2005 RAMBLINGS
January 8th, 2005
Khaneechiwa! We're a week into the new year and things are already progressing pretty nicely. Tony's currently in the middle of the last script for "Yin Vs. Plight", the first issue of Plight is looking EXTREMELY better than before, and so far I've been able to stay ahead with all the other pin-ups, designs, stories, and whatever else I've had thrown to me lately. But I'm not going to jinx myself so soon. I know, like you haven't heard that before.
Which brings us to today's update. From what I've heard most people didn't know Crimsonpug was back on-line until AFTER the re-launch, and those who had been given a heads-up were unaware 'geocities' needed to be typed in with the address. I know; our mistake. We're sorry. But what pretty much EVERYONE missed was for one week before January 1st, there was a revised picture of an ancient pin-up from the old days. Well, instead of letting it go to waste, I've posted it in the 'pin-up' section. So today I present to you "Formal Affair 2005". Hope you enjoy it.
See you on Friday (and yes that means JANUARY 14, 2005 to the wise-asses.) - Jake
January 14th, 2005
You know, I can't help but feel embarassed saying this, so I might as well just get it over with now. *sigh* There's a new entry in the Summer Blockbuster Gallery.
Yes, I know it's January. Yes, I know I'm beating a dead horse. But wait - it's worse than you think. It's not for one of the movies you've been expecting. In fact, it's for a movie that wasn't even in the theaters during the summer.
Okay... now you can pistol whip me.
So if these are to be my last words, please take a look at a piece I've called, for lack of something more creative, "Kill Erik". It's based on a recent flick done by Quentin Tarantino, if you hadn't already figured that one out. And as long as you're clicking on links, you can also pop on over to Crimsonpug.com where Tony has debuted the first pin-up for "Yin Versus Plight" and I've tried my hand at drawing the Generic Funkin Cartoons as the A-Team.
On second thought, you might want to let me live. I mean, how often do we have three things to show - especially so soon since the last update? Yeah, I think it's best to slide your guns back in their holsters. At least, until the next time I royally screw up.
Later! - Jake
March 13th, 2005
Hey everyone! A lot has happened in the last few weeks around here. Tony has gotten used to working a full-time job again, I've been having phone problems but still been able to get on the internet (phew!), Sehera has packed up her bags and moved a far, and so much other stuff that it's really no wonder there hasn't been too many updates lately. Sure, things over at Crimsonpug.com have been moving at a good enough pace, but things in this corner have been moving slower than a snail.
Fortunately that doesn't mean nothing's been getting worked on. James Thomas' easter egg comic is all finished and just waiting for me to edit the rest of it. Work on this year's Summer Blockbuster Gallery has already started (although not as fast as anyone would hope for), and just today I handed Tony another pencilled page for the "Sofa Kingdom" comic. So things ARE getting done - it's just the 'real world' has taken some presidence.
Anyhow, I'm pretty relieved we DO have something to show. Like Tony mentioned last week, we have a Plight comic page to debut that is neither from my comic, "Yin Vs. Plight", or "Sofa Kingdom." To tell you the truth, it was an exercise I did at work one day that developed into a collaboration. And before you think about thanking me there's an update, you should really direct it toward Tony. If it wasn't for his speedy work, our delay would have been even longer. So without further ado, I present "Dawn of the Living Dread". Will this continue or is it just a one-time deal? That's something I'll leave to you guys. If you want the story to continue, just let us know!
Alright - that's it for now, but come back at the end of the week when I'll have something else for you! Until then! - Jake
March 21st, 2005
Hey guys! I just wanted to check in here for a moment to let you all know we have a INCREDIBLY BIG update to debut on the first of the month! We're talking something that will change this website drastically! And I can't wait to unveil it! So please stop by then and check it out. You won't be sorry!
Before I go, I'd just like to say after so many years of dealing with pornography rings and students spreading viruses in Microsoft programs, it's nice to see my old High School, Hopkins Senior High, finally get some GOOD national exposure for a change! By now it's been on Sportscenter and newspapers across the country, but I have to admit the shot the Boys basketball team made the last second of the first overtime quarter during last Saturday's game was absolutely incredible! So congrats to Coach Novak and his team for an exciting game. GO ROYALS!!! - Jake
March 31st, 2005
By now you all know Crimsonpug.com disappeared off the face of the earth earlier this week. It wasn't due to any decision we made. We just woke up one morning and it was just gone without even so much as a "Dear John" letter. Yeah, I'm making jokes about it but only because it helps ease the frustration and bitterness I'm feeling towards Geocities. They did the exactly same thing to this website last year. And like last year, we have our theories but not absolute certain answers.
