Pulp Sunday

Time for Classic Vampires! Dark Shadows #7 Cover

2012-01-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Barnabas Collins is definitely up there in the Classic Vampires pantheon, I think we can all agree on that :)
Here's the cover for DARK SHADOWS #7: I hope you guys are picking this book becuase the story has been great so far: Vampires, witches, I mean, c'mon :)

Wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday!

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2012 Francesco Francavilla

The Shadow Knows!

2012-01-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Those of you who have been following Pulp SUnday since day one know that I started this blog with the old radio shows of THE SHADOW and providing lobby card art to go with each episode. So you know how much I love this pulp icon, right?
Well, I am VERY excited to announce that I will be providing covers for the new THE SHADOW series at Dynamite, written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Aaron Campbell :)
The above is not a cover, or not exactly a cover (more like a tease from a cover ;)) but I can't wait to show you what I have been cooking for this.

Stay tuned in for more details coming soon :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2012 Francesco Francavilla

Captain America and Bucky #625 Exclusive Preview

2012-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Above is a promo art I did for the second chapter of the Captain America and Bucky story James Asmus, Ed Brubaker, and I are telling on the pages of Cap&Bucky mini. Things are heating up and we get more WW2 era flashbacks, as you can see in hte exclusive preview pages above (click on the image for bigger view).
Captain America and Bucky #626 is out today in all the fine comicshop around the Country: make sure to go pick up a copy or two - it's good, ole style, solid comics at the classic $2.99 price :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2012 Francesco Francavilla

Far Far Away Planets, Old Rockets Ships, and Flash Gordon

2012-01-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

time to share my cover for the 6th issue of the acclaimed new Flash Gordon series from Dynamite. It's really a good read so I hope you guys are picking this up :)

Here's the solicits for issue 6:
FLASH GORDON: ZEITGEIST #6
32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +
Written by ERIC TRAUTMANN
Art by DANIEL INDRO
Covers by ALEX ROSS (75%), PAUL RENAUD (25%), FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (1:10)

As Earth burns beneath the might of a Mongo-allied Third Reich, Ming the Merciless's domination plans are on the cusp of success. With two universes at stake, the only hope lies with Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov. Allegiances are forged and battle lines are drawn as Dynamite adds to the legend of the greatest space fantasy hero of all.

And pls don't forget to check out my new blog for THE BLACK BEETLE and bookmark it: I will be posting new art and updates each week :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2012 Francesco Francavilla

Lord of the Jungle #5 Cover

2012-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally reveal my cover for Lord of the Jungle #5, one of my fave yet for this title. :D

This issue should be out in April (it is in February's PREVIEWS) and here are some details:

LORD OF THE JUNGLE #5
Written by ARVID NELSON Art by ROBERTO CASTRO
Covers by LUCIO PARRILLO (50%), PAUL RENAUD (50%),FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (1:10)

The rough-and-ready sailors who set out to rescue Jane Porter from hairy man-apes find themselves in need of salvation. Lucky for them, they have the greatest action hero of all time on their side!
Tarzan has already rescued Jane, but can he win the confidence of the men he is trying to help? Jane, meanwhile, is torn between her feelings for Tarzan and her desire to return to civilization.
She'll have to make a difficult choice in Lord of the Jungle #5: Lost Treasure.

Pls enjoy :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"007 - Dr No" (1962)

2012-01-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp friends,

this new 2012 is special not just because it will see the debut of our beloved Black Beetle in stores ;) but also because it marks the 50th Anniversary of the first James Bond movie! Yep, it has been 50 years that the most famous super spy has been entertained us in the movie theaters, so I thought Pulp SUnday should celebrate this even with a gallery of Bond inspired art (and more)

To start, here's my movie poster version of the first 007 film of all: "Dr No", from 1962.

Hope you guys like the initiative and pls feel free to turn this in a Bond/Fleming discussion club: I am gonna go ahead and work on those Martinis ;)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday , everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2012 Francesco Francavilla

THE BLACK BEETLE Cover for DHP #11 revealed!!!

2012-01-11T20:50:00.001-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Dark Horse released an early look at the solicits for APril, and that means I can finally reveal my cover for Dark Horse Presents anthology featuring our favorite hero: The Black Beetle! :)
Hope you guys dig it and pls spread the news/link and pre-order DHP #11 at your local comicbook store.
Below is the description for #11 - as you can see, BB is in good company :)
Dark Horse Presents #11 (with the Black Beetle cover) will be on sale on APril 18.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
KARA BOCEK, BLACK BEETLE & COLT CITY created by, ™ and © 2006-2012 Francesco Francavilla

DARK HORSE PRESENTS #11

Francesco Francavilla (W/A/Cover), Steve Horton (W), Carla Speed McNeil (W/A), Steve Niles (W), Evan Dorkin (W/A), Tim Seeley (W), John Arcudi (W), Andrew Vachss (W), Neal Adams (W/A), Frank Barbiere (W), Michael Dialynas (A), Jonathan Case (A), Victor Drujiniu (A), Tonci Zonjic (A/Cover), Geof Darrow (A), and Luke Radl (A)

On sale Apr 18
FC, 80 pages
$7.99
Ongoing

Don’t miss the continuing exploits of cunning assassin Amala, Carla Speed McNeil’s Finder, Evan Dorkin’s House of Fun, and Steve Niles’s Criminal Macabre.

This issue is also packed with the exciting premiere of Francesco Francavilla’s pulp-noir hero the Black Beetle, the return of John Arcudi’s The Creep, and a new story by Andrew Vachss with illustrations by Geof Darrow!

And in an exciting feature by Frank Barbiere and Luke Radl, meet the killers known as the White Suits, who have left their bloody fingerprints throughout modern history. When a young girl encounters one of the Suits during a mob deal gone wrong, she is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever—or end it!

FRANKENSTEIN's MONSTER

2012-01-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp friends,

here's something that is really "pulp" as it's from 23 years ago: one of my first (of many) drawings of the Frankenstein Monster :)
Below you can see the original drawing, from 1989, all in charcoal (note I already had a passion to hand draw titles/text in the art at that time ;)), and above is an updated version from this morning: decided to give it a color treatment and when I was done I realized I had channeled - subconscious - a Basil Gogos vibe into it.

Any-who, hope you guys dig it and wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2012 Francesco Francavilla

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"Hi Ho Silver!" (aka Lone Ranger #3 Cover)

2012-01-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

The new LONE RANGER series hits the stores today, so I thought to celbrate the event by sharing my cover for issue 3 :)
Of Course the "Silver" int he title of the post refers more to the color approach on this cover rather than LR's horse. Hope you guys dig it.

And ples go grab issue 1 in stores today: it's written by my friend Ande Parks and drawn by the excellent Esteve Polls, the same creative team that brought you the LR/Zorro mini few months ago, so you this is good :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Flash Gordon VS Nazi Zeppelins!

2012-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season and - once again - pls allow me to wish you all the best for this brand new TwentyTwelve :)

Tomorrow is comicbook day and 2 of our favorite classic heroes will be on the store shelves. The first is Flash Gordon #2, so I thought what better way to announce the release than sharing my cover for Flash Gordon #5?

The second hero... well tune in tomorrow to find out :)

Meanwhile pls check out my new blog for THE BLACK BEETLE and bookmark it: I will be posting new art and updates as soon as tomorrow :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Happy TwentyTwelve!!!

2012-01-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

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Hello my friends,

I wanted to celebrate the beginning of the new year with a series of sneak peeks (below - click on the images for bigger views) at what's coming from me in 2012. And most of all, I wanted to let you all know that I started a new blog dedicate to all things THE BLACK BEETLE (click on the image above) - feel free to bookmark it and refer to it for updates and news related to the work and publication of our favorite Pulp hero :)

Wish you all a wonderful 2012 ahead and thanks again for all the love and support :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
KARA BOCEK, BLACK BEETLE & COLT CITY created by, ™ and © 2006-2010 Francesco Francavilla

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"Dr.Freezyll & Mr.Ice" ~ A Chilling Tale of Horror (2011)

2011-12-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

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Merry Christmas, Pulp Friends!!! :)

As some of you know, in the FF/PulpSunday tradition, in the past few years my Xmas cards have been about classic movies and snowmen (remember "CAPTAIN COLD" & "HOUSE OF ICE"?) and this year is no exception :)
So I give you "DR.FREEZYLL AND MR.ICE", A Chilling Tale of Horror!

Thank you so much , everyone, for the continous love and support: exciting things are ahead for the 2012, for Pulp Sunday's 5th Anniversary and - you might have heard ;) - for The Black Beetle and much more. So, stay tuned and - meanwhile - Buon Natale and Happy Holidays to y'all :)

Cheers,
Francesco

"Dr.Freezyll & Mr.Ice" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Lord of the Jungle #4 Cover

2011-12-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

More pulpy goodness to put us all in a good Xmas spirit :D
Today we have the cover for Lord of the Jungle #4, with a big scary croc to make things more interesting :D

Pls enjoy and see you tomorrow for more :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Vampire Skulls! aka Dark Shadows #6 Cover

2011-12-22T11:18:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

it's that time of the month where I share my next Dark Shadows cover, and this time is it's the turn for one of my personal favorite yet :)
Hope you guys dig it too and hope this put you all in a holiday festive mood :D

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The BLACK BEETLE Lands at Dark Horse!!!

