"Nick Cardy: The Artist at War" -- From Eva Ink Publishing

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this new book from Eva Ink Publishing--"Nick Cardy: The Artist at War."

Not only do I consider this book a wonderful tribute to legendary DC Comic's artist, Nick Cardy, but the historical significance is what I love as well. It's a part of all of our histories....

I've always been a World War II buff.

I was that weird kid in Jr. High and High School, who spent most of her time in the library, reading books about the African Campaign and the military strategy in Europe. Why, at Westlawn Jr. High, my 9th grade history project was editing, directing and compiling a 2 hour slide show on the "war to end all wars." I particularly enjoyed writing the script. A lovely lady -- a death camp survivor, whom I'm sure is long gone now.... provided some wonderful narration. I think my teacher, Coach McGregor, was blown away, and ended up keeping the project to show to later classes. I won the History Award that year. LOL

As you can see, I REALLY am, and have always been, fascinated by history.

So, it was no wonder that on a recent visit with Nick, when he brought out a little binder, about 3 inches thick, and invited me to take a look, I was blown away by what I saw--- original sketch after original sketch, chronicling Nick's time in the army during World War II-- from the time he was drafted, through basic, to being dropped, perhaps woefully unprepared, into out and out conflict and mayham!

And this was the original book!

I understood the significance of that... This was Nick's outlet during the war, to take himself out of whatever was going on around him. To chronicle his life with art, in lieu of a camera. His artist's eye WAS the camera. This was the book that was in his pocket during quiet times around a mess tent. This was the book that was in his pocket when buildings were exploding around him...This was the book that was with him when he watched friends die.

And it's all here...

It was a foregone conclusion. I HAD to do this book.

What I love about this project, as I'm sitting here holding the original binder, is how it unfolds like a movie... slowly... the day to day of basic training, the mundane acts of getting your hair cut, or washing your face to go to mass.... plopping down totally exhausted to sleep on a thin canvas cot--surrounded by people, but separated from those you love.... from there, the pages escalate to the young man being shipped overseas, and almost immediately being dropped into towns in Belgium enduring relentless shelling, enemy tanks approaching around the corner, buildings exploding like paper firecrackers, reduced to rubble....and finally, Nick's own exit from the war.

Long before Nick Cardy became lauded as one of the best cover designers to ever work in the comics industry, this was part of his story...

It is one man's journey....

I am so pleased to present this sketchbook in it's entirety, complete with Nick's own commentary, in a hardcover 6x9, 128 page book. Also included in the deluxe edition will be a 30 minute DVD interview with Nick talking about his experience.

In these pages, you can see the same attention to movement of the human body and knack for page design so apparent in all of Nick later illustration work.

So, I invite you to come on this journey--because again, that is surely what it is--one man's journey...during a horrible war...echoing perhaps the experience of millions.


Best,

Renee



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Here is the Diamond Solicit for ordering:



"Nick Cardy: The Artist at War"

Hardcover

128 pages



Signed Edition with DVD:

978-1-4507-4725-7

$39.99



Sketch Edition with Original sketch by Nick Cardy and DVD:

978-1-4507-4726-4

$150


"Renowned cover artist and illustrator from DC Comic's golden years, Nick Cardy now in his 90's, has been drawing his whole life. And thank goodness for it, as he contributes now to not only our comics history, but to our history as a nation as well. Before beginning his career in comics post World War II, Nick was one of our young men shipped overseas to take part in the “war to end all wars.” Without benefit of a camera, Nick did what he did best-- carrying a sketchbook and documenting his time in the war from beginning to end. The humor and the horror. What we have at the end of the book, is a chronicle, one man's journey, that speaks for millions. Each sketch and painting accompanied by Nick Cardy's own commentary. A must have for fans of comic art and history as we hear it from the mouth of an industry legend, and see it with our own eyes."



This book can be ordered from Diamond directly or from Eva Ink Publishing: evaink@aol.com

New Mark Texeira Sketchbook Available for Ordering!

Our new sketchbook on Mark Texeira will be in stores in December. If you haven't ordered your copy, it's not too late. You can let your comic store or Diamond know now. ISBN numbers are below. The book is available in signed and sketch editions. You can also order directly from: evaink@aol.com



Best,

Renee



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"Mark Texeira: Nigthmares and Daydreams" Sketchbook

From Master Illustrator, Mark Texeira, take a journey on the dark side as we explore many of Mark's covers and sketches with a decidedly "bent" viewpoint--from his creator-owned character Pscythe, to monsters and babes--full of brawn and beauty-- this is volume doesn't repeat any art appearing in any other retrospective. A must have for any fan of fine art! And, who knows, you might even find a few of the cast showing up in your own slumberland. Great for Halloween and Beyond!


