Happy Halloween Everyone!

 

Threesome Art - 10.14.2011

Here's a couple of awesomeness I found today. 

Starship Troopers tribute by Dan Hipp

I love Starship Troopers (and its alien bugs) even more. 'Nuff said.

Rejected cover for Uncanny X-Force by Rafael Alberquerque

Yes the same guy who is doing the covers and interiors for American Vampire did this Wolvie. Rejected? Seriously? 

Then there's Phil Noto and his Avengers Press Day photo that defies Father Time and all explanation. I'll let the picture and captions tell you why.

From the Hank Pym Photo Archives- Avengers Press Day  “Tony thought it would be a good idea to invite some of the press over to Stark Mansion to highlight some of the work we were doing as the Avengers. I took this photo during an interview with a team from The Daily-something-or-other. I do remember the reporter asking us what we thought about other heroes’ roles in the country’s affairs. Apparently their city had, as the woman reporter put it, ‘A one-man Avengers team.’ “

I didn't notice the uber-awesomeness of Noto's photo at first until I read captions. And then it hit me.

I don't know what this is for, but what the hell... It's Batman by Phil Noto

From his blog:

"Batman - I was working on a very quick little Batman piece for something and it soon turned into this."

Something? Could it be a new DC graphic novel or one shot? Or could be hinting at doing something for DC related to the New 52 Batman? Because from the looks of this, its like a damn cover art. 

I know I'm not supposed to over-analyze things... but this is Phil Freaking Noto we're talking about.  And everything he does is noteworthy.

(You gotta love the Joker background doing his best impersonation of "The People's Eyebrow".) 

'Threesome Art' - 09.26.2011 - The Bat and The Cat Special

Its been a pretty controversial week for DC because of what some people say as over-the-top, gratuitous sexual innuendos in some of their titles like Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 and (probably the HOTTEST book this week) - Catwoman #1.

So with that said, here are three of the awesome art picks that shows the goddamn Batman amd Catwoman's relationship (with relation to the ending of Catwoman #1) as interpreted by Eric Canete and Phil Noto. 

Click on images for biggies. 

Canete sent a powerful message to DC with his strip, while Noto... damn, Bruce and Selina just chillin' with pizza's and beer? That's a series that everybody's going to follow!

Threesome Art - 07/21/2011: "Superheroines In Art Noveau "

I came across this beautiful art style caleld "Art Noveau" while I was browsing for some classic architectural designs online. I was so immersed in the beauty of this style that I started searching its meaning and who pioneered it. Wikipedia says:

"Art Nouveau is an international philosophy^[2] and style of art, architecture and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that were most popular during 1890–1905. 

A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is characterised by organic-- especially floral and other plant-inspired-- motifs, as well as very stylised, flowing curvilinear forms.^[4] Art Nouveau is a philosophy of design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of ordinary life."

Alphonse Mucha is credited as the pioneer of this unique art style.

Now that we got that intro out of the way, let's take a look at three beautiful superheroines in embedded in Art Noveau:

Selina Kyle by Alfonso Pardo Martinez

This is a very nice tribute both Adam Hughes and Mucha. Hughes is the one who originally depicted Selina Kyle/Catwoman as legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, and the Pardo Martinez (the artist of this deviant) was able to create an exact replica of that, matching Hughes' distinct pin-up style then filling it up with a perfect match of a  blue and purple backdrop that compliments the flowers and stars. Gorgeous piece.

Wonder Woman by Karen Zachary Wang

Another nice pin-up here by Karen, partnered with a green-fading-to-orange background combination that enables Wonder Woman to shine and be emphasized more. The strong, confident pose is a perfect choice, showing what "girl power" truly means - which is basically everything that Diana stands for, together truth, justice and liberty. 

Supergirl by ~yeso

And finally, probably my most favorite among the three (albeit a little bit biased since I have this certain favoritism for Kryptonians.. except for Zod).

I like the washed-up colors on this and that's what makes this truly stand out. Nice pink motif for the whole art, and the sexy pose is also noteworthy, with Supergirl looking something out in the sky. The Daily Planet serving as a backdrop makes it clear that Kara is in Metropolis, and finally the "El" crest arranged in circles - both great nods to the Superman mythology.

All of these images vary in styles and perspectives, but no matter what their differences maybe, every single one of them are mouth-wateringly beautiful. I wish I could get a poster of one of these and hang it over my wall. That would be awesome. 

