Tom Hodges - Artist [Archive] - The Galactic Senate

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:04 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>__Obi-1__ asks:
Thanks for coming tonight, Tom. Will the end of the Webstrips tie in with the beginning of ROTS, the same way the Clone Wars cartoons will? Or the cartoons will tell a diferent story?[/b][/quote]

You'll find out soon enough how close the Animated series, LOE (Labryth of Evil) the Webstrip and ROTS are all connected in the next few weeks.

But the short answer is yes. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:04 PM

Nathan Butler asks:
DarthNeo: "Tom, once again, thanks for the help in your 'just a fan' days on the sourcebook. I was curious, speaking of fan days, though, do you have any idea if you'll be sticking around with SW.com after RoF is complete? If not, any original work we can look out for coming up?"

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:08 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>DarthNeo: "Tom, once again, thanks for the help in your 'just a fan' days on the sourcebook. I was curious, speaking of fan days, though, do you have any idea if you'll be sticking around with SW.com after RoF is complete? If not, any original work we can look out for coming up?"[/b][/quote]

Well...

As far as I know... there are plans for me to stick around post RofF. Nothing I can really discuss because I really don't know. Lucasfilm, Paul and I would also LOVE to not only see RofF as a TPB, but we want to do a mini-series. Paul has some great ideas for comics.

As for myself, I have a few things going that I can't discuss right now until things are in ink, but once they are, I'll keep you informed (NON-SW stuff)

There is also my D'Vilknights animated series which is still being put together that was optioned last year and the GN I'm doing with Marv Wolfman.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:08 PM

Horse_Head asks:
Mr. Hodges... Thanks for coming. Is it difficult coming up with story lines for your strip? How do you decide how much (or how little) to devote to each strip?

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:11 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Horse_Head asks:
Mr. Hodges... Thanks for coming. Is it difficult coming up with story lines for your strip? How do you decide how much (or how little) to devote to each strip?[/b][/quote]

I actually do not write the script. Paul Ens at Lucasfilm writes the script. Paul, being so close to LOE, ROTS and the CW animated series in terms of knowing the storylines and path in which the story takes would be the one to ask. I draw the pretty pictures that go with his killer story... which in my eyes is just getting started. The real meat of it is coming and like I said before... the connections will become more and more apparent soon.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:11 PM

Javen asks:
While you were growing up, did you ever draw one of your teachers as a caricature and get in trouble? Did you ever draw girls to get dates?

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:19 PM

Have a question for Tom? Send it to me via PM! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:21 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Javen asks:
While you were growing up, did you ever draw one of your teachers as a caricature and get in trouble? Did you ever draw girls to get dates?[/b][/quote]

Good question.

OK, I never drew teachers, but I use to get into so much trouble as a kid just for drawing when I should have.

In 4th grade, I had this weird obsession with E.T and created a "sequel" comic. I really put some effort into it. Then my teacher caught me doing it and ripped it to shreds right infront of me.

Killed me inside.

As for getting dates...

A few years ago, like 8 years ago... My older brother was engaged to this Dance instructor. This little blonde who worked with this girl who, I kid you not, could have been Halle Berry's twin sister. No joke. Her name was Heidi and she was gorgeous. I NEVER thought I had a shot at even a date. So one night, we all went out for a drink together. My brother, Jill (his fiance) Heidi, my buddy paulie (who had it bad for her also) and me. So Jill mentions to Heidi I was an artist and she says something to the effect, "OHHH I LOVE Winnie the Pooh, could you draw him for me?"

Right there in a napkin I did and she and I just spent the rest of the time talking about music, art... etc.

Anyway, I don't drink that much and Heidi stopped long before because she was driving home but she left her car at the dance studio. She asked me to drive her back. I had no problem with it,. I still didn't have a shot, at least I thought.

We get there and this song comes on and she says, "OH let me show you some dance moves" next thing you know, we're dancing in the parking lot and making out.

We only went out a couple of times after that. I dated a girl in art school who was like the animation hottie who I think was into my art more then me, LOL...

