Hey everyone,
As you've no doubtly figured out Issue #3 is going to be a bit late. You have my apologies, but my work schedule just got out of hand and I fell terribly behind. But I'm busting my hump to get it together for a February release and I'm gonna do my best to get Issue #4 out on time in March as planned. But Issue #3 is coming along very well and I'm actually thrilled with some of the art. The stuff is looking better with each issue. Perhaps one day it will actually be good. But I just wanted this post to let you guys know that I am hard at work and haven't forgotten about you guys. Well that's all for now folks. Adios.
- K.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Best of 2007
Here's my best of 2007 for Movies, Music, and Video Games. So here we go.
TOP 10 VIDEO GAMES
10. Assassin's Creed (Xbox 360, PS3)
Beautiful graphics and interesting game play got it in my top 10, but a bit too much repetativeness prevented it from placing higher.
9. Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)
Call me old school, but I love a good side-scrolling adventure game. And the Castlevania games have always been some of the best. Dracula X keeps the faith.
8. Lost Planet (Xbox 360, PC)
A lot of folks probably forgot about this game as it came out in January. But Capcom gave fans of giant robots all we could ask for in this mech smashing, alien blasting, memory wiping adventure.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)
Link is back again with the classic Zelda format which normally would have been enough for me, but throw in some killer touch-screen integration and you've got a Top 10 Game.
6. Rock Band (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2)
Music games are all the rage and Harmonix just does it best. After handing off Guitar Hero III to Activision, the folks at Harmonix decided to kick it up a notch and add vocals and drums to the equation. Tack on the killer downloadable content that's been available from day one and you've got yourself a winner.
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, DS)
Sure, the market is saturated with first person shooters. But the guys at Infinity Ward are some of the best at it and that's saying a lot considering this years competition. The guys finally nailed the perfect campaign and multiplayer combination.
4. Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
Bungie aren't considered the guys who reinvented the FPS for no reason. Halo 3 combined an awesome campaign mode with a fucking tremendous multiplayer mode with countless game-types, plus video/photo capture, and map editing! My hat's off to you Bungie.
3. The Orange Box (Xbox 360, PS3)
What can I say? Half-Life 2, Episodes 1 & 2, Team Fortress, and Portal all in one box. What? Are you on crack? Go buy it now!
2. Bioshock (Xbox 360, PC)
2K Boston completely pushed the boundaries of epic storytelling in this game. Oh yeah, and it's fucking fun as all hell and amazing looking. And c'mon you can shoot bees out of your hand! BEES!!!
1. Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
Bioware made Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which is pretty much one of the best games ever. Mass Effect is actually better. I shouldn't have to say more, but I will. The level of exploration is wonderful, there's tons of side missions, the combat is real time with some pretty bad-ass moves, and the conversation system is revolutionary. And to top it all off, the story is fantastic.
TOP 10 ALBUMS
10. Against Me! - New Wave
Against Me! may not be subtle but they sure know how to write a good punk song with socio-political lyrics. And this album is just too much damn fun to listen to!
9. John Schmitt - John Schmitt
Okay, I might be a bit biased considering John and I have been friends since 1999 and have played music togther on and off over the years. But it doesn't make this record any less tremendous. Heart felt lyrics, beautiful melodies and wonderful arrangements make this a must have album.
8. Tegan & Sarah - The Con
Tegan & Sarah don't need to con anyone about their songwriting skill. The indie folk sisters and crew still churn out some of the best music out there. And The Con just continues in that vein.
7. Lemuria / The Ergs - Split EP
Okay, I'm not usually huge on splits or EP's but this one is just too damn good to not be included this year. Lemuria bring their wonderful indie-pop goodness to the table while the Ergs show why they're on the rise as one of the best pop-punk bands out there and their cover of "Hey Jealousy" is just not to be missed.
6. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder
Lots of folks thought CYHSY were going to be a one-time thing when their self-titled debut record blew away folks in 2005. But they were wrong. Some Loud Thunder shows the artistic growth of a band that's going to be around for a very long time.
5. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
The Arcade Fire's 3rd album does not disappoint. While it's not as memorable as Funeral, it's still as an anthemic as its predecessor and a masterpiece in its own right. The Canadian rockers stay true to form with lush arrangements and thoughtful lyrics making this a must buy.
4. Get Him Eat Him - Arms Down
Get Him Eat Him are probably the best band you've never heard of. Electro-pop meets indie-punk on GHEH's 2nd full-length album. And it's a wonderfully odd record that cannot be missed.
3. Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
Iron & Wine continues to put out some of the best indie-folk period. The songs on The Shepherd's Dog seem more lush and layered than anything that's come before it, making it that much more of a rewarding experience to listen to.
2. Elliott Smith - New Moon
Elliott Smith may be long gone, but as unreleased songs keep turning up he continues to be one of the most profound and heart-wrenching song writers of our time.
1. The Gunshy - There's No Love in This War
The Gunshy is at the top of his game with this newest release. The songs are based on letters written by this grandfather during WWII and are absolutely heartbreaking. Matt Arbogast is truly at his best on this record and shows a true return to form not seen since No Man's Blues.
TOP 10 MOVIES
10. 300
Zakk Snyder's adaptation of Frank Miller's epic graphic novel not only realized the fantastic art style and story from Miller's original work but added to it!
9. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Okay, I am a self-proclaimed Tim Burton whore. The only movie he's done that I didn't like was Planet of the Apes. But Todd thrilled me. From the wonderful songs, to Burton's signature style, and Depp's terrifying turn as the killer himself this movie was gold.
8. Aliens versus Predator - Requiem
Finally! AVP done right! Now don't get me wrong this is no Ridley Scott or James Cameron film. But it finally feels like a proper heir to the Alien and Predator franchises.
7. The Hitcher
This flick bombed in the theater, but was a great remake of the 1980's original. Is Sean Bean as creepy as Rutger Hauer? No, but he's way more badass. And the scene with the Trans Am and "Closer" is fucking amazing. Still the most memorable scene of the year.
6. Planet Terror
Man, I could kiss Robert Rodriguez for this movie. Everything I've ever loved about B-Movie Horror is in this flick. Zombies, Babes, Michael Biehn. I could not have asked for more.
5. Spider-man 3
Admittedly this is probably the worst Spidey flick to date. But there were some really tremendous action scenes, the casting was spot-on as always, and Venom was just badass (albeit not in the movie nearly long enough.)
4. Transformers
Transformers was the only movie this summer that I did not walk out of disappointed in one way or another. I was actually pleasantly surprised by this one. Sure the characters weren't the most indepth ever, but when push comes to shove we just wanted to see the Autobots and Decepticons throw down anyway.
3. Halloween
Okay. I hate Rob Zombie's films. Hate. But this just proves what the guy can do with some solid source material. I enjoyed the background and fleshing out of Michael Meyers. It just really brought the character into the real world. Though one can't help but wonder if Zombie is capable of writing characters who aren't white-trash.
2. Pirates of the Carribbean: At World's End
Captain Jack Sparrow returns in this wonderful final chapter of the Pirates saga. My only complaint is that the sword fight between Jack and Jones wasn't long enough. But I really cannot complain about anything else in this film. And I give the guys a lot of credit for not trying to cop out to some fairy tale ending!
1. Live Free or Die Hard
After far too many years doing stuff I could care less about (except Sin City and Planet Terror) Bruce Willis returns to form as John McClaine doing what he does best. Now I gotta be honest this would not have made it to 1 if it weren't for the Unrated Cut on the DVD that truly feels like a Die Hard flick as opposed to the PG-13 version released in the theaters. But it's got all the bang for your buck you could ask for. So thank you, Bruce, for a return to form.
TOP 10 VIDEO GAMES
10. Assassin's Creed (Xbox 360, PS3)
Beautiful graphics and interesting game play got it in my top 10, but a bit too much repetativeness prevented it from placing higher.
9. Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)
Call me old school, but I love a good side-scrolling adventure game. And the Castlevania games have always been some of the best. Dracula X keeps the faith.
8. Lost Planet (Xbox 360, PC)
A lot of folks probably forgot about this game as it came out in January. But Capcom gave fans of giant robots all we could ask for in this mech smashing, alien blasting, memory wiping adventure.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)
Link is back again with the classic Zelda format which normally would have been enough for me, but throw in some killer touch-screen integration and you've got a Top 10 Game.
6. Rock Band (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2)
Music games are all the rage and Harmonix just does it best. After handing off Guitar Hero III to Activision, the folks at Harmonix decided to kick it up a notch and add vocals and drums to the equation. Tack on the killer downloadable content that's been available from day one and you've got yourself a winner.
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, DS)
Sure, the market is saturated with first person shooters. But the guys at Infinity Ward are some of the best at it and that's saying a lot considering this years competition. The guys finally nailed the perfect campaign and multiplayer combination.
4. Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
Bungie aren't considered the guys who reinvented the FPS for no reason. Halo 3 combined an awesome campaign mode with a fucking tremendous multiplayer mode with countless game-types, plus video/photo capture, and map editing! My hat's off to you Bungie.
3. The Orange Box (Xbox 360, PS3)
What can I say? Half-Life 2, Episodes 1 & 2, Team Fortress, and Portal all in one box. What? Are you on crack? Go buy it now!
2. Bioshock (Xbox 360, PC)
2K Boston completely pushed the boundaries of epic storytelling in this game. Oh yeah, and it's fucking fun as all hell and amazing looking. And c'mon you can shoot bees out of your hand! BEES!!!
1. Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
Bioware made Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which is pretty much one of the best games ever. Mass Effect is actually better. I shouldn't have to say more, but I will. The level of exploration is wonderful, there's tons of side missions, the combat is real time with some pretty bad-ass moves, and the conversation system is revolutionary. And to top it all off, the story is fantastic.
TOP 10 ALBUMS
10. Against Me! - New Wave
Against Me! may not be subtle but they sure know how to write a good punk song with socio-political lyrics. And this album is just too much damn fun to listen to!
9. John Schmitt - John Schmitt
Okay, I might be a bit biased considering John and I have been friends since 1999 and have played music togther on and off over the years. But it doesn't make this record any less tremendous. Heart felt lyrics, beautiful melodies and wonderful arrangements make this a must have album.
8. Tegan & Sarah - The Con
Tegan & Sarah don't need to con anyone about their songwriting skill. The indie folk sisters and crew still churn out some of the best music out there. And The Con just continues in that vein.
7. Lemuria / The Ergs - Split EP
Okay, I'm not usually huge on splits or EP's but this one is just too damn good to not be included this year. Lemuria bring their wonderful indie-pop goodness to the table while the Ergs show why they're on the rise as one of the best pop-punk bands out there and their cover of "Hey Jealousy" is just not to be missed.
6. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder
Lots of folks thought CYHSY were going to be a one-time thing when their self-titled debut record blew away folks in 2005. But they were wrong. Some Loud Thunder shows the artistic growth of a band that's going to be around for a very long time.
5. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
The Arcade Fire's 3rd album does not disappoint. While it's not as memorable as Funeral, it's still as an anthemic as its predecessor and a masterpiece in its own right. The Canadian rockers stay true to form with lush arrangements and thoughtful lyrics making this a must buy.
4. Get Him Eat Him - Arms Down
Get Him Eat Him are probably the best band you've never heard of. Electro-pop meets indie-punk on GHEH's 2nd full-length album. And it's a wonderfully odd record that cannot be missed.
3. Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
Iron & Wine continues to put out some of the best indie-folk period. The songs on The Shepherd's Dog seem more lush and layered than anything that's come before it, making it that much more of a rewarding experience to listen to.
2. Elliott Smith - New Moon
Elliott Smith may be long gone, but as unreleased songs keep turning up he continues to be one of the most profound and heart-wrenching song writers of our time.
