The Crossroads
Artist of the Month: Christian Montalvo (September 2011)
Every Month Section 8 Comics will spotlight a different Artist. These artists are going to be from all works of life not just from the Comic book industry but painters sculptors and any where else that we have felt there work has inspired others.
This month we bring to you Christian Montalvo of A.G.E. Studios. Born and raised in Queens New York, Christian and his brother Antonio started A.G.E. studios in 2003. They have been going strong ever since, with titles such as Donnie Bling-Bling, Devil’s Wind and Warcloud.
Christian has also done various fine art and has been a driving force to not only show comic book art as a fine art but also spot light other Latin artists. In the last 2 years he has put together 2 gallery shows. Fwacata! Look at My Hands and most recently the Monstros exhibit which explores the monsters and creatures of Latin culture.
Below are some samples of his work and for more visit his web site www.alphagodz.net
This month we bring to you Christian Montalvo of A.G.E. Studios. Born and raised in Queens New York, Christian and his brother Antonio started A.G.E. studios in 2003. They have been going strong ever since, with titles such as Donnie Bling-Bling, Devil’s Wind and Warcloud.
Christian has also done various fine art and has been a driving force to not only show comic book art as a fine art but also spot light other Latin artists. In the last 2 years he has put together 2 gallery shows. Fwacata! Look at My Hands and most recently the Monstros exhibit which explores the monsters and creatures of Latin culture.
Below are some samples of his work and for more visit his web site www.alphagodz.net
DRIVEN
Acrylic Paints on Canvas, 24" x 30" (FWACATA! Look At My Hands Exhibit), 2009
JAZZ
Ink on Paper with Digital Colors, (South Florida Local Silver Addy Award Winner), 2006
BOOP FICTION
Pencil & Ink on paper with Digital Colors, 2006
2PAC
Water Colors on Paper with Digital Colors, 2005 - 09
Leonardo Frontispiece (Mirage Studios, Tales of The TMNT #41)
Layouts & Inks: Christian Montalvo, Jan. 2008
FWACATA! LOOK AT MY HANDS
Illustrated in 2010
If you would like to recommend an artist to be spotlighted or would like to recommend yourself Email: Section8comics@gmail.com with artist of the month in the subject line.Acrylic Paints on Canvas, 24" x 30" (FWACATA! Look At My Hands Exhibit), 2009
JAZZ
Ink on Paper with Digital Colors, (South Florida Local Silver Addy Award Winner), 2006
BOOP FICTION
Pencil & Ink on paper with Digital Colors, 2006
2PAC
Water Colors on Paper with Digital Colors, 2005 - 09
Leonardo Frontispiece (Mirage Studios, Tales of The TMNT #41)
Layouts & Inks: Christian Montalvo, Jan. 2008
FWACATA! LOOK AT MY HANDS
Illustrated in 2010
Digital Comic Revolution or Industries Last Gasp
Comic book characters like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Ironman etc have experienced a massive increase in influence on popular culture consciousness. Comic book stories in general can be seen in countless cartoons and dvds, live action smash hit tv shows like Heroes or Walking Dead, mega- record breaking block buster movies. Warner Bros. is in the process of making the DC universe the staple franchise after Harry Potter. Disney is using Marvel characters as their top brand to expand their demographic internationally as well as locally. It couldn't be a better time to be a comic book fan it seems.
In reality, comic books as a literary art form, which was once one of the staple past time for children and teens are becoming a relic of the past. Finding itself in the company of color-forms, wooden tops, train sets and action figures. Sales of print comics have been dropping steadily year after year (combined comic sales were worth $635 million in 2010, down from $680 million in 2009). The average age of comic book collectors continue to get older. The younger generations are searching out video games, mp3's, social networking, internet and the slumping in front of the tv to watch a plethora of channels. The options are endless now and comic books are not one of them.
Market demand is causing many comic shops to close making comic books less acessable, which has always been on of the greatest appeals of a comic book. It was always there, not just in comic stores but in newsstands, some pharmacies sold it, corner delis, it was easy to get, and it was cheap. Comics use to be about the price of candy, now for about 2 comics you can get a used video game, a bunch of songs on Itunes, or rent a couple movies.
Then you have an American economy that is struggling to stay afloat and escape from economic armageddon. Not just small businesses are collapsing, but bigger companies are seeing themselves file for bankruptcy. The music industry is shrinking, the movie industry is in trouble experiencing less block busters, even the cable industry is being swallowed up by the digital television revolution led by Netflix, Youtube, and Googletv. Sports franchises are filing for bankruptcy and several leagues are engaged in labor battles currently. Times are changing fast and the facets of human life will move on as always. So what's happening to comic books is not an isolated incident, but the difference is those other industries have a way of adapting much easier than the medium of comic books. This is where digital-comics come in.
Same time, we must also remember that the black-market bootleggers are taking a hefty chunk out of all forms of entertainment including the comic book industry. This is the dark side to the promise of what can be the last bastion of hope for the industry: digital-comics.
In my personal opinion, I feel that if digital-comics are going to replace or be successful, they have to do the following:
1) If an opportunity arises, rivals must join forces and find a way to get out of this mess before it gets worse. Meaning Marvel and DC needs to open the door to the possibility of doing something unique artistically or market wise. Different than they have done in the past. Getting publicity by killing off that guy is not going to cut it. Something creative must be done. Also more support for independent publishers.
2) they have to become what comics books USE TO BE. Which means they have to be accessible, which they will be. If the apps are easy to download and fans don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a DC, Marvel or Indi app.
3) they have to be amongst the MOST affordable things out there. There was a reason people considered comic books throwaways, cause they were cheap and they were sold to casual vendors. Regardless they were the most low maintenance things kids could get.
4) They have to be multi-medium friendly which means that the comic book writers and editors etc, have to be creative about this, find a way to connect their comic books to the social networks, tie it in somehow. Don't isolate comic book stories to just the book. They have to reach out and utilize the best concepts possible. Lots of guerilla marketing and support for independent websites, blog-sites. Anything and everything is game.
5) Web-comics are also a key to integrating the comic book industry to modern era. If anything else, I feel there is an untapped potential in web comics that has not been touched yet. The creative formats that many independent comic book writers and artists are utilizing online can totally revolutionize comic books as a medium all by itself.
There is always hope as long as there is imagination, but from the looks of things, there needs to be a changing and it all needs to be done before the final wave hits. Which means it must all be done soon and collectively.
Sources:
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Comic-Book-Stores-Cling-to-Life-126030484.html
http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/28/digital-comics-comic-con/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504943_162-20080827-10391715.html
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-11-pastimes-childhood_x.htm
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/digital-and-future-of-comic-book-shops-110810.html
by Duran Rivera
In reality, comic books as a literary art form, which was once one of the staple past time for children and teens are becoming a relic of the past. Finding itself in the company of color-forms, wooden tops, train sets and action figures. Sales of print comics have been dropping steadily year after year (combined comic sales were worth $635 million in 2010, down from $680 million in 2009). The average age of comic book collectors continue to get older. The younger generations are searching out video games, mp3's, social networking, internet and the slumping in front of the tv to watch a plethora of channels. The options are endless now and comic books are not one of them.
Market demand is causing many comic shops to close making comic books less acessable, which has always been on of the greatest appeals of a comic book. It was always there, not just in comic stores but in newsstands, some pharmacies sold it, corner delis, it was easy to get, and it was cheap. Comics use to be about the price of candy, now for about 2 comics you can get a used video game, a bunch of songs on Itunes, or rent a couple movies.
Then you have an American economy that is struggling to stay afloat and escape from economic armageddon. Not just small businesses are collapsing, but bigger companies are seeing themselves file for bankruptcy. The music industry is shrinking, the movie industry is in trouble experiencing less block busters, even the cable industry is being swallowed up by the digital television revolution led by Netflix, Youtube, and Googletv. Sports franchises are filing for bankruptcy and several leagues are engaged in labor battles currently. Times are changing fast and the facets of human life will move on as always. So what's happening to comic books is not an isolated incident, but the difference is those other industries have a way of adapting much easier than the medium of comic books. This is where digital-comics come in.
Same time, we must also remember that the black-market bootleggers are taking a hefty chunk out of all forms of entertainment including the comic book industry. This is the dark side to the promise of what can be the last bastion of hope for the industry: digital-comics.
In my personal opinion, I feel that if digital-comics are going to replace or be successful, they have to do the following:
1) If an opportunity arises, rivals must join forces and find a way to get out of this mess before it gets worse. Meaning Marvel and DC needs to open the door to the possibility of doing something unique artistically or market wise. Different than they have done in the past. Getting publicity by killing off that guy is not going to cut it. Something creative must be done. Also more support for independent publishers.
2) they have to become what comics books USE TO BE. Which means they have to be accessible, which they will be. If the apps are easy to download and fans don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a DC, Marvel or Indi app.
3) they have to be amongst the MOST affordable things out there. There was a reason people considered comic books throwaways, cause they were cheap and they were sold to casual vendors. Regardless they were the most low maintenance things kids could get.
4) They have to be multi-medium friendly which means that the comic book writers and editors etc, have to be creative about this, find a way to connect their comic books to the social networks, tie it in somehow. Don't isolate comic book stories to just the book. They have to reach out and utilize the best concepts possible. Lots of guerilla marketing and support for independent websites, blog-sites. Anything and everything is game.
5) Web-comics are also a key to integrating the comic book industry to modern era. If anything else, I feel there is an untapped potential in web comics that has not been touched yet. The creative formats that many independent comic book writers and artists are utilizing online can totally revolutionize comic books as a medium all by itself.
There is always hope as long as there is imagination, but from the looks of things, there needs to be a changing and it all needs to be done before the final wave hits. Which means it must all be done soon and collectively.
Sources:
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Comic-Book-Stores-Cling-to-Life-126030484.html
http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/28/digital-comics-comic-con/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504943_162-20080827-10391715.html
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-11-pastimes-childhood_x.htm
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/digital-and-future-of-comic-book-shops-110810.html
by Duran Rivera
In The Works - July 2011
Things are moving forward at a good pace and we have some great things in the works. Check out some of the things the Section 8 family is up to.
http://www.the8spot.com/
http://www.the8spot.com/wip.html
http://www.the8spot.com/comics/starsedge.htm
http://www.the8spot.com/comics/themark.htm
http://www.the8spot.com/comics/teamkaiju.htm
www.the8spot.com/comics/gaidoxin.htm
www.cryptozoic.com/tradingcards/cbldf-liberty-trading-cards
http://www.randomhouse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystic-Creatures-Fan-Page/203785522976916
On the Web:
@ The 8 Spot
Strip creators Wilson Ramos-Jr. and Eric Rivera have been discussing putting a collection of strips together to see if it can be collected in a book. If things continue at the pace they have been going we might have a book for the New York comic con or at least a mock up.http://www.the8spot.com/
A Work In Progress
Response to the strip has been very favorable and the art team has been trying different things with both coloring and gradients. The current storyline will be leading into the video game realmhttp://www.the8spot.com/wip.html
At The Printers:
Currently we have 2 books for sale at Indie Planet. We will also be looking into using their digital download feature too.Dark Bloods
http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5044Ninja Mouse
http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5040In Development:
Stars Edge
The black and white space epic is actually going to be re-released in color. We are hoping to have a color version ready to go by the New York Comic con.http://www.the8spot.com/comics/starsedge.htm
The Mark!
