The Kolblog

The ramblings and gamblings of image-maker, Andrew Kolb.

[kolbisneat]

MONTHLY MEDIA: May 2026

Really great month for movies and tv. Here's how I spent the month of May!

……….FILM……….

Hundreds of Beavers (2022) Started it, knew I was watching something special but ALSO knew I wasn't in the mood for it, and stopped it. The next night I went back and had a blast. Joke/minute ration is through the roof and unlike most comedies, I was still laughing at the end. Highly recommend.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) Listen I am so in the pocket of this movie's world that I can't fairly comment on it. Did I enjoy every moment of Stanley Tucci's Nigel? Yes. Did I laugh at the oversized trapper hat? Did I cry at Andy and Emily's relationship? Yes. I just creative expression in all forms, okay?

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026) Not bad on its own but a huge gulf between the first one and this. Only a few laughs and strangely slow? Both leads are great and I was happy to see Elijah Wood is in it way more than I thought, but ultimately the good ideas are wasted.

Mortal Kombat II (2026) There are flashes of greatness here, but I'm not sure it totally worked for me. It's at its best when it leans into the camp but really slogs whenever characters are talking about lore and trying to elicit emotion. This should function like a musical where the only way characters can fully express their internal feelings is through fighting.

The Last Showgirl (2024) Great acting and lots of interesting character moments that don't really go anywhere. 90 minutes of first act.

James And The Giant Peach (1996) So much more to the film than I'd gleaned by osmosis over the years. Certainly didn't realize it was a musical and if I'm being honest, I now understand why. None of those songs stood out. But the animation? The character designs? That's where the goods are.

Hit Man (2023) Not at all what I was expecting and I think that coloured my enjoyment of the film. Great to see a romantic...comedy(?) with excellent chemistry and honestly probably one of Glen Powell's stronger roles.

Sugar & Spice (2001) So many great ideas and moments in what's ultimately a rushed experience. The end just kinda happens but I will say the coda did win me back. I'm a simple man who just wants a comedy to end on a good joke.

Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem (2025) A short little documentary and it really hit all of the expected beats of Rob Ford's time as mayor, but not much else. Though I did notice just how present Doug Ford is throughout. Always in the corner or just off to the side and that said a lot. Wonder how much deeper it would've gone if the elder Ford wasn't our (ugh) current premier.

……….TELEVISION……….

The Studio (Episode 1.01 to 1.08) Really uses every opportunity afforded by a show set in/around Hollywood: the locations are beautiful, the cameos feel natural, and everything just feels so cinematic. Love the cast and while most episodes give me secondhand social anxiety, it usually lands on a moment of humanity.

Taskmaster (Episode 21.04 to 21.08) Now that I've seen three seasons of the series, I'm starting to get a feel for what makes a good cast. Each of the five are great on their own, but I'm finding the in-studio banter to be pretty light on this one and I wonder if it's because they're all so similarly genial? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it makes for a slightly chiller vibe.

Beef (Episode 2.05 to 2.08) Far less "beef" in it than the first season (maybe 2-3 episodes in the middle there?) and a veeeeeery different energy towards the end. While not an ending I could've predicted, I don't hate it? With a bit of distance I admit nothing really stuck with me as compared to the first season that I still think about a lot.

……….YOUTUBE……….

Dress Better Without Buying Anything by Speeed Great introduction for men wanting to dress better. No pretentiousness and no assumptions. VIDEO

Featurette: How They Made Hundreds of Beavers | VFX Breakdown | From Snowshoes to Fish Puppets by Letterboxd Watch this after watching the movie and marvel at just how homemade this all was. Go make art. VIDEO

……….READING……….

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Page 260 of 560) I'm really only into the story-within-the-story so far and it's been great! It feels like reading Christie but is written and structured in a much more contemporary fashion. Not sure how the story OUTSIDE of the story is going to factor in but I'm excited to find out.

Swords in the Mist by Fritz Leiber (Complete) I love Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser stories. This collection is moooostly great, but the final story shifts perspective for a little too long and loses some of the free spirited magic. Still a good read but of the three three books I've read so far, this probably ranks third.

Baltimore Omnibus Volume 1 by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, Ben Stenbeck, and Dave Stewart (Complete) Didn't realize just how great this would be. Real Hellboy vibes in the pacing, characters, layouts, and storytelling. Sometimes the art hews so close to Mignola's that you can't help but wish he'd drawn it himself, but this a perfect alternative. Honestly the only gripe I have is that it can all be a little drab. It's very nearly a greyscale book at times.

