Masked Avenger Studios

The Phantom and Tarzan...

2012-02-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Together at last! For my good friend Pete Klaus!

CAPS Fundraising Auction for the Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundaton and the 30th Anniversary of Dave Stevens The Rocketeer!

2012-02-13T15:36:00.003-08:00

The Comics Art Professional Society (CAPS) is holding a fundraising auction in May (final dates to come) for the Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation and to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the debut of Dave Stevens The Rocketeer. 50% of the proceeds will go to the Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation to help combat the disease that claimed Dave Stevens life. They've asked the members to donate a piece of original art - Rocketeer themed or otherwise - to the auction, this piece will be part of the auction. The remainder of the proceeds will go to fund CAPS activities, primarily the annual banquet to honor a distinguished veteran of the comic art community. If you have a piece you'd like to donate please contact CAPS here.

Dick Tracy and The Green Hornet...

2012-02-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

together at last!

The Shadow Knows...

2012-01-31T09:20:00.001-08:00

Having fun... ala Toth! :)

More Grand Jester Busts!

2012-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

The designs for the latest announcement of Grand Jester Busts, masterfully sculpted by Jackie Gonzalez (Belle) Bryan Wynia (Beast and Cruella) and Patrick Simmons (The Genie and The Pumpkin King). See pics of the final sculpts at our friends at Disney Showcase Key!

Ben 10 Classic Comps Roughs and Clean Ups...

2012-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

For Cartoon Network Creative Group...

Latest Grand Jester Bust...

2011-12-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Lone Ranger and Tonto!

2011-10-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Cover for the upcoming "The Lone Ranger Chronicles" anthology. Published by Moonstone Books.

Garfield Statue

2011-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

14" Sculpt of Jim Davis's Garfield done for Factory Entertainment in ZBrush unveiled at the recent 2011 San Diego Comic Con. Photo via D. Martin Myatt of cooltoyreview.com

The Haunted Mansion... Caretaker and dog

2011-07-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

"Graveyard Shift" for the Walt Disney Classics Collection... Get all the details at the Duckman's Blog, and info on a special Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary event where the piece will also be sold at! Please Note: The Whiteware image is not for sale. These images are to show the plussing details olny. Further details at the Duckman's Blog.

Sally in color!

2011-07-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Catch all the info here!

The Green Hornet "Still at Large!"

2011-07-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

The cover to the third in a series of anthology stories on the Green Hornet, this one titled "The Green Hornet; Still at Large!" Catch all the info on the current books available for order through Moonstone Books here. Oh, and see if you can find the inside trivia on this cover... there are eight pieces of written info. Bzzzzzz....!

Sorcerer Mickey Bust

2011-06-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

The design for the latest Grand Jester Studio bust release... Sorcerer Mickey. Order him here! Sculpted by the very talented Bruce Lau.

Mustangs and the Grand Prix

2011-06-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Some recent sketches at the Norco Extreme Mustang Makeover auction. If you've never been, it's quite an experience. Very emotional to see the trainers who worked with these wild mustangs for 90 days and give them up to sale. And then got some on the spot watercolor painting at the Memorial Day Classic Grand Prix, always a fun event. Thanks to Monica Horn for the pics!

Check out...

2011-06-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Dana Palmer's website here! Beautiful art and lots of fun things in the works!

Latest WDCC piece...

2011-05-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

From the Walt Disney Classics Collection... catch all the details at the Duckman's site!

More Tales of Zorro!

2011-05-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

Now for sale... from Moonstone Books. I shared a few sneak peeks a while back of some of the illustrations. Here are the rest of them and... the thumbnails. You can get your copy here!

Sally

2011-05-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Sally from Electric Tiki.

The Burbank Historical Society and The Gordon R. Howard Museum

2011-04-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Have you been to the Burbank Historical Society? You'll be surprised at all that's there. Be prepared to browse for a couple hours. And while there check out the Disney exhibit. Oh, and that's our dog Blue, yes... with a Blue plane out in front of the adjacent Gordon R. Howard Museum. Highly recommended seeing both museums.

New Disney Villians Line... coming soon from Electric Tiki.

2011-02-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

And guess who's on the list!

German reprint of Alex Toth's Zorro!

2011-01-14T23:49:00.000-08:00

First cover for the reprints of Alex Toth's well regarded classic adventures of the 50's Zorro comics! And... a sneak peak to the second cover! These stories are considered visual storytelling masterpieces. Published in Germany by Thorsten Lehmann of Classic Heroes. They will be in German and newly re-colored. Each cover reflect the stories inside, starting in chronological order... There are two stories in each issue. Our German friends will enjoy the flyer above. Thorsten will be at the Comic & Film Börse Convention in Austria at the end of this month where the first issue will be available for purchase!

Here's the convention info:

Berufsschule
LÄNGENFELDGASSE 13-15,
1120 Wien, Austria

http://www.comicfilm.at/

Thanks Thorsten for asking and the oportunity. It's a pleasure to be able to be part of this project... these covers were done in memory of my late and dear great friend Alex Toth.

Doc Savage in... color!

2011-01-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Painted by painter extraordinaire... Mireya Romo-Bowen!

Happy New Year... Interview at AP Sculpture Studio!

2011-01-04T22:07:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year all! Hope everyone had a good one... To start off the year, the very talented sculptor and colleague Alfred Paredes posted an interview he did with yours truly at his blog AP Sculpture Studio. It's a great place to get inspiration and find out about other sculptors in the industry. Thank you Alfred, and thank you for providing a platform as well as giving back so much to the sculpting and collectible community. While there make sure to check out Alfred's incredible body of work!

