We are very saddened to hear of the death of artist Brett Ewins.
Throughout his years of working for 2000 AD, Brett was responsible for some truly unmissable art - from Judge Dredd and Anderson Psi Division to Rogue Trooper and his incredible work on Bad Company with Peter Milligan and Jim McCarthy.
He was also a hugely influential figure in British comics thanks to his founding of Deadline with Steve Dillon in 1988, something that changed the face of the industry forever.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Brett's family and friends.
At the request of his relatives, anyone who would like to pass on their condolences can send them to this address: For the attention of R. Ewins c/o 45 Mandela Close, London NW10 8BQ
Oh no, that's awful news. Brett's art was truly magnificent, a huge part of what made me love 2000AD in my early years, and his difficulties in recent years have been terrible to learn about. My sincere sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. I will certainly make use of the address supplied.
I just saw a series of posts dedicated to the man on tumblr. After the fourth I though "Someings going on here". Mr. Ewing confirmed my fear. Brett Ewins is no longer with us. My heart is actualy heavy with this news as Mr. Ewins has always been in my very top ten of artists to have drawn for Tharg with his run on Bad Company representing everything I love about british comics.
RIP
I am utterly gobsmacked. This is terrible news. Please pass on my condolences to his family.
RIP Brett Ewins.
filippo
Bad Company is my favorite 2000AD thrill ever, largely in part to the art. I never met Brett like many of us on the forum have, but I still feel pretty stunned by this. R.I.P.
Very sad news, 59 is no age at all. RIP and thanks for the thrills.
Already posted in RIP's but again RIP Brett. Z
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Brett Ewins. Quite simply a legend of British comics and one of the giants of 2000ad. Rest in Peace Brett.
A true legend, a true hero. Rest in peace, Brett.
Very said news indeed. He was a major talent for 2000ad and many other comic book companies beyond as well.
My thoughts with his loved ones.
Brett was my favourite 2000 AD artist when I was growing up, and remains one of my favourite comic artists of all time. I can sit for hours studying all the details in his wonderful work.
He will be sadly missed.
Sad news indeed and such a distinctive style from my younger days reading the prog!
Absolutely awful news - a true 2000AD legend and my favourite artist ever.
I didn't grow up reading 2000AD as it came out back in the day but I found it terribly sad news all the same. Some of his work is just stuck there in my head, completely unforgettable.
My dad was more surprised and saddened. It's been a long time since he read the comic, so when I said Brett Ewins had died, he initially scratched his head. When I then more specifically told him that the great, great artist of Bad Company, one of his favourite series' of 2000AD, had passed away, he looked absolutely devastated, and understandably so. A truly iconic artist and 2000AD legend.
Aye, a real shock to see this news pop up in my feed today.
Brett was responsible for some of my absolute favourite stories. And ive been lucky enough to have gotten some of his original art, which again, are some of my very favourite pieces.
Such a shame. RIP.
A very sad day for me,I grew up reading Bad Company amongst others. Artists like Brett ensured my future as a reader of comics.
It's heartbreaking to see such news...
Shocked to see this; it is very sad news.
Brett was one of my all time favourite 2000AD artists. Not just for Bad Company but also Dredd, Anderson and ABC Warriors. A true legend of the house of Tharg in my opinion.
Sad day. Big loss to everyone.
Very sad news indeed. RIP.
Such terrible, terrible news. Brett was one of 2000ad' s legendary artists. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Was sad to see this news on twitter, has made me reflect on the past... Brett Ewins' work on Judge Anderson, Dredd and Skreemer was such a distinct style yet readily accessible.
Rest In Peace
Sad news indeed.
V
Although I had bought the occasional prog before I started buying 2000AD every week with Prog 359 which featured Brett's artwork on the Dredd story The Haunting Of Sector House 9 and he became one of my favourite artists
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7NP7zTXn6o/VONa6wnh3UI/AAAAAAAADEU/zMuFWUuvaa8/s1600/Haunting_Of_Sector_House_9_Brett_Ewins_art_2000AD_Judge_Dredd.png)
That's such a shame, I hope he's at peace. A true 200ad legend with an unmistakable style - sleep well Brett, you did good.
R.I.P. Brett.
M.
Awful news my favourite artist love his artwork one of the true greats
Shocking. Selfishly, this makes me feel mortal.
Terribly sad news. At his peak a tremendously inventive artist and great talent whose art was always distinctive. Condolences to Brett's family and friends. RIP
What awful news. My deepest condolences to Brett's family and friends.
You'll always be a hero to us Brett. RIP.
Very sad news, condolences to his family.
Tribute (with some stonking high res images) on my blog. A wonderful, wonderful talent...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4Vg4xHc-mI/VONouPwTd3I/AAAAAAAALJ8/o_J1wtslmXw/s1600/2000ad_464_ewins.jpg)
I already posted on the RIP thread not realising this was here.
Very sad news.