So what happens now? Well, this website is going to be still around for a very long time (just wait until you see our big reveal tomorrow!) and I'm pretty sure once Tony calms down, we'll start working on version 3.0 (as if we didn't have enough projects to work on!). But regardless what happens or what path we decide on, we're going to be much more cautious. There's nothing more frustrating than having something you've worked long, hard hours on just get wiped out completely.
See you here tomorrow when EVERYTHING changes! :) - Jake
April 2nd, 2005
Well... I guess the joke was on me.
On a normal day, this website averages around 20 or so visitors. But yesterday's April Fools gag blew that number out of the water. By like, ALOT! And it's easy to understand why by the sheer number of mail I've already received about it. Some of you loved it, others hated it. Three of you threatened to kill me if I ever pulled something like that again. All I can say is I'm sorry.
Anyhow, there will be a real update next time. Seriously! - Jake
April 24th, 2005
Well its been a month or two... we've been busy getting it all ready (and of course some of it isn't quite ready), but we're ready for the unveiling! After working our butts off, we are please to say that Crimsonpug Publications is back!
So point your browsers to: http://crimsonpug.net, and then go ahead and add us to your favorites! Like I said the site is at about 90% normal, and I'm still working on that final 10%. Thanks!
Plus be sure to come on back this Friday for a sneak peak at something big Jake and I are working on for later this year!! See ya! -Tony
April 30th, 2005
Regardless of all the kind words I've received about last year's Summer Blockbuster Gallery (there actually were a few!), the truth is I took on more than I could chew. I tried, but ambition blinded reasoning. Yeah, from what time I didn't focus on the gallery, I made up for it deligating other projects and such. But in the end, it just didn't go quite as well as I planned.
But that won't be the case this year. Oh no... this time if it crashes and burns it we'll BOTH get the blame!
That's right - it's time for the FIFTH ANNUAL PLIGHT SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER GALLERY. And to mark this historical landmark (heh, can you believe some of the stuff I spew?), this year every picture will be handled by both Tony and myself! One of us will pencil it, the other will be finishing it up. And instead of hearing just one of us ramble on, you'll get both of us commenting!
Now I know what you're saying - "Jake, doesn't the gallery start in May?". Well, yes. Yes it does. But because I personally feel a lot of making up is in order, and Disney decided to move its release up, we're going to kick things off early with "Hitchin' A Ride", based on the genius work of Douglas Adams, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".
But that's not all. We also have the next page of "Sofa Kingdom" already posted at Crimsonpug.net. But if you're feeling lazy, you can also go to the "Comics" section. It's really just a matter of preference.
Before we take off, I just want to remind people that next Saturday thousands of comic book shops across the nation will be participating in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2005. This event, which has been an annual tradition for the past four years, is simple. You walk into a shop, and walk out with a whole bunch of comics for free. That's it. No purchase required. It's a way for retailers to thank their patrons as well as lure those non-comic readers into the store to see that comics aren't just for kids. The hobby expands into so many genres that you'd be hard-pressed not to find anything you'd enjoy. And hey, what do you have to lose, right? You can click on the link above, or if you need some help finding a store participating near you, drop me a line. I'd be glad to give you a hand.
That's it for now. See ya in seven days when we'll be revealing even more! - Jake
May 6th, 2005
Wow... two updates in two weeks. It must be summer! Okay, so that's not really funny. But let's not go down that road YET again. Instead, let's just enjoy the ride as we present week 2 of our fifth anniversary of the Summer Blockbuster Gallery. This time we present our homage to a movie that will most likely get its butt kicked by "Hitchhikers" and "XXX: State of the Union" in this weekend's box office revenue, "Kingdom of Heaven". It stars Orlando Bloom in another one of his more serious film roles; this time set during the Crusades. So how do we make the the most of it? Well... it was very hard. But we perservered. Check it out and we'll see you next week when we'll have two things to unveil. - Jake
May 13th, 2005
It's a proven fact: when you work at a hospital, you know some crazy $h!* is going to happen on Friday the 13th. It's a given because they're a lot of people in the world so paranoid and foolish that they open themselves up to really stupid injuries. I'm writing this at 8:30 in the morning, after being at work for almost two hours now, and already we've had a case of someone burning their armpit from a clothes iron and a lady who broke her ankle from accidently logging it between the gas and the brake pedal. No joke folks - that's Friday the 13th for ya!
Anyhow, I'm having a little bit of bad luck of my own. Since I still don't have a working phone line, I've been unable to post a piece I was hoping to debut today. It's all completed and colored and scanned and everything - it's just missing that one step from disc to internet. So while I said there'd be two illustrations today, unfortunately there's only going to be one. The other will show up as soon as I have to chance to download it.
