www.dannyzabbal.com

I’m in the process of moving away from Montréal so my internet connection is temporarily out of order. Blogging is a café affair, bad connections and all. It’s certainly slowing me down, but it doesn’t stop me, no sir/ma’am.

Hammerfistucles – The God of Punches

When Peter George Sims took a trip to Athens in 1997, he met the all-knowing oracle of 2218 Delphi St (apt 5). After delving into his past and recovering his lost destiny, she imparted to Peter George (from her collection of earthenware bottles and potions) his ancestral birthright. In his hand, he beheld an ancient Greek tanning lotion with magical properties. When applied to his body, Peter George becomes possessed by the spirit of Hammerfistucles, the God of Punches.

Despite his name however, he doesn’t do a lot of punching. What he loves is souvlaki, his girlfriend and going to the movies. As far as he’s concerned, that’s his destiny.

Natali Film

Last week I talked about Robby Reis’ photography and visual art but I neglected one minute detail. Foremost, he’s a filmmaker. He represents exactly one half of a partnership called Natali Film. His buddy and confidante, Dan (Vlad) Popa, represents the other half.

Where to begin? Even when I was going to school with them I was amazed at the amount of talent and sass that seemed to twinkle in their wake. They are truly a dynamic pair, from animation to experimental film, narrative and documentary, there’s no moving media that they can’t give their own special brand of character to. I even saw them re-dub some $2.99 Kung-Fu film they bought from a convenience store, just for fun.

I’ll never know anyone quite like Reis and Popa. My only hope is that after I leave Montréal, the distance between us wont stagger our friendship. I’d hate to be a stranger in their world. Regardless, I’ll still be a fan of their work.

Below is just a small sample of what they do, there’s far more on their myspace page. So, I suggest you scour and love to the fullest of your capacity. Don’t forget to go to their blog 24Karrots, managed by the very talented Vanda, whom I’m sure I’ll be writing about in the weeks ahead.

Roza

I’m a big fan of fables and fairy tales. Rather, I’m a fan of that tone, whatever the window dressing is. Roza, by Kelly Hamilton, is an embodiment of that in style and content, for me anyway. It’s an ambitious and beautifully rendered webcomic whose story and texture I can’t do justice to in words. You’ll just have to see it for yourself: http://www.junglestudio.com/roza/