Happy Birthday, Jack!

Today marks Jack Kirby's 97th birthday. He passed away 20 years ago but his characters and legacy are still going strong. Way to go, Jack!

SDCC 2012: Avengers Assemble!!

Avengers Cosplay was out in force at this year's Comic-Con thanks to the success of the movie. Okay, technically, the above cosplay is American Dream, but she was an Avenger in that alternate universe, right? But I'm always glad to see some Captain America-themed cosplay like below....

Loki cosplay has become very popular. And the level of cosplay for Iron Man is incredible compared to what we were seeing 20 years ago. People can actually make armor now.

Black Widow cosplay is a must for every red head out there. And I don't mind! :)

It was good to see more Hawkeye cosplay too, especially the old school type.

And if you don't read the comics and only saw the movie, yes, Iron Fist and Ms. Marvel (below) are Avengers too.

Marvel Sketch Cards

Established comic book characters from Marvel and DC are probably the most popular since fans want a character they recognize. I love those characters but, when drawing, I tend to shy away from them and draw my own thing. Partly, I think, because when I draw them, they don't look the way I expect to see them in the funny books. But practice makes perfect so here are some pencil roughs for the Hulk and Captain America.

Cosplay at the San Diego Comic-Con

(Above: Actress Jennifer Wenger as an Ame-Comi Wonder Woman)

Besides the traditional artistry on display at Comic Con, the convention is a bevy of creative people dressing up in costume or Cosplay. I look as these people as artists as well although not all make the costume that they wear. Here are some interesting costumes....

 (I think this is a professional costume made to promote the new First Avenger movie)

 (Stephanie Castro as a female WWII Captain America)

(Cosplayer Valerie Perez as the Scarlet Witch)

 (Classic Michelle Pffeiffer Catwoman)

 (Anime Robin)

 (Scott Sebring's dead-on Adam West Batman)

 (Red Robin)

 (Isis)

 (The New DCU Supergirl design)

 (Booster Gold and Blue Beetle)

 (Kid Flash)

 (Robin)

 (Teri Samuels as a Movellan from Doctor Who)

 (Homer Simpson mash-up)

(Who wants Bacon?)