ComicBase Splash Loader: Young Witch's Summoning Circle

Another variant splash loading page for the new ComicBase 2026 that features a young witch with her bubbling cauldron and a group of summoned creatures.   Image was inspired by a Mike Hoffman sketch.

[Workflow: Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create the base look. Affinity Photo to finish the moon, forest, magic wand+hat, fog, add moon, etc. Topaz Gigapixel to upscale some flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

inspiration sketch by Hoffman

The Wizard of Oz #4 - Pulp Fiction Comics Exclusive Variant Cover

I've created an imaginary variant comic book cover for IDW Publishing this time. Inspired by the original 1957 Classics Illustrated Junior #535 - The Wizard of Oz, painted by Dik Browne.

[Workflow: Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) prompts for base pieces. Affinity Photo collaged components, logo, issue headers, designed the barcode, layering FX, sunflare, and shadows, and inserted creator credits. Additionally, I used Topaz Gigapixel to upscale various elements of the image flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

final trade dressed cover art for IDW 

virgin cover art

working photo layers

new Oz logo

Dik Browne's 1957 Oz cover

initial sketch

color testing sketch

new modern CIJ logo

ComicBase Splash Loader Screen: DieMund's Deadly Book Exchange

Another variant splash loading page for the new ComicBase 2026 that features a young boy named Peter running away from a creepy comic book thief!   I then created a behind-the-scenes (BTS) and VHS tape image to go with it.

[Workflow: Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create the base look. Affinity Photo to finish the store logo, background elements, fog, add moon, lamp+glow, etc. Topaz Gigapixel to upscale some flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

ComicBase Splash Loader Screen: Stranger Things Halloween Comic Book Store

I created another variant splash loading page for the new ComicBase 2026 that features two young kids dressed up for Halloween.

[Workflow: Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create the base look. I then imported it into Affinity Photo to finish the store logo, added an octo-creature, fixed other background elements, and I also used Topaz Gigapixel to upscale some flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

trade dressed image as seen in CB2026

uncropped original virgin image

splasher loader as seen during ComicBase startup

Peanuts Homage - Charlie Brown in 3D Reading a Comic Book

Charlie Brown in 3D was created while in a Slack discussion forum with Robbie Weinberg.

[Workflow: I fed Peanuts sample art into Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create a 3D version. I then imported it into Affinity Photo to clean up a few issues found while creating the background elements (poster, toys, etc), and I also used Topaz Gigapixel to upscale some elements of the image flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

trade dressed image (currently unused in CB2026)

ComicBase Splash Loader Screen: Metropolis Robot Girl with Romance Comic

Created another variant splash loading page for the new ComicBase 2026 that features the Metropolis robot girl (Maria aka Maschinenmensch) with a romance comic book.  This splash loader is currently unused.

[Workflow: Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create the base look. I then imported it into Affinity Photo, finalized background elements (books, poster, sky, etc), and I also used Topaz Gigapixel to upscale some flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

trade dressed image (currently unused in CB2026)

uncropped original virgin image

ComicBase Splash Loader Screen: Mystery Comic Store

I created a variant splash loading page for the new ComicBase 2026 that features a young Pete Bickford standing outside his local comic book store.  The art credit for the program is attached below.

[Workflow: Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create the base look. I then imported it into Affinity Photo to clean up a few issues found while creating the background elements (books, poster, sky, etc), and I also used Topaz Gigapixel to upscale some flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

trade dressed image as seen in CB2026

uncropped original virgin image

Justice League #41 - ComicBase Exclusive 'JL#1 Maguire Homage' Cover by TrUzApalOOza

I've created another imaginary DC Comics variant comic book cover.  Inspired by the original Kevin Maguire/Terry Austin artwork from 1987's Justice League no.1 comic book art.   

[Workflow: I sourced images from various DC comic book covers and fed them into Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (Nano Banana) to create multiple base pieces. I then imported these into Affinity Photo, where I began collaging various components. I then finalized the "versus Toyman" logo, adjusted the layout of the blank sketch cover, designed the barcode, and inserted patriotic-hued creator credits. Additionally, I used Topaz Gigapixel to upscale various elements of the image flow as needed.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

The Jar of Dragon's Flames, Part 1: "The Thief of Flames"

[another imagined John Constantine comic book cover for DC Comics. This two-part storyline is proposed to be written by Brian Azzarello with interior art by Goran Sudzuka and variant covers by TrUzApalOOza.]

Title: The Jar of Dragon's Flames

Starring: John Constantine (The Trenchcoat Magician)

Publisher: DC Comics

Synopsis: When a mysterious jar containing the flames of a dragon is stolen from a secret society, John Constantine is hired to retrieve it. But as he delves deeper into the world of black magic and ancient curses, he discovers that the jar's true power is not just its ability to unleash fiery destruction, but also its capacity to manipulate the very fabric of reality.

• Part 1: "The Thief of Flames"

John Constantine is hired by a mysterious client to steal a jar containing the flames of a dragon from a secret society. But as he infiltrates the society's headquarters, he realizes that the jar is more than just a simple container - it's a key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. As Constantine navigates the treacherous world of black magic, he must confront his own demons and make a choice between his own morality and the temptation of ultimate power.

• Part 2: "The Blaze of Reality"

Constantine's quest for the jar has awakened a powerful force that threatens to destroy the very fabric of reality. As the flames of the dragon begin to spread, Constantine must use all his magical prowess to contain the blaze and prevent a catastrophic outcome. But as the stakes grow higher, Constantine begins to realize that the jar's true power is not just its ability to unleash destruction, but also its capacity to manipulate the very fabric of reality. Can Constantine find a way to stop the flames and restore balance to the universe, or will he succumb to the temptation of ultimate power?

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Adventure

Target Audience: Mature Readers (16+)

Page Count: 32 pages (2-part storyline)

Format: Full-color, 6.625 x 10.25 inches (standard comic book size)

[Workflow: Starter images of the dragon, John, and background creatures in Tengr AI. Combined images together, added more light reflections, flames, sparks, and demon skulls within Affinity Photo.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

John Enters the Citadel of GazeBrax

[another imagined John Constantine comic book cover for DC Comics. This three-part storyline is proposed to be written by Denise Mina, with interior art by Stefano Landini.]

As John Constantine descended into the lower levels of Hell, the air grew thick with the stench of brimstone and the screams of the damned. The sky above was a deep brackish red, with wispy vapor clouds drifting lazily across the horizon like ghostly apparitions. The moon, a burning crimson orb, hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the desolate landscape.

Before him, a massive, purple bulbous creature emerged from the shadows. Its body was covered in thick, scaly skin, and its eyes - a staggering thirteen total appeared to take in the scene from every angle. The creature's short, horn-like protrusions seemed to quiver with malevolent intent as it regarded Constantine with a cold, calculating gaze.

The air was heavy with the scent of sulfur and smoke, and the ground beneath Constantine's feet seemed to writhe and twist like a living thing. The creature's very presence seemed to draw the life force out of the air, leaving only a dull, oppressive weight that pressed down upon Constantine's shoulders.

"You shouldn't be here, Constantine," the creature hissed while spitting green saliva in a voice that sent shivers down Constantine's spine. "This is not a place for mortals." Constantine snarled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm not just any mortal, pal. I'm John Constantine, and I've got a few tricks up my sleeve." With a flick of his wrist, Constantine summoned Randar's Defensive Globe, a powerful spell that would protect him from the creature's attack. The air around him shimmered with a faint verdant illumination as the spell took hold, and Constantine felt an increased surge of confidence.

[Workflow: Starter images of the beast, smaller creatures in the foreground, background town, John Constantine, and Randar's Globe were created in NightCafe. The painting canvas texture, drool, and moon were sourced from the internet. The images were then combined together, with a batch of AI-artifact fixes to the beast made by hand (eyes, claws). Fx layers were used for JC's spellcasting. Heavy use was made of IamRensi custom brushes for masking, clouds, and magic aura on the globe.]

Superman Holds Up a Collapsing Building

I created an homage cover based on Pablo M. Collar's original interior panel artwork.   I began with Tengr to kick things off, sourcing art from My Adventures with Superman #1 (August 2024).  I then expanded the image vertically and added more destructive details by hand, blending in other layers for special effects like dust clouds and falling debris. Finally, I created a variant cover layout to complete the production look and feel of an actual Superman Unchained #6 comic book.