http://www.cartoongal.com Hi. I'm Robin Fisher. I read a lot. And a fair chunk of what I read is comic books. I love to talk about comic books and have an enthusiasm that's hard to deny. I am a comic book activist and this is my show. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:38:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en hourly 1 http://feeds2.feedburner.com/CartoonGal Hi. I am Robin Fisher. I read a lot. And a fair chunk of what I read is comic books. I love to talk about comic books and have an enthusiasm that is hard to deny. I am a comic book activist and this is my show. My mission in life is to brainwash every man, woman and child into realizing that comics are more than just juvenile pabulum. When done right they can be an amazing amalgam of art and literature. Comics can make you laugh, cry, think and feel just as much as your favorite movie or book.. While looking visually stunning at the same time. It’s my favourite medium. I know, there are comics out there for everyone, but they are hard to find. Let me be your guide. I’ll be your cartoon gal. For the past 10 years I’ve been living, eating, sleeping and breathing comics. From writing comic stories, to editing fund-raising anthologies. I’ve worked in comic book stores, I’ve written for The Comics Journal. I’ve attended comic conventions all along the West Coast and interviewed many. But now, now it’s a whole new ballgame. New station, new day, new time slot and a whole wide world of Band Dessine to discover. I can’t wait. Montreal is a thriving hum of comic activity. Every week there is something incredible and comic related happening. There’s so much to learn and so much to share. I plan on exploring all avenues of the art form. Whether it be cartoons, action figures, fashion illustration, poster art, movies, music, anything and everything to do with the graphic arts, it shall be covered. Musically I’ll be playing some new and neat stuff (Bat for Lashes and The Heavy) but I’ll be playing the oldies and goodies too. (Drop Nineteens, The Mills Brothers, Astrud Gilberto and Mike Ladd) The show will be bursting at the seams with variety. So welcome. Welcome to The Onomatopoeia Show. Blowing your mind, one comic book at a time. Robin Fisher clean Robin Fisher info@cartoongal.com info@cartoongal.com (Robin Fisher) Strong Fruit © 1990 - 2009 Hi. I am Robin Fisher. I read a lot. And a fair chunk of what I read is comic books. I love to talk about comic books and have an enthusiasm that is hard to deny. I am a comic book activist and this is my show. onomatopoeia,onomatopea,onomatopia,cartoon gal,comic books,comic history,sequential art,alternative comics,independent comics,comics,cartoons http://www.cartoongal.com//multiblog/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/itunes.jpg http://www.cartoongal.com CartoonGalhttp://feedburner.google.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/NjhtnVviZM4/13-fashion-illustrators http://www.cartoongal.com/show/13-fashion-illustrators#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:15:07 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=1542 Throughout the 20th century and on, there has been an amazing amount of creative and innovative illustrators in the fashion illustration scene. You Need to have this knowledge in your cranium, feast your eyes.......... No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8EYD7I73rQL5DX1W1ZuHFlf7WzA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8EYD7I73rQL5DX1W1ZuHFlf7WzA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8EYD7I73rQL5DX1W1ZuHFlf7WzA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/8EYD7I73rQL5DX1W1ZuHFlf7WzA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/NjhtnVviZM4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/13-fashion-illustrators/feed 0 Charles Dana Gibson,Erte,George Barbier,Joe Eula,Léon Bakst,Rene Gruau Throughout the 20th century and on, there has been an amazing amount of creative and innovative illustrators in the fashion illustration scene. You Need to have this knowledge in your cranium, feast your eyes.......... (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/buttonumezawamf-500x182.jpg) Originally Aired on: Feb 15, 2009 So besides loving comics beyond all belief, I also have a secret passion for fashion. (Again, I completely blame the evil brainwashing of 'Jem and the Holograms.' "Glamour and glitter, fashion and fame!") This includes a 1940's Singer sewing machine, a tower of fabric that reaches to the top of my ceiling, every notion you could possibly think of or need, boxes and boxes of patterns and hours upon hours of fashion television. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/barbierrainbow-499x320.jpg) Here's what I like about the world of fashion illustration, there is rarely a bad apple in the bunch. The artists may not be to your taste, but the art is always of the highest caliber, if not interestingly experimental. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erte1ertecasu-500x426.jpg) ERTE http://www.erte.com/ (http://www.erte.com/) The first taste I had of fashion illustration was Erte. Renowned the world over, he really was the best place to start. Born in the late 1800's in Russia, he moved to Paris to start a career in design. After receiving a commission from "Harpers Bazaar' in 1915, Erte continued to rise to great prominence during the 20's and 30's as a prolific and intricate fashion designer, illustrator, set designer and costumer. Forgotten by the 40's, it was an art dealers determination that got Erte noticed again in the late 60's, to an even wider audience, with an even greater appreciation.  His attention to detail is sublime.  I think his designs are extremely creative, to the extent of attempting to create my own Erte inspired piece.  I also find him to be a master in colour composition.  His scenes are intense and stunning, and not without humour. Erte:  the fashion designer/illustrator (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erteblackanwhite-240x337.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ertewedding-240x330.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ertefish-500x533.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/erte9-500x687.jpg) Erte: the costumer/model (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ertestar-240x332.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erteincost-240x367.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ertee-500x668.jpg) Erte: the set designer (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erteset-240x161.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erteset2-240x131.jpg) Erte: the cover artist (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ertea-240x342.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erteb-240x342.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ertec-240x336.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erted-240x355.jpg) Dreams become reality. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/erteartancost-500x656.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/barbierfarewell-500x321.jpg) GEORGE BARBIER http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Barbier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Barbier) My exposure to George Barbier was a collection of his postcards found in a quaint little shop in Niagara on the Lake.  (It's where the 'rents live.)  Barbier was born in 1882 in France.  He came to national attention when he mounted his own exhibit in 1911.  What I enjoy of Barbiers work is the innovative way he has to showcase fashion, as well as his attention to detail in regards to background.  I'm also partial to his palate.  Lastly there is always a story going on in the wings, due to his clever set up of characters and scenes. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/barbierbird-240x342.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/barbierfish252-239x311.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal. Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/13-fashion-illustratorshttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-02-15.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/nx4qrrxD08w/12-dc-romance-comics http://www.cartoongal.com/show/12-dc-romance-comics#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:23:58 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=1356 What's sweeter than cotton candy? Looooooove. Come explore the wacky world of DC Romance Comics. Stories, Advice columns and artists are examined, try not to get stuck in the treacle. No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/I3tBxWJMJrhU8zEw-8or89rbp2U/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/I3tBxWJMJrhU8zEw-8or89rbp2U/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/I3tBxWJMJrhU8zEw-8or89rbp2U/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/I3tBxWJMJrhU8zEw-8or89rbp2U/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/nx4qrrxD08w" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/12-dc-romance-comics/feed 0 DC Comics,Elizabeth Berube,Jack Kirby,Joe Simon,Ric Estrada,Robert Kanigher,Romance Comics What's sweeter than cotton candy? Looooooove. Come explore the wacky world of DC Romance Comics. Stories, Advice columns and artists are examined, try not to get stuck in the treacle. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/art1a-239x358.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/secretagentgirl-239x310.jpg) Originally Aired on: Feb 08, 2009 The whole romance comic genre blows my mind. Think of it, it's a whole style of comic that is written by men, illustrated by men, for women, about love and relationships. As well, they're from the past, which makes their plots and conclusions even more inadvertently ridiculous. The absurdity is so much fun! Sometimes, especially at DC, there are excellent and innovative artists and that's always a treat. I've been collecting for 12 years and I literally get an incredible high every time I buy a vintage romance comic. I love the colours, the styles, the hair, the stories, the characters, I love it all. I honestly feel that each comic represents a part of womens history, from a male perspective, in the comic world. It was hard to narrow down my collection, so I focused on a specific publisher, DC comics (http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/). Of the two main publishers, Marvel and DC, DC is the less schlocky. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/yrcover-240x328.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bossssona-240x323.jpg) Young Romance #1 (vol. 1): 1947 - 1963 (vol. 2) 1963 - 1975 Published by Crestwood then sold to DC in the 60's. 'Young Romance' was created by Joe Simon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Simon) and Jack Kirby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kirby). The art was a real departure from the bombastic psychedelia of Kirby's later Marvel superhero art. Extremely dated and totally hilarious the last story, 'The Plight of the Suspicious Bridegroom' channels a weird EC vibe. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/impfrienda-240x345.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bridegrooms-240x334.jpg) Some of the more bizarre covers. