Happy Holidays

No, my Christmas shopping isn't done yet. The Christmas parties are still on the schedule. My Christmas cards still aren't done, and I'm not playing 'Secret Santa' with anybody. But I'd like to take a moment and wish everyone a safe and warm holiday season. I know...it can be hard to do when you're driving in traffic and that asshat cuts you off because he's trying to get a better parking spot at Best Buy. Or, how about when that 16 year old punk who's driving Dad's Escalade is riding your bumper so close, he can see what station your radio's on. Yeah. It's like that.

That's why I shop online.

This will probably be my last post of the year, but only because...now just wait! Wait for it...

Okay...only because in January 2008, this site will look completely different. That's right. Redesign time! My wife loves it when I do this. Stay tuned. It'll be worth the wait, I promise. There's a design underway as we speak. So, look for that in the first week or two of January.

Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Christmas, or how ever the hell you like to say it.

Peace out.

~Jonathon

Interpolated Roto-what?

Have you ever seen those Charles Schwab commercials where the people are talking about how they've been made to feel less important because they are smaller investors? They have that painted-over cartoon look about them? No?

Mm-k. Have you ever seen the movie A Scanner Darkly, with Keanu Reaves? No? Jesus William H Christ. Hand me that newspaper so I can smack you with it. And my wife thinks my rock is big. Mph.

Anyway, this style of graphics has been around for a few years, and the animators that worked on A Scanner Darkly, called it Interpolated Rotoscoping. Don't bother asking Webster what the hell that means cause my damn spell check is already freaking out at that terminology. Put simply, the style sort of mimics a graphic novel style of coloring. Or comic book style, for those of you who rode the short bus with the tinted windows.

I'm only kidding.

I decided to try this style of coloring a few weeks ago on a photograph of some friends of mine. You start with your basic photograph and you add layer after layer of color. First, you ink your dark areas and lines just like you would bringing a pencil drawing to life. Then you just keep adding layers of color under the blacks to 'flush out' the new color by eye-dropping the actual colors from the photo into the new layers. I used Illustrator CS3 for doing all of this. It sounds harder than it is. I probably have 18-20 hours into this image. Took me for-freakin' ever. Though, it was my first time, this was done using a mouse, not a digital drawing tablet. (I'm still working from the stone-age.) The newly colored image is on top and the original photo is perched at the bottom.

I've also added some new photographs in the 'photography' section here too. Check 'em out.

Flannel Man

This particular event happened in the fall, around Halloween in 1991 I believe. It was late afternoon and the sun had already began to sink in the sky. That day, I decided to go for a walk in the woods behind our house. My brother Jason was the only other person home at the time. A little while into my walk through the woods, I started to hear crunching leaves in the distance, as if someone was walking through the woods. I looked around but didn't see anyone. I didn't think much of it and passed it off as being one of the neighbors. At this point, I was probably 50 yards into the woods. I continued my walk, when I heard the crunching leaves again. This time they weren't walking. They were running. Each step grew louder. I remember hearing the twigs snap under each step, and the crackle of the leaves. I whirled around in every direction and saw no one. I started to get an eerie feeling. I turned from my direction and headed back towards the house. The steps in the crunching leaves grew even louder. I quickened my pace. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone. I only caught it for a second, but it was there. It was a man running at me from my right. He was many yards away, but I could tell he was dressed in a flannel shirt that was somehow waving with him in slow motion. His face and the rest of his body was a blur. I remember hearing a yell or a scream that was certainly that of an echoing male. I could hear his crunching steps getting closer. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I ran. I ran like hell. I couldn't tell if once I started running the steps stopped, but I do know, that once I cleared the woods and came to the grass in the backyard, there was no one there. I scanned the wood-scape from the yard for a few moments, but there was nothing but silence. Dead silence. No songs from the birds and no chirping from crickets. The crunching steps and flannel man had disappeared without a trace. I knew that woods pretty well. And whatever had been in it a moment before was no longer.

I walked up to the house pretty shaken up to get my brother. At first he laughed and didn't believe me. (I could understand that hearing that sort of thing would've been pretty outrageous.) But he sympathized nonetheless. We grabbed baseball bats and headed back into the woods. We found nothing. We heard nothing. And that was the last time I ever saw flannel man.

Jonathon and the Case of the Missing Pencil

My family and I used to live in a two-story house that my brother and I swear was haunted to this day. Over the years, there was a ton of things that happened there that none of us could explain. I won't officially say that I believe in ghosts, as I am a skeptic like most people, but I have witnessed things that really can't be explained by any other means. I've decided to share one story...

I was a sophomore in high school around this time in 1992. After school that day, I had came home and decided to draw for a while. I went upstairs, turned on my bedroom light and parked myself in front of my drawing table. I had a dresser on another wall with an aquarium on top of it, and across from that was my closet doors. I also had my own bathroom attached to the bedroom. (Which made it quite nice when you're sharing shower times with three other brothers and a sister.) I drew with my rare, but worthy .3 lead pencil. I loved that pencil. After sitting and drawing for an hour or so, I decided to take a break. I put my pencil down on my table, got up and headed for the bathroom. Afterwards, I walked out of my bedroom, turned out the light and went downstairs for a drink and smoke. I was home alone and would be for the next hour or so. I crushed out my cigarette and headed back upstairs. As I entered my bedroom, I turned on the light once more. I noticed immediately that the room was more dim. As if I had blown one of the light bulbs in the center fixture of the room. I thought nothing of it and sat myself back down at my drawing table. At which time, I also noticed that my pencil was missing. That's right, my prized .3 lead pencil was MIA. At first, I thought I might have knocked it off my table accidentally, or that I might have unintentionally taken it downstairs with me on my break. So, like any normal person, I began to re-trace my steps. But this proved to be a fruitless effort. After searching the downstairs areas once more, I came back upstairs and searched my bedroom again. Nothing. No pencil in sight. Frustrated, I stood in my room staring at the ceiling, trying to remember what I had done with it, when it came to me. I had vividly remembered placing the pencil on my table before I went to the bathroom. But why wasn't it still there? I was home alone. No one could've taken it. Then, I saw something I'll never forget. I looked up at the light fixture in the center of my bedroom, and noticed that both bulbs were still working, yet it was still dim in the room. Inside the square bug-laden glass fixture, was the shape of a dark cylindrical silhouette, resembling the size of a pen or pencil. I grabbed my chair and wheeled it near me as I perched myself on top of it to reach the object. As I pulled it out of the fixture, it revealed itself as my missing pencil.

