Damn that graphitemonkey: The Art of Drew Edward Johnson

Beyond The FRINGE Digital Comic from DC Comics Digital

2011-09-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here's the cover I penciled for BEYOND THE FRINGE from DC Entertainment. It's a new digital comic book written by FRINGE star Joshua Jackson. For more information on this exciting new project, please go to http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/09/21/new-%E2%80%98fringe%E2%80%99-digital-comic-series-debuts/
The new season of FRINGE starts this Friday on Fox.

Now It Can Be Shown: X-MEN ICONS: EMMA FROST #3 Artwork

2011-09-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

Page 2 from book 3 of the unpublished X-MEN ICONS: EMMA FROST. I worked on this back around 2002 with writer Sean McKeever. Inks here are by Rick Ketcham.
The book was canceled while I was at work on issue 3 due to the decision by Marvel to do an Emma Frost ongoing series.

Now It Can Be Shown: X-MEN ICONS: EMMA FROST #2 Artwork

2011-09-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Page 15 from book two of the unpublished X-MEN ICONS: EMMA FROST. I worked on this back around 2002 with writer Sean McKeever. Inks here are by Rick Ketcham.
The book was canceled while I was at work on issue 3 due to the decision by Marvel to do an Emma Frost ongoing series. Stay tuned, I'll be posting more work from this series soon.

Now It Can Be Shown: X-MEN ICONS: EMMA FROST #1 Artwork

2011-09-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Splash page from the unpublished X-MEN ICONS: EMMA FROST, book 1. I worked on this back around 2002 with writer Sean McKeever. Inks here are by Rick Ketcham.
The book was canceled while I was at work on issue 3 due to the decision by Marvel to do an Emma Frost ongoing series. Stay tuned, I'll be posting more work from this series soon.

The Hero Code On Kickstarter!

2011-07-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

My friend, writer Jamie Gambell is mid-way through his Kickstarter campaign to finance his comic book project, THE HERO CODE. I'm proud to say that I'm the regular cover artist on the book, and you can see the pencils to the first cover if you scroll down just a bit. I've seen the work from the first issue, and it's just terrific. The art is really cool, and the story is really fun.
If you'd like to read a small interview that I did with Jamie about my work on the series, please stop by this link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/556628777/the-hero-code-1/posts/95552.
While you're there, if you'd like, please pledge a little something to help Jamie reach his goal. It's a great project, and I really believe in it. Thank you in advance for giving it a look.

New Facebook Page!

2011-05-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Please drop by and check out my new Facebook page, THE ART OF DREW EDWARD JOHNSON. It's at:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Art-of-Drew-Edward-Johnson/197329253642335
There are galleries of Pin-Ups and Commissioned work, Cover Artwork, and Sequential Pages to peruse, and I've added some new works only available to see on my Facebook page.
Hope to see you there!

My First Watercolor painting...Hoo boy.

2011-04-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

So I got a new water color kit and decided to try it out on an old drawing. It was a nice diversion for the evening, but I really can't speak to the quality of the final painting...Practice will only improve my painting, I guess.

THE HERO CODE #1 Cover Pencils

2011-03-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

My pencils for the first issue cover of writer Jamie Gambell's new comic book, THE HERO CODE.
The characters are The Black Wraith, Myth, and Optiman. Please do check 'em out at Jamie's website, www.herocode.net for more info on the book. It promises to be a great read from an outstanding writer.
I had a lot of fun drawing this one from artist Dan Smith's conceptual designs for The Black Wraith and Optiman. I designed Myth myself:)
Big thanks to Jamie for the opportunity to work on this with him. Be on the lookout for the cover to THE HERO CODE issue two in the next few weeks.
This cover is drawn in pencil on 11x17 bristol board with a 4H graphite lead while I was watching the movie, INCEPTION over and over:)

Found Artwork---Literally!

2011-01-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

Stumbled upon a box of old artwork last night while rummaging through my closet for something else. There's more coming soon, but for now, here's a pencil sketch of the Kendra Saunders Hawkgirl, and a Catwoman pin-up inked by Ray Snyder--Both from 2002.

The Process 3: IRREDEEMABLE #24 Cover Solicitation

2011-01-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here's how the final cover for Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE #24 came out, as well as all the solicitation information from Boom! Studios---This was an exclusive look from Robot 6 and Comic Book Resources. I hope it's okay that I showed it here!

IRREDEEMABLE #24
Written By: Mark Waid
Drawn By: Peter Krause
Cover A: Drew Johnson
Cover B: Scott Clark
Ships in: April

With the Plutonian off world fighting for his life in an alien prison camp, the Paradigm is left with the worldwide clean-up. But what happens when, in the Plutonian’s absence, the planet’s most dangerous villains come out from underground? The remaining members of the Paradigm engage in a desperate battle for control of the planet, without the aid of the world’s greatest protector.Mark Waid’s Eisner and Harvey-nominated series continues!

The Process 2: IRREDEEMABLE #24 Cover Colors

2011-01-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Here's Kathryn Layno's excellent color work over my pencils for the cover to Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE #24. I'm really pleased with how it came out. Kathryn brought some great stuff to this piece, especially the lighting!
Check out some more of Kathryn's awesome illustration and color work at: http://katsh.deviantart.com/
You'll be glad you did!

The Process: IRREDEEMABLE #24 Cover Pencils

2011-01-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here are my pencils for the cover to Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE #24. It's coming out in April from Boom! Studios. I had a great time working on this one---I don't get to do creature work that often, and it was hella fun. Thanks to Matt Gagnon for the opportunity to work on this!

X-23 at auction on Ebay now!

2010-12-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

I've just posted this drawing on eBay, starting at only $10. Please do stop by and give it a look! Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160516166858

Supergirl sketch is sold

2010-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

The eBay auction for the Supergirl sketch has ended. I'll be putting another sketch up for auction later today. Stay tuned for the announcement!

Now on eBay

2010-12-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

The SUPERGIRL drawing shown in the last entry is now available for sale on eBay, listing no. 160514776130. It starts at only $10, so please do stop on by and give it a look.

Some last drawings from Long Beach CC '10

2010-12-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of last drawings from LBCC 2010. DC's SUPERGIRL and BATWOMAN. Both are 10x14 and drawn in pencil.

The Process 3: Kathryn's Colors

2010-11-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

Here are Kathryn Layno's stunning colors over my pencils and Ray Snyder's inks. I'm really proud of the collaborative efforts that created this final Phantom Lady 3 pin-up.

