7 Must-Have Video Tutorials Featuring David Finch’s Awesome Comic Book Pencilling

If you are an aspiring comic artist either as a pencil artist and inker. These are a must have set of tutorials by the legendary left-handed artist of repute, David Finch. His style is one of the most demanded by comic book writers with the likes of Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Oliver Coipel, Jason Fabok, Jorge Jiminez to main a few mainstream artists.

David Finch at a ComicCon Event

Photo Credit: Google

BRIEF BIO

David Finch began his comic book career at the age of 22 at Top Cow Productions under the supervision of Marc Silvestri, part of Image Comics. There he created Ascension and Aphrodite IX, both of which were top sellers in the business, with Aphrodite IX debuting as the number one comic book in the industry. In 2001, he made the move to Marvel comics where his catalog of work included Call of Duty, Ultimate X-Men, Avengers Disassembled and The New Avengers. His run on Moon Knight skyrocketed this title into the main Marvel universe and landed him a top-five book which sold more than five times the title’s previous release.

David then turned his attention to working with Lost, Heroes and Smallville’s executive producer, Jeph Loeb, on Marvel’s smash hit “Ultimatum”. 2010 saw another major change in David’s career as he made his transition from Marvel Comic to DC Comics and the Warner Brothers banner. His artwork was featured on the covers for the follow up to Darkest Night, entitled Brightest Day. In addition to his comic career, David has also worked in video games, music and film. Jason Fabok learnt under his tutelage and they still collaborate till today.

•            DYNAMIC FIGURE DRAWING – VOLUME 1: THE HEAD

Intro Video to Dynamic Figure Drawing – Volume 1: The Head

Photo Credit: Gnomon Academy

In this tutorial title, David Finch reveals his step-by-step process for drawing the human head. He starts with a basic head shape and demonstrates the structural breakdown from multiple angles.

•  DYNAMIC FIGURE DRAWING – VOLUME 2: HANDS AND FEET

In this tutorial title, David Finch reveals his step-by-step process for drawing hands and feet. He starts with simple block shapes and moves on to more complex shapes before showing how to place fingers and toes correctly.

• DYNAMIC FIGURE DRAWING – VOLUME 3: THE BODY

Intro Video to Dynamic Figure Drawing – Volume 3: The Body

Photo Credit: Gnomon Academy

In this tutorial title, David Finch reveals his step-by-step process for drawing the human body. He starts with simple tube form shapes, and then covers the placement of muscle throughout both the male and female bodies.

Tips/Tools for Lettering and Creating Comics

Tips/Tools For Lettering-Comics Banner

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

Essential Tips Before Embarking on the Creative Journey to Making an Awesome Comic Franchise

Tip1:
If you are to create a successful comic franchise. It's good you have a team of people to work with. So find like minds of your peers to build a comic from scratch.

Essential Team Members

1.  *Editor/Comic Script Writer(s)  
2. *Penciller(s) 
3. *Inking Artist(s)  
4. *Colourist(s) 
5. *Comic Book Cover Artist(s)  
6. *Letterer(s)  
7. *Graphic Designer(s)  that composes the final print layout.

Very important: It is a good thing if all team members can draw in case of emergency to fill in the gaps.

Tip 2:
Recommended Software Packages: Adobe Illustrator,Photoshop,InDesign & CorelDraw.

Tip 3:
Learn how to draw well to an extent is a must. Graphics Design knowledge & Print Layout Composition is necessary in the final comic book design

Tip 4:
Research the internet,no one here can really answer you with all the solutions like Google,make it your best "FRIEND".

HellBoy - #HeadShot - Fan Art

HellBoy Fan Art Banner

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

HellBoy, Dark Horse Comics(DC Comics) character, i tried out a style of painting realism i have been scared to try out but turned better than i anticipated. Enjoy the visual breakdown of the processes i took to achieve the final render.

