Category Archives: Marvel Comics
A Hawkeye & Mockingbird Moment: P-p-p-pym Particles!
Gorak — Mystic Eunuch!
Checking out recent digitals on Marvel.com, I came across this Steve Ditko classic. And, while admiring his incredible art, I noticed that our buddy Gorak the Mystic is extraordinary powerful … but not so great on aim. Ouch! That bolt on the … Continue reading
A.I.M. High – Sleep the Sleep of Upper Management
A.I.M. High – The Dreaded Job Interview … of DOOM!
Okay, so maybe it’s not really THAT bad …
Move over Cap and Sharon …
Sorry it’s been a few days. Needed to take some important family time. Enjoy.
Why I Love Marvel Comics: What If …? #29
Look at this … just look at it! The greatest action figure collection … EVA’! Come on. Be honest. You are soooo jealous of the Scarlet Centurion right now.
A.I.M. High ~ Bad Day on the Cutting Edge of Science
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Marcio Takara
I’m not the world’s foremost believer on fate, but today … I’m a convert. Several weeks ago, I interviewed Marcio Takara, a Brazilian illustrator living in Canada. He is currently penciling The Incredibles for Boom! I had found his “Tiny … Continue reading
Random Acts of Badassery! – Katie Cook
We didn’t buy nearly enough original art on our visit to C2E2 in Chicago, but two of our most favorite are these tiny sketches we picked up for just $5 apiece from the amazing Katie Cook (who drew Wonder Woman … Continue reading
A.I.M. High – Season 2 ~ Mirror, Mirror!
Last year, I had a great time with my Kirby-Inspired Komic, A.I.M. High. And, ya’ll were really kind about it. It’s been a while. So, we’ll start with a little tribute to “Star Trek.” And, in case you missed it … Continue reading
“M” is for Marvelous Mockingbird …
It’s a great time to be a Mockinbird fan. She is kicking ass and looking gorgeous doing it. And, folks are coming out of the woodwork to draw here. Like our pal, Ryan Cody of Daily Sketchjam, who is drawing … Continue reading
The tempting Tigra …
Marvel.com released New Avengers: The Reunion #2 on digital comics today. And, it reminded me of an important truth. No one should ever draw Tigra again except David Lopez … like, ever. ‘Nuff said.
Lo! There Shall Be an Interview!
So, it’s good to have goals, right? Well, I have a new one for our modest little blog here. I am bound and determined to achieve it. And, I need your help. Here it is: By hook or by crook, I … Continue reading
Unglablitch! Nightcrawler by David Lopez!
Mein gott! My daughters, Grace and Cate, and I got an awesome gift all the way from Spain … a 5 Minute Marvel sketch of Nightcrawler from Hawkeye & Mockingbird artist, David Lopez, and an invitation to draw with him. … Continue reading
Yellowjacket + Carlos Pacheco = Bad Ass
Avengers Forever is a personal favorite. And, there are many, many memorable panels. But, I always gravitate to this one. I never loved the Yellowjacket character before this series. But, after … well … I can’t wait for Hank Pym … Continue reading
Crouching Moe, Hidden Curly …
And, now … a word from Hawk and Mock …
Tony Stark Rockin’ a Casio & Tigra Grows a Tail
It’s no secret that West Coast Avengers is my favorite comic series of all time. Not the best. Not my most respected. Favorite. It was kooky and obsessed with Marvel history and not afraid to be totally bat shit crazy. … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Rawhide Kid #22
Why do I love Marvel Comics? Just three little words: The Terrible Totem! I have always had a soft spot for Marvel’s old Western comics. And, this week, the good folks over at Marvel.com released Rawhide Kid #22,with one of … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week 17 ~ Steve Downer
While cruising the ol’ Interweb! a few weeks ago looking for a great pic of Paste Pot Pete– one of my favorite and most bizarre Kirby Kreations, I found a kindred spirit in Steve Downer, an illustrator and colorist is … Continue reading
I’m Victor Von Doom, I am …
Anyone else want to see this conversation put to music and covered by Herman’s Hermits? I’m Victor Van Doom, I am. Victor Von Dom, I am, I am … I became ruler of the kingdom next door, I’ve conquered it … Continue reading
A Hawkeye & Mockingbird Moment: You can stick it!