The Process 2: Ray's Inks

2010-11-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here are Ray Snyder's lush inks on the Phantom Lady 3 pin up I drew---It's a few entries back if anyone wants to check out the pencils.
Ray inked this up when I was in Macon a few weeks ago. He just picked it up, and worked his magic on it. Ray's the man:)

SAMURAI cover colors

2010-11-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Here is the final version of the cover I recently drew for SAMURAI: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL---See the last post for details---With truly excellent color art by Kathryn Layno. Check out more of Kathryn's work at her deviant art gallery at http://katsh.deviantart.com/. She's got some really cool work going on there!

Samurai: The Graphic Novel Cover pencils

2010-11-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a cover I pencilled recently for the upcoming graphic novel, SAMURAI, from Hyperwerks.
SAMURAI combines cutting edge comic book artwork and storytelling and the iconic idea of the Samurai. Artists from around the globe have contributed artwork to this one-of-a-kind comic book experience. From the far future where android Samurai battle for their humanity to Samurai ghosts that long for revenge. SAMURAI: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL explores the endless possibilities of the Samurai ideal and myth.
SAMURAI: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL features work by KARL ALSTTAETTER (Q-UNIT, BLOODSTRIKE, DIETY, and MTV GEEK'S new comic, ME2), GERIMI BURLEIGH (EYE OF THE GODS, ALIEN RACERS), JAMIE GAMBELL (OMNITARIUM, the upcoming comic, HERO CODE), DONNA LETTRESE, DAN SMITH (VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE, IN NOMINE, GURPS) , JESSE TOVES (TROUBLE, GUTS & NOIR), WAYNE YOUNG and LANDISH.
The official release date is 12/31/10, with convention debut at the Arizona Comic Con 1/8/11. There will be three issues of SAMURAI, in 64 full color pages for $15.
For more information, please visit www.samuraigraphicnovel.blogspot.com.

From an article in Sunday's MACON TELEGRAPH

2010-10-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be around for this interview with my best pal, and long time inker, Ray Snyder.

Macon artist Ray Snyder has become one of comic industry's best inkers
By CHRIS HORNE - Telegraph correspondent

Editor’s note: Through the early 1970s, Macon was an unexpected hub of world renowned music whose greats were none other than Little Richard, Otis Redding, James Brown and the Allman Brothers Band, among others. That creative spark has manifested lately as an unexpected hub of world-class comic book creators. This week we meet Ray Snyder, a local artist who has risen in the ranks as one of the industry’s best inkers. His work is on display through the end of the month at the Macon Arts gallery alongside the art of Craig Hamilton and Atlanta’s Steve Scott. His work on a riveting fill-in story for the “Wonder Woman” series with former Macon resident Drew Edward Johnson will hit stands in the coming months.

Back in the day, like, you know, 7 years ago, Ray Snyder and Drew Edward Johnson would celebrate the end of a marathon of penciling and inking comics with a blowout of pizza, whiskey, cigarettes and a round of Risk, the strategy-first board game about conquering the world.

“And then the next day, we’d start all over again,” Snyder says, sitting down on a stool that looks like it never leaves his large slanted drawing table. He settles in as if he wouldn’t know where else to be in this room.

The soundtrack to “Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?” plays lightly in the background, barely audible over the excited nostalgia sparked between the two illustrators discussing their earlier days.

They may have aged some since they first met, but, in a heartbeat, the two seem boyishly devious, like latch-key kids with a stash of dirty magazines, a bag of candy and all afternoon before their parents get home.

“I usually come out here and visit Ray, commit all my sins and then go home,” Johnson jokes. Kinda.

Working vacation

On this weekend, a week after Macon Arts opened a gallery exhibition of comic art featuring Snyder’s work, he’s hosting Johnson for a sort of working vacation. Over the last few years the two have worked side-by-side on monthly titles like “Wonder Woman” and “Supergirl.”

Johnson would do the pencils and when he was done, slide them over to Snyder to get them inked. Their working relationship illuminates the levels that go into each comic book. Pencilers get most of the credit, wrestling into creation images from a script, and inkers are often overlooked by anyone unfamiliar with the intricacies of the form.

“It is a lot easier than staring at a blank sheet of paper,” Snyder confesses.

But it isn’t easy, Johnson chimes in. He explains how, from his perspective as a penciler, a good inker can make (or a bad inker can break) the illustration. He relates an instance in which Snyder, simply doing his job, so successfully added seemingly physical depth and texture to Johnson’s pencil work that their editors called to express how impressed they were with the team.

Some of that comes from the relationship Snyder and Johnson have developed over the years. When Johnson was at a low point and needing a fresh start, Snyder suggested he move to Macon so the two could work side-by-side.

The rest comes out of how Snyder approaches the work itself.

“He does a lot more than most,” Johnson says, noting that no assignment with Snyder starts without a phone call and conversation about the aesthetics and feel that he wants to convey.

Snyder, Johnson points out, came into this work as an illustrator himself — evidenced by the “surreal work” he did in his early 20s that hangs above his desk. So when, for instance, he notices a hand is disproportionately small and needs to be adjusted, Snyder will fix it.

Just doing a job

Snyder puts a VHS tape in and turns on the little TV by his desk. It’s an old Chevrolet commercial that he and local illustrator Tony Harris put together for the car company’s Super Bowl ad in 1999. The animated short follows a Chevy S-10 outrunning a gargoyle then sliding to a stop and becoming a “real” S-10 once the gargoyle had smashed itself against a wall. Ironically, a guy steps in from off-screen as a narrator says, “Meet Chris Worth, animator. Knows good; knows evil.”

It gets a laugh.

Fresh from a tour in Atlanta, Harris was “some guy who’d fallen asleep on Craig Hamilton’s couch,” when he and Snyder first met. Now the two join Hamilton as a sort of Comics Triad, ennobled by an exhibit at Museum of Arts and Sciences, honoring their work.

“Yeah, it’s strange. We’re just doing a job,” Snyder says. “I do what I do because that’s what I enjoy doing.”

The way he says it, he could be a plumber or carpenter — proud of his work but not boastful. His talent doesn’t make him special.

As a kid, he said he’d get into trouble in class, like a lot of kids, drawing when he should be doing schoolwork. The difference is that he never stopped.

Though he was “into math and computers,” he says he was determined to make it as an artist. There was no fail-safe, no back-up plan.

Before he came into comics, Snyder was arranging advertising displays for a retail chain, but he was still drawing, still pursuing art. He was invited to do a show at Wesleyan College called “Flying by the Seat of Our Pants,” and illustrator Craig Hamilton was in the show as well. It was Hamilton who recommended he get into comics.

Lessons with Houser Smith, Hamilton’s mentor, followed and Snyder was on his way. Before moving the operations to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Harris and Hamilton formed Jolly Roger Studios and rented space in the Clisby Building.

