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MDPenman

@mdpenman.bsky.social
789 followers 473 following 169 posts

Comic artist/writer based in the UK Senior lecturer BA Hons Comic and Concept Art at Leeds Arts Uni linktr.ee/mdpenman

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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
As someone who plays a lot of games can I just say I fucking hate "gamers". This nonsense just has no appreciation of artistic limitations and the ingenuity it births. The dlss 5 versions are just so lacking in intent that it vexes me how people can prefer them www.xda-developers.com/i-remastered...
xda-developers.com
I remastered all my favorite PS3 games with DLSS 5, and I can't get enough
My PS3 collection is going from old to next-gen at light speed
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
First week's painting session is just a quick intro to Photoshop so after a bit of waffling from me we all drew ourselves as goblins. Here's mine!
A goblin version of the artist.
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BOGLUDDITE @brucemackay.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Luddite Temple manifesto in a readable format.
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Thought Bubble Festival @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Calling all comic artists!! Our guests are hosting drop-in portfolio review sessions at this year's convention! Take advantage of this free opportunity to speak one-on-one with an experienced comic book professional who'll review your work, give tips and personalised advice.
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J. L. Westover @mrlovenstein.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
YOU DON'T "CONSUME" ART MOTHERFUCKER. YOU EXPERIENCE IT. YOU FEEL IT. YOU ENGAGE WITH IT. YOU WRESTLE WITH IT. YOU LIVE IT. ART ISN'T A LITTLE MORSEL YOU GOBBLE UP.
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Discord Comics @discordcomics.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
It's alive! Discord Comics are seeking applications for a bisexual erotic comics anthology for Kickstarter Summer 2027. www.discordcomics.com/Shop/wordpre... Submissions open 1st September to 15th October
lighting bolt over a purple background with text that reads 'It's Alive! Submissions are now open for Bite: a bisexual erotic comic anthology from 1st september to 15th october'
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Gustaffo Vargas @gustaffovargas.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
So, in case you didn't know. I'm moving out of the UK by in a couple of months...! 😱Looking for an exciting adventure in Spain! 😁😎🤖 Why not grab my Peruvian Cyberpunk books and all the books in my shop at REDUCED SHIPPING? (only valid for the UK) www.gustaffovargas.com/store #peruviancyberpunk
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Iron Circus Comics @ironcircuscomics.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
WHO DOESN'T LOVE TO HATE A VILLAIN? ❤️‍🔥 Calling all rivalmancers, heel-enjoyers, and lovers of the baddest of us all: 'Smut Peddler: BADDIES' is officially open and taking submissions! We're fiending for the fiendish, so don't hold back! Can you make them worse? 🔮😈 ironcircus.com/smut-peddler...
In a crop of a cover by gobifrip.bsky.social, a lich in a large intimidating crown lounges lazily on their throne, watching a restrained barbarian in a glowing orb. Two goblins of cute looks but clearly low int scores watch on as the lich chews on their well-manicured nail because they are so eeeeeevil.

Do you have a story you wish to put to print? Join our evil legion! Just don't forget: consent matters!
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Alisdair Wood @alisdairwood.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
With the new release of Hammer’s classic Dracula this week, what better time to pick up issue 1 of @claretzine.bsky.social. With features on all of the Hammer Dracula films. claretzine.com/shop
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Another Death album cover! This time it’s LEPROSY! The original was done once again by Ed Repka!
Artist’s interpretation of the cover to Death’s Leprosy album
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Ramonkey Perales @ramonkey.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Book of Fuligin is a weird sci-fantasy comics anthology in honor of Gene Wolfe that me and a bunch of excellent artists created in 2022-24. I realized that many people who follow me here don't know about it, so it's time to change that.
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Oisín McGann @oisinmcgann.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
The idea that people are gatekeeping ‘creativity‘ is horseshit, certainly in terms of writing or art. Pick up a pen or pencil. Type something on whatever device you can use. THAT’S creativity. The ‘gatekeeping’ is around opportunities to work in it and make money, and genAI is destroying that.
Headline of an Observer article: In defence of AI slop: we should embrace open access to creativity, not condemn it

