Mike Hawthorne

Mystère révélé!

2012-01-27T06:21:00.000-08:00

In the French town Angoulême, there is a huge comics fectival held every year. It's like our Comic Con, only it's not limited to one big building. The entire town is taken over, and I assume there is more wine and fun involved in Angoulême.

The French publisher Ankama is at the festival, and is announcing an ambitious plan to develop the classic French science fiction novels of Stefan Wul into a series of comics.

The Wikipedia page for Stefan Wul.

One of these books is "Oms en Série", which loosely translated means "oms linked together". "Oms" is a play on the french word for "men", or "hommes".

The Wikipedia page for the book.

I will be illustrating Oms en Série, and I couldn't be more excited about it! I'm also working with a writer I've grown very fond of, JD Morvan.

I'll have more details soon, but for now I leave you with Ankama's promo video for the line of books, as well as the promo image accompanying the announcement at the Festival.

Link for Ankama's video page.

More soon. Promise :-)

Best,
Mike

Un mystère!

2012-01-20T05:41:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'll announce my next book soon...

Maybe in 6 to 9 days...

Who knows?... It's a mysterious mystery!

Mike

Conan rides off...

2012-01-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

My last issue of Conan is out this week, so I thought I'd share a page of him riding off into... well, into the next story arc.

Best,
Mike

Mass Effect: Homeworlds #1

2012-01-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hey,

Dark Horse's new solicitations are out, and if you've seen them you may have noticed I'm doing variant covers for a new Mass Effect series called "Homeworlds" .

Since they've released the cover image, and since this blog is essentially my online"sketchbook", I figured I'd share some of the process behind it.

I should start out by saying that the image used for the solicitation is not the final image, as I'll be tweaking the sky for the final comic. Also this cover is one of four covers that will make up one big image.

So, when the series is complete, you'll be able to butt all four covers together for a huge panoramic shot. Each cover will feature a different member of the game's cast set in front of a destroyed London backdrop.

A TON of work is going into this, which I'll share when I can. I'm excited to show you the final product, but we'll have to wait a few months for that.

Some pictures from the blitz of London I used as inspiration for the covers.

best,
Mike

Conan 12 preview

2011-12-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

There is a preview floating around the web for my last issue of Conan. Here are the pencil versions.

Enjoy, cause it looks like issue 12 is the last comic you'll see from me for a while.

Fun while it lasted.

best,
Mike

Holiday Crazy!

2011-12-21T10:21:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone!

Posted some new Christmas themed strips over on Raising Crazy

. Enjoy!

mike

Conan 11 preview

2011-12-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hey!

There's a new preview for Conan 11 online, which you can see here.

And, as always, here are some of the pencils for you process junkies that like to compare the pencils to the finished product.

Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

A monster

2011-12-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

:-)

Mike

Judge Dredd week on Comic Twart

2011-12-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's Judge Dredd week on Comic Twart! Enjoy :-)

Best Vampire ever

2011-11-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hey,

It's Vampire week on Comic Twart. Guess which Vampire I picked?

;-)

best,
Mike

THEY

2011-11-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Check out this cover for THEY, a new horror novel from Jesus Gonzalez. Jesus is a friend of mine,a wonderful writer and his book is available for pre-order now from the fine folks at Thunderstorm books. Horror fans should definitely check out Jesus' work, and consider giving THEY a shot.

I got to do the cover for the book and wanted to share a bit of the process with you. It was fairly straight forward in that I painted it by hand, then added color digitally. I fiddled with the design of the cover, title and spine, some of which was used by the publisher. Bare in mind you're seeing my ideas with all the blemishes left in. You process fans can have fun comparing.

This first version of the book is a collector's edition, and I believe a mass market version is in the works. So this is your chance to get the book in it's limited, collector's form. I believe we may be signing some too, so stay tuned for more info on that.

Best,
Mike

Chel!

2011-11-12T21:21:00.000-08:00

It's my week to pick the theme for Comic Twart, and I went with Chel from Road to El Dorado. I didn't come within a mile of capturing the charm of the character, and managed to screw up SEVERAL drawings of this piece (which I'll post later in the week in a little process post).

But, let's face it. You just can't compete with this...

"The Hip, the HIP!"

Arrhh!

Anyway, here's my finished piece.

Best,
Mike

"I solve problems"

2011-11-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

So, today the last issue of the much loved creator owned series "Fear Agent" ships. It's the end of this arc, and the book. Fans are lamenting the end of it, and for good reason. It's consistently sat up on many comic fans' list of favorite creator owned comics. Chances are your favorite comic writer or artist loves this book. It's universally praised. (No pun intended ;-)

I read some wonderful reviews online (from critics and fans alike!), and as much as I am flattered by the kind words I have to admit they make me feel a little uncomfortable.

To explain why, I have to back track a bit. I, as you know, make comics. I've gotten fairly good at it, which is valuable to some people. But what is of more value to people is that I am able to solve problems once they arise. I don't do anything the creators involved can't do themselves, I just lend a hand and a fresh pair of eyes. Many of the books I've worked on were having some kind of trouble. I've even been brought on to books as a "ghost" to help a creative team out of a bind. (No, I won't tell you what those books were, so please don't ask.)