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/cover-240x350.jpg) Notice the old lady's death grip, and her daughters sleepy pose! (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/coverb-240x358.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/coverc-240x359.jpg) Girl's Love #75 - 1960 (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/heretostay1-240x315.jpg) Here to Stay After getting dumped by Ronnie, our girl buries herself in her work to forget about love. Just read it okay? No really, the ending is the best. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/whentomorrowcomesa-239x319.jpg) When Tomorrow Comes Weird war memory involving an old wives tale results in a weak, wayward man. Told from the mans point of view, the whole thing leaves me scratching my head. Strangest advice column So I'm guessing these columns started in the late 60's. I say guess because I can find no information on these guys and unfortunately I don't have every romance comic in existence. The first one I saw was Marc and his advice shtick is to be a chauvinistic jerk. Later on I was introduced to Paul, apparently he's Marc's brother. Though I think hes the same guy with a mustache. Paul's deal is he's nice. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/marca-240x160.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/paula-240x122.jpg) My favourite artists Elizabeth Berube I can barely find any information on her. She's considered the last woman to work for DC Romance comics. She started with them in the early 70's and I adore her style. When I get a romance comic with her art in it, it's a total jackpot. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/brubefullfashion-240x358.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/brubebeautybudget-240x345.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/brubewedding1-240x343.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/brubewedding2-240x345.jpg) Ric Estrada Robin Fisher clean 1:07:25 http://www.cartoongal.com/show/12-dc-romance-comicshttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-02-08.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/2QQWkUj4YF0/rick-trembles http://www.cartoongal.com/article/rick-trembles#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:00:53 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=1456 Rick Trembles has written and drawn some excruciatingly honest comics in the last 30 years. He’s constantly putting himself out there, warts and all, in every medium he can penetrate, making him a very unusual entity in the comics world. No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dMPZM0XIxmf8dRSyOZ1omuV-39c/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dMPZM0XIxmf8dRSyOZ1omuV-39c/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dMPZM0XIxmf8dRSyOZ1omuV-39c/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dMPZM0XIxmf8dRSyOZ1omuV-39c/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/2QQWkUj4YF0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/article/rick-trembles/feed 0 http://www.cartoongal.com/article/rick-trembles http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/AMx7YpN0fuU/11-ai-yazawa-nana-and-paradise-kiss http://www.cartoongal.com/show/11-ai-yazawa-nana-and-paradise-kiss#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:15 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=1260 Ai Yazawa is probably one of the most popular female shojo manga artists in Japan, ever. Her comics encompass everything I love. Music and fashion, best friends and romance, it's 'Jem and The Holograms', for the next generation. No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Hbc1NH5pr1hCq6Od5dTaHlR00os/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Hbc1NH5pr1hCq6Od5dTaHlR00os/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Hbc1NH5pr1hCq6Od5dTaHlR00os/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Hbc1NH5pr1hCq6Od5dTaHlR00os/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/AMx7YpN0fuU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/11-ai-yazawa-nana-and-paradise-kiss/feed 0 Ai Yazawa,Nana,Paradise Kiss,Shojo Comics,Tokyo Pop Ai Yazawa is probably one of the most popular female shojo manga artists in Japan, ever. Her comics encompass everything I love. Music and fashion, best friends and romance, it's 'Jem and The Holograms', for the next generation. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/nana_vol17_ch64_02_03a-500x377.jpg) Originally Aired on: Feb 1, 2009 (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/hatchigenisis.jpg) It took one manga digest of the series 'Nana' and ... Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/11-ai-yazawa-nana-and-paradise-kisshttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-02-01.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/hDzSgS6cJT0/10-paradox-press-big-books-series http://www.cartoongal.com/show/10-paradox-press-big-books-series#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:00:33 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=1102 Pardox's Big Book series has so much variety and way cool wicked content, it's educational and fun all at the same time. With over 40 artists in each issue, there is something for everyone to enjoy. No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/t2Aulvhw9AFu-9jQ_qiSedIuXE0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/t2Aulvhw9AFu-9jQ_qiSedIuXE0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/t2Aulvhw9AFu-9jQ_qiSedIuXE0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/t2Aulvhw9AFu-9jQ_qiSedIuXE0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/hDzSgS6cJT0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/10-paradox-press-big-books-series/feed 0 anthology,Big Book Series,DC Comics,Pradox Press Pardox's Big Book series has so much variety and way cool wicked content, it's educational and fun all at the same time. With over 40 artists in each issue, there is something for everyone to enjoy. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/bbofconspiricies.jpg) Originally Aired on: Jan 25, 2009 (http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/graphic_novels/) (http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/graphic_novels/) There are 17 books, each with over 60 different comic artists and over 200 pages of information. While for mature readers, I would definitely describe this series as educational. Subversively educational maybe, but educational none the less. Standards were high as there are very few bad bits in each anthology. There are also extensive bibliographies in the back as well as autobiographies of all the artists. 1.  Big Book of Urban Legends (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/urbanlemerson-240x320.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/urbanladams-240x322.jpg) Pretty self explanatory. Some chapter headings include: Automobile legends, Sex and Scandal legends and Business, Professional and government legends. Contributors I enjoyed: Hunt Emerson, Glenn Barr, Arthur Adams and Trina Robbins. 2.  Big Book of Weirdos (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/weirdodavid-240x321.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/weirdokristiansen-240x348.jpg) Caligula, Kafka and Tesla, oh my. Super interesting, some of the artists were Teddy  Kristianson, Peter Kuper, Tony Harris, Craig Hamilton and D'Israeli and they all make this a worth while buy. 3.  Big Book of Death (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/deathhollywood-240x333.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/deathofmartin-240x327.jpg) I found the whole thing fascinating. From the various methods of death to how different cultures bury their loved ones. I also liked the charming death girl who gives you a comic tour of some of the famous graveyards. This collection included: Steve Dillon, Phil Winslade, Danny Hellman, Michael Avon Oeming and Mark Martin. 4.  Big Book of Conspiracies Wow. It must be a conspiracy, but as I write this I can't find my copy of this book. I must've lent it out, but I can't remember to who. I had it when I did the show......but I've looked all over the apartment and can't find it. I remember that I liked the piece on the bizzaro coincidences between the death of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln illustrated by Mitch O'Connell. I'll update this entry when I find my book. Hopefully it's not in the Bermuda Triangle. Also when I was doing research for the show I found a site where a guy refutes the Freemason stuff. Go to http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/bigbook.html (http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/bigbook.html) for more. 5.  Big Book of Freaks (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/freakfingerman.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/freakwilson-240x319.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/freakfingerman-240x327.jpg) Put together by freaky Playboy cartoonist Gahan Wilson, this book was about circus freaks, medical freaks, bearded ladies and tattooed men freaks, grifts played on people that look at freaks, and Tod Browning's movie 'Freaks'. Some of the freaks that illustrated the book are: Bob Fingerman, Bryan Talbot, Rene French and Ivan Brunetti. 6.  Big Book of Little Criminals (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/freakwilson.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/crimquietly-240x327.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/crimozkan-240x318.jpg) This book regales the tales of the worlds dumbest thieves. From the guys that swore they had Hitlers diaries to small-time hoods, hustlers, forgers, fakers and funny money makers. There was even a section on lady criminals. Artists included Steve Leialoha, Ty Templeton, Linda Medley and a particularly nice piece by Frank Quietly about Ma Barker. 7.  Big Book of Hoaxes (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hoaxeshughes-240x315. Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/10-paradox-press-big-books-serieshttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-01-25.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/gYFPHn5vl1E/9-interview-with-shigeo-yukawa http://www.cartoongal.com/show/9-interview-with-shigeo-yukawa#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:09:01 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=1087 This is the interview I did with Shigeo Yukawa. Mr Yukawa is the Manager of the Overseas Sales/Export Division at San-X. Though it is at times hard to understand Mr. Yukawa, the interview is worth listening to. Especially to hear how I misinterpret their characters. Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.cartoongal.com/show/8-san-x' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 8. San-x Characters like Tare Panda!'>8. San-x Characters like Tare Panda!