STRANGE BUT FAMILIAR: A Bit of FUN-KO POP-Culture. An IDOL PURSUITS: SPECIAL EDITION

Welcome back for a FUN...KO bit of POP Culture!

I'm just going to post a quick hit-n-run entry,  But before I do, let me hep you to a few projects that I'm in the middle of for this blog; such as...

1. Writing ALL-NEW blog posts, including; 

1a. A year-in-review post for the current Jason Aaron / Chris Bachalo DOCTOR STRANGE series

1b. Posts involving the (very soon) upcoming Benedict Cumberbatch MOVIE

1c. Assorted deep, introspective thoughts and reviews of other, older published bits of the Doctor Strange library and the swag from 40 years of comic collecting.

 as well as...

2. Gathering the data for updating long-running series on this blog:

2a. The IDOL PURSUITS series (my last entry was for the 1996 Doctor Strange action figure. There have been 20 YEARS of additional figures and statues since then, and I've got them ALL.)

2b. The STRANGE LOVES series (many new additions to the list of lady-loves in Strange's life)

2c. The MYSTIC GARB series (I've since acquired well OVER 100 additional garments, moving the total to OVER 200+, so I have a LOT of photos and descriptions to compile)

2d. the CLEA LOVES SEX series (Seriously. There are a LOT more instances to chronicle.)

2e. The SANCTUS INTERRUPTUS series. (Both Doc's and my OWN Sanctum Sanctorum have undergone destruction / reconstruction again and again since my last entry).

...and MORE besides!

(While we wait for me to get those new updates and posts, you may wish to follow the links above, in order to get started on reading what I've posted before now, so you'll be up-to-date when we really get rolling.)

In the meanwhile, THIS quick entry is a mix of at least three sub-categories of posts:

1. IDOL PURSUITS (as it deals with "toys / statues / action figures" of a sort)

2. GRAIL ITEMS* (actually this is a brand NEW category that I've only just begun to filter some old posts into, as some rarities are indeed, one-of-a-kind "Grail items". I'll filter more into it soon.)

3. FAME and FORTUNE (A tongue-and-cheek category, but valid, as I acquired the starring item via a Twitter caption contest with Funko)

You can find the categorical breakdown of ANY post at the end of that post, and also links to those subjects can be found on the left side-bar in alphabetical order

But, ENOUGH of this pre-amble... let's get to the SWAG!

If you follow me at my tag of @SanctumBlog on Twitter (and if not, why not? It's basically DOCTOR STRANGE 24/7/365 with some animal tweets and other stuff tossed in) you'll know that I have just recently received a rare and coveted PROTOTYPE of the DOCTOR STRANGE - CLASSIC Version- Funko POP!

I won this fantastic item during a "Caption This Photo" contest that was sponsored by FUNKO a few weeks ago. I'll include my entries at the end of the post.

I'll also post the photos of those selfsame Funko Pops from Funko's site.

And now, without further ado, are my entries into the "Caption This photo" contest.
While I have NO idea WHICH one garnered me the win, perhaps YOU'LL all vote for YOUR favorite(s) in the comment section.


THIS was the blank photo that FUNKO tweeted.

And THESE are my entries...
(I was the only person to actually use the photo itself as a mini-comic, adding word balloons. Everyone else just replied with their captions in text form within their tweets. ...slackers LoL).

So? What'cha think? Worthy of a win? But WHICH one? Maybe make your own! Take the blank image and submit your entires to ME. I'll post them in a follow up blog-post. Maybe I'll make a contest of it!
I must have some Doctor Strange swag to send (even if it's a hand-drawn sketch).

So, VOTE for which of mine you like AND/OR submit your own today!
Who knows... you might WIN ...er... something.

And HEY! Don't forget to check out the new additions to the DOCTOR STRANGE-CAST podcast (new posts will be uploaded SOON - [HERE] ), wherein we talked about THESE and MORE of the FUNKO POPs - and other similar collectible goodies.

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. 

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3D art by PTOR

3D - Front view 

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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].

www.DoctorStrangeCast.com podcast is ONLINE

As promised, the Doctor Strange podcast that I have co-founded in now online:

DOCTOR STRANGECAST

PTOR, D and HOWARD:
your hosts of
Doctor StrangeCast

Diedra ("Deee"), Howard Hallis, and myself share various thoughts and experiences with, not only Doctor Strange, but comics and pop-culture in general,
(But mostly Doctor Strange)
with my being on the East Coast and Howard and Diedra on the West.