So, amongst friends, I've been jokingly compared to Winston Wolfe from Pulp Fiction because "I solve problems". I'm not quite that cool, and I haven't been called on to wash blood and gore off of anyone, but who knows what life has in store for me ;-)

This brings me to Fear Agent. Rick and Tony have been friends of mine for a long time. I can remember when they were first working on the pitch for Fear Agent. They did everything to get the book ready, from hashing out logo designs and even the book's name, to securing colorists and letterers. They were sure they had sometime special on their hands and they were on fire. They built Fear Agent from the ground up, and publishers noticed. The series went from Image, then there was some wrangling between publishers who were eager to get this new, great book (along with it's amazing creative team) in their stable. Fear Agent ended up at Dark Horse, where it has made it's home. (even Hollywood noticed, and rumors of a Fear Agent movie have been floating around for some time.)

However, and this is no secret, the book often had scheduling problems. There's no "bad guy" behind that. It's just that life sometimes complicates things and building a creator owned series of any kind, while still making a living, is difficult at BEST. Trust me, I know.

So, towards the end of the first arc I was brought on to do layouts and help the book along. My contribution was minimal. I drew rough layouts breaking down the pages into shots and panels, and Tony used them as a guide for the final art. Simple.

Fast forward, towards the end of the series, and I was asked to draw rough pencils which Tony would then tweak/add detail for John Lucas to do finishes over. Again, a fairly minimal contribution.

This is why I'm a little uncomfortable with the high praise in reviews and on various social media sites. I appreciate it, but I came to the party so late, and brought so little, that I feel odd taking credit for how fun it turned out to be.

I just came to the book to help, to "solve a problem". That's all. I didn't create any of the characters, I didn't really design any aliens, I didn't even contribute "finished" art.

Rick and Tony built this thing, with some later help from the great Jerome Opena. They fought to get it made and noticed. I never suffered though the lean times when the book brought in no money, before Dark Horse backed the comic. Rick and Tony printed posters and promo material to hand out at cons from their own pocket. They believed in this book when no one else did.

If I may continue with the Pulp Fiction comparison, Fear Agent is no more about me than Pulp Fiction is about Winston Wolfe. I'm proud to have be a small part of Fear Agent, and add a little of me to the mix. But I feel strongly that Rick, Tony, and to a large extent Jerome, deserve the praise for creating this book. That's the magic, CREATING a new thing! Not fixing a new thing when a part breaks down.

I know how hard it is to try and make a creator owned book work. My heart still aches for my own failed ventures in creator owned comics, most specifically with Hysteria. So I respect these guys for pulling it off. Hats off to them.

Support Rick and Tony. Support Fear Agent. Support Dark Horse for once again putting their time and money in a creator owned book. Read Fear Agent. They have trades from the very first arc available. I'm positive you'll enjoy it :-)

Best,
Mike

Storm Watch

2011-10-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

We here in Central PA are bracing for a freak, VERY early snow storm! We might get as much as 8 inches of snow here, and it has everyone thinking a collective "WTF!?" here.

In the meantime, I was commissioned to draw Storm.

Coincidence? I think NOT my friends! I THINK NOT!!

best,
mike

Two part Raising Crazy!

2011-10-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

I hope you guys are reading my webcomic, Raising Crazy! Just posted this strip!

If you dig it, tell your friends!

best,
Mike

Greatest Zombie of all time! The Tarman!

2011-10-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's ZOMBIES week over on Comic Twart, and with the Halloween season upon us I expect scary things from the crew!

I chose to draw the one Zombie that creeped me out as a kid - The Tarman, from Return of the Living Dead!

Seriously, I once gave a person nightmares just DESCRIBING Tarman to them. That creepy walk, the nasty slimy melted flesh, and that voice!

I might also draw Trash from the same movie... but worry the fellas will yell at me for drawing a nude Zombie ;-)

Enjoy!
Mike

PS - Before anyone hammers me about Zombie lore and who they think the "greatest" is,I should add that I haven't seen very many Zombie flicks. Never seen Walking Dead, or the slew of new films that have come out. I think ROTLD was about all I could handle ;-)

So to each their own!

Black Metal Vol. 2 pin up

2011-10-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

heyo!

Ok, so a book I've been looking forward to for a long time is out, Black Metal 2! If you read volume one, you know just how awesome Rick Spears and Chuck BB are! I was won over by volume 1, and when Chuck asked me to contribute a pin up to #2 I was all like "DUDE!"... or something like that.

Anyway, I did this...

And Chuck is all like, "We should print it like THIS!"...

And I was like "my DUDE!"

Do yourself, and these fantastic creators, a favor - check out the book. Ask your comic retailer for it. Order it online. Telly our friends!

You can read a free preview for it over on the Oni Press website.

Thanks!

best,
Mike

Raising Crazy, go read!

2011-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I hope you're all reading my webcomic, Raising Crazy!

If not, please give it a read, tell your friends, pass it on :-)

Best,
Mike

Conan cuts people up

2011-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

So, yeah...Conan. Cutting people up. Self explanatory.

You don't need me to tell you this aint work or kiddie safe, right?

Mike

The PUNISHER on Comic Twart

2011-10-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

This week on Comic Twart we take on the Punisher!

This was done on black paper with white acrylic and some black ink.

Enjoy,
Mike

Featured on DockingBay64.com

2011-10-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

hey all!

I'm a "featured artist" on DockingBay64.com. I'm really flattered, and happy they saw fit to share my work with their readers.

Followers of the blog will have seen most of this stuff, but just in case swing by and check it out.

best,
Mike

Raising Crazy is back!

2011-10-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

You guys know Raising Crazy is back, right?!

Go read!!

Best,
Mike

Hack Slash

2011-10-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

hey all!

