I did a fairly simple pose on this one, but I colored her much more cooly than I did my first one (which has since sold). It wasn't until I started coloring it that I realized I basically drew Charlotte from Love and Capes. That's okay. If Charlotte dressed up for Halloween, I bet she's pick Poison Ivy.
Here's my last holdover from the New York Comic-Con.
It's a good thing I waited, too. Originally, I was drawing Aquaman's queen walking, trying to get that royal vibe, and then it hit me: Put her on the throne. And then another thought: Make the throne a sea shell. I think this one works really well.
So I was sitting there, innocently minding my own business at my table at the New York Comic-Con when someone comes up and says "Can you draw The Mighty Orbots?"
When I was a kid I loved The Mighty Orbots. It was the first Japanese animated cartoon that I can remember on Saturday mornings. And it was the first (again, that I recall) written for America. Battle of the Planets and Star Blazers were in syndication, but they were translated from the original country.
Having said that, I couldn't draw the Orbots cold. The series has never been released on DVD, and man, that's a crime. Of course some people have released bootlegs of the series. I wouldn't know anything about that. But, I was able to draw the requested characters (Bo and Boo, the sister robots) once I got home. Make of that what you will.
One of the things I love about doing con sketches is the great selection of characters other people come up with. As much as I loved Orbots, I never would have thought to draw them. I'm glad my purchaser suggested it, though.
I've got two more of these to go. I'm glad that these commissions have become part of my con experience. They're so much fun to do.
It's seventy degrees here in Cleveland, and you know what that means…
I rolled in back to said World Headquarters around 2:00 am this morning after a pleasant and uneventful drive back from New York. Well, there was a moment of crisis when I managed to spill half of a venti mocha on Bob and the floor of my Dad's Subaru. Bob is unhurt, and now my Dad's car smells like these retired Yankee Candle scents. I think of that as an added value.
So, let's get in the Wayback Machine and set the controls for Day Three of the New York Comic-Con.
Like before, I ran into a bunch of friends and acquaintences. They include but are not limited to Amy Wolfram, Jann Jones, David Gallaher, Richard Howell, Ronn Sutton, Alberto Ruiz , Steve Silver, Mike Manley, Jamar Nicholas, and new Mid-Ohio-Con owner James Henry. I'm sure there were more, but my con-addled brain can't remember them all. Sorry to all I've forgotten.
I met a bunch of fans, and did a couple more commissions. One was a Buffy drawing that came out pretty well with Buffy dusting a vamp. It was a complicated layout for a con sketch and came out well. Since I don't have a
I also did a Batman piece for the lovely and talented Alexandra Beguez, who's a fine illustrator in her own right. She was gracious enough to scan it for me. So, click and embiggen if that's the way you roll.
As always, the work and networking thing was in full force. Bob and I may do another Star Trek pitch that we discussed on the ride home, and there's another thing that I may propose myself. I met some other new potential clients, and sold more than a few books and sketchbooks.
On Saturday, I did get to try out the complimentary Oxygen Bar, set up in the Pro Lounge (which was next to Small Press and Artists Alley, so big props to the show layer-outer guy for making that convenient). I pass them often in Vegas and always make fun of them. I'd wanted to try one, but the whole concept of paying for O2 seemed silly when
The tangerine oxygen didn't have much of a scent, but the peppermint did. I didn't try the mango chutney or the banana raspberry dacquri. (Okay, I made those last two up completely.) And by the way, I'm not smiling because for some reason the Javits center gives me chapped lips. A smile would have resulted in a little blood and pain.
I didn't feel particular energized or clear-headed from the oxygen hit, although I did figure out how to fix Aquaman and Hawkman! (Actually, I told a Comics Professional about the way I'd fix Hawkman continuity, and he said it was good. I won't embarass the guy publicly for such a pronouncement, but I'm a fan and it was nice to hear. Now, if only I could make it happen.)
I really like the New York Comic-Con, complimentary tables notwithstanding. It is, as Bob Ingersoll pointed out, an honest to God comic book show, rather than San Diego's media extravaganza or WizardChicago's "Wrestling counts, right?" melange. And there are just too many great artists, great people, and great contacts to be had to miss it again. In fact, I've already reserved my booth for next year.
Hope to see you there!
It's been another busy and very long day. But, I denied you pictures yesterday, so I'll supply a couple today, along with a quick hit of my day. I'll write more, and hopefully better and more cogently, when I get back in on Monday.
The show was much more crowded today, which was great. Great for the selling, not so much for the moving around. Still, if I have to pick between the two, I pick the selling. Books sold well, and I did a pretty good number of commissions, which is always fun. So far, I've done Mera, She-Hulk, Rogue, Power Girl, Jade and Wonder Woman.
I met a lot of people today. Too many to remember clearly. I got to see Amy Wolfram, absurdly talented write of the Teen Titans Year One series. I chatted with J.M. DeMatties, who seemed mildly impressed that I remembered specifics of his time writing on the SuperboyTV series.
I also talked to another couple of potential clients. I love doing that. The only thing I like more is making them actual clients.
Tonight I went out to dinner with Bob Ingersoll, Dwayne McDuffie, Charlotte Fullerton, Josephine Cashman, and a couple of people not in the industry so I won't name check them here. But, if you were to guess Pope Benedict... well, you'd be way wrong. We went to a southern/cajun place called Acme, which strangely did not sell giant rocket skates and jetpacks. Fortunately, the food was great. Sweet potato fries... mmmmmm.*
(* Homer Simpson drooling sound.)
All right, I'm pretty shot, and I've got another day of the con and a drive home ahead of me yet. Sleep now, more later,
This one was a lot of fun to do, especially getting to add a couple of the villains. I took some liberties with Iron Monger and War Machine, both of whom wear mostly black armor and wouldn't be as bright or colorful as is proper for this cover. It was cool getting to put in a MODOK and Cleveland's own Blacklash in the art.
I'm hoping to do a Batman one when Dark Knight comes out later this summer.
Just a reminder that I, and Bob Ingersoll, are now on our way to New York City for the New York Comic-Con. I really dig this show. It was very good to me last year and I was barely there in any official capacity. This year I'll be there at booth 2446. I'll be selling Love and Capes, Powerful Women, and doing commissions. And, of course, meetin' and greetin' my fans. If you're there, be sure to come on by.
And, if you're there, be sure to get your sweet Iron Man Toon Tumbler, designed by me!
I've mentioned before that I'm taking place in a charity auction for the Candlelighters. There's a pretty slick flyer that's been designed by Jesse, who's also part of the event which I'm showing here. Follow this link to the full story, and see how to download your own flyers.
This time next week I'll be at the first day of the New York Comic-Con. I'll be there, taking commissions, selling Love and Capes #1-6 and Powerful Women sketchbooks. And seeing those way-cool Iron Man Toon Tumblers fly off the shelves. Man, that glass looks sweet if I do say so myself.
Hope to see you all there. And I'll be posting my full convention schedule for 2008 shortly.