Chim Chum and the Portly Samurai

You've probably noticed I don't post here much.   Between working on Disney Infinity and my webcomic, Chim Chum and the Portly Samurai, I haven't had a lot of time to update and draw stuff for fun.  Here's a dump of the most recent Chim Chum comics.  I'm on the cusp of a new direction for the comic, so I thought I'd post these here to catch everyone up!

2012 Holiday Gift Ideas - "Art of" Books

As my wife will tell you, it's extremely difficult to shop for the pop-culture geek in your life.  That is why, my dear readers, I've decided to dust off the ol' recommendations list and give you some great ideas to appease the discerning animation buff in your family.  Hope it helps, and feel free to leave me a comment if you have any additional recommendations.  Clicking any of the images will take you to amazon.com, which helps me provide new content for ChimChum.com.  Here we go:

I have a particular fondness for "Art of" film books.  I think it's a shame that general audiences never get to see the breathtaking artwork that leads up to the creation of an animated film.  There's been a great assortment of these books in 2012.

The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania
The film was fun, even if it didn't take its story seriously.  Great character designs and some absolutely breathtaking concept art by Marcello Vignali. This book is well executed and might just surprise your giftee.  An unexpected treat.

The Art of Disney/Pixar's Brave
Another feast for the eyes, though probably not unexpected.  Continuing the great tradition of Disney Art books, this one doesn't disappoint.  There's great insight into production here, with a great emphasis on story art.  A great choice for the storyboard artist or fairy tale lover.

The Art of the Rise of the Guardians
A recent release from Dreamworks Animation.  Features some interesting takes on classic fantasy characters.  One of their strongest efforts to date, and the book's representative of this.


The Art of Wreck-It Ralph
Another great archive.  This is THE book to buy if your animation fan is also a video gamer.  Some great artwork with a particular nod to digital culture.



The Art of Madagascar 3:  Europe's Most Wanted
While this is the third film in the franchise, the real star of this book are the character designs for the circus animals.  Arguably the best artwork and design for the entire series to date.  A great idea for your animal lover.


The Art of Monsters, Inc.
Back in print after nearly ten years, this is one of Pixar's greatest achievements and most unique art book.  Previously selling for as much as $200, this is one you'll want to make sure you grab before it disappears again.


Next I'll discuss some DVD, CD, and collectible suggestions.  Happy shopping!

Happy Halloween!

Here's a little piece of fan art of one of my favorite new animated characters, Mavis from Hotel Transylvania.

Halloweenies: 2012 Edition

Print and enjoy!  And, if you want to print the other umpteen Halloweenies from days gone by, here's where you can find them:  http://toonbaboon.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloweenies

Jack and the Neverland Pirates Fan Art

Digital Comics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

For Christmas I received an Amazon Kindle Fire.  Ever since its announcement, I had been looking forward to the new tablet.  Specifically, I was hoping it would deliver its promise to provide a practical way to read comics digitally.  I decided if I was really going to test the Fire, I had to commit to buying and reading ONLY digital comics.

I could pretend that I've spent a lot of time reading comics this year as research for this article, but the truth is I love comics and have been able to rediscover them in a new medium.  I so far have not regretted the commitment I've made.  Here's my thoughts on the matter.  If you're not a comics nerd, you may want to skip this and read another blog about some useful topic such as quantum theory or the hidden subtext of Tolkien's Silmarillion.

Comixology and the Kindle
Comixology is unarguably the largest database/store for purchasing comics digitally.  Basically, you set up a free account and buy a license to view specific digital comics for the remainder of the Earth's life cycle or comixology goes out of business, whichever comes first.  Comics are stored on a cloud drive and you simply download the issues you wish to read on your device.  Because you're logged in to an account, comics purchased on the web, tablet, ipad, etc. are availabe on all your other devices.  You can buy a comic on your kindle, then read it on your smartphone.  Nearly all publishers now publish "Same Day as Print" through comixology.  You never have to leave your house on new comics day!

