GETTING MY HOUSE IN ORDER...

Long-time readers of this blog may remember that I've often likened my collectibles' room (what some might call a "man-cave") to the SANCTUM SANCTORUM of Doctor Strange.
In fact, that IS what I call my retreat, my reliquary, my holy of holies... MY Sanctum Sanctorum.

And those self-same long-time readers may recall when I lamented that my Sanctum was in a dilapidated, derelict state (much like Dr. Strange's Sanctum at the time) - [HERE] .

In fact, THAT simile' begat an epic and introspective look into the many times that the Sanctum Sanctorum of Doctor Strange was destroyed or in any major way defiled over it's long published history (more times than you'd think). I called it the "Housing Crisis : Sanctus Interruptus" series, and you can read that multi-part essay by following the link above (which, in turn, when completed, leads to a link for the next installment, and then the next, etc...).

However, I've long been working on rectifying my Sanctum, and am proud to say that it is completely re-arranged (not an easy feat, as my Sanctum also has angled, inclined walls, like the upper floor of Doctor Strange's home at 177A Bleecker Street.

I'll be showcasing many new photos and write-ups of the treasures to be found within (as I sort of did with a new photo in this recent post [HERE]), as well as further entries in to the "Housing Crisis" series, since my last update.

HOWEVER, as a show of good faith, I present to you, THIS, newly "completed" (well, the exterior is done, but I still have the interior to build)...

3D Model of the SANCTUM SANCTORUM at 177A Bleecker Street.

click on images to make SANCTUM-sized

3D art by PTOR

3D - 3/4 top view 

with the 2-D illustration from the Official Marvel Handbook that I used as a guide. 

---

3D art by PTOR

3D - Front view 

---

As I progress further with the interior of this model - as well as my own personal Sanctum, I'll post updates.

In the meanwhile, don't be a STRANGE-R to the Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog, either HERE [HERE] or on the TWITTERS - [HERE]- or, on the NEW "Doctor StrangeCast" Podcast - [HERE].

6 YEAR BLOGGIVERSARY! -or-The "BEST OF" vol 6: 2013-2014

---

WELCOME to a VERY SPECIAL POST!

Those words were never more true - at least not on this blog.

This post, while seeming to be merely just the latest in a string of annual "best of" posts, is in truth the reaffirmation post to a blog which came precariously close to going the way of many a fine blog... shuttering.


With ever-less limited time (and ebbing interest in the way certain characters have been treated *cough*... *Doctor Strange*... *cough* in comics), my blogging waxed and waned for many months as I slowed my blogging - and then... came to a halt.


This space grew long dormant for NINE MONTHS.


The lack of posts, less the (oxymoron) by-product of the mixture of lack of time and interest and more the all-too-easy cessation of momentum (see: Galileo's "Concept of Inertia" and Neuton's "First Law of Motion", The "New Year's Resolution Effect" and/or Interweb's "First Law of Blog-Shuttering")... the very fact that I hadn't posted made it easier not to post again.

Still, I always knew that, like Oscar Madison's and Felix Unger's belief for their marriages... I WOULD return to "her"... my blog.

 I’ve somehow managed to make it to SIX YEARS of producing "content" (all of varying quality) for this blog!

(This, on top of the many years - since 1997 - of my being an omni-present commenter/ know-it-all loudmouth on others’ blogs, message boards and random street corners.)  

So, now, in the vein of anniversary episodes of various television shows (or did you think that "ODD COUPLE" reference a few lines back was just going to stick there on the wall like a plate of spaghetti... er... I mean, linguini [and YES, I know that's a scene from the MOVIE and not the TV show - but c'mon, give me a break... ok?]) or GIANT-SIZED ANNUALS of old, I would, once again, produce a “best of” post - thus revisiting a few of the "high-points" of this past year's blog-post entries.

Seeing as how I began my official blogging on one random October day in 2008, any semblance of a calendar-year can be tossed right out the window. So, we will focus on what I blogged from OCTOBER 11, 2013 to OCTOBER 11, 2014.

Feel free to use this opportunity to peruse some of these old posts - whether you have read them already or not, there is actually some really good stuff in here.

Disclaimer: I only posted 7 entries in the last 12 months, so... even if they're not the "best", each one will get a mention here (although, really... these were all pretty darn good).






Let's see:

--- 

While this is (primarily) a DOCTOR STRANGE blog, I think it best to start off with a post that has NOTHING to do with him. Instead, this is a wondrous tale of kindness, destiny, original artwork, TV documentaries... and my personal history with JACK KIRBY!

- THE KING and I - [HERE]

 ---

But, yes... this IS (primarily) a blog about DOCTOR STRANGE, so I guess I'll add a few of those here as well.

Here's one that showcases a cool DOCTOR STRANGE VIDEO PINBALL GAME (also featuring, Nightmare, Dormammu and SHUMA F#@%!ng GORATH!):

- PINBALL WIZARD - [HERE]

---

Although, as a blog that ALSO shows love to a few other heroes, my "Founding Fathers" (ROM; Spaceknight, MAN-THING and DR. STRANGE), this past year I revealed that the Pantheon also includes a Time-Lord from Gallifrey... DOCTOR WHO.

But some times... the two might not be mutually exclusive.

- SEPARATED at BIRTH - [HERE]

and

- DOCTORS WITHOUT (DIMENSIONAL) BORDERS

-or-

Doctors Across Space, Time & Dimensions        - [HERE]

---

There were also other articles and entries to long-running series, as well as revisits to previous discussions.

Such as...

Interested in collectibles and comic swag? Sure! In fact, that was the main reason for my even starting this blog in the first place!

I managed to have at least one entry in the SWAG category, which was a New Year's revisiting to my long-running series:

- MARVEL CALENDARS "TIME WARP" SERIES (update) - [HERE]

---

And speaking of “New Year’s Day”, while not quite as extensive (or always as serious) as my essays, there is also a history of HOLIDAY POSTS wherein I might display a little razzle-dazzle (or a facsimile thereof) for your general enjoyment.(Or, in this case, pose a few action figures around snap a photo and add what counts for "wit" around here):

- MERRY CHRISTMAS - (A "not-so" Nativity Scene)  - [HERE]
*Disclaimer: Not for celebrators of Christmas who may be easily offended.