"In Richey (Edwards of Manic Street Preachers) favourite comic strip, Bad Company, the main character, Kano, is portrayed (in Richey's words) as 'Colonel Kurtz meets the Virgin Mary'"
from Everything: A Book About Manic Street Preachers by Simon Price, p.196
(https://2000ad.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bc3.png)
He hit a real high point for me with the Sector House 9 one and the first book of Bad Company. A great, instantly recognizable style and, especially with Bad Company, a masterful storyteller. Those panel reuses might have been off-putting to some but I loved the pacing and tension it created. I loved his version of Anderson too. What's the point of wearing a skintight leather one-piece if you can't have a little cheesecake fun drawing it? Anyway, a real, real shame. One of the artists I always associate with my favorite period of the comic so very sad to hear this.
My first exposure to Brett's work was in Best of 2000AD Monthly number 53. I was only 11 at the time but Brett's art did inspire some sort of "awakening" in me. Rest in peace, Mr Ewins. :'(
Quote from: Butch on 17 February, 2015, 10:30:09 PM
(https://2000ad.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bc3.png)[/center]
Of the many panels of his art I copied as a lad, that was one of my favourites. A sad loss to the comic community, as well as his family and friends. Terrible thing to read.
I've always loved Brett's stuff, and have shown his work to others at every opportunity.
Last year a punky gothy tattoo'd employee was leaving us. Her leaving present from me was a cut-out personalised Judge badge (one of Mr Carrols) with the words 'Congratulations on your induction into Wally Squad'.
I presented it alongside this, one of my favourite Ewins covers:
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x32/scowling_monkey/20B7E2D1-4CD2-4B77-B404-C487145A4A3B_zpsnyb0yg1y.jpg) (http://s186.photobucket.com/user/scowling_monkey/media/20B7E2D1-4CD2-4B77-B404-C487145A4A3B_zpsnyb0yg1y.jpg.html)
I've written a few words on his passing here:
https://2000ad.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/rip-brett-ewins-1955-2015/
Very sad. Many images of Dredd and Anderson that have been burnt into my memory banks since childhood were drawn by Brett, and Bad Company remains a firm favourite.
That's so terribly sad to hear of Brett's passing today. Brett was my go to artist and I came to adore his work absolutely. Like many I fell in with Bad Co & his Anderson was the definitive in my book.
His legacy will live on with some outstanding art, the likes of which we'll never see again, he was a one off genius pushing the style and creativity of the genre. Following a turbulent chapter in his life, I hope he has found peace amongst the stars.
I remember laboriously copying Brett's panels as a kid, in awe of that wonderful idiosyncratic style of his. Many fond memories. Thank you Brett.
Like many others I posted in the R.I.P. thread first. All I can do is repeat my sentiments. Brett will be sorely missed. He was an icon and legend in the UK comics scene. Condolences to his family.
R.I.P. Brett
Such an individual style and a wonderful story teller with it. I loved his Anderson (didn't we all!) and Bad Company is such a memorable and distinctive creation. You can't help but think of Brett Ewins when you think of that wonderful period in 2000ad. Thanks for the thrills Brett.
Really sad to learn of Brett's death; an iconic 2000AD artist with a string of other fantastic creations to his name and a legacy to be very proud of. I only met him once, many years ago, when he signed my copy of Strange Days #2, but (with the assistance of Wake) I managed to rope him into contributing to Project Sketchbook last year. After having come through a very difficult period, and knowing this wasn't an easy thing for him to take on, seeing the sketch signed 'Brett Ewins 2014' was incredibly heartening...
(http://i.imgur.com/Sh9WpjL.jpg)
Cheers for all the Thrills, Brett!
A total legend. RIP, Mr Ewins, and thank you.
I actually spoke to Brett on the 'phone about 5 years ago. He was looking into doing a smallp ress run of some of his oldest works. Nothing came of it that I'm aware of but I was really pleased to see that 'punk' ethic I always associated with Ewins/mcCarthy/Milligan was still there.
Really shocked to hear this news and it's taken me a while to actually put my thoughts into form.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 18 February, 2015, 11:57:40 AM
I actually spoke to Brett on the 'phone about 5 years ago. He was looking into doing a smallp ress run of some of his oldest works. Nothing came of it that I'm aware of but I was really pleased to see that 'punk' ethic I always associated with Ewins/mcCarthy/Milligan was still there.
Really shocked to hear this news and it's taken me a while to actually put my thoughts into form.
Yeah, that's what's being going thorugh my head, too. That lovely guy I spoke to on the phone isn't here any more... Can't quite get my head around it.
Last year I was talking to someone about Brett and said I would like to interview him at some point. We were talking about how we hipped he might be drawing again and might at least do some covers. The person I was taking to, I won't confirm our dny who it was, gave me a phone number. I never used it as it seemed too intrusive.
Yeah, I managed to make myself feel sadder now that I have shared that fact with you all.
Nothing to feel bad about Bat: Brett was a big part of a lot of comic readers lives and the fact that we will never see him grace the prog with his wonderful talent again is a sore blow. Z
Quote from: Bat King on 18 February, 2015, 12:59:47 PM
Yeah, I managed to make myself feel sadder now that I have shared that fact with you all.
I know what you mean Bat King. The thing that has been going around in my head was what happened when I met him at Earls Court.
