SHMUCK YOU!

More In Progress

2011-03-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

In Progress

2011-03-21T11:44:00.004-05:00

After a Job is Finished

2011-03-21T11:12:00.002-05:00

New Editorial 'Toons for the Sovereign March 2011 Issue

2011-03-21T10:36:00.001-05:00

New Editorial 'Toons for the Sovereign February 2011 Issue

2011-02-20T17:48:00.002-05:00

New Editorial 'Toons for the Sovereign January 2011 Issue

2010-12-26T13:47:00.004-05:00

I have a lot to learn about getting color artwork ready for reproduction, but a I am learning.

SPX 2010

2010-11-17T20:01:00.002-05:00

Here's Melvin at SPX in September 2010 holding up Papercutz Slices#1 with his creation in the double page spread of their new Harry Potty Graphic Novel.

Shmuck Comix No. 16 - Why Halloween is Better than Christmas

2010-10-31T14:17:00.003-05:00

I kinda whipped this out last week and gave it away to the kids in the drive-through at "Burger Girl". They went nuts over it! I am convinced it's time to have a line of kid's comics!

New Editorial 'Toons for the Sovereign November Issue

2010-10-31T11:55:00.002-05:00

The awesome guys at the Sovereign have reached new levels in production, newsprint is the best way to print comix.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO FRANK ZAPPA

2010-10-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

Another Lesson Learned

2010-10-14T20:19:00.004-05:00

Well, I almost did it again. I let somebody lead me along thinking I would have some money coming sometime. Although they never PROMISED to pay me, they kept hinting about financial backing, etc.. and mentioning getting me a scanner (mine is not compatible with my re-vamped kick-ass eMac). Recently they said they were gonna fly me to NYC to appear at a really (they are a non-profit organization, actually just two unemployed nuts driving around in a van) and play my song. I would have to miss 2 days, unpaid, of work to do that. I thought getting me a scanner and paying me a few bucks was a better way to spend the time and money going to NYC and back, fool a that I am, they said no So I respectfully quit.
THIS IS THE LAST IME I LET THIS HAPPEN SO HELP ME HARVEY KURTZMAN!

Shmuck Comix No. 15, THE 24-HOUR COMIC for 2010

2010-10-04T12:56:00.007-05:00

On Saturday, 10-2-10, at 845am, I started my second 24-hour comic. 23 hours and 58 minutes later it was done. Last year I took 25-1/2 ours! This years comic is a lot better than "The 24-Hour Melvin", from '09, and is a FAMILY FRIENDLY comic. Only a few of my 15 comix are for all-ages.

New Editorial 'Toons for the Sovereign

2010-10-04T12:42:00.002-05:00

Not only has "The Sov" gotten INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION and been picked up by Books-A Million, they are now going to be archived at the University of Michigan Library Special Collection, and, most importantly, THEY ARE PRINTING MY CARTOONS LARGER! WOO-HOO!

"Toons for the Sovereign, Sept. 2010 issue

2010-08-13T15:52:00.002-05:00

As much as I love my blog, nothing can beat ink on newsprint!

Words of Wisdom

2010-08-07T19:40:00.001-05:00

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." Groucho Marx

Mr. Job Creation Part 3

2010-08-07T12:29:00.004-05:00

More Good News for the Sovereign!

2010-08-02T14:41:00.001-05:00

My 1st major client, the "The Sovereign" Newspaper is getting stronger, a new account in Wisconsin. The Southern Wisconsin News has placed an order for 150 copies. I better pitch my new Serialized Graphic Novel to them ASAP! Now to FINISH Mr. Job Creation Part 2.

Shmuck Comix Poster No. 1

2010-07-21T16:44:00.002-05:00

Total Sales, one...

Editorial Cartoons for The Sovereign, August 2010

2010-07-21T13:43:00.001-05:00

New(ish) Commission

2010-07-11T15:00:00.003-05:00

To be framed and displayed at Thomas Video in Royal Oak, MI ASAP. A full piece of illo board big, watercolor, watercolor pencils, markers. Thomas is the BEST video store in the Metro-Detroit area. SUPPORT YER LOCAL BUSINESS!

I used a digital camera for the 1st time photographing this, still getting used to it...

Why Haven't You Watched This AWESOME Movie?!?!?!?!

