Lion-O and Cheetara from Thundercats

It's simply amazing how a Thunderan female can arch her back like that! If any earth woman is capable of such a feat I'd love to meet her!

Ah, Thundercats. One of my favorite shows growing up. These days if I try to watch it the dialogue makes me cringe. But the same can be said with most (if not all) of those 80s cartoons. Great memories, though.

This outfit Lion-O is wearing is actually from the comic that was put out a few years back. I'm certainly glad they updated it. Looking back, the old one just looked wrong in so many ways. And the exposed midriff? C'mon!

Cheetara's outfit is based on a slave outfit worn by Wiley-Kit in Mum-Ra's temple (again, from the comic).

Skeletor and Teela (colored)

I'm almost done coloring the batch that this commission came from. Then I'll be starting on a new batch, including some really hilarious character pairings! Stay tuned for those in the next couple of months.

Characters (c) 2010 Filmation, Inc.

Sovereign Preview Page and A Few Plugs

I noticed that I had posted this Sovereign preview page everywhere but here.

The first two issues of the Arcadia Comics Anthology are now available for purchase on Indy Planet.com. Just go to this link to order yours today:

http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3332

I'm really excited to be a part of this project. It's much easier to get published material out there since I'm part of the "collective." The one-man operation of putting out a 22 page comic book would take months on my own. Now I'm only responsible for five pages every two months (though I intend to put out considerably more as time progresses).

You can visit our blog at http://arcadiacollective.blogspot.com where you'll find some "useful links" in the margin that will take you directly to our individual pages.

You can keep up with Arcadia Comics Collective news and updates by following us on Twitter at

http://twitter.com/arcadia_comics

I've started posting on a regular basis any character sketches or preview panels put out by my cohorts or myself.

We're on Facebook as well, if that's more your style. Just go to http://www.facebook.com/people/Arcadia-Comics/100000496762529#!/profile.php?id=100000496762529

And lastly, my webcomic, "Revenger", has recently gotten back on track. With any luck there won't be anymore delays (or at least very few).

You can check it out the most recent strip at

http://www.drunkduck.com/Revenger/

or you can start at the beginning by going to

http://www.drunkduck.com/Revenger/index.php?p=654185

Thanks!
-Mike Powell

She-Hulk Vampi-Style!

The buyer of this commission wanted She-Hulk in a "Vampirella-inspired" suit. I think I accomodated him.

Just a reminder, for those who missed my tweet a few days ago, the second issue of the Arcadia Comics Anthology (featuring my character, Sovereign) is now available through Indy Planet. Just go to this link and get yours today!

http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3332


She-Hulk (c) 2010 Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Centaur Commission

I finished this commission last week but just haven't gotten around to posting it (like a few others).

This is my most recent and most successful attempt at a centaur. Nothing fancy, just a simple horse/woman composite.

The face was based on photo reference sent to me by a buyer. It's a decent likeness, but I think I could have done better. She was happy with it, though.

Commission: Ahsoka Tano (Gesundheight!)

For someone who doesn't consider himself a Star Wars fan, I've drawn my share of Star Wars commissions in the past.

Here's Ahsoka Tano (hope I'm spelling that correctly). I now virtually nothing about this character. Maybe one day I'll read up on her.

Ahsoka Tano (c) 2010 Lucasfilm, Ltd.

The Incredibles At Home

I loved the Incredibles movie. I wish they'd make a sequel. I can't think of any excuse why they wouldn't. Obviously it did very well.

In this commission Bob and Helen Parr have had their powers switched somehow, and this scene captures a scene from their homelife.

Incredibles (c) 2010 Pixar Co.

Matt Trakker and Vanessa Warfield (colored)

Another commission from the backlog colored.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Octo-Pirate Commission

This is the companion piece to the pirate mermaid
commission I posted about two weeks ago. I think it came out ok.

For those of you following Revenger I regret that I've had to put it on hold for a few daysso I can catch up on commissions and finish up my five page story for the Arcadia Anthology.

I'm almost on track, so Revenger should be back in just a few days.