2011-12-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

I am leaving it to the Dark Horse press release that just went out yesterday :D

~~~~~

Francesco Francavilla Unleashes The Black Beetle!
12/15/2011 3:59pm

Adding an exciting new layer to Dark Horse Presents, Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce a new three-part story by New York Times best-selling artist for Batman, and current Captain America artist, Francesco Francavilla: The Black Beetle!

The Black Beetle is centered on a pulp-noir character and takes place in a fictional universe that’s based in Colt City. Francavilla published several stories online and even put out an ashcan. When the ashcan sold out, Francesco quickly realized that many fans were interested in exploring this world with him. It was only a matter of time before Dark Horse approached him about bringing some Black Beetle tales to Dark Horse Presents!

“I’m working on a 24-page story, titled ‘Night Shift’ that will be spread over three issues of Dark Horse Presents. I am hugely influenced by pulp stories of the ‘30s and ‘40s, and wanted to develop a series that used that influence as a jumping-off point to explore some modern storytelling with fun twists. I think this will be a great introduction to readers who are new to this character and universe, but will also be an exciting new adventure for those who’ve been reading the online stories over the years,” Francesco states.

“As a huge fan of pulp and noir, working on my own characters and stories really gives me free reign to explore this world and create lots of fun scenarios and thrilling situations. The stories are definitely full of mystery and intrigue, plus I get to give The Black Beetle lots of cool and funky gadgets. ‘Night Shift’ promises to be full of action, excitement, danger, and double-crosses, so I am overjoyed to see this new tale in print, and hope this is the first of many more to come in Dark Horse Presents.”

~~~~

I am so excited I can't even start to describe how much :D
More details coming soon.

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone, and thanks again for all the love and passion for my work :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
KARA BOCEK, BLACK BEETLE & COLT CITY created by, ™ and © 2006-2010 Francesco Francavilla

The LOVECRAFT Anthology Vol.II

2011-12-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

As you know I am a HUGE fan of HPL, so you can imagine how thrilled I am when I get involved with books that are about Lovecraft or inspired by him.
In this case I was invited to do a cover for the volume 2 of THE LOVECRAFT ANTHOLOGY, a wonderful book published by SelfMadeHero.

The book, “A sublime selection of Lovecraft’s greatest tales of cosmic horror”, is edited by Dan Lockwood and includes graphic adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft’s short stories like: ‘Pickman’s Model’, ‘The Festival’.‘The Picture in the House’, ‘From Beyond’, ‘The Nameless City’, ‘He’, ‘The Temple’, ‘The Hound' and 'The Statement of Randolph Carter’.

The lineup of amazing creators includes: Jamie Delano, Steve Pugh, Simon Spurrier, Matt Timson, Ben Dickson, Mick McMahon, David Camus, Nicolas Fructus, Attila Futaki, Pat Mills, Dwight Macpherson, Paul Peart-Smith, Chris Lackey, Ade Salmon Bryan, Baugh Chad Fifer and Warwick Johnson Cadwell.

The Lovecraft Anthology – Volume II will be out in March 2012, but meanwhile I hope you will enjoy the above cover I did for it, and have a wonderful Pulp Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Lord of the Jungle!

2011-12-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Can't recall if I mentioned this already in here, but I am doing covers for yet another Pulp icon: Lord Greystoke! aka Tarzan :D
The book is titled "LORD OF THE JUNGLE" and will be published by the fine people at Dynamite Entertainment.

Here's the cover for issue 3, and can't wait to share the other covers (asap, I promise)

Pls enjoy and Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Flash Gordon and Lion Men!

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Here is my cover for Flash Gordon #4, feat. the Lion Men!!!

Here's a quick summary of this issue: Flash Gordon and his allies -- the plucky Dale Arden and brilliant Dr. Hans Zarkov -- move closer to a confrontation with the forces of Ming the Merciless. Amid the political and military machinations of Mongo, Gordon faces the ferocious Lion Men, the sinister Shark Men, and a band of rebels commanded by Prince Barin!

Pls enjoy and Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

It's a Western Friday with Lone Ranger!

2011-11-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

hope you all survived to the Thanksgiving food, had the required nap and are all rested today :)
How about my cover for Lone Ranger #2 to get back in the Pulp mood? :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

DARK SHADOWS #5 Cover

2011-11-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

once again I find myself posting a DARK SHADOWS cover just right after I finished drawing the next issue's one (and once again I can't wait to show that one too).
Meanwhile I hope you guys enjoy my vampiric take on the "WOman in Red" :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"Reign's End" (Black Panther #529 cover)

2011-11-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

above you can see the cover for Black Panther #529, out in February. This is also my last Black Panther cover for the time being since the series will end with issue 529, which concludes the Kingpin of Wakanda arc, the current arc written by David Liss and drawn by Shawn Martinbrough and Mike Avon Oeming. As mentioned earlier in here, this arc is another great noir, pulp tale of our hero set in NYC so I suggest everyone to pick it up until its conclusion in February.

I wanted also to say THANKS to David Liss, guest artist Jefte Palo, letterer Joe Caramagna, editors Bill Rosemann, John Denning, and Jon Moisan, and everyone at MARVEL, all a joy to work with, and a huge THANKS to all of YOU guys who loved and supported our book since day one - it has been a wonderful ride and hopefully will get together again in the future, like old friends, to tell more Panther tales :)

Until then, I'll see you all on the pages of Captain America and Bucky starting in December.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Flash Gordon Double Feature!!!

2011-11-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Here are my covers for Flash Gordon #2 & #3, coming in your local stores in the next 2 months. There is the evil Ming, rayguns, space rockets, Nazis (!?!), and, fo course, your favorite Space Opera Classic Hero, FLASH GORDON! What not to like? :D

Pls enjoy and Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Back on the Saddle! Lone Ranger #1 Cover

2011-11-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

After my run of covers on the critically acclaimed mini of Lone Ranger/Zorro from a few months ago, I have been asked by the fine people at Dynamite to be the regular cover artist for their new Lone Ranger ongoing series, request that I HAPPILY accepted :D

SO I give you the first cover I have done for the series, and can't wait to show you more :)
The new Lone Ranger #1 , written by Ande Parks and drawn by Esteve Polls, will be in stores in January and you can pre-order it now at your local comic shop: it's gonna be good :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

DARK SHADOWS #4 Cover

2011-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Since today I worked (and turned in) the cover for #5 and - most importantly - since issue 1 hits the stores tomorrow (go grab a copy - it's good comics!), I thought it was the perfect time to post in here my cover for DARK SHADOWS #4, def one of my fave so far :)

Hope you guys dig it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Chills, Thrills, and Fear... From The Deep!

2011-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

And this is the last installment for October of "FROM THE DEEP". But no worries: I've been developing this over the month and you are definitely gonna see more of it (in comic format) in 2012: another thing to look forward in the new year ahead :D

Wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday and a HAPPY HALLOWEEN tomorrow!

Cheers,
Francesco

"From TheDeep" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"The Living Dead" (USA, 2011)

2011-10-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for BIGGER CHILLS!!!

Crazy busy week, so I didn't have time to finish a new FROM THE DEEP piece (which is in the work) but I managed to do this poster for the zombie-themed (it was my pick this week) Twart.
Hope you enjoy it and I wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Gazing into the Deep ("From The Deep", 2011)

2011-10-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

"If you gaze long into the Deep, the Deep will gaze back into you"

Hello Pulp Friends,

Hope you guys dig this new "FROM THE DEEP" poster: am I the only one who want to go see this at the theater? :)

Wish youa lla wonderful Pulp Sunday!

Cheers,
Francesco

"From TheDeep" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Abyssal Horror "FROM THE DEEP"

2011-10-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's some more "FROM THE DEEP featuring what will probably be the final logo for it - hope you guys dig it and hope you all are having a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

SPECIAL NOTE: As mentioned, I am not gonna be able to attend NYCC this week (due to work) but for those who were going and hoping to get a sketch from me, pls tune in on my sketchblog tomorrow, Monday 10th, at noon ET: I will be taking the first 10 email requests/reply to my noon post. I will also be picking 2 random after the 10th reply. As you may know, my commissions are temporarily on hold due to a busy schedule, so this is your chance to get some original art from me. Sketches will be fully inked, one character and some bg, on 9x12 bristol board. Pls submit request only if you are resident in US. I am gonna do another round of sketches for international requests later on, before end of the year.
As always, you can order the sketchbooks and prints via website or emailing me. They all come signed and the sketchbooks come with a little sketch inside, just like at the show. :)

Cheers,
Francesco

"From TheDeep" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Captain Bloch's Diary

2011-10-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's some more "FROM THE DEEP". Story is shaping up almost automatically so expect to see it full fleshed out in 2012.
Oh, the above Captain Bloch's Diary will play a big part in it :)

SPECIAL NOTE: In other news, I had to cancel my NYCC attendance due to work committments, which include Captain America & Bucky and getting started on a couple of creator owned books that got the green-light and will be out early 2012 (YAY!) and that I can't wait to tell you about. :)
To not disappoint the fans who were looking forward to get a sketch from me at the NY show, keep an eye on my sketch blog tomorrow for details on how to get one. And, as always, you can order the sketchbooks and prints via website or emailing me. They all come signed and the sketchbooks come with a little sketch inside, just like at the show. :)

Cheers,
Francesco

"From TheDeep" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

More "FROM THE DEEP"

2011-10-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

just wanted to let you know these are officialy sneak peeks and not random "made-up" images. I'll tell you more if you wnat to hear more ;)
Oh, and pls click on the image for the real-deal view :)

Also got lots' of request/emails about the availability of these as prints: yes they are available and if you order in October, you will get a special Lovecraftober discount (and ordering multiple prints will make you save on shipping). Pls email me if interested.

