Dan Schoening's TMNT Shell Shock

Dapper Dan

 

Here's my piece for the Shell Shock Show! It's an honor to be shown with so many awesome artists! Cheers!

[AS Exclusive] Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts: Interview w/ "Dapper" Dan Schoening

His style is among the most recognizable in the online illustration community today, especially when it comes to depicting a quartet of ghost-busting bad-*sses and their supporting cast of ghouls, spooks, and fiends. His name is Dan Schoening or, as you might better know him online, Dapper Dan and he's got his sights set on this particular fanboy's dream assignment.

As is turns out, Schoening's love of nostalgia extends much further than GB. In fact, he's also pretty keen on Dragon's Lair, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Great American Hero. Along with AS member, Christine Larsen, his work was recently featured in Ape Entertainment's Kung Fu Panda: The Art of Balance and he's just signed on with IDW for an ongoing Ghostbusters comic book gig. Without further ado, let's get this very first AS Exclusive Interview started!

Can you tell us about Dragon's Lair-- specifically what role it played in your decision to became an illustrator?

I think with Dragon's Lair, and most of Don Bluth's early work, I found the character designs very engaging and expressive, from the Giddy Goons to Singe. Dirk the Daring never speaks, but the acting says it all. It's really a great example of letting the actions speak louder than words. I think even now I can see little bits of that style (Bluth Animation) in mine.

Have you begun to pass any of this love for cartoons and comics onto your daughter?

YES! I think it's only natural to share what you love with the ones you love. She loves to color, and is way above and beyond where I was at 6.

Greeting from Dapper Dan

Here are some DC Comic character designs inspired by Mary Blair and Tom Bancroft
I have also started up a new Blog! The blog showcases sketches that I'm doing in my moleskine sketch book. Feel free to swing by and leave some thoughts or suggestions! Cheers, Dapper