She-Ra and Teela, Harem Girls

This drawing was commissioned by a buyer who saw the She-Ra/Hordak piece on Deviantart. He tells me that She-Ra was actually a member of Horde in her younger days. I never would have imagined.

I'm still trucking along on commissions, the webcomic (which will be late this week, I regret), and the final two pages of my contribution to the Arcadia Anthology. It's been hectic, but I can feel the pressure starting to fade.

Lady Death/Purgatori Colored

Over the next two weeks or so I'll be back-tracking a little bit and coloring a few commissions I've done for a certain buyer.
I don't know why, but I just wasn't in a coloring mindset for a while, but I'm over it now.

I've been hard at work on chapter 2 of Sovereign for the Arcadia Comics Anthology, so for the next few days I'll be squeezing in
commissions where I can. I'll post some preview panels later on.

90s Rogue!

The buyer of this commission didn't specify the 90s Rogue, but I went out on a limb since I've never been asked to draw any other version of the character.

I've started using a thinner pen for faces at the suggestion of a different customer, and I'm liking the result.

More tomorrow.

She-Ra and Hordak In Color

All right, I admit it. I'm not the most high tech colorist out there.
One of these days I'm going to invest in some copic markers. In the meantime it's strictly colored pencils for those buyers who want colored commissions.

Incidentally the buyer of this drawing was perfectly happy with it. That's all that counts.

90s Catwoman!

I've always loved this costume design (which I believe is attributed to Jim Balent), though it's fallen out of favor in the last decade in favor of the Darwyn Cooke designed modern version with the goggles.

Madam Masque!

I sometimes think I'm taking on too many projects. Then I stop and remember that Hey! I love to draw! Although I feel the pressure sometimes, it truly never feels like work.

Here are some of the things I have cooking on the artistic stove as we speak:

About twenty commissions (that'll keep me busy for the next three weeks or so).
Two interview questionaires.
A five page Sovereign contribution to the Arcadia Comics Anthology.
A weekly webstrip.
A daily sketch blog (http://michaelpowellsketchblog.blogspot.com)

So needless to say, this blog has been updated a little less frequently than before. Not because I'm not completing commissions fast enough, but because I don't have the times sometimes to put the art up and write something. I don't like to just post a drawing with no text. That's what the sketchblog is for.

Anway, to those of you who visit this site on a regular basis, feel free to leave a comment. But whether you do or not, it doesn't matter.
I appreciate you checking out my work all the same.

Take care,

-Mike

Madam Masque (c) 2010 Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

She-Ra and Hordak

I used to watch the She-Ra cartoon as a child, and I remember liking it. But if I had to choose between She-Ra and He-Man I'd go with He-Man.

But if I had to choose between He-Man and Visionaries I'd go with Visionaries.

And if I had to choose between Visionaries and Thundercats I'd go with Thundercats.

And if I had to choose between Thundercats and Transformers...

Well...

It's Transformers hands down!

Enchantress #2

Lots to work on over the next few days, so I hope to have closer to daily updates in the coming week.

Enjoy this Enchantress commission.

Enchantress (c) 2010 Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Green Arrow!

I did some more experimenting with shadows in this commission, and thing I'm getting a little better with each drawing. I still have a long way to go, though.

I had a little trouble aligning the two segments on my standard-size printer, in case you're wondering why the arrow and bow string seem off in the center.

Green Arrow (c) 2010 D.C. Entertainment, Inc.

Pirate Mermaid!

I spent way too much time on this thing, but it was a great subject, and I'm happy with the end result.

Lady Blackhawk!

Lady Blackhawk doesn't usually fly, but in the continuity in which this commission takes place she does!

Lady Blackhawk (c) 2010 D.C. Entertainment, Inc.

Doctor Doom!

It should be evident from this Doctor Doom commission that I'm getting a little braver with the shadows (for better or for worse).

And if you happened to see the rough pencils for his piece (on Twitter) then you'll notice that I had a change of thought and changed my Kirby Krackle to Byrne Brush strokes (done with a marker). Sorry, but I just had such a tough time pulling off all those dots!

