tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44811669223958910852012-02-07T21:31:49.743-05:00The Official Cardboard Box of Troy-Jeffrey AllenTroy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.comBlogger6911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-11506916558804948342012-02-07T13:28:00.000-05:002012-02-07T13:28:00.606-05:00

What certifies me (a lowly independent comic writer who can't punctuate properly) to review comic books? I'm a consumer, bitches! That's what. CLICKITY-CLICK for my review over CBB!

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-83553544615040953022012-02-06T13:27:00.000-05:002012-02-06T13:27:00.140-05:00

Kim DotCom and his wife. Yes. His WIFE. I never claimed to be a first responder. Thank God nobody will die if I don't post things on time. Anyway, last week's MOKA ep has been up for, like, a week now. I've been too busy with Bamn #4 (Jersey Shore), writing comic reviews (Downton Abbey), and planning for the 50th episode of MOKA (Super Bowl) to announce it in timely manner here. *Whew* Being

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-56865029431309048992012-01-30T13:11:00.000-05:002012-01-30T13:11:00.128-05:00

After laboring a year writing weekly comic critiques that nearly put me to sleep, I'm taking a new stance on reviewing stuff: Keep it short, pissy, and funny. CLICKITY-CLICK for my review of Infestation 2 and Nancy in Hell at comicbookbin.com

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-80973327551253632312012-01-27T13:13:00.000-05:002012-01-27T13:13:00.086-05:00

Admittedly, this week's MOKAsst is hilarious. Disgusted by the announcement of the smartphone "bro app," Gene, Nick, and I decided to shine a light on everything that is wrong with the term "bromance." In the process,  we may have come dangerously close to offending everyone. CLICKITY-CLICK to find out why Cobra Kai was right.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-13340629721072806242012-01-25T19:30:00.000-05:002012-01-25T19:30:01.842-05:00

Convention Update!: For the fourth year in row, Bamn Comics will be heading to the Small Press Expo! SPX --- as it is acrostically know as --- is an annual independent comics/small press show held at the North Bethesda Marriott and Convention Center in the state of Maryland.  In 2008, Bamn #1 made it's debut there, introducing our efforts to it's very first audience and allowing us to reach

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-74760017317545140042012-01-24T10:06:00.000-05:002012-01-24T10:06:00.651-05:00

I said I would stop reviewing things but --- goddammit --- I can't help it! CLICKITY-CLICK for my review of Red Tails And CLICKITY-CLICK for my new comic book review column at ComicBookBin.com...One Shot.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-27744657098908155572012-01-19T13:42:00.000-05:002012-01-19T13:42:01.080-05:00

Shit just got real over at Action A Go Go... D. Scarz and I are counting down the 10 most explosive, body count rising, property damaging, movie action sequences of last year. Why would you want to miss that? This is the final week. Don't miss out on a new entry as we countdown daily to #1! CLICKITY-CLICK 

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-44377320753959499082012-01-18T14:01:00.000-05:002012-01-18T14:01:00.170-05:00

This week on the MOKAsst, That Urban Punk returns after being lost at sea. Good thing too, because this week is a topic close to his hacker heart: piracy. SOPA and PIPA have the entertainment industry salivating and the internet horrified. Is this the end of the Internet as we know it. What happens when the world wide web --- probably, the only thing free in the free world --- runs the risk of

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-56067164012244580662012-01-15T14:30:00.000-05:002012-01-15T14:30:00.880-05:00

Just because it's Sunday doesn't mean the action stops! (It just takes a quick breather and starts up again.) Over at ActionAGoGo.Blogspot.com, D. Scarzilla and I are doing a daily countdown of the top 10 action sequences of 2011. You should go hop on over there to see what 6 through 10 are before we get down to the last 5 next week. Do it so you can scratch off your list of 2012 concerns.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-17558368642222897662012-01-11T13:10:00.000-05:002012-01-11T13:10:00.603-05:00

Like the bunch o' big ass nerds that we are, MOKA doesn't bother making New Years' resolutions. We just cross our fingers and hope that we get to see the most anticipated films of 2012 before December 21st. CLICKITY-CLICK for The Menagerie of Kick-Assery's 2012 Movie Preview

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-91917914676761842992012-01-10T15:16:00.000-05:002012-01-10T15:16:00.957-05:00

Lookie here...Action A Go Go's D. Scarzilla and I worked hard and put plenty of love into our silly little action movie list (seriously...there was pizza and tequila involved).  With that understood, go ahead and stop by ActionAGoGo.Blogspot.com every couple of days. There, we will be posting a new action movie per day for the next two weeks (not counting weekdays), all leading up to what

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-48172797748249577052012-01-07T14:00:00.000-05:002012-01-07T14:00:00.444-05:00

It's about that time of year, kids...! CLICKITY-CLICK and be a pal. The Action A Go Go needs your vote.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-60273733211137721022012-01-04T12:33:00.000-05:002012-01-04T12:33:00.826-05:00

