DaveDrawsComics: The Blog!

Illustration Ale

2012-01-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

Last year, six artists were asked to create original label designs for Illustration Ale, a limited edition brew from East End Brewing Company here in Pittsburgh. Proceeds from the sale of each bottle go towards the Pittsburgh Toonseum. I guess it was a success last year, because they did it again, and this time I was asked to create one of the labels. Five other awesome local artists contributed as well: Mark Bender, Vince Dorse, Jasen Lex, Nathan Mazur, and Ed Piskor.

There's a Release Party event February 4th at the Toonseum, where us artists will be signing bottles and, it goes without saying, trying the new brew. You should come.

So here's a look at my label design. I wanted to try and put an actual multi-panel comic onto the bottle. Also, I wanted to harken back to something classic, so it's modeled after a Little Nemo page. And I like apes, so there ya go.

prelim sketch:

inks:

Rodan

2012-01-13T09:23:00.000-05:00

Wolves

2012-01-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

Two watercolor paintings of wolves done as Christmas gifts.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T20:45:00.001-05:00

Here's my self indulgent end of the year rambling:

Once again, I've reached the end of another year reasonably intact. Lots has happened to me this year, both top-notch and not so much. Professionally, I feel like I made some serious strides forward in 2011. I had the honor of seeing Guns nominated for a Harvey Award. (One of these days, we're going to start winning some of these awards.) My first project with a larger comics publisher, That Hellbound Train, came out this year. I got to illustrate a classic Robert Bloch story, adapted by Joe Lansdale, how cool is that? Let me answer that: it's pretty damn cool. And I'm working on a new project for IDW right now. (Well, not RIGHT right now. I'm writing this mess. In about 10 minutes I'll get back to work) I'm really excited about the work I'm doing on this project, and I'm hoping it will turn some heads. I make a living drawing comic books. Did you hear that? I'll gladly say it again if you didn't catch it the first time. What more can I ask? (Give me a few minutes, I always think of something.)

On a more personal level, there's been a lot of up and down. I lost Rusty earlier this year and it still sucks. He was an awesome little dude and his absence left a hole. I made a concerted effort to get into top shape, and was doing really well until my body reminded me that I'm not in my 20s any more, and that I should buy some health insurance. I got to travel and see a lot of this country I had never seen, and a bunch of our neighbor Canada as well. Hopefully, I can make travel more a part of my life. I'm on multiple roads at the same time. Some have got me going in exactly the right direction, others require some course correction. I'm making a stronger effort to achieve more professionally and creatively. Also, to set aside fears that hold me back, to be more open and honest, and be willing to go out on a limb more often. This goes for both my work and my life. I'm sure to make a fool of myself more than once, but it might just be worth it.

I really dig Pittsburgh, and glad that I moved here. I'm extremely thankful for the friends and family I have, both near and far. I made some great new friends this year. I also got a chance to expand a few friendships. And yet, I've lost contact with some folks over this past year as well. A friend called me very recently just to tell me that I was an important part of his life this year. It meant a lot to me. But it also got me wondering: why can't I do that? Why can't I open up like that to the people who mean so much to me? Pride, resentment, envy, and especially fear, just a few of the little bastards that get in my way far too often. The most difficult challenge is getting past the darker sides of my own nature. These things can be tools for survival, but they always fight for dominance. I guess what I'm trying to tell myself is: Don't be a jerk. Whether it be through action or inaction, just don't be a jerk.

I'm also thankful for my fans. It's weird saying "fans", I'm not comfortable with that and I'm not sure I believe it. Let's just say anyone who follows my work. I'm really surprised when I see how many people seem to be aware of the stuff I'm putting out. It's comforting to know I'm not toiling away in complete obscurity. I'm not doing this just for the big fat paychecks, I also want people to see it. The many words of encouragement I receive feel mighty fine and I'm grateful for them.

I'm looking forward to 2012. Not so much the part where the world ends, but hey, maybe it'll be a fun ride. At least we'll go out with America still on top. Take that, China! Every year has it's fill of triumph and tragedy. Next year, let's try to have more from the former.

And next year I'm sending out Christmas cards. I'm really going to do it next year, I mean it.

-Dave

P.S. It wouldn't be a proper blog post without some kind of artwork, so here's a little piece I haven't posted yet. I did this for my pal Ukulele Jim for his birthday.

Ukulele Frank

2011-12-30T10:22:00.000-05:00

Another small watercolor for the holidays: gunslinger Frank "Breakneck" Kelley unwinds with a few tunes.

