it all ends...

This Blog is Dead.

2011-01-26T19:30:00.001-08:00

So, as you can see, if anyone still follows me here... I've been comatose on the internet for a while.

I'm only active on my twitter account, which is http://twitter.com/arthurdelacruz, and also instagram. Not sure how to link to that, but my username is "arthurdelacruzz"

For what feels like forever I've not updated my main website and webcomic at http://kissingchaos.com and http://mydestroyer.com. Nor have I updated my blogger or livejournals. This was all on purpose. I've been busy, regrouping, working on new material which will all be revealed sometime this 2011.

Kissing Chaos will make a return to print/web this fall. It's going to be awesome.

In the meantime, I'm one of the writers for a fun new blog: http:///themacrandombookclub.blogspot.com

Also, I might start a new blog where I'll post weekly figure drawings and photos... if time permits.

keep your eyes on kissingchaos.com. When things start happening, that's where it'll happen.

peace and love!

ADC

whudup

2010-06-23T23:36:00.001-07:00

My hair is unruly.

I LOL. & Hearts buffy!!!

ADC

Buffy Season 7!! &hearts!

2010-06-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

aww man, I totally missed my weekly emo arm up drawing update last friday. I guess I was too emo to upload. Or, I was busy. Or all of the above.

Did I mention I'm not a fan of the word "emo" being used as anything other than a noun?

Anyway, haven't had much to blog about. Been writing alot, and doing day job art, which basically means I can't show any of it here.

I have been marathoning Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 7, which in my humble opinion contains some of the best episodes Whedon and crew have crafted.

Also, I've been addicted to Tumbler lately, I may just switch from a blog to a Tumbler, or at least make this feel like a tumbler. I just feel it's more my speed, and more appropriate for the amount of time I have to do this sort of thing.

We'll see...

-ADC

emo lyric warm up #4

2010-06-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

okay. it's been a few weeks with no update. Sorry folks. Here's the next one!!! Guess the lyric and you get a prize!!

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

I've been working on some animation for a freelance client, and it really got me in the mood to do some personal amination or something.

So, just to get my feet wet, I think I'll take a stab at animating one of the Kissing Chaos:'Til I Die strips. It might take a minute to find a voice actor, and get some music scored... but I'll bust my ass to get this done!!

I'll keep ya'll posted!

-Arthur

grindin'

2010-06-03T13:27:00.001-07:00

Yo Yo.

Here is a pic of what I look like as I write this. I'm totally posing with a caramel machiato. For reals. Poser for life.

Sorry I missed my emo warmup sketch update last week. I have a good excuse though. I was on vacation in Virginia!! LOL. Well, there was also a wedding for my cousin Cheri, but it was mostly a chillout time with the fam at a time share resort. It's beautiful there. If you live in a city like me, and wonder where all the trees are, they are in VA.

I stayed with my fam on a mountain resort, and one day I had the brilliant idea to go longboarding. Brilliant should read as crazy. I bit off more than I could chew, and went down a hill at high speed, probably 20-30 mph, had to dodge a car, lost control and BAILED hard. As in jumping off my deck, and smashing on the concrete like I was thrown out of a car. Rag doll physics in full effect.

Due to a one day session of parkour training, I was able to roll to safety, without dying. I did a face plant, got a scar on my forehead, and scuffed up my shoulder and ripped my fave Rancid shirt!! My glasses miraculously escaped the crash unscathed. But my shoulder was shot. I could barely move it for days, and even today, over a week since the incident, I'm still not at 100%. Perhaps an xray is in order? I dunno. I'm contemplating posting pics of my injury, cuz it's pretty gnarly.

And that's totally unironic use of gnarly, as I'm using it in reference to a board sport!!

One of the thoughts that ran through my hea the scene from the LOST season finale, when Richard finds a white hair on his head and says he just realized he "wants to live". I'm emo, but not so emo that I want to leave this mortal coil, but it's this type of harrowing experience that as cliche as it seems, makes you realize that yeah, I'm mortal. LOL. Spoken like a teenager.

Also, having a bonafide skateboarding injury is totally badass, right? LOL.

Anyway, I really have to be on my grind now that we are back from vacay. I'm working on the Lost Planet manga with my buddy Takeshi Miyazawa, and my day job doing art for an up and coming video game company, and trying to get a bunch of comic and other media stuff written. It's crazy busy around here.

I'm glad all my network TV shows are almost done. Looking forward to the Glee finale next week. And once that's in the bag, I'm planning to jump on the 10 Things I Hate about You show, and the latest Breaking Bad and United States of Tara seasons. Good times this summer. Oh, and hells kitchen too.

Um... what else. My webcomic with Jason Loo will be back online this coming sunday. I'll up some links in a day or two. Also, I'll have another emo warm up sketch tomorrow.

Check these dudes out. I love youtube for discovering hot new 'ish. I kid you not, there are more talented cats on youtube than you'll find via radio or any other mainstream, or non mainstream outlet.

peace.

ADC

emo lyric warm up #3

2010-05-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

It's friday, so...

ADC

emo lyric warm up #2

2010-05-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

okay. so it's not friday. sue me. I was inspired and needed to do a warm up doodle study. And I heard a lyric today that was pretty emo, so here you go:

ADC

emo lyric doodle warm up fridays!!

2010-05-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here's the first of a weekly blog post of emo lyric inspired doodles that I do to warm up for a hard day of drawing. I technically do this everyday, but given my less than perfect blogging record, I'll keep it to Fridays. That's the rule. Which is not to say that I won't upload one of these bad bwoys on another day... non commital enough for ya?

So, without any further balh blah blah... emo lyric doodle #1!! Click to enlarge!

ADC

PHO SHO!

2010-05-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a yummy bowl of homemade pho that I enjoyed this week! Special thanks to m'lady for purchasing le ingredients!!!

I LOVE PHO (Phuh!!!)

adc

PEPPER POTS!

2010-05-11T09:22:00.001-07:00

Yes. I'm a geek, so I'm smitten by Pepper Pots. Inspired by the mammoth release of Iron Man2, I was gonna do a quick doodle of Pepper for the blog, so I googled her for some reference. (I have a love hate relationship with comics, you see). A by product of my search, I discovered this band called the Pepper Pots. And despite having "the" in their name, I instantly became enamored with them, in the way that I would totally cry out "where have you been all my life!"

They've got a 60's girl group thing going, AND they ooze ska. And if you know me to any degree, or have scruntinzed the background drawings of any of my comic creations, you'll know I LOVE SKA.

So, I have a new band du jour. Check it:

And singing the classic "Be My Baby"...

pepper pots art coming soon!

adc

TCAF. What?

2010-05-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings and salutations.

Last week was an insane one. I was awake for a good part of it. seriously. Tuesday morning til now, which is sunday night I've been awake. Naps don't count, son!

Basically every current gig, whether it be writing or art had a deadline in the past 7 days. For reals, it was insane. I am alive and by friday night I had completed all the deadlines. This was a good thing as it the Toronto Comic Arts Festival was going down all weekend. It's definitely one of the best comic shows on the planet, and it was a pleasure being a part of the TXcomics experience.

We had a gallery/merch table/print on demand setup which I must say was a first for a comic convention. And I've been doing the comic show circuit for over 10 years. History in the making.

I need to shout out my buddy Nick's book KENK. First of all it looks AMAZING. Also, it graced the cover of NOW Magazine, which is one of the biggest Toronto weeklies.

Um. The show was great. It was even better to see old friends and just chill with everyone.

I worked my ass off and designed a 48 page art/sketch book in ONE NIGHT. On the whole it probably took me about 6 hours to gather it all together and send the PDF off to the printers. It looks great. Nuff respect to Guerilla Printing for their incredible job.

The book features about 20 pages of comics, most of which are available in various locations online, but I did grab my fave strips from Kissing Chaos 'Til I die and crammed them in there. There are also a ton of drawings and a few paintings collected in the book. So if you did my art, perhaps you should mosey on over to the TXcomics store and get yourself a copy. It'll be on sale there soon.

Here is a snap of the cover.

And of course I failed by not taking any pics at TCAF. But I am crazy inspired to create. So, let's get to it!

ADC

Buy this print now!!

2010-05-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, fancy "BUY NOW" has been created! Buy this print now!!

Only $5 plus shipping! Email me at: arthur@kissingchaos.com (or press "buy now!!")if you want a print. Signed, printed on card stock, etc.

I'm doing a mandatory $10 for shipping, worldwide. I find this covers most locales and the costs of envelopes and what not! Still a steal!!

I accept paypal and credit card.

ADC

2010-05-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

So I'm bringing Kissing Chaos back online this MAY. (I hope!) To celebrate, I have a limited run of 11x17 prints of this image:

Only $5 plus shipping! Email me at: arthur@kissingchaos.com if you want a print. Signed, and etc.

I accept paypal and credit card. I'll hook up a lil button here asap.

HOLLA!

ADC

grawins

2010-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Um.yeah. I draw and write and make stuff up for a living. Lately, been doing some drawing...

That is all. Oh, and no trees were harmed in the making of this art.

ADC

Speeed Paaiiinnt

2010-04-27T07:15:00.001-07:00

Did you know I love GLEE???? This is so my new karaoke jam. Watch for it. And hearing Santana finally sing on this track was total doves cry shit! Love it.

An by the by. To me, when doves cry, it's both beautiful and heartbreaking. Yes. I'm that complicated.

So, the burlesque show thing last friday was awesome. I was wondering if I could take photos during the show, but alas, despite numerous camera's flashing lights, I was too chicken to whip out the iphone and take a few snaps. And besides, I was there to draw!

I did a few portraits of people in the crowd, and pocketed some cash, which was fun. Also, did a few doodles of the hot broads doing their thing onstage. Good times all in all.

My plan is to take the sketches I did at the show and "finish" them digitally. You'll see them here, online. On blog.

I'm also getting my hustle on this week. I'll have a new print, and a new zine for TCAF, which is in less than two weeks. If I can work my ass off, the zine will be a square bound collection of comics and art I've done over the past year. If I just make it in the nick of time, it will be a saddle stapled book. Either way, full of awesome.

The book will be called THROES Vol.1.

I've been doing a lot of work for this video game company as of late, which is mad fun! I'm really getting a hang of this concept art, speed painting thing. Here are a few examples that were done in mere minutes. I'm pretty happy with the end results. Clickity click to blow them suckers up!

holla!

ADC

Glamourpuss Burlesque!!

2010-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Toronto area tonight, head down to Goodhandy's on Church for Burlesque's Most Wanted. Julie at Glamourpuss Burlesque called me in at the last minute to do some live drawing at this event. Should be fun.

It'll be weird for me, as I almost exclusively draw digitally, and I haven't done life/figure drawing in years! But I'll do my best!

See you there...or not!

-ADC

Does this face look weird?

2010-04-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

A client of mine says this face is "weird" and I must "fix" it. I have no idea what that means...