</a></li><li><a href='http://www.cartoongal.com/show/4-dave-louapres-interview' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 4. Interview with Dave Louapre'>4. Interview with Dave Louapre</a></li></ol> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/H92ua4Mk3_8dkKh5tAThTSqzBoU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/H92ua4Mk3_8dkKh5tAThTSqzBoU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/H92ua4Mk3_8dkKh5tAThTSqzBoU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/H92ua4Mk3_8dkKh5tAThTSqzBoU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/gYFPHn5vl1E" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/9-interview-with-shigeo-yukawa/feed 0 San-X,Shigeo Yukawa,Tare Panda This is the interview I did with Shigeo Yukawa. Mr Yukawa is the Manager of the Overseas Sales/Export Division at San-X. Though it is at times hard to understand Mr. Yukawa, the interview is worth listening to. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/p1700617.jpg) This is the interview I did with Shigeo Yukawa.  Mr Yukawa is the Manager of the Overseas Sales/Export Division at San-X.  Though it is at times hard to understand Mr. Yukawa, the interview is worth listening to.  Especially to hear how I misinterpret their characters. Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/9-interview-with-shigeo-yukawahttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/interview_shigeo-yukawa.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/j-0JeTBioJ8/8-san-x http://www.cartoongal.com/show/8-san-x#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:00:59 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=797 San-X is the coolest, bestest and most awesomest Japanese merchandising company ever. Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.cartoongal.com/show/9-interview-with-shigeo-yukawa' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 9. Interview with Shigeo Yukawa'>9. Interview with Shigeo Yukawa</a></li></ol> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Q-qmDnMVypZBHqQp0kmObILsnTM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Q-qmDnMVypZBHqQp0kmObILsnTM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Q-qmDnMVypZBHqQp0kmObILsnTM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Q-qmDnMVypZBHqQp0kmObILsnTM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/j-0JeTBioJ8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/8-san-x/feed 2 San-X,Shigeo Yukawa,Tare Panda San-X is the coolest, bestest and most awesomest Japanese merchandising company ever. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/hampster.jpg) Originally Aired on:  Jan 18, 2009 I have to be honest. Some of this information was culled from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San-X). But it's also been supplemented by my interview with Shigeo Yukawa, The Manager of Overseas Exports of Merchandise for San-X (http://www.san-x.co.jp/english/) as well as the San-x and other websites.  San-x is a Japanese company that specializes in the creation, production and marketing of goods, such as stationary, stickers, household items and toys that feature food, animals or metaphysical characters. The characters usually relate to some aspect of Japanese culture or have some kind of message. The company was started in 1932. They have a crazy amount of characters and each one has a special meaning. The first character I ever saw was in a mall in Vancouver. It was a sheet of stickers with the Tare Panda. There were some bizarre images. Like a panda on his back, legs spread open and a censor dot over the area where his little panda buddy should be. There were also Tare Panda robots with mouths that opened to have more Tare Pandas rolling and flopping out in a half hearted invasion. BTW that's how they move. The have no bones, so they roll and flop everywhere. They also stack up and fall over. I now own an insane amount of Tare Panda stuff. I've been collecting for 10 years now. I love how it's all utilitarian. Like my TP plastic cups, my TP ash tray, my TP comb, my TP containers, my TP hair ties, my TP barrettes, my TP socks, my many TP handbags, my TP toys, my TP stuffed animals, my TP fan, my TP nail clipper, my TP pencil case, my TP pencils, my TP pencil lead, my TP erasers, my TP rulers, my TP facecloths, my TP towels, my TP pajamas, my TP shirt, my TP book and my TP DVD, a zillion TP stickers and stationary. In researching this show I discovered a few things I coveted. Like a Tare Panda travel mug, TP chopsticks, a TP magazine rack and a TP bathroom set, for your toothbrush, and your toilet. Okay, enough of that. (grin) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/6cec_1.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/8b80_1.jpg) This week we will be talking about a good chunk of the San-x characters. Their history, what they mean and where they come from. As well as discuss the history of the company that makes them, how they create these characters and why. I find the characters that this company creates are mildly subversive when you compare them to the tried, true and staid competitor Sanrio. It's like a demented Hello Kitty world of backwards stuff that all has a sweet message to it. Like the chesnut that begs you to peel his skin and eat him, or the family of cheese, or the character that is literally a box of tissues. Here are some of my favourites........ (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/thumbnailaspx.jpeg) Afro Ken: He is a dog, with an afro, that changes colour and shape depending what he's standing next to. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/buruburudog.jpeg) Buru Buru Dog: Initially I thought this dog was beaten and abused but actually, "It's tender tears and sad trembling are so sweet that people want to protect it." (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mamegoma-2-240x360.