Preview Art: Magik & X-Men Ex Infernus

The next big X-Men event will feature former New Mutant and fan favorite Magik, aka Illyana Rasputin, aka the Darkchylde. The teleporting Russian sorceress/ruler of demonic dimension Limbo (and little sister of X-Man Colossus) will star in her own mini-series titled “Ex Infernus.” On MySpace Comicbooks, writer C. B. Cebulski announced that artist Giuseppe “Cammo” Camuncoli will be drawing the series (covers will be drawn by David Finch). Below are the sketches he posted for the sequel to 1989’s fondly remembered crossover, Inferno. Comic Book Resources has a great interview with C. B. Cebulski here.
Magik’s got a lot goin’ on here. She looks a bit Red Sonia and Conan with some Dungeons & Dragons thrown in. Which is to say, I love it! The really large tail is the only thing I’m not really into. I prefer Illyana with a thinner demon tail, the thick one reminds me too much of tail-slinging Whiplash from He-Man.
Illyana in her demure form, just trying to be a regular girl. I like the wistfulness conveyed in her expression and her uncertain stance. The skirt portion of the classic New Mutant costume gives it a bit more sword & sorcery aspect. This design debuted in Magik’s issue of the Mystic Arcana mini-series and I’m glad to see it continued here.
Following in the tradition of Kitty Pryde, Jubilee, and Armor, Pixie brings a youthful optimism and a gutsy can do attitude to the X-Men. Cebulski says Pixie has a large part to play in “Ex Infernus.”
Cebulski calls Nightcrawler, Colossus and Wolverine the X-Men’s “trinity” and promises that they all play a large part in the mini-series. This image really gets their personalities across. I especially like Nightcrawler’s crossed arms. I’m really looking forward to this mini-series!

Asexuality: Not Just for Amoebas Anymore

I found this article about one person’s experience as an asexual interesting. Asexuality as a lifestyle (for lack of a better term) intrigues me. I mean, I claimed to be asexual too once upon a time. Like when I was in high school and I knew that coming out as gay would not be looked upon favorably. Using Morrissey (he was still in The Smiths at the time) as my role model, I submerged thoughts about sex deep into my subconscious. I’m not saying that’s what the asexuality movement (is that what it is?) is about, because asexuality is defined as an individual who doesn’t experience sexual attraction at all. Regardless of my environment, that description has never applied to me. I just played a clever game of pretend (not so clever really, because the only person I wasn’t really out to was myself).

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss asexuals as people who just aren’t in touch with their sexual selves. It’s probably more complicated than that. Or maybe some people just aren’t born with a sexual drive to get it on.

My Solar Return!

Today the sun has returned to the position it was in when I was born! What better way to celebrate this day of new beginnings than with this amazing solar-powered image of Promethea drawn by J. H. Williams III! If you haven’t checked out Promethea by Alan Moore & J. H. Williams III, you are missing out on a wonderful adventure in magic and imagination! Promethea is perhaps my favorite finite series of all time! Alan Moore’s writing is full of wit and wisdom and the characters are easy to fall in love with. And J. H. Williams’ artwork will blow you away!

Astro.com says that one’s birthday is when you receive “a new impulse from the energy center within you, as symbolized by the Sun. Therefore any new venture that you start at this time will ride the crest of this new energy and will very likely come to an acceptable conclusion. Whatever you do or begin today will bear the stamp of your individuality more than anything else. This is the day to assert yourself anew!” Now that’s a great reason to celebrate one’s birthday!

 

I’ve never understood people who don’t like to acknowledge their birthdays. To me, it’s a time to bask in the amazing unique creature that is you. It’s time to affirm your connection to the world and the people with whom your surround yourself. It’s time to give thanks for the blessings in your life and time to reflect on the last year and make plans for the next. It’s a personal high holy day!

 

For really cool horoscopes on a weekly basis as well as planetary transits, check out astrobarry.com! His blog is full of fun and insightful posts.

Storm Sunday: John Byrne, Part III

This Sunday I just can’t get enough John Byrne X-Men goodness! Comics used to have headshots of the characters in the upper left hand corner and boy, I really miss that. I mean, look how unique the faces are for these characters. If you have never seen them before, these folks are eye-catching and I think it helps to promote them on the cover like this! Notice how no one has pupils? Isn’t that cool? Stacked on the left are Wolverine, Storm and Nightcrawler. Stacked on the right are Colossus and Cyclops.

