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Yuri Norstein is one of the great Russian animators who worked in the Soviet movie studio known as Soyusmultfilm. He created films that are considered some of the best animations ever. They have the quality of being watchable many times over. That's something that most animations do not have. Norstein uses multiple layers in this film, some drawn on glass. He uses stop motion techniques with painted cut-outs for the characters. The level of expression and emotion he achieves this way is extraordinary.
Hedgehog in the Fog is a dreamlike and mostly a visual story. However, its simple, evocative soundtrack is wonderful and provides a lesson that I think the 'pop, boing, and whistle' fanatics in animation today could stand to learn. Have you ever wondered why most TV and web cartoons sound so stupid? If you have wondered that, then this film is for you. If you haven't, then go watch Cartoon Network.
Watch Hedgehog in the Fog
A guy named Paul Corrigan decided to make a movie. So he made a sock puppet and a little wooden horse and shot them during his free time... on his desk! Then he made a little Christmas movie. You know, I'm getting tired of all those animation companies making their little 'Christmas card' movies that are just advertisements for their services. Man! They're all over the place. Like a plague. Just stop it now! But if you want to make a movie on your desk... well then, please, by all means, carry on.
Watch the totally cool 'desk movie.'
Les McClaine's online comic strip, The All-New Adventures of Jonny Crossbones, gets updated by the artist every Tuesday and Thursday. The current adventure is Dead Man at Devil's Cove. The strip is inspired by the Tintin comics of Belgian artist Hergé. If you like those old comic adventures that feature all sorts of locals and pseudo-scientific fun, you'll like this stuff too.
Read Jonny Crossbones
Candlelight Stories is preparing to start a small press. It will probably be called Candlelight Stories Book Publishing. The first book offered for sale by the new imprint will be the novel, Pirate Jack. A more official announcement of the book and publishing operation will be coming along in a few weeks. We will start by offering high-quality paperback novels and hard-cover children's illustrated books. We think that by offering writers the opportunity to sell their books on a well-known and highly-trafficked website we can establish a small press of distinction.
Feel free to contact us with inquiries at info@candlelightstories.com
In 1954, before the Rankin-Bass version, came this short Frosty the Snowman cartoon. It's just a cheerful, dancing, musical Christmas card.
Watch Frosty the Snowman
This is about the coolest book I've ever seen on comics. No wasted pages here. Not a wasted frame. Mr. McCloud lays out all the fundamentals of writing and drawing comics. You read along, wondering how he could have possibly done it, then you come to the chapter breaks where he presents exercises and practice tips. You realize that this guy really wants you to learn this stuff. I love his clear, logical presentation, his understatement, and his ability to give you an appreciation for the form while learning its techniques. And his drawings are wonderful too. Every time I pick this book up I want to make my own comic book.
Check it Out on Scott McCloud's Web Site
The New York Times Book Review has announced its selections for the top 10 illustrated books of the year. They have a slide show of illustrations and information about the books.
See the Slideshow
All-Action Classics has published a graphic novel version of Bram Stoker's Dracula. They specialize in graphic adaptations of classic novels. There's a version of Tom Sawyer available and next up is The Odyssey of Homer.
