by John | Nov 27, 2019 | Uncategorized
One of the things that comes up in meditation (which I’m going to keep doing so I get exceedingly healthy and happy—even if it kills me) is the importance of feeling grateful. And what better time than Thanksgiving to mention some of the people I’m thankful for.
(Warning: If you’re looking for my usual sarcasm, this probably isn’t the post for you.)
Foremost, of course, I’m grateful for my wonderful wife Shelagh Lustig (if you’re going to have a wife, I strongly recommend having a wonderful one) and our amazing wonderkid Caitie Lustig. I’m not going to list my entire family, but I want to mention my sister Lisa Hernandez who has been there for me too many times and too many ways to mention.
I’m also grateful to my friends. But I’m doubly grateful that among those friends are some talented creators who continue to contribute to Last Kiss: Diego Jourdan Pereira, Mike Pascale, Allen Freeman, Kirsten Wilson and the newest member of the group Tony Isabella.
And I’m especially grateful for you readers. (Some of whom comment on GoComics and Facebook and others like “Fine Jams and Jellies since 1982” and Dave Dell, Rex, PKM and others who comment here—sometimes in ways that are funnier than my comics!)
I’m well aware that most people in the creative community say they’re grateful for their fans. But here’s the truth. Very few of us do this primarily for money. (Which is good because there often isn’t much–particularly in comics.) We do it because we love it and support from readers like you helps us keep going.
So Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving!
Art by Charles Nicholas & Sal Trapani from the story “Good Ole Joe” in FIRST KISS #1, 1957.
Transcript:
SCENE: Pilgrim man talking to a Native American woman.
PILGRIM: Thanksgiving? already?!! But I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet!
NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN (thinks): Wotta Turkey!
1957 Art: Charles Nicholas & Sal Trapani
Artful Alterations & Highbrow Hats: Mike Pascale
1.6.2.1
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Pilgrim man talking to a Native American woman.
PILGRIM: Thanksgiving? already?!! But I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet!
NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN (thinks): Wotta Turkey!
1957 Art: Charles Nicholas & Sal Trapani
Artful Alterations & Highbrow Hats: Mike Pascale
1.6.2.1
by John | Nov 26, 2019 | Uncategorized
(Left to right) Jack Enyart , John Lustig, Shelagh Lustig, Kay Enyart during a meal in L.A. last year.
I recently learned that my pal and sometimes co-conspirator in silliness Jack Enyart died. He passed away from pancreatic cancer on Oct. 13.
A writer, artist and occasional actor-performer, Jack had a long career in comics (Disney, Warner-DC, Marvel); cartooning (Penthouse, Playgirl among others) and animation (DuckTales, Fraggle Rock and many others.)
I’d known Jack for a dozen or more years and for the last several I’d gotten to know him better because we had been working—on and off—on a pet project that we were hoping to turn into an animated series, It’s Always Bucky. As an offshoot of that project, red-headed Bucky had numerous appearances in Last Kiss comics.
Jack and I came close to getting an animated deal a couple of times, but after awhile the project became secondary to me. What was more important was the pleasure of working with Jack and getting to know him better.
Jack was—for lack of a better term—a character. Charming, quick-witted, always upbeat and very funny. I will miss him and his stories!
If you’re interested in knowing more, there’s a nice remembrance of Jack on Mark Evanier’s site. Plus here a link to a great video interview with Jack.
Transcript:
SCENE: Bucky smiles. In the background we see his dog—and a lot of broccoli.
BUCKY: I’m thankful for the people who love me…Mom, dad and my dog! I know my dog loves me…’cause he always eats my broccoli!
1942 Art: Lou Fine Re-Creation: Diego Jourdan Pereira
In Loving Memory of Jack Enyart,
Bucky’s Alter Ego & Co-creator
DJP.lk74A
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Bucky smiles. In the background we see his dog---and a lot of broccoli.
BUCKY: I’m thankful for the people who love me...Mom, dad and my dog! I know my dog loves me...’cause he always eats my broccoli!
1942 Art: Lou Fine Re-Creation: Diego Jourdan Pereira
In Loving Memory of Jack Enyart,
Bucky’s Alter Ego & Co-creator
DJP.lk74A
by John | Nov 10, 2019 | Uncategorized
Happy Veterans Day!
Art by Mac Raboy from Master Comics #30, 1942.
Transcript:
SCENE: A superhero (Captain Marvel Jr.) holds a large American flag as he leads American soldiers into battle.
CAPTION/TITLE: Not All Heroes Wear Capes!
Happy Veterans Day
1942 Art: Mac Raboy Captain Marvel Jr. © & ™ DC Comics
↓ TranscriptSCENE: A superhero (Captain Marvel Jr.) holds a large American flag as he leads American soldiers into battle.
CAPTION/TITLE: Not All Heroes Wear Capes!
Happy Veterans Day
1942 Art: Mac Raboy Captain Marvel Jr. © & ™ DC Comics
by John | Oct 31, 2019 | Uncategorized
Halloween is over. But we’re going to celebrate All Saints Day with another awesome Allen Freeman graveyard photo. Want more fun? Check out model Rebecca Allen Kridler’s Facebook page.
Transcript:
SCENE: Woman with Halloween-pale face makeup lying on top of a blank tombstone.
WOMAN: If our love’s eternal…why aren’t you dying…to write it in stone?
Model: Rebecca Allen Kridler Photo: Allen Freeman
Text ©2019 Last Kiss Inc. Photo: ©2019 Allen Freeman
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Woman with Halloween-pale face makeup lying on top of a blank tombstone.
WOMAN: If our love’s eternal...why aren't you dying...to write it in stone?
Model: Rebecca Allen Kridler Photo: Allen Freeman
Text ©2019 Last Kiss Inc. Photo: ©2019 Allen Freeman
by John | Oct 29, 2019 | Uncategorized
The secret to happiness? Be positive. Don’t let little things like death stop you from achieving your goals!
My thanks to Allen Freeman for another great Halloween-themed photo. Want more fun? Check out model Félicité L’or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Transcript:
SCENE: Bride sitting in a cemetery.
BRIDE: No excuses! Dead or alive, we’re getting married!
Model: Félicité L’or Photo: Allen Freeman
Text ©2019 Last Kiss Inc. Photo: ©2019 Allen Freeman
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Bride sitting in a cemetery.
BRIDE: No excuses! Dead or alive, we're getting married!
Model: Félicité L'or Photo: Allen Freeman
Text ©2019 Last Kiss Inc. Photo: ©2019 Allen Freeman
