8-1-08 Comment on the Star Comics Story

Hi all,
I just want to make it perfectly clear how truly awesome Robert Mora, owner of Star Comics, is. He bought the first ad in LLAMA Today. He's an inspiration to so many fans and creators. I've never heard anything bad about the guy and most people just say he so genuine and smart it's intimidating to be around him. I don't find him intimidating at all. He's a hard working guy with a lot of love for the art of comics and their creators. Go by his shop and pick up some indie comics that you can only find here in Lubbock, Texas.
Peace,
Sarazann

8-1-08 Lubbock Legacy - Star Comics

Local Business - Star Comics
By Sarazann

“Live Long and Prosper” read the black and sliver banner laid across Sid Devours coffin at the graveside service. Sid was an inspiration to many Lubbock Comic fans, noted by the passionate farewells from so many customers and friends.
His family affectionately referred to all of the comic lovers that frequented his store, Star Books and Comics, as his “kids.”
While Sid’s death was a loss for his comic book family, it also gave them a chance to gain a greater understanding of what his store meant to Lubbock. Star was an institution created through passion for the style of art and love of the creators and patrons. Sid’s store established a solid comic community in Lubbock and it continues to grow today.
In 1977, Don Mitchell started a used bookstore on 34th Street called Star Bookstore. Joe Gulick and his brother, Mike, were friends of Don and suggested Star should sell some comic books. Soon after, in October 1977, Don sold the store to Mike, and the name of the store was changed to Star Books and Comics.
Mike sold the store to a long-time customer, Sid Devours, in 1981. Books and RPG sales were phased out around 1992 to make the store all-comics, all the time. Sid died in August 1999. His nephew, Robert Mora, took over the business and continues to run the shop. He simplified the name to Star Comics.
Robert is an avid supporter of local artists and has worked very hard to create a solid comic community. He encourages local artists to sell their new comics in his store. He supports the art community by volunteering for local art events, such as the Lubbock Comic Book Expo and Lubbock Comic Book Workshop. He also supports the efforts of the Lubbock Sketch Club and its many events.
Robert is well-respected among the many fans who frequent his shop and the community. He continues to support local art and explore new local talent. The store is still located at 2014 34th Street.

8-1-08 Art Tech - Airbrush

Art Tech - Airbrush
By Sarazann

Spraying paint onto a canvas might seem to be a modern invention however the practice of splashing a fine mist of color on a form to produce art is almost as old as the human race. Cave paintings dating back to the dawn of the Cro-Magnon man are prolific. Most represent a style best captured by the painting in Cosquer Cave located at Cape Morgiou, in the Calanques, near Marseilles, France. (pic)

In this time before the industrial revolution Paleolithic people would chew on ocher until it became a thick paint like substance. They would use their hands and other tools as edge guides as they sprayed ocher from their mouth in a constant pattern. This technique is still used in modern day rock paintings by the Australian Aboriginies. However the herbs used in Austrailia create a chalk white color instead of the burnt orange of the ocher.

The first patent on what we would consider a modern airbrush machine was held by Charles Burdick, 1893. Through to the 1920’s the machine was mainly a photography touch up device. Used for coloring and corrections. During the advertising boom of the 30’s the airbrush became a tool for painters. The quick style a relative easy use of the machine made it a solid alternative to matte painting and full oil color ads. The Walter Gropius Bauhaus Group, Germany 1919, welcomed the airbrush and helped establish it as an artistic tool.

1950’s Pin up models created a turn in the airbrush market. When Alberto Vargas first painted his voluptuous ladies, the use for and airbrush crossed the boundaries of a commercial tool and went into the homes of local people. Since then the airbrush has been used on everything from motorcycles to paper bags. It is a versatile tool that can create types of art that are more complicated to attain using other mediums.

Lubbock artist, Will Terrell, used an airbrush while creating characatures. He had some trouble getting used to the tool and acquiring all of the correct parts for the set up. After learning how to use the airbrush and buying the equipment he had a very successful career as a characature artist for many years. The airbrush was easy enough to use in a variety of places, the Fair, the flea market and even took Will to California. After finishing his six month education in California, Will came back to Lubbock to continue to pursue his dream of making comics. Though he no longer uses the airbrush regularly his skill and entertainment with the machine remain. Check out his comics on sale at Star Comics, 2014 34th Street.

Wes Williamson owner of Toonz Ink uses numerous airbrushes on a daily basis. He has created thousands of pieces on everything from a t-shirt to a baseball cap. His business has been around for almost a decade and still growing. He said “it doesn‘t matter what kind of airbrush you use, it’s in the skill of the artist to make it look good.” His preferred airbrush gun is the Eclipse and the Paashe. “I wanted to make art” Wes states excitedly. He was determined to make art his living and the air gun appealed to him most of all. “All you have to do is pull the trigger, there’s no changing brushes or anything, just aim and paint.” His store, located at 5015 University Avenue Space a-10, holds a huge selection of airbrush work.

8-1-08 Focus New Artist Timothy Mcendarfer

Focus: New Comic Artist Timothy Mcendarfur
By Sarazann

“To the future”, Timothy Mcendarfur exclaims as he folds his first comic “24 Hours to Midnight”. Timothy has been drawing for twenty years and attributes his inspiration to the first comics he ever read.
Green Lantern and Iron Man caught his eye in a gas station in 1987. After reading the stories he found that both main characters were fighting a green monster in space.
“I realized something words can’t really say. A six year old doesn’t have words for it.” Timothy worked hard over the years honing his style and skills.
He said he is an “enthusiastic attendee” of South Plains College, working on a degree in graphic design. He is a productive member of the Lubbock Sketch Club and the West Texas Comic Book Writer’s Association. Both groups focus on helping artists and writers perfect their comic book skills.
He has also volunteered for The Comic Book Expo, 24 Hour Comic Jam, and many First Friday Art Trails. He is the artistic manager for November’s NOVAcon and the artistic director of the LLAMA Today News Press. More information about these groups and events can be found on the LLAMA press website at http://llamatoday.blogspot.com.
“It’s fun.” replies Timothy.
He has a genuine care and raw talent that bring a bold but innocent style to his art. He has created many pieces in different mediums.
“Handy with a pencil” describes Timothy’s preferred art style. Non-photo blue pencil and Bristol board is his favorite medium followed quickly by inking the Bristol pencils.
“I’m never too critical, but secretly on the inside I’m thrilled to ask, ‘what would it look like if I made it better?’”
Timothy’s art can be viewed at the Garden and Arts Center on the First Friday Art Trail, August 1st.
His comic will be on sale along with other works. Catch him at the Lubbock Sketch Club held every Saturday from 7-10 p.m. at Freebirds World Burrito. He will hold regular comic sales and signings every Saturday.