There are 5 mini episodes online now:

1. - A "Mission Statement" of sorts.
2. - My being "interviewed" and answering the guest "questionnaire".
3. - Deidra answering the questionnaire
4. - Howard's turn to do so.
5. - Our predictions for the post-credits trailers for director Scott Derrickson's "Doctor Strange" film.

These are just the first few offerings, introductory teasers, if you will.

We've recorded others and shall record more still, and will upload them in time.

Now, Lest you walk into the gathering, unacquainted with your hosts, allow me to make the introductions:

Diedra ("Deee") is a noted Cosplayer and Dr. Strange fan. Her insights are valuable as not only a knowledgable and insightful Doctor Strange fan, but also can present us with a female perspective as well as a newer fan's viewpoint (although, she is wise in the ways of Strange far beyond her years).

Howard Hallis - owner of one of the World's Largest Doctor Strange collections, and Dr. Strange uber-fan, is the artist of the renowned "Picture of Everything" and is also a former associate of the late Dr. Timothy Leary.

PTOR - A renowned expert on Doctor Strange, having been a Dr. Strange uber-fan for nearly 40Years, I am also an owner of one of, and most likely THE World's Largest Doctor Strange Collections, as well as a writer/artist (having worked briefly in comics, as well as other media).

So come... join us.

We're Ptor, Howard and Dee...
and together we have a PHD in Doctor Strange.

Welcome to the Strangecast... [HERE]

www.DoctorStrangeCast.com podcast is ONLINE

As promised, the Doctor Strange podcast that I have co-founded in now online:

DOCTOR STRANGECAST

PTOR, D and HOWARD:
your hosts of
Doctor StrangeCast

Diedra ("Deee"), Howard Hallis, and myself share various thoughts and experiences with, not only Doctor Strange, but comics and pop-culture in general.
(But mostly Doctor Strange.)

There are 5 mini episodes online now:

1. - A "Mission Statement" of sorts.
2. - My being "interviewed" and answering the guest "questionnaire".
3. - Deidra answering the questionnaire
4. - Howard's turn to do so.
5. - Our predictions for the post-credits trailers for director Scott Derrickson's "Doctor Strange" film.

These are just the first few offerings, introductory teasers, if you will.

We've recorded others and shall record more still, and will upload them in time.

Now, Lest you walk into the gathering, unacquainted with your hosts, allow me to make the introductions:

Diedra ("Deee") is a noted Cosplayer and Dr. Strange fan. Her insights are valuable as not only a knowledgable and insightful Doctor Strange fan, but also can present us with a female perspective as well as a newer fan's viewpoint (although, she is wise in the ways of Strange far beyond her years).

Howard Hallis - owner of one of the World's Largest Doctor Strange collections, and Dr. Strange uber-fan, is the artist of the renowned "Picture of Everything" and is also a former associate of the late Dr. Timothy Leary.

PTOR - A renowned expert on Doctor Strange, having been a Dr. Strange uber-fan for nearly 40Years, I am also an owner of one of, and most likely THE World's Largest Doctor Strange Collections, as well as a writer/artist (having worked briefly in comics, as well as other media).

So come... join us.

Welcome to the Strangecast... [HERE]

THE SPIRIT IS WILLING... AND WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY!

This is a blog-post that I SHOULD have written days, months, years...er...EONS ago!

While my presence on this blog has been... remiss (to say the least), it was NEVER for lack of wanting to do so.

However, even as the BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH starring DOCTOR STRANGE film has been looming, and of ALL times for me to be cast on the wayside (life has been... hectic), THIS was the worst time.

However, I've not been completely absent.
If you've been following me on Twitter, then you'll know that I'm STILL blogging #doctorSTRANGE - in 140 character bursts.

(See my feed on the RIGHT side-bar ----> )
My handle is @SanctumBlog (surprise, right?)

I'm ALSO a part of a new podcast that will be launching in a day or two.

DOCTOR STRANGE-CAST
Which can be found at this link - (HERE)
Where I'll be discussing ALL things DOCTOR STRANGE with fellow fans:
Howard Hallis (fellow Doctor Strange collector extraordinaire)
AND Deeeee! (She of cosplay fame)

I DO plan on getting back to this blog. And SOON! (yes, I know I've said this before.)

