Scrubbles.net » Comics

Addictipedia

Matt — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:48:03 +0000

New Two Bunnies and a Duck is up today. Subject: Wikipedia. I can’t get enough of Wikipedia. You go there to look up something, then find that an hour has gone by and you’re looking at something that had nothing to do with what you originally came there for.

There’s also the Two Bunnies and a Duck book at Lulu.com. I find that the book has been downloaded exactly zero times since being uploaded six months ago. Not that I’m bitter about it or anything.

Weekly Mishmash: May 31-June 6

Matt — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:12:13 +0000

The Complete Peanuts 1965-66 by Charles M. Schulz. Another fun Complete Peanuts volume. The strips collected here coincide with the apex of Peanuts-mania in America, as highlighted with a Snoopy & co. Time magazine cover in April of ’65. The first year has a few interesting storylines involving Charlie Brown at summer camp, Sally being prescribed an eye patch, Linus having his blanket shipped away to his uncaring grandma, and the ever-present losing streaks in baseball. Amusing as always, but I’m getting the first inklings here that Schulz is settling into too familiar ground. This book also contains the earliest Snoopy vs. the Red Baron strips, a theme that I never particularly enjoyed. Luckily, the introduction of Peppermint Patty in late ’66 contributed a needed shot of energy to the Peanuts gang (and her earliest strips are hilarious). For the future, I’m looking forward to the addition of Woodstock and noticing when the girl characters start wearing pants instead of dresses.
Jesus Camp (2006). This documentary is as scary as I’ve heard, and totally riveting. Chronicling a summer camp for evangelical Christian children, this film doesn’t shy away from the fact that the organization really exists for adults to drill their extremist views on adult subjects (abortion, censorship, etc.) into kids who aren’t allowed the simple freedom to grow and figure things out for themselves. Scenes where children are induced into crying and confession their sins (really, what kind of deep dark sin does a child have?) are difficult to watch. Other scenes, such as when a church congregation is urged to pray over a cardboard George W. Bush cutout, are almost too bizarre to believe. This was an extremely well-made documentary that doesn’t hit one over the head with an agenda; it simply shows what it shows with a chilling straightforwardness. The camp uses a lot of warlike imagery and brainwashing techniques that mirror what extremist Muslims do to groom kids to become suicide bombers and such. I take comfort in how, since this film’s 2006 release, the camp in question has been discontinued. Now I’d love to see a sequel, if only to find out how screwed up these kids became as adolescents.
Phoenix — Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. I went for something brand new with my third iTunes album. This is an invigorating indie rock set, along the same lines as Phoenix’s previous one (It’s Never Been Like That) — only more tuneful and diverse, a signpost of the band’s evolution. It seems inconceivable that this is the same group that I first heard ten years ago doing slick, Daft Punk-inspired disco instrumentals, but here’s to progress. “Lisztomania” and “1901″ provide a bang-up opener, and they go into intriguing ambient territory with the two-parter “Love Like A Sunset.” I also loved the unusual stop-start structure of “Countdown.” The vocals and guitars are sharp as ever, even if they get into a few samey sounding tunes toward the end. Perhaps not the defining summer soundtrack that everyone says, but excellent nonetheless.
The Signal (2007). Unusual indie horror story told in three distinct segments by different directors. The first segment, detailing the first few hours after an unexplained radio/TV signal turns half of L.A. into homicidal maniacs, is potent and engrossing. Were it that the rest of the film was that creepy and cool, but it quickly turns into a rote effort in which characters do inexplicable things for no good reason. The second segment takes a whiplash-inducing turn from comedic to ulta-gory, and the third segment was just plain boring. Oh, well.
Stand and Deliver (1988). Part of TCM’s Latino Images in Film fest from last month. A pretty standard “inspirational teacher” tale elevated by Edward James Olmos’ commanding lead and an appealing supporting cast. The students too quickly transform from barrio brats to studious braniacs, but I appreciate how each kid gets sympathetic vignettes into their diverse home lives. Although I never saw this movie before, strangely enough I remember Mr. Mister’s theme song back when it first came out — and there it was, during the closing credits! My brain is incapable of holding anything like calculus equations, but it sure knows its share of cheesy ’80s movie themes.
The White Sister (1923). Beautiful but plodding Lillian Gish vehicle in which she plays an emotional woman who turns to the nunnery when her soldier love (Ronald Colman in his first film role) goes missing in Africa. The fact that this movie clocks in at almost two and a half hours in an era when most features were barely over an hour might tell you something. Gorgeous photography on location in Italy adds a sumptuous look to the proceedings, and Lillian looks absolutely luminous in several close-ups — but the story is so damned old fashioned and it goes on forever. I’m going to have to pick a better silent next time.

Federal Man to the Rescue!

