21 Comic Artists

I just finished reading this very interesting and thought provoking article on the 21 most influential comic book artists of all time.

Its a short and entertaining read, even for those not interested in comics, and gives a basic background of some of the fundamental shifts and changes through the years that led comics and superheroes to be what they are today (moviestars).

Reinventing the pencil: 21 artists who changed mainstream comics (for better or worse).

Anyway, my biggest criticism is that there were a couple of names I thought were missing from the list. I would have normally dismissed them, thinking the article was discussing purely superhero and supervillan comic books, but due to the inclusion of such artists as Basil Wolverton and Carl Barks, its clear that they were going for comics in general.

Since they were going for comics in general, I think that anyone would be hard pressed to say that a certain Robert Crumb didn't change the comic landscape. Not only did Crumb bring comics art houses and college campuses nation-wide, he also brough it to the mainstream via album art (Janis Joplin's Big Brother and the Holding Company, pictured below).

To that end, I was also surprised Charles Schultz didn't make the list. I personally don't care for the Peanuts series, but there is little doubt the impact Schultz had on panel comics, quick and expressive gesture and contour line drawings, and overall characterization.

and I suppose you could add Gary Larson and Matt Groeing as well.

...anyway, just food for thought. The article itself is an interesting read, and definatley worth the time. Take a look.