Illustrators #41 (magazine review).

With each edition of “Illustrators,” the diverse range of artists ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s an educational journey, especially when discovering the creator behind a familiar piece of art. The issue kicks off with an interview of comic book artist Greg Staples (1970- ) by Diego Cordoba.

Staples delves into the challenges he faced breaking into the British comic book industry, particularly with “2000AD” during the late 1980s. One can’t help but ponder the efficacy of portfolio reviews at comic book conventions. Editors often have mere moments to evaluate work. While a quick glance can reveal glaring issues, it’s heartbreaking for an aspiring artist to see potential dreams crushed within seconds. Staples recounts how Simon Bisley critiqued his samples, advising him to refine his anatomy. He returned a year later, having made notable improvements.

A word of advice for budding artists: strive for excellence in every aspect. Avoid using Judge Dredd in your samples; instead, showcase a variety of characters to demonstrate versatility in composition, landscape, anatomy, and continuity panels. On a personal note, I once assisted comic book artist John Royle with his debut portfolio, which evidently hit the mark.

Interestingly, while Cordoba was unfamiliar with artist Todd Lockwood, both Staples and I recognized him. Staples, a versatile artist, is proficient in Corel Painter, a skill not commonly seen. His interview is enlightening, highlighting the importance of versatility in the art world. Staples also shares insights into his film promotional art and his painting composition process.

The art of R. Kikuo Johnson (1981- ), as explored by Peter Richardson, is distinctively stylized. Johnson’s journey began with his graphic novel “Night Fisher” catching the eye of “The New Yorker” magazine. His style, a fusion of cartooning and expressionism, is unique and not easily replicated, yet it’s compelling.

Another artist of note is James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960), best known for his iconic “Uncle Sam Wants You” recruitment poster. Despite his versatility, he had a penchant for pen and ink. His intricate line-texturing is captivating, guiding the viewer’s gaze.

As his vision deteriorated in his later years, he adapted his style, but his work remained impactful. Seeing his diverse portfolio is a revelation. He’s an artist more recognized for his work than his name. Lastly, Italian artist Sergio Toppi (1932-2012) stands out for his unique character settings and meticulous detailing. He masterfully employs chiaroscuro and optimizes panel space, proving that less can indeed be more.

The enthusiasm in this review is palpable. The featured artists offer invaluable insights, making this edition both enlightening for artists and fans. Don’t forget to explore other offerings from The Book Palace on their website.

GF Willmetts

August 2023

(pub: The Book Palace, 2021. 98 page illustrated squarebound magazine. Price: £22.00 (UK), $27.99 (US) via Bud Plant. ISBN: 978-1-913548-44-5. ISSN: 2052-6520)

check out website: www.bookpalace.com and www.illustratorsquarterly.com