I've finally got my home's Sanctum Sanctorum completed, and I'll be photographing and blogging about a TON of merchandise that I've collected over the past 40 years!

So. Until I do get back to blogging here, follow me on TWITTER
 & the new DOCTOR STRANGE-CAST !

PTOR

in his

SANCTUM SANCTORUM

SECRET GIFTS from the SANCTUM SANCTORUM

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In keeping with the thru-line for this month’s blog posts, of showcasing gifts (either from me to you, or from others to me) this entry will reveal secret presents that I (sorta) helped deliver to everyone who reads many of Marvel’s mystical comics over the past decade or so.

Now, bear in mind, none of these are anything more than minor, humble offerings. Still, while being hardly worth mentioning, I needed something in the vein of “gifts” for the blog post, so here we are.

Every now and again, I have – either via intentional communication, or others’ “referencing” of my images – influenced stories and artwork from a few writers & artists at mighty Marvel. Then, those influential tidbits would be presented therein the creator’s work and thus would I be a silent gifter (a “Secret Sanctum” as it were… get it?... “Secret Santa : Secret Sanctum”?... uh… nevermind…) to comics readers.

While this has happened on more occasions (that I am either omitting intentionally, have forgotten or am unaware) I shall reveal three such instances – each with their own level of success.

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The first such incident occurred back in late-2005 or early-2006, when after purchasing unpublished comic scripts (in particular issues of “What If?” which feature Doctor Strange, of course) from famed author Steve Englehart, we had several more email correspondences, wherein he was revealing his then-next work for Marvel; ‘STRANGE WESTERNS; starring the BLACK RIDER’ one-shot which was part of Marvel’s then-resurgence attempt for their western characters.

Mr. Englehart was telling me of how since the tale dealt with the “before he was Ancient” Ancient One, teaming up with the Black Rider (and subsequently other era-appropriate heroes) that he wanted to form them into an ersatz 1800’s-era team of Avengers.

I pointed out, that if the Ancient One were to be a part of it, it would make more sense that he take the “Doctor Strange” role and have an 1800’s era team of DEFENDERS.

That idea struck him as a much better angle to pursue, and if the one-shot were picked up for further publication options (mini-series’, long-term series’, and/or specials, etc…) that my angle would be the way he would like to proceed.

Sadly, while good, the Black Rider never got past that oneshot (a fate shared with the other western heroes of that ‘Marvel Westerns’ attempt), and so, my mental fruit died on the vine

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The next occasion that I shall share met with far more success.

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I truly have NO idea how I began corresponding with author/artist/designer David Sexton back in late-2006 or early-2007. Perhaps an exchange on a message board that led to further email exchanges? Suffice it to say that somehow, we did.

In those conversations, Mr. Sexton told of his large-scale project for Marvel which was a one-shot and mini-series called ‘Marvel Tarot’, and how it was to also feature a newly designed tarot consisting of Marvel’s mystic heroes.

The basic premise being that Ian McNee (last seen in a back-up tale in ‘Marvel Fanfare’ # 6) would have a tarot deck that would portray all these various Marvel mystics.

I suggested that why not just have him use such a deck that already existed? Doctor Strange had just such an enchanted deck which he used to choose “Secret Defenders” in the title of the same name.

Mr. Sexton thought that was a fabulous idea and a wonderful stroke of serendipity, and thus he proceeded with that concept for the final publications.

However, he probably didn’t know that Marvel has a “sliding timeline” (that all the events from Fantastic Four # 1 until “now” occurred in a 10 to 12 year span of time – vs – the actual years of publication) and had Ian McNee state, in comic, that he had that deck of cards in his possession for 10 YEARS – which is how long it had been since ‘Secret Defenders’ was published. Now, of course, it’s a minor quibble, and one that maybe no one but me noticed, but it caused the nerd-centric portion of my brain (read: 99.999%) to stop dead.

It took me some time to get over “epic fail” of my not being sure to detail that aspect of how things work, but at the time:

1. I was fairly sure everyone knew about the “sliding timeline”.(More about it [HERE])
2. Even if he didn’t know, an “editor” would catch it.
3. I was not wanting to be a pest or seem like a fanboy, and so kept my correspondence to a minimum.

Still, it was a cool idea, which kept a piece of valuable mystical eclectica in the canonical zeitgeist – for a short while, at least.