HellBoy - Sketch Outline

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

HellBoy - Inks

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

Avonome Comic-Book Cover - Digital Fan Art

The Avonome Comic-Book Cover Fan Art Banner

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

This is a Comic-Book Cover Fan Art i did for an upcoming short story still in the works with my close friends who are die-hard comic fans like i am. It is based on characters based on the awesome Nigerian female SuperHero Avonome created by Stanley "The Stanch" Obende and published by Comic Republic. 

This project was inspired by an event my buddies;i attended hosted by British Council with Comic Republic's team as facilitators. You can read on the amazing event here at the this link...click here. Enjoy the breakdown of the stages as i drew, inked and coloured using my wacom ituos pen and touch with Photoshop CS6.

A big shout to these amazing people @zastruga7, @oozart and @ufo_south for their encouragement as always. 

Inked Outline of the Characters with a Rocky Background

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

Flat Colours of the Characters with a Rocky Background

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

The Might of Guardian Prime - Issue #7

Might of Guardian Prime Teaser

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Facebook Likepage

As a big fan of Guardian Prime I had to download my own copy of Issue #7 called Control. Did I mention it is #FREE?!!*winks winks* the storyline is well laid out & interesting with a new adversary from the predecessors of the Guardian Prime’s Legacy. Alusi Eze’ Kalu is the #Spirit of Rage.

Might of Guardian Prime Teaser in the Comic

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Facebook Likepage

Comic Variant Art

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Facebook Likepage

#New Comic Alert - Raising Dion by Dennis Liu

Cover Art by Jason Piperberg

Photo Credit: Dennis Liu's WebSite

RAISING DION (COMIC BOOK) written by Dennis Liu, illustrated by Jason Piperberg

• Imagine Superman, but from Martha Kent's point of view. Or imagine Spider-man, but from Aunt May's point of view. This is a superhero story, but from the parent's point of view. But unlike her son, she doesn't have any powers. 

• PREMISE: Nicole, raises her 7 year old son, Dion, who has superpowers. Life was hard enough keeping up with the bills, let alone trying to keep track of her son’s invisibility, plasma powers, and telekinesis. In order to study his progress, Nicole films her son 24/7 with the help of her friend, Pat, who is an aspiring filmmaker. But when Nicole starts to notice mysterious men tailing her, and with Dion’s developing abilities constantly changing and becoming more powerful and possibly evil, she must find the courage deep within herself that she can raise Dion on her own.

Comic Trailer

You can download the first issue of the comic below for FREE. You can also purchase a physical copy from the below LINK.

• Support this comic franchise by purchasing the hard copy at this IndyPlanet link 
• Join the Facebook Page at this link 

All funds made from physical sales will be used towards the next issue. 

If you'd like to keep in touch about the latest news on RAISING DION, or have a question or comment - please fill out the form below.  We would love to hear your thoughts!!!

Article Credits/References: Facebook, Dennis Liu's Website, YouTube and CG Blogger’s Archives

E.X.O - Part 2 #KickStarter Launch Day!!!

E.X.O Comic Characters, E.X.O, Fury and Oniku

Photo Credit: YouNeek Studios Facebook Like Page

Message from the Comic Creator – E.X.O-Legend of Wale Williams

E.X.O Comic Creator/Animator – Dewunmi ‘D-Roye’ Okupe

Photo Credit: Roye’s Facebook Profile

Hey, guys!!! My name is Roye and I’m the writer/creator of E.X.O. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been hooked on superheroes. And that’s why I dropped everything to start a company (YouNeek Studios) that revolves around creating them. But personally, it’s more than that. My goal is to create superhero stories based on diverse characters, from parts of the world that don’t get enough attention when it comes to said stories. Hence the birth of E.X.O., a superhero story about redemption set in a futuristic 2025 Africa (Nigeria to be specific). E.X.O. would be nothing without the fans. Last April, I ran a Kickstarter campaign for E.X.O. PART One and it more than exceeded its goal ($3,500) by raising a whopping $10,000!!! And not only that, the buzz from the fans allowed me to get interviews with CNN, Forbes, BBC, Mashable, Huffington Post, and many more! These were things I could have never imagined in my wildest dreams. So, I’m hoping if you supported E.X.O. in the past I can count on you to join me for another journey, and if this is your first time hearing about it I hope I can get you to join this awesome ride. It’s time for us to make history… Once again!!!

