Love & Rockets #12

I just posted the latest Shelf Life at Sequart. This one looks at Love & Rockets #12.

It's hard to believe I managed to do five columns this month! Especially when you figure each one takes anywhere from 8-12 hours. I wish I could say I'll be able to keep this pace up, but once January hits, things start to get really busy again. Still, I am definitely getting more immersed in the series, and I do hope to keep up a reasonable pace.

In the meantime, I wish you all a very happy, safe and productive 2007. Maybe it's just the promise of a new year, but I'm feeling uncharacteristically optimistic right now.

Love & Rockets #11

Just in time for the holidays, another new Shelf Life is up. This one looks at Love and Rockets #11.

Now that I’ve got 11 issues under my belt, I wanted to mention a couple of things.

I know some of these columns need major editing. After re-reading #10, I can’t believe how much crap there is in there. I think #11 is far better, but still. My goal is not to perfect these the first time out. I do several edits, but I’m really approaching this project more like a marathon, just trying to get through one issue at a time, staying focused on the finish line. Once I get all 50 columns done, then I will go back and edit the entire book for publication. Or, at least, that’s the plan.

I’m also trying to satisfy new and old fans alike, which is no easy task. For those who have been through this material before, my goal is to try to make it new again by capturing that excitement that existed back in the 80s with a fresh set of eyes. For newer fans, who are coming along for the journey with me, I know my columns are full of spoilers. Sorry about that. I am assuming you’re reading these along with me, whether in trade or single issue format, and I hope my commentary is a good complement to the stories themselves.

Anyway, I sincerely hope you’re enjoying it all. I always welcome any feedback, whether you want to leave a comment in the column itself, on my blog here, or just drop me an e-mail. Hearing your thoughts and reactions helps keep me motivated, just like the crowds cheering along the marathon course, so please keep them coming.

Finally, I want to shout out a big thank you to Mike Phillips, Sequart’s Editor-in-Chief, who has edited and encouraged this project from the get go.

Take care and happy holidays to all, wherever you are and whatever you celebrate.

Love & Rockets #10

My latest Shelf Life is up at Sequart. This one looks at L&R #10, a great issue which includes an awesome sketchbook section with early concept drawings of Maggie, Hopey, Luba and many more. Check it out!

Feels good to reach the 20% milestone. It's been a struggle at times, but I'm feeling energized and excited about this project now. Part of that no doubt has to do with the fact that the stories are getting better. While I love the "Heartbreak Soup" stuff Gilbert is doing, I'm really looking forward to moving past "Mechanics" and into some of Jaime's better "Locas" work, which I know is coming very soon.

Love & Rockets #9

Shelf Life #9 is now posted and ready for your surfing pleasure! I'm on a mini-roll with these right now. Look for #10 before the end of the year.

Love & Rockets #8

My new Shelf Life is up at Sequart.

As always, I'd love to hear what you think. This has been a fun, though daunting project, and despite all the hard work I've put in, I've barely scratched the surface yet. The stories are getting better, though, particularly Gilbert's, and I'm getting more excited to move forward. Hopefully that will translate into more frequent columns, but no promises.