RIP Tony DeZuniga & Ernie Chan

This month has been a very sad time for the comics industry, as it has lost two of it's greatest artists... Tony DeZuniga and Ernie Chan have passed away. Both of these artists were favourites of mine, and I'm deeply saddened to hear of their passing. Ernie in particular was a favourite of mine... while many will remember him for his beautiful work on Marvel's Conan the Barabarian (where he inked the legendary John Buscema's powerful pencils), it's his work on the Incredible Hulk that made the biggest impression on me. Ernie inked my all-time favourite artist Sal Buscema on issues 210-212, 214-220 (with George Tuska & Keith Pollard filling in for Sal on issue 218), and between them produced the most beautiful artwork ever featured in that title. Ernie also produced several covers for Hulk as well.... many which remain my all-time favourites on the book.

Tony also inked both Buscema's, as well as many others... however, the work that I'll always remember is his beautiful Shanna the She Devil strip, that featured in Rampaging Hulk magazine.

I shall always be grateful to both artists for the enjoyment and influence their work has given me over the years. God bless and my thoughts and best wishes go out to both of their families and loved ones.

Happy birthday to the Undertaker... and meeting Mick Foley!

As some of you may know, I'm just a little bit of a wrestling fan! I started watching it back in 1991, and while I don't watch it so much these days, still remain a big fan of what these guys do. I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to the man who is my all-time favourite wrestler, Mr. Mark Calaway.. better known to WWE wrestling fans as the Phenom,  the one and only Undertaker! Happy birthday 'Taker... here's to 20-0 at Wrestlemania!! And don't worry about HBK ruining your match with Triple H... we creatures of the night have got your back!

My own, artistic interpretation of the WWE's UNDERTAKER.

Now, regarding the above picture... this leads me to a recent event which I can honest say was a highlight for me.  I'm very proud to say that the original of the above piece of artwork is now owned by another all-time favourite wrestler of mine, the Hardcore Legend and all-round nice guy Mr. Mick Foley! I presented it to him at Cardiff Glee Club during his his "Nights In Red Flannel" comedy tour this past February. It was a highlight to meet and chat to one of my all-time heroes, and meant a lot to me to be able to give him this work as a thank you for all the years he has entertained me. A long-time comics fan, Mick told me how he has once visited John Buscema's art studio, when the legendary comic artist presented him with an original peace of Thor artwork! Again, it was awesome to get to chat to Mick... definitely a moment I'll never forget!

Mick Foley after I had presented him with two pieces of my
artwork.

The Hardcore Legend! BIG thanks to Matthew Grant for the
photographs.

Now... after a post featuring the legendary Mick Foley, I'd be remiss if I didn't end it with his classic catchphrase, so here goes:

Have a nice day!!! (Bang Bang!)

Austin 3:16....

... says Stone Cold just whooped Mickey's A$$!!

"Leave my damn beer alone, Jackass!!"

... a (literally) five minute sketch I did earlier today which was retweeted to over 590,000 people by none other than 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin himself! Cheers, Stone Cold! Here's to Austin 3:16 day (16th of March).. gimmie a hell yeah!!