Executed by Mannion on 4 separate 11 x 14 boards.

Based on the chorus from Jim Croce's classic, "Don't Mess Around with Jim".

You don't tug on Superman's cape

You don't spit into the wind

You don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger

And you don't mess around with Jim

I thought of this commission idea a few years ago.

But who would be in the 2nd line of the chorus?? I knew it had to be an iconic person or character. At the time, only Wolverine or Clint Eastwood as Josey Wales came to mind. Josey Wales was always spitting out his tobacco juice and it made for some great moments in the movie. On the other hand, Wolverine isn't known for spitting but it isn't hard to imagine.

Another problem was... who could pull it off??

Steve had some time in his schedule and I remembered this idea. Steve's ability to add humor to his art made this a good match.

You don't tug on Superman's cape

We talked about whether it would be a kid or some dog. The dog won but then he got a little singed by the heat vision.

You don't spit into the wind

After being torn between Wolverine and Clint Eastwood as Josey Wales, the idea of Gene Simmons came to mind. Also, I could avoid having 2 western characters. I'm not a KISS fan. Nothing against them, but I'm not a fan. But after watching Gene Simmons Family Jewels, I have to say that I'm a big fan of Gene Simmons and the Simmons/Tweed clan.

The Demon was the perfect choice for the spitter and I think he's more iconic than Wolverine or Josey Wales. And I think Gene Simmons would agree.

You don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger

Well after the dog won out over a kid in the Superman commission, who would pull on the mask??

Steve thought of the cowgirl and she turned out great.

And you don't mess around with Jim !!!

I wasn't sure about going with Kirk. My only other choice for Jim was Jim Corrigan AKA the Spectre. You definitely don't want to mess with the Spectre but again, not enough of an icon.

Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The Lone Ranger was created by Fran Striker.

Captain James T Kirk was created by Gene Roddenberry.

Steve's Patreon.

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