Kick-ass (vol. 3) #6 variant cover by Jerome Opena
Artist: Jerome Opena (All)
36 Comments - 1,623 Views - 16 Likes
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Artwork Details
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DescriptionACQUISITION DATE: 2021SOURCE: Dealer OWNER HISTORY: 1 DIMENSIONS: 11 x 17 STOCK: Bristol CREATION DATE: 2013 SIGNATURE: Yes PUBLICATION: Nov 2013
Of all the artists repped by Kwan, Jerome is the most interesting to me. While his display of tone and texture has flashes of Bianchi, and his linework sometimes reminds me of Charest, I wouldn’t necessarily label him as derivative. I just find his drawing to be incredibly dynamic. And not just the obvious loud action scene, but quietly posed images as well. This Kick-ass cover is a perfect example. There’s not a lot going on here, in terms of action, movement, or energy. But again, for me, it’s just an incredibly dynamic image. If anything, the stillness may actually make for its dynamic impact. It’s like the final scene exclamation point to whatever sequence of events directly precede it. And I just love the delicate linework here. Not much variance in line weight, but I think the lighter touch really works better for the nature of this particular scene. Would be nice to eventually add a nice example of his tone and texture work, but for now, I am extremely satisfied with this incredibly well executed line drawing. Huge thanks to my buddy Kwan for shooting the piece out to me even before I got the money together. Trust is a beautiful thing. Kwan is a great guy and a super straight shooter who would give you the shirt off his back (which I discovered for myself when I made the mistake of complimenting his shirt at SDCC one year). He’s got a ton of great art for sale and he’s great to deal with. So what are you waiting for? Go to www.kwanchang.com right now! Well, as soon as you’re done staring at this beauty. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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E DLS 
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/15/2021
F M wrote:
Cool to see you venture into the modern ;)
Thank you my friend. Wish I could venture a little farther, but you need a job and money to do that. Fun visit though.
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
Posted on 2/15/2021
Jerome is incredible and I love the throwback!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 2/15/2021
Harry M wrote:
Perfect depiction of Hit Girl. Congrats.
After reading the books, I didn't think I could get excited about anyone else's version of Hit Girl other than Romita Jr. Never been so happy to be proven wrong. Thanks for the comment and please stay safe.
kent mansley
Member Since 2015
Posted on 2/15/2021
Wow! That cover does not need action at all to tell the story. Opena's work is beautiful and you grabbed a perfect example from him. Congrats, Eric! Keep the good stuff coming!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/16/2021
kent mansley wrote:
Wow! That cover does not need action at all to tell the story. Opena's work is beautiful and you grabbed a perfect example from him. Congrats, Eric! Keep the good stuff coming!
Thanks buddy! I couldn't be happier with this example. Certainly good enough to be a one and done piece. I just hope I don't see another one of his pieces that I can't get out of my mind. Not exactly known for my will power. I'll be counting the days until you can safely visit so you can see this in person. Stay safe my friend.
RS 88
Member Since 2018
Posted on 2/16/2021
I love Opena - and this has so many elements to celebrate. Welcome back! Kick ass Kwan is indeed an absolute gem. Makes time for you always, and holy crap he doesn't forget anything, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's a TMNT hardcover.
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 2/16/2021
A mystery solved. I wondered why you called yourself The Big Picture. ' 3 - collect only single image pieces, so no panel pages.' So, you have very bad eyesight and can only see the big stuff. Now, all you have to do is get a good pair of spectacles or a magnifying glass and you can finally read the panel pages! You will frankly be amazed at all the gems you missed. You can thank me for this sage advice, by sending (gratis) any small cat images that stray into your collection. That backlog of reading material will keep you busy for years. Lol.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 2/16/2021
Peter Sullivan wrote:
A mystery solved. I wondered why you called yourself The Big Picture. ' 3 - collect only single image pieces, so no panel pages.' So, you have very bad eyesight and can only see the big stuff. Now, all you have to do is get a good pair of spectacles or a magnifying glass and you can finally read the panel pages! You will frankly be amazed at all the gems you missed. You can thank me for this sage advice, by sending (gratis) any small cat images that stray into your collection. That backlog of reading material will keep you busy for years. Lol.