Judging from Snyder’s casual tone, the move from penciling to inking was perhaps more practical and convenient than moving Jolly Roger. He’d long worked with the pens and was already familiar with the techniques.

“It was an easy transition.”

At home in Macon

During the First Friday chaos at the Macon Arts gallery, where his work presently hangs, Snyder smiled and talked about the benefits of staying in Macon.

“I get paid the same page rate as the guys who live in New York, so why move?”

Born in Enterprise, Ala., and raised in Macon — after a short stint in Dothan, Ala. — Snyder married his high school sweetheart, Kim, on Coleman Hill and hasn’t moved far from it since.

His home studio is close to old hangouts and haunts, and the salon next door, Sculptures, is theirs, too, because he thrust his dream of small-business ownership upon his wife.

Pragmatically, though there’s plenty to do, Macon isn’t full of constant distractions, especially for younger artists.

“They can come here, get grounded and build a portfolio. Plus, when you’re just starting out, Macon’s a much more affordable place to live.”

When he needs to, Snyder says, “I know how to drive to Atlanta and get on a plane.”

But it’s also more than that.

“Macon is an inspiration,” he says, noting the architecture and natural beauty.

Drew Edward Johnson says he loved working on the heavy rainy nights.

While Johnson only lasted three years before heading back to Los Angeles — where he met his eventual wife, a director for “The Simpsons,” at his grandmother’s funeral — Snyder plans to stay.

“It’s a great place,” he says, “I’ve never found a need to leave.”

Thanks to technology, these days, Johnson can scan and upload his drawings so Snyder can download them and begin inking right away. This has allowed them to continue their partnership from opposite ends of the country.

“The desks are just further apart,” Johnson quips.

Prior to the digital age, the inker worked directly on a penciler’s pages and they sent the combined effort to the publisher, who might not return the pages for months. When the artists did get their pages back, they’d have to split the book in half.

Now, they each keep a set of their originals. Johnson’s drawings never leave his California home. Snyder’s inks stay in his portfolio and the publisher uses the digital copies. The welcome, if unintended, consequence is that they both have whole sets to sell to collectors for a few extra bucks.

For love or money

Johnson quotes Snyder saying the only meaningful reasons to take a job are for love or money. The work you do for love doesn’t usually pay, but it fulfills you. The work you do for money doesn’t usually fulfill you, but it pays.

Their history of work together has been full of money jobs, usually cranking out monthly books when time is precious. No time to think or feel. It’s just a job that has to be done.

Have they ever worked together on a project that was both for love and for money?

“Yes,” they immediately respond, pointing to the large hardback album that lies like a sleeping child in my lap.

In the first half of the book are Snyder’s copies of the inked but uncolored pages from an upcoming story in the “Wonder Woman” series, which began as an inventory story intended to give the monthly book’s regulars a chance to catch up. It became a fill-in for the series — as a flashback — that could’ve made it as a stand-alone book.

Working from a violent script, Johnson and Snyder said they turned the volume up a touch.

The two dissect exactly how they made a bloody battle even bloodier, pulling up digital images of the pages colored by a prodigy that Johnson worked with previously. The blood is red, which is unusual in comic books, which go with black to tone down the impact.

But the real heft is in the cold, emotionless way that Wonder Woman finishes her opponent off. No expression, not even a glint of feeling in her eyes.

“It’s just a job to her,” Snyder deadpans with a smirk.

Phantom Lady (2) Con Sketch

2010-10-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Another con sketch....

X-23 Con Sketch

2010-10-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's just that...

Telara Chronicles #4 Cover Art

2010-08-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Pencil artwork for the cover of Wildstorm's THE TELARA CHRONICLES #4. This is the final issue of my four issue cover run. I had a great time working on these covers, and give big thanks to Jim Chadwick, Ben Abernathy, and Trion Worlds for letting me work on them.

Telara Chronicles #3 Cover Art

2010-08-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Pencils for the cover of THE CHRONICLES OF TELARA #3. Here's the solicitation copy:

Written by RICARDO SANCHEZ
Art by POP MHAN
Cover by DREW JOHNSON
In the third issue of the 4-issue prequel to the highly anticipated MMORPG from Trion Worlds, Asha and her Guardian allies return to Port Scion triumphant. They’ve captured an ancient Eth device that could be the key to saving Telara from the invaders that threaten it. But their work is not done; minions of The Court of the Endless have been opening Death Rifts in an attempt to summon Regulos the Destroyer himself through the Ward. It’s up to Asha to stop them and give her companions time to learn the secrets of the device.
On sale 17 • 3 of 4 • 32 pg, FC $3.99 US

GI JOE: FRONTLINES

2010-08-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

My pal Ray just emailed me this piece. I hadn't seen it in a long time, and was happy to revisit it.
This is a little-seen promo piece that I drew for the story arc ICEBOUND that I worked on for GI JOE: FRONTLINES. Inks are by Ray Snyder, and the color work is by JD Mettler.
I came up with the story idea for this arc, and Dan Jolley wrote it. Interestingly, the flashback sequences in the series that featured Duke were illustrated by Tom Feister. Tom has recently done a string of really cool covers for IDW's GI JOE books.
Thanks to Ray for finding this piece, and for sending it to me.

Step By Step: Commission

2010-08-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here's step one of a new commission I've started. It's of Tara Chace from the Oni Press comic, Queen & Country.
This is my initial underdrawing that I did on a piece of typing paper---really just hacking out the pose and the plan for the background on a separate piece of paper in order to avoid ruining my bristol board with a ton of erasure.
I scanned in the initial drawing and worked out some anatomy mistakes by messing with 'em on the computer a little. Next, I'll light box it to the actual art board, where it'll be worked out some more.
As far as the pose, I wanted to do something unusual with a commission of the character. I google image searched Tara Chace, and most of the time, folks seem to draw her in a standing pose, wearing her regular outfit, and holding a rifle. I wanted to try and capture a story moment, a good "spy moment", where she's pulling a pistol from under her pillow on an assassin trying to sneak in her window.
I'll post the next step soon, and take it all the way through the finished piece.

Ballpoint pen study for 8/4/10

2010-08-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one today---Jean Reno from the great film, RONIN. Didn't do too well on the likeness, but learned a couple of things. Interestingly, I actually went too conservative on the length of the nose.
It's fun to study interesting faces like this one. I think it'll help me make characters that I draw in comics look more distinctive. More from RONIN tomorrow. It's just too interesting to study. I haven't even gotten to DeNiro or Sean Bean yet.

"LEAVE ME ALONE, RAYMOND BURR!"