And here they are in full figure fighting action! This is the X-Men I know and love (throw in some Angel and Banshee and I’m in heaven!). Look at how different everyone’s body types are: beefy Wolverine, hulky Colossus, lean Cyclops, gymnastic Nightcrawler and babe-alicious Storm! This is a team of archetypes that other team books draw from (I’m not saying that the X-Men were the first to use these archetypes, they were around way before then, but they made it famous): Strong guy with heart of gold, serious leader with something to prove, funny acrobatic guy, berserker tough guy hunter and token female/earth goddess.

“Don’t you think it looks better with the cape?” Storm confronts Ms. Marvel about the similarities of their costumes. But as cute as this lil drawing is, most heroines around this time had bathing suit costumes with thigh high boots. It’s a superheroine tradition that continues to this day. The weird thing is, Storm has been sporting Ms. Marvel’s “S” swoosh since her costume got updated in the 80s and now the Marvel Adventures Avengers Storm has completely swiped it (without the sash).
I wanted to show a dynamic page layout by John Byrne showcasing his ability to give a sense of danger and momentum to Storm’s attempt to save Garok the petrified man (and he’s the villain! This is when we were learning about Storm’s appreciation for all life, even if you’re a dried up husk of evil who has tried to kill her).
Storm shows Wolverine who’s boss. Actually, from the get go, Storm is shown to have a calming influence on Wolverine. He obviously respects her authority. I’ve long seen Logan as the Hunter/Horned God aspect of divinity while Ororo represents the Goddess. They are two sides of the same coin, imho, representing the pinnacles of absolute feminine and masculine entities. Some of this complexity has been lost over the years in these character’s depictions, but they still retain the core of these concepts.

Storm Sunday: John Byrne, Part II

After Dave Cockrum, John Byrne is the artist who really shaped the way the X-Men looked in their All-New, All Different incarnation! He started on issue #108 in 1977 and worked his magic for many years. In fact, John Byrne’s influence can still be felt from his runs on The Fantastic Four, Captain America, The Avengers. So, what better way to celebrate the man and his legacy than the above image which combines all of the just mentioned titles into one happy Marvel “photo op” ?

From left to right, Kitty Pryde (perhaps around this time she was Ariel or Sprite) is being balanced by Beast, that’s the Human Torch flying above them, next to Beast is Captain America, Colossus, Cyclops, the Invisible Woman, Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Ms. Marvel, Scarlet Witch with Nightcrawler in front, Storm, the Thing, Professor X is seated in front, behind him is the Vision and next to him is Wolverine and of course, that’s everyone’s friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man above them!
A lovely pencil sketch of Storm by Byrne. His rendition of the wind rider just bubbles over with circular design. From the curls of her hair to the oval cutouts in her boots, this Storm is one curvy woman and I love it! She looks healthy, sexy and powerful. I especially love how high Byrne drew her hair, like it’s almost made of clouds. And check out that profile! This should be the model sheet from which other artists draw inspiration!
 John Byrne drew a run of The Avengers (#181-191) while pencilling X-Men. Here we have the hex-casting Scarlet Witch with Storm! You gotta love those boots with the low heels, so late seventies!
 Hipalicious Storm in the clutches of energy stealing Sauron during one of the X-Men’s many visits to the Savage Land. Remember, Storm was fulfilling the token girl role on the team here and although her character was draw with a lot of sex appeal, she was still being portrayed as the naive “stranger in a strange land” character.
Storm talks to her plants in her attic apartment, a character trait that really endeared me to her. I was jealous that she got to make it rain inside. Check out Banshee an Moira being all lovey-dovey. *sigh* I love that couple.

Storm Sunday: Jim Lee, Part II

Artist Jim Lee’s version of the X-Men is a treasured part of my adolescence. I have to admit that I looked forward to every issue of X-Men he drew and loved his creator owned creation WildC.A.T.S comic as well. It’s interesting to note how long his costume redesigns lasted. And whether you like it or not, Psylocke’s ninja bikini is now her most classic costume. I’m not sure what that says about the character. Anyway, I thought it might be fun to revisit the time the X-Men were stationed in the Australian outback. I really loved the original outback lineup of Havok, Wolverine, Longshot, Colossus, Rogue, Storm, Dazzler and Psylocke. The balance of male and female teammates appealed to me. Of course, we also had Gateway, Jubilee and Madelyn Pryor. Then a reformed Polaris joined after a very strange power switch (that’s why she’s so American Gladiator-ish in the pic below) and Banshee and Forge returned as trainers. A lot of stuff was going on on Muir Isle around then. Things were getting crowded again with lots and lots of characters.