Ha! You would make a good detective. But that name also goes to rule 5, expanding my list of artists. I know there are many collectors who focus only on one artist. I thought about doing that at one point, but decided I wanted as wide a variety (or a bigger picture) of art as I possible. But yes, it means mainly covers and splashes. 40 years ago, it had nothing to do with my eyesight. But these days, you are also correct, I need my spectacles. Would love to get into panel pages, but that unfortunately, has more to do with lack of funds than bad eyesight. Thanks for the comment and thanks for making me laugh this morning. Stay safe my friend. Will let you know if I come across any cat pieces.
J H
Member Since 2019
Posted on 2/16/2021
Finding your inner calm post-kill is so important, but often overlooked. I'm glad to see these kids are getting it right. ;) Kick-Ass is an apt name, because indeed, it really does. Simple yet fantastic image, with Hit Girl sitting on her foes to take a moment. Love it. Congrats, and it's nice to see some of your art. Congrats!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
Posted on 2/16/2021
I love how you described this image: "It’s like the final scene exclamation point to whatever sequence of events directly precede it." But as JH pointed out, it's also a nice quiet moment for Hit Girl, sitting on her foes to take a moment.
I also agree that the delicate linework on this piece is really beautiful. So crisp and clean and perfect.
Congrats !!!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 2/16/2021
Paul P Spiderversity wrote:
I love how you described this image: "It’s like the final scene exclamation point to whatever sequence of events directly precede it." But as JH pointed out, it's also a nice quiet moment for Hit Girl, sitting on her foes to take a moment.
I also agree that the delicate linework on this piece is really beautiful. So crisp and clean and perfect.
Congrats !!!
Yes, it's like that one collection on CAF. But in this case, instead of one-minute-later, try to imagine what happened one minute beore this. You almost feel like you turned on the TV one minute too late and missed the entire fight scene. Haha! Thanks for the comment Paul (and JH). Stay safe.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
Posted on 2/17/2021
Opena marries the cartoony animated look with a realistic one so perfectly. Great example here! Congrats!
Frank Lanza
Member Since 2006
Posted on 2/18/2021
Well done Eric, Jerome has long been on my list of artists to expand upon as well. This is an excellent addition! As always, I enjoyed the tale that accompanies each piece :D
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/18/2021
Frank Lanza wrote:
Well done Eric, Jerome has long been on my list of artists to expand upon as well. This is an excellent addition! As always, I enjoyed the tale that accompanies each piece :D
Thanks Frank, I appreciate that. In terms of character, it might not be the obvious choice. I mean, Jerome's super-hero stuff is great. But as I stated, when browsing through the site, not only was this the one that stood out for me, I just could not get it out of my mind. Not to say it will open up the floodgates, but I can certainly see myself indulging in a more traditional super-hero piece by Jerome at some point in the future. Anyway, glad you like the piece and enjoyed the description. Stay safe and best wishes for a great 2021.
Bill J
Member Since 2009
Posted on 2/18/2021
One thing I love about this cover is the way it parodies the old Saturday Evening Post covers--You know, the ones with Norman Rockwell paintings. Only here, instead of a cute painting of a young girl sitting at her makeup table getting ready for a date or something equally benign, the young girl is posed calmly sitting on a criminal she's just eviscerated. Ah, what's the matter with kids today anyway?
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 2/18/2021
Bill J wrote:
One thing I love about this cover is the way it parodies the old Saturday Evening Post covers--You know, the ones with Norman Rockwell paintings. Only here, instead of a cute painting of a young girl sitting at her makeup table getting ready for a date or something equally benign, the young girl is posed calmly sitting on a criminal she's just eviscerated. Ah, what's the matter with kids today anyway?
