For an all-too-brief period, 2004-2008, no artist was more celebrated in comics than Michael Turner. He had a singular look that reflected the decade, and his art adorned the interiors and covers of Superman/Batman, the covers of Identity Crisis, and inside and out his own indie projects Fathom and Soulfire. He also made his mark in Marvel Comics, notably with covers for the Civil War mini-series, and a host of interconnected event titles. He was taken too early from his fans at age 37 from bone cancer, but his art lives on. His Marvel cover art is getting a new tribute as The Marvel Art of Michael Turner, and a fully-backed Kickstarter in its final week is the only way to get your hands on it.
I was privileged on three occasions to handle Turner’s original sketches for his most famous works, and discussed them with him before he was too sick to attend conventions. You need to see to believe the brilliance of his decisive pencil work, which often got hidden behind the ink work of other artists. As incredible as his images appeared in print, they were even better before ink and colors were added.
The Kickstarter campaign boasts a 184-page, 9″ x 12″, high-end coffee table book, the fifth in the “Marvel Art of” series. The campaign states that both newly remastered and classic artwork will be included, featuring Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, and more. Other offerings available include 11″ x 17″ art prints, trading cards, stickers, and a puzzle.
More than 15 years later, Turner is still featured as one of the top cover artists and comic book pencillers of all time.
The Kickstarter for The Marvel Art of Michael Turner has less than a week remaining. Check out all the details and options here before it ends.
C.J. Bunce / Editor / borg
