Category: Blotting Paper

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.24

Art, Blotting Paper, Cats in Comics, Comics, Germania, Japanning May 8, 2015

I have still not completed this issue of my comic but I am getting there! Completion of the fourth issue of my artist book/comic…and ultimately, graphic novel…Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics is near. The printing and publishing process of those pages will follow. This includes the sequential stages of the pages being printed, collated, trimmed, covered and bound. As with the first three issues the fourth one has a total of 40 pages plus end-papers and covers. For this issue the covers will feature a wraparound print that includes the title. Being an artist book there will be a limited edition of 30. Each book in this first edition will be numbered and signed by the artist.

Planned wraparound cover for Issue #4 (Monoprint-© 2011 Michael Hill) — _{Planned wraparound cover for Issue #4 (Monoprint-©2011 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

The addition of some spot colour plus a few paragraphs of handwriting is needed. It may also receive a bit of a toning touch-up and a little overprinting. I have spread out the pages in sequence on the floor of the studio. This reveals some sense of the overall flow of the comic. There might be the odd alteration to the sequencing in the final edit. I try to feel a sense of rhythm from reading and turning the pages.

Pages from Issue 4 in layout spread-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{Pages from Issue 4 arranged in layout spread on floor.}
_{©2015 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

UPDATE 6 JULY 2015: COMPLETION OF ISSUE #4! Although it took a little longer than expected I have now completed production of the fourth issue of my comic! The pages have been printed, collated, trimmed, bound and covered with title labels. Copies have been mailed to my supportive, personal readers. A possible launch is being looked at in Tokyo in October.

Issue 4 copies ready for distribution-photo © 2015 Michael Hill — _{Issue 4 copies printed, bound and ready for distribution-photo ©2015 Dr. Michael Hill} _{(a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

After running past the planned deadline and being slightly over budget I decided to finish in D.I.Y mode. This resulted in a somewhat hand-crafted look.

Tabletop work-space pages and tools-photo © 2015 Michael Hill — _{Tabletop work-space pages and tools-photo. ©2015 Dr. Michael Hill} _{(a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Work clothes hung out to dry-photo © 2015 Michael Hill — _{Printmaking work clothes hung out to dry-photo ©2015 Dr. Michael Hill} _{(a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Now it’s on to the likely final issue…although reprints of previously published chapters are also a possibility…as is the eventual merging of all chapters into graphic novel form…I wish!…and can’t stop thinking about that possibility. Looking ahead, the tentatively titled 2 Tickets to Tokyo Bay Chapter 5 will be set in Germany and Japan. It depicts the continued activities of Doctor Comics’ cats and their new canine companion Barks in “funny animal” comics style. It may also contain further comics related recollections from Doctor Comics’ past, particularly his research of manga. Below is the ad for Chapter 5 on the back page of Issue 4.

Teaser for 2 TICKETS TO TOKYO BAY the forthcoming Chapter 5-© 2015 Michael Hill, READING DRINKING -© 2014 Gene Kannenberg, Jr. — _{Teaser for 2 TICKETS TO TOKYO BAY which is the title of the forthcoming Chapter 5-©2015 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics. Also shown (insert) READING DRINKING Blotting Paper review of Chapter 2 – ©2013 by my American colleague Gene Kannenberg, Jr.}

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.23

Art, Blotting Paper, Cats in Comics, Comics, Germania March 1, 2015

I am beginning this post with a progress report. Issue 4 of my artist book/comic Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics is not yet complete! I still need about another month to finish this issue. I do think that this is the penultimate report though… and further more,…due to its increasing length, I think I shall now start referring to it as a graphic novel.

Chapter title page, handwriting on painted paper collage-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{Chapter title page, handwriting in ink on painted paper collage.}
_{©2015 Dr. Michael Hill (a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

The cats go to Germany with Doctor Comics’s big stash of comics related books, mementos and research materials. They meet a canine character who kindly assists them in arranging their affairs. Beer is drunk, comics are consumed and a plan devised.

