Here’s a quick post to let everyone know that SHAM Comics #2
(Our Love is a SHAM) is finally, officially out now. I had copies at last
weekend’s convention, but the online link at the left has just been activated
and operators are standing by to take your orders. Or just see me for a copy.
Walk boldly up on the street and offer me money for one.
SHAM Comics is a really fun side project that requires no
drawing whatsoever on my part. But, boy, is the writing part tricky! The
premise is simple. I research golden age comics to find the ones that have
passed into public domain. I choose ones that strike me as likely candidates
for satire. It might be something in the art or the subject matter. Whenever
possible, I buy the old comics, even coverless copies, and scan them. Next
comes the painstaking process of erasing all the text from the stories in
Photoshop. Then the real work begins. I start filling in the blank captions and
word balloons, trying to build a new story that is both funny, as well as coherent.
Sometimes I have an ending in mind, but occasionally I have no idea where the
story may go. It’s quite a challenge and uses a completely different set of
skills than writing a story I’m planning to draw myself. I’m locked in to the
visuals of the existing comic, but the new text has to make sense and go with
the pictures.
Not only are there comics from the forties and fifties in
SHAM, but also between the stories are rewritten ads for bodybuilding secrets,
x-ray specs and adorable animals to order through the mail. It’s a golden age funfest,
nostalgic and hip at the same time.
Not enough for you yet? Well, each issue features not just
my insane ramblings, but Daryll Collins provides stories too. Issue number two
features all romance comics, just as bitter and twisted as we could make them.
The comics are PG-13, and then some, for unrestrained language and mature
situations. Issue number two also features love advice columns, beauty and
dating tips and four tales of love gone horribly wrong drawn by some of the
best artists to ever pick up a pen.
Grab one up today!
Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteWas there any medical or social malady that advertisements in Golden Age comics didn't solve? I mean, hair loss, lack of height, brittle nails, blackheads, lack of muscle, need for self-defense -- all taken care of for $1.
ReplyDeleteIt was truly a magical time!
ReplyDelete