The Grand Machine - Rough Pages PT.1

Ok folks, Decided to go ahead and start posting this and get people's views and opinions. PLEASE comment, good or ill. This is the rough cut, and edits and inks are still in the future. Here are the first five pages of The Grand Machine, written & lettered by me and drawn by the amazing Claudio Avella (seriously, if you can throw this guy some work, shoot me an email at jagorfain@gmail.com and I'll pass the word along.). I'm also available for hire too...Without further ado...

Avatar: My Take On It.

Howdy folks, just came back from Avatar and wanted to give you all a bit of a review of it. Not that if I tell you it's complete shit (which it isn't), you are not going to see it. Face it, you are going to see this movie. Accept it and move on. If you can see it in IMAX 3D, do so - - it's worth the extra bucks.

Anyhow, the reason why this movie works so well is on two fronts. One, the obvious one, the special effects are spectacular. The Nav'i and everything else on Pandora (not the most original name...) break through the Uncanny Valley (that's where CGI looks so close to real-life, but just too perfect where it creeps people out) and comes out on the other side, looking great. They're aliens, and look alien..but real enough to be believable. Even the hair-braid tentacle link bits. It just looks dead on and real. Not simulated real, REAL. It was so good, it didn't detract from the story one bit.

The other bit is the story. It's simple and straightforward. We've seen this story before when it was called Dances With Wolves. It's pretty much dead on copy with a sci-fi gloss over. Hero goes to remote world (outpost), forced to deal with indigenous people, falls in love with people and girl, soldiers come back looking for Hero...yadda yadda yadda. But it's ok. It works. There are no overly convoluted plot holes or twists and everything kind ends up happy in the end. What happens after the end, well...

Overall, this movie is beautiful and definitely worth the watch. Expect groundbreaking effects, not groundbreaking storytelling.

Happy Channukah!

And...here's my recipe for Potato Latkes!

Yields 12 Pancakes

2# Potatoes, peeled and grated

2 Eggs

6oz Finely Chopped Onion

2oz Flour

1TBL Baking Powder

1TSP Nutmeg

S&P to taste

Oil for frying

1. Combine potatoes, eggs, onions, baking powder and flour. Season with nutmeg, S&P. Mix well

2. Heat oil, add mixture shaped in proper pancake shape. Pan fry til golden.

That's it!

Finally! Some progress!

Hello...not sure you are reading this, considering I rarely update this thing, but what the hey. I just wanted to blog that I am making some slow, but steady progress in my quest to do something that I enjoy and get paid for it. I just made some logos for Jamie Gambell's upcoming book "Omnitarium" and will be (hopefully, if everything goes right) lettering some pages for him as well.

I am also writing like a fiend, and really hope I'll get that big break soon. It's close, I just know it.

Mood: Hungry

(oh, if you haven't seen Zombieland yet, you are definitely missing out on a treat! Best zom-com since Shaun of the Dead!)

Again, it's been ages!

Unemployment, is the ultimate curse my friends. First you think, "Oh, it's a like a vacation!" but you are mistaken. Once the thrill of sleeping til noon wears off and you begin to wonder where your next meal is coming from, it turns into endless boring days of drudgery of job searching, and keeping yourself busy. Then the days all start to bleed together in one continuous, depressing mass. Being a burden to your friends and family, the isolation because you can't afford to go out...the toll on one's sanity and psyche are devastating. Somehow, I have managed to keep on the right side of the dirt.

I have been trying to keep myself busy by writing. Soon after I started, I felt this is what I want to do with my life. I have re-invented myself! I felt pretty good and confident that I can make this happen...but no one flip around and becomes a paid writer overnight. So, I beg, cajole and borrow til I can make it happen. I think I might be close to true success. I have a story being published in the January issue of Dead Future (#4, if you are keeping track), and done some lettering for the first issue (lettering seems to be something I can do easily with my Graphic Design background). But everything so far has been volunteer basis, considering I have no published experience. I hope that these two things will be the start of good works progressing.

Sorry for the depressing post. Life is a bit boring for me these days.

Ok, it's been a while...

Reading Amanda Palmer's blog has got me wanting to jot a bit down on what's going on in my life...Twitter has kinda taken over my blogging...and since my blogging has been a bit almost dead in the first place, well , you can figure it out.

Anyways. Been writing a bit and hunting for work. Also playing some warcraft and trying to think up a business plan for my personal design biz...and pissing (fairly important..well, important to me) people off. Same as it ever was.

Things i've read/seen etc.

New Avengers: Good shit. Pick this up, the current "search for the new Sorcerer Supreme storyline, is solid work. All awesome. In fact, "Dark Reign" is just Marvel-speak for "this is awesome, buy it."

