SPIDER-MAN by Gerard De La Costa

No matter how hard I try, I still find myself drawing Spidey with way more muscles than Peter would realistically have (well, as realistic as you can get with a fictional character in a make-believe world).

My apologies for wussing out on drawing buildings. I drew all the good stuff and lost steam (and interest); kinda like when you eat all the sugary coating off a candied apple but you don't want to finish the actual apple. Maybe I'll colour this one day... yeah, who am I kidding?

Happy, Happy Birthday Spitballin'! Our little baby is all grows up!

-Gerard

HAWKGIRL by Gerard de la Costa

My choice of Hawkgirl was based more on aesthetics than an affinity for the character; the design of her mask alone is a thing of beauty. Plus, what's not to like about a winged warrior wielding a studded mace?

-Gerard

SKINNER SWEET by Gerard de la Costa

Skinner Sweet, the outlaw cowboy vampire from "American Vampire", is definitely the bad guy you end up rooting for. Described as cunning, ruthless and rattlesnake mean, he's the first vampire conceived on American soil but, unlike his European counterparts, he's actually powered by the sun (I lifted this right from the dust jacket -- couldn't have said it any better)!

It's such a fun read and I really was just looking for an excuse to draw the charming s.o.b.

-Gerard

EMMA FROST by Gerard de la Costa

Emma Frost and Scott Summers are, to me, the Brad & Angelina of the Marvel Universe (which would make Jean Grey their Jennifer Aniston, right?).

I still haven't gotten over my disappointment of January Jones' wooden portrayal of Emma Frost in "X-Men: First Class"; the only blemish in an otherwise awesome movie! Here's hoping that they cast someone who can actually act and emote for the sequels.

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

-Gerard

CAPTAIN COLD by Gerard de la Costa

Another character I don't really know much about; pointy hood, furry boots and gloves, icicle-themed tunic. Honestly, I wouldn't be too worried about a guy in that outfit until he starts waving that cold gun and freezing his victims so they stay conscious and feeling all that pain!

The more I read about him, the more props I feel you gotta give to the Captain!

fyi: light ColErase rough layout, finished with Grand & Toy medium ballpoint pen. Just in case you were wondering.

-Gerard

ALAN SCOTT by Gerard de la Costa

I find it really odd that Alan Scott's power ring is useless against wood or plant based objects. On the plus side, he totally rocks the red, green and purple pajamas!

-Gerard

LINK by Gerard de la Costa

I think I'm one of the very few people that never played Legend of Zelda so I know absolutely nothing about the character Link.

Don't judge me.

Happy New Year!

-Gerard

A GOTHAM CITY CHRISTMAS by Gerard de la Costa

I was kind of excited when the Gotham City Christmas idea was suggested awhile back; I had my idea right away but fell behind in deadlines and had to put it aside. Being the procrastinating artist that I am, I couldn't put as much time into this as I would've liked (I really want to fix Harley's face to convey that she's going in for a big Christmas kiss -- I just don't get that from what I drew).

Confession time: the pose is based off this guy's photo since I was pressed for time to do any thumbnails (warning: NSFW); I really liked the playfulness of the models and felt it suited Harley and Ivy's relationship. The colour scheme was based off this guy's work; I liked the minimalism and the colour choices seemed appropriate for the occasion-- he's an ok artist, I guess.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and here's to a Happy New Year!

-Gerard

MARTIAN MANHUNTER by Gerard de la Costa

J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter. I actually like his new costume; the old one (boyshorts, pirate boots, x-suspenders and a cape... really?!!) just didn't make any sense to me. It always looked like J'onn was either heading out to a rave or hopping onto a Pride Parade float.

This sketch is dedicated to Sarah, Neil's better half. Her pleas that Neil's Martian Manhunter costume can be worn throughout the year (especially date night!) and not just on Hallowe'en, have always fallen on deaf ears.

SKY DOLL by Gerard de la Costa

Sky Doll is just a treat for the eyes, simple as that (I'm talking about the comic book here though Noa, a so-called Sky Doll, isn't hard to look at either).

I'm happier with my pencils than I am with the coloured version but what else is new?