Tex Hex and Judge JB

This is a companion piece to the Bravestarr/Judge JB commission I did a few months ago. Now I have that damned Bravestarr opening in my head again!

Characters (c) 2010 Their Owner.

The Enchantress

This commission features the sometimes good, sometimes wicked, always sexy, Amora, the Enchantress, from Marvel's Thor. The buyer wanted me to omit the face dressing she usually wears, but even so, the design of her leggings gives her identity away.

Enchantress (c) 2010 Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Power Girl Recreation

No, it's not a mistake. This is a recreation of a Power Girl commission I back in November. The buyer loved the original so much that he wanted his own. He's happy, so I'm happy.

Power Girl (c) 2010 D.C. Entertainment, Inc.

Christie M from Tekken

This is Christie Monteiro from Tekken. That's about all I know about her.

I plan on adding some pencil tones to this because it could really benefit from it.

Look for that in the next few days.

Christie M and Tekken (c) 2010 Who Knows

Lara Croft Loses Her Shirt

This is just another simple Lara Croft commission. Believe it or not, this was the first time I've ever drawn a woman removing her shirt. There will most assuredly be others in the future!

Star WOMAN and Dagger: Victims of Medusa!

This is another "Victims of Medusa" commission, this time featuring Marvel's Dagger (from Cloak and Dagger)and DC's Star, or Star Girl. Actually, she's 18 in this drawing (needless to say), so let's just call her Star WOMAN.

I inked the majority of this with a brush, except for a few details. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect inking tool. This brush worked well. It's definitely work practicing with it more.

Characters (c) 2009 Their respective owners

Webcomic Preview: Revenger and the Bat!

Here's another preview panel from the Halcyon Comics Presents webcomic I'm working on.

In this panel we have Revenger (that's the name I settled on) being taken for a ride by his high-flying criminal nemesis, the Bat!

I almost have enough done to start lettering and posting, so stay tuned for future updates.

-Mike

Lady Death/Purgatori

In this Lady Death/Purgatori commission I tried to be as conscious of where I was putting the blacks as possible.

I took my time on this one, and I think it's a step in the right direction. I added some shadows to Lady Death's face, which is something I've been cautious of in the past. But if I'm to grow as an artist, it's time to get dangerous.

Characters (c) Their respective owners (though I believe Dark Horse owns them both now)

Dumb Bunny and Merry Man!

This is Dumb Bunny of DC's "Inferior Five" and her team mate, Merry Man (who, according to Wikipedia, was modeled after Woody Allen).

I experimented with shadows in this drawing. After some reflection on past works I realized that too often my figures are flat because of lack of contrast. Lately I've been studying some great examples by other artists of the past and present, from Jack Kirby, all the way to Chris Samnee (who, if you're not familiar with, is well worth checking out).

While my goal is never to ape or imitate another artist, I'm always anxious to learn new techniques to give my art more substance.

Characters (c) 2009 D.C. Entertainment, Inc.

The Iron Space Marine!

This is a commission of the Iron Space Marine, an amalgamation of Iron Man and the Space Marines from Warhammer 40k.

Christmas is behind us, and I'm finishing up some half-done commissions from earlier in the week. Look for more frequent posts from here on out.

Iron Man (c) 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
Warhammer 40k (c) 2009 Whoever Own It

Blink and Zatanna!

Several weeks back I completed two commissions featuring superheroines who had been flash frozen in stone by Medusa. This drawing is to be added to that gallery.

I regret that Zatanna's hair isn't black, but what do you expect? It's stone just like the rest of her form (except the clothing; the buyer had specific instructions that the clothing wasn't turned to stone).

Zatanna and Blink (c) 2009 Their Respective Companies

Toph from Avatar

I drew this for my wife for Christmas. She's a HUGE Avatar fan, and Toph is her favorite character.

For those who aren't familiar with the show or its characters, Toph is a blind earthbender. In other words, she's a terrakinetic.

The symbol in the background is the symbol for the Earth Nation (or it could just mean "earth." I'm not positive.)

