Azari – the Son of Black Panther and Storm – by Dike Ruan
Artist: Dike Ruan (Penciller)
34 Comments - 6,262 Views - 27 Likes
Additional Images:
Azari in animated film
Azari in animated film
Artwork Details
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DescriptionLast of 3 Dike Ruan posts today and this is a big one for me – a commission of Azari, the son of T’Challa and Ororo, Storm and the Black Panther!Gotta start by explaining the somewhat obscure character request. Many of you probably haven’t ever seen or heard of this character. He first appeared in 2008 in a made for TV Marvel animated film, “Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow”. The story basically revolves around a future where Ultron has taken out the Avengers but their children live on and are being raised by Tony Stark. Won’t get deeper than that (you can check out more about the film here – https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Next_Avengers:_Heroes_of_Tomorrow) but I enjoyed it, thought it was a fun kind of alternate take, and I liked the name of the son of BP and Storm – Azari. I said it out loud to myself along with what I thought would be a good middle name and really liked the sound of it. I thought “if I ever have a son one day I’ll give some real thought about naming him that”. I did and did...and ended up going with it! Albeit my son’s name is spelled a little differently but this is where it came from. Being a big fan of BP, and Storm as well, definitely makes for a good origin story for lil’ man :) OK – on to the art! As per usual with Dike, some outstanding color work – look at all those hues of blue. Whew. Sweet how it goes from the darker blue up top to the lighter blue at the bottom. He uses a more textured art board – I wonder if it better lends to rendering the colors he does. In any case, so, so good. A great pose choice for Azari, playing up the “panther” aspect of the character. Love that determined look too and how those areas of white on his hair and costume really pop, playing up the energy/lightning effect. Then you got that Panther image formed by the lightning - just some perfect imagery marrying BP and Storm. This didn’t originate with Dike as it was used in the film (see additional images) but that’s neither here nor there as I love his rendition here. Looks better in person, too. And you see how the lightning is making the loose debris around Azari rise and kind of float? Too cool. Will definitely be getting this framed at some point and hung on my son’s wall. Thanks, Dike, for creating, along with my other adds today – keep up the great work! And thanks, Annabel, for setting things up and for the very smooth transactions! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Ruben DaCollector 
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/16/2021
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!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/18/2021
Ruben DaCollector wrote:
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!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/16/2021
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.
Joshua Tan
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/17/2021
Gorgeous! Love the use of colors here! Congrats man!
Xatari (Mike Hansen)
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/17/2021
What an awesome backstory to this piece!
J H
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/17/2021
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!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/18/2021
J H wrote:
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!
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 2/17/2021
He crushed this piece. I love the power, the color palette, and the image of the panther!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 2/17/2021
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.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
Posted on 2/18/2021
E DLS wrote:
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!
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/17/2021
...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!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/18/2021
Jason Hussa wrote:
...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!
Bill J
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 2/19/2021
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!
Vale DG
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 2/20/2021
Nice story for a fantastic personal piece my friend. Well done!! I am sure your son will cherish this one!!
chad larsson
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/20/2021
This is pretty cool. Love the colors. Nice addition to your collection!!
Witchblade collector
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/23/2021
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.
Andy Robbins
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 2/23/2021
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)
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
Posted on 2/23/2021
Andy Robbins wrote:
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!
David Askani’Son
Member Since 2012
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 2/24/2021
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!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 2/25/2021
Thanks for the intro to the character and some great art!
Eranga Devasurendra
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 3/22/2021
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.
Ryan CCC
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 3/31/2021
Awesome piece man, love the lightning panther! Dike's work is so dynamic its incredible. Congrats man!
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 4/25/2022
Ahem, some of these beauties' descrips should read at top: "Published in CFA-APA #114 ("A Conversation on Commissions with K Gearon")."
:D
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 4/27/2022
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art wrote:
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!
VZA Victor
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/25/2023
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!
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