Comments on: Month of ___ Stars Poll Question!

By: GarBut

GarBut — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 02:41:59 +0000

I'm with Tom Russell. If only because Brian spelled it "Writng"!

By: The Last Boy Scout

The Last Boy Scout — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:34:31 +0000

The strength of a "Writing Stars" feature depends entirely on the author's ability to encapsulate just what about the star's writing is so thrilling. Cronin, especially, has been effective in the past at conveying the wild, conceptual creativity of particular runs; I worry, though, that the blog-entry format disadvantages subtler, dialogue-heavy writers. Sam hits the nail on the head - how to do anything other than outright show the dialogue? In this case, the write-up of the Morpheus/Choronzon "fight" is a good template - context, visual aide, and transcript all given. But could this format hold over a month?

That said, I think "Art Stars" is a better option, due to the visual element (generally) standing better on its own.

By: Jack Norris

Jack Norris — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:33:18 +0000

Someone said"
"Comics don’t exist without art, and usually, poor art makes for shitty comics. But writers are the stars in today’s environment. That’s kinda why I liked the Month of Art Stars."

The horrible memory of what happened when the Art Stars were ascendant in power in the 90s fully justifies the situation, the egregious behaviour of some current star writers notwithstanding.

By: Tom Russell

Tom Russell — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:28:14 +0000

I want a month of Lettering Stars, damn it.

By: Blackjak

Blackjak — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:21:30 +0000

Cass, that's exactly what I mean...

I gave Neil Gaiman's Hellblazer issue as an example of something that is considered one of his better stories outside his most famous one, Sandman, also knowing full well that Gaiman wouldn't count. Same as I wouldn't expect to see Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Stan Lee, etc.

Although I would like to see Warren Ellis covered, purely because he is one of the most prolific writers around at the moment...

By: Cass

Cass — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:02:16 +0000

Blackjak, if The Month of Art Stars was any indication, then I don't think Brian will be highlighting the works of Niel Gaiman or Grant Morrison in this feature. Last time, he focused on up and coming artists and even made a point to exclude Darwyn Cooke and Williams III.

By: Lord Paradise

Lord Paradise — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:37:37 +0000

I can't remember ever reading a comic just for the art. Writers for the win.

By: Sijo

Sijo — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:22:29 +0000

Personally, I know far more comics artist than writers- probably because art is easier to visualize and remember than stories. If I mention, say, Gene Colan or Steve Ditko, you're likely to know their styles, but if I say Len Wein or Cary Bates, it isn't as obvious, is it? So I voted for the writers. I'd like to see who Brian comes up with (and why.)

By: Blackjak

Blackjak — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:14:09 +0000

How about some of what are considered their "classic" or "memorable" issues or stories? For example, Neil Gaiman's Hellblazer issue?

Of course it will be subjective, but as it's Brian's choice anyway, so what? Brian tends to have quite a wide and esoteric choice of reading material, which I like as it opens me up to new writers, artists and subjects...

The one I think he's going to have most fun with is his month of Lettering Stars

We tend to see Todd Klien get all the rewards, due to how prolific he is, but what about the others out there??

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:52:25 +0000

Comics don't exist without art, and usually, poor art makes for shitty comics. But writers are the stars in today's environment. That's kinda why I liked the Month of Art Stars.

What would Writing Stars involve? Pictures of their scripts? Transcribed dialogue?

It's a little more subjective, I think.

By: 55555

55555 — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:40:20 +0000

Art Stars 2.0 - Many not covered IMO.

By: Tom Fitzpatrick

Tom Fitzpatrick — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:12:39 +0000

@Randyhate:

Why is Randy so full of hate?

Good art can make a bad writer look good,
just as good writing can make a bad artist look good.

By: randyhate

randyhate — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:06:59 +0000

art is for pansies.
writing is where it's at.

By: Ariel S.

Ariel S. — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:53:43 +0000

As an amateur artist looking for new ways to improve, the previous Art Stars feature helped me discover some quality artists whose art inspired me to try new things. So, out of a pure selfish desire, I'd like another round of Art Stars so I can find more amazing talents from the which I can learn.