Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope you all had a great holiday! First, I'd like to apologize for my extended absence.  To make it up to you, I'll be taking your requests.  I'm taking on commissions again!  Tattoos, pinups, sketches, you name it!  My prices can be negotiated job by job, so If you're interested let me know.  Anything's fine, deviant note, email, etc!  I'm excited to start some new art, so please, don't wait.

Talk to you soon,
Tom

Hello everyone, it's literally been a year since my last update... Wow, time really flies by when you're not looking.  I've been working and spending time with my awesome family, God's truly blessed me.

As you may have guessed, I haven't had much time for art in the past 365, but just in time for Easter I do have something for ya.  A new image, all digital, in Photoshop CS4 with a Cintiq (amazing piece of equipment by the way).  I call it, "King of the Jews."  Check it out in my gallery!

I really hope it reminds people of just how much He went through for our sake.  And when you read in the gospels just how intensely He was beaten, this picture is probably more like a playground scuffle than the real thing.  Flogged, struck, his beard pulled out, hit with sticks, spit on, and the list goes on, all the way to being nailed to a tree and crucified with criminals in an agonizing, disgraceful death.  And He went through it all, willingly, because He loved us, wanted to pay our debt, and give us eternal life.  Our amazing Savior!  Jesus Christ.

Doing this piece I wanted to shy away from the typical clean, pristine, white Jesus everyone's become so accustomed to.  He wasn't white, he probably didn't have blue eyes, and He most certainly had more than "one single trickle" of blood coming from the crown of thorns.  Feel free to critique and share your opinions; I always look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.  And thanks for being patient waiting for this one, hopefully it was worth the wait.  I think it's my best piece without a doubt, and how could it not be when God's got His hand in it...  Praise the Lord!

If you don't know Jesus Christ as your savior, or are looking to learn more about Him, please drop me a note, an email, anything.  Don't be shy, reach out, and I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have, and share the greatest news in the world with you.


'Till the next time, God Bless.  And this weekend don't forget what He's done for us, He's conquered death and sin!  Happy Easter to everyone!



Tom

Anyone on DeviantArt who's been watching my art for any significant period of time knows a few things about me...  I like superheroes, action movies, comic books and your occasional scantily clad woman.  Okay, you may be asking, what makes you different than any other Red Blooded American Male?  Because so far, you're sounding alot like me.

Something I've been wrestling with for a while is the subject matter of my art...  While in and of itself, nothing's particularly wrong with it; I've been beginning to ask myself, "what's the point?"

What's my goal?
What's the message?

And I began to realize, there was none.  Literally, there was none.  No point, no message, nothing of any real value to anything I was doing with my art... what-so-ever.  And before you say, "dude, don't be so hard on yourself, your stuff is good," take a minute and actually look through my gallery.  Seriously, look through it!  There is nothing but empty superficial hero pinup, after hero pinup.  Where is the value in any of it?  And don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about doing super hero pinups.  I'm all for them, and I'm not knocking them, or anyone who does that kind of art for that matter.  Most of my favorite artists are comic book artists.  But what I'm getting at is "what are we trying to say with our art?"

Are we just trying to say, "Batman is angry, or Spiderman can stick to a wall?" Because if so, we definitely hit the mark...  Or do we want to show more than just a pretty picture of Catwoman?  More than some strange drawing of a "furry" character saying something quipy?  Seriously, I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I know I'm totally missing it.  I'm missing the whole "message" part of art, the expression, the real meat of it, the initial reason man picked up a paintbrush for the first time.

I want that to change.

That being said, you may have seen my new painting, titled, "Savior."  If not, check it out.  This marks the beginning of a new path for my art.  Starting with a new style (all digital paint), and featuring new subject matter that actually has a message, and a purpose.  It's of a different kind of hero.  A hero who ACTUALLY exists, and ACTUALLY saves lives in the real world.  Jesus Christ.

And I know alot of you probably just checked out on me, thinking, "dude's a new christian, now he's gonna cram God down our throat."  But the truth is, I've been a christian since I was 7 years old.  And the mere fact that you probably didn't know that means I probably haven't been a very good one...  I've let you down, myself down, and most of all, I've let God down.  And I'm so very sorry for that.  I've squandered my God-given artistic gifts on selfish endeavours.  I hope you the DA community will forgive me, because I know God has.