The Mark! was born out of the bullpen messing around and has turned into one of the funniest things we have put together. The Mark! will be a series of 10 page short comics that will be a backup to our regular title. We will soon have an online short. above is some sample art from A Work in Progress artist JP Cheatham with inks by the Wombat and colors by Wilson Ramos-Jr.http://www.the8spot.com/comics/themark.htm
Team Kaiju
Jokingly refereed to as the longest comic book in production Team Kaiju may actually finally go to the printers this summer and make an appearance at the NY Comic Con. But we make no promises.http://www.the8spot.com/comics/teamkaiju.htm
Gaido-Xin
Gaido-Xin is still just in the pencils stage but what amazing pencils we have gotten so far. Penciler Nadir Balan has turned the Rivera brothers script into an amazing visual feast.www.the8spot.com/comics/gaidoxin.htm
The Hook Up
We are still looking for an artist for this strip. The premise is about a group of friends trying to figure out the difference between getting laid and finding love. Hopefully soon we will see strips on the web.The Wombat
Wilson Ramos-Jr. had created a goofy character named the Wombat based on a high school nickname he had. It was never intended to be a serious book but after much discussion we have decided to see if there might be something here for a limited run web comic. Still in the writing stage but initial concepts has been established and now it’s time to crank out a script.Unnamed Anthology Project
Writer J.B. Eissac has been given a shot at writing the first story spotlighting Sunray. Eric Rivera will have the back up story a 3rd story may be added based on available space.Studio Work
Liberty Trading Cards
Wilson Ramos-Jr is working on Sketch Cards for Cryptozoic Entertainment He joins artists like Erik Larsen, Charlie Adlard, Rob Liefeld, Frank Quitely and Terry Moore.www.cryptozoic.com/tradingcards/cbldf-liberty-trading-cards
Random House
Wilson Ramos-Jr. also did some production/clean up work for an upcoming Sailor Moon project.http://www.randomhouse.com/
What Our Friends are up to:
Mystic Creatures
Gene J. DeCicco has finally release his labor of love Mystic Creatures. With the help of Section 8 Comics Wilson Ramos-Jr the 2 have put together what looks like a great book.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystic-Creatures-Fan-Page/203785522976916
Colorist Get Paid Too
Conversation with Random Facebook "Friend"
RFF: What's Up?
Wilson: not much, just checking facebook.
RFF: awesome thats always fun
lol
Wilson: LOL yeah, pretty much.
RFF: do you work for a comic company?
Wilson: something like that, I'm a freelancer so I work for a few places.
RFF: aww ok, could you help me out? Say yes! lol
Wilson: with what?
RFF: pitching my comic
Wilson: I mostly handle coloring, Lettering and pre-press, I don't really deal with anyone that would handle that, The clients I do stuff with aren't doing any creator own books.
RFF: humm what stuff have you color?
WIlson: Thor, Wolverine, Zoom Suit, War of the independence. mostly indy stuff now a days.
RFF: ahh ok, would you be down to color for me and help me pitch
cant do puppy face smileys
Wilson: if you can match my rate, I do this for a living.
RFF: how much?
Wilson: Just for coloring 85 a page. That's my Indy rate which is about 1/2 what I get from marvel or dc.
So 15 minutes later, nothing and then he logs off.
Wilson: hey where did you go?
RFF: What's Up?
Wilson: not much, just checking facebook.
RFF: awesome thats always fun
lol
Wilson: LOL yeah, pretty much.
RFF: do you work for a comic company?
Wilson: something like that, I'm a freelancer so I work for a few places.
RFF: aww ok, could you help me out? Say yes! lol
Wilson: with what?
RFF: pitching my comic
Wilson: I mostly handle coloring, Lettering and pre-press, I don't really deal with anyone that would handle that, The clients I do stuff with aren't doing any creator own books.
RFF: humm what stuff have you color?
WIlson: Thor, Wolverine, Zoom Suit, War of the independence. mostly indy stuff now a days.
RFF: ahh ok, would you be down to color for me and help me pitch
cant do puppy face smileys
Wilson: if you can match my rate, I do this for a living.
RFF: how much?
Wilson: Just for coloring 85 a page. That's my Indy rate which is about 1/2 what I get from marvel or dc.
So 15 minutes later, nothing and then he logs off.
Wilson: hey where did you go?
Review of the X-Men First Class
Hey folks, Duran here! I just came back from the theater to check out the latest installment of the X-men franchise- X-men First Class. I have to admit it, I was wrong about this film. What was I wrong about?-- Pretty much whether this movie will rise heads and shoulders above most comic book movies of the past. I was wrong about whether it was worth my money. Unfortunately, I am wrong sometimes. But fortunately for the fans of the X-men I was wrong because I thought this was going to be another case of Fox raping a franchise that is considered proud and sacred to Marvelites. Fox didn't really wrong this one, they did pick at it a lil bit, they did fondle it just a tad, but not crossing the line though. Not at all.
