About Cloudscape The Cloudscape Comics Society is a community of comic creators in Vancouver, BC who together publish and distribute quality graphic novel anthologies, as well as host comic workshops and other related events. Here enterprising comic artists come together to network, develop their ideas, and help each other perfect their craft. Everyone is welcome to the weekly evening meet-ups on Wednesdays, starting at 7:30 PM in the back room of the Grind and Gallery Coffee Bar.
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By Bevan, on December 13th, 2011 by Oliver McTavish-Wisden
 Once in a while, a work of art comes along to remind me about the expressive storytelling elements that can only be found in the medium of graphic novels. In Cyril Pedrosa's graphic novel, Three Shadows, he explores the question “what price would you pay to save your child?” Inspired by the agony of watching a friend's child die young, Pedrosa weaves a tale about the bonds between parent and child that is both tragic and mysterious at the same time.
The story starts with the young Joachim and his parents living simply in their country home, their perfect dream an island disconnected from the outside world. This all changes when Joachim begins to be stalked by three shadowy horsemen. Seeking answers about these illusive figures, Joachims mother visits a seer who informs her that the figures will take her son away. Death is stalking her son, and there is no way to avoid it. In an act of defiance, Joachim and his father set out on a journey to cross the river and attempt to lose the three shadows. What progresses is a touching fairytale that is entertaining, humorous, mysterious and tragic.
The story is well told and sustains a world that is dream-like while still grounded in reality. The main characters are all interesting and dynamic, and the side characters support the cast well enough to be memorable. The particular bond between Joachim and his father Louis is one you don't often see in popular storytelling. The relationship is caring and affectionate rather than tough and laden with issues. Think along the lines of Finding Nemo as opposed to 300. Overall, the storytelling is well paced and benefits from a interesting plot that never grows stale.
Where the story shines particularly bright is in the artwork. Pedrosa was a former animator for Disney, but his brilliance really breaks out in this work. The long ink strokes invoke movement better than any other graphic art I've ever seen. The world appears to be shifting, and the characters move seamlessly panel by panel. The aesthetic is fitting for the tale and reminded me of ancient Japanese art, Disney and the works of Dr. Seuss.
In conclusion, this is excellent piece of art that I could find no issues with. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the artistic merit of the comic medium and even to anyone who doesn't.
By Bevan, on November 29th, 2011  Cloudscape wants YOU for All-Canadian Comics, an anthology of Canadian-focused heroism inspired by classic Canadian comics from the Golden Age of Comic Books. Many of the characters in this anthology will be superheroes, those with special powers or skills skills who have adopted larger-than-life personas to confront injustice and evil. However, other kinds of Canadians heroes will also be featured: adventurers, explorers, men and women of exceptional character and dedication. Stories that deal with various Canadian social issues or minorities (ethnic or psychological) are encouraged, as are stories that explore what it means to be Canadian or what it means to be a hero.
The exact format of All-Canadian Comics has not yet been selected. The amount of people who are interested in contributing to the project will greatly determine this. One thing that has already been decided is that the anthology will be an “ebook” publication, so no physical books will be produced.
Continue reading Calling All Canadian Heroes! Your Country Needs You!
By Jeff, on November 28th, 2011
If you’re looking to submit work as an artist to comic book companies, including the Big Four and independents, this workshop will help you get your portfolio presentation ready.
Using tips collected from industry professionals and examples of common mistakes new artists make when approaching editors, participants will learn how to effectively show samples, communicate with contacts made and stay employed after landing assignments.
Those attending the workshop are welcome to bring their work and while there may not be time to review everyone’s pages, it is hoped a few portfolios can be critiqued in class.
Location:
2pm to 4pm Sunday Dec 4th at Project Space 222 E Georgia St, Vancouver.
The class is $25 and limited to twenty students. Please contact Pia at hellkitty3@hotmail.com to book your spot.
Pia Guerra is a Harvey, Spike, Shuster and Eisner Award winning artist with 20 years experience working in comics. Her work can be seen in the critically acclaimed series Y – The Last Man published by Vertigo/DC as well as other books published by Marvel, Dark Horse, IDW and Titan in the UK.
By Jeff, on November 14th, 2011 WHEN: November 19th, 2011 from 8pm until midnight-ish
WHERE: The Wallflower Modern Diner, 2404 Main St, Vancouver
WHO CAN COME?: Anyone who is of legal drinking age is invited.
HOW MUCH?: No admission fee. There is a $5 minimum purchase per person required by The Wallflower. They provide their full menu to order from and alcohol galore: beer, wine, highballs and shots.
Don’t forget to tip your waiter or waitress well!
Bring your own pencils/pens. Paper is provided. If you’re drawing with markers that bleed through paper, be sure to either bring a drawing surface or place extra sheets of paper under the paper you’re drawing on.
Crosspost as you see fit.
Be sure to join the Vancouver Comic Jam group on Facebook for all the latest news!
Vancouver Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/3027455642/
By Bevan, on November 9th, 2011 There is much more to the Cloudscape website than the blog and as I have just expanded various sections, it’s a good time to remind the visitor of the various places they can visit. One of the big changes I’ve done recently is to upload numerous videos about Cloudscape and creating comics. This can be seen on the Media and Comics 101 pages.
The site sections:
1. The Main Page. This includes the blog itself, as well as a list of which webcomics by Cloudscape members have updated, a summary of Cloudscape tweets, and links to Cloudscape’s other sites (Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, and DeviantArt). In addition, the page mentions interesting writer or artist calls for local indie comic book anthologies (whether published by Cloudscape or other people)
2. About. The history of Cloudscape and its various services. Also information on Cloudscape meetings and on the various Cloudscape board members, including the best ways to contact them.
3. Store. Information on Cloudscape anthologies and other products, including how to order them online. Also links to the stores of individual Cloudscape members.
4. Webcomics. An extensive selection of comics created by Cloudscape members. This library includes excerpts from the anthologies, numerous self-contained stories, and samples of longer serials.
5. Artist Bios. Short biographies of everyone who’ve contributed to one or more of the Cloudscape anthologies.
6. Media. Links to various reviews of Cloudscape anthologies, interviews with Cloudscape, and articles on comics written by Cloudscape members.
7. Community. Information on various organizations and stores in Metro Vancouver that comic creators and comics fans would find useful.
8. Comics 101. Numerous tutorials by Cloudscape members on creating comics as well as information on various websites and books that can help the process in various ways. It includes an extensive library of comics tutorial videos, all produced by Cloudscape member Anise Shaw.
9. Links. Links to Cloudscape members’ sites, comic news sites, and other part of the Internet that comic fans and creators would find interesting.
If you see any mistakes that should be corrected or have any ideas for things that you’d want to see added or changes to the website, then contact me at Web Master.
-Bevan Thomas,
Cloudscape web master and storyteller
By Bevan, on November 1st, 2011 
After completing its ghost story collection, Gurukitty Studios is putting together a new anthology. This one, entitled “Once Upon a Time,” will have folk and fairy tales as its central theme:
“We are all familiar with the mainstream typical stories such as Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the other popular classics…. We want you to dig into lesser known or culturally relevant folk stories from various cultures from all over the world. We want folk stories from many different countries all in one book so people can see how different cultures influence the different types of storytelling. You can tell a classic if you like, but you’d better tell it in a mind-blowing way no one would ever predict or it’s not getting in this book.”
Currently there is a call for submissions. Each story must match the fairy tale theme and be 5-20 pages long. The deadline for submissions is March 30, 2012.
For more information, consult the detailed call for submissions at Gurukutty: Once Upon a Time.
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