Like Bats, "Look On the Bright Side"

Like Bats
“Look on the Bright Side” (EP)
(Traffic Street)

(****/5)

Like Bats, recent Totally Crushed Out interviewees and midwest pop-punk wunderkinds, are on roll with their latest 7” on Traffic Street, “Look on the Bright Side.” Like last year’s self-titled demo, Like Bats runs through four great songs at a rapid rate starting off with the rambunctious title track.

Obviously on a short release, especially if you’re a fan, you’re naturally going to gravitate on every song; I found the off-time “Pop Tops” to be an excellent standout track in its own right, only because it plays with such an odd time signature midway.

“Bright Side” still takes the heavy lovelorn thematic nature of their earlier recordings, but the lyrics hit much harder and honestly, particularly on the record’s closer, “Chest Pains” when Mike belts out, “I don’t feel so secure anymore.”

Make no mistake, though. All the songs on this EP slay and I dare someone to find a catchier tune than “3814 Wirth Road;” I just wished it was a three or four songs longer.

-- Ryan Pangilinan

Joe Dunn Interview

Joe Loves Crappy Webzine Interviews: Joe Dunn vs. Totally Crushed Out
By Ryan Pangilinan

As newspapers start to taper off at an alarming rate, the Internet has been a haven for comic artists who are bypassing the traditional publishing route. Comics such as Penny Arcade and Nothing Nice to Say have all found solid niches online. One such artist is Joe Dunn, the man behind the hilarious comics Joe Loves Crappy Movies and Another Video Game Webcomic, two strips that take to task the film and video game industries respectively.

Dunn’s bright use of colors and matter-of-fact sense of humor (check his Kate Hudson-Grimace comic) make his comics some of the funniest in Internetville. Recently, Dunn sat down and answered some questions that were burning in our pantalones.

TOTALLY CRUSHED OUT: What initially captured your interest in being a cartoonist?

JOE DUNN: It’s hard to say really. I’m going to give you one of those cliché answers that says, “I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember.” It’s the truth though. I sort of always knew I would eventually be drawing for a living and in a certain way that makes me lucky. I know a lot of friends and family that struggled to figure out “what they wanted to be when they grew up.” I was on the artistic path pretty early on.

Like a lot of comic creators, I grew up on comic books both as comic strips and superheroes as well. At one point or another we all have lofty dreams of drawing Spider-man but a lot of us find that we have our own stories to tell. That was the beginning of what lead me to the strips I’m working on today.

Joe Loves Crappy Movies and Another Video Game Webcomic are steeped in other media. How did you come up with the idea to mix being a movie/game reviewer with comics?

Well it started with a love of movies. I found myself watching movies constantly always with the desire to discuss with others. I knew I wanted to make my own little commentary on film with a webcomic but I also knew that it couldn’t just be the comic. We’ve got enough of those on the internet. It wasn’t worth doing unless I was adding something.

The comic/review combo felt like a good fit and it offered me a variety of ways to talk about humor and film. I like to say these days at conventions when I’m trying to attract new readers that “I make fun of the movie in the comic and completely over analyze it in the review.” It’s an exaggeration but there’s definitely some truth to it.

Another Videogame Webcomic came on years later when I persuaded my good friend and writing partner Phil Chan to take a similar comic/review approach to his passion of gaming. It’s been going for about a year and has come along pretty well. Even though I’m only the artist on that strip I’m proud of what we’ve developed in such a short period of time.

There are elements, it seems, of your personal life that work their way into the comics. Has anyone ever objected to the way they were portrayed, or situations becoming embellished for comedic purposes?

I try to be fair when I use the people in my life in my comic world and luckily most people have been totally cool with it, which is a little surprising considering some of the terrible things I’ve had the character Irv do in JLCM. Real life Irv is a pretty easygoing guy though. True friends will show their true selves when you draw them into a comic dressed as a hooker.

My wife has taken issue with me a few times, usually when I portray her in a sexy way. She has every right to feel uncomfortable with me sharing that aspect of our relationship but I make an effort to make it less about her sexuality and more about my obsession with her sexuality. When all else fails, make yourself the punch line. Self-deprecation will always win out over targeting others.

Have you thought about compiling any of your comics into a collection?