But the summer blockbuster gallery keeps on going with our next entry; this time based on Jet Li's latest flick, "Unleased". It started out as something tongue firmly in cheek and ended up being a serious piece. It also strays a little from what Tony normally does, but trust me, it's better this way. We hope you enjoy it and come back in a couple of days for something new, then in seven when we homage the last Star Wars film, "Revenge of the Sith". Until then! - Jake
May 20th, 2005
Okay so the movie opened yesterday (and if you haven't seen it yet I HIGHLY suggest you leave whatever you are doing and go see it right now), but like I've stated a few times before, we have a certain schedule for these pictures. FRIDAYS people. Always Fridays. Unless they're late. And we all know that won't happen this year. So Fridays. There.
Anyways, getting onto the brunt of the action, we have our newest Plight Summer Blockbuster Picture ready for you, this time centering on that movie of movies: "Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge Of The Sith"!
We'll be back next week when we attempt to adapt the first of TWO Burt Reynolds movies that we'll be covering this summer! Yay! The return of the Bandit!! - Tony
May 22nd, 2005
It's times like this that I wonder if getting rid of the letters page was such a good idea. Here's a letter I received from a big-time Star Wars fan. I'm publicly posting these because it seems my work load just increased. Go ahead and see what I mean....
Jake,
I am a member of the Aayla Secura fan club (www.jediaayla.com) and occasional visitor to this site. I want to thank you for drawing my favorite Jedi and ask you draw a picture of just Aayla. I would be happy if you sent it to the Aayla fan club so everyone can enjoy it. Thank you.
Tyler Pollegrasky
Hey Tyler! Thanks for the compliment; I'm glad you enjoyed it! While I'm trying to focus on doing the Summer gallery right now and a few other Plight things, I might just come up with a solo Aayla Secura picture. Actually it's been awhile since my artwork has appeared on a website other than ones I'm associated with, so yeah - it would definately be overdue. Thanks again! - Jake
See. Sometimes I can be accomidating. See ya on Saturday! - Jake
May 28th, 2005
Hey everyone! For those of you hoping we would have an update yesterday, I only have myself to blame. Even though the updates have been running smoothly and I've been able to reply to all the e-mails I've been getting, I' ve been without my own personal internet for close to two months now. It's not that I haven't been paying the phone bill; it's just I refuse to pay $47 more for phone features that I will never use. Is it too much to ask for just a regular local service? Hell, even a package with my cable service would be alright. But no, that's just not an option in my area YET. *sigh*
Wait.... what was the point I was trying to make? Oh yeah! So because I had to work yesterday, our latest update had to be postponed for another day. I know given our track record in the past one day is nothing, but still, I want to apologize and hope it was worth the delay.
And what a picture we have today. Based on the Adam Sadler/Chris Rock ensemble "The Longest Yard", Tony and I have put a bunch of inside jokes along with using an idea we threw away last week, into what turned out to be a pretty good picture. So click on the link and enjoy!
And be back seven days from now (yeah, Saturday again) when we will absolutely, positively have THREE pictures to debut. Until then! - Jake
June 4th, 2005
Damn! How does Tony do it?
I'm sitting here at the Larson household babysitting the kids while trying (and the emphasis is on 'trying') to update this website. I've already sat through an hour of "Spongebob" and now we're in the middle of "Fairly Oddparents". And every time I think the kids are occupied with the television to pay any to me, I get up off the couch and rush like hell to get this all done. But sadly, it never lasts. They come calling for me and have to get up and help them out. Oh, and Lucas peed on me so my pants are being washed as we speak. Yeah, it's going that well. I got to give Tony credit though; it really is almost impossible to do this with children around.
But I perserved and finally, finally, can announce we have three new pictures up today (see, I didn't lie). The first two come from our Blockbuster Gallery where Tony and I found ourselves in an 11th hour crisis rushing to get them done. We explain all about it in our ramblings for "Cinderella Man" and "Lords of Dogtown". And in the pin-up section because you demanded it, I've posted... *sigh*.... I've done up a pin-up of Kari in a Slave Leia costume. So go ahead and click on the link to "Slave Girl Kari". Hope you enjoy!
Alright. That's all for now. But we'll see you next week with more stuff. Later! - Jake
June 11th, 2005
Hey everyone! Can you believe it's already been seven weeks? Dang! And I guarantee it's going to continue (considering the next two pictures are already finished, backed-up and everything.) You know, I don't want to jinx ourselves but I have a good feeling about this year. So check out "Scandal" based on the Brad Pitt / Angelina Jolie flick "Mr. and Mrs. Smith".
And now for this Public Service Announcement" - Jake
June 18th, 2005
The problem with doing these ramblings every week now is sometimes you run out of things to say. And it's especially hard when you've been having a really rotten time in life lately. But I'm not going to preach on my soapbox and/or bore you guys to death. Instead let's just get right into it and reveal this week's picture based on "Batman Begins" entitled "This Little Light of Mine". Yeah, I know the title is a little jarring, but it does have a meaning. As for the film, GO SEE IT! I'm not saying that as a comic book or action fan - I'm recommending it as a film lover. The acting is top notch (yeah, even Katie Holmes), the writing is smart and realistic, and the effects never reach the unbelievable.