And I forgot to post ALL my links.

I write a comic called The 3 Second Rule, which is illustrated by my buddy Jason Loo. It's a buddy action comedy, starring hitmen!!! Win, win, and win!

Also, my portfolio site.

That is all!!!

-ADC

look at me! I blog.

2010-04-22T07:55:00.001-07:00

Allright, let's try this again.

This is my broken record. I try to blog, then I fail, then I try again. Try, try again. Fail. Try again. My mantra.

So, we are now entering the aforementioned try try again phase of the cycle, and I would love some company on this sinking ship of a blog, so come along for the ride.

I realize it's been a minute since I've updated, so I'm going to introduce myself and do the whole this is me schpiel. First. I kinda look like this:

My name is Arthur Dela Cruz. I'm from Toronto (read:Mississauga, 15 mins out of T.O.). I am a freelance artist slash writer. I've quote/unquote made a name for myself in the indie comic scene with a book called KISSING CHAOS. It's a moderate success, with multiple printings, foriegn editions and award nominations. (patting self on back) KC has a rarely updated, but soon to be revived website, and is currently taking a break from the print format to be a retardedly weird webcomic.

I've spent the better part of a decade freelancing and providing art and writing for film/tv/magazines and comics. I'm currently developing many different projects, and have a few comics and even a film in the works.

I also occasionally rewrite Japanese and Korean comics for the English speaking market.

More info on all of these things will be revealed soon, but I do have to remain hush hush on almost everything I work on due to non disclosure agreements and copyright blah blah blah.

What I can tell you, is that my webcomic will begin updating weekly in MAY, and I'll be at TCAF with a zine with a bunch of writing and art for sale. More info soon

What else, um, I write and play multiple insturment and hope to pen the perfect pop song one of these days.

In the meantime, here is a bunch snippets of art:

Okay. That's all for now. I'll be back. soonish.

so, my websites:

http://kissingchaos.com http://tx.kissingchaos.com http://mydestroyer.com

and follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/arthurdelacruz

ADC

GALAVANT.

2010-04-07T07:16:00.001-07:00

Okay, so, sooner later I'll be back to blogging and drawing and writing and etc. Ducks are getting aligned, eggs are being collected into baskets. So, stay tuned. Comics, and art and photos and what not, will eventually find their rightful home on this here blog.

In the meantime, check out my buddy Kayla Marie Hillier's brand spanking new webcomic: GALAVANT!!!

ADC

coming back soon

2010-03-08T08:33:00.001-08:00

Wow. I officially hold the worst blogger title ever. And ever.

I've been crazy busy with numerous projects, but unfortunately, nonvdisclosure agreements and contracts have tied my hands, and I can't really talk about any of it. Kinda lame, I know.

I do plan on getting back into blogging soon... as I've been producing art on a regular basis, AND I plan to get Kissing Chaos back online in time for TCAF. That's the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, which is in May, I believe. Google it mofos.

In the meantime, check out THE 3 SECOND RULE. It's a comic that I created and wrote, and it's drawn by Jason Loo, who's killing the pages yo! check it!

2010-01-25T10:18:00.001-08:00

I'm so nice.

Dude. It's almost one month of 2010 down, and on the surface it looks like I'm totally a fail. I had promised 365 posts this year, and what do I have to show for the first month? Like, 5 posts?

We'll, I'm still gonna do it. January has just been a crazy month. KARAZY.

I'm still on hiatus with my KISSING CHAOS web comic. I plan to have that back and running in time for TCAF this year. I'll keep y'all posted.

In the meantime, I'm working on many a comic project. I'll post about them ALL soon. But you can see what I'm doing right now if you go to http://the3secondrule.com.

Also, when you got a few free moments check this out:

ADC

bad day for drawing

2010-01-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

So, I haven't really drawn hardcore in a while, but I REALLY REALLY need to get back into it. Here are some rough artings from this morning. I need to spend more time warming up, cuz I need to be in zone when I do some pages...

the next pages I'm doing will be for my side project webcomic with my buddy Jason Loo, called THE 3 SECOND RULE.

hopefully, trying to watch Blood Diamond while drawing hasn't sucked the creative life out of me..

adc

6/365

I Resolute so haard!!

2010-01-06T10:01:00.001-08:00

Okay, I mentioned this placebo effect that is part and parcel of the new year. Basically, we feel as though the changing of calendars, turning that page from December to January actually gives us carte blanche, a new beginning. So, with this new year, we often try our utmost to keep the slate clean for as long as possible. And boy, do we have a new year with twenty ten ney, A NEW DECADE. HELLO?! It's insane to think that just ten years ago we were all huddled away in bomb shelters with our bottled water and newly purchased power generators, fingers crossed that our Windows Millennium edition PCs would survive Y2K unscathed. We've come so far.

Anyway, tangents aside, I do make an effort to, at the very least, set a few goals for the new year. Things I want to accomplish in the next, not so much the make my life better sorta thing. Honestly, I try to do that everyday. Sad, but true.But here are a few more things I really want to scratch off ye old to-do list this year:

-finish up drafts of last years lingering projects (nano novel//screenplay)

-write new screenplay

-write new novel

-finish KC:'TIL I DIE

-write/record/perform-share new music (I've always written and recorded music, but never let anyone hear it)

-get art in a gallery show

-travel somewhere I haven't been yet

-perhaps get a motor vehicle license of some sort (yeah, I'm so punk I have no license)

-take more photos.

These aren't in any particular order, nor are they anything too spectacularly removed from what I usually do anyway (also, some of this stuff is already a work in progress)... so take what you will from that.

I'll revisit the list in 350days or so. See Arthur Fail.

ADC

5/365

Hipster 01

2010-01-05T10:58:00.001-08:00

I've decided that each day, I'll do a warm up drawing of some kind of hipster doofus, or fashion core scene type of guy/gal. By the end of the year I should have a nice collection of doodles of "vacuous soldiers of the thrift store Gestapo".

ADC

4/365

Beyond the Borderlands

2010-01-04T22:16:00.001-08:00

My homie Brian McLachlan has a new comic up on Zuda. It's called Beyond the Borderlands, and is a fantasy horror type of thingy. It looks pretty sweet so far. Vote for it now!

http://zudacomics.com/node/1728

-ADC

3/365

Hiatus Extended

2010-01-04T22:10:00.001-08:00

This was originally posted on the KC:'Til I Die site.

Hello, good folk who have been patiently waiting for new Kissing Chaos. It's on it's way, but a lot more slowly than anticipated. My apologies.

Life is full of work and personal challenges, and time has not been in my favor. I really, REALLY want to release the remainder of Kissing Chaos:Til I DIE on actual weekly schedule, so in order to do that, I need to shoot down a number of the ducks that I've got lined up. Once my schedule clears I'll get KC rolling again.

Sadly, I can't commit to a specific return date for the comic, but if you check out my blog at http://mydestroyer.com, I'll have updates, and general info on what I am working on at any given moment. I'm actually hoping to post at least 365 posts on my blog this year, and you can bet your bottom dollar a number of these posts will be about Kissing Chaos.

A beintot!

ADC

/post 2/365

#1- new mandate. 365 posts this year.

2010-01-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

So, in the past I've often tried making this a daily blog. Tried and failed. But, it's twenty ten, so I'm gonna use the placebo effect of the changing of calendarsn and the ushering in of the new year, let alone the new decade, to make some changes within myself. Changes for the better.

I have a number of goals for this year, which I'll post at a later date. But what I can tell you right now, is I plan to make 365 posts on this blog this year. YES. Three hundred and sixty five.

I realize this means multiple posts a day. But, I figure, I do something EVERYDAY, so, why not post about it. So, if you keep checking this blog out, in 360ish days, you'll have a greater understanding of how ffff'ed up I really am.

If you are just joining this program already in progress, allow myself to introduce...myself.

Hi. I'm Arthur Dela Cruz. I am a "freelance" (read-unemployed) writer slash artist. I've worked mainly in comics, but have also dabbled in film, TV, advertising, illustration, fine art, etc etc. I make art, music, stories, you name it.

I'm most known for a comic book series published by Oni Press called Kissing Chaos. Google it, mofos. I've also been known to rewrite Korean Manwha, as well as develop and pitch film and television projects.

Plans for this year include a fine art series of portraits, and crafting the perfect top 40 pop song.

I'll be in touch.

ADC

ps-don't ask what that pic is supposed to be. It's what I was looking at while I wrote this post.

drawing... daily, perhaps?

2009-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

So, here's a little warm up ditty. I'm gonna be drawing everyday for the next little while, and I'll *try to post something err'yday. Word.

Also, I'm definitely leaning to extending my hiatus from TXcomics and Kissing Chaos:'Til I Die. I'll keep you posted.

-ADC

I suck. and Ms. Hill

2009-12-11T07:54:00.001-08:00

So, the last little while has been crazy busy for work, and just life in general. I had previously mentioned the return of my webcomic Kissing Chaos: 'Til I Die will occur at the top of 2010. Now, I'm thinking I might have to push that back. I *think*. I'm not sure...yet.

Also, I've started drawing again... it's been a few months since I actually sat down and really, really drew. And the results from last night's session kinda sucked. Hard. I may just post it later today to force myself to get better. Having it out there for public consumption might light a fire under my ass, make me pick up my bootstraps and get to drawing at my actual skill level. Cuz I got mad skillz, yo!

Also, I miss Lauryn Hill. Dude. Lady. Hip Hop needs you.

peace

-ADC

I'm not too old or too asian, apparently.

2009-12-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday, on a whim, I went to an open call for extras to be the crowd in a music video for a Canadian indie/pop/rock/dance act. Seriously, how does one classify the New Cities?

Anywhoo, I arrived on set, which was at an indoor skate park in the heart of downtown Toronto called Shred Central. Of course it's called Shred Central. What else could it be? Immediately upon my arrival, I noticed one thing. I was the only guy. I also noticed that I was probably twice the age of all the girls aiming to be extras. To add insult to whatever, you could count the visible minorities in the room on one hand.

So, I figured when the casting director came around I would be kicked to the curb. I figured, I would totally be too old, and too asian to be in this video.

Much to my surprise, it was all a go.

The band set up shop at the top of a makeshift half pipe. And the crowd of adoring fans juked and jived along to the tunes while the New Cities mimed along. It was good times. The other extras were a lot of fun (apparently, I can hang with teenage girls like I'm one of their own), and it was *great* to hear the same song over and over and over. A song the title of which still eludes me. I don't really know the band. I saw them open for Katy Perry over the summer. Not my thing.

Anyway, the video was fun, there was a bit of acting for some people that involved a cat fight between a video ho/skank and a tatoo'd black clad rock chick. And what isn't improved by the addition of a cat fight? I can't think of anything...

I tried to sneak some pics during the shoot.

I'll definitely do this more. Seriously, it's a fun way to kill a day or two.

