Black Panther MWF #518 Preview

~~ Click on the above and below images for the preview ~~

Hello guys,

Black Panther Man Without Fear #518 is out tomorrow and as usual I have put together a little extra preview for you guys (click on the image above for real size version of it).
#518 concludes this first arc (intrducing and featuring the new favorite villain Vlad the Impaler) and hints (in the last two pages) to things to come.

Hope you guys have enjoyed the read as much we did making this run and pls stay tuned for the HUNTER 2-issue story (out next month and drawn by Jefte Palo) and for the 3-issue FEAR ITSELF tie-in starting in July with me back on the interiors :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

DR WHO - The Curse of the Black Spot

(click on the above image for the larger poster view)

Watched the third episode of DR WHO's new season yesterday and the above image has been stuck in my brains since then, so today I took a 10 min break from work (Panther layouts) to draw it :)
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you "THE CURSE OF THE BLACK SPOT" :)

I wonder if I should make this a weekly thing?

Cheers,
Francesco

DR WHO - Day of the Moon

(click on the above image for the larger poster view)

A little late (I was out of town last weekend when the episode aired the first time on BBC America) but finally got around watching part 2 of the season premiere of Doctor Who last night - and TOTALLY enjoyed it :)

Of course, as with "THE IMPOSSIBLE ASTRONAUT", I felt inspired to do a quick (10-15 min) tribute of the episode right after watching it.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you "DAY OF THE MOON" :)

Cheers,
Francesco

DR WHO - The Impossible Astronaut

(click on the above image for the larger poster view)

Just watched the premiere of the new season of Doctor Who on BBC America and couldn't help to do a quick drawing: the episode was full of very iconic imagery that I had to draw something... before I forget it ;)

AnyWHO, here's 10/15 minutes of fun drawin' :)
Not sure if I should leave as is, or if I should do a more finished/detailed version. Hope you enjoy this in the meanwhile :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Black Panther MWF #517 Preview & BP MWF News

~~ Click on the above and below images for the preview ~~

Hello guys,

After Jefte Palo's guest artist issue of Black Panther #516, I am back teaming up with David Liss and wrapping up the first arc of Black Panther Man Without Fear with issues 517 and 518.
Issue 517 is out today (see the exclusive preview above) and 518 has been already delivered to editorial and it will be out a month from now. These two issues are without doubts my best work on this title yet: lots of fun action and lots of revelation by David Liss that will have you say "I didn't see that coming" :)


~~ Click on the above and below images for the bigger view ~~

After 517 (out today) and 518 (out in May), Jefte Palo will be back for a 2-issue event that will see both Storm and Kraven the Hunter guesting on the title. These two issues, #519 & #520, will be both out in June.

I will be back on the book starting with issue 521 that will start a tie-in arc with the big MARVEL event FEAR ITSELF and will feature a new character I was lucky enough to be asked to design (cause it was lot of fun to design :)): AMERICAN PANTHER! (see above teaser released recently by MARVEL).
We will get to this in more details soon :) For now I hope you enjoy the teaser and - most of all - issue 517 in stores today :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

PIGS #2 Cover

~~ Click on the above image for larger view ~~

Hello guys,

One of the many projects announced at WonderCon this past weekend is PIGS, a new ongoing book at IMAGE by Nate Cosby, Ben McCool, and Breno Temura.
I was invited to do a cover for issue 2 and I happily accepted: big fan of the subject (some of you may remember LEFT ON MISSION, one of my eralier creator owned books) I didn't need to be asked twice to be part of this :) (even if in a cover artist capacity)

Here's McCool's quick synopsis for it (via Twitter):

A 2nd-generation KGB Cuban sleeper cell is activated & assigned to overthrow the U.S. Government.

Story by Nate Cosby & Ben McCool
Art by Breno Tamura
Colors by Chris Sotomayer
Covers by Jock, Francesco Francavilla, Amanda Conner, Paul Mounts, Ben Templesmith, Humberto Ramos, Becky Cloonan and Edgar Delgado.
Publisher: IMAGE Comics

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.

RoboCharity - Artwork Auction

(click on the above image for larger view)

--- Edit: Noshino is the winner of the auction
Noshino, please contact me via email so we can arrange payment/shipping for the artwork and the book. If you have trouble contacting me via my website, please leave a note here and we will figure out a way.
Thanks again for bidding on the artwork, the folks at Forgotten Harvest and I really appreciate it :) ---

By now most everyone knows that earlier this week, a group of folks managed to raise $50,000 to build a Robocop statue in Detroit. That's a pretty cool idea--I mean, who doesn't love Robocop? Besides, maybe it could help with tourism in Detroit or something.