Tim Seeley's "Hack Slash" is this week's feature on Comic Twart.

Swing by, enjoy the art, and maybe look into a creator owned book maybe you haven't checked out before.

best,
Mike

Buck, buck, buck, BUCKY!

2011-09-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

Funny thing about being on Comic Twart. I'm constantly asked to draw characters that I've not only never drawn before, but never even THOUGHT to draw before. Like Captain America's "Robin", Bucky Barnes. I like that the group forces me out of my comfort zone. Promotes growth.

It's Bucky Barnes week over on Comic Twart. I expect we'll see some goodies from the fellas, three of which are or have worked on Captain America.

Best,
Mike

Fear Agent 31 finally shipping!

2011-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So, apparently Fear Agent 31 is shipping tomorrow! Rick says it's been a year, which is hard to believe. But then, I drew Fear Agent before the entire arc of CONAN, which I just wrapped up. So, I suppose it has been a long time. As I've stated before, I really have NO idea why there was a hold up. I know we'd all wrapped it up a long time ago.

Anyway, I figured I'd repost this preview from a while back.

You can see the full color preview here.

Thanks!

best,
Mike

Catwoman's revenge!

2011-09-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Stressed over this whole Batman/Catwoman sex scene thing? I made you an alternate ending, cause I like you like that ;-)

Let that be a lesson to you. A person who steals, might black mail you too.

BTW - I haven't read the actual comic. So, yeah, there you go.

Mike

EDIT: I didn't see this coming! The reaction to the strip has been kinda awesome, with people reposting it on Tumblr pages over and over, and even some news sites picking it up!

Check it out -
"Mike Hawthorne should be writing Catwoman"

"Catwoman Gets Fixed: The Improved 'Catwoman' #1"

Thanks, everyone! :-)

Conan #8 out today!

2011-09-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

hey all!

Apparently Conan: Road of Kings #8 is out today! So, I'll show you my favorite page from the book. Hadn't shared it before because it was a bit of a spoiler, but seeing as they give it away on the cover I figure... what the hell?!

I think this is the one and only time I've drawn Zombies in a comic! Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

PS - See my previous preview post for this issue here.

Return of Comic Twart! Part DOS!

2011-09-20T03:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

It's week two of Comic Twart's DC comics event, and here's my second piece. "Sisters In Ass Kickery"! Kinda poetic, aint it?

Anyway, enjoy!

Seriously, I can't think of one problem these three ladies couldn't solve ;-)

Best,
Mike

Here's the first DC event piece I did.

She Hulk at Law, and Iron Fist

2011-09-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of recent commissions.

Enjoy!

best,
Mike

PS - Commission spots still available. E-mail if interested mhawthorne @ thinktankcomics.com

Return of Comic Twart!

2011-09-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Comic Twart's break is over!

Much like our big Marvel "What If?" event, we're doing a DC Comics theme this go'round. I'm excited to see what the fellas come up with. I have two pieces planned, of which this is the first. Who better to start with than Batman's Rogues!

You gotta love the bad guys ;-)

best,
Mike

Conan: Road of Kings #8 preview

2011-09-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

There's a big preview for Conan #8 online, and you can read it here.

AND, since those pages are online I'll share the pencil versions for you process junkies ;-)

Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

PS - Inker John Lucas has been posting pics of his inking process over on his Twitter feed. Check him out here.

Random Conan page

2011-08-26T06:34:00.001-07:00

Hey all!

No news, just wanted to post a random page from Conan #7.

Have a good weekend. Those of you in the path of Huricane Irene, please be safe!

Best,
Mike

The Ladies of Kill Bill

2011-08-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Thought I'd share this set of Kill Bill commissions.

I'm still open for commissions, so e-mail me to schedule a piece.

Best,
Mike

Open for commissions

2011-08-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I'm open for commissions again. If you're interested, please e-mail me to schedule your piece - mhawthorne @ thinktankcomics.com

Commission sizes and prices:

11" x 17" - 300

8" x 11" - 100

There are other options for sizes and prices, so ask if you have any questions. First come, first serve.

Thanks!
Mike

Comic Twart POWERGIRL process

2011-08-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

I drew Powergirl for last week's Comic Twart theme. First time ever drawing the character. Hope you dig it.

And, for you process junkies, here are the the layers broken up. I drew the line art as minimally as possible because I knew I wanted to do much of the modeling in color to sell the idea I wanted.

The lightning was an effect done over the line layer in Photoshop. Drew it with the pen tool set to a round brush. Nothing fancy. The color layer is what was under the line art. The more I look at the color layer the more I think I need to skip the line art and just paint these things digitally. It's practically there already.

The color was a little rushed as I never have enough time to dedicate to these things. I like to think if I had more time, or was being paid for these and could justify giving them more time, I could push the modeling even more. Really give it depth. Anyway, the color was done by dropping a dark shadow color then with simple selections dropping the highlights and midtones in. Also used a pencil took, and a little brush tool for the tweaks.

Enjoy

Best,
Mike

Conan #7 preview & process

2011-08-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Newsarama.com has a preview for Conan #7, so I figured I'd share the pencils for you "How-to" junkies. Hope you dig it.

There you have it. From pencils to final pages. Let me know what you think.

best,
Mike

Drawing in no time.

2011-08-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to tell you about something that just happened to me. Well, it's something that has happened to me most of my drawing life.

I was just in the studio drawing, which I do for hours and hours every day. No surprise there. But this was different in that I hit a point where I wasn't aware that I was drawing.

