It’s a dangerous world out there. It’s bad enough we’re being stalked by vampires, werewolves, ghouls, demons and flesh eating zombies. As if all that isn’t enough, how about we start tinkering with germs and viruses, why don’t we make some microscopic super weapons? What’s the worst that could happen?

Well, thanks to George A Romero you get that answer in two forms, or rather in two different decades.

I love the original The Crazies, because it shows early on that Romero saw the need to tell an anti zombie movie. It’s a raw independent film filled with scares and the human drama that only Romero seems to get in the horror genre. It’s a fantastic time capsule or reflection on what might happen if a small town in the early 70s had an outbreak of chemically engineered illness and madness.

Now, three decades later, we see a remake. Ugh. I know, I know, dear Hollywood, stop remaking classic flix that don’t remakes. Well, the original The Crazies was awesome for its own reasons, but due to the budget it had, and the advances in filmmaking technology today, I’m glad to say I feel this is a remake works. A solid vision of what if… but for this day and age.
Both of the films work for different reasons. but one thing they both have in common is smart writing, smart concept, and good characters.
If you haven’t seen the original go put it on your netflix right now! Then go see the remake. They compliment each other nicely.

We here at Motor City want to say a big ghoulish and or zombie-ish Happy Birthday to George Romero!

A fantastic horror filmmaker, pioneer of independent cinema and a heck of a nice guy!

Thanks for all the scares!!! Here’s to years more of em!

On the location, shooting Night of the Living Dead

A younger George Romero, along with a younger me at The Night Of The Living Dead 25th Anniversary

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To me, one of the most important types of story is the coming-of-age story. There have been many throughout time, but the most definitive, the most influential to generations of readers is that of Holden Caulfield in CATCHER IN THE RYE. I’m so thankful to J.D. Salinger for having the guts and creativity to write it.

RIP Mr. Salinger.

Lets remember his literary legacy by taking a look at some of the more interesting cover designs for his classic book. And if you like these, make sure to check out a complete gallery here.

In an effort to live my life more like Lexi, Frank and the rest of the evil-bashing greaser gang THE 133rd, I finally got a new Motor Cycle! Why not brag about it here on this very blog. Dear Los Angeles, please don’t run me over while I’m out riding. And Dear Ghouls and Demons… Look out!

And to celebrate my new bike, lets watch a classic trailer for 1958’s DRAGSTRIP RIOT! And yes, I’m gonna live fast and hard like these guys!

Happy New Year 2010!!! Where is my Space-Martini and my freaking Jet-Pack?!

Although we’re not exactly where we thought we’d be by 2010, I have great news for you, Ghouls and Gals! Available to you NOW and for FREE is THE CONCRETE WORLD, a cyberpunk webcomic created by myself and Jettila Lewis. We wanted to to work on something completely different between volumes of MOTOR CITY, and this is it!

THE CONCRETE WORLD is completely free, and new pages upload monthly. We hope you enjoy.
In honor of this new project, here is an interview with MOTOR CITY and CONCRETE WORLD Illustrator Jetti Lewis!

1.How is working on The Concrete World different than your work on Motor City?

Motor City was definitely easier to work on. Since it took place back in the day, there are so many references to draw from. With Concrete World, you have to come up with new concepts and ideas. You have to think outside the box and really use your imagination!

2. What do you like about working on Concrete World more than Motor City? What aspects of Motor City did you like more than Concrete World?

I love the challenge Concrete World presents me. I think the most challenging thing is coming up with what the people in the background are going to look like, as well as buildings and general background stuff. It’s hard, but it’s definitely helping me grow as an Artist.

With Motor City, I loved working in Black & White. It’s my thing! I really enjoy figuring out patterns and working with stark shadows. Also, I loved the monsters!

3. How has your process changed as you’ve worked the last few years?

My process is forever changing. I think with Motor City, I’ve gone through about 4 or 5 different techniques & schedules. Every time I come up with a new one, I try to make things simpler, but it can backfire if I don’t keep up with it.

So far, I’ve gone through 3 different processes for Concrete World. I think it’s obvious. There is a definite change of artwork with every few pages. But what I’m doing right now is definitely working!

4. Do you have a favorite character to draw for each title? Who and why?

My favorite character to draw in Motor City was definitely Frank! I rarely get the opportunity to draw someone who isn’t a typical looking character. Frank is awesome and dynamic. I love his mean belly and tough but fair attitude!