Anyway, the event got some other folks on twitter talking, especially good friend and comics creator Ron Marz [@ronmarz] and Book of Eli scribe Gary Whitta [@garywhitta]. After much debate, they both decided to each donate to a fantastic Detroit charity, Forgotten Harvest [@ForgottnHarvest]. Thus, RoboCharity [@RoboCharity] was born. So far, Forgotten Harvest's donations are up 10-fold, but that isn't enough to meet the need. I've donated too but I'd like to do more and have some fun in the process.

Those of you who know me know that my wife and I are both avid organic gardeners and are big believers and supporters of making fresh, nutritious food available for everyone. Forgotten Harvest rescues surplus, prepared, and perishable food from grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers, then donates that would otherwise go to waste to local agencies like soup kitchens, homeless and domestic shelters, senior citizens, and more.

Inspired by the topic and events, I did this sketch of RoboCop doing what he does best -- protecting and serving the citizens of Detroit! I plan to auction off the sketch in the next week and donate the proceeds to Forgotten Harvest. I'm counting on you guys to come through and help provide some nutritious food to some folks who could use our help.

I don't have an eBay account (I know--I'm so last century), so I plan to just have an informal auction here on my blog.

Here's how it'll work:
I've posted the art here on the blog.
If you're interested, please type your bid in the comments feature. Bidding starts at $50 and goes up in $5 increments. Bidding will end at 6pm EST (that's 3pm for the west-coasters) on Sunday, Feb. 27.
-- BIDDING ENDED! --

Highest bidder* gets the art and the money raised goes straight to Forbidden Harvest.
I'm also covering the shipping cost for the winner and throwing in a signed copy of my limited edt sketchbook CHIAROSCURO Vol.1.
Original artwork in on 9x12" bristol board.

$50 is enough to buy 250 meals, so the more you bid, the more we can all help. This is a great chance to donate to a needy cause and get some nice art in the process.

Cheers,
Francesco

*Paypal payment only

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.

Harvey

Here's a panel from a page I worked on last night for Detective Comics: it's part of a pretty cool opening scene ;)

Speaking of Detective, I CANNOT wait for you guys to get #874 next week: I think it might be one of my best issue yet (and I am trying to top that with #875)
Hope ya dig it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2011 DC Comics. All rights reserved.

A little taste...

...of Black Panther to come: look for these in #517 :)

Also I take the opportunity to let you all know Black Panther TMWF #516 will feature talented guest artist Jefte Palo: please let's all give him a warm welcome to the Panther family :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2011 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

Black Panther MWF #515 Preview

~~ Click on the above and below images for the preview ~~

Hello guys,

Black Panther TMWF #515 will be in stores tomorrow, along with the below second printing edition of the now sold out #513 (the first of this new run)! The first 2 issues (513 and 514) have been acclaimed by both fans and critics and ranked in the top 50 best selling books in December and January.
Click on the above image for a 8 pages preview plus cover and find out why IGN lists every month Black Panther in their absolute must-buys.
Hope you like what you see here and hope you pick up a copy tomorrow:)

Here's MARVEL solicts for it:

For the fate of Hell's Kitchen: T'Challa vs. Vlad the Impaler in a desperate rooftop battle of wills, wits and fists! "Urban Jungle" heats up as Luke Cage guest-stars, friends fall, dark forces prepare to step from the shadows, and a dangerous conspiracy begins to unfold!

Story by David Liss
Art by Francesco Francavilla
Letters by Joe Caramagna
Cover by Simone Bianchi & Simone Peruzzi

Price: $2.99

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

Skeleton Cases & Detective Comics

~ Above: The making of #874 cover - Click on the images for a closer look ~

Hello Friends,

this week has seen the release of Detective Comics #873 with part 3 (and conclusion) of the Black Mirror story, Scott Snyder's and Jock's first critically acclaimed arc on Detective. If you haven't picked up your copy yet, you better do it soon cause they are selling out (once again!)

With the book out, I have read about lots of people wondering what happened to the co-feature, "SKELETON CASES", I was illustrating. Part 3 was supposed to be in 873 but it wasn't, fans noted. Some wondered if the co-feature has been killed because of the new format and reduced price tag of $2.99.
To help to clear some of this confusion, I thought to dedicate this post to SKELETON CASES and what's coming up in Detective.


