Ballad Of Halo Jones poster

From 2nd-7th of January a play of The Ballad Of Halo Jones will be playing at the Lass O' Gowrie pub in Manchester , home to the infamous Dr Who Pubcons as well as many other worthy events. I was asked to draw an image for the poster/flyer. I'd not read Halo Jones since when it debuted in 2000AD so had to do a little research first. Inially as you'll see from my rough I thought the *Ring* was a space station ! It was suggested I use the spaceship Clara Pandy instead ( which worked much better). I liked the idea of Halo walking out of the circular motif whilst the ship took off from the Ring city.

Original artist Ian Gibson has a very cartoony and decorative style and I concentrated on getting Halo's features close to his whilst evolving her clothes to be more practical ( whilst still having style). I wanted the city ot feel a bit grim and dirty and so used a hot slighty grubby palette . Something more monochromatic and modern in contrast to the more colourful work of Gibson.

Event details at :  http://www.wegottickets.com/f/3688

Here's the steps:

                                                           Pen and marker rough.

                                  Refined pencil drawing squared up by hand using grid method.

          Inks using pen and brushpen before being refined in Manga Studio and effects added to clouds.

   Mid colour point showing how I build the colouring up in blocks before highlights and sfx added.

                                                        Final image sent to the client.

Merry Christmas!

Don Sharp 1922 - 2011

Aussie director and writer Don Sharp has died. He directed Hammer's RASPUTIN THE MAD MONK , THE DEVIL-SHIP PIRATES and KISS OF THE VAMPIRE. Among his other genre work was THE FACE and BRIDES OF FU MANCHU , WITCHCRAFT , CURSE OF THE FLY and DARK PLACES. He directed the 1974 CALLAN film starring Edward Woodward and episodes of THE AVENGERS ( Invasion of the Earthmen , The- Get- Away and The Curious Case of the Countless Clues) and one episode of THE CHAMPIONS ( Project Zero in 1969). Never really accorded the acclaim he was due because he worked outside the studio system - Don was a director who could direct any genre including comedy. To end this short piece I must mention a  favourite - PSYCHOMANIA - ride free Don , you've earned it and thankyou.

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