But my wife likes me and my work. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Yes, if you're a SW geek and draw, you CAN get women. 2 tips, don't just talk about SW and shower. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:21 PM

CeeWulf asks:
Your artwork some one of several that recently inspired me to work harder at my own drawing skill. Just curious how you developed your style, and if you have any advice for others trying to work on their drawing.

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:21 PM

by the way, I occasionally will rant, so be patient. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:28 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>CeeWulf asks:
You're artwork some one of several that recently inspired me to work harder at my own drawing skill. Just curious how you developed your style, and if you have any advice for others trying to work on their drawing.[/b][/quote]

Actually just keep drawing. I recently found I've somewhat strayed from my style. The strips have become more detailed and less "animated". You'll find in the upcoming strips... I'll be going BACK to that. By strip 85, it will be more "Tom Hodges" again then "Tom Hodges looking at too much Jim Lee".

I developed the way I draw just by learning to draw all over again.

Neil Peart, the drummer from Rush was the GREATEST rock drummer iIMHO, but he went back and took private lessons in the early 90's and re-learned basics and now he's even more amazing.

I went back to school and majored in animation. I went to as many life drawing classes as I could to help my anatomy..

Just keep drawing. I built up a weird style and speed by taking animation.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:28 PM

Darth Morder asks:
I know this is normally the last question do you have any advice or other hints for budding wannabe Cartoonists out there just pciking up their pencils and crayons?

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:33 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Darth Morder asks:
I know this is normally the last question do you have any advice or other hints for budding wannabe Cartoonists out there just pciking up their pencils and crayons?[/b][/quote]

Hmmm. Yea. Just draw as much from life as you can before diving into the imaginary. BUT also have fun and draw from comics, cartoons, anything that turns you on (I say that in the purest of ways).

Somewhere in my folks attic is a storybook, in the front of that storybook is my drawing at age 5 of the 1st Hildabrants SW poster. You gotta start somewhere.

A great book to get if you have a chance is Alex Ross' "Mythology" it has his earliest childhood pieces and you SEE it in there. There is promise in that kids work. Looking at his earlier stuff then this stuff, you KNEW he would end up where he is.

Just draw your butt off. Hopefully you'll have folks to back you up. I was lucky. Between family and friends I had an awesome support system.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:34 PM

goodwije asks:
Did you receive the entire script from Paul Ens or do you only get segments at a time?

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:37 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>goodwije asks:
Did you receive the entire script from Paul Ens or do you only get segments at a time?[/b][/quote]

The first script Paul sent me ended at Strip 54. Which was the end of Part One.

Part Two, which we're into now ends at about 100 I believe, BUT there won't be a break between 100 and 101 (the 1st strip of Part Three) from what I understand. It will roll right along. Infact, I dunno if you could even call it a part Three, but we will for the purpose that it's all I have up to right now. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:37 PM

Nathan Butler asks:
"I'm in only the earliest chapters of Labyrinth of Evil right now, but an old buddy of mine, Brien Bell, whom you might know from around here or SW.com as James_T_Skywalker, pointed out to me recently that there are actual lines of dialogue in RoF that cross directly over with LoE, helping to merge them into a seamless whole leading up to ROTS. Did you have the chance, when providing the art for RoF, to check out any input from Luceno about how scenes were staged in LoE so those scenes would match up well when they appeared in RoF?"

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:42 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Nathan Butler asks:
"I'm in only the earliest chapters of Labyrinth of Evil right now, but an old buddy of mine, Brien Bell, whom you might know from around here or SW.com as James_T_Skywalker, pointed out to me recently that there are actual lines of dialogue in RoF that cross directly over with LoE, helping to merge them into a seamless whole leading up to ROTS. Did you have the chance, when providing the art for RoF, to check out any input from Luceno about how scenes were staged in LoE so those scenes would match up well when they appeared in RoF?"[/b][/quote]

I did not personally talk to Mr. Luceno, although I would love to pick his brain.

