Every year, we send out a survey to some of our favorite creators and ask them questions about the year in comics. We had an incredible response this year, and got creators from all corners of the comics world to weigh in one what they loved about comics in 2016. Every day this week, we will be sharing a different question from our questionnaire.
Hopefully these inspire you to check out some new books, and to give some other books a second look.
Our third question: Who were some of the artists that impressed you most this year?
Matthew Rosenberg (Writer, “4 Kids Walk Into a Bank,” “Civil War II: Kingpin”) – So many. I feel like art, more than writing, is moving forward at lightning speed always. Chris Samnee is always jaw dropping. Fiona Staples is one of the best living artists for sure. Declan Shalvey killed it. Emma Rios continues to get better and better. Alexis Ziritt is doing his own thing and really blowing me away. Ariela Kristantina is better than anyone realizes. Daniel Warren Johnson is one of my favorites for sure. And I was really lucky to get to work with Ricardo Lopez Ortiz on “Kingpin” and I absolutely love his work. Jorge Coelho is going to be a lot of people’s new favorite artist after “Rocket Raccoon” launches. But, for me, Tyler Boss is doing exactly what I want to see in comics. He is clever, versatile, interesting, and understands the fundamentals so well.
Rob Williams (Writer, “2000 AD,” “Suicide Squad”) – Loved Ian Bertram’s work on “House of Penance.” Jorge Jimenez on “Superman.” Samnee on “Black Widow.” Tristan Jones on “Aliens.” Tomm Coker on “Black Monday Murders.” Eddy Barrows on “Detective Comics.” Again, I’m sure I’m forgetting loads.
Ollie Masters (Writer, “Sons of Anarchy: Redwood Original,” “The Kitchen”) – Casper Wijngaard did amazing work on “Limbo,” really blew me away.
I really loved Sean Phillips work on “Kill or Be Killed.” I always love his work but I really like the approach he’s taken on this book.
Chris Samnee’s work on “Black Widow” has been insanely good and I think Lee Garbett has been bringing something really great to “Lucifer.” His style is a perfect fit for that story.
As for colour artists Matt Wilson and Jordie Bellaire continue to be two of the best in the business.
Sina Grace (Writer, “Iceman,” Artist, “Lil’ Depressed Boy) – Becky Cloonan, wtf. Right? I really got into Paul Reinwand’s drawings. Kevin Wada has really come into his own. I love how much Rebekah Isaacs has made the Buffy books her own.
Sonny Liew (Artist, “Doctor Fate,” Writer/Artist, “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye”) – I just read Luke Healy’s “How to Survive in the North” and it’s a beautiful book, as you’d expect from Nobrow.
Fabian Rangel Jr (Writer, “Space Riders,” “Doc Unknown”) – Mike Mignola on “Hellboy in Hell,” Daniel Bayliss on “Kennel Block Blues,” Chris Visions in general, James Harren on “Rumble” (good lord), and all the artists I’m working with on 2017 stuff.
James Harren (Artist, “Rumble,” “B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth”) – Mike Mignola on “Hellboy in Hell.”Stunning stuff. My favorite thing I’ve read in awhile. Mike’s still one of the best in the medium. Cliff Chiang on “Papergirls.” Jason Latour on “Southern Bastards.” Andrew MacLean on “Head Lopper.”
Brian Schirmer (Writer, “Black Jack Ketchum”) – I don’t care if it sounds too nepotistic, but Claudia Balboni floored me with her work on “Black Jack Ketchum.” She absolutely “impressed” me, and I’m blown away by the glimpses I’ve had of the work she’s doing now. Tyler Boss rocked it with humor and subtlety with only two issues of “4 Kids Walk Into a Bank” just out of the gate. Caspar Wijngaard delivered on the surrealism for “Limbo” while keeping it all tightly focused. Tony Parker, with only one issue of “Mayday” streeted as I write this, has leveled-up with this work. Oh, and Matt Smith on “Lake of Fire”. Such a revelation. Is it okay if I say that I wanna work with this guy? Cuz I wanna work with this guy! And the absolute MVP of comic artists this year has to be Liam Sharp. He’s not only delivering his career-best work to date on “Wonder Woman,” but also standing tall as an example of humility, graciousness, and positivity in an industry that can stand to see more of all three.
