some pics of actual items...STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #1 and #2 are in and they turned out AMAZING. A great printer called Hatcher Press, Inc. hooked me up...the same guys that did THE TOTORO FOREST PROJECT and Ronnie's AND THERE YOU ARE volumes. These are stapled books, but squared and printed on extremely nice paper stock, very sturdy and meaty, and I love them. I think you will too, especially since there's only 50 of each available to the public! You'll get both books and two pieces of original art if you score a set at San Diego, again, $50.

Also, I received copies of LE SKETCH, a small run accordian-style art "book" that will be available soon from very select outlets. You won't be able to get it from me, I'm afraid, but I'll have a few to show at the con if you stop by. I believe, if you can find them, they're absolutely free.

Oh, I will indeed be taking commissions at San Diego again, painted, 8"x10", $100 each, anything you want, just bring reference. These will be black and white on a pre-textured board. You can scroll through old posts to see how they typically turn out...see the EMERALD CITY post, for example. Besides this, there'll be other art available, and maybe even an ukulele or two.

More soon!

SAN DIEGO WARES PT.1

2009-07-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

It's that time, friends! San Diego Comic Con is mere days away and we'll be holding down the fort at Booth 4800 with colleagues Jeff Pidgeon, Ronnie del Carmen, and Enrico Casarosa (Bill Presing will be awol this year due to his nuptual celebration). We'll have plenty of love on hand, including:

*STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #1 and #2! We'll have these books LIMITED TO 50 COPIES (and we won't be reprinting in this format), signed and numbered, first come, first served. These puppies are printed on high quality paper stock while retaining that traditional floppy comic feel of the 50's. And to top it off, each book comes with a RANDOM PANEL OF ORIGINAL ART FROM THE STORY IN QUESTION. So that's 2 books, 2 pieces of original art, signed and numbered. Sold only as a set of two. Any left-overs will be offered exclusively on the blog, but this is a San Diego exclusive for now. Hit me early, like preview night...these might go quick! $50/set

*the remaining few ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE copies (both regular($20) and limited($60)...though we're down to less than 10 limited!)

*Warehouse finds of fan favorite books: SMACK DAB, and LITTLEGREYMAN ($5 each)!

*ORIGINAL ART, framed, from SEX AND SCIENCE. Go check out the NUCLEUS site for pics, but disregard those prices...we'll be blowing them out for MUCH less (Like in the $100-$150 range).

*Other art, including TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!...and if there's something you've been on the look out for and you think I might still have it, drop a line and ask.

*And of course, copies of TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! ($15), NOTES OVER YONDER ($10), NOBLE BOY ($5), and SCRAP METTLE ($30) Discounts on site for multiple purchases, of course.

*Plus more suprises! Stay tuned!

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE limited editions

2009-06-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

Here goes: Signed and numbered, edition of 50, signed by AT LEAST two of the artists, but more than likely all four. Each limited edition book will come with a unique hand-painted stamped image. The stamps used to create the art will be retired after these 50 books are produced. First come, first served, e-mail me at crazymorse*at*sbcglobal*dot*net if you want one. As I receive your e-mail, I'll let you know where to paypal funds to. PAYPAL ONLY, unless you're picking it up at San Diego Comic Con, then I'll take cash. These books should ship right before or right after the con in a timely fashion, and again, if you're attending the con, I'll set yours aside and you can pick it up on site. Please specify which number you'd like if you own the MYTH AND WAR limited and want a match.

$60 plus shipping (and international orders will get nailed with those lovely international rates, I'm afraid).

There will be approximately 100 copies on hand at the con, as well, at retail price, first come-first served. The book is indeed sold out at the distributor level, meaning you may or may not get one at a retailer or through Amazon, even if you've ordered, I'm afraid. Amazon will allocate as they receive books, and all their books will ship from me to them by tomorrow. If you're worried about scoring a copy, check with NUCLEUS or STUART NG and reserve a copy form them asap.

