Black Snow Comics

the very first Black Power

What’s goin’ on? I Don’t know it’s trouble, Back in black to bust that bubble, Black Superman’s back and not Daredevil – MLK

Does the world really need another Black Snow comic strip spin off? Yes! And it’s called Black Power, starring a Black superhero of the same name. I created it specifically with Urban Image Magazine in mind. Why isn’t Alex’s pseudonym on here? Because it was my idea, my writing and my drawing. All me! I did discuss it with Alex, but he wanted to hold off on it, and will likely jump in on the writing duties for next month’s.

I think it’s really funny. The concept, in case you couldn’t guess, is to explore the “realities” and comedy of a Black superhero and how they have been treated throughout the history of comics. I thought Black Snow could be a good friend/foil for him, and we may work Black Power into the main cannon of the Black Snow comic books/graphic novels.

Another challenge that I wanted to take on here was to do a shorter comic strip. The original goal was a traditional 3 panel, but it was just too short. Not enough room to really get creative. So I went with a half page format. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.

If you’re wondering about the character and costume design for Black Power, it really just came to me. I think it’s based off of some memories I have of childhood fighting games from the late 80s or early 90s, but I couldn’t tell you which ones. It was also a style of costume I never tried before, so I always want to try something new.

So kiss me, I’m shitfaced, I’m soaked, I’m soiled and brown in the trousers, she kissed me, And I only bought her one round – St. Patrick

Happy St Patty’s Day. Despite what you may think, knowing that I’m a drinker and all, I’m not a big fan of the holiday. A bunch of obnoxious drunks celebrating stereotypes with no true understanding of history? Ugh. And if you’re wondering, yes, I’m part Irish. I’m predominantly Italian, but I do have some Irish blood and I’ve always been interested in the culture. I like that this day at least makes people think about the Irish culture, but that’s about it. So, in short, screw St. Patty’s Day.

Look what I drew!

Aw Hell Naw 2

Our second Aw Hell Naw! comic strip, for next month’s Urban Image Magazine. It struck me the other day that it is very likely that the drawing of mine that has been most published and seen by the most people contains a dildo. I didn’t like that thought.

This strip doesn’t have a dildo in it, though it does mention one…twice. That’s an improvement, right? I actually really like this one, much more than the first, and not just because of the aforementioned dildo. BTW, that is officially the most times I’ve mentioned a dildo in my life.

I think this one gives a good idea of the characters’ personalities and more of what we’d like the strip to be. Alex wrote it without very much input from myself or Daddy Rich, and I think it’s the better for it. I think it’s pretty funny, and a different kind of humor on multi levels than we’ve really done before. Hopefully the readers will enjoy it.

Life is Hard, And so am I, You better give me something, So I don’t die, Novocaine for the soul, Before I sputter out – Regis Philbin

I wanted to address what I wrote yesterday. Some of you may have read that and barfed, thinking “this dude has lost his edge.” I will argue that I have not. As Alex correctly pointed out to me, part of me being happy is me being meaner in some ways. It makes me happy to be quick-witted, churning out unsolicited glib/snide comments. Cynicism is still my copilot.

How could I be soft, I’m from the mean streets of San Jose! (For the majority of you that know nothing about San Jose, that is a joke. It can be quite easy to grow up soft here depending on your area and upbringing) Speaking of, my upbringing was not too bad. Nice neighborhood, good schools (except Willow Glen Middle School, that place is a hellhole), good friends, and I never went hungry. Some would call it a blessed life, especially when it came to academics and how easy they’ve always been for me.

Wait, I thought I wasn’t soft? Oh yeah, my life also contained a terrible divorce between my parents that almost entirely ended my relationship with my mom, alcoholics and drug users always being around in some capacity, a lot of fighting (physically) in school, enemies, and some rough times that required me to deal with bad areas and bad people. My time at Berkeley had me surrounded by insane bums and crime 24-7!

So no, I’ve not lived the hardest life, but certainly not the easiest either. Of course what I just told you was a very limited recap of what I chose to share, and there is much more to my life.

