Influences

or "people who rule!"

Updated 9/22/2001. Many of the names below are now linked to sources of their work.

If anyone knows good links for the rest, please let me know.

I've received many e-mails asking what artists I like. Here I will attempt to assemble a list of artists whose stuff I've admired over the years. I'm sure many will be in agreement.

BTW, these are in no particular order.

Dick Dillin

The man that got me interested in comics. I loved the Justice league, and Dillin kept me coming back month after month. If only current comic artists could keep up with his pace and dedication.

George Perez

The master of rubble and dirt. When I was in high school, there is no artist I dug more than this guy. I tried my hardest to emulate him. I've had the opportunity to dine with George and his humility and gracious attitude surpass his great talent. Nice to see his current resurgence in popularity.

Frank Frazetta

The master of all Fantasy art. There is no equal. His influence can be seen everywhere.

Norman Rockwell

If you live near San Diego and had the opportunity to see his show, you are truly blessed. You cannot truly appreciate the depth of this mans talent and dedication until you see his works up close. It makes you realize just how horrid book reproductions are.

JC Leyndecker

Along with Rockwell, one of the greatest illustrators that ever lived. His style and sense of design are simply brilliant.

Alberto Vargas

Probably the most recognized pin up artist ever, and definitely one of the most prolific. His iconic images have transcended generations. I tend to like his older works better. The women were a bit more nubile and voluptuous. In any case, its pretty hard to find a bad Varga.

Gil Elvgren

My favorite pin up artist of all time. The guy could sculpt with oils. I saw some of his originals years back and was amazed at how loose they were. The paint was all thick and rich....like butter they were. And the women...the sexiest you will ever see.

Fritz Willis

Another master of pin up.

J L Garcia Lopez

One of the best and in my opinion, unappreciated comic artists ever. Simply an amazing talent. Classic superhero stuff, brilliant storytelling, amazing figures.

Kevin Nowlan

I compare clean up animation to inking in comics. They have a lot in common. In some cases you simply embellish whats there, in other cases you have to completely redraw (or save) whats there. Kevin Nowlan is the master. I would love to have half this man's talent. He can take the weakest of pencilers and make them look fantastic or he can simply re-enforce the strength of stronger pencilers. Kevin is not simply an inker, he also does his own stories and paintings. Kevin if you ever see this, I want that Batgirl painting!

Brian Bolland

Brian Bolland is a magician with pen and ink. His groundbreaking work on Judge Dredd, Camelot 2000 and especially Batman:The Killing Joke are unparalleled. These days he seems to do only covers and the occasional pin up, but a little Bolland is better than nothing at all. I was lucky enough to get my hand on one of his Tank Girl covers (my favorite of his works) but still want the one I couldn't have...Tank Girl pregnant!  Updated 5/04...I got the cool pregnant cover! Yay!

Jamie Hewlett

I can't exactly mention Tank girl without mentioning the co creator, Jamie Hewlett.  By far one of the most unique artists to ever scribble a comics page.  His brash-cartoony style makes him the perfect artist to have his work translated into animation.  His current work with Gorillaz is pitch perfect!

 

Alan Davis

Style and simplicity at its best. Always consistent, always great!

Neal Adams

One of the all time masters of comic art. Neal Adams owned the 70's. His iconic versions of Batman and Superman are legendary. His award winning work on Green Lantern/Green Arrow is flawless.

Arthur Adams

Aside from being a great artist, Arthur Adams gave me the greatest boost in my young career. I remember showing him my work at a convention when I was in junior high school and he was extremely positive and encouraging. I also had the opportunity to buy a great original from Art as well. He also gets extra points for drawing cool monkeys.

Mike Mignola

An amazing graphic designer. His comic work exudes power and grace. From Marvel, tp DC to his own Hellboy, he always delivers the goods. He is the stylistic influence for Atlantis.

Jon Bogdonave

Another underrated comic artist. His work on Superman was extremely powerful. His art has an amazing amount of action. I bet he would make a great animator.

Simon Bisley

One of the few artists who was heavily influenced by Frazetta that doesn't just rip him off. The homage is there, but the Biz takes it a step farther. One of the only artists I've seen that can make all those muscles work. You have to have a strong sense of anatomy to be able to push it as far as he does and still make it believable.

John Byrne (mid 80's and older)

I loved John's work when I was in high school. He was the big thing amongst me and my comic buds. He is still an awesome storyteller, but I think he spreads himself a bit thin nowadays. He could use a solid inker. Hmmm.... I wonder if kevin Nowlan is available.

Boris Vallejo (mid 80's and older)

Boris is another artist I loved better then than now. The fantastic art of Boris Vallejo and Mirage were breathtaking. My parents almost didn't want me to have Mirage because of the imagery (girls with serpent tails kissing and stuff). But I convinced them I wanted it to study his technique...yeah, right.

John Romita jr.

A legend who is son of a legend. Romita Jr. is another famtastic storyteller. He is also very fast and often does two books a month. Talented bastard!

Adam Hughes

The first person that really knocked me on my fat ass in a long time. His work on the JLA was his big break, but is best know for his portrayal of the sexiest women to ever grace a comics page. This guys drawings just ooze sex appeal. I've had the opportunity to chat with Adam on the phone a couple of times and he is another guy that seems very firmly rounded. Unfortunately, he is self-admittedly slow and meticulous. He is also hard pressed to meet deadlines, but when you get something it's worth it. I had to wait three years for an illustration from Adam but in the end, got more than my moneys worth. His pen and ink work is stunning and his paintings are getting better by the minute.

