Tuesday, June 21st, 2005
Well, this is new.

Above is a version of Scott created in Flash. I've got another version that moves here. As you can see from the hand (or lack thereof), it's not exactly done.

I've been toying with the idea of putting all the characters into the computer and just doing the whole strip in Flash. Either just making each panel with Flash, or just the line art, or even making the whole thing move. I don't know, though. It's kind of a weird spot to be at. Because I really like the look of the inked characters and stuff in the previous strips. This one seems a little stiff, still. I could ink and scan each part of each character in, but that would take forever.

I don't know. It just seems... strange. I dunno. I'd also almost like to start a storyline. I mean, there have been Dock Boys two- or three-parters, but never a storyline for very long, where you really get to know the characters beyond their self-imposed stereotypes. But then again, I could be overthinking it all.

It's a strange time for me right now. I don't know where to go from here. I just finished college. Got my illustration degree, but I still don't feel like, well, I really know what I'm doing at all. Do I want to do illustration? Animation? Both? Do I need to go back to school? Do I want to go back to school? And what would I go back to school for? Animation or illustration? What kind of animation: 2D or 3D? It's all so frustrating.

And it's only frustrating because I want it all. I want all of it. I want to do everything. I want to write, voice, character design, animate, create the soundtrack for, just freaking BE my own project, but I don't know what I'm supposed to make. It's like all I need is a story that I can believe in, and I'd be set, but I don't have it right now. And so often I feel like a lazy control freak. Someone that wants to everything, but can't find the time to do it. I'm not as self-modivated as I wish I was.

Man, this turned into an interesting rant. Didn't really expect all that. Well, in short, if you have any opinions on the new ideas, shoot me an email or whatever, and if you know of any job opportunites, send them my way as well. And I've got a good comic for next week, so be sure to be here.

Later,

-Scott

  
 

 
 

Tuesday, June 21st, 2005
Well, I guess Scott has decided to do new comics so I guess that means I ought to put up a review of my own. First off, I’ll just comment on the new directions that Scott wants to take, which I think could be really cool. I really like the idea of flash animations and I especially like the idea of getting storylines going through multiple strips. We’ll have to see what Scott has up his sleeve . . . that crazy Ecuadorian trickster.

Anyhow, the album I’ve been meaning to review for quite sometime is the new Gorillaz album, Demon Days when it was new . . . a month ago. So I’ve taken some time off since med school ended . . . and I say yes sir!

Ok, Demon Days. Well, lots of it is really incredible. Some background info about this album and interesting facts first. This album was produced by DJ Danger Mouse. Now, some music fans may recognize this name and remember he made the Grey Album. For more info, read here. Needless to say, I think it’s a pretty interesting idea. Well, That kind of production innovation coupled with Damon Albarn (from Blur) fronting the band, good things can happen. Also, Dan the Automator has left the band, so this band really is Albarn’s baby now . . .

The beginning track is indicative that DJ Danger Mouse was quite active in making the album, with an almost rap/hip-hop little opening interlude. This little opening goes into a catchy song called Last Living Souls, which has some electronic underneaths with Albarn’s voice staying pretty monotone over. However, the first song to really explode off the album for me when listening through is Dirty Harry, which is the 5th track. Man, it’s definitely a sweet, little funky song. Plus, about 3/4 of the way through the song is an awesome little rap interlude which makes me want to turn up the stereo pretty darn loud. The next song is their single, Feel Good Inc. This song rocks too and the video is pretty incredible in its own right. But these two songs are certainly the most rocking of the album, at least in my current state of musical tastes. It also appears as if the band knows it, because they follow with the very mellow El Manaña. The album finishes well, with standouts being November Has Come and Dare. Still, I don’t think the rest of the album really matches the Dirty Harry / Feel Good Inc. duo.

The last thing I really have to say about this album is that it is well recorded. I’m in the market for high end audio stuff right now and I’ve been using this album to help me select speakers, receivers, etc. and this recording really plays well with no hidden flaws or anything like that. Beck’s new album Guero was not recorded the best however, much to my chagrin.

So yeah, overall, I’m going to give Demon Days a nice solid 3.5 kool-aid mans. There really are some outstanding tracks, but not enough of them to bump it up to 4 kool-aid mans. If you do pick this cd up, which I definitely recommend, look for the special edition packaging, which is really sweet. Scott also mentioned that there is a book that goes with this album if you’re lucky, so keep your eyes out for that one too.

Well, it’s nice to write again. Hope you guys enjoyed this and look for a Maria Taylor review next week. Until then . . . over and out.

Gorillaz - Demon Days

-patrick