Category Archives: Comic Books
Strawberry Shortcake!
It was Grace’s pick tonight, and we found ourselves pouring over the amazing archive of work by artist Amy Mebberson — a treasure trove for kids. She does Disney, PIXAR (and, yes, there is a BIG difference between PIXAR and Disney) 80s … Continue reading
Drummer Extraordinare — Kim Pine!
I am an unabashed Scott Pilgrim fan. I love it so much, that I’ve been painfully aware that with every page turn, I am closer to the end — no more Scott, Ramona, Young Neil, Knives, Stephen, Wallace … Continue reading
Summer Reading List – “Lunchnotes”
In an effort to become a more competent storyteller,I’ve put together a list of sequential art from emerging talent, establish artists and the greats. As I read, I’ll share. (P.S. Will Eisner isn’t on the initial list, but I am reading his … Continue reading
A Hawkeye & Mockingbird Moment: P-p-p-pym Particles!
Summer Smartass Reading List
Last weekend at HeroesCon, I attended a great panel discussion about breaking into comics. Turns out there are lots of ways in, but there really is only one key: Be a great storyteller … both with words and visually. I … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! Mitch Gerads!
This one has been a long time coming. Mitch Gerads was one of the earliest … and nicest … fans of this blog. Since then, I have followed his work on Comic TWART and waiting with baited breath to hear about … Continue reading
A great day to be a McFann …
WARNING: The following article, although sincere, definitely borders on the sappy. But, even a confessed smartass is entitled to be sappy once in a while … Two kids sitting on a bench at summer sports camp. In between kick ball and … Continue reading
Gorak — Mystic Eunuch!
Checking out recent digitals on Marvel.com, I came across this Steve Ditko classic. And, while admiring his incredible art, I noticed that our buddy Gorak the Mystic is extraordinary powerful … but not so great on aim. Ouch! That bolt on the … Continue reading
A.I.M. High – Sleep the Sleep of Upper Management
A.I.M. High – The Dreaded Job Interview … of DOOM!
Okay, so maybe it’s not really THAT bad …
Move over Cap and Sharon …
Sorry it’s been a few days. Needed to take some important family time. Enjoy.
Why I Love Marvel Comics: What If …? #29
Look at this … just look at it! The greatest action figure collection … EVA’! Come on. Be honest. You are soooo jealous of the Scarlet Centurion right now.
A.I.M. High ~ Bad Day on the Cutting Edge of Science
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Marcio Takara
I’m not the world’s foremost believer on fate, but today … I’m a convert. Several weeks ago, I interviewed Marcio Takara, a Brazilian illustrator living in Canada. He is currently penciling The Incredibles for Boom! I had found his “Tiny … Continue reading
If I Ran Marvel … Nick Fury, Agent of T.H.U.N.D.E.R.
A few weeks ago, @TomBrevoort, Executive Editor at Marvel, asked his Twitter followers which DC properties they’d like to see migrate to the House of Ideas. As I have continued to think about this, my pick would be the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents … Continue reading
Random Acts of Badassery! – Katie Cook
We didn’t buy nearly enough original art on our visit to C2E2 in Chicago, but two of our most favorite are these tiny sketches we picked up for just $5 apiece from the amazing Katie Cook (who drew Wonder Woman … Continue reading
A.I.M. High – Season 2 ~ Mirror, Mirror!
Last year, I had a great time with my Kirby-Inspired Komic, A.I.M. High. And, ya’ll were really kind about it. It’s been a while. So, we’ll start with a little tribute to “Star Trek.” And, in case you missed it … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Dean Trippe!
If you’ve spent any time looking at fan created art on the Internet, I’m hard-pressed to believe you haven’t come across … and be struck by … the incredible work of Dean Trippe, an illustrator who lives in The O.C. … Continue reading
“M” is for Marvelous Mockingbird …
It’s a great time to be a Mockinbird fan. She is kicking ass and looking gorgeous doing it. And, folks are coming out of the woodwork to draw here. Like our pal, Ryan Cody of Daily Sketchjam, who is drawing … Continue reading
Hell–ooo, Chicago!
