I learn something new everyday. And thanks to Gary I learned there was a "Pete Best" of the Josie and the Pussycats. Seems that Pepper was part of the Josie cast before Josie became a rock star. But when the band was formed, in came Valerie and out went Pepper. But if things had been different... it might look like today's post. Pepper was commissioned by Gary. Thanks again Gary!
This is ink on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.
6 comments:
Before there were Pussycats, there was "She's Josie," waaaay back when...
No Valerie, no Alan, no rock band. There was Josie, Melody (of course!) and Alex Cabot III (back then, he was a rich handsome suitor for Josie). Josie's best friend was brainy, cynical Pepper, along with clutzy boyfriend Albert. Alex's sister, Alexandra, came about ten issues into the series, troublemaker as she is. Typical teen humor, not really going anywhere...
Suddenly Josie picks up a guitar, Valerie moves into the neighborhood, they form a group along with Melody, and ta-da!!! The Pussycats are born! Pepper, along with Albert mysteriously disappear...
Alan comes aboard as the group's stage manager and the rest, as they say, is history.
Great work as always, Mr. Gonzales!
Pepper looks sweet.
I have always been a fan of pepper. I pepper my potatoes, my veggies, my eggs, my grits...you name it! Never knew there was a Pepper in the band though. Thanks for a look at this "Lost" Pussycat Gary...and Gene! Have fun at Pitt Con!
Ah yes, Pepper... the proto-Valerie. Unfortunately I, like Lud I presume, am of sufficient age to remember the pre-Pussycats Josie series.
Which, coincidentally, is mentioned in today's Comic Art Friday -- featuring more of Gene's Pussycat goodness. :)
Thanks again, Gene!
Gene,
I really appreciate you taking this commission on and am pleased with the results. It was great to see you in Pittsburgh and to pick the piece up!
Gary
Wow! What could have been hadn't Hanna-Barbera decided to not play around with the source material!
Hopefully, the upswing in interest concerning Josie and her life pre-Pussycats will finally prompt the people at Archie Comics to bring Pepper back as part of the Josie cast.
One can hope!
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