Well, that's all for today. But be here next week as we keep things going with two pictures. 'Till then! - Jake
June 25th, 2005
Hey everyone! I hope you're all enjoying the summer so far. I've been working my tail off lately, but somehow I'm still managing to get things done on-time. Plus today marks the beginning of a week-long 'Vacation' for me. And if you ask me, it couldn't have come any sooner.
So while I get caught up on projects I've been neglecting for awhile, why don't you know go ahead and check out today's entry to the Blockbuster Gallery, "Not Even if the Seats Moved Back", based on the newest Herbie the Love Bug movie. Yeah, 'Love Bug', I also have something to say about that too in my rambling. But you'll find out.
So until next Friday, try to stay cool. - Jake
July 2nd, 2005
Here's the situation: this is my last week without Internet support, Tony and his family are in the middle of moving, and one of the pictures we're posting today was only handed to me days before. And yet we're still updating on time with this week's SBG entry based on the Spielberg/Cruise blockbuster "War of the Worlds". Tony handled the pencils this time and it's pretty dang impressive.
Well, that's it for today. It's time for me to help the Larson move, then it's off to work (*sigh* it never ends). Have a safe and enjoyable 4th and we'll see you here same Plight time, same Plight channel! - Jake
July 11th, 2005
It's a curse. That's got to be it. We're just cursed.
Here's the dilly-o: we got Tony pretty much moved. He's got his phone line and internet hooked up in his new pad, and coincidentially, so do I now. Yup, I am back on the internet full-time again and better than ever. I just renewed this site for another year and, knock on wood, both of our computers are running pretty smoothly. So in all aspects, the dark storms we were going through are behind us and it's smooth sailing from here on out, right?
Wrong!
See, it's pretty much a given that when you move at least something has to be lost or broken. The Larson clan and I thought we had been one of those lucky few who didn't fall into that category. But we were wrong when on Saturday, the day it was suppose to debut, Tony asked me if I had the next picture for the blockbuster gallery. At first I thought he was playing a cruel joke since I handed it to him on Monday. But not only did he not have it, he swears up and down that he didn't even SEE the picture! By then he thought I was the one playing a joke and it wasn't until we were on the verge of punching each other's lights out that we realized that we lost this week's picture.
Oh, but wait. There's more so now's probably a good time to cue the violins.
Although it wouldn't seem like a big deal, the reason things have been going well in the last few months was because we made sure we were giving each other at least five days to get our end of the pictures done before they had to be posted. And for the most part, that entailed me driving over to Tony's house and either picking up or dropping off. But on Saturday (yes, the very same day), the brakes in my car broke and as I write this, I have no car (talk about f*ck!n history repeating itself). So not only were we screwed this week, but it was obvious next week's picture would be affected too.
I tell you. Cursed!
But fear not. While we really wanted to have a non-stop collaboration with no delays, it seems we finally tripped. BUT that doesn't mean everything's a mess. I'm currently re-doing my picture for the "Fantastic Four" which I'll be handling everything on it and posting it the second it's all done. And as for Friday, Tony will be tackling his homage to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as a solo effort as well.
However, Tony and I aren't viewing this as a delay so much rather as an 'intermission'. We're already half way through this year's entries and missing out on two collaborative pictures only means we're going to be doing two more to make up for it. And after "Charlie", we're going to go back to our original plan. So while it sucks, at least you can look forward to 22 pictures these season than the 20 we had in mind. And I don't think anyone can say that's a bad thing.
Well, I'm sorry for rambling on without anything new to show. But when I come back, I'll have a picture ready as well as the return of the letters page! So if you want to let your voice be heard, e-mail us at plightsite@yahoo.com or alarsen3@mn.rr.com. Till then! - Jake
July 14th, 2005
Hey everyone! Well, it took me longer than I was shooting for but I finally got it done. I can't apologize enough for the delay. It was unavoidable, but I thank everybody for their patience. So without further ado, click on the link and meet "The Spandexic Four". If it was worth the wait, I'll be really happy. And in addition to my picture, we also have a new offering from our self-proclaimed resident genius, Tony! So check out his take on "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" "Behind The Curtain". Pretty cool huh?