---

But I really want to wrap up this special post with two entries which form important posts of not only the past 12 months, but in the history of this blog:

First, the post that begun not only my revelation of my long love for Doctor Who, but how that character had a unique mirror history with Doctor Strange - and how the two characters greatly affected me - especially at the time of writing - when my interest in comics and this blog had taken a drastic blow, and helped to see me through the dark times into what I hoped would be a new time of personal resurgence:

- I AM the DOCTOR - [HERE]

And finally the latest post (just before this one)... wherein I announce my RETURN (and showcase the comic story wherein Doctor Strange also made a Return after he had first given up the ways of magic):

- THE RETURN - [HERE]

---

I would be remiss if I didn't thank the many friends, fans, readers, followers, fellow-bloggers and wonderful souls out there who have helped, inspired, cajoled, cudgeled and commented over the years, but especially over the past 12 months. Thank You all!

And creators without whom this blog would be about my collection of rare molds, spores and fungus':

- 
- Steve Ditko -

- Jack Kirby -

- Stan Lee -

- Steve Englehart -
- Gene Colan -

- Marshall Rogers -

- J.M. DeMatteis -
- Steve Gerber -

- Dan Green -

- Michael Golden -

- Paul Smith -

- Mike Ploog -

- Dan Adkins -
- Steve Rude -
- Bill Everett - 
- John Byrne -

- Peter Gillis -
-Roger Stern -

- Frank Brunner -

- Kevin Nowlan -
- Chris Warner -
- P. Craig Russell -

- Gerry Conway - 
- Sandy Plunkett -
- Alan Davis –

- Jeff Parker -
- Mike Allred -
- Mark Buckingham -
- Howard Chaykin -
- Kurt Busiek -
- Mike Weiringo -
- Al Milgrom -
- Rudy Nebres -
- Tom Sutton -
- Steve Mellor -

- Ian Akin and Brian Garvey -

- Sal Buscema -

- Bill Mantlo -

and many, many, MANY more!

And that should do it.
Of course, there ARE an additional 5 years worth of blog entries.
Many are well-researched, and in-depth articles, while some are hit-and-run bits of nonsense.
Others are to showcase new products or comics that were to be released, and still others are tongue-in-cheek bits of whimsy, or tips of the hat to various holidays.

But if you like that sort of thing, open up the blog-history drop down lists and just jump around.

I'll catch you all in a few.  I DO have more planned for YEAR 7!

Join me, wont you?

The KING and I

---

Jack Kirby at his drawing board, as seen in the documentary:

"With Great Power - The Stan Lee Story"

 ---

Yes, I know… no sooner do I post a 5^th Anniversary Special, than do I seemingly vanish off the face of the Earth. No new posts for over a month – missing both; Halloween and Thanksgiving.

But what if I tried to make up for it by presenting a blog entry that is part “ghost story” as well as a testament of my deepest thanks? – Both aspects given to me from Jack Kirby – 20 years apart.

This blog entry is a true life story about how I met Jack Kirby, gave him a small gift, and how, over 20 years later, his “ghost” showed up and returned the favor.

…

JACK “KING” KIRBY was not only one of the founders of the comic book medium, but perhaps its greatest talent as well.

The worlds that burst like lightning out of his mind, the fantastic imagery that exploded like a volcano from his hand, likened him to a god; a true “CREATOR”.

But this tale is not one that focuses on the myth of the man, nor on the legend that spawned such descriptors, but instead on a small personal history... and a mystery, sparked by a moment or two in time – one forever in amber within my memory – the other… captured forever on film.

Take a look at the photograph atop this post, of Jack Kirby at his drawing table.

Do you see the drawing of Captain America atop the King’s board?

The one with which he is posed, pen in hand, as if upon which he is putting some finishing touch?

That… is MY artwork.

Ah… I hope that got your attention.

Yes. That is MY drawing of Captain America, one that I gave to the King, when I had the pleasure to meet him at a comic convention back in (late) 1990  (or early 1991).

Not only that, but if you look even closer, you’ll note that the artwork is inside a black matt frame.

That is because when I frequented comic-cons during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s it was as a professional artist (having had some pro work with a few indie publishers) and I would sell my work – some; original art, drawn at request, and some; hand-colored photocopies of previously drawn illustrations, framed in those mats. It was one such piece that I gave to Jack Kirby.

I will provide PROOF of which here.

Here is a photograph of myself, taken expressly for this post, with not only a similar, colored photocopy… not only one in the exact same type of matt… but one that was taken from my flatfile archives, where it was stored away after being colored, matted, signed & dated in 1990! In my other hand is the ORIGINAL pencil artwork, drawn in 1989 (which shows what was obscured by the mat: the Shield & Eagle atop the flagpole and the rest of Cap’s left foot, as well as the remainder of the flag).

Just so you don’t think that I merely photoshopped my work into the photo (or drew it after the fact), please note that I discovered the Kirby photo while watching a documentary, on Netflix, this month: “With Great Power; The Stan Lee Story”, which was produced in 2010.

Here’s the pertinent clip from the show that shows the image shown in the photo atop this page:

Obviously, I could not have altered the image in an already-filmed documentary, which anyone can now go and verify. The Kirby photo is near the end of this clip (but around the 20 minute mark in the full video).

Now allow me to turn the clock back, for a moment of explanation as to the origins of how Jack Kirby came into possession of my work, and then I’ll turn the clock forward again, to early this month, when I discovered that the photograph of the King with my art even existed…

While I have already written of my meeting with Jack Kirby, back in an old post a few years ago [HERE], I’ll recap and continue the tale now.