Now, what does this mean for my new art?  For my old art?  You might be thinking, "Are you going to take down all your comic pinups?"  The answer is NO, they're all staying...  I want you to be able to look at my gallery and literally see the turning point where I stopped working for myself, and started letting God work through me.  "Is all we can expect religious art from now on?"  No, not necessarily.  But you can expect a more than surface level value, I can promise you that.

I'm done glorifying Marvel and DC Comics, and it's about time I started glorifying the one and only TRUE ARTIST... GOD.  We know how to copy, or tweak what we've seen in the world around us, and we have the nerve to call ourselves artists.  God literally started with an infinitely vast, blank, utterly cosmic canvas, and painted the most beautiful picture ever seen... Life.  Every sunset, every beautiful lake hidden in the middle of uncharted wilderness.  Every individual species of plant and animal.  Free will itself!  He is the one and only artist, while we are only imitators.  I realize this might be offensive to some, I don't mean it to be, but it is the truth.  We think we're creative, but we aren't fit to shine God's figurative shoes in that capacity (nevermind any others).

God is Holy.  God is Righteous.  God is Purpose.

Go in peace, my friends.

Hello everyone, I know I've been gone for a while... And maybe some of you are angry about that, but I've brought you treats!  Two new pieces of art up in the gallery.  Two very manly, mouth watering pinups from the recent Extended Edition of the Alphabet of Manliness [link].

Be sure to check them out.  I'm still busy with my new family life, but I've got some crazy illustration ideas rattling around in my head; and they're just chompin' at the bit to get out.  So hopefully I'll have a few new exciting pieces for you soon.

Until then, stay sweet.

Sorry for the delay in response to comments, notes, favs, etc.  Life's been very busy lately.  Awesome, but busy...

First on the list, Marriage.  Yup, I got married this past November, and my wife kicks ass!  She's incredible, I can't give her praises enough.  Smart, funny, supportive and beautiful.  We spent the next month closing on our home which is also pretty sweet. Putting in new carpets, painting, moving, unpacking, and decorating for the holiday, ontop of Christmas shopping and wrapping.  Hectic to say the least.

And on Christmas Eve, my wife delivered our first baby, little Kayla Nicole.  She's quite cute (not that most parents don't think the same about their own kids, but most babies look like Eddie Munster).

So, I've been extremely swamped, and probably will be for some time.  Just keeping you posted.  New artwork to come somewhere in the near future, just need approval from the author and publisher first.  Thanks for your patience, and Merry Christmas.

God is badass.

For those of you that don't know, this weekend is the Wizard World Big Apple Con.  One of the big comic shows in New York.  I'll be there, all three days...  If you're in the area you should come down and check it out.  There's a boatload of badass artists coming, along with actors, wrestlers, models, and a handful of other random heroes.  I'll be selling prints, sketchbooks, and doing sketches all weekend.  So come by and pick some stuff up.

In other news, sorry for the lack of new art recently, I've had a alot of things on my plate.  Good things, great things in fact, but as a result I haven't had much time for my own artwork.  There will be more soon, you have my word on it.  I'm trying to get into digital speed painting, so look out for that in the near future.  In addition to new manly art for two of Maddox's projects.  You can get them in stores now, The Alphabet of Manliness Extended Edition, and the Year of Manliness 2010 Calendar.

Also, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs in 3D rocked!  See it.  It's funny, has great animation, and is visually beautiful.

See you this weekend.

-Tom

Once again, prepare to get your face rocked off...

First, the release of this hard bastard: The Alphabet of Manliness Extended Edition  Yup, that's right, a Special Extended Edition of the "Alphabet of Manliness."  It's longer and harder than ever!  Featuring new, never-before-seen full color art from yours truly.  You can order a copy of it here on amazon. It's out in stores now!

And just incase that wasn't enough, Maddox's all new 2010 Year of Manliness calendar is also available!  You can pick one up here.  And you guessed it, this bad-boy also features more of my new art!  Alot of you have been asking questions about my avatar, Santa being punched in the face, and don't worry, this calendar will answer all your questions.  Heh heh, wait'll you see December...

Now that they're both out, I'll be able to upload some of the art soon.  Be patient, it'll be worth the wait, I promise!

Don't be a sucker!  Grab both these monsters today!!!  "That's what she said."

