Battlechaser – ComicI was really impressed with Chris' entry into the art contests. Once the creative juices started flowing it looks like it was pretty tough to turn them off. I can't really make comments for each drawing, so I'll talk about them in general. It seemed like the quality dipped up and down. The 3rd picture was really cool and interesting, but that seemed at odds with the 7th picture. The balances and proportions just seemed very different. Chris won't be getting my vote, but I'm very anxious to see him show more stuff in more contests. I sense a win in his future.
DarrylWestley - Masters of the PocketIf we were voting on the title that most sounded like a euphemism for masturbation, then Darryl would easily win. Unfortunately, I noticed things I disliked about this piece first. I didn't like the title on the piece, it felt crowbared in. He-Man and the question mark also gave it a goofy feel. What happened was that these things took away from an awesome Skelator-MIMP transformation. I think this would have been an amazing piece if it was only that part. The Skelator-MIMP portion could make an awesome nerd logo. It could be on stickers, t-shirts, website banners. I really,
really like it – but its quality and uniqueness get lost with the logo, question mark, and He-Man. Just like Chris, I really look forward to seeing more entries from Darryl and can see him easily having a win in the future too.
Ericnilla - Kinnikuheman vs. SkelebuffalotorHoly shizznit. This makes Marvel's Zombies look like a steaming pile of dog shizznit. If a comic like this came out I would shizznit myself. Eric's drawings are just stunning. I don't even know where to start praising these. Eric shared a couple of sketches with me, and I can tell you he was not short on ideas. Seeing them in person was even more amazing. I wish we could have a traveling LRG art show so we could all see these pieces in person. I just don't know what to say. These drawings blow my mind.
Ghost Lion - He-Lion vs. SkelegatorI love the idea here, and it really has the feel of those mini-comics. I don't know if the colors match perfectly, but they match perfectly in my mind. I think that's what makes me enjoy this piece. Am I also crazy to think these figure ideas could be done as customs? He-Man body + Beastman head? This is just a fun, and for me, very nostalgic piece.
Musclemenkids - Mekaneck vs. The ClawIf there is a logical link between MUSCLE and He-Man, then it somehow feels natural that Mekaneck and the Claw are that link. Perhaps it's because MUSCLE is represented by the Claw and Fox and Tortle screwed with Mekaneck so often? I just really like the fun idea of this piece. The group of gremlin-like Claws attacking Meckaneck is just perfect.
Reccoom Kaboom - Snake Mountain BandI knew this was a homage to something, but I didn't know what. I had to go back to the other thread - heavy metal poster. So I guess I have to shave a couple of points for that. My favorite part of this piece is the boglins. My eye is just drawn to them, and I love the addition of instruments to some of them. I almost wish everything above them wasn't there. Maybe if Skelator was turned into a boglin too? Reccoom has set the bar so high for himself. I think he's suffering from the Tortle-effect (always producing such amazing stuff that people expect miracles every time).
Scumdogg - Snake MenScumdogg is another where I struggle to heap enough praise. This is just an awesome piece. I guess there are three things that really stood out to me. First, the colors overall. They just look great and work so well together. Second, the Snake Mountain in the background - just an awesome touch. And third is the smirk on 193's face – devilishly perfect.
Theorgg - NES M.U.S.C.L.E vs. MotUI loved this style on the first entry, it deservedly won. For me this is proof that you should never tell a joke twice. I just don't like it at all this time. Unless there is a wonderful variation, I don't want to see this again.
Tortle - Ashuraman-e-facesWhat an absolutely perfect blend of characters. I'd love to see this character in Eric's comic. In fact, I imagine Tortle's character is a sneak-peek of the new artist taking over the book. I think what amazes me the most about this is that each character is so easily identifiable, but it really ends up feeling like a new character.
So who do I vote for?
As usual, many people deserve to win – but I can only vote for one. My vote is for Ericnilla's Kinnikuheman vs. Skelebuffalotor. There's just amazing emotion, quality, and uniqueness. All three of his entries could have won this contest.
Bravo to Eric and all the entries!