2010-07-10T15:49:00.003-05:00

I still can't post links properly. Please cut and paste
The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFxqw0jbC2Y&feature=player_embedded

Melvin's Studio, 7/10/10

2010-07-10T12:23:00.001-05:00

The Fast-Food Funnies Blue Plate Special

2010-07-10T12:10:00.001-05:00

The first four pages,,,

Somehow, I Forgot These Sovereign Cartoons

2010-06-28T17:17:00.003-05:00

Melvin Without Mel-Tones Live

2010-06-27T15:11:00.002-05:00

THis day will be a good strip someday, in the meanwhile...

Cut and paste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzxaO5cJFP4

New Editorial 'Toons for the Sovereign

2010-06-26T20:39:00.001-05:00

Mr. Job Creation Part 2

2010-06-26T14:02:00.002-05:00

New Illo for "Secret Project"...

2010-06-24T16:15:00.001-05:00

Rejected T-Shirt Design

2010-06-14T13:46:00.002-05:00

This was supposed to be the design for The Foundation for Job Creation comic, Mr. Job Creation. They rejected it, but I like it.

Introducing Mr. Job Creation

2010-06-08T17:00:00.005-05:00

I was contacted recently by the Foundation for Job Creation and asked to develop a new strip for their efforts to get America back from a service based economy to a "making things" based economy. Having been downsized myself and badly needing the exposure, I jumped at the chance. This is the introductory strip. THOUSANDS of these were distributed during a rally on Wall St. recently!

More Media For Melvin

2010-06-06T20:30:00.008-05:00

Sorry, having trouble with"blogger" for reasons unknown.

I finally found the interview with yours truly from SPACE 2010!
Copy and paste the above into yer browser...

http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/31318034

Shrub Pt. 4, Scans Only, finished comic is lost(?)

2010-05-15T22:04:00.004-05:00

Shrub Part 3

2010-05-13T19:47:00.001-05:00

SHRUB Part 2

2010-05-13T19:11:00.002-05:00

Roughs for 1st Mr. Job Creation strip

2010-05-13T18:03:00.005-05:00

These are about full size, done after my initial thumbnails, done very small on letter sized paper. These were sent to the folks at Job Creation, a GREAT non-profit dedicated to putting our ailing country back to work. They were approved and are being put on their site right now and are on Facebook under Job Creation US, Mr. Job Creation and Melvin Shmuck. Please check out this organization at www.jobcreation.us

The Fast-Food Funnies BLUE PLATE SPECIAL

2010-05-05T15:18:00.004-05:00

The NEARLY FINISHED pencil-art on my latest and greatest... inks soon.

More Editorial Cartoons for the Sovereign

2010-04-26T18:06:00.002-05:00

The Sovereign continues to grow in readers and advertisers.

These were the 1st I did in color with watercolor pencils and markers as opposed to Photoshop.

Melvin at SPACE, the Small Press and Alternative Press Expo

2010-04-26T18:05:00.011-05:00

Although I sold alot more books last year, I still made my table money back and had a good time. Here is the 1st of two interviews I did. Cut and paste into yer browser...

My link is not working (?) so go to youtube and paste this into the search thingy:

SPACE 2010 the 11th annual Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo

Yet Even More Internationally Distributed Editorial Cartoons

2010-03-21T16:43:00.006-05:00

I urge you to read The Sovereign, a newspaper that skewers all the stinkin' politicos in the beltway!

http://sovereignnewspaper.com/

Even More Internationally Distributed Editorial Cartoons

2010-03-21T11:02:00.001-05:00

I urge you to read The Sovereign, a newspaper that skewers all the stinkin' politicos in the beltway!

http://sovereignnewspaper.com/

More Internationally Distributed Editorial Cartoons

2010-02-26T20:42:00.003-05:00

My second batch-o-toons for the Sovereign. I am NOT pleased to be honest. The third and fourth batches came out better and will be posted as soon as I get the okay from my editor.

I AM NOW AN INTERNATIONALLY DISTRIBUTED EDITORIAL CARTOONIST!

2010-02-20T07:49:00.005-05:00

My first two 'toons for The Sovereign, a great newspaper you should read.

www.thesovnews.com

REFUSE AND RESIST!

Old Web-Comic, SHRUB

2010-01-26T19:03:00.011-05:00

This is Part 1 of an earlier strip from the long-gone Geocities site, a WACKY POKE at those silly folks in Washington.
I will be adding more to my blog soon.

SKETCHBOOK DIARIES

2010-01-05T20:01:00.010-05:00

Apologies to James kochalka...

More soon, FREAKS!

What Was I Thinking?, continued...