Well, okay...I'm not on the Best of 2011 list, but I did make some picks. Every year, ComicBookBin.com has their "Binnies" awards, in which each contributing writers pluck out their personal highlights from comics culture. This year is no different.  Since I've been known to occasionally write for them (and by "occasionally,"  I mean not since May of 2011), I was asked to contribute some

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-970263198836307122011-12-29T10:22:00.000-05:002011-12-29T10:22:00.187-05:00

Mark your calendars! Bamn is going anime in 2012! February 17th thru February 19th, Bamn Comics will be attending Katsucon. "A fan convention for multicultural enthusiasts and entertainment," Katsucon will be held at the Gaylord National at the National Harbor in Maryland. Details are still in the early stages but stay tuned to www.BamnCan.com  for more! Official Site for Katsucon!

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-83599360709826319582011-12-27T13:51:00.000-05:002011-12-27T13:51:00.068-05:00

In an effort to focus on my own work, I promised myself that I would stop reviewing. In the past, I initially did it to get back into the swing of writing. I stopped for quite a long time after doing reviews in college and I damn near forgot how to. Later, I did it to tighten up my writing (rambling less, getting to the point quicker). Still though, reviewing things is a compulsion for me. The

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-18775147437613873922011-12-26T13:01:00.000-05:002011-12-26T13:01:00.180-05:00

During the busy Christmas weekend, Gene and I manged to shoehorn a TinTin episode with R.M. Rhodes (Oletheros Publishing). A sizable chunk of our conversation gets into what is wrong with the American comics industry and what is right about the international scene. Is it a "grass is greener" type of argument or are places like Belgium far more appreciative of a medium that American's seem to

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-15484161090910518432011-12-25T09:53:00.000-05:002011-12-25T09:53:00.440-05:00

Merry Christmas, Internetz! Enjoy the angelic sweet tart sounds of Gwen Stefani to celebrate your pagan holiday! NOTE: I don't care what holiday you celebrate. The true meaning of Christmas is completely and gleefully lost on me.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-67709481121041326862011-12-21T13:27:00.000-05:002011-12-21T13:27:00.574-05:00

A new MOKAsst is up. This week --- in honor of Peter David's Bill of Rights --- we talk about the weekend war that is the comic convention. Cosplayer Coconut Jacobs and comic scribe Jon Jeebus join us to share some horror stories, relieve some of our pet peeves, swap rumors, and discuss strange smells Get your hand sanitizer ready and CLICKITY-CLICK for the "Convention Etiquette" episode of

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-79155501589203845602011-12-17T13:40:00.000-05:002011-12-17T13:40:00.830-05:00

The final assignment. I figured I should stick to what I know and make a movie poster out of one of my story ideas. It pretty much guaranteed that I would obsess over it until I got it right instead of rushing through it. Still, I have my gripes about it (the WB logo is too low and the MOKA logo isn't as smooth as I would have wanted it), but it does look really purdy. Okay. So...the giant

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-59706917368341195122011-12-13T11:50:00.001-05:002011-12-13T15:20:37.900-05:00

I expect the number of Google hits we get for this episode's title will make it our most popular one yet. Well, jokes on you, panty sniffer, because this episode is about censorship in Japan! Off the subject but on the subject...seriously, Japan, what's with the tentacle porn thing? I mean, I can't even look at fried calamari without squirming from the thought of slimey sea creatures. Anyone who

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-65360508240330563232011-12-10T17:50:00.001-05:002011-12-10T17:50:41.813-05:00

I got a 90 on my Marvel vs. Capcom essay. I may be bragging a little.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-60627333906976029492011-12-07T13:12:00.000-05:002011-12-07T13:12:00.266-05:00

Damn you, Nick! Damn you for bringing out such a shameful period in my nerd life! I was perfectly content with forgetting the dark days of college when I would flame the Rotten Tomatoes message boards. I'm not proud of the countless words and hours spent revising shitty Hollywood blockbusters and arguing with David Lynch fans. Ugh. What was I thinking? Anyway, in this episode, we all expose

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-18701234338389352772011-12-03T10:04:00.001-05:002011-12-03T11:08:44.524-05:00

A rough version of my essay on Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for Computer Graphics 120. Admittedly,  I had to spin my absolute bias towards the MvC franchise into a criticism. So, there is a ton of bullshit in all of this. Like a lot. And, no, I have not played UMvC3 yet. Here. Oh. I found this during my search for images of the MvC3 Sentinel: http://www.damnthatsracist.com/blog/tag/sentinel/  Okay.

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-91757149602732068532011-12-02T11:03:00.001-05:002011-12-02T12:05:07.656-05:00

Blogging on the Metro is complicated. The damn bus keeps shking and htting sped bumps. This hsit is annoyign.  CLICKITY-CLICK for a very Muppetational episode!