Happy Holidays from Huey, Dewey and Louie!

2010-12-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

As promised, a peak at "Holiday Helpers", the latest in the WDCC from Mickey's Christmas Carol. Thanks to digital sculptor Mike Reis for his accessory work!

Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for all your support, loyalty and friendship throughout the years... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Masked Avenger Studios! Adolfo, Vivian, Jeanne and Rubén.

It's Daisy!

2010-12-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from Daisy! The latest in the Walt Disney Classic Collection Mickey's Christmas Carol line titled "Reflections of Christmas Past". And... next up, Donald's nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie dress a Christmas tree in "Holiday Helpers" Stay tuned!

Happy Holidays from Captain Marvel!

2010-12-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

A few years back my good friend P.C. Hamerlinck asked me to do holiday covers for his FCA Section of TwoMorrows Alter Ego Magazine... here are the thumbnails for the covers. Always fun to draw the Cap!

Masked Avenger Studios awarded one of 2010 Top Animation Blogs!

2010-11-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

OnlineComputerScienceDegree.com

Thank you to the folks over at Computer Science Degree for making us one of the Top Animation Blogs of 2010! Click on the Award Badge and enjoy all the other winners as well!

Sculpting Panel!

2010-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

Had a great time doing a sculpting panel "Clay (and Keyboard) Underneath My Nails"with my fellow colleagues in the film business. Took place at the CTN Animation Expo this past weekend. Each a titan in the field... pictured from left to right, Damon Bard, Doug Hild, Bruce Lau, Kent Melton, Yours truly, Michael DeFeo, Jim McPherson and Raphello Vecchione! Great turnout and fun conversation about our craft... Click on each name above for links to their incredible website/info/blog... enjoy!

Rear Window! Superhero style...

2010-11-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Concept Sketches and designs for a "DC Directs" window wall dimensional displays pieces... ala "Batman!" The idea was to tell a story and display together, they can either be hung on the wall or displayed on a desk or shelf. Click on images to make larger.... Look out "Batman and Robin!"

Great time at the Long Beach Comic Con! And... Tron likes Tron!

2010-11-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Had a terrific time, thanks to good buddy Juan Ortiz of "Silver Comics"... Thanks Juan! Thats a picture of him with a sketch of Chameleonman. And... Bruce Boxleitner was there, he liked the Electric Tiki sculpt of Tron Bryan Wynia and I did. Bruce was great, he told a story about catching the Frisbee in one take while filming the original Tron movie! I did a drawing of him doing that! Thanks again Juan for an unforgettable couple days.. Fun!

"Ben 10" Ultimate Alien "Andreas' Fault" Storyboards! Post 2!

2010-11-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Storyboards for "Ben 10" Ultimate Alien, episode "Andreas' Fault"... the ending! Directed by Dan Riba.

Next Stop... Printing!

2010-10-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

Here' s a few shots of the printed out Doc Savage piece done by the good folks over at Morpheus Prototypes, thanks Shawn and Will! Next stop molds and paint masters!

Long Beach Comic Con!

2010-10-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all... will be at the Long Beach Comic Con next weekend, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 30th by way of invitation from my good buddy Juan Ortiz publisher of Silver Comics, booth #319! Will be taking commissions and selling some goodies! Hope to see many of you there! And make sure to check out the Silver Comics blog too!

More Doc Savage...!

2010-10-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks all for the great response to the Doc Savage Statue Bryan and I did... Among several concept done, here's a concept that wasn't used. Maybe a pose for another day!

SculptTor sez...

2010-10-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

...the PopSculpture book comes out later this month. A book on how to create collectible statues and action figures. Click here and order yours today!

The Doc Report...

2010-10-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Man of Bronze is done!...

Final images of Electric Tiki's Doc Savage Statue. Number 18 in the series of the Classic Heroes Collection.

We leave you with the Doc Savage Creed. Written by his creator Lester Dent (alias pen name of Kenneth Robeson):

Let me strive every moment of my life, to make myself better and better,
to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it.
Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it,
with no regard for anything but justice.
Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage.
Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do.
Let me do right to all, and wrong no man.

Captain Action/Green Hornet Cover!

2010-09-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Those of you who grew up in the 60's will remember Captain Action and how he changed into your favorite superhero! Well, pals Ed Catto and Joe Ahearn, the guys at the helm of Captain Action's revival, along with buddy Joe Gentile, publisher of Moonstone Books, are putting out a neat book with a prose story teaming up both Captain Action and... The Green Hornet! Being a fan of both, I jumped at the opportunity when asked to do a cover. Thanks old chums! The issue is called Captain Action Winter Special #1's. Aside from The Green Hornet Team-up prose story, the issue will also feature a CA story written by Beau Smith and illustrated by none other than Eduardo Barreto! Wow... enjoy!

The Green Hornet Casefiles

2010-09-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Cover for The Green Hornet Casefiles. Vol. 2 in the series of anthologies by Moonstone Books... There have been several versions of The Green Hornet and Kato in the Black Beauty throughout the years... thought I'd try my hand at one. The book will be edited by Joe Gentile and Win Scott Eckert... visit Moonstone Books for more details, coming soon! Bzzzz....

Be our Guest!