I have had LOE since late August and have yet to read it (I know I'm an AWFUL Star Wars fan) but hey, I was doing 1500 Heritage cards and a strip... top on that commissions and then 2000 ROTS cards and the strip and now some more stuff... who has time to read anything longer then a comic. But I do know that there are scenes in LOE that overlap...

... but is that the only place the strip will overlap?

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:43 PM

Razorback718 asks:
Having been a fan of your work for a few years I can say that you seem to really enjoy drawing female characters. What is it about them that is more fun than drawing male characters? Is it the curves or are you just trying to draw the perfect woman?

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:47 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Razorback718 asks:
Having been a fan of your work for a few years I can say that you seem to really enjoy drawing female characters. What is it about them that is more fun than drawing male characters? Is it the curves or are you just trying to draw the perfect woman?[/b][/quote]

LOL.

I love drawing women. Plain and simple. The truth is, for the longest time, I had SERIOUS issues drawing them. They never came out right.

I just enjoy it. The fact is, personally, I feel I've been slipping in that regard. You guys may not think so, but I am so critical of my work and as I said earlier, I'm getting back to ME.

I had folks say "OH your Padme in the strip isn't as good as your other Padme!" And to an extent, they're right. The strip will start to look more like the Tom Hodges art that got me the job in the 1st place.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:47 PM

The Sausage King of LA asks:
Tom, Where in the world did you go to school where a teacher ripped your art up? Heartless wench! Now, you have been doing the web strips for a few months now, and they look great. My questions are 1. Are you finished drawing them all yet? 2.How bad are the Patriots going to beet the Eagles? 3. Did you want me to bring any Hot wings or just the Vodka tonics?

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:51 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>The Sausage King of LA asks:
Tom, Where in the world did you go to school where a teacher ripped your art up? Heartless wench! Now, you have been doing the web strips for a few months now, and they look great. My questions are 1. Are you finished drawing them all yet? 2.How bad are the Patriots going to beet the Eagles? 3. Did you want me to bring any Hot wings or just the Vodka tonics?[/b][/quote]

I went to Horace Mann School on Walt Whitman Blvd in Cherry Hill NJ. I won't say his name because that isn't right. YEARS later I ran into him. He's retired. He was a nice man, just was doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.

1. I am always about 2 weeks ahead on the strips, but I have WonderCon coming up in a couple of weeks so I need to get a few more ahead so I don't lose any time.

2. Bite me, Martinez. I'll slap the Pat fan out of you at my Super Bowl Party. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

3. I'm making wings myself... my brother is a private chef in Denver and has a killer wing sauce recipe... so bring like Chips and Salsa... and Vodkatonics. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:52 PM

JediJaybird asks:
Were there any aspects of General Grievous you were asked not to divulge as to provide some "surprise" for the casual SW fan… (not any of us in here mind you)

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:55 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>JediJaybird asks:
Were there any aspects of General Grievous you were asked not to divulge as to provide some "surprise" for the casual SW fan… (not any of us in here mind you)[/b][/quote]

The wonderful part of this gig is seeing the material I get to see. Hands down. The images I have on my table would make you poop yourself... literally.

As for aspects of Grievous I have not shown in the strip. I'm going to say there are 2 things I'd LOVE to be able to show you in the strip... but some guy name George gets to show you more of Grievous then I do. The nerve, right?

Just know Grievous is more amazing then you think.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:56 PM

Ithorian guy asks:
Do you think there will be any major EP3 spoilers by the time RoF is done? Stuff like who kills who and that sort of thing?

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:58 PM

Tom: Randy says he wouldn't bite you even with Sidious' teeth...

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

thodges

01-31-2005, 09:59 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Ithorian guy asks:
Do you think there will be any major EP3 spoilers by the time RoF is done? Stuff like who kills who and that sort of thing?[/b][/quote]

I can tell you I have NOT read the ROTS script so I can say I don't know. I only have up to strip 100 in the story with much more to go.

There have been some spoilers already. Felucia. Utapau. The new look of the Clones with the waist capes...

T-bone

01-31-2005, 09:59 PM

Javen asks:
What was it specifically about Jim Lee's work that stuck out to you and how has it helped you now?

