ALTERNATURAL ART

Ennobling Eighties

2012-01-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

New drawings. Characters from comics I read as a kid.

Beast, Circa 1988

Hank McCoy reverted to his original, human-looking form inan early issue of X-Factor. During Fall of the Mutants, one of Apocalypse’sHorsemen made his mind deteriorate. Months later, he regained his genius-levelintellect and became furry again after he was kissed by the mutant-evolvingInfectia. He wore this costume during Inferno and the Evolutionary War. Beastis a teacher again at Wolverine’s new school, and is also a Secret Avenger.

Cyclops, Circa 1987

At the end of X-Factor’s Fall of the Mutants event, Cyclopswas given a new costume by grateful New Yorkers after the team saved the cityfrom Apocalypse. This was when Cyclops thought his wife Madelyne was dead; heleft her to see the “resurrected” Jean Grey for himself, and co-foundedX-Factor shortly after. Cyclops currently leads the remaining mutants on theisland nation Utopia.

Rogue, Circa 1984

Rogue ditched her semi-androgynous look after the first SecretWars. She was 18 when she joined the X-Men; she asked Professor X to help hercontrol her powers and keep her sanity. She absorbed Carol Danvers’ powers, aswell as her psyche, which takes over her body from time to time. She became avaluable X-Man and is currently a teacher at the newly built Jean Grey School.She can control her powers now.

Starfox, Circa 1983

Starfox a.k.a. Eros is cosmic villain Thanos’ brother. He’san Eternal, which makes him an immortal with various powers like superhumanstrength and flight. He also has a unique ability: he can stimulate pleasurecenters of the brain. He joined the Avengers, but left them occasionally toembark on space missions. A few years ago, he became controversial; it wasalleged that he used his euphoria-causing power to sap people of their freewill.

In With the New

2012-01-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

Two new drawings.

Young Superman

This younger version of the rebooted Superman is currentlyappearing in the Grant Morrison-written Action Comics. I’m intrigued by thisless-experienced and somewhat impudent version. And the homemade, pre-spandexcostume is growing on me.

Red Hulk

When he debuted a few years ago, he defeated almost everypowerhouse hero he was pitted against. It was pretty silly that he even deckedthe Watcher, but this Hulk’s early irreverent exploits reminded me of DC’sLobo. Red Hulk, a.k.a. “Thunderbolt” Ross (whose ‘stache oddly disappears aftertransforming), later switched sides and is becoming a valuable Avenger.

In With the Old

2012-01-05T01:53:00.000-08:00

New drawings, old fave characters.

Superman Blue

I wasn’t really interested in the design when it wasintroduced back in the late ‘90s, but Grant Morrison made electric blueSuperman so badass.

Warriors Five

Ka-Zar the Savage, Warlord of Skartaris, Crying Freeman,Conan the Barbarian, and Tarzan of the Apes. Some of the toughest, fiercestfighters from the most dangerous realms.

I actually started the drawing last summer but shelved ituntil I felt like doing it. Finally inked and colored it last week.

Box

One of my childhood favorites from Alpha Flight. Sasquatch, a.k.a.Walter Langkowski lost his monster form so his soul was mystically encased inthe super-strong Box armor. It’s cool that the robot mouth was also expressive;I remember him smiling when they thought they found a suitable replacement body(which turned out to be the Hulk).

Dhampyr Cards, 1997

2011-12-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

This “trading card set” was used for the interior back coverof a comic book I drew, “Dhampyr,” written by David Hontiveros and published byAlamat nearly 14 years ago. The arrangement of these drawings was changed, andthe spaces between and around them were made black, so it had a striking windowframe-like look.

Putting Up Reindeer

2011-12-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

Three families, one season. My holiday drawings, 2011. HappyChristmas!

Batcave Xmas

The Bats celebrate Christmas before the rebooting of theiruniverse. Attendees: Kate Kane, Alfred Pennyworth, Selina Kyle, Bruce Wayne,Dick Grayson, Helena Bertinelli, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain, BarbaraGordon, Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown.

Babies, It’s Cold Outside

Wanda is finally reunited with her twins Billy and Tommy.

Endless Snow

The Endless siblings’ reunion turns frosty.

Yuletide Pride

2011-12-07T04:13:00.000-08:00

Two big team-ups, two new drawings.

Super Gay Marvel

LGBT Marvel heroes, anti-heroes, villains and civilians. Marvel’s got more than 34, but these are the confirmed, in-canon ones. This is a sequel of sorts to a drawing I did last April, dedicated to the creators who introduced or developed these characters.

Roll call: Spider-Woman (Exiles), Xavin, Lucy In The Sky, Northstar, Freedom Ring, Anole, Sunfire (Exiles), Flatman, Bloke, Destroyer, Shatterstar, Beast (Exiles), Rawhide Kid, Vivisector, Karma, Union Jack, Graymalkin, Mystique, Destiny, Living Lightning, Frenchie DuChamps, Colossus (Ultimate), Hector, Jackpot, Phat, Hulkling, Wiccan, Marlo Jones, Quasar, Moondragon, Northstar (Ultimate), Rictor, Daken, Victoria Hand.

Super Gay DC

A gathering of 34 lez, gay, bi, and trans heroes, villains, anti-heroes and civilians from the DC Universe (or Multiverse). I didn’t include Vertigo characters; I’ll probably do that drawing someday. Anyway, this is also dedicated to the comic book writers and artists who made this superhero universe a little more colorful.

Roll call: Bunker, Apollo, Starman, Lightning Lass, Shrinking Violet, Extrano, Comet, Tommy Jagger, Fauna, Obsidian, Power Boy, Tasmanian Devil, Hero Cruz, Houston, Donner, Ice Maiden, Gravity Kid, Knockout, Josiah Power, Thunder, Batwoman, Catwoman (Holly Robinson), Grace, Olympian, Scandal, Liana, Pied Piper, Terry Berg, Midnighter, Creote, Question, Maggie Sawyer, Gannon Malloy, Blitzen.

Costume, Critter, Candy 2

2011-10-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

New drawings, set two of two.

Frankenstein Vs. Franken-Castle

DC’s patchwork man versus Marvel’s reanimated vigilante. I wanted to draw this since last year.

Ten Jokers

I chose just ten: Hyena (Amalgam), Joker (New 52), Joker (Elseworld’s Finest), Joker (The Dark Knight Returns), Joker Junior/Tim Drake (Batman Beyond), Joker/Martha Wayne (Flashpoint), Joker (Main/New Earth), Bianca Steeplechase (Thrillkiller), Joker (The Batman), Joker (1,000,000).

Young Justice Halloween

Superboy and Impulse didn’t have normal childhoods, so Robin and Wonder Girl suggested that they go trick or treating together.

LNA, Demidragons

Lexy, Nance and Argus as fantasy warriors. It’s the annual Halloween cosplay, and this year, they’re trying out something different. Lexy is Bladesmith (the impervious swordsman!), Nance is Shadowdance (the shapeshifting spy!), and Argus is Reignbow (the alchemist archer!). Happy Halloween!

Costume, Critter, Candy

2011-10-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Halloween drawings! Set one of two.

Black Lanterns Vs. Marvel Zombies

The reanimated corpses of DC heroes meet the hungry ex-heroes of a doomed Marvel reality.

Endless Glee

A teenage Dream is singing “Teenage Dream,” backed up by his warbling siblings Desire, Destruction, Death, and Delirium.

Doomsday

Nigh-unstoppable alien berserker!

Sister Grimm Vs. Black Alice

Teen magic-wielders Nico Minoru and Lori Zechlin fight before becoming BFFs.

Look Sharp

2011-09-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Some cool comic book encounters. New drawings.

Daken Meets Shatterstar

Badass bisexual brawlers! Wolverine’s son Daken and Longshot’s rumored son Shatterstar. This really should happen soon.

Cheetah Vs. Tigra

Feline fisticuffs! This was inspired by the one-panel confrontation in JLA-Avengers # 4.

Long Live the Fourboot Legion

2011-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Grownup Legion! Dawnstar, Element Lad, Phantom Girl, Chameleon Girl, Bouncing Boy, Star Boy, Superman, Tyroc, Night Girl, Sensor Girl, Polar Boy, Lightning Lad, Shadow Lass, Shrinking Violet, Brainiac 5, Sun Boy, Blok, Tellus, Earth Man, Duplicate Damsel, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Timber Wolf, Ultra Boy, Lightning Lass, Wildfire, Mon-El, Colossal Boy.

LNA, Ten Years Ago

2011-09-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Before it was a graphic novel, “Lexy, Nance & Argus” was a comic strip that debuted ten years ago in Pulp, a local music magazine. Back in mid-2001, I pitched it to publisher Vernon Go and then-managing editor Annie Alejo. I was given two pages monthly, and the strip appeared in nine issues. Those 18 pages eventually became the first few chapters of the “Sex, Gods, Rock & Roll” one-shot, published in December of 2004.

