Geeking with Destination Venus Episode #29: More Moonsquid

We have the second part of Regie's chat with the brilliant Shannon from Moonsquid, creator if the excellent Tempest Red series. Click on the image below to go to the download page, listen on Harrogate Community Radio or search "Geeking with Destination Venus" wherever you get your podcasts.

Tempest Red Chapter 2 Cover Art by Shannon Kirkwood (c) Moonsquid

Regie started off with a mini-update on the James Webb Space Telescope, it's recent mis-hap and the confirmation of its launch date. Read more HERE.

Then we moved on to the second part of Regie's chat with Shannon Kirkwood from Moonsquid.

There was some discussion of art styles and dynamism. Regie used the examples of Alex Ross's art to try and illustrate why photo realism isn't good in comics - it doesn't move. Take this, for example:

Kingdom Come art by Alex Ross (c) DC Comics

Now, this is fantastic art, no question. For more, including the opportunity to buy the stunning work of Alex Ross, click HERE. Ross is perhaps one of the best artists in this style there has ever been - his skill is not in question. But for Regie at least, this kind of art drawn from photo reference doesn't "move", rather it looks like everyone is posing for a photo.

Contrast with this:

Art from Strangers in Paradise by Terry Moore (c)Terry Moore

Regie contends that this art, and art like this, gives the impression that the characters are frozen in the act of moving. You can see that Katchoo is taking a step back, her eyes widening and jaw dropping. You can see that David is moving forward slightly, perhaps hoping for a positive reaction (spoilers - not gonna happen...). For more on Moore, click HERE. Further comparisons available on request.

Then there was some mention of the photo stories that were popular in the eighties. As an example, here are a few panels from Sergeant Streetwise, published in Eagle in (we think) 1983.

Panels from Sergeant Streetwise, Eagle Comics circa 1983. This is why we should pay artists.

Shannon also mentioned the influence that Studio Gibli had on her as an artist. If you are unfamiliar with the

Info on studio Ghibli because they were an influence on Shanon

We mentioned Jim Lee, the artist who is now one of the most senior people at DC. This is what his art looks like...

Detective Comics #1000 Cover. Art by Jim Lee. (c) DC Comics

Regie referenced Steve Buschemi's "Hey, Fellow Kids" bit. If you're unfamiliar, it's from 30 Rock, and this is it: