The Brand X Blog

Federation Follies

2011-09-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, a good friend of mine launched TrekNews.net, a great site for Star Trek news, trivia, and fun. I've had the pleasure of writing a few humor pieces for the "Federation Follies" feature each Friday (*phew*) and my latest went up today. Check out one insane writer's pitch for a new Star Trek series here... if you dare.

Rollin' Down a Rooftop

2011-03-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is a character design I did as a commission, but the client didn't end up using it so I'm going to post it here. I'll be doing other work for them (which, with their permission, I may also eventually post) but for now I'll stick with what didn't quite suit their needs (click for a larger view):

The color scheme I picked was a little muted, but otherwise I like this design. I'm trying to experiment with different looks and styles, to try to find some that still look like my work while being unique and unusual. As always, it's an ongoing process.

A Slimy One-Hundredth Post

2011-03-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

This is a (slightly more detailed version) of a character I used to draw in elementary school. He was a shape-changing villain for a masked vigilante character I'd created. Looking at this walking tar pit now, it looks kind of like Clayface if he was running around with the Venom symbiote.

It may not have been my most creative or original work, but Tarr was sure fun to draw; I was glad to find that he still is. Click for a larger view:

... also, it seems like I should have reached 100 Posts quite some time ago. Fingers are crossed that 200 will come a lot quicker.

"You've always had the power..."

2011-02-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

... to use Photoshop to make goofy animated GIFs, apparently. I've always wanted to make the silly things, but never knew that I could use programs I ALREADY HAD to do it.

Plus a brief tutorial I apparently downloaded two years ago.

Sigh.

Today on Comics Alliance I found a fun article showcasing an artist who draws some pretty wicked Hero Dance Parties, and I was inspired to try some really simple animatin'. Here is the result (thank you to Jesse Lonergan, whose fantastic art I "borrowed" for this):

This is a first effort, and it ain't great. It syncs up pretty well to "I'd Do Anything For Love," though. It would seem all things are better with Meat Loaf.

... and now, IN COLOR.

2011-02-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to coloring this, after doing a couple quick commission sketches. I've been trying a slightly different method for coloring in Photoshop and it's been taking me some time to get used to; I think I'm liking the results now.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Friend or Foe?

2011-02-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

This is a character design I've been kicking around (mentally and in the sketch book) for a while now; wanted to try to get a nicely inked & colored version done to see how he looks. For now, the colors will apparently have to wait. Ideally I'd like him to be a main character in another comic series I want to experiment with. My hope was that he would have a morally ambiguous look to him... not as overtly GOOD or EVIL as some of the characters I draw.

(... those things on his face looking like tiny smiles may be hurting that or helping it, depending on where I go with the character...)

As always, click for a better look:

Not "So Bad It's Good..." Just Bad. But Good.

2011-01-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

I was listening to The Geekbox yesterday on my drive back home from San Diego, and (as is often the case) there were some interesting discussions about geek culture and other nerdy things. It was an older episode, so the guys were talking about Tron: Legacy. One of the podcasters (is that a word? What is the term for that?) basically came on and dropped a few "colorful metaphors" about how terrible he thought this flick was. He then proceeded to go on for a good deal of the session talking about all the things he liked about it. I thought that was pretty interesting: He HATED this movie, yet had a long list of enjoyable moments from it.

Certainly this isn't a new concept, but I've been thinking more and more lately about movies that are clearly not very good, yet are still a heckuva lot of fun. I think sometimes folks get so into picking apart a film and finding its flaws (or having a bad movie shove those flaws directly into their SOULS) that sometimes the question "yeah, but am I having fun?" never comes up. The film is poorly made, and thus TERRIBAD.

This idea was bouncing around in my brain, so I thought I'd ramble about it for a bit and see if any discussion popped up about it. Also, I wanted an excuse to post this awesome essay about the 1980 Popeye live-action film. I think that author details this idea better than I ever could.

... I still really liked Tron, too. Cheezy as it was.

Yet Another "New Era" For Brand X Creations

2011-01-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

So a new year is here, and (like so many folks) I figured I'd take stock of things and make some BIG PLANS for the new year. First up: What to do with Brand X Creations?

The website that hosted my comics, an expense I could no longer justify, is now gone... which is why Brand X Creations now links to this very blog. Someday I may return to a site specifically for my comics... but for now, the plan is to focus on updating HERE. We'll see how it goes.

No new sketches to post today... just the hope that this Statement of Intent will motivate me to get back to the drawing table in the coming weeks. We shall see...

Music For The Living Impaired

2009-10-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to design CD covers... this is one of those times. It's just a shame I don't have the musical talent to actually make songs to go with 'em.

The Soular Caddilacz

2009-09-18T23:22:00.001-07:00

LIVE and In-Person: The Greatest Band The Universe Will Ever Produce...

Two Years, Eight Months, Twelve Days

2009-08-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

... it's been awhile since I posted a completed, actual Commander X strip. I promise the next one won't take as long.

Carniveriffic

2009-07-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I work hard to challenge myself when I draw. I select a subject that I know will test my abilities and force me to change and grow as an artist.

This was not one of those times. Enjoy.

Disco Fish is BOSS

2009-07-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

... another example of the things I do at work when I SHOULD be working. This one's based on a comment one of the students made (I'm not ever sure where it came from). Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

A New Comic Series...?

2009-04-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

I'm test-driving this to see how it works, but so far it's a blast to make and it's not as intimidating as the comics I've made in the past. I still think it's funny, and the friends I've shown it to seem to have enjoyed it, so HERE IT IS A COMIC

WARNING: Evil Picard is EVIL.

ONE NIGHT ONLY

2009-02-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

Ridin' down the highway,
Goin' to a show...
Stop in all the by-ways,
Playin' rock 'n' roll.
Gettin' robbed.
Gettin' stoned.
Gettin' beat up...
Broken boned.
Gettin' had,
Gettin' took.
I tell you folks,
It's harder than it looks...

It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll...

(Tickets still available from the plush Baloo on the bookshelf...)

Ahoy there!

2009-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Here be another sketch, after not postin' one fer so long... it don't be quite as nice as soft Corinthian leather, but I'm proud of 'im all the same.

(Be clickin' the thumbnail, if a larger view be what yer after)

In Memory of Ricardo Montalbán

2009-01-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

... who passed away today. I heard it on the radio, and I'm going to be sure to watch some Fantasy Island or maybe some classic Star Trek ("Space Seed").

In the meantime, here's something quick to enjoy and remember.

"Pup Patrol" commercial, circa '76

2009-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the "buddy-cop" phenomena of the 1970's, "Pup Patrol" was a hard-hitting action/comedy series about two canine cops: Chuck the Poodle and his Yorkie partner, Johnny Cash. Together they protected the mean streets of Lupus City.

(Alright, not TECHNICALLY a sketch...)