As some readers of this blog may know (as detailed in several other old posts), I was a professional writer / artist for a few independent comic companies in the late 1980’s – early 1990’s (1987 – 1991 to be exact).

I had started out just as a guy with a rented table in the dealer’s room, who would either draw your custom art on the spot, or sell pre-drawn samples and even hand-colored photocopies of my work.

It was in that manner that I was “discovered” by some publishers and garnered assignments for published work. With actual published credentials, I then graduated to a free table in “artist’s alley”, the professional’s room.

Still, I was a young and inexperienced 20-something year-old “kid”, and every once in a while, a “real” pro artist would walk over to (or past) my table and we would get to talk about the industry.

At one weekend show in New York City, I met Jack Kirby. (I also met Stan Lee at the same show, but I've already told that tale [linked to HERE]). Jack was walking through the “artist’s alley” room, with his wife, Roz. I saw him, and immediately felt that I should say something… DO something… to express my gratitude for his immeasurable contribution to the field.

Suddenly, I KNEW what I could do. Like the tale of the “Little Drummer Boy”, I had a gift for the King, and while it wasn’t much, it was all that I had.

I looked at my artworks which surrounded and covered my table, and thought that, most of those characters were co-created by Stan Lee, and would not make an appropriate gift, as they might instead serve to rekindle the heated feelings that Jack Kirby may have had towards Lee and Marvel. No. Instead I would make a gift to him of the one character thereupon that was his – with no ties to Stan Lee…

Captain America.

I quickly grabbed a hand-colored copy of a drawing of Captain America that I had done, and vaulted over my table to go and meet this iconic industry giant.

I tried to gently shake his hand, but his wife, Roz said he was under strict orders by his doctor, not to do so. Understanding this, I then gave him the illustration of the comic character that HE had created - and bestowed upon the world - as a gesture of my thanks and admiration.

I embarrassingly asked for an autograph, but his wife explained that the doctor's orders to rest his hands carried over to this as well, and that if I gave my name and info, he would mail one to me at a later date.

I happily did so, saying that autograph or no, this was indeed an honor that I would never forget

While I never did receive the autograph, I took some small, humble hope that a piece of my work was in possession of the man. Although, truthfully, even that thought was fleeting, as I wondered why a giant such as he would even bother to keep such an offering. Looking at the illustration with the eyes of a more mature artist, I know that the illustration really isn’t very good. Sure, it has good qualities, but overall, it’s just not all that good. Not good enough for someone like Jack Kirby to keep it for long.

I thought that maybe he’d have tossed it in the back of a closet, out of a kind sense of thankful obligation, sort of how one might keep a received birthday card in a drawer and promptly forget about it for years. Such was the fate that I imagined for my artwork; gently forgotten in the back of a closet, until it would eventually be discarded.

Sadly, within 4 years of our meeting, the King was dead.

I couldn’t help but wonder over the years… Did he keep it? Did he like it? Would it be thrown away with the assorted junk that accumulates on the periphery of our lives?

A gift given. A memory made. And a mystery… in my mind.

Now please indulge me as I flash-forward to the present and my viewing of the documentary.

While flipping through the selections on Netflix, I was in the mood for some comicbook goodness, and thought a documentary would be perfect.
The selection; "With Great Power - The Stan Lee Story" sounded familiar, but I knew I had never seen it. Surprising since it was released in 2010.

It would be less than a half-hour before a point in my life of 20 years prior would leap into my present-day living room.

When the scene in question came on screen, it felt like an electric jolt went through my body. My body went rigid, my eyes opened wide, and my mind… my mind reeled.

I immediately recognized my work. But more importantly than anything, I immediately knew that Jack Kirby had kept my gift.

It was as if I were seeing a long lost friend, contacting me from beyond the grave to answer a question, long thought unanswerable.

To see that the great artist not only kept the piece, but had it close enough at hand for use as a prop in some photo-shoot truly brought a shock to my mind, and a sense of peace of mind as well.

But then it also brought further questions:

WHEN was this photo taken?

WHY? For WHAT purpose?

I can only imagine that when asked to pose for some photo opportunity (a magazine shoot perhaps), the photographer may have thought that a piece of Jack's own original black-pencil artwork might not have "popped" (which is unthinkable), or simply lacked the visual impact that a full-color illustration would instead provide. So the (ignorant) photographer just had Jack place an already-colored piece on the desk.

So, looking around his studio for a suitable image, of a character that would be recognizable, not only for who it was, but that it was one of his characters, my artwork simply fit the bill. Nevermind that it wasn’t drawn by Kirby, as his hand is positioned to block the view of my signature (a ~PCK~ in a scroll with the year beneath it) which I would guess was the photographer's direction; "OK, Jack... just move your hand over a bit...there!" Authenticity may have taken a back-seat to necessity.

I knew that there would only be a few people who could shine any light on these tiny mysteries (perhaps John Morrow from TwoMorrow's Press - publishers of the Jack Kirby Collector magazine, or someone from the Jack Kirby Museum project). However, I also knew that there was one other man who would not only have the best chance of knowing, but who might like to discuss this story with me, and so I contacted Jack Kirby’s long-time assistant & friend, Mark Evanier (who you'll note was shown being interviewed at the start of the video clip I presented above).

Mr. Evanier told me that Jack Kirby kept EVERY drawing that he was ever given by fans. He would keep them nearby in his studio, some hung up on the walls, some down leaning against the walls of the room, and that he would frequently interchange what was displayed on the walls and/or the floor stacks. Everyone got time to shine, and he didn’t judge the works on artistic merit more than the fact that he was thrilled that someone actually took the TIME and ENERGY to CREATE something. He was humbled, and gladdened that he was able to inspire anyone to do so, but it was the act of creation that he most admired and by which he was delighted.

Most others sent him drawings OF him WITH his creations. My gift, however, was one of an impromptu nature, given on a chance meeting, and as such, was only of one of his creations.