Power Girl: I admit it, I am not a big DC guy, but I gotta go with Palmiotti and Connor on this one. First issue is pretty tight and humorous ("Please stop playing with my globes" had me laughing). If the story can be as tight as i hope it could be, not the confusing mess that the rest of DC is to me at the moment.

The Hangover: yet another hilarious movie..and Zach Galifinakas as a bonus.

Progress! Slow but steady wins the race.

Been couple busy weeks. It's really hard to juggle watching the sister's kids, work, try learn a new program and start up freelancing graphic design (hint, hint to all you half dozen readers), and write up comic book or two. One of the things that keeps me going is visible progress. I'm not really talking about instant gratification, or maybe I am, but seeing the pages stack up is a good sight to see.

Attended FX last weekend; and when I wasn't spewing out 100% pure stupid in front of very attractive and very nice actresses of one of my favorite shows, I was chatting it up with comic pro's and attending panels. Everything I heard and asked was answered how I thought it should go, and it felt good that I was on the right track.

It's a slow hard road to work up towards (unless you are a TV writer or somehow already famous), but I see my progress and I makes me confident and enboldens me to think that this CAN happen.

Anywho. Finished the first issue of Sterling, my second take of it; and it's definitely a ka-jillion times better than the first one. Also, a project I thought was dead came back to life and got a sample page in. Other than some minor quibbles, it looks awesome. See if you can pick em out!

Business Card - Take Two

After the Goofy Glue incident, I decided to remake my business cards. Before printing, i would like some thoughts from you guys! what do you think?

front

back

so, what do you think?

I've been busy!

Been quite busy for the past couple weeks. Between parents up here, my job, writing my comic, trying to learn Dreamweaver, get brakes and tires for the car and trying to relax, i've been quite the busy beaver. Plus there is a personal issue that I don't quite feel like disclosing at the moment that has completely shook me up.

It's funny. At the moment, I at a fairly good point with everything. Slowly understanding Dreamweaver, comic is just about half done (expect to finish it this week), job is busy but insane...i decide to take a bit of a break, and now i am super bored, ROFL. But deep down, i know if i keep pushing myself to do these things, if i push too hard i will burn out, so i need to pace myself a bit.

Maybe a nap...while i have this place to myself.

You can't make everyone happy.

When everyone is clamoring at you to get stuff done, somebody's gonna be pissed. I guess I just need to roll with it.

Comic should be done tomorrow (first draft anyways)...got the ever amazing Whitney Cogar to do the art. I just hope she remembers me when she becomes the next Jack Kirby.

Got a couple ads to do for Molly. Piece of cake and I love working with her, so it's not really work.

Want to revise Sterling up a bit. I think I just need to twist it a bit and that will make it a hit.

Got the second issue of Arcanos to finish, but not sure what the deal is with the first, so will probably put it on hold for now.

Would like to go play some WoW or WoW TCG tomorrow; but well prepared to leave it wayside to get work done.

I am almost ready. Almost ready.

Progress!

over the past week, I got the general plot of my zombie story done, 5 pages of script drafted and a fresh magazine ad for Dr. Sketchy done! I just hope they like it.

Woot! Big Break!

Got tapped to write a short comic for an anthology! Will update as time goes on. Not sure if I can leak it. Not to mention find an artist...

Woops!

the proper link to Boom! is www.boom-studios.com - - i guess i shoulda checked the links, eh?

Mega-mega-megacon!

Just got back an hour or so ago from Orlando, from my trip to Megacon. Had a blast. Met LOTS of people in the comic book biz, might prove fruitful down the line, but who knows, eh? Was a complete near-madhouse. It makes me hopeful for my career in this business.

some people i met (tossing with links, because that's how I roll):

Tamara Gray

Chandra Free

The Spork!

Whitney Cogar

Mark Waid

Brandon Peterson

and i am sure there are others i am forgetting. I have still to go through my bag. Bought the first Scott Pilgrim trade (absolutely amazing and cool...must get hands on more) and the first Doktor Sleepless trade (completely insane and stuff. worth every penny.)

Going to be cooking some Beef Stew tomorrow for dinner, slow cooker style. Boring recipe, but tasty results. A year of culinary school has got to be useful for something...

Now off to sleep...though yappy dogs upstairs might make this more difficult than it seems.

Motivation: Check. Energy: er...

Trying to finish up Comic issue #2. But, keeping at is kinda rough. Without it being in print yet (understandably so, as the publisher wants 2 in the can before pumping it out), but trying to get time to plug away is rough with the internet, Warcraft, niece and nephew, and other things bouncing about and stuff. If I was actually drawing a paycheck from this, perhaps things would be different.

