Wacky Reference Wednesday, No. 148

Daredevil #1, page 15. Ink(ed by Joe Rivera) on Marvel board, 11 × 17.25″.

This is our first introduction to a new character, Kirsten McDuffie, the assistant DA who "knows" Matt Murdock is Daredevil. I forgot to include the pen behind her ear in the pencil stage, a key prop for the following page. Luckily, I caught it before turning in the final work, but not before Javier Rodriguez had colored it.

In my first attempt at laying out the page, I placed Matt up on the ledge of the building. This was deemed (with good reason) to be a little too much. Matt may be having fun with the fact that people think he's Daredevil, but he still has to maintain some kind of facade.

1: Layout, 4 × 6″  2: Pencils  3: Blue-line print with digital borders.

Megacon 2011 Commissions — Apocalypse

Apocalypse. 2011. Watercolor on paper, 9 × 12″.

I'm thankful to say I made it through Hurricane Irene unscathed, with full power and a full cupboard. If nothing else, it gave me an excuse to watch some movies and drink some beer (and then a mixed drink (and eat many Mint Milanos)).

What better time to post a picture of Apocalypse? I recently finished this, along with several other commissions. I'll be posting them in the coming weeks.

In case you didn't catch the link on Twitter, I was recently interviewed by Panel Bound about my career, how I got started, and some of the details of working for a company like Marvel. Hope you enjoy.

Wacky Reference Wednesday, No. 147

Daredevil #1, Page 5, Panel 4. 2011. Ink(ed by Joe Rivera) on Marvel board, 11 × 17.25″.

I've been using less and less photo reference, but it still comes in handy from time to time. As usual, most involve hands and props.

That pipe is actually part of my convention mirror stand. I use it quite a bit now.

The full page, inked by my Paw over a blue-line print.

1: Layout, 4 × 6″  2: Pencils  3: Blue-line print with digital borders.

NYCC 2010 Commissions — Wolverine

Wolverine. 2011. Ink and Acryla Gouache on a blank comic, 6.5 × 10″.

While this piece was originally commissioned last year at the New York Comic Con, I didn't manage to finish it until March of this year. I've managed to finish up a couple of commissions this past week, and will keep chipping away at them in the coming weeks. In other news, I've got sketch approval in the first of 2 covers for The Twelve. It'll be nice to use some paint after nothing but penciling for a few months.

Wacky Reference Wednesday, No. 146

Captain America: First Vengeance #1 Cover. 2010.
Gouache and acrylic on bristol board, 11 x 17".

You may remember this cover from earlier in the year, long before Chris Evans and I became best friends (in that he has any idea who I am). Not having the actor available to pose, I did what I always do: I took pictures of myself.

I love making that face. I also love moving my jaw forward to make it look stronger.

This, combined with reference of the actor and the costume that was available on-line (somewhat limited at the time) provided all the information necessary for a convincing rendering. This was work done on spec, so I skimped on the shield and the background in order to save time.

pencil study, 4 × 6″, and the subsequent digital color study

Another attempt at time-saving was a digital color study that I printed onto the final board. I've done this on 3 different paintings with varied results. In this case, it did seem to help the process along, especially in the beginning.

The first image is almost entirely the digital print.

The progress pics above are from the early stages of painting. Since the painting surface, 500 series bristol board, was not intended for inkjet printing, the colors are very subdued and lighter in tone. Despite this, it provided enough context to allow for a rapid paint application.

DD2, On Shelves Wednesday

Daredevil #2 Cover. 2011. Ink(ed by Joe Rivera) on bristol board, 11 × 17″.

Phew. I'm done. The first 3 issues of Daredevil are out of my hands... which means I can finally go outside. And answer all the email I've been putting off since March (sorry, internet).

First of all, I have to thank my Dad, who (aside from the legal obligation of supporting his offspring and teaching me how to draw ellipses) embarked on a new career in order to bolster my own. I don't know many dads who will drop everything and ink their kid's superhero comic. As far as I know, there is only one. Thanks, Dad!

Daredevil #2, Pages 2-3 detail. 2011. Ink(ed by Joe Rivera) on Marvel board, 11 × 17.25″.

As for the rest of DD team, they may not have coached my basketball team or made my pinewood derby cars, but they're still the best in the business: Mark Waid (writer), Steve Wacker (drummer), Ellie Pyle (editor), Javier Rodriguez (colorist), Joe Caramagna (letterer). You'll have to wait until September to see a full issue by Marcos Martin, but it will be well worth it. I have been a fan of his work since I first saw it and am honored to be part of his tag team. As for the story, Waid is doing some amazing things with Daredevil and it's a dream to work with him. But one thing I must say: he is evil (I have evidence). He has fooled everyone into thinking that we're going easy on Daredevil. That should get cleared up by issue 3.

A huge thanks must go out to my girlfriend, April, who has kept me well-fed, bathed, and presentable throughout the project... a little too well-fed, as it turns out. Time to start going to the gym again.

If you haven't heard, we were the #6 book last month, so thank you to everyone for the support. The next issue, which debuts this Wednesday, will be a buck cheaper at $2.99.

And finally, I hope this marks the return to regular blogging. I think I'm going to shoot for twice a week from here on out, which means the return of Wacky Reference Wednesdays. You've been warned.

Life Imitates Art

Amazing Spider-Man #639 Cover. 2010. Gouache and acrylic on illustration board, 11 × 17″.

I was delighted and honored to get these pics from a fan whose recent wedding drew inspiration from this cover. From the tuxedo to the webbing on the cake, every detail was meticulously recreated. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

NYCC 2010 Commissions — Black Cat

Black Cat. 2010. Watercolor on paper, 9 × 12″.