2010-09-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Every year Cinde Fortino organizes a wonderful dinner called "Be our Guest". I've been very flattered to be asked to attend, this is my third year in a row, thanks Cinde! The evening consists of Disney aficionados and fans who have an opportunity to have dinner with a Disney alumni, each seated at different tables. This years Disney alumni were from left to right, back row: John Musker (Co-Director of The Little Mermaid/Aladdin), Steve Davison (Creator of the World of Color at Disneyland), Max Howard (Former Head of Disney Animation London, Paris, Orlando and Los Angeles and... my former boss!), Willie Ito (Animator and Illustrator at Disney's, Hanna Barbera, Warner's and Bob Clampett, where he worked on Benie and Cecil! FYI, make sure to check out his terrific book called "Hello Maggie"), yours truly. First row seated: Dave Stollery (Marty from the television serial "Spin and Marty" on the Mickey Mouse Club), Cinde Fortino (Be our Guest!) and Dick Jones (Original voice of Pinocchio!) Thanks again Cinde for a wonderful time! The pin we're all wearing (shown above) was especially designed for this event by my old buddy and pal, artist Tony West... Great job Tony!

Concept Design Academy

2010-08-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Was recently invited by good friend, colleague and ZBrush teacher Bryan Wynia to speak in his ZBrush class at the Concept Design Academy in Pasadena and do a presentation on designing statues. Bryan and I are collaborating on many ZBrush collectible statues together so this was a great opportunity to share my approach on both traditional and now digital sculpting. This is a great school showcasing teachers from all over the industry. Check out the class schedule above. They have a great setting and artist friendly facilities. I highly recommend attending this school and taking advantage of all they've got to offer. I got a chance to meet a group of very talented students and we discussed principles that I use in drawing and animation, like silhouette, gesture, rhythm, overlap, follow through, dynamic posing and most importantly story telling. They were in the process of building their own version of Smaug, so Bryan had me come up with a few designs during the presentation. Thanks for the invite Bryan, really fun!

SNEAK PEAK: "You may see the Doc now..."

2010-08-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a WIP sneak peak of the latest hero in Electric Tiki's Classic Heroes Collection, #18 Doc Savage! Digitally sculpted in zBrush. More on the Doc to come...

SDCC!

2010-07-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, another year, another San Diego Comic Con... I will be down there with work displayed at these booths:

-Sideshow Collectibles- Electric Tiki's Goliath from Disney's Gargoyles TV animated series, vintage Tron statue, Tinkerbell, Spike (rough sculpt by yours truly and cleaned up by the very talented Jackie Gonzales) and Woody from Toy Story!

-Diamond Distribution-Grand Jester Busts: Dastan from the recent movie Prince of Persia, Flynn from Tron (the Jeff Bridges character from the original movie) designed by yours truly and digitally sculpted by the amazing Dave Cortes!

-Factory Entertainment- Vintage 60's Classic TV Series Green Hornet and Kato Action Figures sculpted in zBrush with Bryan Wynia.

Seen here are digital images of the Green Hornet and Kato action figures including pics of the actual unpainted 3D prototype print that are on display. Stop by and see these historic figures, the first 6 1/2" GH&K action figures ever done of the vintage TV show! Those of you who know me know that this is a great personal satisfaction as I'm a big fan of the show... Hope to see you there, stop by and enjoy! Bzzzzzz...

Hey Scooby!

2010-07-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Apropos to the new Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated animated series that just came out this past week... here are some Scooby Doo comic book cover thumbnails!

Ben 10 Ultimate Alien "Andreas' Fault" Storyboards!

2010-07-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a set of storyboards for the opening of Ben 10 Ultimate Alien's episode called "Andreas' Fault". It just aired recently on Cartoon Network, see video clip below. Not all the pages are here, just some highlights as there were over 30. Thanks to Juan Ortiz, friend and colleague for the introduction to long time director of Ben 10, Dan Riba. It was great to work with an experienced director such as Dan who's been around the block many times over and credits include the Batman, Superman, Justice League and Batman Beyond animated series... just to name a few. I've also added a montage of the castle which I used as reference for this sequence. My buddy Jim Mitchell, master storyboard artist (we go back 30 yrs to our beginnings at Disney's) introduced me to Google Sketchup. He did this castle within minutes for me. Thanks Jim! If you've never tried Google Sketchup I highly recommend it. Its an amazing, fast and accurate way to build any object and then be able to move it in any perspective. For storyboard artist and alike this comes in very handy. More Ben 10 storyboards coming soon!

Woody from Toy Story!

2010-07-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Enjoying Toy Story 3 out in the theaters... well here's the latest in line for Electric Tiki's Classic Heroes collection, Number 22, Woody! (check out Buzz Lightyear as well) Statue concept and base design by Tracy Mark Lee. Using the actual digital files from the film, it was posed in zBrush by yours truly, base by Brandon Parsinski and paint master by Kathiucia Dias. Enjoy! R.

Dastan, The Prince of Persia Bust!

2010-06-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Next in line for Enesco's Grand Jester Studios bust collection, Dastan from the Prince of Persia movie based on the popular video game. You'll see here the various concept drawings and pics of the sculpt. Thanks to Brandon Parsinski for the dagger, sword, chest emblem, buckles, all superbly sculpted digitally with intricate detail. And Paint Master, again masterfully painted by Kat Sapene.

The Green Hornet Chronicles Illos, Sneak Peak #3!

2010-06-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Coming soon!

Memorial Day Classic Grand Prix!

2010-06-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

This past Memorial Day we were invited by good friend Paula (who just so happens to be a Lone Ranger fan! :) to the Memorial Day Classic Grand Prix at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center for the Horse Jumping Contest. What a sight to behold! These magnificent animals and their riders competing in an obstacle course from one hurdle to another. At any of these types of events I can't resist the urge to draw and this was no exception... (and Paula got a surprise Lone Ranger drawing too!) In this case I happened to take a large pad and had my trusty pencils and pens with me that I try to carry all the time. You'll see my animation background seeping through as I sketched a sequence of action drawings while the horse and rider made their jumps. Now I didn't witness this per se, I decided to draw it from an angle I was comfortable with while watching them do this. I'd look up every so often and having the live action reference right in front of me was wonderful. Fun stuff to do! If you ever get an opportunity I encourage you to check out these types of event... and if you're an artist, don't forget your pad or sketchbook! Photos by our friend Tika and myself.

