Azari – the Son of Black Panther and Storm – by Dike Ruan

Fantastic personal piece, K!

Love it. Love it. Congrats!

I generally always prefer pen and ink work, but I LOVE colored work when it's done on textured paper. This is gorgeous, and how great that you did it for your l'il man. Good on you, man!

That's interesting, and I get it. I'd say I like both B&W and color - I guess for the latter, it really does depend if done right. There are times where you see pieces, published and non-published, where colors can take away from the pure B&W illustration. But other times we get them enhancing. Clearly in the latter category here! And yes, the textured paper definitely provides a little more natural rending and depth that can really work. And by boy does dig it, too :) Though the appreciation from an artistic standpoint will develop as he grows up - this time it was "that's pretty cool, dad - I like that lightning panther" :)  I'll take it!  On to framing!  Thanks, Ruben, and all, for the comments!

great piece

-Joseph-

Love all those beautiful shades of blue, and how the Panther outline is made of lightning.  Great pose for Azari, and it's cool that  the lightning seems to be coming out of the white areas of his costume.  That's a really nice origin story for your son as well!  :)  This piece will definitely look great framed on his wall.  

Beautiful commission piece, congrats!

I dig it!!!

Gorgeous! Love the use of colors here! Congrats man!

Superb & personal :)

What an awesome backstory to this piece!

I love how the energy crackles into his totem. That was really well rendered. And the detail and subtle color shading is so nice. I was not aware of this character before, but I really dig the concept and character design. Very cool commission, Kahlil. And even cooler name for your son! Congrats all around! 

Good point on the energy crackle into the totem - love that aspect.  As well as the "subtle" shading.  I always appreciate that in art - when something's not overtly clear but you can still see and feel the effect.  If you haven't checked the film out, I would if you can find the time at some point.  At minimum, it's fun, and you can see get a little more background on Azari :)  Thanks, J!

Dike is a great artist! I love his art. Congrats 

He crushed this piece. I love the power, the color palette, and the image of the panther!

This is an absolutely tremendous piece!

The background really makes the piece for me.  So glad you provided such a large scan to illustrate that texture you describe.  The lightninng image is perfect against the gradually darkening blue sky.  It's going to look absolutely awesome framed, and I'm sure you will never tire of looking at it.

No prob on the large scan! It was actually a point for me so that the color.texture would really come through. Agree - don't think I'll tire of looking at it. Hopefully it'll be the same for my son - it'll be on his wall :) Thanks, Eric!

Fantatsic commission K!  Love the idea and execution

...and then here’s the coup de gras.  Phenomenal piece even before the “backstory”, but with it...?  Wow - incredible choice, K.  The colors, the composition, the artist’s style...  All came together in the perfect storm (?) of elements to make this one something truly exceptional.  I know that this “era” (and I believe the Next Avengers characters as well) were revisited in comics when Brian Bendis pulled them in for his first ‘Avengers’ arc (‘Avengers’ Avengers; not ‘New’, ‘Mighty’, ‘Dark’, or even ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy: Tomorrow’s...’ :) ).  I’ll have to dig those out again to see if Azari’s In there!  Spectacularly special choice, my friend - sincere congrats!

"Perfect storm" - surprised I didn't think of that :) But definitely applies, as you note! And you're right. The Next Avengers, including Azari, have shown up in the comics, and it was indeed the first Avengers arc by Bendis and JRJR. Was cool to see. But when I think of the character I definitely think of this film iteration first! Thanks, Jason!

Incredible piece of art! Love the look of Azari, especially the way the lightning creates the image of the Black Panther--Just spectacular! Thanks for sharing!

Nice story for a fantastic personal piece my friend. Well done!! I am sure your son will cherish this one!!

This is pretty cool. Love the colors. Nice addition to your collection!!

Great commission with a perfect compostion. Love the "spirit" of the panther at the top. Dike makes great art and I am also on his commission list since 1,5 years. 

Fantastic piece of art and story!  I'm surprised the character has not taken off - is he part of the Young Avengers? (or wahtever they call that group these days)

Thanks for the add, Andy! Azari was actually part of the "Next Avengers" team as opposed to the "Young" one - the big difference is the "Next" incarnation of the team, which first showed up in the animated film of same name, is from a different reality/universe than the Marvel universe proper. But he has shown up in some multi reality storylines. In any case, would love to see more of him in anything, whether that be books, animation, or live action. We shall see. Character's definitely got some potential, as you note!

Always late to the party! I have to say, first time hearing of Azari, but Wow any child of Black Panther and Storm must be a badass! I love that you used the name for your son, such a thoughtful creative idea. This Piece is Gorgeous K!

Thanks for the intro to the character and some great art!

Glad I finally found your gallery, man! This is one of my favorite pieces of his and made even more awesome considering the personal meaning to you. 

Awesome piece man, love the lightning panther!  Dike's work is so dynamic its incredible.  Congrats man!

Ahem, some of these beauties' descrips should read at top: "Published in CFA-APA #114 ("A Conversation on Commissions with K Gearon")."

:D

Lol, that's right!  How bout we just set up the CFA-APA #114 gallery?!  Hmmm, I shall mull :)  Thanks, Steve!

What a fantastic origin story for your son's middle name. I've never heard of this character before but after reading your description, I now have to go check it out. Son of BP and Storm... how cool is that!

Great art! I think Dike Ruan will be the next king of comic art.