Don't feel too bad though. I never take money until I'm done. I've heard horror stories about artists who take money up front, then drop off the face of the earth. There's a lesson in that for all you collectors/commissioners. Do NOT pay your artists up front. If you absolutely must, you might pay them a percentage as a retainer, but not any amount you're not willing to lose.
Now, I'm not saying all artists/cartoonists are flakes. I'm just saying enough are you should be careful. It's just good sense.
Well, enough with the dispensing of wisdom. It's doodle time.
This is a little doodle I like to call PROJECT PEGASUS POKER PARTY. The commissioner asked for a shot of The THING playing poker with a table full of heroes. I'm pretty sure (I said it was a long time ago) he said he wanted Wolverine. He might have even mentioned Titana (the broad with the boomerang on her head).
Now, my being a card carrying (and paste eating) nerd, I remembered the old Marvel Comics series Marvel Two-In-One, which every month teamed The THING, from Fantastic Four with random heroes from the Marvel Universe. In this series, he often found himself involved with an experimental and top secret experimental hi-tech research facility. This facility hired a revolving door of d-list heroes as security.
There were some characters I really wanted to include- not because I have any great love for them, but because they were just so dopey and obscure, I know it would be my only chance for the cheap giggle. Alas, there was only so much space.
I've always loved Ant-Man. His power is so incredibly lame, but I love insects and his helmet is bitchin. His power over ants, also, presented the opportunity for a visual gag. If I can, I try to put stupid little details in a drawing to amuse me and the Viewer.
I've always been amused by the need to have "black" in the name of black characters and the group needed a splash of color. So, Black Goliath was a shoe-in.
Valkyrie has always been a favorite character I've never really read. I've never really read Avengers or Defenders. She has a great look, with her hair in her face. I imagine she could be a really interesting addition to a team. She's a mystical being from Asgard. So, your most powerful character on an otherwise male team is a woman. Cool right? I'm, also, drawing a graphic novel involving Norse mythology (sort of). So, it's a nod. I follow Debbie Harry on facebook. I thought of her while drawing the character.
I needed someone serving snacks and Jacosta sprung to mind. I got nothin' else on her.
I've had a few comments/questions regarding the HAMM'S BEER lamp. I just wanted to use a more obscure brand (to fit the heroes) with a fun graphic/mascot. The bear won.
I'm considering having this thing colored and made into a print to sell at shows. What do you think?
For the love of Pete, sir; that's a jaw-droppin' concoction of pure delight. It's exciting (and rare) to see an idea so purely conceived and exuberantly executed as this one. The cast of characters is, at once, so bizarrely amassed and, yet, so brilliantly portrayed and nuanced. I love the fact that Antman is still wearing his helmet in this informal setting, and you'd be hard pressed to find a rendition of The Thing (and freakin' Jocasta for that matter) that looks as awesome as this one. Oh to be a fly on the wall in that room. To say that I'm jealous of this lucky commission seeker is an epic understatement. Your cup runneth over, Uncle Johnny.
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