I’m still very thankful for that opportunity. I’ve mentioned that a number of times already through the years in different blog entries. The comic strip led to a writing job at a magazine, which led to writing for a broadsheet, and so on. So as a commemoration of sorts, here are a few things that I remember fondly about its creation ten years ago.

The designs of the characters are a mix of influences; I wanted a simple, cartoony style, something that resembled the animated MTV shows of the time, but with a textured, daily comic strip feel to it. I was pleased with the final designs--distinct enough from each other, but still subject to visual change through clothes and hairstyles. They were easier to draw, but I could still control the details I wanted.

I used gray markers to give tonal value to those pages. The intensity varied from issue to issue; sometimes the gray tones translated as brown or yellow because of printing reasons, but I found the variations cool, nonetheless.

I photocopied and stapled all the parts together and gave them to comic creator friends. I once told Gerry Alanguilan that it was my “Wasted,” in the sense that doing it felt very cathartic. I was getting disillusioned with a lot of things prior to that point, and it was a chance to vent about what I thought was wrong with the world.

Doing it was also partly inspired by Carl Vergara’s “One Night in Purgatory,” which centered on a “forbidden” and conflicted relationship. I found myself creating characters that spoke to me, that had secret connections that fascinated me. I’ve always found secret, underlying connections between people fascinating. I often imagine this unseen web connecting real people through sex and sexuality, affection or attraction. So I wrote about these mostly carefree 20-somethings, whose shared “adventures” often led to self-discovery.

My other plans for Lexy, Nance, and Argus were realized through the comic book, three years later. It seems like yesterday, too, but so many things have happened since then. Looking at it now, there are parts that I wish I could change or improve. Still, I’m happy and always grateful that many people connected with it profoundly.

Attack Of The Clowns

2011-08-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Comedic and creepy clown consortium!

Jack-In-The-Box (Astro City), Mechano Hulk (Marvel), Binky (Garfield), Slapstick (Marvel), Clown Assassin (Marvel), Clown (Marvel), Hyena (Amalgam), Fizbo (Modern Family), Krusty (Simpsons), ‘Salvation’ Clown (Cranberries video), Pennywise (It), Obnoxio (Marvel), Jojo (Jojo’s Circus), Harley Quinn (DC), Joker (DC), Clown (Spawn), Chuckles (Toy Story), Ragdoll (DC), Ronald McDonald (McDonald’s), Joker’s Daughter (DC).

Alive and Kissing

2011-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Getting smoochy and slashy.

Cat, Bat, Snake

Selina and Talia somehow manage to capture Bruce, but maybe that’s just what he wants them to think.

Hornhead Loving

A temporary, three-way truce between Elektra, Matt, and Mary.

Wonder Heartbreak

Wonder Girl says she’s happy for Superboy and Red Robin, but being around her ex and her almost-boyfriend is killing her.

Super Men

2011-07-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Characters inspired by the Superman archetype: Omni-Man, Sentry, Superior, Samaritan, Majestic, Supreme, Icon, Captain Marvel, Hyperion, Gladiator, and Apollo.

2 Cool 4 Super-School

2011-07-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Avengers Academy and Initiative

Academy recruits and Initiative graduates, current and erstwhile trainees of the Avengers: Finesse, Reptil, Cloud 9, Komodo, Veil, Mettle, Striker, Hardball, Trauma, Butterball, Hazmat.

Teen Titans

Teen Titans, the post-One Year Later and Final Crisis rosters combined: Bombshell, Superboy, Wonder Girl, Static, Ravager, Miss Martian, Blue Beetle, Kid Eternity, Kid Flash, Red Robin, Aquagirl.

Young Avengers

The Young Avengers roster, plus young Avengers from the team’s different incarnations: Stature, Wiccan, Iron Lad, Vision, Rage, Hulkling, Scarlet Spider, Speed, Hawkeye, Patriot, Mastermind Excello.

Sandbox Showdown

2011-06-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

X-Babies Vs. Tiny Titans! Beware Speedy’s cupcake arrow!

Stars and Lightning

2011-06-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Just random Marvel characters, so no real theme here. Hmm, let’s connect them anyway: Thor’s dad Odin declared Dazzler the winner of a singing contest. Dazzler is rumored to be Shatterstar’s mother. Shatterstar almost hit on Thor.

Classic Thor

Thor, son of Odin and Gaea, Avenger and former All-Father.

Disco Dazzler

Dazzler: Retrospective collects disco diva Alison Blaire’s greatest hits and previously unreleased studio tracks, remastered for this special release. The artist, praised by All-Father Odin himself for her “voice so sublime,” was declared “the fairest songstress of Asgard and Midgard” early in her career.*

Track List:

(1) Love From Beyond (2) The Shattered Star (3) A Little Girl’s Dream (4) The Power Cosmic (5) Asgardian Idol (6) You Only Live Twice (Feat. Lila Cheney) (7) Siege Perilous, Siege Fabulous (8) Go For It! (Feat. Johnny Storm) (9) Hammer Bay Heartbreak (10) X-Lovers (11) Black Bolt Screaming (12) Mutant And Proud (2011 Utopia Remix)

*Dazzler # 16

Shatterstar + Rictor

Bodacious bisexuals Ric and ‘Star sometimes smooch in the GLAAD award-winning X-Factor book by Peter David.

Music in their heads: “The Ballad of You and I” by Melee and “I Will Remember” by Hard Rain.

Urban Species

2011-05-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Bats, spiders, and teenagers. Three drawings.

Welcome To Gotham

A mix of past and present (and deceased) Gotham knights: Huntress, Robin, Batman (Bruce Wayne), Red Robin, Batwoman, Azrael, Batman (Jean Paul Valley), Spoiler, Catwoman, Batman (Dick Grayson), Oracle, Orpheus, Question, Batman (Jason Todd), Batgirl.

New Mutants: The High School Years

The entire pre-Cable roster, teleporting: Cannonball, Magma, Shadowcat, Warlock, Magik, Karma, Boom Boom, Skids, Rusty, Cypher, Rictor, Sunspot, Wolfsbane, Mirage.

Spider Squad

Arachnids Assemble! Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), Scarlet Spider (Patrick Van Patrick), Spider-Ham, Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Boy, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman (Mattie Franklin), Spider-Girl (May “Mayday” Parker), Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly), Spider-Girl (Anya Corazon), Venom, Arachne.

Born to Survive

2011-04-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Mutant and queer. New drawings.

Gay DC

Some of DC’s GLBT heroes and antiheroes: Comet, Starman, Tasmanian Devil, Josiah Power, Grace, Thunder, Question, Obsidian, Batwoman, Maggie Sawyer, Scandal Savage, Hero Cruz.

Uncanny X-Men ‘86

Children of the atom, feared and revered. Love this particular group of X-Men, which also included Magneto, Rachel Summers and Wolverine. Love their Morlock-inspired threads, circa February 1986.

Gay Marvel

Marvel’s gay superheroes united: Hulkling, Wiccan, Lucy In The Sky, Moondragon, Vivisector, Quasar, Northstar, Anole, Shatterstar, Ultimate Colossus, Rictor, Karma.

Bright Brigades

2011-03-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Solar-powered strength, mystic mallets, alien power rings. My new drawings.

The Supers

Men, women and dog of steel: Mon-El, Superwoman, Steel, Super-Soldier, Kingdom Come Superman, Superman, Superboy, Krypto, Strange Visitor, Power Girl, Superman 1,000,000, Supergirl.

Thor Corps

Thunder gods and demigods! Ultimate Thor, Thorion, Magni, Thunderstrike (Kevin Masterson), Dargo, Storm, Thor, Beta Ray Bill, Thunderstrike (Eric Masterson), Throg, Thor Girl, Asgardian.

Lantern Parade

Color Corps! Team Huey! Sinestro, Deadman, Green Lantern, Atrocitus, Saint Walker, Indigo, Black Hand, Star Sapphire and Larfleeze.

Relics Redux

2011-03-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

King Gilgamesh

Something from April of 2000. Pencil drawing on 11”X17” vellum.

Batch 72

The superpowered band Batch 72, characters created by Budjette Tan and Arnold Arre, spotted at the Justice Corps movie preview. Drew this almost eight years ago--October 5, 2003, the numbers on Brownout’s shirt.

Lovers and Fighters

2011-02-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

Capes and tights, gay and straight, hugs and kisses. Yeah, Valentine art post.

Invincible and Atom Eve: Cloud Nine

Invincible and Atom Eve, teen superheroes in love. Can’t wait for their reunion now that the Viltrumite War is over.

I imagine Dashboard Confessional playing in the background, either their “These Bones” or “Heaven Here.” I interviewed the band last year and Chris Carrabba said their music would fit the book if it had a soundtrack; Invincible “has an optimism” that he likes “a lot.”