Let me just say right off the bat, if you are one of those fan boys who loathes any changes made to a comic book movie, just stop reading right now. Turn off the computer and run really fast head first into the wall 'cause this is not going to be the movie for you. Yes, Matthew Vaughn, Sheldon Turner, Bryan Singer with screenplay duties by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman did make some dramatic changes to the X-men mythology, but the genius part of it is that they never (the key part here) violated the heart of the story. When it comes down to it, this movie feels like one of those graphic novels that have a different spin on the X-men mythology, but it totally embraces all the elements of the comic books and its characteristics.
The premise of First Class sets a young Professor X and Magneto in the 1960's era at the height of the Cold War. This version of the movie melds the mythology of the X-men with the historical events of the Cuban Missile crisis. Magneto/ Erik Lehnsherr grows up seeing and experiencing the harshest sides of humanity, while Professor X lives a more sheltered and loving upbringing. The film shows us first hand why and how they have come to logger-heads over how to deal with the mutant-human situation. The philosophical debate seem deeper and provides expansive layers than older X-men films and one can come away from it almost feeling an understanding of both sides. You can understand why mutants flip from Magneto to Xavier in the future.
The character development is great, and without leaving too much to the imagination you see the young Mystique/Raven cultivate her sense of identity and merge it to Magnetos vision. You see the young X-men, who are lost and trying to find themselves in the world not just as teenagers, but as beings with powers that sets them apart and compromises their chances of being accepted by humanity. Their compounded identity crisis is the tool others (CIA, Sebastian Shaw & Magneto) will take advantage of to recruit these powerful mutants.
Sebastian Shaw is played amazingly by Kevin Bacon. He captures the balance of a powerful ruthless mutant with the fatherly love of an elder statesmen to the other mutants in the film, including Erik Lehnsherr. Everything Sebastian Shaw is- is a reflection of what Magneto can become at his worst.
Ultimately, this film is worth the ticket price. When I first saw the previews and the initial movie covers, heard about the new characters that were going to be presented in the film. I thought this was going to be a throw away film. An afterthought to the X-men cinematic universe. I was wrong. It is a unique episode that is worth taking a look at. It can stand all on its own without trying to attatch itself to other X-men movies- but it still does. A few nods and winks at future and past X-men movies are done but they dont seem like they are forced at all.
I personally feel X-men First Class is a must see. What about you readers out there? What did you think about it? I personally feel this could be one of the best- if not the best X-men movie to come out yet. Where does it stand on your list of X-men movies- or comic book movies for that matter?
Final Score:
Four out of Five 8balls
by Duran Rivera
In the Works - June 2011
Things are moving forward at a good pace and we have some great things in the works. Check out some of the things the
Section 8 family is up to.
<< MORE >>
Not That Lonely Yet
So I was traveling the internet and found this wonderful little gem. Apparently it's a device that can be used to record and simulate kisses. So that you can send them over distances. They are even talking about having celebrities upload there kisses and fans can buy them for a small fee.
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no-repeat; height: 266px; width: 320px;">
...
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In the Works
Time for a little shameless promotion, here is what the Section 8 Family is up to.
On the Web:
The comic strip is now going up twice a week. Artist Wilson Ramos-Jr. was able to build up enough of a buffer that we think that we can not only keep this up but maybe even throw a few more surprises your way.
http://www.the8spot.com/
The strip has been up for just over a month now and it's going strong. Response ...
<< MORE >>DC Comics Plans a Revamped Justice League Movie
On the heels of Marvel's plans to release the Avengers in 2012, Warner Bros./ DC comics has just informed the public of their plans to release Justice League in 2013. Now that sounds like a dream
come true to many fans who can't wait to see this long awaited project to come to fruition, to hardcore DC comic fans this sounds like it might be one of those "It's too good to be true so it
probably is" examples. Also recent comments by Zack Snyder reinforces those concerns.
DC recently stated they are: ... << MORE >>
DC recently stated they are: ... << MORE >>
Where it All Started-The birth of AWIP
So a couple of years back I had a job very similar to that of the young protagonist in the Strip. During that period, I would fill the quiet time with surfing the web, and reading short stories and some other webcomics; such as Something Positive, Order of the ...
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