Pencils to Pixels
Duncan McMillan
features about computer generated comic artwork. The cover mounted CD
this month (Issue 80) carries the first of a two part QuickTime movie
entitled Pencils to Pixels, by Mark Harrison. Apparently it is a
QuickTime version of the presentation he gave at Comics 99 in Bristol
last Easter and is exclusive to MacFormat.
I just watched it and found it fascinating (but I'm into that sort of
thing). It's got some fairly techie stuff in it about how Mark uses
Photoshop, with a glimpse of how stuff like guns, spaceships etc. is
modelled and rendered in Bryce and incorporated into Photoshop with
scanned-in pencils and coloured artwork. It also explains how various
effects, such as depth of field, smoke, blood and guts etc. are
achieved.
Well worth a look - if you don't mind the 4pounds99 cover price and you
can read Mac formatted CD ROMs.
Toot toot!
Dunc.
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
Mirri
@ cybergoth.net
Duncan McMillan <du...@cartoons.karoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1999072621...@modem98.krycek.kingston-internet.net...
docs
Do you mean you'll have them on your site?
I imagine you'll agree that Mark Harrison's artwork during The Scarlet
Cantos was one of the most impressive sights ever to grace Tharg's hallowed
pages. I also imagine there are people out there who would turn their nose
up at computer aided art. Well I reckon you could throw those progs in their
face and watch their chins drop!
So in other words yes, I'm interested. Cheers
Doug
"When I make a point,
I make a funtin' point" - Finnegan Sinister
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net wrote in message
<933027990.9890.0...@news.demon.co.uk>...
rain
"SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net" wrote:
> They'll be in PC AVI/MPEG format in a day or so, if anyone wants them.
>
> Mirri
> @ cybergoth.net
>
Doubtful, the file is 97 mbs in quicktime compression (the best) mode.
Unless of course the price of cable modems has gone down.
rain
"SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net" wrote:
> They'll be in PC AVI/MPEG format in a day or so, if anyone wants them.
>
> Mirri
> @ cybergoth.net
>
> Duncan McMillan <du...@cartoons.karoo.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:1999072621...@modem98.krycek.kingston-internet.net...
> > As you may or may not be aware, MacFormat is running a series of
> > features about computer generated comic artwork. The cover mounted CD
> > this month (Issue 80) carries the first of a two part QuickTime movie
> > entitled Pencils to Pixels, by Mark Harrison. Apparently it is a
> > QuickTime version of the presentation he gave at Comics 99 in Bristol
> > last Easter and is exclusive to MacFormat.
> >
etc.
I had a look at the above (as my earlier post to the SpacedGirl show) and
it's really good. It shows the tricks in creating the GRats ad shown in
2000ad a lot.
can't wait for part two.
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
> Cantos was one of the most impressive sights ever to grace Tharg's
hallowed
> pages. I also imagine there are people out there who would turn their nose
Oh yes :) I have some of his art gracing the walls of my bedroom too!
> up at computer aided art. Well I reckon you could throw those progs in
their
> face and watch their chins drop!
Nothing wrong with computers! I mean, to help with the art (yikes,
geekgirl!). The art in Scarlet Cantos is what made me pick up my very first
issue of 2000ad, last year! The level of detail is just astounding, and from
what I've seen of Glimmer, we're in for a real treat :)
Re: Videos, read down this thread.
Mirri
@ cybergoth.net
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
I can write it to CD, for the cost of the disc tho.
Mirri
rain <ra...@kagi.com> wrote in message news:379E32E5...@kagi.com...
>
>
> "SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net" wrote:
>
> > They'll be in PC AVI/MPEG format in a day or so, if anyone wants them.
> >
> > Mirri
> > @ cybergoth.net
> >
>
docs
Doug
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net wrote in message
<933154733.23672.0...@news.demon.co.uk>...
James Ward
I was just wondering if I was the only person who was unimpressed with
Mark Harrison's computer assisted artwork on The Scarlet cantos.
Personally I found it an awkward mix of the computerised and the drawn.
It all looked very pretty at first glance, but I actually had trouble
with numerous panels in that story trying to work out what the hell the
picture was of or what the hell was going on. However I am not against
the use of computer for comic artwork. By the look of the Glimmer Rats
previews Mark Harrison is already improving greatly and i'm sure once
he gets his technique perfected we could be in for some pretty
impressive artwork. After all Carlos Ezquerra's first computer assisted
artwork was quite crappy, but his recent stuff has been damn good and he
has got back to old for IMHO.
James Ward
Judge Phuz
>Mark Harrison's computer assisted artwork on The Scarlet cantos.
>Personally I found it an awkward mix of the computerised and the drawn.
>It all looked very pretty at first glance, but I actually had trouble
>with numerous panels in that story trying to work out what the hell the
>picture was of or what the hell was going on. However I am not against
>the use of computer for comic artwork. By the look of the Glimmer Rats
>previews Mark Harrison is already improving greatly and i'm sure once
>he gets his technique perfected we could be in for some pretty
>impressive artwork.
Yes, deeply unimpressed, I mentioned this elsewhere that I've never been a
fan of Mark Harrison's work, even before the Scarlet Cantons I found his
pre-computer work unreadable. The reason is that he's more concerned with
producing "pin-up" art that he is with storytelling, he treats the small
panels as an inconvenience which are brushed aside to show off the larger
crowd pleasing panels, and as he started to use CGI images it seemed to
exaggerate his fetish.
But I willing to forgive and forget now that I've seen the Glimmer Rats
previews, from what I've seen the layouts and the images themselves are a
lot more clearer, and very, very impressive. It's got my juices bubbling, I
haven't been as excited about a new story in 2000ad since Bad Company or
Zenith.
Good on yer, Mr Rennie and Harrison.
Cheers
-jUdge PHuz.
Mattew Wooding
rain wrote in message <379E3526...@kagi.com>...
>
>
>"SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net" wrote:
>
rain
Macintosh OS can read every type of CD to some extent.
It'll show up all PC files and will run any files (like video content) if it
has the nescessary translators (which are common). PC's cannot. tough shit,
basically.
it's very mac orientated though (the movie) and it shows the making of the
ad shown alot in 2000ad for g. rats
rain
…cantos and the art I really couldn't make head or tail of it. same with the 48
page special episode.
I really can't wait for glimmer rats though.
docs
As expected, resistance is inevitable. Mark Harrison has produced
the most innovative, imaginitive ART for many years, combined with a superb
draaaagged up to date story, turning Durham Red into a different realm.
Carlos's Durham was gorgeous but Mark's Saint Scarlet just slices the
mustard in two! Live live the Saint!
Doug
rain wrote in message <37A0E477...@kagi.com>...
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
art work. And I find any prog his work isn't in a disappointment. (Good
enough for ya Mark...? where's my £5?). Okay maybe that was a little
trong - Marks work IS almost perfect for me. Its fast, confusing (just like
it would be if it were a movie) and fairly emotional. He hasn't been blessed
with the best stories ever though. The depth of his art - the visceral
detail, the fantastic sense of movement (I've yet to see another strip match
that), the shear "movie epicness" of the scene he depicts... Computers have
allowed him to add a completely new dimension to his work.
Just flip through the pages of prog 1111 and see how dull the other stories
appear compared to Reds little story. I pick on this prog in particular
because it's been mentioned before how confusing the images are. Re v future
Red. I think this is a good part of the attraction to his work. Unlike many
of the stories printed (IMO) in 2ka, Marks artwork stands a lot of
re-reading. Each time you spot something new, or a suggestion of something
ELSE going on in the background.