We had a lovely chat, and one of the things he showed me was his compilation book of stuff he'd done throughout his career. He had several copies available, only a tenner, and it was a cracking retrospective. he was clearly very happy to share it.
I'd found him at the con quite late, and all I had left in my pocket was a tenner, which I'd kept back for food on the way back to Cardiff. While I was chatting to him I was thinking 'He'd be really chuffed if I bought this book, and I'd get this fantastic thing, and maybe autographed too. Do I go hungry and get this now? Or buy it from his website when I next get paid?'
Unfortunately, and to my great regret and sadness, my stomach won out. I've just been left thinking I had an opportunity to give this great guy a bit of extra fan love by buying it from him at the time, and now that chance, that moment, has forever gone.
So yeah, I've been feeling sad too.
Very sad indeed.
An amazing talent - his work on Bad Company is burned into my brain.
RIP.
very sad news , such a fantastic artist. Bad Company is such a 2000ad classic, please check out skreemer if you haven't a great underrated piece of work.
Quote from: ming on 18 February, 2015, 10:52:15 AM
seeing the sketch signed 'Brett Ewins 2014' was incredibly heartening...
Ah Jesus, that actually brought a tear to my eye. :(
So long Brett, your art was seriously such an important part of my childhood. And well, my adulthood too.
Been collecting my thoughts on this and have to state Brett was one of the major influences on me and my art at an early age. He's part of a small group of classic 2000ad artists who came along in childhood when I was a sponge for artistic input and longed for something more that wasn't dull 70's Kent as I saw it.
They weren't the artists I admired in the comic, they went further, they were the ones I aspired to be.
Luck, and a little self determination, allowed me to meet him during the early Deadline days and he was a charming, funny, intense guy welcoming to a star struck teenager who thought Deadline was the greatest thing since sliced sex.
Though I don't create comics for a living I'd be proud, and quite chuffed, if his influence shone through in my occasional small press work.
Cheers Brett, rest easy.
And thank you.
Dunk!
This thread reminds me of everything that is great about tooth.
Amazing artwork and stories from dedicated professionals to be sure, but the appreciation that the audience has for their endeavours.
Probably why it is still going strong after nearly 40 years.
A sad day, but at least we have Mr Ewins' output as a fitting memorial.
Just saw the sad news on yesterday's thrill-mail. Great to see a freebie of Anderson: Gargarax, one of the first 2000AD stories I encountered and still a favourite.
Ewins was one of those artists I spent long and happy times copying as a youth - such a distinctive and accessible style; I can still remember working out the straps on Thrax's trenchoat. And those extra-chunky shoe soles!
Really devastated that we won't see new work from him. Condolences to all who knew him personally.
Brett was the Rogue Trooper artist when I started reading 2000AD, and while I later came to also appreciate the brilliant work of Kennedy, Wilson and Gibbons, his is my 'original' version, not least for the brilliant debuts of Venus Bluegenes and Major Magnum. The heavy black skies, the striking full figures, the resolutely chunky SF weaponry: it was all brilliantly crisp and clear, despite the ruined world of the setting. I also have a huge soft spot for his work with Pat Mills (?) for Games Workshop for the same reason.
As many others have said, Haunting of Sector House 9 and Wally Squad were just sublime world-building stories (the various unfortunate citizens in the Sector House halls of the former every bit as important as the haunting itself), but it's the later Hottie U and What if the Judges Did the Ads? that are my favourite of his Dredds, at a time when his art had really matured around the poles of strong caricature and lively design. I have the Mongoose minis of cultists and demons based on The Possessed sitting on the shelf above my computer, and even in 28mm and sculpted by another's hand you can tell they're Brett's work.
But it was really his work on Bad Company with J. McCarthy that made me realise what a genius he really was. Everything was a perfect evocation of a world, just everything from the splash-page designs to the use of resized photocopies to the parade of instantly memorable characters, walk-on characters who were otherwise barely more than a punning name but who I can remember perfectly a quarter-century later. A phenomenal achievement.
As a total non-artist, I'm fascinated to read here how many people copied his art as kids - he's probably the only 2000AD artist that I ever really copied, his stuff was just so attractive, so strong, each panel so complete. Even the Dredd profiles that were my default copybook doodle throughout school were apeing Brett's. Very hard to believe he's gone, and so soon.
Brett Ewins was an exceptional artist. Any chance of reprinting his "New Masters" pin up of Rogue Dredd & Anderson - recoloured as a tribute?
I've heard this news and felt moved to acknowledge that it was one of Brett's covers that caught my young eye in W H Smith many (many) years ago.
I was an Eagle reader at the time, but the colour, vibrancy and all out lunacy of that cover really caught my attention, and I've been a weekly consumer of thrill power ever since.
Thank you Brett, you honestly changed my life for the better.
I think I first saw his work Cal (?) ...but he was around even before that, It's easy to forget that his work goes back pretty much to the beginning of this thing. 59 is too young.
Just heard this. Loved his work on bad company.
RIP Brett.
Rest In Peace. Always greatly admired your work. Hope you are in a better place now.