"Demon Skull" Illustration from "Dementia Magazine 1986

I've always been into skulls. Partly, I think, because of my love of monster and horror movies from a very early age, but also because they are easy to draw. In 1986, I found in opportunity to contribute some illustrations to a new horror anthology magazine called "Dementia". I don't recall how I found out about it, but was glad for the chance to get some of my weird drawings out there in the world. The publisher, Roger Reus, assigned me a story to do a drawing for, the title of which fails me, so I did the  piece and and few spec spot illustrations and sent it off and waited for the publication. My main story drawing was not used, but all of my spot drawings were and I even got a sizable ad for RELUCTANT SADIST on page 30 as trade for my efforts.

This "Demon Skull" drawing was inspired by the work of H.R. Giger of Alien fame and Roger and Martyn Dean of YES rock album covers. I am a child of the rock'n'roll, stoner culture of the 1970s and that psychedelic energy leaked into much of my work at that time. I did this drawing with a Pilot V5 ballpoint ink pen on bristol board. I don't recall how long it took, but I do know that I had fewer distractions back then (internets I am looking at you) and more patients. I have toyed with the idea of trying to sculpt this figure, but I cheated this drawing by making a flat version of the skull without apparent far side protrusions showing. I imagine he'd be symmetrical, so not too difficult to complete.

Here's the cover of that first and only issue of "Dementia" sporting a fabulous EC Comics looking drawing by "Allen K." of a zombie chowing down on some hapless citizen decades before it was cool or commercially mainstream.

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RS Can Be Found on ZineWiki Now!

I found a great directory of 'zines and DIY publications called "ZineWiki". I created a page for RELUCTANT SADIST tonight. I found it a helpful experience to objectively list information about the history of my old pub, an effort that I can use for the RS book project too.

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"PUNK NINJA" the Original Sketch

To follow on to the last post, I found the thumbnail sketch for that "PUNK NINJA" illo. I think this sketch reads better then the final illustration. Sometimes you got to know when to stop.

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80s Retro - "PUNK NINJA" Lives!!!

 While working on the R.S. book project tonight, I found some old comix that I had contributed art too. One of the earliest was a mini-comic from 1987, published Ryan Holland of Vision Comics called "Punk Ninja". Straight forward concept, classic eight page mini with a drawing of a Punk Ninja by a different artist on each page. You can find my bit on page five.


Nearly all of the renditions gave the Ninja a Mohawk, which was standard-issue for punk rockers back then. Of course there is also loads of leather and spikes (thank you "Road Warrior"). I got to say that I'm not too embarrassed by my P-Ninja drawing. Strong, basic composition and I even worked in some shurikens (Chinese throwing stars). I'm not sure if the Chinese writing is legit, but that is one serious Mohawk.

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Back Issues Available!

I have some copies of issues #3 and #4 left over from the WORD exhibition at the Charles H. Taylor Center, so you can own them for the bargain price of one measly US dollar each (plus .75 cents shipping & handling), just click the Paypal button to the right. I'm also open to trades from other comix artists, so send me something!

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WORD - I'm in an art exhibit called WORD!

If you wait long enough, sometimes a few people take notice. WORD. That's the name of an art exhibition at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center in Hampton, Va. that just opened and includes some of my original art from RELUCTANT SADIST. I'm thrilled to be able to publicly share this work. The subtle shading and ink wash work that I did was often muted and degraded when I photocopied it, so it's great to be able to show off the real stuff. James Jones, the curator/gallery manager at the Charles Taylor Arts Center, has been very supportive of my art.

His enthusiasm is encouraging me to do more, as I can see how my work can connect with an audience, something I sometimes forget about. I only wish I was finished with my book, so I would have had copies there to share with folks. Since I did not, I instead reprinted fifteen copies of Issue #4, which I handed out for free. They were grabbed up much quicker then I expected. I'm going to do some copies of issue #3 and drop them off soon.

The show is up until July 7th, so if you find yourself in Hampton, Va before then, pop in and check out all the marvelous art. It is a fine array of all media and styles; hard not to find a few things to love. I feel proud and humble to be included with such wonderful art.

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