Friday, January 31, 2014

Xerxes Record Producer (illustrated by Russel Roehling)

When Sexton and Didi go to The Undercut they attend Foxglove’s first public concert.

During the show Sexton encountered a record producer from Xerxes Records. He seems unimpressed with Foxglove’s performance, but once he discovers that Sexton’s father represents then record label and that Sexton likes the music, he begins to think that she’s “got something.”

Later we learned that Hazel called to speak with Sexton to tell him that Hazel called and that Foxglove got a record deal.

The Xerxes Record Producer appears in Death: The High Cost Of Living # 2, on page 13.

Russel did an awesome job with this portrait. He really gives this guy attitude!!!!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Lilith’s Child # 5 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In The Beginning there was Adam and God created a mate for him.

Adam’s first wife was Lilith. She was intelligent and powerful.

Lilith was expelled from Eden. After leaving Eden it was rumored that she had sex with demons (or perhaps sons of God). She had many children.

This is one of Lilith’s Children.

He appears in Sandman # 40, on page 14, panel 3. He is the second from the right.

I really like this portrait from Max. I like the bestial nature of this offspring of Lilith and I love his mixture of colors to make the creature seem really horrifying. Max also drew a little doodle on the back, which I is shown below the portrait.

Here is one of Lilith's children....

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Man # 41 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

Unity Kincaid, suffering from the sleeping sickness, was sent to a nursing home when she was about 45 ,after her parents died. She would sometimes sit in the sun with elderly men and women.

This man is one of the old men who liked to sit outside playing checkers with friends.

He appears in Sandman # 1, on page 21 in panel 6.

This is another wonderful portrait from Lars. I like that he is holding a checker, a specific reference to this character and what he’s doing in the published comic. I really like this portrait.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Jamaican Man # 6 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

Daniel Bustamonte spends his time on the streets. When he’s not asleep he is barely awake stumbling through life as a result of the sleeping sickness.

This Jamaican Man is one of the many men that Daniel encountered on his time on the streets.

He appears in Sandman # 1, page 23, panel 4.

I like this portrait from Max. I like how he integrated the Jamaican flag into the background of this portrait. That’s a very nice touch…

Monday, January 27, 2014

Security Guard # 6 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

This is one of the many security guards who watch over the inmates of Arkham Asylum.

This security guard can be seen in Preludes and Nocturnes, in Sandman # 5, page 1 and panel 4.

This security guard is one of the men watching the monitors to ensure nobody escapes and is wandering the halls. He clearly is not doing a great job since John Dee escaped during his watch.

Lars did a great job with this portrait. This character does not seem quite as “hardened” as he does in the published comic, but given that he will probably be reprimanded for not catching John Dee’s escape I imagine he will be much more diligent in the future.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Faery # 122 (illustrated by Jeremy Haun)

This is another Faery drawn by Jeremy.

In Midsummer Nights Dream there are tons of Faeries and several of them look similar to Bevis, who particularly enjoys the play. This is one of those Faeries.

This Faery can be seen in Sandman # 19, on page 13 in panel 3.

Jeremy did a great job with this portrait. I really like the spikes on his head and the rolls of his chin. These little details add a lot of character to this background character.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Serial Killer # 13 (illustrated by Emonic)

This man is one of the serial killers who attended the Cereal Convention from The Doll’s House story “Collectors.”

This serial killer is not named and we do not know his “specialty.”

He appears in the audience during Nimrod’s opening speech.

He appears in Sandman # 14 on page 13 panel 5.

I always thought this serial killer looked a lot like Elvis. I did not mention this to Emonic, but he must have thought the exact thing because his portrait also reminds me a lot of Elvis. I really like his portrait!!!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Prostitute (illustrated by Max Rugers)

When Carla goes to the police station to enquire about Detectives Luke Pinkerton and Gordy Fellowes who are supposedly investigating the disappearance of Daniel Hall this prostitute is brought in by two police officers.

She appears in Sandman # 61 on page 16 in panel 4.

Max did a great job with this portrait. I like how he sort of stuck with the original idea that only her legs were visible, but he expanded on that idea showing a little more of her body than what was seen in the original published comic.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Dreamer # 41 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

In Preludes And Nocturnes, Dream battles John Dee in order to prevent the destruction of the dream world and to regain his stolen ruby. While battling, the effects are felt by all those who are sleeping, including this Dreamer. His sleep is filled with the darkest nightmares.

This Dreamer appears in Sandman # 7, on page 14, in panel 4.

Lars’ approach to this character is a nice. I like that only his face is visible, obscured by the night and world of dreams, similar to the published comic.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Man # 37 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In June 1920 Dr. John Hathaway committed suicide and the news of his mysterious death was a headline on every newspaper in London.

This man was one of the many men who lived in London at the time and sold newspapers to people on the streets.