Above, Psylocke and Storm look menacing with their energy powers and diva stances. I love this version of Storm’s costume sooooo much! I wish she had actually used it in the books. The choker rocks and is reminiscent of her punk era. The side cut looks visually appealing, and her ruby takes center stage to give us some sex appeal (by that I mean some skin). The shoulder pads are a bit 90s but I like them here with the baggy sleeves and cape. It’s regal, but superheroic and pin up girl at the same time.

Storm, Forge & Polaris. Storm looks amazing here. Totally gorgeous, regal, and commanding. I’ve never understood why Forge doesn’t cover up his cybernetic leg. Like, what? Does he cut of one of the pants legs every time he get a costume? Hey guys, look! I have an artificial leg! Or maybe he needs access to the materials in his leg to make stuff? I dunno. And Polaris, love that hair, girl! And the muscles! It was nice to see a girl with super strength actually look like she had it.

Jubilee, Havok, Psylocke & Wolverine (in the foreground). Jubilee was great under Jim Lee’s pencils. Loved her smart mouth and her bubble gum. She was a great character foil for Wolvie and the ultra cool (as in chilly) Psylocke.

Rogue, Banshee, Gateway (in the background) & Colossus. This is my favorite costume of Rogue’s. Actually, I like the one in the 80’s where she’s wearing the black bodysuit, a green thong and a green tank top with double belts, but this one is close enough. And no one, and I mean, no one draws Banshee’s costume with as much flair as Jim Lee. He really knew how to get those stripes to look amazing!
Storm with short hair and in the blue and gold uniform. This haircut didn’t last long, but I think it’s pretty cool. I’m not, however, a fan of Storm in this outfit. I like the X-Men when they’re in the their own individual costumes. Leave the uniforms for the younger kids who haven’t reached X-Men status yet.

Storm Sunday: Michael Kaluta

This Sunday we take a look at two images from the amazing Michael Wm. Kaluta!

This image is from The Uncanny Dave Cockrum Tribute book.  I really dig the ying/yang Nightcrawlers in the center of Storm’s lightning tinged fingers.  Storm’s face has a more androgynous look here, her nose is a bit more Greco-Roman and her lips have a more pronounced curve to them (especially the upper lip).  Her cheek bones are higher and her chin has a bit more prominence, giving Ororo a more classical look.  Also, notice how her tiara is depicted much smaller than usual above the forehead, but it extends in front of her ears to her cheekbones.

Though Storm is prominently featured in this image, the focus is really on the double Nightcrawlers, who look more demonic than ever.  By giving them more realistic anatomy and hunched, almost fetal-like posture, Kaluta has emphasized Kurt’s (the Kurts’) otherworldly mutant nature.  The realistic drawing style, combined with the metaphorical imagery makes Marvel’s mutants look rather mystical.   

Speaking of mystical natures, here’s Zatanna “conjuring a storm” by Kaluta. I’m not sure if it is intentional or not, but Storm’s detailed hands with their long sharp nails and her rather angry face remind me of Ororo’s time as a thrall to Dracula.  My intuition tells me that Kaluta probably just wanted to draw her full of weather witch intensity.  She definitely looks ticked off!  This image is a nice DC/Marvel crossover moment as well as a cute pun and it’s always great to see Zatanna!

Storm Sunday (San Diego Comic Con 2008 Spotlight): Cameron Stewart

This San Diego Comic Con, I had the amazing fortune to work at the super cool Booth #2207 featuring the critically acclaimed talented trio of artists Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart and Dave Bullock! As you can see at that link, Cooke, Stewart and Bullock all had amazing art books for sale at the booth and an incredible host of all-star talent coming to the booth for signings.

iFanboy’s describes Cameron Stewart’s art book as “a 48-page, vibrantly colorful hardback collection of unpublished and never-before-seen pin-up illustrations, many created specifically for this edition. Also available will be WARM-UPS, Cameron’s 2008 Sketchbook (softcover,black and white), a mix of complete illustrations and rough process drawings further showcasing his single-track obsession with cute females.” You can purchase the artbook here!  Just scroll down until you see the cover I have reproduced in the middle of this post.