Artist(s): Mark Texeira

Bio notes: Renee Witterstaetter


Hardcover
Full Color
48 Pages


Signed Edition:ISBN: 978-1-4507-1734-2

$39.99


Sketch Edition:ISBN: 978-1-4507-1735-9

$150.

(Featuring an original sketch by Mark Texeira)

R.I.P. Al Williamson--Another Illustration Great Passes... my thoughts.

When I was fresh out of college with a degree in English and Journalism, my first full time job was doing the public relations, photography and artist relations for a now past and much lamented convention called "The Dallas Fantasy Faire." Being very young and oh-so-green, it was a platform through which I was able to get my footing not only in the world of convention organization, and long hours in a darkroom wrist deep in chemicals, but ultimately in publishing, as my connections from that show led to my first job in New York City at DC Comics.

It was also a venue that introduced me to several of my life-long friends like Jim Salicrup, Art Adams, Mike Kaluta, David Spurlock, the late Dave Stevens, Bob Burden, Keith Wilson, John Romita, Jr., and many many more!

It was also the place where I met many of the greats in comics for the first time, and ultimately instilled in me a love for the medium that would become my work for the next twenty + years-- people like Stan Lee, and... Al Williamson.

I can't claim to have known Al well at all. Although, I can claim to have met this marvelous and inventive illustrator via the DFF, and thoroughly enjoyed every occasion. In the years that passed, after those days in the late 80's, I would see him at the Marvel Offices from time to time when I was an editor there, and he always was genuine and nice and funny. It was always a bright day when Al stepped into the office. And everyone felt that way. The Editor-in-chief would even beam at having Al in the building, and that was always well...kinda cute to see the boss being a fan and all. :-)

I wasn't surprised that Al instilled that in folks really. When I first met him all those years ago, working with the talent at the DFF, he was just that-- a gentleman and a professional. Al was certainly not one of those guys we had to hound to get to panels on time, or wonder if he was going to get on the plane to begin with. He just did. If he said he was going to do something. There was no doubt that he would. It's something called 'honor' right?

From my first meeting with Mr. Williamson and as my knowledge of comics grew, I became aware of his place in the industry as well, and the fact that he has influenced so many generations that followed. That's no surprise either.

Williamson was a superb storyteller.

I remember, as one of my fondest memories, sitting in my friends studio on 6th Street (also an artist), at 2 a.m., in a dimly lit room surrounded by comics by Frazetta and such, flipping through the original "Flash Gordon" comic books-- all dog-eared and worn with numerous perusals from his childhood on, and listening to him explain to me with unabashed boy-ish glee-- though in his 50's--just WHY Williamson was SOO damn good! Something I already knew of course. :-) But the endearing enthusiasm he had for Al's work, as with many other illustration professionals is certainly not an uncommon thread.

I think it's the norm.

In fact, if you don't know who Al Williamson is, then go and "google'" or something and find out right now. You are missing out, my friend!! And it's a shame.

After Frank Frazetta died a few weeks ago, myself as well as some of my friends were kinda shocked to find out that some folks didn't know of Frank and/or his influence in not only comics, but film etc. Some of them were even other artists! Younger generations, but still!! Please! Learn about who has come before, people. It shows you your roots. This industry just didn't spring up yesterday. Alot of people have paved the way in fantasy art and illustration, including getting us to where we are now with artist's rights.

I was even more dismayed, and disappointed, while in Europe last month to have an art history teacher tell me to my face that the study of Fantasy art was not considered a "legitimate" study. I tried to set him straight. Rest assured.

If something inspires, influences, generates an emotion, creates a response, then it is art of the highest form to me. I don't need any more art exhibitions with ladders draped in Christmas lights....

We need more Frazetta's and more Williamson's in this world.

Years after meeting Al, later in my publishing career with my company Eva Ink Publishing, one of the properties I REALLY wanted was to be able to reprint the "Flash Gordon" comics. I tried. And tried. Via King Features and numerous negotiations... It didn't come to be... But, I'm happy to say that in recent years the books have been published in retrospectives regardless.

Anything that honors a great creator such as Al Williamson is alright by me.

