Well folks, here she is...
SNOWBIRD, my fifth Woman of Marvel, and final “secret” choice (since you all know about Spiderwoman, and she’ll accompany the final piece!).
Why Snowbird you ask? Especially since she is far from being one of Marvel’s heavy hitters or most popular heroines! The answer is very simple, really! SHE ROCKS!!!
As a kid, Alpha Flight was one of my favorite comic books, and Snowbird was my favorite character from the series. Her heritage and persona made her so much larger than life, and I always felt that John Byrne infused so much authentic Canadian realism into her and her teammates. The original Alpha Flight remains one of my all-time most adored comic series (well, up until John Byrne left the book, that is).
As for the lovely Snowbird, I never felt any other artist really managed to capture the grace and Goddess-ness that John Byrne imbued her with. By his hand she was gorgeous, incredibly strong, intelligent, cold yet gentle, and of course, exceptionally heroic!
So Snowbird may not have the high profile popularity that Storm or the Invisible Woman have, but she makes the list because she has been and always will be one of my favorite super heroines. She truly holds a special place in my heart.
For my rendition of her, I chose to focus on her stature rather than her beauty. To me Snowbird should be beautiful, but not in a “covergirl” kind of way. Her beauty is fierce and earthly. I’d like to think I captured a bit of that in this illustration.
As for her variant image, I chose to re-create the brilliant and classic cover to Alpha Flight #6, “Snowblind”. The background is a variation of something I whipped up for a Zahn illustration I did a few weeks back. I felt that with the right alterations, it would suit Snowbird nicely! It’s not at all in the same vein as the Byrne cover, but I am quite pleased with the end result. I hope you will enjoy it too!
On a personal note, I was also inspired by my Snowbird mini-bust. This gorgeous piece was sculpted by the very talented Jim Maddox and really captures her essence beautifully! I swore I would never get into mini-busts, being that action figures are an expensive enough addiction – but for certain heroines, I will gladly make an exception!
So stay toned folks, ‘cause my next posting will not only feature the complete image of Spiderwoman, but also the final Women of Marvel layout. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, gang!
All The Best,
Patrick ;o)
Snowbird © Copyright and TM 2007, Marvel Characters Inc. All rights reserved. Illustration by Patrick Fillion. Please do not repost without permission.
Well folks, here she is... SNOWBIRD, my fifth Woman of Marvel, and final “secret” choice (since you all know about Spiderwoman, and she’ll accompany the final piece!). 
Why Snowbird you ask? Especially since she is far from being one of Marvel’s heavy hitters or most popular heroines! The answer is very simple, really! SHE ROCKS!!!
For my rendition of her, I chose to focus on her stature rather than her beauty. To me Snowbird should be beautiful, but not in a “covergirl” kind of way. Her beauty is fierce and earthly. I’d like to think I captured a bit of that in this illustration. 
On a personal note, I was also inspired by my Snowbird mini-bust. This gorgeous piece was sculpted by the very talented Jim Maddox and really captures her essence beautifully! I swore I would never get into mini-busts, being that action figures are an expensive enough addiction – but for certain heroines, I will gladly make an exception! 
8 comments:
Wow now this I like, never heard of Snowbird as I've never read Alpha Flight but she looks like she kicks ass haha, and shes gorgeous, she makes me think of some 'alternate' resemblance to Black Canary perhaps? (Why do I get the sense that'll cause offence to someone somewhere?) There's a definite ethereal beauty to her which I really like. Creepy eyes - awesome. And what a figure.
The variant picture is perfect, totally takes your image to the next level.
Bust-figures generally freak me out a bit, I like my figures to have legs and not appear... mutilated haha.