Detective Fish

2011-12-27T10:03:00.001-05:00

A'Pizza Badamo

2011-12-23T09:35:00.001-05:00

A painting I did for my friends at the local pizza joint.

Gypsy Cafe

2011-12-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

A little watercolor painting I did for my friends Jim and Mel, proprietors of the incredible Gypsy Cafe in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood.

Transmetropolitan Art

2011-12-13T10:33:00.006-05:00

click on the image to see it big!

Way back in January I posted my inks for a two page spread I did for the Transmetropolitan Art Book. I have never posted the finished piece...until now! Proceeds from the sale of the book go towards the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. And it would make a great gift. I have a copy, and it's a beautiful hard cover book full of amazing art from a wide range of artists. You can purchase it online at the CBLDF site.

Mini-portraits: Logan, Brainiac, Robin, Nightwing, Spider-Man

2011-12-08T10:09:00.001-05:00

Superman!

2011-11-09T09:15:00.003-05:00

I did this a little while ago for a friend. Played around a bit and did a color version too.

Frankenstein and Batwoman mini portraits

2011-11-07T10:35:00.002-05:00

That Hellbound Train: process

2011-11-03T19:40:00.005-04:00

The collected edition of That Hellbound Train came out a couple weeks ago. Added to the book are numerous pages of sketches that show my process in creating both the cover for issue 1, as well as some of the interior story pages. I wrote this text originally to accompany those pages. It wasn't included in the book, but I took the time to write it, so I thought I would go ahead and share it:

This is the story of how I draw the pages. Wait, where are you going? No, it's interesting, really. Really? Maybe not. Let's find out together!

First thing's first: research! Ugh, sounds terrible. But actually, it's kind of fascinating. Although it can be time consuming. That Hellbound Train is a period piece, spanning several decades from the Depression-era thirties up to the swinging sixties. Such a period piece, especially one that spans such a large amount of time, requires lots of homework. This is when I get down on my knees and thank the gods of technology for the internet. The magical World Wide Web can be a serious time waster, but in this instance it really streamlines the process. As long as you know how to use it. Every visual aspect of this story had to be researched: clothing, hairstyles, furniture, buildings, automobiles, props, interiors, exteriors, a couple historical figures and, of course, the trains. There are various photo galleries online, and especially for the 1930-40s material, the Library of Congress, (yes, your government) has an amazing array of photographs from all kinds of aspects of everyday life. Even when I'm not working, I just like to look at the stuff.

Next comes the part where I actually start to put together the pages. I sketch rough thumbnail layouts in the computer. I basically am just trying to get a general idea of the panel layouts, blocking and story flow. I set this in the background on a very light opacity, create a new layer and proceed to sketch a more detailed page, all still on the computer. This is where the research comes into play, as well as occasionally some photographs of yours truly taken to portray certain body movements or facial expressions accurately. This phase usually ends up looking like loose pencils, even though I don't actually touch pencil to paper. I print this file out in blue line directly onto the art board, then ink right over it. A lot of the 'drawing', all of the detail work and shading comes in at this stage of the game. When finished, I scan the page back into the computer, I drop out the blue lines, tweak the levels, and my work is done. The pages are sent off for approval and on to the colorist.

That's it for the process. As for my goals, I wanted to convey a classic kind of horror vibe. Something you might see in an old EC comic, or one of the old black and white horror mags of the seventies. It was important to really nail the day to day life, the realism of the characters and setting, so that when the supernatural stuff happens you know it really means something. For me, horror works best when rooted in the real world, when even the most supernatural elements resemble the world we live in, but are askew just enough to make us uncomfortable. Hopefully, that's what I've accomplished here. That's for you to judge.

By the way, there's a reason why you're scratching your head asking "who the hell is this guy?" This is my first work for a larger comic book publisher. It's been a wonderful experience and I hope the guys here at IDW like me enough to offer some more work down the road. Big thanks to our colorist Alfredo for putting up with my notes and bringing the pages to life, to EIC Chris Ryall for taking a chance on me, and the mighty Bobby Curnow, my editor, for spotting my work at San Diego Comicon and for being awesome to work with. Now let's all go to hell.

Sketches from PIX 2011

2011-10-10T10:18:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I exhibited at the 2nd annual Pittsburgh Indy Comics Expo, aka PIX. Another really fun show this year. I feel fortunate to have settled in a town that has such a diverse and thriving comics community.

Here are the sketches I did for some fine folks. I took more pics at the show, you can check them out on my facebook or flickr.

