Man, the artwork of VCJ and the guys of the Bones Brigade have a special place in my geeky heart. Junior High would not have been the same without them. This autobiography by Stacy Peralta looks like it’s giving ’em a fitting tribute, too. Screenings times are still rolling in so keep an eye on BonesBrigade.com. In the meantime, they’re making the classic skate film (and I say Film), Animal Chin, available as a free download at animalchin.com. He’s got his own milk carton!
I remember first popping in the Bones Brigade Search For Animal Chin and seeing the animated Ripper. They took artwork I was already obsessed with and brought it to life. Makin’ it literally rip through the blue screen before coming to the twiddling-its-boney-fingers rest See the rest »
Vernon Courtland Johnson is back on staff at Powell-Peralta and working on new graphics.
Growing up I totally wanted to be him. I even sent him a drawing of what I thought the new McGill graphic could look like. He was so nice that he not only sent me a response (with his trademark ‘VCJ’ stamp) but also included a copy of the yet-to-be-released Caballero design—the one with bats/bones background. I’ve still got it and will share here soon.
VCJ combined the incredible line quality of M.C. Escher with his own uniquely-warped sensibilities to create some of the most classic skateboard graphics of all time. None more parodied (mostly in tribute than jest) than the Ripper.
Here’s some of my favorites from the Rip The Ripper show back in 2009:
Powell Peralta released black light versions of their classic Mike McGill, Skull & Sword, and Ripper decks. Definitely pushes them into wall art territory for me. Either way, I love the old VCJ art.
Too Halloweeny? Too bad this limited edition Frosty Ripper is See the rest »