Matt — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:38:36 +0000

The University of Nebraska has a swell archive of vintage comic books published by the U.S. Government. The files are in easily downloaded pdf format, so you can look at them nice and big. How about I’ve Got Wings! (excerpt above), or Earthquake Preparedness for Children with Yogi Bear? Perhaps those who are feeling really adventuresome could try the unheralded 1978 opus Preventive Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries.

Vinyl Toy? Yes, Sir.

Matt — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:57:40 +0000

Earlier this week, I went to my fave local indie record store. At the check out register, they had a tempting display of boxed Simpsons figurines made by Kid Robot. Of course, I had to get one; this isn’t the first time I’ve been captivated by collector vinyl toys. Like the Kubrick series, these Simpsons figurines are “blind boxed” and have all the series’ characters pictured on the packaging, alongside your odds of getting them. This particular series has 24 different characters, including three mystery characters (Googling reveals them to be Devil Flanders, Snake and Krusty’s monkey assistant). Most common are the Simpson family not counting Maggie; least common are Funzo and the Channel Ocho Bee. There was a lot of anticipation when I opened my box and found… Smithers! Although these Kid Robot toys aren’t as well-made as the Kubricks or the Todd McFarlane figurines, they are pretty cool with adorable, baby-like proportions. I love how mini Smithers has his own little Malibu Stacy doll. A doll holding a doll … how wonderfully meta.

P.S. A new Two Bunnies & A Duck has been unleashed today.

Got You Covered

Matt — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:39:53 +0000

A weblog of artists redrawing old comic book covers (via Drawn! of course). Interesting how many of the artists choose not to significantly alter the originals.

Two Bunnies and a Duck, the Book

Matt — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:13:20 +0000

Now that the new year has begun, I can reveal a project that occupied a good chunk of my time last month — Two Bunnies & A Duck: The Book. This was my special Christmas gift for Christopher (who loved it). The book collects the first 22 Two Bunnies & A Duck comics, along with a few extra goodies. With Lulu.com and my trusty copy of Adobe InDesign, the production went as seamlessly as you can get. Honestly, I don’t expect anyone else to buy the $25.95 hardback edition, but there is a considerably cheaper download version at my Lulu storefront.

Happy Anniversary

Matt — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:16:12 +0000

The new Two Bunnies and a Duck posted today is dedicated to my loving partner. For it was fourteen years ago tomorrow that we first met. Thank you for entering my life, Christopher!

Bunnies, Comic #18

Matt — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:17:38 +0000

New Two Bunnies And A Duck today. I’m pleased with how nicely drawn and colored this one came out.

Bunnies, Comic #16

Matt — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:31:53 +0000

New Two Bunnies And A Duck this week. Actually, this one was supposed to be ready last week, but computer problems got in the way. An observation: after six months, it’s becoming apparent that I cannot draw cartoon characters with any consistency whatsoever. The figures in comic #15 are refined to have an appealingly cuddly look, but in #16 they’re back to being all weird and elongated. So frustrating.

Bunnies, Comic #13

Matt — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:17:20 +0000

New Two Bunnies and a Duck posted today. I love coming up with gags for the comic, but I have to admit that the drawing, scanning and coloring is very tedious. I’m not skilled enough to make the characters look at all consistent (this week they look a bit elongated) — a redesign might be in order.

Bunnies, Comic #11

Matt — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:12:13 +0000

A new Two Bunnies and a Duck was posted today that deals somewhat with boredom. Although the comic is coming along nicely, I’m just not feeling terribly creative lately. I can’t even think of anything interesting to post about on Scrubbles. It’s probably a weather thing. I can’t think straight when it’s hot. It’ll probably subside soon.

Bad Movie Alert

Matt — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:56:35 +0000

It is my civic duty to inform everybody of two intriguing bad movies coming up on Turner Classic Movies. Sure, you can always catch a screening of Lawrence of Arabia or the umpteenth showing of Father of the Bride, but how often does one get to see The Oscar (1966)? TCM will be showing it this Monday at 11 p.m. EST, introduced by Bill Maher. I can remember seeing bits of this Hollywood potboiler on the TNT channel way back in the day, and I can’t wait to check out the whole enchilada. This one begins with an actor (Stephen Boyd) at an Oscars ceremony, reflecting on his past as he awaits whether or not he’ll win the Best Actor award. It also stars Elke Sommer, Milton Berle and Tony Bennett (one can picture Bennett’s agent saying something along the lines of “Trust me, Tony, this’ll make ya a big time movie star!”). At least seeing it will at last illuminate SCTV‘s parody The Nobel, with Catherine O’Hara doing a perfect, cross-eyed Elke imitation.

As if that weren’t enough, TCM will also have the notorious 1980 musical The Apple on their schedule later this month. Probably hoping nobody will notice, they have it set for a 2:00 a.m. EST showing on the morning of Saturday the 21st. Personally I can’t vouch for the quality on this one, about an international music making competition set in the far-off futuristic era of 1994. It could either be fabulously awful like Xanadu or painfully awful like Can’t Stop the Music.