THAT, it seems is what might have been the reason that my artwork was placed upon his table for the photo. It would be unlikely for a drawing OF Jack and his characters to be drawn BY Jack, wherein my piece featuring only Captain America might have been a better fit for the photographer’s direction. That and/or the fact that without any other figures on the page, the one figure is full-sized and instantly recognizable to the viewer, if not the actual style or the fact that it wasn’t a Kirby drawing.

Sure, when I first saw the documentary photo, my mind had let fly with fanciful notions that maybe Jack Kirby had liked my work... and maybe had it on his desk because he wanted to send me an overlay drawing showing me the correct way it should have been drawn (as I know that it wasn't a great piece)... Or maybe, he saw some spark of talent in the drawing and wanted to mentor me... or maybe someone, somewhere saw this one piece and maybe wanted to contact me for some project...

All fanciful dreams...

The truth is most likely what I and Mr. Evanier both concluded; Jack was a class act and kept all things that fans gave him. His hands wouldn't allow for him to draw anything for that photo session, and maybe the color drawing just fit the bill as a prop.

That I had always sort of wondered whether he kept it, whether he liked it, whether it was lost in time... all those questions were answered by one photograph, over 20 years later. For that I am grateful. For the fact that he used my drawing, my tiny gift, for the photo (even if by random chance)... I am humbly honored.

And so, I just want to say once again, for all the wonders he has given the medium, all the enjoyment that he has given to me, and for the gratitude that I feel knowing that he liked and had my work near to him… THANK YOU, JACK KIRBY.

* UPDATE*

It is my pleasure to state that John Morrow of the aforementioned TWOMORROWS PRESS, has expressed an interest in publishing this blog entry in one of his publications! Most likely The JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR magazine!

He has asked for high quality images for reproduction of all the images seen in this post, so it should look quite nice.

I'll be sure to make the official announcement when the article is published.

*UPDATE 2*

After months of trying to orchestrate an open spot in the JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR, (because, as anyone with even a smidge of publishing understanding knows, space is a premium and stories crop up and drop off constantly,) my tale was published, in a truncated form, in the letters pages of issue #64.

While not the big feature story I was hoping for, it did contain most of the information from this post as well as photos seen in this post. Not too bad.

*UPDATE 3*

(01/01/2017)

While flipping around YouTube a day ago, I found ANOTHER documentary that shows the same photo of Jack Kirby with my artwork. This time, MORE of the photo is shown.

From the 1996 documentary:

 STAN LEE: The ComiX-Man

 (that it seems was broadcast in two segments on A&E)

 https://youtu.be/7vgapiQek7I

The photo is at the 14:52 - 14:55.5 mark.

-------------------

*UPDATE 4*

(11/13/2017)

A brand NEW documentary (series) has begun to air last night on AMC (American Movie Classics) titled:

ROBERT KIRKMAN'S SECRET HISTORY OF COMICS

and on the first episode:

The Mighty Misfits Who Made Marvel

,at the 28 minute mark, that image was used, yet again, when speaking of the mistreatment of Jack Kirby, and how, ironically, he wasn't being acknowledged for his artwork.

The episode can be watched for free on either YouTube OR the Google Play app/site.

---------

HOW many documentaries used this photo?

Now, more than before I am determined to find out WHAT this photo was for and WHY Jack chose MY piece with which to pose.

I may never know the answer, but I am filled with wonder.

Thanks, Jack!

MYSTIC GARB: DOCTOR STRANGE APPAREL - ANCILLARY ACCESSORIES: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR Part 3a: EYE of AGAMOTTO

---

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION post which is a cross-referencing, multi-series entry, for the

DOCTOR STRANGE HALLOWEEN-COSTUMES series, 

as well as the CUSTOM-MADE MAGIC RINGS & MYSTIC BLING series 

and also the more recent

MYSTIC GARB: DOCTOR STRANGE APPAREL
-ANCILLARY ACCESSORIES: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR Series

(Part 3a: EYE OF AGAMOTTO).

Of all of Doctor Strange's visual accoutrements, aside from his flaring red cloak, the most recognizable item on his person is the All-Seeing EYE of AGAMOTTO.

So, it would only be logical for any fan of the good Doctor, who might be a collector or curator of Dr. Strange items would inevitably have at least one of their own.

As shown in my most previous posting (showcasing: Amulets, Medallions, Pendants & Charms [HERE]), this is but one of several "Eye of Agamotto" amulets that I have, but it is the only one that I made myself (not counting Eye of Agamotto Buttons & Pins which were shown in that entry [HERE]).

Created by myself back in 1987 as a part of my DR. STRANGE Costume (image below, but the full write-up can be seen in its own post [HERE]), this All-Seeing Eye was crafted out of a molding product called “Friendly Plastic” (a product that was tiny beads of plastic that you would submerge in hot – almost boiling – water so that it would melt and become malleable. You’d then sculpt what you wanted, but would constantly have to re-submerge the item in the water to continue to work with it. “Friendly” it was not).

costume made in 1987 - this pic taken a decade later in 1997

for entry in a Wizard Magazine costume contest

(I won some stuff)
But more about that can be found [HERE]

The Amulet as a whole is 4 inches wide and 2.25 inches thick, and due to the nature of the plastic from which it was made, it is surprisingly dense and heavy.

The EYE that is encased within the Amulet is a molded foam-rubber ball, one of a line of toys popular in the 1980’s called MADBALLS (this is, of course “Oculus Orbis”).

Aside from the necessity of encasing a madball (or at least half of a bisected madball) within the amulet, I also opted to mold the medallion 2.25” thick to emulate the design given the Eye by artist Michael Golden (in the style he illustrated in the mid-1980’s).

The “gold” chain was permanently attached by molding a back-plate behind the Amulet with the chain running between within a slightly raised channel.

The entire amulet was then coated in gold-leaf (not real gold-leaf, sadly) to ensure a look of it being carved out of ore.

To help in achieve the appearance of the artifact being something wrought and not “manufactured”, (like a real mystic object should,) I did not smooth out the surfaces.

