I’ve been quite fortunate thus far in my career to have the opportunities I’ve had– I’m not downplaying that. Here’s to a better tomorrow!

On with the sketch!

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90 percent of my sketches are on pieces of paper with random junk scribbled all over them. I have no idea if this is interesting to anyone, but it’s the truth of it– a head here while on the phone, an ear I saw while watching a TV show, a son inspires me to draw an expression, etc etc. You might also see a lot of teeeeeny tiny character shots drawn about an inch high– just because I wanna.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO MAKE IT ALL BIGGIE-SIZED!

Enjoy! Let me know what you think.

- jeremy dale

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Now playing: Newsboys – Reality
via FoxyTunes

I just walked out of the comic shop yesterday with a hefty stack– many of those nuDCU books. My current favorite of the bunch is Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s BATMAN so far. To think that I’ve never really collected more than 2 DC books for an extended period of time before, this is pretty impressive. I’ve also never read such a mainstream list of books before. Yesterday’s stack had Flash, Batman, Justice League, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Thor, Captain America, and several other comic book icons, as well as several other creator-owned titles that I adore. More on that soon.

On with the sketches!

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Spider-Man

Hey! That’s my artwork! Where’s my money, shirt makers and/or Hasbro?!

Harley Quinn

Black Adam

Superman

Tomax & Xamot, the Cobra Twins

Cute Supergirl cosplayer loves discount graphic novels!

Captain America

Colossus

Bonnie, Firestar’s high school nemesis

Plastic Man

Green Arrow and Aquaman

Lex Luthor

Jeremy right before attending  SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!

We. Had. An. EPIC. Show. New York was great to us, and we couldn’t have ended the convention season better. Thanks to all the fans and friends that swung by, bought us drinks, hung out after-hours, or, y’know…

… Invited us to a live taping of Saturday Night Live as a special guest! Anna Faris was hosting, and we had a wonderful time. Even got a backstage pass afterward and saw a bit of how the magic is made every week. Thanks, Scott!

CLICK THE IMAGE TO MAKE IT ALL BIGGIE-SIZED!

Enjoy! Let me know what you think.

- jeremy

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Now playing: Switchfoot – Chem 6A
via FoxyTunes

Tell me you’ve been missing them as much as I have. hehehehe On with the sketch!

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Here’s a piece I did for a fan at Dragon*Con. It was in a sketchbook labeled “Spider-Man’s Friends”, and as gorgeous as some of the pieces were, I’m disappointed no one else had gone the route of the cartoon trio. You’re just lucky I didn’t add Ms. Lion!

Originally set at 11 x 17 inches, which is typical comic page dimensions, I’ve edited it a bit to give it the contrast I’ve been itching to see it in ever since I handed it over. If I ever get the chance, I’ll do more! Those buildings demand some tone! Spidey needed his negative space! And I needed the closure. Enjoy!

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN!

- jeremy dale

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Year ago, when Marvel seemed relatively interested in me, I did rounds and rounds and rounds of samples for them. Being a gigantic fan of the 80s Spider-man and His Amazing Friends cartoon, I worked up this three-pager from a colleague’s script. Thought you might dig seeing this.

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN!

- jeremy dale

ALSO, BUY SKYWARD #1

On with the sketch!

I’m kind of doing a soft theme week this week– let’s call it “sketches of comics I’m really, really, really enjoying right now and can’t wait to get each new issue of”.

Right here? Marvel Comics’ ULTIMATE X from Jeph Loeb and Arthur Adams. Wow, does this book punch me in the gut with every page, artistically. Arthur Adams is doing probably the best work of his career on this book, and with Peter Steigerwald’s stunning– listen up, I’ll say it again– STUNNING colors, the “four issues in two years” so far Ultimate X is easily the most reread comic in my collection right now. I can’t put it down, and every time I see it there on my spinner rack, I want to go back and read it AGAIN.

Pick it up– there’re only four issues so far, so it’s an easy find. You will NOT regret it.

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

- jeremy

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Now playing: My Chemical Romance – Look Alive, Sunshine
via FoxyTunes

What time is it?  It’s Kelly time– er… time for more KellyDays!

On with the sketches!

The sixth and final edition to my “Ode to Firestar”– and this, of course, is chapter 6.

This is Angelica Jones.  Angel, as she is also known as, was first seen on Spider-man and his Amazing Friends.  In this series, Firestar (whose pre-production names included Heatwave, Starblaze, and Firefly) is identified as being a former member of the X-Men, along with Iceman.  Her origin is explained in “A Firestar is Born.” She started out as a young girl who was bullied by a girl named Bonnie who called her jinx. During that time, she had developed her powers. One day, she had disguised herself in order to save her father. Later on in high school, Bonnie and her boyfriend framed Angelica for the theft of a trophy causing Dean Wilmer to expel Angelica. To right this wrong, Angelica became Firestar for the first time where she found proof of Bonnie’s deception, found the trophy, and brought Bonnie and her boyfriend to justice. Later on, she was approached by Cyclops, Angel, and Iceman to join up with the X-Men. She accepted and was seen helping them in their fights with Magneto and the Sentinels.

