The Immortal Hulk (Inks Only)

Normally I keep works like this in the step-by-step, but I am immensely proud of this piece to the point where I am displaying the inks-only stage here as an alternate version. This is the culmination of a week of work. My client requested a Banner-to-Hulk transformation. Admittedly it's breaking new ground because I've never tried anything on that level before. Given the Hulk comic - The Immortal Hulk - is in the horror genre these days, I focused on those elements. At the time of this posting, the transformation occurs in the evening again and Bruce has to die in order for the Hulk to emerge. In this image, Banner's been stabbed, so a Hulk out has ensued. We'll just assume it's night. The composition incorporates minute elements of body horror; this is not the activation of a super power. Rather, this is the flare up of a curse or disease that's been triggered. The body is being reconfigured against its will and is painful every step of the way. The veins on Bruce's forearms and chest serve the same purpose as the glowing eyes indicated in the face. The cross-hatching approach is based on both my favorite monster artist, Bernie Wrightson, and my favorite Hulk artist, Dale Keown. The background tries to incorporate Kirby crackle art to keep the character in its science fiction and comic book roots. I had to show the mess of rags on the floor because it made no sense for them to magically disappear from view. The coloring stage for the final product will follow, but at least the formal scan of the inking stage allows for a black-and-white variant print to sell at my next convention. Etched on 9 x 12" Canison 98 lb paper with Micron Graphic pens.