Additionally, comixology features a smart-view option, which allows you to scroll panel to panel through the comic. This is essential on smaller devices and works well.  I find that I rarely use this option on my Fire, as the comics appear a little larger than an Archie Digest.  I spent much of my childhood reading those, so it doesn't bother me at all.

There is one aspect to the Fire that drives me absolutely bonkers, however.  The Fire comixology store does not stock DC Comics (and no explanation is ever given) and the daily sale prices of comics are not reflected.  The workaround is to just buy DC and sale titles on the web, but I do find this inconvenient when I'm already browsing on the Fire.  Incidentally, DC titles do indeed sync on the Fire once purchased.

Marvel Comics
Marvel's doing one thing really right in the digital medium.  They offer a digital copy at no additional charge for their high-value print titles.  So, purchasing the latest issue of Avengers Assemble gets you the print comic, a free digital comic version, and your local comic store gets a sale.

The digital version is redeembable through Marvel's comics app.  It's a customized comixology app, but is completely separated from comixology and your comics can't sync over from Marvel.  Because of this, any comics redeemed from a print comic code have to be read through a different app.  The Marvel app isn't currently vetted for the Fire, but I installed it anyway.  It works fine, but it's annoying to have to load another app.

DC Comics
DC takes a different approach to digital.  Very few print DC Comics are available with a digital copy code, and those that do are limited edition, bagged with the code, and cost an extra dollar.  They gain back some of the points in the fact that comics redeemed or purchased through the DC Comics app DO sync with your comixology account.

There's more pricing difference between the big two, but I'll get to that momentarily.

Dark Horse Comics
For some reason, probably lack of a solid contract agreement, Dark Horse has eschewed comixology and uses their own app.  Even though I'm a fan of many of their titles, I have completely stopped buying Dark Horse Comics due to the app they're using.  It isn't based on the comixology format.  Buying comics through the app doesn't work, it simply takes you to a web store.  There's no panel to panel view.  By and large, I think Dark Horse has a long way to go if they want to become competitive in the digital comics market.

Pricing
Pricing structure is where I think digital comics can really shine.  A savvy consumer can make their dollar stretch MUCH further buying digital.  Every publisher offers an assortment of free titles, some do so weekly. DC, Archie, and most of the second tier publishers discount their issues by $1.00 when the next issue comes out on comixology.  Anyone willing to wait an extra month can save roughly 1/3rd of their money.  Comixology has some sort of sale every single day, with many issues listing for 99 cents.

The exception is Marvel.  Marvel already has a higher average print price than DC, and they do not discount their comics on any sort of schedule.  Instead, they have a sale every Friday and Monday that usually revolve around a theme.  Frankly, in eight months I've only been enticed by one sale.  With the average price of a Marvel book $3.99 and DC at $2.99, it's amazing to me that Marvel is still the holdout for more reasonable pricing.

While I've faulted Dark Horse's app, they have one of the best free comics sections out there. Archie's app, which also doesn't sync with comixology, also offers some great freebies.  I tend to purchase my Archie titles through comixology, however, because they follow the $1 discount schedule for previous issues.

With all the pricing differences and options, I've seen two things change in my buying patterns.  First, I buy far less Marvel titles than I used to.  Second, I've discovered a lot of new titles that I would never have given a chance had I had to find them hidden in the Mogwi sales section of the comic shop.

Overall Thoughts
I don't think digital is going to threaten print any time soon, but I don't think it's a viable option for anyone like myself that's sick of storing a small warehouse full of comics.  I love taking my Fire on the train to work with fifty comics loaded and ready to be read.  I thought I'd be more nervous, as a collector, not having print issues.  However, the resell market for comics is virtually dead and I've traded it for a copy of my favorite comics that will remain in pristine condition forever.

