Artist Showcase - Emmanuel Francisco JR

Emmanuel Francisco Jr is a name that I think we'll be hearing lots over the next few years. He's a really talented up an coming artist I watch over at DeviantArt. His gallery over there is filling up nicely with loads of awesome pieces of art. You'll see some of my faves in this post.

His art style is influenced by many of the greats in the industry but he's developing his own unique style allowing his personality to flow into the art.

To find out a bit more about "MannixFrancisco" (His DeviantArt ID) read this quick Q & A below and don't forget to visit him on DA and let him know I sent you.

What first got you into comic books?
Early on as a little kid I was a big fan of those Saturday morning cartoons featuring the Superfriends, Spiderman, the Hulk or Captain America. But I was first exposed to the comics version when a classmate of mine in fourth grade brought Superman comics to school. I was hooked instantly. Soon after that I started going to the old comic bins in the local second hand bookstore because I couldn't afford new comics. Being eleven years old can do that to you. That's where I discovered the X-men, the Teen Titans, the Dark Knight, and of course, Wolverine. It was also around that time that I started paying attention to the writers and artists.


Who is your favourite comic book character?
I'm more of a fan of characters done by a particular artist. I love Spiderman done by Todd Mcfarlane and Humberto Ramos, Moon Knight done by Dave Finch and Stephen Platt, Wolverine done by Marc Silvestri, Death Dealer done by Frazetta, and the X-men done by Jim Lee. But, of course, there are characters that are just too cool looking regardless of who draws them, like Batman, Spawn, and Withblade.



Who are your major artistic influences?
The first artist I really idolized was George Perez, and I still do. His attention to detail influenced the way I do my art today. Then I discovered the Filipino artists during the Filipino invasion of the 70's. I was astounded by the level of quality these guys did. Totally ahead of their time. Artists like Alex Nino, Alfredo Alcala and Nestor Redondo. Also round that time I discovered and was influenced by Frank Frazetta. Then there's the Image founders, who changed the face of comics in the 90's. Soon came Stephen Platt and Joe Madureira. And I have to say Nicky Manabat. The attention to detail that I learned from George Perez was raised to another level when I first saw Nicky Manabat. Nowadays, I only have eyes for David Finch.

What comics do you currently read?
I'm currently following two books religiously--Invincible and Walking Dead. I also bought the first issue of Guarding the Globe, might continue that. I was looking forward to the new Wetworks miniseries but now that Wildstorm's closing down, it might not come out anymore.

What are you currently working on?
I'm on the early stages of a new miniseries, but I'm not yet allowed to divulge the details. All I can say is, it's gonna come out in France, it's got a high-tech, militaristic theme to it, and it's ultra-violent. I'm loving every minute of it. Nice to do something different from all the spandex-clad super-heroes I did in the past. Hopefully I can post some art soon. So stay tuned.

What is your dream project?
My dream project would be doing Cyberforce and World of Warcraft. I also want to finish Battle Chasers, the first Cybernary series, and Soul Saga. I just love sci-fi and fantasy. In the superhero genre, it would definitely be Batman.

To see more of Emmanuel's work visit his DeviantArt here.

Artist Showcase - Guile Blackpanther

Time for another artist showcase. Now this guy is an artist I've been watchin (not in a pervy way) on DeviantArt for a while. I think he is an artist who is destined for very big things and the sooner Joe Q at marvel realizes that there is not anyone who can touch his spiderman art the better. He draws Spiderman better than almost anyone I've seen with the exception of maybe McFarlane. His art style has a hint of European flavour to it, maybe becuase he's a frenchman. Much of his artwork reminds me slightly of Olivier Coipel but only in terms of stylistic similarities he is in no way a clone. Anyway I sent Guile and email and he answered the question below to give a liittle insight into his work and comic tastes.

What first got you into comic books?
I don't remember exactly, but I think I was maybe 4 when my uncle was reading me the adventures of Spidey in his french translated comicbooks! It was the first contact and love at first read!

Who is your favourite comic book character?
Spider-Man (No surprises here)

Who are your major artistic influences?
Nowadays, I would say Olivier Coipel, Leinil Yu, Jim Cheung, Stuart Immonen and Mike Mignola.

What comics do you currently read?
A lot of Marvel comics, some DCs and independant comicbooks, no mangas

What are you currently working on?
Videogames character designs, advertisements and working on my own comicbook stuff when I got spare time!

What would be your Dream Project?
Amazing Spider-Man or Thor, then my own comibook

To see more of Guile's work visit his DeviantArt here.

Jesus Christ: In the Name of the Gun - Web Comic

Ok. Now for a little web comic that may or may not get me grief from some religious types. Before I go any further please be aware that i did not draw or write this webcomic, so aim your anger over there at the heretics who have created this abomination. I do however find it thoroughly entertaining and this it should be made mandatory as part of any modern religious education curriculum(ha). Jesus kicks some serious ass in this violently hilarious webcomic. Imagine Bruce Campbell running around in a tabard with a beard and a wrist mounted time machine.

The Writing
I find the flow of this online strip just perfect. There is enough detail played out to keep you interested in the bigger picture but the main focus, so far, seems to be on the all out action and terrific one liners. Some of the gags are genius. I won't go too much into the story but here is my take on it so far. Jesus (The son of God) Christ has decided that the way history has panned out is a bit shit. so he sets about fixing things. Now to do this he's gonna need to be able to travel through time to certain points in history and right the wrongs that he sees as being done. Want to know more? Of course you do so go read it.
Eric Peterson has crafted an enjoyable and, as it continues, a very intriguing story which is fast becoming one of my favourite webcomics.