Cheers,
Francesco

"From TheDeep" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Francavilla's "FROM THE DEEP"

2011-10-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

It's October again, and that means Halloween month, and you all know here at Pulp SUnday we take Halloween very seriosly ;)
For this month, I decided to dedicate all my posts to H.P. Lovecraft, so expect anything that is inspired by HPL or even more direct tribute to the greatest horror writer of all.
To start, here's a poster for "FROM THE DEEP". I am not gonna tell anything more about this today: tune in on Pulp Sunday regularly as I will reveal more bits about this Lovecraftian Mystery Tale :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone... and keep out from the water ;)

Cheers,
Francesco

"From TheDeep" created by and © 2011 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

La Pantera Noir (Black Panther MDMA #526 & #527 Covers)

2011-09-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

above are my covers for Black Panther MDMA #526 and #527, both on sale in December. As you can see, I am keeping with my homage to classic noir/pulp magazine/movie posters, completed with title/taglines :)
Hope you guys dig it and can't wait to see what those insanely talented Shawn and Mike fellas will bring to the interiors.

Here's the solicits for these issues:
BLACK PANTHER: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN ALIVE #526 & #527
Written by David Liss
Penciled by Shawn Martinbrough & Michael Avon Oeming
Covers by Francesco Francavilla

The war with the Kingpin heats up – with two issues hitting this month! Lady Bullseye and Typhoid Mary are out to kill T’Challa…time to call in Falcon and Luke Cage! The former King of Wakanda and the former Kingpin of crime wage in a deadly game, with the Panther’s homeland as the prize!

32 PGS. (each)/Rated T+ …$2.99 (each)

Wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)
Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

DARK SHADOWS #3 Cover

2011-09-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

This morning I turned in the cover for Dark Shadows #4 (which I can't wait to share with you all) and what better way to celebrate than posting the cover for issue 3? :)
Hope you guys dig it :)

Here's the solicits for #3.

DARK SHADOWS #3
32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +
Written by STUART MANNING
Art by AARON CAMPBELL
Covers by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (50%), AARON CAMPBELL (50%)

Television’s original reluctant vampire is back! Barnabas Collins fears that another vampire is loose at Collinwood, while his friend Dr. Julia Hoffman finds herself in the thrall of a sinister force. As a seance is held to contact a restless spirit, Quentin Collins finds himself drawn into a dangerous mission to restore an ancient force to life.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

CAPTAIN AMERICA & BUCKY #625 Cover

2011-09-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally share what I will be working on (among other things) in the next few months: CAPTAIN AMERICA & BUCKY! :)
I am so excited to have the opportunity to work on such an icon of the Superhero comics (thank you so much, MARVEL :)), and to work with such talented writers like Ed Brubaker and James Asmus, and I hope you guys will be along for the ride :)
I will be drawing a full arc starting with CAPTAIN AMERICA & BUCKY #625, out in December.
Above is my cover for the book and below is the solicits:

CAPTAIN AMERICA & BUCKY #625
Written by Ed Brubaker & James Asmus
Pencils & Cover by Francesco Francavilla

• The original Human Torch guest-stars as Captain America teams up with Bucky in the present day… for the first time?!
• Rising stars James Asmus and Francesco Francavilla join Eisner award winner Ed Brubaker for a rollicking adventure into the future of the star-spangled Avenger’s past!
• Brand new arc! Easy jumping on point!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Stay tuned for more cool books announcements coming soon :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Warlord of Mars - Fall of Barsoom #5 Cover

2011-09-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's my fifth cover for WARLORD OF MARS - FALL OF BARSOOM , the last issue of this miniseries. As you can see, I am still playing the Western angle, the only difference is that 6 legged horses ain't easy to draw ;)
Hope you guys dig it. :)

I am gonna take a little break from my blogs/work to re-charge batteries, but I will see you in a little more than a week :)
Have a wonderful PULP SUNDAY everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Flash Gordon - ZeitGeist #1 Cover

2011-08-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I am not just providing the regular covers for the new Flash Gordon series at Dynamite, but the first issue will have this Al Williamson inspired, incentive wraparound cover by yours truly as well :)
Thi is one of those cases where it's really a good thing to click on the image to see it in full big size ;)
Below is the solicts for the first issue.

FLASH GORDON: ZEITGEIST #1
The year is 1934, a time of two-fisted swashbuckling, of fearsome threats and wild adventure -- and of ever-growing threats on the horizon. Three valiant humans -- Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov -- are plucked from the Earth, traveling to the distant planet Mongo. Their exploits are legendary, battling the machinations and terror schemes of the dreaded emperor Ming, the All-Seeing Ruler of Mongo. But they did not fight alone...

32 pages for $1!!!

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Flash Gordon #1 Cover

2011-08-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Sorry I missed posting this past Sunday but I was in Baltimore for the Comicon (speaking of which, the show was fantastic and I had a wonderful time meeting lots of people and sketching no-stop all weekend :))

To make up for the lack of Sunday post, here's a Tuesday one with the first cover of a book that does not need any introduction: FLASH GORDON :D
The series will be published by Dynamite Enterntainment and I will eb providing the variant covers.
Saying that I am very excited about working on such icon is an understatement.
Hope you guys dig my forst cover above :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

DARK SHADOWS #2 Cover

2011-08-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally share the cover for Dark Shadows #2, def one of my fave so far (I just turned in the cover for issue 3 yesterday) becuase of the design approach on this. (click on the image to check out all the details)
Hope you guys dig it and hope you are putting this on your pull-list: Aaron Campbell is drawing the interiors and he has proven to be really good on genre comics like this.

Here's the solicits for #2.

DARK SHADOWS #2
32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +
Written by STUART MANNING
Art by AARON CAMPBELL
Covers by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (50%), AARON CAMPBELL (50%)

Television’s original reluctant vampire is back! Barnabas Collins fears that another vampire is loose at Collinwood, while his friend Dr. Julia Hoffman finds herself in the thrall of a sinister force. As a seance is held to contact a restless spirit, Quentin Collins finds himself drawn into a dangerous mission to restore an ancient force to life.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"The Abyss of Innsmouth" - A Mystery Novelet

2011-08-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

I missed doing these "for FUN" things :)
Inspired by the great Master of Horror, H.P. Lovecraft and his "Shadow over Innsmouth" tale.

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone!

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Warlord of Mars - Fall of Barsoom #4 Cover

2011-08-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's my fourth cover for WARLORD OF MARS - FALL OF BARSOOM series. I started to give these a Western vibe: I guess I am hinting I like to draw westerns ;) Hope you guys dig it. :)

Here's the solicits for this issue 4:
WARLORD OF MARS: FALL OF BARSOOM #4
Written by Robert Place Napton
Art by Roberto Castro
Covers by JOE JUSKO & FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

100,000 YEARS BEFORE THE TIME OF JOHN CARTER! A tribe of Red Martians attacks the Atmosphere Plant just as it's about to go operational. Meanwhile, the savage Warhoon march on the last stronghold of the Orovar -- the city of Horz--determined to wipe the White Martians from the face Mars. This is the penultimate chapter in the Fall of Barsoom!

Have a wonderful PULP SUNDAY everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"The Swamp Thing" Saturday Matinee Movie

2011-08-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

In between pages, yesterday I put some colors and dressed up a bit the quick B/W sketch of The Swamp Thing I posted earlier.
And this is the result, perfect for a Saturday Matinee movie here on Pulp Sunday :)
Hope you guys enjoy :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Swamp Thing - un Esercizio in Bianco e Nero

2011-08-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

A little Swamp Thing B/W warm-up (or Esercizio in Bianco e Nero, if we want to make it sound more fancy ;)) I did this morning before working on some Panther pages. I am very excited to be starting working on Swamp Thing pages later this month: can't wait to sink my teeth into Scott Snyder's script! :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Kingpin of Wakanda! (Black Panther MDMA #525 Cover)

2011-07-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

this is the cover for BLACK PANTHER: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN ALIVE #525, which debuted at SDCC last week. It will be out in November and will be the beginning of a new arc where T’Challa will be facing the Kingpin (Wilson Fisk), Lady Bullseye, Typhoid Mary, and lots and lots of ninjas.
Just plain old school pulp/noir fun, which I tried to portray in the above 60s style cover.
Hope you guys dig it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

BLACK PANTHER in "SPIDER ISLAND"! (#524 Cover)

2011-07-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I was very happy to find out that starting on issue 524 I will be providing covers for the Black Panther books: been working on the title for almost a year so that is just a cherry on the cake for me :)
Issue 524 is a tie-in with the SPIDER ISLAND event, where everyone on Manhattan gets some sort of spider power/quality/feature. Editor Bill Rosemann asked me to go retro/pulp (which is not a problem for me at all, as you know ;)) and directly tribute a famous Amazing Spider Man cover by Gil Kane featuring a 6 armed Spidey, and above is the result of such homage :)

All titles and icons and types are all hand drawn.
Hope you guys dig it: I had LOT of FUN drawing this :)

BLACK PANTHER #524 - SPIDER ISLAND tie-in, written by David Liss and with art and cover by me, will be on sale in October.

