Rupaul’s Drag Race: Season 4, Reunited
on May 1, 2012 at 11:20 pmOkay, so, this was fun, right?
The whole “drawing drag queens for months on end” thing?
Yeah, it’s been pretty cool.
Also, the reunion thing was nice–I dug seeing Ru perform in a live setting. She had a bit more verve and sparkle than usual, and it was delightful to watch her play off the audience.
And it was rewarding to see Phi Phi called out for her shenanigans, without any redemptive closure like we’ve seen in the past (remember how gracious Tyra was in her reunion episode?)
Willam looked real good this week, though I don’t think she got kicked off just for conjugal visits with the hubby. What do you think?
Oh, and yeah, Latrice is just the best.
And so! Sharon won! I love you, Sharon, though couldn’t you have shared that crown with Chad? Because he was looking as luminous as ever.
To the right, you’ll see a glimpse of Sharon on the cover of 40 Queens, a forthcoming collection of my 40 best pieces of Drag Race art from the fourth season! It’s now available to preorder for $6, or combine it with my collection from the third season, 30 Queens, for just $10!
And below, check out the full portrait of the reigning champion: the spooky! the beautiful! SHARON NEEDLES!
As ever, my prints of Sharon, Chad, and Latrice are available at my online print shop for just $5!
It’s seriously been such a delight to illustrate the Drag Race for another season! Thanks for sharing in the weekly delights of each episode, and thanks for your support! You’re such fierce queens, all of you!
My only gripe about the show was that you really didn’t see the real reaction from the winning queen, as three endings were taped in advance so no one knew until the end. I think Sharon’s win would have been far more emotional for her than what was shown.
Other than that, I loved seeing all the queens decked out in their finest. Willam was spectacular as ever–and I actually do believe that him getting “conjugal visits” was the reason for his DQ. After all, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and getting laid while the other queens were doing without would certainly be plenty of reason to get sent home.
Phi Phi getting called out for her bad behavior was the secondary highlight of the show for me. While I hope that she learns from this and grows in the process, part of me also knows that unless she believes she made mistakes and is willing to make changes, she is never going to change, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
As always, you’ve done a marvelous job drawing America’s Next Drag Superstar, and I wish RuPaul would incorporate your work into future seasons. After all, a queen just isn’t a proper queen until she’s gotten the Chad Sell treatment–can I get an “Amen”?
Oh, apparently the visits from her husband thing wasn’t the truth about what happened. I don’t get why she keeps pulling our legs but Sharon hinted that what Willam told everyone was one one reason but again… not why she was disqualified which is really odd…
Thanks so much, Jade! I agree that the crowning seemed a little subdued, precisely because of the crazy filming process. But everything else about the live audience was great, so maybe it was a decent trade-off? At least we didn’t get Sharon hyperventilating in a puddle onstage! (sigh, Tyra…)
Sharon strongly implied in an interview that William’s story is fake:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/04/30/rupauls-drag-race-season-4-winner-q-and-a/
Hi Jade,
If you want to see a real reaction you should see if you can still watch the live feed from the New York screening. I don’t know if she just found out but it felt real in person. The room just exploded. Totally went crazy. When Raja crowned her Sharon totally lost it and was crying.
also! I checked this site every week and loooveeed the illustrations.
Thanks so much! I need to check out that live feed, too…
That Sharon piece… GORGEOUS!!!!
I love the symmetry.
I think this piece of Sharon is one of your best works all season! Simply glorious – so happy you’re doing another collection, so getting ordered!
First off, WOW. I didn’t think Sharon’s reunion look was that strong, I mean the mystic hand had was cheeky, sure, but your version is what I live for, Mama! I wouldn’t have noticed the snake eye detail except for that huge blown up detail from the front page which practically slapped me in the face. Sickening!* I was looking at facebook this morning and Sharon had posted the image on her page… 1200+ likes! You’re such a talented artist, and I truly hope more people take note.
I liked the reunion episode. At first when Willam came out and was still serving that Jessica Simpson character, I wasn’t interested. But then when he said “it smells like a sticker,” I turned. He is funnier than he got credit for. I don’t quite believe that the conjugal visit story is the whole truth. Personally, I figured that in some degree Willam (and possibly the producers) saw that getting booted was a bigger jump off for a celebrity career and a more shocking storyline for the show. But as I tweeted yesterday, you really have to give it up for Willam because who in drag race history has ever got a reaction out of Ru like when he casually tossed of that “I’m not going to RuPaulogize” line. Ru’s response was amazing!
So, I’m sad to see another season of Drag Race finish, even if our favorites (minus Latrice) made it to the end. Congratulations to Sharon, and Chad, and all the queens for that matter. I saw in an interview last week that Ru said “all the favorites” will return for the All-Stars, so that’s very exciting. All there is now is waiting. And Drag U, which is funny. I like seeing the other queens interact more since you get a better feel for them as real personalities. I just pray for more Raven, Shannel, Jujubee, Raja, Manila, Latrice, Chad, Sharon, and Pit Crew in whatever fashion. And I certainly hope we are graced with more of your beautiful work.
I hope you keep your blog continuing. I like reading about your process and inspiration and activities. How was the NY Comic Con? What’s next in store? We’ve seen enough sexy ladyboy cheesecake, when are we gonna get some burly, manly-man beefcake? The Olympics are coming up and there’s always a slew of hot guys (and women) to watch. And names to roll your eyes over. I mean, who can forget the China’s amazingly strong & talented (and amazing named), Dong Dong? Whaddaya think?
*I have to get all these catchwords out of my system before I start seriously considering selecting one of my five drag names.
p.s. I’m selecting my images and once I get paid (tomorrow) I’m placing my order!
Aw, Dan, so much goodness in this comment (more like an essay!)… I’m looking forward to taking some time to play around with other projects–I’m stepping away from Drag Race and taking a breather from Manta-Man, so it’ll be an exciting summer of discovery!
I know I’m too verbose! But I don’t really edit myself down for content, I always just have too much to say. Your content is really inspiring, and I can’t stuff everything on twitter. I’ll shoot you an email soon, punkin! Have a great summer, just keep your fans updated!
Chad I live for these and know that I am pre-ordering not only for me but for my best friend!!! You did a fantastic job this season, and I do believe that Phi-Phi in the peanut is your most accurate to date LOL. Thank so much for working this out for us. (going back to watch Milan swiffer the floor again…that always makes my day) Oh and by the way I ordered my bestie prints of Raja for her birthday and who shows up in TX..RAJA. Now who has an autographed Chad Sell, my best friend
I love the portrait, and while it’s certainly appropriate, I was really hoping to see a sketch of Sharon in her opening beer mug outfit. That was hilarious!
Thanks! I loved Sharon’s “Mug” look, too, though I just didn’t have the time to draw it!
Hi Chad, love your work.
I would like to know if you ship overseas… I’m from Brazil and I’d love to buy those books from seasons 3 and 4.
Thanks, Valdir! I do ship overseas, but I need to calculate the extra shipping! Send me an e-mail if you’re interested: panjacomics@gmail.com
Hey chad,
I just wanted to say that I recieved your books in my mail and the finishing product is beautiful. I met Sharon Needles last night at the splash bar and she signed my copy of your book. It’s sad because she told me that she hasn’t met you yet and is looking forward to the encounter. Keep up the good work man!
Aw, thanks so much! I’m so glad you like the books, and I’m VERY jealous you got to meet Sharon!
Hi Chad,
I love your write ups and your illustrations. Will you be doing some of the new all stars series?
Jamie, United Kingdom x
Coming soon! xoxo