For today's Sharing Day, I would like to ask you to sound off about three things:
- Your overall opinion about the blog portion of the site -- are there things you enjoy, things you hate, things you want to see done differently? Basically anything you want to say about the non-app part of what we do here.
- Your opinion about comic-book reviews McKnight57 has been posting. Are you interested in what's currently being published in the comics world or are you indifferent?
- What is your favorite Seinfeld moment?
If you respond to all three, you can request a One Minute Sketch of whatever you like, and I'll do a sketch in one minute or less of it and post it as a comment.
Ready, set, SOUND OFF!
1. I’m a big fan of this blog. Hero Machine seems to be one of the only blogs I follow that is continuously involving it’s readers and evolving what it wants to be. The Challenges are probably my favorite part, because we get to see what the community is capable of, but the rest of the blog is a very close second.
2. I’m really digging the reviews. I had to get out of regular comic reading a while back, and it’s nice to be kept relatively abreast of what’s going on from someone who’s opinion I respect. As far as being interested in what’s going on in the industry…I’d have to start reading regularly again to know for sure.
3. Favorite Seinfeld moment? Any time George and his father interact. I’m especially a big fan of the Festivus tradition.
As far as a minute sketch? How’s about an orangutan with a monocle? That should satisfy everybody’s silly quota for the day.
1. I can’t say I have any complaints about the blog portion of the site. Of course there are bits and pieces that used to be posted that seem to have fallen by the way-side that it would be nice to see brought back, but I understand that you may not have time to do them and in some cases they may not get the response to justify their existence, which is sad but thats life.
2. I really like the reviews. It gives me a couple of months advanced notice of what comics it’s worth investigating (I live in the UK, so we get comics much later than you guys, we haven’t even had the Marvel ‘Fear Itself’ story yet). So definitely a keeper.
3. And this is where it all falls down. I haven’t ever seen Seinfeld, I’m not aware that we get it in the UK and if we do it’s not on any channel that I have ever seen. So I guess I can’t ask for the sketch as I haven’t technically completed all the questions. Damn.
Nonsense! You answered and explained yourself, that qualifies. Ask away, my friend!
Also, if there are specific features that have fallen by the wayside that you want brought back, by all means spell them out.
1. I am a regular lurker here and I enjoy the level of participation by the readers. While I don’t participate in challenges, I do like to see what people can think up. In that department, I like how you’ve been sharing the creations lately– with thumbs of the pictures. My favorite features are the DRP, the caption contests, and the Bad (Good) costumes. While I mostly lurk, I feel a little more connected to people with similar interests.
2. I have not collected or even read comics & graphic novels in years. My brother & I collected some X-Men variants for a little while. I do appreciate being able to catch up a little on what’s happening. Having said that, I must confess that I don’t read every review.
3. As for favorite Seinfeld– I agree with Just Joe– any time Jerry Stiller is on the screen is a win.
A minute sketch? Oooh… Hmm… Umm… I don’t know what you can do with a minute… Can you do a clockwork spider?
1) In general I believe the blog portion of the website is very good and working just fine. I couple things I would change were I the one making the decisions. Firstly I would post the Hero Of The Month Poll from the Forums Here on the Blog section as well as Announcing the winners of that poll here, though nominating would remain strictly within the forums. Secondly I would make a try at bringing back the Power User Profile, and open up nominations once again. Now this is personal taste here, and not something I would actually take off the blog given the choice but I don’t much care for the caption contests and would prefer more character creation contests instead but I understand that it is a popular feature here and should remain.
2) To be honest I personally very very rarely read the comic book reviews I think I have read maybe 2 or 3 of them in total since they have begun. I know some of the other enjoy them but I usually scroll right past them without a second look.
3) Don’t have one, was never a fan of the show so did not watch it. Now if you asked for a favorite Fraiser moment I could have given you one!
I do not have a minute sketch idea in mind so I will forgo asking for one.
Hi there Jeff!
1. I visit your blog at least once per day and always enjoy reading your posts. Being an RPG-fan I miss the Lone Wolf-section, but I’ll manage.
2. I don’t really read that many comics, but I find the reviews to be quite entertaining and informative. Took me a while before I figured out that it wasn’t Jeff posting them though.