Now we've had some very thoughtful and interesting letters come in since our last post (not to mention some other stuff!) so we've decided to wait so they can be included. But hang tight - the page will be coming back very, very soon! :)
And before I go, I'd like to take a moment to be serious. We here at Plightsite (as well as Crimsonpug) would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims of the recent attack in Britain. Regardless of the cause and who or what was responsible, it was a cowardly act. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
All right. That's it for now but be back here next week when we get back to full steam! - Jake
July 23rd, 2005
Before we begin, I have a confession to make. Earlier this week there was a news report that a videogame being sold on the shelves of major retail outlets contained a hidden code inside of it called "Hot Coffee". When enabled, it would unlock a side-quest involving nudity and sex. So of course I HAD to grab me a copy before the game got banned. And sure enough it did. So if any of you guys are having a hard time finding "Elmo's Adventures in Alphabet Land" where the furry little guy loves the letter "R".... it sucks to be you! *lol*
Ah... good times. Good times.
On a somewhat more serious note, we have two new pictures debuting over in the blockbuster gallery (and no, they're both on-time). First up Erik tries to get "A Little R&R", but it seems the natives have other plans. Check out what is probably one of the best pencilled drawings I've ever done combined with a really killer finish job by Tony. Then it's back home where Crispie tries to "Text Message 666 for Hell" in what can only be discribed as one of the more bizarre pieces we've had on this site; and we've had some bizarre stuff.
Well, it looks like our multi-item updates aren't going to be going anytime soon because in just seven days we'll be back with a blockbuster pic, a new guest artist entry, and the return of the letters page. So until then! - Jake
July 30th, 2005
No, your eyes don't deceive you. Over the course of the week we've unveiling some changes to a few sections in here - perhaps the 'biggest' being this index page. Don't get me wrong, there wasn't anything wrong with the old format. The problem was with the return of Crimsonpug.net, all the letters we've been getting and such, things were getting a little out-dated. So I decided to do some cleaning. Expect more changes and additions to continue throughout the next couple of weeks. Oh, and in case anything 'disappears' from here, don't worry: chances are it's just being moved somewhere more convienent (like the "Holiday Gallery").
Now then... today we debut a new guest artist to our ever-growing list of talented individuals. Her name is Mesa Eckman, and she's one of those people who's skill never fails to impress me. Not only did she do an incredible pin-up, she also chose a rarely-seen character on this website as her subject. So please take a look at "On the Prowl" (my corny idea for a title - not hers) and enjoy.
Getting back to improving this place, since word of "Plightsite" has been spreading around lately, we've been getting a lot of feedback lately; more than we've ever received in the past five years. So we've brought back the letters page to answer some of the more interesting ones. And while we didn't posted all the e-mails we've received (because some of you asked us not to), we do reply back to every single one. So please feel free to keep your comments/criticisms/questions and whatever else coming.
Alright. We'll be back in a couple of days to debut the new Summer Blockbuster Gallery picture. Until then! - Jake
August 6th, 2005
Hey everyone! Well, we had a bit of a stumble last week with the Summer Gallery and missed the deadline. But these things happen and given our track record this time around and the fact we've already broke the previous record of number of entries in a year, I think we're allowed a slip up a little. But just a little. And as you'll see it by this week's picture based on LAST week's movie, "Stealth", it wasn't even a break. Yeah - that's right; our plan is still going in the order we wanted and by this time next week we'll (hopefully) be back on track. So all you guys wanting to see our rendition of "The Dukes of Hazard" are going to have to wait just a little bit longer. Sorry.
Anyhow, we hope you enjoy something we like to call "VFM: Virtual Feminine Mission" and we'll see you back here in 7 days when we'll have two new pictures, some more letters, and a little something extra. So until then! - Jake
August 10th, 2005
I'm afraid I have some bad news. Recently a great and noble leader passed away from this world. His death comes as a sudden shock, even though we've seen it coming for 19 years now. It's with deepest regret to report that today, August 10th in the year of our Lord 2005, that the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime died in battle. He is survived by Hot Rod, Jazz, RC, Blaster, and Maximus Prime to which he was able to pass along the Matrix to before Optimus' final transmission.
Tonight's Monster Truck Rally at the Metrodome will take a moment of silence to remember this great Transformers commander. 'Till all is one. - Jake
August 13th, 2005
Before we head into the usual comic book stuff, I'd like to clear something up for a moment. Earlier this week I made a joke about Optimus Prime from the "Transformers" dying. The whole reason behind this is because in the movie of the same name, the Autobot leader happens to die in the year 2005. And the movie itself was released on August 10, 1986. So throwing a joke out there for the attuned geek crowd (no offense, guys) I thought it was one of those funny things too good to pass up. Well I got a lot of angry e-mails from people who misunderstood it. Somehow (and I still fail to see any sort of connection) they thought I was making some kind of sick joke about the passing of news anchorman Peter Jennings. The truth was I had no idea he had passed away. In fact, I was unaware he was even sick!
