Comic Book Artist #8 (magazine review).
I was fortunate enough to win some early issues of ‘Comic Book Artist’ at an auction. Issue 8 is notably text-heavy. While the art is present, it is often overshadowed by the text. Reading the letters column, I found compelling reasons to explore its earlier issues, which focus on 1970s Marvel.
The first significant interview, conducted by Chris Knowles with Steve Rude, delves into Rude’s artistic development and his admiration for Jack Kirby’s work. Although I have never read his ‘Nexus’ comics, Rude’s art samples, influenced by chiaroscuro for shape definition, are impressive. A particularly striking point is a lesson he learned from Alex Toth: never become complacent in developing your style, or your art will stagnate. This advice is applicable to any creative skill, distinguishing between mere competence and true talent.
Despite having read Michael T. Gilbert’s ‘Mr. Monster’ feature in ‘Alter Ego’ for years, I realized I knew little about him. His interview with Jon B. Cooke in this issue bridges those gaps, revealing his entry into the comic book industry and the long journey he undertook during the 1970s. The staggered appearance of ‘Mr. Monster’ across various independent comic book companies and its issue frequency are surprising.
Jon B. Cooke’s interview with letterer Ken Bruzenak initially left me unsure. Lettering, though a crucial aspect of comic book creation, is often a last-minute task. However, Bruzenak’s journey, which included working for Jim Steranko and outlasting other assistants on Steranko’s media magazines, is fascinating. Bruzenak’s notable contribution was his unique lettering styles for ‘American Flagg’, a job he landed by default after failing to find work at Marvel or DC Comics. His insights into not only Steranko and Neal Adams but also the evolving role of the letterer as computer technology emerged make this interview particularly enlightening.
The interview with Howard Chaykin starkly contrasts the characters he created. Chaykin mentions using James Garner as an inspiration for Ruben ‘American’ Flagg, though I would have likened his appearance more to Bruce Campbell. Chaykin’s somewhat curmudgeonly personality and his success in Hollywood TV shows around 2000 make for an intriguing read.
It’s interesting to compare current interviews with Don Simpson and Scott McCloud in the latest ‘Back Issue’ to those in this magazine from over 20 years ago. Despite covering some of the same topics, the contrasting details and perspectives due to the age difference are notable.
Finally, there’s an interview with comic book creator Mike Grell, with a focus on his work on ‘Warlord’ for DC Comics and his later independent ventures, such as his ‘Sable’ character and other projects.
I highly recommend acquiring early paper editions of TwoMorrows magazines when possible. I have yet to purchase any in poor condition, indicating that they are well-cared-for and revered, which speaks to their quality. And who doesn’t enjoy a good interview?
GF Willmetts
January 2024
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing, 2000. 114 page illustrated magazine. Price: varies with luck. ISSN: 401-783-1689. Direct from them, you can get it for $ 5.99 (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_56&products_id=274