ADC

ps-yes, i'll get back to writing and drawing...

drawin

2009-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick sketch for something. Since November was the month of writing, so shall December be the month of drawing.

And most likely musicking.

ADC

2009-12-01T07:31:00.001-08:00

So, yet again, I failed at keeping this blog going. The month of November flew by with barely any update from yours truly. But I wasn't resting on my laurels, that couldn't be further from the truth. Let me drop some bullet points on you.

-I went to Rome for a week. Took over 1500 photos.

-Wrote a screenplay to about 75% completion.

-I vanquished my foe known as NanoWriMo. Cranking out 50 300+ words in 30 days.

-Kept my webcomic with Jason Loo updated.

Um. And just lived life in general. It was good times. Pics and what not will be posted, porjects will be revealed. All in due time. Also, in dude time. Ha Ha. Sorry. I can't write anymore.

My NanoNovel is not finished... it's only about halfway there. It's a hybrid beast combining fiction, memoir and journal entries. It's not so much the story of my life, as it is a look at events that sort of shaped who I am... or the character that plays me. Basically it's the story of the Wal-Mart version of me. You know what I mean. A knock of, carbon copy, bargain bin approximation of an asian dude who writes and draws.

Anyway... this post was long overdue, and a new month means a slew of new deadlines. So. Here I go.

ADC

nano word count. and etc such as trip to Italy. also, Meg and Dia.

2009-11-06T12:14:00.001-08:00

So, my Nanowrimo word count is now 12 516. Yes, I went on a writing tear. Tere? Anyway, it's somewhat disconcerting, as the stuff I'm writing is pretty much evolving into an autobiographical work. This was not my intent, even though I base most of my work on some sort of true experience, even if it's just an emotion, or trying to approximate an actual event in my life via fiction.

Needless to say, this first draft will most likely remain in the vault, and only after subsequent editing sessions will the story be ready for public consumption.

In other news, I'm failing hard at keeping deadlines. There's a commission that has been at about 80% for months, that I've yet to finish. And another art piece for the 69 Love Songs project that should've been finsihed this week. I'll hammer these down once I return from Italy in a week or so.

Yeah, I'm heading to Rome, Italy for a weeklong working trip. I don't plan on sleeping. I'll be writing a screenplay and various other projects 24/7. It'll be amazing.

I'll post word counts and commentary while I'm away, as I've been promised that my hotel room has wi-fi.

I'll be in touch.

I think this song is super cute:

ADC

Nanowrimo word count.

2009-11-04T22:43:00.001-08:00

So, at my buddy Kayla's behest, I'm only going to count words that I wrote this month, for my Nanowrimo novel word count.

I didn't write squat on Nov. 1st, so during the past 3 days, I've written a totaly of 5217 words. I need to double up today to get back on track. I still plan on using the work I did in prior to November in the 1st draft, but for the sake of the rules of Nanowrimo, I'll just be word counting stuff I've done this month.

Also, I'm preparing for my trip to Italy next week. It's a working trip, and I plan to write many, many words and draw some pictures too! I'm accepting any travel tips, and suggestions for cool stuff I should check out in Rome!

-ADC

haiku for Florence and the Machine, and nano word count update.

2009-11-03T09:41:00.001-08:00

Florence and the Machine was great last night. Amazing, good stuff. I took many a photo and a couple of vids. Someday, I plan to upload all my concert pics and vids. Someday. It'll happen.

Here's a little pic, and a haiku for Florence.

how wondrous a song/the soul ascends to heaven/she dances, she sings

Also, it's nanowrimo time. And I've done two consecutive days of 1666+words on my nano novel. In a moment of preemptiveness, I actually began working on this book in september, knowing full well with my other writing and drawing commitments, I would not in a million years have enough time to bust out 50 000 words one lone month. So, counting the the stuff I wrote from sept-oct, I have around 13 000+ words for my nano novel.

I'll keep you posted.

-ADC

a haiku

2009-11-02T08:40:00.001-08:00

Oh man, so I totally failed at updating my blog daily last week.

I'm still working on, and finishing up my piece for http://howfuckingromantic.wordpress.com/ and the 69 Love Songs Project. More on that, and some artwork to be posted soon!

Also, it was Halloween weekend, and I dressed as a member of Team Zissou, from The Life Aquatic. There may be pics of that uploaded too.

But yeah, allow me to attempt once again to update my blog every day this week. The following week my be spotty, as I'll be travelling to Italy, and may not have access to the web.

So, to espress my sadness in my failure to update, here is a haiku:

so oft neglected / tho' one's life endeavors on! / blog lying in wait

Ya. I just did that.

Oh, and seeing Florence and the Machine tonight!!!

-ADC

Say Anything show, Oct28th. T-Dot

2009-10-29T01:03:00.001-07:00

Saw one of my favourite current bands play in Toronto at the Phoenix last night. Say Anything. Max is my hero. Their set was pretty fucking epic, dude. One of the best shows I've been to. I'll post more and upload pics and vids in the near future.

adc

The one I really Love-Process#1

2009-10-28T12:13:00.001-07:00

So, I mentioned that I'm doing a piece for http://howfuckingromantic.wordpress.com/.

I picked the song: The One I Really Love. (the video features Sid and Cassie from the show SKINS, which I'm kinda sorta in love with. WATCH IT!)

So, all my drawings start with a breakdown, thumbnail sketch. Usually illegible to lamens not versed in my secret shorthand/doodle style. So, I'll post my doodle, and let you guys figure it out:

step numero two, tomorrow!

ADC

smell of wine and cheap perfume

2009-10-27T21:32:00.001-07:00

Hmm, why is posting one thing on this damn blog everyday such a chore. ONE THING. EVERYDAY. Is that really a hard thing to do? I've said I'd try it before, and I'll say it again. Forgive me if I fail hard.

Previously, I mentioned lots of stuff is happening.

I'm drawing again. Yes. One of the things I'm doing is a piece for http://howfuckingromantic.wordpress.com/ . This is a sweet collection of comix and illos inspired by the album 69 Love Songs by indie crew The Magnetic Fields. How awesome is 69 arts by a slew of talented sons of bitches, not to mention the daughters of bitches.

The deadline for this project is Nov. 1st, and I'm cutting it damn close. For the rest of the week I'll post my progress on this project.

November is also known as National Novel Writing Month, or Nanowrimo. I'm participating this year, and hope to have a manuscript written in one month!!!

I've got creative OCD, or ADD, or whatever. You know what I mean. Just check which ever one applies, cuz I'm too lazy right now to wiki the answer. But, yeah, I'm all over the map creatively, and multitask like a mofo, so in order for me to write the 40k+ words required to, um, WIN Nanowrimo, I need to be quite diligent.

Just like Hemingway before me, I need to keep a daily word count. So I found this nifty little text editor, that not only provides you a clutter free work environment, but also lets you set a word count goal, and tells you real time what percentage of words you've typed, and how close you are to reaching your goal. Does that make sense? I hope so, because I'm not re-typing it. Hahahaha

The software is called Q10, and it's awesome. If you need to keep a word count in any way shape or form, this thing is for you! I'm using it for my nano project. Which may or may not end up being a comic. I'll fill in the blanks at a later date.

And continuing on my no street cred having musical selections, here's a little ditty sung by Lea Michele, who is AMAZING. She got mad vocal chops. This clip is from the show GLEE, which I love to no end. Shut up! ;p

until next time

-ADC

you kill me with your touch

2009-10-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

Ugh.

It's a writing day for me. I've recently started drawing again, so all you Kissing Chaos fans, look out. Some new KC will surface eventually.

But writing is taking it's toll on me 'ead.

The past few months a film producer buddy of mine has been shopping a TV show pitch of mine. It's a teen based sci-fi comedy drama, kinda in the Twilight meets X-files zone. There's been mild interest, but people who are interested are all afraid of comparisons to a show like heroes. Really, the only similarity would be the fact that it's an ensemble cast, centering on people who have, for lack of a better term, "powers", or "abilities".

Well, despite my pitch having pretty much nothing in common with heroes, the project isnt getting much traction. So, I'm in the process of retooling the story/plot. And I have a great, or what I think is a great idea for the show, that'll be unique and fun.

Thing is, it's super cliche. Like, we've seen the sum of it's parts before, just not cobbled together in one concept, one story.

I really can't talk about it as of yet, but basically imagine the best teen flicks and shows, and throwing some sci fi/fantasy elements, and a Twilight-esque epic romance in there for good measure. Then you have my new pitch.

Fear not, even if this doesnt go the TV route, I do think I'll do it as a comic. So... yeah. ANOTHER one of my projects that you'll have to wait to see.

Man, at this rate, 2010 is going to be insanse for me. If. IF, I can pull it all off.

Anyway, for your listening pleasure, it feels like a pop music day. Yeah, I already established that I have no street cred, so here are some teeny bopper pop tunes I've been digging as of late:

Don't be hatin on my lame music choices.

ADC

six word stories #8

2009-10-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

hmmm. It's come to my attention, via myself, that my six word stories are little more than six word blog posts. I really need to get cracking on an actual story in six words, as opposed to an ongoing journal in six words, 'cause that's just stupid.

No matter how hard I try...

I'm stressing and juggling many a project at the moment. Screenplay, nano-novel, 2 web comics, commissions, and another art project that shall remain unnamed at this juncture.

This keeps me sane:

ADC

six word stories #7. Hayley Williams addiction...

2009-10-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

So, I realize that if the abstract concept of street cred eludes me, and that if I ever had any degree of this vacuous social precept, I would lose that remaining shred of a fraudulent social construct by uttering the following sentence:

I love Hayley Williams... and therefore, by association, I love Paramore.

But there it is. I had the pleasure of seeing her/them live last week, and loved it. Loved it. Had a blast, and I took a mere 130+ photos of Hayley alone, all the while getting crushed by a sea of screaming teenaged girls. It was a violent, raging sea.

Just one of the many pics I took.

Anyway, I feel as though I have a bit of a Hayley addiction at the moment. I might hit up the Flogging Molly show this week just to aid in getting Hayley out of my head/ears. It's pretty bad right now.

ANYWAY. I'm exaggerating. A little. Moving on.

Here's my six word story for the day:

Sleepwalking, moment to moment. Rinse. Repeat.

ADC

update. six word story #six

2009-10-15T08:40:00.001-07:00

hold up! I just realized I haven't updated my daily blog in a while. So, here's another six word story. Still working on trying to match Hemmingway's six word magnum opus. Someday I'll get there. This is more of a personal memoir.

Living, breathing my art. Still starving.

In other news, I'm getting back on the drawing bandwagon. Gearing up for the return of Kissing Chaos in the new year!!! I'm also working on some commissions and etc. Will post stuff eventually.

Going to see my fave vocalist under the age of 25 perform tonight. Hayley Williams is a beast on the mic!!! LOVE HER.

