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E-LOG
... for Erasure-related or Comic-related things
05-08-08: Third Week in a Row!
I've kept up with my schedule. Hurrah! With less pages every time, but still. My favorite part is this:
Which bears a striking resemblance to a certain Caravaggio:
Namely because I ripped it off. Also, don't
you think Chuck Mayhem is a thousand times more interesting as a
beaten-up disembodied head? I'm thinking it should walk or float
on its own soon. I picked up a fun little trick from a Photoshop
book on how to make those scanlines for more incoming transmissions.
It was the highlight of my week. That and Iron Man. And the upcoming Wall-E.
04-24-08: Something Similar
Hello, the Devoted. As some of you may know, Andy Bell's birthday
is tomorrow! A day I never forget. I was thinking of
drawing a special comic about it but I kind of didn't have any good
ideas. There's always next year.
I feel like I've had the plot of 'Fright' in my
head for over a year now. The story seems made up on the fly but
I assure you each puzzle piece is in place. Everything's
completely figured out but I didn't think the first part would end up
being 38 pages.
So at first I was thinking about updating every
week, but now every other Thursday sounds more practical. The
comics index page is a mess, I've been thinking about a complete
site makeover or whatever you want
to call it. Anyway, watch this space.
04-10-08: Oh Crust
I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've updated this thing?
So sorry to anyone whose been missing this. There
are
several reasons for this:
a) My computer broke down last year meaning I lost most of the programs
I used to update this (ie FrontPage) and my back-up files are all
pretty old. So I got a new computer and I'm using NVu to
update.
It's free so it's good.
b) I've always been a lazy fool.
Anyway, two other things.
The new girl,
little Miss Chorus "Corrie" Jones is based on the craziest Erasure fan
I ever met while on line for the LATEOTW album signing. I'm
not
even kidding. Of course I had to change the gender and minus
30
some-odd years to protect their identity. But the spirit of
this person is alive and well in Corrie.
The other thing is that I am some
kind of urban
cyborg. To draw a tree, I actually had to look at a picture
of a
tree IN A BOOK. As for the rose, I couldn't find a book that
had
one and I was too lazy to search Google and THAT is why the rose looks
like a crumpled piece of paper.
I have some favorite online comics
that actually
update every week or try to. I greatly appreciate that and
wish I
could do the same. I'm going to strive for some consistency
but I
can't promise anything. However, I did the latest
Snoo
comic in about 15 minutes so that's kind of encouraging. Sorry
for the major Erasure inside joke for the couple of non-fans that come
to this site. Explanation is here. As
always, thanks for any kind words and I hope you all enjoy.
05-22-07: Light At The End of the World
A little something to celebrate the release of Erasure's new
album. You know, I just gotta say a few words about this, if
I may (of course you can idiot, this is your site- Int.
Mod.). A nice feeling of 'all is right with the world' occurs
for me every time Erasure puts out an album. I just feel so
fortunate that one of my favorite bands is still releasing new material
20+ years after their formation. Plus, not having listened to
any tracks beforehand makes every song a genuine
surprise. Rare is the occasion that they've let me
down. I know it's not much but I'm glad to do my
small part in promoting the name of Erasure, even if it is through
stinky drawings.
Re: The Comic. You'll
notice that there's a bush right in front of the bus stop.
You may also notice that it has the same pattern as the shout balloon
in the last panel. That's right, I decided to cut and paste
it to make it go wide since the previous format of 2x2 wasn't as funny:
See? The last panel is the
first thing you look at and it kills the joke. So word to the
wise. Well, the improved version might still not be very
funny. Also the girl in "The Next Vince Clarke #2" is Bette,
Alex's roommate. She wears goggles on her head. See
all the interesting info you find out when you read this log??
Point 2: I know you're all DYING for the continuation of
Fright. However, I was sidetracked by a fan-comic jam I'm
participating in for my favoritest online comic ever. Here is
a panel ripped from the page:
If that makes sense to you then you
need more help than I do.
