Commissions from San Diego Comic-Con

Okay, I know this post is LATE... but I've been busy.  Anyway, above is a bunch (but not all) of the artwork I did from my Artists Alley table at San Diego Comic-Con 2015!  It was so awesome to have a table there, I look forward to doing it again, if the Comic-Con Gods see fit to bring me back!

Sadly, I did not taking any pictures of the commissions I did from So Cal Comic Con in October.  I don't know why.  But if any of you reading this, got artwork from me from that show, or from San Diego Comic-Con and you don't see it above... shoot me an email, and I'll include it in a future post!

Batmax 2.0, now wearable!

Just got back from the Comic-Con... I'll be posting an update about my experience, and some pics of some of the artwork made while there in a later post (have to go through all the pics!).

Right now, however, I'm posting to announce that the most successful print from the Comic-Con is now WEARABLE as a t-shirt, tank, hoodie, or crewneck.  From my TeePublic store!  This is also the first design I've made available as a print that you can order from the TeePublic store as well.  It can be ordered anywhere from a 9"x9" paper print, to a 30"x30" print on CANVAS!   I have no idea why all the sizes are square... but, it'll do until I open my own online store... COMING SOON!

I'M GOING TO COMIC-CON!!!

Okay, so it's not "news" that I'm attending San Diego Comic-Con International...  However, it is NEW that I'm going... AS AN EXHIBITOR!  On May 12th, I received an email informing me how to access the Comic-Con exhibitor website, and related things.  I got really confused, because in January they sent a letter informing me that I was put on a "Wait List" (which in previous years, I've come to realize is the same thing as a 'polite no').  But sure enough, I clicked on the various links in the email and found myself staring at my name... ON THE LIST OF ARTIST ALLEY EXHIBITORS!

Comic-Con is a couple days away, and in the span of less than 2 months, I compiled some art (mostly some of my older stuff, cuz time was limited on being able to make new stuff, though I did make some new stuff), found a printer, got some prints made.  I even managed to assemble a mini-comic with a writer I partnered with at Comic-Con last year.  It's insane how far I've come in just the span of a year.

#inktober - Days 25-28

So these were all drawn on the 28th... but... they were posted the 29th... So I'm still down by one.  And have til Friday to finish the last 3.  I think it'll be done.  Again, mostly done with PITT... didn't get to experiment too much.  Though the Maleficent uses the White Sharpie Paint Marker, and regular Sharpie for the eyes.   The Freddy Krueger is a bit of a disappointment.

The animals turned out pretty cool though.  More to come!

#inktober - Days 22-24

3 more drawings, still down by 3.  Tomorrow (Tuesday) is my last/only day off before the end of October, so hopefully I can get caught up/ahead with this challenge... maybe.  Actually, it should be more than do-able.

This round again done with the PITT brush markers.  I love them.  Tomorrow I'll experiment some more with some of the other options at my disposal.  And maybe buy more things (unlikely).

#inktober - Days 12 and 13

Today is the 19th, and I'm on #inktober drawing 13....   That's no bueno.   What's with the lagging?  Actually most of it comes with me trying to bust out a fairly impressive commission.  Which I just finished... I'll probably post it here.  But the point is, I now have a little more "free time" (what's that?) to DRAW!  So hopefully I can catch up before Ol' Hallow's Eve.

The drawings above of Hagrid and Joker are mixed-media ink.  A combination of a pen, and brush work.  I'm beginning to enjoy some of the spontaneity of the brush.  A lot of my "normal work" has become a bit too smooth with the computer ironing out some of my idiosyncrasies, and polishing them.  So it's kinda fun to dip the brush and deal with whatever it gives me once it touches the drawing surface.  I really seem to like it for hair.  *shrug*

(Re-)Coloring the classics...

So I wanted to update my Facebook profile picture for the holiday season.  And I love me some Batman, so I did an image search of "Batman, Christmas".  Very little came up... but one image that kept coming up over and over again was the cover to Batman #27 that was released to public back on December 8, 1944.  Yes, the image is 69 years old... hehe... 69...

Anyway, I liked the image... but it had elements that were not so good.  First of all, the bright solid yellow background.  And Robin acting like an idiot.  Stupid Robin.  Dick Grayson became so much cooler when he became Nightwing, but in the 30s and 40s... he was a complete tool.  But I was like, the main part of the image... Batman and Santa... that could work.

