Venom by Mike Wieringo

I had commissioned a Venom from the late Mike Wieringo through Moth Comix (remember them?).

After a (friendly) argumentation with them (and I believe the intervention of Mike himself), I was able to get both the finished piece and the prelim for the asking price. This was the beginning of those days we now sadly live in where even the slightest accidental pencil drop on paper by an artist gets an immediate price tag. So I was happy with the deal.

I was however unhappy with the final commission. Probably my own fault as Venom was clearly not a character suited to Mike’s style. So I sold it thinking I would commission him again as soon as available. It did not happen and I of course got to regret it.

Lucky for me, I retained the prelim piece which I found much more spontaneous (they often are) and fierce. I think Ringo’s blue pencils prelims were some of the best in the industry so I’m happy with this one. A nice consolation price over the regret of not keeping the two versions.

I truly miss his art and storytelling.