Table of Contents Editorial Column RKYV # 50 {Oct. 2011} RKYV ONLINE LOGO – David Marshall {current} r. j. paré {modified} Roy G. James {original} Virtual Cover #50 - Design/Layout by David Marshall Interior Art - By r. j. paré, Mike Grattan, James ‘JigOne’ Titman, Roger Price, Stephen Gibb, Amber Bair, T. B. Hoopdriver, GIO, Corinne Vuillemin Josh Bowe, Larissa Gula,
- “At the Outset: A Few Thoughts from the Editor” - By r. j. paré World View - “IMO” - by r.j. paré Featured Creator Review - Devin K. Grayson - By r. j. paré Short Fiction - “A Certain Destiny” part III - by Pauline Paré
Harper Agenda – by Tom Nesbitt
Art in Focus - OrlyShalem - by r. j. paré Poetry& Art Challenge - By Wanda VanHoy Smith, r. j. paré Pop Culture - “Digital Scribbles” - By Darke Raven - “Comic Book Review” - by r. j. paré - “Raised on Saturday Morning Cartoons” - By Pauline Paré
Pauley PERRETTE – by Corinne Vuillemin – Crayons de papier et fusains/Pencils on paper and charcoal, A4 (Novembre 2010)
At the Outset: ______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com آ
A few thoughts from, The Editor… by r. j. paré Evil grows in the dark, where the sun it never shines Evil grows in cracks and holes and livesin people's minds Evil grew, it's part of you and now it seems to be That every time I look at you… Evil grows in me Terry Jacks & The Poppy Family
Welcome to an RKYV milestone. I am so very proud to share with all of you issue # 50 of this art-lit & popculture e-zine. To each and every one of ourcontributing writers and artists – take a bow – we’ve made it half way to the century mark! The choice of music I am listening to [see above quote] is due to the dark vibe I established for this month’s artlit challenge: “The Nature of Evil.” This theme was cathartic-ly drawn [won't dignify his existence with the use of the word "inspired"] by the news that Clifford Olson, notorious child serial killer, was dying of cancer in prison. {Editor’s Note: just days before this issue was released it was announced that this psycho has now died from his illness.} I lived in British Columbia during his reign of terror. Children kept disappearingand it was the first time I can remember being taughtabout “stranger danger.” Many of us kids went from having the sort of freedom to take off on our bikes, build forts in the woods and generally not have our parents know exactly where we were [so long as we came home in time for supper] – to suddenly needing to carpool everywhere, use buddy system or have adult supervision at all times… In many ways it marked the end of innocence for a generation of kids and still influences some of our choices, as parents ourselves, so many years later. [In point of fact, my wife and I have never let our kids wander off on their own for fear of such “unknowns.” I sometimes worry if we are too protective… but what’s the alternative?]. On a more positive note I would like to direct everyone’s attention to this month’s Featured Creator interview as I was thrilled to chat about comics etc with one of my fav writers in the biz: Devin Grayson. RKYV Online extends mucho kudos to this incredibly cool lady for taking the time to participate in this article with us and for sharing some awesome pics from a variety her published works.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 A few thoughts from the Editor x For fine art aficionados I am pleased to direct you to our "art in focus" segment as we take a look at the beautiful acrylics of Orly Shalem. x Pauline Paré continues her short fiction piece “A Certain Destiny”, inspired by one of our visits to S.P.A.C.E. con. x I‘d like to acknowledge, as well, all of the talented artists [credited throughout this edition] who continue to share theiramazing work with us - their contributions are the starting point for every edition of RKYV’s design aesthetic!
Keith Richards – by Mike Grattan For more RKYV entertainment than we can fit into a PDF,look no further… LOL. We have got some fun and engaging sites set up for you by the ever-intrepid RKYV staff. RKYV twitter feed – text us with your feedback! http://twitter.com/#!/RKYVOnline
Darke Raven’s RKYV Blog & Pod Casts – vote for your favourite segments! http://rkyvrevue.blogspot.com/ Official RKYV Blog – send us your comments, questions & suggestions! http://rkyv.blogspot.com/ RKYV Editorial Video Blog – watch me act the fool and hype the Zine! http://www.youtube.com/user/RKYVONLINE RKYVONLINE Facebook Group – post submissions and interact with other contributors! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2399067108 With that I bid adieu for another month… I will see you in thirty! RKYVLegal Dept: x Mr. Paré has been advised that he maintain the minimum 500 yards, court mandated distance, from the homes of our talented contributors. x They have never asked for, nor needed, monthly visitations by deranged editors peering in their mail slots and ranting “Deadline! Deadline! It’s the submission deadline! “
Dali Java – by Stephen Gibb
Tat Art & Designs
– by Roger Price
______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com آ
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Should you like to know more [or perhaps even have Roger lay some ink down on ya] you can e-mail Roger: moleman00x@hotmail.com
Dragon & Lotus Flower -------------------Or…
Follow him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629478508
Digital Scribbles
by Darke Raven
______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com Ø¢ This Month's Experiment: DC Comic's Celadore Publisher DC Digital Writer/Artist - Caanan Grall Originally published January 7th (Issue #1), February 3rd (Issue #2) and June 4th (Issue #3-#5) 2011 Issue one ends with Cel breaking out of the hospital mental ward only to find out that vampires can walk in daylight,and Evie's "family" of caretakers subbing for an absent mom and dad are dead. So this of course, means war. Quick roll call: who’s tired of DC Comics 2011 company wide reboot? I am… so that's… one vote… one… OK, never mind. For a few issues lets catch up with several series from DC Digital that has zero to do with super heroes, but I'm reviewing them anyway. This month it's Celadore and Imaginary Boys. Celadore's life officially sucks. In Issue one while trying to stop an evil vampire named Christian who is seeking Issue 2 we find out Sam has been raiding Cel's personal a vampire game changer called the Day Candle; she stash of powerful fruit accidentally turning himself into ends up losing her body only to end up waking up in one very hard to kill kid with a healing factor even the comatose body of a young girl named Evelyn. better than Wolverine's. Problem is the girl in question? She ends up becoming a disembodied spirit tied to her former body haunting This issue the forces gather and Issue three war breaks Cel as her new "sidekick". Throw in her neighbour slash out... as itseems Christian has bitten off more than he future boyfriend Sam who is more thanmeets the eye can chew as he is under attack by vampires which turns into a three way free for all. and we have the start of an interesting team up.