Here's the solicits:
The Story: SPIDER-ISLAND TIE-IN! First it was American Panther, now it's…Six-Armed Panther? The arachnid infection griping Manhattan hits T'Challa, but that doesn't mean he'll stop trying to protect Hell's Kitchen! And when Overdrive breaks into the quarantine zone, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Panther swings into a deadly race across the streets of New York City. What has the Spidey villain stolen that's worth smashing through a hero-protected border, and why is the lethal Lady Bullseye trying to keep him from getting back out?

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

DARK SHADOWS #1 Cover

2011-07-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Back from SDCC this past Monday and had to jump back in the crazy work schedule right away, making up for the 1 week break I took to attend the biggest crazy show in the comics industry :)
Lot's of news coming out during last week, most of them will make you (and me) pulp fans happy :)

Let's start with the cover for DARK SHADOWS #1, the first issue of the mini Dynamite Ent. will be publishing starting in October.
Talk about of a classic Horror title :D

Here's some more info about the book (source: iCV2) and CANNOT wait to show you guys the cover for issue 2 :)

Just in time for Halloween Dynamite Entertainment is bringing Barnabas Collins back to comics. The hero of the popular Gothic TV soap opera, which is soon to be a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp that is due from Warner Bros. in 2012, is returning to the four-color world in this new series of Dark Shadows comics written by Stuart Manning and drawn by Aaron Campbell with covers by Campbell and Francesco Francavilla (Black Panther, Swamp Thing). Dark Shadows #1, which is due out in October, will use the likeness of the actors in the classic Dark Shadows show in which Jonathan Frid played Barnabas.

TV’s original reluctant vampire, who is laboring under his vampiric curse and haunted by dreams of his age-old lover and nemesis, Angelique, is one of the small screen’s most original horror creations. Manning’s stories for the new comic book series pick up right where the narrative of the original ABC soaper left off in 1971. Barnabas starred in a series of Gold Key comics that were published from 1969-1976 and which are being published in book form by Hermes Press (see “The Complete Dark Shadows Comics”). Innovation published a few Dark Shadows comics based on an ill-fated revival of the show in the early 1990s. Dynamite has wisely chosen to base its comics on the original classic Dark Shadows TV series.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

SDCC & TR!CKSTER 2011 FF Full Schedule

2011-07-18T11:05:00.001-07:00

Hey guys,

following is my entire schedule for this year SDCC (or CCI) and TR!CKSTER shows. Hope to see you guys there in SD: looks like it's gonna be GOOD time :)

~~~~

Entire Show - I will have fine art prints for sale at the Trickster store (directly across from the convention center at the SAN DIEGO WINE AND CULINARY CENTER)

Entire Show - HIGH FIVE SELECT POUR AND FINE ART COMBO - available at the Trickster store/event space.
THE HIGH FIVE is the specialty “limited edition” beverage of choice for this event: each night, (from Tuesday, July 19-Saturday, July 23) from 8:00 PM until 1:00 AM, we’ll be pouring a unique and highly praised beverage into a custom screen printed TR!CKSTER HIGH FIVE glass and handing it to you, along with a very limited edition original art print.

~~~~

Thursday, July 21

10-11am SIGNING at Marvel Booth #2329 - bring your Black Panther books or Man Without Fear posters by and get them signed!

2-3 pm SIGNING at DC Booth #1915 - bring your Detective Comics issues by to get them signed. Or how about issues of last year's Garrison miniseries from Wildstorm by Francesco and Jeff Mariotte? He'll sign that too!

~~~~~~

Friday, July 22
12-1 pm SIGNING at DC Booth #1915

Trickster Symposium 3:30 – 5:30 pm
SAN DIEGO WINE AND CULINARY CENTER :: 200 HARBOR DRIVE, SUITE 120
Directly across the street from the convention center. Wine will be served!!!
Also, I'll have prints on sale at the Trickster store during the entire show.

Get tickets and information for all Trickster Symposia and events at http://trickstertrickster.com/events/symposia/

SYMPOSIUM 4:
Friday, 7/22/11, 3:30PM to 5:30 PM
THE ART WORKSHOP
Featuring artists JILL THOMPSON, JIM MAHFOOD, FABIO MOON, FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA, TOMMY LEE EDWARDS and more TBA
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/181760
Whether you work in single panel illustration, poster design, web design, or sequential storytelling, you more than likely juggle the concept of developing a “style” versus creating immortal visual art that communicates readily with an audience. Technique, theory, method, and madness will all be on display in an intimate workshop environment. Explore paint application and aesthetic, discuss ink and inking implements, and watch as original art is produced on the spot in a variety of styles and media.

PERFECT FOR: artists and aspiring artists in all fields; anyone looking to explore new media and technique/method

Friday night - TR!CKSTER and THE CRITERION COLLECTION present: A TRIBUTE TO THE FILMS OF AKIRA KUROSAWA

Location: SAN DIEGO WINE AND CULINARY CENTER :: 200 HARBOR DRIVE, SUITE 120 (Directly across the street from the convention center.)

TR!CKSTER and The Criterion Collection have joined forces to curate a one-night-only celebration of the works of legendary director Akira Kurosawa. This intimate show, curated by Criterion designer Eric Skillman, will feature original pieces by artists from the worlds of comics, animation, and illustration, including: Mike Allred, Scott C., Josh Cochran, Francesco Francavilla, Robert Goodin, Victor Kerlow, Ted Mathot, Scott Morse, Sho Murase, Yuko Shimizu, Bill Presing, Jim Rugg, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Connor Willumsen. Though the gallery show will be free to enter and enjoy for the general public, all proceeds from sales of these works will be donated to the Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund.

This is a special engagement gallery event, existing for one night only: Friday, July 22, 2011.

~~~~

Saturday, July 23

10-11am SIGNING at Marvel Booth #2329
2-3 pm SIGNING at DC Booth #1915

DC Panel – The Dark & The Edge: 12:45 – 1:45, Room 6DE

Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Pat McCallum
From the shadowy corners of the new DC Universe comes a startling array of new series featuring some of comics’ top creators! Join DC Editor Pat McCallum and get acquainted with new DC titles from “The Dark” and “The Edge,” including Swamp Thing, written by Scott Snyder, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man, written by Jeff Lemire, Deathstroke, written by Kyle Higgins, Demon Knights and Stormwatch, written by Paul Cornell, I, Vampire written by Josh Fialkov, Suicide Squad written by Adam Glass, Swamp Thing, drawn by Francesco Francavilla, All Star Western by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Moritat, and more! Room 6DE

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

FleshDigger!

2011-07-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

The sollicitations from Image for October releases are out so I can finally reveal one of my most recent covers I worked on and a foray in one of my favorite genre: the HORROR.
Also in October from Image it will be released the PIGS issue #2 with my cover (see below).
Hope you guys dig it and tune in tomorrow for a full SDCC schedule: I will be attending the show and the TRICKSTER fest as well and will have exclusive prints for sale.
CHeck in tomorrow for more details and wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

Here's the solicits for this issue:
PILOT SEASON: FLESHDIGGER #1
story SHANNON ERIC DENTON & BRAD KEENE
art ALEX SANCHEZ
cover FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

OCTOBER 26 - 32 PAGES / FC / T+ - $3.99

PILOT SEASON RETURNS! TAKE CONTROL!
A random act of kindness can be damning. When a man witnessed the ruthless beating of an innocent woman, he rushed to help her and was brutally murdered for his trouble. Now driven by revenge, sorrow, and guilt, the woman enacts arcane forces to resurrect him. From out of the earth he'll rise, a twisted, worm-riddled monstrosity forced to carry out vengeance to maintain whatever life he has left, all while confronting the unimaginable truth of his new, hideous existence. Is he forever damned to be a rotting monster driven by an insatiable bloodlust...or is it possible to shed the curse and return to normal? The torment belongs to the living nightmare they'll call Fleshdigger. God help anyone who gets in his way!

From Harvey Award nominee SHANNON ERIC DENTON (GRAVESLINGER, Common Foe) and screenwriter BRAD KEENE (The Grudge 3) and artist ALEX SANCHEZ (Fathom: Blue Descent) comes a tale of supernatural horror!

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

~~ Click on the above image for larger view ~~

MOONRAKER

2011-07-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

~ Click on the above images for wide screen size ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

A couple of days ago the Shuttle Atlantis took off for the last mission of the Space Shuttle program. Being a huge fan of this NASA program (and of the Shuttles) and being also a huge fan of Bond (an old aquaintance for our Pulp Sunday blog) I thought to tribute the last mission with a classic Bond movie: MOONRAKER!
I wish I had time to draw Jaws and Drax too. Will save them for the next MOONRAKER tribute :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone!

Cheers,
Francesco

All images © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.

Twilight Zone Triple Feature Pt.2

2011-07-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

~ Click on the above images for wide screen size ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe 4th July celebration.

As promised, here's the second Twilight Zone triple feature with the classic episodes "The Invaders", "Nick of Time", and "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet".

And this is it for now, hope you guys enjoyed it.
Next year I promise several new episodes :)

Have a great pulpy holiday!

Cheers,
Francesco

All images © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.

Twilight Zone Triple Feature Pt.1

2011-07-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

~ Click on the above images for wide screen size ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I am buried in deadlines (between Detective Comics and Black Panther and a bunch of new things you PULP afecionados are gonna love it :)) so, in the spirit of SyFy, I am re-running the pisodes of Twilight Zone I did some time ago.
Here is the first triple Feature: "Eye Of The Beholder", "To Serve Man", and "The Dummy".
Tune in tomorrrow for more :)

Have a great pulpy holiday!