Question and Batwoman

Former lovers Renee and Kate get kissy behind the Question’s mist after a busy crimefighting night. I like this complicated relationship.

Perfect song for this scene: “Worn Me Down” by Rachael Yamagata. Or something differently paced but just as emotionally resonant, like Melissa Etheridge’s “I Want to Come Over.” Maybe they’re the songs in Kate and Renee’s heads, respectively.

Piotr Loves Zsaji

Yup, the relationship that temporarily ended the Peter Rasputin-Kitty Pryde thing (which was kinda weird, because Kitty was 14 and he was about five or six years older). Anyway, Peter fell in love with the alien healer Zsaji during the first Secret Wars. This scene can be interpreted as something that happened during their time at Battleworld, but I prefer to think of it as a brief post-death reunion in another plane after Peter sacrificed himself (to release the Legacy cure), and mere moments before Ord resurrected him.

Song: “Can Your Kisses Fly?” by Lotus Eaters.

Billy and Teddy’s Excellent Adventure

Hulkling, son of Captain Mar-Vell, and Wiccan, son of the Scarlet Witch, relaxing at Avengers Mansion:

“C’mere, Billy-boy. Stop reading for a sec.”

“Later, Teddy. Need to memorize these spells soon or Dr. Strange will be taking the name of the Vishanti in vain again.”

“Nah, he’s busy for at least an hour. Wong’s giving him a massage.”

Song for this scene: “Good Morning Baby” by Dan Wilson and Bic Runga, or “Do You Love Me” by Guster.

Gods and Supergods

2011-02-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

A few of my fave higher beings from pantheons brought to life by Kirby, Simonson, Byrne, Gaiman, and others. Four new drawings.

Thor Circa 1987

Thor in battle armor, probably my favorite among his costumes. I saw this version in X-Factor (he had a two-page appearance, drawn by Walt Simonson) and Avengers (the issue where they beat up Zeus).

Orion, Son of Darkseid

He was badass during Morrison’s JLA run. He died thrice in a span of months, in three big event books, about three years ago.

Dream Meets Nightmare

DC and Marvel’s dream lords meet at a neutral realm between their kingdoms:

“If you wish to fight me, Nightmare, know that I am more powerful than the costumed mortals that bested you combined.”

“I cower before you, o mighty Morpheus, the warrior-king who spent seven decades trapped in some clumsy dabblers’ rank basement!”

Galactus Vs. Anti-Monitor

The devourer of worlds meets the destroyer of universes.

Long Live the Lost Legion

2011-01-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

The Archie Legion! My fave version of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the post-Zero Hour team: Saturn Girl, Gates, M’Onel, Kinetix, Gear, Apparition, Ferro, Star Boy, Cosmic Boy, Dreamer, Spark, Karate Kid, Kid Quantum, Superboy, Shikari, Live Wire, Umbra, Chameleon, Sensor, XS, Wildfire, Ultra Boy, Invisible Kid, Brainiac 5, Violet, Andromeda, Triad, and Timber Wolf. Wish I could include Thunder, Monstress, RJ Brande, and Element Lad but space ran out. I hope to see this particular Legion again soon. This was drawn on two bristol boards (10.5” X 14”).

Comfort and Joy

2010-12-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Eight new drawings. Safe and happy holidays, friends.

Snow Patrol Spidey

Peter and Felicia stay warm on a snowy night. I love Pete and MJ together, but I really like this fun and sexy couple.

X-Force, X-Mas 1992

The ‘90s mutant rebels celebrate Christmas in the IPAC. I like this roster; this was the team after Cable’s disappearance and their costumes were nicely redesigned by Greg Capullo. I remember the Cannonball-led X-Force leaving Xavier’s School in the title’s December 1992 issue, and in this drawing, I imagine them spending a quiet Christmas together after a mission. Yeah, they didn’t notice Ric and Shatterstar getting chummy all those years ago.

You’re a Dear One, Mr. Grimm

It’s cuddling time! Ben Grimm and Alicia Masters, among the most enduring Beauty and the Beast-ish pairings in the Marvel Universe.

12 Bats A-Singing

Bat Caroling! Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd, Cassandra Cain, Kate Kane, Helena Bertinelli, Stephanie Brown, Jean-Paul Valley, Barbara Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth and Tim Drake form a Bat Choir. I imagine them doing a medley of “Happy X-Mas (War is Over),” “River,” “The Christians and the Pagans,” and of course, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Happy Holidays, Bat-Fans!

Herc and Northstar: Winter Fun

“Ho, friend Northstar! Mayhap ‘tis best if thou stayest in Avengers Mansion until yon snowstorm hath passed!”

“But it’s not a snowstorm, Hercules… I mean, of course, mon ami!”

Yup, they hooked up, as implied in Hercules: Fall of an Avenger a few months ago. I’m a little surprised that nobody’s done and posted fan drawings of the secret lovers on DeviantArt yet. So here’s one. They probably got tryst-y after an Avengers-Alpha Flight Christmas party.

Happy Runaways

Chase, Gert, Old Lace, Xavin, Karolina, Victor, Klara, Molly and Nico find a rare moment of peace, and wish each other holiday cheer.

Snowglobe Sandman

Dream takes a holiday. Snowy snowy.

Imps Kringle

DC and Marvel’s cartoony and malleable tricksters enjoy the holidays. Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite are about to exchange gifts, while the Impossible Man and Impossible Woman bring a few of their Impossible Kids to Santa Plas, assisted by his little helper Offspring. Thunderbolt Ylzkz and Morph decorate the Warlock Christmas tree, while Slapstick is giving away candy canes. Madcap is holding an empty box, but hopes to mesmerize Slapstick into believing that it’s the best present ever.

Power Pack Now

2010-11-19T00:55:00.000-08:00

This is probably how Power Pack would look today if we follow Julie/Lightspeed’s current age (17). Teen Julie appeared in the Loners mini, where it was revealed that she’s attracted to girls. She was ten years old in the early adventures (and the out-of-continuity minis), so add seven to the siblings’ original ages when they became superheroes, and this is how Alex/Gee, Jack/Mass Master, and Katie/Energizer must look now. The costumes are based on Julie’s existing one; I just followed the pattern and individualized it. Marvel, if you’re coming out with a new teen book, it should be the updated Power Pack!

The Robin Army

2010-11-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

The Robin Army: Robin times 20! Boy and girl wonders from all over the DC Multiverse.

Upper row: Barbara Gordon (Thrillkiller), Robin Redblade (Batman Chronicles), Stephanie Brown, “Tengu” (Robin Elseworlds Annual), Richard Grayson (Pre-Crisis Earth 2), Robin (Detective No. 27), Redbird (The Blue, The Grey, The Bat), Carrie Kelly (Dark Knight Returns), Richart Graustark (Thrillkiller), Jason Todd, Tom Wayne (Robin 3000)

Lower row: Richard Grayson (Dark Knight of the Round Table), Tim Drake, Boy (Return of Bruce Wayne), Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Tris Plover (Legends of the Dead Earth), Robin (Just Imagine Stan Lee), Robin the Toy Wonder (Robin 1,000,000), Robin Drake (JLA: Riddle of the Beast)

Halloweener 2010

2010-10-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Different monsters, a party, and the annual LNA Halloween masquerade.

Heroic Marvel Bogeymen: LEGION OF MONSTERS (Man-Thing, Morbius, Manphibian, Werewolf By Night) and HOWLING COMMANDOS (Clone of Frankenstein, Sasquatch, Living Mummy, Gorilla Man, Vampire By Night, Warwolf).

Heroic DC Bogeymen: CREATURE COMMANDOS (Lucky Taylor, Vincent Velcro, GI Robot, Matthew Shrieve, Dr. Medusa, Warren Griffith) and SCARE TACTICS (Grossout, Slither, Screamqueen, Arnie Burnsteel, Fang).

Halloween Skullebration! Bones, chugs, harmony! Skull-exclusive party attended by Mr. Bones, Taskmaster, Atomic Skull, Green Skull, Negative Man, Ghost Rider, Red Skull, Skeletor, Blue Knight, Death, Black Mask, and Blazing Skull.

Moore’s Maniacs: Alan Moore’s beautiful monsters, a trio of traitors and tricksters. Ultima from Top Ten was secretly a junkie who later rampaged at Neopolis’ superpolice station. Ozymandias from Watchmen betrayed his former allies as part of a grand plan to unite almost-warring nations. And TAO (Tactically Augmented Organism) manipulated his fellow WildCATs into fighting in a super gang war he orchestrated, among other sneaky things.

LNA Halloween 2010: Retro Robotic! Lexy, Nance, Argus, Jim and the kids dress up as familiar animated figures from the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Happy Halloween!

Here There Be Dragons

2010-10-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

A few dragon portraits for Halloween month.

Fin Fang Foom!