Charles Schulz

An artist that every other artist can envy. He did what he loved until the day he died and he did it well. He also made a crap load of money doing it. But few are as deserving as he, the king of the comic strip.

Jim Davis

I remember when I first read Garfield in junior high school. Me and my buddies almost wet our pants laughing. He turned that cat into a cottage industry. Jim toured the studio in Florida when it first opened and I just remember being a lowly intern, and his treating us like we were celebrities. He was a treat.

Gary Larson

One of the most creative and unique cartoonists ever. The Far Side was brilliant and I will never be able to get those images out of my head.

Bill Watterson

An amazing artist that happed to do a comic strip. Judging from Calvin and Hobbes, the guy could draw anything. Very strong draftsman, extremely animated. It would have made a great animated feature. Watterson was very protective of his property, and didn't take advantage of the plethora of merchandising offers I'm sure he was offered. He felt Calvin shouldn't be exploited and cuased one of the biggest coups in comic strip history when he got full control over the format of his comic. I've heard rumors that he doesn't have a great love for his fans. This is hard to believe, coming from a guy whose work inspired hope and creativity.

Mike Peters

Another great cartoonist and a really swell guy. From political cartoons to Mother Goose and Grimm. I got to have lunch with Mike while working in Orlando, and he was extremely engaging and great at telling stories and anecdotes. A boatload of fun!

Regis Loisel

Loisel may not be well know in the stated but he is very popular in Europe. If you're ever able to get your hands on his graphic novels, Roxanna or Peter Pan, do so! His panels are packed with greatness. He is another guy that draws women that are steeped in sexuality. Thick, meaty and sexy. His Tinkerbell could give Disney's a run for her money.

Serpieri

An Italian comic artist whose creation Druuna is a sight to behold. It seems European artist definitely have one thing in common, their love of voluptuous women. Druuna and especially Serpieri's sketchbooks are x-rated, but if you are not faint of heart seek them out. It would also help if you were a butt man!

and more recently...

Bruce Timm

Creator of what the current "animated" style means. Every time someone does an "animated" style nowadays, its code for copy Bruce Timm. Bruce is responsible for the look of the immensly popular Batman, Superman, and Batman Beyond animated series. His knowledge of design and his eye for shapes have set a new standard for animation. His originals are highly sought after as well, and I'm a proud owner of more than one.

Frank Cho

I discovered Frank's work when the compilation of his comic strip University2 came to my local comic store. His current strip Liberty Meadows is gaining in popularty all the time. His strip is very "geek" driven and derives a lot of its humor from pop references. Funny stuff. Frank, like Adam Hughes is gaining a following for his portrayal of sultry women. I was happy to meet Frank at the San Diego comicon last year but dissapointed when he sketched in my sketchbook. All my animator friends, knowing what I like, drew all these sexy women in my book. I give my book to Frank, who draws sexy women, and what does he draw? A pig with a cigarette. Thanks, Frank!

Glen Murakami

Bruce Timms right hand man on Batman Beyond. His work strongly influenced the look of BB. He is another amazing designer.

Shane Glines

Another character designer on Batman, Superman, Batman Beyond, and BB: Return of the Joker. Shanes work is reminiscent of Bruce's but with his own flair. Shane's website showcases his work as well as others. He mentioned my site and my hits went up 500 in a week. Unfortunately he didn't add me to his permanent links page somy hits dropped off dramatically. Shane if you are listening, please add me to your links page. Thanks!

Randy Bowen

Well there has to be a king of Superhero sculptures and it has to be Randy Bowen. His visions of the Marvel universe become the definitive version. I'm a huge collector of his works.

Clayburn Moore

If Bowen is the king then Clayburn has to be the prince. His ability to take weak drawings and turn them into beautiful sculptures never ceases to amaze me. His work in the action figure world is getting better all the time as well. Check out the derriere on his current Vampirella action figure. Its truly a work of art.

Robert McGinnis

Mostly known for his work on James Bond themed posters, McGinnis' paintings of landscapes and especially women are sensational. I long to own an original. His current book "Tapestry" is a must have.

Coop!

Pop artist Coop! is well known in LA and is gaining popularity worldwide. His "Coop" girls are infamous. That's a lot of woman. I've had the pleasure of meeting Coop and his girlfriend Ruth and own a couple of his originals. They are good people and the art is well worth the money! I hope to one day own more.

Budd Root

Artist and creator of the sexy comic Cavewoman.

J Scott Campbell

Comic artist extroidanaire. I have to admit, I hated Jeff's earlier stuff. Those wacky proportions and long legs. But thinking back the guy was a kid when he started out. Boy, has my opinion changed. He has evolved into one of the best artists in comics today. His Danger Girl spotlights some of the cutest girlies ever. He is another artist who is constantly getting his style aped ....badly. I wish he could get his book out on a more regular basis though.

Adam Warren

Another guy that can simply draw the hell out of women. I have never been a big fan of anime, but Adam's work has converted me. His panel design is always creative as well. He is another artist whose originals are hard to come by. Dammit!

Sorayama

Japanese artist Sorayama is probably best known for his cybernetic women known as Gynoids. There is a broad range in his work for the simple and erotic to the jaw dropping masochistic. One thing is sure, the guy is a hell of a technician.