Cuba Part II: Dedete & Animation
February 3, 2010, filed under: News, Studio, by Lex
The very same day we visted Palante we also went to another Cuban newspaper Juventud Rebelde, the back page of which features editorial cartoons in a feature called Dedete. Originally Dedete (named after the pesticide “DDT”), was a paper of it’s own, but a few years back it was consolidated into the larger paper, Juventud Rebelde. Dedete has been around since 1965 in some form or another and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Where the humor and art style of Palante was more cartoony and less political, Dedete had a very editorial bent to their comics and humor (they’re caricactures in particular reminded me of David Levine’s). Below is a copy of Humor Rebelde, an anthology which features cartoons from some of Dedete’s top contributors.
Just like our new friends at Palante, the crew of Dedete was warm and inviting and very interested to hear about cartooning in the states and how it was similar (or different) from Cuba. We ended the meeting with some socializing (which for cartoonists means we drew each other), below is Humberto Lazaro’s (Laz) take on yours truly.
One thing I love about these offices is there’s always a mural to take a photo in front of! Here’s the whole Dedete and Snoopy Goes to Cuba crew. Later that week they ran an article about our meeting and used the photo below and I’m sure glad they did–that newspaper helped me get out of US Customs (customs officials are very suspicious of cartoonists).
Finally, before we left for our shores Laz did another piece of commemorative art for us, featuring the entire Snoopy Goes to Cuba crew (Sparky included!).
You’d think it would be difficult to top our first day, after all we toured two different newspapers and met a bevy of terrific and talented cartoonists but our second day was perhaps even better, as we were lucky enough to visit Estudios de Animacio!
Located in Havana, this is one of the few animation studios in Cuba. The studio has been producing films for the past 20 years, though many of its producers have been in Cuban animation and comics since the 1960’s–most notably, Juan Padron, creator of one of Cuba’s most famous films, Vampires in Havana (which you can watch instantly on Netflix!). Juan Padron is also the creator of Elpidio Valdes, another animated legacy, about a Cuban freedom fighter in the 1800’s. Below is another terrific mural featuring the studios most famous characters.
It was a thrill to walk the halls and hear the history of this animation studio. The animators include both men and women of all ages and they work in a variety of formats, from traditional 2D animation, Flash, stop-motion, and most recently trying their hand at CGI. We were lucky enough to watch a reel of their work and I was struck by the diversity of it, not just in the stories, characters and subject matter, but also the quality of the animation, which rivals anything here in the states. Here is the bullpen with some animators hard at work…
The lead animator of this young crew was thrilled to meet us, in particular Jeannie Schulz–apparently he was more than just a casual fan of PEANUTS.
Justin and I had to verify the quality of the tatoo, and his leg is now at the Studio for approval.
Like their newspaper counterparts, it was frustrating to hear how the U.S. embargo affected their work, and to a larger degree for animation, since much of their production relies heavily on computers and cameras (the embargo penalizes any countries that trades or sells with Cuba); any equipment they might need to make their films comes at a much higher cost for them. Similarly the distribution channels for their films are much smaller; outside of Cuba, their films are mostly seen in the occasional animation festival. Despite these impediments, the quality of their work and dedication to their craft could not be questioned–they clearly love what they’re doing.
Storyboards from their upcoming film “Celine.”
Finally, a glimpse at one of the funnier shorts that we saw in their reel. The cartoon below is a precursor to Vampires in Havana, and it’s hilarious!
Cuba Part I: Palante!
January 28, 2010, filed under: News, Studio, by Lex
We hit the ground running on the first day and visited a Cuban humor publication called Palante. Palante has been around for nearly 50 years and is the premier newspaper for comics (its format is similar to Funny Times in the states). We met in a conference room where we learned about the history of the paper and met many of the cartoonists, whose ages range from 25 to 75–generations of cartoonists contribute to Palante!
Palante did a spread on Charles Schulz and Peanuts back in the 80’s
We also introduced ourselves and told them a little about our own work–at the Schulz Studio, but also our individual projects: Viva Kid Beowulf!
Afterward, we were asked to draw some momentos for them…Justin and Hilary, are hard at work!
As per usual, Tom did some terrific caricatures…
One of the artists I had the pleasure to meet was Enrique Lacoste. Enrique does political and editorial cartoons, but is also the creator of a comic book series called Wankarani, about a young Peruvian boy and his pet jaguar. The book seemed like a lot of fun and reminded me of my own work.
Another member of Palante was gentleman cartoonist, Francisco Blanco Hernandez of the well-regarded Cuban comic Ay Vecino.
Francisco had lots of wonderful stories to tell, one of which involved a mural he painted of his characters in the famous Cuban bar, La Bodeguita (one of Hemingway’s favorite spots). The cartoonist genes run strong in the Hernandez family, as Francisco’s son, Jr. is also a cartoonist and member of the Palante squad.
Francisco at La Bodeguita…Ay Vecino is above
The moment we entered the Palante offices, we were greeted by Peanuts artwork, which was done by this fellow, Jose Luis. Here Jeannie gives him a pat on the back for all his hard work!
Jose also has a wicked sense of humor, as displayed by some of his comics below…
We spent a good two hours enjoying the history and people of Palante–it’s an impressive crew of dedicated cartoonists and later that week we rejoined our Cuban cartoonist compatriots for dinner, drinks and drawing. Before we left the offices, we took a group photo in front of wild mural in their office lobby.
Finally, here’s a caricature battle featuring Tom Richmond vs. a Palante cartoonist…damn, these guys are good…and quick!
UPDATE: Mercedes Torres, the managing editor of Palante adds to the discussion with her own blog entry.
