It was my birthday a few days ago, and one of the coolest presents I got was a page of original comic book pencil art! My sister @waiting-for-ciena-ree got me this particular page because it contains one of our favorite moments: Qui-Gon needs some peace and quiet, so he literally keyboard smashes coordinates into his computer and flies away. This chaotic approach actually works, of course, since this is Qui-Gon we’re talking about, and he ends up on a funky uncharted planet oozing with creepy visions that teach him exactly what he needs to know.
This is how Jesus takes his own wheel.
Here is my present of Cory Smith’s original pencil work versus the final product, which was inked by Walden Wong, lettered by Travis Lanham, and colored by Java Tartaglia:
I resized the scans so they fit together, but in reality the pencil page is 11.25 x 17.25 inches, while the comic book is 6.75 x 10.25 inches, so it’s really more of a “Don’t talk to me or my son ever again” kind of look for them.
If you look in the bottom right corner of the pencil page, you will see the papermaker’s watermark:
The thistle logo and text reveal that Cory Smith worked on a 500-series Strathmore Bristol sheet. This paper comes in three textures: vellum, semi-smooth, and plate. The watermark doesn’t say which one it is, but I’m going to guess vellum, since having a bit of texture is helpful for pencilling (the smoother options are better if you are working in ink). I was really happy that the watermark made the cut on this sheet, since art supplies are my passion!
Here are a couple more detail comparisons:
“X” must be for blackout.
His window got shiny, and his eyes scooted forward a bit...
His expression changed quite a lot here!
Star Wars is, philosophically and literally, at least 80% merch, but few things you can buy offer this much tangible insight into the artistic process. In fact, I would rather have an unfinished piece like this than a fully-rendered official painting (and I’m not just saying that because I can’t afford one). I think the reason fans like behind-the-scenes featurettes and concept art books is the same reason fans like cosplay, prop-making, and LEGO sets -- when we can break the art down into pieces and even recreate it, we feel included in the craftsmanship of a thing we love. This feeling also motivates us to analyze the story and write fanfiction. It is inspiring to see the intention and effort behind the work, since in the real world, simply keyboard smashing won’t do it.
“Age of Republic – Qui-Gon Jinn.” Marvel. December 5, 2018. Writer: Jody Houser. Penciller: Cory Smith. Inker: Walden Wong. Letterer: Travis Lanham. Colorist: Java Tartaglia.