Mari Kasurinen's Pop-Culture Ponies Rock The Lasso, Cowl and Cape

For those animal lovers out there - particularly the horse loving ones - I'm sure you'll definitely like Mari Kasurinen's specially designed ponies that represent figures from pop-culture that is reminiscent of the Hello Kitty series of Joseph Senior. 

Kasurinen's designs are really adorable, and they stay true to their real-life counterparts like musicians, movie characters, and even comic book superheroes/villains. 

Check some of the Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman & Robin, Joker, and Catwoman ponies after the jump, and more of her other creations on this website: http://awesomenator.com/creative/pop-culture-ponies/.

(Thanks to my friend Marge for the tip!) 

Threesome Art - 7/12/2011 - "Pinoy Pride"

Many of great Filipino komik artists have worked for big time companies like Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse who brought us the most memorable graphic novels and comic book series in recent memory.  And featured today are three awesome artworks from the best Filipino artists in today's comic book scene : Carlo Pagulayan, Kajo Baldisimo, and Leinil Francis Yu. 

Let's take a look:

Fantastic Four by Carlo Pagulayan

Carlo Pagulayan is known for his works for Marvel Comics, notably Emma Frost (#7-12) and Planet Hulk. And this image is one of his covers for Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four, which is perfectly painted to life. Love the lighting and the shadows he used to capture the team spirit of the FF, and will make you miss The Human Torch the longer you look at it. 

Good times, good times.

The Avengers by Kajo Baldisimo

I wonder why Kajo isn't doing any Avengers-titled comic book, because this poster he made is one for the money. It has the feel of a Stuart Immonen artwork yet it has his own original imprints on it. Notice the lighting he did here, crisp and clean lines, and the dynamic poses for each character that definitely kicks-ass. Not to mention Ms. Marvel's thingy right in your face. Perfect cheesecake. I would love seeing him work on The New Avengers someday.

Kajo is actually the artist for Trese, an all original Pinoy komik written by Budjette Tan that mixes gun-toting action with mystery based on Filipino folklore, that's nothing short but awesome. Go ahead and check it out @ tresekomix.blogspot.com.

Thor by Leinil Francis Yu

You know this guy I'm sure. He's the artist for some of the best graphic novels that I have read like Superior (with Mark Millar), Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk, and Superman: Birthright (with Mark Waid). He also worked on Marvel's Secret Invasion and some issues of The New Avengers vol. 1, and is doing more for the "House of Ideas" with his Mexican-standoffy Ultimate Avengers vs New Ultimates series.

Leinil's "Pseudo-Dynamic" style is on full force in this Thor commission, and his signature use of lines and unique marker effects creates a very realistic version of the Thunder God. But the best part of this image is the hammer. Take a look at the lighting on that Mjolnir, and tell me that isn't something. Marvelous. 

That's all for now folks, but I'm sure to be back with another edition of the Threesome so stay tuned.

Threesome Art - 4th of July Special

Its a special day so we're having  three of the most recognizable superheroes all in their patriotic glory, starting off with the GREATEST flag-inspired character - Captain America:

Captain America by Phil Noto

When you have Phil Noto working on something, its definitely good. His art style never ceases to amaze me with his fine and clean lines with well toned colors. And this shot is a simple, yet gorgeous take on the Star Spangled Avenger. Full patriotism at its finest and another nice hype-image for the upcoming Cap movie. 

Superman by Adam Hughes

Hughes is very well known for his sexy pin-up work on comic book heroines, but he can also draw men characters real well. This Superman (his Supes version is one of the best I've seen) is a perfect example of using a flag, a dramatic stare to the sunset and spot-on lighting to achieve a nice patriotic feel. Notice his complete dedication in making his character work stand out, while providing a great tone-setting backdrop.

Wonder Woman by James Lyle (from comicartfans.com)

Having a character draped in a flag is a textbook technique to capture the word "patriotic", and this Wonder Woman rendition is a cool example of that. The spiral stars in the background provide another dimension to this wonderful piece of work. Just imagine the picture less the stars, and this image wouldn't be as good as it is. Just goes to show you of what a well placed background design could do to improve the overall quality of the art.

'Threesome' Art - 06/22/2011

Here's my three favorite artworks from deviantArt featuring my favorite X-Man Cyclops, Batman, and the always visually provoking Vampirella.

"Mind Games" by *doubleleaf

What a difference a simple gas mask makes. Batman looks more bad-ass looking like a steampunk, which made me think as to why hasn't any one created a "Batman Steampunk" elseworlds story. Anybody would get that comic book in a heart beat.