To me, Peter Jennings was the last of the 'genuine' news reporters. He stated the facts without fluff and was stern yet friendly when keeping the public informed. If a major story broke out in parts of the world, chances are Mr. Jennings would be on the scene covering it; regardless of his personal safety. He was fair, never pandered, and always tried looking for that different angle. But perhaps what struck me the most about him was how he always covered tragic stories. It was his job to report what happened without voicing his opinion - and he never did. However, if something truly moved or disturbed him, he'd always stare at the monitor at his side for a few seconds at the end of the report before looking back at the camera and continuing. It was such a sly trick but to me, it spoke volumes.
I would never joke about someone with Mr. Jennings integrity. He was one of the best in his field and perhaps the LAST news anchor of that caliber. I remember at the end of every Friday's broadcast he'd do a segment called the 'Person of the Week'. Well, I think it's pretty easy to figure out who should be chosen this time around.
Okay... on to more fun stuff!
This week was have a new entry in the summer Blockbuster Gallery that both of us are referring to as "Tony's 'Kingdom of Heaven' picture". All you have to do is take a look at "Childhood Realities" and you'll understand what we mean. And yes, we apologize ahead of time. We also have a few new e-mails posted in the letters section from a few old acquaintances, and then some!
Now if you excuse me, I've got a BIG update to work on. Catch ya next week! - Jake
August 20th, 2005
So who wants to see some pictures? Continuing our weekly (yet one week behind) updates, we have the debut of our latest Summer Gallery pic based on "The Skeleton Key". Unfortunately our rendition doesn't contain voodoo and Katie Hudson is nowhere to be seen. But it does have something just as good: COWBOYS! Go ahead and check it out!
Also, we have an update on another website. No... not Crimsonpug.net, silly. The good people on the Aayla Secura fansite posted two pictures I submitted to them. One is clean while one is a little more...provokative (you better appreciate it, Tyler!). And while you're at it, be sure to check out the rest of the website. There's some good stuff on there.
Okay, that's it for today. But we'll see ya next time. - Jake
August 22nd, 2005
Alright, guys and gals. The troublemakers who were causing problems have been taken care of and I've gotten my head back on straight, so we'll try running the request poll again. Remember: you have until September 18th to vote for your five top picks. All winning entries will be drawn by me and will maintain a PG-like rating (no matter how much begging I get). Um... I ran out of official stuff to say so I suppose it's time to wrap this up. Behave this time or I'll turn the hose on ya! - Jake
August 27th, 2005
I know I should keep my mouth shut. I shouldn't jinx it. But it's hard for me not to think about it. Unless by some unseen force of nature or the end of the world is near, next week's update will be a record breaker all around. But like I said - I shouldn't jinx it. Not when we're so very, very close to the finish line.
So instead we're going to occupy our minds with the newest post in the Summer Blockbuster Gallery based on the horror flick, "Red Eye". It's called "Twist, to Remove Cap" and Tony has raved about it so much that there's no way I could possibly get a word in edgewise. So click on the link and be amazed!
And speaking of getting a word in, thanks to everybody's who's been sending in votes for the request poll. The responses have gone beyond anything we were expecting. Some of you have only voted for 1 or 2 characters and that's perfectly fine; you don't need to put down all 5. It's just been interesting revising the results on a daily basis and seeing how much things have been changing. Just when I start predicting the winners, things get shaken up. So really, it's still anybody's game at this point!
Alright. Time to get back to the drawing board. But we'll be seeing you this same time next week with (hopefully) a lot to show for! - Jake
September 3rd, 2005
WE DID IT!!!!!!!!
After 20 entries, over 21 weeks, with just a minimal amount of problems and frequent weekly updates, we have finished this year's Summer Blockbuster Gallery. You heard correctly: it's honestly done! Nothing was deleted from the plan to accomplish it! Plus we overshot the most entries we've ever had in a single season! It is, in all sense of the word, a milestone for this site. Go ahead... critique our work. Tell us what we did good or bad; either way, Tony and I don't care. We're too busy relishing this feat and we couldn't be more happier. That is, if we weren't so damn exhausted!
So for our last entry, we go out on a bittersweet note. The picture is entitled "Curtain Call" and it's probably going to baffle you at first. Once you think about it though, you'll understand why we went the route we did.
Well, that's it for today. But we'll be back shortly. And remember the request poll is still in full swing. Until then! - Jake
September 17th, 2005
Hey everyone! Although we haven't posted anything lately, Tony and I haven't been slacking off either. We've just felt that things over at Crimsonpug have been getting neglected these last few months so we're hard at work bringing all that up to speed. Tony's been hammering out some new chapters of "Chronos and Blackie" while getting back to drawing more "Generic Funkin' Cartoons". In fact, he's got some really exciting stuff coming up so believe it when I say stay tuned.