Fan Art Variants of StrikeGuard

Dual Identity

Photo Credit: The Vortex

What happens when comic fans who love to draw take time to make a variant cover of their favourite comic hero in this case StrikeGuard?!! You get awesome #FanTango. Read more about Vortex Comicsbeloved character here.

“Eyan Mayweather” Variant Poster for StrikeGuard #3

Photo Credit: Dominic Oziren Omoarukhe

The Wolverine Sketch

The Wolverine Sketch Process Banner

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

I took time out to draw this sketch of Wolverine using a Wacom Ituos Pen and Touch (small) in Photoshop CS5. I watched Patrick Brown’s Scar-face tutorial by Mad Artist Publishing to achieve this hope to get better with practice and video tutorials online. Here is a breakdown of the processes in pictures below:

Rough Pencil sketch done using the Pencil Tool in Photoshop CS5

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

Ink Art done using the Brush Tool in Photoshop CS5

Photo Credit: Dm3DRev Studeos

Avonome - Issues #3 & #4 Coming Soon!!!

Comic Republic, the foremost comic media company in Nigeria brings double dose of awesomeness by releasing 2 issues of their headlining heroine title scheduled for 15^th of December 2015 before 2016 creeps in.

Avonome: Cover Art

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Official Facebook LikePage

Avonome is the story of Hilda Avonomemi Moses, born in 1937, in the remote village of Etunor, a settlement in Ighara, Edo state. She disappears without a trace only to reappear in a cemetery in recent times, still unchanged, with no memory of who she was or where she had been all this while, except knowledge of her name, a mysterious companion and an unbelievable gift - the ability to see spirits...

Promo Art 1

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Official Facebook LikePage

3 African Comics Made It Onto the 50 Indy Black SuperHeroes That You Should Know

Cover Art for 50 Indy Black SuperHeroes

Photo Credit: World of Black Heroes

It is my pleasure to present the “50 Indy Black SuperHeroes” that you should that should know. Compiled courtesy of “World of Black Heroes”; which is a website dedicated to following the portrayal of Black heroes; Black here is a term loosely being used to refer to the racial group of humans with dark skin colour, to categorize a number of diverse populations into one common group. This list includes African American characters, characters of sub-Saharan African descent, Australian indigenous people, dark skinned Latinos or populations characterized by dark skin colour (a definition that also includes certain populations in Oceania, Southeast Asia, southern South Asia, and the southern Middle East). World of Black Heroes will bring you everything on these characters in comics, movies, on TV, books and the people who bring them to you, the voracious comic readers and fans!!! Indy/Independent in this case will be used to signify not associated with or connected to the big three: Marvel, DC and Image Comics.

3 of my favourite comic titles that I have read and high recommend from Africa made it into the list, one from South Africa(39^th on the list) and 2 from Nigeria (47^thand 48^th on the list…yippee...Am waving the green and white flag for my home country!!!). Ladies and gents; here they are as follows below:

Kwezi Cover Art - Issue #02

Photo Credit: Loyiso Mkize Art

Publisher: Loyiso Mkize Art

Created by: Loyiso Mkize

1st appearance: Kwezi #1, 2014

Brief Biography

 Kwezi means ‘star’ in Xhosa and Zulu; an appropriate name for a 19-year-old youngster who discovers that he is gifted with super powers. He starts out as a bit of an anti-hero torn between the temptations of the big city life and staying true to his cultural roots. Like any other kid walking the streets of Johannesburg, Kwezi likes girls and fashion, but his life gets more intricate when he learns that he is different from his peers. The narrative unfolds as Kwezi tries to mediate living large in the city and accepting social responsibility for his powers. With Kwezi, we finally have a South African superhero who deals with local issues and makes references to local jokes and who uses slang that is true to the streets of Johannesburg. Loyiso,his creator’s hope is that Kwezi will ultimately become a cult figure; a one of a kind superhero that truly represents the youth of South Africa. For more info visit the official website.

