Paolo Mottura - Pencil preliminary drawing for the 30th anniversary celebrations - variant cover of "PK Early Days Adventures #-1"( "PK: Meno uno all'alba") - 2026.
The cover has been published in Italy by Panini comics as Disney Special Events - PK Early Days Adventures #-1 (2026) and also as cover of Anteprima Panini 415 (2026) PK: meno uno all'alba - Un grande ritorno nel 30° Anniversario!
This pencil preliminary drawing 35cm x 50cm (B3 format) by Paolo Mottura captures the early creative stage behind a variant cover for the 30th anniversary celebrations, specifically PK: Meno uno all’alba. Executed with refined graphite work, the piece reveals the artist’s dynamic composition and storytelling instincts before the addition of inks and color. The final artwork was created entirely in digital form, making this pencil piece the only original physical work associated with the variant cover itself.
The sketch likely focuses on Paperinik (PK), portrayed in a dramatic pose that emphasizes tension and anticipation, in line with the title’s reference to the final moments before dawn. Mottura’s confident linework and attention to light and shadow already suggest depth, movement, and atmosphere, giving a strong sense of the final image’s impact.
As a preparatory artwork, it offers insight into the creative process: from layout decisions to character positioning and visual rhythm. The raw quality of the pencil enhances its expressive power, making it not just a technical step, but a compelling artwork in its own right.
