YOUNG JUSTICE: SUPERMAN

WB Animation, YOUNG JUSTICE, Superman. Pencil, Photoshop color.

I got the chance to render a shot of Superman for the show, following Phil Bourassa's art style, but posing the character more actively than usual. As character designers, we're primarily called upon to depict figures in static three-quarter "turns." Very encyclopedic. However, occasionally there is a need to supply more expressive material.

This piece was intended as reference for a generic "fan photo" of Superman, to appear briefly in a later episode. I used the opportunity to pay tribute to artist José Luis García-López, re-working one of his iconic Superman poses!
Up, up, and away!!!

***UPDATE -- It can now be disclosed that this image was created for the YOUNG JUSTICE episode, "Schooled." It appears very briefly as a photo in a student's opened locker once Superboy crashes into it during his battle with the evil android Amazo. Upon noticing the photo, Superboy angrily smashes the door upon which it hangs.

When I got the assignment, I immediately reviewed my memory for all the iconic Superman poses that would be ideal. Because it was a fan "photo" for a girl, I didn't want to depict Superman in a typical flying pose with clenched fists, and a determined scowl for his facial expression. I thought it would be too aggressively masculine. I figured a dreamy-eyed high school girl would more likely fawn over a more gentle, lighthearted image of her hero. And so, I selected this pose, originally conceived by José Luis García-López. The character is smiling warmly, and his hands are open as he soars like a bird, a plane, a SUPERMAN!!!