As a matter of fact, collections of JLCM as well as two other comics I’ve worked on are currently available online or at any of the many conventions I travel to over the year. Putting together a book with comics, reviews, commentaries and sketches was a daunting task but very rewarding. It’s a unique thing to hold something that you created.

In the past, you've collaborated with Mitch Clem (creator of Nothing Nice to Say and My Stupid Life). Are there any other artists you'd be interested in working with?

Tons. I’ve met so many great people that I would love to work with someday. In fact, I’d love to return to working with Mitch. I had a blast working on his Coffee Achievers series. Sadly like a lot of folks I’ve got a lot going on and certain priorities take center stage. The problem is that we’ve all got stories we want to tell and it sometimes leaves no time to tell all the other ones.

What are some movies that are coming out this year that you think would make prime candidates to be Crappy Movies that you love?

That’s a tough one. I like to keep an open mind when it comes to any movie. I strongly believe that there is some good in everything, but there’s a ton of crap on the horizon. It’s one of those things though where the crappy season will be over soon. Before you know it we’ll be into the summer blockbuster season and at least then even the crappy movies have big budgets.

What plans do you have for 2010?

2010 will see a collection of year one of Another Videogame Webcomic as well as the first trip for my company (DigitalPimp) to San Diego Comic Con. We’re a bunch of east coast boys so it’s an exciting opportunity to cross the country and meet a whole new potential audience. Plus it’s comic con: comic, movie and video game heaven. Should be a good week and hopefully an even better year!

See some of Joe's work on Digital Pimp Online

Suzanna Fisher (Supergenius Tattoo) Interview

Super (Duper) Genius: Suzanna Fisher vs. Totally Crushed Out
by Ryan Pangilinan

I’ve known Suzanna Fisher for the better part of a decade as we worked together at an unnamed video chain store in the early aughts. After we both escaped the dreaded corporate video environment, Fisher went on to greener pastures, first as a University of Washington graduate, then as a tattoo artist at Seattle’s popular Supergenius Tattoo shop. I have the utmost confidence in Fisher’s ability – as she’s tattooed everything that’s on my right arm, as well as Totally Crushed Out’s Janice Benton and Michelle Morris – so I thought she should kick some raps about being an artiste in a male dominated industry.

TOTALLY CRUSHED OUT: You've been illustrating for as long as I've known you. What first piqued your interest in art?

SUZANNA FISHER: I have been interested in art for as long as I've been able to grasp a drawing utensil. There is no point in my life that I can remember not doodling or being the "arty person" in school or in my social circle. The more I've done it, the better I get, which makes me want to make more art. It's a never-ending cycle.

How did you get into tattooing?

When I was 11 or 12, I watched a Discovery program on tattooing and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Being a tattooer was next on my list to being an actress, both of which were professions that I mentally filed under "probably not going to happen but it would be cool". My dad wanted me to go to college, which I did, but I didn't discover anything that interested me as much as tattooing. I ended up getting tattooed, hanging around shops, asking a lot of questions and eventually getting a job running the front counter at a tattoo and piercing shop. This led to an apprenticeship, which led to a professional tattoo job at Supergenius, and here I am:)

What is your favorite medium to work in?

Of course I love permanently marking folks, but man, a pen or pencil and a piece of paper can make me really happy. I also enjoy making three dimensional art: jewelry design (mostly in silver) and woodcarving are some mediums that I get a kick out of. I like materials that are unforgiving; when you make a mark, you've committed and there's no turning back.

Do you ever get hit on by random dudes that you end up tattooing?

Haha, yes I do get hit on by random dudes I tattoo, but being situated right next to The Wild Rose (a rather infamous lesbian bar) opens up the field for every gender. Usually the most forward folks are older women or drunk men. I don't really get cute young groupies like the boys do, but someday when I've attained cougar status, that may change;) I like this industry because if you are inappropriate and I don't like you, I can tell you to fuck off and it's perfectly ok.

Who are some artists that you're inspired by at the moment?

Well I like to be inspired but the folks around me, so my coworkers at Supergenius are always pushing me to do better. As for other visual artists, I currently, and have always, adored Robert Crumb. I also am a fan of Tim Burton, Ramiro Rodriguez, Audrey Kawasaki, Gustave Dore, and El Greco, to name a few. Lately I've been inspired in my tattoo work by other tattooers such as Jeff Gogue and Darcy Nutt. Music is also always inspirational and necessary for me to make art, and my tastes run the gamut.