After getting a taste of Celadore's life the now augmented Evie and hard to kill Sam hit the night as monster hunters in over their heads as Cel tries to rein them in. That fails as Sam is captured by a high profile celebrity Nymph looking for trouble (which just found her). Celadore is a solid fun exciting cute wonky read – nice rare treatamongst the Digital Comic fare of DC Comics. A shame the Digital Comics section of PSN has seemingly ground to a halt without a single update for weeks on end, but I hope that changes soon… but In the end Christian is finally snuffed once Celadore atleast Celadore Issues #1 to #5 gets a nice 4 vampire realizes he destroyed her body, and by accident the Day smack-downs out of 5. Candle is destroyed… because of where precisely he hid it no less. Go figure. Evie finally regains her own body after all her hardships which kinda makes her expel Cel in a pissy rage, Evie and Sam grow closer after their adventure...and Cel returns as... you'll see. Issues4-5 ends in a cliff-hanger, which seems uncertain as the PSN hasn't updated Digital Comics for weeks on end. So what do you do when you had a taste of monster hunting only to end up trying to return to a normal life? Well... you don't exactly return to normal.
Digital Scribbles Continued… ______________________________________________________________________
This Month's Experiment: DC Comics Imaginary Boys #1 to #4 Publisher DC Digital Writer/Artist - Carlos Lopez Bermudez Originally Published February 16th (Issue #1), March 16th (Issue #2), April 20th (Issue #3)and May 18th (Issue #4)
Oh wait; I just said why it’s good. Never mind. In Issue #1 we meet the newly deceased Elise Dawn. Murdered by the serial killer Mr. Nobody (we don't find that outuntil later) she is fresh and new in the afterlife, and just getting her immortal legs under her. She meets the fallen angel Ashbel who advises her and warns her of the dangers ahead, as she has decided to travel to neither heaven nor hell and roam the worlds looking for her place. Good thing since she is already being hunted by hell looking to covert her soul. She is saved by her former dog Robert who joins her travels. Issue two she stops for a bit only to hear a rather disturbing story about God that sends her back on the road looking fora better place, especially since her confrontation with Rick Perry's kind of God triggers memories of her own death, which plays out in the coming issues… but just as she leaves the building she runs into a nice Mexican dude heading to the other side river for a fiesta with his still living family on Day of the Dead festivities which plays again into what is to come. I can’t figure out what it is about Celadore I am into… As Issue Two ends she runs into a group of Imaginary but what is it about an original afterlife twisty tale of finding one's place in the afterlife, revenge, redemption Boys who have created their own town to live in and she joins them. and more…?
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 pop culture Issue three Elise falls in with a group of victims of Mr Nobody and unwittingly helps them to kill him, becoming trapped in the living world. Issue four mostly follows the trapped souls in the mortal world, presently dishing out punishment to criminals trying to survive returning to the mortal coil. But as they are doomed if they don't return to the afterlife they beg Elise for her help, who (cliff-hanger) has a plan. Meanwhile Mr. Nobody, now in hell, is beginning to contact the living world plotting his revenge. Yet another title slouching in new content digitally, I do hope somebody kicks PSNs Digital Comics back into full speed as this is one of the bright lights of DC Nextmonth? Let's go to Gotham and check out the Digital, and itlanguishinglike this is depressing. comic setting up the much anticipated video game sequel Batman: Arkham City #1 (prelude to the new Sharply written, engaging and uniquely witty, Batman: Arkham City game), Devil's Wake #1 to #4 “Imaginary Boys” is that rare gem you should be and Lily of the Valley #1 to #3. reading along with Celadore. In the new limelight of DC Comics reboot if you’re seeking sanctuary from See you next time! superhero excess these two titles should fill the bill. A 5 out of 5.
