CANNIBAL ALERT!

It's a well known fact that I enjoy eating a "hearty" meal just as much as the next "red blooded" guy, so please don't get the wrong idea regarding my culinary appetite as you read these gag cartoons that originally appeared in the THWAK comic book (1st 2 gags) and THWAK #1 magazine. Enjoy and please don't lose your appetites, I think it's dinner time!

Friends of THWAK - Billy Genius

Back when I was initially soliciting material for the revamped THWAK magazine one of the first submissions I received was from Billy Genius ( via my buddy John Hett). I was amazed at the great detail in his line work while also bowled over by his outrageousness. The more I have seen of his work the more I think his style is very similar to Robert Crumb.

The 1st piece of Billy's that appeared in THWAK #1 was "Before & After Sept 11th" at the time the country was still in shock from the attacks but I felt that the piece was more a statement of what many were thinking/feeling rather than anything humorous. Billy's work graced each subsequent issue of THWAK, as well as all the CRACKED issues I was involved with, JOKESTER and is featured in the latest "The THWAK Bonfire of Insanity Collection" trade paperback with some new material.

The two books above were self published. The Turd book (truly disgusting in a sick way) a must have from those of us who like turd/fart humor, was published as both softback and a hardback book with a dust jacket. The second is a comic style book that has satirically illustrated tales from the Bible and general ribbing on mega churches.

Unused THWAK art (Illustrated Lyrics)

Originally THWAK #3 (all Monster issue) was to run 48 pages, but due to higher paper costs we ended up keeping the ish at 32 pages like the others. This 2 page spread by the delightfully demented Billy Genius was one of the few unfortunate omissions. As editor and publisher that is one thing that I would really hate having to do. Firstly knowing the time and effort that it took to create and secondly having to deprive others of ever seeing something that could have impacted them in some way. Being able to show many of these as of yet "unseen" gems is certainly a huge reason why I chose to create this blog in the first place : )

The Adventures of Corey the Raccoon

Some paintings done back around 2002 for what was meant to be a second installment of the children's book "The Adventures of Corey The Raccoon". The general premise was that Corey was lost in the forest and is on quite an adventure as he meets all types of characters while trying to find his way home. What I liked the most about the project was the great message that the authors were trying to convey as well as their general ideas as to how the project was to be utilised. Unfortunately like so many other ideas it floundered due to lack of funding.

All in all I produced about 14 illustrations, some of which like those above were painted before the money ran out. I'll post some more of my favorites later.

A few pictures from this years JOElanta Toy show

Plenty of fun was had by all at this years JOElanta GI Joe & Action Figure Toy Show that took place on Sunday June 17th. We are already gearing up for next years show at the same venue on March 27th & 28th so mark your calendars and check out http://www.joelanta.com/ periodically for updates.

Friends of THWAK - John Hett / The Journal of MADness

Here is a visual treat for ya, every single Journal of MADness cover including the elusive # 8 1/2 (incidentally I came up with the gag and did the painting of Alfred Powers) and the even more elusive #15 1/2 and #16. The only issue not pictured is a rare color reprint of issue #1.

These are truly a must read for any MAD fan. Jam packed with excellent interviews, features on MAD collectibles and Alfred sightings in Movies and TV and with excellent artwork by the magnificent Kent Gamble - each issue is a treat.

While Kent was painting these covers he was also doing covers for the long running MADpanic (now also no longer being published).

There has not been a full blown JOM since issue #15 which John Hett (editor & publisher) and I co-published as this was the JOM/THWAK double issue. Hopefully one day we'll see a trade paperback. Keep your fingers crossed!

As you can tell I had Sergio Aragones and Al Feldstein autograph various copies when I was lucky enough to meet them.

CRACKED magazine concept art

Check out these two illustrations I did back in 2004. The one to the right with the dunce hat was a kind of a character study as I was trying to decide what the main illustration would be. The other piece was the final concept, taking place in a museum in the form of a parody of the famous statue of "The Thinker" called the "Unthinker". The script was submitted by veteran humor writer Andy Lamberti (CRAZY, CRACKED, WACKO and most recently THWAK) and was a list of what typically stands for DUMB.

As of yet it has never been published but you never know, one of these days?

"Dieing 'aint much of a living boy"

Clint Eastwood aka the coolest stranger to ever appear on screen. Figure from www.circlexranch.com the brand new Marx company (Home of Johnny West) .

Get 'em while they last!

I just received another shipment of these 128 page books filled with tons of laughs and great interviews. Only $14.95 plus $3.5 shipping. I accept paypal, checks, cash, cowrie shells, or twinkies. madjallads@bellsouth.net

Incidentally this is my own publication with many tremedously talented humorists who have also contributed to MAD, CRACKED, The National Lampoon, The Howard Stern Show, CRAZY and many more....

At play in the Game Room

Here's what has become a typical fun afternoon for me and my two "little ladies" after acquiring some new Johnny West/Marx action figures.

This particular event happened a couple of days after the latest JOElanta Action Figure and GI JOE show http://www.joelanta.com/ I picked up a boxed BOTW Johnny West (excellent condition) as well as a Sam Cobra (which I'm turning into James West from "Wild Wild West") , a pancho pony, a couple of Janice's for my girls and a Stony Smith, plus tons of accessories.

It seems that lately I have been able to pick up a number of interesting figures and horses, some from e.bay and more through trading with the local GI Joe club here in Hotlanta.

Luckily I also have "scouts" out there keeping their eyes open for Johnny West and his pals at Flea markets, Garage sales and Antique stores.

My girls and I love cleaning years of grime off everything, then organizing all accessories, "dressing the figures" and finally trying to mend or paint them. What great fun!

A single panel gag

Here's one of many single panel gags that I have done over the years. Ever since I first started reading "The Far Side" by Gary Larson I have loved single panel type gags. This was done while I was into experimenting with zipetone.