Sadly, while ‘Marvel Tarot’ was a success in every aspect of its rejuvenation of the various magical properties that Marvel has in its catalogue, somehow it, and all its tantalizing teases of projects and storylines to come, was quickly forgotten.

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But then there are times when you can influence someone’s work without having any idea that you are doing so.

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This next, and most recent incident occurred without my awareness – until I opened the pages of the comic in question.

If you were to do an internet search for images of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Window, you’d most likely come across any number of my own uploaded images at or near the top (as I’ve uploaded several for this very blog, either any of my assorted illustrations of same, my avatar which I use for “gravatar” and other message board ID, or even the tiny favicon that is used and visible next to the URL for the blog). Now, look at the top of the side-column in my blog, you’ll see an old pic of a leather bound book with the “Window sigil” emblazoned on it, sitting on a table next to a skull, crystal orb, an ornate “Eye of Agamotto” and some custom-made jewelry; including a ring and a medallion with the same window sigil on them. 

The sigil is how I’ve drawn it for decades. (In fact that photo was taken in the mid 1990’s and the book itself was crafted in the late 1980’s.) As far as I can recall, no one has drawn it quite exactly that way, although obviously there have been very similar variations – as each artist has his or her own version. I, too, have other variations that I use – depending on the usage – but for a stand-alone graphic image, that’s the way I’ve tended to roll.

Well, imagine my shock and surprise when I opened up both ‘Deadpool’ “NOW” # 2 & 3 and see my drawing of the window in the comic. Well, not MY drawing, but artist Tony Moore’s reproduction of it as a shadow on the bookcase behind Doctor Strange.

There are two viable deductions for how he came to use my own rendition:

1. He did an internet search for Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum Window and saw one of my pics.
2. Co-Writer, Brian Posehn offered a visual reference taken from action figure customizer, "Sillof"' with whom Posehn’s friend/fellow comedian and geek emeritus Patton Oswalt hepped him to, since Oswalt is a fan of the customizer’s work. Sillof’s own customized diorama of the Sanctum Sanctorum also used my own design (I think he had asked me if it was ok to do so – I know I get requests like that from time to time, and don’t recall if his was one of the “official” uses or not), and so if the pics of Sillof’s custom Sanctum were offered to Posehn, who then in turn passed them to Deadpool artist Tony Moore, then that’s how it may have ended up being the design of choice. *Whew!*

But, for any naysayers, I will –through the magic of internet animation – show you that the two designs line up perfectly.

And there ya go… you’re welcome.

LoL

OK, fine… as I said at the onset, neither of these are giant event-changing ideas, like giving Wolverine bone claws and naming him after the bullying father of his childhood friend (ohhhh…. The whole thing makes my head hurt) – or that Professor X had a secret third team of X-Men that he sacrificed trying to save the original team before he would then recruit yet another (ugh… who thought of THAT?)…uh… or that Iron Man would have ALWAYS been Kang’s traitorous mind-thrall who’d then die off and his teen-age self would come to the present to take over the role (WTF?!?)… or that the young-boy Stephen Strange would be tormented by demons sent to him by a jealous Baron Mordo, since the Ancient One had said that the boy was destined to be “the chosen one” (GAH!!!)… or that WONG would be a pupil of the Ancient One too and be the one to call upon the Vishanti while Strange was a bumbling idiot (AARGH!!!)… y’know what?

MY little contributions are BETTER than those because, while tiny and innocuous, they helped BUILD upon the stories and didn’t destroy, derail or degrade the properties.

You’re welcome.

(Now, if anyone has any interest, I’ve long had a great idea how Man-Thing can give birth to his human self and raise the now-infant Ted Sallis in the Nexus, which would then lead to… 
*Seriously, see it [HERE])

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

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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]

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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 -

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*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".)

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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.

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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).

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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

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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!

SANCTUM-WEAR! AWESOME NEW COMIC-THEMED APPAREL! ---Some may wear their HEART on their sleeve, but wear your SOUL on your CHEST!

(This is the FULL OFFICIAL VERSION of the revelation post, in response to my HYPE-TEASER post (seen [HERE]) hyping the posting of this OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.)

Friends, Strangers and Comic Fans of ALL Ages...

It is my profound pleasure to present to you a NEW line of Apparel with YOU in mind!

SANCTUM WEAR by Midnight Images

Art and designs by PTOR.
available for purchase [HERE]

Check out the first 2 ads (if you miss the beginning, it's OK, they are on a forever loop).

