When I was a kid, and I started getting into comic books, naturally, my first inspirations were the superheroes. AAron and I would pull whatever was on the rack at the local Safeway, stopping for an hour or more on our way home from Kenny Guinn Middle School to sit and read. Continue reading “Elfquest and Comics without Superheroes”
Category: Art
Gosh, I love arrows.
This image is from issue #3 of Mark Gruenwald’s 1983 4 issue miniseries about Hawkeye.
For a long time, the phrase at the bottom of the frame, “Gosh, I love arrows,” has been a shorthand for me, for the lopsided pleasure that something small can bring.
In this story arc (and I highly recommend reading it), Clint Barton has a really bad day. The kind of day they write country songs about. And he doesn’t know how to carry on doing what he’s supposed to do. But then he gets some help and the clouds part a little bit. There’s a tiny ray of sunlight and he clings to it, fighting for every bit of space between the clouds until he’s standing in the noon sun again.
I think sometimes I just need this reminder. That no matter how bad the world is, no matter the set-backs personally or professionally, no matter the often encroaching darkness, that there are some good and happy moments. Small things that can bring a smile and let you know it’s okay to continue to fight.
Gosh, I love arrows.
Vintage Geek Culture — Top Misconceptions People Have about Pulp-Era…
You know I love me some science fiction. This post, over on the tumblr site Vintage Geek Culture, is a great dispelling of the “truths” of the pulp era. Like Chuck Wendig’s post about the “Sacred Cows of Writing Advice” and Dean Wesley Smith’s books on the myths of conventional and indie publishing, it’s great to see critical looks at the way we’ve always believed things to be.
While there is always a core to these “truths,” there’s also an equal number of examples which show there is more to it.
3347 free icons for your games or apps
Okay. Honestly, I have no idea what to do with this post. It is, quite literally, 3347 free SVG and PNG icons for your games or apps from Game-icons.net.
Now here’s the thing: I’m not an app or game designer. I have no practical use for these icons in any way, shape, or form. That said, I love them all and want to figure out a way to use them in something. Maybe I can print them out and attach them to dice, a la story cubes (which, if anyone wants to get me some, I’d gladly accept). Or maybe I can use them as icons for my various folders (is that still even a thing?). Whatever the case, I just think they’re cool. And so I’m sharing them with you.
Boston Public Library Put Its M.C. Escher Collection Online, So It’s Time to Redecorate Your Dorm Room
I have this theory on the evolution of the knowledge of surrealism. You start off with an appreciation of M.C. (Maurits Cornelis) Escher as you start to understand art in general. Here are illustrations designed to play with your sense of perception. His images have been co-opted for jigsaw puzzles and t-shirts and posters (not to mention set design). Continue reading “Boston Public Library Put Its M.C. Escher Collection Online, So It’s Time to Redecorate Your Dorm Room”
Sea Monsters on Maps
I am a sucker for underwater monsters. Seriously, give me a giant squid, boat crushing sea serpent, evil shark, misunderstood killer whale (even that asshole dolphin who ran over the surfer) and I am all over it.
All of which means that those old maps, the ones with sea monsters printed on them in a “here there be dragons” kinda way, are right up my alley. So to celebrate, here’s a cool article about those maps and how one could go about acquiring them. And if said “one” wanted to send one to me, here’s the address (bottom of the page)!
Rome – March 29-April 2
March 29, 2018 – So this trip started back in December. As we were driving to Mažeikiai for Christmas, I suggested to Rasa that we invite her mom to go to Rome for Holy Week and to see the Pope deliver his address from the balcony on Easter Sunday. Rasa thought it was a great idea, since her mom hadn’t been on an airplane in probably 40 years and had really never traveled. What a fun way to have a little break and, for someone who is as devout as her mother is, a (probably) once in a lifetime event. Continue reading “Rome – March 29-April 2”
Beyond Rosie: Where Are the Strong Women in Posters?
The high point in the depiction of strong, powerful women in posters almost certainly remains J. Howard Miller’s ‘We Can Do It’ poster from 1942.
Source: Beyond Rosie: Where Are the Strong Women in Posters?
Neil Gaiman on Why We Read and What Books Do for the Human Experience – Brain Pickings
So I posted this on Facebook, but it seems like it needs a more permanent home. Therefore, posting it here.
And while it’s true this is piece is focused on Gaiman, there are a number of really good links which are just as important to the truth of reading and storytelling that I wanted to keep it nearby. “Truth is not in what happens but in what it tells us about who we are.”
Source: Neil Gaiman on Why We Read and What Books Do for the Human Experience – Brain Pickings
Ursula K. Le Guin on “Spare Time,” What It Means to Be a Working Artist, and the Vital Difference Between Being Busy with Doing and Being Occupied with Living – Brain Pickings
In praise of the mundane, unquantifiable, impractical activities that feed creative work and fill life with meaning.
20 Awesome Historical Words We Need to Bring Back
Let’s bring these back
13 Secrets of Rare Book Dealers | Mental Floss
Hi.
I’m Jaq…and I’m a book collector.
<hi Jaq>
Continue reading “13 Secrets of Rare Book Dealers | Mental Floss”
Bloom County in Contexts « The Hooded Utilitarian
Pantone Color of the Year 2018 | Ultra Violet 18-3838
Can I just say, I love the idea of a “Color of the Year.” Anything “of the Year” really. The idea that someone gets to decide what gets to be lionized for the coming 12 months is awesome. And if it doesn’t work out, you get to pick a new one next year. And if you like more turbulent times, there are plenty of “of the Month” items to choose from as well.
But anyway… Happy 2018. For those of us who love purple, it’s gonna be a good year! Pantone Color of the Year 2018 | Ultra Violet 18-3838
Best Books of 2017 : NPR
In honor of the great Icelandic holiday tradition, Here’s a list of some of the best books of the last year for you to peruse, think about, ponder and maybe, just maybe, if you have the time, read. It’s a list with something for everyone and easily searchable. And as an added bonus, they have their lists for the past 9 years linked as well. Enjoy! #bookconcierge
Getting the Hang of Thursdays 