E.X.O: The Legend of Wale Williams – Issue #01

Photo Credit: YouNeek Studios

Publisher: YouNeek Studios

Created by: Roye Okupe

1st Appearance: E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams Chapter 1

Brief Biography

E.X.O - Reckless and impatient; these are some of the words that describe this “Hero in the making”. Wale’s genius makes him slightly arrogant and audacious, which more than often leads him into dangerous situations. However, throughout his journey, his bravery, selflessness and strength will show why his true calling is to be Lagoon City’s hero. Wale was born and raised in Lagoon City, Nigeria, but due to an incident, Wale leaves Lagoon City never to return. 
However, 5 years later Wale is tricked into returning home to Lagoon City to investigate his father’s mysterious disappearance.  His only clue is a cryptic NanoSuit left behind for him by his father, a suit which grants superhuman abilities. As he comes to understand the suit’s powers, Wale realizes he must restore hope to the city by preventing catastrophic attacks from the sociopath extremist, Oniku. For more info visit the YouNeek Studios website.

Might of Guardian Prime – Issue #03

Photo Credit: The Comic Republic

Publisher: Comic Republic

Created by: Jide Martin

1st appearance:   Might of Guardian Prime Issue 1, June 2013

Brief Biography

Guardian Prime is the fifth element, one of the five elements essential for life to exist on earth (earth, water, air, fire and man). He is the perfect man created how God intended man to be (in his image).

A Guardian is born to the human race every 2000 years; some live their lives without ever knowing. Gaya (Mother Nature) awakens the Guardian in the host when the need arises and this time the guardian is a Nigerian (Tunde Jaiye). Tunde Jaiye , a 25 year old fashion designer by day and a super hero whenever the need arises lives in Victoria Garden Lekki in Eko City. The son of Chief Biodun Jaiye, a politician and Mrs. Evelyn Jaiye, a business woman; Tunde, brought up mostly by his mom has lived a sheltered and pampered life and as a result has his perception of what he believes a better Nigeria should be. For more info visit the Comic Republic website.

Click Here for the full the Full List.

Article Credits/References: Google, Comic Panel, World of Black Heroes and CG Blogger’s Archives

The Comic Republic Releases "ERU" Issue III

Promo Flyer for the Release

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Official Facebook Like Page

“Eru” which literally means fear in the Yoruba language of the populous South-Western people of Nigeria is a dark twisted fantasy comic about an antihero who is really a hero by his deeds ridding the world of evil and its minions. In this third issue, we now get to see Eru's human form,have a better understanding of the hero’s background and what makes him who he is. It is has been likened to a Nigerian spin-off of Spawn with a uniquely African flavour. Loved it and I personally recommend you read it also.

Eru Issue III : Cover Art

Photo Credit: Comic Republic’s Official Facebook Like Page

According to the comic’s creator, Tobe Ezeogu he had this to say about the next installment of the comic below paraphrasing:

The Vortex Releases StrikeGuard Comic with Their Ultramodern Website

The Vortex Logo

Photo Credit: The Vortex Official Facebook Like Page

“The Vortex” also Vortex Comics is a Media, News and Publishing company situated in the ever evolving creative hub of Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa whose mission is to revamp and publish comics of purely African origin to a wider audience on a global scale. Reviving comic titles by procuring the publishing rights as June XII and Dark Edge created by Ibrahim Ganiyu who we fondly call “Sai Gai”; Mumu Juju created by Etubi Onucheyo such among others.

StrikeGuard’s Fury (Art by Sunkanmi Akinboye)

Photo Credit: The Vortex Official Facebook Like Page

 

Summary

Comic created by Lagos ComicCon Co-founder Ayodele Elegba, Strike Guard (Abolaji Coker) is about a Political Science undergraduate from the University of Lagos. After being murdered by a cult group (gang) and dumped in a grave which belonged to a Yoruba deity he is given a second chance to live. However, this did not come without a price. The spirit of the deity, Ajagbeja, in return uses his body as a host. Abolaji agrees vowing to use his powers against the cult group that murdered him. However his battle reaches out to helpless citizens of Lagos faced by a new wave of spirit entities.