Image United Interlude - Jam Cover Project

[murch]

So, admittedly, I'm a huge Image Comics junkie. When Image United was announced, I was stoked. This would be one of the most epic (and delayed) undertakings in the history of comics. The thought of McFarlane, Larsen, Liefeld, Valentino, Silvestri and Portacio putting ink on the same artboard for six issues of Kirkman penned mayhem brought me back to the excitement of Image Comics circa 1992.

 

I knew that the original artwork for the main IU title would be out of my reach, so when Image United Interlude was solicited, and subsequently cancelled, I made it my mission to get Ryan Ottley's artwork for the planned jam cover, and have it finished as intended by the intended artists:

 

Jack Staff by Paul Grist

Madman by Mike Allred

Battlestone by Marat Mychaels

Pitt by Dale Keown

 

 

After some emails back and forth with Mark Hay, the deal was done, and I was the proud owner of an unfinished cover to an unpublished book (and the blueline art with more detailed silhouettes used for the solicitation art).

 

 

At this point, the real work began (and is still underway). First up, Mr. Paul Grist, and his character Jack Staff. I contacted Paul, and he graciously agreed to add to the piece. The artwork took off across the pond to Paul, who did a fantastic job, and was an absolute pleasure to deal with.

 

 

Update 07/03/2012 - Got an email from Simon Miller (Mike Allred's art rep) to let me know that the artwork was done and ready to go! Mike was extremely quick (1 day turnaround) and Simon was great to deal with.

 

Simon sent me a b&w scan of the artwork, which I've posted, and I'll update with a colour scan when the art is back in my hands.

 

 

Next up will be Marat Mychaels (who's already agreed to do Battlestone), and Dale Keown (who I've yet to contact).

 

I'll continue to update as the project progresses.

 

Wish me luck!

[crnbrd]

This is really cool. Congrats, and I hope the rest go well.

[Greedo]

Awesome start! Good luck!

[Sharkey]

Very, very cool idea!!! Good luck sir!

 

 

[murch]

Thanks, guys! I think it'll be pretty darn cool once (if) it's finished.

[Eric Seffinga]

I'm not usually into "jam" type pieces, but this is a very cool undertaking, given the origin story. Neato! Good luck on getting it buttoned up proper. Should be quite a tale once all told.

[Schmakt]

I'm not usually into "jam" type pieces, but this is a very cool undertaking, given the origin story. Neato! Good luck on getting it buttoned up proper. Should be quite a tale once all told.

 

+1

 

Can't wait to see it finished! (and maybe get Kyle to color it too! )

[gooch]

From my understanding with Dale he doesn't do mail away commissions. However he is all over the Canadian conventions. I think they range $100-200 for a sketch commission but it's super tight.

 

I really love this piece. From one Jam guy to another.

 

Mike

http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=157

[Lobstrosity]

awesome project murch

[falsereality0-migration]

Good luck man, can't wait to see it finished!

[murch]

Payment and artwork sent to Mike Allred as of today!

[falsereality0-migration]

Awesome! can't wait to see Madman in action! (thumbs u

[Greedo]

Allred

[murch]

Updated first post with the results of the cover's trip to Mike Allred's studio!

[Greedo]

Love the Update! All 3 are very high quality.

[Eric Seffinga]

This is humming right along. Cool!

[Schmakt]

holy , that was fast! Very nice

[Schmakt]

[murch]

Thanks, guys!

 

Marat Mychaels has the cover right now, so hopefully it'll be back in my hands soon, and I can start trying to convince Dale Keown to finish it up.

 

Here's a full scan I took before it was back in the mail on its way to California:

 

[Schmakt]

Have you been able to get in touch with Dale at all?

Something that someone posted earlier in this thread had me worried for you that he'd be tough to secure.