Tiamat, the hydra-like dragon from the ‘80s Dungeons and Dragons cartoon.

Morningbright, from Alan Moore and Zander Cannon’s Smax miniseries.

Marvel-DC: Vampire War!

2010-10-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween art month! I hope to draw more monsters and masqueraders in the next few weeks. We start with some of the Big Two’s nocturnal bloodsuckers. Fang fight!

MARVEL VAMPIRES: Morbius, Lilith, Wolverine (What If), Bloodstorm, Vampire By Night, Baroness Blood, Deacon Frost, Xarus, Topher, Jubilee, Baron Blood, Dracula

Versus!

DC VAMPIRES: Batman (Elseworlds), Vincent Velcro, Looker, Gustav DeCobra, Andrew Bennett, Roderick, Screamqueen, Crucifer, Dagon, Dracula, Mad Monk, Marius Dimeter

Team-Ups and Tangled Tresses

2010-09-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Noble knights and fun hair.

GIANT ROBOTS. Some of my childhood faves. Omega Supreme, Voltes V, UFO Grendizer, Raydeen

MARSH MEN. Swamp Thing and Man-Thing, bogeymen brothers.

BAT FAMILY. Batman, Robin, Huntress, Batwoman, Oracle, Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), Red Robin, Red Hood, Nightwing, Batgirl (Cassandra Cain).

MEDUSA VS. SPIDER-GIRL. Tussling tresses! Locking locks! Medusalith Amaquelin of the Inhumans versus Sussa Paka of the Legion of Super-Villains.

Spirited Sidekicks

2010-08-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Boy and Girl Wonders of Gotham, and the court magician of Eternia.

SIX ROBINS. Carrie Kelly, Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown.

ORKO OF TROLLA. When I was a kid, I imagined his face as something with catlike features. But now, I’m thinking he probably has a snout and huge, jagged teeth, like an orc. Hmm, I remember his people covered themselves the same way, so the secrecy’s probably a cultural thing, and not meant to cover up a hideous face like Yukk’s. Or, maybe their genitals are located on their faces.

Marvel-DC: Ape War!

2010-08-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Or, Prelude to Primate-Punching! My thanks to my DeviantArt contact Lordwormm for suggesting this “crossover.” Fun, fun.

Marvel Monkeys: Gorr, Speedball of Ape-Verse, Igor, Miklho, Gort the Ape-Man, Gorilla Girl, Hit Monkey, Gibbon, Peotor, Mandrill, Gorilla-Man, Ape X (Xina), Ape X (Roy Reyna)

DC Simians: Titano, Detective Chimp, Gleek, Ultra-Humanite, Congorilla, Beppo the Super-Monkey, Gorilla Grodd, Monsieur Mallah, Grunt, Solovar, Sam Simeon, Koko, Gorbul Mammit

Men With Swords

2010-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Just some quick drawings of my fave swordsmen from fantasy comic books and TV. Did these last week.

Scott Pilgrim

Crying Freeman

He-Man

Zuko

Lion-O

Richard Cypher

Swordsmen

All Together Now

2010-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Super-Villain Team-Up, drawings one to twelve. I think I miss action figure-collecting, probably one of the reasons why I want to contain this many characters in one place. But I loved drawing this set. Maybe I should do a DC villains version. Maybe later this year.

Boy Story

2010-07-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

Just something I drew some weeks back. Cowboy lovin’.

Super-Villain Team Up

2010-06-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Because nobody demanded it! Marvel villains!

Spidey’s Sinister Foes: Vulture, Dr. Octopus, Sandman, Lizard, Carnage, Hobgoblin, Mysterio, Rhino, Electro, Shocker

Mutant Menaces: Dark Phoenix, Onslaught, Goblin Queen, Apocalypse, Orphan Maker, Quentin Quire, Selene, Nanny, Legion

Masters of Evil: Goliath, Yellowjacket, Fixer, Blackout, Mr. Hyde, Baron Zemo, Tiger Shark, Wrecker, Titania, Absorbing Man

Marauders: Malice/Polaris, Mr. Sinister, Riptide, Prism, Scalphunter, Blockbuster, Vertigo, Harpoon, Arclight, Scrambler, Sabretooth

Dark Avengers, Dark X-Men: Sentry, Mimic, Iron Patriot, Weapon Omega, Ares, Venom, Bullseye, Moonstone, Daken, Dark Beast

Acts of Vengeance: Dr. Doom, Mandarin, Wizard, Loki, Kingpin, Magneto, Red Skull

Freedom Force- Spiral, Blob, Stonewall, Super Saber, Pyro, Destiny, Mystique, Crimson Commando, Avalanche

Alien Adversaries- Supreme Intelligence, Queen Veranke, Broodqueen, Prince Jakal, Magus, Ord, Deathbird, Dire Wraith-“Torpedo”

Avengers Foes Assemble- Michael Korvac, Thanos, Beyonder, Morgan Le Fey, Count Nefaria, Kulan Gath, Kang, Super-Adaptoid, Ultron

The Hood’s Gang- Griffin, Hood, Mandrill, Answer, Piledriver, Bulldozer, Thunderball, Jigsaw, Madam Masque, Scarecrow

Wolverine’s Enemies- Mister X, Deadpool, Silver Samurai, Omega Red, Romulus, Lady Deathstrike, Cylla

Mutant Hunters- Bastion, Cameron Hodge, Ahab, Cassandra Nova, William Stryker, Predator X, Donald Pierce

Cartooniverse

2010-05-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Something different this time. My interpretation of some fave cartoon characters.

PHINEAS AND FERB is a wholesome, fun, show. The characters are genius stepbrothers.

SPY GROOVE, a short-lived MTV animated series, aired about ten years ago. Naughty, funny stuff. These are Agents Number 2 and 1.

Here’s my version of FUTURAMA’s Fry and Leela.

And Agent P, from Phineas and Ferb.

Our Lady of Gaga

2010-04-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick drawing of Miss Germanotta. I like her, yeah.

X-men: From Xavier’s School to Utopia

2010-03-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

My 12 X-Men drawings, composited into one image. My thanks to X-storytellers Claremont, Byrne, Simonson, Simonson, Sienkiewicz, Kelly, Morrison, Whedon, David, Davis, Fraction, Carey, Kyle, and Yost for inspiring me.

Nation X 2

2010-03-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

More merry mutants. My X-Men drawings, set 2 of 2. Thanks to Benedict for scanning.

Young X-Men: Hellion, Dust, Mercury, Rockslide, Cipher, Surge, Blindfold, Stepford Cuckoos, Prodigy, Anole

Fallen X-Men: Phoenix I, Banshee, Anodyne, Thunderbird, Icarus, Synch, Wallflower, Moira McTaggert, Illyana Rasputin, Firefist, Skin

All-Different X-Men: Thunderbird, Joseph, Sunpyre, Omerta, Stacy X, Magneto, Marrow, Skin, Wraith, Maggott, Cecilia Reyes

Uncanny X-Men: Marvel Girl, Cable, X-Man, Forge, Jubilee, Nightcrawler, Rogue, Havok, Bishop, Chamber

Marauder X-Men: Gambit, Polaris, Sunfire, Frenzy, Lady Mastermind, Mystique, Omega Sentinel, Sabretooth

Gifted Youngsters: Wind Dancer, Onyxx, Angel, Gentle, Loa, Trance, Beak, Indra, Artie Maddicks, Sammy Pare, Leech

Nation X

2010-03-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

Homo Sapiens Superior. Children of the Atom. My X-Men drawings, first of two sets.

Excalibur: Micromax, Captain Britain, Meggan, Feron, Juggernaut, Daytripper, Pete Wisdom, Sage, Cerise, Kylun

X-Factor: Shatterstar, M, Strong Guy, Longshot, Siryn, Layla Miller, Madrox, Rictor, Darwin

Astonishing X-Men: Phoenix, Armor, Storm, Cyclops, Colossus, Emma Frost, Beast, Shadowcat, Lockheed

X-Force: Archangel, Vanisher, Warpath, X-23, Domino, Hepzibah, Elixir, Caliban, Wolfsbane, Wolverine

New Mutants: Warlock, Cannonball, Sunspot, Magma, Karma, Boom Boom, Skids, Magik, Cypher, Mirage

Utopian X-Men: Northstar, Cloak, Namor, Psylocke, Iceman, Pixie, Dazzler, Professor X, Dagger

To Me, My X-Men

Random Life Forms

2010-02-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Characters I created and drew in 2002:

The Gatekeeper

King Kraken

Scarab Drone

Mateo the Misfit

All Avengers

2010-02-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

My 12 Avengers drawings, composited into one image.

Earth’s Mightiest III

2010-01-27T07:59:00.001-08:00

My last Avengers set. These are drawings of the remaining members, including Jarvis, but excluding Moira Brandon.