The first volume of The Apocalypstix, written by Ray Fawkes, illustrated by Cameron and published by Oni Press is now available!  Get your copy today!  Also, keep an eye out for Seaguy: Slaves of Mickey Eye by Stewart and written by Grant Morrison.  Check out Cameron Stewart’s site here and stalk him on MySpace here.  Read the Wikipedia entry on him here and learn all about his Eisner-nominated series The Other Side he created with writer Jason Aaron.

Cameron drew this GORGEOUS rendering of punk rock mohawk Storm on the last day of Comic Con in spite of being exhausted and overworked.  I am forever grateful to him for this piece which is a scintillating gem in my collection of Storm drawings.  I love the soft yet powerful eyes of Ororo in this drawing.  The details of light on her nose and collar studs are great touches.  What about those perfect lips?! And that mohawk is beautiful!  I’ve simply run out of adjectives to adequately describe how happy this artwork makes me.  Thanks, Cameron!

This is the cover of the artbook you need to purchase here.

One of my favorite images from the aforementioned artbook.  I love how Cameron is able to give his women a streetwise flair for fashion.

San Diego Comic Con 2008 Spotlight: Dave Bullock

This San Diego Comic Con, I had the amazing fortune to work at the super cool Booth #2207 featuring the critically acclaimed talented trio of artists Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart and Dave Bullock!  As you can see at that link, Cooke, Stewart and Bullock all had amazing art books for sale at the booth and an incredible host of all-star talent coming to the booth for signings.

iFanboy’s bio of Dave hits all the high notes:

“Animation Director DAVID BULLOCK (credits include the lauded film adaptation of Eisner-winning graphic novel The New Frontier, and the upcoming feature Star Wars: The Clone Wars) announces the release of BULLOCK- ART WORKS, his first-ever art book at Comicon. The book contains a selection of David’s original, creator-owned artwork, as well as character designs and development art from his work as an animation director, and traditional comic book and pin-up art.”

All the images I’m showing in this post are from BULLOCK- ART WORKS.

Be sure to check out the upcoming Age of the Sentry mini-series which will feature covers by Dave!  The series is written by Jeff Parker and Paul Tobin and drawn by Nick Dragotta and Colleen Coover!

The highly kinetic cover to BULLOCK- ART WORKS features a kick-ass Robin!  Check out those treads!

Dave draws a gorgeous rendition of Blackfire, Starfire’s ne’erdowell sister from Teen Titans Go!

And finally, I present my favorite image from the book!  Bullock’s Batman is rendered beautifully as he jumps from rooftop to rooftop.

San Diego Comic Con 2008 Spotlight: Darwyn Cooke

This San Diego Comic Con, I had the amazing fortune to work at the super cool Booth #2207 featuring the critically acclaimed talented trio of artists Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart and Dave Bullock!  As you can see at that link, Cooke, Stewart and Bullock all had amazing art books for sale at the booth and an incredible host of all-star talent coming to the booth for signings.  The images from today’s post are all from Darwyn’s artbook Retroactive, which iFanboy describes as, “a beautiful 48-page collection of selected art produced over the last ten years, from Darwyn’s time as an animation artist through to his current career as a superstar comic book writer/illustrator. The book collects all-new, never-before-published art, rarely-seen material, and some sketchbook pages, with most being finished, full-color illustrations.” 

Besides selling his artbooks and attending signing after signing, Darwyn announced his new project: adapting the “Parker” series crime novels by Donald Westlake (under the pen name Richard Stark) as a series of four full-length graphic novels for IDW Publishing.  IDW’s official press release is here.  Comic Book Resources and Newsarama (among many, many others) also have more information.

The cover for Retroactive.

Artwork from Justice League: The New Frontier graphic novel.  The cartoon movie adaptation of this work has been nominated for an Emmy!

My favorite image from Retroactive is a scene from Justice League: The New Frontier.  I was very happy to see it represented in the art book!

This image of Green Lantern and Carol Ferris invokes a sense of wonder that I always get when I look at Darwyn Cooke’s work.

You can see a partial bibliography list of Darwyn’s work here.  Dunno how accurate it is since it’s Wikipedia.  I definitely recommend his amazing work on The Spirit, especially the Batman/Spirit one-shot.