True story. Ghost or not? If it wasn't, someone snuck into my room ninja-style and hid my pencil up there. Which is more likely? You decide.

Storm Photos from 10.18.2007

Here's a few shots I took from last night's lightning show...

An Open Call

Writing is hard work. I must say. I just finished editing the last part of my book for the umpteenth time yesterday. I told myself that after I finished it in April that I would shelve it for a few months and come back to it with a fresh set of eyes. In the last week, I've taken a closer look at it objectively and ended up changing more things. I haven't messed with the plot or the general story, but rather words here and there and grammar I might have goofed on the first time around. So, for now it's done. Again.

I've also done some research in the last few months in regards to publishing. It would seem that in order for me to get my work published, providing someone actually likes it, I'll need to find a literary agent. I did find a few that I'm interested in, based on the kinds of books they've dealt with in the past. The first of which I'm going to try is in New York. Abiding by their submission requirements, I have to first send them a cover letter and a sample chapter from my book. I won't reveal who I'm sending it to just yet to protect their privacy. If they happen to like what I send them, they will then ask for the entire manuscript. I honestly don't think I have a chance in hell at getting this published, but at least I can say I tried. The packet went out yesterday. I'm told to expect an answer within 6-8 weeks. With a huge amount of luck, maybe I'll eventually get assigned an editor and have to redo my book all over again anyway! I'm trying to remember that this is fun.

Having said that, I'm going to do something a little different. From now until the end of the month, I'm having an open call to anyone who might be interested in reading my book. Here's the deal: You send me your address, and I'll mail you a copy, free of charge. All I ask in return is a review of your likes and dislikes, and an overall grade of the book. The book is only 70 pages long so it won't take anyone forever to read it. So far, to my knowledge, only 3 people have read it and I'd like to get some more feedback about it. Matt - yes, the copy you have is outdated and I can send you another one. Again, from now until Halloween, you can email me at jrose2@nd.edu or jonathon@jonathonrose.com, include your address and you can nab yourself a free copy.

Shortest Camping Trip on Record...

This year's annual camping trip turned out to be a huge bust, unfortunately. In the past, my brother and sister and I have gone up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to camp, fish, ride quads, etc. This year we decided not to go up there because of the burn ban that was in effect for the UP. (Camping isn't much fun if you can't have a campfire.) Instead, we went up to the northeastern portion of Michigan to the Huron National Forest area. While the area up there is still very pretty and much like the UP in many ways, its weather wasn't quite as welcoming. The first full day we were there (which was Sunday, September 9th), was the brightest warmest day we had. From there, it went downhill.

Sunday night, my brother and his wife arrived right around dark. The temperatures had already begun to drop. After getting them settled in, we went to bed.

Monday wasn't too bad a day if my memory serves me right. It's all a blur now. We went into town, did some mild shopping for supplies and hung around the site. That afternoon and through the night it rained. We woke up Tuesday morning soaking wet and cold in the tent. A short time later, we warmed ourselves by the fire, drank coffee, and grabbed a shower. That afternoon, my brother and I sent the women to the laundromat to dry our sleeping bags and towels, while we gathered firewood and tried to dry out the tent and everything else. Later that evening, two severe storms rolled in from the north. The first one had hail, bad lightning, and a wicked wind. The second wasn't quite as gnarly as the first, but still annoying to say the least. The storms stopped just in time for dusk and skies began to clear. The clouds disappeared and the stars grew clearer as the night's temperatures dropped into the lower 40's. By Wednesday morning, we'd had enough. They were forecasting more rain for the week ahead, and we decided we didn't want to endure any more sopping wet days. Thus, our camping excursion for 2007 came to an abrupt end as we packed up and headed for home.

This will be the end of my camping days for now. I won't continue to be at the mercy of mother nature from here on out. It's too un-relaxing. We put too much work and forethought into the trip as a whole to have it ruined by bad weather. My brother told me that it sounded like the end of an era, and to an extent, he's probably right. Ever since the early nineties we'd been camping in the UP, with only a few years off here and there. My brother and I have personally and consecutively been going up there for nearly 8 years. So, in a way, I am ending an era. I just can't do it any more. Not to say we won't go up there again, but it certainly won't be in a tent.

My sister managed to snap a few pictures from the trip. I'll upload those probably tomorrow.

~Jonathon

A Little History...

I figured it was time for an update. (I have to be able to keep all 3 of visitors happy, right?) Well, for those that don't know me all that well, my school years were a little scattered. I attended a private Catholic School for my gradeschool years called St. Bavo's. As if coming from a strict Catholic family wasn't fun enough, I also had to attend Mass 3 times a week with my classmates. I did this for the first 5 grades of school before my family moved to Elkhart, where I continued my education in the public school system. I graduated in Elkhart in 1994.

Now, fast-forward 13 years to today...

I currently work in a graphic arts related field in a building that also houses the trade shops that support the University. Piloting the Carpenter Shop is a friend of mine named Steve, whom I've only known for maybe 2 years. As it turns out, we were talking this morning about family, when he tells me that this mother works at St. Bavo's church. I then told him that I went to school there, and he said that he did too! He graduated high school in 95, a year behind me, but attended St. Bavo's the same time I did, again, only one year behind me. I don't have any memory of him when I was there, but this was 20+ years ago now. I probably walked by him a million times in the hallway and didn't even know it. It's cliche to say, but damn...small world.

Happy Fourth!

Yo. Jonathon here. I don't have too much heavy lifting going on for the 4th. I'll just be hanging with family, grillin' out. Hopefully I'll be seeing Transformers on this nice long break I'm taking. I'm off work at the end of the day, and don't have to be back till Monday.

So, I hope everyone has a happy and safe fourth of July.

More Color....

I've been in more of a coloring mood here lately. I'm not sure how long this is going to last, but it's been fun, nonetheless. I decided to try coloring my pencil drawing of Leia and Padme. I think it turned out okay. It was a little tough to make them appear as though they are ghosts, as I wanted to steer away from the traditional look of that blue-ish glow that's been seen in the movies.


Tonight, I'll be off to see Live Free or Die Hard. Stay tuned for a review on that here: Review Blog.

Supes Gets Painted...

I'll admit, it's been a while since my last post, but I figured I'd return with a bang rather than just a mundane 'here I am' post. The past few weeks have been spent coloring this nightmare of a drawing. This drawing of Supes and Lois is probably one of the longest ones I've ever worked on. You guys all saw it last summer when I posted it in black and white. Well, after two long weeks of coloring...behold...
I think it turned out rather well. I'm about 80% happy with it, which is a success by my sometimes anal standards. It was done in Photoshop CS. With every drawing I color digitally, I learn a little more each time about the best ways to do things. This one was done using mainly the brush tool. I tried to stay away from the gradient tool as much as possible, as it is much easier to control softness and color variety. However, once I started the buildings, using the gradient tool became almost necessary. I need to take my buddy Matt's advice and buy a Wacom Tablet and stop using the damn mouse!

It looks completely different than its black and white predecessor, that's for sure. Originally, I wanted the drawing to be a 'during the day' kind of piece. But as time went on and I started coloring more, I decided it would be much more interesting if it was a night scene. This way, the lighting elements became more dynamic and limitless. It also gave the drawing a more unique sense of vibrance.

Deviously Divulging

Let's see. Tuesday? Check. Nice outside? Check. In the mood for an afternoon nap that won't happen cause you're stuck at work? Check. So, as a result, I guess you'll just have to read about what I have to say here today. There's been a few things happenin'...

In the last few months, I became 'deviously deviant' and joined the huge crowd over at deviantArt.com. There's a lot of talent over there. Almost too much to see in one visit. I have a few things up over there, but not all. The link to that is under my 'site friends' section. Which, brings me to my next bit of news.

I've updated the Site Friends section with two additions. One of which being my deviantArt site, as well as my brand spanking new blog, Chronicles of Heroes. There, I'll be reviewing and discussing TV shows and movies, both new and old. With the TV shows ending this week, most of the Summer will likely be spent doing movies.

I've also updated the 'behind the pencil section'. Not much new has changed there, other than adding a few more lines of witty adjectives and quirky descriptions of myself. And my latest Spidey drawing has been added to the 'originals' section. As of right now, I'm attempting to color that drawing. Nifty eh? We'll see how it goes.

In the midst of all this, I've begun a search for a literary agent to represent me and my novel. Or should I say, my novel and I? Do you really have to put it in that order if you're talking about yourself and a inanimate object? If I find an editor, I'll have to ask them that. Hopefully, with a huge amount of luck, I'll find an agent who digs my book and someday it'll get published. Okay, so it's going to take more than a huge amount of luck, but you get my point.

Out.

~Jonathon

Spidey Progress #3 - Final

Here it is....the final piece. It turned out exactly how I envisioned it, but it just seems lackluster to me in some way. I don't know.

Enjoy...

Another Blog??

That's right folks. As if this one on my site isn't enough. I've decided to have another one just for outlining reviews, theories and other things involving TV shows and movies. But I'm guessing most of the talk will revolve around 'Heroes', 'LOST' and 'Smallville.' Maybe even 'Supernatural.' That show is fun, right?

I know it's late in the game and these shows are ending in the next week or so, but hey, we can gripe about their absence and theories all Summer. I just put it up last night, and I'll be changing things here and there...so stop on by and make a comment.

Here's the link: http://heroessavetheworld.blogspot.com/

~Jonathon

Spidey Progress #2

Here's another scan of my Spidey drawing. As you can see, Venom has become more detailed in black. I added more detail to Tobey's suit and put some more work into Kirsten's hair. It's coming together quite well, and is currently almost finished. This scan is about a week old. I'm working on the 'reflective' part of the drawing now. I'm adding cracks and splinters in the mirror itself as well as working on some reflective parts close to Franco's hands. I'm trying not add too much more detail so the drawing doesn't appear too busy. But with the mirror shattering in the smaller areas left in the background, it's becoming more difficult.

Stay tuned for the final piece!

~Jonathon

Drawing Progress with Spidey

A few weeks ago, I started a drawing that I wanted to experiment with. A lot of the work I've done lately has too much negative space surrounding the focal point or subjects. I decided to try and remedy this by drawing a sort of pin-up for the movie Spider-man 3. (The movie kicked ass by the way.) One of the most challenging feats I've tried to accomplish is capturing the essence of an actor or character.

So far, we have Tobey Maguire at the left and Kirsten Dunst to his right. James Franco is pictured at the bottom, while Venom is lunging forward from above. These four characters filled the majority of space on the page. Now, I bet you're wondering what the hands on the bottom of the page are for...right? Well, I had a clever idea to make the hands belong to James Franco. He is essentially looking into a mirror with his hands on it, envisioning the characters in his mind. (This effect will become more clear as the drawing progresses.)

This work is nearly complete as of today, but I'll be posting some more progress pictures in the next few days, so you can see it take shape. I haven't decided on whether or not it will be colored or inked for that matter. But it will be refined, and become much darker in pencil.

Enjoy...

Wii Review and a Wedding

My brother and his girl got married this past weekend. They met in 5th grade and finally decided to tie the knot. So, congratulations to them. The wedding was pretty normal with the exception of the Bride's sister drawing a penis on the window of their getaway car in shoe polish. It became even more funny when the guests started to arrive, and began taking pictures of the car's window before the ceremony. Ah...classic.