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:02 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Javen asks:
What was it specifically about Jim Lee's work that stuck out to you and how has it helped you now?[/b][/quote]

Just look at his stuff. It's gorgeous. His anatomy, his costumes. Even the man's simpliest of sketches is beautiful. The man knows his stuff and knows how to grab your eye.

His last 2 years of Batman and Superman and NEXT with Batman and Robin with Miller writing has been and is going to be inspiring!

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:02 PM

__Obi-1__ asks:
In Labyrinth of Evil, there is a Mace vs Grievous fight in Coruscant's traffic. Will this scene be see reflected in the webstrip? What will we see about the Chancellor's kidnapping that we haven't seen?

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:05 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>_Obi-1__ asks:
In Labyrinth of Evil, there is a Mace vs Grievous fight in Coruscant's traffic. Will this scene be see reflected in the webstrip? What will we see about the Chancellor's kidnapping that we haven't seen?[/b][/quote]

If I told you any of that... I would have to kill you.

I really can't discuss the storyline past where we're at now except hint at stuff. Hopefully the answer above helps. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:05 PM

Horse_Head asks:
What type of reference material do you use when you are drawing your strip? Is there any type of "guide" that you use when your not sure of the proper angle on the underside of an AT-ST for example?

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:07 PM

Don't forget - if you have a question for Tom, just send me a PM and I'll get it up there for you!

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:09 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Horse_Head asks:
What type of reference material do you use when you are drawing your strip? Is there any type of "guide" that you use when your not sure of the proper angle on the underside of an AT-ST for example?[/b][/quote]

Lucasfilm has provided me with A LOT of reference material.

The kind of stuff that would make people's heads explode. I have, NO JOKE, 3, 3 inch thick binders with nothing but ROTS references. Ships, characters, costumes, concept art (designs and paintings) Grievous from every angle and in everystage from a plain texture to full on interaction in a scene.

I was sent a CG vehicle reference. I won't say what it was, but they sent me EVERY single possible angle it could be rendered from.

This is for the reason to keep all these storylines and material in sync with each other.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:10 PM

Razorback718 asks:
You also mentioned that you will be returning to the more animated style that many of us old-school fans remember you for... which I find very exciting as it really defined a Tom Hodges piece, but can you tell us if there is anything else interesting planned? Perhaps a colored final strip?

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:13 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Razorback718 asks:
You also mentioned that you will be returning to the more animated style that many of us old-school fans remember you for... which I find very exciting as it really defined a Tom Hodges piece, but can you tell us if there is anything else interesting planned? Perhaps a colored final strip?[/b][/quote]

I couldn't really say because I don't know how or when this story will end. I just think it's time to get back to why I am in this position. get back to what makes my work different then others.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:13 PM

JediJaybird asks:
I assume that you have a little more "wiggle-room" when it comes to secondary characters like some of the supporting Jedi that won't have much, if any, speaking roles in ROTS. If you had a choice which one would you want to see developed further whether it be in Comics, film or other means? Also: Any chance of post-EIII/pre-EIV projects coming to fruition?

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:15 PM

We have 2 more after this then one more from me and Tom has to go.

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:19 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>JediJaybird asks:
I assume that you have a little more "wiggle-room" when it comes to secondary characters like some of the supporting Jedi that won't have much, if any, speaking roles in ROTS. If you had a choice which one would you want to see developed further whether it be in Comics, film or other means? Also: Any chance of post-EIII/pre-EIV projects coming to fruition?[/b][/quote]

Paul was very specific about who is where and how new character look. Zonder went through quite a few designs before he was what Paul and Lucasfilm wanted.

If I could play with any character, it would be Obi-Wan after Episode 3 and before Episode 4. The man lives a life of a hermit, but he also must have had some things happen to him on Tatooine.

I also would love to work on the Events between ROTS and ANH with the Jedi Purge.