Suzy's Facebook page

Aziz Ansari, "Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening"

Aziz Ansari
“Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening”
(Comedy Central)

(*****/5)

When I was growing up in the late 80s and early 90s, it was pretty much the time of the stand-up comedy explosion, an idea that was touched upon by Jon Favreau in “Swingers” (Miramax, 1996) when he says, “I thought they were giving comics sitcoms at the airport.” Since then, it’s pretty much waned to some degree and dudes like Mario Joyner and Bill Bellamy have been (unfortunately) relegated to bit parts in movies and TV. That being said, when I listen to a stand-up comic, I have high expectations – not because I feel like my tastes are beyond anybody else’s, but just because I’m so goddamn fickle. Cosby, Kinison, (early) Eddie Murphy – these guys are tough to follow up and in the days of guys like Dane Cook or Jeff Dunham, it seems like the only comics who get a chance are people who play to the lowest common denominator (Leno, say what?).

Enter Aziz Ansari – a dude who’s pretty much the indie rock answer to Chris Rock. He’s one of the few newer comics out there who has a unique sense of narrative but is able to work in a punchline (something that Mike Birbiglia started doing, but which has since morphed into something along the lines of just being a really great public speaker, not unlike David Sedaris).

If you’ve seen him on “Parks & Rec,” “Human Giant” or the infamous Stereogum indie record store video, you know that Ansari can out improv a motherfucker, but on his debut live CD and DVD “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening,” he’s going for self, clocking in a very solid performance.

To be honest, there’s nothing groundbreaking here – he doesn’t read inappropriate letters or have a racist puppet – but his jokes are quick-witted and topical enough for you to skip back to make sure you heard him correctly.

My favorite bit from the performance is recounting a story of bugging his cousin, Harris, on Facebook. In fact, any explanation would do it injustice, so you’re going to just have to trust me that it’s some funny shit.

There’s a place in my book for comics like Eugene Mirman and David Cross who are able to work quirk to their advantage, but Ansari is the rare funny guy who can appeal to everyone without restraint or dumbing down his material.



--- Ryan Pangilinan

Trapped Under Ice, "Secrets of the World"

Trapped Under Ice
"Secrets of the World"
(Reaper Records)


In my naivete, I always presumed Baltimore to be a quaint settlement. Something resembling Barry Levinson's Diner populated with the blue-collar sports heritage of Johnny Unitas and Cal Ripken, Jr. Then I saw The Wire and was introduced to the harsh antithesis that exists on the other side of the tracks. Resident hardcore upstarts Trapped Under Ice pair, in an ironic sense, nicely with a city characterized by violence, corruption and unrest. Their debut full length, Secrets of the World, feels like a direct product of the environment. More specifically, it's a nihilistic and hateful response to a life which has provided little else besides adversity. Society, backstabbers, God, the hopeless daily grind - total bollocks. Laughably cliche in theory? Most definitely. But the truth is that this band pulls off burning rage with conviction. They're also heavy as fuck, which always helps.

There's a certain griminess about TUI which separates them from the many hardcore bands shamelessly whoring on Front St. for mosh pit calisthenics (although such an activity is certainly appropriate here). Think Blood For Blood or Set It Off-era Madball, both in terms of style and all-around intimidating realness. Well, they aren't that hard - who is? Still, I wouldn't want to find these dudes on the opposing end of a donnybrook. The point is that this is no overbearing dog and pony show. Or as the old saying goes, you can't fake the funk. Then again, when a band takes their name from a classic Metallica song, to come correct is a must. If you're tired of waiting for new Guns Up! or Bitter End albums, Secrets of the World is where it's at. TUI will run you through. (Vogelism was unintentional but nonetheless fitting.)



-- Dave Woods

The Human Target (TV)

The Human Target (TV)
(Fox; Wed at 9 pm)

(***/5)

I didn’t expect much from this new TV version of “The Human Target.” I remember the comic character being a second fiddle to Superman and Batman in Action Comics and The Brave and the Bold, respectively. The titular target (nee Christopher Chance) always struck me a little funny because he didn’t have a costume – just bell bottoms and a gun.