In the past few weeks, my wife and I bought a Wii. I must say, this thing is pretty freakin' cool. I'm not a huge gamer by any means, although I do tend to play more in the Winter months when there's less to do outside. The Wii brings a new level of entertainment to your living room. Being able to interact with the console itself, and watch your player respond to your movements is pretty neat to see. Its accuracy is damn near spot on. So far, we have bowling, tennis, baseball, boxing, and golf. And every game is fun in it's own way. My wife and I played baseball last night and I woke up with sore arms from swinging too much. I hate playing golf in real life, but playing it on the Wii is pretty fun. Not to mention the fact, that you can download all of the original Nintendo games directly onto the console, including The Legend of Zelda, Kid Icarus, and many more. I don't think you can compare the Wii to other consoles like the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3. I've played the 360, and while it's cool, it's just not the same as being able to observe and participate in the interaction with the Wii. The 360 obviously focuses on trying to better itself graphic-wise with each release. The Wii, while it's not breath-taking graphic-wise, makes up for that in interaction.

2 Final Picks of 2006...and a Party? What?

I thought it was time for a little face lift. I changed the banner up top to an older photo I took in San Francisco last year. Hope ya'll like it. I also changed my menu slightly too, to reflect the recent completion of my short story.

Tomorrow night is my bro's bachelor party. My parent's were kind enough to lend us their house for the evening. How cool is that? 15 years ago, that wouldn't have happened. I guess that's what happens when you get old: Your parents start to trust you. Scary thought.

So, I guess I've made you wait long enough for my last two picks of movies for 2006. So, I'll get that out of the way now.

#2 Superman Returns

I've babbled on enough about this film in older blogs. No reason to rehash all that.

#1 The Departed

Well, finally it was Martin Scorsese's year at the box office and at the Oscars. He took home the idol for Best Picture and Director, as well as a few others. This is a great movie. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it.

It's Done!

So, I woke up this morning, and I realized that someone had teleported me to the arctic whilst I was asleep. What the hell is with this weather? I must've slept through Spring, Summer and Fall already. Time to break out the Christmas decor already. Sheesh.

In other news today...
In the past week, I have made an accomplishment that I'd mentioned on here from time to time. I finished my first ever short story. That's right. It's done. Originally, it was supposed to be a sci-fi thriller involving Mars and its relationship to Earth. I've shelved the idea for now because it just became too big to try and squeeze into a short story. It would've been like trying to write the Star Wars saga into a 60 page book. Uh...yeah, not happening. My newer story is basically a unraveling murder mystery, with a shocking twist at the end. I'm going to be updating my 'New Projects' section with more details surrounding the story, and possibly a clipping from it. I haven't decided if I'm going to do any illustrations for it, but I may do the cover. I have envisioned a few pages of interior art for it, but I'm just not sure if I want to do them. Maybe I could commission my buddy Matt Martin to do some of the artwork. (Hint, hint.) The title of the story (which was just finalized yesterday) is called, "Back to Life."

I may seek out a publisher soon, I don't know. I think it will depend on my family's and friend's reaction to it.

Suburbial Trickery

Friday morning started quite interesting. I went out for my morning smoke and found a pamphlet wrapped in plastic laying on the driveway. At first glance, I assumed it was propaganda for lawn care or something similar. I looked around at the houses in the neighborhood and the houses near me had the same pamphlet laying in their driveways or yards too. I opened up the plastic and peered inside and to my surprise, it was a recruitment advertisement from the KKK. WTF? I looked through the papers, read the nonsense on them and threw them away. I did however, save one of them to show my wife and upon doing so, she shredded it as well.

That evening, I noticed a local news crew truck interviewing neighbors. It was only a matter of time before they showed up at our door, asking for comments in response to the pamphlets. We obliged. But I gotta believe that the KKK got what they were after in the end, whether it boosted their recruitment efforts or not. Think about it...you distribute 100 or so of these letters...you know someone is going to call a news source and report it, and bam...the KKK just got free publicity all over the news stations. Now the whole damn city knows the KKK is looking for additional people.

*sigh*

One of the downsides to living in a subdivision.

But, I'll leave you on a good note...onto the top 9 of 2006....

#3 The Prestige -

Oh yeah...bitchin' movie. I'm really starting to like director Christopher Nolan, who's also directed 'Momento' and 'Batman Begins.'

Last of the Breed...For Now...

This will be the last of the series of Star Wars drawings for now. I've decided to move on to different subjects. Perhaps I'll return to the saga at some point, I don't know. This is a drawing I did of Princess Leia and her mother, Padme. The idea behind this is that both of the women have now passed away, and have reunited in the Netherworld of the Force. This is an image of them as spirits. Similar to how Obi-Wan appeared before Luke in Return of the Jedi.

It has also been added to my 'originals' gallery.

~Jonathon

Top 9 of 2006 - Con't....with 2 more...

#5 V for Vendetta

"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

Enough said.

#4 Eight Below

I know what you're thinking...A Disney movie with a bunch of sled dogs...how good can that be? Pretty freakin' good if you ask me. This film was based on a true story about a man who worked as guide in Antarctica. His companions were his 8 sled dogs. Seeing as how, I'm a dog-lover myself, this film really hit home for me. In the last year, I lost one of my dogs. So, it took me a while to get up the courage to see this movie because I knew what it was about. Paul Walker's character is forced to leave the research station in Antarctica in emergency, due to medical reasons. The rest of team leaves as well on account of bad weather. The eight dogs were consequently left behind. Hence the title: Eight Below. The story involves Paul Walker's character's quest to return to Antarctica and rescue his companions. Great film. And I don't care how manly you are...you better keep the Kleenex nearby.

Top 9 of 2006 - Almost there....

#6 Cars

It didn't take home an Oscar this year, but I thought it was another achievement from Pixar. I had fun watching this film. Mater was hilarious. And the tractor-tipping? Now, that's funny stuff. I'm not a big fan of Nascar, but I do love cars in general. This film seemed to touch on all the fabrics of cars, whether it was Nascar or just back-in-the 60's style cruising. Good movie.

Top 9 of 2006 - Con't...again

#7 Lady in the Water

A lot of people didn't like this film and truthfully, I'm not sure why. It's a nothing more than an original bed-time story written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Who, also wrote and directed 'The Sixth Sense', 'Signs' and 'The Village.'