Neon Genesis Evangelion 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 2 by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Complete) Enjoying how much further into the world this is going. Or maybe I just wasn't picking up all the lore while watching the series? Either way, Shinji's dad is the woooooooorst.

Fantastic Four By Ryan North Vol. 6 by Ryan North, , Fabian Nicieza, Cory Smith, Creees Lee, and Joshua Cassara (Complete) The book has moved away from the adventure-of-the-week format but I'm happy to say it's still deeply rooted in both science and family. And really what else could you want out of an FF book? Highly recommend North's run and definitely one I'll revisit.

……….AUDIO……….

The Boiling Sea by Nekrogoblikon (2026) Would've preferred this EP-length release omitting the live stuff, but I can never truly complain about new Nekrogoblikon.

……….GAMING……….

Wonderland: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel) We've had a few detours from Oz this month with one-shots in Wonderland. Really enjoying each delve as the map/threat changes while the party searches for treasure.

Oz: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel) Getting back into Oz after a successful heist! Though that now means new complications, especially as they're pulled in different political directions: support the Cowardly Lion or support General Jinjur?

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Nintendo) I found some of the late-game stuff tedious but that may be viewing it through a modern lense. Still can't beat that ending and Zelda's characters, even in this 16-bit era.

And that’s it. See you in June!

[kolbisneat]

A few of my fave pages from SKELETOR HAS NO FRIENDS that just came out last week! Got to sneak in a few Easter eggs into the grilled cheese ingredients.

[kolbisneat]

Skeletor Has No Friends is out today!

First full-length picture book in a while and a world I'm mostly aware of through cultural osmosis. But dang if working on this didn't make me fall in love with its colourful characters! Such fun designs to play with.

[kolbisneat]

MONTHLY MEDIA: April 2026

Getting warmer but still spending pleeeeenty of time inside reading and watching and playing stuff. Here's how April shook out!

……….FILM……….

Nirvanna: The Band - the Show - the Movie (2026) A testament to the fact that making stuff comes not from specific tools but commitment to the craft. I can't fully express how magical it felt watching this. I knew I was seeing something special, the theatre knew it was seeing something special. Go see this if you want to experience something special.

Sleepy Hollow (1999) Burton really goes all out here. I mean each decapitation has its own personality. Heck the Headless Horseman has a personality!

Taylor Tomlinson: Prodigal Daughter (2026) Straight down the line for most of the show until the very end. When it takes that turn, not knowing there were only a few minutes left, I was excited for where the special was going to go next. Anyway it had an inspiring ending that had a level of creativity I wish carried out through the rest of the set.

……….TELEVISION……….

Beef (Episode 2.01 to 2.04) The titular "beef" requires a little more buildup this season and with more characters it all adds up to a different vibe. However I've finished an episode feeling insane amounts of stress so it's still hitting the same high as season 1.

Taskmaster (Episode 21.01 to 21.03) Enjoying this season so far but I'm noticing the lack of a curmudgeon (compared to previous seasons' casts) really shifts the energy. Everyone is so happy to try and it's a new dynamic for me. Still love it but the cast will take a few more eps to really grow on me.

Company Retreat (Episode 2.06 to 2.08) Really sticks the landing and felt as much emotion as was on display but the cast and crew. Such a joy.

……….YOUTUBE……….

i didn't know you could make a movie like this by patrick 2masso Great companion video to the film. A lot of great filmmaking/directorial details I didn't consciously pick up on but will look for the next time I watch this. VIDEO

The Secret Ingredient To Dragon Ball Z's Best Fights by Good Blood I was never much of a Dragonball Z fan, but having seen a few episodes, this still really landed for me. You'll always lose something in adaptation, but there's inevitably an opportunity to lean into the new medium and add something else. VIDEO

……….READING……….

Swords in the Mist by Fritz Leiber (Page 86 of 190) Love the Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser books and this one is not disappointing. Starts off with a fairly long short story (compared to the second book) and Lankhmar is such a wonderfully realized city.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Complete) This has been in my DNA since I was in highschool I don't think I can fairly review any of this. It moves at such a clip and I'm honestly surprised more of his books weren't adapted to screen.

The Human Target by Tom King and Greg Smallwood: The Deluxe Edition by Tom King & Greg Smallwood (Complete) Strong crime thriller story and a great introduction to (for me, at least) lesser-known DC heroes. Characters were layered, the mystery had plenty of twists without getting convoluted, and overall just a really satisfying read. Art is incredible too and I was consistently impressed with Smallwood's use of stylized light to set the tone.

