Eyeliner & Lipstick

The internet is an interesting place sometimes. My first encounter with this graphic novel was actually through a 3D rendering of one of the main characters that was intended for a miniature figurine. From there, I did a quick google search and found Rafael Grampa’s website Furry Water. More digging revealed his artwork, which was amazing btw, and that he had worked on a debut graphic novel called “Mesmo Delivery”.

Funny thing is that it went on sale originally back in 2008, and had been out of print until Darkhorse decided to pick it up in 2010 for a reprint. I was stoked to say the least. It gets better though. On a random trip to my local comic shop, there up on the shelf sat a copy of “Mesmo Delivery”! I couldn’t have scripted this! I quickly (but gently) grabbed it off the shelf and took it home. So to help you with your purchase decision, I’ll try my best (sans spoilers) to summarize my experience.

Story

The story of “Mesmo Delivery” is both short and sweet. As the title suggests, the main characters, Sangreco & Rufo, are in charge of making a delivery of some kind. During the delivery they make a stop at some random gas station, and through happenstance enter into a fight with some strangers. Interspersed throughout the story we are treated to a few flashbacks that explain the reason for this delivery.

Bottomline, the story is not meant to be some deep philosophical rant on life. Nor is it about some overly bored, undersexed, machismo seeking dudes getting into a fist fight. Truly, I feel it be a story that acts as a playground for Rafael Grampa to play around in. He has built a very intriguing sandbox for himself with “Mesmo Delivery”. One that has allowed him to be very creative and free in both visual style, and shock tactics. I hope you’ll excuse my obvious simile, but like a Tarantino film, the characters first appearance belies what type of violence they are truly capable of. I guarantee dropped jaws, and possibly a fit of laughter for anyone who reads this.

Mesmo Delivery packs twists and turns that, under Grampá’s innovative cinematic rendition, create an experience far more epic and intense than any other 50-page, self-contained comic. But then, you don’t have to be a heavyweight to deliver a knockout punch. -Wizard Magazine

Art

The art is admittedly what got me interested in this book in the first place. Perusing Rafael Grampa’s website, I was greeted by some very amazing work. I am reluctant to compare it to other artist for fear of downplaying this guy’s talent, but I was at first reminded of Frank Quitely. More exposure to the style though drifted my mind more towards an overall Japanese “flatness”, graphic design inspired pattern work, and R. Crumb. His line-work jumps off the page with its bold brush work and strong sense of space.

“Mesmo Delivery” reads like a fast paced, action movie, and looks it too. The cinematic paneling Rafael utilizes is both beautiful and intricate. The attention to detail is amazing. Little items strewn about offices and bars take on new life in the tapestry of the panel and somehow refuse to be simply “background”. In the sketches section in the back of the book, he shows us that incredible detail oriented mind, with drawings of logotypes for businesses.

Happy February everyone! So we have made it through a whole month and we are steady on track. I think this calls for celebration. In fact, let’s call it our “Hey Look the Site is Still Up” celebration!!

To celebrate, we have the return of a fellow ronin to the fold, and some new art.

The unspeakably cool Chauncey has made his return. Expect new art and whatnot from him over the course of the next few days. To get you better acquainted, drop by his page and check out his vitals.

Also, as part of our celebration, stop by everyday this week for one new drawing in the galleries. That’s one per day folks! The first one is right over here.

It’s Wednesday so get your comic buying money ready and let’s get ready for the weekend. As always stay by your computers, and keep a tab open in your browser for us. Peace.

As my friends are aware, I’ve been randomly rambling about the Apple tablet and what awesome implications it could have. I pretty much follow Pak’s line of thinking on all of it save one forgotten point. What will this mean for artists? For those who have been following the tech blogs, we know that Apple has billed Wednesday’s press event as their “latest creation”. The graphic features paint splotches behind the apple logo. Now I’m not a betting man, but if I were, my money would be on the tablet’s presence in the digital art community.

First let me say that the technology necessary to accomplish this is already here. I think we all are aware of that. Though, CES 2010 was very cool, none of the manufacturers were willing to create such a device. Everyone is going toward a PC centric device only. As usual, they forget about the digital artist. I am hoping that Apple, a company long known for its support of graphic designers and artist worldwide, would take this tremendous opportunity to create something that Wacom has not so far been willing/able to do. A pressure sensitive, digital graphics display married to a computer. Apple has proven that it can create some truly light weight and thin devices using preexisting technology. But to truly get to this point there are some things that have to be taken into account.

1. Give Me An OS!
   Apple’s Tablet needs a full blown Operating System. If the tablet is pure consumer level device, then they may opt for an iPhone-esque experience. I’m talking only Apple approved apps, on the Apple approved playground you are computing in young man! Now, they could opt for a dual boot scenario, NO! a situation similar to how front row works. Full OS X, but with the iPhone experience on top it as a launchable application. Similar to the whole “Splashtop” linux/windows thing from a while back. This would allow entertainment/fun usage, but also accommodate actual factual computer use. But if there is no full blown OS X, that gives us an issue on point numero dos.
2. Apps
   The tablet must be able to run Photoshop, illustrator, painter, etc. Without being able to run those, there would be no point. This all depends on the OS. If it’s full blown OS X, which a great many tech blogs are betting against, then we won’t see this functionality unless Adobe invests in a tablet version of the software. Which I think is a bit unlikely if Apple doesn’t have item san (It’s Japanese for 3!).
3. Under Pressue (Ba Ba Ba, Badadada)
   Because the tablet would also need to have pressure sensitive inputs via a stylus. HIS STEVENESS has in the past stated that he dislikes styli (perhaps on devices like the iPhone only b/c something that small shouldn’t need one in his opinion?), so everyone is thinking a big fat NO on that. But I disagree. I think on a device with a screen that is supposedly going to be 10in diagonally or larger, Apple will opt for a stylus input, as an option. If only for the lure of educational usage in classrooms. Taking notes? No problem! handwritting recognition, which is already in use on OS X, coupled with being able to possibly record audio and doodle diagrams, would make this a killer device for any student. But Apple may try to avoid all that due to possible lost sales on their notebooks which they aggressively market to college kids anyway. Of course all of this
4. Price(a.k.a. It costs HOW MUCH!)
   Wacom already has a graphics tablet that allows you to draw on the screen directly. Unfortunately, it needs to always be connected to a computer, and it’s very expensive. The cheapest Cintiq is 12inches diagonal @ $1000! Plus, there’s no computer built into it! You aren’t leaving your room with that thing. A tablet on the other hand, would allow that freedom, and be a smart purchase. We hope for sub thousand dollar pricing, but even at a grand, it’s still more economical to buy the tablet and use it as a Cintiq than to cow tow to Wacom’s pricing on top of what you paid for your computer. I think in 2010 everyone is tired of one trick ponies. Give me a device that does it all.

So if Apple avoids the stylus, no love. If they avoid full blown OS X, no love. If they have the stylus, but don’t have pressure sensitivity, no love. BUT!, if Apple hits all these points, and comic artists are able to use this the way they have always wanted to work, then sir we have a winner. Imagine drawing and inking directly on the screen. Coloring, Lettering, etc. It would hopefully remove the barrier that keeps artist from going digital. That woeful disconnect between what the eye sees and where you hand is positioned. I want this to happen and I think so do many other artist. I can hope can’t I? Guess we’ll have to wait until Wednesday and see!