Digital Scribbles … Fin…
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Red, Black & White Stripes – by Stephen Gibb
Featured Artist Review ______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com آ
Devin K. Grayson by r. j. paré mini web bio: Writer, RPGer, Service Dog advocate and Friend of the Fictional Best known as a mainstream comicbook writer for DC's Batman titles, Devin is also a novelist, video game scripter, essay writer and copy editor. An insulin-dependent diabetic since the age of fifteen, Devin is the lucky partner of an amazing hypoglycaemia medical-alert dog, Cody, and a passionate advocate of and volunteer for Early Alert Canines. Other interests include RPGs, music, GLBT rights, wine-making at her family's vineyard and exploring the world with her beloved step-kids.
rjp: Did you study or major in English / creative writing while in school? DG: Yes, indeed. I double majored in American Literature and Sociology incollege and then did a little post-grad work in creative writing. r. j. paré: Have you always wanted to write comic books? DevinGrayson: Actually, no. I grew up in a pretty hippy, Free to Be You and Me, bookshelves-aswallpaper environment, and I wasn’t even aware of comic books until college. It’s wasn’t that I was forbidden to read them or anything, they simply weren’t around. I was in my early twenties when I first started to really be aware of the medium and even then, the impetus to work in the industry started as a desire to write Batman is his medium-of-origin. I had already been workingin the industry for a couple of years before I really started to get excited about what comics, specifically, could do and be.
rjp: I have to ask, the name change, is it due to being a DC comic fan [D. Grayson]? DG: No. I decided to change my name when I was eleven, in response to an instance of childhood sexual abuse. I wanted to create some distance between who I felt that event was creating and who I wanted to be in the future. By the time I was legally able to actually make the change, then yes, “Grayson” was in part tribute to Dick, and in part a nod to my paternal grandmother, who had almost married a Mr. Grayson (our discussions about which touched on life-decisions and self-autonomy). “Devin” means “poet”in IrishGaelic and I liked the gender ambiguity, plus I’ve always been attracted to names that start with “D.”
Honestly, if I’d realized I would everactually work in mainstream comics, I never would have picked this name, but at the time I thought it was as close to the characters as I’d ever get. The “D” part took me totally by surprise. I was working atan HMO research department at the time, and when my desk plaque showed up as “D. Grayson,” I had a moment of panic, but there was no turning back. I told the whole story to Wizard the very first time they interviewed me, but they decided not to include the part about the sexual abuse because they thoughtit was a “downer.” So now I’m in this somewhat strange position where people feel totally comfortable asking me about the name change (which is actually enormously personal and somewhat painful), but hesitate to ask me questions about, say, my sexuality,which I’ve always been very open about. I’m not at all ashamed ofmy family, though,so I guess I have no problem with people knowing my birth name, but it is important to me that people understand that Devin is my real, legal name, and has been for over twenty years.
rjp: The above panel, from Devin’s Titans’ run, is a perfect snapshot of her take on the characters. Dick Grayson, Roy Harper, Garth, Donna Troy and Wally West are twenty-something best friends. The characters have been there for eachother since their early teens. They’ve helped one another through rjp: You've worked on many successful books, what's school, jobs,marriage and even the early years of been your most satisfying, from an artistic point of parenthood. These characters are not the Justice League and guess what? They don’t need to be. One view? should almost hear the Rembrandts playing in the DG: It’s very hard to say—they’ve all been incredible. I background when these friends get together. guess I’d have to say that USER was the most personal, and having John Bolton and Sean Philips rendering rjp: When working on a comic script, whatmethod do those memories into such amazing images was you prefer: do you send the artist the finished script ora extremely powerful. page by page outline of the story? [In other words, do you write finished script, based on the visuals created or rjp: Do you find it difficult to stay motivated/inspired? does the artist draw each panel based on precise descriptions form your script?] DG: No, not really. I live and breathe stories. There are always more to tell and share. I encounter writer’s block DG: I only work in full-script (sometimes referred to as from time to time like anyone else, but I’ve found that it “DC style”) format. I consider the artists I work with usually points to a structural problem, and once I find the visual professionals on the project and I’m very and fix that issue I’m right back to moving full-steam open to theirsuggestions and instincts, but I don’t ahead. understand how they’re supposed to figure out what to do and how to best do it if I don’t fully explain my vision and what I’m going for first.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Featured Creator Review rjp: With your comic work having been praised in the gay press and with USER being nominated for the GLAAD Outstanding Comic Book award in 2001, how do you feel about beingan inspiration/role model to aspiring gay/lesbian/bisexual comic creators? DG: Fantastic! I’m a very political person and I’ve always been completely open about my own sexual orientation (bi) and my unwavering support of the GLBTQ community. I have strong opinions on many issues, but more than any other in our time, the continuing controversy over GLBT rights stands out to me as mind-numbingly anachronistic and wrongheaded. Criminalizing plants is bad enough, but love? Seriously? It’s unconscionable to me that we’re still arguing about the rights available to tax-paying citizens based on what consenting adults do in the privacy of their own homes. Though I’m unapologetically prochoice, I’ll admit that abortion is a complicated legal and moral issue. Want to talk more about Capital Punishment? Sure, there’s a lot of gray area there. But gay rights? Come on! There is no sane argument against them. None whatsoever.
publisher: DC COMICS Title: Gotham Knights
rjp: How do/did you market yourself, especially when you were first breaking into the biz?