OMG!!!!! That's a brilliant observation buddy! In fact, you've inspired me to do a Google search for Rockwell paintings to see if I can find something that reminds me of this image. Norman Rockwell, I love it! Anyway, thanks for pointing that out. You've got a great eye (which anyone who's seen your gallery can tell). Thanks again and stay safe my friend. Best wishes for 2021.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
Posted on 2/18/2021
Nice piece. You can never have enough of the good stuff.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 3/4/2021
J L wrote:
This is such a cool design by Opena. Nice pick up Eric!!!!
Thanks bud. There was something about the image that clicked with me as well. But I didn't know exactly what it was until Bill pointed out the Norman Rockwell reference. And Jerome just nailed it.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 3/6/2021
Fabio C. wrote:
absolutely love the J.C. Leyendecker homage <3
That's fair. In terms of the SEP, I suppose you can't really mention Rockwell without mentioning Leyendecker. Especially since Joe preceded him on the magazine. And it's really interesting to note how much their two stints on the Post mirrored each other. Both spent about 50 years there, producing almost exactly the same amount of cover paintings (323 for Rockwell and 322 for Leyendecker). So yes, this is a great Rockwell AND Leyendecker homage.
Fabio C.
Member Since 2005
Posted on 3/6/2021
E DLS wrote:
That's fair. In terms of the SEP, I suppose you can't really mention Rockwell without mentioning Leyendecker. Especially since Joe preceded him on the magazine. And it's really interesting to note how much their two stints on the Post mirrored each other. Both spent about 50 years there, producing almost exactly the same amount of cover paintings (323 for Rockwell and 322 for Leyendecker). So yes, this is a great Rockwell AND Leyendecker homage.
many of the things that people define as Rockwell's trademarks were in fact Leyendecker's... and, based on what I read, Rockwell (not surprisingly) idolized Leyendecker
anyway, we're talking about 2 absolute giants, even though I feel JC's work is not known and appreciated as it should be (there are many, many, books on Rockwell while it's hard to find one about Leyendecker)
I believe it's fair to say that wouldn't have been no Rockwell without Leyendecker first :)
Jonathan Mueller
Member Since 2005
Posted on 3/6/2021
Fabio C. wrote:
many of the things that people define as Rockwell's trademarks were in fact Leyendecker's... and, based on what I read, Rockwell (not surprisingly) idolized Leyendecker
anyway, we're talking about 2 absolute giants, even though I feel JC's work is not known and appreciated as it should be (there are many, many, books on Rockwell while it's hard to find one about Leyendecker)
I believe it's fair to say that wouldn't have been no Rockwell without Leyendecker first :)
Have to agree with Fabio... and considering Opena singed the piece, after Leyendecker, not after Rockwell, it seems pretty clear which artist he was paying homage to.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 3/6/2021
Fabio C. wrote:
many of the things that people define as Rockwell's trademarks were in fact Leyendecker's... and, based on what I read, Rockwell (not surprisingly) idolized Leyendecker
anyway, we're talking about 2 absolute giants, even though I feel JC's work is not known and appreciated as it should be (there are many, many, books on Rockwell while it's hard to find one about Leyendecker)
I believe it's fair to say that wouldn't have been no Rockwell without Leyendecker first :)
Yes, I agree with you and Jonathan on all counts. Leyendecker obviously gave rise to Rockwell. And Jerome's dedication makes it obvious who he favors. I also agree that (whether fair or unfair) Rockwell's name became more synonymous with the magazine, and that his name is more recognizable over all. The irony here is that while Rockwell's work was more popular with the public, it was not popular among art critics. But I understood that to be more of a thematic critique than a question of his talents. Ultimately, when you think of the Saturday Evening Post, you can't go wrong choosing either camp.
Thomas V
Member Since 2008
Posted on 10/18/2024
wow! I really need to give opena a look. this is spectacular
Steve . M
Member Since 2017
Posted on 3/22/2025
Love Opena. The man is a master of sequential storytelling.
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