ROGUE by Reginaldo Borges

Rogue by Reginaldo Borges
Studio Ed Benes
Graphite on baxter board
A4 (210 × 297 mm / 8.27 × 11.69 in.)
Not For Sale

I acquired this stunning portrait of the X-Men's Rogue by Brazillian illustrator Reginaldo Borges from one of the Ed Benes Studio's Ebay Auctions. I haven't seen any published comics which credit him yet, but his graphite virtuosity has an almost airbrushed realism that's reminiscent of some of Kael Ngu's digital cover paintings. This is a quantim leap over somew of the quick sketches of his I've seen and this is a cover quality piece for sure.  

The "straight to camera" facial position not only gives the illusion that Rogue's eyes follow you from whichever angle you approach, but the slightly pursed lips give a sense that's she's either about to speak or is done talking - and that gives this portrait a narrative quality that might otherwise be missing.

Sophie Thatcher's name has been collecting a lot of buzz lately as a potential candidate for bringing Rogue back to screen in the MCU. I've not asked Reginaldo if this gorgeous illustration is based on her or not, but I can see at least a passing resemblance. Comment whether you see that likeness or not.