Chapter page, collage of painted paper, woodcut print and ink drawings-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{Chapter page, collage of painted paper, woodcut print and ink drawings.}
_{©2015 Dr. Michael Hill (a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

The black cat, Cohl, sorts through Doc’s research materials. He reflects on some of his deeds including one that involved Belgian comics. Cohl also begins to emulate Doc’s art practice. This involves making sketches, playing with art materials and doing some drawing and printmaking. The other cat, Busch, who is not black, enjoys German beer, fish and fun. Both cats and their canine companion find enjoyment from the eating of chocolate.

Chapter page detail, inked calligraphy brush on paper-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{Chapter page detail, inked calligraphy brush on paper.}
_{©2015 Dr. Michael Hill} _{(a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Chapter page detail, collage of photograph and found graphic packaging-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{Chapter page detail, collage of my photograph of poster and found graphic packaging.}
_{©2015 Dr.Michael Hill (a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

More developments and an update on progress will be posted on this blog in around a month’s time. After I bring this chapter to completion we move to Japan, the setting for the next chapter.

Promotional chocolate stack, Berlin, photo-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Promotional chocolate stack, Berlin, photo.}
_{©2014 Dr. Michael Hill (a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Sketch of Doctor Comics character, ink on paper-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Sketch of Doctor Comics character, ink on paper.}
_{©2014 Dr. Michael Hill (a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

More visual developments and an update on progress will be posted when I near completion. See you in Japan, so to speak…the setting of the next chapter, Michael.

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.22

Art, Blotting Paper, Cats in Comics, Comics, Germania January 3, 2015

Here is the next report, first one of the year, documenting production progress of my artist book/comic/graphic novel…Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics…Chapter 4- Beer, Chocolate and Comics. The story continues with both cats arriving in Hamburg in a shipping container on a freighter…and ends with them, seemingly accompanied by a newly acquired canine friend on another freighter bound for Tokyo Bay! However did that come about? Well, Japan is the setting for the subsequent chapter…as long as this scenario is not altered in the coming weeks.

The 0909 lines document-ink stamped on paper-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{The 0909 lines sequence document of ink stamped on paper. (©2015 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

I am continuing my graphic experiments with ink and paint on paper that is printed then torn and drawn upon…and sometimes collaged, to create documents, scenes and settings as well as thought and voice balloons for the characters.

Graphic Thought Balloon, ink and paint on paper-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Graphic thought balloon, ink and paint on paper.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Graphic Voice balloon, ink and paint on paper-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Graphic voice balloon, ink and paint on paper.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Set design, painted paper collage-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Set design, painted paper collage.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Ink and watercolour drawing of Hamburg-© 2007 Michael Hill — _{Ink and watercolour drawing on paper of room in a Hamburg hotel.}
_{(©2007 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

The following quick sketches were made on my previous travels in Germany. They were kept in notebooks till it seemed they had some relevance and resonance for this project…and now I am finding ways of working them into this chapter.

Ink and watercolour drawing on paper of design details in Germany-© 2007 Michael Hill — _{Ink and watercolour drawing on paper of design details. (©2007 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

More visual developments and an update on progress will be posted on this blog in three or four weeks time…as I continue to close in on completion of the comic.

UPDATE 20 JANUARY 2015: In response to a query in the comments…(see below)…I have added examples of how I intend using the abstract landscapes as backgrounds…or graphic expressions.

Using abstract landscape as background-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Using abstract landscape as background.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Using abstract landscape as thought balloon-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Using abstract landscape as thought balloon.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a Doctor Comics).}

More visual developments and an update on progress should be posted on this blog around the end of the month…as I near completion of the comic…and, as always, your feedback on my blog is most welcome.

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.21

Art, Blotting Paper, Cats in Comics, Comics, Germania December 2, 2014

This is the second report documenting the production of the fourth issue of my artist book/comic…Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics. The new chapter Beer, Chocolate and Comics…deals with the feline characters recovering from the demise of their patron…and their subsequent travels in Germany to visit the world of European comics.

Double page handprinted spread from Chapter 3–© 2014 Michael Hill. — _{Double page handprinted spread from my comic Blotting Paper, Chapter 3.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Continuing the turnaround of events and forward momentum that the above image from Chapter 3 illustrates…my feline leading characters start to get on top of things…taking control of circumstances and their situation and expressing their true character whilst on their travels abroad. Tail wagging. indeed!