EAST COAST AVENGERS: Members associated with the New York-based team. Mr. Fantastic, Sersi, Invisible Woman, Edwin Jarvis, Black Widow, Black Panther, Beast, Hellcat

WEST COAST AVENGERS: Some Wackos and related Avengers. Firebird, Human Torch, Vision, Machine Man, War Machine, Two-Gun Kid, Moon Knight

FALLEN AVENGERS: The (temporarily) deceased ones. Captain Marvel, Thunderstrike, Dinah Soar, Marrina, Swordsman, Gilgamesh, Whizzer, Dr. Druid, Yellowjacket

NINETIES AVENGERS: Members inducted or active in the ‘90s. Stingray, Darkhawk, Sandman, Demolition Man, Magdalene, Iron Man (Teen Tony Stark), Swordsman, Deathcry, Masque

ASSEMBLED III

Team Conan

2010-01-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

I faved a few Conan drawings at DeviantArt, and posted one of my own (above) last week, at the height of the late night controversy. I’ve been a fan of the guy for a long time, and Robert Smigel’s Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. This is an altered, cleaner version of a drawing I did in 2003.

Merry and Bright

2009-12-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

Two Christmas drawings I did weeks ago.

“Stained Glass Santa” started out as something different; I wanted a black and white snowflake-like design behind Saint Nick. But after seeing the spacing and symmetry, the drawing evolved into this. Santa’s checking his list twice, now on his nifty handheld gadget.

“Toys, Tinsel, Tree” ended up the way I envisioned it. It’s just a fun piece from start to finish.

LNA: Five Years Later

2009-12-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, I released the self-published comic book “Lexy, Nance & Argus: Sex, Gods, Rock & Roll.” Time flies; I remember staying at the printing press for long hours, checking if the page signatures were correct, and making sure that no blank page made it to the binding stage. By Dec. 23, copies had been delivered to Comic Quest Megamall. I’m grateful to my friends John and Benedict, who helped me get the book out there, and I’m thankful to the people who bought copies and/or took time to say really good things about it.

I’ve been asked a lot if a sequel is in the works. No, there won’t be one. And while I’m at it, no, the book is fiction, and no, I wasn’t molested as a child. But yes, I want to revisit some places. I’d like to write my character Jim again someday. I’m thinking of calling that future book “Psychic Love: Jim and Ma-An Save the World.” Or something. But while I’m not going to devote an entire comic to Lexy and the gang anytime soon, I do play with ideas from time to time. Their stories never truly end, and this recent image tells a few new ones. But I’d rather let them talk about it.

ARGUS: It was weird having Joop there. But seeing him again, with his pretentious tattoos and closet-era George Michael stubble, well, it’s like being punched in the gut… but you actually like it, know what I mean? Yeah, the “friends with benefits” thing got too complex. My heart broke. Yeah, he’s ten years younger, but we totally get each other. Um, when we’re not pissing each other off, that is. He’s so talented, it’s ridiculous, and you don’t see his brand of audacity these days. It’s like his parents knew he’s destined for greatness. They just had to name him after the daddy of the pantheon. Or the ginormous planet.

LEXY: We’re now in our thirties, worrying about the future more, but enjoying family life immensely. I guess that’s how we are, five years after, in a nutshell.

NANCE: It’s been five years?! I didn’t notice. A few lovers have come and gone. But I’m more concerned these days about my kids. And my career. Okay, I’ll only admit it here. I’m in a relationship. With a married couple from showbiz. There, I said it. I don’t see it going anywhere, but so far, it’s fun.

JIM: Man, what a slut. Just kidding, Nance. Me, I don’t need to say anything. Everything’s in the picture. I just wanna greet everyone, Merry Horusmas. Or Merry Solmas.

ARGUS: Happy Holidays to everyone! Except homophobes and other creeps. You know who you are, you unthinking, self-righteous, ugly hypocrites. Oh, and thank you, Stef, for taking the picture. Eat the fruitcake.

Earth’s Mightiest II

2009-12-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

A sequel of sorts to the Avengers set I did months ago. This time, I drew the inactive, honorary, and reserve members.

Modern Avengers: Captain Marvel, Sentry, Songbird, Captain Britain, Doctor Strange, Silverclaw, Echo, Antman, Ares, Jack of Hearts

Old School Avengers: Falcon, Namor, Arachne, Thing, Black Knight, Rick Jones, Crystal, Hulk

Space Avengers: Starhawk, Quasar, Starfox, Charlie 27, Vance Astro, Mantis, Yondu, Nikki, Martinex, Moondragon

Great Lakes Initiative (Formerly Great Lakes Avengers): Gravity, Grasshopper, Big Bertha, Mister Immortal, Squirrel Girl and Tippy Toe, Flatman, Doorman, Deadpool (reserve member)

Assembled Again

LNA Go Planetary, Elemental

2009-11-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Posted this last Halloween in my other blog:

Happy Halloween! It’s time for my annual Lexy, Nance & Argus blog drawings. This year, they’re cosplaying as fan-favorite heavenly bodies and as firebending Avatar characters. Oh, and Jim and the kids are masquerading as cosmic Marvel entities.

Cybertron Lexy, Mogo Nance, Death Starg

Firelord Lexy, Avatar Arg, Nancezula

Beyonder Jim, Romalecsa, Gylactus

Under and Beyond

2009-11-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at the 2009 Komikon, held last month at Megamall’s Megatrade Hall. The weather was fine, thankfully, and the venue was more accessible than the previous one. There were still hordes of people in the afternoon and in the evening; it felt good to see many happy geeks in one place.

The horror anthology Underpass was finally released. My fellow creators and I were there for the press con and the signing. Signing autographs was nice; it’s been a while since I did that. We signed quite a number of copies, and said “Thank you!” about as many times to those who lined up.

My contribution to the Underpass project is art for the 12-page “Judas Kiss” story, by David Hontiveros and Budjette Tan. Dave and I worked together twice before, on Dhampyr and a backup Avatar story, both Alamat releases. I have to admit, and I did say this at the panel discussion during the ‘Kon, that I had some difficulty starting it because it’s quite dark. To elaborate on that, it was hard to do some implied violent scenes, and their immediate aftermath. Anyway, doing the rest of the pages was a breeze because the script was very specific and I felt comfortable translating it using a mostly monochromatic style.

Underpass is currently in bookstores and magazine stands everywhere.

Storytelling Evolution

2009-11-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here’s a rundown of some comic books that I worked on, because I haven’t really talked about them except, well, you know.

Dhampyr (1997)

I began drawing David Hontiveros’ story back in the mid-‘90s. I was in my early 20s; I was still learning anatomy, perspective, and facial structure… and it sometimes showed. David’s script was challenging; he allowed me free rein on the character designs, but he also had very specific narrative techniques that I had to adhere to. Initially, it was supposed to be released as three separate issues, but I convinced him that it would be better to have it published as a one-shot, 3-chapter book. I inked some pages penciled by John Toledo, who also helped out with some page layouts. Ultimately, interpreting David’s story was very educational; I sometimes regret cramming some panels with unnecessary details. The 80-page Alamat book was a finalist in the 1998 National Book Awards.

Avatar # 1: The Legend of Baal (2000)

I illustrated eight pages (a cover/credit page and seven sequential pages) for this spinoff of David’s Pantheon title. This time, he asked me to go wild and Kirby-esque with the designs, and gave me more than enough room to cut loose. I enjoyed drawing this backup story, which had monsters, aliens, and super-scuffles. Oh, the pages doubled as tryout submissions that I sent to Whilce Portacio in late ’99.

Babe Force # 3: Cancer Killer (2002)

The 2-page backup story was written by the late Doug Miers, then-publisher/creator of Comics Conspiracy’s Generic Comics. It was fully penciled; I just spotted blacks on the clear photocopies I scanned. The book was released in late 2002 in the US. I posted the pages here about two years ago.

Ab Ovo # 2: Ellen and Gina (2003)

This one was written by Vinnie Simbulan, who wanted me to draw the story in my cartoony “Lexy” style. The four-pager focused on a group of gossiping gal pals.

Lexy, Nance & Argus: Sex, Gods, Rock & Roll (2004)

Five years ago, I finally compiled my old comic strip, which appeared in music mag Pulp from 2001 to 2002. It’s the first thing that I both wrote and illustrated, and I’m glad that it was able to reach an audience through the magazine. After it ended, some people actually waited for the characters’ new adventures, so I told the rest of the story and self-published. I wanted to prove to myself, most of all, that I could do it. It’s gotten mostly positive reactions and reviews.

Lexy, Nance & Argus: Family Album (2005)

I did this as a Komikon “exclusive,” an ashcan-sized collection of spot cartoons, a supplement or addendum to the LNA comic book. Samples of the 24-page minicomic can be viewed somewhere in this art blog.