Cyclops  by *Enymy

Of all the Cyclops renditions I have seen, this is by far - the best and sickest of them all. Look at that definition and lighting. Wonderfully done.

Cover to Vampirella #11 by ~PaulRenaud

It doesn't really matter as to what the background or motif is, as long as Vampirella's in there, I'm all for it. And Paul Renaud may have just used some Milla Jovovich references right there. Take a look at her face. Am I wrong or what?

What If The Green Lantern Corps Did "GLEE"?

Here's what Randy Mayor has to say about that:

and looks like each of them will be getting their own DVD covers too!

I was and will never... be a fan of GLEE, but if ever DC creates a GL-GLEE mashup on TV? Damn. I would watch that shit.

[from perpetualpanda via ComicsAlliance]

Extreme $$$: 3 of Comics' Most Expensive Artifacts

 Most Expensive Comic Book Cover:

Weird Science Fantasy #29
Art & Inks by Frank Frazzetta

WSF was a science fiction anthology comic that ran for 7 issues starting on March 1954. And this art you are seeing on the left was the cover for its #29 issue - considered by most comic art afficionados as one of the finest comic masterpieces of all time. Frazetta's beautiful anatomy and great attention to detail up to the tiniest parts of this original art -is simply stunning and downright incredible.

How much was this original art for?

Frazetta's Family sold this for an amazing $380,000 to Jim Halperin, co-chariman of the third largest auction house - Heritage Auctions.

Wow. That's a lot of money. But wait till you see this next piece of comic royalty made by another Frank.

Most Expensive Interior Art:

Splash Page from The Dark Knight Returns #3

Pencils and Inks by Frank Miller

Frank Miller's DKR was one of the main guns that triggered the start of the industry's turn from child-friendly, lighthearted stories into something dark, gritty and violent. 

DKR featured an aging Bruce Wayne/Batman coming back out of retirement to don the iconic cowl and rid his beloved Gotham City of more evil, and was considered as one of the greatest comic books of all time (but I don't buy that totally.)

This original art by Miller showing Batman and his sidekick Robin jumping out of the Gotham night - sold for a whopping $448,125, making it the most priced original art ever. 

Damn, I thought the economy is not good nowadays? Where do these junkies get their money to pay for a piece of paper with Batman and Robin? Crazy insane.

Now if you thought that was crazy expensive, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Because there is one particular comic artifact that was sold... at a price that would totally blow your minds off like you have no idea.

Most Expensive Comic Book: 

 Action Comics #1

 Art by Joe Shuster

This is called the "Holy Grail" of comic books. 

The one that started it all.

It featured the first ever superhero. The one that would eventually become the superhero-archetype and an American cultural icon.

His name?

Superman. 

The price?

A copy (in great "brand-new" condition) of Action Comics #1 was bought by an unknown buyer from ComicConnect.com for a staggering... mind-boggling... totally out-of-this-shit price of...

$1,500,000.  (those who threw their copies of this comic book might have probably kicked themselves in the head)

Just in case you thought what you just read was a typo, I'll repeat it again: 

1.5 MILLION. U.S. DOLLARS.

'Nuff said. I wanna find one of these somewhere in the garbage cans right now and be a fucking millionaire. 
 

The Best "Uncanny X-Men" Covers Part 2

Here are my final ten handpicked covers, celebrating the run of Marvel's flasgship X-Men comic book series - The Uncanny X Men - which will end in October with its final #544 issue.

The covers were chosen based on the art, its influence, badassery, and overall (story & emotional) impact. 

Hope you like my picks!


(For Part 1, click here)

Issue #394 - "Playing God" - June 2001

Art by Ian Churchill

Issue #398 - "Poptopia Part 4: The Clash" - October 2001

Art by Sean Phillips & Ashley Wood

Issue #401 - Nuff Said: "Golden" - January 2002

Art by Ron Garney

Issue #412 - "Hope: Part 3" - November 2002

 Art by Ron Garney 

 Issue #451 - "Impediments" - December 2004

Art by Alan Davis

 Issue #467 - "24 Seconds" - February 2006

Art by Chris Bachalo & Tim Townsend

Issue #473 - "The First FourSaken Part 2: Family Lies" - August 2006

Art by Chris Bachalo

Issue #487 - "The Extremists Part 1" - August 2007

Art by Salvador Larroca

 Issue #489 - "The Extremists Part 3" - October 2007

Art by Salvador Larroca

Issue #505 - "Manifest Destiny" - February 2009

Art by Terry and Rachel Dodson

Liked my list? Anything I missed that should be included? Let me know in the comments!