Troy-Jeffrey Allenhttps://profiles.google.com/111772448355662845141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-68120367231613236562011-11-25T08:28:00.001-05:002011-11-25T08:28:21.108-05:00

The holiday juggling act (Black Friday, Thanksgiving, food coma, excessive post-feast toilet usage) denied me the use of my brain and fingers for the last 48 hours. That's why you're getting your weekly MOKA reminder a couple of days late. CLICKITY-CLICK for gaming evolved....Oh. And  Alliance Comics (where we record the MOKAsst) is having a Black Friday-thingy!

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-86744510671504742652011-11-19T11:51:00.001-05:002011-11-19T13:00:01.611-05:00

The stained-glass assignment. I'm trying desperately to stick to keeping my assignments simple. I've gotten overly-ambitious in the past, which is usually followed by frustration, and then restarting the entire project. Basically, I had to do the sun in a stain-glass style. My teacher showed us how in Illustrator and I just mimicked his work down to the colors. I have history with Adobe

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-40055272052216810692011-11-18T13:02:00.000-05:002011-11-19T13:12:24.620-05:00

Forbes' Mark Hughes joins us on the MOKAsst this week. We get into the overly-aggressive push by various media to get 3D into theaters, homes, Playstations, and porn (of all things). Personally, I like my porn without depth. Zip back up and CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest episode of the Menagerie of Kick-Assery!

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-58843866758043783712011-11-17T11:17:00.000-05:002011-11-17T11:17:00.097-05:00

Click the cover to purchase. You will be redirected to Comixpress.com's web store.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-83867039588044314052011-11-15T23:12:00.000-05:002011-11-19T13:00:44.251-05:00

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-76857320664542808832011-11-12T11:14:00.001-05:002011-11-12T11:38:07.544-05:00

My favorite thing from class. Hands down. It took me longer than normal, but I finally got some idea of how to composite with the image below. Holy Fuck Astronaut (above) was kind of a moment of inspiration that was heavily assisted by my teacher. He walked me through it, but I had a helluva time figuring out what "masking" was exactly and navigating the layers. I tried to figure out Spidey

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-9904896171533222762011-11-09T21:36:00.000-05:002011-11-12T09:34:21.116-05:00

About a month ago, a video interview I did with Full Sanction two months ago went up on YouTube to a whoppin' 6 views! Ah well....At least it's good to know that delusions of cutting wrestling promos and the MOKA podcast has improved my "mic skills." (I managed to say "like" and "y'know" only like 300 times, y'know.)

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-84023688219907411582011-11-05T14:36:00.000-04:002011-11-12T09:33:45.200-05:00

Yes, I turned this in. Got an 84 for it too. Boo-yah.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-25882498514237379442011-11-02T21:03:00.001-04:002011-11-02T21:03:19.765-04:00

Promotional Art for Princess and the Frog (by Jay Payne) From the ashes of a rough year, the Bamn Crew takes a page out of its fictional universe and stages a mean come back.  You may have noticed some changes to the BamnCan.com and this isn't just for the sake of appearances. After constant delays to our flagship title, Bamn managed to find some solid footing again in the form of the reader.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-77548723566045636352011-10-28T10:31:00.001-04:002011-10-28T10:31:00.055-04:00

The Menagerie of Kick-Assery shows no signs of stopping.  This week we talk to (photographer of the macabre) B. John Holmes about horror films and our own individual supernatural experiences. Apparently, the DMV is filled with ghost stories. In particular, the demonic possession that inspired cinema's greatest pants-pisser, The Exorcist... BOOGIETY-BOO for the Halloween edition of M.O.K.A.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-41328863409013434572011-10-27T10:50:00.001-04:002011-10-27T10:50:22.351-04:00

 BamnCan.com is up and running again! We've posted a mission statemtn of sorts. Jerry Maguire would be proud...  CLICKITY-CLICK for announcements on a new webcomic, a spiffy new site re-design, and much much more!

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-78501924318799877152011-10-22T13:58:00.000-04:002011-10-22T13:58:03.420-04:00

Almost done with the landscape project. She's proven to be more difficult than the previous assignments. Lots of color picking, textures, perspectives, gradients, etc. I call myself choosing an easy picture to transform in Photoshop, but...NOPE! The teacher helped me with making the tree a little more layered, but he wants me to fill in some of the background stuff (signs, cars, sidewalks, and

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-63394962409963088842011-10-18T20:45:00.001-04:002011-10-18T20:45:54.970-04:00

Odd. I referenced the 80s with an action film that takes place in 1935. You call him "Dr. Jones," doll. CLICKITY-CLICK for the 80s episode of MOKA

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-30334253004933281022011-10-12T13:24:00.006-04:002011-10-12T13:24:00.493-04:00

New MOKA is up! Stop me if you've heard this one before... CLICKITY-CLICK for our discussion about sex, Catwoman, Starfire, DC Comics, and all points in-between.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-51542988484798638852011-10-08T14:36:00.000-04:002011-10-08T14:36:49.324-04:00

