The Ballad of Beta Ray Bill (with Howard and Dumpster Cat)
Artist: Jonathan Wayshak (All)
27 Comments - 825 Views - 23 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionACQUISITION DATE: 2022SOURCE: Direct OWNER HISTORY: 1 DIMENSIONS: 11 x 17 STOCK: Bristol CREATION DATE: Unknown SIGNATURE: Yes PUBLICATION: N/A So where exactly am I going with all this nonsense? Well, before you go thinking it was all bad, I did get one good thing from the movie. An amazing piece of art from a ridiculously talented artist. But let’s back up a bit. There’s a local movie theater here that’s in a building connected to a comic shop. (How cool is that?) Actually, there’s a small, vacant, space in between that used to be occupied by a jewelry store that went out of business. Since they have the same landlord, I think the comic shop sometimes uses that space for signings and other special events. Before the Thor movie opened at the theater, one of the comic store employees got the idea to sponsor an exhibit of Thor related artwork to coincide with the movie’s run next door. I think his father is an artist, so he used his father’s contacts (and his own from the shop) to curate the various works. This is where my buddy Jonathan Wayshak comes in. Jonathan is/was a local bay area artist who I’ve known since about 2009, I think. I was first introduced to his work the year before, at Comic Con by my other friend Jonathan. We were both blown away by his work from the first moment we saw it. And I was even more thrilled to learn that he lived about 30 minutes from me (unfortunately he has since moved and now lives about 2 hours away). Besides being crazy talented, Jon is a very friendly, soft-spoken guy who loves to draw, loves comics and comic art. He’s a big Art Adams fan (among many, many, others) so when he was still in the area, he visited the house several times. We’d spend hours looking at, and talking about, art. I’m really going to miss those visits. As you might imagine, because of our proximity, I checked in with Jon pretty regularly about any new pieces he might have for sale. Some of his pieces in my gallery I got directly from him at cons. But all the others were deals we made from home (including two commission pieces) that he would always hand deliver. What’s interesting about all the pieces I have by him, is that there was very little by way of actual comic characters. Of the 13 pieces I already had, only two had a comic book character. To be honest, I never really cared about that because I just love Jon’s work so much. Whenever I contacted him to inquire about new art, I never really cared what he showed me. It wasn’t always a slam dunk, but I knew I would probably like it. After he moved away, I don’t think I checked in with him as much. I think I probably felt a little sad knowing that he wouldn’t be able to just hop over with anything I bought. I suppose he could make the 2-hour drive, but why? So anyway, I went through sort of a Wayshak drought for a while. When I finally checked in to see if he had anything new, he mentioned one piece. When I opened the attachment and saw this image, I could not reply fast enough. I don’t even remember if I knew the price, or if I asked the price, or if he even told me the price. I had already made my decision to buy it. The price was just an afterthought. LOL! He explained to me that he didn’t actually have it in hand because it was part of an art exhibit. I was afraid he was going to tell me it was in LA or something. But when he told me where it was, I knew exactly the theater and comic shop he was talking about. I contacted the curator who told me that the piece would be available for pickup after the exhibit closed that Sunday. He then suggested that if I came by Monday, I could walk the exhibit alone before he took it down. Super nice guy. Anyway, I’m so happy to finally have my first official super-hero piece by Jon. (And don’t you just LOVE that title?) It almost makes up for having to sit through the film, but sill deciding on that. LOL! My thanks to Jonathan, of course. And to Miles at Crush Comics for his kindness and hospitality. Thanks for looking. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Rick W 
Member Since 2017
Posted on 10/10/2022
Unreal level of detail & the expressions are priceless!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/10/2022
Rick W wrote:
Unreal level of detail & the expressions are priceless!
Agreed. Especially on Howard, and DC with that side glance. Appreciate the comment bud.
Michael Kenyon
Member Since 2008
Posted on 10/10/2022
Ridiculously gooood piece with gratifying detail. Congrats!
Jonathan Mueller
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/10/2022
It's a pleasure to see this after having heard of it when we were recently able to have lunch together. Love Jonathan's work, and this is another great example from him. I dig the cat... pretty sure he's a cat owner, and that's no doubt his. Either way, great piece. Congrats, and thanks for sharing Eric!
Bill J
Member Since 2009
Posted on 10/10/2022
Stunning piece by Jonathan Wayshak! Astonishing level of detail! Love Jonathan's rendition of Bera Ray Bill! Great, great pick-up!
Jason Versaggi
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/10/2022
Not a fan of Howard the Duck, no idea who Dumpster Cat is BUT that is one great Beta Ray Bill! A great looking piece that looks like a mixture of Eastman & Laird meets Sam Kieth.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/10/2022
Ooh, ooh-ooh
I'll sell Jonathan Wayshak to you, babe
With Thunder and Love inside
Yeah, Got Beta Ray Wayshak for you, babe
In the comic shop you’d buy
It would not get away (Do-do, do-do-do)
Been payin' every day (Do-do, do-do-do)
When you were in proximity
I played around like Waititi
Thought I could have my Jane and claim it too
But how I cried over eating food
See, I'm down and out
But I ain't about to lose hours of my life, drive to you
Hey, on Monday, There were no lines
I'm staying, girl, in the bay is Miles
James S
Member Since 2017
Posted on 10/10/2022
You buried the lead. This is an amazing Dumpster Cat piece with a couple of supporting characters!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/10/2022
James S wrote:
You buried the lead. This is an amazing Dumpster Cat piece with a couple of supporting characters!