Continued belowSanford Greene (Artist, “Power Man and Iron Fist,” “Wonder Girl”) – Jerome Opena, Mike DelMundo, Bliquis Evily
Tom Scioli (Writer/Artist, “Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe,” “Super Powers” backup in “Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye”) – The fact that speed is such a big factor keeps artists from reaching their full potential. All the visuals that I enjoy in today’s comics come from the fringes, where creators are doing their labors of love. Jon Pham’s risographed comics and zines are amazing. I like stuff like that. Art that floods the senses in a pleasing way.
Moritat (Artist, “The Hellblazer,” “All-Star Western”) – I love Gisele Lagace!! I think she is THE best artist working in american comics today. I recently worked with Elena Cassagrande, she is on “Vigilante: Southland” right now, I am eagerly waiting for what she surprises us with next!
Steve Orlando (Writer, “Supergirl,” “Virgil”) – I was so excited for the return to interiors of both Kevin Nowlan in “Doctor Strange” and Brendan McCarthy in “Doctor Fate.” And on that note, Ibrahim Moustafa on “Doctor Fate.” Tamra Bonvillain and Nick Derrington are doing career work on “Doom Patrol,” as has Nicola Scott on “Wonder Woman.” I continue to be impressed every time I see Tradd Moore’s work on a book as well, along with Lauren Affe and Garry Brown.
Michael Moreci (Writer, “Roche Limit,” “ReincarNATE”) – Mack Chater on “Briggs Land,” Jerome Opena on “Seven to Eternity.” Barnby Bagenda on “Omega Men” (who I got to work with on my own White Lantern short story, which was amazing). Phil Sevy was great on “Tomb Raider.”
Brian Hurtt (Artist, “The Sixth Gun,” “Poppy”) – I’ve been a fan of Tyler Crook’s since I saw his art on the graphic novel “Petrograd.” But his full-color painted work on “Harrow County” the past couple years has been a revelation. Just beautiful. Andrew Maclean is someone who really came to my awareness this past year. His art seemed to arrive fully formed and confident. His work is just so arresting–I can stare at the marks he makes for hours. James Harren is another guy who just makes beautiful art. He’s like Stuart Immonen or Guy Davis to me in that I will buy anything he draws just for the joy of his mark-making! There are just too many other artists that I love and who continue to make beautiful work. These are just the ones that popped into my head when thinking on the past year.
Joshua Hale Fialkov (Writer, “Exodus: The Life After,” “Punks”) – Carmine DiGandomenico on “The Flash” with Joshua Williamson is a treat to behold. We worked together on “Ultimates” way back when, and I’m so so happy to see him getting his shot at the big time. And, as always, my old pal Francesco Francavilla on, seemingly, every book currently being published. The man is a beast.
Ryan Browne (Artist, “Curse Words,” “God Hates Astronauts”) – The colors of Matt Wilson continue to set the bar for the best coloring in comics. His palettes and his rendering choices are so fantastically beyond my color understanding and it constantly confuses and impresses my brain. Daniel Warren Johnson (another Chicago guy) has really become a dynamo with his brush control and use of zip-a-tone. Next level stuff.
Donny Cates (Writer, “The Paybacks,” “Interceptor”) – Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention the artists I’m working with. Dylan Burnett (“Interceptor”) Geoff Shaw (“The Paybacks,” “God Country”), Ian Bederman (“Atomahawk”) and a few other I can’t name have all consistently been putting a smile on my face via my inbox. But besides my own stuff. I continue to just adore the work Logan Faerber does with every book he’s on. Phil Hester on “Shipwreck” is incredible as always. Jason Latour’s work on “Southern Bastards” is just perfectly ugly and beautiful and brutal in all the best ways. Andrea Sorrentino!! The work on “Old Man Logan” has been incredible! Greg Capullo as always. Mike Del Mundo is devastating. Andy Bellanger on “Southern Cross” is always a home run, Daniel Warren Johnson has some new stuff coming up that is going to blow some minds. I could go on all day like this. Too many to mention.
