Looking for experienced manga influenced comic artist

I'm looking for a dedicated artist that I can work with on my projects. Needless to say I'm not locking you down, but I'd like someone I can call if I need work done to say ok I'll have it done rather than having me wait a month or so. I realize this isn't the most realistic of conditions, but the closer the better I guess. What I Expect from artist: No nonsense professional quality artwork; anatomically sound (depending on the pic of course) and technically complex. Portfolio should have a least one example of sequential work. Coloring should be crisp and vibrant and should be able to deliver all content via email. Style intended = manga "inspired". It would also be a plus if you can digital ink and even better if you can digital ink in Adobe Illustrator. Mainly right now though, I'll be dealing with you for pencils at the moment. Below is a pics of a character from one of my projects that if hired I'd need you to redraw: [login to view URL] Work Needed: The first few projects I need done are comic books. Pretty soon I'll need 10 possibly 16 characters concept art done. No particular time frame but needs to be done none the less. Needless to say, there are also a few music CD projects that I may want your artist touch to be added to. However, this doesn't come till I'm dead set on you being an artist I can fully rely on. I also need full size portraits of all the characters for my website. There's a lot I'll need you for with compensation where/if necessary. Cant say the work will happen all at one time, but it'll happen none the less guaranteed. My Request: If all possible (optional), I have a piece that I'd like you to pose as a test sample if chosen. Let me know if this is possible. Payment: I pay by PayPal but if any other reasonable method of payment is preferred, then please let me know. I am in the USA. Now as far as budget, For pencils I am(was) trying to stick with a $27/page rate. Let me know if this needs to be adjusted, though keeping in mind that I am just an individual. I really don't need to put the characters in a scene. Mainly I just need the concept art just as shown above. Really looking for a reasonable sensible solution here because in total I'll eventually need 52 characters done! You can only imagine the ridiculous quotes I've gotten just for pencils which just seem incredibly asinine! I hope something can be worked out. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please remember to post your portfolios! I hope to hear from you soon!