Cheers,
Francesco

All images © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.

Behind you, Johnny Canuck!

2011-07-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Happy CANADA Day to all my Canadian friends!!!
This has became officially a Pulp Sunday tradition, so I give you the annual illustrated leaf with Johnny Canuck , 1942 circa :)

Have a great pulpy holiday!

Cheers,
Francesco

All images © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.

Warlord of Mars - Fall of Barsoom #3 Cover

2011-06-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's my third cover for WARLORD OF MARS - FALL OF BARSOOM series. This is definitely my favorite so far: it really came out like something you would find in an old trunk in the attic, doesn't it? :)
Hope you guys dig it too as much as I do.

Here's the solicits for this issue 3:
WARLORD OF MARS: FALL OF BARSOOM #3
Written by Robert Place Napton
Art by Roberto Castro
Covers by JOE JUSKO & FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

General Van Tun Bor leads the survivors of Thark on a perilous exodus across the Red desert. The once proud race of Orovars are reduced to the survival of the fittest as the tide of barbarism begins to sweep across the face of Barsoom. At the Atmosphere Plant, Scientist Tak Nan Lee and the Red Martian Anouk face unexpected danger from Anouk's own people! The tale of Barsoom set 100,000 years before the time of John Carter continues!

Have a wonderful PULP SUNDAY everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Swamp Thing!

2011-06-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

This has been announced a week ago or so all over the web, but I wanted to officially announce it here on Pulp Sunday, so here we go :)

I am part of the new creative team, along with writer extraordinaire Scott Snyder and supertalented artist Yanick Paquette, behind the re-launch of DC's SWAMP THING in September. We are adopting the same formula used in Detective, with Yanick taking care of the main story and me alternating art chores with him on issues that will tie in with the main story.

All I can say is that I am VERY excited to be part of this. I love Scott's writing, that's no secret, and I love the Swamp Thing. I have been a huge fan of Bernie Wrightson since forever, so working on his creation is one of those dreams come true :)

So, come September, make sure to pick up a copy of the new Swamp Thing: Scott, Yanick, and I are cooking a special Cajun dish for y'all :)

Meanwhile I hope you guys enjoy the above little portrait of our beloved guy :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

U.S.R.A. ~ P40

2011-06-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

what better to celebrate this Father's Day with a good old U.S.R.A. illo? :)
This is shaping upt o be quite a cool story, can't wait to get it all wrapped up and ready for you to enjoy.

Meanwhile have a wonderful Father's Day Pulp Sunday, everyone, and I hope you enjoy this new poster :) (click on the image for the large size)

Cheers,
Francesco

U.S.R.A. (United States Robot Army) created, TM & © 2010-2011 Francesco Francavilla.
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"Abe Sapien ~ The Devil Does Not Jest" #1 Variant Cover

2011-06-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

here's the 4th and last cover I did for the Mignolaverse titles: ABE SAPIEN ~ THE DEVIL DOES NOT JEST #1. (out in September 2011)
This is def my fav cover of the set and one of my favorite covers I have done in general :)

Hope you guys dig it and have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Abe Sapien ~ The Devil Does Not Jest #1 (Francesco Francavilla Variant cover)
Buried in a demonologist's basement is a deep, dark family secret, where horrific occult practices prove to be life threatening for Abe Sapien.

* An early Abe adventure

* Abe is pitted against demonic family curse!

* From the pages of Hellboy!

Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: James Harren
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Dave Johnson, Francesco Francavilla (variant)

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Mignolaverse Back Cover

2011-06-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

as you know, I realized a set of 4 variant covers for Mike Mignola and Dark Horse for the issue 1s of 4 different new miniseries: "Hellboy: The Fury" #1, "BPRD: Monsters" #1, "Baltimore: The Curse Bell" #1, and "Abe Sapien: The Devil Does Not Jest" #1.
The Mignolaverse books always have an image on the back cover: such image can be a small illo Mike did specifically for the mini, or it can be a panel from the interior art (usually this happens when Mike has a guest artist drawing interiors).
When DH approached me to do these variants, they also commissioned me a 5th illo, the one to go on the back cover of these books.
Since we are looking at several minis, I wanted the image on the back being a little nod to all 4 characters protagonist of these stories.

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hence I provided DH and Mike with the above sketch, a panel showcasing HB, Abe, Liz, and Lord Baltimore (yep, you can see his peg leg in the painting ;)). I also provided DH with a second option, something a little different from the classic panel or little illo: a (almost) full page icon of the Right Hand of Doom (symbolizing HB) holding a cube that has a fish, a bat, and a flame (symbolizing Abe, Baltimore, and Liz) on the 3 surfaces facing us. Needless to say, MM and DH loved the idea so we run with it.

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

I did a stylized version of it for the back cover and a more realistic one. At the end we all decided for the stylized version.
This was the very first thing I drew before getting to work on the cover, hence once we had the illo done, I decided to incorporate it on the front cover and it has became a bit the logo for the whole set of covers. (you can see it in the top left corner of the cover).

The cover for the ABE book you ask? Well, I am leaving that to Dark Horse to reveal it (don't worry, it will happen very soon)> All I can say is that that cover is one of mine and DH&MM's favorite of the set :)

Hope you guys enjoyed this and if you wanna see more making of, check out the making of the FURY cover here on the DH blog.

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

All Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

U.S.R.A.'s RT-24 in "3D" ;)

2011-06-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger view!!!

Hello Pulp Friends,

I am kinda new to this sculpting this so apologies in advance for anything that might offend professional sculptors :)
I recently bought some clay-like material (have been wanting to try scultping for a while now) and finally got around doing something today, putting my "sick time" to a good use, I hope.

I give you the U.S.R.A. RT-24's head This is 15/20 min of work, just the beginning. Planning to smooth it up a bit and do upper chest (kinda bust) but I hope you like what you see so far :)

EDIT: started to put the 3d model to a good use and did this quick shot of an RT-24 this morning. Having a model, specially with a robot, will help tremendously in the making of the pages. Hope you guys dig it.

Cheers,
Francesco

U.S.R.A. (United States Robot Army) created, TM & © 2010-2011 Francesco Francavilla.
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Click on the image for the larger view!!!

Click on the image for the larger view!!!

U.S.R.A. ~ Coming in 2012

2011-06-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

let's make this official so we have a specific date (well, year) to look forward to :)
Of course I will be sharing some more concepts and stuff here and there as I develop this, but plan is to have a GN out sometime in 2012. Got a strong synopsis for the first GN so now it all comes down to carefully scheduling this in between of the many other projects :)

Hope you guys are as excited as I am about U.S.R.A.

Cheers,
Francesco

U.S.R.A. (United States Robot Army) created, TM & © 2010-2011 Francesco Francavilla.
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

NIGHT DROP

2011-05-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

(click on the above image for the larger Sunday papers view)

Hello Pulp Friends,

I did the above strip for Comic Twart a few weeks ago, but considering that today is Memorial Day, I thought it would be appropriate to post it in here as well (especially for those of you who don't check the other blog regularly). As you know, ww2 Cap is still a fave of mine (remember the Mona Lisa tale I did some time ago?)

Hope everyone is having a safe holiday weekend.

Cheers,
Francesco

Story & Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

U.S.R.A. ~ RT-24 Pilot Training Manual

2011-05-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

What better than bringing back the U.S.R.A. to celebrate this Memorial Weekend? :)
Yes, i have been developing this concept since the last time you guys have seen it here on the pages of Pulp Sunday. Can't tell much more at the moment, but I thought to take some time this morning to put together the cover/poster you see above.
Hope you guys dig it and wish you all a wonderful holiday weekend.

And yes, expect more from U.S.R.A. :)

Cheers,
Francesco

EDIT: I did a slightly different version and I am a bit torn now on which one works best: the above cover is simpler and maybe stronger, but the new cover might be more eye catching (plus recalls a bit - faded - the colors of the flag).
Which one do you guys prefer?

FF

U.S.R.A. (United States Robot Army) created, TM & © 2010-2011 Francesco Francavilla.
Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Warlord of Mars - Fall of Barsoom #2 Cover

2011-05-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally share the second cover I did for the WARLORD OF MARS - FALL OF BARSOOM series. Hope you guys still dig the approach ont hese :)
I literally can't wait to show you guys cover #3 I did last week and which I believe to be the best I have done for this series so far :)

I have also seen some of the interior pages of issue 1 and this is gonna be a good looking book, trust me :)

Here's the solicits for this issue:
WARLORD OF MARS: FALL OF BARSOOM #2
Written by Robert Place Napton
Art by Roberto Castro
Covers by JOE JUSKO & FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Scientist Tak Nan Lee resumes work on the desperately needed Atmosphere Plant as he tries to befriend the Red Martian woman he rescued from the Green Horde. Meanwhile, thousands of Greens march on the White Martian city of Thark! The story that tells the fall of Barsoom 100,000 years before John Carter continues!

Have a wonderful PULP SUNDAY everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

A Bond Sunday

2011-05-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Pulp Friends,

I've been watching some ole James Bond movies recently so I am making this a Bond Sunday! :)
Here are a couple of retro Bond posters I did some time ago: "Dr. NO" and "Quantum of Solace". Hope you guys dig 'em.