Look past the Donald Trump superhero memes and the new software gives us the chance to democratise creative production. No wonder art’s cultural gatekeepers are worried.
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vanoreo @vanoreo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
@edzitron.com had it on the money here
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Dr Artyom Trakhanov @vor-bokor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
It's been such a long and wild journey, and we're finally ready to present you the first chapter of ENTROPY - store.steampowered.com/app/3940340/Entropy/ - our Dying Earth tactical role-playing game, developed by @lovelyhellplace.bsky.social , and published by @dreadxp.bsky.social!
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BOGLUDDITE @brucemackay.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Fold-out riso poster for my Luddite Temple manifesto/zine. The show this is for opens Thursday in JHB. Got an account restriction when I posted this on IG yesterday :) *Aiming to have these available when I eventually set up my shop.
Green and white textured illustration featuring a combination of collaged sculptures and photographs. Central image is a ceramic guillotine type shrine with a genAI in the gory-hole/lunette. Arched type has the words KNIGHTS OF THE LUDDITE TEMPLE. Logos for Bad Manifesto, KOTLT and Special Interest Group in the bottom centre.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
I sure love listening to DEATH! As a bit of a homage to the band I did this digitally painted "cover version" of their first album SCREAM BLOODY GORE. The original album cover was done by Ed Repka and is one of my all time faves.
Artist's interpretation of the album art for Scream Bloody Gore by Death. The original art was done by Ed RepkaDetail of digital painting Detail of digital painting Detail of digital painting
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Scary Gorgon @scarygorgon.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Watching that lords video clip about AI again. As creators we should be mindful of calling our work ‘content’ - “generating content” is a term that is systematically devaluing work of creatives across all disciplines. We’re not making content. We are drawing, painting, writing, music-making.
media.tenor.com
a cartoon character says it 's art in front of a red wall
Alt: That dude from el dorado, wildly out if context here, but shouting “IT’S ART” and looking annoyed.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Got a new DND character here to share, the barbarian zealot Dood Wyrmfüd, the "unkillable" savage. He's just a dumb guy that is only good for swinging a sword.
Generic barbarian digital paintingInitial sketch for generic barbarian painting Development sketches of generic barbarianMore development sketches of generic barbarian
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
When I don't know what to draw I draw Skellingtons! This was a piece that I started a few months ago, fell off of it and then returned to and it became some kind of Fire Chicken Warrior.
A skeleton wearing elaborate fire themed armour
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Bringing those “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat upon him was Death, and Hell followed with him,” vibes into 2026 folks! Done in @procreate.com with @truegrittexture.bsky.social brushes! Finished illustration and original sketchbook drawing included 💀❤️
Stylised illustration of a grim reaper on a horse.Sketchbook illustration of a grim reaper on a horse.
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Anthony Moser @anthonymoser.com · 27/08/2025
I considered writing a long carefully constructed argument laying out the harms and limitations of AI, but instead I wrote about being a hater. Only humans can be haters.
anthonymoser.github.io
I Am An AI Hater
I am an AI hater. This is considered rude, but I do not care, because I am a hater.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
I take psychic damage every time I see a Google Pixel or Gemini ad. They are the most insufferable, insulting and cringe worthy things I have seen in forever and they are EVERYWHERE
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
New tattoo started folks! This one done by the excellent Sam Ricketts! See more of his stuff here- www.instagram.com/sam_ricketts...
A radical back piece
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This Week in Videogames @thisweekinvideogames.com · 18/12/2025
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier. Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder. thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
thisweekinvideogames.com
Concept Artists Say Generative AI References Only Make Their Jobs Harder
“The ‘early ideation stages’, when worlds are being fleshed out by writers and artists, are literally crucial to the development of a game’s vision,” said one artist.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
More gross stuff! This time a sketchbook spread inspired by Wound Man illustrations.
A violent cartoon version of a wound manThe upper part of a wound man illustration.The lower part of a wound man illustration.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Inspired by cool tattooists I follow I drew some violence in my sketchbook!
Three depictions of cartoon violence. A sword through the head, a spear through the head and a dagger through a hand.Three depictions of cartoon violence. A spiked flail crashing into a head, and arrow through a hand, a war club rending a head in two.A collection of six instances of cartoon violence from a sketchbook
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Xalavier Nelson Jr. @writnelson.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