The Question and Batwoman - SuperHero Weekend Charity Auction

2011-10-04T08:55:00.003-04:00

This piece is for the upcoming Superhero Weekend art auction, October 29-30 at Comic Fusion in Fleminton, NJ. The event is that weekend at the store, where they will have artists and costumers (and customers) celebrating, but if you're not in the area you can start bidding early online for some amazing art at the silent auction. Check it out!

Mini portraits: Thing, Rhino, Iron Man, The Shadow

2011-09-28T10:57:00.000-04:00

Black Knight

2011-09-19T10:06:00.001-04:00

Bedivere: watercolor book cover

2011-09-12T09:40:00.002-04:00

This is a book cover illustration I was commissioned to do for my friend Wayne Wise for his novel Bedivere: The King's Right Hand. It's always fun to break out the watercolors. Check out more about it, including how to order the eBook, right here!

Batman mini sketch

2011-08-25T08:59:00.003-04:00

This will be my last post for a little while. I'm leaving on vacation today, driving with a friend to Yellowstone, then later to Canada. So for the next two weeks my internet use will be limited. I'll see you later. Please try and have fun without me.

Re-Legion

2011-08-24T08:26:00.004-04:00

The concept: take a Legion of Super-Heroes cover and re-work it, modeling the new design after some other classic DC/Marvel comic cover from the 60s, 70s, or 80s. This is the cover to issue 259, when Superboy leaves and the Legion gain their independent title, modeled after Teen Titans issue #14. Here's a link to the rest of the Gallery.

Baltimore Comic-Con 2011 report

2011-08-22T23:45:00.006-04:00

Since it was only my second time attending, Baltimore Comic-Con is still very new and fresh to me. But in the short time I've known her, I've been impressed by every aspect of this convention. It's just a 2 day show that could easily be 3. Saturday especially, the aisles were packed with eager con-goers. I mean seriously packed, San Diego style. The place was hopping. Financially speaking, I had my most successful con in over 6 years of selling my wares on convention floors. And I had a great time. Hanging out with friends at my table, and especially after hours, is time that is always well spent. As with this year's Heroes Con, I roomed with talented friends E C Steiner and Christian Sager. We all sat in Artist Alley next to each other along with our extremely talented friend Robert Wilson IV. I couldn't want for better company. All weekend was filled with lots of great conversation, laughs, and some thrown objects here and there. I travelled to Baltimore from Pittsburgh with the incomparable fellows from Action Lab: Chad Cicconi and Bryan Seaton. I was very excited to hear that they made a significant splash with their work this year. They're really doing it with this Action Lab thing and it's invigorating to watch. This is a show where I get to see lots of familiar faces, and I also got to make some great new friends. If I had all day to write this, I might be able to start listing names, but I don't, so I won't. I hope the friendships made and continued this year continue on for a long time. Awesome folks come to this show. The local crowd is always kind and enthusiastic. The organizers and volunteers really know what they are doing, and they create an outstanding event. The fellow creators and exhibitors who come from far and wide are a spectacularly varied and charming group.

My webcomic The Guns of Shadow Valley had the great honor of being nominated for a Harvey Award this year, and on Saturday night I attended the ceremonies. Sure, we didn't win, but it was a real thrill to be there. And I'm not just saying that, either. I was seated at a table with Bob Shreck and Jim Starlin, I could peer over a couple tables and see Stan Lee sitting there. I mean, c'mon, how amazing is that? It's pretty damned amazing, if you ask me.

There are hundreds of moments for this past weekend that I will carry with me fondly. Will you get to read about them all here? No. They're mine. If you can, get yourself and your friends to a comic convention and make your own moments. If you can get to Baltimore Comic-Con next year, that would be a great place to start. I'll see you there.

Here's pics of sketches from the show. You can see the rest of my photos at my flickr and facebook.

Mumm-Ra

2011-08-18T01:01:00.004-04:00

Starman and Dr. Fate

2011-08-17T08:56:00.002-04:00

Kraven quickie

2011-08-11T11:59:00.001-04:00

Firefly

2011-08-10T09:24:00.002-04:00

Major Bludd

2011-08-09T01:34:00.003-04:00

Brainiac

2011-08-05T11:37:00.004-04:00

A quick reminder, the voting for the Harvey Awards ends tomorrow. If you are involved in creating comics, don't forget to vote. And if you would be so kind, please consider my webcomic The Guns of Shadow Valley for the category of Best Online Work. Thanks!

"Furball" Timber Wolf

2011-08-03T01:04:00.004-04:00

One Minute Later: Moon Knight

2011-08-01T09:04:00.002-04:00

This is the second cover re-creation I've done for the One Minute Later series, in which a classic cover is reinterpreted, the action taking place one minute later than the original. You can see the incredible gallery here, and my previous contribution Fantastic Four 171. This time, I re-created the cover to Marvel Spotlight #29, featuring Moon Knight and the nefarious Conquer Lord. Here's the original:

Hawkeye portrait

2011-07-28T10:13:00.002-04:00

Accepting Pre-orders for Baltimore Comic Con

2011-07-25T09:36:00.004-04:00

UPDATE 8/8: My pre-order list for Baltimore Comic Con is full. I will be sketching at the show as well. Stop by early to reserve a spot.

I am now accepting sketch pre-orders for Baltimore Comic Con, Aug 20-21. If you're going to the con, you can email me with a pre-order, which I will have finished and available to pick up at my table. I will be doing sketches at the con as well, but this helps me keep up with the demand I often receive.

4x6 Mini Head Sketch
4x6 Mini Sketch(on 6x8 paper, see Mr. Fixit)
9x12 Head Sketch
9x12 Full Sketch

Pre-pay via PayPal to avoid carrying so much cash at the con. Just send me an email at dave@davedrawscomics.com Space is limited, so sign up early!

Mr. Fixit

2011-07-20T09:40:00.004-04:00

Batvillain mini-portraits, round 2

2011-07-18T09:31:00.003-04:00

Somebody liked the first set so much, they wanted a set of their own.

Beast, Green Goblin and Frankenstein's Monster

2011-06-30T09:16:00.002-04:00

Luke Cage: Power Man

2011-06-27T09:25:00.002-04:00

Done for a friend's birthday.

Columbo

2011-06-24T21:52:00.009-04:00

I usually pay little attention when any kind of celebrity dies. It's not someone I knew personally. So other than the typical passing thought over the loss of a fellow human, it never goes beyond that. Something was different when I learned today of the passing of Pater Falk. I grew up watching Columbo and, even at a young age, was absolutely fascinated and drawn to the character and Falk's brilliantly idiosyncratic portrayal. I was compelled to draw something.

I wasn't sure how to approach it, initially. I had several ideas, one with involving his car, that old beat up Peugeot. Another with a horrified and panicky perpetrator interrupted in a desperate phone call by Columbo, poking his head back through the door to innocently ask "...one more thing..." Ultimately, I just went with something straightforward: an unadorned image of one of my all time favorite characters, standing there simply as himself.

Tunnel Rat, Wild Bill, and Batman

2011-06-23T10:29:00.004-04:00

A few more "mini portraits" done for Summit City Comic Con.

G.I. Robot and Rocketeer mini sketches

2011-06-22T10:30:00.003-04:00

Martin Luther King, Malcolm X as Prof X and Magneto

2011-06-21T09:22:00.001-04:00

Summit City Comic Con report

2011-06-20T09:48:00.005-04:00

I sit here, exhausted. I should try to go to bed early tonight. But it's closing in on Midnight already, and I've decided to start writing a little something about this weekend's events. I was up past 4am last night. Today on the drive home, I drifted in and out of consciousness. Thankfully, I sat passenger, as my rubberized limbs could not have grasped the wheel for the required 5 or so hours. What could have done this to me, broken me down into this pitiful lump who tonight tries to regain it's shape? A little thing called Summit City Comic Con came and went on Saturday, and left me flattened in the road, it's tracks across my twitching corpse. Only in it's second year, this one day con in the NE Indiana city of Fort Wayne has become a significant happening, where a diverse bevy of comic creators come to hock their wares and meet fellow fans of the medium. And I loved every minute of it.

Summit City is put on by the folks at Discount Comic Book Service and run by my buddy Zack Kruse. Zack did an amazing job seeing to the needs of the creators, exhibitors, attendees and making sure that everything was running smoothly. All done with an easy humor and dare I say: grace? Due to his untiring diligence, everything seemed to go off without a hitch. There was a good crowd all day. Not necessarily a sketch hungry crowd, but they were happy to indulge on printed matter. I did just a few sketches, but sold a good number of books. Almost as important as the con itself, or maybe even more so depending on priorities, is the social scene around the convention. That's where I got in trouble Saturday night by staying out way too late. Nighttime Dave hates Daytime Dave and treats him horribly. But it was a terrific time while it was happening, damn the consequences.

Here are some of the sketches from Saturday. I took a few more pics, not many. I really need to get better at setting aside some time for that. You can see the rest of the photos on my facebook and/or flickr gallery.

Amethyst

2011-06-16T09:33:00.003-04:00

This weekend I'll be at Summit City Con in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This amazing one day show started just last year, but became an instant hit with fans and creators alike. If you're anywhere near the area, I absolutely recommend it. And I'll be there, so there's that.

Yoda

2011-06-15T09:15:00.005-04:00

And just a quick promotional note: The first issue of That Hellbound Train from IDW arrives in comic shops today. From a Hugo Award winning story by Robert Bloch, adapted by Joe and John Lansdale, colors by Alfredo Rodriguez and art by yours truly. Please, check it out!

Batman Villain cards

2011-06-13T09:31:00.003-04:00

Popeye

2011-06-10T09:15:00.002-04:00

Magog

2011-06-09T09:45:00.002-04:00

Six Million Dollar Man vs Bigfoot

2011-06-07T23:39:00.002-04:00

Sketches from Heroes Con 2011

2011-06-07T00:47:00.007-04:00

Another incredible Heroes Con has come and gone. Even being ill the first 2 days of the show couldn't spoil my time there. It was an incredible and exhausting experience. I wish I could individually thank every person who made this weekend such a memorable and worthwhile event, but this is all I'm capable of right now. I drew a ton of drawings, sold a bunch of books and prints, saw a boatload of old friends, made a multitude of new friends, ate heaps of delicious food. (All measurement amounts are estimates.) If you ever have a chance to go to Heroes Con, do it. But be prepared for that sultry North Carolina heat.

Here's pics of sketches from the show. You can see the rest of my photos at my flickr and facebook.

Godzilla vs Rhiahn

2011-06-01T00:40:00.002-04:00

Black Canary and Zatanna

2011-05-29T09:42:00.002-04:00

The Green Knight

2011-05-27T01:58:00.003-04:00

Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite

2011-05-26T01:31:00.004-04:00

Acroyear

2011-05-25T01:09:00.005-04:00

Acroyear, of the Micronauts!

Blok

2011-05-23T00:29:00.004-04:00

The first of the sketch pre-orders for Heroes Con, Legion of Superhero's own Blok.

Black Hand, Trickster, Red Skull, Yoda

2011-05-20T11:02:00.003-04:00

Death and Morpheus

2011-05-19T08:23:00.002-04:00

Darkhawk

2011-05-18T09:54:00.002-04:00

Leonardo

2011-05-17T17:23:00.001-04:00

Cover Re-creation: Marvel Team-Up 70

2011-05-17T09:49:00.003-04:00

Mysterio

2011-05-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

Avengers watercolor cards

2011-05-13T14:23:00.003-04:00

I did these for the raffle at CGS Supershow to help raise funds to get Jamie D a trip to England.

Fallen Angel

2011-05-11T11:53:00.004-04:00

I did this pin-up for J.K. Woodward for the upcoming collected edition of Fallen Angel, written by Peter David, art by J.K.. The 4th issue comes out today from IDW, check it out.

Accepting Pre-Orders for Heroes Con and Summit City

2011-05-09T18:56:00.005-04:00

UPDATE 5/17: My list for Heroes Con is full. STill have some room on the Summit City list.

I am now accepting sketch pre-orders for Heroes Con, in Charlotte, NC, June 3-5, and Summit City Comiccon in Fort Wayne, Indiana, June 18th. If you're going to either con, you can email me with a pre-order, which I will have finished and available to pick up at my table. I will be doing sketches at the con as well, but this helps me keep up with the demand I often receive and the sketches typically turn out better when I do them at home.

Pre-pay via PayPal to avoid carrying so much cash at the con. Just send me an email at dave@davedrawscomics.com Space is limited, so sign up early!

Free Comic Book Day sketches

2011-05-09T00:34:00.008-04:00

Last Saturday was Free Comic Book Day and I was invited by the good folks at Phantom of the Attic in the Oakland neighborhood to set up at the event. I gave away a bunch of copies of the Guns of Shadow Valley preview book, sold some prints, and drew sketches for those attending. Here are the sketches from the day. You can see the rest of my pictures on my Facebook and Flickr gallery pages

note: The Jughead sketch is pencilled by Shawn Atkins, inks and wash by me.

Iron Man vs Alan Scott

2011-05-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

Post 300! Dr. Strange

2011-05-05T09:56:00.002-04:00

To celebrate my 300th blog post, I give you one of my favorite characters to draw, the Sorcerer Supreme himself: Dr. Strange!

CGS Supershow 2011 wrap up

2011-05-04T00:50:00.008-04:00

Another SuperShow has come and gone, and far too quickly. Every year it's an amazing show, and just keeps getting better. The hard working guys at Comic Geek Speak put on a small show with a giant heart, that's one part comic book convention, one part family reunion(one in which you like your family!)

The Geeks, as the members of the Comic Geek Speak podcast are affectionately called, started the weekend off with a pre-party at a local watering hole. Being so excited to see everyone and start the weekend on all five cylinders, I stayed up far too late, and felt the effects into the early afternoon the next day. What can I say? I was just really excited to see everybody. From the opening salvo Saturday morning I was swamped with sketch requests. I actually had a line forming in front of my table, resulting in my sketch list for Saturday being filled in the first 20 minutes. The new art book was a big hit, much more so than I expected. I sold out all of my copies, including the slightly damaged ones I sold at a discount, within that first day. I was given some prime real estate on the show floor, right by the entrance and across the aisle from where The Geeks had their tables set up. And from there I sketched my little heart out all day. That night it was back to the show sponsored party which included live geek related music from Kirby Krackle, SuperUgly, Paul French, and H2Awesome, in a room packed to capacity. There was karaoke going on before the acts too, but I missed that. There was supposed to be more afterwards, but the bar shut down the live music for the evening(Booo!) Maybe it was for the best, as I avoided embarrassing myself through song, and actually got to bed at a reasonable hour. Well, "reasonable" if I was still a college kid.

Sunday was back to sketching, which included an hour long break away from the table to participate in the Quick Draw Contest panel. Two teams of five artists faced off against each other in various rounds of sketches with only 1-5 minutes to put image to paper. On the opposite team, Fred Chao started laying on the smack talk early. I didn't start this battle, but I was ready to finish him off without mercy! It was really a lot of awesome fun, moderated by CGS's Peter Rios (a real game show host in the making) and in front of an enthusiastic packed crowd. I'm certain that my team won the game. We had a great team, and we brought the heat! Returning to my table, I managed to get my last sketch finished at about 15 minutes before the end of the show. Then I ran around the floor trying to say hello and goodbye to everyone I knew or met that weekend as we were all packing up to go. So many awesome people all in one place, I just want to keep hanging out and shooting the bull. There's never enough time.

I want to thank all the people who made this weekend awesome: all the friends I never get to see as much as I want(let's all move to the same city!); all the new friends made whom I hope will become old friends one day; everyone who came by the table to get a sketch, book, print, or just some conversation; the Comic Geek Speak crew, Jamie, Shane, Kevin, Matt, Pants, Murd, Peter, Bryan, and Mike(the new guy) and their volunteers for putting on one of the best shows in existence and for being such good and supportive friends to me, the medium of comics, and this community; Andy Jewett for sharing his room and his friendship, Chad Cicconi for being a pleasant traveling companion, roommate and friend. I wish I could mention everybody, the many dozens of people who made this a successful and special weekend, but that would be impossible for my feeble mind and the time alloted. I hope I was gracious enough to show at least a fraction of the appreciation I felt while being face to face. As I said, it all goes by much too fast in a kind of whirlwind, from anxious anticipation, to experience, and ultimately into memory.

Here are the sketches I did at the show. You can see all of my pics, including the quick sketches from the Quick Draw panel and the headshots that I included on the back of every artbook, as well as the all too few pics I managed of some of my friends and activities from the show, on my facebook and flickr galleries.

Shadow Lass

2011-05-03T07:40:00.004-04:00

Another pre-order from CGS Supershow, which was this last weekend. I will update more about the show when I make it home. Posting on the road from my phone is excruciating.

Super Skrull

2011-04-28T09:36:00.001-04:00

Hammerhead Chuckles

2011-04-27T08:55:00.003-04:00

Another CGS SuperShow pre-order, the request was for a character made from the combination of a Star Wars character and a GI Joe character. Hammerhead and Chuckles are the two I chose.

Arrrgh, Sideshow Bob!

2011-04-26T10:08:00.004-04:00

Another CGS Supershow pre-order (only a few days away!).

Solomon Grundy

2011-04-25T08:43:00.002-04:00

Alice in Wonderland's Caterpillar

2011-04-22T09:38:00.002-04:00

I was asked by Pittsburgh Toonseum director Joe Wos to do a piece for an upcoming art auction and display taking place May 6th and 8th. It is a partnership between the Toonseum and the Pittsburgh Symphony celebrating the symphony performance of a dark take on Alice in Wonderland. The proceeds from the auction are split between the Toonseum and Symphony educational programs.

It felt really good to get back into the watercolors. I got the bug again after doing the Rocketeer piece last month, so I ran out to the art store and bought some overpriced art supplies to do it up right.

Dinosaur Soldiers vs Giant Robots

2011-04-21T09:34:00.003-04:00

I did this pin-up for inclusion into the 11 O'Clock Comics anthology, a book being created by the members of the 11 O'clock Comics podcast fan community. They've got a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for printing costs, click here to check it out and donate!

Kolchak and the Were-Bernards

2011-04-20T09:39:00.002-04:00

Two more from Pittsburgh Comicon. Kolchak I drew the night before the show so that I had an example of a head sketch on the table. The second piece here, Switzerland Were-Bernards, is the first drawing in a sketchbook that has the theme of sports teams logos, real or fictional. The Were-Bernards were a team in the short lived European Division of the Human Hunting League back in the late '70s.

Hellboy, Daredevil, Mr. Freeze, Firestorm, Venom

2011-04-19T09:22:00.002-04:00

Sketch cards from Pittsburgh Comicon. Some were pre-orders, the rest done to show at the table, all have found better homes.

Sketches from Pittsburgh Comicon 2011

2011-04-18T09:31:00.002-04:00

I had a great time at my local show, and first show of the year, Pittsburgh Comicon. I was swamped with sketch requests for most of the weekend, especially Saturday. As always, the best part is catching up with old friends and making new ones.

These are sketches I did for folks at the show. Also for the first time, I participated in the Quick Sketch panel for charity on Saturday. I did three drawings, two of which you see here: Zombie Cowboy and Jack Skellington as Ghost Rider. I was a bit nervous at first, but it turned out to be great fun.

You can see all my pics from the con on my facebook or flickr. Now, the sketches:

Frankenstein Wedding

2011-04-13T10:25:00.003-04:00

Yes, I titled it 'Frankenstein Wedding' even though Dr. Frankenstein is nowhere to be found.

Daredevil

2011-04-12T09:15:00.002-04:00

Batman vs Man-Bat

2011-04-11T09:57:00.001-04:00

A Strange Trio

2011-04-07T10:36:00.002-04:00

Moon Knight

2011-04-06T10:51:00.001-04:00

Colossus

2011-04-04T10:57:00.003-04:00

The first of the Pittsburgh Comicon pre-orders.

The Goon: In color!

2011-03-31T10:19:00.003-04:00

Galactus: in color!

2011-03-29T09:43:00.003-04:00

Finally finished coloring this commission from last year. I've been working on it a little bit at a time here and there when ever I could squeeze it in, usually around 2:30am. In case you forgot, here's a look at the original:

Swamp Thing Vs Man-Thing

2011-03-28T10:53:00.005-04:00

This is a commission for a friend that I've been meaning to do for a while. 11x17, ink and ink wash on bristol. Below you can see steps in the process, from initial thumbnail sketch to finished piece.

Robert Bloch's That Hellbound Train

2011-03-18T11:35:00.003-04:00

The solicitations are out for IDW's June releases, and among their number is the first issue of Robert Bloch's That Hellbound Train. This is my first work for IDW and my first work for any larger comic book publisher. So, for me, it's a pretty big deal. I did pencils and inks for all three issues of this mini series, as well as art for one of three covers for issue one. I think it's a pretty cool tale and I put my best into it. Please, I hope you consider pre-ordering from your local comic book shop!

Here's the copy from the solicit:

Robert Bloch, Joe and John Lansdale (w) • Dave Wachter (a) • Menton Matthews III (c)
Take a trip back in time on Robert Bloch’s That Hellbound Train! Join Martin, an out-of-luck orphan, as he struggles to fulfill the American dream. As Martin comes of age, fate conspires against him at every turn. On the verge of giving up hope, our young protagonist is visited by a monstrous train, one whose conductor might just have a ticket to fame and riches... if Martin is willing to pay the price! Scribes Joe and John Lansdale (30 Days of Night: Night, Again) and artist Dave Wachter bring this unique tale of American folklore to life!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Adapted from an original short story by Robert Bloch, the sci-fi and horror master who penned the screenplay for Psycho!
Adapted by Joe Lansdale, the famed genre writer behind Bubba Ho-Tep!