ADC

six word stories #5

2009-10-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

I lose you, I save myself.

or, vice versa:

I love you, I save myself.

depending on your mood, I guess.

adc

six word stories #4

2009-10-07T18:16:00.001-07:00

Said "Never again", again and again.

ADC

2009-10-05T19:04:00.001-07:00

I'm writing tons of these six word stories. None of them quite have the impact I would like... but I'm learning... hopefully improving each time. I'll keep posting one everyweekday adnauseum...

His heart never looks both ways.

-ADC

six word stories #2

2009-10-01T20:24:00.001-07:00

Read too much into her eyes.

-adc

six word stories#1

2009-09-30T09:56:00.001-07:00

So, SMITH magazine has this thing they call "Six Word Memoirs". Someone must tell a story with six words, and it's amazing. I was skeptical af first, being quite the wordy wordsmith myself. But after reading this one book that I purchased as a gift for my buddy Kayla Hillier's berfday, I was truly blown away, and inspired to try my hand at six word stories.

My goal is to do one a day, from now until dot dot dot.

This is my very first attempt. Go easy on me.

You warned me, I didn't listen.

ADC

the three second rule.

2009-09-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

Massive amounts of apologies for being the WORST BLOGGER EVER in the history of the universe.

I've been hard at work on many goodies that will come alive in the coming months.

Of the plethora of writing projects I'm horribly multitasking at moment, one has secretly surfaced on ye ol' interweb. It's called THE 3 SECOND RULE.

This is a webcomic that I created, with the aim of writing the best hitman/buddy-comedy of all time. I'm handling most of the writing chores, and my buddy Jason Loo is busting out some great artwork for the comic.

I like to remain modest at best, so, the comic actually launched on September 21st. Yes, I'm that good a salesman.

We are putting up two pages a week, and it's going to be awesome. So check it out. Updates every monday!!!

the3secondrule.com!!!

peace

ADC

Hiatus

2009-09-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

So... as I mentioned before, Kissing Chaos: 'Til I Die is going on hiatus. Apologies for this, but it'll all be worth it, when the comic returns to TXcomics.com in January, 2010. I plan to run the rest of the comic every thursday starting with the first thursday in January. The series will finish it's run without any delays or interruptions.

So, there.

I mentioned also, a brand new comic to start in January. That comic will be pushed back until KC finishes it's current story arc.

I've got some big stuff planned for KC and TX in 2010, so stay tuned to this blog for details and previews!!

ADC

No longer Thursday's child.

2009-08-20T05:13:00.001-07:00

Due to precipitating circumstances with work and/or life, I'm unfortunately announcing that my online comic KISSING CHAOS:'TIL I DIE, will no longer be updated every Thursday. The comic is not finished, and I WILL KEEP UPDATING it, on an irregular basis. However, I'm just so swamped that I can't keep it updated every thursday, and I don't want it advertised as such on the TransmissionX website.

So, follow me on Twitter, or read this blog, or periodically check out tx.kissingchaos.com to find out when there are new strips up. I am still aiming to COMPLETE the remainder of KC:TID by the end of this year.

The reason for this is that I'm launching a brand new story on txcomics.com in January 2010. Stay tuned for more info about that very soon!

peace

/adc

pitching.(being ADC#9u7897)

2009-08-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

Je t'aime Coeur de Pirate, and Katy Perry. This video= best of both worlds!

So, I'm almost ready to pitch the story I keep talking about to a producer. I actually want his input on the concept and it's execution before I finalize any details and begin writing past the 20 pages I've written for the comic book pitch. Blah blah. so interesting.

I've decided to go forward the story, despite my last post about being on the fence about the whole issue. Nothing really pushed me to that decision, other than throwing my hands in the air and saying wtf?

I've also decided that this project will probably be my 2nd to last comic project EVER. Big decision, but one I have to make...

anywayz...

ADC

crisises of creativity (Being ADC#...?)

2009-08-09T07:06:00.001-07:00

So, the other day I was prepping what I've been touting as a pseudo autobiographical graphic novel for the different publishing entities who are interested in the story. It had been a week or so since I read the plot outline, or the first 20 pages of script that I've written, so this was my first gander at the story with fresh eyes.

My gut reaction=fear. I didn't want this published. It's a peak at who I really am, and even though it's told in a fashion that still masks the inner most workings of ADC, it still feels like I'm throwing a huge piece of myself out for public consumption. I literally told myself to scrap the story.

I'm on the fence at this moment. Part of me says I should just put it out, at the risk of surprising or hurting people that are close to me. Part of me is saying to avoid unnecessary drama.

So. yah.

adc

laaa lalalalala laaaa!

2009-08-04T10:12:00.001-07:00

The past week actually felt like summer, and the weather, she's holding up. So, August agrees with me!

In other news, my insane deadlines are still going on. Not cool. To fend them off, I'm trying the whole early to bed, early to rise thing. I woke up at 3am today, not on purpose, mind you, one of my 11 month old twins couldn't sleep.But once I got him to sleep, I did laundry, excercised and did some work, read a little and played a little PS3 and 360. Fairly productive day until about 8am, when the family woke up.

This week I'm working on a film/comic script. A new KC comic strip. A new story pitch. A commission, which is loooong over due...

I love this song Hurricane by the Hush Sound. There are no good versions by the actual band on youtube, but here is one of the better cover versions... enjoi!

peace

adc

I need a room of my own.

2009-07-31T07:43:00.001-07:00

I recently read Virginia Woolf's A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN. I was facinated. The book was essentially Woolf's essay on the development of writer's of the quote/unquote fairer sex. She made some bold statements, such as the "A woman could not have written the plays of Shakespeare during the time of Shakespeare." She dropped some amazing quotes from Jane Eyre, which I MUST now read. Plus, differentiated between "art" and "self expression".

There's so much goodness that as a writer I could relate to. As well, I found myself, though a male, relating to the plight of women through the ages, because as an Asian dude, throughout my life I wasn't exactly treated as on par with white males, who apparently oppressed EVERYBODY! LOL.

Anyway, if you haven't read this book, check it out.

ADC

reeveeews(surveillance review)

2009-07-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

Surveillance intrigued me months ago with it's trailer, and that fact that the film was directed by the daughter of my hero of sorts, David Lynch. Sure, Jennifer Lynch has done a number of films, sadly, when I watched this one, I sorta viewed it as David Lynch-lite. From parts ofthe score, the casting, some of the cinematography and finally to the general uneasy tone, it all screamed like Surveillance was a mainstream version of a Lynch thriller. This is not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. It just felt like a typical thriller dressed up in a D. Lynch costume.

Despite some reviews claiming it to be unpredictable, I guessed the twist right off the bat and ruined the surprise for those I watched the movie with. My bad.

But even then I did enjoy the movie. There was some "bad" acting, and bad stereotyping of basically all the characters, from corrupt cops, to crack addicts, to the nuclear family on vacation. I think this was all intentional, to maintain a strange, unreal feel to the film. I could be wrong, but while the acting at times would make me cringe, I took it in stride. The visuals were great.

In it's most basic, spoiler free form, Surveillance is a thriller about a small town (street with one hotel and a police station) that is terrorized by a serial killer. It straddles the line of being a serious police procedural, and being a satirical take on the genre. After the "twist" I thought the tension and acting ramped up and some of my favourite scenes are near the end. The last line of the film is That's the most romantic thing I've ever heard.", which had me lol-ing in it's brilliance.

I recommend, if you are into this sort of thing.

ADC

Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond are amazing, by the by.

DEADLINE

2009-07-27T08:59:00.001-07:00

okay. I've been battling a crazy deadline, and I need the moolah, so I missed last weeks KC comic update. This week and next I'll have brand spanking new comics up. They are awesome, in my brain.

Been working on music, and I'll probably post something in the coming weeks. crazy. I know.

umm... starting a prose project, and I'll serialize it here. that'll start soon too.

So, I'm busy busy busy. I'll be in touch. if you don't hear from me, remember that I love you, and everything else I've ever said was a lie.

ADC

coraline/moon

2009-07-22T08:48:00.001-07:00

This weeks reviews are a day late! sorry!

I've been looking forward to Moon and Coraline for some time. I mean, immensely looking forward to. Both were visually stunning, a pleasure to view. Both left me ultimately, and utterly disappointed.

I'm doing this, sans spoilers, so it'll be brief. Moon had an amazing trailer that showed a twist in the films story that had me speculating for weeks what the story could really be about. I guess my imagination ruined the movie for me, as what actually happened paled in comparison to my speculated version of Moon. Vague enough for you? That said, the film looked great, and the "solo" performance by Sam Rockwell was pretty stellar. Worth a watch if you dig sci-fi. Actually, now that I think about it, there were some really unexpected emotional turns in the script that were great, really moving. These were of course punctuated by great acting from Rockwell.

Coraline, really deserves the exact same review. It's a beauty. The amazing stop motion is truly a sight to behold, especially since we've been bombarded by CG glut the past decade or so. Sadly, the story, characters fall pretty flat. They are adequate in getting across a fairy tale feel, which was totally the goal, so in that respect the film is a success. However, it really didn't bring anything new to the table, in any way shape or form. Still, somewhat entertaining, and worth a watch, I guess.

adc

Kissing Chaos, brought to you by...

2009-07-20T08:12:00.001-07:00

Don't know why I thought of this, but today I realized there would be no Kissing Chaos if it weren't for the following.

1.David Lynch, mainly Twin Peaks

2.My So Called Life

3.Pinkerton

4.Jane by CDN author Judy McDonald

/adc

Oh, no! My comic book pretentiousness is showing...

2009-07-16T08:18:00.001-07:00

So, I like to experiment. Whatever I happen to be working on, I always like to explore the medium, how it's used, and how I can approach the work in a creative way.

For Kissing Chaos: 'Til I Die, one of my goals, at least visually, was to explore how comics are used to tell a story. While art styles, visual cues and varying use of layout change over the years, for the most part, the type remains the same. The fonts change, but word balloons, caption boxes are mainstays. This led me to ponder the blurry lines that's define/differentiate comics/cartoons/picture books/ prose as creative story telling mediums.

One of the most widely used terms used to define comics is sequential art. On Wikipedia comics are described as a graphic medium in which images are utilized to convey a sequential narrative. Generally, the visuals take prominence over the type.

I like to think of comics as a synergistic union of text and image. The effects produced by a story told the comic medium is hard to replicate in other forms.

That said, there are some great comics where text is completely removed out of the picture. Powerful stuff, but still considered equal to comics that use text and image in tandem.

This, I find interesting.

If we use the Opera as an example, if one were to remove one of the key elements, whether it be music or the stage performance, it would cease to be Opera. Yet, we remove text from comics, and it's still comics.

With KC:'TID, I wanted to explore what would happen if we did the opposite.

