Every time I draw the X-Men, I think it’s the last:
This (in progress) recreation of Jim Lee’s world-famous, record-shattering (adjectiveless) X-MEN #1 cover is for an episode of the new format of THE DRAWL— in which I typically edit a Timelapse of my art process into a micro-documentary about the subject’s creation or methodology, or impact.
That’s the basics. But what you should really know about the show is—
When I draw a superhero on THE DRAWL, I treat it like it’s the last time.
Not because it’s truly goodbye. But because …hey, it MIGHT be?
So look, to be clear— I do still love these characters.
Superheroes were my gateway to art. Back bins were my church pews. The Marvel Handbook was my bible. Hell, I still think that even some of the worst superhero comics are shining examples of what’s best about art.
But I also never dreamt I’d grow up to gaze upon the unending sea of licensed Batfamily Crocs*, or a television service full of Great Lakes Avengers programming.
And though I have contributed to and benefited from this mad stampede—Occasionally I feel trampled by it.
When you’re lucky enough to succeed at making something you love into your livelihood, it can consume you. But what I ultimately realized is that I didn’t get into art to navigate a web of other people’s expectations. I make things to share what excites or interest or challenge me. When I don’t, or can’t, my creativity— hell, my whole life— really suffers. (cont)
So, that’s where I’m at…
The whole world is covering a tune I know pretty well— but singing loud enough to be heard hurts my ears.
So the mission has been to turn the noise down. Play my own instrument (wash jug!)— pick your sloppy metaphor. And though making THE DRAWL may seem like just more noise— learning to edit, animate, use my best truck commercial voice— the various jumble of skills that go into making one of these silly little things is a fresh and exciting challenge.
And yes, with all that unfamiliar ground, I will admit it’s nice to have my old Super Friends around. It feels like hello and goodbye at the same time.
So if these really are my last stab at superheroes (sssshhh let me have this)— I hope these episodes excite, interest, or challenge you enough to actually read, or better yet make comics of your own.
The X-men are dead. Long live the X-men.
* (note to self: draw Killer Croc wearing Crocs.)
Speaking of X-Men, despite a frustrating stint writing Wolverine for “real”—I never really told a story that was up to our shared potential.
The best effort was probably 2012’s WOLVERINE #309 (A decade ago? Yikes). On which I handled art and color (on my pages) and collaborated with another stabby, furious hairball— my old pal and writer Ivan Brandon.
Anyway, making a DRAWL on Wolverine, I stumbled on the art for that issue and didn’t need a healing factor to recover from the experience. Here’s some of it:
Let’s skip ahead to the action:
Another jump to avoid spoilers:
And an inked fuzz ball that I’m still happy with:
In even more news about un-killable old men… Ivan Brandon has had some rough luck health-wise lately.
Unfortunately, one thing Ivan doesn’t share with Logan is access to the Canadian healthcare system. And though he seems to be doing well despite everything, I’d appreciate it if you took a glance at his GOFUNDME and consider helping out.
Okay, that’s enough of that. Expect some goddamn levity around this dour fucking doorway to Hell on the next go-'round. Maybe some new comics? Or if I finish that X-men cover perhaps we’ll even talk about the lessons Jim Lee has for us all.
Whatever the days of future past may hold, there will be more soon…
WATCH THE DRAWL:
Thanks for this Jason; inspirational as always.