Sasquatch comments on the Guardians of the Globe PR campaign
Now, Mr. Walter Langkowski (AKA Sasquatch of Alpha Flight) is too much of a gentleman to out-and-out accuse the new Guardians of the Globe (whose ad campaign already feels a little familiar) of plagarism, but … he ain’t too happy.
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Sixteen ~ Marc Basile!
Several weeks ago, I featured the pop-art stylings of artist Marc Basile on That’s Marvel BadAss! Marc was kind enough to reach out for a thank you and we agreed upon an interview. I was excited as I am obviously … Continue reading
In space … no one can tell you your mullet is fabulous …
Poor Sue Storm. She is a character who has suffered greatly, but this injustice? John Byrne is one of my favorite illustrators ever, but he should be kept far, far away from Bryant Park for his multitude of super heroic … Continue reading
Crime Does Not Pay, But Neither Does Crimefighting …
We have our priorities way, way out of order in this country when it comes to compensating those on which order and society rely … teachers, police officers, soldiers, EMTs, santitation workers … and AVENGERS!?!?! Seriously, how many times has … Continue reading
Hawkeye & Mockingbird Moment: Ex-Boyfriend Drama
The “Oh So Short” Avengers
Over the last several weeks, Marvel.com has been putting up the 2003 “Red Zone” issues of The Avengers by Geoff Johns and Oliver Copiel LONG before visions of Blackest Nights and Sieges were dancing through our heads. Poised just a year … Continue reading
A wow moment … from Colleen Coover!
Wow. So, this morning began by opening an e-mail and finding the art below by Colleen Coover to post on my daughters’ Web site, 5 Minute Marvels! How cool is that!?!? Not as cool as Colleen, who is as nice … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics! Avengers #236
Back in my 30th birthday ode to the Jade Giantess, I revealed my “conversion comic” — the one that started the snowball rolling down the hill — Avengers #236. And, what’s not to love!?!? Just check out this panel and … Continue reading
An H&M Moment: Nice call, Nostradamus!
In honor of the announcement of the Hawkeye & Mockingbird ongoing over at the House of Ideas, we here at SmartassCo have made the decision to merge our “Mockingbird Moment” and “Hawkeye Holla’” segments in an effort to blatantly copy … Continue reading
Valkyrie! by Cate (4), Grace (6) and Dad
Hey, Smartasses! If you haven’t swung by the new blog my girls and I put up, http://www.marvelsmartass.wordpress.com, to see our kid/adult fan art! And, for heaven’s sake … find a kid, grab a pencil and contribute some comic art!
Why I Love Marvel Comics ~ Iron Man #127
Today, Marvel Digi-Comics put up Iron Man #127 where the ol’ Shellhead fights … well … everyone in an “iron melee.” It’s like a who’s who of Iron Man, which is to say … a confederacy of dunces. Now, I … Continue reading
I Love Iron Man … Da Da Da Da Da Duh Duh Duh
Okay, after “Matrix: Reloaded” treated me like Scott Summers treated Jean Grey’s memory, I promised myself never to fall in love with a sequel again based on a trailer. But, I’m ready to love again. Still buzzing from Downey, Jr.’s Christmas offering of Sherlock … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week 14 … KIRBY VISION!
Scroll down and you’ll see that I have a deep and abiding love for all things Kirby … but, I’m a neophyte compared to Jason Garrattley, the editor of the KirbyVision fan art blog … a site often tinged with … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment: Take this Stave and Shove It!
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Thirteen!
So, I’m a little late with That’s Marvel BadAss this week … my apologies, I am working on some future interviews… and they’re still percolating. But, that gives me the opportunity to offer up some quick shots on some bloggers … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Marvel Two-In-One #43
This may be my favorite Marvel panel … ever. Leave it to Marvel’s long-time editor, Ralph Macchio, to put our words in Ben Grimm’s mouth. [Begin sarcasm.] What’s so odd, Benny? It’s just your typical day when a sentient pile … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Incredible Hulk #290
Do I even needs to say it? It’s a two-panel spread with A.I.M. beekeepers worshipping a female M.O.D.O.K. Now, that I’ve seen ths … I may just have to stop reading comics. I’ve been to the end.
