Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Comix Files: Hank Arakelian

Hank Arakelian and I corresponded from 1982 to 1997, and talked on the phone several times. In the Newave Comix universe he was unusual in that he had a science background. In fact, in 1985 he earned his Ph. D. in physics from Stevens Institute in New Jersey.

Hank was a solid part of the Newave and created highly original and creative comix. He was a participant in the City Limits Gazette and contributed a great article on the work of Gustave Verbeck. Hank was also the subject of a CLG interview, the original manuscript is included here.

Hank and I had been jamming on a comic for a few years in the 1990s, but it never saw print. Unfortunately, when he dropped out of sight from the comix network, our jam art went with him.

I'm sure he had his reasons for vanishing, but since Hank is apparently not interested in promoting his artistic work, I'll take on the task of reminding comix historians of this unique artist.

Here are the graphic snippets from our correspondence:



































































 


Pure Insanity # 20


OK, this post cannot really be considered an ad since I don't have any idea how to contact our old Newave comrade Tom Brinkmann, but he recently published 50 copies of Pure Insanity # 20. This is 12 pages/leaves, 28 cm. of Brink jamming with the incredible Buzz Buzzizyk.

Calling this "mindblowing" is no exaggeration. Both of these artists are better than ever.

Phone photo 3179


A jar of Marmite, a Fruit Wizard, and a Talking Sock Monkey

Yes, this is another one of those "Incredible Journey" stories about to begin ...

Cissy Houston Sings Bacharach


Consolation





A simple and eye-catching cover by W.R. Cameron, copyright 1926. The back cover has some kind of difficult to see pointalist thing going on.


The Comix Files: Stuart Appleton's Seeds for Thought


A poster for Stuart Appleton's underground newspaper, Seeds for Thought, 1994. At least one 4-page issue was published.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Dionne Warwick Sings Bacharach

Thru the Shady Lane


If that background is shading film,this piece must have been labor intensive with all those leaves to cut around.


F. Donald Miller was one suave guy!  A few years ago I had a chance to watch a couple silent films in a theater with a live organist supplying the music. It was amazing and a totally different kind of movie-going experience.


Wilson Art Service logo


Milton Weil Music Co. logo on back cover