Wacky Reference Wednesdays, No. 404

PUNISHER: SOVIET #6. 2019. Photoshop, 2750 × 4175 px.

Doing my best tough guy look

digital sketch, Soviet inspiration

X-O Designs

X-O DESIGNS. 2016. Ink & watercolor on bristol board, 17 × 11″.

Way back in 2016 (what seems like a hundred years ago now) I was asked by Valiant to take a pass at redesigning X-O's armor for a new run. While it didn't end up getting used, I had a ton of fun trying out various looks for everyone's favorite Manowar.

The only direction I received was that he was starting to go a little crazy, and that his alien armor was reflecting his turbulent state of mind. He would eventually regain control, leading to a more standard design going forward.

We never really settled on a look, but my last edit was a Photoshop paint-over on the main turnaround (pic at the end). I'm still not quite happy with the last stage, but I loved the process, and felt like I was getting close. What's missing? My favorite superhero costumes are ones I can draw from my head, from any angle. Just need to simplify!

Wacky Reference Wednesdays, No. 403

PUNISHER: SOVIET #6. 2019. Photoshop, 2750 × 4175 px.

From PREVIEWSworld:

(W) Garth Ennis (A) Jacen Burrows (CA) Paolo Rivera
• The soul-chilling end of PUNISHER: SOVIET is here.
• Frank and Val have fought side-by-side against not only a Russian mob but also against the tide of history and these issues will make you see The Punisher (and possibly the world) differently than you do now.
Explicit Content

In Shops: Today!
SRP: $3.99

Holding my M-16 flashlight!

digital roughs

digital sketches

Punisher: Soviet No. 6

PUNISHER: SOVIET #6. 2019. Photoshop, 2750 × 4175 px.

From PREVIEWSworld:

(W) Garth Ennis (A) Jacen Burrows (CA) Paolo Rivera
• The soul-chilling end of PUNISHER: SOVIET is here.
• Frank and Val have fought side-by-side against not only a Russian mob but also against the tide of history and these issues will make you see The Punisher (and possibly the world) differently than you do now.
Explicit Content

In Shops: Mar 25, 2020
SRP: $3.99

He looks as tired as I am.