Tron in color!

2010-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of the Tron Sculpt in color, painted by Kat Sapene. Sculpt done in zBrush by Bryan Wynia and myself for Electric Tiki's Classic Heroes Collection... #20!

I'm back... post 2, the UK!

2010-06-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

As promised here is part 2... Warwick, England! Thank you to Enesco rep John Brown (thats me and him shaking hands in the diplomatic shot in front of the American and English Flags) for all his attention and many thanks to Disney Dave, Carole and family, of Castle China for putting together yet another great event! There was a presentation by buddy Tony Oxtoby, signings, a drawing class and more signings! Jeanne and I enjoyed our last visit there, this time, although traveling alone and Jeanne sorely missed, it was great to see everyone again and meet new collectors. Thank you to my dear friends Yvonne and Steve (thats them where I'm holding the Tinkerbell bust) for the hospitality and making me feel at home while there. Good to see you again Yvonne and many thanks for the video of the event you put together, great memories! At the end of the post you can view the video... Great to see my pal Tony Oxtoby (mentioned above) and son Jason again... what a great presentation at the event Tony! (thats them where I'm shaking both their hands at once) And there's Jeff holding the Jiminy piece, thank for the great chocolate bars, both Jeanne and I really liked your clever wrappers, very thoughtful! For those of you who have never been to Warwick its a wonderful little town with Warwick Castle as a landmark, a real authentic caste well worth a visit. You'll also see here some pics throughout town. The red phone booths and red mailboxes and a local Warwick dog :) And... some pics from Stratford upon-Avon, the birth place of William Shakespeare. Was fortunate to have incredible weather, its another beautiful city with the Avon River. Some pics show the boats and canoes that floated by. They have a neat Jester monument, fun to see while promoting the Grand Jester Studios bust line! Came across some neat miniature diecasts of buses at a local fundraiser swap meet and a nice bas-relief atop the door way to a Bank. Thats a glimpse to a terrific time there.... thanks again all and Cherrio!

TUFF-GIRL!

2010-06-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Colleagues Bryan Mon and Merrill Hagan"s Unstoppable Tuff-Girl made it's debut in her first comic-book issue this year... It's chock full of fun! Here's a pin-up of her plus a bonus one! Thanks for asking Bryan... Congrats guys and may there be many more. Go get 'em Tuff-Girl!

I'm back... post 1, Belgium and the Netherlands!

2010-05-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

Had a great time in Europe seeing old friends and meeting new ones, each country fabulous and each event amazingly put together! Thanks to all involved and helping organize everything... especially Carolyn Mooney at Enesco, UK. And thanks to all the collectors who came out to each event, it was a pleasure to meet you all. Here's a few pics with highlights from all the events in Belgium, Netherlands... the UK coming next in a second post! Here I am outside Nexus Six in Belgium. (BTW, that's a picture of the sunrise from my hotel room!) and... that's owner Tom and Nancy Van Gool in their shop with a flattering display case of the WDCC and Grand Jester Busts inside the store. They put on an all day fabulous event! Aside from doing a drawing class we did a sculpting demo where I sculpted a bust of the Beast for the audience. It was really fun, many laughs while I explained my process and told stories of working on the original movie. Oh, and that's Ellen, Tom and Nancy's daughter, walking me in as Elastigirl! Thanks Ellen... she later got a d rawing of Marie from the Aristocats and thats her brother Sam with a drawing of Mushu! Thanks to all the family, Amber who took these fabulous pics and Merel for the great butterfly drawings! Oh, and Tom was gracious enough to drive me to Brussels to visit the Cartoon Museum that I so wanted to go... it was fabulous! I recommended it to all my artist friends, what an inspiration seeing all those great original pieces of art work from so many wonderful Belgium artist and characters like Tin Tin, I could've spent three whole days there! And Yup that's Spiderman crawling the walls of a comic book shop in Antwerp called Mekanik, many fun hours spent there!

Lets not forget all the fabulous monuments you see left and right in Europe, here's a shot of one in a prominent street in Antwerp. Thanks to Lucien Slegers and his wife as well for taking care of me while in Belgium! Then I was off to the Netherlands to meet up with my good friend Hans Evert, representative to all the dealers there... we did a five city tour to Scheveningen, Rotterdam, Ijmuiden, Dordrecht and Helmond... thanks Hans for another great tour! Of course what would Holland be without the windmills, there are approximately 3000 left in the country, always a site to see! We went to five city's, did drawings, signings and also another sculpting class. this one in Rotterdam, a bust of Belle at Saskia's Collectors Company. Another fun session and good times... check out the video clip at the end of this post for a fast motion version of the sculpt, thanks to an animator collector who shot the piece unbeknown to me... We had a nice visit with our friend Govert at his shop FiDonc (Good to see you Govert and glad your doing better!) Aside from the windmills the Netherlands is chock full of beautiful canals, shown here is just one of many! That's me with Rea, Marjon and Martin at the Collectors Closet, wonderful people, wonderful store and terrific collectors, always a pleasure to see! We did a fun drawing class at their eve nt... Then the DisneyMagicstore with dear friends Wendy and Koos! What an incredible all day event had there! a boat ride, hijacked by Captain Jack Sparrow, then a great lunch/drawing class in what was a former dungeon, signings, photos sessions and raffle, much fun had by all. Check out all the fun photos of that day on there website here. And last picture is the drawing done for the eBay auction with the winner in Helmond, a drawinf of the winners choosing its of Donald painting a picture of Donald in an Admiral costume. Thank you all again for a great time and wonderful events! Coming next post Castle China in Warwick, UK! Since we started with a sunrise in Antwerp, I though we'd end off with a sunset... this time in Dordrecht...