We don’t use generative AI at Strange Scaffold and I can confirm that a *lot* of other studios are not—whether indie or AAA. Get outta here with this normalization bullshit.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Folks! GREB the Little Guys Anthology lives! We are releasing @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social this weekend and to celebrate we are hosting a limited edition sticker rally! Find the Grebs, get your pamphlet then HARASS THEM FOR STICKERS!
Cover to a comic bookA small pamphlet coverThe back of a small pamphlet Stickers of slimy comic creators
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cpuk (trampoline park connoisseur and occasional comic printer) @comicprintinguk.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
GREB is excellent comics.
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Broken Frontier @brokenfrontier.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
THOUGHT BUBBLE MONTH review! GREB: The Little Guys Anthology – A Collection of Short Comics Stories from MD Penman, Will Morris, Flo Woolley, April Newton and More. @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social @mdpenman.bsky.social #ThoughtBubbleatBF25 www.brokenfrontier.com/greb-the-lit...
brokenfrontier.com
GREB: The Little Guys Anthology - A Collection of Short Comics Stories from MD Penman, Will Morris, Flo Woolley, April Newton and More – Broken Frontier
'GREB: THE Little Guys Anthology' is another strongly curate comics anthology coming to Thought Bubble 2025.
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Kristen Haas Curtis @hellomizk.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Just pulled together the powerpoint for the “Olde Bokes” panel at @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social and WOW am I excited for this conversation with @scarygorgon.bsky.social , @mdpenman.bsky.social , @johnreppion.bsky.social , and @zaraslattery.bsky.social !! www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/programme/ol...
Cover slide for a panel presentation listing title and participants; background image from a medieval manuscript.
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John Reppion @johnreppion.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
An Allhallowstide Journey to The Green Chapel - @mdpenman.bsky.social and I visit Lud's Church www.moorereppion.com/ludchurch/
moorereppion.com
An Allhallowstide Journey to The Green Chapel | moorereppion
In November 2021, myself and M. D. Penman released our adaptation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at the Thought Bubble comics convention. When we were working on the book, one of the things we alw...
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Kristen Haas Curtis @hellomizk.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Panel guests include @scarygorgon.bsky.social , @mdpenman.bsky.social , @johnreppion.bsky.social and @zaraslattery.bsky.social . Based on our introductory zoom chat, it is going to be a LOT of fun! www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/programme/ol...
thoughtbubblefestival.com
Out of Olde Bokes: Adapting Comics from Medieval Sources — Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival
Enduring interest in the medieval world runs deep throughout our popular media, its ideals and aesthetics touching everything from film and fashion, to games and graphic novels. With creators Sarah G...
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TAGS Festival @tagsfest.co.uk · 09/09/2025
📢 Exhibitor announcement: MDPENMAN (@mdpenman.bsky.social) “MDPenman is an illustrator, comic writer/artist and lecturer based in Leeds. He likes fantasy, myths, horror and enjoys nothing more than drawing weird little guys." 🏷️ Learn more about TAGS Fest at tagsfest.co.uk
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Ramonkey Perales @ramonkey.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Hey all! I'm making a weird pulp sci-fantasy epic releasing this October and I need your help. Seems like I'm struggling getting on track on bsky compared to that other site... So do follow and share for more info soon!! Thanks bye!🔥
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Here's the original illustrations for ya too!
An illustration of a buck naked guy with a large mask on his head. Text says THESE VIBES ONLYAn illustration of a buck naked guy with a large mask on his head. Text says BIG TIME EMPATHYAn illustration of a buck naked guy with a large mask on his head. Text says THIS IS THE ENERGY
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Yooooo anyone remember my tackle out vibes warriors? Well I made some more and had them done up as spangly stickers courtesy of the fine folks at No Fuss Printing in Leeds they did a bang up job and I highly recommend them!
A collection of three stickers all of buck naked guys with large masks on their heads and affirmations to accompany each.A sticker of a buck naked guy with a large mask on his head. Text says BIG TIME EMPATHYA sticker of a buck naked guy with a large mask on his head. Text says THIS IS THE ENERGYA sticker of a buck naked guy with a large mask on his head. Text says THESE VIBES ONLY
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RS Benedict @rsbenedict.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
I wrote about how art is work and AI art is fascist bullshit rs-benedict.com/2025/07/27/a...
rs-benedict.com
Art is work
Art is work and making choices. AI takes those choices away.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Oh, forgot to share some new tattoos I got! Without our rituals and traditions what are we? Toad tattoo by Daryl Watson at Tower of Hearts, Leeds Knee tattoo done by GoblynCrew of Florence Black, Manchester
A tattoo of a toad with an eye on its back and flames coming off it.A tattoo of stylised skulls and thorns circling a knee.
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Okay so, I can't look at boobz and kawks anymore on this thing in England so if you could stop posting them so I don't feel left out that would be amazing.
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Ben Hart @pavlovforgoths.com · 21/06/2025
Here's how you remove Google AI from your mobile devices.
amongussexgif