DG: It was really a struggle in the beginning. What I thought was most unique about me as a comic book rjp: Devin wrote Gotham Knights from 2000 – 2002 writer, and what had the most impact on the material I [a comic that focused a bit more on the supportingcast produced, was the fact that I did notcome from a in the Batman mythology]. comic-reading background. I was pulling from different literary references and traditions. But no matter what I I describe everything, especially in relation to what the said in any interview, much less what I actually wrote in characters are thinking, feeling and hoping to my work, the “angle” was always about my gender. That accomplish. I suggest panel layouts and sometimes made me enormously uncomfortable for many even balloon placements, and every line of dialog is in reasons, not the least of which was that I was place. I couldn’t work any other way. What happens thoroughly enjoying being one of the guys. It’s different after that is totally open to discussion, but if I’m going now, but when I first started in comics, my gender was a to call myself a writer, then I’m going to turn in a fully complete non-issue to the editors and creators with written script. whom I worked.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Featured Creator Review rjp: Devin’s first Nightwing tale was in 2001, with issue #53, then in 2002, with issue #71, she begana successful run on the book that would last four more years and would serve to further illuminate/define Richard Grayson’s character & personality. Devon’s writing explored Dick’s strengths and flaws and in the process helped elevate the side-kick that started side-kicks to fan-favourite status amongstDC readers. I’d come out of these Bat-conference cross-over plotting meetings walking ten feet tall, and then an industry reporter would stop Chuck Dixon to ask him something about his work, and then stop Greg Rucka and talk to him about his work, and then stop me and ask, “what it’s like to be a female in a male-dominated industry?” That question just completely took the wind out of my sails, every goddamn time. It took me years to get comfortable with it. It’s a very isolating question; it would just immediately strip me of all that awesome camaraderie I’d experienced in the meeting itself. To the press I was always some alien creature who didn’t quite belong. I didn’t feel like I had much control over my own marketing. And of course it still comes up, rjp: With advancements in computer graphic tablet though I’d like to think I’m better prepared for it. technology, some artists are now creating their work directly in the digital medium and releasingit in purely These days I try to letmy work speak for itself. digital formats... are the days of paper & pulp doomed rjp: Do you find that the advent of Internetexposure & to the realm of fading memories? POD distribution has "changed the game" for today's DG: It’s hard to say. The entire publishing industry is aspiring comic creators? going through a sea change. There’s no question that digital production and release will change the whole DG: Absolutely.And it’s not just the new opportunities, but a new lack of them, as well. When I game, but I want to believe that books will always be was starting incomics there were anthology books and desired, even if only by a niche market. Comics are a different beast, though—in some ways, the paper annuals and multiple places in the mainstream that format has never been ideal. The idea that you could were designed to take risks on new creators. There’s very little like that now. What’s available now is a very roll them up and stick them in your back pocket was always slightly wistful—there have continuously been different kind of publicity machine, and although the Internet gives you some great opportunities to get your retailers and collectors trying to work around the fragility of the product. In many ways, digital is a good work noticed, it’s also full of distractions you have to fit for comics. compete with and be seen or heard over.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Featured Creator Review rjp: I checked out some online reviews of USER – since I haven’t had the opportunity to read the prestige format mini-series Devin wrote for DC’s Vertigo imprint – but it’s on my list next time I am back issue hunting! From PopMatters.com: Grayson’s story comments on morality and gender issues inmodern, technological America, where a lack of any defined (and honorable) roles can affect a wish for an imagined time of long-ago simplicity and ideality. rjp: What do you think of the term "starving artist"? Specifically, does the struggle to pay the bills; to be compensated for one's work; influence what an artist will or won't pursue based on perceived commercial value?
rjp: Do you find working for a major publisher to be as rewarding, artistically, as working on your own indie projects? [the old Art vs Commerce question]. DG: The analogy that mainstream publishing is to indie publishing as commerce is to art is notwholly accurate. Obviously, there are times when working in the mainstream can be hellish and entirely unsatisfying, but that takes a whole lineup of misfortune that isn’t the norm (i.e., a weak and/or pushy editor, overly hands-on publishers, a restrictive cross over event, etc.). Most of the time, workingin the mainstream is terrifically rewarding, it’s just that you’re working within a different set of rules to achieve your art. You get to use these amazing, established characters—kind of like being handed a Stradivarius—and you are playing withina large orchestra, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative and fulfilled. With indie projects, you have less orchestration, but you also get less tested instruments to work with and a whole hell of a lot of soloing. It’s just a different experience. Both are creatively valid.
DG:Well, yes, that struggle effects everyone, doesn’t it? All of us do work we’d rather not have to do from time to time, and most of us have aspects of our jobs from which we derive genuine satisfaction. I can’t say I worked on the four-panel Spidey, Wolvie, Captain America and Hulk comic for the back of the Chef Boyardee label for artistic enrichment, but it didn’t feel like a very significantcareer risk either. It was kind of fun. I’m doing one side project now that I suppose I would rather not have to do, but that won’t change my enjoyment of or commitment to the writing process once I’m working on it. I guess in answer to your question, I think finances definitely effect what an artist will do, but has very little effect on what they won’t do—you may have to do three “commercial” jobs to create the time and resources needed for the artistically fulfilling project,but you’ll get that personal project done one way or another. Womanthology is a great example of that—all proceeds from that project go to charity, no one has been paid a dime for their work. And yet literally hundreds of creators leapt at the chance to participate because the project is so exciting and worthy.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Featured Creator Review Some of the newer creators on the project no doubt hope it will help them find paying work (and I hope that for them as well), but not one of them is counting on any reimbursement.
The comics industry is about monthly production, clear story-telling, artistic flexibility and speed. Be realistic about your own skill levels and what you’re getting into.
