The Comic Critic Reviews RED (2010)

RED is another one of those movies whose source was a graphic novel. I didn’t want to prejudice myself in any way by reading it before watching the movie. Now I’m curious to read both of the graphic novels. Yes, both the original novel and the one in which the likenesses of the characters were changed to match the actors in the film, published after the movie’s release. The big question is, “Do you smell a franchise in the works?” My inspiration for this strip’s review came from my friend John Draper, whose email to me was along the lines of “tasty, but no nutritional value.” Still, franchises have been built on far less than the yummy offerings this movie brings.

The Return of Stickman #1221

If you 'hide' acorns in condoms and hand them out, people are going to think you're a little weird, even if it is part of a gag. And you are just asking for all sorts of condemnation if you are a judge to boot. Certainly you would know that you might face disorderly conduct charges.

The Return of Stickman #1220

When I got on a plane to San Francisco last Friday I didn’t think I would end up later that day in a Western themed gay bar. Nor did I imagine that I would later be in a sex novelty shop called Good Vibrations. And I certainly didn’t think I would be hearing the words, “Get the butt plugs sign in the photo.” Yes, my trip to APE with Kevin Boze held many firsts for me.

The Return of Stickman #1219

While returning together from APE, Kevin Boze wrote the script for today's strip. Thank you, Kevin. I guess Kevin should've shipped more of his book down to the event as he sold out. Check out his book The Virgin Project, volume 1 & 2.

The Comic Critic Reviews Let Me In (2010) and Let the Right One In (2008)

Let Me In is just one of many foreign films that undergo a Hollywood makeover for the American audience. Sometimes they meet with great success, like 1987’s Three Men and a Baby (France: Three Men and a Cradle-1985); sometimes they fare sort of middle-of-the-road, like 2001’s Tortilla Soup (Taiwan: Eat Drink Man Woman-1994); and sometimes, even with star power behind them, they never make a big splash, like 2004’s Shall We Dance (Japan: Shall We Dance-1996). Let Me In is a good example of how a small change (an alteration to the storyline to consider the cultural setting) can also open the door to other changes made to satisfy American tastes. Too heavy a hand with these changes can push a film away from its original atmosphere, resulting in a disappointing, cliché-filled movie-going experience. I would like to think that we Americans don’t need every movie to be chatty, noisy, or require a car chase. It would be great when Let Me In comes out on DVD to include both the Swedish and American versions so that everyone could enjoy pointing out what they see as a good or bad change.

The Comic Critic Head to the Alternative Press Expo

No cartoon today as I've packed my bags and I'm heading off to APE. This will be my first time at APE, but with a few comic conventions under my belts I think I will do okay. If you're going to be around San Francisco this weekend click on the link above and drop on by. I will be sitting at table 333A, right next to Kevin Boze at table 333B. You might remember Kevin Boze as the artists who tied with me in 2009 and also won The Golden Toonie - presented by Cartoonists Northwest. With any luck I might be able to send in a report from the road.

The Return of Stickman #1217

I wonder if hungry bunnies is covered on the warranty?

The Return of stickman #1216

Here is the original news story, just in case you were interested in getting involved with this naming contest. The prize? Six of the said burgers and six beers for a six person party. Why six? I'm guessing that's the largest booth they have.

The Return of Stickman #1215

I'm wondering how he got the handcuffs off. If it was me, I might send a friend of mine to the Lovers Pantry to get a second set of cuffs, just to get the key. Or maybe he already had a key waiting in a bedside drawer. Your thoughts?

The Return of Stickman #1214

Kudos to the water wielding employee at the Dunkin' Donuts. I can see this thief leaving behind a life of crime out of sheer embarrassment.

The 24 Hour Comic Challenge for 2010

Last weekend was the 24 Hour Comic Challenge. If you would like to see what I came up with in just 24 hours, click here.

24 Hour Comic Challenge at Comic Book Ink

Last year folks kept dropping off food, but it was all pastries and sweets. This year I'm confident I will finish if I'm fortified with protein. I have a carnivore theme planned for this year's comic. I've done three 24 Hour Comic Challenges in the past. Of those I've completed two of them. You can see them here:

1. The infamous Dead Cat Story
2. After (only ten pages posted)
3. The Lost Son of Solomon

The Return of Stickman #1213