Along Came A Spider
The story behind my new AMAZING SPIDER-MAN exclusive cover
In 2011 I got commissioned to draw Spider-Man. I don’t know why, but I just started sketching really long lines and zigzagging back and forth and this lanky, spider like Spider-Man started to appear. Since I was pushing the shape, I figured I’d play with the details as well and gave him really wonky webbing on his costume. My favorite part was the city “play set.” (I try to add in set elements to each drawing like a little play set with an action figure.)
When we here at Stupid Fresh Mess decided to do a Skottieyoung.com Exclusive for Amazing Spider-Man #1, I knew I wanted to do something different and fun. I was already doing a Young Variant (baby cover, chibi, whatever anyone wants to call them) for Marvel and I had to bring something completely on the other end of that spectrum. That’s when I remembered this commission.
This was one of my favorite pieces I had ever done and it was for someone else. It lives with somebody out there in the world. I guess I could’ve just used this and repurposed it for a cover, but I have a weird hang-up about that. I don’t like to use a commission I did for someone at their request for another job. But that’s just me. Instead, I just used it as inspiration for a new piece. Something with the same creepy, funky feel.
Here are some shots of the different stages of this cover. I start it off digitally in Sketchbook. It’s hard drawing things upside down, so I start it straight up and then do some flipping when placing it for the final. I print the drawing out light blue on 11x17 bristol board and ink it with brush and pen. Then scan it back into the computer and color it in Photoshop.
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!
You can drop by SKOTTIEYOUNG.COM and grab one or both of these AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 exclusive covers. The full trade dress and the virgin cover are available to order now!
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I really dig the visual concept of the webbing sticking to his hands and wrists in multiple locations. It’s unique and defining, setting this piece apart from others. Brilliant cartooning and fresh character design! Also the expressive eyes, head shape, and spindly body. All fire!
Very cool thank you for sharing this!!