UPDATED! Mighty Marvel Mustache Brigade
So… in my job, I spend a lot of time in my car … and that leads to lots of time for the mind to wander. On a trip back from the Blue Ridge Mountains last Friday, I began to think … Continue reading
Thank you, Mr.Postman!
Today, there was a little packet of awesomeness that traveled all the way from France waiting for me in the mail — original art from Dan Christensen, who was featured for That’s Marvel BadAss! a few weeks back. When putting … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment – Take THAT, English Major!
Who’s Still Sittin’ on the Bench? THE RANGERS!
Dear Marvel — One Halloween upon a time, a little boy growing up in Nashville was given a copy of Incredible Hulk #265 at the coolest … and apparently most controversial … house in the city. The issue was drawn … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ Mantis!
One Hero. Two Kids. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s all! Tonight, we rocket into the stratosphere with the Celestial Madonna herself, Mantis. I’ve thought Mantis was cool since her days cruising the universe with the Silver Surfer and kicking galactic booty … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment #3: Wardrobe Malfunction
Marvel Two-In-One – The Black Knight!
One Hero. One Kid. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s all! In honor of my favorite underutilized Avenger, Gracie and Cate decided to take on The Black Knight. Unfortunately, on the way to the sketch session with Gracie, The Knight stopped by … Continue reading
Who’s Your Favorite Avenger Still Sitting on the Bench?
Which former Avenger do you want to see back in the ranks of “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”? Who’s ready for prime time, but stuck on the graveyard shift? The Avengers have undertaken quite a journey over the past 7 years, and … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ Behold! Doctor Doom!
One Villain. One Kid. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s all! Attention mere mortals and citizens of Latveria! Tonight, the Lady Grace has decreed: This eve, shall we draw Victor Von Doom! And lo, shall those who witness quake with terror! … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics: Astonishing Tales #13
Okay, so I love Mockingbird. We’ve established that, right? Well, long before “Astonishing” was a brand name for a new line of Marvel Comics, it was part of the title “Astonishing Tales,” a comic that spent a lot of time … Continue reading
Happy Valentines Day!
It’s Valentine’s Day … not my favorite holiday. But, I did have a great dinner with the wife and found a perfect excuse to wax eloquent about my favorite couples in the Marvel Universe. If you’ve spent any time on … Continue reading
A Mockingbird Moment – The Bitch Goes “Blam!”
Double-Sized Marvel Two-In-One ~ M.O.D.O.K. & A.I.M.
Today, the lady Gracie decided to look into the face of super science villany and draw what she saw there… What can I say, the girl loves her some Mobile Organism Designed Only for Killing. Clearly, I am parent of … Continue reading
That’s Marvel BadAss! ~ Week Eleven
My fellow smartasses, this Thursday feature, where I set the sarcasm aside and highlight both established and aspiring creators has become my favorite post of the week. I hope you’re havin’ fun, too. Today, there’s lots o’ love to spread … Continue reading
Mockingbird Moment – Mr. I, meet Ms. Robinson!
And now, a word from this blog’s favorite superheroine …
Marvel THREE-In-One ~ Captain America
So, tonight my four-year-old, Cate, wanted to get in on the action. Juiced up after an episode of “Super Hero Squad” where the Scarlet Witch hexes Cap to sleep, Cate declared it was time to draw the star-spangled one – CAPTAIN … Continue reading
Secret Avengers ~ Secretier Avengers
Last week, the Heroic Age teasers brought us “I Am An Avenger.” This week, “I A Secret Avenger.” And, they’ve really got us guessing. Sure to add fuel to the fire, my Smartassassins have broken back into the Marvel offices to … Continue reading
Pint Size Marvel #1
Okay, ya’ll. Starting this blog was me getting over my irrational fear of sharing my writing and my ideas with the world. Now, the Marvel Two-In-One sketches I’m doing with my daughter, Gracie, are getting me over my fear of … Continue reading
Me and She: Happy 30th Shulkie!
Dear Jennifer, It seems like just yesterday you and I met. It was 1983. I was on a road trip to Louisville, Kentucky. we pulled over at a gas station and I bought Avengers #236. It was the first comic … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One: She-Hulk!
One hero. One kid. One dad. Five minutes. That’s it. To celebrate the Savage She-Hulk’s 30th birthday, Gracie and I took on the jade giantess. This was the first time the five minutes flew by … so both sketches are … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics ~ Alan Davis
I would buy a comic about the meat packing industry if it were illustrated by Alan Davis. The consistency of the man’s work … the details … the softness. He had me 25 years ago when I was given an … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ HULK!