European Gallery Signing Tour 2010!

2010-05-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's been more than two years since our last visit to Europe and this week I'll be traveling again to visit with old friends, make new ones and meet the European collectors and fans of Enesco'WDCC and Grand Jester Studio sculptures. The appearance schedule is as follows:

-First stop Antwerp, Belgium: I'll be doing a drawing and sculpting demo at Nexus Six on Sunday, May 9.
-Then off to Holland, first stop Poohshop in Scheveningen, the shop of Wim and family, where I'll be doing a question and answer presentation, a signing and the start of a charity eBay auction (see ad above) on Wed, May 12.
-Next, Collectors Company in Rotterdam, a signing and sculpting demo Thurs. May 13.
-Then, Collectors Closet in Ijmuiden hosted by Martin and Ria, signing and drawing class on Saturday, May 15.
-Back again on to visit my dear friends Koos and Wendy at Disney Magicstore on Sunday, May 15 in Dordrecht, a signing, drawing class with a boat trip as well!
-The final Netherlands stop is on Tuesday, May 18, Poohshop, this time their sister store in Helmond the prior auction started will conclude, the winner will get a personalized drawing of a Disney character of their choosing.
-Cross the North Sea to England, next stop, Saturday, May 22, my old friends Carole and Disney Dave's shop, Castle China in Warwick. Don't miss a WDCC presentation by my good pal Tony Oxtoby (Snow White collector extraordinaire!) followed by much fun, drawing class, signings and raffles!

So if your anywhere near by, come out for the fun and lets talk WDCC and Grand Jester!

Look forward meeting and seeing everyone!

The Green Hornet Chronicles/ Sneak Peak at Interior Illos!

2010-04-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sneak peak of several more illos that will be included with each story inside the upcoming Green Hornet Chronicles Anthology published by Moonstone Books. Included among the writers are Harlan Ellison, Denny O'Neil, Ron Fortier, Win Scott Eckert, Mathew Baugh, Rich Harvey and Greg Cox!

TInkerbell!

2010-04-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

1st in a new line from Electric Tiki's Animated Ladies, Tinkerbell... Designed by Tracy Lee! Eight point turn and detail shots.

More Tales of Zorro Anthology coming soon!

2010-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek at a couple illos from the upcoming More Tales of Zorro Anthology for Moonstone Books!

Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox!

2010-03-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Recently released Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox statues in the WDCC Collection. Get more info at our good friend Don the Duckman's website here.

There are times where my Dad, Adolfo Procopio, and my work cross paths, this is one of those times... Here are some pics of him working on several Song of the South sculpts for the Splash Mountain attraction at the Disney theme parks.

No images may be used without permission.

The Green Hornet Chronicles post #2!

2010-03-20T13:21:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple illos featured in an interview at CBR this past week for the upcoming Green Hornet Chronicles published by Moonstone Books. Harlan Ellison teams up The Green Hornet and The Phantom! well sorta... the interview explains. This story will appear in both The Phantom Chronicles 2 and The Green Hornet Chronicles as well... And, my illo for Ron Fortier's story. Bzzzzz...!

Ron Marz's Blog!

2010-03-13T09:43:00.001-08:00

Check out my buddy Rob Marz's new blog... Welcome to the blog world Ron! If your into comics and graphic novels you'll know Ron's work... Among the numerous titles, he's written Silver Surfer and Green Lantern and... wrote many of those cool crossovers, including Marvel vs. DC. He's done work for most every major comic publisher in the industry! Aside from DC and Marvel, they include CrossGen and Dark Horse, where he created Samurai: Heaven and Earth. His recent work is for Top Cow where he writes his creator owned "Dragon Prince"! Enjoy!

Tron Statue!

2010-02-22T22:53:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is... Done in joint collaboration with teacher/colleague Bryan Wynia, Digital Sculptor Extraordinaire and Character Artist working in the game industry, the first ZBrush sculpture! This is the 20th statue in in line for Electric Tiki's Classic Heroes Collection, Tron from the original classic film. Base designed by buddy Tracy Lee, owner of Electric Tiki. Many thanks to Bryan for his patience and incredible digital knowledge... I encourage anyone interested in ZBrush to take his classes, he's an incredible talent and teacher! Got to say, I'm really liking digital sculpting... More digital sculpts to come soon!

2010 Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Con!

2010-02-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

I will be a guest at the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Con this year to be held on Sept. 23- 25, 2010 in Hunt Valley, Maryland! If your anything like me, this show sounds great and is for you! A weekend with Classic Movie and TV Stars, Old-Time Radio, Old-Time TV Shows and Movies! So come out and join the fun... I'll be promoting the upcoming Green Hornet Anthology Book published by Moonstone Books which I'm doing the cover and interior illos, I'll have some statues for sale and be drawing up a storm at the show but... you can also get in your request in for drawings early, there's plenty of time to have them ready for pick up at the show if you attending. Write me directly with your requests, prices will vary, usually on size 9x12 and 11x17, number of characters and complexity. The 11x17 prices can be found here.