SEX AND SCIENCE news

2009-06-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is a quick snippet, but I thought I should give you all a heads-up: THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE was plugged recently on the illustrious BOINGBOING and interest surged overnight. Amazon has placed an order so large that I can't fill it. We've vowed to NOT go back to press on these initial ANCIENT BOOK hardcovers (you'll recall that MYTH AND WAR sold out in a few months). It appears that SEX AND SCIENCE is now effectively "sold out" as well. I'm leaving the link to AMAZON in the sidebar as retailers often post with third party offerings, which may become the active way to get one very soon. Now, don't panic if you haven't gotten yours. I'll have limited quantities at San Diego, and there will indeed be a painted edition with signatures available on the blog in the coming week or two, so be vigilant and keep your eyes peeled. More soon, after I do actual inventory this morning.

THE PROJECTIONIST is coming! Plus, TWITTER!

2009-06-18T18:02:00.001-07:00

It's true...you can follow me on Twitter. I folded to the power of the tweet. I'll do my best to keep you all informed of what's the latest...
just follow, true believers, follow!

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE show and advanced copies

2009-05-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

May 16th will see the official launch of THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE, hosted by our friends at GALLERY NUCLEUS. We'll have advanced copies of the book for sale at $20 a pop, as well as some prints and of course the originals, by myself, Lou Romano, Don Shank, and Nate Wragg. Please come by and grab a copy at what will probably be one of your ONLY CHANCES to get all 4 artists to sign (with Lou at Leika and Nate at Dreamworks, it's hard locking us all down these days!) Special thanks to Ronnie del Carmen for the photos of the unveiling just minutes ago...

EMERALD CITY wrap-up!

2009-04-13T10:07:00.001-07:00

Thanks again to all who came out and made EMERALD CITY CON the convention to beat! We had a blast and I can't wait to hit that show again. Posted above are a few of the commissions I did during the show, along with a post-con wrap-up comic by Jim Mahfood!

NEWS!

2009-04-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came by at Emerald City this weekend! The show was AMAZING, so much fun and so much comics love. I can't wait to hit that show again in the future. I'll post a more comprehensive wrap up with scans of commissions (if you send 'em in) soon!

In other news, TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! has been graced with not one but TWO Eisner Award nominations, for BEST PAINTER/MULTIMEDIA ARTIST and BEST LETTERER! The Eisners are an amazing honor and I'm very thankful the book itself was recognized this year. Congrats to all the nominees, including Pixar buddies Enrico Casarosa(Venice Chronicles) and Steve Purcell (Sam and Max)!

We'll have TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! on hand in San Diego, of course, along with NOTES OVER YONDER and THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE.

Also available now is MAGIC PICKLE AND THE GARDEN OF EVIL, so grab a copy if you see it!

EMERALD CITY

2009-04-01T16:13:00.001-07:00

So I'll be doing commissions of what you like, but I'm also bringing these 5 with me for immediate sale at the show. Just a heads-up. They'll run you $100 a pop or $450 for all 5 if you're so inclined. Find me early...I'd like to just offer these on site, so no reserves on them, I'm afraid. See you there!

EMERALD CITY!

2009-03-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

EMERALD CITY COMIC CON is this weekend, folks! If you're in the Pacific Northwest, stop in and say hello, grab some comics, pick up some original art, and have some nerdy fun. This is a great show, I've been a guest twice before and am pleased to be a guest again this year. I'll be doing paintings for $100 a pop, anything you like, 8" x 10", black and white, just bring reference. I might also do a painting in trade if you bring me a sweet Kirby/Ditko monster comic like STRANGE TALES or TALES OF SUSPENSE or something. You can see samples of what I'm talking about below under the DC, H&B thread. I'll also have TIGER!TIGER!TIGER, NOTES OVER YONDER, and a preview copy of the first two chapters of TEN AGAINST THE WORLD and maybe even a preview of THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE. Sweet!

