Wizard World Ohio art: Humberto Ramos (grail, baby!!!)

I normally don't care too much for anime inspired style, or much of a cartoony look, but I can't help but love Ramos' work. His style has evolved quite a bit over the last 15 years or so. I had exchanged some emails with his rep over the last couple years, hoping to get something from Ramos, but it never worked out. Back in the summer I asked if Humberto was doing pre-show covention pieces, but the answer was no. then, 3-4 days before the show, I received an email saying that Humberto could do 1 piece before the show, an asked if I was interested. Um...duh....?LOL
I asked for a sexy, fun piece, where Krypto had managed to tear off Wonder Girl's top, but she managed to cover everything. Originally I was told it would be extra to have Krypto drawn into the piece (this was already extremely expensive..I have only purchased 1 piece more expensive, and it was a full blown painting). I couldn't put any more money into it, so I had to pass on the idea. Well, I went to the show, an told Joseph (Ramos' rep) who I was, an he smiled. He said he told Humberto what I wanted, and he said sure, no problem. He had a lot of fun working on the piece, an I think it shows. I never realized that Humberto puts freckles on most of the female character pieces he does, so I wasn't expecting them when I saw the piece, but he executed the concept more than perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better piece (well, i could have asked for something showing a bit more, thus makin it NSFW, or NSFJ (not safe for John, if my wife found out. LOL).

This is definitely the highlight of the show for me.

Wizard World Ohio art: Dan Parent

Okay, I haven't read many Archie comics, but just like most of the population, I am familiar with the characters. Archie is torn between the wholesome, girl next door Betty, and the 'not so safe' Veronica. Dan has done a TON of stuff for Archie, so I asked for a piece featuring Betty dressed in a Supergirl costume, with Archie dressed as the hero of his choosing (he went with Pureheart), and having Archie distracted by Veronica's skimpy Phantom Lady costume. As you'd guess, Betty isn't happy about that. I wasn't expecting the piece to be laid out horizontally, so that threw me a bit, but I think he nailed the concept.

Wizard World Ohio art: Mike S. Miller

Mike has held several different positions int he comic industry, and I really like his style. I asked for a fun Wonder Girl, an here is the result:

Wizard World Ohio art: Tyler Kirkham

I have been a fan of Tyler's art since I saw it on The Gift, then on Codename: Strykeforce. He received alot of notice and moved on to some pretty big titles. I decided to get 2 pieces from him. A Wonder Girl and a Calie, which is NSFW, so I won't post it here. There are 2 scans on the Wonder Girl piece. I darkened one so people can see the detail a little better. Both pieces are exceptional. I hope to get more art from him in the future.

Wizard World Ohio art: Mike Norton

I decided to request a sexy, cute, fun Calie Liddle from Mike this go around. Calie is from the various Wonderland books, currently published by Zenescope. In case you aren't familiar with the character, she is Alice's (from the 'in Wonderland' stories) daughter. Alice eventually escaped Wonderland, grew up, got married an had 2 kids, but due to her time in Wonderland, sort of went insane. Calie grew up to be kind of rebellious, while her younger brother Johnny inherited the madness from their mother.

Mike did a great job on this piece.

Cincinnati Comic Expo (final) art: Josh Blaylock

Josh is an incredible talent. He has brought so much to the industry in the last decade or so. He revitalized the GI Joe series at Devil's Due, so I had to request a sexy Baroness.

Cincinnati Comic Expo art: Whilce Portacio

Whilce is truly one of the masters in the comic book industry. When I saw that he was attending the Cincinnati Comic Expo, I had to try to get a commission. His wife, Jo, was so helpful and nice to deal with. I decided on a piece featuring Domino and Psylocke after they just fought off a bunch of Hand Ninjas. The piece speaks for itself. :)

Cincinnati Comic Expo art: George Perez

I have a wonderful wife. I told her how excited I was that George Perez was coming to the Cincinnati Comic Expo, she decided to buy me a commission from him. Even though she kept calling him George Lopez, it was an incredible offer. I asked for a sexy, fun , classic Ms. Marvel. Mr. Perez did not disappoint. He said he had alot of fun working on this piece, and I think it shows.

Chris Ivy commission

I have been a fan of Chris Ivy's wok for years. Several years ago, I bought a page of art from him, and he did a free single character pencil sketch. I asked for Flamebird (Bette Kane). I have seen a lot of his commission auctions over the last few years, and back in July (I think) i bought a cover commission from him. I decided on a fantasy Marvel Team-Up piece, featuring Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel. The back and forth was pleasant enough. When I got the art in hand, there was a crease all the way across the page, about 1/3rd from the bottom. I love the image, but the packaging could have been so much better. The art was just placed between a couple of thin pieces of cardboard and then put into a flat envelope. That was just asking for trouble.  I brought it to his attention, and he had said I was the first person who has ever had a problem. He offered a suggestion on how to get the crease out, and that was that.
As I said, the art is fantastic, but it wasn't cheap (at least for me). You can't see the crease too well in the scan, but it is there.

Oh well. Live and learn.

Holy crap I suck....