The Art
So far there is one complete volume with the second volume well underway. The art in the first story arc is by Ethan Nicolle who's art is of the cartoony variety. It does work well with the fantastical plot of the comic and where it needs to be it can be dark and powerful. I get a slight tang of Robert Crumb in this art, which is very cool. The Artist on the second volume is a guy called Ryan Cody. Now I'm familiar with Ryan's work as I follow his art on his Deviant art site, so I'm already a fan. Ryan's art is nice and simple. He has an amazing skill with blacks with his art reminiscent of Paul Grist creator of Jack Staff and Kane.

Updates
Normally twice per week

Links
Jesus Christ: In the name of the Gun
Ethan Nicolle Website
Ryan Cody Blog

Recommended if you like. . .
Battle Pope, Preacher, Jack Staff, etc

Artist Showcase - Carl Riley

New Feature Time!!
To Start of this new feature I could think of nothing better than talking to a fellow brit. I first came across Carl's work on his DeviantArt Page. His stuff reminded me of my favourite time in comics, the early 90's. As it turns out, read his answers below, I was spot on. Now over the last couple of years his style has developed and been refined to what you see here.

I dropped Carl an email and asked him to answer a few question so you can all know a bit more about him as well as see his artwork.

What first got you into comic books?
I first got in to comics about 10 years ago when friend of mine introduced me to Fathom and Michael Turners art. As an art student myself I was amazed at the quality of work and have been hooked ever since.

Who is your favourite comic book character?
I have a few but I'd have to go with Aphrodite ix, a super hot cyber chick created by David Finch back when i first got in to comics.

Who are your major artistic influences?
Turner and Finch have been two of my biggest influences from the outset. In more recent years I've discovered the talents of Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, Ebas, Tyler Kirkham and various other artists with the 'Top Cow' feel to their work. Joe Mad! and Mark Brooks are two more with a different style I really look up to.

What comics do you currently read?
I started out with the books such as Witchblade, Fathom, Darkness and still read those today. I went through a stage of reading Marvel books but soon tired of endless 'superhero saves the world' stories.

What are you currently working on?
As a new dad I've not got a great deal of time on my hands for drawing right now so have had to turn down long running projects. I'm currently concentrating on commission which also help beat the credit crunch!

What is your dream project?
I'd love to work for Top Cow or Aspen as a cover artist or interiors. I guess my dream would be that Aphrodite ix would be bought back and I'd get to do the pencils....errrr.... but that is NEVER gonna happen!

To see more of Carl's work visit his DeviantArt here.

Plan B - Web Comic

Veronica is a 30 year old Supervillain who has spent the last 3 years amassing state-of-the-art weapons, designing technology you could only dream of and plotting out how to save the world from itself. All this while you've been watching Pop Idol.. And the reason for this? Well as she puts so eloquently you're better to get it from her. Click here for her motivational introduction promo piece.

The Writing
Very Well done, the character borders on genius at times and at no point leaves you wondering about character motivations and aims. The concept of the story at its base level is along the lines of Marvel's Thunderbolts and other comics that focus on the the villain. I must point out that although I use the Thunderbolts as a reference this online comic is nothing at all like the Thunderbolts. I've read all 5 of the parts/issues so far and my enjoyment of this gets more as it goes. my only gripe is that the end comes to quickly. you can read the whole thing in less than 20 minutes.

The Art
I'm not a huge fan of the line work but the simplicity if the lines mixed with the colour used does work extremely well and does not detract from the story. The character designs are good and instantly recognisable as individuals. The action sequences well laid out and easy to follow. While I'd not have picked this up in a store due to the art it does not stop me really enjoying aspect of it online. . . or maybe its just because its free. I would however pick up a printed trade now that I've got into it. So final word is that the art grows on you.

Updates
Unknown

Links
Plan B Online Comic
Creator's Deviant art Page
Comic's Face Book Group

Recommended if you like. . .
Magellan, Invincible, Thunderbolts etc

Acrobat - Web Comic

Acrobat is a story of a superhero sidekick who after loosing his mentor makes the step up from sidekick to full blown hero, while dealing with all the normal issues of teenage life.

The Writing

Considering that the creator of this book is in his teens he does a very good job of conveying the emotional state of a teenage boy and the struggles that any teenager faces. He also does a good job and showing how that teenage kid deals with all the problems associated with being a costumed hero in ever expanding universe full of various challenges and revelations.

The Art

This is where, i think, many people might fall down with Acrobat as the art at the beginning of the story is that of a teenage kid with hopes of being a comic artist one day. As the story progresses (up to 17 online issues at time of writing this) You will see major developments in style and quality. I think that JD Smith will become a comic superstar in the coming years. for one so young he shows an great understanding of storytelling and pacing as his style develops i firmly believe he will fulfill the comic artist dream.

Updates

updates pretty regularly normally around 2-3 pages per week.

Links

Acrobat Comic

JD Smith on DeviantArt

I love Acrobat and its one of my favourite web comics.

Love to here what you guys think?

Recommended if you like. . .
Spider-Man, Invincible, Robin, Nightwing etc