Inspired by the "House of M" scene where the Scarlet Witch wishes away Mutants - what she saw as the problem in the world - our "NO MORE..." design allows for anyone to make THEIR wish for how to make the comic world better.

Have a certain comic creator, character, publisher or trope that you wish would be "NO MORE..."?
Make it known with this tee!
Currently available in over 20 phrases (with more being added)!
Choose your favorite (or LEAST favorite) comic themed annoyance(s) - OR - if you don't see your peeve on the list, drop a line or a comment here and your own specific selection can be available for purchase within 48 hours.

NO MORE...

NO MORE... MUTANTS
 NO MORE... BENDIS

NO MORE... BENDISASSEMBLING

NO MORE... QUESADA

NO MORE... BREVOORT

NO MORE... LOEB

NO MORE... J.M.S.

NO MORE... P.A.D.

NO MORE... DIDIO

NO MORE... MARVEL

NO MORE... RETCONS

NO MORE... REBOOTS

NO MORE... "BIG EVENTS"

NO MORE... VARIANT COVERS

NO MORE... KILLING HEROES
NO MORE... DEATH

NO MORE... WOLVERINE
NO MORE... DEADPOOL

NO MORE... DEUS EX MACHINA

NO MORE...  RULES FOR MAGIC

NO MORE... "F*** YOU, IT'S MAGIC"

*(available soon)

NO MORE... DC 52 *(available soon)

NO MORE... NEW 52 *(available soon)

NO MORE... "IT'S MAGIC, WE DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN IT." *(available soon)

Also Now Available in non "no more" phrases.

Currently one available:

"F*** YOU, IT'S MAGIC"

"IT'S MAGIC, WE DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN IT." *(available soon)

Re-imagined and re-drawn, this is my version of the infamous "NO MORE..." scene.

---

Also, check out our line of SANCTUM SANCTORUM themed shirts!

Currently available in 3 designs (with more surprises on the way).

SANCTUM SANCTORUM

ENTER... THE SANCTUM SANCTORUM

and the

SANCTUM SANCTORUM COMIX logo

---

High Quality garments - also available in ORGANIC materials - with durable printing that won't fade or crack after washing!

These are not some quick-print, low-quality "Cafepress" style shirts.
It took MANY, many months of researching various printers, print shoppes and silk screen companies, brick-and-mortor as well as online, before I committed to joining forces with one whose product quality, pricing and infrastructure proved themselves to be of merit.

I originally had the idea for the "NO MORE..." line when 'House of M" was released... in 2006 !
But there simply were no readily available companies that could do what I required at that time.
Over the years, I would seek out newer companies, but none satisfied my every need or criteria.

As I was making my research, and fairly sure that I had finally found a good company, I worked up my artwork in 2010 and I sent my designs and ordered some actual product for myself to test out in actual wearing and washing conditions before I would even think of agreeing to sell anything.
I won't just slap crap together to make a buck. My moral outlook overpowers any desire for profit.
(Which is why I am not rich.)

Ensured of a safe, secure, reliable store site, with fair prices and excellent shipping - I am ready to open my virtual doors to the world, assured that all product will be produced with only the best quality and delivered direct to YOU!

Also for YOU : GREAT PRICES!
From $19.99 tees -to- $35.99 hooded sweatshirts!
Something for everyone's budget, depending on your desires.

And, as readers of this blog may know, since as of late I have no time to be counted on to handle multitudes of orders myself, my new partners provide an AWESOME customer service team, available to assist you with any question. And RETURNS and/or EXCHANGES available with NO HASSLES!

I told you, I'm not a cash-grab kind of guy. I have always refused to put my name, time or energy behind anything that I don't believe in, and have, in my life, turned down lucrative deals because they were sleezy or just out to make a buck.

So, click on either of the two animated ads (or [HERE]) and check out my apparel for sale!


MEN'S & WOMEN'S T-SHIRTS
WOMEN'S FITTED SHIRTS
ORGANIC TEES
LONGSLEEVE T's
SLEEVELESS TEES
TANK TOPS
JERSEYS
WOMEN'S FITTED JERSEYS
HOODIES
SWEATSHIRTS
CAMISOLES
SPAGHETTI STRAPS
BABY DOLL TEES
AND MUCH MORE!!!
AVAILABLE in MANY COLOR and SIZE CHOICES!


MORE is on the way!