Machine Man custom action figure courtesy of John Catania. John writes: “I used a Famous Covers action figure as the base and everything else was my creation. I went for the classic Kirby foreshortening pose in this picture. I hope you enjoy!”
Portrait
Here’s a lovely little portrait of Jack by Croatian artist Robert Solanović, who posted it at his facebook page in August last year. Robert’s comic credits include Mister Mačak, Slatka and Kljunovi. He currently illustrating his first English language project, Unfinished City. You can see more of Robert’s work via Facebook and DeviantArt.
Magneto
Inking Kirby
Doug Hazlewood inks two new pieces from Kirby originals.
Doug writes: “The FIGHTING AMERICAN piece I inked over bluelined vintage pencils I found online. I worked with them in Photoshop to make them not so ‘squatty’. In making the image more proportional to 11 x 17 it made him not look so blocky and a bit more slender. I liked it better. Maybe the original was not quite as squatty and it happened with someone saving the copy of the image that way. I know someone inked it for publication somewhere before, as there is a color version online. This is my crack at the pencils. I remember how exciting it was to see the ads for the Harvey reprint back in the 60’s and I finally got one I think through the mail. I had been unaware of the character.”
X-MEN #9 title splash recreation. “I definitely tried to be very faithful to the original one. Can’t improve on that Kirby/Stone goodness!! Inked over printed bluelines.”
Scan of original splash page by Kirby and Chic Stone via What If Kirby
Flame On!
Jeff Davidson is an amateur artist based in North Carolina, here’s what he has to say about his musical tribute to the King of Comics:
“I used to play the song with my band The Earthtones way back in 2004. I recorded the song on my computer, and since my band had broken up, I had to use a loop track for the drum parts, but I recorded everything else, vocals, bass and guitar. I eventually got the idea to make a “video” for it by drawing a series of pictures on 4×6 index cards. While illustrating the video, I dived deep into Kirby era FF and in the process became a HUGE Kirby fan. Studying Kirby’s style has helped me to embrace my own style, and helped me to be true to myself as an artist. I don’t believe there should be a difference between fine art and illustration, especially when the artist is expressing deep personal thoughts and feelings, like Jack Kirby certainly did. I am one of those crazy guys that think Kirby’s artwork should hang in museums right along side other great abstract and modern artists that are generally accepted to be “fine art”.”
Rouges Gallery
Happy New Year, Kirby-fans, let’s kick off 2014 with a gallery of nefarious reprobates from the pen of Boston-based artist Chris Goodwin. Chris’ portfolio includes work for the video and role-playing games industries alongside private commissioned portraiture. He teaches painting at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. You can find more of his work at his website and Flickr photostream.
Happy Holidays
Ho, ho, ho. There’s just two more sleeps until December 25th and to celebrate we present two illustrative gems to fill up your stocking. First up Marc Basile reminds us of the old adage, “A super-teleportation-canine is for life and not just for Christmas”. And below, Renato Stevanato envisions the emotional stress a game of musical chairs may have on one Bruce Banner.
Thor Pin-Up
Our final post this week from Doug Hazlewood.
Doug writes, “Here is my recreation of the classic Marvel Pin-Up of THE MIGHTY THOR. The original pin-up art is by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. This was done on 11 x 17 Strathmore Bristol board over printed bluelines – HAND-INKED. I tried to remain pretty faithful intentionally and tightened up the face a little.”
Many thanks to Doug for all of the fabulous work we have featured this week. If you would like to see more then checkout Doug’s website and DeviantArt page.
The Avengers #3
Third post this week from the brush of Doug Hazlewood. This time Doug recreates the cover of The Avengers #3 by Kirby and Paul Reinman.
