I was asked by the Midwest Comic Book Association to do some sketch cards for their upcoming comic con and charity auction. The show is the same weekend as Mid-Ohio-Con, and obviously my heart belongs to the big MOC, I don’t mind doing some art for a good cause. (I also don’t mind saying "no", just to make sure that I don’t get innundated with requests for free stuff.)

So, I did five, two of Amazonia, one of Crusader, one of Abby and Mark, and one of Darkblade. I’ve cleverly posted the artword here. Click and embiggen for your viewing pleasure.

If you’re in Minnesota, as some of my friends will be, check out Fallcon. Of course, if you’re in Columbus, come by and see me at Mid-Ohio-Con, too.

5. Kurt Busiek’s one thing, but how many people get the coveted ANN Busiek recommendation?

Diamond Previews order code SEP084142E.

"Love and Capes is warm, witty, clever andlighthearted without being empty– there’s real, satisfying emotion underlying the comedy. It’s one of a very few comics my wife tries to steal from me so she can read it first."
Kurt Busiek
Astro City, Superman, Trinity

"Damn straight it is. And what do you mean, ‘tries to’?"

Ann Busiek

Yeah, I’m starting Love and Capes #9. When these things first start, it’s like pushing a boulder the size of Jupiter up a hill. When it finishes, I can’t think about anything else. But for now, I’m in the hard pushing phase of things.

This image from page one, and one of the few you’ll be able to click and embiggen, is not going to make any sense. Amazonia kissing Mark? IS it a flashback, a hoax, a dream? Well, you’ll have to read the issue to find out.

As I did last time with these page-by-page postings, I’ll be headlining these with some song lyrics. Every eight will have some sort of theme to them. In case you were wondering why I have such an odd header up top.

All right… to the drawing table! Let’s knock another one of these out.

Every time you buy a copy, a Victoria’s Secret Angel gets her wings.

Diamond Previews order code SEP084142E.

I wound up doing this commission for Castle Perilous in Illinois to help promote the upcoming Love and Capes trade and issue #8. Have I mentioned either of those lately? They’re both coming out soon, and you should buy many of them.

Anyway, the shop requested it, and I was glad to help out. And, if you own a shop and one of these would help you order and move some more Love and Capes, give me a shout and maybe we can figure something out.

Gail Simone says, "A book full of rare delights–bright, lively art, a fun and clever story told with perfect pacing…Thom’s doing great work on an irreplaceable book."

Diamond Previews order code SEP084142E.

The second Powerful Women-type commission I received was this Batgirl/Harley Quinn piece. With this, Harley is starting to rival Poison Ivy as my most-requested comic book female.

This one came out really well. It’s always a challenge to put two characters together, especially in a smaller image area (this one was done, as per request, on a special comic book backing board). The dark background works really well, too.

That’s two down and 23 to go before I have enough for Powerful Women #3.

I’m not sure why, but I’ve had an surge in commissions the last week. So, let me take this opportunity to let everyone know that I will definitely be doing commissions at Baltimore Comicon, Mid-Ohio-Con, and Wizard World Dallas. And, as always, I take them through the site, too.

The one I’m posting today is an Tula and Mera sketch. When I got the request, the commissioner wrote "Mera and Tula aka Aquagirl." I responded back with "Please. I am quite aware that Tula is Aquagirl. (Best read in Comic Book Guy voice.) "

The result is my best Aquagirl sketch ever. As well as my first. Anyway, here it is. Click and embiggen if you so dare!

And, hey, remember that I’ve got two whole books of these commissions for sale, including the newest one, Powerful Women #2.

Thought you might like to see the third and final Bobble Fish, along with his brothers. And a certain bald scientist who may or may not have something to do with them.
And, if you’d like, click and embiggen, Super Fool!

It’s been a year in the making. Well, three years in the making, if you count when I actually started the darn thing. But thanks to Harlan Ellison, Chris Ryall and IDW, lo, there shall come a Love and Capes trade.

It’s in the new Diamond catalog, order code SEP084142E. Please, put it on your pull list or order. You can use this handy order form to do it, too. And, if you need to find your local comic shop, you can use the Comic Book Shop Locator. If all else fails, feel free to order it from Amazon using this link.

Here’s what some comics pros and reviewers are saying about it, if you need any more reasons to buy a copy or eight:

"LOVE & CAPES is warm, witty, clever and lighthearted without being empty– there’s real, satisfying emotion underlying the comedy. It’s one of a very few comics my wife tries to steal from me so she can read it first."
KURT BUSIEK
SUPERMAN, ASTRO CITY

"Damn straight it is. And what do you mean, ‘tries to’?"
ANN BUSIEK

"A surprisingly charming tale about a hardworking superhero and his girlfriend…Thomas F. Zahler’s boldly cartoony artwork recalls "The Incredibles," and so does his wry, smart dialogue. A-"
DOUGLAS WOLK
SALON.COM

"These mundane episodes in the domestic life of a superhero — some more amusing than others — exude just enough charm."
NISHA GOPALAN
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ONLINE

"My favorite superhero book on the market today. Five Tonys."
TONY ISABELLA
TONY’S TIPS

"A book full of rare delights–bright, lively art, a fun and clever story told with perfect pacing, and a fresh look at the best (and sometimes silliest) tropes of superhero-hood. Thom Zahler’s doing great work on an irreplaceable book."
GAIL SIMONE
WONDER WOMAN, BIRDS OF PREY