2010-08-04T15:03:00.001-07:00

Today's ballpoint pen head studies---From my very favorite film, REAR WINDOW. I really wanted to study the feel of that horrible moment when Jimmy Stewart is trapped in his apartment in his wheelchair, and the killer, Raymond Burr can be heard coming up the stairs...His heavy foot falls on the landing---the doorknob creaks as it turns slowly...
I started the first one a few days ago---Stewart picks up the phone, thinking it's his policeman buddy...But it's not...
I did 2 and 3 today. I don't know that I did very well with the likeness, but studying an everyman like Jimmy Stewart sure was fun. The shadows in the dark apartment were fun to play with to. Boy, I love that movie.

New Ballpoint pen studies

2010-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

I've started trying to do quick studies from paused movie frames. It's a fun exercise in facial anatomy and likeness study. This one's from SHERLOCK HOLMES. One of my very favorite recent films.

It's Ballpoint, Baby.

2010-08-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

I can't speak to whether this is a good piece or not, but I drew it last thursday at Koffee & Komics as my entry in our Dungeons and Dragons fantasy theme. It's black ball point pen in my sketchbook. I had a lot of fun with it, though I may have poked and prodded at it a little too much...

Telara Chronicles #2 Cover Art

2010-07-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Color cover artwork for THE TELARA CHRONICLES #2. Color artwork over my pencils by Lizzy John.

Telara Chronicles #1 Cover Art

2010-07-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Color artwork for TELARA CHRONICLES #1. Pencils by me, color art over my pencils by Lizzy John. Coming soon from Wildstorm.

Buffy Commission

2010-07-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a commission I drew and inked recently featuring Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Wonder Woman colored preview panels

2010-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some preview panels from the Wonder Woman story that I drew recently. I don't know if it's ever coming out, though, which is a shame. I'm really proud of the work that we all put into it.
The story is written by Micheal Jelenic, writer of the Wonder Woman DVD animated movie. Inks are by Ray Snyder, and color art is by Lizzy John.

Batgirl Commission

2010-05-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Batgirl on 11x17 DC Comics Bristol Board. Pencil and ink. Inked it up myself using Copic pens and a little brush.

WW Commission

2010-05-03T15:04:00.001-07:00

A recent commission that I pencilled and inked.

New Preview Panels from Wonder Woman

2010-03-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of preview panels from my work on a new Wonder Woman project---Featuring The Cheetah and Hippolyta, Wonder Woman's mom.

Where can you see Drew this year?

2010-03-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well---These places:

I will be attending Wizard World Anaheim April 16-18th---If you happen to be in the neighborhood, please drop by and say hello!
My next convention appearance, as far as I know, is Long Beach Comic Con in October.
I will be signing at Things From Another World for Free Comic Book Day at Universal City Walk in May.
Otherwise, I will be home, chained to my drawing board, and counting down the time until TRON: LEGACY comes out....

Rogue Squadron Returns

2010-03-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

A tribute to my first job in comics---Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron.
I started this as a challenge to myself to see how I would draw it now if given the job, versus how I drew it back in the day when I could barely hold a pencil.
I ended up having a lot of fun with it.

New Supergirl pages available on eBay

2010-01-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some links to some new Supergirl pages available this week on eBay! Please do check 'em out!

Supergirl #24 page 3:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160399893960&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Supergirl #24 page 4:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160399892870&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Supergirl #24 page 6:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160399892870&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Super low prices on pages on eBay!

2009-11-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

Check out my latest batch of pages over on eBay---They're still sitting at only $20 with only one day left! Bid on 'em---You may score an unexpected bargain!
See the entry below for the pages for sale and their links!

New eBay sales for the week of Nov. 23rd!

2009-11-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some new pages up for sale this week on eBay---

Supergirl #23 page 2
Go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160380950822&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Supergirl #23 page 3
Go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160380952553&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Fantastic Four Wedding Anniversary Special page 9
Go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160380955186&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Fantastic Four Wedding Anniversary Special page 16
Go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160380957835&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Lotsa new eBay sales!

2009-11-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the new pages of artwork I've put up on eBay this week, and their links!

Supergirl #23, pg 7
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160378064418&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Supergirl #28, pg 16
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160378065062&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Forgotten Realms: Legend of Drizzt Cover
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160378067030&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Batgirl Pinup
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160378065989&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

New Ebay sales!

2009-11-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've just posted three pages from my run on DC's Supergirl on ebay---Here's the links:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160376077528&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160376076382&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160376075388&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Please stop by and check 'em out!

Elektra for George

2009-11-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

I guess the title says it all. Hope he likes it!

New work!

2009-11-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a pin up I just drew based on the video game, GOD OF WAR. Had a great time with it, and hopefully, I'll have Ray's inked version of it to show here soon!

New Ebay sales and Drew stuff

2009-11-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Wow---It's been a long time since I wrote here last---Many apologies to anyone watching here!
Just wanted to announce two new pages for sale now on Ebay---The Big Osiris Splash Page of Doom, and The Page After That. Both pages are work from Week 23 of the great series, 52. These pages feature the first appearance of the young hero, Osiris. Please do stop by and give them a look!
Here are the links!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160374940092&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

And:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160374941076&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

In other news, I'm waiting for the script for a new mini-series that I will be working on for DC Comics. I'll announce just what that series is as soon as it's ok with DC. No new info on my creator-owned book, The Black Lake, but I continue to work on it whenever I can.
More artwork and announcements coming in the near future! Ciao for now.

What's Drew drawing??? Week of June 1, '09

2009-06-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here's The What:

Following a partial fill-in on The Authority #13--I just finished work on part of The Authority #12. Had a great time with it---I got to draw lots of action, and the characters are really fun to draw. I'm having particular fun drawing The Engineer. Looks like we're gearing up to go right into The Authority #14---Good Times!
Included here are a couple of preview panels from my work on The Authority #12--Coming out soon!
If you haven't checked out The Authority lately, please do--Regardless of whether you're into my work or not, it's just a really good book.

What's Drew drawing??? Week of May 25th, '09

2009-05-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest in Drew doings:

I just suspended work on my graphic novel, The Black Lake for the time-being. Karen's been on a month long hiatus from The Simpsons and I felt that it would be good to get back to some paying work in order to pep up our income stream.
I've just finished up work on a partial fill-in issue of Wildstorm's The Authority #13---It's written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, two of my favorite writers in comics right now. I got to draw lotsa action in this one, and it was great fun. Ray Snyder is inking it up as I write this--can't wait to see how it comes out!
Here's a preview panel--Enjoy, and be sure to pick up the Authority #13 when it comes out in a couple of months!

It's been a while!