The before picture. The before the after, but after the before picture. Cranky. Taking classes Saturday morning at a campus that requires two bus rides is proving to be the death of my sanity. I'll probably never do weekend classes this far from home again (or, I can just get a car). Anyway, next project is landscaping. A final test to see how well we know these tools. Admittedly, my

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-61568909982215519172011-10-08T11:56:00.000-04:002011-10-08T11:56:44.551-04:00

My teacher help fix the shadows on this one. Figured I should post it here. They look more natural versus the lazy hand drawn shadows I did previously for this project (see previous "CG120" post). Coincidentally, I continue to rediscover how much comics have informed my artistic/learning process. First, it was the crazy idea that I should make comics instead of film (which is what I got my A.A.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-58357217893604330902011-10-06T13:32:00.000-04:002011-10-07T08:29:09.885-04:00

You can pry my Netflix from my cold, dead hands! Yeah, that's all I got. CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest episode of the Menagerie of Kick-Assery!

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-34845162481397606762011-10-01T14:35:00.000-04:002011-10-01T14:36:02.528-04:00

Taking my teacher's advice and just getting it done. I'm not an artist, I'm a writer (godamny!) and this "still life" thang is kicking my ass because I'm trying to perfect it. Get 'er done! That's how I'll have to carry it through this class. No more trying to create genius things and failing (I have my writing for that). Anyways... Still Life. Go! So what do we have here? One mic, Buddha, a

Troynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-50243718523194835872011-09-28T12:49:00.001-04:002011-10-08T10:32:11.910-04:00

The blu-ray of Star Wars came out recently. Disgusted with the changes made to the original films (yet again) we decided to take our resident Star Wars fan (That Urban Punk) to task over his blind devotion to all things Lucas. This could get ugly. CLICKITY-CLICK for MOKA's first in a series of "intervention" episode.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-38757589848173798222011-09-24T14:45:00.001-04:002011-09-24T14:45:06.232-04:00

The before picture. Hopefully, this ends up becoming a brilliant still life. Through no fault of my instructor, I spent most of the class trying to navigate layers on Adobe. (Realizing you drew on the wrong layer for 30 minutes is a hair above crib death in terms of awfulness) I've had this issue before even with Bamn. I will crack this class and moonwalk through it eventually. At least

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-8733271566054768602011-09-24T11:12:00.001-04:002011-09-24T11:12:12.981-04:00

Back at it again. The task was to sketch what I wanted to create first and then do it in Photoshop.  My sketch was inspired (a wrestling ring with a slightly tweaked "Japanese Rising Sun") but it also was tougher than leather to recreate on Adobe. I abandoned the original concept and took my teacher's advice to simplify my first assignment. My sketch looks nothing like this, but the

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-35655417424245111832011-09-22T13:38:00.001-04:002011-09-22T13:38:00.475-04:00

Scrambling for content last week, Menagerie of Kick-Assery took the Seinfeld route and did a show about absolutely nothing. Pretty entertaining, I think. CLICKITY-CLICK to listen to us ramble on about car accidents, All Dogs Go to Heaven, fighting immigrants, the Mission: Impossible series, Columbine, and DC's New 52.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-38157807515413714622011-09-21T18:38:00.000-04:002011-10-22T14:00:08.189-04:00

Reinvigorated and brimming with creative recklessness, we've finally opted to update www.BamnCan.com. Purchasing will still be available, as well as other options. If a link or tab disappears, do not fret. All will be restored quickly. Check back soon. We guarantee the site will be more awesome than ever. During this transition, any questions or complaints you may have can and will be

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-29799217029720976682011-09-17T14:30:00.000-04:002011-09-24T10:54:04.165-04:00

CG 120 fail. Well, I learned today that I don't understand the "lasso tool" and what started as an inspired Japanese wrestling ring on a grassy field turned into a big soggy womp womp. Looking forward to tuition reimbursement now.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-55388061514034187882011-09-15T19:08:00.001-04:002011-10-22T13:59:14.689-04:00

Still reeling from post-convention trauma (AKA drinking too much and eating crap). While I haven't managed enough brain power to post something clever here, Action A Go Go (fittingly enough) shows no signs of slowing down.This week we reviewed Bitch Slap, Columbiana, and Conan in 3D. Now drop your pants and  CLICKITY-CLICK 

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-24408745380780497562011-09-10T14:30:00.003-04:002011-09-24T10:54:04.161-04:00

Day one of Computer Graphics class. Photoshoping my way through this imaginary land of birds, flowers and jagged pieces of purple glass as mountains. I thought this class would give me an new appreciation for artist but, thus far, I just wish complimentary and monocromatic colors had a face to punch. It's okay, Jay. I get it now. If I had to stare at gradient tools all day wondering why the sun

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-52425933536050211732011-09-09T15:35:00.001-04:002011-09-09T15:35:52.916-04:00

Doing. This. Post. On. The Metro. Phone dying. Must. Update. Blog. Before. Battery. Runs. Out... HERE! 

