Avengers Arena finale

Boy oh boy have I ever gotten lazy with these updates. Meanwhile, the world keeps turning, and issues keep getting released. In fact, Avengers Arena saw it's last issue released not too long ago, and I'm only at #14! How time flies by! I have to say this book was one of my favourite gigs. It was a total blast (even if the schedule was at times a bit insane), and I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity. I really got into the zone by the end and learned a lot of new tricks and styles, and to make a sweet deal even sweeter the story was absolutely riveting. I often couldn't wait to get started on the next issue just to see what was going to happen. 

So, in the spirit of catching up to reality, I've decided to just dump a few pages from all the remaining issues. I tried to keep the list short, but it was hard picking my favourites out of five issues. But we have to move on! I have more recent work I want to post here, including the follow-up to Arena; Avengers Undercover (which looks awesome, if I do say so. Kev really knocked that one out the park, and I can't wait to share).

Anyway, for the time being enjoy these pages, and I'll try to be a bit more diligent with these updates. Oh, and all art by series guru Kev Walker, except one issue by Karl Moline.

Emerald City of Oz #1

Back to Oz we go! Not much to say about these, to be honest. I've been coloring the Marvel Oz books for what now, five years? It's pretty familiar territory for me at this point, but it was still lots of fun to revisit Skottie's Nome King, and I have to say I have a fondness for the muted palette of Kansas. I try to mix it up a little with each new series, and this one is no different, though the overall look is still similar-- it just amounts to subtle variations on the same basic technique. I'd love to go crazy and really experiment with the style and colors, but I can't deviate too much from what was established oh so many years ago.

Sadly, I colored this issue before I got the new monitor, so it suffers from excessive yellowness. This is something I got around to mitigating on the second issue and beyond, but for now try to see past the drabness of it all. ;)

Avengers Arena #13

Skipping ahead a little here. There was nothing wrong with issues 11 and 12-- they were both fine issues which I enjoyed quite a bit. But I'm lagging behind with these posts, and issue 13 is a bit different. First off, this was the first time I worked with my new monitor and calibrating kit. Second, this was also the issue where I "found" my coloring style for this book. Moving forward, I started to like my work on this title more and more. Even if I still can't touch the original colorist.

Anyway, this was a slower issue, with a bit of a "meanwhile in the real world" feel to it. Artwork by the awesome Karl Moline, in an attempt to give the regular guy some breathing room (this book was on a crazy release schedule).

Eric Shanower's Emerald City of Oz cover

Alright, we're going back to Oz! Just thought I'd kick things off with this variant cover illustrated by series writer Eric Shanower. On top of doing a kick-ass job adapting Baum's original books into comics, the man is also an accomplished illustrator. If you're a fan of Marvel's Oz books, check out his site and give him some love!

Anyway, this was a fun piece to color, with lots going on. Sadly, I kindda messed up some colors for some characters (why is Henry wearing red?!)-- this was colored long before I actually started on the book proper, and I didn't really know what they would ultimately be wearing. Also, I think I may have gone overboard with the yellowing of it all (though I blame my old monitor for that one)... Still, I just love Eric's old-school style!

Avengers Arena #10

Wow, I'm having a hard time keeping up with Avengers Arena pages. We're putting out these issues at such a blistering rate that I can barely remember where I'm at. I think 13 is the current issue now? And I just finished coloring 15? Anyway, here are some pages from 10! ;)

This was apparently a pretty controversial issue (as far as this controversial series is concerned). Things got pretty graphic, and I was even asked to tone down the gore in some parts. Personally though, I think it's worth it. This was a great issue and set up the rest quite nicely. In fact, I have to say I really quite like this book-- and I'm not just saying that because I'm coloring it.

Anyway, this one featured art by Riccardo Burchielli. Different style, but talented nonetheless. Issues are coming out so fast that Kev can't possibly keep up-- heck, I don't even know how I'm doing it-- so every once and again there will be a "guest artist".

Well, enjoy!

Tank Girl

Here's a little Tank Girl doodle I colored recently. Obviously illustrated by the masterful Skottie Young, he asked me if I could put some color on there. Naturally, I agreed. Who am I to refuse? WHO, I ask?

Anyway, this one was just a blast, and I got to really reach out and try new things. Gotta say I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

Avengers Arena #9

Wow, I know this is getting old, but I really AM getting sloppy with these updates. Might have something to do with being so busy. And part of the reason why I'm busy is Avengers Arena. So here's some pages from that!

I've decided to post a few choice pages from issue 9. This was a slower issue-- mostly dialogue and back-story-- so nothing too crazy going on with the colors. Also, it mostly takes place in one location, save for some flashbacks. I still wasn't really comfortable with the coloring style on this one (currently working on issue 13 and 14. and it's getting better), but I think it turned out alright.

Anyway, enjoy!