Something the Watcher (why does he watch, is he watching me?) said quite shocked me.
Did Jesus Redondo come back? I remember him from early Starlord/2000AD and at the time I hated him, thought he was rubbish.
However in the last few years I've looked at his stuff again and am more than happy to admit, I was wrong, I actually like his work. While i guess that comment hasn't given him a renewed faith in life, i would like to see this new work. Has his style changed?
I also used to dislike Brendan McCarthy. Fortunately this madness only lasted a year or two and by the time he drew a 'Ed the Happy Tree' for me at a Birmingham signing (thanks, it's a treasured posession!) I was well cured.
Has anyone else been converted to artists and writers they though they hated?
PVS
(Sorry for all the posts tonight, if it makes you feel better, my fingers hurt!)
Missionary Man
Mark of the Beast 4 episodes (Progs 1201 to 1204)
Script: Gordon Rennie, Artist: Jesus Redondo, Colour: D'Israeli
Thrill Power: ? (1 votes)
Link: Jesus Redondo in 2000AD
Redondo did make a brief comeback about a year or so ago - progs 1201-1204, doing a Missionary Man strip. The subject matter didn't really match his art and that was the last we saw of him - a pity. I always assumed he was a big influence on Ian Gibson, and any influence on Gibson has got to be good!
Jesus Redondo drew a Missionary Man strip last year and I wouldn't say his style had changed, but it wasn't the best thing he'd ever done in my opinion. My favourites of his were the Alan Moore Time Twisters he drew especially One Christmas in Eternity and Ring Road.
In answer to your question, I'm afraid i was slow to realise the genius of McMahon but now i think hes the greatest living art droid. I always quite liked Brendan McCarthy's art but now I love it.
There are a few art droids I've gone off over the years and some I've never liked! i won't mention any names in case they are lurking...
N
If I recall correctly D'Israeli's 'colour' in this case was the colour grey only.
N
With the exception of Jesus Rendondo, I don't think there's a single regular artist past and present whose style hasn't changed over the years. Redondo's artwork is now a lot looser than that of 'Mind Wars', but when one compares his style on 'Nemesis: Book II' to his tenure on 'Dan Dare' for Eagle's penultimate incarnation, it's intrinsically the same style. Unlike Mike McMahon, for example, whose style seems to evolve continually. Not even Brian Bolland has retained the same style since his initial work for 2000 AD.
Some do evolve, you can see that just by reading a few old progs. An artists early work however is often just them finding their feet and style.
I don't think it's always that obvious apart from getting a bit better, more confident, and have a wider range of things they can draw, which isn't really a change in style. I havn't seen that much difference in Bolland (well I haven't, certainly doesn't mean it hasn't!), Gibson, Robinson for example.
I also think that Kevin O' Neill and Mike McMahon have overevolved a little for my tastes. McMahon, isn't even recognisable from some of his early stuff. Obviously it makes him happy, so fair do's, but I preferred his Judge Dredd and Slaine period.
I'd have to agree with your comments re: Kevin O'Neill and Mike McMahon. Nothing wrong with their current artwork, just no longer to my taste. A shame, in my opinion, as I really adored the metallic sheen Kevin gave everything in 'Nemesis: Books I, III, and IV' as well as his, ahem, 'Dash Decent' stories. As for Mike, I think 'The Fink', 'Block Mania' and certainly his tenure on 'Slaine' were my favourites.
Of course, you're quite right when you say an artist's work improves with experience but I would dispute your comment the styles of Ian Gibson and Cliff Robinson haven't changed. Even during his tenure on 'Robo-Hunter' alone, it's noticable where Ian's style has changed. As for Cliff, his artwork is no longer so influenced by that of Brian Bolland's. Neither he, nor Brian for that matter, has retained the smoothness of style they employed at the beginning of their 2000 AD careers. Again, not a criticism, merely an observation.