You're right, of course. But I'm pretty sure most people already realize that the only reason Bill is even standing there, is to use Stormbreaker to put Dumpster Cat in the best possible light. And no one should be surprised about the Howard photo bomb. Hmm, maybe I should talk to Jonathan about changing his title. Thanks for the comment buddy!
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
Posted on 10/10/2022
Fantastic story. It was meant to be and the piece is a beauty!
Evan Atherton
Member Since 2017
Posted on 10/11/2022
I saw this in person at the show opening and would've bought it immediately if my wife wasn't standing right next to me haha - my loss is your gain 😛
It's really incredible in person, congrats Eric!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/11/2022
Evan Atherton wrote:
I saw this in person at the show opening and would've bought it immediately if my wife wasn't standing right next to me haha - my loss is your gain 😛
It's really incredible in person, congrats Eric!
Ha! I think I owe your wife a lunch. LOL
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
Posted on 10/11/2022
Krakka-THOOOOM!! Scatchamagowza, Eric - this is AWESOME! I'm in agreement with Jason Versaggi: the Sam Keith influence really jumped out at me. Wicked cool textures and shading here (the crackling, electric lighting effect from Stormbreaker is absolutely superb, and the white paint splatter is applied SOOOO well). Wowza... I'm unsure if my favorite thing is the pounded metal (?) shoulder bands Bill is sporting or the details on the armor on his right thigh. The background bric-a-brac is awesome, Howard looks GREAT, and Dumpster Cat is impressively unimpressed by the whole display. Such a great piece - charming and funny and gritty and beautiful, showcasing its very own love and thunder. Mega-congrats, Eric!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/11/2022
Jason Hussa wrote:
Krakka-THOOOOM!! Scatchamagowza, Eric - this is AWESOME! I'm in agreement with Jason Versaggi: the Sam Keith influence really jumped out at me. Wicked cool textures and shading here (the crackling, electric lighting effect from Stormbreaker is absolutely superb, and the white paint splatter is applied SOOOO well). Wowza... I'm unsure if my favorite thing is the pounded metal (?) shoulder bands Bill is sporting or the details on the armor on his right thigh. The background bric-a-brac is awesome, Howard looks GREAT, and Dumpster Cat is impressively unimpressed by the whole display. Such a great piece - charming and funny and gritty and beautiful, showcasing its very own love and thunder. Mega-congrats, Eric!
Scatchamagowza????? Wow, that's a new one. Certainly beats the crap out of "Awesome", "Cool", or "Wow". You should probably copyright or trademark that before someone steals it.
Seriously though, appreciate the kind words, as always. If you dig the textures on this piece, you should see some of the other Wayshak pieces I have. The Alien piece he did for my birthday is texture on steroids. If you're ever in my neck of the woods and get a chance to come see the art in person, you'll see what I mean.
The shoulder bands look more engraved to me. If there's any pounded metal, it looks like that's what he has as knee guards. Agree about the background detail and the pure attitude of Howard and DC's facial expressions. Priceless. Thanks for the comment buddy.
M L
Member Since 2015
Posted on 10/11/2022
Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something true,
A masterpiece galactic trio.
It's amazing - congrats!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
Posted on 10/11/2022
Man oh man, Eric, this is AWESOME!! I don't use that word lightly. The level of detail takes my breath away. And what a great trio of characters. I doubt they will ever be together in the same room again. Or maybe they will form a new Avengers team ... Who knows, right? Really enjoyed your decription too. Congrats man!!!
Eranga Devasurendra
Member Since 2020
Posted on 10/13/2022
Love Wayshak's work and I'm bummed I dont have anything from him...yet. Beta Ray and Howard seems like non-traditional characters for him based on his "normal" output but jeeeeeeezzzzzzzz he doesn't miss a beat. Fantastic piece, man! This is the Way(shak)!
Chris Snorek
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 10/13/2022
1) Fully agree on Thor Love and Thunder
2) What a description/story on this one
3) This piece is an insane achievement in inking
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/13/2022
Chris Snorek wrote:
1) Fully agree on Thor Love and Thunder
2) What a description/story on this one
3) This piece is an insane achievement in inking
Thanks Chris! I know you're selective about commenting, so I am truly honored to read these kind words from CAF's resident art professor. First of all, glad to hear I'm not alone on my movie review. So far, none of the comments have referenced that part of my description, and I was already worried about the backlash. Anyway, if you think THIS inking is insane, like I told Jason, make sure you check out the Aliens piece he did for me. Anyway, glad I finally posted something that inspired a comment from you. I appreciate the kind words sir.
Gregg and Amanda Spatz
Member Since 2010
Posted on 10/17/2022
Classic Wayshak! Jon at his best. Congrats!
Ian Saint
Member Since 2021
Posted on 10/30/2022
Such a fun piece. I love all the serieous power being brought to the table and the sky coming to life due to all the crackling thunder this imagery elicits. The details are top notch and I enjoying all the minutiae. Nice piece Eric.
John B
Member Since 2004
Posted on 1/2/2025
I don't know how I missed this when you posted; it's great.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
Posted on 1/2/2025
John B wrote:
I don't know how I missed this when you posted; it's great.
Thanks John! I know I've got quite a few Wayshak pieces, but I'm still jealous of the two you have. That Kong piece is INSANE!!!!!
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