Siglo: Passion (2005)

My contribution to project was a colored pinup. Dean Alfar asked me and other local creators to contribute some drawings for the book’s gallery.

Underpass # 1 (2009)

I was contacted some months ago to draw another of David’s stories. I guess he and co-scripter Budj thought of me when they discussed its sexual content (I did make a sex-themed comic book, after all). I opted to use a mostly monochromatic style using mixed media. I did away with clutter and heavy blacks. Initially, I did a page using another style, but I was really unhappy with it that I tore it after finishing. Anyway, I do hope Summit keeps publishing comic books. I saw copies displayed at National Bookstore Glorietta’s comics section, by the way.

Other comic book contributions include a page for Exodus # 2, a pinup for the Wasted compilation, three drawings for Pantheon, and a cover for Psigns of the Season. Whew.

World’s Greatest

2009-10-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

I did a set of Avengers drawings last month, “Earth’s Mightiest.” Here’s my interpretation of the Justice League. I chose four lineups: the Big Guns JLA (Morrison era), the Super Buddies (the Bwa-Ha-Ha League), the Relaunched Justice League (or Post-52 JLA), and Justice League Elite (or the proactive underground team). I used markers, gel pens, colored pencils, and water color.

“We’re the Justice League. We’ve beaten up real gods and made them cry. You are nothing to us.”

--Martian Manhunter, Ellis-ed up, to Z (JLA Classified # 15)

Relaunched JLA

Super Buddies

Justice League Elite

Big Guns JLA

League Lambaste!

Faces, Phases

2009-10-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Or, “Pals, Pens, Portraits 2.” A few new drawings of contacts. I used gel pens and a B pencil (for the Cams sketch).

WIL. Gummy bear.

MARGE. Rock star by night.

JAYCEE. Gossip girl.

CAMS. Dreamscaper.

CRIS. Old New Waver.

Earth’s Mightiest

2009-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Three new drawings. The first two are the “real” Avengers, and the third shows part of the classic Busiek roster. And in the “Assembled!” image, I included the Avengers Resistance team, which I drew and posted a few weeks ago.

New Avengers

Mighty Avengers

Classic Avengers

Assembled!

Mutatis Mutandis

2009-09-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

The X-Men, Feb. 2000, fully penciled on 11” X 17” vellum.

Wow, I drew Marrow. I wasn’t fond of the character before, but Joe Kelly eventually handled one of the X-books and made her interesting enough.

Avengers Resistance: Not Futile

2009-08-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Avengers: The Initiative is one of my favorite comic books, thanks to former writer Dan Slott and current writer Christos Gage. The new Avengers Resistance team is composed of former New Warriors, Avengers, and Initiative instructors, who banded together to oppose Norman Osborn and his minions. I drew this last week.

Steeds and Vessels

2009-08-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some vehicles and spacecraft from Scarab Impetus. Drawings from 1999-2002.

Stardrakken

Maluthean Jumpcraft

Skarrabian Skyskiff

Lunarsteed

Automaton Head

The Laboratorium

Alamat Cards

2009-08-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Back in 1997, I drew a bunch of Alamat characters on vellum sheets twice the size of trading cards. I had them shrunk at a photocopying place, glued those clear copies onto existing cards or blank cardboards, and put them in three-ring plastic sleeves. They were never meant to be published; I just wanted to draw them. I gave another set to Budjette Tan, I think. I collected fantasy trading cards back then and had fun doing this.

Alamat characters are TM and © their respective creators. From top to bottom: Dhampyr, Wasted, etc.; Indigo Valley; Exodus; ARCHON; Lakan; Batch 72; P-Noise; Flaspoint; Comics 101. Thanks for scanning, Benedict.

Caped Crusader Vs. Hornhead

2009-08-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Batman versus Daredevil. Sequential pages from a while back (1999, to be exact). Full pencils, drawn originally on 11” X 17” vellum.

I enjoyed drawing the 3-point perspective in the big page two panel, aside from the fight and sound effects.

My Pantheon

2009-07-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is a tableau of my characters, drawn back in August, 2000. The original 22” X 17” black and white drawing was fully penciled and uninked. This was titled Scarab Impetus: The Second Cycle of Eras, containing key and minor characters from my story of the same title, which I hope to illustrate someday. It’s an epic that fuses together mythology, science fiction, and superhero elements.

I was so inspired by different mythologies during the time. Whilce Portacio tutored me on penciling techniques just months before. The test drawings I submitted to him often had my characters in them.

It’s been a while since I saw this and other drawings; I’d forgotten how inspired I was in creating designs and illustrating all those years ago. To be honest, I’m quite surprised now at the effort I put in them. I hope to be as inspired again. I really want to tell this story and other connected tales.

Keeping Up With the Skywalkers

2009-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

I’m glad that the Star Wars saga still continues, albeit in its prequel period, through the animated Clone Wars series. This here’s an old drawing, my entry to E! Philippines’ art contest back in the summer of 2002. They were giving away tickets to Episode II: Attack of the Clones. As I wasn’t part of press guest lists yet, I really wanted to win them and attend the preview at Louie’s THX. I drew this on 11” X 17” vellum, and glued it on the black side of a 15” X 20” illustration board. I had to put “stars” onto the black part using a Liquid Paper pen, if I remember correctly. The quote was “Tell her… you were right,” pertaining to Anakin’s last words to Luke. “Her” is actually “your sister” in the movie, but space was limited and I had to paraphrase. I saw the TV announcement that listed me as one of ten winners. I went to the venue, got the tickets, and watched with a friend. A few days later, I went to E!’s Makati office (the location of which I don’t remember anymore), and got a huge, heavy box containing several (I think about 18) cans of Cali Shandi. Sparkly.

Thanks to Benedict for the scan.

An Endless Family Portrait

2009-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Dream, Death, Destruction, Delirium, Destiny, Despair, Desire.

I did this drawing of the Endless siblings some weeks after reading the entire Sandman series. I like the enmity between Morpheus and Desire, and Destruction’s attempts at creating art.

“Desire, Despair, Desire… so many monsters.”

Pop Confessions, Present-Day Women

2009-06-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Stuff I drew to accompany a music article for the paper.

Taylor Swift

Katy Perry

Lily Allen

Last Suppers

2009-05-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

I’ve seen different illustrations and photos inspired by Da Vinci’s interpretation of the momentous dining scene. A Google Image search reveals interesting variations, like Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Looney Tunes, X-Men, JLA, House, Simpsons, South Park, and many others.

So these are mine, but I didn’t adhere strictly to the layout. I’m a fan of Milligan and Allred’s mutant celebrity team X-Statix, and would like to see the title and characters revived someday. I included Spike Freeman because he’s the traitor figure of the old series.

X-Statix Dines In

The Smurfs, back in fourth grade, I drew them a lot. I enjoyed drawing them again. Papa Smurf isn’t a messiah figure, but he’s used mystic abilities, saved the young ones from trouble, and taught lessons along the way. Anyway, after doing this, I found a similarly themed drawing of the Smurfs online. Same long table with Papa Smurf at the center, but it’s outdoors, daytime, and they had sandwiches on their plates.

Eat At Smurf’s

Ultimate Mutant Loving

2009-05-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Colossus Loves Ultimate Northstar. It’s unlikely for a similar romance to blossom between the main Marvel Universe (or Earth 616) versions of the two, but who knows. Stranger things have happened.

I used markers, gel pens and water color on Bristol board.

Mystics, A Gathering

2009-04-12T23:43:00.000-07:00

Whether they’re connecting with their respective higher powers or harnessing existing eldritch energies, they’re formidable spellcasting heroes. If they were pitted against each other, we’d probably see the following matches:

Dr. Strange Vs. Dr. Fate; Scarlet Witch Vs. Zatanna; Talisman Vs. Tempest; Agatha Harkness Vs. Phantom Stranger; Ian McNee Vs. Faust; Wiccan Vs. Traci 13; Clea Vs. Enchantress; Shaman Vs. Manitou Raven; Amanda Sefton Vs. Witchfire; Forge Vs. Jason Blood; Rintrah Vs. Dr. Occult; Jennifer Kale Vs. Silver Sorceress.

Of course, once they sort things out, they’ll team up. It’s going to be nothing less than magical.

Thanks to Benedict for the scans.

Sentinels of Magic

Masters of the Mystic Arts

Armored Conflict

2009-04-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

Armor Wars! Marvel Knights vs. Shining Knights, or Team Shellhead vs. Team Steel. Some of the Big Two’s armored heroes. Mixed media on Bristol. Thanks to Benedict for scanning these.