2009-05-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've checked out for a while--I've been giving all of my attention to my deviant art site/gallery. Check out the link on the right to give it a look--There be lotsa art there.
I'm gonna be sure and post here once a week at least just to keep the word out for what I'm working on in comics and commissions. Thanks for tuning in now and again!

In memory of a former studio mate

2009-02-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

(From my journal at Deviantart.com)

Comic book inker Jim Royal died recently. We were studio mates at Jolly Roger Studio back in Macon, Georgia for a couple of years.
I have to be honest---Jim and I didn't always get along, and I can't say that we were close friends. I can say that he could be funny as hell, and he sure made me laugh sometimes. His James Mason impression was spot-on and just broke me up every time he did it. All of us at Jolly Roger enjoyed drinking and laughing together at Tony's house on the weekends, or at cons, and Jim was almost always instrumental those good times.
In the end, the bad times overwhelmed the good between us and we moved on. While I never would have been able to be friends again with Jim, I am truly sorry that he's gone.
My dear friend and long-time inker, Ray Snyder called me a bit over a week ago and told me that Jim had died, and later that night, I poured some vodka and toasted my old acquaintance to wish him well, and to hope that he has found peace and calm seas.
Ray tells me that memorial services will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday. I wish his friends and family the best.

Zatanna Commission

2009-02-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Just finished this fun commission of Zatanna. Had a great time working on it and got to put some of the new stuff I've been learning in my art classes to use. Hope the buyer likes it!

New Gods Commission

2009-01-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the finally completed New Gods Commission that I just finished yesterday. It's been on my desk for several months and I swore that I wouldn't take on any new commissions 'til it was done.
It's been bumpy trying to learn to master my workload along with having a new baby daughter, but I think I'm starting to get the routine down and am finding that I'm getting back to my regular work schedule at last. With this piece done, I'll be taking on new commissions again, if anyone is interested. Just drop me a note at graphitemonkey@gmail.com.

New On Ebay!

2009-01-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

I just posted two new pages for sale on Ebay. Supergirl #25 page 4, which features a nice large panel of Batman in the Batcave with images of Supergirl on the computer screen behind him, and Alfred in the background. The page also features Lois Lane and Clark Kent.
The other page is Supergirl #29 page 7, a full figure splash page of Superman scanning the night skies for Supergirl.
Check 'em out here!

On The Stands Now!!!

2008-12-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the colored version of the cover for HACK/SLASH #18--On the stands now! It features absolutely stunning work by colorist Lizzie John. If you scroll down my blog you can check out the entire process of the making of this cover. From layouts to pencils, ink, and now color.
I would like to point out my disappointment with the actual published cover though in that they added the credit list on the cover over my and inker Paul Wee's signatures. Me, I don't care about, and I'm embarrassed to say that my signature is visible, but Paul's is obscured. This was Paul's first comic work, and I really wish that he'd been able to see his signature on the cover. I'm really sorry, Paul.
I also wish that Lizzie had signed the cover. This was one of my favorite collaberative efforts I've ever worked on, and I feel like it would have been great if we all had visible signatures on this one.

New Stuff Part 3!!!

2008-12-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the colored version of the Forgotten Realms cover that Ray Snyder and I did recently for DDP. It features RA Salvatore's popular character, Drizzt. We had a great time with this one. I really dug working on the panther.

More New Stuff!!!!

2008-12-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a cover that I drew a couple of months ago for DDP and CAPCOM's BIONIC COMMANDO comic series. I'm not sure when it's coming out, and I haven't seen any colors for it yet...Inks are by Ray Snyder, and are really excellent--Thanks Ray!

New Stuff!!!

2008-12-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a piece that I drew & inked myself for a book called Wolalina. I've been fooling around with making my background characters more distinctive to offset the idealized looks of my "heroic" main characters. I really ended up having a great time with the revolutionary war soldiers behind Wolalina here. I hope the contrast works...

Ebay update again!

2008-11-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

The GI JOE and SUPERGIRL pieces have sold! Thanks to everyone that bid, and thanks to the winners of the artwork!
I'll be posting more work on ebay again soon--Stay tuned!

New artwork on ebay this week!

2008-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

This week on ebay, I'm offering a close-up pencil splash image of Supergirl from page 1 of Supergirl #28.
In addition, I've also made available the penciled cover for the GI JOE New York Comic Con '08 variant edition. The cover features Fan fave characters The Baroness and Destro.
Check out these links if you'd like to bid on either of these pieces.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=160295467930&Category=14010null&_trksid=p3907.m29
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=160295470389&Category=3985null&_trksid=p3907.m29

Ebay update!

2008-10-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Page one from Supergirl #24 has sold---I'll be posting new artwork for sale on ebay again this week, tho, so please stay tuned!

Supergirl page on Ebay!

2008-10-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've just posted The original pencil art for Supergirl #24, page 1 on Ebay. If you'd like to bid on it, check out this link:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160293973194&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

Psylocke: The final inked work

2008-10-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the final inked piece. I transferred it from my sketchbook to a full sized artboard and used it to break in my new pens, ink and brushes.
Just finished it up tonight after we've just gotten back from a trip to the East Coast, and it was a fun diversion while I got over my reverse jet lag.

Sketchbook Girl #1 Psylocke

2008-09-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

Drew this in my sketchbook last night...

HACK/SLASH #18 Cover-The process part 3

2008-08-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

That wraps up my part in this piece--Now to the inks! The inks on this cover are a real thrill for me. This cover is inked by my friend, Paul Wee--You can check out his art blog in the links section on the right--Go there! It's worth it! Paul is an Assistant Director on The Simpsons, and I met him through my wife, Karen, who is a retakes Director on The Simpsons. Paul is a true artist's artist and his work and advice have really inspired me over the last few years.
At the same time that I got this cover job, Paul and I were sketching animals over at the LA Zoo once a week. During one of our trips to the zoo, I was telling him about a cover gig I was starting work on for a horror comic called HACK/SLASH--and I suddenly put two and two together. I realized that Paul digs horror and that I've wanted to work with Paul on something for a long time. So I asked Paul to ink the cover. He was kind enough to say yes, even though he was in the middle of moving.
The resulting cover is one of my very favorite pieces of work. Paul's line over my pencils is spontaneous and exciting. I hope everybody out there digs it as much as I do.
I know I've blathered on a bit here, but please indulge me just a bit longer. I'm not posting the next part of the process of this cover right now---I want everyone to be psyched to run out and pick up the book when it comes out---Here's the thing: The colors are a sight to behold. Lizzy John colored me and Paul on this cover, and when I say colored, I wonder if I should say painted? The work Lizzy did on this piece is the best color work my pencils have ever seen. No offense to the great folks that have colored my work in the past, but, wow. Big huge thanks to Paul and Lizzy and our editor, Mike O'Sullivan for a really fun job.
HACK/SLASH #18 is on sale in November and you can find a portion of the final colored cover in the September issue of PREVIEWS on page 240!