Point 3: I don't want to rush the continuation of "Fright" since it's
going to get pretty elaborate. I'd like to take my time in
making something that doesn't look like chicken-scratch. My
spare time is very limited but I assure you all that you'll love it!
05-07-07: Funny Little Clown
This latest one sucks, sorry to say. Having something of a
life these days means less frequent updates but I must assure the
faithful that I have ideas aplenty, including two other comics (one
Snoo) finished but not inked or colored. Wanted: Helper
Minions. No, I'm kidding.
04-04-07: Not a trend
I know what you're thinking: Wednesdays are update days. I
have a favorite online comic that does this but unfortunately that
artist got overly stressed and now that site hasn't been updated in a
while. But then again, those comics weren't chicken
scratch. 'Fright' was only a small update but I figured it
best to throw it out there instead of letting it fester in my
computer. The next part may take a while, it's a
beast. The first "Next Vince Clarke" is of particularly bad
quality. My pen was running out. I was considering
writing a disclaimer for the first of the series but I don't think I
will unless someone asks me to clarify.
The new single is
out!
03-28-07: FRIGHTENING
You never asked for it but they're baaack. The continuing
adventures of Steven and the gang and it's gonna be kah-razy.
I know absolutely no one will believe this but I actually had the idea
for a video contest a full month before Greg posted
about it at the EIS site. I wanted to bang my head
against the wall for not drawing and releasing it sooner and then have
everyone dub me the 'Erasure Clairvoyant'. I think my idea is
better though.
My skills are so rusty.
The latest offering has some fugly drawing and a color scheme to induce
vomiting. I swear I use the same five colors all the
time. Anyway, a new character will be introduced and he will
have his own series and he is hated already. Score!
I don't know if the new comics index page is any good. I was
getting sick of all the thumbnails taking up space.
People, LIGHT AT THE END OF THE
WORLD in MAY '07!!
02-07-07: More to Come
It's been almost a year since the last update. That's kind of
lame. And no, this comic wasn't drawn a whole 2 months ago,
it actually is Christmas right now in Snoo's world. Apologies
to the non-Erasure fans, I've read elsewhere that these are pretty
inside-jokish. (well, they are
Erasure comics) But for those not in the know, Buried
Treasure II is one of the latest, limited releases from the EIS,
compiling rare tracks and unreleased stuff. Good
times. Also, NEW ERASURE ALBUM IN MAY!!!
01-19-07: New Year's Rez:
To draw more obviously. I think I added maybe 2 comics in the
whole of last year. I'm paying a hundred dollars a
year to host an archive! I'll get cracking soon.
Also, your new year's resolution is to meander over
to this site and order
yourself the latest UTTON 2K7 comp. You're not an Erasure fan
without it.
08-14-06: No, this isn't really an update
Just in case you were wondering if I kicked the bucket or something: I
have. This is the ghost of me writing. The ghost of
me is an even lazier entity than the previous me. The thing
is I have lots of ideas to draw but virtually no time to write
them. Ghosts lead busy lives, contrary to popular
belief. Oh yeah, Erasure still rules. Look for the
big takeover in '07. Their plans for world domination are
coming into focus.
04-04-06: Blah
Is there a kind soul or two from my NotifyList who would like to switch
to MessageBot? I still need more transfers before I can
attempt to make some of my own. NotifyList sucks, plain and
simple. Lack of spare time + semi-indifference = no new
comics. I need Vince or AB to write to me. That
would be a good kick in the pants. If anyone's really
desperate to have me draw something, you should email me and annoy the
hell out of me. This method works, I swear. Ask
anyone.
03-13-06: A new comic is up,
reflecting somewhat on the Erasure ticket fiasco for US fans.
Bitter I guess? I'd write more but I'm listening to the first
half of Loveboat and it's distracting. The sad thing is we
fans don't really know who we should be directing our anger
to. Was it the public posting of the presale
passwords? Is it the small venues this time around?
Or are the scalpers more notorious than ever? Who
knows. All I can do is draw a little something and keep my
fingers crossed for us fans who got shut
out.
03-03-06: You all knew this...
