The quickest way to make your characters recognizable is with clothing. Give them their own individual style and they come to life on the page, and stand out from the crowd. Irene Flores, author of Shojo Fashion Manga Art School(IMPACT Books) is a manga artist and fashionista extraordinaire with a knack for teaching others how to draw.
1 Create the Basic Shape: Determine the path of the scarf using a ribbon as a model.
2 Develop the Shape: Make the band wider.
3 Refine and Add Detail: Draw the fabric using the band as a guide, and drape the fabric as it wraps around itself. Add darker areas to indicate folds and overlaps in the scarf.
GRAFF: The Art & Technique of Graffiti is continuing to fly off the shelves and is keeping its creator,Scape Martinez, busy with workshops, signings and school assemblies in the San Jose area. What began as a classroom talk about mainly how to draw graffiti has turned into a full-blown assembly that covers not only how to create graffiti, but also the creative process in general and overcoming obstacles.
Scape Martinez leads school programs teaching how to create graffiti (legally), how to foster creativity and overcome obstacles. All tools that he learned to use in the creation of GRAFF.
Stevens Creek Barnes & Noble in San Jose hosted a signing, discussion and activity event on September 12.
GRAFF fans were able to try out their writing skills at the art table set up for the event.
The post-apocalyptic movie “9,” produced by Tim Burton comes out today, which makes sense because it’s September 9, 2009 (as in 9/9/09, etc.) There are all kinds of interesting beliefs associated with the number 9. In China, 9 in considered to be a lucky number (as is the number 8); however, in Japan the number 9 is associated with suffering.
Check out Focus Films’ website to learn more about the movie “9,” or watch the preview below.
Wondering what the Caped Crusader has been up to? Read on for IMPACT intern (and game-playin aficionado) Megan Groves’ review of his latest game, Batman: Arkham Asylum.
There are enough Batman incarnations in existence to make heads spin. From comics to newspaper dailies and Tim Burton to Joel Schumacher, audiences never know quite what to expect from the Caped Crusader’s latest installment.
Fans collectively moaned when Eidos announced the delayed release earlier this year, but it seems developer Rocksteady Studios has put the extra time to good use; it’s rare to see a game hit the market so polished.
Batman: Arkham Asylum lets you witness the graphical power that happens when mixing talented programmers with one of the most beloved heroes of all time. It perfectly borders the fine line between realism and comic-animation style. Even Batman’s cape is alluring enough to command players to stare at it perpetually as it billows behind him. If the fight had been more difficult, the Scarecrow scene could have given the Resident Evil series a scare. Reminiscent of the scene from Batman Begins, I can’t imagine getting any closer to actually experiencing Dr. Crane’s potent fear gas.
Gameplay is a solid mix of great combat, stealth and platforming elements. Of course, you can’t have Batman without all the great gadgets; the Batarang and the Batclaw are just two that make an appearance. Adding to the fun, players can customize their gear with weapon upgrades, like making the Batarang remote-controlled.
Bruce Wayne gets to show off his martial arts expertise as well. There’s no lack of the brute strength that make boss fights such a pleasure in action adventure titles. The fact that those bosses are recognizable super villains only adds to the magic. The Joker has compiled Batman’s enemies and they’re all waiting for their chance to take down the Bat-Man. Players should prepare to face off against Bane, Killer Croc and more. Who knew being locked in the loony bin would be so much fun?
Gameplay is flexible enough to allow players to choose their methods. Charge into a room full of mental patients, or spend hours picking them off one-by-one from the safety of the rafters. Watching an upside-down silhouette with pointy ears wait for an unsuspecting thug to walk by has never been so rewarding, and it never gets old.
The voice acting is mostly realistic and true to the traditional format. Batman’s deep baritone remains intact, and Mark Hamill returns to give voice to the Joker. Hamill rides the facets of Joker’s personality well: going from cryptically rational to hysterical, sometimes in the same breath. Harley Quinn is annoyingly high-pitched and bubbly as she bounces around Arkham doing the Joker’s bidding.
Overall, I haven’t seen many games this year with the appeal, fluidity and cohesive story of Batman: Arkham Asylum. I generally tear through games like this in a matter of days, but have been surprised to find myself stretching my gaming hours out to prolong the experience. If you haven’t already picked it up, pretend your car is the fastest thing on four wheels. –Megan Groves
While you’re waiting for the release of the official Iron Man 2 theatrical trailer, check out the trailer for the IM 2 video game. It promises all the war machines and explosions you could possibly hope for. Both the movie and the game are set release in Spring 2010.
For those of you in the NYC area, IMPACT author Andy Schmidt is offering a 6 week intro course on writing for comics. Classes start September 8. You can learn more about course here.
The quickest way to make your characters recognizable is with clothing. Give them their own individual style and they come to life on the page, and stand out from the crowd. Irene Flores, author of Shojo Fashion Manga Art School (IMPACT Books) is a manga artist and fashionista extraordinaire with a knack for teaching others how to draw.
