From the mind of Tom Beland

Creator of True Story Swear to God

Sunday, June 29, 2008

MY BUDDY PETER AVANZINO DIRECTED.....

... this:



That's right, mother-fuckers, my good friend from high school (GO NAPA INDIANS!) directed the latest FUTURAMA movie!! I'm getting my copy this week (because he NEVER sends me free swag, cheap bastard that he is) and I'm going to enjoy every animated minute of it.

It's been a long road from the days where Peter would address the Napa High student body, while wearing a diaper. Or the days we'd make up super-hero costumes (Captain Sumo and the Arachnoid). But here he is making movies for the world to enjoy. Or that killer Spider-Man costume he had (in which he actually LOOKED like Spidey) I'm hoping he's on the commentary.

What's awesome about this is... Pete and I are doing exactly what we said we wanted to be doing as kids. Is that insane or what? I was going to make comics and he was going to make cartoon. I think that's so cool, I smile when I saw it.

Although, even though he attends bbq's at Matt Groening's house... Ihave actually writtenSpider-Man books and that's his favorite character of all time.

But, for now, I will watch, with envy, my friend's latest work. This week, of course... since I don't have my free copy. Y'know... those copies you send to family and life-long friends..?

Cheap bastard.

MICHAEL TURNER FALLS TO CANCER



This is getting ridiculous now. We're not supposed to lose people at 35.

We lose them at 70, or 90 or sometimes 114 years old. But not 35.

His work was either loved or hated. I sort of jumped back and forth, but given the amount of work Mike did, it's understandable that some pieces here may outshine pieces there.

But after reading what Mike has gone through over the years, while fighting cancer... you cannot help but admire him for working during that time. He gave us all art while he was fighting for his life.

Understand..?

He didn't have a Bucket List. He didn't jump on a plane and fly around the world to see what he was missing out on. He didn't go skydiving or eat at the greatest restaurants in the country. He didn't do anything but make comics.

Because making comics WAS his bucket list.

I'm embarrassed at how I work. I take so much time off from comics because I'm pulled every which way by my ADD crap. And here's a guy who had poison injected into him and still made it to the drawing table. I don't understand it. Why don't I have that drive in me..? Why do I take the day off when I have allergies because my fucking nose is running?

I may not have been the biggest fan of Michael Turner's art... but as a creator and a professional..? I'm a huge fan.

I'm hoping he influences me as a pro.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

ARRRRGGGGHHH!!


I've been having HORRIBLE connection problems since arriving in Napa.

My other computer issue is my touchpad on my ibook G4 dying on me. I have to connect my Wacom tablet to use my laptop. When I use the touchpad.. nothing happens.

I look like Tony Stark creating a makeshift armor here in Starbucks.

I hate it when computers take the day off. Ugh.

Anyone know how to fix the touchpad...? Help me....