There are a lot of poses in his work. I think, maybe, his work is like
"Matrix", the movie, with a touch of Star Wars. Lots of very "cool" shots
(lingering computer graphic shots, slow-mo shoot-outs and the coolest
shades - look at the last page of Scarlet Cantos... that IS a movie!). And
then the hint of something epic in the background too? I don't think there's
anything wrong with his work wanting to be more posey, but I honestly don't
think it plays THAT much of a part in it. It still does tell a story!
Glimmer Rats promises to be something else. With less emphasis on CGI, and
yet with the same fluidity and "epicness" I love. Roll on prog 2000!
Mirri
@ cybergoth.net
Judge Phuz <judg...@thephuzhouse.com> wrote in message
news:7nq1k5$spr$2...@news7.svr.pol.co.uk...
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
Mirri
(AKA Red)
docs <do...@breathemail.net> wrote in message
news:37a0...@news2.vip.uk.com...
> OK, I've got to retort here (is that a word)
> As expected, resistance is inevitable. Mark Harrison has produced
> the most innovative, imaginitive ART for many years, combined with a
superb
> draaaagged up to date story, turning Durham Red into a different realm.
> Carlos's Durham was gorgeous but Mark's Saint Scarlet just slices the
> mustard in two! Live live the Saint!
>
> Doug
>
>
> rain wrote in message <37A0E477...@kagi.com>...
> >between the story (yes I am a big fan of abnetts, yes that was sarcasm)
in
> the
> >.cantos and the art I really couldn't make head or tail of it. same with
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
wrong. I can read ANY cd in my DVD drive! Search the net for support for
your drive. There are Windows 98 drivers, but not sure about NT.
M.
rain <ra...@kagi.com> wrote in message news:37A0E3CD...@kagi.com...
Judge Phuz
>the most innovative, imaginitive ART for many years, combined with a superb
>draaaagged up to date story, turning Durham Red into a different realm.
>Carlos's Durham was gorgeous but Mark's Saint Scarlet just slices the
>mustard in two! Live live the Saint!
I haven't got a problem with the artwork itself, I think he's produced some
gorgeous images, the cover to prog 1111 especially, but that was the point I
was trying to make he seems to concentrate on creating dazzling artwork more
than telling the story. Being a *good* artist doesn't mean you are a *good*
comic artist.
Cheers
-jUdge PHuz.
Judge Phuz
>I have to disagree. I'd never even LOOKED at a comic before until I saw his
>art work. And I find any prog his work isn't in a disappointment. (Good
>enough for ya Mark...? where's my £5?). Okay maybe that was a little
>trong - Marks work IS almost perfect for me. Its fast, confusing (just
like
>it would be if it were a movie) and fairly emotional. He hasn't been
blessed
>with the best stories ever though. The depth of his art - the visceral
>detail, the fantastic sense of movement (I've yet to see another strip
match
>that), the shear "movie epicness" of the scene he depicts... Computers have
>allowed him to add a completely new dimension to his work.
And I have to disagree back ;)
Unfortunately Mark's work for me (up to now) has been far from perfect, also
all the points you made about his work, the depth of the art, the emotion,
the detail, the sense of movement, the innovate use of computer artwork, the
sheer "movie epicness" were all done much, much better in Kev Walker's
"Daemonifuge" strip in Warhammer, the only thing that spoilt it was being
printed in black and white. Kev has a much great sense of timing and pacing
and also his use of composition in a panel to express atmosphere is much
better, it seems to me that "panel" is a foreign concept to Mark.
And if something is *confusing* then the creator's not doing their job
correctly.
As I've said elsewhere I have *no* problem with Mark's ability to create
breathtaking artwork, my problem is with his ability to tell a story, and to
me that is far more important that the quality of the artwork.
Cheers
-jUdge PHuz.
rain
"SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net" wrote:
> You really have an anti PC streak a mile wide, don't you?
> Anyway, you're
> wrong. I can read ANY cd in my DVD drive! Search the net for support for
> your drive. There are Windows 98 drivers, but not sure about NT.
>
> M.
>
no.
I wasn't talking about dvd, i meant cd drives.