Early on in the webcomic, I would use artsy fartsy typography to present text in a visually interesting manner, all the while moving it to the forefront of this particular comic's experience. I went so far as to have almost an entire chapter be entirely comprised of type. What I did there was quite literally, remove the artwork, so we were left with the words that would normally be there, if it were a normal comic.

Though that seems a little extreme, it was basically one small change to the comic formula.

What I attempted to do with the latest episode of KC:TID, was truly strike a balance between text and image. I tried to combine prose story telling (text proper, if you will), with sequential artwork. Hopefully, the text and the visuals filled in the blanks for each other, creating a seamless storytelling experience.

Who know. I'm just fucking around. Though, personally I'm happy with this weeks results, and I think I'll keep exploring comics on this tangent.

thoughts?

ADC

The Hoax of Beth Cooper

2009-07-14T09:33:00.001-07:00

Well, it's double review Tuesday. Mind the spelling.

First up. The Hoax.

This flick is a liberty taking adaptation of a mostly true story based on an author writing a fake autobiography about a crazy recluse billionaire.

Good stuff. There's some great acting, and the story is paced very well. (like I know what I'm talking about). I think as a writer who is constantly dealing with publishers and seeking to get books published, I could especially relate to the plight of the main character, Clifford, played by Richard Gere. Basically, in an effort to get a publishing deal with McGraw-Hill, Clifford claims to have been commissioned to write the official biography of the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. At the time, I believe in the 70s, Hughes was such a commodity that a bidding war, and all types of publishing politics heat up, and all of a sudden Clifford is the most famous writer in America.

This is totally a stroke of genius. I love when writers pull the wool over everyone's eyes. Isn't that the job description?

I really dug the movie. It had a nice mix of humor, satire and conspiracy theory. And the changes from the novel to the film seems to have served the movie quite well. The subplot of Cliffords extra marital affair was well written and acted.

The movie was a nice surprise. Recommended!

Next up, I Love you Beth Cooper.

I don't know where to start. So, So flawed, yet, so, so good? There could've been a great lesson to be learned for every shy, introverted, teenage nerd, if the movie wasn't so ridiculously fabricated from the remnants of 40 year old loser's teenage wishfulfillment. The message is good. Enjoy life. Don't let it pass you by. But the means of showing the virtue of said message is so steeped in fantasy, it might as well have been Lord of the Rings: The teenage years.

But, for all it's pre packaged, maudlin, end of highschool ruminations, prototypical insane teenage antics and let's not forget the obligatory singing while driving scene, there are some moments of pure, heartfelt teen sentiment, scattered throughout ILYBC. Like, glimpses of real people, real life. Fleeting moments, just as they are in reality. It's these glimpses at reality that really sold me on the movie. I had chills at one moment. Seriously.

That said, 90% of the movie was utter science fiction as far as teen movies and teen life go, for that matter. The kind of stuff that would only happen in a million years, and only in the least self deprecating of dreams of a hopeless romantic loser. The movie is an accurately captured dream, but a dream nonetheless.

Now, if Beth Cooper was real, if this perfect cyborg of a teenage girl was to actually exist, that is to say, the highschool cheerleader with a heart of gold, wow. And if you ever get close to her, for the love of god hold on for dear life. Cuz, I'm pretty sure that would be some history in the making. Imagine a nerdy loser proclaiming love for a girl he's never spoken to in 4 years of school, and her finding that sweet. Whaaa? I'd say that would make fighting her older, roid raged, coked up military boyfriend totally worth it.

It's kinda sad that such accurate characterizations, the occasional guininely funny moment, and some relatively true to life teen drama had to be pre-fabricated in a typical over the top teen hijink comedy package. This effectively rendered any of it's truthiness to that of a dream. Question is, is it the dream of a hapless science nerd obsessed with the cheerleader? Or is ILYBC the dream of the, lonely on the inside, beautiful cheerleader longing to be truly, and unconditionally loved?

Still, recommended!

adc

Who's afraid of the big bad Woolf? Being ADC #4

2009-07-13T09:16:00.001-07:00

Part the fourth in my ongoing story development blog: Being ADC.

So, previously, I was wondering if I should make the main character from the pseudo autobiographical book/comic that I'm working on Asian, to reflect my own Asianness. I was also stuggling with the fact that with both publisher and film interest in the story, I've been stressing the writing of the story, which is normally fodder for my diary/journal. That means it's usually for MY EYES ONLY.

Currently, I have yet to decide to make the dude asian or not. Haven't really thought about it, and will probably only deal with that once I do some character designs for the comic. I realize this is a decision that could impact the story a great deal, I just haven't come to terms with making this story truly about me. It's based of all true events in my life, only a mashup of my memories. It's quite literally taking one memory, replacing the people with people from another memory, and letting the story play out.

Perhaps I'm too chicken shit to just write the story of my life, as is.

Re: the stress of this project.

Let's just say I spent three weeks writing one conversation.

I don't know why, but I dig this track. Okay, I know why, but I'm not telling. ;p

In other news. I want to grow my hair long, but it's so hot during the summer, I keep shaving the sides to keep cool. So now I have a weird mohawk thing, and I'm stuck.

adc

ps-Reading A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN by Virinia Woolf.

I set fire to our bed.

2009-07-09T13:23:00.001-07:00

So, I just updated my webcomic. For longtime fans, this is somewhat of a monumental event. Not that I updated my comic on time, (okay, that might be a reason to celebrate), but the fact that the main character of the whole shebang, Angela, actually spoke in this comic. For the uninitiated, Angela has been mute for the entire series. Okay, I kinda cheat by having her thoughts narrate the first volume of Kissing Chaos, as well as at least one one-shot comic. But she has never spoken to another character. The closest she's come is via txt message and email in various instances.

I think, part of the hook of the series was the fact that she was mute, and the narrator. It definitely added to the, dreamlike ether that prevaded the series 16 page debut, and set the tone for the countless pages that followed.

Why did I have her speak? I can tell you, and you'll most likely think I'm nuts. But here goes...

The story for 'Til I Die was written a while back, when I was still working with Oni Press. All I've been doing for the webcomic is drawing out a meticulously crafted tale, four years in the making. This elevator scene with Damien and Angela was originally going to be silent, with both of them staring at each other during the course of the elevator ride. It was going to be cute.

Well, this morning, when I got out of bed, I awoke from a dream where I and this girl, who'll remain unnamed had were at a bar with a group of people. I had to leave early, and she walked me out where we said out good byes, and proceeded to have the exchange that Damien and Angela have in the elevator.

D:Angela...

D:Don't go.

A:What's that supposed to mean?

D: I don't know.

D: Just, don't go.

I dunno. I like it. LOL

18 more comics til I finish up 'Til I Die!!! can't wait!!!

ADC

reviews!!!

2009-07-07T09:55:00.001-07:00

Allright. Here we go with some movie slash TV reviews!!!

I saw Public Enemies over the weekend. Well, I quote/unquote saw it. I had a long and crazy day with only 2 hours of sleep max the previous night, so by the time we rolled into the theatre for the last showing of the Johnny Depp vehicle, I was pretty beat. Honestly, after the first fifteen minutes or so, I started dozing every 2 minutes. I know nothing of John Dillinger, other than what the trailers for this very movie have divulged, so about halfway through the movie I absolutely had no clue what the hell was happening.

I think I like Michael Mann, I think. He's one of those directors that's considered to be "good", but really, has he done anything truly stellar? Within his given genre, I suppose he's tops, but does that make one a great creator?

The one qualm I can actually legitimately have against this movie that I slept through, was the extensive use of digital, as opposed to film. Mann has been doing this with all his recent films. There's a distinct, seeming low budget look to his recent work like the Miami Vice movie, and Collateral, due to the digital cameras, and the appearance of using only existing light sources (I dig the lighting for this fact alone). This aesthetic is perfect for a film like Collateral, adding to the grit and grime, giving the film an almost cenema verite sort of look.

However, for a gangster period piece, a time when there were no digital cameras, the look is a fail, IMHO. Some scenes felt like we were looking at Dillinger through the lense of a papparazzis camera. This totally ruined the immersion of the film.

All this said, the movie could be fucking great. Who knows? LOL

I've been marathoning the second season of Breaking Bad the past few days. For those unfamiliar, BB follows Walter White, an aged high school science teacher who, due to cancer, has been given but months to live. Walter's been dealt a horrible hand in life, with his former business/science partner stealing his work and screwing him out of a massive fortune.

So, in order to make some money to leave his family when his number is up, Walter uses his chemistry skills to cook meth, and with the help of a former student who is now a small time drug dealer, he enters the seedy under belly of the meth trade and Mexican gangs.

The show is gut wrenching, but incredible. Even if the subject matter isn't your cup of tea, the characters are fantastic. Seeing Walter balance the life of crime and his family woes is brought to life with some exceptional acting.

Recommend Breaking Bad for shizzle.

ADC

call me old fashioned

2009-07-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

So, I get fashion. I understand the need to "look the part", to look "cool". I get it. However, I do have an issue with sunglasses. Sure, with the oversizeness, they do have the uncanny ability to make the average man look like celebrity or socialite, and if that's your prerogative, then accessorize away, my friends.

For some reason, I can't get past the fact that sunglasses are primarily functional, fashion being their secondary use. And because of this fact, from my perspective, it smacks of insane doucehbagery when I see people use sunglasses in situations beyond their function. Mainly indoors. Like, seriously, there's no need for sunglasses indoors, so why wear them? Can one person be that vain? I've been with friends, and had entire conversations with them in their sunglasses, indoors. WTF?

For a brief moment, I thought, perhaps the effort exerted to remove glasses when one gets indoors and put them back on is too tasking, and not worth the time.

So, the other day, I put this theory to the test. I went into a Tim Horton's to get some coffee with my sunglasses on. I stood in line and went up to the cash and waited for the cashier to take my order. But as soon as it was my turn to talk, I couldn't do it. I HAD to take off my sunglasses to look the person in the eye. Call me old fashioned, but... whatever.

Does this make me crazy? Sunglasses indoors aren't that evil, are they?

ADC

doulble movie review tuesday!!!

2009-06-30T11:51:00.001-07:00

Let's see how long I can keep putting up reviews every tueday. You never know, this could be the first and last time I ever do this! Savour it!

Just watched Transformers 2. I LOVE LOVE Michael Bay. He has his style, and sticks to his guns. You gotta admire his tenacity. Plus, as part of the generation that first enjoyed Transformers in the 80s, you could say this movie, and the upcoming GI Joe flick are like my childhood dreams realized.

So, to summarize. Michael Bay? check. Giant robots kicking the shit out of each other? check. Surprisingly funny script from Kruger and Orci? check. Foxy Megan Fox? Double check. Transformers 2 is win, win, win, win, win.

Seriously, not a great movie, but good for a popcorn night. Plus, Michael Bay does Michael Bay better than JJ Abrams does. (Star Trek had the same writers, I believe...) Now onto the second review.

So, I promised a film review a while back... and I threw the film in question on again in the background while I worked last night, so while it's fresh I might as well review it.

