for the past three years i have owned this one, obscure comic book from the nineties. i was perusing the contents of the used comic box down to the falmouth location of spinnakers when i found it; issue twenty two of james robinson's starman series. in this floppy book, was a story within a story, a framed fable whose art differentiated from what other bits of the series i picked up in the following years. it was loose, edgy, it really started my thinking about noir comics. this was my informal introduction to guy davis. a story within a story.
i wouldn't see another piece by him for two years.
as of now, i have only read "the marquis: danse macabre" and the last issue of "BPRD; the warning" and have repeatedly visited his art site, and can only express that i am in awe of this man's work. there is a drama to it, in the haste it encourages on the page. the harshness of his linework has the down and dirty feel that impresses the reader with the sense that the organic extravaganza is playing out right before their very eyes. as a self taught artist and writer, not only does he operate at all levels, but he functions in these modes like a natural. as exhibited in his original series "the marquis," davis clearly puts a lot of thought and time and effort into these projects, despite how they feel to be so spontaneous. i am fortunate to have discovered his work so early in my career, as i fully intend to take inspiration from this man's work.
in fact, i've been so impressed by the creativity of this illustrator, that i have decided to be the protagonist of his original graphic novel, de marquis for halloween. i just need to get a tricornered hat, and build the nose and the weapons. (:
so thats tonights serving folks, order up!
