Mite-y Fine SDCC Press Release From Dynamite Entertainment..!

Superior Interview with Marco Checchetto...

Marco Checchetto

Marco Checchetto has been drawing rave reviews for his Punisher work. He's got a gritty style that really works well with Frank Castle. He was kind enough to share some insight into what's made him one of the most revered pencillers at present. Here's my interview with the esteemed Marco...where there's a more personal and endearing touch than I first anticipated. This is the most emotional interview I've did with a creator.

CBNAH: What got you into comics and drawing/sketching as a career?

MC:  My first comicbook, when I was 7 or 8 years-old, was a big book with stories of Thor, Fantastic Four, Asterix and Spider-Man. Spidey shocked me. I started drawing everyday and I said to my parents and friends: “One day, in the future, I’ll be the artist of Spider-Man”!!! I had very clear ideas before becoming a professional artist and it was this love for Spider-Man that helped me decide to start this career. I started with small projects, advertising and comics for small publishers. My real professional debut was with the cover of PSM - Playstation Magazine (USA edition).

CBNAH: How did you break into the field and were your family supportive of your dreams?

MC:  My parents supported me a lot, but, as it should be, with a bit of fear. They didn’t know the world of comics. They hoped for me a career such as a doctor or lawyer. I lost my mother one week before the publication of my first important comic in Italy. It’s something that haunts me. My father passed away a couple of months ago, but at least he was able to get some satisfaction, as he saw my dreams become reality. I owe a great deal to my parents and I will never stop telling them “Thank you, I love you!”.

CBNAH: What were your favorite memories from the books you did?

MC:  I never forgot, obviously, the day when Marvel (editor: Stephen Wacker) asked me to draw some issues of The Amazing Spider-Man. I remember every single emotion and every single line I drew on the first page. 

The Punisher on Comixology

CBNAH: I loved your Punisher work, so how was it working on that book?

MC:  This is another period in my career that I’ll never forget. I really loved to work with Greg Rucka, Matt, Steve and Ellie on this series.

I loved every panel we did together. The writer and the penciler sometimes don’t speak to each other during the story development but I had a lot of feedback with Greg. We worked together for almost 2 years and it was wonderful. Greg is a fantastic writer, professional and a very kind person. Greg gave me the opportunity to grow as a storyteller.  I’ll miss working with him on Punisher.

CBNAH: Some of your artistic influences?

MC:  I’ve got a lot of artistic influences. Two artists in particular were very important for me. John Romita Jr. and Rick Leonardi. So, guys, if you read this interview, thanks a lot for your work… it's gorgeous. I read all of my script and I start working on the page with a little layout on a post-it. Now I’m working digitally with a Cintiq tablet. The method is the same as the classic method like paper and ink… so, I layout, add pencils, inks and after that I put the grey scale.

CBNAH: Favorite character to draw?

MC:  Spider-Man. I’m boring I know. Haha. I like to draw beautiful stories, so the character is not important.

CBNAH: What's your favorite thing about being an artist for a living?

MC:  The freedom to manage my time. I work when I want without having set times. Another thing is the idea that I get paid to have fun. Maybe I should not say this last thing? Haha

Punisher: War Zone #2 on Comixology

CBNAH: Best advice you ever got?

MC:  "This page is bullshit, do it again!" (My brother Massimo)

CBNAH: How has the digital age/internet impacted on comics for you and your work?

MC:  The Internet has given me the chance to work with Marvel. It has globalized the world of comics. The social networks allow me to get immediate feedback from readers and talk with a lot of writers and artists. Personally I try to reply to all as soon as possible. If someone has taken the time to write on my wall because he liked my last comic, I think it is nice to answer to him. I don’t like talking about myself on socials. This is why on my wall you can’t see many pictures of me and my family, for example. I love my privacy.

CBNAH: What would you like to see happen to the industry over the next two years?

MC:  I’d love to see people read more comic books.

CBNAH: Did the language barrier ever prove too stressful?

MC:  Oh man, yes!!! When I started working with Marvel I didn’t speak a single word of English. I‘m a guy who talks a lot and jokes a lot and it’s stressful not to be able to approach people with my 100% humor. 

CBNAH: If you weren't doing art, what would you be doing?

MC:  I'd be Indiana Jones. ☺

Superior Spider-Man #6

CBNAH: Dream book you'd like to work on and with whom?

MC:  Spider-Man obviously. There are a lot of writers with whom I work. I'd like to do something with Mark Millar one day. I love his stories and his writing. 'Ultimates' is a masterpiece.

CBNAH: Advice for upcoming writers and artists?

MC:  Be modest, professional and devourers of comics, books, movies and video-games.

Oz's 2-Cent Reviews for November part 2

Welcome to another installation of our 2 cent reviews.  This batch will primarily be none big 2 books specifically Saga #7, Archer & Armstrong #3-4, Storm Dogs #1, The Hypernaturalls #5, and Danger Club volume 1: Death.  I still have a giant pile to go through so look for the next segments real soon.