3. Favorite Seinfeld moment? Gee… that’s hard since I haven’t watched the show for years. But the soup nazis were pretty funny.
Random sketch eh? How about a shark with a death ray?
Cool. Hows about, hmm, dunno, an octopus drumming, to keep with the animal theme.
As for the features, well I’ve said it before, I miss the power user profiles. I am aware that some people don’t reply to them or don’t want to be included (don’t understand why, I’d jump at the chance). Also I started entering contests just after the last Friday Night Fights, and I’d love to see another one of the them. But I acknowledge that this one may be unfeasible. But one that surely is feasible and we don’t see much of is the OnemataPOWia. I can’t remember the last time we had one, ’cause there used to be one every week, like the bad superhero costumes.
I’m sure that others would like to see other things brought back and I don’t claim to speak for everyone, I’m just saying what I liked.
Probably not what you had in mind 😉
I love a visual pun!
The Friday Night Fights if that is the format Jeff is going to stick with ( The BIG Contest can vary but it has been FNF format for 3 or 4 times now ) happens only Twice a year as it is a big commitment on time to draw all the prizes awarded from that contest!
1) Blog is running fine 🙂 I realize I haven’t been participating much, but that’s more of a time issue for me. I still pop in and check out whats going on here in the world of Heromachine. So I’m not sure what I’d like to see more of…Contests, polls, and Fridays ‘open mic’ for reviews are all cool.
2)I don’t read comics anymore, but I do sorta keep an eye on whats going on. It seems like most of the comic reviews are DC, so I just sort of skim them, so I have an idea of whats going on out there. Like to see more Marvel stuff.
3) Closing credits on the last episode? Sorry, never a fan of the show. But I guess; Kramer slaps his money on the counter “I’m out’ would qualify as a favorite scene.
One minute sketch: A ninja Monkey!
I don’t commet much, but I really enjoy the site.
1. Some of my favorite things are the polls and good bad costume. I’ve really enjoyed the good costume days. I’ve also really liked the CYOA stories, even the most recent one. I would have contributed, but I’m no writer.
2. I’ve really enjoyed McKnight’s reviews. I just started to get into comic books and I’ve taken a good amount of his recommendations, there usually spot on.
3. Favorite Seinfeld moment, hmmm… I hope I’m remembering this right ( its been awhile) but the episode were Kramer’s cable box starts getting HBO and he spends his time messing with the cable guy. As a long time cable customer I found it hilarious.
As for a sketch I’m enjoying the animal theme, how about a superhero pig?
1. I’m fine with the blog, especially with entries like this one that allows us to get to know each other and see a little bit of the personality of our grid friends. I love the costume bits bad and good.
2. I enjoy the reviews and they make me want to get back into collecting. They often send me on an internet hunt looking up more information.
3. Big fan of the show. Just one of my many favorite moments is when a foreign priest mistakes Elaine as the Madonna.
How about a serial killer munchkin?
I’ve just thought of something else that needs, not to be brought back, but to be brought in; dblades new items that he’s been putting up on the forums.
1. Really enjoy the blog, and visit it daily. Personally wish the character design challenges were weekly rather than bi-weekly, but I realize that creates a lot of extra work. I agree that the Hero of the Month winner could be featured on the main page.
2. I read the reviews when they feature a character that interests me. I buy, and have always bought, comic books exclusively for the artwork, and own many editions that I have never actually read, so when I read a review that features information on the artwork, I am more likely to pick up a copy.
3. One word: Mulva
Sketch request: I minute charicature of my PUP photo.
1. I enjoy the blogs. Just have had too much on my mind lately, distracted. Would like to see more guest blogs. Definitely itching for another Friday Night Fight!
2. Haven’t read comics in years, but the reviews are helpful. If’n I buys me a Kindle, I might pick-up a few titles on digital.
3. When Seinfeld went off the air. Couldn’t stand that show.
How about a pirate kitten? She’d probably eat the parrot, though…
1) I enjoy the blog! I love the costume reviews, the panel caption contests (I’m in awe of just how many astoundingly bizarre moments you’ve managed to capture) Keep it up!
2) I like the reviews a lot actually. I love to be kept abreast of what’s going on in my two main fandoms, and you know a good nerd rant or two in the comments never hurt anybody 😀
3) The Moops. Poor boy in the bubble.