3) Broaden your self-definition. There are very few 100%comic book writers—we’re writers who are currently working in comic books. Most of us can also write screenplays, novelizations, short stories, op eds, game scripts…I came into comics wanting nothing except to write Batman and Robin together, but I ended up doing so much more. I wouldn’t have had any rjp: A panel from “Hero” a story Devin has written, of those opportunities if I hadn’t worked to secure a with artist Eugenia Koumachior, for “Womanthology” - skill set that could support all of them. a huge celebration of female creators of the past, present, and future in one giant book! This compelling project quite successfully raised funds via kickstarter.com in order to get off the ground will be available soon from IDW Publishing. All proceeds from “Womanthology” go to the charity GlobalGiving.org. rjp: What advice would you have for other comic creators, trying to break into the biz, today? DG: I just don’t know. The landscape is so different today from the one I entered into in the nineties. I guess the three basic rules still apply, though: 1) Always put your best foot forward with every single contact that you make—every email, introduction, request for help and/or actual submission is an audition. If you’re claiming to be a writer and you email an established pro for advice without bothering to spell check that email, you’ve just created a powerful detractor. rjp: Matador, written by Devin Grayson and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze,is a thrilling noir-crime story. 2) Learn as much as you canabout the realities of Detective Isabel Cardona searches for an urban-legend the industry you want to work in and sharpen your skill killerknown only as "The Matador." Proving his set with those realities in mind. For example, it isn’t existence soon becomes her only way to prove her enough to be able to write one great script or draw sanity - but how close to the dangerous Matador will fantastic pinups. Cardona have to get to make that happen?
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Featured Creator Review It was really fun to be able to cut them loose and turn it into a true collaboration. Our string files were a million times better by the time we were through with them, but we didn’t have any control over game play elements. As an ardent gamer, I enjoy playing around in this industry, but I think I’d like to come in earlier in the design process next time. rjp: With the NEW 52 launching, do you wish you were taking part? DG: Yes and no. It’s strange not knowing more about the current realities of characters I care about so deeply, but I don’t have enough experience with the process they appear to be using to want to be directly involved. But of course I wish them nothing but the best of luck with it! rjp: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Devin for participating in this interview. She’s an rjp: “She’s Such a Geek” is an anthology of 24 essays immensely talented writer who I truly hope to find spotlighting women who write about science, technology, and other nerdy stuff [comic books!] for a penning my favourite four-colour heroes again in the near future. For my money her take on the New Teen living. The authors involved share stories that range from amusing [being voted sexiest geek alive] to the all Titans is on par with creatorMarv Wolfman’s – she focussed more on “who the se characters are,” rather too real challenges facing women in male dominated than just “what they can do,” and in the comic industry geek-dom. that is saying a lot boys and girls. rjp: I read online you were working on video games these days, what's that been like?What are you working on currently? DG: It’s surprisingly similar to working on a comic script,although I’ve been coming in to the process pretty late just to clean up or flesh out string files. I haven’t created a game yet. Currently, I’m doing most of my work in gaming with a casual games company I used to work for more directly, helping them with intro and upsell comics for their mobile game ports. I also had the opportunity to lead a fairly large localization For more onDevin Grayson and to “follow” her online: team in completely rewriting a badly translated http://about.me/devin.grayson.com Chinese-to-English MMORPG.
The Elephant in Freud’s Room –by Stephen Gibb
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Art in Focus… Orly Shalem by r. j. paré
Artist's Statement: Painting is a poem, a thrust of joy, a cry, a craving, a quest, a longing… Painting is a need to express myself with colors and shapes where words are lacking or are not enough. My paintings are mainly abstract, painted with a variety of tools and techniques. I believe that shapes and colors are a universal language that touches everyone. The process of creation is an unplanned journey into the depths of my soul. It starts from my need to express myself and spirals to the point where I feel the painting is complete. I enjoy hearing about how my paintings are experienced and seen by their spectators. I am often surprised and enriched by the diverse reactions and interpretations by viewers. My goal as anartist is to touch and excite people beyond understanding. My muse: Little moments of excitement and grace, and all of the beauty surrounding us. My web site: www.orlyshalem.com http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/orly-shalem.html
Title: Creation [Expressive Gallery collection] Media used: acrylic on canvas Size: 60 x 90 cm rjp: I see this as an expression of individuality. The Orly’s use of calming blues and greens around the piece is contrast with the bold, fiery orange & reds that belie aninner passion or fury. We are each of us a study in such contrasts. The seemingly abstract brush strokes of most of this piece are at odds with the use the use of clearly defined blocks near the base of the painting [the foundation?] suggesting the old adage of there being a method to one’s madness.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Featured Creator Review Over the next few issues I will endeavour to share my thoughts, feelings & [hopefully] some in-depth analysis of some ofOrly’s beautiful work. I encourage RKYV readers to share their impressions of these pieces with us by posting to our twitter feed http://twitter.com/#!/RKYVOnline or by sharing http://www.facebook.com/groups/2399067108/ on our facebook group.
Title: Crowding [Expressive Gallery collection] Media used: acrylic on canvas Size: 70 x 100 cm This piece exemplifies the artist’s broad palette of colours and techniques. From the languid strokes of orange shades framing the piece to the blunt, swatches of yellow – to the sharp scratches through the dark violet & burgundies, Orly combines a variety of approaches to convey a multitude of emotions. The result is reflective of modern urban culture – a wonderfully diverse, energetic flow that, at times, is filled with a pervasive sense of crowding.
Short Fiction ______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com آ
Part III It didn’t take very long for a new super powered individual to start making the news. Thanks to high quality digital surveillance video, the world was able to see a blurred image of the impossibly fast man as he robbed various jewellery stores and grabbed money from people’s hands in banks and at casinos. The police determined he was a smoker and a drinker, as those items were targeted often. They also surmise he is a tall person, as he was captured stealing clothing items in that size. The press gave him the moniker “Rushing Robber” at first but soon shortened that to “Rush” to fit better on the scrolling news feeds.