I loved the Infinities stories that Dark Horse did, but personally, I would have went a completely different route. I'm not going to say how I would do it, but someday, maybe I'll be able to show you all.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:19 PM

Tovor asks:
You are an apparent SW fanatic like the rest of us here. But when you go through all the reference material that Lucasfilm gives you, and the data on the characters and worlds in ROTS, do you ever for a moment wish you hadn't seen that/read that/known that, because the surprises of ROTS are being spoiled for you?

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:23 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Tovor asks:
You are an apparent SW fanatic like the rest of us here. But when you go through all the reference material that Lucasfilm gives you, and the data on the characters and worlds in ROTS, do you ever for a moment wish you hadn't seen that/read that/known that, because the surprises of ROTS are being spoiled for you?[/b][/quote]

No, and I'll tell you why. For as much as I've seen... I know very little. I know it doesn't exactly make sense, but it's the truth. I know little about certain plot points and no absolutely NO dialogue, and to me, that''s awesome. I will have as much fun in the theaters because I have seen a picture of Grievous, but I haven't seen him move, or talk.

There are a few things I do know, I won't lie, and I won't tell you, but there are PLENTY I do not know about... I'd go so far as to say there's a lot no one is aware of that will surprise us all on May 19th.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:24 PM

Razorback718 asks:
You have often talked about being a hardcore Star Wars geek... since getting your dream job working on Star Wars how has your collection changed from the old days of drawing Star Wars for free? Have you been able to steal anything from Sansweet?

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:27 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Razorback718 asks:
You have often talked about being a hardcore Star Wars geek... since getting your dream job working on Star Wars how has your collection changed from the old days of drawing Star Wars for free? Have you been able to steal anything from Sansweet?[/b][/quote]

LOL

I have yet to get to Steve's, but even if I did... I'm no thief. LOL

I am going up to The Ranch with randy Martinez in a few weeks. We're hoping Steve will give us a tour of his place. I'm dying to see his collection.

I personally have cut out my Toy collecting except for a few random things I want. I snagged Preview Grievous yesterday and I'm looking forward to the basic characters for ROTS, but my passion of collecting has turned towards the Gentle Giant stuff. I love it. I LOVE IT! I just got the Chewie Statue... Awesome... I am only missing a couple of busts and I have a bunch of stuff on pre-order.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:27 PM

One last question from me: Was it hot in the suit? Just kidding...

Judging by everything you've seen and know, tell us how much a$$ Episode III is going to kick? What are your feelings about the film and where do you think it'll fall in the grand scheme of things? Give us your true feelings on the film based solely on what you know.

thodges

01-31-2005, 10:33 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Judging by everything you've seen and know, tell us how much a$$ Episode III is going to kick? What are you feelings about the film and where do you think it'll fall in the grand scheme of things? Give us your true feelings on the film based solely on what you know.[/b][/quote]

What I have seen visually? My impression is amazing. ILM's best work to date. The CG characters look better then they ever have. The designs are far better then anything previously done. The story tidbits I HAVE been privy too are fantastic but I think there's one thing we're missing...

Lucas himself has stated he sees this film being PG-13. He says it's NOT for Children. I also may remind you THIS is the story Lucas has had in his pocket since ESB. He knew how the major points were to be played out. Hell, some of it is laid out for us in the prologue to the Star Wars Novel back in 1976. THIS is the meat of the story. THE BEST PART.

We get a trailer soon that is suppose to be UNREAL and will really show you the depth of this film. This film is suppose to improve upon what Lucas has brought onto us with TPM and AOTC and open those movies up to being bigger in the Saga then we believe now... well, I think they're important... but some fans hate them. I still dunno how.

Ok, I'm done ranting.

T-bone

01-31-2005, 10:33 PM

Tom - we all appreciate you taking time out to come here and answer our questions. I would like to thank you on behalf of the members of the Galactic Senate forum. We would love to have you back again some time in the future. Thanks also to everyone who showed up and asked questions. See you at the next chat and don't forget we have live chat with our members each night too. See the link at the top of the main page for more on that.

Don't forget, if you have more questions for Tom, you can ask them in his official thread in the EU section of the forums here.

Goodnight all, and thank you!