In other news, picked up some comics today...

New Avengers 50: Hoo boy. A bit of false advertising, but still packs quite a punch. I am fully confident that Dark Reign could be one of the best status quo shakeups ever so far (except for maybe Crisis on Infinite Earths, but that's a whole different class). Bendis can sure write these characters well, I am on the edge of my seat to find out where this goes.

Mighty Avengers #22: Normally, I love Dan Slott. But something seems off with this issue. doesn't quite seem to have it's voice quite yet. But I have a feeling like a good TV series, this needs a few issues to get it's stride going.

Avengers: The Initiative #22 (hmm..a trend?): One big fight scene for the most part. Everyone is in character and a good solid issue and tying up some long long threads. I usually love Ramos' art, but some parts of it are kinda distracting and hard to make out. But that can be just me.

anyways! MegaCon is this weekend! Woo!

You know...

Every time I ask someone in the biz to look at something I've done, I get a "would love to, but can't because of legality issues." And since those are the people I want to look at this site, and me, posting a full issue of something I've worked on is kind of a mistake. So I am just going to leave Sterling where it's at, and if people actually read this (I know you read this, KD, and you already read the whole thing), and want more, let me know, and I'll figure something out.

Sterling - Part one. Here we go!

Page One

Page is split vertically, then the right half is split into thirds.

First panel: Big shot of city street, showing the Clematis Print Shop. Guy running in.
Caption: Monday, 9:07am

Second panel: Your typical print shop. Guy behind the counter with a shit eating grin, and the guy who ran in, Jack, looking kind of frazzled.

Bob: Jack, you’re late again. I’m tempted to start docking your pay.

Jack: Sure, if you want to put me back on hourly, go right ahead.

Bob: Oh, heh heh. Nope, we’ll keep you right where you’re at.

Jack (real small): Douchebag.

Third panel: Small office behind the front area. Jack in his seat with a look of equal parts disgust and desperation.

Jack: Ugh.

Fourth panel: computer monitor with calendar program, showing a 9:30 appointment with Mr. Nettlebaum.

SFX: Ch-Ching

Jack: [small] And so my Hell begins.

Jack Caption: Ok, maybe it’s not that bad.

Page Two

Five panels, four across the top third and one big one at the bottom.

First panel: Hand putting on glove. Black with gold circuitry.

Caption: 9:21am

Catastrophe: Another day, another blow to the Iron Council. This will teach them to kick me out!

Second Panel: Catastrophe reclining in a chair. Not quite putting his head down.

Catastrophe: Everything is go.

Third Panel: Catastrophe backing his head into a data spike/transfer thing in the chair.

SFX: Ka-Click

Fourth panel: Darkness with two glowing green eyes.

SFX: HMMM

Fifth Panel: Cargo doors are open, the biggest, meanest robot you have ever seen is getting ready for take-off.

Catastrophe-bot: I am full of win.

Page Three

5 Horizontal panels if possible. Or maybe 2x2 with one along the bottom.

Panel one: closeup of hands holding a flyer for some inane subject.

Caption: 9:40am

Jack: It’s not a problem, Mr. Nettlebaum, I can make it color, but it will raise the price to eighty cents a copy.

Mr. Nettlebaum: But, you said it would only cost fifteen cents a copy…

Jack: I said that was for black and whites.

Mr, Nettlebaum: Oh. How much for color?

Jack: ugh.

Panel two: Over the shoulder shot of Jack working on a computer. Try to make him look like he’s swamped with work. Papers on the desk, lots of windows on the computer open, etc. Bob is behind him.

Caption: 11:20am

Bob: What are you doing for lunch? Charlene and I are going to order from Crow’s, you want anything?

Jack: Nah. Going to meet some friends for lunch.

Bob: Can you afford to take time away, you look swamped.

Jack: I’m fine. Everything is under control.

Panel three: Jack at an greasy spoon eating lunch alone. Kind of looks depressed eating a burger. Waitress (Becky) is chatting it up.

Caption: 1:24pm

Becky: So, another crap day?

Jack: Yup. I swear, we get all the crap clients in the world. It’s like the world is giving me a hint.

Panel four: Becky is now sitting down with Jack

Becky: It’s not that bad. Cheer up, will you. Things are not that bad. And in that regard, I’ve been working double shifts, so you’re not alone!

Jack: At least you get paid hourly. Odds on, I will probably be working another ten hour day today….and get paid for seven. Anyway, thanks for lunch, I’m running late.

Panel five: Jack back at work, getting dark. Bob is poking his head in.

Caption: 5:57pm

Bob: Just got a last minute job in, can you stay late?

