Political Cartoon: Debt Season

For those of you who missed this over the weekend...

Here's my interpretation of the current debt ceiling debates in Washington, between Obama and Boehner. Our politicians are definitely acting "Looney!" =P

And here's a clip of the classic Looney Tunes short!

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: Awesome Optimus Prime!

"Autobots... transform and roll out!"

This super-cool illustration of Optimus Prime was created by Greg Kleid, one of our awesome background artists. Greg drew this as a present for his nephews and we just had to post it. Man, I wish I had an uncle as cool as Greg!

Illustration © Greg Kleid

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Mumm-Ra

"Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form into Mumm-Ra the Ever Living!"

Now that I got that out of the way... Mumm-Ra is one of the all-time coolest villains! He starts off looking like a pathetic old man hobbling around in mummy rags, and with a few choice words becomes the baddest baddie the Thundercats have ever faced. Of course, in reality they usually beat him pretty easily, but we're talking about my distorted childhood memories here!

This guy's been a long time coming, so I hope you like him. I like Mums so much that I also did a warm-up sketch, which I've included below. Enjoy!



Just like my heroic team shot, these dudes are part of a larger drawing I’m doing for fun. Next up... Ma-Mutt!.

Until then... "Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Jackalman

Here comes Jackalman, the club-wielding (and sometimes mace-swinging) evil mutant jackal!

The evil mutants were the perfect examples of incompetent lackeys, and Jackalman here was no exception. These bumbling baffoons were always screwing up Mumm-Ra's evil plans. Speaking of Mumm-Ra, looks like he's up next!

Just like my heroic team shot, these dudes are part of a larger drawing I’m doing for fun. Remember to check back next week for Mumm-Ra.

Until then... "Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Vultureman

Watch out for Vultureman, the I-have-no-idea-what-the-heck-his-weapon-is evil mutant vulture!

Seriously, this is the weapon that came with the toy, but what is it? Some type of bird claw on a stick? Or maybe a bird cage cleaner?

Anyway, like my heroic team shot, Vultureman is part of a larger team drawing. Again, I'll be posting each villain as I finish, then the whole image once it's done. Next up is Jackalman!

"Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Monkian

Did you see the new images for Cartoon Network's Thundercats revamp?

I wasn't sure at first, but I think the new designs are growing on me. I'll have to reserve final judgement until I see the new show, but that news lit a fire under me to finish up my Evil Mutants illustration. So this week I'm posting my take on the mace-wielding Monkian!

Just like my heroic team shot, these dudes are part of a larger drawing I’m doing for fun. Next week I'll post my Vultureman, followed by Jackalman, Mumm-ra, his dog Ma-Mutt, and then the final team shot.

Until then... "Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

More "When Santa Got Sick" Art

As promised yesterday, here are some more of our When Santa Got Sick storybook illustrations! First up, Mrs. Claus and the Elves are trying to solve the problem of how to deliver gifts without Santa.



Below, a few Elves step up with solutions, but they aren't very good ones.





Finally, one little Elf comes up with a solution that even Santa likes!




Head over to the iTunes store to download the app and get the full story!

© Food 4 Thought Productions Inc.

"When Santa Got Sick" iPad App

2A! helps spread some holiday cheer!

We were recently asked to create some fun illustrations for a new iPad app called, When Santa Got Sick! The app, which is currently available at the iTunes store, is an interactive storybook written by Greg Perkins, that tells the tale of what happened when Santa was too sick to deliver presents one Christmas Eve.

2A! designed the characters and penciled the illustrations, while the final pages were painted by the gang at Burton Design Group (who also produced the app). Check out some of our work below, then head over to iTunes to download the app for yourselves!

Here is the approved line-up of our designs for Santa and his elves.



Below is one of our favorite pages, including both the rough layout and tightened character pencils.




We'll try to follow-up with some more of our favorite images tomorrow. =)

© Food 4 Thought Productions Inc.

Fun Art Fridays: Mega Man Rocks!

I've been feeling nostalgic for simpler times lately, so I decided to draw one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite NES games... Mega Man! I spent way too many hours of my youth playing the first 3 games. =)

I've also included my WIP sketches below... Hope you like!



Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: Robo Alien Insect Dude!

This dude started as a doodle in my sketchbook one night... then I just kept adding lines here and there while at lunch or on the phone, etc. Sometimes it's just relaxing for me to draw without any sort of end plan for an image. Plus, I always love the chance to sketch on paper again!

I added some quick grays for a background in Photoshop. I may end up coloring him in the future, time permitting of course. We'll see...

Copyright © Joe Costantini