Beer label collage character from Blotting Paper comic-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Beer label collage character design from my Blotting Paper comic-(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

I have been exploring the notion of a beer label collage project…derived from Belgian and German bottles, and have come up with this character. I expect others will follow. With the European theme and setting I am also considering including some bilingual content, probably English and German…and there is also an option of doing a combined issue #4-5!

Fish woodcut from way back-© 2002 Michael Hill — _{Fish woodcut print from way back-(©1998 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Fish woodcut with pyschedelic sauce from way back-© 2003 Michael Hill — _{Fish woodcut print covered with pyschedelic sauce from way back.}
_{(©2000 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

The subject of fish and the techniques of woodblock printmaking have returned…and there is some cooking too, of both fish and comics!

The Busch approach to managing a comics collection-now available as a postcard-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{The Busch approach to managing a comics collection-now available as a postcard.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Linocut, type, roller and ink dish after a print session. (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{Linocut, type, roller, calligraphy brush and inkbowl after a postcard and comics art printmaking session. (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

In addition to collage there were some abstract ink and paint images that serve as backgrounds, settings…or sometimes mere graphic expressions of a characters’ thoughts.

Abstract print image from Blotting Paper comic-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Abstract landscape print image from my Blotting Paper comic.}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

The art work also features several words and images made with pen and ink…including some quick-sketch location drawings from previous visits to Hamburg and Hanover and more recently to Berlin.

Dip pen with nibs by Gillot and Muller and ink from Lamy. — _{Dip pen with nibs by Gillot and Muller and bottled ink from Lamy.}
_{(Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Quick Ink and watercolour drawing of Hannover-© 2007 Michael Hill — ^{Quick ink and watercolour drawing on paper, Hanover.}
^{(©2007 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

On location drawing trips I carry a small leather bag of art tools and sketch books. It carries some smaller leather bags and a tin of colour pencils that fit within the larger bag. (see photo below, taken on the carpet at home, before departure)

Packing my art bag for a location drawing session. (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — ^{Packing my little art bag for a location drawing session…light, compact and easy to carry! (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

More visual developments and an update on progress will be posted on this blog in the New Year. As always, I would love to hear any responses to this post…plus any comparable comments about your own experiences of drawing on location.

Cheers for a Happy Comics and Graphic Novel Xmas and New Year…and Seasons Greetings to all comics art fans and followers!…Michael.

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.20

Art, Blotting Paper, Cats in Comics, Comics, Germania November 3, 2014

This is the first report documenting the production of the fourth issue of my artist book/comic…Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics.…it continues from posts on the first chapter/issue The Ingurgitator,…the second chapter/issue A Blot On His Escutcheon…and the third chapter/issue The Chthonian Turn: The Cats’ Revenge (see links to posts #1-36 below). The new chapter Beer, Chocolate and Comics deals with the cats’ recovery from the demise of their patron, Doctor Comics. It also covers their travels in Europe and their contact with the world of European comics. Printmaking is again involved in the production of this issue…with woodblock, linocut and the use of rubber, bakelite and wooden stamps. There is also drawing, handwriting and some cartooning. The intention is to produce a comic in an artist’s book type format. I hope to have it ready for publication early next year…but we’ll have to see about that…just as we will also have to see if my long term plan of combining these four separate issues…and subsequent issues into a full length graphic novel comes to fruition.

_{Brush tips dipped in ink and at the ready.}
_{(Blotting Paper comic-©2014 Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Cartooning the cat character Cohl from Blotting Paper comic-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{Cartooning the cat character Cohl from Blotting Paper comic.}
_{©2014 Michael Hill}

More cat cartooning for the Blotting Paper comic-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{More cat cartooning for the Blotting Paper comic-©2014 Michael Hill}

_{There will also be the introduction of a new character in this chapter…a dog.}

Funny animal character from Blotting Paper comic-© 2014 Michael Hill — _{A funny canine animal character from Blotting Paper comic-©2014 Michael Hill}

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2015: Illustration and comments.

Here is how this character finished up looking in Issue #4-© 2015 Michael Hill — _{Here is how this dog character finished up looking(post publication) in Issue #4-©2015 Michael Hill}

This issue has a marked European flavour…no surprise perhaps following the careful research into Belgian and German chocolates, comics and beer…that I undertook on my recent trip there…Michael.