What can I say about Soderbergh? Yes, I realize he's a respected and accomplished director, but many of his previous films left me cold. From what I can recall, most were adaptations and remakes, and I'm just not into that or the breadth of his concepts. Robbing Casinos? Trafficking drugs? I lived that shit (not really)! So, why would I give a fuck about Soderbergh's chosen subject matter?

Well, apparently, I give a fuck about upperclass call girls and escorts, because I LOVED THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE.

Of course, the big headline is that Soderbergh cast adult film star Sasha Grey as the lead. To me, it's like Tarantino casting Paris Hilton. But in this case, it works. I thought Grey was amazingly real. Sure, she could just be playing herself, but it comes off much more believable than any of the other actors in the flick, in my opinion. And I'm not gassing up Grey, the beauty that she is, she's just not my style of porn star. Not that I've seen any of her adult films. No. I've never watched porn in my life. Porn? What's porn? I just pretend to be in the know so I don't look weird. What is it again?

Plotwise, we follow the doomed relationship of a callgirl and her boyfriend. The story is chopped and screwed and reconstituted in a stream of consciousness/dreamlike narrative, which creates some interesting juxtopositions in terms of scenes and tone. The one drawback is the allusions to the Obama/Mccain campaigns of 2008. It sort of dates the film, and provides another thematic connect the metaphors puzzle for the audience to decipher. I find the emotional journey of the characters more appealing than the policital subtext.

So, bottom line: Unless you're a fan of the art house, particularly nouvelle vague and Goddard (big influences on this movie), I'd veer onto the shoulder when you see THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE in the incoming traffic.

ADC

ps- here's a self portait for the day. click to enlarge...i think.

the way you make me feel

2009-06-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

When I was in grade one I bought my very first record (vinyl!!). That LP was Michael Jackson's Thriller. I remember bringing it to school for show and tell, and breakdancing.

Out of all the different soundbytes about MJ's life that the media has spewed, I think I dig Al Sharpton's speech the best. Clicky to read.

ADC

one week

2009-06-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

So, I'm on a bit of a family vacation type of thing. I'm working while I'm here, and will be back to blogging and uploading comics next week!

I would upload some pics of the lush mountain valley in Quebec which is where I'm currently typing this, but I'm lazy.

ADC

you don't have to be so strong all the time (being ADC#3)

2009-06-17T09:00:00.001-07:00

So, previously, I was turning my current graphic novel project into my own personal 8 1/2.

Currently:

I'm on the fence as to whether I should name the main character after myself. Kaufman did it in Adaptation. And numerous others in film have done it, though examples elude me at the moment.

Also needing a decision, and quick, is whether or not to make the dude an Asian, as I, am. Asian.

I've yet to create an Asian character. I lie. I have one in Kissing Chaos, and it's not like she wears it on her sleeve, or that an issue was ever made about it. I'd even say that due to my crude artwork, no one even knows that she's Asian. I'll leave it to ya'll to figure out who I'm talking about.

Now, I realize a character being asian isn't groundbreaking. It's probably a non issue for most people. Perhaps my growing up in a largely non Asian environment, and being part of a scene where in high school there were max 2 non "white" folk in my peer group of punk losers, but I have it in me that if I ever do a story where the main character is a minority, I MUST address this in the narrative. Dealing with being different than everyone,when no amount of hair styling or clothes styling could make me "like" everyone else, was a huge part of my life. Still is.

I guess I'm wondering if I make the character asian, it may just add another element to the story that would take the focus away from the current theme, and I'm not sure if I want to do that. But if I want this to be mildly autobiographical, it would make sense to make the dude a visual minority...

I dunno.

For your playlist today:

Rivers is my fucking hero.

ADC

Look at me do interviews..

2009-06-15T15:19:00.001-07:00

So, a few weeks ago, myself and the rest of the TX crew did a podcast/interview thingy with the good folks at Digital Kontent. Have a listen, I'm somewhere in there with Cameron Stewart, Andy B, and Eric Vedder.

Now you'll understand why I suck at talking to people.

Listen to the podcast shenanigans...

adc

in defense of a certain type of poetry... (being ADC#2)

2009-06-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

Previously on the blog, I was talking about how my current writing project is becoming a deeply personal, self referencial work. It's pretty much me doing my own personal 8 1/2 in comic form. It's kinda weird.

On today's blog:

I had this thought while writing yesterday. This project is digging deeper into who "Arthur" is, more so than anything I've ever written. It's delving into depths of my being that I hide under meticulously crafted layers of social awkwardness. This is stuff I've spent my whole life to trying hide from everyone. I'm not sure why. But there it is.

Now, at this point in time, I have a publishing company and a film producer interested in the work. There's something weird about having what is essentially my diary garner even the slightest bit of interest.

I don't know what to make of that.

IN OTHER NEWS, I finished reading Murakami's Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. He's got to be my fave writer at the moment. The book is a bit harder to penatrate than other works, as we are dealing with multiple, converging narratives, but to me it's brilliant. It's actually what I've been trying to achieve with my series Kissing Chaos. So, thanks Murakami-sensei! I now there's a set precedent for my work!

The book also features what I currently believe to be the greatest line of dialogue ever written, if only because it totally relates to something going on in my life right now...

Currently I'm reading Bukowski's Portions from a Wine-Stained Notebook. I had never heard of this guy til recently, and he's blowing my mind.

For your listening pleasure:

ADC

being arthur dela cruz#1

2009-06-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

Previously, on my blog, I mentioned a personal/sorta autobiographical project that I was working on.

On this episode of blog:

I did a soft pitch to a publisher, and while they were pretty receptive to the concept, they mentioned that they had just published a book just like it. After some screaming into pillows and at no one in particular, I got over the fact that things so personal and meaningful to me, events I've gone through, aren't so unique. It's humbling to think one's lifecan essentially be reduced to dramatic fodder for writers everywhere...

But in a stroke of genius, or a stroke of plagiarism, I decided to include the process of getting the story published, in the actual story that I'm trying to get published! It's basically my version of Fellini's 8 1/2. lol. or my worst impression of Charlie Kaufman. Let's call it an homage.

cool?

/adc

ps-I'm a week behind on deadlines, so no comic/animation will be uploaded today. I know, I break promises. If you want to break up with me, I'll totally understand.

so lay your head on me

2009-06-09T07:45:00.001-07:00

The animated short film I'm working on for Kissing Chaos: 'Til I Die is still a work in progress. I plan on coming through with my promise to update the comic this week, so thus thursday check out a new COMIC update to my "weekly"(ish) web comic.

I love Say Anything, and have heard this song a million times, but never realized it was Hayley Williams singing during the outro. I love Hayley. Shut up.

Next up, some ultra quick movie reviews:

1)JVCD-meh, but not horrible. Could be worth a watch, as the subject matter is sort of meta, with Jean Claude Van Damme playing himself in a movie about himself. He has a long soliloquy where he rants about his life, his career that s arguably honest and real, and it makes the movie IMO.

2)The Girlfriend Experience- Though I find Soderbergh's choice to cast "adult film actress" Sasha Grey in the lead equivalent to Tarantino casting Paris Hilton, I thought her acting was the most believable in the entire movie. And I LOVED the movie.

3)Synecdoche, NY. AWesome. Charlie Kaufman is my hero. Hands down, he writes the best love stories of this era. If you like metanarratives, watch this movie. It comes extremely close to dethroning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind as my fave Kaufman, and one of my fave movies of all time.

4)He's just not that into you. All this movie does is show that EVERYONE is fucked up. Not fantastic, but if you dig rom coms, I suppose this isn't a waste of time. It's probably best to watch with a group of friends, so you can pause every five minutes to discuss the different relationship issues the film brings up. We did that, and It took about three hours to get through this one.

I'm also addicted to the American Idol game on PS3. karaoke is awesome, made awesomer by polygonal versions of the Am Idol judges dissing you.

ADC

failed.

2009-06-05T11:02:00.001-07:00

I'm epically failing my multitasking. It seems when I get into a writing headspace, I forget that I have tons of other shit that needs to be done. Plus, scripting 3 projects at the same time really messes with my head.

So, my next webcomic/animated short will not be up next week. I'll have a regular comic update. So, hit up kissingchaostilidie next thursday!

I don't know why, but this is very appealing to me today (I blame midlife crisis!!!):

adc

E3

2009-06-01T20:35:00.001-07:00

So, my twitter was afire today with live updates from the Microsoft E3 presentation. No, I wasn't at E3, but was watching a live stream on via the interweb.

what can I say, I'm a nerd for games.

I was very impressed with all the non gaming/multimedia features, and the full body motion control Microsoft announced for the Xbox360. They are weathering the storm of a more powerful PS3, and a extremely popular Wii, quite well.

Announcing a Metal Gear Game for the 360 was huuuuge. I love MGS, and it's nice to see it go multiplatform, even though this game isn't directed by the man, Hideo Kojima himself.

I'm stoked for tomorrow's Sony presentation, as more MGS announcements are sure to come. And at last year's E3, MS destroyed the competition with the FF13 announcement. So, I'm sure Sony's got lots of tricks up it's sleeve.

As for Nintendo. meh.

ADC

the Divine suicide of K

2009-05-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

I can't stop listening to Protest the Hero. Mad skillz these guys have. This song in particular from their second album Kezia is in nonstop rotation in my brain. Features great guest vocals by local folk singer Jadea Kelly (who is super nice, btw).

ADC

multitasking

2009-05-29T08:37:00.001-07:00

I love Kristin Chenoweth. Bye Bye Pushing Daisies. (tear)

So, I'm multitasking like a mofo. And therefore, I haven't updated my comic in weeks. The next episode is going to be an animated short "film", so that's my official excuse for it's lateness.

Currently, on my plate I have

1)script for unannounced comic/possible tv project

2)art direction for another comic

3)script/pitch/art for new comic/possible film project

4)commission

5)getting prints made

6)grant applications

And these don't include my "day job" of re-writing Korean comics and of course the KISSING CHAOS web comic.

I'm not looking for sympathy. Just wanted everyone to know what's up.

I have found time to watch some movies. Here are some minimalist reviews:

Star Trek/Angels and Demons/Terminator:Salvation/Paul Blart Mall Cop=formulaic!!! All these are not as good, or as bad as everyone else is saying. Just enjoy them. It's movies!!!

Also saw Deepa Metha's (sp?) Heaven on Earth. Interesting, as it felt as if she was trying to make a horror style movie. Good stuff.

And yesterday I saw Soderbergh's THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE. I fell in love with it. Watched it twice. LOVE. I'll write a review proper soon.

back to the lab.

ADC

Polly Scattergood.

2009-05-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

Listen to Polly Scattergood, then I'll pick your brain up off the floor, and you can glue my heart back together.

This youtube video doesn't do the 7 minute album version any justice. download/buy it now!!!