Click the thumbnail for a larger view:

Clive-7.7

2008-12-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

Clive-7.7 is the android assistant (and creation) of Aristotle Cooke, captain of The Argus. The cranky captain had no desire to ship out with a human crew, but was intelligent enough to know he couldn't run his vessel alone. As a master inventor, programmer, and engineer, Cooke felt that designing his own co-pilot was the answer. Built purely to do the heavy-lifting (literally and figuratively), Clive-7.7 ended up becoming far more human than Aristotle had ever imagined.

This "brief" post is starting to get a bit wordy; I guess it really has been WAY too long since I've done this. Maybe I'll talk more about Clive later... for now, click the thumbnail for a larger view:

Ms. Hunter

2008-12-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Not much of a sketch for tonight, but to try to kick myself back into the habit of posting regularly, here's a quick drawing I did of Ms. Hunter from my old Commander X comics. Haven't drawn her in awhile, but I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view:

Tumblestock

2008-12-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

... a name known far and wide, a name that has become synonymous with primal action and raw machismo. Men wish to adventure with him, and women wish to "adventure" with him.

TUMBLESTOCK

Yes, he's a dwarf. Yes, his gear sucks and he spends more time mining and sleeping than fighting. When he DOES fight, though... LOOK OUT.

Also, he has a wicked-sweet hat.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Dumbstruck

2008-07-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

Our midnight showing of "The Dark Knight" let out a little over two hours ago. Everyone's safe at home now; sadly, some of us have work in the morning so there won't be much sleep to be had. Also, it's nearly 4:45am as I write this, so forgive the incoherence and rambling.

I really can't find the words to describe this film. Everybody who knows me is used to me getting crazy over these comic book movies (thank you for indulging me). Most of you know what a big Batman fan I am by now.

This movie blew me away.

I don't know what else to say. This is a pointless blog post. I just can't get over it.

hE he he HA hA He Heh...

2008-07-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

KNEEL

2008-07-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

... because that is what one does before Zod. The rogue Kryptonian general and nemesis of Superman is probably best known from his appearance in Superman II but he's been around a bit longer than that. Like Lex Luthor and Dr. Doom, Zod speaks to my appreciation for arrogant, intelligent, cold & calculating super-villains.

There's probably something profoundly wrong with me.

The Femme Fatale

2008-06-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Another attempt at drawing a convincing (in my own style, anyway) female character; this time, the classic femme fatale. Hopefully it worked out alright... I think this is the first time I've drawn lipstick correctly...

"Alphonse Wotan"

2008-06-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

This extremely nervous young man took passage on The Argus shortly after Captain Aristotle Cooke hired Thomas Deckard and Kimiko to work as the ship's crew & protectors. The secrets behind the man known as "Alphonse Wotan" have yet to be revealed... hopefully he's nothing like Arcturus...

Not a Bad Bug to Catch, All Things Considered...

2008-06-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Jaime asked me to whip something up for her library's summer reading program this year. Ego-maniac that I am, I was only to happy to help. I think it turned out pretty well, so hopefully she won't mind me showing it off here...

Arcturus Wotan

2008-06-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Another "colorful character" from the life of Aristotle Cooke and, more specifically, The Riders in the Black. This one's even in color!

Not much has been revealed about Arcturus Wotan yet. His shabby attire is a disguise, hiding his connections to (and participation in) the wealth and power of organized crime. He's an information broker, a gangster, and a skeaze. His intel is usually good and he'll seldom stab you in the back, and the money is often decent... what he has in store for Cooke & Crew this time remains to be seen.

Also, a Blast from Cooke's Past:
Thomas Deckard
Festus D. Zuniga

Mortimer Menlo

2008-05-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today's (colored) sketch is of Mortimer Menlo, famed gadgeteer and technologist. Mortimer's talents have often been employed in service to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, in the defense of the British Empire and her colonies abroad. He served as technical adviser to the Thirty-Eighth Armored Zeppelin Division during the attack of the Venusian Space Pirettes; he also worked with the Department of Industrial Liqui-Vapor Engineering in the refinement and implementation of the Steam Widget.

It was not until his apprenticeship with master scientist Alistair P. Runcible, however, that the journeyman inventor would truly achieve greatness. Those stories, however, are still yet to be told...

Malicious or Misunderstood?

2008-05-28T00:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't quite decided yet.

Even though I almost never actually end up CREATING any of them, I always have a handful of projects rattling around in my head. Right now I'm working on something that would involve this character as an antagonist for the main character. He's not human (obviously), but not an alien either... and whether or not he's a "bad guy" or just a guy in a bad situation I've yet to decide.

Guess I should finish the main character first... eh, anyway. Here's today's sketch.

People Are Strange...

2008-05-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

... especially when you have no idea who you're drawing. Seriously, who are these people? One of them isn't really even a "people" at all.

At least I drew SOMETHING, I suppose.

This Totally Happened

2008-05-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

... well, not really. I don't think a single one of you would be surprised if it did, though.

This City DESERVES A Better Class of Criminal

2008-05-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

... and I'm gonna draw it for 'em!

So, yeah, saw Iron Man this weekend. Twice. It was completely excellent both times. Part of what made it so great was the righteous trailer for The Dark Knight that showed before both showings. So, since Iron Man's armor is a pain to draw AND since I'm a bigger Bat-fan anyway... here's my take on the "new" clown-prince of crime.

... why so serious?

My Favorite Religious Holiday

2008-04-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

Alright, this is (once again) a "not-actually-a-sketch" post... but you get a (sort-of) complete comic instead, so hopefully that works for you. This Saturday, May 3^rd is the greatest holiday EVER, better than even International Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day. Yes, this weekend is:

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.

... so make sure you find your local comic book shop and VISIT IT. Most shops have free comics, free games, stuff for kids, and all sorts of other fun. So you should all use the shop locator and get out there. I won't be able to celebrate this year, since SOMEBODY had to get MARRIED that day.

le sigh

Hopefully I'll have a new sketch up soon... in the meantime, enjoy this blast-from-the-past and don't forget FCBD!

NOTE: As I'm sure most of you will notice, the date in the comic is wrong... FCBD is Saturday, May 3, 2008.

Bartleby Garreck

2008-04-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

From the "Tales of Ravendrake..."

At the age of twenty-six Bartleby Garreck left his childhood home behind and set out to explore the larger world. He carried in his pack his collection of picture-pamphlets (featuring the adventures of the great monster-killer W’ohe’T’zarre the Wily), which he often re-reads for inspiration and “guidance.” His most sincere hope is that someday he, too, will be the subject of tales and legends to inspire and amaze.

Bartleby is naïve and hopeful, but not entirely unskilled. He is eager to please those he adventures with and often follows their lead with little question. On occasion he has been known to step up and try to lead himself, but these situations are rare. His equipment is mostly second-hand and not always of high-quality. His pouches are filled with small charms and random souvenirs, including a set of tiny stones carved with ancient eldritch inscriptions. Bartleby has no idea what they are or what they were originally for, but he strongly believes they bring him luck. What kind of luck, however, varies greatly from situation to situation.

Earth-38, Part 7

2008-04-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Wildcat never set out to be a hero... at least, not a costumed hero. As a United States Marine he was already doing good and protecting people. That would have been enough for him; it wasn't enough for some members of his platoon. They used their training to commit a series of heinous crimes and then covertly framed the young Corporal. Facing a court marshall for actions that were not his, he donned a home-made costume and fought to clear his name. A local newspaper reporter caught sight of this new vigilante in action and wrote that the masked-man fought like a wild cat: Brutal, swift, and efficient. The name stuck.

Wildcat was soon asked to join the Justice League, which the supposed-loner was (surprisingly) happy to do. He acts as a trainer and mentor to some of the less combat-experienced heroes and is only too eager to dive into any knuckle-dusters the League finds themselves in.

Also, be sure to check out the other heroes of Earth-38:

Earth-38, Part 6

2008-04-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Maiden of Magic herself, Zatanna.

Although she isn't often able to work directly with the Justice League of Earth-38 due to distance ( Nanda Parbat is considered "too far North" even from a moon base!), not a single member of the team would ever consider her less than a full-fledged member. Her magical and creative talents have served the League well on many occasions; when the threat is mystical in nature, they know who to call.

Starman especially, though, wishes she could spend more time on the moon... looking out at the stars with him...

Also, be sure to check out the other heroes of Earth-38:

Secret Agent Man

2008-04-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Wozar is a Professional, so he can't run around in a cape or cracked battle-armor ALL the time. Sometimes a more subtle approach is warranted... if you can be subtle while still slinging a broadsword.

Byron Occulto

2008-04-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Little is known of the man called Byron Occulto; most scholars agree, however, that "Byron Occulto" is most likely NOT his real name. The "Bumpkin of the Bizarre" was first seen wandering the back-roads of the rural American south in the mid-1950's. When that-which-could-not-be-explained appeared, Byron would stroll from the shadows with a few words of down-home wisdom and the proper ancient incantations to send it back to whatever dark dimensional rupture it first crawled out of.

Byron disappeared for many years; most folks assumed his work to have been finished. It is only recently that he has resurfaced to bring together some of Earth's greatest heroes to battle some unknown coming evil. His comrades include The Stinging Spade, Mr. Quickster (formerly of The Professionals), The Azure Fletcher, Golden Bowman, and more. For now Occulto remains content to keep himself in the shadows; but soon the evil they face may draw him out to display his awesome mystic powers...

A Credit to the Force

2008-04-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

... the Police Force, that is. He's grizzled. He's hard-boiled. He's tough. He's rugged. He's every other awesome adjective you can think of. The perps fear him, his fellow officers revere him, and the ladies want to be near him.

He's Detective Rick Blazer, the greatest cop who EVER LIVED*.

You'll be hearing more about him soon. BE READY.

*Inside my head, as inspired by this video game cop.

A Marvelous Epiphany

2008-04-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've had a major breakthrough today, and I'd like to share it with all of you.

Lately I've been doing a lot of soul-searching, asking a lot of important, heavy questions about my life and what I'm doing with it. Answers were few and far between... until this morning. When I woke up this morning, I finally realized why I was so existentially unhappy. I now know what I need to do.

I need to stop reading DC Comics. They suck.

Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman... Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman... they've all failed me. (Well, maybe not Aquaman). Everybody dies, and then isn't dead, or they fight, and then they're buddies, or something. It's all so juvenile.

Not like Marvel Comics.

They're so much more mature and realistic: Their heroes face REAL problems and REAL emotions! Captain America died and he stayed DEAD. So that's it. I'm joining The Merry Marvel Marching Society. I've been standing straighter and walking prouder all morning as I've carted my DC comic books to the trash.

To celebrate, here's a sketch of one of Marvel's greatest anti-heroes, direct from the grim-and-gritty late 1980's: Venom. EXCELSIOR!

They See Me Rollin'

2008-03-24T20:27:00.001-07:00

... they hatin'.

A Wrinkle... ON TIME!

2008-03-20T14:16:00.001-07:00

Wow... I actually posted a sketch on-time, AND it's of a female character, AND I'm happy with the results. Taken separately, these events might not mean anything. Taken together, and all from me, they may signal the End Times.

I'm really sorry.

Anyway, I've been reading A Wrinkle in Time again during brief breaks at work, and I'm remembering how great it is. I've read it before, and it's not that I "forgot" it was enjoyable or something... somehow I'm just getting more out of it this time. I don't know why.

I was thinking about the characters and the environments and so-on, and I wanted to try to draw Meg (Those of you who have read the book can tell me if I did a decent job). I wanted her to look slightly distressed, since that's where I am currently in the novel. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view... quickly, before I bring about the end of the world with my rare flash of responsibility:

Yikes!

2008-03-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yet another random sketch out of nowhere. Sometimes it's nice just to play with the smooth lines and wacky curves and see what happens. My style is so cartoony, and I fight against it so often, it's also nice to just go with it and see what I come up with.

Someday I'll sit down, give in, and dump the sci-fi action and super-heroics (at least temporarily) and just create a silly, random cartoony-thing. Like THIS. They're fun and easy to draw... ah well, I'm rambling. Take a look, leave your comments, and I'll do my best to post again before the week's out.

Dragon, Forced

2008-03-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

... well, not exactly. I just thought the title was semi-clever given my recent taste in over-the-top music videos and I WAS too lazy to actually finish the sketch completely. Although, in my defense, I did run out of paper...

Alright, enough excuses.

This sketch is a slightly updated version of a character I created for a point & click stlye video game in high school that never happened... and then for an animation that never happened... and finally for a childrens' book, which DID happen. I might have to do something with him again in the future, he's fun to draw; I just need to draw his legs next time.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

MY HEAD ASPLODE

2008-03-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, this may be the coolest thing EVER:

Commander X & Crew: THE GAME
I'll post my silly sketch later. I want to play this some more before work...

A Starry Knight

2008-03-08T23:44:00.001-08:00

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
---Les Brown

Huh?

2008-03-02T17:38:00.001-08:00

Gotta be honest: This sketch is NOT a new one I drew this week. I got busy, put it off, lame excuse #3, lame excuse #4... and so on. Today I tried to think of something to draw and just wasn't feelin' it, so I'm not going to force it. Thanks for bearing with me; I'll have plenty of new things up this week as I approach The Final Deadline (not to be confused with The Final Countdown).

As for this sketch... I really have NO idea what I was drawing. I just enjoyed playing with the lines and the shapes that made this bizarre psychic alien come to life. I may include him in The Professionals, or not; who knows? For today, enjoy this weird and wacky sketch and expect more in the next few days.

Earth-38, Part 5

2008-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a little while since I drew one of the heroes of Earth-38, and March 2 seemed like a good time to get back to it.

The Japan-based hero I drew today is a mystery to the people of Earth-38, and even to some of its heroes. He's most often seen in Kyoto, but has been sighted as far away as Osaka. He strikes from the shadows, sometimes silently, sometimes with a ear-piercing scream; he operates only in the darkness of the night.

Most people believe he's only a myth, meant to scare the superstitious and the cowardly. He wears a garish bat-demon mask, hurls wicked shuriken at his foes, and is a master martial artist and swordsman. He is spoken of with respect (and possibly fear) by the highest-ranking members of the Yakuza. They refer to him as The Bat-Demon, or "battoman..." the Justice League of Earth-38 refer to him simply as: The Bat-Man.

COMPLETELY UNRELATED NOTE: Happy Birthday, Ninja.

Also, be sure to check out the other heroes of Earth-38:

Festus D. Zuniga

2008-02-26T06:25:00.000-08:00

I love how every once in awhile, a sketch will come out of pretty much nowhere. This one isn't EXACTLY like that, but it's pretty close.

I've been trying to design a possible nemesis for Captain Aristotle Cooke forawhile: A stone-cold strategist and cool thinker like Cooke... with his own "moral" code, sort of similar to Cooke... but unlike Cooke, this guy is a ruthless killer. I don't have too many characters that are really THAT evil (which is probably good), but I've been playing with ideas for one. Yesterday he emerged... while I was preparing to work with young children.

Sigh.

Don't worry, I put this sketch (and any thoughts of creating evil people) away before the kiddies sat down. After work I finished him up though, and aside from a strong resemblance to a smooth-headed Klingon, I think he looks pretty wicked. I guess we'll see if this pitiless bounty hunter, part-time assasin, and former war profiteer takes any jobs in the future.

Bada-Bing

2008-02-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

One of the lesser-known members of famed super-group The Professionals appears today: The Atomic Suit. I've tried a few times to draw him, but he always ends up proving more of a challenge than I anticipate when I first sit down. Tonight's drawing was no exception, but for once I'm pleased enough with the result to share it. Fedoras are NOT easy to draw, by the way.

The Atomic Suit is a wise-guy, but not THAT wise. Although he's not always the "goodest" of the do-gooders, he's a valued member of the team and certainly holds his own when the going gets tough: The hi-tech circuitry and space-age fibers woven into his fantastic Italian suit allow him to fly, absorb energy, and fire blasts of intense power at his foes.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view:

Adventures in Confusion!

2008-02-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

... because, apparently, it's just more fun to draw Commander X as slightly perplexed. Maybe it's because the character confuses (and surprises) me so often. The Commander has been my "flagship" character for years and drawing him has taught me quite a bit about creating comics. There's still so much to learn, though; not the least of which is his TRUE character. I seem to change him around constantly, which doesn't do much for his stories. That's one reason I haven't drawn too many of them lately.

I'll figure it out... eventually.

In the meantime, I'm much happier with this sketch of Commander X than I am of the last one I did; click the thumbnail below for a larger view:

Check back for another sketch tomorrow: I've still got to do one more for this week to keep on schedule!

The Meta-Human Millionaire

2008-02-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit tardy this week, so I'm skippin' directly to the fully-colored image. I'll still post at least two more pencil sketches, but I've been working on this one for a bit anyway and I'm excited to post it.

Ever since I finished my Wozar "action" shot, I've been planning to give the other heroes from The Professionals that sort of special-effects treatment. Naturally, the first one I considered was Fab CEO. This is NOT that image (I'm still working on it mentally), but I did a quick sketch of him last week at work to get back into the groove of the character (and he's certainly groovy, I hope you'll agree). That sketch (on a 3x5 note card) turned into an inked-and-colored study in FABULOUSNESS which I now present to you. My friend Jim always knew how to create fun characters and this one is still my favorite. Enjoy this "classic clipping" from an old issue of The Professionals, and watch for a high-powered image of the Meta-Human Millionaire coming soon.

Exhibit 1066-N.01a

2008-02-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Artist's Rendition; Original Undergoing Restoration

Oak wood and iron shovel/voltaic string instrument

Between 900-1280 AD
Origin unknown (presumed Great Britain)

This piece remains a mystery to modern-day scholars and archaeologists. Although it clearly started its life as a simple garden tool, it was modified by a skilled craftsperson to become something much more. The iron of the shovel head is much denser and tougher than most iron alloys used during this time period; additional components have been welded and/or bolted to it as well. A simple galvanic plate in a flat box on the underside of the shovel provides limited power for musical performances. The sound quality of the instrument is of a high caliber even by today's standards. Some experts have termed the small pivoted extension below the six strings a "whammy bar" (there is great academic controversy on this point). Chemical analysis has shown that the source of the discoloration beneath this "whammy bar" is a dried fluid of some organic origin; this may possibly be bloody evidence of some long-ago battle.

Aside from the damaged etching "Narw..k" on the underside of the shovel's handle, there is little evidence of the item's creator, its owner(s), or its ultimate origin.

This item donated to the British Museum 4 December, 1893 by the famed explorer Sir Phineas Meriwether Hornsby IV, Air-Colonel Third-Class (Ret.) of Her Majesty's Thirty-Eighth Armored Zeppelin Division

Ain't That A Kick In The Head?

2008-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Man, I have been having WAY too much fun today.

I don't know what the deal is; normally this holiday bums me out. I've been WAITING for it to bum me out. Somehow, I've ended up in this crazy state of euphoria. Most of which I'm currently attributing to Whitesnake. This is seriously the funniest Valentine's Day I've ever had. I'm barely even gonna mention St. Valentine's Day Massacre like I normally do every year. This year I have Big Plans.

I created a fully-penciled, -inked, and -colored piece of "art" today. Most of this was done while listening to crazy 80's hair metal bands and so-bad-they're-good "love" songs. After I post this, I'm goin' downstairs... I'm gonna fire up the Guitar Hero III... and I'm gonna blast every cheezy rock ballad that game has. Then I'm gonna go to work (not my favorite part of these Big Plans, but whatever). Then I'm gonna get some Chinese food, come home, and watch a gangster movie. The entire time all of this is happening I will have the biggest grin on my face, mainly because I'm dodgin' this guy (as the J. Giles band once said: Love Stinks):

Quoth Cluracan of the Fair Folk: "It's amazing how much one can accomplish in an evening, if one is willing to expend a little effort, and to walk briskly."

The Helm of Nabu

2008-02-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today's hero (from regular-ol'-boring Earth-1, or whatever it's called now) is Doctor Fate. I'll let Wikipedia sum it up, since it does it so well:

Doctor Fate is a succession of DC Comics sorcerers who also generally function as superheroes. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940).

This was Kent Nelson, the best known and longest used Doctor Fate. He was the son of an archaeologist who died discovering the tomb of the mystical being Nabu [Hence the title of this post -- Ed.]. The orphaned boy was trained by the ancient entity in the arts of magic.

Of course, as a kid, I didn't know any of that. I just knew that Doctor Fate had a wicked-sweet costume and did karate-chops on purple demon-squids or something.

Below is my rendition of the hero, sticking relatively close to the original. They redesign the costumes every other week anyway, so I'm sure it's close enough.

Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

What's My Motivation In This Scene?

2008-02-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

... you folks are, among other things.

Alright, no sketch tonight, but let me "lay it on the line." I've been frustrated with myself and my art lately. Haven't been doin' much lately (as I'm sure you've noticed) and it bugs me. I was chatting with a good friend this weekend about doing some comics or something, and I realized the following

TRUE FACTS:

I haven't posted a new comic at BrandXCreations.com since December '06. Yikes.
I haven't scripted (let alone DRAWN) a comic in nearly that long.
My penciling, my inking, and my coloring have IMPROVED. A lot.

I don't like to brag. It makes me feel like a jerk. But all of you, my friends and family, have been so supportive I feel like I can and should. I also feel I should do something with that support.

I've been saving some cash and thinking about buying a new computer (RAPID TOPIC CHANGE). I'd like to use it for art, drawing with a tablet and doing more with PhotoShop and maybe other high-end programs. So I'm making a deal with myself and with all of you, if you'll help me.

I want to post at least THREE new drawings a week (two pencil sketches and one full-color image). Starting tomorrow, Monday February 11. I'll keep this up for a solid four weeks. If I can do that, I'll buy myself a new computer for my birthday.

This post is getting REALLY long, so I'll try to wrap it up. I'd like to ask all of you to keep me on the straight-and-narrow and make sure I do this. Comment and critique if you like; make your requests for sketches; give me grief in person. Whatever. I just miss drawing and I think NOT drawing is makin' me crazier than normal (which I'm sure you all know is really sayin' something). I'm hoping this will help motivate me and that I can have some fun in the process.

Alright, thanks for listening to me rant. Expect a drawing tomorrow (or later today, depending on when you read this). Thanks again to all of you who support me and put up with me.

More of the Folly of Youth...

2008-02-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Ah, some more creations from my younger days, updated and revitalized and made dorkier. Agent Crackshot and The Paladin were the special agents I created when I was in junior high school after my grandfather gave me my first rubber-band gun (it's a wacky story, but it's totally true). They were the head of their own special group of hi-tech espionage agents; they had flying cars and laser guns; they were always on top of every situation; they were everything I thought was cool.

... it was not until years later than I realized I had just re-created Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.. Oh well.

Anyway, here they are, recently re-drawn and updated. Sometime I may post the original designs (and those for Whiplash), but they're semi-embarassing. So probably not. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view:

Whip it... but not "good," apparently.

2008-01-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Found this sketch while cleaning my desk at work last night, so rather than post something I'm semi-proud of (which I actually have, believe it or don't)... we'll post this work-in-progress.

When I was in sixth grade, I created a whip-slinging super-hero character named Whiplash. I made a few comics with him in grade school and always played with the idea of his character over the years after, but that's about it. I've often tried to re-design him so I can use him in a slightly-more-serious hero tale; I even "created" a 12-inch action figure version a while back.

(I was going to crop that image a bit more, but then I realized LEGO Indiana Jones & his dad made it into the shot, so I had to leave it as-is.)

Anyway, this sketch is based on the action figure design. The goggles came out more like poindexter glasses than I'd been hoping and he isn't quite as visually dynamic as I'd have liked (which could be why I buried this in my desk), but it's an interesting sketch.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view:

Sometimes, I like to draw...

2008-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

... this is one of those times. It's also one of the few times I actually made an effort to ink and color everything, so, WOW. Crazy.

Last weekend, we all finally got together to game. It had been far too long and it was AWESOME. Instead of the usual role-play stuff, Adam & I went nuts and bought a bunch of HeroScape stuff and played THAT with the gang. It was a blast, and I look forward to doin' it again soon.

The star of the entire thing quickly became Krug. For a tiny little piece of plastic, he was certainly loud and obnoxiously hilarious. He was King of the Mountain; he was a hit with the ladies; he was unstoppable in his Command Center; he was the envy of all the players on the board. I think Eden's army finally killed him (or maybe they killed all my dudes, I don't remember now). Anyway, I knew he had to be immortalized by my pen. Or something.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view... and, if you like,click here to see how we'll roll NEXT weekend.

Earth-38, Part 4

2008-01-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

I can't ever keep track of all these new Earths! Apparently I was wrong, Batgirl of Earth-38 is NOT dating Captain Marvel (which some found scandalous anyway); turns out she's currently seeing Plastikman.

Oh, the DRAMA.

Anyway, Plastikman brings great times and great tunes to the Justice League's already-rockin' Moon Base. He prefers to lay down minimalist techno in the classic Detroit style of the early 90's, but he can rock with the best of 'em as well. He always says that if the criminal masterminds ever settle down, he's going to form a rock band with Green Lantern, Starman, and Captain Atom... cruisin' the cosmos in search of sweet licks and epic riffs.

Click the thumbnail below for a larger view.

Special Effects

2008-01-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

Well, it took me over two months from initial sketch to finished product (much longer than it should have)... but I'll blame the holidays or work or not working or whatever. Either way, I think it's finally done: The image of Wozar, battle-ravaged and weary, looking to the skies.

I added shadows, which I always do. I then added hilights, which I almost NEVER do... but I'm going to START doing. I love how it came out. The final image with the star field and the eerie lighting actually washes some of it out, but I think it still looks fairly awesome.

Enough jaw-bonin'. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

EDIT: I took down the crazy slideshow; it was barely visible and the silly thing sucked up bandwidth like there's no tomorrow. Instead, I'm posting this sweet desktop I made myself that, after my staring at it for two days, I'm now convinced is better than the original. Decide for yourselves... IF YOU DARE.

Earth-38, Part 3

2007-12-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Librarian by day, nocturnal-detective-librarian by night... she's the Batgirl of Earth-38! Bubbly and friendly, she's the polar opposite of this world's Batman (and most of the Justice League agrees that's probably not a bad thing). Rumors are she's currently seeing this Earth's Captain Marvel...

Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Earth-38, Part 2

2007-12-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

Ah, Earth-38... my new favorite alternate reality (and I have so many already, it's hard to select just one). Yesterday's Starman turned out pretty well, so here's my version of Green Lantern. Not quite as good as yesterday's, but fun nonetheless.

I need to do more theme weeks... they seem to actually motivate me to DO something.
Click the thumbnail below for a larger view.

Earth-38, Part 1

2007-12-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

Since the end of DC Comics' "52" mega-series, the Multiverse has been officially back for Superman, Batman, and all the rest. Not-quite-infinite Earths for there to be a not-quite-infinite number of crises on. Oh boy.

I was not a fan of this.

But THEN I discovered the heroes of Earth-38. They're pretty cool. Here's a sketch of that universe's totally rockin' Starman. I think I'll do their Green Lantern or Batgirl next... click the thumbnail for a larger view.

So This Is Christmas...

2007-12-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

... and what have I done? Not a whole heckuva lot, lately. Better late than never, I hope.

For most folks Christmas time starts the day after Thanksgiving. For my mother, it starts October first. For others it's later (for some department stores it's sooner), but for ME... Christmas isn't officially here until I watch The Grinch. My folks and I did this weekend, so I was inspired to do this quick sketch of him tonight. I'm never gonna top Dr. Seuss or Chuck Jones, but I think this was a pretty good mix of their styles and mine.
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

... normally I'd never post one of my students' drawings, but while I doodled tonight one of my younger students was himself inspired and did an AMAZING drawing. I made a photocopy of it, and I posted a scan below. I hope that's not a horrible thing to do, I was just so proud of him, the drawing is fantastic; this guy is a third grader, I think.

Gas Light Genghis Khan

2007-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

So it's time once again for another round of "I-Don't-Know-Who-I'm-Drawing-But-Oh-Well." Sometimes it's fun to just get a basic outline of an idea and design a character as you go, filling in the back story and purpose-for-being later.

This guy originally started out as one member of a group of hired mercenaries for the Steampunk RPG; he's ended up becoming a criminal kingpin of the highest order (sort-of). A silent Moriarty-style mastermind (I think). He looks ridiculous and I love it. Next time I'll spend more time on his levitation boots, since they're way too clean and stream-lined to be "steampunk."
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Steampunk Blues

2007-11-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Friday, just doesn't FEEL right. I had a great Thanksgiving (featuring the First Annual Laundrie Family Turkey Bowl Presented by Nintendo Wii)... and I enjoy time with my family. Still.

It's FRIDAY.

Which would normally mean jammin' with The Soular Caddilacz and some hard-core Steampunkery ROLE-PLAYING madness (and/or watching of ridiculous comedy films). I look forward to this craziness all week.

Sigh.

Here's a video of how it normally goes. Yeah, everybody's probably already seen this. I'm always two or three years behind everything awesome. I'm posting it anyway, and pouring out a 40 of Mountain Dew for my absent homies or something.

[Click Here For The Original]

Seventh-ninths in ten Earth seconds!

2007-11-21T22:32:00.001-08:00

Alright, I've got Internet! I'm on vacation, visiting family, so there's no real posting of sketches to speak of. I will, however, still attempt to post! This is quickly turning into my YouTube dump anyway, so I may as well continue down that path.

I've seen these in magazines and I WANT THEM, but I'm not yet fabulously wealthy so no luck there. Still, this infomercial is darned informative and I thought I'd share it with you.

'Sides, Christmas is comin' soon...

Color Me (Almost) Finished

2007-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Stage Four: Flat Colors! Again I break the coloring portion of the project up, laying down the simple flat colors first (with some gradient exceptions) before moving onto the shading and other lighting effects. I'm going to be experimenting with hi-lites this time, too, something I don't often attempt. So that should be interesting.

Not sure how much time this will take me, or how much time I'll have this weekend to take care of it, but I'm going to start it at least. Next week I'll be on break, so there probably won't be much to see here on the Brand X Blog. Thanks for checking back, though!
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Holy Toledo

2007-11-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to say on this... other than, "Thank you, Tammy, for changing my life." [Also, partially colored Wozar comin' tomorrow, for those of you who are interested.]

Click Here For The Original

It's like Night & Day...! cough

2007-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

Alright, so here's the version with finished inks. To ME this stage adds quite a bit to the image and really makes it pop; hopefully you'll notice it too:

I've only got the coloring to do now, which will either be the quickest or the longest part of this project, I can't tell yet. It always amazes me how I absolutely cannot EVER estimate that beforehand. Some images color very quickly, while others require crazy effects and take me forever. I'll keep you posted on my progress there.

Also, in case the differences really don't seem significant to you, I'll post this side-by-side in an effort to justify my taking an additional day (or two) to finish this:

Back in (Partial) Black

2007-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

From time to time somebody will ask me how I go through the process of actually FINISHING a pencil sketch with inks and colors, so I thought I'd post an image of each stage of that process. There are plenty of different ways to do this, but this is how I learned and what I continue to do.

This is Stage Two: Partial Inks. I've taken the pencil sketch and inked in the major outlines and details. I've still got some more inking to do, but this is the first pass I normally make. Most cartoonists determine their light source and make thicker lines opposite that source as they go to indicate shadows. I do the same thing, but I usually do it after this initial inking stage. It's more time-consuming, but it's easier for me to keep it all straight. I've tried doing it as I go before and it just results in me swapping pens every three seconds and making a muddy mess at the end.

After the thicker shadow lines I'll add some more texture and detail (but not too much, since I plan to color it after). A plain black & white image would have more texturing done to indicate the different colors; I won't need to do that here.

Click the thumbnail below to cut the art lesson and see a larger view.

Look to the Skies...

2007-11-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

Again another week passes with no post from me; I'm horrible, I know it. I just wasn't sure if it would be in good taste to post with things so crazy after the escape of Sikstus Seethar. I think I'm ready now, we haven't heard anything since the initial break-out.

Today I've posted an initial sketch I want to do of Wozar. I've been reading my insane super hero comics lately, where people get smacked about and worlds collide and universes die and the variant covers are usually ugly. I was wondering how my super-characters would handle it, so I set pencil to paper. I plan to finish this (inks and colors), so stay tuned for that. For now, click the thumbnail to see what I've got so far.

Santa-Saurus Updates

2007-11-04T18:13:00.001-08:00

For those of you who are interested, I've placed a small space for "Santa-Saurus" links to the right of these posts, under my Contact Information. I hope I won't need to update it too often, but some people have asked about Santa-Saurus' past crimes. Click the link(s) to learn about them.

Uh-Oh...

2007-11-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, sorry there was no sketch yesterday. I was planning to try a picture of a witch (since that was subtly requested almost a MONTH ago), but I was held up helping a former associate. Dr. Scheffield is a toy historian (who is a toy herself) and professor of the action figure occult. She had bad news: One of Santa-Saurus' chief supporters has escaped. Even though Santa-Saurus itself is dead, this is trouble indeed.

Most of you remember the Santa-Saurus scare of '05, but for those of you who don't, I have this chilling image to offer you:

I've asked Dr. Scheffield to post my notes from the near-disaster on her blog, which she will do soon. In the meantime... remain vigilant, read the doctor's blog when you can, and keep a close eye on your toys. This could be another rough Christmas season.

Monster Mash-Up

2007-10-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

Halloween approaches! In case you didn't notice. Apparently holidays make me extra creative, since I cranked these out at work today without even noticing (although the kids at the table did; they like to tease me for goofing around after I bark at them to get to work. I just bark some more).

I probably mentioned it already, but this is my FAVORITE time of year. Halloween, then Thanksgiving and Christmas... all the great sappy family holidays I adore. Good times... click the thumbnail for a (hopefully) un-sappy view.

Tell Them Boris Sent You

2007-10-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ah, Frankenstein. Always my favorite of the classic Universal movie monsters, and the one character I draw over... and over... and OVER... every Halloween. It's taken me awhile to do more than just a quick-and-dirty sketch, and actually get a nicely done one finished. I've tried to do one that was more like the original literary creature, but it always ends up being flat-topped Boris Karloff. I don't think I have any problem with that, honestly.
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

"You have the ability to instill great fear..."

2007-10-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was at work tonight. And I knew that I was supposed to draw another picture of Phineas M. Hornsby for our game session tomorrow night. So I got a fresh piece of paper, a sharpened pencil, and I drew Green Lantern's worst enemy.

... who is not actually Phineas M. Hornsby, famed steampunk explorer.

This is why I never accomplish ANYTHING.

I am quite proud of how it came out though! His hair looks horrible, but that's kind of the new style (sort of). Oh well; maybe next time I try to draw Commander X, I'll end up doing a better job on the rogue Green Lantern's mane.

Recite the oath, and click the thumnail, for a larger view:

In blackest day, in brightest night,
Beware your fears made into light
Let those who try to stop what's right,
Burn like my power... Sinestro's might!

In Command

2007-10-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

I was realizing today how odd it is that my "flagship" character, Commander X, is one I haven't drawn at all in a LONG time. I doodle Wozar frequently. I've been working on my RPG characters. Heck, I even draw Tygre at work. But seldom Commander X. Today I remedied that.

I'm actually toying with the idea of redesigning him somewhat, but for now I stuck to my classic design (which reminds me: I should post the REALLY classic design for you to all laugh at sometime). Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

SteamBot V.1.0

2007-10-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

Again with the crazy psuedo-Victorian Steampunkery! The level of detail required for these things is daunting, but it sure is fun. I didn't have time to complete him (and there are a few changes I'd like to make, looking at him now), but I thought I'd post it at this point in the process. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

This Drawing Sucks

2007-10-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

... both because it was rushed, and because it's a vampire. Get it?

... get it? Yeah? *cough*

Okay, so anyway. I've been wanting to draw more monsters and stuff, but I've actually had to WORK at work, so I haven't had much time. This guy didn't come out quite the way I had hoped, but I wanted to post SOMETHING and it just gives me an excuse to draw him again. It was a Learning Experience.

After you click on the thumbnail below for a larger image, you should click this link for some Science on vampires, and more information on what your government is doing about them.

His Gyroscopic-Aether-Subordination Pack Revolutionized Airborne Infantry

2007-10-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Time for more random role-playing characters! This one is actually mine, although I might have to post another of Kevin's (and then Adam's, and then Eden's, and then Jaime's...) soon too.

Presented here for your perusal and academic edification: The honorable and oft-decorated Colonel Phineas Meriwether Hornsby IV, formerly of Her Royal Majesty's Thirty-Eigth Armored Zeppelin Division (now retired). You've seen his exploits in the penny dreadfuls of Mssrs. Barlow & Bartleby; his further adventures shall forthwith be published as a Brand X Brand Sequential-Image Narrative (patents pending). You will marvel at Hornsby's immeasurable talents as tracker, scout, hunter, man's-man and man-about-town, now put to use as a freelance finder of artifacts and antiquities from long-ago and never-have-been. He is a keeper of arcane truths and an archaeologist of the most bizarre. Gaze upon his works, ye mighty, for a mere shilling a view.
Or, click on the thumbnail below.

I Saw The Thing Comin' Out Of The Sky...

2007-10-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

I love the month of October; I'll be drawin' stuff like this practically every day. I'll try to vary what I post, but this won't be the last monster you see (most likely this will be the last one-eyed, one-horned, flying one though).
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Hydraulic Humanoid from BEYOND

2007-10-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Robots are fun to draw, but their innards are a pain to design (especially on the fly). Doesn't stop me from enjoying the challenge though. This was meant to be Aristotle Cooke's robot assistant and bodyguard; he may still end up serving that function at some point. For now he's just fun to marvel at... for me, at any rate.
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Money, Women, & Cars

2007-10-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Triad of True Male Happiness, or simply three things I never practice drawing? I'm sure scientists will be discussing this question for generations; in the meantime, here's proof I can draw the fairer sex every once in a great while. I already did a car and money takes forever to design properly, so this'll have to do.
Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

From Out O' The Black He Rode, A Stranger...

2007-10-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I've been bad. It's been a WEEK since I posted anything, sorry. But I've got a great excuse: I started a new job! I'm a part-time language arts teacher at a great elementary school. I only work in the morning, so I can still tutor at night AND substitute on Fridays. I was a bit tired getting used to the new schedule, though, so I slacked off on posting.

I've been doodling, but I haven't really done anything I felt was worth posting until today. I posted this a short time ago, and I've been itchin' to draw Kevin's character myself ever since. This is my first attempt, and I hope it's alright. I had to improvise on the boots a bit...

So Kevin, if you're reading this: This one's for you, dude. Keep creating these awesome characters for me to draw. And if you're not reading this: Dude, seriously, what the hell?

Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

This One Goes to Eleven

2007-09-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the ridiculous rock-star wannabe I had hoped to post yesterday, for you to laugh at tonight. Not much to say about this, other than to state the obvious: Drawing silly hair, stupid pants, and HUGE boots is "FUN."

That, and I screwed up on the speaker.

Oh well. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

Maniacal Metal Monday Night

2007-09-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

Alright, I was tired after workin' today and didn't get a sketch finished. The hair rocker I was preparing for y'all is still in my desk at work; hopefully I'll finish it tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy this INSANITY that Ken found.

Laser gun-slingin', kung fu-fightin', mystical-mojo space cowboys fighting to insane "metal" music. This will either improve your life immeasurably, or destroy your MIND. Either way, PREPARE YOURSELF.

I seriously have NO IDEA exactly what the heck this is. I'm pretty sure it's the distilled essence of AWESOME.

Maynard's Bowsprit Ornament

2007-09-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I usually put somewhere in the blog "I'm happy with how this one turned out," because I so seldom actually AM. I'm a huge critic of my work, as most of you know already. Today, though... maybe it's the spirit of the holiday. Maybe I've reached a new artistic plateau. Maybe I'm an arrogant pirate at heart. I don't know.

I freakin' LOVE this one.

I wanted to post some older pirate sketches I'd done in the past, but they were too light to scan properly, so I drew this at work. Ol' Edward Teach, BLACKBEARD himself. Well, most of him anyway; I only drew his head. Which I didn't remember until later is terribly fitting, seein' as that was all Maynard left of the salty sea dog & terror of the high seas. So don't let the flaming wicks tied into his beard, his wild eyes, or his fancy hat scare ye'; click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Talk Like a Pirate Day!

2007-09-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Y'aar... and there be more t' come, lads and lasses. In honor o' this most auspicious day I'll be postin' more piratical-type sketches later this afternoon or evenin'. In the meantime, clickin' the picture above'll lead you to history on this most roguish of holidays. Yo ho!

"He's Just a Dude, Really"

2007-09-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today's addition IS a sketch, but not one of mine. My good friend Kevin has allowed me to post this MOST-EXCELLENT sketch of his creation, Thomas Deckard, on my blog to share with all of y'all. Next to it is my digital ink-and-coloring of it. As I mentioned before, I'm trying to practice doing more of that to save me time at the drawing table (when I do eventually get back to it).

Deckard is a cool character Kevin runs with online; he's a retired Marshal makin' his way through the cosmos as best he can, tryin' to follow the straight-and-narrow when those around him can't even seem to find it. My friends always come up with great characters, and (if they'll let me) I'll try to ink-and-color, then show off, some more coming up soon. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

Ninjas, NOT Banditos

2007-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is an older sketch (a Brand X Classic ^TM), but it's a theme I often go back to: Ninjas riding dinosaurs. This is different than the work of the folks at Dr. McNinja, who use BANDITOS riding Velociraptors. The other key difference, of course, is that Dr. McNinja's creator, Chris Hastings, can draw dinosaurs that look like ACTUAL dinosaurs. But I digress.

At some point I'd love to do something completely ridiculous comic-wise with these guys, but for now I'm content to keep them a fun running joke amongst friends. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Dumb Muscle, Smartly Dressed

2007-09-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Not sure what I'll ever do with this guy, if anything, but he was sure fun to draw. It's always entertaining (to me at least) to take a big buff guy and put him in a suit. I usually draw those guys in torn t-shirts and biker jeans, so this is a bit of a departure. His anatomy is ridiculous, but when is that NOT true in my art? I go with it. Also, I stole his tie from Serenity's Dr. Mathias... but he's dead, so he won't care, right? Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Fuzz of The Future

2007-09-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

I plan to start drawing some Commander X comics again soon, but I want to put more time and effort into designing their world first. One of the things I never liked about the "Fortune-Cookie Fiasco" was how little time I left myself to flesh out the world I had them running around in. The police cars that chased them were especially lousey, so I started there to have them ready for the next comic I needed them in. This was a quick sketch so I'm not too bothered that the lettering is crooked, but I'm going to have to try and make the next flying car I design look a little less like a DeLorean (the kids were very supportive and complimentary, though). Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

"How do I look?" "Like a hood ornament."

2007-09-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

I did these sketches awhile back in the hopes that they might appear in the Comic-Con program this year (or some more finalized version of my take on Cliff Secord, anyway). Every year the Con organizers accept submissions for properties celebrating anniversaries that year, and this year was The Rocketeer. I ended up not submitting, though, when it was decided we wouldn't be going this time. I'm still happy with how the designs came out, though, and I may do something with 'em yet. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

More Fedoras

2007-09-06T12:01:00.001-07:00

Alright, again, NOT a sketch... but it was news to me and OH HOLY CRAP:

This is in addition to the actual LEGO sets being released early next year, which you can read more about here.

"Four playsets based on the classic trilogy are slated to launch in January 2008. Three sets based on iconic scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark include: Temple Escape ($49.99 USD) which brings the legendary rolling boulder scene to life in LEGO form as Indy faces spiders and poisoned darts in his search for the Golden Idol of Fertility. With Race for the Stolen Treasure ($29.99 USD), kids build two desert vehicles and recreate Indy's truck-hopping fight to save the treasure. Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb ($19.99 USD) recreates the eye-popping suspense of Indy rescuing Marion from slithering snakes in an Egyptian tomb. And based on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade action, Motorcycle Chase ($9.99 USD) depicts the scene where Indy and his father escape with the map to the hidden temple.

Four more constructible playsets based on the fourth movie will launch in May 2008, with suggested retail prices ranging from $9.99 to $79.99 USD."

1060 West Addison

2007-09-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

So this isn't exactly a sketch... or completely NEW... but I was inspired and I went with it. I'm also hoping if I start responding to comments, you folks will continue to post 'em... so this one's for YOU, Mr. Adams.

I'm very pleased with how this came out, especially since I digitally inked the Brothers using my USB tablet and PhotoShop. I don't usually do that (this is the first time I've done it and been happy with the results). Quite a few web comics "pros" do it that way, though, so it's about time I practiced. As always, click the thumbnail below for a larger view.

It's 106 Miles to Chicago...

2007-09-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Tammy and her family were kind enough to invite me along to the Sunday Gospel Brunch at The House of Blues in Anaheim. Needless to say, it was RIGHTEOUS (literally and figuratively). In honor of this most-excellent experience, I thought I'd post a sketch I did at work a couple weeks back. One of my students was talking about The House of Blues, and the other kids at my table didn't know who The Blues Brothers were when I commented about them. I whipped up this quick sketch to educate 'em, seein' as how that's my JOB. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

Mr. Luthor

2007-08-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Not an original creation this time, but when I'm at work I usually don't want to think that hard. That being said, I actually DID put some effort into copying this one from the George Perez design. This was my first Lex Luthor, and even though I've grown to appreciate the scheming billionaire he's since become, there's something FUN about Superman fighting a bald super-genius in a bright green-and-purple suit. I don't try to understand it, I just embrace it. Click the thumbnail for a larger view.

The Brand X Blog

Federation Follies

Rollin' Down a Rooftop

A Slimy One-Hundredth Post

"You've always had the power..."

... and now, IN COLOR.

Friend or Foe?

Not "So Bad It's Good..." Just Bad. But Good.

Yet Another "New Era" For Brand X Creations

Music For The Living Impaired

The Soular Caddilacz

Two Years, Eight Months, Twelve Days

Carniveriffic

Disco Fish is BOSS

A New Comic Series...?

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Ahoy there!

In Memory of Ricardo Montalbán

"Pup Patrol" commercial, circa '76

Clive-7.7

Ms. Hunter

Tumblestock

Dumbstruck

hE he he HA hA He Heh...

KNEEL

The Femme Fatale

"Alphonse Wotan"

Not a Bad Bug to Catch, All Things Considered...

Arcturus Wotan

Mortimer Menlo

Malicious or Misunderstood?

People Are Strange...

This Totally Happened

This City DESERVES A Better Class of Criminal

My Favorite Religious Holiday

Bartleby Garreck

Earth-38, Part 7

Earth-38, Part 6

Secret Agent Man

Byron Occulto

A Credit to the Force

A Marvelous Epiphany

They See Me Rollin'

A Wrinkle... ON TIME!

Yikes!

Dragon, Forced

MY HEAD ASPLODE

A Starry Knight

Huh?

Earth-38, Part 5

Festus D. Zuniga

Bada-Bing

Adventures in Confusion!

The Meta-Human Millionaire

Exhibit 1066-N.01a

Ain't That A Kick In The Head?

The Helm of Nabu

What's My Motivation In This Scene?

More of the Folly of Youth...

Whip it... but not "good," apparently.

Sometimes, I like to draw...

Earth-38, Part 4

Special Effects

Earth-38, Part 3

Earth-38, Part 2

Earth-38, Part 1

So This Is Christmas...

Gas Light Genghis Khan

Steampunk Blues

Seventh-ninths in ten Earth seconds!

Color Me (Almost) Finished

Holy Toledo

It's like Night & Day...! *cough*

Back in (Partial) Black

Look to the Skies...

Santa-Saurus Updates

Uh-Oh...

Monster Mash-Up

Tell Them Boris Sent You

"You have the ability to instill great fear..."

It's like Night & Day...! cough