RAGNOR | a 24 hour comics day comic

Every year on the first weekend of October artists, writers, and anyone with an interest in comics is challenged to make a 24 page comic in 24 hours. Originally developed by Scott Mcloud, this day has taken on a life of its own. Around the world comic shops, libraries, and individuals hold events where the 24 hour comicers gather to make comics together. This is the third year that I've been a part of the annual event and also the third year I've gone to The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach. They have tables for 30-40 people as well as a constant stream of food and coffee for their participants, all for free. Creating comics or art in general is often a solitary and lonely activity that is quite anti-social. This event turns that around and creates a fun and exciting atmosphere. The hours are tough and I've never stayed the full 24 hours. I haven't needed to stay the full time the past two years. With last years comic, Mr. Mouse, and now this comic I've been able to make a complete story in roughly 18 hours. Staying up until 7 am is about as good as I can do these days. The results are weird but I hope you enjoy:

Magical Monster People: Bird Girl and the Dryad

Magical Monster People: Dogbro & Mighty Mantis Man

This ain't no Dogbode.

Magical Monster People: Reverse Mermaid & Bug Girl

Every time the model gets in a side laying down position the only creature I can think of to turn him or her into is a mermaid. Sometimes they are reverse mermaids.

Magical Monster People: Dragon Lady & Mermaid

I've been thinking a lot about how long do I want to keep up the Magical Monster People. I have been going to figure drawing on and off for about 10 years now and I am not about to stop for good any time soon. However, The body switching is a relatively new thing. It adds a fun twist to something that I would do anyway. I started it as a way to break out of the routine of drawing a model but it has become its own routine. I'm noticing repetition in my characters, many of them are starting to look alike. The sketchbook that I have been working in is about to be complete and perhaps I will decide that with the end of the sketchbook that will be the end of the Magical Monster People. Maybe I can change it enough to reinvigorate the concept. Either way I will keep going to figure drawing, whether or not the people have fur, feathers, or fins.

31 Days of Cowboys

I've begun research for a graphic novel set in 1910 southern California that I will be writing and drawing. Part of my research has been looking for photo reference of what people wore in that time period and geographical location. I found a set of photographs from the Library of Congress and began drawing some characters from it. Its interesting what assumptions I had about people from that time period that were incorrect. My favorite clothing detail that I learned was that most men wore suspenders instead of belts. In the roughly 30 pictures of men I only saw one or two belts.

For the month of August I drew a character either from that reference or my head. I played around with style and techniques. These are a few of my favorites:

Magical Monster People: Rhino Dude & Giraffe Guy

I've been drawing these characters at the Santa Monica figure drawing session once a week for about 3 months. While I don't think there has been much change in the quality of the work, I have definitely gotten faster at arriving to the final piece. Drawing is a skill that is developed over the long haul, I've been drawing for years and I still don't like I am as good as I should be. So its nice to see some type of development in a short time, even if that development is relatively minuscule.