ADC

one of those w.t.f. days.

2009-05-26T10:23:00.001-07:00

I've been talking with a publisher about an ultra personal, pseudo autobigraphical story I've been working on. Turns out, they've already published a strangely similar book, like a month ago.

I'm not sure how I feel about deeply personal events in my life being so universal that someone else has already written a book about it. It's both disheartening, and comforting.

Plus, one of my top 3 fave songs of all time:

ADC

Glee, MGS5, Kissing Chaos, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

2009-05-19T19:45:00.001-07:00

So, I just watched Glee. I expected it to be an HSM rip off, and it sorta is. Also, it's sorta awesome.

There was a tinge of jealousy, as I had an idea for a glee club based teen comedy a few months ago, but didn't bother to pitch it, cuz I thought: "who'd take that shit seriously?"

Fox, apparently.

I'm also seriously geeking because of this website: http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/next/

It's a teasers for Kojima Productions next game. It's has yet to be unveiled, but with the thunder and lightening, and the flashing "5", the interwebs is running rampant with speculation of Metal Gear Solid 5 starring Raiden. Which would kick my ass. I can't wait.

I've been toiling away at an animated short film as part of my webcomic: KISSING CHAOS: 'TIL i DIE. It's going to be delayed one more week, as I've been battling a script deadline for the past few days...

stay tuned... it's gonna be great. srsly

adc

I can't draw.

2009-05-13T22:58:00.001-07:00

I've been doing this comic/art business for like, ever. Okay, maybe 8-10 years? Like, I'm that old, and I've made a "living" doing this... and somedays I wonder how and why.Okay, most days I wonder that.

I remember that when I was a wee lad, I loved art and painting and drawing, and making books. I did a Knight Rider pop up book in elementary school. Awesomesource.

So, here I am, an adult, with responsibility, and I feel like... I just don't want to do this anymore.

This was going to be a finished illo, but then I just got to the point, where I didn't care to finish it....

Don't get me wrong. I love art, and storytelling, and am happy, no, I NEED to do that til I collapse. I think I to step away from the fire or I'll get burned.

It's like art was my first love, and well... I think I need a break. It's not that I have a wandering eye or something. It's not that the grass is greener somewhere else. There is no other lawn for all I care.

I do wish this satisfied me.

ADC

contemplating...

2009-05-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

...starting a direct to download magazine/anthology book. Mostly comics, but probably other crap. If I do this through lulu.com, I can easily get an ISBN and sell hard copies through amazon.com.

maybe.

adc

trying something new

2009-05-10T23:57:00.000-07:00

So, I've been toying around with animation for a few years, but kept those experiments close to my chest. I'm pretty fail at sharing. It's like everything I work on is a 'secret project'.

But I'm throwing caution to the wind, and working on a short animation, which will be the next episode of KISSING CHAOS: 'TIL I DIE. I'm endeavoring to get it online on the 21st of this month. I'm such a bastard, so I'm not even going to bother promising of giving a guarantee that it will be ready by then. But I will try.

TCAF this past weekend was fun. I was actually barely there, to be honest. But I did help pretty up the TransmissionX area with a Kissing Chaos display. When I actually did go to the show, it was mainly to see old friends who traveled far and long to be there. It was actually really nice to just chill with some of my local buddies that I haven't hung with in a while. The TX crew also got intereviewed for a podcast, which was kinda fun. I'll have more news and a link when this gets aired.

Therefore, soley by the virtue of having virtually no responsibilities during a comic con, I declare this years TCAF: Best. Convention. Ever. (though I kinda wish some of my "friends" told me about karaoke. I woulda fucked ya'll up.)

I was also mad inspired this past weekend, so i'm writing like a... something..My current soundtrack is Protest the Hero's Kezia album. It's slinking it's way up my all time fave list.

Also, I've been obsessing over the song LINDA LINDA by the Blue Hearts, and J punk band from back in the day.

The above is a cover version from a movie. Here's the actual band kicking out the jams:

ADC

me answer questions in National Post.

2009-05-06T12:57:00.001-07:00

So, the National post sent out a questionnaire to all the guests of the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, and has been putting the results online. Great advertising for TCAF, which is gonna rawk hard.

I barely remember answering any of these questions, and I'm sure I was doing in between diaper changes or something.

Question, the first:

Which artists are you most excited to meet at TCAF and why? Is there anyone you may wind up stalking?

I'd like to follow Paul Pope around with a camera, papparazzi style, so I could totally enable the belief that he's a rockstar in the comic world.

read the full thingy.

adc

TCAF this coming weekend.

2009-05-04T21:09:00.001-07:00

so, the wicked awesome bi-annual Toronto Comic Arts Festival goes down this coming weekend. Hit the link to get the deets.

why must I type like this? I dunno.

Anyway, normally I'm all up in this Festival, selling my wares, mainly shirts and comics and sketching for the fans. It's a great, FREE, indie centered comic event. Lotsa big names swing into town for this one to... (cough) Paul Pope(cough).

That said, this year I won't be doing any of the above. I'll be there in spirit, supporting my crew, the web comics collective Transmission-X. I'll have a fairly sizable movie poster like stand at the TX booth/area, as well as some Kissing Chaos art in a TX banner. At the TX table, we'll have a free comic handout, and I have a few weeks worth of KC comics in there. Did I mention it's free?

I do plan to swing by the show, hopefully on both days of the event to check it out, see old friends and what not, but my fatherly duties (literally, doody's, heh) will be keeping me from doing this con full out.

Plus, there's also the fact that since I've been doing a webcomic, I've been slacking in the merch department, so if I did sit at a table it would only consist of my handsome self cold chillin'. Trust me, it's not as exciting as it sounds.

But check out the show, visit and support Transmission X.

Look for my Kissing Chaos 'Til I Die signage... it's the image above. Emo, yes, but that can't be helped.

peas

ADC

swineflu and free comic book day

2009-05-02T19:34:00.001-07:00

So, I don't recommend getting majorly sick, seemingly out of nowhere, while we're getting hit over the head all week with news of the impending swineflu pandemic. It happened to me, and I rarely get sick. So, my mind was definitely playing tricks on me until last night when I started feeling better.

I'm still recuperating, so I'm totally missing out on Free Comic Book Day, which is always the first Sunday of every May.

Also, since FCBD's inception, the first Friday of May saw the major comic book movie (usually from Marvel). What irked me about this was the worldwide event of FCBD is never mentioned, or advertised by these movies. I realize that the film industry is far removed from the comic book industry, but still, you'd think they'd both benefit from some cross promotion.

This month X-men Origins: Wolverine ushered in the official start of the summer movie season. Would it have been to tasking to get Hugh Jackman to do a 30 second PSA, telling every kid in the theatre on Friday night to hit up their local comic book store to get some FREE comics?

Anyway... I'm attempting to get the next episode of my web comic KISSING CHAOS: 'TIL I DIE online by May 7^th, just in time for the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. I'm doing something really special for the next update, so I wouldn't hold your breath... but if I am late, I guarantee, this update will be worth it... maybe.

Pace

adc

Spring Literary Festival

2009-04-24T11:55:00.001-07:00

So, I took part in the Mississauga (My home town, just mins from Toronto! I ALWAYS have to explain this) Spring Literary Festival, yesterday. All the libraries in the city showcased a number of local authors and writers. (Is there a difference? Yes.) I was one of them.

It was a bad day for such an event, thursday doesn't exactly scream huge traffic at the library, but apparently it's always held on April 23rd, so they couldn't move the event.

When I started as an artist slash writer in the comics industry, I would go to multiple comic book conventions and trade shows every year. I hit up the SDCC for like 4 years in a row when I was pumping out work for Oni Press. It was good times, but insane times. The past two years I took a break from the convention circuit to focus on writing and getting new material together.

Over the past few months I've been missing the whole convention scene. I miss everything about a con, minus the fanboy B.O. ;p

So, doing this literary festival was kinda cool, as it felt pretty much how conventions felt, despite the fact that I and my buddy Jason Loo were the only folks who had comics on their table.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back in to conventions this year.

I will have stuff on display at the Toronto Comics Arts Festival, that is run by the Beguiling. And I'm thinking of hitting up Anime north, as a fan. And I'll probably be at the big Hobbystar show in Toronto in August. San Diego is a possibility, but that all depends on work.

So, yeah, this is sort of a nothing post. But aren't they all?

/ADC

ps-sorry I didn't put any links. I'm lazy/busy today. This post could probably benefit from a speel check too. That one was intentional.

I'm not a sell out?

2009-04-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

When I was a teen in the 90s, selling out was like joining the dark side. Even if you were able to maintain your creative control as a band, filmmaker or what have you, if you aligned forces with "the man", you lost all your cred.

Times have changed, and now if you don't sell out, or aim for it in some fashion, you sort of come off like a sitting duck. It's like you missed the boat, and someone else is rolling around naked on a bed of cash. Artistic integrity is sort of like an in joke in most contemporary pop culture circles.

Well, recently I came across a job opportunity as an artist that the young me would've loved. I would be able to be an illustrator and have a steady income and probably benefits.

One of the caveats of this gig involved moving across the continent, which would not be a problem. The other issue would involve essentially ignoring the past few years of my career. I've been attempting a transition from an artist/writer to a writer/artist, with the ultimate goal of being mostly a writer and sometimes an artist.

Taking this new gig, while bringing financial stability and the chance to create art full time, which I love to do(and have been doing the past decade, though hovering just above of the starving artist status), it would totally go against what I want to do. What I feel I should do, deep in my heart.

Call me stupid, a sitting duck, or nostalgic, but I decided to cheezily "follow my dream", and forego the stability of this art gig. I'm staying the course, continuing my efforts to write more.

I did not sell out. The jury is still out on whether or not that was the right choice. But I still have my integrity, right? Right?

/adc

Kissing Chaos. The earth friendly webcomic

2009-04-22T10:48:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I guess most webcomics do their part by not being printed and shipped around the world, and more often will you find comics being made totally on the computer. My somewhat regularily updated webcomic Kissing Chaos: 'Til I Die is no different, as the comic is produced 100% digitally! Therefore no tree has perished, and not one drop of ink has been spilled during the making of the comic.

I also don't commute via a gas guzzler, or take public transportation to get to any electricity eating studio, and to this date, only one print has been made to advertise the webcomic.

So yeah, the carbon footprint of this webcomic is the electricity that is used by my trusty tablet laptop, which will be salvaged for parts and recycled when it's run it's course.

Booya. Earth Day.

ADC

me is online

2009-04-15T21:24:00.001-07:00

I just updated my webcomic. I'm also starting to post pics of girlies at shesmykindofgirl.com

For my webcomic this week, I did some experimenting.There's a chance that I'm treading new ground here, or at least ground I've personally never covered in the realm of comics. Though, I'm not the most well read comic creator out there. I'll admit to that.