My main point, if I had one at all, is that I could see how someone could read what I wrote yesterday and misconstrue things. I’m no doey-eyed naive optimist, and I ain’t here to preach. I could have taken a lot of what I was happy about yesterday and turned it into negatives. But I won’t.

Why? How? Because I’ve become more positive. Because my new prescription drugs? Maybe. Because I’m exercising more and focusing on self improvement? Could be. Because I’ve been recently seeking life advice from several sources and trying to apply it to my life? A possibility. Because I suddenly had a revelation that changed me whole perspective? A bit of a stretch, but possible as well. Because I got sick of being unhappy and wanted a change? Probably part of it.

The real answer? I don’t know. Maybe all of it. All I know is I’ve spent a long time being really negative, and it wasn’t getting me anywhere or making me happy. Can I tell you how to do the same? Nope, don’t even know how I got here, just damn glad I did. Like I said, I’m not here to preach, and I never will be. I’m just addressing some recent changes in my own life.

So please don’t mistake any of this for some new bible thumping blind zealot happiness. I’m still very mush a cynical realist, and that will always come through in my humor. I’m just not miserable and negative like I think I used to be.

Mister blue sky please tell us why, You had to hide away for so long, Where did we go wrong? – Adolf Hitler

Happy anniversary to my lovely wife!  3 years married today.  About 10 years together.  Long time, eh?

It’s also coming up on the 10 year anniversary of when we started Black Snow.  If you’ve been sticking with me for any length of time, via this blog or the old “News from the Pub” section, you’ve probably gotten to know me fairly well.  I try not to talk too much about my personal life, but I’m sure you’ve gotten some taste of it.  You also probably noticed that I’m a bit crazy, but who isn’t really.  I have my ups and downs, and right now I’m on an extended up.

Why do I get down so often?  Because I’ve always known I was destined for greatness.  It’s always been a given to me.  The struggle to achieve it gets me down.  But guess what?  I realized something pivotal lately…I already am great!

Have I achieved all my career goals and become great by traditional societal standards. No. So why am I great? Because my life is great! I’ve been lucky enough to be with the only woman I’ve ever loved for some 10 years now. I get to come home to the most adorable son in the world, spend all my time with this beautiful young boy who worships me. I get to spend my spare time doing what I love, drawing comics. I get to do it with my best friend for well over a decade. I also get to work with him at my day job in internet marketing. I’m good at my job, it pays well, allows me to see and work with my family and lets me help small businesses; who I honestly think are the backbone of America. It also allows me to continue working in video production. I’m also very aware that I have a job while many people in our country don’t.

My life is really great. I am great. My only regret is that it took me so long to truly realize and appreciate this.

I'm Famous! 93

I don’t mean to brag, I don’t mean to boast, but we like hot butter on our breakfast toast - William Butler Yeat

I’m a rock star from Mars!  I don’t know if it’s my newfound chemical happiness, things going well, the fact that tomorrow is my 3 year wedding anniversary, just a general good mood, or some kind of combo, but I’ve been feeling great!  I’m on fire!  And obsessed with this Charlie Sheen thing.  The man has suddenly become fascinating.  A lot of Lone Wolf there.  And lately a lot of Lone Wolf in me, as my happiness makes me quite glib and devil-may-care.  I’m sure quite annoying to others, but entertaining the hell out of myself.

I like this comic.  I feel like I’ve been cranking them out lately!  We’re getting pretty far into my story arch, and I like the way it’s turning out.  Hope you are too.  Don’t really care though, as part of my new outlook is to worry about drawing only to please myself.  If that pleases you, well that’s extra.

George Clooney would be a fun friend for the Lone Wolf, by the way.  This comic is solid all around.  I especially like the top left panel, and how out of sync Daniel and the Lone Wolf are.  Not to mention how annoyed the Lone Wolf looks in the first panel, or how lovingly Rosenstein is staring at him.  It’s all good.  I can do no wrong!

I’m still tearing it up on the competition sites, and loving every minute of it.

I’ll be taking a brief break to draw the next Aw Hell Naw and a new comic strip for Urban Image magazine.  So you can look forward to that.

Old School, Fool!