I guess I'm a sucker for those cool, dark and scary bed-time stories. Take 'Where the Wild Things Are' for instance. Great book. 'Lady in the Water' is very much of this genre. I have to believe that if this film or book had been made much earlier than now, it would've been met with more success. But this is a book that I would read my child when he/she is old enough to understand it, just as I will with 'Where the Wild Things Are.'

The plot basically entails the story of man named Cleveland who is a janitor at an apartment complex. One night, he comes across a woman who claims she's from another world, and that an evil 'Scrunt' is hunting her. Cleveland becomes convinced of her claims after a run-in with Scrunt himself. He therefore enlists the help of the apartment's residents to help the woman escape back to her world.

~Jonathon

Top 9 of 2006 - Con't...

#8: Flags of Our Fathers

Who would've thought good 'ol Clint Eastwood could pull off a bitchin' war movie? I have not however seen it's sister companion, 'Letters from Iwo Jima.' But I probably will at some point. This film is based on the famous photograph that was taken of the 6 men who raised the American flag at the battle of Iwo Jima. Our story basically begins after the war, where the 6 men are dealing with the apparent rise to fame from being shot in an iconic picture on a mountain top in Iwo Jima. However, the film does refer back many times to events that took place during the war. I'm not usually a big fan of war movies...but I do like a few. Mel Gibson's 'We Were Soldiers' ranks up pretty high on my list. As well as 'Black Hawk Down', 'Platoon' and 'Courage Under Fire.'

Jeez, is Spring here yet??

It would seem that these winters are never-ending. Cold. Blistery. Man, I'm ready for Spring. I have been drawing some lately. Here. There. The drawing I'm currently working on is actually a re-do of an older drawing I started that went sour from too many eraser efforts. It's of Princess Leia and her mother, Padme. I'll post it up once it's done.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some movie opinions with you. Every year I used to send out a top ten list of my favorite movies of the previous year. Well, I'm too lazy to do that, so I'll post them here for all to see. As a result from kind of a ho-hum year in movies, I'm only doing my top 9 for 2006. Let's face it, aside from Superman Returns, the year was just very blah for me.

So, without further delay...

#9: Lucky Number Slevin

That's right. This is one of those you killed someone I loved a long time ago...now I'm going to make you pay for it kind of movies. In a really, really twisted way. This movie also comes with a popular cast including, Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett, Lucy Liu and Morgan Freeman. It's original and keeps you guessing throughout. Definitely a sleeper film.

Aayla Secura

Like I said, I've been on a Star Wars trip with drawing here lately. I've been trying to draw characters who are lesser known just because most of the popular ones have been splattered all over the place. This one is a drawing of Aayla Secura.

She was a Jedi Knight that appeared in Episodes 2 and 3, having died in Episode3. She is a Twi'lek from the planet Ryloth. Aayla is the same humanoid species as the female who played Jaba's slave in Return of the Jedi, who was later eaten by the Rankor. Aayla became a General during the Clone Wars and was selected to defend the colorful planet of Felucia, along side the Clone Troopers. After Palpatine executed Order 66, Aayla was then slain by the Troopers.

Enjoy...

Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Post 6 of 6)

Ah. We come to the final installment in the prequel films. Episode 3 is probably the best of this series in my opinion, as we get to see the fall of Anakin Skywalker.

One of the scenes I really enjoyed is where Anakin walks into the theater/opera house to meet Palpatine. There, Palpatine tells Anakin the story of Darth Plaguies, a dark Lord of the Sith. It's strange that Anakin didn't pick up on him being the Sith Lord at that moment, but whatever. Palpatine tells Anakin that Plaguies was so powerful with the dark-side, that he was able to influence the midichlorians into creating life. Upon hearing this, one might assume that Plaguies was responsible for creating Anakin...because we learned in Episode I that Anakin was born without a father. I guess you could call it an 'immaculate conception'...except that Shmi (Anakin's mother, was married years before she had Anakin.) But I don't think Plaguies had a hand in creating Anakin...at least I doubt that was Lucas' intent. Darth Plaguies learned how to transfer a spirit to newer clone bodies to essentially prevent death, through the dark-side of the Force. But he never used this knowledge to save himself, as Palpatine killed him beforehand.

Later in the film we come to the part where Palpatine declares himself Emperor of the Republic and reorganizes the Senate and Republic into the Empire. Being that Anakin was a faithful friend to Palpatine and the Republic, he thought he was doing right by mankind by joining Palpatine, also with regards to saving Padme from Anakin's visions of death. Palpatine promised Anakin that if he joined him in his quest to end Republic's corruption, that he would save Padme from certain death. By the time the Jedi Council realizes what has transpired, it is too late. The Emperor then initiates 'Order 66', which apparently was some pre-programmed command embedded into the clone trooper's DNA to wipe out the remaining Jedi and follow only the Emperor's and Vader's commands. Vader then goes to Mustafar and dissolves what's left of the Separatists, thus eliminating any looming threat against the Empire. Little known to Vader and his Emperor, Padme bores twins with the help of Yoda and Obi-Wan. The twins were separated at birth, shortly after Padme died. The daughter, Leia goes with Bail Organa to be raised on Alderraan, while Luke goes to live with his step aunt and uncle on Tatooine, under the watchful eye of Obi-Wan.

It's also kind of interesting that during Padme's funeral, you can see her laying there in the floating casket with the locket that Anakin made for her many years before around her neck. Before she died, she told Obi-Wan one last time that there was still good left in him, despite his turn to the dark-side. It's possible that Lucas used the locket to sort of highlight that idea as a precursor to what Vader would ultimately do in Episode 6 to save his son.

After the duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan protests to Anakin that he was his friend all along and that he loved him. Obi-Wan felt betrayed in his efforts to help Anakin grow into a Jedi. Afterwards, he picks up Anakin's lightsaber off the lava-bank. This would be the lightsaber handed down to Luke in Episode 4.