1. The Gunshy - There's No Love in This War
The Gunshy is at the top of his game with this newest release. The songs are based on letters written by this grandfather during WWII and are absolutely heartbreaking. Matt Arbogast is truly at his best on this record and shows a true return to form not seen since No Man's Blues.
TOP 10 MOVIES
10. 300
Zakk Snyder's adaptation of Frank Miller's epic graphic novel not only realized the fantastic art style and story from Miller's original work but added to it!
9. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Okay, I am a self-proclaimed Tim Burton whore. The only movie he's done that I didn't like was Planet of the Apes. But Todd thrilled me. From the wonderful songs, to Burton's signature style, and Depp's terrifying turn as the killer himself this movie was gold.
8. Aliens versus Predator - Requiem
Finally! AVP done right! Now don't get me wrong this is no Ridley Scott or James Cameron film. But it finally feels like a proper heir to the Alien and Predator franchises.
7. The Hitcher
This flick bombed in the theater, but was a great remake of the 1980's original. Is Sean Bean as creepy as Rutger Hauer? No, but he's way more badass. And the scene with the Trans Am and "Closer" is fucking amazing. Still the most memorable scene of the year.
6. Planet Terror
Man, I could kiss Robert Rodriguez for this movie. Everything I've ever loved about B-Movie Horror is in this flick. Zombies, Babes, Michael Biehn. I could not have asked for more.
5. Spider-man 3
Admittedly this is probably the worst Spidey flick to date. But there were some really tremendous action scenes, the casting was spot-on as always, and Venom was just badass (albeit not in the movie nearly long enough.)
4. Transformers
Transformers was the only movie this summer that I did not walk out of disappointed in one way or another. I was actually pleasantly surprised by this one. Sure the characters weren't the most indepth ever, but when push comes to shove we just wanted to see the Autobots and Decepticons throw down anyway.
3. Halloween
Okay. I hate Rob Zombie's films. Hate. But this just proves what the guy can do with some solid source material. I enjoyed the background and fleshing out of Michael Meyers. It just really brought the character into the real world. Though one can't help but wonder if Zombie is capable of writing characters who aren't white-trash.
2. Pirates of the Carribbean: At World's End
Captain Jack Sparrow returns in this wonderful final chapter of the Pirates saga. My only complaint is that the sword fight between Jack and Jones wasn't long enough. But I really cannot complain about anything else in this film. And I give the guys a lot of credit for not trying to cop out to some fairy tale ending!
1. Live Free or Die Hard
After far too many years doing stuff I could care less about (except Sin City and Planet Terror) Bruce Willis returns to form as John McClaine doing what he does best. Now I gotta be honest this would not have made it to 1 if it weren't for the Unrated Cut on the DVD that truly feels like a Die Hard flick as opposed to the PG-13 version released in the theaters. But it's got all the bang for your buck you could ask for. So thank you, Bruce, for a return to form.
Friday, November 30, 2007
It Calls...
Alrighty folks. I've been uber-pumped to be working on Cthulhu so I threw together the first real ad for it last night. It's short but it makes me giddy with anticipation. *GLEE* Enjoy.
- K.
P.S. You guys should totally check out this Cthulhu film from a couple years ago that will totally blow you freaking mind. The Call of the Cthulhu film.
- K.
P.S. You guys should totally check out this Cthulhu film from a couple years ago that will totally blow you freaking mind. The Call of the Cthulhu film.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Red Friday Sale!!!
Hey guys.
I'm going to run a sale on Friday to celebrate the release of The Red Eye: Lost to the Future Issue #2. Friday only I'm doing to knock $1.00 off the price of both issues of The Red Eye. I'm calling it the Red Friday Sale. So head on over to www.lulu.com/kylekacz and get your copies this Friday!
- K.
I'm going to run a sale on Friday to celebrate the release of The Red Eye: Lost to the Future Issue #2. Friday only I'm doing to knock $1.00 off the price of both issues of The Red Eye. I'm calling it the Red Friday Sale. So head on over to www.lulu.com/kylekacz and get your copies this Friday!
