Happy Halloween Everyone!

 

Threesome Art - 10.14.2011

Here's a couple of awesomeness I found today. 

Starship Troopers tribute by Dan Hipp

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

Rejected cover for Uncanny X-Force by Rafael Alberquerque

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

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

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

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

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

From his blog:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on images for biggies. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selina Kyle by Alfonso Pardo Martinez

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

Wonder Woman by Karen Zachary Wang

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

Supergirl by ~yeso

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Thanks to my friend Marge for the tip!) 

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

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

Let's take a look:

Fantastic Four by Carlo Pagulayan

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

Good times, good times.

The Avengers by Kajo Baldisimo

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

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

Thor by Leinil Francis Yu

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

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

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

Threesome Art - 4th of July Special

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

Captain America by Phil Noto

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

Superman by Adam Hughes

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

Wonder Woman by James Lyle (from comicartfans.com)

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

'Threesome' Art - 06/22/2011

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

"Mind Games" by *doubleleaf

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

Cyclops  by *Enymy

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

Cover to Vampirella #11 by ~PaulRenaud

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

What If The Green Lantern Corps Did "GLEE"?

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

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

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

[from perpetualpanda via ComicsAlliance]

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

 Most Expensive Comic Book Cover:

Weird Science Fantasy #29
Art & Inks by Frank Frazzetta

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

How much was this original art for?

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

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

Most Expensive Interior Art:

Splash Page from The Dark Knight Returns #3

Pencils and Inks by Frank Miller

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

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

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

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

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

Most Expensive Comic Book: 

 Action Comics #1

 Art by Joe Shuster

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

The one that started it all.

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

His name?

Superman. 

The price?

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

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

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

1.5 MILLION. U.S. DOLLARS.

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

The Best "Uncanny X-Men" Covers Part 2

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

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

Hope you like my picks!


(For Part 1, click here)

Issue #394 - "Playing God" - June 2001

Art by Ian Churchill

1 Reason Why The DC Reboot Is Awesome...

Superman is "Grounded" no more. Sayonara, JMS and to that crappy storyline you created for my hero.

But before I truly say goodbye, I will amuse myself a bit. Here's an image that shows what would the Grounded storyline would look like in the Silver Age serving as a funny farewell to that forgettable time in Superman's history. 

Hobo Superman!!! Ha ha ha

LOL. At least this one made me forget all my problems for 10 seconds. Unlike JMS.

[image done by the amazing Kerry Callen for ComicsAlliance]

Pixar-like Baby Magneto

You'll never know what you will find on the internet, and this baby is just one of those AWESOME surprises.

 

Erik: "I should have been in Cars 2!!! "

This Skottie Young-inspired 3d image was created by artist Victor Hugo who should be working with one of those big animation companies like Pixar. Seriously. Check out his blog and see what I mean.

Oh by the way, this Magneto rendition is so good that Skottie actually tweeted something:

[via Victor Hugo's blog and GammaSquad]

Paolo Rivera's Captain America Movie Poster Is An Instant Classic

You remember the cover for Captain America #1 by Jack Kirby right?

Now artist Paolo Rivera has turned it into a classic movie poster for the upcoming Cap film - with Chris Evans punching none other than... Adolf Hitler himself.:

 Stunning.

[via ComicsAlliance]

Fake Variant Cover For "Superman #1" Looks LIke The Real Deal

Just got this from BleedingCool. Apparently, somebody uploaded an image of what looked like an original variant for the new number one for Supes. Tell me what you think on this one:

Effin' A. This could be the real thing!

Looks like a real variant from DC right?

Except that its NOT.  Its a fan-made artwork  made by deviantartist JPRart which you can see by clicking  here. 

Remember when I mentioned that I hate the new outfit? I take it back now.  JPRart definitely made the new suit look cool - yes including the damn collar - and I like it.  DC should get this guy a job... as in NOW.

Threesome Art - 06/15/2011

A gun toting Iron Fist (Orson Randall), a sexy vampire, and an intriguing Wolverine + Captain America sketch set in the 1940s in today's awesome threesome.

Iron Fist (Orson Randall) by David Aja

American Vampire #7 cover by Raphael Alberquerque

1940-ish Cap and Wolvie by Travis Charest (in what could be a teaser for a future Marvel project)

Face-Off: Frank Quitely's Alan Moore & Louie Joyce's Frank Miller

Two of comics' most celebrated creators get their own title/typefaces.

Click image to enlarge, and try to spot the hidden messages on his beard.

Alan Moore might not be the nicest person around, but there is not doubt that he has done a lot to revolutionize the industry through his masterful writing skills and though-provoking stories, making him arguably "The Greatest Comic Book Writer Of All Time". Frank Quitely captured his presence perfectly with this sketch.

Check out Moore's mighty beard. It says a lot. See if you can find them.

Click for biggie. Its amazing to see all these words forming a human face.

Frank Miller is known for his works in the 80's such as the black-and-white crime-noir novel Sin City, 300, and the popular The Dark Knight Returns and sparked a trend in the comic book industry that pointed towards more mature and "dark" storylines partnered with  more aggressive and provocative imagery and dialogue. Here Louie Joyce created an astonishing Miller portrait made up of some of his titles and quotes from his works. 

I bet you already saw the infamous "Goddamn Batman" line even before you read this.

[via ComicsAlliance and BleedingCool]

The Best "Uncanny X-Men" Covers Part 1

We all know that the longest running comic book series the Uncanny X-Men is going to end with its #544 issue in February 2012 after Jason Aaron's "Schism" event, so lets take the time to reminsce the good 'ol days of the flasgship X-Men series by turning back the clock and having a peek once more at its greatest covers.

There are so many good covers over the years, but only few are memorable and I have handpicked 20 of them based on the art, its influence, badassery, and overall (story & emotional) impact. 

But before we get to the list, let's start off with the...

Honorable mention: Uncanny X-Men #1

Art by Jack Kirby

Of course, you know this will be included. This is the one that started it all. 

Only flaw with this is Marvel Girl (Jean Grey) looking like a retard, standing in the background doing nothing (maybe she's dancing, no?). Maybe her psychic powers are very hard to draw.


Now that we got that out the way, the first ten after the cut.

Need A Mustache? Shamus Beyale's Marvel Facial Hair Styles Might Help You

Male superheroes not only teach us how to get the hottest chicks and how to kick-some villain asses. Apparently, they also tell us a thing or two about grooming if we just look, which concerns the most ignored part of the male facial anatomy:

The beard. Mustache. Facial hair. Whatever you wanna call it. 

The Doctor and his Nurse.

And a lot of us actually don't pay attention to keeping it real cool and stylish, but don't fret - Shamus Beyale has done us a favor by making a sort of list of the coolest facial hairs in the Marvel Universe. 

My favorites are Tony Stark's and Dr. Strange's.  Their mustaches and beards rock, and it helps them in their sexual conquests. 

For example, Dr. Strange has the hot Night Nurse as his f**k buddy for years now, and Tony's probably bedded half of the Marvel heroines from the likes of Black Widow, The Wasp, Pepper Potts, Madame Masque and even She-Hulk! Now, who doesn't want to have that Stark beard huh?

I told you, Shulkie and Iron Man did it!

But that doesn't mean having a Volstagg-like facial hair won't work. Some chicks have a fetish for that.

So with that said, check it out the Beyale's art after the jump, and be careful on choosing the style you want. It can either make it or break it with the ladies.