Mar 28, 2024

Anarchism, Athenians and A.I.

Panels from V for Vendetta. Art by David Lloyd.
In 2016 well-known British writer and journalist Dominic Wells interviewed Alan Moore.
Wells wrote: I recently spent six hours with Alan Moore. I wrote this feature about it. But the total interview transcript ran to 30,000 words. So, on my blog, in daily instalments, I’m going to be posting the edited highlights – as far as possible, all in Moore’s own words.
You can read them all at the following links.


Selected excerpts below.
Alan Moore: [...] I’m an anarchist. I don’t believe in democracy, and I think that this [Moore is referring to Brexit] shows the massive flaws. If you’re going to have democracy in an ill-informed, massive population you’re always going to get shit like this. That is my opinion.
“And, I’ve often said, you cannot have democracy and Rupert Murdoch on the same planet. It’s like, how’s that going to work? The only way that democracy would work is if we were to adopt the Athenian direct democracy system.
“Now, I’m not championing the Athenians: they kept slaves, they weren’t perfect. But if they had got an issue that affected the whole country, they would appoint by lottery a jury, of say 50 people, from all walks of life, probably actually except the slaves, but the principle is: you’ve got a decision of national importance to be made, you have 50 people, then you have two people giving the pros and the cons, like in a court. Two experts explaining thoroughly the reasons for and against. Then you let them vote, then immediately you dissolve the jury; they dissolve back into the normal population.
“So straight away you remove the possibility of an administration voting for extra perks, pay rises, because they are not going to be the administration, it’s in their interests to vote for what is best for the broad mass of the population which they will be returning into. That would work.
“People have said, ‘oh well, direct democracy is just endless referendums’. No. You don’t need to ask everybody in the country, as long as you’ve got a representative section. That would work, and that would be a form of democracy that anarchists could vote for, because it would not be about appointing leaders. So, that is what I would favour. [...]
 
[...] there is a traffic system in Hong Kong at the moment. It’s called a ‘niche A.I.’ This is not a full artificial intelligence, in that it is not aware, it’s not going to take over the world and send Arnie back in time. There aren’t self-aware machines, perhaps there never will be.
“What it is, is a very smart computer which knows everything about its particular niche – its niche being the Hong Kong traffic system. It knows where the work gangs are, it knows where there’s flaws being reported and it knows the quickest way to sort out these flaws with the least energy and man-hours. The Hong Kong traffic system works much better than it ever has done, and that is, I would imagine, quite a complicated system. So, niche A.I.s – why not? To work out all these things which don’t need votes or opinions.
“Leaders are never going to legislate for their own obsolescence. But unless we’re going to have a Weimar revolution, and we replace one power structure with another that will be as bad or worse, which never works… unless we do that, then we have to find a way around these people. I would argue that with technology being as it is at the moment, we have the means to do that. We can go round them. We can set up structures of our own.
“Let’s go back to those small communities. Let’s connect up those small communities, because we can do these days], and we perhaps have them all manage to buy a niche A.I, something like that. [...]

Mar 27, 2024

Alan Moore Portraits: Italian review

Fumo di China n.339, the March issue of Italian magazine devoted to comic art and pop culture, includes a nice, positive review of Alan Moore: Portraits written by comics journalist and expert David Padovani. Grazie mille, David! And special thanks to FdC's head editor Loris Cantarelli!
If you can read Italian you can enjoy the complete review above (click to enlarge the picture). Below, a translated excerpt.  

[...] the essays by the various authors involved offer the reader a well-rounded portrait of the Magus [...] focusing both on the analysis of some of his works and lesser-known aspects of his personality (for example, his deep bond with the world of fanzines), delving into the literary style, sources and models of inspiration.
The unaltered prominent role of the British author in the world of comics - a constant polestar even today - can also be seen by the variety of critics, journalists and writers assembled by smoky man for the volume. International acclaimed contributors, such as Paul Gravett and Ian Sinclair, are joined by established Italian critics such as Andrea Tosti and Adriano Ercolani, but also new voices like comic book writer and scholar Francesco Pelosi.
Regarding the visual homages, we find the same heterogeneity with Internationally renowned artists (like Danijel Zezelj, Gene Ha, Zander Cannon and Miguel Angel Martin) and Italian ones (like Sergio Ponchione, Werther Dell'Edera, Lorenzo Palloni and Giuseppe Palumbo). All the portraits share the same high quality.
[...] --- David Padovani

Mar 21, 2024

Power Moore by John Bishop

Art by John Bishop
Above, a powerful portrait of our beloved Man from Northampton by British illustrator and storyboard artist John Bishop.
 