The Wicked + The Divine: Book One by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, & Matt Wilson (Complete) Such a fantastic premise. Gods are reincarnated and become pop stars? Very cool. I'm not sure the art (which is well rendered) always fits the larger-than-life drama, but it's a compelling story I look forward to continuing.

Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme Vol. 1 & 2 by Robbie Thompson, Javier Rodriguez, and more fine artists (Complete) You know I don't love this era of Doctor Strange (when magic is thin/dying)...something about a quippy and unshaved Strange that doesn't feel right. I want stoic. I want arrogant. I certainly got a lot of stellar visuals and an interesting story here, but the characters never quite click.

……….AUDIO……….

From the Pyre by The Last Dinner Party (2025) Recently got to see them live and wow what a show! The whole thing felt like a medieval KISS concert. Anyway I've been going back to this album since the show and really picking up on the electric guitars. Live music is important.

……….GAMING……….

Magical Athlete (CMYK Games) Really fun and I think best enjoyed with a large group. I know it says only 6 players but I think the chaos lends itself to more. Art is fantastic and gameplay feels like if Mario Kart was a board game (some strategy but a whole lotta luck).

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Nintendo) Replaying this, I'm struck by how much of the later Zelda stuff is here. From the puzzles to attacking bees, so much of the Zelda I grew up with started here. But man swimming in this sucks and I'm spoiled by later Zelda dungeons having more visual variety. Not a complaint, but an acknowledgment of the visual evolution. And dang I wish they'd bring back pink-haired Link.

Neverland: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel Publishing) The party is still dealing with the fallout of the Fairy Queen in the fairy realm but for every answer they get, 2 new questions arise. You can read all about it here.

And that’s it. See you in May!

[kolbisneat]

Here comes Major Mechclaw!

My bud Tony Bui is releasing this very rad vinyl figure and I got to do a sticker to go along with it.

Loved the design and figured the Major could use some company so included my cats, past and present! From the left we have Fred, Wallace, Major Mechclaw, and Bernard.

Tony’s got all the info on its release!

[kolbisneat]

I have the honour of being the 2026 TD Summer Reading Club artist and am very stoked to share all that we’ve created!

I’ll share more soon but for now, I want to say that CANADIAN PICTURE BOOK ARTISTS should get ready to apply for the 2027 position! The listing goes up on June 1 so get your portfolio, CV, and a couple of good reference letters ready!

Please share and send along to folks you think would be a good fit. It’s a big project and you get to work with a truly wonderful team.

[kolbisneat]

MONTHLY MEDIA: March 2026

Big month for reading and watching stuff. I think it's those dog days of winter before it gets nice out that I end up staying in the most. Here's how I spent the month of March.

……….FILM……….

Ready or Not (2019) Loved it then, love it now. Very excited for the sequel.

Project Hail Mary (2026) Really great time at the movies. And I loved to see such a diverse crowd. My theatre had a bunch of couples ranging from 20s to 80s, a large (12+) group of middle-aged women, and two or three entire families (2ish adults and 2 or 3 kids of varying ages). The first time I really experienced all four quadrants for a single film.

Paprika (2006) Beautifully frustrating. Lots of great ideas but it never fully weaves together like Satoshi Kon's other works. Or at least it didn't on this first viewing. Based on how I felt after watching his other films for the first time, I'm not sure if this one is a slow burn or just lacks that heat altogether.

Hail, Caesar! (2016) I mean this has everything I want out of a movie: golden-era hollywood, a criminal element, communists, and dance numbers. It just needed one more scene to give some personality to Tatum's character and it would've been perfect. Loved it.

The Phoenician Scheme (2025) Really enjoyed this. Anderson's whole thing can come across as quaint and unnecessary but this plays into that really well. The violence is that much more jarring when contrasted with such gentle framing, and the maximalist design of some of the props leans into Liesl's character arc. Not sure Cumberbatch worked for me but maybe that's just because he's new to my experience of the Anderson roster of players.

The Bride! (2026) On paper, this has a lot of what I'd want to see: jazz-age setting, contemporary spin on a classic monster, dance numbers, it's all there. But there were just so many ideas stuffed into this that it never really came together for me. There were glimpses of brilliance, but I found myself checking my watch a few times and that's a big bad sign. I'd recommend Poor Things instead if you watched the trailer and thought you'd like it.