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mgicon.jpg) Mamegoma: Seals so cute, you Want to beat them. No really, I'm a lover not a fighter, but those seals beg to be clubbed. Check out this site for more Mamegoma. http://cupped-expressions.net/mamegoma/info-diaries.php (http://cupped-expressions.net/mamegoma/info-diaries.php) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mixedcats.jpeg) Mixed Cats: Adorable cats, but the physical representation is waaaay cuter. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/hamuchan-500x121.jpg) Nakayoshi Net: A collection of happy animals, Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/8-san-xhttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-01-18.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/zoGHYag5YRE/7-the-playboy-cartoonists http://www.cartoongal.com/show/7-the-playboy-cartoonists#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:00:51 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=759 This episode is about my favourite cartoonists to contribute to Playboy Magazine. Be warned that some of the pics are risque, but not pornographic. No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aCJlJX4i8SK6Dj08PsQG0R3Oqa4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aCJlJX4i8SK6Dj08PsQG0R3Oqa4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aCJlJX4i8SK6Dj08PsQG0R3Oqa4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aCJlJX4i8SK6Dj08PsQG0R3Oqa4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/zoGHYag5YRE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/7-the-playboy-cartoonists/feed 0 Eldon Dedini,Gahan Wilson,Harvey Kurtzman,Hugh Hefner,Jack Cole,Jules Feiffer,Phil Interlandi,Playboy,Shel Silverstein,Will Elder This episode is about my favourite cartoonists to contribute to Playboy Magazine. Be warned that some of the pics are risque, but not pornographic. Originally Aired on: Jan 11, 2009 So I've set this mandate for the show. If the creator is reachable and alive, then I have to interview them. Due to time constraints, lack of website for a little while and lack of guts, it limits my subject matter sometimes to dead creators and non English speaking creators. This week I'm doing the Cartoonists of 'Playboy'. (grin) 'Playboy' was started in 1953 by Mr. Hugh Hefner. After 2 years in the army and graduating from the Chicago Institute of Art, Hugh decided to surround himself with beautiful women.......forever. 'Playboy's' first cartoon was done by Ben Denison. Seven issues of "The Playboy Cartoon Album" came out between 1963-1980. In 2004 Chronicle Books published 'Playboy: 50 Years of Cartoons' and while beautiful, it was not as detailed as I would've prefered. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-012-500x670.jpg) The impetuous for the show was that I actually own 4 "Playboy Cartoon Albums" 2 were a huge variety of artists and 2 focused on a specific artist. I love these books. They are glossy, full page, mostly full colour. Every page is an absolute visual treat. So sumptuous, and not just the ladies. (Insert eyebrow wiggle here.) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-500x370.jpg) Shel Silverstein The first artist I'll be speaking about is Shel Silverstein (http://www.shelsilverstein.com). I work in a daycare and I am constantly brainwashing the kids on Silverstein, one way or another. I love the wonderful paradox of Silverstein, artist of 'Playboy', man about town and Uncle Shel, beloved children's book author. Not to mention the music he's made for other people. Ever hear of a "A Boy Named Sue"? Shel. Or "Cover of the Rolling Stone"? Yep, Shel too. Though my personal faves are "I'm Being Eaten by a Boa Constrictor." and "The Unicorn." (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-001-500x615.jpg) Now his 'Playboy' cartoons are a whole different ball of wax. Hef just gave him money, to go where he wanted and to do cute, clever, cartoons about it. (Cartoons in this case means, one panel gag comics, as oppose to animations.) Talk about the perfect life. Shel's cartoons really epitomized the free wheeling 60's. Or at least what I'd imagined it to be. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-003-500x515.jpg) His line goes with the flow and is not rigid in the least. His people are natural and normal. Check out Shel's ever present hunch.  But his humour is what I always loved best. All the Silverstein cartoons here are from an awesome book called "Playboy's Silverstein Around the World." Definitely a must for any adult comic fan. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-004-500x685.jpg) (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-009-240x320.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dedini_gallery_cvr-240x337.jpg) Eldon Dedini Eldon Dedini's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldon_Dedini) career was published in a 2006 retrospective by Fantagraphics called "An Orgy of Playboy's Eldon Dedini" His art is such a pleasure to look at. Chubby women, cavorting naked, beautiful vibrant colours, amazing outdoor scenery. This art was so beyond what anyone would expect to find within the pages of a nudie magazine. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/playboy-014-500x671.jpg) Gahan Wilson Gahan Wilson (http://www.gahanwilson.com) is not only an excellent cartoonist, his humour is dark and whimsical. Again, not something you would expect within the pages of 'Playboy.' Wilson makes you think with his visuals and laugh at its strange morbidity. His cross-hatching creates untold depths and claustrophobia all at once. His gags are slow to notice, but make you burst outloud when your eye finally notices the visual gag.  