It's been a good 4 days since getting back from the circus called San Diego and I'm still trying to catch up on sleep. At least I have confirmation that others are in the same boat and it ain't just me. I've got a bunch of e-mails to reply to still so I gotta do that before I polish off some MJ pages tonight. Oh, it's, like, party time in Vancouver right now. There's this annual fireworks display that goes on for 2 weeks and it's starting tonight. There's a huge crowd of people on the beach outside my window and I'm stuck here workin'. Damn deadlines to hell.
Anyway, on to more important news. I gave Marvel a call a coupla days ago about me leaving the MJ book. I thought long and hard about trying to maintain a monthly while trying to find work in Japan but I figure I'm moving for a reason and that I shouldn't half ass it. I've asked whether I could stay on covers to keep some sort of income coming in and I'm hoping that they allow it. So, as it looks right now, I'll be on till November or issue 15 and they will find a replacement for me after that. I called Sean (the writer) and told him about my decision and he was very understanding about it along with my editor. I'm fortunate that I work with such cool people. There are no guarantees with what I'm doing and it's more likely I'll come groveling back to them but it's something I have to do now or I will probably never do it. I've always felt that life is about risk and change and the more you do of both the more rewards await you.
It's time to own this thing called comix.
TAK
Anyway, on to more important news. I gave Marvel a call a coupla days ago about me leaving the MJ book. I thought long and hard about trying to maintain a monthly while trying to find work in Japan but I figure I'm moving for a reason and that I shouldn't half ass it. I've asked whether I could stay on covers to keep some sort of income coming in and I'm hoping that they allow it. So, as it looks right now, I'll be on till November or issue 15 and they will find a replacement for me after that. I called Sean (the writer) and told him about my decision and he was very understanding about it along with my editor. I'm fortunate that I work with such cool people. There are no guarantees with what I'm doing and it's more likely I'll come groveling back to them but it's something I have to do now or I will probably never do it. I've always felt that life is about risk and change and the more you do of both the more rewards await you.
It's time to own this thing called comix.
TAK
12 Comment(s):
keith cunningham said...
Sorry to hear that you won't be doing MJ anymore. Maybe they'll still have you do fill-in issues of things? That would be cool.
TAK said...
keith - I guess it depends on how it goes over there. I may need work eventually. We'll see.
CeeCee said...
You're going to kick so much ass. :O I'm going to be all, "I KNEW HIM WHEEEEN!!!!"
;~; Will miss you...
buraisu said...
Dr. Bryce prescribes you with a good dose of ganbarrre! Not that you really need it though... See you soon, buddy. End of August...
Alfredo said...
Screw it... If you're not drawing MJ I'm not buying it. Your style of drawing adds a lot of charm to this book. Mmmm... I'm kind of depressed now.
Steve-o said...
Man, I am so disappointed to hear you're going to leave MJ. :( I love Sean's stories, but your art is a huge part of why I follow the series so closely. I just read this week's issue and was again blown away by the characters' natural expressions and poses.
I'm sure there are other artists out there who would be a good fit for the book, but I'm suddenly very uneasy about one of my favorite series...
By the way, I was just wondering as I read today -- the prints that appear on a lot of the girls' tops... is that entirely Christina's work (the lines are much finer than your pencil lines), or do you have some part in them?
Anyway, good luck with finding work in Japan. I suddenly regret not having paid for a sketch at ComicCon, especially after seeing how finished the ones in your gallery look. Maybe another time...
TAK said...
C - Hey, once you own the 3D thing you'll be making wicked awesome games all the kidz'll be playing and then I'LL be, like, "I knew HER when!"
bryyyyce - End of August?? Otsukare, yo! See ya soon.
al - thanks, dude. I appreciate that but the book needs all the help it can get. Please don't drop it! I mean, c'mon. Gwen just busted on the scene. Plot has royally thickened!!
steve-o - thank you, sir. It was a tough decision. Trust me. I've had a lot of fun on the book and I'm just as stoked for what's gonna happen as you guys. Man, this means I don't get the skinny on Sean's scripts anymore!? As for the T-shirts, I usually just leave them blank so Christina can do her thing. That stuff is all her. I draw in logos when I feel it needs it but that's rare. Anyway, I may hit San Diego again next. Ya never know. Thanks, man.
Alfredo said...
I'll think about... I need to see who the new guy is. :(
Scott King said...
That is sooooooooooo sad you are leaving "SMLMJ." But you gotta do what you gotta do. As a fan I'm disapointed, but I wish you the best of luck with moving and all.
TAK said...
al - I'm sure they will find someone just as good, if not better. But, I mean, a comic is a product of both writing and art and Sean is one damn fine writer. One or two issues in and you'll forget all about me.
scott - thank you. I will not disappoint.
Craig Yeung said...
Hey Takeshi,
Had a blast having the chance to ink your work a few times. I wish you all your best in Japan! Keep us updated on your escapades there!
TAK said...
Yo Craig!!!
Thanks for stoppin' by, man. It was really nice hangin' with you and the rest of the Runaways team in SD. thanks for the well wishes and good luck with your projects as well!!