……….TELEVISION……….

Company Retreat (Episode 2.01 to 2.05) This show continues to delight. The fact they found another good-natured lead to put through the gauntlet of insanity is incredible. Very keen to see how this season wraps up and how Anthony responds to the reveal.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Episode 1.15 to 1.28) I don't always love the writing, and I don't always love the designs (I'm honestly amazed the original art was by a woman because so many of the female characters are dressed impractically), but I'm still totally on board with this show. It's a slow burn with brief flashes of intensity and that totally works for me.

Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model (Episode 1.01 to 1.03) Amazing how 'of its time' this show was, from the fashion to the politics to its evolution as a reality tv show. If nothing else, it's a warning to not let your work grow bigger than the people who helped made lest it consume and warp you.

Alien: Earth (Episode 1.05 to 1.08) This never really comes together. Lots of great ideas but maybe too many ideas? It can't decide if it wants to focus on monster-of-the-week style horror stuff or the ethics and philosophy of immortality. Both would be great, neither get the attention it deserves. Suffers from a frustrating and deflating season finale but I'm open to seeing if it grows in season 2.

Bridgerton (Episode 4.01 to 4.08) The Cinderella plot was pretty solid and took some unexpected twists. Plus love the Charlie XCX cover. Though I do wonder if it really stuck the landing. If this season's thesis was that love can cross class lines, it immediately becomes a challenge when wrapping it up. I just don't think it shook up the status quo in a meaningful way. Was really hoping for a 'no war but class war' finale.

……….YOUTUBE……….

Rules for Indie Filmmakers, according to NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW | TIFF by TIFF While tailored towards aspiring filmmakers, this has a lot of great advice for creatives at any stage of their development. VIDEO

Wizard n' Champion Episode 3 by Premium Fantasy I've enjoyed all of the episodes so far. Be warned this is not necessarily suitable for kids. VIDEO

……….READING……….

Murder on the Calais Coach by Agatha Christie (Complete) Alternate title for Murder on the Orient Express! Despite being 99% sure I knew the ending, this was still a joy to read. It really feels like a good blend of "I could've figured this out" and "there's no way you could've known that" and that's what I found most fun.

Attached by by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller (Complete) Still a good read if viewed through the lens of "these are guides not laws" in that there's a lot of good stuff, but it really risks developing a black-and-white worldview of people and their behaviours.

Neon Genesis Evangelion 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Complete) The show always moved at such breakneck speed that I find this format to be far more audience-friendly. It's still just as stressful and every countdown feels just as dire, but it's far easier rereading or allowing critical information to sink in before getting to the action stuff. I'm going to enjoy this readthrough.

Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, and Jordie Bellaire (Complete) Really great start and I love this take on Wonder Woman. Maybe I'm biased because I really love greek mythology, but this worldbuilding feels so natural and fun. Admittedly the art didn't always convey the weight and scale of what was happening, but I'm still all-in for wherever this goes next.

Papergirls: The Complete Story by Brian K. Vaughn, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson, and Jared K. Fletcher (Complete) I started this years ago and reading the smaller trades was not the way to go. This story is too focused and interconnected to not stick with it and so reading this all in one go was a far better (and more rewarding) experience. Truly incredible art and story and colours and just some of the best of what comics can be. Please read this.

……….AUDIO……….

The Apple Tree Under the Sea by Hemlock Springs (2026) Such a joyful and surprising pop album. Made me think of the early days of Grimes but still very much its own thing. Loved it.

……….GAMING……….

Neverland: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel Publishing) My group is back in the land of Fairies and are digging deeper into this world's woes and rules and history. You can read all about it here.

And that’s it. See you in April!

[kolbisneat]

So along with the big Final Fantasy Tactics piece for Spoke Art Gallery's LEVEL UP show, I also made smaller versions each with 5 characters. In the game you always go into battle with 5 teammates so it felt appropriate.

[kolbisneat]

A lil peek into making the Final Fantasy Tactics piece I did for Spoke Art's LEVEL UP show.

[kolbisneat]

Since Spoke Art now has their whole LEVEL UP show online, I figured it’s safe to share the entire piece I contributed. Final Fantasy Tactics is now one of my all time fave games. I just love a game about clothes, you know?

[kolbisneat]

A couple of my favourite details from the Pokémon piece I’ve been sharing.

[kolbisneat]

A little behind-the-scenes for the customizable Pokémon piece I did.