This man appears in Sandman # 1, on page 14, in panel 1.

I really like this portrait from Max. The line work on the character’s face is exceptional and I like the texture added to the man’s coat by using tape and painting over it. This is a great portrait from Max.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Carnifex From Distant Plain City (illustrated by Lars Brown)

In Worlds’ End, Cluracan told a tale of this journey to Aurelia where he was asked, by Titania, to prevent an alliance between the Folk Of The Cities Of The Plains.

While in Aurelia, Cluracan attended meetings and this Carnifex from a distant plain city was at one of the meetings.

He appears in Sandman # 52, page 13, panel 1.

This portrait was drawn by Lars and is a bit of a different interpretation of the character. Based on Lars’ portrait, I imagine the character to be a bit shady and cruel. I do not get that impression from the character in the published comic, but I don’t think it’s a far stretch to believe that this man has those qualities. Carnifex Carys XXXV has those qualities about him and so perhaps this is just a characteristic of being a Carnifex.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Faery # 46 (illustrated by Jeremy Haun)

This Faery is one of the faeries that attended the first performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on June 23rd 1593 in Wilmington, England near The Long Man of Wilmington.

This Faery appears in Sandman # 19, on page 7, panel 1. He can be seen, barely, near the front of the audience.

This Faery was drawn by Jeremy Haun. I really like this portrait and this character. This faery definitely has an earthy feel, and resembles a tree, which I think is a nice approach to the character. He also doesn’t look particularly friendly and not trustworthy.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Serial Killer # 29 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

Here is another serial killer, this time illustrated by Max, and it’s a good one. I love the darkness of this portrait and how his face is obscured.

This serial killer is, of course, one of the men who attended the Cereal Convention from The Doll’s House storyline.

He appears in Sandman # 14, on page 2, in the first panel. He is standing up against the registration booth getting signed into his hotel room, wearing a gray jacket.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Demon # 171 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

I really like Lars’ interpretation of this demon who appears in one panel of the final issue of Season Of Mists.

This demon is one of the many demons returning to Hell after the angels Remiel and Duma become the caretakers of Hell.

He appears in Sandman # 28, on page 1, panel 2.

One of the things I really like about the approach that Lars took with this character is that most of the demons throughout the series look fairly humanoid. Lars did not do that with this character. He looks more like a weird mutant ant, which I very much appreciate!!!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Foxglove’s Fan # 1 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

Since her appearance in A Game Of You Foxglove has become an international sensation. She is a famous rock star and has released several cds and has appeared on talk shows, such as David Letterman.

She is constantly in the spotlight, either by the media or her fans.

While Foxglove and her manager Larry are sitting in a park discussing her future, this fan approaches Foxglove and asks for her autograph.

This fan of Foxglove appears in Death: The Time Of Your Life # 1, on page 10, panel 1.

I love this portrait. I really like Max’s interpretation of this character. This young woman looks like the type of person who would enjoy Foxglove’s music. While the published comic doesn’t really give any details (including gender) of the character I think this is the best possible interpretation of the character.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Reveler At Alain’s Masked Ball # 3 (illustrated by Emonic)

This character is one of the people who attended Alain’s magnificent masked.

This Reveler can be seen standing at the bottom of the stairs talking with some other party guests.

You can see this character Endless Nights, “Death In Venice” page 13, panel 1.

Emonic did an amazing job with this portrait. This is one of my favorite of the Revelers and I love what Emonic did with her. While he chose to use different colors than in the published comic, I think that the contrast between the black and red is absolutely fantastic and works well with this character and her costume.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Hanged Man (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In Preludes And Nocturnes, Dream visits the three ladies (also known as The Fates or The Kindly Ones or the Three Graces or even The Three Witches) in order to determine where his stolen tools of his office are located.

To move through the Dreaming to get to the crossroads Morpheus must move through the dreams of people.

This Hanged Man comes from the dream of a young Japanese woman who is a fan of movies She is dreaming of some of the old Hammer horror films. I am not familiar enough with the Hammer horror films to know whether this is a reference to a particular film.

This character appears in Sandman # 2, on page 17 in panel 4.

This is a great portrait. Max did an excellent job creating this character without making it too graphic and horrific.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Man # 77 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

When Martin Tenbones comes to New York seeking Barbie, this man is one of the people who witnessed the creature.

He was in a group of people watching the events that transpired, leading to the death of Martin Tenbones.

He can be seen in Sandman # 32, on page 19, in panel 5.

This portrait was drawn by Lars and I really like it. I like that, as in the comic, he is looking towards the distance and to the streets of New York.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Cat # 5 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

This is one of the many cats that attended the gathering in the cemetery to hear the story of the old wise storyteller cat in Dream Of A Thousand Cats, from Dream Country.

This cat is in Sandman # 18, page 4. He is on the left behind some bushes.

