Classic Vinyl Album Cover Art

Over at Animation Nation, the subject of album cover art came up. Some of us old-timers were fondly remembering a couple of our favorites and the ELP BRAIN SALAD SURGERY cover came up. The cover artist was H. R. Giger, of "Alien" fame. The is a great example of the artful, over the top, packaging produced during the album's heyday, 1973. So, for those too young to know what we talking about here it is.







Enjoy.

Star Wars Clone Wars - Movie

Well, for what it's worth, I saw Clone Wars, last week, with my two boys, and I was very disappointed by it. I've directed my share of TV action-adventure episodes (Thundercats, Gargoyles, ExoSquad and Nascar Racers, on which I was the top dog, and had the same experience of making my first three episodes in a movie to start off the series), and you sort of "get what you get". But within the first 5 minutes of Clone Wars my heart sank. The voice over was really bad, feeling like it was just tacked on, and things just got worse from there. It's the same sinking feeling I got when I saw the original theatrical releases of "Dune" and "Blade Runner" as examples of movies not living up the source material. I just felt the directing on Clone Wars was totally lacking in pacing and impact. My boys felt it was okay, but they ripped it apart on the home.

I think it's tough to do stories of iconic characters the who's destinies (and deaths), is so well known. How do you keep story dramatically interesting when you know these guys can't really be seriously hurt? The creative team has their work cut out for them.

Hopefully, the Lucas studio will improve the show during the series. I still like the art style and hope they have success with Clone Wars. Time will tell.

Star Wars Clone Wars Toon Flipz Book

This is my Dragonfly Toon Flipz mini-book of the first Star Wars Clone Wars "Series Preview Trailer" released last year. I made this concept demo book and sent it, with a proposal, to show's executive producer at Lucas Arts. The proposal included mock-up covers for a Star Wars Force Unleashed and Fracture, upcoming Lucas Arts video games. I know the proposal was passed on to another (marketing) executive. But I never heard any more about it. So, although two copies of my Clone Wars Flipz book is floating around he Lucas Arts offices, somewhere, I must assume it's a D.O.A.project. In any case, I'm posting it here (and on youtube.com, check out the high quality version for best viewing)) as a "Fan Movie" It's a "Concept Demo" and not for sale. If you like it, spread the word to other Star Wars fans and maybe email Lucas Arts. Your comments are always welcomed.

I'm still searching for the "right eyeballs" to see the potential my Dragonfly Flip book format has. It is ideal for movie and TV tie books. It's like photo-graphic novel with motion. Viewer comments on youtube or other sites tells me there is an interest in my Dragonfly Flipz books, so I'll just keep trying. I'm going to try contacting Dark Horse Comics, again, as they are a big Star Wars licensee. Sent them a email, also if you like my Flipz Book.



In case you missed it, here the first trailer:


I'm looking forward to the movie opening this week. From the look of the latest trailers it looks great. So, far the animated versions have been top notch (maybe, they will for the episodes I, II, and III).

I'll be post more video of other D.O.A. Dragonfly Flipz books. I realize I have back log of stuff the need the see the light, like a Hellboy Comix Flipz book set and Halo trading card size mini-flip book. Until then enjoy.

Who is Rocket Johnson? - Charity Auction

Over on the Animation Nation board, member Dr. Hong, ask members to pass along this notice.

"7.01.2008
CHARITY AUCTION
"Who is Rocket Johnson?" is a 72 page graphic novel anthology being self-published by Walt Disney Animation Studio's Story Artists and Directors. It's an all-ages book in which every artist answers the question: "Who is Rocket Johnson?" It will be sold exclusively at booth 2302 in San Diego (http://www.comic-con.org/) and is a limited edition of 1,000 copies.

I’ve put a copy on Ebay to help support research in finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
The book is signed by all of the Disney artists in the book and also comes with a set of pins we made special for Comic Con. The proceeds from this book will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (http://www.nationalmssociety.org) to fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The auction will end on Jul-10-2008 at 10:30 a.m. pst.

The auction is located here: item number - 160256489260

Please help us spread the word about the book and the auction!"

It's my total pleasure to pass the word along. It looks like a great book and the auction is a real inspiring action. The ebay auction page includes several interior pages. Here's wishing the best of everything to the creators. I'll be missing the Comic Con this year, so I'll have to have a friend try to pick me up a copy.

Enjoy, and pass the word.

Paul Chadwick's Concrete - Comix Flipz Book

Here's my Dragonfly Comix Flip Book adaptation of a Paul Chadwick's "Concrete" story, "Watching a Sunset". Paul is one of my favorite comic book creators, really deserving of wider recognition. Concrete is Paul's best known work in a long and very creative career. There was talk of a Concrete live action movie at one time, I hope the success of recent comic book-based features jump-starts that project again.

The Dragonfly Concrete Comix Flipz book is adapted from animation I did many moons ago. The original comic story can be seen at the end of the flip book. The original animation is stored on tape somewhere. I'll have to find it and post it sometime. The Concrete Comix Flipz book project, as a licensed product from Dark Horse Comics, got sided track somehow, but I hope to get it on track this year (with the fans help). Leave comments here, and at Paul's blog site (link at right) and the Dark Horse sites, if you want to see this finished.

This project has a long storied history that I'll relate in a future post. For now just enjoy it.

Batman Sketch

Here's a sketch book drawing to welcome this summer's Batman movie and animated DVD. I'm actually looking forward more to the anime styled Gotham Knight DVD than the movie.
Here's the trailer:


I wonder if other Warner Bros. properties will get this "Animatrix" style treatment. I'm not sure if that's a good, or bad, thing. The U.S. shows may come off looking childish and flat in comparison.

Time will tell. Enjoy.

Happy Father Day

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Father's Day (U.S. holiday). I enjoyed a wonderful day with my family. We attended a free concert at the Rochester International Jazz Festival (being held this week) and had a nice dinner out.

Best of all, they give me this cool t-shirt from Threadless.com.

It's getting to be a tradition to get a t-shirt on Father's Day. It's much better than a tie. Last year's was a Snoopy "Joe Cool" shirt that read "Unathletic Dad". I loved and wore it to all their Little League games, just for fun.

Hope all you Dads have a good day, too.