...

Instead of being in settings its in the google app. Also, google, not chrome. Icon is a G, not the circle thing. Click on your pfp to open a menu

From there, go Settings > Gemini > Digital Assistants > Switch to Google Assistant. This disables Gemini, google's Al assistant, and switches you back to the old one. We aren't done yet.

Go back to Settings. From there, we go Settings > Google Assistant > scroll to find General > Google Assitant on/off > turn it off

They really tried their best to make it a pain, but you can eventually disable it. Holding the power button on your phone still pulls up a menu and asks you to turn it back on, but this is the least intrusive you can make it.

Applies to all non-apple phones afaik. For sure Samsungs and Pixels but idrk about others

Edit: thank you my friend @/teeth-kid for confirming that this also works on Motorola
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Ed Newton-Rex @ednewtonrex.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
The UK government was just defeated in the House of Lords for a *fifth* time over AI training data transparency. Please watch the electrifying end to Baroness Kidron's closing speech ahead of the vote. Creators have no greater champion. 🧵 1/2
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Dreamboat Branny 🦢 @bransonreese.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Some Swan Boy characters as their favorite One Piece characters
Swan Boy as Bon Clay, Noel as Trafalgar D. Water Law, Rona as Nico Robin, Cassie as Perona, and Baptiste as Donquixote Doflamingo.Chris Shagwell as Crocodile, Brümhilde Van Wilder as Kizaru, Shannon Hospital as Franky, Hector Centurion as Eustass Kid, Thomas Jefferson as a Celestial Dragon, Sean Boogerhammer as Sabo, and the Naked Mole Rat as Whitebeard
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404 Media @404media.co · 02/06/2025
Teachers Are Not OK 🔗 www.404media.co/teachers-are...
404media.co
Teachers Are Not OK
AI, ChatGPT, and LLMs "have absolutely blown up what I try to accomplish with my teaching."
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John Reppion @johnreppion.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
If you're a fan of Harry Potter who'd like something new to read but who doesn't want to give JKR any more money, you might very much enjoy CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS. British boarding school bird-themed magic for kids & adults alike #BookSky #Magic #Fantasy #GraphicNovel www.darkhorse.com/Books/3000-4...
darkhorse.com
Conspiracy of Ravens HC :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics
Teen schoolgirl Anne unexpectedly inherits a mysterious locket and a crumbling English mansion estate from her long-lost aunt. She unearths ...
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Géraud Zucchini - SOL CESTO 🌞 @docgeraud.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
🌞 SOL CESTO - OUT NOW ON STEAM 🌞 After 2 years of hard work, Sol Cesto is finally out in Early Access! A roguelite where the eerie charm of Inscryption collides with the high-stakes thrill and explosive combos of Balatro. Please help us spread the word 🙌
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Tom Gauld @tomgauld.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Some process pics for my @nytimes.com for kids cover: 1. Sketchbook doodles 2. Various rough ideas 3. Pencil drawing 4. Ink drawing
Scribbly sketchbook drawings of vacations, children, suitcases, overloaded cars, anthropomorphic bucket and spade, shorts etcSix rough concepts for the cover of the New York Times For Kids summer vacation issue.Pencil drawing:
A large illustration of a family in a car, absurdly overloaded with luggage on the roof and in a trailer, arriving in the countryside from a city that we can see in the distance. We look out at them from a lush green forest filled with children playing, painting, swimming, climbing, reading, camping, exploring, making music and enjoying the wildlife.Ink Drawing:
A large illustration of a family in a car, absurdly overloaded with luggage on the roof and in a trailer, arriving in the countryside from a city that we can see in the distance. We look out at them from a lush green forest filled with children playing, painting, swimming, climbing, reading, camping, exploring, making music and enjoying the wildlife.
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Marc Ellerby @marcellerby.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
This loser continues to suck shit
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MDPenman @mdpenman.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Got a new tattoo, and since it has become my own Bluesky tradition to share them, here it is! A lovely trad shoulder dagger piece from the excellent Mors at Easy Tiger Tattoo Leeds www.instagram.com/morstattoo/
The poster sporting shades and some sweet fresh ink of a dagger going through his neck.The flash sheet of the dagger through neck tattoo
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