[kolbisneat]

So Pokémon’s 30th anniversary was this weekend! I did this customizable piece a few years back and I’ve got the itch to do something new! Until then, you can find this one in my shop!

[kolbisneat]

MONTHLY MEDIA: February 2026

Not as many comics as I would've liked but there's always March! Here's how I spent the month of February.

……….FILM……….

Send Help (2026) A few groups walked out of the theatre (a first for me) and I think they, like me, probably weren't expecting it to be as gory and gross as it was. But because I'm a man of refined taste, I loved every moment of goo and puke.

Crime 101 (2026) Like any highway, it mostly breezes along at a good place but doesn't really slow down enough to let you enjoy any sites along the way. Fun with a handful of tense scenes so not complaining, just wishing it took some bolder chances.

……….TELEVISION……….

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Episode 1.01 to 1.14) It took me maybe 5-6 episodes before I finally understood where all the praise for this came from. Be warned: it starts slow in both plotting and character development. but by episode 8 or 9 I felt like I had a better sense of the world and now I'm really enjoying it! This has always been top of the list of "I'm done Delicious in Dungeon, what do I read/watch next?" and now I would add my voice to that chorus.

Love is Blind (Episode 10.01 to 10.11) It's hard because this has been a more interesting season that the last few, but that's because the people are so messssssy. So I'm both more engaged and more concerned for their general welfare. Reality tv is tricky, you know?

Alien: Earth (Episode 1.03 to 1.04) Still slow to go through this but I'm kinda liking my pacing. Lots to chew on with each episode the general themes/concepts its exploring and if that's not a marker of good sci-fi, I don't know what is.

……….READING……….

Attached by by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller (Page 138 of 278) A second read-through and while I tend to shy away from siloing people into rigid categories, it's a good framework for reflecting on moments/actions and how best to connect.

Unicorns! edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois (Complete) I'm always mixed on short story collections but this one was great! Not that every one connected, but definitely more hits and misses. And the unified element really highlights an author's unique perspective, writing style, etc.

Ghost/Hellboy Special by Mike Mignola, Scott Benefiel, and Jason Rodriguez (Complete) I didn't realize this was a crossover but could tell something was off when this ghost design was revealed (Mignola doesn't tend to design his female characters in pushup corsets). Story was fine and the art felt very 80/early 90s. Not a bad read but there are better Hellboy stories out there.

Strange Vol. 1 & 2 by Jed MacKay , Marcelo Ferreira , Don Ho, Roberto Poggi, Java Tartaglia, Felipe Sobreiro, Cory Petit, Lee Garbett and Stefano Landini (Complete) Lots of really great ideas but I find I'm often let down by the art in Doctor Strange books. This is not a Captain America or Iron Man book. It should be weird, it should be colorful, it should feel like magic. It's a decent read but I think it could've been pushed further.

……….AUDIO……….

The Mountain by Gorillaz (2026) Not doing it for me yet but I need to give it a few more listens. I feel like I've said that with most Gorillaz albums since Plastic Beach, but maybe this time it'll be different.

……….GAMING……….

Metroid Fusion (Nintendo) Wanted to dip back into a quick lil adventure and after seeing folks play (and mostly dislike?) Metroid Prime 4, I figured I'd give this a go. The setting and music are so fun and it's still wild how horror-fueld the game is. Love it.

Final Fantasy Tactics (Square) Complete! Really loved the ending and just the whole experience. Not sure how different the rerelease is but if it's just quality-of-life stuff and voice acting, I'm confident recommending it.

Oz: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel) Our Tuesday crew is deep into cult shenanigans and trying to survive that and upsetting the Nome King. You can read all about it here!

Wonderland: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel) Tuesday crew took a quick detour and we lost another adventurer while fleeing some Dominos (level 1 will do that to you). Also had a chance to play with the Mof1 folks and they ALSO lost an adventurer (this time from catching a Boojum). Wonderland doesn't mess around.

And that’s it. See you in March!

[kolbisneat]

Skeletor hasn’t yet realized it’s rude to point and Evil-Lyn is having none of it.

[kolbisneat]

A little snippet from SKELETOR HAS NO FRIENDS. Panthor is fed up with Skeletor’s moping and uses the Havok Staff to send for help.

[kolbisneat]

Now that it’s been officially announced I figured I’d share more about SKELETOR HAS NO FRIENDS!

I had such a blast illustrating Robb's words and am excited to show more of the interior illustrations as well. I think it’s now up for preorder on most sites and releases in May!