Jack: Do I have a choice?

Bob: Not if you want a paycheck. Heh heh. Shouldn’t take you that long.

Jack: Great…

Panel six: Jack sitting in a bar, couple of shotglasses and a beer pint glass is in front of him.

Caption: 9:20pm

Jack: Another day, another dollar. God, I hate this…

Page Four

One horizontal panel at the top with two in the center and on along the bottom.

Panel one: Inside of a bank. Some vibrations all around, as if a giant deathbot is about to rip open the wall.

Caption: 10:17 am. First Merchant’s Bank.

Bank employee one: …so I told her, that’s an extra twenty bucks!

SFX: THOOM!

Bank employee two: What was that?

Panel two: Big panel of Catastrophe-bot ripping open a wall.

Castrophe-bot: Run!

Castrophre-bot: Run, you worthless maggots!

Inset: couple of shocked patrons. Completely slack-jawed.

Panel three: Another big panel. Same pose as before, but bristling with weaponry. Buzzsaws, guns, whatever.

Catastrophe-bot: RUN OR DIE! HA! HA! HA!

Inset: Little motion clouds, as if the people in the prior inset did an exit stage left.

Panel four: Enter Fighto. Dramatic pose and all. Try and make all of Fighto’s poses super cheesy and dramatic. Fighto is a gag and to show that this isn’t quite the typical superhero world. Or maybe it is.

Fighto: How about option three where I KICK YOUR ASS?

Page Five

Panel one: Catastrophe-bot pointing at Fighto.

Catastrophe: This is your one chance to get away. Don’t waste it.

Panel one: Fighto is doing some fine fine acrobatics, dodging all the bullets, lasers, etc.

SFX: PEW PEW

Fighto: Ha! Ha! Being trained by the Space-Monks of Cygnus seven has made dodging your bullets child’s play!

Panel two: Small panel of Fighto’s fist going aflame.

Fighto: Prepare for my FLAMING FIST OF JUSTICE!

Panel three: Another smallish panel where we see the fist moving very very fast at Catastrophe-bot. Speed lines and all that.

Panel four: The fist hits the Catastrophe-bot, and leaves a small blackened dent.

SFX: dink
Fighto: um…uh-oh.

Panel five: The Catastrophe-bot turning Fighto into a bright red paste with his weaponry.

SFX: SPLURTCH
Catastrophe-bot: Fool! You brought this on yourself! I WARNED YOU!

Sterling character descriptions

Here's some description, to help your mind's eye.

Jack Sterling
Physical: 6’, 200# - slim but fit. Shaggy blonde hair and brown eyes. Usually has a shocked or contemptuous look on his face. Think Ashton Kutcher or Tom Welling.

Becky Levine
Physical – 5’ 6” 130# - Curvy but not overweight, busty but not ridiculous. Attractive, but not insane stupid-plastic hot. Think that girl next door type. Hair is auburn and is usually long and in ponytail. Think Kat Dennings.

Professor Catastrophe
Physical - 5'10" 200# - Fatherly, but fit. Starting to show his age of mid to late 50's. Tries to be hip and with-it. Always has a warm smile on his face. Think Ray Wise

Fighto
Physical - 6'3" 225# - Extremely cut. Yellow and orange garish costume with fist symbol on the chest. Full mask with hair exposed.

That oughta do it for the first part.

I will post more

This will probably be like shooting myself in the foot...

...but I need to get some of my work out to the masses. So, I will be putting up my script for Sterling up on here. I wouldn't mind this being a true webcomic, but alas, my drawing skills has atrophied due to lack of use. If anyone artistic feels like starting some up with this, shoot me a message.

Various writers and editors and other people, enjoy the read and please, PLEASE, give me some feedback! I can use all the help I can.

It's hard to be a gangsta...

Been trying to wrap my head around the problem on how to break into the comic book biz. Supposed to talk to editors, but can't give pitches. Maybe if I just give them pitchers (of beer)?

Wish I had the scratch to travel to the big cons (NYCC, SDCC, etc) and schmooze it up. I know in my gut I can do this, but breaking in seems a bit rough. But I don't think I am quite ready to give up yet.

Some more updates...

You know, I've been unemployed for a while, but somehow I've been keeping busy. Been doing some graphic design work for Dr. Sketchy's and the comic book writing thing...

...if you need either done, shoot me a mail and we'll talk!

Some updates...

Been writing up a storm. First comic is being drawn as I type and working on second issue. It is not normally in my nature to get psyched for stuff like this, because it usually leads to disappointment, but i think i will make an exception in this case. Here is a rough and character sketch. Both done by the ever-amazing Hyunsang Michael Cho. Will update more as info permits!