Wacky Reference Wednesdays, No. 320

Wacky Reference Wednesdays, No. 320

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

X-O MANOWAR #50 COVER. 2016. Ink(ed by Joe Rivera)
on bristol board with digital color, 11 × 17″.

For the 50th (and final (at least for now)) issue of X-O Manowar, I wanted to incorporate the title into the composition to give it more of a graphic impact. I enlisted the help of my colleague, Manny Mederos, to help with some options. I was familiar with his design work from both Marvel and Valiant, so I knew I could count on him for a slick logo.

Leonardo leads!

I always need reference to draw X-O's suit — it's complicated — but I also needed just the right angle on the hands. (I also use any excuse to stand on my coffee table.) Technically, the energy surrounding his left hand should be green, but I wanted to subtly display a glowing "XO" in front of the figure, and the color served to unify them.

graphics by Manny Mederos

inks by my Pops!

blue-line print of pencils

pencils over digital sketch

digital sketch

The last 2 images are yellow because I use a photo filter adjustment layer while digitally drawing to reduce eye strain. This cuts down on blue light and overall brightness. In addition to the color, I also add a texture pattern so my eyes have something to "grab" besides a purely blank screen.

digital thumbnails

⊡ 12:00:00 AM