The image above is the cover for the charity book they've put together, featuring MONSTERS AND DAMES by me and a host of other luminaries. It's hardcover and awesome. You want it. Cover by Frank Cho (above).

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY

2009-03-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

I'm in the works on a new idea, a new "ongoing" idea. I want some opinions from the folks that would maybe be buying such a thing. You guys.

I'm looking to launch STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY as a series of 48 page, self-contained, Kirby/Ditko-esque comics. Each "issue" would contain a complete story featuring characters that might or might not appear in the next issue. Very much in the vein of STRANGE TALES, TALES TO ASTONISH!, and TALES OF SUSPENSE, pre-hero. We're talking about the meat of graphic novel ideas as 48 page old fashioned comics. So you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Interiors would be 2 color, and I'd love to do the books as hardcovers, but I want opinions on what YOU'D rather see: Good old fashioned floppy comics for $3.99, or nice hardcovers for more, maybe around $9.95-$12.95 a pop.

These would more than likely never be collected in another form (ie, no compilations), UNLESS I did them as floppies. Then you might get collections down the line.

Thoughts?

Launch date TBD...but they're in the works and coming your way in the coming months!

Oh, and TEN AGAINST THE WORLD will be a separate adventure...not under the STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY umbrella. Just a heads up!

DC, H&B, and more

2009-03-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Le Sketch

2009-03-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in a very cool sketchbook project called LE SKETCH, being run by Paulo Patricio and Matt Madden. LE SKETCH is given away in European cafes and bookstores for free, so if you're overseas, keep your eyes peeled. I'll have some of the "Scott Morse" issue at San Diego for early birds. Here's some of the work in my issue, though the final give-away product is greyscale and not all collage-y.

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE: preorder today!

2009-02-26T15:08:00.001-08:00

Amazon has it first, so get on it. Limited to 2000 copies, same as the quickly-sold-out first volume THE ANCIENT BOOK OF MYTH AND WAR. This thing is going to rock your world. Those little snippets pasted together above are just the tip of the iceberg.

WONDERCON BOOTH 1320

2009-02-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

WONDERCON! Moscone Center, San Francisco. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Scott Morse (TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!, MAGIC PICKLE), Bill Presing (BELLE DU JOUR, BOOKPLATE BETTIES), Enrico Casarosa (VENICE CHRONICLES, FRAGMENTS), and Ronnie del Carmen (AND THERE YOU ARE, PAPER BISCUIT). Come get some books and art, we'd love to say hello and show you the latest!

I'll be doing paintings for $100, 8"x10", whatever you like, just bring reference. I can't speak for the other guys, but check their blogs.

Also, BOOTH 920 has our buddies Derek Thompson and Ted Mathot. Go show them some love, too!

YUKI 7

2009-02-23T10:28:00.001-08:00

I was very pleased to participate in Kevin Dart's new YUKI 7 project. Here's the 3 takes I sent him for my contribution. Try to hit the show at NUCLEUS, too, coming July 3rd!

X*POSITION

2009-02-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

So, at Pixar we're prepping for the second annual PIXARPALOOZA, a sort of Battle of the Bands where everyone wins. Last year, PLOT DEVICE rocked it, and this year, X*POSITION will step up on stage to assault the ears of all present. It isn't until June, but we begin rehearsals tonight. I'm singing. 4 songs (3 covers and an original) will be dealt out to the crowd. Our original is coming together nicely, and there's a hint of the song's theme in our logo.

ELEPHANTS for Jeremy

2009-02-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE

2009-01-27T13:31:00.001-08:00

The time has come, my friends. We're pleased to announce that THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE will be offered for sale in June of 2009 at finer bookstores around the globe, with a book launch and gallery show at NUCLEUS in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 16, 2009, featuring works from the book along with additional, unpublished work. The artists are the same as MYTH AND WAR: Lou Romano, Don Shank, Nate Wragg, and myself, with Don designing this volume's cover. Lou, Don, Nate, and myself would love to see you at the show.