Oh, and another reason to live — a new Two Bunnies and a Duck! Click on the TWC button on the right to vote for my little baby.

Bunnies, Comic #8

Matt — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:44:41 +0000

Two Bunnies and a Duck has been updated with a strip paying tribute to the manga comics I look at all day. If that doesn’t elicit a giggle, how about an Onion news report touring a historic “Blockbuster” video store museum? (via Hacking Netflix)

We’re #3,584!

Matt — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:02:34 +0000

A new Two Bunnies and a Duck has been posted; currently ranked #3,584 at TopWebComics.com!

That ‘Screen Saver’ Look

Matt — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:21:32 +0000

A new Two Bunnies and a Duck hatched today … and now for something completely different. I was rearranging shelves in my bedroom yesterday and came across a few stowed-away items that have been saved since my first computer came into my life in 1992. First is the sheet of Apple Computer decals which came packaged with my Mac IIci machine. Very rainbowy. Second are a pair of items from Berkeley Systems, makers of the popular-in-the-day After Dark screen saver. An ad for More After Dark carries all the hallmarks of clunky early desktop publishing — including a garish color gradation. Finally there’s a brochure where one could purchase a variety of After Dark attire, modeled by the fashionistas pictured below. Flying toasters away!

Two Bunnies #4

Matt — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:12:25 +0000

A new edition of Two Bunnies and a Duck has been posted. Kinda gross, but a lot of humor is based on grossness, doncha think?

By the way, we just completed almost a full day of planting and removing different vegetation from our yard. I have just one gardening observation: Ruellia sucks. Don’t plant unless you like things that spread like weeds and leave dozens of densely packed stalks in the ground when you try removing them.

Book Review: Jackie Ormes

Matt — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:30:17 +0000

I love it when a book exposes me to an event or person that I’d previously known nothing of. This happened recently when a friend sent along an email linking to an article on Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist. This book grew out of author Nancy Goldstein’s interest in a doll modeled after one of Ormes’ comic characters. What emerged from that little pique is this multifaceted portrait of a vivacious lady who channeled the excitement of mid-20th century politics and social issues into her own jazzy drawings.

Actually, cartooning made up only part of Ormes’ life story — between 1937 and 1956, she had a hand in four different comic strips in between stints as a reporter, community volunteer and social hostess on the Chicago scene. Her best-remembered comic was Patty Jo ‘n’ Ginger, a single panel weekly which ran in the black-oriented Pittsburgh Courier in 1945-56. It starred Patty Jo, a smart-mouthed little girl whose beyond-her-years wisecracks often startled her mute yet smartly dressed older sister Ginger (the fashionable Ormes modeled Ginger after herself). Although the strip looked innocuous enough on the surface, Ormes used the Patty Jo character to caustically speak on current issues ranging from segregation to the HUAC Communist witch hunts to Dior’s “New Look” fashions. Around the same time, Ormes also drew a full color romantic saga titled Torchy In Heartbeats, a series notable for its independent Afro-American herioine and Orme’s lush drawing style (a distinct improvement over Patty Jo ‘n’ Ginger‘s cute but often stilted compositions). Goldstein also devotes a chapter to the highly collectible doll based on Patty Jo.

The book itself is a nice and thorough summary of Ormes’ life and career. My only complaint is that Goldstein’s text often detours into unnecessarily long passages giving context to the times she lived in. On the other hand, I did enjoy her paragraphs describing the often obscure topics covered in each Patty Jo ‘n’ Ginger panel. Ormes’ comics are presented in the best possible way, despite many of them only surviving on grungy microfilm reels. All in all, with this book I was left with the impression of getting to know a fascinating lady who lived in a fascinating era.

Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist is published by The University of Michigan Press. Buy it at Amazon.com here.

Bunnies, Comic #3

Matt — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:55:01 +0000

A new Two Bunnies and a Duck installment has been published, and this time we see the appearance of a third character. Is it the duck? Check it out.

More Bunnies

Matt — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:15:36 +0000

Posted another installment of Two Bunnies and a Duck today. This new one was done in ink. The lines are darker, making the words easier to read — but I don’t like drawing in ink as much, and the results came out wobbly looking. Back to pencil for the next one. I have several weeks’ worth of comics planned (but not yet drawn).

Two Bunnies and a Duck

Matt — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:47:36 +0000

The s.o. has been hounding me for the last few weeks to get a comic strip going. Voilà: Two Bunnies and a Duck will be updated every two weeks. Doing a comic strip is harder than it looks. How the #@%≈$ do comic strip artists keep the characters looking the same in every panel? I keep drawing bunny after bunny and they always come out different. Anyways, enjoy the first installment.