If I were a working comic book artist, this is the kind of thing that would almost make me cry! You knock yourself out penciling a kick ass cover and turn it in hoping that when it’s digitally inked and colored, the computer enhancements will do your piece justice. Then you see THIS (see Additional Images) on the stands! WTF????? The digital inks, and especially the digital coloring, make all the figures look like marshmallow people? LOL! Oh well, at least I have the original pencils.

Ever since I picked up my first two Scherberger pieces, I’ve been jonesing for more! I love Patrick’s work, but it’s not exactly cheap, so I had to bide my time until I either had enough money or (as was the case with my first purchase) Spencer had a sale on his website. After I bought my first two covers, Patrick told me he was considering another sale during the holidays. That never materialized, but an even bigger sale finally did.

I was at work one day when I got an email from my bro Jonathan telling me about Spencer’s and Patrick’s sale. I immediately went to the website, where I fell in love with this cover. And of course the sale price made it that much more irresistible.

Anyway, this is the pencil cover art for WHAT IF? NEW FANTASTIC FOUR #1. Would’ve been nice to throw up an Avengers related piece to honor the success of Joss Whedon’s juggernaut blockbuster film, but I guess having the Hulk and Iron Man on this cover will have to do. Funny how so many versions and variations of the team have come about over the years. You expect all the roster changes from the Avengers, but not the FF. Yet when you look back over the team‘s history, there have been plenty of noteworthy “guest” members! She Hulk, Luke Cage, Medusa, to name a few. And of course the incredible lineup that featured Wolverine, Spidey, Hulk, and Ghost Rider, from the classic Walt Simonson / Art Adams story arc.

This latest variation finds Iron Man stepping in for Ghost Rider, but with Patrick’s playful, cartoony, style; the team is just as much fun to look at (as long as you’re not looking at the published cover, that is). While I loved it when Patrick finally began to ink himself, I think his pencil work is every bit as fun AND brilliant. Also nice to see him tackle characters other than Spider-man (great job on Iron Man here), although Spidey is still my favorite character that he draws!

Anyway, thanks Spencer and Patrick! Can’t wait to add even more Scherberger art to my collection!

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