This journal entry may be a week late, but still valid all the same.  I was at Wizard World Philly this past June and I met a few of you, which was very cool.  Thanks for stopping by!  Here you can check out a few of the skecthes I did for people: [link] also be at the New York Wizard Con in October.  So if you didn't get the chance this summer, come out and buy stuff from me then!

I have plenty of prints left, if you're interest.  11"x17" prints of my work are $10, 8.5"x11" are only $5.  Send me a note or an email if you want to get your hands on them...

I'm also taking commissions at this time.  Sketches, Pencils, Inks, even full Color pieces, whatever you want... RoboCop vs the Terminator, George Washington vs Abe Lincoln, anything, you name it!  You can contact me here, my email, or through my website: www.TomPollockJr.com

Also, incase you didn't know, Transformers 2 was insanely awesome.  It was funnier, and had more action than the first, so if that sounds good to you, see it!  And if you're listening to critics instead of me, go enjoy The Notebook instead, chump...

I just got back from a midnight screening of the new Terminator flick...  And yeah, I couldn't pass up sharing my feelings about it.

It pummeled me.  It beat me senseless.  With a belt.  Like a red headed step-child, and I f***ing loved it!!!  Now, perhaps that says some strange things about me, but all the same, this movie is so friggin' badass!

Until the first Transformers film I've never seen so much action in a single movie, but this baby takes the cake on action.  It turns Transformers' "11" dial, up to a "15," and I can't wait to see how Transformers 2 responds in a month.  Seriously, all this sweet action's gonna put me into a diabetic coma.  And I'm getting my insulin ready with a big smile on my face.  Terminator Salvation never lets up.  And it's not the standard 5 minute fight or chase scenes we're used to seeing, it's full, extended, unrelenting, 15 and 20 minute long action sequences with no end to the explosions in sight!

It was huge, intense, and cinematically beautiful.  "That's what she said."  And the sound system in that theatre nearly stopped my heart.  Christian Bale is up to his usual phenomenal standards, and Sam Worthington as Marcus was an awesome ass kicking surprise...  The FX were incredible, the sound design was tremendous, the action (haven't I already said enough) is second to none, and Arnold!  Yes, Arnold.  I won't say more, but fear not, you won't be disappointed with a Schwarzenegger-Less Terminator film.

See it.  Friggin' see it.  Don't listen to critics, we all know they have no souls.  I'm more excited about seeing it tomorrow night then I was about seeing it today, and I couldn't wait to see it today!  I watched all three Terminators in anticipation!!!  Tomorrow can't come fast enough.  So, all that being said, go empty your wallets at the theatres so they'll be sure to make 5 and 6 in the series.   Affirmative.

Hey all, I've uploaded a new versus image.  Superman vs Goku, and you can see it here: [link] though I'm sure there'll be alot of back and forth on the image itself, I figured I'd open up a journal specifically for it.

So, who would win?  Goku or Supes?  Both with similar powers, incalculably strong and fast, but both completely pure hearted so they don't really have a reason to fight...  But given that they did fight, who would be the victor?

Personally, I think there wouldn't be a decisive winner, it's too evenly matched.  But if I had to choose a side, I pick Superman.  He's literally moved planets before, and taken a galaxy-destroying blast.  Aside from Kryptonite and magic, he's potentially indestructible...  If Goku weren't focusing his energy, hypothetically he could be killed by a bullet (given he was sleeping or something), but that doesn't factor in when you're talking about Superman.  You could take a chainsaw to his face and you couldn't make a scratch.

What do you think?

Since I lured you in with the awesomeness, that'll come first.  The new trailer for Terminator Salvation, check it out: [link] insane.  And I know alot of you are skeptical about an Arnoldless Terminator, I was too, he IS the franchise plain and simple...  But what they're doing with this flick can't be denied, pure badass.

And just incase you've been living under a rock, here's the teaser trailer to the new Transformers as well: [link] It's equally kick ass.

Okay, now the small update...

I arranged some stuff in my gallery and thought I should let you know.  Almost all my pencil sketches have been moved to the Scrapbook within my normal Gallery Page.  Just letting you know incase anyone's like, "Where'd it go, you deleted my favorite drawing!!!"  Death threats, mass panic, etc.

And all the colored pieces now have links to any of their corresponding pencilled pieces, and vise versa for easy back and forth access (that's what she said).

I also added two folders just incase you care, personally I never got into the whole folder thing, I just usually look at what's in the featured gallery and move on...  But it seems alot of people like the folders, so I figured I'd oblige.  I added a VS folder, and a Superhero Pinup folder.

