Lewis Tronheim

Fantagraphics had an inspired punt on Lewis Tronheim many years ago. I managed to grap some copies of Nimrod at the time, Lewis Trondheim's first venture into english speaking comics. Nothing really prepared me for the content of these unassuming strip cartoons. Well wada-a-ya know they're back in print. Get them here. The French haven't failed to embrace the genius of Trondheim, his books and writing have garnered great success back home. The English speaking world is still a little slow to catch up for my liking. Thankfully there are plenty of English translations available now, the fabulous Dungeon story is another brilliant series of comics to discover and enjoy. It was Nimrod that really blew my fuse though back in the 90's, each issue was packed with crazy, metaphysical, tragic and profound vignettes, quick one-pagers featuring animals and dysfunctional aliens, the birth of the universe and carefully observed autobiography. Timeless and ever so gently mindbending, like discovering your pet cat is the reincarnation of Issac Asimov.

Prof. of Paper.

I'm a big fan of Johnny Kelly. These spots were handmade and animated stop-frame style with a digital stills camera. Although Johnny has a meticulous approach to planning and design, utilising labour intensive skills and traditional crafts, he really brings it together with charm and warmth. The humour and feeling is always present. When you have such a sharp eye for design often this makes for impenetrable geometry and pointed edges, not so with Johnny.  



"Het Klokhuis" End titles from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.



IOC "Olympic Spirit" from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.



Making of 'The Seed' from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.



"Het Klokhuis" Opening titles from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.

Unseen. An Interesting and diverse selection artists.

Unseen

Eric Ravilous Inter War artist

Austerity and a certain brand of good old British melancholy inform these pieces. 

Here's some examples of Otle Aicher's graphic work. This still feels very modern even though it was created in 70's.

In-camera animation. No CGI involved.

Great timing brings to life this eye popping video. 





Fischinger comers to mind also. Early pioneer and Disney f.x. linchpin. 

Animated Motion. Norman McLaren

This feels a little creaky now but all the essentials and principles are here. What is important in these films is the instruction, McLaren is clear and focused. There's no complex anatomical studies just the facts behind animated motion. I throughly recommend tracking down the recent Canadian Film Board Box set of remastered McLaren goodness. He was a pioneer and a unique talent. 

David Pehlam Did some great jackets.

Panter. Yes.

I bloody love Gary Panter. He has an eternal youthfulness. Like Mary Blair in the 50's he defined an era quietly; yet flamboyantly Panter made this time his own. The 80's had a style that came from his pen. Beyond just style his warm yet visceral comic stew soaked into everything,  animation, children's shows, comix and art all are illuminated by his hand.