The "Road to Marvel" Comes to an End - Destination Reached?

In early spring of 2010, I created the "Road to Marvel Project" as a response to my initial conversations with Talent Development at Marvel Comics and as a medium to reach the most important comic critics of all, the fans!  What better venue than C2E2 2010 to unveil the "The Road to Marvel" project to fans. I developed 3 comic cover concepts showcasing some of the most classic Marvel characters including: Spiderman, Wolverine, the Hulk , & Captain America, in which I asked you, the fans, to act as art director to help me decide which cover shot to complete.  Once finished, I would submit the winning shot the Talent Development Coordinator at Marvel Comics and with any luck, be one step closer seeing an original Ashton Gallagher cover!

Hands down, my Captain America sketch collected 51% of votes and was clearly the fan favorite! The final went into production shortly thereafter utilizing multiple models and authentic props. 

As promised and upon completion, I did submit my final version of Captain America to the Talent Coordinator at Marvel Comics, who for professional reasons will NOT be mentioned by name.  Here was the response I received:

"I do think overall the piece feel a bit dark and muted. Cap needs to be a bit brighter and stand out more as it feels like he's being carried along instead of leading the soldiers." - Talent Coordinator Marvel Comics

Though this was not the response I'd hoped, it is still a response that I respect and am thankful for having.  Art is always subject to the viewer - "nature of the beast."  And so the "Road To Marvel" project comes to an end.  For all who took the time to vote and speak their voice regarding these beloved characters - I thank you all very much.  Captain America was revealed to the masses for the first time at C2E2 - 2011 and to say the least, was nothing shy of popular!

Though we continue wait to see an Ashton Gallagher cover, it will happen. Now - back to the drawing board!