For more info about the artist, visit his official site HERE.

Mar 19, 2024

Damn them all!

Below, some panels from Damn them all n.3, a great series written by Simon "Si" Spurrier with art by Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead) and colors by Sofie Dodgson, published by Boom!
 
The series includes mobs, occultists and... demons. One of them looks a bit familiar and says things that sound familiar too, imho.
It's a real fun reading experience. Highly recommended!

Mar 18, 2024

Alan Moore Portraits - Visual Part 2

Art by Sergio Ponchione
Below, the list of the portraits contained in Alan Moore: Portraits of an Extraordinary Gentleman, Part 2, ordered as they appear in the book.

 
Special thanks to all the artists involved! Grazie mille!!!
 
Note: the links below could present the art in a different version respect to the printed book
Click to view them all!!!

[15] Portrait by Rachele Aragno

[16] Portrait by Giuseppe Palumbo

[17] Portrait by Paolo Massagli

[18] Portrait by Danijel Žeželj

[19] Portrait by Miguel Angel Martin

[20] Portrait by Eduardo Risso

[21] Portrait by Massimo Giacon

[22] Portrait by Sergio Ponchione

[23] Portrait by Hilary Barta

[24] Portrait by Hunt Emerson

[25] Portrait by Lorenzo Mò

[26] Portrait by Dan McDaid

[27] Portrait by Jeffrey Lewis

[28] Portrait by Spugna
 

Mar 8, 2024

Paranormal Moore by Jonathan Edwards

Art by Jonathan Edwards
Above, Alan Moore portrait by British artist Jonathan Edwards, originally published in 2009 on Paranormal Magazine. Below, 4 supplementary illustrations. 
Posted on Edwards' blog, here, back in the day. 
I confess... I looove them all!
 
For more info about Edwards, visit his site HERE
Art by Jonathan Edwards

Mar 4, 2024

Alan Moore Portraits - Visual Part 1

Art by Andrea Casciu (wip)
Below, the list of the portraits contained in Alan Moore: Portraits of an Extraordinary Gentleman, Part 1, ordered as they appear in the book. 
 
Special thanks to all the artists involved! Grazie mille!!!
 
Note: the links below could present the art in a different version respect to the printed book
Click to view them all!!!

[1] Portrait by Nicola Testoni
 
[2] Portrait by John Coulthart
 
[3] Portrait by Leomacs
 
[4] Portrait by David Hitchcock
 
[5] Portrait by Laurent Lefeuvre
 
[6] Portrait by Jesse Lonergan

[7] Portrait by Giacomo Putzu

[8] Portrait by Francesco Corli

[9] Portrait by David Roach

[10] Portrait by Daniele Serra

[11] Portrait by Angelo Secci

[12] Portrait by Thomas Campi

[13] Portrait by Carlos Dearmas

[14] Portrait by Andrea Casciu

Art by Andrea Casciu (preliminary b/w version)

Feb 26, 2024

Swamp Thing by Officina Infernale

Art by Officina Infernale

Above, a great Swamp Thing illustration, combining monstrosity and tenderness, by Italian über-artist Officina Infernale.
It seems that the illo would be included in an upcoming Moore-related book.
Preliminary art by Officina Infernale

Feb 23, 2024

Moore donates original art for Garibaldi LIVE

Art by Alan Moore
Alan Moore donated original signed artwork in support of The Garibaldi LIVE, a music project based in his hometown Northampton. All details HERE (and below).
Alan Moore has dedicated his life to his art. Had he not achieved the status of the most influential writer in his field, the admiration of millions of fans, including many household names, and not had his work adapted into major budget movies, I have no doubt that he would still have done exactly the same thing: he has the attributes of most great artists: he is dedicated, lives simply, shuns the hype and bullshit of those who simply exploit art for commercial gain, public adulation, or to cynically latch on to the current zeitgeist. He is also generous and supportive of other artists, across genres. I owe him much, and am glad to call him ‘friend’.