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-87887569625174096982011-09-08T15:42:00.002-04:002011-10-22T14:06:35.207-04:00

Making my internet rounds before this weekend's indie comic exhibition at Small Press Expo. I have some useful info to share with you before you attend SPX this Saturday (9/11) and/or Sunday (9/12), so hold on to something bolted down...I'm about to blow your cortex to the Milky Way: Up first, the fine people of DC Conspiracy were kind enough to provide a visual map of the show floor. Naturally,

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-90515564072976771972011-09-01T13:34:00.002-04:002011-10-22T13:59:14.690-04:00

I'm lucky enough to live about 10 minutes from an American Film Institute (not THE American Film Institute but an east coast little sister). Now, I won't pretend that I run over there every week to catch some French New Wave retrospective or self important, dry toast character drama, but once in a while the AFI manages to play something I do give a damn about. For example...Die Hard. I was never

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-62681876377979724792011-08-31T13:31:00.001-04:002011-08-31T13:31:37.607-04:00

New podcast is up! This time Carolyn Belefski (Curls) and Joe Carabeo (Astray Productions) joins Gene, Nick, and myself as we do what we do best:HATE. CLICKITY-CLICK for a glass of haterade with the Menagerie of Kick-Assery.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-62057458941140304182011-08-31T13:02:00.001-04:002011-10-22T14:05:35.764-04:00

Table assignments have been announced! Jon Jeebus (of Paper Lab Studios), Jay Payne (Crystal Clear, Bamn), and I (me) will be at W3‐9 at the Small Press Expo. Yeah, I know...I 'm not quite sure why it has us listed at six tables either but, I'm certain we will be sandwiched somewhere within that block along with our friends at the DC Conspiracy. Speaking of mistakes, in my haste to not blow an

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-45868818449643885392011-08-30T13:36:00.063-04:002011-08-30T13:36:00.569-04:00

For what it's worth, I like jeans and relaunches. I've never read a more acceptable explanation for the DC relaunch than this.  There are plenty of factors but the bottom line is how much it's costing you and if it is worth the cost. Through no fault of DC's creative, the answer is probably going to be no. (For the record: video games don't have this problem because A) They keep you in the

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-76723244791026299352011-08-29T01:44:00.000-04:002011-08-29T01:44:33.635-04:00

Hold me. I’m scared for the zeitgeist. That’s the one thought I can’t get past as I foolishly chase down YouTube videos of the 2011 Video Music Awards. What started as a simple desire to see a tribute to Amy Winehouse has caused me to spiral into the asshole of pop culture. Lady Gaga is dressed as a man, 11-year-old girls are forced to pay homage to Britney Spears in futuristic whore gear, and

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-7286786570122318512011-08-25T08:57:00.000-04:002011-10-22T14:04:34.384-04:00

The Baltimore Comic Con went extremely well for us. That is no small feat when you consider the fact that we haven't had a new title in over a year and that Stan "The Man" Lee was the guest of honor (which should have meant that all the attendees would've passed up our little indie book in favor of standing in line for his autograph). Invigorated, I wrote passionately about the whole stimuli

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-66237679984714276122011-08-23T00:35:00.002-04:002011-10-22T14:04:34.385-04:00

I've mused before about the surreal world of conventions --- how the mundane aspects of life seem to simply ooze away as we scrounge deeper into the realm of nerdity. (Ever notice how the world "nerd" can be manipulated to fit any sentence?) But isn't it how it should be? Shouldn't comic book conventions feel like that bridge between redundancy and escapism? Shouldn't life allow us small

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-42537192114173199432011-08-19T16:27:00.002-04:002011-10-22T14:04:34.386-04:00

To the officers of the Baltimore City Police Department: I have kidnapped Stan Lee. That is correct…Baltimore Comic Con's "guest of honor" is now in my possession. I have taken control of his limo from BWI and will be driving him to a remote location somewhere in West Virginia. This is not a ransom note; I demand nothing more but to be left alone. I will be keeping Stan Lee under my care for

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-35596349441003396762011-08-16T15:51:00.000-04:002011-08-16T15:51:46.281-04:00

Cowboys, Conan, and Captain America...OH MY! The summer movie season comes to a close, which means we all have to act like civilized adults who don't favor explosions, aliens, and superheroes for a few more months. Sulk. CLICKITY-CLICK for the Menagerie of Kick-Assery's 2 hour summer movie cool down.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-2612858919136030932011-08-13T14:51:00.001-04:002011-10-22T14:04:34.386-04:00

Well, it's officially a party. Not only will Bamn #3 make its testicle-shattering debut at Baltimore Comic Con (August 20th and 21st) but we will be signing and selling copies of Bamn #3 at the Alliance Comics pre-party on August 19th. This is a very casual event. In fact, it may be a better opportunity to chit chat with a bunch of creators than at the actual convention itself. So swing on

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-52501832689375547072011-08-12T14:17:00.001-04:002011-08-12T14:17:00.204-04:00

