Cast No Shadow

There is no theme here.

Subjects can be important and real or utter nonsense. Mostly I'll be the one spouting off, but look for occasional guest editorials and visuals from comic writers, artists, novelists, friends and acquaintances. At least that's the idea. This space is for thought. Or not.

I Hate It When That Happens

07.12.2001

In 1997 I illustrated the first five installments of the Western series, DESPERADOES. This was my first big comic gig and I jumped into it whole heartedly. I loved Westerns and knew this was a peculiar and special chance. I remember people at WS being excited with my work, telling me it was improving page after page, issue after issue. I was hungry for it and drew day and night. I couldn't have been happier. That was nearly four years ago and I can still look back at it fondly and see the progress I've made since (I hope!) and be proud of what I achieved on DESPERADOES.

Then I got a package in the mail.

A few months back now, Wildstorm sent me black and white copies of the new DESPERADOES: QUIET OF THE GRAVE mini series written by Jeff Marriotte with art by John Severin. THE John Severin, who I've been a fan of since I first saw his cover to CAPTAIN AMERICA #256 at seven years old. The guy who is now drawing characters I co-created a mere four years ago. And making them look better than ever.

Co-creating the book with Jeff, I never imagined I'd hear a name like Severin attached to DESPERADOES. Mr. Severin is known for his work on Western and war comics and is one of the greats who was doing this before most of his editors were born. He's an artist who knows how to use a line. One or a thousand of them, if needed, to create a gritty gunfighter scanning for trouble on dusty streets, a perfect picture of the beautiful Abby DeGrazia strutting across a smoke-filled saloon or the majestic landscapes that pull us into what is THE Western image. A total professional and true talent, his DESPERADOES will be more than appropriate. To me, it'll be the true story and better than anything I accomplished on the book. I tip my ten-gallon hat to you, Mr. Severin.

I haven't read all of Jeff's script yet, but rest assured it'll drag you in by your boot heels, kicking and screaming. Jeff knows the characters inside/out, as well as the history of the territories they roam. Looking at black and white copies, I almost hate to see it colored, but I'm confident colorist Nick Bell will know exactly how to approach what is sure to be a gritty, bloody, romantic and down right "purty" piece of Western work.

I feel proud, excited, inspired and, thanks to Mr. Severin, two feet tall.

And I hate it when that happens.

- John