The Home of the Creative Mind

Welcome to PooBahSpiel, the online voice and home of the creative mind of Mark Monlux, Illustrator Extraordinaire. Prepare yourself for an endless regaling of art directly from the hand of this stellar artist. And brace yourself against his mighty wind of pontification. Updates are kinda weekly and show daily sketches, current projects, and other really nifty stuff.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Comic Critic Reviews Birthday Girl


This movie, Birthday Girl, haunts me. When I drew this review in ’07, I found it a decent thriller and gave it a seven. Yet, other movies I’ve rated with a seven don’t have their scenes popping into my head at odd times. I’m thinking I might have been wrong, and this film deserves an eight. But giving it a new rating creates logistical problems for me. It’s currently featured in my book, “The Comic Critic Presents Seldom Seen Films.” When my book goes into a second edition, should I alter the rating? Should I alter the rating on my website? Should I alter my rating at all? Part of me wants to just forget the whole thing and leave the rating as it is. I’m wondering which part of me is struggling to bring further attention to this film, the movie reviewer or the guy who likes to tie knots.

The reason I did not post a new review is because this weekend was nuts. On Saturday I was a Moderator for a panel discussing Graphic Novels with Matthew Southworth (Stumptown), Megan Kelso (Girl Hero), Emi Lenox (Emitown), Brandon Jerwa (G.I. Joe) and Kim Thompson (Fantagraphics). We went for over three hours and it was well received. The event was put on by the SPGA/Seattle Chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild with sponsorship from Fantagraphics, Emerald City Comicon and the Seattle Chapter of the AIGA. There was a reception afterwards at Fantagraphics and I got to sign some of my books. But the day was not over. My next stop was Ray Weisgerber's (Emitown) birthday party.

Since I was already so far north I spent the night at Joe Manfredini's house. On Sunday I helped him with a photo shoot. We were in his studio taking pictures of one of his dogs for use on a greeting card. I finally made it home in time to have dinner with my wife.

Monday my father came over. We spent most of the day on Facebook. Here's his page, be his friend.He's bound and determine to learn all the ins and outs. It was great to spend time with my dad and all of my friends, but it left me with no time to draw a new strip. I will have one next Monday, I promise.