Art

When Joe Simon passed away at the age of 98 last week, he left behind an impressive body of work. Although everyone knows he was the partner of Jack "King" Kirby, Simon and Kirby were partners in the truest sense -- collaborating freely on art and writing, with Simon mostly the editor and Kirby the art director. However, Simon was a prolific artist on his own. While he didn't have Kirby's command of sheer power and imagination, he did have a way with wiry, dynamic heroes. Heritage Auctions recently ran a cover tribute to Simon in their newsletter -- have a look:

Is there a new Lichtenstein roaming the forests? Scott Edelman has brought to our attention thr work of Sharon Moody who paints trompe l'oeil paintings of comics by Jack Kirby, Sal Buscema and others -- but Edelman is bothered by the fact that the source artists are not credited anywhere:

Add another art all-star to the new DHP lineup: Francesco Francavilla is drawing a three part BLACK BEETLE story that will start in issues #11 in April. Black Beetle is Francavilla's own pulp tribute character, previously published online and in a scarce ashcan. ANd as you can see from the art, it's a perfect fit for Franvavilla's retro style.

As they say, if we were in Berlin, we'd go to this. Maybe. We have no idea what it is but the invite was too cool not to post. Erik Mark Sandberg is actually an American artist, based in LA, who has exhibited worldwide. He's best known for his images of hairy children mixed with startling pop culture tableaux.

Following in the footsteps of Sergio Aragones and Darwyn Cooke, Jim Lee will provide the art for next year's commemorative Free Comic Book Day t-shirt, with an homage to the JLA and Jose Luis Garcia Lopez. The shirt will be on sale in comic shops on April 11, in advance of Free Comic Book Day on May 5, but can be preordered via the January Previews.

Here's a peek at the cover to issue #7 of Dynamite's Patricia Briggs adaptation by Jenny Frison.

Like the novels, the comics adaptation of WHEEL OF TIME rolls on and on. Here's a first look at the cover to issue #23 by Andie Tong.

Here's a peek at the first collection of the comics adaptation of GAME OF THRONES, courtesy of Dynamite. The cover is by Tommy Patterson & Sail.

Over at his blog Bermejo posted this two page spread from his best-selling GN BATMAN: NOEL. YOWZAH. Click for larger version or go to the link for full size.

If you're wondering why Twitter and Facebook suddenly blew up with the name of artist Jason Pearson, he was having a low moment and the comics community has rallied on a Friday afternoon with helping words and deeds.

The creator of BODY BAGS, Pearson has done work on tons of comics over the years. His stylish art has an especial soft spot for drawing the ladies, as the Catwomen art shows.

And in case you are wondering, the comics community has a big, big heart. No matter how silly or stupid things get, I am always grateful to be a part of this world.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Have a Silver Surfin' Christmas with Diana Tamblyn's Marvel holiday cards.

That should really be F*&K Yeah! Victor Ambrus -- one of the liveliest and most versatile kids book illustrators of the last 40 years. At age 75 he's appeared on TIME TEAM as the archaeological illustrator who reimagines how people lived in the past. And draws stegosauruses. The Ambrus website does not have all the tons of meaty illustrations one might hope for, but it is still worthy of exploration.