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bayou Coole
One positive side-effect of all the rain this winter is I get to snap an image like this. I took this today at Coole Park while walking the dog. When we have exceptionaly rainy weather the Turlough in the park floods sections of the forest, rendering some of the paths impassable (unless you have wellies – or waders!). The dog was delighted to have the opportunity splash about in the water, and desperately wanted me to throw a stick into it so she had a reason to dive in. She even dragged a huge branch out of the shallows in an attempt to entice me into a game of stick…
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review and reward
It’s a pleasure to read a perceptive review of one’s work, especially if it’s favourable! Emmet O’Cuana’s review of issue 2 of RóisÃn Dubh on Comicbooked.com had me beaming. I should also mention that the Eagle Awards for the comic book industry are open for nomination at the moment. I’d love to see a diverse range of writers and artists nominated. I’m not saying people should be nominated if they’re not talented, but have a good think about the titles you’ve enjoyed this year and spread the love around. Anyone can nominate. If there are people you think are deserving in a category then you can add them. The 2012…
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dead grasses
I didn’t rest much last night due to the storm charging past my house. Whenever dreams crept close volleys of hailstones ratt-a-tatted against my bedroom window and scared them off. I resigned myself to sleeplessness. There was a short break in the rain this afternoon and the adage in my house is: walk the dog while the sun shines (if it shines at all, of course). I marshalled my gear and marched through the woods with Minnie, buffetted by the gusts. During my excursion I took this shot of dead grasses against the sunshine. They were whipping about madly so it was an exercise in patience at times. This is…
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milky way time-lapse
I love good time-lapse videos, but this one by Randy Halverson at Dakotalapse ticks all the boxes. It offers a sublime glimpse into the reality of our planet’s part in the galaxy: a speck among a panoply of celestial bodies. It’s pure inspiration. If this gives you the impulse to try out time-lapse photography then check out a useful post on NightSkyPix with an extensive tutorial.
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king of the new year
I took this picture today in the woods during a brief spell of sunshine – we’ve had hailstones, gales and rain as well. It’s actually a rusted pipe and wood, sporting a moss ruff. As I walked by on the muddy track with my dog Minnie by I saw it out of the corner of my eye and the title ‘King of the New Year’ arced across my mind. The skinny King leaned against a huge boulder, carpeted in moss, and I had to scramble a bit off the road to get a decent shot. I only had my mobile phone with me, so it’s not as nice a shot…
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it's the law
We’re on the brink of a New Year, so I hope you all enjoy this celebatory evening and 2012 brings you the love and good fortune you deserve. Remember: It’s the law! (I took this photo at the Thought Bubble Comic Book convention in Leeds this November. The Judge Dredd impersonator was posing for a few awe-struck kids and I sneaked in for a shot.)
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RóisÃn Dubh issue 2 is out
The second issue of RóisÃn Dubh, the comic book series I’ve written for Atomic Diner Comics, is on the shelves of SubCity and Forbidden Planet in Dublin, and is already selling well. The first review of this issue has gone online. It’s written by David O’Leary and can be read on ICN or Comicbuzz (there are some spoilers in the review). Here’s a taster of what he says: Another great issue from Ireland’s leading publisher of indy comics. It really hits all the right notes visually and with its involved, layered story. Thanks to Stephen Byrne for his hard work on the art and lettering in this issue.
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solstice witness
I took this image at sunset on December 21st, the evening before this year’s solstice. The darkest days are upon us, but the wheel turns, unrelenting. Soon the heralds of Spring will appear. Best wishes to everyone, and may you have light, warmth and friendship to ward off the dark.
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RóisÃn Dubh issue 2 cover
The cover of issue 2 of RóisÃn Dubh, the comic book mini-series I’ve written for Atomic Diner Comics. All art – including this dramatic image – and lettering are by Stephen Byrne.
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Kapow ignores women again
Tickets for the 2012 Kapow! comic book convention went on sale today, with the first version of the guest-list announced. After the controversy from last year over the lack of representation of women guests at the convention I expected it would lead off with a better showing on its subsequent line-up. How wrong I was. There are twenty-three ‘star guests’ listed so far, all of them men. If you dig into the programming you’ll find there are a few actresses mentioned, but in the ‘hot’ film writers/directors section there are no women listed either. Not surprisingly, I tweeted about this as soon as I noticed and several people retweeted it…
