F M BELGIUM
Member Since May 2005
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Thunderbolts 44 splash page 23 by Mark Bagley and Greg Adams

Location: BAGLEY MARK
Artists: Mark Bagley (Penciller) ,  Greg Adams (Inker)

479  Views  -  14  Comments  -  8  Likes

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Artwork Details
Location: BAGLEY MARK
Title: Thunderbolts 44 splash page 23 by Mark Bagley and Greg Adams
Artist:  Mark Bagley (Penciller) ,  Greg Adams (Inker)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Splash Page
For Sale Status: NFS
Views: 479
Likes on CAF: 8
Comments: 14
Added to Site: 3/12/2023

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Description
An impressive end splash by Mark Bagley, straight from T-bolt 44, one of the crossover issues with Avengers which was basically reenacting the well-remembered classic Avengers arc in which they intensely battled Count Nefaria, getting their asses handed to them.

I find that Bagley produced his best work ever on T-bolt and Amazing/Ultimate Spider-Man. I would add New Warriors to the list but to be frank, that would be for nostalgia reasons as he was still a bit green (and fresh) on that series.

Here we experience Nefaria in all his eerily demented glory. He looks completely insane and mad with power. I find that his whole staging, body position was expertly chosen by Bagley with the slight upshot. His over large bust, the I dare you to come and get me open arms, his eyes without pupils, his pinched lips, even his flowing cape indicates power (and lead the eye to the insert panel below).

The organic backgrounds look so much better in b&w because let’s be frank, they look plainly horrible in color, proof that CGI are always a thing of the moment and rarely stand the test of time, even in Comics 😉

They actually look gross to me in b&w as I get a viscera impression looking at them.
The last inserted panel is just more raging madness from the villain. That close up approaches Bolland’s Killing Joke level of intensity I find. I mean, even the more powerful or seasoned super hero would at least feel uneasy looking at that guy.

Let’s lastly comment on Greg Adams very slick inks. Bagley has experienced tons of artists during his career with various degree of success and suitability but these I find particularly fitting (my tastes).

(Sorry Kirk 😉)

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Member Since: May 2005
Last Login: April 2026
Country: BELGIUM
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Gal Schwartz Member Since 2005
2    
Posted On 3/12/2023

Mark Bagley is one of the most prolific artists of the past 30 years and yet the quality of his work was never diminished by the sheer volume. I agree that some of his most memorable art was created for the Thunderbolts title and this striking villain splash is a great example of it.

Jason Hussa Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 3/12/2023

Yeah, -this- (and Count Nefaria in general) is the graphic summation of the maxim "absolute power corrupts absolutely"; all ego, no empathy or compassion, all power-mad insanity.  And it looks GREAT! :) From the stance to the oversized, enormous "N" on his cummerbund-like waist sash, this is pure, unadulterated, self-centered villainy at its finest, beautifully captured by Mssrs. Bagley and Adams from this great arc (and run)!  Congrats, Fred, on an outstanding piece!

George H Member Since 2009
1    
Posted On 3/12/2023

Nice bold splash from Bagley!

James S Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 3/12/2023

Impressive character splash!  I must figure out clever ways to integrate my initial into my clothing!  

Marcus Wai Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 3/12/2023

You can always count on Bagley to deliver the goods with at least a few FALCON type pieces every issue.  This Count Nefaria piece fits the bill and it's a rare one of the villain.  Getting this treatment elevates his power level and builds anticipation for those upcoming storylines.  This inking by the Nefarious Greg Adams gives him a slick and yet more thick line for a bolder presence.

Ruben DaCollector Member Since 2008
1    
Posted On 3/13/2023

I'm glad you mention this was Count Nefaria, because when I looked at it my first thought was "Ooh, cool Bagley splash of Gravitron!". Oops!

It's only a little bit slicker than I like Bagley's pencils to look, but yeah, Adams did a really nice job over him. Whatever happened to him, anyway? I haven't seen his name in comic credits in ages.

I've always enjoyed it when creators do a great job making lower tier characters look powerful and scary, as I find too many creative teams fall into the trap of treating lower tier characters as jokes. Busiek, Bagley and Adams look to have done a great job here.

F M Member Since 2005
Posted On 3/14/2023

Ruben DaCollector wrote:
"  I'm glad you mention this was Count Nefaria, because when I looked at it my first thought was "Ooh, cool Bagley splash of Gravitron!". Oops!

It's only a little bit slicker than I like Bagley's pencils to look, but yeah, Adams did a really nice job over him. Whatever happened to him, anyway? I haven't seen his name in comic credits in ages.

I've always enjoyed it when creators do a great job making lower tier characters look powerful and scary, as I find too many creative teams fall into the trap of treating lower tier characters as jokes. Busiek, Bagley and Adams look to have done a great job here.

 "

The big "N" above his underwear is kinda a giveaway?

(but they do look alike)

Eranga Devasurendra Member Since 2020
2    
Posted On 3/14/2023

Like Ruben, I was gonna say this was an awesome Graviton till I read your description. This is a really inventive image from Bagley and I love what he did with that background. For a guy who has been around as long (and as profilic) as he has, he continues to find interesting ways to tell a story. 

F M Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 3/14/2023

Eranga Devasurendra wrote:
"  Like Ruben, I was gonna say this was an awesome Graviton till I read your description. This is a really inventive image from Bagley and I love what he did with that background. For a guy who has been around as long (and as profilic) as he has, he continues to find interesting ways to tell a story. 
 "

The big "N" above his underwear is kinda a giveaway?

(but they do look alike)

Eranga Devasurendra Member Since 2020
1    
Posted On 3/14/2023

F M wrote:
"  The big "N" above his underwear is kinda a giveaway?
(but they do look alike)
 "

TO BE FAIR...it was an initial reaction :)

F M Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 3/14/2023

Eranga Devasurendra wrote:
"  TO BE FAIR...it was an initial reaction :)
 "

I SEE what you are trying to do here...But I'm not buying it!...

I KNOW the undewear is the first place you look at in a costume ^^

Ruben DaCollector Member Since 2008
2    
Posted On 3/14/2023

Eranga Devasurendra wrote:
"  Like Ruben, I was gonna say this was an awesome Graviton till I read your description. This is a really inventive image from Bagley and I love what he did with that background. For a guy who has been around as long (and as profilic) as he has, he continues to find interesting ways to tell a story. 
 "

Thanks for having my back by admitting that, bro! As anyone who saw me on my Comic Art Show & Sell #8 two days ago, desperately try to figure out why I haven't been able to find a buyer for my Jusko SSoC cover, my eyes CLEARLY do NOT immediately go to the crotch area! 😁

E DLS Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 3/14/2023

Very nice!  Mark has come such a long way from his Marvel Tryout days.  He really has developed into a very strong illustrator in his own right.  Great splash.

K Gearon Member Since 2011
1    
Posted On 3/24/2023

Just a commanding Nefaria image, with the effect upped by that inset panel!  Dig the upward shot, the expression, and the inks really are killer throughout, particularly on the hair and face.  Congrats, man!

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