HACK/SLASH #18 Cover-The process part 2

2008-08-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the MANY differences in the pencils that you see here versus the original layout. I was happy with the pose, but when I got to drawing the actual cover---I started to kinda see a mini movie of the scene in my head--Cassie in the sewers, repeatedly attacked and slashed at by the crazed killer that's reflected in her knife. The sewer background felt right to me instead of the checker board background in the layout--Horror and action movies seem to have a tendency to have their climaxes in old factories, steel mills, or sewers...Not so much on checker boards...Also, I changed the gloves from the layouts to bandages in the final piece, and added many more injuries. Cassie chases slashers, and from reading the HACK/SLASH Omnibus that Tim Seeley gave me, I saw that she tends to get in a little over her head sometimes. I thought the whole "Hunter becomes Hunted" idea might work well, and that became the story I wanted to tell with this cover.

HACK/SLASH #18 Cover-The process

2008-08-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Now that my cover for HACK/SLASH #18 is being solicited in PREVIEWS, here's the process by which I drew the cover, and what happened after it left my drawing table!
Here's my initial sketch for the cover---

UPDATE for late August

2008-08-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Boy, a new baby keeps you busy! Karen and I have been having a great time with our super-cute little daughter, Cole. Lotsa family has been here to see us and we've had lots going on here at Casa de Johnson.
In the meantime, I've gotten to work on a couple of new covers for Devil's Due Productions---The cover for HACK/SLASH #18, and I just finished up the cover for an issue of the upcoming BIONIC COMMANDO comic that's inspired by the new and exciting version of the classic video game. I'll post the artwork for all to see as soon as it's ok to do so.
I've also been getting in some work on The Black Lake---Previous posting here featured our first promo piece for the graphic novella. Hopefully it aroused some curiousity out there. I'm having a lot of fun every time I get to sit down with it. I'll have something new to post here in the near future. In the meantime, please keep checking back!

2008-08-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

(Matilda Finn & The Black Lake are (c) Drew Johnson, 2008)

Say Hi to Cole Johnson!

2008-07-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

This post took longer to get to than I meant it to, but now I know what my friends who are parents meant when they said you don't get much sleep when your baby first arrives!
That aside, please join me in welcoming Cole Jeanette Johnson into the world! She was born last Tuesday at 2:41 pm in sunny Burbank, CA. She's 21 inches long and weighs about 8 lbs now. She came out into the world barely crying and shot me such a sweet look that it was love at first sight. She's healthy and happy and easy to get along with. Karen and I are having a ball with her.
Here's a couple of photos that they took at the hospital---She does a great Caesar impression, our stoic little Colonel....

Baby, get out here!

2008-07-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry to say there's no baby arrival to report. Karen's almost two weeks past the due date, and we've got an appointment with the baby doctor again on monday---Maybe we'll see some activity after that....
In the meantime, Karen's folks have been here waiting patiently with us for The Colonel's arrival. Karen's mom has been walking her around the mall, we walked around Disneyland..There has been much walking...So now we're all sleeping better, but no baby yet.
Up in my studio, I just finished a new Cover for Devil's Due and Tim Seeley's comic, HACK/SLASH. I had a GREAT time with it, and was pleased and flattered that I could get my friend, Paul Wee to ink it for me. You can see Paul's extraordinary work on his blog, which I've linked up with on the right side of this blog. It's full of beautiful work, and if you are not familiar with Paul's work, you'll get a big kick out of it, I promise.
I've also been working away at my graphic novel, THE BLACK LAKE. I've got a friend coloring the first promo piece, which will be on display here as soon as I can get it here. Stay tuned....
Finally, if you've been waiting around for a commission, some good news---I've started working on them again...DT, yours is almost done. Thanks for all your patience everyone!
That's all the news that's fit to print right now---If you've got a moment, check out the link I've posted to Brian Stelfreeze's blog! It's really cool, and Brian is one of my favorite artists and a great teacher.

The Colonel arrives this week! Maybe!

2008-06-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

The official due date for the Johnson offspring is July 3rd---So it seems The Colonel could be greeting the outside world any day now! Karen and I are bouncing between excited and terrified.
Why is our baby currently known as "The Colonel"? It's a name idea I came up with for David Hahn's daughter, Cleo before she was born. Rightly, David and Robbyn chose not to go with it---But I stand by the name. Think about it: The teacher in elementary school asking the other students--"Is The Colonel back from recess yet?"--Future co-workers asking each other, "Well, what does The Colonel think about all of this?" It's a name that continually demands respect.
So while our parents would probably kill us both if we actually went with "The Colonel Johnson" as our baby's name, Karen and I have been enjoying using it as a place-holder name for the baby since we've decided not to learn if it's a boy or a girl 'til it's born. It's been pretty funny when friends and relatives call to ask, "How's The Colonel?"
I have a feeling it's gonna be hard to stop calling it that when it's born. I also suspect that I may just have to salute as The Colonel arrives finally for it's first inspection of our little family platoon.

(Photo of me & Karen by Sari Zimmerman)

June Update!

2008-06-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

I have not fallen off the Earth! Been busy working on things I can't show off. I just finished work on my part of the GI Joe Movie Style Guide---Unfortunately, I won't be able to show that stuff off 'til after the movie is released...
I've also been at work on my graphic novella, The Black Lake this month. The script is complete and the entire book is laid out and ready to draw. I've penciled the first promo piece and Ray is inking it as I write this entry---Well, maybe not RIGHT now. Actually, he's probably asleep...Ol' Ray's getting up there in years....As soon as the promo art is finished, you'll see it here first folks.
Speaking of Ray Snyder---Everyone should be checking out his work with Yanick Paquette over on Marvel's Young X-Men. Yanick is one of the best artists working in comics today, and Ray makes his beautiful work look even prettier. Good book, guys!
One last note---I'm thinking about putting some of my Supergirl work up for sale. If anyone out there is looking to pick up any pages or covers from my recent run, just drop me a note at graphitemonkey@gmail.com.

Now it can be shown, part 2

2008-05-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Over on my Comic Art Fans site, you can see an alternative costume that I designed for Supergirl before I started my run. It didn't fare that well--There was more interest in a more conservative look, recalling that Supergirl is, well, 16. I think like a lot of folks, I forgot that for a moment when I was doing that first design.
Here's the second design I did, and for a little while, It looked like it might get accepted. In the end, I'm sorry to say, it didn't.
I'm putting it up for public consideration, and to see if I was totally full of it or not for thinking that it was cool.