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

"Baltimore ~ The Curse Bells" #1 Variant Cover

2011-05-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

After my variant covers for HELLBOY THE FURY #1 and BPRD MONSTERS #1, it's time to reveal my third variant cover I did for Mike Mignola's wonderful creations.
This time it's the turn of BALTIMORE, the character created by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden in novel format and then extended (luckily for us) to the comibook format.
As for the previous titles, I was asked to draw a variant cover for issue 1 (only the first issues will get these variants), and I couldn't be happier to play with yet another cool (and a favorite of mine) character. Throw in some demonic possessed monastery, evil nuns, and cursed bells and you get all the ingredients for a FUN story (and cover) :)
Hope you guys dig it.

One more Mignola-related cover to reveal, but for that we have to wait next month ;)

Cheers,
Francesco

Baltimore ~ The Curse Bells #1 (Francesco Francavilla Variant cover)
Monsters are overrunning Europe, and Baltimore, the only one who can put an end to these horrors, must find and kill Haigus, the vampire responsible for this chaos. Following reports that Haigus is holed up in a cloister, Baltimore finds a haven full of death and black magic, and the creature at the heart of his obsession!

• Based on the novel by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden.

• All-new Mignola series!

Writer: Mike Mignola, Michaela Golden
Artist: Ben Stenbeck
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Mike Mignola, Francesco Francavilla (variant)

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Warlord of Mars - Fall of Barsoom #1 Cover

2011-05-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

it looks like COVER WEEK from last week continued this week too with the Lone Ranger/Zorro cover I posted early in the week and today's cover, which allows me tofinally reveal that... I will be doing variant covers for the Warlords of Mars Fall of Barsoom series for Dynamite! :)
As you know, I am a HUGE fan of John Carter of Mars and the whole universe created by Burroughs, so I am jst very excited to be part of a book inspired by those characters :)
Hope you guys dig the look I have given to these covers (a bit of fantasy novel or old school movie poster feel) and can't wait to show you guys the next ones :)

Here's the solicits for this issue:
WARLORD OF MARS: FALL OF BARSOOM #1
Written by Robert Place Napton
Art by Roberto Castro
Covers by JOE JUSKO & FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

100,000 years before the time of John Carter! Barsoom is a dying world: its once mighty oceans are receding and its atmosphere grows more tenuous by the day. The Orovars, who have dominated for a million years, are on the verge of extinction at the hands of the Green Hordes and the emerging Red Martians. Two Orovars - a Scientist and a General -- race against time to save their people before Mars plunges into barbarism!

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Lone Ranger / Zorro #5 Cover

2011-05-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's the cover for issue 5, the conclusion of the Lone Ranger / Zorro mini. It was lot of fun to draw these and - with the recent announcement of the 4th arc of Zorro starting soon, hopefully I will get to draw a few more covers showcasing our beloved black masked/dressed hero :)

Here's the solicits for this issue:
THE LONE RANGER & ZORRO THE DEATH OF ZORRO #5
Written by ANDE PARKS
Art by ESTEVE POLLS
Cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

The stage is set for a final battle in this epic series conclusion. Fighting in Zorro's memory are The Lone Ranger, Tonto, members of the secret Spanish crime-
fighting brotherhood, La Justicia, and a score of Native American fighters. As the good guys muster their forces, Colonel Barton and his renegade bushwhackers man their Gatling gun for the defense of the Chumash mission. The stakes couldn't be higher: the lives of innocent women and children, the future of an entire culture, and the legacy of the hero known as Zorro.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Covers... From The Vault

2011-04-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the images for larger views - highly reccomended! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

We end this Cover Week with a few original covers form the vault.
As some of you know, I had to pack all my originals 2 evening ago due to the tornado emergency that hit most of the East South. Luckily our area was spared by the violent storm, but I took precautions to bring everything important in the basement nevertheless.
Putting things back, I decided to took some random photo of the original art. Here are a few of those shots featuring cover art fro Zorro Year One, Green Hornet Year One, Man With No Name, and BPRD.
I have more and will post them sometime soon.
Meanwhile I hope you enjoy these covers... from the Vault :)

Cheers,
Francesco

All Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Sherlock Holmes Year One #6 Cover

2011-04-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

For today's installment of COVER WEEK, here's my final cover for the Sherlock Holmes Year One mini. I am gonna miss drawing the Greatest Detective of all times, at least in the near future.
I hope you guys are picking up this book becuase it's a really entertaining read, Scott Beatty is doing it right :)

Covers by Francesco Francavilla, Aaron Campbell, Daniel Indro
Writer: Scott Beatty
Penciller/Inker: Daniel Indro

Captured by the Twelve Caesars Killer, Holmes, his reluctant partner Dr. John Watson, and the fetching Irene Adler fight to free themselves before the maniacal murderer completes his deadly dozen! But when the madman's identity is finally revealed, the greater horror may be what the Killer intends to accomplish with his terrible infamy! Will London survive?

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Detective Comics #879 Cover

2011-04-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Cover Week continues with DETECTIVE COMICS #879 cover.
This issue will be on sale in July (see solicitation details below)and again fully illustrated by yours truly :)
If you have been reading the latest issues (#875 in particular), you will recognize that item our beloved Commissioner is holding in his hand.

I am not saying anything else except don't forget to pick up Detective Comics #876 in stores today. It's the first part of a new 3-issue arc, HUNGRY CITY, that will reveal new villains in the Gotham landscape and will add more details to the James JR storyline.
Written by mastermind Scott Snyder and illustrated by Jock and David Baron :)

And here's the solicits for #879, on sale in July.
DETECTIVE COMICS #879
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

For years, Jim Gordon has been tormented by the possibility that his son, James Jr., might be a killer. Tonight, he'll get the answers he's been after. But is the truth about James even darker than the Commissioner, or even Batman, could have guessed?

On sale July 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

BPRD - Monsters #1 Variant Cover

2011-04-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Back in December I announced that I got the sweet assignment from Mike Mignola and Dark Horse to do variant covers for 4 of Mike's titles. In that occasion I also revealed the first of those covers, a variant for issue 1 of HELLBOY: THE FURY, the final 3 issue arc of the collaboration of Mike with supertalented artist Duncan Fegredo. You can see the cover here.

Some speculated that my covers were all for that mini, but as you can see here today, my variants will be for issue 1 of different titles/arcs. Now that the book is in May Previews (for July's release), I can finally reveal the second of those covers: BPRD: MONSTERS #1 (of a 2 issue mini).
This issue will have a wonderful regular cover by Mike himself, and another variant by Ryan Sook (another awesome piece of art :))

If I get the ok from DH, I am gonna share the several sketches/layouts I did before we decided to finalize the one that turned in the cover you see here.

Hope you guys dig it and tune in all week for more covers in this COVER WEEK on Pulp Sunday :)

Cheers,
Francesco

B.P.R.D.: HELL ON EARTH--MONSTERS #1 (Francesco Francavilla Variant cover)
While the Bureau's off fighting giant bat-eared beasts in Texas, Liz Sherman is kicking hillbilly ass in a trailer park!
"The acronym "B.P.R.D." has become for us synonymous for a good read . . . Keep up the good work Dark Horse!"-MTV Geek
Debut issue of new artist Tyler Crook!

Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Tyler Crook
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Ryan Sook, Francesco Francavilla (variant)

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

What If... An Easter Carol

2011-04-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Click on the images for the larger VIEW!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

Hope everyone is having a Happy and Pulpy Easter :)

Cheers,
Francesco

All Artwork © 2006-2011 Francesco Francavilla

C. and H. Private Investigations

2011-04-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Hello Pulp Friends,

A couple of days ago I did the below illo for last week topic at Comic Twart. Since Calvin imagines so many adventures with his friend Hobbes, I imagined the hard-boiled duo you can see here.
C&H Private Investigations seems to really have clicked with lots of people to my surprise :)
Please note: C&H in C&H Private Investigations DOES NOT stand for Calvin and Hobbes. This duo is a complete different couple of characters, and the guy with the luchador mask is Hector, while the blondie is... well, please lemme know if you want to know more and I will be posting more here on Pulp Sunday :)

For now I hope you enjoy the new poster (above) about a new case for C&H Private Investigations: "THE SMOKING MAN".

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

"C&H INVESTIGATIONS" & Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Click on the image for the larger BIG POSTER!!! ;)

Jonah Hex in "Thar was five of 'em..."

2011-04-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

(click on the above image for the larger Sunday papers view)

Hola guys,

while we wait for some Black Beetle "Kara Bocek" sequential action in the next few weeks (yes, you read it right! :)), how about a little warm-up/snack with a one-page Weird Western Tale starring our beloved Jonah Hex I wrote & drew some time ago?
Hope you enjoy it the same as you did "some time ago" :)

Wishing you all a wounderful Pulp Sunday!