- K.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
N. Frank Daniels is My Homeboy III
Hey all,
I failed to mention something big that has happened to me. This is for several reasons. Reason #1: I haven't actually been allowed to talk about it until very recently. Reason #2: I've been pretty goddamned busy. So here it is...
My good buddy, N. Frank Daniels' first novel futureproof was picked up by Harper Perennial, an imprint of Harper Collins (you know, that huge-ass, international publisher). And the good Mr. Daniels asked yours truly to contribute the cover art for the novel. Being a fan of futureproof I was floored and honored. Of course, Harper can veto my art at a whim so it's technically not definite. But when Frank and I get something together I will post it here and keep you all posted as to how it pans out.
I just wanted to share the good news with you all, so that's all for now. Take care.
- K.
P.S. You should all visit Frank's MySpace: www.myspace.com/nfrankdaniels to find out more about him and futureproof.
I failed to mention something big that has happened to me. This is for several reasons. Reason #1: I haven't actually been allowed to talk about it until very recently. Reason #2: I've been pretty goddamned busy. So here it is...
My good buddy, N. Frank Daniels' first novel futureproof was picked up by Harper Perennial, an imprint of Harper Collins (you know, that huge-ass, international publisher). And the good Mr. Daniels asked yours truly to contribute the cover art for the novel. Being a fan of futureproof I was floored and honored. Of course, Harper can veto my art at a whim so it's technically not definite. But when Frank and I get something together I will post it here and keep you all posted as to how it pans out.
I just wanted to share the good news with you all, so that's all for now. Take care.
- K.
P.S. You should all visit Frank's MySpace: www.myspace.com/nfrankdaniels to find out more about him and futureproof.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Aw, crap...
Here's the full costume as I've been teasing with everyone with the pics of The Right Hand of Doom. Hope everyone had an awesome Halloween.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Searching for a Former Clarity...
Okay, so I'll give you folks a bit of a forewarning. This isn't technically an art post or announcement post or anything like that. However, I felt it was still relevant to the creative process so I'm posting it.
Earlier this evening I talked to a friend of mine whom I haven't talked to in over a month. Now for him and I, that is a very long time as we used to live only a few blocks away from one another and hang out several times a week. And at least once a week, we'd have a long in-depth conversation regarding whatever was going on in our lives.
Today I realized how important those conversations were. They help me clear my mind of all the bullshit that clogs up the brain meats. They give me focus and clarity. Whether it's expelling stupid random information or deep philosophical ideas, our conversations always leave me feeling mentally refreshed and ready to get back to it.
Today for example, we discussed that sometimes it's important to do things that we wouldn't normally do so that we can at least attempt to do the things that we love in the future. For my friend it's going back to school and eventually going to grad school. For me it's working a shitty job on top of doing art work to pay my bills... (art alone does not put food on the table and keep the lights on... not yet, at least.) But it was good to have that conversation and to remind myself of why I'm living my life the way I am right now.
So now I'm feeling much better and much more motivated. So here we go... back into the game.
- K.
Earlier this evening I talked to a friend of mine whom I haven't talked to in over a month. Now for him and I, that is a very long time as we used to live only a few blocks away from one another and hang out several times a week. And at least once a week, we'd have a long in-depth conversation regarding whatever was going on in our lives.
Today I realized how important those conversations were. They help me clear my mind of all the bullshit that clogs up the brain meats. They give me focus and clarity. Whether it's expelling stupid random information or deep philosophical ideas, our conversations always leave me feeling mentally refreshed and ready to get back to it.
Today for example, we discussed that sometimes it's important to do things that we wouldn't normally do so that we can at least attempt to do the things that we love in the future. For my friend it's going back to school and eventually going to grad school. For me it's working a shitty job on top of doing art work to pay my bills... (art alone does not put food on the table and keep the lights on... not yet, at least.) But it was good to have that conversation and to remind myself of why I'm living my life the way I am right now.
So now I'm feeling much better and much more motivated. So here we go... back into the game.
- K.
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