The Star Wars films were all an enjoyable experience. It's been fun to see George Lucas' story brought to light. It houses all the legendary archetypes that make a story great...Father versus son, dark versus light, good versus evil, friendship and betrayal, and a true character redemption. Lucas created a world in Star Wars much like Tolkien did with Lord of the Rings through the years of Middle Earth. A world that will always be one of my favorite places to visit in the years to come...

Episode II - Attack of the Clones (Post 5 of 6)

It's been 10 years since the events of Episode I took place. This film is probably my least favorite of all six films, primarily due to the screenplay, but it does bring forth lots of new information.

The Jedi Council has dispatched Anakin to escort Padme (formerly Queen Amidala) back to Naboo, while Obi-Wan is sent to Kamino to investigate an assassination attempt on Padme's life. On Kamino, Obi-Wan finds out that a man named Sifo-Dyas placed an order for a gigantic clone army almost 10 years ago. What isn't known about this in the film, is that Sifo-Dyas never actually placed the order for the clone army. This action was completed by a changeling, disguised as Sifo-Dyas that Count Dooku hired shortly after the events of Episode I. Dyas had since been killed by the Emperor, because he refused to join the Emperor's cause in conquering the galaxy. There was another man who is not mentioned in the film who is known as Visivious Drakarn. Drakarn was a trouble-making, young Jedi who was punished for acts early on by the Jedi Order. In the meantime, the Emperor and Count Dooku sought him out. Still resentful regarding his punishment, Drakarn returned to Corruscant following his punishment and deleted the files in the database outlining Kamino's existence, by order of Count Dooku.

We see the start of the doomed-to-fail relationship between Anakin and Padme, as well as Anakin's continuing defiance of orders and authority. On Naboo, Anakin starts having nightmares about his mother being in danger. Vowing to protect his mother, Anakin and Padme leave Naboo and return to his home planet of Tatooine. There, he finds that his mother had been freed of her slave life, married a man named Cliegg Lars, but had also been captured by the Sand People. When Anakin's mother later dies in his arms, he becomes vengeful and destroys the Sand People's camp. There's an interesting scene where Yoda senses Anakin's anguish and if you listen close, you can hear Qui-Gon Jinn's voice yelling, "Anakin! Nooo!" (In reference to Anakin's vengeful slaughter of the Sand People.)

During the battle on Geonosis, Mace Windu, a formidable Jedi Council Member kills Jango Fett. Jango was responsible for the clone template used on Kamino to craft the clone army. Boba Fett, his son witnesses his father's demise on the battlefield at the hands of a Jedi. Thus, cementing Boba's hatred for the Jedi Knights, and ultimately his quest as a bounty hunter, like his father before him.

Near the end, we come to the lightsaber duel between Anakin, Obi-Wan, Count Dooku and Yoda. The duel with Obi-Wan and Anakin against Dooku while short-lived, illustrated Anakin's further disobedience with his Master. Dooku quickly put the young Jedi's attack down by cutting off his hand. (Something about Lucas and those limbs.) Yoda then enters the scene and lays the smack down on Dooku, who flees the cave.

It's all becoming more clear. Palpatine still remains the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic and the Senate. The Separatists are growing increasingly impatient over Palpatine's unwillingness to surrender power, in the efforts to restore democracy. Now, Palpatine has a grand clone army charged with protection of the Republic against the Separatists.

Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Post 4 of 6)

16 years after the release of 'Return of the Jedi', Lucas dominates the box office once again with Episode I, in May of 1999. Finally, we get to see how Anakin grows into the evil force we all know as Darth Vader. It's kind of an interesting twist from the original trilogy. In Episodes 4-6, Luke is pretty much the main character of the story who's quest grows into saving his father. In Episodes 1-3, Anakin becomes the main character fighting his destiny.

At this point, we have two visible entities of organized politics. We have the Trade Federation, and we have the Republic. The Jedi Knights are charged with the protecting the Republic when danger should arise and also to serve as Ambassadors to the Republic. The Republic stands for freedom and democracy throughout the belonging planets. The powerful Trade Federation seems to operate under their own beliefs, guided by a black, hooded figure who's identity has yet to be revealed. So, who's good? Who's evil? Presumably, in this film it's the Trade Federation.

We also meet the man the who trained Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn. Liam Neeson always seems to play the older, wiser characters. He does well in these roles. I also think that Ewan McGregor was a great choice for playing the younger Obi-Wan. You could tell early on that Jinn's relationship with Obi-Wan had history, as if they had been fighting together for many years.

Jake Lloyd's portrayal of young Anakin was enjoyable. Anakin, at this stage was approximately 10 years old. He dreamed all his life of becoming a Jedi and returning to Tatooine to free the other slaves, including his mother. Qui-Gon realizes early on that Anakin was meant for great things. Watto refuses a final bet in the pod races with Qui-Gon for the fate of Shmi, Anakin's mother. She stays behind, while Anakin's ventures to Corruscant to start his training as a Jedi. Senator Palpatine, who oddly enough comes from Naboo, becomes Supreme Chancellor of the Republic at this time.

Queen Amidala quickly realizes that the fate of her planet of Naboo rests in the hands of the Senate, who demands proof of the Trade Federation's blockade. She returns to Naboo to fight along side her people with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Here, we meet Darth Maul who has been sent to Naboo by the Emperor to force the planet's inhabitants into a settlement. The lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul is probably one of the best ever filmed. Maul was able to subdue Qui-Gon, but he wasn't as successful with Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan defeats him after the fierce final duel. However, it is clear now, that the Sith have resurfaced after the Jedi thought them to be extinct for many years.

On Corruscant earlier in the film, Darth Maul tells his Master (the black hooded dude) that finally they will have their revenge on the Jedi. I had to do some digging to find out the meaning behind that statement. From what I understand, many years before the events of Episode I, the Jedi Order was responsible for killing one of the founding members of the Sith Order named Darth Mongerer. This was the Sith Lord that established the rule of two (a Master and an Apprentice.) Mongerer was succeeded by another Sith Lord who was also killed by the Jedi. I'm guessing that the Emperor and Maul knew of this and sought revenge against the Jedi for these acts.

Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (Post 3 of 6)

'Return of the Jedi' had some of the most spectacularly written scenes ever on film. In addition to that, the symbols that surface throughout the film are clearly reflective as well. Take for instance, in the beginning, we see Luke's cybernetic hand shot by one of Jabba's henchmen. (This was the same hand that Vader cut off in film before.) This was a precursor to what would later happen when Luke faces Vader. I think Lucas has a thing with people and creatures losing limbs.

We come to the scene where Luke keeps his promise to Yoda and Obi-Wan, as he returns to Dagobah to find Yoda stricken with sickness. It's obvious from the viewer's standpoint, that Luke has grown in maturity. He's more calm and understanding. Yoda notices this as well by telling Luke, "No more training do you require. Already know that which you need." But Luke knows he still has to face Vader, again. Yoda's choice of words is very interesting, especially if you take under account all of their conversations, including the ones with Obi-Wan. Yoda tells Luke that needs to confront Vader, not kill him. "When gone am I, the last of the Jedi you will be. Pass on what you have learned...There is another Skywalker." Yoda says. Revealing the suspected truth of Luke having another relative, in addition to Vader. Then Yoda dies and passes into the nether-world of the Force.

Soon afterwards, Luke ventures outside the hut and has a very interesting conversation with ghost Obi-Wan. Luke quickly tells Obi-Wan that he knows the truth and asks why Obi-Wan lied to him. Obi-Wan declares what he said was true, from a certain point of view. Luke's father ceased to exist as Anakin Skywalker, and became Darth Vader. He also says that many of the truths we cling to greatly depend on our own point of view. Luke stammers at this, and tells Obi-Wan that he can't kill his own father, while it seems that this is the only conclusion Obi-Wan has come to. Remember, Yoda said confront, not kill. It would seem that both Luke and Yoda believe that there is still good in Vader. Afterwards, Luke does figure out that Princess Leia is actually his twin sister.

Then we come to the last showdown between father and son. Luke essentially dominates this duel, as expected and in the final moments, cuts off Vader's hand. Luke notices the mechanical aspects of Vader's limbs, and looks down at his own hand realizing the similarity between him and his father.

Presumably, if you watch all 6 films in a row, you would know that Anakin Skywalker early on was described as being the 'prophecy', or 'the chosen one.' Anakin was believed to be the Jedi who would destroy the Sith, and bring balance to the good-side of the Force. The prophecy was true. When Anakin (Darth Vader) through the Emperor down the reactor shaft to protect Luke from the Emperor's relentless Force-lightning, he fulfilled the prophecy. He had destroyed what was left of the Sith. It took him a lifetime to do so, but it happened, nonetheless. I liked how when Luke removes Vader's mask, he reveals a sort of humble man...Not this crude, evil individual we all thought Vader was.

So, will George Lucas continue on with Star Wars and make Episodes 7, 8 and 9? The answer is...yes. He's stated he'll only have minimal involvement in the production of these films, but they will go forward with production to begin sometime in the next decade.

Next: How it all began, starting with Episode 1.

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (Post 2 of 6)

If I had to choose, this film is probably my favorite of the entire series, along with Return of Jedi. This film was not directed by George Lucas, but by Irvin Kershner, and is probably considered the darkest of this trilogy.

For the first time...well, er...sort of, we meet Yoda. Yoda was a Whill, from the planet Grentarik. Before Clone Wars, he had remained a crucial Jedi Council member for several hundred years. Much of Yoda's background was never really fully described in the films. Lucas obviously felt that it was unwarranted. All we needed to know at the time, was that Yoda was an old, very wise Jedi Master. Yoda knew that Luke is the son of Anakin Skywalker, who as of right now was believed to be a powerful Jedi Knight killed by Vader. Thus, making Luke inherently fluent with the Force. I really loved it when Yoda said to Luke, "Your father...powerful Jedi was he. Powerful Jedi." You realize then, that Yoda obviously has a history with Luke's father, Anakin. Yoda warns Luke many times about succumbing to the Dark-side of the Force, and that it could consume his well-being as it did with Vader. One of the more interesting scenes in the film is where Luke ventures into a dark cave that supposedly, is evil. In the cave, Luke is confronted by a vision of Darth Vader. The two of them draw their lightsabers and begin to duel. Soon after, Luke beheads Vader and his black helmet comes rolling to Luke's feet. There's a lot of speculation as to the actual meaning of this scene. I believe that Yoda crafted this incident to teach Luke one thing: Should he destroy Darth Vader by killing him, he would also destroy the very essence of his own well-being that separates him from the Dark-side. (Notice, when the mask's face explodes, it reveals Luke's face underneath.) There's a lot of opinions around as to the scene's meaning...but that's mine.

Another scene of interest is when Yoda proves to Luke that size matters not. Yoda uses the Force to remove the X-wing from the swamp, after a failed attempt from Luke. This was a turning point in Luke's belief surrounding the power of the Force.

The last scene on Dagobah includes a ghostly appearance by Obi-Wan and Yoda. Both of them tried to persuade Luke into staying on Dagobah to complete his training. Because this attempt was unsuccessful, Obi-Wan says, 'That boy is our last hope.' And Yoda returns with, 'No, there is another.' Who the hell was Yoda referring to? At the time, there were several possibilities, but only one right answer remained.

Then we see the first duel between Vader and Luke. They did a great job in conveying that Vader's abilities were far superior to Luke's in every way. But then, the twist comes. Vader is holding back. Why? The truth is revealed in a seldom forgotten scene where Vader tells Luke that he's his father, and that he should join Vader's side, destroy the Emperor and bring order to the galaxy. Luke's reaction was priceless. Probably the best in Mark Hamill's career as an actor. This wasn't really known at the time, but Vader's intentions toward Luke were valid, and warranted, because that's what Sith Lord's do. They think only of themselves and have a never-quenched thirst for power. But, in this case, Vader held back from destroying Luke because there was still good in him. Despite his own anger and misguided emotions, he could not kill his own son.

The films ends with Luke questioning himself about why Obi-Wan had lied to him about his father. Obi-Wan had told Luke that Darth Vader had betrayed and murdered his father Anakin. It is now revealed, as suspected, that Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are the same person.

