comic book fan – Costas on Comics

Strange Academy – My Fan Art Tribute (Blue Dressing Gown and All)

I love magic in comics, and Doctor Strange is my favourite. When Strange Academy was announced – a Marvel school of magic – I was thrilled. So I drew myself into the cover art, blue dressing gown and all. Here’s why that comic meant so much to me.

I’m a big fan of magic, and having magical heroes in comics means a lot to me.

My favourite comic book hero of magic is Doctor Strange. I was so excited when Strange Academy was announced – a school of magic in the Marvel Universe, with teachers including some of my most beloved heroes: Shaman, Scarlet Witch, Brother Voodoo, Magik, and more. Plus the introduction of new young heroes. I felt like a kid who wanted so badly to be part of something like that.

So I took the cover of Strange Academy #1 – which features a group of students and Doctor Strange – and I drew myself in the style of Humberto Ramos, placing myself right between them.

I drew myself as I actually was: wearing my blue dressing gown. Whoever saw it could think I was a wizard – and they’re free to interpret it however they like. I’m fine with that.

Well, if not in real life, at least I can make a fan art. That drawing put a smile on my face for several days.

I truly miss that comic. I hope Marvel brings it back someday.

All New Harbinger – Why I’m Loving This Valiant Comics Comeback

After years away from Valiant Comics, I gave All New Harbinger a chance — and I’m so glad I did. Here’s why Fred Van Lente’s writing and Stephen Tamayo’s art make this reboot fantastic. A must-read for fans of psiots, superhero team origins, and great comic storytelling.

I used to be a big fan of Valiant Comics — until I stopped reading comics altogether. After getting over that hiatus, I’ve been back to reading comics for a few years now.

But I wanted to try something different. I’d heard Valiant was shaking things up, and I remembered really liking Harbinger back in the day. So I gave All New Harbinger a go and read all 5 issues.

Oh my goodness — it’s fantastic!

Fred Van Lente’s writing is top-notch, and Stephen Tamayo’s art is simply brilliant. The pacing, the character work, the way psiots are handled — everything clicks.

I can’t wait for the next issue!

Highly recommended for anyone who loves Valiant Comics, superhero teams, or just great indie-style superhero storytelling.

Why I Was Wrong About Red Hulk (And Why You Should Read Benjamin Percy’s Run)

I used to hate General Ross as Red Hulk – but Benjamin Percy’s comic run changed my mind. Read why this grey, gripping series deserves your attention.

I never thought I’d like Red Hulk.

I’ll admit it: for the longest time, I couldn’t stand General Thaddeus Ross. In my mind, he was always just an obnoxious, one‑dimensional antagonist. And the idea of a Red Hulk? Why Ross? Why even go there?

But surprisingly, I’m now absolutely loving the Red Hulk comic book series – and it’s all thanks to Benjamin Percy.

Why Benjamin Percy Makes Red Hulk Work

I’ve been a fan of everything Percy has done at Marvel, and he’s done it again. He took over the character and is crafting an AMAZING comic. So much so that I’m starting to genuinely admire the way Ross thinks and fights.

His survival instinct is incredibly strong. He plans ahead with a level of strategy that considers every possible advantage.

He’s formidable. Percy brings us yet another fascinating comic – one filled with layers of moral grey, not the usual black‑and‑white hero/villain dynamic.

A Gripping Story with Unexpected Allies

I’m a bit late jumping into this series, but I’m planning to catch up and read every single issue. It’s so gripping watching Ross form an unlikely alliance with two other favorite heroes of mine – Machine Man and Deathlok – first as prisoners of Doctor Doom, and then as fugitives trying to survive harsh, brutal conditions.

Red Hulk, Machine Man and Deathlok as fugitives in Benjamin Percy's Red Hulk comic — Red Hulk #3

Should You Read Red Hulk by Benjamin Percy?

Yes. If you’re looking for a smart, gritty, and surprising comic run, I highly suggest you read it.

Read it!

What’s your take on Red Hulk? Love him or hate him? Drop a comment below!

Doctor Strange Fan Art – A 60s Style Tribute

A fan art tribute to Doctor Strange, inspired by his classic 1960s look. Pencil sketch, ink, and Procreate colours. Plus a quick summary of why Stephen Strange is one of my favourite Marvel characters.

I’m a big fan of Doctor Strange’s comic books.

Let me give you a quick summary of who he is.

Doctor Strange’s real name is Stephen Vincent Strange. He was a successful surgeon — but a car crash damaged his hands and ended his career as a medical doctor. He later became the Sorcerer Supreme after seeking a way to heal his hands.

Although he never managed to heal his hands, he is one of the strongest magicians in comics and one of my favourite Marvel characters.

Doctor Strange Fan Art

So I did a Doctor Strange fan art, following the style of how he looked in the 1960s.

It’s a pencil sketch, inked on paper and then scanned and coloured with digital tools in Procreate.

I referenced legendary Steve Ditko’s art of who I am a big fan off.

Which character should I draw next? The one who gets the most mentions wins!

Northstar

Currently I’m focusing on doing a lot of fan art so I can learn and improve my drawing skills with Procreate, it’s an amazing drawing app.

One of the fan art that I’m working on is Alpha Flights Northstar.

I really liked Northstar in X-Factor but annoyed me immensely when I first read his stories in the early Alpha Flight issues, a bit arrogant.