Underrated comic book artists?

[shooshoomanjoe]

Jones made a very questionable choice a couple of years ago by doing a 4 part graphic novel called "Strange Fruit" with Marc Waid. Visually great, the work was rightfully criticized for (a) two white guys telling a story that's not theirs to tell, (b) it basically ripping off Milstone Comics character Icon's origin (who was indeed created by black creators), (c) having tone deaf elements like the #notallwhitepeople side characters, or wrapping the naked, perfect, gorgeous African looking alien into a confederate flag. The book was a failure on many levels, and nobody could ever figure out what Jones and Waid were thinking.

I guess the black Captain Confederacy wouldn't do well in today's world.

[Electricmastro]

I guess the black Captain Confederacy wouldn't do well in today's world.

I found it to be an interesting, should I say daring, attempt to explore an alternate history in which the Confederates won and what their propaganda character would be. I think it would perhaps be more beneficial to have Captain Confederacy as a black character, because if it was a white character, then I get the feeling most people would be too quick too condemn it rather than actually read the actual intent behind it. It might seem too bizarre having a black character be someone like Captain Confederacy, but I suppose it could be compared to black people taking the n-word and basically making it their own, even though slaveowners had previously used the n-word, then perhaps a similar exploration could be done with black people taking the Confederate flag for themselves.

[K7P5V]

Jose Ladronn

[K7P5V]

Rick Leonardi





Steve Lightle





Mike Parobeck
(R.I.P.)

[Steel Inquisitor]

George Perez

[PaulBullion]

Wait - how is George underrated? He is a legend in the business.

[Kirby101]

Wait - how is George underrated? He is a legend in the business.

Yeah, that one puzzled me too. Next up, John Romita, Neal Adams and Jack Kirby.

[K7P5V]

Travis Charest

[K7P5V]

Jones made a very questionable choice a couple of years ago by doing a 4 part graphic novel called "Strange Fruit" with Marc Waid. Visually great, the work was rightfully criticized for (a) two white guys telling a story that's not theirs to tell, (b) it basically ripping off Milstone Comics character Icon's origin (who was indeed created by black creators), (c) having tone deaf elements like the #notallwhitepeople side characters, or wrapping the naked, perfect, gorgeous African looking alien into a confederate flag. The book was a failure on many levels, and nobody could ever figure out what Jones and Waid were thinking.

Sad to hear about what happened with their project.

All things considered, I really enjoyed the early artwork of J.G.J. (especially Fatale):

[Steel Inquisitor]

Wait - how is George underrated? He is a legend in the business.

You're right! How about Pasqual Ferry?

[Arfguy]

Eduardo Risso. Whatever praise he gets, it's not enough dammit! While his style isn't for every comic book character, his ability to illustrate stark contrast is amazing, IMO.

[shooshoomanjoe]

Jon Bogdanove. Wonder what ever happened to him.

[K7P5V]

Larry Hama




Rod Whigham




Ron Wagner

[From The Shadows]

Comics are a visual medium, so it goes without saying an artist is important. But not everyone can be a George Perez or a John Byrne, even if they're really good in their own right. Here is where we appreciate those who need appreciation more. Also, include art!

I'll start:

Ron Frenz

A part of the Marvel stable in the '80s, he's the most frequent collaborator of the fan-favorite writer Tom DeFalco. I think his stuff is stellar. He can do environments, consistent character models, and fight scenes really well, especially in capturing the movement of it. I've read Spider-Man comics drawn by him, and he can captured the frenetic nature of an attack. As controversial as the Spider-Man vs. Firelord fight is in certain circles, it really displays the strengths of his artwork and all of what I mentioned.

[K7P5V]

Andy Kubert

If Andy Kubert is considered underrated, then Adam Kubert would be my addition to this list: