The Marvels Project, Part 1 of 4

Sunday, October 18, 2009


First of all, thank you to everyone who stopped by the table this weekend. I had a great Big Apple Con, thanks to everyone's continued support. I painted nearly the whole time, so I'll be posting a good number of commissions in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, here is my first page of promotional art for The Marvels Project. I was asked to simulate a journal from the 1930s, written by a scientist who is involved in a secret government program to engineer super-powered soldiers. I wasn't given much direction beyond that, so I had a good degree of freedom (even with the text).

The drawings are in pencil on 11" x 14" bristol board and were digitally toned. I haven't seen the final ads yet, but I will post them as soon as I do.

14 comments :

  1. Woohooo! Painted commissions!

    I love 'em! :)

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  2. that octopus man is amazing! You have breathed new life into tentacle monster men!

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  3. Easy, Anonymous! I don't want your expectations to be too high.

    Mike: thanks! I never thought someone would say that to me.

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  4. Great stuff!

    I think I've got a portfolio review or am attending one of your workshops this week at SCAD. I was part of the New York group this past June, I'm excited to see your mad skills and learn a thing or two.

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  5. Damn!
    I don't know why, but I'm not able to see that picture in my pc...

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  6. Thanks, Melanie. This workshop will be new for me, so hopefully it goes well. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

    Salvo, have you tried refreshing your browser? If it still doesn't work, let me know, and I'll e-mail you the image.

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  7. I was good seeing you kick-ass on those commissions Paolo! This workshop looks amazing, can't wait to see the rest!

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  8. Thanks Leia, that's what I try to do at cons: take names and kick ass! It was good to see you again.

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  9. Hey Paolo - your Marvel work is classic but it's awesome to see you riffing on entirely new concepts like these and the designs for the Spectrum poster.

    Kudos.

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  10. Thanks, Michael. I would certainly like to get more opportunities to do some concept work, but comics keeps me busy enough as it is. I definitely have some non-Marvel ideas kicking around in my head, but I think it'll be years before I get around to fleshing them out.

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  11. I love your Marvels Project work, though I would have never guessed that it was by you! I've been buying the Gerald Parel variants for the series and they all have an awesome 'top-secret file' trade dress and use your artwork on the back cover.

    I regretfully missed the Big Apple Con this year, but I can't wait to see those commissions! Hopefully you'll be at NYCC next year! In the war of the NY conventions, there can only be one winner!

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  12. Panamagoo, this series was a nice opportunity to draw through someone else's eyes; it was both a challenge and a lot of fun. Glad you liked it.

    I'll be posting those BACC commissions soon enough. As for the con wars... no comment (for now).

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  13. There's always the feeling that there isn't enough time in general but it seems more so in a labor-intensive medium like comics. I get the impression from other creators that ideas have percolated for 5+ years before they have the chance to hit the stands.

    Luckily you and your Marvel work seem to be a great fit and that you're continually working different muscles.

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  14. Absolutely Michael — comics is pretty much the most challenging creative pursuit I can think of; which is, of course, why they are so rewarding.

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