In the meantime, there's some sneaky snippets above, and more work on the artist blogs. Check the sidebar for links. Ordering information on AMAZON will be made available shortly, as well. Thanks for you support!

2009-01-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

2009!

2009-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

About time for an update, huh? Here's what's on the slate for this year, tentatively:

*THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE will hit just before San Diego Comic Con with a premiere art gala at NUCLEUS. This is the second of 4 planned ANCIENT BOOKS, featuring me, Lou Romano, Don Shank, and Nate Wragg. Coffee table goodness, we promise. Dates to be announced soon.

*TEN AGAINST THE WORLD is in the works, I'm pleased to officially announce. It's a 160 (or so) page Kirby/Toth-inspired monster comic set in the 1950's, lots of comic book fun I'm certain Wertham would love. There's a teaser above. It's being produced entirely in Photoshop on my Cintique, no pencils, just straight digital black, white, and blue, as an experiment in economics and speed. I'm about 40 pages in at this point. Keep your eyes and ears open for this one, as it may actually hit initially in online installments. Stay tuned.

*MAGIC PICKLE AND THE GARDEN OF EVIL and a fifth MAGIC PICKLE book will launch this year from Scholastic. The series is doing incredibly well, I'm happy to say. Buy copies for the kids in your life today!

*AFTERWORKS 3 is well under way with a hope to hit for SD as well. I'll have a short story, THE BUILD, about the building of my 1951 Ford truck. Lots of Pixar talent involved, of course, with a stunning cover by Lou Romano.

*There's a TIGER plush planned for San Diego, being designed by Anna Chambers.

*Convention appearance schedule to be posted soon, but look for me at Emerald City in Seattle the first weekend of April.

More soon! Thanks to everyone for an incredible 2008. Your support means the world.

The army marches forth...

2008-12-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

...and the last of the limited editions will ship momentarily. Thanks for the wait...

the custom love

2008-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here's some custom toys by a couple of incredible people, Louise Bagnall and Bill Hewitt. These are custom, one of a kind pieces that they sent to me out of the goodness of their hearts, not for sale, just for lookin'!

But beware! There is indeed a plush TIGER in the works for San Diego Comic Con 2009, the prototype being designed now by the incredible Anna Chambers...stay tuned...

A little something from APE

2008-12-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

A sketch I did at APE that was scanned and sent to me for the archives. I liked this one...hope you do too!

NOTES and TIGER!: reviews round-up

2008-12-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

So what do YOU all think? Here's thoughts by some comics critics:

*BROKEN FRONTIER
*COMICS RELATED
*COMICS REPORTER
*EVERY DAY IS LIKE WEDNESDAY
*COMICS WAITING ROOM

Also, all limited editions and bookplate editions that have sent payment should ship this week, finally. Thanks for your patience. Hope everyone's having a good holiday season so far...

BOOKPLATES! Last call...

2008-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

So, with November winding down towards the holidays, we're coming up on your LAST CHANCE to snag a signed TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! and original art bookplate! Again, there's no limit on these, the art is approximately 5" x 7", watercolor, and will more than likely appear in the next volume of TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!, as well. Pictured here are actual bookplates for copies shipping now. OFFER ENDS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER! Perfect for gifts, or a chance to own an original at a low price. $50 for the book and art, shipping included in the US, drop me a line at crazymorse *at* sbcglobal.net and I'll send you PAYPAL info (paypal payments only).

Graphic Collectibles: new MORSE offerings!

2008-11-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

GRAPHIC COLLECTIBLES has beefed up their selection of Morse originals and there's some unique things for sale this go-round, including an unproduced PLASTIC MAN cover (for an issue I was scheduled for but bowed out on due to the move to Pixar); BATMAN pitch art used to sell ROOM FULL OF STRANGERS; and some ANCIENT BOOK OF MYTH AND WAR love. This is a good chance to grab something unique, especially for those of you unable to hit conventions.

TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! bookplates

2008-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

LIMITED TIME OFFER: ends DECEMBER 1st!

Due to demand and fairness, since we only offered a mere 20 limited edition copies of TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!, I'm pleased to now offer unlimited copies of TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! with an original art bookplate for $50 a piece, shipping included in the US (more overseas). You'll receive a copy of the book signed inside with a loosely inserted original 5"x7" painting to either keep in the book as a bookplate or remove and frame. I'm very proud of this book, my first real foray into autobiographical storytelling. I'd love for everyone visiting the blog to have an opportunity to grab an offordable piece of art as well, so here's your chance, expecially if you don't have opportunities to attend convention appearances.

These will not be limited editions. You're free to order multiple copies for gift-giving. If these things start showing up on eBay in mass quantitites, though, this might be the last opportunity for original art in awhile...(there's a bookplate on eBay now that I did at APE for one of these editions...for $50 by itself. Here, you get the book as well, signed, before it even hits stands).

Drop me a line at crazymorse*at*sbcglobal.net and I'll get you Paypal info, but a button might go up soon for easy ordering through the end of the month...

**Also, there's been a number of inquiries about the ANCIENT BOOK and FRANKENSTEIN limited editions. I'm sorry to say they're all spoken for at this time.

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE...

2008-11-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

...is underway! We're shooting for a late Spring 2009 release, but you can check out the progress on everyone's blogs. The incredibly talented Don Shank is the designer of this volume's cover...we're rotating a new cover designer for each of the four ANCIENT BOOKS in the series. SEX AND SCIENCE promises to blow your mind, with a gallery show launch party at Gallery Nucleus and the official debut of the book at San Diego next year (you'll of course be able to get special editions and preview copies before hand either here or at Nucleus). Plus, we're discussing a few other special treats to accompany THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE, things that might revolutionize how projects like this exist. Stay tuned!

2008-11-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

Let's do this.

2008-11-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

This was a sketch from APE this past weekend, with all apologies to Shepard Fairey. Let's fix some things November 4, please.

APE report after the election, with news on how you can nail yourself a TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! signed book with an original painted bookplate!

LIMITED EDTIONS: SOLD OUT

2008-10-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who contacted me! All 20 sets are gone, gone, gone, I'm afraid. If we've communicated via e-mail, you're cool, and Paypal info will get to you shortly. Thanks, and see you at APE!

more APE info!

2008-10-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a sampling of what the bookplates will look like when you order your limited edition TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!/NOTES OVER YONDER set. These are all approx. 5" x 7", watercolor and pencil, and will not be attached to the book itself, but loose, leaving the choice of framing the art using it as a bookplate. These images may appear as panels in TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! volume 2, due next spring, as well.

Oh, and there's only 4 sets left, so if you want one, now's the time. ;) Details below.

COMMISSIONS: A few of you have inquired about commissions at APE, and here's the scoop: I'll be bringing limited supplies, as our booth is PACKEd this year with amazing people, leaving little to no room to paint. HOWEVER, I will be bringing paper and watercolors to produce images similar to the ones above, 5" x 7", and they'll go for $40 a pop, done on the spot. Come by if you want one!

*BONUS!* I just uncovered a few rare books from the "archives" which I'm offering online NOW and/or at APE: I've got 3 ANCIENT BOOK OF MYTH AND WAR limited editions, with drawings and paintings by me, Lou Romano, Don Shank, and Nate Wragg, as well as ONE copy of the limited edition FRANKENSTEIN hardcover by me and Steve Niles. These all feature real paintings inside, very limited, and otherwise sold out. $50 each, plus shipping. Drop me a line, otherwise they're first-come, first served at APE.

APE wares! UPDATED!

