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Welcome to the official website of Ced Nocon.

Biography.

Ced Nocon (Cedric Nocon) was born in the Philippines, a vibrant Southeast Asian country known for its deep cultural roots and artistic heritage. As a young boy in the Philippines, Nocon was exposed to Japanese tokusatsu (live action tv or film) entertainment, anime, and toys. From Japanese shows like Kamen Rider and Ultraman, to giant robot cartoons such as Mazinger Z and Voltes V, Nocon’s childhood was nurtured by rich imaginative franchises in Asian pop culture that guided him in a career as a visual storyteller and illustrator in the Western mainstream comic book industry.

As a child, Nocon would spend hours immersed in sketching characters and envisioning adventures that surpassed the boundaries of his immediate surroundings. This passion for art blossomed over time, leading him to develop a distinctive style characterized by intricate line work and dynamic compositions. Although he was educated in traditional fine art, he also embraced commercial art and modern comic book aesthetics, creating a unique fusion that would later become his signature. His early dedication and practice were evident in every piece he created, setting the stage for a flourishing career in comic book art.

After moving to the USA in the 1980s, Nocon’s world was transformed as he immersed himself in a whirlwind of Western pop culture. Exposed to the booming superhero genres and action-packed narratives, he encountered legendary franchises such as G.I. Joe, He-Man, as well as iconic comic book series like X-Men and Justice League. These cultural phenomena not only introduced him to a myriad of Western storytelling styles and art forms but also ignited a fervent desire to delve deeper into the art of comic book illustration. While his early years in the Philippines had seeded his imagination, his formative experiences in America refined his focus on art and narrative, bridging two distinct cultural landscapes.

This blend of Eastern heritage and Western pop culture has become the mainstay of Cedric Nocon’s artistic identity. By marrying both worlds of pop culture, he produces visceral and detailed illustrations that resonate with comic book fans and art enthusiasts alike. His work stands as a testament to the creative synergy that can emerge when cultural influences intertwine, giving way to a distinctive approach to comic book art that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.

Over the decades, Nocon’s evolution from a passionate young artist in the Philippines to a celebrated figure in the international comic book scene highlights his relentless commitment to excellence. His journey is a compelling narrative of cultural fusion, artistic exploration, and the enduring power of imagination and escapism.

Career.

Ced Nocon embarked on his professional career during the 1990s, a period of bold experimentation and transformation within the comic book industry. Early in his career, he made a name for himself as both a penciller and cover artist, contributing dynamic visuals to some of the most admired titles in the medium. Working alongside comic book industry creative giants such as Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, and Rob Liefeld, he lent his talents to major publishers such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image Comics. This early period was marked by a fearless willingness to push artistic boundaries and experiment with styles that captured the vibrant energy of the superhero genre.

One of the hallmarks of Nocon’s career has been his remarkable versatility. Whether tackling the brooding darkness typical of some Image Comics superhero narratives or the energetic, kinetic action associated with Marvel’s mutant X-Men heroes, his artwork has always resonated deeply with readers. His ability to infuse emotion with action into every panel, combined with his skillful use of line rendering and comic panel storytelling, gave his work a distinctive flavor that transcended genre limitations. This adaptability not only underscored his technical prowess but also affirmed his commitment to the art of comic book production—making his art as much about narrative depth as about visual spectacle.

In addition to his pencilling work, Nocon’s contributions as a cover artist have left a lasting impression on the comic book industry. His covers often serve as a visual invitation to the stories within: charged with dynamic composition, meticulous detail, and a palpable sense of movement. For many fans and fellow artists, each cover is a masterclass in how a single image can encapsulate an entire narrative. Ced Nocon’s expansive career, marked by an enduring passion for craft and innovation, continues to inspire both established professionals and young artists eager to forge their own paths in the world of comics.

Contributions.

Throughout his career, Ced Nocon has lent his artistic talents to a diverse array of comic book titles across multiple prestigious publishers. His body of work spans everything from mainstream superhero sagas to edgier, alternative narratives, demonstrating his broad appeal and unwavering commitment to creative excellence.

At Marvel Comics, Nocon contributed to a range of titles that captured the complex interplay of heroism and human vulnerability. His work on the X-Men series helped to bring dynamic characters and dramatic story arcs to life, with each illustration reflecting a deep understanding of both the visual and emotional aspects of storytelling.

Likewise, his contributions to Image Comics underscored his ability to seamlessly transition between different worlds and genres. Whether he was tasked with depicting action-packed sequences or crafting a single, evocative cover, Nocon’s art consistently drew readers into the narrative. His collaborations with various Image Comics subsidiary creative studiosTop Cow Productions, WildStorm Productions, Extreme Studiosprovided further opportunities to experiment with styles and themes, ensuring that his artwork remained fresh, innovative, and relevant.

Each project, regardless of its publisher, stands as a testament to Nocon’s versatility, visceral presence, and enduring passion for comic book art and storytelling.

Published Works.

Below is a link to the comic book series that Ced Nocon has worked on since the beginning of his career as a comic book illustrator and creator.

⇒ List of Published Works

External Links.

For those interested in exploring Ced Nocon’s work in greater detail, several online resources provide a wealth of information and imagery that document his significant contributions to the comic book world. These external links serve as valuable portals into his artistic journey, offering both historical context and visual archives that are cherished by comic book fans.

One recommended resource is DC Database | Fandom, which features comprehensive profiles and galleries showcasing Cedric’s contributions to various DC Comics titles. The database offers detailed insights into his career milestones, creative influences, and the evolution of his artwork over the years. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to his work, this resource is an excellent starting point for retracing his impact on one of the world’s most storied comic book universes.