A very insignificant update I know, but there you have it.  But, I'm also working on a new VS piece, which I'm sure is going to spark much debate... Especially within an artist community.  I can see the hate mail already, muwaaaahahaha!!!

And does anyone know how to get rid of that little "mood" guy below?  I can't find a selection for "none."

Another milestone, 25,000 views.  Again, I'd like to say thank you to eveyone who made that happen.  All the Favorites, Comments, and Watches, thanks so much.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

So here's a little something in return, a sequel/prequel to my recent deviation, Burger King vs Ronald McDonald... McRomance.  I hope you guys like it as much as the original, or at least "almost" as much, because the original got a huge response.

You can see them here:
McRomance
Burger King vs Ronald McDonald

Thanks again everyone, I hope you enjoy McRomance, and there's more art to come...

Tom
www.tompollockjr.com

Well, I received my first ever Daily Deviation for my recent Burger King vs Ronald McDonald piece today.  And I wanted to thank everyone for all the favs and comments, I really appreciate it.

I don't know much about the Daily Deviations, or even where to see them, but I especially wanted to thank and who suggested it and featured it.  Thank you ladies, you've made my day.

I woke up this morning to over 1,400 messages in my inbox, and I was like, "Nah, that can't be right."  But to my surprise it was, and everytime I sort through 100 of them, there's a hundred more!  So needless to say it's going to take me quite a while to get through all of them.  I'm going to try to get back to everyone I can, but for everyone that I can't just know that I'm very thankful.

Thanks again everyone, I truly appreciate it.

Tom

Which movie is better, Batman Begins or The Dark Knight?

I'm looking for opinions here.  I want to know what everyone thinks on the subject, so feel free to leave some comments.  Kind of a pointless topic for a journal, but I've seen even more pointless ones, and I'm curious, and now with the Dark Knight on DVD, I'm sure alot of people will be watching it.  So what better time to ask, am I right?

First off, I want to be very clear, The Dark Knight is awesome.  It shows people without a doubt that a "comic book" or "superhero" movie can be a legitimate "Film."  I loved it.  And in know way am I bashing the Dark Knight.  Having said that, I'm also going to say that Batman Begins is clearly the better of the two.  That's right, I said it, Begins is better.  And here's why...

LEADING LADY
Maggie Gyllenhaal, terrible.  That's all that needs to be said, but what the hell, I'll say more.  Her acting was horrible.  Many people protest, saying Gyllenhaal's a better actress than Katie Holmes; but myself, only seeing each actress in their Batman roles can clearly say no.  Holmes kicked her ass.  Gyllanhaal's Rachel was unlikeable, unattractive, and a straight up bitch.  And it's nothing to do with the writing, it's all Gyllenhaal, snarky and unappealing.  Holmes may have been the weakest cast member from Batman Begins (but who can even blame her, Freeman, Oldman, Bale, Caine), but she never held the movie back.  Gyllenhaal's Rachel brings the movie to a screeching halt, even taking you out of scenes at times.  In multiple theatre showings I witnessed audience members applauding her demise, as did I.  Why they cast her is far beyond me.

ACTION
Dark Knight, not enough of it.  Seriously.  What action we did get was good, but sequels are known for having more action than their predecessors, Dark Knight did not.  Could have used another two action sequences in my opinion.

VILLAINS
No, I'm not going to complain about the villains, there Dark Knight takes the win.  Sporting two of the best movie villains ever, this is what makes it a tough call between the two movies.  Often praised for Heath Ledger's incredible Joker, The Dark Knight's real secret weapon is Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent/Two-Face.  Like Ledger, he's friggin' incredible as the character.  You couldn't have gotten better actors for these parts.

Ultimately Batman Begins invests you more emotionally, delivers more action and excitement, and has a female lead you can actually care about.  Although Dark Knight has an incredible score, grand scope, and two of the baddest baddies I'm sure we'll ever see on the big screen (at least any time soon) it's just not enough in my opinion to beat out Batman Begins.  Begins which in my opinion, is one of the best movies ever made, but that's another argument altogether.

Let me know what you think.  Batman Begins, or Dark Knight?  And for those of you that "know" the Dark Knight is better, give me valid reasons, I want to hear them.  Let the hate mail begin.