Damn all the available social outlets out there. LOL. I keep forgetting about this blog.
It's been a pretty good year so far. I've gotten some cool art (thanks for the Perez, Gretch!), work is going pretty well, we're going to have a baby in March (our 2nd and last), and Oliver turned 3 this past weekend. I'll be posting a ton of stuff in the next few days, but I want to start with this:

a cover quality commission from MC Wyman. I have been a fan of his work for years, and have a couple pieces by him that he posted on Ebay. Awhile back, I finally nabbed one of his cover commission auctions at a bargain price. I requested a Dynamo 5 piece, with the focus on Scrap and War Chest having it out. Since the cap is at 5 characters, I had to drop 2 of the normal cast in order for War Chest and Firebird to appear. I wanted a piece that was fun, sexy, yet tasteful. I think Wyman knocked it out of the park.

New art!

 Back in June I went to the Derby City Comic Convention and got a handful of sketches. Ms. Marvel by Uko Smith, Doc Rocket by Tim Seeley, Ms. Marvel by Michael Mayne, Ms. Marvel by Mike Norton, Protectors fantasy commission by Rob E. Brown, a Spider-Man for my son by Adam Hicks,  and Mary Marvel 'Through the Looking Glass' by Tommy Patterson. I also got an MC Wyman Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk, that arrived in the mail today. Very happy with everything!

Convention season is upon us!

This Saturday is the Derby City Con in Louisville, and I am going. I arranged 2 pieces to be done prior, a Protectors piece by Rob E. Brown and a Mary Marvel piece by Tommy Patterson.

In September the Cincinnati Comic Expo and Wizard World Ohio both hit. That is going to be an expensive monh. I am still excited though!

Mike Mayhew commission scan!

I've had this for a couple weeks, but forgot to post a scan. Enjoy this stunning painting!

Commissions, commissions, commissions...

Back in March I tore the labrum on my right shoulder, and had surgery to repair it April 5th. It hasn't been fun, but I figured it was time for an update.  I have received some commissions in the mail since my last post, so, here they are!

Havok and Polaris by Mike Henderson (actually, this was a birthday gift from my wife)

Havok and Polaris by Tom Raney

Havok and Polaris by Sunny Lee

Above piece, with a blueline inked by Jim Sanders III

Comments welcome!

DCnU Review: Aquaman!

Okay, I admit, I did read some issues of Aquaman over the years, but never really followed it regularly. No particular reason, to be honest. But, I decided to check out Geoff Johns an Ivan Reis' relaunch under the New 52. I am glad I did. Johns is up to his usual standard of work. Good character moments, giving Arthur a little bit of a boost in the realm of power. Ivan Reis keeps his end of the deal up, as well. Great details, backgrounds, etc. His Mera is striking. The art on issue 6 was a little off. It's credited as Reis with breakdowns and Joe Prado with finishes. I don't know what the deal is, because usually each of those guys is a strong artist and storyteller.
The 'villains' in this first arc, the Trench, are dangerous, just looking for a way to survive, and Reis' designs are just awesome.
I hope the books stays strong!

More comic reviews soon!

I know I have been totally slacking....but I will try to do more comic reviews!

Dang...I'm getting old....

I turned 35 today. I wish i didn't have to work, but I need to save up my vacation days. Since we got a new patio built over the summer, I really wanted a nice grill to use out there. I bought one Saturday. a Kenmore propane, with 3 main burners, a side burner and a searing burner. I really wanted one with a searing burner. I got a good price on it from Sears. I started assembling it Saturday then had to stop so we could go out to dinner. I started back on the grill Sunday morning, and I was almost done when an ignition cable came unplugged from one of the burners. the panel doesn't come off, so i was laying on the ground, on my back trying to plug the thing back in. It really sucked. Oliver was so cute. he wanted to help me, so he held the grill door open while I was working. It took me awhile, but I was able to get it plugged back in. Then Gretchen wanted to do some spring cleaning, so we cleaned out the garage. it wasn't fun. Although, it was beautiful outside and we were out there all day. Oliver had a blast being outside for that long. Maybe I'll be able to cut out of work a little early...

Commission Grail! Mike Mayhew

I have been a fan of Mike Mayhew's art for years. He has a realistic style that is just...amazing. I sold a few things and managed to get enough to commission a painting from him. I should see a sketch of the painting early next week. I decided to go with Phantom Lady. He should do a bang up job. Check out his site:
http://www.mikemayhewstudio.com/

Need some help....Commission recommendation (Jim Balent)

Hey...Not sure if anyone even looks at this, but I thought I would see if anyone does, and hope to get some feedback. Last year I signed up for a Jim Balent commission, but I am having trouble deciding on who to request. The commission is 11x17, 3/4 figure in greytone. These are some of the characters I was considering:

1) DCnU Wonder Girl



2) DCnU Supergirl


3) Phantom Lady


4) Enchantress


5) Domino


6) Jean Grey (Marvel Girl)

7) Batgirl (Stephanie Brown)

please leave a comment on who you think I should ask for. Thanks!

Hello, 2012!

I really can't believe that 2011 is over. It seemed like it flew by. Overall, it was a very good year. I survived a year at my new job, celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary, Oliver turned 2. DCnU hit the stands. I got some great art, read some great books. I tried many of the DCnU books, but dropped many after the 3rd issue. I started picking up more Image/Independents an Marvel books. My wife got me this great Supergirl commission for Christmas, done by Thony Silas (http://thonyartes.blogspot.com/). She said with all the art she bought me over the years, this was the easiest transaction she has had. I think the art turned out great, and once I get caught up on some stuff, I plan on getting another commission from Mr.Silas.
Here's to a great 2012!