So, I have woefully neglected you this week, my little smartasses. It’s been a whale of a week at work, but the family and I are leavin’ on a jetplane to the Windy city in about two hours where we’ll spend … Continue reading
The tempting Tigra …
Marvel.com released New Avengers: The Reunion #2 on digital comics today. And, it reminded me of an important truth. No one should ever draw Tigra again except David Lopez … like, ever. ‘Nuff said.
Lo! There Shall Be an Interview!
So, it’s good to have goals, right? Well, I have a new one for our modest little blog here. I am bound and determined to achieve it. And, I need your help. Here it is: By hook or by crook, I … Continue reading
A “Byrne-ing” Blast from the Past …
While thumbing through some old Avengers titles today, I came across this famous Bullpet Bulletins art from John Byrne … immediate flashback. I’m 36 … and remember coming across this and just salivating. I wasn’t one for ripping comics apart, … Continue reading
Unglablitch! Nightcrawler by David Lopez!
Mein gott! My daughters, Grace and Cate, and I got an awesome gift all the way from Spain … a 5 Minute Marvel sketch of Nightcrawler from Hawkeye & Mockingbird artist, David Lopez, and an invitation to draw with him. … Continue reading
Yellowjacket + Carlos Pacheco = Bad Ass
Avengers Forever is a personal favorite. And, there are many, many memorable panels. But, I always gravitate to this one. I never loved the Yellowjacket character before this series. But, after … well … I can’t wait for Hank Pym … Continue reading
Crouching Moe, Hidden Curly …
And, now … a word from Hawk and Mock …
Tony Stark Rockin’ a Casio & Tigra Grows a Tail
It’s no secret that West Coast Avengers is my favorite comic series of all time. Not the best. Not my most respected. Favorite. It was kooky and obsessed with Marvel history and not afraid to be totally bat shit crazy. … Continue reading
Let’s Cast “The Walking Dead” – Part Deux
So, Kelly Thompson set up her dream cast for AMC’s The Walking Dead show over at her blog, 1979 Semi-Finalist … and I wanted to jump into the fun. Now, I agree with many of Kelly’s choices, especially Nathan Fillion, … Continue reading
Puttin’ on the Ritz! Dapper Men Teaser
Okay, we’re all in agreement … I’m an unabashed Jim McCann fan, right? Right. So why wouldn’t I be jazzed about the new teaser image that emerged this week! Yee-haw! Click here for an interview with Jim.
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week 17 ~ Steve Downer
While cruising the ol’ Interweb! a few weeks ago looking for a great pic of Paste Pot Pete– one of my favorite and most bizarre Kirby Kreations, I found a kindred spirit in Steve Downer, an illustrator and colorist is … Continue reading
You should be following … 1979 Semi-Finalist!
This is the first installment of a periodic “flash review” of a Web site I love and think you may love, too. Kelly Thompson, author of She Has No Head! at Comics Should Be Good and creator of the blog, … Continue reading
I’m Victor Von Doom, I am …
Anyone else want to see this conversation put to music and covered by Herman’s Hermits? I’m Victor Van Doom, I am. Victor Von Dom, I am, I am … I became ruler of the kingdom next door, I’ve conquered it … Continue reading
A Hawkeye & Mockingbird Moment: You can stick it!
Sasquatch comments on the Guardians of the Globe PR campaign
Now, Mr. Walter Langkowski (AKA Sasquatch of Alpha Flight) is too much of a gentleman to out-and-out accuse the new Guardians of the Globe (whose ad campaign already feels a little familiar) of plagarism, but … he ain’t too happy.
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Sixteen ~ Marc Basile!
Several weeks ago, I featured the pop-art stylings of artist Marc Basile on That’s Marvel BadAss! Marc was kind enough to reach out for a thank you and we agreed upon an interview. I was excited as I am obviously … Continue reading
In space … no one can tell you your mullet is fabulous …
Poor Sue Storm. She is a character who has suffered greatly, but this injustice? John Byrne is one of my favorite illustrators ever, but he should be kept far, far away from Bryant Park for his multitude of super heroic … Continue reading
Crime Does Not Pay, But Neither Does Crimefighting …
We have our priorities way, way out of order in this country when it comes to compensating those on which order and society rely … teachers, police officers, soldiers, EMTs, santitation workers … and AVENGERS!?!?! Seriously, how many times has … Continue reading
Hawkeye & Mockingbird Moment: Ex-Boyfriend Drama
The D in D.C. is for “Demon”
Okay, so I know I’m supposed to be a “Marvel” smartass, but the truth is that I find a lot to love in the history of the Distinguished Competition — most notably the creations of Jack Kirby during his 70s … Continue reading
The “Oh So Short” Avengers
Over the last several weeks, Marvel.com has been putting up the 2003 “Red Zone” issues of The Avengers by Geoff Johns and Oliver Copiel LONG before visions of Blackest Nights and Sieges were dancing through our heads. Poised just a year … Continue reading
A wow moment … from Colleen Coover!