Apparently, there was a 1992 live action adaptation featuring Rick Springfield, but let’s even forget that that shit even happened. For this 2009 iteration, Fox has passed the Target torch to Fringe’s Mark Valley who plays Chance. Rounding out the cast is Chi McBride (one of my favorite actors who’s always typecast as the grumpy straight guy) and Jackie Earle Haley (the new Freddy Kruger).

The thing I like about sci-fi fantasy television is how the aesthetic affects the overall quality of the show. For example, “Buffy” and “Angel’s” moody set pieces added much more to the mythology of Joss Whedon’s universe, almost becoming another character in its own right.

McG could’ve done that with “The Human Target,” a relatively unknown and obscure DC/Vertigo character. Instead, he pretty much makes Jason Bourne for the small screen (something that “Burn Notice” already does, but much better).

Still, it’s hard to ignore Mark Valley’s tough guy with a secret and McBride’s straight man/business partner. I wish they had more time together in “Pilot” because they play off each other pretty well, not unlike McBride and Lee Pace in the sadly missed “Pushing Daisies.”

I’m somewhat interested in how the rest of the show will pan out, but for the most part, this is a show that I’ll end up watching AFTER I’ve had my fill of “Chuck” and “Burn Notice” for the week.

--- Ryan Pangilinan

Joe Kimmel Interview

Joe Kimmel Interview
by Janice Benton and Ryan Pangilinan

Mixing pop culture and a self-referential style, Joe Kimmel is an artist who is more precocious than pretentious. A rising name in the Portland art scene, Kimmel has had a few showings in the Northwest and recently chatted with Totally Crushed Out to discuss his inspirations and what he would save from a burning building.

TOTALLY CRUSHED OUT: How did you know that you wanted to be a professional artist?

JOE KIMMEL: Art began for me when I was little, and it befriended me and gave me some kind of a relaxing state. Today, I was looking at a large sketchbook that I had just finished within two months. Looking at each picture, I can remind myself of what I was thinking and what I was being motivated by, however, I don't know if I could tell you where I physically was when I was working on them. I do have a art studio in Southeast Portland that is my escape location, but not all art happens in the office.

When you ask me how did I decide to become a professional artist, I am taken aback because, although my heart is fully genuine and professional towards art, I do not feel professional in art. Ha.

My main inspiration or rather what I am propelled by seems to be states of wonderment and questions…. I have heard a amazing quote somewhere about the power of asking questions, but it is beyond me now. I have been bulking up on my reading recently, and I am amazed at the base ideas of the reading topics. I have been reading [a science] fiction story [that] is based on a "What If ?"question on life. Taking inspiration from the "What If ?" storyline and crossing it over into my artwork.

If I had to save one piece of my art from a burning building? Well, I wouldn't risk my life on that attempt. I have a lot of wonderful connections to my life written into my artwork, but I hope that I am not so stuck on a past success that I cannot go to the future challenge with a clear mind. The painting that has been following me around for a long time is a painting of a break up between me and a girlfriend. I love it a lot, because I put my feelings into it, and than I showed it to everyone at a art show and acted like it was not really my pain in front of them.

What other interests do you have?

I am loving making stickers. I have always loved stickers and have tried to make one of a kind stickers over the years. It was not until I arrived in Portland that I found a formula of material and products to make stickers that I love. I am trying to put together a art show comprised of stickers. I still have not found the location that I want however, so I feel like I am dragging my feet on the follow through. The sticker show would be my interpretations of the Edgar Rice Burroughs stories of Tarzan of the Apes. I have already made a wonderfully large Tarzan sticker and an ape sticker as well. My goal is to cover the wall with the floating images, displaying key points of interest and conflict in Tarzan's life.

Do you have any upcoming shows or projects?

Currently, I am…working with a guy who is making bike bags. I am doing all the original art to decorate the bags. big production of those will not begin till summer. Did I also say that my day job is making feather earrings? I lose my heads most days on it, listing to large playlist and popping Tylenol to [hold] my headaches.

With art, I am waiting for direction. I am waiting for childlike wonderment to take over. I fill a lot of my time up with reading and I don't know that all my reading is helping my current art, but I know that it is required to further my schema and my filters of my thoughts in art. Art is a living journal so often for me. I have [moved] to a new city and I don't really know anything for a certainty right now. I am not complaining, I am just gathering. Take courage, you know.

Joe Kimmel on Facebook