Finally, to give it a glow, I painted the “white” of the eye (and a ring around the pupil) with “glow-in-the-dark” paint.

Just for kicks, as a contrast to the pic above from 1997, here is a shot of me wearing the eye “today” (OK… a couple of weeks ago – for a future posting).

DORKter STRANGE - indeed!

Be sure to return soon for the next (and final) installment in the

 "ANCILLARY ACCESSORIES: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR" series...

  MAGIC RINGS!

---

Previous parts of the

MYSTIC GARB : DR. STRANGE APPAREL SERIES:

- part 1 : CAPS and TIES : [HERE]
- part 2 : SOLO APPEARANCE T-SHIRTS : [HERE]
- part 3 : TEAM-UP APPEARANCE T-SHIRTS : [HERE]
- part 4 : THE "OTHERS" / "6-DIMENSIONS" T-SHIRTS : [HERE]
- part 5 : "THE END" of GARMENTS  : [HERE]

And the sub-series...

ARTIFACTS of FLAIR:

- part 1: PATCHES of POWER: [HERE]

- part 2: BUTTONS & PINS: [HERE]

- part 3: MYSTIC AMULETS [HERE]

- part 3a: EYE of AGAMOTTO: [THIS POST]

- part 4: MAGIC RINGS: [next]

BIRTHDAY GIFTS... from ME to YOU! - From the PAST - for the FUTURE!

---

It’s my birthday once again (dang, this past year went fast) and I thought I’d take the opportunity to present some gifts – TO YOU, my readers (and assorted drifters on the interwebs)! I’ve done this sort of thing before; gifting assorted electronic virtual-goodness from within blog entries (there was the animated gifs of characters [HERE], the audio play of Doctor Strange vs Nightmare (from a 1990’s phone card) [HERE], another audio-play of Dr. Strange and the Defenders for the Hulk’s birthday party [HERE] (and maybe one or two others).

Well, in those instances, the "products" didn’t originate from me. I was merely passing on “Strange” rarities that I knew no one would have access to, unless they were - like me - crazy, obsessive/compulsive, completist, collector-monkeys. However, this time, I will share some electronic creations of my own!

Now, before I shower you with digital riches, like an old man spinning yarns of yesteryears gone by to any who’ll listen, please allow me the indulgence of telling a bit of a story…

---

Waaaay back when I first started using a computer in my daily life (no longer just using one to play video games [like DOOM and/or DESCENT] and type up stupid banners), I taught myself how to make animated gifs, animated cursors and animated icons for my old PC.

Well, since becoming a MAC guy, I fell out of the practice and only every now and again tell myself that "one day, when I have time, I'll make some more cool animated cursors and stuff – including some for the Mac".

OK, so that hasn’t happened. Not that I can’t, the software keeps progressing and becoming easier while at the same time more flashy and professional-looking. But those who have been following this blog for any length of time know – time is not my friend. I’m always full up with daily projects, freelance artwork, life emergencies and assorted shenanigans – all on top of my day job.

Sadly, even when THESE items were created, things were only slightly better and while I had time for smaller projects like these (and others which I will share VERY soon) I lacked the time for other, grander projects.

For instance: I was EXTREMELY close to being the FIRST Doctor Strange blogger – heck, maybe one of the first COMICS bloggers – having arranged to purchase domain names and seeking out the best deals for internet web-hosting, circa 1997. I had everything ready – but time (as I was newly married, relocated and at a new job – and with a crappy dial-up connection).

(The good thing; within 3 years, the esteemed NeilAlieN would start his own blog and at the same time I was content to pontificating heavily on assorted message boards in my off hours.)

Now, before you accuse me of being some senile old codger, whose forgotten the point of his tale (ya, pesky kids!), the reason I am telling that little tangential aside is that these items that I am presenting now were designed FOR that aborted website.

Back in the nascent days of the internet, it wasn’t unknown to come across a website that had its own cursors which would appear in the place of your own standard “arrow-pointer” cursor. Usually it was some design scheme that had some kind of theme with the site, and so… since mine was to be SANCTUM SANCTORUM COMIX (yeah, the name has always been the same – it was also supposed to be the name of the comic shoppe that I was going to open at the same time [but that’s another story])… obviously, the cursors and icons were to be Doctor Strange related.

And so… without any further ado (or rambling)…

---

DOCTOR STRANGE Cursor Pointers!

Featuring:
- Doctor Strange (cursor)
- The Eye of Agamotto (animated cursor)
- Window Sigil (cursor)

*BONUS*
- Man-Thing (animated cursor)
- I was also, at that time, about to work on an Agamotto (caterpillar form) icon, but only managed to complete his Magic Hookah (animated cursor) which I’ll include as a bonus (for all the ‘heads’ out there)!

(Note: these images & animations are merely examples, and are enlarged for better viewing. The actual pointers are... "pointer-sized".)

Let DOCTOR STRANGE point the way around your computer!

Let the EYE of AGAMOTTO peer into the darkest corners of your harddrive!

Pass through the WINDOW SIGIL to Web-Dimensions Beyond!

Let MAN-THING... er... kinda freak you out a little!

Let AGAMOTTO's Hookah...ah... uh... what was I talking about?

Nacho's and Mocha? Yum!

DOWNLOAD the ZIP FILE  with the Icons in it [HERE] 

There are others (additional tweaked designs and icons) but it’s easier and less confusing if I just batch the basics. (For instance, I used to have icons of the Man-Thing for my Recycle Bin, [when he was “full” he’d turn black and his eyes would glow] and others for other purposes; like glowing, star-filled Window Icons - and some half-finished, like Doc's hand in magic-finger pose for a Link Selection pointer]… but these are fine for now, otherwise the README file would be a BOOK.)

These were created for a system using Windows’95 and still work on a new system using Windows7, so you shouldn’t have a problem.