I really need to stop reading Perry Bible Fellowship on 'shrooms. I forgot to post this about a month ago (I'm busy, buddy...get off my nuts) but I figured it was still worth noting despite the timing being off. Comic Book Bin culled together it's staff of writers (which included me) to put together a preliminary Best of 2011 lists. Everyone loves list! Even list that are remembered four

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-74577401276187148972011-08-10T13:19:00.003-04:002011-08-10T13:19:00.541-04:00

Superman and Jesus have a lot in common. Particularly, making money. New MOKAsst is up! Copyrights and trademarks may sound boring as hell until you realize how many legal battles have been waged over some of your favorite fictional characters. From Superman to Call of Duty, MOKA breaks down all the red tape and legalese. Extra special thanks to patent clerk and comic book scribe Jon Jeebus

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-41440797341867905462011-08-10T12:14:00.002-04:002011-10-22T14:00:08.193-04:00

Well, it's officially a party. Not only will Bamn #3 make its testicle-shattering debut at Baltimore Comic Con (August 20th and 21st) but we will be signing and selling copies of Bamn #3 at the Alliance Comics pre-party on August 19th. Headlining the shindig are the perceptive producers at Visionary Studios. So if you hate us, by comparison, you'll love the variety of books that they publish.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-58468673978360570862011-08-05T11:50:00.001-04:002011-08-05T11:50:53.108-04:00

Where the magic happens. Maybe Sucker Punch was some sort of experiment on the subconscious from director Zack Snyder. You laugh, but his psychological girls with guns flick seems to be gnawing at the lumpy portions of my brain. How else could you explain the fact that since my initial shoulder-shrugging review, I've seen the film three times and now have a monstrous one-sheet sitting at the

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-48270290846471938852011-08-02T10:58:00.002-04:002011-08-02T10:58:00.411-04:00

Gives a whole new meaning to the term "mushroom stamp." A surprisingly pleasant conversation about, pop icon and self-appointed video game messiah, Nintendo. CLICKITY-CLICK for the war between the casual and hardcore gamers.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-42576417514853893582011-08-01T11:27:00.007-04:002011-08-01T11:27:00.600-04:00

Strange fact: George Lucas, the sad genius behind the greater and lesser installments of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, has been trying to make a Tuskegee Airmen film for over two decades. What stopped him? (I mean...clearly it wasn't an issue of money for him) Well...he's George Lucas. He waits over a decade to follow up on things. I just certainly hope that this time something phenomenal will

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-56889524672836728702011-07-29T14:16:00.000-04:002011-07-29T14:16:07.960-04:00

Random but not surprising. After his revealing GQ interview, I've opted to stop bitching about Michael Bay. The guys a technician --- a captain of only the largest vessels --- his concern does not belong in the realm of character or plot, it belongs to visual craftsmanship. And that is no small feat. With that said, I am a blogger and it is embedded in me to find something to bitch about...

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-76260923368060375262011-07-26T18:48:00.001-04:002011-07-26T18:49:01.403-04:00

Marvel is flipping Hollywood the bird and getting the final say on how to make comic book movies. It's an exciting time if you're a true believer. CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest MOKA podcast with Scarzella, Gene Green, and moi.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-70622936160335653002011-07-23T18:28:00.001-04:002011-07-23T18:28:26.780-04:00

MOKA brings on two Potter-philes (ugh) to talk about the seventh movie.Of course we mock them endlessly... CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest episode of the Menagerie of Kick-Assery

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-54316982974691619832011-07-22T14:49:00.000-04:002011-07-22T14:49:05.298-04:00

Saw Captain America last night. Loved it. Here... CLICKITY-CLICK for my review at Action A Go Go

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-89856010156977528862011-07-18T01:52:00.003-04:002011-07-18T02:06:37.679-04:00

Because I could use the hits (and it seems that, for once, I caught on to something a little bit before the rest of the Internet did) I'm posting this. Quick thought: Since the 60s, Marvel has been the trendsetter and DC has been the follower. DC's biggest claim has always been that they were here first, but Marvel has always reinvented the wheel. This competition has now moved on to the realm

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-47547952247094671002011-07-15T13:12:00.005-04:002011-10-22T13:59:14.690-04:00

It's mid-day Friday and your heart needs a shot of adrenaline to make it past that late afternoon depression. Well, thank Jee-zus for Action A Go Go. Fellow MOKAsster D. Scarzilla has started a blog dedicated to action films. He reviews the classics and the unsung films of the genre, posts YouTube videos filled with explosions and educates the masses.  Over the last few weeks, we (I contribute

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-83741602489704652162011-07-14T11:52:00.000-04:002011-07-14T11:52:39.857-04:00

Admittedly, I have a love/hate relationship with anime/manga. At it's best, the artwork is jaw-dropping and the stories can serve as a window into the complex layers of Japanese culture. At its worst, all you get is tits and violence... Hm. What was I complaining about? CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest MOKAsst with anime aficionado Chris Campbell! 

