Another Marvel Comics property; another challenge to do a picture without using the actual character. This one was especially difficult because Tony already played with the idea of Erik versus a 'spider man' back in the 2002 gallery and I paid homage to the first movie's poster with a pin-up the same year. And I wasn't so desperate to go down the sleazy route by doing an illustration of Erik kissing Kari upside down in the rain (as it turned out, I was saving that for "Spider-Man 3"). The only idea left in our collective brainstorming was ripping-off another well-known comic book cover, which truth be told, wasn't something I was keen about doing in the first place. But then, I really didn't have much else to go on. So, given Spidey's first appearance was in "Amazing Fantasy # 15" (done by the legendary Steve Ditko but the cover was illustrated by Jack "The King" Kirby), I knew if there was going to be an issue to homage, that would be the one to base it on. Even then I wasn't getting excited... until I really began fooling around with the title.
As soon as I spoke out loud "Amazing Fontasy" driving on my way to work, the image of the late Ricardo Montalban raising his glass to those looking for their dreams and hopes to be fulfilled shot in my mind and. I'm ashamed to admit, I started to geek out. Right there behind the wheel I went into a mad laughing fit. It was the stupidest idea yet... but it was also so perfect. If I didn't need the money, I'd have drove right back home and worked on this picture because those two words set up the entire layout for me.
Speaking of cars, I really want to own a vehicle in the future with upholstery made of soft Corinthian leather. Montalban clearly stated it was a standard feature in the Chrysler Cordoba and I'm sure Mr. Roarke would never make up such a thing. - Jake