2009-12-23T20:14:00.010-05:00

I will admit if I could have just drawn (and scripted if not actually wrote) this strip without having being used as some kinda patsy for someone else's faith(?) I would have kept doing it, provided I got paid a fair rate and held half the copyright. Actually, now that I think about it, I DO own half of the copyright, I just got put-off by not being allowed the American right of freedom of religion. We should have the right to freedom FROM religion, shouldn't we? For the record, I drank 2 glasses of wine while posting this and do not feel any dumber than normal.

What was I Thinking? version 716B

2009-12-23T19:04:00.010-05:00

Years ago I was approached by I guy who I thought was a harmless eccentric, and asked to develop a web-comic for his church. I needed the dough so I said yes. Little did I realize he was trying to convert / indoctrinate / whatever me into his fold. The strip was called "Messenger Man". I think I did a good job on the art, and I really wrote the whole thing under his "guidance"

THE 24-HOUR COMIC

2009-11-14T15:11:00.005-05:00

Here is a preview of my contribution to National 24 Hour Comic Day...

More Melvin in the Media

2009-11-14T13:59:00.003-05:00

I forgot about these guys and thank them for the exposure, give their sites/ blogs a look. it's good stuff!

http://pickle-press.livejournal.com/88640.html

http://www.speakeasy.org/~mohundro/music/sahagian_mark06.html

http://www.celshader.com/images/bboards/comics/SPX06jams/

Okay, I Forgot One...

2009-08-12T17:22:00.002-05:00

The Kirby influence is obvious...

Kirby is still King!

Sketch-o-Rama!

2009-08-01T10:04:00.018-05:00

Here's a bunch of stuff from 2-3 years ago...

I must have been in a REAL good mood that day.

This is stuff from an un-used mini-comic called "Right Wing Coke-Heads and Left Wing Bigots"

These are studies for a BIG project that will eventually come out under the name "Conspiracy Caper" which is actually a title of an old underground comic so I will have t o change it.

More of the same...Even more of the same...

This guy will be one of the main characters, and Melvin will be there too.

Misc. doodles

These are layouts of a commission that will be posted once it's finished.

this final version will be displayed at Rallo's Pizza in Royal Oak, MI. Just a funny face.

Studies of characters for my Lightwave 3D Demo-reel, I have since scrapped them, at least temporarily.

More of the same...

From my online strip "Alien Talk-Show Hosts Walk Among Us",

@ Thomasvideo.com, the website is currently under re-construction.

Rejected cover studies for a digest sized mini-comic

called "I'm Angry!"

Anatomy of a F#cked-up Commission, Part Whatever!

2009-07-28T14:19:00.003-05:00

Well, after 18 months or some s#it, this idiot still has been promising me this and that and delivering no cash. He even said "we'll go out for drinks!". Right, like I'm gonna drink with this pig-licker! What are we gonna talk about? The asshole that is screwing me on my Johnny Cash commission? Holy Crap, but like I said, it's my own fault, I DID NOT GET A 50% DOWN PAYMENT! I even gave him two ultimatums, since I am such a bleeding heart, to no avail.
SO LONG SCUMBAG! When I finish the painting I will post a nice photo of it, maybe I can get a few bucks for it. Plus, I will (VERY slowly) pay this jerk half his money back, then I will burn his house down.

Anatomy of a GOOD Commission

2009-07-28T14:08:00.004-05:00

Here is the small rough of an oil painting in progress, God I'm fat! (I'm working on it...)

The final is 24 x 36". Oil painting is the hardest thing in the world, next to finding a good comic book.

Believe it or not, someone put me on the cover of their magazine!

2009-07-13T14:07:00.003-05:00

Melvin Meets the Press, the tired 3rd part of the trilogy

The Outstanding online art-mag, RKYV has done an article on The Hack Himself, probably out of pity. My sincerest thanks to Randy and all his cohorts. Gotta love our neighbors to the north!
Thanks for ever guys!

http://issuu.com/randypare/docs/rkyv___25_done

New Sketchbook Comic, One F#CKED-UP WEEKEND

2009-07-13T13:39:00.008-05:00

Right outta my sketckbook, warts and all...

Melvin Meets the Press 2

2009-07-08T13:56:00.002-05:00

A GOOD review of my mini-comix controversial classic "Anti-Christ Comix" .
Just scroll down a bit...

http://www.comicrelated.com/display.php?item=1252&story=S.P.A.C.E.%20Walkin

Melvin Meets the Press

2009-07-08T13:54:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am FINALLY getting a bit o' media attention. Here is an interview with the Hack
at the Small Press and Alternative COmics Expo in Coulumbus OH, april of '09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9gbgpsF4FU

Introducing...MELVIN and the MEL-TONES!

