Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, image comics, Pencil Head, ted mckeever

From Idea To Page: Pencil Head #4 Review

Published Wed, 11 May 2016 17:00:19 -0500

It's so sad that this is a limited series, because it's seriously one of my favorite series of all time. Yes, I adore Ted McKeever's realistic look at the struggling artist/writer life in Pencil Head. This week brings us the fourth of five issues in the series. Starting things off with the tagline of:

"If you think things can't get worse…then you lack sufficient imagination."

…McKeever knows how to grab your attention. Pencil Head #4 takes us on a brisk and violent ride through the journey from idea to page, as main character Poodwaddle's career is abruptly laid out in front of us.

The facial expression illustrated below pretty much sums up the overall tone of the issue. It's not a happy one, but that's what makes Pencil Head so great. We get to experience the harsh side of the creative industry that I'm sure people hate to talk about, but it's important to recognize.

Beyond that, I just need to comment on these detailed, haunting illustrations. The one I've posted below, really connected with me for a ton of reasons. The truth of the matter is, whatever kind of creator is sometimes alone with his/her desk, pencils, and demons. It's something that a lot of people don't realize or understand. Note the garbage can filled with crumpled pieces of paper…

The end of the issue had a kind of crazy twist that rocked my brain a bit, but it peaked my interest even more for the final issue. I won't spoil it here, but I will tell you, if you love comics, care about how they are made, and wish to see a unique view on the industry, you absolutely must pick up this book! Pencil Head #4 is available now.