This happens, and has happened, fairly often. I'm not thinking about the work, not aware of anything around me, even the passage of time. I can't explain it. Suddenly something will hit me and make me aware of the actual act of drawing. Just now it was my pencil. Suddenly I was aware of watching the point of the pencil move across the paper. But it was as if I was watching some one, or some thing, else move it. Or as if I was watching a bug walking across the ground. Like I was watching something outside of myself.

Then my brain processed that it was indeed my hand moving the pencil, and I gave a kind of start. As if shocked that I'd been drawing. Drawing without the awareness of drawing can be a little unnerving.

I've always zoned out like this in the past, spending hours trying to work out a drawing, but lately it's different. I'm still zoning out, but now it's deeper. Like breathing, I'm not aware of the act at all. Maybe that part comes with mileage? Maybe the hands just learn to move without the brain to slow it them down? I don't know.

Sometimes this happens and I sit there then suddenly startle because it feels like the table or chair are moving, when they're not. Or that I'm falling. I guess the best comparison I can make is when you're dreaming and become aware that you're dreaming and start to wake up. It feels like that.

But being in the actual "zone" is a great thing. Not being aware of drawing, or anything else, you're also not aware of frustrations and shortcomings. The page feels like it's a mile wide, and you can draw forever and everything just... works.

That ever happen to you?

Mike

PS - Before one of you jokers askes, NO I wasn't high! I've never done drugs. Christ, look how weird I am now! Drugs would just make me a raving lunatic! ;-)

Comix Creator Cookout August 13th!

2011-08-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Have you ever eaten at a soup kitchen? Have you ever had to accept food from an charitable organization? Ever have to scrounge for a meal?

I have. As a kid my mother and I were very poor, and we had to accept charity often. It was either that, or not eat. Literally.

I was a proud kid, so I resented it. I remember wearing my hat really low to try and hide as much of my face as possible while waiting in line in front of the Salvation Army, or while sneaking into a local soup kitchen. But I'm damned thankful now that they were available. The people that helped us never made us feel crappy about it. They were just being good people.

There you go. Now you know why I do the Comix Creator Cookout every year. It's nothing compared to the charity I received growing up. It's my humble "thank you" to all those folks that gave me a free meal.

I'm getting ready for this year's Comix Creator Cookout, which is being held this Saturday, the 13th. It's really the only public appearance I do anymore. I love it because I get to hang out with the most generous people I've ever met, the comic fans of Central PA! That's not understatement. These folks always go above and beyond when it's time to give.

Bill Wahl, my good friend and the co-owner of Comix Connection, and I came up with the cookout/signing idea the year that Mike Wieringo died and we raised money for the Heroe's Initiative in his name, as well as food donations for the Central PA Food Bank. Since then we've focused on the Food Bank because I think the need there is greater. And, for the reasons above, it's a charity that is close to my heart.

During the event I grill Greek style pork kabobs, burgers, and hotdogs free to for everyone that comes out.

(Hand made burgers, no frozen junk! And the kabobs are marinated for at least 24 hours! Only the best for my pals ;)

Once someone asked me why I'm "stuck" cooking while everyone is hanging out. I don't see it that way. I'm not "stuck" doing anything! It's my pleasure and honor to cook for these folks. It's my "thanks"to them for helping to support the Food bank and feed people who need it.

My pals Brian Keene, Jesus Gonzalez, and Dirk Shearer will be there signing their great novels, comics, and art prints.

(sorry, no pic of Dirk. Just Jesus, Brian, and me)

If you're in or around the Central PA area, please come out. Bring canned food donations, and get a free lunch. Hang out and have a good time. I'm giving art away to the top three food donations. Brian, Jesus, and Dirk will also have goodies on hand for folks.

So come out and say "HI". I'll be the guy in the apron ;-)

Best,
Mike

The Flash

2011-08-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is an Insomniart and Comic Twart double feature.

The Flash, whom I do not think I've ever drawn before.

Mike

The return of INSOMNIART!

2011-07-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

Remember when I couldn't sleep a while back so drew stuff for you?

Yeah, so, I did it again...

Mike

Oops, forgot Conan 4 Pt.2!

2011-07-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

hey y'all!

A while back I posted some pages from CONAN #4 and promised to post more, but... uh... forgot to! Sorry, dudes and dudettes!

Anyway, here's what I WAS going to post.

Hope you enjoy seeing what the pages look like before they're inked :-)

best,
Mike

Loose Ends

2011-07-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

This week on Comic Twart Declan chose "LOOSE ENDS" a creator owned crime comic by my friend Jason Latour, and his insanely talented pals Chris Brunner and Rico Renzi.

You should look for the comic at your local comic shop. I believe creator owned comics drive the industry with new ideas, and if you care about comics you gotta support them.

More info about LOOSE ENDS here.

Best,
Mike

GaNARLY New Comic Twarts!

2011-07-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Heyo,

I haven't been able to contribute to Comic Twart in a while, so I made some time and banged out some new piece. I'm terribly proud of these pieces. Verily.

I'm not gonna even pretend these aren't awesome.

Sorry.

Best,
Mike

New Raising Crazy!

2011-07-08T11:53:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to share some of the more recent strips from RaisingCrazy.com.

Hope you're enjoying the strip. Share it with your friends!

Mike

Modesty Blaise & Ifanboy's Sketch up

2011-06-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Wanted to share another commission I did recently...