INKING IN OCTOBER: InkTober

Art, Blotting Paper, Comics October 1, 2014

I decided to participate in this event in which participants do a drawing each day during the month of October. I took the option, however, of only doing it every other day. So I planned to produce an inked image on the odd numbered dates-1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th etc. That amounts to a potential 16 drawings over the period. These were progressively posted here on my blog and dated. I also added an image of the drawing implement(s) employed. I saw this exercise as an opportunity to ‘warm up’ for issue 4 of my Blotting Paper artist book/comic…another experimental image-making outlet.

A new drawing made on every odd numbered date of the month.

Ink drawing#1 with unipin 0.8 Fine Line for october 1st (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #1: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line, for October 1st}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#2: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line for October 3rd (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #2: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line for October 3rd}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#3: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line for October 3rd (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #3: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line for October 5th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#4: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line for October 7th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #4: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line for October 7th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

unipin 0.8 Fine Line Black — _{uni pin 0.8 Fine Line Black}

Switching back to abstraction but with the addition of some ghosting colour line.

Ink drawing#5: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint marker 2mm Shock Yellow for October 9th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #5: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint marker 2mm Shock Yellow for October 9th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#6: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint marker 2mm Shock Yellow for October 11th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #6: Abstract landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint marker 2mm Shock Yellow for October 11th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Returning to the objective whilst retaining an element of abstraction and some acrylic colouring.

Ink drawing#7: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint marker 2mm Shock Yellow for October 13th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #7: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint marker 2mm Shock Yellow for October 13th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#8: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint markers 2mm Shock Yellow and Shock Green Light for October 15th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #8: Object landscape, with uni pin 0.8 Fine Line plus Montana acrylic paint markers 2mm Shock Yellow and Shock Green Light for October 15th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Midway through the month…I managed to maintain my planned participation of posting an ink image every other day. Next stage…I am move in the direction of making blind contour drawings of moving subjects.

Ink drawing#9: Contours of moving objects-football in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 17th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #9: Contours of moving subjects-football in the park, with Artline 1.0 Ballpoint Pen for October 17th}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#10: Contours of moving subjects-cycling in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 19th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #10: Contours of moving subjects-cycling in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 19th (©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#11: Contours of moving subjects-anthropomorphic animal cosplay in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 21st (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #11: Contours of moving subjects-anthropomorphic animal cosplay in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 21st}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing#12: Contours of moving subjects-community gardening in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 23rd (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing #12: Contours of moving subjects-community gardening in the park, with Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen for October 23rd}
_{(©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Artline 1.0 ballpoint pen — _{Artline 1.0 Ballpoint Pen, Medium, Black}

A return to abstraction for the final four images! I am switching to printmaking, exchanging the pen for a brush and using sumi ink to make monoprints.

Ink drawing(monoprint) #13: Abstract shape- with brush and sumi ink for October 25th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing(monoprint) #13: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 25th (©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing(monoprint) #14: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 27th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing(monoprint) #14: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 27th (©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing(monoprint) #15: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 29th (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing(monoprint) #15: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 29th (©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink drawing(monoprint) #16: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 31st (© 2014 Michael Hill) — _{Ink drawing(monoprint) #16: Abstract shape, with brush and sumi ink for October 31st (©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Brush and Sumi ink. — _{Japanese hake brush and Sumi ink.}

Job done! Please post any comments and suggestions about the blog, my drawings and printmaking. I would love to read your responses, Michael.

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.19

Art, Blotting Paper, Comics, Germania July 2, 2014

Job done! Production of the third issue of my artist book/comic Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics has been completed. The comic was launched in June at Comic-Salon Erlangen in Germany. I had been invited to attend the event by German design colleagues…Professors Markus Fischmann and Michael Mahlstedt…of Visuelle Kommunikation, Design und Medien Department…Hochschule Hannover University of Applied Arts and Sciences where I had a visiting academic engagement back in 2007. Comic-Salon is the largest comics convention in Germany with 25,000+ attendees. Oh wow!