Continued belowFor real, though, keep an eye on that Geoff Shaw, kid. I hear his next book is killer. WINK!
Ryan Ferrier (Writer, “Hot Damn,” “D4VE”) – Brian Level, Daniel Bayliss, Valentin Ramon, Jordan Boyd, Caspar Wijngaard, Adam Gorham, Kate Sherron, Felipe Cunha, K.R. Whalen, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Marley Zarcone, Jason Masters, Ramon Villalobos.
Alex Paknadel (Writer, “Turncoat,” “Arcadia”) – Comic art is unquestionably better than it’s ever been, so I’ve agonised over this list just as much as the others. Here goes: Oliver Murrell, Grim Wilkins, Lando, Stathis Tsemberlidis, Robin Hoelzemann, Ted Brandt and Ro Stein, Tyler Boss, Will Kirkby, Evan Dahm, Tradd Moore, Nick Derington, Rafael Grampa, Adam Gorham, Ibrahim Moustafa, Robert Wilson IV, Claire Roe, Matt Taylor, John Aggs, Emma Vieceli, Martin Simmonds, Tillie Walden, Rachael Smith, Rachael Stott, Lando, Stathis Tsemberlidis, Nick Brokenshire, Patrick Crotty, J. Gonzo, Alison Sampson, Plaid Klaus and oh God another list I suppose I should end somewhere but I really don’t want to.
Dan Watters (Writer, “Limbo,” “Dark Souls: Legends of the Flame”) – Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire remain an eternally impressive team, making every page and cover they touch a joy. I was recently turned on to how phenomenal Raul Allen’s covers, particularly for “Eternal Warrior,” are. Greg Smallwood’s “Moon Knight” work, again with Bellaire, is beautiful. Ian Bertram. Damien Worm. Michel Fiffe. The list is pretty endless.
Caspar Wijngaard (Artist, “Limbo, “Assassin’s Creed: Locus”) – Christian Ward has being doing some fantastic work over at Marvel, really exciting to see more of his creative approach on Black Bolt.
Jason Masters, Ronald Wimberly, Ricardo Lopez Ortiz, Naomi Franquiz, Jen Bartel, JD Faith, Rachael Stott and Alison Sampson are all fantastic, it’s great to see such variations in style. I’m not really drawn to the more the conventional comic artist, so I’m really spoiled for choice. It’s refreshing to see the bigger publishers pushing the more diverse artists.
Triona Farrell, an Irish colourist that is most definitely killing it at the moment.
Declan Shalvey and Jordie Belliare, who continue to slay everything they collaborate on. Seriously, stahp, stahp…
B. Clay Moore (Writer, “Savage,” “Aloha, Hawaiian Dick”) – Jason Latour’s work on “Southern Bastards” stands above almost everything else for me, but Mitch Gerads did stellar work on “Sheriff of Babylon.”
Anything by Chris Samnee and Greg Smallwood was aces. Jeremy Haun took his work to a new level on “The Beauty”
And, yeah, it was a book I wrote, but Lewis LaRosa killed dinosaur comics for anyone else with what he’s doing on “Savage.”
Rafer Roberts (Writer, “Harbinger Renegade,” “A+A: The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong”) – Lewis Larosa is a freakin’ god with his stuff, and a great human being as well.
If I can get a little self-serving here, I’m gonna say all of the artists I’ve worked with over the past year. David LaFuente, Ryan Winn, Brian Reber, Dave Lanphear, Mike Norton, Allen Passalaqua, Dave Sharpe, Darick Robertson, Richard Clark, Juan Jose Ryp, Raul Allen, Diego Rodriguez, Frankie D’Armata, Robert Gill, Mike Spicer, David Baron (and some I’m probably forgetting.) This was my first year working in so-called “mainstream comics” on some of the biggest projects of my career. I threw a lot of strange things at a lot of very talented artists, and they all did amazing work. I couldn’t be happier with how 2016 went in terms of the artists I was lucky enough to work with.