...and point you to Ifanboy's Sketch Up where they featured a piece of mine! :-)

Best,
Mike

Brule the Spear Slayer

2011-06-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here's another recent commission, this time of Brule the Spear Slayer. He's a character from R.E. Howard's Kull stories.

This is a companion piece to the past King Kull, and Thulsa Doom pieces.

Enjoy!
Mike

Conan, Belit, O-ren, and Captain America walk into a bar...

2011-06-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Just kiddin'. More recent commissions.

Enjoy!

best,
Mike

Valkyrie, Beatric Kiddo, and Batgirl walk into a bar...

2011-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, OK. They don't really walk into a bar! But I did draw them all recently!

Just wanted to share a few commissions I've done lately.

Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

Raising Crazy going strong!

2011-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

hey everyone!

A couple of comic news sites (like Broken Frontier and are running a story on my webcomic, "Raising Crazy"! I'm thrilled and humble that people are interested in my little side project.

Just a reminder, you can read new Raising Crazy every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday over at RaisingCrazy.com!

Thanks!
Mike

King Kull

2011-06-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Thought I'd share a recent commission I did. This one is a companion piece to that Thulsa Doom commission I did a while back.

Enjoy!
Mike

Do us all a favor...

2011-06-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

An old poolshark I knew reminded me once that the important part of calling your own shots is actually MAKING the shot afterward.

More soon...

Mike

That's how I likes'em!

2011-06-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking for something to post here, since I haven't posted any new art in a while, and found this goodie in a folder I have set aside for my upcoming sketch magazine(we talked about that before, remember?).

I DO likes me some curvy ladies! ;-)

Anyway, serves as a reminder that the magazine is still in the works and will hopefully happen this summer!

Enjoy,
Mike

Ifanboy Upstarts me!

2011-05-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hey, check this out! Ifanboy.com featured my work over on their site, and I'm totally flattered by the kind words and attention!

All I can say is THANKS! :-)

If you're so inclined, let them know how you feel about the feature. You can post below the story.

Thanks!

Best,
Mike

Taking new commissions

2011-05-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I have two commissions to wrap up, then I'll be taking new commissions. If you're interested, please e-mail me to schedule your piece - mhawthorne @ thinktankcomics.com

Commission sizes and prices:

11" x 17" - 300

8" x 11" - 100

There are other options for sizes and prices, so ask if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Mike

Raising Crazy interview in "In Central Pennsylvania" online!

2011-05-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

You can now read that Raising Crazy interview for "In Central Pennsylvania" online here!

Make sure to let me know what you think :-)

Best!
Mike

Comic Twart: Panda experiment

2011-05-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Haven't done a process post in a while, so figured I'd do one this week for you guys.

This was my week to pick a character for Comic Twart. I wanted to stick with the theme of Latina characters in comics, and was going to choose Renee Montoya but decided on Panda Delgado from Body Bags. She's not as noble a character, but I figured she'd be fun for the fellas to draw.

Anyway, everyone has been talking about using Google sketchup for things like guns, cars, building, etc. I know lots of comic artists use it, but it still always seemed like cheating to me. (I know, I know... a tool is a tool. I know it's NOT cheating. Chill!)

I've used it as a reference tool, where I'd look at the thing on screen then draw it. The same way you might use a photo. But I never just printed images of guns out to ink.

I have this big collection of toy guns for reference, and take great pride in the fact that I've always acurately drawn guns by hand. Just see my run on G.I. JOE. All those guns were all done by hand, using a toy as a model.

But I thought I'd give Sketchup a shot for the guns in this piece. So I penciled the art, and left out the guns.

Then picked a 3D model in Sketchup, and dropped them into the drawing after scanning it into Photoshop. After that I free-transformed the gun till they were the size I needed, and I drew the hands around it.

Then I converted it all into a light blue, printed it onto a new board, and inked it.

After that I rescanned it as line art, and colored it using Photoshop and a Wacom tablet.

I have to say, although I like the illustration on a whole, I'm not really happy with the Sketchup models. I mean, the models are fine as reference, but printing them out to ink isn't working for me 100%. It looks Ok, I guess, but in the end I don't think it saved me enough time to justify the cheat. I'm also just not crazy with the look of it. If I'd drawn the guns by hand I would have adjusted it, "cartooned" it up to fit the drawing more.

Still, it can be a valuable tool for anyone willing to put in the time to use it right. My personal opinion is that if all you're gonna do it trace the 3D models then you're going to end up with a dead drawing. Try to learn to draw this stuff, get a feel for how it should look,then use these tools. Cartooning can be done with any tool, but tracing is always bad.

Again, no diss to anyone using 3D models well. Some dudes have it figured out,and I tip my hat to them. They're the reason I tried this experiment out in the first place.

Best,
Mike

Raising Crazy interview in "In Central Pennsylvania"

2011-05-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

I recently did an interview with "In Central Pennsylvania" magazine, which hits stands today. If you live in the Central PA area, especially around Harrisburg, you gotta check out the article.

Here's a picture from inside the magazine. Photographer Sean Simmer was recreating this comic strip. It came out great!

My son was excited about the photo shoot, and now thinks he's "famous like Justin Bieber"! He's even expecting to have a TV show and his own action figure!

For more of his hinjinks, go read Raising Crazy online :-)

Best,
Mike

The end of Fear Agent...are you still waiting?

2011-05-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

On his Twitter feed fans of Fear Agent have been asking writer Rick Remender when the last two issues of the series will be released by Dark Horse. He responded with this;

"Fear Agent 31 an 32 have to be resolicited due to lateness. They are done, but I guess they won't be out until October. Nothing to be done."

