There is actually a cartooning class at RIT and I am enjoying it like crazy! It is always great to practice things, but when it is something I already feel passionate about, I get an extra kick of excitement. Today we were doing pieces in the style of famous creators, each student needed to intensely analyze the artist we were assigned, then use that information to realize what interesting bits and pieces we could incorporate into our own styles. I was assigned Seth and given the graphic novel Clyde Fans: Book 1 for reference.

I made sure to note the documentary style, like there is a camera actually following a character around, and cutting to close ups in between. The characters tend to do menial real life tasks while words come streaming out of their mouths, not necessarily on topic. The backgrounds are loaded with detail, but always with simple objects, nothing is too complex. The color palette is very consistent, it is either blue, gray, a mix of the two, or pure white (on yellowish paper). Let me know if you think I got the style.

The last issue of Y: The Last Man came out today, and it was a great close to an incredible series. It really pulls at your heart strings, and allows you to reflect on all the great times you’ve shared with these characters. I haven’t read everything by Brian K. Vaughan yet, but I’ve loved everything as I try to. He is such a brilliant storyteller! If you like this, Ex Machina and Pride of Baghdad are also completely worth your time. And Pia Guerra’s art throughout the series has been phenomenal, so well stylized, and incredibly clear. What an achievement in comics this run has been! Even if you have never tried comic books before, give this a shot, everyone I’ve recommended it to has loved it. Especially non-readers.