Cheers,
Francesco

Story & Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Storyteller, The Immortals, & PIGS

2011-04-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Thanks to the several panels/announcements in San Francisco's WonderCOn this weekend, I can finally reveal a few more of the things that boil in my giant cauldron (sorry, I couldn't find a smaller pot at Macy's ;)).
All of these involve my good friend Nate Cosby (who is playing Editor and Writer duties) who kindly invited me to be part of such cool books. Thanks, Nate :)

First up: Jim Henson's THE STORYTELLER, an hardcover anthology inspired by Jim Henson's famous TV series, published by Archaia, and edited by Nate, who gathered quite a lineup of talents: Roger Langridge, Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, Jeff Parker, Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, Brian Clevinger, Tom Fowler, Marjorie Liu, Evan Shaner, Jennifer Meyer, Katie Cook, Chris Eliopoulos, Ron Marz, Jim McCann, Janet Lee, myself and more.
I am writing and illustrating a short for this anthology and will make sure to give you more details when I am allowed. All i can say there is a little hint in the above little tribute poster I did for today's Pulp SUnday :)

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Another anthology, still to be published by Archaia and still edited by Nate, will be centered on classic mythology and will be based on The Immortals movie. More talents lined up here as well: Ben Templesmith, David Mack, Ron Marz, Dennis Calero, Jock, myself, and many others will bring short classic tales to life.
Once again, I am writing and illustrating a short and, again, will reveal more when it's time (Note - the above illo is just an old drawing I did for 300 :))

~~ Click on the above image for larger view ~~

And then there is PIGS, a new Image ongoing written by Nate and Ben McCool with interior art by newcomer Breno Tamura, SotoColor on color, Rus Wooton lettering and an amazing group of cover artists that include Jock, Amanda Conner, Humberto Ramos, Becky Cloonan, myself and more. Can't wait to share the cover I did for issue 2 :)
EDIT: Ok, above is my cover for issue 2 :) More details on my Sketchblog

Ok, I guess that should be it for now. Please lemme give a HUGE THANKS to all of you who picked up Detective Comics #875 this week and made it one of the most memorable moments of my making comics experience - so glad you all enjoyed reading it as much we did making it :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone!

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Detective Comics #875 Preview

2011-03-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

~ Click on the images for a larger size ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Here's the first page of Detective Comics #875, out in every comic shop tomorrow.
Hope you guys enjoy it and don't forget to pick up your copy :)

Cheers,
Francesco

DETECTIVE COMICS #875
Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Francesco Francavilla
Lettered by Jared K. Fletcher
Edited by Mike Marts, Janelle Asselin, Katie Kubert
Cover by Francesco Francavilla
“There are some cases that come screaming back at you…like phone calls in the night…”
For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious
“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.
But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale March 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

A look inside Detective #875

2011-03-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Pulp Friends,

Only 2 days to the release of Detective Comics #875, def the Scott Snyder/ Francesco Francavilla's MUST HAVE Detective book. I got my comps today and I can't wait for you all to dig into it :)

Today's offering: A look at a detail from a double spread in #875 and, below, the (half inked) layout of the spread.

Hope you guys enjoy it and don't forget to pick up your copy this Wed :)

Cheers,
Francesco

~ Click on the images for a closer look ~

DETECTIVE COMICS #875
Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Francesco Francavilla
Lettered by Jared K. Fletcher
Edited by Mike Marts, Janelle Asselin, Katie Kubert
Cover by Francesco Francavilla
“There are some cases that come screaming back at you…like phone calls in the night…”
For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious
“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.
But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale March 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Lone Ranger / Zorro #4 Cover

2011-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally share with you this cover for the 4th issue of Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro mini, solicited in April's Previews. I think it might be the best cover for this mini so far, but I might be biased so I am leaving it at yout o decide if it is :)
Fun fact: The little Escher thing going on almost confused me a couple of times while drawing it ;)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

James JR. Revealed

2011-03-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

~ Click on the images for a closer look ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

A week from today, on Wed March 30th, Detective Comics #875 will be in stores. It's, without doubts, the best issue I have done with Scott on Detective so far, and def one of the best book I have done in quite some time.

The story is self contained, so it can be read/enjoyed without needing to know that much (well, I am assuming everyone knows who Gordon is, and by now you may also know he has an estranged son, James JR. ;)). The book is only 22 pages but, trust me, it feels a 30 or more page long book. It's an excellent read and has a couple of pretty pictures in it as well ;)

Ok, enough gushuing about it, I wanted just to let you know I will be posting a few things until the book release next week. Hope you enjoy it and hope you will tell to your local comic shop to save a copy for you while you are shopping today or this week :)

Today's offering: the last splash page from Detective 874 teasing at the upcoming story in #875.

Cheers,
Francesco

DETECTIVE COMICS #875
Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Francesco Francavilla
Lettered by Jared K. Fletcher
Edited by Mike Marts, Janelle Asselin, Katie Kubert
Cover by Francesco Francavilla
“There are some cases that come screaming back at you…like phone calls in the night…”
For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious
“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.
But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale March 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Return of The Black Beetle

2011-03-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I just wanted to tell you to mark your calendars, 'cause April will see the return (and completion over several weeks) of "Kara Bocek", one of the first adventure of our beloved masked hero, The Black Beetle.
Until then, pls enjoy this bit of art offered here, featuring a rare italian edition of Kara Bocek and a sketch from the sold out ashcan :)

Hope everyone is as excited about the return of the Black Beetle as I am :)

And I hope everyone is having a wonderful Pulp Sunday.

Cheers,
Francesco

"The Black Beetle", "Kara Bocek", and Artwork created by & © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

More of "The BATMAN, 1935"

2011-03-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I just wanted to share a little more of THE BATMAN 1935 concept story.
It looks like this guy and look is clicking with many fans, so I guess I am on the right path :)
More (hopefully) soon.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

"Crimson Harvest"

2011-03-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Since everyone seemed to enjoy the concept art for BATMAN 1935 (a pulp noir tale, not a steampunk thing, as I read on some websites ;)), here's another concept art from another story I have in my bat-case file cabinet: "CRIMSON HARVEST".

Hope ya dig it 'cause I this one is a bit special for me :)

Have a great Pulp SUnday everyone.

Cheers,
Francesco

CRIMSON HARVEST & Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The BATMOBILE, 1935

2011-03-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Playing a little more with this story/concept :)
Hope you enjoy the above car design (click for the bigger size)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Spirit

2011-03-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I did this little tribute yesterday to celebrate Will Eisner's birthday (even Google had a tribute on their homepage!).
Of course, it goes without saying it (and yet I am typing it ;)), I would love to draw an issue or two of The Spirit - this guy is too fun to draw and clearly fits my pulp-tastes ;)

Hope you guys enjoy it.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The BATMAN, 1935

2011-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I have been messing with a Batman story set in the 30s for a while now, and decided to share some of the concept art I have done (above). Especially now with the news coming from ECCC that DC is planning a new season of Wednesday Comics, I feel even more inspired to develop a little more this story, fully packed work schedule permitting. ;)
Speaking of, I hope you guys picked up Detective Comics #874 last week: it's getting tons of supernice reviews from everyone and that makes me very happy because Scott and I did even better in #875, out later this month. More on that when we get closer to the release :)

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the above poster (click for the bigger size) and wish you all a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Sherlock Holmes Year One #5 Cover

2011-02-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally reveal my cover for the issue 5 of Sherlock Holmes Year One.
Hope you guys enjoy it :)

I also hope you guys picked up Detective Comics #874 this past Wed: it's the first of 2 issues written by mastermind Scott Snyder and entirely illustrated by me and both focus on Gordon and his "prodigal" son James Jr.
Critics and fans seem to LOVE it, so if you haven't picked up yet, please do so: it really is a good read :)
Also I will be at ECCC this next weekend: details coming soon, but if you are attending, pls feel free to stop by and say hi :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Lone Ranger / Zorro #3 Cover

2011-02-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

I can finally share with you all the cover for the 3rd issue of Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro mini, solicited in March's Previews. Hope you guys enjoy it :)

I wanted also to let you all know I am auctioning some original art to benefit those in need of food in the Detroit metro area. Check out my sketchblog for details and I hope you can help a bit, either by bidding on the art or just donating to Forgotten Harvest, the organization I am donating to proceeds of the auction to.
Auction will end next Sunday at 6 pm ET.

Enjoy the cover and have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Dated Coffee... for a Happy Valentine!

2011-02-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the image for bigger size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Even if I didn't draw this, I thought to share this little old ads for 3 reasons
1) it's clearly from the Pulps era
2) it's in comic strip format (which is something I care dearly :))
3) it's about love and coffee, and so am I ;)

Buon San Valentino, everyone, and pls, for the love of God, don't let her drink staled coffee :)

Cheers,
Francesco

CHILLS! THRILLS!! FEAR!!!

2011-02-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Since I am up to my eyeballs working on 2 full books this month (and a few covers and illustrations as a side ;)), I hope it's cool with you all if I repost a couple of recent fake movie posters I did for Comic Twart, just in case there are a few Pulp friends here who don't follow that blog and might have missed these.

"WHO SHOT THE CHIEF" A Doom Patrol Murder Mystery

~~ Click on the image for poster size! ~~

The classic "whodunit" with a murder in an isolated mansion and only a small cast of possible murderers, a few suspects who each had a possible reason to kill the victim. That's right up Hitchcock's alley and would be cool to have the Doom Patrol crew as cast.

I think they are some of my best movie posters yet, but maybe I am biased with my own work, so I'll leave you the last word. :)
Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

The Stakeout

2011-02-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

~ Click on the images for a closer look ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

How about a little piece of Noir courtesy of Commissioner Gordon and Detective Comics #875? :)
Hope you guys dig the sneak peek at the layout for this page.

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

A Lovecraft State of Mind

2011-02-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

~ Above: detail of a pencilled paged from a famouse Lovecraft's tale adaptation - click on the image for a 1300pixel wide closer look at the pencils ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

Lately I have been listening to some HP Lovecraft related podcasts, and with the arrival of my comps of the book LOVECRAFT Black & WHite (published by Dagon Press) I did the cover for, I got nostalgic and went to dig some old Lovecraftian art I did a few years ago.