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-4810809876914384042011-07-13T11:28:00.001-04:002011-10-22T14:00:08.194-04:00

In the background, there have been murmurings of a Bamn fighting game being put together through an unexpected partnership between a newly minted indie game developer and us. At this point, I can't say much about it because it's still too early to tell (and I don't want to jinx the damn thing), but Jay has been drawing up level designs and we've been discussing story details and how they can

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-27157306338223371032011-07-11T13:28:00.000-04:002011-07-11T13:28:00.717-04:00

This is an emergency test brought to you via the Android Massacre!  Click Here to unravel the mysteries of the Ro3ot 0verl0rd!

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-76549273123396228632011-06-29T13:42:00.002-04:002011-10-22T14:00:08.195-04:00

Poor little guy. He drew so much today. We got our proof copy of Bamn #3 in the mail this week. Now we have to correct all the stupid mistakes we made, send it back to the printer and have them correct all the stupid mistakes we made, and then have it printed up so the reader can correct all the stupid mistakes we made. I tell you...comics are a vicious cycle. Bye now.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-72781019039797982502011-06-28T19:27:00.000-04:002011-06-28T19:27:36.077-04:00

MOKA has it's first political debate. It's all very serious and controversial until someone says the name "Weiner." CLICKITY-CLCK for a cautionary episode about the dangers of social networks.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-11785282441080507252011-06-22T22:41:00.000-04:002011-10-22T14:06:35.207-04:00

You know the drill. Magic Bullet is expected to debut at the Small Press Expo in September, but we need your donations in order to make it become a reality. As usual, a new Boogie Monster strip (by David Dean and myself) is scheduled to be featured inside the newspaper along with various indie comic goodies. The following video will explain it all...

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-22883169044751418872011-06-21T10:44:00.001-04:002011-06-21T10:44:33.674-04:00

Even I got a little salty on this episode.For MOKAsst 21, we all agree the Green Lantern ain't $#!+, but Super 8 causes battle lines to be drawn.By the way, Nick and Derek...you're still both wrong! CLICKITY-CLICK 

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-69552178432838300742011-06-17T11:44:00.002-04:002011-06-17T11:44:00.894-04:00

You think this image is creepy then you should see the one with ET and Michael Jackson. In the 1980s and 90s, it wasn't really a credible movie year unless Steven Spielberg produced or directed, at least, one film. Over recent years, however, the highly accomplished director seems to take sporadic breaks between updating his film credits. It makes sense, sure. The guy has gotten older, he's

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-45876996772798279052011-06-14T10:28:00.001-04:002011-06-14T10:28:51.989-04:00

Ray Wallace kills communist with his acoustic guitar and his swinging lyrics about pop obsession and the 1960s.What the hell am I talking about? Who is Ray Wallace?Well, my friend, I'd say it is time you found out...CLICKITY-CLICK for MOKA: The Musical!

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-21426428829351245162011-06-13T11:26:00.013-04:002011-06-14T09:28:38.147-04:00

At the twilight of the 22nd century as humankind struggles with the Pandora's box of Cog-A.I., historical hindsight has revealed that our headlong race to automate the fundamentals of knowledge seeking has alienated us from that knowledge... CLICK FOR MORE

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-58816371595524267402011-06-11T00:14:00.001-04:002011-10-22T13:59:14.691-04:00

It took me a week, two viewings and a podcast roundtable but i finally got all my thoughts about X-Men: First Class in writing. In the past, I've used my words to criticize the X-Men films, so i decided to not just review the film but examine the franchise as a whole. This non-linear method of reviewing has previously proven to be useful because it allows me to get away from critiquing and allows

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-32586438623537423502011-06-07T10:32:00.001-04:002011-06-07T10:32:56.977-04:00

Got a new MOKA out!This one is all about that X-Men: First Class flick that everyone seems to love (except me).I have more to say about the positives of Matthew Vaughn's film over at actionagogo.blogspot.com. Er...I just need to write it.Stay tuned for that, but you can catch the Menagerie of Kick-Assery's thoughts on the expanding X-Universe if you just CLICKITY-CLICK HERE 

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-80689037309611207722011-06-01T20:44:00.000-04:002011-10-22T14:05:10.794-04:00

With Bamn # 3 finally going to print, artist and co-creator Jay Payne gets to focus on the lady in his life. Crystal Clear! Jay is actively working on the second issue of his Rom-Com/Superhero adventure and the art looks better than ever. Don't believe me? Well, take a look at this sample image. What do you think?

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-48206442551491082322011-05-31T12:59:00.008-04:002011-05-31T12:59:00.540-04:00

It's been a week since Family Radio predicted the end of all things. Funny...I don't feel damned. Hm. Maybe the Menagerie of Kick-Assery can explain why. CLICKITY-CLICK for the best of the end with the Menagerie of Kick-Assery.

Troynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-12009440708695695882011-05-30T12:08:00.001-04:002011-05-30T12:09:07.079-04:00

This Memorial Day, the United States acknowledges the men and women who fell serving this country...in the past. But what about the future? Android Massacre wishes to honor those who will inevitably fall battling our robotic oppressors by looking ahead while sharing the warning signs from the past. Click each article for a a glimpse into the war against the machines: JUSTIN BIEBER-BOT

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-3186186905794884042011-05-26T13:45:00.007-04:002011-05-26T13:45:00.242-04:00

Argh! I'm a bit frustrated with this episode. For months, I had planned to get Scarzilla, that_urban_punk, Gene Green and special guest "Pierre" all in the same room for a gaming chat. Once the Playstation Network crashed earlier this month, I seized the opportunity and pulled together a round table discussion just a week after PSN went back up. After all that work, the episode had technical

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-885638073285436772011-05-25T11:47:00.001-04:002011-10-22T14:00:08.196-04:00

The only thing we can say about the delay is that we have figured out many pitfalls of small press publishing along the way and we are determined to never repeat them again. In the meantime --- as we await the proof copy of Bamn # 3 from our printers at Comixpress --- here is the official cover image and a little bit of copy to accompany it. Ohhhhhhhh, we can't wait! Er...um...any more. Bamn

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-59651650868402630532011-05-17T11:28:00.010-04:002011-05-17T11:28:00.464-04:00

New MOKA is up! Gene had an idea to do an all animation episode. For once, it was I who was skeptical on how interesting the topic would be (usually, Gene is the skeptic). Surprisingly, it turned out to be super informative and a bit worldly. CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest episode of the Menagerie of Kick-Assery podcast

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-23965307654852291102011-05-14T11:31:00.000-04:002011-05-14T11:31:04.379-04:00

That_Urban_Punk, Gene Green, and myself are back in the summer movie seat (I have no idea what that means) as we discuss Marvel's Thor movie at length. Get your geek deflectors on, you're about to get knee-deep in it: CLICKITY-CLICK for the latest episode of the MOKA podcast.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-62941537747325676442011-05-09T13:35:00.000-04:002011-05-09T13:35:24.168-04:00

Okay, technically this is not a review of Thor but me dissecting one particular aspect of the movie. Nonetheless, I feel it's an important aspect to point out. It's about the importance of Natalie Portman's performance in the film and I swear this has less to do with pretty girls and more to do with content...sorta. CLICKITY-CLICK for my explanation of the importance of leading lady @ Action A

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-80367039082718445272011-05-07T10:02:00.018-04:002011-05-07T10:02:00.855-04:00

Hm. I think I just created a new character. Imagine a vampire that goes through continuity sucking on characters that dont belong---Hm. That sounded better (and less dirty)  in my brain. CLICKITY-CLICK for the newest episode of the MOKA podcast in which Gene and I talk about reboots, retcons, and our ideas on how to fix existing characters. Quite possibly the dorkiest episode yet.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-59976626827593821632011-05-06T13:16:00.001-04:002011-05-06T13:16:00.441-04:00

Earlier this week, I reviewed Hanna over at ComicBookBin.com. As you my have figured by all the chest thumping and violence-mongering I do on this blog, I love me some action films. In Hanna's case, I got a bit of a pleasant surprise. One that satisfied my action movie wants, as well as, my love of characters and themes. CLICKITY-CLICK to read my review of Hanna at CBB.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-90803687181977108212011-05-06T10:56:00.000-04:002011-05-06T10:56:17.783-04:00

I'm starting to notice a direct relation to the weather and how I write. Bad weather = writing is like pulling teeth. Good weather = writing is like punching someone in the mouth (makes you feel much better). I dropped this SHIELD review at Forces of Geek yesterday. I definitely put plenty of time into this one. Mostly because I've been in love with this book since it first came out in monthly

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-43316104636892950332011-05-03T13:24:00.009-04:002011-05-03T13:24:00.235-04:00

Trust me, the timing of this review (which I sat on for about two weeks) isn't lost on me. As far as I'm concerned, Aaron and Ahmed is the first big catch of 2011. The fact that a book about the psychology of the "war on terror" dropped only a mere few weeks before Osama Bin Hidin' was killed, only makes it that more important. CLICKITY-CLICK for what is one of the best comics of the year.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-23495376160510044782011-05-02T11:17:00.001-04:002011-05-14T11:33:25.832-04:00

In the future, a good weekend means we've avoided robot armageddon. CLICK HERE to find out why humanity can't rest on the seventh day. 

Troynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481166922395891085.post-50400554716645662942011-04-28T09:54:00.001-04:002011-04-28T09:54:19.546-04:00

I'm actually very happy with the way this one turned out.Nick, Gene, and myself all have seperate goals for what we want to accomplish on the MOKAsst. This particular 2-parter is the type of conversational style that I have wanted to pull together since MOKA's inception (a mere 13 episodes ago). CLICKITY CLICK  for MOKA's summer movie break down.

Troynoreply@blogger.com0