Download the file and follow the “READ ME” instructions for proper installation.
(Sorry Mac folks… these were designed for PCs. As far as I know, they won’t work on a Mac. I haven’t taken time to play with them, but if you know a way to do so, Let ME Know and not only will I pass it on but I’ll be able to toss these on my Mac as well.)

BUT FIRST... DOWNLOAD the ZIP FILE  with the Icons in it [HERE]

I’ll also paste the README info here as well.

---

README

Attached are cursors I whipped up back in 1997

- First, save this file somewhere you'll remember.
(Probably best to go to C: Windows and place it there next to the “Cursor” folder.)

- THEN...go to your "START" button and go to your "CONTROL PANEL", then choose "MOUSE", then "POINTERS".

- You'll see a scrolling list of cursors and their descriptions. We're essentially only concerned with a few: "normal select", "working in background", "busy" and "link select" pointers.

- Each cursor should be used for a different purpose.
(The DOCTOR STRANGE HEAD is the "normal" pointer / The "OPEN" EYE OF AGAMOTTO is the "working in background" pointer & the "CLOSED" EYE OF AGAMOTTO is "busy" pointer. When you see this, the computer is busy and you have to wait until you see the DOC-HEAD to do anything. - It's like the hourglass cursor was...only better! Because when the computer goes from working to busy the eye will appear to BLINK! And I use the “Window” sigil for my “link select” pointer to take the place of the ‘hand’, so that the Window will lead me to other internet dimensions.)

*The Man-Thing images can also be used as "working in background" and "busy" so that the regular Man-Thing is "working" and the black Manny with glowing eyes is "busy".
Or... the Hookah can be used the same way. "Hookah1" is "working" and "Hookah2" is "busy" - so that when it blinks from one to the other looks like it's being used.

OK?

- Then hit BROWSE.

- Find where you put this file.

- Select the appropriate cursor to match the purpose of the one you're replacing.

- Click Apply

- You should probably look near the top of the panel for a way to SAVE AS – it might be “scheme” (and name it something different - so you don't lose your settings - I suggest something "strange".)

That's it!

LMK if you can or can not make it work.
(These were designed using Windows'95 at the time and they still work on a system now using Windows7.)

Enjoy!
~P~

ps: just a note: when using the DOC pointer/cursor you must remember that the upper LEFT side is the default pointer area. Just look at the two "points" on his cowl. The one on the LEFT of the screen is where it "points".
As an added bit of nerdity, you can select to have your cursors leave “trails” (you can select this is “pointer options”). So it looks like Doc is casting the Illusions of Ikonn to make duplicates of himself, which quickly blink out of existence.
Yes. I’m nerdy.

All icons/cursors/artwork/designs copyright 1997-2013 ~P~ / PTOR / SanctumSanctorumComix / MidnightImages / CrazyDiamondEntertainment.

Doctor Strange copyright Marvel Entertainment..

---

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an Ice-Box Cake to enjoy! You can't digitize that!

DRAWING ON THE MYSTIC ARTS - (Revisited) DANCING IN THE NEW YEAR

---

Before 2012 came to a close, I wanted to showcase an art commission that I was hired to draw for an obvious Doctor Strange fan.

I was contacted by a young woman named Heather Oglevie (yes, I asked if she wanted me to use her name here) wherein she requested a piece of Doc and Clea dancing.

You really need to click on the pic to see it at all.

There are waaaaay too many details to be seen in the small image that fits in the blog. (and sadly, even the scan can't capture all the details and shading in the original drawing, so...)

If you REALLY want to see it BIG, then "right-click" & open in new tab or window.

Otherwise, a simple click will open all the pics in a blogger-slideshow big enough to see.

drawn in pencil (blue & graphite) on vellum-finish bristol board

typed URLs only appear in scan

This is the finished product, but perhaps, some of you may remember when I posted the following preliminary rough sketch [HERE], along with another commission drawing?

 11x17 VERY rough sketch

A few things were immediately noted for change (new dance poses, for instance), but a few ideas stuck around until the final piece.

Now, I could discuss and show you all the multiple stages of the redesign process here... BUT... I DO have an ART BLOG that is really the place where such things should be detailed.
So, I'll tease you with a few of the follow-up dance poses, and then send you to the link for the art blog post.

When the final product arrived, Heather replied that she was amazed, and that the scans did not do justice to the piece. Sadly, a scanner just could not capture all the nuanced detail and shaded tones.

She did take the time to digitally colorize one of those scans and I must say she did an amazing job!

So, if anyone wants to commission a piece of art by yours truly, it's quite obvious that I give a lot of serious thought to the process and always strive to deliver far more value than what the client pays.

Please check out the FULL artistic process over at my art blog - [HERE].

And, once there, you may be interested in seeing more, and some different styles and mediums of my work (children's book style art, book covers, and more), which can be seen on the Art Blog (which is in need of an update - and this is a pretty good reason to do so. A lot of the art there is old, but none of it sucks.) - [HERE]

---
See you all in 2013! 

I hope that I get more art commissions to share with you in the year to come!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May 2013 bring MAGIC to us all!

DRAWING ON THE MYSTIC ARTS - NOW OPEN FOR YOUR ART COMMISSIONS -

---

*UPDATED*

12-31-2012
(look for *UPDATE* note below)

.drawn by PTOR, ye humble blogger.

(so humble that I only sign my work with the mysterious -yet stylized-

 "?" question-mark-shaped letter "P".)

---

Oh, so how to begin this post after...Lo! A MONTH has passed since my last offering.
Many quotes could be used, from Mark Twain's oft-repeated, "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated" to even to paraphrase Eva Peron's (by way of the play, 'Evita'), "Don't cry for me 'blogger-readers', the truth is I never left you..."

So what HAVE I been doing these past several weeks?

Well, some recharging of mental batteries, a lot of real-life @#$%^&* (my car's transmission gave up the ghost and my wife's car had problems that in order to fix cost the money I had saved to buy a used one for ME).
After a summer of no real work (my current job with a school is "seasonal") I MAY be called back in for work, but still...without a car it will be difficult as there is no mass transportation here in the woods.