Ooh.. sketch request… uh… Badass Winnie the Pooh?
“You don’t know my name, do you?”
Thanks for the feedback, folks. I really do appreciate it and a special thanks to Jeff for posing the question. I’m gonna start doing a lot more Marvel and really try to keep it even. You’ll be seeing a lot more Marvel #1’s starting next month, though with the majority of Marvel NOW! happening then.
If you hated the show then this won’t make much sense. As it shouldn’t, INFIDEL!
The sketches are great!
And I second that “INFIDEL!”
Puffy pirate shirts, ho!!!!
Your blog’s my homepage, so yeah, obviously love it here. I dig the caption contests because I can participate in those, and the character contests to be in awe of what everyone else can do. Really, really love the tear-downs of bad costumes.
I seldom comment on the reviews (because McKnight and I have very, very different tastes, and if you can’t say something nice…), but I do read them and think they’re a nice addition.
Favorite moment of Seinfeld would be the last episode, where they’re all sent to jail for being the selfish pricks they are. 🙂
Hmm, minute sketch with the animal/career theme. How about Doctor Dog?
New 52 has been catching my attention, but i want to see more of the lesser characters in New 52. Whether its Bullock from batman (that arrogant cop), Simon Dark, or another DC/Marvel collaboration. Small mini series kick off well, and deserve full makeovers like the rest. I mean, seriously, aquaman got one1
As for the blog, id love if you could post how to use heromachine 3 with pivot programs (if possible). It would be great to give my characters articulation.
That may be the nicest thing anyone’s said to me this year! Thank you!
It doesn’t have to be an animal theme, that just sort of happened. Which is ironic, because drawing animals is not exactly my strong suit. But here you go — Doggie Bowser, MD:
ETA: Hm, the intent here was that the way a dog would examine a patient would probably be to sniff their butt instead of with a stethoscope. But it came out way grosser than that. Take it as it was intended, people!
I don’t know what a pivot program is.
1. I’ve been a fan of the blog for a while now, and have been using some of your ___vs___ posts to start some debates amongst my friends. I can’t think of anything to add or take away right now that hasn’t been said.
2. I’ve only read big events in the DC universe involving the Green Lanterns and such, so I don’t really get much out of the reviews. I think it might be better to simply showcase which comic is being reviewed, with the actual review on another page. It will allow you to keep more posts on the front page, let those that don’t want to read the reviews pass over them, and still showcase a new comic.
3. Not really a fan of Seinfeld. I grew up on Friends (My parents love that show, and I would always pretend to play the guitar in the opening. I was about 6…), and never really became a fan, though I do agree with George on “double-dipping.”
In keeping with the season, how about a werewolf in suit (I’m listening to Werewolves of London right now on the radio)?
A warning, I’m about to get wordy.
1. Well, I do come to Heromachine at least twice a day, more when I’m working (slow moments at work are often filled with me checking updates on my phone). So, in general I do like the content here. In specific, though:
– I love the Poll Position Tuesdays, as I can get a little debate-y (although, on occasion, I’d like to see non-versus polls, although having said, the versus format is easier to come up with content each week, and a lot of the questions that would have come up otherwise can be addressed in Sharing Days like this).
– Bad costume Wednesdays are usually fun.
– Really come to enjoy Sharing Days.
– Have not, surprisingly, taken part in contests as much lately. It’s been hard to find time, although I do like seeing what others create.
– Likewise, I haven’t taken part in Open Critique Day lately, because I haven’t been creating anything for critique. Still, it’s fun to see what other users are creating.
– Would like to see more Power User Profiles, although that would require participation from our regular users to submit a profile.
2. I always read McKnight’s reviews. Maybe not the same day it gets posted, and I can’t say I’m always interested in the title he reviews, but sometimes the review itself is enough entertainment. And on occasion, he’s even got me interested in picking up a new title. Some more Marvel content might be nice, but otherwise keep on keeping on.
3. Elaine dancing is still one of the funniest things I’ve seen. Especially when you hear George describing it as “a full body dry heave set to music.”
Ummm…a sketch of a badger doing science? I’ll let you pick which field.
Also, kudos on the puffy pirate-shirt cat.