Steven’s reaction to this news was very grave indeed. It was undeniable to him now that his interaction with the young man produced this speedy super criminal. His only thoughts on this were that it should have been him. He should be the hero saving drowning teens with telekinesis. He should be super strong like Susan’s friend Curtis. He should have the super speed! As a boy, he never dreamt about how cool it would be to have powers…he was somehow certain of his destiny. As a tortured teen in high school, he only imagined how the girls who ignored him would swoon when he arrived on the scene to save the day.
All the bullies would be the bad guys he would round up and he would be stopped for autographs wherever he went. Now he knew that his power was the ability to give that dream to others and never share the glory. Steven was despondent as he went through the basic routines of work, eating and sleep. One evening, about two months after V.O.I.C.E., he was working at the convenience store and a gust of wind blew the door in. Steven was knocked down and the cabinet with the cigarettes was opened. As Steven was being robbed he heard a voice in a wind say, “It’s you!” That evening, a bruised and tired Steve walked up the steps to his apartment only to find 3 young men standing there. He recognized them as the group he met at the convention.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 Short Fiction The taller man was grinning ear to ear while the other 2 appeared nervous and excited at the same time. “I was rude the first time we met and I am sorry” spoke the tall man that Steven knew was the infamous Rush. “I don’t know how you did it, dude, but thanks for the speed boost. It has changed my life” “How do I get to be fast Darwin, I mean Rush?” said one impatient youth. He was thin, wiry with a long face, a weasel-ly type of character. “You gotta chill, Bob. Steve here is our new buddy after all.” warned Rush. “I don’t know how I do it.” said Steven. “I don’t pick the powers; I don’t really do anything.” Bob looked a little confused and disappointed but he kept quiet. “I figured you don’t actually pick ‘em, just that you give ‘em.” said Rush. “I want you to give powers to my friends here. You were gonna that day but I didn’t realize you were giving me a present. I know what to do with these powers, not like those Amazing woman and Power Man idiots. I could really use some help out there though so if you could just do your thing?” Bob came forward and presented his hand and Steven realized that with just two hand shakes, he would start a gang of super-villains. What had he been thinking? He was so determined to find out if this was his power that he created something evil. Steven made a run for his door. Before he could reach the handle, Rush was there with a gun in his hand. “I was hoping you would cooperate.” Rush said ina menacing fashion. “Please, don’t’ kill me!” Steven pleaded. Rush laughed first then his friends joined in. “Why would we kill you, we need you.” Steven smiled in relief but was chilled by the look on Rush’s face. “We are going to hurt you bad though.” Steven resolved to be strong and heroic, a resolve that lasted all of 5 minutes. He was lying on the floor being kicked repeatedly with hard boots when he finally agreed to shake hands.
He was allowed to sit on his office chair and have some water, and then he shook Bob’s hand. Again, he could only feel a small spark pass between them but Bob fell back to the floor. “That was awesome” He exclaimed, “now what can I do!” “Give it a few, you’ll see.” Rush assured him. Minutes passed while the four occupants of the apartment waited for a miracle to appear. Bob occasionally made a constipated look and was beginning to lose patience. “I don’t think it…” he started to say when the lights in the apartment began to flicker. “WHAT THE…!” Bob yelled as electrical currents began to encircle his body. He pointed towards the computer and a blast of electricity arced from him to the PC, destroying it completely and sending dangerous shards through out the apartment.
“AWESOME!” Bob roared.
To be continued…
Angelina Jolie – by Corinne Vuillemin
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Digital Scribbles
by Darke Raven
______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com آ This Month's Experiment:
Star Trek Leonard McCoy Frontier Doctor Publisher IDW Writer/Artist: John Byrne Originally published April 5th (Issue #1), April 22nd (Issue #2) and June 13th 2010 (Issue #3)
Well this should have been the third month of versus between IDW and Tokyopop… but since IDW spanked Tokyopop soundly we might as well just review this solo… one day I'll get the third volume of the Star Trek Manga and cover that… eventually.
Set just prior to Star Trek The Motion Picture we see what McCoy was up to between the TV Series and Star Trek The Motion Picture… sadly the mini is way too mini, only three issues long… sadder still? Even at three issues it’s still longer than the time Spock was captain of the USS Surak back in the 80's… which was only two issues long during the time Kirk was captain of the Excelsior. Issue one we catch up with Doctor McCoy through letters he is writing to Kirk as he supervises the retrofit of the new Enterprise. We discover thatMcCoy joined the Frontier Doctor program providing a “Doctors Without Borders” style of medicine to planets in need. At the issue start he's just wrapping up a job over at an Andoriancolony with his assistant Duncan when (while out inspace) the two discover a stowaway had snuck onto their small warp ship back on the colony [in the form of a brat trying to get out from under the thumb of herparents] - a free spirited Andorian girl named Theela.