As a final aside, folks, I know in Al's case, he had been out of the public eye due to illness for some time... But in the case of our creators from all generations, that have influenced countless artists to follow, and progressed the medium that we love-- let them know that their work meant something to you. I'm talking about guys like Nick Cardy, Joe Sinnott, Russ Heath, Neal Adams, Michael Kaluta! You know the ones!

And although they were/are just doing a job, as M. Golden always likes to say-- i.e. putting food on the table, paying the rent, making deadlines, or making sure the kids shoes don't have holes--I for one want to let those creators know that we notice that they also BOTHERED to instill in their work something else-- something unique, something genuine...certainly something that had the potential to stay in a little kid's imagination like a germinating seed, long after reading a simple newsprint comic--in same cases inspiring careers, in others dreams-- in short, creating something magical.

I'm ALL for more magic in the world. Thanks Al, for leaving us with an abundance...

--R.


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With that in mind, my friend David Spurlock of Vanguard Productions knew Al as a friend, and also published some of Al's work... he can say it better than I... and below a few remarks from David to share.

--R.

J David Spurlock More on AL WILLIAMSON
I met Al Williamson in Dallas, where I was working as an illustrator, in the early 80s as Al visited regularly for the Dallas Fantasy Fair. In 1984, I made my first trip to New York--all that way, by car, to see Cream founder, Jack Bruce perform (Jack hadn't played Dallas since the 1973 West Bruce... & Laing tour). The schedule was tight as my second daughter, Jessica, was due to be born soon. But I thought I had just enough time to visit one visual artist--who would it be? Out of so many in and near New York, I chose to go out of our way to visit Al Williamson up in the Pocono mountain town of Honesdale PA. Al was still penciling regularly at the time and doing the STAR WARS strip.


At the time, he was working on both, a sequence of Thomas Yeates' TIMESPIRITS and the story RELIC for EPIC magazine. I said, "Al, you know, now that Roy (Krenkel) is gone, you are the king of the other-worldly Franklin Boothian cities." Al said, "Oh, Roy is the king." I repeated myself "Now that Roy is gone..." He thanked me for the complement and said "I've been thinking about Roy a lot on this one (the comics story RELIC)." He showed me all kinds of things. This was when he had the guest-house studio before moving to the studio he rented from HIGHLIGHTS magazine in town. We had a great long visit (the first of many, many visits and lunches, lots of Birch Beer--a specialty rootbeer).


Before long I was home for Jessica's birth. Ten years later I moved to the New York area and I would get to occasionally take Jessica with me to visit Al. They were very fond of each other. He even joked about the idea of Jessica and his youngest son Victor becoming a couple. After our talk that first visit of Roy Krenkel's influence on Al's architecture etc., Al added a dedication to Roy on the last page of the story RELIC.


Attached is a piece Al did for me of my character THE SPACE COWBOY. I did the digital color -- great honor working with the master. I created THE SPACE COWBOY very much as an homage to Al and his "Fleagle Gang" of friends including Krenkel, Wood and Frazetta. All SPACE COWBOY material is dedicated to them but this issue was also dedicated to my Space Babies, Sunshine & Jessica. I think this is actually Al's last comic book cover ever. He did the Al Williamson Adventures around the same time but that was a book--not a comicbook (so this is perhaps his last comic book cover. --R.)

--D.S.
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Eva Ink Shop--Just in Time for the Holidays!

Be sure to check out the Eva Ink Products folder on our Facebook page for all your holiday shopping, for that comics lover in your life, or for yourself

There is still time for Christmas delivery on all our books, prints and DVD's, the later featuring your favorite artists such as Michael Golden, Mark Texeira, George Perez, Bill Sienkiewcz, Steve Scott, Joe Jusko... and many more!!!!

For orders, contact me, Renee at: evaink@aol.com

Check out the Eva Ink page at:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=197319153658&ref=mf

Best,
Renee

Eva Ink Artist Group
Eva Ink Publishing
evaink@aol.com

Eva Ink Publishing Group on Facebook!

Hi Folks--We've just started a new Group on Facebook for Eva Ink Publishing and Eva Ink Artist Group. This will be the go to place to find out about Eva Ink products such as sketchbooks, portfolios, comic books, prints, art books, DVD's and more! We'll also use this spot to update you on convention appearances of various artists such as Michael Golden, Mark Texeira and Steve Scott. Also, don't hesitate to use the site to inquire about commissions as well.

You can join (and leave) the Group any time you want with a click of a button. Just check out the link below. :-)

Best,

Renee

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=197319153658&ref=mf

(Above illustration is the cover of "Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden," the extensive interview and tutorial with the artist from Eva Ink and Woodcrest Productions.)