2008-10-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Heads-up! I've officially decided what limited edition stuff I'll have at APE:

*TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!/NOTES OVER YONDER limited edition: This is a signed, numbered, very limited edition for the end of the year. You get BOTH BOOKS, both of them with hand-carved stamp paintings inside, signed and numbered, and you'll also get a wooden TIGER, a hand-made and painted primitive object wooden toy, crafted from bed knobs and wooden dowels. Perfect for your mantle, desk, or workspace. I hope they'll make you smile. LIMITED EDITION OF 20. This set will go for $125, shipping included, and you're free to drop me an e-mail at your earliest convenience if you won't be at the show but think you want one. I'll reply with PAYPAL contact info. Again, limited to only 20, and as of the posting of these pics I've got about a dozen left.

*HIGH FIVE: A Scott Morse grab bag of sorts. This is a hand-drawn envelope package, sealed, that will contain an assortment of 5 comics and/or trade paperbacks that I've worked on. Things may include random copies of SOULWIND, VOLCANIC REVOLVER, MAGIC PICKLE, and other industry books like CATWOMAN, ELEKTRA, SAM AND TWITCH, and more, like various rare foreign editions of books. Again, sealed, so you won't be able to choose what you get, but I'll be posting images of the envelopes soon so you can see what sort of original art those will involve. You might even end up with original art inside. These are first-come, first-served, $10 a pop at the show. Online, I'll have to tack on shipping, for a total of $15. Limited number of these, but not signed and numbered.

Drop me a line if these interest you and you can't make it to APE! crazymorse *at* sbcglobal.net

APE!

2008-10-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just a heads-up to plan to visit the booth at APE! I'll be in the usual spot, this time buddying up with ENRICO CASAROSA, DICE TSUTSUMI, RONNIE DEL CARMEN, and other special guests, right next to ALLEN SPIEGEL FINE ARTS!

We'll have:
*TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! advanced copies, unmarked and special editions (prices soon!)
*NOTES OVER YONDER unmarked and special editions
*VENICE CHRONICLES unmarked and special editions
*RED WINDOW SPRING and SUMMER special editions
*T-shirts
*Original art
*and more!

More info soon, but mark your calendars!

VENICE CHRONICLES

2008-09-30T11:44:00.001-07:00

You know, if you love slice of life comics that really give you a lot of organic watercolory atmosphere and emotion, you should really order Enrico Casarosa's amazing new book THE VENICE CHRONICLES.. Enrico's a good friend and I've seen this book come to life quite nicely over the past few months. It's an amazing package, a hefty little hardcover with meaty woodfree interior pages graced with painting after painting of genius.

Amazon's got 'em cheap, so order today, along with some other things...;)

TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! preview

2008-09-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

The good folks over at COMIC RELATED have kindly posted a few pages from TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! Volume 1. go check 'em out, then order your copy! The Diamond Catalogue order number is OCT08 3781. I just got my advances from China and they look just the way I wanted them to. Pics soon.

NOTES OVER YONDER and TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! production

2008-09-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a unique look at some of the "process" of fabricating hardcover books overseas. NOTES OVER YONDER and TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! are both being printed by GLOBAL PSD in China, the same company that produced the finished ANCIENT BOOK OF MYTH AND WAR, as well as Bill Presing's beautiful BELLE DUJOUR and BOOKPLATE BETTIES and Enrico Casarosa's upcoming VENICE CHRONICLES. I hear we'll get some pics of the binding process soon, so stay tuned, and order these books if you haven't already! AMAZON links on the right.

THE TIME IS NOW!

2008-09-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to order NOTES OVER YONDER and TIGER!TIGER!TIGER! Now's the time those retailers are placing their orders from Diamond, and Amazon counts as a "retailer". These aren't limited run books, really, but initial orders are the key hit for self-publishers. Ordering now helps me along with future projects in a big way, and your support means the world! Again, I WILL more than likely produce a very small run of "limited editions" of both of these books, but probably limited to just 25 copies of each. As for the affordable edition for your bookshelf or coffee table, though, Amazon has the best deals I've seen on both (NOTES OVER YONDER)(TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!) There's "Look Inside!" previews of both on Amazon, too!

musketeers of olde and late

2008-09-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things slip through the cracks, but eventually they get done. Here are a couple of commissions I've neglected for way too long. And that, my friends, is why I usually shy away from online commissions.