Eyes only: The NYCC GI Joe variant cover

2008-05-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the finished version of the GI Joe New York Comic Con variant cover that Ray and I did for Devil's Due. It features The Baroness and Destro---If you'd like to see the original pencils, check out the link to my gallery at Comic Art Fans on the right of this entry!

Good Night, Kara Zor-El!

2008-05-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

DEPT. OF BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS! I've tendered my resignation from monthly penciling duties on DC's SUPERGIRL.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that Karen and I are expecting our first offspring soon. I figured that if I go ahead and wrap up my work on SUPERGIRL by June, then I can have a month to work on my graphic novel, THE BLACK LAKE, before our baby arrives in July. I'm planning a four month hiatus from regular comic work to learn to tackle the challenges of being a new dad and to finish work on penciling THE BLACK LAKE. Look for further announcements regarding THE BLACK LAKE to be posted here in the near future.
BIG HUGE THANKS to everyone who has supported my work on SUPERGIRL. It's been a tough run, but I had a great time. Thanks to my editor, Matt Idelson, and to Tom Palmer Jr and Nachie Castro. I've loved working with you guys and hope we get to work together again soon. Thanks, too, to my great friend and inker, Ray Snyder. Thanks for putting up with my usual crazy crap, and thanks for doing such lovely work over my scribbles. Can't wait to see what we do on THE BLACK LAKE and beyond.
And of course, the BIGGEST THANKS to my wife Karen, for all of her love and support, and for being the coolest soon-to-be mom ever to walk the Earth.

Back to the Dept. of Big Thanks!

2008-05-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

A long overdue Dept. of Big Thanks THANKS to Aimee LoSecco for adding her page from my Wonder Woman run to the "From Panel To Panel" Exhibition that was curated by her friend Tara Donahue during the New York Comic Con. It was really cool to know that my work was being featured among so many great artists. Aimee and Tara, I'm sorry that I wasn't able to get over to the gallery to see the show--I stayed really busy during the con every day--but I hope you'll send me some pictures from the show when you get time. I'll post 'em here!
Also, another big THANKS to Aimee and her co-workers at the Gotham City Comics booth at NYCC for being so cool, and giving me a killer deal on my Bowen Wasp bust. Karen and I stopped by Gotham City Comics when we were in New York last November at Aimee's invitation, and it's a really cool shop. They're at 796 Lexington Ave. 2nd Floor at 62nd st. Stop by and see 'em if you're in New York!
BIG THANKS to the awesome folks at Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, CA for having me and Karen as their guests for Free Comic Book Day '08. What a rush! We had a spectacular crowd turn out, and Karen and I had a great time meeting everyone. THANKS to Gail, John, Debbie, and all the other great folks at Metropolis for a great afternoon, and thanks to all the folks who came out to see us. It was a real blast.

Now that's what it should've looked like!

2008-05-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

This is a piece I just did for my friend, John Higashi. It's Leia as I had originally designed her to appear in the fourth issue of the Star Wars Infinities:A New Hope project that Ray and I worked on a few years back.
It's basically "Darth Leia"--as she's become Vader's apprentice after the rebellion's failure to destroy the Death Star. I'm glad I got the opportunity to draw her again. I feel like I had a better handle on the idea this time, versus my original design drawing.
Hope you like it, John--- Thanks for your infinite patience!

Don't forget!

2008-05-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Karen and I will be appearing at Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, CA for Free Comic Book Day this upcoming Saturday.
We'll be there from 11:30am-3:30pm--Be sure to come by and say "Hi". I understand they'll have cookies.

New goings-on for the end of April

2008-04-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a really great trip to New York Comic Con. That was a really great show. I think I may do that one now instead of San Diego. It's a bit less crowded and seems to focus more on comics. I noticed that all the editors that I'd been hoping to get to see were there, and they seemed a lot less over-worked than at SD, and more interested in chatting. I got some exciting business done, and hope to have some cool announcements in the next couple of months. Thanks to DC and Marvel for putting on some really nice parties, and thanks to Vince and Adam for having me at the DC signing on Sunday. Also, big thanks to Brian, Nora, Tim, Josh and Mike for having me at the Devil's Due signings each day of the show.
Also, a big thanks to my pal David Hahn for coming out to NYCC with me all the way from Portland. David, it was really fun to share a table with you buddy, and even better to just get to hang out with you again---It's been a long time.
*NEWS OF THE RAY* Ray Snyder stayed home from NYCC and worked. I'm sorry to report that he did that around regular trips to the hospital to visit his brother, who fell from a roof and pretty well shattered his leg and foot, as well as his mother, who suffered a light stroke. Hope they're both doing better, Ray.
*New Link!* If you look over in the Links column, you'll see inker Marc Deering's blog link. Marc inked penciller Lee Ferguson when he filled in on Supergirl #26 while I was recovering from my Appendectomy. They did a great job in not much time--Big thanks to them! Check out Marc's blog---He does nice work, and he has a great group of links.

Ray's not dead!

2008-04-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

That uh...That was my bad. I didn't think about how that last headline looked....My apologies for the fright.
Um...Sorry Ray.

The cleaner version...

2008-04-12T00:31:00.000-07:00

Over on my gallery at comicartfans.com (see link on the side of the page), I put up the published version of the cover pencils for SUPERGIRL #28. She's really muddy, especially around her face.
My original pencils kept her face a little clearer of debris, but I've got to give it up to Matt Idelson--She's crawling from the grave--She probably wouldn't look all clean and pretty...Unless you're looking at her here, revealed for the first time in all her clean-ish glory...

Now they can be shown...

2008-04-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

Here's some of the design sketches that I did for the recent appearance of RESURRECTION MAN in SUPERGIRL #28---I didn't wanna let 'em out til the issue came out. Here they are---warts 'n all.
The head and shoulders shot is the second version that my editor and I liked. We came up with the idea that he cuts his own hair short, but each time he gets killed and is reborn, his hair grows back out again---Hence the scene in the desert. Also, note the facial tattoo---It's an uruboros (dunno if I spelled that correctly...), symbolizing rebirth. We wanted to give him a little bit of a new look for his re-emergence onto the scene, but alas---it was cut in the end.
I just finished my work on issue 29, which features more Rez Man. He's been rather fun to draw, and an interesting departure from some of the, well, tidier heroes I've drawn.

We'll miss you, Ray....