So, I'm attempting things I've never come across. Mainly, TV closed captioning style, um, captioning, for the dialogue. This allows for a 'voice over' effect, while the sequence of panels depict the envirnoment, and obscured characters. The only other way I've seen this done in comics is having a tiny little head representing the character talking along with a traditional caption.

I'm going for a sense of detachment. (click the pic to see it!)

Sucessful? Or let me know of examples in comics where a similar effect has been achieved!

ADC

what's wrong with this picture?

2009-04-06T07:59:00.001-07:00

What's wrong with this picture?

So, the most highly acclaimed Canadian film of 2008, the historical war drama Passchendaele, grossed 4.4 million in the theatres. (it cost 20m)

Fast and Furious, on the other hand, raked in 72 million over it's opening weekend.

w.t.f.?

ADC

-who am I to talk. I would've watched F&F over Passion-what?

spreadable art product

2009-03-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

I envy creatives or artists, or what ever you want to call them who have it all figured out. You know the ones who have their style down pat, who have found their voice. The people that know exactly what they want out of their craft, and are endeavoring to achieve their goals.

Unfortunately, though I've been making a living as a freelance writer.artist for about a decade, do not fall into the aforementioned category of artists. Everyday is a struggle to find that voice, that angle for me to tackle in my creative work that will set me apart. The style that makes me unique. My schtick.

I don't have one. I'm most "known" for doing a comic that came out a few years ago, that was lucky enough to get recognition in the industry via an Eisner Award nomination. But, I really didn't want to be pigeon holed or infact state that the comic Kissing Chaos is my style. Since then I've been doing various type of freelance art gigs, in and out of the comics scene, dabbling in illustration and film and advertising. I've even written scripts, prose and developed properties for various companies.

Now, this is all well and good, as I've had some great experiences, met cool people and I haven't starved to death. I have basic skills in various forms of art, and I guess I'm quite well rounded. But somehow, I have this inkling that my work isn't as fulfilling as the work of those artists who do one thing, and one thing really well.

I even toy around with music and animation as a hobby, with aspirations of making a living off those projects too.

Am I spreading myself too thin? Is wearing many hats and not really focusing on one particular aspect of art diluting what could be a rewarding career in art? Essentially rendering cheezwhiz out of what could be, um... good cheese. Should I just pick one thing, and do that for a decade and see what happens?

Just some thoughts...

Plus, I'm reading this book for the pitch of a potential TV project. (and comic project, but that comes secondary) I just found out that George Clooney is adapting this into a film...

ADC

2009-03-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how often the 13th falls on a friday... but I'm sure it happening two months in a row is a bad omen or something....

adc

2009-03-03T09:37:00.001-08:00

Experiment time. I'm gonna do twitter movie reviews, tweeting whenever I am so moved, at various times during the film. Here are the results of my first flick which I "enjoyed" last night. This is my first try, so bear with me...

PUNISHER WAR ZONE:

attempting to watch Punisher: Warzone. about 11 hours ago from PockeTwit

@bclaymoore @TS3 dudes, it's so bad. #Punisher Warzone about 10 hours ago from PockeTwit in reply to bclaymoore

#Punisher Warzone. Newman as Micro, and Julie Benz with dark hair is keeping me mildly interested. 46 minutes into it. about 10 hours ago from PockeTwit

"dammit! Don't die on me!" bahhahahaha!! 1hour and 12 mins in. #Punisher Warzone about 10 hours ago from PockeTwit

watching movie with sound really low. yes, the acting is that good. violence is pretty lol. it's all kinda snakes on a plane-y about 10 hours ago from PockeTwit

"Who punishes you?!" The best line from #Punisher Warzone about 14 hours ago from PockeTwit

So, yeah. More movies and merriment to follow, so follow me! http://twitter.com/arthurdelacruz

/ADC

So, the insult "you son of a bitch"...

2009-02-25T13:56:00.001-08:00

...isn't it kind of a fail? I mean, if you insult my mom, it technically doesn't insult me... does it?

Or am I just heartless, and if you attack my family, then I should be up at arms...?

I guess so.

25 more to go.

ADC

ps- theres a s new comic up at http://kissingchaos.com/tx/

sometimes my laptop watches me...

2009-02-11T12:49:00.001-08:00

...while I work on a new KC installment, and a film treatment request for a Hollywood producer type.

adc

is mediocrity my "Jesus is my homeboy" t-shirt?

2009-02-03T00:25:00.001-08:00

Pay me no mind I'm just ranting tangentally.

I hate irony.

Well, I guess I don't have beef with irony in and of itself; however, I do take issue with this sarcasm/irony as fashion in the cross media pop culture of which we are a part of, in the wake of the postmodern vacuum.

We are led to believe there is nothing new under the sun, so in the past few decades, when left to our own devices, we've resorted to reappropriating culture from generations past as our means to an end. Yes, I realize history is destined to repeat itself, and genuine influence from culture that one reveres is great, especially when it inspires the creation of something fresh, even if all it is a new take on a story we as a people all know an relate to. I figure if this is the case, the creator can spell out that influence to the tee, and why the work from which theirs is derived had such an impact on their life.

This brings me to the hipster generation, with all their trucker caps (okay, I know this is so 200x) and "humorous" tee shirts and odd fashions choices, albeit they are a catalyst for conversation. (google: hipster or special?) Here we have a group of artists, musicians and lovers of pop culture that make certain choices in attire and pop culture media preferences that are solely based on irony, and being "different". Sure, we've all heard the argument that one isn't truly different if they are part of a group/clique, even if that cliques mandate is to be different, but my deal with generation ironica is that they aren't really thinking through these choices. Not that they have to. No, if wearing a shirt emblazoned with the N-word, or "Jesus is my homeboy" is your thing, then have at it. Be my guest. And I suppose there is nothing wrong with wearing a shirt with the Pepsi logo, even if you aren't the hardest of core Pepsi drinkers. But I would ask, why bother? And if Jesus isn't actually you're Lord and Savior, for what reason other than being "funny" would you be wearing a shirt declaring that he's your dawg? At when we look at punk, or hip hop in their purest days, their fashion was an attempt at challenging the status quo. These days, I'm not quite sure what 80's neon sunglasses don't seem up to that task.

I dunno. And yes, I suppose I may or may not be a part of this generation, but I remember a time when what you wore on shirt expressed a part of who you are. Clothing was not a weapon strategically placed to increase your cache in the cold war arms race that is being cool.

But this isn't my point. I'm here to talk about movies. While I am a huge fan of EVERYTHING, and I can annoyingly find something of merit in every movie I watch; I do love many a foreign, low budget independent (I also hate "indie" used as a noun) flick. Most of my top ten all time movies would fit in those categories. But I also dearly love the run of the mill, appeal to the lowest common denominator comedies, chick flick dramas and testosterony action flicks.

Michael Bay, in particular is a personal fave, if we limit this survey to current directors. I know his flicks are pure formula, but it's a formula that's so-so good to me. Almost anything Bruckheimer produces as well. I know these flicks, while impressive in technical merit and production value, wear pretty thin in terms of depth, and emotional content. Yet, I love them with the same gusto I would a Fellini picture.

I also am a huge fan of pop music. Not "Pop Music", the umbrella term for contemporary musical entertainment, but teeny bop music, prefabricated tunes aimed at tweens, teens and college aged folks brave enough to admit they listen to Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears circa 1999.

Just as punk music. hip hop and country, to name a few, are genres meant to appeal and sell to a specific demographic, I also feel that every genre of music feeds the souls of a group of people, and is very important to each of those people's journeys in life. I see pop music as a genre filling the same social purpose.

But who knows, perhaps I don't genuinely adore these watered down approximations of true art. Perhaps I say I like Avril Lavigne as I know it will encite derision and debate. Maybe, just maybe this love of bad movies and bad music leads me to the conclusion, that mediocrity is my "Jesus is my homeboy shirt".

adc

25 more to go...

2009-01-29T07:49:00.001-08:00

Perhaps I think manifestos commanding grand sweeping change in one's life to be an exercise in futility, or I'm just a pussy... but I don't feel like posting my manifesto at this time. Sorry, folks. I get the feeling that with this 'festo, my mouth could be writing checks that my body couldn't cash.

And I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words, so I'll let my actions do the talking.

So, you know how a few years ago, the TV show LOST (of which, I'm loving the new season), pretty much laid out all their plans for the series? I'm guessing because of their hyper convoluted story lines and perhaps a dip in the ratings, the network wanted to hold the creators of the show accountable for the beautiful mess they had created. Essentially, they wanted assurance that the show had a point, an ending, and the writers weren't just flying by the seats of their pants.

Sure, I'm no JJ Abrams, or who ever is the puppet master behind Lost, but Kissing Chaos is quite the oblique piece of work. The web comic 'Til I Die is specifically non linear, and at times could be more of a chore than entertainment.

Rest assured, I have an ending, and recently cemented the entire story. I have written down what will happen in each and every "weekly" update from now until the story is complete.

A week ago, the story required about 32 weeks to finish. But I really want to get this story out and finished, so I pared that down to about 25 weeks.

So there. You can expect 25 more updates to this current arc of Kissing Chaos, before the next one begins. The following arc will be a direct sequel to KC: volume 2.

peace

adc

writing a manifesto, sending a telegram

2009-01-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

So, I've written a manifesto. I suppose it could be misconstrued as a New years resolution, but, whatever. I don't really care.

I'm still sort of marinating on it, so I'm hesitant to post it, as it does in a huge way affect how I'm going to tackle work, and my creativity for the next little while, and this all of course will affect KISSING CHAOS and how it will manifest (ah, hence, manifesto!)

So, I really want to make sure it's the truth before I commit it to the old interweb. cuz you know, anything you read on the net is true, right?

Anyway, I'm finding more hours in the day to get work done, so Kissing Chaos should return to the net soon.

peace

adc

updating...

2009-01-07T16:32:00.000-08:00

so, yeah.

I'm trying to update all my webspaces, and I'm just lazy, as evidenced by the new kissingchaos.com

Man, I remember when I used love web design. Not sure what happened.

I still plan to customize ye 'ol myspace page, and I'm going to attempt to give my twitter page a facelift as well. by the by, I'm getting way more active at microblogging, so follow me @twitter

I also feel this sort of ennui towards my web comic. Don't get me wrong, I'm deeply enamored with Kissing Chaos, and I really, really want to get the story out there. I think I'm getting tired with the comic format. I've been experimenting with how I use the standard comic model/format while working on KISSING CHAOS:'TIL I DIE on the Transmission-x website. And while I'm no master, a far cry from a Dave McKean or Paul Pope am I, I still can't help but feel my stories are limited by traditions and norms of sequential art. Or more precisely, limited by my grasp of the sequential arts...

That said, I'm still endeavoring to get a new comic up at least every other thursday, but I am working on series of animated shorts for an upcoming story arc of KC: 'Til I Die.

more on that later....

ADC