If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Eraklis "Herc" Petmezas' wordless comics are worth at least a million each. Wordless comics are a more complicated art form than face value might lead a reader to believe as you must rely solely on your art to get your story across rather than using dialogue to move your comic along.
I first met Herc while volunteering at HeroesCon, but really got to know him attending the weekly Sketch Charlotte meetings. Herc founded Sketch Charlotte as a group intended to welcome artists, writers, musicians, and creative types in general and it has become an environment fostering friendship, collaboration, and creativity. It's a place that members call home, a comfortable place to gain insight and reflection. I've been going to Sketch meetings since Fall 2010 and in that time I've made lifelong friendships, found love, and an outlet for my creativity among plates of fried food and endless glasses of sweet tea.
I collaborated on my first mini-comic, Bear-ied Treasure, with Herc that will be included in the 2011 Dollar Bin Assembled Anthology (available at HeroesCon!). I wasn't sure how to script a comic at all, but even more so with a wordless comic. Somehow my email script turned into a three page mini-comic exactly how I had envisioned it.
Herc's published works include Mr. Lune, Everyday, The Last Cigarette, contributions to Dollar Bin Assembled Anthologies, Sketch Charlotte's Anthology, and a back-up piece in the upcoming Asylum Press Trenchcoats, Cigarettes & Shotguns book. His comics show range from his wordless comics of Mr. Lune and Everyday to his crime noir of The Last Cigarette set in Greece. Herc does fun stories and gritty stories equally well. It's hard to pick a favorite out of his comics as I've enjoyed them all, but his recent collaboration with fellow Sketch Charlotte member, Henry Eudy, in the Sketch Charlotte Anthology captured and blended their styles so well I can't help giving it an extra nod. The two of them combine storytelling and art in such a way that both their personalities shine through equally in a quirky and well done origin story. The Sketch Charlotte Anthology will also be available at HeroesCon, so you still have a chance to pick one up! I'm beyond honored to be able to call Herc a collaborator, an inspiration and above all, a friend.
I’m 37 years old and so far Herc is easily in the top 3 best dudes I’ve ever met in my entire life. (Sorry, Randy from third grade, you just don’t make the cut.) Herc is generous, kind, awesome funny and incredibly positive almost all the time. He is the dynamo that keeps Sketch Charlotte in motion and I feel super privileged to be his friend. I’m always amazed at how steadily and clearly creativity flows out of those magical Greek fingers. Give Herc a pencil and a Post-it note, wander around for a bit and you’ll find he’s transformed those crude materials into a gallery of beasts, men and man-beasts. Eraklis, you are an inspiration to all of us, my friend, we salute you!
ReplyDeleteYou both humble me with your words. I am a fortunate man to have you as friends.
ReplyDeletepeace,
Herc
And to think I can say I knew him from waaaay back when! I'm SOOOO proud of you, Herc!!
ReplyDeleteWho is chilly willy??
ReplyDelete