1 I can’t say I have any complaints about the blog portion of the site. The Challenges are probably my favorite part, I know that I probably won’t win (Power Users) but I still Like to push myself.
Perhaps a suggestion box for future Challenges, Pop Quizzes and Versus?
2 For the most part I am Apathetic to the comic reviews, I am not currently buying, but I am willing to listen if I like the character.
3 Being jailed for Gross Criminal Apathy, It was a show about nothing, they did nothing, and now they have nothing to do!
It was a perfect conceptual ending to the show!
Now THAT is a good idea!
Great comeback. ;9
Oh, I’m aware of shirt. I also remember the Halloween after the Special Edition DVD set came out. Everybody was wearing it to bars and parties. Ugh! (Except me, I was still going as Green Lantern).
Not trying to out do you here Jeff, but here is a pic that I entered in a HM contest a while back, http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y493/Keith_Kanin/Keith_Kkanin-WerewolfofLondon_zps94efa0d6.png . Happy Holidays everyone.
As for the site, I have to say that I really like the sense of community here. I don’t really post that much, but I do read and enjoy what others have to say.
I haven’t read many comics in my life, so I envy those of you who have the knowledge about my favorite heroes that I lack.
I got into Seinfeld late in the series so I missed a lot of the early stuff. It is hard to choose a favorite moment from the show. I have to agree with others that posted here and say Festivus, Elayne dancing, and “I’m OUT!” would have to be some of my favs.
Sketch? I got nuthin. My daughter (9) says how about a wolf doing ballet. (In a tutu she adds.)
Thats Awesome!
1. As far as the blog is concerned, I personally enjoy the two things we do on Fridays very much. That is, this and the OCD’s. Granted, I don’t always enter them, but when I do, I look forward to feedback from you and the community. I also enjoy the Daily Random Panels. There’s nothing I would really get rid of; I think you’re doing a good job with what you’ve done so far.
2. I’m not really into comic books that much; most of the comics I read are online, and I can count on one hand the amount of actual pieces of comic-book-type literature that I currently own: All four issues of “Barack the Barbarian” (I enjoy the satire, even if I’m disappointed with the presidency) and the all-in-one edition of “Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth” (and, if I recall correctly, it was your site that led me to Axe Cop in the first place. Thank you!). As such, I’m largely indifferent to the reviews.
3. I think I may have seen Seinfeld once, and while it wasn’t bad at all, I couldn’t recall the channel or time so that I could watch it again. It was the episode when one of the characters starts dating a woman named “Dawna Chang,” and is surprised at the fact that his date isn’t Chinese. So, I guess, that would be my favorite moment.
As for the sketch… I don’t suppose you remember the drawings I did of a race in the game I’m making called the Grendemoths? You know, the huge, muscular race with the ram-like horns, and every time I post a picture of them I uncomfortably mention that the “abs” are supposed to look like that (basically, the “abs” are where they nurse from, and as a one-gender race, well… *ahem*)? Anyway, here’s my latest and currently most conceptually accurate picture I drew, in case you forgot.
http://www.heromachine.com/wp-content/legacy/forum-image-uploads/jadebrain/2012/07/Grendemoth-Gauley-Finished.png
So, could you draw a Grendemoth character? Any kind, be it a fighter, rogue, wizard, cleric, gunslinger, civilian… whatever, so long as it’s a Grendemoth.
1. I’m still enjoying the blog (it’s one of the four things on the net I look at everyday). There’s a small-ish but dedicated community and that’s a nice thing to be part of. The tone is right, too; geek-y but with a sense of perspective and fun. On that note, I’d like to see a few more links to similar sites; it’s been great discovering things like Comically Vintage, and I’m sure there are more to be shared!
2. The comic reviews are a definite plus; it seems to be a time of major changes and developments in the world of the major comic brands, and it’s good to read some informed comment. Again, it’s the right tone.
3. Slap bass!
1- The blog is great. I believe I will be a lifer machiner and really enjoy being part of this community. I know I have thrown out the blog site to people in the comic book store to get more creators on board. I truly see this program exploding with popularity, but it needs to get more word of mouth. So everyone tell 3 people that you think would have an interest in creating their own characters and help grow and strengthen our community. As for topics on the blog, I am more drawn to the image creating ones and wish I had more time to participate in all. But I’m up for another FNF!
