Gallery of Geek: Joe Phillips' Superhero Pinup Boys

Just in time for Comic-Con International in San Diego next week, artist Joe Phillips has created another round of cheeky pinups highlighting the hotter side of superheroes.

We sat down for a chat with the talented artist to ask him about his creative process and the inspiration behind his latest superpowered sexy serving of art.

The Advocate: What inspires you to create?
Phillips: It's part of who I am at this point. I am hardwired to make stuff, I sculpt, paint, draw, write, anything creative. I'm always up to something.

What made you decide to do your super-fun series of pinups?
I do a lot of convention signings and they always have tons of scantily clad girls, so I wanted to flip the script and do the male heroes as pinup boys. I've been doing it for about five years now and each year I try a fresh new approach. Last year I did gender-swap heroes where guys wore male versions of female hero costumes. It was fun.

Does being queer influence your artwork?
I'm sure being a gay man makes me always want to draw nude or seminude men, so yes, it influences me.

What was your gateway into the world of geek culture?
I've always been into sci-fi and fantasy adventure ever since I was a kid watching Space 1999 and Kirk and Spock on Star Trek. I read Tolkien as a boy, so being geeky runs in my blood.

You must have a favorite superhero character, right? Who might it be?
After nearly 30 years drawing superheroes, I'm not sure I even qualify as a fan of them anymore. I do like drawing Superboy, but truth be told, he's just a hot guy in a T-shirt and jeans.

Take a look at selections from Phillips's latest collection below and pick up one of his new calendars at his official website.

Aquaman

Pp02_0 Captain America

Spider-Man

Spider-Man

Pp05_0 Wolverine