But for some reason I haven't mentioned Union Street
yet and it's my duty as an Erasure fan to do so. I've been quiet on the
Erasure front, so much so that someone I know asked me if I knew they
were going on tour. Anyway, the new album will be out on
April 3rd in the UK and April 18th in the US of A. And it's
all acoustic. You knew that too. I will
do a comic making fun of this, just not anytime soon.
02-10-06: Howdy
This site has been repaid in full for another year. [INSERT EVIL
LAUGHTER] But seriously, this means cogs need to turn inside the brain
machine. Or at least a working hand is in order. Meanwhile,
NotifyList has been replaced with MessageBot. I'm going to
send an official notice out to those on my mailing list once I get a
new comic out (five million years). Those on NotifyList can
still receive messages from me but no new addresses can be
added. New people can sign up in the MessageBot field on the
left-hand side of the screen. A switchover is
imminent.
01-01-06: Happy New Year
Notifylist is not working. I've contacted them multiple times
without receiving a reply. I'm fairly convinced the whole
thing is run by a robot, much like this very site. If you're
desperate to be notified when comics come up, you can email
info@erasurecomics.com and I'll send out the same email that's going to
everyone on the list. Hopefully the problem will resolve
itself but it seems to have been happening off and on for a while. I
should switch to a different system, maybe I'll look into it
later.
11-29-05: I Swear I'm Not Slacking Off!
I give thee a thousand apologies ... I swear
you will get new comics in December. It will be my special
holiday gift to all of you. I even have ideas! One
will be a new Evan the Rebellious Teenager comic and the other will be
completely ridiculous. Or something. It will come,
thanks for being so patient! As usual, if you have any ideas
or feedback feel free to email me. I reply to one and all. =)
10-05-05: 'Electric Blue' In Stores...
Just about everywhere. I've listened to the album
and while I won't bore anyone who reads this with a detailed review,
let me just tell you that it's HOT. Please don't miss out if
you're even the slightest bit of an Erasure fan. As stated
elsewhere the album is very hi-nrg/dance/disco music.
Different from the usual Erasure standards which is nice for a
change. It's not leaving my stereo any time soon.
08-18-05: 'lectric
Electric Blue release date in the US is October 4th: jot it
down. The clip at the andybell.com site is great, go listen
to it if you haven't already.
08-02-05: Holy Cryp.
I was just reading (and revising) my about section. This
whole site/thing isn't even a year old! I feel like I've been
drawing this stuff for ages. I should mark August 25th with
something really special. I want to revise a lot of stuff
around here. The about section will have questions that have
or have never been asked. There's this section I had in mind
for features but it's rather silly. Sorry to be so cryptic.
Oh and if you're not signed up at
andybell.com for updates, then it's your loss.
07-28-05: Fiff.
No new Erasure comics but definitely new comics. If you're
interested, you can check out this site vilecomics.com for
this horrible zine I made.
07-04-05: HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Amazing news ripped straight out of Greg's newsletter:
// Andy Bell Signs New Record Deal
Erasure frontman Andy Bell has signed a worldwide solo recording
deal
with Sanctuary Records, and announced details of his debut album,
which
will be released on 3rd October 2005, and entitled 'Electric Blue'.
The first single release will be 'Crazy', released on September
26th.
The single will come on three formats, with club remixes from
Erasure
partner Vince Clarke, plus Cicada, MHC and King Roc. It will also
feature
additional non-album tracks and the video, which is being made by
the
award-winning Al + Al.
The album features 14 brand new tracks, including two duets,
with
Claudia Brucken (of Propaganda and Act) and Jake Shears (of
Scissor
Sisters), and encompasses a variety of musical genres.
'Electric Blue' was co-written and recorded throughout 2004 and
2005
with Manhattan Clique (Philip Larsen & Chris Smith) who have
worked with
Erasure, Moby, The B-52's, Stereophonics and Goldfrapp in
recent
months.
Live dates are being planned for late 2005/early 2006, and the trio
are
also planning a series of PA's and DJ gigs around album release.
