Joshua Cassara - X-Force #16 p 18 (Namor the Sub-Mariner, Wolverine, Forge, and Kid Omega)

Joshua is simply one of the best talents in the comics right now, and his run on X-Force has given him all the opportunities to showcase his abilities - including his dynamic compositions, memorable design, impeccable linework, and dynamic finishes.

I've wanted a nice example of Joshua's art for some time, but I've had to simply appreciate his work from the sidelines until room opened up in my budget. Luckily I saved for long enough by the time I read X-Force #16. Beyond being another fun chapter in an entertaining series (delivering everything you'd expect from an X-Force book), this story featured an appearance from the original mutant himself - Namor the Sub-Mariner. Now I get it, not everybody likes this smug, arrogant, scantly clad sea dweller... but I sure do! What I love about Namor is that he actually has a personality, even if it happens to be pretty unlikeable.

Anyways, as a Namor fan, I can't imagine a better representation. Joshua brings Namor's grand entrance to life, imbuing him with the gravitas and intimidation Namor would surely bring while at the ocean floor. Namor's current costume (which was a part of Marquez's redesign back in Avengers #9) is my favorite yet, and Joshua did it more than justice. From the energy popping from his trident, necklaces and hair flowing in the water, to the textured armor - it's all perfect. That first panel might now be the most iconic interpretation of that design, and one of Namor's best entrances yet. Also lot's to love in Wolverine, Forge, and Kid Omega talking to him next to the parasite in the sea.

Thanks again for making this happen, Joshua.

11x17 on Marvel art board