Still, the good news is that I got to do some freelance artwork.

I had a few occasions to use my talents to earn some well-needed green - two for old employers, who - while still not able to rehire me - due to budgetary constraints - occasionally send me some requests for artwork. I won't bore you with those pieces, since they tend to be, non-comic-book, exploded-view technical specs for how to assemble assorted products. *yawn*

I DO have a promotional comic book project that has been given the green-light, but I am still waiting for the script, so that isn't anything I can work on at the moment.

However, I have had a few instances where I have either been asked (or, took it upon myself) to draw a comic-book character (or two) for a reader of ye olde blog.

Sadly, I didn't scan in some of the other pieces, as they were more or less "quickies" ($10 - $20 "sketches" drawn on comic book backing boards, which, while I might call them "sketches", can be very detailed and often are what other artists might charge double the amount to produce).
Characters like Batman, Spider-Man and Green Lantern. Cool stuff, but, as I said, basic sketches and I mailed them off without nary a scan.
oops.

However, one very recent illustration was drawn for someone who did not request one, per se, but did - out of the goodness of her heart - decide to make a donation via my little "Good Karma Generator" button on the right side-column.

Kim August (it's ok... I asked if I could give out her name) opened her heart (and purse) to send a donation and so touched was I by her kindness that I made sure to draw her something "special" as my way of saying thanks.

drawn by PTOR, ye humble blogger.

(so humble that I only sign my work with the mysterious -yet stylized-

 "?" question-mark-shaped letter "P".)
Oh, and the URL typed along the top is only on this digital version.

Drawn in pencil (blue and graphite) with copious amounts of subtle detail and shading, on 8.5 x 11 bristol board (the type of paper used for the drawing of comics), I presented her with this rendition of Doctor Strange (a large head-shot with a smaller full-body pose alongside).

Basically, I drew two different "roughs" and then dove into this final piece (which would normally fetch somewhere around $50 - $70 or so at this size and level of detail, but I gave to her "free" to repay a kind deed).

Just so you can see the process, here are the two sketches.

 2 ballpoint pen scribble sketches.

The first sketch I was looking for the right "mood" for Doc's face. Then, I just wanted to rough out the rest of the composition: smaller full-figure of Doctor Strange in his astral form, window design, but wasn't sure about adding the collar of the Cloak of Levitation.

The second sketch, I made the main figure / bust a bit smaller so I could fit in the cloak and the Eye of Agamotto, and then changed the position of the smaller figure to one that I liked much better.
But, the main figure now seemed too small for the composition, so I would have to lose the cloak and Eye entirely to accommodate the larger head.

And thus, once the final layout was deemed "right", I worked up the final piece that you saw above.
(Normally, if I was taking this as a commission - and not a surprise "thank you" - I'd have emailed the rough sketch to see if that was the direction the buyer would want before drawing the final piece.)


I sent her a scan of the final piece to see if she liked it, and with her blessing, the physical drawing is on it's way to her mailing address.

---

Of course, this reminds me that I need to draw at least one other piece for a very special patron of this blog (seriously, she gave me a laptop when my old one went away - just so I can blog) for all that she's done (although, truthfully, I did begin a piece for her quite awhile ago, but wanted to make it grander, and so now's the time).

---

Currently, I have another piece that I am working on (sadly, still in the preliminary stages) but I can show you where it is at present in rough sketch form... (and I promise to show the final version here when it is done).

Asked by a reader (I won't reveal names, until it is finished and then only if the commissioner says it is ok) for a drawing of "Doctor Strange and Clea, dancing below the Sanctum window, under the light of the moon, barely touching each other and the floor", I felt that a delightful, energetic dance, but with only the merest touch of the fingertips might be called for.
Also, I thought that the scene might lend itself to a little more in the way of dancing if I included a statue of the "Lord of the Dance" (no, not Micheal Flatley...) the "dancing Shiva" (Nataraja) of eastern Hindu faith (and something that one taught in the ways of eastern mysticism, as Dr. Strange was might well be familiar), along in the piece.

 click to make Sanctum-sized

 11x17 VERY rough sketch

blue pencil and some minor photoshop scribbles after scanning

(it will look MUCH better upon completion!)

As you can see, in the rough, I did not opt for the actual Nataraja statue, but an "other-dimensional" incarnation (as seen on the splash page of Doctor Strange # 55 by Michael Golden), so as to link it to "canon" and just in case the requester didn't want the real thing in the piece.


Well, as it turns out, she loves the idea and I'll place the real one there for the final.

While I worked on several different poses for the pair of dancers, this pose isn't quite what is hoped for, and so I am in the process of sketching dance poses that might be more in keeping with the concept requested.

I should note that some of the details were added after I scanned it in, since the characters were all nude in my rough drawing (I'm a classically-trained artist and drawing nudes is always preferred to get the body forms correct and THEN dress them).

I'd post the nude versions here, but this IS an all-ages blog (sorta) and that wouldn't be right (or SFW).
Needless to say, I am not squeamish about drawing nudes, should anyone wish to request such a thing.

*UPDATE*

THE FINAL was completed (and is quite different from the rough) and finally posted on the blog as a year-end special.

I'll toss the pic here, but you should go check out the full story in its own post.

Check it out [HERE] - and the FULL process - complete with many rough sketches on my ART BLOG [HERE].

pencil (blue & graphite) 11x17 image on larger vellum-finish bristol board

---

Still and all, this is my way of saying that I am available for requests. *

* No. It doesn't have to be a Doctor Strange commission, silly. ;-)

I can draw anything, and even your own creations, should that be your desire.

- Basically, contact me, and tell me what you're looking for, and we'll talk (email probably) until I know exactly what you want.

Use my Sanctum email, so I know you came from here:

sanctum(dot)blog(at)gmail(dot)com

- Then either use your own paypal portal (or use my "Good Karma Generator") to make payment. 