Northampton, the town (or ‘Teyn’) of Alan’s and my birth, which is both loved and hated, by many of its inhabitants, is sadly near or at the bottom of the nationwide pile for ‘artistic engagement’; it has been known as ‘the Glasgow of the Midlands’, being, as that city once was, a place of disrespect and indifference to artists, and a fearful, potentially deflating prospect for any performer.

In Northampton, we have a wealth of phenomenal performers, sharing Alan’s attributes, and especially astonishing musicians across ‘roots’ genres who are marginalised.

Over four years and thousands of voluntary hours, in a truly unique partnership with the town’s Garibaldi Hotel, our project ‘The Garibaldi LIVE’ has nurtured our outstanding musicians, brought some of the most acclaimed performers, nationally and globally, to the venue for them to collaborate with , and ‘The Gari’ has also gained a superb reputation across the country as a ‘must play’ gig. It has taken this long for the initiative to gain traction and it has now reached an exciting and critical stage. Performances are non-ticketed to ensure access for all and we rely on a non obligatory collection for those that can afford to give. We have been informed that we are eligible for funding, which, if we are successful in our bid, will not come to fruition for many months. We need support now. For this reason, we are grateful to Alan for his donation of a rare, original, and characteristically thoughtful signed artwork, ‘Bless’, to auction for much needed funds - rare, particularly, as Alan always maintains that he’s a writer, not an artist.

This is an opportunity to own a unique original artwork and to also make a great investment in great artists, not to mention this outstanding, people powered project.

Our deep gratitude to you for reading this far to understand the basis of Alan’s support for ‘The Garibaldi LIVE’ and our town’s need for it. We hope you will make a bid or, at the least spread the word.

Health, happiness, and thank you.
Andy Shaw.
The auction will end in 67 days and... current highest bid is... (just) £1,000! So...
 
 
From the official Facebook page for Alan Moore: “The Garibaldi LIVE is doing a wonderful and necessary job in keeping our rich regional music scene alive and definitely kicking. And if my elderly doodle can help in any way, then I should be a happy man indeed. Support your local sounds or lose them to the creeping silence.” – Alan Moore

Feb 20, 2024

The Autumn is Magic!

Cover art by John Coulthart
It's about time! Finally this Autumn (October 15th, to be precise!) we will learn all the secrets of Magic thanks to Messrs. Steve and Alan Moore & friends (and publishers Top Shelf & Knockabout). 
 
From the Top Shelf site:
The most acclaimed writer in comics history, Alan Moore, joins his late mentor Steve Moore (no relation) for one last graphic grimoire: a sprawling and stunning introduction to magic in all its timeless forms, brought to life by five wondrous and whimsical artists.

Splendid news for enquiring minds, and guaranteed salvation for humanity! Messrs. Steve and Alan Moore, current proprietors of the celebrated Moon & Serpent Grand Egyptian Theatre of Marvels (sorcery by appointment since circa 150 AD) are presently engaged in producing a clear and practical grimoire of the occult sciences that offers endless necromantic fun for all the family. Exquisitely illuminated by a host of adepts including Kevin O’Neill, John Coulthart, Steve Parkhouse, Rick Veitch and Ben Wickey, this marvellous and unprecedented tome promises to provide all that the reader could conceivably need in order to commence a fulfilling new career as a diabolist.

Its contents include profusely illustrated instructional essays upon this ancient sect’s theories of magic, notably the key dissertation “Adventures in Thinking,” which gives reliable advice as to how entry into the world of magic may be readily achieved. Further to this, a number of “Rainy Day” activity pages present lively and entertaining things-to-do once the magical state has been attained, including such popular pastimes as divination, etheric travel and the conjuring of a colourful multitude of sprits, deities, dead people and infernal entities from the pit, all of whom are sure to become your new best friends.

