Weekly Spotlight

Every week (or as often as I get suggestions, if it's running slow...), I'm going to highlight one "undiscovered" talent in the industry. All decisions as far as what determines talent, and what determines undiscovered are solely at my discretion. Feel free to nominate someone you think deserves it by emailing me.

This week's Spotlight shines on Shawn McCauley. Shawn is a 26 year old artist from Connecticut, where he and I met during my brief flirtation with the University there. As payment for keeping in touch all these years, he gets to be the inaugural Spotlight Talent. Good show, old chap!

Shawn is currently working on the art for a 4-issue series from Markosia, called The Ritual. This is Shawn's first work for money, so hopefully it's a banner year for Markosia! From the pages I can see on his portfolio, it's looking pretty tight.


So, here's where it gets fun. I sent Shawn an 8 question survey, which he HAD TO answer, under penalty of death, which is reprinted in its entirety here:

1)What's the most embarrassing book in your collection?

-I have two for two sides of me. The artist side of me is embarrassed in actually buying the 2004 X-Force books written and illustrated by Rob Liefeld. When I was a kid I loved Rob Liefeld's X-Force. But in 2004 I knew was was good art and bad...and I still bought his comics...so ashamed...
The comic...and male side of me is embarrassed to have a Shojo Beat book. If you don't know, that's a Japanese comic that features stories oriented to...girls. In my defense, I got it for free at a comic book convention. The embarrassing thing is I actually read it, and it's sitting on my bookshelf.

2)What's your favorite thing that you've made?

-My wolf logo. That thing looks so cool. I may be pretty arrogant in doing this, but I put it on everything I own-my hats, my bag, my shirts...it's so cool-looking.

3)Which character do you most want to put it to, and why?

-Put it to? Man I hope you mean sex or I'm about to embarrass myself pretty bad right now. I'd say Sara Pezzini Witchblade. Long dark brown hair, big boobs and a mystical battle armor that rips off her clothes when summoned...what man wouldn't love that?

4)What writer do you think can do no wrong?

-There's a ton of awesome writers out there, but I've never read a Frank Miller story I didn't like.

5)Why do you, at 26 years of age, still read comics?

-Why do people at 26 years of age watch TV? Go to the movies? Read a book? Comics are a story-telling media with all the visual appeal of a movie and the portability and convenience of a paperback book...it's quite possibly the perfect media.

6)What would you do with all the money you spend on comics, if you didn't spend it on comics?

-We can spend money on things other than comics? Like what? WHAT ELSE HAVEN'T YOU TOLD ME?!?!?

7)What superpower do you wish you didn't have?

-Didn't have? Is that a typo? (It's not.) Cause I don't really have any I wish I didn't. I suppose I wouldn't want the superpower of Marrow of X-Men. Who's Marrow? EXACTLY. Her powers suck. (Gotta say, the boy's got a point.)

8)Make up a question and answer it.

What is your favorite costume to see at a comic con?

-Darth Vader. There is ALWAYS at least one guy dressed as the Dark Lord of Sith...and I love hunting for him among the crowds. I saw a picture on a blog once of a Hello Kitty Darth Vader, I want to meet him one day...


Well kids, that just about wraps up this week's Spotlight Talent. Be sure to send me your suggestions for any unsung heroes in the industry at dinasaurus [at] gmail [dot] com-I won't bite! (No promises.)

List Time!

Ok, so some of you may know how much I like lists. Others may know how much it bothers me when people only think of Superman or Batman or Wolverine when discussing comics. (Hopefully) All of you know how much richer the medium is than just the major titles being pushed by the big guys. If you're not, well, prepare to get educated, because I hereby present to you:

Dina's Definitive List of the Top 5 Comics not published by DC or Marvel

(in no particular order, other than the order that I think of them)
(Oh, and The Walking Dead is out, cause Kirkman's head is already going to explode)

5)Local (Oni Press)-This one almost didn't make the list, since it's a 12-issue story and we're currently waiting on issue #11, but it's too good not to pass up. This is an interesting line, as each issue is a stand-alone story, but each one is a different year in the life of the same girl. Without ruining the story (as if that's possible), the line follows Megan McKeenan, as she travels all over the country, not really belonging to any place at all. I assure you the comic is much better than I'm making it sound here, and the stories in each issue are amazing. The love that Brian and Ryan put into this book makes it come alive. Pick it up, you won't regret it.

4) Fell (Image)-Written by Warren Ellis, aka Internet Jesus, this is a gritty, noir-ish comic, and it's the steal of a lifetime at $1.99 a pop. (Or less-Seriously!) Fell is the story of Richard Fell, a homicide detective who gets reassigned to Snowtown, a version of Detroit on its worst day. Like Local, each issue is a singular story (no cliffhangers!), but the events in each issue are referred to in the ones that follow. This is a twisted sort of line, with sparse, but beautiful art by Ben Templesmith.

3)The Boys (Dynamite)-Ok, so this one started out being published by Wildstorm (owned by Marvel), but was promptly cancelled 6 issues in because it was just THAT offensive. Dynamite rescued this gem from extinction, and it has been living happily over on their roster ever since. This is from Garth Ennis, so expect your share of gross-outs, ultraviolence, and the old in-out. But in between the shock value is actually a great comic. This line actually follows the guys ("Boys", if you will) who keep the superheroes in line. No cheesy lovey-dovey Spiderman here, this comic's "supes" have names like "Blarney Cock", and "Love Sausage" (the link is safe, I promise!), and they're the bad guys. Refreshing, and although at times it's so shocking it's cliche', this one is a keeper.

2) The Sword (Image)-Oh Luna Brothers, how do you do it? This line is currently flying off the shelves just about everywhere, so take advantage of the free online version of issue #1 here. This comic sounds like a retread, but oh I assure you, it's not. Dara Brighton, a quadriplegic art student suddenly finds her family dead and her legs working. Oh, and did I mention she found a magical sword that lets her jump miles high and heal any wound? With the government (and just about the worst baddies ever) looking for her, I am still on edge about what happens next. Pick this one up for a superhero read without the "super" or the "hero".

1) Locke & Key (IDW)-This one is only three issues in, and it's already the thing I'm looking forward to most each month. Oh man, who the heck are these guys, and how have they created crack in page form? I can't say much about it because honestly, I'm still confused myself as to what's going on, but I can tell you this much-it's on this (and every month's) pull list. Get it!