Love,
Wabbit xx
P.s. Thanks so much for your kind words in your e-mail. You're the best! Glad you liked the pics! Now I've finished my course I've got some time to brush up a bit on my drawing so if I do summat good you'll hear about it!! I must have some talent - I got the highest mark possible at college!! *feeling slightly brilliant*
Hello Wabbit... SOOO good to hear from you, my friend! I'm thrilled you liked Snowbird, even if she is a relatively new character to you. It's nice that you could appreciate her for the image as well as the character! :o)
My friend, CONGRATS on your marks at college! you should feel brilliant -- you've certainly worked hard enough and earned your grade! :o) I hope you have a celebration planned! LOL!
As for my email, you are totally welcome! I meant every word! I look forward to seeing what you will draw up next! Keep those creative juices flowing! ;oD
Much love and thanks!
Patrick XOXOX
Ok so I have read before that you are a fan of Alpha Flight.
Which is why I guessed Aurora.
But dammit I totally would of picked Snowbird as my next guess.
At least out of Alpha Flight.
:(
So close.
I cannot wait for a Series II, Women of Marvel. :D
Judas.
Hiya Judas...
Hope you had a great weekend! Don't feel bad at all for not guessing Snowbird -- I was TOTALLY impressed you guessed Aurora! Of everyone here, you came the closest to picking out the last mystery woman! I sooooo wanted to tell you how close you were, but that might have ruined the surprise! LOL!
Glad you enjoyed Snowbird! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cheers my friend!
Patrick :oD
PS -- At this rate, there may very well be a Women of Marvel #2 at some point! ;) There are just so many other pretty ladies to choose from!
Hmmm.
One other thing. I felt I should comment on what an amazing artist you are.
So I think you are an amazing artist. :D
I only recently got into comics. In January this year actually with Young Avengers and Astonishing X-Men. Because I love Joss Whedon.
But anyway so I have been expanding my knowledge of Marvel.
And think if I were to draw a Women of Marvel series and considering I have not learnt how to draw that could be difficult.
My 6 Women at the moment might be...
Mystique.
She-Hulk.
Emma Frost.
Jessica Drew.
Scarlet Witch.
And Rogue I think.
Judas.
P.S. Yes I did have a good weekend thank you. lol Can you say random?
I hope you had a good weekend as well. :)
Wow.
That was an awesome Snowbird. A couple of weeks ago I finally managed to buy the entirety of Byrne's run on Alpha Flight, and I've just got to the "Snowblind" issue while reading the series (I've read it before, but I was much younger).
I *love* the recreation of the cover you did with your drawing, great work there, man.
Best,
J.
Good morning my friends...
Thanks so much for your comments, and for your patience in awaiting my response! Been a busy past few weeks over here with work, and family dropping in! Things are now returning to normal though, and I can finally sit down and catch up on my Blogging! LOL!
Hey Judas... Glad you enjoyed Snowbird. My drawing of her aside, the character has a tendency to make an impression. She is quite striking. Thank you also for your wonderful, kind words! I appreciated it a lot. It’s nice to hear that sort of thing once in a while – kinda helps boost your confidence levels a bit! LOL!!! Meanwhile, I like your choice for your version of the Women of Marvel. If you do decide to try your hand at drawing, I’d love to see the result! All the best, my friend! ;)
Hey James... So great of you to stop by and comment on my little Snowbird. I am really pleased you liked her and the recreation of the Snowblind cover. I really appreciated the compliments! :o) Good for you for tracking down all the John Byrne Alpha Flight stuff – it truly is the best part of the whole series. After he left, the book (and subsequent incarnations of the title) never felt quite the same again. Ah well – we’ll always have the original Byrne stuff at least! LOL! Take care, and thanks again for stopping by! Feel free to drop in anytime! :o)
Cheers guys!
Patrick XOXO
I am a Snowbird FANATIC, and I just wanted to say that I love your interpretation of my all-time favorite character! Your artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm so glad that there is someone else who appreciates Snowbird as much as I do! I have both the Diamond Select and Bowen Snowbird busts myself. Thank you for your beautiful work here. It really made my day to see it!
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