1 - Posted on 11/19/2022

WOW!!!!!  What a fantastic idea for a commission, and what an absolutely BRILLIANT job by Mike.  Probably up there in his Top Ten best paintings ever.  Congratulations!

Posted on 11/19/2022

Thanks. Yeah, he outdid himself on this one. 

1 - Posted on 11/19/2022

Yep, agree with Eric. Just awesome work!

1 - Posted on 11/19/2022

I typically don't like to see line art get colored, but as there are exceptions to every rule, Mike McKone is one of those very few exceptions, as his coloring and especially the product he uses for the colors, is spectacular. Since this is very Demon Bear centric, it doesn't even matter (or at least it shouldn't) that the pov is from behind Dani. In fact, that and the size she's drawn at are the elements that make the piece so incredibly imposing and impressive! Congrats, man!

1 - Posted on 11/19/2022

Nice observations, Ruben. My original request was just Demon Bear, but he showed me a few prelims that had tiny Dani - thought it made the piece come together. 

1 - Posted on 11/19/2022

Oh, that's a really interesting bit of info, André. Even less reason to be disappointed that Dani's back is to the viewer. I certainly understand that when a fan asks for a commission of a certain character, they should get what they pay for. But I have to admit, even as a fan of the New Mutants books that were the inspiration for this, as an artist I would've found  the Demon Bear by himself to be a bit boring as a stand alone character. So I see why Mike wanted to add Dani on the triangle shaped mountain peak, as that added element doubles as an "arrow" to point the viewers' eyes right up to the Demon Bear, who still is the focal point of the image. Great stuff, you really lucked out with this one!

1 - Posted on 11/20/2022

Completely agree. The more I get commissions, the more I try to be as simple as possible with my requests. I'm usually pleasantly surprised in the directions they take, and almost always open to variations on the brief.  And I hadn't thought about the arrow allegory - something extra for me to enjoy about the piece, so thanks for that!

1 - Posted on 11/20/2022

The effects are amazing with the cold mist and the off focus camera!  The scale and monochromatic red horror movie look are also great choices.

1 - Posted on 11/20/2022

Truly superb and a bold choice with the reds

1 - Posted on 11/20/2022

Great looking tribute to a favorite theme/comic.  

1 - Posted on 11/20/2022

McKone keeps topping himself on the commission front.  This is stunning. 

1 - Posted on 11/21/2022

Another gorgeous piece from McKone, love the New Mutants as well. This couldn't have come together any better. Congrats!

1 - Posted on 11/21/2022

Whew, color me green with envy.  Or red with jealous rage like the red here on this piece!  Great homage, channeling Sin-kev-itch, but still all Mike's own.  Truly outstanding.  BIG congrats, Andre!

1 - Posted on 2/16/2023

Mike McKone's sense of color in those headshot is on full display in this piece.  Dani Moonstar is colored so well.  The rock and snow convey the cold and all those particular shades of red definitely show that fear is all around. 

1 - Posted on 3/1/2023

Not sure how I missed this one when you posted, I blame my work for taking my attention.  WOW!   Absolutely x-ceptional!   By a really great artist creating a really tense scene in his own language.  

1 - Posted on 7/23/2023

Such a stunning piece of art by Mckone