Editor’s Note: Yesterday, the comics world was shocked by the ‘retirement‘ of Stuart Immonen. Part of the shock is that Immonen’s decision is so unlike what we see from most comics creators, who only stop working when either they physically cannot draw anymore, or the calls for work stop coming. Immonen is in neither situation, and so we aren’t quite sure what to do with that. On one hand, good for him; if he is financially stable enough to say no to comics work until something really moves him and wants to enjoy his family and leisure time, that’s great. Isn’t that what we all want? Why should Immonen be held up to a standard we, ourselves, don’t want to be held to? Who wants to work until you drop?
But on the other hand, this is Stuart Immonen we are talking about. He’s one of the best to ever pick up a pencil, and was doing vital, inventive, emotive work as recently as, oh, yesterday’s “Amazing Spider-Man” #800. It is hard to say goodbye to talent that impressive, especially when he is still doing incredible work.
But, until that next project speaks to him – if it ever does – we have a backlog of some absolutely astounding work to re-read, find for the first time, and appreciate. Two of our biggest Immonen fans on our staff, Editor in exile Walter Richardson and columnist/designer Benjamin Birdie, contributed some of their favorite Immonen pages, covers, and spreads for this art feature. Let’s celebrate his work and hope we see him again, as soon as he wants to rejoin the comics party. For now, dig these highlights of an outstanding career. The work really is something.
Or, to quote Walt, “It fuckin’ slaps.” Enjoy.- Brian
