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Saturday, January 01, 2011

AquaSketch by Patrick Gleason - 2010

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I wanted to start off 2011 with something big and powerful, and this surely qualifies, no?

This original piece--measuring about 10x14" (hence the two-tone scan, sorry)--was commissioned by me from Pat back during the 2009 NY Comic Con, but Pat was so overloaded with requests (naturally) that he asked if he could do it at home and send it to me later. I agreed--I'm a huge fan of Pat's work, I think he does a superb Aquaman, and after getting a headshot from him back in 2008, I was eager to see what he could do this time around, when I was paying for something more elaborate.

Due to circumstances beyond his control, Pat ended up not getting around to doing this piece until early 2010, apologizing and asking if he could have more time. I said sure, knowing whatever he ended up sending me would be worth the wait.

When I opened the envelope back in September, I was blown away--not only is that one bad-ass looking Aquaman (go ahead, drop some garbage in the ocean in front of that guy), but Pat added Aquagirl--one of my favorite characters, something I've mentioned to him a few times. He also threw in the iconic lighthouse and coast background that really makes this more than a sketch--a lot more. Pat was also generous enough to send me copies of some of his Aquaman run, each one autographed, which the Shrine will be giving away for an upcoming contest.

All in all it was one giant package of Aqua-Fun, and I thank Pat so much for this time, talent, and this perfect way to kick off the new year!

11 comments:

Unknown said...

THAT. IS. AWESOME!!!

Keith Jones said...

Beautiful drawing. I miss Pat Gleason's Aquaman - I know I've run into quite a few people who don't realize that Pat had quite a distinguished run on Aquaman before his Green Lantern days.

I think the lighthouse really says it all, and is required for any iconic "heroic pose" of Aquaman. The lone sentinel, vigilant against the storm, and a bridge between the land and the sea, the earth and the heavens.

And Aquagirl is great, too, chilling out while the hero struts and adding a little levity and grounding him.

Fantastic!

Diabolu Frank said...

Aquagirl's my favorite Aquaman supporting character, and I love the lighthouse setting, so full speed toward awesome!

I'm in a similar situation with similar hopes dating back to March of 2010. Fingers crossed the results are as worthwhile as yours!

Siskoid said...

A really great sketch!

Here's to another Aqua-year!

Wings1295 said...

Great sketch! Awesome way to kick off the new year!

Brent said...

Very cool.

Hart1000 said...

Fantastic illustration by Pat! Congrats & Welcome to the NEW Year!!!

IADW said...

That is the best Aquaman art I have ever seen. Period.

Orin's dad said...

What a fantastic sketch! That just rocks!

Doug said...

Gleason = awesome

KJ Sampson said...

I LOVED Gleason's take on Aquaman. His depiction, more than anything, is what sold me on the classic outfit, which I definitely didn't care for prior to his run.

I hate that we had to lose him to GLC before his star really rose. But...y'know. :)