CSBG Archive
365 Reasons to Love Comics #363
I can’t imagine anyone disagreeing with the choice for today’s Reason. (Archive.)
12/29/07
I think it’s safe to proclaim James Jean as the finest comics cover artist of right now; after all, he’s won several Eisners for his work. Whether with pencil-and-Photoshop or paints, all of his work is stunningly beautiful, and gorgeously evocative. For Fables, his classic, storybook-style art flows and dances on the page, tantalizing the reader. I particularly enjoy his constant experimentation with the logo. His art is nothing short of stunning and magnificent, and I hope he continues to grace the covers of fine periodical funnybooks for ages to come.
Of course, the art speaks for itself, and it’s what you came here for, isn’t it? Ask and ye shall receive:
More from James Jean can be found at his current site, Process Recess, as well as JJeanius, a lovely collection of Jean artworks, from which I borrowed several images for today’s post (hope that’s okay). If you’ve got the cash, invest in some fine James Jean original art! It’s the absolute best for comic book aesthetes.
8 Comments
Ian Astheimer
December 29, 2007 at 6:14 pm
“The finest cover artist of right now” is maybe a little lofty, but he’s definitely in the top five. Hell, the top three.
His style is so smooth and lush. It’s phenomenal.
He’s also, deservedly, something of a celebrity on art college campuses.
Anthony Strand
December 29, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Yeah, he’s great. His cover for #1 actually convinced me to read The Umbrella Academy. And I’m glad I did. So, good work, Mr. Jean.
Fables, of course, goes without saying.
Tom Fitzpatrick
December 29, 2007 at 7:49 pm
What about Glen Fabry of Preacher?
What about Dave Johnson of 100 Bullets?
What about Dave McKean of Sandman?
Do they not deserve a mention?
Elio M. GarcÃa, Jr.
December 30, 2007 at 2:41 am
James Jean is indeed a marvel.
Tom,
Sandman and Preacher aren’t being published, so the (excellent) covers McKean and Fabry produced for them can’t rate them among the best cover artists “of right now”.
Apodaca
December 30, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Maybe it’s just because he’s been doing Fables covers for so long now, but there’s something weird about seeing his superhero covers. It’s a weird match.
But still beautiful and masterful.
DubipR
December 30, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Excellent choice
Comics Should Be Good! » 365 Reasons to Love Comics Archive
December 30, 2007 at 10:49 pm
[...] 363. James Jean [...]
DanCJ
January 2, 2008 at 9:42 am
James Jean’s Fables covers are truely sublime – which makes the fact that his covers for the War Drums/Games TPBs were crap really mystifying