2 - Posted on 3/12/2023

Mark Bagley is one of the most prolific artists of the past 30 years and yet the quality of his work was never diminished by the sheer volume. I agree that some of his most memorable art was created for the Thunderbolts title and this striking villain splash is a great example of it.

1 - Posted on 3/12/2023

Yeah, -this- (and Count Nefaria in general) is the graphic summation of the maxim "absolute power corrupts absolutely"; all ego, no empathy or compassion, all power-mad insanity.  And it looks GREAT! :) From the stance to the oversized, enormous "N" on his cummerbund-like waist sash, this is pure, unadulterated, self-centered villainy at its finest, beautifully captured by Mssrs. Bagley and Adams from this great arc (and run)!  Congrats, Fred, on an outstanding piece!

1 - Posted on 3/12/2023

Nice bold splash from Bagley!

1 - Posted on 3/12/2023

Impressive character splash!  I must figure out clever ways to integrate my initial into my clothing!  

1 - Posted on 3/12/2023

You can always count on Bagley to deliver the goods with at least a few FALCON type pieces every issue.  This Count Nefaria piece fits the bill and it's a rare one of the villain.  Getting this treatment elevates his power level and builds anticipation for those upcoming storylines.  This inking by the Nefarious Greg Adams gives him a slick and yet more thick line for a bolder presence.

1 - Posted on 3/13/2023

I'm glad you mention this was Count Nefaria, because when I looked at it my first thought was "Ooh, cool Bagley splash of Gravitron!". Oops!

It's only a little bit slicker than I like Bagley's pencils to look, but yeah, Adams did a really nice job over him. Whatever happened to him, anyway? I haven't seen his name in comic credits in ages.

I've always enjoyed it when creators do a great job making lower tier characters look powerful and scary, as I find too many creative teams fall into the trap of treating lower tier characters as jokes. Busiek, Bagley and Adams look to have done a great job here.

Posted on 3/14/2023

The big "N" above his underwear is kinda a giveaway?

(but they do look alike)

2 - Posted on 3/14/2023

Like Ruben, I was gonna say this was an awesome Graviton till I read your description. This is a really inventive image from Bagley and I love what he did with that background. For a guy who has been around as long (and as profilic) as he has, he continues to find interesting ways to tell a story. 

1 - Posted on 3/14/2023

The big "N" above his underwear is kinda a giveaway?

(but they do look alike)

1 - Posted on 3/14/2023

TO BE FAIR...it was an initial reaction :)

1 - Posted on 3/14/2023

I SEE what you are trying to do here...But I'm not buying it!...

I KNOW the undewear is the first place you look at in a costume ^^

2 - Posted on 3/14/2023

Thanks for having my back by admitting that, bro! As anyone who saw me on my Comic Art Show & Sell #8 two days ago, desperately try to figure out why I haven't been able to find a buyer for my Jusko SSoC cover, my eyes CLEARLY do NOT immediately go to the crotch area! 😁

1 - Posted on 3/14/2023

Very nice!  Mark has come such a long way from his Marvel Tryout days.  He really has developed into a very strong illustrator in his own right.  Great splash.

1 - Posted on 3/24/2023

Just a commanding Nefaria image, with the effect upped by that inset panel!  Dig the upward shot, the expression, and the inks really are killer throughout, particularly on the hair and face.  Congrats, man!