COMIC SALON, Erlangen. (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{16th INTERNATIONAL COMIC-SALON, Erlangen, Germany. (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

On the trading floor at COMIC SALON (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{On the trading floor at COMIC-SALON (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Launching Blotting Paper #3 at COMIC SALON. (Photo-© 2014 Hoschule Staff). — _{Launching Blotting Paper #3 at COMIC-SALON (L to R: Louise Graber, Prof. Michael Mahlstedt, Dr. Michael Hill, Prof. Markus Fischmann, student Krisi). (Photo-©2014 Hoschule Faculty staff).}

On display at COMIC SALON (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{Pages on display at COMIC-SALON (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

For Sale at €15 per copy (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{All 3 issues of my comic for sale at €15 per copy (Photo-© 2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Donald Duck comics appeared to be very popular at COMIC SALON (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{Donald Duck comics appeared to be very popular in Germany at COMIC SALON. (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

Cosplay at COMIC SALON (Photo-© 2014 Michael Hill). — _{Cosplay at COMIC-SALON (Photo-©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.18

Art, Blotting Paper, Comics June 4, 2014

GOING DEEPER INTO PRODUCTION MODE! Progress report on my artist book/comic Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics, Chapter 3, The Chthonian Turn. It is subtitled The Cats’ Revenge as it starts heading in the direction of a funny animal comic. I am approaching the mid-way point in completion of the artwork, averaging one page per day. It’s been a struggle maintaining this rate.

Title page for Chapter 3–© 2014 Michael Hill. — _{Chapter title page–© 2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

Serial production offers the opportunity of revisiting the work at some future date with the opportunity to make changes. With hindsight, the possibility of reworking things and adding new material seems appealing. One hopes it would improve the material…as this wouldn’t happen till after I have published a first edition.

Sorting out page numbers and doodling–© 2014 Michael Hill. — _{Sorting out page numbers and doodling–© 2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

About half of this issue is being hand-printed and/or painted. Those are the areas I have spent most of the time working on. The remaining half will be digitally printed. Most of the page numbers are being stamped, some directly onto the page, others scanned then printed.

Sample of hand-printed pages–© 2014 Michael Hill. — _{Sample of hand-printed and painted pages–© 2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

Over the past month I have completed the artwork, printing and the finishing stages of the labelling, stapling and bookbinding. I started out stitching the sections together but found that I lacked the skills to do the job properly. I abandoned this approach and switched back to the simpler form of stapling…however, I shall endeavour to master stitching techniques in future.

Page from Chapter 3–© 2014 Michael Hill. — _{Page from Chapter 3–© 2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

It looks interesting as a volume being half hand-printed and half digitally printed. The varying pages are sometimes shuffled together. In addition to adding pages of colour and print-made texture this method has resulted in a shorter period of production.

Two of the handprinted pages from Chapter 3–© 2014 Michael Hill. — _{Two of the hand-printed pages from Chapter 3–© 2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

The feline characters continue to assert themselves. This altered the generic pattern from auto-bio to funny animal comics with the odd not so humorous scene.

Notice of publication should be posted on this Blog around the end of the month. It is intended take place at a comics event in Germany…but we will have to wait and see about that, Michael.

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.17

Art, Blotting Paper, Comics March 29, 2014

This is the first in a series of regular reports documenting the production of the third issue of my artist book/comic…Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics. It continues on from my previous posts on the first chapter/issue The Ingurgitator…and the second chapter/issue A Blot On His Escutcheon. The new chapter, The Chthonian Turn: The Cats’ Revenge…deals with the feline characters’ reaction to the demise of Doctor Comics…and that gentleman’s adventures in another dimension to which he has travelled. I hope to self-publish it before the end of the year.

Title page for Chapter 3 The Chthonian Turn–© 2013 Michael Hill — _{Title page for Chapter 3–© 2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

As with the two previous issues printmaking is involved in the generation of images…via woodblock, linocut, Japanese sosaku hanga technique, rubber stamps and wooden seals. In addition other visual communication techniques…such as drawing, painting, collage, cartooning and photography…with the intention of producing a limited edition artist’s book comic.

One of the spirits in the underground sky–© 2013 Michael Hill — _{Design of one of the spirits in the underground sky–© 2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

I also intend having more colour pages in this issue…following the use of sporadic spot colour in Issue #1 and the 8 full colour pages in Issue #2. The colour will assist in the graphic representation of both the real and imaginary worlds featured in the comic.

