www.dannyzabbal.com

Well I’m still sick, so I’ve been playing a lot of Nintendo DS. Specifically, the very fun Final Fantasy III. What a great game, the presentation is really well crafted; nice graphics, fast-paced combat, cool special effects. It does, however, have a wafer-thin story, but it’s told so endearingly, it’s hard to hold anything against those chubby little nymphs. Look at them, all you want to do it pinch their cheeks!

Inspired by all of this video game dorkyness, I’ve decided to do my own interpretation of my favorite class from Final Fantasy: The Red Mage. Fans of the series will appreciate this class’ versatility: an adept at sorcery and swordplay.

I know what you’re thinking, “Nerd city, population Danny.” My good friend Darrah said as much, she scoffed when told her about this game; the adventures, the magic, the foes, the danger. Nerdiness, even in these small proportions, is highly indefensible in our culture. The only thing one can really say when confronted with sneers and lofty accusations is this, “I slayed a dragon this afternoon, what did you do?”

It’s not much, but it’s something

This was a man sitting across from me. After he woke up I think he mentioned he was a school teacher.

This was the careening steamroller of a football star who was sprinting up and down the aisle. I think he was moonlighting as a flight attendant. Just kidding, he was a picture in a magazine.

Still, it’s nice to imagine.

Marvin does his best. Even though his magic top-hat is coursing with the darkest and most evil black magicks, he manages to get the job done the right way.

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/

Emily Infinity – The Sensational Sorceress

She’s taking the bus because her Pegasus is in the shop.

The Everyday

Adam Cadwell is his name, and his comic is The Everyday. What is about? It’s about everything. All those lovely details you spot off the corner of your eye. The interesting foibles and charms of the normal world, and their beautiful uniqueness. The Everyday is the quintessence of smelling the roses, to say nothing of the amazing illustration.

By his own admission Mr. Cadwell says he’s inspired by American Splendor but I think his work goes beyond. The Everyday isn’t a contemplation of the nothingness of being, it’s about being. Being there to see it, enjoy it, and maybe laugh about it. Well, thats what is means to this reader, at any rate.

Personally this is my favorite strip but there are tons more to choose from:

Got to his site and check it out. You’re going to love it, believe me: The Everyday.

Explanations and Announcements

Allow me this brief moment of self-absorption.

Part I: Explanation

In regards to my webcomic. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the longevity of Journey in the 6th Dimension. There’s a gang of folks out there who want to know if I’m stopping after eight pages. The answer is, “No I’m not.”

That said, I can understand the confusion. It’s really my fault for not being more specific about the format.

Journey in the 6th Dimension will be an exhibit of different science fiction, fantasy and super-hero stories. I’ll always do the drawing but every once in a while I’ll get a guest writer to assemble a great script. The constant element will be Phoebe and Drake, they’re going to introduce and conclude each tale. Sure, “Drake’s Universe” is coming to a close, but that means there’s a new story just around the corner. Like I said, I should have been more specific. Sorry about the confusion.

Phoebe and Drake are just the beginning.

Part II: Announcement

In response to general interest I’m compiling the superheroes from my flickr gallery into a book. However, it wont just be a flip-book of blurbs and drawings. The idea is to take these characters and expand on their stories with prose and additional illustration. It will be a sort of superhero storybook, if you can imagine that.

The plan and structure took a lot of deliberation, so I’m not treating lightly; it’s got to be done the right way. So in respect to the prose I’m bringing someone else, my close friend of many years Etan Muskat. He’s a very experienced, thoughtful and gifted writer, and as far as I’m concerned there’s no one else more suited to write the stories for these superheroes. As far as illustration, I’d like to avoid rehashing as much art as I can. Dictated by the stories and layouts, I’ll be composing new drawing for these characters.

Unfortunately, this means that I wont be making any new characters for a while. At least until we have some sample chapters shop around. Instead, I’ll be uploading work-in-progress for the book. Chances are, you’ll be seeing assorted drawings for the same characters rather than a whole new character every week.

I’m really excited about this project. I got the first story on Monday and it’s really amazing. I think Etan and I are going to put together a really fine book.