Chaykin Pulls No Punches When Discussing His Career, Comics & More

[rpriske]

Chaykin used to be a barely tolerable hack.

That has changed. He is no longer barely tolerable.

[hunterrose64]

So glad Chaykin says what he feels. In today's PC world it's good to hear something else other than the usual scripted responses used to avoid offending someone or hurting their feelings. It's sad how the PC police have now made it bad to use words such as retarded, crippled, fat, etc. You go Chaykin!

~What's Chaykin bacon?

[FanboyStranger]

I've read several interviews where Chaykin mentions that Byrne is "the most hated man in comics." I've always wondered if that's just a general sentiment, or if Byrne personally pissed off Chaykin at some point.

No, he just does not like him. He's been using that Byrne line since the '80s. He finds Byrne insufferable, and the internet age has only reinforced Howard's position.

[FanboyStranger]

This is what is usually levelled at the iconoclasts. Fact is, if he didn't have the talent, the work and the industry pull to back up the talk, no one would bother to listen to the guy.

Let's face it, comics have always attracted a wild and wooly bunch of creative types. My regret is there doesn't seem to be enough of this maverick sentiment amongst the younger set of comic creatives we've got today. It's almost as if everyone's just working in lockstep to preserve corporate IP for future film treatments.

I guess that Howard is an iconoclast for his opinions, but as far as his position in the industry, he's one of the most influencial artists still working regularly. He pretty much invented modern comics storytelling, and he's one of those guys whose work tends to be more appreciated by other creators than fans. Other creators love him and his work; it's fans that seem to get their panties in a bunch any time he opens his mouth.

[BH123]

Chaykin may be rude & cantankerous as all hell. But at least he's brutally honest. You don't see too many people like that in ANY creative industry. Chaykin's material often isn't my thing. He's the first to admit that he's an "acquired taste." But I have to give him credit for taking his own individual path, no matter how strange it is.

[Arundel Armor Hunter]

Chaykin used to be a barely tolerable hack.

That has changed. He is no longer barely tolerable.

What is so intolerable about him?

[Arundel Armor Hunter]

This is what is usually levelled at the iconoclasts. Fact is, if he didn't have the talent, the work and the industry pull to back up the talk, no one would bother to listen to the guy.

Let's face it, comics have always attracted a wild and wooly bunch of creative types. My regret is there doesn't seem to be enough of this maverick sentiment amongst the younger set of comic creatives we've got today. It's almost as if everyone's just working in lockstep to preserve corporate IP for future film treatments.

Exactly, comics need more creative destruction.

[rpriske]

What is so intolerable about him?

Read the interview. He is an obnoxious, insufferable ass.

Question: when was the last time he put out something worth reading?

How long has it been since American Flagg?

[FanboyStranger]

Read the interview. He is an obnoxious, insufferable ass.

Question: when was the last time he put out something worth reading?

How long has it been since American Flagg?

As someone who loves Satellite Sam, I'd say it was last month that he put out something worth reading.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

As someone who loves Satellite Sam, I'd say it was last month that he put out something worth reading.

Beat me to it.

EDIT: Oh, and that Batman/Catwoman one-shot he did, and Phantom Eagle MAX with Ennis.

[Diamond]

Surprised to hear he's working for Marvel to teach other artists.

[FanboyStranger]

Surprised to hear he's working for Marvel to teach other artists.

That doesn't surprise me that much. Chaykin has always been an advocate for an apprentrice system like he learned under, and he's served as a mentor throughout the late '70s and '80s . Some of the artists who have worked with him include Peter Kuper, Dean Haspiel, and Don Cameron, all of whom have turned out quite successful in their fields. Joe Quesada is a big fan of Chaykin's (as witnessed in his testimonial in The Art of Howard Chaykin), and Axel Alonso has worked with Howard in the past. As far as having a mentor, you can do a lot worse than Howard.

[FanboyStranger]

Beat me to it.

EDIT: Oh, and that Batman/Catwoman one-shot he did, and Phantom Eagle MAX with Ennis.

I kinda forgot The Shadow: Midnight in Moscow, too, which has been very good so far. Just read the fifth issue the other day, which is more proof that my mind is going.

[Diamond]

That doesn't surprise me that much. Chaykin has always been an advocate for an apprentrice system like he learned under, and he's served as a mentor throughout the late '70s and '80s . Some of the artists who have worked with him include Peter Kuper, Dean Haspiel, and Don Cameron, all of whom have turned out quite successful in their fields. Joe Quesada is a big fan of Chaykin's (as witnessed in his testimonial in The Art of Howard Chaykin), and Axel Alonso has worked with Howard in the past. As far as having a mentor, you can do a lot worse than Howard.

That Chaykin's friends with Alonso I already knew (it's thanks to him that we got that Dominic Fortune mini years ago), but you know, I never imagined Chaykin in that position. But yeah, it makes sense. I've read interviews with Marvel people who lament in the same way as Chaykin that the poor narrative of many artists trying to break in

Now, if only Greg Land were assigned to some classe with Chaykin... That would be hilarious! Ah, a man can dream...

[FanboyStranger]

That Chaykin's friends with Alonso I already knew (it's thanks to him that we got that Dominic Fortune mini years ago), but you know, I never imagined Chaykin in that position. But yeah, it makes sense. I've read interviews with Marvel people who lament in the same way as Chaykin that the poor narrative of many artists trying to break in

Now, if only Greg Land were assigned to some classe with Chaykin... That would be hilarious! Ah, a man can dream...

Haha. I'm betting Chaykin has better porn at least.