Another of the spirits in the underground sky–© 2013 Michael Hill — _{Design of another of the spirits–© 2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

I am continuing to edit the script, refine ideas, and develop others. There has been some unscripted image-making and printmaking activity…with the intention of using this as a loose but parallel means of creating vaguely conceived and experimental visual content. Examples produced through this printmaking strategy are featured below.

Red face print #1–© 2013 Michael Hill — _{Visage of first red shade–(©2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics).}

In the present chapter the two feline characters deliberate over the decision of what to do following the sudden departure of Doctor Comics. Meanwhile the latter character continues his travels in the chthonian world…confronting various vaporous forms and ghostly figures…including a trio of roaming red shades (see the three red shade illustrations). The raw state of these printmaking images will most likely be subject to further graphic manipulation.

Red face print #2–© 2013 Michael Hill — _{Visage of second red shade–©2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

Red face print #3–© 2013 Michael Hill — _{Visage of third red shade–©2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics.}

Within a few weeks the design and creation of the planned pages began to fall into place.

The production schedule is up! — _{The production schedule for Issue #3 up on the studio wall! (Photo ©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

The target date for completion of the five 8-page signatures have been approximated…and with a good run the comic could possibly be ready for binding as early as June.

The art table has been established. — _{The art table has been established… (Photo ©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Ink, more so than paint, appears to be the dominant graphic ingredient in the production…with dip pens, drawing pens and brush calligraphy involved…although some of the inking will be made onto previously painted paper.

...and particular tools selected. — _{…and particular tools selected. (Photo ©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

There are some pencils in there too…as well as the pens,…with drawing and handwriting components plus my regular use of printmaking for image generation.

Ink tests are underway... — _{Ink tests are underway… (Photo ©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

The messy ink tests and mark making has begun.

...and drying on display. — _{…and on display whilst drying. (Photo ©2014 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)}

Having gotten deeper into production mode I am now approaching completion of the artwork …having advanced from scripting to page layout…however, I am keeping things open in terms of the resolution of the story.

A spread of artwork on the studio floor.

I find the creation of the images…and the entire image-making process…including the resultant generation of the artwork…to be the most pleasurable part of the production process. Culling, selecting and editing the artwork is a tougher task.

A more detailed glimpse of the spread of artwork.

Printmaking has again been employed in the image-making…a little more than photography…but about the same proportion as drawing. In terms of style, abstraction is making an impression. The notion of developing this project into graphic novel form continues to firm.

Another glimpse of the spread of artwork.

BLOTTING PAPER The Comic: Production Report No.16

Art, Blotting Paper, Comics November 1, 2013

This post covers some glimpses of the works on display and visitors to the exhibition Blotting Paper: Works On Paper 18-29 September at GAUGE Gallery in Glebe, Sydney. It included the publication and launch of the second issue of my artist book/comic Blotting Paper: The Recollected Graphical Impressions Of Doctor Comics, Chapter 2: A Blot On His Escutcheon.

Xander Black and friend -(Photo © 2013 Michael Hill)

Mayu and Chie. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Some of the prints. (Photo © 2013 Michael Hill)

Cartoons and copies of Blotting Paper #1 and #2. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Composer Nicole Kim. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Postcards in sosaku hanga style. (Photo © 2013 Michael Hill)

With Masashi Owada. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Blotting Paper #1. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Louise Graber and Imogen Yang. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Alexis and Craig Simmons aka Space March. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Cartoons and toys. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

Katie Pye as Adelaide Whye. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

POP-UP TOY & COMIC sale sign outside gallery. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)

POP-UP TOY & COMIC SALE STREET POSTER
Sale sign outside gallery on a sunny Saturday morning. (Photo-©2013 Dr. Michael Hill a.k.a. Doctor Comics)

Did you see this exhibition? If so, I would love to hear of your impressions of the show and of my art…and/or of this post about it. You can post to this Blog, Michael.

Chasing Vaughan Bodē comics-Michael Hill with Nic Beatson and Bodē tattoo. (Photo-© 2013 Louise Graber)

The Bodē tattoo. (Photo-© 2013 Louise Graber)

Liz Pozega and friend. (Photo-© 2013 Michael Hill)