I realized after I'd inked it that I'd gotten the bottom half of the costume wrong. She's not supposed to have a wrap around skirt. But we'll just say that in this instance she has a different set of clothes on. Works for me.

Toph (c) 2009 MTV Networks, Inc.

Sneak Peak!

Over the last few days I've completed some commissions, but nothing I can place on an All Audiences blog like this one. I can, however, post something that I've been working on after hours. Something a bit more personal.

This is a panel from a webcomic I'm working on featuring a simple hero vs. villain battle. Very reminiscent of Spider-Man and he Vulture. As a matter of fact, my villain is named "The Bat." Kind of generic, I know, but that's the fun.

You'll notice that this style is a little looser and organic that I'm used to. The reason behind that is that these spolight webcomics of my characters are to get readers acquainted with the Halcyon Universe. And to just make some fun comics (not that my other stuff isn't fun!). With this project I'm less interested in making fine art than I am with productivity. The goal is to tell the stories.

I had originally named the hero Daredevil, after the Golden Age Public Domain character (and not Marvel's). However, as I started thinking out the character's backstory, he became more and more important. And I realized that it would be best to come up with a different name, one that didn't hold the weight that "Daredevil" does. Even though it would be my legal right to use it.

The Golden Age Daredevil has had numerous incarnations over the years, most recently in Dynamite Comics' Project Superpowers, where he has become "The Death-Defying 'Devil". And in Erik Larsen's Savage Dragon, where the character has retained his classic name and appearance (as well as entourage).

Over the next few days I'll reveal the name that I decide upon. I have a couple bouncing around in my head. I had the perfect one earlier, but a search on
Comicvine.com showed me that it was already taken by a similar character. In a book I read on a regular basis, no less! No wonder it sounded familiar!

Enjoy this sneak preview. I'm four pages into it, and I'll be launching the webcomic once this little short is finished. Then I'll move on to another character to spotlight.

Super Teen!

Apparently, a few years back, there were a few superhero versions of the Archie Characters. I was commissioned to draw one such character, and here she is. Betty, a.k.a. Super Teen!

Commission: Lara Croft Takin' It Off

This is a second in a series of eight Lara Croft commissions I'm working on over the next several weeks. I won't be able to post them all without violating some content regulations (especially #7 and #8), but believe me when I say that they get more and more risqué with each commission.

Lara Croft (c) 2009 The Company That Owns Her

Ursa Conquers Power Girl and Supergirl!

This is a companion piece to an Ursa/Superman commission I drew early in the year. Remember back in Superman II when the three kryptonian villains lost their powers? They became mortal, and in this case, became immune to kryptonite.

The kryptonite shackles have weakened Power Girl and Supergirl, and Ursa is, once again, victorious!

In the color stage later on the shackles will be glowing green.

Characters (c) 2009 D.C. Entertainment, Inc.

Herr Freon and Mendle Gregorson!

These are the final two commissions for John McLaren. Meet villains Herr Freon and Mendel Gregorson. You can find more of John's characters at his website, http://totemansworld.com.

I haven't posted anything over the last few days because most of the commissions I've worked on have been a litte too...risque for a family blog. I might post them on Deviantart later on, but I haven't decided.

I've also been working on the second installment of my Sovereign story for the Arcadia Comics Anthology. Go to www.arcadiacollective.blogspot.com to find out more about that.

Wonder Girl

I finished this Wonder Girl commission earlier, and despite a struggling internet connection, I finally got to post it.

It really makes you feel helpless when you're cut off from the world like that. It's hard to imagine that there once was a time when I never needed to get online. Now I rely on it for a part-time job.

I never would have thought. Luckily everything seems to be back to normal now.

Wonder Girl (c) 2009 D.C. Entertainment, Inc.

The Arcadia Anthology Is Here!

For the last several weeks a group of very talented artists and I worked to produce individual stories featuring our own original characters.

We're proud to annouce that issue #1 is finally up for sale at Indyplanet.com.