 Saga 7:  A sure sign of an awesome comic is when it goes by too fast.  That goes double for this issue.  If you're not getting Saga already, what are you waiting for?  This issue: giant scrotum

 Archer & Armstrong 3-4:  Everything awesome in Incredible Hercules is transferred to this book.  I'm entertained each issue and it has that Van Lente humour I love.  I'm glad I stumbled upon this series, it's been well worth it.

 Storm Dogs 1:  I'm not really sure if this book lived up to the hype I saw from everyone but that doesn't mean it wasn't interesting.   I can't really give an opinion before I reread at least once however it's worth mentioning Doug Braithwaite on pencils.

 Hypernaturals 5:  Hypernaturals is building into something special.  Lots of back story and focus on the two most interesting members Inkwell and Clone-45.

Danger Club Volume 1- Death:  This was GREAT.  Fresh spins on old ideas with simple clean art and vibrant colours. It's also VERY fast paced.  The last issue of the trade had me speechless countless times.  I enjoyed the style of storytelling the author chose, it's fun piecing things together yourself.  I appreciated how un-wordy it was, the art said everything.  The one down side is I typically hate 4 issue-only tpb but for 9.99, I let it slip.

Review: Tales of the Beanworld...

By Patrick Mohlmann

 Larry Marder's Beanworld has become one of my favorite books since I discovered it a few years ago. And this collection is a fantastic addition to the series. This book is like a mini anthology for Bean World. Each story is interconnected by way of flashbacks from different characters. With Marder's simplistic but wonderful art the characters still come alive and emote wonderfully with such a small amount of line line work. His art shows that you can still be a great storyteller with out having to over render your drawing.

Most of the stories in here revolve around the Pod'lPool Cuties, the babies of Bean World. How they are goring up and how they learn to interact with each other. Beanish, the artist of Beanworld, talks to his love and muse Dreamishness, and makes toys for the Cuties, which in turn makes them interact. Which they had not been doing before. We also get some action as Mr Spook the hero of Beanworld, along with the Spear Fling'n Flank'rs ward off an imposing figure. Lastly we get hints of more cuties on the way at some point in the future.

Bean World to me, has always been about how life should be. Everyone working together, and when you need to get what is necessary like food. You get it, but you also replace what you take. Bean World is a very symbiotic place. It is also a place where imagination flourishes. And helps shape the world. Bean World is hard to describe, but easy to know. As Marder says, “Beanworld isn't a place, it's a process”

Review: Savage Dragon 180...

By Patrick Mohlmann

 As always Dragon is a highly entertaining read. As two major plots begin to come to a head. The invasion of earth is in full swing. Dragon's son, Malcolm Dragon and his step sister Angel race around trying to find a way to stop these seemingly unstoppable aliens. Angel has practically given up and Malcolm steps up big time in this issue. While Dragon, who is is space makes a decision that is not too popular with his people.

There is of course a lot of action and drama going on during all of this. In what is probably my favorite section of the book we get flashes all over the world of heroes, and villains, fighting these alien menaces. There are a handful of nice cameos by other Image characters. I always love how Savage Dragon has always embraced the shared universe, but with out relying too heavily on it like Marvel or DC.

I have always been a fan of Larsen's art, but with this issue he seems to have stepped up his game again. The last few issues, while good have not been the strongest artistically. Larsen really shines in this issue. Showing lots of carnage as well as the little character moments. There are even moments of levity in an issue that is almost nothing but carnage. Rex and Horridus's scene in particular cracked me up. Savage Dragon has been on a roll these last few issues, and I hope that Larsen is able to keep this momentum going as well as keep his art as good as it is in this issue.

There are bound to be a lot of shake ups from what happened towards the end of the issue. I look forward to seeing just what Larsen can do.

Issue in 5: Scarlet Spider #1...

You truly missed out if you didn't pick up Scarlet Spider #1 this week. But here's a quick recap, in just 5 panels, to hold you over until you go pick it up...

The World According To CJ: Top Ten Ultimate Characters

By Cj Pulluaim
Not everyone loved the Ultimate line but ‘Ultimate X-men’ is where I started and where I fell in love with comic serials, excluding my Archie comics and What Ifs. The ultimate line was geared toward kids like me and I fell hook, line and sinker. Looking back, I can see why many hardcore fans of these characters did not like the ultimate versions, however, there are some characters that stand out to me.

MALE COSPLAY MONDAY!

Back with another dose of manmeat...

Issue in 5: Avengers: X-Sanction #2...

Not sure if you want to pick up Avengers X-Sanction..? Here's a quick review with 5 panels to sum up the action...

MALE COSPLAY MONDAY..!

A new feature here at CBNAH, spotlighting the hot heroes of the oft forgotten male cosplay world..! Brought to you in convenient screen wallpaper size...