Ian Bertam--Black Panther #3 Cover (Marvel 2023)
Artist: Ian Bertram (All)
320 Views - 53 Comments - 41 Likes
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DescriptionHere's a mind-blowing variant cover to Black Panther #3 by the amazing Ian Bertram. Ian, who is best known for drawing the graphic novels Little Bird and Precious Metal, really knocked this one out of the park. The cover is a massive 17" x 24" and, in person, is really jaw-dropping. I love the way Ian drew T'challa here, with the King of Wakanda in a fighting position, a dozen broken arrows sticking out of his back and shoulders. His entire torso is nicked and scarred, yet he shows no sign of pain. He merely stares at us with an expression that seems to say, "Is that the best you can do?" Ian's detailed inkwork extends beyond T'Challa to incorporate every inch of the paper. The cave he stands in is pockmarked with a honeycomb effect and the walls of the cave are virtually dripping with intricate linework. At the broken end of his spear, Ian adds a swirling whirlpool that serves to focus our attention on the damaged weapon. I can't remember when I've seen a piece of art so intricately detailed. The cover is just a treasure and I'm excited to share it with you here. It may be my first piece of Ian Bertram art, but I can assure you it won't be my last!Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Damon Wright 
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Love the flow and organic feel of this piece. It gives me Akira last battle vibes, but wholly its own, I zoomed in and got lost in it, which is wonderful for a piece of art! Comics as fine art, dig it!
Paul Roach
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Yes, the organic feel is spectacularm and the arrows lend it a mythic feel as well. The wounded man. The background bleeding into the cloak also makes it seem as though the Panther is emerging from a faerie realm into out world. Lovely image.
Abraham Martinez
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Now this is an interesting piece, great pick up!!!!
Duke Fleed
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Reminds me of the old timey child's labyrinth toy with the little metal ball that you got to tilt through all the little paths. Love the tactile feel of this. Huge congrats!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
This is truly mesmerizing! The amount of detail just floors me. It reminds me of wood carving art or a laser-cut wood engraving. As has been mentioned in previous comments, the whole tableau is very organic. Black Panther has a fantastic pose. Though he is battle damaged, he still has that commanding presence, and he seems to be holding up the surrounding cave with his body. At first I thought he was standing on a huge snake, but that may just be a long and curvy rock formation. Either way, very cool. CONGRATS!!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
A wildly unique and creative approach and execution.
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Sheer brilliance by Bertram! It begs the eyes to dance around until you settle on what you want to see. Innovative cover design would be an understatement. I love the spikes/arrows on the shoulders/back eminating from his costume/cape. What a great cover, congrats Bill!
T Shen
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Wow, love Bertram's take on BP. This is simply stunning.
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Wakanda is known for two things. Vibranium and delicious cheese.
J. Lim
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
An amazing demonstration of swirling detail! Bertam's work is mesmerizing and has an MC Escher-esque flare. I love his ability to separate foreground to the background in spite of all the details which a lot of artists can struggle with but Bertam handles with mastery
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Super! Unmistakable Bertram style in every square inch of this amazing image. Love the character design, pose, and textures/environment
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Black Panther wears all the scars and imbedded blades with pride! It makes him even more of a warrior king! Bertram's soft foliage of entrails and viscera separates from T'Challa who has the hardness of the lava moon rock base he stands upon.
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
The line work is, of course, wonderful! Excellent pick up!!!
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
I am not familiar with this artist but I can see why you added this gem to your collection!
Paul Brzegowy
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Very nice piece and that line work is amazing.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Man, this piece is absolutely wild in the best way possible! The sheer amount of detail Ian packed into every inch is unreal. T’Challa looks like he’s been through absolute hell, but the way he’s still locked in that calm, “try harder” stare still makes him feel dangerous, like a cornered animal, right? Those textures: The cave walls, the pockmarked ground, etc. Everything feels organic and alive. It’s one of those drawings where your eyes keep finding new things no matter how long you stare at it. An impressive piece of work, no doubt.
Felix Lu
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
I forgot you got this one! Ian has KILLED it on Marvel covers this year! And DC covers...and indie covers...Anyway, you got one of favorites! Congrats!!
Ken Martin
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
I could stare at this cover for hours. Absolutely stunning piece.
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Wow, very cool Black Panther cover, and liking the Kirbyesque psychedelia backdrop, congrats!
Eric B
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Oh wow...this is quite nice. Organic, intricate, sharp, and elegant all at the same time. Makes for a very arresting image. Congrats Bill. This is a fantastic addition.
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
Bertram is a modern master, a rock star whose stock has risen which each banger work. This is the new Kaluta, the new Vess.
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 12/9/2025
I haven't seen Ian do much of the mainstream characters, but he totally should. This Black Panther is incredible and so large!! Worth every dollar you spent.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
A superb and immediately identifiable as Bertam cover for his constantly organic backgrounds trope.
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
I love when BP is drawn in its more "animal" appearance. Ian Bertram style is unmistakeable. I love the way he deaws backgrounds. He is able to create a very special and peculiar atmosphere in all his works. A true moder MASTER. Superb addition.
Mark Howland
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
The scarring on his body supports the scarring of the background. I could look at this a long time. Big score in more ways than one.
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
Bertram is one-of-a-kind and this beautfiul example exhibits his unique take on pretty much everything!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
Many congrats, Bill! This is so Bertram and yet so recognizably T'Challa at one and the same time.
Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
This is insane!!!!! Amazing amount of time this must have taken. Wow, it's beautiful!!! Congratulations!!!
Ben Friedman
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
That's a lot of ink! Great depiction of the Panther - love the artistry!
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
Extraordinary! A striking portrayal of the Wakandan warrior king!
Peter Venkman
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
Jaw-dropping cover by an artist who draws like no one, congrats !
Michael Kirton
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
An inspired and unique take on a classic character. Congrats!
Justin 2Pages
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 12/10/2025
Hell of a first Bertram piece Bill! Congratulations!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 12/11/2025
Very Impressive and far more so than on the printed cover, where details get lost... As for the Panther's stance on this cover, it reminds me a lot of how Billy Graham was treating him back in the Panther's rage days, torn costume, scars and all...
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 12/12/2025
Very different take on Black Panther, uniquely rendered as only Ian Bertram can. Congrats (on the first of many?)!
M L
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 12/12/2025
Scans never do Ian's work justice - in person they absolutely draw the viewer in and present a multitude of choices and textures to consider and wonder at. This King shoulders a heavy burden, but has the fortitude to persevere.
NEBUR ADLAN
Member Since 2009
Posted on 1/4/2026
Wow , really didnt know this artist but is amazing , love is unique and strange style
Congrats Bill
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