One Hero. One Kid. One Dad. Five Minutes. That’s how it works. Today’s drawing of the Hulk was created by Gracie and me as we waited for the start of a live performance of “High School Musical.” Gracie stopped rocking … Continue reading
UPDATED! “I AM AN AVENGER!” ~ Sneakier Peak
The insanity knows no bounds as the Smartass Squad gets its greedy little hands on the next flight of “I Am An Avenger” teaser posters from Marvel. Guys, they are pulling from all corners of the Marvel U. to fill … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ Falcon!
Five Minutes. One Hero. One Child. One Childish Man. That’s it. Tonight Grace and I took on Captain America’s revolutionary, stalwart and sometimes angsty partner — Sam Wilson, the indomitable Falcon. (Yeah, we the “falcon eyes” we chose to give him and pouty … Continue reading
“I AM AN AVENGER”- Sneak Peak!
If you’re like this smartass, you’re totally jazzed about the return to a more heroic, “comicbooky” Avengers team. And, you’re checking Marvel.com every day to see the next in the line of the “I am an Avenger posters.” Well, I … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ Thor!
One Hero … One Kid … One Dad … Five Minutes. That’s how it works. This eve, the fair lady Grace hath chosen to draw the fair-haired God of Thunder, Thor! Yea verily! Um … hey, Mr. Branaugh, Gracie is … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One – Mockingbird!
Today was a snow day here in Charlotte, N.C. — which is to say, there was ice on the road somewhere in a 200-mile radius. So, there was no school today. The girls and I elected to spend the morning … Continue reading
Meet the Wackos!
So, my love of the West Coast Avengers … the first team I thought of as MY team growing up … is well-documented on this site. After taking on Cap’s Kooky Quartet and the Fantastic Four in earlier nostalgia posts, my buddy Mockingnerd requested … Continue reading
Marvel Two-In-One ~ The Thing!
Okay, so it’s officially a tradition. My daughter Grace (6) and I now have a date for our daily “Night Draw” as she calls it. The rules? We pick a superhero and, together, we have 5 minutes to draw it. … Continue reading
The Ms. Marvel Two-In-One!
The newfound love my daughter, Grace, has for Ms. Marvel apparently knows no bounds. I have been asked to create a costume for her and to explain exactly who this “Binary” person is. And, now, I have even been inspired to pick … Continue reading
“Heroic Age” – The E! True Hollywood Story
I don’t know what side of the fence you come down on, but I was really jazzed to see the promotional image for Marvel’s coming “The Heroic Age.” Now, I’m in marketing for a living … and I am not … Continue reading
Folks, She’s British AND a Bad Ass!
If you have read this blog a bit or follow me on Twitter, there’s no secret that one of my “bestest” Web buddies is Jen AKA Mockingnerd. She’s a fangirl. She’s a talented artist (check out this insane General Greivous … Continue reading
Marvel CounterPoint #1 ~ Iron Man (1963) vs. Iron Man (2010)
While Matt at ComicsCavern.com and I were working on the 12 Days of Uncanny X-Mas in December, I cluttered up Day 8 with a little idea called “Marvel CounterPoint,” where denizens of the Marvel U. debated one another. In this case, a … Continue reading
“DC Vampires” – You Heard It Here First!
My six year-old daughter, Grace, is still on her superhero drawing kick — scribbling on any scrap of paper she can find. Today, she decided to share her take on Power Girl (yes, she is exposed to DC, I am a bad father). And, … Continue reading
Why I Love Marvel Comics ~ X-Men #10
Aaah, Marvel … Aaaah, the 60s … In just their tenth issue, Stan and Jack sent the X-Men on the first of many mutant field trips to the Savage Land for a team-up with Ka-Zar. And, following that humble little excursion to the true “land … Continue reading
Behold! The Fantastic Four
To create a companion piece for the Cap’s Kooky Quartet art I posted earlier this week, Jim McCann suggested I try my hand at something for the denizens of Earth’s Greatest Comic Magazine — The Fantastic Four! This was a fun one. I’d love to hear whatcha’ think … Continue reading
Marvel Smart Ass 