Kid B. Goes to Cuba
January 27, 2010, filed under: News, Studio, by Lex“Work for Snoopy–see the world!” That was what my boss told me when I got the incredible job at the Charles Schulz Studio three years ago. At the time I thought it was a joke, but I should have known she was serious; in that time I’ve made trips to Japan and Europe and I just got back from (of all places) Cuba! It’s amazing just how far that Flying Ace flies.
Spearheaded by Jeannie Schulz (Sparky’s widow and all around friend to cartoonists), a rag-tag group of cartoonists headed to Havana, Cuba for a week to meet artists, cartoonists, animators and all around good people from those tropical shores. The side streets of Havana (as well as those of US/Cuban relations) were expertly navigated by Paul Bardwil, who has done a number of trips to Cuba already. The cartoonists in question included myself, Justin (”Mythtickle”) Thompson, Hilary (”Rhymes With Orange”) Price, Brian (does just about everything) Narelle and Tom (MAD Magazine) Richmond. Tom did an excellent recap of the trip on his blog and I urge you to read it if you want the real skinny on the trip.
Rather than repeat what Tom posted, I’m going to focus on the artists we met, so stay tuned for some Cuban cartoonist profiles! (The above image is a parody of Camilo Cienfuegos & Che Guevara bounding through the jungle from the Museum of the Revolution in Havana–click to enlarge).
Kid Beowulf Holiday Gift Giving Guide!
December 9, 2009, filed under: News, Studio, by LexIf you’re a fan of Kid B. (or graphic novels in general) and are looking for a holiday gift, then you might want to take part in Bowler Hat Comics’ December Charity Challenge! For every 5 copies of Kid Beowulf and the Blood-Bound Oath sold, my publisher will donate one copy to a school, a library or a charity. The more books sold, the more we give! The book can be ordered through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Borders. You may also find it at your local comic book shop: I know for a fact that in the North Bay, Outer Planes (in Santa Rosa CA) and The Comic Book Box (in Rohnert Park) have copies on their shelves!
For those of you wanting to wear your Kid B. love, there is a Kid Beowulf Cafepress store filled with t-shirts, sweatshirts, baby clothes, mugs, calendars and more (I ordered a calendar for myself and was impressed by the quality).
I am also selling limited edition Kid Beowulf and Hama sculpts–check out those turnarounds! These sculpts stand 4″ high and come fully painted (by yours truly) or with a bronze finish. The sculpts also come with a collector’s box featuring the character’s model sheet. I’m selling these online at a reduced price: bronze sculpts are $15.00 each and fully painted sculpts are $25.00 each–I only have a few left so order ‘em quick!
You can find links to the products above on the SHOP PAGE. Remember, all proceeds go to the creation of more Kid Beowulf Radness.
The Hama Steakhouse
November 25, 2009, filed under: News, Studio, by Lex
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I thought it’d be appropriate to mention one of the highlights from my recent trip to Japan: dinner at the HAMA Steakhouse! Yes, I was just as surprised as you are (and Hama). Like most places in Japan the food was terrific, as it was prepared and served right in front of you: terrific seafood and sushi, grilled kobe beef, and lots of sake.
I think one of my favorite bits about the place (aside from the name) were their placemats: wonderful drawings from Japan’s history to ponder (my favorite was the image of the girl in the blue cloak–right hand side). Enlarge the image below…
Much to my relief (and Hama’s), there was no pork on the menu. So rest easy, my little friend and Happy Thanksgiving!
Battle Without Honor Or Humanity
November 13, 2009, filed under: News, Studio, by Lex
Tomorrow I head to Japan for some PEANUTS business. This will be my second trip in less than a month, and although the getting there takes some effort, I’m always happy for the opportunity to visit! We’ll be flying into Osaka and will be there a day or so checking out Universal Studios Japan (where there is a PEANUTS amusement park) and then take the bullet train to Tokyo. Once there we’ll meet with our Japanese friends, among them Charlie Brown…
I’ll be sure to bring back a full report, including sketches and severed body parts!
Asterix: 50th Anniversary
October 29, 2009, filed under: News, Studio, by Lex
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the French comic book series Asterix! Created by Rene Goscinny (writer) and Albert Uderzo (artist), it’s the story of a small gaul named Asterix, who with the help of his oversized friend Obelix, keeps Julius Caesar and the Romans at bay. There are 35 albums in print, the most recent edition is called Asterix & Obelix’s Birthday. Personal favorites include Asterix the Gladiator, Asterix and the Goths, and Asterix and the Normans (I still don’t have the entire collection though).
It should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen my own work that I’m an Asterix fan. It was the very first comic book I was ever shown and I remember it being pulled down from the bookshelf in a ray of golden light (no joke)–it was a well-worn, hardback copy of Asterix the Legionary–and I knew then and there that I wanted to draw like that someday.
There are also animated movies based on the books (as well as live-action), one of the funniest cartoons I’ve seen is the 12 Tasks of Asterix, the voice acting is terrific and the animation is pretty good too.
When it comes to Kid Beowulf, my tip of the hat to Asterix and Obelix is probably most directly seen in Emer and Ermlaf (in stature, not in nature). In Kid Beowulf and the Song Of Roland, I added another homage in the character Dargaud, the comedic playwrite. He is named after the publishing company “Dargaud” that printed all the Asterix books in my library (Asterix has since been sold to another publisher).
Since Goscinny passed away in 1976, Uderzo has been the sole creative force behind Asterix and many have said that the series is worse for it. Frankly, it’s hard for me to judge–the artwork is still terrific, but I always thought Asterix was kind of “punny” to begin with. Then again, I’m sure something is lost in the translation. There is an interesting article about Asterix and its 50th anniversary which debates the point of quality. For all kinds of information you can visit the official Asterix website. Happy birthday boys!