~ Above: An intense moment between Jim Gordon and his estranged son James Jr. ~

With the new format there was no room for the initially planned co-feature in 873. For that reason we all decided to move pt 3 of Skeleton Cases to #874. So, next issue (out in February), will see the conclusion of SKELETON CASES in the first half of the book, and the second half will have a little Batman tale - featuring guest star Red Robin - that is a bridge between the first and second Snyder-Jock arc.
The whole issue is written by Scott and entirely illustrated by me.


~ Above: Batman and special guest Red Robin study the adversary... ~

And in March we will have Detective #875, (see below) a full issue dedicated to a Jim Gordon story, a "hardcore cold case mystery" that has been haunting him since Jr was a little kid. And speaking of Jr., we will find out more about him in this issue.
This will be written by Scott and - again - illustrated entirely by me.
I read the script and it's a chilling story, so you guys don't want to miss it, trust me :)

Detective #876 in April will see the first part of a 3 issue arc with Jock and David Baron back to art duties: hints of this new arc are in the short story that will be in Detective 874 next month.

I (and Gordon and Jr.) will be back on the pages of Detective after this arc.

And that's it for now: hope you guys have a clearer idea of what's ahead and hope to see you on board for the whole run: Scott is a talented writer and it's making this a hell of a run: Jock, David, and I are all happy to be on board with this and you can tell :)

Hope you enjoy the making of the cover for 874 above and below are the solicits for #874 and #875.

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

DETECTIVE COMICS #874
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Gordon faces James Jr. in the conclusion of the 3-part SKELETON CASES arc. Meanwhile Batman - and guest star Red Robin - gets a little taste of a new menace for Gotham City while still dealing with the after effects of the Black Mirror arc!

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #875
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

“There are some cases that come screaming back at you…like phone calls in the night…”
For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious
“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.
But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale March 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

E.T.

(click on the above image for the poster view)

They were playing the E.T. Soundtrack on PANDORA so I HAD to draw a quick sketch of the little guy.
All done from memory (haven't seen the movie in more than 10 ys, if not 20) so please forgive me if it's not on model.
Hope you dig it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.

Black Panther TMWF #514 Preview

~~ Click on the above and below images for the preview ~~

Hello guys,

Black Panther TMWF #514 is coming out tomorrow! The first issue of my and David's run has been so well received by fans and critics so I can't wait to hear from you all on this second issue.
Click on the above image for a 9 pages preview plus cover. Hope you like what you see here and hope you pick up the book this coming Wed :)

Here's MARVEL solicts for it:

Luke Cage guest stars as T'Challa's new adventure in NYC continues!

The former King of Wakanda has sworn to protect the mean streets of Hell's Kitchen, and while battling the mob is one thing, how does he stop a killer targeting innocent people?

It's a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, as T'Challa hunts ruthless new crime lord Vlad the Impaler, while Vlad concocts a desperate and bloody scheme to entrap the mysterious new vigilante that's ruining his plans.

T'Challa learns what it really means to be a man without fear.

Story by David Liss
Art by Francesco Francavilla
Cover by Simone Bianchi, Simone Peruzzi

Price: $2.99


Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

Happy New Year! (with sneak peeks!)

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Friends,

I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! Hope it will be a helathy a good one for you all and your families :)

2011 looks like is gonna be another busy year for me (which is always a good thing, yes? ;)) so here's a little peek at what's coming in the first half of it. Hope you guys tune in all along and will enjoy most of it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

Bat-Flamethrower!

(click on the above image for the poster view)

This "lunch break quickie" was inspired by a brief exchange I had with (American Vampire and Detective Comics writer) Scott Snyder and Bat editor Mike Marts on Twitter - and clearly inspired by the current situtaion in the North East of the US (heck, we even had snow here in Atlanta and it's still kinda white landscape around here).

So,I give you Batman about to free the Batmobile from the snow with his flamethrower ;)
And pls don't forget to pickup Detective #872 tomorrow out in stores (it also includes the second part of SKELETON CASES, the Commissioner Gordon co-feature written by Scott and drawn by me):)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.