I have not been involved in any back room discussions about the book, but I do know they are finished. I wrapped up the pencils BEFORE I started on Conan (which I've penciled 7 issues of, so it's been a while since I wrapped Fear Agent). I've also seen colored and lettered PDF files of the missing Fear Agent comics. So I assure you, it's all finished.

I'm sure there are good reasons for holding off on the release of comics. Fear Agent is a beloved series, and this is the last arc, so I'm guessing no one is in a hurry to just throw it out there. But the truth is I don't know what those reasons are. I just wanted to disparage any one from thinking the book is late because it's not done, or that anyone is running late. Everyone has worked hard to make the last arc special, and I for one am proud of how it turned out.

So, if you're a fan of the series, all I can say is please bare with us. Your patience will be rewarded, I promise. If you've been following along with Heath's ups and downs, then the end of this thing is going to break your heart and make you smile. Rick wraps up everything beautifully.

Best,
Mike

Black Widow commission

2011-05-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Here's another commission I wrapped up recently. Kind of a companion piece for my earlier Daredevil and Electra pieces.

I have two more commissions to wrap up, and will then be ready to take on new commissions. So stay tuned.

Best,
Mike

Conan: Road if Kings 4 pencils pt.1

2011-04-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Conan: Road of Kings #4 is in stores today, so I'll be sharing pencils from that issue here on the blog. First up, one of two double page spreads from the issue.

Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

Spotlight on... ME! :-)

2011-04-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

The kind folks at Comic Alliance featured my work on their site! I'm really flattered, and happy they like my work so much!

Check it out here.

Best,
Mike

Conan Road of Kings #4

2011-04-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Dark Horse has released a preview for the next issue of Conan.

Check it out.

best,
Mike

Commission

2011-04-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

I've been getting some great commission requests lately, and this batch was no different.

One patron asked for a shot of his wife (who just so happens to be a Suicide Girls model) as X23. Very cool :-)

Here's another great request, Big Barda! Which, you know, is right up my alley ;-)

Hope you guys enjoy it.

Best,
Mike

Roald Dahl week at Comic Twart Pt. 2

2011-04-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

I *think* I wrapped up the Roald Dahl piece for Comic Twart.

It's almost what I had envisioned, which means it will bug me in the long run and I'll end up going back into it to tweak the art.

Hope you all dig it.

Best,
Mike

Roald Dahl week at Comic Twart

2011-04-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

*

I'm really excited by this week's Comic Twart theme, any book or story by Roald Dahl! I love his books, and have read many of them to my kids (currently reading "The Twits"). But the story I most remember growing up was "The Smoker" or "the Man from the South".

Only, I didn't KNOW it was a Dahl story when I first fell for it! I grew up watching tons of mystery and detective shows as a kid, and that included Alfred Hitchcock Presents. I don't recall most of the episodes I watched and re-watched as a kid, but one episode I could never forget was The 1985 version of "The Man from the South". (the story has been adapted to TV three times, and Tarantino apparently made a version, but one only one I've ever seen was the 85 version)

Before I give anything away, you should go read the original story written by Dahl.

I just love the suspense and drama of the story! This was just my kind of material! Hell, even now I'd REALLY LOVE to adapt this thing, and several other Dahl stories, into comic form! How sweet would that be?!

Anyway, the Comic Twart piece will have to do for now. I'll be posting this thing in bits and pieces till it's done. Here's the premilinary inks over rough pencils.

more soon!

EDIT -

More work in progress for the Dahl piece. Added a scaled brick background on the ground to give the piece some space.

best,
Mike

* - Roald Dahl in 1971 Photo: CORBIS

BatMAC!

2011-04-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

What do you get for the Superhero who has everything (including his own supercomputer!)?

An Apple iPad, of course! ;-)

This is another great commission I got recently. Seriously, can't believe I get paid to have this much fun!

Hope you dig it!

best,
Mike

Old School Teen Titans

2011-04-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here's another cool commission I did recently. It's to be a companion piece to the DOOM Patrol art I did a while back for Comic Twart. Same cool collector owns both pieces.

Hope you dig it.

Mike

Are you reading Raising Crazy?!

2011-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Hope you're all checking out my web strip, Raising Crazy

Been updating it every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Tell your friends!

Best,
Mike

Conan VS Hellboy!

2011-03-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

The crossover you never expected!

Still can't believe we're doing it!

EDIT:
Ok, ok. This was a bit of a put on for April Fool's Day! Well, you can only blame yourselves! I never ACTUALLY said it would be a comic crossover, just a crossover in this piece of commission art!

To make it up to you guys, the first ten people to e-mail me at mhawthorne @ thinktankcomics.com gets a free Conan sketchcard!

UPDATE!
Got all ten people lined up for free sketches. Thanks everyone, and sorry if you missed out this time around.

Best,
Mike

Daredevil, Frank Miller remix!

2011-03-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Ok, so I recently got a commission to do a large Daredevil piece. I tossed around the idea of doing a classic Daredevil-over-the-city type of piece, but none of the sketches I did spoke to me.

I think it was because in the back of my mind I really wanted to do a companion piece to the Elektra Lives Again piece I did a while back.

So I searched around on Google and found this cover by Miller and Janson.

It hit me all at once that I wanted to remix this thing! EVEN at the risk of being presumptuous (This IS Miller after all!)

So I came up with this.