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 pop culture And yes,love is already blooming between Duncan and Theela. Issue 3 ties into Assignment Earth Issue three as we learn its not always so easy to rid oneself ofclones, especially when bored Klingons show up, clone women, and turn the clone soldiers would be grave into a… future version of Klingon Reality TV… no really, it’s true. Humans played as pawns to alleviate the doldrums ofbored Klingons… go figure. Oh, Gary Seven, Roberta and Isis guest star. And that's it. Classic fans should love it. Too bad its way shortand kinda forgettable as it is a minor footnote in Star Trek history… but still recommended reading… yeah, I just said it's forgettable but a nice mini… so it's not perfect but still if you can spare six dollars it's a decent read coming in at 3 take three of these and contact my communicator in the morning puns out of 5. The next planet they visitis suffering from a plague of the colonists own unwitting creation, as they are kinda wiping out the planets plant life without realizing the mess they're getting into (and yes, Theela earns her right to stay on and travel with McCoy and Duncan… instant romance coming up!) Issue two McCoy ends up ona strange Waterworld like situation with Joker like grinning long neck Close Encounters of the Third Kind aliens aka the Don't Tase Me Bro World as its planetary populace, spread amongst a few islands, have a relentless love of doing everything by the book full of ritual and protocol… even if it kills them! Oh, they also travel everywhere by transporter… kinda makes Doctor McCoy want to forget the whole experience.Oh, wait, he does… long story, read the issue. Next issue? Doctor Who Series 2 #1 to #5!
______________________________________________________________________ ISSUE 50 pop culture
Sweet Revenge – by Stephen Gibb
Poetry ______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com آ
Selected Poetry by Frances Nichols Vargas
Divorced Emotions my life completely turned upside down waiting for so long and eager for the outcome learning to grow and become my own person still tied to somethinglong forgotten
The darkness dwarfs any light That may give birth to any positive direction I want to breathe fire as if I were a dragon Incinerating all that seek to destroy what is left of me or what I seek to go after
A life long ago changed Only a broken person remains All the warmth and emotions now hidden among the wrinkles on my face Many jumbled memories that cannot be erased Have taken hold ofmy every day
After all these years my wounds still pour out many types of mixed emotion Often times with hatred and sorrow so strong It has brought me to depths I would wish on no other My soul drained and void of all the once familiar feelings And my eyes filled with sadness For things better left unsaid Incapable of catching my breath Sometimes I feel like death
Still trying to make sense of the fight that seems to have no end My heart so broken and shredded I don’t think I will ever learn to feel or love again So many years given to you Halfmy life chained to empty promises and lonely nights Long lost and forgotten plans All placed into a shoebox and hidden in some archive With a promise to never be opened again
Wondering if these feelings of disgust and pity are at longlast divorced from me Or if they are consuming me
- by Corinne Vuillemin
– Crayons de papier / Pencils on paper, (Juillet 2010)
Ode to My Son When you were born you needed me non-stop I wondered if kissingand hugging you would spoil you too much I listened to all those "experts" tell me walking around holding you till you fell asleep would make you clingy and never want to let go of me Now you are older You no longer need me to hold you You now shy away from those arms that used to cradle you into slumber Though you still need guidance You learned long ago to stand tall and walk on your own two feet You now tower over me You have even managed to learn to make a few things to eat There are days with you that make me cheer Some that make me wonder and stare Now older and able to get about I long to reach out "Give me one more last hug" As you shrugand smile
Fighting for the Crown
- by Stephen Gibb
I hug you wonderingif this will be the last one you will allow me or if this is the last one till your friends leave Sitting home alone watching the clock agonizingly tick by tock I often wonder if a mother can have too much love for a child? Always to find that I cananswer that question with another hug, kiss on the head or smile Some of the best days of my existence these days continue to come on the days You find a way to test my patience and seem to know all the buttons to press to reach every last nerve just to remind me you can still throw me a curve It is in those minute seconds of taking a standing 10 count and catching my breath I realize- It is yet another lesson and another test of our bond which helps to grow even when you are gone I thought before I gave birth that I would have to teach you all the things I knew Cooking, sewing,cleaning, organization and the list goes on and on It turns out the lessons were all mine to learn from you right from the very start Patience, understanding, forgiveness,laughter and undeniable love- just to name a few of course the list continues till I am blue
Pink - -
by Corinne Vuillemin – Crayons de papier / Pencils on paper, (Septembre, 2010)
I look up at you know, as you are heads above me and turning into such an amazing man I stare at this child blessed to me so many years ago proud to share him with the world I pray at night I have provided all the tools and guidance a mother could It is a matter of time now and one day you will venture out into the world to take a stand and make a mark on the world as your own person, your ownman Hoping that when you doyou will look back on our short time as mother and son and realize All the effort and love I gave was my legacy to you A legacy not to squander but to hold dear in your heart to pass down for generations, to share from your heart All my words of wisdom that you laugh at now and roll your eyes around and around will suddenly make sense When you no longer need my assurance I am not shy to admit, I am scared to see you grow older and older each day. As that reminds me of my own mortality. And when one day I will fade away.
Art – Lit Challenge: “The Nature of Evil” EVIL IS Cain can tell you Evil is as old as sin. Without Evil would man recognize good? Evil is dark as Jack the Ripper, bright as a hooker's smile. Brother Karamozov said, “I know there is a devil.” Without Evil would man recognize good and God Dostoyevsky's Brother Karamazov begs the question He concludes “I know there is a devil so there must be a God.” Slave ships that were evil inspired “Saving Grace.” Dostoyevsky's Brother Karamazov begs the question. Will reality like Hitler always bring evil to good or visa versa? Slave ships that were evil inspired “Saving Grace.” Villains like Lex Luther create Superman? Will reality like Hitler always bring evil to good or visa versa? Darth Vader in Star Wars Captain Ahab in Moby Dick? Villains like Lex Luther are not real like a Black Dahlia butcher. It's a shame what has happened to music but not a sin. Darth Vader in star Wars, Captain Ahab in Moby Dick Rapper Eminem sings his Evil Deeds on modern airways It's a shame what has happened to music but not a sin Is the rapper a brother to Dostoyevsky's Russian hero. Rapper Eminem sings his Evil Deeds on modern Airways. Is the rapper a brother to Dostoyevsky's Russian hero? Sinatra snaps his fingers and scats, “Do be, do be, do!”
by Wanda VanHoy Smith
COUNTING MY SINS Strolling through the art gallery I look forevil to put ina poem. I am arrested by photographs of Seven deadly sins. In evil shades of war, sadism and greed. I can’t tell which sin captures me most so feel inspired to include all seven in my poem. The artist tells me his photographs are inspired by Oscar Wilde's “The Picture of Dorian Grey.” He believes every human being has an evil demon inside who constantly tempts human nature's spirit for good. The artist's first evil LUST stands before me nude. I have known her wanton ways. Number two a green eyed monster ENVY, I battle constantly coveting thick dark curls and buxom breasts that bounce when I tap dance WRATH is really ugly and rides with me on every crowded freeway aimed at SUVs that cut me off. Good thing fingers aren't loaded. 4. GREED counts its gold the way I will if I win the lottery. 5 PRIDE trips over two left feet in stiletto pumps and shiny stockings 6. SLOTH naps on a bed in an untidy room. My Sloth relaxes ona couch ignoring pots and pans in a sink a Harlequin Romance in my hand watching a reality show. GLUTTONY fills up on garlic bread and spare ribs. If my sins are painted on a portrait of me hidden in my garage I hope it doesn't show up printed on the front if a T shirt on my birthday.
by Wanda VanHoy Smith
Clifford Robert Olson, Jr. (January 1, 1940 – September30, 2011), the self-proclaimed “Beastof British Columbia” died [from terminal cancer]after serving nearly 30 years in jail for torturing, sexually assaulting and murdering eight girls and three boys around B.C.’s Lower Mainland in the early 1980s.
by r. j. paré
Longmay he rot in hell…
Comic Book Review – by r. j. paré ______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com Ø¢
The New 52 – part II
Aquaman # 1 writer: Geoff Johns penciller: Ivan Reis inker: Joe Prado & Colourist: Ron Reis
Let me say right now - I HAVE A NEW FAVOURITE amongst the New 52 books. For the first time, outside of the Batman & Green Lantern groups of titles - I've found a creative team REALLY GETS IT. This book is a fabulous read - as good, if not better than either Batman orNightwing #1's. I wholeheartedly encourage DC fans to read this book. Geoff Johns keeps enough back story with the characters to appeal to long-time readers [like me] while still crafting a fresh start with intriguing new villains. As well, his dialogue is witty and crisp. I absolutely loved the running in-joke of how the public atlarge view Aquaman. I am so glad I picked this issue up!
Phipps Conservatory – by Larissa Gula
Beverly Knight – by James ‘Jig-One’ Titman
Raised on Saturday Morning Cartoons by Pauline Paré ~ Situation Comedy ~ ______________________________________________________________________ RKYVONLINE Printed as PDF | Oct. 2011 | rkyv.online@rogers.com Ø¢
Sitcoms have a long and diverse history starting from ancient entertainments to the modern American 22 episode season we have today. Situation comedies have been popular for hundreds of years on stage and have been a television staple since the 1950’s. I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners and my Three Sons were incredibly popular. Most early sitcoms dealt with people living together and the crazy things that happen in their interactions. In the 1960’s sitcoms with extreme characters or circumstances became popular. Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie and the Addam’s Family were watched weekly.
The 1970’s saw sitcoms dealing with controversial issues of the times. All In the Family, The Jeffersons and M*A*S*H explored and challenged the thinking of those times.
The 80’s were the era of the family sitcoms and sitcoms focused on children.
The 1990’s were the rebirth of the animated sitcom. The Simpsons, South Park and Beavis and Butthead were king. The mostpopular live action sitcoms featured long story arcs such as Seinfeld, Friends and That 70’s Show.
Sitcoms have changed their direction since those days; adult sitcoms are more prominent although filming formats are becoming more traditional. I adore Big Bang Theory which has more traditional filming techniques but includes many for adult only jokes. That show is tame compared with some even newer offerings.
Of the newer offerings this year, I am enjoying “Two Broke Girls” the most. Kat Dennings is delightful as Max,a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and Beth Behrs as Caroline, a socialite reduced to poverty when her father gets convicted of a Ponzi scheme. This does seem a silly premise at first and it could get tired fast but Caroline is played as sympathetic and quite sweet. She is also strong and sassy. Max has no ambition and a lot of talent and early on you can tell that the girls need each other. I will continue to watch this one.
“Up All Night” is fun and I love watching Christina Applegate inaction. I do belly laugh in every episode but I can recognize some weak points as well. The series is about a former party couple that ends up having a baby. Of course, the baby changes their lives. I do have some hope for this series; the main characters are both very endearingand funny as they try to reconcile their free and crazy lifestyle with all the changes parenthood brings.
“Free Agents” has a stellar cast! I admit, I started watching it for Hank Azaria and Anthony Head. I do enjoy the drier, more mature humor of this show but I am not getting enough laughs. I am not sure if the cast is enough to drive this office comedy. As I was writing this article, Free Agents was cancelled. That is that I guess. I love the sitcom offerings oncable television! “Hung” is back and it does not disappoint. It is fun, zany, naughty and just so different from the standard sitcom offerings. It certainly does not hurt that Patrick Jane is oh so easy on the eyes.
It appears that the sitcom is not dead and if brilliant writers and producers keep reimagining the genre, it will continue to be a popular format for years to come.