I think the industry is on the cusp of really exploding into the digital market.  I'm thrilled that companies are embracing digital.  I'm very interested to see if smaller independent comics will begin to make their way on to the comixology app.  If Marvel can start offering better discounts and syncing options, they'll do great.  If DC and Amazon figure out their nonsense and offer DC comics on the Fire store, they'll be in a prime spot as well.  Even these are minor kinks.  But Dark Horse needs to, frankly, give up the dream and use comixology.  Their not even competitive at this point.

Let me know your thoughts!  I love talking about this and hope to hear more of you are discovering digital comics as well.  (Also, let me know what you're reading!  I need more titles in my shopping cart!)

My Little Pony?!!!

I have no idea why I drew this.  Okay, I do have some idea.  I recently discovered the new My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic cartoon, and I have to say I was impressed.  Clever writing, cool design updates, and great characters that don't feel like an insult to girls looking for a cool show.

At any rate, here's Twilight Sparkle.  In my very limited knowledge of the show, I believe she is the main equine.  Hope you enjoy!

Cars 2: The Video Game Storyboards

Here's a few of the story sketches I created for Cars 2: The Video Game.  They're out of order and missing a lot of frames, so you'll still have to play the game to enjoy it to its fullest!

It was a fun project to work on.  The premise of the game was a sequel to the film, and it featured all the characters you'd expect a Cars franchise game to include.  Sadly, these boards do not feature my very favorite Cars character - Holley Shiftwell.

These images are copyright Disney/Pixar, so mind your manners!

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Animation Fanatic

I've had some requests for gift ideas for the animator.  In addition to the previous version I did a few years ago, here's some updated favorites of mine that I think would appeal to the animator and the animation enthusiast.

Halloweenies - Season Five

Shirt.Woot: Hipster Animals

This week's t-shirt design contest is "Hipster Animals", and here's my entry.  If you'd like to vote for it, here's the link.

Shaggy

Timon and Pumbaa

Hakuna Matata!

The Lion King's coming back to theaters in that new-fangled digital 3D format, so it's time for some Timon and Pumbaa fan art!  (Pumbaa's the one on the bottom, in case you aren't familiar.)

Busy Bee vs. Busy Beaver

The topic for this week's shirt.woot.com contest was "Chores", so I decided to see what would happen if nature's busiest creatures had a cleaning smack down.  When the dust settles, who will make a clean sweep? 

If my pun hasn't disgusted you, you can go vote for my shirt design here:

http://shirt.woot.com/Derby/Entry.aspx?id=56722

If enough people vote, they'll make an actual shirt!

She's No Webigail!

Here's the latest in my obsessive Darkwing Duck fan-art exercise.  It's everyone's favorite junior Mallard, Gosalyn!  While some have criticized her tomboy-ish penchant for mischief and a voice that rivals Bea Arthur in gravel, I've always found her to be the perfect counterpoint to Darkwing's ill-equipped fathering skills.

Wherever you fall on the Gosalyn issue, you have to admit it's a great character design and a fantastic color scheme.  Huey, Louie and Dewey...  The days of monotone ball caps are over.

Launchpad McQuack

Who could forget the world's worst avian aviator, Launchpad McQuack.  His meager talent doesn't seem to warrant a featured role in a television show, but he actually landed (pun intended) two.

The Fan Art That Flaps in the Night

It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Disney ducks, and Darkwing is at the top of the list.  Ever since the show debuted in 1991, I've been (what some have called) obsessed with the exploits of Drake Mallard and his sidekick, Launchpad McQuack.

I found myself with a little free time recently and I decided I'd draw up a couple of D.W. fan art pieces.  Here's the first, and I'll post the other next week.

My "Dog Days" Shirt Design on shirt.woot.com

I've been encouraged, and accepted the challenge, to post some shirt designs on shirt.woot.com.  Here's my first attempt for the theme of "Dog Days".  If you've ever purchased a shirt there, you can vote for me.  If not, you can sign up and buy awesome shirts.  It's a win-win situation, which is so much better than a maintain status quo-maintain status quo situation.