You'll be introduced to the Blue Bug by Eric Lamont and Kyle Chaney, Cyprus by Michael Hall, Lucero by Sean Harley, Heroic Forces Preview by Eric Lamont, and my own contribution to the collection, Sovereign.

With spectacular cover art by Malacai Brown!

Just copy and paste the link below into your browser, and you'll be led to the item listing.

Order your copy today for only $3.99!

http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3068&osCsid=jia7o1rgmrgk8eihk87sja22n2

Special thanks to Eric Lamont for having the vision to bring us all together.

Visit our site at http://arcadiacollective.blogspot.com
Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/arcadia_comics

Thanks!

Magma Faerie (colored)

The buyer of this Magma Faerie commission recently emailed this colored version to me, and I was floored at how much the colorist brought my art to life!

Her name is Grace Freeman, and you can check out her site at http://colorist.deviantart.com for more of her work.

Magma (c) 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Big Barda!

I've grown to love the body of work that Jack "The King" Kirby left behind. I don't know why, but the older I get the more I appreciate it.

His genius was undeniable.

Even though he created or co-created many of the most recognizable characters in comics, it's not that often that I get to draw any of them. This commission features Big Barda, from Kirby's Fourth World. The first time I was exposed to her was on an episode of Justice League Unlimited in which she and Mr. Miracle come to seek the league's aid against Granny Goodness (gotta love that name!), but they only manage to get the Flash to help them. A great episode (but then all those episodes are great).

Although I haven't read Fourth World in its entirety, I plan on owning the set of Fourth World Ombibus' (Omnibi?).

Big Barda (c) 2009 D.C. Entertainment

Enter: Herr Freon

Meet Herr Freon, created by John McLaren and (I believe) his son. He's also the creator of Melan and Wind Chyme (see earlier posts).

If you follow the blog you'll have noticed that there was no post yesterday. I don't want to get into too many personal details, but believe me when I say we've had our hands full. Things are on their way to normalcy now, and I'm working on the second half of the most recent batch of commissions.

For those of you waiting on packages, your wait is almost over.

I'll post another commission later today if I can.

Herr Freon (c)2009 John McLaren

Bison and Dark Chun Li

In this commission we have Bison and Dark Chun Li. In this black and white version you can't really tell except for certain minor costume differences that Chun Li has turned to the dark side. But I'll be coloring it once I can get my hands on some Prismacolors (which I'm hoping Santa will surprise me with).

I fell behind on commissions over the weekend because of various reasons, but I'm almost caught up after today.

More tomorrow.

Lara Croft

I wanted to get this Lara Croft commission posted tonight. Lots going on this weekend, mostly trying to figure out why our vehicle won't start. We've finally settled on the charger, and we're changing it tomorrow. But I digress...
A customer bought a batch of Lara Croft commissions last week. I'll be getting them done as I can, so it probably be a weekly basis, unless I can manage more drawing time.

Nightcat and Raphael

This commission is of Nightcat and Raphael, characters from the novels of Jennifer MacDonald. I've drawn them a few times in the past, but I think this is one of my better interpretations Jen has a gallery of commissions she's ordered from me and other artists at her website. Check it out www.nightcat-online.com.

Nightcat and Raphael (c) 2009 Jennifer MacDonald

Wind Chyme

This is Wind Chyme, another character from John McLaren, creator of Melan, the tentacled woman I posted a couple days ago.
You can see John's commission gallery at http://totemansworld.com.

Wind Chyme (c) 2009 John McLaren

Mary Marvel Commission #1

Mary Marvel is quickly gaining on Power Girl for the title of most commissioned character.

This commission is the first of two Mary Marvel commissions I've been working on this week. But they're for different buyers, incidentally. This one was an homage to an old cover from the 40s (maybe early 50s).

I'm not sure which issue the character first appeared in, but the comic this cover is based on is called "WOW".

I'll be finished with Mary Marvel #2 tomorrow or the next day.

Melan

This is Melan, created by John McLaren. I don't know anything about the character, but I can tell that she can kick some serious ass.

John has an entire gallery of different artists' interpretation of her and other characters he's created. You can find them at http://totemansworld.com.

-Mike