I agonized over this thing, but in the end I'm pretty happy. Had a ton of fun on it too.

Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

Conan: Road of Kings #3 pencils

2011-03-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post these since issue three of Conan" Road of Kings came out a couple of weeks back. So, sorry for the delay. Anyway, I wanted to share some of the pencils from the book, which I really enjoyed working on.

This sequence was really difficult to pull off, and my choice to make 2 and 3 a two page spread didn't help matters, but in the end it was worth it. I hope you'll agree.

I'll share more pencils soon.

Best,
Mike

Comic Twart - Emma Frost

2011-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

This week's pick is Emma Frost, which I confess I know nothing about. Wasn't she a villain before? What is her "power", the ability to never be embarrassed?

Still, she was crazy fun to draw ;-)

Best,
Mike

EDIT: Fellow Comic Twartist Nathan Fairbairn colored up the Frost piece! Check it out!

Thulsa Doom commission

2011-03-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Got some incredibly cool commission requests, and am working on them now.

Wrapped up the first one, Conan and Kull villain Thulsa Doom! Man, I had so much fun drawing this that it makes me wish Roy would write him into the Conan series! Who doesn't want to see this guy fight Conan?!

Any way, more soon.

best,
Mike

PS - See the previous post for items still on sale. I'll be posting new stuff soon.

Commissions and art sales

2011-03-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

hey everyone,

I've cleared my plate of commissions and I'm ready to take on new ones. So if you're interested in one, please e-mail me at mhawthorne AT thinktankcomics.com

I'm also going to be having an art sale over at the store. I have a lot of pages and Comic Twart piece I'll be offering, but thought I'd offer them here first.

Thor, approximately 8.5" x 11" - SOLD!

Punisher, approximately 5.5" x 11.5" - SOLD!

Jonah Hex,approximately 5.5" x 8.5" - $50

Vampirella, 3" x 4.25" - $20

Nexus, approximately 5.75" x 8.5" - $50

Asterix, approximately 11" x 17". Pencils and inks - $300
(note - This was penciled with a blue pencils, despite the scan looking grey)

Lots more stuff to offer, especially Conan pages. Most of the bigger Comic Twart pieces have been sold, but not all. Let me know if you're interested in any of them.

E-mail all inquiries to mhawthorne AT thinktankcomics.com

Best,
Mike

Classic Suicide Squad

2011-03-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

Here's another commission I wrapped up recently. Can't believe people pay me to have this much fun ;-)

Best,
Mike

HOP theatrical trailer!

2011-03-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Remember a while back when I mentioned I was story boarding a film? Well, the film's name is HOP and the trailers for that movie have started to make the rounds!

I'm pretty excited about having had the opportunity to work on it, and even more excited to take my kids to go see it! I got to work on a few major scenes in the film, and there are even a few bits in this trailer that I boarded. So cool! :-)

There was also a scene where a cover to my comic Hysteria: One Man Gang was used as a prop poster in the background. Unfortunately the scene was cut, but I'm REALLY hoping they put a "deleted scenes" section on the DVD and include my art. Fingers crossed!

Anyway, just wanted to share. Hope you dig it!

Best,
Mike

The Shadow

2011-03-05T05:11:00.000-08:00

One of two commissions I'm wrapping up this weekend. Never drew the Shadow before, and ended up really enjoying it :-)

Best,
Mike

Rasing Crazy, are you reading it?

2011-02-28T08:28:00.001-08:00

SO, have you been reading my new webcomic "Raising Crazy"? If not, SHAME on you dude! Seriously, you should be very sad for yourself!

Go remedy that stuff right now! :-)

Best,
Mike

Big signing event tomorrow!

2011-02-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Tomorrow I'll be at Comix Connection's 23rd anniversary bash! I'll be there from 12 to 3, and doing a live Conan demo during the signing! I have something special planned, so if you're anywhere near the area you gotta swing by!

Check out the store's blog for more info.

Best,
Mike

Rasing Crazy begins!

2011-02-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up, I began the web comic based on my son's hijinks "Raising Crazy" today! Swing by and check it out.

Best,
Mike

The Doom Patrol & Preacher

2011-02-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Are you following Comic Twart? Cause if you're not you may have missed Doom Patrol week!

What's so special about that? Well, besides the amazing art the fellas turned in (you really gotta see Doc Shaner's piece!) it was our first week with our new member - DAVE JOHNSON!!

Seriously, I'm so stoked to have Dave with us! Been a fan of his for a long time.

Moving on, this week is Preacher week on Comic Twart, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the fellas come up with!

Here's my piece of Preacher's own Cassidy!

Swing by and check it out. Franchesco's Preacher piece is awesome!

Best
Mike

Art store back online!

2011-02-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

My art store is back online! I'll be uploading new pages later this week, and will keep you posted.

Best,
Mike

Blog follower Christmas prize

2011-02-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

So as you may all know, I try and hold a contest each Holiday season for anyone following the blog. I pick a follower at random and that person wins a commission piece by me. This year the winner was Jamie Rich, who also just happens to be a friend of mine. We even worked together when he was at Oni.

This of course had nothing to do with his winning, but was a nice surprise.

Anyway, he chose Shade the Changing man so I figured I'd share his art with all of you.

Thanks to every one of you for following my work. I appreciate each and every one of you, and wish I could give you all a piece of art :-)

Best,
Mike

MikeHawthorneart.com technical difficulty

2011-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

hey all,

You may have noticed my art store is not loading correctly. I'm looking into it, and once it's fixed I will have new art up on the site (including the above page from Conan #2).