It's a Miracle They Ever Found Nemo

Little Golden Books were a staple of my childhood.  Who can forget the great, stylized illustrations for the Poky Little Puppy, The Tawny Scrawny Lion, or Scuffy the Tugboat?  With their re-tellings of classic Disney fare, I was treated to my first big dose of "artistic interpretation."

Finding Nemo, while not my favorite of the Pixar films, is still a fun and endearing treat for the eyes.  I'm especially fond of the illustration style that Pixar allowed for the licensed products.  I had a little free time so I decided to take a shot at creating an original, storybook-like illustration for a Little Golden Book in the Finding Nemo illustration style.

I'd ask Dory what her favorite Little Golden Book was, but I'm sure she's forgotten.

L'il Little Mermaid

Here's my second "L'il Princess" illustration, featuring Disney's least cannibalistic mermaid, Ariel.  I'm enjoying these...  It's a nice chance to revisit some old friends and analyze some great character design and color.

L'il Sleeping Beauty

I recently discovered Illustrator.  And by recently, I mean three days ago.  Here's the Briar Rose I created as my first test.  I'll probably do more art in this style, because drawing cute characters with big heads and small bodies is fun.

The Grasslands Counsel

Happy Father's Day

Cars 2 Reviews Start Rollin' In

It has been my absolute pleasure to work on the Cars 2 Video Game for the last two years.  Everything really just gelled and the final result is what I think it should have been...  A really fun multi-player kart game featuring the Cars cast.  The E3 Expo was last week, so we've started to get a lot of early reviews on the game.  Click on the links below to see what the critics are saying.  Cars 2:  The Video Game hits stores on June 21st.


GameSpot's Disney Booth Review (featuring Cars 2) 

VG Chartz Checks Out the Wii Version

Gamer Pops Review

IGN Review

By Odin's Beard! It's Sif!

Hey, look!  My blog's still here!  And I'm actually posting something!  Between finishing up the most awesome racing game ever and keeping things going on my daily comic strip, I haven't had much opportunity to post here.

Things are beginning to slow down, though, and I decided I'd better start posting again so I can get back in the habit.  (We'll see how many days fall between this post and the next...)  During the slow down, I've been hangin' at Disneyland, visiting family, and watching lots of movies.

Much to my surprise, I was really impressed with Thor.  I thought Kenneth Brannagh did a fantastic job adapting some heavy-handed mythology into a form modern audiences would enjoy.  In fact, the only issue I have with the film is that Thor's an idiot.

By the hoary hosts of Surtur, why would Thor ever give Jane Foster the time of day when it's clear his heart should belong to the heroic warrior goddess, Sif?  I ask you!  She's compassionate, beautiful, and a deadly foe in any melee.  Her only fault may be her utter disregard for the human race.  But nobody's perfect, for Loki's sake.

While I ponder the most pressing question of the Thor universe, enjoy this quick drawing I did of Sif.  Hopefully, the Warriors Three can knock some sense into the God of Thunder.

Unicorn City

I recently finished a little After Effects work for the new Unicorn City trailer.  This film's directed by the talented Bryan Lefler, and you really should check it out.

Have You Met Chim Chum Yet?

I haven't been updating this blog as much lately, but my comic Chim Chum and the Portly Samurai still updates every weekday and has over 100 entries now.  Check it out if you get a chance! 

Merry Christmas!

Halloweenies 2010 - Pets Edition!

This year, I decided I'd branch out a little and do some stand-ups of the Halloweenies' pets.  Print, cut out, and add to your collection.  And, above all, have a safe and happy Halloween!

Here's some links to the rest of the Halloweenies collection:

Year One
Year Two
Year Three

And, if you haven't checked it out yet, I've started a webcomic here.