The New 52

[Benjamin]

Very LONG time since I've been back here. But its good to see the community is still running, in one way or another.

I sorta checked out of drawing maybe like 4-5 years ago, but an odd thing happened, The New 52. Now, I have been floating around comic books (how could I ever really leave), and this is no comment on the quality of the titles, or...movement of DC's but it inspired me to draw again. And I've been drawing like crazy since. So I decided, against better judgement to draw ALL of the new 52 titles.

I've posted a selection of New 52 drawings I've done so far, but feel free to go on over to the Blog where I update regularly and there are plenty more drawings. http://benjaminsnew52.blogspot.com/

I'll drop back in here and post a few more.

And of course I'm doing A LOT more than just new 52 sketches, so i'll start posting those soon.

Benjamin

[Benjamin]

No love?

This place has thinned out ALOT. I'll just have to win over whoever is still lurking then! ha.

Did this rather obvious conceptual drawing of Resurrection man.

Benjamin

[Frogze]

Welcome back man, it's great to see you've found some passion for drawing again after so much time!
Don't be too shocked by the lack of response, the board has been deserted by many. I hope the community keeps growing and being more reponsive because it's sad to see some very nice stuff like yours getting no feedback.

I dig the aquaman staring at the horizon a lot, great pencilling job on that one. Keep it up Benjamin

[KingMixer]

I am giving you some love haha. Very well done! I wish the board was more active.

[Benjamin]

It is a much different board indeed. I think the twitter, tumblr world doesn't need a forum as such, you can connect pretty easily without the board.

Thanks for the kind words guys. Really appreciated.

If anyone wants to follow along for updates, I'm @Benjtendo on twitter.

[Frogze]

Very nice work!

[Doh]

Not sure how I missed these...

Terrific work! I like this sort of "old school" feel where it has solid anatomy without being too fancy. I find some modern comics off-putting with the amount of details the artists are cramming in there.

[Benjamin]

Thanks DOH!

Yeah, its an interesting conversation, but it always seems to fall out the same way detail vs. story-telling. I think I have a bit of a classic feel, but I definitely like details. Or atleast the rendering. I am still learning sooooo much, but its hard to limit the amount of rendering when you are accustomed to cross-hatching, you want to fill the form (compelled to more like it, lol). And then you see some artists who get paid the same, do a lot less detial, even NOTICEABLY rush their work, call it "better" story-telling... since all the right signifiers are there. I dunno, seems unfair, since one labors extensively, and one doesn't, but its not.

Its subjective. you do what works, and people (or lack of people) buying your comics usually answer the argument.

Blah, blah. Dumb rant.

Drew this pretty sweet Batman and Robin, if I do say so myself!

[yomark]

Welcome back, from soemone who rarely posts here. Why is a long story that has to do with being hyper-sensitive to criticism.

But first: magnificent work! And second: YOU KIND OF GUYS REALLY PISS ME OFF!
When someone as talented as you say things like "I got away from drawing……", like how Kerry Conran said (about all theose beautiful illustrations and designs for "Sky Captain") "I don't even like to draw……"………guys like me who would KILL to draw like you, who struggle with every pencil stroke and mouse click…………


Well……in the interest of freindliness, I will refrain from saying what I'm thinking, but I think you get the idea.

Anyway: fantastic work, and thanks for sharing!

[Benjamin]

haha, where to start yomark...

firstly, thanks for the compliments, they mean alot. It seems in this day and age, compliments are harder to garner as things are so accessable/convenient/age of entitlement(?). So when people comment on the site, find me on twitter or email me directly I try to take the time to answer each one.

secondly, I am not in the Kerry Conran category. I have always felt blessed and thankful I can draw/create the way I do and have NEVER said or felt like "I don't even like to draw," if anything I COVET each drawing too much and worry for them too intensely.

thirdly, please don't ever take my skill level and my... constitution/work ethic for art as a slight against your skill or effort. It's not intended that way, and unfair to put me on a pedestal when we ALL struggle with being our own harshest critic. I appreciate how you regard my art, and am humbled you reached out to comment, but keep in mind, that when you compare yourself to other artists with ability frustration, so do I, and you can bet all of your favourites do too. As you can probably attest, its a complicated answer when asked "why don't you draw comics, or why aren't you a practicing artist?!" We're all our own harshest critic and things like "can I really make a living at this?" makes it into the argument.

But so far, I would best explain my situation with the following comparison: I am incredible at Jeopardy at home, on the couch.

[yomark]

Okay. I said what I said, and don't take it too seriously, and thanks for the "support-of-the-brotherhood (and sisterhood)" as well. It's obvious you love to draw, to take on such an ambitious project as the new 52.

And you did take the question out of my mouth as to "why you don't……" etc. etc.
I guess the real question is "how the hell could I ever hope to make it, if this guy doesn't think he's good enough?" (Those are MY words, which I realize you didn't say, and the "Jeopardy" answer reaches me more than you can know.

Keep it up, and keep sharing, like I said before. Know that you at least have ME as an ardent admirer.

[-MikE H-]

Very cool, I particularly dig the Supergirl pic

[Captain Genius]

Nice Supergirl

[Benjamin]

thanks alot guys!

After a little time away I much more enjoy the pencils, than the coloured version. It just shows me too many of my limitations and an over rendering of superman. In the pencil he's much stronger.

I'm close to 60 sketches on the blog now. Should finish it off within the month. Wahoo!


Also started another blog here:

http://benjamintiesmart.blogspot.ca/

[Cobblepot]

Good stuff man!