Summer News
Happy June! Summer is almost here! Perk up your ears and you’ll hear the cry of freedom from children everywhere anticipating the end of the school year; and the lament of parents wondering where or what to do with them. I, myself, am working dilegently to bring you visual delights and captivating stories to satiate appetites for adventure, intrigue, and mystery. (But more on that in a minute.)
New Print
Inspired by the visual stylings of Alex Toth, Leonard Starr, Stan Drake, Al Williamson and the old pulpy, newsprint colors of the 60s and 70s comic books, I illustrated a new piece.
The initial idea centered around capturing a moment of suspense and intrigue like the pulp fiction covers of Black Mask magazine and other dime store hardboiled novels. Poised at the front door, a woman greets a visitor. She’s concealing a revolver behind her back and with her relaxed, warm demeanor.
This is a grayscale study to determine lighting. I drew a window in the background, but determined it too artificial for my subject. I would redraw the background to resemble more the front door of a residence.
Between steps 2 and 3, I made the most change. To give the piece a lighter, more humorous tone, I changed the cast shadow from the looming presence of a man to an alien. I changed the background from an enclosed foyer with a window in the back to a staircase and adjoining living or family room. I tightened and cleaned up my linework, added details and texture, and changed our main character’s hairstyle to something more refined and whimsical.
My personality defaults towards humor. Yes, mostly dad humor, but humor none-the-less. My social media feed is mostly comic art, babies acting adorably, and gags about married life. It’s a major distraction, of course, but it hooks me, darn it! Consequently, the illustrations from pulp fiction, of the hardboiled gumshoes and icy blond femme fatale, gave way to the tribulations of family visits.
This print you’ll soon find in my shop for purchase!
Inspiration
The art of Robert McGinnis has always embodied the perfect fusion of technical skill, artistic vision, sly humor, and storytelling prowess to me. His elongated human forms, whether a femme fatale, rugged hero, or celebrity, are built like demi-gods from Greek anitquity, though slimed down for the Mid-Century Modern era. They all possess a naturalism without bleeding into realism.
When She Was Bad. book cover by Robert McGinnis.
His bold and vibrant palette, along with his placement of people and objects, creates a visually striking, harmonious composition that cleverly tells you a story in just one image. His movie posters are almost like a trailer for the movie in and of themselves. Every element guides the viewer toward a sense of excitement, tension, and anticipation.
In Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Illustration by Robert McGinnis.
If there’s danger in a novel, a McGinnis cover will distills that sense of danger to hook you into reading it! Robert McGinnis is a master. If you like art, particularly commercial and entertainment art, treat yourself by looking up Robert McGinnis’ lush work.
Work In Progress
Currently, I writing my first creator-owned, original comic. The story is outlined, the characters fleshed out, and the first draft of the first issue written. I don’t have a working title, but do have ideas. I’m very excited to bring this story to you. I’ve learned so much about the writing process by working with a number of talented writers over the years . Now, I’m taking that knowledge and applying it to bring you my own story.
Interestingly, I haven’t drawn any of the characters yet, but I plan on remedying that very soon.
The plan, right now, is to bring you each page as I finish, posted here at micahchampion.com in a membership area. Membership, based on tiers of support, will bring behind-the-scenes work, live streams, and the opportunity to be in the comic as a side character! Also, when I’m printing physical copies or crowdfunding, membership will be rewarded with extra merch and acknowledgement!
Thank you for stopping by and saying hello. I really do appreciate it. Have a great day!