Special thanks go to Martin Grams Jr. for making this possible and who will be there with co-author Terry Salomonson promoting/selling and signing their up coming book The Green Hornet, A History of Radio Motion Pictures, Comics, and Television!

The Man of Bronze!

2010-02-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

New design for the upcoming Doc Savage sculpt in Electric Tiki's Classic Heroes Collection! The base is his Fortress of Solitude...

Gargoyles!

2010-02-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

The latest in Electric Tiki's Classic Heroes Collection... #19... Goliath! Designed by Tracy Lee, digital wings by Brandon Parcinski, digital base by Michael Reis and... figure by yours truly.

Gallery 839!

2010-01-31T22:47:00.000-08:00

Gallery opening at the new Animation Guild Union Building this coming Friday, Feb. 5th. Come and join the exhibit and fun! Thanks to Bob Foster who put the show together...

The Phantom Bust!

2010-01-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

Bust of the The Phantom I sculpted, a gift especially done for Sy Barry... It was given to him at the Sy Barry Luncheon which took place at Sardi's in New York last year. Thanks to Phantom Collector Extraordinaire Pete Klaus, an incredible person, dear friend and expert on "The Ghost who Walks"... who's idea it was to make this special piece in the first place! Digital work by Adam Ross and Paint by Kat Sapene! Also included is a peak to a personal copy painted again by Kat to imitate bronze... with of course a purple patina! This bust is not for sale.

Help the Hodge Family

2010-01-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

Tim Hodge and family need your help... In August of last year Tim's son Matthew was in a serious auto accident having been struck by a train while crossing the tracks and is still in a state of coma. With short term medical insurance and taking the time off of work to care for his son, Tim and family need help. To help the Hodges the National Cartoonist Society Foundation is hosting a fund raising auction to be held on eBay starting Jan. 21st. Please visit this link and see how the artist community has come out to help our colleague and friend and his family. If your an artist and can donate any original art or whatever item, please contact auction coordinator Chad Frye at chad@chadfrye.com .

Get well soon Matthew! :)

Visit Rosie's Remedies!

2010-01-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Family and friends visit Rosie's Remedies and... if your so inclined, please put a link on your website and/or blog as well. For each link, Rosie's Remedies will donate funds to NorCal Equine Rescue that will feed a rescued horse for 2 weeks! :) It's fast and easy, to find out how click here!

Equestfest '09!

2009-12-31T17:41:00.000-08:00

Sketches from Equestfest! if you've never been I highly recommend it... it takes place at the LA Equestrian Center where we have Loxley, our Cleveland Bay/Arabian cross gelding... This is where all the Rose Parade horses stay the week before the parade and they put on a wonderful show called Equestfest. Also included are some photos from the event, and yes! Zorro was there too! Check out their website and see details for next year!

The Green Hornet Chronicles!

2009-12-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the cover to the upcoming Green Hornet Anthology Book. Also included here are the thumbnail sketches done for the cover. Enjoy! Bzzzzzz...

Uncle Scrooge Bust!

2009-12-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

Next in line in the Disney Bust series from Grand Jester Studios... Uncle Scrooge! Here are pics of the the concept drawings, a blueprint drawing and the sculpt... The base was digitally sculpted by Mark Dowey, which includes "Old Number One" - the very first dime Scrooge McDuck ever made! Standing 8" tall, Scrooge McDuck comes painted and ready to display and can be ordered at Sideshow Collectibles here!

FCA December 2009 Cover!

2009-11-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year... and back with a new cover for good buddy, editor, writer and artist P.C. Hamerlinck's FCA section in the latest issue of AlterEgo magazine, #90. AlterEgo is edited by Roy Thomas and published by TwoMorrows Publishing. Happy Holidays from the Marvel Family and The Masked Avenger!

Zorro! Season 1&2 on DVD!

2009-11-27T18:57:00.001-08:00

As many Zorro fans may know by now, Disney put out the '57 Zorro series starring Guy Williams on DVD recently... It's wonderful to finally have all the episodes collected into two volume sets. Congrats and many thanks to good friend Leonard Maltin and crew for yet again doing a superb job on these Disney Treasures! Check out the Special Features on Season One, among many Zorro guest stars are, good buddy Guy Williams Jr., Antoinette G. Lane author of "Guy Williams: The Man Behind the Mask"... and yours truly (the other Masked Avenger). I even drew a quick sketch on camera! Go out and get yours today, it will bring back wonderful memories for those that once saw these long ago and great wholesome entertainment for today's generation!

CTN

2009-11-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

The Creative Talent Network, founded by Tina Price is having its first Expo this weekend. Visit The CTN Animation Expo website for all the details and info... it looks like a great gathering of all walks of the animation field. A group of my fellow colleague sculptors and I will be having a panel on Saturday at 3pm. If you're in town please stop by and check it out!

The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh!

2009-11-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

Proposed Statue Design.

Bulletman!

2009-11-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

Bulletman pin-up for the recently released AC Comics Men of Mystery Comics #80, Spotlight on Bulletman-The Complete History-Index-200 plus page book! Shown is the final pin-up, plus thumbnails... That's arch enemy "The Dude" being carried away by Bulletman and Bulletgirl. Make sure to also check out the spotlight on Fawcett's Bulletman "The Flying Detective" in same book, edited by good buddy P.C. Hamerlinck.

Maleficent again!

2009-10-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

Next in line in the Disney Bust Series for Enesco's Grand Jester Studios... Maleficent! Shown are the concept drawings, blueprint, sculpt and final color. Ready to display in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Special thanks to Mike Reis for all the digital sculpting parts!

The Phantom Generations Cover #11

2009-10-15T23:39:00.001-07:00

Bravo for Alex Toth!

