Crabs!

A Barrel of Crabs pt.1

Hey folks hope everyone is well today. I'm writing this post after witnessing one artist accuse another of stealing his character design. Among artist, specially us indy comic folk, that is a terrible crime, TERRIBLE.
The question- is it true.
I say no and I over here some evidence.
first personal

The artist in question is Shawn Alleyne  his blog is here: http://shawnah-lean.blogspot.com/
Who is being accused of stealing by Chuck Collins his blog here: http://dreadsocietyx.blogspot.com

Both artist are talented. I don't think either needs to steal and I think this particular incident is more hype from third parties then anything else. The original pic was posted on face book with the caption "original" and "copy" very inflammatory. Wait how is calling a copy inflammatory  well it assumes that one is a copy and my evidence will prove that's not true. here is the original picture

What the picture clearly shows is that the two drawings are very much a like. but that speaks to a lack of orignality in the comic/anime/videogame market, not to thievery.  Here is why.

There are two reasons one would claim that one of these works is stolen based on this picture. 

1.the similar stances or poses of the pictures. 

2. the likeness of the character.

One is very obvious but isn't about stealing.  Here are some pictures to help explain.

I outlined the pose of the characters and imposed the outline over some other pictures.

 blue mary from snk

Wonderwoman and Catwoman from Batman Rising

 Mystique from marvel comics

 monica rambuea also from marvel

unknown character

 tron design

So as you can see firstly the pose isn't original or something unique to Chuck Collins as a creator infact....

These are some of shawns normal sketches it's a defualt stance for him unrelated to Chuck Collins or his work

There are more Shawn has been drawing alot and doing sketches and character designs for a good while now.

I only put these up as an example. so hopefully you now understand why the picture looks so similar. Its a common comic book/anime/videogame pose. I didn't even post all the pictures of the pose I found.

Going back to the second question... I think that takes another blog. Basicly I think they have both been influenced by the same things and it just happens that some one pointed it out. I have again lots of evidence. Next time.

Hey sequential art fans.

so shortly the captain kacela first story arc will come to an end. there will be future arcs but it may be a few years till that  happens. the good thing is the current arc upon completion will get collected and will come with lots of extras. As always there a lot of personal projects ongoing. What will likely be between Kacela arc one and arc two will be Roach the series, thinking of renaming it La Cockaracha.
 so stay tuned for some art about it. In the mean time

Congratulations to Shawn Allyene and his Kickstarter efforts.  In to help with the effort in addition to a donation of cash, heres a donation of art for his poster book soon coming.

Aizan

The book mark is done. Some minor a adds left (text and copyright and addresses) and they will be ready to ship a little behind schedule but should be a great  Thanksgiving or Christmas surprise.

Finally finished the poster

Work In progress just about done actually just some tweaking left. these should go out to the people who pledged money for kacela in the next two weeks.

 Just came back from Las Vegas Comic Expo. Great show had fun with the crew from Ground Up studios. Drew some bookmarks for the kids at work. figured i post them up. the originals got the water color treatment.

Had a nice long break between post. lots going on. firstly I started an indiegogo. What they hell are you talking about you say? well it's like Kickstarter.com cept its' called indiegogo and you get to keep what ever funds you raise instead of the all or nothing nature of kickstarter.

its proformed a little under expectation, though I'm extremely motivated by the support the book has received. please stop by and check out the campaign, watch the video, read and support you'll get some cool stuff for you effort. http://www.indidegogo.com/captaink

one of he best things about starting the campaign is the realization and discovery of the body image issue in america. I had made it  my struggle just because of my love and appreciation for black women and the idea that, through the media, they were being socially attacked on the issue of body size and shape. But apparently this goes to many other women and men. and I've been fortunate to run across several examples. like :http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2011/12/04/behind-the-perfect-body-models-and-bodybuilders/

in lew of that i decided to enter Kacela in a character creation contest. thats right up her alley here:
http://kxhara.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-A-quot-Fat-quot-Female-Superhero-315317673?

one of the perks from the indiegogo is an all new poster specifically for contributors, here is a WIP shot.

dare 2 care

Hey congratulations to the bul bey (http://www.thebulbey.com) for an awesome event last night album release party for YQR (you're quite right) mixed tape.
Had a great time at the Dare to Care fund raiser today!

Hey going to be out and about starting tomorrow. I'll Have some art work and possibly some books out tomorrow at The Bul Bey's album release event. Your Quite Right, is gonna drop tomorrow. I did the cover art front and back, for what it's worth not the most complex. you can check out some of his music on his site.
I'll also be at a chairty event friday. come through tickets are 10 dollars it's for  foster children. I'll be painting faces. https://www.facebook.com/events/335244133223997/

and don't forget to contribute a dollar to the captain kacela fund, help her truly become part of our main stream fiction. Help Captain Kacela

Yo check out the captain kacela model in costume. and a new story arch on it's way. as soon as issue four is complete.http://www.cac-tv.com/2012/07/kamau-mshale-wizard-world-philly/

 ALways a big thaks to CAC-TV Crazy Al Cayne at all the best events.

Another donation for the Captain Kacela campaign. I'm currently working on all the new art, some exclusively for contributors. i'll post some things but toget your own mailed to you check out the campaign make a contribution as little as one dollar.
http://igg.me/p/146694?a=780937

Bad news, Not going to make Clashcon. Unable to find the transportation. Sorry Seaford maybe next time.

Jambo!

Some recent updates, I'll be in Seaford Delaware tomorrow selling comics (Captain Kacela 1,2 and 3) as well as prints at Clash Con http://smalltowngaming.intuitwebsites.com/

Come by check me out tell me you read this and get a free Sketch!

In other news Captain Kacela on Indiegogo.com has received it's first contributions. There is still a long way to go, but any support is super appreciated and useful. I also added a few smaller amounts to to contribution perks list, unfortunately once some one claims a perk it can't be altered even to add things so  if you donate 25 dollars you'll get something extra since I wasn't able to change that perk.

Thanks again in advance. check me out in Seaford tomorrow 10 to 6 here is the address in case you need to go on google and find driving directions.

310 Virginia Ave, Seaford,DE 19973

about 2 hours ago Captain Kacela book went live on Indiegogo.com.

hoping to raise enough money to ensure the printing of book 4 as well as the first three gaining a larger audience.

if you would like to donate go here, http://igg.me/p/146694?a=780937 i'll be thanking  contributors every few days on the web page.