BROHAWK TRIBUTE

No, David Williams isn't dead.
I just decided to digitally color this old Superman cartoon, which I originally did as part of a comical good-bye to Dave when he quit his job at Warner Bros Consumer Products, Creative Services. Since I went to this effort (as part of my ongoing Photoshop practice), I figured there needed to be new context to underscore the cartoon's inside joke.

Along with about nine others, Dave was once a part of an art staff at WBCP affectionately dubbed, "Murderer's Row," by its art director, Frank Espinosa. The nickname was a reference to the 1927 New York Yankees batting line-up which included such all-time greats as Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth. It's debatable whether or not we were all worthy of that lofty allusion, of course. But, together, we were a pretty darn good team. Lots of fond memories. It was my joke that any departing member of the team was either "pardoned and paroled," or "executed," preserving the Murderer's Row metaphor. Since Dave quit to pursue other opportunities, I classified him as "pardoned and paroled," and I created an elaborate comic strip depicting his bittersweet departure.  This new piece becomes a commemoration of sorts, as I included a few photos of Dave through the years, and the madness that is uniquely his (and comedian Chris Tucker's. Haha!).

Yeah, that's our BroHawk wearing a Thor helmet (borrowed from artist Dusty Abell), and there he is again, in a full Spider-Man costume (which HE designed!) at the 2002 Hollywood premiere of the Sam Raimi film.  Dave, and his cohort, artist/sculptor Larry Malott (who made both Spider-Man costumes) crashed security, and actually got to meet the director himself, prance about on the red carpet, do an interview for the media, and watch the movie screening for free.

This evidence barely touches on the brash craziness that is David Williams. The man is a frenetic mix of amazingly creative talent, boundless energy, and the playful humor of a mischievous child. He is also a loving husband, dedicated father, and a fierce friend. But, no matter what, he will always be an honored member-- of "Murderer's Row." Cheers to you, pal.

By the way, I was never pardoned or paroled. I was executed. Hahaha! 

*Superman is the copyrighted property of DC Comics. Spider-Man and Thor are the copyrighted property of Marvel Comics.