As for myself, when I'm not getting threatened by beautiful television celebrities (like above), I've been spending most of my time all things Crimsonpug as well. Perhaps the most newsworthy is the long-awaited "Yin Vs. Plight" comic. Yeah, it's finally being worked on. And unlike some other collaborative efforts, I'm pencilling several pages at a time. I'm also going to be re-posting "Jake's Niche" with some new stories, completing more GFC artwork, and who knows - maybe even review some crappy movies while I'm at it.
But I can't honestly say it's been getting 100% of my attention. Since the 7th, I've contributed a piece to the Bendis Board Football Art Gallery, pleased the niece with a Bratz picture, and various other odds and ends. And of course, I've been updating the request poll (which ends TOMORROW!!).
So yeah... things have slowed down a little. But don't worry, this place isn't going to start collecting cobwebs. Expect things to get back into swing very, very soon. So until then, keep shining ya crazy diamonds! - Jake
September 19th, 2005
...and times up!
After a month of receiving more responses than we ever expected, the character request poll is officially over. We asked you all to pick which five you wanted to see the most and it looks like we wound up with a three-way tie for third place! Yup, we said there would be five but given the situation, instead of throwing away important votes (like American Idol does) we've decided to go with SIX pictures in the upcoming gallery!
So without further ado, the winning requests are:
Sixth Place: Poison Ivy from "Batman" with 9 votes
Fifth Place: Invisible Woman from "Fantastic Four" also with 9 votes
Fourth Place: Fairchild from "Gen13" with 9 votes
Third Place: Wonder Woman with 10 votes
Second Place: Lara Croft from "Tomb Raider" also with 10 votes
And the overall winner with 12 votes was... Kari as a Cavegirl!!!
Now I don't know what to thank you all for the most: sending in a tremendous amount of replies or the fact that one of my characters ranked higher than ones from well-known movies and comics. Yeah, this is the Plight Site after all, and I'm fully aware of the fan base Kari has (all too well.... all too well...). But to see her beat out the others is nothing short than awesome. So thank you all for letting your voice be heard and for those of you who are wondering how the others ranked, you can see the results by clicking here.
Alright, I'm out of here. But expect to see the first pick, Poison Ivy, debuting this week with the new gallery. Until then! - Jake
September 24th, 2005
Hey everyone! Things were a little down-to-the-wire this week so while I have a new picture up, I don't have it debuting in its respected gallery (yet). It is entirely my fault and I apologize. But it IS up and it does have a rambling so if you click on this link to my picture of Poison Ivy, you can read all about it and give me your feedback.
Speaking of feedback, we've posted some more responses in the letters page, including some kind words from a nice elderly woman, picks on who would star in a motion picture of "Plight", and what some of the worse pictures on this site are. Really, there's some pretty interesting things to read.
Sorry this is so short but I've been focusing so much time on 'Yin Versus Plight' that I've allowed some of the other stuff to slip. But be back here next week when we'll be debuting my first pin-up of Yin's revised design as well as the fifth place request: Invisible Woman. So until then! - Jake
October 1st, 2005
Well, we still haven't gotten our act together in an orderly fashion yet on this site, but over at Crimsonpug.net, we've... okay, okay, Tony has brought the GFC up to date with the pictures that were accidently erased as well as a BRAND NEW COMIC STRIP! It's the beginning of a regular feature which will be around for a very long while. And because heaven knows I've been slacking off with it enough, I've submitted my first pin-up of Yin in his revised design over at "Yin Versus Plight". Now all I have to do is finish up pencilling the first issue.
Meanwhile back here I've got the next requested character you guys asked for, Invisible Woman, up and loaded (yet still waiting to be included in some form of gallery main page). So check it out and I hope you guys liked it.
Next week, more stuff on both sites and, what's next on the list? Oh, okay... Fairchild from "Gen-13". So until then! - Jake
October 3rd, 2005
Well, the weekend box office totals are in and "Serenity" came in at a respectable 2nd place coming in with around 10 million its opening weekend. This isn't really bad; not the best, but pretty darn good given what it had going up against it. So now that the ugliness for week # 1 is over, all I can do is ask in the most sincere, nice way possible for any of you who didn't see it to think about checking it out in the theaters some time this week (perhaps next weekend?). It's a good old, funny, smartly-written space western that deserves more public exposure. You will enjoy it, I guarantee it! You really will!! But even if this is the end of the saga, I'm grateful Joss Whedon's creation made it this far. So check it out and talk to you later! - Jake
October 8th, 2005
Hey everyone. I don't have much time today to ramble on like I normally do so I've got to make this brief. The latest request picture, "Fairchild", is now up on the 70% completed "Request Page". Why 70%? Well, if you're viewing the page and you don't see a banner? Relax. There's nothing wrong with your computer or connection. There isn't a banner posted at the moment. That's what 70% means.