Tom

Hello all, not a major update, so feel free to delete it if you've got something better to read...

Anyway, sorry for the lack of new art, been busy with a few things, first, Work.  Speaking of which, if you haven't seen my new TV Spot, check it out at my website: www.tompollockjr.com

Next, and much more enjoyable, my visit with the beautiful and badass aka Julia.  She's awesome by the way, incase you haven't figured that out yet from seeing her amazing artwork.  And fans of hers will be jealous to know I had the pleasure of witnessing her rock-out to Guns-N-Roses on several occasions, headbanging and all.  We also visited New York, Philly, and Great Adventure's Fright Fest.  Great vacation indeed.

We also had a big Halloween party at my house. For which I decorated to all hours of the night, and attended as Eric Powell's "The Goon."  Julia rocked a killer Axl Rose costume.  Pictures soon...

But rest assured for the 7 of you who care, new art is on the way.  Happy Belated Halloween.

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been cranking out a lot of new artwork recently.  But thanks for all the Comments, Favs, and Watches, I really appreciate it.  But good news, I do have this, a new animated TV spot for CJ's Tires.  You can check it out at my site: www.tompollockjr.com in the Animation section of the Gallery.

Let me know what you think.

More art to come, hopefully...

Tom

Well, sort of...

Anyone who's read the most recent Amazing Spiderman know's what I'm talking about.  I won't spoil it, but a certain fan favorite is back in the Venom Symbiote.

The next issue is on Wednesday, and it's Venom vs Anti-Venom, with Spidey caught in between.  And John Romita Jr is drawing it again, so it's gonna be sick...

And I guess this journl officially makes me a geek of somekind.

It's not 100, 50, or even 20k, it's only 10.  But thank you all the same.  Thanks for all the comments and favorites, it's very much appreciated.

As a thank you gift to everyone who made that happen, I've uploaded a Catwoman piece ala Michelle Pfeiffer.  How hot was she in that friggin stitched up suit, huh?  Friggin' unbelievable.  Anyway, you can check her out here: [link] or see the steps involved here: [link]

Again, thank you so much.  20,000's next people, get crackin'.

And if you haven't checked it out yet, go see BTFF Film's new movie trailer, Penny Savers...

Thanks.

Action, check...  

Explosions, check...

getting shot in the face, check...

weilding a bow and arrow, double check.

The theatrical (sort of) trailer for the new actioner, Penny-Savers.  Check out the trailer and tv spots on the official site.  Be prepared to get a hard-on...  www.PennySaversMovie.com

Next...
Necklace Knife Money$$$

Just got back from the midnight show of The Dark Knight.  First, I was there a full 50 minutes early and still had to scrap for a seat.  And not only was there one sold out show at the theatre, there were six.  On a weeknight, at midnight...  I go to a lot of movies and never have I seen this kind of reception.  I think Batman's on his way to smash some records, and he deserves it...

I won't spoil anything for you, but here's my take.

The music, badass.  Christian Bale, badass.  The action, the cinematography, the story, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, everything you can name about this flick, badass.  But the true greatness, not to repeat the same thing people keep saying (although there's a reason they keep saying it), is Ledger's Joker.  There won't be another movie villain that even compares.  It's a bold statement, but when you see, you'll know why it's true.  He's not the comic's Joker, he's his own entity, and as he puts it, an unstoppable force of nature.  I really don't have the words to describe his performance.  It's not out of sympathy, or heightened expectations, it's just THAT awesome...

Not at all impressed with Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes.  Many complained about Katie Holmes in Batman Begins, and though she was the weakest part of the movie, I don't think she ever held it back.  Gyllenhall is very unbelievable in this.  She forces a phony personality down your throat, and comes off as a very ungrateful character when she's got dudes saving her life at every turn.  I was practically begging for Katie back at the end of her first scene.  Hopefully we'll get a strong likeable female lead in the next one, please Selina Kyle, please.

Batman Begins is probably my all time favorite movie, it's a toss up between it and Terminator 2.  So after all the trailers, tv spots, clips, and general hype I assumed this would be my new favorite flick.  I'm not so convinced anymore.  Don't get me wrong, It was great.  Amazing really, in a league by itself when it comes to superhero movies.  It was huge, and epic, and a driving film, it's truly one of a kind.  But is it better than Batman Begins?  Let me know what you think, and if so, why?

I hope it smashes the box office's brains in...