Carrying on the Charles Adams legacy, Wilson still contributes to the magazine. Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/7-the-playboy-cartoonistshttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-01-11.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/0OtaNBr31tM/6-new-stuff http://www.cartoongal.com/show/6-new-stuff#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:00:00 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=485 This episode is just a mishmash of all the stuff I read over the Xmas holidays. Kids books, Hollywood tell-alls and Korean comics, oh my! No related posts. <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ae1hrOJl1qYc4QzxQuvN-gWp71Y/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ae1hrOJl1qYc4QzxQuvN-gWp71Y/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ae1hrOJl1qYc4QzxQuvN-gWp71Y/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ae1hrOJl1qYc4QzxQuvN-gWp71Y/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/0OtaNBr31tM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/6-new-stuff/feed 0 A Frog Thing,Anansi Boys,Davy Rothbart,Found,Hollywood Bad Boys,Hollywood Divas,Julie Andrews,Justin Bua,Neil Gaimen,Sang-Sun Park,Tarot Cafe,The Beat of Urban Art This episode is just a mishmash of all the stuff I read over the Xmas holidays. Kids books, Hollywood tell-alls and Korean comics, oh my! (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/afrogthing31-500x322.jpg) Originally Aired on: Jan 4, 2009 So every year for Christmas I go visit the folks. They live in Niagara on the Lake. This year I went to the Art Gallery of Ontario with my mom. It was a shiny nice new gallery and there was some interesting modern and ancient art. I got to see lots of artist renditions of Quebec 100's of years ago. I felt vilified because Ken Thompson had all his model boats in glass cases. There's hope for my action figure collection. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/ships1-240x334.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/harris1-240x192.jpg) There was of course the obligatory Group of Seven rooms, but to be fair, I found the Lauren Harris room quite soothing. I was also surprised to realize that I missed Emily Carr's work. It made me homesick for Vancouver. One of the gifts I got this year was the new season of 'Wonder Showzen' It's a kids show, for adults, with kids in it. So messed up. I adore the first season. As someone who works with children, I find it particularly hilarious. I was really looking forward to the second season. So far it's actually sicker than the first, if you can believe it. And it comes with this awesome kids story in the DVD. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/wonder1-240x328.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/showzen1-239x334.jpg) Being the big comic nerd I am, I usually manage to either squeeze in a visit to The Beguiling or a place in St. Catherines called The Book Depository while I'm visiting the rents. No Beguiling for me this year, but at TBD I managed to pick up some really awesome stuff, all for a total of $40. That's like 2 graphic novels in comic speak. I think I walked away with a total of 12 books. Awesome! I love The Book Depository. LOVE it. Below are mini reviews of the books I bought. 'A Frog Thing', written by Eric Drachman and illustrated by James Muscarello (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/afrogthing1-240x172.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/afrogthing21-240x167.jpg) Frankie wants to fly, but frogs can't fly. An excellent kids book about the things we can and can't do. It comes with an audio CD, and the illustrations really make the whole thing worth it. Just beautiful. I especially love the images of Frankie with his flippers on his head. "Hollywood Bad Boys" and "Hollywood Divas", written by James Robert Parish (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/badboys1-500x627.jpg) I'm sorry, I get tempted by cheap, trashy, Hollywood tell alls. These were right up my ally too cause they were like a Coles Notes of scandal. Broken down alphabetically these books started at the beginning of film history.The Bad Boys one was the first one written and it was actually kind of boring. Although I had forgotten about how Johnny Depp used to be considered a Bad Boy. It was obvious upon reading the Divas one that Parish was more interested in the female subject matter. It was a better researched book and more through. As well there was a picture for each entry. Something Bad Boys lacked. Because both books start at the beginning of American Film history, I enjoyed learning about the early film divas like Theda Bara, Paulette Goddard and especially Tallulah Bankhead. The only downside to the Divas book is that it ends at 2002, so entries like Britney Spears, Madonna, and Sharon Stone had way more scandal in store for them. "Tarot Cafe" Vol.3-4, written and illustrated by Sang-Sun Park (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/tarotcafe11-239x421.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/tarotcafe21-240x449.jpg) This was the only comic I got this time around. I have the first volume and I like the illustrations. It's nicely ornate for a manga. Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/6-new-stuffhttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_09-01-04.