Dan Provost (1965-2025)

 

Yesterday was the memorial service for a friend that I have known since high school. It was tough. I'm glad that there were many people there, though. And there were many stories and conversations with some that I hadn't seen in a while. I suppose that is how these things go. But, I was appreciative of all that.

I've always thought that Dan and I had an interesting friendship timeline. Met in a 10th grade drawing class. I'm almost certain that he thought me annoying (somehow this makes me smile) and what made me somewhat tolerable in his eyes was our mutual interest in all things Heavy Metal Magazine; Möebius, Druillet, Caza, etc. I think that he was surprised that I knew just who those guys were. Heck, outside of a few closer classmates, I didn't know anyone else who knew who they were. That and similar pop culture interests, a small group of us clicked together. We had similar skill sets as artists, similar interests in movies, music and such. Art classes were definitely interesting and I was beginning to find my people.

After high school, that same group spent our summers at a friend's cottage, swimming canoeing (getting pulled over in a canoe...), bbq-ing, etc. When that faded away for awhile, we began playing paintball in the woods at various places. Surprisingly and maybe not so surprisingly, Dan joined us. Needless to say, fun was had. We did that for a few years. Then we lost contact with one another for about ten years, or so.

When I quit my day job to become a freelance illustrator and started to do the comic con circuit I met a few people that cosplayed in the 501st, the Star Wars aficionados. There was Dan dressed as a tie fighter pilot. So, back in the fold. We would see each other quite a bit after that.

Below is a contour (not a blind one!) drawing that I did of Dan in that before mentioned drawing class.

Years ago, I was thinking up an idea for a comic and wanted to challenge myself with that. So, my idea was, could I create a story with characters based on people that I know or knew then involving place that I've been. And I do have a character in my comic Second Star based on Dan. Some of the characters are similar in looks to the actual people, some are based on personalities, but Dan's came out a little different. For some reason, I made him short. I have no idea as to why I did this. The character's name? Deepo Prost and you can see him at the top of this post. Why Deepo Post, you might ask. Well, I mentioned Moebius earlier and Deepo was the name of the pterodactyl type bird in The Incal by Moebius. And Prost is just a redaction, or reduction of Dan's last name. Deepo's hat is from Moebius, as well. The outfit that Deepo is wearing is based on a character from the animated Star Wars series, The Clone Wars, Tan Divo. I don't know if anyone else saw Dan in Divo, but I sure did. He somewhat looks like him, sounds like him and the mannerisms were all there.My first thoughts upon seeing that episode, were that of 'do they know Dan?!!' I sure hope that someone else agrees with that! The orange shoes? Again, no idea. Sometimes, I just do things just to see what sticks. 

Here's a couple of panels from issue #2 of Second Star...

I'm currently working on issue #3 and Deepo will be there, as well.

RIP, Dan. Unique, funny and smart.

Zombuggeez™ Corvette Commission

 

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ink on bristol board

I was commissioned to do this Zombuggeez™ Corvette at the Cherry Capital Comic Con, but wanted to do a more complete job, so the client was ok with me mailing it out to him. I did just that last week. 

These are always fun to do. 

D Day Sketch

 

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graphite in sketchbook

We used to be anti-fascist. Maybe we will find that aspect again.

SpaceX or Bust?

 

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ink on bristol board

Or bust? Well...

What have we had? Three crashes in five months? And each time, it is said that 'this is great. A learning curve. This is how we grow.' Hell, they should have 'learned' so much by now that there should be human footprints on Mars. This is what happens when things are privatized. Hell, at least Nasa's tragedies were years apart and they actually did learn from those mistakes. 

Golden Era, indeed.

So, this spot illustration will be part of a book of limericks that I'm slowly developing. My comic and the re-imagining of Legends of Le Detroit (art and maps, stories remains as written) are of the front burner, as of now. But, I am chipping away at it.

Workplace Cartoons, Part 6

 

My latest Substack is up and has more cartoon sketches from my time making stained glass windows in Detroit. Click here to amuse yourself.

Belleville Drink N Draw May 2025

 

Joy

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colored pencil in sketchbook

sketches for a Zombuggeez commission

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colored pencil in sketchbook

This past Tuesday was the Belleville Drink N Draw at Egan's Pub in, as always, Belleville. It was a small group this time, but always fun. Sketching, gabbing, eating and some drinking. 

C4 and What Sleestak?

 

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ink on bristol board

(click on image to make big-like)

SOLD

This weekend, I will be making my almost yearly trek north to the Traverse City area (Acme) for the Cherry Capital Comic Con. I will have all the usual stuff, including some new items, as well. Such as some Creature From the Black Lagoon jigsaw puzzles, some new drawings, including the above sleestak. It's a parody of a Sports Illustrated cover from 1990, I think, but instead of Bill Laimbeer complaining about fouls, he is instead, a sleestak, in which he played one in the 1970's television series, Land of the Lost. This will be available in my 'original drawings' tray. 