Enter Photoshop.  I pulled a very high rez image of the Batman #27 cover off the Internet and took it into Photoshop.  I then went about altering the image.  I cropped the image down to just Batman and Santa, cutting Robin out entirely.  Cuz... screw Robin.  I then touched up and re-did the black linework of the image.  Once I had cleaned up line work on it's own seperate layer, I took out the color... and proceded to re-color the whole thing.  I updated the blue and grey of Batman to the more current shades of blue and grey used in the comics.  Everything else, i took cues from the original cover as for the base colors... and I then went in and shaded everything.  I replaced the glaring yellow background color of the original comic book cover with a blue to white gradiant, and then I added some snow, to help solidify the winter season.  You can view the process here:

After all was said and done, I was really pleased with the end result, and I wanted to "sign" it.  But... I'm not the guy who drew the image.  I just touched up the original image done by "Bob Kane".  Except, after some Internet research... Bob Kane did NOT draw this image, either.  In fact, although Bob Kane is credited as being the creator of Batman, He did very little artwork (or writing?) on the Batman comic books back in the day... though he was credited for it well into the mid 1960s.  Apparently, back in the day, DC Comics would hire "ghost artists" to work on their books.  But the creator of the character would get all the credit.  So although Batman #27, is credited to Bob Kane, it was in fact... drawn by... JACK BURNLEY.

Jack Burnley apparently did a lot of sports illustrations back in the 30s and 40s, but also worked for a period at DC Comics drawing Superman, and of course, the Batman.  He retired from art just before I was even born, and died about 7 years ago, at the age of 95.

Anyway, since I wanted to throw my scribble on the end result, I felt Jack Burnley should get his credit, too.  Since he wasn't given the credit back in 1944, he might as well get some now.  It was hard finding a useable signature for Burnley.  Being a "ghost artist" means your name doesn't show up anywhere.  I eventually found it on a basketball illustration.  So I lifted it off that, slapped it on there, and threw my (much smaller) scribble under it.

Jim Lee doesn't give a crap about my birthday...

Okay, despite the "negative" headline... this is NOT a negative post.  I'm NOT whining.  I'm NOT complaining.  I am merely stating facts.  I harbor no ill will towards Jim Lee, Jeremy Roberts or anybody currently at (or has ever been involved with) DC Comics.

Earlier this year, DC Comics announced that it would take submissions from the general public for ONE page of their new book, Harley Quinn.  Fan-favorite, Harley was to be getting her own book brought to you by the talents of Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner.  The first issue was to be #0, and the page to be drawn by the public at large, was page 15.  Also, the pages were gonna be reviewed, by none other than my personal Art-GOD and hero... Jim FUCKING Lee!!!

The general "plot" made available to the aspiring free-lancers did not include the script, just descriptions of what was going on in 4-panels on the page.  Each panel was essentially Ms. Quinn attempting to kill herself in various ways..  the most titillating of panels was the last one, where she was attempting to electrocute herself, whilst being nude in a bathtub.  A lot of people apparently took offense to the nude, sextualization of suicide, and there was a small public outcry.  So I guess after DC selected the artist they were gonna use, they decided to change it to Harley riding a rocket ship?  I don't know the deets, because I wasn't that artist.  Again, not complaining/whining/being negative.  Just stating facts.

One of the main reasons I'm not farther along in my artistic career is for ALL of my 20s... I was afraid.  Afraid of success.  Afraid of rejection.  Afraid of failure.  Just plain scared, so when opportunities like this came along, I would not take them.  Now in my 30s, I still have some of that fear, but I'm coming out of my shell quite a bit more and taking chances... such as having my art looked at by my Art-GOD and hero... Jim FUCKING Lee.  So I decided to man-up and take a stab at this.  Worst case scenario, I don't get published (and I didn't) and life goes on.  Best case scenario, I could call myself, "a published DC Comics artist".  Which would be schweet!

Now those looking at it going "Well, you didn't ink and/or color it".  The submission guidelines specified NOT TO if you weren't confident in your skills as an inker or colorist.  They would find an inker and colorist to finish the art if they dug the pencils.  I'm not confident in those skills, so I didn't attempt it.  Also, I thought it'd be awesome to be inked over by a professional inker.  So why not?

Also, the legal-ese of the contract stated I could not share the artwork anywhere.  Not wanting to risk my chances of not getting published by posting it on here, or on my Facebook, or other social media outlets, I withheld from doing so until now.  The book is out, I didn't get published... so here's my art!

I'm actually pleased with the final art I submitted, despite some of its flaws.  Again, not being negative.  I know what I drew, I know where I could of done better, and had I devoted more time to it, it would have been better.  But for the time I gave myself, and the challenges I overcame in the process, I am quite proud of it.  Part of the problems came from me thinking too much of "What do they want?" as opposed to me just being me and drawing it the way I should draw.  I know backgrounds are a weakness of mine, so I told myself, I'd do backgrounds.  And I did.  And honestly, they're pretty good.  But like the 1st panel... too much is placed on the background... and not... THE TITLE CHARACTER.  Yes, I did a good background (as opposed to no background like I usually do), but it drew too much away from Harley.  So there were obstacles like that.  If I had just sat down and "had fun" with it... I might have done something better (with it's owns issues and faults), more to "my style" and who knows, I may have been the published artist instead of Mr. Jeremy Roberts.

Speaking of, I included Mr. Roberts' published page as a comparison.  It's kinda interesting the similarities.  Again, not being negative, and I'm not implying he "stole" anything.  Cuz he didn't.  It's "great minds think alike" thing.  But we have essentially the same panel layout...  One panel on the left, 2 smaller panels to the right and one panel going across the bottom.  We also had a similar break down for quite a bit of the page.  I thought that was interesting.  Kinda makes me think I was on the right track... had I had a bit more confidence while drawing... who knows?