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CartoonGal/~3/8dLl7KIPoak/5-buffy-and-angel-comics-that-dont-suck http://www.cartoongal.com/show/5-buffy-and-angel-comics-that-dont-suck#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:00:50 +0000 robin http://www.cartoongal.com/?p=404 With an absolute dearth of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" comics out there, where should you start? That's what I'm here for. Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.cartoongal.com/show/12-dc-romance-comics' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 12. DC&#8217;s Romance Comics'>12. DC&#8217;s Romance Comics</a></li></ol> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cQr3g_TvwPCPLXPmrEofcbu9XKI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cQr3g_TvwPCPLXPmrEofcbu9XKI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cQr3g_TvwPCPLXPmrEofcbu9XKI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cQr3g_TvwPCPLXPmrEofcbu9XKI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CartoonGal/~4/8dLl7KIPoak" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.cartoongal.com/show/5-buffy-and-angel-comics-that-dont-suck/feed 1 Adam Van Wyk,Andi Watson,Angel,Brian Horton,Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Dan Brereton,Eric Powell,Eric Wright,Ethen Beavers,Jeph Loeb,Jo Chen,Joss Whedon With an absolute dearth of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" comics out there, where should you start? That's what I'm here for. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/angelphotocover1-240x361.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/paulleebrianhorton1-240x362.jpg) Originally Aired on:  Dec 21, 2008 You know, initially when "Buffy the Vampire Slayer (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103893/)" came out, I was beyond the hype. Weirdly enough I found the movie to be charming. The first role I actually enjoyed Luke Perry in, plus it was the first time I had seen Paul Reubens after his masturbation debacle. Fast forward a few years later, Buffy's in college now and bored one night, I started watching an episode (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/). It defied every TV convention I could think of and from that point on I was hooked. It was only natural that I would turn to the comic world to continue my "Buffy" and "Angel" fix after both shows ended. But my god was there ever a dearth of material. And every time I opened an issue, I was usually disappointed with the art. Half of it seemed so phoned in. As a huge Joss Whedon (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0923736/) fan I've never quite understood why Dark Horse tends to pair their "Buffy" franchise with some really crappy artists. They do the same thing with "Star Wars." If they stuck to the good ones, I'm positive more people would read them. But they did odd things like get Andi Watson (http://www.andiwatson.biz/) and Dan Brereton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Brereton) to write the issues instead of illustrate, while both are fantastic artists in their own right that would've done interesting and innovative takes on the BuffyU. The new series I find especially heartbreaking because they have such beautiful covers by Jo Chen (http://jo-chen.com/main-data/jo.html) and the interiors just don't even compare. This week we will be examining the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" comics that have been published by Dark Horse Comics. Specifically the ones with good art. We will be talking about the excellent Ryan Sook (http://www.ryansook.com/), the superb Eric Powell (http://www.thegoon.com/index.php) and the awesome team of Brian Horton (http://www.brianhortonart.com/) and Paul Lee. All these artists get their representations of the actors bang on, and add their own accomplished, slick style to the proceedings too. Some of the issues we will be discussing will be the Terry Moore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Moore_(actress)), "Willow and Tara" As well as the Willow and Tara story illustrated by AJ and Klebs Jr. "Fray (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fray)" by Joss Whedon and Karl Moline. Andi Watson (http://www.andiwatson.biz/) actually getting to draw a few "Buffy" pages, and the "Tales of the Slayers" TP. POSTSCRIPT In scanning the pages for the site, I was overcome by Ryan Sooks (http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Ryan_Sook) art. I know he's gone on to better and brighter things, but to me, he was the quentiessential 'Buffy' artist. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/ryansook211-500x721.jpg) Currently 'Angel 'is being published by IDW (http://www.idwpublishing.com/). I've flipped through some, but none have really caught my eye. A couple of weeks later I did exactly as I said I would. Used my year old gift certificate and bought the 'Fray/Buffy' crossover as well as the animated 'Buffy' issue. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/buffy111-500x285.jpg) The animated issue was really cute and funny. Written by Jeph Loeb (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeph_Loeb) and illustrated by Eric Wright (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Wright), Ethen Beavers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethen_Beavers) and Adam Van Wyk (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0888333/). it was an awesome one shot. (http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/buffy31-240x298.jpg)(http://www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/buffy21-240x240.jpg) PLAYLIST Robin Fisher clean http://www.cartoongal.com/show/5-buffy-and-angel-comics-that-dont-suckhttp://media.blubrry.com/cartoongal/www.cartoongal.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/radio_08-12-21.mp3