Wow. So, this morning began by opening an e-mail and finding the art below by Colleen Coover to post on my daughters’ Web site, 5 Minute Marvels! How cool is that!?!? Not as cool as Colleen, who is as nice … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics! Avengers #236
Back in my 30th birthday ode to the Jade Giantess, I revealed my “conversion comic” — the one that started the snowball rolling down the hill — Avengers #236. And, what’s not to love!?!? Just check out this panel and … Continue reading
An H&M Moment: Nice call, Nostradamus!
In honor of the announcement of the Hawkeye & Mockingbird ongoing over at the House of Ideas, we here at SmartassCo have made the decision to merge our “Mockingbird Moment” and “Hawkeye Holla’” segments in an effort to blatantly copy … Continue reading
Valkyrie! by Cate (4), Grace (6) and Dad
Hey, Smartasses! If you haven’t swung by the new blog my girls and I put up, http://www.marvelsmartass.wordpress.com, to see our kid/adult fan art! And, for heaven’s sake … find a kid, grab a pencil and contribute some comic art!
Why I Love Marvel Comics ~ Iron Man #127
Today, Marvel Digi-Comics put up Iron Man #127 where the ol’ Shellhead fights … well … everyone in an “iron melee.” It’s like a who’s who of Iron Man, which is to say … a confederacy of dunces. Now, I … Continue reading
I Love Iron Man … Da Da Da Da Da Duh Duh Duh
Okay, after “Matrix: Reloaded” treated me like Scott Summers treated Jean Grey’s memory, I promised myself never to fall in love with a sequel again based on a trailer. But, I’m ready to love again. Still buzzing from Downey, Jr.’s Christmas offering of Sherlock … Continue reading
BIG week for our little blog …
Last week, my daughters, Grace (6) and Cate (4) and I started a new blog … 5 Minute Marvels. Each night, we spend just 5 minutes drawing a super hero or a super villain. Until Wednesday, our average visits were … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week 14 … KIRBY VISION!
Scroll down and you’ll see that I have a deep and abiding love for all things Kirby … but, I’m a neophyte compared to Jason Garrattley, the editor of the KirbyVision fan art blog … a site often tinged with … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment: Take this Stave and Shove It!
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Thirteen!
So, I’m a little late with That’s Marvel BadAss this week … my apologies, I am working on some future interviews… and they’re still percolating. But, that gives me the opportunity to offer up some quick shots on some bloggers … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Marvel Two-In-One #43
This may be my favorite Marvel panel … ever. Leave it to Marvel’s long-time editor, Ralph Macchio, to put our words in Ben Grimm’s mouth. [Begin sarcasm.] What’s so odd, Benny? It’s just your typical day when a sentient pile … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Incredible Hulk #290
Do I even needs to say it? It’s a two-panel spread with A.I.M. beekeepers worshipping a female M.O.D.O.K. Now, that I’ve seen ths … I may just have to stop reading comics. I’ve been to the end.
UPDATED! Mighty Marvel Mustache Brigade
So… in my job, I spend a lot of time in my car … and that leads to lots of time for the mind to wander. On a trip back from the Blue Ridge Mountains last Friday, I began to think … Continue reading
Thank you, Mr.Postman!
Today, there was a little packet of awesomeness that traveled all the way from France waiting for me in the mail — original art from Dan Christensen, who was featured for That’s Marvel BadAss! a few weeks back. When putting … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment – Take THAT, English Major!
Who’s Still Sittin’ on the Bench? THE RANGERS!
