I originally started the Joker Sketchbook last year. I grabbed it at Hot Topic in the mall where I work. This was about the time right before The Dark Knight was hitting the theaters. Staring at it along with all the other movie merchandise, I came up with an idea. Many people start character sketchbooks. They go to conventions and wherever to meet with established comic artists and ask them to contribute to the book. The end result is to be a great tribute to a certain character. Granted, choosing The Joker is not the most original concept, but my desired contributors are a different choice.
I actually brought it to Wizard World Philly last year. I had only two pieces done in it at the time. I was going to attempt to grab some professional talent while at the convention. I didn't for two reasons: 1) I am cheap, and 2) I am a coward and can't ask a professional artist to draw me something. So, instead of the likely suspects, I chose to focus on artist that I knew personally.
My friend James Colon was actually working at Hot Topic at the time, and sold me the sketchbook. I thought it was only fair to allow him to christen it.
The second was by far the quickest sketch yet, clocking in at only a minute or two. John Baxter was a regular in the store. From talking to him a few times, I knew he liked to draw. I even checked his Myspace for some of his renditions of Daredevil and Superman. He was more than happy to do it, and I was more than happy to let him.
Next up chronologically, was my good friend Ken Miller. I've known Ken for years. We grew up together. He went to art school, and all, so I figured he was an easy fit.
My friend Donald Downie opened up 2009 with his contribution. Another regular at the store, Don is an artist, but mainly works with making jewelery. He asked to contribute, and I happily handed him the book. Don is also a huge Green Lantern fan, and you can see it in his art. Joker is presented with a certain gift that would be very bad were he ever to actually have. Don also gets style points for using a purple glitter pen.
Last, but not least, so far, Greg Taylor claims this isn't finished, but I'm putting it up anyway. Greg is a former Marine and regular at the store. He has aspirations to start his own comic at some point.
So, there you have it. That's all I have in about a year. I haven't decided if I should attempt anything in it. My style isn't very good. It would help if I actually practiced with any regularity. Still, the whole project is just something fun. I wouldn't mind anyone really contributing to the sketchbook as long as they treat it seriously. I don't want stick figures unless that's all you can draw. I hope the work done so far gives people an idea of what I am looking for, which is almost anything.
(I even told Greg he could have done Harley Quinn if he wanted.)
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