The Goblin

Have I ever drawn the Green Goblin before? I'm really not sure. I've been catching up on my Spider-man lately, both comics and cartoons, and I have to admit he's a pretty awesome villain. He's just so insane. He's kind of like the Joker... if the Joker could fly, knew Batman's identity, and was also a wealthy businessman. I love how the Goblin is like Norman Osborn's second personality. Like he doesn't quite realize they are the one in the same. Norman just thinks the Goblin is trying to help him achieve all his goals by any means necessary... which usually involves throwing someone off a bridge.

TRADING CARDS - Beast

Back to the trading card recreations with card #3, Beast! So if you've been following my blog at all, you know that Beast is my favorite X-Men character and I love that he got the third card spot. He's also on the Blue Team, so it just keeps dominating. I remember really wanting this card as a kid even though the illustration is a little weird. He was like the one card I actually remembered what it looked like. I'm telling you, he has always been my fav. Which makes this post extra special because I get to do my favorite X-Man for my 100th post!

"The Beast seems every bit as fearsome as his namesake - until he opens his mouth! Then the humor and genius intelligence of this founding memeber of the X-Men comes through with every word!"

See, even that description makes him sound like an awesome character. Plus it has two exclamation points, so you know it's exciting.

Changes and Updates

I've made a few changes lately to help better brand everything. First (well not chronologically) is the new header which you can all see above. Second, I figured out how to make a tab bar (also above) so you can easily navigate between my illustrations, paintings, portraits and commissions. I also finally put up buttons on the right to both The Hers and His Shop (etsy shop for the wife and I) and for LeeXopher (my brother's site - home of the webcomic Rock of Pages).

I also made the switch on deviantART to natexopher. Unfortunately, you can't just change your name on there (which is why I had put it off for so long) so I had to create a whole new account and start over. Fortunately though, this let me start with a clean slate and I can separate myself from some of the really old work from when I joined over 6 years ago.

I have some exciting new stuff coming soon so stay tuned for more X-Men Trading Card recreations and some brand new paintings and illustrations.

The Captain

Worked on a small series of heroes to get myself back in to inking with pens. I had been doing it digitally for a while now with my tablet, but a little disconnected and sometimes couldn't get the exact lines I can with a real pen on paper. The trade off is then the inks have to be scanned and fixed up. I'll be playing around and trying to get the right working process for myself.

TRADING CARDS - Rogue

Continuing with my trading card redos is #2, Rogue. I'm pretty surprised she got the second spot. I would have figured Cyclops would be first and then Wolverine second, but --SPOILER ALERT-- Wolvie doesn't appear til #6 (and looks awful.. just wait). Anyway, here's Rogue as #2, apparently clearing out some of those rocks that Cyclops was blowing up in his card. Here's her (terribly written) bio:

"Rogue's powers forever deny her the simple comfort of another's gentle touch. But that doesn't stop this good-ole southern gal from having a good-ole time fighting side by side with the rest of the X-Men's Blue team!"

Rogue is awesome (again, Blue Team) and quickly becoming one of my favorite X-girls.

TRADING CARDS - Cyclops

Anyone remember these old X-Men trading cards from the 90s? I don't think I had any growing up but a few years ago one of my buddies gave me all of his. I was looking at them recently and thought it would be fun to redraw a few of them, so starting with #1 is Cyclops.

"No one embodies the beliefs and dreams of Professor X better than Cyclops, his most beloved student. A founding X-Man, he's grown from a troubled youth into a confident leader of the Blue team!"

Oh the Blue Team... stacked so much better than the Gold Team. Be sure to check back for more trading card re-draws.

Custom Cartoon Portraits

Ever wanted to see yourself or someone you love as a cartoon? Just email me at natexopher@gmail.com with these three things:
1-Photos of the person or people to be included
2-Eye colors of the people included
3-Color you want used for your background

Then wait up to two weeks (depending on demand) and you will receive a high quality print of your custom cartoon portrait. It's that easy! These are perfect for birthdays or anniversaries.

Digital print out starts at $40 for up to two people with an additional $5 for each additional person - 5x7, 8x10 or 11x17" for easy framing

VIEW PORTRAIT GALLERY