2008-04-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Looks like due to a large workload, my good friend and inker, Ray Snyder will not be attending New York Comic Con this year.
Gotta give it up to Ray---He's eating a fairly expensive plane ticket to make sure he gets his books inked. I pressured him to come any way, just 'cause David and I were looking forward to getting to see him, but in the end I realized I wasn't helping and stopped being a jerk about it. We'll miss you, Ray, and Kim as well...It won't be the same with out you.
THE GOOD NEWS FOR FANS OF SUPERGIRL: Here's the silver lining---Though I'm not selling any of my penciled pages or covers yet from our run on SUPERGIRL, I will be selling Ray's inked SUPERGIRL pages for him at the New York Comic Con, in an effort to help him recoup his losses from his unused plane ticket. Come by Artist's Alley and check 'em out! If you buy one of his pages, we can call Ray on my cell phone, put him on speaker and he can thank you personally. Well...He might be busy...We'll see.

Upcoming Appearances!

2008-04-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

The weekend of April 18th, you can see me at NEW YORK COMIC CON along with my great pals Ray Snyder and David Hahn. If you're in town, come by and say "hey". Ray and I will be signing our NYCC variant GI JOE cover at the Devil's Due Productions booth at varied times throughout the weekend, and David, Ray and I will be signing at the DC Comics booth on Sunday from 3pm-4pm. The rest of the time we'll be hanging out in Artist's Alley.
May 3rd, Free Comicbook Day, I'll be appearing at METROPOLIS COMICS in Bellflower, CA with my lovely wife Karen Carnegie-Johnson, re-take director on THE SIMPSONS. Also, she worked on THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. Come by and say "Hello", and maybe we'll draw something cool for you.
To answer the folks who've been asking lately, I won't be attending San Diego Comic Con this year, because our NEW BABY is due shortly before the con in July. I might make it down there briefly, but just to see some friends. Karen and I will see you there next year, though, with our new tyke along for the ride.

Look what I found!

2008-03-29T18:29:00.001-07:00

I was looking for something in my portfolio file the other day and unearthed this Wonder Woman panel that I had saved during my work on Jody Picoult's run on WW. It's one of my favorite shots that I've drawn of her--from the pencils from issue six, panel 1.
Just thought I'd throw it up here for any fans of my Wonder Woman stuff that might be lurking around out there. I love all three of you.

Dave Stevens died recently

2008-03-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late in saying something about this. I don't handle death well, so these things can take me a while. Heck, I'm still trying to figure out what to say about 'Ringo's death. All I can think of is what a great guy he was the few times that I got to hang out with him.
Unfortunately, I never even got to hang out with Dave Stevens. I thought I might someday---It's a small industry. I was crossing my fingers. I'm really sad that now I won't get that chance to meet him. Dave was one of my biggest inspirations in the way that I draw and in the kind of stories that I'm interested in telling. I dunno that knowing that would have been a big deal to him, but I wish I could've told him sometime.
You know what's great, though? We can visit great artists--great storytellers like Mike and like Dave any time through their work. We can go back and re-read The Rocketeer or Tellos and see what those guys wanted to share with us. What they wanted to dazzle us with. Every time we look at their work, we will remember why we miss them, and enjoy what part of themselves they've left for us. Forever. I take comfort in that idea.

Sketchbooks for sale!

2008-03-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

If you would like to get a hold of one of my Convention Sketchbooks, Just email me at graphitemonkey@gmail.com and let me know! They're $10, plus $1 shipping, so it can be mailed to you priority mail. I only accept Paypal for payment due to past problems with checks and money orders. In your email, just let me know your Name, Address and how many sketchbooks you'd like, and if you'd like it signed or not.

New Links!

2008-03-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

Please note that I've learned how to add links to this thing---Now you can get to my gallery at comicartfans.com by following the "Drew's Art Gallery" Link. Also, if you're interested in following my and Karen's adventures in being expecting parents, you can check out the "Our Baby Blog" link and look in on The Colonel! Exciting!

One more reason to get Supergirl #28!

2008-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

Ray and I got to work with a familiar face this issue. Maybe you can't go home again, but at least you can visit. Here's a couple more preview shots from April's upcoming Supergirl #28. Hope you dig 'em!

Look over there!

2008-02-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

Just posted the inked cover to the upcoming Supergirl #29 over on my gallery at www.comicartfans.com. It's one of my very favorite pieces that Ray and I have done together. Also, just wait til you see the colors. Brad Anderson is absolutely great at what he does.
My gallery is under Johnson, Drew, if you'd like to check it out. Sometime soon, I'm gonna start posting links on this blog. Stay tuned.
I'll be posting different art both here and at my CAF gallery, so keep an eye on both spots if you should wonder what I'm up to....

Supergirl #28 Preview shots

2008-02-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of Supergirl shots from my work on SG #28. It's gonna be a fun issue!

Dept. of Big Thank Yous

2008-02-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

BIG THANKS to everyone at METROPOLIS COMICS in Bellflower, CA for having me and Karen as guests at their "I Love Comics" Event on Feb 9th. We had a really good time meeting everyone there, and we thoroughly enjoyed our customized Moon Pies during the car ride home.
BIG THANKS to JOHN HIGASHI for coming out to see us at the Metropolis event and for giving us that fabulous autographed "Hero Bear and the Kid" book. It was great to see you, John.
I know these BIG THANKS are a little late in getting announced, but hey, I just started this thing up again....

What I'm working on....

2008-02-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

SUPERGIRL #28. It's coming due soon here, so my posts will be brief for a while. For all you nice folks who are ripping me a new one for how little I was able to work on the recently released #26: I can only apologize for my appendix's bad behavior. It had worked itself into a state and had to be removed. Heck of a way to spend New Years Day, lemme tell you.
SUPERGIRL #27 will feature a great looking fill-in by Rick Leonardi with page one by yours truly. SUPERGIRL #28 will feature an all-Drew issue at last. Hope you all like it, I'm having a lot of fun drawing it.
ALSO---Look for the upcoming NY ComicCon Cover for GI Joe featuring The Baroness and Destro that Ray and I just finished. It was a heck of a lotta fun, and we'll be signing it at the Devil's Due Booth at the NYCC. Also, look for us in Artist's Alley with our good buddy, David Hahn.
FINALLY, to settle a controversy I've heard about lately: In SUPERGIRL #23---In the panel where she's flying up to the tesseract and you can kinda see up her skirt---Folks, she's wearing shorts under there. Brad just colored 'em kinda grayish and it looks like shading. Refer too all of my previous Girl illustration in comics. I'm no perv.

Here we go again

2008-02-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

So, I've left off this thing for years...Just not much of a "Blogger", I suppose. However, since I'm so lame as to have avoided getting a web site, I realized this could pretty well fit the bill for alerting the public to my current art projects, and to show around the occasional bit of artwork.
Check back now and again, and I'll do my level best to add something new every few days. Really.