You really have a sexist-mac streak a mile wide don't you?
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
Forget it.
M.
rain <ra...@kagi.com> wrote in message news:37A23C87...@kagi.com...
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
mean, the "movie" look to his artwork is one of the most attractive thinks
about it... at least to me. His work maybe isn't the fast read that msot of
the stripa re. Its far more complciated and you do have to actually sit and
read it rather than just flick through (no offence intended to other 2kad
artists, seriously). The accusation that hsi work doesn't tell the story is
just not true!
I agree that being a good artist doesn't mean you're a good comic artist.
But I DO class Marks work as both!
Mirri
@ cybergoth.net
Judge Phuz <judg...@thephuzhouse.com> wrote in message
news:7ns57k$ttt$1...@news5.svr.pol.co.uk...
Judge Phuz
>mean, the "movie" look to his artwork is one of the most attractive thinks
>about it... at least to me. His work maybe isn't the fast read that msot of
>the stripa re. Its far more complciated and you do have to actually sit and
>read it rather than just flick through (no offence intended to other 2kad
>artists, seriously). The accusation that hsi work doesn't tell the story is
>just not true!
If you're referring to the fact that he uses computers in his artwork, then
no I don't think he's add a new dimension to comics, 2000ad maybe, but not
comics, if it's something else please let me know. And could you explain a
bit more about the "movie look to his work, are you referring to the realism
or something else.
Also I didn't say he doesn't tell the story, I said that he sacrifices the
storytelling to concentrate on crowd pleasing, dazzling images. And sorry I
don't find his work complicated to read I find it confusing, there is a
difference.
Cheers
-jUdge PHuz.
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net
computers. He's not the only person using computers in 2000ad. I'm not
talking about realism, particularly, either. The atmospherics that the
computer adds to his work, and the epic vistas of somet of his scene seem to
be unparalleled at the moment, IMHO. Since I started reading 2kad, I've yet
to see an artist that comes close on that aspect. Not that I'm dissing the
other 2000ad artists! I don't think he goes in for crowd pleasing either -
it's all part of the story telling. As far as confusion goes - maybe. Yes
some of the stuff is hard to follow, cofusing. But that's like real life
isn't it? :)
But obviously, we've never going to agree on this :) More than anything it's
down to personal taste.
Mirri
Judge Phuz <judg...@thephuzhouse.com> wrote in message
news:7nvd1a$ean$1...@news7.svr.pol.co.uk...
docs
SpaceGirl @ subhuman.net / cybergoth.net wrote in message >But obviously,
we've never going to agree on this :) More than anything it's
>down to personal taste.
s 'Right
Doug
Hammerstein
> His work maybe isn't the fast read that most of
> the strips are. Its far more complicated and you do have to actually sit
and
> read it rather than just flick through
I disagree I reckon you can "just flick through it" becaus it has so many
llevels. If you want to read it quick you can just digest the nice easy
superficial bits. If you want to linger on detail while you pick your jaw
of the flaw thats ok too.
Judge Phuz
>is hard to follow, cofusing. But that's like real life isn't it? :)
HU-feking-RAY!
That's all I'm saying, I find his work confusing to read, and to me, that
spoils the story and lessens the work as a whole. As I said, I've no problem
with his artwork at all, I think he creates some gorgeous and striking
images
But I do disagree with you that he's the first to bring a *movie* feel to
2000ad (I get what you mean know), the first person to do that was Kevin
Walker with the later ABC Warriors books, defiantly *epic*.
Now don't put me down as some sort of fanatical Mark Harrison hater, If you
go way-way back to the start of this thread, I said that from what I've seen
of Glimmer Rats it looks like his storytelling has improved and become
clearer, I hope that's true, because then I can really enjoy the story, and
I *really* want to enjoy Glimmer Rats.
And when has *real* life had anything to do with comics ;)
I'll said it once and I'll say it again, if something is confusing someone
isn't doing their job properly.
Cheers
-jUdge PHuz.