STORM by Gerard de la Costa

I'd finished the bulk of this piece last night and wanted a night's rest before I added the highlights. So imagine my surprise when I saw that my composition mirrored that of Mr. Walsh's (kinda like showing up to a party and seeing someone else wearing the same dress -- embarrassing! amiright, fellas?).

Trust me, this was pure coincidence.

I really had no strong feelings about Storm until the X-Men's run-in with the Morlocks. Her new punk look and the way she kicked Callisto's ass sans her weather powers really made an impression on me. Plus, it didn't hurt that Paul Smith was entrusted with the art chores on the book (so good it makes my eyes rain!).

BEAST BOY by Gerard de la Costa

Upon taking a second glance, my Beast Boy came out slightly more feral than the Gar we're all accustomed to.

And yes, that is the Thundercats Lion-O glove that he's sporting. :-)

Fyi, the original drawing was done with a Grand & Toy ball point pen.

THE ROCKETEER by Gerard de la Costa

It's my pick this week and I've always had a fondness for the Rocketeer ever since my friends and I managed to score some passes for a preview showing at the Cinesphere way back in June of 1991. This led me to seek out Dave Stevens' comic which is just so easy on the eyes -- do yourself a favour and pick it up!

My version has Cliff Secord's girlfriend, Betty, donning the helmet and rocket pack because, well, let's face it, we all know my penchant for drawing cheesecake will not be denied! And I'm still on my cardboard paper kick, this time with red ColErase pencils.

MR. HYDE by Gerard de la Costa

My initial idea was the one that's been done to death: split screen both faces of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde a la Two-Face. Meh. Too easy. Still having way too much fun with cardboard, markers and white pencil.

Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

-Gerard

APOCALYPSE by Gerard de la Costa

I really have no idea what the 411 is with Apocalypse other than his penchant for taking the boots to the X-Men (actually, truth be told, I'm one of those comic guys that has more fun just looking at the pretty pictures than reading the story). With a perma-scowl like that maybe the dude just needs to hug it out?

Went old school with this one: Prismacolour cool grey markers and white pencil crayon on the cardboard backing that the newsprint pad is glued to (MTM Life Drawing Class : represent!).

DR. STRANGE by Gerard de la Costa

Doctor Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme.

If you're rolling with Captain America, Iron Man and Thor, you better be able to do more than pull a freakin' rabbit out of a top hat.

CATWOMAN by Gerard de la Costa

Since Selina Kyle is so sleek and shiny, she deserved a sleek and shiny treatment. This is my take on her inspired by Patrick Nagel. Don't remember who he is? Go find your copy of Rio by Duran Duran on vinyl -- that's his handiwork on the record jacket.

And I hear some of you young'uns asking: "What's a record jacket?"

To which I answer: "Piss off!"

BATGIRL by Gerard de la Costa

Honestly, I'm the worst when it comes to reading continuity in comics and have no idea what's going on with the new DC reboots ( I just end up buying the trade paperbacks months down the line for way cheap ;-D ). Research for the new Batgirl has taught me that it's still Babs Gordon under the cowl and she CAN WALK! Also, her tailor for the new costume went crazy with the bat symbols.

LOKI by Gerard de la Costa

It's Loki week and I knew from the get-go that I was going to draw the female version from the Bendis run on the New Avengers. Truthfully, I have no idea why he's a she since I'm not very good at keeping up with current continuity in any comics.

I've been fiddling around with this on and off throughout the week; some things I like and some things I really don't (that's par for the course). Now that this is out of my system I can start concentrating on work for FanExpo at the end of the month.

Hope ya dig.

-Gerard

MISS MARTIAN by Gerard de la Costa

I really don't know anything at all about Miss Martian other than what I've seen on the Young Justice cartoon (her catchphrase is so unfortunate AND so annoying! And to think it's Winnie Cooper from "The Wonder Years" voice that we're hearing.). I know she's got the hots for Superboy so I wanted to incorporate that into the image somehow.

I really don't know where I was going with this one; I initially liked my preliminary sketch and started inking it but once I got some colour into it the black line felt too heavy so I deleted it. Now it feels like construction paper cutouts. Love it or hate it, pass or fail, stumbling over this piece has taught me a lot. Let's see if I can successfully apply it to next week's character.

Also, welcome to Spitballin', Ryan! Hope you have a good time and I look forward to seeing some fabulous artwork.

-Gerard de la Costa