2009-10-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

My new best friend Swain Hunt, host of Sidebar, a great website showcasing comic book creators and interviews, recently did a wonderful episode on Alex Toth . As many of you know Alex was a dear friend, so when Swain asked for me to be part of the celebration of Alex' life and art, I totally agreed. Check it out, Part 1 includes interviews with Klaus Janson, John Paul Leon, John Hitchcock, Howard Chaykin, Tim Sale, Paul Pope and yours truly. Wonderful job Swain! Make sure you scroll down to the end of the article to download the show.

Maleficant... Sleeping Beauty 50th Anniversary!

2009-09-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

The design for the recently announced WDCC Maleficent sculpt. Check out details at our good friend Don the Duckman site!

The thumbnail that inspired the Fantasia Milkweed Ballerinas piece beautifully sculpted by colleague and good friend Kent Melton!

Usagi Yogimbo 25th Anniversary!

2009-09-08T00:32:00.000-07:00

Tribute drawing for Stan Sakai's Usagi Yogimbo's 25th anniversary! This is part of a montage drawing done through CAPS for Stan that came out in this year's San Diego Comic Con Souvenir Book. Congrats Stan!

Taking the ZBrush Plunge!

2009-08-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

Yes... learning ZBrush with Zack Petroc and Bryan Wynia at Studio Arts. One of the exercises in Bryan's class is to model a monster and make it our own version. Among the choices I picked The Creature from the Black Lagoon, above are some pics... Next to me is my buddy and old time colleague and friend, the very talented Jim Mitchell modeling Frankenstein (pic above). Of all things we trained together with Eric Larson at Disney's 30 years ago... and here we are again, starting a new chapter in our lives in ZBrush, who woulda thunk, huh Jim.... It's very fun and I look forward to applying my traditional experience onto this program... from the sculpting table on to the computer!

Phantom Generations Cover #10

2009-08-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the latest Phantom Generations Covers...#10 Above is the thumbnail, the idea and theory behind it and the final. A principle in drawing, especially covers, is not only draw your viewer in but also to make your composition lead right into your focal point. In this case you'll notice I actually used practically all the elements leading into the center of the page where our hero is. I remember studying and learning this principle as a teen in one of my many "how to books" where they broke up a panel Neal Adams did for a Green Lantern/Green Arrow Issue, one from the ground breaking series in the 60's. It has stuck with me ever since. Enjoy! R.

Doug Klauba's Phantom Generations Cover #9!

2009-08-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen in previous entries I've been working with good friend, artist and painter extraordinaire Doug Klauba (Doug's blog) and amazing colorist Jason Millet on a new Phantom series for Moonstone Books called The Phantom Generations. Here is Doug's awesome cover #9! I had done some thumbnails, see below, based on Doug's idea... but Doug's final just hit it out of the park! Enjoy the latest installment of the Ghost who Walks!

Doug Klauba's incredible rendition of The Phantom as Kit Walker, what a great concept!

These are some the thumbnails I had done based on Doug's idea... in the end what he came up with was just awesome... great design, simple and one of the best rendition of Kit Walker that I've ever seen! Great job Doug!

Back from the San Diego Comic Con!

2009-07-25T13:40:00.001-07:00

With the old gang... remembering our dear friend, mentor and boss Walt Stanchfield. Standing room only! Great to hear Walt's voice in some footage that Don Hahn showed!

Taking a picture with Great Mouse Detective fan Sabrina at the Walt Stanchfield "Drawn to Life" Book signing with friend and producer Don Hahn...

The Adam West Bust by our very own Masked Avenger Studios! Here on display at Adam's booth... Seen in background, as Fred Westbrook his agent looks on in the foreground...

Booth signing for Captain Action! Dear friend Scott Sebring made a special appearance dressed as The Phantom... Doesn't he make the ideal Phantom? Thanks Scott! that was very special, much appreciated!

The Electric Tiki display at Sideshow Toys! My sculptures The Rocketeer, Super Goof, The Tick and The Shadow are among many fun Disney characters on display!

Jeanne with our dear friend Dave Armstrong in our traditional running into him in the comic book section!

Grand Jester Studio Busts on display at the Sideshow Toys Booth, also at Diamond Comic Distribution!

Here's Dave again...
Did they unveil The Green Hornet's Black Beauty? well... here's dear friend Ron Marz and me next to another Black Beauty...

Electric Tiki's Super Goof sculpt!

Grand Jester Studios Horned King concept drawing and bust sculpt...!

Lets pause for a little bit of nostalgia... The Horned King and I go way back... I was one of the animators that animated him in "The Black Cauldron" (scene above) and keeping it all in the family, here's my Dad, Adolfo Procopio sculpting him for the Disney Tokyo Disneyland Castle attraction while at Disney Imagineering!

An Alex Toth remembering get together... here with dear friends Mark Chiarello (center) Art Director for DC Comics and editor of the recent hit Wednesday Comics, congrats Mark! and John Hitchcock... great friend of Alex and owner of the comic book store, Parts Unknown in South Carolina! We had a chance to reminisce on the Con floor about our friend that we miss dearly!

The Grand Jester Studios Jessica Rabbit concept drawing and bust...

A dinner reunion of the Italian version of the Three Musketeers! Here I am with dear friends and colleagues Francesco Francavilla (artist on Dynamite's Zorro comic book!) and Sergio Carriello (artist on Dynamite's Lone Ranger comic book!)

Thanks to all who came out!

Enjoy!

2009 "Be Our Guest Dinner"

2009-07-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Organized by the amazing Cinde Castro! Last nights event was incredible...