2- McKnight57’s reviews are awesome. They are easy to like because I think we share the same brain when it comes to comics.
3- Is tha a titleist? Hole in one…..
How about a whale choking on a golf ball?
Cheers!
1. This is the only blog, and the only internet community, that I follow with any regularity. The main reason for this is the openness. Here, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what career you’re in, level of education, religion, gender, any of that (or if it does, everyone else has the decency to not make it an issue). It’s about art, artists, fun, and expressing you’re inner (and outer) geekery.
2. I’ll admit I’m more of a novels person. However, it is very refreshing to see someone not only take the time to do a review but to do it well. It’s never a struggle or a pain to read McKnight57’s posts.
3. “And now for the Airing of the Grievances!”
Well, if it’s not too much to ask… I’d like a samurai riding a japanese dragon. Thank you!
Thanks for all of the kind words and the feedback in general. I do my best to make it fun. I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground in regard to both major publications. If there’s any title in the future that you’d like me to start reviewing, even “indie” stuff like Image, Top Cow or Valiant, I’ll see what I can do. If my comic shop doesn’t carry the title, I’ll let you know. I do this mostly for the fun of it, but also because I want to inform others like me. Honestly, if there’s something about a review you don’t agree with, let me know. At the very least, it’ll help me see it from a different angle. I want to do the comics justice and not seem too biased. Again, thanks for the comments.
I feel like I’m late to the party, but here goes.
– I really enjoy the blog, and visit very regularly. I mostly enter the Challenges, but I lurk most, if not all of the other posts as well. As others have said, it’s a really great sense of community around here.
– Love the comic reviews. I generally lean more Marvel than DC (except for Batman, of course), but I don’t mind keeping up on the stories from either. The reviews themselves are very good also, touching on all the major points one would want to know about a particular issue (story, art, etc.) without being massively spoilerific.
– I wasn’t the biggest Seinfeld fan, but the episode with the “Bro”, aka, the bra for men, was probably my favorite.
1. Like your blog–my biggest trouble with it is my schedule. I frequently can’t get to it in time for the one-day things.
–Oh, and I realize I have minority tastes, but I regret the death of You’re Going To Die.
I REALLY like this minute sketch thing. Haven’t seen enough of your work recently. [cheap prize resume hint.]
2. I am only interested in certain characters, but the reviews are good reading when I look.
3. “To pick, or not to pick?”
1. Absolutely love the site, though I really don’t use the program much. I enjoy the caption contests and have entire folders of stuff I’ve saved from the contests and forums. Some of these artists (and especially you, Jeff) are just unbelievable. I enjoy the polls, though I tend to stay out of some of them quite carefully. I really enjoy the random panels. About the only thing I really miss are the SODs, and I understand how much of a chore those turned into.
2. So far all the DCnU I’m reading are some of the old WildStorm elements, but I do read the reviews. If anything, I’d actually prefer a few more spoilers so I know if there’s anything I need to read there.
3. The best thing about Seinfeld was Newman. Those twips deserved him.
If you’re not in bed yet, how about a raccoon with a claw hammer. You know. For the stuff that IS nailed down.
Augh! As a minute sketch, if you’re still doing them, I’d like to see a cartoon character tearing it’s way out of the page.
1. I love the blog! Originally I had only come here to use HeroMachine 3, but discovered one of your “bad super-costumes” bits on the homepage when I was gonna close the tab. Naturally, I got into it, and laughed harder at Catwoman’s costume than I could ever imagine trying. I also really enjoy the weekly contests, especially the pop quizzes. I like being kept on my toes as a designer, and it’s fun to see what people can make in a day.
2. McKnight’s reviews are great. Clear, concise, and just the right amount of snark to make it entertaining. I love that he reviews both Marvel and DC comics (growing up I was as big a Marvel fanboy as any), and he’s always nonpartisan. But, like all of us, he’ll always go for a stab at Aquaman.
3. “ARE YOU SAYING THERE ARE NO AVAILABLE RENTAL HOMES IN DEL BOCA VISTA?!”
If you’re still sketching the 1-minute-sketches, could I have Dracula taking a Facebook-Bathroom-photo? (If you get the joke, yay!)