2009-07-02T10:38:00.006-05:00

In February of 2009, recording history was made as I got my sorry middle-aged butt into the recording studio to "lay down some tracks"! Well, one, anyhoo. "No Woman, No Car, No Money" was written and "produced" by me, and engineered by Rick Beard in his studio. Photos by Scott Mitchell, who played an Awesome ukulele! I AM STILL TRYING TO UPLOAD THE MP3, HELP!

My brother Ted on piano...

Rick on drums

Me on guitar...

Still me on guitar...

Still more me on guitar..

Jim Gorski on bass fiddle...

ACEO Cards For Sale

2009-05-28T14:10:00.005-05:00

Greetings fellow freaks, here are 3 little beauties for sale at $3 a piece post paid. Go ahead and google "ACEO Cards" for info. These are 2-1/2 x 3-1/2", done in ink markers and Watercolor-pencils.

" Bummer Man..."

"I'm Kind of Angry"

"Wierd Vibes"

Send $ to Mark Sahagian, 4615 Mandalay, Royal Oak MI 48073

Mini-comic cover sketch

2009-02-15T14:47:00.002-05:00

Cover sketch for one of the upcoming mini-comix featuring Dirk!

Character Doodle

2009-02-15T14:43:00.006-05:00

Initial scribbles of a new character soon to be featured in several mini-comix, meet Dirk...

He has a lot of work to go before he's done, like a body for starters!

Fast-Food Funnies skectch

2009-02-15T14:36:00.004-05:00

Possible layout for possible double splash page

Promotional Cover

2009-02-15T14:34:00.002-05:00

I tried to get work as a sign-artist recently... it brought in a couple of small freelance jobs.

Obsene Sketchbook "doodle"

2009-02-15T14:24:00.004-05:00

Presenting a layout for an upcomig Holiday comic, feel the love!

Mini-Comix-o-Rama!!!

2009-02-15T13:15:00.006-05:00

Here are excerpts of a BUNCH of new work, see you at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE) in April! More soon soon soon!

Piss on the President is my 1st musical! I think it emotes true feelings in Americans.

This is an abandoned satire on the Dream Cruise, held every summer in Metro-Detroit.

Oh, those wacky, wacky, WACKY, teens!

Shmuck Comix' 2nd musical!

My 1st observation based on my years working in an in-house advertising department.

Work-in-progress; Fun With the I.R.S.

Yet another seach for spiritual salvation...
FAST-FOOD FUNNIES! These mini-comics are a series of glimpses into what will be a 96-page story, holy crap!

All of these comix are available for 1 dollar, post-paid from Mark Sahagian, 4615 Mandalay, Royal Oak, MI 48073

Anatomy of a F#cked-Up Commission! Part 3

2008-10-18T10:37:00.005-05:00

After not hearing a word out of "Johnny Cash Asshole" for weeks/months etc... he came thru the drive-thru I work at (ugh) thinking I was gone for the day. But since I worked an hour late that day, he pulled the ol' "I will get you some money on Monday" routine, shades of Wimpy from Popeye.

Only not at all entertaining or funny.

I have been informed by my co-workers he stops by regularly AFTER my shift ends and get his Fast-Food Fix. It has been almost a year since this sorry-ass motherfucker has started this. In all honesty, it did take me about a month to really get into the painting, not having done any serious work on canvas in 10 years. BUT, I have had this painting 90% done since late APRIL. For the sake of compromise, let's say mid-May. He has paid me a total of $300 bucks out of the $500 agreed to. Obviously, I will not even touch the darn thing 'til he pays in full. But since I am finally finishing my long overdue Lightwave 3D Computer Animation Education and working on Fast-Food Funnies (a self-published 4-part comic book mini-series), as well as keeping a roof over my head and food on my table. I am happily over-worked on stuff that will bring me money, a career with meaning and chix chix chix!

Coming next week join me as I present in it's self-confessional glory, FACING THE DEMON!
YOU will watch as I, once and for all, conquer the mental block of 3 years and see if I can't get me a fuckin' life!

Shmuck You!
M.S.

Fast-Food Funnies! - Character Doodle, a comic in the making

2008-08-27T18:05:00.005-05:00

Here is a doodle I did today at the drive-thru I am forced to work at 'til I get an udder art-job or get my 3D work to the point where I can find work doin' that. I do a lot of note taking and scribbling at the "Burger Girl" (where FFF takes place) documenting the weirdness that passes before my eyes on a daily basis. This was done on regular copy paper which I did not sneak out of the office PC, honest.
Phil is the Fry-cook, and this scribble is way better than all the sketches I have done of him so far. Original size 4.25x5.5".