Armored Marvels:

Mach IV (Abe Jenkins, Thunderbolts)
Iron Man (Tony Stark, Avengers)
Beetle (Leila Davis, Redeemers)
War Machine (James Rhodes, Avengers/Initiative)
Box (Walter Langkowski, Alpha Flight)
Box (Madison Jeffries, Alpha Flight)

Armored Titans:

Skyrocket (Celia Forrestal, Power Company)
Steel (John Henry Irons, JLA)
STRIPE (Pat Dugan)
Steel (Natasha Irons)
Warmaker One (Scott Sawyer, Ultramarine Corps)
Rocket Red (Dimitri Pushkin, Justice League International)

Birds of Prey Vs. Lady Liberators

2009-04-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

Girl Power! Drew these weeks ago. I really like Oracle’s changing team of crimefighters, the Birds of Prey*. Too bad the book got canceled recently. The Lady Liberators**, meanwhile, was a ‘70s group revived and revamped in recent issues of the Hulk and She-Hulk (which, sadly, also got canceled). They’re some of my favorite super-heroines.

*BoP: Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress, Lady Blackhawk, Misfit, Barda, Manhunter, Hawkgirl, Vixen

**LL: She-Hulk, Thundra, Invisible Woman, Valkyrie, Storm, Hellcat, Tigra, Black Widow, Spider-Woman

Plink Plink

2009-03-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

By Benedict Bartolome. Art by me. TM and © B. Bartolome and O. Pulumbarit.

The Cuddly Avengers Vs. Flex-Force

2009-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

These days, anyone can be an Avenger. There are A-teams running around now with different reasons for existing. I’ve got my own dream lineups, teams that I think should one day exist. The Cuddly Avengers is one of those newer, less serious ideas that came to me just over a week ago. They’re cute, smart animal characters that live and fight in the Marvel Universe. Spider-Ham resides in another Marvel reality, but I just wanted to draw him in this group shot with Howard the Duck, Rocket Raccoon and Tippy Toe.

The other team is Flex-Force, inspired by groups with similarly powered members like X-Force or Thor Corps. The flexible, shapeshifting members are Warlock, Impossible Man, Slapstick and Morph. That’d be one crazy and fun team. I imagine that the interactions and dialogue would be just as crazy, since they’re mostly like sugar-high kids with well-meaning but recklessly executed ideas. The DC equivalent of the team would probably include Plastic Man, Offspring, Bat-Mite and maybe Johnny Thunder’s Thunderbolt.

I see the Cuddly Avengers and Flex-Force fighting and later, teaming up against a third cartoony-looking team consisting of Lockheed, HERBIE, Pym’s pet/ship Rover, and that bloodthirsty weirdo Doop.

I had fun, and time, obviously. Drew these on backing boards.

Slapped Silly

2009-02-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

I drew this on a backing board. That’s Slapstick, a ‘90s Marvel character revived over a year ago in Avengers: The Initiative. The New Warrior and former Initiative recruit was among heroes plucked from obscurity and given important roles in that book. He’s unstable, in more ways than one, but he’s also nicely unpredictable and visually unique. Slapstick mauled Gauntlet after the drill sergeant repeatedly mocked the New Warriors.

“Who’s laughin’ now?!”

Gay Superheroes Dancing

2009-01-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Superhuman. And dancer. (That’s sort of my riff on the Killers song.)

Things I drew yesterday to keep myself sane.

Hulkling and Wiccan

Lucy In The Sky and Xavin

Northstar and Living Lightning

Chelsea, Jimmy, Conan

2008-12-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

Something I drew to accompany an article. American talk show hosts. Mixed media on bristol.

Wings and Pincers

2008-11-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

My friend Eon asked me to design a tattoo many months back. It took time to get inspired to do it, and different obligations piled up, so it had to be shelved. Thanks for understanding, Eon, and for liking these designs. I hope they’re worth the wait.

The Cancer crab and the dragonfly symbolize things about him and his past. Based on his specifications, I drew two separate designs, elements of which can be switched or removed if required.

It’s gonna be a first, my art adorning someone’s skin.

Deified, Turning Japanese on Halloween

2008-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

First drawing is “Deified.” Mother Nance, Lord Lexy of Olympus, and All-Father Argus descend from their respective heavens and mingle with cosplaying mortals.

After posing as divinities, Lexy, Nance and Argus try out manga-wear and go wild in (what else?) “Turning Japanese.” Meet Astro Beau, Sailor Loon and Smiling Freeman.

To see the gang’s other Halloween-inspired images, check out the old drawings (Oct. 2007). It’s an annual exercise; I have fun masquerading them for these yearly Halloween “snapshots.”

Young Marvel, Young DC

2008-09-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

A drawing of some of Marvel’s mostly new young heroes (Talkback, X-23, Franklin Richards, Jubilee, Bruiser, Prodigy, Hawkeye, Surge, Speed, Rockslide, Amadeus Cho and Kirby, Sister Grimm, Elixir, Arsenic, Wiccan, Jolt, Victor Mancha, Patriot, Armor, Anole, Vision, Xavin, Old Lace, Lucy in the Sky, Hellion, Cloud Nine, Pixie, Dust, Hulkling, Arana, Mercury, Stature).

Back in the day, I followed adventures of young superheroes such as the New Mutants, New Warriors, X-Terminators, and occasionally, even Power Pack. Through the years, those characters grew up (which took forever in comics time), but there will always be new and younger adventurers. I really like this batch, comprised of Young Avengers, New X-Men, Runaways, and some teen X-Men like Armor and Jubilee (sorry, am not too fond of Wondra). I’d have included an updated Power Pack too but I’ve only seen the teen Julie Power from Loners, so far.

Had fun doing this over the weekend. Also enjoyed doing this next drawing, a week later:

DC Comics’ young superheroes, the latest batch. This pinup is out of continuity, so there are some characters in it that have bitten the dust, at least for now. But in the last ten years or so, these are some of the most prominent youngsters, apart from the Legion, that have graced DC comic books. Most are legacy characters, following in the footsteps of established heroes or mentors with their codenames or costumed identities.

Some of DC’s young heroes were violently taken out of the picture. My favorite fun characters Superboy and Bart Allen were disposed of. They died fighting, at least. Osiris met his grisly fate in 52. And recently, um… okay, I won’t spoil it. Still, what a waste.

In this drawing: Cyclone, Supergirl, Speedy, Secret, Blue Beetle, Klarion and Teekl, Spoiler, Empress, Squire, Slo-Bo, Batgirl, Ravager, Lagoon Boy, Wonder Girl, Black Alice, Argent, Offspring, JJ Thunder, Misfit, Kid Devil, Superboy, Kid Flash, Hawk and Dove, Miss Martian, Robin, Tornado Twins, Steel, Arrowette, Stargirl and Captain Marvel Jr.

Alien Trickster Gods, post 2

2008-08-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

Bzzatz
Batina Fractwing

Vas Practeur

Molukavore

Husker

Alien Trickster Gods, post 1

2008-08-01T01:02:00.000-07:00

The last ten Gods of Mischief from different worlds’ pantheons. Like earth deities such as Loki and similar beings, these entities are known to scheme and manipulate. But they’re not all deceptive or power-hungry.

I drew these using gel pens last week.

Gnasher Treeford

Baron Sorunn

Stargem Gemskin

Bloock
The Mist Childe

Long Live the Legion!

2008-07-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

Legion of Superheroes, 2005

Mission, Volition, Television

2008-06-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ancient colored art. These are mostly published magazine and newspaper illustrations from five to six years back. That cartoony self-portrait, I did after a trip to Banaue years ago, but I didn’t send it to get published with an article I wrote (my first and only Travel section contribution).

Anyway, looking at this set brings back memories of some good times. Whoa, I forgot about the Maui Taylor (with Wendell Ramos and Jordan Herrera) caricature, which I did for a really short-lived mag.

Thanks to John for the scans, by the way. From top to bottom: Gamitan, Buffy-Angel, Friends, Me in Banaue

New Mutants for Old

2008-05-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

Did this New X-Men drawing for Al (Toshi Nintendork). I’m swapping my original artwork for his copy of the FCBD X-Men. I read that already, but I’d still like to own it. Click on the drawing for a larger image. Too bad this winner roster didn’t continue; only Rockslide and Dust are in Young X-Men (which is hard to get into, because Cyclops is being portrayed as a reckless jerk).

Anyway, I did this last night. It was totally a spur of the moment thing; I grabbed the chance to do it when Al texted that he got a FCBD Jughead already (which I was supposed to trade for the X-Men issue, but I didn’t find one). I dropped everything and got really inspired to draw this.

A pity the New X-Men series was cancelled after the Messiah Complex crossover; it would’ve been great to see writers Craig Kyle and Chris Yost continue this excellent lineup’s adventures.

Trapped in a Box

2008-04-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

I drew this for last Saturday’s Super section of the Inquirer, “Drawing Inspiration” (April 5, 2008… thanks, Katrina and Pam!). Actually, I did about four other drawings that had other ideas on them last Wednesday evening. Every illustration started out good, but I couldn’t feel inspired enough to finish them. Some of them would’ve sported superheroes and a semi-realistic style, while others started out as surreal, fantasy-inspired pieces. But I had to stop because I wasn’t feeling them.

I was about to quit drawing altogether that night. I told John over the phone that the muse just wasn’t there at that moment. I was assigned to do that cover drawing, something that’s supposed to visually represent Super, and I couldn’t think of anything that I could finish. Then John said the words, “Think out of the box.” That was all I needed. He actually had some ideas that beget other interesting ideas after saying those words, but I didn’t think about them anymore. I just knew what I had to draw.

I opted for a cartoony style, and this is what came naturally. I did this on a comic book backing board. For me, Super is about ideas, thinking out of the box, thoughts that can be big, analytical, appealingly alien, or monstrous… a section prepared for, and by, those that are different, hence its title, “Thinking Outta the Box.”

That’s what the drawing above is about. I enjoyed doing it. Thanks for being intelligent and for being the muse, John.

Pals, Pens, Portraits

2008-03-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

I know these drawings don’t do your faces justice, friends, but here they are anyway. Drew these using gel pens. Drawing or translating people's faces has been relaxing since I was about 14, when I first did pencil portraits of Terence Trent Darby, Debbie Gibson, and ALF. I like drawing fully colored faces too, a skill that got developed during college and later.

From top to bottom: Peach, John, Benedict, Mark Christian, Pam. Click on ‘em to view bigger images.

Archduke Nautilus

2008-02-15T00:45:00.000-08:00

Originally drew this on 11" X 17" white cartolina, December 1998. Wow, it's nearly a decade old.

Academy X

2008-01-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

More old stuff. Xavier Institute for Higher Learning class picture, drawn in 2001, shortly before Grant Morrison's run.

Visions of Sugarplums (post 2)

2007-12-09T02:55:00.000-08:00

(Here's the other half of the Christmas set. Enjoy!)

“Drinking At Work”- Saint Nick probably has an extra-tough tummy to eat and drink everything that people prepare for him. Drinking and flying? Never been a problem.

“Festive Forest”- Fake, plastic trees are fun to assemble and decorate. Disassembling, removing ornaments and cleaning up usually take forever, though.

“Santa’s Twin Wonders”- Interestingly, the Santa myth mutated to include other previously unrelated beings such as elves. Mrs. Claus can be part-elf. The kids, I call ‘em Kriss and Nicola, might look this way. They’re both naughty and nice, so it’s hard to say who’ll take over the family “business” one day.

“He Gives Cool Toys Too”- Why do kids in holiday flicks usually get generic toys on Christmas day? It would be nice to see Santa give other gifts, like monster action figures, for once.

“Single Snowdad”- The title was the last thing that came to me. Initially, it was just a drawing of a traditional snowman. There was space left for a kid and a pet, so they were included. Seeing them together suddenly inspired the title.

“Icons Party Hardy”- Holiday and feast day symbols unwind during their annual Christmas break. Jack O’Lantern, Easter Bunny, Thanksgiving Turkey and Stoopid Cupid pay their pal Santa a visit.

Visions of Sugarplums (post 1)

2007-12-08T02:21:00.000-08:00

Swimming Against the Yuletide

(Or, This Agnostic’s Christmas Gallery. Twelve all-new drawings. This got published yesterday in PDI-Super, yay. My dad just asked for the original of “Drinking At Work.” )

Text and illustrations by Oliver M. Pulumbarit

I’m a non-believer, yeah, and I’ve blogged about it in detail a few times. But I can still appreciate the Christmas season for its emphasis on goodwill and togetherness. As an ex-Catholic, I still have vivid memories of Christmases past. Admittedly, I still find the imagery and revelries related to the holidays appealing, even when I don’t believe in a messiah figure anymore. That’s just how things are for me.

But you really can’t escape the festivities, so while I’m not into “the reason for the season,” I’m still appreciating the artistry and celebrations that come with December. I’m also a ninong, so I’m still part of the whole gift-giving scenario.

Just some months back, I planned to draw and post new Halloween drawings to prettify my site. But because of time constraints, I opted to draw a Christmas-themed set instead. I cut up bond-sized vellum paper in half, pulled out gel pens and markers and ended up with the following. Here’s my take and thoughts on some holiday concepts.

“I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus”- Remember the old song about a son witnessing his mother getting cozy with Santa? It’s likely that he just witnessed his parents roleplaying. Here, it’s the boy’s dad. It still works if titled differently.

“Sweet Tooth Surrender”- Sugar high! Ditch the diet and devour those delightful desserts. By the way, fruitcakes are yummy. I know it’s not just me.

“Yuletide Gay”- Inspired by a phrase in “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” the drawing shows a modern-day tableau of a non-traditional but equally valid family--a lesbian couple and their child--celebrating the holidays quietly.

“Alien Starlight”- Christmas lanterns with colorful, blinking lights are especially diverting, but the simpler ones still look good. The design possibilities are nigh-endless, as the parol can come in almost any shape, size and material.

“Jack Frost Nipping”- The mythical Jack Frost is commonly known as a snow-bringer. Like snowmen, he doesn’t need a scarf, yes, but it works aesthetically on him, too.

“Elfchild Laborer”- Hmm, it’s odd that some of the North Pole workers are sometimes depicted as kids. But since they’re mostly elves, they must age differently. Maybe.

Marleina

2007-11-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Pencil drawing, 1998. Yes, it's a glass headgear that doubles as a live butterfly container (a flutter-ium, if you will).

Halloween LNA, Pandora, Werebat, Perseus

2007-10-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

Just a bunch of drawings for Halloween. Top to bottom: The first two illustrations are Lexy, Nance and Argus in costume this year and last year, while the others are older drawings of my characters Pandora, Werebat and Perseus Gorgonslayer.

Avatar's Baal

2007-09-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

From Avatar # 1, Alamat Comics. Drawn in 1999.

Ellinstrove Market

2007-09-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

Sequential art sample from seven plus years ago.

Benedicky's Birthday

2007-08-24T01:03:00.000-07:00

Didn’t feel like sending you an e-card or whatever, so this is what I came up with. It’s a day early, but let me and the Feroverse be the first ones to greetcha. Enjoy the food and get plump; you’ll burn it off the next day.

This was done using gel pens, on a bristol/comics backing board.

When Lightning Strikes

2007-08-05T00:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the X-Men's Storm during her mohawk days, and Young Justice's Impulse, back when he was a fun character.

Both have been developed considerably. Storm transformed in a couple of interesting ways, and her costumes often reflected those changes. Impulse became Kid Flash and eventually, the latest, ill-fated Flash.

Drew these about seven years back, full pencils.

The Cavalry

2007-08-05T00:42:00.000-07:00

This drawing was done in July 2000. The Cavalry, from “Utopia Comics,” originally illustrated on 11” X 17” cartolina. It’s a pseudo-cover, kind of my homage to superhero lineup change covers, and I wanted to put as many of my characters on it as I could. The final roster, I think, was made up of nine typical characters (three powerhouses, the reformed villain, the loose cannon, the enigma, etc.) Boy, I had a lot of time back then. It’s a double-sized issue at $1.50, so I probably pretended that the issue came out in the late ‘80s.

More Psigns Gone Hot

2007-07-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the next batch of adult Psigns.

Nox

Nox is the team's moon-powered speedster.

Napoleon and Nino

Napoleon has sleep powers and Nino is the size-shifter.

Tyler and Carol

I made Tyler the telekinetic and Carol the sonic-powered songstress an item. Obviously.

Cole and Rhea

Cole can control darkness, while Rhea can command plant life.

Dickymania

2007-07-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

My interpretation of my friend Benedict's characters, all drawn with gel pens on small bristol boards:

Isaac and Hob

My "what if?" take on Isaac and Hob, formerly the kid heroes of Psigns. It's just a crazy idea that came to me as I was looking at the character designs.

Tyler

Tyler has no adult alternate reality version. Did this while waiting for the Harry Potter preview at Mall of Asia.

Fero McPiglet and O'RyanThe human is O'Ryan from his manga story Orbit Gear. And beside him is another version of the Piglet, of course.

Princess Fantalian, Zapperkid, Zorrtorr

2007-07-12T01:23:00.000-07:00

These were drawn using a green gel ballpoint pen, on half of 8.5" X 11" vellum sheets, a few weeks back.

Princess Fantalian (of the Metalfairies), Zapperkid (an '80s superhero sidekick) and Zorrtorr (the wilderness warrior) are some of my recent creations. Click on them for larger images.

Morgon the Stygian

2007-07-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

This one was created and illustrated back in March, 1999. Again, it's fully penciled on 11" X 17" cartolina. I was digging the Star Wars prequel designers' works during that time, aside from my usual comic book art influences.

Herotyke and Cataclysmer

2007-06-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

Some characters of mine again from way back. Pencil drawings on 11" X 17" sheets of vellum cartolina.