Comics Grinder

Comics Grinder has been nominated for a Liebster Award by the wonderful folks at Comparative Geeks. What does that mean? A Liebster Award nomination is a way to draw attention to blogs on the scene that are ready to take things to a new level.

Liebster Awards are all about building community among bloggers. The focus is on emerging blogs (currently with less than 200 loyal followers) with quality content that, for various reasons, deserves a shout-out. Will it inspire nominated blogs to up their game? Yes, to varying degrees. No doubt, it’s nice to be recognized. For Comics Grinder, it means a lot. Comics Grinder brings a lot to the table and continues to evolve. For example, you’ll be seeing more original art and there’s even a webcomic in the near future.

THE RULES FOR ACCEPTING THE LIEBSTER AWARD ARE AS FOLLOWS:

List 11 facts about myself
Nominate 11 bloggers for the award
Let them know about the nomination
Answer the 11 questions asked when nominated
Ask 11 questions for the new nominees to answer.

Comics Grinder Nominates the following blogs for a Liebster Award:

Rage on the Page – unexpected and refreshing literary blog.
Judith Vanistendael – an amazing artist you should know.
Michele Witchipoo – another very cool artist you should know.
Red Circle Comics – an exciting new comics publisher.
Every Read Thing – another wonderful literary blog.
Josh Neufeld – one of the great cartoonists working today.
Ben Katchor – a cartoonist with a distinctive style and sense of humor. a legend!
Read at Joe’s – a wry look at pop culture and assorted observations.
The Crunchy Urbanite – a witty urban oasis.
Earth’s Mightiest Blog – one of the good guys with a keen sense of comics history.
Have You Seen My Glass Slipper? – stylish without a doubt.

11 FACTS ABOUT YOUR COMICS GRINDER HOST, HENRY CHAMBERLAIN

1. I grew up in the South, various parts of Louisiana. I loved and still love New Orleans! However, I made a determined choice to move to Seattle many years ago and have never looked back.

2. I have always loved drawing and writing and just about anything creative.

3. Growing up in the ’70s, I loved MAD magazine, sitcoms, media, politics, art, and culture in general. I was a precocious little kid.

4. I’ve always had a passion for photography and filmmaking. I have a very specific documentary in mind that I need to pursue. And, for any movie project I would undertake, I would always create a graphic novel to go with it. I am looking for help with projects. Feel free to contact me.

5. I lean towards the whimsical and irreverent but I’m also eager to keep pace and get on with my goals.

6. I’m a firm believer in making your own opportunities and believing in your own set of standards.

7. Travel is the best medicine. There’s an art to travel. I love natural wonders but that’s a whole separate category. For me, traveling to different cities and immersing oneself in other cultures is utterly fascinating.

8. The good things in life are a pretty high priority. I love to slum it and stay in hostels and frequent dives. But I also enjoy fine dining and luxury hotels. I try to go for a good balance.

9. I believe in maintaining a sense of wonder, even when doing the most mundane of things.

10. I can take questionnaires and meetings seriously or I find them to be ridiculous.

11. Quality will always win over quantity. And reaching out for help is a virtue. I believe in what I’m doing and I’m always grateful to find kindred spirits.

11 QUESTIONS PUT TO COMICS GRINDER

1. If you could live in one fictional universe which would it be and why?

I would really dig living in the Adventure Time universe just because it’s so intense and colorful and wacky.

2. What movie do you wish more people would see?

There is one movie that really struck me as a kid. I know it’s had the same affect on others. It’s a somewhat obscure Peter Sellers comedy, “After The Fox.” The humor is so offbeat.

3. What book do you wish more people would read?

I’d recommend “A Fan’s Notes,” by Frederick Exley. If you want to feel what it’s like to be a writer who is determined to live up to his potential, whatever it takes, this is a great example.

4. What is a book, movie, tv show, comic, etc from your childhood that has stuck with you?

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was such a big deal growing up. Everything about that show, from the opening “da, da, dump” chords in the theme song, to the reliable character tics, to the inevitability of Mary being empowered and yet still not satisfied. Pure gold.

5. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three books would you want to have. Also, you already have the complete works of Shakespeare and the religious text of your choice.

There are books you just want to return to, yes. I’d say I would really be happy just being on that island, first of all. Let’s say I can still write whatever I want. So, I’d want a good dictionary handy. Maybe it would be an all-in-one with historical tidbits and an atlas. I’m assuming I’ll be found someday. That leaves two more books. I’d take an inspiring classic to refer back to, “The Great Gatsby” and something fairly recent, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” In that way, I’d have enough there to help keep my sanity.

6. What are you most anticipating right now?

I am anticipating a collection of my work in comics. The working title is “A Night at the Sorrento and Other Stories.” But it could easily be entitled, “Alice in New York and Other Stories.” Which one do you like? I hope everyone reading this will buy the book when it’s available. Just stay tuned at Comics Grinder!

7. Why did you start blogging? And what keeps you going?

I’ve been blogging long before there were blogs but I guess I just didn’t know it. I love to write. I have stacks of notebooks with my writing. The act of writing is good. It’s in my blood. I’m also into writing longer stuff, like novels and plays and comic book scripts and screenplays. I’ve been working out the kinks. I am writing my way to some special things.

8. If you could have one technology exist now that doesn’t, what would it be and why?

We’re supposed to be able to teleport someday, aren’t we? I’d go for that. To be able to instantly transport oneself thousands of miles at a time would be glorious. But, then again, it’s one of our last ways to escape. But it would still be fun.

9. If you could vacation anywhere (anywhere), where would it be?

I loved Paris so much while I was there. I love cities. So, it could be Paris and it could just as easily be New York. But I’m very happy with my home in Seattle too.

10. Do you have any pets, and if so, what are they and what are they called? If you don’t, what would you want and what would you name it?

No pets. But I do have a recurring dream that I own a Jack Russell terrier and his name is Jack.

11. What’s your favorite album? Or favorite band. Or both.

One recent favorite has been the band, Yacht. Very catchy poppy music.

11 QUESTIONS COMICS GRINDER PUTS TO NOMINEES

1. Do you think we need to do away with capitalism altogether or do you see an alternative or do you prefer to pretty much leave things as they are?

2. What excites you?

3. When one the last time you told someone that you loved them? Does that inspire a story you want to share?

4. If you could live on the Moon, or Mars, would you and why?

5. What do you expect to happen when you die and beyond?

6. Describe a compelling experience you’ve had with nature.

7. What book has inspired you?