Also contained within this extravagant compendium of thaumaturgic lore is a history of magic from the last ice age to the present day, told in a series of easy-to-absorb pictorial biographies of fifty great enchanters and complemented by a variety of picture stories depicting events ranging from the Palaeolithic origins of art, magic, language and consciousness to the rib-tickling comedy exploits of Moon & Serpent founder Alexander the False Prophet (“He’s fun, he’s fake, he’s got a talking snake!”).
Art by Kevin O'Neill
In addition to these manifold delights, the adventurous reader will also discover a series of helpful travel guides to mind-wrenching alien dimensions that are within comfortable walking distance, as well as profiles of the many quaint local inhabitants that one might bump into at these exotic resorts. A full range of entertainments will be provided, encompassing such diverse novelties and pursuits as a lavishly decorated decadent pulp tale of occult adventure recounted in the serial form. Completing this almost-unimaginable treasure trove is a lengthy thesis revealing the ultimate meaning of both the Moon and the Serpent in a manner that makes transparent the much-obscured secret of magic, happiness, sex, creativity and the known Universe, while at the same time explaining why these lunar and ophidian symbols feature so prominently in the order’s peculiar name. (Manufacturer’s disclaimer: this edition does not, however, reveal why the titular cabal of magicians consider themselves to be either grand or Egyptian. Let the buyer beware.)
Art by Rick Veitch
A colossal and audacious publishing triumph
of three hundred and fifty-two pages, beautifully produced in the finest tradition of educational literature for young people, The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic will transform your lives, your reality, and any spare lead that you happen to have lying around into the purest and most radiant gold. -- a 9" x 12" hardcover

Book design by John Coulthart. Co-published by Top Shelf Productions & Knockabout LTD (UK).

[...] A couple of things are worth noting now that the book is about to enter the world. The first is that the contents are a little different to the press release from 2007 which announced a book of 320 pages, with 78 of those pages being brand new Tarot card designs. The authors subsequently realised that creating an entirely new Tarot deck is a huge task in itself, especially if, as was the intention, you wanted it to be as wide-ranging and authoritative as the Crowley/Harris Thoth deck. [...]
Art by Ben Wickey
The other thing to note is that this book is as much Steve Moore’s as Alan Moore’s, something which I’m sure Alan will want to emphasise but which news reports and reviews are inevitably going to overlook. [...]

The Bumper Book may superficially resemble a children’s annual but this isn’t a book for children. The essays include discussion of the use of drugs and sex in magic, and there’s a lot of nudity (also a fair amount of sex) in the illustrations. The book is a serious study, but not, I hope, a boring one. [...]

I could say more about the contents but I’m not going to spoil things. I’ve been immensely grateful to Alan, Tony and Chris at Top Shelf for not pressuring me to get this one finished. I’m often complaining that publishers don’t give you enough time to work on things but that wasn’t the case with this book. I just wish Steve Moore was still here to see it (and Kevin O’Neill, an artist whose work I always admired but I never got to meet). October this year is going to be lunar and serpentine. We’ll see you in the Theatre of Marvels.
Read the complete post HERE.
Art by John Coulthart

Feb 19, 2024

Extraordinary Moore by Gary Spencer Millidge

Art by Gary Spencer Millidge
Above, the extraordinary portrait of Moore that Gary Spencer Millidge created for the cover of our Alan Moore: Portraits book.
Gary was so extraordinarily generous to give me the original art which is a tangible example of his unique style, mixing a photorealistic approach with digital and traditional techniques.

Thank you Gary for such a great gift. Grazie mille, amico!
Below more details and close-ups of the art.

Gary Spencer Millidge is a writer and illustrator from Essex, England. In 2003 he co-edited and published Alan Moore: Portrait of an Extraordinary Gentleman, contributing also with a 12-page comic biography. He is the creator of the critically acclaimed, award-winning comic book series Strangehaven, and the writer of Comic Book Design and Alan Moore: Storyteller for Ilex Press. He has written two all-ages how-to books, Draw Fantasy Figures and Draw Dragons, both with James McKay.
In 2021 Strangehaven has been optioned for film and television by IDW Entertainment. 
Official site: www.millidge.com