Operation: Indiana Jones

Week one-thirty of Operation Graphite – theme: Indiana Jones.

As much as my generation obsesses over Indiana Jones, one also thinks of the negative impact of the films. I don’t mean the spin offs and the lack luster successors in the treasure hunter adventure genre. The real negative impact of the Indiana Jones films is the damage done to the field of Archeology and academic sciences. While many Archeologist today were inspired by these films, they all to well know how incorrect Dr. Jones’ methods were. Tomb raider and treasure thief, or pot hunter is probably closer to what Indiana Jones really was. Then again, the films didn’t portray an accedameic dig, they were about trying acquire something before the antagonist does. Rigorous academic protocols pretty much evaporate when the Nazis are after you. Pretty much any formalities fall by the wayside when the Naizs are on your ass.

Shock – …if only you spoke Hovitos.

Week 131: Final Fantasy

The theme selected for week one-thirty-one of Operation Graphite will be: Final Fantasy.

What began as a broke software companies swan song, became one of the largest RPG video game franchise in history. Some might remember Yoshitaka Amano’s unique illustrations, but many talented artists also contributed to the look and style of the series. While the earlier games let you customize your team and create your character, later games were more like interactive movies where you interact with fully fleshed out characters. weather you prefer to pick a class and create your light warrior, or revisit a cherished character, this week is all about that not so final of fantasies.

Please submit any drawing or painting, using traditional or digital media, that fits the theme: Final Fantasy.

All art work is due on Thursday, 9.4.14 Submissions will be published the following Friday, 9.5.14

Operation: Napoleonic Era

Week one-twenty-nine of Operation Graphite – theme: Napoleonic Era.

After thinking about the Napoleonic Wars a bit, and the impact on the world it had, I started to think about a few recent events. I’m grateful for living in one of the few countries that had a revolution, and immediately afterwards, a stable government was established. But the US is a rare exception, we were not a long established country, but a fledging colony. Everywhere else in the world, when a major government was toppled, that was just the beginning of the shit. After it’s revolution, France had the Reign of Terror, then the military took over. One power hungry Corsican, who was actually of average height contrary to what people believe today, proclaimed himself emperor of France, and then tried to take over the world… like you do. Russia tried overthrowing their monarch later on too, but like in France, once you create a power vacuum, you don’t always know who will fill that void. While things are very different today in the middle east, a great and terrible vacuum in power was created, and that void was filled by an even more terrible group. I wouldn’t want to suggest change for the better is futile, but it is sobering to realize that rebellion it is not like changing a tire, and more like extinguishing a submarine fire by opening the hatch.

Shock – Dragoon

Week 130: Indiana Jones

The theme selected for week one-thirty of Operation Graphite will be: Indiana Jones.

George Lucas, though he certainly wavered in his later career, gave us two of cinema’s greatest film trilogies. While some have called the original Star Wars films, the Holy Trilogy, It is the Indiana Jones films that are concerned with Holy artifacts. Raiders of the Lost Ark, is almost the perfect film, and even more remarkable in how unusual the third act plays out. It ends, not with some epic final fight, but with a intense supernatural reveal. Some have criticized the film in recent years, joking about how after all of Indy’s heroics and efforts, the Nazis still accomplish exactly what they intended too. It is Deus Ex Machina who defeats the Nazis in the end, with or without Dr. Jones’ intervention. However, if you think of the film as a love story, the only thing that Indian Jones actually accomplished was keeping Marion out of the hands of the Nazis, and that was all that really mattered.

Please submit any drawing or painting, using traditional or digital media, that fits the theme: Indiana Jones.

All art work is due on Thursday, 8.28.14 Submissions will be published the following Friday, 8.29.14

Operation: Batgirl

Week one-twenty-eight of Operation Graphite – theme: Batgirl.

 

With a new set of duds, Batgirl is on the case. No longer bound to her wheelchair, only the mental wounds left by the Joker’s bullet remain. I’m sure no one will notice that Barbara Gordon was suddenly healed right around the same time Batgirl returns, I mean, they never figure out Superman is actually Clark Kent with glasses. I’m sure her secret is safe.

Contributing Barbaras:

shawnbrookwilliams – Batgirl

Shock – Yellow is not a color to wear at night if you intend to hide.

Week 129: Napoleonic Era

The theme selected for week one-twenty-nine of Operation Graphite will be: Nepoleonic Era.

 

And you thought the Reign of Terror was bad, then there was a military coup, mass conscription, and France trying to take over the world. Yet somehow people still refer to the French as, cheese eating surrender monkeys. The Nepolionic Wars not only shaped Europe, they shaped the new world as well. Perhaps it is for the best that the next madman to try and take over Europe failed to realize the futility of campaigning in Russia during Wintertime. One wonders which nation we would all be picking on if Napoleon would have won.

Please submit any drawing or painting, using traditional or digital media, that fits the theme: Nepoleonic Era.

All art work is due on Thursday, 8.21.14 Submissions will be published the following Friday, 8.22.14

 

Operation: Big Cats

Week one-twenty-seven of Operation Graphite – theme: Big Cats.

As someone who is has always appreciated animals, especially the big cats, I felt this was a good way to kick off a string of animal themed Ops. Big cats are amazing, they are dangerous apex predators, yet there are  times where can almost imagine them as cute and cuddly. It’s that blend of ferocity and tenderness that makes them so fascinating. In the past, animal themes only showed up once a year for the Chinese Zodiac. Now I hope to throw a few more fauna themes there to break the usual geeky themes.

Shock – Stalking Lioness

Week 128: Batgirl

The theme selected for week one-twenty-eight of Operation Graphite will be: Batgirl.

This is already old news, but Batgirl has a new outfit in the comics. Now, normally this wouldn’t be that big of a deal; lots of major characters get outfit revamps, but this time it was different. This slick and practical  outfit has been such a hit with the masses, that fan art inspired by the new duds has flooded the internet. A short snap on cape, chunky boots, and a motor cycle styled jacket makes past costumes look like cheesy gymnastic leotards. Though we are late to this party, it sounded like a fun excuse to visit Gotham again.

Please submit any drawing or painting, using traditional or digital media, that fits the theme: Batgirl.

All art work is due on Thursday, 8.14.14 Submissions will be published the following Friday, 8.15.14

Featured Batgirl art by Florian Pichon

Operation: Guardians of the Galaxy

Week one-twenty-six of Operation Graphite – theme: Guardians of the Galaxy.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy, opens today. It looks fantastic, the reviews sound fantastic, and I am hoping Guardians is that fun sci-fi adventure I’ve been waiting for. I still think Bob Hoskins would have made a better voice for Rocket, but now that he has passed, I’ll no longer hold that against the producers. Oddly enough, I created a different furry character years ago, and he too would have had Bob’s voice in my mind. Something about Hoskins having a perfect voice for little scruffy guys. After all, he was Claremont’s ideal pick or Wolverine back in the 80’s. Now I’m wondering / hoping if there’s been a moment where Rocket and Wolvie meet in the comics.

Contributing Guardians:

drafturgy – Rocket Raccoon

Shock – Rocket and Cosmo

Thank you for saving the Galaxy.