~~ Click on the image for biggie ~~

The pencilled panel on top of this post and the inkwashed panels below are from an adaptation of a Lovecraft tale I was doing some time ago. Most of the pages are pencilled and a few are inked and inkwashed already: need to get to ink the remaining so I can actually put it out there in its entirety :)

~ Above: detail of inked page - click on the image for a closer look at the details ~

And while we are at it, here's a page from a story I did 20 ys ago (!!!) that won a couple of awards and got me in touch with the Italian comic industry. This short tale was written and illustrated by me and was inspired by some local folklore, but I couldn't help to put some Lovecraft touches into it (Yeah, I have been fan of HP for a while as you can see ;))

Hope you guys enjoy these and I hope you all have a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

Cheers,
Francesco

~ Above: page 2 of a short horror tale (1990 circa) click on the image for larger view ~

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

Detective #874 & #875

2011-01-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

~ Above: The making of #874 cover: layout & inks - Click on the images for a closer look ~

Hello Pulp Friends,

this week has seen the release of Detective Comics #873 with part 3 (and conclusion) of the Black Mirror story, Scott Snyder's and Jock's first critically acclaimed arc on Detective. If you haven't picked up your copy yet, you better do it soon cause they are selling out (once again!)

With the book out, I have read about lots of people wondering what happened to the co-feature, "SKELETON CASES", I was illustrating. Part 3 was supposed to be in 873 but it wasn't, fans noted. Some wondered if the co-feature has been killed because of the new format and reduced price tag of $2.99.
To help to clear some of this confusion, I thought to dedicate this post to SKELETON CASES and what's coming up in Detective.

~ Above: An intense moment between Jim Gordon and his estranged son James Jr. ~

With the new format there was no room for the initially planned co-feature in 873. For that reason we all decided to move pt 3 of Skeleton Cases to #874. So, next issue (out in February), will see the conclusion of SKELETON CASES in the first half of the book, and the second half will have a little Batman tale - featuring guest star Red Robin - that is a bridge between the first and second Snyder-Jock arc.
The whole issue is written by Scott and entirely illustrated by me.

~ Above: Batman and special guest Red Robin study the adversary... ~

And in March we will have Detective #875, (see below) a full issue dedicated to a Jim Gordon story, a "hardcore cold case mystery" that has been haunting him since Jr was a little kid. And speaking of Jr., we will find out more about him in this issue.
This will be written by Scott and - again - illustrated entirely by me.
I read the script and it's a chilling story, so you guys don't want to miss it, trust me :)

Detective #876 in April will see the first part of a 3 issue arc with Jock and David Baron back to art duties: hints of this new arc are in the short story that will be in Detective 874 next month.

I (and Gordon and Jr.) will be back on the pages of Detective after this arc.

And that's it for now: hope you guys have a clearer idea of what's ahead and hope to see you on board for the whole run: Scott is a talented writer and it's making this a hell of a run: Jock, David, and I are all happy to be on board with this and you can tell :)

Hope you enjoy the making of the cover for 874 above and below are the solicits for #874 and #875.

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

DETECTIVE COMICS #874
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

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Gordon faces James Jr. in the conclusion of the 3-part SKELETON CASES arc. Meanwhile Batman - and guest star Red Robin - gets a little taste of a new menace for Gotham City while still dealing with the after effects of the Black Mirror arc!

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #875
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

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“There are some cases that come screaming back at you…like phone calls in the night…”
For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious
“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.
But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale March 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

"Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro" #2 Cover

2011-01-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Today's offering is my second cover for Dynamite's mini "Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro".
Been pretty busy lately with the funnybooks: currently working on a Detective issue (I will be fully illustrating both issues 874 and 875) and getting ready to start on another Black Panther issue.
I have a couple of other projects in development (creator owned projects) I can't wait to tell you guys about in detail (not sure when I can, but I can't wait ;)).

So, busy but pretty excited by all these books :)

Enjoy the cover and have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

Happy Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe

2011-01-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

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Today is the birthday of one of the greatest writers of thriller and horror ever: Edgar Allan Poe!
And as many of you Pulp Sunday friends know, I am a huge fan of Poe. I wish my current schedule allowed me more time to do a proper tribute, but I managed to do a quick - and a bit fun - tribute to the Mask of Red Death (below) and also found an old commission I don't think I have ever posted her eon the blog (above).
Hope you guys dig it and clebrate EAP's birthday by reading some of his tales :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

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¡More Hombres!

2011-01-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

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Hola Pulp Amigos,

As promised, here's another teaser from one of my creator owned projects/books I am planning to launch in 2011. These are studies and aren't necessarily final designs (they might end up into the book) :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Coming in 2011

2011-01-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

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Hola Pulp Amigos,

A little teaser from one of my creator owned projects/books I am planning to launch in 2011. Sorry if I can't tell you more right now, but I hope you guys enjoy the teaser art and have a wonderful Pulp Sunday :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla

Black Panther Layouts

2011-01-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

~~ Click on the above and below images for the preview ~~

Hello guys,

Black Panther TMWF #514 come out yesterday and early reviews are all agreeing: this new arc of Hell's Kitchen is a good one :)
For those who enjoy the "making of" I am posting some layouts from issue 513 (click on the above image).
Click on the below image for a 9 pages preview plus cover. Hope you guys pick up the book an enjoy the read :)

Here's MARVEL solicts for it:

Luke Cage guest stars as T'Challa's new adventure in NYC continues!

The former King of Wakanda has sworn to protect the mean streets of Hell's Kitchen, and while battling the mob is one thing, how does he stop a killer targeting innocent people?

It's a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, as T'Challa hunts ruthless new crime lord Vlad the Impaler, while Vlad concocts a desperate and bloody scheme to entrap the mysterious new vigilante that's ruining his plans.

T'Challa learns what it really means to be a man without fear.

Story by David Liss
Art by Francesco Francavilla
Cover by Simone Bianchi, Simone Peruzzi

Price: $2.99

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2011 Francesco Francavilla.
All Characters ™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.

Green Hornet Year One #12 & Lone Ranger/Zorro #1 Covers

2011-01-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

Let's start a new year of pulp goodness with a double cover post that we can safely title: "Family Business" :)
Above is the cover for issue 12 of Matt Wagner's Green hornet Year One, which concludes the second arc of this critically acclaimed tale of the first year of operation of the GH and Kato.
And to keep it in the "family" the second cover (below) is for Green Hornet's gran gran pa: The Lone Ranger, here in the first crossover with another favorite of mine (and yours): Zorro.

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The crossover is a 4 issue mini written by Ande Parks and titled, sadly, "Death of Zorro". Don Diego is here in his late 60s and will ask for Lone Ranger help when things go bad.
Since Dynamite solicited the book, I read a lot of people thinking this mini means no more ZORRO YEAR ONE.
No worries, this is a completely different story, and last time I talked with Matt, he is still planning to pick up from were we left in issue 14. Zorro Year One is on hiatus but is not over :)

Have a wonderful Pulp Sunday everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

Happy Pulpy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Pulpy New Year! Hope it will be a healthy a good one for you all and your families :)

2011 looks like is gonna be another busy year for me (which is always a good thing, yes? ;)) so here's a little peek at what's coming in the first half of it. Hope you guys tune in all along and will enjoy most of it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

"Blood on Christmas" - A Short Crime Tale by Francesco Francavilla

2010-12-26T15:38:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

hope you all are having a joyful time with your families and friends during these holidays :)
As promised early this week, here's a full complete story, a silent tale in the tradition of LULLUBY and my recent FURY and JONAH HEX short tales.
Some of you will remember this story: originally aired here on Pulp Sunday in December 2007, in a strip format, I am re-airing today in re-mastered first-time-in-color version, and in a comic format.
Hope you all enjoy what I consider a "Margot Year Zero" tale: yep, the girl in the story is what will become the future assistant of Lamont Creston/The SHADOW! :)

Click on the pages for a bigger and better viewing/reading experience.

Have a Pulp Sunday everyone! :)

Francesco

"BLOOD ON CHRISTMAS" Story & Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

~~ Click on the pages for a bigger and better viewing/reading experience ~~

Sherlock Holmes Year One #3 Cover

2010-12-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

As part of this Pulpy Xmas Week - and partially inspired by my working on another Sherlock Holmes cover today and having the heater out of service at the same time - here's my cover for Dynamite's SHERLOCK HOLMES YEAR ONE #3, solicited in January Previews.
Hope you guys enjoy it and make sure to tune in tomorrow for a full Xmas tale illustrated :)

Cheers,
Francesco

Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla

"House of Ice" - A 3D Xmas Tale (2010)

2010-12-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

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Hello Pulp Friends,

A little late but I finally got around doing my Xmas card for this year.
As some of you know, in the last 3-4 years my cards have been about classic movies and snowmen (remember CAPTAIN COLD from last year?), so in that FF tradition, I give you "HOUSE OF ICE" starring the famous horror movie icon Vincent Ice :)
To make it a little more special, I added some 3D nuances, so if you have a pair of 3D glasses handy, you can enjoy it in 3D! :)

Come back tomorrow for more pulp goodies - meanwhile Happy Holidays to y'all :)

Cheers,
Francesco

"House of Ice" created by and © 2010 Francesco Francavilla
Artwork © 2010 Francesco Francavilla