As one half of Erasure, Andy Bell has sold in excess of 20
million
records worldwide, and chalked up over 30 hit singles. Latest
album
'Nightbird' received huge critical acclaim, as did a recent sold-out
European
and North American tour.
http://www.andybell.com/
http://www.manhattanclique.com/
http://www.sanctuaryrecords.co.uk/
//
Go Andy! Way excited about this
news. Everyone's wondering what it will sound like
but I'm not too worried. I know Andy has great
taste and the new solo album can't be too far removed from some of the
dancier Erasure tracks I know (and love). Looking forward to this very
much.
ErasureComics-wise, I have
nothing. Sorry. =( I'm working on something that
will be available as a zine hopefully in a month, unfortunately it's
not related to Erasure at all. The working title is "The Case of the
Killer Suspenders", so if you like my brand of twisted humor, you're
sure to love this. I'll pimp it more as it progresses.
05-17-05: The Countdown has begun.
Nice to see Erasure getting a bit of exposure on TV of late, even if it
is on fairly bad shows. We take what we can get.
Speaking of fairly bad things, the new comic is what I like to call a
nonsense comic. Whereas most of the others were given a
little thought beforehand, Revenge of the Synth was drawn as I thought
of it which explains the non-quality of the thing. It was so
quick! Don't you wish I'd done more with the
E-Stalks? Yeah, me neither.
Let me emphasize that I'm not a big Star Wars fan. Like most
people I've seen all the movies and found them enjoyable (except for
PM, but you knew that). It's too easy to reference the cheesy
titles for my own purposes though. Can you tell I've run out of ideas?
<cough> I'm only half-kidding. Anyone who's
read this far, send me a suggestion for an Erasure-related comic! If I
like your idea maybe I'll do it. I was going to send Evan and
company to an Erasure concert but that got too complicated.
The new main page image is a composite of the ideas I had for all the
characters to catch a concert but I don't know how Andy Bell can exist
in a world with a Snoo. Ann Marie and Val should kill me for
giving them such hideous outfits. By the way, the tour book
is awesome, especially without my little heartfelt
submission.
I've gone on way too long. This is what happens when you're
sick.
05-11-05: Not Dead Yet.
Needless to say the 2 concerts, signing and TV taping where I saw
Erasure were all tremendously enjoyable. Took bad pictures at
the signing, they're now up at the features section.
Apologies for the slow comic productivity. I'll put something
up soon.
04-12-05: Holy &^%*!!!
Going to see
Erasure on Thursday, opening night concert in NYC! I know
it's going to be a total blast. I doubt I'll be able to take
pictures but regardless I'll have a lot of fun. Yay, GrAh and
other incomprehensible nonsense sounds to display my excitement!!
03-20-05: IT'S LIKE GETTING RELEASED FROM JAIL!
What have you done to deserve this?? At least the whole ugly
thing is over. Unfortunately I had way too much fun drawing
the Pet Shop Bots so I can't say for sure if that's the last we'll see
of them. (Incidentally I do like the
PSB! I even have an autographed album.) The
soundtrack for drawing the last part was Erasure's "Nightbird", PSB's
"Nightlife" and finally The Game's "Documentary". If I'm not
mistaken that's also the formula for chaos; good stuff, good
stuff.
Interestingly enough, after writing this last part I checked the EIS
forums and found the obligatory erasure vs. psb topic. The same
arguments from 5 years ago were bandied about by both sides. So the
story is old, but it goes on. It's fun watching from the sidelines. ;)
A new (currently empty) section has been added called "Features", to be
known as some pages made by someone with too much time on their hands
FOR people with too much time on their hands. Complete
nonsense - the service has allotted more space than I know what to do
with. Parodies, silly analysis, maybe quizzes, junk, etc!
03-14-05:
Slow, slow, slow. Maybe in another week I'll put up the last
part of Mental Erasure. It just needs to get colored in but
that takes the longest. Finally get this hideous monkey off
my back. In Erasure-related news, it seems that the recent
concerts were ace as usual. Can't wait til
April!
03-01-05: Erasure's touring somewhere in the
UK! And it took a hell of a long time but this site is
finally up and I'm sure the new glitches will be revealed to me soon
enough.
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