jonmcnallyblog

Impulse, 2007, graphite with digital color.

Project Rooftop declared this Wieringo Week, in honor of well-loved artist Mike Wieringo, who died on August 12. Mike and famed scribe Mark Waid co-created the DC Comics character Impulse, otherwise known as Bart Allen, a member of the Flash family.

Above is my would-be Wieringo Week entry (would-be because I drew it a few days after the deadline). My drawing was inspired in part by Dean Trippe's swift design.

To me, the pseudonym Impulse immediately implies a need for protective gear. True, it might also imply a person who wouldn't wear protective gear.

"Nah, I don'need protective gear! I got mad reflexes!"

Yeah, Bart, you need it and, as the ar-teest, I'm gonna make you wear it. Trust me, it looks cool! Besides, the elbow and knee pads create mild interest in an otherwise non-descript body glove.

I did consider some white lightning bolts on his shoulders, maybe like Crime Syndicate member Johnny Quick. Three points to halt that consideration:

1. Such details would look muddled on Bart's body.
2. For the sake of repeated drawing, I want minimal detail.
3. The helmet bolts sufficiently communicate lightning speed.

Ah, the helmet! Obviously, the anchor of the costume is the Jay Garrick-style headgear. Somehow I think the helmet makes Bart look particularly impish. I wondered if the two sets of bolts on the helmet might be too much. Still, the red set balances the lack of detail on the body (and Buck Rogers long ago convinced me red lightning bolts on yer helmet're a-okay).

UPDATE: As stated above, I didn't expect my design to considered an official entry, given its submission date. I'm tickled to be wrong! Thanks to Dean and company for the inclusion.

Impulse created by Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo. Impulse, the distinctive likeness thereof, and related elements are trademarks of DC Comics.