Paulie has to be my favorite character to draw in Concrete World so far. I try to make his posture and demeanor different from the other characters. Whenever I draw Paulie, I have to keep those things in mind.

5. Is there anything you hope to do with CW, that you couldn’t do on Motor City?

I know with Concrete World, Gavin and I will be able to reach a broader audience. More people will get to see our hard work and I think that’s what really matters. And maybe through Concrete World, people will discover Motor City! That would be pretty awesome.

6. Any wisdom for aspiring artists out there who want to work on comics whether it be for the web or print?

Wisdom? Oh jeez.

I got lucky when I started working with Gavin, ‘cause I met him through a mutual friend and he so happen to be a neato writer with cool stories. I think the only advice I can give to aspiring comic artists is:

If you’re serious and passionate about drawing comics; find someone to collaborate with (if you don’t have your own stories). You can find lots of people looking for artist floating around the Internet somewhere.

You don’t have to work in an awesome studio to make comics. You can be like me and hide under a table drawing pictures ‘til 4 in the morning!

-Jetti

A Letter From Clyde Wilcox, a short story from MOTOR CITY writer and creator Gavin Hignight is included in the new Anthology SLEEPING WITH SNAKES: Notes from the Los Angeles Underbelly. The book has just been released by record label and publisher Orange Recordings.

Get your copy at Amazon.com now!!

Greetings Ghouls!

As you know I love Moz. You should too!

His new Bsides collection SWORDS is now in stores. Make sure you find the limited edition version as it has a fantastic bonus disc of Morrissey live in Warsaw. The B-sides collection is great, but you already knew that. The bonus disc is also very good. Mostly the best songs of his last album years of Refusal, but also a couple other treats on there.

I love the photos and album artwork as well. The record printing on the CD is a classic Moz touch.

Might make a great holiday gift for the rebel in your life…

Morrissey Official

Motor City and Concrete World artist Jettila Lewis recently did some pinup art of the super sexy kitty performers from the band Vamp Star!

As a treat we thought we’d share it with you here! Like what you see? Wanna hear more? Wanna see em in person? Your chance is coming up! Vamp Star is playing Good Hurt located at 12249 Venice Blvd in Los Angeles on Nov 27th!! Playing along with the super dangerous band Nirf, the show starts at 8PM.

See you there!

Vamp Star is THE electric hentai pop punk, Perv-o-tronic, and techno sleaze rock band! We consist of musicians and perverted, sexy, kitty performers! VAMP STAR MYSPACE

As Rebel Side Kick Studios prepares to launch it’s new webcomic THE CONCRETE WORLD, I can’t help but get all twisted up and excited inside about “the kids who are doin it for themselves”. It’s an exciting time for independent creators who are getting their art out there by any means necessary. It’s exciting to see creative voices grabbing hold of current technology and making something, it’s even more exciting to see someone making something really good! So for the next few weeks as we take a break from the past and glimpse at the future I want to share some exciting comics or properties that exist just on the edge. They are self made, independent, but high quality (quality enough to compete with the big boys!)

Lets start with J.C. Hutchins 7th Son: Descent. I don’t know what’s more impressive about this book; the intense near future Sci Fi world he has created in the fiction, or the fan-following and viral presence the book has in the real world. Seriously, just google 7th Son: Descent. You’ll see what I mean. It’s like a well oiled machine, a well branded property… only it’s been well branded on it’s own, and in it’s own right. (Four years of momentum and hard work)

With enough money backing something up, you can create buzz, but without money, what you are promoting or selling better be damn good, it’s the only way people will talk about it or share it. And that happens to be the case with the universe Hutchins has created with 7th Son. I think this quote about the premise says it all. “Bond meets Multiplicity. Crichton meets Clancy. Character-driven tech.”

I’d pick that book or graphic novel up. But what if I was feeling too lazy to read, or didn’t have a lot of time? Hutchins has it covered. Audio Book. Actually that’s how this world started out, he released it as an audio book on iTunes. Serialized and down-loadable at your fingertip. (As mentioned above, art by any means necessary). Well, this one has been so well received and gained so much momentum it has now been published in book form by St. Martins Press.

some fantastic fan made character images by Carlos Weiser

Take a stop by his official site, as a creator who works in both marketing and writing of genre entertainment I don’t know which aspect is more exciting so I’ll share with you links for both.

For background on the story of 7th Son click here

For a glimpse at his super cool marketing and promotion materials click here