Check it out– lot’s of fun here!  And this concludes my Ode to Firestar.  I look forward to what else Marvel has in store for her ( although I was not too thrilled with the whole– She has cancer and dumped Justice, thing… actually, I don’t even consider those stories as part of the mythos I so enjoy).  So there!

So… what are your thoughts?  Comment!

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

Cheers!

-kelly

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Now playing: Daft Punk – C.L.U.
via FoxyTunes

And it is Sunday– last day at MegaCon.  Where does the time go?  While you ponder this– time for more KellyDays!

On with the sketches!

The fifth edition to my “Ode to Firestar”– and this, of course, is chapter 5.

This was also a fun storyline!  This took place during the time Firestar and Justice were with the New Warriors.  To make a long story short…

 

Synopsis:

The full power of the Mutant Liberation Force is brought to bear on the Sphinx but her powers prove formidable; While the battle is raging, Dwayne Taylor sneaks into the Sphinx’s home looking for a way to revenge himself upon her for the death of his father; Sayge arrives and picks a small band of “New Warriors” from the MLF and sends them to join up with Night Thrasher in the Sphinx’s lair; Nova realizes that the thing that is most important to the Sphinx is her immortal cat and uses the feline as leverage to get her to change the world back to the way it is supposed to be; With the New Warriors back in their own reality, the Sphinx’s cat rapidly ages and dies and she flies off, vowing revenge.

Of course Firestar and Justice were part of the resistance here.  They fought against the mind-controlled Avengers.  There was some pretty cool fight scenes here.

So… what are your thoughts?  Comment!

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

Cheers!

-kelly

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Now playing: Daft Punk – C.L.U.
via FoxyTunes

And another weekend is upon us– and this time we are in sunny Orlando for MegaCon.  I know what you are thinking– two shows in two weeks!  That is totally awesome and crazy all rolled up into one!  And I would say, ” you are correct with your assumption, sir.”  Anyhoo– on to the second round of KellyDays!

On with the sketches!

Yes– my Firestar sketches continue!  This is the fourth edition to my “Ode to Firestar”– and this, of course, is chapter 4.

This was an excellent storyline!  This took place during the time Firestar and Justice were still with the Avengers.  To make a long story short…

Earth-398 was created when a longtime Avengers enemy, the sorceress  Morgan Le Fay, stole a powerful Asgardian artifact called the Twilight Sword and used it to transform reality into a medieval society, with herself as its queen. She bewitched all members of the Avengers and made them into her personal bodyguards, called the Queen’s Vengeance, and their code names and costumes were changed to reflect their medieval setting.  Firestar became known as ‘Lady Comet’ and was a member of the Queen’s Vengeance. Eventually the Scarlet Witch broke free of Le Fay’s mind control and used her powers to free the other Avengers. The team then defeated the sorceress and restored reality to normal.

The best part of this comic was the AWESOME re-imagined costumes of the Avengers with the medieval flair.  Very cool story– check it out!

So… what are your thoughts?  Comment!

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

Cheers!

-kelly

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Now playing: Daft Punk – Armory
via FoxyTunes

Home again, home again– jiggity jig.  As we say farewell to C2E2 and prepare for MegaCon, KellyDays Extravaganza continues on!

The banner above refers to the origin episode of Firestar from Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends: A Firestar is Born.  Just thought you should know…  since we are taking such an in-depth look at this awesome character.

On with the sketches!

This is the third of piece of art entitled, “Ode to Firestar”.  This of course is chapter 3.

I know I know– Firestar had more then one design during her Avengers run.  But, how could one not have multiple outfits when one is sharing a house with The Wasp.  I’m just sayin’.  This is my favorite version of the Avengers’ outfit.  I know– the gentlemen out there seem to really like the first version of this outfit, where the center portion is cut out and there is cleavage showing.  (that outfit was only seen in a few panels.  Firestar, being the more modest super heroine, quickly put on a red turtleneck to help cover her girls until The Wasp could make correct alterations.)

This was the time where Firestar gave up with masks all together.  She could create fire on her face in a “natural mask”.  I really liked this visual.  I know– this is very much a Perez idea– but hey, I like his version of the Scarlet Witch’s gypsy outfit the best as well.  I also like how this outfit for Angel has more black on it.  From one red-head to another, yellow doesn’t look the best on most of us– especially if one has VERY place skin.

