Thunderbird X2

This rendition of Thunderbird by Rafael Kayanan reminded me that he also did a portrait of Thunderbird for the Uncanny Dave Cockrum tribute book, so I decided to show both pieces here.

The Rampaging Hulk

The Rampaging Hulk #2, printed in 1977, featured a black and white tale of the original X-Men written by Doug Moench with art by Walt Simonson and Alfredo Alcala.  It was unusual to find the original X-Men featured in a story this soon after the introduction of the All-New All Different X-Men.  Incidentally, the painted cover is by Ken Barr.

Stan The Man

Scott Edelman's blog has some detailed character descriptions believed to be written by Stan Lee in the 1970's.  Scott was an assistant editor at Marvel Comics at the time, and he did print these in an issue of FOOM.  For more information, check out his post: http://www.scottedelman.com/2012/02/11/did-stan-lee-think-cyclops-should-sound-like-anthony-perkins/

Apologies for the scans, but with my secretary on vacation, I was unable to provide a transcript.  However, you can click on the image for a larger version.  Also, I know how much my readers appreciate rare X-Men art, so I have included a dose of John Romita Sr. to keep you from going through withdrawl symptoms.

What is it that disturbs you, Colossus?

We're bringing Paul Smith Week to a close with a special treat!  Paul Smith is well known for his work on both X-Men and Dr. Strange, and here's an image that combines both.  If only this could have been published as a complete story, as Dr. Strange conjures an image of Colossus's sister Magik, who was thought to be dead at the time.

Brotherhood

This Paul Smith pinup of The Brotherhood of (Evil) Mutants originally appeared in X-Men Unlimited #7.  Scans of the original art can be found below.

Paul Smith Week / Uncanny X-Men 169

While this image later saw print in the back pages of Classic X-Men #24, it was originally intended to be the cover for Uncanny X-Men #169.  Check out the original art and the published cover below.

Like a Phoenix

I just can't resist anything by Adam Hughes, and this Dark Phoenix sketch is no exception.

Fifth Line-Up

From The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Master Edition, here's the fifth X-Men lineup, roughly from the John Romita Jr. era.  Art is by Brandon Peterson and Josef Rubinstein.

Alex Ross X-Men

Courtesy of Tumblr, Wizard Magazine's article on Alex Ross X-Men designs that were never used.

http://fyeahlilbit2point0.tumblr.com/post/30412136639/alex-ross-rejected-x-men-redesign

Hulk 181 Commissions

Here are a few artist commissions for The Incredible Hulk #181, starting with Art Adams:

This commission by John Byrne also has a color version:

Here's a fairly straightforward reproduction of the original by Herb Trimpe:

And finally, this sketch cover for Wolverine #1 features Herb Trimpe doing a homage to Incredible Hulk #181 and #340 at the same time!

The Incredible Homage

Here's a few covers that pay homage to The Incredible Hulk #181.  The Incredible Hulk and Wolverine features a John Byrne wraparound cover.

I'm not sure if this cover to Wolverine battles The Incredible Hulk is by Herb Trimpe, if anyone knows for sure feel free to comment below.

Old Man Logan chapter one, printed in Wolverine 66, featured this Dynamic Forces variant by Herb Trimpe.

Here's a better version of that art, printed in Giant-Size Old Man Logan.

Wrapping things up, we have the cover to Wild Thing #0, from Marvel's short-lived MC2 line.  The title, written by Tom DeFalco with art by Ron Frenz, was the story of Wolverine's daughter in an alternate universe.

Hulk 181 Week

This week we will be taking a look at the introduction of Wolverine in The Incredible Hulk #181.  While Hulk #180 did have a Wolverine appearance on the last page, this issue was the first to feature Wolverine throughout the issue.  First up we have the original character design by John Romita Sr.  I believe that these sketches are recreations of the originals.

Here's the classic cover by Herb Trimpe, along with some later Wolverine and Hulk commissions.

Check back later this week for more Wolverine Vs. Hulk!

Gone Rogue

Mike Zeck 2 of 3

Here's another great X-Men Classics cover by Mike Zeck and Tom Palmer