Front Row dear family friend Walt Peregoy, Art Linkletter (he' in his late 90's!), your's truly, Virginia Davis and Wally Boag.

Back Row Standing: Cinde Castro, Ron Clements, Bob Gurr , Alice Davis and Tom Sito.

Chameleonman by Scott Seeto!

2009-07-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Our old friend Chameleonman is the subject of today's post via a wonderful painting done by good friend and artist extraordinaire Scott Seeto! Enjoy and visit his website here!

Jiminy, Marley and Scooge... from WDCC Mickey's Christmas Carol Collection!

2009-07-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of the latest for WDCC... Check out the details at out buddies blog Don the Duckman, and the Jiminy Whiteware Exclusive here!

Pics from the Remembering Walt Stanchfield: Drawn to Life Panel

2009-06-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

Remembering Walt Stanchfield...

2009-06-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Join some of my former colleagues and myself tonight on a panel discussion and a video presentation on our dear mentor and friend Walt Stanchfield hosted by Don Hahn . Walt taught practically my whole generation at Disney. For those who don't know or never heard his name he was one of the titans of animation that worked at Disney for many decades. As young budding artist would come in we would be put under Walt's wings to be taught the ropes and process of animation on production. He also taught great classes and had wonderful handout, he handed out to the crew, now compiled in two volumes which I highly recommend called "Drawn to Life" edited by Don Hahn.

Don't know if many people know this but Walt loved to sing and he took Opera lessons from the great Tito Schipa... Attached are some pic's of Walt as a young man singing an Opera, not sure which one, looks like he's playing a Harlequin, could it be Paglacci? Anyhoo, we shared many a conversations for our mutual love of Opera. Also, pics of him and I in the early/mid 80's where I spent an unforgettable weekend at his home and he and his wonderful wife Dee took me to the beach near there home in Buellton, we also made a stop at a pig farm! We did some sketches and research for the film we were working on "The Black Cauldron" which had a little pig character called Hen Wen. I'll be bring that original sketchbook of Walt's he used that day, that Dee graciously gave me after he passed away, for folks to look at tonight.... and lastly one of Walt's many passions was wood cuts he would do these fabulous scenes and then print them out, here's a pic of one that hangs in our home.

Here are the details of tonight's event:

Wednesday, June 10
The panel begins at 7:00pm
Panelist include: Andreas Deja, Dave Pimental, Dave Pruiksma, Ruben Procopio
Don Hahn presenting and moderating
Location: Woodbury University's Fletcher Jones Auditorium, 7500 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank,Calif.

Tinkerbell...

2009-06-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Attached are the final pictures of the bust, the turnaround model sheet and the concept drawings... Order here!

Mark Chiarello!

2009-05-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

My buddy Mark Chiarello (Art Director of DC Comics) has a new website, click here! Finally Mark... congrats! Its chock full of pure Chiarello, head on over there and see all the goodies and get inspired by Mark's wonderful style! Here's a sampling, Enjoy!

The Shadow

2009-05-25T01:05:00.001-07:00

Number 17 in line from Electric Tiki's Classic's Heroes Collection! will come also with Lamont Cranston (The Shadow's alter ego) ring!

FCA #144 in AlterEgo Magazine No.85 May 2009!

2009-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Catch the latest FCA section in AlterEgo Magazine No.85 for a very interesting article written by Jean Schanberger (our very own General Counsel to Masked Avenger Studios) on the National Vs. Fawcett trial if it were to take place today! Edited by our very dear friend P.C. Hamerlinck writer/ artist extraodinaire and head master of FCA (Fawcett Collectors of America). Attached is the first page, illustrations by yours truly, catch the rest of the article plus more illos in this latest issue! Thanks go to Roy Thomas also, editor of Alter Ego Magazine! Make sure to catch this and all the TwoMorrows publications, each chock full of info and goodies, an inspiration island for all!

Stitch added to the Grand Jester Studios Line of busts!

2009-05-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

Order here!

The Rocketeer!

2009-05-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

The latest in Electric Tiki's Classics Hero's Collection #16, The Rocketeer!

Ah... added! a Green Hornet sketch from the FX Show!

2009-05-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Green Hornet and Kato Strike!

Back from Calgary!

2009-05-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful time we had! thanks to Kandrix, Laurie B. and all at the Expo for an incredible time. Attached are some photos from the show and several of the sketches done during the Expo. They later took us to Banff, a winter wonderland! Also hung out together with great friend Ron Marz (in the green jacket) throughout! and made some new friends! Thanks to all again!

Back from the FX SHow!

2009-04-23T21:46:00.002-07:00

Back from the FX Show in Orlando, what a great time! Both Mike Herz and Marc Hammond and crew put on a great show! Saw familiar faces like Dan Brereton and Phil Noto and made new friends with paisan's Francesco Francavilla (Zorro) (also check out his blog Pulp Sunday blog here, wonderful stuff!) and Sergio Cariello (The Lone Ranger), we did a panel together and coined ourselves The Three Musketeers! Check out the fun drawing by Francesco above... Had some neat commisions and a lot fun at the show! Also got a chance to meet up with dear friends Tony West and family and my old crew and gang from Disney now working for Premise Entertainment under the creative guidance of Dominic Carola! After 10 yrs we all reunited! They're workng on Disney's "Princess and the Frog" Attached are pictures, drawings and all out fun! Oh the Wolverine sketch, well on the flight back to LA, Hugh Jackman was on the plane! Did a sketch for him, he was very nice and I got an autograph for my sister who's a big fan! Thanks everyone... now onto Calgary!