Dear Marvel — One Halloween upon a time, a little boy growing up in Nashville was given a copy of Incredible Hulk #265 at the coolest … and apparently most controversial … house in the city. The issue was drawn … Continue reading
T-T-T-Tobin! Brendan Tobin Creates Kirby Krackle
Today, one of my favorite bloggers/artists, Brendan Tobin, posted this incredible color/ink work he did to a rough sketch Jack Kirby created for a Hawkman animated series pitch. Now, Mr. Tobin is a very talented artist in his own … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ Mantis!
One Hero. Two Kids. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s all! Tonight, we rocket into the stratosphere with the Celestial Madonna herself, Mantis. I’ve thought Mantis was cool since her days cruising the universe with the Silver Surfer and kicking galactic booty … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment #3: Wardrobe Malfunction
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Twelve
Last week, folks were all-a-tweeting about a super-cool fan posters of ROM, Spaceknight created for the Bill Mantlo tribute, Spacenite 2, put on by the awesome folks at Floating World of Comics. Click the link and fall in love … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One – The Black Knight!
One Hero. One Kid. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s all! In honor of my favorite underutilized Avenger, Gracie and Cate decided to take on The Black Knight. Unfortunately, on the way to the sketch session with Gracie, The Knight stopped by … Continue reading
Who’s Your Favorite Avenger Still Sitting on the Bench?
Which former Avenger do you want to see back in the ranks of “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”? Who’s ready for prime time, but stuck on the graveyard shift? The Avengers have undertaken quite a journey over the past 7 years, and … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ Behold! Doctor Doom!
One Villain. One Kid. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s all! Attention mere mortals and citizens of Latveria! Tonight, the Lady Grace has decreed: This eve, shall we draw Victor Von Doom! And lo, shall those who witness quake with terror! … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Astonishing Tales #13
Okay, so I love Mockingbird. We’ve established that, right? Well, long before “Astonishing” was a brand name for a new line of Marvel Comics, it was part of the title “Astonishing Tales,” a comic that spent a lot of time … Continue reading
Happy Valentines Day!
It’s Valentine’s Day … not my favorite holiday. But, I did have a great dinner with the wife and found a perfect excuse to wax eloquent about my favorite couples in the Marvel Universe. If you’ve spent any time on … Continue reading
A Mockingbird Moment – The Bitch Goes “Blam!”
Double-Sized Marvel Two-In-One ~ M.O.D.O.K. & A.I.M.
Today, the lady Gracie decided to look into the face of super science villany and draw what she saw there… What can I say, the girl loves her some Mobile Organism Designed Only for Killing. Clearly, I am parent of … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Eleven
My fellow smartasses, this Thursday feature, where I set the sarcasm aside and highlight both established and aspiring creators has become my favorite post of the week. I hope you’re havin’ fun, too. Today, there’s lots o’ love to spread … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment – Mr. I, meet Ms. Robinson!
And now, a word from this blog’s favorite superheroine …
Heroic Age Teaser Poster with MI-13!
Thus far, I continue to be hopeful about The Heroic Age, if only for the fact that is seems some of my favorite characters — Hawkeye, Beast, Gorilla Man, 3-D Man, Mockingbird and now, another in my Marvel top 5 … Continue reading
Marvel THREE-In-One ~ Captain America
So, tonight my four-year-old, Cate, wanted to get in on the action. Juiced up after an episode of “Super Hero Squad” where the Scarlet Witch hexes Cap to sleep, Cate declared it was time to draw the star-spangled one – CAPTAIN … Continue reading
Secret Avengers ~ Secretier Avengers
Last week, the Heroic Age teasers brought us “I Am An Avenger.” This week, “I A Secret Avenger.” And, they’ve really got us guessing. Sure to add fuel to the fire, my Smartassassins have broken back into the Marvel offices to … Continue reading
Pint Size Marvel #1
Okay, ya’ll. Starting this blog was me getting over my irrational fear of sharing my writing and my ideas with the world. Now, the Marvel Two-In-One sketches I’m doing with my daughter, Gracie, are getting me over my fear of … Continue reading
Me and She: Happy 30th Shulkie!
Dear Jennifer, It seems like just yesterday you and I met. It was 1983. I was on a road trip to Louisville, Kentucky. we pulled over at a gas station and I bought Avengers #236. It was the first comic … Continue reading
Marvel Smart Ass 