Shmuck Mini-Comix #2, Bus-Stop Blues

2008-08-27T16:46:00.007-05:00

The second disasterpiece, I mean MASTERpiece, tee-hee! I began to do stories based on my stinkin' life. Lot's more done and in progress. This is all building to the launch of my self-publishing company, Shmuck Comix and Animation, and it's 1st mini-series, Fast Food Funnies!

Shmuck Mini-Comix #1, F#ck Your Stupid God!

2008-08-27T16:13:00.008-05:00

My CONTROVERSIAL mini-comix debut (I did some in the early 90s too). Shmuck Comix is a-coming for you! More and more mini-comix are and will be posted ASAP. Believe it or not, this stuff is SELLING!

Sierra Office and Girls

2008-08-27T16:05:00.004-05:00

Some character and set sketches I did a couple of years ago. this was supposed to be some kinda video game. I never was clear on what they wanted and the company and game are long gone so who cares!

Anatomy of a F#cked-up Commission! Part 2

2008-08-06T13:40:00.005-05:00

Well well well...
The jerk who commissioned me to do the Johnny Cash painting briefly emerged from the universe of Butt-Heads to toss me a tiny bone! He DID NOT MENTION the fiasco of a couple of Sunday's ago and asked if the painting was 90% done like I said (see the original posting for proof of this) then said in a rather demeaning tone of voice, "finish it this week". I told him I would get to it ASAP. Since I was at work I could not say "Hey asshole, yer lucky I don't burn it!" I went to finish it a few times over the last 3 months (that's how long it's been almost done) but when I did, I just got pissed off and moved on to something that, I don't know, made me feel GOOD. But a deal is a deal and this weekend I will get into it again. Luckily I got a cartoon commission from a person who is not a complete disrespecting ass and I will finish the pencil art tonight, then, pending approval I will ink and color it by Friday when I will be paid on time from someone with a bit of respect for The Hack Cartoonist. With their permission, I will post the job from scribble to finished art real quick-like.

This is all my own damn fault for not sticking to the 50% down rule, but I have finally learned my lesson for ever on this. I also have more mini-comix, old and new, to offend and amuse you, all 12 people who have read this.
Later fellow freaks,
M.S.
p.s.
the real crappy thing is
I LOVE JOHNNY CASH!

Private Commision, FREAK BROTHERS!

2008-07-26T09:59:00.004-05:00

This is for a close friend of mine, hi Fred! All went perfect with this one. It is an interpretation of the beginning of the Freak Bros. Mexican Odyssey. It took a LONG time to get the drawing right. Finally I realized I had to channel Gilbert Shelton and the late, great Dave Sheridan and leave my sorry ass out of it. After that it was a lot of hard work and a joy to do. Thanks Fred!
This is 9x12", ink on bristol board, photocopied to 8-1/2x11 so it would fit on my crappy old scanner. GIVE ME MONEY!

Anatomy of a F#cked-up Commission!

2008-07-26T09:47:00.007-05:00

This is a private commission that has gone into limbo. the well-meaning JERK who started this mess has stopped paying me and I have no idea if or when he will ever do so. Recently he promised me a large payment but on the day he cut it back by 25%. Having payed only a bit more than half of the total price but I needed the $$$ bad so I said okay. Then he says he wants to pick up the painting immediately! We agreed many months ago that he would not get it 'til it was paid in full. Plus it's not quite done. he freaked out on the phone, made some half-assed excuse about calling his mom or some crap and hung up. I have not heard from him since.

The lesson? NEVER START A JOB UNLESS YOU GET HALF THE MONEY IN ADVANCE!!! IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT! This is acrylic on canvas, 30x40".

Sketchbook Stuff

2007-02-22T21:10:00.001-05:00

Prop and costume designs from the late 90's

2007-02-21T20:42:00.002-05:00

Sketch for film illustration you can see below

2007-02-20T21:26:00.001-05:00

Doodles from a freelance job I didn't get. but the company went under, so who cares.

2007-02-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

Drought

2007-02-20T21:15:00.001-05:00

Sand Castle

2007-02-19T20:59:00.001-05:00

A face to love...

2007-02-10T18:33:00.001-05:00

Zombie Sketches

2007-02-10T17:31:00.001-05:00

A couple of illo's for a filmed version of "The Tell-Tale Heart"

2007-02-08T21:22:00.001-05:00

Dubya Shrub! He's The Prezdn't!

2007-01-20T06:50:00.001-05:00