Black Panther TMWF #513 Preview

~~ Click on the above and below images for the preview ~~

Hello guys,

hope y'all will allow me one more post about this book: I know I have been pimping it quite a bit, but this and Detective have been such wonderful books to work on (and am still working on them) that I really want them to be read by as many people as possible.
Click on the above image to give an overall look at 10 pages plus the 2 covers. Hope you like what you see here and hope you pick up the book this coming Wed :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR

~~ Click on the above and below images for a bigger view ~~

Hello guys,

We are only 7 days away from the release of the first issue of Black Panther as the New Man Without Fear, also known as the issue where I and Award winning writer David Liss will take over the title for quite some time.
And what better time to finally reveal the missing piece of that puzzle of teaser images I did months ago for Who Is The Next Man Without Fear. Of course the missing piece was DareDevil, who will be missing from his own book while Black Panther takes over after the dramatic events of Shadowland.
Below you can see how all the pieces fit together.

Hope you guys dig it and I really hope you guys pick up Black Panther MWF #513 next week: we have put quite some love in this book - you will see :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.


~~ Click on the above and below images for a bigger view ~~

Black Panther Book of the Month (Wizard)

Hi guys,

while I am still happy for all the praise that my run on Detective (with those talented Snyder and Jock fellas) is getting, I found out today that in the new Wizard Magazine (now on the shelves) my other BIG-TWO debut book with writer David Liss, Black Panther Man Without Fear #513, has been picked as "BOOK OF THE MONTH" in the PULL LIST section of the magazine by the Wizard staff.
The book will be in stores on December 15th - mark your calendars!
If you have been enjoying my noirish art on Commissioner Gordon, well you are gonna get 23 pages of down to the street noir/pulp action in here too :)
Will share some preview when we get closer to the release.

Cheers,
Francesco

All images © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.
Black Panther ™ and © 2010 Marvel Entertainment

"FROGS"

(click on the above image for the poster view)

This is my contribution to the "Monsters & Dames" Charity Artbook 2011 the fine folks put out every year for ECCC.
This year show (2010 edition) was too fun and I loved Seattle and all it's people so I am very happy that I will be attending the EMERALD CITY COMIC CON as a guest again in 2011 - really looking forward to it :)

In other news, Detective Comics #871 (the issue where I started the Commissioner Gordon co-feature) has officially sold out and it's going back to print! YAY!
Thank you everyone for the support and for the love you have shown for this book, I really appreciate it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

CyGirl & Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.

Everyone Loves Detective

(click on the above image for a bigger reading experience ;))

Hi guys,

Detective Comics #871 (with the brand new team of Scott Snyder on the story, and Jock, David Baron, and me on art chores, all under the great supervision of editors Mike Marts and Janelle Siegel) come out last week and since then reviews are poring in and the verdict seems to be the same: Detective is the Bat book you must buy :D
Check these reviews out :) (click on links to read the reviews)

iFanboy: 5 out of 5!

TECHLAND: I like the new look of Detective a lot--two schools of European cartooning in just one book!

CBR

Crave OnLine: t’s hard to read Detective Comics #871 and not feel like a new era is upon us. With only one issue, Snyder and the team of artists have established a very new take on Dick Grayson, Jim Gordon, and their relationship with Gotham City. If you don’t love absolutely everything the new Detective Comics, there’s something fundamentally wrong with the way you view art.

Newsarama Best Shots Extra

Multiversity Comics: I can't say enough about this book. From top to bottom, from the writing to the art to the editing to everything else, this book is simply one of the best big two superhero books of the year. 9.8

The Outhousers

Read/Rant: A-

Comics And... : Overall Grade A + - If you aren’t reading this book you are missing what could become a classic.

Paradox Comics Group: the Vertigo sophistication and sensibility being applied to the DC Universe [..] 8/10

Comic Attack!: I highly recommend it!

The Weekly Crisis: Must Read. You are going to want to be in on the ground floor for what’s going to be a great year for Batman. this reads like Dashiell Hammett’s take on the character and the city.

Weekly Comic Book Review: Snyder “get’s it” and is writing a uniquely Dick Grayson detective story. Jock and Francavilla are delivering awesome art. Must read! A-

Gotham Knights Online: Jock and Francesco’s artwork matches Snyders writing perfectly and [..] puts Detective Comics at the top of the pile for Batman titles currently out there. 5/5

Heroes Online: Atmospheric and intelligent, an excellent start for this title’s new direction.

There is plenty more reviews posted in the last days and more coming out this week, but you get the idea... :)
Thanks everyone for the support: I, Scott, Jock, David, Mike, Janelle, and all the DC COmics gang really appreciate all the bat-love you guys are throwing our way :)

Cheers,
Francesco

All images © 2010 Francesco Francavilla.
Detective Comics ™ and © 2010 DC Comics