Max based this portrait on his cat Bojangles. I really like this portrait….but I also really like cats and I can’t imagine they are easy to draw so I can appreciate the amount of detail put into making this cat look perfect.

Max also did an alternate painting on the back of the portrait. I am including this portrait here because...well, it's awesome and I don't need any reason aside from that.

Here is Cat # 5...

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Roman Citizen # 141 (illustrated by Lukas Ketner)

Today Lukas Ketner joins the Sandman Portraits team!!! He's a fantastic artist who has worked on Witch Doctor for Image (go check it out) and has done numerous commissions for me in the past and will probably do many more in the future. Check out his website for more of his art. I'm very excited that he is able to join the team!

First up from Lukas is Roman Citizen # 141.

One of the most difficult aspects of this collection of Portraits is accounting for every character within the comic series….especially when you encounter panels like this one.

In Sandman # 30, Augustus Caesar and his friend Lycius sit on some steps near the marketplace dressed as beggars and discussing politics, power and personal legacy.

This character appears in the Roman market in one of the panels that contains a large number of other Roman citizens. This panel is in Sandman # 30, page 13, and is panel 4.

While I find documenting every character in a panel such as this one difficult, Lukas did a fantastic job with this character. He basically created this character from his impression and expectations of what a Roman citizen would look like and I think he did an excellent job. I love the attitude that seeps off this portrait and it definitely gives an impression of who this character is and what he is like. This is another perfect example of one of the many reasons I enjoy a project of this scope and insane level of detail!!!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Binzuru Harada (illustrated by Max Rugers)

Binzuru Harada is one of the disciples of Buddah and is known for his wisdom and compassion. In his youth he had broken his vow of chastity and was forbidden to enter Nirvana. He lives on Mount Marishi and comes to the aid of men when they need help. People also pray to him if they are sick. They rub their hands on a wooden statue of Binzuru Harada in the place that is not well and they are healed.

In Dream Hunters, The Monk prays to Binzuru Harada when the Fox showed up on the doorstep of his temple at the edge of death.

Later The Monk encounters Binzuru Harada, who appears as an old man with a long white beard and bushy eyebrows, when he leaves his temple to seek help for the fox. Binzuru Harada beats The Monk with a stick for abandoning his temple, but then gives him a slip of paper and tells him that he needs to sleep with the token of The King Of All Night’s Dreaming beneath his head in order to save the life of the Fox. Binzuru Harada appears in Dream Hunters on page 66-69.

This is a wonderful portrait from Max. I like the moon in the background. It adds a sense of magic to the character.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Citizen Of Baghdad # 54 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

While Dream and Haroun al Raschid were walking through the streets of Baghdad they passed through a marketplace.

This citizen of Baghdad is one of the people in this particular panel of Ramadan.

He can barely be seen in panel 1 of page 24 from Sandman # 50.

This is a great portrait from Lars. I love the humor in this drawing, especially given that the character is one of the many incredibly obscure characters in the series.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Demon # 203 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

When Morpheus decends into Hell to reclaim his stolen helm he encounters many demons of various shapes and sizes.

This is one of the more unique demons.

He appears in the fantastic double page spread, which features hundreds of demons. This demon may not be the easiest to spot. It is located near the tall column to the left. I described it as a “plant-like demon” for lack of a better description.

Max took this bizarre creature and created a demon that is pretty awesome and frightening. I can imagine this as something that would have appeared in some old European folk tale…a demon that lives in a tree and eats unsuspecting travelers.

This demon appears in Sandman # 4, on page 13.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Worlds’ End Patron # 10 (illustrated by Russel Roehling)

When Brant first wakes up and discovers that he is still in the strange Inn he sees Charlene sitting at a table with a group of people. This woman is one of those people.

It is unknown whether she tells a story, but I am assuming she didn’t based on Charlene’s comments regarding all the being Men’s stories and stories without women in them. We know practically nothing about this character.

She appears in Sandman # 51 on page 9, in panel 5. She is sitting to the right wearing a green outfit.

I really like this portrait from Russel. She doesn’t really look much like the character in World’s End (most notably her bird skull earrings are missing), but I still really like her. She looks happy. Russel has a way of capturing people’s expressions and making them feel honest and real.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Sky-Boy # 1 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In” Going Inside,” the Deliriuim story from Endless Nights, there is a writer who is affected by Delirium’s imbalance. He writes stories about the Sky-Boys and their battle with Lord Kiss-&-Shah Of Hell and his army of Party Girls.

This is one of the Sky-Boys.

He appears on page 8 of “Going Inside.” This Sky-Boy is the blonde boy on the left.

I really like this portrait. Max did an excellent job with the character. I like the “cracked” nature of the portrait in relation to this character.

He also drew a little doodle on the back of the portrait, which I really like, and so I included that as well.

I hope you enjoy them.