Two More Benefits

2008-09-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Two more benefit auction pieces. I'll post more details on where you can get the WONDER WOMAN soon, but the elephant is for an Italian benefit calendar, Unione Italiana Volontari Ciechi, an association that helps the blind with their everyday lives.

TOTORO FOREST bidding open!

2008-09-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

That's right! Go now to bid on your favorite pieces. Mine are priced with low opening bids of $100 each, and for a painting that size, that's a good deal if you snag one! All of the art is amazing, whether you bid on mine or someone else's...just get in there and help out the forest! Above you'll notice some Flying Tiger Air Buses, too...those are 4 more original art bookplates that you could possibly score an original of if you buy a $500 ticket to the event. Each $500 ticket comes with an original piece of art by one of the artists. ;)

TIGER!TIGER!TIGER!: ORDER NOW!

2008-08-26T14:47:00.001-07:00

You can get them on AMAZON now, and CHEAP! Only $10.17 for this hardcover volume. That's probably the best deal you're gonna find around town. And I'd love you to have a copy! It's at the printer now and coming along nicely. I just reviewed and signed off on the proofs. Again, for the die-hards, there'll be a limited edition version available soon, and you can hit me at APE for a personalized copy.

RED WINDOW

FILM SKOOL: NORTH BY NORTHWEST

Dem Birdsh

WOMEN OF WONDER DAY!

Sonny walks the Monster

SWEETPEA

KAMEN RIDER!

CRIME AND TERROR/ STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY limited editions

CRIME AND TERROR/ STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY limited editions

On Comics and Film: visual storytelling

A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR...on its WAY!

Hoot.

A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR **NOW EVEN BIGGER!**

ONE: a benefit for Japan

CRIME AND TERROR teases

CRIME AND TERROR is in full swing...

NEWS!

It's been awhile...

What I do at work

An owl for Ghana

Comic Debuts

TIGERS IN ITALY

THE BOURBON LEGEND

CRITERION posters for ATP!

Support the CBLDF! LIBERTY COMICS 2010!

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #6!

SAN DIEGO WARES pt. II BOOTH 4800

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON WARES PART 1

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #5!

HEROESCON: you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy

TIgers for Charlotte!

HEROES CON!

escena final de 8 1/2

That's the way it crumbles, cookie-wise.

TOUCH OF EVIL

Oh, Jeff.

BRANDED TO KILL

THEM!

BAO!

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY!

VOLTRON!

THE COFFIN

THE RARE CANADIAN TIGERS

THE CANADIAN INVASION OF THE SPIDER-MEN

some little charity paintings

That cat always loved Harry.

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY at IDW!

THE ATTACK OF URSA ASTEROID!

It's been awhile.

X*POSITION rocking out DECEMBER 11th

APE spill-over!

APE this weekend!

CTN!

Sweet Charities

UPDATES!

A Topnif homecoming

THE SAN DIEGO ODYSSEY begins!

SAN DIEGO WARES update and MAP!

SAN DIEGO WARES PART 2

SAN DIEGO WARES PT.1

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE limited editions

SEX AND SCIENCE news

THE PROJECTIONIST is coming! Plus, TWITTER!

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE show and advanced copies

EMERALD CITY wrap-up!

NEWS!

EMERALD CITY

EMERALD CITY!

STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY

DC, H&B, and more

Le Sketch

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE: preorder today!

WONDERCON BOOTH 1320

YUKI 7

X*POSITION

ELEPHANTS for Jeremy

THE ANCIENT BOOK OF SEX AND SCIENCE

2009!

The army marches forth...

the custom love

A GLIMPSE OF CRIME AND TERROR NOW EVEN BIGGER!

APE wares! UPDATED!