Next, we find out the truth from Obi-Wan himself, and perspective takes on a new meaning.

Episode IV - A New Hope (Post 1 of 6)

In the opening text crawl, we learn that the Empire (formally known as the Republic) is at war with a lesser known Rebellion, also appropriately titled. We believe that there's an evil organization that exists with their sole-purpose being to wipe out other, non-Empire-esque organizations who unite against them. The Rebellion on the other hand, fights to restore freedom and democracy to the galaxy. (Which is a very interesting twist if you take under account all 6 films.) But I'll get to that later on.

Even today, the special effects of 'A New Hope' still reign superior, despite the lack of technology that was available back then. (I am however, referring to the original versions of the films, and not the openly criticized remakes of the 90's.) In the film, there's a sense of realism that you attain in each in scene. You feel as though the ships, the space and even the laser beams actually exist. That's an effect rarely achieved through using CGI.

'A New Hope' surrounds the growing character of Luke Skywalker, and his quest to join the Rebellion in the fight against the Empire. Luke, early on learns from Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi that his father was betrayed and murdered by a powerful Jedi named Darth Vader. Vader was a padawan learner to Kenobi in the later years of the Republic. We later see Kenobi allegedly destroyed by Darth Vader in a lightsaber duel. Afterwards, we find that Kenobi wasn't destroyed at all, and remained a conscience-like voice to Luke. No one other than Lucas can probably fully explain that incident, but I believe that Kenobi sacrificed himself to the nether-world of the Force, in order to protect Luke. I conclude that there's a realm only known to those who are exceptionally strong in the Force, that exists as a higher plane of existence. Those who have crossed over can communicate to those who are living and visa versa, when the need for guidance arises. Obi-Wan gave himself to this existence, rather than to die at the hands of his former apprentice.

In character form, Obi-Wan made appearances in all 6 films. He was one of the few remaining Jedi Knights who remember the clone wars and also the Old Republic, which they fought to protect. He becomes an instrument of guidance for Luke. Alec Guiness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi, died in 2000, never having seen his early self portrayed in the films that followed. With Luke's Aunt and Uncle gone, Luke deems it necessary to leave his land on Tatooine behind, for a greater purpose: To become a Jedi Knight like his father before him. Along with Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia, they unite with the Rebellion (also called the Alliance) in order to bring freedom to the galaxy.

During the times before the events of 'A New Hope', Darth Vader and his Emperor hunted down and killed the remaining Jedi Knights of the galaxy, in fear of them being a threat to their Empire. Now that Luke Skywalker has surfaced, he poses a greater threat to Vader and his Emperor, should he become versed in the knowledge of the Force. Hence, the subtitle 'A New Hope.'

The Star Wars Legacy

I'm going to take some time here and discuss one of my favorite movie legacies of all time: Star Wars, Episodes 4, 5 and 6. Let's face it, you either love it or you don't. I was old enough to remember seeing 'The Empire Strikes Back' (Episode 5) as well as 'Return of the Jedi' (Episode 6) in the theater. I remember after watching 'Empire' that I was left with a feeling of shock and awe, as well as confusion. Is Darth Vader really Luke's father? How could someone that evil have had a child? Or two, for that matter? I also remember that you could've heard a pin drop in the theater when Luke finally removes Vader's mask in 'Jedi.' How is it that a creator of a story can instill so much anticipation into an audience? Simply remarkable.

I hear people talk a lot about why George Lucas presented the movies in the backward fashion that he did. (Showing Episodes 4-6, then following up with Episodes 1-3.) Some like it...some think it's retarded. Personally, I thought it was brilliant. But there is a real answer to this backward monotony, and I'll try and give it the best I can....

...Imagine a story. Got it? Okay. Now, imagine that same story being 270,000 years long. That's right. That's not a typo. 270,000 years! Most of us don't even own cars with mileage that high. So, you've got this story...it has its high points and its low points; its sovereignty and its wars. You want to make this story into a movie. How could I possibly do that? Easy. I'll take the best segment of the story only and make that into a trilogy of movies. (The character redemption story.) And viola. Star Wars was born. A few years of production pass by and your movies, surprisingly, are a huge hit. You're making a ba-zillion dollars. More years pass by. Technology evolves. You realize you can now show the audience the backstory. (How our character falls.) Out comes another trilogy. A prequel trilogy. People are obviously going to want to see how Vader takes a turn for the dark-side. Your market is cornered. Cased closed. It works. Why? Because the way in which the story was told. Backwards. Think about how many Friday the 13th's were made. I know after 3 or 4, it got old and tired. People didn't care any more. Fortunately, it wasn't that way with Star Wars. People still, to this day are yearning for more, including me.

In the next few days, I'm going to post my thoughts on each movie, in the order that they were released, (George Lucas style) starting with Episode 4: A New Hope. And also, will George Lucas continue his legacy by making another trilogy? Episodes 7, 8 and 9 perhaps? What about the rumored live action television series? Find out those answers, right here...soon.

May the Force be with you...

First Post of 2007

What? He's back? That's right. There's no snow on the ground here in January, Ohio State loses the championship to Florida, and I'm making a new post with new artwork?? Yep. Crazy. I figured I'd start off 2007 on the right foot.

The first of which is a drawing that took me several months to complete. It was actually a gift for a friend of mine who's 25th wedding anniversary is actually today. The drawing is a collage of family pictures she put together for me to work from. I think it turned out great. So, congratulations to Donna and Joel on their 25th!

Over Christmas break, my wife and I watched the Star Wars trilogies. The first 3, or should I say, the last 3 are still the best in our opinion. Having done that, it got me in the mood to draw, or at least attempt to draw some Star Wars characters. I decided to start with one of the most memorable ones: Yoda. Who doesn't like Yoda? This drawing is not 100% done because I haven't decided on a background yet, but it'll happen soon enough.

You may have also noticed, that these two drawings are both in pencil with no inks or colors. I've decided to try this medium for a little while and see how well it bodes for me. So far, I'm pretty happy with the way they both turned out.

Stay tuned for more...and may the force be with you...

~Jonathon