So, come one, come all to one of Michigan's finer comic conventions. They have a rather good line-up this year, so stop on by and get your nerd on! I'll be in Artists Alley all weekend, starting Friday night. 

Drop Dead Sketchy May 2025

 

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colored pencil in sketchbook

Last night, we had our second meet-up for the Drop Dead Sketchy sketch group at the Detroit Shipping Company. It was a rainy night, perfect for sketching and enjoying the company of fellow artists. It was a slightly different crowd from the first one, but a good one. I do like that about these sketch groups... one never knows who will show up. Above is a sketch that I did of our founder and organizer, Kelly!

A view out of the front window proof of the said rain!

                                        A snapshot of a few of the attendees having a good time.

2025 Appearances Updated

 

My latest Substack is up and updates my remaining shows for the year, so far. Click Here to read.

The Saint Artist Proof Sketch Cards

 

click on image to make big-like

As some of you may know, I have a bunch of blank Artist Proof sketch cards that I have from doing various sets throughout the years. So, from time to time, I'm going through and finishing them. Today's featured cards are from the 2017 set, The Saint, released by Unstoppable Cards. I had three AP's, so here they are. Links are below, if interested:

Simon Templar 1    Simon Templar 2    Simon Templar and Adrienne Halberd 

Kidney Stone!

 

So, this past Monday night was a bout with the dreaded kidney stone(s). Hopefully, it's just one! I'm pretty much out of the woods on this one, but I thought about the cartoon that I did way back when I had my second go with this crap (shown above). That one was bad; it took two weeks to pass three rocks. Delightful. 

Second Star #3 Preview

 

My latest Substack has a sneak peek at issue #3 of my comic book, Second Star, which is currently being lettered and then colored. I also go over what the comic is about, in general and a review of the previous two issues. So, click here to be most informed.

Drop Dead Sketchy April 2025

 Last night was the first sketch night for the Drop Dead Sketchy group held at the Detroit Shipping Company. There was a good turnout and all had a good time.

My first attempt at the sketching stuff was working out some designs for some book illustrations involving children and bugs. Then, an attempt at capturing some fellow arteests, Jay Fosgitt and Jim Anderson.

And an awful attempt some guy named Steve. 

Above, a pic from after we moved to a different area with better lighting. With Steve, jay and Jim, who is judging my sketchbook...

This was a good venue for our event to be held... A variety of food, a bar, plenty of seating and art all over.

Kellog Rooster?

 So, last weekend, I had this dream, where I was at a meeting with my pal John, with whom I will be doing a book with. Said meeting was about said book. We were brainstorming. I had a couple of ideas, One was to do those medieval type drawings of the first letter of a paragraph. Initials, I believe they are called. I drew one up the other day, but my colors from the second sketch bled through my thought to be thick enough sketchbook page. Pshaw. Anyways here is an example. My drawing was the letter B, btw.

The second idea that I had and for what reason remains a mystery to me, but it was of the Kellog rooster that is found on boxes of corn flakes. My sketch was a bit more detailed, but the colors were all there and I guess maybe I thought it was a good idea because the book is about Michigan folklore and such and Kellog's is in Michigan...

I cannot express enough that this drawing will not, I repeat, will not be in our book. Bur here it is anyways. Complete with ghost eye.

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ink and marker in sketchbook

Maybe we could adopt him as our mascot, or something. Or have a bowl of corn flakes. Or something. 

Like I said earlier... from a dream.

Pure Michigan

 

A few weeks ago, we were driving up I-75 to Frankenmuth and I saw a sign that said 'Keep Michigan Beautiful.' And there along the embankments was a ton of trash. I mean, a lot. I changed the sign to the more popular one, but the sarcasm remains. I will never understand how or why people accept living in filth. But, then again, there's a lot about people that I have never understood...

Detroit Comic Book and Toy Show

 

poster/flyer by Martin Hirchak

This Saturday, I will be set up at the Detroit Comic Book and Toy Show, which will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI. The show will run from 10 to 6.

I will have all my usual paraphernalia, including more original art and this time I will be debuting a new product. Jigsaw puzzles! I have taken my drawing of the Creature From the Black Lagoon, title Kin and mad it into a puzzle. 

The puzzle has 500 wooden pieces and the overall size when complete will be 15x20. It's a tough one to put together, as there are large areas of black, but I think that that will lend to the challenge. I'm still putting together my copy.

As you can see, inside the box there will be another image of what the puzzle will look like. 

Resist!

 

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from sketchbook

Penguin resistance is still a thing, right? Hell yeah, it is. Whatever it takes.

Workplace Cartoons, Part Five

 

Once agian, there is another installment of Workplace Cartoons up on my Substack. Yeah, yeah, there are a lot of them. I may shake things up for my next post and profile the next issue of my comic book, Second Star, in which I am now lettering. That'll shake things up. 