Here's a look at the process for the cover I created:

Accepting sketch pre-orders: Pittsburgh and CGS SuperShow

2011-03-14T10:25:00.008-04:00

UPDATE 3/16:The pre-order lists for Pittsburgh and CGS SuperShow are now full. If you wanted a sketch and didn't get on the pre-order list, fear not! I will be sketching every day at the shows. I encourage you to sign up early, as my list tends to fill up pretty fast each day. Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered a sketch!

Con season is here and you know what that means: Pre-Orders!

I am now accepting sketch pre-orders for Pittsburgh Comicon, April 15-17, and CGS Supershow 2010, April 30-May 1! If you're going to these cons, you can email me with a pre-order, which I will have finished and available to pick up at my table. I will be doing sketches at the show as well, but this helps me keep up with the demand I often receive and the sketches typically turn out a little better when I do them at home.

Pre-pay via PayPal to avoid carrying so much cash at the con. Just send me an email at dave@davedrawscomics.com Space is limited, so sign up early!

Here are some examples of the various sizes and options:

4x6 Mini Head Sketch:

4x6 Mini Sketch:

9x12 Head Sketch:

9x12 Full Sketch:

Morning Quickie: Dr. Strange

2011-03-11T12:16:00.003-05:00

40 minutes. 12 x 4.5 inches. While listening to David Bowie: Ziggy Stardust.

I'm trying to keep these under 30 minutes. It isn't working.

Morning Quickie: Rhino

2011-03-10T11:40:00.002-05:00

40 minutes. 12 x 4.5 inches. While listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Rocketeer in color

2011-03-10T10:17:00.004-05:00

So the inspiration hit yesterday to take the Rocketeer quickie I did in the morning and make a large scale watercolor version. This is 8 x 22 inches. I couldn't get a good scan, so the best I could do was photograph it.

This is for sale, along with some of the remaining Quickie sketches, at my new Etsy Store. Stuff's cheap, check it out!

Morning Quickie: Rocketeer

2011-03-09T11:11:00.004-05:00

30 minutes. 4.5 x12 inches. While listening to The New Pornographers: Together

This didn't come out the way I envisioned. I should have used a better paper, like a watercolor paper. Strathmore's 9x12 bristol pads have proven inconsistent, especially when handling washes. Oh well.

Morning Quickie: Clarence Boddicker

2011-03-07T11:32:00.002-05:00

35 minutes. 4.5 x 12 inches. While listening to Beastie Boys: Paul's Boutique.

Morning Quickie: Pinky and the Brain!

2011-03-04T10:42:00.005-05:00

45 minutes (got caught up in it and forgot the time). 4.5 x 12 inches. While listening to Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

Morning Quickie: Devil Dinosaur!

2011-03-03T11:23:00.003-05:00

And Moon-boy! 35 minutes. 12 x 4.5. While listening to Surfer Blood.

Morning Quickie: Ghost Rider!

2011-03-02T11:21:00.002-05:00

30 minutes. 4.5 x 12 inches. While listening to Big Star.

Morning Quickie: Conan

2011-03-01T11:10:00.001-05:00

I've been itching to draw a Conan for a while.

Morning Quickie 3: Hawkman

2011-02-28T11:36:00.002-05:00

This also doubles as the last Guns of Shadow Valley Comments Contest sketch card. Been meaning to get this done for a long time.

Friday Afternoon Quickie: Super Skrull

2011-02-25T14:02:00.003-05:00

Didn't get to this one this morning because I had to run errands, including a trip to the comic shop. Trying to keep them under 30 minutes. This one is 12x4.5 inches, using the other half of the page from the Fin Fang Foom done yesterday.

Morning Quickies

2011-02-24T10:57:00.004-05:00

A couple quick sketches to get myself going in the morning. I feel like I've been neglecting my sketching skills, as well as this blog. So the last two mornings I did these, trying to do them as quickly as possible. Big Foot is 6x9in took about 15 minutes, Foom is 4.5x12 and took more like 40(ugh).

Transmetropolitan Art Book

2011-01-18T10:21:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned last time, I'm doing a two page spread pin-up for the Transmetropolitan Art Book. Here's a look at the inks. The colors are almost done, but you won't get to see the finished piece unless you buy the book! Proceeds go to the CBLDF and Hero Initiative. There's a Kickstarter campaign going on right now to help raise money for the production of the book. They've just passed the halfway point, but there's only 27 days left to raise the rest of the money! Please, consider giving to these worthy causes and to help bring this book to life!