So– Firestar, with Justice, joined the Avengers for quite some time.  Check out the issue where they all go to the time of King Arthur.  Our little Firestar becomes Lady Comet.  Cool outfits in this story!  Hey, I’m a girl– I happen to love comics AND fashion.    Hmmmm— maybe I’ll draw a Lady Comet as well.

So… what are your thoughts?  Comment!  NOW!!! 

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

Cheers!

-kelly

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Now playing: Mute Math – Typical
via FoxyTunes

Another day in lovely Chicago for C2E2!  Windy city, great friends, good food.  Anyway… enough fun for now and time to post for the KellyDays Extravaganza continues on!

On with the sketches!

This is the second of many lovely pieces of art entitled, “Ode to Firestar”.  This of course is chapter 2.

“It was the best of times.  It was the worst of times…”  Just kidding– heh.  No novels here… but I hope you find this to be beautiful as well as informative.

This next Firestar outfit was worn during her time in the New Warriors.  This is where she met her true love, Vance–aka Marvel Boy, aka Justice. (sorry McKeever–  but in the end, Gravity just doesn’t have what it takes next to Justice.  NO MATTER what the powers that be try to do in the Firestar mythos)

Anyway, yeah– she did trade her lovely fire mask for yellow sunglasses and a leather jacket… but hey, it was the 90′s.  We all did crazy things then. She still had her microwave powers but her outfit was a bit more interesting.  Check out some EXCELLENT stories with the New Warriors, such as the Sphinx storyline. Also, some great characters were used, such as Speedball.  I don’t care what you say– he is awesome as Speedball and Robbie will always be Speedball!  Hmmm… maybe I’ll draw Speedball soon.

So… what are your thoughts?  Comment!  Let it be written, let it be done. (or you’ll make me cry… again)

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

Cheers!

-kelly

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Now playing: system of a down – legend of zelda
via FoxyTunes

Hi!  My name is Kelly Dale– I’m the wife of Jeremy Dale.  I’m sure you have seen me at shows before.  I’m the red-head sitting next to Jeremy– smiling, talking, or inking.

Since Jeremy is super busy at C2E2, I am filling in for a convention KellyDays Extravaganza!  So… hang on to your blogs, my dear readers.  You are in for a real treat!  And if, by some strange act of God, you think otherwise… well then, screw you.

On with the sketches!

This is the first of many lovely pieces of art entitled, “Ode to Firestar”.  This of course is chapter 1.

Here we see Firestar in her traditional outfit.  This was first developed for the cartoon: Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends.  Firestar was actually supposed to be Mary Jane with powers– totally cool.  This is why Firestar, aka Angelica Jones, has the red hair and one of the few red-heads that has blue eyes.  ( See– blue eyes! Get it RIGHT, colorists!)  Now, I will not go into an in depth history for you, my dear readers.  I don’t think Jeremy wants me to write a novel or anything… so any additional information regarding Angel’s history is for you to look up.  (Research is fun!)  I will note, however, that most people seem to really like this original outfit.  ( Personally, I enjoy the Perez designed Avenger’s outfit the most– stay tuned for reasons why.)  heh– I know you’re interested.  See you tomorrow!

Comment– I command it!!  (or you’ll make me cry)

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

Cheers!

-kelly

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Now playing: Serenity – FireflyTheme
via FoxyTunes

It’s REQUEST WEEK! Posting the first wave of sketches from your suggestions, so I hope you guys enjoy!

If you get the chance, let me recommend some new comics for you– SKULL KICKERS and MARINEMAN from Image Comics are incredibly well illustrated, action-packed, exciting comics with some of the most promise I’ve come across in a new series in some time. I recently picked them up as part of my “gotta know what’s out there, and what looks good” weekly comics trip. I’m really impressed– these two series caught me off-guard with the quality of the overall delivery. Definitely recommended!

On with the sketch!

Poor Gravity– he debuted shortly after Invincible first debuted, and Gravity creators Sean McKeever and Mike Norton have had to listen to people compare the two series a lot since then. His series was short-lived, he was killed, made a protector of the universe or something, put into a new teen team the YOUNG ALLIES (which was cancelled after six issues as well), and now he’s appearing in an upcoming giant crossover soon enough. I love the character, and think it’s a fun take on the young, new hero archetype– I just wish more people would learn to love him as I do. It’s been a pleasure watching Sean McKeever take the character on a real journey recently and hey– developing a crush on Firestar doesn’t hurt, either

CLICK TO EMBIGGEN– Enjoy!

- jeremy

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Now playing: My Chemical Romance – Disenchanted
via FoxyTunes