Meet the Artist: Mervson

Hey There, Comic Book Fanatics! It's Mervson!

Ever since I was a kid doodling in first grade (thanks, Ms. Herring for noticing!), I've been obsessed with art. Comic books were my jam, especially the old-school stuff – the Golden Age with its classic artwork and those bold, unforgettable characters. That's what got me hooked.

Fast forward to today, and I'm still creating! My art is heavily influenced by artists like George Perez and John Byrne. I love clean character design, where you don't need a ton of detail to tell a story. Simple colors and strong shapes can pack a punch, you know?

My Creative Spark

Ideas hit me like lightning (pun intended – you'll see why in a minute). It could be anything – a funny situation, something interesting I see around me, or even a character that already exists. I'm a big believer in letting your imagination run wild, and audiobooks (especially the fantastical, family-friendly ones) are a great way to fuel that fire.

It's All About the Journey (Not Just the Destination)

Here's the thing: I don't get hung up on perfection. Rough drafts are my friends! Whether it's sketching or writing, that initial stage is all about capturing your ideas. Artist Jake Parker (creator of Inktober) said something that really stuck with me: "Finished, not perfect." That's my motto. Finishing a piece lets you move on to the next one, building on what you learned and taking your skills to the next level.

From Art to Awesome Merch

Speaking of taking things to the next level, I'm super excited to be launching my own line of merchandise! It all started with a simple idea – a t-shirt design for the 2024 eclipse (because, hey, space is awesome!). Now, I'm focusing on those public-domain superhero characters I loved as a kid. Remember those cool collectible cups? I'm taking those classic heroes and putting them on all sorts of stuff – mugs, t-shirts, the works!

What Makes My Stuff Different?

Well, for starters, it's all my original artwork. But more than that, I create designs that I would want to own. Stuff that a true comic book fan would geek out over. Plus, I'm planning some way-cool stuff beyond just slapping a character image on a shirt. Think character-inspired symbols and design patterns. Imagine a lightning bolt design for a superhero with electric powers – pretty sweet, right?

What's your favorite classic comic book character and why?

My favorite classic comic book character is Captain Marvel, now known as Shazam. Honestly, I'm not sure why I like him so much. The early art from C.C. Beck was so approachable. It was simple yet dynamic. I like the imaginary world that developed with Captain Marvel. At any time, a character could appear, and it wouldn't matter whether the villain was a tiny caterpillar, an alligator, or someone who used the same magic word to get his powers. Billy Batson was just a good boy, and he was sharing his power with his sister and friends, which just made him stronger.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The superpower I would like a lot would be flight. I'm not a fan of heights, but flying would be convenient. I wouldn't need a car, and probably wouldn't wear my shoes out so fast! That's the kind of stuff I think about. It's the only superpower I ever dream about, and in my dreams, it's just a matter of realizing you can fly. You don't have to try hard, you don't have to jump or run, you just have to realize, "Hey, I could have done this all along!"

What are you currently most excited about creating?

I'm excited about creating my artwork of these public domain characters for merchandise in my store. I'm excited about engaging with fan communities about these characters to get their excitement. I love learning about these forgotten heroes. They're an example of simpler times, not being so simple.

Where to Find My Epic Merch?

Head over to Mervson.com, that's my website! Right now, I'm selling exclusively through select platforms that I choose (no third-party stuff yet). And while I won't be at any conventions or doing in-person sales yet, stay tuned – that might change in the future!

So, that's me, Mervson! 

If you love comic book art, unique designs, and supporting independent artists, then you've come to the right place! Check out my website, and let's geek out together. But wait, there's more!

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Let's chat!

I'm always down to connect with fellow comic fans. Hit me up on social media (links on my website) and share your favorite classic characters, what superpowers you dream of, or anything else comic book-related!

I can't wait to hear from you and see what kind of epic comic book adventures await!