Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #516 COVER by Simone Bianchi (ft Spider-Man)

I felt compelled to post this after hearing of Stan Lee’s passing yesterday. Can’t say much more than I’d be hard pressed to find many outside of family and friends that’s had more of an impact on me than Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko, whom also passed this year. I’m sure I'm far from being alone in that sentiment – the impact these gentlemen and their collaboration have had on the comics industry, and pop culture in general, can’t be overstated. It’s a weird one with Stan, though. He’d been around so long and was so prevalent and active you kind of felt he always would be. But, man, what a 95 years he had.

So, here, I’m posting a cover piece featuring my 2 favorite hero characters facing off – Spider-Man created by Stan & Steve and the Black Panther (BP) created by Stan & Jack – illustrated beautifully by Simone Bianchi. It’s my first Bianchi piece, and as I write this, not sure if I’ll be getting another. These 2 big and bold on the cover of the BP title in mixed media? What more could I look for in a Bianchi?! And a big thanks to friend and fellow CAFer James S for recognizing that, I think, and giving me first opportunity to be the next owner of this piece. You don’t see Spidey and BP paired up very often, particularly as grand as this, so I’m definitely appreciative!

This one speaks for itself…but I’ll speak anyway :) I really just appreciate how deliberate Bianchi is in his execution all around. Spider-Man is muscular but thinner and lithe while BP’s got more of that thicker build, particularly in the legs. Love the use of different media here including pen/ink, pencil, and acrylic. Notice how the looser, more organic, webbing behind BP on the right done in paint is juxtaposed nicely with the straight diagonal lines done in pen/pencil behind Spider-Man on the left. Speaking of juxtaposition check out how the light source comes from the left, providing even more contrast between the 2 characters. Love the poses, of course, and the right choice, I’d say, between the 2 prelims Bianchi did (see additional images). I tend to prefer BP’s simpler, sleeker, look for his costume but the additions look nice here and make sense as part of the storyline. T’Challa is basically testing his mettle by replacing Daredevil as guardian of Hell’s Kitchen, hence the Man Without Fear title. He’s without the powers he traditionally has via the heart shaped herb due to his relinquishing of the crown after the events of Doomwar. As a result, he’s put together a more utilitarian costume. Lastly, I love the yellowish gold accents on the claws and arm ropes – really pops in person! A nice finishing touch. One of Bianchi’s best images IMO, not that I’m biased or anything ;) I had started collecting art, mostly sketches/commissions at cons, around the time of this book’s release and I remember wondering how nice the original must look in person. And if anyone outside of Simone owned it, how lucky they were. Over 8 years later I’m the lucky one. Crazy.

I’ll end this one with some “thanks”, especially as we’ve got Thanksgiving coming up here soon. Thanks, again, James for giving me first crack. Thanks, Simone, for doing such an exquisite piece featuring my 2 favorite heroes. Thanks, fellow CAFers, for checking out my gallery and really for being part of this hobby with me. And, thanks, Stan/Jack/Steve for bringing so much FUN to my life which I 100% plan on passing down to my kids. Excelsior!