Category: Art

Andrew Robinson: Pencil Punisher

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Here’s a pencil sketch of the Punisher for a Marvel trading card set.  The art is by Andrew Robinson and appeared [in much smaller form] in Rough Stuff #4 [April 2007].  Here’s what Andrew said about the piece:

“When I think of the Punisher I see him as being very stoic.  For this composition I was inspired by the propaganda posters of WWII.  The straight lines in his form help define his defiant attitude as he pulls a ‘John Wayne’ in the midst of enemy fire.”

If you’d like to see the finished card, then click here.  We’ll be back tomorrow with another of Andrew’s card pencils.

Mitch Byrd: Quite a Character

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I love Mitch Byrd’s art.  Check out the pencil sketch above and you’ll get a taste of why.  Although Mitch doesn’t do a lot of comic work, when he does, it’s always exciting.  This piece comes from Sketch magazine #37 and an article that Mitch wrote about making each character in a scene distinctive.

Hellboy in Mexico (Or, a Drunken Blur)

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If the title [Hellboy in Mexico (Or a Drunken Blure] doesn’t suck you in, and the Corben cover doesn’t do the trick, then maybe the Dark Horse Comics summary will…

During the 1950s, Hellboy caravans across Mexico with a trio of vampire-killing luchadores, finding the undead; evil turkeys; a terrible bat god; and a little too much tequila.

Reuniting Mike Mignola and Richard Corben, the creative team behind the Eisner Award-winning miniseries Hellboy: The Crooked Man!

There’s also a variant Mignola cover.  Make sure you let your local comic shop know you want a copy because this one shot is sure to go fast!

American Vampire #1

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The Pitch: Cowboys and Vampires, oh and did I mention Stephen King wrote one of the stories?

The Overview: Two stories [one written by Scott Snyder and the other by Stephen King, both with amazingly good art by Rafael Albuqerque] combine to tell the tale of Skinner Sweet.  In 1880, Sweet was an outlaw in the wild west.  That was also the year that he became a vampire.  Jump forward 45 years.  A young woman named Pearl comes to Hollywood to make her fortune in the movies.  Things are rough, but she has no idea how bad things can get until vampires are thrown in the mix, and I’m not just talking about Summer Sweet.

The Good: Both stories are excellent.  The concept works.  Rafael Albuquerque’s art is a joy.  Love the characters, especially Pearl.  Summer Sweet’s appearances in Pearl’s story is well done.  I am looking forward to more about the vampires in Hollywood.  Alburquerque draws a great western!  Love the foreshadowing with the big, bald guy.

The Bad: Going to a Hollywood party hosted by vampires.  Shooting a vampire and it only ticks him off.

The Ugly: What happens to guests at parties hosted by vampires.  What happens when you tick off a vampire.

The Summary: I loved the first issue. Everyone involved did a bang-up job and I look forward to the second issue. American Vampire #1 is available now.

Darwyn Cooke & The Man with the Getaway Face

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Richard Stark fan?   Check.

Darwyn Cooke fan?   Check.

Crime stories fan?   Check.

Comic Book fan?   Check.

Loved Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of Richard Stark’s Hunter?  Check.

Okay.  If that’s the case, and you have two bucks and are going to attend WonderCon next week, then you may be one of the lucky folks who can pick up an…

…exclusive prelude to The Outfit, the second of Richard Stark’s Parker novels that Cooke is adapting… This 8″x12″ preview book offers one entire chapter of The Outfit and will be included in the finished graphic novel, coming in October.

What’s that?  You won’t be able to attend WonderCon?  Well, don’t fret because…

…the preview will be available in comic stores everywhere in July at the same low price and large size.

Be sure and let your local comic shop manager know that you’re going to want a copy.   Check.

R.I.P. Dick Giordano

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Dick Giordano passed away today.  He was considered a legend in the comic business having literally done it all over the course of his long career.  Many learned of Mr. Giordano’s passing through an e-mail sent out by his good friend and fellow artist, Bob Layton.  Here’s how Bob broke the news:

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

It is my sorrowful duty to announce that legendary artist/editor/entrepreneur Dick Giordano passed away today.  Few could ever hope to match what he accomplished in his chosen profession, or to excel while maintaining great humor, compassion for his peers and an unwavering love for the art form.  His unique vision changed the comic industry forever and all of those who work in the business continue to share in the benefits of his sizable contributions.

I have been honored to call him a business partner, mentor and dear friend throughout the majority of my lifetime.  We will not see his like again.

Regretfully,

Bob Layton

I’m honored to have met Dick Giordano several times over the years.  He was always gracious and kind.  As many of you probably know I have several Dick Giordano “Demolition Man” headsketches in my collection.  Mr. Giordano did them in preparation for his work on the comic book adaptation of the movie.  Last week, I received another headsketch drawn by Mr. Giordano.  This sketch is Dick’s take on Sly as Jack Carter.  It was gifted to me by my buddy Steve Lipsky [who also owns the sketch on today’s post].  I plan to post the Jack Carter piece with tomorrow’s update.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Giordano’s family, friends and fans.

Bob Layton is right, we will not see the like of Dick Giordano again.