Uncanny Dave Cockrum: A Tribute pg 23 - Thunderbird (X-Men) by Rafael Kayanan
Artists: Rafael Kayanan (Penciller) , Moose Baumann (Colorist) , Rafael Kayanan (Inker)
41 Comments - 887 Views - 37 Likes
Additional Images:
Colored Version
Artwork Details
|
DescriptionContinuing indigenous hero adds this month with OG “all-new, all different” X-Man John Proudstar aka Thunderbird, as rendered by Rafael Kayanan! My first piece by Rafael, picked up from fellow collector bud, Karim – thanks, man! Piece was published in “The Uncanny Dave Cockrum: A Tribute”, which I just recently picked up a copy of. Lots of great X-Men character pin ups by a number of artists, celebrating the artist who co-created many of them.Love this one. It’s 11x17 and the figure covers that almost top to bottom. Then the FINE ink lines. They come through in the scan pretty good, but don’t hold a candle to poring over in person. So many individual lines serve as rendering/shading of the blue part of the costume, subtly highlighting the musculature. And the hair! Wispy :) Lots of intricacy for sure. Also, a super heroic pose, and the choice to go with a slight downward perspective adds to that. Lastly, got a print-out hand colored by colorist Moose Baumann to sit alongside! See in additional images. Was always bummed T-bird didn’t make it past the second mission, but I’m glad to hear he’s recently come back. I’ll admit I have not read yet, but will get to it, along with lots of other comics in the backlog :) Hope y’all like! Social/Sharing |
About the Owner
|
 |
Contact the OwnerUse can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
|
Comments on this Artwork
You must be logged in to make comments.
Bo Roberts 
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 11/13/2023
Awesome, K! Rafael knocked it out of the park on this one. I admired it on the other guy's gallery for years. Congrats!!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
Posted on 11/14/2023
Bo Roberts wrote:
Awesome, K! Rafael knocked it out of the park on this one. I admired it on the other guy's gallery for years. Congrats!!
Thanks, Bo! I felt like I was lagging with all them killer T-bird pieces you've been posting. I had to get ONE in there :) Thanks, man, and all, for the comments!
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 11/13/2023
Kayanan does the character justice here big time!!!
M L
Member Since 2015
Posted on 11/13/2023
Wonderful addition KG! I coincidentally just finished reading X-Men 95 earlier today and this majestic rendition does JP proud!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
2 - Posted on 11/13/2023
Kayanan was an inspired choice for this!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/13/2023
Such finely intricate craftsmanship by Rafael Kayanan. The wispy inks he did for the hair are especially impressive, but in general the inks are so fine that I originally thought this was all done in heavy graphite. A wonderful rendition of Thunderbird. Great addition!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/13/2023
Great addition to your indigenous hero theme! Love the movement.
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 11/13/2023
It's been 33 years and I still can't get over the result of Wrestlemania VI.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
3 - Posted on 11/14/2023
Don't call it a comeback, I've been dead for years
Like mutants my peers, puttin' suckers in fear
Takin' the Count mission like a monsoon
Listen to the plane go boom
Explosions, Proud Starrin'
Over the illustration, he's towerin'
Wrecking shop, when art drops
These comics that'll make you call Cyclops
Don't you dare stare
Inks better prove, Professor whisps hair
Peace where I rest that y'all get twice my life
Art addiction's payin' the price
Dave Cockrum knocks you out (Huuh)
Kayanan knocks you out (Huuh)
It's gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Kayanan knocks you out (Huuh)
Dave Cockrum knocks you out (Huuh)
Thunderbird knocks you out (Huuh)
It's gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Thunderbird all drawn out (Huuh)
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/14/2023
Marcus Wai wrote:
Don't call it a comeback, I've been dead for years
Like mutants my peers, puttin' suckers in fear
Takin' the Count mission like a monsoon
Listen to the plane go boom
Explosions, Proud Starrin'
Over the illustration, he's towerin'
Wrecking shop, when art drops
These comics that'll make you call Cyclops
Don't you dare stare
Inks better prove, Professor whisps hair
Peace where I rest that y'all get twice my life
Art addiction's payin' the price
Dave Cockrum knocks you out (Huuh)
Kayanan knocks you out (Huuh)
It's gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Kayanan knocks you out (Huuh)
Dave Cockrum knocks you out (Huuh)
Thunderbird knocks you out (Huuh)
It's gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Thunderbird all drawn out (Huuh)
So for this one, MW, the perfect way to start, ha! "Don't call it a comback!" And you gotta deliver it like LL!
And "Explosions, Proud Starrin'"...that's GOOD, man. Bravo. Thanks, bud - these always give me a nice jolt when I read 'em!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
2 - Posted on 11/14/2023
Wow, so cool to see you end up with this Kahlil! I recently featured this on a "Back to the Past" episode of my Show & Tell series where I was showing pieces I sold from my dealer inventory 15 to 22 years ago and as I made it a point to mention while I was showing this on that stream, this is my absolute favourite and I think the single best piece of art Kayanan has ever drawn!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 11/14/2023
Ruben DaCollector wrote:
Wow, so cool to see you end up with this Kahlil! I recently featured this on a "Back to the Past" episode of my Show & Tell series where I was showing pieces I sold from my dealer inventory 15 to 22 years ago and as I made it a point to mention while I was showing this on that stream, this is my absolute favourite and I think the single best piece of art Kayanan has ever drawn!