- I'll work up several roughs and email digital copies to you for any 

corrections/changes/suggestions/praise and then...

-  I'll work up the final piece.

I know this may all seem to be a bit weird with only one drawing and a VERY rough sketch to go by, but you should know that I've been a paid, professional illustrator for very nearly 30 years, and not only have worked on everything from comic books, children's books, and TV storyboards, but also designed products for multi-national corporations. I'm not some kid with a set of crayons (not even the jumbo pack with the sharpener on the back).

For several years, while working in the comic book industry (1987 - 1992 - and then a little more til 1996) I would travel to various comic conventions and had a table in the pro room ("Artist's Alley") where I would draw requests on the spot.
(Anyone who wants to see other pieces of my comic style art, I can point to some older blog entries that feature my work - see them at the bottom of this post.)


But for anyone who is interested, here's a basic price list (all size measurements are in inches):
Prices in GREEN are basic prices.
ORANGE add-ons really count for nearly full-size extra characters. Smaller multiple figures would be cheaper.

"DOLLAR" DOODLES

See the rough sketches shown above?
Those are basically the same style as the "doodles".

$ 2.00 - rough doodle of any character (could be pencil, could be ballpoint pen, could be marker) on paper and sent via mail in a regular envelope. (most likely be on a section of bond (copy) paper, but could be on an index card, or a stickie-pad note - YOUR CHOICE!)

Add $ 1.00 for any additional character.

(mailing costs an additional 50 cents in the USA. Other countries Mailing costs extra.)

$ 4.00 - same as above, but better. (could be roughed out in color, either colored inks, or pencils)

Add $ 2.00 for any additional character.

(mailing costs an additional 50 cents in the USA. Other countries Mailing costs extra.)

$ 5.00 - BIGGER (8.5" x 11" paper) rough doodle of any character (still, could be pencil, could be ballpoint pen, could be marker) on copy/bond paper and sent via mail FLAT in a shipping envelope with cardboard protection, to prevent bending). 

Add $ 2.00 for any additional character.

(mailing costs an additional $1.00 in the USA. Other countries Mailing costs extra.)

$ 9.00 - same as above, but better. (could be roughed out in color, either colored inks, or pencils)

Add $ 2.00 for any additional character.

(mailing costs an additional $1.00 cents in the USA. Other countries Mailing costs extra.)

ILLUSTRATIONS

(ALL illustrations also get a free digital copy)

7 x 10.5 Comic Backing Boards

$ 10.00 - 7 x 10.5 - much better than the "dollar doodle", a detailed, but basic sketch in pencil on a comic book backing board.

Add $5.00 for each additional character.

Cost of mailing is extra depending on how you want it or where you live.

$ 20.00 - 7 x 10.5 - same as above, but in ink (marker).

Add $10.00 for each additional character.

Cost of mailing is extra depending on how you want it or where you live.

8.5 x 11 - or - 9 x 12 - Bristol Board

$ 50.00 - 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12) - illo of head shot or full figure on bristol board (the same paper used by comic artists)

Fully rendered style (like the Doctor Strange head-shot seen above).

Add $20.00 for each additional character.
(smaller, background characters would be cheaper for ALL artwork)

Cost of mailing is extra depending on how you want it or where you live.

$ 75.00 - 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12) - same as above but inked (marker or india ink depending on illustration)

Add $30.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

$ 100.00 - 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12) - same as above, but in color (marker and/or colored pencils)

Add $30.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

$ 200.00 - 8.5 x 11 (or 9 x 12) - same as above, but either painted watercolor or ink-wash grey-tones.

Add $50.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

11 x 17 - Bristol Board

$ 100.00 - 11x17 - illo of head shot or full figure on bristol board (the same paper used by comic artists)

(fully rendered style like the Doc head-shot seen above)

Add $30.00 for each additional character.

Cost of mailing is extra depending on how you want it or where you live.

$ 175.00 - 11 x 17 - same as above but inked (marker or india ink depending on illustration)

Add $30.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

$ 200.00 - 11 x 17 - same as above, but in color (marker and/or colored pencils)

Add $50.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

$ 300.00 - 11 x 17 - same as above, but either painted watercolor or ink-wash grey-tones.

Add $50.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

Larger sizes, and different media can be discussed.

Some shipping costs can be eliminated for more expensive requests.

SKETCH CARDS

2.5 x 3.5 - SKETCH CARDS

$ 10.00 - single character or head shot in pencil - on  2.5 x 3.5 card stock.

Add $5.00 for 2nd character. $3.00 for each additional character.

Basic detail.

Cost of mailing is extra depending on how you want it or where you live.

$ 20.00 - same as the $10 item above, but inked (marker) and/or with grey-tones in greater detail.

Add $5.00 for 2nd character. $3.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

$ 30.00 - same as above, but in color (marker and/or colored pencils).

Add $10.00 for 2nd character. $5.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

$ 40.00 - same as above but painted watercolors (or ink-wash)

Add $15.00 for 2nd character. $5.00 for each additional character.

Mailing costs extra.

Bulk discounts apply.

----------------------------

 As promised, here are some links to just a few examples of comic-style artwork that I've done, as seen on the blog:

A piece featuring ROM Spaceknight that I drew for a Bill Mantlo fund-raising event - [HERE]

Old "wizard" magazine contest entries featuring some cool Doctor Strange poses - [HERE]

Some old pieces drawn while I used to do comic conventions in the 1990's [HERE]

You may be interested in seeing more, and some different styles and mediums of my work (children's book style art, book covers, and more), which can be seen on my Art Blog (which is in need of an update - and this is a pretty good reason to do so) - [HERE]


--------------------------------

Don't you worry, visitors to the Sanctum Sanctorum, more Doctor Strange (and assorted "6-Dimensions") posts are coming here soon!

Hey... the more art requests I get, the less I need to go bust my butt at my other job (IF it exists this year), so that means MORE blogposts for YOU... WIN-WIN!