Another valuable resource is the Image Comics Database, where Nocon’s projects with Image Comics are cataloged. This database not only highlights the numerous projects he worked on, but also provides context about the thematic and stylistic innovations he brought to the table. It paints a comprehensive picture of his creative evolution and illustrates how his collaborative efforts helped shape the narratives of several groundbreaking series.

Through both of these online repositories, fans are invited to dive deep into Cedric Nocon’s impressive legacy—one that continues to influence contemporary comic art.

Traditional Creative Tools:
Speedball #102 and #108 nibs, Sakura Pigma Microns Pens, Iwata HP-A and HP-C, Iwata NEO, Prismacolor Pencils, Gouache, Casein, Acrylic Inks.

Software:
Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, Photoshop, Illustrator, Nomad Sculpt, ZBrush, Fusion360, Keyshot.

Hardware:
PC – AMD Ryzen/NVIDIA RTX 4080, Laptop – Linux (Arch/Mint/Kali via VirtualBox), iPad Pro 12-inch, iPad Mini, Surface Pro, Wacom Cintiq.

Favorite Movies:
Tron: Legacy, Tron (1982), Blade Runner 2049, Blade Runner (1982), Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, Seven Samurai, Rashomon, 13th Warrior, 13 Assassins, The Swordsman, Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, Duelist, New Jack City, Interstellar, Metropolis, Natural City, 1984, Conan the Barbarian (1982), Wizard of Oz, Sabrina, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Lover, Weekend at Bernie’s, Big Trouble in Little China, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Friday After Next.

Favorite Music:
GHOST DATA, Moter, Daft Punk, Two Steps from Hell, Audiomachine, Atom Music Audio, Fractured Light Music, Art of Noise, Chemical Brothers, Enigma, Thomas Bergersen, Jeremy Soule, Steve Jablonsky, Anthony Island, Peter Dingon, DJ Sleeptalker, Uverworld, Adoy, HYBS, Fiji Blue, mindfreakkk, Numcha, Snakehips, Viceroy, Patrick Baker, Late Night Alumni, Saint Pepsi, Yung Bae, Flamingosis, Macross 82-99, LoFi Girl, LoFi Geek.

Favorite Games:
Stellaris, Stranded Alien Dawn, Star Citizen, Frostpunk, Nier Automata, Warframe, Cyberpunk 2077, XCOM 2, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, Black Desert Online, Ghost Recon Wildlands, Manor Lords, The Forever Winter, V Rising, The Ascent, Ruiner, Transformers War for Cybertron, JFK Reloaded, Redneck Rampage, MYST.

Favorite Manga:
Cyborg 009 (classic 1960s series), Blame!, Biomega, Kamen Rider Spirits, Xenon: Heavy Metal Warrior, Dai Dark, Gantz, Colorless, World Apartment Horror, Akira, Initial D, MF Ghost, Wangan Midnight, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Genocyber, Crying Freeman, Wounded Man, Cyborg 009, Marionnette Generation, X/1999, Zipang, The Silent Service, Samurai Executioner, Lone Wolf and Cub, Choujikuu Yousai Macross the First, Ghost in the Shell, Kaikisen – Return to the Sea.

Favorite Anime:
Robot Carnival, 009 Re:Cyborg, Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier, Tron: Uprising, Karas, Rahxephon, Blassreiter, Gantz, Outlaw Star, Burst Angel, Tiger & Bunny, Blade Runner Black Lotus, Kite, Gatchaman ’94 (OVA), Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Infini-T Force, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (SAC), 5 Centimeters Per Second, Witch Hunter Robin, Escaflowne, Yukikaze, Macross Plus, Samurai 7, Initial D, Wangan Midnight, Mospeada, Goldorak, Mazinger Z, Daimos, Voltes V, Ping Pong Club.

Favorite Foods:
Sushi, sashimi, and oyster shooters.

Illustration and Fine Arts:

H.R. Giger, Dennis Mukai, Yoshida Hiroshi, Heinrich Kley, Akira Yokohama, Franklin Booth, James Montgomery Flagg, Charles Dana Gibson, Sandy Kossin, Bob Peak, Robert Fawcett, Robert Watts, David Kimble, Barron Story, Drew Struzan, Richard Amsel, Jon Whitcomb, Coby Whitmore, Robert McGinnis, Martin French, Al Parker, Austin Briggs, Bernie Fuchs, Ernest Chiriaka, Joe De Mers, Tom Lovell, Victor Olson, Mitchell Hooks, Edgar Payne, JC Leyendecker, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Nicolai Fechin, Ilya Repin, Ivan Shishkin, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Edgar Degas, John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn.

Comic & Manga Art:

Neal Adams, John Buscema, Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, Howard Chaykin, Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mark Beachum, Stan Drake, Jim Aparo, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Jorge Zaffino, Pepe Gonzalez, Esteban Maroto, Katsuya Terada, Yasushi Nirasawa, Katsuhiro Otomo, Satoshi Kon, Kaiji Kawaguchi, Masaomu Kanzaki, Masamune Shirow, Shuichi Shigeno.

Design:

Karim Rashid, Joshua Davis, Rene Gruau, Syd Mead, Harmut Esslinger, Marc Newson, Dieter Rams, Giorgetto Guigaro, Erik Spiekermann, Neville Brody, Rian Hughes, The Designer’s Republic, Buro Destruct.

Photography:

Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Edward Weston, Julia Margaret Cameron, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Paul Strand, Saul Leiter, Josef Kudelka, Robert Capa, Harold Feinstein, Annie Leibovitz, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Heinrich Kuhn.

Building computers, 3D printing, studying cybersecurity, collecting and repairing fountain pens, playing video games, reading sci-fi novels.