Stay tuned!

Best,
Mike

JAR JAR week, and other Comic Twart news!!

2011-01-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

I dropped the ball on this week, but you gotta go see the hysterical stuff the fellas came up with!

Also, we're adding a new member this week... wonder who it'll be? Wonder if he's ever done 100 consecutive covers for a comic series? ;-)

Mike

Conan: Road of Kings #2 in stores today!

2011-01-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

Conan Road of Kings #2 is in stores today, so be sure to pop into your local comic shop and check it out :-)

Best,
Mike

Edit - Some nice reviews for this issue here and here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COMIC TWART, now with more THOR!

2011-01-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hey,

I posted about Comic Twart's 1st birthday over on the blog. Go check out how I got involved in this crazy affair! (and why I drew Thor :)

Best,
Mike

COMIC TWART turns 1, & new art blog CORNERED!

2011-01-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

So, the group art blog Comic Twart turned one this week! Hard to believe we've been at it a solid year, but there you go. "Time flies..." and all that.

Look for an interesting week of entries there this week as we take on our favorite subjects to celebrate the occasion!

But I wanted to point out another group blog I'm contributing to, it's called CORNERED.

Here's the sales pitch:

"Welcome to Cornered - inspired by the great Covered and Repaneled blogs, here we recreate the spot character illustrations which appeared in the upper left-hand corners of so many classic comics, from Marvel to DC to Harvey, Charlton and beyond!"

And here's my first contribution.

So swing by and check out all the fun pieces being posted there!

best,
Mike

Heracles process

2011-01-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Just posted my Hercules, or rather my Heracles, over on Comic Twart. Never did quite hit the mark the way I had intended to. Not sure why, but such is life.

Here's a look at the process behind the piece.

best,
Mike

Fear Agent 31 preview

2011-01-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

There's a new preview of Fear Agent #31 online, so check it out.

AND, for you process junkies I'm posting my "pencils" for that issues.

Enjoy!
Mike

New comic art for sale!

2011-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Just updated my store with new comic art, including pages from Conan #1 and some inexpensive Star Trek art.

Swing by and check it out :-)

Best,
Mike

Interview on Newsarama.com

2011-01-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hey,

Wanna' hear me talk about Conan? Yeah, Ok, cool... go here!

Oh, and tell your homies! :-)

Best,
Mike

Comic Twart returns!

2011-01-04T14:53:00.001-08:00

After a brief break for the holidays Comic Twart is back in action (sorta)! This week we're doing Hercules. I'm hoping to do something more like Heracles, complete with Nemean Lion skin hat!

This week is shaping up to be hella' busy, so I may not get to do this thing up the way I planed, but just in case here's a sketchy sketch to hold you over.

Best,
Mike

Conan #2 preview on Newsarama.com

2010-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Newsarama is running a full color preview of Conan #2 and it looks great if I do say so myself.

I gotta tell you, I love working with guys as strong as John Lucas and Dave Stewart. They make me look good :-)

Here's the pencil versions of those pages, before they edited. So, yeah, boobies and all that. Enjoy!

Best,
Mike

PS - Thanks to my pal Patrick for the link were :-)

2010 Holiday art give-a-way today!

2010-12-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Ok, today's the day! I'll be having two art give-a-ways today for the followers of this blog, as well as the folks on Twitter.

Around 1pm on Twitter I will be picking a follower at random, and that person will win this piece of art

Around the same time I will be picking a random number (using http://www.random.org/) and matching it to the corresponding follower of this blog. That winner will get a free 8" x 11" commission drawn by your brother-from-another-mother, ME!

So, stay tuned and Happy Holidays!

Mike

EDIT - The contest is over, and the winner is........ Jamie S. Rich! Thanks for playing everyone, and Happy Holidays!

2010 Holiday art give-a-way tomorrow!

2010-12-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

If you've been following the blog for a while, you'll remember last year I had an art give-a-way for the folks that follow the blog (as well as my followers on Twitter). I'll be doing it again tomorrow. SO, you know, stay tuned! :-)

Mike

Conan: Road of Kings #1 behind the scenes pt.II

2010-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

As promised, more pencils from Conan: Road of Kings #1. Originally it had more naked. I had to cut back on the naked, so you have the un-nakeded version in the final comic.

I know I'm misbehaving when I draw this stuff, but I risk it...GOOD GOD I RISK IT ALL, you YOU my Bretheren! FOR YOU!

More soon,
Mike

Conan: Road of Kings #1 behind the scenes pt.I

2010-12-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

So, now that Conan: Road of Kings #1 is officially "out" I can share some of the pencils with you fine folks! This was a spread from the issue that I had a great time drawing. Seriously, I'd draw then take a break to dance with joy then go back to drawing. Repeat that for a day and that was pretty much the process.

Dudes!

Anyway, I'll post more tomorra'!

Best,
mike

Conan: Road of Kings #1 in stores today

2010-12-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

So, apparently there will be a Conan comic in stores today with my name on it...

...I know, weird!..

Anyway, if you get a chance go check it out and let me know what you think. I haven't seen it yet, so you'll be more "in the know" then the guy who drew the book! ;-)

Best,
Mike

Dizzy Cordova, from 100 Bullets, on Comic Twart

2010-12-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

hey everyone!

It was my week to pick the subject for Comic Twart, and I chose Dizzy from 100 Bullets! Go check it out :-)

Best,
Mike