Oh man, I gotta check that out! Small world, they say. Or with our stuff, smaller world. Maybe smallest world?! That time since you moved this one's just flown by ain't it?! I've looked at some Kayanan pieces since I got this one and I'd agree it's tops for him. No bias ;) Thanks, Ruben!
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/14/2023
That was indeed a great book with many great tributes. Kayanan is in full BWS inspired mode here and the result is quite nice.
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 11/14/2023
Fantastic representation of John Proudstar, amazing detail in the head and hair. Considering the high angle looking down, it's interesting that this character still feels big and powerful even from this angle which usually would do the opposite.
Anthony T
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/14/2023
Very nice piece. The detail and line work is impressive, congrats on picking this up.
Brian Norton
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 11/14/2023
this is the best rendition of thunder bird ever. I have been watching it over the years. he is such a great character it was a shame that they killed him so quick. and that costume is killer. they did bring him back but they changed his costume drasticlly.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
Posted on 11/14/2023
Brian Norton wrote:
this is the best rendition of thunder bird ever. I have been watching it over the years. he is such a great character it was a shame that they killed him so quick. and that costume is killer. they did bring him back but they changed his costume drasticlly.
Thanks, Brian, I agree Kayanan's take is up there for sure as far as T-bird pieces go. He should be proud of this one :) Kidding aside it was clearly a labor of love based on amount of work he put into it. Definitely a new fave.
I, too, was bummed T-bird was gone so quick. I've read shock value was the reason, showing how things are different and more dangerous for this new team of X-Men. But I also wondered, why John? I've heard that it was because role and personality-wise, John and Logan were kinda similar. And you know who's winning that one.
And yeah, I've seen the new look. I actually kinda like it, but yes, a big depature. His original, like you say, killed. We'll see where it goes!
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 11/15/2023
Amazing!!! It is huge as a pin-up!!! Any mutant artwork is usually spectacular! This isn't an exception!!! Congrats un this new score!!
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art)
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 11/15/2023
I used to own this piece and can say 1st hand this is a 10 out of 10 piece. Beautifully done and respesents the character so perfectly. Congrats-
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
Posted on 11/15/2023
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art) wrote:
I used to own this piece and can say 1st hand this is a 10 out of 10 piece. Beautifully done and respesents the character so perfectly. Congrats-
10/10 fo sho! OK, we're up to 3 different parties I know that have had this piece before. Actually 4 including me! Wonder if there's any others?! Thank for the comment, Kirk - glad to share it here on CAF. It's in good hands, man :)
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/15/2023
Excellent piece! Been looking for a nice Kayanan example for my Filipino Artists gallery. Hope that when I finally land one, it looks as good as this. Congrats!
Malvin V
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 11/15/2023
Wow, this is so majestic and a fitting tribute to Cockrum by Kayanan
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 11/15/2023
With a pose that screams 90s, yuuummm!
Kevin A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 11/16/2023
I can only imagine how this looks in person. I think I'd be hard-pressed to find a better depiction of Thunderbird than this. Congratulations.
Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/17/2023
I wasn't familiar with this artist, but I'll definitely keep an eye on him from now on. One of the best renditions of the character I've ever seen!
Travis Ellisor
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/26/2023
I remember seeing this years ago and thought it was possibly the best Thunderbird had ever looked! Rafael is such a fantastic artist!
Bill J
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 11/30/2023
Fantastic illustration of John Proudstar by the incredible Rafael Kayanan! Thunderbird never looked more majestic!
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
This is stunningly good! Kayanan definitely falls into the category of underrated artists. His 1980s DC work still amazes me when I see it today.
Paul Brzegowy
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/1/2024
Thunderbird left us too soon -kind of like the Black Queen. I guess that is why I think the first Cockrum run and JB issues were some of the best comics of all time.
This piece is a stunning tribute indeed!!
Jason Ladwig
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 3/21/2024
Love it! I'm with you, wish T-bird would have gone past the second mission. This is a great addition to your collection. Congrats!
Latest Updates
All |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Auctions ADVERTISEMENT
Auctions
| Guillaume Sorel - Spot Illustration Original Art ( |
Auctions
 |
JIM LEE PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #4 COVER (1989, FLASHBACK TO THE VIETNAM WAR) |
Auctions
 |
Mike Sekowsky - Justice League of America #21, Page 17 - Crisis on Earth-One! |
Hakes Auctions
 |
SUPERMAN VOL. 2 #65 COMIC BOOK COVER ORIGINAL ART BY DAN JURGENS. |
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel.. FREE!
TDArt Gallery
12 Accepting Commissions
Commission an Artist
For Sale Updates
Classified Updates |
|
Monty B9/5/2025 3:53:00 PM |
|
Saxa Luna Galianan9/5/2025 1:01:00 PM |
|
Will Gabri-El9/5/2025 12:25:00 PM |
|
Michele M9/5/2025 12:05:00 PM |
|
Keith Veronese9/5/2025 11:09:00 AM |
|
Aron Wiesenfeld9/5/2025 10:39:00 AM |
|
Dealer Updates |
|
Coollines Artwork9/5/2025 9:24:00 PM |
|
Koch Comic Art9/5/2025 7:54:00 PM |
|
Anthony's Comicbook Art9/5/2025 6:43:00 PM |
|
Will's Comic Art Page9/5/2025 12:25:00 PM |
|
Essential Sequential9/5/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Achetez de l'Art9/5/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
|
Become a Premium CAF Gallery Owner & you'll be supporting CAF and also gain access to many services and features not available to standard members.
|