Drat. Already out of time. Next week: a new Plight pin-up and the next request - Wonder Woman. So until then! - Jake
October 11th, 2005
Well this may not exactly be "Plight" related, but Jake and I made a pact to pimp the heck out of this little film called "Serenity" that came out two weeks ago into theaters. We are both HUGE fans of the cancelled show, and the film itself is a classic sci-fi tale that everyone should go out and see. It has action, drama, frights, and plenty of explosions... oh and it is a genuinely funny film as well. None of the humor is forced, its all natural, and it really makes the members of the cast seem like family. Jake and I saw the flick once already, and are planning on seeing it at least once more before it is out of theaters (but fear not... the DVD hits in December!), and now we are trying to get everyone else to head out and see it as well.
And what better way to get people to see it, then by letting you actually SEE it!!
Online right now are the first 10 minutes of SERENITY, a Joss Whedon Film!
Click the link and take a look, then do yourself a favor and plop down the nine or so bucks at the theater and have a wonderful afternoon/evening at the cinema! Later! - Tony
November 6th, 2005
It's been awhile, hasn't it? I'm sorry for not having anything new up lately; especially cutting out half-way through the request gallery, but for all intents and purposes I needed some time off. Don't worry - I won't launch into a sad, sob story (because I'm sure you don't want to hear it). All I'll say is I've been having a lot of personal problems lately and dealing with depression. Believe me, I could rant away but this is not the place. And besides, I want people to enjoy coming in here!
So after much delay, the request gallery is back up again with my version of Wonder Woman. I'm sure when you take a look at it, you'll pick out the things that turned out well, and those that fell pretty flat. All I can say is I tried and hopefully you'll still like it.
Before I go, I'm afraid I've got some regretable news. Recently I've had to pull one of our guest artist's pictures down from this site. While I was honored to have their presence in here, I can't under good conscious allow them to be affliated with this site anymore. Frankly I find molesting a child to be a very serious crime and never something to take lightly. And anyone who believes otherwise, or for that matter would have the dim-wit intelligence to accuse me of being jealous because they're in 'love', is not someone I can respect. So they're gone. And frankly, good riddance.
Okay... coming this Sunday, Lara Croft. So until then! - Jake
November 13th, 2005
Hey, hey, hey! It's been really crazy lately but we're back today with our #2 most-voted requested picture: Lara Croft. So how did I do? Well, I'll let you all be the judge. All I can say is I was close. So, so close....
For those of you who missed it, Tony posted the script to the first issue of "Yin Vs. Plight" over at Crimsonpug.net on Friday. Unfortunately I still haven't given him any of the pencilled pages I've done so far, but at least you guys can get a glimpse of what to expect. And trust me, the comic will be debuting sooner than you'd think. The way I've been handling this project, I can't help but be proud of the results. :)
That's all for now. Next week: the picture the majority of you have been waiting for. And oh my gawd - it involves something to do with this website for a change!! So until then. - Jake
November 19th, 2005
Hey everyone! Instead of boring you with a drawn-out rambling, I'm just going to cut right to the chase. Today we debut the final requested picture and the one which received the most votes. Once and for all you guys (and gals) get to see my rendition of "Kari as a Cave Girl". And instead of trying to be conservative, I took a very T&A approach. Why? Because given how popular it was, me and my opinions took a break so you all could enjoy yourselves. This picture is for you guys and you deserve it.
Next week, some new stuff on that OTHER website. Until then! - Jake
December 31st, 2005
As it turns out, 2005 was my most productive year ever; but you probably couldn't tell.
In just twelve months, I was able to draw tons of pictures, complete several comic pages, and do so many sketches that a tree must be crying bare. I met a lot of nice people, learned a lot of valuable tips along the way, and found myself tackling subjects I wouldn't normally consider, both good and bad. And when I composed a list of all the the art I did this year, I ended up with a grand total of 84 pieces (yes, I was actually bored one night that I made a list.)
But like I said, you probably couldn't tell.
Some of you saw my collaborations to an Aayla Secura website; others joined me when I participated in a football-theme collaboration. A few were in on the joke when I drew Muskrat Moe and Kari as Homer and Marge Simpson or witnessed me illustrating their own characters in Erik's costume. Somewhere there's a couple of notebooks that feature me tackling the Savage Dragon, Black Cat, Bender, and Supergirl among others. I started a short holiday comic that wound up going nowhere after three finished pages, been stockpiling the pencils to a four-part "Yin Versus Plight" series, gave nine very talented artists a pretty unexpected holiday surprisem, and well... the list goes on and on.
So as the new year rolls around, I have enough confidence in me to know I have to get down to business. It's time Plightsite and Crimsonpug came out of their funks. This isn't just talk or empty promises - this is the truth. Because as much as the year 2005 was good to me artistically, it would have been better if all of you had been able to see everything I did.
2006 is going to be that year. The warm-up in over. And in just six short days, you'll agree. - Jake