If you wish to read/view some of my stupid past sketches and toons, click here. I warned you, they are stupid. But, we had fun.

The Department Of Defense?

 

Right after the 'election' and up to the 'inauguration,' I was asked more than a few times when I would be starting on Sh!tshow 2, and to be honest, that question drained me. I just couldn't imagine spending all that time, yet again, drawing such shitty people. But, since then, my defiance is re-emerging, and have thought of an idea for another book. One where I wouldn't have to draw the shitty people dominating our landscape. Instead, I'm going to focus on their incompetence and those who suffered from their incompetence and cruelty. It will be a book of limericks and each limerick will have a spot drawing to go along with it. 

Here's one about a recent act of stupidity that you may have heard of.

Belleville Drink N Draw March 2025

 

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colored pencil n sketchbook

So, last night was our 2nd meet-up for the Belleville Drink N Draw at Egan's Pub, which is, in fact, in Belleville. A slightly smaller crowd this time, but entertaining, nonetheless. I worked on a few things, including this here sketch of fellow arteest, Nate. Sketchin', good conversation, grub, a few drinks, made for a good night.

Edgar Allan Poe - SOLD!

 

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watercolor on watercolor paper

Just a bit of shameless self-promotion here, but at Saturday's Meet The Artists event at the River's Edge Gallery, I found that my portrait of Edgar Allan poe has sold. 

I'm not sure how long the current art will be up, but you can see more of my watercolors if you hurry.

I just love seeing that red sticker!

Warren Elks Comic Book Show 2025, Part Two

 

Poster by Martin Hirchak

This Sunday, March 16th (from 10-4), I'll be the featured artist at the Warren Elks Comic Show. These shows focus on comic dealers and some toy vendors, but do bring in a couple of artists for each show. I'm not sure if there will be a second, or even third artist, but make sure to stop on by if comics are your thing. There's usually a pretty good attendance and plenty of comics to peruse.

I'll be bringing the usual stuff; comic books, art books, AP sketch cards, prints, stickers, original art, etc. I'll be bringing some larger paintings that I have done over the years, as well.

The Warren Elks Lodge 

25950 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI

Workplace Cartoons, Part Four

 

In continuing with the floral delivery part from the Workplace Cartoon series that I have been posting on Substack, here's more from a strip that I was doing then, called Wade's World. 

 Click here to get there.  

A Pot-ted Mantis?

 

 I debated whether or not to show this, because the client stiffed me on payment, but as far as I know, never used it as meant for. Said client never received a high-res file, so at least that cut down his chances of doing so. I did this a couple of years ago for an old high school classmate who was starting a business focused on the ganja. I even debated doing this for him for various reasons, but I liked his idea of an inebriated praying mantis and decided to have fun with it. He wanted some individuals enjoying his product, so I included three people who we went to high school with who were known imbibers at the time. I never told the client who they were modeled after and he never asked. I think that the fix was on at that point. But, said client passed away and that was that. 

So, if any pot businesses out there need a logo/mascot, you know where to find me. 

Workplace Cartoons, Part Three

 

The next installment of Workplace Cartoons is up on my Substack. Check out Part Three for more floral delivery hilarity. 

Belleville Drink N Draw

 

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colored pencil in sketchbook

Last night I was invited to a Drink N Draw night at Egan's Pub in Belleville. A fun time was had by all and up above is the one and only sketch that I did (gabbing, eating, drinking, gabbing, etc). Todd made for a good subject, so I did my best to be quick about it.

Great Lakes Comic Con Wrap Up

 

This past weekend was the Great Lakes Comic Con and this one was truly one of the best cons that I have had in some time. Catching up with my fellow artists, (some with whom I haven't seen in a while), all the people who came by to talk and great sales, to boot. One of my table mates, Jason Westlake had to put up with me all weekend, but I think we had a good time. At least I did! 

It was also a bittersweet weekend, in that show promoter Mike DeSantis passed away just a few short weeks ago. I talked with quite a few people who knew Mike (including his wife) better than I did and enjoyed the stories about him. He seemed like a heck of a nice guy who was passionate about comics and comic cons. I hope that this weekend was a huge success in all ways possible for the DeSantis family.

Above are some of the sketches that I did inside some books that I sold. There were more, but I neglected to take pics of the others.

Great Lakes Comic Con and Leonardo

 

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ink on bristol board

I'm all set up here at the Great Lakes Comic Con. Festivities start at 5 and go to 9 tonight. 

Keven Eastman of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fame will be here this weekend, so I did up a drawing of Leonardo. If you are nice, I'll let you buy it and have him sign it for you. But, you have to be nice.

The Great Lakes Comic Con 2025

 

This weekend, starting on Friday evening, I will be set up in the Artist Alley section. I will have all the usual, books, prints, sketch cards, original art, etc, so stop on by and say hello.