Originally, the book was supposed to be released on November 6th, 2013.  For whatever reason it got delayed 2 more weeks to November 20, 2013.  Which just so happens to my 32nd birthday.  I was secretly hoping that my Art-GOD and hero, Jim FUCKING Lee and DC Comics would have picked me to be the artist, cuz it woulda been awesome to pick up a (Batman-related) comic book, on my birthday, with my art in it.  Mayhaps one day I'll be able to cross that off my bucket list.

The me in my 20s, would have been set back by this, and drop the pencil for MONTHS on end... but the me in my 30s is only strengthened and encouraged by this whole situation.  When/if an opportunity like this comes around again... I will attempt it... and who knows, maybe that time I'll be the lucky guy.

Or maybe I'll get my shit together, and land a job drawing comics as a living... and who knows... maybe one day... draw the Batman... professionally.

Amanda Conner

Jimmy Palmiotti

Amanda Conner

Jimmy Palmiotti

Amanda Conner

Jimmy Palmiotti

Sketchy - Joker and the Cat

Was kinda burned out today, and just wasn't "feeling" the urge to be creative... so procrastinated a couple commissions a little longer (a habit, I really need to break).

However, I insisted that I do... SOMETHING.  So amongst a lot of sketching (and trying to emulate styles of my betters), I did the above drawing of Joker and Catwoman.  Joker is whatevers... But I kinda dug my take on Catwoman.  She's a bit younger than what I picture Catwoman in the books, but I like the spunkyness I was able to capture with her.  This is a girl who knows how to play... and she plays hard.

Anyway, hope you like.

I'm also stewing about a "perception of art", that I got involved with the other day... I might go off on a rant about it later.  Or not, haven't decided if I want to vocalize it or not, as it deals with "friends".

BATMAN... and Ramen!!!

So... here's the finished product to the Batman teaser I put up 2 weeks ago.  On a side note, this blog needs more art!  I've had one other piece in between the teaser and this.  That can not stand!  MORE DRAWING!!!

Anywho, for those not following the current storyline to the "Death of the Family" storyline which ends today with the release of Batman #17... The Joker has come back and is raising a new level hell... he even bludgeoned and kidnapped ALFRED!!!  The popular theory about halfway through the arc is that Alfred would meet his maker...  that got me to thinking... What if that happened?  What would Bruce/Batman do?  Who would fix the Batmobile?  Who would nurse Batman's wounds... who would.... COOK!?!?!?!??

Then the idea came to me for the new crime-fighting duo in town.... Batman AND RAMEN!!!  And this was a picture I just had to draw... and I'm very pleased with the end result.   I tried to draw it in a style similar to Greg Capullo to help it tie-in to the story-arc.  I'm very pleased with the end result of this image... it's funny and still  powerful.

If I had been fortunate enough to have been given an Artist Alley table at this years San Diego Comic-Con, this would easily have been a print I would have sold.  Speakin of San Diego Comic-Con International...  They just annoucned the theme's for this years souvenir book!  I need to get cracking on my submission!

Batman "Teaser" Sketch

So... I've been following the New 52's Batman... Cuz Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are fucking GODS!

For those of you not up to speed, the current storyline in the Bat-Books is "Death of the Family".  It deals with the return of the Joker and all sorts of shit hitting the fan...  The chaos spins off into the other bat-books and is building towards a climax in Batman #17, which will be out on February 13th.  Every issue of the story is out except for the finale.

Many people have theories for what will happen at the end... the above pic is a commentary of sorts if the storyline ends the way a lot of people are thinking it will end.  I personally don't subscribe to the "popular theory" cuz it just seems too obvious.  And I think Scott Snyder is a fucking genius, and wouldn't give us the "obvious" ending.  I think it will be something else.  But we got 2 weeks to find out.

Anyway, I'm gonna finish the above and post it on the 13th (maybe the 14th) after the story is out in the world (it should be spoiler free, so don't worry if you haven't read it yet).  And even if the "popular theory" doesn't pan out, the above drawing will still be amusing/entertaining.  Just holding off its publication until Snyder/Capullo tells us what's what.

Robin

I've been doodling Robin a lot in the past week or so... Don't really know why... just have... so, I figured why not post one here... so here's my warm up drawing of the day...   Robin.

I'll be your Superman...

Alright, it's been 4 days since the last post, but that's cuz I was trying to get this one perfect...  For those who don't know, this would be me... as Superman, and the love of my life, as Lois Lane.  Though she hates Lois Lane, so I guess it's Supes and a innocent bystander in love.

Portrait skills are hard for me, they are not easy, so this one took a while to get to work.  It was especially difficult, because the girl and I had the weekend off, so I had to work on it without her seeing it.  But mission accomplished, I believe.  Happy Valentine's sweetheart, I love you!!!